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Psst! We're moving!
The idea of traveling was incorporated into their plans.
Around nine o’clock in the evening, the elder group prepared to leave.
Since one car couldn’t accommodate everyone, He Ran drove Tao Xinglai’s car, carrying He Zheng’an.
He Zheng’an rolled down the car window and took out a lighter to light a cigarette.
“Cut down on smoking,” He Ran said. “You’re old now; do you still think you’re a twenty-something orderly? — Here.”
He freed one hand and handed over a box of mint lozenges.
“This stuff is sugar-free. If your craving hits, just pop one to ease it.” He Ran said, “Your daughter-in-law got them from the hospital.”
He Zheng’an turned his eyes away, “I won’t eat it.”
Too lazy to argue, He Ran shoved it into his lap, “Eat it or not, but no smoking allowed.”
“Brat.” He Zheng’an muttered under his breath, reluctantly picking it up, taking one out, and coolly putting it in his mouth.
“What is this? It tastes awful.”
“Things that taste bad are good for your health.”
He Ran glanced in the rearview mirror, seeing He Zheng’an put on a tough front but quietly slip the mint into his pocket.
He Ran smirked, looking ahead at the road. “Dad.”
“Hmm.” He Zheng’an perked up at the sound of his voice.
He Ran said, “Regarding the matter of going home, I need to discuss it further with Jian Xi. She works at the hospital. Even if she agrees to go back to Yao Province with me, it will take time to transition.”
He Zheng’an didn’t say anything.
“Mengmeng is still young. If she doesn’t want to go, then I’ll also need to arrange my current affairs.” He Ran calmly stated, “Give me a month to sort things out here, then I’ll go back to learn about the company.”
Still, He Zheng’an remained silent.
He Ran grew slightly impatient, “Dad?”
Whether it was his imagination or not, he seemed to hear a sigh.
At the red light at the intersection ahead, the car slowly came to a stop. He Ran’s hand rested on the steering wheel, tapping it intermittently.
His father had always been unpredictable, and he wondered what he had done to displease him this time.
“Do you think a month is too long? But I can’t help it, I need...”
“Forget it.” He Zheng’an suddenly spoke up.
He Ran stopped tapping his fingers and turned his head, “What do you mean forget it?”
Neon lights filtered through the car windows, casting an even glow inside.
From this angle, He Zheng’an’s eyes were sharp and bright.
“You don’t need to return to the company.”
He Ran was stunned.
“You’ve been unruly since you were a child. For generations, our ancestors never produced a troublemaker like you. Now, looking back at your childhood, all I remember is one word—fighting.”
He Zheng’an furrowed his brows slightly, feeling regretful. “Every time I think about it, I regret not beating you more when you were young.”
He Ran chuckled, “Five belts broken, isn’t that enough?”
“That’s what you deserved.” He Zheng’an’s thin lips tightened, then relaxed as he exhaled, “All these years, I indeed haven’t managed you much—your entrepreneurship, life, marriage, even when your career faced setbacks, as a father, I didn’t lend a helping hand.”
He Ran’s smile gradually faded, hanging at the corner of his mouth, tinged with bitterness.
“Jian Xi is a good girl. You should thank her, and so should I.” He Zheng’an turned his head to meet his son’s eyes, “She made you turn over a new leaf, which wasn’t easy.”
The greatest hardships in Jian Xi’s two decades of life were all endured because of He Ran.
She had been beaten for no reason and nearly lost her life during childbirth.
He Ran bowed his head, hidden by the night, his eyes tightening.
“I will treat her well and give her everything I have for the rest of my life.”
He Zheng’an nodded, “Good. The family business deals with rice and potatoes, but fortunately, over the years, it has developed systematically and methodically, so I don’t need to worry too much. If you go back, you’ll just cause trouble, don’t expect to be filial.”
Once upon a time, He Zheng’an was stubborn and rigid, dictating that everything must follow his set rules.
Now, he seemed to waver, thinking that free development could also be a beautiful thing.
For instance, He Ran—this obstinate brat. Despite their strained relationship over the years, hadn’t the Zheng’an Group thrived without him?
He Zheng’an even thought, “If he doesn’t come back, maintaining the current state would also bring world peace.”
He Ran turned his head, as if trying to stare a flower into existence on the car window.
“Speechless?” He Zheng’an grew restless and snapped.
He Ran took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions, and gruffly said, “Don’t regret it later.”
