44 What about you? Why did you break up with Jin Lang?
The first rays of New Year's morning light pierced the barrier of mist and glass, painting a brilliant golden streak across the gray sheets. Jin Lang sat on the edge of the bed, watching the dust particles drifting in the light and shadow. Suddenly, it felt as if these seemingly insignificant things were now imbued with life. He reached out and gently stirred the golden galaxy, tiny particles swirling between his fingers. Perhaps, with a little time, even the bleakest past could be illuminated anew. The thought warmed his chest. He picked up his phone, bought a plane ticket to Berlin without hesitation, and called Zhang Yi. "Brother Yi, I'm here to wish you a happy new year!" Jin Lang's voice was as clear as the morning light. "Uncle Jin Lang, happy new year!" A crisp, childish voice returned from the receiver, the clatter of dishes and chopsticks echoing in the background. Due to work commitments, Zhang Yi hadn't been able to spend the New Year with his family for several years. Jin Lang was once again on the Spring Festival Gala stage. As his manager, he was supposed to be there, but after a few rehearsals, Jin Lang repeatedly assured him that nothing would go wrong and told him to go home and spend the New Year peacefully. Zhang Yi took the phone from his daughter, knowing that she was definitely calling him for more than just New Year's greetings. Jin Lang was a man with a strong sense of boundaries. He didn't like others to disturb Li Xin's life, so on the rare occasions when Zhang Yi returned home, he usually didn't take the initiative to call. "Happy New Year!" Zhang Yi held up his phone, found a quiet room, and closed the door. "Have you left for the Acropolis?" "No, I'm not going back." Jin Lang smiled easily on the other end of the phone. "Brother Yi, I have something to tell you." Zhang Yi's nerves suddenly tensed, and he subconsciously asked. "What's wrong? What happened?" "Nothing. I just don't have any work plans for the next few days after the Lunar New Year, so I'm planning to fly to Berlin!" "Berlin? You're going to the film festival? The organizers invited you as a guest of honor, but didn't you turn it down? It's too late to change your mind now! Things like dresses and makeup can go awry at short notice. I'll contact them later!" He asked a series of questions, then answered them himself, quickly making a to-do list in his mind. "Easy, easy!" Jin Lang interrupted his mumbling. "It's a purely private trip, no need for a big event. I just want to take a break!" There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds. Jin Lang could almost see Zhang Yi frowning in thought. "Then let Xiao Zhou go with you. It'll provide cover if someone recognizes you..."
The first ray of morning light of the new year pierces through the barriers of mist and glass, drawing a bright golden line on the gray sheets.
Jin Lang sat on the edge of the bed, watching the dust particles floating in the light and shadow. He suddenly felt that these usually insignificant things seemed to have been given life. He reached out and gently stirred the golden galaxy, and tiny particles flowed between his fingers.
Perhaps if we give time a chance, even the darkest past can be illuminated again.
This thought made his chest feel hot. He picked up his phone, bought a plane ticket to Berlin without hesitation, and then called Zhang Yi.
"Brother Yi, I'm here to wish you a happy new year!"
Jin Lang's voice was as clear as the morning light.
"Uncle Jin Lang, Happy New Year!"
A crisp, childish voice came back from the receiver, and the sound of dishes and chopsticks colliding could be heard in the background.
Due to work commitments, Zhang Yi hadn't been able to spend the Lunar New Year with his family for several years. Jin Lang was once again performing on the Spring Festival Gala stage, and as his agent, he was supposed to be there, but after several rounds of rehearsals, Jin Lang repeatedly assured him that nothing would go wrong and told him to go home and spend the New Year with peace of mind.
Zhang Yi took the phone from his daughter, knowing that the other party came to him at this time for more than just New Year's greetings.
Jin Lang is a person with a strong sense of boundaries. He doesn't like others to disturb Li Xin's life, so when Zhang Yi rarely returns home, he usually doesn't take the initiative to call him.
"Happy New Year!" Zhang Yi held up his cell phone, found a quiet room and closed the door.
