Albert: “……”
Producer: “……”
Lin Zhu’s heart was racing. He couldn’t bear to waste even a second, so he turned and ran toward the door.
All around him were industry people toasting and chatting. His eyes were shining as he pushed through the crowd, tirelessly explaining to anyone who stopped him why he was in such a hurry to leave.
If he didn’t think it would waste too much time, he would have told every single person that Zhong Yao had come to find him.
Christmas in New York was already very cold. Lin Zhu hadn’t worn a coat, and the moment he stepped outside, the icy wind made him shiver, but he still couldn’t suppress the swelling excitement in his chest as he rushed out of the building.
Zhong Yao stood outside, travel-worn, holding his luggage.
At some point, it had started snowing. Snowflakes drifted down under the streetlights, warm enough to make one’s heart tremble.
Lin Zhu rushed over and hugged him tightly, his chest so hot he couldn’t speak.
“I wanted to come find you earlier, but there were a few shots that needed me urgently… Director Jin said if I dared to run off, he’d fly over here himself and have someone kidnap you back.”
Zhong Yao undid his coat and pulled the ice-cold manager into his arms to warm him, lowering his head with a smile. “I finally made it in time.”
His heartbeat was just as intense. He tightened his arms, pulling Lin Zhu firmly into his embrace.
Lin Zhu’s eyes stung. He clung to Zhong Yao, unwilling to let go, breathing in his scent deeply.
When they hadn’t met, he hadn’t felt the longing this strongly.
Lin Zhu had prepared so many things to say, but now he couldn’t utter a single word. He rubbed his eyes hard, then looked up, unable to get enough of Zhong Yao.
Zhong Yao lowered his gaze, letting it rest gently on Lin Zhu. One hand covered his back, slowly stroking downward.
Having not seen him for so long, Lin Zhu’s body reacted sensitively—he shivered, his ears flushing red. “Ge, wait. Wait until we get back to the hotel…”
“What hotel?” Zhong Yao frowned slightly, applying a bit more pressure with his palm. “Why have you gotten so much thinner?”
Lin Zhu’s heart skipped a beat, and his earlier thoughts instantly vanished.
Meeting Zhong Yao’s gaze, he felt a little guilty and buried himself deeper into his arms.
“I… I’ve been eating properly.”
He spoke softly, sneaking a glance at Zhong Yao’s expression. “The hotel’s very attentive. They deliver meals right on time every day, and later they even packed my lunch for me to take along.”
Lowering his head, Lin Zhu admitted honestly, “I ate every meal. I don’t know why I still can’t gain weight…”
Zhong Yao’s heart softened.
Thankfully, he had instructed the hotel in advance. Otherwise, who knew how badly this agent — who forgot food and sleep when busy — would have starved himself?
They had both been extremely busy lately, and with a thirteen-hour time difference, the moments they could contact each other were few and far between. Even when they managed to talk properly, it was only through voice or video calls, and hanging up only made them miss each other more.
Zhong Yao ruffled Lin Zhu’s hair, his voice softening. “It’s alright. I’m here now.”
Hearing that, the light in Lin Zhu’s eyes brightened uncontrollably. Suppressing his anticipation, he asked carefully, “Ge, you’re not going back to China?”
Zhong Yao lowered his head, his heart melting, and kissed his forehead with a smile.
Even on a foreign street, Lin Zhu still wasn’t used to such public intimacy. His face flushed instantly, and he quickly buried himself in Zhong Yao’s chest.
The emotions that had been crowding his chest were gently soothed. Warmth gradually returned to his body. Gaining courage, he tightened his arms and looked up. “Ge, tell me— can you stay a few more days?”
Keeping a close eye on Zhong Yao’s situation, Lin Zhu tugged at his clothes and asked urgently, “How much filming is left? If there’s still a variety show, I can go back with you! Help me talk to the director. Just say I have to go back…”
Zhong Yao smiled. “All my scenes are finished. Director Jin finds me annoying now and kicked me out.”
Lin Zhu’s heart jumped.
The production schedule clearly showed Zhong Yao’s scenes lasting until at least the 30th. He couldn’t imagine how much rushing it must have taken to compress such a workload by five whole days.
He instantly understood what had happened. His heart ached so much he could barely stand. He struggled to check how exhausted Zhong Yao must be, but Zhong Yao held him firmly in place.
“Ge!”
