PTBLSI chapter 67

 

Qi Xi caught a cold because he soaked in the swimming pool for too long yesterday, didn’t put his clothes on right away after getting up, and started running a fever in the middle of the night.

When Fu Yanchuan discovered this, he began to blame himself. During this period, he had taken good care of Qi Xi and improved his health considerably. Qi Xi had even wanted to start exercising a bit. His muscles didn’t really build up, but his body did improve. Fu Yanchuan was so overwhelmed that he forgot to be careful.

“Brother Yan, what time is it?”

Qi Xi’s voice was heavy with a nasal sound and lacked energy. Leaning over the blanket, Fu Yanchuan looked at Qi Xi’s flushed face, touched it with heartache and asked, “Do you still need to go?”

“Mm, what time is it?”

As he said this, Qi Xi lifted the blanket and tried to get up, but Fu Yanchuan pressed him down. “Brother Yan, I want to go! I want to study. I want to become capable. I want to become outstanding. I want to be worthy of you.”

Those words made Fu Yanchuan’s heart ache. Leaning down, he pressed his forehead against Qi Xi’s and said, “Xixi, you’re already outstanding. It’s someone like me who isn’t worthy of you.”

“That’s not true. You can do everything; I can’t do anything. I can’t even handle my own affairs properly. I don’t want to always be like this. Will you go with me?”

Fu Yanchuan held his breath for a long time before finally letting it out. “Okay. If you really feel uncomfortable, we’ll come back.”

Qi Xi softly replied, “Mm.” He didn’t move away. Instead, Fu Yanchuan leaned down and kissed Qi Xi, whose lips were especially hot because of the fever.

“Won’t… infect…”

He ignored Qi Xi’s refusal. Taking advantage of the fact that his lips were parted, he squeezed in; the temperature was even more scorching than usual, as if he was trying to engrave something into his senses. He licked every corner of Qi Xi’s mouth. The fever had caused dehydration, making it easier to pull out thin strings of moisture.

Finally, Qi Xi was released. He closed his mouth in dissatisfaction and glared. It was only after the kiss had finished that Fu Yanchuan admitted his mistake to him. “It’s my fault. Take the medicine first, then eat something, okay?”

His head was spinning and he couldn’t think straight, so he just followed whatever Fu Yanchuan said.

First, Fu Yanchuan helped him sit up against the pillow and tucked the blanket in properly. Then he went to get the medicine and porridge.

The medicine had been provided by the hotel. He had specially asked someone to cook the porridge and keep it warm in the kitchen. It was the perfect temperature.

First he gave Qi Xi the medicine, then he brought the porridge to the bedside and fed him spoonful by spoonful. He felt sorry for Qi Xi being sick, but he also greatly enjoyed the way Qi Xi relied on him. Sometimes, when he thought back to before he met Qi Xi, he probably wouldn’t have imagined that one day he would be doing these things so skilfully.

Once Qi Xi had finished the porridge, Fu Yanchuan helped him back down onto the bed and let him sleep for a little while longer. Fearing he would miss the time, Qi Xi reminded Fu Yanchuan to wake him up.

The first day of the exchange meeting was for well-known figures in the industry to share their experiences and techniques. Entry began at 9:00 AM, and the conference officially started at 9:30 AM, but the presentation that Qi Xi wanted to hear wasn’t until 10:00 AM.

Countless times, Fu Yanchuan had wanted to let Qi Xi continue sleeping. He could guarantee that Qi Xi would be able to paint freely for the rest of his life, worry-free. He could also help Qi Xi become a renowned painter, with each of his paintings easily selling for millions. Qi Xi wouldn’t need to work hard on animations, nor would he need to listen to other people’s advice when he was ill.

If Qi Xi really loved animation, he could build a top-tier team to work with him and let him draw however he wanted.

But when 9:30 arrived, Fu Yanchuan still went to wake him up.

“Xixi, can you get up?”

Qi Xi opened his eyes and looked at Fu Yanchuan for a long while. “Am I late?”

Fu Yanchuan pulled him out of the blanket and said, “There’s still time. Put your clothes on first.”

