They didn’t finish watching both episodes. Halfway through the second episode, Xia Yang decided to go to bed.
Tomorrow, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, was his birthday and also the day he and Han Yi planned to make their relationship public.
He felt both excited and anxious about this. He wasn’t sure what would happen when their marriage became public knowledge.
Before going to sleep, he asked Han Yi about it.
“Are you worried? Or regretting the announcement? If fans attack you or curse our marriage…”
“No,” Han Yi interrupted, his tone firm. He pulled Xia Yang closer, kissed his forehead, and reassured him, “You don’t need to worry. Tomorrow will be a day full of blessings, trust me.”
Xia Yang closed his eyes and fell asleep peacefully in Han Yi’s warm embrace.
Tomorrow will be a day full of blessings. Since Han Yi said so, he believed it.
The bedroom quieted down, with only the steady breathing of the sleeping young man. After finishing his work emails, Han Yi was about to turn off the lights when he noticed Xia Yang’s phone vibrating on the bedside table.
He glanced at it. The screen flashed: “Manager Qi Ge.”
Considering the time, it was already half past ten at night. A call at this hour must be something important.
After a moment’s hesitation, he picked up the phone. Before he could speak, Xia Yang’s manager spoke rapidly on the other end, “Yang, there’s been some bad press online since the show aired this morning. Some people are spreading rumors and writing long posts. You and Han Yi should discuss whether to announce it early.”
Han Yi got out of bed and went to the study next door. “What kind of bad press and what are the rumors?”
The manager seemed stunned on the other end, pausing for several seconds. “Uh, Mr. Han?”
“It’s me,” Han Yi said in a low voice. “Xia Yang is asleep. Just tell me what’s going on.”
The manager repeated the situation briefly and sent over some screenshots. Han Yi quickly understood the situation.
The issue arose because the show’s editors had moved the interview where he was asked about his marital status to the front of the second episode. They hadn’t watched that part yet.
At the time, Han Yi had answered, “I’m married. My partner is the best person in the world.”
The negative comments started from this point, breaking the previous atmosphere of fans shipping them as a couple.
Someone in the comment section said, “Xia Yang is inappropriate.” This led to a flood of comments—
[This is problematic [thinking]. Mr. Han said he’s married, so Xia Yang should stop clinging to him. It’s not appropriate!]
[I don’t like Xia Yang. The way he looks at Mr. Han feels ambiguous, and he acts shy. Emmm.]
[Knowing your boss is married and still tying his tie for him is a bit much. If it’s just for show, there’s no need. Moral boundaries are more important than popularity.]
[The assistant can’t make a PowerPoint presentation and has the boss teach him? Their faces are almost touching!]
[Advice to all wives: watch out for the relationship between your husbands and their assistants or secretaries. You never know when your husband might get taken away!]
[Assistants and secretaries, don’t get the blame. We small fries don’t dare to be that close to the boss!]
Han Yi: “…”
He then looked at the long post on Weibo—
@GouTouJunShi: Let’s dig into the relationship between Yang and Mr. Han. It’s not as simple as it seems…
According to insider information, Han has been married for two years. His wife is the daughter of a business tycoon. Although not publicly announced, it’s an undisputed fact.
This February, Yang met Han at the maiden voyage ceremony of a cruise ship. Shortly after, he terminated his contract with his former agency and quickly established his own studio. According to business registration information, Han invested 5 million yuan in it. Since then, Yang’s career has skyrocketed:
First, he got the role in the annual promotional video for the Yun Ding Group (Han’s company). The top production team created the role of a merman for Yang, and the ad went viral. Then he joined director Guo Da Fu’s team, filming the major action movie “Hidden Heart,” playing opposite an award-winning actor. His variety show and fashion resources also followed suit. It’s said that the star drama “Creation Era” has already cast Yang as the lead, and he’s also discussing a movie role as an astronaut and a major costume drama. All these resources came from Han; otherwise, how could a boy band member secure such high-profile roles?
