TSSRWAB Chapter 1

September, Haitang International Airport, Jinjiang City.

 

The flight from France was set to land in an hour. A dozen or so fans are scattered around the terminal hall, holding up banners and anxiously looking toward the entrance. When a figure finally appeared, one of them sighed in relief and said, “Zhu-jie is here.”

 

Zhu-jie, Zhu Li. She had been chasing stars since middle school, back when idol culture in China was still in its infancy. Back then, Zhu Li was a fan of Korean idols, learning Korean for translations, photography, and more. By the time she graduated from university, her original bias had faded into obscurity, and she expanded her fan base. She became a professional fansite manager.

 

She works with celebrity teams on a paid contract basis.

 

Thanks to her photography and editing skills, her candid shots of celebrities often went viral for their stunning quality. Most major fan accounts knew Zhu Li, and before she arrived, the newcomers in the crowd had already been briefed on her reputation.

 

“I didn’t know Sister Zhu was also a fan of our gege.[mfn]In Chinese fan culture, “gege” (哥哥), which literally means “older brother”, is used as a term of affection, respect, and sometimes even a form of flattery towards male stars or figures, especially in online contexts. Think of Korea’s “oppa”.[/mfn]”

 

“Gege is so amazing, who wouldn’t love him?”

 

Zhu Li was here on a paid job, but she couldn’t exactly say that to the fans. She found the best spot to set up and, since there was still time, chatted with a few fans carrying DSLRs about photography techniques.

 

“Gege’s flight just landed!”

 

Everyone immediately perked up, their eyes wide like copper bells, shining with excitement. Zhu Li, however, had too many biases to count; her heart was as fickle as a playboy who had sailed through a thousand ships. She mechanically scrolled through her phone in a fan group, utterly unmoved.

 

“Why isn’t gege out yet? Did he take the VIP channel?”

 

Nope. Zhu Li didn’t even look up. Your gege is definitely holed up in the bathroom fixing his hair and makeup right now. After a thirteen-hour flight, how could he possibly show up with flat hair and a tired face if he wanted those “airport candid shots” to trend on Weibo?

 

So they’d have to wait.

 

The reason she was hired was obviously because someone had arranged for buzz and exposure on social media. Just the standar procedure.

 

A senior fan took the opportunity to remind everyone of airport etiquette: no loud screaming, no pushing or shoving, absolutely no touching gege without permission…

 

“Is that gege? I think it is!”

 

“Gege looks so handsome today!!!”

 

“Ahhhhhhh I’m dead, gege is so hot!!!”

 

Zhu Li heard the fans’ commotion and paused. He came out so quickly? It seems she also made a misjudgment. Without a word, she grabbed her camera and started working.

 

Hmm.

 

“That… doesn’t look like gege. That guy has two little boys sitting on his luggage…” The fans with cameras quickly realized their mistake. Their gege is single, childless, and definitely not a father.

 

The fans who had just been screaming “ahhh so hot”: ……

 

Awkward. Mistaking someone else for their idol? Fake fans exposed.

 

“He really did look like him from far away though. Can’t blame us for getting it wrong.”

 

“Yeah, he doesn’t look like a regular person. Must be a celebrity too, right?”

 

The fake fans quietly tried to save face.

 

As the man approached, his tall, lean figure, pale skin, and cool demeanor stood out. His face, however, was strikingly beautiful; not feminine, but dazzlingly eye-catching, and impossible to ignore. Some fans even wondered if he was a Korean or Japanese star. If he was just an ordinary person, that would be insane. Those who said they resembled gege fell silent, as they didn’t really look alike. This person was more…

 

“So handsome… so pretty.” One fan whispered what everyone was thinking.

 

Zhu Li’s expression was complicated. She didn’t expect it to be him. After a long pause, she said, “That’s Lu Xi.”

 

“Lu Xi? Who’s that?”

 

“LU XI!!!”

 

Zhu Li didn’t bother explaining. She kept her camera steady and took a moment to drop a message in her retirement gossip group:

 

Lu Xi is back.

 

—

 

 

Lu Xi pushed the luggage cart with two suitcases stacked on top of each other. Doubao and Dougao[mfn]their names are literally bean bun and bean cake (so cute)[/mfn] sat on them. Doubao loved sitting there; every time they went to the airport, he insisted on dragging his didi onto it too.

 

“Daddy, faster!”

 

Doubao lifted his little face, his grape-like eyes sparkling. His chubby cheeks puffed up as he spoke, his lips slightly pursed in a way that made it sound like he was whining sweetly, “Daddy~”

 

“You’ll get scared.” Beside him, Dougao, who is identical in appearance, replied coolly.

 

Despite looking like two identical soft, pillowy steamed buns, one was a clingy, sweet airhead, while the other was a cold, hard frozen dumpling. They’re easy to tell apart.

