Since the cruise ship commercial went viral, Xia Yang’s popularity has visibly increased. Aside from a noticeable rise in followers on Weibo, he also received several invitations from various shows.
“Mr. Xia, *Courageous Challenges* cordially invites you. We are a celebrity outdoor adventure show planning a water sports episode, including a mermaid tug-of-war…”
“Mr. Xia, would you be interested in a dating show? Check out [Restless Signal of the heart] ?”
“Mr. Xia, your handsome merman look is currently a hit. Our TV station has a program called *Super Transformation*, and we’d like to invite you for a guest appearance…”
Xia Yang treated all these invitations sincerely, expressing his gratitude and then politely declining. He was laid-back and indifferent to fame, seemingly unaffected by the prospect of becoming popular.
However, he soon found that the more he tried to lie low, the more invitations he received.
One day, Tang Siming, a well-known actor, even came to his house to ask if he wanted to act in a movie. Tang Siming mentioned that he had just received a script where he would not only play the lead role but also serve as the film’s producer.
Xia Yang was both surprised and honored, feeling unworthy of acting alongside such a big star! He also seriously doubted whether Tang Siming had seen any of the original owner’s “performances.”
“Uh, Tang Ge, are you sure you want to work with me?” Xia Yang bravely shouldered the blame for the original owner’s poor performances, sighing lightly. “I only acted in a minor drama before, where my character lasted for five episodes, and each episode was met with a barrage of ‘Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!'”
Tang Siming chuckled and waved his hand, reassuring him, “It’s okay; everyone has embarrassing moments in their past; yours just happens to be more noticeable.”
Xia Yang: “…”
“But believe me, I have a keen eye for people. You’re a potential talent. You were much more normal in the recent commercial than before.”
Xia Yang: “.”
Tang Siming, oblivious to his unique form of reassurance, continued, “I also contributed to writing the script for this film. Your character is the third male lead, a member of the criminal investigation team and my junior. While not having a lot of screen time, your role includes some high-impact scenes that could be very impressive if acted well…”
Hearing the famous actor speak, Xia Yang was tempted. It was the first time in both his lives that he had been offered a movie role, and playing a detective was a role he was particularly fond of.
However, he also recalled that he had just heard that Aaron, with his top surgical team, had departed from Country D, and Han Yi’s second surgery was scheduled for ten days later. He hesitated again.
The client was in trouble, and at such a critical moment, he had to stand by them. After all, a reputable partner isn’t just about words.
“Thank you for the offer, Tang Ge,” Xia Yang sighed with some regret. “But I’m afraid I can’t take on too much. Yi Ge is undergoing surgery soon, and I might…”
Before he could finish, a deep voice interrupted from behind, “Do what you need to do. Don’t let my situation affect your decisions.”
Both of them turned to see Han Yi approaching in his wheelchair from the staircase.
His calm gaze met Xia Yang’s briefly before shifting away. His voice was as flat as ever, revealing no emotion.
“I’m the one having surgery; it has nothing to do with you. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. Just focus on your own work.”
Xia Yang knew this was the last bit of pride from the strong and tragic boss. He pursed his lips and walked up to him, gently nudging his arm, “Don’t make me sound cold-hearted and heartless. Although, there is no filial son in front of a long term sick…(a long illness tests filial piety’)… oh, wait, that’s a bit of a wrong analogy.”
Han Yi: “…”
“Let me rephrase that,” Xia Yang, the “filial son” corrected himself, “though husband and wife are like birds in the same forest, flying away separately in times of trouble, in our relationship, I will never abandon you in your time of need. You can completely trust me. Wherever your forest is, that’s where I’ll be.”
Bird Yi: “…”
Tang Siming listened to their conversation, looking skyward in exasperation, his face expressing the pain of being single.
Could this pair of birds stop flaunting their love? How’s a single guy supposed to cope?
