Sorry for the late update > <
As soon as Lin Zhu and Zhong Yao landed and received the news, their PR manager had already dutifully returned to work and started overtime.
After finishing the traffic-boosting campaign, the PR manager casually sent a payment QR code to both the agent and the boss.
“Can’t there be just one time…”
Life’s constant unpredictability had completely worn down the PR manager’s will. Chewing on a piece of bread, he typed away at the keyboard with the weariness of someone who had seen too much.
“…when Zhong-laoshi doesn’t end up on some bizarre trending topic?”
It had been a very long time since the PR manager had seen a normal hashtag.
Whenever he saw things like #A and B Wedding or #C and D Rumored to be Expecting a Child, he felt deeply envious. He almost wanted to buy a trending topic for their own boss titled #Zhong Yao and Agent Got Married, then Photoshop a dozen marriage certificates and post them online.
“We still have to go back to New York to continue filming. We’ll register the marriage as soon as we get back, and we’ll announce it officially then.”
Zhong Yao didn’t have many objections to his latest trending topic. Calmly soothing the agitated PR manager, he apologized with the practiced ease of long habit, “Sorry for the trouble, everyone. Next time I’ll be more careful not to climb trees.”
The PR manager was quite satisfied with that promise. After conveying the entire team’s good wishes to Lin Zhu, who was heading home to meet his future in-laws, they happily accepted a fresh bonus and went back to enjoying their vacation.
After hanging up, Zhong Yao casually browsed through a few pages of comments and pressed his fingers against his temple with a helpless smile.
Given the circumstances at the time, climbing out the window had really been unavoidable.
Both of them had assumed the filming crew had already left. Neither had realized that a farewell camera had still been faithfully recording.
Fortunately, the netizens’ imaginations were still somewhat limited.
Some guessed he had climbed out to save a bird.
Others thought he had dropped something outside the window and gone to retrieve it.
There were even theories that he had angered his manager and been forced to climb out the window as punishment.
As for the actual truth…
So far, nobody seemed to have guessed it.
Looking at the agent beside him, who was practically overcooked from embarrassment, amusement flickered in Zhong Yao’s eyes.
He pulled Lin Zhu into his arms and rubbed his hair. “It’s fine. People are just bored. They’ll talk about it for a while, then move on.”
“But today’s trending topic—” Lin Zhu looked half-dead. Raising his head with a sliver of hope, he asked, “D-Do Uncle and Auntie use Weibo?”
Zhong Yao: “…”
He immediately reopened Weibo and started searching carefully.
The Zhong family parents had always been the type to ignore outside affairs. They weren’t interested in entertainment news.
Even though one of their sons worked in the entertainment industry, they had never shown any desire to involve themselves.
As a result, Zhong Yao’s family background remained one of the entertainment circle’s great unsolved mysteries.
Under normal circumstances, no one in the Zhong family would browse Weibo.
But things were different now.
All three Zhong siblings were accomplished in their own fields.
Unfortunately, none of them had ever been particularly lively or affectionate.
Aside from Zhong Yao displaying a bit of rebellious independence as a child, the others had buried themselves in books from a young age, each quietly pursuing their own interests.
As a result, their parents had always regretted never having a cheerful, adorable child.
Through Zhong Yao’s constant stories about Lin Zhu, the Zhong parents had naturally developed a strong curiosity about him.
Recently, Zhong Yao and Lin Zhu had spent nearly every day together, so Zhong Yao hadn’t been very active in the family group chat.
The last time they spoke, his parents had already learned how to search Weibo for photos.
Thanks to Lin Zhu’s reminder, Zhong Yao suddenly felt alarmed.
After carefully searching Weibo several times, he picked the most plausible explanation. “We’ll just say… something fell out the window and got stuck in a tree?”
Lin Zhu immediately nodded. “That works. We just need to decide what fell, and how it fell…”
One lie required a hundred more lies to support it.
The two spent the entire drive constructing a backstory.
