Rebirth of a Movie Star

Chapter 3-4

Extra 3

Afterwards, Rong Zan waited two and a half years for Qiu XiaoHai to return to the country.

In between, Rong Zan and Qiu XiaoHai maintained a trans-pacific phone call every week. Sometimes Qiu XiaoHai would be the one calling, more often it was Rong Zan who calculated the timing and called. Perhaps it was because of nearly losing Qiu XiaoHai and then regaining him, but Rong Zan really valued and preciously protected their connection to one another.

In addition, in the original kindergarten class, Rong Zan didn't have any other very good friends. Even when he went to primary school, Rong Zan put all of his spare time into studying. Around him there weren't any other intimate friends like Qiu XiaoHai.

This situation was something that Rong Zan's mother Lin Qing didn't discover for quite some time.

After all she was usually very busy with work. When she interacted with her son in the evenings, Rong Zan always very obediently stayed in his room to read his books.

It was not until the kindergarten teacher called their house to chat and disclosed the fact that Rong Zan didn't seem very willing to form groups with other children to play.

He wouldn't even allow them to sit in the seat beside him.

Lin Qing immediately thought of Qiu XiaoHai. She actually thought she was very familiar with her son's ways and thinking. However she thought that stubbornness was simply stubbornness, it would be unable to withstand a child's natural ability to forget. As time passed, Rong Zan would naturally make new friends. So all she did was help Rong Zan arrange some summer camps, sporting activities, chess clubs and other extracurricular activities. This was so the usually quiet Rong Zan could get to know some more people.


As these activities increased, Rong Zan seemed to come around.

He was someone who was more quiet than most children. When it came to Lin Qing's arrangements, he treated it just like homework set by his teacher. He would complete them very well. In some occasions he even displayed a natural ability to lead the group. When it came to picking a team leader, this role would often fall to Rong Zan.

It was only although he did well in everything, no matter how many suggestions or questions Lin Qing gave Rong Zan, he had never again voluntarily brought any child home with him. This really made Lin Qing feel helpless. After thinking for a while, Lin Qing and Rong SiYu decided to have a second child.

Lin Qing's second child turned out to be twin boys. This was unexpected. Originally the husband and wife only wanted Rong Zan to have a brother or a sister to be a companion.

After all Rong Zan really had too little friends. In three years, Lin Qing could count all of them, including Qiu XiaoHai, on one hand.

All the way until Qiu XiaoHai returned to the country and pressed on their doorbell.

From the day, a child's excitement and natural liveliness once again returned to Rong Zan's eyes.

It had to be said that Lin Qing, who was sensitive about these things, actually felt somewhat complicated in her heart.

She looked at the two infants on the bed, and then at her oldest son who had not displayed such joy in a long time.

Lin Qing could only sigh helplessly. Well, just let it be. She would just let kids be kids.

{T/N: Not sure if the translation conveys it adequately, but I think author is indicating LQ has a premonition of QXH's and RZ's relationship in the future and while not disapproving, feels complex about it.}

***

While a family revolution was slowly taking root in Rong Zan's household, Qiu XiaoHai actually still had yet to completely realize what was happening.

Recently he and Rong Zan had been having a small disagreement. This was because Rong Zan didn't like the commercial he had shot. But the film was clearly of his family ah. He had thought that Rong Zan would like it, but he didn't expect to Rong Zan to get quietly upset for a few days now. Qiu XiaoHai might be slow but his ability to judge Rong Zan's mood was actually quite accurate.

Qiu XiaoHai carefully reviewed his thoughts, and thought that perhaps it was because too many people wanted to talk to him, and that made the Rong Zan who liked peace and quiet, unhappy. Look just today, the two people were eating lunch in Rong Zan's classroom (they weren't in the same class), and yet another person came to look for him.

This time it was a big-eyed pretty girl with princess curls. She leaned over and said in a clear voice, "You're Qiu XiaoHai ba. My name is Wang KeLing. I'm the class president of the neighbouring Class 2. You should have heard of me before ba."

The last sentence was because many people said that Wang KeLing was this year's most beautiful girl. She also had good style. Every day she would wear expensive western clothes and a princess hairdo, accessorized with pearls and butterfly hair clips, or small hats, which made the other young girls green with envy. During this time the young boys were just in the midst of the age where they liked to tease each other about which girl they liked, and so while playing this game, Wang KeLing was seen as the most desirable girlfriend.