“I’m not tired. I’m in much better shape than you,” Zhong Yao said with a smile, removing his glove and lightly tapping his nose. “No need to go back for the variety show either. The main concept’s already decided. They let the guests make their own wishes. I said I lack nothing, my biggest wish is to hurry and come find our manager…”
Lin Zhu’s face flushed. He clasped Zhong Yao’s hand and stopped moving.
His clothes were too thin, and even with Zhong Yao shielding him from the wind, it wasn’t enough. Before the reluctant manager could ask more, Zhong Yao handed his luggage to a staff member who came over and led him inside.
After confirming he was a guest of the co-producer, the guards no longer stopped him and let them pass.
Thinking about the silent confrontation before entering, Lin Zhu suddenly became excited again. Grabbing Zhong Yao’s hand, he dragged him inside, showing him off in front of everyone along the way.
Zhong Yao had studied in the U.S. and was already acquainted with many professionals in the circle, some quite familiar. Watching the undisguised pride and excitement in his agent’s eyes, he couldn’t help but smile indulgently, patiently letting himself be pulled around to greet people.
Lin Zhu was so excited he couldn’t stop, greeting everyone he saw and tirelessly introducing Zhong Yao.
After making a full round, he still hadn’t found the producer or Albert.
Still eager to win back a point, Lin Zhu looked around happily. Before he could find them, he was intercepted by Marlensius.
Zhong Yao promptly pulled Lin Zhu back to his side, soothingly patting his head, then smiled at the man. “Director Marlensius, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Marlensius looked him over carefully, clear admiration appearing in his expression. He nodded and shook his hand.
“I have to admit, your little one described you quite accurately. Seeing you in person, you’re far more charming than on screen.”
Having finally met his chosen lead actor, Marlensius didn’t want to waste any opportunity. He took the current script outline from his assistant and gestured for Zhong Yao to sit with him on a sofa in the corner.
“I thought we’d meet much later. You’re a responsible actor. That gives me much more confidence in our future collaboration…”
Lin Zhu wasn’t paying attention for a moment and watched helplessly as Marlensius whisked Zhong Yao away. He regretted it so much he almost wanted to run outside and do laps.
He had finally gotten to see Zhong Yao, and the director had just taken him away like that for work.
He hadn’t even had time to say a few words to him!
The agent, who always put work first, followed to the side of the sofa, pacing anxiously in circles, facing a rare dilemma between career and love.
Zhong Yao glanced through the script, then looked up at Lin Zhu, a gentle smile appearing in his eyes. He lightly patted the armrest of the sofa. “Sweetheart, come here.”
Lin Zhu and Zhong Yao usually spoke Chinese together, so he didn’t react at first. It wasn’t until Zhong Yao clearly said “sweetheart” a second time that he suddenly snapped back to reality.
Lin Zhu: “……”
Lin Zhu: “!!”
The agent, who had just been ready to steel himself and go pull the power switch, froze in place, at a complete loss, flushing inch by inch from head to toe.
So Zhong Yao could say things like that too. Why did it sound so nice coming from him?
Was it too late for him to run outside and do laps now?
He might as well go to heaven! He was about to explode!
Blushing furiously, Lin Zhu clutched the hem of his clothes tightly, his heart racing so fast sweat beaded on his forehead as he forced himself to step forward.
Zhong Yao, with his long reach, leaned forward and gently pulled him in, easily wrapping an arm around him and settling him onto the sofa’s armrest.
Love always interferes with artistic creation. Director Marlensius looked up at them disapprovingly, about to speak, but Zhong Yao had already flipped the script. “I’ve understood part of it. As for the film’s treatment of details, I have a few preliminary suggestions…”
With one hand slowly turning the pages, Zhong Yao discussed the script with the director, while his other arm rested behind his manager, holding his lover securely.
Encircled by him, Lin Zhu gradually calmed down, leaning slightly closer to Zhong Yao.
Career and love… sometimes they could coexist harmoniously.
Surely Director Marlensius wouldn’t be such a workaholic as to discuss the script all night.
Reassured, the agent relaxed, lying against Zhong Yao and listening absentmindedly. Before he knew it, drowsiness crept over him. He let out a soft yawn and curled up in Zhong Yao’s arms, falling asleep.
Zhong Yao paused mid-sentence and gestured to Marlensius.
He quietly set the script aside, lifted Lin Zhu from the armrest into his arms, wrapped him tightly in his coat, and held him without letting go.
Marlensius: “……”
Director Marlensius, who had sworn to devote his entire life to filmmaking, looked at the script and suddenly felt an unfamiliar sense of dullness.
…
When Lin Zhu woke again, the party was already halfway through.
