Chapter 61: Two Birds with One Arrow

In a shocking scene, Jian Mingzhou was focused on something when he suddenly noticed Xiaoyu holding a phone and taking pictures out of the corner of his eye.

“What are you doing?” Jian Mingzhou asked.

Xiaoyu replied seriously, “This is for reasonable reference.”

Jian Mingzhou said, “Remember to share it with the group.”

“…” Xiaoyu blushed. “Of course.”

In a few words, the bicycle finally came to a stop in front of them!

He Lucheng elegantly stretched his leg and said, “Get off.”

Due to inertia, Xia Ye collided with He Lucheng’s back with a bang! Roses in his arms squeezed, and petals showered down.

Through the slowly falling roses, Jian Mingzhou and Xia Ye locked eyes.

There was a heavy resentment in Xia Ye’s eyes, like a vengeful spirit.

He gazed at Jian Mingzhou for two seconds, then turned his gaze to Xie Jing beside him and let out a sarcastic laugh. “Oh~ Little friend, why are you here?”

…Well, what do you think?

Jian Mingzhou sneered inwardly. Just as he was about to speak, Xie Jing’s voice came from beside him.

“Didn’t Editor Xia ask me to come and see a man?” Xie Jing casually glanced at the scene, his tone calm and natural. “It turns out, Cousin He gave you a ride back.”

“…”

Helucheng looked confused, turning his head. “Huh?”

Xia Ye choked on his words!

Jian Mingzhou marveled at Xie Jing’s natural talent for stabbing.

…

The weekend team-building event ended with Jian Mingzhou’s victory.

On Monday, it was back to work.

A stack of documents was piled on the desk.

Xia Ye flipped through the files and said to Jian Mingzhou, “The time for the animation promotion exhibition has come; it’s this weekend.”

Surprised, Jian Mingzhou asked, “Preparing so quickly?”

Xia Ye seemed puzzled. “Yes, it’s the most efficient one I’ve encountered.” He then closed the files with a swift motion. “But it’s a good thing.”

Jian Mingzhou nodded and pondered. Typically, after signing a copyright agreement, the other party decides everything from production to promotion. Their influence, whether in terms of cast, quality, or speed, was quite limited.

Considering the popularity of Xiaolu’s IP, it shouldn’t be arranged this prominently.

In his thoughts, the power of Bro belonging to Bro slowly emerged again.

Could it be?

Just as he was thinking, there was a knock on the door: bang!

Jian Mingzhou snapped out of his thoughts and saw Xia Ye with his arms crossed. “What are you thinking? I’m talking to you about the exhibition.”

He temporarily restrained his thoughts. “… What’s the matter?”

Xia Ye pushed up his glasses. “At the exhibition, both you and Teacher Xiaolu need to attend, and we’ll also shoot a promotional video. But in that case, your identity as a BL editor will…”

Jian Mingzhou paused for a moment, understanding.

He pursed his lips, and a faint smile appeared. “It’s okay, I don’t mind this kind of thing anymore.” The soft light coming through the window made his profile look calm.

Xia Ye was slightly stunned.

After a moment of silence, a hint of laughter wafted in the air: “Hmm~ now that both of you have boyfriends, what does liking BL matter?”

“…” Is it starting again?

Jian Mingzhou looked up, returning the jest, “If you envy it, go find one too.”

Xia Ye chuckled. “The only thing I love is my work.”

The familiar rhetoric entered his mind—

Jian Mingzhou pressed his lips, his eyes subtly flickering. “So, not only are we arch-enemies, but we also love rivals.”

“What?” Xia Ye was immediately on guard. “Ah!!!?”

–

The matter of the exhibition was settled.

But Jian Mingzhou had doubts in his heart.

He had wanted to ask Xie Jing last time, but he was interrupted by the “Lusen Parking Lot Incident” and didn’t get a chance to speak.

Today, when he returned home, he told Xie Jing about the exhibition.

“Xiao Jing, do you think Bro is behind this?”

The two of them were sitting on the sofa, and Xie Jing was swiping his phone on the side. “Hmm?”

“For something like this, it’s probably him.”

Jian Mingzhou thought to himself, “Then I’ll thank him in person when we meet next time.”

“No need.”

Xie Jing smiled, put down his phone, and hugged Jian Mingzhou’s waist, burying his face. His straight nose rubbed against Jian Mingzhou’s warm skin.

“This is what a good brother should do.”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou looked down. Is it an illusion, or does Xie Jing’s posture of kidnapping his father seem more and more skilled?

With his head buried, Xie Jing said again, “Do you have plans this weekend?”

He brought his thoughts back and said, “Hmm.”

Xie Jing seemed a bit dissatisfied. His lips moved, and his canine teeth lightly rubbed against Jian Mingzhou’s collarbone. A slight tremor rose from the lower back. Jian Mingzhou quickly held down the restless person.

