MACRM Chapter 110

There had been too much weighing on Lin Zhu’s heart for far too long. He cried his heart out, and in the end, fell asleep directly in Zhong Yao’s arms.

The sleeping agent looked even younger than when he was awake. His eye rims were faintly red as he curled up against Zhong Yao’s chest, still clutching the Transformer that had arrived who knew how many years late.

Watching over him, Zhong Yao’s heart ached beyond words.

Perhaps he was dreaming of something. Instinctively, Lin Zhu seemed uneasy and shifted lightly in his sleep.

Zhong Yao immediately took his hand and drew him closer into his embrace, gently stroking his shoulder and back before looking up toward his older brother, who was standing in his pajamas.

Zhong Ming stood at the bend of the staircase.

Holding a cup of coffee, he had apparently come downstairs at some point. His brows were slightly furrowed as he looked at Lin Zhu in Zhong Yao’s arms.

The Zhong family wasn’t generally this physically affectionate. Instinctively, Zhong Yao tucked Lin Zhu closer against himself.

Before he could speak, Zhong Ming said first, “His family—”

“Dage,” Zhong Yao interrupted softly.

Zhong Ming paused. After a moment of silence, he nodded.

“Then remember this. Every gift he’s ever missed out on, you need to make up for all of them.”

A dull ache stirred in Zhong Yao’s chest. “I will.”

Closing his eyes briefly, he lowered his voice even further so as not to wake the sleeping man in his arms.

“Every single one, I’ll make up for all of them.”

Everything Lin Zhu should have received but never did. Everything he missed out on. Everything that came too late, and everything that still had time.

All of it.

Zhong Yao took a deep breath and slowly calmed the emotions building in his chest. He decided he would make ice cream for his manager tomorrow.

Zhong Ming nodded and started upstairs, only to stop midway. “Mom sent me down here.” He turned around. “To make sure you two don’t start living together before marriage. You haven’t gotten your marriage certificate yet, have you?”

Zhong Yao: “…”

They had already been together for quite a long time. They’d even signed a seventy-year contract. At this point, they didn’t really need a certificate to prove anything.

Although they’d been receiving pressure from all directions to get married, this particular source of pressure was undoubtedly the strongest and most intimidating of them all.

There was no way he could send Lin Zhu off to sleep alone right now.

Rubbing his temples, Zhong Yao sighed. “Dage…” 

“I didn’t see anything.” Zhong Ming interrupted him. 

Meeting his younger brother’s slightly startled gaze, he gave a rare smile. “Stay with him, let him get a good night’s sleep.”

Then he turned and went upstairs.

Watching his usually strict, almost rigid older brother leave, Zhong Yao sat there in silence for a moment before laughing helplessly and rubbing his forehead.

Looking down at the sleeping agent whose cheeks were still rosy, he smiled. 

Fortunately…

They finally had enough good luck on their side.

Holding Lin Zhu in his arms, Zhong Yao stood up and carefully inspected the stairwell corner, making sure Zhong Ming wasn’t secretly hiding somewhere waiting to catch them in the act. Only after confirming the coast was clear did he finally relax and carry Lin Zhu back to his room.

That night, they both slept well.

—

The next day, Zhong Yao asked the PR team to Photoshop a marriage certificate.

Upon learning that his gift had made the little guy cry with happiness, Mr. Zhong — who spent his days exposing counterfeits — felt deeply gratified. He graciously chose not to point out the glaring signs of editing on the fake marriage certificate.

Humming cheerfully, he returned to his workshop and continued making miniature figurines for Lin Zhu.

And so Lin Zhu settled into life with the Zhong family.

Winter offered very little entertainment on a farm. Zhong Yao carefully planned activities, taking Lin Zhu around their own farm and neighboring farms with animals. They also made a leisurely tour through London’s famous attractions.

The fight at the fast-food restaurant with the local troublemakers had already satisfied the director’s desire for something exciting and dramatic.

After following them around for some time, the production team became thoroughly content with the peaceful, slice-of-life atmosphere. Happy with all the footage they’d gathered, they completed the planned itinerary, said goodbye to Zhong Yao and Lin Zhu, and flew back to China to begin intensive editing and production.

Winter days in London were especially short. Dawn arrived around seven-thirty, and darkness began creeping in shortly after four in the afternoon, adding an even more languid charm to the ancient city.

For years, Lin Zhu had been pushing himself to grow up faster. He constantly studied anything that might prove useful and never dared waste a single day. Being suddenly forced to slow down left him feeling uncomfortable for quite a while.