“Regret it?” He Zheng’an sneered, “I earn more money than you. If you have the ability, catch up with me.”
There was a shimmer of moisture in He Ran’s eyes. Even though he was thirty and had grown from a boy to a man, the fierce affection in this moment softened his hardness instantly.
He Zheng’an was returning to Yao Province the next day. Jian Yanqing tried repeatedly to persuade him to stay, but He Zheng’an had to attend an agricultural forum abroad that evening and couldn’t linger any longer.
Mengmeng was brought back. Before leaving, He Zheng’an hugged her, transforming from stern to playful.
“Your little chubby hands look like Michelin tires.” He Zheng’an teased his granddaughter cheerfully, “Grandpa has planted lots of vegetables for you to eat.”
Mengmeng exhibited remarkable language skills, speaking earlier than children her age. She waved her hands, “No veggies, I want meat!”
The whole family burst into laughter.
He Zheng’an promised, “Alright! Grandpa will go back and have pigs, cows, and sheep raised.”
Mengmeng opened her mouth in an “O” shape, “And raise Uncle too!”
Jian Xi was pleasantly surprised and told He Ran, “Wow! Our daughter finally pronounced it correctly.”
She took out her phone, opened WeChat, and approached He Lao, telling Mengmeng, “Daughter, call Uncle again.”
Jian Xi pressed the voice recording button, ready to send it to Tao Xinglai.
This little rascal was very cunning, solemnly calling out again, “Bibi chicken, bibi chicken.”
Even He Zheng’an laughed heartily.
He Ran lowered his voice and said to him, “Dad, every week, I’ll bring Mengmeng back to see you.”
“Absolutely not.” He Zheng’an was quite proud, “I’m extremely busy, invited everywhere to attend events. Don’t delay my affairs.”
Jian Xi chimed in, “Dad, I’ll bring Mengmeng.”
“Alright then!” He Zheng’an’s mood changed faster than a rocket, “The balcony at home has vegetables and fruits I personally planted. I’ll pick them for you to eat.”
He Ran felt a bit jealous, “Aren’t you flying all over the world?”
“Do you even let me rest?! I’m old; don’t I deserve a vacation?!”
He Ran: “...”
———
Saturday.
Tao Xinglai was howling in the group chat, bombarding it with one voice message after another.
“You absolutely must watch the live stream!!”
“You can watch it on Apple Live!!”
“Oh my god, why is no one responding to me? Did they not receive it?!”
After being kept up all night by He Ran, Jian Xi lay lazily on the bed, barely moving, and saw it was only six-thirty.
She said, “Tao Xinglai, your voice is breaking. It sounds awful.”
He Ran opened his eyes and flipped over to pin her down, “And you dare to criticize others? Your own voice is hoarse.”
Jian Xi scolded, “It’s all your fault.”
“Tsk, you deny it after having fun.” He Ran cleared his throat, mimicking her voice shamelessly, “Woo woo woo, hubby, a bit faster, I love it so much.”
Jian Xi: “...”
Tao Xinglai called out again in the group.
“The live stream starts at eight o’clock tonight. You’d better tune in by seven-thirty to watch some ads and cultivate your sentiments.”
Lu Hanxiao also replied with a voice message, “Tao’er, Apple Live requires a membership to watch, thirty yuan per month—it’s too expensive.”
Tao Xinglai was furious, “Brother Lu, did your face fall off this morning? You’re the richest in our group. Am I worth less than thirty yuan to you?!”
Lu Hanxiao: “Stop yelling, my phone might crash. Of course, I will personally witness Tao’er winning Best Actor.”
Just hearing the words “Best Actor” made Tao Xinglai nervous enough to fart. He stopped talking.
Five minutes later.
Each of their phones received a message —
[Thank you for subscribing to Apple Live VIP membership. Enjoy free viewing of the Golden Deer Awards ceremony.]
Tao Xinglai had purchased a thirty-yuan membership for each member of their friend group.
Lu Hanxiao: “Holy crap, it’s my first time being a member. I feel so honored. Don’t laugh; the crown might fall off.”
He Ran casually sent two words in a voice message: “Idiot.”
Lu Hanxiao: “Ranran, your voice is so seductive. I can’t breathe.”
Tao Xinglai: “Brother Lu, I have an oxygen tank here. Come take a few breaths.”
Jian Xi: “Hey hey, aren’t you being too much of a coward? Do you really need oxygen to be this nervous?”