By the time they had finally pieced together a reasonably complete script, they felt somewhat relieved and got out of the car outside the farm.
So…
They were really meeting the parents now.
Lin Zhu had been nervous the whole journey.
As Zhong Yao held his hand and pushed open the fence gate, his heart still pounded wildly.
“Don’t be nervous.” Zhong Yao said as he ruffled the agent’s hair.
“They’re all… pretty passive people.” With a smile, he added, “Every time we have a family gathering, I consider myself lucky if someone even leaves the door unlocked for me.”
Over the past two days, Lin Zhu had mentally reviewed every family story Zhong Yao had ever told him.
Hearing this, he looked up anxiously. “But… didn’t Auntie make ginger soup for you?”
Zhong Yao had nearly forgotten about that.
After a brief pause, he laughed.
“Right. My mom’s cooking isn’t great. Ginger soup is the one thing she’s good at, so she’s always secretly hoping I’ll catch a cold.”
Lin Zhu had never heard of a family dynamic like that before.
His eyes widened in surprise.
Knowing his own family well, Zhong Yao worried that his parents’ and siblings’ reserved personalities might make Lin Zhu overthink things.
He rubbed Lin Zhu’s back reassuringly. “Our family usually keeps to ourselves. We only really gather during New Year. Honestly, we’re not that familiar with each other.”
Lin Zhu became even more horrified.
“?!”
Realizing he might have overdone the warning, Zhong Yao coughed lightly. “But we’re still very harmonious. I grew up just fine, and there’s never been any serious conflict at home.”
He gently stroked Lin Zhu’s back.
“So when we get there, go wherever you want and do whatever you want. Nobody will get angry.”
After thinking about it, he added honestly, “They probably won’t even notice.”
Lin Zhu usually trusted everything Zhong Yao said.
This time, however, he still looked worried.
He nodded quietly and pressed his lips together.
These were Zhong Yao’s parents.
His eyesight had improved somewhat now.
Aside from avoiding prolonged computer use and overly bright or dark environments, he no longer needed the eye mask. The double vision had mostly disappeared.
And…
He could read minds again.
Holding Zhong Yao’s hand, feeling his palms grow damp with sweat, Lin Zhu suddenly felt a little regretful.
He didn’t want to read Zhong Yao’s family’s thoughts.
Feeling the tension in his grip, Zhong Yao slowed his steps and looked down at him with gentle concern. “Ge… maybe…”
Lin Zhu swallowed nervously.
“Maybe I should put the eye mask back on…”
Even if it was just politeness.
Even if it was only polite words.
As long as Zhong Yao’s parents said they liked him, he wanted to believe it.
His heart beat faster and faster.
He didn’t know how to explain himself.
As he lowered his head in indecision, Zhong Yao suddenly wrapped an arm around him.
“Okay.”
Lin Zhu froze.
Instinctively, he looked up.
“Anything is okay.”
Zhong Yao smiled softly. “Xiao Zhu, don’t forget… the first thing I need to guarantee is that you’re comfortable.”
Zhong Yao knew exactly what kind of parents Lin Zhu had grown up with.
He knew how painfully Lin Zhu had stumbled his way to where he was now.
For Lin Zhu, there was probably nothing more frightening in this world than the concept of “going home.”
Even now, whenever Zhong Yao remembered the things Lin Song had told him, he still couldn’t completely let them go.
Let alone Lin Zhu, who had personally lived through it all.
Zhong Yao took Lin Zhu’s eye mask from the bag and tried to put it on him.
But a cool hand gently caught his wrist.
Lin Zhu held onto him tightly. His chest rose and fell slightly, pale lips were pressed into a thin line.
Zhong Yao stopped and patiently waited for his decision.
The light in Lin Zhu’s eyes gradually sharpened.
Finally, he made up his mind. He didn’t let Zhong Yao put the eye mask on. Instead, he firmly grasped Zhong Yao’s hand and walked beside him down the stone path.
