Professional Body Double

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — ⦘

Professional Body Double Shui Qian Cheng,

⽔千丞

Source: http://novelfull.com Generated by Lightnovel Crawler

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — ⦘

Professional Body Double c1-125 1. Volume 1 1. Chapter 0 - Prologue 2. Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past -- YanMingXiu's POV 2 3. Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past -- YanMingXiu's POV 1 4. Chapter 1 - The Awakening 5. Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again 6. Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? 7. Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator 8. Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago 9. Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. 10. Chapter 7 - Let's Go To Your Home 11. Chapter 8 - Realizing Both Are.. 12. Chapter 9 - Staying at ZhouXiang's Home 13. Chapter 10 - Meeting For A Meal 14. Chapter 11 - Becoming A Zero (M) 15. Chapter 12 - Wanting A Family 16. Chapter 13 - Filming Scenes 17. Chapter 14 - Feeling Possessive of ZhouXiang 18. Chapter 15 - A Reluctant Family Meal 19. Chapter 16 - Inviting YanMingXiu To Live With Him 20. Chapter 17 - Moving In 21. Chapter 18 - LanXiRong's Welcoming Party 22. Chapter 19 - YanMingXiu Is Jealous 23. Chapter 20 - Can I Pursue You? 24. Chapter 21 - Being Put In A Difficult Situation 25. Chapter 22 - YanMingXiu Cooking A Meal of Crabs 26. Chapter 23 - Tension On the Set 27. Chapter 24 - Getting Caught by WangYuDong 28. Chapter 25 - First Argument 29. Chapter 26 - I Am Nothing.... 30. Chapter 27 - Not Wanting To Give Up 31. Chapter 28 - Begging YanMingXiu To Stay 32. Chapter 29 - Finding Out About YanMingXiu's Family 33. Chapter 30 - Starting to See ZhouXiang Differently 34. Chapter 31 - Two Wangs Butting Heads 35. Chapter 32 - Offending WangYuDong Unexpectedly

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — ⦘

36. Chapter 33 - Finding Out He Is WangYuDong's Substitute 37. Chapter 34 - Not Wanting To Let ZhouXiang Go 38. Chapter 35 - Refusing To Breakup 39. Chapter 36 - Heated Argument...WangYuDong's Favor 40. Chapter 37 - House Arrest 41. Chapter 38 - Losing All Hope 42. Chapter 39 - The Last Phone Call 43. Chapter 40 - CaiWei's Warning 44. Chapter 41 - Looking Up The Past 45. Chapter 42 - Needing More Work 46. Chapter 43 - Auditioning for the Gaming Video Clip 47. Chapter 44 - My Name is ZhouXiang 48. Chapter 45 - How Did He Know About the Twins? 49. Chapter 46 - Seeing LanXiRong Again 50. Chapter 47 - The Ad with YanMingXiu 51. Chapter 48 - ZhouXiang Is Not Dead!! 52. Chapter 49 - Sneaking Into His Own Home 53. Chapter 50 -- Almost Got Caught 54. Chapter 51 - Telling ZhouXiang About the Burglary 55. Chapter 52 - To Be WangYuDong's Stuntman Again 56. Chapter 53 - YanMingXiu Asks For a Role 57. Chapter 54 - Are you GAY? 58. Chapter 55 - Getting Kissed By A Drunk YanMingXiu 59. Chapter 56 - Who Can Really Help Him? 60. Chapter 57 - Feeling Desperate 61. Chapter 58 - Taking ZhouXiang to See YanMingXiu 62. Chapter 59 - The Proposal 63. Chapter 60 - Trying to Convince ChenYing 64. Chapter 61 - Finding A New Home 65. Chapter 62 - ZhouXiang Feeling Extremely Nervous 66. Chapter 63 - A Rare Night of Peaceful Sleep 67. Chapter 64 - Coincidences are Staggering 68. Chapter 65 - A Mother's Warning 69. Chapter 66 - LanXiRong's Doubts 70. Chapter 67 - Don't Forget Who You Belong To 71. Chapter 68 - Calling Out ZhouXiang's Name 72. Chapter 69 - Asking About the Accident 73. Chapter 70 - -YanMingXiu Is Skeptical 74. Chapter 71 - He Just Doesn't Want To Come Back 75. Chapter 72 - TanYin's Missing Scheme 3

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — ⦘

76. Chapter 73 - Underestimating YanMingXiu's Feelings for ZhouXiang 77. Chapter 74 - Who is the REAL Substitute... 78. Chapter 75 - Looking for YanMingXiu 79. Chapter 76 - Can't Stop History From Repeating Itself 80. Chapter 77 - Key Was Used To Open The Door 81. Chapter 78 - Why Are You So Much Like My Brother ZhouX‐ iang? 82. Chapter 79 - ZhouXiang Meets YanMingSu 83. Chapter 80 - First Time Feeling Sexually Gratified 84. Chapter 81 - The Friends Find OUT 85. Chapter 82 - His Body Might Be Found 86. Chapter 83 - The Plan to See The Body 87. Chapter 84 - Going To See the Body 88. Chapter 85 - Seeing Himself 89. Chapter 86 - Because I Am His Man 90. Chapter 87 - The Revelation 91. Chapter 88 - I Was Wron 92. Chapter 89 - Attending LanXiRong's MV Release 93. Chapter 90 - Their Emotional Talk 94. Chapter 91 - YanMingXiu's Thoughts 95. Chapter 92 - Don't Give Up On Me 96. Chapter 93 - YanMingxiu Taking ChenYing To the Hospital 97. Chapter 94 - Xiang Ge I Love You (M) 98. Chapter 95 - Let Me Move On With My Life 99. Chapter 96 - Fulfilling ZhouXiang's Career Aspirations 100. Chapter 97 - I Will Give You The Best 2. Volume 2 1. Chapter 98 - Not Wanting the Present to Change 2. Chapter 99 - Film Premier 3. Chapter 100 - ZhouXiang vs. WangYuDong On YanMingXiu's Scale 4. Chapter 101 - Meeting YanMingMei 5. Chapter 102 - Where is YanMingXiu? 6. Chapter 103 - -Persuading ZhouXiang to Leave YanMingXiu 7. Chapter 104 - ChenYing Finding Out About the Deal 8. Chapter 105 - YanMingXiu's Confession 9. Chapter 106 - A Period of Depression 10. Chapter 107 - A Brother's Love 11. Chapter 108 - Let's Start Over 4

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — ⦘

12. Chapter 109 - Be With Him to the End 13. Chapter 110 - Having Hot Pot At Home 14. Chapter 111 - The Chat With CaiWei 15. Chapter 112 - YanFei Came to Find ZhouXiang 16. Chapter 113 - YanMingXiu's Promise to His Father 17. Chapter 114 - ZhouXiang Makes His Stance Clear to YanFei (M) 18. Chapter 115 - YanMingXiu's Idea 19. Chapter 116 - Talking to Mother Yan 20. Chapter 117 - Your Family's Water Is Too Deep 21. Chapter 118 - Some Peaceful Days 22. Chapter 119 - We Are Free 23. Chapter 120 - Just Treat Him Like He's Also Your Son 24. Chapter 121 - Each Heartbeat...Beating For Each Other 25. Epilogue - The Husbands' Sweet Days (M) -- End

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 - Prologue ⦘

Chapter 0 - Prologue Some of you might have already read this in our Status -- Whats' Next post from April 5. This is just an introduction. We will start posting this story on May 12 (the second anniversary date from when we posted our first translated novel, Addicted2). This date holds great significance to us. It was our first time translating and has since become somewhat a habit. And here we are with our 4th novel two years later. Any case, with this story, we have decided to change the title we origi‐ nally had from Unique Tishen to Professional Substitute to align more with its actual Chinese title . This story is written by Shui Qian Cheng (), the same author as Beloved Enemy. One change that we are making, the first two posts will be out of se‐ quence from the author's novel. The main lead of the story is ZhouXiang; however, the author later wrote two chapters from YanMingXiu's point of view. We will post these two chapters first... and then start with chap‐ ter 1. These two chapters will help with the understanding of the story right from the get-go. Characters: ZhouXiang: Uke. Independent. Easy going, not very ambitious, car‐ ing towards people around him. His parents and sibling passed away when he was 8 years old. Before rebirth, he lives by himself in a condo. After rebirth, he lives with his rebirth mom. Older/younger ZhouXiang will be used to distinguish the ZhouXi‐ ang before birth and after rebirth. In instances where Older and Younger is used, Older ZhouXiang is before rebirth. Younger ZhouXiang is after rebirth. YanMingXiu: Extremely attractive, cold, indifferent. Youngest of the three Yan siblings. Comes from a weathly, prestious, millitary family. Has a crush on WangYuDong. LanXiRong: Young attractive popular actor who was once close to ZhouXiang. He likes ZhouXiang. WangYuDong: YanMingXiu's crush, who also eventually becomes his brother-in-law. 6

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 - Prologue ⦘

CaiWei: ZhouXiang close friend, his boss and close buddy almost like that of a brother ChenYing: ZhouXiang's mother after rebirth. YanDeJiang: YanMingXiu's grandfather. A prominent figure in the country's government arena. Patriarch of the Yan family. YanFei: YanMingXiu's father YanMingSu: YanMingXiu's older brother YanMingMei: YanMingXiu's older sister. Becomes WangYuDong's wife later in the story. Prologue: ZhouXiang didn't know if God was giving him a second chance to live because he wanted to give him extra loving care or was it because he hasn't messed with him enough. Otherwise, how could it be that both in and out of his entertainment ca‐ reer, whether it was in his past life or his current life, YanMingXiu would consider him as the substitute for the same person. He also didn't know, between him and Young Master Yan, who was actu‐ ally more pitiful; the one who could only be treated as a substitute or the one could only find a substitute. In his past life, ZhouXiang was the stuntman for the big star WangYuDong. But not just as his martial art stuntman..... Even within his deeply ill-fated relationship with YanMingXiu, he was also undeniably a complete substitute. Disheartened, ZhouXiang went with a group of documentary film crew into the deep valleys of the treacherous mountains. Unexpectedly, he lost his footing and fell off a cliff . When he awakened again, it was already two years later. Nevertheless, he awakened in another person's body. What is even more tragic is that he still couldn't escape the fate of being a substitute...

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 - Prologue ⦘

T/N: : Tishen is a person who replaces another; a substitute, in filming the tishen is a stuntman/body-double.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 2 ⦘

Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past -YanMingXiu's POV 2 The world is so vast... ZhouXiang disappeared from then on. Everyone thought that ZhouXiang is dead. But as long has he didn't see ZhouXi‐ ang's corpse, his heart held onto that glimmer of hope. This hope is like the sparks of fire in his heart. The more the sparks accumulates, the thicker it is, and it is only waiting for the day to start a prairie fire. He entered into an unprecedented hopeless predicament. Under the un‐ fathomable uncertainly of whether ZhouXiang is dead or alive, with no‐ body able to provide him with a definitive answer to this question, he be‐ came manically depressed. He couldn't eat, couldn't drink, and couldn't sleep. He felt that the sky above his head had collapsed. This man (ZhouXiang), whom he had never paid attention to... this man whom he thought would continue to stay by his side without needing him to put in much effort...after he (ZhouXiang) had completely disap‐ peared is when he (YanMingXiu) realized how important this person (ZhouXiang) was to himself. He began to remember every little bit of his past memories with ZhouXi‐ ang, repeating over and over again, not missing any details. In fact, he even tirelessly tried to recall every word that ZhouXiang said, his expres‐ sion when he said it. The more he remembered, the more he felt ZhouXi‐ ang's goodness and the more he felt his heart cracking. During that time, it didn't matter whether it was day or night. Every sin‐ gle moment was endless despair. He really wished that he could open his eyes and find that it was all but a nightmare. He only needed to reach his hand out and could touch ZhouXiang's warm body. He will turn his body over and embrace him tightly...this time, he will definitely not let go. He was really willing to give up everything that he has, only if ZhouXi‐ ang could stand in front of him healthily. He felt that his life is over.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 2 ⦘

He didn't understand how a person (himself) could be stupid to such an extent to have only come to the realization of someone so important and precious to him after he had irreparably lost him (ZhouXiang). Why did it have to wait till after he could no longer find ZhouXiang for him to dare admit that he had unknowingly fallen for ZhouXiang, that he had already gotten use to ZhouXiang being a fixture in his world. He had already regarded ZhouXiang as a part of his life that could not be sepa‐ rated. It is all too late. All that he now understood and what he had to endure in the future have no practical meaning...because no matter how painful and hopeless he is, ZhouXiang would never know. No matter how remorseful he is, he had no way to turn back time. He even wanted to disappear along with ZhouXiang, as long as he could go to where ZhouXiang is now, this is also a good thought. He didn't know how many days of uttered darkness passed. He could no longer feel the passage of time or any changes around him. His heart is already dead. What is the meaning of everything in the outside world? Unable to determine how much time had passed, a monk appeared in front of him. During this lengthy period of time, a lot of people came and went around him. He felt a bit weak but he couldn't hear their voices nor see their faces. He didn't want to hear nor did he want to see, but the appearance of this monk clearly appeared in his mind. The voice of this monk is like the sunrise passing through the dense fog, penetrating his ears. He knew this monk. This person is his brother's master, JiKong Master. He has seen him once. He is an extremely wise person. A thought came to his mind at this time. When it is impossible to find ZhouXiang through any scientific or theo‐ retical means, he began to depend on supernatural or religious powers. He thought that maybe this monk has a way, maybe there is really a....

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 2 ⦘

JiKong Master didn't do much. After sitting down, he merely said softly, "He is not dead." Just this sentence alone is enough to make him crazy. He rushed toward JiKong Master. He couldn't speak. His throat painfully felt as if it was burning, not being able to utter a single sound. He could only glare fixedly at this grand master, requesting him to continue. JiKong Master touched his beads, his voice natural, "He is not dead, nor is he alive. I have been entrusted by your brother and can only tell you this much. Do what you need to do. Make the best of it." He gripped tightly onto JiKong Master's clothes, getting emotionally choked up. He does not understand what, "Not dead, nor is he alive" meant. But he believes... he believes that ZhouXiang is not dead. He had always believed that ZhouXiang is not dead, and now that he got confir‐ mation from one other person, he is definitely more convinced. He didn't care what "nor is he alive" meant. Even if ZhouXiang is in a vegetative state, he still must find him. As long as ZhouXiang is not dead, as long as he can still feel ZhouXiang's body temperature, or even a bit of the clothes he's wearing... it is enough for him. As long as ZhouXiang is not dead! He will use all the patience in his life to find and wait for ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang is alive. ZhouXiang is not dead. ZhouXiang will not leave him. As long as he is willing to wait, ZhouXiang will one day return to him. He started to be enlivened day after day. His older brother brought him back to Beijing and stayed with him for two months. He finally became completely "normal" for a bit. As for making his brother worried about him for more than three months, it wasn't that he didn't feel guilty. Even though he remained dispirited most days and have completely lost his soul, he still appeared to be "normal" in front of his older brother. After his older brother left feeling a bit relief, he contacted a friend whom had opened an entertainment company and told the friend that he

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 2 ⦘

wanted to take on filming roles and advertisements, that he wanted to be a star. His friend was very shocked. The friend couldn't understand why he would do that, but at the same time, he was unexpectedly pleased. His thought was very simple. He wanted to make himself more famous, the more famous the better. He wanted ZhouXiang to be able to see him on TV no matter where he (ZhouXiang) is in the world. Even if ZhouXiang hated him and is not willing to reconcile with him, as long as he appears day after day, perhaps ZhouXiang will change his mind. If ZhouXiang is alive, he will definitely return to his side one day. He must be persistent on this, and wait for ZhouXiang's return. This is the biggest motivation supporting him. Although on those days without ZhouXiang, he is deeply immersed in yearning and remorse. The pain is endless, but he can't collapse. ZhouXi‐ ang is not dead. ZhouXiang can't be dead. One day he will surely come back. He must wait until that day. Because that day exist, it is worthy for him to painfully endure and continue to live on without ZhouXiang. He began to frantically take on advertising and commercial activities. His family and friends could not understand his intentions but he didn't need anyone to understand. He only needed one person to be able to see him in every corners of the world. One year passed ... two years passed. There was still no news of ZhouXiang. He didn't know how he endured the more than seven hundred days and nights. This far away immeasur‐ able hope is the only driving force supporting him. In this world, it's likely that he is the only person that still stubbornly in‐ sisted that ZhouXiang is not dead. He didn't know where this persever‐ ance came from but he firmly believes that as long as his heart is still beating, he will believe that ZhouXiang is not dead. One day, his schedule couldn't be adjusted and he had to shoot an adver‐ tisement at 7:00 in the evening. When he walked into the shooting loca‐

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 2 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 2 ⦘

tion, the moment the elevator opened, a man stood in front of his eyes. The person was an ordinary man. Normally he would not take a second look at someone looking so ordinary. But when the two men are standing not more than two meters apart, his heart felt an inexplicable huge shock... as if there is something with this person that is stopping him from going forward, desperately pulling him in at the same time. When their eyes collided, his entire body could not move from this electrical shock, his heart becoming excruciatingly painful, so painful that he could hardly stand still. This person's expression, he can't describe it thus far. This expression is far too deep, too depressing, as if there is endless sadness and suffering. The influence of this mournful emotion is so great that it literally ren‐ dered him motionless. He could pass through this invisible barrier and feel this person's pain, at the same time, he actually felt even more painful. Who is this person! Why does his entire body feel so unsettled! This apparent striking famil‐ iarity is like an invisible hand, tightly gripping onto his throat. At this very moment, he thought of the person who had made him felt such ago‐ nizing excruciating pain that he wished he was dead -- ZhouXiang. Their eyes interlocked but it was just a matter of a moment. And then, the person walked past him. He grabbed the man almost without thinking. "Who are you?" he asked gritting his teeth. "Who exactly are you?!"

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 1 ⦘

Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past -YanMingXiu's POV 1 Today is mothers day's here in the US. Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful moms out there. "A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." --- Agatha Christie" Without further ado.... we continue with our story.... The Past -- YanMingXiu POV 1 As mentioned the story's lead is ZhouXiang but the author later wrote two chapters from YanMinXiu's point of view. We are starting with him first. In fact, a few months ago, he already felt that his feelings for ZhouXiang were a bit different. But at that time, he didn't care because ZhouXiang was the first person he allowed to enter his life and was even the person he lived with. The difference with ZhouXiang, setting him apart from others, should be entirely because ZhouXiang is very much similar to WangYuDong. When WangYuDong and his sister got engaged, he had already planned to give up. Pursuing with this kind of feeling knowing that it is hopeless is obviously not worth it. Moreover, being persistent could ultimately hurt his sister. This kind of matter, he should not stubbornly persevere. Adding on, when ZhouXiang is by his side, he no longer felt empty. In fact, he felt content. At this time, he decided that he could consider accepting ZhouXiang. What he had not thought of was that ZhouXiang would find out about everything. Not only that, his reaction to it was extreme. In fact, toward the end, he must sacrifice ZhouXiang for WangYuDong's benefit, or vice

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 1 ⦘

versa. When WangYuDong personally opened his mouth to ask him, he really had no reason to refuse. He had his reasons. First, if WangYuDong got this role, his added value is ten folds and ZhouXiang's added value is one hundred. However, if he lost this role, at most ZhouXiang's loss is ten, but for WangYuDong, it is a thousand. Secondly, he could give ZhouXiang a better role, paving the way for a better and smoother jour‐ ney in his career. Finally, and most importantly, he will not let his person be in the same movie with this surname Lan. He hated for other people to look to at his things, not to mentioned lust after it. In his opinion, he could give ZhouXiang a lot of things that he (ZhouXi‐ ang) needed, such as good roles, a great environment and what ZhouXi‐ ang especially wanted most -- his affections toward him. ZhouXiang likes him so much. He (ZhouXiang) should gladly accept all these, so he didn't spend too much time considering before making a decision that would ultimately make him regret his entire life. The two days that he kept ZhouXiang under house arrest, he contacted a director, intending on giving ZhouXiang a better role than WangYuDong's as compensation to him. He is not a person who is good at expressing his feelings. He only thought that by using this method, ZhouXiang would feel his importance in his (YanMingXiu's) heart. It never occurred to him that ZhouXiang would not be grateful. Not only did he not accept, he also used the cruelest way to punish him for every‐ thing that he had done wrong. When ZhouXiang left his line of sight, using the excuse to go to the bathroom, it never occurred even in his dreams that this would be the last time he would ever see this man again in his life. From now on, he would never have the slightest chance to see this gentle and tolerant smile on this face once again. After ZhouXiang used the excuse and left, he was in no hurry to chase after him. He wanted to give ZhouXiang time to calm down for a few days. But he didn't expect ZhouXiang to turn off his phone completely and his whereabouts completely unknown. On the first day, the second day, and even the third day, he could still bear it. But after that, he could no longer stand it anymore. He reached out to a contact and forced CaiWei to reveal the truth. Finally, he found

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 1 ⦘

that ZhouXiang had taken on a documentary filming job and had entered the XiWan Mountain. He felt heavyhearted. The phone signal in the mountains is not good. There is no way for him to get connected to ZhouXiang. It may be a few months before ZhouXiang would be able to come out. Since the two met, they have never been separated for this long. Think‐ ing that it might not be possible to see ZhouXiang for two to three months, adding on, their separation was under extremely unpleasant cir‐ cumstances, he felt very unsettled. After a few days, this feeling became painfully insufferable. When he got home, he couldn't see ZhouXiang, couldn't eat the foods made by ZhouXiang, and couldn't hold ZhouXiang to sleep at night. These things that he had never been mindful before, after it had com‐ pletely disappeared, were actually so unbearable. For the first time, he realized that he needed someone by his side, and that person is not WangYuDong, not anyone else, but is ZhouXiang. When he came to this realize this point, he even wanted to go search for ZhouXiang in the mountains. With this thought, he almost blew up calling ZhouXiang's phone. Finally, he was able to get connected to ZhouXiang but the signal was really poor. Adding on, the content of their conversation was extremely un‐ pleasant, becoming even more intense. He began to delegate all his work at hand and got in touch with a crew member to assist in taking him to the mountains, unbeknownst to ZhouXiang. He needed to see ZhouXiang. His most intensive thought at this time is to shove ZhouXiang beneath him and ruthlessly fuck him. He wanted ZhouXiang to know who the master of this relationship is. He will not allow ZhouXiang to leave him. He also needed to tell ZhouXiang that he wants to start over, to seriously start over with him.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 1 ⦘

He missed ZhouXiang immensely. He wanted to immediately appear by ZhouXiang's side. But before he could leave, he received the nightmarish news. ZhouXiang had an accident in the mountains. It is difficult for him to recall the pain he felt when he received the call. He began to disbelieve every words spoken by the other party, the words filtering through his ears sounded gibberish. He felt that the other party is spitting out nonsense. ZhouXiang could not be in an accident. What rainstorm? What mud‐ slide? He absolutely does not believe it. He thought about the many possible images when he and ZhouXiang would meet again, but it definitely did not include this. At that time, he still hasn't panic because ZhouXiang was only missing. At the same time, there were also a few people missing. They are very likely trapped somewhere and will definitely be found. He couldn't wait to delegate all his work at hand, and immediately flew directly to Guangxi, entering the mountains as fast as he could. His only thought at the time was that he needed to find ZhouXiang first, to make sure he is safe. It had never occurred to him that ZhouXiang would really disappear completely. He'd never dared to think that... Time passed day by day. On the first day and the second day, he was still able to remain calm. But when the rescue team found a body of a crew member on the third day, he was already on the verge of collapse. Everyone knew that the longer the search and rescue time drags, the less likely the victim would be rescued. Looking at the appalling deformed corpse and thinking that ZhouXiang might have become like this, he went insane. It's likely that he didn't eat for a few days, likely due to the high degree of mental stress, and likely 17

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 0 POV 1 - The Past – YanMingXiu’s POV 1 ⦘

his fear and hopelessness ... all of it led to the gradual erosion of his heart, he lost consciousness. When he woke up again, his brother appeared. Time has passed and it was the fifth day. The fifth day of ZhouXiang's disappearance. The rescue team has begun to wrap up their work. They believe that ZhouXiang had likely perished in an unknown corner somewhere in the mountains. After all, the mountain area is an unimaginable vast area. To find a person is easier said than done. His feeling at the time was that the whole world had completely shat‐ tered before his eyes. He forgot who he was, who was around him, and what was around him. Everything became a non-essential bubble. Only his determination to find ZhouXiang is real. He did not believe it. He did not believe that ZhouXiang is dead. He felt that ZhouXiang is still alive. He can't tell why. His older brother thought that he is crazy, but he really felt that ZhouXiang must be alive, must be... He forced the rescue team to search for an entire month, searching the scope of a radius of ten kilometers but still came up with nothing. He even wanted to expand the search. His older brother yelled at him and said that he is wasting resources, said that he is insane, said that he had gone crazy. But he didn't care at all. If ZhouXiang's deformed body is really in front of him, he will really go crazy. But he must have a conclusion; otherwise he won't be able to move on. However, God bestowed upon him the most cruel and hopeless conclu‐ sion ---- and that is uncertainty between life and death. End of Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

Chapter 1 - The Awakening T/N Chapter titles are made up by us. The Chinese novel did not have chapter titles. ZhouXiang tried to open his eyes but they were dry and the light was so blindingly bright that he could only squint his eyes. Coming into his sight is pure whiteness, so white that there wasn't even the slightest feel of human warmth. All the senses in his body gradually returned. He could smell the familiar disinfectant. He knew that he's in the hospital and was very shocked. I'm actually still alive? Falling from such a high cliff, I am actually still alive? It must be that his moral character was too good, so good that God was unwilling to accept him, leaving him to continue on living. Anyway, it's a good thing that he got his life back. But he didn't know whether he had any broken arms or legs. He couldn't feel them...his hands, his legs, he couldn't feel them at all. He was so frightened that he sweated profusely. Perhaps, it's a good thing that he's alive. But if he's disabled, isn't death better than living? "ZhouXiang? ZhouXiang? You awake?" A middle-age woman's voice rang in his ears. The voice sounded solemn, tinged with a deep sobbing tone. ZhouXiang exhaustively tried to turn his neck toward the voice. She's a woman in her fifties, looking very frail and very kind. Even though she called his name but ZhouXiang didn't know her. Who is this? "ZhouXiang......" That woman wanted to cry but was trying very hard to suppress herself. Stumbling to the door, she grabbed a nurse and shouted excitedly, "My son is awake! My son is awake! Quickly call the doctor." Son? Who is your son?

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

ZhouXiang opened his mouth to try and talk but his throat was as coarse as the fire. He tried for the longest time but still couldn't make a sound. Gradually, he began to feel his limbs. He moved his toes and he could feel them. His hands and feet, he could also feel them! Soon after, a group of doctors and nurses rushed in and busily sur‐ rounded him. The nurse sighed, "He really woke up. He had been in a coma for two years, he actually really woke up. This is such a miracle. Auntie, congratulations!" That woman cried and laughed simultaneously, so excited that she couldn't even speak clearly. A nurse poured ZhouXiang a glass of water and used a spoon to feed him a sip. She only fed him a little bit before taking the water away. She softly muttered, "Don't worry, right now you need to get used to it first." ZhouXiang asked coarsely, "I......how am I?" His voice sounded so coarse, it didn't seem like sounds that could come from a human being. "ZhouXiang." The middle-aged woman rushed over to caress his face while crying, "Mom knew that you'd definitely would wake up. You fi‐ nally woke up. Mom wouldn't be able to hold on much longer." ZhouXiang looked at her in shock. Does this woman really think that I'm her son? ZhouXiang recalled his memories and it seemed fine. All his 33 years of experiences are still so vivid in his mind. Even though the days before his death were passed by in agony, he rather wished that he could com‐ pletely forget everything connected to that person. But he was sure that he didn't forget. And this woman definitely didn't exist in his memories. Even though...even though her sobbing made him feel distressed, her tears were so heartfelt, these are tears from a mother. "You......you are......Auntie, I don't know you." ZhouXiang spoke this complete sentence with much difficulty. The crying stopped as the woman look at him startled. The doctors and nurses were all stunned. It took them a while to react and the doctor pat‐

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

ted the woman's shoulder, "Ms. Chen, ZhouXiang's brain has sustained serious impact. Anything is possible after he wakes up. If it's just mem‐ ory loss, he is considered to be very lucky." ChenYing brushed away her tears and touched ZhouXiang's face with her trembling hand, "ZhouXiang, son, you really don't remember me? I'm your mother." His name is really ZhouXiang but his mother died when he was eight years old. In his dreams, he still wished that he had a mother, but...... "Ms. Chen, please restrain yourself from your emotions. Don't put too much pressure on the patient. How about this... go out and get some rest first? We're going to give him a more thorough check up, okay?" The doctor winked at the nurse. The nurse softly said to ChenYing, "Auntie, let's go out first. Calm down." After saying that, she took her out without hesitation. ZhouXiang was pushed out of to the ward for x-rays and other exams. His mind was drowsy. He wanted to go back to sleep again. As he un‐ consciously turned his head, he sees his face reflected on the doctor's computer monitor. When he saw his face clearly, he was utterly shocked. Reflected on the dark computer monitor is a face that is not very clear but enough to dis‐ tinguish the facial features. ZhouXiang looked at the person's sluggish expression, who is this person? This is not his face......who is......this per‐ son? The doctor waved his hand in front of him, "What's wrong?" "Mirror." "What?" ZhouXiang suddenly shouted loudly, "Give me a mirror!" The doctor is shocked. He thought for a moment and then handed him a mirror, "Your face is all fine. Relax, don't get so emotional."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

ZhouXiang snatched the mirror to take a look at himself. It clearly re‐ flected a young attractive man's face. This young man appears to be twenty-five to twenty-six years old. His eyes aren't big but very vibrant. Although this face was pale but after looking closely, he still looked very manly. But this is not him, ZhouXiang! No wonder that auntie called him her son. She was not mistaken but she just didn't know that there was a different soul in her son's body. So, he still died, at least his body. Falling from such a high cliff, how could it not have been smashed to bits? But his soul is reborn into an‐ other person's body. This young man is also named ZhouXiang. The doctor looked at him strangely, "What's the matter? Feel any dis‐ comfort?" ZhouXiang threw the mirror to the side and weakly lowered himself back on the bed, covering his eyes with his hands, murmuring, "I'm fine." His whole person is still in shock. How could he accept everything that is in front of him? Maybe it's because they have the same name so God took the wrong soul? In any case, this is all too bizarre. He had always been an atheist. He never believed in ghosts and spirits and was never afraid of it. But what happened now in front of him has shaken him to his core. For a moment, he really didn't know how to react aside from being in shock. The doctor empathetically added, "Just close your eyes and rest. You slept for two years and just woke up. Your psychological burden is too heavy. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Sleep." The doctor's low and deep voice is like a hypnosis needle. ZhouXiang closed his eyes as he felt a wave of fatigue rising in his heart. Gradually, sleep consumed him.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

This is also not bad. He survived but with a completely new identity. This is an opportunity that God had given him so he can start all over again. He can cast aside his past and live well. Put aside all that...all that he felt are failures and not look back at it. "Come, drink this chicken soup. Drink some soup before eating to nour‐ ish your body." ChenYing looked at ZhouXiang distraughtly, the kind‐ ness in her eyes made ZhouXiang feel grieved. He could not tell a mother, who had tirelessly raised her son, that another soul is living in his body. "Drink it. Why are you in a daze? Even if you don't remember me, you definitely would remember the taste of this soup. You love to drink my stew soup since you were young. Drink it." ZhouXiang took the soup bowl and scooped a spoonful of the flavorful chicken soup. He took a sip and it tasted delicious. He couldn't help but drink a few more mouthfuls. "Slow down, don't burn yourself." After ZhouXiang finished the bowl of soup, he looked at ChenYing and softly said, "Ah......Mom, you don't have to bring me food every day. The hospital also has food." It's been three days since he woke up and it had rained for two days. Every time ChenYing comes, he saw that her pants is all wet. This short and thin woman took a half-hour bus ride and walked for more than ten minutes just to bring her son a hot meal. He felt sad and touched. This is the feeling of having a mother. He thought he would never experience this in this lifetime. ChenYing said with sorrow, "What's the big deal with bringing you meals? Before when I brought it, you can't even eat it." Thinking of all the hardships in the past two years, ChenYing's eyes were a little red, but she immediately laughed, "Don't say these things. You waking up is great. Mom is not going to ask for anything else and won't force you to do anything you don't want to. I only want you to live well." ZhouXiang faintly thought that there was more than just the obvious meaning in ChenYing's words. But he didn't ask for fear that it would

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

provoke her sadness again. Hearing from her and the doctor's mouths, he was able to decipher that some heavy objects had fallen on this body two years ago. Everyone had thought that he would be in a vegetative state the rest of his life. Unexpectedly, he woke up. ZhouXiang also knew that it had been two years since he accidentally fell off the cliff during the storm. He also looked at the elderly man in the bed next to him. This double ward had only the two of them. The old man had been lying there for more than half a year from a stroke. It is said that he is still conscious but is similar to that of a dead person. The old man didn't have a wife, just a son. His son is busy with work so he could only come once or twice a week. ChenYing sometimes helped the nursing staff take care of the el‐ derly man. As ZhouXiang watched ChenYing exhaustively helped the caregiver wipe down the elderly man's body while sweating profusely in the process, he can imagine how ChenYing took care of him in the past two years. How much did this woman suffer for her son? But when he woke up, she didn't mention anything. When ZhouXiang looked at her, he couldn't help but imagine if his mother is still alive today, would she worry about him like this? In his heart, he gradually accepted the fact that ChenYing was his mother. He even felt a little glad. Even in his dreams, he wanted a mother. Now having woken up, he actually has one. God really treated him well. Not only giving him a second life, but also giving him a mother. ZhouXiang finished his meal under ChenYing's watchful eyes. ChenY‐ ing fanned him with a fan and looked at him with a smile. Her eyes were full of warming kindness. ZhouXiang was a bit embarrassed by her. ChenYing immediately asked, "Son, do you want to watch TV for a bit?" "Oh, OK." ChenYing turned on the TV but the two did not concentrate on whatever was showing on the TV. ZhouXiang asked, "Mom, when can I be dis‐ charged from the hospital?" He could tell that ChenYing is not rich. He feels that he is fine so it's not necessary to continue staying in the hospi‐ tal.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

ChenYing responded, "There's no hurry. Most of the money had already been used up these couple of years so what is the difference of staying a few more days? Mom wants you to leave the hospital in good health. Let's listen to the doctors' advice. The few doctors that treated you are very good. When they say you can be discharged, then that's the time that you will be discharged." ZhouXiang nodded and asked, "Mom, can you tell me about our family? The doctor also said that if you tell me more stuff, maybe I will remem‐ ber things." Each time he says the word "Mom," ZhouXiang felt his heart beating faster. He doesn't know whether it is because he feels thankful or because of his guilty conscience. ChenYing smiled, "This, we also don't need to rush. Once you leave the hospital, I'll show you pictures of you when you were young. We'll look and talk. The doctor said that your mind can't get too exhausted. You just need to rest. Don't think too much." ZhouXiang also didn't force the matter. He inadvertently glanced at the TV screen. The TV is broadcasting a movie's news conference. The cam‐ era moved and a very familiar figure appeared on the screen. ZhouXiang's eyes opened wide. WangYuDong! The director gave the male movie star a close-up. This man is undoubt‐ edly very attractive, graceful and cool. His tailored well-fitted suit accen‐ tuated his slender and tall body, the corners of his mouth slightly raised into a smile like that of the glorious warm spring breeze. It's no wonder that many women's heart were mesmerized by him. ZhouXiang is more than familiar with this extremely popular movie star. He was this man's martial arts stuntman for many of his previous movies due to their excep‐ tionally similar figure and back silhouette. If it weren't for this reason, YanMingXiu really wouldn't have glanced at him. Unfortunately, he didn't know this initially. If he had known, he would've calmly be at ease in just being friends with benefits with Yan‐ MingXiu. Then he wouldn't have fallen into such a wretched state.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

Waves of painful sorrow struck him in his heart. This heart that is not ex‐ actly considered to be his heart (T/N) but it still hurts because of these de‐ pressing matters. It's really unbearable. ZhouXiang laughed at himself, "Mom, let's change the channel." T/N: he's a soul in someone else's body, so naturally it's not physically his own heart. "Okay," ChenYing turned to look. "Isn't this WangYuDong?" "You know him?" "Hey, your mother is not so old that I don't even watch TV, right?" ChenYing smiled and glanced at him. "Who doesn't know WangYuDong? He's a very famous big star. When he got married earlier in the year, our neighbor, that Auntie Zhang's daughter, cried and whined as if there was no tomorrow. I really don't know what these children are thinking these days." ZhouXiang shuddered. "He......he got married?" ChenYing glanced at him strangely, "Son, you remember him?" "No, I don't remember. Just that...don't male stars usually get married late? I think he's in his 20s, no more than 30." "Yeah, the newspaper said that he and his wife had been together for sev‐ eral years and said that the woman's background is very mysterious. Anyway, she's very likely an influential family's young miss. The re‐ porter can't dig up too much news. I just remembered that his wife's sur‐ name sounds particularly nice. The surname is Yan, not the Yan from swallow (T/N), it's......" T/N: The surname Yan () and the yan () are pronounced the same but dif‐ ferent meanings. Yan () means peaceful while yanzhi () is a swallow bird. Whatever ChenYing said afterwards, ZhouXiang didn't hear any of it. What kept repeating in his mind is that WangYuDong and YanMingMei are married.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 1 - The Awakening ⦘

If they got married then how would YanMingXiu be? Wailed and sobbed pathetically? Wanting to die? YanMingXiu was so infatuated with WangYuDong, seeing WangYuDong changed from being his sister's boyfriend to his brother-in-law, he will go crazy right? Ha, it's ridiculous. Speaking of this, although he and YanMingXiu are not the same, they both made the same mistakes. That is, they coveting for something that don't belong to them. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again After staying in the hospital for another two days, ZhouXiang felt good physically. He really didn't want to stay in the hospital anymore. Once again, he told ChenYing that he wanted to leave the hospital. ChenYing went to ask the doctor. ZhouXiang waited by himself in the ward. The grandfather sleeping in the bed next to him will probably never wake up. Sometimes when he is sleeping into the middle of the night, he'd think of the person lying next to him, not making a sound. In fact, this grandfather is very pitiful. At this time, the door to the ward opened. He thought ChenYing was back but he didn't expect to see a forty something year old man coming in. The moment he saw the man, ZhouXiang is stunned. CaiWei? CaiWei saw him and was also startled. He said in shocked, "You......you, you, you're awake?" ZhouXiang blinked. He was even more shocked than CaiWei. He didn't expect to have only been awakened for a few days and is able to meet his former friend. CaiWei took a few steps and stood front of him. This boorish older friend was so excited that his face is flushed red. He slapped his hands on ZhouXiang's shoulder, so strong that ZhouXiang felt a bit pained. He ex‐ citedly said, "Buddy, you don't know me but I know you." He pointed to the bed with a finger that is hooked with a bag of food. "That is my dad. My dad had been laying there for more than six months. I see you every time. Ahhh, my dad is at this age so let it be. But you're still so young, if you are to lie there like that forever, your mother will be done for. I didn't expect you to wake up but it's great." He patted ZhouXiang's shoulder heavily; his face revealing a candid smile. ZhouXiang's heart trembled. He instantly grabbed onto CaiWei's arm, so excited that he couldn't even speak. He wanted to open his mouth and

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

say "Wai Ge"(T/N), but to CaiWei at this time, he is merely at stranger who is coincidentally called ZhouXiang. T/N: Ge () means older brother. It's also a more affectionate and respect‐ ful way of addressing an older male friend. CaiWei looked at him strangely, then asked, "Brother, what's wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable? I'll help you call for the doctor?" ZhouXiang responded, "No, don't need to. You... don't give up. Maybe your father will wake up one day." CaiWei puts down the stuff he was holding on his father's bedside and then sat in the chair and sighed, "I don't expect it. Getting a stroke at this age...he's just hanging on. He's really half-dead like this. The entire fam‐ ily is suffering but we can't watch him die." CaiWei looked at his dad, "Anyway, no matter what, he is literally still alive." His voice sounded dismal and fatigued, making ZhouXiang feel particularly somber. CaiWei is still doing well in the entertainment circle. His work is rela‐ tively a mixture with many things that he is responsible for managing. But his social network is broad. Many aspiring newbies have to look up to him so CaiWei's income is considered good. However, having to sup‐ port his wife and kids and also care for an elderly father who has hospi‐ talization fees mounting day by day, it is a heavy burden. Now, even though only two years had passed, ZhouXiang felt that CaiWei is much older than before. ZhouXiang wanted to comfort him but was afraid to say too much and end up revealing himself. To say that there is another individual living in this body, that's even more unimaginable to normal people. CaiWei looked at him silently, then sighed heavily and wiped his face. His expression looked a bit painful. ZhouXiang asked cautiously, "What's wrong?" "ZhouXiang," CaiWei called out. His tone is the same as when he used to call him. ZhouXiang's heart trembled. "You know, I used to have a buddy, his name was also called ZhouXiang. If he was still alive, he would be 35 this year...very young, very loyal. He was a really good 29

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

buddy." CaiWei's face revealed a crying yet laughing expression, his voice sounds as if he was choking with emotions. "Hearing from what your mom said, you had an accident two years ago right? My buddy was also in an accident two years ago. But you woke up, yet his body can't even be found. That job... I introduced it to him. ......" CaiWei sniffed, "If it weren't for me......" The rest of the words, he couldn't say anymore. His guilt and grief seemed to have consumed the air causing ZhouXiang to feel indescrib‐ able repressed emotions. He especially wanted to give CaiWei a scolding, scold him for talking all this nonsense. Why would my death have anything to do with you? At that time, he offended WangYuDong and it was obvious that he wouldn't be able to continue working in the entertainment industry. Only CaiWei helped him. CaiWei pestered and smooth talked others to get him intro‐ duced into a cast and crew team to film a documentary in ShiWen Moun‐ tain. But to encounter such horrendous weather on that day, it was just his bad luck. If he really died, then let it be. But to be alive and come to realize that CaiWei had always blamed himself for his death, he felt even worse than CaiWei. Normally CaiWei is definitely not a person to say so much in front of a stranger. But at this time, his emotions are somewhat out of control be‐ cause this young man in front of him made him reminiscent, remember‐ ing so many painful things from the past. He felt a bit embarrassed and quickly cleared his throat, "Please don't mind me. I've just remembered things from the past. My name is CaiWei. If you don't mind, just call me Wei Ge. Fate brought us together. In the future, let's look after each other." ZhouXiang's voice trembled as he softly called out "Wei Ge." He really wanted to drag CaiWei to a small restaurant near the hospital, order a few dishes, get a few bottles of white wine and heartily drink with him like they use to do before. When they were in a sports school, CaiWei had always took care of him. After he graduated, he could not find a good job. He shamelessly went to look for CaiWei and CaiWei arranged for him to run errands for the drama sets and did some miscellaneous work in various studios. Later, he slowly began to work as a martial art stuntman for other people and got a good income. The two of them had

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

always gotten along. In ZhouXiang's heart, CaiWei is like his real brother. CaiWei smiled. "I'll tell you the truth but don't think too much. You give me a very intimate feeling, like a person that I'm very familiar with. I don't know if it's because you're also called ZhouXiang but I feel that you are kind of like him." ZhouXiang also smiled. How could CaiWei know that he and that ZhouXiang is one and the same person? When he was about to speak, ChenYing came back. "Xiao came to see your father?"

