Extra 1

As expected by many, the TV drama “Boundless Frost and Snow” that premiered on the first day of the lunar new year became a great success, marking an auspicious start to the new year.

The plot is compact, and the generous investment in costumes, makeup, and various special effects brings great satisfaction to the audience. The logic and acting skills are also top-notch, with the female lead delivering a remarkable performance and the male lead portraying his character without being despicable.

The portrayal of Shuangchi Zhenren by Lian Qing was especially remarkable. With a cold yet noble appearance, he perfectly balances the exterior coldness with internal warmth, creating a charming contrast. His deep affection and numerous sacrifices for the female lead make him the ideal partner that many girls yearn for.

While the likable character adds to the appeal, Lian Qing’s acting skills have also gained great recognition. Despite playing a character known for being cold, his performance is neither stiff nor contrived. Instead, his expressive eyes and subtle gestures, such as his conscious hand or foot movements, allow the audience to intuitively sense his inner thoughts without compromising the integrity of the character.

Especially in one particular scene of yearning and love, a single teardrop touches the hearts of all viewers. It has even been hailed as a classic by many book fans, proclaiming that this is the real-life Shuangchi Zhenren brought to life from the original work!

Many book fans and casual viewers who initially had doubts about Lian Qing have completely changed their perspective. As a result, Lian Qing has gained a wave of fans and is currently enjoying great popularity in the entertainment industry.

Even though his gay identity is almost confirmed, it hasn’t caused many fans to lose interest in him. On the contrary, they feel even more sympathetic and fond of him.

In this day and age, being gay is often more challenging than being heterosexual. The social and familial pressures they face are immense, which is why many gay individuals are afraid to come out. Although Lian Qing, as a public figure, hasn’t explicitly acknowledged his identity, it is widely accepted. In the eyes of many, this is already an incredibly courageous step compared to some stars who are afraid of losing fans and constantly emphasize their single status, even though they may already be secretly married.

At this moment, he, Yu Wenning, and their child are standing at the hotel entrance, facing numerous reporters who are asking about their relationship.

This time, he doesn’t remain silent. Instead, he smiles openly at the media and says, “Today is our sister Sha’s wedding. I hope that the media friends will prioritize her news. As for my personal life, I will accept an interview in a while. Thank you.”

After saying these words, he directly hugs their child and walks briskly into the hotel with Yu Wenning.

Shaman had previously mentioned on a travel variety show that she planned to get married in the coming spring, but she ended up getting married even before the lunar new year arrived.

She has many friends, so she invited many friends from the entertainment industry. When inviting Lian Qing, she specifically asked him to bring Yu Wenning and their child.

Upon entering the hotel, a waiter approaches and leads them to seats relatively close to the front. Most of the people sitting there are acquaintances of Lian Qing, including Director Li, Zhao Chengyi, and others.

Everyone chats and laughs together. During this time, Lian Qing notices that Zhao Chengyi and Bu Youmeng are sitting together and they look just like a couple in a passionate relationship.

In fact, this is not his imagination. Shaman is straightforward and dislikes overly elaborate things. Therefore, her wedding didn’t have a long, drawn-out ceremony. When a beautifully dressed

 woman appeared on stage, accompanied by a tall man, she applauded the guests with her characteristic hearty smile and said, “Enjoy the food and drinks, don’t be shy, ah!”

Shaman’s husband also smiled happily and said from the bottom of his heart, “Actually, I wanted to give her a dreamy wedding, but she found it troublesome, so…”

“You want to give me more work? If you want to, I won’t be willing to go through the hassle!” Shaman interrupts her husband, pinching his waist as she speaks.

“Ouch, I was wrong, my wife, please spare me!”

The guests burst into laughter, finding this couple incredibly amusing.

Only Bu Youmeng whispered to Zhao Chengyi, “Did Sha sister get pregnant?”

Not many girls would refuse a romantic wedding, even if it’s simple, but this simplicity seemed overly exaggerated.

Zhao Chengyi, who had been busy recently and unaware, looked at Lian Qing beside him with an inquiring look.

Lian Qing whispered, “It’s not yet three months. Sha sister said we can’t tell anyone except our studio members.”

After speaking, he looked inquisitively at Bu Youmeng.

Zhao Chengyi immediately understood and said, “Mengmeng is my girlfriend now, not an outsider.”

Bu Youmeng smiled at Lian Qing and said, “Little monk, I’ll invite you to our wedding at the end of the year!”

