Gu Xinchuan made several calls, but Song Yi didn’t answer any of them and only sent a message back saying he was busy.

He didn’t know what was going on with Gu Xinchuan and didn’t want to deal with it; he could barely sort out his own matters and had no energy to get entangled with Gu Xinchuan.

When he got home, Song Yi took a shower and then dug out an old photo album from the back of the cabinet. He carefully laid it on the bed and opened it, revealing a group photo tucked inside.

The picture was taken during their spring outing in their first year of high school. The boys were all smiles in the warmth of spring, except for Song Yi, who sat on the grass with a frown. Shen Li sat next to him, and at the moment the camera clicked, he gently squeezed Song Yi’s hand from behind.

It was their little secret, known only to the two of them.

At that time, his father was seriously ill, and family matters were in disarray. The medical treatment required a lot of money—more than Song Yi could fathom at that age. Zhao Hongyan discussed with relatives the possibility of giving up treatment to save money for their survival as a single mother and son. Song Yi firmly disagreed, and for the first time, Zhao Hongyan hit him in anger.

It was during this crisis that Shen Li stepped in, generously providing 50,000 yuan for the medical expenses, relieving the urgent burden on the Song family.

Although Song Yi’s father eventually passed away, he would always remember Shen Li’s kindness. For this timely help, he would go through fire and water for Shen Li without hesitation.

Before this, Song Yi had only admired Shen Li’s appearance, a youthful infatuation typical of adolescence, but after that moment, Shen Li became irreplaceable in Song Yi’s heart. This feeling, mingled with gratitude and affection, was particularly strong and resolute.

However, time has passed, and when Shen Li kissed him today, Song Yi felt nothing—his heart remained calm, devoid of any emotional turbulence.

He had always believed in being serious about relationships: liking someone meant liking them, plain and simple; not liking someone meant just that—no muddy waters. He had done well in this regard.

Yet when it came to Shen Li, the omega who had once come to his rescue, even though his feelings had faded, he still couldn’t help but want to care for and protect Shen Li, hoping to see him happy.

He needed time to let go of Shen Li and bid farewell to this unfulfilled relationship.

Song Yi’s next job at a studio hadn’t been confirmed yet, but his former drama teacher had offered him a lifeline. This teacher was a prominent figure in the theater world, highly experienced and skilled with countless acclaimed actors among his former students.

This time, a prestigious acting workshop in the United States was seeking to recruit several Chinese actors to promote political correctness. Luckily, Song Yi’s teacher had connections and recommended a list of candidates that included Song Yi’s name.

In such programs, honing acting skills was important, but even more crucial was the opportunity to connect with producers and expand one’s network. Completing the workshop could significantly elevate one’s status, making it an excellent opportunity.

Song Yi asked his teacher to keep an eye on updates regarding the workshop, so he could be ready to attend the interviews at any moment.

On the day of Song Yi’s birthday, only a few people knew about it. When he was a child, he wanted to invite his classmates out for meals, but he couldn’t afford it and as he grew older, he simply forgot to celebrate. In the past, his birthdays were always spent with Song Jie by his side.

>>