(T/N)

Cai, you

T/N: Xiao means young; however, when put in front of someone's name, it's a sign of fondness to call someone younger than you. "Yes, Auntie Chen. Why didn't you let me know that ZhouXiang had awakened? This is a cause for celebration. When will he be discharged? I'll take you two out for dinner." "Oh, you're so busy with work. How can we trouble you?" "What trouble? You always help the nurse take care of my dad. I really can't return this favor in this lifetime." "What are you talking about? I'm free and have the time. You still have to earn money to support a family. You can't compare to this idle person. Don't say these courteous words. If you have free time, come visit your father more often. Perhaps he will wake up one day." CaiWei smiled, "Yes, maybe we can also rub off some of your luck." ChenYing's face is obviously full of radiance with her entire body burst‐ ing with happiness. "Xiao Cai, come have some fruits." The three chatted for a while. CaiWei stayed for more than an hour. He help his father change, fixed his hair, and left. After he left, ChenYing said to ZhouXiang, "I didn't say anything in front of him... don't want to trouble others. The doctor said that you can

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

be discharged tomorrow." ZhouXiang said happily, "That's great." "I'll clean and pack up the stuff. You take a good rest. We'll go home to‐ morrow." ZhouXiang softly muttered, "Mom, you worked hard." ChenYing smiled and caressed his grown long hair, "As long as you wake up, any hard work is worth it." ----The next morning, they got up very early to do the discharging proce‐ dures. Unexpectedly, CaiWei came. CaiWei smiled, "Auntie Chen, you are too kind, not even telling me that he's being discharged. Good thing that I asked the doctor myself. Don't argue and be so modest with me. Today, I'm here to help and have a cele‐ bratory meal with you two." ChenYing was particularly embarrassed and said a few polite words. She couldn't win over CaiWei's enthusiasm so she could only accept it. CaiWei rushed out to take care of the discharged procedures for them. ZhouXiang put everything in his car. Having lived in the hospital for two years, his discharged is like moving homes. If it wasn't for CaiWei's car, they would really be in trouble. After a busy morning, everyone was exhausted. ChenYing was worried about ZhouXiang's health. Actually, ZhouXiang felt that his body is fine and feeling physically energetic. This body has been lying for two years, what it lacks now is not rest but exercise. CaiWei took the mother and son to a very high-class Cantonese restau‐ rant. Seeing CaiWei's new car and then at his extravagance, ZhouXiang knew that he had been doing pretty well in the past two years. He is very happy for CaiWei. ZhouXiang also graciously accepted; they ate and chatted.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

ChenYing didn't chat much with them. She said a little and then stayed quiet, leaving the two to talk among themselves. After chatting for a while, CaiWei looked at him strangely. ZhouXiang's heart is startled for a moment, "What's wrong?" "The feeling that you give me...is very much like a close friend. What's with this?" ZhouXiang quickly recalled whether or not he had mistakenly said any‐ thing. He had already tried to be cautious. He shouldn't have said any‐ thing wrong, right? Finally, he laughed, "Didn't Wei Ge say... we have fate." CaiWei shook his head and smiled, "That's true. I'm thinking too much. Who told you to also have the same name as my brother?" After he said that, he sighed. ZhouXiang was afraid that CaiWei will reminisce the past again so he quickly poured him a glass of wine, "Come, Wei Ge, let's drink." After three rounds of alcohol, both men's faces were red. CaiWei asked, "ZhouXiang, what are your plans for the future?" "Look for a job." "What did you do before?" ZhouXiang is speechless. He turned and asked ChenYing, "Mom, what did I do before?" CaiWei smacked his head, "Oh, I forgot. You can't remember. Then what you learned in the past might be wasted then?" "Can't be right?" Whatever ChenYing was thinking, her expression didn't look good, "You used to do photoshoots for magazines and model for the auto exhibits or something. You said that you wanted to be a star and was going to join some training. At that time, I urged you to be more realistic but you

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 2 - Seeing CaiWei Again ⦘

won't listen. Aigh......" ChenYing sighed. She seemed to realize that she had said too much and lowered her head to eat. Time stopped. ZhouXiang didn't expect that the former owner of this body actually harbored dreams to be a star. The qualifications of this body are not bad, but there many attractive boys in Beijing so he really doesn't stand out. Without anything exceptionally distinctive, there is es‐ sentially no chance to be popular. He had been in the entertainment in‐ dustry for so many years and had seen too many young people with ex‐ cellent qualifications leaving dejectedly in the end. To become popular, even if everything is in place, without luck, one will be left empty handed. CaiWei smiled. "So you wanted to be a star? This just happened to be my profession. This brother here can help you out." ChenYing raised her head, "Not good. So many people wanted to be a star but how many actually succeed? Why not just find a real steady job instead." ZhouXiang also nodded, "Wei Ge, I don't want to be a star. I also know that my qualification won't work. I know that you're from an entertain‐ ment company. If you want to help me, help me find some work in your company. Like as a backstage assistant or something, I can do that." CaiWei nodded. "That's not a problem. Our boss recently bought a model agency with about a thousand-square-meter photo studio in the Liuwan area. There is a lot of work to be done. If you're not afraid of hard work, the salary will be enough to support you and your mom." ZhouXiang decisively nodded. "I'll thank Wei Ge." Considering that he doesn't know anyone at the moment, if it is as he thought, that CaiWei is willing to introduce jobs to him, having an income immediately is ex‐ actly what he wanted. If he had died, then so be it. But he's alive, so he has to figure out how he is going to live on. ChenYing opened her mouth, but seeing that ZhouXiang's mind had been decided, she didn't say anything. However, her expression is full of worries. End of the chapter 34

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? After the three people finished their meal and came out of the restaurant, it was precisely 2pm in the afternoon, a time when the sun is scorchingly hot above their heads. ZhouXiang squinted his eyes and looked up. Just across the street in front of him is a huge LED advertising screen on top of the commercial building. The screen is broadcasting a commercial. Because the poor lighting with the building in the way, the screen was not clear for a few seconds. Just by chance, a cluster of birds flew by and blocked the sun. Everything on the screen is replaced by a commercial for a luxury brand watch. A man walked out from a purely black back‐ drop. ZhouXiang's expression suddenly changed. It is a man in his early twenties. His tall and perfect figure wearing a pure white suit created a strong contrast to the dark backdrop. He raised his head slightly to reveal an exceptionally handsome face. This face had no expression; his chilling expression and tightly pursed lip reveals an unapproachable aura. He is putting a diamond watch on his wrist. Even with such a simple gesture, he did it with such elegance and grace. It is extremely captivating. Many passersby on the street either turned their heads around or froze just to stare at him. A piercing pain struck his heart, ZhouXiang's expression paled as he took a deep breath. YanMingXiu? Why would he......why would he do commercials? With his influential family background, why would he sell his looks to the com‐ mercial industry? CaiWei snorted next to him, his tone full of resentment. ZhouXiang suddenly regained his senses and adjusted his facial expres‐ sion for fear that CaiWei would notice something unusual.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

The matters between him and YanMingXiu, CaiWei is fully aware. Be‐ cause of that, CaiWei is full of hatred toward YanMingXiu. This had not changed these two years. It seems that one person's influence on another, is really not easy to dissi‐ pate. To CaiWei, two years had passed. But to ZhouXiang, everything that happened between him and YanMingXiu was just a week ago. Even the last phone conversation he had with YanMingXiu, he still remembered it very clearly. He can still distinctly remember the scent on YanMingXiu's body, his overbearing and willful demands, his always persistent in his own ways of hurting others and his uncaring personality. In fact, even his smiles, his temper, his undoubted love for WangYuDong are all so vivid in his mind. He wanted to forget all this as soon as possible. To him, these things just happened a few days ago. It is said that time is the best medicine but the time he had was too short. He thought that he was start‐ ing a new life again, not seeing and thinking of him, so he could com‐ pletely forget this illfated failed relationship. Unexpectedly, on just the first day of being discharged, he is again forced to see YanMingXiu. In fact, it's likely that in the foreseeable future, he'd still have to keep seeing him. Seeing ZhouXiang and CaiWei looking at the commercial on the screen across the street, ChenYing also looked and then praised, "How can a boy look so beautiful? So beautiful." CaiWei responded disdainfully, "Being beautiful doesn't mean shit. He's just a bastard." ChenYing is stunned, "Xiao Cai, you know him?" CaiWei responded depressingly, "Yea, I know." "What about him? He's not a good person?" CaiWei forcefully smiled, "Auntie, the entertainment industry is chaotic; there aren't many good ones." ZhouXiang resisted the urge to ask CaiWei about YanMingXiu. The lesser he knew, the better off he is. It would be best for YanMingXiu to

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

completely disappear from his life. The watch commercial on the screen is over. ZhouXiang sighed secretly but the trembling in his heart did not disappear. He is powerless. He of‐ fended WangYuDong, had a fall out with YanMingXiu, fell off a cliff...all this gave him insomnia at night. To him, it all happened not long ago. He needed time. What he needed the most right now is time. After CaiWei took them home, ChenYing was bashful for the longest time, too embarrassed to say "Xiao Cai, normally Auntie Chen should ask you to come up to chat but this rented apartment is too shabby. I'm embarrassed to ask you to come up. Today, thank you." CaiWei bunched his brows and looked at this old residential area. The area is bad, the surrounding environment is ghetto; it's really not a good place. He sighed silently in his heart. In order to treat ZhouXiang, ChenYing depleted her entire savings and owed a lot of debt. Although ZhouXiang had awakened, the hard lives for the mother and son had only just begun. After CaiWei left, ChenYing led ZhouXiang upstairs. The seven-story building is at least twenty years old. The corridor is dark, the stairs nar‐ row, and the walls are so dirty that you could not see its original colors. This little apartment that ChenYing rented is merely a bit over 40 square meters with only one bedroom. Although she tried to clean and tidy it up, it still couldn't conceal the owner's dire financial needs. ChenYing smiled, "I cleaned up the bedroom and also bought a bed. From now on, I'll sleep in the living room." ZhouXiang quickly said, "Mom, I'll sleep in the living room." "That won't do. You just left the hospital. You need to nurture your body. I'm used to sleeping on the hard bed from the hospital. It's fine." ZhouXiang, "Mom. That's not right, I can't let you sleep in the living room while I sleep in the bedroom." The two argued for a while. ChenYing could not win over him so she could only agree.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

ChenYing brewed a pot of tea, took out a big photo album and went to sit on the sofa in the living room. Then she slowly told ZhouXiang about his past. ZhouXiang was an ordinary child growing up in the imperial city. His fa‐ ther was a civil servant. His mother was an accountant. Initially, they had a good life, but his father passed away when he was in college. Adding on, with his accident when he was 24 years old, one can well imagine how painful and miserable ChenYing's life was. He was not very interested in ZhouXiang's past, but the more he knew, the more sympathy he has for this woman. ChenYing talked and talked and then started crying. "My life is really bad. I almost can't go on anymore. Son, it is good that you woke up, oth‐ erwise, I really won't be able to keep going." In the two years, she held onto that miracle, not knowing when it will come; using that as her moti‐ vation all along; this thin and frail small woman looks a lot stronger than her outward appearance. ZhouXiang held her shoulders so she could heartily cry in the arms of her beloved son. After ChenYing unleashed her pent up emotions, she was embarrassed. Seeing ZhouXiang sitting healthily in front of her, she could not help but laughed. ZhouXiang asked, "Mom, the time I was in the hospital, you owed a lot of money right? Take out the (bank) book and let's take a look." Immediately after he mentioned this, ChenYing's expression turned bleak again. She hesitated a bit, stood up, and pulled out a book from the drawer from the TV cabinet. In the book, all the loan strips were clipped together carefully and neatly. ChenYing was previously an accountant, it was very organized. She sighed heavily, "There were some savings in the beginning, but your hospitalization fees were too high. I sold both of our two condos. The real estate market was not good at the time. If it was sold during these two years, the price would be nearly 1 million more but at that time, we desperately needed the money......" 38

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

ZhouXiang turned over the heavy loan slips page and asked quietly, "Mom, how much do we owe?" ChenYing sniffled, "My retirement is about ¥2,000 a month. Later, I went to borrow money from other people...relatives, friends, and col‐ leagues. They saw my phone number and won't even pick up......" ChenYing quietly said, "Now, we still owe ¥370,000." ¥370,000...... ZhouXiang calculated his previous savings. If he did not count the condo and the car, his savings is about ¥200,000. The old condo unit was given by his father's previous employment but the location is very good. Two years ago, it would have sold for ¥1.3 million. His car is second-hand but it can be sold for about ¥20,000-¥30,000. He can't sell the condo because he and ChenYing also needed to live in it. From his calculation, paying off the ¥370,000 is not too hard...ZhouXiang was just calculating when he inadvertently looked at the picture in the old photo album. He sud‐ denly realized that he is no longer that ZhouXiang. He is already 'dead'! How were his bank accounts and property managed and who helped him managed it? He knew nothing. How could he use a different identity to get back his own assets? ZhouXiang sweated profusely. So essentially, he not only turned into pauper but one with ¥370,000 in debts? ChenYing saw his unsightly expression, she also looks depressed. Her son had awakened but the hard livelihood is far from over. ZhouXiang glanced at her. Although this woman is not his mother, he thinks that he has the responsibility to take care of her for the rest of her life because he took over her son's body, making her lose her son forever. He, on the other hand, got a renewed treasured life. He can't just accept that. He should also take up the responsibility that this life should have taken and complete his obligations. ZhouXiang cleared his mind and closed the book, "Mom, don't worry too much. We're both living fine. The money is earned by people. The debt can be paid off one day."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 3 - How Much Do We Owe? ⦘

ChenYing forced a smile, "You're right. We must be optimistic. With you waking up, mom sees hope. Tomorrow morning go to Xiao Cai's place to work. I'll also go to look for a job." ZhouXiang grasp onto ChenYing's hands, "Okay." ZhouXiang didn't sleep well at all that night, thinking over and over again on how to earn money. Finally, he decided to find out as soon as possible how his assets were handled after his death. By morning, he had only dazedly slept for a short time. After he got up, he realized that he didn't think of YanMingXiu at all last night. This is a good sign. He washed his face, got changed, then went to CaiWei's company to re‐ port to work. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Eleva‐ tor ZhouXiang came to the company very early. CaiWei is now the administrative vice president of the company, the left and right hand man of the big boss. He manages everything. The big boss is not in Beijing all year round so he basically took care of the com‐ pany's affairs. In these few years, whether it is network connections or his status in the entertainment circle, it can't be compared to two years ago. So, it's easy for him to arrange a job for ZhouXiang. Two years ago.... no...for ZhouXiang, it was only last month that he was also an employee of this company. In the past, the jobs that CaiWei intro‐ duced to him had the lowest commission fee. CaiWei treated him very well; he worked at the company for a long time. He got along with peo‐ ple and has a good relationship with the company's employees. So he liked this company very much. To be able to work here again, he felt that it is a good start. ZhouXiang ran into several former colleagues in the office building. He excitedly resisted the urge to greet them. In their eyes, he is a complete stranger. CaiWei took ZhouXiang to his office and warmly asked him to have a sit. Then he answered a phone call. After the phone call, he picked up his keys and told him, "Let's go, I'll take you to the filming studio for a tour. Our President Wang has invested more than ¥10 million in this studio and it is currently the biggest in Beijing. Now, the company can get a lot of work every day. You can start there to do some miscellaneous work first. Don't be afraid to hard work. There are a lot of activities in this place. If possible, you might even get a chance to shoot an ad." ZhouXiang smiled, "Wei Ge. Right now I just need job. Anything else, I don't want to think about."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

CaiWei looked at him with admiration, "That's good. At your age, you're not impulsive. It's very rare. Do it well. When there is a chance, Wei Ge will definitely help you. I know that it's not easy for you and your mother. Because of your health, she must've spent a lot of money. Take it easy. You still have to live your life. It will get better in the future." ZhouXiang is touched. Although in outsiders' eyes, CaiWei is strict and harsh, his entire person tinged with deceit and ruthless shrewdness, ZhouXiang knew that this is his façade in order to establish a firm foothold in this industry that is full of all kinds of good and bad people. CaiWei is actually a person that is very affectionate to his friends. CaiWei drove toward the TongZhou district and took him to the newly built studio on the Liuhuan border. Their boss reserved the first to the fourth floor of this building, the entire area totaled to more than 1,000 square meters. The interior was converted into a large-scale filming base. Each floor is divided into two areas. The themes for each area are differ‐ ent and can be changed at any time. Once he entered the building, he saw several tall models walking around in stylish clothing with their faces covered in heavy makeup. They were not surprised, and went straight to the second floor. They passed by a group of people who is filming a family sitcom and then went to the other side of the functional area dedicated to shooting special effects movies. Those people are shooting a sci-fi ad. The male model's healthy and beautiful figure is in white silverish tights, flying around dangled on a wire. "Ah Liu," CaiWei greeted a fat young man. The man named Ah Liu quickly ran over and warmly called, "Wei Ge." ZhouXiang didn't know this person. He may be new to the company. (CaiWei speaking to Ah Liu) "Let me introduce. He is a younger brother (ZhouXiang) from my hometown. Arrange some work for him here. He was just discharged from the hospital not long ago so don't work him too hard. Try to let him learn all the things in the studio. I'll let you make the arrangements."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

"Okay, no problem. Wei Ge, don't worry. " CaiWei said to ZhouXiang, "Ah Liu is 24 this year, two years younger than you. You can call him Ah Liu. He is a part of the support crew here in charge of various things. Follow him around and learn. In the future, there will be opportunities for independent planning and various stage management tasks." "Ah Liu." ZhouXiang smiled and greeted Ah Liu. Then quickly nodded to CaiWei, "Thank you Wei Ge." When he graduated, he was working in filming studios and various kinds of sets. These things are all familiar to him; his acquired experience is more ample than anyone else. Returning to his old line of business, al‐ though it may be hard work, at least he's capable. He is very grateful to CaiWei for taking care of him. "I still have business to attend to later this afternoon so I won't be able to have lunch with you. I'm going to leave first." "Wei Ge you, you don't have to worry about me. I'll take care of myself." Ah Liu said laughing, "Wei Ge take care!" Ah Liu is a natural socializer who smiles at everyone. After CaiWei left, Ah Liu took ZhouXiang to the studio and briefly introduced him, "This is our new employee, and a handsome guy. You all don't need to be envi‐ ous. Work hard." Several busy people mockingly laughed a little bit. ZhouXiang swept a glance at everyone. Unexpectedly, he didn't even know one person. The high turnover in the circle is a fact, but in just two years, he can't see even one familiar face. ZhouXiang can't help but feel depressed. ZhouXiang smiled courteously, "I'm ZhouXiang. Pease look after me. Thank you." "ZhouXiang?"

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

A person who was adjusting the lights with his back facing him suddenly turned to face him and looked at him silently. ZhouXiang was shocked. He finally found someone he knew. This is their company's previous lighting brother, also named Zhou, everyone called him Lao(T/N) Zhou. T/N: Lao means old; however, when put in front of someone's name, it's a sign of respect to call someone older than you. This is more of an infor‐ mal form, usually used with someone in a friendship. Lao Zhou stood up and looked at ZhouXiang, seeming to be thinking of the ZhouXiang from before. He sighed, "Greetings." The relationship between him and Lao Zhou was good before. At this time, they are facing each other but could not acknowledge one another. ZhouXiang didn't know how many times he will have to experience such a sad and awkward situation in the future. Ah Liu said to ZhouXiang, "It's almost noon, I'll take you to familiarize with the work after lunch. You go can walk around and take a look right now. It's fun. Just don't mess with those filming equipment. It's very ex‐ pensive." ZhouXiang nodded and began to wander around to get acquainted with his work environment. From childhood to adult, ZhouXiang got along well with people. He is a person that is generous but with a principled nature; in him, people sees a man that is open-minded and full of aspirations but they also would not dare to casually offend him. He is a man of righteousness, honest and up‐ right, and never used his seniority in the entertainment circle to bully newcomers. He's humorous and can chat with anyone. When those around him have hardships, they always love to discuss it with him or ask for his help. The young girls and young men whom he had come in contact with all basically liked him. If he wasn't a GAY, he would've al‐ ready married a good wife. For such a very charismatic man, he only needed to spend one lunch time and had already become familiar with his colleagues. After starting work in the afternoon, he first helped Lao Zhou set the lighting and then went 44

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

to help the prop engineer. For the next few hours, he was busy. Although he was a little tired but everyone praised him for his fast learning. ZhouXiang just pretended by acting stupid so he wouldn't leave any traces of doubts. After the commercial was completed filming, it was almost 8pm. The di‐ rector was too hard to please, taking a day of filming before he was fi‐ nally satisfied. Everyone was hungry so they quickly packed up to go eat. When ZhouXiang helped Lao Zhou packed up the things, Lao Zhou looked at him and sighed. "You're called ZhouXiang..." ZhouXiang pretended not to know anything, "What's wrong?" "I used to have a little buddy also named ZhouXiang." "Oh, I heard Wei Ge mentioned that too." Lao Zhou responded, "I don't know if it's because the both of you have the same name, but why do I feel that you're very similar to him? The way you talk, your mannerisms and how you are with other peo‐ ple...maybe it's just in my head. He's actually been gone for two years. I also don't remember so clearly." ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, not knowing what to say. At this time, Ah Liu answered his phone and yelled, "Right now? Fuck, it's already 8pm. I'm dying of hunger." Someone joked, "Liu Ge, did your girlfriend asked you to buy dog food or what?" "Hahaha." Ah Liu hung up the phone in frustration and glared at that boy, "You only talk nonsense You still laughed. I'll see if you can still laugh." "How can I not laugh?" Ah Liu revealed a distorted expression. "Everyone...don't pack up yet. We haven't finished with today's work. A big star is coming to shoot an 45

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

ad." "Ahhhhh--" Everyone grumbled. Although it is not uncommon for them to work overtime often to accommodate certain stars' schedules, it is Saturday to‐ day. Their working hours are not fixed. It's rare to have a day off tomor‐ row. After a busy day, everyone wants to hurry up and go home to rest. They didn't expect to have more work at this time and not even knowing how long they will have to work. The most heartbreaking is that if they didn't do well, they might have to work overtime tomorrow. "Who is it? Who is it? " "Young Master Yan. He's already downstairs. They must shoot today." One of the newly recruited female assistants suddenly screamed, shock‐ ing everyone. She was so excited that she's jumping around, "Yan‐ MingXiu! YanMingXiu! I want to see YanMingXiu!" The blood on ZhouXiang's face drained instantly. His hand that was picking up things was shaking so much that he could hardly control it. Lao Zhou resentfully spit out a curse word. He looked down and sees ZhouXiang's daunting expression and asked, "Xiao Zhou? You okay? Hungry?" ZhouXiang vaguely responded, "Ah, um, yes, a little." YanMingXiu? How could this be? It's not that he didn't think that he would run into YanMingXiu in this career path. He thought it would have been fine if he didn't get involved in any jobs that YanMingXiu par‐ ticipated in but he never expected that he would be forced to meet him on his first day of work. He was not prepared to meet him at all. He sud‐ denly felt stupid for a moment. Ah Liu also glanced toward ZhouXiang, "ZhouXiang? Are you all right? Why is your expression so bad?" ZhouXiang stood up and awkwardly responded, "Ah Liu, I just got out of the hospital. Maybe I can't adapt yet. Can I leave for today?" Without looking down, he already felt resentful eyes on him. As a man, using ill‐

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

ness to escape from working overtime especially when he's a new em‐ ployee; inevitably he'll be criticized by others. If it wasn't for this being his last resort, he also wouldn't make this kind of request. Although Ah Liu was not willing to let him go, knowing that others will definitely be bittered, but ZhouXiang was brought here personally by CaiWei. From the start, CaiWei had said that ZhouXiang's health is not very good. He also couldn't make things difficult for ZhouXiang so he nodded, and then asked the person with the most seniority, Lao Zhou, "Zhou Ge, what do you think? Wei Ge told me that he just got out of the hospital. Maybe he's really not feeling well." Old Zhou nodded, "Let him go home. Look at his face. He's so paled." Others glanced at ZhouXiang and realized that he didn't look right. His body looks like its on the verge of collapse. He was fine working all af‐ ternoon but once hearing that they have to work overtime, he didn't feel well. This is really not very convincing. Ah Liu said, "Go out and take a taxi. I'm too busy or I'll give you a ride personally." ZhouXiang waved his hand. "No need. I can go by myself. I'm sorry ev‐ eryone. Next time I will work more to make up for today. Very sorry." He repeatedly apologized and then packed up his stuff and fled to the el‐ evator. Just as he got to the elevator, the second floor elevator 'ding' and the ele‐ vator door slowly opened right in front of him and he couldn't leave. ZhouXiang's heart trembled. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. His heart gradually calmed down. YanMingXiu does not know him, so what if they come face to face? The elevator door opened completely. The man standing in front of him is the man on the LED commercial that day. He is only 23 years old and is already well known to half of the world. He is the mighty movie star that no one dared to approach, YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu grew a bit older.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

ZhouXiang's memory of him is still a person that is in the teenager phase, one who likes to wear sportswear and jeans. His entire person ex‐ uded youthfulness and flamboyant aura. The YanMingXiu of today is wearing a casual suit, looking calm and restrained. His expression seems to have solidified on his face but looking extremely cold. ZhouXiang had been in the entertainment industry for nearly ten years. He had seen all kind of beauties but no matter whether it was three years ago or now, he always felt that YanMingXiu's appearance is most perfect. He doesn't know how God crafted him out so finely and superbly that it's not a sur‐ prise that millions of spectators would be in awe of him. Even he, who believes that he had encountered many beautiful people, is also fascinated by YanMingXiu. In his mind, there was no way he could suppress the memories between him and YanMingXiu. From the time when he and YanMingXiu met to the last phone call they had, it was merely a years' time from beginning to end. However, to him, those memories were too recent. This feeling is very strange. It was like he only saw the person last week and he was still a teenager but this week, he had become a man. To him, the two years in between were completely blank. The two years had changed ev‐ eryone and changed many things. Except for him, he not only lost two years of time but he was forced to accept the changes that occurred in the past two years. ZhouXiang is standing directly in line with the elevator. When Yan‐ MingXiu was crowded out of the elevator by a bunch of people, his first glance is on him. Originally, he (ZhouXiang) is a stranger that he (YanMingXiu) would definitely never give more than a glance; however, when he saw ZhouX‐ iang's deeply complex and incomprehensible expression, his body seemed to be absorbed into it. He felt his heart beating erratically. Why is this expression so familiar! YanMingXiu bent over slightly and couldn't stop the frantic incitement from his heart. He didn't understand what is wrong with him. Why is it that a stranger can give him such a shock?

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 4 - Meeting at the Elevator ⦘

The two people directly faced each other with only a few meters apart; the distance between them is so close, yet so far away. ZhouXiang felt so helpless. In front of YanMingXiu, he still can't be himself. He forced himself to stable his mind. Lowering his head, he in‐ tended to take the stairs. When he passed by YanMingXiu, YanMingXiu suddenly took a big step forward and grabbed ZhouXiang's arm in front of everyone's horrified gazes. His strength was so strong that ZhouXiang furrowed his brows. ZhouXiang suddenly turned to look at him. YanMingXiu's tall stature of 1.9 meter (6'2") height gave him a lot of pressure. He only saw the radi‐ ance in YanMingXiu's eyes, with his lips slightly trembling, his chilling aurora...he (YanMingXiu) couldn't help but blurted out a stupid question, "Who are you?"

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago ⦘

Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago [Three years ago] "Xiang Ge, can you eat a bit more refinely?" asked the beautiful makeup artist, MiYou, as she came over with a powder box. ZhouXiang smiled while stuffing a piece of bread into his mouth, "You blaming me? Look at me, my face is caked with foundation. Even with a move, the make-up will get ruined. I haven't even had lunch yet. If I faint from hunger, I'm going to blame you." "You and WangYuDong's skin are quite different. If I don't put more powder on you, how is it going to work?" MiYou gave him a look. "Then hurry up and eat. I'll give you five minutes and then I will fix your makeup. You have to stop moving around." "Okay, it's still early. The big star is not even here yet, why are you so anxious? " MiYou poured him a glass of water, "Have some water, don't choke." "Ohhh, MiYou treats you really well" Xiao Liu firmly tightened ZhouXi‐ ang's belt, "Come, let me make Xiang Ge's small waist even smaller." ZhouXiang laughed while scolding, "You little brat. If you tighten any‐ more, be careful that I'll vomit on your face." After he got dressed in the costume, ZhouXiang turned around in a cir‐ cle. The navy blue costume worn on his slender body made him look heroic and refreshing, with quite a bit of an ancient hero's aura. "How is it, handsome?" Xiao Liu laughed, "Handsome." He detoured to look at his back silhou‐ ette "Hey, Xiang Ge, your back silhouette looks so much like

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago ⦘

WangYuDong. If I'm not looking directly at you, I definitely can't tell the difference; just the hair is a bit darker." "Isn't this bullshit? If not, why would they look for me to be his substi‐ tute?" ZhouXiang jumped in place. "I hope today's filming can end ear‐ lier. Hey, let's go karaoke after work." "OK. Let's go to the one on Sanlitun. The sound effect is good there and the chicken wings are delicious. " "Xiao Liu, hurry up and make the reservation." "Reservation for what time?" "Reserve for.....seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven o'clock... ..." After saying that, ZhouXiang laughed. Whatever time they get off work, it all depends on whether the director is happy or not. The other people also started laughing. The scriptwriter ran over to inform ZhouXiang to get ready. They will begin shooting his scenes shortly. ZhouXiang had already discussed with the martial art coordinator. The action scenes were not difficult. He can perform it with no problem. ZhouXiang has been a martial art stuntman for six to seven years al‐ ready. In the beginning, he was doing some odd jobs. Over time, martial arts coordinators began to notice his good figure and physical fitness. Adding on, with CaiWei promoting him, he slowly began to come in contact with this type of jobs. While in sports school, he practiced swim‐ ming. All the various martial art skills he had accumulated, he learned it from his buddies in the dormitory. He didn't expect it to become a skill that his livelihood would depend on. His reputation in the entertainment circle is good now. Every month, he would have one to two jobs. And now there are a lot more opportunities for him to play some small roles in movies that expose his face. Re‐ cently, he was able to take on some martial art coordinating jobs for some low-cost films. After his parents died, they left him with a very good condo in an ideal location. He is a homosexual so he didn't have to worry about getting married or having children. Therefore, his income is

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago ⦘

very good for living in an international metropolis like Beijing. He lived very comfortably. Although ZhouXiang is alone, he is an optimistic person. He loves to en‐ joy life and will find enjoyment for himself. His positive and enthusiastic attitude towards life is very appealing. People around him like him a lot. Some of the young newcomers, who have just entered the circle, all love to treat him like a big brother. ZhouXiang is born with a kind of charm that makes people trust him and want to be close to him. At this time, ZhouXiang did not move much, afraid that if he moves, the foundation on his face will slide off like a donkey rolling about. A particularly clear and pleasant male voice sounded from behind him calling for 'Dong Ge' in this moment, He couldn't help but want to turn around to see what kid has such a nice voice. Just when he turned his head, a dark shadow came from behind and hugged his waist. The force was so powerful that he was hit directly, having to take several steps forward in order to stabilize himself. The chest behind him is fiery hot. Even with clothes between them, he can feel the explosive power of that body and the firm abs pressing on his back. ZhouXiang felt restless and jumpy for a moment. What day is it today? I just came to the film set and there is a little boy throwing himself at me. He quickly turned his head to look at who it is. The moment he turned his head, both were stunned. ZhouXiang's heart beat so erratically it almost busted out. This face is so damn good-looking. Being so close to his face, he can see that the skin is so tender that no pores can be found. Those eyes, that nose, that mouth...hey, he had been in the entertainment industry for a decade and had seen many beautiful young people, but today, he is utterly shocked by this young man's beauty. He really didn't know which company is promoting this kid but if he doesn't get aroused, God forbid. YanMingXiu was also shocked. The face that turned to look at him was not WangYuDong, yet this person's back silhouette is so similar to

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago ⦘

WangYuDong. YanMingXiu quickly released his arms and took a few steps back, feeling embarrassed for mistaking him for the wrong person. ZhouXiang's smile looks like he is mocking him no matter how Yan‐ MingXiu look at him, making him feel shameful. He frowned and impo‐ litely asked, "Who are you?" ZhouXiang didn't mind and smiled, "My name is ZhouXiang. Are you looking for WangYuDong? I am his stuntman." No wonder their body physiques are so similar. YanMingXiu didn't know why but seeing this person having similar physique to WangYuDong but with an entirely different face, he felt that this person is not pleasing to his eyes. Perhaps it is because he did a stupid thing (as in mistaking the wrong person), and this man's gentle smile on his face reminded him over and over again of his stupidity. The person next to him couldn't help but snickered. YanMingXiu's ex‐ pression is very not good, "Where's Dong Ge?" "He's not here yet. His scenes are scheduled to be in two hours, but it's possible that he might come early. If you know him, it's better you give him a call. The director also wants him to come quickly." YanMingXiu gave him a cautious look and then went to sit on the side to wait for WangYuDong. ZhouXiang looked at him a few times; he could not help but marvel at him. Unfortunately, this kid seems to not like him. Mistaking the wrong per‐ son is not his fault, ZhouXiang is quite innocent. He asked Xiao Liu, "Whose this? So attractive." "I don't know. His tone is quite demanding. Once he got here, he wanted to see WangYuDong. Since he can actually come in here, there must be some connections. Maybe he's close to WangYuDong." MiYou also couldn't help but glance at him a few times. "Is he some company's new star? He's so handsome and his figure is so good; he'll definitely be popular just by filming some drama series."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 5 - Flash Back to 3 Years Ago ⦘

YanMingXiu is merely wearing a casual white T-shirt and jeans, sitting on the side. The surrounding scene is like static picture in a photo frame with an unspeakable beauty. One person's beauty can be so mind-blow‐ ing to many people. This is the first time ZhouXiang felt so deeply af‐ fected. ZhouXiang really wanted to go over and talk to him. Unfortunately, he has to go filming so he can only endure disappointment as he entered the film set. This is scene is similar to a banquet set up, with the purpose of murder‐ ing a guest, but is on the Wulin Leader's birthday. He was responsible to perform a sword-dance to liven things up, using this opportunity to as‐ sassinate the Wulin Leader's left protector. ZhouXiang weighed the sword in his hand. To be realistic, he treated this sword as a real sword. The sword feels heavy. Sword-dance is not his specialty. His martial arts skills are more beautiful, but this (sworddance) won't pose a problem for him. The director shouted, "Let's start! When I call out 'take position', pay at‐ tention and concentrate. Lao Wang, stand firm and raise the lights higher." ZhouXiang began to wave his long sword in accordance to the martial arts coordinator's instructions. His movements are beautiful and in-line. However, the director's demands are quite high. Just movements of doing a body flip and thrusting the sword forward, he had to do it four times. YanMingXiu's eyes, which were wondering around, were gradually en‐ thralled by ZhouXiang's moves. He narrowed his eyes and watch as ZhouXiang's slender figure danced flexibly in the film set. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. ⦘

Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. For a short one minute misalignment of the camera, it took more than two hours to complete shooting. This director is a prominent director in China but the old man has a very strange temperament. When he is working, no one is pleasing to his eyes. Even a well-behaved 20 some‐ thing-year-old little girl got scolded by him to tears. This is the third time that ZhouXiang is working with him so he is well aware of his temper. No matter how he wants to redo a particular scene, ZhouXiang will not be angry. It's not that he doesn't have a a temper, but he only knows that if he gets irritated, then the old man is even more irritated. Today, no one needs to think about leaving. After completing the scene, ZhouXiang's body sweated profusely. The old man was very satisfied and even remembered his name. After film‐ ing, he told him, "This film is short of a character. If you have time in your schedule, talk to Ah Cheng. There aren't many scenes. In all, you won't appear for more than half an hour but the pay is guaranteed to your satisfaction." ZhouXiang smiled, "Thank you. You personally talked to me about such a trivial matters, I feel so thankful. If I can't make time in my schedule then I'm obviously thinking too high of myself. I'll go talk to Cheng Ge then. In the future, if there are such opportunities, I hope Director Wang will still think of me." The old man nodded expressionlessly. But from the fact that he did not get angry for two hours, he was very satisfied with ZhouXiang's perfor‐ mance. "Hey, WangYuDong is here." Everyone looked toward the doorway. WangYuDong walked in with two assistants tagging along behind him. He is wearing a pair of sunglasses, in a casual suit. His entire person looked extraordinarily handsome, im‐ mediately attracted everyone's attention.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. ⦘

WangYuDong is a movie star who had just become popular in the past two years. It is said that his background is exceptional. His debut was from ancient drama specifically produced to boost his popularity. WangYuDong can be said to have all the credentials to be popular: his outward appearance is excellent; his speech and mannerisms fitting, adding on having such people to promote him. Although his perfor‐ mances in the beginning were a bit bumpy, but it couldn't stop his attrac‐ tive face from appearing in all kinds of media outlets every day. There‐ fore, he had been steadily rising in popularity, so popular that he is cur‐ rently the top earning artist in YiXing Media. Originally, ZhouXiang was doing stuntman jobs on the side. But with the advantage of having a figure very similar to that of WangYuDong, he also followed along and climbed up his career. Now, as long as WangYuDong needs a stuntman, they basically will look for him. After WangYuDong came in, he laughed and removed his sunglasses to greet the staff. There is not a trace of arrogance. He quickly rushed to apologize to Director Wang. He did not explain why he was late, but just apologized with a smile to the old man. With WangYuDong being so humble, Director Wang could not be angry at him so merely had him go quickly to get dressed up. After WangYuDong finished appeasing Director Wang, he turned to look at ZhouXiang, "Hi Ah Xiang." ZhouXiang smiled and nodded, "Dong Ge, you're here." He's actually a few years older than WangYuDong and has more experience, but his po‐ sition and status is merely paltry. There is no reason for WangYuDong to call him 'Ge'. However, he does not hate WangYuDong. WangYuDong especially knows how to conduct himself. As long as there is no conflict‐ ing interest with him, he always gives people a very gentlemanly image. Regarding WangYuDong's rumors, ZhouXiang is too lazy to care. He's just a minor stuntman; it would be impossible for him to have any con‐ flict of interest with WangYuDong in his life. The two simply coexisted in harmony, which is good. WangYuDong patted him on his shoulder, "You're finished with filming, go take a shower and change. You are so sweaty. If you catch a cold, who can I depend on to be my stuntman?" 56

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. ⦘

ZhouXiang laughed, "OK. Dong Ge, only when you're here can I leave. I'll go first then." "Okay, see you." ZhouXiang was planning to go remove his makeup and change. When he turned his head, he saw the very attractive boy coming from the outside. He guessed that he was going to the toilet. When the boy saw WangYuDong, his eyes lit up as he happily called out, "Dong Ge." WangYuDong suddenly turned and surprisingly said, "MingXiu? How come you're back?" After he said that, he took a few steps forward and hugged YanMingXiu tightly. YanMingXiu smiled brightly, "I've graduated." "Graduated? Then you don't plan to work there? You just came back like this?" YanMingXiu grabbed WangYuDong's arm and looked at him cheerfully. His eyes full of smiles. "What's so good abroad? You don't even come to visit me." WangYuDong smiled and softly muttered, "Didn't your sister went on my behalf?" ZhouXiang was close by and just happened to hear it. He couldn't help but guess that the relationship between the boy's sister and WangYuDong is certainly not ordinary. YanMingXiu's mouth twitched, "That doesn't count." "Fine. Home is still the best. It's good that you're back. Wait for me. Tonight, I will treat you for dinner in welcoming you back." YanMingXiu looked at his watch, "I thought you would be here earlier so I specially waited for you. Now it's too late. I have dinner plans with my dad this evening. I rushed over here but seeing you is enough. Don't bother with the welcoming dinner, we'll just do it another day." WangYuDong regretfully said, "Indeed, it is too late today. How about tomorrow? You set the time. No matter what, Dong Ge will free up time 57

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. ⦘

for you, okay?" YanMingXiu smiled happily. Seeing the smile on his face, ZhouXiang's heart felt tingly. He sighed with a bit of pity as he passed by the two people who was still conversing and went into the dressing room to remove his makeup. As a man, he's not afraid of repeatedly scrubbing his cheeks. He rubbed the makeup remover for a long time and finished off by washing his face. Then, changed into his own clothes and went out. YanMingXiu had already left and WangYuDong is putting on a make-up. He walked over and asks Ah Liu, "You guys have to work overtime?" Xiao Liu scowled miserably, "Yeah, you are done but we..." He pouted his lips towards WangYuDong's direction and lowered his voice, "We have still have to wait on him." ZhouXiang gloated and smiled, "I'm leaving then." Xiao Liu looked at him with a grin and responded sarcastically, "Leave. When you are gone, don't come back." ZhouXiang patted his head and smiled, "Get lost. I'm going to go home and take a hot shower have some snacks and play video games." These words were said loudly, causing everyone around him to grumble. ZhouXiang loosen his shoulders, feeling a bit relaxed as he hummed a song, with one hand in his pocket, the other hand swinging his car keys as he walked toward the parking lot. At this time, YanMingXiu was trying to hail for a taxi at the intersection. He had just gotten off the plane and haven't even returned home. After hearing WangYuDong's schedule, he came to the filming set with his lug‐ gage. His older sister told the staff to let him in. He wanted to give WangYuDong a surprised so he didn't call him. He just waited there like that. Although he waited for more than three hours, being able to see WangYuDong was all worth it.

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 6 - Meeting officially.. My name is.. ⦘

When YanMingXiu thought of WangYuDong's warmly expression and his smile, his fatigue was not important. Telling WangYuDong that he and his dad are having dinner was actually a lie. He had been on the plane for more than ten hours, adding on the time it took to catch the plane and all the waiting, he hadn't rested for nearly twenty hours. Al‐ though he could bear it, he didn't want to show his fatigue in front of WangYuDong so he planned to find a hotel to sleep first. Right now is rush hour with people getting off work. The taxis are either fully loaded or are rushing to change drivers. He waited for more than ten minutes and not one stopped. YanMingXiu was so sleepy that his eyelids are fighting to stay open, getting him a bit angry. He wanted to call the driver to pick him up but he feared that his mother would gripe that he didn't even go home first after he got off the plane. Initially, he was planning to pretend that he came back tomorrow. While hesitating, a Volkswagen stopped in front of him. ZhouXiang lowered the car's window and smiled heartily. He kindly said to YanMingXiu, "Where are you going? I'll give you a ride." It took YanMingXiu two seconds to recognize him; he only remembered that he was WangYuDong's stuntman. When he saw ZhouXiang earlier, he (ZhouXiang) was in an ancient costume with heavy makeup. Now that he wasn't dressed like that, YanMingXiu really couldn't recognize him for a moment. When he gathered his thoughts, he remembered that ZhouXiang's back silhouette was extremely similar to WangYuDong. Even he, himself, was confused. When ZhouXiang was yielding his swordsmanship, his agile figure occasionally jumped in front of him. All afternoon, he basically watched ZhouXiang filming his scenes to pass the time. YanMingXiu frowned slightly and hesitated. He didn't know what was wrong with him. Obviously this person did not provoke him, but he was somewhat resistant to this person. ZhouXiang laughed, "You can't get a taxi at this time. Look at the weather? It's going to rain soon. I'm off work and have nothing to do. I'll

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give you a ride." ZhouXiang saw his hesitation and laughed, "What are you afraid of? That my car will swallow people?" For a moment, YanMingXiu couldn't find a reason to refuse so he nod‐ ded, "Thank you then." ZhouXiang popped open the trunk and got out the car to help Yan‐ MingXiu with his luggage. YanMingXiu felt that his enthusiasm is a bit weird so he grabbed the lug‐ gage, "I can do it myself." ZhouXiang opened the trunk and pointed to the cluttered space, "I'm sorry, it's a bit messy." He is an outdoor sports enthusiast. There are plenty of equipment in the car that he hadn't had time to put away at home. YanMingXiu's luggage is not large but putting it in is still a bit tight. ZhouXiang bent over and gather his own things together, leaving an open space for YanMingXiu's luggage. YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang's short hair, at his broad and powerful shoulders and slender neck, he can't help but be lost in his thoughts. How can this person's back be so similar to Dong Ge? After ZhouXiang sorted out the space, "Come and put it in." YanMingXiu put the luggage in and the two men got into the car. ZhouXiang smiled and stretched out his right hand, "My name is ZhouX‐ iang, the 'xiang' that means 'to soar/fly'." YanMingXiu smiled a little and shook hands with him, "My name is YanMingXiu." End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 7 - Let’s Go To Your Home ⦘

Chapter 7 - Let's Go To Your Home "Where are you heading?" ZhouXiang looked as YanMingXiu put on his seatbelt, his pearly white hand and slender fingers look very alluring. YanMingXiu was just about to say a nearby hotel when his cell phone rang. Glancing at his phone, he saw that it was his sister, YanMingMei. She told him to stay at her place and then return to their parents' home tomorrow. YanMingXiu really didn't want to go. He hated hearing every‐ thing about her and WangYuDong from her mouth, but she is his sister after all. He couldn't think of a reason to refuse. So after hanging up the phone, he gave ZhouXiang an address to the Sanhuan area. YanMingMei bought that condo essentially for ease of commuting to work so she basi‐ cally lives there during the week. ZhouXiang laughed, "It's not far from my house." He turned the car away from the parking lane onto the congested main road. Soon after the car started moving, it began to rain. YanMingXiu stared silently at the dark clouds outside the windows. He didn't want to talk to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang didn't feel a bit awkward, "Are you WangYuDong's fan?" Seeing how affectionate YanMingXiu was with WangYuDong this after‐ noon, he's seen so much of this kind of reaction from fans so it's not strange at all. He just felt a bit unfortunate. This boy looked very indif‐ ferent and didn't like to respond to be people, but is only enthused with WangYuDong. This is the charm of big stars. YanMingXiu certainly would not tell an outsider that WangYuDong is his sister's boyfriend. So he merely responded, "Yea, I'm Dong Ge's fan." "Which company are you signed with?" ZhouXiang guessed that Yan‐ MingXiu is definitely a newcomer who had signed on with some agent company. Otherwise, even with this attractive appearance, he should not have been able to get in and out of the set with such ease. YanMingXiu is baffled, "What company?"

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 7 - Let’s Go To Your Home ⦘

"Your agent company." YanMingXiu responded, "No, didn't sign any." ZhouXiang is surprised, "You didn't? Then do you want to consider mine? My company is not big, but the financial resources and the (peo‐ ple) connections in the industry are considered to be superior." YanMingXiu finally understood what he meant and explained, "I won't sign for any company. I don't want to be a star." ZhouXiang is startled and then realized that he had mistaken. He smiled, "Sorry, you are so attractive. I thought you are a newbie. What a pity? With your qualities, you will definitely become popular." YanMingXiu said absentmindedly, "I'm not interested." His good mood from seeing WangYuDong had been completely ruined by his sister's phone call. He knew that in WangYuDong's heart, he will always just be his girlfriend's brother. But for him, it is far more than that... When ZhouXiang noticed that YanMingXiu is giving him the cold shoul‐ der, he felt a bit bored. Although his heart itched to find out a little more about YanMingXiu, YanMingXiu is totally disinterested in him. So what if he's GAY. Homosexuality is such a thing. If two men look at each other and finds the other likable, they would each have long realized it. Who has the patience to dig into the person's inner beauty? Although ZhouXiang's heart felt that it was a pity, he's not a person who would delve into other people's business. To have such stunning beauty accom‐ pany him on his way home on a congested road in heavy rain is already a beautiful thing. Just having this sexual fantasy in his mind is enough, he should just keep his mouth tight and focus on driving or else he will of‐ fend this person. So ZhouXiang no longer tried to get a disinterested person talk to him. But in order to ease the awkward atmosphere in the car, he turned on the music. The car entered Wuhuan and was moving forward at turtle speed. Today is Friday and with heavy rain, the extent of congestion can well be imag‐ ined. The bean-sized raindrops hit the car with loud pattering sounds. A soothing English song that is playing in the car quietly echoed through 62

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 7 - Let’s Go To Your Home ⦘

the enclosed space. The inside and outside of the car is like two worlds. They clearly felt that in the world inside the car, there is only the two of them. This feeling is extremely wonderful. YanMingXiu could not help but turn his head to look at ZhouXiang. At this moment, ZhouXiang is holding the steering wheel with one hand and his chin with the other hand; his elbow on the edge of the window, looking deathly bored at the heavy misty rain in front of them. His eyes are not focused, not knowing what he's thinking about. ZhouXiang is not considered to be good-looking but is manly. His figure is good and his entire person exudes an aura of purely manly charms. His side profile is particularly attractive and there are some similarities with WangYuDong. But compared to WangYuDong's refined and elegant ap‐ pearance, ZhouXiang is far from him. YanMingXiu's heart is filled with this strange feeling that made him ob‐ serve ZhouXiang for two seconds before he could turn his eyes away. ZhouXiang felt his gaze. He turned to look at him and slightly raise his brows, giving him a concealed ambiguous look. YanMingXiu is startled. He could immediately read the bare desires in his eyes. He slowly turned his head and looked back out the window again. After a few seconds of pondering, he faintly said, "Let's go to your home." This time, it is ZhouXiang's turn to be startled. He instantly stepped on the brakes and looked fearfully at the dangerously close distance be‐ tween his and the car in front of him. The car behind him angrily began to sound its horn. ZhouXiang slowly released the brakes and let the car continue to slide forward. He re‐ mained in shock and couldn't help but smiled, "Okay, my home is a little closer." ZhouXiang's heart pounded continuously. He didn't think he'd have a chance, at least with YanMingXiu's indifferent attitude; there is defi‐ nitely no chance on their first meeting. Originally, ZhouXiang didn't even intend to get his phone number. But he didn't expect to have such a sudden turn in events with YanMingXiu unexpectedly taking the initia‐ tive. What day is today for it to be such a good day? To be able to do it

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once with such gorgeously breathtaking person, the aftertaste would be enough to last him a long time. YanMingXiu sent a text message to YanMingMei, informing her that he's not going to her place and then turned off his phone. He didn't want to go to his sister's place at all. When he thought of WangYuDong having slept there and it was not with him, he hated it. Initially, ZhouXiang quite enjoyed having a beautiful man accompany him in congested traffic. But now, his heart is set on speeding home. He can't wait to get home. Unfortunately, he couldn't fly over, so he could only slowly move forward. ZhouXiang's parents and a younger brother died in an accident when he was in elementary school. His father was a deputy director of a stateowned factory. The factory had good benefits at the time and gave them a condo that is a bit over 70 square meters, located at the North Second Ring Road. In the beginning, when the condos are all similar, they didn't think of how good this was, but now the condos in this location have risen to more than ¥20,000 per square meter. The condo is an old condo. But even though it's old, to have a place to live in Beijing City, ZhouXi‐ ang is very content. After parking the car downstairs, the rain is already very light. ZhouXi‐ ang quickly opened the trunk. When YanMingXiu got out of the car, ZhouXiang is already at the doorway with his luggage. He flung his head to rid some of the water from his hair, "The second floor lights are bro‐ ken. Be careful." YanMingXiu assessed the stairwell. The walls were recently painted but the paint strokes were done very poorly. It was basically covered with putty powder to hide the traces of aging on this type of old condos. The more they tried to conceal it, the thicker the accumulated layers of paint became. He glanced at his luggage, "I'll take it myself." ZhouXiang energetically climbed up the stairs, "It's okay. Your baggage is light. Besides, my home is on the third floor." The lights on the second floor are indeed broken. Normally, there is still moonlight but due to the heavy rain today, the moon can hardly be seen. 64

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 7 - Let’s Go To Your Home ⦘

ZhouXiang is too familiar with the corridor and can walk up with his eyes closed. He was afraid that YanMingXiu would trip so he had in‐ tended to use his phone to provide light. But in the end, before he even got his phone out, he accidentally kicked YanMingXiu's luggage. And because his soles were muddy and slippery, he couldn't stand steady and fell. YanMingXiu, who was just behind him, grabbed his waist with one hand and the handrail with his other hand. ZhouXiang also grabbed the handrail in time. His entire back nestled in YanMingXiu's arms. He sheepishly turned his head to him (YanMingXiu) and smiled. YanMingXiu's pair of deeply eyes is especially bright in the dim light. He looked at ZhouXiang profoundly. The two people's faces are in very close proximity, with their breaths exhaled on each other's face. If they just moved forward a bit, they could kiss each other. ZhouXiang exposed a shallow smile; the ambiance is so good; there is no reason not to continue on so he leaned forward and kissed YanMingXiu's lips. YanMingXiu is startled and slightly unhappy. But ZhouXiang's kiss tinged with the faint taste of light tobacco and his soft lips quickly made him feel a little restless. He gently bit ZhouXiang's lips and deepened the kiss. After the two separated, both their expressions are a bit unsettled. YanMingXiu coarsely said, "Go into the house." End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 8 - Realizing Both Are.. ⦘

Chapter 8 - Realizing Both Are.. As soon as they got into the condo, ZhouXiang immediately pressed YanMingXiu to the wall, his slender fingers stroking YanMingXiu's smooth face as he smiled softly, "Xiao Yan, you look so fucking good." YanMingXiu reached his hand out and grabbed ZhouXiang's already harden cock, murmuring from the corners of his mouth, "Well, I can see that you like it very much." ZhouXiang licked the corner of his mouth gently and murmured softly, "Like... of course, I like it." With his hand wrapped behind YanMingXiu's head, he pulled him for‐ ward and kissed him intensely with his lips, carefully sucking on it; his tongue also delved into his (YanMingXiu's) open mouth, clasping his tongue, skillfully teasing and pulling it. Ever since ZhouXiang realized that he is a gay in his teens, he's had two long-term relationships over the years. But there are no longer any traces of them remaining in his heart. There were also few short-termed fuck buddies but not many one-night stands. He is not a promiscuous person; just a normal person with a healthy sex drive. For him, a stable and gen‐ uine relationship is a luxury that could only happen if one was lucky. In the circle, there are only a handful of couples who can last. ZhouXiang also yearned to meet a heartfelt person. But before that happens, it is ob‐ viously more practical to sleep with someone he finds pleasing to his eyes. YanMingXiu is just 20 years old this year, fairly young. Although he's not an innocent youngster, his sexual experience is not much. ZhouXi‐ ang's aggressive flirting is a bit too much for him to bear. Both of their breathing became heavy with their kisses tinged with a taste of eroticism. YanMingXiu's hand reached into ZhouXiang's clothes, stroking his smooth and firm back. ZhouXiang's hand also reached into Yan‐ MingXiu's clothes. The two men caressed and stroked each other, creat‐ ing a heated atmosphere.

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YanMingXiu raised his neck to allow ZhouXiang to kiss his throat and collarbone. His hand continued to move down. Finally, he gripped ZhouXiang's waist and pressed his back to the wall as he reached into ZhouXiang's pants and kneaded his ass. YanMingXiu's movements became more and more intense while ZhouX‐ iang is still indulging in the flirting. It took him a long time before he felt that something is wrong. He suddenly came to his senses and grabbed YanMingXiu's finger that is about to drill into that tight area. YanMingXiu is also shocked. Both of them realized the problem. ZhouXiang asked awkwardly, "You are a one(T/N)?" T/N: One is the top (seme) in a gay relationship. A zero the bottom (uke). YanMingXiu didn't respond but bunched his brows at him. Having gotten to this point... to be so suddenly interrupted forcibly, no one would be happy, especially for someone as selfish as YanMingXiu. The two felt like they had just gotten poured with cold water; their lust extinguished instantly. They had hoped to be able to unleash their lust, but once they set a foot on the bed, only to find that both are 'ones' is re‐ ally disappointing. ZhouXiang does not resist being a 'zero' but he had never been a zero. You can't just give him a gun and immediately expect him to go to the battlefield. No matter what, he needed to gradually brace himself so he could mentally accept it. In addition, seeing YanMingXiu's gloomy face, he knew that nothing would be happening today. ZhouXiang is annoyed and disappointed. With such stunning beautiful man in front of him; they have kissed and have touch each other's cocks, the only thing remaining is the problem with who is the top and bottom. At this time, even if he wanted to continue, he really can't force the mat‐ ter.