 

“I won’t! Doubao is gege[mfn]Doubao used 咯咯” (gēge) here which is a childish/cute mispronunciation of “哥哥” (gēge, “older brother”), so everytime he says “gege”, he uses this most of the time[/mfn], gege isn’t scared!” Doubao blinked his big eyes at his brother.

 

Dougao’s little face remained expressionless. “Oh.”

 

Lu Xi: “……”

 

He was used to this. He nudged the cart from a slow walk to a slightly faster pace–

 

“Ahhh, so fast~” Doubao quickly covered his eyes with his little paws, his round face filled with panic, looking like he was scared but excited. Meanwhile, Dougao coldly extended a hand, “Hold on tight.”

 

Doubao clutched his brother’s hand tightly, wailing, “Gege isn’t scared, ohhh~”

 

Lu Xi: Kid, your voice is shaking. How is that not scared?!

 

Little coward Doubao.

 

Seeing fans waiting at the airport from afar, Lu Xi couldn’t believe it. After four years, there were still fans waiting for him! He was deeply moved. Upon his return, he was still a king!

 

He instantly switched his cart speed from playful to dignified mode.

 

He raised one hand like a lucky cat.[mfn](财猫) you know that figurine of a cat with one paw raised above its head[/mfn]

 

“Ahhh!!! Gege is here!!!”

 

The previously quiet fan group erupted into screams.

 

Lu Xi, the lucky cat, waved his arm twice. Ah, these are my fans. So cute.

 

“Ahhhh gege looks so handsome today! That all-black outfit is killer!”

 

“Gege looked at me!”

 

Lu Xi, still waving, blinked in confusion. All-black outfit???

 

The fans screamed, their gazes piercing right through him to focus on someone behind him. They raised their support banners high with four bold letters: 【Only Love Zhao Yu】[mfn]唯爱赵钰[/mfn]

 

Lu Xi silently lowered his arm.

 

The tears of gratitude dried up instantly.

 

He was wrong.

 

Four years had passed. He should have known by now that love fades away!

 

He gripped the luggage cart and made a sharp turn, as if those few seconds of feeling seen were nothing but illusion, fantasy, and something that never happened!

 

He pushed his two sons straight out of the airport.

 

Behind him, the chaos continued.

 

Zhu Li finally looked away. She heard the twin boys call Lu Xi ‘daddy’. The fans’ screams reminded her to get back to work, but as she watched the young idol strutting toward them, trying so hard to look cool, she suddenly felt… uninterested.

 

After finishing the airport shoot, Zhu Li checked her phone. The retirement gossip group had blown up with 99+ messages.

 

【Lu Xi? Lao[mfn]”Lao” (老) is often used before a person’s surname as a term of respect and familiarity, especially for older or more established individuals. It doesn’t always directly translate to “old,” but rather implies a sense of seniority, closeness, or familiarity.[/mfn] Zhu, are you sure???】

 

【Are you serious? No way. I don’t believe it.jpg[mfn]a meme, there’s lots out there and idk which one[/mfn]】

 

【Wasn’t Lao Zhu supposed to shoot some young idol today? What’s his name again?】

 

【Zhao Yu. He debuted on a stage competition, and his whole persona and style are… kinda like Lu Xi’s.】

 

【Even so, Lu Xi was top tier. Xiao[mfn]In Chinese, the term “Xiao” (小) placed before someone’s name, typically a surname or the second character of their given name, is often used as an affectionate and informal way to address younger or less senior individuals. It’s a way to express closeness and endearment, similar to calling someone “little” or “young” in English.[/mfn] Zhao can’t compare.】

 

……

 

【Lao Zhu, you dropped a hook and then just left?】

 

【We’ve been chatting for so long, @Lao Zhu, Lao Zhu?】

 

【No real gossip or proof and we’ve been yapping this long. Lu Xi’s influence is scary even now.】

 

【What’s the big deal? Four years ago, it was full-on xyxf[mfn]腥风血雨 (xīng fēng xuè yǔ) – literally “stench of wind and rain of blood,” a Chinese internet slang term describing intense online drama, often involving fan wars, scandals, or vicious public debates[/mfn], who could’ve guessed? Just drop it.】

 

The group only has about thirty members, all from different fandoms and circles, with no fixed biases. Only just passing interests. They loved to chatter. Zhu Li skimmed the messages, then uploaded the photos she’d taken.

 

The previously dead chat exploded.

 

【Holy shit!】

 

【Holy shit! HOLY SHIT!!】

 

【OH MY GOD!!!!】

 

It really was Lu Xi!

 

【@Lao Zhu, who are the two boys on Lu Xi’s luggage cart? His relatives’ kids? They’re so cute.】

 

Zhu Li: 【…They called him daddy. You tell me.】

 

【!!!!! F*CK】

 

—

 

“Daddy, is Uncle William at the new house?”

 

Dougao answered coolly before Lu Xi could. “Uncle William is in England, dummy.”

