Five years ago, Perfect Stage 100.
The first elimination round ended with one hundred contestants narrowed down to sixty-five. Jian Huai barely made the cut at sixty-fifth place. The second round of stage performances and team formations began, this time determined by a lottery system.
The A-rank contestants would choose the songs and draw names randomly to form their teams.
“Random lottery? Does that mean even us F-ranks have a chance?!”
“I hope one of the A-rank big shots picks me.”
“Ahhh, Lu Xi, pick me, pick me!”
“Xixi-ge, please pick me!”
“If it weren’t random, Lu Xi would definitely choose from Team A. At the very least, Team B.”
“The dance he chose is so hard, it’s insane. I’ll never learn it.”
Jian Huai sat in the corner of the F floor, separated by D, C, and B, and Lu Xi sat at the top of the triangle.
The distance between them.
Just a year out of college, Jian Huai’s mother was diagnosed with early-stage cancer, his father had his leg broken working on a construction site, and his little sister’s tuition was coming due. Jian Huai thought that getting into college meant he had walked out of the mountains. But it wasn’t true.
A small company scouted him and sent him to this competition. Other trainees knew multiple dance styles, but Jian Huai’s background was farming and studying.
He felt inferior.
The boy looked up, and saw the beautiful, proud young master glowing onstage.
“Jian Huai? I drew you! Welcome, my first teammate.”
Lu Xi was strong, and the song-and-dance performance he chose for the second round was extremely difficult.
Jian Huai, with no foundation in dance, didn’t want to drag Lu Xi down. After the dance studio closed, he practiced on the rooftop of the dormitory.
That weekend, the production team gave the contestants a day off.
“Your timing’s off. The landing of your left foot, if you keep dancing like this, you’ll lose balance and fall.”
The moment Lu Xi finished speaking, Jian Huai fell to the ground.
He saw Lu Xi jogging over, crouching beside him: “Did I scare you by speaking suddenly? Sorry, think of this as an apology. I’ll practice with you for a bit. It’s not every day you get an A-rank boss as your sparring partner, y’know. Don’t waste the chance, young man.”
“I’m twenty-three.”
Eighteen-year-old Lu Xi: “…Well you look like a didi.”
Jian Huai: He felt like Lu Xi was subtly mocking him.
“Hahahaha, that expression. Yeah, it’s exactly what you’re thinking.”
Even when joking, Lu Xi wasn’t annoying. Jian Huai had seen too many people who packaged themselves politely, treating him as if they were equals. But their “kindness” was just pity they used to appear considerate and good-hearted.
His four roommates were exactly like that in front of the cameras.
Behind his back, they called him a bumpkin[mfn]山炮 shānpào – originally referring to an outdated type of artillery used in rural or mountainous areas. Over time, it evolved into an insult implying someone is unsophisticated, ignorant, or foolish; often with connotations of being backward, uncultured, or clueless about modern trends.[/mfn].
Lu Xi danced through the routine once, then turned to look at him. His eyes shone from sheer love of dance.
“This dance is really cool. Try to channel some aggression into it. Pretend I’m the camera, and give me a cool, confident look. Come on, Lao Jian, you’re amazing.”
That brief half-hour.
It was the happiest time Jian Huai had during the entire show.
Lu Xi’s phone rang. “Wow, you’re really picking me up? Hold on, I’m coming down now.” His face lit up with childlike joy, like he couldn’t wait to see someone important.
A few minutes later, Jian Huai stood at the rooftop corner. Down by the road, a black luxury car pulled up.
Lu Xi dashed downstairs. The car door opened and he leapt into the arms of a tall man.
The tree shadows obscured the view, so Jian Huai couldn’t see the man’s face. But his refined attire and the watch on his wrist belonged to a social stratum Jian Huai could never reach.
That watch-wearing hand gently protected Lu Xi’s fluffy head as they got into the car.
—
“Careful.”
Jian Huai opened the passenger door with one hand, the other shielding the doorframe.
Lu Xi stared, wide-eyed. After four years apart, where did Lao Jian learn this move?
“Thanks, but this makes me feel like some delicate lady.”
Jian Huai withdrew his hand. “I’m used to taking care of people.”
Lu Xi didn’t dwell on the small gesture. Jian Huai got into the car, drove out of the garage, and soon pulled over by the roadside. His assistant, who had been waiting, handed over a food box.
“Huai-ge, I’ll head back now.”
“Mm, I’ll be back tonight, don’t worry,” Jian Huai replied.
