AMMSCF Chapter 31

In March, the Qingshan Orphanage officially began renovation.

With Xing Entertainment’s backing and the recent arrest of Yue Chengqi, major media outlets started scrambling to report on the Qingshan Orphanage. Director Xia’s deeds once again became widely known, and the children at the orphanage received much more public attention. That once dilapidated place, barely managing to stay afloat, suddenly saw an influx of volunteers offering help, along with kind-hearted people genuinely interested in adopting the children.

Because the renovations would take some time, Duan Baisui arranged for the remaining children and Director Xia to temporarily stay in a vacant four-story Western-style house. This place was provided by one of Duan Yan’s business partners, a real estate developer who, upon hearing about Director Xia’s story, was more than happy to lend a hand.

The house came with a large yard. Duan Baisui had a small basketball hoop and a swing set installed there. He also bought soccer balls and badminton equipment for the children.

The kids’ living conditions improved significantly, and they were even accepted into better schools. The light returned to their eyes, and they now looked into the camera, speaking sincerely and politely: “Thank you, Brother Duan. Thank you, Brother Xiao Qi.”

Director Xia, too, spoke highly of Duan Baisui during interviews. Back when Duan Baisui had been caught in the scandal involving alleged inappropriate relations with children, Director Xia had called him more than once to comfort and encourage him. She had even reached out to an old friend of her late husband, who worked in journalism, hoping he could say a few words on Duan Baisui’s behalf.

Though her strength was small and limited, it still warmed Duan Baisui’s heart deeply. He felt even more respect and affection for this elderly woman.

Now that the storm had passed and the skies had cleared, both Duan Baisui and the Qingshan Orphanage had stepped into a new dawn. Duan Baisui had even gained recognition from mainstream media and completely shed the stigma that once clung to him.

Once Director Xia and the children were settled, Zuo Nian visited with large bags full of clothes and snacks. Seeing that both the children and Director Xia had been well taken care of, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

Director Xia held his hand kindly and said with warmth, “It’s all thanks to our Nian Nian’s blessings.”

No… he hadn’t done anything at all. The one who made all of this so beautiful was Duan Baisui.

He was truly grateful to Duan Baisui. And he loved him so, so much.

Duan Baisui had never once despised his background, nor had he ever looked down on his stupidity. With his actions, he had accepted his past and shown his love.

That evening, upon returning home, Zuo Nian took the initiative to dig out all the little toys and clothes he had tucked away in the wardrobe. He had bought those himself before. He had read the instructions carefully and even consulted the sales assistant on how to use them. He had prepared everything down to the smallest detail, ready to offer himself as a gift to his lover.

When Duan Baisui stepped into the bedroom, Zuo Nian showed him a side he had never revealed before.

Duan Baisui was surprised by his passion and initiative. As the two of them tangled together, Duan Baisui chuckled and asked, “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

Zuo Nian’s breath was unsteady. Straddling Duan Baisui, he moved up and down, controlling the rhythm himself as he said, “I want to make gege happy.”

Duan Baisui raised an eyebrow. “Hm?”

Zuo Nian was tired. He collapsed onto Duan Baisui’s chest, kissing his chin affectionately as he said, “I went to visit Director Mom and the children today. The environment—it’s really nice. There’s plenty of fruit and fresh meat, so much meat. The younger brothers and sisters no longer have to split one apple into eight slices, and they don’t have to drink that broth with meat scraps anymore. They can eat their fill now. I… I’m really, really happy. Thank you, gege. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Duan Baisui’s warm palm gently stroked along his back as he asked, “So this is a reward?”

“Does gege like it? Nian Nian doesn’t know what to do, but while I was waiting for you to come home, I really, really wanted to hug you. I wanted to do this kind of thing with you. So it doesn’t count as a reward for you, because Nian Nian really likes this too.”

Duan Baisui held him and rolled them over, taking control. He moved in slowly, listening to Zuo Nian’s entrancing sounds as he said, “I like it. As long as it’s you, I like whatever we do.”

—

By mid-March, Duan Baisui had to go on a business trip to T City for a week. The company’s talent show was in full swing, having entered the intense quarterfinal round. As a special guest judge for this episode, he needed to record a session with the trainees. At the same time, he had also been invited to present an award at the Qinghua Awards. His schedule for that week was packed tight.

Zuo Nian packed his luggage for him, chattering on for quite a while, mostly just reminding him to stay safe and to remember to eat on time.

Duan Baisui felt reluctant to leave. He didn’t want to be apart from Zuo Nian. Unfortunately, Zuo Nian couldn’t go with him, because the little fool had promised the children at the orphanage that he would go teach them crafts every afternoon. They both had things they needed to do.

He couldn’t selfishly take away Zuo Nian’s freedom.

On the night he arrived in T City, Duan Baisui went straight to the recording venue and went through the show rundown with the director.

There wasn’t much of a script. He was expected to give the most genuine feedback.

He first went to the practice room to observe the contestants. It was already past eight in the evening, but everyone was still practicing in front of the mirrors.