Cheng Shu had been waiting at the door the whole time. He had called Qi Xi early in the morning, but it was Fu Yanchuan who picked up and said that Qi Xi had a fever. It hadn’t cooled down yet, it hadn’t rained, and he’d been fine yesterday. As an adult married man, Cheng Shu could only conclude that Fu Yanchuan hadn’t been doing anything decent.

Seeing Qi Xi and Fu Yanchuan arrive late and still unhurried, Cheng Shu became very displeased with Fu Yanchuan. Having worked with them during this period, Cheng Shu had come to appreciate not only Qi Xi’s paintings and talent, but also to treat him like a younger brother.

“Sorry, Director Cheng, I’m late.”

Qi Xi looked weak. Upon seeing Cheng Shu, he immediately apologised. Cheng Shu suppressed his anger and asked, “Is it serious? If you’re really not well, you should go and rest.”

“I’m fine. I took some medicine and I feel much better.”

As he said this, Qi Xi pushed away Fu Yanchuan, who was holding him. Cheng Shu glanced at Fu Yanchuan. The blame in his eyes was obvious, and Fu Yanchuan actually lowered his head and accepted it.

So it really was Fu Yanchuan’s doing! Cheng Shu cursed inwardly, but remained calm on the surface. “Go in. I saved seats for you.”

They arrived late and walked carefully inside. Inside, it was like a large, tiered lecture theatre. Their fellow colleagues spotted them and waved.

The seats even had desks. When Qi Xi sat down, he realised that everyone else either had tablets or laptops and were taking notes, whereas he hadn’t brought anything.

“You listen, I’ll take notes.”

Fu Yanchuan sat beside Qi Xi. He took a mini tablet and a pen out from inside his clothes. Qi Xi looked at him in surprise and asked, “When did you bring that?”

He didn’t answer. The lighting inside was dim. Reaching over from under the desk, his hand rested on Qi Xi’s thigh and gave it a light squeeze to signal him not to speak.

Qi Xi obediently looked towards the stage, but then Fu Yanchuan suddenly touched his hand, grabbed it and made him press it onto his own thigh. Then he calmly started taking notes.

Today’s schedule was divided into morning and afternoon sessions, comprising both experience sharing and technical exchanges. Cheng Shu had originally planned to introduce Qi Xi to his peers during the break, but as soon as the session on stage ended, Fu Yanchuan took him away. Considering Qi Xi’s cold, Cheng Shu let it go.

The second day was for film viewing exchanges. Put simply, everyone showed their own films, shared technical experience and invited their peers to evaluate them. However, time was limited, so most of the films were short or finely edited versions.

After one night, Qi Xi’s spirits had improved considerably. He sat there watching very seriously. They had worked for several months to edit a teaser short. When it was shown, he was extremely nervous and subconsciously reached out to hold Fu Yanchuan’s hand.

Today, Fu Yanchuan didn’t need to take notes. All his attention was on Qi Xi. Seeing how nervous Qi Xi was, he realised that what was being shown on the screen was the animation Qi Xi had made.

During this period, he often went to the studio, but he only watched Qi Xi draw; he hadn’t seen the finished animation yet. At that moment, when he looked over, his gaze suddenly became fixed.

Although he was already very familiar with Qi Xi’s drawing style, seeing the animation still shocked him. It was as if everything in the painting would tear through the screen and spill out at any moment. The flow of colour was extremely powerful.

Fu Yanchuan wasn’t the only person in the hall. Most people let out gasps of amazement. Regardless of the plot, the visuals themselves were full of story and emotion; they were so intense that one could empathise with the protagonist.

When the 10-minute short film ended, there was silence for several seconds, followed by applause.

The director, Cheng Shu, was invited onto the stage. He picked up the microphone and said, “I don’t think anyone is interested in me. Let me introduce our key animator, Qi Xi.”

Qi Xi hadn’t realised he was being called and subconsciously looked towards Fu Yanchuan.

Fu Yanchuan released Qi Xi’s hand. After a brief pause, he said, “Go.”

The people in the hall finally saw someone stand up, and they all looked towards Qi Xi. They all looked surprised because Qi Xi looked far too young.

Under everyone’s gaze, he walked towards the stage. Fu Yanchuan stared unblinkingly at his back. As the spotlight shone down on him, he felt as if Qi Xi was about to leave him there and then.