Zhong Yao wasn’t in a hurry.

Little by little, he taught him how to relax. When there was a script, they’d study it together. After finishing, they’d sit in their room and chat. If the mood struck them, they’d even help improve family meals by cooking traditional Chinese dishes.

Although Zhong Yao had settled in China at twenty and spent much of his childhood there, meaning there shouldn’t have been many traces of his youth left on the farm, somehow his parents had managed to gather embarrassing stories and memorabilia from every stage of his life.

They’d piled everything into a small study.

Lin Zhu absolutely adored the room. Whenever he had free time, he’d dive in like a treasure hunter. More than once, Zhong Yao had found him asleep while hugging a photo album and quietly carried him back to bed. Life became so relaxed that before Lin Zhu realized it, he’d already celebrated Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival with the Zhong family.

Without noticing, he’d gained several pounds.

“Perfect.” Zhong Yao wrapped an arm around his agent and lifted him slightly as if weighing him. “I still thought you were a little too thin.”

Satisfied, he ruffled Lin Zhu’s hair and released him. “Finished talking with your brother?” 

Lin Zhu’s eyes sparkled. Trailing behind Zhong Yao like a little tail and sneaking popcorn whenever he found an opening, he nodded enthusiastically. “Finished! Dage said he’s doing fine and told me not to worry!”

Having spent both the New Year and Lantern Festival abroad, Lin Zhu worried that his brother back home might feel lonely. Every day, he made time to talk with Lin Song.

Surrounded by the Zhong family’s relaxed yet affectionate atmosphere. After several video calls with Lin Song that hadn’t resulted in any unpleasant surprises, Lin Zhu had gradually relaxed.

He no longer felt the need to communicate exclusively through text messages.

Zhong Yao always encouraged this.

Whenever the brothers needed private time to talk, he thoughtfully went off to prepare snacks for his manager. As a result, Lin Zhu had become a little sturdier and healthier.

The popcorn came in chocolate and butter flavors. The entire kitchen was filled with an irresistible sweet aroma. Unable to resist, Lin Zhu took a deep breath and popped another piece into his mouth once it had cooled enough.

“It’s just…” 

After a moment’s hesitation while helping Zhong Yao in the kitchen, he finally spoke. “I feel like Dage is hiding something from me.”

“I asked him, but he wouldn’t tell me. He just said he’d explain after I come back.”

Since video calls didn’t allow him to read thoughts, Lin Zhu couldn’t know what was on his brother’s mind. But he could still tell that something was troubling him.

The fact that Lin Song hadn’t told him meant it wasn’t urgent. Still, if it was enough to trouble his brother this much, it probably wasn’t something minor either.

Growing up, Lin Zhu had rarely seen Lin Song look so burdened. He couldn’t help worrying.

Thoughtfully, Zhong Yao nodded. He divided the freshly made popcorn into several paper bags and handed Lin Zhu the nicest-looking one.

“There are still two weeks before filming starts. How about we go back for a visit and see what’s going on?”

Lin Zhu immediately shook his head. “No, no. The schedule would be way too tight.”

There were still two weeks before filming officially began, but Zhong Yao had to join the production a week early to familiarize himself with the environment and adjust to the time difference.

Their original plan had already been to return to New York in a few days.

Flying from London to Beijing, then from Beijing to New York, would mean spending nearly an entire day in the air. Recovering from that and getting back into proper condition would be extremely difficult.

There was also…

Lin Zhu carried the popcorn and followed Zhong Yao from door to door, delivering warm treats to everyone. He quietly pressed his lips together. 

Deep down, he could more or less sense what his brother was hiding from him.

Lately, whenever he asked about the investigation into the sponsorship from years ago, Lin Song would always be evasive, saying only that there still wasn’t enough information and that he needed to look into it further before reaching a conclusion. Ever since Lin Zhu had come home and been raised under Lin Song’s care, he had never seen his brother pay so little attention to something concerning him.

If it wasn’t because he didn’t care, then it had to be because…

Lin Song was trying his best to keep it from him. 

Or rather, Lin Song still hadn’t decided whether he should tell him.

“What are you thinking about?” Zhong Yao’s gentle voice sounded beside him, the back of his hand resting lightly against Lin Zhu’s forehead. 

“Tired? Want to take a nap?”

Lin Zhu snapped back to reality and quickly shook his head. “No, no. I was thinking about my brother… Should we look at flight tickets?”

Zhong Yao didn’t press for details. He simply smiled, nodded, and led Lin Zhu back to their room.

