Male Sing and His Pet Owner: Chapter 131

Zhan Hang pressed Zhao Kaile tightly against his chest and asked with lingering fear, “Did you hear that?!”

Zhao Kaile was silent for a moment, then said rather gloomily, “You were the one who drove me away… You said it when you weren’t drunk.”

His tone was very downcast. Zhan Hang’s heart felt tight hearing it. He loosened his hold a bit and lowered his head to look at him seriously.

“I’m not someone you can summon and dismiss at will.” Zhao Kaile said slowly, “When you don’t need me anymore, it hurts me.”

Zhan Hang didn’t know how to respond. He could only hug him tighter.

Zhao Kaile asked a bit unhappily, “Did you hear that?”

Zhan Hang lowered his head, buried his face in his shoulder, and made a sound of agreement. Like a child who had done something wrong, he didn’t dare say much more. His attitude was sincere, his tone especially careful. Zhao Kaile had originally wanted to keep a stern face and say a few more words. But seeing Zhan Hang like this made his heart soften instantly. He completely couldn’t resist.

He hesitantly raised his hand, then forced himself to put it down. He struggled internally, thinking to himself you are way too easy to coax… Can you act a little tougher!

Seeing that he hadn’t spoken for a long time, Zhan Hang also panicked a bit in his heart. He hurriedly added, “Yesterday I was too much of a jerk. My mind was very chaotic, I…”

Zhao Kaile raised his eyes and looked at him. He discovered that Zhan Hang’s eyes had a bit of red in them. There was still some blue stubble on his chin that he hadn’t had time to shave. His complexion was rather haggard. Clearly he hadn’t slept well all night.

Zhao Kaile organized his words for a long time, and finally squeezed out one sentence, “I really am no good. If you’re still angry… How about you beat me up?”

“…” Zhao Kaile instantly broke, bursting out with a laugh, “Why would I beat you up! Can you apologize properly for once!”

Zhan Hang let out a breath of relief. One hand covered the back of his head.

But Zhao Kaile was still a bit angry, “You’re just banking on my good temper, thinking you can drive me away however you want and I won’t leave, right? I… Mmph!”

Their lips met. But Zhan Hang didn’t deepen the kiss. He stopped after a brief taste, letting him go after only a moment.

He breathed slightly heavily. His palm rubbed the back of Zhao Kaile’s neck. He looked into his eyes and asked in a deep voice, “You what?”

Being looked at like this, Zhao Kaile’s heart instantly beat like thunder. He swallowed, his whole mind filled with it’s over, I’m done for.

“I…” He seemed to have figured something out. Like a broken pot being smashed, he took a deep breath and said sadly, “I… I’m just that kind of person…”

Zhan Hang: “…”

Zhao Kaile said angrily again, “But you can’t do this anymore! Not again!”

Zhan Hang stared at him blankly for a moment, then slowly nodded.

After finishing his outburst, Zhao Kaile only felt like he had punched cotton. He couldn’t say what was wrong, but he just felt unsatisfied. He thought for a moment and was about to open his mouth to tell Zhan Hang to go inside and talk. But suddenly the world spun before his eyes. Before he could even react, Zhan Hang had swept him up horizontally in his arms.

“??” Zhao Kaile grabbed Zhan Hang’s collar, his face full of panic as he asked, “Wait Hang ge, what are you doing??”

Zhan Hang carried him, walking steadily toward the door, speaking as if venting his anger, “What do you think? Two people in a relationship, one bed, what else can we do?”

Zhao Kaile struggled in embarrassment, “But it’s not even evening yet!”

“Why wait for evening?” Zhan Hang said angrily, “I lost my job, my wife almost ran away, I’m under so much pressure and I can’t even let off some steam?”

Zhao Kaile gritted his teeth and resisted with all his might, “That doesn’t mean we can do it in broad daylight!”

Zhan Hang couldn’t care less anymore. He went upstairs, kicked open the bedroom door with one foot, put the person down, and started taking off his own clothes.

During this period after leaving the hospital, he had kept up with extra training. His figure hadn’t gone too out of shape. He was still very nice to look at. Only his skin tone was slightly paler than before. But it didn’t affect the overall visual. Zhao Kaile had originally still been putting on an act of covering his own clothes. But at this point he basically had no more thoughts of resisting. He only nervously swallowed.

Zhan Hang pressed against him through his clothes a couple of times, raised his brow, and said indifferently, “Be good. Take it off yourself.”