Lian Qing’s eyes immediately lit up, and he bowed to them, saying softly, “Congratulations, congratulations!”

Zhao Chengyi laughed so hard that his teeth couldn’t be seen, and he whispered, “Actually, we have to thank our program for this. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the chance to get to know her and develop feelings!”

Both of them were musicians, handsome and beautiful. The man was humorous and interesting, while the woman was gentle and caring, and they had many common interests. They had spent a lot of time together on the program and naturally developed feelings for each other. After the program ended, they started dating. Now, after just two months of dating, they were already planning to have a wedding at the end of the year.

Bu Youmeng also leaned over and whispered, “Yeah, that program was really our matchmaker! Little monk, why didn’t you participate in the subsequent recordings? It’s a shame without you and your big brother.”

Lian Qing smiled brightly, “Because I have someone already, I don’t need a matchmaker.”

As he spoke, he turned to look at his big brother. Yu Wenning, who was peeling shrimp for their child, coincidentally looked up, and their eyes met, both of them smiling radiantly.

Zhao Chengyi and Bu Youmeng: “…………” Can’t they show their affection a little more!

The informed people at the table all lowered their heads and chuckled.

The wedding was simple yet holy and romantic. When Sha sister prepared to throw the bouquet, Lian Qing overheard Bu Youmeng whispering to Zhao Chengyi, “We have to catch it, you know? It’s the newlyweds’ blessing. Once we catch it, our relationship will be long-lasting…”

Lian Qing’s ears perked up. Long-lasting if they catch it?!

He immediately signaled to his big brother, but Yu Wenning frowned and raised the child in his arms. The child was here, how could they snatch the bouquet!

With so many people around and the child being too small, Yu Wenning couldn’t put him down. Lian Qing could only turn disappointedly and fixate his gaze on the bouquet.

Sha sister had her back turned to them and soon shouted, “Three!”

Without a one or two, the bouquet flew into the crowd. Everyone immediately disregarded their image and went crazy, jumping and running, reaching out to grab the bouquet.

Lian Qing didn’t hold back either, he jumped up fiercely and slapped the bouquet in Yu Wenning’s direction.

Suddenly, a pair of small hands appeared in the air, steadily catching the bouquet.

All the people fighting over the bouquet: “…………”

The little monk who accidentally caught the bouquet blinked his big eyes and asked sincerely, “I caught the flowers, can I get married too?”

Lian Qing replied, “No, you don’t have a partner!”

Yu Wenning added, “Even if you have a partner, it’s not allowed. Getting married before the legal age is against the law!”

Everyone: “…………” Should they remind the parents that this child is only three years old?!

The bride and groom on the stage, as well as the spectators, were laughing uncontrollably.

Shaman’s wedding ended amidst the laughter and cheers of everyone.

After coming out of the venue, Yu Wenning went to the car ahead of time, while Lian Qing walked to the hotel entrance carrying the child. Coincidentally, he ran into an elderly couple who looked like grandparents and grandchildren.

He couldn’t help but take a few more glances at the woman, not because she was beautiful or had a great figure, but because she was Miss Xie, who had once crossed paths with Yu Wenning and pursued him.

As for the elderly person she was supporting, he felt a vague sense of familiarity, and the old person seemed somewhat excited upon seeing him. However, in reality, Lian Qing didn’t remember meeting this old person before.

He nodded slightly at the two of them, intending to walk past, but was stopped by Miss Xie.

“Mr. Lian Qing, can we talk for a moment?” the woman pleaded earnestly. “Give me a little time, please. Can you do that?”

Based on the melodramatic dramas Lian Qing had seen, whatever Miss Xie was about to say wouldn’t be something he wanted to hear. So, he straightforwardly said, “Sorry, someone is waiting for me, I have to go.”

As he spoke, he was about to turn and leave, but Miss Xie held onto his sleeve.

She whispered to him, “Can you please ask Mr. Yu to spare the Zhao family? Second cousin-in-law has already turned himself in; he knows he was wrong. The Zhao family is on the verge of bankruptcy… Can you please ask him to spare the Zhao family?”

Lian Qing looked at her inexplicably, his eyebrows slightly furrowing. “Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I don’t know any Zhao family. If you have something to say, you can talk to him directly, there’s no need for me to relay the message. Goodbye.”

With that, he turned and quickly walked away. Faintly, he could still hear Miss Xie’s frustrated voice behind him, as well as the comforting words from the elderly person saying, “Forget it, forget it, we have wronged him.” or something along those lines.

