Xia Yang stared at the lines in the chat box for a while, feeling an indescribable sensation growing inside him. After a moment of silence, he decided to don his alias and typed a reply:
[Yang]: You’re right, bro.
[Agent Qi Ge]: [Good, pat on the head], after a few years when you’re more established in the industry, I’ll introduce you to some quality prospects.
[Yang]: Thanks, but that’s not necessary.
After replying to his agent, he opened another unread message from a recent industry friend he had taken under his wing.
[Yuka]: Hello, hello, long time no see, bro. Just opened Weibo and saw you “online fangirling” [Grinning] [Grinning] [Grinning].
[Yuka]: So you like my idol now too, huh? Great taste, great aesthetic—truly my bro!
Xia Yang: “…”
Come to think of it, Yuka is the real fanboy of Han Yi. The “stepping on shoes” incident was resolved with a “signed photo of the idol,” and Han Yi was the catalyst and “symbol” of their renewed friendship.
Reflecting on this, Xia Yang couldn’t help but worry: Would their friendship ship, initially mended over this man, be capsized once again because of him?
He hadn’t revealed his identity as the big boss’s spouse when he got the autograph for Yuka.
After much thought, he tentatively typed out a question:
[Yang]: Yuka, if one day you found out I was hiding something from you, would you mind?
The chat box quickly displayed a new message.
[Yuka]: Oh, bro, you don’t mean liking Han Yi, do you?
Uh… Xia Yang didn’t know how to respond. Fortunately, the other side continued quickly.
[Yuka]: It’s no big deal. Everyone has a secret garden in their heart. I have secrets I haven’t told you [Grinning] [Grinning].
[Yuka]: Besides, I’m not that into Han Yi anymore. Cold aloof types don’t do it for me; I’m into muscular, alpha types now!
Xia Yang: “…”
Well, as expected of an entertainment industry idol.
When it comes to switching allegiances, you’re a pro!
But switching idols wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Since Yuka no longer cared much about his former idol, their friendship ship wouldn’t sink just like that.
With that realization, Xia Yang felt relieved and sent Yuka a [Wishing you the freedom to admire all the muscle you want] sticker from his collection.
[Yuka]: Thanks, bro! Mwah~!
[Yuka]: Oh, by the way, will you be attending the SERD brand’s New Year fashion show? See you there!
[Yang]: [Smiling] See you then.
The invitation to the SERD brand’s New Year fashion show came two days ago through his agent. It was scheduled for the day after New Year’s. There wouldn’t be any work, just watching the show to relax and stay close to the fashion circle.
After reviewing the crew’s schedule, Xia Yang saw that they had a two-day break for New Year’s, and since Han Yi would still be abroad, he figured it would be boring to go home alone, so he accepted the invitation.
After lunch, Xia Yang took a long nap and was awakened by a WeChat notification.
[Han Yi]: Where are you spending New Year’s Eve?
His sleepy eyes widened at the message, and his sleepiness disappeared. Xia Yang quickly grabbed his phone and typed a reply.
[Yang]: I’m still at the studio, didn’t go home. The director said there’d be a crew dinner tonight, and there might be a fireworks display at the studio.
[Han Yi]: Okay.
[Yang]: What about you, big boss? The news about acquiring the French yacht company has gone viral. When are you coming back?
[Han Yi]: Soon.
Han Yi seemed busy, as after a couple of replies, the conversation ended. Xia Yang considered the word “soon,” guessing that Han Yi wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. He sighed lightly and left it at that.
…
On New Year’s Eve, almost all the restaurants around the studio were fully booked. The director had reserved an entire private dining restaurant, taking up three floors.
The large floor-to-ceiling windows offered a great view, with a luxurious crystal chandelier casting a dazzling glow. A long table stretched across the hall, lined with silver and glassware shining brightly.
Outside the main dining area was a viewing terrace. Looking out, the studio was aglow with a beautiful night scene.
“Happy New Year!” everyone in the crew toasted together.
“As we approach the end of filming, I know it’s been tough for everyone these past few months. Tonight, let’s eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves—no one leaves sober!” The director downed a full glass.
After the meal ended at 8 PM, people chatted in groups or went to the viewing terrace to enjoy the night view.
The studio was filled with a festive atmosphere, with traditional lanterns casting a red glow on the stone-paved streets.
Xia Yang, just recovering from a cold, avoided the cold wind and headed alone to the dessert table, ordering a cheesecake.
There were still a few hours left until New Year’s, and many people had already gathered in the large square outside. Fireworks occasionally shot into the night sky, bursting into small, colorful flowers.
His WeChat was buzzing with New Year wishes. Xia Yang casually opened a few and decided to send a heartfelt message to Han Yi.
[Yang]: I’m worried that amidst all the New Year’s wishes, you might not see my exclusive greeting! I’m afraid the celebratory feast might be too delicious, and you won’t hear my call! So now, I’m wishing you, Mr. Han, the best in expanding your territory, making groundbreaking achievements, blossoming, and thriving—may all the best blessings be yours~
After sending the message, Xia Yang waited and waited, growing increasingly impatient.
Meanwhile, he overheard Bai Xiaoxiao talking sweetly on the phone with her newlywed husband, saying she would fly to France for their honeymoon as soon as filming wrapped, to relax and unwind.
As he listened, Xia Yang’s thoughts drifted to far-off France.
They say that country is like a woman of endless charm—mysterious, romantic, and fiery.
The world-famous beach bikini New Year’s Eve originated there, with people from all over the world flying in to celebrate on December 31.
… Ugh, Han Yi is in France!
