Forcefully Doting On You - c70

 

Chapter 31

The development of the story was quite timely.

Initially, in Weibo Super Talk, the "ChengCai CP" had a large number of fans, and their popularity was high. The "ZhongCai CP" was also quite popular. However, the CP of Gu Yunchen and Mo Hengqing had always been lukewarm. And ever since Mu Cai debuted, it almost disappeared.

But just in these couple of days, a slightly famous uploader on a well-known barrage website suddenly had an idea to create a widely appealing video using various film and television clips. The uploader, according to their personal preferences and understanding, arranged for Gu Yunchen and Mo Hengqing to portray two popular roles from the original work.

In the original work, these two characters had a deep friendship, saving each other from danger several times, and had a large number of CP fans.

The casting in the video was appropriate, the colors were comfortable, and the editing was meticulous. Many selected clips subtly matched the foreshadowing buried in the original work, not only highlighting the characters' personalities but also roughly recounting the entire content. As a result, this video was quickly upvoted by fans of the original work and achieved the third-highest view count of the day on the website.

Meanwhile, the CP fans of the two characters began to take a keen interest in the two stars, venturing into the realm of real-life CP. In addition, the popularity of the movie 'Xiaoxue Jiangshan' was at its peak, and the movie run was not yet over. Just a few days ago, the official Weibo account of the production team had released a photo of Gu Yunchen and Mo Hengqing, still in costume, in conversation.

Just after Gu Yunchen had retweeted the production start announcement for 'Memories of a Small Town' from its official Weibo, he saw this sudden trending topic, and couldn't help but marvel at how quickly things can change.

This photo was taken by a photographer on the set. At the time, Mo Hengqing was warning Gu Yunchen to keep his distance from Mu Cai. When the photo was first released two days ago, among the comments under the production team's official Weibo post, there were many theories about a "showdown between uncle and brother-in-law". Some joked that it was a situation of rivals meeting, each envying the other.

To everyone's surprise, this quickly turned into hard evidence of the Immortal CP's public display of affection. (Note: 神仙 [shénxiān] = Immortal)

Gu Yunchen raised his eyes, curious about Mu Cai's reaction.

Mu Cai was pursing his lips slightly, looking serious as his fingers swiftly tapped on his phone's keyboard. He clicked on the "Immortal CP" topic, picked one of the most popular Weibo posts and re-shared it, while trying hard to debunk this new CP according to the plotline of the original work:

[Mu Cai: There's no relationship between Gu Yunchen and Mo Hengqing at all, they even argue on set sometimes! Don't spread rumors! [Angry] // Eternally Bestowed CP: Today, I would like to formally introduce the Immortal CP! I've secretly adored them for so long, and finally, the day has come…]

The original plot in the system is quite succinct, glossing over this part with just one line – the original character was "trying to break the CP online by bad-mouthing Mo Hengqing."

But Mu Cai couldn't bring himself to say anything bad about Mo Hengqing.

Mo Hengqing was quite nice to him. He had even invited him home for dinner on the second day of the Lunar New Year and took good care of him on set. Moreover, Mu Cai couldn't backbite anyone regardless of their relationship with him. This was the upbringing ingrained in him since childhood and a reflection of his own character.

Therefore, Mu Cai could only put more effort into debunking the CP. To enhance his anger and ferocity, he deliberately chose an emoji with a flaming face, snarling and baring its teeth, to create a powerful impression.

After posting, Mu Cai felt a sense of relief.

As a Weibo influencer with 20 million followers, he knew that recklessly speaking ill of others while interfering in others' CP would significantly lower his public image, and some of his fans might even turn against him.

Upon thinking this, Mu Cai clicked to read his notification messages which already showed 99+:

[For some reason, seeing Cai Cai's angry emoji, I could almost picture our little kitten barely able to walk straight, yet trying to bite people. It's so cute!] 6,000+ likes

Mu Cai: ???

Mu Cai continued scrolling and saw another highly praised comment:

[Those obsessed with real-life couples should rein it in a bit. It's fine if you keep it within the topic forum, but it's too much when you go beneath videos without a CP tag and create drama, even making a fuss in front of the celebrities. Our Cai Cai might be quite straightforward in his speech, but this is a display of righteousness. He must be speaking out because the two main characters must be upset! They are all in the same crew now!] 7,000+ likes

Mu Cai: ...