"Have you set out back to the Acropolis?"
"No, I won't reply."
Jin Lang smiled easily on the other end of the phone.
"Brother Yi, I have something to tell you."
Zhang Yi's nerves suddenly tensed up and he asked subconsciously.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
"Nothing, I just don't have any work arrangements for the next few days after the New Year, so I'm planning to fly to Berlin!"
"Berlin? Are you going to the film festival? The organizers invited you to be a guest of honor before, but didn't you refuse? It's too late to change your mind now! Things like dresses and makeup can go awry easily with last-minute arrangements. I'll contact them right away!"
He asked a series of questions, answered them himself, and quickly made a TO DO LIST in his mind.
"Easy, easy!" Jin Lang interrupted his mumbling, "It's a purely private trip, no need to make a big fuss. I just want to give myself a break!"
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, and Jin Lang seemed to see Zhang Yi frowning and thinking.
"Then let Xiao Zhou go with you. He can provide cover if someone recognizes you..."
"I'm a lawful citizen going on vacation, and you're telling me it's like I'm going to rob people!"
Jin Lang laughed, the morning light cast a mixture of light and dark shadows on his face.
"Just let me be a normal person for a few days! It's Chinese New Year, so you should all spend time with your families. It's not like I can't take care of myself."
Zhang Yi thought for a moment and finally compromised, but his tone was still cautious.
"Okay then, take care of yourself! I'll let the PR team know, and they'll contact you if anything else."
Jin Lang was about to hang up the phone when the other party seemed to suddenly remember something and said, "Hey, wait!"
"Before the holiday, Lin Yuwei's agent contacted me to discuss the script and direction of the topic for 'Fake Love, True Love'. I was too busy at the time, so I thought I would talk to her later."
Zhang Yi paused, "She's quite proactive. I heard she's already privately communicated with the production team several times."
"The contract from Tudou TV has also been sent over. It's a dating show after all, so you should take a good look at it yourself!"
With Jin Lang's current status, if it weren't for the incident that happened after he was secretly photographed and posted on Weibo, Zhang Yi would never have let him take part in any dating variety show.
In the past two years, Jin Lang has made progress in his transition from the small screen to the big screen. After his acting skills improved, some big-name directors in the circle were willing to give him the opportunity to work with him.
Variety shows have always been the home turf for traffic stars, and the word "traffic" happens to be the label that Jin Lang most wants to get rid of.
Of all variety shows, dating shows are the most prone to negative public opinion. No matter how romantically charged the couples are when they're being hyped, the end result is always bloodshed. Using fake rumors to mask real gossip does indeed feel like fighting fire with fire.
Although Zhang Yi was quite annoyed by the trouble caused by Jin Lang at that time, after the incident was over, he felt a little regretful for agreeing to the invitation to cooperate with Lin Yuwei and Tudou TV.
Having been in this industry for a long time, one has developed some ability to judge people and things. Lin Yuwei currently occupies a rather awkward position among female celebrities. The less popular a person is, the more likely they are to go crazy when seizing the opportunity for hype.
In addition, during the New Year's Eve, it was unexpectedly discovered that Jin Lang had an ex-girlfriend who he had hidden his feelings for many years and who he could not forget. The two of them were still in contact. By then, the real ex-girlfriend offline and the fake current girlfriend online, one wrong move could lead to a complete loss.
Thinking about this, Zhang Yi suddenly asked, "By the way, you suddenly decided to go back to Acropolis during the Spring Festival this year. Isn't it because of that lawyer..."
Jin Lang didn't expect him to suddenly change the subject. After the "confession" on New Year's Eve, he didn't intend to hide anything, so he replied straightforwardly, "Yeah, I guess so."
"Fuck!" Zhang Yi gasped on the other end of the phone, his voice changing tone. "Then why did you suddenly change your schedule? Could it be that you're following in someone's footsteps for love?"
Zhang Yi's words seemed to be possessed by Shen Cheng. Being mature and steady, he has always been good at managing his emotions.