Even more shocking, Yang was initially married and possibly in a sham marriage. After latching onto Han, he quickly rose to fame without mentioning his wife. During the filming of “Hidden Heart,” someone saw Han’s luxury car parked overnight in the hotel garage…
The post went on, mixing facts with fabricated details, especially regarding their marital status, which was completely fictional and absurd.
Han Yi exited WeChat and opened Weibo, seeing numerous marketing accounts reposting the @GouTouJunShi’s post.
The comments were boiling over. While many fans stood by Xia Yang, there were also plenty of negative comments, clearly driven by a coordinated effort.
[@Shattered]: XY, you really let us down! How can you face your fans? I didn’t expect you to be like this!
[@MomEatsIce]: Is Yang in a sham marriage?? Oh my god, what a huge scandal! Sham marriages are a no-go for life!!!
[@EnticeWealth, BoundtoLongForIt]: No morals, no boundaries, doing anything for fame!
[@EnokiMushroom]: I knew it! How could a washed-up star suddenly become so successful? Turns out he’s clinging to a rich and powerful guy. How’s it feel to be a homewrecker?
[@CalabashBrothers]: Man, I used to like Yang, but seducing a married man? Unforgivable!
[@QuitTheSceneforSafety]: Han Yi is married, and so are you. How shameless can you be? Disgusting.
[@Ditch]: @Director Guo Da Fu, the movie might be in trouble. Better replace him while there’s still time!
Han Yi read through the unfriendly comments, put down the phone, and glanced at the clock on the wall.
23:08.
Less than an hour until midnight.
Just then, his phone rang again. It was Qi Le calling back.
“Mr. Han, do you have a plan? It’s almost Yang’s birthday,” the manager said. He was ready with a PR strategy, but if Han Yi had a plan, he would follow his lead.
“Yes,” Han Yi replied. “We’ll make the announcement right at midnight.”
“Got it! Just as I thought. Let me know if you need anything else,” the manager responded eagerly.
“Will do,” Han Yi said.
The original plan was to make the announcement on Xia Yang’s birthday at 6 PM. However, given the negative content that suddenly appeared, it was clear someone was orchestrating this.
In the entertainment industry, it’s tough to break out. Once someone does, many can’t wait to see them fall. Countless people are waiting for a rising star to crash and burn.
Since they were already planning to make their relationship public, they had nothing to fear. The original plan would also serve to slap down the rumormongers and internet trolls.
However, waiting until the evening would mean Xia Yang waking up to a flood of accusations like “inappropriate,” “homewrecker,” and “shameless.” Everyone knows how it feels to be slandered, and it would ruin his good mood. Han Yi wouldn’t allow that.
He had promised to protect Xia Yang and wouldn’t let him suffer any injustice. This was a promise he had made and a principle he held as a loving partner.
*
Just after midnight, Han Yi’s long-dormant Weibo account suddenly came to life with three posts.
In the first post, he shared two marriage certificates, the names “Han Yi” and “Xia Yang” clearly visible in the high-resolution photos.
@Han Yi: “To pledge oneself to another, to give generously for a lifetime. It’s an honor to be your partner. @Xia Yang”
In the second post, he tagged a long list of names, starting with the author of the “long post,” “GouTouJunShi,” followed by dozens of marketing accounts and so-called entertainment bloggers, as well as individuals who had posted offensive comments about Xia Yang.
@Han Yi: “I don’t care who you are or who you’re hiding behind. If you’ve done something wrong, there will be consequences. My private legal team will be in touch. Don’t chicken out; keep your phone on! The internet is not a lawless place. You can have differing opinions, but they must be based on facts and respect for others.”
The third post was a simple line.
@Han Yi: “Double happiness, happy birthday @Xia Yang.”
After these three posts, Weibo crashed…
*
The next morning, Xia Yang woke up unaware of everything that had happened.
As he opened his eyes, he instinctively reached out, expecting to find Han Yi next to him, but his hand met empty air. There was no one beside him.
