Chapter 40: Meeting the Parents

The routine tea meeting on Monday concluded.

A group of people headed back to the office, with Jian Mingzhou and Xia Ye trailing behind.

“Today is the day when Teacher Xiaolu’s solo volume is released. Remember to check the sales and send some encouraging messages.”

Jian Mingzhou, “Hmm, got it.”

“Her new work is doing well; there are ongoing business negotiations for animation adaptation.”

He suddenly looked at Jian Mingzhou and said, “Really!?”

Xia Ye snorted, “Excited?!”

“Of course, after all, it’s a work I’m responsible for.”

Jian Mingzhou happily turned back to the front. “Whether it’s publishing a solo volume, creating derivatives, or adapting into animation, it gives a sense of accomplishment.”

Xia Ye looked at him for a few seconds, adjusted his glasses, and chuckled, “Oh, enthusiasm.”

…

The two chatted as they returned to the office.

Jian Mingzhou was about to sit back at his desk when Xia Ye called him, “Come over and sign something first.”

“What do I need to sign?”

“The market feedback report from the recent Doujinshi exhibition is here.” Xia Ye placed the file on the table.

Jian Mingzhou walked over to take a look.

Black words on white paper flashed before his eyes, and suddenly his thoughts swayed: It was during this doujinshi exhibition that he lost his pseudonym, and Xie Jing pushed open the door to a new world.

Since then, things seem to have become subtly complicated…

Lost in thought, he suddenly felt a whisper in his ear:

“What are you reminiscing about?”

Damn! Jian Mingzhou snapped back.

He turned around and saw Xia Ye’s glasses reflecting light. “Reminiscing about your favorite Mr. Xueling? No, you just met him…”

“Then it must be Mr. Lao…right?” 

“…” Xia Ye was imagining something again.

Jian Mingzhou stared at him and said, “In commemoration of my Emperor’s new clothes.”

“?”

Without saying much, Jian Mingzhou was about to sign, but he realized that the pen had run out of ink. “Get me another pen.”

Xia Ye opened the drawer beside him.

The drawer was opened, revealing an exquisite gift box inside. Jian Mingzhou’s gaze fell on it. “…”

Isn’t this the return gift from He Luchen?

He fell silent for a moment. “Why haven’t you opened it yet?”

“Forgot.”

Jian Mingzhou looked at it for two seconds, then looked at Xia Ye.

Suddenly, with a considerate smile, he closed his eyes like he was appreciating something. “You open it; I’ll step aside. Just in case you open something extraordinary…”

He had just turned around when he was forcefully pulled back!

Xia Ye revealed a fierce light in his eyes, with veins bulging on the back of his hand.

“Give it back to me; watch me open it!”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou was experiencing being forced to eat his own words for the first time.

Just at the right moment, he was also curious about what Luchen had sent, so he graciously crouched down beside him.

The gift box was quickly opened with a few flicks.

The ribbon fell to the side, revealing a fountain pen inside.

Jian Mingzhou blinked. Surprisingly, it’s quite normal.

Normal, yet with He Luchen’s usual style, making it difficult for him to mock.

Just as he was contemplating, the tone of the voice next to him suddenly increased, “Is he provoking me?”

“…What?” He snapped back to reality.

Turning his head, Jian Mingzhou saw Xia Ye holding the paper at the bottom of the box, staring at it intently. “Here, a message: Loser.”

“…” Jian Mingzhou.

“Drop the prejudice; that’s his English name, Lusen.”

“…” Xia Ye, “Like this.”

Both of them fell silent for a few seconds.

The iridescent paper lay before their eyes, and Jian Mingzhou suddenly felt a subtle sensation.

This paper, this design. Somehow…

“I always feel a familiar sense of artificiality.” Xia Ye voiced his thoughts at the same time, looking at him.

Brainwaves connected in an instant.

Jian Mingzhou met his gaze and couldn’t help but say, “It seems like he slipped in a signed photo for you.”

“…He must be crazy,” Xia Ye replied.

—

Today was the day of the release of Xiaolu’s solo volume.

Jian Mingzhou finished work early and went to a nearby bookstore to take a look.

The bookstore was bustling with people, many stopping by the BL bookshelves. Displayed in the new release section was Xiaolu’s solo volume.

Some people bought three copies at once.

Jian Mingzhou, from a distance, thought, Good taste.

Remembering the rushed deadlines at Xiaolu’s house and now seeing the excellent sales, he sent her a congratulatory message:

【Mingzhou】: Xiaolu, Da Mai, congratulations! ^0^

The reply came quickly.

【ccXiaolu】: Thank you, Editor Zhou~

Just in time for a break from my deadline, I’m practicing slacking off with the materials you sent [Determined little bird!]

Jian Mingzhou felt content: No wonder Xiaolu is doing better and better; such diligence is commendable…

The next moment, a message popped up: [Image]

Opening it revealed a photo taken with Xie Jing when they went to the seafood restaurant. Facing the glass mirror, they deliberately enlarged themselves.

In the midst of a school of fish and ripples, Xie Jing’s hand was on his waist.

Jian Mingzhou, “…”

So, the material referred to him!

【ccXiaolu】: Don’t worry, after I finish coloring, I’ll send it to you together~ [Refreshing little bird winking]

He pressed the screen off. Still too idle, Xiaolu.

…

Ignoring the bunch of bird pictures the other party sent.

Jian Mingzhou returned home with a calm and peaceful heart.

As he entered, he saw Xie Jing sitting on the recliner, engrossed in reading a manga.

Accustomed to it, he walked over. “I’m back, little…”

As his gaze swept over him, he suddenly paused.