No, he wasn't, he didn't!

Mu Cai had to admire the creative reasoning of the masses. They could twist anything into a story! He intended to continue struggling to save the situation when his phone vibrated, announcing two new @mentions on Weibo.

When he checked the notifications, he noticed that Gu Yunchen and Mo Hengqing had re-posted his Weibo post, each making a statement:

[Mo Hengqing: A normal working relationship, don't imagine more //Gu Yunchen: Thanks to Cai Cai for speaking up, don't cue. //Mu Cai: There is no relationship between Brother Gu and Brother Mo……]

Mu Cai: ???

Did that just eliminate his chance to turn the tables?

While Mu Cai was fretting, he felt a hand land on his shoulder.

Looking up, he saw Gu Yunchen.

Having just gotten involved in the couple war involving the other party, Mu Cai inevitably felt a little apprehensive seeing the real person approach. He simply said: "Brother Gu."

Gu Yunchen had been observing Mu Cai since earlier. He had watched the young man's fingers fly across the phone screen, his expression shifting from serious, to excited, then to disappointed. All sorts of feelings surged in Gu's heart.

Mu Cai understanding that there was really no romantic relationship between him and Mo Hengqing was fantastic. However, notwithstanding the considerable amount of supportive comments under Mu Cai's Weibo post, some people were badmouthing him.

The thought of Mu Cai battling alone made Gu Yunchen feel sorry for him. Without a moment's hesitation, he posted on Weibo to clarify the situation in sync with Mu. Mo Hengqing, being tactful, followed suit. This put an end to the unsettling voices in the comments once and for all.

Thereby, Mu Cai would no longer be wronged.

With this in mind, Gu Yunchen couldn't help but gently touch Mu's hair, soothingly saying, "Don't be angry."

Mu Cai was taken aback, then remembered how Gu Yunchen had backed him up on Weibo. Even though this plot point had unavoidably collapsed, Mu Cai was truly touched.

Being friends with Gu Yunchen was indeed terrific. To have someone so willing to help him. With this thought, Mu Cai looked at Gu Yunchen and started smiling, "Thank you, Brother Gu!"

The young man being touched on the head was initially stunned. Then, a radiant smile appeared on his face. His eyes became crescent-shaped, his cheek accumulated a bit of flesh, and two small canines were revealed at the corner of his lips.

He seemed very happy and grateful.

Yet, there was not a hint of shyness related to their physical contact.

He really had no clue at all.

Perhaps he even thought he was helping him dispel the rumors.

Gu Yunchen couldn't help but sigh helplessly in his heart.

After the commencement ceremony, the shooting of 'Memories of a Small Town' started in a tense yet orderly manner.

This film was expected to run for only 80 to 90 minutes. There were not many large-scale scenes - most of it consisted of scenes of life in a small town. The three actors got into character quickly, with very few NGs (Note: no good takes), so the overall pace of the shoot was very fast.

In just over a month, the team was nearing the end of shooting.

One afternoon, Director Wu Feng scheduled the shooting of the last scene, which was also the official wrap-up scene for Gu Yunchen's part.

The scene was named Reunion.

-----

Although the power of the spring sun had diminished by four or five in the afternoon, it still shone brightly. The old trees in the courtyard rustled in the wind.

Yao Xiubin was soaking up the sun on a lounge chair in the courtyard.

This year marked the fifth year since the end of the war.

Five years ago, the former government's army retreated and collectively evacuated from Shun Gang. When Yao Xiubin heard the news, the kitchen knife in his hand fell to the ground immediately.

His heart was full of apprehension, and he couldn't think calmly. Yao Xiubin packed up his belongings, went to town to inform his younger brother, who was already apprenticing as a blacksmith, and then set off for Shun Gang without hesitation.

Growing up, the farthest place Yao Xiubin had ever visited was the neighboring town. At this moment, he didn't even know where Shun Gang was but had an endless courage to search for someone.

