The dining lounge was bustling with media personnel. Wei Jiayi couldn’t let Zhao Jing attract more attention, so he hung up the phone and maneuvered around the Christmas tree, intending to lead him to a blind spot outside the rest area.
Just as they were about to change locations, Zhao Jing suddenly said, “Wait a moment.” He reached out, and Wei Jiayi saw him retrieve a crutch from behind the wall.
Wei Jiayi couldn’t help but feel stunned. Zhao Jing, clearly sensitive about the matter, quickly explained, “The doctor forced me to use this for a few more days, and my mom insisted I bring it. But I can walk perfectly fine now. Running a marathon in two months would be no problem.”
“…You should stick to the doctor’s advice. Recovery is important.” While speaking, Wei Jiayi tried to walk a few more steps, but seeing Zhao Jing standing completely motionless to emphasize the situation, he had no choice but to pull him along, dragging him out of the lounge’s view.
The two ended up behind the tree, standing close together. Zhao Jing glanced down at his hand and coolly asked, “What are you pulling me for?” His expression suggested he was about to jump to the wrong conclusion.
Wei Jiayi quickly let go, his muddled thoughts clearing as he replied, “There are too many people over there.” Then he asked, “Did you come here specifically to find me?”
“What else?” Zhao Jing’s mood seemed to sour the moment Wei Jiayi let go. At the question, his expression turned even more unhappy, and he shot back, “To order some diamond-encrusted couture gowns?”
“If I hadn’t come, were you planning to wait until you got home? The last time we met, we talked for an hour, and then you disappeared for ten days.” Zhao Jing’s bitterness was palpable. Once he started, he couldn’t stop. “Wei Jiayi, are you a workaholic?”
Wei Jiayi endured the lecture, still unable to figure out where Zhao Jing’s self-righteous attitude was coming from. After all, the two of them hadn’t even defined their relationship—so why was there an expectation to meet frequently? Nonetheless, he apologized first. “I’m sorry. The end of the year has been really busy. I’ll have two days off in the second half of the month. I’ll come see you then, okay?”
Just as Zhao Jing looked ready to lash out further, Wei Jiayi’s phone buzzed. He sighed in relief and took it out to check. It was the client’s assistant. Holding up the screen for Zhao Jing to see, he said, “It’s the client,” and then answered the call.
The performance on stage had just ended, and the client was getting ready for a group photo in ten minutes.
After hanging up, Wei Jiayi relayed this to Zhao Jing, who responded indifferently, “Go do your job.” Gripping his crutch, Zhao Jing turned and walked toward the long table where his mother was seated, not looking back.
Wei Jiayi couldn’t help but wonder what Zhao Jing might have told his mother—whether he’d mentioned him. The thought gave him a headache. But with work pressing, he pushed it out of his mind for the moment and headed toward the client’s assistant.
After finishing the photoshoot, Wei Jiayi handed the images over to the editor. Together with the client’s team, they conducted an initial review. By the time the retouched images were delivered, it was nearly 10 PM, and the banquet had come to an end.
Workers began cleaning the venue, stacking cups and plates into piles. The floral decorations on the stage had already been mostly dismantled, leaving the stage frame exposed. The air of luxury and wealth had faded, and those who remained were strictly there for work.
Wei Jiayi pulled out his phone and noticed a message from an hour ago. Zhao Jing had written: “I’m leaving.” Not long after, Zhao Jing had poked him, saying: “I’m staying at the hotel arranged by the brand—it’s just next door.”
Nearby, a few familiar colleagues lingered, having mostly wrapped up editing the photos. They were debating where to go for a late-night snack, tossing around restaurant names. Wei Jiayi didn’t join their discussion and instead sent a message to Zhao Jing: “Are you still awake?”
Ah Liang, a photographer close to Wei Jiayi who had also been at the lounge earlier, suddenly asked after packing up his equipment, “Jiayi, who was that male celebrity you were talking to before? He looked so familiar, but I can’t quite place him.”
