ASPWL Ch113: Li Siyuan x Duan Tingyan

During the last week, the video software under Starlight Entertainment suddenly launched a heavy-hitting comeback program—”Let’s Go Traveling Together” Special Edition.

Once the news broke, countless netizens were abuzz.

—”What?!!”

—”It’s been two years! A full two years, and I never thought I’d get to see the post-program gossip of ‘Let’s Go Eat Melons’ again?”

—”‘Let’s Go Eat Melons’?”

—”Are you serious? Could it be that someone doesn’t know the fame of our ‘Melon Show’?“

Upon hearing the term Melon Show, netizens immediately understood and got excited:

—”So!!! Do we have melons to eat this time?!”

One netizen replied, “The Melon King has already returned for half a year, so there’s bound to be some big melons, right?”

Another commented, “Honestly, whether there are big melons or not doesn’t matter. As long as they share more about the melons from back then, I think this program will already be amazing!”

Indeed, just as this netizen mentioned, merely elaborating on past melons would already satisfy them.

In fact, even if they didn’t discuss melons, just talking about their love lives would make netizens and fans feel incredibly happy!

After all!

The regular guests, along with their significant others, made up a total of five couples!

As for why Huo Yan wasn’t included…

Of course, it was because Huo Yan didn’t have a partner!

—

A week later, the “Let’s Go Traveling Together” special edition premiered, breaking new viewership records.

Just as the netizens had anticipated, at the start of the program, the regular guests and their significant others gathered and sat in a circle. They first shared the romantic anecdotes of Song Zhehan and Zhang Qiran.

Next, naturally, it was Li Siyuan and Duan Tingyan’s turn.

At this moment, the two of them were surrounded by the group.

Zhang Qiran, whose face was still red, said, “We’ve already finished. Now it’s your turn!”

Liu Yan chimed in, “Exactly, no need to be shy.”

Ye Leyao added fuel to the fire, “Don’t tell me there’s some juicy secret I don’t know about?”

Li Siyuan: “…”

Duan Tingyan coughed lightly.

Li Siyuan glared at him fiercely, “It’s all your fault! I told you from the start we shouldn’t join this program, but you insisted!”

Duan Tingyan blinked innocently at him, “Didn’t President Qin offer a lot for it?”

Initially, when Qin Yao invited them, he simply said a few friends were planning a short trip. But later, for reasons unknown, the company convinced Qin Yao to turn it into a variety show.

Since Qin Yao not only covered food and lodging but also paid them to travel, why wouldn’t they come?

Duan Tingyan said earnestly, “I need to save money to marry you.”

Li Siyuan’s glare intensified. “Duan Tingyan! I’m warning you, if you dare talk nonsense later, I swear I—”

Duan Tingyan quickly promised, “Don’t worry, I definitely won’t say anything inappropriate.”

After Li Siyuan finally calmed down, he began sharing the story of his “ill-fated relationship” with Duan Tingyan.

Yes, in Li Siyuan’s view, their love story began as an ill-fated entanglement.

—

Li Siyuan had met Duan Tingyan through a game.

He remembered it clearly. That day, he happened to have no schedule and enjoyed a rare break.

He slept until the afternoon, and without even eating, he immediately opened the game.

Li Siyuan rarely played games, so his skills were admittedly subpar. However, he was self-aware, so he chose a supportive hero instead of a core one at the start.

Early on, he gave all his in-game resources to the jungler, hoping the jungler would take the lead and secure victory in mid-to-late team battles.

Unexpectedly, this useless teammate not only got countered by the enemy jungler but also got killed. Instead of reflecting on his own mistakes, the teammate blamed Li Siyuan.

Li Siyuan’s anger boiled over, but he wasn’t the type to explode instantly. So, he decided to ignore the idiot for the time being.

Who would’ve thought that his restraint only made the other player think he was an easy target? The teammate started ranting through the voice chat, cursing everything and even dragging in family insults.

Li Siyuan wasn’t someone with a good temper.

There’s a limit to what he could tolerate, and unsurprisingly, he ended up arguing with his teammate.