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YanMingXiu is quite disappointed; he picked up his luggage, "I am leav‐ ing." ZhouXiang grabbed him, "Hey, don't. It's still raining outside. Where are you going at this time? The elevation in my home area is low; cars won't be able to get out at this time. Although we can't do it (have sex), I won't kick you out. Since you're already here, just sleep here tonight." YanMingXiu looked out the window; the heavy rain didn't seem like it will stop. Thinking about how he can leave is indeed a big problem. ZhouXiang grabbed the luggage in his hand and placed it next to the shoe shelf, "Come on. Go in. We need to eat. Let's solve the livelihood problem first." After going in is when YanMingXiu really could assess this home. The condo is a little over 70 meters, with two bedrooms and two living rooms. The layout is not very good but it doesn't look tight. Although the condo is old, the décor has a modern touch. The home owner's attentive‐ ness to cleanliness and maintenance is visible everywhere. ZhouXiang's home is completely different from an ordinary bachelor's home. It is clean, refreshing, and warm; the same feelings that ZhouXiang gives people. ZhouXiang quickly adjusted his emotions, acting as if nothing had hap‐ pened and handed YanMingXiu a pair of slippers. When the two were making out at the front door earlier, they didn't even take off their shoes. Thinking of their passion from earlier, it's a bit awk‐ ward. ZhouXiang poured him a glass of water and smiled softly at him, "What do you want to eat tonight?" "Anything is fine." "Then watch TV for a bit. I'll go cook." YanMingXiu nodded; his expression a bit sluggish.

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The kitchen is relatively open, connected to the dining room and only separated from the living room with transparent glass. YanMingXiu merely needed to turn his head and could see ZhouXiang's busy back sil‐ houette in the kitchen. He narrowed his eyes and stared at the figure that is moving constantly in front of his eyes, feeling a burning urge in his lower abdomen. He fan‐ tasized that the person standing in the kitchen, making dinner for him is WangYuDong. This person's back silhouette that is so similar to WangYuDong blurred in his mind, then completely overlapped with Wang Yudong's back. In a split second, the back would seemingly turn around. WangYuDong's beautiful and elegant face with a gentle smile would ask him, "What do you want to eat tonight?" He fantasized that he could hug this man from behind, tear off his clothes and do all kinds of shameful things to him... leaving his own traces on this body. Suddenly, that back turned his head over. ZhouXiang's face suddenly ap‐ peared in front of his eyes, shattering his fantasy. ZhouXiang smiled, "Do you eat spicy?" YanMingXiu felt an obscured fire rising in his chest. He firmly re‐ sponded, "No." ZhouXiang seemed to have noticed his cheerless mood. He shrugged and didn't mind. YanMingXiu is very likely at least ten years younger than him; he won't go so as far as to be angry with a little boy. After his parents died, he lived with several relatives but it was too hard to bear. These relatives didn't care for him. He was shuffled around be‐ tween them. Finally, he couldn't stand it and went back to his own home. Since the fourth grade, he brought food to cook, washed his clothes and took care of himself. With house chores, he is an expert. In half an hour's time, the meal is cooked. He was able to make a threecourse meal with soup. Putting the steaming savory dishes on the table, he turned toward YanMingXiu, "Come eat. It's already past eight o'clock."

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YanMingXiu went to the table and looked at the table of food. It is very common home-cooked dishes that he had not eaten for many years. He sat down and couldn't help but praised, "You did a good job. It smells tasty." ZhouXiang smiled and pinched YanMingXiu's delicate cheeks, "It smells even more appetizing when you eat it. Hurry up and eat. Afterwards, give Xiang Ge a smile, okay?" ZhouXiang had been very hospitable all along so YanMingXiu couldn't be angry. He smiled, reached out with the chopsticks and put a piece of potato into his mouth. ZhouXiang gave him a bowl of soup, "How is it? Good?" For the first time, YanMingXiu revealed a natural smile, "Good, it's deli‐ cious." ZhouXiang is also happy, "Come on, eat more. I still have sugar candy snow pear (T/N) that I made yesterday in the fridge. Leave room for sweet desserts." T/N: Sugar candy snow pear dessert The two of them ate in harmony, as if the awkward scene from when they first entered the home never happened. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 9 - Staying at ZhouXiang’s Home ⦘

Chapter 9 - Staying at ZhouXi‐ ang's Home After the meal, YanMingXiu continued to watch TV while ZhouXiang went to clean up the kitchen. After cleaning up, ZhouXiang brought out the dessert and tea. He had not entertained anyone in his home for a long time. He rarely had people over. Even if he brought back any fuckbuddies, they just have sex; they certainly wouldn't have time to sit down to have tea and chat. Although it is a pity that he and YanMingXiu couldn't achieve the goal (sex), sitting and chatting with him on this rainy night is quite romantic so ZhouXiang's mood has been good. ZhouXiang casually chatted with YanMingXiu, asking him about the things he is doing now. YanMingXiu started school earlier than usual so he graduated from college at just 20 years old. Now, he came back to work. He didn't disclose much but ZhouXiang is very interested. The two chatted for a long time. ZhouXiang is a very humorous and considerate person. So toward the end, YanMingXiu obviously became less reserved and would occasionally reveal a smile that makes ZhouXiang's heart jump. Seeing such expression from him, ZhouXiang couldn't stop his heart from beating erratically. He hadn't experience this feeling in a long time. Time went by quickly. Soon it was already past 10pm. YanMingXiu yawned a few times and ZhouXiang also felt tired. The two were ex‐ hausted today. ZhouXiang smiled, "We've chatted for a long time, you must be tired. Go take a shower first and sleep." YanMingXiu opened his suitcase to take out a set of clothes; then went to the bathroom to shower. When he came out, ZhouXiang was watering

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his flowers. ZhouXiang turned and sees YanMingXiu wearing loose pa‐ jama shorts looking refreshed and especially captivating. The two looked at each other; both have lust on their minds, but when they remembered the embarrassment a few hours ago, no one made any further moves. ZhouXiang pointed to the bedroom, "I got a newly washed blanket. Tonight, you'll have to bear it a little and sleep next to me. My guest room hasn't been cleaned for a long time so it's not suitable for people to stay there." YanMingXiu nodded, then turned and walked into the bedroom. When ZhouXiang came out after the shower, YanMingXiu seemed to have fallen asleep. He quietly walked into the bedroom and heard Yan‐ MingXiu's even breathing. Looking closely, YanMingXiu was really so exhausted that he fell asleep; his long eyelashes casted a fan-shaped shadow around his eyes and his prominent nose and lip line made his side profile look so perfectly beautiful. Just looking at him, ZhouXiang's heart continued to beat erratically. ZhouXiang is not a person who judges people by their appearance. Though, he couldn't help but admit that most gays in the ET circle are quite superficial. Men pay more attention to sexual temptation than women. In the ET circle, who they seek for are those people who look at‐ tractive, has a good figure, who can be messed around with big time, and would take off their pants on the first meeting. Who has the time to re‐ ally look into the inner beauty of another person? With YanMingXiu's at‐ tractive appearance, it is hard for ZhouXiang to not fall for him. ZhouXiang still fell a bit pity that nothing happened today. He leaned down and secretly kissed YanMingXiu's cheek. Then, climbed into the bed and slept next to him. YanMingXiu gently opened his eyes after ZhouXiang lay down, his eyes flashed with unclear radiance. Due to the long-distance flight, YanMingXiu was very exhausted. He slept until 2pm of the next day. He was dazed when he woke up. For a moment, he didn't know where he was. Flinging his head in trying to re‐ call, he realized that he's in the home of a man he had just met for a day and even almost had sex with him. 72

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When YanMingXiu has sex with others before, he never goes to their homes or takes them to his own home. He didn't know what happened yesterday. He actually went home with ZhouXiang without hesitating. His mind could not get rid of ZhouXiang's back silhouette when he was cooking. He dazedly glanced at the empty space next to him on the bed; there is a strange and unfamiliar feeling, making him continuously lost in his wild thoughts. ZhouXiang happened to come in at this time. Seeing that he had awaken, he raised his eyebrows, "You slept so sweetly; you slept for 14 hours." YanMingXiu's throat is a little coarse as softly murmured, "I just got off the plane and haven't' slept for more than 20 hours." ZhouXiang smiled, "I got a new toothbrush and towel for you. Go wash up and come out to eat. I'll heat up the food for you." YanMingXiu slept so much that he was dizzy so he wobbled to the bath‐ room. A new toothbrush and towel have already been placed on the sink counter. This scene seems as though he would be living here. Yan‐ MingXiu mockingly smiled. After washing up, he came out of the bathroom. The aroma from the food permeated his nose. He had live abroad by himself for many years. Being able to wake up with breakfast already prepared by someone, this feeling is really not bad. ZhouXiang pulled out a chair, "Hurry up come and eat. You must be hungry." YanMingXiu nodded and stretched, "I didn't expect to sleep for so long." ZhouXiang sat down beside him. He watched him eat and asked, "You have to go home today? I can give you a ride." YanMingXiu nodded, "You don't need to. The rain stopped. I can just take a taxi." "Don't need to be polite. I'm off today." "It's okay," YanMingXiu added with a serious tone.

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ZhouXiang can only say, "Alright then. It's usually easy to fetch a taxi here." After YanMingXiu finished eating, he turned on his cell phone and saw several text messages, mostly from his sister. He felt a bit annoyed. After pondering over it, he called her back. "Hello? MingXiu? What's going on? Why did you turn off the phone?" "No battery." "You didn't charge it at the hotel? What hotel are you staying at? You said that you can't come back because of the rain, I can go pick you up." "Don't need to. It was raining really hard yesterday. I'm coming home now." "Where are you? I'll go pick you up." "It's okay. I've already called a taxi." "What is the matter? You sound weak, caught a cold?" YanMingXiu also don't know why. But when he hears his sister's voice now, he felt annoyed and can't wait to hang up. Trying hard to suppress his temper, he responded, "No, I'll go back by myself, don't worry." YanMingXiu hung up the phone and sighed. ZhouXiang sat on the sofa with a faint smile, "So you're leaving?" "Yeah," YanMingXiu nodded. "Leave a number?" YanMingXiu walked over, bent down and took ZhouXiang's phone from his hand to punch in his number. After he's done, he gave the phone back to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang looped his arm around his neck and pursed his lips, "Will we meet again?" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and breathes on ZhouXiang's face, "If you're willing to let me top you." 74

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ZhouXiang smiled, "That's not a big problem but do you have experi‐ ence? I am a manual worker; I can't get injured." YanMingXiu faintly smiled, "You'll know once you try." ZhouXiang gently pecked YanMingXiu's lips, "Why don't you stay to‐ day?" YanMingXiu stood up, "I have to go home. Another day." ZhouXiang's eyes revealed a pitiful expression, "Let's go, I'll walk you downstairs." He was never this attentive to his fuck buddies. After ZhouXiang walked YanMingXiu to the taxi, he was a little reluc‐ tant to go home. He fiddled with his cell phone, looking at Yan‐ MingXiu's phone number; his heart began to depict his next meeting with YanMingXiu. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 10 - Meeting For A Meal ⦘

Chapter 10 - Meeting For A Meal ZhouXiang rested at home for two days. When he has work, he'd be busy well into the middle of the night. But when there is no work, he didn't even have to go out for a week. In the past two days, he sent two text messages to YanMingXiu but received no response. ZhouXiang is some‐ what disappointed. It's likely that even if he takes the initiative to ask YanMingXiu out, he (YanMingXiu) wouldn't even come out. By chance, a young model named Ah Bei, whom he just met last month, asked him to go out to eat. He also said that he would bring a friend along and asked ZhouXiang to pick them up. ZhouXiang is free so he went. These two people had just come to Beijing for work. Their only assets are their good looks; they don't have money, don't have any special back‐ ground or know anyone. Each month, they relied on some magazines postings or modeling a few sets of clothing to survive. Sometimes they would call ZhouXiang out to freeload a meal. ZhouXiang would also happily take them out to eat delicious foods. Being a migrant working in Beijing is very harsh so he understood these youngsters quite well. After dinner, he gave the two a ride home. When they arrived to their home downstairs, Ah Bei tugged him, hinting with eagerness for ZhouX‐ iang to join them in a threesome. ZhouXiang looked at their desperate expression, but he's really no match for them. He can deal with one but two, they will take his life. He really doesn't have that physical stamina so he refused, saying he has something to do. The boy he just met unhappily asked, "Xiang Ge, is it because you don't like how I look?" ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "How can you say that? I really have something to do." After all, he can't tell them that he won't be able to en‐ dure doing it with the both of them right? Ah Bei tugged at his clothes, refusing to let him go, "Xiang Ge, I have been bragging to my friend for a long time, saying that your (sex) skills

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are really good. Play with us for a bit okay?" ZhouXiang patted his face, "Stop pulling (his clothes). I really have something to do today. My friend is waiting for me." "Which friend? Is it because you have one hiding at home?" Ah Bei un‐ happily asked. "Really...no. Be good, stop making a fuss." Ah Bei unwillingly sigh and then told him the truth, "Xiang Ge, we want to ask for your help." "What is it?" ZhouXiang knew that there had to be something. Why didn't he just say so in the beginning? "Isn't your company recruiting models? Please help us submit our pro‐ files." "Ahh okay. That's nothing big." "Thank you, Xiang Ge," Ah Bei kissed him on his cheek. ZhouXiang smiled, "No need to thank me." Ah Bei sadly said, "Xiang Ge, it's not because of this that I wanted to have sex with you. I really like you. You really can't come up?" ZhouXiang is getting an ongoing headache. Just when he was about to say something, his phone suddenly rang. He took it out and saw that the call was actually from YanMingXiu. Elated, he quickly connected the call, "Hello?" "Hey, where are you?" "I...I just finished doing something, about to go home." "Come out to eat with me." "Okay. Where do you want to go, I'll go pick you up?"

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"Don't need to. GongTi worker's stadium. I'll text you the address. Just come over." He hung up after saying that. ZhouXiang put his cell phone away and looked up. He saw the two boys looking at him mischievously. The space in the car is small and it is quiet, so they must have heard. "No wonder you're so eager to go. That voice sounded really nice, a singer?" Ah Bei asked with a wink. ZhouXiang smiled but didn't explain. "Since Xiang Ge has a date, we won't stop you. Hurry and go." ZhouXiang ruffled Ah Bei's head, "Give me your information. I will help you as much as I can." After the two went upstairs, ZhouXiang quickly drove toward the direc‐ tion of the GongTi worker's stadium. He followed YanMingXiu's direction on the text and found the Thai restaurant. When he entered the private room, YanMingXiu was already sitting on the sofa with his legs crossed, looking at the menu. His impos‐ ing mannerisms looked as if he is reading a contract worth hundred mil‐ lions. Next to him, stood an extremely polite and courteous looking wait‐ ress who was sneaking glances at him with her glimmering eyes. When ZhouXiang came in, both of them turned around. ZhouXiang cheerfully greeted YanMingXiu, "Sorry, I am late." "It's okay, I just got here." ZhouXiang sat down next to YanMingXiu. The waitress immediately poured a cup of tea for him. The tea tasted a bit strange. He didn't know if it came from Thailand. YanMingXiu closed the menu, "We'll have these (food items) first." ZhouXiang quickly added, "Don't order too much. I ate something before I came." In fact, he is actually full. "You ate already?" 78

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"Ahh, no, I just ate some snacks at home so I'm not too hungry." "These aren't too many (dishes)," YanMingXiu handed the menu to the waitress. After the waitress left, they were the only two left in the private room. ZhouXiang asked, "Seeing outside, the business here is very good. Just the two of us use such big private room?" He could guess that it won't be cheap. YanMingXiu didn't even pay attention to what he was saying, but instead stared at his lips strangely. ZhouXiang said a few things but seeing that YanMingXiu is staring at him, he felt that the atmosphere had changed. He cleared his throat and flirtingly asked, "How come you have time to ask me out today? The text messages I sent you, you didn't respond. I thought you've already forgot‐ ten who I am." YanMingXiu faintly responded, "Too lazy to respond (to the texts)." YanMingXiu's arrogant and selfish nature is actually quite detestable --if placed on ordinary people. But when YanMingXiu displayed such ex‐ pression, ZhouXiang felt that each of his expressions are extraordinarily charming. Even his laxed indifferent attitude made people's heart feel tingly. ZhouXiang wondered if he was a bit too craved for sex. Had he known, he would've gone upstairs with Ah Bei and the boy today. Per‐ haps, after he had sex with them, he would not be daydreaming about this boy so much that he looks like horny pervert. YanMingXiu looked at him. ZhouXiang's attraction and desire for him is so obvious that it can't even be concealed. Actually, there is no reason to conceal it. Between men, it's better to be direct. Each takes what one needs. ZhouXiang leaned close to him and softly asked, "So, have you really forgotten me?" YanMingXiu gripped his chin and gently touched his lips, "Maybe I've only just remembered you."

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ZhouXiang burst out in laughter, "It's quite timely." He bit YanMingXiu's lips, gently tugging it, "But I've been thinking of you every day." YanMingXiu asked softly, "Think of me? Thinking of me topping you?" "Actually, of me topping you but if you're not willing, I can only suffer this time." "You've really never been a 0?" ZhouXiang jokingly responded, "Nope. I wanted to be (a zero) when I was young, but people wouldn't even look at me because they thought I looked too mature. When I got older, it was even more unlikely. There are more 0's than 1's in the circle...so many fresh meats waiting for me; you think I'd go looking for people to top me?" YanMingXiu gently reached his hand into ZhouXiang's clothes and pinched his slender waist, then says coarsely, "So then, if you're going to do it with me, it'll be your first time (being a zero)?" ZhouXiang laughed, "Exactly. Don't you have to be responsible?" "Haven't topped you yet, what's there to be responsible for? Give an IOU?" "Then you top." ZhouXiang blocked YanMingXiu's mouth from talking and slipped his tongue in. In between the heated kiss, he murmured, "Otherwise, why did you ask me out for a meal?" YanMingXiu also didn't bother with the nonsense. They are both adults; there is nothing to be embarrassed about. He responded to ZhouXiang's kiss intensely. Thinking of how he would be pressing this man beneath him on the bed and fuck him fiercely tonight, the feeling must be very good. He'll use the back position and pull ZhouXiang's hair, forcing him to lift his ass. That tight muscles and elegant figure will definitely make his arousal increase tremendously since ZhouXiang's back looks so much like WangYuDong's. The WangYuDong whom he dreamed of fucking.

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Just when the two people were unable to separate from their intensely wet kiss, a knock sounded from the door and a few girls strolled in with the dishes. ZhouXiang wanted to push YanMingXiu away. Although he didn't need to hide his identity, he didn't want to scare these young girls. But in the end, YanMingXiu tightly gripped his waist and pressed him even harder to the sofa; his tongue licking ZhouXiang's teeth, making it impossible for him close the corners of his mouth that is oozing out transparent bod‐ ily fluid. These girls were so frightened that they didn't know whether to continue going in or walk back out so they just stood frozen in place. After YanMingXiu got satiated from kissing, he licked his lips and turned to glance at them coldly, "Serve the food. Why stand there frozen for?" ZhouXiang touched the corner of his mouth and smiled softly at the little girls, trying to appease their frightened emotions. YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and looked at ZhouXiang's smile. He seemed to have just realized that ZhouXiang not only smile at him alone, he's like that to everyone. This made YanMingXiu feel very unsettled. The little girls forced themselves to calmly place the dishes on the table. ZhouXiang felt a bit apologetic seeing their embarrassed faces so he said, "You can leave after putting the dishes down. Don't need to serve us." Several girls sneakily peaked at him and then at YanMingXiu. Then they all left with their flushed faces. ZhouXiang pushed YanMingXiu's shoulder and smiled, "I really can't tell you're actually that daring." YanMingXiu didn't react, "Let's just eat."

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Originally, this private room can serve eight to ten people. But because of YanMingXiu, they specially changed the big table, replacing it with a rectangular table for six. The two sat directly facing each other while they tasted the exquisitely prepared Thai food. ZhouXiang casually ate a few pieces and praised, "This is so flavorful. I've passed by this restaurant several times but never been in." YanMingXiu didn't say much. He merely responded with a few words, then asked, "How old are you?" ZhouXiang blinked, "Whatever age you say I am... but I'm actually 30 years old." "Your profession is a stuntman?" "Yeah, a martial arts stuntman." "Isn't that kind of work dangerous?" "Danger is not the primary thing. In fact, there are only a few times that it's actually dangerous. It's just that there are many actions that actors can't do so a martial arts stuntman is needed for the quality effect." "How many years have you been doing that?" "Hmm...Let me see. When I graduated from sports school, I was 19. Then, I worked for more than a year as a salesperson. Afterwards, I went into the entertainment circle to do odd some jobs. When I really started to be a martial art stuntman, I should be about 22... so it's about 8 years." YanMingXiu bunched his brows, "An average person working this long should be able to get some supporting roles. You really don't blend in well." ZhouXiang smiled, not minding what he just said, "If I have your looks, I'd definitely get some contracts. With my looks, I'm more suitable to play a hero's defeated opponent or cop like roles. It's too competitive. If there is a chance to make more money, I'm more than happy. But if there isn't, I'm very content just being a stuntman."

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YanMingXiu, "You can't be doing this for a lifetime, right? What are you going to do in a few years when your body can't handle it?" ZhouXiang casually responded, "By then, I'll change to become a man‐ ager (for actors). In any case, I'm familiar with the operations in the cir‐ cle. Why think so far ahead into the future?" He is indeed a person who lives a relaxed life; he has no family and is completely carefree. He doesn't need to worry about taking care of the elders, a wife, or children because he will never have any. He just needs to make sufficient money to support himself in his old age. ZhouXiang thought...in the eyes of young people like YanMingXiu, who are in their early twenties and have a great future in front of them, such unplanned life is unimaginable. ZhouXiang did not intend to make him understand. YanMingXiu glanced at him and realized that this person is really just content with how things stand. He felt that there is nothing distinctive with this person, just like his appearance. YanMingXiu didn't know why, but he didn't feel too happy. Perhaps it is because he's always wanted to find WangYuDong's shadow in ZhouXiang. But ZhouXiang is nothing compared to WangYuDong. Should he use his status to help ZhouXiang? YanMingXiu hesitated a bit. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 11 - Becoming A Zero (M) ⦘

Chapter 11 - Becoming A Zero (M) ZhouXiang put down his chopsticks after eating a little. The food is very good but he really couldn't eat anymore. So he just sat there and chatted while at the same time help YanMingXiu remove the crab meat from the shell, dipped it in yellow curry sauce and placed it on his plate. This obvious doting action made YanMingXiu feel quite pleased. He had been served by people since he was a child so he didn't feel that there was anything wrong with it. He actually enjoyed having ZhouXiang serve him. YanMingXiu could see that ZhouXiang likes him very much. ZhouXiang is likely one of those rare people who is very attentive to YanMingXiu and whom he does not want to push way because ZhouXiang's kind of attentiveness doesn't make people feel tired. Instead, he allowed people to feel his enthusiasm and warmly tenderness. After the two finished eating, ZhouXiang excused himself to use the re‐ stroom, wanting to pay the bill. YanMingXiu pointed toward the direction of the window, "There is a re‐ stroom in this private room." "Oh, I also wanted to go smoke a cigarette." He figured that this meal must have cost a lot of money. He has a good income while YanMingXiu had just graduated from college and probably hasn't found a job yet. After ZhouXiang went to the restroom, he went to the cashier to pay the bill. The cashier took out their bill to look, "Sir, your table is on credit. No need to pay." "What does that mean?"

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"Our restaurant has a membership system. This room is booked by a member and does not need to pay cash." ZhouXiang said "Oh." Fine, save my money then. When ZhouXiang returned to the room, YanMingXiu had already stood up, intending to leave. ZhouXiang's hand pressed against the door frame as he smiled and asked him, "It's only nine o'clock, let's find a place to have a drink?" YanMingXiu shook his head, "No fun." "Then where do you want to go?" "Your place." ZhouXiang laughed a few times, then lowered his voice and asked vaguely, "How come I can't see that you are actually this anxious (to have sex)?" YanMingXiu respond, "I just don't like noisy places." "Fine. Let's go to my home. My place is quiet." After they left the restaurant, ZhouXiang went directly to get his car. YanMingXiu pondered and then called his driver to come over to help him take his car back while he left in ZhouXiang's car. ZhouXiang's home is small and old, but unknowingly YanMingXiu likes it a lot. It's probably because this home has a 'homely' feel and is full of life everywhere. When the two returned to the home, ZhouXiang took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa, then turned to ask YanMingXiu, "You want to shower first or me first? Or......" He licked his lips and smiled mischie‐ vously, "Together?" YanMingXiu clenched his chin. "You first, wait for me in bed after you're done." ZhouXiang laughed, "No problem." After saying that, he hummed a little song and went to take a shower. After washing, he especially sprayed 85

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some cologne on himself. While YanMingXiu was showering, ZhouXiang took out the lubricant and condom. KY is something that is normally not used on him. ZhouXi‐ ang felt that this is quite mystical. There is actually a day when a pure man like him would be a 0. He didn't know if it would hurt or not but who cares. If it's not pleasurable, there won't be so many gays willing to be fucked by men. This kind of experience (being a 0) is bound to be very fresh and exciting. ZhouXiang also deliberately burned some fragrant candle to make the at‐ mosphere more romantic. Making love is an important enjoyment. If done well, it will be memorable for a long time, especially with a stun‐ ning man like YanMingXiu. He must absolutely take it seriously. After a while, YanMingXiu came out. As soon as he entered the bed‐ room, he sees ZhouXiang wearing a pair of black briefs sitting on the bed smirking at him. ZhouXiang is not very handsome but is very manly. His figure is very good; a standard male model's body. His muscles are beautifully even and not overly exaggerated; his bulging penis encased in the area between his legs. He has this extraordinary scent, so sexy that it gives people nosebleeds. YanMingXiu is quite satisfied with ZhouXiang's appearance. ZhouXi‐ ang's smooth and sly, yet passionate personality blended together is just perfect. It makes this 30-year old man full of matured charms... so much that people can't help but want to tame him. ZhouXiang smiled at him, "Let's agree on something first. I still have to work the day after tomorrow. If your skills are not up to par, you better say so ahead of time, don't dupe me." He's heard of people having to go to the hospital from their first time (being a 0). He just wants to have sex. That's all. He didn't want to be embarrassed. Although his words sound quite conservative, ZhouXiang's eyes have already nakedly swept at YanMingXiu's abs. His muscles are too beautiful and his skin so exquis‐ ite that it's reflective. YanMingXiu looks very thin when he's wearing clothes but that's probably because he's so tall. ZhouXiang didn't expect that once YanMingXiu remove his clothes, his body would be so firm, paired with his long legs and his face, click-click (clicking his tongue sound), his mood right now is just like a straight male having sex with an exceptional beauty. 86

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YanMingXiu's slender fingers gently hooked on the knot of the bath towel. ZhouXiang's eyes stared at his hand. YanMingXiu's fingers only need to pull gently and ZhouXiang would be able to see what he wanted to see. The bath towel was gently removed and thrown to the ground. The (huge) size of YanMingXiu's cock visibly between his legs is vastly dif‐ ferent compared to his stunning appearance, causing ZhouXiang to be a bit shocked. YanMingXiu walked over slowly; ZhouXiang sat up from the bed and pulled him onto the bed. ZhouXiang climbed on top of him and faintly smile, "MingXiu, you're so damn mesmerizing to me." He had said sweet words to many people on the bed, but this sentence today is absolutely heartfelt. YanMingXiu's hand wandered around ZhouXiang's body as he hoarsely muttered, "I'll let you see if my skills could pass." ZhouXiang smiled and lowered his head to suck onto YanMingXiu's lips, very carefully tasting his lips. YanMingXiu kept caressing his skin; the smooth and firm skin feels really good in his hands. After ZhouXiang satiated himself with sucking YanMingXiu's lips, he moved to his chin and carefully bit him with his teeth. YanMingXiu's breathing obviously became heavier. He turned over and pressed ZhouX‐ iang beneath him. Then immediately grabbed ZhouXiang's cock and stroked it. ZhouXiang also grabbed YanMingXiu's big hardened hot rod. This size is really gratifying, arousing him endlessly. The two kissed while stroking each other others desires. Entangling like two snakes rolling around, their fiery hot bodies grinded tightly against each other, causing their body temperatures to rise continuously and their blood to boil. YanMingXiu patted ZhouXiang's firm ass, "Turn over." ZhouXiang knowingly turned his body over and flip to the other side; the two men are in a top-to-bottom (6-9) position. He pressed YanMingXiu's thigh with one hand and pulled his cock with another hand to put the

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hard baby into his mouth. ZhouXiang's blowjob is great. After a few sucking of YanMingXiu's big baby, it got even harder. At the same time, ZhouXiang's entire lower body is in front of Yan‐ MingXiu's eyes. YanMingXiu spread apart his thighs and squeezed some lubricant onto his palm and smeared it on ZhouXiang's butt crack. Then he spread the tight buttocks and used his slender finger to skillfully poke at the tight chrysanthemum, slowly inserting his finger. ZhouXiang felt a bit uncomfortable and turned his butt. YanMingXiu slapped his ass, "Don't move." ZhouXiang deliberately used his cock to rub against YanMingXiu's chest, his mouth sucked YanMingXiu's cock harder while one of his hand played with YanMingXiu balls. YanMingXiu's finger inserted fully into ZhouXiang's hole. With the ef‐ fect of the lubricant, he began to thrust his finger. ZhouXiang obviously felt that there is something in his butt. Even though it's not considered painful, it definitely felt uncomfortable. Could it be that this is how it feels to be a 0? This really doesn't feel very good. While ZhouXiang was still wondering, he felt YanMingXiu squeezing in another finger. This is quite common when he did it to other people, but he didn't expect it to feel so different when done to his own body. ZhouXiang looked up and gasped, "Hey, be gentle, it feels weird." YanMingXiu arched his lower body, "Stop talking. I guarantee to make you feel good in a bit. Suck it (his cock) good." ZhouXiang move his mouth away and deliberately stuck out his tongue out to fiercely suck the tip of his cock. YanMingXiu took a breath of cold air; this move almost made him cum. Having been provoked, he force‐ fully slapped ZhouXiang's ass and thrust his fingers into ZhouXiang's chrysanthemum. ZhouXiang whimpered, "Fuck......it's hurts a bit, be gentler." YanMingXiu's tone tinged with a bit of caution but his words were very erotic, "I haven't fucked you yet. If you make me cum now, then I can

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only use my fingers." ZhouXiang smiled, "If you cum, then it means you're not good. Don't blame me ah." YanMingXiu pulled out his moisten fingers and quickly sat up. He halfkneeled behind ZhouXiang, "Give me the condom." ZhouXiang took the condom from the headboard. He turned around and tore the package, then sucked on YanMingXiu's cock while putting the condom on it. The veins on YanMingXiu's cock are exposed; it's ready and eager to penetrate ZhouXiang body to have a good fuck. ZhouXiang generously lay atop him, with his arms around his neck, "Gently ah." YanMingXiu looked at his face; a strange feeling rose from his heart. He pulled ZhouXiang up and turned his body over, making him hunch over doggy-style. ZhouXiang astonishingly asked, "You like this position?" Before ZhouXiang finished talking, YanMingXiu had already pushed ZhouXiang's head onto the bed, "Stop talking and focus." After he said that, he held tightly onto ZhouXiang's waist and grabbed his own cock to try and squeeze his huge cock into the tiny hole that had been slightly opened. ZhouXiang finally felt some pain. He grimaced, "Gentler......oh......it hurts a lot." At this time, YanMingXiu is already unable to restrained himself. ZhouXiang's broad shoulders, elegant shoulder blades, and fine sweat beads on the back of his spine all make his blood vessels erupt. This sexy back instantly overlapped with WangYuDong's image. YanMingXiu only felt his blood madly rushing to his lower body, clamoring for him to fuck this person ruthlessly and unleash all his desires on him.

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YanMingXiu did not allow ZhouXiang to flinch back as he push his thick cock into ZhouXiang's body. ZhouXiang sucked in the cool air, thinking that this kid was really brag‐ ging. His skills suck. He's not good. But at this pivotal moment, he can't tell YanMingXiu to stop. He can only passively accept YanMingXiu's entry. YanMingXiu sighed with a long deep breath; ZhouXiang had never heard such a satisfying sigh. For a moment, he was very happy. YanMingXiu held onto ZhouXiang's waist, moving slowly in and out and then sped up. ZhouXiang buried his head in the bed sheets, enduring the waves of for‐ eign intrusion in his body. Even though it hurts, he could still bear it. But he really felt that having something in the ass is too strange. When he fucked someone before, he never felt it. YanMingXiu's movements sped up as he skillfully searched for ZhouXi‐ ang's sensitive spot. He poked in different angles and finally found the spot that made ZhouXiang cry out. After the initial pain, following the movements of YanMingXiu's thrusts, ZhouXiang felt a burst of strange pleasure. He unconsciously swayed his hips, not knowing whether he wanted to get rid of that unfamiliar feeling or wanted more. YanMingXiu started to thrusts vigorously. His strong muscled thighs slammed harshly into ZhouXiang's buttocks creating 'pat-pat' sounds. His eyes became somewhat blurred from the rising pleasure. The back silhouette of ZhouXiang kneeling in front of him, allowing him to freely fuck him, and WangYuDong's elegant and graceful back silhouette con‐ verged. YanMingXiu's lower body movements became even more and more rigorous and fast causing ZhouXiang to moan unbearably and gasped continuously. ZhouXiang was fucked so hard that he had no strength to even lie on his stomach. YanMingXiu caressed his waist and continue to pummel him from behind. The sweat on ZhouXiang's back gave him an impulse to want to lick it. 90

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It definitely didn't feel like this is their first time having sex; the compati‐ bility of their bodies is astonishing. Throughout the night, YanMingXiu pressed onto ZhouXiang and did it with him three times. Each time, it ended with indescribable climax. Finally, ZhouXiang's voice is so hoarse that he can't make any sounds and can only let YanMingXiu take him to the torrents of desire again and again, unable to extricate themselves in this thrilling pleasure. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 12 - Wanting A Family ⦘

Chapter 12 - Wanting A Family The morning light reflected on Zhou Xiang's bare shoulders. It was al‐ ready Fall, yet the sun could still burn his skin. ZhouXiang finally woke up. He glanced at the clock on the wall. He hadn't slept till noon for a long time. When he was young, he loved to sleep in. But after passing the age of 30, he's always felt that it was wasteful to spend time sleeping. He was really too exhausted last night. ZhouXiang moved his thighs; his body is so sore. He really didn't want to move. YanMingXiu asked hoarsely above his head, "You're up?" "Yea......" ZhouXiang turned over, "Fuck, I'm really sore. You brat......I can't really tell." YanMingXiu looks so beautiful. How can he be such a wild beast in bed? That kind of strength is too vicious; that stamina is too...... YanMingXiu proudly 'humph' twice, "Did my skills pass?" He couldn't help but reach out to knead ZhouXiang's ass. It felt so great. ZhouXiang responded, "But my bones are falling apart. I'm so ex‐ hausted. If I can't get up tomorrow, you have to pay me for missing work." YanMingXiu casually asked, "What drama are you filming tomorrow?" "Still the one with WangYuDong." YanMingXiu responded with an 'Oh,' "Is he coming?" ZhouXiang smiled, "Want to see him? I don't know. The whereabouts of the big star will not be revealed to me." He then asked, "Do you know WangYuDong?" "Yea, we...our parents know each other."

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"No wonder. In the beginning, I thought you and him were from the same management company." ZhouXiang rolled over again and laid flat on the bed. With his waist sore, he couldn't straighten or bend. This is called discomfort, he quietly murmured. YanMingXiu felt guilty so he put his hand on ZhouXiang's waist and massaged it twice, "Originally, I wanted you to cook for me. I'm hungry. But seeing that you can't even get out of bed, let's call for takeout." ZhouXiang 'humph' twice, "Who said that I can't get out of bed? I'm just being lazy. Let's just call for takeout..." He reached out and grabbed the phone. "What do you want to eat?" "Something light." "There is a porridge place outside the neighborhood. It's open twentyfour hours. I often eat there; it's pretty light." "Okay. You order then," YanMingXiu yawned and rubbed his smooth face on ZhouXiang's chest like a lazy cat. ZhouXiang caressed his bare back; although his body is not feeling very comfortable, he is in a good mood. YanMingXiu caressed a bit here and there and then changed his course of action to suck on the little nub on ZhouXiang's chest with his tongue swirling back and forth. ZhouXiang wanted to laugh at being toyed with. He pushed his head, "Sucking milk? Get up. That restaurant delivers food pretty quickly." YanMingXiu licked his lips and reluctantly let him go. ZhouXiang used his hand to pull himself up, his movements are particu‐ larly awkward. YanMingXiu watched as ZhouXiang held his waist to walk oddly into the bathroom. His heart gushed up with pride and satisfaction. He didn't expect to do it so many times last night. The sexual stimulation this man gives him is far from what he had imagined.

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YanMingXiu is a very picky person. From childhood, he is only willing to enjoy the best of everything. Even his bed companions from when he was studying abroad were all rare beautiful men. Compared to these men, ZhouXiang is a far cry from them. As for comparing to WangYuDong, there is essentially no comparison. But this man (ZhouXi‐ ang) is just to YanMingXiu's liking, his character, his smile, and even his natural performance in bed. The most important thing is that ZhouXiang has a back silhouette that is very similar to WangYuDong. Just looking at him makes him hard. He likes to have sex with this man, very much so. After ZhouXiang came out from the shower, the food had just arrived. YanMingXiu also finished washing up and walked out of the bathroom cheerfully. The heater is turned on in the room and it is warm. He only wore a pair of ZhouXiang's pajama pants; his broad shoulders and nar‐ row waistline is very alluring. ZhouXiang whistled, "MingXiu, if you become a star looking like this, don't know how many people will be captivated to death by you." YanMingXiu is in a very good mood as he grinned and smiled, "I first need to captivate you to death is enough." ZhouXiang blew him a kiss, "I've already been captivated to death. Come and eat." The two are like a couple who have been living together for a long time. After a night of frantic passion, they woke up at noon, sitting face to face to have breakfast in their pajamas. This ambiance is warm and harmo‐ nious. After eating, ZhouXiang received a call from CaiWei. "Hey, Wei Ge," ZhouXiang put down the spoon in his mouth and an‐ swered vaguely. CaiWei's crude voice sounded through the phone, "Just got up?" "Ah, haha, yeah."

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"Dude, where did go have fun last night?" "You won't know even if I tell you." CaiWei smiled and scolded, "Shameless. Hurry and listen. I have a stunt coordinator job for you. Want to take it? It's not a movie but an ad." "When?" "If you want it, come over this afternoon to discuss with them." "How much?" "You'll definitely be satisfied (with the amount)." "Okay, text the address to my phone. I'll go over in the afternoon." After he hung up, YanMingXiu frowned and looked at him, "You need to leave?" "Yeah, someone introduced a job to me. I have to go discuss it with them. How about you stay here and wait for me? I'll come back tonight to pick you up for a good meal." YanMingXiu said displeasingly, "Don't go." ZhouXiang stunned. "Just stay at home today and be with me." ZhouXiang pamperly ruffle his head, "I also want to stay here with you, but brother, I, have to go to work. I have to take on more martial arts co‐ ordinating jobs so I can slowly move to that direction of work later." YanMingXiu mumbled unhappily, "How much can you get doing that; might as well just stay home to be with me." ZhouXiang smiled, "I can definitely get two months' worth of meals from it. This field pays very fast. Be good, wait for me. I'll be back soon."

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He changed and quickly left without looking at YanMingXiu's darkened expression. He hoped that CaiWei would not see his oddly walking pos‐ ture; otherwise CaiWei will definitely laugh at him. ZhouXiang discussed with the screenwriter for two hours. They decided on the content, the requirements as well as the commission for the ad. After that, he got up and left. He also wasn't willing to come out on his day off to talk about work. So right now, he is in a hurry to rush home to be intimate with YanMingXiu. CaiWei called to stop him, "Hey, Ah Xiang, what's the hurry? Come to my house for dinner tonight? Your sister in-law (T/N) haven't seen you in a long time." T/N: This sister in-law is not ZhouXiang's real sister in-law. His relation‐ ship with CaiWei is like brothers so ZhouXiang would refer to CaiWei's wife as his sister in-law. "Another day; I have something to do tonight." "Fuck, what things? Which little moth have you been involved with re‐ cently?" ZhouXiang just 'heh heh' in response "Wei Ge, you're just jealous. A married man seeing me so unconstrained and free, you must be particu‐ larly jealous right? Oooh, let me take a closer look at your little eyes, are they red (jealous)? Jealous huh?" CaiWei swatted away his hand away and laughably cursed, "Bullshit. Laozi (T/N) has a good life with wife and kids. You're jealous to death." T/N: Laozi is an informal way of I. "I'm definitely not jealous," ZhouXiang smiled, "I'm so unconstrained and free. Anyways, I will call sister in-law when I get back. I really have something to do today. Gotta go." CaiWei patted his back firmly, "Get lost."

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ZhouXiang blew him a kiss, "Wei Ge, thank you for introducing the work to me. I'll treat you guys out to dinner." After saying that, he left in an instant. On his way home, he bought some beer and snacks. It just happened that there is a Real Madrid soccer game in the evening. He and YanMingXiu can watch the game together, how enjoyable. After buying the things, he was very anxious to return home, "MingXiu, I am back." When he entered the home, he saw that YanMingXiu's shoes at the front door were gone. ZhouXiang was instantly disappointed but still unwill‐ ing to give up, he called out twice. The home is empty. No one re‐ sponded. In the past 20 years, besides him, this old home didn't have many guests. He can no longer remember the last time he called out, 'I am back' when he returned home. What it felt like to get a response back, he thought he could experience it again today. Unfortunately, YanMingXiu had already left; he is still alone. ZhouXiang couldn't hide his inner disappointment and dejectedly put the things on the table. The two leftover boxes from their lunch were still on the table... which proved that beside him, there was someone else here. CaiWei's family treated him very well, but he is not willing to go to his house. CaiWei is right. He is very jealous of the joyous life of CaiWei's family. It's probably because ZhouXiang is naturally born to live a lonely life. His entire family died when he was just ten years old. Adding on, he is even gay. Such natural events in life such as having a wife, getting married, and have children will never happen in his life. Even finding a genuine same-sex companion is harder. He had slept with one after an‐ other, but none stayed by his side. He really wanted to have a family. ZhouXiang sighed, not knowing why he suddenly thought of these de‐ pressing matters, making his mood worse.

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He got up and swiftly tidy up the table. Not willing to give up, he sent a text message to YanMingXiu. "There is a soccer game tonight. Come over to my home to watch it. I bought a lot of food." This text message is also like the other messages he sent...like a stone sinking into the vast ocean, with no response. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 13 - Filming Scenes ⦘

Chapter 13 - Filming Scenes Early the next morning, ZhouXiang drove to the set. They had to film an outdoor scene today so they all met up at the set and took the bus to‐ gether. Today's scene was a bit harsh. They needed to film in the water; it was about a five to six minutes fighting scene in the water. Just using a stunt‐ man took half of the time. Now it's already Fall; the hottest temperature is at noon at about 18-19 degrees Celsius (64-65 Fahrenheit) but the wa‐ ter is much colder. ZhouXiang did not complain about anything. Filming work is just like this, having to grind their teeth to work in all kinds of arduous scenes in all kinds of weather. Making money is not an easy thing. After more than half an hour, WangYuDong arrived with his assistant. The number of times that ZhouXiang seen him had increased recently. They filmed separately before but hearing that Director Wang's next movie is a 3D fantasy movie and with WangYuDong striving for the leading role, he had to come to the studio more often. Although the actor and the body double do not need to film together, the effect is better when done together. Director Wang took things very seri‐ ously and is a perfectionist. Every time he requested that WangYuDong and ZhouXiang come together. But when WangYuDong doesn't have any scenes, he rarely comes. So when he came today, Director Wang's mood is a bit better. ZhouXiang was putting on makeup in the temporary built shack when WangYuDong came in. ZhouXiang saw him from the mirror. He smile and greeted, "Dong Ge, you're here." WangYuDong smiled and turned to MiYou, "Miss, dye the hair on his temple. His hair color is obviously darker than mine." MiYou glanced at the clock and felt they are a bit tight with time. She was just about to open her mouth when ZhouXiang pulled her sleeve and

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used his eyes to signal her not to talk. Since childhood, ZhouXiang had experienced the fickleness of human nature, observing people's words and actions are his most basic survival skill. With WangYuDong's temperament, ZhouXiang could surmise at about 80-90% if at 100% assurance with just a glance that WangYuDong is in a very bad mood, though the big star's smile still appears charming. It's likely that the company forced him to come to appease Director Wang, but having to get up so early, he must have been very reluctant. ZhouXiang is more willing to interact with those people who are irritable and straightforward than to have conflict with a person like WangYuDong, whose outside appearance differ from his inner personal‐ ity. It is better to go along with him as much as possible, so he quickly reminded MiYou that WangYuDong is not in a good mood and is just be‐ ing deliberate in using this as an excuse to upset Director Wang. MiYou pursed her lips very displeasingly. Although hair dying doesn't take that much time, the main point is that ZhouXiang's wig had already been set. To dye it, the wig needs to be removed, dyed and then put on again. It would take another 10 minutes. It's almost time to start shoot‐ ing. When Director Wang is angry, it's naturally that he would scold at her and ZhouXiang. WangYuDong sat next to ZhouXiang as if nothing happened. His per‐ sonal makeup artist immediately began to apply makeup on him. MiYou had no choice but to quickly removed the wig from ZhouXiang and started dyeing his hair. The hair cream is a one-time use. The process was quick. Xiao Liu also came to help. The two got busy and quickly forgot that five minutes had passed. The assistant director came over with a dark expression and frowned at MiYou as she was putting the wig on ZhouXiang. He said with dissatisfaction, "Everyone is waiting for you." MiYou apologized for a bit; she felt so wronged that her eyes are a little red. ZhouXiang smiled apologetically, "Zhang Ge, I'm sorry. Last night's game lost is fucking terrible or else I would've gotten up half an hour earlier." 100

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The assistant director is a hardcore sports fan so his attention immedi‐ ately shifted. He said with a smile, "I was able to predict correctly and won ¥4,000 last night." "Ah, Zhang Ge predicted very accurately." The two chatted casually while MiYou got his hair done. ZhouXiang quickly followed the assistant director and headed over to the set. When they got to Director Wang, the assistant director said a few good words. Director Wang looked at him and didn't give him any troubles. ZhouXiang led out a sigh of relief. ----In this scene, he had to beat up a few bandits on the shore. Then, he was to be tied to a steel wire and jump from the shore to the raft. Then from the raft, jump into the water to rescue the supporting actress who had fallen into the river. The scene on the shore was filmed very smoothly. The next scene is one that he had to carry his sword and glide through the water as he jumped onto the raft. This scene, he filmed it twice but Director Wang was still not satisfied with his movements because he felt that it was not graceful enough. It was hard to bear with the steel wire tied to his body. Along with the low temperature and thinly clothes, ZhouXiang felt very uncomfortable. He gritted his teeth as he filmed this scene repeatedly. It wasn't until the fifth take before this short ten-second scene was able to pass. Then came the scene where he had to jump from the raft into the water. In order for the actress to not have to stay in the water for too long and for him to not have to change to another costume, ZhouXiang must suc‐ ceed in falling into the water on the first take. He and the stunt coordinator discussed this going into the water scene re‐ peatedly so he felt very confident.

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As soon as the director shouted, ZhouXiang called the supporting ac‐ tress's name and then did an elegant flip and jumped into the water from the raft. The water in the river was so cold that it felt like ice needles were piercing his flesh. After he jumped into the water, he immediately swam toward the actress. He used to be a swimmer so his movement in jumping into the water was particularly beautiful. After a short while, he got to the actress' side and hugged the girl who was so cold that her lips had turned purple. "Very good!" Director Wang nodded with satisfaction. "Passed." The actress shivered, "Xiang Ge, it's very cold." "I know... I know. Be good. Just bear with it a little more. You still have to do the scene with WangYuDong." ZhouXiang can't help but feel sym‐ pathy for her. For him, jumping into the water once was enough but this actress still had to go into the water with WangYuDong for a 'hero rescu‐ ing beauty' scene. The actress' voice was sobbing, "Hurry and take me to shore. I'm freez‐ ing to death." ZhouXiang took her and swam to the side of the boat; the staff pulled them up from the water. The two immediately went into the temporary tent. ZhouXiang quickly changed out of his drenched clothes and wrapped himself in a blanket and got under the warm hair dryer. MiYou laughed and blew his hair, "Congratulations, Xiang Ge. You passed on one take." ZhouXiang smiled and joked, "Of course. Your Xiang Ge must pass on first take." He closed his eyes and let MiYou's fingers rake through his hair. The air from the hair dryer is very warm; his cold body gradually regained its warmth. When YanMingXiu took food into the tent, he saw ZhouXiang leaning half of his body toward a beautiful girl, letting her blow dry his hair. His brows bunched up. He didn't know why but seeing this image made him extremely unsettled.

