“Pfft—”

“Hahahahahaha—”

A group of people couldn’t help but laugh, even Zhang Mao and the photographers couldn’t contain their amusement.

The butler froze for a moment, thinking he had said something wrong. In his awkwardness, Fu Shicang quickly walked up to him: “It’s alright, Uncle Fang, my friend is just joking.”

Upon learning that someone had anticipated what he was about to say, Uncle Fang, with a curious expression, grabbed An Leyan’s hand: “This child looks so smart, and he seems to have some connection with us. Later, Uncle Fang will give you a little gift as a token of our meeting.”

An Leyan, feeling embarrassed, didn’t know what to say and just nodded casually. The meeting gift wasn’t something he really cared about.

After some pleasantries, Uncle Fang led the guests to tour the house.

Everyone knew about the car accident that happened in Fu Shicang’s family. This place was also where he had lived with his parents when he was young. To avoid triggering any emotional memories, no one dared to disturb him too much. They just took a quick tour of the house, satisfied their curiosity, and then returned to the lawn to begin the long-awaited picnic.

The butler, on the other hand, was full of enthusiasm. He hurriedly went out to buy supplies, planning to have the young master and his friends stay for dinner and spend the night.

The first season of the reality show was almost over, but Zhang Mao still felt like something was missing. After the butler’s repeated pleas, he found Fu Shicang: “What do you think?”

“I have no objections.” Fu Shicang shrugged indifferently. “A change of environment isn’t bad. There’s not much difference between being here or at the villa.”

After a pause, he added in a warm tone, “It’s been a while since anyone’s visited. Uncle Fang’s hospitality is probably not so easy to extinguish. He’s older now, and if Director Zhang is willing to take care of his emotions, I thank you on his behalf.”

Zhang Mao: “.”

This kid, you’re just afraid there won’t be a chance to show off, so you’re using Uncle Fang to keep people around, huh?

Things were quickly settled. When the guests heard that they would be staying at the estate tonight, they genuinely became excited.

Dinner was held outdoors. The butler enthusiastically had the largest oak dining table in the restaurant moved outside, brought out a set of exquisite tableware, and had several beautiful garden lamps placed around the table.

As night fell, everything was ready. The butler stood at the entrance of the living room: “Young master, dinner is ready.”

“I have a feeling,” Mu Wei said seriously, “Cinderella is about to make an appearance.”

“Not necessarily Cinderella,” An Leyan replied, “It might be a prince.”

The words were said without much thought, but the other guests all secretly looked over.

Indeed, at this banquet, the most eye-catching person was, after all, a little prince, wasn’t it?

A cool breeze blew through the garden, and the food smelled wonderful.

“Let’s have a drink,” Mu Wei suggested, “Such a nice atmosphere, we really can’t pass up a drink.”

The estate had its own wine cellar, and when the dusty red wine was brought to the table, everyone cheered.

Fu Shicang raised his glass: “Thank you all for visiting my humble abode. This is my favorite place, filled with my most beautiful memories…”

His gaze swept over the people at the table and finally stopped on An Leyan’s face: “Your arrival will also become one of those memories.”

Yes, your arrival is the boldest stroke in the picture of my life.

An Leyan raised his glass along with everyone else and took a sip of red wine.

He didn’t quite understand wine, but he found it rich and fragrant, tasting good.

“Leyan, thank you for today,” Yin Xin said as he raised his glass, “There are good memories in the amusement park, and I’ll remember them.”

“Who said it was good?” Anderson chimed in, “You didn’t even go to the haunted house. It was terrifying!”

Yin Xin, rarely flustered, countered seriously: “There was a haunted house, but there were also carousels. Didn’t you have good memories at the amusement park with Leyan?”

Anderson was left speechless, raising his glass with a laugh: “You’re right. Anyway, being out here having fun with everyone today makes me happy. I’ll drink to that!”

He drank the glass of red wine and then asked Mu Wei: “Mu, you own a bar, what do you think of this wine? Can we drink it next time at your place?”

