Chu Yilan had been simmering with anger on his way over.
If they didn't want to run this lousy show, they should just cancel it. But aside from Yu Ming, Shen Lian got along well with everyone, and the Program Crew had handled things reasonably. Add in that long-distance barrage of "I like buzz cuts" and "the guy surnamed Chu," and Chu Yilan's temper had been thoroughly defused.
By the time their kiss ended, Shen Lian had no strength left. He rested his head on Chu Yilan's shoulder and felt sleepy.
Chu Yilan took his scalded hand and inspected it over and over.
"It's fine. The swelling will go down tomorrow."
Chu Yilan said, "It pisses me off that you put up with him at all. What, don't you have someone backing you?"
Shen Lian laughed at that.
"Did you feel sick anywhere after eating the wasabi?" Chu Yilan asked again.
His straight brows were drawn tight, his eyes full of heartache and concern.
"I'm fine now," Shen Lian said slowly. "It's just been a long day. I'm exhausted."
"What's going on between you and Chang Qing?"
"Huh?" Alarm bells went off in Shen Lian's head. "Fans shipping us has nothing to do with the actual people involved! I'm not accepting any blame for that."
Chu Yilan gave a quiet huff.
Shen Lian was already asleep when the car reached the villa. Chu Yilan was about to carry him when the young man jolted awake. "We're home?"
"Mm."
Shen Lian got out on his own. It would be far too embarrassing if Aunt Fen saw him being carried.
The moment the door opened, they heard a series of thumps. Shen Lian looked startled. "Are we setting off firecrackers in here?"
Chu Piggy came charging around a corner, its bulk visibly