Since Nochu misses our heartthrob, this chapter is especially dedicated to Nochu! Thank you for your support on Kofi.
In the brightly lit corridor, outside the transparent glass, the sky was gray and overcast, with heavy clouds pressing down.
The man hurried along, searching for someone’s trace. On his second pass by the emergency exit, he heard a sticky, wet sound through a small gap.
He hesitated, carefully widening the gap.
Dim light filtered through, casting a hazy glow on the young man immersed in pleasure. His eyes were tightly closed, his eyelashes trembling with moisture, his snow-white cheeks blushing with a rosy hue, and his lips glistening with a sheen of moisture.
The man had one arm around the young man’s waist and the other hand on his neck, enveloping him completely.
The young man held the man’s face with both hands, kissing boldly yet clumsily.
They embraced and got entangled with each other.
The man stood by the door, holding it open to prevent it from closing. His gaze fell on the young man’s face, filled with desire, and he found himself in a daze.
Was just a kiss really so pleasurable?
Despite showing a cavalier attitude in the bar, making people think he was a playboy, he was now captured by a simple kiss.
It was truly… infuriating.
Tu Xi opened his eyes at some point. In the dim corridor, his chestnut-colored eyes seemed to darken, becoming deep and indifferent.
During the brief interlude of their kiss, he locked eyes with him.
A silent warning.
— He is mine.
Wei Junhao twitched his lips but couldn’t manage a smile.
“Bang—”
The door was forcefully pushed open and slammed against the wall with a loud crash.
The young man, lost in the heated kiss, was startled, biting down hard on the man’s lips, leaving a clear bite mark with what seemed to be a hint of blood.
“Sorry…”
Just as he began apologising, Xia Yan suddenly realized he had been showing off his kissing skills and quickly changed his words: “Are you satisfied?”
Adding some cheesy lines.
Arrogant and greasy, undoubtedly irritating.
Yet, the young man didn’t realize that his flushed face and immersion in passion made even the cheesy lines seem like a burning invitation.
Tu Xi’s lips, initially light, turned a deep red from arousal, with a bite mark on the right side of his lower lip, like a badge of victory.
He always liked to climb higher, and his low laughter resonated through his chest, transmitting to the young man.
“Satisfied, so…” The man’s face drew closer, “Let’s continue.”
He used a definitive statement, not giving the young man a chance to refuse.
Xia Yan: “……” Help! Will the world consciousness assassinate him for sleeping with the protagonist shou?
“Hey! You two, pay attention to the impact.” Wei Junhao’s voice finally pulled Xia Yan out of the romantic atmosphere, and he said coldly: “The emergency exit is not a hotel.”
Thank you second gong.
Xia Yan pushed the man away, wiping his mouth forcefully with the back of his hand: “Don’t worry, I’m not interested in playing around.”
“I’m afraid of some people who can’t control themselves,” Wei Junhao’s gaze swept over the flushed young man and finally landed on the unsatisfied Tu Xi.
Tu Xi: “There are always stray dogs trying to snatch what doesn’t belong to them.”
The two of them were speaking in riddles, and Xia Yan couldn’t understand.
But he felt that since Wei Junhao was the second gong and Tu Xi was the protagonist shou, he wouldn’t criticize the protagonist shou in such a manner. By process of elimination, the one being criticized was likely himself.
Damn, does he really look that desperate?
Or was he really… like that just now?
Xia Yan’s face flushed even more. He struggled to maintain his persona: “Our matters are none of your business.”
Wei Junhao’s face visibly darkened: “Fine, if it’s not my business, remember not to cry when you’re thoroughly used up.”
Xia Yan: “?”
Why does the second gong always speak in confusing terms?
His bewilderment was so evident that even Wei Junhao, who usually didn’t read people well, noticed it. The man grated his teeth at Xia Yan’s lack of understanding.
How could he still believe he was the gong when Tu Xi almost tackled him?
Wei Junhao: “Alright, are you two leaving or not?”
Outside, it had started raining at some point, the sound of raindrops pattering through the walls. Xia Yan was the first to leave the emergency exit and head towards the exit.
He couldn’t understand.
Despite Wei Junhao’s obvious dislike for him, why did he always seem to seek him out?
Wasn’t this self-abuse?
The guests had already left, but the staff were still tidying up. When they saw the three of them coming out together, they couldn’t help but look away.
Tu Xi had a clear bite mark on his lips, drawing many teasing glances as he walked along.
He seemed completely unaware, not wearing a mask or hat, allowing others to see him.
Xia Yan appeared calm on the surface, but inside, he was filled with embarrassment and shame, as if his private affairs were being displayed and scrutinized. He stepped into the van, preparing to close the door, only to find… it wouldn’t budge.
“Yan Yan, no farewell kiss?” Tu Xi stood outside the car.
“……”
“Just kidding.” The man leaned down and kissed the corner of the young man’s lips, “You’ve already given me a kiss; this one is a return gift.”
He smiled warmly, his tone sincere, making it hard to find fault.
Outside, there was a sound of people gasping.
Xia Yan fastened his seatbelt, his expression impassive: “That’s enough, I’m going home. Wang Dazhuang, drive.”