But Qiu XiaoHai who had just transferred over didn't know anything about this. He only raised his head from his large lunch box and replied in a natural manner, "Oh. Hello."

Wang KeLing smiled cutely. "I saw you on TV before. Are you going to be a star in the future? That's what I want too. I've been dancing from a young age and been preparing for a long time. My mommy told me to ask you to contact your director uncles, and tell them to put me on TV with you."

Qiu XiaoHai swallowed the food in his mouth then shook his head. "After filming the current one, I won't be doing anymore."

After saying that he glanced sideways at Rong Zan. He said in a coaxing manner, "I won't film anymore, okay ah?"

Rong Zan glanced at Qiu XiaoHai once and didn't reply. The rule of not talking while eating was one that Rong Zan followed stringently.

"Why won't you film anymore? My mommy says the advertisement was very good ah." Wang KeLing looked as though she didn't believe. "Then, how about you give me the contact details for your director uncle. My mommy will contact them directly."

Qiu XiaoHai had never met someone this proactive. He paused slightly, unsure what to do. "But I don't know the phone number ah."

"How can you not know it? Doesn't your family live together with Bai Lang?" Wang KeLing furrowed her delicate brow. She said in the voice of a child pretending to be an adult, "Ai, even if you don't have it, Bai Lang will definitely know. Let's ask him. When you finish school today, wait for me. I will come home with you ah."

Qiu XiaoHai opened his eyes wide in surprise. "You want to come to my house!?"

Rong Zan's face immediately went wooden.

Wang KeLing nodded in a natural manner. She blinked her eyes. "We're schoolmates ah. Haven't you ever been to a schoolmate's house to play before? Today I'll come to your house and tomorrow you can come to my house–"

At this time, Rong Zan replaced the lid on his lunch box. He stood up. "I've finished now. I'm going to wash my hands."

"Ah?" Qiu XiaoHai froze. He saw Rong Zan turn around and walk out of the classroom without looking back.

But clearly Ah Zan hadn't finished the contents of his lunch box yet.

Wang KeLing ignored Rong Zan. She tugged Qiu XiaoHai's sleeve and confirmed, "Then it's all settled oh. Today after finishing school I'm coming to your house. Let's meet at the school gates."

"Ah?" Qiu XiaoHai hurried to turn his head around. "No, no you can't. Ah Zan is coming over today."

"We can go together it doesn't matter." Wang KeLing first felt a bit confused, then she felt unhappy. "Can it be that Rong Zan also wants to be a star? Since you helped him, you should help me too. In the future when I'm more famous than him I won't snatch his jobs. After all I'm a girl and he's a boy ah."

Qiu XiaoHai opened his eyes wide again. He said in a straightforward manner, "How can you be more famous than him. Rong Zan is better looking than you!"

"How- how ah!?" Wang KeLing's face went red and stamped her feet.

But at this time Qiu XiaoHai had already jumped up from his seat and chased Rong Zan outside.

On the other side.

In the hallway, Qiu XiaoHai hurried to chase down and grab Rong Zan in a panic.

"Ah Zan Ah Zan, I didn't tell her to come to my house. Today we already agreed that you would come over, I remember oh."

"Then if I don't come, is it okay for her to come?" Rong Zan turned around with an expressionless face. He couldn't help asking this question.

He suddenly had the impulse that he wanted to knock Qiu XiaoHai out and hide him away in some place. After the advertisement had broadcast, there were always people looking for Qiu XiaoHai. Since then this kind of feeling had been growing inside his chest.

Qiu XiaoHai stared at him blankly. This type of hesitation made Rong Zan's little face grow frosty. Qiu XiaoHai realized this so vigorously shook his head. "If you don't want her to come, I'll tell her not to come."

Rong Zan turned his head away. "It's your house, you don't have to worry about what I want or not."

Qiu XiaoHai anxiously crowded in front of Rong Zan's eyes. He said in a pacifying voce, mimicking what he had learnt from Qiu Qian, "Ai, whatever you want, I'll listen to you. I said it before oh."