He was responded by a brief silence, and the only sound on the phone was the two people's slightly heavy breathing.
"Brother Yi, don't worry, I know what's going on with my own affairs." His tone was calm and sincere.
The sparrows outside the window fluttered by, casting fleeting shadows on the glass.
"I will try my best to consider the overall situation and not cause trouble for everyone!"
"I'll tell you about the variety show after I read the contract!"
Zhang Yi accepted this surprise "New Year gift package" and felt that he would have to live in fear for the next few days.
…
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the warm winter sun lazily shines on the earth, the streets and alleys are decorated with lights and lanterns, and it is a lively day for visiting relatives and friends.
Liu Yuwei visits her high school homeroom teacher every year at this time. She also occasionally runs into other students she once taught at Teacher Wu's home.
But this time when he entered the room, Liu Yuwei unexpectedly discovered that his deskmate, whom he had lied to and pretended not to know two days ago, was now standing diagonally behind the teacher with a smile on his face.
His eyes were blank for a moment, but soon the corners of his brows curved again, but in that arc, there was a subtle hint of complex emotions.
Teacher Wu naturally knew that Liu Yuwei and Song Miao had been inseparable and close like sisters in high school. Amidst the aroma of tea, the three chatted about their recent developments and quickly turned the conversation to reminiscing about the past.
Just at this moment, the Spring Festival Gala was replayed on the TV in the living room. The director switched the camera and Jin Lang was sitting at a round table, wearing a red Tang suit and holding a mascot to greet everyone.
Song Miao's attention was attracted by him. He stared at the screen sideways and failed to respond to the teacher's question in time.
"Ahem!" Teacher Wu deliberately cleared his throat and said jokingly, "Isn't this our famous alumnus?"
His eyes fell on Song Miao, "Song Miao, you are so outstanding and still single, are you still thinking about your old classmates? The teacher remembers that when you were in school..."
Hearing this, Song Miao's face flushed instantly, with just the right amount of shyness, "Teacher Wu, how come you still remember!"
"How could I not remember!" Teacher Wu smiled and turned to Liu Yuwei and said.
"Back then, she would run into other people's classes every day and even deliberately put her homework books in the wrong place! She used to be so carefree when she was little, but now she's shy!"
Liu Yuwei nodded mechanically, her throat feeling like it was stuck with a hard date pit, unable to utter a single word. The teacup trembled slightly in her hand, and tiny ripples appeared on the surface of the water.
Teacher Wu patted Song Miao's shoulder gently, his tone full of love and expectation.
"Teacher, I'll help you out if you get a chance! It would be another wonderful story if your marriage came true!"
Liu Yuwei stood up suddenly, and the coffee table was hit with a loud bang.
"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom."
…
Outside the window, the sun gradually set. Before the skylight completely disappeared, Liu Yuwei and Song Miao stood up to say goodbye, and agreed that Teacher Wu would contact them if he came to Jingbei.
Song Miao had long noticed that Liu Yuwei was not in a good mood today. Throughout the afternoon, she only answered when Teacher Wu asked her something, and there was a sense of alienation in her voice.
The two walked into the elevator, and the only sound in the enclosed space was the sound of mechanical operation.
Song Miao affectionately took Liu Yuwei's arm, his movements were natural and familiar, just like old friends.
"Yuwei, how are you and your boyfriend doing? I wanted to go out with you guys, but I'm really busy at the end of the year!"
Her voice was soft and tinged with concern.
"Boyfriend?" Liu Yuwei was caught off guard by this sudden question. Her mind went blank for a moment and her eyes were full of confusion.
After several seconds, she spoke hesitantly.
"Are you talking about Ren Yiming?"
"Yes, that's the one we met last time at dinner! Why, haven't you made him a regular employee yet?"
There was a hint of surprise in Song Miao's eyes, which were like those of a little animal.
"We're just good friends!"
Liu Yuwei didn't know why he had to explain it so clearly to Song Miao.
