The grassland shoot wrapped up without a moment’s rest, and they flew straight to Y Province to continue filming.
They were in such a rush because, starting next week and running until March 20th, Zhou Shi, Chen Xiaohan, Yang Yi, Lang Yan, and Ji Yunzhang all had packed schedules.
Zhou Shi had taken the longest leave—over ten days—since he was heading into production on a new drama, and he’d grown out that beard specifically for the role.
Chen Xiaohan had an ad shoot and two magazine features lined up, Yang Yi was going on auditions, Lang Yan had two brand events, and Ji Yunzhang was flying off to Italy to film new promotional materials for his endorsement.
To fit everyone’s availability, they had no choice but to power through the fatigue and knock out both locations back-to-back.
It wasn’t as grueling as it could have been, though. Their variety show was laid-back—they could goof off or take breaks whenever they wanted, without the endless scripted challenges of other programs.
The three-day shoot finally ended, and the group split up. Aside from Yu Jiayuan and Shen Ru, everyone else was bound for A City, so they traveled together.
By the time they touched down in A City, night had already fallen.
Somehow their itinerary had leaked, and a massive crowd of fans from all the various fanbases jammed the airport exit.
The fans were completely out of control, surging forward in a crush, jamming phones right up to faces. Some even started grabbing at them amid the chaos—Jing Li got groped several times. Ji Yunzhang’s expression darkened in an instant. He yanked Jing Li close, tucking him protectively against his chest. With Le Xiaoxiao, Lin Li, and airport security forming a barrier around them, he strode quickly to the car, keeping one arm firmly around Jing Li the whole way.
It was the first time Jing Li had faced a scene like that. He’d been picked up by Ji Fans before, but the major fan organizers had kept everything smooth and orderly—nothing like this mess.
On second thought, though, it made sense. Fans from every camp had shown up this time, all mixed together with no way to tell one group’s supporters from another’s. The big fan accounts never stood a chance at coordinating.
Ji Yunzhang took the thermos from An Jiaming and poured Jing Li a cup of ginseng tea. “You okay? That must’ve spooked you.”
Jing Li shook his head. It hadn’t rattled him that badly.
He cradled the warm cup in his hands, his mind replaying the moment Ji Yunzhang had pulled him in tight, shielding him completely. A sweet warmth bloomed in his chest, like sinking into a hot spring—the feeling spread all the way to his fingertips and toes.
He tried to tamp down the smile tugging at his lips, but it refused to cooperate. He ducked his head and took a quick sip of the tea, using the cup to hide the grin spilling over.
~~~
Photos and videos of Ji Yunzhang shielding Jing Li at the airport spread like wildfire in the Yunjing CP Group.
The CP fans were in absolute bliss.
【Jing Li cradled in Teacher Ji’s arms—so tiny and dependent, like a little bird yleaning on a big tree, aaaaaah!】
【That size difference is straight-up lethal. Tonight, I’m only here for the spicy fics and art!】
【Wahhh, anyone in the group a Yunjing CP Author? I wanna commission something! 1k words for $1000, nothing fancy—just make it tooth-rottingly sweet and steamy. Hehe hehe.】
【That hehe is pure vibes.】
【Holy crap, 1k words for $1000? Lemme @ the group admin—Yunjing CP Author, come claim that commission fee! And sis upstairs, mind sharing after?】
【Wait, hold up—our group admin is the super-sweet Yunjing CP Author?】
【Yup!】
【I’m dying of happiness!!】
【Fam, I’m here—fresh off writing 2k words of smutty goodness. My ship is so sweet!】
Wen Mian was getting paid to indulge her ship—and the moment she saw the video, inspiration exploded. She didn’t even make it back to her room before her fingers flew across the keyboard, churning out steamy fanfic at top speed.
She typed like a woman possessed, giggling to herself the whole time with little “hehehe”s.
Her roommate, mask plastered on her face, wandered over. “Why are you grinning like such a…” She trailed off, unable to find a polite word for “creep.”
Wen Mian’s eyes lit up. She grabbed her hand. “Lingling, you free tonight?”
Lingling was off work and had nothing going on. “What’s up?”
“I’ve got the perfect real-life couple to ship—total husband-husband vibes, insanely shippable!”
“I…”
Wen Mian knew her roommate was a total face-connoisseur and cut her off. “Hang on, check out their looks first.”
“Holy shit.” Ji Yunzhang and Jing Li’s visuals hit like a truck.
Wen Mian shoved the airport video right in her face. “This sense of security, this size gap, these faces—shipping or nah?”
Lingling stared at Ji Yunzhang and Jing Li’s expressions for a long moment, then dove in headfirst. “Shipping!”
Love couldn’t stay hidden.
It always slipped out somehow.
She’d seen it.
That night, countless others like her roommate got pulled into the Yunjing CP fandom via recommendations. Their activity lit up every social platform, the buzz electric.