“Liang-ge, is there really a celebrity you don’t recognize?” Xiao Chi, who was also familiar with him, joked. “I didn’t see—was he some newbie?”
“I’m just as puzzled.” Ah Liang frowned. “With looks like that, why isn’t he already a big star?”
“That was Zhao Jing.” Wei Jiayi bit the bullet and said, “He’s the CEO of Puchang Technology and Mrs. Li’s son.”
“Oh!” Ah Liang suddenly understood and turned to look at Wei Jiayi.
Before Ah Liang could ask, Wei Jiayi explained, “I volunteered on Buderus Island before and took some photos for him, but in the end, they weren’t used.”
Ah Liang’s memory seemed to click. “I remember now! Wasn’t there a drunken incident with their CFO back then? Puchang Tech issued a press release about disaster relief, mentioning that their president was volunteering. I thought it was a solid PR move, but nothing followed after that.”
“He’s a millionaire’s son, pampered since childhood. How could he handle those conditions? Not like us, who are used to heavy labor,” a nearby lighting technician chimed in. “I saw the photos Jiayi shared. Honestly, if it were me, I’m not sure I could’ve lasted.”
“He stayed for two weeks,” Wei Jiayi said. “The PR team didn’t issue a statement.”
Ah Liang looked surprised. “Really?”
Wei Jiayi gave an “Mm.” The lighting technician didn’t hear him and started mimicking the drunken antics of the CFO, sending several people into fits of laughter.
Wei Jiayi glanced at his phone. Zhao Jing had replied: “I’m awake.”
“Let’s go, time for a snack.” Ah Liang slung his bag over his shoulder and called to Wei Jiayi.
Wei Jiayi smiled at him. “I still have things to do. You take Xiao Chi and grab something to eat. It’s been a while since you’ve seen each other—this one’s on me.” He handed a card to Xiao Chi.
After they left, Wei Jiayi grabbed his bag and slowly walked out of the banquet hall. He strolled along the corridor for a while before arriving at the hotel’s guest room area. Standing in front of the elevator, he called Zhao Jing. Zhao Jing picked up the next second. Wei Jiayi asked, “Zhao Jing, what floor are you staying on?”
“Nineteen. When are you finally wrapping up?” Zhao Jing’s tone wasn’t exactly pleasant.
Wei Jiayi initially wanted to explain that he didn’t have a room card and couldn’t go up, but just then, a hotel staff member walked by. Seeing Wei Jiayi’s work badge, they assumed he was staying at the hotel as part of the banquet. They swiped their card for him and asked, “Sir, which floor are you staying on?”
Wei Jiayi replied, “Nineteenth floor. Thank you.”
The line went quiet on Zhao Jing’s end. As the elevator ascended, a few seconds passed before Zhao Jing said, “I’m in 1902.”
Wei Jiayi said, “Okay,” but he didn’t add anything else or hang up the call.
The staff member exited the elevator on the tenth floor. After waiting a little longer, Wei Jiayi finally arrived on the 19th floor. Walking down the hallway, he soon stopped in front of Room 1902.
Zhao Jing claimed he wasn’t asleep, but the “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging on the door was already lit.
Wei Jiayi knocked lightly. It wasn’t long before the door opened just a crack. Zhao Jing had even engaged the chain lock. Through the small gap, he confirmed it was Wei Jiayi before closing the door again to undo the lock. Then he reopened the door.
Wei Jiayi couldn’t help but feel stunned by Zhao Jing’s heightened sense of security and finally ended the call.
Zhao Jing was wearing a soft beige bathrobe, clearly ready for bed. As he opened the door wider, his expression was a mix of happiness and displeasure. “You’re working this late?”
Wei Jiayi coaxed him, “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Zhao Jing snorted and turned to walk inside.
The room was spacious, with a separate living area outside the bedroom. European-style sofas were arranged in the center, and branded gifts were scattered untouched on the coffee table. The crutch had been carelessly tossed to the side, leaning against the wall.
