WTDWPK Chapter 25

Before this, Song Yu had completely blocked out any news about Fu Yuqian. He had never watched Fu Yuqian’s variety shows or his dramas—he had only ever heard him sing. After all, store owners would loop their songs to attract customers. But whenever Song Yu happened to hear it, he would immediately put on his headphones and refuse to listen.

So he had never realized—Fu Yuqian’s acting was actually this good.

Song Yu was well aware of his own acting skills. He could only say that he was slightly better than a total novice. But now, seeing that Fu Yuqian was miles ahead of him in acting, his competitive spirit flared up again. He absolutely could not be worse than Fu Yuqian. He couldn’t let his fans think that their idol was inferior to Fu Yuqian in any way.

But right now, he was just a cat. And even if he asked the company to let him take acting lessons once he was back to normal, they probably wouldn’t agree.

A cat…

Wait! That was it!

As a cat, he could stay by Fu Yuqian’s side without raising any suspicion. He could secretly learn from his acting skills, and once he regained his human form, he would improve by leaps and bounds—enough to shock everyone!

With his intelligence, he was confident that he could surpass his rival and come out on top.

Thinking of this, Song Yu immediately found the best spot to lie down, his bright cat eyes fixed intently on Fu Yuqian.

Come on, servant—let me see your acting skills.

Fu Yuqian noticed the serious look in Song Yu’s eyes and immediately saw through his thoughts. The imposing aura he had just moments ago vanished, and he returned to being his usual shameless self.

“Yiyi, why are you looking at me like that? Were you scared by my acting just now? Don’t be afraid.” He reached out, intending to pick up Song Yu.

Song Yu extended a paw and pushed him away, letting out a soft “meow.”

Keep acting. I’m trying to learn here.

“Oh? Yiyi wants to watch me act?” Fu Yuqian tapped his soft, pink little nose with a slender finger and smiled. “Then how about you act with me later?”

“Meow!” Of course!

Fu Yuqian’s smile deepened as he picked up the script, quickly memorized a scene, and then lifted Song Yu into his arms. Sitting down in the study chair, his eyes darkened, and his hand, though gentle as it smoothed the cat’s fur, no longer belonged to the playful rogue from before.

He had entered character.

“Minister Su,” he said coldly, “someone has accused your noble clan of oppressing the common folk, abusing their power, and treating the people like livestock. Are you aware of this?”

He paused as if listening to the minister’s defense. Then, the corner of his lips curled up in a mocking smile—one that was both playful and chilling.

“Minister Song,” he continued, his voice laced with sarcasm, “Minister Su insists that these accusations are false. But the report was written by you. Face him and argue your case in court.”

“Minister Song, I have always respected you. I never expected that you would be the one to accuse me?!”

Fu Yuqian abruptly changed his tone, perfectly embodying a minister who was both panicked and shocked.

Then, in another instant, his voice shifted again—this time, he was Minister Song, speaking with an awkward and hesitant tone:

“Your Majesty, this old minister… this old minister only feared that Minister Su was being misled by his clan and would make a grave mistake. That is why… I reported the matter to Your Majesty.”

“You all think I am a fool, trying to use me as a blade to eliminate your enemies,” Fu Yuqian’s voice took on an excited, almost bloodthirsty edge. “Very well, I shall grant your wish! Guards! Take Song Qinglan and Su Yunzhi to the Meridian Gate, and at once—”

Song Yu was completely engrossed, watching intently. But just as the scene reached its climax, Fu Yuqian suddenly stopped.

Song Yu’s round, confused eyes seemed to say: Why did you stop? It was so good! Keep going!

Fu Yuqian let out a muffled laugh, grabbed Song Yu’s two paws, and lightly tapped them against his own face.

“Yiyi, it’s your turn now.”

Only then did Song Yu snap back to reality. Ah—right! The tyrant was about to execute people, and Fu Qingyu was supposed to intervene. After all, the two ministers didn’t deserve to die.