Jing Li didn’t catch wind of the online frenzy until he got home.
He watched the video, and the dimple in his cheek appeared unbidden, his smile utterly sweet.
With a flick of his finger, he saved it.
Ji Yunzhang finished hashing out work stuff with An Jiaming in the study and stepped out to find him beaming at his phone. “What’s got you smiling like that?”
“Nothing.” Jing Li set his phone down, guiltily shifting his gaze. “Done chatting?”
Jing Li’s expression was all too obvious, but since he wasn’t saying anything, Ji Yunzhang didn’t press the issue. He simply went along with it. “All done.”
An Jiaming grabbed his briefcase, preparing to leave. He reminded Jing Li, “Get some good rest tomorrow. You’ve got classes with Teacher Zhao again the day after.”
“I know.”
“Alright.” He waved a hand. “I’m off.”
Once An Jiaming had gone, Jing Li and Ji Yunzhang sat in the living room, chatting idly until the clock struck eleven. Only then did they head upstairs to bed. Before Jing Li stepped into the bedroom, Ji Yunzhang called out to him again.
Jing Li turned back.
“Good night,” Ji Yunzhang said, his voice growing even softer in the hush of the night.
~~~
Spring had awakened, and life was stirring everywhere.
After a spring rain, the weather in A City warmed up, temperatures climbing into the teens. Grass and trees began to sprout new buds, and the spring flowers bloomed in parks across the city.
Driving past Central Park, Jing Li spotted the Peach Forest inside already in full bloom. He made a U-turn at the next intersection, pulled into the park, and got out of the car.
The day was warm, so he wore a white button-up shirt under a loose denim jacket, paired with black casual pants and white sneakers—crisp and handsome.
Even with his fisherman’s hat and mask covering most of his face, his exposed eyes were striking enough to draw stares.
He paid no mind to the looks and headed straight for the Peach Forest, picking a perfect vantage point before pulling out his phone to snap some photos.
Sunlight filtering through, clusters of blooming peach blossoms, and a few startled birds taking flight—all captured in the frame, radiating the vibrant energy of spring.
Jing Li sent the photo to Ji Yunzhang.
Ji Yunzhang had flown abroad two days ago for a four-day trip and wouldn’t be back until Saturday.
It was already morning where Ji Yunzhang was, and he replied quickly.
[Ji Yunzhang]: Central Park?
[Jing Li]: !!!
[Jing Li]: Teacher Ji, you’re amazing.
Ji Yunzhang didn’t text back. Instead, he initiated a video call. Jing Li made his way to a nearby bench, the Peach Forest forming a stunning backdrop, and answered.
With a seven-hour time difference, it was just past seven in the morning for Ji Yunzhang. He must have gotten up recently and hadn’t changed yet; he was wearing a bathrobe.
He stood by the window, the camera framing the distinctive Gothic architecture behind him.
Jing Li waved like a beckoning cat. “Morning, Teacher Ji.”
Ji Yunzhang smiled. “Good afternoon to you.”
The tourists were all busy admiring the flowers, and no one paid them any mind. Jing Li took off his mask, revealing his handsome face. Sunlight bathed him, and his bright smile outshone the blossoms.
Ji Yunzhang gazed at him intently and suddenly said, “Beautiful.”
Jing Li thought he meant the flowers. He panned the camera to the Peach Forest, giving it a full sweep before swinging back. “They really are. They weren’t blooming a few days ago, but today they just exploded into color.”
He had misunderstood, but Ji Yunzhang didn’t correct him. He wasn’t yet sure of Jing Li’s feelings and had no intention of startling him.
Besides, they needed to maintain their marriage for now. If Jing Li didn’t like him, things would get awkward, and it might sour his mood. Ji Yunzhang wanted him to stay happy.
“The weather’s warmed up,” Ji Yunzhang said. “They usually bloom around this time every year.”
He asked, “How are the lessons going?”
“Mm. Teacher Zhao has an event tonight, so she’s getting styled first.” Jing Li had nothing else that afternoon, and Custard Bun was at Ji Mingyi’s place. He thought for a moment. “Can I go visit Grandpa and Grandma?”
Ji Yunzhang smiled faintly. “Of course. They’d love that.”
“I’ll head over soon, then.”
Ji Yunzhang had a packed shooting schedule that day and needed to leave the hotel around eight. They didn’t talk long—less than five minutes—before hanging up.
Jing Li pocketed his phone, his lips curving into a gentle smile. He could feel it. He reached up to touch them, his eyes crinkling happily.
He put his mask back on and stood to leave when a woman’s voice called out, “Jing Li?”
He turned and saw Mu Ge. He blinked in surprise.
“Sister Mu?”
