After Spring Festival, FTM’s five members continued individual activities as agreed.
This year marked FTM’s seventh anniversary. They planned to reunite every other year for album releases and concert tours, allowing more preparation time.
Mo Xun had just finished filming a movie and wasn’t rushing into new projects, being relatively free recently. Xu Baichuan got him a regular variety show guest spot. But Fang Yinnian began getting busy preparing his second solo album.
This album was again entirely written and composed by Fang Yinnian with the theme “Four Seasons”—10 songs from spring to winter, with musical styles matching the seasons.
The themed music album was distinctive. Fang Yinnian seriously completed song recording and MV filming. After months of work, the album officially launched during Labor Day holidays.
His first solo album had been free; the second digital album was priced at 25 yuan.
First-day sales in 24 hours exceeded 25 million yuan.
One month after launch, sales exceeded 50 million yuan.
Such impressive results amazed the industry.
Among Chinese independent singers, 50-million-yuan digital album sales definitely ranked at the top. No one expected Fang Yinnian, despite his idol background, to successfully transition to singer so young.
His first free album included “Chinese Good Songs” competition tracks, building solid fan bases while expanding national recognition.
His second paid album’s 50-million sales firmly established his position in Chinese music.
Mo Xun’s spy drama filmed last year also premiered this summer.
This niche genre work was initially unfavored by audiences.
However, Mo Xun’s superb acting, suspenseful plot developments, and shocking final revelation of the mastermind absolutely stunned first-wave cinema audiences, who unhesitatingly gave five-star reviews.
The film’s reputation gradually spread, even being called “the best spy film of the past decade” by many critics.
More curious audiences entered cinemas as countless organic recommendations appeared across platforms.
In the competitive summer season, Mo Xun’s “The Bourne Identity” emerged as a dark horse, earning 2.5 billion yuan box office to become the historical box office champion among spy films.
The industry completely respected Mo Xun’s script selection vision.
His first film “Witness” broke suspense genre box office records; his second “The Bourne Identity” became spy film box office history champion. After entering cinema with just two films as lead actor, his total box office exceeded 5 billion yuan.
This was simply incredible.
Some actors didn’t reach 5 billion yuan after dozens of films.
Mo Xun achieved in just two films what many actors took decades to accomplish?
Many film industry actors envied Mo Xun intensely, believing he was just “lucky.”
But those who’d actually seen his films knew Mo Xun relied on ability, not luck. Especially in “The Bourne Identity” where he played an underground party member—during torture scenes after capture, his entire body trembled with extremely detailed facial micro-expressions and peak muscle control, plus excellent eye acting.
When his comrade sacrificed, Mo Xun’s silent crying moved many audiences to tears.
Fang Yinnian nearly cried when attending the premiere.
Mo Xun’s crying scenes were powerfully affecting. The former film academy student who got headaches trying to squeeze out tears for crying scenes had greatly improved, now handling such scenes effortlessly.
Though cliquish film actors looked down on Mo Xun as this “young idol-background person,” his acting was noticed by more directors and producers in the industry.
After this film, Mo Xun received his first major-production sci-fi film lead role invitation. With his previous two high-grossing films’ audience foundation, his cinema career would only get smoother.
***
In the second half of the year, Mo Xun joined a crew for filming while Fang Yinnian decided to participate in Dongyang TV’s music competition show “The Vocal King.”
Among all music variety shows, “The Vocal King” had the highest national recognition and ratings, being the TOP music variety show with live vocal elimination-style singer competitions, featuring established singers who had made their mark in the music industry.
This was truly where “gods battled.”
The competition rules were brutal—every week, 7 singers participated in ranking battles, with audience votes determining positions. Seventh place was directly eliminated, with a new singer added next episode. Replacement singers only needed to avoid last place to stay, with bottom elimination continuing.
Additionally, every three episodes added a “challenge singer.”
Challenge singers performed last. If their votes reached the top three in that episode’s rankings, they “successfully challenged,” staying on stage while eliminating the second-to-last contestant.
If challenge singers performed poorly and couldn’t reach the top three, they failed the challenge and were immediately eliminated.
Dongyang TV’s “The Vocal King S4” Episode 4 competition site.