Zhao Jing sat down on the sofa, looked at Wei Jiayi, and spoke reservedly. His first words were: “Don’t you still have a flight to catch later? Coming to see me so late—what’s so urgent that it must be said today?”
It seemed as though Zhao Jing had only appeared at Wei Jiayi’s filming location because it was on his way. But when Wei Jiayi came to his hotel room, it clearly indicated he had fallen deeply for Zhao Jing and couldn’t hold back his feelings. And yet, it was Zhao Jing himself who had told Wei Jiayi where he was staying.
Wei Jiayi’s original intention was only to check whether Zhao Jing was upset and coax him if necessary. He hadn’t thought much beyond that. But the moment Zhao Jing spoke, his head started to hurt again.
This time, however, he didn’t reject the topic as strongly as during their last meeting. Instead, he found the situation somewhat amusing. Leaning slightly closer to Zhao Jing without sitting down, he showed him his phone with his schedule displayed. “I came to get your approval for my holiday plans. I’ll be heading back on the 16th and have the 17th off. Is there any chance I could see you then?”
Zhao Jing didn’t hear the response he had hoped for and was dissatisfied, though he didn’t let it show. He took Wei Jiayi’s phone, glanced at it briefly, and said, “I’ll have my secretary check my schedule.”
Then Zhao Jing handed the phone back and looked up. “There should be a chance.”
Wei Jiayi was quite close to him.
When Zhao Jing lifted his eyes and realized the distance between them was too short, he instinctively leaned back slightly, adhering once again to his principle of maintaining boundaries. Wei Jiayi found Zhao Jing’s moral compass ridiculously strict at times. Even when it was so obvious, he refused to take even the smallest liberties.
Wei Jiayi, not exactly a virtuous person himself, thought Zhao Jing’s reaction was a bit silly. Without giving it much thought, he leaned in closer and deliberately asked, “What’s the matter? Is your back uncomfortable?”
Zhao Jing’s expression became hard to describe. Pressured by Wei Jiayi’s proximity, he leaned back even further. In fact, he was quite naive. Wei Jiayi snapped back to his senses, straightened up, glanced at his watch, and then moved to another sofa. “Are you about to sleep?”
“No.” Zhao Jing looked at Wei Jiayi, seeming unaccustomed to how suddenly he had come closer and then pulled away. Though unguarded, he refused to admit it. “It’s still early, isn’t it?”
He continued, “I met a designer at tonight’s banquet and asked him to turn the Buddha charm you gave me into a pendant. That way, it’ll be easier to carry. He’ll come up with a few designs, and you can pick one when they’re ready.”
His gaze was open and straightforward. Wei Jiayi was momentarily stunned. He had never encountered anyone quite like Zhao Jing before. On the surface, Zhao Jing appeared extremely safe, but in reality, he was far more dangerous than a sheer cliff.
For a brief moment, Wei Jiayi felt it would be better if everything could return to how it was before the tsunami.
Back then, all he had to do was avoid Zhao Jing. Even though Zhao Jing had never shown him any kindness, he had never interfered with Wei Jiayi’s career either. After all, when Zhao Jing’s mother had hired Wei Jiayi for a photoshoot, Zhao Jing had known about it and hadn’t opposed it.
At this moment, he felt as though he was bullying a socially clueless idiot. But if he didn’t bully this idiot, the idiot would end up bullying him. If Wei Jiayi wanted to protect himself and return to a normal life, he had to be ruthless toward both Zhao Jing and himself. Otherwise, misfortune was inevitable.
But is it really impossible? A small voice in Wei Jiayi’s mind questioned him. Couldn’t I at least try?
His rational side shot back: No. That would lead to total ruin.
Another voice whispered: What if you did it in secret, without anyone knowing? Couldn’t you just test it quietly and keep the risks under control?
