Today may be a memorable day for Actor Fu.

It wasn't the first time I'd been confessed to, but the first time I felt so nervous and overwhelmed. Before I could even savor the feeling of being confessed to, the person confessing dropped a "but," the turn of events so swift that I had no time to react.

Fu Jinxiao looked down at him and asked, "But what?"

“But…” Shen Xingsui looked up at him, this time with a hint of composure, as if she had come to terms with it: “I finally understand that there is more than just love in this matter.”

?

A question mark appeared above Fu Jinxiao's head.

Shen Xingsui leaned against the railing and said softly, "Teacher Fu, you have always taken such good care of me and taught me. You are both a teacher and a friend. You made me realize that liking someone doesn't necessarily mean you have to be together to be happy. Being able to be your student, to know you, and to receive your guidance makes me just as happy."

...

Fu Jinxiao didn't quite understand, but he was greatly shocked.

“So…” Shen Xingsui looked at another firework rising in the sky, smiled and turned around. In the light and shadow of the exploding fireworks, his smile was bright, and Fu Jinxiao’s figure was reflected in his clear eyes. He said softly, “Let go of those thoughts that should and shouldn’t have been in the past. In the new year, I’m ready to embrace a new life.”

Fireworks exploded in the sky, the resounding sound mirroring the deep emotion in Actor Fu's heart.

Even though he was a man who had seen many storms, he was slightly stunned when he looked at Shen Xingsui's radiant face. Of course, he also found it hard to understand what Shen Xingsui was saying. Perhaps no one's life had ever been more outrageous than what he had experienced today. He was confessed to, but the next second his confession was unilaterally ended.

Fu Jinxiao wanted to speak, but at first, she almost laughed out of anger.

Shen Xingsui seemed completely oblivious to the situation, and even opened her arms to him, saying, "Teacher Fu, Happy New Year! Let's work hard together for the new year!"

Fu Jinxiao had never felt that "Happy New Year" was so ironic in his entire life.

He didn't accept this hug at all, but when he looked up, he met Shen Xingsui's gaze. He didn't seem as relaxed and calm as he appeared. In the biting cold wind, the fair face and nose of the handsome young man in the suit seemed to be red because of the cold, and his usually misty eyes were also surrounded by red. He stood there, as if this hug, which was full of pleading, was made with all his strength.

As if by some strange twist of fate, Fu Jinxiao stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

The body in her arms felt a little cold, and her stiff body gradually softened. Fu Jinxiao seemed to hear a faint sob. Even though it seemed like she was the one whose life had been ended unilaterally, the person in her arms seemed to be in even more pain.

Shen Xingsui buried her head in his chest and mumbled, "I'm so happy."

Tears rolled down her cheeks, landing on Fu Jinxiao's expensive suit, quickly melting away without leaving a trace, and even going unnoticed by the owner of the clothes.

Shen Xingsui's voice trembled slightly, but he repeated it again, revealing a gentle smile: "I'm really happy."

Fu Jinxiao whispered, "Why?"

"I thought I'd never have the chance to say these things to you in my entire life." Shen Xingsui paused, took a deep breath to calm the overwhelming ache in her heart, and said, "This is so wonderful."

I'm really, really lucky.

After his rebirth, he thought his greatest fortune was that he would not die a violent death like in his previous life. Unexpectedly, he found his family again, he was able to continue singing, he met his idol, he could talk to him, he could chat with him, and he could get close to him.

The more you get to know her, the more you realize how wonderful Fu Jinxiao is.

When he first arrived at "Starlight", they didn't look down on him because he had no background or ability. They played games with him, taught him to sing, took him out for a late-night snack when he was hungry, helped him terminate his contract with the company, and took care of him and comforted him when he appeared on variety shows.

How can there be such a good person in this world?

He's been so good to me, how could I repay kindness with enmity and put him in a difficult position by making him suffer with this so-called marriage agreement? I should be the one who wants him to be happy the most. Even if I'm not so happy myself, that's fine too. He has so much kindness to repay, and this is the only thing I can do for him.