Jian Mingzhou looked at Xiaolu’s solo volume in Xie Jing’s hand and asked, Isn’t this released today?

The most tasteful one turned out to be Xie Jing.

But this book is very pure love. Jian Mingzhou didn’t pay much attention and was about to go back to his room when he suddenly heard a question from behind:

“Is Xiaolu your author, Uncle?”

“Hmm.”

After an instinctive agreement, he realized, “…How did you know?”

The editor’s name on the manga is omz, with his name abbreviated like a lazy emoticon.

Most people probably wouldn’t guess.

Xie Jing was flipping through the manga, smiling, “Oh… I seem to have seen a familiar plot.”

Jian Mingzhou was stunned. “What?”

Leaning lazily on the sofa, Xie Jing turned a page toward him. His slender fingers rested on the edge of the paper, and Jian Mingzhou’s gaze fell on the illustration:

Returning home in the middle of the night, alternating between attacking and receiving.

The key snapped in the lock with a click.

“…”

A thunderous sound echoed in his mind: How could I forget about this?!

His fingertip on the paper paused, and Xie Jing’s voice, with a smiling tone, reached him, “I remember it was after our first dinner together when we went home…”

Jian Mingzhou, holding back the warmth, stayed calm. “We almost got caught by the traffic police.”

Xie Jing fell silent for a moment and looked over.

Jian Mingzhou tilted his head slightly, feeling warmth in his ears.

The most embarrassing thing is not being discovered and used as material but unexpectedly being immersed in the roles of the manga’s attacker and receiver.

Moreover, he remembered the ending…

Just as he was thinking, he heard Xie Jing say, “And I really like the ending.”

Jian Mingzhou’s heart skipped a beat! He then saw Xie Jing, seemingly unaware, flipping to the last page.

“Watching the stars together feels very romantic.”

“…”

Xie Jing…! Do you know what you’re saying?

Jian Mingzhou’s chest buzzed, and for a moment, he couldn’t find the words to speak. Whether it was nervousness, embarrassment, or something else, even his breathing became a bit chaotic.

He didn’t say anything, and Xie Jing looked over.

Backlit by the sunlight behind him, his eyes seemed exceptionally bright.

Jian Mingzhou was caught off guard by his gaze and turned his head slightly.

Struggling to stay composed and searching for a conversation topic, the phone rang abruptly.

Buzz, buzz… Two times. Breaking the silence.

Seizing this opportunity, he said, “…Your phone.”

Xie Jing paused for a second and answered the call, “…Hello?”

The slightly tense atmosphere resumed its flow.

Jian Mingzhou sighed in relief and eased his mood.

Just as he adjusted his state, Xie Jing suddenly frowned, then stood up after ending the call.

“Uncle, my parents are here.”

“…?”

“They came to visit me and also to meet you.”

Damn it! Jian Mingzhou suddenly forgot about manga, materials, etc.His heartbeat was more intense than just now.

Xie Jing’s parents are here?

He quickly closed the manga with a snap, “Lift the ban.”

“…”

The two quickly moved the manga to the study.

Jian Mingzhou recalled what Xie Chi mentioned earlier: Xie Jing’s parents were not very close to him and were somewhat neglectful.

He glanced at Xie Jing tentatively. “Xiao Jing, what are your parents like?”

Xie Jing replied, “My mom is Boss He.”

He doubted if he misheard, “What?”

Xie Jing clarified, “My mom is Boss He. My dad doesn’t have to worry; he’s just an ordinary househusband.”

Jian Mingzhou listened with a dazed expression.

However, before he could ponder deeper, the doorbell rang.

As they had just finished moving the manga, Jian Mingzhou refocused himself, took a deep breath, and went to open the door.

As the door opened, a tall and elegant lady stood before him, with striking facial features and wavy hair falling gracefully behind her, exuding a refined and dignified temperament.

Jian Mingzhou held his breath for a moment. Indeed, very much like a boss!

Leaning on the doorframe, Xie Jing said, “Mom.”

“Hmm.” Xie Xiyun glanced at him, then shifted her gaze to Jian Mingzhou, extending her hand. “Mr. Jian, nice to meet you.”

Jian Mingzhou shook her hand, thoughts racing: What should he call her? The generational relationship was confusing, and a formal address seemed too proper! With his fingertips clenched, he hesitated before saying, “…Parent, hello.”

Next to him, a stifled laugh slipped out.

Leaning against the doorway, Xie Jing teased, “Is this a kindergarten, Uncle?”

Jian Mingzhou, “…”

Smiling, Xie Xiyun turned her attention back to Jian Mingzhou and pondered for a moment. Then, seemingly indifferent, she said, “And another parent is behind; please wait.”

She turned and shouted, full of vigor, “Lin Jinshi! Hurry up; is it so heavy to carry something?”

Accompanied by a series of clattering sounds, a somewhat familiar voice echoed in the corridor.

“Right away, wife… They are falling…”

Clattering sounds? … Falling??

In the next moment, a figure appeared at the door.

Around the age of forty to fifty, with mature and handsome features, wearing an exquisite suit, and polished leather shoes—

But with a bundle of tree branches around his waist.

Perhaps pursuing a stylish look while carrying a heavy load, he didn’t secure it well. It was dropping down with a series of clattering noises. It dropped right in front of the doorway.

“…”

Lin Jinshi looked up.

Jian Mingzhou unexpectedly made eye contact with him.

Memories of their encounter at Chunming Pavilion flashed through Jian Mingzhou’s mind.

In that split second of locking eyes, both of them simultaneously let out a crisp exclamation in their hearts: Damn.