The assistant sighed in relief. His salary was paid by Jian Huai. Huai-ge is his boss, so running errands like buying food in a hurry was no big deal. Huai-ge was always meticulous. But today, between buying food and driving alone to Jinjiang City, the assistant was anxious.
Now that he knew Huai-ge would return by night, he relaxed.
“There’s a sandwich and coffee. Eat something for now,” Jian Huai said, handing the food to Lu Xi.
“Thanks. Have you eaten?”
Jian Huai started the car, answering naturally, “The mentors had a lunch break. I already ate.”
Lu Xi unwrapped the sandwich and began eating.
The scent of black coffee drifted from the passenger seat. Jian Huai didn’t look at Lu Xi again, focusing on the road.
The drive was mostly silent. Five years ago, the two weren’t close friends; just teammates who shared a stage for one performance. After that, they hadn’t kept in touch.
Lu Xi finished his food, tidied up the trash, and leaned back in his seat to rest.
He didn’t force small talk to fill the quiet.
Jian Huai had prepared a dozen questions: How have you been all these years? Why did you come back suddenly? I switched to acting, and it’s going alright. But they all dissolved at the sight of Lu Xi’s closed eyes and serene profile.
Lu Xi had changed, yet some things remained the same.
Jian Huai achieved success in his career now. Fans praised him for his gentlemanly elegance, but no matter how well he faked it, it could never compare to the real thing. He thought back to that day on the dorm rooftop five years ago, to the man whose face he couldn’t see.
Lu Xi loved that man so much. So why did he leave?
—
“Xie Zhuhan, happy birthday! Ta-da, here’s your gift.”
The young man held the gift box above his head, his eyes lively and mischievous as he teased, “Guess what it is.” He was a head shorter than Xie Zhuhan, so he balanced the box on his own head and wrapped his arms around Xie Zhuhan’s waist.
“It’ll fall.” Xie Zhuhan held the boy with one arm and steadied the box with the other.
If it hit him, he’d cry.
“Not guessing.”
Expressionless, Xie Zhuhan opened the gift box directly.
The boy, full of enthusiasm, deliberately stood on tiptoe to bump into Xie Zhuhan. How could this person be so boring? He wouldn’t even play along!
Xie Zhuhan rested his chin on the boy’s soft hair, holding him still.
Inside the box was a fashion watch.
“Isn’t it pretty? It’s a couple set. Let’s switch your style a bit, your antique watch needs a break too.”
The watch, like the young Lu Xi, was beautiful, flashy, and vibrant.
“Master.” The butler knocked and entered, finding his master looking at an old watch.
He remembered. It was the watch Lu Xi had gifted Xie Zhuhan on his birthday five years ago. The master never wore fashion watches, but that day, for Lu Xi, he had set aside his favorite wristwatch and allowed Lu Xi to take countless photos of their clasped hands from every angle, posting them online.
Xie Zhuhan glanced over. The butler averted his gaze and said, “Young Master Lu Xi has joined a variety show in S City. The two boys he brought back are three years and two months old, currently enrolled at Fenglin Kindergarten. According to the records…”
“Speak.”
“According to the records, Young Master Lu Xi was listed as their father.” The butler immediately lowered his head after speaking.
The room fell deathly silent.
Three years and two months old.
Either Lu Xi was with another woman while still with the master, or he got a girlfriend immediately after leaving.
Either way, the master would be furious.
“Master?”
Xie Zhuhan placed the watch back in its box, his expression icy but firm. “Impossible. There must be some misunderstanding.”
Lu Xi loved him so much. He would never have been with anyone else.
Let alone had children with someone.
—
“Daddy!”
Dougao saw his dad first, the proud little boss face breaking into joy. Doubao turned his head like he had a radar – ping! – and spotted Daddy too.
Old man Lu, as usual, scooped up one child in each arm and went to ask Apple Class teacher for leave.
“I haven’t found a suitable caretaker yet, so I have to take them with me for work. Sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s no problem. Parents are their children’s first teachers. Doubao and Dougao are happiest when they’re with their daddy.”
Apple Class teacher smiled understandingly. That smile reminded Lu Xi of the one the teacher had given him when she found out he was both “mommy” and “daddy.” He couldn’t help but wonder if the teacher suspected something.
One dragged two kids and fled the scene immediately.
The kindergarten was inside the residential complex. On the main road, Jian Huai’s car was parked.
The hot coffee had gone cold, its bitterness faded. The cup was nearly untouched. Lu Xi doesn’t like black coffee.
Jian Huai made a mental note.