Zhong Yao led him to the front door and opened it.
Perhaps because he was too nervous, darkness briefly clouded Lin Zhu’s vision. He blinked hard twice, took a deep breath, and looked up.
Then he froze, standing in the doorway, utterly stunned.
This was nothing like the cold, restrained family relationship Zhong Yao had described.
The living room was warm and lively, it looked as though Christmas had only recently ended. Colorful streamers hung everywhere, and a Christmas tree stood in the corner, decorated with shiny golden bells. Beside it, sat an adorable plush snowman. Beneath the tree, rested an unopened gift box.
Lin Zhu hesitantly looked up.
Zhong Yao: “…”
Pulling his agent back a step, Zhong Yao calmly checked the house number. “No mistake. Come on in.”
Mrs. Zhong folded her newspaper and set it aside before rising from the sofa. “Not climbing a tree and entering through the second-floor window this time?”
Mr. Zhong also looked up from the sofa. Adjusting his glasses, he put down his book.
Zhong Yao coughed.
Holding Lin Zhu’s hand, he entered and greeted his parents, who surprisingly were not hiding in their studies.
Lin Zhu was so nervous that his face had gone pale. Following Zhong Yao’s lead, he politely greeted them. But before he could even finish speaking, a warm hot-water bottle had already been pressed into his hands.
Unlike the distant figure Zhong Yao had described, Mrs. Zhong smiled warmly. Taking his hand, she led him into the room and sat him down on the sofa.
“I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Have your injuries healed?”
“Do your eyes still hurt?”
“Your uncle knows some excellent ophthalmologists. We should have them take another look…”
Mr. Zhong was a man of few words. Unable to get a word in, he simply listened with a smile and nodded in agreement from time to time.
Lin Zhu’s face felt ready to burst into flames. “T-Thank you, Auntie…”
He wasn’t accustomed to such close affection from anyone besides Zhong Yao. So, he just sat so straight on the sofa he looked like he was sitting at military attention, answering every question carefully. Then he eventually found an opportunity to present the gifts he had brought.
Zhong Yao, long accustomed to being neglected, set down the luggage and quickly checked the kitchen. Fortunately, the cold tiles and wooden floors still felt familiar.
No one in the family could cook except him.
Not expecting anyone to feed his agent, Zhong Yao quickly sliced bread and turkey, added a few pickle slices, spread on sauce, and slid everything into the oven.
After making several simple sandwiches, he returned to the living room where he witnessed something unbelievable.
His normally aloof mother was rubbing Lin Zhu’s head, completely enchanted. “How can you be this well-behaved? You’re so adorable…”
Lin Zhu’s face was bright red. Obediently allowing Mrs. Zhong petted his head and held his hand, he sat perfectly upright. Yet despite his formal posture, the corners of his lips had already begun to curl upward in a small, careful smile.
Zhong Yao smiled too.
Quietly setting down the sandwiches, he turned around and slipped back into the kitchen.
The Zhong family had gone far too long without an adorable family member. The little one Zhong Yao brought home quickly lured Zhong Ming and Zhong Miao downstairs as well. For once, the whole family gathered together in rare harmony and enjoyed a reunion dinner.
Zhong Yao did the cooking, and every dish tasted familiar and comforting. Sitting at the table, Lin Zhu ate mouthful after mouthful of the warm food, and the anxiety that had been hanging over him finally settled completely.
The family knew absolutely nothing about the entertainment industry. Yet after following so many trending topics lately, they inevitably asked rather amateur questions. Lin Zhu never showed the slightest impatience. No matter who asked, he answered carefully and earnestly. Before he realized it, the last traces of unease had vanished.
Zhong Yao kept an eye on him the entire time. Seeing the spark gradually return to his agent’s eyes, he finally relaxed and even added a cream soup to the meal on the spot.
By the time dinner ended, the sky had darkened enough for the stars to be visible.