Rong Zan looked at Qiu XiaoHai's coaxing smile. He couldn't help placing his arms around Qiu XiaoHai's neck. He absorbed Qiu XiaoHai's warm temperature, the feeling was very reassuring. "She's noisy, I don't like her."

Qiu XiaoHai nodded his head to express he understood. "I know. I didn't think that there would be so many noisy people. No matter if it's eating or at class. In the future there won't be anymore."

Rong Zan thought for awhile then proposed a solution. "In the future let's eat on the rooftop."

"There's no need," Qiu XiaoHai smiled and added. "I'm going overseas soon with Ah Bai and daddy to film something. This time I'll be going for eight months."

"…………………………………………………………………………"

Perhaps it was because Qiu XiaoHai was missing a few brain cells, but after confirming his relationship with Qiu XiaoHai, Rong Zan's possessiveness was even more serious than Qiu Qian's.

***

Eight years later.

A particular private senior high school's opening ceremony in A city.

On the stage there was a tall and handsome student making a speech on behalf of the year. Below the stage there was a flurry of discussion which could not be suppressed.

"Who, who's that on the stage ah? So handsome, he doesn't even look human."

"Who are you talking about ah? That's Senior Rong! He's the year representative of the second years, he's also the president of the student representative council. Didn't you hear the teacher introduce him from before?" {T/N: Schooling works a bit differently in different countries, so just in case it's confusing to you, in China senior high school is grades 10-12, second year would be grade 11.}

"Ai, I was too busy staring at him. How can someone be this good looking ah…."

"Paired with our school's uniform, his looks can really kill. Hehe, for Senior Rong, I did everything I could to get into this school ah."

"Does Senior Rong have a girlfriend ah? She must be a big beauty ba."

"Hehe, that's an even bigger killing point. He. Doesn't. Have. One!"

"He doesn't!? The voices became more excited. "Is it because the school is too strict, and forbids young dating?"

"Our school isn't that strict. It's not really forbidden. Senior Rong really doesn't have one, no one's seen it before. I think he spends all of his time studying ba. After all he's very busy, not only is he the top student in the school, he's also the representative for the student council, math olympiad, debating and sporting clubs ah."

"Are you serious? You're not exaggerating? Then isn't he like a prince from a manhua, the type that when he smiles there's a glow surrounding him!? Senior must be very friendly and easy to get to know ba!?"

"Oh, no no no, Senior Rong is an ice immortal-type beautiful boy ah~~"

"Ice, ice immortal?"

"He always has an emotionless face and doesn't like to smile. When he walks he has a regal and elegant air."

"This this this, this is completely my type ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh—"

"Save it, you. Before coming out today did you take a good look at yourself in the mirror?"

"No no no, you don't understand. This type of perfect prince is just the type that should end up with a regular girl ah!!"

"Ha, unfortunately that's not the case in our school. Here, we don't even have a student assistant …" {T/N: I'm not sure what the author means by this, she put an asterick after "student assistant" as though she wanted to explain her meaning but there's no explanation after….}

***

Two hours later, in Year 2 Class 1's classroom.

Everyone was sneakily looking Rong Zan who had chosen a table in the very back row. And when Rong Zan sat down, he really placed his bag on the seat next to him. In everyone's heart floated the sentence "just as expected", after all everyone had heard this story before.

When it came to the order of choosing seats in the classroom, logically it was determined by how good your grades were. Rong Zan entered the school with the highest marks, so in Year 1 Class 1 he was the first one to choose his seat. And every time he would choose a table in the very back row. Because he was very tall, the fact that he chose a seat in the back row seemed to be very considerate towards his classmates.

So the male student who had the second highest grades thought that if he sat at the same table next to Rong Zan, then perhaps they could learn from and inspire each other to study better, so he picked the seat next to Rong Zan.

But as soon as he sat down, Rong Zan suddenly turned around and said to him, "I'm used to sitting by myself. Sorry."

After saying that he picked up the bag he had just placed down, then changed to another table further down.

The boy with the second highest mark's face became very ugly. He had also worked very hard to get into this high school so naturally he couldn't stand this kind of humiliation. He naturally raised his head and complained to the teacher that Rong Zan wasn't following the rules. Unexpectedly, the teacher only smiled. He said that until everyone had picked their seats, people were free to change their spots. The boy couldn't say anything, and Rong Zan opened his book and began reading. Of course after that no one dared to pick the seat beside Rong Zan to sit in.

