FLME Ch72

Yu Wen felt that Feng Chengzhou was out of his mind, while Feng Chengzhou thought Yu Wen didn’t know what was good for him. The two parted ways unhappily.  

When Yu Wen returned to the villa, Chu Han hadn’t come back yet. He had more than one roadshow today and was likely still busy with his schedule.  

Yu Wen sent him a message, acting spoiled and playful. Chu Han wasn’t annoyed by his little antics but simply replied: [It’s normal for Feng Chengzhou to do such things. Don’t become like him.]

Yu Wen felt wronged: [QAQ Did I embarrass you?]

Chu Han: [Very much.]

Yu Wen: “…”  

Too blunt, my friend. I’m sweating over here.

That night, Yu Wen couldn’t shake off a bad feeling, as if this incident would hit the trending topics. He worried his resume might gain another “colorful” entry.  

Reality proved that positive premonitions are usually illusions, but bad ones come true with alarming accuracy.  

The next day, while brushing his teeth, Yu Wen opened his phone and saw his name on the trending list. He stared at it expressionlessly for three seconds before clicking in.  

Yesterday’s events were complicated and couldn’t be summed up in a few words. The trending topic featured only the names of him, Chu Han, and Feng Chengzhou. The most popular post read:  

[Crown Prince Feng’s undying love: disguises as an old man to chase love, a small-time actor overwhelmed and reunites on the spot. Headline: The Melon King Witnesses Love.]

Yu Wen: “…”  

Was that the expression of someone witnessing love?  

The first photo attached showed Chu Han lifting Feng Chengzhou’s wig, the two of them staring at each other. Meanwhile, Yu Wen stood in the middle, arms crossed, wearing a mask and sunglasses, looking like a spectator enjoying the drama.  

Although he was so bundled up that no one would recognize him offline, the caption made it obvious, and his peculiar position in the photo gave him away instantly to regular internet users.  

There were also a series of GIFs showing Yu Wen being stripped of his sunglasses and mask, then having the wig put on him by Feng Chengzhou.  

—”Peeling the Melon King layer by layer.”

—”He’s grinning so wide, but in the next second Chu Han yanks his mask off, hahaha.”

The funniest one was the wig scene.  

After putting the wig on Yu Wen, Feng Chengzhou had immediately pulled off the wig cap for himself. Chu Han and Feng Chengzhou faced each other, while Yu Wen stood stiffly between them, hands stuffed in his pockets, wearing the wig with a blank expression.  

Netizens joked that it was the first time the Melon King had wanted to kill the subjects of the gossip.  

Thus, Yu Wen added another series to his collection of internet “reaction memes.”  

Before boarding the plane, Yu Wen was still answering curious netizens’ questions. Many sent inquiries to him as though he were a war correspondent.  

Feng Chengzhou’s pursuit of Chu Han was no secret—this love-hate drama had long been public knowledge. What netizens were truly curious about was what exactly had happened.  

Yu Wen, too lazy to livestream, replied to comments one by one:  

[No, they’re not rekindling old flames. The disguise was part of President Feng’s strategy.] 

[What strategy? Hmm… top secret. Go ask President Feng yourselves.]  

[We didn’t plan this; it was a coincidence. Chu Han already scolded me, told me not to learn from him.]

Netizens mocked Feng Chengzhou for being thoroughly rejected.  

After getting off the plane, Yu Wen saw a message from Feng Chengzhou:  

[Feng Chengzhou: “Yu Wen, why did you reveal my strategic move? Now Chu Han will know I’m playing hard to get.”]

Yu Wen really wanted to reply with six dots.  

Do you honestly think what you’re doing counts as playing hard to get?  

He replied: [I’ve always wanted to tell you that the definition of a ‘baiting type’ is broad. Whether in terms of personality or physique, you can’t just dangle the hook without any bait. That’s not baiting; that’s ‘Jiang Taigong fishing.’]

