ROBEPTQ chapter 52

In the following days after reuniting, Bai Sijun’s thighs had been in pain, and a slight step caused a pull that hurt. The bruises on his knees had improved a lot because Mei Yuchen reduced the frequency of the “wheelbarrow” position, but now, other high-difficulty postures made his back ache incessantly.

Mei Yuchen dropped the book in his hand and lay on Bai Sijun’s legs, looking up at him, saying, “Bai, you haven’t cooked for me since you came back.”

Bai Sijun, who was browsing food delivery apps, suddenly felt frustrated. “You’ve worn out my lower half, and you still expect me to cook?”

Mei Yuchen blinked, as if about to move closer. “Then, how about a massage?”

“No!” Bai Sijun quickly pressed Mei Yuchen back onto his legs. “Just lie down obediently.”

He knew this perverted cat too well. If he started massaging, his own backside would probably suffer again.

After ordering takeout, Bai Sijun habitually checked Douban and Weibo. Mei Yuchen’s new book, “Confession,” received many positive reviews online. However, due to insufficient promotion by the publishing company, it hadn’t reached the top of the bestseller list yet.

Bai Sijun was confident in this book, but Hongtu focused all its promotional efforts on Qi Jun’s new book. As an unemployed person, Bai Sijun couldn’t do much from home.

In contrast, Mei Yuchen didn’t care much about the sales of “Confession.” Bai Sijun knew Mei Yuchen had confidence; the book would surely climb to the top later. However, seeing Qi Jun’s book overshadowing “Confession” on the charts still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“You really should make more public appearances,” Bai Sijun pinched Mei Yuchen’s face, “Qi Jun is organizing signings, creating momentum for himself. Look at you, not even stepping out, wasting such a handsome face.”

“Selling books doesn’t depend on looks,” Mei Yuchen replied casually, seemingly not taking Bai Sijun’s words seriously.

“Mei, marketing is essential despite the quality of the work. For the few years I’ve been an editor, I’ve seen many books buried due to insufficient promotion. Now, you only have a bunch of water talkers helping with your promotion online, which is unfavorable compared to Qi Jun.”

“Yes, Editor.” Mei Yuchen responded nonchalantly, not giving much attention to Bai Sijun’s words.

“You… you know I’m your editor, yet you don’t listen to me.” Bai Sijun noticed Mei Yuchen’s indifference and increased the pressure on his face. However, seeing Mei Yuchen frown, he let go, “Sometimes, even if two books have similar content quality, readers tend to think the one with higher popularity is more exciting. I’m afraid the judges of the Starwood Award might also…”

Mei Yuchen took a deep breath, slowly moving up, saying, “Alright, I’ll do it. What do you want me to do?”

Bai Sijun finally felt relieved. He thought for a moment and said, “How about creating a Weibo account? I can do it for you.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Mei Yuchen immediately leaned back on Bai Sijun’s legs and lazily said, “So troublesome.”

Bai Sijun: “…”

He suppressed the veins that were about to pop on his forehead, patiently saying, “Should I do it for you?”

Mei Yuchen responded nonchalantly, “Sure, fine.”

Such an emperor making the eunuch anxious.

Bai Sijun sighed helplessly. At this moment, Mei Yuchen suddenly lifted his eyelids, looking at him, “Bai, do you find it tiring to be with me?”

Did he dare to ask?

“Tiring, I’m practically exhausted.” Bai Sijun complained following Mei Yuchen’s lead, “Mentally exhausted, physically even more so!”

After speaking, he muttered softly, “Clearly in my twenties… being in a relationship feels like raising a son…”

Mei Yuchen tightened his lips without saying a word. Bai Sijun quickly realized that his words had upset Mei Yuchen again. He coughed and tried to remedy, “Not raising a son, it’s raising a cat. I just like raising cats.”

Mei Yuchen remained silent for a while before responding indifferently, “Understood.”

Understood what?

Every time Mei Yuchen said this word, Bai Sijun couldn’t figure out the meaning.

He felt he couldn’t let the conversation end unclearly, and his survival instinct prompted him to continue, “What do you understand?”

“Two days ago, a book blogger contacted me, wanting to interview me about the creative process of ‘Confession.’ I declined.” Mei Yuchen paused and continued, “I’ll contact him later.”

“Which blogger?” Bai Sijun asked instinctively.

Mei Yuchen named the blogger, and Bai Sijun was taken aback. “That’s a Weibo big V with millions of followers. Hongtu pays them at least five figures for a promotion. You, on the other hand, reject their offer when they come to you willingly. You’re really shutting the door on opportunities.”

Mei Yuchen gave a disdainful hum, seemingly dissatisfied with Bai Sijun’s fussing.

Bai Sijun felt somewhat relieved. It seemed Mei Yuchen’s “understood” earlier was a positive response.

However…

“Give me the contact information, and I’ll contact them for you,” Bai Sijun said.

Mei Yuchen, who had refused someone once and was now actively reaching out, would probably need to lower his stance. Bai Sijun was afraid Mei Yuchen might not speak well and might offend the person. In that case, it would be a loss.