Darkness had already fallen early once again. Curled up together on the bed, Zhong Yao held Lin Zhu in his arms while browsing recent flight schedules.

“Leaving this early?”

Lin Zhu had just finished talking with their team. Looking up at the date Zhong Yao had selected, he blinked.

“Your parents haven’t left yet…”

Zhong Yao had said that this was the only month of the year when the whole family gathered together. Once it ended, everyone would return to their own busy lives.

It was Lin Zhu’s first time experiencing such a wonderful family atmosphere, and he treasured it dearly. He had originally planned to stay until Zhong Yao’s family left, seeing everyone off one by one and remaining until the very end as the person responsible for locking the door.

Zhong Yao smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s fine. Whenever we want to see them, we can just knock on their door.”

What Lin Zhu didn’t know was that the Zhong family had never really had the habit of living together. Even during holidays, their gatherings were usually brief.

The reason nobody had left yet, and why they were all still staying at home, was simply because every one of them wanted Lin Zhu to properly experience what a normal family life was like — being nagged if he stayed out playing too long; being awakened by the sound of a rice ladle knocking against a pot if he slept in; being forced to put on more clothes when the weather turned cold; being made to drink ginger soup while holding his nose when he caught a cold; and always finding a light left on in the hallway whenever he came home.

A complete family.

Without discussing it and with perfect unspoken understanding, all they wanted was to give their little one a proper home.

Zhong Yao lowered his head and kissed Lin Zhu, casually reaching into the paper bag in his arms and grabbing a handful of popcorn.

Lin Zhu: “!!”

Zhong Yao deliberately teased him, lowering his head slightly, laughter dancing in his eyes.

It was rare for Zhong Yao to steal his food. Convinced that Actor Zhong simply wanted popcorn but felt embarrassed to ask, Lin Zhu immediately perked up and diligently fed him popcorn while continuing to browse flights.

Zhong Yao accepted each piece of popcorn his manager offered. His lips brushed lightly against Lin Zhu’s cool fingertips as he ate. ‘Ah, London winters were still a little cold.’

Quite satisfied, Zhong Yao pulled his rapidly blushing agent closer and carefully wrapped him in the blanket.

The atmosphere at home had visibly changed as well.

With a lively and adorable new family member, there was much more laughter and vitality in the house than before. Everyone had gradually gotten used to eating together and greeting one another before going out. They had even unexpectedly become friends with the owner of the neighboring farm, who had gifted them a whole brood of chirping goslings.

Without realizing it, the family seemed much closer than before.

Anything could be learned, as long as one was willing to try.

Lin Zhu was still burning hot. The finger Zhong Yao had kissed curled slightly as his heart pounded against his chest.

After booking the tickets, Zhong Yao set the laptop aside.

Meeting the misty look in those amber eyes, he raised an eyebrow slightly and lowered his head to place another gentle kiss on him.

…

Three days later, Zhong Yao and Lin Zhu returned to New York as planned.

Marlensius’ team had officially begun preparations for filming. The soundstages had been built, and nutritionists, stunt coordinators, fitness trainers, and action directors were arriving one after another.

Not long after returning to New York, Zhong Yao, as the lead actor, was thrown into intensive training.

Lin Zhu had worked hard to secure this opportunity. Even during their vacation back home, Zhong Yao had never completely relaxed. He repeatedly studied the script and kept his physical condition within the required range, saving considerable effort during body conditioning.

But Lin Zhu still felt heartbroken.

He couldn’t freely eat delicious food. Every day was a battle against bland nutritional meals consisting of giant steaks with almost no oil or seasoning. He also had to maintain over four hours of high-intensity exercise.

Even though Zhong Yao adapted smoothly, Lin Zhu simply couldn’t bear to watch.

The co-producer who couldn’t bear it any longer insisted on sleeping, training, and eating alongside his artist. After surviving three days of identical nutritional meals, he finally surrendered completely.

“This is my job. Adjusting my physical condition isn’t a big deal. It’s normal. I’ve eaten much worse than this before.”

Zhong Yao personally cooked three dishes and a soup for Lin Zhu. Watching him devour the food with tears in his eyes, he tried hard not to laugh as he gently patted his back. “Alright, alright. Slow down. You’ll choke. Have some water…”

“Thank goodness I didn’t impulsively become an actor.” 