“Meow!”

Song Yu let out a sharp cry, bracing his hind legs before smacking Fu Yuqian’s face with both paws in a flurry of slaps. His tail swayed angrily behind him.

“No killing?” Fu Yuqian seamlessly continued the scene, furrowing his brows in mock distress. “Since Ah-Mi won’t let me kill, I’ll spare them for now. Each shall receive thirty strokes of the rod—right outside the hall.”

“Yiyi, pat my shoulder,” Fu Yuqian guided Song Yu’s paw onto his shoulder.

Song Yu obediently did as instructed, and with that, the scene was complete.

Fu Yuqian pulled him into a hug and placed a light kiss on his little head, his tone soft as he slowly emerged from the role.

“My Yiyi is so smart.”

Song Yu allowed the kiss, still caught in the lingering atmosphere Fu Yuqian had created. The character Fu Yuqian had just portrayed—Leng Yunlin—was flawless. From his expressions to his tone to his presence, everything fit the character perfectly.

His acting was truly incredible.

Song Yu found himself a little mesmerized.

“What’s wrong, Yiyi? Did I pull you into the scene?” Fu Yuqian found his dazed expression adorable and couldn’t resist stealing another kiss—this time on his mouth.

“Meow!”

Song Yu snapped back to his senses and swatted Fu Yuqian with a paw. Stop messing around!

He was still excited—acting was such an amazing thing. It allowed a person to completely transform into someone else and bring joy to the audience.

And now… he actually admired Fu Yuqian a little.

After all, Fu Yuqian had effortlessly switched between three distinct voices, even perfectly imitating that of a middle-aged man.

What was the term for this in professional acting?

Ah, yes—extreme vocal adaptability.

His attitude toward Fu Yuqian softened a little more. He even stopped minding the kisses.

Fu Yuqian, for his part, was genuinely willing to teach Song Yu. Whenever he had free time, he would mutter acting techniques to himself. Song Yu always listened intently, wishing he could take notes like a diligent student.

And so, when Fu Yuqian posted on Weibo again, he uploaded a photo of an orange tabby cat wearing a pair of decorative glasses, intently pressing down on a book.

The title on the book’s cover?

The Actor’s Self-Cultivation.

Fish fans were completely smitten.

The sight of the serious little orange cat reading was simply too cute—it was exactly the same expression their hardworking Song Yu had when he was focused!

A talented artist was immediately inspired and drew a picture of Song Yu with cat ears and a tail, earnestly reading a book.

The moment the illustration was posted, Fish fans collectively lost their minds.

Kitten-eared Song Yu?! He looks so soft! So cuddly! I want to hold him and smother him with kisses!

Fu Yuqian, naturally, also saw the drawing. But unlike the fans, his mind wandered to something else entirely—

He imagined a future where Song Yu returned to human form, wearing cat ears and a tail. A sight both innocent and alluring… looking at him with adoration…

Heat stirred in his chest.

His gaze darkened slightly.

Scooping up the seriously studying Song Yu, he pushed him down, burying his face against the cat’s soft, warm little belly. His voice came out husky.

“Yiyi, I really, really love Song Yu. I want to see him shine on stage. I want to watch him immerse himself in a role. I want to hold his hand at night and wake up beside him in the morning sunlight. I want to travel the world with him, leaving our memories in every beautiful place. I want to hold him, kiss him, do the most intimate things with him. I want our souls to intertwine completely.

Yiyi… this is the first time in my life I’ve ever liked someone this much.

I like him so much that I could give him my heart and my very life.

Yiyi… do you think there’s even the slightest chance he could like me back?

Even just a little?”

Song Yu had been about to push him away, but his paws suddenly froze in midair.

His heart skipped a beat, then began racing.

His mouth felt dry.

Did Fu Yuqian really… like him that much?

What did it mean to like someone?