“Ahem, if I may interject,” he said, swallowing his bitter lemon, forcing a smile, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. There’s no rush, really. The movie won’t start filming for a while. The two things won’t conflict. Besides, my brother’s surgery is a big deal. Liang Yue and I will also be there to support you both.”
“Really? That’s great!” Xia Yang clapped his hands in joy.
It was unclear whether the movie offer or the surgery support team made him happier.
However, Han Yi didn’t seem particularly pleased. His thin lips were pressed together, deep in thought.
*
After lunch, Tang Siming left, and Xia Yang had just returned to the villa when Han Yi called him upstairs.
“Huh?” Xia Yang blinked in confusion and followed him upstairs, puzzled.
Seeing his plastic husband’s serious expression, Xia Yang guessed this wasn’t an invitation for a nap together.
They entered the bedroom, and Han Yi closed the door behind them. He even locked it.
Xia Yang’s mind filled with a question mark.
What was going on? It felt like something big was about to happen!
Han Yi locked the door, turned around, and pointed to the edge of the bed. “Sit down.”
Xia Yang’s mouth opened slightly, eyes widening.
Sit down? Was something wrong?
It was midday, and grandma was napping in the next room.
“Are you sure?” He glanced at the locked door, his eyelashes fluttering rapidly. “Did someone tell you that having some fun before surgery increases the success rate?”
Han Yi: “…”
Han Yi: “…………”
He took a deep breath, raising his voice, “Did alcohol mess with your brain again? I said, sit. down.”
He emphasized the last two words.
Xia Yang: “…”
He tapped his not-so-smart head, silently repeating, “As long as I’m not embarrassed, the embarrassment is someone else’s problem,” as he sat on the small sofa by the bed.
“Sorry, just had a bit of a brain fog1. Please, go ahead.”
Han Yi massaged his throbbing temple, pausing for a moment before speaking again, seriously saying, “I have something to tell you. I’ve had the chief surgeon move the surgery date up by a week.”
“What? A week earlier?” Xia Yang was a bit puzzled then rolled his eyes full of wisdom2 as he asked, “Did you consult a feng shui master for an auspicious date?”
“…No.” Han Yi pursed his lips, “It’s to keep it from Grandma, to have the surgery early.”
Hearing this, Xia Yang understood.
Aaron had said that Han Yi’s second surgery would be a major operation, initially expected to last at least seven hours. Mrs. Tang, being elderly and having high blood pressure, could easily get overly emotional if anything unexpected happened.
Han Yi’s intention was to exclude her from the “support team” because he didn’t want her to worry excessively.
“What a filial grandson~” Xia Yang sincerely praised, giving him a thumbs-up. “Don’t worry, I’ll stick to the rules, keep the secret, and not mention a word to Grandma.”
Han Yi nodded at him, paused, and then added, “Besides keeping it confidential, I need you to act along with me.”
…
Dinner that evening was particularly harmonious.
Usually, Xia Yang was the one initiating interaction, but this time Han Yi also actively participated, cooperating with perfect understanding.
The chef had prepared their best dishes today: secret-recipe braised pork, Sichuan-style tender beef strips, Japanese tofu, and stir-fried green beans… The colors were vibrant, and the aromas were tantalizing, making one’s mouth water just from the sight and smell.
Mrs. Tang sat down, saying, “Let’s eat, these are all dishes you both like.”
Xia Yang, focused on their performance script, used serving chopsticks to place two pieces of braised pork on Han Yi’s plate, speaking in a gentle voice, “Hubby, you’ve been working hard lately, have some meat~”
Han Yi’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he also picked up the serving chopsticks, adding a variety of dishes to the plate in front of Xia Yang.
“You’ve been working hard too, eat more.”
A glimmer flashed in his dark eyes, and when their gazes met, Xia Yang was momentarily taken aback.
He hadn’t expected that the normally cold “ice sculpture” could be so charming when he was gentle.
Unfortunately, his gentleness was just an act…
As the plate was about to overflow, Han Yi also placed a sticky rice ball on it.
Xia Yang suspected that his plastic husband was getting too into the role and worried that his overacting might make Grandma suspicious.