After several major singers finished performing, the host mysteriously announced: “Audience, don’t leave—today’s competition isn’t over! This episode welcomes a challenge singer!”
Livestream audiences eagerly anticipated.
“Who’s the challenge singer?”
“Without serious skills, who’d dare come to ‘The Vocal King’ stage?”
“Last season’s challenge singers were complete failures—none succeeded”
“With so many masters, reaching top three is very difficult”
“This season gathers gods—anyone daring to challenge has courage, I respect them as heroes~”
After whetting the audience’s appetite, the host loudly introduced: “Please welcome challenge singer—Fang Yinnian to perform!”
The center stage lift slowly rose.
A familiar figure in a white suit appeared before audiences.
—It really was Fang Yinnian!
The livestream was quickly flooded with bullet comments.
“FTM’s main vocalist?”
“Holy crap, he actually came to challenge The Vocal King—such courage~”
“Can idols join The Vocal King? Competing vocals with professional singers—isn’t this self-humiliation?”
“Fang Yinnian has the strongest vocals among idols with decent album results—don’t rush to mock!”
“I remember he won Chinese Good Songs champion—he has some ability”
“Looking forward to this episode’s challenge singer performance, optimistic about Fang Yinnian~”
The challenge difficulty lay in needing top three rankings to successfully stay.
On The Vocal King competitive stage, there were too many strong singers, including some veteran music industry figures. This episode had 8 people total including Fang Yinnian—ranking top 3 among 8 was extraordinarily difficult.
So today Fang Yinnian brought an extremely high-range classic song.
He actually covered veteran music king Luo Hua’s famous debut song “Flying.”
Clear vocals, extremely high range, smooth runs—Fang Yinnian sang through without a single wavering note, perfectly presenting this classic to live audiences.
When the final note fell, deafening cheers erupted.
Fang Yinnian smiled and bowed to the audience: “Thank you everyone. I’m challenge singer Fang Yinnian. I hope everyone will cast your precious votes to let me continue on this stage.”
25-year-old Fang Yinnian stood confidently on stage.
His voice remained clear and pure, his smile gentle and composed, without any nervousness.
He was very confident.
The audience graciously voted for him—good-looking people who sang beautifully easily captured hearts, especially with such perfect performance.
The host excitedly announced: “Congratulations to Fang Yinnian for ranking second in this episode’s competition—challenge successful! Let’s anticipate Yinnian’s future performances!”
#Fang Yinnian Challenge Success# trended on social media.
Countless netizens flooded the topic discussing Fang Yinnian’s voice, with forums opening several fan-hater battle threads.
“This season’s Vocal King is too weak—Fang Yinnian’s challenge reached second place?”
“Did live audiences vote with their feet?”
“People still mock Fang Yinnian’s vocals? Try singing his song first before talking”
“He hit high notes easily—hearing it live would be more shocking”
“Optimistic about Fang Yinnian—he’s among the top young male singers in Chinese music for vocals”
“Anticipating Yinnian winning Vocal King!”
“Fang Yinnian fans are shameless as always—talking about Vocal King when lasting three episodes would be impressive”
“This season gathers gods—whether he can reach finals is unknown”
The Vocal King stage required singers not to perform their own songs, truly testing singers’ abilities to handle different songs and vocal levels.
Fang Yinnian invited master Yu Ziluo to help select and arrange songs.
In subsequent episodes, Fang Yinnian’s performances were consistently noteworthy.
Episode 5 rankings: Fang Yinnian placed third.
Episode 6: First place.
Episode 7: Still stable in top three.
…
As the competition progressed, Fang Yinnian made several classic songs popular on The Vocal King stage.
More remarkably, regardless whose songs he covered, they carried distinct Fang Yinnian characteristics. Such strong-styled singers with highly recognizable voices were rare treasures in Chinese music.
Late November, “The Vocal King S4” finals.
Fang Yinnian brought out his most challenging technical showcase song.
On the finals stage, many singers made various small mistakes due to nervousness, but Fang Yinnian remained stable as if he’d swallowed a CD.
His clear voice cleansed all audiences’ ears.
Audiences moved by his singing cast precious votes for him.
In the finals’ two performance rounds, Fang Yinnian ranked first in round one and first in round two.
Like the “Chinese Good Songs” finals years ago—two first places, deserved champion!
