Translator: Lynn
On the day Long Zichen was discharged from the hospital, many of his colleagues from the company visited to congratulate him and helped with the move to Jian Jieâs house. Everyone knew that Long Zichen was going to recover at Jian Jieâs place, and they couldnât help but think that the director must have persuaded and enticed him. They felt sorry for Brother Xiao Jie. However, Long Zichen paid no mind to these speculations; he was simply elated. Although Jian Jie couldnât personally come due to work commitments, it was understandable as work always took priority. Besides, he would get to live under the same roof as Jian Jie for the next month or two, and that short period brought him immense joy.
Jian Jie had recently secured an endorsement contract for Ye Jingâs upcoming smartphone, and the two-year deal amounted to three million in endorsement fees. He had to travel to different locations for TV commercial shoots, which made it impossible for him to pick up Long Zichen in person.
The mobile advertisement featured a new song called âDiamondâ by Jian Jie, which hadnât been released yet. However, the manufacturer, Zhongtian Technology, had specific requirements for the lyrics, leading to significant changes. In addition to the advertisement, Zhongtian Technology was sponsoring the music video (MV) for the song. The mobile phone itself would also be featured in the MV. For this, they invited well-known foreign advertising directors, and the total production cost was nearly 10 million, a significant investment.
The filming lasted four days, with the first three days spent shooting at various locations and the final day back in the studio. Jian Jieâs performance in the advertisement was flawless, and at his current level, he didnât need the company to rehearse for him in advance. Apart from the TV commercial, they also took some still photos for outdoor advertising and publicity purposes.
By the time all the work concluded, it was quite late, and the assistant escorted Jian Jie home directly.
Upon entering the house, Amu was the first to greet him, and after giving it a few rubs, Jian Jie noticed Long Zichen sitting in the wheelchair, stretching his arms and legs, trying his best to move towards him.
âBrother Chen, be careful,â Jian Jie hurried over to assist, worried he might fall. Despite the new carpet on the floor, it wouldnât be pleasant to fall.
âItâs okay,â Long Zichen smiled, âXiaojie, youâre back. Did the commercial shoot go well?â Although they had phone calls every night, it wasnât the same as having the real person in front of him.
Jian Jie pushed Long Zichen to the living room sofa and sat down, saying, âIt went well. They gave me a few mobile phones. I can only use this brand for the next two years. Brother Chen, do you want one?â As the spokesperson, Jian Jie was required to exclusively use Zhongtian Technologyâs mobile phones for the next two years. They had provided him with six different styles and colors. Currently, he was using their latest smart music phone.
Long Zichen immediately said, âThen Iâll use the same one as you!â
âOh, I used the blue one. This one is only available in pink. Do you want it?â Jian Jie took out several Zhongtian mobile phones from the suitcase and placed them on the coffee table.
Long Zichen hesitated for a moment; the pink phone would be too eye-catching for a man to carry. However, he didnât want to give this phone to some female colleague either. In the end, he decided, âI want it!â choosing the pink phone.
âShould we send another one to your aunt?â Jian Jie asked.
Long Zichen quickly waved his hand, âShe wonât be able to use it properly. Keep one as a spare, and you can figure out what to do with the rest.â
Jian Jie nodded, putting away the items and taking all the luggage back to the room. Long Zichen followed him like a shadow, pushing the wheelchair. Jian Jie couldnât help but smile and said, âBrother Chen, donât run around. You can use the computer in the living room while I take a shower after packing up. We can talk later. Did you wash up? Do you need my help?â
When the nurse was still around, Long Zichen had taken a bath, so he hesitated at Jian Jieâs tempting offer. However, he was afraid that Jian Jie might dislike it if he saw something inappropriate, so he regretfully shook his head and replied, âNo, Iâve already washed up. You go ahead and tidy up. Iâll be in the living room. Iâll come back later!â
For Jian Jie, this was his first endorsement and commercial shoot, and naturally, his fans were thrilled and considered it a significant milestone. They were genuinely happy for every achievement and success he attained. On this point, Long Zichen had much in common with the fans. Lately, he was in high spirits, even if he stumbled upon some alleged scandals; he couldnât be bothered to argue. Secretly, he felt proud, thinking, âXiaojie will be sleeping in the same house as me tonight. You wild models, go ahead and envy!â
Of course, life wasnât perfect at the moment. They chatted for a while in the living room at night, but in the end, they slept in separate rooms. Jian Jie carried Long Zichen to his bed, and they retired to their respective rooms. Still, just knowing that Jian Jie was sleeping next door brought Long Zichen immense happiness. This joy could last at least a month, and he had nothing to complain about!