He traveled by car, walked, ate dry buns and cakes, and asked for water from roadside shopkeepers. He constantly asked for directions, made many mistakes, and finally arrived at Shun Gang half a month later.

At that time, large ships were lined up along the docks of Shun Gang. The sky was gray, and as far as one could see, there were crowds of people. Those boarding the ships, those saying tearful farewells, soldiers maintaining order, and urgently needed supplies, all were filling the dock, leaving hardly any space to stand.

Like all the others saying goodbye, he shouted Ji Zicheng's name, but he found that his voice had merely joined the tumultuous tide of voices without making a single ripple. He squeezed into the crowd, searching, seeing every face resembling his Zicheng, but none of them were his Zicheng.

It was not until all the ships had left and the people on the dock had dispersed that Yao Xiubin realized he had not found the person he was looking for.

He collapsed onto the dirty, cluttered ground, feeling as if all his energy had been drained. He stared blankly at the calm sea, sitting there from morning until night, before finally returning to the village where he had grown up, like a beaten, homeless dog.

Yao Xiubin had lost a considerable amount of weight after this journey. His lips were cracked, his body was a mess, and his eyes were dull. Upon arriving home, he fell seriously ill. It wasn't until he saw his younger brother, who had hurried back from town with a worried look on his face, that Yao Xiubin finally tried to muster his strength.

No matter if he found the person or not, life had to go on.

Leaves turned from green to yellow, and flowers bloomed and withered.

Yao Xiubin waited, year after year.

Now it was already the fifth year.

Lying on the lounge chair in the sun, Yao Xiubin thought somewhat absentmindedly.

It turned out that he had been waiting for so long without realizing it, going from restless and sleepless nights to a still and peaceful heart.

However, his yearning had not stopped.

During these five years, many neighbors had tried to introduce him to unmarried girls or widows who had lost their husbands, but he had rejected them all. Yao Xiubin had someone in his heart and did not want to hold others back. Fortunately, the neighbors were understanding, and when they saw his determination, they let it be, taking care of him in his daily life.

His younger brother had now opened his own blacksmith shop in town and had gotten married and had children. Whenever his brother came to visit him, he would always seem to have something to say but never said it.

Yao Xiubin knew what his brother wanted to say.

What was he holding onto? What was he waiting for? Perhaps that person had already found someone else on the other side of the sea, or perhaps they had forgotten about him long ago.

However, Yao Xiubin would prefer it that way. He would rather they were separated by life than by death.

That way, he could at least imagine that the other person was living a good life, with someone taking care of them, which would bring some peace to his heart.

The warm, yellow sunlight enveloped Yao Xiubin in a hazy halo, even illuminating his hair with a slight golden hue.

He slowly closed his eyes, seeming as if he was about to fall asleep. The sunlight cast distinct shadows of his eyelashes, creating a shadowy effect on the corner of his eyes.

A gentle breeze picked up, causing the old tree above him to rustle. The sunlight felt warm and comforting, and the surrounding environment was tranquil. Yao Xiubin felt he was about to drift off to sleep.

Just as his mind seemed hazy and about to be overwhelmed by darkness, a familiar and gentle voice suddenly rang in his ears: "In this weather, sleeping in the yard can easily catch a cold."

The voice was like a booming thunder, startling him.

Yao Xiubin's foggy mind instantly cleared, and he looked up to see a thin man with slightly dark skin standing in front of him.

The man had sharp eyebrows and eyes, staring fixedly at him.

Despite the many changes, Yao Xiubin recognized him at a glance. He hadn't seen Zicheng in such a long time, and after waiting so many years, he could hardly believe his own eyes. Even his voice trembled as he spoke: "Zicheng?"

Upon hearing this, Zicheng's eyes instantly lit up.

He had spent countless efforts to escape from the defeated army, crawling through mud and hiding. At first, he was afraid of being caught by the retreating government forces, and later, being discovered by the new government's army.

It took Zicheng a full four years to change his identity and return here.

Before coming back, he had thought of many possibilities. He imagined that Xiaobin might have stopped waiting for him, maybe even got married and had children. He also thought Xiaobin might have moved away from this place, as many people had fled their hometowns during the turmoil.

