SABA Chapter 28

Chu Yanhhao sent Jiang Tiao away, feeling exhausted. He had intended to return directly to his room, but on impulse, he detoured to the garden he had just visited.

In a corner of the garden, separated by a wall from the bar, Luo Xingwen lit a cigarette and leaned against the wall, gazing at the pitch-black sky devoid of any stars. The dim light from the patio lamps fell upon him, as if casting an invisible layer of sadness, lonely and desolate.

He saw Chu Yanhhao and managed a smile.

“You heard?” Chu Yanhhao felt there was nothing to hide; this was precisely what he had intended to tell Luo Xingwen. He took out a cigarette and placed it in his mouth, only to realize he didn’t have a lighter.

Luo Xingwen, holding his cigarette, leaned in. The two were very close, separated by only about one and a half cigarettes’ length. A spark from one end gradually spread to the other, until the tobacco was evenly lit.

Wisps of smoke curled and entwined between them, blurring their close-up faces.

Chu Yanhhao’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He took a step back, leaning against the wall.

Luo Xingwen chuckled, “Young Master Chu, after sleeping with me, you’re already turning your back. Your speed at changing your mind is faster than flipping a book.”

Chu Yanhhao: “Then what do you want? Money? A car? A house? A watch?”

Luo Xingwen burst into laughter, the kind that comes from finding something genuinely amusing and being unable to hold it back. “Young Master Chu, there’s no need to humiliate me. Do you think I lack these things now?”

Chu Yanhhao was confused.

Luo Xingwen looked at Chu Yanhhao as if he were gazing at something he had pursued for half his life, only to realize it was now unattainable. He took a deep drag of his cigarette, the nicotine numbing the throbbing in his heart.

“I want…” Luo Xingwen curled his lips. “A solo cover for the ‘ELEGANT’ annual issue and global endorsement for a blue-chip brand.”

Chu Yanhhao’s expression turned cold.

Luo Xingwen looked up at Chu Yanhhao and took a step forward, his fingertip lightly tracing Chu Yanhhao’s lower lip. His eyes seemed to hold a hook. “Young Master of the Chu family, President Chu Qingchao’s brother, President of the ‘ELEGANT’ Fashion Group, surely you wouldn’t be unable to provide such a small thing?”

Chu Yanhhao’s eyes glinted with malice. “You approached me because of this?”

Luo Xingwen had cut ties with him so decisively years ago. After meeting again after so many years, with him being so proactive, Chu Yanhhao couldn’t help but have his suspicions.

“How could that be?” Luo Xingwen smiled innocently, but deliberately let a hint of slyness flash in his eyes, as if it answered everything.

Chu Yanhhao laughed. If he weren’t in front of Luo Xingwen, he would have almost cried laughing. He crushed the cigarette in his hand and grabbed Luo Xingwen’s chin, arrogantly and sarcastically. “These things you want can’t be given just for a night’s sleep.”

Luo Xingwen’s fingertips traced from Chu Yanhhao’s chin across his chest, as if he had done this countless times in transactions, intimate and practiced. “One year, on call, anytime you want.”

“Fine,” Chu Yanhhao grabbed Luo Xingwen’s hair, his eyes dark, his smile devoid of any warmth. “It seems you’ve thought this through.”

The pain in his scalp made his face tilt slightly with the force. Luo Xingwen knew Chu Yanhhao too well. He hated deception, betrayal, and even more, he hated it when his genuine feelings were trampled upon.

If there was no love, then let there be hate. It was still better than having no connection at all.

…

“Celebrity Weekend” typically featured six resident guests and three to four guest stars. This episode’s guest stars, in addition to the already announced Jiang Tiao and the lead actors from a popular fantasy drama, included a mysterious guest.

Jiang Tiao was quite curious. It wasn’t until the director personally led the person into the makeup room that he realized the mysterious guest was Chu Xu.

Chu Xu, true to his reputation as the “Bking” of the entertainment industry, exuded an aura of his own. Upon entering, many guests who were already seated and getting their makeup done instinctively stood up to greet him. Especially the male and female leads from the popular fantasy drama, who looked surprised and delighted, as if a dazzling figure had made a grand entrance.