One Omega accidentally fell while dancing. Just a minor accident. When choreographing and rehearsing, bruises and falls were common among trainees. Usually, they would rest for a couple of minutes and then get right back to it, since time was tight.

However, this Omega’s first reaction was to collapse on the floor and burst into tears. Everyone thought he was hurt, so they quickly called the team doctor. After a thorough examination, it turned out to be nothing more than a light scrape.

The people around him tried to soothe him, cried along with him, and even called an ambulance.

Duan Baisui was a bit speechless. He asked the director, “Is this some brotherhood drama plot you arranged?”

The director chose his words carefully: “No, it’s just… maybe Omegas tend to be more delicate, and the contestants have good relationships with each other.”

Duan Baisui: …

There was a follow-up interview afterward, which would be aired later, together with the rest of the footage.

The host asked, “Today is your first time at the recording site. After seeing the contestants’ performance just now, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

Duan Baisui replied briefly, “Nothing much to say. Just do your best.”

Host: “Compared to the star contestants from the previous season, how do you think these contestants are doing?”

Duan Baisui replied bluntly, “Not as good as last season.”

The first three days were spent interacting with the contestants at the practice venue. On the fourth night, it was time for the Qinghua Awards ceremony.

The Qinghua Awards were highly prestigious. Artists under Xing Entertainment’s banner not only swept the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, but two newcomers also won accolades. One received Best Supporting Actress, and the other took home the Most Popular Newcomer Award.

That Most Popular Newcomer Award went to Ju Xiao.

On stage, he thanked his fans and the director, but placed special emphasis on expressing gratitude to the company for nurturing him and to Director Duan Baisui for his support.

It was, in truth, a perfectly standard acceptance speech. Nearly every artist who went on stage said similar things. Yet when Ju Xiao said it, it carried an extra layer of meaning to those listening.

After the ceremony, Ju Xiao ran into Duan Baisui at the entrance of the venue.

His film hadn’t wrapped yet. He’d lost several more pounds for the role, and his thinness gave him a slightly sickly appearance. But his gaze was bright and full of confidence. A person’s mental state often reveals the truest picture of their current life.

“Director Duan,” Ju Xiao gave him a deep bow, “about what happened with Rong Jin before, I never got the chance to apologize properly. I didn’t expect him to say such irresponsible and stupid things because of me. I’m really sorry. It ended up dragging you into it.”

“It wasn’t your fault. You don’t need to apologize,” Duan Baisui replied calmly. “Also, congratulations on the award.”

Ju Xiao smiled. “Still, thank you for giving me that chance back then.”

“Do your best.”

“I will.”

The two of them chatted as they walked out of the venue, then each got into their own car.

By the time Duan Baisui returned to the hotel, it was already past eleven.

Zuo Nian had told him goodnight at ten-thirty. Duan Baisui didn’t send another message to wake him. He just counted on his fingers: only three more days until he could go home.

Maybe it was because his lover wasn’t by his side, but Duan Baisui hadn’t been sleeping well these days. He kept having dreams—dreams of Zuo Nian. Every time he woke up to find the space next to him empty, it left him feeling hollow and melancholic.

Sunday was livestream night, and the show opened with a bang.

As a special guest judge, Duan Baisui held a one-vote pass. He could directly advance one contestant, just like in the previous season.

But unlike last time, when he gave that vote to Ju Xiao and helped him skip the pending round to advance directly, this season, he kept the vote to himself and didn’t give it to anyone.

Because after watching all their performances, Duan Baisui had the overwhelming feeling that domestic entertainment was doomed. When the host asked him to give some comments, the words stuck in his throat. He had nothing complimentary to say. Instead, he sharply pointed out each contestant’s shortcomings, leaving no one any dignity.

As soon as the show ended, Duan Baisui headed straight to the airport. He took a red-eye flight back to A City. He couldn’t wait a moment longer to see Zuo Nian. He missed him so much, it was driving him crazy.

At 3 a.m., the villa district was utterly silent. Duan Baisui, exhausted, took off his overcoat and went upstairs.

The bedroom light was still on. Zuo Nian, wearing a sleep mask, was curled up in a ball, hugging his Abei Bei and Duan Baisui’s pillow, sleeping deeply.

The sight made Duan Baisui’s heart melt. He quietly sat down at the edge of the bed, leaned over, and kissed Zuo Nian’s face, whispering, “Did you miss me that much?”

The Omega showed no sign of waking, only lifting a hand to scratch the spot where he’d been tickled by the kiss.

Duan Baisui was completely exhausted. After a quick shower, he climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around Zuo Nian from behind. In that moment, all the boundless loneliness and solitude melted away. It felt like he had finally found his home, and his heart could finally rest.

—

At the break of dawn the next day, Zuo Nian woke up. He felt the heat behind him and the restraint around his waist, but the familiar scent that filled the air made him feel safe rather than afraid.

Zuo Nian lifted his sleep mask and slowly turned his head, only to see the man’s weary face right before his eyes. Shocked and overjoyed, he stifled the scream rising in his throat, afraid to wake him.