The host excitedly announced: “Congratulations to singer Fang Yinnian for winning ‘The Vocal King S4’ championship! Let’s invite S3 champion, diva Xie Shiqi, to present Yinnian’s award!”
Xie Shiqi walked onto the main stage, handing the golden trophy to Fang Yinnian and taking the golden crown symbolizing “Vocal King” from the tray, carefully placing it on Fang Yinnian’s head.
Xie Shiqi smiled: “Yinnian, congratulations. You’re amazing.”
Fang Yinnian was too happy to know what to say.
He’d been Sister Shiqi’s fan in middle school. Now he’d also won Vocal King. The S3 Vocal King winner, his childhood idol, personally crowned him with music industry’s highest honor.
Forum haters who’d previously mocked Fang Yinnian collectively fell silent.
Meanwhile, Fang Yinnian’s fans and FTM group fans excitedly opened multiple celebration threads.
“Ahhh congratulations to Yinnian for winning S4 Vocal King~”
“Domestic entertainment’s first idol to successfully challenge and win Vocal King championship [thumbs up]”
“Our music group’s main vocalist is amazing!”
“Fans are so proud—anyone still mocking Yinnian should have their idol win Vocal King first before talking”
“Common knowledge: ‘The Vocal King’ has the highest ratings and value among music variety shows. Fang Yinnian won the S4 championship with Xie Shiqi personally crowning him—who disagrees? Deal with it~”
“Congratulations to Fang Yinnian for successfully transitioning from idol performer to powerhouse singer!”
“What’s the point of haters mocking? Yinnian sings beautifully~”
“How are FTM haters’ hearts? Mo Xun’s attending a film festival today—if he wins Best Actor, I worry haters will need emergency hospital treatment~”
Moments later, a forum post appeared:
“Double happiness—Vocal King and Best Actor meet at the peak!”
While Fang Yinnian participated in “The Vocal King S4” finals, Mo Xun coincidentally attended a film festival the same weekend, winning the “Best Actor” trophy in fierce competition.
His performance in “The Bourne Identity” was truly outstanding, moving countless audiences to tears. Combined with the film’s high box office breaking spy genre historical records, this “Best Actor” award was well-deserved.
#Fang Yinnian Vocal King S4 Champion#
#Mo Xun Film Festival Best Actor#
Both topics simultaneously topped trending with “explosive” tags.
FTM’s three teammates reposted congratulatory messages.
Fu Fei: “Congratulations Brother Nian for winning S4 Vocal King—Brother Nian is amazing!”
Fu Fei: “Congratulations Brother Mo for winning Best Actor—our Brother Mo is the best!”
Fu Fei: “How are my brothers all so incredible? Let me rub against, stick to, and hug you all for some luck~~”
Tan Junwen also reposted: “Yinnian is awesome!” “Brother Mo is awesome!”
Tang Che reposted: “Congratulations Yinnian.” “Congratulations Mo Xun.” “Double happiness brings extra joy.”
Today’s happiest people, besides FTM group fans, were MoFang CP fans.
As Fang Yinnian and Mo Xun’s individual topics topped trending, MoFang CP super topic successfully reached #1, with #MoFang# also rocketing into the main trending top ten.
CP fans were excitedly screaming.
“Vocal King × Best Actor—who could be more matched than them?”
“Wuwuwu my CP truly met at the peak~”
“Music industry’s new generation strongest male vocalist vs film industry’s new generation best male actor”
“Met at 18, experienced cyberbullying and disbandment lows, but ultimately overcame difficulties, escaped Sheng Yao’s control together, established a new company, reunited FTM, and won Vocal King + Best Actor on the same day~”
“What divine CP am I shipping?”
“This CP is truly godlike—no substitute exists in global entertainment, perfectly matched”
“Double happiness—isn’t that ‘xi[mfn]”囍” is the Chinese character for “double happiness” – it’s literally the character for happiness (喜) written twice side by side. This character is traditionally used in Chinese weddings and celebrations to symbolize joy and good fortune for couples.[/mfn]’?”
“Their trending topics snuggling together—rounding up, I’m considering them married”
“Hehe, I’ve already moved the civil affairs bureau here—you two figure it out~”
Mo Xun and Fang Yinnian looked at the boiling Weibo, feeling deeply moved.