The makeup room was spacious. The director intended to lead him to the central seat, but Chu Xu, as if making a king’s return, scanned the entire room. Finally, he strode in his leather shoes towards a corner. He stood behind Jiang Tiao, looking at Jiang Tiao in the mirror.

The expected flattering and enthusiastic greetings that he couldn’t even drive away did not appear. He saw Jiang Tiao raise his eyes slightly in the mirror with a hint of confusion, polite and distant, a stark contrast to his previous timid demeanor, where he’d shy away from even making eye contact.

Was he deliberately putting on this act to get his attention? Chu Xu’s expression darkened slightly.

Jiang Tiao wouldn’t have minded, but with such a person standing behind him, it was hard to feel at ease. Jiang Tiao glanced again and realized he looked somewhat familiar.

Wasn’t this the polite committee member he’d met in the restroom before? So this was Chu Xu. No wonder he felt like he’d seen him somewhere before last time.

Chu Xu, with a suffocatingly low aura, sat down in the empty seat next to Jiang Tiao and gestured for the makeup artist, who had been following him since he entered, to do his makeup and photos.

Jiang Tiao looked at the acrylic triangle nameplate on the makeup table that read “Luo Xingwen,” falling into silence. This polite committee member didn’t seem so polite himself.

[Ahhhhhh!]

[Ah, my CP is real!!!]

[Chu sat directly at Luo’s makeup station after entering!!!!]

[Not acting like a stranger at all, not feeling awkward!!!]

[How close do their relationships have to be for this kind of reaction ahhhh!!!]

The young makeup artist’s almost swooning expression caught Jiang Tiao’s attention. In her phone screen, which she was frantically trying to close, Jiang Tiao saw a flurry of excited “ahhhhs” like a marmot.

This… so he wanted to sit with Luo Xingwen. No wonder he’d been looking at him from behind for so long.

Jiang Tiao recalled the new gossip he’d gotten last night. He turned and glanced at Chu Xu, then back at the acrylic nameplate on the table.

Ah—what a complicated relationship.

Chu Xu’s lips curled. His face, which had been gloomy for days, finally softened. He’s ignoring me, huh? Hmph, yet he can’t resist secretly looking at me.

No one could resist eating gossip live, and Jiang Tiao was no exception. He waited and waited, but Luo Xingwen, who was never late, had not arrived yet!

When Chu Xu saw Jiang Tiao glancing at the door from time to time and then glancing at him, he sneered inwardly. Jiang Tiao’s pretense and deliberate display were simply meant to make him actively coax him. But he knew Jiang Tiao too well; he knew that if he simply ignored him, Jiang Tiao himself would become restless. Therefore, he had no intention of speaking first. Knowing that once is the first time, he had no intention of letting Jiang Tiao think he was that important to him.

Jiang Tiao and his makeup artist looked left and right, eagerly anticipating. However, instead of the Luo Xingwen they were waiting for, they were met with Chu Xu’s fanboys and fangirls.

“Brother Chu Xu~”

Ji Mengfei, the female lead of the popular fantasy drama, immediately headed towards their corner after her makeup and styling were done. She was sweet-looking, and her sweet voice, with three parts coquetry and seven parts sweetness, made one’s bones feel soft.

Ying Yuanxun, the male lead, was seated across the aisle from her. As he stood up and walked towards them, upon hearing Ji Mengfei’s voice, he rolled his eyes without any pretense, his disgust evident on his face.

Jiang Tiao recalled the information Zhuang Xiang had given him: the relationship between these two currently most popular on-screen couples was actually extremely bad behind the scenes, and they couldn’t stand each other.

“Senior Chu Xu.”

Ying Yuanxun had very fair skin and a pointed chin, a popular and somewhat effeminate look in recent years. Blushing, he greeted Chu Xu. Both he and Chu Xu had graduated from the film academy, so calling him “Senior” was reasonable.

“Brother Chu Xu, long time no see. I didn’t expect it to be such a coincidence that we’re recording a show together again.”

