SABA Chapter 69

Jiang Tiao felt that Chu Xu might really be a jinx, born to thwart him. He had drunk alcohol for half the night, finally mustering up some courage, but it was all disrupted by Chu Xu, turning a “heaven-sent opportunity” into “a trio tagging along.”

The power of attorney sounded simple, but its implementation involved all sorts of aspects. Just proving that his actions were no longer controlled by his own will could result in over ten pages of clauses.

Jiang Tiao and the lawyer discussed until late into the night at Huo Shen’s place. As he was too tired, he had to put his drunken plans on hold. Besides, he was so clear-headed in front of the lawyer, but started getting drunk as soon as the lawyer left. Wasn’t that a bit difficult to explain?

After that night, Chu Qingchao and Chu’s father completely fell out. He publicly accepted an interview, revealing his mother’s experiences during her lifetime. For the next three months, terms like illegitimate child, affair, family plundering, phoenix man, original wife, mistress, and property distribution were trending topics every day. Chu’s father was not in the right in this matter, and no matter how he used public opinion, the online sentiment was almost entirely one-sided. Under pressure, the board of directors removed Chu Hongzhen from his position as chairman, with Chu Qingchao taking over temporarily.

As for Chu Xu, he seemed to have disappeared. Although black material about him was continuously exposed, and his endorsements and resources were lost one after another, neither he nor his studio issued any statements. He appeared as if he had been dealt a blow and couldn’t fight back, only able to swallow his bitterness, which somehow gained him a group of devoted fans.

“Brother has his difficulties.”

“Becoming an illegitimate child was not brother’s intention either.”

“Let the grievances of the previous generation end with the previous generation.”

“He reached his current position through his own efforts; he shouldn’t be dragged down by his parents’ mistakes.”

Jiang Tiao could only laugh when he saw these comments. Reaching his current position through his own efforts? Did anyone really believe such rhetoric? Becoming a top star in just three years without any background or capital support – how could anyone stand out in such an era that prioritized traffic? Good roles, good resources – couldn’t people see that? Why was it given to you and not others?

However, recently, besides continuing to steadily target projects that Chu Xu invested in, Jiang Tiao didn’t have much time to pay attention to his movements. This was because “Under the Law” had premiered, and he was busy promoting it in various cities and on variety shows.

“Under the Law” became a massive hit as expected, with a Douban score as high as 9.1, becoming the most popular drama of the year that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It was just a bit short on episodes; otherwise, it would have reached an even higher level.

On the day of the celebration banquet, Jiang Tiao drank quite a bit, and Huo Shen personally came to pick him up.

“See?” Jiang Tiao said, slightly tipsy, as he sat in the passenger seat. “The trending searches are all praising my acting as superb, delicate, natural, and immersive. They say I’m simply the chosen Zhao Heng. Many people also say my crying scenes are exceptional; watching me cry makes them want to cry too.” Jiang Tiao happily scrolled through the praise on Weibo, his eyes smiling into crescent moons.

Huo Shen certainly knew; he was a loyal fan of the drama. While Jiang Tiao was on promotional tours, he would faithfully watch the premiere on television every day, not missing a single episode. After each watch, he would wait for the video platform to update the next day and then watch it again with the bullet comments, seeing how everyone praised Jiang Tiao. He watched as Jiang Tiao’s fans changed their address for him from “baby” to “husband.”

Alas, the feeling was a mix of joy and sadness.

No one dislikes being praised. Jiang Tiao smiled as he scrolled through the various ways his fans praised him on Weibo. He put down his phone and leaned back against the seat, sighing, “I’m really famous now.”

Huo Shen looked at Jiang Tiao’s comfortable demeanor, his eyes filled with a doting smile. “Yes, what are your plans next? To take advantage of this momentum and reach the next level?”

Jiang Tiao shook his head. Perhaps because he participated in the casting, Director Yu Hanchang also attended the celebration banquet.

“Director Yu just asked if I was interested in starring in his next film.”

Yu Hanchang is a leading figure in Chinese cinema. Even people who don’t pay much attention to the entertainment industry have heard his name. His films consistently win numerous awards. The film that Ye Qinghan starred in to win the Best Actor award was directed by Yu Hanchang.