Zhong Yao’s warmth made him feel lazy, draining away most of his strength, leaving him drowsy all over.
Unlike the quiet he was used to upon waking, the lights were still lively, the crowd still toasting and chatting, bursts of laughter erupting from time to time.
Marlensius had left at some point. Their corner had few people and dim lighting, making it relatively peaceful.
Lin Zhu rarely managed to sleep in such an environment. After a moment of clarity, he remembered what had happened. He pushed himself up, but Zhong Yao pressed him gently through the coat, covering his eyes with one hand. “You just woke up, rest a bit more. Been exhausted lately?”
“Not really.”
Wrapped in the coat, Lin Zhu felt so comfortable he didn’t want to move. He nuzzled lightly into Zhong Yao’s arms and closed his eyes obediently. “It’s just… whenever I’m with you, I feel like sleeping…”
Zhong Yao chuckled softly, holding him steady. “Didn’t sleep well at the hotel?”
Lin Zhu shook his head and answered honestly, “It felt fine before, but after that nap just now, it suddenly doesn’t feel as good anymore.”
Zhong Yao lowered his head, his heart softening beyond words.
He fished in his pocket, unwrapped a piece of candy, and fed it to Lin Zhu. “You’ve met most of the people. Let’s head back to the hotel for the night. Tomorrow, take a day off, I’ll take you to record the show.”
No one had told Lin Zhu what they’d be recording or where, but his heart sped up. He resisted the urge to look into Zhong Yao’s eyes and simply nodded. “Okay.”
After all, Zhong Yao was here.
He could now boldly believe… that everything being kept from him was just a surprise waiting to be revealed.
Lin Zhu sucked on the candy, closed his eyes for a while longer, and soon felt fully refreshed. Sitting up, he looked around.
The producer and casting director were still nowhere to be seen.
A little disappointed, Lin Zhu gave up on showing off in person. He straightened his clothes, got up, had Zhong Yao go get the luggage while he informed the staff that he would be leaving early.
It wouldn’t take long before they could go back and lie down together.
Even now, everything still felt dreamlike in its luck. Full of excitement, Lin Zhu ran over and patiently explained to the staff; on how his lover had come specially to spend Christmas with him, how they hadn’t seen each other in a long time, how they had to leave together, and therefore he needed to leave early. Satisfied, he turned back.
Suddenly, a burst of loud commotion erupted at the entrance.
Startled, Lin Zhu hurried over.
Zhong Yao was surrounded at the doorway. A graceful American actress, slightly tipsy, held up a sprig of mistletoe above his head, while laughter and cheers filled the air.
Mistletoe at Christmas.
Lin Zhu suddenly remembered the custom, a wave of regret rising in his chest as he stepped forward.
In Western tradition, on Christmas Day, anyone standing under mistletoe must kiss.
A kiss beneath the mistletoe cannot be refused.
Western culture was open and warm; hugging and kissing weren’t unusual. Over time, many people even carried mistletoe with them, placing it above someone they liked to create a perfectly legitimate chance to kiss.
If Zhong Yao refused, it might be seen as not respecting local customs. But if he complied…
Lin Zhu felt anxious.
He and Zhong Yao had never kissed in public!
Taking a deep breath, Lin Zhu paced in circles. Thinking about kissing in front of everyone, he still chickened out.
No matter what, Zhong Yao was a public figure, and currently in the spotlight. Even if they were overseas and rumors wouldn’t easily cross the ocean back to China…
But he still really wanted to kiss him…!
Lin Zhu felt like a month of restraint had twisted him into something strange. Full of self-reproach, he ruffled his hair, clenched his fists, and once again had the urge to go pull the power switch.
“Alright, don’t be shy. You’re standing under the mistletoe!”
Beside Zhong Yao, another male actor patted his shoulder, teasing kindly. “Kissing today isn’t taboo. Those who kiss under mistletoe will be blessed…”
The actress beside them laughed. “You’re very lucky, Elena didn’t fancy anyone else, she picked you at a glance!”
With the party already halfway through, everyone was slightly tipsy, and the cheering grew louder and more intense.
Zhong Yao had just retrieved his suitcase and barely managed to block the actress’s enthusiastic approach. He was scanning the crowd, clearly looking for Lin Zhu.
Lin Zhu took a deep breath, ready to decisively cut the power and drag Zhong Yao away. But just as he was about to act, his eyes met Zhong Yao’s, and his steps faltered.