One thing was certain—he didn’t dislike Fu Yuqian’s feelings.

But what about himself?

Did he… like Fu Yuqian?

Fu Yuqian was handsome, powerful, devoted, and single-minded. He could cook, he could act, and he was just as successful—if not more—than Song Yu himself.

By all accounts, he was the perfect lover.

…Aside from the fact that his brain was occasionally full of nonsense.

But wasn’t that just a natural part of human desire? Even the ancients said so.

Song Yu felt lost.

He needed to think carefully.

And he had his fans to consider, too—he couldn’t be reckless.

Most of Fu Yuqian’s Weibo posts were neatly arranged nine-grid collages—five solo shots of Song Yu, four duo shots of them together. The compositions were beautifully warm, with a subtle but deliberate intimacy.

Fish fans came for the cat photos but inevitably ended up seeing Fu Yuqian alongside the little orange feline.

And after seeing him enough times… they started thinking…

Huh. Fu Yuqian is actually kind of good-looking.

I might actually be able to accept his face.

No! They had to stay strong!

But deep down, just like their idol Song Yu…

Something was beginning to change.

Fortunately, Fu Yuqian had rehearsals at Mango TV for the next few days and wouldn’t return until New Year’s Eve.

So, Song Yu was sent back to his mother’s house.

Yet, even as his mom cuddled him, his mind kept wandering.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Fu Yuqian.

Before the New Year’s Eve show began, Song’s mother turned on the television. The broadcast had already started.

The cameras swept backstage, where the hosts were interviewing the performers.

Song Yu lay sprawled on the couch, watching intently.

The lineup was as star-studded as always, filled with popular actors and singers.

But without a doubt, the biggest name on the list was still—

Fu Yuqian.

And because of that, he had his own private dressing room.

The female host greeted the camera, “Now we’re going to visit Teacher Fu Yuqian. Where are all the Qianqian girls? Let me see your hands!”

After knocking on the door, Liu Le quickly opened it. The host smiled and explained the purpose of the visit, and Liu Le let them in.

Fu Yuqian was getting his makeup done, almost finished. His hair was styled with gel, with just a few stray strands left loose, revealing an incredibly handsome face that looked like it had stepped straight out of a comic book. With stage makeup applied, his features appeared even more refined and striking. When his deep brown eyes looked into the camera, even Song Yu’s heart skipped a beat.

This man looked really handsome today.

There were no bullet comments on TV, but Song Yu could easily imagine that the Qianqian girls must be going wild. The bullet comments on the online live stream were probably flooding the screen.

The female host was visibly mesmerized for a moment but quickly regained her professionalism and began the interview. “Teacher Fu, could you say a few words of blessing to the audience in front of their TVs?”

Fu Yuqian took the microphone and smiled slightly. “I hope everyone stays healthy and that all your wishes come true. For all the single men and women out there, I hope you find someone to bring home for the New Year.”

“Thank you for the well wishes, Teacher Fu,” the host said with a bright smile. “We collected some questions from fans on Weibo in advance. Would you be willing to answer them?”

“Of course.”

“Great, the first question is: ‘Host, please tell Fu Yuqian that I love him so much!'”

Fu Yuqian looked slightly surprised but soon smiled. “Thank you, message received.”

Song Yu pouted, feeling inexplicably a little sulky.

Mother Song also commented, “So many girls like Xiao Fu. I wonder what kind of girl he likes. I don’t know any particularly good young women.” As someone of her age, she loved matchmaking.

He likes me the most. Song Yu let out a smug “meow.”

“Xiao Fu is such a great person. He’ll surely find a gentle and beautiful girl.”

Song Yu meowed again, disagreeing—impossible, he loves me to death.

“Yiyi, do you think so too? Do you want a mom?”

Song Yu: “…” How come his mom was completely off-track?

Meanwhile, the host moved on to the second question. “Fans want to know about your plans for the new year. Any concerts or dramas? Please share a little!”

