Chapter 58
As compensation for the lost birthday cake, Zong Mo received a long and domineering birthday kiss.
Ruan Chi held his head with both hands, his lips and tongue working in tandem, imprisoning him tightly, kissing him until he was breathless.
Zong Mo didn’t have the habit of pressing down on heads. His hands had nowhere to go. After resting on his lower back for a while, he couldn’t help but wrap them around and stroke him, just like he usually did at home.
After being freed, Zong Mo slowly came back to his senses, saw the situation in the room, and said in surprise, “CEO Ruan… you made Teacher Lu sleep on the floor?”
Ruan Chi had been lying in the center of the round bed earlier. The sleeping bag on the floor must have been used by Lu Bo.
Ruan Chi: “Mm.”
Zong Mo was relieved for a few seconds, then said, “…You’ll be scolded online.”
“I don’t care, and he’s quite willing,” Ruan Chi said.
Zong Mo: ?
He had almost forgotten. Lu Bo was a main gong from “Green JJ,” he must abide by male virtue.
Zong Mo’s mood had gone through several ups and downs. At this moment, it became light again.
After discovering that the two hadn’t slept in the same bed, his depressed mood was completely lifted.
Ruan Chi did not keep him for long. After being touched, he went to the bathroom to take a cool shower to relieve himself. He was truly a man of his word, always doing what he promised, and not breaching a contract he could afford to breach.
Zong Mo’s mood tonight was different from usual. All sorts of strange emotions were piled up in his heart, but his body didn’t have much of a reaction.
He was afraid Lu Bo would suddenly come back. He stayed in the double room until Ruan Chi came out of the bathroom. When he returned to the three-person room, the twins were already there.
“Little Mo, where did you go?” Qi Zhiyi said eagerly. “Huh, why is your face so red?”
Zong Mo was startled and immediately hid in the bathroom to check in the mirror.
There was indeed nothing strange on his body, but his face was really abnormally red.
Zong Mo: …
His previous intimate encounters probably hadn’t made his face this red. Otherwise, wouldn’t Ruan Chi have teased him a couple of times?
He quickly turned on the faucet and splashed his face with cold water. Only after he had cooled down enough did he go out again.
…He had to face the twins alone again, and he still had to sleep between them at night.
He had mistakenly thought that Ruan Chi didn’t uphold his male virtue. Now it seemed that the one who didn’t uphold his male virtue was himself.
Qi Zhiyi didn’t mention his red face again. Instead, he took out a gilded, flat paper box and said, “Little Mo, happy birthday. This is our birthday gift to you. We also made it today.”
The box was not sealed with plastic wrap. Zong Mo opened it directly and saw a whole box of chocolates of various shapes.
It wasn’t a very valuable gift, but it was full of heart.
He accepted it without any psychological burden, “Thank you, I like it very much.”
Qi Zhiyi smiled, “There’s more.”
After speaking, the two of them each took something out of their luggage. Qi Zhiyi gave him a game console, and Qi Nanfeng gave him a pair of wireless headphones, both of which were unfamiliar brands he had never heard of.
Zong Mo knew very little about electronic products. He only knew that the price difference between different brands was large. He didn’t know the approximate price of these two gifts, and it wasn’t appropriate to search in front of the two of them.
And, these two gifts were obviously prepared in advance and brought to the island, just like the song Ling Han had given him.
He couldn’t bring himself to refuse this kindness. He thanked them and accepted it, thinking that he would also give them a birthday gift back in the future.
After giving the gifts, Qi Zhiyi was about to take a shower. Although the bathroom in the three-person room was not a frosted glass wall facing the bed, the sound could still be heard. Zong Mo was just thinking about whether to go out and avoid it like Lu Bo.
Qi Nanfeng suddenly spoke, stopping him, “Little Mo, do you have someone you like?”
Zong Mo: …
This sounds like a prelude to a confession?
He didn’t answer in time, so Qi Nanfeng continued to ask, “Is he worthy of your liking?”
Zong Mo said in confusion, “What’s there to be worthy of or not…”
Qi Nanfeng asked again, “Does he like you?”
Zong Mo was stunned. This simple question had stumped him.
He couldn’t help but lower his head and think. Just from his actions, Ruan Chi should like him.
