He took out the key and deftly unlocked the door. Turning on the lights, the room was immediately filled with quiet.
Yu Junqing carefully moved across the floor so as not to touch anything with his feet and flopped onto the sofa, letting out a long sigh.
Ren Qingyun had really been a handful. When they left, he had said there wasn’t anywhere in particular he wanted to go, yet they ended up eating at multiple places. It was the first time Yu Junqing realized that even just eating could be exhausting. Thinking of the assortment of takeaway snacks Ren Qingyun had carried afterward, Yu Junqing couldn’t help but laugh out loud. He wondered if Ren Qingyun could even finish all that food.
Relaxing against the back of the sofa, Yu Junqing curled his tall one-meter-eight frame into a ball. A fleeting look of loneliness appeared on his face.
“Riiiing~~~” The sudden ringtone cut through the silence. Yu Junqing snapped open his eyes and picked up the phone.
It was Xiao Yitong. A trace of disappointment, subtle enough that even he hadn’t noticed, creased Yu Junqing’s fatigued brow as he answered the call.
Xiao Yitong quickly ran through the updates: the drama they had wrapped up filming had started promotion. Since Yu Junqing’s phone hadn’t been reachable earlier, Director Wang had called Xiao Yitong instead.
“Okay, so we just post on Weibo for promotion? No problem. I’ll check it out after this call,” Yu Junqing replied in his usual calm, polite tone. Naturally, as the lead actor, it was only proper for him to assist with promotion. Nothing unusual there.
Director Wang had been coordinating with him for some time, and the promotion had been set up very well. They were leveraging previous rumors to keep the drama’s heat alive, and the buzz had not subsided. Judging by this, the drama’s performance should be decent.
Seeing Yu Junqing was fine, Xiao Yitong didn’t linger. He still hadn’t figured out the company’s stance and found it difficult to take action. Plus, Yu Junqing didn’t allow him to follow along, so he was left rather lost, keeping a close eye on Yu Junqing’s updates while otherwise twiddling his thumbs.
“Yu Ge, how’s your foot?” Xiao Yitong suddenly remembered. “The promotion starts in a few days—will you be able to manage walking?”
Yu Junqing paused briefly, then quickly recovered. Long lashes cast shadows over his eyelids, obscuring his emotions.
“I’m fine. I’ll just be careful when the time comes. There’s nothing really wrong, so don’t worry.”
Xiao Yitong scratched the back of his head. He could have imagined it, but Yu Ge’s words sounded a little off. Still, he reminded him anyway:
“Take care, okay? If something happens, call me. If it really gets difficult, don’t push yourself—I’ll talk to them and try to arrange for you to sit instead.”
Yu Junqing’s lashes twitched slightly, and a warm smile flickered in his eyes. “Okay. I won’t push myself.”
After hanging up, Yu Junqing sat quietly for a while.
Xiao Yitong’s tone had been sincere; he hoped that Yu Junqing wouldn’t end up like Xu Zong.
Opening Weibo, Yu Junqing immediately saw his new drama trending at number one. He scrolled through a few fun photos taken on set—moments when the main and supporting actors goofed around during downtime—and reposted them on the official account.
The publicity team had stoked the fire online, reminding people of the enduring rumors surrounding the drama, and anticipation shot up instantly.
The released video showed Yu Junqing’s portrayal of the male lead: a tenderness and attentiveness to the female lead that cut to the bone. Viewers naturally immersed themselves, imagining themselves as the one being cherished and loved. Many female fans were enthralled, wishing they could steal the male lead’s exclusive warmth for themselves. Coupled with Yu Junqing’s especially popular styling this time, he looked stunning on-screen, prompting countless comments from adoring fans:
#Looks like my content supply for this month is secured; I can fangirl for a month!
#Speechless, screen is wet.
#Everyone back off! He’s mine, all mine, just mine!
#I didn’t expect the male lead to be this handsome; begging for full-body wet shots!
#Let go of the male lead, I’m taking over!
#Hmph, ignorant humans. I’ve already sponsored this guy on Weibo, soon I’ll get more content; this video is all yours!