Feeling he had explained it clearly enough, he decided to be kind and point Feng Chengzhou in the right direction:  

[Show off those eight-pack abs of yours! Think about it—why do you think Chu Han used to hug your clothes and… you know?]

The chat fell silent for a long time before Feng Chengzhou replied solemnly: [I understand.]  

Yu Wen nodded in satisfaction.  

—

Turns out, his satisfaction was premature.  

On the set of Moon Harbor, Yu Wen stood with his hands on his hips, staring at Feng Chengzhou. “President Feng, say it again—why are you here?”

Feng Chengzhou rested his suit jacket on his forearm and leaned casually against the wall. “I’m the producer. This drama is the company’s biggest project this year. Isn’t it normal for me to supervise it personally?”

…Not normal. Not normal at all.

You’re the producer, not the production manager.

Yu Wen didn’t understand his intentions until a week later, when Director Miao announced a few guest actors on Weibo. Among them was none other than Chu Han.

The script had a large, detailed backdrop, with many new characters only appearing briefly in later episodes. Director Miao had wanted to invite some skilled actors for cameo roles, and Yu Wen was aware of this.

But he hadn’t known that Chu Han was on the list.

Chu Han said it had been finalized just two days ago, so he hadn’t had the chance to tell Yu Wen.

Yu Wen found it suspicious and suspected Feng Chengzhou was behind it.

He went to confront Feng Chengzhou, who was in the middle of discussing something with the assistant director. Hearing Yu Wen’s question, Feng Chengzhou frowned and said, “Does it matter?”

Yu Wen replied, “It does. It’s about whether you and he have a future or not.”

“…It wasn’t me. Director Miao chose him on his own. I only heard about it earlier because I’m the producer.”

Clearly, Feng Chengzhou still didn’t understand the real issue between him and Chu Han. Seeing Yu Wen’s serious expression, he asked, “You’re not in a relationship yourself, so why do you act like you know everything?”

Yu Wen thought to himself, I’m leagues ahead of you in relationship progress, rookie.

“It’s too complicated to explain to you… But if it’s got nothing to do with you, why are you supervising the set? Are you bored or something?”

Feng Chengzhou replied, “I’ve been busy recently and managed to finish next week’s work ahead of schedule. I really appreciated your advice last time, so I analyzed it thoroughly when I got back. I concluded my previous strategy was too conservative. This time, I’m going for an all-or-nothing approach.”

Yu Wen: “…Explain.”

Feng Chengzhou: “A man is most attractive when he’s working. I want to show him how serious I am about my work.”

Yu Wen: “…”

You seriously overestimate Chu Han’s level of sophistication.

In that moment, Yu Wen finally understood why their relationship would later veer into the realm of coercive love.

With Feng Chengzhou’s mindset and such poor communication, it was no wonder things could spiral in any direction.

How could such a big, well-established Feng family teach him everything but leave out how to date?

Yu Wen left with countless questions on his mind.

When Chu Han arrived, Yu Wen went to pick him up from the airport. Feng Chengzhou didn’t come, determined to fully embody the “baiting” approach by retreating to advance. However, on the way back to the hotel, Yu Wen’s phone buzzed incessantly with messages from Feng Chengzhou:

[Where are you now?]
[I’ve booked a table for a welcome dinner to wash off the dust.]
[Did he ask about me?]

Annoyed, Yu Wen muted his phone.

That evening, the final episode of Battle Royale aired. Chu Han sat in the backseat catching up on the show, silently crying the whole time.

Yu Wen glanced at the driver, Xie Heyu, feeling a bit giddy. With his eyes, he asked: Why are you here?

Xie Heyu’s lips curved slightly, and during a stop at a red light, he threw a quick glance at Yu Wen that sent Yu Wen’s heart racing, making him laugh.

“Teacher Xie, thank you for taking the time to personally escort me. You’re so busy yet still made the effort.” Chu Han broke the silence, trying to make small talk. He had turned off his phone after watching half the episode, unable to handle it emotionally. He sniffled and attempted to chat with Xie Heyu and Yu Wen.