Zhao Kaile’s head heated up. Like one facing death with equanimity, he made a whimpering sound, reached out to wrap his arms around Zhan Hang’s neck, and actively kissed him.

A hint of triumphant smile showed in Zhan Hang’s eyes. One hand traced his waistline. He lowered his head and deepened the kiss.

Qihua Entertainment.

Bai Li sat at her desk with a grave expression. The expressions of the several young assistants behind her were exactly the same as hers. They stared unblinkingly at the video playing on the computer screen.

In the video, a woman with a measured speaking pace, dressed appropriately, looked at the camera with focus and spoke sincerely, “First let me introduce myself to everyone… I am Zhan Hang’s mother, Feng Biqin. The reason for recording this video, I imagine everyone already knows. I saw those rumors online, the rumors about Zhan Hongyuan… Most of those are true. This person is indeed utterly evil. I too was deceived by his sweet words in my early years. I entrusted myself to the wrong person. Fortunately I got out in time…”

The male assistant frowned watching this and couldn’t help saying, “What is she talking about… It feels like she didn’t even draft a script before filming this. It’s all over the place.”

Bai Li shushed him, signaling him to be quiet and keep watching.

“My poor son, Zhan Hang… He suffered with me.” Feng Biqin’s eyes were slightly red as she continued, “But he is wonderful. Very independent. After he became an adult he never took another cent from Zhan Hongyuan. He cut ties with his father long ago, do you know? Believe it or not… My son is clean and clear. He never touched any dirty money. Everything he has now was earned bit by bit through his own blood and sweat… He is my pride… You all have parents, have children, have precious treasures you hold in your hands. I can’t bear to see my precious son scolded by you like this…”

When she spoke to the emotional point, the tears held in her eyes finally couldn’t help but flow down. She breathed rapidly a few times, lowered her head to wipe away her tears, and didn’t look at the camera for a good while.

Everyone in front of the computer looked at each other. But Bai Li wasn’t anxious at all. She patiently waited for what came next.

After calming her emotions, Feng Biqin indeed raised her head again, bowed toward the camera, and said in a trembling voice, “I earnestly beg everyone to please stop hurting him… Zhan Hang knew nothing about everything Zhan Hongyuan did. I know a father’s debt should be paid by the son. But this isn’t how it should be paid…”

She was trembling all over, nearly breaking down. A man’s figure appeared in the frame, followed by comforting sounds. A pair of hands helped her out of the camera’s view. Then the screen went dark, and the entire video finished playing.

Lu Jiayin felt only sighs after watching. Then she looked at Bai Li with uncertainty, seemingly able to sense what she was thinking.

“Push it.” Bai Li pointed at the video with the pen in her hand, giving brief instructions to the people around her, “Find people to push it quickly. Find a few big marketing accounts to write articles. Keyword group: the pity of parents under heaven.”

The male assistant from before asked a bit hesitantly, “Sister Li, don’t we need to re edit it? It’s too messy.”

“No need.” Bai Li packed up the notebook before her and stood up, saying, “What we want is authenticity. One continuous shot.”

Lu Jiayin understood in her heart. She nodded and said, “Okay, I got it.”

Bai Li made a sound of agreement and raised her voice to instruct, “Don’t just stand there. Get to work.”

Everyone responded and scattered to do their own tasks.

Conference room.

When Bai Li entered, the two company bosses were still arguing with red faces. One felt that Zhan Hang had finally reached today’s height, and if he could be saved they should of course save him. The other felt that with a father like this, even if they wanted to save him they couldn’t. It would be better to temporarily draw a clear line, so as not to drag the company or the company’s other artists down with him.

“Bai Li?” The big boss saw her enter and hurriedly asked, “Perfect timing. How is the online public opinion control going?”

“Not very optimistic, but there’s some barely good news.” Bai Li bent down to open her laptop and played the video Feng Biqin had recorded for the two of them.

After watching, both bosses were silent for a while. The second boss clicked his tongue and asked her, “You contacted her?”

Bai Li shook her head, “If I had contacted her proactively, it might not have had this effect.”

The big boss’s face finally showed a bit of joy. He said to the two of them, “I told you heaven never cuts off all paths.”

“Another emotional play.” The second boss said unconcernedly, “These days netizens aren’t stupid. They won’t believe you just because you squeeze out a few tears.”

