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It took Chi Yizhen a moment to process. It was evident from the live stream footage that his eyes widened visibly. Though unspoken, it was clear to everyone that the phrase he had swallowed was “Holy cow.”
【Let me be Brother Chi’s spokesperson – haha, holy cow!】
【SOS, can you say that?】
【It seems the older partner is still the most fierce! There’s a reason for everything. He’s usually so easily flustered, but occasionally he can make a decisive move.】
【The question is, why is the person saying this blushing? E God, do you realize this is a bit suggestive?】
【Actually, he’s learned from Chi Yizhen, hasn’t he?】
After He Tiao spoke, he regretted it a bit. Fortunately, the taxi arrived at the drop-off point, and they waited at the bus stop in the chilly wind.
There was a visible distance between them.
【Haha, you two, wake up! You’re a couple! What kind of talk is this?】
【Chi Yizhen, did you ever think you’d have a day like this?】
【Ah, it feels like watching my own son grow up… Why do I feel like I’ve become a mom in a variety show? Sob, sob.】
Surprisingly, it was Chi Yizhen who burst out laughing.
The bus stop was deserted at this hour, and Chi Yizhen and He Tiao stood apart, seemingly waiting for their respective buses. But the next moment, it was clear that something had changed because Chi Yizhen was now looking at He Tiao with a smile.
In the footage, his smile was radiant, exuding a youthful vibe that transcended his age, devoid of any embarrassment. It was more of an open response, as if his eyes held the answer, enticing He Tiao to reciprocate.
At first, He Tiao managed to keep his hands in his pockets, but after several seconds, he couldn’t resist. How could he possibly resist not looking at Chi Yizhen?
He Tiao said, “I checked, and the next bus won’t arrive for another ten minutes.”
Chi Yizhen responded with an “Oh,” and said, “Cousin, why don’t you stand next to me?”
Although he said this, he remained in place, almost as if he was waiting for He Tiao to take the bait.
Perhaps genuinely tired, Chi Yizhen, despite having had enough sleep, let out a yawn.
While many other celebrities might be conscious of their image, he seemed like an ordinary person one would encounter anywhere, yawning with teary eyes.
【He’s completely doing as he pleases, relying on his looks…】
【It seems like they’ve both started treating the camera crew as invisible.】
【Isn’t this just a typical scene of a couple ending their workday?】
【He Tiao, it’s not good if you have a stiffy for more than three seconds, right?】
After yawning, Chi Yizhen looked at He Tiao. He Tiao had lowered his head, and in the footage, his long windbreaker made him appear even taller, his figure standing out prominently against the backdrop of the bus stop.
Thankfully, Chi Yizhen’s casual attire didn’t look out of place when paired with He Tiao’s outfit, creating an oddly harmonious blend.
He Tiao took a step, a sidelong step, positioning himself right next to Chi Yizhen, within arm’s reach, as if ready to pull him into an embrace.
【So youthful.】
【Even when I was in school, I never had this…】
【How can they achieve such a pure yet intense couple dynamic?】
Chi Yizhen looked at He Tiao, who averted his gaze. Even the live stream audience could see that the closer He Tiao got, the more Chi Yizhen became engaged.
As expected, taking advantage of the lack of people around, Chi Yizhen smiled and asked He Tiao, “Do I have to do it that night before you’re willing to tell me the secret?”
He looked like he was seriously considering it, “Isn’t this a kind of transactional romance?”
【What kind of play is this?!!】
【Can I hear this on a live stream? SOS, it’s understandable why it requires real-name registration and ratings… Director Zhang, I salute you!】
He Tiao: “What?”
He was taken aback, but the next moment, he understood. Even in the dim light, under the bright station lights, Chi Yizhen and the audience could see him blushing.
He Tiao: “Do it?”
Chi Yizhen nodded, straightforwardly saying, “Isn’t that what you said?”
He Tiao made a sound of agreement.
The sound was too soft for Chi Yizhen to hear, but the live stream audience did.
Chi Yizhen: “What did you say?”
【I’m done for… No, I’m speechless…】
【Unbelievable, you’re not treating us like outsiders.】
He Tiao: “Then let’s shower together.”
This shocked Chi Yizhen. He let out a heavy “Ah!”
He Tiao looked somewhat pleased. His cold demeanor was immediately broken by a smile, and taking advantage of Chi Yizhen’s daze, he followed up, “Didn’t you promise me last time?”
Chi Yizhen: “Last time? How come I don’t know about last time?”