The moment Zhong Yao saw him, he relaxed. Smiling slightly, he raised his hand, took the mistletoe, full of socialist righteousness, and shook hands with the American actress.
“Thanks,” Zhong Yao said. “I was just looking for this.”
Caught off guard by the upright handshake, the actress didn’t even have time to react before Zhong Yao held up the mistletoe branch and beckoned to Lin Zhu.
Lin Zhu, who had just messed up his hair, stared blankly at him, his heart suddenly racing.
Zhong Yao smiled at him and switched back to Chinese. “Xiao Zhu, come here.”
Lin Zhu had never been able to refuse Zhong Yao. He took a step forward almost instinctively.
Zhong Yao closed the remaining ten or so steps between them, wrapped an arm around him, and lifted the mistletoe above their heads.
Lowering his head, Zhong Yao smiled and gently tidied Lin Zhu’s hair. “Now that we’re standing under the mistletoe… we have to kiss, right?”
Lin Zhu was so flustered he couldn’t even speak. He opened his mouth, then slowly grabbed onto Zhong Yao’s sleeve.
“It’s alright,” Zhong Yao said softly, leaning down to kiss him. “We’ll be blessed.”
Lin Zhu trembled lightly, closing his eyes tightly as he tilted his head up to respond to the kiss. A mist gathered in his eyes.
His body quivered as tears silently slipped down.
He had already been blessed.
From the day he met Zhong Yao, he had already been blessed.
Had he done well enough now… to be worthy of blessing Zhong Yao in return?
Zhong Yao tasted the faint saltiness and paused slightly, then pulled the slender body in his arms closer to his chest, kissing him more gently.
The rejected actress took the lead in whistling. Cheers, screams, and applause erupted around them. The last bit of tension in Lin Zhu’s heart finally dissolved, and he gave himself over completely to Zhong Yao.
When they parted, Lin Zhu was breathing hard, his vision darkening in waves.
“You’ll need more practice in the future,” Zhong Yao said with a smile, ruffling his hair as he let him lean against him to recover. He then bowed slightly to the actress in thanks and returned the mistletoe. “Thank you very much, that was a big help.”
“No need to thank me. So he’s your lover?” the actress asked, not disappointed at all, but rather excited. “We always thought the co-producer was a fierce Chinese man. Who knew he’d be this adorable around his lover!”
Zhong Yao raised his brows slightly in surprise, then nodded with a smile. “He’s always adorable. Actually—”
Lin Zhu had just caught his breath, but hearing that, he choked again, his face turning bright red. He grabbed Zhong Yao and hurriedly dragged him out of the party hall.
“Alright, alright, put your coat on first.”
Zhong Yao chuckled and caught him in time, wrapping his coat around him. “It’s snowing outside, don’t catch a cold.”
Lin Zhu’s heart was still racing too fast to speak. He obediently followed Zhong Yao’s movements and put on his coat.
“I heard from Director Marlensius that you beat up Song Tianlang?” Zhong Yao asked, thoughtfully avoiding what had just happened. Once Lin Zhu was dressed, he picked up the luggage and continued walking out with him. “So it was him… If not for this incident, I might never have realized.”
Lin Zhu felt a bit guilty. He rubbed his face twice and stuck close to Zhong Yao as they walked. “I didn’t hit him that hard, just scared him a bit… Ge, don’t worry, I don’t bully people normally!”
Zhong Yao laughed softly and ruffled his hair. “Really?”
Lin Zhu nodded repeatedly, about to swear it—when two guards who had witnessed his “Chinese kung fu” suddenly stepped aside respectfully, clearing a path for him.
Lin Zhu: “……”
His confidence faltered. “Really…”
Zhong Yao nodded as if he believed him and continued walking out with him, teasing with a straight face, “That’s good/ Going by Director Marlensius’s description, I wouldn’t dare tie you up with a tie…”
Lin Zhu: “!!”
He hurriedly denied it. “Really! I’m not fierce at all! I—”
Just as they were walking out, Albert and the producer — who had gone out to drown their sorrows — were coming back in. The moment they saw Lin Zhu and Zhong Yao standing so intimately together, their expressions changed drastically. They greeted them hastily and fled in embarrassment.
Lin Zhu: “……”
Zhong Yao raised a brow and glanced back.
Lin Zhu swallowed. “Rea—”
Before he could finish, Zhong Yao’s old rival, David Muller, the famous Korean-American actor, jokingly nicknamed the “free movie player,” came strolling out of the restroom, only to meet Lin Zhu’s gaze head-on.