So, he gently poked Han Yi’s leg under the table with his fingertip, saying, “Honey, you’re going to make me too full.”
Han Yi: “…”
He stopped mid-sentence, his arm freezing in the air for a few seconds before he looked at the sticky rice ball and asked, “Do you still want it?”
“…Yes,” Xia Yang ultimately couldn’t resist the temptation, eyeing the soft rice ball and licking his lips, “as long as you don’t mind a big belly…”
“I don’t.” Han Yi interrupted, taking a deep breath.
Mrs. Tang observed the whole scene, maintaining a calm exterior but feeling delighted inside. Even the bitter melon on the table tasted sweet to her.
It seemed that her efforts had paid off.
Single-handedly resolving her grandson and granddaughter-in-law’s relationship crisis, the couple had finally reconciled after their separation, appearing even more affectionate than before.
She felt like a wise and great grandmother.
Her heart finally at ease, Mrs. Tang made a decision, looking at the two with loving eyes.
“Xiaoyi, Yangyang, I’ve stayed here long enough. Tomorrow, I’m planning to go back to Xicheng. You two should take care and not separate over trivial matters.”
The couple simultaneously looked up, their eyes meeting briefly.
Success!
This was the result they wanted… one of them, at least.
Weighing this interim victory, Xia Yang extended his index finger and secretly poked Han Yi under the table.
When Han Yi turned his head, Xia Yang mouthed four words: “Press the advantage.”
Han Yi understood, turning to Mrs. Tang, “We plan to go on a trip the day after tomorrow, and we’ll probably be gone for about a month.”
Regardless of the surgery’s outcome, a month should be enough time for everything to be settled.
He had even considered the possibility of the surgery failing.
Mrs. Tang was surprised, “About a month? Are you two going on a trip?”
“Yes, exactly~” Xia Yang smoothly continued, making up a serious lie, “Traveling is a great catalyst for marriage, and Yi Ge and I haven’t had a honeymoon yet. Besides, the day after tomorrow is the Qixi Festival3.“
This reason was quite convincing, and Han Yi nodded in agreement.
Mrs. Tang glanced at her grandson’s wheelchair, hesitating.
Since the car accident, her Xiaoyi had rarely left the house. It was a good thing that he could now go out and relax with his partner.
However…
“Xiaoyi, are you… really up for it?” She frowned slightly, expressing concern.
“Grandma, don’t worry, I’ve got it covered!” Xia Yang quickly assured her, patting his chest, “I’ll stick close to Xiaoyi Ge, won’t leave his side. I’ll be with him when he eats, help him bathe, and if he can’t sleep in the hotel at night, I’ll sing him lullabies.”
Han Yi: “…”
Mrs. Tang: “That seems… unnecessary.”
Her fatherly-like care eventually dispelled her worries, and she gave them a thorough reminder before letting them go on their honeymoon trip with peace of mind.
…
After dinner, back in their room, Han Yi shut the door and called Aaron to discuss the new surgery date. Meanwhile, Xia Yang was curled up on the small sofa, absorbed in something on his tablet.
Half an hour later, after finishing the call, Han Yi was about to head to the bathroom when Xia Yang called him, bouncing off the sofa.
“Mr. Han, can I call your chief surgeon? I have something important to discuss,” he said seriously, fluttering his eyelashes.
“What do you need to discuss?” Han Yi asked.
“Well, it’s something really important, but you don’t need to know. I promise it’s not unreasonable.” Although Han Yi initially refused, he couldn’t withstand Xia Yang’s persistent pleading and eventually dialed Aaron’s number, handing the phone to him.
“Okay,” Xia Yang didn’t immediately dial, instead wheeling Han Yi into the bathroom quickly, “It’s time for the family-doctor discussion. You, the patient, just relax and clean up; don’t eavesdrop.”
Han Yi turned back to say something, but the “family member” had already closed the bathroom door and ran off.