During the day, Jian Jie couldnât stay home for long. The company had reduced the number of announcements for him recently, but he still had to attend school. However, he always rushed back to have lunch with Long Zichen and never went out at night. Being with Long Zichen made Jian Jie truly happy. Long Zichenâs vibrant smile and cheerful demeanor brought endless energy. Little did he know that Long Zichen was facing some troubles of his own.
Every time Jian Jie looked at Long Zichen with tenderness, the buried hope in his heart would resurface. He couldnât help but wonder if Long Zichen was starting to have feelings for him. But he also knew that Jian Jieâs kindness extended to everyone, and he feared that if he confessed his love, it might ruin their current closeness. He cherished the time spent with Jian Jie more than anything else.
Finally, one day, when Sun Qianqian called Jian Jie and invited him to a concert, Jian Jie hesitated for a moment before agreeing. This made Long Zichen uncomfortable, and he couldnât help but ask, âWhat concert are you guys going to?â
âItâs a musical, âOnce Upon a Timeâ by Hein Freeman,â Jian Jie replied with enthusiasm. âThereâs been no news about the audition, so I guess it didnât work out, but this musical is really great, and I want to see it.â
âOh, when are you going?â Long Zichen turned his head to look out the window, trying to hide the emotions on his face.
However, Jian Jie noticed that Long Zichen seemed upset and asked curiously, âBrother Chen, are you feeling unhappy?â
âNo, no,â Long Zichen denied vehemently, though his eyes were already welling up with tears, and his heart felt heavy. âQianqian is a wonderful girl, very gentle and beautiful⦠you, you two are a great match⦠Iâm just a little jealous, thatâs all.â
Jian Jie was taken aback for a moment, and then suddenly understood what Long Zichen was trying to say. He turned to face Long Zichen directly, their eyes locking. Long Zichen blushed and stammered, âIâm sorry, Xiaojie. I shouldnât have said those things⦠I have no right to express such feelings. I didnât mean to, please donât be angry.â Tears filled his eyes, and he tried hard not to cry, but the emotions overwhelmed him.
Jian Jie had never expected to see Long Zichen cry. His heart filled with both surprise and tenderness. He quickly handed Long Zichen a tissue to wipe his eyes, and at the same time, he put an arm around him to comfort him, saying, âBrother Chen, I donât have feelings for Qianqian. Sheâs like a little sister to me, and weâre just friends.â
âI know, I understandâ¦â Long Zichen covered his face with the tissue, trying to regain composure. âItâs okay, Xiaojie. Iâm just feeling sad⦠I know that I canât be a womanâ¦â
Jian Jieâs heart melted at Long Zichenâs vulnerability. âBrother Chen, Iâve been thinking about it for a while now, and maybe I also have feelings for men. I think I have feelings for you.â
âAh, what did you say?â Long Zichen raised his head and looked at Jian Jie in disbelief. He couldnât believe what he just heard.
Feeling embarrassed by Long Zichenâs intense stare, Jian Jie blushed and hesitated to repeat her words. âBrother Chen, back in the hot spring, when you asked me that question⦠If you still want to, I mean, if you want to be together in the futureâ¦â
The shock of Jian Jieâs confession left Long Zichen feeling a bit lightheaded, but his heart was overwhelmed with joy. He wiped away his tears with a grin and said, âI canât believe it! Are you serious? Because if you are, Iâm incredibly happy!â
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