Chapter 20

"I was just fulfilling my duty as a citizen of Chaoyang," Wenren Yan joked with Ao Qingyuan. Seeing Ao Qingyuan constantly searching for things to talk about, he simply asked, "Have you decided when you'll come to my place for a casual meal?"

Ao Qingyuan fell silent for a moment. Several months had passed since they confessed their feelings to each other. Ao Qingyuan had actually prepared himself mentally, but Wenren Yan had never brought it up again after that confession. Ao Qingyuan had also felt too embarrassed to take the initiative and mention visiting his home—mainly because he had been far too busy with work lately. He had variety shows to record, cities to rush between, magazine shoots, advertisements, and endorsements to film. He had barely returned to Yanjing, so the matter had been delayed.

Now that Wenren Yan had brought it up again, Ao Qingyuan immediately agreed. "I'm free for the next two weeks. Pick whatever time is convenient for you. I'll work around your schedule."

Wenren Yan looked at Ao Qingyuan for a while with a gentle smile. "All right."

Ao Qingyuan's whole body grew hot from Wenren Yan's smile. He slowly edged closer, draping an arm over Wenren Yan's shoulder as their bodies drew infinitely close. "What are you laughing at?"

Wenren Yan leaned back slightly. "Nothing."

"Why are you dodging again?" Ao Qingyuan stepped forward, tightening his arm and pulling him back at the same time. There was instantly no space left between them.

Warm breath brushed against Wenren Yan's face. Feeling a little awkward, Wenren Yan lowered his gaze to Ao Qingyuan's chin. "I wasn't dodging."

Ao Qingyuan braced one hand against the bookshelf, rubbing against him like a clingy Siberian tiger. "I want to kiss you."

Wenren Yan's gaze flickered. Suddenly, he reached out and held Ao Qingyuan's head, giving him a quick kiss like a dragonfly touching water. Their lips parted as soon as they touched. Just as Wenren Yan was about to push the clingy feline away, Ao Qingyuan seemed to have been deeply provoked and pressed his whole body against him.

"Mm!" Wenren Yan helplessly wrapped his arms around Ao Qingyuan.

After a long while, they finally parted, both breathing hard. Ao Qingyuan's eyes shone brilliantly as he stared at Wenren Yan. "A-Yan, I like you."

Wenren Yan smiled and stroked the back of Ao Qingyuan's head. "Me too."

Author's note:

My new novel, Rebirth: Accepting My Fate, has begun—

Everyone knew that Gu Chen was a vain, profit-driven lackey who loved currying favor, flattering others, and clinging to powerful people. For even the smallest benefit, he was willing to come when summoned and leave when dismissed, without a shred of dignity. He stood in stark contrast to his younger brother, Gu Xiu.

Gu Chen could not understand it. He had only wanted to live a better life, so why had he ended up ridiculed and maliciously tormented by everyone, ultimately breaking down and committing suicide? Only after death did Gu Chen learn that he had merely been a supporting character in a wish-fulfillment novel. Gu Xiu was the protagonist. He was nothing more than a green leaf meant to set off the flower.

When he opened his eyes again, Gu Chen had returned to ten years earlier. He and Gu Xiu had just left the mountains and entered university. This time, he would stay farther away from those plot-driven characters.

He was not as lovable as Gu Xiu. He accepted his fate.

He would no longer fawn over or try to please anyone. He would simply work ruthlessly and forge himself into the thickest thigh to cling to.

Much later, the accomplished and famous President Gu accepted an interview on television.

Reporter: "President Gu, what motivated you to start your business?"

Gu Chen: "No one liked me. No one recognized my worth. I could only work hard myself."

The plot-driven characters: "...Bullshit!"

Chapter 20

"How is it? How is it? How is it?"

Ao Qingyuan stood before the full-length mirror, staring grimly at his suited reflection. "Do I look a little too immature and unsteady?"

Wenren Yan leaned against the doorway. "You look incredibly handsome. Handsome enough to make people weak at the knees."

"Then I really do look too immature and unsteady!" Ao Qingyuan took a deep breath. "Should I change into a Zhongshan suit?"

Wenren Yan could not help laughing. "Why do you have to look mature and steady? You look great as you are."

"How could that work?" Ao Qingyuan looked at Wenren Yan with utter seriousness. "I need to appear mature and steady enough for Uncle and Auntie to feel safe entrusting you to me."

"They already feel very reassured," Wenren Yan said with a smile.

Ao Qingyuan let out a long sigh. With a solemn face, he looked a little troubled. Wenren Yan checked the time. "It's about time. Let's go."

"Wait!" Ao Qingyuan rushed out of the walk-in closet and turned into the storage room beside it. "I also prepared gifts for Uncle and Auntie."

Wenren Yan followed behind him with a smile. "What gifts?"

"I can't tell you." Ao Qingyuan carried out two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes. "Let's go!"

A little after ten in the morning, Wenren Yan and Ao Qingyuan drove to the Wenren Family's old residence. Wenren Jing and his wife had prepared everything long ago. They had even looked up Ao Qingyuan's preferences online and asked the chef to make two of his favorite dishes.

Although they had mentally prepared themselves and had even specially bought DVDs of Ao Qingyuan's films and concerts, Wenren Jing and his wife were still briefly dazzled by Ao Qingyuan's excessively beautiful face when they saw him in person. They finally understood why their son had put in so much effort to pursue him.

"Hello, Uncle. Hello, Auntie." Ao Qingyuan respectfully handed over the gifts.

Mama Wenren accepted the gifts and said with a smile, "Have a seat."

After the two sat down, Mama Wenren began chatting. "When will that historical drama you filmed with A-Yan air?"

Ao Qingyuan replied, "The production team plans to air it during winter break. The broadcasting platform will probably be Mango TV."

Mama Wenren nodded and asked again, "I remember you also filmed a variety show for Capital TV. Why isn't the drama airing on Capital TV?"

Ao Qingyuan said, "Mango TV's viewers probably prefer this type of subject matter."

"Oh." Mama Wenren paused, then asked with a smile, "Does your family know about you two being together?"

Ao Qingyuan's ears turned slightly red. "After we confirmed our relationship, I called home and mentioned it to my parents."

Mama Wenren asked, "What was your family's attitude?"