Bai Li looked at the constantly refreshing and scrolling comments, murmuring, “Looking at this direction, I think there’s still hope.”

“What are your thoughts?” The big boss asked.

Bai Li said, “Find as many movies and TV dramas as possible that Zhan Hongyuan touched.”

The second boss: “…”

Bai Li continued, “Pull them out one by one to take the bullets. Blur the public’s attention.”

The big boss laughed loudly upon hearing this, reached out and patted the second boss’s shoulder, and said mockingly, “Just you wait and see.”

The second boss stood up unconcernedly, saying, “This is the only lousy trick you know.”

Anyway, if they could save him it was no loss to him. If it still didn’t work, they could just urgently cut ties with Zhan Hang.

Bai Li however looked at him expressionlessly, not saying anything more. A name vaguely flashed in her mind.

But Zhan Hang, who was at the center of the public opinion storm, had no mind to pay attention to any of this. He only wanted to throw everything aside and go wild relaxing for a few days, completely letting himself go. His phone was set to silent mode and thrown far to the side.

Zhao Kaile had been worn out by him for half the day. He weakly called for a timeout. Zhan Hang let him lie panting on top of him, kissed his forehead with a satisfied expression, and his fingertips lovingly traced the fine scar on Zhao Kaile’s face.

“It’s already healed.” Zhao Kaile’s face was slightly red. He closed his eyes and asked, “Are you still feeling guilty?”

Zhan Hang made an ambiguous sound, pondered for a moment, then said, “I’ve figured it out. I won’t act anymore.”

Zhao Kaile raised his eyes in confusion and looked at him, asking, “Why? Didn’t Sister Li say there might still be a chance after the storm passes?”

“Then I’d become a tainted artist, a scandal ridden artist.” Zhan Hang patted the back of his head and laughed, “How about we go buy a piece of land in your hometown?”

Zhao Kaile’s eyes widened slightly and he began to seriously consider his proposal.

Zhan Hang said, “We can plant something in the land, be self sufficient. Live in your hometown for half a year. In the second half of the year go back to my hometown to see the snow… When there’s nothing to do, go stay at my mom’s for a couple of days… I actually don’t really want to live with her. But she seems to quite like you.”

Zhao Kaile asked in confusion, “You want to farm? Can a male celebrity farm?”

He imagined the scene of Zhan Hang wearing a bamboo hat, rolling up his pant legs, working in the fields under the blazing sun. His heart skipped a beat. It still feels very handsome, what do I do.

Zhan Hang solemnly coaxed him, saying, “When I was little I went to the fields with my grandpa to pick corn. If I get familiar with it again I should be able to get the feeling back.”

“I don’t really know how either.” Zhao Kaile said, “But my brother probably does. Can we let him live next door to us then?”

Zhan Hang said generously, “Why not…”

The two seriously discussed their future for a while. Suddenly Zhao Kaile’s phone vibrated. Zhan Hang reached toward the headboard, helped him grab it, and held the screen toward him, serving as a human phone stand.

Zhao Kaile was still lying on top of him, looking at the screen weakly. It was a message from Ou Xiaoqin.

Ou Xiaoqin: Kaile, are you with Hang ge? I sent him messages but he never replied…

Ou Xiaoqin: I saw the video Zhan Hang’s mom posted online. I believe what she said.

Ou Xiaoqin: I actually always knew what kind of person Hang ge is. He helped me three times before. I remember every time. I won’t sit by and do nothing. Please pass on my words of comfort, okay?

Zhao Kaile finished reading with slight surprise, hurriedly took the phone and replied to her, “Okay, thank you.”

Zhan Hang asked lazily, “Who are you chatting with?”

Zhao Kaile couldn’t help laughing and said to him, “Ou Xiaoqin!”

Zhan Hang: “What did she say? You’re laughing so happily.”

“She said she watched the video Auntie posted and believes in your character…” Zhao Kaile finally reacted when he said this, asking in confusion, “Video?”

Zhan Hang: “?”

The two looked at each other. Zhao Kaile immediately rolled off him, opened the browser and searched keywords. Sure enough, he instantly found the video cover with Feng Biqin on camera from the hot search terms.

The video was eight minutes and thirty two seconds long. Approximately three minutes were spent choking up, crying, and venting emotions. Yet it moved countless viewers.

Zhan Hang was silent for a long time, scrolling through the comments below the video. His fingers slightly tightened. Zhao Kaile also saw those few comments that made personal attacks on Feng Biqin. He was practically furious.

