Chapter 60.2
He glanced at Old Song, and it was clear that Old Song had completely dispelled any doubts about Lu Yao being the finale. The admiration in his eyes was the highest praise for Lu Yao.
Noticing Yu Le’s gaze, Old Song also smiled, “Mr. Lu is indeed very good, different from what I originally imagined. May I ask, Mr. Lu, about your past—”
Old Song’s words were interrupted by a sudden commotion and screams. Both of them were startled and quickly looked up to see that the person who had just been on stage had swiftly jumped off the runway.
Lu Yao leapt over obstacles with incredible speed and agility, two steps up onto a platform nearly two meters high, and lifted a fallen child with one hand. Before the falling partition could hit them, he pulled the child tightly into his arms and quickly fell onto the other side.
The scene happened too quickly for almost everyone to react.
Yu Le was the first to snap back to his senses, running over. Others, waking from their daze, quickly surrounded them:
“Are you okay?! Did you get hurt?”
“Didn’t twist your foot? Check your arm for scratches.”
“This scene only happens in spy movies. Mr. Lu is amazing!”
“Let’s admire him later, pick up the child first.”
“Why is there a child in the venue? Who brought them in?”
“Stop crying. Your brother who saved you didn’t cry. Can everyone please stop making a fuss?”
“It’s fine, no injuries. Quickly take the child away, don’t cause trouble here!”
The child’s father came over, apologizing repeatedly, and quickly took the child away.
Lu Yao adjusted his landing posture to be the safest, and although he was not injured, his elbow was a bit sore from the child’s impact. He didn’t want Yu Le to worry and kept his hand reassuringly, “It’s okay, don’t worry.”
“I know,” Yu Le whispered, “How could such a small thing trouble you?”
Lu Yao smiled and ruffled his hair.
Seeing this, everyone around let out a sigh of relief and couldn’t help but admire Lu Yao even more.
It seemed Mr. Lu would become a hot topic again soon.
The rehearsal went from the afternoon to the evening, and as they walked out the door, they found it was already snowing outside.
Yu Le sighed, “The snow in Xuan City is so delicate.”
Lu Yao put his hand in Yu Le’s pocket, “Why do you say that?”
Yu Le looked up, “Because Wucheng is in the north. Snow there is rough, with big flakes and lasting for a long time. If it starts tonight, we’ll probably have snowball fights by tomorrow morning.”
Unlike Xuan City, where the snow falls gently and melts as soon as it touches the ground.
“Hey, brother,” Yu Le asked, “You grew up in Xuan City, haven’t you ever seen snow that you can pile up and throw at people?”
Lu Yao replied, “I’ve been to the north a few times for missions during winter.”
Yu Le grumbled, “Oh, I forgot again.”
—
“But I haven’t seen the snow in Wucheng.” Lu Yao wanted to see it.
Yu Le said, “But snow is the same everywhere.”
Lu Yao said, “It’s different.”
Yu Le asked,
“How is it different?”
Lu Yao didn’t answer but turned his head to look at Yu Le, “Le Le, where do you want to spend the New Year this year?”
Yu Le said, “Anywhere is fine. Where do you want to go?”
Lu Yao said, “I’m okay with anywhere, as long as it’s with you.”
Yu Le hugged his arm, “Don’t pass the question to me. I have a fear of making choices.”
Lu Yao said, “Then we can go to your home?”
Yu Le agreed, “No problem. I’ll take you and Xing Xing to eat lamb hot pot. That restaurant only opens in winter, and it tastes very good. Then you can experience Wucheng’s heavy snowfall.”
Lu Yao said, “Okay.”
Yu Le asked, “You still haven’t told me what’s different about Wucheng’s snow.”
Lu Yao said, “……”
Lu Yao said, “Do you want me to recite it?”
Yu Le asked, “You’ll recite it for me?”
Lu Yao said, “Mm.”
Yu Le said, “Oh, it’s embarrassing to do that!”
—
The snowflakes danced under the street lamps, spinning and swirling before slowly melting on the ground, like silent and faithful companions, escorting them into the night.
—
The grand show determined by President Lu also coincided with Yu Le’s birthday.
Early in the morning, Yu Le received many packages, all gifts from friends and family. They were worried that he would be too busy to receive them in person today, so they all had the same idea of sending them by courier.
He had half a morning free. With Mr. Lu’s company, he made two trips to move all the gifts back home.
Unpacking the gifts was another big task.
Fortunately, it was a joyful big task.