Huo Shen was a bit surprised. Director Yu’s films have a long production cycle, most of them lasting over a year, with every shot meticulously refined. The filming locations are usually remote, either in the depths of the mountains or in vast uninhabited areas. He particularly dislikes actors taking leave during filming to participate in other commercial activities or variety shows, let alone acting in multiple projects simultaneously.

Public attention is fleeting, traffic is transient, and the film market is no longer as prosperous as it was ten years ago. How many actors, after transitioning to the big screen, have found themselves in the awkward position of having no roles available on the big screen and being unable to return to the small screen?

Jiang Tiao had no upcoming projects. If he planned to star in Director Yu’s film, he would have to be prepared to disappear from the public eye for over a year. A year or more would mean the end of his traffic-driven career. Moreover, Director Yu’s films often focus on revealing human nature, and likable roles like the one Ye Qinghan played back then are rare.

Seeing Huo Shen’s slightly surprised expression, Jiang Tiao chuckled, “Why? Did you think I planned to pursue a career driven by traffic?”

Huo Shen: “I saw you seemed quite happy participating in events during this time.”

Huo Shen had watched live streams of all of Jiang Tiao’s events and could tell he had been genuinely happy during this period.

“It was okay, right?” Jiang Tiao stretched his limbs. “Who doesn’t like standing in the spotlight, being surrounded by crowds, praised and cheered?”

“But experiencing it once is enough,” Jiang Tiao said, his eyes curved.

During this time, wherever he went, he was mobbed. A few days ago, when he deplaned, even though he used the VIP channel, he was still surrounded by fans waiting for him when he got into the car. If security hadn’t arrived in time, it would have almost caused a blockage and stampede.

He entered the entertainment industry to change his reputation; he acted because he discovered he enjoyed acting. He never intended for these things to affect his life. He felt that choosing to step back at this time, to cultivate himself, and to fade from public view was just right.

He could play Zhao Heng well because the character had some similarities to him, which was advantageous. If he encountered a role that was vastly different and more complex, he might not be able to handle it. Therefore, it was also very necessary to take the opportunity to settle down and hone his acting skills.

Moreover, he also had to consider his and Huo Shen’s future.

Although, well… he hadn’t pursued the person yet, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be able to in the future!

Compared to before, public acceptance of same-sex relationships had increased, but it was still merely a novelty. Most people accepted two-dimensional characters and fabricated same-sex hype. In reality, there was still more malice than goodwill.

Huo Shen rarely accepted interviews over the years, clearly not liking his private life to be excessively exposed to the media and the public, to be overly dug into, discussed, and judged.

He didn’t want Huo Shen to live a life he didn’t like because of him.

The car moved steadily through the glittering city nightscape. The neon lights, like flowing shadows, spilled through the car window onto Huo Shen’s chiseled profile, making him look as handsome as a scene from an anime.

Jiang Tiao: “You haven’t gone back yet today, have you?”

“Not yet,” Huo Shen smiled. “Didn’t you ask me not to go back first and come pick you up directly?”

Jiang Tiao’s smiling eyes showed a hint of slyness. “Yes.”

Huo Shen guessed that Jiang Tiao might have prepared something at home, but the moment he entered, he still showed a hint of surprise. The originally simple and modern main light had been temporarily replaced with a hand-crafted Baccarat crystal chandelier. The fragmented crystal edges refracted the cool light into scattered diamonds, falling all over the floor like the Milky Way fallen to earth.

In the dining room, a matte off-white solid-colored tablecloth was paired with a thin lace overlay on the dining table, the drooping tassels at the edges flowing with a pearlescent luster under the dim light. White lily of the valley and misty purple sage were arranged as decorative accents. Several Italian handcrafted hollow silver candlesticks were scattered among the flowers, and the long candles, when lit, emitted the warm scent of cedar.

Jiang Tiao walked over and twisted open a bottle of Mouton Rothschild wine with a corkscrew. The Bordeaux red wine flowed into an ice-carved decanter. The candlelight refracted through the ice patterns, resembling dark red nebulae.

Jiang Tiao slowly aerated the wine, and only after the wine’s edges showed a brick-red halo did he pour a glass for himself and Huo Shen.

“Even though we celebrated all night, a celebration banquet without you isn’t a celebration banquet for me,” Jiang Tiao said, gently twirling the stem of his glass and clinking it with Huo Shen’s red wine glass.