“She’s never been smart in her life.” Zhan Hang said, “Whatever she does, she only knows these clumsy methods.”

Hearing this, Zhao Kaile instantly felt wronged on Feng Biqin’s behalf in his heart. He thought, but she loves you so much. No one loves you more than her.

Zhan Hang subconsciously pressed his finger against the bedside. That was his habitual motion when he wanted to smoke. But he had promised Zhao Kaile he would quit this bad habit.

Zhao Kaile turned to look at him. His eyes faintly carried a bit of tears.

Zhan Hang moved his brows and asked, “I haven’t even cried. What are you crying for?”

Zhao Kaile wiped his eyes, turned around and buried himself in his arms, not speaking for a good while.

Zhan Hang said again, “Ou Xiaoqin says she believes in my character? So what. If you put it nicely now, it’s actually fearing that I might make a comeback later and not give her face. Can she go against her own management company and post a clarification statement for me at this critical moment? There’s no one that stupid…”

Zhao Kaile said angrily while buried in his arms, “Stop slandering other people’s good intentions! Shut up!”

Zhan Hang hummed and laughed twice, patted his back comfortingly, and admitted his fault like coaxing a child. After Zhao Kaile fell into a deep sleep, he picked up his phone, edited for a long time, and sent a message to Feng Biqin.

That night, Zhou Jiyang came to his door.

“Charity gala?” Zhan Hang sat slouching on the sofa and said lazily, “Is it appropriate for me to go in my current state? Don’t mess with me.”

Zhou Jiyang said, “Bro, doing charity at a time like this is the only way to wash yourself clean, okay? Whether you bid high on junk or donate big to Project Hope, the more you donate the harder the wash.”

Zhan Hang: “You think Bai Li doesn’t know this trick? I’ve been donating for the past two years. Within two hours of Zhan Hongyuan’s incident she already showed the proof. Did it help?”

Zhou Jiyang clicked his tongue, “My dad gave the opportunity. Come or don’t come.”

“Thank Uncle Zhou for his trouble. Please pass on my thanks.” Zhan Hang said rather indifferently, “Don’t bother. Sit for a while.”

Zhao Kaile came over carrying tea for Zhou Jiyang, his expression relaxed, not seeming very anxious either.

Zhou Jiyang looked at this couple, each more calm and carefree than the other. He was practically going crazy.

“Are you two okay?” He said in disbelief, “Too much shock, both gone mad?”

Zhan Hang said with a deadpan expression, “We’ve figured things out, understand?”

Zhao Kaile said with a smile, “Contentment brings happiness. If heaven won’t give you food, don’t forcefully snatch the bowl.”

“…” Zhou Jiyang speechlessly picked up the tea and took a sip. He burned his tongue and cried out in pain.

Past eight, Zhao Kaile couldn’t resist and opened Weibo again. He discovered the hot search had quietly shifted once more.

This time the keyword at the top was actually not Zhan Hang, but Zhan Hang X Ou Xiaoqin.

He clicked into the post in surprise and discovered that Ou Xiaoqin had actually really posted a Weibo clarifying for Zhan Hang. It also detailed one incident. A half popular male traffic star who saw injustice at a wine party and reached out to protect an unknown female artist.

The more Zhao Kaile read, the more shocked he became. He knew about Zhan Hang carrying Ou Xiaoqin on his back to finish the race. He also knew about Zhan Hang actively standing by Ou Xiaoqin’s side during group photos so she wouldn’t be left out. But he didn’t know that the female artist Zhan Hang had inadvertently saved at a wine party a year ago was Ou Xiaoqin.

No wonder she looked a bit familiar when they first met on the variety show…

Ou Xiaoqin: There were many people at the party. At that time this matter involved a senior with reputation and a popular young male star. I can’t say who they are. Their companies wouldn’t allow them to come forward and testify either. I don’t know how to make you believe. I can only use my own future to guarantee that Hang is not the kind of scandal ridden male artist you people are talking about.

Once these words came out, fans on both sides boiled over. Some shouted romance. Some disdained her actions as too fawning. Some questioned if she was bought with money. Some were moved by this rare sincere friendship in the industry.

Zhan Hang looked at the phone screen Zhao Kaile held up to him with a deadpan expression. It felt like something had fiercely burned his heart.