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ZhouXiang opened his eyes and look at YanMingXiu curiously, "Huh? Why are you here?" YanMingXiu glared at him and asked coldly, "Where's WangYuDong?" "Um, he was filming on the other side of the river." He glanced at the bag in YanMingXiu's hand. The restaurant's name is printed on it. Could it be that he especially brought a meal for WangYuDong? ZhouXiang's heart felt upset; the two of them obviously slept together but Yan‐ MingXiu looked at him as if nothing had happened, deliberately coming from so far away to just to bring WangYuDong's meal. The treatment of the big star is really good. YanMingXiu glanced at him coldly, then turned to walk toward the river. MiYou surprisingly asked, "You know him?" ZhouXiang responded with a 'hmm' sound, "I bumped into him when I left that day and gave him a ride." MiYou curled her lips, "He's quite attractive. Why is he here?" ZhouXiang shrugged, "Who knows." ZhouXiang quickly changed his clothes. WangYuDong's scenes were also finished. This time it was WangYuDong's turn to be shiver in front of the heat inside the tent. YanMingXiu kept following WangYuDong and even blow dry his hair in front of ZhouXiang while looking at him coldly. ZhouXiang also didn't know what was wrong with YanMingXiu but he felt that YanMingXiu is a bit aimed at going against him. Was it because YanMingXiu was angry at him for not staying yesterday? ZhouXiang also wasn't willing to stir up anything with him at this time so he just pretended that they are not familiar with each other. He ate his drumstick rice plate and chatted with the people from their company. Compared to their simple dishes, the dishes that WangYuDong and Yan‐ MingXiu ate were much better. The take out from the big restaurant

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came with four dishes and a soup. They were packed nicely in plastic lunch boxes. ZhouXiang felt that YanMingXiu's family must be quite well off. He heard that WangYuDong has a very good background. If the two families know each other, then YanMingXiu's background will definitely not be inferior. It is no wonder that he shows dislike toward his type of work. ZhouXiang didn't think too much. Everyone's lives are different. The only thing that made him depressed was YanMingXiu's cold attitude to‐ wards him. Could it be that it's over for them? There were still a few more scenes in the afternoon. WangYuDong's scenes in the drama are heavier than his. He first played a minor role as one of the rogues that got freed by WangYuDong's heroic character. Then changed back to the same outfit as WangYuDong and waited for Director Wang's arrangement. Everyone was busy helping other actors with their makeup. ZhouXiang was idle so he played with his cell phone. He inadvertently looked up and sees YanMingXiu coming towards him. ZhouXiang also stood up and smiled at him. YanMingXiu, "Come out." ZhouXiang stared blankly for a moment and followed YanMingXiu out of the tent. The two went to a place far away from the crew and hid be‐ hind a few trees. These people could hardly see them. ZhouXiang smiled, "You're still mad? I came back yesterday but you had left. I was quite disappointed." YanMingXiu ignored his pitiful words and asked bluntly, "You didn't tell anyone about my relationship with you right?" ZhouXiang was dazed for a moment, "Why would I? I don't have a hobby of sharing my private life." YanMingXiu's expression eased a little but he immediately thought of something and impolitely asked, "Are you really a homosexual or bisex‐

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ual?" ZhouXiang helplessly responded, "I only like men." "You and that makeup artist seem pretty close." ZhouXiang smiled, "Are you jealous? I was the one who introduced MiYou into the company. We are only friends." YanMingXiu sneered at the word 'jealous'. ZhouXiang was just joking but he didn't expect YanMingXiu to be so disdain. Feeling a little awkward, he asked embarrassingly, "You treat WangYuDong so good, specially bringing him a meal. It couldn't be that you like him, right?" ZhouXiang was only casually asking, but YanMingXiu's expression be‐ came very unsightly. He bluntly responded, "He is my sister's boyfriend. Don't talk nonsense." ZhouXiang is surprised. So that's what it is. No wonder they are so close but WangYuDong hid this very well. No one knew that he has a girl‐ friend. YanMingXiu coldly added, "This matter can't be exposed." "Don't worry," YanMingXiu's tone became more and more impolite. ZhouXiang felt that it was meaningless to continue on talking to him. Al‐ though ZhouXiang has a good temper, it is usually toward people who he has a good relationship with. YanMingXiu treated him so distant, ZhouXiang was too lazy to compromise so he just said, "Gotta go" and left. YanMingXiu stood and watched ZhouXiang's back silhouette with his eyes slightly narrowed. With ZhouXiang and WangYuDong wearing the same clothes, even Yan‐ MingXiu felt that it is difficult to distinguish the difference between them from behind. If ZhouXiang and WangYuDong's back silhouettes are not so similar, YanMingXiu really would not pay attention to him.

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The conversation with YanMingXiu put ZhouXiang in a very bad mood in the afternoon. When he filmed the last scene, he NG six to seven times, everyone was waiting for him to finish so they could go eat. For ZhouXiang, who was rarely in this condition, having to drag filming for half an hour, everyone was very surprised. Fortunately, ZhouXiang had a good harmonious relationship with every‐ one. They all waited patiently for him. ZhouXiang himself was very em‐ barrassed. He tried to adjust his mindset and finally finished filming the last scene. When it's time to stop work for the day, WangYuDong and YanMingXiu had already left. ZhouXiang gloomily packed up his own things and drove away. Because the outdoor filming location was so far from the city, it took him more than two hours to get back. He was so hungry that his stomach was rumbling. After getting home, he took big steps to rush up the stairs, but he stum‐ bled while holding the takeout that he bought along the way. YanMingXiu was leaning against the door frame with headphones plugged in his ears. Seeing him come up, YanMingXiu casually shot him a glance. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 14 - Feeling Possessive of ZhouXiang ZhouXiang was also a little astonished, "Why are you here?" Although it is much unexpected, he couldn't hide his pleasant surprise. YanMingXiu took off his headphones, "Am I not welcome?" "How can that be? Come on in." ZhouXiang opened the door and let YanMingXiu into the condo. Looking at ZhouXiang's slender neck from behind, YanMingXiu really wanted to pounce on him and bite it to vent the grievances in his heart. He drove for nearly three hours to the filming set to see WangYuDong, but in the end, WangYuDong still went to his sister's place. WangYuDong even said goodbye to him with a smile. YanMingXiu was so furious that he was about to explode. So he came to look for ZhouXiang. When he fucked ZhouXiang, he could fantasize that he is with his Dong Ge, which made him feel better. ZhouXiang, "Have you eaten? I just got fast food. What do you want to eat? I'll cook it for you." "Don't need to. I ordered food," Right after he said that, the doorbell rang. YanMingXiu went to open the door. Once ZhouXiang saw the uni‐ form on the food delivery staff, he knew that it is from the hotel across from his neighborhood. ZhouXiang smiled and shook his head, "You little brat really knows how to enjoy." YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang. When he thought of himself treating this person as Dong Ge, he felt a bit guilty and couldn't help but say, "You must be very tired after a day of filming, you should eat something good." 107

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ZhouXiang is very happy. He smiled, "Not bad, you really know how to treat people well." He sat down on the table and arranged the dishes one by one. "Come and eat. It smells very good." ZhouXiang clipped a piece of T bone and took a bite. This meat is very tender and the sauce is so flavorful. It was very delicious. YanMingXiu looked at his contented expression and wanted to laugh, "It's alright; I can make it better." ZhouXiang is surprised, "You know how to cook?" YanMingXiu responded nonchalantly, "I've always cooked for myself when I was abroad. I don't like having outsiders in my home." "Cook for me one day so I can try your culinary skills." "No problem," YanMingXiu thought for a moment. "You still have work later?" "I'm going to be free next week. This profession is good. It's doesn't have fixed days off." "Then I'll stay here," YanMingXiu gave him a look that didn't seem to be seeking permission because he knew that ZhouXiang would certainly agree. He's not blind. He could see that ZhouXiang is very much inter‐ ested in him. Adding on, he just didn't want to go home and also didn't want to think of someone. They each take what they need. YanMingXiu liked this mode of getting along. ZhouXiang more than welcome him. He lightly smiled, "How long do you want to stay?" It's rare to be able to spend time-off with an attractive man accompanying him, having some liveliness in the home, he couldn't think of any reason to refuse. After the meal, the two have sex again. They are like two energetic vig‐ orous beasts passionately entangling with each other, leaving sex traces all over the small home. ZhouXiang had never lived such an incredible life in a long time.

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During this period of short time, he and YanMingXiu lived and ate to‐ gether; they barely went out. Every day, they had passionate sex and then exhaustively slept till the afternoon of the next day. Sometimes, they called for takeout; sometimes they went to the supermarket to buy food to cook. They watched movies and played games; the two of them got very familiar with each other. YanMingXiu's smiles appeared more often. He had never been an easy person to get along with and didn't have very many friends because very few people could stand his unpredictable bad temper. But ZhouXiang could. Not only that he could, ZhouXiang was also able to coaxingly make YanMingXiu feel very much at ease and comfortable. The most important is that ZhouXiang could tolerate YanMingXiu's immaturity and selfishness. This was not something difficult for ZhouXiang to do. Men were always very patient and tolerant toward beautiful creatures. Especially since ZhouXiang have always been a patient and tolerant per‐ son. Toward YanMingXiu's occasional bad temper, ZhouXiang treated it as if YanMingXiu was just being a tease; he was never bothered by it. YanMingXiu felt that when he is with ZhouXiang, he felt very relaxed and very comfortable. They are like a couple who had been living together for a long time... liv‐ ing a life where they only have each other. The longer they are together, the more ZhouXiang felt that YanMingXiu is like a child. As long his demands are met, it is very easy to get along with him. After all, he wasn't planning on marrying YanMingXiu, why bother on caring whether or not the person had a good or bad temper? At that time, let alone YanMingXiu, even ZhouXiang, didn't take it seri‐ ously. The six days of peaceful leisure time soon came to an end. ZhouXiang had to start on the stunt coordinator job for the ad he agreed to last time. YanMingXiu was also annoyed by the repeated phone calls urging him to go home. He finally planned to make a trip home. ZhouXiang had an appointment with someone and had to leave first. YanMingXiu watched as ZhouXiang quickly put on his shoes. A gush of

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unwillingness rushed to his heart, he pulled ZhouXiang's arm, turned him around and pressed him to the wall to kiss him intensely. ZhouXiang held onto YanMingXiu's slender waist and close his eyes to respond to the heated kiss. YanMingXiu unconsciously reached his hand into ZhouXiang's clothes. He didn't want ZhouXiang to leave. When he thought of ZhouXiang going to a job that can make him extremely ex‐ hausted for only a few bucks, he really wanted to tell ZhouXiang that could support him. But he knew that ZhouXiang is very content with his work so he couldn't say it loud. ZhouXiang lightly smiled, "Hey. Okay. If you continue to grope me, I won't be able to leave. You also won't be able to leave." "Then don't go; it's still raining outside." "I can't ah. Work is a serious matter." ZhouXiang smiled, "Not willing to part with me? If so, then don't leave. Wait for your big brother (referring to himself) to come back and give you some love?" YanMingXiu pinched his waist, "I need to make a trip home. Will be back another day." "Okay. You're welcome here at any time," ZhouXiang licked his ear and lewdly muttered, "It feels so good doing it with you. Even if I don't see you, I get hard just thinking of you." Hearing these flirtatious words coming from ZhouXiang's mouth, Yan‐ MingXiu also felt very pleased. He bit ZhouXiang's lips, "Even if you're hard, don't casually have sex. If you let others fuck you, I won't let you off." ZhouXiang laughed happily, "Having you, who else would I want?" He didn't take YanMingXiu's words seriously to heart. He didn't know that YanMingXiu is serious about this. YanMingXiu never had any concept of chastity, but he subconsciously regarded ZhouXiang as his. Perhaps because he is the first person to top ZhouXiang; or perhaps because he regarded ZhouXiang as WangYuDong so he could not stand ZhouXiang being close to other peo‐ ple. Although YanMingXiu felt that there is a problem with his way of

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thinking, he was too lazy to delve into the reasons. In his heart, he's the only one who can fuck ZhouXiang. After ZhouXiang left, YanMingXiu turned on his phone. In order to avoid the phone calls from his mother and his sister, his phone was only turned on for a couple of hours. Imme‐ diately after the phone is on, there was a text message. It was sent an hour ago from WangYuDong; the message read, "Dong Ge will treat you to dinner." YanMingXiu was elated; his gloomy mood of ZhouXiang leaving was swept aside. He responded to the text with his confirmation. Then he quickly went to take a shower, tidied himself up and headed straight to the restaurant. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 15 - A Reluctant Family Meal ⦘

Chapter 15 - A Reluctant Family Meal WangYuDong's old man, Chairman Wang, is a big boss worth billions but only had a primarily education. Even though he had accumulated wealth over the years, his unrefined nature would occasionally be ex‐ posed. He married a very pretty supermodel very late in life and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named WangYuDong. Having a child in old age, adding on his son's temperament is like that of his mother, Chairman Wang had always doted on WangYuDong immensely. Although the Wang family does not lack money, the relatives around them are not socialites. Having money was not comparable to having power. Although WangYuDong is also a rich young master but almost everyone knew that his father is new money (newly rich). Therefore, it was still necessary for Chairman Wang to constantly kiss up to the elites in the capital. The Yan family is the biggest tree for them to climb to in‐ crease their status. Originally, with the Yan family's prestige and influential power, the Wang family couldn't even have a meal on the same table with the Yan family's master. To be related to the Yan family is something that Chair‐ man Wang wouldn't dream of. But he has a son that is very capable. WangYuDong is born naturally loving to have people revolve around him. After graduating from an Ivy League Business School, he didn't go into business, but instead went to become an actor. Chairman Wang took out a few millions to produce an ancient costume drama tailored for him. As expected, WangYuDong became popular. Getting popular was not what was worthy for celebration; after he got popular, the Yan family's young miss was extremely captivated by the role he played and thought very highly of him. So under the WangYuDong's aggressive pursuit, the two got together. The patriarch of the Yan family does not like actors. In his eyes, WangYuDong was not worthy of his daughter but he didn't explicitly op‐ posed them. After all, the young couple likes each other. Besides there were no problems with WangYuDong's financial abilities, appearance, 112

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education, or behavior. Adding on, he especially knew how to cater to people so they gradually accepted them. What the Yan patriarch didn't know was that not only did his daughter liked WangYuDong, when WangYuDong entered the Yan family home for the first time, his 16-year-old son's (YanMingXiu) eyes also stared ra‐ diantly at WangYuDong. Now, the Yan family's young miss had reached marriageable age; the parents from both sides planned to sit down to discuss their engagement and marriage date. YanMingXiu's mother called him every day, urging him to quickly go home so that the two families could have a meal together but Yan‐ MingXiu simply didn't want to attend such occasion. Having to sit for two hours just to hear his sister and WangYuDong talk about when they will be holding their engagement banquet? How sickening will that be for him? Finally, WangYuDong called him. The entire family knew that Yan‐ MingXiu would listen to this future brother in-law's words. YanMingXiu elatedly went to meet up with WangYuDong. But as soon as he entered the door, he saw the scene of his family meeting with the Wang's family. His expression immediately darkened. But because the elders were present, he didn't want to slam the door and leave so he could only sit down depressingly. WangYuDong immediately sat next to him. He can't afford to offend this little future brother in-law of his. If it wasn't for Mrs.Yan forcing him to call YanMingXiu, he would not do such thing. After he sat down, he in‐ stantly apologized warmly, "MingXiu, I'm sorry. Auntie asked that I must call you to come over but I really want to treat you for dinner. How about tomorrow?" YanMingXiu didn't want to unleash his temper on him, but his expres‐ sion is not good, "Don't need to. I have plans tomorrow." WangYuDong still wants to say something but Mrs. Yan called Yan‐ MingXiu over.

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YanMingXiu walked over in a bad mood, "It's just fine for you guys to discuss. I'm not the one getting married, why must you call me here?" Mrs.Yan glared at him, "This is to discuss your sister's engagement. Wouldn't it be a bit more dignified with the entire family here?" "Then how come older brother didn't come?" "Your brother is on a business trip; he really can't come back." "Then I can't come back as well." Mrs. Yan bunched her brows, "What's wrong with you? How hard is it for you to have a meal together with us? You're really that busy?" "My company has just started and I'm also partially in charge of dad's other company. You don't think I'm busy? Don't call me for this kind of thing in the future. I have no opinion." Mrs.Yan distressingly said, "Even if it's for nothing, can't I just want to see my son? A good university in China, you didn't want to attend but in‐ sisted on going to a university abroad. I didn't agree with it then. But af‐ ter you came back, you also didn't come home. What part of home do you find so unbearable?" When YanMingXiu saw his mother's grievances and dissatisfied expres‐ sion, his attitude softened, "Mom, that's not what I mean. I'm just really busy." It's not that he finds the home unbearable. He just didn't want to hear about his sister and WangYuDong when he's home. It's best not to know anything. But the two have planned to get engaged later in the year. Ev‐ ery time he goes home, that's what they would talk about. He knew that WangYuDong would not belong to him. He just wanted to evade as much as possible and change to a quieter environment. This meal was bland and dull. He watched as YanMingMei and WangYuDong smiled intimately at each other. YanMingXiu felt bored and wanted to leave.

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At this moment, a text message came. He turned on the phone screen and saw that ZhouXiang had sent him a joke. He never had a habit of responding back to ZhouXiang's texts. If any‐ thing, he would call directly. But at the moment, he couldn't wait to get out of the current atmosphere; even if it was just a text message to dis‐ tract him. He responded with, 'Where are you?' ZhouXiang also immediately responded, 'Filming an ad.' YanMingXiu asked, 'Where? I'll come find you.' ZhouXiang is ecstatic. Not only did YanMingXiu respond to his text, he also said that he would come to find him. YanMingXiu is really a person that is hard to grasp. Every time he felt that there was no hope to move forward, YanMingXiu would get closer to him. Not a lot, but just bit by bit. But this bit made it impossible for ZhouXiang's heart to resist, mak‐ ing him want to be even closer to YanMingXiu, wanting even more to know what other surprises YanMingXiu have for him. The first time YanMingXiu initiated in calling him... the first time he smiled at him... the first time he responded to his text message...all this made ZhouXiang feel excited. It's almost like increasing levels or fight‐ ing monsters in a game, he experience the satisfaction of gradually con‐ quering the big BOSS. The little things he did with YanMingXiu when they are together and them getting closer will from time to time make ZhouXiang reflect back on the feelings of first love. Although he could no longer remember how his first love looked like, he remembered the feeling of his heart beating erratically. ZhouXiang sent the address of his location to YanMingXiu. The stunt coordinator's line of work is very boring. He needed to constantly adjust the stunt sequences with the unrealistic demands of the director, and then guide the actors at every step for each moves. Sometimes when the ac‐ tors didn't perform well, he would get very anxious. So in this boring en‐ vironment, he looked forward to seeing YanMingXiu. Every time he sees YanMingXiu, his mood would become a lot better.

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YanMingXiu couldn't stand the torture of sitting through this meal. In the end, he threw out and excuse and left quickly regardless of the elder's unusual looks. Once he started the car, he headed to go find ZhouXiang. When YanMingXiu appeared on the set over an hour later, ZhouXiang's mood is like getting a gift that he had waited for a long time. During break time, YanMingXiu dragged ZhouXiang to a bathroom stall and brutally ravaged his lips. ZhouXiang gasped hard under his intensive kisses and asked, "Why did you come? Weren't you going home?" YanMingXiu bit his lips, "Stop talking." His hand lewdly reached into ZhouXiang's pants. ZhouXiang gripped his hand, "You're not thinking of doing it here, right?" "I want to do it here," YanMingXiu's pupils are unusually bright. ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "Stop joking, I have head back in a bit." YanMingXiu turned him over and pressed him against the door frame, tugging his pants down while biting his sensitive ear, "Let me do it." ZhouXiang felt that if he was 10 years younger, he may agree to have sex with a man in the bathroom stall. But at this age, it is really not ap‐ propriate to do such crazy things. He struggled to push YanMingXiu away but he didn't expect YanMingXiu to have such strength, firmly pressing his hands to the door. The two had just done it in the morning; ZhouXiang's lower body is still in a soft and yielding state so YanMingXiu was able to enter him without much effort. ZhouXiang groaned and quickly urged, "Wear a condom......" YanMingXiu turned a deaf ear and impatiently thrust into him. The both of them were still considered to be dressed properly; only ZhouXiang's pants had slipped down to his knees, his chest slammed 116

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against the door frame with YanMingXiu willfully thrusting in and out of him from behind, causing his body to slam on the door frame making 'bang-bang' sounds. ZhouXiang's face blushed from this burning heat. If someone were to come in at this time... It's not that YanMingXiu didn't know that this is an inappropriate place. So after he had vented out his depression and dissatisfaction, he quickly ended the sex. ZhouXiang's legs went soft. YanMingXiu held onto him as he sat on the toilet lid. Having been greatly stimulated, ZhouXiang eyes were a little dazed. He wiped off the sweat on his forehead and said breathlessly, "The game you young people play is way too exciting..." YanMingXiu touched his face. He couldn't help but kiss his red lips. "I think you quite like the excitement." ZhouXiang gasped and panted a few breaths, "You brat. You usually don't talk much. Can't tell that you can be this this crazy......Oh no, I have to go back." ZhouXiang quickly pulled his pants wanting to stand up. "Don't rush," YanMingXiu pulled some toilet paper and did something he rarely ever did. He gently helped ZhouXiang wipe that place (his hole). ZhouXiang felt embarrassed; YanMingXiu is much more brazen than he was at twenty. YanMingXiu supported his waist so he could stand up. Then pulled up his pants and fastened his belt. Rubbing his (ZhouXiang) nose with his lips, "I'll wait for you to get off work." ZhouXiang faintly felt that their relationship is getting more and more into dangerous territory. In the entertainment industry, having sex a few times with someone is not that big a deal. But if one was to really fall in love, it's absolutely not as simple as just being together. ZhouXiang is like most gays who hope for a truly sincere relationship but he also fear it. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 16 - Inviting YanMingXiu To Live With Him ⦘

Chapter 16 - Inviting Yan‐ MingXiu To Live With Him ZhouXiang was working until 11pm in the evening. Looking at Yan‐ MingXiu, he appears to be someone who is impatient, yet he sat quietly in the corner with his headphones plugged in his ears and his eyes closed, waiting for him quietly. Nobody knows what he is thinking; even though everyone on the set is captivated by his extraordinary beauty. Occasionally ZhouXiang would turn his head and sees YanMingXiu sit‐ ting on the side with an indifferent expression, looking at him from time to time. Seeing YanMingXiu waiting for him made ZhouXiang feel an indescrib‐ able emotion filling his heart. Having a person, waiting an entire 8 to 9 hours from noon to the middle of the night just for him to get off work, ZhouXiang don't know what YanMingXiu is thinking of but he is very moved by this act. There had never been anyone who had waited for him for so long just to go home together with him. ZhouXiang simply didn't know how to de‐ scribe his excitement. YanMingXiu is a person who baffles people. Sometimes he is very cold, but sometimes he would unexpectedly do something that would make him (ZhouXiang) fall for him. This contra‐ dictory and mysterious person makes it all the more increasingly hard for ZhouXiang to look away from him. After work was over, ZhouXiang walked toward YanMingXiu, who was resting with his eyes closed and touched his nose. YanMingXiu opened his eyes, "Off work?" ZhouXiang smiled at him softly, "Yeah. Having to wait so long, you should have went back first."

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"Meaningless to go back by myself," YanMingXiu stood up and stretched, "Let's go. Let's go eat something." YanMingXiu added, "I also drove. I know a Japanese cuisine at this place that is very good. How about you follow my car?" ZhouXiang responded, "Okay, you lead the way." Once they got downstairs, ZhouXiang noticed that YanMingXiu drives a Lexus SUV. ZhouXiang glanced and him and smiled, "You brat is indeed a wealthy second generation." The Yan's family's disposition is to not reveal their true colors. When in public, they would never flaunt. This car is just an ordinary transporta‐ tion mechanism. But to ZhouXiang, for a young kid like YanMingXiu to drive a car over a ¥100,000 is very unusual. YanMingXiu responded casually, "It's my dad's." ZhouXiang replied with an "oh," "I'll follow you then. Let's go. I am starving." At this time, traffic is very smooth. They arrived at their destination in less than half an hour. It's almost midnight but there weren't many people who came to eat. The two occupied a tatami (T/N) private room. ZhouXi‐ ang casually flipped through the menu, his stomach is constantly rum‐ bling. T/N: tatami is a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Ja‐ panese-style rooms. This restaurant is very expensive; about ten plus pieces of shark fin is over a ¥1,000. Since YanMingXiu treated him last time and waited for him for so long today, ZhouXiang ought to pay for this meal. But how much would this cost? ZhouXiang sighed in his heart but soon got over it. Money is merely a worldly possession right? As long as they have a happy meal then it's all fine.

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YanMingXiu ordered seven to eight dishes; ZhouXiang didn't even have any interest to glance at the prices. He didn't want to ruin his good mood in tasting the delicious food. After the dishes were served, the waiter closed the door, leaving two of them in this tranquil ambiance. ZhouXiang poured him some wine and smiled, "MingXiu. Having you wait so long today, I'm sorry. I saw that you quickly fell asleep even just sitting there." "It's alright. I have nothing to do." "Didn't you say that you'd be starting a business? What have you been busy with during this time?" "Financing stuff," YanMingXiu didn't seem too willing to talk to him about work matters. "Try this burdock. It's nutritious for the kidneys." ZhouXiang cracked up, "Your Xiang Ge's kidney is pretty good. Looking at your stamina, you really need more nutrients." ZhouXiang was refer‐ ring to the incident (sex) in the bathroom earlier in the afternoon. YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes, his expression full of ambiguity and flirtation, making ZhouXiang's little heart tremble erratically. "Eat a bit more. Your work has no fixed time and the nature of your job is dangerous. This is very damaging to your health." ZhouXiang smell the wine and asked softly, "Why do you suddenly care about me?" YanMingXiu looked at him with narrowed eyes, "Of course you have to be in good health because I quite like being with you." ZhouXiang felt his cheeks burning hot and his heart beating erratically. Without thinking, he blurted out, "How about you move in with me?" After the words are out, both are shocked. YanMingXiu silently mixed the wasabi with his chopsticks while ZhouXiang lowered his head, feeling regret for saying those words with‐ 120

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out thinking. YanMingXiu must have been frightened. They've only known each other for two weeks and ZhouXiang had already wanted to live with him. In fact, that's really not what ZhouXiang thought. At least, he's abso‐ lutely not prepared to cohabit with a person he didn't know. No matter how compatible their bodies are, cohabitation is a matter that requires careful consideration in case the two people's personalities clash and they have a fallout, it would be too unsightly. He's already at this age, how can he speak so carelessly? What's wrong with him? ZhouXiang really wanted to punch himself twice. Fortunately, YanMingXiu did not express his position and intended to use his silence to declare his rejection. While ZhouXiang sighed in relief, his heart is also faintly disappointed. He's increasingly feeling that he's not normal. With any matters relating to YanMingXiu, his way of dealing with it always seems to lack some ra‐ tionale. The alarming bells in ZhouXiang's heart erupted. YanMingXiu's influ‐ ence on him is so immense; he couldn't have fallen in love with him right? ZhouXiang had already passed the age of recklessly throwing himself into love. At the age of 30, falling in love with a 20 year old young man who he doesn't know much about and who neither seems close or distant is definitely not a good thing. ZhouXiang lowered his eyes and tried hard to conceal his emotions. If he is allowed to choose now, he wanted to continue on being fuck bud‐ dies with YanMingXiu and not get himself involved in a relationship. But seeing as it is, all this is just his wishful thinking. YanMingXiu changed the topic and gave him a caviar sushi, "Eat this. The business is good here; the food is very fresh." "Uhm, okay," ZhouXiang quickly regained his senses, "This tastes good."

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As if nothing had happened, the two continued to chat and eat. At this time, YanMingXiu's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the phone and it was WangYuDong. He immediately picked up, "Hello?" "Ah, MingXiu." WangYuDong's voice sounded obviously drunk. "What's going on? You drank?" "Ah, yeah, come, I'll treat you to dinner." "Where are you? I'll come pick you up." "I am at......don't know......" Someone next to WangYuDong took his phone and said, "Hello. Can you come to pick Mr. Wang up? He is at the Tang Association. He drank too much." "I'll go there now. Look after him," YanMingXiu stood up immediately. WangYuDong's voice no longer sound like him so ZhouXiang could only hear that someone is drunk. But he didn't know who he was. He asked, "Your friend's drunk? "Yeah," YanMingXiu responded, "Wait for me. I'll take him home and come back." After saying that, he quickly put on his shoes and rushed out. ZhouXiang wanted to tell him to not bother with coming back, that he will go home. But before he could open his mouth, YanMingXiu had dis‐ appeared. He had no idea know who the person on the other line was that could make YanMingXiu so anxious. ZhouXiang looked at the unfin‐ ished exquisite cuisine on the table, his heart feeling flavorless. He hesitated on whether to pay and leave or like YanMingXiu said to wait for him to return? ZhouXiang decided to continue eating. He'll just wait for a bit; maybe YanMingXiu would come back after taking the person home. 122

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This wait lasted two hours. He couldn't wait any longer so he gave Yan‐ MingXiu a call. The phone was connected but YanMingXiu immediately hung up. YanMingXiu is just this kind of person. In a second, he could care about his health and give him food; but in the next second, he could be so in‐ sensitive to people's feelings and hang up on him. This kind of volatile personality, even with ZhouXiang's mild temper, it is also a bit unbear‐ able. ZhouXiang sighed softly and asked the waiter for the bill. This meal cost more than ¥3,000, more than his one month's food ex‐ penses but he had no complaints. He was never a petty person. Adding on, he had originally intended to treat. It was just that this meal was not too pleasant with YanMingXiu leaving without eating a few mouthfuls and didn't return. Although thinking this way was not very mature, he had a feeling of be‐ ing played by someone. ZhouXiang went home feeling depressed. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 17 - Moving In ⦘

Chapter 17 - Moving In After ZhouXiang took a shower, he went to bed. Glancing at the clock on the wall, it was already 4am. He actually felt exhausted but couldn't sleep. His mind had been in a state of tension. He couldn't stop his mind from lingering of all the things that happened in the ten hours with YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang was deeply worried for himself. No matter how charming YanMingXiu is, he should be not be like a little boy experiencing love for the first time, plunging head on into it. Analyzing it rationally, even though ZhouXiang dreamed of having a stable relationship... to have a very considerate person who he can share the rest of his life with... Yan‐ MingXiu is obviously not that person who can settle down with him. YanMingXiu is too dazzling and too young. ZhouXiang didn't feel like he could hold onto him. He shouldn't set his heart on YanMingXiu too much; it is too dangerous. ZhouXiang closed his eyes and forced himself to sleep. Just when he was feeling sleepy, the doorbell rang. ZhouXiang sat up in shock. He opened his eyes to look and saw that it was already 5am. Who would be ringing the doorbell at this time? Could it be...... ZhouXiang jumped out of bed and looked through the peephole, then opened the door. Standing in front of the door is YanMingXiu, reeking of alcohol. YanMingXiu had always looked arrogant and indifferent. It is definitely the first time for ZhouXiang to see him in such drunken state. YanMingXiu glanced at him and immediately threw himself onto ZhouXiang. Murmuring softly, "Fuck, what am I......" ZhouXiang didn't hear it clearly, "What? What's going on?" 124

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YanMingXiu is so tall and heavy that when he leaned on ZhouXiang, ZhouXiang almost ended up sitting on the ground. He exhaustively sup‐ ported YanMingXiu into the bedroom. Fortunately, his home is small so they didn't have to go too far. YanMingXiu still mumbled words that ZhouXiang couldn't understand. ZhouXiang turned on the light and sees YanMingXiu looking helplessly pitiful. He removed YanMingXiu's clothes and shoes and used a hot towel to help him wipe the sweat on his face. Then poured him a glass of water so he can smoothly take the hangover medicine. YanMingXiu opened his eyes and stared blankly at him, or he could be looking at someone else through him. "MingXiu? Are you awake or not? Where are you uncomfortable?" After saying that, ZhouXiang felt that he had asked something stupid. How can he feel comfortable being drunk like this? "Didn't you go to pick up your drunk friend? How come you also got drunk? How did your friend get back? Why did you come here? Fuck, you didn't drive while intoxicated right? It's very strict now. You really dare, it's so dangerous." YanMingXiu's eyes gradually regained its focus as he hoarsely uttered, "Oh, it's you." This time it was ZhouXiang who stared at him. Then, he helplessly re‐ sponded, "You've really drank too much." YanMingXiu covered his eyes with the back of his hand; the lights are too glaring. YanMingXiu did his utmost to be good to WangYuDong. He had never treated anyone this good in his life. Why is WangYuDong his future brother-in-law? He drove to the nightclub to pick him up in the middle of the night, but WangYuDong kept calling out for his sister. Finally, his sis‐ ter came and the couple went home.

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WangYuDong is nothing special. He has no power, no influence. If he was not with his sister, YanMingXiu would've already used his own means to get him. But there are actually things in the world that he, Yan‐ MingXiu, could not have. No matter how good he treat him (WangYuDong), it is useless. YanMingXiu turned over and suddenly became distracted when he smelled the cheap detergent on the bed sheets. What is he doing here? There are so many things he could do, yet he's wasting time on a man who merely has a similar back silhouette as WangYuDong. What exactly is he doing? A cold hand landed on his forehead like that of cool breeze, diminishing is temper and depression. ZhouXiang's soft and alluring voice sounded on the side of his ears. "I've turned off the light. Sleep well." This voice is full of a man's simplicity and kindness, making people feel immensely comfortable. YanMingXiu opened his eyes. Sure enough, the lights are off and ZhouXiang is lying next to him. YanMingXiu blinked and couldn't help but turned and grabbed ZhouXi‐ ang's waist, burying his face on his (ZhouXiang) chest. Although YanMingXiu didn't say anything, ZhouXiang felt his depress‐ ing mood. He stroked YanMingXiu's back and faintly smiled, "Be good. Sleep. You'll feel better when you wake up." This is the first time that the two slept hugging each other and did noth‐ ing. YanMingXiu didn't think that ZhouXiang's embrace would be so warm, his palms so gentle and soft and his voice so pleasant to hear. This man seems to have a lot of things worthy for him to discover. Holding him made YanMingXiu feel at ease. He finally closed his eyes relaxingly.

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YanMingXiu was awakened by a flavorful aroma. He is so hungry that his stomach is rumbling. Although his eyelids were swollen and heavy, he still struggled to get up. He is at ZhouXiang's home; he is familiar with this room. Wearing ZhouXiang's clothes, he pushed the door open. ZhouXiang is in an apron, busily cooking in the kitchen, humming a soft tune. YanMingXiu leaned on the wall and looked at him for a long time. His heart is gradually convinced by such a scene. He can't help but admit that he likes the feeling of being with ZhouXiang. How should it be said? It is very comfortable. ZhouXiang is mature, has his own career, and won't nag him. ZhouXiang is broad-minded; even if he (YanMingXiu) said any unpleasant words, ZhouXiang hardly minds. ZhouXiang always has a warmly smile on his face. Even if he (YanMingXiu) is in a very bad mood, ZhouXiang wouldn't get angry. Also, having sex with him feels so good. ZhouXiang is a companion that he couldn't find any faults with. With such person by his side, it's really what he needs. The most important thing is that being with ZhouXiang, even if he were to only deceive himself, it can slightly alleviate his obsession with WangYuDong. He walked over and knocked on the glass screen. ZhouXiang turned his head and exposed a bright smile, "You're up. It's still early. I thought you'd sleep till three to four this afternoon." "I'm hungry." "Just in time. I'm almost done cooking this." YanMingXiu sat down on the dinner table, propping his hand on his chin as he turns his head to look at ZhouXiang's figure walking back and forth. Even in his own home, he didn't feel such intense family ambi‐ ence.

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Could it be that the kitchen in his home is too far from the dining room? Or does it have something to do with the person who is cooking? ZhouXiang brought out the sumptuous breakfast. YanMingXiu glanced, "You cooked so much?" "Look at the time. We're eating breakfast and lunch together. You must be so uncomfortable from being drunk yesterday so today, you must nourish yourself." ZhouXiang took the leftover sushi from yesterday and put it on the table. "It's still fresh, such pity that you didn't finish eating yesterday." YanMingXiu thought of how he had casted ZhouXiang aside and left yesterday, his heart felt a bit strange. "Sorry, I didn't come back yester‐ day. You didn't wait too long for me did you?" "It's fine. I left after finished eating," ZhouXiang hardly mind, "The por‐ ridge is a bit hot. Blow it a little." YanMingXiu drank some warm water and then said clearly, "Give me a copy of your house key." ZhouXiang stared at him blankly. YanMingXiu raised his eyebrows, "You haven't forgotten what you said yesterday, right?" ZhouXiang's face turned red from excitement. "You, you really......you're really going to move in?" "Yeah," YanMingXiu nodded and sees ZhouXiang's inconcealable happi‐ ness. Somehow, YanMingXiu's also felt his heart warming, "Except hav‐ ing to return home once in a while." At this time, ZhouXiang felt that this is all too crazy. He invited a onenight stand, whom he had only known for two weeks to live with him, and the other party actually agreed. His rationale tells him that this is wrong. How much does he know about the other person? What if they are incompatible? But damn it, he wants to hold and kiss YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang is extremely excited. It's been 128

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so many years. This home finally has a second person in it. Furthermore, it is a person who captivates him. ZhouXiang happily leaned over the table and kissed him intensely, "Baby, warm welcomes." YanMingXiu grabbed his chin and lowly uttered, "Let's agree on some things first; you have to promise me two things." "Say it?" "First, when living with me, you can't have any connections with other men. Second, we don't interfere with each other's lives." ZhouXiang patted his face and lightly smiled, "Deal." Accepting a person into his own home, ZhouXiang didn't think it was going to be hard even from the start. Perhaps because YanMingXiu never deliberately concealed his shortcomings so ZhouXiang had long with‐ stood his temper and had gotten used to it. So the two people could be said as being able to get along perfectly fine. YanMingXiu brought some daily necessities and a computer. ZhouXiang heard that he wanted to start a business so he simply cleaned the guest room and put in a desk for him. This room was originally his childhood room. Now, it's perfect to use as a study room. The first night YanMingXiu moved in, ZhouXiang opened a bottle of Laffey that he had saved for a long time. This wine was given to him by a former producer. He had been reluctant to drink it, but today is of great significance to him because he brought another person into his life and into his home. Regardless of how far they may go, at least this person will be with him for a while so he won't be so lonely. At night, they made love passionately, venting their hunger for each other using the most primitive and straightforward way. The two men's cohabitation officially began. -----

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Both of them are considered to be self-employed at the moment. ZhouX‐ iang's work usually last a few months. Usually when he doesn't have anything to do, he would go out with his friends to drink and watch ball games. But because YanMingXiu is in his home, the number of times ZhouXiang returned home increased significantly. As for YanMingXiu, he is looking into a project and is often out. But almost every time he comes back, ZhouXiang would always have food prepared for him left in the refrigerator to ensure that he would have something to eat whenever he returns. From the start, they got along very harmoniously. They wouldn't ask about each other's work or friends. ZhouXiang still doesn't know what YanMingXiu does. He only knows that YanMingXiu's standard of life is very good. He never asked. He is very content with their present status. This day, ZhouXiang received a phone call. Looking at the caller ID, he is startled. He didn't expect that LanXiRong would contact him after over a year. He took the call with a complicated mood. A very good male voice came from the other line but his tone obviously sounded awkward, "Xiang Ge, I'm back." ZhouXiang smiled, "Oh, you're still using this number? Long time no see." "Yea, I've continued to pay the phone bill......" The two fell into a moment of awkwardness. ZhouXiang politely uttered, "I've seen your news on TV. The filming must have been quite successful. I'll definitely go support the movie when it's in theater. One of these days, I'll treat you to a meal." These spoken words obviously sounded very halfhearted. LanXiRong re‐ fused to follow the course of the conversation in hanging up. After a mo‐ ment of silence, he asked, "Xiang Ge. Are you free today? Let's meet up." "Unfortunately, I have plans today. How about another day? You've just returned so you must be tired. Have a good rest."

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"Xiang Ge," LanXiRong scrambled to ask, "Are you angry at me?" "What are you saying? Don't think too much. I really have plans. You're a big star right now. You can't just casually meet up with people. I'm just thinking for your own good." LanXiRong took a deep breath, "Xiang Ge, I want to see you...see you right now." ZhouXiang paused and responded helplessly, "XiRong, I think it would be awkward for us to meet. Why bother? I'm gay, you're not. What's be‐ tween us is just this simple. There is no who wronged the other. You cre‐ ated a name of yourself, Xiang Ge congratulate you. Let's just leave it at that." "Xiang Ge," LanXiRong quickly stopped him from hanging up and softly voiced, "I want to apologize to you. I was not sensible back then." ZhouXiang "hmm" and politely said, "I don't blame you. I'm busy. Going to hang up." After he said that, he hung up the phone without hesitation. ZhouXiang threw the phone on the sofa and sighed. LanXiRong is currently the largest cash cow in their company. When he first debuted, he had a good relationship with ZhouXiang. At that time, ZhouXiang was his senior. Because he was very impressed with LanXiRong's talents, he helped him a few times. ZhouXiang is a homosexual. It is inevitable that he would have other thoughts when seeing such an exceptional boy. But he never thought of using his seniority to force others. ZhouXiang really just wanted to help him. Moreover, he had bluntly expressed his interest in LanXiRong to him, but LanXiRong misunderstood, so much that since then he appeared to be very much insulted by ZhouXiang's help. He also publicly mocked ZhouXiang, making ZhouXiang very embarrassed. LanXiRong's course of action is very immature but ZhouXiang didn't blame him. It's just that the two gradually became estranged. Later on, LanXiRong got a chance to participate in a Hollywood block‐ buster. His future is very promising. ZhouXiang and he no longer con‐

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tacted each other. He (ZhouXiang) almost forgot out their matters. Unexpectedly, LanXiRong would still contacted him. But ZhouXiang's heart is very calm and also felt very proud of LanXiRong's achieve‐ ments. After the phone call today, ZhouXiang obviously felt that LanXiRong had matured a lot. It made him felt very gratified. But considering their unpleasant past, ZhouXiang tried not to get in contact with him again. Unfortunately, the two are from the same company so it's impossible for them not to bump into each other. The next day, he received a call from CaiWei, informing him that the company is throwing LanXiRong a celebratory party and he must attend. YanMingXiu was next to him at the time. ZhouXiang refused without hesitation, "Wei Ge, I have family issues." CaiWei rhetorically asked, "What family issues can you have?" ZhouXiang smiled in response, "I have a date with a beauty." "Decline it," Cai Wei said bluntly. "Today, XiRong specifically empha‐ sized to me that you must attend. He said that he was not sensible be‐ fore... that you helped him so much. Without you, he wouldn't have his accomplishments today. He wanted to apologize and to thank you." "Aiyah, sounding so serious. I'm just a mere stuntman. I didn't really help him much. He was able to become popular; the number of people he should thank wouldn't even get to me. Wei Ge, I'm begging you. I've not hidden anything from you. You also know how awkward it is between us. I'm not going to go, okay? You guys go right ahead and enjoy your‐ selves." "Can't, the boss is attending tonight. You know that the boss think highly of him. If you don't attend, aren't you not giving him face? ZhouXiang responded helplessly, "Fine, fine, fine. I know. Jeez." After he hung up, YanMingXiu glanced at him, "What's wrong? Who are you seeing? So unwilling." 132

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"A junior from the past. Now he's popular. There were some unhappy matters between us before. I really don't want to go." ZhouXiang deject‐ edly changed into a suit. "Aiiighhh, that's how it is when you're working for a salary. Oh, you can heat up the leftover food for dinner, okay? I'm not going to be back till later tonight." Seeing ZhouXiang slightly bunching up his brows, YanMingXiu's heart felt a bit unsettled. "If you don't want to go then just don't go. Your job is no big deal. Quit, I'll support you." ZhouXiang smiled and caressed YanMingXiu's cheek, "Baby, I really love hearing your words." But ZhouXiang would never take it seriously. He kissed YanMingXiu, grabbed his wallet and keys and left. End of the chapter

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Chapter 18 - LanXiRong's Wel‐ coming Party The CEO of their company booked a banquet hall at the Grand Hotel to host a welcoming reception for LanXiRong. In fact, LanXiRong had re‐ turned twice, seeming to prepare for his record. But the film did indeed take more than a year to complete filming. After it was completed, his popularity in the country is already very different from before. On this day, most of the company's people had arrived. Their company is not very large, but still, there were about 70-80 people and their profits have been good. Their boss is from a 2nd generation wealthy family. The businesses in his hands are very vast but his personality is a bit strange. Still, he is a good person, giving the employees great benefits. Whether it is ZhouXiang or other employees, working in this company has been very comfortable. As ZhouXiang entered the hotel, he first noticed CaiWei welcoming the guests downstairs. He greeted him and walked by but CaiWei is too busy to socialize with him, "Go up by yourself, it's on the second floor." There are many big-shot celebrities attending from entertainment circle. When someone is popular (LanXiRong) it is obviously very easy to rally a powerful crowd. There are at least three hundred attendees and at least ten media reporters. Their President Wang is evidently trying to hype up interest for LanXiRong. Although ZhouXiang is a relatively unknown martial arts stuntman, he's widely known within the entertainment circle. He, himself, knows many people. Adding on, with his warming personality, he gets along with ev‐ eryone. So along the way, he met many acquaintances, greeting each of them tirelessly. Looking around after he got upstairs, he finally spotted LanXiRong and their President Wang, who were being surrounded by a group of people in the middle of the banquet hall.

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LanXiRong looked just like he does on TV... tall and handsome; his face is like a crown jade with two visible dimples when he laughs. He looks very adorable. His fresh temperament between a man and a boy can re‐ ally make people like him tremendously. When ZhouXiang saw LanXiRong's flushed with successful contented appearance; it was really hard for him to feel any connection now to this youngster. LanXiRong was once at a complete loss with his future, hav‐ ing just graduated from the film academy. This was the youngster who would always come over to his home to hang out and eat hot pot. ZhouXiang wandered over aimlessly. LanXiRong and President Wang both saw him at the same time. LanXiRong's eyes suddenly sparkled, unable to take his eyes off of ZhouXiang, his expression looking a bit excited. ZhouXiang very naturally and calmly greeted him, "XiRong, Xiang Ge congratulates you on your triumphant return." Then, he smiled at Presi‐ dent Wang, "President Wang, you're back." After saying that, he con‐ sciously moved to his side and greeted the guests that he knew, not leav‐ ing any time for LanXiRong. LanXiRong's eyes flashed a tinge of disappointment, but there were many people surrounding him talking so he couldn't just distract himself. He could only sneak glances at ZhouXiang from time to time. ZhouXiang whispered to the originally pale and chubby President Wang, "President Wang, you got tan." President Wang humphed twice, "What's up?" ZhouXiang narrowed his eyes, "(You) Going to Tibet to pray to Buddha and having only eaten vegetarian food, not touching meat for three months, don't everyone look oddly good since your return?" President Wang glared at him, "I can just see that you look oddly good, how about I drown you (with work)?" ZhouXiang smiled, "Bring it on, I most certainly welcome it."

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President Wang looked at him blankly, "Hold with the nonsense. Come aside, I have something to ask you." When the two of them walked aside, President Wang asked, "I heard that Director Wang and WangYuDong's quarrel got a bit unpleasant. You were also on the set; do you know what's going on?" "The two don't like each other. Director Wang has a fierce temper and WangYuDong has never been subjected to this kind of temperament, gradually there would be some contradictions." President Wang furrowed his brows, "I've invested a lot in this movie. It can't afford any impediments. I'll find a day to have a chat with Xiao Wang." "If it comes from you, it'll definitely help." President Wang embarrassingly uttered, "Not necessarily. The Xiao Wang now can't be compared to the past." "Why?" "Climbed onto some high branch." "What does that mean? Whose branch did he climb onto?" President Wang was going to say something, but suddenly glared at him, "You kid, why are you so gossipy?" ZhouXiang felt wronged, "You're the one that brought it up first." The two still have something to say but LanXiRong's voice sounded from behind ZhouXiang. "Xiang Ge." ZhouXiang turned his head. LanXiRong had already gotten rid of the other people and is quietly looking at him. ZhouXiang knew that he can't hide. He raked through his hair, "Let's go to the balcony and chat?" The two went to the balcony and closed the French doors. It's a bit cold outside; ZhouXiang lit a cigarette and smiled, "XiRong, seeing you like this, I'm really happy for you." 136

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LanXiRong's beautiful eyes stared at ZhouXiang's face and softly mut‐ tered, "Xiang Ge, I'm sorry toward you, I was too ignorant at the time." "Forget it. It's all in the past, don't mention it." LanXiRong lowered his head and sullenly voiced, "I didn't even know what happened at the time... I've always thought that you treating me well and helping me is because you thought of me as a friend. I didn't think that you had other thoughts. I felt insulted. In fact, no matter what, you really helped me a lot, but I ......" ZhouXiang blew out a puff of smoke said faintly responded, "I really did treated you like a friend, actually more like a younger brother. But you knew early on that I am gay. Just like the kind of thoughts you would have seeing a beautiful girl, especially when the person is constantly wandering in front of your eyes. At that time, I had wanted to ask if you were straight or gay. If you don't like men, I also won't pester you. Any‐ way, we're still friends....forget it. Let's not mention the past. I was also wrong. I've scared you." LanXiRong lifted his head and said emotionally, "Xiang Ge, I'm sorry. This is really my fault. I obviously knew that you are gay. Yet I still like for you to treat me well, making you misunderstand. I've mocked you in such manners, yet you still so generously let it go, I....... can you forgive me?" When ZhouXiang remembered the things from the past, he really felt screwed. At that time, when the two were going through unpleasant times, he had wanted to ask LanXiRong specifically, "You said that you are not GAY, then why the hell are you always coming to my home and constantly get‐ ting near me? I confessed to you, yet you fucking feel wronged. Is there something like this?" However, even at the time when LanXiRong misunderstood him, he didn't get angry; thinking that he's young and have not yet matured. ZhouXiang comforted himself and endured it. After all, he really liked this little boy and didn't want to have a fall-out with him. He can just dis‐ tant himself. That would be good enough.

