Drinking games and back-and-forth banter filled the table.
Yin Chen sat calmly beside Zong Cheng.
Finding a small pause, Yin Chen peeled a prawn that had just been served and fed it directly into Zong Cheng’s mouth.
Zong Cheng instinctively opened his mouth to take it, then couldn’t help but glance at Yin Chen from the corner of his eye.
Yin Chen looked at him with a gentle, smiling gaze.
The authors at the same table, who had been trying to get Zong Cheng drunk to get first-hand spoilers, fell silent.
One of them glanced at her empty bowl in front of her, then at Zong Cheng and Yin Chen, who were lost in a tender gaze, and finally at the pile of bones that her companion had devoured.
She slowly put down her wine glass.
“No more drinking. Forget it. I’m full just from the frustration.”
She took a deep breath and memorized her companion’s eating habits.
Got it. Remembered.
Next time, don’t pick a glutton like this!
Didn’t they see the model right across from them?
Everyone else at the table was also silent.
They had lost, truly lost.
Keeping their distance, two authors whispered:
“Wow, I thought someone was just spreading rumors, but the King really is male? And he really has a boyfriend? They’re… way too sweet together!”
“Don’t even mention it. Luckily we’re sitting far away. Look at that table—who isn’t stuffed with dog food?”
“Hey, but I think someone online is picky again? That post was dug up and discussed.”
“No way? Again? Aren’t those trolls annoying?”
A storm had indeed erupted online.
It started when someone uploaded eye-catching photos of Zong Cheng from the authors’ event to Weibo and made a shocking post:
“Shock! At the author convention… there’s actually…”
Many readers were already following the author convention updates and instinctively clicked on the post.
“Let me be clear. Here are several photos shared by fans on Weibo. That man is unmistakably him, right? I previously posted saying he’s a closeted gay writing no-CP content. Now, you must believe it. And he even brought his boyfriend to the convention. I’m honestly speechless at this society—who gave him the audacity? Ultimately, it’s because of naïve readers, so please see clearly who you’re dealing with.”
The poster had previously made a similar post, which had been ridiculed over ten pages.
After posting, she exhaled and muttered:
“Next time, I’ll make sure you regret this.”
“…I can’t believe it. Even after ten pages, I still see the original poster. I don’t understand. So what if he’s gay? How does that concern you? I like his writing, so what? He’s not breaking any law or moral code—he just happens to like another handsome guy. Why does that bother you?”
“This post… I thought it was a joyful share by some fan at first. But then I read it and—ugh. The old-school green-tea/white-lotus vibes are overwhelming. And people still discriminate against gay men? Your personal freedom is one thing, but attacking a fan for this? Isn’t that illegal?”
Confused, a girl replied to the comments:
“Look at you. You’re an adult, yet you were brainwashed into liking his writing. Do you even have a girlfriend? Are you influenced by the stories?”
“I’m not attacking anyone. I just wanted to expose a malicious person so others could see their true colors.”
“What’s the point of saving these images? Does this man deserve it?”
“Emmm…”
“Ah, never mind. Let’s leave, sisters! This place is not suitable to linger.”
“+1. Freaking crazy, I’m scared.”
The “hot” label on the post quickly cooled, and the post was soon pushed down by newer content.
The woman stared at the first few comments in disbelief.
How could this happen?
She had proof, so why did everyone act like they hadn’t seen it?
Had they all been brainwashed?
At the table, Yin Chen traced Zong Cheng’s hand with his pinky and sneaked a glance at his phone.
He noticed that the chat group had been buzzing with messages.
Opening it, he read:
“Ugh, I’ve already reported that post to the admins. Hope they delete it soon. Disgusting. All kinds of crazy people.”
“Same here. Really disgusting. That idiot’s words were vile. Why does liking the King’s writing bother anyone? He hasn’t broken any rules or morals, just happens to like another handsome guy. Who cares?”
“Who understands? Maybe NT. But I didn’t have those few photos, saved them anyway. Seriously, the King is ridiculously handsome, and his boyfriend too—obviously excellent. I’m so jealous.”
“:) I’m not jealous, but I’m worried—what if the King discovers his boyfriend is more fun♂? Will we see his ghostwriting ability in full effect again?”
The group went wild.
“?”
“Don’t!”
“I won’t allow it!”
“Neither will I! King, don’t realize your boyfriend is more fun♂! Writing for money is much better!”
Yin Chen: “…Zong Cheng really hasn’t noticed yet.”
He glanced at Zong Cheng, still drinking, and his eyes flickered.
The opportunity would likely come soon. But first, there were other matters to handle.
Yin Chen stood, and Zong Cheng instinctively looked at him.
“What’s wrong?”
His reaction alone was enough to feed everyone more dog food.
Yin Chen released his hand from Zong Cheng’s.
“I’m going to see your editor about something.”
His editor? Could he really want Zong Cheng’s publication rights?
Zong Cheng was a little confused but obediently let go.
Everyone at the table: …Wow! Hidden dog food right here! Amazing!
Editor Qi was happily drinking, anticipating publication, thinking this might be a big success.
He drank a mix of Sprite and red wine, his heart full of ambition.
“To drinking! Cheers!”
Everyone else at the table also raised their glasses—juice, milk, water, soda.
Even a Southern author calmly sipped soup.
Afterward, Editor Qi felt a shadow fall over him.
He looked up, wondering if it was getting dark.
Five minutes later, Qi felt helpless:
“This is unacceptable. Our website cannot expose readers’ privacy. I’ll contact the admins to delete the post and permanently ban this user. Is that okay?”
Zong Cheng’s boyfriend? His presence was even more intimidating than Zong Cheng!
Qi didn’t dare breathe, terrified.
Yin Chen casually stroked behind his ear.
“But as your website’s author, Zong Cheng also has normal legal rights. If your readers are spreading slander, shouldn’t your site intervene?”
He smiled slightly at Qi.
“If that’s the case, I even doubt your company’s willingness to cooperate. As for the publication rights, I don’t think your company can give Zong Cheng the best development.”
What?!
Qi, previously so soft, straightened up immediately.
Publication rights!
His obsession with publication rights!
Qi immediately got serious:
“I understand. I’ll arrange the deletion and bans immediately. My level is limited, but tomorrow in the meeting, I’ll highlight this. The website will ensure Zong Cheng is treated fairly. Agreed?”
Yin Chen looked at him, and Qi, nervous, gave him a name card.
“Here’s a card of a lawyer I know. You might consult him when handling this matter.”
Qi froze, stunned.
The lawyer was famous, connected to the powerful Yin family.
He seemed familiar…
Back at the table, Qi’s gaze drifted to Zong Cheng’s table.
Yin Chen returned to his seat, speaking quietly to Zong Cheng.
Shoulder to shoulder, heads close—clearly a couple deeply in love.
Did Zong Cheng know the status of his boyfriend? Probably.
A boyfriend of this level implies Zong Cheng was also wealthy.
No wonder he never cared about publication rights.
Qi wiped his face.
He had previously suggested Zong Cheng use the money to please his boyfriend—so little money? Just that? Ridiculous.
The team leader made Qi want to die on the spot.
Then, watching their team leader toast with Zong Cheng, he shivered.
“Looks like I’ve had a bit too much, no more drinking.”
Zong Cheng nodded and put down his cup.
Huh? Just like that?
Yin Chen glanced at him, a bit disappointed.