Chapter 42 The Kiss of the Century vs. the Hero's Wreath "You have insulted us..."

[So incredibly handsome! Wen Yinhe is born with superhuman strength! He's finally putting all that inexhaustible energy to good use!!!]

[Wen Yinhe! The most masculine of masculinities! The man among men! The ruler of men! The master of masculinity! The terminator of masculinity! God! Emperor! Master! Overwhelming man! The immortal pinnacle in the history of entertainment! The pinnacle!!!]

【Seriously, how can you be so domineering, Best Actor?! I have this inexplicable urge to kneel down, is that normal?! QAQ】

[Help... Does anyone understand the incredible chemistry between the movie star and CEO Lu?! CEO Lu gives an order, and the movie star executes it without hesitation! (This is a reference to a robot romance novel!) A noble count retrieves a dilapidated, abandoned robot from a garbage planet. The robot becomes his master, gentle, beautiful, and powerful, obedient, well-endowed, and devoted to him! Ah! So good, so good, so good...]

[Enough already! This chef is always seducing people but never feeding them! QAQ]

[Doesn't anyone think the actor's English pronunciation is incredibly charming?! Who's the one criticizing him for not going to school?! Tell me, do you people who always talk about education have English as good as him?!]

Not only were the viewers in the live chat going crazy, but the local residents who had followed Wen Yinhe all the way here to see what was going on were also very excited.

Before Wen Yinhe could even give a signal, they swarmed forward and grabbed the thief. Everyone involved took the opportunity to kick him, and someone even pulled out a rope meant for the celebration and tied him up.

The thief's camouflage bag was violently pulled off his back.

Upon opening it, it was found to be full of cell phones and wallets, as well as some miscellaneous valuables such as bracelets and necklaces. It was estimated that at least a hundred people had been robbed.

More people excitedly surrounded Wen Yinhe and quickly pushed him back to the street where the celebration was being held.

Golden sunlight poured down from overhead, and the crowds surged like waves in the bustling, sweltering streets, their face paint resembling flowing rainbows.

Wen Yinhe stood tall in the middle of the crowd, his imposing figure almost towering over the people around him by half a head.

Sweat trickled down his fair, rosy cheeks, soaking his light-colored shirt and clinging to his muscular chest.

He tried to turn his head and look around, searching for that familiar figure that had been separated for several minutes.

"Hero! He's the hero who caught the thief!" a local man shouted at the top of his lungs.

Suddenly, a tidal wave of shouts surged up from all around, one after another:

"A hero! He is a hero!"

Women in brightly colored skirts and men with embroidered shawls draped over their shoulders rushed forward, surrounding Wen Yinhe in the middle.

Countless arms reached out to him.

Some people patted his sweaty back hard, some shook his hand excitedly, and others kept throwing flower petals and colorful ribbons at him.

Wen Yinhe was still breathing heavily, his hands shielding his body as he tried to refuse the excessive enthusiasm of the locals. He hurriedly thanked them in English, his face flushed even more from the sun.

However, his voice was too insignificant in the face of hundreds and thousands of people. Instead of making people leave, he attracted more and more people to flock to him.

A tall and magnificent float appeared before our eyes without us noticing.

Several large horses draped in colorful silks led the float, which was adorned with flowers and colorful ribbons.

Without a word, people lifted Wen Yinhe up, while the performers on the vehicle grabbed his arms, and together they carried him onto the vehicle.

Wen Yinhe felt his body lighten and his vision suddenly rise.

The next second, he was standing on a float several meters high, with a clear blue sky and blazing sun above him, and countless smiling faces with exotic flair looking up at him.

The thief he had subdued had been thrown up by someone and was now limp and bound at his feet, covered in footprints on his face and body, like a trophy of his. He rode with him in a float through the streets.

On the float, a man dressed in formal holiday attire, holding a wreath, walked over and asked:

"What's your name? Where are you from?"

Wen Yinhe composed himself and said in the clearest tone, enunciating each word carefully, "My name is Wen Yinhe, and I come from China."

"Oh, so he's a hero from China!" The man solemnly placed the wreath on Wen Yinhe's sweat-dampened black hair, and amidst the deafening cheers and enthusiastic drumming of the crowd, he stepped forward, opened his arms, and shouted to Wen Yinhe beside him, "Let's cheer for this hero from China! His name is—Wen Yinhe!"

The cheers from the crowd instantly reached their peak, deafeningly loud.

Countless arms were raised high, calling out Wen Yinhe's name in broken Chinese.

The drone's camera, taking in the grand and breathtaking scene from above, captured a stunning panoramic view with remarkable skill before precisely focusing its lens on Wen Yinhe's face.

It was a face so handsome it was almost speechless.