In the afternoon, when it was about time, they headed to the show venue. As they entered the backstage, many models were already getting their makeup done, and some fashion journalists who had been specially admitted were conducting interviews.
Lu Yao sat down for makeup, and Yu Le stood by and watched.
The makeup artist knew them and their relationship and joked, “Mr. Yu, would you like to help Mr. Lu choose a lipstick shade?”
Yu Le said, “Lipstick? But I think he looks good without it.”
The makeup artist said, “It won’t hurt to look even better.”
Yu Le declined, “Never mind, I still think it’s a bit strange for guys to wear lipstick, especially him. He looks fine as he is.”
He held Lu Yao’s face, looking from left to right, and concluded, “Hmm, worthy of being a masterpiece from Nuwa, perfect! Just give him a light touch, don’t apply too much.”
The makeup artist was amused by his phrasing, “Like painting a wall, just a touch.”
Lu Yao, with his eyes closed, couldn’t help but smile.
Soon, Yan Jia and Wen Yuan arrived. After surveying the surroundings, the two of them locked onto their target and walked over.
“Wow, still getting makeup done?” Wen Yuan was curious and bent down to look, “Brother Lu, is it fresh? Did you know about today’s show two months ago?”
Lu Yao said, “Want to give it a try too?”
Wen Yuan grinned, “I’ll pass. I don’t need to walk the runway.”
Aside from the staff, the backstage was almost all long-legged models, some of whom Wen Yuan had seen on Weibo or in magazines.
He found it fascinating to see people from magazines walking back and forth in front of him, and he chased after their figures with interest, like a cat being teased by a toy, watching with great enjoyment.
“Is it good?” Yan Jia, who had almost lost his sense of presence, asked quietly.
Wen Yuan, not noticing, said, “It’s great. Did you see that foreign guy who just walked by? His eyes were green. So cool.”
“……” Yan Jia tugged at the corner of his mouth, “Yeah, it’s really good.”
The sarcastic tone didn’t escape Wen Yuan, who turned and stared at him, “Aren’t you happy?”
Yan Jia said, “No.”
Yan Jia said, “How could I not be happy? What’s there to be unhappy about?”
Yan Jia said, “If you like it, it’s your freedom. It’s great.”
Yan Jia said, “I support you.”
“Oh, that’s good.” Wen Yuan turned back, “Wow, this one is special too. The hair is red. Do you think it’s dyed?”
Yan Jia said, “……”
A reporter at the door finally noticed them after lingering for a while.
A young girl with big eyes and a crescent moon smile said, “Mr. Yu, Mr. Lu, can we take a moment for a short interview?”
Yu Le said, “Sure.”
The interviews at the show typically covered several questions: design philosophy, inspiration, and confidence in the show. The only question beyond the norm was, “I heard that you insisted on having President Lu, who has no runway experience, as the finale. Can you explain why?”
“……It’s exaggerated. There wasn’t any controversy. Everyone was quite unified in their opinions.”
Yu Le said, “President Lu is from a military background, and his appearance and temperament fit perfectly. Even without runway experience, his abilities are more than sufficient. Of course, this isn’t just my opinion but a shared observation, so please look forward to the upcoming show.”
“Of course, that’s just one reason. More importantly, this outfit was specifically designed for him, so it’s undeniable that he is the most suitable person to showcase it.”
The reporter exclaimed, “I see, Mr. Yu is so thoughtful.” She then turned the camera to Lu Yao, “So, Mr. Lu, how do you feel about your upcoming runway debut? Are you nervous?”
Lu Yao said, “Not really.”
The reporter asked, “And what do you think about Mr. Yu inviting you to debut at his show?”
Lu Yao looked at Yu Le with a lazy smile on his face, “I’m very grateful for his trust. I’m honored.”
Yu Le smiled and, mimicking his tone, said, “Mr. Lu is too polite. I should be the one thanking you for willingly helping me out.”
Lu Yao said, “Mr. Yu, you’re too forgetful. I’ve already received compensation.”
Yu Le said, “?”
Yu Le said, “……”
Wen Yuan, curious, asked, “How much compensation? Didn’t you give a family discount?”
“Hey, Mr. Lu, you can go change clothes now!”
Yu Le fluttered his eyelashes quickly, kicked Lu Yao’s chair leg, and gave a pointed look, “Some people talk too much. Hurry up and change.”
Lu Yao stood up, taking the talkative person with him, and said, “I’m not very good at dressing. I’ll trouble Mr. Yu again.”
