Translator: Lynn
Jian Jie and Long Zichen found themselves enveloped in the unwavering support of their close-knit circle, and this infusion of encouragement brightened their outlook on life. The only lingering shadow over this newfound radiance was the figure of a certain antagonistic brother, whose presence they would gladly omit.
Brother Jian’s fierce exterior proved to be quite the façade. While he had initially maintained an air of anger toward Jian Jie, it became evident that much of it was mere posturing. It was impossible for him to perpetually harbor resentment toward his younger sibling. After witnessing Jian Jie’s repeated attempts to avoid him, coupled with Jiang Xinya’s patient explanations about same-sex relationships, Jian Bin’s heart began to thaw. His younger brother’s steadfast rejection and his own sense of being wronged made it a challenge to fully embrace the idea of his brother being involved with a considerably older man, one who consistently donned a carefree smile and appeared somewhat unreliable.
Had Long Zichen known that his age was the primary factor in Brother Jian’s rejection, he might have been moved to tears. Despite the uphill battle he faced, Long Zichen found solace in his current state. Immersed in his role as the producer for Jian Jie’s forthcoming album, their daily interactions at the company had become indispensable. Engaging in deep conversations about the world and the stolen moments of affection when no one was looking – the small touches, the stolen kisses – all contributed to his profound happiness. Even in the face of Jian Bin’s disapproval, Long Zichen persevered with unwavering reasonability. This dedication only intensified Jian Jie’s affection for him, leading him to prioritize fulfilling Long Zichen’s wishes. Moreover, Long Zichen’s desires were entirely reasonable, void of any peculiar demands. Jian Jie had witnessed Shui Xiaoren’s previous relationships, characterized by incessant demands and petulant behavior over minor inconveniences. Long Zichen, however, was a stark contrast.
Long Zichen embodied a vitality and optimism that came hand in hand with his good health. His age granted him a measured perspective, and he approached their relationship with thoughtful consideration, ensuring that Jian Jie never endured a moment of unwarranted distress. Even Long Zichen’s occasional displays of silliness endeared him further to Jian Jie, who found such quirks charming. What Jian Jie had yet to realize was that this sentiment perfectly encapsulated the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Jian Jie’s emotional journey had been a roller coaster of highs and lows lately. In the presence of his elder brother, he maintained an air of discontent, employing various juvenile antics to voice his grievances. He adamantly upheld his right to freely choose love, adopting the demeanor of a lovesick youth.
Upon entering the recording room, however, Jian Jie’s mood swiftly transformed. The melodic scales and playful half-tones seamlessly morphed into diverse styles through various arrangements, unveiling a truly captivating auditory experience.
The company’s blueprint was to unveil this album in June, perfectly coinciding with the onset of summer vacation. This strategic timing would afford Jian Jie ample opportunities to engage in promotional endeavors and a gamut of publicity commitments. Xinghuo, his management company, had even orchestrated a plan for Jian Jie to embark on album promotion in neighboring countries, aiming to bolster his popularity across Asia.
And at this time, Long Zichen could finally no longer use a wheelchair. After getting rid of that burden, he was going crazy with joy. Long Zichen made up his mind that he would be cautious in everything in the future, it would cost money and suffer, and he never wanted to experience it again in his life.
Upon his physical recovery, Long Zichen found his thoughts dwelling more persistently on certain matters, particularly regarding a somewhat devious plan to entice Jian Jie into his embrace. Like Jian Jie, he too was a first-time participant in such matters. Lacking any prior experience, his fertile imagination conjured up images of an idyllic and unique scenario, one that would befit this significant moment in their lives. His apprehension extended to the fear that Jian Jie might not be pleased with the outcome in the future, a concern that tugged at his thoughts.
His primary stipulation was that the rendezvous must be far from the company premises. Aware of Jian Jie’s bashful nature, he knew the slightest interruption could send him into seclusion, and having the proverbial “pause button” activated midway was a scenario he aimed to avoid. External hotels were also out of the question; being a public figure, rumors of him sharing a room with a man could have grave implications. Factor in Jian Jie’s commitment to school, punctuated by his elder brother’s vigilance in ensuring timely pickups, and it became evident that their tryst must be conducted under tight discretion.
During Long Zichen’s prolonged preoccupation with these thoughts, a serendipitous opportunity arose for Jian Jie: an overseas prospect initiated by Jason, who had remained out of contact for some time.
Nearly three months had elapsed since the overseas audition, and Jian Jie had all but given up on any prospects associated with it. Unexpectedly, Jason contacted him with news of his successful audition, revealing that the director and producer had taken note of his performance. They expressed the desire for him to formally join the cast as a supporting actor in the production. Jason extended his apologies for the delay in reaching out, attributing it to familial feuds that had temporarily stalled the film’s production. As a conciliatory gesture, he inquired, “Jian, would you still be interested in coming?”
Jian Jie didn’t commit immediately. Film shoots were far more time-intensive than commercials or music videos, and agreeing would invariably disrupt his new album’s recording schedule. After deliberation with his management company, a consensus was reached. The worst-case scenario entailed a delay in the album’s release. It was unanimously agreed that such a prestigious invitation to participate in a major international production was a rare opportunity.
Long Zichen ardently championed Jian Jie’s involvement in Jason’s film, driven not only by its potential to enhance Jian Jie’s acting repertoire but also by his own desire to accompany him. The prospect of an absence of ten to twelve months posed a culinary challenge – Long Zichen would have to master the art of cooking raw rice from scratch. While abroad, Jian Jie would be relatively unknown to foreign journalists, offering a respite from the restrained publicity climate of China.
Failing to resist the anticipation in Long Zichen’s hopeful gaze, Jian Jie eventually acquiesced to the film role. The company formalized an agreement with Jason’s Hua Guo assistant. Jian Jie’s shooting schedule was provisionally set for 15 days, with a film remuneration of 1.5 million.
Concern creased Long Zichen’s brow as he voiced his worries, “Won’t your brother object? He’s even opposed to your presence at the company’s recording sessions. Can he accept your absence for over ten days abroad?”
Jian Jie, at the dawn of his rebellious phase, contemplated the query and stated earnestly, “Then, let’s just not tell him!”
A chuckle escaped Long Zichen’s lips, “Planning on leaving a note that we eloped?” The notion wasn’t foreign to him, as he had often indulged in such daydreams: a crimson sun sinking beyond the horizon, him and Jian Jie riding on horseback, united in a nomadic journey across the globe, a picture of beauty and romance.
To his surprise, Jian Jie nodded, “Fine, let’s just say I’ve run away from home and have no intention of returning. Let my brother taste regret if he can’t locate me!”
“Xiaojie, you’ve picked up some bad habits,” Long Zichen mused, shaking his head with a resigned smile.
As expected, Jian Jie enlisted Li Xiaoqi’s help in concealing his plans from his brother. He dispatched his assistant to retrieve his passport from home for visa application and readied an assortment of clothes at the company. The day prior to his departure, in his brother’s absence, he left a taunting note on the study desk:
“Brother, I’ve grown weary. I’m leaving. Don’t bother searching for me.”
Upon his return home that evening, Jian Bin’s countenance darkened at the sight of the note. An internal monologue ensued: “Weary, huh? I had no inkling you were having nightly heart-to-hearts with that guy on the phone! I played the ignorant elder, and you dared to stage a runaway act! Outrageous!”
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