Just as their heated argument escalated, a soft and pleasant voice suddenly cut through: “Can you two stop fighting?”

Though Li Siyuan didn’t want to admit it, he had to concede that in that instant, his rage significantly dissipated.

It was because Li Siyuan really liked that voice.

As someone in the music industry, he had no resistance to beautiful melodies or voices.

Still, no matter how much he admired it, he didn’t think too much of it. After all, they were just strangers separated by an internet connection, not even knowing each other’s names.

That afternoon, Li Siyuan’s friend quickly logged off.

The next day, when he logged back in, he couldn’t find many friends online on his list. However, he suddenly noticed Duan Tingyan was online. With a “might as well try” attitude, Li Siyuan sent him a team invitation.

Without hesitation, Duan Tingyan accepted, and they quickly queued for a match.

That afternoon, the two played as a duo for hours and even ranked up by one level. It was only then that Li Siyuan realized Duan Tingyan was incredibly skilled at the game.

Before logging off that day, Li Siyuan and Duan Tingyan added each other as friends.

Li Siyuan: “You’re really good at this game.”

Duan Tingyan: “Not bad, haha.”

That was their first conversation.

After that, whenever they had free time, they’d team up to play games together.

As for when their relationship started to grow closer, Li Siyuan wasn’t exactly sure.

He only knew that during countless matches, whenever he was surrounded by enemies, the one who always appeared to rescue him was Duan Tingyan.

Gaming naturally gets your adrenaline pumping, and every time Li Siyuan’s character was on the verge of dying, Duan Tingyan would swoop in like a hero, not only saving him at low health but even managing to counter-kill several enemies.

At first, Li Siyuan found this thrilling and novel.

But gradually, it became a habit.

Whenever they duo-queued, Li Siyuan would subconsciously monitor Duan Tingyan’s position on the mini-map. Sometimes, when he noticed Duan Tingyan being targeted, he’d actively go to help him.

Over time, the two became familiar with each other.

At first, they didn’t use voice chat, communicating instead through the in-game chat.

Li Siyuan would share his latest equipment builds.

Duan Tingyan would mark the blue buff’s location when Li Siyuan ran low on mana, signaling for him to take it.

During one such chat, the topic of work came up.

Li Siyuan had always been honest when making friends. Even though they were just online friends, he didn’t think about hiding his identity. After he mentioned his name, Duan Tingyan was silent for a while before typing:
“Li Siyuan? The Li Siyuan I know?”

Li Siyuan replied, “That depends on how many Li Siyuans you know.”

Duan Tingyan: “I only know one, and he’s a rapper named Li Siyuan.”

Li Siyuan laughed: “That’s me.”

Duan Tingyan was stunned.

He was surprised by Li Siyuan’s honesty and even more surprised that his temper wasn’t as bad as online rumors suggested.

After considering how open Li Siyuan was, Duan Tingyan felt it would be inappropriate to remain secretive. He introduced himself:

“I’m Duan Tingyan, a voice actor.”

Li Siyuan wasn’t particularly surprised and instead asked a different question:

“Voice actor? Does that mean you can switch to any voice you want?”

Duan Tingyan: “Of course.”

From their next session onward, Duan Tingyan started using voice chat.
It was also from this point that they would chat every time they played together.

Occasionally, at Li Siyuan’s request, Duan Tingyan would switch to different voice tones while playing.

Sometimes he used a sweet, girlish tone; other times, a mature, elegant one. However, most of the time, he simply used his natural voice.

As time went on, their conversations expanded beyond the game—talking about life, work, and their other interests.

They got to know each other more and found themselves wanting to know even more.

Until one day, Duan Tingyan suddenly said over voice chat, “I think I’m running low on flowers in my inventory.”

Li Siyuan, who had never been interested in or liked any girl, didn’t fully understand his feelings for Duan Tingyan yet. Still, he instinctively asked, “Do you like flowers?”

From the other end of the headset came Duan Tingyan’s laughter: “Who doesn’t like flowers?”

Li Siyuan felt his heart skip a beat. When that match ended, instead of queuing for another game, he asked Duan Tingyan to wait a moment. Then, he sent all the flowers from his inventory to him. Afterward, he went online and ordered a bouquet to be delivered to Duan Tingyan’s address.