Mu Wei laughed: “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? If my bar sold such good wine, I’d be out of business. Even if we weren’t making money, I wouldn’t dare list the price on the menu.”

He raised his glass, glancing at An Leyan through the glass: “Such good wine should be shared with close people.”

“Ah~~” The guests teased, “Mu, you’re so romantic!”

Mu Wei was unashamed: “When have I not been romantic?”

The atmosphere at the dinner table was just right, and Zhang Mao, who was attending the banquet, cleared his throat: “How about playing a game of truth or dare?”

“Huh?” Everyone froze.

“Director, be the one to play,” Mu Wei called out, “The last time at the opening ceremony, I think Leyan might still have some psychological trauma. Who would dare to play that again?”

Speaking of that truth or dare game, An Leyan couldn’t help but cough lightly, glancing at Fu Shicang across the table, only to find that he was looking back at him.

Under the romantic garden lights, the reflection from his glasses made it hard to see Fu Shicang’s expression, but just thinking about it made him feel awkward.

Fu Shicang took a sip of red wine.

The truth or dare game was only a week ago. At that time, An Leyan in his eyes was still a clumsy child who sought attention, but now…

He lowered his gaze and smiled lightly. Fate was truly mysterious.

However… he was genuinely curious about what his true feelings were.

He put down his wine glass: “In that case, why don’t we all share our thoughts on this season of the reality show? I’ll go first. For me, it’s been an unexpected surprise.”

I never expected to gain anything here, and at first, I thought of the reality show only as a tool and work. But meeting you… that’s the greatest surprise.

“Surprise, because you gained a lot?” Mu Wei tilted his head.

Fu Shicang smiled elegantly: “I should say, it’s because I never expected to become friends with all of you. I used to think that once we were on a reality show, everyone would be adversaries.”

This remark caused everyone to laugh, but deep down, they all felt a bit of a connection.

When reality shows came up, people usually thought of intense competition, but now, everyone was having fun together, almost like old friends gathering.

“For me, I’d say it’s been a subtle change.” Mu Wei took a sip of wine. “My routine has changed, and my attitude towards life has shifted.”

He was trying, perhaps in his life, there could be something less cold and volatile.

“I guess I’m looking forward to it? I hope I’m using the right word,” Anderson laughed, “I came too late, but I’ll experience more next time.”

Yin Xin nodded: “For me, it’s enlightenment.”

He looked at everyone honestly: “I actually came here to experience emotions because some people have criticized my art as being skillful but lacking emotion. In this season, I’ve gained many emotional experiences I didn’t have before.”

“That’s great,” An Leyan raised his glass, “You will definitely gain even more.”

Facing Yin Xin was Nie Changxing, who put down his glass, thinking for a moment: “My feeling is: I’ve finally entered the world of people my age.”

He shrugged: “I’ve always lived in a world without people my age. I went to college too early, and my classmates were several years older than me. When they were busy dating, I was still a kid.”

He winked at An Leyan: “Thanks to you, I’m finally not the youngest, and it feels pretty fresh.”

“Hahahaha.” An Leyan laughed, realizing that being the scapegoat had its benefits. He got something out of it.

Next was Bai Jingchen, who was rubbing his temple in frustration: “I guess I’m still struggling.”

My heart has always been with Brother Fu, he secretly glanced at Fu Shicang, but why… does my gaze keep falling on An Leyan?

Finally, it was An Leyan’s turn. He thought for a moment: “I think… my feeling is—satisfaction.”

Satisfaction?

For a moment, everyone’s gaze turned tense, and even Zhang Mao couldn’t help but sit up straighter.

Everyone’s minds raced.

Satisfaction—did that mean he had found someone he liked? Did An Leyan have someone he liked?

Fu Shicang tightly gripped his wine glass.

Under the night sky, the reflection from the garden lights in his glasses sparkled, like his heartbeat—irregular and uncontrollable.

He opened his mouth, intending to ask casually, elegantly, and unbothered, but he realized he couldn’t even speak.