This was an easy question. Fu Yuqian replied, “I have a web drama confirmed for now, and I’m in talks for other scripts. There’s also an original variety show in the works. The news about the web drama will be released soon, so please look forward to it.”

“We’ll be waiting eagerly!” The host smiled. “And for the last question—what kind of girl does Qianqian like?”

This was a ratings-booster that had been approved in advance by Fu Yuqian’s team.

Upon hearing the question, Fu Yuqian smiled again, his gaze filled with warmth and affection. “The person I love—no matter what they look like, I will love them. They just need to be themselves and wait for me to love them.”

The host clutched her chest dramatically. “Teacher Fu is too charming! I can’t handle it. I’m so envious of your future partner. Alright, mission accomplished! Thank you, Teacher Fu, for your time. We’ll take our leave now.”

Meanwhile, in the bullet comments, the Qianqian girls collectively swooned, falling flat on their backs. “AWLS! My husband is too charming! How can he be this perfect?!”

Of course, some analyzed his expression. It was obvious that he already had someone he liked; that’s why he didn’t avoid the question at all. The Qianqian girls sighed in melancholy. “I’ve known this for a long time, but what can I do? I still love this man.”

After all, Fu Yuqian had always been this way—noble, aloof, and hard to approach. And with his family background, there was always the possibility of a political marriage. The Qianqian girls had mentally prepared themselves long ago. As long as he didn’t make an official announcement, they were still his devoted “wife fans.”

Song Yu lowered his head, his face heating up.

Ying Qi had already delivered vegetables and meat, even bringing an induction cooker so they could cook in the hospital’s family lodging. Since there weren’t many relatives staying overnight, they didn’t have to worry about disturbing others.

At 8:30 PM, Fu Yuqian made his appearance on stage. He wore a red suit that accentuated his flawless physique and long legs. His dance moves were sharp and captivating, holding everyone’s attention. After he delivered his final dramatic monologue, the entire audience responded in unison with a loud “Good!” Some particularly enthusiastic young men even shouted out loudly, making the audience burst into laughter.

Just five minutes after Fu Yuqian’s curtain call, Song Yu’s mother received a call. “Auntie, I’ll be home in about two and a half hours. Please wait for me.”

“Alright, I got it. Be safe on the road, Xiao Fu.”

For some reason, Song Yu felt a little nervous. His mother had already started preparing dinner, and to distract himself, he paced around her feet. But his mother found him annoying and shooed him away.

He went back to watching TV, but nothing really registered.

Two and a half hours later, as promised, Fu Yuqian arrived. The moment he walked in, he gave Mother Song a warm hug. “Auntie, Happy New Year.”

Mother Song was pleasantly surprised and even blushed slightly, unaccustomed to such open displays of affection. “Happy New Year, Xiao Fu. Go wash your hands, dinner is ready.”

Song Yu stood on the ground, tilting his head up to look at Fu Yuqian. Under the warm lights, the three of them looked exactly like a family, making his eyes sting with the urge to cry.

Fu Yuqian smiled at Song Yu, his deep eyes filled with warmth and affection. “Yiyi, Happy New Year.”

“Meow.” Happy New Year, Fu Yuqian.

Since it was already past 10 PM, they couldn’t eat too much, so Mother Song had only prepared four dishes. As they ate, she sighed, “Xiao Yu will be twenty-two after the New Year. When I was his age, I was already married. He’s never been in a relationship before, and as his mother, I’m a bit worried. Xiao Fu, if you know any good girls, be sure to introduce them to Xiao Yu.”

Song Yu immediately lifted his head—he was only twenty-two! Why would he be thinking about relationships?!

He was even more worried about what Fu Yuqian might say.

Sure enough, Fu Yuqian spoke up. “Actually, I do know someone suitable…”

---

Author’s Note:
Fu Yuqian: To be honest, that “girl” is me.

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