His fair and delicate skin, as smooth as jade, was now flushed with a rosy blush. His jet-black hair, soaked with sweat, clung wetly to his smooth forehead and cheeks. The makeup on his face reflected the sunlight, adding a touch of primal wildness to his gentle features.

Golden rays of light pierced through the gaps in the floral wreath on his head, dancing and weaving across his forehead and hair as the float moved forward, casting shimmering patches of light that made his features appear even more defined and profound.

The people at the foot of the float were stunned, excitedly throwing flowers onto it, amidst some amusing discussions:

"Oh my God! He's so beautiful! This is the first time I've seen a Chinese person in real life. Are they all this beautiful? Is he really not an angel?!"

"I think I've fallen in love with him at first sight! It's unbelievable that such a powerful and beautiful person exists in the world! I'm completely smitten! I wonder if he has a lover, and if he'd be willing to accept a cross-cultural relationship?"

"China? Is that the China that has giant pandas, kung fu, and eats everything and finds everything delicious?"

"That country's name sounds so familiar. I feel like I've seen it so many times since I was a child... Oh, I remember now, it seems like all the goods on the shelves in our country's shopping malls are made in China..."

"Haha! I knew those Chinese were really good at fighting! I've read about it in books! In ancient times, they could walk on water, fly on walls and in forests, and ride swords through the sky! It's said that there are still some ancient families with magical abilities that have been incorporated into the government and are now living in seclusion in modern cities. In reality, they are all Chinese agents!"

[Hahahaha, help! I even brought a translator with me because I'm laughing so hard I could die. This guy reads pretty wide variety of books, wuxia, xianxia, ​​and even lingqi fuss! Some weird cultural export has been successfully achieved (laughing and crying)]

[Yes, yes, that's right! We Chinese people are all so strong, beautiful, warm-hearted, and kind! Chinese Kung Fu is the best in the world! Everyone is born with superhuman strength, capable of taking on a hundred enemies single-handedly! Let's promote ourselves like this when we go abroad!]

[Ahhhhhh, everyone, does anyone understand?! When the movie star said "I'm from China," I felt so incredibly happy! My national pride was bursting at that moment! (Proudly puffing out my chest)]

[Wow, this is a super close-up shot! Speechless with beauty! Our China has such a handsome actor invading other countries! It's so impressive to have him here! I suggest he go on a global tour, letting the world witness the unique impact of Chinese Eastern aesthetics, hahaha!]

[President Lu's rivals have expanded overseas, hahaha! These lovestruck foreigners have no idea they're about to be heartbroken—President Lu will arrive in three seconds!!!]

Wen Yinhe stood on the float, using the wide view to search for Lu Huaijin's figure.

His anxious gaze swept over countless unfamiliar faces, sharp and swift. His handsome brows, furrowed with worry from the long separation, betrayed a hint of unease and urgency. He shouted to those around him:

"Huai Jin! Where are you?"

The people below couldn't understand what Wen Yinhe was saying, and thought that this beautiful and powerful Eastern man was greeting them, so they jumped up and waved to him even more excitedly.

While politely responding to the enthusiastic people, Wen Yinhe couldn't help but anxiously look around.

Suddenly, a familiar and reassuring Mandarin voice, amidst the incomprehensible local languages, clearly reached Wen Yinhe's ears:

"Hidden Crane! I'm here!"

Wen Yinhe immediately turned his gaze toward the source of the sound, precisely locking onto a blurry yet familiar figure in the distance.

A look of joy suddenly lit up his face, and his anxiety intensified. He looked at the man beside him apologetically and said:

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'm sorry, I may have to go down to find my lover."

Although the man didn't understand Mandarin either, after observing Wen Yinhe's series of facial expressions up close, he vaguely guessed something: "Is he the gentleman who responded to you in the crowd just now?"

Wen Yinhe couldn't help but smile, a slight blush creeping onto his face. He nodded, answering decisively, "Yes, he is my lover."

"Wow, you two are such a perfect match!" the man exclaimed in a friendly tone.

Wen Yinhe gave a genuine smile: "Thank you."

The man looked at him for a few seconds, blinked slightly, and suddenly shouted something to the crowd below.

Someone at his feet responded loudly, and suddenly the crowd began to stir again.

Less than half a minute later, Wen Yinhe watched as Lu Huaijin, like a small boat floating on the sea, was pushed over little by little by the surging crowd, arriving at the float with a bewildered expression.

Then, just like before, he was lightly carried up by the crowd below and the people on the floats.

"Yinhe!" Lu Huaijin, a mature and tall man, suddenly slammed into Wen Yinhe's arms, causing Wen Yinhe to stagger uncontrollably. Before the two could regain their balance, he anxiously reached out and searched Wen Yinhe's body to check, "Are you alright? Are you okay?"