Then why didn’t he tell him?
Wait, he didn’t seem to have taken the initiative to say it either, or even asked.
He had asked Lu Bo, though.
Zong Mo: …
Qi Nanfeng’s eyes lowered, and he did not continue to press.
Zong Mo looked up, trying to read his expression, and suddenly realized that he hadn’t said anything, but had revealed everything.
The good thing about talking to Qi Nanfeng was that you could be silent and think for a long time, and no one would rush you.
The person before him had gentle eyes and a face without sharp angles. Even without smiling, he could make people feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze. He was the type that could be rated as a “first love boyfriend.”
Zong Mo had not imagined the appearance of his ideal type, but he had imagined the personality.
His ideal other half should be a gentle, tolerant person who could spend the rest of his life with him peacefully and stably.
Because Qi Nanfeng was quiet and didn’t cause trouble, he was the one with the weakest presence in the novel, and was always tied to his brother. Zong Mo had not separately and deeply imagined what he might be like.
Now it seemed that Qi Nanfeng was actually the most normal of the five. His shortcoming might be that he was boring, but his strength was that he was emotionally stable, not hypocritical, and the most reassuring.
Perhaps because he also had the experience of being a “big brother,” he was the only one who was somewhat similar to Zong Mo.
Zong Mo had thought he would fall for someone similar to himself.
But only now did he realize that he didn’t even know himself well enough.
He didn’t know he could become so glib and childish, messing around with people, and even… being forced to act cute.
He had never thought he would become like this. After a long time, he even discovered that this was also a part of his nature, just that because he had always been in the role of a big brother taking care of others, he had carefully hidden it away.
He also didn’t know he would have such large emotional fluctuations. The grievances he had suffered were far less than in his childhood, but his sadness was magnified several times and difficult to suppress. Perhaps this was the so-called being emboldened by having someone to rely on.
Because there was someone to rely on, he dared to show his grievances.
The happiness he felt was, naturally, also far greater than before.
The feeling of liking became more and more chaotic the more he tried to sort it out, but disliking could be analyzed with clear logic.
At this moment, he was very sure that he did not like Qi Nanfeng’s type.
Because he did not like Qi Nanfeng, he could be so sure.
At this moment, he only felt sorry.
He spoke his mind, “I’m sorry…”
Qi Nanfeng was slightly stunned, “Are you giving me a ‘good person card’?”
Zong Mo: …?
Does Qi Nanfeng also surf the internet?
“Zhiyi always says that the number of good person cards I’ve given out could circle the earth,” Qi Nanfeng continued. “He’s always been looking forward to the day I get a good person card from someone else.”
Zong Mo came to his senses and suddenly felt that the sound of water in the bathroom had become almost inaudible at some point.
Zong Mo: …
Is there a problem with the soundproofing in this bathroom?
Qi Nanfeng changed the subject and asked, “Did you not sleep well last night?”
Zong Mo: “Mm… a little.”
It was, but not entirely because he was sleeping between the two of them.
But Qi Nanfeng seemed to have guessed his thoughts and said considerately, “Let’s separate the beds. If you sleep alone, will it be better?”
Most of the reason Zong Mo didn’t sleep well was actually because of Ruan Chi and Lu Bo. Now it seemed as if the twins were the culprits.
So he explained, “I’m a bit of a light sleeper in a new bed, and there’s a time difference between here and City A. I’m still not quite used to it…”
Qi Nanfeng smiled lightly and said in a gentle voice, “Mm, let’s separate the beds first.”
On the night he occupied a bed by himself, Zong Mo had insomnia again.
It was supposed to be a vacation, but it was actually a love battlefield. It wasn’t the bloody and thrilling scene he had imagined. Instead, it was just one peeled-open heart after another being revealed before him.
He probably couldn’t be a scumbag in this lifetime.
Zong Mo rolled over and let out a long sigh.
Before going to bed the next day, Zong Mo, as usual, used the excuse of taking a walk to accidentally pass by the door of the double room.
Even though he knew the two were not sleeping in the same bed, they were still in the same room!!
As luck would have it, Lu Bo pushed the door open as if he had calculated the time and caught him in the act again.