He watched as Lu Xi approached, holding the hands of two identical three-year-olds. Even in an industry accustomed to beautiful children, these two were the most striking he had ever seen.
Full of spirit.
Jian Huai opened the car door, and Lu Xi helped Doubao and Dougao inside.
“Hello, Uncle!”
The two greeted him sweetly.
Back at the building, Lu Xi invited Jian Huai upstairs.
“Check if you’ve forgotten anything. We’re leaving soon.” Lu Xi let the twins inspect their backpacks while he went to the kitchen to pour Jian Huai a glass of water. “I don’t have tea here yet. Would you prefer juice?”
“Water is fine.”
Jian Huai took the cup, the warmth just right against his palm.
He recognized this neighborhood. The properties here were highly sought after. It seemed Lu Xi had been living well.
Five years ago, Jian Huai didn’t muster the courage to confess, too ashamed of his own inadequacy. Seeing Lu Xi return, he indulged in some heroism, thinking he was now capable of protecting and caring for him. But now, it seemed there was little he could actually offer.
“Daddy, we’re ready! Let’s go!”
The twins shouldered their backpacks. Lu Xi hauled a large suitcase, and Jian Huai moved to help.
“Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
He wasn’t a girl. Lao Jian was being way too gentlemanly.
First stop: food.
Lu Xi, like the twins, ran on a strict three-meals-a-day schedule and was starving on time. Because of Jian Huai’s celebrity status, he picked a discreet restaurant, but the private rooms were all booked.
“Is sitting in the main dining area okay?” Lu Xi asked.
Jian Huai: “Sure, I don’t mind.”
“With all that cheering today, I figured you’d mind.” Still, if Jian Huai said so. Lu Xi had just returned, didn’t realize how popular Jian Huai had become, and made the reservation.
Throughout the meal, it felt like they were being watched.
“Daddy, those uncles and aunties are looking at me. Is it because I’m pretty?” Doubao was confident.
Lu Xi: “I think they’re looking at me ‘cause I’m pretty.”
Jian Huai: “…”
Some were even sneakily taking photos. Lu Xi glanced at Jian Huai. “It’s because of Pretty Jian, right?”
Jian Huai: “…”
Ahem.
“Ohh, so they’re looking at Uncle Jian,” Dougao caught on quick.
Doubao tilted his head. “Why? Doubao is cuter!”
“Because Uncle Jian is a big celebrity,” Lu Xi explained. “He’s on TV, so lots of people know him.”
Thankfully, the meal ended without incident. After paying, they set off.
A photo of Jian Huai and his friend from the meal circulated a bit, posted by some passerby surprised to spot a celebrity during lunch. But it didn’t cause any major stir.
—
Calico Cat[mfn]it is the person’s username (三花猫 – sān huā māo)[/mfn]and Zhu Li finally met in person and shared a hotel room.
After showering, Calico Cat sprawled on the bed and started chatting in the group chat.
【Being on set is sooo boring. Phones are confiscated. Can’t play at all. Director controls the audience’s laugh and cheer cues like a robot.]
【Hahahaha poor cat. At least you and Lao Zhu are having fun. [smile]】
【Any gossip to share? Spill it.】
【Okay, I can say that the mystery guest is Jian Huai. Online rumors were right. Also, Jian Huai scolded Zhao Ziyang today. I can’t say why, but it was so satisfying.】
【Whaaaat?? jh is such a gentle person but he scolds people? Now I want to watch the show.】
Calico Cat flipped over and asked tentatively, “Zhu Li, did you feel like Jian Huai was really protective of Lu Xi today? I almost started shipping them.”
Experience said: never ship real people. Too much heartbreak. Almost never ends well.
She curled her toes nervously. “Shipping the Best Actor with a flop idol… better to ship the couple watches. That hype back then… ugh, like expired candy. I wonder what happened to Lu Xi and the guy in the couple watch.”
“That bastard doesn’t deserve him!”
Zhu Li snapped, four years of pent-up rage spilling out. “Lu Xi was such an idiot, a total romance-brain. Gave up his career and spiraled because of that bastard. He used to be A-class! Now even Zhao Yu – copycat Zhao Yu – can out-rank him. Let me catch that watch bastard[mfn]netizens call xzh “watch guy” because of the couple watch photos that lx posted back then[/mfn]! I’ll kill him!”
The Calico Cat was stunned: !!!
She remembered now. Zhu-jie had joined the retirement fan group four years ago.
Zhu-jie used to be Lu Xi’s career fan!