His throat felt like it was reduced to a single function—breathing.

He glanced around at the other guests, who were just as confused and nervous as he was.

Only Yin Xin remained blissfully unaware, breaking the silence: “Leyan, what’s your purpose in coming on the reality show?”

Zhang Maon, sitting at the end of the table, couldn’t help but mentally applaud.

“Great! At this point, any probing would seem deliberate. Only someone like Yin Xin, who is direct, can give An Leyi no time to react, forcing him to answer instinctively!”

An Leyi, however, smiled at Yin Xin: “I’m here to see handsome guys! Director Zhang was promoting that this season of ‘Delicious Connections’ is a feast for handsome men. How could I miss such an opportunity to see them up close?”

Hearing this answer, everyone was stunned. This… was probably an answer he had memorized beforehand! Did Director Zhang assign him an advertising task?

Zhang Maon: …

But Yin Xin asked again, “Do you have anyone you like?”

Damn!

Director Zhang might cry. If there’s anyone who can ask direct questions, it’s definitely Yin Xin!

An Leyi was caught off guard by the question and blurted out, “Like? I like each one of you.”

Yin Xin seemed like he wanted to ask more, but Fu Shicang raised his glass again: “That’s quite an unusual answer. Let’s toast to Xiaoyan’s love for everyone!”

The guests all raised their glasses, using the drinking motion to steady their nerves, and they slowly relaxed.

No one special is fine, they were all still on the same starting line. The second episode was about to start, and there would be no more work distractions, allowing them to spend every day together. As long as they stay active enough, there would always be a chance to move An Leyi.

The dinner atmosphere finally became harmonious. Half of the grand meal had been eaten, but the younger ones felt that the formal meal wasn’t enough fun, so Anderson took the lead in starting a BBQ.

On the hot summer night, everyone drank ice-cold beer and ate BBQ, adding a special flavor to the evening.

“Leyi, you have to try my cooking!” Anderson, slightly tipsy, handed over a big plate of grilled meat. “I can’t make Chinese dishes, but BBQ is definitely my specialty!”

An Leyi laughed as he took the plate: “Okay, okay, make more for everyone! I won’t be able to finish all this.”

“No problem! Grilled meat with beer, the best enjoyment on a summer night,” Mu Wei came over and clinked bottles with him. “Come, have a drink.”

An Leyi helplessly watched him finish half a bottle in one go and also took a big gulp from his own bottle.

In the amusement park next door, the night show was ongoing, with loud metal rock music, matching the lively atmosphere of the garden.

After calmly drinking another sip of beer, Fu Shicang adjusted his glasses and scanned the garden.

Yin Xin had already slumped over, and Nie Changxing was trying to help him back to his room, but Yin Xin strongly opposed it. With no other option, Nie Changxing called the butler, and the two of them helped him back.

Anderson and Mu Wei were chatting like old buddies, with Anderson, already drunk, mixing Chinese, English, and Italian in his speech, yet Mu Wei seemed to understand perfectly. Their “chicken and duck” talk flowed unusually smoothly.

Bai Jingchen, who couldn’t handle alcohol but still cared about his image, was blushing and fixing his hair, having already tried out eighteen or nineteen different poses.

Where was An Leyi?

The little coser had just been sitting beside him, laughing, and had mentioned something about going to the restroom?

Could he have collapsed somewhere in a corner?

Fu Shicang set down his bottle, gave a few instructions to the servant nearby, and walked towards the mansion.

The mansion was very quiet.

The music from the amusement park and the sounds from the garden were faintly cut off by the walls and glass, leaving only a blurry sound.

The clear sound of footsteps echoed against the smooth marble floors as Fu Shicang made his way around the first floor and then to the second. The room originally arranged for An Leyi had its door wide open, but it was empty.

Where is he? I still have questions to ask him.

I want to ask him.

He said just now that he likes everyone.

If the next question was: “What about Fu Shicang? Do you like him too?”

How would he answer?

Maybe he would seriously say: “Brother Cang is my idol, how could I not like him?”

