CH 88.2

After the gala ended, Shen Xingsui also saw this trending search.

Especially when he saw the words “marriage”, his heart was in a mess. Before that, he didn’t yearn for marriage and love at all, but now, he seemed to suddenly have a kind of strength and energy, and he especially wanted to be better. He really wanted to become someone who deserves to be by Fu Jinxiao’s side by the virtue of his strength. And one day… he could marry him and let everyone know about it. 

To have a wedding blessed by everyone. 

This was the greatest desire in his heart.

A nanny car was in the parking lot, sent by Wang Meican. After Shen Xingsui got into the car, he saw Fu Jinxiao sitting in the back seat. He drank a little wine and was resting in the back seat. It might be the lights in the car, but Fu Jinxiao looked exhausted. 

Hearing a movement, Fu Jinxiao opened his eyes to look at Shen Xingsui.

Shen Xingsui approached him, and didn’t dislike the smell of alcohol on his body, he just asked, “Are you uncomfortable?”

“A little bit.”

Fu Jinxiao took the opportunity to pull Shen Xingsui into his arms, lowered his head and rubbed against Shen Xingsui’s face. He sniffed the faint fragrance on the youth’s body, and said in a low voice, “You are so close to Xu Qinke today.” 

Shen Xingsui: “?”

“He has someone,” Fu Jinxiao inexplicably said, “Their relationship is very good.”

Shen Xingsui laughed and said, “I know.”

‘How could this person be so cute? I couldn’t see it at the gala today. But in this private space, he is jealous when he’s drunk?’ 

Shen Xingsui said softly, “We just chatted casually, it’s nothing.”

Fu Jinxiao snorted softly and continued to settle accounts, “You didn’t sit next to me when I was eating.”

“So many people are watching, I’m embarrassed.”

It seems that falling in love was like unlocking another side of Fu Jinxiao that he didn’t know before. But this feeling was very exhilarating and novel. Even though he was completely different from his previous impression, it just felt like Shen Xingsui fell in love even deeper. 

Fu Jinxiao leaned on his shoulder, with a low and magnetic voice, and said with some reluctance, “But I’m still not happy.”     

Shen Xingsui was taken aback by the palpable pout on his voice, and asked, “What should I do, then?”

With a wicked smile, he turned his face and kissed Shen Xingsui’s lips directly, as if he wanted to make up for all the days of separation. This kiss was long, full of possessive passion. The two people’s breaths were intertwined, as if there was only each other at this moment.

Shen Xingsui’s eyes were a little red.

Fu Jinxiao’s eyes were dark and deep. His rough fingertips slid over the corners of the youth’s eyes, and the actor continued in a hoarse voice, “Why are you crying?”     

Shen Xingsui said pitifully, “I can’t breathe.”     

‘Ah, my wife today is very cute. The more I get to touch him, the more I like him.’     

After Shen Xingsui slowed down for a while, he told Fu Jinxiao about his itinerary. 

When it came to cooperating with Teacher Hu Kaiyue, Fu Jinxiao frowned slightly, and said, “Although he has a good musical talent, his private life is not very clean. Don’t get in too much contact with him except for work.”    

Shen Xingsui nodded, “I understand.”     

“You must ensure your safety when you go out,” Fu Jinxiao got a silver earring for Shen Xingsui from nowhere and put it on. Then, he gently kissed the red earlobes, all the while his voice was stern and uncompromising, “You are not allowed to take it off outside.”    

Shen Xingsui was a little puzzled, but still nodded.     

Fu Jinxiao asked, “How long will it be?”     

“About a month or two,” Shen Xingsui speculated on the production time of the album before continuing, “Also, there’s also another person beside me. It’s Zhang Chi, who has studied music in college. He’s quite talented.” 

Fu Jinxiao tapped his slender finger on the armrest, thinking deeply. After a while, he said, “I have a commercial video to be shot near Phoenix Mountain in about half a month. Don’t live with them, I’ll rent you an apartment on Phoenix Mountain.” 

Shen Xingsui said softly, “Will it be too troublesome? Plus, they also have arranged a hotel for me too.” 

“I’m worried about the hotel they arranged,” Fu Jinxiao looked at him with the corner of his eyes, the furrow on his eyebrows deepened, “I’ll arrange two more assistants to follow you, call me if you need anything.”