He’s been silent for so long—could he be enjoying the beach in a bikini, showcasing the charm of Eastern men?
Images of a hot bunny girl cozying up to a handsome, aloof CEO Han filled his mind.
Damn! He took a deep breath, frowned, and stabbed his fork into the cheesecake, splitting it in half.
Just then, his assistant Xiao Jun came over and caught the scene.
“…Bro?” He seemed to notice Xia Yang wasn’t in a good mood and approached cautiously.
Xia Yang looked up, waved at him, and forced a smile. “Ha, this cake looked a bit too flirty; I’m helping it correct its shape.”
Assistant: “…”
The cheesecake looks flirty?
That’s a first.
“Did you need something?” Xia Yang asked after a bite of cake.
“Oh, bro, everyone’s planning to go to a bar for New Year’s. Want to come?” the assistant asked.
“I’m not going,” Xia Yang had no interest, “I’ll watch the fireworks and then head back to the hotel. You guys go and have fun…”
“Yang-ge, come on, let’s go!” Before he could finish, Li Ke and Bai Xiaoxiao appeared out of nowhere, arm in arm.
“I heard the fireworks show was canceled,” Bai Xiaoxiao said, seemingly getting the news from somewhere.
“Yeah, I heard too. Going back to the hotel alone is no fun,” Li Ke said, putting an arm around his shoulder.
Xia Yang had been looking forward to the fireworks show, and now hearing it was canceled, he felt a bit disappointed. Still, he had no desire to go to a noisy bar to celebrate. He found himself liking quiet and calm moments, becoming more like his ice-cold partner at home.
“I’m really not going,” he pressed his lips together, maintaining a serene demeanor. “I’m getting old; can’t dance, can’t stay up late. I’ll head back to my room, soak my feet, and plan to be asleep by 10.”
Li Ke: …
Bai Xiaoxiao: …
Confused. They just couldn’t understand.
Clearly a young, handsome guy, why act like a retired old man?!
At 8:30 PM, the New Year’s dinner wrapped up. The young crew members headed to the bar, while Grandfather Xia had assistant Xiao Jun drive him back to the hotel.
On the way back, Xia Yang leaned against the car window, looking outside.
The distant mountains were dark, with only a faint outline visible. The moon hanging in the sky was beautiful—bright and glowing, casting a silver sheen. Stars adorned the sky, their light filtering through the branches, casting a shimmering, delicate veil on the ground.
He admired the scene for a while, then pulled out his phone and asked Xiao Jun to stop the car briefly. He snapped a few photos of the moon and posted them on his WeChat Moments.
— [Even if I can’t see fireworks, the moonlight keeps me company. Happy New Year.]
It didn’t take long for likes and comments to pour in.
[Classmate Whose Name I’ve Forgotten]: Happy New Year! Oh, my superstar, when did you start going for the artsy vibe?
[Yuka]: Happy New Year! Bro, my sixth sense tells me something’s up with you~~
[Lin Yi]: I see, I see. Look at this noodle—it’s long and wide, just like the moon, big and round.
[Li Ke]: Tsk, tsk, tsk, not coming to the bar with us? Are you moon-gazing with someone special?
[Bai Xiaoxiao]: If you find someone who wants to moon-gaze with you, marry them [doge].
Xia Yang casually replied to a couple of comments before reaching the hotel entrance.
“Bro, I’ll head out now. Call me if you need anything,” Xiao Jun said.
“Bye-bye, have fun and be safe,” Xia Yang waved him off and walked into the hotel.
The lobby was decorated with red lanterns and colorful balloons, full of festive cheer. At the entrance, two couples were taking selfies, but Xia Yang glanced at them and quickly looked away.
The fun is theirs; I have nothing. He silently recited, his mouth forming a straight line.
With his hands in his pockets, he walked to the elevator. As soon as he pressed the button, his WeChat dinged.
He looked down and saw a message from Han Yi.
Xia Yang blinked, opened WeChat, and saw a photo Han Yi had sent—a picture of the moon.
He clicked on the image to enlarge it, then suddenly realized that Han Yi’s moon looked remarkably similar to the one he had just photographed.
Whether it was the background or the angle, it seemed like they were taken at the same location, almost like a matching couple’s set.
Wow, not bad, at least he wasn’t at a beach bikini party.
Thinking this made Xia Yang feel a bit better. The corners of his mouth lifted into a smile as he quickly typed a response.
[Yang]: What a coincidence, are you also watching the moon in France?
[Yang]: This location is fantastic; it feels like we took these photos at the same place.
As soon as he sent the message, a [location] notification popped up in the chat.
[Han Yi]: Your intuition is spot on.
Xia Yang looked down and was stunned. His heart raced, pounding hard.
This isn’t France; it’s right outside his hotel!
His phone felt hot in his hand, and the next moment he was already dialing Han Yi’s number. The call barely rang once before it was answered.
“Mr. Han, are you downstairs?” Xia Yang asked, trying to steady his breath. “Did you come back early?”
“Yes,” Han Yi’s low, magnetic voice came through the line, sounding surreal. “I came back to spend New Year’s Eve with you.”
“And… I missed you.”
R : Kyaaaaaah !!! I can’t !!!!
R : This…. you won’t mind me working a little bit more today and update the next chapter right ?????? !!!!
R : Okay.. wait I’ll be right back !!!
Keep me fueled with caffeine! Support me on Ko-fi! It helps a lot ! Thank you so much ♡(´・ω・)(・ω・`)♡
New schedule !! 1 update everyday !! ♥
Thank you for the chapter! Nearly squealed