Chapter 22: Exclusive to Jinjiang 2/2

Before leaving, the two bought some green plants and activated charcoal to place in the house to help absorb odors.

—

Actually, Song Fuzhi didn’t like going to anime conventions very much.

During his school days, he was a bit introverted, liked quietly reading alone, didn’t share his interest in otaku culture with others, and didn’t even think about going to conventions.

As he got older, he became even less inclined to go. The convention was filled with young and vibrant faces, teenagers, and college students. A man in his thirties would feel extremely out of place.

If you really thought about it, this summer vacation was probably the third time Song Fuzhi had been to an anime convention in all these years.

If it weren’t for Luo Luli pulling him, he probably wouldn’t have gone in his lifetime.

It’s interesting to note that when Song Fuzhi first fell in love with anime, it wasn’t someone else who led him into the fandom, nor was he influenced by classmates.

One evening in high school, while waiting for his mother to finish her work in her office, Song Fuzhi unintentionally found a Japanese manga on Mrs. Wang’s desk. It was in traditional vertical format, narrow, and the pages were slightly worn.

Song Fuzhi secretly finished reading the entire manga during that evening study. When Mrs. Wang returned, Song Fuzhi pretended to be diligently doing his homework, but in reality, he was still thinking about the manga’s plot.

 After growing up and becoming a teacher, Song Fuzhi realized that the book that enlightened him was probably among the spoils confiscated by Mrs. Wang from the students in her class.

His interest began so secretly, with an unknown rule-breaking student leading a seemingly obedient good kid into the gateway of another world, laying the foundation for Song Fuzhi’s low-key otaku life for a lifetime.

In the days leading up to the anime convention, Luo Luli went crazy every day, sometimes saying her wallet was ready and sometimes expressing her excitement about the chance to witness CP interactions live.

Luo Luli seemed to be climbing through the network cable to grab Song Fuzhi by the collar. “Aren’t you excited? You’re about to meet your dream man, aren’t you excited?”

Song Fuzhi responded with six dots: I’m not really his fan, so there’s nothing to be excited about.

Luo Luli shook her head, saying, “Teacher, you’re no fun.”

However, on the plane to Shenzhen, Luo Luli tilted her head and slept soundly, while Song Fuzhi, in the slightly bumpy cabin, lay awake with his eyes closed, feeling his heart gradually accelerating.

To meet Professor Octopus in person, claiming to be calm, was false.

Even though he had seen so many photos and clips of him, Song Fuzhi still found it hard to imagine what he looked like in person.

Everything in reality is tangible; how much taller is he than me? What does his voice sound like? Will he speak to me in a low, magnetic voice during a close-up signing session? If I have the privilege of shaking hands with him, I’ll probably feel the warmth and strength of his slightly warm palm.

The flight attendants began announcing that the plane was about to descend; they were getting closer to Shenzhen and closer to the anime convention.

For some reason, Song Fuzhi felt nervous excitement, akin to feeling both near home and timid.

The plane landed smoothly, and Luo Luli woke up leisurely, pulling Song Fuzhi off the plane and pledging, “Tomorrow, sis, I will show you around the anime convention!”

Early the next morning, Luo Luli got up, did her makeup, and dressed up. With delicate makeup and lively features, she looked like a college student without a doubt.

Song Fuzhi, in the next room, chose a colorful short-sleeved shirt, loose shorts, and a pair of white sneakers. Already naturally handsome, this made him appear much younger.

Upon seeing him, Luo Luli whistled and casually draped her arm over his shoulder. “Little junior, quite handsome.”

Song Fuzhi feigned surprise: “Little sister, you didn’t finish high school and came to the anime convention?”

“This is the summer homework assigned by the teacher.” Luo Luli improvised, smiling mischievously, lifting Song Fuzhi’s left hand and pointing to his ring.

“Hey, junior, you’re married, and yet you came here to see other handsome guys. Will your husband be jealous?” she teased.