The man's warm breath sprayed rapidly onto Wen Yinhe's neck, the burning warmth of his skin and the heat of his journey enveloping him completely.

Wen Yinhe wrapped her arms tightly around Lu Huaijin's waist, burying her face deep in the man's neck, breathing in the familiar and long-lost scent. Although they had only been apart for a few minutes, it felt like an eternity of longing.

Before he could even answer, Wen Yinhe impatiently grabbed Lu Huaijin's chin.

On the float, in a foreign land, in front of millions of people at the entire celebration, they kissed without a care in the world.

The people beneath their feet were stunned for a moment, then erupted in a deafening scream.

Drones frantically circled around the two, filming them, while flower petals were showered from the rooftop, and colorful ribbons fluttered around them.

The screams and whistles from the crowd below filled the entire street like waves, but the two men kissing on the float were completely unaware.

Their world consisted only of each other.

[Ahhhhh, this is the kiss of the century! I'm going crazy! The atmosphere was amazing! Kissing in front of the whole world is so ceremonial! I'm going to cry, waaaaaaah!]

[Damn it! You foreigners are eating so well!!! Why can't I be there?! Jealousy is making me unrecognizable! You've had your fill of watching, right? It's my turn now?! Believe me or not, I'll buy a plane ticket and fly abroad overnight!!!]

[So beautiful, so beautiful, so beautiful... I can't breathe... I think I'm about to die... After my death, please print this scene as a poster and bury it with me. Ten years later, I was reborn, reborn as a real heiress who was switched at birth. Just as the nanny was about to secretly replace me with the fake heiress, I suddenly jumped out of the swaddling clothes, spinning and leaping, my eyes closed, and screaming at the top of my lungs—I must have been shipping them in my past life!!!]

The float stopped in the center of the square, where the crowd had reached its peak, the noise was deafening, and the overwhelming momentum seemed to pierce the sky.

"The original rule of our celebration is that anyone who wants to show themselves can climb onto the float and perform to their heart's content. After the float has circled the globe, we will select the most popular guest from all the performers and present them with the 'Warrior of Victory,' making them the 'Warrior' of our country's celebration this year."

On the float, the man who had already presented Wen Yinhe with a wreath explained to Wen Yinhe in English.

At this point, the man paused for a moment, then winked playfully at the crowd below, his painted face beaming with a bright smile.

"However, the outcome of this year's competition seems to be a foregone conclusion."

A knowing laugh rippled through the crowd, and some people began to call out Wen Yinhe's name impatiently.

The man on the float pointed his long arm toward Wen Yinhe and announced loudly and passionately in the local language:

"Congratulations to our friend Wen Yinhe from China for becoming a 'hero' of our country's grand ceremony this year! Please give a round of applause to this hero and his loved one!"

The scene was immediately filled with continuous applause, cheers, and praise.

Suddenly, someone shouted in English, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Upon hearing this, the others around immediately joined in the fun, shouting, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Wen Yinhe's cheeks flushed red, and before he could react, Lu Huaijin had already wrapped his arms around Wen Yinhe's neck without hesitation and kissed him decisively.

After a slight pause, Wen Yinhe gently cupped the back of the man's head with her large palm, and unconsciously tightened her arms around Lu Huaijin's waist.

Another burst of even more excited screams followed.

After a few seconds of gentle, lingering kiss, the two of them slowly pulled away, their foreheads touching.

Lu Huaijin gently cupped Wen Yinhe's face, gazing deeply into his eyes. His eyes were bright and sparkling, as if they had absorbed the sunlight, filled with a burning and intense love. He smiled and said in a low voice:

"Wen Yinhe, you are not only a hero of this grand ceremony, but also a hero in my heart."

This sentence is spoken in English.

Those who were nearby heard every word and covered their mouths, letting out suppressed gasps.

Someone, their face flushed, shouted in English:

"You two are such a perfect match!"

I wish you happiness!

Lu Huaijin's narrow eyes swept over the people below, his upturned lips exuding elegance and nobility. He nodded slightly and said, "Thank you. I also think we are a good match, and I wish you happiness."

The guy who had previously boasted about having a cross-cultural romance with Wen Yinhe suddenly burst into tears, saying, "Waaaaah, I'm heartbroken. His lover is so tall, handsome, and hot, and they look so good together. They're so loving, I have absolutely no hope. I can only silently wish them well."

[Ahhhhhh, oh my god, Mr. Lu, I absolutely adore you! You're my hero and all that... Oh my god, who's going to swoon from this?!]

[This is hilarious! Apparently, when people around the world are watching the drama unfold, they all shout "Kiss! Kiss!" No one can resist the sweetness of young couples!]

