REI : Chapter 104

They didn’t hide the fact that they had gotten their marriage certificate. Entertainment reporters in Europe and America still had to work even in the snow. Before the opening ceremony of the European Film Festival, photos of Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo appearing in Switzerland were taken.

Domestic media, desperate to stand out among the red carpet chaos, went all out.

“Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo spotted overseas, strolling through the snowy streets of Switzerland.”

Then they posted a few photos of the two—walking side by side, exiting the airport together. Abroad, the two were less cautious, and their demeanor seemed more intimate compared to when they were in China. Even the media jokingly speculated whether the two were taking advantage of their free time to go on a honeymoon.

Over the years, the fan community had grown alongside their idols. Although the scale had expanded, the atmosphere hadn’t become strange, thanks to the guidance of veteran fans. However, as Luo Ding’s career continued to flourish, the fans had undoubtedly become busier than they were a few years ago. Their idol had truly become a national heartthrob, and the daily new exposures and appearances made it impossible for them to keep up with all the content.

Take the two film festivals, for example. While ordinary stars struggled to gain exposure, every magazine in Los Angeles and Paris reporting on the red carpet celebrities couldn’t help but mention Luo Ding’s name and photos. The gossip magazines in the red carpet capitals were even more numerous than those in China, leaving Luo Ding’s fans both amused and resigned. After the initial shock, they became calm.

Domestic media, perhaps because they were reporting on one of their own, had started to adopt a humorous, almost teasing tone when covering Luo Ding. The sensational headlines were often met with a laugh, as the two national CPs had been popular for so long that even eighty-year-old grandmothers had heard of them. Making a fuss about it would be truly extraordinary.

The fan community didn’t even bat an eye, exchanging knowing smiles.

“Haha, we’re used to it.”

“How did I manage to stick with this idol? Getting showered with their affection every day.”

“Still not married, feeling so conflicted.”

“Thinking of leaving the fandom, my heart is so tired. My idol’s world is too far from mine. I want to go on a honeymoon too.”

“Me too.”

“Me too.”

“First—”

“You need—”

“A—”

“Boyfriend.”

This kind of formation had almost become an unspoken rule in Luo Ding’s fan community.

Then, two days later, Luo Ding appeared at the European Film Festival, right after the news of him being spotted in Switzerland broke. There was no time for a honeymoon.

Before the fans could even feel disappointed, that very night, overseas media released photos of Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo at the airport.

Later, a flight attendant secretly revealed that the two gentlemen hadn’t brought any managers with them and had sneaked off to Tahiti on their own.

Tahiti… what kind of place was that?

A true honeymoon destination!

The island wasn’t rich in modern culture, and there hadn’t been any recent cultural promotions. What were these two doing there?

It was enough to make people’s imaginations run wild.

Even the usually calm fans couldn’t stay composed, eagerly awaiting further news. The flight attendant who had violated professional ethics was criticized and quickly forgotten, as everyone looked forward to updates on the duo’s next moves.

Finally, just before the New Year, Luo Ding could no longer delay his work commitments in China.

Duan Xiubo also insisted on returning with him. A day or two in Tahiti was fine, but after nearly three weeks, they were both feeling a bit restless.

After getting off the plane, Mi Rui approached Luo Ding with a hint of hesitation. “There are reporters and fans waiting outside.”

Duan Xiubo looked at Luo Ding. “Should I avoid them?”

Luo Ding raised his hand to check his watch, the silver bracelet clinking against the watch face with a crisp sound. His gaze shifted from the watch hands to the bracelet. This one was slightly smaller.

Luo Ding smiled. “No need to hide. It’s unnecessary.”

Duan Xiubo stared at him for a moment. “Then should we take the VIP route? They say there are a lot of fans outside.”

Airport staff had already arrived, their eyes occasionally flicking to Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo’s hands, but their words supported Duan Xiubo’s suggestion. Luo Ding asked, “Are there many people outside?”

The staff member thought for a moment, estimating a number. “Not too many, fewer than the last time you were here. Maybe four or five hundred. There are a lot of reporters, but they’re being kept behind barriers.”

“Let’s not take the VIP route,” Luo Ding decided immediately, patting Duan Xiubo’s back and gesturing toward the exit. “Let’s go.”