That small voice persuaded Wei Jiayi, making his heart waver. He knew he couldn’t make a decision right away, but he added it to his list of possibilities.
Meanwhile, Zhao Jing remained completely oblivious to Wei Jiayi’s internal conflict. He had started reviewing his recent progress in photography and asked Wei Jiayi what they could do on the 17th if he had the whole day free, apart from visiting the private museum.
As he spoke, Zhao Jing’s voice gradually softened, as though he was growing sleepy.
Wei Jiayi called his name, and Zhao Jing responded with a “Hmm?” He looked over and suddenly noticed that Wei Jiayi was still carrying his camera bag and getting up. Zhao Jing became more awake but his expression wasn’t great. “You’re leaving?”
“No.” Wei Jiayi took off his camera bag and placed it on the table. “You’re really tired. Don’t push yourself. Go to your bedroom and sleep. I’ll stay here and finish some work. Once you’re asleep, I’ll leave.”
Zhao Jing didn’t say anything. Wei Jiayi grabbed his arm, pulling him to his feet and guiding him toward the bedroom.
The bed was already turned down, and the lighting was dim and soft. Wei Jiayi led Zhao Jing to the bed, pressing on his shoulders to make him sit. “I won’t leave until you fall asleep. Just sleep, okay?”
Zhao Jing was easily coaxed when sleepy and didn’t argue. He simply said, “Oh.”
Once Zhao Jing began preparing to lie down, Wei Jiayi slid the bedroom door shut. He sat down in the living area and organized some photos for a while. Xiao Chi messaged him, saying they had finished eating and asking: “Jiayi-ge, where are you? What time should I come to take you to the airport?”
Wei Jiayi thought for a moment and replied: “Come to the hotel entrance to pick me up.”
Afterward, he turned off the lights in the living area and quietly opened the bedroom door. He walked to the bedside, where Zhao Jing’s breathing had already become steady. His sleeping posture was proper, though his tall frame took up a considerable portion of the bed.
Only the nightlight under the bed was on, casting minimal light in the room. Zhao Jing lay with his eyes closed, his defined features stood out even in the dim surroundings. Wei Jiayi could still see the rise and fall of his brow bone and nose bridge, as well as the shape of his lips, which looked stubborn even in sleep.
Without thinking much, Wei Jiayi reached out and lightly touched Zhao Jing’s cheek.
It was warm and soft, moving slightly with his breaths. The heat and pressure pressed against Wei Jiayi’s fingertips. As he brushed his hand across Zhao Jing’s face, he felt the faint roughness of stubble, which made the sleeping Zhao Jing seem even more real.
Wei Jiayi lifted his hand, then lowered it again, brushing lightly once more before finally withdrawing. Quietly, he stepped out of the room, grabbed his bag, and headed downstairs.
Xiao Chi hadn’t arrived yet, so Wei Jiayi waited at the entrance. The surroundings were unusually quiet. The plants and fountain landscape were shrouded in darkness, and the air carried the faint scent of flowers. The clinking of glasses and dazzling splendor of the evening had long faded into the night.
It was a familiar scene for Wei Jiayi. Arms crossed, he stood in a daze. For years, he had often been one of the last to leave such social gatherings, passing through the circles of fame and fortune without forming any real connections. Nor did he want to get too close.
Before long, Xiao Chi arrived. Wei Jiayi got into the car and headed to the airport. The flight was six hours, which was just enough time to sleep. He decided he’d think about everything after waking up, or maybe after work, or perhaps the next time he saw Zhao Jing. Either way, things would work themselves out. That was how Wei Jiayi planned it.
That was until he fastened his seatbelt and took out his phone.
He only meant to take a quick look, but then he saw a message from Zhao Jing sent just three minutes earlier.
“If you’re reluctant to leave, just say so.” Zhao Jing wrote: Sneaking into my room and touching me like that—even a pig would’ve woken up from all that groping.”
HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH Zhao Jing you don’t have a romantic heart at all
Thanks for the chapter <333