Duan Baisui was sharing a pillow with him, their faces very close. Zuo Nian gently turned over, and at that moment, the man woke up.

Their eyes met. Zuo Nian, heart aching, reached out to touch the dark circles under his eyes and asked softly, “Gege, when did you get back?”

Duan Baisui kissed the palm of his hand and said, “Three a.m. last night.”

“So late? Why didn’t you come back today instead? Were you in that much of a hurry?”

Duan Baisui’s voice was hoarse with sleep, low and alluring. “I was. I missed you too much.”

Zuo Nian hugged him tightly. “You’re the worst… making me so emotional first thing in the morning.”

“Yeah? Did baby miss me?”

“Mm~ missed you sooo much~”

A short separation felt sweeter than a new marriage. Neither of them got out of bed. They stayed under the covers, lingering in each other’s warmth.

Zuo Nian told him about some funny things that had happened at the orphanage lately, and also mentioned that he had watched the livestream last night. Gege looked so handsome.

Duan Baisui gazed at him tenderly and said, “Don’t open the doors today. Stay with me.”

Zuo Nian blinked his curled lashes and replied with a soft smile, “Mm.”

Just as the two of them were lost in their affectionate moment, Duan Baisui’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. It was Luo Yin.

He remembered telling Luo Yin that he was off today. So, for him to call this early, was there some urgent company matter?

Duan Baisui answered, “Hello?”

Luo Yin shouted in a panic, “Director Duan, the trending searches are exploding!”

“What trending searches?”

—

#Meng Cheng Exposed on Livestream#

#Ju Xiao Crown Prince#

#One-Vote Pass#

As an accomplice in the bullying scandal, Meng Cheng had begun livestream e-commerce after terminating his contract with Xing Entertainment, relying on his former popularity and remaining fanbase.

Last night, a wave of former group fans flooded into his livestream room, mocking how far he had fallen, from endorsing luxury brands to now peddling spicy snacks. Some even asked him, since Ju Xiao had just won an award while he had ended up a livestream salesman, did he have anything to say about that?

The screen was flooded with comments like “Ju Xiao wins Most Popular Newcomer” and “Bullies deserve nothing but ruin”. Meng Cheng, who had initially tried to ignore them, finally cracked under the pressure.

He began trading insults with the commenters and even lashed out uncontrollably, saying, “You all think Ju Xiao’s so innocent? He’s just a whore.”

“During the talent show, he was flirting with both Rong Jin and Duan Baisui at the same time. Rong Jin helped him campaign for votes, and Duan Baisui gave him the one-vote pass.”

“Duan Baisui used him until he was worn out. Who doesn’t know that? Duan giving him an award is only natural. He was the most average one in our group, and now he has all these resources. Don’t you people ever stop to wonder why!”

The livestream room was quickly shut down, but the screen recording spread across the entire internet within a short time.

Rong Jin’s previous audio recording had already hinted at something improper between Ju Xiao and Duan Baisui, and now Meng Cheng’s outburst seemed to further confirm the rumor.

What’s more, after last night’s program aired, everyone could see how dissatisfied Duan Baisui was with this season’s contestants. He even outright said, “Not as good as last season.”

Some began to speculate: That’s because Director Duan’s favorite was in last season! And he didn’t use the one-vote pass this season either, which belonged to the guest judge.

CP fans went wild, shouting, “We got crumbs! We got crumbs!”

“The one-vote pass is reserved for the most special one.”

What truly drove the CP fans into a frenzy was Ju Xiao’s acceptance speech at the Qinghua Awards. He had specifically thanked the company and Duan Baisui. Someone edited in a shot of Duan Baisui sitting in the audience, smiling brightly, making it seem like the two were exchanging loving glances across the room, indifferent to the world around them.

But in all fairness, the clip they used was actually of an old actor joking on stage. Duan Baisui was simply laughing in response. It had absolutely nothing to do with Ju Xiao.

The PR department was already doing everything it could to cool things down. A clarification statement was released immediately, and a legal letter was sent to Meng Cheng. But Duan Baisui and Ju Xiao’s names were just too hot right now. Combined with the CP fans stirring everything up, it was impossible to cleanly separate fact from fiction.

Duan Baisui’s vacation was completely ruined. He was incredibly annoyed. He got out of bed and started getting dressed while Zuo Nian sat on the bed, watching him.

This kind of rumor, with absolutely no factual basis, left Duan Baisui unsure where to even begin.

In the past, he wouldn’t have cared what anyone thought. He had always firmly believed in the idea that “the innocent remain clear; those who trust you don’t need any explanation”. He never felt the need to say much to others.

But now, looking into Zuo Nian’s clear eyes filled with unspoken questions—although the obedient boy didn’t ask directly—his conflicted and slightly hurt expression stirred a deep ache in Duan Baisui’s heart.

He didn’t want Zuo Nian to overthink.

So he leaned down, kissed his forehead gently, and said, “Aside from you, I’ve never had anyone else. Not now, and not in the future either.”

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