Hmm? This felt unusual. Not even a morning cuddle?
He rubbed his eyes, got up, took a shower, and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, he saw Han Yi’s figure.
He was standing at the counter, back to Xia Yang, busy with something.
The aroma filled the air, making Xia Yang’s nose tingle. He walked over and gently wrapped his arms around Han Yi’s waist, peering over his shoulder at the counter.
“Huh? Fish Udon noodles?”
“It’s longevity noodles,” Han Yi turned his head and kissed the lips of the young man leaning against his shoulder. “Happy birthday.”
“Oh, thank you~” Xia Yang’s eyes sparkled. “So, you got up early to make birthday noodles for the birthday star?”
“Yes.”
Xia Yang raised his eyebrows, feeling like a little cat had entered his heart, its soft paws gently stirring up waves of joy.
“Having noodles made by the boss himself… Oh, wait, no,” he corrected himself, realizing the ambiguity of his words. “It’s an honor to eat noodles made by you.”
“No, between us, there’s no such thing as ‘boss.'”
“Oh? Then what is there between us?”
“Love, devotion, sincerity, eternity, and everything beautiful,” Han Yi answered seriously.
Xia Yang felt like the little cat in his heart was dancing joyfully, making him feel like he was walking on clouds.
Han Yi served the Udon noodles, with fresh fish slices laid on top. Xia Yang took the bowl and paused slightly at the sight of the whole fish slices. He looked up and said, “Is this bluefin tuna?”
“Yes,” Han Yi brought over the other dishes and snacks, “It just arrived last night. The meat is very fresh.”
Wow! Xia Yang silently swallowed a few mouthfuls of saliva. Using the most expensive fish to make noodles—this extravagant man, he really liked it!
The rich, savory broth enveloped his taste buds, bringing immense satisfaction. Just as he was about to finish the noodles, he suddenly slapped his thigh, remembering something.
“Oh no! I forgot to take a photo!” He regretted eating so quickly; now, there was only a bit of broth left in the bowl. “This bowl of noodles made by my love would have been perfect for announcing our marriage.”
“Hmm? Why?” Han Yi raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Noodles have a good meaning, symbolizing a long-lasting relationship,” Xia Yang explained.
“Oh, that makes sense,” Han Yi agreed with a nod.
“Speaking of announcements,” Han Yi paused for a moment before continuing, “I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but I already announced it at midnight.”
“Huh?” Xia Yang looked at him in confusion, “You already announced it? You mean you posted on Weibo?”
“Yes,” Han Yi nodded.
“Why?”
“I couldn’t wait. I just wanted to tell the world you’re mine.”
The answer was strong and tender, delivered in a way that touched Xia Yang deeply. His heart raced, almost making him believe it.
But knowing Han Yi, he suspected there might be more to it.
Han Yi’s phone rang on the table, and he walked into the living room to take the call.
Taking the opportunity, Xia Yang picked up his own phone.
He unlocked it, opened Weibo, and saw that the top search terms were dominated by him and Han Yi. Xia Yang was completely stunned.
–Double happiness, happy birthday, Han Yi shares marriage certificate at midnight
–Han Yi tells Xia Yang, “It’s an honor to be your partner.”
–Han Yi’s legal team is already taking action
–Where was Xia Yang on announcement night?
Suppressing his racing heart, Xia Yang clicked into each trending topic.
He saw the absurd and outrageous rumors, the malicious speculations, and attacks from the haters.
He saw the marriage certificates posted by Han Yi and the words “To pledge oneself to another, to give generously for a lifetime. It’s an honor to be your partner.”
He also saw the typically reserved, aloof CEO tagging a long list of people, teaching the rumor spreaders a lesson.
Han Yi had protected him, keeping him safe from any dirt or harm.
He wanted to give him a happier birthday than ever before and a perfect public announcement! The comment section was ablaze, with tens of thousands of comments overnight.
[@HeavenlyPalace]: “Wuwuwu, I can’t believe this is real. But with those marriage certificates and that powerful husband, I have to tearfully accept this reality. My beloved Xia Yang has gotten married.”