Winning Vocal King and Best Actor on the same day seemed like destined fate.
In their youth, Mo Xun had always anticipated standing firm in film and television, while Fang Yinnian’s greatest dream was becoming a powerhouse singer.
Now they’d both achieved it.
Fang Yinnian held his most desired Vocal King crown, while Mo Xun clutched his long-dreamed-of Best Actor trophy.
At this moment, though attending separate celebration banquets, both urgently wanted to see each other.
Mo Xun was toasted by many film industry actors and directors but didn’t drink much, taking a red-eye flight back to Jiangzhou after the celebration. Fang Yinnian similarly rushed to the airport after dining with other singers post-competition.
Mo Xun arrived at the Jiangzhou villa at 2 AM.
Entering, he found lights on inside. With Xiao Fei, Tang Che, and Junwen all away, who could it be? Mo Xun’s heart raced as he followed the light, seeing a familiar figure.
Fang Yinnian was pouring water in the dining room.
Noticing footsteps, Fang Yinnian froze slightly, turning around as the man quickly approached, tightly embracing him.
The familiar embrace instantly filled Fang Yinnian’s heart with joy: “How did you get back too?”
Mo Xun tightened his arms, saying quietly: “Wanted to see you as soon as possible, so I rushed back overnight.”
Fang Yinnian’s eyes curved: “Me too.”
They still had such telepathy—without messaging each other, they’d both tacitly returned overnight to this place, wanting to see each other first.
Mo Xun lifted Fang Yinnian’s chin, passionately kissing him.
Fang Yinnian placed his glass on the table, gently embracing Mo Xun back while actively opening his mouth.
Mo Xun immediately explored inside, as if wanting to swallow him whole while conquering territory. A soft gasp escaped Fang Yinnian’s lips—this sound was like fuel on fire.
Mo Xun’s eyes darkened as he scooped him up horizontally.
With his body suddenly suspended, realizing what Mo Xun intended, Fang Yinnian’s ears heated as he quickly held his shoulders: “Mo Xun, put me down…”
Mo Xun didn’t put him down, directly carrying him via elevator to the third floor.
Being pressed onto the bed, Fang Yinnian’s face reddened: “You came back in the middle of the night just for this?”
Mo Xun gently kissed his lips: “Want you—going crazy with wanting.”
Fang Yinnian: “…”
Mo Xun looked into Fang Yinnian’s eyes, voice low and tender: “You won Vocal King, I won Best Actor—we’re so happy today. Don’t you think we should celebrate properly?”
Fang Yinnian said with a red face: “Celebrate in bed?”
Mo Xun asked shamelessly: “Can we?”
Fang Yinnian’s heart stirred, eyelashes trembling as he closed his eyes and embraced Mo Xun’s shoulders.
This action amounted to consent.
Mo Xun said he wanted him, going crazy with want—actually, he also missed Mo Xun greatly. Preparing for Vocal King competition, they hadn’t met for nearly three months.
He often dreamed of Mo Xun.
At 25, in the prime of youth with his beloved before him, how could he resist?
Mo Xun quickly stripped them both, carrying Fang Yinnian to the bathroom.
Having drunk some wine at tonight’s celebration (not drunk, just a few sips), alcohol’s stimulation made the man especially excited. Fang Yinnian was directly pressed in the bathtub for once.
Doing it in warm water felt fresh and thrilling. Water flowing over skin brought waves of shivers. Fang Yinnian’s body flushed red as Mo Xun carried him out and dried him with towels.
Mo Xun’s eyes were unusually deep as he pressed him against the sink for another round.
Fang Yinnian gripped the sink until his fingers went white.
The man was too passionate tonight—Fang Yinnian couldn’t handle it, saying with a red face: “Go… go to the bedroom…”
So Mo Xun directly turned him around, embracing him face-to-face, using both hands to lift Fang Yinnian’s hips while Fang Yinnian’s legs wrapped around his waist.
This intimate embrace made Fang Yinnian’s face nearly drip blood.
Mo Xun was definitely crazy tonight.
After being together, they’d done intimate things often, but he’d never seen Mo Xun so frantically wanting him, as if to tear him apart and completely devour him.