Tao Xinglai sent hundreds of broken-heart emojis, successfully flooding the screen.
The movie he starred in with Qiao Shu, after its release, achieved both critical acclaim and box office success. They filmed a coming-of-age story, portraying the pure and genuine emotional growth of teenagers’ love—no abortions, no drama—earning audience favor.
Tao Xinglai also successfully earned a nomination for Best Actor at this year’s Golden Deer Awards through his leading role.
At eight o’clock in the evening, the awards ceremony began.
Tao Xinglai’s styling today was very simple, with a white shirt highlighting his exceptional charm.
Walking the red carpet, his fan base was massive, with particularly high cheers, “We will always protect you, Star!”
Tao Xinglai clasped his hands together, bringing them to his lips—a gesture of gratitude and prayer.
This action was perfectly captured by his PR team, posted online, and his refreshing and devout appearance won over many casual fans.
When announcing the Best Actor award, the presenter’s arrival on stage caused a stir throughout the venue.
It turned out to be Qiao Shu, who had won the Best Actress award two years ago.
The electronic screen scrolled through introductions of the nominees, with Tao Xinglai being the last one.
The applause from the audience was thunderous, almost pushing the momentum further.
Qiao Shu calmly announced, “The Best Actor of the 28th Golden Deer Awards goes to—”
At the same time, fans of the two nominees in the audience shouted, “Tao Xinglai!”
Qiao Shu pursed her lips and slightly curved her mouth. “Tao Xinglai.”
Flashes, music, and screams instantly engulfed the venue.
All the lights focused on Tao Xinglai, the newly crowned Best Actor.
And the previous nervousness miraculously dissipated, replaced by a composed and elegant smile on his face.
He stood up and walked towards the stage under everyone’s gaze.
Qiao Shu’s eyes gleamed, welcoming his arrival.
The two finally reunited on stage, eliciting cheers and applause that rose higher and higher.
“Hug! Hug!” The deafening shouts eventually turned into “Be together! Be together!”
Tao Xinglai took the trophy, and Qiao Shu softly said, “Congratulations.”
Qiao Shu wore a white long dress that complemented his white shirt perfectly.
Tao Xinglai remained silent for a while. Gradually, the venue quieted down as everyone waited.
After a long pause, he curved his lips and unexpectedly opened his arms to Qiao Shu, waiting for her to fall into his embrace.
Below the stage, another wave of excitement surged.
There were even tears shimmering in Qiao Shu’s eyes. The moment they hugged was the climax of this dazzling night.
If they’ve already hugged, how far could being together be?
In front of the TV.
Jian Xi was almost crying her eyes out.
He Ran handed her a tissue, “Wife, this is good news. Finally, we have an actor in the family.”
Lu Hanxiao was particularly excited, “With an actor in hand, I’ll get all the resources.”
“You old geezer,” He Ran kicked his slipper, “Always thinking about those things.”
“Get lost, don’t dirty my slippers.” Lu Hanxiao dodged with his long legs, “My girl bought them for me.”
Jian Xi mercilessly revealed the truth, “Oh, that day, when we went grocery shopping together, we couldn’t break the change at checkout, so I just grabbed a pair of discounted slippers to make up the amount.”
Lu Hanxiao: “...”
He Ran couldn’t stop laughing, patting his shoulder, “Buddy, don’t cry. The crown of a thirty-yuan membership might fall off. Tomorrow, I’ll let grandma knit you a pair of woolen ones to warm your feet.”
Lu Hanxiao, noble and cold, spat out, “You’re insane.”
After watching Tao Xinglai win the award, the three of them went out for hot pot.
Lu Hanxiao said, “By the way, I’ve already arranged the car in Sanya. Have you booked your tickets?”
“Booked, the morning after tomorrow.” He Ran picked up a piece of kelp for Jian Xi.
“How many days are you staying?”
“Five days.” Jian Xi said, “I don’t have much vacation, so I asked you to help find a car. We’ll drive around after we get there.”
“Don’t worry, my company has reception services there. Contact me if there’s any problem.” Lu Hanxiao waved the waiter over, “Waiter, why hasn’t my pickled radish come yet?”
He Ran couldn’t take it anymore, “Damn, are you a radish spirit transformed?”
Lu Hanxiao got excited, “How did you know! By the way, did you check the weather forecast? Don’t get caught in the rain while playing.”
“Checked, it’s fine.”