“Drive my foot!” Wang Dazhuang shot him a glare, his features scrunched up in a mix of resignation and irritation. He looked at Tu Xi with added guilt and unease, “Teacher Tu, I’m sorry! Yan Yan is young, still a child at heart, and doesn’t know any better.”
Yes! A 20-year-old giant baby.
Damn it!
Should he send Xia Yan to a few emotional intelligence classes so he wouldn’t constantly spout off and teeter on the edge of being blacklisted?
Wang Dazhuang intended to apologize, but his words seemed to place him on Xia Yan’s side, making Tu Xi the outsider.
This feeling was quite displeasing to Tu Xi.
The man smiled without much emotion: “Yan Yan is just a bit willful, I understand.”
“Thank you, Teacher Tu.”
Wang Dazhuang was almost in tears, thinking: What a rare gem… or rather, a perfect boyfriend.
He started the van and finally spoke up once he could no longer see Tu Xi in the rearview mirror: “Xia Yan! Take a good look at today’s trending searches.”
“Oh.”
“You only behave well at times like this.”
“……”
“If only you could be half as well-behaved in front of the cameras…” Wang Dazhuang lamented, feeling a pang in his heart.
Xia Yan avoided his gaze.
Even without checking his phone, he could probably guess the trending topics.
He skimmed through and, in despair, discovered… rather than criticizing him, people were more interested in uncovering the ‘third party’s’ real identity, with Curly Hair being the primary focus.
The only man with intimate photos with Xia Yan on social media.
The mosaic had been expertly removed, revealing Curly Hair’s true face.
A delicate and exquisite doll-like face, dark green eyes, naturally curly hair, a cute smile with a sharp little fang.
Oh my god! Where did this angel come from?
【To be honest, I’m impressed with Xia Yan’s taste in men.】
【Curly Hair’s identity has been uncovered: 19 years old, Chinese-French mixed, Instagram account @Ares. The exact family background is unclear, but he seems to be a rich young man from his account.】
【Wow, I thought he was 175 cm, but he’s actually 186 cm. A youthful face with a great figure.】
………
Chu Zizhe often posts about his daily life on Instagram.
Racing, surfing, rock climbing, paragliding, exuding charisma through extreme sports like a fierce beast.
In everyday life, he accompanies his mother to pick grapes at a vineyard, attends concerts in a suit, is polite like a little prince, plays the piano and violin, and dances Latin.
So cute and wild.
Damn!
【For a moment, I don’t know who to envy.】
【But… he’s the third party.】
【He may be wild, but he’s so obedient and loving in front of his wife. Who wouldn’t love a well-behaved big dog?】
……
Xia Yan: “……” Please stop speculating.
He quickly posted a clarification on a secondary account, refuting the wild online claims. But despite every word being true, not a single netizen believed him.
【I believe you have no ulterior motives (five cents a post).】
【Now even defending the male third party. Wife, you’re really a scumbag. Tu Xi is great too! He plays the piano, violin, and dances street dance.】
【Extreme sports are really cool but also dangerous. If it’s for dating, curly hair is cool and has a charming contrast. But for marriage, a gentle husband would definitely be more popular.】
【Yes! Tu Xi loves you so much, even enduring the green hat. What more could you be dissatisfied with?】
……
This batch of netizens must be off.
Xia Yan opened the door with a sullen face, closed it, and lay down on the sofa like a salted fish.
Why is everyone urging him to reconcile with Tu Xi? He’s the one who’s ‘cheated’! Cheated!!!!
“Ding—”
His phone rang with an unfamiliar number. He answered it.
Xia Yan: “Hello, this is Xia Yan.”
“Xia Yan, I’m Tu Xi’s mother.” The woman’s voice was low and hoarse, tinged with strong resentment. “Meet me at Huaying Café tomorrow morning at ten.”
With that, she abruptly hung up.
Xia Yan’s eyes lit up. Finally, it had come.
Plan B was now in effect.
Huaying Café was a local establishment with a long history, known for its excellent coffee. Even Xia Yan, who wasn’t a fan of coffee, had visited a few times.
At ten in the morning, the café was sparsely populated.
Xia Yan arrived right on time and immediately spotted the woman in a secluded corner. She wore a black-and-white Chanel outfit and carried a Hermes bag beside her, looking elegant and refined. Her features vaguely resembled Tu Xi’s.
The woman glanced at Xia Yan and slightly lifted her chin: “You’re here. Sit.”
Xia Yan took a seat directly opposite her without hesitation.
“You and Tu Xi—”
Before the woman could finish, Xia Yan interrupted, “Waiter, a black coffee and a chocolate cake, please.”
“Certainly, sir.”
Once the waiter left, Xia Yan looked at the woman innocently, “What were you about to say?”
A hint of disgust flashed in the woman’s eyes. Her thin lips were pressed together, looking somewhat harsh: “Mr. Xia, let me be straightforward. Our family will never allow you and Tu Xi to be together.”
“I advise you to give up that idea and not attempt to take what doesn’t belong to you.”
“Alright.” Xia Yan nodded calmly, “And the check?”