He pursed his lips unhappily. Was this person someone who had done something wrong to his big brother in the past? Since they had done something to wrong his big brother, how could they have the audacity to ask him for mercy?

The child whispered in his ear, “Shixiong, that old grandpa seems a bit like you.”

Lian Qing replied irritably, “He’s nothing like me. He’s not as good-looking as I am.”

“He’s not as good-looking…” But he does resemble you a bit. The little child scratched his head, unable to describe it clearly, so he decided not to say anything.

After angrily sitting in Yu Wenning’s car, Lian Qing spoke about Miss Xie’s matter and his inner thoughts.

Only then did he notice that Yu Wenning’s expression was somewhat strange, appearing both amused and helpless. Lian Qing asked curiously, “What’s wrong, Big Brother? Did I say something wrong? Since they did something to harm you, it’s only natural for you to seek revenge. They shouldn’t come begging for mercy, shouldn’t they?”

If it were other matters, he might still be able to maintain the attitude of a “compassionate monk.” But now he was no longer a monk, and it was his big brother who had been mistreated. He couldn’t find any compassion in himself.

“You’re right,” Yu Wenning answered, seemingly reluctant. After a moment of silence, he asked slowly, “Lian Qing, do you… want to find your relatives?”

Lian Qing looked at him inexplicably, “Why would I want to find my relatives? I have all of you, and that’s enough for me.”

He wasn’t saying this casually; it was something he had considered a long time ago. Perhaps when he was younger, he had such thoughts when he was teased by classmates. But as he grew older, those thoughts gradually disappeared.

In the past, he had a Shifu who treated him like a son. And now he had a lover and a little junior disciple. If one day he truly found his biological parents, those people might want him to go back, to leave his Shifu and junior disciple behind, or they might even oppose his relationship with Yu Wenning…

Instead of dealing with all the possible worries, it was better not to start searching in the first place. Furthermore, perhaps he was abandoned by his parents themselves? Or maybe his parents were no longer alive? Perhaps they already had other children, a whole new family…

Regardless of the outcome, it wouldn’t be a good one for him. He also couldn’t shout “Mom” and “Dad” to strangers, let alone hurt his Shifu’s feelings because of it.

The little child also hugged his Shixiong and muttered, “I don’t want parents either. I have my Shixiong, my Shifu, and Yu brother. That’s enough.”

“It’s not just enough, you’re more than enough.” Lian Qing tapped the little one’s head. Compared to his own childhood, the little child was much happier.

Back then, he only had his Shifu, but the little child had the three of them as a family!

The little child giggled and buried his head in his Shixiong’s embrace.

Through the rearview mirror, Yu Wenning watched this scene and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.

They had each other, and that was enough.

When they returned home, outside the villa, they saw Cai Jingfeng dragging a suitcase and another tall, burly man.

Lian Qing instantly became as happy as a child and rushed over to embrace Cai Jingfeng. But just as he hugged him for a moment, he was separated by the young man next to Cai Jingfeng.

“No hugging, can’t we just shake hands?” The man’s face was full of jealousy.

Cai Jingfeng felt somewhat embarrassed and pulled him aside, then introduced, “This is my… friend whom I met abroad, He Yuan.”

“Boyfriend!” the man emphasized.

Before he could finish his words, he was glared at by Cai Jingfeng, and the man could only close his mouth meekly.

Lian Qing was filled with question marks, but he couldn’t say anything in front of He Yuan, so he chose to open the door and welcome them inside.

Cai Jingfeng had previously mentioned going abroad to research a project and had been away for a long time. He hadn’t gone anywhere after returning and had come directly to Lian Qing’s new residence, bringing along He Yuan, who clung to him persistently.

Taking advantage of the opportunity while He Yuan was using the restroom, Lian Qing finally seized the chance. He first exchanged a glance with Yu Wenning, who looked somewhat uneasy as he glanced at Cai Jingfeng. Then, seemingly reluctant, Yu Wenning picked up Lian Sang Xiao Heshang and took him outside to play.

With no one else in the living room, Lian Qing asked, “What’s the deal with that person? Are you two a couple?”

Cai Jingfeng shook his head, “No, he’s just a professor I met when I was researching abroad.”

“He became a professor at such a young age? That’s impressive…” Lian Qing sighed, realizing he seemed to have quite a few young and talented people around him. His big brother was one, Zhao Cheng and Sha Man were another pair, and now this He Yuan, who looked about the same age as his big brother.