“There really are such stupid people.” Zhao Kaile reminded him of what he had said a few hours ago, refuting him word by word, “There really are people who only care about feelings and not profit.”

Zhou Jiyang: “???”

What was going on with these people? All gone mad??

With Ou Xiaoqin taking the lead first, others naturally couldn’t sit still either.

Time ticked by second by second. Posts clarifying for Zhan Hang also increased one by one.

Song Yiming: To be honest, I didn’t like Zhan Hang at first. But after spending several months with him in the crew, I feel he’s more like a big brother with a cold face but a warm heart. None of the things you made up could he do. Stop making things up. His dad is his dad. He is him. Didn’t Auntie already say they cut ties long ago? Why are you still holding on??

Zhao Kaile’s eyes grew hot watching this. He wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. He could practically imagine Song Yiming’s boy next door face looking puffed up with anger when he posted this.

However, Song Yiming’s Weibo was deleted not long after posting. It was screenshotted and reposted by multiple fans for speculation and comments. More than ten minutes later it was reposted again.

Zhao Kaile checked WeChat. Sure enough, Song Yiming had sent a voice message complaining that his agent had forcibly confiscated his phone. He was currently fighting with the other party using his iPad.

A few minutes later, Yu Zhengfeng reposted Ou Xiaoqin’s post, actively taking the baton.

Yu Zhengfeng: I am the person involved in the wine party incident. I need to say a few words. I’m a generation or two older than all of you. I’ve seen and gotten used to these things over the years. I don’t care what you say. But regarding Zhan Hang’s matter, I still want to speak up. This kid, no bad intentions. Whether he’s hiding something or not, I can tell at a glance. I also have a bad temper. I was drunk and went crazy that day. I almost hit Xiaoqin. Only after getting kicked by Zhan Hang did I sober up a bit. You might not know about what happened later. After I left the crew, I got sick. This kid was the only one who came to see me… Speaking of character, I dare say not many people his age can compare to him.

Zhao Kaile continued to follow the public opinion trend, wishing he could shove these Weibos in Zhan Hang’s face, gritting his teeth and saying, “See that!”

Zhan Hang: “…I see.”

Zhao Kaile grabbed his face and asked angrily, “Will you still spout your theories and big talk in the future?!”

Zhan Hang made a surrender gesture, not daring to say another word.

At ten o’clock sharp, Zhang Wenqian posted: I’m sorry for only standing up now… Hang and I have known each other since around our debuts. I consider myself to know his character very well. These past few days I’ve also been thinking about this. Some fan friends who like me have been urging me to draw a clear line with him early. But I want to say sorry to you. I really can’t do it. The clean are clean on their own. Hang is upright and righteous. He simply couldn’t do the things you said. Before making statements, you must verify the facts. Please stop spreading rumors. The internet is not a place outside the law.

Zhao Kaile was still so moved he was about to wail loudly. He hugged Zhan Hang and wailed, “My goddess… The goddess is truly the kindest.”

Zhan Hang was unconvinced. But fearing Zhao Kaile’s previous angry accusation, he didn’t dare say anything to spoil the mood.

At ten past ten.

Zhao Jingran: Reposting [Ou Xiaoqin’s post]. Actually there’s nothing that can’t be said. At that time I had a small argument with Teacher Yu. But we’ve reconciled now. I didn’t expect old matters to be dug up at this time, laughing with tears emoji. I left early that day. But I heard from my assistant that it was Zhan Hang who timely stopped Teacher Yu’s actions. Thumbs up emoji.

Sun Yimin: Reposting [Ou Xiaoqin’s post]. I believe in Xiaoqin’s judgment.

Sharp Sword Chief Director Chen: After a phone discussion with Teacher Yu just now, I also want to clarify something. During the filming of Sharp Sword, there was once a small accident. At the critical moment, Zhan Hang risked his own life to carry Teacher Yu out of the filming set. Only because no major accident occurred was it not spread at the time. Can a person like this really do all the bad things you people say?

At half past ten, the artists, producers, and others who had reposted Ou Xiaoqin’s post already numbered over a hundred.

At this point, the online public opinion direction began a shocking reversal.

Though countless haters were still shouting that paid trolls shouldn’t wash this, large numbers of passersby began tilting toward Zhan Hang’s side.

Among them one highly liked hot comment said this, “I don’t believe Qihua’s financial power is strong enough to make half the entertainment industry speak for Zhan Hang. I think everyone should calm down. Don’t let people lead you by the nose. Forcibly tying what Zhan Hongyuan did to Zhan Hang.”