In the past few months, after Li Siyuan had first gifted a skin, the two had occasionally exchanged small gifts.

Sometimes it was just some fruit; other times, a reasonably priced token.

Through these exchanges, they had a rough idea of each other’s addresses.
But neither had ever crossed the line, always seeking permission before sending anything.

This was the first time Li Siyuan didn’t tell Duan Tingyan about the bouquet he ordered.

Back in the game, Duan Tingyan laughed and asked, “Did you stop playing just to send me all the flowers in your inventory?”

Li Siyuan didn’t explain and simply replied with a smile, “Yes.”

Though it was still early, he was already looking forward to Duan Tingyan’s reaction upon receiving the flowers.

Waiting was a beautiful thing, especially when, in the game, Duan Tingyan suddenly said, “I need to take a call. I think my delivery has arrived.”

Li Siyuan responded with a smile and waited quietly for him to return.

After a while, he heard footsteps through the headset, followed by Duan Tingyan’s voice:

“Did you… send me flowers?”

Li Siyuan felt his heart racing in his chest. He smiled and asked, “Do you like them?”

“I do.”

After that day, their relationship grew much closer, with an added touch of ambiguity.

The one who broke the ice was Duan Tingyan, who subtly sent over a couple’s request.

Li Siyuan didn’t even hesitate for a moment before agreeing. When the couple status lit up on both of their profiles, Li Siyuan heard Duan Tingyan’s slightly hoarse voice come through the headset: “Does this mean we’re now…”

“I like you, Tingting,” Li Siyuan confessed directly.

…

Two months later, on a show, Li Siyuan spoke excitedly: “So what if I was the one who confessed first? At that time, I didn’t even know you were a man! If I had known, I wouldn’t have sent you that first skin!”

Duan Tingyan feigned a heartbroken expression. “But it was you who confessed first. Even when it came to meeting up, it was your suggestion.”

Hearing this, the others couldn’t resist their curiosity.

Ye Leyao asked, “So what happened when you two finally met?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Liu Yan’s eyes sparkled. “Tell us all the details!”

Duan Tingyan smiled but didn’t say anything at first, glancing at Li Siyuan as if seeking his consent.

Li Siyuan let out a heavy snort, his face darkening as he growled, “What’s there to say? I went to the café and suddenly realized my girlfriend had turned into my boyfriend!”

Only then did Duan Tingyan nod and add with a grin, “Exactly. And I only found out at the café that my boyfriend always thought I was a girl and didn’t even plan to take responsibility.”

That day was nothing short of a nightmare for both Duan Tingyan and Li Siyuan.

The day before, they had just confirmed their relationship in-game, even staying on voice chat to listen to each other’s breathing as they fell asleep. By the next day, they were practically strangers.

It was a bright summer day. Because of their unique identities, the meeting location had to be somewhere discreet. After some consideration, Duan Tingyan suggested they meet at his cousin’s café.

For this meeting, Duan Tingyan woke up early, styled himself carefully, rewrapped the gift he had prepared long ago, and even preordered an extravagant bouquet of roses.

Once everything was ready, he arrived early at the café.

Just as nervous, Li Siyuan—who was in his first-ever relationship—sought advice from his more experienced cousin. He, too, woke up early to do his hair and makeup and prepared both a gift and flowers.

Both were utterly committed to this relationship and had made ample preparations.

So, when Li Siyuan pushed open the door to the café and saw Duan Tingyan holding a bouquet of flowers, he stood frozen for a long time.

It wasn’t until Duan Tingyan walked up and placed his flowers into Li Siyuan’s arms that Li Siyuan managed to find his voice, stammering, “You… are you Tingting?”

Duan Tingyan, who had always known Li Siyuan’s identity, naturally assumed Li Siyuan also knew his. Despite the odd question, he felt a bit shy and lowered his head. “Yes… that’s me.”

Then he looked up at Li Siyuan expectantly.