In the next time, according to the grades, Rong Zan was still the first person to choose his seat. So when they came to Year 2, and the grades were shuffled, all the new students to the class paid special attention to this event when choosing their seats.

Of course there were still people among them who didn't believe it.

Right now it was the no 8 student, Shi Ting's turn to choose. Not only was she a very good student but she was also very beautiful. Previously people had admired her as a female version of Rong Zan, however her personality was much more friendly and easy to get to know. She had many male fans in the school, and a lot of them were worried that their female goddess would get taken away by the cold-faced male god Rong Zan.

However things didn't happen that way.

When it came to Shi Ting's turn, she directly walked towards the table Rong Zan had chosen. She indicated the empty seat beside him with a smile. "Do you mind?"

Rong Zan raised his head from his book. He said expressionlessly, "I mind."

From the waiting area outside the classroom there was a buzz of opinions.

However Shi Ting didn't seem angry. She then pointed at the seat in front of Rong Zan. "Then how about here?"

"Feel free." After talking Rong Zan lowered his head back into his book.

A flash of interest passed through Shi Ting's eyes. She smilingly sat down on the seat in front of Rong Zan.

This type of exchange was as though even though she had been rejected by Rong Zan, but she had received permission for some level of intimacy. This made her male fans, who were lining up behind, to gnash their teeth and some of the female students that liked Rong Zan also felt unhappy.

However they didn't expect that, half an hour later, something that would be even more shocking to the fans was about to happen.

Halfway through the welcoming speech by the teacher, a staff member appeared outside the classroom and waved their hands.

The teacher saw it and turned to the class. He coughed and said, "Students, this term we also have a transfer student who hasn't had time to be entered into the numbering of our students yet. He is a very talented sporting student, and just returned home from a competition overseas. Please everyone get along well."

This caused some slight chatter. After all this was Year 2 Class 1, and all the best students in the year were concentrated within it. It was a class which primarily requisite was good grades. They had never heard of any sporting talent being put into their class.

Rong Zan didn't say anything. He also glanced with some surprise from the window outside to the front podium.

This time he had chosen a seat next to the window, so that it would allow him to space out during class.

At this time, when the teacher gave a signal, a tall and slender youth came in. The youth was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, and it seemed he hadn't had time to purchase the school uniform yet. Paired with his tanned, wheat-colored skin and a row of pearly white teeth, he looked sunny and friendly, and all the female students couldn't help staring.

No one noticed that in the very back row, Rong Zan's facial expression changed. Even the way he sat in his chair changed.

The person who came in also didn't throw any airs. He said openly and with a big smile, "Hi. Nice to meet everyone. My name is Qiu XiaoHai. Please lead me well."

After that he waved his hand in a Western way.

The teacher nodded. "Find a seat for yourself. Let's continue the class."

After speaking, the teacher suddenly seemed to remember something. Actually there were a few empty seats in the classroom. Other than the seat beside Rong Zan, there were several tables in which only one person was sitting. However the transfer student was unfortunate enough to choose Rong Zan…

As he was thinking this, Qiu XiaoHai had already, under the gaze of the teacher and the entire classroom who were waiting in anticipation for a good drama, directly walked to Rong Zan's table.

When Qiu XiaoHai placed his bag on the table next to Rong Zan, there was a flurry of conversation in the classroom.

At this time Rong Zan suddenly shot out of his seat with the "kua-la!" sound of the chair sliding along the floorboard.

The atmosphere in the classroom suddenly became a lot more tense. Even the teacher's mouth dropped open. He thought he had to hurry and divert the new transfer student to avoid an altercation.

However Qiu XiaoHai only laughed. He held out his hand and said in a somewhat coaxing mamner, "Ah Zan, I'm back la."

Rong Zan took one step forward and hugged Qiu XiaoHai forcefully. "If you didn't come back soon, I would have gone to go grab you.

When he released him, there was a smile for the first time on his face.

"Ai, you've gotten taller again. When clearly half a year ago, we were the same…."

"Just cycling a bike won't make you taller."