Fu Jinxiao's voice pulled him back from his thoughts. The man's deep and elegant voice seemed to contain a smile: "Don't you need to ask for my opinion?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

Fu Jinxiao hugged him tightly, protecting Shen Xingsui from the cold night wind, and whispered, "What if I said this matter can't be resolved?"

Because we were close by, we could hear it clearly.

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened, as if for a moment he could hear the sound of his own heartbeat.

Suddenly, the sound of people and children cheering softly could be heard outside:

It's snowing!

Wow, so much snow!

"It's still drizzling."

Shen Xingsui snapped out of his reverie, looking out onto the balcony. Through the lamplight, he saw snowflakes falling gently alongside the rain, and murmured, "It's really snowing..."

Snowflakes drifted in and landed on their shoulders.

Shen Xingsui looked up at him, smiled gently, and took a step to go inside: "I think I was having auditory hallucinations just now because I was so cold. It's really too cold. Why don't we go inside? Otherwise, if the snow gets even heavier, what if we catch a cold..."

Fu Jinxiao grabbed the person's arm, forceful and domineering: "You heard me right."

Anyone else might have the upper hand at this point, but Fu Jinxiao is not one to suffer losses. If things don't get cleared up today, no one will leave.

Shen Xingsui stared at him blankly.

Fu Jinxiao looked down at Shen Xingsui, a head taller than him, and said with a hint of scolding, "How can a confession end so quickly? Are you kidding me?"

Shen Xingsui hadn't expected things to develop this way, and he stammered, "Then what do you mean?"

Fu Jinxiao was taken aback.

He really hadn't thought about what he meant.

Just when Shen Xingsui was about to back down, he was unwilling and didn't want it to end, so he stopped him almost without thinking.

Grandma was right. For the first time in his life, it felt like he had been dumped.

Fu Jinxiao took a deep breath, looked down at him and said, "When it comes to relationships, whether it ends or not isn't up to one person, you understand?"

Shen Xingsui blinked in confusion, pondered for a long time without finding a solution, and then cautiously asked, "So you mean we shouldn't end it?"

It's not over yet.

Yes, that's what I mean.

Fu Jinxiao thought for a moment and then said, "At least it can't end so hastily."

Shen Xingsui tilted her head: "Then what do you mean... do you like me too?"

This question seemed to have stumped Fu Jinxiao.

If he were younger, he could say without hesitation, "I like you," because he genuinely felt something different about the young man in front of him. But he's not young anymore. He's seen a lot of storms and experienced a lot of bloodshed. Time has worn away his youthful arrogance and impulsiveness, and he needs to take responsibility for every word he says and every action he takes.

Liking and loving are not just empty words.

He's not as young anymore; he can't afford to mess around like those younger people. Once he's committed to someone, he's serious and it's a lifelong commitment.

If he couldn't give Shen Xingsui what she needed, then why did he stop her and hurt her when she had already come to terms with things and decided to embrace a new life?

The momentary silence led Shen Xingsui to misunderstand.

Shen Xingsui smiled gently and said, "Teacher Fu, you don't need to feel any pressure."

“I like you, and it’s all my own choice. I’m telling you this not so that you’ll feel any guilt.” Shen Xingsui looked at him calmly and said, “I just feel that some things are better said than done. I haven’t actually done many right things, but I’m glad I did this today. It’s a way of giving myself closure regarding my feelings.”

Fu Jinxiao thought to himself, "You've confessed, but your teacher isn't having an easy time at all."

Shen Xingsui got more and more excited as he talked. Snowflakes landed on his nose. He shook his head and said softly, "Anyway, it's New Year's Eve today. Let bygones be bygones. We'll still be the same as before. I will always regard you as my most respected teacher. I hope you won't take this to heart. If you really feel uncomfortable, just think of it as me talking nonsense while drunk."

"..."