After a long pause, Li Siyuan finally snapped out of it. What came next was a calm question: “Why are you a man? Are you Tingting’s older brother? Where is Tingting? Did she worry I might scam her, so she sent you to meet me instead?”

“Although I’m a celebrity, I take this relationship very seriously. Since I decided to meet, it means I’m committed to what we have. Could you let her come out so I can meet her?”

To express his sincerity, Li Siyuan even used honorifics.

At this point, the group listening couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Li Siyuan clenched his jaw, glaring at them. “I dare any of you to laugh!”

Everyone quickly protested, “No, no, we’re not laughing!”

Who would dare? While Li Siyuan was great to his friends, if they really upset him, they’d definitely get an earful!

“And then what?” Ye Leyao, still engrossed, felt a chill and instinctively snuggled closer to Qin Yao.

Qin Yao wrapped his arms tightly around Ye Leyao, pulling him closer before covering them both with a blanket.

“Then, he stood there dumbfounded, earnestly explaining himself—” Li Siyuan pointed at Duan Tingyan with his chin.

Thinking back, Duan Tingyan felt a bit wistful. “No matter how much I explained, he wouldn’t believe me. He was convinced that ‘Tingting’ was hiding in the café and that I was her brother.”

It wasn’t until they practically turned the café upside down and still didn’t find anyone else, and after Duan Tingyan spoke to Li Siyuan in the same voice he used in-game, that Li Siyuan finally accepted the truth: “Tingting” was actually Duan Tingyan.

Li Siyuan was so furious his brain nearly shut down. He almost resorted to violence but ultimately just glared at Duan Tingyan, his voice heavy with anger. “You better never appear in front of me again!”

Even two months later, Duan Tingyan could clearly remember Li Siyuan’s thunderous expression from that day. Later, after much effort to rekindle their relationship, Duan Tingyan asked why Li Siyuan didn’t hit him then.

Li Siyuan stared at him for a long moment, said nothing, and casually changed the subject.

Sensing something amiss, Duan Tingyan held his hand and pressed further. “Why not?”

Li Siyuan frowned. “What do you mean, why not?”

At first, Duan Tingyan was nervous about Li Siyuan’s frequent frowns and sudden mood swings. But over time, he realized it wasn’t as serious as it seemed.

Li Siyuan’s scowls were often deliberate.

Now, seeing Li Siyuan glaring at him while sitting in his arms, Duan Tingyan wasn’t the least bit nervous. In fact, his smile grew wider. “Don’t want to say?”

Li Siyuan squirmed. “Let go of me!”

Duan Tingyan held him firmly, one hand on his waist and the other pressing gently on the back of his neck, forcing Li Siyuan closer. “Was it because you couldn’t bear to hit me back then?”

Li Siyuan’s pupils contracted briefly before he quickly turned away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Not going to tell me?” Duan Tingyan’s voice was low, suddenly switching to a sultry tone that Li Siyuan liked the most. “Not going to tell me, hmm?”

Li Siyuan felt a chill run down his spine as goosebumps broke out all over him. He shoved Duan Tingyan away. “What’s wrong with you now? It’s been so long—how am I supposed to remember why I didn’t beat you up back then?”

Duan Tingyan chuckled softly, pressing down on Li Siyuan’s neck and tilting his head slightly to lick the corner of his lips.

Li Siyuan shuddered violently, lowering his gaze to look at him. “You…”

As soon as he opened his mouth, Duan Tingyan seized the opportunity.
In the next moment, Li Siyuan’s lips and tongue were utterly conquered.

Yet, even as he kissed, Duan Tingyan didn’t forget to tremble as he asked, “Was it because you felt sorry for me? Was it?”

Li Siyuan was incredibly annoyed and wanted to end the kiss quickly. However, the man’s kiss was far from the polite manner he usually pretended to have.
It was domineering, leaving no room for resistance.

Once Duan Tingyan got hold of him, he would never let go until he achieved his goal.

But if Duan Tingyan wasn’t the type to easily compromise, then Li Siyuan’s mouth was even harder to deal with—unrelenting.
If it was something Li Siyuan didn’t want to say, no one could force him to speak.