Ji Mengfei’s eyes were filled with Chu Xu, and she didn’t even notice Ying Yuanxun rolling his eyes at her. She debuted as a girl group member from a talent show. When she first entered the film and television industry, everyone looked down on her, thinking her acting was poor. They smiled to her face and mocked her behind her back. Only Chu Xu was different; he treated her and everyone else equally, with the same arrogance, and didn’t pay attention to anyone.

In the past, Chu Xu would naturally not give a good reception to people who clung to him trying to gain popularity. However, Chu Xu was very displeased with Jiang Tiao’s childish behavior, not knowing his own limits. Since a useful tool was coming to his door, he decided to punish Jiang Tiao properly.

“Yes, it really has been a long time,” Chu Xu smiled and deliberately lowered his voice to a husky tone, full of intimacy. “You’re really popular now. You’ve finally made it.”

Ji Mengfei didn’t expect Chu Xu’s attitude to be so friendly, knowing that Chu Xu was always aloof to outsiders. Ji Mengfei looked delighted. She still had a place in his heart, didn’t she?

“Brother Chu Xu,” Ji Mengfei blushed, lowering her eyes to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t expect you to still remember me.”

If it weren’t for wanting to maintain an image in front of Chu Xu, Ying Yuanxun would have wanted to spit on this pretentious woman’s face. Pretending for whom? He subtly pushed Ji Mengfei aside. “Senior Chu Xu, I just finished filming. I didn’t expect us to meet so soon again.”

Jiang Tiao almost laughed out loud. He finally understood; these two main leads didn’t get along because they had the same sexual orientation and liked the same person!

The entertainment industry was truly interesting. He really wanted to send a message to Nie Jin asking if he could open a small account as a gossip blogger.

Tsk tsk tsk, but girl, Jiang Tiao looked at Ji Mengfei, who was clearly annoyed by Ying Yuanxun but still trying to maintain her image and sending subtle glances to Chu Xu, and felt deeply sympathetic. Why would you fall for someone who is gay? A mismatch in gender destined for no outcome.

Chu Xu knew that Jiang Tiao was about to lose his composure. Smiling was just a way to hide his sadness.

“Ah!” Jiang Tiao suddenly stood up excitedly.

Hmph, Chu Xu sneered. I won’t bother with you today. Whatever excuse you find, I’ll let you have it.

Jiang Tiao: “Brother Xingwen, you’re here!”

Chu Xu: ???

He followed the direction Jiang Tiao was facing and looked towards the door.

Luo Xingwen rushed into the makeup room, only to see Chu Xu sprawled on his makeup station. He felt a bit displeased, but he had been too exhausted from last night’s activities and, considering Chu Xu’s relationship with Jiang Tiao, he decided to be accommodating and said nothing, planning to find any empty seat. However, he then saw Jiang Tiao walking towards him with a bright smile.

“What are you doing?” What good can come from smiling so sweetly? Luo Xingwen was wary.

“Come, come, I’m done,” Jiang Tiao pushed him by the shoulders and pressed him into the seat he had just vacated.

He patted Luo Xingwen’s shoulder and, before leaving, smiled and winked at the makeup artist girl, who had been fidgeting and wishing she could personally defend her CP’s honor since Ji Mengfei and Ying Yuanxun arrived.

The young makeup artist almost shrieked with excitement. Ahhh!!!! That’s the way!!!! You’ll be seated at the head table at our wedding banquet!!!!

“???”

Luo Xingwen looked bewildered, not understanding.

He glanced at Chu Xu beside him and was about to ask, when he saw Chu Xu’s face as black as a pot, inexplicably throwing a tantrum, his face gloomy as he stared into the mirror, as if wanting to eat the mirror or whoever was in it.

What’s wrong with him? Luo Xingwen lost the desire to converse and closed his eyes, leaning back in the chair to let the makeup artist do his makeup and styling as quickly as possible.

Before leaving, Jiang Tiao saw the young makeup artist frantically typing messages to her friends, reporting the situation.

[Hahahaha, I’m dying of laughter! These two are so childish!]

[Chu deliberately engaged with the female guest who came to chat him up in order to anger Luo!]