Fu Jinxiao thought, "Then how big must my heart be?"

Before the two could finish speaking, they heard someone calling from the balcony below. It was Shen Xingchen, who waved and said, "Sui Sui, hurry downstairs, we're going home!"

Shen Xingsui responded, jogged a few steps, went out onto the balcony, and then ran back.

Fu Jinxiao's eyes lit up.

Unexpectedly, when the person returned, they were holding a safety amulet in their hand. When they spoke, their breath was misty because of the cool weather, but the safety amulet was warm. The small red amulet was very cute and rested in the palm of the hand.

Shen Xingsui said with a smile, "This is a gift for you. I forgot to bring it last time, I almost forgot about it."

Shen Xingsui waved to him again: "Then I'm leaving!"

The person's figure quickly disappeared through the doorway, moving so fast it seemed as if some jackals or tigers were chasing after them, leaving only Fu Jinxiao and Xue on the balcony for company.

...

Once downstairs, Shen Xingsui could no longer maintain his nonchalant facade. His hands, gripping the stair railing, turned white from the force, and his body trembled slightly. He gasped for breath, taking deep breaths of fresh air to feel better. He gritted his teeth, suppressing the stinging sensation in his nose, and looked up at the ceiling for a while to catch his breath.

It's a lie.

Someone you've liked for years can't be ignored just by saying you don't care.

Shen Xingsui had imagined this scene and rehearsed it many times in his mind, but when it actually happened, he still couldn't control his emotions. Fortunately, he didn't cry in front of Fu Jinxiao and didn't lose face in front of his idol. He behaved very well and remained dignified from beginning to end.

...

After seeing him come downstairs, Shen Xingchen muttered, "Are you any sober yet? Your eyes are still so red. Is it from the alcohol?"

Shen Xingsui sighed: "Yes, that liquor is too strong and has too high an alcohol content, it's too hard to get through."

"Are you so sad?"

“Yes.” Shen Xingsui smiled gently at him. “It’s not easy.”

Shen Xingchen put her arm around his shoulder and leaned on him, saying generously, "Your alcohol tolerance is too low. I'll take you to drink something else next time, so you can practice more and you'll be able to handle it."

Shen Xingsui nodded helplessly.

The two walked a few steps forward and saw their family waiting for them not far away. The car was parked at the door, and the mother stood not far away waving at them. After they got closer, Xu Enzhen put two scarves around the children's necks and said, "It's snowing and you didn't even hurry up. Hurry up and get in the car. There's some soup noodles that Madam Fu cooked in the car. She said you didn't eat well tonight and drank so much wine. Eat something to warm your stomach."

The group boarded the bus one after another.

Once the lid is opened, a rich aroma of soup noodles wafts out.

Shen Xingchen took a deep breath and said, "Grandma is truly a goddess! Her noodle soup and Mom's egg noodles are both incredibly delicious."

Xu Enzhen glanced at him and said, "You're such a chatterbox. If you're hungry, hurry up and eat."

Among the guests at the banquet, Xu Enzhen and the others were busy socializing, while Shen Xingchen went to play with her younger sister in the back. Shen Xingsui had drunk too much alcohol and vomited, so they were all very hungry and the entire bucket of noodles was completely devoured.

The noodles are chewy and the soup is rich and flavorful, made from simmered bones. There aren't many side dishes; it's just a simple bowl of soup noodles, but it's so delicious it's intoxicating.

Shen Xingchen sighed, "If only I could eat the old lady's noodle soup more often, but unfortunately I don't have that blessing."

Xu Enzhen picked up a piece of meat from his noodle soup and said, "If you shamelessly came here every day, the old lady wouldn't kick you out, but you certainly don't have that kind of luck."

Shen Xingchen sighed, "Although I don't have it, seeing that none of you do makes me feel much better."

This kid always says things that are just asking for trouble.

Xu Enzhen snorted and said, "You don't have it, but your brother might."