The crisp clink of glass in the quiet room was particularly noticeable, like shattered jade in an empty mountain, striking the two beating hearts.

The brick-red red wine rolled down his throat.

Huo Shen took out a small velvet box from his pocket, containing a custom-made moonflower cufflink. The center of the flower was adorned with blue diamonds, exuding a low-key luxury. He took Jiang Tiao’s hand and helped him put it on the cuff. The fire of the gemstone, under the subtle light, appeared even more profound and magnificent, like a faint glow in flickering flames.

Huo Shen, like the flower language of moonflower, concealed his emotions. He hugged Jiang Tiao like an intimate friend, “Congratulations, you acted really well.”

Jiang Tiao smelled the faint, cool woody scent on Huo Shen, like a pine forest after snow.

Huo Shen didn’t let himself indulge for too long. He stroked Jiang Tiao’s hair and then let go with reluctance.

Jiang Tiao looked into Huo Shen’s eyes. Those pupils, so deep they seemed to hold countless unexpressed words, were filled with his reflection. Perhaps the premeditated drunkenness gave him courage, and Jiang Tiao pulled Huo Shen.

“Actually, I didn’t finish what I was saying. There’s another very important reason why I don’t want to pursue a career driven by traffic.”

“I don’t want your life to be disturbed.”

Huo Shen was slightly stunned, then a slight curve appeared at the corner of his eyes. He patted Jiang Tiao’s head, as if talking about this matter, and also as if cautioning the future Jiang Tiao, “You shouldn’t change your life plans for anyone; just do what you like.”

Jiang Tiao: “My life can have many things I want to do, but no matter what I do, it only has meaning if you are by my side.”

Jiang Tiao didn’t want other reflections in those eyes; he wanted only him in those eyes forever.

Huo Shen’s eyes moved slightly. Jiang Tiao’s eyes were too fervent, as if they could burn a person. Huo Shen felt like a moth drawn to a flame, knowing the destination was eternal damnation, yet unable to resist trying again. He held Jiang Tiao’s hand, caressing the bone of his wrist, his gaze deep and profound, “Do you know that saying something like that can easily cause misunderstandings?”

Jiang Tiao was confused. “Misunderstand what?”

In the dim and enchanting light, Huo Shen watched Jiang Tiao’s lips part and close, appearing and disappearing in the light and shadow, stained with wine, looking moist and hot. He suppressed his impulse, pulling Jiang Tiao two steps closer, his eyes seemingly harboring hidden currents, wanting to drown them together in the depths of the sea. “Misunderstand that you have other intentions towards me.”

Jiang Tiao found Huo Shen’s eyes very beautiful; the brilliance of the most expensive gems couldn’t compare to a ten-thousandth of the light reflected in his pupils. Jiang Tiao instinctively reached out, his thick eyelashes gently brushing against his fingertips, ticklish.

What gradual progress, what nurturing dew into silence – Jiang Tiao felt this was completely not his style.

“I’m pursuing you, can’t you tell?”

Jiang Tiao leaned close to Huo Shen, his eyes bright, like the Milky Way.

“Stop liking that person, and like me.”

Huo Shen’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and the tsunami-like gaze in his eyes, which seemed to swallow everything, was suddenly frozen as if by an ancient deity’s spell. It was like a vast expanse of ice, silent and soundless.

He unconsciously tightened his grip on Jiang Tiao’s wrist, like chasing an illusion he knew was a fleeting dream. “What did you say?”

“I like you,” Jiang Tiao’s eyes were filled with a gentle smile. “Please consider me.”

The frozen sea surface suddenly shattered into pieces. Irregular fragments of ice piled up chaotically in the abyss. This was the most painful moment of his life; he hadn’t dared to dream of such a scene. He even suspected that everything now, including Jiang Tiao’s return, was a hallucination born from his extreme despair. His suppressed voice carried an unbearable pain, “Can you… not joke about such things?”

Jiang Tiao had been thinking about it during this time. If he directly expressed his feelings, what would Huo Shen’s reaction be? He had imagined many scenarios: Huo Shen’s surprised yet subtle rejection; or finding it absurd, and deliberately keeping a distance from him for a long time to calm him down… He had thought of ways to deal with them. But he had never expected Huo Shen to react like this.