[Why did President Lu switch to English when he was saying sweet nothings? Hahaha, so funny! Is he afraid foreigners won't understand his public displays of affection? President Lu really got his fill this time, showing off right on the national celebration stage! (doge)]

[That's right, that's right, you're showing off like this beyond national borders! Beyond Earth! Beyond the Milky Way! Trying to spread this sweetness throughout the entire universe! Let even aliens witness the destructive power of this lovey-dovey couple!!!]

[Dude, you broke up pretty quickly, hahaha! Don't feel inferior for losing to CEO Lu! When you realize CEO Lu's status and wealth in China, you'll only feel proud of your courage _(:з」∠)_]

Just then, a tall, muscular young man near the float chuckled dismissively and muttered something in the local language.

The volume was just right, not too loud or too soft, enough to reach the ears of people within a three-meter radius, including those on the floats.

The expressions of those around him changed slightly.

The man accompanying him quickly tugged at the young man's arm, but the young man angrily shook him off.

His companion looked embarrassed, guessing that the young man hadn't said anything nice.

The viewers in the live chat noticed the subtle atmosphere in this corner and couldn't help but feel curious.

What was that man muttering about, acting all cocky?

[I'm so angry! So angry!!! He called us Chinese a bunch of yellow-skinned monkeys!!! And this is machine translation! The emotional impact is definitely weakened! The actual insults are absolutely much worse!!!]

[Damn it!!! I really can't stand this!!! You can curse me if you don't like me! But you can't insult my country!!!]

[Ahhh, I remember this man! I think I saw him performing on the float when the drone was filming the distant view! Is he just jealous that the Best Actor stole his thunder?!]

【? ? ? Even if it weren't for the Best Actor award, it wouldn't be his turn to receive the "Hero" title (rolls eyes)】

[I'm so angry I could cry! I really want to reach into the screen and grab this man's collar to make him apologize! But surely no one here understands the local language? Do I just have to swallow this and let it go? QAQ]

Just when all the viewers thought they had no choice but to suffer in silence, a tall and imposing figure suddenly leaped off the float amidst gasps of surprise, and the wreath symbolizing "brave warrior" rolled to the ground.

Before the man could even let go of the contemptuous smile on his lips, his collar was suddenly grabbed by a strong force, lifting him into the air and almost taking his feet off the ground.

"Apologize."

The gentle and elegant smile that had always graced Wen Yinhe's lips had vanished, and his fair face had visibly darkened.

His brows were pressed very low, and in his deep-set eyes, those eyes that were always filled with gentle water were now like icy blades, fixed on the man's face, without a trace of warmth in them.

A sudden silence fell over the surroundings.

The crowd in the distance, unaware of what had happened, gathered together and discussed it animatedly.

The people nearby looked embarrassed, but no one stepped forward to stop Wen Yinhe; they even silently moved away from him.

Only the young man's companion hurriedly apologized on his behalf in English.

Wen Yinhe shook his head slightly, his dark eyes fixed on the young man on top of him, his face expressionless, his deep voice revealing an unyielding stubbornness: "Sir, you have not done anything wrong. I'm sorry, I do not accept your apology. I only demand an apology from the gentleman who is with you."

Lu Huaijin jumped off the float right after him. He also didn't understand what the young man said, but judging from Wen Yinhe's unusually angry expression, he must have crossed the line.

He watched all this with a cold, indifferent gaze, arms crossed, as if he were a guardian, having completely sided with Wen Yinhe.

The young man felt the immense force tightening around his neck, as if a wild beast had bitten his throat. He froze instantly, his legs trembling slightly as they hovered in the air.

He was already quite tall, but this foreign man was even taller and stronger than him, which didn't match his handsome face at all!

His companion was frantic and urged him, "Zack! You should apologize to this gentleman right now!"

The young man's heart was pounding with fear, and an embarrassed expression crossed his face as he watched the whispers of those around him. When his companions not only failed to defend him but also demanded an apology, his rebellious streak kicked in, and he became even more defiant: "So what if I scolded them—"

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Yinhe suddenly grabbed the man by the collar and slammed him against the wall of the float behind him like a dead fish.

With a dull thud, the young man's head slammed solidly against the hard, cold wooden board.

His vision went black, he saw stars, and it felt as if his internal organs had been displaced by the shock. His jaw trembled with fear.

Wen Yinhe stared at him expressionlessly, his soaked black hair plastered messily to his forehead, with a few strands falling down, unable to conceal the icy, chilling anger and murderous intent in his eyes.

He spoke each word with a deep, cold, and powerful tone:

"Sir, you have insulted my country. I demand that you apologize to us, now and immediately."