At eleven o’clock.

Mo Xin finally posted: Zhan Hang’s fans, I owe you an apology. Because Zhan Hang once saved my life.

Once these words came out, Weibo shook wildly. Search engines crashed several times. Traffic on all major platforms surged. Everyone was shocked.

Mo Xin: At that time Zhan Hang disappeared for nearly a month. The male lead was also replaced. You all probably didn’t know why. Now I’m telling you personally. To save me, his back was cut open with a long wound. I was actually very scared then. I was afraid I would die. Even more afraid that he would lose his life for me… Fortunately heaven has eyes. He pulled through. That period I didn’t dare to see him. I couldn’t face him. I had caused him too much suffering.

But now I must stand up. I must tell you the truth. He cannot be wronged by you like this.

I don’t know what kind of person can protect a stranger with no emotional foundation at a life or death moment. I think I myself wouldn’t. But Zhan Hang would.

That’s all I have to say. I’m not deliberately whitewashing him either. Just these words have been held in too long. I wanted to say them today.

“She has a conscience.” Zhao Kaile said in a trembling voice, “My god…”

Ever since Yu Zhengfeng posted that Weibo, Zhan Hang had been sitting silently on the sofa, not moving for a long time.

Zhou Jiyang went from disbelief to clicking his tongue in wonder, then to shaking his head and sighing, “Incredible… Too incredible, bro. This is heaven never cutting off all paths.”

Zhan Hang still didn’t make a sound, silently looking at his phone, as if waiting for something.

A moment later, the ringtone sounded.

Bai Li’s voice let out a breath of relief on the other end. She said with a bit of a smile, “Congratulations. Crisis resolved.”

Zhan Hang pretended to be calm and asked, “Mm, any other good news?”

Bai Li: “The XS brand has decided to resume our cooperative relationship. Pack up tomorrow. Do a simple interview.”

Zhan Hang: “Got it.”

“Rest early. Get your energy up.” Bai Li said, “This is the first battle of the comeback.”

Zhan Hang made a sound of agreement and proactively hung up the phone.

Zhao Kaile heard everything clearly from the side. He held his breath listening, then covered his mouth and looked at Zhan Hang excitedly, constantly sniffing.

“It’s almost over.” Zhan Hang said, “It’ll be daylight soon.”

Zhao Kaile wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. He went over to hug him and kiss him, saying, “Great, great…”

“…” Zhou Jiyang had been left on the side for half the day. He flew into a rage, “I’m still here!”

Zhan Hang turned and glared at him. Zhao Kaile reacted and hurriedly got off Zhan Hang, happily going to refill Zhou Jiyang’s tea.

In reality, Zhan Hang’s fingers were still slightly trembling. He had also used great effort to suppress his excited emotions.

“Like riding a roller coaster.” Zhan Hang covered his eyes with one hand and said in a deep voice, “One moment in the sky, one moment in the ground.”

Zhou Jiyang said, “Those are all seeds you planted yourself. Good seeds bear good fruit. What should be yours is still yours.”

Zhan Hang laughed out with a scoff, “You can actually say a few human words.”

Zhou Jiyang said angrily, “I didn’t say anything harsh because you’ve been down on your luck for two months straight. Don’t push me to curse you.”

Zhan Hang waved his hand, indicating he wouldn’t provoke him anymore, unable to stop the corners of his mouth from rising.

Zhou Jiyang said, “I believe Song Yiming could actively post. But for Ou Xiaoqin to be the first to stand up, that’s absolutely as real as pearls. The others, forget it…”

“Just tricking kids.” Zhan Hang glanced at the kitchen and said in a low voice to Zhou Jiyang, “Don’t say it in front of him.”

Zhou Jiyang looked at him with contempt, “Didn’t you yourself spout your theories and big talk in front of him before? Now you’re ordering me around? What were you doing earlier.”

Zhan Hang clicked his tongue, saying arrogantly, “That’s none of your business.”

Several months later, the Silver Light Awards ceremony.

The host smiled on stage, dragging out the suspense, then announced, “Then the work that won the International Communication Award is…”

The big screen began switching through countless video clips with the music, flashing through several classic breakout scenes of the year. Finally it settled on a scene of artillery flying in Sharp Sword.

“Please welcome the winner on stage to accept the award!”