Thus, that night, the two of them moved from the living room to the bedroom, from the bathroom and back again, finally ending up in bed, but Duan Tingyan still didn’t get the answer he wanted.

Lying in his arms, Li Siyuan suddenly woke up. He leaned in to bite Duan Tingyan’s shoulder hard, kicked him once, then grabbed a blanket and stormed off to the guest room.

Duan Tingyan watched his retreating back and suddenly burst into laughter.
Li Siyuan didn’t say it, but he already knew the answer.

As expected, the two of them had been the same back then.
Even if their relationship had started as an online romance, even if it seemed like a whimsical love, neither of them had taken it lightly.

So, when it turned out that there had been a misunderstanding between them, even though Li Siyuan was angry, he couldn’t bring himself to punch or kick Duan Tingyan.

Realizing this made Duan Tingyan especially happy. Holding his pillow, he followed Li Siyuan to the guest room.

Of course, Duan Tingyan didn’t plan to tell anyone else present about this. He shifted the topic, talking instead about how he had pursued Li Siyuan.

With a broad grin, Duan Tingyan said, “How difficult it is to pursue someone really depends on the person.”

“Oh? What do you mean?” Zhang Qiran leaned closer.

Li Siyuan cast a cold glance at Zhang Qiran. “Don’t you know? How many days did Song Zhehan spend chasing after you? You should know better than anyone.”

The faint blush that had just faded from Zhang Qiran’s face spread again. He stammered, glaring back at Song Zhehan.

Song Zhehan raised an eyebrow, knowing it wasn’t the right time to tease Zhang Qiran. Instead, he looked at Li Siyuan. “And what makes you qualified to say this? A week?”

Li Siyuan: “…”

Duan Tingyan interjected to help him out. “No, it was eight days.”

Song Zhehan smirked. “Oh, then one of you will be called ‘Three Days,’ and the other, ‘Eight Days.’”

Ye Leyao burst into laughter. “Hahahahahahahahaha—”

No one could hold back anymore, and the room filled with laughter.

The viewers in the livestream also laughed along.
But as they laughed, a question arose in their minds—

“So, how exactly did Duan Tingyan pursue Li Siyuan?”

Actually, it was quite simple.

It had all started with a misunderstanding that temporarily drove them apart. After the misunderstanding was cleared up in the fourth episode of the show, Li Siyuan had largely let it go.

Although he was still cold and sharp-tongued toward Duan Tingyan, there wasn’t much anger behind his words anymore.

As for Duan Tingyan, he had initially planned to give up. But on the night the show’s recording ended, he unexpectedly received an invitation from Li Siyuan to team up for a game.

Since their fallout, Li Siyuan’s gaming account had never been online. Seeing the invitation made Duan Tingyan’s heart race uncontrollably.

Without hesitation, he clicked to join.

The moment he entered, Li Siyuan said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to use any voice other than your real one while gaming.”

Duan Tingyan felt his eyes sting with emotion, his Adam’s apple bobbing heavily. “Alright.”

That night, Li Siyuan didn’t say another word to Duan Tingyan. But Duan Tingyan understood—this was the biggest concession Li Siyuan was willing to make.
Li Siyuan didn’t need to say anything else. Duan Tingyan knew exactly what to do from here on out.

Flowers, a confession, a meeting in person.
Just like when Duan Tingyan had mentioned liking flowers, Li Siyuan had paused his game to order flowers for him in the middle of the night.

Both of them had cared deeply about this relationship, which was why they couldn’t forget each other.

Fortunately, neither of them kept the other waiting too long.

After their relationship was solidified, Duan Tingyan cautiously brought up a question: “Didn’t you say you liked girls? How…”

Li Siyuan glared at him, his expression dark. But he still explained, albeit begrudgingly. “I said I’ve never been in a relationship before. How would I know if I like girls or guys?”

Duan Tingyan quietly watched him, feeling his heartbeat grow stronger and stronger.

Suddenly, he felt immensely grateful.
Grateful that he hadn’t given up.

Grateful that Li Siyuan liked him, just as he liked Li Siyuan.

They would be together forever.

[Li Siyuan x Duan Tingyan Extra: The End]