 

“Gege is not a dummy!” Doubao wasn’t upset at being called names by his brother. Waving his little hands excitedly, he put on a proud face and hmphed. “That’s me and Uncle William’s secret~”

 

His expression practically screamed ‘Didi, come ask Gege about the secret.‘

 

Unfortunately, Dougao wasn’t biting. Cold. Heartless. Zero curiosity.

 

Doubao pouted and playfully bumped his head against his brother’s. Dougao glanced at him, kept a blank expression, but bumped his head back.

 

Two fluffy little heads pressed together.

 

“Uncle William is at his own home. We’re going home now.” Despite the awkward airport fan encounter, being back in familiar territory put Lu Xi in a good mood. “Finally home.”

 

Outside the car, traffic flowed endlessly. After four years, the city was still bustling.

 

Half an hour later, the car stopped at Fenglin[mfn]枫林 – Maple Forest[/mfn] Residences.

 

An older, high-end neighborhood nestled in the heart of the city, well-maintained and exuding an air of timeless elegance. The kind of place where only the wealthy lived. As soon as Lu Xi opened the door, his phone rang.

 

“Dougao, you and gege go inside first.” Lu Xi held the luggage and stepped aside, letting the two go in to familiarize themselves with the environment and inspect their new home. The apartment was 180 square meters, with four bedrooms, two living rooms, and a sunroom, offering excellent natural light. It had already been cleaned.

 

“Daddy, there’s a rocking horse!” Doubao dashed over and hugged Lu Xi’s leg, his little face lit up with joy. “I’m so happy, daddy!”

 

“Go play with your brother. Daddy needs to unpack.”

 

With his father’s blessing, Doubao happily dragged his stoic little brother off to the rocking horse.

 

After four years in the UK, they returned with just two suitcases, most of the contents being the boys’ stuff. The second bedroom had been made into a children’s room. Doubao and Douge are twins who had shared a bed since birth. If one woke up in the middle of the night, the other couldn’t sleep soundly either. They were inseparable.

 

The toys and clothes were all new. Lu Xi checked the master bedroom and, sure enough, the walk-in closet was stocked with brand-new outfits in his size. . He looked down and opened WeChat: 【Ge, thank you.】

 

Gorgeous Older Brother: 【Money can solve everything.】

 

Lu Xi sent back a string of 666[mfn]In Chinese, “666” (liù liù liù) is used as internet slang for “awesome,” “cool,” or “nice.” It’s a way to express admiration or praise for something impressive, often used in online comments or chat. [/mfn] to praise his ridiculously wealthy brother.

 

But Lu Xi wasn’t the type to live off his family. He came back to China this time to start a career!

 

He scrolled all the way to the bottom of his contact list and dialed his old manager, Pete-ge.

 

The phone rang for a while before connecting.

 

“Hello, who’s this?”

 

“It’s me, Lu Xi. Your top star is back.”

 

Pete: “Pass.”

 

The call ended.

 

Lu Xi: “……”

 

A second later, the phone rang again. Pete called back. Even without speakerphone, his voice was loud enough to shake the room: “LU XI, YOU BASTARD, YOU ACTUALLY CAME BACK?! FOUR YEARS, AND YOU DON’T EVEN GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION?! WE’RE NOT DONE! NOT DONE!!!”

 

“I-” Lu Xi barely got a word in.

 

Pete’s voice screeched on: “You what? Think having lawyers makes you special? You could terminate contracts with the big boss just fine, so why come crawling back to me now?!”

 

“Even if you were giving birth and recovering for four years, you’d have a dozen kids by now!”

 

Pete sneered sarcastically into the phone. “Go on, enlighten me. What’s your excuse this time?”

 

“Postpartum depression.”

 

Pete: “……”

 

Classic Lu Xi!

 

Lu Xi, a grown man, having a child and suffering from postpartum depression? Pete didn’t believe a word of it. After the rant, he got back to the point, “…Want to make a comeback? Dream on. This industry isn’t short on handsome men and beautiful women. Fans have short memories; they’ve probably forgotten your name already.”

 

“Especially since you left on bad terms.” Pete’s voice softened as he offered a sincere advice, “Change careers.”

 

They had some history, but business was business. Lu Xi wanted to make a comeback and become famous in the entertainment industry, but in Pete’s eyes, there’s no comeback, only a disastrous outcome.

 

The call ended.

 

Half an hour later.

 

“Xi-ge, I take back what I said about you changing careers. I was wrong.”

 

Pete called again.

 

Lu Xi: “???”

 

“I take back what I said about no one remembering you.”

 

“??? Did you take something weird today?”

 

Pete, nursing his metaphorical slapped face, gushed excitedly: “You’re trending at #1 on Weibo. It’s already gone viral now. I knew it! My Xi-ge is still the best!”

 

“Wrong type. Don’t love me, it won’t work out.”

 

Lu Xi was merciless.