“But after the promotional activities are over, I’ll be on vacation.”

He stopped in front of him. Xie Jing raised an eyebrow. “Vacation?”

His pitch-black eyes seemed to brighten a bit, and a hint of a smile appeared. “My training camp is also ending soon… I’ll have a vacation until mid-September.”

Jian Mingzhou was slightly stunned, his heartbeat quickening.

That means…

He met Xie Jing’s expectant gaze, and with a seemingly calm heartbeat, he said, “Then, do you want to go out when the time comes?”

“Didn’t we agree last time that we could go wherever you like?”

As he held his hand, Xie Jing leaned down and kissed his chest, lingering in the warm breath, openly happy.

“Uncle, it turns out you still remember.”

Tiny kisses landed on his neck and behind his ear.

Jian Mingzhou grabbed the person’s dog head, tilting his head to dissipate heat. After all, the tone was so dangerous back then, it’s hard to forget…

…

The preparations for the promotional exhibition were proceeding vigorously.

Finally, on the weekend, it officially commenced.

On that day, both inside and outside the venue were filled with promotional posters, character standees, and LED screens playing.

On the decorated display stands were peripheral products and single volumes.

In addition to inviting Teacher Xiaolu and Jian Mingzhou, the organizer also invited the main voice actors.

The venue was bustling with people, and the atmosphere was lively and enthusiastic.

Jian Mingzhou greeted Xiaolu and the cooperating parties and then slipped away to the side.

Most of the attendees today were young girls.

He stood there, and the surrounding gazes all turned towards him. There were faint murmurs:

“Wow, look over there…”

“So handsome! Why is he standing alone? Is he a staff member?”

“Maybe he’s a cosplayer! But I’ve never seen this character before. Is it an original character from the animation?”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou felt his fingertips curling. Goddamn original character! He still lived in a three-dimensional world.

After a while, Xiaolu also came over.

She popped up in front of Jian Mingzhou, her face flushed. “Hey! Editor~, what are you doing here, attracting attention?”

Jian Mingzhou looked at her with a gentle expression.

With a start, she perked up, changing the topic lightly: “Ah… finally, we can take a break after the promotion ends.”

“What do you plan to do, Editor?”

“Travel.”

After Jian Mingzhou finished speaking, Xiaolu immediately looked at him teasingly. “Travel? For someone as lazy as you to move around… you’re actually going on a trip!” Her gaze gradually brightened.

“You seem a bit off, Editor.”

The bright gaze became even more intense, like an interrogation lamp.

Jian Mingzhou faced her gaze, thinking about how to change the topic, when the voice of the organizer interrupted them.

“Teachers, please come over here.”

The topic was interrupted, and he quickly urged, “Let’s go.”

“Ah.” Xiaolu regretfully gave up.

…

The VIP seats had already been arranged.

This promotional event was similar to a small press conference, introducing the creative team to the readers.

Jian Mingzhou, as the editor, was also invited to the stage.

As he walked to the front, a small wave of admiration rose from below. It was quickly suppressed.

He calmly sat in the VIP seat.

Everyone was present, and the cameras were in position.

The large promotional screen behind it opened with a bang! After the host finished the opening words, they began introducing the guests.

Jian Mingzhou’s seat was behind Xiaolu.

He sat there, and when the host continued, he suddenly paused. Turning his head, he saw the host staring at his lazy emoji for two seconds.

“…Mr. Ou!”

Xiaolu burst out laughing.

Jian Mingzhou shuddered, turning his head. “…Who is Mr. Ou again?”

–

The promotional exhibition was a great success.

This small episode was graciously overlooked by Jian Mingzhou.

On the afternoon of the second day, the organizer released the promotional video, quickly gaining widespread attention.

Discussions were lively on various platforms.

Jian Mingzhou was basking in the sun on a small sofa.

The lazy sunlight lazily fell onto the balcony, and Xie Jing also lounged nearby, holding a manga.

The two of them were peacefully enjoying the moment when their phones vibrated.

Jian Mingzhou opened it, and he saw a screenshot that Qian Qian sent to the department group, mentioning him.

[Qian Qian]: [Image] @Mingzhou

[Qian Qian]: Hahahaahahahaha!!

[Editor-in-Chief]: No surprises. [Knowing Smile]

“???”
Jian Mingzhou clicked on it, and it was a screenshot from the comments section:

[Ah ah, ah, ah, the editor is so handsome! And my favorite husband is also here! What kind of divine promotional exhibition is this? ]

[Help, help! Did the editor escape from the manga!? ]

[What is Mr. Ou hahaha!]

[Wait a minute! Sisters!! Isn’t this—follow the guide [Video—Handsome guy in the mortal realm · Part 3]]

[Is this my destined gentle and restrained celestial being O Ah Ah Ah!!!!!!]

… Damn!

The familiar circle invaded his eyes again.

Jian Mingzhou felt his breath hitch: … Why? Is the internet really so memorable!?