“He’s alright…” Cai Jingfeng reluctantly replied.

“So, he likes you?”

“Mm-hmm,” Cai Jingfeng nodded.

“He’s pursuing you?”

“Yes,” Cai Jingfeng nodded again.

“But do you like him too?”

“Mm… Mm?” Cai Jingfeng’s nod came to a halt halfway, and he looked at Lian Qing, thought for a moment, and said, “No, I don’t like him.”

“But you have a good impression of him,” Lian Qing asserted decisively. “You hesitated just now.”

A slightly bitter curve appeared at the corner of Cai Jingfeng’s lips. Did he have a good impression? Perhaps.

In order to let go of his feelings for Lian Qing as soon as possible, he participated in a research project abroad after returning to school, intending to wholeheartedly focus on studying and researching.

But unexpectedly, he met Professor He Yuan. Moreover, after getting along for half a month, this person inexplicably confessed to him, and afterward, he persisted in pursuing him.

After spending two months together day and night, He Yuan’s thoughtfulness, humor, knowledge, and more truly touched Cai Jingfeng’s heart. However, it couldn’t be called liking.

He knew very well in his heart that the additional feelings for Lian Qing, beyond their brotherly relationship, hadn’t completely dissipated.

“Maybe… maybe, with a little more time, I might come to like him.”

Cai Jingfeng spoke with uncertainty. Emotions were something that couldn’t be fully controlled.

“I think he’s a decent person, just a bit jealous. Even if you hug your buddies, he gets jealous,” Lian Qing said, rubbing his chin. His instincts were usually accurate, and He Yuan seemed reliable. But he never expected that his good friend would also be swayed.

Cai Jingfeng just smiled and didn’t explain. Lian Qing never knew that he liked him, and he had always treated him as just a buddy. Let him continue thinking that way, and in the future, he would also treat him as just a buddy…

Upon hearing the sound of the bathroom door opening, Cai Jingfeng smoothly changed the subject, “By the way, it seems like your fans have guessed the relationship between you and Mr. Yu. Is it okay?”

Lian Qing shrugged, “Do I look like someone who has a relationship?”

“Not at all,” Cai Jingfeng said, “You really benefited from those discussions about the freedom of celebrity relationships and that keyboard warrior topic. Otherwise, you would have been heavily criticized.”

“Yeah…” Lian Qing couldn’t help but sigh. He said, “In a few days, I plan to do a small interview. By then, I’ll probably officially announce my relationship with my big brother.”

Cai Jingfeng’s spirit seemed somewhat absent for a moment. After a while, he slowly said, “Then… I wish you both happiness.”

“I also wish you happiness, Cai Tou,” Lian Qing patted his shoulder and smiled. “You’re my closest buddy, so take care!”

“I know, you silly monk!”

…

A few days later, Cai Jingfeng saw the interview that Lian Qing had mentioned online.

In the interview, Lian Qing smiled warmly and openly said, “Yes, my partner is Yu Wenning, a man. We have a great relationship, and my Shifu and junior apprentice have accepted him as a true family member.”

“If, and I mean if, fans or anyone else wants to criticize, then criticize me. But I hope they won’t criticize my family, including my partner. They are the most important and beloved people in my life.”

Watching Lian Qing’s earnest and resolute face on the screen, Cai Jingfeng couldn’t help but smile. As he continued to smile, his eyes slowly reddened.

He Yuan’s voice came from behind, “If you want to cry, go ahead and cry.”

Cai Jingfeng shook his head and whispered, “I’m just saying goodbye to my first love…”

Farewell, my first love.

……..

After the interview announcing their relationship was released, the fans, who were already mentally prepared, surprisingly hardly unfollowed. Everyone had long assumed they were a couple, and now it was just a confirmation of the obvious.

However, Lian Qing didn’t expect that his Weibo would be flooded with debates about whether the “little monk” was a top or bottom. Unfortunately, he couldn’t answer that question, so he could only feign ignorance. But that’s a story for later.

At this moment, he was editing a Weibo post.

[Lian Qing Monk v: A family, the most important thing is to be neat and happy. #Photo#]

The photo was taken during the Chinese New Year. Lian Qing’s Shifu sat in an old armchair, cradling the little monk in his arms. Standing behind them were Lian Qing and Yu Wenning, both with a tall and upright posture.

A family of four, all wearing radiant smiles.