A person stood up from the seats. Applause rose like a tide. Ren Jiayuan was full of pride and high spirits, striding onto the stage with large steps, accepting the trophy and microphone, and beginning to deliver his acceptance speech.

“This is a pleasant surprise.” Ren Jiayuan said in a deep voice, “I didn’t expect to win this award. Such awards can inspire us to produce better works. Good works can transcend the dimensions of time and space. Thank you to the organizing committee. I also hope Z country’s TV dramas will get better and better. Actually this award should go to all our performers, creative personnel, all the front stage and behind the scenes makers. I stand here accepting this honor on their behalf. Thank you very much.”

“Also thank you for bringing such a wonderful work, telling the legendary stories that belong uniquely to the revolutionary martyrs.” The host spoke sincerely, “Thank you very much.”

After the words fell, another round of applause rose on the venue.

After the first few awards were given out, actors who won individual awards left one after another. Those who had been nominated for years without winning had already withdrawn early, unwilling to stay under the lights as green leaves. Only Zhan Hang was still sitting below the stage, watching politely, clapping.

Zhao Kaile sat beside him, saying a bit emotionally, “Fewer and fewer people.”

“The national organizing committee’s. They won’t tell you in advance. They won’t predetermine either.” Zhan Hang tilted his head slightly and said to him, “Some people feel there’s no hope of winning, so they leave first. Those who have already won care even less. They leave when they want. Everyone wants to make people think they’re busy. Who knows if they’re really busy?”

Zhao Kaile laughed hearing this, “You’ve figured it all out.”

Zhan Hang raised his brow. The audience seats were brightly lit. He didn’t dare to openly kiss him.

The music sounded again. The lights suddenly hit the somewhat sparse audience seats.

“Best Actor.” The award presenter Yu Zhengfeng held the card in his hand and slowly read, “Zhan Hang, nominated work, Sharp Sword!”

The moment the words fell, the big screen prominently displayed Zhan Hang’s tall figure. He stood on a high lookout platform. A full moon hung high. He gazed into the distance toward his hometown. His eyes were incomparably resolute. The corners of his eyes were slightly red, but he refused to soften his spine.

The background music played. The people still in the venue were instantly brought into that mood of longing for home yet not daring to see it. They felt nothing but deep sighs.

Zhao Kaile froze for a long time, suspecting he had heard wrong.

Yu Zhengfeng repeated, “Please welcome Zhan Hang on stage to accept the award.”

The people in the venue instantly all came to their senses. Zhao Kaile was the first to clap loudly, clapping with great enthusiasm.

Under his lead, scattered applause finally rang out in the venue. Then someone shouted loudly in approval. It was Song Yiming.

Zhan Hang woke as if from a dream, straightened his clothes, and slowly walked onto the stage with a very calm expression.

There weren’t many formalities between Yu Zhengfeng and him. He only held the microphone and joked as he leaned in, “I haven’t won this award at my age. What do you have to say?”

“First I must thank our organizing committee. Thank all the judges.” Zhan Hang laughed, then said in a businesslike manner, “Then I also want to thank Director Ren for cultivating me. In my first few days entering the crew I was never in the zone. I hadn’t really taken on this kind of drama before. Director Ren carefully explained the scenes to me. Thank you very much.”

Below the stage, Zhao Kaile watched quietly. Not just Zhan Hang, he himself still felt a bit floaty, like he was in a dream.

“I thank all my teammates. I also thank all my opponents.” Zhan Hang said, “I also want to thank my mother. At my hardest time, she was the first to stand up and help me.”

Yu Zhengfeng patted his shoulder, “Don’t bring up old matters. It’s all in the past.”

The host smiled and said, “Only after experiencing countless hardships can one reach the other shore of success. Congratulations, Zhan Hang.”

“Also thank you to the host.” Zhan Hang raised the trophy and smiled, “Can I thank one more person?”

The host said, “Of course. Is he here on site?”

Zhan Hang didn’t answer. He said toward the audience seats, “I want to thank my little assistant. Thank you for never leaving me all this time. In the days to come, I’ll continue to ask for your care.”

The people in the audience seats were sparse. Hearing this, everyone began turning their heads to look for the person Zhan Hang spoke of.

But Zhao Kaile put on his hat, bent down to avoid everyone’s gaze, his mind blank with nervousness, his face completely red.