In the midst of suffocation, group chat messages kept popping up.

A group of curious and fearless lunatics were all excitedly rushing to the video to take real-time screenshots for him.

[Xiao Fu]: Deputy Editor, look quickly; it’s positive reviews! [Image]

[Turns out Mr. O is really O!]

[When the host mentioned Mr. O, OO seemed to twitch, so cute ah ah ah——]

[Is this the charm of contrasting cuteness? [Crazy oxygen absorption]]

…

Jian Mingzhou’s hand trembled as he scrolled through the comments.

These people! These people…!!

He was still immersed in trembling when an uncontrollable light laughter reached his ears. Suddenly, he snapped back to reality and turned his head to see that Xie Jing had leaned over at some point.

His long arm hung behind him, and Xie Jing looked down at his screen, saying, “Uncle.”

Jian Mingzhou was stunned for a second. Just as he was about to pretend that nothing had happened and close the phone, he suddenly remembered:

No, Xie Jing is now well-versed in this. Doesn’t that mean he understands everything!?

 That “O,” those marked and X-rated…

His face suddenly felt a burning heat, and he exited WeChat, following the video to the comment section to complain one by one.

Someone next to him seemed to chuckle and move away.

Jian Mingzhou clicked a few, then turned to see Xie Jing sitting next to him, also casually scrolling through the video. Jian Mingzhou blinked.

“Xiaojing, are you helping me click?” he asked.

Xie Jing replied with a low “Hmm?” and said, “No, I just don’t really like it.”

He said he didn’t like it, but he didn’t seem too upset. The corners of his mouth even lazily curled up, and his lowered eyelashes showed a hint of faint laughter.

Jian Mingzhou couldn’t help asking, “What don’t you like?”

Xie Jing lowered his head, moving his fingertips, and softly said, “It feels too explicit.”

“…”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly felt a rush of heat, his heart beating irregularly, and he tightly gripped the manga beside him.

The pages rustled lightly.

What is this? Saying it like this makes it even more explicit.

After filing complaints, Jian Mingzhou didn’t bother much. It was just a momentary vent, and those comments would sprout like mushrooms after rain anyway.

Unexpectedly, two days later, as soon as he returned home, his WeChat buzzed.

This time, Qianqian privately messaged him with an earth-shattering message: Damn!!

【Qianqian】: [Image]

Jian Mingzhou sat on the sofa and opened it to take a look.

Perhaps due to the high publicity this time, the target audience expanded beyond the second-dimensional circle. Strange elements were gradually mixed into the comments.

【Baby, same city? ［Cocking a finger］】

【Wow, a BL manga editor? I think I understand now [raised eyebrows and a smile]. Do you have a husband?】

【So the editor looks like this~ No wonder the copyrights for the animation were sold so quickly [only those in the know would know]】

Scrolling down, there were even more unsightly words mixed in.

Jian Mingzhou bit his lip, gripping the phone tightly.

He didn’t mind pure jokes in the second-dimensional circle, but comments with bias and malicious language, no matter where they were, disgusted him.

He replied to Qianqian, I’ll handle it.

Then he opened the chat with Xia Ye, sending screenshots and asking: Can you have the animation company block and delete comments under the video?

Xia Ye seemed annoyed. What the hell is this?

Then she replied, Wait, I’ll contact them.

It was already after work hours.

Jian Mingzhou sat on the sofa, reported a bit himself, and received a reply from Xia Ye.

【Chief Editor】: Contacted them. They can only delete comments under the official video, and they don’t have the authority to ban accounts.

【Chief Editor】: They can’t manage comments on other platforms.

After that, he cursed eloquently in Chinese.

Jian Mingzhou was replying when he heard the sound of the door closing from the entrance. Xie Jing called, “Uncle.”

He was immersed in messaging, giving a low “Hmm.”

Footsteps approached from behind, but he didn’t notice.

After a few seconds, the back of the sofa sank.

A pair of arms draped over his shoulders from the side, and Xie Jing’s somewhat cold voice fell by his ear.

“What is this?”

Jian Mingzhou was slightly surprised and turned around.

He saw Xie Jing’s side face without much expression, staring at the screen of his phone, his eyes darkening.

On the screen, there was exactly his conversation with Xiaye.

It also included several screenshots of comments, vaguely showing words like appointment, handsome, waist soft, etc.

Jian Mingzhou felt Xie Jing’s breath deepen; it seemed like he was suppressing some anger. Since he was still half-leaning on him, there was no eruption. Jian Mingzhou didn’t have time to deal with the comments; he quickly comforted him.

“It’s okay, Xiao Jing. The internet is like this; nobody will pay attention after a while.”

Xie Jing’s eyelashes lowered for a moment. “Leave it to me.”

“?”

He finished typing and looked at the door. Wait a minute, did Xie Jing deliberately…?

——A great dual-purpose act!