"Who says! I also did some training!"

From the moment that everyone's jaw in the classroom dropped, very quickly the whole school got to know that Rong Zan had a best friend called Qiu XiaoHai.

No matter if it was a seat, smiles or even the first love that everyone was secretly suspicious of.

It turns out Rong Zan had been waiting for Qiu XiaoHai this whole time.

(T/N: Author's notes says the two people weren't separated for 8 years, it was just that Qiu XiaoHai travels back and forth from China to overseas, and the two people weren't always in the same school.}



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Extra 4

When the bell rang at the end of class, there was a flurry of conversation and the sound of people packing up which filled the room.

Rong Zan was also packing up his books and pens. His movements were very speedy and efficient, as well as being quiet.

At this time Shi Ting turned around. First she looked at the seat directly behind her, then moved her glance to Rong Zan who was behind slightly to the right. She said in a gentle voice, "Next class is science, shouldn't you wake Xiao Hai up early?"

{T/N: Actually says "experiment" class, I assume it's science class. In this case I think the students have their normal classroom which they attend most pen and paper type classes, and then go to special classrooms for science, sport etc.}

Rong Zan glanced up at Shi Ting. He had deep set features as well as a pair of deep, narrow eyes. The appearance was exquisitely perfect, but because of his expression there was also a sense of coldness and hardness. "It's still early."

Shi Ting didn't seem affected and smiled. She picked up her book and stood up. "You need to give him some time to wash his face ba. It also takes at least 5 minutes to walk to the science classroom." The way she stood up and pushed back her chair was also gentle and elegant looking.

Rong Zan didn't reply. He only nodded his head. "See you in the classroom."

Shi Ting behaved as though she didn't understand this dismissal. Instead she said gently, "Then I'll go and mind the table next to the window. Let's be in the same group next class. See you."

"En." Rong Zan agreed. Then he began to organize the things he needed to bring to the science class. After finishing Rong Zan opened Qiu XiaoHai's bag and began to organize for him too. He made his movements slightly bigger this time.

Because of this movement, the Qiu XiaoHai who had been lying on the table sleeping without moving finally moved his mouth and slowly woke up.

After waking up, the first thing Qiu XiaoHai did was stretch lazily. He also yawned. At the same time Rong Zan reached for the thin jacket which had slid off Qiu XiaoHai's shoulders and pulled it back up in a smooth, practiced motion. This was the jacket that Rong Zan had laid on him during class.

Qiu XiaoHai hadn't completely woken up it. He rubbed his face. Rong Zan handed him the jacket. "Put it on."

As though he was used to being commanded, Qiu XiaoHai took the clothes and messily stuck his arms into it.

Rong Zan picked up the things he had prepared and stood up. He helped smooth down Qiu XiaoHai's flipped up collar. "Let's go, next class is science."

"Haaa—-" Qiu XiaoHai yawned again. "Finally a fun one…."

"Being able to sleep while standing, I have to give it to you." Rong Zan helped support Qiu XiaoHai.

"One day I'll definitely master it." Qiu XiaoHai's voice was thick. Then he added, "Oh, I need to go to the toilet."

"There's enough time." Rong Zan's brow slightly moved. "It's on the way."

Qiu XiaoHai looked around then grabbed the water bottle which was hanging on the back of his chair. "We should also bring our water bottles. Just then you didn't drink any water right?  You need to drink more ah. Drink more and go to the toilet more, it's good for your body. My coach and Ah Bai both say that." After talking he unscrewed the cap and drank a few gulps. Then he handed it to Rong Zan. "Drink some."

Rong Zan took it with one hand. Without hesitation he drank a few mouthfuls.

Qiu XiaoHai stood to one side grinning and nodding his head. Thus Rong Zan drank a few more mouthfuls.

Drinking more was good. Then they could go to the toilet together later.

***

The "coach" mentioned by Qiu XiaoHai was his cycling coach.

This was something which had started because of the foreign movies that Bai Lang filmed previously.

It was a movie adaption from a book. The two part series was also split into two separate movies, and so the shooting time spanned nearly three years.

During this time, Bai Lang would spend nearly half the year overseas. Originally Bai Lang thought that because Qiu Qian had assigned him a private jet for his use, that the travel wouldn't be too arduous. He planned to return home every two weeks, so this meant  that the Qiu father and son would be able to obediently remain in China and attend school and work the way they were supposed to.