Fang Yinnian was exhausted by the man’s passionate attention.
He couldn’t count how many times Mo Xun took him.
From bathroom to bed, until dawn broke did Mo Xun finally calm down.
Fang Yinnian was too tired to move even his fingers.
Mo Xun satisfiedly kissed Fang Yinnian’s cheek, holding him in his arms while saying hoarsely: “Tired, right? Good, sleep—I’ll hold you while sleeping.”
Fang Yinnian softly hummed, peacefully sleeping in the man’s embrace.
***
The next day, Fang Yinnian slept until afternoon.
Last night they’d met at 2 AM, continuing until 5 AM before sleeping. Though Fang Yinnian ached all over, he felt unusually satisfied—Mo Xun had used passionate actions to show how much he loved and missed him.
Fang Yinnian truly felt it.
Opening his eyes to find both wearing comfortable couple pajamas with considerate medicine applied behind him, Fang Yinnian’s eyes curved slightly as he played with Mo Xun’s fingers.
Mo Xun grasped his hand back, interlocking fingers: “Awake?”
Fang Yinnian complained softly: “Mm. You were very excessive last night—I hurt all over now.”
Mo Xun chuckled: “Seeing you, I can’t help myself… I’m only like this with you.”
He nuzzled Fang Yinnian’s hair with his chin.
Such intimate gestures softened Fang Yinnian’s heart.
Actually he’d also enjoyed it—just last night was too intense, making his body unable to cope upon waking. Two days’ rest would fix it. No matter how intense, Mo Xun wouldn’t hurt him.
While thinking this, Mo Xun suddenly got out of bed, taking an exquisite box from the drawer.
Fang Yinnian was stunned, seeing Mo Xun kneel on one knee beside the bed, gently grasping his hand: “Yinnian, I want to formally propose to you. Will you marry me?”
Fang Yinnian: “…”
Mo Xun said tenderly: “Before, I was young with a just-starting career—I couldn’t guarantee giving you happiness. But now I’m confident I can make you happy.”
“I want to marry you. Since we can’t register domestically, we’ll register abroad.”
“I’m no longer satisfied being just your boyfriend.”
His gaze gentle and sincere, looking into Fang Yinnian’s eyes: “I love you. Yinnian, I love you very much.”
Fang Yinnian’s nose suddenly felt sour.
Domestic laws didn’t recognize same-sex marriage—in such environments, two men being together wasn’t easy.
They’d experienced many separations and reunions, ultimately unable to let go of their feelings for each other before boldly taking this step.
Now both had achieved success—new generation Vocal King and Best Actor. Their careers were increasingly stable, and their jointly-founded Sound Wave Entertainment developed smoothly.
Teammates and managers supported them.
Though not formally out to family, they could gradually persuade them.
Mo Xun wanted to marry him… Fang Yinnian had long committed to Mo Xun. Besides Mo Xun, he could never be with anyone else in this lifetime.
Mo Xun opened the red velvet box containing a pair of diamond rings, saying softly: “These are custom couple wedding rings I had designers make specially. Will you wear it?”
The rings were elegantly simple—a circle of small diamonds sparkling under light with M&F and F&M engraved inside, representing Mo Xun and Fang Yinnian.
Seeing these letters, Fang Yinnian’s heart filled with warmth.
Mo Xun had even prepared rings—what reason did he have to refuse?
Fang Yinnian actively extended his hand, smiling: “Put it on me.”
Mo Xun’s heart surged with joy as he quickly placed a ring on Fang Yinnian’s ring finger, then tightly embraced him, asking in his ear: “You really will marry me?”
Fang Yinnian nodded gently, saying with a red face: “You treated me like that last night and I didn’t object—if I don’t marry you, could I find someone else?”
Mo Xun laughed while ruffling his hair: “We’ll find opportunities to meet parents, then gradually plan the wedding.”
Fang Yinnian said softly: “Good.”
He’d never imagined dating a man, much less reaching marriage.
But now, gently embracing Mo Xun, he was truly happy.
He wanted to last long with this person.
From 18 to 25—eight years had passed in a blink. His feelings for Mo Xun hadn’t faded but grown deeper, even considering Mo Xun an inseparable part of his life.
Perhaps legendary “growing old together” could truly apply to them?
**