Zong Mo: …
Lu Bo went straight to the point and suggested, “Want to go for a walk by the sea?”
Zong Mo didn’t quite know what kind of reaction Lu Bo’s two invitations to walk at night, and his refusal to be followed by the camera, had caused in the bullet comments.
Let them curse. He didn’t care that much anymore. And there was nothing between him and Lu Bo anyway.
Ling Han and the twins hadn’t avoided the camera when they gave their gifts, but last night, Lu Bo had just said a faint “happy birthday.”
At this moment, the bullet comments were not scolding at all. Instead, they were unusually harmonious.
【Is Teacher Lu going to give Zong Mo a birthday gift?】
【Teacher Lu wouldn’t be so stingy with this gift. But he doesn’t like to show off. He used to donate secretly. He’s probably going to give a gift.】
【Wuwuwu, I really want to know what Teacher Lu will give. I also want to buy the same one…】
【It’s precisely to avoid fans from following suit that he refused to be filmed (shrugs)】
Dinner that day was again a barbecue by the sea. The bonfire had not yet been extinguished, and a few cans of beer were left on the table that hadn’t been cleared.
“Sorry, my birthday gift is a little late,” Lu Bo said with a smile. “You received a lot of blessings yesterday, so I temporarily changed my mind, thinking that maybe giving a birthday gift today would make a deeper impression on you.”
“Happy first day of your twenty-second year,” he said, handing over a greeting card.
Wishing you happiness, not just on your birthday. May your future be bright. —Lu Bo
The main gong was too good.
Zong Mo had also had birthdays before he transmigrated, but he had rarely received such heartfelt blessings. A simple “happy birthday” was enough to make him happy for a long time.
After his birthday, he had to continue his monotonous work day after day. Washing up, cooking and eating, working, showering and sleeping.
He hadn’t gone to university because he was poor. How could he not have had a dream of a bright future?
And Lu Bo had also wished him happiness, and not just on his birthday.
Unfortunately, he was not the real main shou.
Because of his arrival, Lu Bo might have lost his lover forever.
Thinking of this, Zong Mo was suddenly stunned. His hand trembled, and the greeting card fell to the ground.
Lu Bo picked up the greeting card that had fallen on the beach, shook off the sand, and handed it to him again, asking with concern, “What’s wrong?”
Zong Mo wanted to say something but held back. In the end, he chose to change the subject and asked, “Hmm… didn’t you say you were going to give me a birthday gift?”
He would rather receive an expensive gift than this worthless but heavy greeting card full of sincerity.
Unlike him, Lu Bo was relaxed and even joked, “The wrap party gift I gave you before, I thought you didn’t like it.”
Zong Mo: …Lu Bo’s memory was quite good. He had almost forgotten about that actor selection program.
“Because I went to film Conquering… I went to film a drama. There was a time conflict, so I couldn’t go.”
“I know,” Lu Bo smiled. “Just wait for me for a bit.”
After half a day, Zong Mo came to his senses. How was he really waiting obediently?
It was both because of the irreparable guilt and because Lu Bo was no longer insincerely scheming against him as he had before.
Lu Bo didn’t make him wait for too long. He came back quickly and gave him a paper box.
The brand and model number were written on the box, as well as a high-definition picture of the product.
It was a priceless DSLR camera.
Zong Mo didn’t refuse first but asked in confusion, “Why a DSLR camera… it’s too valuable, and I’m not very good at taking pictures.”
“Because when you were filming Field Diary, I saw you carrying a Polaroid,” Lu Bo said in a gentle voice. “No one is born knowing how to do something. Acting and taking pictures are the same. You can use this DSLR to practice more in the future.”
When you’re practicing, you might think of me.
Zong Mo felt as if he had heard the words Lu Bo hadn’t finished.
He lowered his head and stared at the paper box he was clutching tightly.
With his personality, he still fantasized about becoming the ultimate top?
It turned out he couldn’t split his heart and give it to so many people. He would also be restless because he couldn’t give back in kind.
It turned out that the feeling of liking was so selfish that it couldn’t tolerate even a grain of sand. But his nature was not selfish enough, which was why he felt burdened and indebted by the liking of others.
He changed his wording and asked that question again, “Teacher Lu, do you like me?”