At first, Shen Xingsui thought this might be too exaggerated, but he didn’t dare to say anything against Fu Jinxiao. He just promised that he will successfully record this album. 

Still, to be worried over and fussed like this… felt pretty good, so he didn’t object. After agreeing to Fu Jinxiao’s request, he went home and started to concentrate on packing his luggage, preparing his necessities for this business trip. 

“Suisui!”

It was nearing summer in Phoenix Mountain, and the temperature gradually increased.

It has been almost ten days since Shen Xingsui came here to participate in the recording of the album, and everything went smoothly. Hu Kaiyue was indeed a very talented music producer. Under his guidance, he had made rapid progress, and Zhang Chi had mastered more musical instruments. 

In this kind of environment, their cooperation became very pleasant. 

Shen Xingsui put down the sheet music in his hand and said, “What’s the matter?”

“The weather is really nice today, let’s go down the mountain to have fun?” Zhang Chi came over in summer clothes and said, “I haven’t been to the streets of Phoenix Mountain for several days. Let’s go shopping, for a change of pace. Haven’t you just encountered a bottleneck in writing lyrics in the past two days? I heard that there is a small town under Phoenix Mountain that is very lively. Maybe we can find some inspiration.” As Zhang Chi said, Shen Xingsui’s creative journey has not been smooth sailing lately.

In the past two days, he didn’t know why, but he always felt a little restless. He’s stuck with the newly created score, without any ideas. Although Teacher Hu didn’t remind him, Shen Xingsui was still a little anxious.

But the idea seemed good. 

Shen Xingsui hesitated, “Does Teacher Hu agree?”

“Don’t worry!” Zhang Chi patted his chest in pride, “I told him about your situation, and he agreed.”

Shen Xingsui packed up the sheet music and put it in his bag. “Okay then.”

Although browsing around might not get him to find inspiration, if he really happened to find it, it was not a loss. Plus he really has nothing to do, he might as well. 

The small town under the mountain has a beautiful history and scenery.

Hu Kaiyue chose this mountain to escape from the summer heat. He really has a good eye. The mountains here were beautiful, with blue sky and white clouds;  and the small town at the foot of the mountain was also close to the sea. 

It’s a majestic view on all sides of the horizon. With the calming atmosphere, it was really an excellent place for a vacation. 

Shen Xingsui sighed in awe, “It’s really beautiful here.”

He took a lot of photos while walking.

Zhang Chi continued to introduce him to the vicinity, but found that Shen Xingsui was busy sending messages to his mobile phone while answering to his words. Filled with curiosity, he asked, “Suisui, what are you doing?”

Shen Xingsui responded with a smile, “I took the photo and sent it to my friend.”

Zhang Chi subconsciously felt that this friend was definitely not an ordinary friend.

As they passed by a barbecue stand by the sea, they suddenly felt hungry. Shen Xingsui also put away his mobile phone and came to buy food. They both bought a lot – besides the barbeque, they also ordered a bowl of rolled noodles, which they used to eat when they were students.

When Shen Xingsui was eating, he conveniently handed him a plate of gluten1yes, gluten as in the protein inside flour. For this kind of side dish it was referring to: the gluten is covered in oil, rolled into a dough, then fried until it poofed-up like bread. Season it as you like.. “Here.” 

Zhang Chi was taken aback.

Shen Xingsui then took a bottle of chili oil back to adjust the soup. 

Zhang Chi chuckled. “You still remember.”

They used to eat rolled noodles together. So it’s normal for them to know each other’s preferences – on how Zhang Chi liked his noodles with this side dish, while Shen Xingsui usually wanted extra noodles; on how much oil they like to add, the ratio of vinegar to chili, even the firmness of the noodles. In fact, they once messed around while trying to make a new mix of sauce, and even gave the concoction an exclusive name: Yin-Yang Five Poisons Water. 

Shen Xingsui nodded and said, “I haven’t eaten this for a long time, too.”

Zhang Chi took a bite on the gluten. The taste was still the same as he remembered. “I was thinking about this when I was abroad.”

Shen Xingsui smiled slightly when he saw his appearance, but did not speak.

The small stall by the sea in the afternoon was very quiet. The sun was shining lazily, giving people a very warm and peaceful feeling. Zhang Chi stretched his waist and said, “You still don’t like gluten after all these years?” 

