Tan Yi'an

Biodata

Background / History

Tan Yi'an was Shan Ye’s college roommate. They came from similar backgrounds and were both gay. After discovering Shan Ye’s sexuality, Tan Yi'an pursued him, but Shan Ye rejected him: he did not want to be the bottom, and, more importantly, Tan Yi'an was not his type. The two became good friends instead 11.

After graduation, Tan Yi'an went abroad for further studies while Shan Ye continued his education and eventually worked in China. Tan Yi'an later returned to China, bringing Shan Ye local specialty cookies from abroad 6 10 11.

Personality

Tan Yi'an is flamboyant, outspoken, and fond of teasing Shan Ye. He quickly recognizes when Shan Ye’s crush is affecting his mood and mixes reassurance with blunt insults. When Shan Ye hesitates to pursue Fan Jin, he challenges his assumptions and reminds him of his good looks, height, and career as a university lecturer 6.

His casual approach to dating contrasts with Shan Ye’s caution. At a gay bar, he readily embraces a young model wearing bunny ears and invites Fan Jin to join them without understanding Shan Ye’s anxiety. Once Shan Ye explains the situation, Tan Yi'an softens his tone and apologizes 11 12.

He is also unapologetically conspicuous: when Shan Ye objects to being picked up outside his workplace in a four-million-yuan supercar, Tan Yi'an insists that it is “not even a fancy car” 11.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Encouraging Shan Ye’s Pursuit

• Shan Ye confides that he may be falling in love; Tan Yi'an immediately responds with excited questions 3 4.
• When Shan Ye suspects Fan Jin is dating Yaoyao’s father, Tan Yi'an points out that this is only guesswork. He urges Shan Ye to ask whether Fan Jin is single and pursue him rather than withdraw without knowing the facts 6.
• The conversation restores Shan Ye’s confidence and helps prompt his decision to court Fan Jin openly 6.

The Gay-Bar Misunderstanding

• Tan Yi'an spots Shan Ye kicking a roadside tree after an upsetting café visit, teases him, and gives him a ride in his McLaren 10.
• He later takes Shan Ye to a quiet, newly opened gay bar. When Shan Ye sees Fan Jin and flees into a hallway, Tan Yi'an calls after him and follows with the bunny-eared model 11 12.
• His invitation for Fan Jin to join them makes Shan Ye fear that Fan Jin will mistake him for someone who picks up men at bars. Tan Yi'an apologizes, then argues that Fan Jin knowing Shan Ye likes men could make a direct confession easier 12.

Advising Restraint

• During drinks, Tan Yi'an notices that Fan Jin has replied to a message Shan Ye thought was being ignored. He stops Shan Ye from answering immediately and advises him to “play it cool” 27.
• After learning that Fan Jin accepted Shan Ye’s embrace, he interprets it as a sign of interest. Shan Ye follows his advice by delaying his reply, and Fan Jin notices the delay 27.
• Once Shan Ye receives a key to Fan Jin’s home, he sends Tan Yi'an a photograph and boasts about it. Tan Yi'an responds by complaining that Shan Ye is rubbing his relationship in his face 40.

Equipment / Items

• McLaren supercar — Used to give Shan Ye rides; described as gray and worth four million yuan 10 11.
• Sunglasses — Worn when he encounters Shan Ye by the roadside 10.
• Cigarettes — Smokes while discussing Shan Ye’s romantic strategy 27.

Relationships

• Shan Ye — Former college roommate, unsuccessful romantic interest, and close friend. Shan Ye regularly confides in him, seeks his advice, and includes him among the recipients of pastries bought during his trip 6 11 19 27.
• Fan Jin — The subject of Tan Yi'an’s advice to Shan Ye. Tan Yi'an meets him at the gay bar before realizing that he is Shan Ye’s crush 12.

Notable Quotes

“If he isn't, win him over. What else? Idiot.” 6

“Don't stop. Just play it cool.” 27

“Oh, spare me! Would it kill you not to rub your relationship in my face?” 40