He put away his smile, enduring the slight headache that had been continuously present since earlier. His gaze fell into Huo Shen’s eyes, his expression serious, without a hint of joking.

“I’m not joking; I’m serious.”

Jiang Tiao’s words were like a bell striker hitting a bronze bell, striking the temple’s bronze bell heavily, and also hitting Huo Shen’s heart fiercely. The vast and heavy chime seemed to come from the distant sky, echoing in his ears again and again, making his trembling heart vibrate with the sound waves, numb and painful.

He seemed to have finally reached the place he had yearned for his entire soul. He swallowed the urge to cry and gently cupped Jiang Tiao’s head.

Their breaths intertwined in the close space, hot and humid. Their racing hearts pounded in their chests.

Jiang Tiao was infected by Huo Shen’s emotions. His heart pounded like a drum, beat after beat, as if it were about to jump out of his chest. In Huo Shen’s eyes, as deep as the bottom of the vast sea, he saw a vortex that seemed to swallow everything. It was like the alluring mirage exhaled by a deep-sea mermaid, luring one into the abyss; dangerous yet captivating, making one want to throw caution to the wind.

His heart beating too fast made his brain dizzy, as if walking on clouds, neither up nor down, with a sense of anxiety of not being able to touch the ground. He could no longer bear it. Disregarding everything, he tilted his head up and bit Huo Shen’s lips.

He had a “seize the day, forget tomorrow” attitude, completely without method, like finding the only way to alleviate his anxiety and panic.

Jiang Tiao first felt Huo Shen’s lips were soft and cool, very nice to kiss; then he worried if Huo Shen would hit him when he realized what was happening.

So kissing felt like this, it felt so good.

Alas, if he got hit, it would be even easier for him to play the victim and pester.

Jiang Tiao’s kiss was unmethodical, driven only by instinctual affection and biting. Soon, he felt a slightly salty,Astringent (sè sè – astringent/dry) taste of blood between his lips.

He frowned slightly, wanting to look at the wound on Huo Shen’s lips. However, before he could create some distance, he was blocked by Huo Shen’s hand on the back of his head, blocking his escape route.

Huo Shen’s bottomless eyes seemed to hide countless emotions, making Jiang Tiao instinctively feel danger, yet he was unwilling to escape.

Huo Shen gently kissed his lower lip, his tongue licking his lips, causing him an inexplicable tremor. Jiang Tiao’s mind went blank. The warm, moist breath landed on his nostrils, making him so nervous that he forgot to breathe.

Huo Shen’s hand, which was holding the back of his head, moved from top to bottom, pinching his nape. A tingling sensation spread down Jiang Tiao’s spine, making his legs weak, almost unable to stand. Huo Shen, with intense emotion, pressed into his lips without room for refusal, conquering and claiming all his breath, as if wanting to leave a mark. The hand holding his nape was like a cage, as if wanting to knead him into his bones and blood.

The slight headache had now turned into the previous tearing pain. Since Chu Xu’s continuous setbacks and loss of power, Jiang Tiao hadn’t felt such a severe headache in a long time. Did this headache change with the degree of his contact with Huo Shen?

Jiang Tiao pulled at Huo Shen’s shirt and slipped his hand from the hem. The muscles on his back felt firm, like fine jade in a hot spring, cool and very delicate.

Jiang Tiao’s body and mind felt as if they were torn in half. His heart found immense satisfaction in the intimate contact with Huo Shen, but the increasingly severe headache made him wish he could smash his head against a wall.

Perhaps men could endure a lot in such matters. His head hurt so much that he couldn’t think, but only one thought was clear. In this situation, in this atmosphere, even if he died of pain, he had to finish what he started.

Huo Shen was overwhelmed with emotion and, unusually, couldn’t think rationally. He could feel Jiang Tiao’s subtle impatience. Huo Shen felt like laughing; Jiang Tiao’s reckless behavior was less like flirting and more like fighting. He pulled back slightly, wanting to ease Jiang Tiao’s anxious mood. However, before he could even speak, Jiang Tiao directly collapsed in front of him.

Huo Shen’s heart plummeted from a great height, like riding a drop tower. His previously boiling emotions were instantly frozen, and the blood in his body seemed to flow backward, hitting his heart membrane so painfully it felt as if it were being torn apart.

“Jiang Tiao, Jiang Tiao!”

…