[@TotalTriumph]: “I’m heartbroken. I’m going to become a monk.”
[@DiAi’er]: “Unfollowing, unfollowing, what is this?!”
[@Mom’sXiaBao]: “Unfollowers, do what you must. But what are you doing? Congratulations to the happy couple, Xia Yang, we support you in everything. Always be happy!”
[@SmashTheDog-HeadStrategist]: “When’s the wedding? Will you invite fans?”
[@MammaMia]: “Congratulations to Xia Yang and Mr. Han! Though I didn’t want our little Xia to get married so young, but it’s Han Yi! That perfect man that everyone envies!”
[@Happy]: “Dreaming of a Xia Yang and Mr. Han reality show.”
[@BigFartMonkey]: “Get lost, rumor spreaders! I was anxious all day yesterday. Seeing the announcement put my mind at ease. I didn’t stan the wrong person!”
Various celebrities and public figures from the business world also sent their congratulations—
[@Actor Tang Siming]: “Congratulations to both of you, @Han Yi@Xia Yang, for bringing your private tenderness to the public. I’m truly happy for you! A little secret for everyone, I was the first to know about their marriage, a year ahead of you all [hehe].”
[@LiDuIndustrialInternetLiangYue]: “Congratulations to both of you, @Han Yi@Xia Yang, I’ve prepared the wedding gift, just waiting for the wedding! Another little secret, they admitted it was love at first sight~ [hehe].”
[@Yu Ka]: “Wow, my bro, what a huge announcement! So happy for you, may you have a hundred years of happiness! @Xia Yang”
[@BaiXiaoxiao]: “Kept it hidden so well @Xia Yang. No wonder you ignored my advances, you were already taken [humph].”
Even on WeChat, many friends from the industry had sent congratulatory messages overnight.
[Director Guo]: “Congratulations, Xiao Xia.”
[Yu Ka]: “Bro, listen, I’ve been a fan of Mr. Han for a long time. Please don’t cut me off because of this. I’d cry, wuwu.”
[Li Ke]: “Yang, does your husband have a sister? Introduce us~ Happy wedding!”
[Manager Qi Ge]: “Although this isn’t news to me, we must still be ceremonious. Congratulations. Your husband understands PR better than I do. Nothing more to say; get ready for a big explosion.”
It felt like everything had happened in an instant, like a dream. Xia Yang felt it was all so unreal.
But the thumping heartbeat in his chest and the warmth in his cheeks told him it was not a dream.
After a long pause to collect his thoughts, he logged into his Weibo account and typed a few words.
Han Yi had made the announcement at midnight, and now, nine hours had passed. As the other person involved, it wouldn’t look good for him to remain silent.
@Xia Yang: “Just woke up, seems like I missed something, but it doesn’t matter. Happiness belongs to those in love. It’s an honor to be your partner, @Han Yi.”
He attached two marriage certificate photos as well.
“I like this post, it’s good.” Han Yi’s voice came from above. Warm breath brushed over Xia Yang’s hair, making him look up. The next second, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist, pulling him into a firm embrace.
“Mr. Han, thank you,” he hugged Han Yi back, burying his head in his shoulder, and softly said.
Han Yi didn’t speak. His dark eyes glowed with gentle light, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
They stayed in that embrace for a while. Xia Yang lifted his head and blinked at Han Yi, “Aren’t you supposed to give me a birthday present?”
“I have it ready, this afternoon…”
“You misunderstood me,” Xia Yang interrupted, lowering his fluttering eyelashes, “The present I want is called Han Yi. I want you, right now.”
Han Yi paused for a moment, his gaze softening as he looked down at him, his Adam’s apple bobbing twice.
“Are you sure you want this present now?”
“Yes,” Xia Yang stood on tiptoe, pressing his warm lips to Han Yi’s, his arms tightening around his waist, “Carry me, upstairs, to the bedroom…”
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