Mu Ge had been holding her daughter’s hand, but seeing it really was Jing Li, she crouched down, said a few words to the girl, patted her head, and told her to go find Daddy. Then she walked over to Jing Li. “Shall we find somewhere to sit?”
Jing Li didn’t refuse. “Sure.”
There was a café right across from the park. They took seats in a quiet corner booth. Mu Ge ordered a latte and asked what Jing Li wanted. He got a fruit juice.
Once their drinks arrived, Mu Ge spoke up. “It’s been a while. You haven’t changed a bit.”
Jing Li replied, “Neither have you, Sister Mu.”
Mu Ge smiled.
She picked up her coffee and took a sip, pondering for a few seconds before suddenly saying, “I’m sorry.”
Jing Li understood she was apologizing for abandoning them and leaving Kerry behind, but a person had to seek higher ground—it was only natural. He didn’t think she had done anything wrong or needed to apologize. Besides, the terms Jiang Qin had offered were incredibly generous: double the salary, complete authority within the studio, and boundless prospects ahead. Jiang Qin herself was already an award-winning actress with a stellar reputation and endless resources; signing on with her would send one’s career soaring.
“Sister Mu, there’s no need to apologize,” Jing Li said gently. “You haven’t wronged anyone—not even me.”
Mu Ge still looked full of regret. “But you got targeted by Sun Xiangwu because of me. If not for that, you would’ve blown up by now instead of staying in obscurity.”
“It’s not entirely Sun Xiangwu’s fault.” If anything, the real culprits were Kerry’s higher-ups; Sun Xiangwu was just a convenient tool they wielded.
Jing Li knew exactly why he’d been sidelined at Kerry. “Sister Mu, you know how it is—some things cross my bottom line, and I won’t compromise. Plus, they see me as hard to control, so they wanted to grind down my edge.”
Mu Ge had started as an assistant right out of college, then branched out to manage artists on her own. Sixteen years in the industry—she’d seen it all.
Those “gatherings” Kerry had arranged to nudge Jing Li toward the unspoken rules? She’d been his manager back then and knew the details better than anyone.
Mu Ge sighed, then turned her gaze back to Jing Li, letting the topic drop as she asked with concern, “You’ve signed with Ji Yunzhang’s Studio now, right? Was it An Jiaming who brought you in?”
“Temporarily, yeah—Brother An’s handling it.”
“Temporarily?”
“My actual manager is Le Xiaoxiao. He’s still learning the ropes.”
Mu Ge frowned. “Why not get you someone better?”
Jing Li smiled. “Sister Mu, Le Xiaoxiao’s great. He just needs more experience. Give him some time to grow, and he’ll make an outstanding manager.”
Mu Ge mulled that over in silence for a moment. “You’re too sentimental.”
But then she pivoted. “Still, real loyalty like that is rare, and so is true friendship. With Ji Yunzhang backing you, it shouldn’t be an issue.”
She checked the time. “Anyway, I should get going—my family’s waiting.”
She’d only come out today with her husband to spend time with their daughter and had bumped into Jing Li purely by chance. That’s why she’d wanted to apologize to him in person.
The two of them left the coffee shop and walked together for a stretch—Jing Li’s car was still parked in the park lot.
After crossing the overpass and reaching the edge of the parking area, Mu Ge said goodbye to Jing Li. But then a woman called out to her. She greeted Mu Ge and glanced over at Jing Li.
Mu Ge looked quite surprised. “President Zhang?”
Zhang Xi smiled. “What a coincidence.”
“It really is.”
“What brings you here?”
“Out with the family for some fun. You, President Zhang?”
“Handling a bit of business nearby.”
They exchanged a few quick pleasantries, after which Zhang Xi’s attention shifted back to Jing Li. Even with the mask on, his poise and physique were impossible to hide—they stood out too sharply.
“Your new artist?” she asked Mu Ge.
“No,” Mu Ge said, stepping in with an introduction. “This is Jing Li.”
Then, to Jing Li: “This is President Zhang Xi, artistic director at Ninghai Entertainment—and Cheng Xinghao’s manager.”
Jing Li was familiar with Cheng Xinghao. The guy was the hottest, most successful singer of the past five years, freshly turned twenty-three. Every album since his debut had been a smash hit, and he’d racked up professional awards like they were going out of style.
He pulled off his mask and greeted her politely. “Hello, President Zhang.”
Zhang Xi gave him an appraising look. “Hello.”
Jing Li nodded to her once more, waved to Mu Ge, and headed toward his parking spot.
Only after watching Jing Li drive off did Zhang Xi turn back to Mu Ge. “Thanks.”
The cryptic comment left Mu Ge baffled. “Thanks for what?”
“I was tearing my hair out over the lead for Xinghao’s new MV. But running into you today and spotting Jing Li? He’s perfect.”
Mu Ge paused, stunned for a beat, then broke into a smile as she vouched for him. “He really is outstanding.”