It was only that Qiu Qian wouldn't agree and Qiu XiaoHai also wouldn't agree. One of the picked up his laptop and said he could work from anywhere, and the other threw away his backpack and said he would definitely go wherever Ah Bai and daddy went.

Bai Lang tried to coax them for a long time, his primary concern with Qiu XiaoHai's schooling, but eventually he was rejected by Qiu Qian who said that when he was young he often skipped school and that going to school had nothing to do with whether you would become successful later. So after rushing to pack up a few clothes, Qiu Qian and Qiu XiaoHai followed Bai Lang onto the plane, and directly headed towards the small wooden villa that they had long ago purchased near the filming set.

It had to be said that because the film set was in the countryside, the surrounding environment was very good. There were green fields, clear air, mountainous surrounds and even a large lake. The lakeside town was very peaceful and tranquil, the pace of life was slow. Even Bai Lang felt that this place might be better for Qiu XiaoHai to grow up in, rather than a crowded city.

So during the three years of filming, Bai Lang and the Qiu father and son mostly stayed overseas. During this time, because of the beautiful surrounds, the family of three was able to maintain their habit of cycling in the morning together very well. And as they continued cycling, as time passed, Qiu XiaoHai started getting very interested in cycling. In this country, it was also considered a series sport that was being promoted nationally.

So, his hobby turned into a professional interest. After that he participated in many competitions. After Qiu XiaoHai requested it, Qiu Qian hired a professional coach to train him and purchased expensive bike after expensive bike for him. No matter if the competition was big or small he would sign him up.  When the series of movies finishing filming, it changed to the two adults following Qiu XiaoHai to run around.

Because of this, prior to senior high school, Qiu XiaoHai's schooling was very casual. However this didn't affect Qiu XiaoHai too much, because at the age of 12 he had already found the direction of his future life, which was to be a cool professional cyclist.

However each school he went to was like soy sauce. The fact that he had never properly completed any school term was something which gave Bai Lang a headache. So Bai Lang had a discussion with Qiu Qian and decided that prior to the best age in which would really enter the professional cycling world, Qiu XiaoHai needed to properly experience a period of school life. He needed to experience the joys and bitternesses that young people his age should have.

When they asked Qiu XiaoHai which school he wanted to go to, Qiu XiaoHai picked the senior high that Rong Zan attended.

Of course Bai Lang and Qiu Qian supported this. It was fortunate that Rong Zan's private high school had a class schedule which had a lot of freedom, and there was a lot of choice as to curriculum. This meant that there wasn't any special sporting positions? Then they would simply use money to create one. There wasn't a cycling club or cycling coaches? Then they would help the school create one. That way, Qiu XiaoHai wouldn't have to be thinking about cycling during class and be unable to rest.

Of course Rong Zan's school didn't do everything just for money. When he applied to enter the school, Qiu XiaoHai had won a string of international youth competitions. The brightness of the shining trophies was enough to make the teacher's eyes go blind. So even though professional cycling wasn't a sport that was widespread in China, however if they really trained an international sporting star, then that would also look good for the school.

So in this way, the uncouth Qiu XiaoHai was thrown the class Year 2 Class 1 which was filled with intellectual geniuses.

Aside from the times he was training, everyday he was surrounded by these intellectuals watching him while he slept.

Then what would happen when it came time for exams?

No problem since he was sitting next to a real genius. Rong Zan was extremely accurate when guessing the content of the exams. Also Qiu XiaoHai only needed to memorize about 30% of the content.

Because Qiu XiaoHai's grades were also 30% comprised of his sporting marks, goddammit.

***

However, actually the special student Qiu XiaoHai and his intellectual classmates got along together quite well.

{T/N: I didn't want to use the word "nerd" since it has negative connotations traditionally (although changing). Asian/Chinese people look highly upon education, so smart students are considered elite. So I thought "intellectual" would fit the bill better.}

After all among these group of competitive and close-knit students, having Qiu XiaoHai who has outside the circle, who was cool, easygoing and liked to laugh (the female students added: also handsome) was fantastic. Not only that but he was also great at making people laugh. Although sometimes when he slept in class he would snore, but after class he could help others weedle Rong Zan's notes out. Since he was a benefit both for entertainment and studying purposes, more and more people like to crowd around Qiu XiaoHai.