Song Fuzhi chuckled, “My husband happens to have something these days.”

Before departing, Song Fuzhi had thought about whether to inform Shi Zhang of his itinerary, considering that he would be going to another city. However, before Song Fuzhi could find him, Shi Zhang had messaged him, saying he would be on a business trip for a few days. Song Fuzhi replied with a simple “okay.” Now he didn’t need to ask for permission; each had their own affairs.

Luo Luli teased Song Fuzhi, raising her eyebrows, “What’s up with your husband?”

Song Fuzhi shrugged, “Probably something related to a university seminar or such. Professors are probably busy even during the summer break.”

Luo Luli clicked her tongue twice: “Your husband is researching for the advancement of human science, and you’re secretly looking at muscle guys here. Oh my.”

“Come on,” Song Fuzhi laughed. “Why do you make it sound so immoral? I’m not cheating.”

“Do you two have any rules?” Luo Luli laughed heartily. “I think you’re leading quite a free and modern marriage, each doing your own thing. Trendy.”

Finally, she gave a thumbs up, saying, “I think it’s like that.”

As they chatted, they arrived at the anime convention venue. Even while waiting in line, Song Fuzhi felt a gust of youthful excitement.

These younger brothers and sisters were truly fresh.

The meet-and-greet with Octopus Teacher was in the afternoon, and it was still early. Luo Luli planned to go to another event, and since Song Fuzhi had nothing else to do, he decided to go along.

A considerable crowd had already gathered below the stage. Song Fuzhi saw two people standing on top, the slightly shorter guy having a cute baby face, and the man beside him wearing an open-collar suit, looking tall and straight.

The young man tilted his head, seemingly wanting to say something to him, and he immediately bent down, leaning in naturally.

Luo Luli introduced them to Song Fuzhi in a hushed voice: “Coser Huya, a cute guy. Do you know him?”

These pretty young male cosplayers weren’t Song Fuzhi’s type. He shook his head and said, “Don’t follow it often.”

“And the one next to him, Balls, Dàn Losh, the artist.”

“Ah,” Song Fuzhi responded, a bit surprised. “I didn’t expect him to be like this.”

“Like what?” Luo Luli squinted her eyes, smiling as she continued, “Didn’t expect the great artist to be so handsome, right?”

Song Fuzhi couldn’t deny that: “Indeed, quite handsome.”

Luo Luli threw another life-threatening question at him: “Is he your type?”

Song Fuzhi playfully responded, “In my heart, there’s only Octopus Consort.”

He then pointed to the stage and asked, “And those two, are they a couple?”

Surprised, Luo Luli said, “Are you so keen-eyed?”

It was quite obvious.

The chest of the artist was clearly marked with bite marks, and he didn’t bother to cover them, as if afraid the whole world wouldn’t see.

Young people these days are really shameless, open, and straightforward. Song Fuzhi could only admire them.

After waiting for a while, Luo Luli finally got the chance to see them up close. She chatted with them for quite some time before turning to Song Fuzhi, saying, “Auntie wishes you a happy hundred years together.”

The pretty young cosplayer widened his eyes and said, “I… I think you’re about the same age as me.”

“Hey, our words are really sweet.” Luo Luli made a heart gesture.

 Continuing her talk, she turned serious and said, “You guys must not follow the example of the next-door Octopus. Once you’re married, don’t retire from the fandom! After getting married, you should use small whips to encourage each other to produce works.”

Perhaps hearing a certain word, the young man’s face blushed instantly. The artist in the suit next to him comfortingly rubbed his arm, softly “Hmm”ed, and said to Luo Luli, “Yes, we will.”

While waiting for Luo Luli at the booth, Song Fuzhi watched the cosplayer and the artist with close and intimate cooperation, blending the recklessness and shyness unique to young people. His thoughts drifted away.

What is the probability of two like-minded people coming together?

probably one of the most sought-after things in the world.