When he reached the stage, the host handed him the microphone. “I didn’t expect such a young, handsome guy. It seems that everyone doesn’t know you yet, so please introduce yourself first.”

“I, I—”

Qi Xi nervously tightened his grip on the microphone and looked toward Fu Yanchuan again. When their eyes met, it was as if he received strength from Fu Yanchuan. He finally spoke up. “Hello, everyone. My name is Qi Xi. I’m the original artist at Cheng Shu’s studio. This is my first project, and it’s also my first time working with animation. I learned a lot during the process. I’m very grateful to Director Cheng for giving me this opportunity.”

Cheng Shu followed up, “I wouldn’t dare say that. I had to visit him three times before I could invite Teacher Qi.”

Qi Xi blurted out, “That’s because Director Cheng’s friend tricked me. At first, I thought Director Cheng was a scammer too.”

A burst of laughter rose from the audience. The only person who remained expressionless was Fu Yanchuan.

Fu Yanchuan thought of the boy holding a cat on the side of the road at the beginning and realized how much Qi Xi had changed. There was no longer any lack of confidence or timidity in Qi Xi’s eyes. He wouldn’t hide away or hesitate to speak just because of someone else’s question.

Fu Yanchuan knew that one day Qi Xi would shine and be seen by many.

But he hadn’t expected it to come so fast. Now, he had the feeling that he was about to lose hold of Qi Xi.

Once Qi Xi walked down from this stage, perhaps he would no longer belong to him alone.

After the screening ended, the luncheon began. It was the final event of the exchange meeting and was meant to allow everyone to communicate freely.

It was Qi Xi’s first time sharing his insights in front of so many people. He was excited and nervous. After he came off the stage, he returned to Fu Yanchuan’s side and quietly asked, “Brother Yan, how did I do? Was it okay?”

Fu Yanchuan wasn’t as happy as Qi Xi had imagined. He looked at Qi Xi for a long while, then smiled at him with a look of complexity that Qi Xi couldn’t understand, saying, “Very good. I knew you could do it.”

Qi Xi didn’t know what Fu Yanchuan was thinking. All he sensed was Fu Yanchuan’s unhappiness. Throughout the luncheon afterward, Fu Yanchuan seemed rather down.

But too many people came to talk to him. Without paying attention, Fu Yanchuan was squeezed away and disappeared. After Qi Xi finally finished talking to someone and was about to find Fu Yanchuan, someone else blocked his way.

“Hello, Qi Xi.”

He wasn’t used to this kind of attention. He tried hard to behave properly, using Fu Yanchuan as a reference model as he replied, “Hello.”

“My name is Zheng Longcheng. Maybe you’ve heard of me.”

Qi Xi hadn’t, but he knew it would be impolite to say so directly. Subconsciously, he looked around for Cheng Shu for help, but he didn’t see him.

Zheng Longcheng didn’t mind and changed his approach. “I’m a producer. Kunlun is one of our works.”

Now, this was something Qi Xi knew. He let out a breath of relief and replied, “I know it. I’ve watched it. It’s very good.”

“That’s really an honor. What do you think? Would you be interested in joining our project?”

Qi Xi wasn’t familiar with the inner workings of the film industry, but he instinctively felt he should decline, so he said, “Sorry, probably not. I promised Director Cheng that I wouldn’t consider other projects for the time being.”

“No problem, no problem. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Here’s my business card. Contact me when you have time.”

Zheng Longcheng handed his card to Qi Xi. Qi Xi took it and said, “Sorry, I don’t have a business card. May I give you my phone number instead?”

“No problem. Then we’ll contact each other by phone.”

“Okay.”

After exchanging numbers with Zheng Longcheng, Qi Xi dodged through the crowd and found Fu Yanchuan. He pulled Fu Yanchuan behind an empty pillar, leaned his head against his shoulder, and asked, “Why are so many people talking? I don’t even know them.”

After a long pause, Fu Yanchuan finally spoke up. “You don’t like it?”

Qi Xi shook his head against his shoulder. “Not really. They know more than I do, so I can learn from them. But it’s so tiring. I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing. I always have to think about so much. It’s really mentally exhausting.”