This statement was loaded with hidden meaning, only those in the know could understand it. Before, Shen Xingsui might have been pleased, but now he understood, so he held the bowl and said softly, "I probably don't have it either..."

Xu Enzhen looked at him with some surprise.

Shen Xingsui gave her a somewhat forced smile, as if she had already told her mother the ending without saying anything more.

Xu Enzhen seemed to understand something. The woman moved her lips as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she said nothing. Of course she knew that young people's feelings were their own to decide. Children and grandchildren had their own blessings, and she couldn't interfere. As long as Sui Sui made the decision she thought was better, she had no objections.

...

evening

Fu Jinxiao returned from the balcony and happened to see Lina directing the servants to clean up the scene.

He paused, hesitating whether to turn around and leave, but Lina saw him first and came over to greet him: "Tonight."

Fu Jinxiao spoke up: "Happy New Year, Mother."

"Happy New Year." Lina, being lively by nature, took Fu Jinxiao's hand and said, "You didn't eat much tonight, did you? The old lady just asked me to come and invite you to dinner. She cooked noodles, so come and have some."

Fu Jinxiao couldn't refuse, so she followed.

The guests gradually left, and the house returned to its former tranquility.

A tall, handsome man walked slowly down the stairwell, a woman in a dress beside him with a kind expression. As they passed through the corridor, they both saw a painting hanging there. The painting depicted two people embracing each other, but the woman was not Lina; it was Wen Rong.

Lina said softly, "I heard from the old lady that her death anniversary is in half a month. I want to accompany your father to the memorial service."

Fu Jinxiao nodded lightly: "All is well, you can make the arrangements."

Lina hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, "You don't seem to be in a good mood."

Actually, this is quite a strange thing.

For no other reason than that Actor Fu never reveals his emotions, making it quite difficult to observe his mood. If he shows that he is in a bad mood, then this matter must have a significant impact on him.

Fu Jinxiao pulled out a chair in the restaurant: "Is there?"

Lina nodded: "The last time you made that face was because you had another argument with your father."

Fu Jinxiao looked at the maid bringing him noodles and casually said, "Then you guessed wrong, it's not this time."

Lina was surprised.

Besides President Fu, is there anyone else capable of making him angry and causing him to suffer? That person must be incredibly skilled, even managing to win over Fu Jinxiao. She has been married into this family for so many years and has never seen anything like it.

Lina offered, "Perhaps I can help you."

Fu Jinxiao subconsciously declined: "No need."

Lina wasn't too upset about being rejected. She noticed the safety amulet that Fu Jinxiao had placed beside him and exclaimed with delight, "What's this? It's so cute!"

Fu Jinxiao casually replied, "Peace buckle."

Lina tentatively asked, "May I take a look?"

Fu Jinxiao responded.

Lena leaned closer to look at the button. She could see that the maker's technique was clumsy and it wasn't particularly beautiful or delicate, but it was clear that the maker had put a lot of effort into it. She said, "I've seen others make this before. It's very time-consuming and extremely troublesome. If someone who has never made one before, it would take them a long time to learn how to make one."

Fu Jinxiao finally turned his gaze over.

Lina just smiled gently: "So I've always felt that people who are willing to dedicate themselves to this must be very gentle and have a lot of love."

A tremendous amount of love.

Fu Jinxiao paused in his slurping of the noodle soup. In a daze, he recalled the face of Shen Xingsui that he had seen on the rooftop. Shen Xingsui said he liked Shen Xingsui, but his eyes were clearly full of love.

Lina asked, "Let me guess, Sui Sui gave it to you?"

Fu Jinxiao hadn't originally intended to rely on this stepmother, but perhaps she understood matters of the heart better than she did, so she hesitated and asked, "How did you decide to marry my father?"

Lina: "Hmm?"

For a moment, she didn't understand why Fu Jinxiao would ask that question.

Fu Jinxiao also felt that the question might be a little strange, so he tried to salvage the situation by saying, "How can you be sure that he will be responsible for you for the rest of his life, that he will always love you and treat you well?"

Lina paused, blinked her beautiful eyes, thought about it seriously for a moment, and then smiled and said, "Actually, I'm not sure either. I just married him because I like him."

Fu Jinxiao scoffed, disagreeing: "Even if it might be a wrong choice?"

"..."

Who would complain about their father like that?

Lina could only reply helplessly, "But what can I do? I've fallen for him. Even if it's a mistake, I have to accept it."

Fu Jinxiao fell into deep thought.

Just when Lina thought he was concerned about the marriage because he had argued with his father, she saw Fu Yingdi slowly put down his chopsticks, lift his eyelids to look at her, and ask, "Then how do you determine if someone likes you?"

Lina was stunned.

As a woman who had been through several relationships, she might not be very intelligent, but she certainly had emotional intelligence. Gradually, Lina smiled and asked, "You have someone you like, right?"

Only a teenager in love would ask such a question.

Fu Jinxiao put down her chopsticks: "I'm full."

"Hey..." Lina looked at him, about to say something, when Fu Jinxiao took the safety amulet from her hand. The man glanced at her and smiled, "Thank you."

Lina was completely bewildered.

Fu Jinxiao said in a low voice, "I think I understand."

Lina: "What do you know?"

Fu Jinxiao didn't answer her. As she went upstairs, she waved to her and said, "Goodnight."

…

Second person

Shen Minglang had just woken up from a hangover in bed when his phone kept vibrating incessantly. The constant vibrations made the young master furious, but when he saw it was a call from his friend, he managed to hold back from smashing the phone and answered it.

Shen Minglang: "You'd better not tell me that you called me this morning to wish me a Happy New Year."

Fu Jinxiao paused on the other end of the phone, then his exceptionally pleasant male voice chuckled softly, drawing out the words in an elegant yet irritating tone: "Happy New Year."

Shen Minglang's forehead vein throbbed.

Just as he was about to hang up and go back to sleep, the person on the other end of the line said again, "Come back and get together, I have something to talk to you about."

Shen Minglang: "What could you possibly want?"

"A major event," Fu Jinxiao said slowly and deliberately, "a major event in one's life."

Shen Minglang: "Are you going to become a monk?"

Fu Jinxiao smiled kindly: "If you don't come, I will help you contact the abbot."

Shen Minglang hesitated for a moment: "Send me the address."

When they arrived at the entertainment venue at midday, the fierce aura that had been emanating from the young master Shen due to lack of sleep had almost completely dissipated. He sat down next to Fu Jinxiao in the private room and asked, "Is drinking in this private room the most important thing in your life?"

Fu Jinxiao was dressed casually today, but his handsome features were still undeniable. He leaned back lazily on the sofa and said, "Young Master Shen is so angry so early in the morning. He'll easily lose all his friends."

Shen Minglang complained, "If only I didn't have any friends, then I could get a good night's sleep."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly.

In a sense, the fact that they came together is because they were birds of a feather, sharing the same ruthlessness, the same selfishness, and the same heartlessness.

Shen Minglang finally got to the point: "So what exactly is this major life event for you?"

Fu Jinxiao toyed with his wine glass, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Finally, under Shen Minglang's persistent questioning, he slowly said, "I might have someone I like."

"..."

The room fell silent for a moment.

quite a while

Shen Minglang pushed up his glasses: "If you like someone, go after them. With your looks and resources, is there anyone you can't win over?"

Fu Jinxiao said slowly, "People always lack confidence in front of the person they like. What's more, I'm worried that some people in his family might not agree."

Shen Minglang poured himself a glass of wine and said as he did so, "Who wouldn't agree? If you're still picky about conditions like the Fu family's, then it's probably hard to find better conditions. Does the other family have a throne to inherit? Which company is it? Do I know them? Tell me in detail, and I'll give you some advice."

Fu Jinxiao looked at him, her smile gradually deepening.

As Shen Minglang held his wine glass, he suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.