Duan Xiubo wasn’t sure of Luo Ding’s intentions, but this man had always been like this—doing his best not to disappoint his fans. So, although the decision seemed abrupt, given Luo Ding’s consistent adherence to “professional ethics,” it was very much in character.

Since stepping back from the spotlight, Duan Xiubo had fewer opportunities to appear alongside Luo Ding, so he didn’t mind sharing the limelight with him this time.

Luo Ding walked ahead, with Duan Xiubo half a step behind, discussing post-landing arrangements with Mi Rui as they went.

As they neared the exit, Luo Ding paused, glanced back at Duan Xiubo, and moved to his left side.

Duan Xiubo didn’t notice, and the two went from walking in a staggered formation to side by side.

The next second, Duan Xiubo felt a coolness on his hand as it was pulled out of his pocket. He looked up in surprise, only to see Luo Ding’s fair, sharply defined profile.

As soon as they stepped out, they were greeted by a cacophony of cheers. The voices calling Luo Ding’s name were scattered but clear, though not too loud. The fans had formed a human barrier outside the railings, creating a safe passage in the middle. Aside from staff, there was no one else around.

Reporters’ cameras and microphones poked through the gaps in the human wall, shouting questions even before they could see Luo Ding. The moment Luo Ding appeared, the sound of camera shutters nearly drowned out the calls of his name.

Luo Ding waved to the crowd, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes narrowed gently. Time had passed, and the handsome young man had gradually taken on an air of elegance. Though still as good-looking as ever, his demeanor no longer had the idol-like exuberance of before.

Amid the shutter sounds, the reporters’ shouted questions stood out clearly: “Luo Ding!!! There are reports that you and Duan Xiubo were seen in Tahiti…”

The crowd fell silent for a moment.

As Luo Ding waved his arm, the bracelet on his wrist, alongside his watch, caught the light from the airport interior, flashing briefly.

But that wasn’t the reason for the silence.

Luo Ding practically dragged the man he was holding by the hand out of the arrival gate.

Duan Xiubo!!!!

Dressed in a low-key, well-tailored suit, his short hair slightly darker from the Tahitian sun—or perhaps it was just the change since his last public appearance. He shielded his eyes with one hand, squinting as if the flashing lights were too bright, but a habitual smile played on his lips.

An air of majesty naturally emanated from him, and no one could catch the brief moment of unease that flashed across his face.

But what everyone’s eyes landed on was astonishingly consistent!

Their clasped hands.

To be precise, Luo Ding’s hand gripping Duan Xiubo’s wrist.

Compared to Duan Xiubo’s larger frame, Luo Ding’s slender hand seemed more delicate, not quite able to fully encircle Duan Xiubo’s wrist, leaving a small gap. The bracelet on Duan Xiubo’s wrist, slightly wider than Luo Ding’s but clearly a matching set, was fully exposed to everyone’s gaze.

Holy! Crap!

This wasn’t some mass-produced Cartier design. No one had seen bracelets like these before. What were these two up to?!

The reporters were clearly stunned, following the human wall that moved with Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo. The entire scene was eerily silent until they neared the exit, when the reporters suddenly snapped out of it and began shouting questions.

“Luo Ding!! Are those bracelets you and Duan Xiubo are wearing a pair?!!?!!”

Luo Ding looked at the reporter, or perhaps the camera beside him, raised an eyebrow, and gave a meaningful smile.

This was like the first spark that ignited a firecracker. Questions began pouring out like beans from a bag, and everyone got excited.

“Luo Ding!!! What does your appearance together with Duan Xiubo signify?!!”

“Was the honeymoon in Switzerland real?!!!”

“Was the honeymoon in Tahiti real?!!!!”

“Give us a response, Luo Ding!!!!”

The reporters were practically screaming in desperation, finally stopping Luo Ding’s steps just before the exit.

Luo Ding looked at the reporter who had asked about the Swiss honeymoon, his tone calm. “Switzerland is currently covered in snow and very cold. It’s not suitable for a honeymoon.”

After saying this, his gaze shifted to Duan Xiubo’s face.

Duan Xiubo was still reeling from the series of surprises, his expression somewhat puzzled. However, he lowered the hand shielding his eyes and, upon meeting Luo Ding’s gaze, felt a sudden calmness in his previously unsettled heart.