Those responsible for eating naturally took responsibility for cleaning up. Zhong Ming carried plates and bowls into the kitchen. Zhong Yao followed and asked about the Christmas tree.
“Our family celebrates Christmas? Are you crazy, or are we?” Zhong Yao asked.
Wearing an apron and washing dishes, Zhong Ming shot his younger brother a reproachful look. “We put it together yesterday. I heard you didn’t even prepare a Christmas present for him?”
Zhong Yao, who in thirty years had never once received a Christmas gift from his family: “…”
Zhong Ming clearly didn’t think this was a minor issue. “Our family doesn’t have a Christmas tradition. That doesn’t mean your partner should be deprived because of it. Holiday greetings, gifts, surprises — none of those should be missing. We made up for it this time. Next time, remember it yourself.”
Zhong Yao had practically gifted himself to his agent for Christmas, which was completely different from what Zhong Ming had imagined. Still, his older brother’s serious lecture warmed his heart. “I’ll remember. Thank you.”
“Family connected by blood can’t be changed. You two are different.” Zhong Ming rinsed a plate clean and continued, “There are no irresistible external forces binding you together. The fact that you’re together is entirely a choice the two of you made yourselves. Since that’s the case, it’s also your responsibility to treasure it.”
He added, “Especially you. You’ve benefited a great deal from him.”
Smiling, Zhong Yao nodded solemnly. “I will.”
For the Zhong family, a conversation like this was already as warm and harmonious as it got.
Zhong Yao had no intention of moving on to the next stage of brotherly advice. He was about to leave the kitchen and look for Lin Zhu when Zhong Ming hooked him back with a freshly washed soup ladle.
“So…” Zhong Ming set the ladle down. “Tell me. Why exactly were you climbing a tree?”
—
Completely unaware of the interrogation Zhong Yao was enduring in the kitchen, Lin Zhu tried to help clear the dining table. Unfortunately, he was no match for Zhong Miao, who dominated stock exchanges in high heels, and ended up being dragged beneath the Christmas tree by Mrs. Zhong.
The warmth that had just faded from his face immediately returned.
Unlike Zhong Yao, he didn’t need to ask.
He already knew the Christmas tree had been assembled temporarily. He also knew the living room had been hastily transformed from its usual hospital-lobby aesthetic into its current festive appearance.
Lin Zhu felt a little overwhelmed. Part of him blamed himself for causing so much trouble for Zhong Yao’s family. Another part couldn’t suppress the anticipation quietly bubbling up inside him.
He really wanted to see his gift. This one was bought by Mr. Zhong. Unfortunately, Mr. Zhong’s glasses were so thick that Lin Zhu still hadn’t been able to see clearly what it was.
“I don’t know whether Zhong Yao properly thanked you,” Mrs. Zhong said, leading him to sit down. “But we really should thank you.”
She gently patted his head. “Our family is actually rather boring. Zhong Yao probably told you. We don’t communicate much. We gather once a year. We don’t talk unless necessary. We don’t really know how to show concern for one another.”
Lin Zhu quickly shook his head. “No, that’s not true. It’s wonderful. Everyone is wonderful. You’re all very good people.”
He could see it.
Though the Zhong family rarely displayed overt affection, they genuinely cared about one another. And they never hid what they thought. Usually, whatever he saw in someone’s eyes would be spoken aloud in the very next moment. An environment like this had made him completely forget how nervous he had been before entering the house.
Smiling, Mrs. Zhong plucked a chocolate from the tree and handed it to him.
“We’ve grown used to this way of living and never thought anything was wrong with it. It wasn’t until Zhong Yao encountered a hurdle that seemed impossible to overcome…”
She rubbed her forehead and laughed softly. “…that we realized we didn’t even know how to comfort him.”
Lin Zhu froze slightly.
“I tried talking to him every day. His older brother sent him Forbes rankings every day to motivate him. His sister promised to help him with stock investments. His father tried hard to find him a job restoring cultural relics…”
Lin Zhu: “…”
After some thought, Lin Zhu concluded that Zhong Yao probably hadn’t felt very comforted by any of that.