Lin Zhu took a huge bite of steamed bun stuffed with grilled meat and Lao Gan Ma chili sauce. After being fed a few sips of water by Zhong Yao, he sighed blissfully. “This is way too miserable…”

Zhong Yao finally couldn’t hold back his laughter and lightly flicked his nose. “Do your arms still hurt?”

Lin Zhu’s face instantly heated up. “No! They’re completely fine!”

He still couldn’t handle heavy weights. The fitness coach had kindly adjusted the training load and had him train alongside Zhong Yao for a day. By the time Zhong Yao finished his own session and came to find him, he had nearly failed to reassemble his thoroughly melted manager.

If Zhong Yao hadn’t come home early to cook today, Lin Zhu could have happily lain in bed all day.

His determination was admirable, so Zhong Yao chose not to discourage him. After praising him seriously, he poured him another bowl of soup.

Giving up entirely, Lin Zhu leaned comfortably against Zhong Yao’s shoulder and continued enjoying his meal.

Zhong Yao was long accustomed to strict self-discipline. The fragrant food in front of him didn’t tempt him at all. Instead, he enjoyed watching Lin Zhu eat happily.

Wrapping an arm around him, he chatted casually. “Since you didn’t go today, you missed the documentary crew. They said they’ll be following everything from now until filming starts, documenting the entire process.”

 Lin Zhu wasn’t surprised.

“I think that’s their usual approach. If the movie performs well, the documentary might get released too. Then we’ll earn another share of the box office revenue.”

Zhong Yao laughed at what he chose to focus on. Taking the spoon from his agent’s still-trembling hand, he replaced it with a different one and began serving food onto his plate himself. “The film will do very well.”

It was Lin Zhu’s first time participating in a movie production from beginning to end, and he still felt somewhat uncertain. Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady himself.

Zhong Yao lowered his head, intending to encourage him further, but Lin Zhu gently set down his spoon. A faint blush spread across his face. 

“If it does well, then in the future we’ll focus on movies…” Lin Zhu said, fist clenched. He continued, “One movie a year. One movie supporting us for a whole year.”

Then he looked up. “That way… we won’t have to be so busy.”

Zhong Yao raised an eyebrow slightly.

Lin Zhu pressed his lips together and coughed softly, averting his gaze. “And then we can… we can go home together. Is the farm fun in summer? By then, those goslings will have grown up too, right? I want to prepare gifts to bring back…”

His expression remained a little shy, his wording careful. But the light in his eyes quietly grew brighter.

Zhong Yao fell silent and tightened his arm around him. 

He understood.

It was the first time his agent had ever enjoyed himself this much. Even though they still had work to do and were fully devoted to preparing for it, he was already…

Homesick.

Zhong Yao decided not to think about the flock of geese. Instead, he began mentally redesigning their summer vacation plans and smiled. “Alright.”

Lowering his head slightly, he added, “In the UK, it doesn’t get dark until ten at night during summer. We can do whatever we want. I’ll even take you to a pub. But you have to promise that if you wander off, I’ll still be able to find you.”

Lin Zhu choked on his breath, “…”

“I was kidding.” Zhong Yao lowered his gaze and smiled. “No matter where you run, I’ll be able to find you.”

Interlacing their fingers, Zhong Yao held Lin Zhu’s hand firmly. “I’ve already put my stamp on you. You’re not getting lost.”

News of the start of filming for Marlensius’ movie spread quickly. Before long, official announcements about the production beginning appeared on Chinese entertainment platforms as well.

The large number of Asian actors in the film naturally attracted the attention of both the media and the public. As the male lead, Zhong Yao was once again pushed to the center of public discussion.

With filming about to begin, he was occupied not only with physical conditioning and action training, but also with script analysis and scene rehearsals. He barely even had time to check Weibo.

Lin Zhu simply took over the entire matter.

Leading the team, he closely monitored online discussions and stood ready at any moment to suppress malicious or extreme commentary.

The first to lose patience was still Huaying.

After the previous street assault incident, Lin Song had refused to let his brother worry about it. Using the evidence Lin Zhu had provided, he directly sued Huaying in return.

Although Huaying hadn’t personally participated in the assault and had settled the matter with a large compensation payment, the news still couldn’t be completely hidden within the industry despite their efforts to suppress public discussion.

One incident after another had left Huaying in an increasingly precarious position. The entertainment industry valued backing and influence above all else. There was never a shortage of people eager to kick down a collapsing wall. Back when Huaying had loudly declared they would blacklist Zhong Yao, the whole industry had known about it. Yet not only had Zhong Yao avoided being blacklisted, his career had flourished.