Zicheng was fully prepared, but he didn't expect to receive the best outcome.

After so many years, Xiaobin still remembered him and even stayed here.

And it seemed like he was still waiting for him.

Zicheng's eyes moistened: "It's me, Xiaobin."

In that instant when their eyes met, Yao Xiubin couldn't help but stretch out his arms, and Zicheng embraced him tightly.

Neither of them spoke, as tears streamed silently down their faces.

-----

"Cut!"

With director Wu Feng's shout, Gu Yunchen reluctantly let go of Mu Cai.

His emotions had not yet settled, as waves of joy from their reunion and the lingering bitterness of the years surged in his heart.

The young man's face still bore tear stains, and his glossy, black eyes stared intently at him.

Gu Yunchen suddenly thought of something.

Wu Feng announced that Gu Yunchen's scenes were officially completed, but Mu Cai might need some additional filming tomorrow afternoon.

As another collaborative film was coming to an end, everyone's mood lightened up quite a bit. The crew at the shooting site had already begun packing up the equipment.

The location where they shot the film was in a remote suburb of a county town, and at this moment, dusk was falling. Looking up, the mountains had turned to a greenish-blue color, connecting to a fiery sunset sky, painting a picture like a vibrant oil canvas.

Mu Cai's gaze was captivated by the scenic beauty.

As a former solo violinist, he always had an artist's penchant for quirky and unexpected ideas when there's time to spare.

For example, Mu Cai always had a leisurely appreciation for sunrise and sunset. He even traveled to the North Pole just to witness the aurora borealis, and went drifting in the Amazon River, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. The landscape before his eyes unfolded like a slowly opening colorful scroll, invoking his interest in climbing up the hill to watch the sunset.

Coincidentally, Mu Cai's reshoot was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, meaning he didn't have to wake up early. At this moment, he wanted to act on his thoughts and go up to the middle of the hill for a view.

Gu Yunchen, who had been observing Mu Cai, naturally noticed the eager anticipation in his eyes.

Even amidst the dimming light, there was a twinkle in the young man's eyes.

Guessing his intentions, Gu Yunchen said with a smile, "Do you want to go up the mountain for a look? How about we go together?"

Mu Cai, who already intended to go up, gladly agreed to the offer of company.

The two marched along the winding mountain road, the crimson glow from the sunset bathing the hillside as the evening breeze brushed their faces.

Observing Mu Cai's profile, partially hidden in the twilight, brought Gu Yunchen a twinge of joy mixed with bittersweet sentiments.

His heart pounded fervently as if cotton was expanding in his chest, ready to release a burst of potent emotion at any moment.

Gu Yunchen thought, he still hadn't gotten out of character.

He'd originally planned to hold back, at least for a while, to allow Mu Cai to rely on him more before confessing his feelings.

He thought this might increase his chances of success, and maybe it would be harder for Mu Cai to reject him.

But now, he couldn't hold back any longer.

Mu Cai was admiring the twilight between the mountains, watching the sunset, and enjoying the evening breeze that felt like a gentle hand brushing over his skin. His mood was serene, tinged with subtle joy. He allowed his mind to wander freely with the universe.

But soon, a hand landed on his shoulder, interrupting Mu Cai's mindfulness.

Mu Cai turned his head in surprise, only to find Gu Yunchen's usually cold facial features softened, shrouded by the glow of the sunset.

The light interlaced on Gu Yunchen's face, and his profound, black eyes seemed to draw Mu Cai in – his gaze warm and affectionate. Gu Yunchen's lips moved gently:

"Cai Cai, I like you."

Mu Cai's eyes widened.

Before he could respond, he heard the system in his brain speak:

[The plot points have all been completed. The energy field is fluctuating greatly, and the energy will soon be exhausted!]

[Please prepare, host. You will soon be leaving this small world.]

-----

Author's Note:

Gu Yunchen: ??? Why are you being so harsh? Am I even real? No! I am going to resist this trashy plot! The obedient one is a dog!

Mu Cai patted his head lightly.

Gu Yunchen: ...Woof QAQ

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter