Chapter 59: Big City, Small Love (Part 3) Liangliang's Troubles. ...

At around six o'clock in the afternoon, Zhang Deng sat in front of the large white sofa in Hu Ningning's villa, set up a tripod in front of the table, and started the live broadcast as scheduled.

When the live broadcast room was first opened, he was a little nervous, but later he found that there were not many people coming in, so he relaxed a little, as if the heat had finally passed.

Many people are wondering what year it is today. In fact, for Zhang Deng, this incident didn’t happen that long ago, and he is still in the trauma period.

Zhang Deng was hesitant to utter his first words. As more and more people arrived, Wei Yuanye sat down next to him. He leaned over and looked at the public screen. After checking that no one was cursing, he asked, "Why isn't the anchor talking?"

Zhang Deng then opened his mouth: "I kind of forgot how to speak."

Zhang Deng said, "I'm eating hot pot."

He wasn't used to formally introducing himself and greeting people, so he seemed a little awkward. Many people came up to him and asked what he was doing. Zhang Deng found it difficult to explain, so he said, "I'm just living my life."

"Are you all okay?" Zhang Deng asked.

But everyone seemed more surprised that Wei Yuanye was still by his side after so long.

Wei Yuanye also noticed that many people on the barrage were interested in him, so he didn't hesitate and sat down next to Zhang Deng. He picked up some beef for Zhang Deng, glanced at the public screen, and said, "They asked you if we were still friends?"

Zhang Deng smiled, then heard Hu Ningning say gruffly beside him, "Lip friendship, huh?"

Chi Xiaoxia was also very interested in the live broadcast. He leaned over and rested his head on Zhang Deng's lap, saying, "Wow, five hundred people!"

"You're an internet celebrity," Chi Xiaoxia waved at the screen. "I'm funnier than him. Like me, not him."

Zhang Deng pointed the camera at them and introduced them one by one, saying, "This is Chi Xiaoxia, Hu Ningning, Tong Ying, my Xiao Mi, and my friends."

Someone on the barrage sighed: "It's great that you have so many friends."

Zhang Deng also felt dazed for a moment. He said, "Yeah, are you guys okay?"

Zhang Deng did not make money from the Internet and chose to leave when he was at the peak of his popularity. No one scolded him out of jealousy. Everyone just thought that Zhang Deng was really unique and he was living a better life, so no one would hate him.

Netizens also talked about their recent situation. It seems that everyone has been enjoying suffering and pain in peace over the past year. However, in the pain, there are a few vague happy things, which serve as crutches in the wind and snow and can help them hold on until spring.

Hu Ningning also sat next to Zhang Deng. The small screen could hardly accommodate them. Tong Ying also stood behind the sofa. They held their bowls and looked at the screen. They all felt very novel. In this small screen, there were hundreds of people. There were living people on both ends of the network cable. They absorbed energy from each other and encouraged each other. There was no need for any atmosphere. This feeling seemed to be only described as warm.

Do we need to scare ourselves when we are happy?

Zhang Deng suddenly had a question in his mind: When you are happy, should you also warn yourself that happiness is fleeting?

Zhang Deng didn't want to be like this anymore. He smiled and raised his orange juice to the screen, saying, "I'll try to come back more often."

He took Wei Yuanye's hand and shook it towards the camera: "We are more than just friends now."

Wei Yuanye kissed Zhang Deng's hand, making Zhang Deng blush, and quickly withdrew his hand. There was a wolf howl in the barrage.

Many people say Wei Yuanye is handsome. Hu Ningning said, "You didn't expect that they can get along so well."

This is what most people think, because Wei Yuanye is really handsome.

He is handsome in an unstable way, handsome in a way that has ulterior motives, handsome in a way that makes him look like a frivolous, manipulative scumbag.

When he and Zhang Deng appeared on the Internet together, many people would naturally think that he was just trying to get attention. Even if the two of them were really together, they would definitely break up soon.

Hu Ningning read the comment: "You little bitch, you eat so well."

Hu Ningning responded: "That's right."

Zhang Deng pointed at Tong Ying and said, "This is her boyfriend!"

Tong Ying held the bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other and waved at the camera.

Zhang Deng said, "There's only one single guy here."

Chi Xiaoxia was still chewing on a shrimp paste when she said, "Well, I'm a career-oriented male protagonist."

"I really despise those of you who just want to date every day," Chi Xiaoxia asked, leaning in front of the screen. "That old-fashioned personality isn't popular anymore."

Zhang Deng saw that some people in the comments were actually agreeing that he should focus on his career. Zhang Deng said seriously, "How can you say that?"

"How can the view that career is the most important thing in life not be considered extreme?" said Zhang Deng.

Zhang Deng said, "Who's the most important person in life? They're all important. Don't assume you'll never have them, or even lack the courage to look forward to them."

There was a brief silence among the crowd.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Hu Ningning said, "Okay, it's all important, it's all important."

Chi Xiaoxia said: "You..."

He thought about it carefully, but was speechless.

This is simply impossible to refute, and denying it would seem dishonest. He may not be completely resistant to the emergence of love, but he is indeed extremely pessimistic in his heart: it is difficult for him to have a completely ideal relationship.

Zhang Deng said, "Why can't everyone be brave enough to face their own desires? They want to be loved, to be rich, to be powerful. Don't be afraid of not being able to achieve them, because everyone wants perfection."

"A lot of people advise us not to believe in love," Zhang Deng said, "but I think there's nothing wrong with believing in love. It only proves that you're a pure and kind person."

Hu Ningning thought about it, raised her orange juice, and said, "You are my idol."

Tong Ying thought about it and said, "I think it's right."

Hu Ningning said, "Don't talk anymore. When a man thinks, God laughs."

Chi Xiaoxia said, "There are four men in this room, and all the cats are male."

"My idol is not a man," Hu Ningning said, "my idol is Superman."

Some people in the comments insisted that they didn't need love, they only needed money. Zhang Deng watched for a while and realized that such people were even the majority. Zhang Deng said, "Falling into the trap of having to make money will not make you happier. So I wish you success."

Someone asked, "Don't you love money?"

"I really need money, but I can't say love," Zhang Deng said, "I love my lover."

In today's era, Zhang Deng's words are like firing a shot in broad daylight.

Zhang Deng said: "It is difficult for ordinary people to make a fortune if they have a clear bottom line. The probability is about the same as meeting the love of their life. Why bother with obsession? We should all let go of ourselves."

Zhang Deng has really thought it through. He doesn't think Wei Yuanye is necessarily the most suitable person for him, and Wei Yuanye may not love him for the rest of his life, but Zhang Deng can accept it because he is indeed extremely happy at this moment.

When you are happy, just be happy and don't do anything unnecessary.

Zhang Deng does not have strong desires. He needs money, but he does not love money. He wants to make money, but does not expect to get rich. All his requests are within his tolerance. He does not object to having enough food and drink, and he can accept a lonely life. He finds that most people in the world are not honest.

They cannot accept their mistakes and failures, so they stress themselves out.

Zhang Deng thought, that’s very tiring.

Don’t be so tired, because life is tiring enough.

Hu Ningning looked at the comments and said, "Idol, they asked where your book is?"

Zhang Deng was a little embarrassed: "I'm still writing."

Zhang Deng said, "But this is a very slow process. It might take several years to finish. I'm not in a hurry. Writing in a hurry isn't a good thing either."

Falling in love with Zhang Deng is a very simple thing. Hu Ningning looked at Zhang Deng's profile quietly and came to this conclusion in his heart.

As long as Zhang Deng sits here, talking slowly and eating, everyone will feel at peace in their hearts.

Although Zhang Deng always says some very strange things, and at first glance it seems that he is a self-centered and arrogant person who always pursues eccentricity, but when you think about it carefully, you can't refute it.

Zhang Deng’s perspective transcends: men and women, but focuses on human nature.

Hu Ningning once again realized that kidnapping Zhang Deng and even wanting to kill him was an extremely stupid thing to do.

Hu Ningning suddenly hugged Zhang Deng and buried her face in his collarbone. She said, "When will you come back?"

Zhang Deng didn't feel uncomfortable with her close contact, but smiled and said, "I don't know."

Hu Ningning said: "I really miss you."

Hu Ningning always likes to use some very strong words such as "really", "very", "explosive", "super", "something to death", etc. In Zhang Deng's opinion, this is a downgrade of expression, but in Hu Ningning, there is a childish sincerity.

Zhang Deng said, "I'll do it as soon as possible."

"You definitely have to," Hu Ningning said, "You can't be so complacent that you don't want to leave. Xiao Mi and I both need you."

Zhang Deng thought that maybe Hu Ningning regarded himself as a spiritual mentor.

Zhang Deng suddenly felt a lot of pressure, but still agreed.

Chi Xiaoxia was almost full. He reached out to touch Xiao Mi's head, but Xiao Mi ran away and came to Zhang Deng's hand, rubbing against it. Chi Xiaoxia said, "What a cool little kitty."

Wei Yuanye stretched out his hand, and Xiao Mi took the initiative to rub against it.

Chi Xiaoxia snorted and said, "I don't like kittens."

Xiao Mi sat on Wei Yuanye's legs and lay down on its belly. Wei Yuanye scratched its chin. Xiao Mi looked at Wei Yuanye, and Wei Yuanye also looked at her. The two of them briefly exchanged information about each other's recent situation.

Zhang Deng placed his hand on Xiao Mi's belly and said, "You seem to have gained weight."

Tong Ying said: "Xiao Mi eats two portions of food a day. After finishing her own, she eats the puppet's."

"You bad little cat." Zhang Deng said, but she looked like a loving mother with a spoiled child. There was no actual punishment, but she felt that Xiao Mi was quite capable.

It was originally peaceful, but the barrage of comments started to pick up rhythm and someone mentioned He Xiaoqiu and Liu Yan.

Zhang Deng's smile was fleeting, and he said, "We have no contact anymore."

Some people mentioned that He Xiaoqiu has retired from the entertainment industry and had a fast-food boyfriend abroad, but they broke up quickly. There are rumors that he has recently reconnected with Liu Yan.

But to Zhang Deng, all this seemed like something from his previous life, and he no longer had any interest in knowing more about it.

Hu Ningning recalled this incident and said, "It seems he cursed you inwardly during the live broadcast."

"He's a bit weird now," Hu Ningning commented. "He's very sharp and very different from his previous personality."

Zhang Deng felt that this might be the real He Xiaoqiu.

He Xiaoqiu himself is not a person with a good temper. His nature is mean and difficult to get along with. He Xiaoqiu's selfishness is also his charm.

Zhang Deng felt that perhaps He Xiaoqiu was also free and finally didn't have to pretend to be a gentle person anymore.

The comments were full of hostility towards He Xiaoqiu, and Zhang Deng couldn't stand it any longer. He frowned, read a few of them, and then said, "I hope he's fine."

"We are not enemies," Zhang Deng said, "at least that's how I feel."

Zhang Deng said: "We are just not friends anymore."

Wei Yuanye said, "Kick them out if you say anything more."

This will produce immediate results and is more effective than hanging up lights and wasting time talking.

Zhang Deng didn't care at all about how He Xiaoqiu was living. In fact, he had even completely forgotten about He Xiaoqiu during this period of time. However, if people around him said that He Xiaoqiu was not living well, Zhang Deng still felt uncomfortable.

This has nothing to do with whether he is a fragile person or a saint. As a human being, he is compassionate.

Zhang Deng chatted with the barrage for more than an hour, until everyone felt a little tired and Zhang Deng really couldn't eat anymore, so he waved goodbye to everyone. This time, Zhang Deng still promised to live broadcast if he had the chance.

The people on the barrage seemed to have psychological trauma and insisted that he give a specific time. Zhang Deng was a little embarrassed and said, "I'll try my best."

Hu Ningning put her arm on his shoulder, tilted her head to look at the screen, and said, "I will urge him to live broadcast."

Zhang Deng laughed and turned off the camera. Tong Ying stood up and cleaned up the mess. Wei Yuanye also stood up. The two of them washed the dishes and cleaned together. Zhang Deng, Chi Xiaoxia and Hu Ningning were lying on the sofa, leaning back and holding their stomachs, feeling so full that they were lying there.

Zhang Deng asked: "Ningning..."

Hu Ningning: "You say."

"Have I gained a lot of weight?"

"Yes," Hu Ningning said, "You are really happy. Please control yourself."

Chi Xiaoxia said, "He was too thin before."

Hu Ningning sat up and expressed her opinion: "You used to be very beautiful, but now you're just skinny. You can tell you've been starving a lot. But I think the "ribs" method is a form of torture that's not popular among the public. It means you're far away from real life. I don't know how to put it specifically, but you don't look very ordinary."

Chi Xiaoxia said, "I support it."

"Being a little fatter is healthy," Chi Xiaoxia squinted at Zhang Deng, "don't even think about losing weight anymore."

Zhang Deng didn't have this idea, but his old clothes no longer fit him, which made him feel a little melancholy, as if the past was gone.

Hu Ningning said: "Don't worry, people just need to eat their fill."

She suddenly raised her voice and asked Wei Yuanye, who was washing dishes in the kitchen, "Do you think my idol looks better when she's fatter or thinner?"

Tong Ying smiled and said, "Is there a safe answer to this question?"

Wei Yuanye simply pretended not to hear.

Everyone stayed until after eight o'clock in the evening. Chi Xiaoxia really couldn't stay any longer and wanted to go out for a walk. Zhang Deng and Wei Yuanye came out of Hu Ningning's villa. Zhang Deng kissed Xiao Mi reluctantly, feeling that his heart was about to break. He almost cried, then said goodbye to them and went to a nearby shopping mall.

There wasn't much to see at this time, but Chi Xiaoxia still seemed very interested. Zhang Deng said he could buy him anything he liked. Chi Xiaoxia said, "Where do you have the money?"

As he said this, his eyes were still glancing around.

Zhang Deng asked, "Haven't you been here before?"

"No." Chi Xiaoxia said.

Wei Yuanye asked: "Didn't you go on a mission?"

Chi Xiaoxia was stunned for a moment, then said, "There's no chance."

Although Zhang Deng said she would buy something for him, Chi Xiaoxia wasn't very interested in clothes or accessories. He was drawn to the chocolate, ice cream, fried yogurt, and oden sold in the mall, and he would buy anything he saw. Zhang Deng was almost stuffed to death, but when he saw Chi Xiaoxia still eating, he was a little scared: "Don't eat too much, or you'll get sick."

"Just this one meal," Chi Xiaoxia said while showing off the ice cream scoop, "it's so delicious."

Chi Xiaoxia asked, "Can they really eat this every day?"

"Yes," Zhang Deng said, "but no one eats it every day, so it would be strange if they eat it all the time."

Chi Xiaoxia said, "I never realized before that I was so materialistic."

"It's an appetite," Zhang Deng said. "I think you're really materialistic."

Chi Xiaoxia asked Wei Yuanye, "Why don't you eat?"

Wei Yuanye said: "I don't like it very much."

Chi Xiaoxia simply couldn't understand why someone wouldn't like to eat these things. He said, "It tastes like this, and you still don't like it? Are you really... are you human?"

Wei Yuanye said, "What do you think?"

Chi Xiaoxia: “…”

"Well," Chi Xiaoxia said, "it doesn't count."

Zhang Deng said, "Wei Yuanye is so self-disciplined that it makes me feel inferior."

Chi Xiaoxia's words were much more serious: "He makes me feel sick."

Wei Yuanye is indeed a very restrained person. He seems to be able to control everything except his temper.

Zhang Deng even felt that Wei Yuanye could control his emotions, he just didn't want to.

After a lot of restraint and self-discipline in his life, his irritability is the only loophole he left for himself.

Chi Xiaoxia ate all day until he could no longer eat anything and kept shouting that he wanted to vomit.

The three of them found a suitable place and returned to the World Tree.

When they returned to the dormitory at night, Zhang Deng and Wei Yuanye lay on the bed. Zhang Deng felt that the day had been very fulfilling, so fulfilling that he was a little excited.

In fact, he didn't have this feeling in the days before the last mission was about to end.

Maybe it’s because he knows that the previous world was someone else’s life, and the current experience is his own life.

He had a very novel feeling that all the people today were gathered together because of his connection - as if he had really become a "social person", or even a relatively successful social person.

He has friends around him, a lover, money to eat, a pet, and even people who like him on the Internet.

Zhang Deng fell into an unrealistic trance: Is this the life he can have?

In other words, does he really deserve it?

The answer must be no. Zhang Deng felt that he was not worthy, he was just a little lucky.

Wei Yuanye saw that he hadn't slept yet and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Zhang Deng asked, "Why me?"

Wei Yuanye opened his eyes.

Zhang Deng stretched out his hand, looking at his fingers in the darkness, feeling the bony feeling disappear between his fingers. He said, "A hairpin will last a hundred years, but it will only be worth a lifetime. An article will be a name for eternity. Right and wrong, gain and loss are all trivial matters. Don't argue with dreams."

Wei Yuanye grabbed the hand, crossed it and clenched it tightly. He said, "Can't sleep?"

Wei Yuanye didn't need to understand what he was anxious about, or what he was afraid of. He simply said, "If you can't sleep, do something else."