Disowning Everyone

[Awsl, look at how Wang is looking at Xiao Ran!]

[Are CP shippers shameless or what? They had zero interaction for ten years, then they work together on one show and you're all losing it?]

[Everyone, don't give the solo stans any attention. This is Wangran's first time onstage together in ten years. We should just focus on their interactions!]

[So they really are together, right? Otherwise, after zero interaction for ten years, could they really be this intimate in private?]

Fang Hexin could probably predict how excited the netizens were right now. The backstage segment was not as serious as the stage show, and the host was more willing to cater to the audience by stirring up some discussion.

Fang Hexin smiled and greeted Xie Ran and Fang Huiwang before saying, "Congratulations, you two. Tonight's performance was a great success. The netizens are very curious now. You haven't worked together for a full ten years, so was there any special reason for suddenly collaborating this time?"

The microphone was held out before them. Fang Huiwang glanced at Xie Ran, and seeing that he did not move, took the microphone first. Smiling, he said, "For me, this really is a special collaboration..."

Comments:

[Oh? Did you see that? Fang Huiwang looked at Xiao Ran before answering...]

[We saw it! Xiao Ran seems tired and doesn't want to talk, so Wang stepped in!]

[Wang is as considerate as ever, just like before.]

"This year marks exactly ten years since Xiao Ran and I debuted. That timing is very meaningful. Through this performance, we found the chemistry we had back then again. I'm very happy to have this chance to collaborate with Xiao Ran once more..." Fang Huiwang paused, turning to look at Xie Ran again with gentle eyes. "What do you think, Xiao Ran?"

As he handed the microphone to Xie Ran, the comments became even more frenzied.

[Xiao Ran! He called him Xiao Ran, just like ten years ago!]

[Kswlkswl! Hearing him say Xiao Ran takes me right back to the Tomorrow's Star stage!]

[He even mentioned ten years! He remembers—it's not just us who can't let go!]

[Everyone calm down. Let's hear how Xiao Ran answers first!]

[How else could he answer? Obviously, me too!]

Amid everyone's expectant gazes, Xie Ran took the microphone and said, living up to expectations, "I'm also very happy..."

[Did you hear that? It was me too!]

[Aaaaaah, I hereby declare that Wangran has officially risen again!!!]

Before the excited netizens could finish sending their comments, Xie Ran continued with dead fish eyes and a blank expression, "Snowball Satellite TV paid very generously this time. I'm very satisfied."

Fang Huiwang, who had been looking at him gently, froze with a stiff smile.

Fang Hexin also let out a bewildered, "Ah?"

The once-excited comments instantly cooled, sinking into an eerie silence.

Disowning Everyone

Xie Ran had been in the industry for ten years. His public image had always been humble and polite, and he was known as a high-quality idol.

Thus, when Fang Huiwang passed the conversation to Xie Ran, not only the CP fans but even Xie Ran's own fans believed that he would surely give Fang Huiwang plenty of face and answer flawlessly.

No one had expected Xie Ran to completely disregard the usual script this time.

As a result, both the host and the netizens were so stunned that they could not react for a moment.

After quite a while, the first netizens to regain their senses began sending comments with trembling hands:

[??????]

[What did Xie Ran just say??]

[Girls, I think I might have hallucinated?]

[You're not alone. I heard it too!! Xie Ran actually said Snowball paid generously and that he was very satisfied!]

[Pfft, Xie Ran is really that straightforward?]

Fang Hexin was, after all, a host for a provincial television station, and she reacted very quickly. After her initial bewilderment, she swiftly adjusted her expression and smiled as if nothing had happened. "Thank you for recognizing Snowball Satellite TV. We have always placed great importance on our guest collaborators. You should come on our programs more often in the new year, too."

Xie Ran lowered his eyes and looked at her, his expression indifferent. Then he gave an "Mm" and said nothing more.

The atmosphere turned a little awkward. Fang Hexin vaguely felt that Xie Ran was different from usual, inexplicably giving off the impression that he was hard to approach.

Maybe he was just too tired after performing?

No matter what, Wangran's century-defining appearance together tonight was Snowball Satellite TV's trump card for this New Year's Eve concert. The production team would not let the topic be brushed aside so easily.

Fang Hexin gave a dry laugh and stubbornly steered the conversation back. "Anyway, you and Brother Wang haven't worked together in ten years. Do you have any special feelings about appearing onstage together this time?"

As Fang Hexin asked her question, Fang Huiwang's somewhat stiff expression brightened, and a trace of anticipation appeared in his gaze toward Xie Ran.

Everyone thought the same as Fang Hexin. Xie Ran must have been too tired just now and had not fully recovered; now that he was clear-headed, he would surely smooth things over.

Thus, under everyone's expectant gaze, Xie Ran's expression did not change as he coldly gave the camera two words: "None."

Comments:

[...]

[Xie Ran: double kill]

[Hahahahahaha, well said, Xiao Ran!!! That was so satisfying!!]

[Did you hear that, CP shippers? Xiao Ran said none!!! It was purely a business collaboration!]

After the backstage interview ended, Xie Ran confirmed that his work was done and had his assistant take him home.

He and his assistant had just reached the underground parking lot when Fang Huiwang's somewhat urgent voice came from behind them. "Xiao Ran, wait a moment."

Xie Ran stopped and glanced back at Fang Huiwang. "What is it?"

His expression was distant, and his eyes were calm and unmoved, as though he were looking at a stranger.

Fang Huiwang had never seen him like this before. He froze, swallowing back the complaints he had intended to make about Xie Ran giving him no face during the interview.

Xie Ran's assistant was perceptive. He immediately said tactfully, "I'll go get the car first," and walked away.

Only after the assistant had gone some distance did Fang Huiwang come back to himself. His gaze fell on Xie Ran again, and his gentle voice carried a hint of reproach. "Xiao Ran, didn't we agree that we'd spend New Year's Eve together at my place tonight?"