Xie Heyu responded without hesitation, “You’re being too polite. Xie Jiamao was unavailable, so it’s only right for me to take care of you. Besides, Teacher Yu is part of this production as well.”

Chu Han assumed this was just an excuse. Teacher Xie was simply a kind-hearted person who made time for others despite his own busy schedule.

Leaning back into his seat, Chu Han worked to calm himself.

Yu Wen turned around and asked, “Was the final episode that heartbreaking?”

He had been too busy lately and hadn’t kept up with the show. He only knew that the online feedback had been excellent. Xie Heyu, on the other hand, had watched every episode and even wrote Yu Wen detailed reviews.

Hearing the question made Chu Han tear up again.

“No, it wasn’t heartbreaking…” Chu Han pulled out two tissues and choked up, “It was just too perfect… so happy that I wanted to cry…”

Yu Wen, who had an exceptionally high emotional threshold for crying, could appreciate the intricate emotions in a story but rarely shed tears. Whenever others cried, he often felt out of place.

Turning back around, Yu Wen rested his arms on the seatback and watched Chu Han’s tear-streaked face.

Seeing him cry so much, Yu Wen decided to distract him. “So what’s the ending? Let me see.”

The streaming platform had already updated the final episode. Chu Han fast-forwarded to the end. He had been emotionally fragile and had checked the ending first to make sure it was a happy one before watching from the beginning.

The ending opened with the same cold blue electronic screen that symbolized the Battle Royale system.

“Yu Wen, registration number XYUM667, successfully cleared the entire season. Reward settlement—

‘Revivor of the Hero, Yes or No?’

The rule was that each guest could resurrect one character. On-screen, Yu Wen was lying in a chamber filled with nutrient solution. After the mechanical voice faded, he slowly opened his eyes.

The show left this part as a cliffhanger without revealing the guests’ choices, but by this point, it was obvious how everyone would decide.

Chu Han said, “The key part is after you choose ‘Yes.’”

Chu Han skipped over the interwoven skits and fast-forwarded. While Yu Wen had filmed plenty of footage, he had no idea how the program team would edit it or combine the storylines.

On-screen, he watched himself step out of the nutrient solution, water dripping from his hair, his face pale and bloodless. Resolutely, he clicked the ‘Yes’ option on the electronic screen.

The system declared the choice successful.

“Loading Hero Resurrection—

“Points reset to zero, rewards cleared. Battle Royale journey terminated. Thank you for your assistance, Yu Wen.

“Rewards distributed.

“Player identity revoked.”

The massive stream of data representing Yu Wen’s ten-episode journey was wiped clean. He stood in place as the hero in the castle began to lose their clear facial features.

The ‘player Yu Wen’s’ journey in the game had ended. The hero no longer shared his face.

Yu Wen was still Yu Wen, and the hero returned to being the hero.

They were two souls that had accidentally overlapped in the game. After their brief encounter, they separated again, heading toward their respective lives.

Watching this part, Yu Wen couldn’t help but laugh. “No need for goodbyes now.”

The program team had already said it for them.

Only now did he realize how well the program’s backstory was designed. It spared the audience from overly investing in the characters themselves. At the beginning of every episode, the cast’s identities were displayed repeatedly, constantly reminding the viewers that while their characters shone brightly, the people behind them were just as extraordinary.

The emotional impact of the tenth episode was immense. Chu Han cried throughout the entire ride, rewatching scenes of the hero’s team and even picking out specific cuts, practically torturing himself.

When he finally finished, the car was silent. Yu Wen didn’t dare start a conversation with Xie Heyu, afraid of disrupting Chu Han’s mood.

“Yu Wen,” Chu Han suddenly said. “I have a rather presumptuous request.”

Yu Wen: “Huh?”

Chu Han sat up, leaned forward from the back seat, and looked at Yu Wen with his red, swollen eyes, then glanced at Xie Heyu.