On the bedroom balcony, Xia Yang dialed Aaron’s number. After two rings, the call connected, and a middle-aged man’s voice came through the receiver.
“Hello, Han?”
“Hi, Aaron, it’s me,” Xia Yang greeted cheerfully, “I’m the one from Han Yi’s family. Just call me Xia Yang.”
There was a brief silence on the other end before Aaron exclaimed in surprise, “Wow! I didn’t know Han was married; he never mentioned it. So, Xia Yang, what can I do for you?”
Xia Yang held the phone with his shoulder, picked up his tablet, and the screen lit up with some information he had found.
“Aaron, I heard you’re of Chinese descent but grew up in Country D. You might not be familiar with some traditional Chinese surgical superstitions. I’d like to take two minutes to explain,” he said earnestly.
Aaron showed great interest, “Surgical superstitions? Sounds profound. Please go ahead.”
Clearing his throat, Xia Yang read aloud from the text on his tablet, “First, surgeons should not wear red clothing, red underwear, or red socks into the operating room. In medical superstition, red is associated with death, which is unfavorable for surgical success.”
Aaron: “Oh.”
“Secondly, according to an article published in the *British Medical Journal*, surgeries performed on the attending doctor’s birthday have a significantly higher mortality rate than those done on other days.”
Aaron: “Oh.”
“Lastly, please schedule my husband’s surgery in the morning. Research from Duke University in the U.S. shows that anesthesia is safer at 9 a.m., while the risk increases between 3 and 4 p.m.”
Aaron: “Oooooh.”
“That’s all.” Xia Yang finished reading and set the tablet down.
The other end was silent for a moment before Aaron chuckled, “Don’t worry, Xia. The surgery won’t be on my birthday, and I’ll specifically request that no one wears red clothing, red underwear, or red socks. As for the timing, rest assured, our team will ensure everything is as safe as possible for your husband.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it!” Xia Yang exhaled a long breath, “I wish you and your team all the best!”
…
Forty minutes later, Han Yi finished washing up, dried his hair, and came out of the bathroom.
Xia Yang had disappeared somewhere, leaving Han Yi’s phone on the small table outside the bathroom door.
Han Yi picked up the phone, checked the call log, and hesitated for a moment before texting Aaron.
[Han Yi]: What did that boy just tell you?
A moment later, Aaron replied.
[Aaron]: [Grinning] He shared some very interesting things. Han, you’ve never mentioned having such a cute little wife.
[Aaron]: Not only cute, but he also loves you very much and cares deeply for you. Han, you’re a very lucky man.
Han Yi looked at those few lines of text several times, pondering how to respond when another message popped up in the chat window.
It was a long link from Aaron.
[Aaron]: Han, please pass this document to your wife. He asked me to find some reliable, professional, non-Google materials because he wants to learn in advance.
Han Yi was stunned for a moment and, out of curiosity, clicked on the link.
The page loaded, revealing a large headline—
“How to Perform Bedside Bathing for Post-Surgical Men—Detailed Illustrated Instructions and Procedures.”
Author’s Note:
Xia Yang: Let me see, how many steps are there to giving Han Yi a bedside bath?
Han Yi: Ugly rejection
*”Research from Duke University in the U.S. shows that anesthesia is safer at 9 a.m., while the risk increases between 3 and 4 p.m.” Cited from *The Auspicious Day of Surgery—An Incomplete File on Superstitions*; “Secondly, according to an article published in the *British Medical Journal*, surgeries performed on the attending doctor’s birthday have a significantly higher mortality rate than those done on other days.” Cited from the internet.*
had a bit of a brain fog = Was possessed↵
then rolled his eyes full of wisdom = he got enlightened.↵
Qixi Festival = Chinese Valentine’s Day↵
Xiaoyi = Little Yi
Ugly rejection = is a meme, basically saying no thanks
R : The chapters are getting longer and longer, so there will only be one chapter per week, every Tuesday, I hope you don’t mind (╯3╰)
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Obrigado pelo capítulo!❣