The flood of obsessive praise and lewd comments caught many by surprise, yet they couldn’t help but get sucked in, either becoming second-generation fangirls or drawn in by the plot. In short, it was a chaotic mix, all thanks to the fans.
Even Zhu Wen, the second male lead, had been slightly reshaped in post-production by Director Wang. His character seemed less ridiculous and less over-the-top, though he still retained a hint of youthful arrogance. Since he was the second male lead, the focus wasn’t on him anyway, and many viewers thought the secondary role worked perfectly as comic relief—a “Best Supporting Act of the Year,” so to speak.
Yu Junqing’s frown slowly lifted into a smile as he continued scrolling. The earlier blockage in his mood gave way to excitement, a bubbling thrill in his chest. He had never realized that so many people could care about him for so many reasons. Many fans, concerned that previous rumors might affect him, now checked in on him, while others celebrated the drama finally starting its promotion. Screens full of cheering messages and playful emojis made it impossible not to feel happy.
Just as he was enjoying himself, a call popped up—Bo Rui was calling.
Yu Junqing instinctively swiped to answer. “Rui Ge?”
“It’s me,” Bo Rui’s voice came through.
“You’re so quiet. Are you home? Were you good today? Does your foot hurt?” Bo Rui tugged at his tie, his voice momentarily breaking, but it carried unmistakable fondness. He had decided to approach openly, no longer worried about scaring Yu Junqing off.
“I’m home, foot’s fine. Are you still busy?” Yu Junqing felt a little embarrassed being asked if he’d been “good.” Shaking his foot lightly, he recalled that Ren Qingyun had been considerate during the day, so his ankle wasn’t swollen anymore. Compared to being away on business, Bo Rui’s absence made him feel more worried—he hadn’t even brought any clothes.
“I’m done with work, just got back to the hotel. I left some medicinal wine on the bookshelf in the living room. After your shower, rub it on again—it’ll help recovery. Promotion starts today anyway, so take care not to strain yourself.” Bo Rui reminded him. Naturally lazy, Yu Junqing would’ve lazed around otherwise.
Unwillingly, Yu Junqing got up and found the bottle on the shelf.
“Found it. How did you know our drama promotion started today?” He considered putting it in the bathroom to avoid forgetting.
“I’m your fan,” Bo Rui said with a rare, soft, teasing laugh. The tone was intimate, playful, unlike his usual voice.
It felt like a kitten sneakily pawing at Yu Junqing’s heart. For some reason, Yu Junqing felt embarrassed hearing it.
Perhaps it was because Bo Rui always appeared so composed, and honestly, he barely remembered him mentioning being a fan before. Yu Junqing scratched his face, thinking it might have been thanks to Bo Rui being a fan that he could even live here.
“Why aren’t you speaking?” Bo Rui sat on the sofa, noticing the pause. Did he zone out again? Smirking, he thought Yu Junqing’s distracted cuteness was endearing.
“Um, Rui Ge, how much longer will you be on this trip?” Yu Junqing curled back into bed. Despite his height, he felt small in comparison. The bed seemed enormous, enough for four or five of him.
“Not long, three more days. Sleep closer to the center at night, and fold the edge of my blanket to the side,” Bo Rui said half in jest, half seriously.
“Ah?” Yu Junqing was confused.
“You’ll see tomorrow morning,” Bo Rui added. The next day, Yu Junqing would either be hugging the blanket across the bed or using it under the bed. Bo Rui recalled that when he first met Yu Junqing, he hadn’t noticed this quirk—Yu Junqing moved constantly in his sleep, requiring fresh sheets each morning.
Though puzzled, Yu Junqing obediently complied. He had lived alone too long to know what family or care felt like. Bo Rui’s words, though sometimes nagging, made him follow along instinctively.
“Be good, wash up, and sleep early,” Bo Rui said, glancing at the time. Actors live by acting, but exposure matters. Yu Junqing was finally gaining momentum; he needed rest. Plus, some things were better said in person. Bo Rui’s eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of anticipation lingering.