Not to mention, beside Qiu XiaoHai there was always Rong Zan.

Every discovered that after getting to know Qiu XiaoHai, it also became easier to talk to Rong Zan.

For example, asking him to borrow his notes was something that the top student Rong Zan would have never agreed to before. 

In the highly competitive environment of the school, every classmate was your competition. Notes were a valued resource, each person carefully kept theirs. So if it was to top student Rong Zan’s, then it was definitely something that would not easily be passed to others! In addition Rong Zan had always had a stern and proper image, and asking for notes seemed to be a sign of the crime of not working hard and taking shortcuts.

However on a particular day, three students surrounded Qiu XiaoHai chatting about him sleeping in class. After being complemented a lot, it was unknown who said that they envied him to death for possessing the golden notes, which was pretty much an exemption from the death penalty and with it he could sleep as much as he liked.

Qiu XiaoHai heard this then he turned around to look at Rong Zan. “Ah Zan, can I make a few copies to give them?”

While Qiu XiaoHai chatted, Rong Zan wouldn’t read but instead sit to one side silently “participating”. “Sure.”

The talking classmates all went quiet. Suddenly there was the “zeng” noise of them jumping out.

“Really!?”

“Is it really okay!?”

“You’re talking about your notes!?”

Qiu XiaoHai got a shock. “What are you all getting worked up for!?”

“Are you an idiot! Those are the top student’s notes!! His notes!! It will affect your grades!!”

“Those notes have organised all the important points!! This means getting the highest marks!! This means other people will be able to catch up!!”

“Only you don’t know how fortunate you are!! You actually managed to look at Rong Zan’s notes and not score over 70!! No wonder you don’t know!!”

The people who had come over to chat were all Qiu XiaoHai’s good friends. So they spoke in a straightforward way.

Although they didn’t have any ill intent however Rong Zan who was listening felt a bit unhappy because these people were calling Qiu XiaoHai stupid.

He didn’t expect for Qiu XiaoHai to laugh heartily and wave his hands. “So the effect is just so so ma, even if you guys read the notes thoroughly, the number one will always been Ah Zan ah.”

The students glared at him but they couldn't help but agree. “Seems to be… the case.”

The unhappiness in Rong Zan’s heart disappeared. He began to reply but at this time Qiu XiaoHai hooked his arm around Rong Zan’s neck. They were close enough to pat and rub each other. “Although, even if wasn’t number 1, Ah Zan is still the best oh. So don’t feel any pressure, no pressure.”

All of the other students felt.. how come these two sentences sounded a bit annoying.

Rong Zan rubbed Qiu XiaoHai back. “There is no “although”, number one is number one.”

Okay, that last sentence was just as annoying.

***

It’s just that all things had a good and a bad side.

Rong Zan and Qiu XiaoHai finally had the opportunity to attend the same school. One was the intellectual type and the other one was physical type. These two different good looking guys would appear together all the time in the school. Since they saw them so often, it was hard for the female classmates not to have thoughts in their hearts so they got disturbed quite often.

However because behind Qiu XiaoHai, there was a very famous gay couple, many of the girls began to get suspicious of the relationship between Qiu XiaoHai and Rong Zan. This matter concerned too many people's happiness, thus on the second month of Qiu XiaoHai attending the school, he would often be invited out by female classmates for a private "chat".

The first few times, the girls seemed to be aware that it wasn't good to pick a time when the two people were together. Hence they would always pick an opportunity when Rong Zan was at student council meetings to find Qiu XiaoHai to chat. However after the first few times, perhaps because these opportunities were rare and hard to come by, the girls began asking Qiu XiaoHai outright in front of Rong Zan.

Thus, when he saw that Qiu XiaoHai would leave the classroom with the girls, and even prevent him from following, not returning until the next class… day by day, Rong Zan's face became uglier and more dark.

One evening, Rong Zan specifically followed Qiu XiaoHai back to his house. As soon as he entered Qiu XiaoHai's room he couldn't help himself and straight out asked:

"What did those girls want to talk to you about today? Do you know her?"