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Now that LanXiRong turned around and apologize to him, he felt that this matter is very satisfactory settled between them. ZhouXiang said softly, "Xiang Ge doesn't blame you. I didn't blame you before. Don't think too much. We're both from the same company. We'll see each other all the time. Whatever happens in the future, will happen. Don't feel burdened with it, okay?" The rim of LanXiRong's eyes turned a bit red. With big strides forward, he forcefully hugged ZhouXiang, his voice choking a bit, "Xiang Ge, I've missed you so much during this time." What is this again? ZhouXiang is stunned. "When I just got to America, I can't even speak their language clearly. Everything is so unfamiliar. Just like the time when I first came to Bei‐ jing, no one treated me as well as you did. I've wanted to call you several times but I didn't dare. I've since regret it more and more. I really wanted to come back to find you... Xiang Ge, sorry, can we still be the same as before?" LanXiRong is just like a child in ZhouXiang's arms, telling him his heartfelt thoughts. The more he talked, the sadder he became. ZhouXiang sighed, feeling a bit softhearted as he patted LanXiRong's shoulder, "I really don't blame you, don't cry." LanXiRong suppressed himself from crying out; but his tone is already off. He wiped his eyes and grabbed onto ZhouXiang's arm, "Xiang Ge, can we be like before? Can I go to your home to eat hot pot?" ZhouXiang remembered that his home is already raising a living thing (YanMingXiu), but he couldn't really refuse a meal so he frankly re‐ sponded, "That's not a problem, you're welcome at any time." LanXiRong finally exposed a smile. "Hey, let's hurry back. Everyone is here, the lead can't be missing." The two returned to the banquet hall together. The host began to express LanXiRong's achievements with great enthusiasm. LanXiRong came

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onto the stage and very mannerly thanked a bunch of people. Although it was words for the occasion, it was all very fittingly appropriate. ZhouXiang felt a burst of emotions, the little clueless boy from the past really had grown up. Because there were so many acquaintances, ZhouXiang ended up drink‐ ing so much that he became unconscious. LanXiRong's had his driver take him home. LanXiRong is extremely familiar with ZhouXiang's residence. During his lonely time in America, he didn't know how many times he dreamt of carrying food ingredients, coming to this familiar home and knocking on this warmly door, having a gentle and humorous older brother listening and sharing his tribulations with work and helping him relieve is anxi‐ eties and difficulties. The car stopped downstairs, LanXiRong sent the driver away. He person‐ ally took ZhouXiang upstairs, intending to stay in his home for the night. He pulled out ZhouXiang's key and opened the door. The room is dark. He familiarly touched the switch on the wall and turned on the light. Suddenly, footsteps came from the front. A man came out of the bed‐ room wearing loose pajama pants. LanXiRong looked up and sees Yan‐ MingXiu directly in front of him. Both of them were stunned. LanXiRong seeing YanMingXiu's attire, it is obvious that this person lives here. He.....is he ZhouXiang's boyfriend? This reality is something he couldn't immediately accept. He asked sternly, "Who are you?" He rather wished that YanMingXiu is a random thief but he knew that there's no thief that could have such bewitching appearance like that of YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu is also furious, so much that his fingertips were trembling. ZhouXiang is drunkenly in the arms of a young and attractive man...both even coming back together at past 2 in the middle of the night! Based on how ZhouXiang wanted to have sex with him the first time they met, he knew that ZhouXiang is someone that is definitely easy, but

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since he was already with him, how dare he bring other men home in the middle of the night! The two glared at each other, the scene looking as though they are ready to fight. YanMingXiu asked coldly, "I should be asking you this? Who is letting you casually come into OUR home?" YanMingXiu clearly emphasized the word "OUR." LanXiRong's face that had become blushed from drinking instantly paled. Xiang Ge has a boyfriend... Right, why won't he? How can Xiang Ge not have a boyfriend? Why would he continue on waiting for him? LanXiRong felt a burst of sadness. He didn't know what he's thinking. He only knew that he hated this man in front of him to the extreme. What gives him the right to be standing in this living room? This is the place where he and Xiang Ge hang out. YanMingXiu's temper is initially bad to start with, at this time, he is so enraged that he wanted to use the broomstick to kick LanXiRong out. He came forward and roughly grabbed ZhouXiang, "The person is home, hurry and get the fuck out." LanXiRong refused to let go of ZhouXiang. The two of them pulled for a while. ZhouXiang's body tilted and fell to the ground. YanMingXiu immediately caught him. LanXiRong looked at his empty hands, his heart felt unbearably terrible. YanMingXiu glanced coldly at him, "Stop being persistent, ZhouXiang already have someone. You don't need to be concern about him in the fu‐ ture." LanXiRong glared at him hatefully, then turned and slammed the door. YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang, who is unconscious in his arms. The furor in his heart burned more and more.

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He can't stand ZhouXiang having these thoughts of other people. ZhouX‐ iang's eyes should only be looking at him. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 19 - YanMingXiu Is Jeal‐ ous ZhouXiang hasn't gotten drunk in a long time. When he awakened and turned over, he felt his body lightened. Then he fell and slumped to the ground. Drowsily opening his eyes, he realized that he was sleeping on the couch with a blanket over his body in the living room. ZhouXiang can't remember how he got home, but as long as he got back safely is all that mattered. "You're up?" ZhouXiang is startled. He turned his head and sees YanMingXiu sitting in front of the dining table staring at him coldly. ZhouXiang's entire body felt sore, having been tightly squished sleeping on the couch the entire night. The discomfort is obvious. "My waist hurts really bad, ouch." ZhouXiang climbed onto the couch and complained, "You just let me sleep on the couch ah." YanMingXiu's furor had not yet subsided, snorting, "You stink. Should I have let you sleep on the bed?" ZhouXiang innately thought, it's my bed, but getting drunk is really an‐ noying to people. This is also good, save him from having to wash the sheets. He dazedly shuts his eyes, feeling a headache; he didn't even want to move. YanMingXiu puts a cup on the glass table and raised his voice, "You're not going to ask how you got back?" "Ah? So how did I get back? Who took me back?" He thought that it should be CaiWei.

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"A young attractive guy," YanMingXiu sat down on the couch next to him and says in a grimly tone, "You're quite charming. If I wasn't home yesterday, you guys probably would have woken up in bed together to‐ day, right?" ZhouXiang tried hard to remember. Could it have been LanXiRong who took him home? Besides him and CaiWei, no one knows where he lives. ZhouXiang tilted his chin and blinked a few times, "Ahhhh, I know who it is, my colleague." He cracked a smile, "Jealous?" YanMingXiu flew into a rage, "Don't be so full of yourself." After saying that, he stood up, grabbed his keys, slammed the door and left. ZhouXiang stared blankly at the empty couch. Unfortunately, he has a very bad hangover. He really didn't have much energy to ponder too much over this. He wobbled into the bedroom, flopped down onto the bed and very quickly fell asleep. When he woke up, the sun was setting. ZhouXiang got up and took a shower. Then changed the sheets and ate something. He found his cell phone on the bottom of the couch that had been dropped during his drunkenness. When he turned it on, there were a bunch of missed calls and text messages from LanXiRong. ZhouXiang gave him a call back. After it got connected, LanXiRong's low voice sounded from the other side, "Xiang Ge, why did you just turn on your phone now?" "Really bad hangover, phone dropped under the couch," ZhouXiang massaged his temple. "Was it you that took me home yesterday? Sorry to have troubled you." "Why are you so courteous with me?" LanXiRong sighed and softly asked, "Is that man your boyfriend?" ZhouXiang vaguely responded with a 'hmm,' "You saw him." Yan‐ MingXiu can't be considered as his boyfriend. After all, there had never been any promises of commitment between them. At most, they can only

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be considered as companionship? He also doesn't know how to define this relationship he has with YanMingXiu. "Xiang Ge, you..." ZhouXiang listened to his stuttering words and asked, "What's wrong?" "Do you like him?" After LanXiRong asked, he wanted to retract this stupid question, but it was too late. ZhouXiang responded bluntly, "Like ah, we get along fine." LanXiRong was silent for a moment, "Didn't you say you were going to treat me for a meal? When?" "Let me see, this weekend, I'm busy with work these coming few days." "Okay. But don't bring your boyfriend, okay?" "What's the matter?" "You're treating me to a meal, why do you need to bring him for?" Both ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu don't interfere with each other's lives, so he didn't think too much about it, "Fine, I won't bring him." LanXiRong sighed with relief, "Then I'll wait for your call." After ending the call, ZhouXiang thought of YanMingXiu leaving after slamming the door. Did he misunderstand between him and LanXiRong? Although his bad temper was a bit baffling, thinking that YanMingXiu might have been jealous because of him made him secretly delighted. He immediately called YanMingXiu. The phone rang a few times and then was hung up. Aiiiighh...his temper is quite big. ZhouXiang thought about it and continued to call a few times. At last, YanMingXiu finally picked it up and asked impatiently, "What?"

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ZhouXiang smiled, "I just woke up. Didn't see your face when I woke up. Where are you?" "At work." "Are you coming back for dinner tonight?" "No." "Still angry?" YanMingXiu didn't respond. "The guy last night is a little brother from before. He's just being nice in taking me home. You can't just be seeing a cute guy and think that there is something between us, right? We're just friends." "Why won't I think so? That man looked at me like an enemy." "How can that be? He also drank too much. When people drink too much, they don't act normal. Don't think too much. Baby, are you jeal‐ ous?" ZhouXiang softly smiled. YanMingXiu was a little resentful as he coldly responded, "You're the one thinking too much. I just want you to remember our agreement. Don't involve yourself with other people, otherwise don't bother to come looking for me." ZhouXiang wanted to laugh while thinking of YanMingXiu's grimace ap‐ pearance on the other end of the phone, "Don't worry. Right now, besides you, my heart has no space for any other. Don't be angry. Come back for dinner tonight, okay? What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you." YanMingXiu finally felt a bit better, but still reluctantly replied, "Make whatever you want." At about 6ish in the evening, YanMingXiu came home. ZhouXiang was watching TV while cooking. When he saw him, he smiled, "You're back." After saying that, he walked over to hug YanMingXiu, giving him a big kiss, squinting his eyes at him, "So attractive when you're jealous." 145

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YanMingXiu frowned, "I've said, you think too much." After saying that, he pushed him away and went to change his clothes. When he came out, the food was ready. ZhouXiang gave YanMingXiu a bowl of soup while humming a small tune, "Come, drink while it's hot." YanMingXiu glanced at ZhouXiang's homely appearance wearing an apron, he actually looked a bit dashing; his long slender finger holding on the china tableware brought with it a tinge of distinctive flavor. The TV just happened to be on an entertainment program and the host's voice excitedly announced the guest that was invited today, LanXiRong. ZhouXiang couldn't help but look up at the TV. LanXiRong was wearing a casual suit, smiling on TV. YanMingXiu also followed his gaze and looked toward the TV, his face turned gloomy. ZhouXiang realized that YanMingXiu was not happy because of the per‐ son on TV so he quickly turned back and grabbed the remote control in‐ tending to change the channel. But YanMingXiu immediately grab the remote control and glanced at him fiercely, then turned to watch the TV. The host began to happily announce LanXiRong's overseas box office sales and his upcoming new record. When LanXiRong talked about his huge popularity in the past year, he began to systematically thank various people. Finally, he smiled and said that he especially wanted to thank the big brother who took special care of him when he was still a no-namer model. ZhouXiang raised an eyebrow and lowered his head to eat. YanMingXiu asked, "Is that you?" "Nah, it can't be. What can a martial-arts stuntman help him with?" Later when the host asked him a deeper question about his hard working experience, it is unknown whether LanXiRong did it intentional or not, he quickly stated "Xiang Ge." He said it so fast that it was hardly notice‐ 146

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able but the two people watching it on the other side of the TV most def‐ initely heard it. ZhouXiang glanced at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu snorted, "You guys have a very good relationship." ZhouXiang finally felt a bit bitter. YanMingXiu's jealousy is quite adorable but this is very strange and a bit annoying. It wasn't like YanMingXiu caught him in bed with someone. This is just a bunch of little things linked together. What is the meaning of Yan‐ MingXiu's acting so unreasonable and ridiculous? It's as if he was delib‐ erately trying to stir up something. ZhouXiang sighed, "He really had a hard time back then. We're both from the same company. I helped him a bit. It was nothing much. MingXiu, why are you being like this? Still mad over this?" YanMingXiu slammed the chopsticks on the table. ZhouXiang spoke of him as though he's an unreasonable bitter wife so he couldn't control his anger from rising. His instinct tells him that LanXiRong's thoughts on ZhouXiang are abnormal, definitely not as simple as an ordinary friend‐ ship. YanMingXiu wanted to get angry, but since ZhouXiang has said it to such an extent. If he was to get angry, then it would seem like what ZhouXiang said was right. He clenched his fist fiercely, then released it. He turned off the TV and restrained his anger while turning around and uttered, "Just eat." ZhouXiang scooped a spoonful of soup for him and said softly, "MingXiu, don't be upset. I, ZhouXiang, will do what I say. Since I'm with you, I won't involve myself with anyone else." YanMingXiu looked up at him fixedly, "I hate that person. I don't want you to see him anymore, okay? " ZhouXiang revealed a distressed expression, "MingXiu, we're from the same company."

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"Then don't see him privately." ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "MingXiu..... We said that we won't inter‐ fere with each other's lives." YanMingXiu looked enraged but tried to suppress it. ZhouXiang is shocked. He couldn't believe that YanMingXiu would re‐ veal such fierce expression. YanMingXiu let out a long sigh, "You're right. I can't control it," After saying that, he lowered his head and ate quietly. ZhouXiang also immersed himself in eating. But this meal is laden with heavy-hearted anxieties and troubles. He really felt that his relationship with YanMingXiu had changed. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 20 - Can I Pursue You? The cold war with YanMingXiu undoubtedly continued. He didn't return for several days. At first, ZhouXiang didn't feel too much amiss, especially when he's deeply immersed with work. But after a few days, he began to feel unset‐ tled. The house felt so empty without someone's presence. YanMingXiu's shadows are everywhere. Very soon, he came to realize that he really missed YanMingXiu. Although ZhouXiang has a good temperament, it doesn't mean that he doesn't have his principles. He has never been so tolerant of anyone, only with YanMingXiu. Even when he felt that he didn't do anything wrong, he can't bear to accept YanMingXiu simply not returning home, not an‐ swering his phone nor returning his messages. When ZhouXiang was eating alone at night, the food tasted bland and flavorless. Putting down his chopsticks and looking at the empty space in front of him, fear suddenly rose in his heart, finally ZhouXiang can no longer deny that YanMingXiu had already entered his heart. It really takes a lot of courage for a man at his age to admit that he likes a person, especially a boy ten years younger than himself. If they are just to continue on living as they have, ZhouXiang would have been content with things as they are. But YanMingXiu's sudden disappearance from his life without saying anything made him realize a sense of crisis that he had never experienced before. All along they have been doing well. It never occurred to him how he would feel if YanMingXiu was to break up with him one day. Now that he knew. It felt utterly miserable. How many years has he not experienced this kind of anxiety over a rela‐ tionship that neither seemed close or distant? ZhouXiang felt just like a young boy experiencing love for the first time... his inability to restrain himself from getting close to YanMingXiu, his impulsiveness in inviting

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him to live together, being captivated by him, and all the concessions he had made. Finally, he has come to realize that all these behaviors are be‐ cause he has really started to like him (YanMingXiu). No wonder he had handled this relationship with YanMingXiu so wrongly. ZhouXiang sighed. His mood feeling a bit heavy but also a bit excited. ZhouXiang is a daring man with the courage to take responsibly for his actions(t/n). To be able to find a person that one likes is not easy. He won't just give up. Moreover, the both of them are already living together. As long as he tries a little harder, perhaps YanMingXiu will also like him. Then wouldn't everyone be happy? T/N: The idiom here is : a true man has the courage to accept the conse‐ quences of his actions, take responsibility for it ZhouXiang could no longer continue to eat. He started to repeatedly call and send texts to YanMingXiu, pretending as if nothing had happened from a few days ago, sending him jokes and asking random questions. Today he finally revealed his weakness. He said to MingXiu, "Don't be angry, I especially miss you. Come home. Let's talk." If YanMingXiu still didn't come back, he could only check in the study room to see if he could find out where YanMingXiu works and go there directly to find him; dragging it like this is also not good thing. To his surprise, YanMingXiu returned at 10ish in the evening. ZhouXiang was so elated that he embraced and kissed him intensely. "Baby, are you over with being angry? The few days that you didn't come back, something didn't feel right in this home." YanMingXiu's expression is slightly relieved but still unforgiving, "You said you wanted to talk to me. What do you want to talk about? If it's the same as last time, then forget it." ZhouXiang combed through his hair and was silent for a moment. He didn't know how to word it properly, so he simply spitted it out, "MingXiu, can I pursue you?"

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"Huh?" "I want to pursue you," ZhouXiang said genuinely. "Not like the cohabit‐ ing relationship we have now. We've been together for more than three months. We've gotten along very well. I like you very much. I don't know what you think but I want to be closer to you. I want to really be with you, so can I pursue you?" YanMingXiu is stunned, with a tinge of indescribable change in his ex‐ pression, "You like me?" ZhouXiang nodded, somewhat embarrassed, "My words and actions are usually direct. There's nothing wrong with admitting that I like you. I re‐ ally like you. You must also feel something for me, right? Otherwise, you won't be so angry these days. Am I right? Can you give me a chance?" YanMingXiu's glistening eyes looked at him without hesitation. Even though his expression remained calm, the emotions in his chest surged furiously. ZhouXiang's meaning is very clear. He wanted them to have a romantic relationship, not just cohabiting fuckbuddies. YanMingXiu felt that he should be angry with ZhouXiang's insatiable idea. If he had known that their relationship would be so tangled that it's become impossible to unravel, he would never have gotten involved with him in the beginning. However, he couldn't get angry. In fact, seeing ZhouXiang being a bit bashful with his gentle and resolute expression, the ridiculing words he had intended to say, he couldn't even say it. Being with this person for a while, there are indeed feelings, so he was a bit unwilling to do so. Moreover, ZhouXiang telling him that he likes him made him feel so pleased with himself. The gloomy mood he was in slowly dissipated. Ac‐ tually he was not surprised. He had seen ZhouXiang looking at him with his eyes full of adoration. He's seen this kind of expression from many people ever since he was a child. But to hear him directly say it, the feel‐ ings are still different.

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YanMingXiu smiled lightly and said proudly, "Fine, you pursue me then. But if you want to, you must not see that LanXiRong again. I repeat. I don't like him." Not knowing why, the person with the surname Lan makes him feel some kind of threat, making him feel considerably hateful toward this person. ZhouXiang smiled, "MingXiu, I feel that you're jealous of him. Just ad‐ mit it so Xiang Ge can be happy." YanMingXiu furrowed his brows, "Are you trying to change the topic?" "I don't dare. Alright, I know. Unless we run into each other at work, I won't see him privately, okay?" YanMingXiu nodded with satisfaction, "Cook for me, I'm hungry." ZhouXiang said softly, "It's already so late, why haven't you eaten? Sit and wait. I'll go cook right now." ZhouXiang made an all-out effort to coax YanMingXiu for two entire days. Finally, he was able to appease him. The two returned to their pre‐ vious lifestyle. However, ZhouXiang has begun to treat their relationship seriously. ZhouXiang is a person who is a smooth and evasive sweet talker, but in terms of feelings, he's still very simple and idealistic. Although he has had quite a few sexual partners, these previous experience is merely to release the physiological needs between men and men. When he realized that he really likes a person, he can set his heart to be good to only that person. He's not promiscuous. After finding the person he truly loves, he just wanted to concentrate on fully capturing this person, to simply date and strive for their relationship to go even further. He's very satisfied with his and YanMingXiu's current lifestyle. Many people who have started their relationship with sex were also able to last. Just thinking about this, it is beautiful. Although ZhouXiang is very ap‐ prehensive, the image of being a couple with YanMingXiu is too beauti‐ ful, too tempting. He hesitated for a moment, but decisively plunged into it.

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Originally, ZhouXiang was already treating YanMingXiu very well. Now, it's even better than before. When YanMingXiu is home, he didn't even have to lift a finger. Their livelihood and everything at home is taken care of by ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu, himself is not a lazy person. When he was living abroad alone, he took care of himself quite well. But after being with ZhouXiang, he didn't have to do anything. His depen‐ dence on ZhouXiang had penetrated every aspects of his life, but he wasn't in the least bit aware of this. He only felt that since ZhouXiang likes him, everything was taken for granted. ZhouXiang is most content during this period of time. He had a good paying job and a person that he likes by his side. He sincerely put his heart fully into this relationship. Toward the future, he is full of beautiful dreams. There was nothing that he needed to worry about in life. That day when he went to the company to look for CaiWei, he happened to run into LanXiRong. ZhouXiang greeted him and didn't plan to say more. He was looking for CaiWei for some matters. Unexpectedly, after he and CaiWei had fin‐ ished chatting, he saw LanXiRong waiting for him by the wall as he was walking out. ZhouXiang was a bit surprised. LanXiRong saw that he had come out, he greeted him smiling, "Such a coincidence to be running into you today, let's go eat in a bit." ZhouXiang thought of YanMingXiu. Although this was making things a bit difficult, he really didn't want to get too close to LanXiRong. For one, they once had a fallout. Second, LanXiRong's current position is no longer what it was before. It's not good for him to get too close. So after thinking for a while, he wanted to evade, "I have something today, let's change the date." LanXiRong's face revealed a disappointed expression, "Xiang Ge, have you forgotten that you said you'll invite me for dinner last week?" ZhouXiang awkwardly replied, "I've been too busy lately. I'm guessing that you've also been very busy, seeing that you've been rushing with

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work notice every day. Let's wait till a time when the both of us are not so busy." How can LanXiRong not tell that these are obviously perfunctory words? His lips trembled. He couldn't help but say, "Xiang Ge, I've always thought that you are big-hearted. I didn't expect you to still be unwilling to forgive me." ZhouXiang quickly explained, "You're thinking too much. I really don't blame you a long time ago." "Then why are you so distant with me?" LanXiRong's expression is full of sadness. "We've always had a good relationship. Can we really not go back to how it was? There are a lot of people around me now, but I only treat you as my friend because I know that only you are honestly good to me. Xiang Ge, can't we go back to the past?" ZhouXiang sighed, "XiRong. There's no way for us to go back to how it was. You're no long that muddling along little unknown model and I'm no longer single. Tell me, do you even have time to fool around with me every day? You don't. Neither do I. We both have our own things going on. But I swear that I really have no intention to blame you." LanXiRong punched the wall fiercely, "Xiang Ge, no matter how you put it, you're distancing yourself from me because of your little boyfriend, right? He's jealous, right?" ZhouXiang felt awkward. He was wrong. LanXiRong had really not grown up. His words and actions are still so impulsive, not a bit matured. He glanced at the corridor. Fortunately, there is no one at this time. He didn't want to keep on talking anymore, patting LanXiRong's shoul‐ der, he gave some good words of advice, "XiRong, all that have hap‐ pened is in the past, Xiang Ge seeing that you are so popular now, I'm very happy for you, it's just that we..." LanXiRong suddenly grabbed his arm, turned and pressed him to the wall. The face on TV that had always exhibited a lovely smile, at this time has become distorted because of his grievances. "Xiang Ge, I really regret it. I didn't come back sooner. You also use to like me too, but I was so stupid that I got scared and ran away. How is your boyfriend better 154

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than me? Tell me. Is it still possible between us? I want to start over with you, not as friends, not as brothers, I want to be with you." ZhouXiang's eyes widened. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 21 - Being Put In A Difficult Situation ⦘

Chapter 21 - Being Put In A Diffi‐ cult Situation LanXiRong eyes are a little red. He's only in his early twenties and has never truly fallen in love with anyone. In fact, he didn't even know whether he liked men or women, but his intuition tells him that he doesn't want to give Xiang Ge to anyone. Before he achieved any level of success, only ZhouXiang was good to him. After he became popular, none of those people close to him are gen‐ uinely good to him. ZhouXiang blinked and quickly calmed down, "XiRong, do you know what you're talking about?" "I know." "Let go of me first," ZhouXiang pushed him a bit but couldn't get him to let go. LanXiRong looked at him persistently. ZhouXiang uttered hope‐ lessly, "Let me go. If others see us like this, you don't know what rumor it's going to turn into," ZhouXiang very slowly pushed him away. LanXiRong half-squinted his eyes, finally calming down, "I'm serious with what I said, Xiang Ge. I don't trust anyone else. They all have ulte‐ rior motives. You're the only one that is truly good to me." ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "I also have an ulterior motive. At that time, didn't I find you attractive?" LanXiRong grinned at him, "At least, when I had nothing, only you are willing to help me unconditionally. I know that you liked me before. What about now? Is there not a bit of feelings now?" ZhouXiang didn't know how to explain it to him. At that time, the feeling he has for LanXiRong could be said as 'like.' He really liked him. But it was exactly the same as when he first saw YanMingXiu. He was just at‐ tracted to his appearance. ZhouXiang had never avoided a man whom he

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considered to be good looking. But in order to really have this person in his heart, there must be a process. LanXiRong didn't give him that time before having a fall-out with him. No romantic feelings could withstand this kind of game. He no longer had any feelings for him. Moreover, he already has YanMingXiu. He felt very vexed and hopeless in LanXiRong's reversal in wanting to be with him, because he knew that LanXiRong is not GAY. ZhouXiang sighed, "XiRong, you don't like men, stop messing around okay?" "But I like you." "What you feel for me is not 'like.' It's dependence. You don't have any relatives or friends in Beijing so you feel that I am trustworthy. You re‐ lied on me. But you don't like me, don't waste our times." LanXiRong reluctantly clenched his fists, his lips trembled slightly. ZhouXiang lowly uttered, "Go back and think about it carefully. You're not that young, you should be able to figure it out." LanXiRong wants to refute but didn't know what to say. If ZhouXiang was still single, he would definitely not refuse him. The resentment in his heart has nowhere to vent. He was so angry that he turned and kicked the trash can. ZhouXiang had a bit of headache. He no longer said anything and just walked silently past him. LanXiRong looking at his back silhouette, his expression full of unwill‐ ingness. ZhouXiang drove to the set. The movie starring WangYuDong hit a few bumps in the middle, but still it was very quickly nearing completion. Today ZhouXiang is acting as WangYuDong's stuntman for a fighting scene at a tavern. As soon as he arrived on the set, he felt that the atmosphere was not right. The staff was busy with their heads down, no one spoke a word. 157

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He looked inside, Director Wang and WangYuDong stood face to face. Director Wang looked angry. Although WangYuDong put on his signa‐ ture smile of a gentleman, his smile appeared forced. These two people not being able to get along is not something new, espe‐ cially recently. WangYuDong work notices came continuously, having to fly all over the country. Director Wang is a person who is extremely de‐ manding of his work, often dragging him for several hours, delaying his trip. The two of them have been in contention over this numerous times. In the end, it was basically WangYuDong who compromised but every‐ one could see that WangYuDong's forced smile won't be able to last for too long. ZhouXiang seeing their tense stance, he's definitely not stupid enough to run over to be a cannon fodder. He grabbed MiYou, intending to head over to do his makeup. When he walked passed, Director Wang saw him at a glance and pointed at him, shouting, "ZhouXiang!" The voice startled ZhouXiang. He quickly walked over, "Hey, Director Wang, you called me?" Director Wang asked sternly, "What you have is time right?!" ZhouXiang didn't know how to respond. He could only answer that he does. "The next scene, big star Wang don't need to be in it. Change the script, this scene will be masked with a black silk hat, all to be shot by ZhouXi‐ ang!" WangYuDong's face changed immediately. He didn't expect Director Wang to be so ruthless. ZhouXiang's face also changed, his heart grumbled endlessly, "Aiyah, stop joking around Director Wang. I'm merely a stuntman. I can't act Dong Ge's scene." He sneaked a glimpse at WangYuDong and saw that WangYuDong is looking had him lividly.

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ZhouXiang felt that he is so unlucky. Director Wang humiliated WangYuDong in front of so many people but WangYuDong can't do any‐ thing to him (Director Wang). But to make life difficult for a little min‐ ion like ZhouXiang would be a piece of cake. Now he could only pray that WangYuDong would be a little more generous toward him. This Di‐ rector Wang is really causing him a lot of trouble. Adding to the fire, Director Wang shouted intentionally, "He (WangYuDong) doesn't have the time! If he can't act well, then might as well not act in it. After all, you both look similar with your face covered. You can even make more money. Big star Wang can have more time, isn't this all great?!" The entire set can hear his angry sarcasm. The staff who had a good rela‐ tionship with ZhouXiang look at him sympathetically. ZhouXiang sighed in his heart. He planned on not speaking; anything he said is going to be wrong. The smile on WangYuDong's face disappeared as he bitingly muttered, "Fine, let him shoot the scene. I've no opinion." After saying that, he took out a pair of sunglasses from his shirt pocket, wore it on his face, then turned and left. His assistant quickly followed behind, calling for him while apologizing to Director Wang. ZhouXiang, seeing WangYuDong's assistant rushing like that, he felt that he might not have been the most unlucky one. WangYuDong shook off his assistant's arm and left without turning around. ZhouXiang stood there in shock, not knowing how this is going to end. Director Wang is so enraged that he is shaking, "What are you doing just standing there! Change the script! ZhouXiang will shoot this scene!" ZhouXiang really wanted to kneel down in front of him; his face seem‐ ing to wail, "Director Wang, don't mess with me. I really can't shoot this

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scene. If I played Dong Ge's role, how am I going to be able to continue on working in this circle?" Director Wang simply didn't hear any of it, "Why can't you? The viewers won't be able to tell. He is busy running around with all his other work, his mind is not in this film. You are his stuntman. If he can't do it, then you can. Go get your makeup done." ZhouXiang reluctantly followed the stylist. After leaving Director Wang, he immediately took out his phone to call CaiWei, informing him of the matter. CaiWei cursed as he talked about how this old geezer is causing trouble for him. But he didn't have that power to settle this matter, so he could only let ZhouXiang shoot the scene first. But this scene must not be put in the movie, this kind of act where the minor player upstages the main actor, WangYuDong would absolutely be furious. ZhouXiang has no choice but to endure it and filmed the scene with a veil. Most of the scenes in this movie are shot from the back and sideways, with the face covered in a black veil. If there wasn't a close-up view, one can't see the difference. With some more editing, the stuntman can defi‐ nitely be the main actor. But everyone on the set knew that he's fake and this news will spread be‐ fore tomorrow even arrives. The joke of WangYuDong being taken over by his own stuntman is definitely sensational material for gossipy news. ZhouXiang has been in the entertainment industry for seven to eight years, and has been cautious, almost never offending anyone, but today he has been forced to take a tumble. This scene took over nine hours to shoot. ZhouXiang was extremely ex‐ hausted when he returned home. YanMingXiu was home reading a book. Seeing ZhouXiang looking so distressed, he asked, "What happened?"

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When ZhouXiang thought of YanMingXiu and WangYuDong's relation‐ ship, he couldn't tell him what happened, merely responded that he's just exhausted from filming. YanMingXiu poured a glass of water for him. Just as ZhouXiang was drinking, the doorbell rang. ZhouXiang went over to look through the peephole and saw that it was CaiWei. He opened the door, startled, "Wei Ge, why are you here?" CaiWei raised the gift box in his hand, "Someone gave me a bunch of big hairy crabs today. They're all alive. Your sis-in-law (his wife) tells me to bring some over to you. This kind of things can't wait." ZhouXiang was very touched. He knew that CaiWei came because of to‐ day's events. He opened the door for CaiWei to come into the home. At a glance, Cai‐ Wei saw YanMingXiu and is stunned. ZhouXiang smiled, "Wei Ge, this is... we've just lived together not too long ago. I just haven't told you yet." "You two live together?" CaiWei asked shockingly. ZhouXiang nodded. "Fuck. Aren't you telling me this too late?" From a straight man's point of view, doesn't living together mean that a couple's relationship is basi‐ cally settled? ZhouXiang awkwardly smiled, "Let me explain it...." End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 22 - YanMingXiu Cooking A Meal of Crabs ⦘

Chapter 22 - YanMingXiu Cook‐ ing A Meal of Crabs ZhouXiang conveniently made up a story on how they end up liking each other, then introduced the two. YanMingXiu had no hostility toward CaiWei. This is mainly because CaiWei initially mentioned 'sister-in-law' when he first entered the door. He politely shook CaiWei's hands but his expression is still not very friendly. ZhouXiang is also used to him being like this as he quickly led CaiWei into the house. CaiWei glanced at YanMingXiu a few times. His occupational habit led him to ask, "Xiao Yan ah, what company are you from? Why haven't I heard of you before?" YanMingXiu frowned slightly. ZhouXiang quickly replied, "Wei Ge, he is not in the circle." CaiWei was surprised, "For real? Such good conditions, why not be an artist? Just relying on this looks, is there any faster way to earn money?" YanMingXiu shook his head, "I'm not interested." Not following his family's discipline had already made his relationship with his father tense, if he really went and became a star, exposing his face, his old man will definitely kill him. Not to mention that he has no interest in this type of work that requires him to sell himself to the cameras. CaiWei felt the slightest pity and sighed, but still handed him a business card and said with a smile, "Ah Xiang and I are good buddies, if you are to change your mind, you must come to me, don't look for anyone else." Giving respect to ZhouXiang, YanMingXiu smiled lightly and took it.

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CaiWei told ZhouXiang, "Since you have someone at home, I'm going to leave first. Make sure to quickly cook the crabs. We'll chat on the phone." ZhouXiang remembered that CaiWei was looking for him because of the matters with Director Wang and WangYuDong. But since YanMingXiu is here, it was an inappropriate place. After escorting CaiWei out, YanMingXiu asked, "Was he looking for you about something? What is it?" ZhouXiang responded vaguely, "Work related stuff; it's not important." Thinking that YanMingXiu is not only WangYuDong's future brother-inlaw, but also a fan of his, he must not tell him about this. Who knows how he will react. Originally, YanMingXiu was just casually asking, but ZhouXiang's halfhearted attitude made him a bit uncomfortable. At this point, ZhouXiang basically did everything his way. YanMingXiu naturally got used to it, enjoying the warmth and indulgence from ZhouXiang. So ZhouXiang hiding something from him suddenly made it hard for him to accept. He lashed out unhappily, "What is it that you can't tell me...that you have hide from me? Am I an outsider?" ZhouXiang saw that his expression had changed and knew that his tem‐ per has surged. He quickly coaxed, "How could you be considered an outsider? You're certainly an insider," After saying that, he smiled per‐ ceptively. "Don't think too much, it's really nothing important, just that a few people got into some arguments on the set. It's actually quite compli‐ cated and over something so trivial. You most definitely don't have the patience to want to hear it." YanMingXiu slowly glanced at ZhouXiang's slightly pale face, he felt in‐ explicable heartache. Pulling, ZhouXiang onto the couch, "You look so tired, take a break. I'll cook." ZhouXiang exposed a contented smile. He couldn't help but hugged Yan‐ MingXiu's waist and rubbed his belly, "Really? You're going to cook for me?"

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When YanMingXiu saw that his face is full of expectations, his mood be‐ came a lot better, "Isn't there crabs? I'll make you steamed crabs." "Okay, I really don't know how to cook that kind of stuff. I'll learn from you." "You don't want to lie down to rest for a while?" "Nah. Just looking at you I'm even more awake," ZhouXiang quickly stood up and leaned over to YanMingXiu, then softly uttered, "Even if I don't see you for a day, I want to........" YanMingXiu use to feel nauseous hearing people's honeyed-sweet words. These words coming out of ZhouXiang's mouth didn't change its meaning, but sounding into his ears made him utterly happy. Every time ZhouXiang flirtingly say these sweet words, YanMingXiu would want to shove him beneath is body and fuck him fiercely. The reason is because ZhouXiang's mouth not only could spit out words that are pleasing to his ears, it could also let out pleasurable sounds, especially when he's in the thrills of passion moaning continuously. This made YanMingXiu aroused just thinking about it. The two are standing especially close, so close that ZhouXiang immedi‐ ately noticed when YanMingXiu got hard. ZhouXiang subconsciously took a step back and smiled smugly, "MingXiu, I think you've missed me." The two have been together for a few months. Ever Since ZhouXiang told him that he wanted to genuinely be with him, they have entered a loving period similar to that of a honeymoon instead of their independent non-interference arrangement from before. So the usual sweetness be‐ tween them is not lacking, as long as they have that thought, they could easily be horny at any time. However, ZhouXiang is really tired today, not wanting to do it, but rather eat. YanMingXiu threw him down on the sofa and reached his hand into his (ZhouXiang's) pants, whispering, "It's you that aroused me...."

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ZhouXiang blinked a few times, not wanting to ruin YanMingXiu's mood but he was really too tired. Adding on, he was still bothered by the things that happened today so he couldn't get himself in the mood. YanMingXiu kissed him for a long time before finally realizing that ZhouXiang's mind was somewhere else. YanMingXiu's expression is not very good, "What are you thinking? Why is your mind wandering off when you're doing it with me?" ZhouXiang immediately regain his senses, feeling extremely apologetic, "MingXiu, I'm very tired..." YanMingXiu glared at him for a while. Just when ZhouXiang thought he was still angry, YanMingXiu climbed on top of him, "I've told you to lay down and rest but you have to tease me. Got me so aroused, now you're telling me that you're tired. Next time you do this, I'm going to fuck you till you can't take it." YanMingXiu pinched his ass to vent his anger, then adjusted his clothes and went into the kitchen. ZhouXiang stared at his back as he's rinsing rice, feeling warmness ris‐ ing in his heart. Although YanMingXiu has a bad temper and is very strong-willed, ZhouXiang felt that YanMingXiu's heart is moving closer and closer to him. He's not as self-centered as he used to be and would occasionally care about him. Every time this happens, it makes ZhouXiang inces‐ santly happy. He used all his sincerity to treat YanMingXiu well. At the same time, he felt that YanMingXiu had little by little returned some of that sincerity. This gave him immense motivation. He knew that at this point in their relationship, YanMingXiu doesn't yet have him in his heart. But the return he's received from all the efforts he's given made him feel that the two of them will one day love each other. ZhouXiang lay on the couch relaxingly and couldn't help but laugh. Although they would undoubtedly be faced with all kinds of difficulties in life, generally speaking, he is still very content.

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After lying down for a while, he felt that he's regained some of his en‐ ergy so he went into the kitchen to help. He's been so use to spoiling YanMingXiu that it's become habit. In turn, it's a bit uncomfortable for him to have YanMingXiu taking care of him. YanMingXiu turned back to glance at him but continued on cooking. ZhouXiang grabbed an apron hanging on the door of the refrigerator and wrapped it around YanMingXiu's front and tied it to his (YanMingXiu's) back. After tying the knot, he hugged YanMingXiu's waist from behind and leaned his face against his shoulder. YanMingXiu is four to five centimeters taller than him so leaning on him is just perfect. YanMingXiu couldn't help but scoffed, "What are you doing? Is that helping?" "I want to see how you do it, next time I'll cook it for you." "What is there to learn? If there is hairy crab in the future, I'll just cook it," YanMingXiu said casually. ZhouXiang's gentle soft voice sounded near YanMingXiu side, "For all the hairy crabs in the future?" "Yeah," YanMingXiu responded nonchalantly. "If there is that day that you don't want to be with me, I'm going to buy a bunch of hairy crabs and take it to your house and suffocate you." YanMingXiu paused, "As long as you don't mess up, I'll be with you." ZhouXiang was only just joking. He didn't expect to get something simi‐ lar to that of a promise. He suddenly got excited and couldn't help but ask, "MingXiu, are you happy with how we are now?" "It's good," YanMingXiu pondered over it. There is nothing for him to be unsatisfied with; His livelihood is going great and he has someone by his side. Although the one next to him is not the one he wanted, he had no other way but to compromise with reality. ZhouXiang was the next best choice. 166

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YanMingXiu's eyes flashed a trace of confusion and WangYuDong's re‐ fined and handsome smile appeared in front of him. He often imagined that the person behind him is WangYuDong. But it's becoming harder and harder for him to find WangYuDong's shadows in ZhouXiang be‐ cause ZhouXiang's personality is too distinct. ZhouXiang is a person with an independent personality so it was hard for him to feel that ZhouXiang is 'like' WangYuDong. Sometimes YanMingXiu would forget the reason why he initially agreed to live here but he didn't want to change anything. He enjoyed everything that ZhouXiang has given him. ZhouXiang quickly followed in asking, "I've never dared to ask you, your family....do they know (about you being gay)?" YanMingXiu was cutting green onion into sections, looking at him, he didn't seem to care all that much, "Know a bit." "Then... what is their reaction?" "I left the country to hide from them, so what do you think?" YanMingXiu found himself completely disinterested in girls and even bored with their entanglement when he was in junior high. But at the time, he was also equally annoyed with those stupid boys of the same age, so he didn't realize the issue is with his sexual orientation. That is until high school when he accidentally saw a GV (gay video) on the Internet and realized his desire for the same sex. He has an older brother and an older sister. In the family he is considered to be most heavily favored and didn't need to take on the burden of any important matters. As such, he is extremely unruly in his actions. When his parents realized that something is wrong with him, he felt a bit guilty so he packed up his bags and left to America. But now, he has his own views and his own thoughts, his parents are even more unable to disci‐ pline him. Everyone thought that he lived very comfortably, but his heart is trapped by a person. How is this considered to be comfortable? He will never forget the year that he was at the entrance of the cinema and accidentally stopped to watch a movie trailer; that gracefully white back silhouette both mesmerized and captivated him, shocking him to his core. 167

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When ZhouXiang saw that he was looking down, he thought he was feel‐ ing depressed. He couldn't help but laugh at himself, "In any case, your parents care about you. I can only dream of having someone control me." YanMingXiu knew that ZhouXiang parents died when he was very young. Thinking that ZhouXiang had been alone for more than 20 years, he felt that it must not be easy. ZhouXiang continued to hug YanMingXiu's waist from behind. Wher‐ ever YanMingXiu moved to, he also followed behind. The two reached a nonverbal mutual agreement to not continue on with this heavy topic but instead lightly chat about the hairy crabs. The atmosphere is indescrib‐ ably warm and harmonious. ZhouXiang has always fantasized that this home will be able to welcome its other owner one day. Now all his waiting has become true. End of the chapter

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Chapter 23 - Tension On the Set The next day, ZhouXiang went to the company to find CaiWei. He didn't expect that President Wang, who is rarely ever in the company to actu‐ ally be there. ZhouXiang thought that the matter was very serious so he was particu‐ larly nervous. President Wang knew what he was thinking just by looking at him. He slowly took a sip of his tea, "Don't be so nervous, it's okay." ZhouXiang felt the weight lifted from his shoulders. President Wang is a reliable person. If he said everything is okay, then it must be okay. "After CaiWei told me yesterday, I gave WangYuDong a call. Director Wang is more than thirty years older than him and is his senior. His tem‐ per can't be changed. Although this old man is sometimes unreasonable, he's really a talent. WangYuDong should give him some level of respect. I've talked to him for a long time yesterday. He said that he would apolo‐ gize to Director Wang in a few days. On Director Wang's side, I've asked another investor to talk to him. I talked to him for a long time yesterday so you don't have to worry." ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "Got me so worried, I'm just a minor stuntman. I really can't afford to offend anyone." President Wang also smiled, "They're just messing around. I'm praying that this is the end of this so that I can smoothly get my money (profits) back and not have any more setbacks. Help me watch them closely on the set. If anything happens, immediately notify me." "Got it." "Hey, CaiWei said that you're living with your little boyfriend? How's it coming along? Is this really serious?" ZhouXiang didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "Wei Ge, I've realized that since you got married, your mouth is getting more and more loose. 169

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Sister-in law has fed you very well." CaiWei scoldingly smiled, "Don't fucking bully me. Isn't this a good thing? Your ass had been staggering along for so many years. Don't you also want to find true love? Can't I just be happy for you?" President Wang nodded, "That's right. I haven't been back for so long. I feel that I'm out of sync with the modern lifestyles. The company's an‐ nual meeting permits family members to attend. Bring him along." "That is still more than a month away. We'll talk about it then," ZhouXi‐ ang felt that YanMingXiu's personality is one that doesn't like to interact with people so it's likely that he won't be willing to attend. President Wang raised his eyebrows, "What's the deal with seeing him? I just want to see how this person looks; this keen star manager here, Cai‐ Wei, highly praises his beauty." ZhouXiang sighed, "President Wang, he really doesn't want to be a star. You might as well give up." What the two wily old foxes are thinking is clearly written on their faces. CaiWei shrugged his shoulders, "Such a pity. Seeing his face and then looking at my own face, I feel that life is really too sad." ZhouXiang felt a bit proud, thinking that he has YanMingXiu to himself. He felt that he is extremely lucky. He went to the set again two days later. WangYuDong arrived before him and was already getting his make-up done. ZhouXiang walked over apprehensively and respectfully addressed, "Dong Ge." WangYuDong glanced at him from the mirror and smiled, "You're here." After saying that, he looked at him, assessing him up from head to toes, his expression very piercing. ZhouXiang felt the chilling air rising from the soles of his feet. He uncomfortably went to the make-up table on the side. MiYou looked at him anxiously. 170

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WangYuDong responded, "Hey, wait a minute. Turn a circle so I could take a look." ZhouXiang blinked, his heart drumming. He turned around in a circle. WangYuDong lowly smiled, "Ahhh... you really look quite like me. I watched the scene you shot. The audience most certainly won't be able to tell that it's not me. It seems it's a good deal to have you as my stunt‐ man." With cold sweat starting to drip down, ZhouXiang muttered, "Dong Ge, don't make fun of me. Only my figure is a bit similar to yours, but my acting with my mannerisms and posture is still very far from you. The average audience may be fooled, but your devoted fans would certainly know that it's shot by a stuntman at just a glance. I definitely can't be compared to the real you." WangYuDong narrowed his eyes and smiled, "The way you say it makes me feel so embarrassed. Go get your make-up done. Do it well. We'll have future opportunities to work together." ZhouXiang nodded. WangYuDong's smile didn't seem genuine. He felt that this would be the last time that he and WangYuDong would cooper‐ ate. But this also made him sigh with relief. It's not that big of a deal to have lesser salary, the bigger problem is if he was to have accidentally offended this great god of the entertainment circle, he might not even be able to work in this field. Not only is WangYuDong's status high up there, he also have very good backing. He's the number one person ZhouXiang can't afford to offend so he would rather just stay away. Today WangYuDong is shooting a tavern scene. ZhouXiang is shooting another scene next to the set. He looked toward WangYuDong's side every so often. Director Wang's request is as strict as ever. Anyone who is familiar with him knows that he did not intentionally target WangYuDong but is like this with every‐ one. On the set, he is just like the emperor, standing by his own words. But in the eyes of WangYuDong, who is proud and arrogant, it seems as though Director Wang is targeting him, especially after the incident from 171

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before. Director Wang did not in the last bit curb his attitude; still contin‐ uing to yell and scream at him, so it's no wonder that WangYuDong would think in such way. Although they reluctantly forced themselves to finished shooting this scene, the atmosphere between the two did not ease. ZhouXiang looked on in fear. He also prayed that the film would be completed soon so he can just take the money and leave. In the blink of an eye, it is Winter. This Winter is especially cold in Beijing, with snow already falling in early November. Although the weather was cold, he and YanMingXiu's small home is always warm and cozy. ZhouXiang has become used to the life of seeing YanMingXiu every morning when he wakes up and going to bed with him at night. Initially, he thought that there would definitely be a lot of friction living with such an arrogant and willful person like YanMingXiu. But in reality, when he puts his heart and soul into taking care of their daily lives, most of the times it is harmonious. From the very beginning, YanMingXiu brought only very little luggage to his home, but now there are traces of him everywhere. ZhouXiang is still living a leisure life. If there was no work, he would just be resting at home. After more than half a year of operations, Yan‐ MingXiu's company is also on the right track. The times that Yan‐ MingXiu is home was becoming lesser and lesser, with most of his time spent on his career. However, even when he's busily working during the day, there aren't many social interactions at night so most of the time he would come home to have dinner with ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang knew that his person‐ ality is not one that likes to socialize, but he is still very happy. He felt that his life with YanMingXiu is similar to that of a newly married cou‐ ple; warm and sweet. He is very content with this lifestyle. By the end of the month, the movie starring WangYuDong is soon to be completed. ZhouXiang's scenes have all been shot. The last day would

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be the routine celebration and many reporters would attend to report on the updates, thereby creating promotions for the film. His role is so minor that it's not a big deal whether or not he attends. But he didn't expect Director Wang to personally ask him to go have a drink, making him feel somewhat fearful. When WangYuDong was shooting the final scene, ZhouXiang arrived. Many reporters have been waiting on the set to interview WangYuDong immediately after. ZhouXiang sat on the side and chatted with his colleagues. There was a lot of commotion coming from the doorway. A few people turned around and sees a man wearing a pair of sunglasses and a heavy black cashmere jacket coming in from the door. Although he was wearing sunglasses and wrapped in a scarf, these perceptive re‐ porters still recognized him as LanXiRong. A reporter rushed to interview him. LanXiRong took off his sunglasses and politely smiled. Then he slowly pushed the microphone, "I am here to look for a friend, everyone please let me go." After saying that, he ditched the reporters and headed toward ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang stood up. Since parting on bad terms last time, he hasn't seen LanXiRong for more than two months. Although LanXiRong would call him once in a while, ZhouXiang didn't know what to say to him. LanXiRong smiled softly at ZhouXiang, "Xiang Ge, I heard that you're done shooting today. I came to see you." He put the cakes he brought on the table. Then invited the staff to come over, "Everyone come over and try it. This mango mousse is delicious." A group of people came over and grab a piece. LanXiRong took the op‐ portunity to pull ZhouXiang out of the crowd. ZhouXiang smiled, "Thank you. I've nothing to do today so I came here to celebrate."