“Okay, good night.” Yu Junqing, realizing Bo Rui would hang up, felt a sudden low in his mood. Unwillingly, he said good night, not realizing he looked like a pampered child, obediently ending the call.
Hearing the dial tone, Bo Rui put the phone aside. He was actually pleased; letting Yu Junqing hang up first, even though he wanted to talk longer, was a small indulgence in their budding affection.
He then messaged Liang Xin, the cat-lover. Liang Xin, having just received new photos of Mi Huang, was startled by the phone alert—a special notification from the boss!
After bowing to the new photos of Mi Huang, Liang Xin hoped the boss wouldn’t suddenly run off with the assistant on a whim. He had just snapped several shots and now had to soothe the little one.
Recalling the incident in the office earlier, he laughed and picked up the phone. The previous time he delivered documents, the boss was in a sour mood. Out of habit, he asked what was wrong. Unexpectedly, Bo Rui replied, “I got hard looking at a man.”
Liang Xin had barely restrained the urge to share the news with friends, but his intuition kept him calm. He responded with, “Congratulations on finding true love, boss.”
Laughing with Mi Huang in his arms, Liang Xin remembered the boss’s complex expression—a mixture of confusion and mischief he’d never forget.
“Mi Huang, you don’t know how complicated he looked. Thankfully I spoke up to comfort him. That means tomorrow we can buy your favorite small fish, happy?” Liang Xin shook Mi Huang’s paw gently. Mi Huang lightly pawed at his face, a small expression of disdain.
After putting down the phone, Bo Rui remembered the incident. Many online sources couldn’t be trusted. He had checked forums and found many similar stories, and decided to post a query himself. The replies were largely the same:
- Don’t confess; let the friendship last. Social pressure, legal limitations, and personal scrutiny make a same-sex relationship too hard.
- Love him, and let him be happy.
- Love him, and ensure his happiness.
Bo Rui was frustrated reading them. People spent decades waiting to find someone who stirred their heart, yet avoided acting out of fear of responsibility.
He couldn’t understand. How could one simply watch the person they love marry someone else? He couldn’t.
Those words online were nonsense. Regardless of gender, first ensure the person you love can be happy. Even with a woman, you had to earn, provide, and court her.
Liang Xin seemed clearer than the so-called experienced people.
“Boss, if it’s a man, what’s the problem? Even a straight couple attracts gossip. Who cares? We rely on you for a living—we might gossip, but we’re not quitting just because you found someone of the same sex. And if you post a red packet to celebrate, I’ll treat the future CEO lady as the company mascot!”
Tapping his phone, Bo Rui imagined Yu Junqing as a mascot, naturally beloved.
Looking at the ten or so calls he’d made today, he decided to tackle these tasks first. Yu Junqing’s soft nature made it unfair for him to shoulder so much responsibility.
Some matters needed clearing first. Thinking of Yu Junqing’s dependent demeanor, Bo Rui frowned slightly. He couldn’t risk letting him go out alone—too soft, too vulnerable.
Before pursuing someone, he needed to secure a few things. Stretching lazily, he decided to use the few days of business travel wisely. He called Third Brother.
Third Brother had anticipated Bo Rui’s call and was prepared. After leaving the underground fighting circuit due to high cuts and insufficient funds for medicine, he had taken up security work. Skilled and formidable, he had attracted Bo Rui’s attention.
The boss was wealthy, often pampering a celebrity or two. Yu Junqing’s situation involved none of the boss’s personal business—it was recently driven by a favored new pet commanding his subordinates.
Bo Rui only wanted to know who it was. According to Third Brother, if he hadn’t checked the village, Yu Junqing would have been taken to a villa group. Bo Rui could already guess what would happen.
“His name is Meng Ziyan. Handle the rest yourself,” Third Brother said before hanging up. If not for their brotherhood, he wouldn’t have acted against conscience. Now, it was time to secure his own rear.
Yu Junqing’s drama scenes remained, but Zhu Wen had sought revenge. When he begged for mercy, Yu Junqing refused decisively. He knew clearly which favors to grant and which not to—he wouldn’t repeat the same mistake twice. With Bo Rui’s actions known, Yu Junqing finally felt ready to take initiative.