[Luo saw it after he came in and got even angrier, so he directly ignored him.]

[Chu’s face is black now hahahaha!]

Aww~ So that’s how it is…

…

Haicheng is a seaside city with a continuous 30-kilometer golden coastline and sandy beaches, as well as the country’s largest sailing and surfing base.

Luo Xingwen had been a resident guest on “Celebrity Weekend” for three seasons and knew well that the director liked to pair guests up in twos to play games and compete for points.

Variety show editing generally gave more screen time to whoever was popular. Luo Xingwen had promised Nie Jin to look after Jiang Tiao, so before filming, he greeted Jiang Tiao, “If he doesn’t want to be in a group with you, you can be in a group with me.”

With people coming and going around them, Luo Xingwen didn’t mention the name, believing Jiang Tiao would understand.

“He”? Who is “he”? Jiang Tiao was confused. “Aren’t you going to be in a group with Chu Xu?”

Luo Xingwen was perplexed. “Why would I be in a group with him?”

Jiang Tiao understood. They hadn’t made up yet.

Helping others brings happiness. Seeing Chu Xu walking towards them, Jiang Tiao hooked his arm around Luo Xingwen’s shoulder and said righteously, “Okay, then I’ll be in a group with you.”

Chu Xu was about to speak when he saw Jiang Tiao deliberately avoid him, walking away arm in arm with Luo Xingwen. His face turned gloomy. Without looking back, he said, “Your tantrums should have limits.”

He stood there for a long time. Hearing no response, he turned around and found that no one was behind him anymore. He was so angry his face turned green.

…

Ever since hearing such big gossip last night, Jiang Tiao had become extremely curious about Luo Xingwen. But all curiosity and gossip were based on one premise. Jiang Tiao saw that no one was around and confirmed with Luo Xingwen, “You don’t like me, right?”

“????????”

Luo Xingwen looked incredulous. The words “Are you disgusting me?” were about to blurt out.

Wait, Luo Xingwen remembered Jiang Tiao always looking at him with pity and unspoken words. So he wouldn’t have thought that from beginning to end, the person he always liked was him, right?

Damn it!

Seeing Luo Xingwen’s expression, Jiang Tiao confirmed the answer he wanted and quickly said before Luo Xingwen could curse, “Calm down, I was just kidding, trying to liven up the atmosphere!”

Luo Xingwen’s mind was full of profanity, but it was stuck in his throat. Cursing felt like being overly sensitive, and not cursing made it difficult to feel at ease. He truly felt like a turtle that had crawled into a fire pit, both angry and aggrieved.

Luo Xingwen—although many people still didn’t know it was him—was a legendary figure in their group. The decadence and depression of Chu Yanhhao after being dumped were vividly remembered. In the end, it was Chu Qingchao who specifically flew back from abroad to drag the drunken Chu Yanhhao out of his room and throw him into the swimming pool to sober him up. Jiang Tiao saw Luo Xingwen looking like he was about to suffocate from anger and worried that if he really angered him into doing something foolish, Chu Yanhhao would come looking for him to fight. He quickly explained, “Really, it was just my wild guess, I wasn’t talking nonsense, and Chu Yanhhao didn’t misunderstand.”

The name Chu Yanhhao was like a needle, piercing the suppressed anger of Luo Xingwen and stabbing his heart, causing his heart to ache faintly. Luo Xingwen naturally knew that Chu Yanhhao hadn’t misunderstood, nor did he know. In fact, even if he knew, what of it? He didn’t care. If it were before, he might have even let him chase Jiang Tiao. But now…

Luo Xingwen’s lips curved, his smile tinged with a hint of bitterness. “Get ready, we’re about to start filming.”

Jiang Tiao saw Luo Xingwen’s dejected back and then saw Chu Xu not far away, glaring at him with a gloomy expression, as if blaming him for taking Luo Xingwen away.

Ah—so confusing!

Who loves whom now? Who loves whom? And who loves whom?

Who should he matchmake with whom?

Seeing the director calling everyone over, Jiang Tiao sent a message to Huo Shen before putting away his phone.

[Alas, I’ve discovered that not everyone can be a matchmaker.]