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The two stood in a corner far from the crowd. LanXiRong deliberately turned his back to the reporters so that they could not see his expression. He softly muttered, "Xiang Ge, I've missed you very much so I can't help but came to see you." ZhouXiang patted him on the shoulders, "I've heard your new album. You used to sing in my ears. You have a naturally great singing voice." LanXiRong sighed, "Xiang Ge, are you going to continue to treat me so passively?" ZhouXiang responded embarrassingly, "I didn't. It's not easy to be able to see you, I'm very happy." "I've been out and about promoting my album recently and have just re‐ turned to Beijing yesterday. I've always remembered the meal that you promised. But I don't think that you'd honor that commitment so I came over to freeload off of your celebratory feast and have a meal with you." LanXiRong's expression is quite lonesome. ZhouXiang felt very embarrassed. Regardless, he really didn't mention it out of courtesy last time but had really sincerely promised to treat him for a meal. But in the end, this person had already returned for over half a year and they still haven't gotten together for that meal. In fact, if LanXiRong didn't confess to him, and at a time when YanMingXiu could forget about LanXiRong, he would have called LanXiRong to come over and hang out. It wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but ever since LanXiRong said those words, everything is now different. He didn't know how to face LanXiRong so he could only keep some dis‐ tance. But seeing LanXiRong's exhaustive appearance with dark circles around his eyes, he believes that LanXiRong didn't get enough rest after his promotional activities. ZhouXiang is a person that is extremely softhearted. Seeing that LanXiRong especially came to see him today, he felt all the more that he should go have a meal with him. He raked through his hair, "That, we can go eat after work. It's fine if it's just you, but it's also livelier with more people." LanXiRong nodded, "Xiang Ge, the set is too stuffy. Can you come downstairs with me for a bit?" 174

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ZhouXiang knew that it would be uncomfortable to be stared at by so many people so he could only agree, "Wait for me to grab my jacket." ZhouXiang put on his jacket and went to the door with LanXiRong. ZhouXiang was not used to so many reporters looking so enthused at him. He felt that he didn't even know where to put his foot. Fortunately, the reporters understood the rules and didn't just carelessly shoot (pic‐ tures). When the two of them got to the door, a person came directly in front of them, joining them in their pictures. ZhouXiang was surprised as he stared blankly at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu looked at him and then looked at LanXiRong, his expres‐ sion immediately changed. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 24 - Getting Caught by WangYuDong At this time, the reporters and staff next to them also noticed the unusu‐ ally tensed atmosphere between the three. YanMingXiu's expression is chillingly cold; LanXiRong's face had frozen and ZhouXiang looked completely lost. Although they don't know YanMingXiu nor could they guess what is go‐ ing on between them, anyone can see that LanXiRong have some con‐ tention with this handsome guy that had just appeared. This would probably make a sensational gossip story. Everyone is ex‐ cited as they concentrated on the development of their tensed situation. ZhouXiang went and grab YanMingXiu's arm, "MingXiu, why are you here? I just met up with XiRong and was planning on going out for a smoke. Let's go out and talk." As he was saying this, his eyes hinted at YanMingXiu to take notice of the number of reporters around them. LanXiRong also quickly regained normalcy. Whatever discord between them, he will not let these people treat it as gossip news. YanMingXiu swatted ZhouXiang's hand away and said bluntly, "I didn't come to look for you." He walked to the side toward WangYuDong. ZhouXiang's face is full of awkwardness. LanXiRong is extremely furi‐ ous over YanMingXiu's attitude but he desperately tried to suppress his emotions from showing. He pushed ZhouXiang a bit, "Xiang Ge, let's go out and smoke." ZhouXiang glanced at YanMingXiu's back silhouette. This is not a suit‐ able time to chase after YanMingXiu to appease him. There are too many people watching. LanXiRong slowly pushed him out the door. The two men ran to the corner behind the building. Seeing that no one followed them, they let out a sigh of relief.

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LanXiRong creased his brows, "Xiang Ge, your little boyfriend's temper is really terrible. I'd say he's asking for trouble. Every time he sees me, he has this hostile attitude." He's forgotten that he had also looked at YanMingXiu with hostility when they first met. ZhouXiang mocked, "It's just a misunderstanding. In fact, he's very easy to get along with." The more ZhouXiang spoke, the more he finds him‐ self lacking that confidence. Obviously these two people have never said more than a few words, yet they are ready jump at each other's throats upon seeing each other. Could it be that he's too charming? He didn't know whether to laugh or cry just thinking about this. LanXiRong didn't smoke but look at ZhouXiang blowing out smoke, and then sees him inattentively aimed his sight inside. Knowing that ZhouXi‐ ang is obviously thinking about YanMingXiu, his heart felt increased pained. "Xiang Ge, I know that you're a very tolerant person, but some people's temper should not be condoned. He will just become more and more un‐ reasonable. I don't want you to have to suffer." ZhouXiang smiled, "What are you saying? Two people could come to‐ gether is because they are suitable. Otherwise, they would have separated long ago. What is there to suffer or not suffer? XiRong, we get along very well. It's not like what you think, don't worry." "Don't worry?" LanXiRong said bitterly, "I rather you guys break up ear‐ lier." ZhouXiang move his face away awkwardly. He no longer has that re‐ laxed feeling he use have when he is hanging out with LanXiRong. Not only is LanXiRong's popularity vastly different from before, but his atti‐ tude towards him is also increasingly strange. He simply didn't know what how to deal with this properly. LanXiRong turned around and look at ZhouXiang seriously, "Xiang Ge, I have this feeling that you and him won't last long. Don't blame me for cursing you guys. His kind of condescending arrogant person with noth‐ ing but a pretty face is not worthy of you. I'm waiting for you. When you 177

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guys end it, you'll see that I'm still waiting for you. I really don't like men, but I like you a lot. I feel very much at ease being with you." ZhouXiang extinguished his cigarette and lowly uttered, "XiRong, ho‐ mosexuality is not a lot of fun. Don't get drowned in this muddy water. You have parents, why bother? Plus, he and I get along very well. What you feel for me is just your momentary confusion. Sooner or later, you'll meet a good girl. At that time, you'll understand." LanXiRong is unwilling to accept this reality. He said with much diffi‐ culty, "Xiang Ge, you don't know. I've thought a lot in this past year... about you...forget it. You won't believe what I say anyway. I only hope that you won't hide from me and still can treat me as a friend." ZhouXiang smiled, "XiRong. I'll treat you as a friend but I hope that you won't mention these words ever again." Especially words of him hoping that he and YanMingXiu would breakup soon, he really doesn't want to hear it. LanXiRong lowered his head, his tightly sealed lips revealed his unwill‐ ingness to accept this reality. ZhouXiang added, "Let's head back. It's too cold to be staying out here for too long." After saying that, he wrapped his arms around his jacket and walked back. LanXiRong knew that he, himself, is jealous of YanMingXiu. His envi‐ ous hatred toward YanMingXiu is increasing more and more. They stayed outside for at most ten minutes. When he went back to the room, his entire body was already frigidly cold. YanMingXiu waited not too far from the door's entrance. WangYuDong was busy. The two didn't even say more than a few words. Even though he didn't leave the room, but ZhouXiang could see that the air exuded around him is much warmer compared to before. ZhouXiang ditched LanXiRong and walked over to sit next to him, smil‐ ing, "MingXiu, are you here to look for WangYuDong? Since you're coming, why didn't you say so?"

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YanMingXiu glanced at him, "If I said it in advance, would you guys have just changed the place to smoke?" ZhouXiang turned a deaf ear to his sarcasm, maintaining his composure, "MingXiu, today is the final scene for movie. Many people came. I also didn't know he would come." YanMingXiu turned to glance at LanXiRong and saw that LanXiRong was staring at them; his expression deep and heavy, the anger surging in his heart. The man has other intentions toward ZhouXiang. He is sure of it. He pulled ZhouXiang up, "Come here." The two men walked out from the back door of the set; outside is a closed balcony, but the windows are not closed. The cold breezy air flowing in, no one would come out during the Winter. YanMingXiu looked at him angrily, "What did you guys go out to talk about?" "Just smoked. It's rather cold outside, what can we talk about? So I just hurried back to see you." "Does he have other intentions toward you? Otherwise why does he al‐ ways look at me like that?" YanMingXiu's face revealed a trace of loathing. ZhouXiang tried to sooth him, "No, you're thinking too much. I've al‐ ready said that he's straight. There must be some misunderstanding be‐ tween the two of you. Maybe he drank too much that night and had a bad attitude. The both of you glaring at each other likely caused some fric‐ tion. It's definitely a misunderstanding." Seeing ZhouXiang looking so certain about this, YanMingXiu felt a tinge of doubt. ZhouXiang rushed over to tighten the scarf YanMingXiu was wearing, "It's so cold outside, how can you dress so lightly?" YanMingXiu 'hmm', "This down jacket is very warm."

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"Really? But it feels so thin," ZhouXiang pinched his arm and then reached his hand down to touch his pants. "Are you wearing only this pair of pants? So cold, how can you only wear a pair (of pants)?" "It's not that cold yet." "This time of the year is chilling to the bones. I'm going to get you warm underwear, you have to wear it." The two started to get get intimate. ZhouXiang pressed YanMingXiu against the wall and kissed his lips while murmuring, "Your lips are cold, what to do if you get sick." YanMingXiu felt that ZhouXiang is just trying to change the topic. Just when he was about to say something, ZhouXiang covered his mouth and slipped his tongue in. YanMingXiu unconsciously hugged ZhouXiang's waist. ZhouXiang's body frame is not small but his waist is extremely slender. Even wearing a thick jacket, YanMingXiu could still feel his waistline. He can't help but reached in to caress his warm skin. ZhouXiang is startled by his cold hand, he smiled scoldingly, "Not say‐ ing anything and just reached your hand in, so freaking cold." YanMingXiu can feel his body trembling. His mood is a bit better as he scoffed, "If you cry out, I'm gonna strip you naked right here." ZhouXiang stroked YanMingXiu's face and leaned against him, "Soo... what after stripping me naked?" YanMingXiu responded hoarsely, "After that, of course... fuck you. Ev‐ ery time I fuck you, your body is especially hot, perfect to keep me warm." ZhouXiang laughed wickedly, "We should try and do it outside some‐ times, though it's a bit cold, it should be very exciting." "You still really want to try... what to do if we get frozen together," Yan‐ MingXiu caressed his slender waistline while kissing him.

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ZhouXiang thought that if the two were to have gotten frozen during sex, it would be so embarrassing. He couldn't help but laugh out. The two indecently spoke of flirting words that could only be said in front of each other. Although the temperature around them is very low, with their tight embrace, their chests tightly snuggled to the other, their lips sealed together; neither is feeling the slightest cold. Instead, it is warm from their bodies to their hearts. At this time, a strange voice sounding like that of thunder came crashing down, shattering their sweet little world. "MingXiu?!" The two turned their heads and see WangYuDong glaring at them in shock. He still had not removed his dress-up, wearing a hero's outfit, looking handsomely impressive, but the expression on his face is full of horror. His brows creased, as though he couldn't believe everything he just saw. YanMingXiu almost didn't hesitate to shove ZhouXiang away. His strength was so hard that ZhouXiang almost fell. ZhouXiang's eyes moved back and forth between WangYuDong and YanMingXiu, completely at a loss. WangYuDong forced himself to calm down and swept his gaze at ZhouXiang. There was an undisguised warning and contempt in his eyes. He gloomily said to YanMingXiu, "MingXiu, come with me." YanMingXiu clenched his fists; his entire body couldn't stop shaking. He didn't even look at ZhouXiang as he took big strides in following behind WangYuDong. In the blink of the eye, both entered the room. ZhouXiang was still standing in the balcony. Everything happened so fast that he had no time to react. YanMingXiu's shove earlier seem as though he had no connection with him whatsoever. This thought made him full of anxiety. He thought that

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YanMingXiu might have just been too flustered from being caught by his future brother-in law. He could only comfort himself this way. Even though, he had known YanMingXiu for this long, he had never seen him flustered over anything. But ZhouXiang is very baffled. WangYuDong's eyes, full of caution, made him feel uneasy. Yan‐ MingXiu's isolating attitude also made him feel uneasy. He wondered maybe this is the kind of natural reaction when family finds out about his sexual orientation. He kept telling himself to not think too much. But still, he couldn't forget YanMingXiu's back silhouette before he left. YanMingXiu didn't even look back at him. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 25 - First Argument After they completed shooting the final scene, everyone was exhausted but excited. Someone earlier had pulled up the celebratory banner, wishing for the movie's success. WangYuDong accepted a round of interviews with the reporters on the set and took some pictures with the banner and the staff. Then, he took YanMingXiu away. In the evening, the crew booked a few tables at the restaurant to celebrate the completion of filming. WangYuDong didn't participate but he did ev‐ erything expected of him for this occasion. ZhouXiang was originally in a very high spirits but after YanMingXiu left, he couldn't help himself from feeling depressed. In the end, it was actually LanXiRong who accompanied him to dinner. They drank till very late into the night. Many of the people ended up drunk, becoming absolutely unruly and wild. Everyone has worked hard for seven to eight months. There were many challenges in the middle, es‐ pecially with the tensed relationship between the director and the protag‐ onist that created a lot of extra work for these menial staff. Now that ev‐ erything is finally over, everyone is thrilled; inevitably they will drink to their heart's content. On the contrary, ZhouXiang, who can usually drink actually didn't drink much. He and LanXiRong have just been sitting next to each other, chat‐ ting about the past. ZhouXiang's mind is a bit distracted, but there was too many people present so he really couldn't leave. LanXiRong finally couldn't help but ask, "Xiang Ge, what is the relation‐ ship between your boyfriend and WangYuDong? They just left together." ZhouXiang replied, "Ahh, they know each other." LanXiRong creased his brows. 183

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ZhouXiang immediately tried to explain, "It's not what you think." LanXiRong lowly added, "Really? I don't think it's that simple." ZhouXiang can't just casually gossip about WangYuDong to him. But what just happened earlier, with WangYuDong's warning expression be‐ fore he left made him feel somewhat annoyed at LanXiRong's specula‐ tion. He finally gloomily voiced, "Don't just blindly speculate, it's really not what you think." LanXiRong was surprised to see ZhouXiang's gloomy expression, feel‐ ing a bit grieved, "Xiang Ge, are you angry at me?" ZhouXiang sighed, "No..." "Back then, even if I mocked your intentions toward me, you didn't even get angry at me. I was really ignorant at the time but you still tolerated me. Now you're actually angry with me over something I unintentionally said. Xiang Ge, I've thought wrong. You really like that surname "Yan" guy, right?" LanXiRong's expression is extremely somber. ZhouXiang lowly uttered, "XiRong, I like him a lot. Otherwise I won't be living with him. But this, don't tell others. He is not from the circle, and I also don't want to indirectly have any connections to WangYuDong." LanXiRong didn't speak, but depressingly poured a cup of liquor. Then said bitterly, "Xiang Ge, can we really not go back to the past?" ZhouXiang was also not really in the mood to comfort him. He, himself is in a mess, not knowing how his matter with YanMingXiu progressed to." The celebratory dinner didn't end until sometime past 10pm. ZhouXiang didn't drink too much so he could have just left and drive away. But LanXiRong couldn't. Whether he was deliberately drunk or not, he leaned onto ZhouXiang's body, insisting that he's couldn't leave by him‐ self. Regardless of whether he could leave or not, he was reeking of alcohol. So, it's absolutely impossible for him to drive. LanXiRong came to this

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gathering because of ZhouXiang so ZhouXiang had no choice but to bear the responsibility of taking him home. LanXiRong look very thin, but he's tall and drunk so he's particularly heavy. ZhouXiang was breathless, sweating profusely in this winter weather as he took him home using the address he mentioned. Opening the door, he could see that this is a duplex apartment at a size more than 200 square meters. The décor is simple but very stylish. ZhouXiang couldn't help but think of the small house LanXiRong once rented. Now, it's a world of difference, he felt a bit envious. Right when he was in a dazed, LanXiRong's body heavily slumped for‐ ward. ZhouXiang quickly tried to hold onto him, but instead he was kicked by his long legs and lost his balance. He and LanXiRong both fell onto the clean wooden floor. LanXiRong panted as he leaned atop ZhouXiang body. His typically pair of almond-shaped eyes is especially dazzling. When he smiles, they looked pure and familiarly warm, captivating all those around him. But at this time, his eyes were full of drunkenness and desire. ZhouXiang felt that this would be bad so he quickly pushed LanXiRong away to stand up. LanXiRong immediately held his arm down, lowered his head and sealed his lips with ZhouXiang's lips. ZhouXiang furrowed his brows. LanXiRong's mouth is full of the stench of liquor, but this is not the main point. The main point is that this is likely his first time kissing a man, completely lacking in skills as he bit and grind his lips, even colliding against ZhouXiang's teeth. ZhouXiang calmly hit his waist. The pain made LanXiRong curled his body. 185

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ZhouXiang quickly pushed him away and got up from the ground, sul‐ lenly uttering, "Don't drink so much next time. You don't normally drink." He knew that LanXiRong is not drunk because drunks would not have such tremendous strength. LanXiRong voiced hoarsely, "Xiang Ge. Why didn't you wait for me?" He said this phrase so quietly that it's almost as if he was saying it for himself to hear. ZhouXiang didn't answer him as he picked up his cell phone that had dropped on the ground. He left without turning back. He had thought that YanMingXiu would definitely not come home tonight so he didn't expect that the lights at home to be brightly turned on. When ZhouXiang got into the house, sure enough, YanMingXiu was sit‐ ting on the couch, not watching TV or reading, but sitting as if he was in deep thoughts. Seeing that he had returned, he glanced at him, his ex‐ pression turning pale. ZhouXiang stood at the door in disbelief, "You... you're back." YanMingXiu said coldly, "Shouldn't I be the one to be saying that? You had dinner until now? The restaurant didn't have to close?" YanMingXiu glanced at the clock on the wall; it was almost two o'clock. ZhouXiang responded, "We went drinking after eating. These people are too wild. If I had known that you're home, I would have came back ear‐ lier." "Why wouldn't I be home?" YanMingXiu asked. ZhouXiang hesitated, "Today, WangYuDong..." YanMingXiu's face is even more gloomy, "It has nothing to do with you, don't mention it." ZhouXiang changed his shoes into slippers, took off his jacket and hung it on the clothes hanger, carefully observing YanMingXiu's face as he sat next to him. 186

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YanMingXiu said with a sullen face, "I've called you several times. Why didn't you pick up?" "Oh, the phone was out of battery. The screen of this phone uses a lot of battery." ZhouXiang also deliberately took out his cell phone from his pocket wanting to prove what he had just said. But instead, with just a push of a button, the screen lit up. ZhouXiang was shocked as he looked down at the screensaver, which turned out to be a fashion picture of LanXiRong. YanMingXiu's sharp-eyes also noticed it. With lightning speed, he grabbed the phone, his expression extremely unsightly. ZhouXiang immediately knew how this could have happened. That year was the first generation release of the iPhone. It was so hotly popular. The entertainment industry is full of people wanting to follow the trends. ZhouXiang also inevitably feel the pressure, so he also got one. Now most people around him are using it. It's all the same phones so sometimes it's easy to get confused. Seeing LanXiRong's picture, ZhouXiang almost immediately thought about it. His out of battery cell phone is still in the pocket of his coat. But he mistakenly grabbed LanXiRong's phone thinking it was his own. How is he going to explain this? YanMingXiu shook the phone in his hand with the glaring screensaver, his face a bit fierce, "Do you want to explain this?" ZhouXiang's thought quickly for a moment but then decided to tell the truth. "Yes.... he got drunk and can't drive so I took him home. His phone fell onto the ground and I took it thinking it was mine." YanMingXiu very fiercely said, "ZhouXiang, are you turning a deaf ear to what I said? I've fucking told you to not have any more contact with him!" YanMingXiu's anger that had all been accumulated the entire day ex‐ ploded. He took the cell phone and ruthlessly threw it on the ground.

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End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 26 - I Am Nothing…. ⦘

Chapter 26 - I Am Nothing.... Chapter 26 -- I Am Nothing.... ZhouXiang looked at the phone on the ground. He lowered his head and didn't speak. He didn't want to argue with YanMingXiu, but he was also tired of ex‐ plaining. Why did he have to suffer through this kind of skepticism for merely taking a drunk friend home? YanMingXiu's strong-willed and ar‐ rogance is absolutely not something that is just a day or two, but it is par‐ ticularly unbearable for him today. Perhaps it is because of the things that happened during the day that are still on his mind; YanMingXiu's at‐ titude, his eagerness in making it seem as though they have no connec‐ tion. Even though he tried to find a number of reasons to explain it, it still made him feel chillingly cold. When YanMingXiu saw that ZhouXiang wasn't speaking, he got even angrier. His mind continuously conjured up WangYuDong's lowly sigh and completely incomprehensible expression, questioning why he would get himself involve with someone like ZhouXiang. That expression is like needles piercing him. He started to be confused. Why is he with ZhouXiang? Is it only because he has a back silhouette similar to WangYuDong? Is it because WangYuDong is something he can't have, so he could only find a substi‐ tute. When did he become so pitiful? Although ZhouXiang is just a replacement, who had repeatedly told him that he likes him, he also broke their agreement behind his back (refer‐ ring to ZhouXiang meeting Lan). YanMingXiu had never been so humiliated. The furor within him surged. ZhouXiang's silence did not diminish his anger a bit. On the contrary, this implied affirmation from his silence made him even more furious. YanMingXiu lashed out fiercely, "Fucking talk! You promised me at the time that you won't have any contact with him unless you ran into him in 189

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the company. Were you fucking shitting me? You even went to his home! He's such a big star, why can't anyone else take him home, why does it have to be you!?" At this moment, this is not just a matter with LanXiRong, YanMingXiu just really needed some reason to vent out his violent emotions. ZhouXiang looked up, his face is no longer of his usual easy-going smil‐ ing self; he merely softly responded, "MingXiu, let's stop quarrelling okay? I'm only taking a drunk person home, do you need to have this big of a reaction?" His voice is full of fatigue. The effort it took him to sup‐ press the discontent in his heart is enough to drain all his energy. YanMingXiu coldly retorted, "You've already taken him to his home, why bother coming back? I've heard from people that the both of you use hang out together all the time. He can just casually to your home any‐ time. If it wasn't because I am here, wouldn't the two of you have contin‐ ued on rekindling your loving relationship?" The more YanMingXiu spoke, the more he felt like he was being an un‐ reasonable asshole. But he couldn't stop himself. He is like a bystander, looking on helplessly as his mouth spitted out these words. He didn't know what he was thinking. Maybe he wanted to see ZhouXiang angry, maybe he just wants to rile up ZhouXiang's temper. This person baffles him, making the distance between him and WangYuDong further and further apart. Even when WangYuDong saw them (YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang) hugging each other, and he obviously knew that there is no hope between him and WangYuDong, he never wanted WangYuDong to know about his and ZhouXiang's matters. It made him angry, made him panic, made him want to immediately set things straight. ZhouXiang suddenly stood up, his expression gloomy. "MingXiu, I don't want to argue with you. Think about this yourself on whether you're be‐ ing reasonable or not. I'll leave for the night." He grabbed his jacket in‐ tending to leave, not wanting to stay for even another moment. The longer he stays, the more that he's afraid he will..... YanMingXiu gripped his shoulder and shoved him against the wall, look‐ ing at him viciously, "You dare to leave?" His astonishing strength is frightening; ZhouXiang could feel his shoulders bones shattering.

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ZhouXiang gripped onto YanMingXiu's arm and shouted, "Let go! When the fuck are you going to stop this shit!" YanMingXiu was momentarily startled. The two had known each other for almost a year. ZhouXiang had never given him such attitude, let alone yell at him. YanMingXiu is so enraged that his hands are shaking. As if it wasn't enough that he was feeling unbearable in front of WangYuDong, now even ZhouXiang dared to anger him and over some‐ one like LanXiRong, who looked like a girl! He didn't give much thought before slapping ZhouXiang in the face. His lips trembling, "You're getting angry at me over him?" ZhouXiang was slapped-stupid with this move, he looked at Yan‐ MingXiu in disbelief. The saying goes, never hit someone on the face. This slap on the face is extremely insulting under the circumstances, as can be seen from ZhouXiang's livid expression. He immediately pushed YanMingXiu away and shouted, "When are you going to grow up! If I was really to have something going on with LanXiRong, would it have waited till now? How I, ZhouXiang, have been treating you, you really can't see it? Not even having a bit of trust in me, are all my fucking efforts during this time for feeding a dog!" "Are you regretting it? Regretted for not being with your sensible LanXiRong?" "What does this have to do with him? There was never anything between us. All this is in your fucking mind. I also wanted to ask you, when we were both out on the balcony today, what the hell was that? You're not even afraid of your parents knowing, but afraid of WangYuDong know‐ ing? Are you that ashamed to be with me?" ZhouXiang unleashed every‐ thing that had been suppressing his heart, feeling a sense of relief. But looking at YanMingXiu's unsightly face, his heart dully ached. He didn't know if this would be the end between him and YanMingXiu. They have been together for this long and have never had any arguments so there was no way for him to even predict the consequences of such a dispute.

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Just when ZhouXiang mentioned WangYuDong, YanMingXiu's entire person felt like exploding, his expression chilling as he pointed at ZhouXiang's nose, shouting, "My business is not for you to talk about, who the fuck do you think you are!" ZhouXiang's lips tremble. He wanted to refute, but his heart seems to be caught by something, so he couldn't say it. YanMingXiu have all these expectations of him, although it all seems to be very immature but he wanted YanMingXiu to care about him. How‐ ever, even at this point, he is still not qualified to question YanMingXiu's way of doing things. After being together for nearly a year, this is the first time this serious contradiction is presented so clearly in front of ZhouXiang, so much that even though he wanted to evade, it's now impossible for him to turn a blind eye. Because YanMingXiu is so merciless. Having been together for this long, ZhouXiang thought they were on the right track. But in the end, it was all his delusion. YanMingXiu is too proud and too arrogant. Is everything that he had done still not enough? ZhouXiang didn't want to continue arguing anymore; otherwise it would get even uglier later on. He nodded, "I, ZhouXiang, is nothing." He pulled away YanMingXiu's hand that was gripping onto his arm, then grabbed his jacket and walked out the door. He had completely forgotten that this is actually his home. In fact, he had long ago also thought of this as YanMingXiu's home as well. But now, it is full of disappointment and sadness, he really can't make himself stay any longer. YanMingXiu felt his empty palm as he looked at ZhouXiang's back. He couldn't bear to see him leaving just like that. He rushed over and grabbed ZhouXiang, "Where the fuck are you going?"

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ZhouXiang faintly responded, "MingXiu, I can't control you, but you also can't control me. Your double standards can't be that serious." He pushed YanMingXiu away and left without turning back. YanMingXiu looked at the completely empty corridor, only feeling the cold breeze wheezing by, tearing his skin. ZhouXiang drove around the city aimlessly, having nowhere to go. If it was before, he would definitely not hesitate to go to CaiWei's home, be it a bed or couch; he just needed a place to sleep for a night. However, CaiWei has a family now and his wife is pregnant. ZhouXiang can't be that insensitive as to go there to disturb their tranquility. When a person forms a family, it would seem like he's being wrapped in an invis‐ ible film, no longer belonging to himself, and of course, no longer be‐ longing to friends. Gradually, the times that ZhouXiang and CaiWei got together are fewer and fewer. ZhouXiang will no longer just freely call CaiWei in the middle of the night to tell him to get up to play games. As the friends around him gradually have their own lives, ZhouXiang felt even more and more lonely. It was if the people around him are dis‐ appearing one by one, leaving only him alone. He also wanted to have a family, wanted to get married, but he lacked the conditions (as he's gay.) Maybe because after the age of 30, with many of his friends already mar‐ ried or have an established career, people would naturally have the mind of wanting to belong. Even without anyone's urging, he inevitably also felt a bit anxious. But finding a man to settle down is too hard. Obvi‐ ously, he knew that YanMingXiu is not that person but he really likes him. He just wants to... just want to gamble this once, to try so he won't regret later on. He always felt that he had done quite well. But today's matters clearly showed him how much all his efforts was worth. This is too painful. ZhouXiang didn't know what to do. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 27 - Not Wanting To Give Up ⦘

Chapter 27 - Not Wanting To Give Up Chapter 27 -- Not Wanting To Give Up ZhouXiang finally couldn't stand it and found a hotel to sleep for the night. That place is obviously his home, but it seems like he was kicked out. He slept till noon before he woke up from hunger. After he got up, he sat on the bed in this unfamiliar hotel for a long time, thinking about everything that had happened the day before. The more he thought, the more his head hurt. He washed up and went downstairs to check out. This is the noisiest time in the afternoon. The sunlight pierced his eyes. With such nice weather, his mood was still so gloomy. He sat in the car for a long time, finally deciding to go home. He can't just continue to not go home. No matter what, escaping is mean‐ ingless. He regretted a bit having argued with YanMingXiu yesterday. He obvi‐ ously knew that YanMingXiu temper is like that, yet he still argued with him. But if he really did hold back yesterday, the words that Yan‐ MingXiu said later would have made it even harder for him to control himself. He no longer felt angry. His feelings of being hurt had past. When he calmed down and pondered over it, he was still unwilling to break up with YanMingXiu like this. He had already put in a lot of effort into this relationship, how could it be that easy for him to let go? Even if YanMingXiu doesn't like him, he can't control himself from liking Yan‐ MingXiu.

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So he decided to go home. If YanMingXiu is home, they would calmly sit down and discuss peacefully. There is just some misunderstanding be‐ tween them. Maybe it would be all fine after they talked about it. So he quickly drove back home. But what made him disappointed was that YanMingXiu wasn't even home. As soon as he got into the home, he saw the cell phone that was thrown on the ground. He walked over to pick it up. The screen is cracked but it is obviously still on. However, it is impossible for him to decipher the in‐ formation on the screen because it was too shattered but he could still see that there were many missed calls. ZhouXiang charged his own phone, wanting to give LanXiRong call. But right when he was about the make the call, he remembered that LanXiRong's cell phone is in his hands. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He simply took someone's cell phone. Thinking that LanXiRong is such a busy person, there must be many calls for many important things. He didn't know what kind of interference this could have caused for LanXiRong. He quickly called CaiWei to have the call forwarded to LanXiRong's as‐ sistant. After connecting the call, LanXiRong was really with his assis‐ tant. "Hey? Xiang Ge?" LanXiRong's voice is tinged with a hint of surprise. "XiRong, Sorry. I have your phone with me." "What?" "When I took you home last night, your phone fell on the ground and since we have the same model phone, I thought that it was my phone so I took it. But, I accidentally dropped and cracked it." When LanXiRong heard it, he sounded relieved. "Oh, it's just great that it's not lost. The phone's condition isn't that big of a deal. The most im‐ portant thing is that there are many other phone numbers and information on there. If someone was to have gotten a hold of it, it will be trouble‐ some."

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"I'm really sorry. I got it all mix up yesterday. Where are you? I'll go and buy a new phone and send it over to you." "No need Xiang Ge. It's fine. I'll to your home to get it back..... Or, I can get it back from anywhere you want. You don't have to buy me a new one. So many fans give me cell phones; I can't even use it all." ZhouXiang is particularly embarrassed, "That's not right, I'll buy you one. After all, I'm the one that broke it." "Xiang Ge. You really don't have to. I have a lot of cells phones at home. It'll be a waste even if you buy me one. I only need the card inside. How about this, let's meet at the coffee shop we used to go to?" "Okay, that's fine." ZhouXiang took a shower and ate something. Then, drove to the coffee shop not too far from his home. The time was just right. He didn't sit for too long before LanXiRong arrived. LanXiRong was still wearing the similar attire from last time; huge black sunglasses with a scarf covering his mouth; his face is almost completely concealed. If one wasn't looking at him carefully, one can't tell who he is at all. At this time, there were very few patrons in the cafe. The two were sit‐ ting in a secluded corner. After LanXiRong sat down, he removed his sunglasses and his scarf, then relaxingly looked around the café. He sighed, "There's barely any change here." "Yeah," The rented apartment where LanXiRong use to live was not far from here. It didn't have internet connection so he would often come here to go online. ZhouXiang would come hang out with him if he didn't have anything to do. This was a very leisure time period in their lives. But right now with LanXiRong across from him, ZhouXiang would worry that he would get recognized. ZhouXiang gave the phone back to him, "I'm really sorry. Giving you the phone back with it cracked like this. I also drank too much yesterday." LanXiRong smiled and said, "Xiang Ge. It's really fine. I was really anx‐ ious after realizing that the phone was missing this morning. But fortu‐

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nately, it is with you. If it ended up in the hands of people with malicious intent, it would be troublesome." ZhouXiang teased, "Why, are there some sex photos in there?" "No sex photos, just a lot of tabloid worthy gossip." ZhouXiang pitifully expressed, "It's too bad that the screen is cracked." LanXiRong smiled, "Xiang Ge. Even if you were to read it, I'm not afraid. You're not one to gossip. You're a trustworthy person." ZhouXiang smiled, "I hope this didn't interfere too much with your mat‐ ters." "There's really not. My assistant couldn't get in touch with me today so came to my home to wake me up. Xiang Ge, you are really heartless, you just left me on the floor yesterday." ZhouXiang embarrassingly, "You weren't drunk at all." "But you shouldn't have just left me on the ground. In any case, you should have taken me to the couch." Just when ZhouXiang was about to talk, two waiters excitedly came over and whispered, "Excuse me, are you LanXiRong?" LanXiRong looked up at and glanced at them, then lightly smiled. The two little girls blushed and stuttered. "Really, you're really him? Can you please give us an autograph?" LanXiRong took the book handed over by them. He quickly signed his name and then smiled softly, "Ladies, I'd like to talk to my friend here. After this, can you please not disturb us?" "Of course. Of course, thank you." The two of them walked back and left. ZhouXiang scoffed, "I really didn't expect that you would have such a day."

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LanXiRong also smiled, "I also didn't expect it. More than a year ago, I was only getting ¥1,500 for my modeling jobs. Fortunately, I had you at the time. Otherwise, it would have being so unbearable being in alone in Beijing." The two men sipped the fragrant coffee and slowly reminisced about their past; sometimes they would laugh out aloud; sometimes they'd get very emotional. This is the first time since they have met up with such harmonious atmosphere, sitting and chatting, with no apologies, no ulte‐ rior intentions, no disputes, nothing but just old friends chatting along. They talked for three hours. At this time, LanXiRong's phone rang. He mentioned that he had a social gathering to attend at night. But seeing ZhouXiang's expression seemingly depressed, he asked if he wanted to go. There are still a lot of things on ZhouXiang's mind. He really wasn't in the mood to be socializing so the two left separately. After ZhouXiang returned home, he realized that YanMingXiu still haven't returned. He hesitated again and again, but still called Yan‐ MingXiu. What he didn't expect was that the phone was turned off. He threw the phone aside in frustration. His entire person feeling dispir‐ ited. Although he felt that he was very inept, he was still worried. He was worried that YanMingXiu would break up with him just like that.... but he never wanted to give up that easily. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 28 - Begging Yan‐ MingXiu To Stay Chapter 28 -Begging YanMingXiu To Stay ZhouXiang received a call from CaiWei in the evening. CaiWei was very excited to tell him that Director Wang might be working with WangYuDong again on his next film and that WangYuDong's company still wanted him to be his stuntman. ZhouXiang was very surprised, "Director Wang would still work with WangYuDong? How could that be when they can barely get along?" "Director Wang is not willing but the investor wanted to use WangYuDong. The box office would be guaranteed with him. They're in the midst of negotiating over this at the moment. There should be a com‐ promise in the end." ZhouXiang felt a bit exhausted, "Wei Ge, this time I don't want to be in it." "What? Why?" "You know what happened last time. WangYuDong definitely won't see me pleasing to his eyes. I also feel a bit awkward. You say, what happens if the two of them go at it and use me as the scapegoat? I'd be too un‐ lucky. This money, I rather not earn. I don't want to drown in this muddle water." "Your concern is also reasonable, but our President Wang is also one of the main investors this time. He wouldn't be that petty." "I feel that he finds me aggravating, might as well avoid it. I really don't want to do it." If it was only because of what happened last time, ZhouX‐ iang isn't too worried. But WangYuDong had already found out about him and YanMingXiu. If he didn't give him that detestable expression, it

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would be strange. Not to mention working together, he'd rather stay as far away from him as possible. CaiWei said pitifully, "Alright, it's your own business. I have other work for you anyway." "By the way, LanXiRong is going to play the supporting male role. He's now the company's sole popular artist. President Wang has really put in a lot of effort on him." "That's a good thing. This kid can carry the weight. He's never failed to live up to President Wang's expectations." CaiWei echoed his words, "Right, he actually thought you would con‐ tinue to be WangYuDong's stuntman and was ecstatic saying that you guys would be acting in the same scenes. Even if you can't reveal your face, he was still happy. This kid is very grateful, wanting to repay you. He's really good to you." ZhouXiang smiled, "How could this be considered as having scenes to‐ gether? He should be concentrating on his acting. I'm a martial arts stunt‐ man, how can I be acting in the same scenes with him?" "You can resolve that yourself when he comes and complain to you." The two of them chatted about other things and then ended the call. ZhouXiang looked at the calendar. It's been three days since his fight with YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu had not returned and is not answering his phone. He's always like this, completely ignoring and neglecting peo‐ ple whenever he felt like it. ZhouXiang can't even do anything about it. Just when he was about to find something to eat, he heard sounds coming from the front door. Someone is opening the door from the outside. ZhouXiang bolted in to the living room and sure enough, YanMingXiu opened the door and came in. ZhouXiang was a little excited, "You're back." YanMingXiu looked at him coldly, "Need to get something." As he was saying this, he went to the study to grab a folder from a drawer. 200

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ZhouXiang followed him into the study and closed the door. He says se‐ riously, "MingXiu, let's talk about it?" "Don't have time," YanMingXiu didn't lift his head. He checked the con‐ tents of the folder and intended to leave. ZhouXiang stopped in front of the door and unrelentingly said, "MingXiu, let's talk." YanMingXiu glared at him, "We shouldn't have anything to do with each other right? There's nothing to talk about." ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "I was very anxious that day. Both of us weren't calm. In fact, it's just a misunderstanding. Can we just talk this through? I'll be first to swear, there is nothing between LanXiRong and me. I only have you in my heart. We've been together for this long, are we really going to let this misunderstanding cause an irreparable rift be‐ tween us?" YanMingXiu's chilly armor slowly dissipated a bit, but he still looked at ZhouXiang angrily. Lacking a bit of confidence, ZhouXiang asked, "You also like me a little bit right?" YanMingXiu is stunned. He didn't know how to answer this. Like? The person he likes is someone who can never belong to him, WangYuDong. Not a substitute replacement. How could he have made ZhouXiang think that? What made ZhouXiang thinks that he likes him? This made him terrified. With ZhouXiang ask‐ ing such a question, he felt resentful. This obviously created some doubts in his feelings (toward WangYuDong). Is it because he and ZhouXiang are too close? So close that he's forgot‐ ten to keep that distance? He never wanted ZhouXiang to have such an illusion. ZhouXiang is already use to use to not getting the answer that he wanted to hear, yet it never made him feel dejected even once.

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He even has the feeling that no matter how much effort he puts in, he still won't be able to move YanMingXiu's heart. This relationship is re‐ ally like a bottomless pit. He had put in a lot, yet the other party wasn't even willing to give him a word of encouragement. When will this ever end? Even for ZhouXiang, who had always been an optimistic and openminded person, he has also tasted bitter failure in this situation. At the same time that ZhouXiang was feeling frustrated, YanMingXiu was also very much alarmed. He enjoyed living with ZhouXiang, but he doesn't want to be romantically involved with him. Maybe agreeing to live with him initially was a reckless and wrong decision to start with. Now that that a problem has occurred, he needs to promptly fix it. "I think I should move out." When YanMingXiu said this, the palm of his hand was sweating, his lips felt heavy. Why is he hesitating? ZhouXiang suddenly looked up at him; his expression is that of utter panic, "MingXiu!" ZhouXiang's shoulder depressingly drooped. It's not that he didn't know what YanMingXiu was thinking. YanMingXiu only wanted to have a companion and not be emotionally involved. This is completely different from his (ZhouXiang) intent. Having casual flings in the circle is a very common occurrence. People getting together with this easy-come easy go mentality, sleeping around, having merely a com‐ panion, their livelihood is not considered to be lonely, but they never thought for it to be long-lasting. Day after day, until the time comes for one of them to think that it's time to break it off, they would just calmly and peacefully end it. It's a very harmonious relationship with no bitter fallout in the end. From the beginning when he and YanMingXiu started living together, they too have this mutually agreed mentality. It was him that deviated from those bounds. He wasn't satisfied with such relation‐ ship because he likes YanMingXiu. He wanted more but YanMingXiu didn't like him. Is it because he broke the rules so now there is nothing he could do to get the other party to follow along?

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He didn't want to end it with YanMingXiu just like this. He even can't accept it. He can only agonizingly urged, "MingXiu, It's just me thinking too much. Don't move out. Can we just go back to how we were, just like before ok?" He not willing... he's really not willing. If one can just break up with someone they love so easily, how much tears would be saved? YanMingXiu's heart felt especially pained; he even couldn't breathe smoothly. He wanted to get rid of this unfamiliar sentiment as soon as possible. Lowering his head depressingly, "Let's talk about it later," After saying that, he held onto this document intending to leave. ZhouXiang immediately hugged him, "MingXiu, we have been living well together all along. I hope that you won't leave." ZhouXiang has never begged anyone like this. He, himself, felt really ashamed, but he can't help it. YanMingXiu's cheeks brushed against ZhouXiang's hair, light and soft. It was a little itchy, shaking up his heart each and every time. This person likes him so much, he really wants to let this surname Lan see this. The grievance that he harbored because of LanXiRong disappeared in an instant. YanMingXiu stroked ZhouXiang's hair and muffled, "Then you and that surname Lan, can I still not have a say?" "How can you not?" ZhouXiang helplessly uttered, "You are my ances‐ tor." YanMingXiu's expression finally eased. ZhouXiang took this time to say a lot of coaxing words. This crisis is fi‐ nally able to smoothly pass. Only ZhouXiang knew it himself, that the closer he is to YanMingXiu, the more he wanted him. But the more he wanted him, the more he has to restrain himself. Continuing to live with YanMingXiu is definitely not a good idea, but he's really not willing to part.

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He hopes that he can freely and easily let go of YanMingXiu one day. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 29 - Finding Out About YanMingXiu's Family Chapter 29 -- Finding Out About YanMingXiu's Family Very soon, it was almost the New Year's holiday. ZhouXiang realized that YanMingXiu's mood is getting worse and worse with each passing day. At times, he would often hide himself in the study room for a long time. Sometimes he would just sit in front of the TV, not saying a word. One day, ZhouXiang finally couldn't help himself from asking whether his business wasn't going well. After all, the year-end is usually very busy. He actually never knew what YanMingXiu does. It seems to be related to finance or investment banking and the like. But those are things ZhouXi‐ ang don't understand and have always been too lazy to ask. He knew that YanMingXiu has good income. The things he buys are always the best. The two never did separate their spending for the home; it's always been whoever buying whatever they need, neither of them really bickered over financial matters. Borrowing YanMingXiu's glory, ZhouXiang also got to use many good things. Generally, there are many pressing things that needed to be resolved at the end of the year so being busy is inevitable. Even ZhouXiang, who usually doesn't have to go to work, had to go help prepare for the com‐ pany's annual meeting these days. Seeing YanMingXiu's expression, he's obviously been overworked. YanMingXiu shook his head, "It's nothing," After that, he sullenly went into the room. ZhouXiang wanted to help him but even with good intentions, he was powerless.

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Early this morning, ZhouXiang went to the company again. CaiWei made him the assistant to help with the planning and preparation of the annual meeting. The hotel venue has not yet been decided. ZhouXiang went with the event planner to scope out several hotels, but they have yet to find a suitable venue. He has just gotten into the company door when CaiWei saw him and pulled him over, his face full of caution as he uttered, "Ah Xiang, I really didn't think that you were this capable." ZhouXiang is baffled. "Did you know that Director Wang designated you to take part in the filming of this new movie? He said that he would give you a supporting role." ZhouXiang was surprised, "Really?" "Yes, really. How did you convince this old madman?" "I also don't know, maybe because I can relatively endure his craziness?" CaiWei scoffed and smiled, "That's possible, regardless, you can't miss this opportunity. How many people would want to snatch this chance to show their faces in his movies? After getting this role, maybe you'll never have to be a stuntman ever again." ZhouXiang is already thirty years old. In the first few years, he dreamt of hitting it big with a signature role. However, after drifting along for such a long time and having experienced so many things, he knew that even if he wanted to become famous and all the stars are aligned, it is something that is hard to attain. Especially with his ordinary conditions, he didn't think that this opportunity would really come. ZhouXiang's desire to be a star is not great, but he wanted to make more money. To pursue a better quality of life is human nature. Although ZhouXiang is not strongly materialistic, he didn't want to let go of the opportunity to make money. "But WangYuDong..."

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"Hey, why care about him? This time you're not his stuntman. It is Direc‐ tor Wang who insisted on you. You're not acting the same role as him. You can't possibly offend him. President Wang also supports you. You just get yourself ready to invite the screenwriter out for a meal so he can give you and LanXiRong a few more scenes." CaiWei happily patted his arm, "Ah Xiang, Wei Ge has always hoped to bring you to a better place, you're just on your own, you must make as much money as you can while you're still young." ZhouXiang said with a smile, "Thank you Wei Ge, then ... then, should I be contacting Director Wang's assistant?" "Yeah, go now, they're in the conference room." "What? Who?" "President Wang, Director Wang, and people from WangYuDong's side. Oh, there are also two other investors. It just so happened that they are here for a meeting. But LanXiRong has commitment and couldn't come." "That's not too appropriate right? So many people are in the meeting, what am I going to do in there?" "What are you afraid of? Aren't you part of the cast? Just go," CaiWei dragged him to the conference room. President Wang nodded at him. ZhouXiang greeted them one by one. Lastly, he smiled at Director Wang. This big director was extremely dif‐ ficult to please. ZhouXiang humbly felt a bit overwhelmed. Director Wang is still is usual self, responding but paying no attention, "Sit..." WangYuDong faintly glanced at him, his expression extremely chilling. ZhouXiang's heart trembled. It seems that WangYuDong's forbidding opinion of him is so great that he no longer even bothered with showing common courtesy. After all, YanMingXiu is his future brother-in law. Who would like his brother-in-law to be a homosexual and also be with someone that is around him? Just thinking about this is awkward.

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ZhouXiang also simply didn't look at him, trying to evade him as much as he could. WangYuDong didn't look at him but at President Wang and Director Wang. The atmosphere of the meeting was very strange. Several investors were trying to harmonize Director Wang and WangYuDong's relationship. Di‐ rector Wang is already sixty this year so nobody felt ashamed in sweettalking to him. But ZhouXiang seeing WangYuDong's expression, he's obviously doesn't look sincere. He felt that something will likely happen again in this film. When that time comes, he will stay away as far as pos‐ sible. After the meeting, Director Wang left with some people. The people from the company also dispersed. President Wang wanted to say a few words to him but then saw that WangYuDong was waiting for ZhouXi‐ ang not too far away. ZhouXiang knew what he wanted to say. He most certainly didn't want to go. President Wang looked between the two, "YuDong, are you looking for ZhouXiang?" WangYuDong nodded. "I'll recommend another stuntman for you. I know one that is quite suit‐ able." WangYuDong smiled politely. "Thank you, Wang Ge, I'll look into it when I have time." President Wang raised an eyebrow, "Then you guys go ahead. ZhouXi‐ ang, you come to my office after you're done." After saying that, President Wang and CaiWei left. With only the two of them remaining in the conference room, ZhouXi‐ ang smiled politely, "Dong Ge, is there something the matter?" "I heard that you didn't want to be my stuntman this time?" ZhouXiang nodded, "I have been working too much recently, too busy..." 208

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"ZhouXiang, stop with the lies. This supporting role has way more scenes than my stuntman. How do you have the time?" ZhouXiang smiled awkwardly, "Dong Ge, It's not easy for me to get a role, can you be a bit more understanding?" "How can I not, but we have worked together several times after all. You're asking me to change to someone else in this instant; I'm a bit not use to it. What if the new stuntman is not as skilled as you? It will reduce my performance in the movie. How can I not care?" ZhouXiang sweated coldly, "Dong Ge, you think..." "Not that I think. Aren't you doing this because of the matter with MingXiu, wanting to hide from me? The entertainment circle is so big, can you really hide?" ZhouXiang didn't say anything. "With MingXiu's matters, it is reasonable to say that I don't have the right to have a say, but I dare not let his sister know. MingXiu has a promising future in front of him; he can't possibly continue to be in‐ volved with you." ZhouXiang secretly clenched his fist but still did not speak. "ZhouXiang," WangYuDong said with heartfelt sincerity, "Honest people don't say deceitful words. I know what you are scheming. To be a part of the Yan family, you won't have any worries your entire life. But you are a smart person. How can you not know? You're both men. Can you have his child? Or marry him? If you provoke their family, nobody can protect you. We've known each other for three to four years. I'm sincerely giving you a few cautionary words. For you to be able to get this role is already very good. Stop while you still can." WangYuDong's remarks were quite rude. ZhouXiang was so furious that he was trembling. Why beat around the bushes in insulting people, it'd be much more satisfying to simple point him in the nose and say that he wants to live off of the Yan family.

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The problem is...he doesn't even fucking know anything about Yan‐ MingXiu's family. WangYuDong looked at ZhouXiang's livid expression as he smiled scornfully, "ZhouXiang, MingXiu's sister and I will be engaged on New Year's Day. At that time, our relationship will be announced. I will be considered a part of the Yan family. You say, if people were to dig up this news and find out that my future brother-in-law and my stuntman are in‐ volved, isn't this enough to entertain them for half a year? Will you be bearing the consequences? I don't believe you want to." ZhouXiang said gloomily, "We never intended for the public know about us, you're thinking too much." WangYuDong sneered, "How many secrets in this circle are forced by the involved parties to be exposed regardless of their unwillingness?" ZhouXiang clenched his fist, fearing that he wouldn't be able to control himself from wanting to swear at someone. He's not naïve nor inexperi‐ enced, he knows who he can't afford to offend. WangYuDong looked at him, "Regarding the issue with my stuntman, it's still better for you to do it. I don't trust others. This film is heavily in‐ vested. It's a vital role for me to enter the Asian market. I don't want my image to be affected because the martial arts are not up to par. I still trust you more. You'll be satisfied with the pay. I've said it as such, you can't possibly not give me face?" ZhouXiang endured and endured, so much that he was suppressing his heart and lungs from exploding. He told himself that this is how the world is and this is life. He nodded as he gritted his teeth, "Dong Ge said it as such, I dare not." WangYuDong nodded with satisfaction as he looked at ZhouXiang's ex‐ pression. He knew that his two goals have been achieved today. He walked over and patted ZhouXiang's shoulder. "What I told you today, go back and think it over. I don't oppose if you work more but I'm advis‐ ing you to break up with MingXiu sooner. You may not like to hear these words, but I'm really saying it for your own good."

