RED Chapter 89

Chi Feiran couldn’t help but laugh, though he swatted away Rong Jin’s hand, grumbling, “Don’t mess up my hair.”

Rong Jin knew his limits and naturally fixed Chi Feiran’s hair, his actions smooth and effortless.

Peng Wen observed their interaction, reflecting inwardly whether it was her bias that made her perceive their rapport as overly intimate or if there was genuinely something between them.

As the female lead of “Heroic Bones,” Peng Wen had initially hoped for some scandalous gossip with Rong Jin. Who could have guessed that she, the female lead, would end up feeling like a third wheel?

Peng Wen sighed inwardly, marveling at how times had changed. Nowadays, selling male-male CP (couple) seemed promising. Just look at Chi Feiran’s skyrocketing popularity; she couldn’t help but feel envious.

They were waiting backstage, while the host began introducing the show. The main cast of “Heroic Bones” followed their prearranged entrance order.

Being a newcomer and junior in the industry, Chi Feiran was the first to enter, greeted by an overwhelming wave of cheers from the audience, a testament to his soaring popularity.

The two veteran supporting actors who followed received noticeably quieter applause, until Peng Wen’s entrance reignited the crowd, especially among the male fans.

Rong Jin’s appearance just before Director Jin’s truly electrified the venue. Even a simple wave from him triggered escalating screams.

If it weren’t for the show’s pre-recording announcement warning that any disruptive audience members would be asked to leave, someone might have rushed the stage as soon as Rong Jin appeared.

Director Jin, hearing the noise backstage, felt his ears might burst. Yet, thinking about how these screams would translate into box office numbers for “Heroic Bones,” he wished the noise were even louder.

The variety show’s script was well-rehearsed, with many amusing anecdotes shared for the second or third time. Everyone played along, showcasing the close-knit camaraderie of the cast.

Unexpectedly, one of the game segments involved watching a video and answering related questions. This part had only a brief script run-through, and the actual video content was a surprise for the cast. Just as Chi Feiran was focusing to answer, Rong Jin covered his eyes. The sudden gesture left everyone bewildered until the host quipped, “Hahaha, Rong Jin, are you a spy from the opposing team?”

The teams were competing, with Rong Jin and Chi Feiran on one team, and Director Jin and Peng Wen on the other. Rong Jin covering Chi Feiran’s eyes seemed like a gift to the opposing team!

Both Director Jin and Peng Wen were puzzled by Rong Jin’s move, waiting for his explanation.

Rong Jin, serious, said, “While the director is important, what’s more important is that little kids shouldn’t see this.”

The crowd erupted in laughter, as the video featured a brief kissing scene. Even though it flashed by quickly, Rong Jin still covered Chi Feiran’s eyes.

Eighteen-year-old Chi Feiran: “…”

After releasing Chi Feiran, they exchanged a look, with Rong Jin appearing quite innocent.

This moment quickly got clipped and spread online, with CP fans diving into detailed analyses. They scrutinized Rong Jin’s natural actions, the duo’s interactions, and their facial expressions, concluding:

They definitely have something going on!!!

The previously cooling CP buzz between Rong Jin and Chi Feiran post-Oscars was reignited. Fans meticulously compiled screenshots, gifs, and short clips of their interactions during various promotions.

Fortunately, the show’s airing alongside the final trailer for “Heroic Bones” and Rong Jin’s theme song prevented PR manager Chang Haoqing from going berserk.

The theme song topped the charts within an hour, with download numbers skyrocketing. The song became a hit even before the movie’s premiere.

Chang Haoqing was too busy managing this surge to fuss over Rong Jin’s antics during the recording. His inbox now overflowed with not just scripts but also musical scores, and even renowned musician Shi Kai suggested Rong Jin release an album.

Rong Jin, through Chang Haoqing, declined these offers. However, one invitation caught his eye. He asked Chi Feiran, “You’re attending the music awards this year, right?”

Chi Feiran nodded. The annual Music Awards honored the previous year’s best music, awarding accolades and recognizing new talent. It was one of the music industry’s most prestigious events.