Lu Bo also changed his answer, “Do you want me to like you?”
Zong Mo took a deep breath and used his ultimate move, “Teacher Lu, I’m a 1. I can’t possibly be on the bottom.”
Lu Bo frowned and said suspiciously, “…Really?”
He didn’t seem to believe he had the ability to sleep with CEO Ruan.
Zong Mo was silent for a moment, then said with certainty, “Really.”
He didn’t know if Lu Bo believed him. He only asked, “Is the position that important?”
Zong Mo: ?
What does that mean? Does it mean he’s willing to be a 0 for love?
In the novel, Lu Bo was even willing to go through great lengths to bend a straight man. How could he give up so easily just because their roles overlapped? At worst, he could pretend for a while and then fight it out in bed.
Fuck, a miscalculation!
Zong Mo was helpless and asked again, “Teacher Lu, what’s so good about me?”
“At first, I just thought you were very interesting and very cute,” Lu Bo said.
Zong Mo thought to himself: He knew it. Holding the main shou script, even a burp would be considered cute by the main gong*!*
As long as the main gong had eyes, he would definitely fall for him at first sight.
But Lu Bo continued…
“Later, I found that you are also very humble, and actually more mature than your age. Optimistic, easy-going, always seeing the good side of others, and even seeing shortcomings as good things, and will give a positive response.”
Zong Mo: …
Why does this sound more like falling in love over time?
However, Lu Bo’s attitude towards him now was indeed quite different from the teasing when they first met.
But, he had absolutely not given Lu Bo any response!
Did he not run fast enough every time?
He had had the idea of becoming the ultimate top, but in the end, it was just a thought. In real life, he had unconsciously become a firm defender of male virtue.
“I haven’t given any response.”
“Didn’t you accept my gift?” Lu Bo said. “And you also came for a walk by the sea with me.”
Zong Mo: “I…”
It was just that he hadn’t had time to refuse!
“You listen to others very seriously,” Lu Bo continued. “Even if you don’t like it or disagree, you won’t easily deny it. It’s very pleasant to chat with you.”
Zong Mo: …
That doesn’t sound like a merit?
“Teacher Lu,” Zong Mo interrupted him, but he hadn’t finished.
Lu Bo also interrupted him, “When you speak, you always call out a name first, which makes me feel very special.”
Zong Mo: …
Whatever he did was right. Who told him to hold the main shou script?
“Lu… uh, have you ever thought that maybe your fated one hasn’t appeared yet, and maybe he’s still a straight man now?”
“Do you think I’m very proactive? That’s only because you’ve given me a response,” Lu Bo was noncommittal. “If I keep giving one-sidedly without getting any positive feedback, I’m afraid I can’t do it. So I probably won’t fall for a straight man.”
Zong Mo: …
He really hadn’t given any response!
If he were replaced by the genuine straight male main shou, Lu Bo would also fall for him and would use every means to bend him. This was fate, irresistible.
“Speaking of which…” Lu Bo said leisurely, “I had a dream.”
Zong Mo: “Hmm?”
“In the dream, I fell for a straight man. He kept pushing me away, but I stubbornly kept sticking to him. Although we ended up together in the end, it was very strange…”
Zong Mo’s eyes widened. ??
Lu Bo said, with a bitter smile, “I don’t know why I fell for that person. But after we got together, the me in the dream… was barely happy.”
Zong Mo was too shocked to speak.
Who was the one who had read the novel, him or Lu Bo…?
No, it wasn’t Lu Bo who had read the novel. Lu Bo knew more than what was written in the novel.
Is this really the world of the book?
Zong Mo shivered.
“I’m very curious why Ruan Chi chose you, and why you can tolerate Ruan Chi’s personality. My feelings for you are more of this curiosity,” Lu Bo suddenly smiled. “If I say it like this, will it make you feel better?”
Zong Mo: …
He understood. Why Lu Bo would admit to being hypocritical. Because when he couldn’t get what he wanted, he wouldn’t offer his sincere blessings.
He had let go. He had laughed it off. He was considerate of Zong Mo’s feelings, but he was also clearly telling Zong Mo: I’m actually very upset. I’m just being insincere so you won’t be upset.
His goal from beginning to end was only one: to shake Zong Mo.