“We knew it wasn’t helping much, but we genuinely didn’t know what else to do. Then one day he sent us a photograph. He told us he was doing well. That he was working hard every day. That he’d found a new direction. Because someone still believed in him, because someone was giving everything they had for him. So, he couldn’t let that person down.”
“The photograph was of a dried wild flower. Nothing special. Just a common member of the daisy family found all over China. But it was beautiful. Very beautiful.”
Looking at him, her expression softened. “Thank you. Thank you for protecting our son.”
Suddenly, heat flooded Lin Zhu’s chest. His vision blurred.
Mrs. Zhong opened her arms and hugged him. The embrace carried the gentle warmth unique to a mother.
Lin Zhu obediently leaned down so she could hold him more comfortably. He tried hard to hold back his tears, though his body trembled instinctively.
“If you ever need anything, tell us. We may not always take proper care of people, but we’re very willing to keep learning.” She ruffled his hair and released him. “We’re going upstairs to rest.”
Lin Zhu hurriedly wiped away the moisture in his eyes and stood up. “Thank you. I—”
“The gift is for you.” Smiling, she pointed toward the tree and interrupted him. “Now that nobody’s watching, hurry and open it.”
After Mrs. Zhong went upstairs, the festively decorated living room fell completely silent.
Looking at the gift, Lin Zhu’s heartbeat quickened. What kind of gift could it be? Knowing the Zhong family’s habits, perhaps it was a set of historical monographs, or an introductory finance textbook collection. Or maybe a small hammer for restoring antiques.
Whatever it was, it would be worth looking forward to.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Zhu carefully approached as though afraid of disturbing something. The living room was empty. He sat cross-legged on the rug beneath the tree and cautiously unwrapped the package. Then he froze.
“What is it exactly? Did my dad really buy it?”
Having finally recited the elaborate cover story he’d prepared, Zhong Yao emerged from the kitchen. Seeing his agent sitting on the floor, he grew curious. “My dad might have made a replica of the Changxin Palace Lantern for you. For my coming-of-age gift, I got a reproduction vase with every type of glaze imaginable…”
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Zhu suddenly leapt to his feet. Clutching the box, he threw himself into Zhong Yao’s arms. “Gege! Gege! Gege! Gege!”
“Alright, alright.” Zhong Yao laughed helplessly. “You’re this happy?”
He scooped up both Lin Zhu and the box and carried them to the sofa. “Let me see what my dad bought.”
“I have a Transformer now!” Lin Zhu handed him the box, his eyes sparkling. “When I was little, I really wanted one.”
“I once saw a little boy with his parents. He sat on the ground throwing a tantrum and rolling around. In the end, his mother couldn’t do anything about it and bought him a Transformer. She also bought him an ice cream. Then he rode away on his father’s shoulders…”
A sharp pain stabbed through Zhong Yao’s heart. Lowering his head, he met eyes that had somehow filled with tears. Zhong Yao took the toy box Lin Zhu was proudly showing off and wrapped an arm around him.
Lin Zhu clutched his clothes tightly, voice trembling and hoarse. “I have a Transformer now…”
Zhong Yao pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. One hand cradled the back of his head, letting Lin Zhu lean entirely against him.
Nestled in his arms, Lin Zhu felt as though he were dreaming. The warmth and happiness filling his chest all evening had become overwhelming. It was aching, swelling, impossible to contain. At last, they broke through tightly shut eyes and poured out freely as tears.
In China, Lin Song stood in the shabby office of an orphanage, his expression dark.
On the desk in front of him were a stack of remittance slips addressed towards “The Coolest Kid,” written entirely by hand. There were eleven letters and several old and damaged toys, including yo-yos and four-wheel drive cars that boys liked.
There was also a box that had never been opened and was covered in a thick layer of dust; it was the most luxurious and newest Transformers set from back then.