Qiu XiaoHai took off his uniform shirt casually and then went through his closet looking for a T-shirt. "Nothing much. They were just asking me whether or not I have someone I like, and whether or not you have someone that you like."

Rong Zan didn't expect that the question would be so provoking. He asked in a troubled manner, "Then what did you say?"

Qiu XiaoHai's head was still buried in his closet. He didn't look around. "Told them the truth ah."

Rong Zan glared at Qiu XiaoHai's naked upper back. "…. you, you know about mine?"

"The glory of the debating society" / "The Olympiad prodigy" / "School Chief" / "Major School Intellectual" / "Ice Prince" etc  etc, Rong Zan who had all of these titles didn't dare to ask Qiu XiaoHai who he liked. He only dared to ask about himself.

Qiu XiaoHai turned around. His expression looked confused. "How can I not know? Didn't we agree on being together a long time ago?"

Rong Zan froze. "We agreed?"

Qiu XiaoHai also seemed surprised. His mouth opened and closed, then he said slowly, "We.. didn't we agree that when we were 16 we would start dating…. Did, did you forget?"

In his life, Rong Zan never again experienced this sensation of being smacked hard across the head again….

So right now all Rong Zan could do was freeze.

Qiu XiaoHai saw it and a look of shock and suspicion appeared on his face. Then he looked extremely cut. He immediately turned around and stammered while facing the closet, "If, if  you forgot then it doesn't matter… then, then, then I'll–"

Qiu XiaoHai had no words for a moment. Suddenly he felt himself being wrenched back around forcefully!

Then before he could react, there was already something hot pressed against his lips.

This was Rong Zan and Qiu XiaoHai's first kiss.

It was a bit forceful, a bit violent, also it hurt a bit and the duration was quite short.

After Rong Zan kissed him heavily, he said gravely, "Yes, let's date."

Qiu XiaoHai was shocked by the kiss. But he didn't forget his previous words. "Right now we're already 16. So, so, you really did forget–"

Rong Zan actually had no impression of it at all. However he wouldn't let Qiu XiaoHai have a chance to detect this.

He turned his head and used the same method to block Qiu XiaoHai's mouth again.

This time, a soft and hot exchange exploded on the two people's lips.

It was both fresh and exciting, a feeling of wanting to treasure something but at the same time wanting to plunder it. It was unknown who started, but their tongues began to enterwine in their mouths. The two people's bodies were filled heat and humidity, their tongues pressed and entangled together, and excitement and passion coursed through their bodies. Also Qiu XiaoHai wasn't wearing a T-shirt, his athletic body was embraced by Rong Zan and even further stimulated a sexual desire. All of this rose up into Rong Zan's head. He could only embrace this person more tightly, kiss him more heavily….

However at this time, there  was a "ka!" sound.


Someone actually opened Qiu XiaoHai's bedroom door!

The sound wasn't loud but since the closet was right next to the door, it was very clear.

Rong Zan and Qiu XiaoHai sprang apart in shock. They must have both felt guilty because they jumped apart from each other quickly.

They saw Bai Lang standing in the doorway in shock. Then his gaze glanced over Qiu Xiaohai's naked upper body and he coughed. "Remember, about that, you have to wait until you're 20!"

Then there was another "ka!" sound as the door closed.

***

A long, long time later, Rong Zan finally realized that it was Bai Lang who very early on set the requirements for Qiu XiaoHai.

He could start dating after 16, he could do *that* after 20, and he couldn't consider marriage until he was 25.

Qiu XiaoHai obediently agreed. Then he turned around to look at Rong Zan to remind him, "Ah Bai said dating has to wait until 16, don't forget."

Rong Zan actually did remember this incident.

What he didn't know was that when Qiu XiaoHai was talking about this, he had never considered any other person.

T/N: It's not completely clear who is gong and who is shou from the relationship so you can feel free to imagine how you like, but in my head and from the author's hints, I am of the opinion she is writing RZ as shou and QXH as gong. Most translated danmei is written from the perspective of the shou (since I think that's what most female readers like to read), but actually there is also excellent danmei with gong protagonist. In those ones, the shou is the one that's usually during the chasing, getting jealous over and spoiling the gong! They're also really great to read 🙂



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