“Can you and Teacher Xie kiss in front of me?”

Yu Wen: “?”

He and Xie Heyu exchanged wide-eyed looks, briefly thinking their relationship had been exposed. For a moment, neither knew how to respond. After a long pause, Yu Wen stammered, “Wh-why are you suddenly saying this?”

Chu Han said, “I want to see you two kiss while wearing the dragon and hero costumes.”

Yu Wen: “…”

Great. He’s shipping CPs again.

Yu Wen turned his head away, too lazy to entertain him.

Chu Han knew they wouldn’t actually kiss for him. He was just asking for fun. “You two get along so well. What’s the harm in a kiss? It wouldn’t change anything…”

Yu Wen teased him deliberately, “How do you know it wouldn’t change anything? What if kissing makes me switch teams?”

Chu Han: “It’s not that easy…”

At a red light, the car slowed to a stop. Xie Heyu tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, the crisp sound echoing in the quiet car.

Chu Han added, “I get it. You’re worried about Teacher Xie because he’s not straight, right? Okay, then, how about I find you a male model with a similar build—”

“How do you know I’m not straight?” Xie Heyu suddenly interjected.

Chu Han glanced at him. “Gaydar.”

“…”

Xie Heyu said nothing more. Yu Wen looked at his profile and couldn’t help but laugh. After laughing, he turned to Chu Han and said, “Stop shipping CPs already. I’m not kissing anyone. Go ask someone else.”

Chu Han sighed dejectedly. “But it’s no use. The dragon has no face, and I can’t substitute it. In my memory, the hero’s face is already yours…”

Yu Wen ignored him.

Chu Han persisted, “Trust me, straight guys don’t switch teams that easily. Fake it if you want. I’m not picky. Which type of male model do you prefer…”

Yu Wen: “I really—”

Suddenly, Xie Heyu reached over, hooked his arm around Yu Wen’s neck, and kissed him. The neon lights outside painted their profiles in vivid detail as their lips touched.

Chu Han: “…”

Did… did they just actually kiss?

It was a brief kiss, a fleeting touch. But after it ended, Xie Heyu habitually kissed Yu Wen’s forehead as well. Yu Wen closed his eyes, purring like a content cat being stroked.

When they separated, Chu Han leaned forward, staring left and right at them, his gaze heavy with curiosity.

Xie Heyu asked with a smirk, “Bent yet?”

Yu Wen thought Xie Heyu was teasing on purpose, but he played along. “Mm, turned.”

Chu Han gasped audibly.

“See?” Yu Wen said, shaking his head smugly. “I’m bent now. No more male models for me.”

Chu Han slumped back into his seat, visibly questioning his life choices. After a while, he hesitantly poked Yu Wen’s shoulder. “How do you feel now…”

Yu Wen was opening a snack from Xie Heyu’s car. “Feel about what?” he replied, his voice muffled.

Chu Han said guiltily, “I won’t say random things anymore… I didn’t expect you’d actually kiss, let alone that a casual remark of mine would change your orientation…”

Yu Wen almost burst out laughing.

Even Xie Heyu let out a rare chuckle, his lips curling up.

After a while, Yu Wen cut off Chu Han’s apologies. “Maybe it’s a good thing. Don’t you think it’s fitting for me and Teacher Xie to be together?”

Chu Han: “…When did you two get together?”

Xie Heyu: “Just now.”

Chu Han covered his mouth in shock, gasping again.

He didn’t speak anymore, as if reconstructing his worldview.

Yu Wen thought the conversation was finally over. But when they reached the hotel and were about to get out of the car, Chu Han suddenly perked up again.

“Since you’re a couple now,” he said, gripping the back of the seat seriously, “could you wear the dragon and hero costumes and do it for me to watch?”

Yu Wen: “…”

Utterly exasperated, he crumpled his snack wrapper and stuffed it into Chu Han’s hands. “Go find Feng Chengzhou to do that!”