The host teased, “Looks like the little assistant isn’t very willing to accept your thanks? Does Zhan Hang have anything else to say?”

“People won’t always stand at the peak.” Zhan Hang said sincerely to those below the stage, “The world is unpredictable. I will keep a level head and press forward. Whether the road ahead is smooth or rough, I will continue to move forward hand in hand with my friends, striving to bring everyone better works.”

“Great!” Song Yiming was the first to shout loudly, driving everyone to applaud for Zhan Hang. The remaining spectators, under the camera’s probing, also had to perk up their spirits and cheer for Zhan Hang one after another.

Until the ceremony ended, Zhao Kaile learned that Song Yiming only got a nomination. Yu Zhengfeng was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. After several months, several people from the crew gathered together again and took a group photo.

During the meal, several people gathered to chat. The people at the table weren’t the surface level friends from the industry, but people who could say a few sincere words. During casual chat they exchanged information. Zhan Hang intentionally tried to send Zhao Kaile away. But Zhao Kaile looked completely clueless, not understanding his meaning. While eating, he heard many shocking things.

For example, Mo Xin’s post wasn’t actually written by herself. It was ghostwritten by someone after her management company discussed with Bai Li… For example, when Zhao Jingran reposted Ou Xiaoqin’s post, it was actually because XS had decided to market brotherhood. Dacheng Entertainment had cooperated with XS for a long time and didn’t want to lose face, so they had him repost it… Another example, Sun Yimin reposted Ou Xiaoqin’s Weibo because he really fell for Ou Xiaoqin after finishing the variety show… For example, Zhang Wenqian hesitated for a long time before determining the wind direction before daring to pick a side… Also for example, when Zhan Hongyuan’s matter blew up, there was also heavy interference from Li Yang and Li Siyi…

After hearing this string of things, Zhao Kaile only felt his whole person wasn’t doing well. This completely overturned his understanding of everyone from a few months ago when the Zhan Hongyuan incident had its big reversal.

How could this be!!!!

He ate the meal tastelessly. When he got home, Zhao Kaile expressionlessly gave himself an extra meal.

Zhan Hang followed behind him, coaxing him in a gentle voice, “It wasn’t deliberately kept from you. I was afraid you couldn’t take it hearing it. I told you not to listen…”

“I thought everyone was really loyal and righteous.” Zhao Kaile said, “I thought too much.”

Zhan Hang said, “At least Ou Xiaoqin is a real man.”

“…” The corner of Zhao Kaile’s mouth twitched, “Generally girls won’t be happy with this kind of compliment.”

Zhan Hang hugged him from behind and coaxed, “Alright, we won’t play with them in the future. Each does their own thing.”

Zhao Kaile frowned and said, “How can that be? They’re all connections. Surface work still needs to be done.”

Zhan Hang leaned over and kissed him, “So sensible.” One kiss wasn’t enough. He went around to the left and kissed him again.

Zhao Kaile: “…”

The lack of excitement at the award ceremony caused Zhao Kaile regret for a long time. He often held his iPad, savoring this award ceremony, and repeatedly watched the comments below the video. After all, the comments were much more lively than the actual event.

He held the tablet. Zhan Hang held him. The two stared at the screen together.

“It’s fine. There will be many more opportunities in the future.” Zhan Hang said, “Then you’ll have as many people as you want.”

Zhao Kaile asked suspiciously, “Really?”

Zhan Hang: “Yeah.”

Zhao Kaile: “Can there be ninety thousand?”

“…” Zhan Hang’s face went dark, “Why don’t you go rent the Bird’s Nest?”

Zhao Kaile sighed, “But this is the first time winning an award. There were so few people on site. Too bad.”

“It’s not a pity.” Zhan Hang held the back of his hand, playing with his fingers, his chin resting on his shoulder, saying slowly, “According to my original idea, having you there, having Bai Li and Lu Jiayin, having a few of my brothers would be enough.”

Zhao Kaile asked, “What about Auntie?”

“Her?” Zhan Hang said, “She’s busy dating her boyfriend. Would she even remember to attend her son’s award ceremony?”

Zhao Kaile laughed, turned his head and actively kissed him.

Zhan Hang pressed against his waist, lowered his head and slowly pressed him down onto the sofa, gradually deepening the kiss. Outside the window was the warm winter sun. Before the large glass window, KIKI and TITI rolled over in their cat bed, their tails lightly sweeping, preparing to lazily spend the entire winter.

The End