The other entertainment companies quickly sensed which way the wind was blowing and began actively poaching Huaying’s talent and projects. Within a month, Huaying had lost two of its pillar artists, one major television drama, two films, and several endorsement contracts.

Combined with Lin Song’s efforts behind the scenes, Huaying had effectively been driven into a dead end.

Lin Zhu had long guessed they would make one final struggle. He instructed his team to keep a close eye on Huaying’s remaining public-relations channels.

On the third night, they finally caught them.

Rumors began circulating online: Zhong Yao suspected of keeping a lover for many years.

When the news reached Lin Zhu, he happened to be on a video call with Lin Song. The brothers both knew exactly what was going on.

The moment Lin Song heard it, he exploded. “Nonsense! How is that keeping a lover?! If anything, you’re the one keeping him! Just wait— I’m suing them!”

Sitting before the computer, Lin Zhu’s pupils contracted slightly.

Lin Song’s heart skipped a beat. Only then did he realize he’d let something slip. Seeing his brother’s expression, he guiltily sat back down. “Xiao Zhu, listen to me…”

Lin Zhu had been waiting for an opening like this.

Hearing that, he smiled and shook his head. “Ge, don’t worry. Actually…”

He took a soft breath and looked up, his eyes clear. “I’m not lying to you. I’ve been hoping for this moment for days.”

After being brothers for so many years, he could guess what had been troubling Lin Song.

At first, Lin Zhu hadn’t wanted the sponsored child to turn out to be himself because if those embarrassing, overly dramatic letters had really been written by him, it would have been mortifying. But once the truth had actually been uncovered, the one who didn’t want the identities to match had become Lin Song.

If that sponsored child wasn’t him, then everything could remain as it was.

There would be no reason for regret, no reason for resentment, no lingering sense of unfairness.

But if that child really was him…

His brother had spent so many years protecting him, still treating him as a younger brother who needed care and concern.

That was why, even now, Lin Song still hadn’t decided whether he should tell him that all those years ago…

He could have lived a much better life.

Lin Zhu understood, but he didn’t truly care about that.

There were already too many painful things in those memories. If he tried to account for every injustice, he’d never move forward again. 

But what awaited him ahead…

Was something he looked forward to too much.

Far too much.

He didn’t have time to be miserable.

Looking at his brother, Lin Zhu lowered his eyes and smiled. 

For a moment, he looked like a clean, bright young boy again. Like the boy who had first been brought home — thin and fragile, covered in injuries, quiet, and withdrawn. Yet, still carrying hopeful light in his eyes.

Lin Song had watched that light fade away little by little. Now it was shining again.

“Ge, the reason I want to find out the truth is because…” Lin Zhu hesitated. “I want those things back.”

Finally, Lin Zhu looked up. “There were letters… and other things too, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t be so reluctant to tell me. Were there gifts? Things he sent me?”

His voice was gentle. “Those are mine, Ge. Those things belong to me.”

On the other side of the screen, Lin Song tilted his head back and took a deep breath.

Lin Zhu’s eyes reddened slightly, but no tears fell. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted. Looking at his brother, he smiled. “They were just accidentally lost. If we find them again, that’s enough. They won’t be lost anymore.”

Leaning forward, he rested a hand against the screen. “So, Ge, don’t worry.”

“I’ve grown up.”

Lin Song couldn’t speak. His breathing turned rough as he raised a hand and covered his eyes.

“Alright, Ge. We haven’t finished talking about business yet.” Lin Zhu’s voice was a little hoarse. After coughing twice, he drew a breath. “This matter needs to be made public. I still need a more complete chain of evidence. Right now, this is the best opportunity.”

He looked at his brother. “How far has your investigation gotten? Can you send me the supporting documents?”

Lin Song sat silently for a long time. Finally, he lowered his hand and sent over a compressed file. His eyes were already red.

Lin Zhu felt his heart soften. In a small voice, he coaxed his older brother. “Ge, you are so amazing. Thank you.” 

Lin Song remained unhappy, sitting in front of the camera without saying a word.

Hugging his laptop, Lin Zhu crouched down and tried to placate him. “I’ll only be stubborn about this one thing, Ge. For everything else, whatever you say, I’ll listen. Okay?”

Hearing that, Lin Song finally looked up. His expression softened a little. “Really?”

Lin Zhu nodded vigorously. “Really! I swear I’ll be good.”

“Alright.” Taking a deep breath, Lin Song finally seemed happier. His eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Then Dage will go buy Huaying for you. So you can keep Zhong Yao as your sugar baby…”