“Take me with you.” Lu Hanxiao said, “My girl is taking exams and ignoring me. There are so many flirtatious male students in her university, making me feel so insecure.”
“I’m not taking you.” He Ran firmly refused, “I’d rather bring a dog than you.”
Lu Hanxiao’s thick skin immediately mimicked three barks, “Woof woof woof—will you take me now?”
He Ran: “...”
Jian Xi: “...”
As predicted by the weather forecast, the day of departure was beautiful.
Flying to Sanya took two and a half hours, and the plane landed at eleven o’clock in the morning.
He Ran loved the sunshine here, feeling one step closer to his tanned skin.
Jian Xi, however, was more afraid of getting sunburned and brought several tubes of sunscreen.
“You’ve actually never seen the sea?” Jian Xi was surprised.
“Never seen it.” He Ran wore sunglasses, his profile clear and handsome, “Before, during business trips, I was always on the road. When would I have time to play?”
Jian Xi proudly said, “I’m better than you. When I studied in the UK, I almost traveled all over Europe. Well-traveled, you know.”
He Ran didn’t blush or flinch, “Hmm, luckily, because you’ve seen so much, you chose me as your husband.”
Jian Xi rarely disagreed and smiled tenderly, planting a kiss on his face.
He Ran glanced sideways, “What’s worrying you? It’s not evening yet.”
He booked an extremely expensive house, unpacked their luggage, and then they went out to play with their cameras.
They walked, took photos, listened to the wind, and listened to the sea.
Jian Xi wore a white dress, and He Ran wore a white T-shirt. When Jian Xi got engrossed in something and fell behind, He Ran would call out without turning his head, “Wife.”
His hand behind his back wiggled his fingers.
Jian Xi would naturally catch up and place her palm in his.
The two walked slowly, looked wherever they pleased, and lazily strolled along the beach in the evening.
This coastal city had a unique fresh atmosphere.
Wave after wave crashed onto the sand. Jian Xi ran barefoot, chasing the waves.
He Ran stood quietly with his hands in his pockets, watching her laugh and smiling along. Their smiles matched perfectly, even the curve of their mouths.
When they first met, Jian Xi was disheveled and cowardly but still couldn’t stop from stunning him at first sight.
He Ran showed all his dark sides, one by one, witnessed by Jian Xi. From the beginning of their story, they were genuinely honest with each other.
Their first kiss showcased Jian Xi’s courage like the sun.
He Ran took her for wild rides on motorcycles, and years later, she still remembered how enchanting the sound of the wind was that night.
He practiced what effort and responsibility meant in a man’s way.
In that shabby basement in Shenzhen, they spent the entire night in passionate love.
The memories rolled through their minds like slow-motion frames, vivid and powerful.
Jian Xi, chasing the waves, had her skirt wet, and her laughter rang in his ears.
He Ran shouted loudly, “Jian Xi.”
“Hmm?” She turned her head, a smile on her lips, “What is it?”
He Ran didn’t say a word but mouthed three words—
“I love you.”
Under the moonlight and the night sky, none could match the sparkle in his eyes.
Jian Xi’s steps faltered, and she plopped down in the waves.
Goodness, she was so thrilled.
Her white dress soaked through, He Ran took off his T-shirt and wrapped it around her waist.
He stood shirtless, his muscular lines silently boasting.
Holding hands, they stepped on the bright lights, walking along the road and strolling through the streets.
Jian Xi became excited, “Let’s go eat barbecue later, okay?”
“Sure, what do you want to eat?”
“Prawns, scallops, oh, and I also want grilled sausages.”
He Ran smiled, “Anything else is fine, but skip the sausage. I’ve got a ready-made one here; no need to waste.”
Jian Xi hit him, “We’re in public, lower your voice.”
“What’s wrong with sausages? Can’t we talk about it on the street?”
“You’re always being a pervert.”
“I’m not a pervert, I’m a good thing.”
“I know, I know, this good thing has been mine for a long time.”
“Damn, Jian Xi, you stole my line!”
“Everything about you is mine, why bother stealing?”
“Right, the sausage is yours too. Tell me, how do you want to eat it tonight, braised or steamed?”
“Looks like you’re asking for a beating.”
“Holy crap, you’re really hitting me, hey hey hey, don’t tickle my waist, I’m ticklish!”
Straight ahead, the streetlights accompanied them, the road seemingly endless.
The two laughed and played, stepping on the shadows—
Every moment with you.
For a hundred years, it’s still you.
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