Changing clothes while adjusting, Yu Le had helped Lu Yao put on clothes many times before. How could he still be so unskilled? “You’re so lazy,” Yu Le said, buttoning his coat and skillfully starting to tidy his collar.
Lu Yao leaned against the fitting room’s shelf, using the back of his fingers to touch a small tuft of Yu Le’s hair.
Just being together like this, without saying anything or doing anything, as long as Yu Le was there, his mood would be very good. That’s why Lu Yao liked to always have him around when conditions allowed or accompany him in everything.
Yu Le shook his head, trying to make him stop messing with his hair, but when he looked up, he was again struck speechless by Lu Yao’s lazy gaze.
He sighed inwardly, realizing he couldn’t change this habit.
He bumped his head forward, hugging Lu Yao in the cramped space, “Hey, I suddenly don’t want you to go on stage anymore.”
Lu Yao asked, “Why?”
Yu Le said, “Just keep you hidden, and I’ll be the only one to see.”
Lu Yao’s eyes gathered a smile. Just as he was about to speak, Yu Le looked up again and kissed his chin, “Of course, I also hope you go on stage quickly.”
Lu Yao raised an eyebrow, indicating confusion.
Yu Le said, “Things hidden too long will fade. Someone as outstanding as our boss Lu should shine brightly and be seen by the whole world.”
—
The venue outside was packed with people, bustling with activity, but the noise was controlled due to everyone deliberately keeping their voices down.
At eight-thirty, the lights dimmed, and large screens around the venue displayed scenes of lush forests, clear mountain streams, misty veils, and birdsong.
Fireflies gathered from all sides to illuminate the runway.
As the music played, the first group of models appeared.
The theme, “Verdant World,” portrayed lush mountains and the world’s vibrant beauty.
Combining the inspirations and thoughts of two generations, one side depicted serene and detached views of the world, while the other side reflected the vitality of experiencing life’s wonders for the first time, presenting a miniature of human life and the fusion and collision of two souls.
When Lu Yao’s group appeared, it pushed this collision to its peak.
The screen displayed changing mountain colors and amazing scenes.
He wore an ink-colored outfit representing the vast, mysterious world, his gaze indifferent as if looking down on everything. Light cascaded from above, like a radiant cloak draped over him.
The normally restrained aura was now unleashed, pouring forth like a stream. With the music intensifying, he resembled a grand statue carved from mountains or a victorious general bathed in glory.
Yu Le stood at the entrance of the runway. Even though they had rehearsed countless times, his heart still raced today.
Looking down at the audience, he saw that he wasn’t the only one shocked.
“Oh, Brother Lu is really handsome!”
Wen Yuan held up his phone, taking pictures, “No wonder he’s been handed over to the country. He’s different from ordinary people. If he didn’t become a CEO and became a model instead, he’d definitely earn a fortune.”
Yan Jia leaned close to his ear, “How handsome?”
Wen Yuan didn’t turn his head, “Well, you’re a bit lacking in comparison.”
Just after saying this, he was pulled by the neck.
Yu Le turned around, “Where are you going?”
Yan Jia said, “Nowhere. Just taking my wife to the bathroom.”
—
As the last model returned backstage, the lights illuminated the entire venue.
Two seconds later, applause erupted.
Yu Le and Old Song exchanged smiles and walked on stage for the curtain call.
Typically, they only needed to show their faces before exiting, but as they were about to turn, Old Song gently pushed him from behind, “Go on, young man. Your era has begun. Go and enjoy your glory.”
Yu Le was led to the front by Lu Yao. The lights blinded him, and his chest swelled with boiling blood, savoring the applause and cheers from the audience.
Flowers were brought up one after another. Yu Le managed to hold two bouquets but was soon overwhelmed. Everyone kindly handed the remaining flowers to Lu Yao.
When Lu Yao received a bouquet of pink hydrangeas, he smiled and handed it to Yu Le.
Before Yu Le could see what else was added, a small box was gently placed into his hands.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
They stood on stage, as if in a small world illuminated by the lights, where only they could hear each other’s voices.
“You received many gifts today. My little one won’t be too many, right?”
Yu Le was mesmerized by the light in his eyes, lifted his hand, and opened the box.
A ring lay in the center, quiet and brilliant, just like his appearance at that moment.
— Main Storyline Complete
Sleepyblue’s Corner:
Dear benefactors,
Next Saturday, I’ll start posting the extra chapters ! ^^ If you enjoyed your read throughout the whole series, please consider rating the series in Novel Updates, recommending it to your buddies, or supporting me on ko-fi; any amount is appreciated 🥲🙇♀️
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