Fu Yanchuan wanted to tell Qi Xi that this meant he had matured and learned how to adapt to interpersonal relationships. Instead, he said, “If you’re tired, let’s go back, okay?”

Qi Xi’s fever had broken, but he still had a slight headache. He nodded. “I’ll tell Director Cheng.”

“Send him a message.”

Fu Yanchuan didn’t want Qi Xi to go look for Cheng Shu. If Qi Xi found Cheng Shu, who knew how long it would take before they could leave?

Qi Xi looked at him and agreed.

After the luncheon, most people would head back in the afternoon. Cheng Shu’s flight was also scheduled for the afternoon, but Fu Yanchuan rescheduled it because Qi Xi was sick.

Qi Xi hadn’t eaten much at the luncheon. After returning to the hotel, Fu Yanchuan took him out to eat first. After they went back to the room, Qi Xi started running a fever again. It seemed like today’s improvement had only been to allow him to meet others in good condition.

Fu Yanchuan gave Qi Xi his medicine and stayed with him until he fell asleep. Only then did he get out of bed, walk to the window, and stare blankly at the gray sky outside. The weather today was just like his mood: gloomy.

When Qi Xi woke up again, it was midnight. Perhaps the medicine had taken effect. He felt energetic, and all the uncomfortable parts of his body felt better. The only uncomfortable thing was that his pajamas were stuck to his sweaty body.

He wriggled out of Fu Yanchuan’s arms because he wanted to take a shower, but Fu Yanchuan grabbed him in one motion.

The nightlight was on in the room. Fu Yanchuan pressed Qi Xi back into the blanket and asked, “Going to the bathroom?”

“I want to take a shower.”

Fu Yanchuan frowned. “Tomorrow.”

“Now. It’s so uncomfortable.” Qi Xi wriggled twice in Fu Yanchuan’s arms, grabbed his hand, and placed it on his pajamas. “Touch it; it’s sticking already. My cold is already better, really.”

“That still won’t do. I’ll get a towel and wipe you down.”

“Brother Yan!”

Qi Xi wrapped his arms and legs around Fu Yanchuan and rubbed against his chest. “Why don’t you believe me? I’m really better.”

Fu Yanchuan finally gave in, looking helpless. “Lie back first. I’ll run the bath.”

“Thank you, Brother Yan.”

Qi Xi kissed Fu Yanchuan on the lips. Fu Yanchuan got out of bed to run the bathwater. After it was ready, he returned to call Qi Xi. Suddenly, Qi Xi dove out from under the blanket and ran all the way to the bathroom, taking his clothes off as he went. When he met Fu Yanchuan at the bathroom door, he remembered to be embarrassed.

“I was uncomfortable. It was too sticky.”

Fu Yanchuan didn’t say anything. He closed the door and went inside with Qi Xi. He took off his shirt and carried Qi Xi into the bathtub. “I’ll help you wash.”

The moment Qi Xi sat in the hot water, he felt comfortable. Fu Yanchuan stretched his hand into the tub from outside. Qi Xi immediately grabbed his hand, turned to face him, and asked, “Brother Yan, why were you unhappy today?”

Fu Yanchuan didn’t answer. Qi Xi pulled his hand down and shyly kissed Fu Yanchuan on the lips. Then he asked again, “Are you angry? I’m not that smart. If you don’t tell me, I won’t know.”

Fu Yanchuan’s hand was pressed to a place that distracted him. Qi Xi was not only extraordinarily gifted at drawing, but he also naturally knew how to interrogate him.

His fingertips slipped in beyond his control. Restraining his expression, he replied, “I’m not angry, Xixi.”

“But you’ve been unhappy all day.”

Only then did Fu Yanchuan realize that his emotions had been noticed. In that instant, it felt as if Qi Xi had seen through the darkness in his heart. He propped himself up and leaned closer to the bathtub. “Xixi, if I’m not as good as you think I am, would you stop liking me?”

Qi Xi didn’t understand. “Where are you not as good as I think? I think you’re good everywhere. I like you everywhere.”

“I’m not good.”

Fu Yanchuan blurted out. “Xixi, I’m not a good person. I’m selfish, despicable, and opportunistic. I want to possess you. I want you to belong to me alone. I want you to only look at me. Do you understand?”

 

---

You can read the full completed story here with instant full access. ✨