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Long after WangYuDong left, ZhouXiang was not able to come back to his senses. He stood in the conference room for a long time until his legs were numb. He laughed at himself and turned away from the meeting room, heading straight to President Wang's office. President Wang is reading a book with his legs crossed. ZhouXiang sat down on the sofa next to him. President Wang, "It's nothing important, I just wanted to say a few things. For one, if there are any issues with Di‐ rector Wang and WangYuDong, let me know immediately. Two, I'm try‐ ing to increase your screen time; you have to grasp onto this opportunity. In fact, you are quite unique. Seizing the opportunity might get you pop‐ ular." ZhouXiang nodded with his heart beating extremely fast. After consider‐ ing it again and again, he finally couldn't help but ask, "President Wang, can I mentioned a bit of gossip?" "Ohhh? What gossip?" "Regarding WangYuDong's girlfriend. He told me that he's getting en‐ gaged." "Oh, you know it too, yeah, New Year's Day, I'm also invited." "He... his girlfriend's family, what is her background? I heard that it's very impressive?" President Wang shook his head with a smile. "This news is way too old. It's not a particularly big secret. It may have been before but now that the two are stable, WangYuDong can't wait for the world to know." ZhouXiang only felt a gust of anxiety rising to his head, "President Wang, don't play this guessing game with me, just tell me directly." President Wang narrowed his eyes and embarrassingly uttered, "Is it that difficult to guess? How many families have the surname 'Yan' in Bei‐ jing? Isn't there only one?" ZhouXiang blinked and it suddenly dawned on him, "Yan...YanDe‐ Jiang?"

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"Yeah, which other family can make WangYuDong arrogant like this, humph." President Wang snorted and sneered. "This pretty boy really got himself into an influential family, this round he should be feeling exuber‐ ant." ZhouXiang's entire body exuded cold sweat. If he doesn't even know YanDeJiang, who often appears in the news net‐ work from time to time, then he's been living in this information age in vain. Although he used to think that the surname 'Yan' was quite unique, but even if he was to borrow and put ten minds together, he would never have guessed that YanMingXiu would be YanDeJiang's grandson. This powerfully wealthy character in Beijing, how could they be of the same world? This is just ridiculous, completely ridiculous. President Wang saw his paled face and wondered, "What's wrong? It's not that shocking right? It's just that the male god (referring to WangYuDong) is getting married." ZhouXiang shook his head, "I just didn't think..." "Who would have thought that back then when WangYuDong's father wanted to send some gifts (as in raising the family's societal position), he couldn't even touch these doors. They no longer have to worry about this. He's really raised a good son (since his son is marrying into the prestigious Yan family)." President Wang's tone is a bit disdainful. He is also from a third generation wealthy family, but is not the same level as the 'Yan' family. For WangYuDong, who used to also depend on him, right now, he can use his relation with the family to suppress him. His felt a bit of discontent. The two of them chatted for a while. President Wang revealed a lot of how pompous WangYuDong had become after dating this Miss. Yan. ZhouXiang was not in any mood to listen. His mind was constantly on YanMingXiu.

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He finally understood how YanMingXiu's unique character was culti‐ vated. It has got to be hard for him to be willing to cram himself into an old shabby house of no more than 70 square meters (753 sq.ft) with him. Soon, it'll be a year. ZhouXiang felt that this is becoming increasingly unreal. On the way home, ZhouXiang is completely in a daze, so much that he almost hit the car he was tailgating. He thought about it all the way home, finally deciding on pretending that he didn't know. Except for YanMingXiu himself... he didn't know anything. Since YanMingXiu didn't tell him, he didn't need to ask. Continuing on like this is also good. End of the chapter

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Chapter 30 - Starting to See ZhouXiang Differently When YanMingXiu came back in the evening, he found ZhouXiang looking at him strangely. YanMingXiu had been agitated by the gradual approaching of his sister and WangYuDong's engagement ceremony so he hasn't really looked at ZhouXiang for many days. Bunching his brows, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" ZhouXiang reacted quickly, "It's nothing. I see that you've been absentminded recently. Even if you're busy at work, don't get yourself so worked up." YanMingXiu faintly responded with, "Yeah." ZhouXiang walked over and patted his face. "It's so unlike you to be like this. Why don't you take a few days off? I'm afraid that it's not safe for you drive in your condition." "I'm fine." YanMingXiu grabbed his hand and put it behind his back, then buried his face in his neck, gently biting along his sexually appealing collarbone." ZhouXiang softly asked, "Have you eaten yet?" "Yeah," YanMingXiu pressed him onto the couch and kissed him while pulling his clothes. The two had not done it for four to five days so as soon as they touched each other's bodies, their lust is instantly ignited. When YanMingXiu was vigorously thrusting into him from behind, ZhouXiang gasped and laughed softly, "Why do you like the back posi‐ tion so much?" YanMingXiu's movement slowed down. ZhouXiang moaned unbearably as he was forced to feel YanMingXiu scorching hot throbbing member 214

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inside of him. YanMingXiu lowered his head and uttered hoarsely, "Can get deeper this way." His hand lingered and gently caressed and stroked ZhouXiang's naked back, his glistening smooth back, constantly curved into seductive lines from his thrusts, aroused his desires to blistering heights. Although their backs are very similar, YanMingXiu is also clearly aware that he is becoming less and less able to pretend that ZhouXiang is WangYuDong. When he is fervently thrusting into this person, he no longer imagined that the person pressed beneath him is WangYuDong. He knew that the man who could bring him the ultimate thrills of plea‐ sure, the man whose body is astonishingly compatible with his, is ZhouXiang. Because ZhouXiang has been busy with the annual meeting, he's been out a lot more frequently every day. Sometimes when YanMingXiu comes home and can't see him, he'd feel agitated. This night when YanMingXiu returned home, ZhouXiang was once again not home so he just went into the study to go online. Searching the website, he inadvertently stumbled upon a gossip story that was more than half a month ago. The headline read, "LanXiRong and a friend drinking coffee, chatting happily." The photo was obviously taken secretly without their knowledge. Even though the person's back‐ drop is very blurry, YanMingXiu immediately recognized at a glance that the person sitting opposite of LanXiRong is ZhouXiang. Looking at the date, it was the second day of their big fight. YanMingXiu suppressed himself from closing the webpage. His hand hesitated for a long time between the mouse and the phone. But in the end, he didn't call ZhouXiang to ask him about this. However, his appre‐ hensions and dislike toward LanXiRong increased day by day. Although ZhouXiang promised him that there was nothing between him and LanXiRong, YanMingXiu could never forget the expression he first saw on LanXiRong when they first met, that kind of hostile, hateful look. He definitely doesn't believe that LanXiRong only saw ZhouXiang as a friend.

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When YanMingXiu thought of the two belonging to the same company and may be meeting in some places that he can't see, laughing and talk‐ ing as they are in this picture, he wished that ZhouXiang would resign. Not being able to get WangYuDong had already made him filled him with frustration. But if he even can't even control ZhouXiang, then he, YanMingXiu, is a complete loser. It just so happened that at this time, ZhouXiang came home. Not only did he come back, he also brought YanMingXiu his late-nigh snack. YanMingXiu didn't have any appetite. When he opened the door, he asked, "You saw LanXiRong on the 28th of last month?" ZhouXiang was a bit startled as he tried to recall. Then he remembered that was the day he gave LanXiRong back his cell phone. He cautiously observed YanMingXiu's expression, fearing that he would get angry again. He lowly muttered, "I was returning the phone to him. How did you know about that?" YanMingXiu smiled sarcastically, "It's already in the entertainment gos‐ sip. Why? So absorbed in your chatting that you didn't even know that someone had secretly taken your picture?" ZhouXiang sighed weakly. He's really tired of dealing with Yan‐ MingXiu's temper. He just wanted to turn around and leave. Fortunately this time YanMingXiu didn't intend to make it hard for him. He just expressionlessly took the late-night snack from his hand and muttered, "Good timing, I'm hungry." ZhouXiang breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time started to worry about something else. What if YanMingXiu knows that he and LanXiRong are going to be shooting in the same film? What will hap‐ pen? However, he hasn't read the script. Maybe he and LanXiRong won't have any scenes together. No matter what, he would never give up on such a good opportunity. Besides, this time he must also be WangYuDong's martial arts stuntman. Even if he wants to hide, he can't avoid

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LanXiRong. If he can hide this from YanMingXiu a day at a time, he just wants to keep doing that. ZhouXiang felt extremely exhausted when he thought of YanMingXiu going ballistic after finding out about this. Since he found out about YanMingXiu's family background, he felt that the distance between the two of them has reached to the point where it is very far away. He no longer harbored any hope that his relationship with YanMingXiu would last, nor does he know the meaning of them continu‐ ing to be involved in this moment. Even if he understands, he can't convince himself to give up. So with each calming peaceful days, ZhouXiang especially cherished it. He re‐ ally didn't want for anything to complicate the matters. The end of the year is quickly approaching, ZhouXiang was extremely busy. Just the procurement activities is already enough to make him busy non-stop for days. These days he actually saw President Wang who rarely appeared in the company twice. Hearing from his mouth, ZhouXi‐ ang found out that WangYuDong's engagement banquet will be held dur‐ ing the New Year's holiday. After the holiday, WangYuDong will be go‐ ing on a vacation with his fiancée. This just so happened to coincide with the launching ceremony of the new movie, with this date already set pre‐ viously. Director Wang is very displeased. It was heard that he even tore his wedding invitation. When President Wang said these words, he was very displeased. "So many artists and media will be attending the launching ceremony, how would it look if the male lead doesn't attend? This date was determined by the fortune master and was decided by everyone. Just because he had vacation plans with Miss Yan, he asked all of us to change the time. How is this reasonable? Now the two are in a deadlocked, not knowing whether the film can even start shooting smoothly." President Wang likely thought that ZhouXiang is not one to gossip and can be trusted. The heart of the matter is that ZhouXiang had no influ‐ ence in the circle so things that he normally won't talk to others about, he will tell him. ZhouXiang echoed President Wang words. Anyway, he was also displeased with WangYuDong.

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President Wang suddenly remembered something. "Hey? Didn't you say that you don't want to be his stuntman? Why did I hear CaiWei say that you're going to do it? Last time he asked you to stay, was it to talk about this?" ZhouXiang responded with, "Yeah, he said that he's afraid that the new‐ bies won't have the experience. He still hoped that I will do it." President Wang patted him on the shoulder, "That's also not a bad thing, just a bit tiring. CaiWei negotiated very good pay for you, guaranteed to make you satisfied." ZhouXiang smiled reluctantly, "That, I'm satisfied as long as I can make money." Before the New Year's arrived, the news of WangYuDong's impending engagement was already widely spread on the Internet, generating a lot of attention and also giving his fans enough mental preparation. WangYuDong poisedly admitted publicly that he will be engaged on New Year's Day. To protect his fiance's privacy, the engagement cere‐ mony will only be inviting close relatives and friends. He didn't want cause them any disturbance. Once this news got out, many of his fans were heartbroken. Everyone tried to guess who WangYuDong's mysterious fiancée is. Although most of the gossiping news is not very reliable, one thing is certain, and that is, this women's background is definitely not minor. Before the year ended, WangYuDong once again succeeded in generating publicity from another heated topic. When ZhouXiang came home, YanMingXiu was at home. ZhouXiang couldn't help but ask him, "Your older sister is getting engaged to WangYuDong?" YanMingXiu turned his face, the calm expression that he had exhibited previously suddenly changed, "Why are you asking about that?" ZhouXiang thought that YanMingXiu was being apprehensive of him (ZhouXiang) because he was asking about his family's business so he immediately voiced, "Isn't she your older sister? I'm just casually asking. If you don't want to say, that's fine." 218

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YanMingXiu has been terribly upset and confused, so much that he didn't even want to go to the engagement ceremony. He was worried that he wouldn't be able to control himself. With much difficulty, he asked, "What rumors did you hear?" ZhouXiang shook his head and pretended not to know, "I didn't hear any‐ thing." YanMingXiu didn't believe him. Even on the internet, there are many speculations regarding his sister's identity. ZhouXiang is in the entertain‐ ment circle, how could he not know? YanMingXiu didn't deliberately hide his family's identity from him. Back then, he just didn't think it was necessary for ZhouXiang to know and now how he also didn't want to tell ZhouXiang. He is worried that ZhouXiang's attitude towards him will change. If ZhouXiang starts to acts like all the others and grovel at him, he will feel disgusted. However, seeing ZhouXiang acting as though he is not in the least bit concerned made YanMingXiu curious. He couldn't help but ask, "So many people are trying to figure out who my sister is, don't you want to know?" ZhouXiang drank a mouth of water and nonchalantly replied, "Must be well-matched with WangYuDong." YanMingXiu raised his eyebrows, with ZhouXiang's attitude; it really saved him the trouble (because he didn't want to tell him). But it also made him feel quite confused. ZhouXiang glanced at him, seeming to know what he's thinking. He walked over to sit on his lap and smile as he pulled his neck close, "We've been together for almost a year, you didn't even mention your family so I'm going to guess that you don't want to tell me. I also don't want to ask. It doesn't affect anything, right?" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes at him and says softly, "Right." ZhouXiang leaned close and licked his lips. YanMingXiu slightly lifted his chin and their kiss lingered. Then as expected, this turned into an episode of intensive passionate sex.

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YanMingXiu is now even more dependent on ZhouXiang. Before, he would look for WangYuDong's shadow in ZhouXiang. Now he relied on ZhouXiang to forget about WangYuDong and his sister. This strong con‐ trast between the previous and the present actually occurred unexpect‐ edly in a very peaceful manner, so peaceful that he didn't even know when this change in his mind occurred. He only knew that when he and ZhouXiang are making frenzied passionate love, he could forget a lot of his troublesome matters. End of the chapter

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Chapter 31 - Two Wangs Butting Heads The company's annual meeting was held one week before Christmas. In addition to the company's employees, there were many people from the media. Up until that day, ZhouXiang was still busy working behind the scenes. LanXiRong, who should have been in the banquet hall, found him at the back of the hotel. Sneaking in a smoking break, ZhouXiang saw him and asked surpris‐ ingly, "How come you're over here?" LanXiRong smiled, "I've been looking for you all night, didn't expect you to hide here." "I am not hiding here. I was working back there. Hurry back, someone should be looking for you shortly." "I came out to take a breather." LanXiRong looked at him warmly, "Xi‐ ang Ge, you've worked hard." "It's nothing. It's not like I'm working for free." ZhouXiang extinguished his cigarette. "I didn't expect that we could act in a film together. I'm really looking forward to acting with you," LanXiRong said with some expectation. ZhouXiang stared blankly, "We have scenes together?" "Yes, you haven't read the script." "Oh, you're playing the role of WangYuDong's younger brother. We'll definitely have interactions." "No, it's not the part where you are his stuntman. The supporting role you're playing, we will have interaction." 221

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ZhouXiang smiled, "I don't know. My role is not that heavy. Director Wang didn't give me the script." "That's because the script isn't finished editing yet. President Wang helped secured a few more scenes for you. I've read the old script. Your role has good exposure. Xiang Ge, I'm really looking forward to it." LanXiRong's eyes sparkled as he looked at him without blinking. ZhouXiang heart is also a bit excited but he is embarrassed to show it, "I'll ask the screenwriter about it in a few days." "There will be a meeting after Christmas; you can ask him again then." "Okay." LanXiRong smiled faintly, "Xiang Ge, how are you spending Christmas? With your......boyfriend?" "Yea, should be. We're both too busy so we haven't talked about it yet." Although ZhouXiang had thought about it himself, he had yet to ask YanMingXiu. He didn't know whether he will be rejected. LanXiRong lowered his eyes dejectedly, "Xiang Ge, if you haven't made plans for Christmas, spend it with me. We can go eat hot pot." ZhouXiang smiled, "You're so busy; I don't think you have time." "If you're going to spend it with me, I will cancel everything. I'm seri‐ ous," LanXiRong looked at him very seriously. ZhouXiang lowered his head uncomfortably, "Let's talk about it later." The two people casually said a few words; LanXiRong glance at his watch and reluctantly returned to the banquet hall. ZhouXiang smoked one cigarette after another. He looked up at the blue sky; his mind was in chaos, thinking about everything but no results came up. When he returned home that night, it was almost two o'clock. He was busy for an entire day and is extremely exhausted. To his surprise, YanMingXiu wasn't asleep and seeming to be waiting up for him, making ZhouXiang felt very touched. 222

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YanMingXiu poured him a cup of hot water, "Come and have some wa‐ ter." ZhouXiang removed his coat and sat down on the table, his cold hand holding the warm cup. YanMingXiu looked at his frozen red face, reached out and caressed it, frowning, "You didn't drive? Freezing yourself like this." "I went to help move some things after the annual meeting ended." YanMingXiu definitely didn't like seeing ZhouXiang's exhaustive ex‐ pression. No matter how dazzling the entertainment circle might me, in YanMingXiu's opinion, the value in the work that ZhouXiang does is too insignificant. But still, ZhouXiang enjoys it. He asked softly, "Did LanXiRong also attended your annual meeting?" ZhouXiang froze, "Hmm." "Did you guys talked?" "......No, he was in the banquet hall. I was busy backstage. I didn't see him." ZhouXiang felt a bit guilty. Thinking about what LanXiRong said to him today, he was even more worried. He has been waiting for the op‐ portunity to tell YanMingXiu that he wanted to participate in WangYuDong's film and that LanXiRong is also in the film. But seeing YanMingXiu's attitude, he is even more afraid to speak. YanMingXiu nodded satisfactorily and then moved his hand from his face to his ears, "In the future, things that you shouldn't do, don't be proactive on it. What are you aiming for? Getting yourself so frozen like this." ZhouXiang naturally responded, "They are my colleagues; it's normal to help." YanMingXiu shook his head, "Go take a shower and sleep early." ZhouXiang finished drinking the water and went to take a comfortable hot shower. When he entered the bedroom, he saw that YanMingXiu had already lied down. 223

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He got into bed and embraced YanMingXiu from behind, softly murmur‐ ing, "MingXiu, do you have any plans for Christmas?" YanMingXiu turned around, "What do you want to do?" ZhouXiang smiled, "Are you letting me plan Christmas? Then you're giving me your time that day?" YanMingXiu nodded, "This kind of holiday is no big deal, nothing spe‐ cial." "Join in on the fun. Let's go eat and then watch a movie? Last time a friend recommended a Western restaurant, saying that it has great am‐ biance. There is a three month reservation waiting list. This friend of mine knows the boss. I can find him to make arrangement?" "Okay, you do that." YanMingXiu is not interested in these kinds of fes‐ tive holidays but seeing how important it seems to be for ZhouXiang, he is also willing to accompany ZhouXiang in the excitement. He added, "Then I'll book the hotel. Let's change a place......" Change a place to do what?... Naturally it goes without saying that is to have sex in a different place. ZhouXiang smiled wickedly, "Good idea. I just want to say that." YanMingXiu put a hand on his waist; his dark black eyes looked quietly at ZhouXiang through the rays of moonlight. ZhouXiang felt himself being sucked in by YanMingXiu's expression. So much that he couldn't look away. The two of them looked at each other so serenely. They had not look at each other this closely for a long time. ZhouXiang lowered his voice, "What are you thinking?" "Nothing." ZhouXiang smiled lightly, "MingXiu, I feel very happy now. You?" YanMingXiu blinked and gently 'hmm' a sound. He didn't say yes nor say no, just a simply a 'hmm'. ZhouXiang smiled and closed his eyes. 224

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YanMingXiu leaned closer and wrapped his strong arms around ZhouXi‐ ang's back, almost wanting to put ZhouXiang into his arms. Although with ZhouXiang's body shape, this posture is a bit funny, YanMingXiu could feel ZhouXiang's breaths on his neck. He felt very warm. Let's just be like this; there is nothing wrong with it. ----On Christmas Day, YanMingXiu came back early. ZhouXiang was wait‐ ing for him at home. After YanMingXiu changed, they took advantage of the time and started to head out early. This day is both a holiday and a Friday. The traffic congestion is so bad that it's slower than walking. Fortunately, the restaurant is not far from them. A distance that usually takes them 15 minutes took an hour today. The restaurant is also packed today but the ambiance within is very quiet, a stark contrast to the crowds outside. Many couples sat around them. Two grown men having a candlelight dinner directly facing each other is a bit awkward. Especially with Yan‐ MingXiu's looks, it is even more eye-catching. Almost everyone had to sneak a glance at them. ZhouXiang didn't expect to have such an awkward scene so he kept pay‐ ing attention to YanMingXiu's expression, fearing that he would get an‐ gry. But YanMingXiu acted as though there were nobody else around. Seeing ZhouXiang looking at him, he even laughed, "Why are you so nervous? Don't let strangers influence your mood." Only then ZhouXiang feel relieved. He smiled, "Are you used to being ogle at?" YanMingXiu shrugged his shoulders lightly and didn't comment. "Just from your calm and collected nature, it's a pity that you're not a star."

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YanMingXiu shook his head with a smile, "I hate those kinds of career that essentially have no privacy. It's inconvenient to do anything." ZhouXiang, "Yeah, you can't imagine it. Some reporters are terrible. They can even dig up old matters from more than ten years ago that even the party involved had forgotten. Being a star is really not something people can do. The greatest thing in the world is to have money without others knowing." ZhouXiang chatted to YanMingXiu about some of the typical gossip go‐ ing around in the entertainment circle. They usually don't talk about these things because YanMingXiu didn't seem too interested. But today he listened with great interest. The two haven't chatted so much for a long time. This meal was very enjoyable. After they finished eating, they went to the underground parking lot. Just when they were about to get into the car, a female voice suddenly sounded from behind, "MingXiu?" When the both of them turned around, they saw a tall and beautiful woman holding a man wearing a pair of sunglasses standing behind them. At a glance, ZhouXiang could see that the person wearing sunglasses is WangYuDong. When YanMingXiu saw the two people, his expression immediately changed. He vaguely said, "Jie (T/N)." T/N: Older sister "MingXiu, you came here to eat too? Why didn't I see you earlier?" Yan‐ MingMei asked as she walked up to him. But when she noticed ZhouXi‐ ang, she paused. WangYuDong also removed his sunglasses. He looked at ZhouXiang with his expression full of caution. ZhouXiang felt so embarrassed momentarily that he didn't know where to hide. He could only force himself to calm down and smile politely at YanMingMei.

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YanMingMei didn't smile. She almost immediately began to doubt the relationship her brother has with this man. It's not that YanMingMei is not aware of YanMingXiu's sexual orientation, but like her parents, she's always chosen to forget it. She looked at ZhouXiang and then looked at YanMingXiu, "MingXiu, is this your friend?" YanMingXiu's lips trembled a bit. His eyes were focused on YanMing‐ Mei's hand on WangYuDong's arm. No matter how he looked, it's an eye‐ sore. WangYuDong held YanMingMei's waist and softly murmured, "This per‐ son is a colleague I have collaborated with. I was the one who introduced them." YanMingMei seemed to sigh in relief but still turned her head restlessly to give WangYuDong an inquiring look. WangYuDong gave her a reassuring looking, "They probably have some‐ thing to do today." YanMingXiu said bluntly, "We still have things to do; we'll leave first." "Hey" YanMingMei pulled him, "What's the hurry? WangYuDong and I are going to watch a movie. Let's go together." She was still apprehen‐ sive and wanted to observe the relationship between the two. YanMingXiu impatiently said, "I've said that we still have things to do, no time to watch a movie. You two go ahead." YanMingMei perceptively sensed the fluctuation in YanMingXiu's mood. Furrowing her brows, "What's wrong with you? What's the hurry?" YanMingXiu heavily emphasized, "I'm busy." After saying that, he pressed to unlock the car doors and said to ZhouXiang, "Let's go." Then, got into the driver's seat. ZhouXiang didn't turn his head as he got into the passenger seat. He felt two pairs of eyes staring at him. They didn't go to watch the movie as ZhouXiang expected. 227

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The mood was very heavy along the way. YanMingXiu didn't say a word, his expression was very bad. ZhouXiang thought that YanMingXiu was worried about his sister find‐ ing out about him being gay so he also said nothing. He couldn't even say anything to comfort him. He could only follow along in silence. YanMingXiu drove back home and went straight into the study upon en‐ tering the home. Then, slammed into the door to the study. ZhouXiang looked at the closed door. He knew that he is once again locked out of YanMingXiu's heart. And still, he couldn't see him being able to step into his heart. ----After the incident on Christmas Day, they did not mention it again, as if nothing had happened, but YanMingXiu became increasingly quiet. Two days before New Year's, Director Wang convened another meeting. For a minor role like ZhouXiang, it was not necessary for him to attend so no one notified him. It was after President Wang arrived and realized that he wasn't in attendance that he specially called to tell him to come over, wanting him to get in touch with some of the people. ZhouXiang rushed over after receiving the call, but he was still half an hour late. He didn't expect that once he entered, he would see the scene of Director Wang and WangYuDong in a heated argument. As soon as he entered, everyone's eyes were on him. ZhouXiang wished he could become an invisible person. At this time, who would want to at‐ tract gunpowder? President Wang did not expect that the two people would end up arguing. He quickly used his discreet expressions to signal for ZhouXiang to find a place to sit. ZhouXiang lowered his back and ran over to sit next to President Wang. WangYuDong says coldly, "My engagement is a major life event. Others have agreed to postpone the film launching ceremony. Why can't Direc‐

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tor Wang just accommodate it? I must go on this vacation, hope Director Wang can understand." Director Wang slammed his hand on the table, "This date was set two months ago. You think you can just say to change and it can change?! This delays many things! The date cannot be changed. If you don't come then your name won't be on the list of cast!" Since these words are said to such extent, the relationship between the two is almost irreparable. The three investors all looked gloomy. Presi‐ dent Wang rolled his eyes as if he's too lazy to care. WangYuDong is so enraged that the muscles on his face are a bit dis‐ torted, "Fine. Director Wang can find someone else to replace me then. Hope you can find a satisfactory candidate." "There are many people who can replace you!" Director Wang is so furi‐ ous that he was blowing his beard with glaring eyes. He glanced at ZhouXiang, who had just sat down, and said sternly, "ZhouXiang!" ZhouXiang was so scared that he was shaking; everyone looked at him. Director Wang gave a heavy 'humph' and said, "I think ZhouXiang is good. You have always been WangYuDong's stuntman and also know how to act. This time you can take on WangYuDong's role, not as a stunt‐ man. I want you to be the lead." As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes widen and the entire conference room became quiet. ZhouXiang was scared witless; he didn't dare to breathe. Those people who have a good relationship with ZhouXiang looked at him sympathetically. Everyone could understand that Director Wang saying this is not because ZhouXiang is talented nor really qualified. It was just to humiliate WangYuDong to the greatest extent. Being replaced by his own stuntman, if this is becomes confirmed, WangYuDong will become the greatest joke in the entire entertainment industry.

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This move of Director Wang's is really ruthless, pushing ZhouXiang to the heart of their struggle End of the chapter

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Chapter 32 - Offending WangYuDong Unexpectedly ZhouXiang's face paled. He didn't dare to lift his head. He could feel many pairs of eyes on him. Those piercing eyes are like needles, making it impossible for him to sit or stand from his nervousness. He cursed Director Wang and WangYuDong a hundred times in his heart. These two bastards fighting, why must they always involve him? President Wang tried to appease the atmosphere, "Aiyah. Director Wang, calm down. There are some misunderstandings between you two. Let's discuss of ways to resolve it. No need to be so agitated." Director Wang is far from agitated; he wanted to stand up and slam the table, "There is nothing to discuss. I think ZhouXiang is good. I'm rec‐ ommending him to be the lead. ZhouXiang, do you dare to accept the role?" ZhouXiang looked up and WangYuDong's eyes are like a knife that fell sharply on his face. ZhouXiang smiled reluctantly, "Director Wang, you must be joking." "Who is joking with you, I never joke. I've spent my lifetime making films. My assessment of people is pretty good. If I feel that you can take it on, then you definitely can. Agree to it now. As long as you agree, the lead role is yours!" Several investors were unable to sit still and began to mediate between the quarrelling parties. They've invested money into the film and had publicly promoted WangYuDong as the leading actor. So changing the lead role to a merely unknown stuntman at the last minute, who is going to be fine with that? Even President Wang wouldn't be.

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ZhouXiang really wished that he can get up and leave at this time. Now he doesn't even want a penny or any supporting role. He just wanted to be farther away from this production team. WangYuDong's power is now flourishing. Adding on, he has the Yan family's backing, if he offended WangYuDong, will he still be able to work in the Entertainment industry in the future? He just wanted to make a living; he didn't want to hit it big with signifi‐ cant ups and downs. WangYuDong implicitly asked, "ZhouXiang, what's your stance? Direc‐ tor Wang is so adamant on recommending you, you can't let him down, right?" CaiWei wanted to help ZhouXiang but before he could even open his mouth, President Wang stopped him. CaiWei does not have enough weight; whoever talks at this time may become cannon fodder. President Wang stood up, his expression unsightly and his tone not very polite, "We've already cooperated to this extent, the promotion costs have been expended and the budget has also already been invested, to have such fall-out at this time is not beneficial to anyone right? Now with all three investors present, to say this bluntly, the bosses are the ones putting out the money. The grievances that you two have are per‐ sonal grievances. How about give us investors some faces. Don't let your emotions affect your decision and bring your personal grievances to work, okay?" President Wang's background is not to be underestimated. With that be‐ ing said, no one really dared to offend him and the conference room is silent once again. After a long while, WangYuDong said, "Wang Ge (referring to President Wang), I definitely don't' dare to not give you face, but Director Wang re‐ ally went too far. Talking about what's at stake, I am also someone with prestige. Director Wang have already given this role to someone else, I can't be shameless enough to demand it from him." These words implied that Director Wang would have to swallow the words he spit out.

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Director Wang, this stubborn old man is determined not to compromise. He drank some water and slowly uttered, "President Wang, I am not let‐ ting my emotions affect my decision. In my heart, ZhouXiang is more suitable for this role than WangYuDong. I can give you many reasons and also be able to convince all of you." "It's definitely not the first time that a newcomer has been used for my films. As long as it's my film, I've been responsible for it to the end every single time. Not once has it disappointed the investors. I can't cooperate with WangYuDong. Forcing us to do so, I can't do this film to my liking. Even if it's not ZhouXiang, it will be someone else. In short, it will defi‐ nitely not be with WangYuDong." WangYuDong is so furious that his lips trembled. If it wasn't for his as‐ sistant holding him, he would've already gotten up and left. Director Wang looked at WangYuDong with deliberate provocation, and then said to the investors, "I am not talking nonsense. ZhouXiang can take on this role. In fact, he can do it well. This file can be filmed well. I don't need WangYuDong. I definitely will never cooperate with him again. To put it bluntly, it is either him or me. You guys can replace me." No one dared to replace the director. Director Wang is really determined this time. Several investors exchanged helpless expressions. WangYuDong's face is livid. He had wanted to stand up and leave a few times. Others didn't even dare to breathe heavily. Director Wang asked ZhouXiang, "ZhouXiang? Say something. Do you dare to accept this role? If you accept the role, your value will immedi‐ ately increase and you will have everything." ZhouXiang is not stupid; how can he easily believe his words. To get popular from filming this role is definitely a possibility; however, the biggest and likeliest possibility is that he will be damned by WangYuDong's fans and pushed aside by others in the entertainment cir‐ cle. No one would dare cooperate with him after taking on this film. So in the end, he could only find another way to make a living. Just thinking of these consequences would make a person's scalp numb. 233

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ZhouXiang is just a minor actor. Although he had dreamt of being a big star but when faced with such possibility that this might really happen, his first instinct is fear. President Wang sighed heavily, "This matter can't be decided now. You also have to give ZhouXiang time. Let's end this today. Director Wang, I'll talk to you alone tomorrow." After saying that, he pulled ZhouXiang and left. CaiWei followed closely behind them. ----After entering President Wang's office, he (President Wang) is so en‐ raged that he kicked his chair away and lashed out, "An old dumb fuck and a young dumb fuck! Fucking giving problems to LaoZi!" The two of them were both afraid to breathe. It was said that President Wang had invested more than 10 million in this film and it is one of his prime investment projects for next year. How can he not worry? President Wang paced back and forth for a long time before he gaspingly went back to his chair and sat down, narrowing his eyes at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang also glanced at him and softly uttered "President Wang, can you point me in some direction? I still want to make a living in the circle. I don't want to be used as anyone's ammunition." President Wang tapped his finger on the table, looking very irritated, "Go back first. Let me think about this. I'll talk to Director Wang tomorrow. If he really insist on not wanting WangYuDong, then he has to find some‐ one else. I reckon it likely won't be you. But if he does insist on using you, then just take it, better than giving someone else this advantage." ZhouXiang quietly muttered, "President Wang, I can't take on the lead actor. I've always been a stuntman." "If you only have the heart to be a stuntman your entire life, then you are a wimp." President Wang tapped the table, "Go back. Let me think. I'll call you in two days."

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ZhouXiang turned to go and CaiWei also wanted to follow him out but President Wang stopped him, "CaiWei, you stay." CaiWei softly kneaded ZhouXiang's shoulder, his caring expression made ZhouXiang feel a little better. ZhouXiang forcefully grinned, low‐ ered his head and left. ----It would be New Year's Day in two days but ZhouXiang's mood was heavy all along. During these days, he is full of fear and trepidation as he waited for Pres‐ ident Wang's phone call. But the call never came. Moreover, Yan‐ MingXiu didn't come home these days, not even giving him a call. ZhouXiang assumed that he likely went home for the holidays. After the holidays, he still has to attend WangYuDong's engagement party so he shouldn't be back for a few days. Normally, ZhouXiang would definitely call or send him text messages, but his mind is in chaos at the moment, having no mood to do so. Adding on, he likely won't be able to get in touch with YanMingXiu. CaiWei called him. His words were very direct and blunt, essentially telling him that as long as Director Wang persists, ZhouXiang would have to take on this role, because even if ZhouXiang don't take this role, WangYuDong is already offended. His future days won't be easy. If ZhouXiang takes on this role, at least there is still that chance he could get popular and his career will rise astronomically from then on. Then WangYuDong can't mess with him. This is actually a gamble, a gamble on whether ZhouXiang has that kind of life (to be popular). ZhouXiang felt that CaiWei words sounded reasonable. He then asked CaiWei if this is President Wang's idea. CaiWei hesitated for a long time, only to say no and that it is his own idea. ZhouXiang did not express his position at the time; he only said that he will think about it. In fact, he particularly hoped that President Wang can give him some direction. He really can't think it through. He hoped that the usually wise, farsighted, and knowledgeable President Wang could 235

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make this decision for him. So he had been anxiously waiting for Presi‐ dent Wang's call. On the second day of the New Year's, which is also the day of WangYuDong's engagement, he still did not get a call from President Wang. But, he got a call from YanMingXiu phone. It was already past 2 in the middle of the night at the time. ZhouXiang had already fallen asleep, but was woken up by the call. When he saw that it was YanMingXiu, he pressed the answer button without thinking. A strange voice sounded from the other line, "Hello, is the owner of this phone your friend?" The other party added, "Your friend is drunk. This phone number is his most frequent contact. Come pick him up; we still have an hour before we close." ZhouXiang sighed, "Drunk? Is he alone?" "Yes, he came alone." As ZhouXiang was putting on his pants, he said, "Please text the address to my phone." ZhouXiang drove to the bar expeditiously. Only employees remained in the bar mopping the floors and cleaning the glasses, preparing to close down. YanMingXiu was lying on the couch next to him completely drunk. ZhouXiang squatted beside him and patted his bright red face. Yan‐ MingXiu had no reaction at all. He asked the bartender, "How long has he been drinking?" "He came at a little past 9pm, didn't say anything but kept drinking." This is obviously an indication of using alcohol to drown out his sor‐ rows. He had no idea why YanMingXiu would do that. Isn't tonight his sister and WangYuDong engagement? Why didn't he stay at home?

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ZhouXiang paid the bill and got YanMingXiu in his car with the bar‐ tender's help. ZhouXiang lives on the third floor and the old house has no elevator. So by the time he got YanMingXiu into the home, he was already sweating profusely even in winter weather. After throwing YanMingXiu onto the bed, ZhouXiang sat on the bed and breathe heavily for a long time. YanMingXiu is too heavy. After taking a break, he got up to remove YanMingXiu's jacket, pants, shoes and socks until he was only in his underwear. Then he put him un‐ der the blanket. He was afraid that YanMingXiu would catch a cold so he turned on the electric blanket. ZhouXiang went to grab a towel from the bathroom, soaked in hot water and then squeezed out the water to wipe YanMingXiu's face. YanMingXiu reeked of alcohol. He wiped his face a few times. Yan‐ MingXiu turned over, and even slowly opened his eyes, but his expres‐ sion is very dazed without any focus. ZhouXiang gently uttered, "MingXiu?" YanMingXiu opened his mouth, his throat made some strange sounds. ZhouXiang couldn't hear it clearly. ZhouXiang intended to get up to pour him a glass of water but Yan‐ MingXiu grabbed onto him. This time ZhouXiang could hear coarse words coming from YanMingXiu's mouth. ZhouXiang leaned over, wanting to hear what YanMingXiu said. Yan‐ MingXiu grabbed his neck and faintly murmured, "Dong Ge." End of the chapter T/N: Will be posting another chapter very shortly. Have some time and don't want to leave ya'll hanging with this ending.... but brace yourself for the next chapter. It is very very

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Chapter 33 - Finding Out He Is WangYuDong's Substitute T/N: At last.. we know this was coming...but still..

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ZhouXiang stared blankly and thought that he heard wrong. YanMingXiu cried out anther 'Dong Ge. Unknowingly, YanMingXiu suddenly got the strength to throw himself at ZhouXiang's and cried out "Dong Ge" as he hastily kissed ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang's entire body felt like he was struck by lightning, so much that he couldn't react as he allowed YanMingXiu to kiss him a few times. Dong Ge? Who is he calling? It became hazy in front of ZhouXiang. WangYuDong's refined and ele‐ gant appearance continuously lingered in front of his eyes. The expres‐ sion that YanMingXiu gives WangYuDong is obviously very different from his usual expression. How could he not have noticed even bit be‐ fore? Just because YanMingXiu is WangYuDong's brother-in law? Why would YanMingXiu be with him? Why is it that every time they do it (have sex), he always liked using the back position? Why is he drunk on WangYuDong's engagement day? Everything now has an answer. ZhouXiang only felt a sharp knife piercing heart, his entire body soaked with blood. He had never felt such excruciating pain. He could accept YanMingXiu not liking him, even if he doesn't like him for a lifetime. It's nobody fault. But to treat him......as a substitute? Not only is ZhouXiang heart-broken but he also experienced unprece‐ dented humiliation.

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He fell short of WangYuDong in all aspects. When WangYuDong mocked him, he can only suffer in silence. To make a living, he had no other choice but to be WangYuDong's stuntman. But why is he also a substitute for him in his personal life? What does he owe to WangYuDong to be humiliated to this extent?! ZhouXiang had never been trampled in his life like this by anyone. He simply didn't know how to react. He shoved YanMingXiu away harshly and fled frantically....fled from his own home. Driving aimlessly, he continuously circled around the streets on this cold and quiet winter night. The more he circled, the more flustered he be‐ came. He didn't know where he should go. His eyes gradually became blurry; he couldn't see what is in front of him so he could only park his car on the side of the road. The heating in the car is very good, but he still felt chillingly cold. His mouth tasted a bit salty. He had not tasted tears for many years. His life was peaceful and content before...hardly were there any huge fluctuations in his emotions. But ever since he met YanMingXiu in this year's time, he had experi‐ enced all kinds of anxieties... yearnings, suspicions, irritabilities, and sadness. It's shameful to say, how can he fall in love with a boy who is ten years younger than himself? He had been thoroughly played. No matter what kind of effort he put in, YanMingXiu would not like him. In YanMingXiu's eyes, he is always looking for WangYuDong through him. He, ZhouXiang, is not a person that will stand out in YanMingXiu's eyes and certainly will not have a place in his heart. Right from the start, he didn't even stand a chance but he still stupidly fantasized for a year. ZhouXiang, you are really a dumb fuck He wiped the tears on his face and looked at the dimly lit streets, com‐ pletely at loss. His heart is in too much in pain, so painful that he didn't

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know what to do. He really likes YanMingXiu. But every moment with him and every time they make love, YanMingXiu treated him as someone else. And this someone else is a person that ZhouXiang is deeply disgusted with. When he thought of this, he felt that his heart and lungs are about to explode. A sports car sped by from the opposite lane, and then piercing brakes sounded loudly on this desolate street in the middle of the night. ZhouXiang thought that there was a car accident. He immediately turned his head and sees a car turning around and parked on his side. Looking through his window, ZhouXiang sees LanXiRong, who was wearing only a sweater, bolting out of the car and walking toward his car. ZhouXiang quickly wiped his face and opened the door. LanXiRong still look a bit hesitant but when he saw ZhouXiang, he said with surprise, "Xiang Ge, it's really you? When I drove by, I thought your car looks familiar. Why did you stop on the side of the street in the middle of the night? There are many robberies in this area at night." ZhouXiang got out of the car and quietly said, "Drank a bit of alcohol so taking a break." LanXiRong came closer and sensed that ZhouXiang didn't seem right. ZhouXiang's body was tinged with a little of the alcohol smell from Yan‐ MingXiu, but he didn't appear a bit drunk at all. Instead, LanXiRong could tell at a glance that he's in a gloomy mood. LanXiRong bunched his brows and took a few steps forward. He reached out and touched ZhouXiang's eyes. He was shocked, "Xiang Ge, what's wrong?" What matters can make a man who is usually optimistic run to the street in the middle of the night and cry?" ZhouXiang lowered his head embarrassingly, "It's nothing. Go to your car and put on a jacket. You might catch a cold." LanXiRong clenched his chin, forcing him to look up and angrily asked, "You think I'm a fool? What the hell is going on?"

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ZhouXiang swatted his hand away, "Leave me alone. I'm going to go." LanXiRong grabbed his shoulder and pressed him to the car, said sternly, "Did you get into an argument with your little boyfriend? So you ran out in the middle of the night? That's your home, why didn't you tell him to leave!" "Don't think too much..." "Humph! My guess is correct, right?" LanXiRong revealed a sorrowful expression, "Xiang Ge, you could cry for him, are you really the Xiang Ge that I know?" ZhouXiang sighed. At this time, he didn't want to face anyone, not to mention hearing their skepticism. He wanted to push LanXiRong away, "Can you leave it alone? I want to be alone for a while. Can't you just pretend you didn't see me?" LanXiRong refused to let him go, "No, I can't pretend that I didn't see you. Come back with me to my house." "No. XiRong, I repeat, let me go," ZhouXiang felt both embarrassed and annoyed, he just wanted to hide. "What if I don't let go? Are you going to punch me?" "LanXiRong un‐ flinchingly stared at ZhouXiang, "If you want to punch me, go ahead. I really owe you a beating. " ZhouXiang saw that his lips were paled and his mouth was blowing cold air, but still was unrelenting in letting him go. He couldn't help but feel touched, but he's really not in a bit a mood deal with him. He shoulders drooped as he sadly mutters, "XiRong, let go of me okay? I really just want to be alone for a while. See it as me begging you. I al‐ ready feel embarrassed as it is, can you just leave me alone?" LanXiRong's hand that was grabbing him trembled; with a heavy-heart and helplessness, seeing ZhouXiang's dispirited expression, his heart also tightened.

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ZhouXiang pushed him away, then turned to get into the car and quickly drove away. From the rearview mirror, he could still see LanXiRong standing at the same spot, watching him until he turned and disappeared. ZhouXiang drove aimlessly around all night, not sleepy but not fully alert. Finally, he drove the car to the company and stayed in the car for two hours. At this time, the sky has brightened. After the company's doors were opened, he went to CaiWei's office and rested on the sofa. CaiWei came at 9am. When he entered the office and saw him, he was shocked. ZhouXiang didn't sleep at all so he was very exhausted. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't fall asleep. When he heard movements, he sat up, "Wei Ge." CaiWei looked at him astonishingly, "You...What's going on?" He looked at ZhouXiang's exhaustive and desolate appearance; he (ZhouXiang) obviously does not look normal ZhouXiang was not afraid of CaiWei laughing at him, "Had an argument with him, came out to calm down a bit." CaiWei muttered an 'Oh' as he didn't think this was a big deal. How can there be no argument when two people are together? He even teased, "I haven't seen you like this for so many years. It's really refreshing. Let me see. Aiyah, even cried? What's the big deal? When your sister-in-law and I were newly married, we had a big fight every three days and a small fight every two days. Haven't all that passed? Just get through this period and things will be fine." CaiWei also patted ZhouXiang's head. These words did not comfort ZhouXiang. He couldn't tell CaiWei the truth, of what he heard and found out last night. He can guarantee that it is unbearable for anyone. His mind is still buzzing right now; he couldn't concentrate and his heart is in pain. CaiWei looked at his unmoving expression and realized that this is not just any ordinary argument. Setting aside his joking mentality, he asked

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softly, "It's very serious?" ZhouXiang shook his head, "Wei Ge, don't ask. Can I stay here for a while?" "Of course. Just stay here." CaiWei poured him a glass of hot water, "Drink some water; your lips are cracked." ZhouXiang held the cup and looked at the floor tiles, his mind in a daze. Seeing him like this, CaiWei feared that the two people might break up so he wanted to shift his attention away. He really can't get used seeing ZhouXiang looking like this. He asked, "Have President Wang contacted you the past few days?" ZhouXiang shook his head; how can he remember President Wang. CaiWei sighed, "He said that he contacted you but you did not answer the phone. Actually, he just wanted me to tell you. It is about Director Wang's film. President Wang told me to tell you that the director is very optimistic about you, for you to decide for yourself." ZhouXiang is astonish, "What? What do you mean let me decide?" "Precisely, it is for you to decide whether you want to accept the role or not. It's likely that those two Wangs couldn't persuade the parties and didn't want to offend them so they pushed the decision to you." This is a very difficult predicament for ZhouXiang. He drank some water and forced his mind to sober up a bit, "This, let me decide? I don't know..." CaiWei looked at him gravely, "ZhouXiang, you have to know. You must make a decision." ZhouXiang forcefully smile, "Wei Ge, I'm really not in the mood right now. Moreover, I really don't know if I should accept this role. To be honest, I am a little scared." CaiWei patted his back harshly, "Just because you two lovebirds have an argument, it can't delay real business. This matter directly impacts your future. It must be your first priority in consideration." 243

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ZhouXiang forced himself to be a bit spirited. He knew that what CaiWei said is reasonable. Without love, life still has to continue. He asks, "Wei Ge, what do you think I should do?" CaiWei's expression is resolute, "Accept it." "Accept?" "Yes, you have to accept it. Just like I said last time, you've already of‐ fended WangYuDong. Whether or not you accept the role, the news from that day had already spread. Everyone knows that you are taking over WangYuDong's role. What is WangYuDong's status is in the entertain‐ ment circle and what is yours? Do you think anyone will offer you work in the future? Who wants to offend WangYuDong because of you? This matter had already been settled conclusively. If you don't accept the role, you will completely disappear from the circle. But if you accept it, maybe you can be popular. President Wang and Director Wang will pro‐ mote you, especially Director Wang. From what I see of this old man's mannerisms, he is determined to humiliate WangYuDong no matter what. If you act in the role, even if you don't get popular, at least you get a huge sum of money and don't have to work in the entertainment circle in the future. You can invest in other businesses. So you can't give up this opportunity." Every sentence that CaiWei sounded reasonable, especially the sentence "determined to humiliate WangYuDong" made ZhouXiang's heart beat especially fast. If he replaced WangYuDong role, WangYuDong would certainly be en‐ raged. WangYuDong had always thought that ZhouXiang could only be his stuntman. Now that the position is switched, with him becoming the lead actor, even if it was just in a film, ZhouXiang still felt happy. Even if he was only WangYuDong's substitute for the rest of his life in Yan‐ MingXiu's eyes, there is actually a time when a stuntman like him could actually make WangYuDong feel dejected and depressed. ZhouXiang felt a sudden burst of warped pleasure. If not for anything else but to be able to strive for vindication in front of WangYuDong, and be able to lift his head slightly in front of

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WangYuDong, and not be inferior to him and grieve to such extent, ZhouXiang is also willing to accept this role that he had no assurance in. His heart trembled unconsciously. He really wanted to see what Yan‐ MingXiu's expression would be when he finds out that he had stolen his Dong Ge's lead role. He, ZhouXiang, is only WangYuDong's stuntman; he is not to be his sub‐ stitute outside of filming! CaiWei asked, "Are you done deciding?" ZhouXiang turned to look at him and uttered each word clearly, "Wei Ge, I'll accept." End of the Chapter

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Chapter 34 - Not Wanting To Let ZhouXiang Go Chapter 34 -- Not Wanting To Let ZhouXiang Go ZhouXiang slept at CaiWei's home that night. He originally didn't want to go there since CaiWei's wife is only three months from her delivery date. He was afraid to disturb them but CaiWei took him home without allowing him to hesitate. CaiWei talked to Director Wang to express ZhouXiang's decision. Direc‐ tor Wang was extremely delighted, stipulating that ZhouXiang must come to XX Hotel to attend the film launching ceremony on Saturday. They will announce the change of roles to the media at that time. After talking with Director Wang, CaiWei then called President Wang again. The two men talked for a long time. After ending the call, Cai‐ Wei's expression didn't look very good. ZhouXiang knew that President Wang didn't want him to play the leading role. After all, he is a business‐ man. He was concerned with the box office results, but he had no confi‐ dence to oppose this. He had thought that ZhouXiang would renege, not expecting him to actually agree. President Wang pondered over this situ‐ ation and felt that this definitely had something to do with CaiWei so he was naturally dissatisfied. CaiWei is a person that is extremely loyal to their brotherhood. He didn't say much to ZhouXiang except that he must arrive on time on Saturday. ZhouXiang knew it in his heart. He is especially grateful to CaiWei. When he was sleeping in the guest room that night, ZhouXiang's phone rang. He picked up and sees that it is from YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu rarely took the initiative to call him. It is reasonable to say that he can't possibly be looking for him because he hasn't gone home for a day or two, right? If so, wouldn't YanMingXiu also feel that this is un‐ usual?