Upon hearing this, the woman’s expression became even more disdainful, as if saying ‘As expected, you’re just a scumbag gold-digger.’ She reached into her bag, pulled out a check, and handed it over.
“Ten million. That should be enough.”
Xia Yan: “……” Deep in thought.
The money isn’t enough, this is a problem.
“Madam, I don’t know if you’ve been following the recent online rumors.” Xia Yan subtly hinted, “President Zhao is willing to offer one hundred million dollars for me.”
“One hundred million dollars? Are you crazy?” The woman’s face darkened, “For a promiscuous, fickle man, giving you ten million is already generous.”
Xia Yan accepted the coffee handed over by the waiter, gently stirring it. The clinking sound of the metal spoon against the cup echoed crisply. He frowned, troubled. “But ten million is too little.”
The woman sneered, “Xia Yan, I suggest you be smart. I’m giving you this check because of my son’s face. If you keep clinging to him, don’t blame us for being ruthless.”
“What do you mean?”
“Can’t you understand? In the entertainment industry, there must be a lot of things you can’t control, right? Do you still want your resources? Or maybe…” She covered her mouth and laughed. “Are you planning to sell yourself to the Zhao brothers and have them handle it for you?”
Xia Yan’s expression darkened, as if she had hit a sore spot.
“So, you should play it smart and not make things difficult for everyone. My son is not someone you can reach.”
“Hah.” Xia Yan glanced out of the corner of his eye, noticing a figure hurriedly approaching from outside. He guessed the trick Tu Xi’s mother had used and felt a rush of excitement. Following her lead, he deliberately said something cruel.
“I’m long tired of Tu Xi. If it weren’t for his higher status and his studio helping me deal with all sorts of issues, I would’ve dumped him a long time ago.”
Xia Yan watched as the woman’s face lit up with glee, her voice sharp as she spoke to the figure behind her.
“Xi Xi, did you hear that? He’s not worth your kindness. In this world, it’s your father and I who love you the most. We can sacrifice anything for you. If you obediently listen to us, leave the entertainment industry, and inherit the company, you won’t get hurt anymore.”
Something about that…
It felt wrong.
Uncomfortable.
Xia Yan frowned instinctively.
Tu Xi’s face looked grim. He had never seen such coldness in his expression, like a block of ancient ice, exuding a chill from inside out.
“Mother, this is my business. You don’t need to interfere.”
“Mother is doing this for your own good!!!”
“I don’t need it.”
“He must’ve corrupted you.” The woman, noticing the kiss mark on Tu Xi’s lips, twisted her expression in disgust. “Look at what they’re saying online. You’re ruining yourself.”
Tu Xi responded coldly, “I don’t care.”
“Fine! You don’t care, but he might.” The woman turned her gaze back to Xia Yan. “As long as you two don’t break up, don’t blame me for coming after you.”
“Can Tu Xi protect you now, and for the rest of his life?”
Tu Xi said firmly, “I can.”
The woman gripped her purse so tightly that one of her freshly done nails broke off, making her look like a terrifying witch from a dark forest.
Xia Yan hurriedly pushed Tu Xi away, feigning cold indifference. “Come on, who knows if you’re telling the truth? I don’t want to be targeted. Let’s just break up. To thank you for helping me before, I’ll let you be the one to announce it online and dump me.”
The man’s handsome face flashed with confusion, quickly replaced by a pained expression. “Yan Yan…”
“Don’t call me that. I don’t want to be targeted by your mother.”
“Haha, you’re a smart one.” The woman laughed loudly, entirely indifferent to her son’s pain. “Tu Xi, do you see who really cares for you now?”
“Yan Yan, don’t break up. I disagree.”
The man took a deep breath, staring at his mother’s near-insane need for control, his expression icy. “If I leave the entertainment industry and join the company, will you stop targeting Yan Yan?”
He had the power to resist his mother, but Xia Yan didn’t believe that.
So… giving up a part of himself to earn Xia Yan’s trust was worth it.
Besides, he entered the entertainment industry mainly to experience emotions through his roles. But being with Xia Yan, he had already felt true love.
So, this fake life could come to an end too.
“This…” The woman hesitated.
“This is your only chance. If you don’t agree, I will never return to the company again. I mean what I say.” Tu Xi’s tone was resolute, his expression sharp.
The woman thought of her son’s disregard for her and her husband over the years, how he had thrown himself into the entertainment world, and then about the company… Her desire for wealth and power ultimately overcame her hatred for Xia Yan.
She glared at Xia Yan, begrudgingly nodding. “Fine.”
Their transaction was completed quickly, leaving Xia Yan bewildered. The man gripped his shoulders gently, reassuring him, “Yan Yan, don’t be scared. I told you, I’ll protect you.”
“Wait, I—”
Before Xia Yan could finish speaking, the ground seemed to shift beneath him, his head swelling with pressure. After what felt like an eternity, a flash of ominous red light crossed his vision, and the system’s task panel abruptly popped up.
[Side Mission: Help the protagonist shou, Tu Xi, become a Film Emperor. (It’s the world’s critical support pillar. Failure to complete will result in the collapse of this small world.)]
Xia Yan: “???”