“I never hated gluten,” He said as he took a sip on a bottle of orange juice, “I personally think it’s a fine food.” 

Zhang Chi looked at him curiously.

“When I was in high school,” Shen Xingsui leaned on the chair and looked at the rolling waves, “Whenever there’s gluten near me, you would polish it off as soon as possible.” 

Gluten was like an ordinary side dish to Shen Xingsui – he neither love nor hate it. During high school, because Zhang Chi loved it, he always gave his portion to him. 

In Zhang Chi’s mind, these words had other meanings. 

Because he alienated Shen Xingsui when he was in high school like the rest of the school; and it was during the very critical college entrance examination, later he heard that Shen Xingsui’s high school grades had dropped a lot. With his usual score, he could even go to a famous conservatory of music. But because of this, he could only settle for less. 

So Zhang Chi always felt that Shen Xingsui should hate him. He was surprised to see that he actually… felt indifferent to him. As if he had experienced nothing special. He didn’t care about the past grievances at all.

The only person who has been brooding about it and still refuses to move on was Zhang Chi.

‘Is this guilt or love?’

He couldn’t tell the difference himself, but he especially wanted to compensate Shen Xingsui. He wanted to treat him well, even if he had to spend his whole life to compensate for it.

Zhang Chi said softly, “Suisui, actually I…”

The phone in Shen Xingsui’s hand rang suddenly. He glanced at the name on the screen of the phone, and suddenly smiled. Immediately, his aura brightened. He said to Zhang Chi, “I’ll answer this call now. You can go shopping by yourself after eating. We’ll gather here later.” 

Zhang Chi was taken aback:, “Hey , where are you going?”

But Shen Xingsui just left.

Zhang Chi was a little annoyed at being left where he was. He finally asked someone out, so why was he left here? If he couldn’t go shopping with Shen Xingsui, what would he do here alone?

Although he was a little annoyed, Zhang Chi had no choice but to get up by himself, and walked slowly along the seashore. He began to think about Shen Xingsui again in his mind, lost in thought.

“Hi!”

A voice greeted suddenly from behind.

Zhang Chi was taken aback, turned around unexpectedly, and saw Anran. He frowned, “Why are you here?” 

“I’m here for a trip,” Anran took off his little sunglasses and asked knowingly, “Why are you alone? Aren’t you here to make an album?”

Zhang Chi was annoyed, and said angrily, “It’s none of your business.”

Anran raised his eyebrows and said, “Zhang Chi, we are old classmates. Although we haven’t seen each other for a few years, our past friendship can’t be changed.” 

Zhang Chi walked on and said perfunctorily, “I have nothing to do with you.” 

“How do you know there’s nothing to do with me?” Anran said slowly, “Maybe I can help you.” 

Zhang Chi paused, looked suspiciously at him, and asked, “You? You can help me?” 

Anran smiled and said, “You just like Suisui and want to be with him, right? I have a way, I can help you chase him, and it will definitely be successful.”

Zhang Chi hesitated and said, “But he doesn’t like me now, he seems to have someone he likes.” 

“He hasn’t gotten married, yeah?” Anran said his fallacy, “So, it doesn’t count if he is not married. They can break up any time now, especially if the condition is bad.” 

Zhang Chi, somehow, felt that what Anran said seemed to make sense. He then asked, “Then what do you suggest?” 

Showing him his softest expression, Anran replied, “Although Shen Xingsui isn’t a close friend of mine, I know he is a very conservative person. Don’t you have many opportunities to be alone together now? This is your last chance.” 

Zhang Chi slowly realized what Anran wanted to say2clarification: Anran is referring to “cooking the raw rice” aka suggesting that SXS will feel obligated to be with ZC if they somehow had sex.. 

What he implied was really terrifying. He had never thought about this kind of thing before, and yet Anran could say it in such a calm tone!

“No!” Zhang Chi vehemently refused, “This can’t be done…”

Anran knew about Zhang Chi – he was a coward, but he was also a very selfish person. If push comes to shove, he definitely could be coaxed into doing something crazy. Regardless, it didn’t hurt for Anran to try. 

So Anran handed Zhang Chi a small bag as if it was candy.

“You’ve liked him for decades, right? But why is the situation like this now? Isn’t it because of a misunderstanding between you two? If you can make up for him in the future, he definitely won’t be angry. But if you miss those opportunities, you won’t have the opportunity to touch him again.”

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