The hand gripping his wrist was still cold. Luo Ding’s health had never fully recovered, and no matter how many layers he wore, his hands and feet were always cold in chilly weather.

Luo Ding smiled, his eyes seemingly speaking volumes.

In that gaze, Duan Xiubo found too many things.

His eyes suddenly felt a bit warm, and Duan Xiubo quickly lowered his head, blinking hard. At this moment, he desperately wanted to bury himself in Luo Ding’s arms and have his head patted.

But with so many people around, that was clearly impossible.

In the end, he took a deep breath, raised his hand, and broke free from Luo Ding’s grip, only to intertwine their fingers instead.

There were no fingers intertwined, just a simple handhold.

Then they got into the car, one after the other.

The reporter who had gotten an answer nodded, about to note that Luo Ding had denied the honeymoon in Switzerland, when his mind suddenly paused, sensing something off.

Luo Ding’s response was so ambiguous!

He had said a honeymoon in Switzerland was impossible, but he hadn’t clarified whether they had gone to Tahiti.

What did this mean? Evasion? Admission? Sarcasm? Amusement?

It was impossible to tell! This was going to drive people crazy!

He wasn’t sure how to write the report either.

The smaller crowd at Luo Ding’s return was because the time between the leaked itinerary and their landing hadn’t been long. Only the most dedicated front-line fans, who had followed Luo Ding for years, had managed to make it. Having attended so many of Luo Ding’s events and taken countless photos of him and Duan Xiubo together, scenes like today’s were truly something else.

In the fan community dominated by CP fans, fan photos naturally sought out the most ambiguous moments.

But… this kind of situation had never happened with Luo Ding and Duan Xiubo before.

Whether it was eye contact or standing side by side, the sweet, bubbly atmosphere between them wasn’t something that could be faked by using clever angles.

This time, it was like they had thrown caution to the wind.

What was with the hand-holding?!

First, it was grabbing the wrist, and then it turned into hand-holding. What were they trying to do?!

Long-time CP fans expressed that they could no longer tolerate these two shameless people.

I’ll Support Luo Ding to the Heavens: “Damn these two shameless guys, they’re really too much! I’m still going on blind date, and they dare to flaunt their love so brazenly!”

Luo Xiaoding, I’m Your Devoted Fan: “My son started crying as soon as he saw the news. Sure enough, there’s a storm brewing in the fan community.”

Luo Ding Fan Club: “Speaking of which, my daughter started crying too. Does this signify something?”

Luo Xiaoding, I’m Your Devoted Fan: “Check if it’s something else. My son cried every day for a while because of bad diaper choices.”

Luo Ding Fan Club: “Not sure. My daughter is eight months old and has been using this brand. She doesn’t usually cry.”

I’ll Support Luo Ding to the Heavens: “I bow to your kids. Are Luo Xiaoding and Duan Xiubo coming out?”

“Damn it, there’s no clear answer!!!!”

The child started crying again.

Author’s Note:

To the readers who didn’t see the CP trends yesterday, I apologize. I thought I could write it yesterday, but due to time constraints, it didn’t happen. I’m really sorry for misleading you.

I thought about taking a break today, but decided against it. Since I’ve been updating daily, I might as well finish strong.

As for the side stories about Su Shengbai and the others, many readers said they didn’t want to see them, so I didn’t write them.

I’m also reluctant to finish this story. Should I add another side story about winning an award and coming out?

There are also two scumbags characters. Do you want to see their stories or not? (If you want, let me know…)

To the readers who feel that Luo Ding is too cold, I must say something that might make you uncomfortable.

Luo Xiaoding’s mental age… is over fifty.

Duan big cat loves his tolerance, so he must also accept that Luo Ding isn’t as passionately romantic as a younger person. If Luo Ding were a fiery, romantic person, Duan Xiubo might not have fallen for him in the first place.

So, does this mean… some readers still want to see more? I thought everyone was done…

R : Well… It’s always a tough moment when I write my opinion on all of this and then delete it because I don’t want my thoughts to influence others while they’re reading, especially when the novel isn’t completely finished. I definitely have a lot to say! Hahahahaha.