【I seriously suspect E God is talking nonsense… But!! I’m now holding my phone and sobbing.】
【Are you two going to argue all the way back? Don’t just kiss and make up on the roadside.】
Chi Yizhen: “Ah! The bus is here! I’m off!”
He Tiao followed behind him, “Why change the subject? Can’t I?”
The bus wasn’t crowded. Chi Yizhen purposely found a single seat, but unfortunately, there was a seat facing the opposite direction in front of it. He Tiao sat there, so Chi Yizhen couldn’t help but make eye contact with him.
【So dramatic.】
【Is this a scene from high school, leaving for home after evening self-study?】
【Sob, just thinking about Chi Chi’s high school years being completely ruined by that scoundrel Sheng Xin, I wish He Tiao was his classmate. Then it would have been such a beautiful campus romance!!】
【The woman next to them initially looked confused, and then her face suddenly lit up with understanding. It cracked me up!】
They were going to the terminal, just three stops away.
The surroundings were filled with slightly run-down urban areas, seemingly carrying the style of the late 20th century.
At this time, not many shops were open. As the camera shook with the bus’s motion, it almost seemed to capture the heartbeat of those making eye contact.
At least He Tiao appeared to be gazing, but in reality, he was a bit nervous. He had never really engaged in this kind of verbal teasing and felt somewhat embarrassed.
The bright station lights weren’t very bright, but they were enough for Chi Yizhen to see his blushing face clearly.
Chi Yizhen thought to himself: How can someone at 28 still be so innocent? It’s like having a limited edition pure-hearted virginity card that you might not even get after spending all your in-game currency.
The circle is too chaotic, and maintaining purity is too difficult. The twists and turns of adults’ lives can’t be openly discussed. Whether at banquets or evening parties, the undercurrents are always swirling.
Drinks must be constantly watched to prevent tampering, precautions must be taken for appointments, and even going out to buy something can lead to rumors in this day and age.
Chi Yizhen’s choice is to avoid socializing and be a completely dedicated otaku, enjoying solitude.
However, being alone can be lonely. Returning from a lively wrap party to an empty room, where a new game cartridge has just been completed, can feel desolate.
Completing a game may take over 500 hours.
He can stay up all night, engage in anonymous online communication, and give the impression of a grand presence.
But after it’s all over, when the novelty wears off, it’s the time to lay on the ground and clear the mind.
One would long for an embrace, for the presence of another person in the room, for a bit of banter and aimless conversation.
From the morning news to entertainment gossip and even to buying eight strawberries for fifty bucks, it’s all just absurd.
If he hadn’t experienced these longings, Chi Yizhen might not have started to panic.
However, he fulfilled these desires in just a week.
It’s about waiting together after finishing a modeling job, having the rare chance to lie in bed, and waking up to find He Tiao has already prepared a meal, setting the table in the narrow one-room apartment.
Many people online describe He Tiao as mysterious, aloof on live streams, and his former classmates say he’s a bit detached and never attends any social gatherings.
But Chi Yizhen distinctly feels the joy in He Tiao’s everyday life.
It’s the scallion flower in the vase on the table. Instead of buying it, He Tiao got a few small scallions from his grandmother downstairs by just asking.
Plants grow quickly, and emotions can grow just as wildly.
When the scallion flower bloomed, He Tiao cut the part that didn’t bloom. It became the finishing touch sprinkled on a morning bowl of noodles.
Thinking about it on his way to work on variety shows always brings a smile to Chi Yizhen’s face.
This is getting out of control.
Can I really completely disengage?
He Tiao is like the only limited edition card I unexpectedly obtained. Even if I’m short on money, I can’t bear to sell it.
Chi Yizhen has experienced the taste of poverty. Despite being able to make a living with his own hands and feet, once those days are over, he returns to that lonely routine. Every second he’s built up through work and gaming is shattered by the warmth that He Tiao brings.
He has become a thorough and complete yearner.
Why does it seem like it takes a twist of fate to meet this person?
If only he belonged to my world.
I wouldn’t be this destitute, at least I wouldn’t have to resort to appearing on variety shows for money.
I could pretend to be a player and play his game, teasing him anonymously in the live stream.
Fate really doesn’t make sense.
He Tiao can tell that Chi Yizhen is lost in thought. Even though they’re making eye contact, it seems like he’s fallen back into that lonely state that makes He Tiao ache for him.
But in the eyes of the live stream audience, these two have been locked in eye contact for two whole minutes!
【Help, I can’t believe I’m so engrossed in this non-static image.】
[“Wow, I totally agree with what the blogger said about Chi Yizhen exuding a sense of brokenness… It’s practically overflowing through the screen now, I feel like hugging him to death.”]