“No need. I’ll do it myself,” Mei Yuchen stubbornly said. “So you won’t be tired.”

Bai Sijun could sense Mei Yuchen was still angry despite being persuaded. After a moment of contemplation, he realized that Mei Yuchen worked hard every night on him, and it was indeed more tiring than lying down and enjoying it. So, it wasn’t easy to say who was more tired between the two.

Bai Sijun hated himself for being soft-hearted. He pinched Mei Yuchen’s earlobe and whispered, “Not tired. I’m willing to do anything for you.”

Mei Yuchen’s stern face relaxed, he raised the corner of his mouth, and looking at Bai Sijun, he said, “Me too.”

“What?” Bai Sijun didn’t react immediately.

“I’m willing to do anything for you,” Mei Yuchen repeated.

Bai Sijun’s heart skipped a beat involuntarily.

It felt like he had initiated an attack first, but it didn’t bother the opponent. The opponent then used the same move back, dealing him a critical hit.

Pathetic, too pathetic, Bai Sijun scolded himself inwardly.

After getting the interviewer’s contact information, Bai Sijun checked the time. Seizing the opportunity before Mei Yuchen’s nap, he quickly made a call.

Despite being a big Weibo V, Bai Sijun had dealt with such business contacts many times, so he wasn’t afraid, even though he was dealing with a big V. They agreed to meet at Mei Yuchen’s villa, as it would create a better atmosphere for the interview. The other party gladly accepted.

The communication went smoothly. The blogger and the team would arrive at Mei Yuchen’s villa around 2 PM, and Bai Sijun had a publishing house interview at 3 PM. After lunch, he packed up his materials and changed into formal attire, preparing to leave.

This interview was the first one Bai Sijun received after sending out resumes, and it wasn’t from a private publishing company but a state-owned publishing house. Naturally, he attached great importance to it, even putting on a suit that he rarely wore.

“Don’t mess around. Let me tie my tie…”

“Mei, don’t unbutton my shirt…”

“…I’m going to be late. Behave!”

Mei Yuchen, still in high spirits, retreated to the entrance, staring at Bai Sijun, saying, “Wear a suit tonight.”

Bai Sijun felt a headache, but then Mei Yuchen added, “I’ll wear a suit too.”

…Damn, I don’t want to go out for the interview anymore.

Bai Sijun stabilized his emotions, enduring the discomfort in his lower half, and left the villa. When he arrived at Publishing House A, it was still early, so he spent some time browsing books in the bookstore below.

However, interviews were inevitably nerve-wracking, and he couldn’t focus on reading anything.

Seeing that it was almost time, he gathered himself and reported to the front desk at Publishing House A. He thought this would be a group interview, but strangely, it seemed like the interview was specifically tailored for him alone. There were no other applicants, and the HR supervisor who came to interview him asked very casual questions.

Bai Sijun thought it was the working style of a state-owned enterprise and didn’t pay much attention. He answered each question seriously, talked about his aspirations for Publishing House A, and left Publishing House A feeling relaxed.

Honestly, perhaps due to several years of work experience, he felt this interview was much easier than the ones he experienced right after graduating from college.

After finishing the interview, he leisurely drove back. Just as he was about to reach the villa area, his phone suddenly vibrated frantically.

He stopped the car at a red light, casually checked the phone, and saw that Liang Ru had sent him several messages, all folded into one on the screen.

Curious, he opened the WeChat conversation box, and the next second, his eyes widened in shock.

[Liang Ru: Boss Mei publicly came out for you!!!]

Trembling, Bai Sijun opened the Weibo mini-program forwarded by Liang Ru and saw that the Weibo V coming for the interview had posted a teaser, stating that Mei Yuchen’s new book “Confession” was dedicated to the LGBTQ community. The specific interview content would be released in the evening.

Below were several promotional images for “Confession” and recent pictures of Mei Yuchen.

This Weibo post had been online for less than an hour, but it already had over ten thousand reposts and successfully made it to the Weibo hot search.

Bai Sijun held his breath and looked at the comments. He thought there would be many people criticizing same-sex relationships, but surprisingly, half of the comments were discussing Mei Yuchen’s appearance, while the other half were discussing the plot of “Confession.” Most were expressions of good wishes, with very few negative comments.

Netizen A:

Although I’m a bit uncomfortable with same-sex relationships, I have to say, his new book is really good.

Netizen B:

The pictures are amazing! I never knew Mei Yuchen looked like this!

Chen TTTT:

I’ve met the people involved; they are so perfect together!!!

Chen TTTT:

Oh my god, I just realized, the Bai in the confession is him!

Netizen C:

So, “Confession” means a love confession? That’s so romantic!

Chen TTTT: You’re just seeing the surface.

Bai Sijun, reading the comments, realized that Chen TTTT was Chen Ting.

With a headache, he put down his phone, shifted gears, and pressed on the gas, rushing back home.

He now especially wanted to do one thing – he wanted to grab Mei Yuchen’s collar and ask: “Did I tell you to promote yourself this way? you jerk!”