The other person suddenly leaned closer, with a faint scent of citrus perfume.
"But they may not consider you as a good friend! You are just confused by the situation!"
She held Liu Yuwei's hand tightly, swearing with a firm tone.
"He's definitely interested in you. Believe me!"
Liu Yuwei looked at Song Miao's enthusiastic expression, and it was as if she was sixteen years old again. Back then, they also stood hand in hand on the sidelines, watching Jin Lang sweat on the court, and whispered to each other, sharing the secrets of their girls' hearts.
Perhaps overwhelmed by the harmonious and friendly atmosphere, Liu Yuyi acted impulsively and blurted out the doubts that had been weighing on his mind for a long time.
"What about you? Why did you break up with Jin Lang?"
When Song Miao heard this, he was stunned. The corners of his lips, which had just been raised, were instantly pursed into a stiff straight line, and his eyes became a little complicated, like disappointment, but also like the calmness of having seen through everything.
"Don't you know why we broke up?"
Liu Yuwei's heart suddenly sank, and her fingertips unconsciously dug into her palm, leaving a few shallow crescent marks. Her mind raced. Could it be that their breakup had something to do with her? Did Song Miao know everything?
The elevator dinged and arrived at the first floor.
Song Miao took two steps, turned around and found Liu Yuwei still standing there in a daze. He reached out to hold the cold metal door and said softly.
"We're here, let's go! What's wrong with you? What are you thinking about?"
Her eyes gradually softened, "Weren't you the one who witnessed our breakup in high school..."
Liu Yuwei's heart finally calmed down, but his chest felt like it was stuffed with a ball of wet cotton, and even his breathing felt sluggish.
The north wind outside blew fine snow particles onto my face, like countless tiny needles, pricking my skin and making it slightly numb.
Taking a deep breath, the cold air poured into his lungs, like a dose of sobering agent injected into his brain. With a determination to get to the bottom of the matter, Liu Yuwei grabbed Song Miao.
"I mean, after... after graduating from college, didn't you come back to find him?"
"Oh...you mean that time..."
Song Miao turned around, the halo of the streetlight casting mottled shadows on her face, making her expression appear gloomy. She slowly lowered her head and stepped back and forth on her own shadow.
The wind whistled past, blowing up the dead leaves on the ground, making a rustling sound, like someone's sigh.
After a moment, Liu Yuwei heard Song Miao sighing in a low and helpless voice towards the ground.
"Even if they knew it was fake, how many girls could hide in the dark and watch him show off his affection with someone else under the spotlight?"
Liu Yuwei quickly imagined the scene in her mind. For a moment, she seemed to witness another self in a parallel world who had not broken up with Jin Lang, curled up in the crowd, spying on her celebrity boyfriend and rumored girlfriend holding hands.
Just imagining it makes my chest ache.
Liu Yuwei opened her mouth and wanted to say something to comfort Song Miao, but she saw the other party suddenly stomped his feet hard, as if to crush all the unhappiness.
When she looked up again, her face had regained its bright smile, with a hint of stubbornness in her expression.
"At that time, I was young and impulsive, and I broke up with him on impulse."
"But fortunately, we have a foundation of love. After a long separation, we will get back together. Don't you think so?"
After she finished speaking, she blinked at Liu Yuwei, her eyes clear and bright, like a child expecting candy, waiting for a response.
"Um!"
Liu Yuwei's throat tightened, but he still tried to squeeze out a syllable, and nodded in affirmation as Song Miao wished.
The other person's face immediately brightened, his eyebrows and eyes curved into crescents.
Liu Yuwei stood there, watching the white mist he exhaled dissipate in the air.
Fireworks suddenly exploded in the distance, lighting up half of the night sky.
The snow is falling even more heavily.
Author's Note
Lazy Cat on the Cloud
author
04-09
This chapter was written very smoothly and has a lot of words. I'm quite satisfied with it, so I'm posting it early. If you think it's good, please vote for it or leave a message to encourage me. Love you!
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