Chi Feiran had been nominated for Best New Artist, Best Album, and Best Singer-Songwriter. While the latter two were long shots, Best New Artist was almost a certainty given his unmatched popularity and album sales. So, attending was a must for him.

Rong Jin said, “Then I’ll be there too.”

The awards had invited him to perform live, but Rong Jin had no plans to branch into music. Yet, witnessing his boyfriend win his first award held significant meaning.

Chi Feiran wanted Rong Jin to see him win but was concerned, “Does it conflict with your schedule? What did Director Jin say?”

As a minor supporting actor, Chi Feiran’s presence at promotional events was optional. Director Jin bringing him along indicated his approval, but if Chi Feiran had other engagements, they could be managed. However, Rong Jin was different; his presence could elevate the entire event.

Rong Jin, amused by Chi Feiran’s earnestness, said, “Your schedule and mine are the same. If you’re free, I am too.”

Though the music awards seemed unrelated to the movie’s promotion, they avoided scheduling conflicts to maximize media coverage and promotional impact.

Chi Feiran realized he was being silly, but his first instinct had been not to interfere with Rong Jin’s work.

Rong Jin kissed him lightly, saying, “Don’t worry, I won’t be a negligent boyfriend.”

Chi Feiran laughed, hugging him and deepening the kiss.

Chang Haoqing, learning of this, looked at Rong Jin with a sense of doom. He could already imagine the live broadcast cameras relentlessly focusing on the couple.

Chang Haoqing, feeling defeated, told Rong Jin, “You might as well perform live! At least then I could explain you were a guest performer!”

Rong Jin said, “You can issue a press release saying I’m attending to support the music industry.”

Chang Haoqing gave him the middle finger and stormed off, thinking about how to handle the aftermath. Li Yuan, now his ally, would need to brainstorm with him.

On the day of the music awards, Chi Feiran attended in formal attire, while Rong Jin sneaked in through the back with a guest ticket right next to Chi Feiran’s.

The live broadcast cameras, as expected, frequently panned to them, giving the newbies sitting near Chi Feiran plenty of screen time as well.

The Best New Artist award was given early in the event, and Chi Feiran won it without a hitch. As per tradition, the winner was expected to perform live. After receiving the award, Chi Feiran headed backstage to prepare.

A year had passed since Chi Feiran first stood on that stage, performing his song for the live audience and cameras. Reflecting on it now, the memory felt distant despite being just a year ago.

Chi Feiran couldn’t help but smile, remembering that it was after seeing his live performance that Rong Jin had recommended him to Director Jin.

Who could have foreseen today back then?

When he wrote his songs, he never imagined he would one day be with Rong Jin. Likewise, Rong Jin likely hadn’t anticipated their current relationship when he first saw Chi Feiran perform.

In a way, the music awards had played the role of a matchmaker for them.

Thinking this, Chi Feiran walked through the dark stage towards the prepared piano as the host introduced him. The setting felt familiar, self-accompanied singing, but his emotions were entirely different.

The first time, he was nervous, focused on not making mistakes to avoid wasting Li Yuan and the team’s efforts.

But now, his heart was filled with sweetness and warmth. Even the cool touch of the piano keys seemed to make him smile.

The lights came up, and he gently pressed the keys. The notes flowed under his fingers as he sang a song of unrequited love, though his voice was now filled with the feelings of being in love.

Rong Jin watched from the audience, feeling a twinge of regret. He wished he had asked for a seat closer to the stage so Chi Feiran could easily see him.

During the interlude, Chi Feiran glanced towards the audience, unable to make out much in the darkness but knowing Rong Jin was watching him.

He smiled, his eyes crinkling with joy.

Although Chi Feiran didn’t win the Best Album or Best Singer-Songwriter awards, he wasn’t disheartened. He believed that one day, he would earn those awards too.

On June 26th, the premiere of “Heroic Bones” took place. Chi Feiran sat in the theater, about to watch the entire film for the first time.