[“Hahaha, let E God hug him to death. This kind of uninhibited atmosphere is too exaggerated. I feel a bit embarrassed yet deeply moved, sniffle, sniffle.”]
He Hao’s fear of Chi Yizhen’s increasing distress grows. He reaches out and grabs Chi Yizhen’s hand, finding that it’s also quite cold. He simply holds Chi Yizhen’s hand with both of his, as if warming a child’s hands.
Chi Yizhen comes to his senses and looks down.
[“These hands are so well-matched, sniffle, sniffle.”]
[“I never thought that the one playing such a brutal game live would turn out to be a warm-hearted guy…”]
Chi Yizhen: “Is it always like this outside?”
His tone carries a natural affection, and after speaking, he glances at He Hao.
He thinks to himself: It’s only been a week and I’m already like this. There’s still two weeks left, I really can’t resist sleeping again…
Hold on.
I must.
He Tiao: “It’s like this at home, so of course it’s like this outside.”
He counters: “Do I make you feel embarrassed?”
“I’ve learned.”
[“Upon careful consideration, it’s a bit cheesy. I don’t know why it feels like a line from a male third party.”]
[“Laughing out loud, male third party is quite fitting, this kind of aloof and cool guy can only be the second male lead, right?!”]
Chi Yizhen shakes his head: “Of course not.”
He Tiao still lingers on that question: “So, should we take a bath together?”
When he spoke, he leaned in a little, and his voice lowered significantly.
The passengers couldn’t hear, but Chi Yizhen could. The sound effects in the live broadcast room were like a subwoofer-enhanced version.
[“If you take this sentence out of context, even a fool would know what it means, right?”]
[“Without a script, the performance has reached a point where it’s as clear as day… “]
[“Well, to be honest, other CPs are pretty much the same, very straightforward… But the problem is that Chi Yizhen needs the attention now, while He Tiao doesn’t, and he’s not an insider. It’s gone this far…”]
[“Ultimately, it’s just that He Tiao’s family background is a bit lacking. The difference between newly rich and old money is still quite significant. The Sheng family is watching so closely… If I were Chi Yizhen, I would want to refuse.”]
[“Sob, sob, but what should we do, Chi Chi!! The road ahead is really tough! Damn it, didn’t we give Sheng Xin a chance to fail?”]
[“Be optimistic! Even Wen Chanjuan has joined the program!! It’s bound to bring surprises!”]
[“I’m already fantasizing that He Tiao is Wen Chanjuan’s son, but it’s not likely to be that coincidental!! That would be a family ethics variety show.”]
The train has arrived at the station.
Chi Yizhen ran fast, and He Tiao didn’t expect this person to be able to evade to this extent, so he simply chased after him.
Chi Yizhen was finally caught up with on the stairs of the Apartment building.
He panted heavily, “Can’t you let me go for a moment?”
Dressed heavily for the winter, Chi Yizhen unwrapped his scarf and said as he walked up, “Just go wash, but I have to work tomorrow. Honey, you have to treat me… Oh my!”
He was directly carried upstairs on He Tiao’s shoulders.
[“Oh my… Forced love segment?”]
[“Chi Yizhen looks thin but he’s still a man. At this moment, I really think E God is a tough guy.”]
Chi Yizhen: “Are you crazy?!”
The apartment building had different routines; some people worked night shifts and came back late. There were also children who hadn’t slept at this time, returning with their working parents.
He Tiao carrying Chi Yizhen upstairs was simply too conspicuous.
This person, however, wasn’t even panting. Chi Yizhen struggled but could only lie flat, using the scarf to cover his face.
Passing children giggled, but He Tiao walked to their own door without changing his expression and asked Chi Yizhen, “Where’s the key?”
Chi Yizhen: “Don’t you have it?”
He Tiao: “It’s still inside.”
Chi Yizhen: “It’s in my pocket.”
Then he said, “Don’t touch! I’ll do it myself!”
[“My roommate asked me what good thing I’m watching…”]
[“So embarrassing…”]
After opening the door, He Tiao placed Chi Yizhen directly on the bed.
He squatted to change the other’s shoes, and Chi Yizhen still had the energy to tease He Tiao, “Aren’t we going to take a bath?”
He Tiao lowered his eyes, “You go first. You have to get up early for work tomorrow, right? I’ll see what breakfast I can make for you tomorrow.”
Chi Yizhen responded with an “Oh.”
[“What’s wrong, are you disappointed?”]
[“This feigned indifference trick is played well…”]