When saying these things, would there be any other expression in little coser’s eyes besides admiration?

Fu Shicang lowered his gaze at his tightly clenched hands, smiling self-deprecatingly before slowly relaxing them.

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him. He seemed to suddenly know where An Leyi was.

The Fu family’s successive heads of household all shared the same aesthetic, treating the initial design of the Fu family’s mansion as a treasured heirloom. No matter where future generations built houses, the architectural style and garden design were almost identical.

In the dream, the place where that person was should be at the southeast corner of the mansion, which, from the angle of this house, was facing the artificial lake near the amusement park.

Fu Shicang hurried along the winding path in the garden, heading towards the lake.

In the sky, a crescent moon hung low, almost hidden by the stars.

The sound of splashing water drifted faintly, and Fu Shicang quickened his pace.

By a willow tree near the lake, a cicada chirped twice, then seemed to close its mouth as if worried about disturbing someone.

An Leyi’s thin figure stood quietly under the tree, seemingly staring at something.

Perhaps the sound of footsteps on the cobblestone path startled him. He abruptly turned around.

In the dim light, the little coser’s face was flushed, and he staggered a step towards Fu Shicang.

“Brother Cang—”

Fu Shicang heard his call, filled with weakness and fear, but also a hint of surprise and relief.

Then, An Leyi rushed over and threw himself into his arms, his voice already cracking with emotion:

“Brother Cang, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you for so long…”

A slight dampness soaked the front of his shirt, but it felt like it was burning his chest.

Fu Shicang raised his hand to hold him, smelling the faint scent of alcohol on him.

Mixed with the fragrance of fruit, it was a tantalizing aroma.

“How did you end up here?” He softened his voice, “You’re drunk, come with me…”

“I’m not drunk!” An Leyi suddenly pushed him away, angrily accusing, “You said you’d celebrate with me!”

He sniffed, his anger slightly waning: “But why couldn’t I find you?”

Celebrate?

The unfamiliar term made Fu Shicang furrow his brows.

Suddenly, like a flash of lightning across his mind, he recalled that night in the dream, the bustling crowd, the dazzling lights—was it a celebration?

His heart fluttered slightly. He took a couple of shallow breaths to steady his voice and gently asked: “Sorry, I forgot. You were celebrating my success, right?”

“Success…” An Leyi’s face showed a momentary sadness, but then he grinned, “No, it’s my success. It’s me!”

The young face displayed a hint of pride as he tugged at Fu Shicang’s clothes and looked up: “Brother Cang, I did it. Although I’m slow and it took a long time, I made it! It’s just… just…”

Fu Shicang watched him furrow his brow again and asked softly, “Just what?”

“It hurts so much…” An Leyi pouted, tears welling up in his eyes again, “My legs hurt, my shoulders hurt, my head hurts.”

He grabbed Fu Shicang’s hand and placed it on his side: “I fell here.”

Fu Shicang’s heart broke, and he gently rubbed his side: “Alright, alright. Brother Cang will rub it, and it won’t hurt anymore.”

“Mm, it doesn’t hurt anymore.” An Leyi, like a little kitten, tilted his head and gently nuzzled his clothes.

Fu Shicang cupped his face.

It was so hot, with a few tear stains wetting his fingers, but when he touched his temple, he felt something rough.

It seemed to be… the tape he used to adjust his eye shape.

Doesn’t it feel uncomfortable with the tape on like this?

Fu Shicang slowly moved his fingers and carefully peeled off the tape.

“Bang!”

In the neighboring amusement park, the fireworks show had just started.

The dazzling fireworks shot into the sky, bursting open in midair.

The young man was startled, trembling, and looked up at the sky.

His eyes, slightly tilted like petals, still held a trace of tears, reflecting the sky full of fireworks.

Fu Shicang’s heart ached, and he reached out to shield him from the blinding light.

An Leyi’s gaze slowly turned from the sky to Fu Shicang. Tears ran down his face, but he revealed a happy smile.

“I finally, found you.”