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ZhouXiang took a few deep breaths, still feeling the throbs of suffocating pain in his heart; he answered with his fingers trembling. "Hey? ZhouXiang," YanMingXiu's crisp voice is exceptionally clear in the quiet night. "Yeah, it's me." ZhouXiang leaned on the bed. He didn't turn on the light. In the darkness of the night, his eyes aimlessly looked at the dark ceiling above him. "Where have you been these two days? Why aren't you coming home?" ZhouXiang faintly uttered, "Got things to do." "Where are you? Why didn't you call to let me know you weren't coming home? Come back right now." ZhouXiang had a bit of a hard time breathing. He sat up straight and strenuously tried to take a deep breath before forcing himself to say these subsequent words, "I won't be coming back for the time being. Whenever you move out, let me know." ZhouXiang felt his body becoming listless. He had never thought that he would be the one to initiate ending their re‐ lationship one day. He thought that he would shamelessly beg for Yan‐ MingXiu to stay until YanMingXiu would no longer want to look at him anymore. The phone was silent and then YanMingXiu's chilling voice came slowly, "What are you talking about?" "I said, let me know when you move out so I can go home." "Do you know what the fuck you're talking about? ZhouXiang. Are you kicking me out?! You're actually kicking me out!" Without actually seeing him, ZhouXiang also knew how enraged Yan‐ MingXiu is on the other side of the phone. Fortunately, he didn't have to see him with his own eyes. Just through the phone, he could already sense his scalp going numb. ZhouXiang said as calmly as possible, "YanMingXiu, I've treated you wholeheartedly but what you treat me as, you know clearly in your heart.

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Just move out of my home. Consider it as me being shamelessly cheap, let's just break up peacefully." YanMingXiu is furious, "What the hell are you talking about? Fucking say it clearly." ZhouXiang bitterly responded, "Fine, I'll tell it to you clearly. The person you like is your brother-in law, the big star WangYuDong, am I right?" The phone on the other side is suddenly silent. This kind of silence is like a knife stabbing at ZhouXiang's heart. YanMingXiu didn't even refute any of that, which is not surprising. Yan‐ MingXiu has never attempt to even tell him any white lies (T/N). This kind of honesty is cruel enough. T/N: a harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting some‐ one's feelings. ZhouXiang couldn't help but got emotionally choked up, "YanMingXiu, you sure are good at trampling on people. I'm ashamed to say that I'm no match to you. I give up. I don't want to be WangYuDong's substitute both in and outside of work. Just move out. As soon as possible. I also want to go back home soon." After saying that, he immediately hung up. He didn't dare to hear YanMingXiu's voice. It would be too humiliating if he accidentally cried. He didn't want to be any more shameful than he al‐ ready is. After hanging up the phone, ZhouXiang kept tossing and turning, unable to sleep. As soon as he closed his eyes, his mind would think of the bits and pieces of memories of the times he spent with YanMingXiu in this past year. Time really has passed by too quickly. So fast that before he even had time to react, he had already gotten himself too deep into this trap. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu revealing the truth in his drunken stupor, he re‐ ally didn't know how long will continue on holding to this delusion...not coming to his senses. It's good. Everything is over...all fucking over.

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ZhouXiang painfully closed his eyes. ZhouXiang stayed at CaiWei's home for two days. His dispirited appear‐ ance made it unbearable for CaiWei so CaiWei took him to the company and had him with help out on some public relations tasks. Not long after ZhouXiang arrived at the company, Xiao Liu came over and informed him that someone was looking for him. ZhouXiang asked who it was. Xiao Liu said that this person is very at‐ tractive but didn't seem to be coming with good intentions. Intuition tells ZhouXiang that this person is YanMingXiu but he didn't think that YanMingXiu would ever initiate in coming to find him. His words to YanMingXiu were so harshly extreme. With YanMingXiu being such a proud and arrogant person, he would have left long ago. ZhouXiang pondered over it, and then have Xiao Liu take this person to the reception room. After he finished with his business phone call, he went to the room. When he is holding the door handle to the reception room, he felt the palm of his hand sweating. Turning it, the handle wouldn't turn because his palm was too slippery. When he tried to turn the handle again, the door opened from the inside and YanMingXiu appeared in front of him, his eyes piercing at him like a chilly knife. The rims around YanMingXiu's eyes are dark. He looked exhausted but it still didn't diminish his arrogance a bit. He grabbed ZhouXiang's wrist and dragged him into the room, then slammed the door. ZhouXiang looked at him silently. YanMingXiu's lips trembled for a long time, before finally uttering, "You've got some balls, not going home for so many days." Just looking at him, ZhouXiang already felt such immense pain that he couldn't even breathe. In this small reception room, all the cells on his 249

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body seem to be breathing in YanMingXiu's aura, making it impossible for him to evade. ZhouXiang took a deep breath, reluctantly forcing himself to appear calm; he asked "Have you moved out yet?" YanMingXiu responded fiercely, "You think that you can just tell me to move in and I move in, move out and I move out? What the fuck are you taking me as?" ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "Then what do you take me as?" YanMingXiu's face is livid, "Regarding WangYuDong's matter... it has nothing to do with you. You said that we are going back to our former re‐ lationship, we are just fuck buddies, what right do you have to care so much!" ZhouXiang responded hoarsely, "I don't dare to care. I just want to end it with you. Even if we are just fuck buddies, I don't want to be treated as someone else when we have sex." YanMingXiu clenched his fist tightly, "ZhouXiang, I like WangYuDong, but it is never possible between us. I am willing to be with you as long as you stop mentioning this ever again. Go home with me now." ZhouXiang looked at him incredulously, "YanMingXiu, am I really that cheap in your eyes? Go and find someone else to mess with. I don't want to be that person." If he had really considered YanMingXiu to be a one-night stand...a bed companion, he wouldn't have cared whom he (YanMingXiu) had in his mind when they have sex. But when he really liked YanMingXiu, he can't bear it. Not only does he want to escape from YanMingXiu, he even hates WangYuDong. YanMingXiu gnawed his teeth, "ZhouXiang, when you say these words, did it even pass through your mind? What is not good with how we are now? I'm used to being with you. Can we just be like before? You want to be a star, I will invest in you. You can play any roles you want. Being with me, the benefits are far more than you think. You really want to break up with me?"

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If it wasn't for his frame of mind being entirely wrong, ZhouXiang really wanted to laugh aloud. If YanMingXiu had told him before that he was willing to invest in his films, he would readily accept. But for YanMingXiu to say this now, he only felt humiliated. He, ZhouXiang, is just an ordinary person. He is neither noble nor virtu‐ ous, but at the very least, he knows what it means to be shameless. ZhouXiang bitterly smiled, "YanMingXiu, I repeat, I'm really not that cheap. You can't get WangYuDong; it is not reason for you to trample others. If I had just wanted to mess with you, I already have gotten enough of it from you. But I'm not. I, ZhouXiang, have been quite ful‐ filled. I am very satisfied with my life. I don't aspire for you to give me anything. I'll just treat this (their relationship) as though I've been blinded to have fallen for you." When ZhouXiang said these words, his heart is feeling tremendously painful. If it hadn't gotten to this step in this moment, he would never have known how much he loves Yan‐ MingXiu. YanMingXiu is so livid that his face is deathly white. He pointed at ZhouXiang's nose and sternly uttered, "Fine. ZhouXiang, you've got balls. Don't regret what you said today." ZhouXiang didn't dare to stay a second longer. He was afraid that he would break down. He opened the door and turned to leave. The door behind him closed heavily... as if it's closing his heart. In the next second, the door is slammed opened and YanMingXiu rushed out of the room. He immediately gripped onto ZhouXiang's shoulder and shoved his back against the wall. YanMingXiu's eyes are bloodshot, as if he had been angered to delirium. He forcefully clenched ZhouXiang's chin and chillingly uttered, "I've never seen someone so fucking insensible like you! Wasn't it you who had been chasing my ass all this time? Did I force you? What right do you have to blame me now? Could it be that your charms are greater than

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WangYuDong? What makes you think you're all that? You're actually fucking kicking me out?!" All along, ZhouXiang's impression of YanMingXiu is that of cold indif‐ ference, tinged with the trace of a child's arrogant personality and with a huge temper. His words are a bit mean and he's most definitely very self‐ ish. But after getting along with him for a while, he's come to realize that YanMingXiu is not as cold as he seems on the surface. He actually likes to smile when he's home and is fiercely passionate when making love. Sometimes he would even flirt and tease with ZhouXiang. In ZhouXiang's mind, YanMingXiu had not yet completely matured, which is completely different from this person in front of him now that is full of malice, looking as if he has been lighted with gunpowder. ZhouX‐ iang grabbed YanMingXiu's arm and swung it away. After breaking free, he wanted to leave. This place... this person, he didn't want to stay for even a second. YanMingXiu grabbed his arm and pinned it behind his back. Not giving a care that they are currently in the company's corridor. He grabbed onto ZhouXiang, flustered and exasperated refusing to let him go. He felt that once he let ZhouXiang go, it wouldn't.. it wouldn't feel right. He can't say what is wrong but in short, he didn't want to let ZhouXiang go. Although ZhouXiang is a martial arts stuntman, the things he learned are all for show. There is very few times when he actually fought with some‐ one. So he was quite easily subdued by YanMingXiu in a few moves. ZhouXiang angrily lashed out, "Let go, you know where this is?!" If someone were to come over right now, where can he hide? YanMingXiu gnashed his teeth "Are you afraid of being shamed? Why weren't you afraid when you were chasing me? Don't fucking bother to pretend now! You think you can cast me away that easily, what are you treating me as?" ZhouXiang was just about to say something when he heard a rush of footsteps behind him. Then the pressure that was gripping his arm was loosened and he heard a groaned as both him and YanMingXiu fell to the ground. 252

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ZhouXiang got up to look. LanXiRong had unknowingly bolted over and was looking at YanMingXiu furiously. YanMingXiu instantly got up from the ground and didn't even hesitate to start beating LanXiRong. With his bloodshot eyes, his mannerisms look like he wanted to kill LanXiRong alive. The two men wrestled in the narrow corridor, the company's employees all rushed over, ZhouXiang quickly rushed forward, wanting to pull them apart but was also helplessly punched a few times. The people around struggled to pull the two people apart, probably be‐ cause they were afraid of being heard by others people. The two weren't even hurling insults toward each other; they were immersed in this in‐ tense fight. Those who tried to break them apart were unable to. The scene is extremely chaotic. CaiWei and President Wang were the last to arrive. CaiWei's face was livid as he asked "What is going on?!" YanMingXiu and LanXiRong didn't say anything but just glared at each other with fierce animosity. ZhouXiang was angry and anxious. Facing President Wang's serious gaze, he already couldn't utter a word. President Wang looked at LanXiRong and then looked at YanMingXiu. His expression immediately changed. He walked over and probingly asked, "Are you a MingXiu?" One can't blame him for not recognizing YanMingXiu at all, seeing that he looked so decomposed and murderous, far from the usual image of the proud young master. YanMingXiu looked up and faintly swept him a glimpse. President Wang is getting a headache. The young master from the Yan family actually getting beaten up by an artist in his company. If this mat‐ ter was to be spread, the repercussions would be colossal. He instantly grab YanMingXiu's shoulder, "MingXiu, I don't know what happened but there must be some misunderstanding. Go, let's go to talk in my office." After saying that, he didn't give YanMingXiu a chance to hesitate before pulling him away.

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YanMingXiu turned back and pointed at ZhouXiang, his voice trembling "This is not over." He looked at him deeply before leaving with President Wang. When CaiWei and LanXiRong saw President Wang's attitude towards YanMingXiu, they immediately realized that YanMingXiu's identity is unusual. CaiWei looked at ZhouXiang inquisitively. ZhouXiang turned his face away. LanXiRong really didn't have the time to think so much. He grabbed ZhouXiang's arm and lowly uttered, "Xiang Ge, come over here." He dragged ZhouXiang into the employee's bathroom and closed the door. ZhouXiang looked at his swollen face, his heart rising with re‐ morse. LanXiRong took a few deep breaths and asked, "Tell me, what is going on?" ZhouXiang softly responded, "We broke up." LanXiRong was shocked for a moment, then resolutely expressed, "Great!!" ZhouXiang sighed, not wanting to say another word. LanXiRong said with disappointment, "I really regret not throwing him a few more punches." "XiRong..." ZhouXiang softly muttered, "You shouldn't have acted so impulsively. His identity is really unusual. I don't want your career to be impacted because of my matters." LanXiRong furrowed his brows, "What do you mean? Who is he?" ZhouXiang hesitated repeatedly but still didn't tell him, "Don't ask, I just hope that you won't get yourself involved in our matters in the future. I've already broken up with him...adding on...It doesn't matter." ZhouXi‐ ang gritted his teeth as he said this last sentence. His mind emerged Yan‐ MingXiu's pair of very red eyes and his indescribable expression before leaving.

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LanXiRong pursed his lips and then softly uttered, "President Wang is so polite to him. He's definitely not an ordinary person. But I'm not afraid of that. Don't worry about me. But Xiang Ge? Why would you be with him? I don't I believe that you are that kind of person." ZhouXiang wasn't in any mood to respond. He just shook his head faintly, "XiRong, in the future, you don't need to stand up for me. This is my own business. I don't want to implicate you. Today... thank you. I'm going to leave first." LanXiRong instantly grabbed him and said firmly, "I'm not going to let you go today. Either you leave with me or I leave with you." ZhouXiang sighed, "Don't make this hard for me, okay?" "However you put it. Go eat with me now or I'll continue to follow you." ZhouXiang gently pushed him away and walked out of the bathroom, heading directly to CaiWei's office. Sure enough, LanXiRong really fol‐ lowed him as he said he would. CaiWei was indeed waiting for him at the office. ZhouXiang kept LanXiRong outside the door. As soon as he entered the office, he was faced with CaiWei's grim expression. ZhouXiang lowly uttered, "Wei Ge, sorry, I've caused you trouble." CaiWei slammed his hand on the table, "It's good that you know that! You two assholes actually fought all the way to the company? And got LanXiRong involved? Do you fucking have a brain?!" ZhouXiang's mind is utterly confused, even basic thinking ability is lost. Seeing his distraught appearance, CaiWei softened a bit but was still an‐ gry, "That boyfriend of yours, what kind of person is he? Tell me hon‐ estly." ZhouXiang mumbled, "He is WangYuDong's future brother in-law." CaiWei eyes suddenly widened, "What did you say? WangYuDong's fu‐ ture brother-in-law? Yan... from that 'Yan' family?" 255

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ZhouXiang look depressingly at his shoes and nodded lightly. CaiWei took a deep breath, "Ah Xiang, you really... how did you meet him, huh? Can we just casually come in contact with this kind of people? How can you even get into such big altercation with him?" ZhouXiang couldn't explain it to him so he could only stay silent. "Your fight, does that have anything to do with you taking WangYuDong role?" ZhouXiang nodded and shook his head again. CaiWei sighed, "This is going to be very troublesome... This... you have to really think about it. Nobody can help you. But I still hope that you can participate in the filming. Remember, if you don't come to the film launching ceremony on Saturday, no one can help you. I know that your pressure is definitely great, but in my opinion, you can't turn back. Don't be influenced by others, you have to plan for yourself." ZhouXiang nodded and gloomily responded, "Wei Ge, I will be there. I won't give up this opportunity for anyone." This may be the only chance he has in his life to win over WangYuDong. Although this thought is ridiculous and irrational, but it is his biggest driving force that would en‐ able him to alleviate the sufferance and pain in his heart. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 35 - Refusing To Breakup Chapter 35 -- Refusing To Breakup After ZhouXiang made up his mind, he felt that he really had no way out. Either he never work in the entertainment circle ever again or go all in at this time. So even if he can't get popular, at least the film's pay this time would be enough for him to venture into other businesses. At this crucial moment, it is really not the time to be reflecting on this fucking relationship. What he really should worry about is how to make a living going forth. He is completely carefree with no other family, if he can't even support himself, no one can help him. When ZhouXiang came out of CaiWei's office, LanXiRong was waiting for him in the corridor. He was holding an icepack to his face. For a celebrity, his face is the most important weapon. YanMingXiu's fists con‐ centrated solely on LanXiRong's face. It most certainly is intentional. ZhouXiang and LanXiRong both calmed down a lot. They looked at each other for a long while. LanXiRong was the first to laugh aloud, "Xi‐ ang Ge, I've really never expected to get into a fight out of jealousy in my life; and over a man at that." His laughter must have aggravated the injuries on his face. It became a little distorted. ZhouXiang walked over to check the injuries on his face and sighed, "Don't be so impulsive next time. You still have to trouble Wei Ge to help you settle the matter this time. Even though you're now in a good position, you're still a newcomer. You must not be slandered by negative news." "I know, Xiang Ge. You still care so much about me." LanXiRong looked at him deeply. Seeing LanXiRong's expression made ZhouXiang feel extremely awk‐ ward, "Go back and rest, I..." ZhouXiang couldn't think of what he

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should do for a moment. He really wanted to go home but he didn't know whether YanMingXiu had moved out. LanXiRong uttered, "I heard a bit from Wei Ge. Right now you're living at his place? Sister-In law is about to give birth, it's not convenient for you to live with him. Come to my home." ZhouXiang shook his head. If LanXiRong still considered him as a close friend, it's no big deal for him to go to his home for a few days. But now, with his and YangMingXiu's matters still a mess, he can't allow for any ambiguity between him and LanXiRong at this time. That would really complicate things. LanXiRong looked at him genuinely, "Xiang Ge, I have no other mean‐ ing. You just can't stay at hotel every day. I used to also stay in your home all the time. I just want to repay you for all your kindness. You saw my home, it's big enough. There is place for you anywhere." ZhouXiang sighed, "XiRong, thank you, but I really can't go to your place. I'm going to stay at Wei Ge's for the night and will go home to‐ morrow. YanMingXiu is such a proud and arrogant person, he must have moved out by now. I'll get myself ready to go to the film launching cere‐ mony on Saturday." LanXiRong is unrelenting, "At least have dinner with me. You've promised me a long time ago, can't you appease me once?" ZhouXiang looked at LanXiRong's half-bruised face and his intensive hopeful eyes. Words of refusal that was on the tip of his tongue, he couldn't say it out. He merely muttered, "Okay, Xiang Ge will treat you to a meal today." LanXiRong smiled happily. ZhouXiang and LanXiRong drove to a membership-based restaurant opened by a renowned agent. People who come and go here are all celebrities from the entertainment industry. They don't have to worry about being disturbed and the ambiance is pleasant with delicious foods. There are many celebrities who come here every night.

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After the two went in, they really saw a few acquaintances, but they were all 'acquaintances' of LanXiRong. These are people that ZhouXiang only knew of. They likely didn't give any second glances to peons (minor character) like ZhouXiang. The two were taken to a secluded corner. LanXiRong ordered a table of food. Although ZhouXiang mentioned that he would treat but LanXiRong didn't intend to let ZhouXiang pay. ZhouXiang wasn't in any mood to eat. His mind is fully focused on the words that YanMingXiu said and his distorted angry expression. Each one of his words pierced his heart. Until now, ZhouXiang still have not recovered from this confrontation with YanMingXiu. He sometimes dazedly thought that he was dreaming. Obviously everything was going really well. Clearly, his life living with YanMingXiu was already very stable. How did everything change in the blink of an eye? How did he and YanMingXiu come to the point of tearing into each other? Thinking of himself and this youth that he love, not being able to make a meal together, nestled together to watch TV and play games, and fer‐ vently touching each other in every corners of the home, he felt his heart cracking into a big gaping hole and nothing could fill that gap. There was even a voice in his head telling him that what he is doing is wrong. If he didn't bring all this to light, at least he and YanMingXiu could still appear to be getting along harmoniously. Why didn't he just pretend that he didn't know and continue on peacefully? What harm would this have done him? For them to go so far as to get to this step to‐ day! However ZhouXiang knew that even if this was to repeat itself, he still can't pretend as if nothing had happened and continue to live on well with YanMingXiu. There is no grandiose reason; it's just because he loves YanMingXiu. He can't stand for YanMingXiu to treat him as a substitute to someone else. Seeing that ZhouXiang was distracted, LanXiRong felt very agonized. But he knew that ZhouXiang had just broken up with YanMingXiu, it's not possible for him to recover so soon. He needed to take the time to carefully consider the matter. 259

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He waved his hand in front of ZhouXiang and muttered, "Xiang Ge, are you thinking about him again?" ZhouXiang came back to his senses and glanced at LanXiRong awk‐ wardly, his expression gloomy. LanXiRong sighed, "There's going to be one day when you will stop thinking about him. At that time, it should be the best chance for me." ZhouXiang didn't seem to hear him as he completely absorb himself in his meal. His entire person seeming like his spirit has left his body. LanXiRong also put down his chopsticks, with his arm propping his chin looking out the windows, his expression looking a little desolate. The two finished eating their meal in silence. Afterwards, ZhouXiang drove to CaiWei's home. After entering the home, what made him feel even more awkward was that CaiWei hasn't returned home, only sisterin-law (CaiWei's wife) was home alone. Even though he is a gay and this sister-in-law treated him fondly, ZhouXiang still inevitably felt awkward. He made an excuse to go downstairs to buy cigarettes so as to avoid that awkward atmosphere, and to especially evade this sister in-law from probing about his love life. He'll just wait for CaiWei to come home be‐ fore going back. He stood outside the small supermarket in the neighborhood. The weather is cold but he didn't want to go into the house. He wanted to clear his mind a bit. At this time, CaiWei called him and ZhouXiang answered, "Wei Ge, are you home yet?" CaiWei responded in a bad mood, "Don't mention going home, I can't even get out of the company." ZhouXiang's heart sank, thinking that President Wang scolded him, "What happened?" "YanMingXiu is at the door of my office, not letting me leave. He's adamant on seeing you."

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ZhouXiang breathed deeply, not being able to speak for a while. When he and LanXiRong left, YanMingXiu was still talking to President Wang in his office. It didn't seem like he was stopping him, but instead he's impeding CaiWei from leaving. ZhouXiang forced himself to stay calm, "Wei Ge, I... I'll head over right now." "Don't. I know that you don't want to see him. Seeing him like this, you guys will just end up fighting when you meet. Aigh... even President Wang can't persuade him. President Wang will call you in a moment; you must not pick up the phone, just pretend as if you didn't know." "Then, what are you going to do?" "I'll sleep in the office for the night. I don't believe that he won't leave for an entire night." ZhouXiang responded, "No, sister-in-law is due anytime now, someone has to be home. Just come back." "I can't leave; help me watch over her." ZhouXiang sighed deeply, "Wei Ge, come back. I'm sorry toward you. Now, I've even brought trouble to you." "What shit are you spewing?" ZhouXiang hung up and then called YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu quickly picked up the phone. His voice chillingly cold, "Where are you?" "Stop causing trouble for Wei Ge. Why are you looking for me?" "ZhouXiang, I've said. This is not over." "MingXiu, what more do you want?" "Come home right now."

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ZhouXiang is silent. "ZhouXiang, don't think that I, YanMingXiu, is that easy to get rid of. Come back right now or this is not over." ZhouXiang only felt that his entire body is frigid, so cold that his hands were uncontrollably shivering. He gloomily responded, "Fine, I'll come back now. We'll get this all over with once and for all tonight." End of the chapter

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Chapter 36 - Heated Argu‐ ment...WangYuDong's Favor Chapter 36 -- Heated Argument...WangYuDong's Favor ZhouXiang drove home. This is the home that he had lived in from when he was born... for the last 30 years. And now because of one person, he hasn't dared to go home for several days. It was him who took this person home but now he has to drive this per‐ son out. The proud and arrogant YanMingXiu likely won't be able to withstand the humiliation of being kicked out. In YanMingXiu's heart, perhaps he was just a competent housekeeper and bed partner, completely dispensable. When he got home, the lights were on. YanMingXiu had already re‐ turned. ZhouXiang took a deep breath and opened the door with his key. YanMingXiu was sitting on the sofa, staring at him coldly. ZhouXiang did what he would habitually do whenever he came home; he took off his jacket and hung it near the door, changed his shoes into a pair of slippers and put the keys on top of the shoe rack. Every time he comes home, this is what he would do. YanMingXiu had seen this many times. This familiar scene in front of him is as if nothing had happened between them, only that YanMingXiu had returned home before him. ZhouXiang used his life's biggest determination, remaining calm on the surface and walked over to look around the home, then asked indiffer‐ ently, "You still haven't packed up your stuff yet? I'll help you." YanMingXiu's expression changed dramatically. He bolted from the sofa and grabbed ZhouXiang's collar and raised his fist, coming close to 263

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punching him. ZhouXiang instantly grab his wrist and looked at him, reluctant to show his weakness. YanMingXiu gnashed his teeth, "What the hell is actually going on with you? Are you fucking out of your mind? To quarrel to this point!" ZhouXiang swatted his hand away and gloomily professed, "You were drunk that night. You came back, hugged and kissed me, but your mouth was calling for 'Dong Ge'. I am just a stuntman. I can't be compared a bit to your 'Dong Ge' but I still have my pride. The person you were think‐ ing of the entire time you were fucking me is your 'Dong Ge'. This I can't accept. Any normal person won't be able to accept. These words should be clear enough, please move out. Go to your 'Dong Ge'." YanMingXiu is livid. Although he had already guessed that he must have said something that he shouldn't have said that night in his drunken state, he doesn't remember it at all. The engagement ceremony between his sis‐ ter and WangYuDong made him very upset but it also gave him a sense of relief. He felt that he should finally let go. Things that one could not possess always appeared to be very captivating. But no matter how much he desires it, this is not something he could touch. He can't possibly steal his sister's husband. They are siblings. He could only give up. That night, he drank away his failures and frustrations. It wasn't that he wanted to vent anything. He just wanted to reflect on his past, reflect on the time when he was a teenager and was still feeling apprehensive of his true sexuality, that kind of mesmerizing and yearning feeling he had when he saw WangYuDong onscreen. It was a pure white and smooth sleek back, elegantly falling into the wa‐ ter. The cold river water under the moonlight soaked his robe, exposing his faintly discernible broad shoulders, his narrow waistline and plump buttocks, exuding such alluring sex appeal. YanMingXiu can even re‐ member his blood raging impulsively at the time. The revealing of this alluring back silhouette as the person slowly turned around definitely wasn't disappointing. It made him aroused from seeing a man's body. For YanMingXiu, who was only sixteen at the time, it was a huge shock. Since then, he had seen all kinds of beautiful people, but he had never forgotten his initial overwhelming intense captivation from WangYuDong. 264

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At that time, he never thought that this person would become an object could not grasp. When WangYuDong and his sister held their engagement ceremony, it was like declaration of YanMingXiu's failure, making him feel utterly depressed. He didn't even remember how he walked into the pub, how he got drunk, or how ZhouXiang took him home. So naturally, he would not remember what he said and did that night. However, ZhouXiang had told him. Furthermore, it was not far from what he had guessed. But he never imagined that ZhouXiang would have such huge reaction. When he saw the couple happily smiling at the engagement ceremony, he only felt his entire body chillingly cold. He wanted to return to the home he shared with ZhouXiang. He wanted to hug ZhouXiang because ZhouXiang can comfort him. He had never had a moment when he felt such intense need to see and feel ZhouXiang. Because ZhouXiang is always there. No matter what he says or does...ZhouXiang won't leave. But even ZhouXiang has left. When he regained his senses, there was no warm body, no dry towels and no hot breakfast. At a time when he was completely drunk and feeling nauseous, ZhouXi‐ ang was not by his side taking care of him. He had never been treated with such indifferent coldness. He was so angry that he had a headache for an entire day. He thought ZhouXiang left because something happened at the company but he didn't expect ZhouXiang to not return for the entire night. He en‐ dured and endured. He finally couldn't endure it any longer. So on the second day, he called ZhouXiang, wanting to hear his explanation. But what he heard was ZhouXiang's demand to kick him out. The ZhouXiang, who has been so docile and obedient in this year, is ac‐ tually kicking him out!

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YanMingXiu didn't want to admit it, but had admit that he has the feeling of being dumped at the moment. This makes no sense. Only he can be tired of such relationship. What right does ZhouXiang have to dump him! ZhouXiang saw that YanMingXiu's expression was a little distorted, as if he would attack and bite him at any time. He carefully stepped back, "If you need my help, I'll help you pack. If you don't need it, I'll come back in a few days." YanMingXiu responded gloomily, "Come back in a few days? Where have you been these few days? Don't think that I don't know. You left with LanXiRong. If I didn't tell you to come back, wouldn't you have stayed at his place tonight? You are so anxious to kick me out is pre‐ cisely because of him, right?" ZhouXiang feels a splitting headache, "The matters between me and you have nothing to do with him." "You're getting closer and closer to him and wanting to break up with me. You dare to say that it has nothing to do with him." YanMingXiu couldn't believe that ZhouXiang would give up on him. The only possi‐ bility is that he was confused by that pretty boy, LanXiRong. ZhouXiang took a deep breath and looked fiercely at YanMingXiu while enunciating word by word, "It has... nothing to ... do with him! Yan‐ MingXiu, can you be more unreasonable? The reason we are at this point is all because of you! The person you like is WangYuDong. Why must you humiliate me?!" YanMingXiu flew into a rage, "When did I humiliate you! I never said that I liked you. I'm not under any obligation to like you. You know it yourself. We have been together for this long, what right do you have to be dissatisfied now? What was not good with what how we are?" ZhouXiang closed his eyes and felt that his heart is completely cold. Ev‐ ery words coming out of YanMingXiu's mouth pierced his heart, so much that he couldn't even cry out. He hoarsely muttered, "Right, you re‐ ally... have no obligation to like me. Go like your Dong Ge, let me go."

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YanMingXiu clenched his fist and glared at him. He couldn't convince himself to slam the door and leave. He is not willing to let this off. Why is it that even ZhouXiang dared to push him away? YanMingXiu's cell phone rang when the two were at a standstill. Their state of mind is instantly pulled back to reality. YanMingXiu irritably pulled out his phone intending to throw it on the ground; but when the he saw the name on the caller ID, he paused and hesitantly held the call. ZhouXiang unconsciously opened his mouth, "It's WangYuDong. Why don't you pick up?" He didn't know why he knew, but he guessed. "Take the call. Let me carefully see the look and expression you have when talking to WangYuDong so that I can completely give up." YanMingXiu glanced at ZhouXiang and still took the call, "Hello, Dong Ge." WangYuDong's voice coming from the other line sounded a bit de‐ pressed, "MingXiu, can you talk right now?" YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang and ZhouXiang was also watching him. This condo is small, the dark night was deathly quiet. ZhouXiang could hear WangYuDong's voice clearly. ZhouXiang revealed a slightly sarcastic smile, a smile that is full of de‐ spair. YanMingXiu felt that ZhouXiang's smile was extremely glaring. He had intended to go into the room to talk, but right now didn't want to move at all. He looked at ZhouXiang and said calmly, "It's fine, let's talk." WangYuDong's tone is heavily exhaustive, "MingXiu, do you know that I'll be cooperating with Director Wang in a new film?" "Your news in the circle I don't know much about." "I'll cut it short. After I got engaged with MingMei, many people in the circle are jealous. I'm under more and more pressure now. Many people want to see me humiliated. This Director Wang is a mean madman. In 267

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the last film, he deliberately made everything difficult for me. This time he wants me to give up the engagement ceremony with MingMei to par‐ ticipate in the film launching ceremony. Of course MingMei is my prior‐ ity. As a result, Director Wang used this as an excuse to replace the lead role that was already previously been decided." YanMingXiu is so enraged and confused at this time that he almost didn't continue to listen to what WangYuDong was saying. He only focused on the changes in ZhouXiang's expression. He obviously saw the look of contempt in ZhouXiang's expression when he (ZhouXiang) heard WangYuDong's words and is anxious to know what this expression meant. So much that for the first time, he (YanMingXiu) even felt impa‐ tient with WangYuDong's call. He said, "Dong Ge, with this matter, what do you say is the proper way to handle it? I can mobilize resources for you however you want, or I could get my older brother to help, he is more familiar with the entertainment industry." WangYuDong sighed, "I'm actually looking for you to help me with a fa‐ vor." "Me? What can I help you with?" "Do you know who Director Wang is replacing my lead role with?" YanMingXiu creased his brows and asked quickly, "Who?" WangYuDong took a deep breath, "ZhouXiang." YanMingXiu was shocked and widened his eyes at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang also looked at YanMingXiu with fearlessness. He didn't see it wrong. WangYuDong is really a two-faced villain, spitting out lies again and again. He thought of himself being suppressed by such a person ev‐ erywhere and even the person that he loves... loves such a person. He felt the circulation of his blood attacking his heart... so hateful, it made him gnashed his teeth. YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang deeply and voiced softly, "Dong Ge, say it."

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"ZhouXiang is originally my stuntman. Now Director Wang wants him to replace my role. If this happens, I will be so humiliated. Anyone can replace me but ZhouXiang, do you understand? I would be upstaged by my own stuntman. I, WangYuDong, have been in the entertainment in‐ dustry for so many years, what kind of defamation have I not endured. With the exception of such insult...I really can't stand it." YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang's calm expression and has a lot of questions in his heart, "Dong Ge, ZhouXiang has no backing. It is so easy to replace him, why are you so nervous?" WangYuDong smiled bitterly, "ZhouXiang really has no background, but Director Wang is persistent in recommending him just to humiliate me. And his boss, also with the surname Wang is the son of Minister Wang. You've seen him. This President Wang's attitude is very ambiguous, al‐ lowing for ZhouXiang to decide for himself. Right now, President Wang is heavily promoting his company's star, LanXiRong. LanXiRong will also be participating in this film. If ZhouXiang plays the lead, their com‐ pany will monopolize the male and supporting male lead roles. I've heard today that ZhouXiang has already agreed." YanMingXiu's pupils shrank sharply. The news of LanXiRong playing the second male lead is especially gripping to his heart. ZhouXiang and LanXiRong in the same film! ZhouXiang didn't mention shit about this! YanMingXiu gnashed his teeth and asked, "When was this?" "Started before Christmas. The day after tomorrow, there will be a launching ceremony and press conference at XX Hotel. If ZhouXiang goes, I'll really be turned into a joke." WangYuDong sighed, "MingXiu, I know your relationship with ZhouXiang. This time, you have to help me, you can't let him go." YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang looked at each other, the air full of abnor‐ mal flavor. YanMingXiu's eyes is full of chilling frost, he just haven't pierced a hole through ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang with determination, his voice chill‐ ingly cold, "Dong Ge, don't worry, I won't let him go." 269

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ZhouXiang immediately stood up from the sofa. WangYuDong was relieved, "MingXiu, thank you. I plan to end the vaca‐ tion with MingMei earlier and return home tomorrow night to attend the launching ceremony the day after tomorrow." YanMingXiu hung up the phone. ZhouXiang looked at him; his eyes filled with hopeless despair but still firmly said each and every word, "I will definitely go." YanMingXiu revealed a cold smile, "Don't even think about going any‐ where. If I allow you to be in the same film as that pretty boy, LanXiRong, I will change my surname from now on." End of the Chapter

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Chapter 37 - House Arrest ZhouXiang's breadth became unstable as his chest fiercely undulated. He looked at the person in front of him, the feeling is so unfamiliar. His pupils tinged with the shade of extreme disappointment as he very slowly open his mouth, "YanMingXiu, do you know the importance of this role to me? I've offended WangYuDong. There is no place for me in the entertainment circle. All my bet is on this role. Only if I can break‐ through this barrier myself will I be able to have a footing in this indus‐ try." YanMingXiu didn't put his apprehensions to heart. He couldn't wait for ZhouXiang to quit the entertainment industry. After all, the disappear‐ ance of a small character like ZhouXiang would not be any huge loss to anyone. But for him, it can ensure that ZhouXiang would no longer have any associations with LanXiRong. Not to mention that it is no big deal for him to support ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu threw the phone on the sofa and said nothing, "You overes‐ timate yourself. What makes you think you can play Dong Ge's role? When this film comes out, it won't even be profitable. Will you be able to establish yourself? You will be even more dejected and depressed." ZhouXiang sneered, "In your eyes, WangYuDong is God. But that's not what I think. Whether or not I can play this role is not for you to judge. You have no right to stop me." YanMingXiu looked at him fiercely, "You can try and see if you can get out of here. Your few moves are only for show. Even if I have to tie you up, I won't let you go." ZhouXiang can't suppress the sorrow from rising in his heart, "Yan‐ MingXiu...you treating WangYuDong with such deep affections, I can say nothing more. In your eyes, except for him, others are nothing. Even if we were together for a year, in your eyes, it didn't amount to shit." YanMingXiu's lips quivered, seeing the sorrow in ZhouXiang's eyes, his heart shuddered all of a sudden. He gritted his teeth, "ZhouXiang, why

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bother to steal his role? What is the point of humiliating him? What's more, it's a role with LanXiRong! You want to shoot a film or you want to be the lead, I'll satisfy you. You can pick any prominent director and screenwriter in the country; I'll pay to tailor a film or TV series for you. Are you satisfied with that?" ZhouXiang's expression is as if he wanted to cry, "YanMingXiu, we've been together for this long, why haven't you thought of giving me any‐ thing during this time? With your prestigious wealthy Yan family, it shouldn't matter to anything. If it wasn't for me threatening your Dong Ge, you wouldn't even have thought a bit for me, am I right?" In this relationship between them, ZhouXiang had always been the one who is continuously putting in the effort...constantly putting in the effort. Not once had YanMingXiu given him the slightest reciprocation. ZhouX‐ iang wasn't really expecting anything in return for treating him well. He even believed that the reason YanMingXiu didn't help him in the past wasn't because he was unwilling to spend the money. It was merely be‐ cause he was too lazy to put in any effort for him...because even if Yan‐ MingXiu didn't do anything, he, ZhouXiang, would still shamelessly treat him wholeheartedly. Why would YanMingXiu need to waste any energy? ZhouXiang felt that he, himself, is so fucking pitiful. If he knew early on that YanMingXiu was only treating him as a substitute, he would've han‐ dle the relationship between them completely differently and definitely wouldn't have let himself fall for this person. But right now, everything is too late. YanMingXiu responded harshly, "You are deliberately twisting my meaning. Whether or not there is Dong Ge, I won't let you and LanXiRong have a chance to act in the same film..." Unexpectedly, ZhouXiang yelled at YanMingXiu, "Don't fucking pre‐ tend!! I've known you for more than a year. Only with matters involving WangYuDong would you not be calm. Only with matters involving WangYuDong would you become abnormal. In your eyes, WangYuDong is God. I'm not fucking anything. Why can't you admit it!!? Why are you involving LanXiRong in this? It has nothing to do within him from start to finish. From now on, I, ZhouXiang... whoever I'm with, whatever film I'm in, how I live... will have nothing to do with you! I also don't care 272

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whether or not your Dong Ge will be humiliated. I must act this role! Get the fuck out of my home right now!" After ZhouXiang said these words, his tears had already fallen. This is purely unbearable. YanMingXiu's unconditional protection of WangYuDong made him gnash his teeth with hatred toward WangYuDong. No, maybe it's not hate, but jealousy. He is so jealous of WangYuDong that he is going crazy. WangYuDong has everything... the looks, the talent, a great family, sta‐ tus, and even YanMingXiu's wholehearted genuine feelings. Which of these do ZhouXiang have? He is jealous of WangYuDong hav‐ ing something that is beyond his reach. The power of jealousy motivated him to take WangYuDong's role, to humiliate WangYuDong. Even if he can beat WangYuDong for even a little bit, it is enough to make him feel happy. Although he knew that he will never win over WangYuDong. In WangYuDong's eyes, he is just a lucky bastard that Director Wang conveniently use as a weapon, someone that is not even worthy to be his opponent. He definitely wouldn't have known that the thing that ZhouXi‐ ang desperately strive to get and wanted was actually YanMingXiu's heart, which also belonged to him (WangYuDong). He, ZhouXiang, will always just be a mere stuntman for WangYuDong. The applause and glory that WangYuDong gets in front of people and the fame and affections he gets from behind the scenes has nothing to do with his stuntman (ZhouXiang). There had never been a moment in his life when he felt so mediocre, so lowly. WangYuDong's glory that had occasionally swept through his dark corner is already enough to pierce his heart, making his entire body feel such immense pain, not to mention YanMingXiu stabbing him with a knife time and time again. He didn't just get deeply hurt and heart-broken from YanMingXiu, he was also deeply ashamed.

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Although he knew that doing so will only exacerbate the situation and will not be beneficial to him at all, he still wanted to compete with WangYuDong for this role. Otherwise, he can't get pass himself. He also wanted to take something from WangYuDong to save this last bit of selfesteem that is on the verge of collapse. But all this, YanMingXiu will not understand. He understood that in YanMingXiu's eyes, he is now just a lowly person who dared to offend WangYuDong. YanMingXiu would not hesitate to bait him with huge sums of money in exchange for WangYuDong's repu‐ tation. He absolutely won't agree to this. YanMingXiu dazedly looked at the tears on ZhouXiang's face and felt overwhelmed for the first time. He never saw ZhouXiang cry. ZhouXiang always had on a smile... a gen‐ erous and wholehearted smile... a gentle smile and a considerate smile. In YanMingXiu's eyes, ZhouXiang is a person who never seems to have any worries and can get over anything. At least, ZhouXiang never showed his moodiness in front of him. But in one night, all of this changed. He got to see ZhouXiang's indiffer‐ ence and resistance. And now, he also got to see ZhouXiang's helpless tears. YanMingXiu immediately felt his heart tightened. He really didn't know what is happening to him. Seeing ZhouXiang expressionlessly crying is most unsightly. He didn't know how to refute ZhouXiang's words. The reason he did this is not only for WangYuDong. WangYuDong's re‐ quest, he really can't refuse. But the bigger reason is that he can't stand for ZhouXiang to film with LanXiRong, especially when their relation‐ ship is on the verge of collapse. LanXiRong will definitely take this op‐ portunity to get together with ZhouXiang. He had heard from WangYuDong before that this new film will be shooting in the northwest desert for three months. This is a very remote area with no entertainment

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whatsoever. With ZhouXiang and LanXiRong in this place for more than three months, what will happen when he return? Will ZhouXiang have a change of heart? Will he still like him (YanMingXiu)? He can't take this risk. He can't see his own heart clearly. The only thing that he knows surely is that he don't want ZhouXiang to leave him. He is used to having ZhouXiang by his side. He is used to enjoying everything that ZhouXiang had given him. Especially after his delusion with WangYuDong shattered, he needed ZhouXiang to stay by his side even more. ZhouXiang is the only person who can comfort him and is the only person who can put him at ease. He would never give ZhouXiang to anyone. He absolutely would not let ZhouXiang be in this film! ZhouXiang wiped the tears from his face, picked up his keys, and turned to go to the door. YanMingXiu shouted, "Where are you going?!" ZhouXiang did not answer and went straight to the door. YanMingXiu quickly chased from behind. But ZhouXiang seemed to be prepared and on guard. He suddenly turned around and raised his fist to‐ ward YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu didn't think that ZhouXiang would hit him. ZhouXiang didn't think he would be the first to strike, but without thinking, his fist had already been thrown out. Even though he hesitated, he still struck YanMingXiu in the face. YanMingXiu's body hit the shoe cabinet, groaning as he instantly grab the shoe cabinet to stabilize his body from falling to the ground. ZhouXiang desperately gasped a few breaths and quickly reached for the doorknob, wanting to quickly leave this place as soon as possible. YanMingXiu suddenly hugged him from behind, forcing him to fall on the floor in the living room. ZhouXiang's body slammed on the ground. He struggled to get up.

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YanMingXiu was on top of him at once. With his infinite strength, he in‐ stantly had ZhouXiang trapped. He couldn't even move. ZhouXiang didn't know where YanMingXiu's strength came from as he vigorously struggled to get up, but YanMingXiu hands grabbed his arm like a pair of iron tongs. ZhouXiang glared at YanMingXiu with bloodshot eyes, "Let me go, are you fucking crazy!?" YanMingXiu looked at him condescendingly and said firmly, "Don't think of leaving." ZhouXiang was anxious as he screamed, "Even if you treat WangYuDong better, he won't be with you! He is your brother-in-law! What fucking use is it for you to be doing this?! He won't like you, he never will!" "I know that," YanMingXiu responded calmly. He knew all these rea‐ sons, but he never thought that someone would tell him that. He thought he would flip out from humiliation, but he didn't. He felt that he had ac‐ cepted this reality very peacefully. Perhaps because he had been disap‐ pointed for too long so he couldn't even feel much sadness. The only thought in his mind now is how to stop ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang struggled desperately, so much that he was panting and sweating profusely, "YanMingXiu, you are really pitiful, for someone who doesn't like you..." He wanted to say something provoking to incite him, but he can't say it, because every word and every sentence seems to be mocking himself. For a person who doesn't like him, he made himself into such a pitiful fool, what qualifications does he have to talk about others? YanMingXiu pulled out a rope used for jump rope from under the coffee table. It was very old and seemed to be more than ten years old. It hasn't been used for a long time but it is very convenient. He grabbed ZhouXi‐ ang's hand and tied them up.

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ZhouXiang saw that YanMingXiu was serious about this and panicked as he shouted, "YanMingXiu, let me go!! WangYuDong merely lost just a role. If I don't go, my career in the entertainment circle for all these many years is completely over, I must go!" "If it's over, then so be it. I'll support you," YanMingXiu said calmly and coldly. ZhouXiang's eyes are bloodshot as he glared at YanMingXiu furiously. After YanMingXiu finished tying him up, he gripped his chin and asked, "ZhouXiang, do you like me?" ZhouXiang didn't speak. He just stared at him. YanMingXiu gently stroked the newly grown stubble on ZhouXiang's chin and softly muttered, "Continue to like me, you can have anything." He leaned over and softly touched ZhouXiang's lips, "I'll give you what you want, but you're not allowed to think about others." ZhouXiang closed his eyes, turning his face to the side, feeling com‐ pletely devastated. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 38 - Losing All Hope ⦘

Chapter 38 - Losing All Hope YanMingXiu carried ZhouXiang into the bedroom and threw him on the bed. Then, he proceeded to remove ZhouXiang's outerwear and outer pants. YanMingXiu was continuously kicked and punched by ZhouXiang. With this series of punches, his face was also bruised and his expression look‐ ing very unsightly. This effort in subduing ZhouXiang made him sweat profusely. After ZhouXiang was tied up and couldn't move, he could only look at YanMingXiu coldly. YanMingXiu completely ignored his chilling expression as he removed the rest of ZhouXiang's clothes except for his underwear and draped a blanket over him, "Just stay like this for the coming two days. Don't think about going out. I'll be watching over you." ZhouXiang chilling responded, "YanMingXiu, you bastard." YanMingXiu touched his flustered enraged face, "I'll release you after the launching film ceremony is over. I'll do what I say and take you to see Director Zhang Ling on Monday. He was looking for investors some time ago. I'll recommend you to be the lead actor. This role is not any worse than Dong Ge's role. What more could you be dissatisfied with?" ZhouXiang's dark pupils looked at him without hesitation, "Yan‐ MingXiu, if I say that all I want is WangYuDong's role?" YanMingXiu knitted his brows and responded coldly, "Do you really want Dong Ge's role or do you want to act in scenes with LanXiRong?" "I want WangYuDong's role! Will you give it?" ZhouXiang looked at him through gritted teeth. YanMingXiu's facial muscles are somewhat distorted. He can't under‐ stand why ZhouXiang is so paranoid. After a long time, he responded,

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"Dong Ge's role is not one that you could act in. Besides, he is now con‐ sidered to be a part of my Yan family, so we can't lose face." ZhouXiang forcefully smiled and uttered sarcastically, "You're right. What right do I have to play WangYuDong's role? I will completely tar‐ nish his image." "It's good that you know it. You've just been Dong Ge's stuntman a few times. Do you really think that you could play the leading role? At that time when you find yourself incompetent, you'll just be putting yourself to shame." It wasn't that YanMingXiu hasn't seen ZhouXiang act. Even though it was only as a stuntman, in order to get into the role, one must also coordinate his actions to make the appropriate facial expressions and say the lines. ZhouXiang is just an ordinary stuntman with average act‐ ing skills; it is incomparable to the level of proficiency of WangYuDong. With ZhouXiang's image, it is not suitable to perform roles of a selfless undemanding hero who does not care about the mundane world. So for him to want to play WangYuDong's role, he felt that ZhouXiang is merely overestimating himself. YanMingXiu might as well spend the money to create a role that is suitable for him. This might instead make him popular. Even though he does not want ZhouXiang to get popular at all but it seems that ZhouXiang himself wanted to be. He is willing to satisfy him as a way to compensate him. YanMingXiu felt that his arrangement was reasonable. He didn't under‐ stand why ZhouXiang is being so persistent. ZhouXiang just didn't know what was good for him. ZhouXiang hoarsely voiced, "Even though this role is not at all suitable for me, I've earned this opportunity myself. YanMingXiu, I'm not going to accept your handout. I want to break up cleanly with you. I hope you could understand this." YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes, "Say it again?" ZhouXiang looked at him fearlessly, "I said I want to break up with you cleanly." YanMingXiu rolled over and pressed on top of him. He pinched ZhouXi‐ ang's chin. Because of his excessive force, ZhouXiang is in pain. Yan‐

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MingXiu chillingly responded, "ZhouXiang, don't make yourself so shameless." ZhouXiang gnashed his teeth, "Let me go!!!" YanMingXiu unyieldingly responded, "Not possible." ZhouXiang turned his waist, wanting to push him off his body but Yan‐ MingXiu didn't even budge. Instead, he leaned down and propped his el‐ bows on both sides of ZhouXiang's face, looking at him condescend‐ ingly, his pair of deeply dark eyes closely glared at ZhouXiang. Their noses almost touching each other. YanMingXiu breathed softly, "ZhouXiang, you don't know what's good for you. I've already said it to such extent, what more do you want?" ZhouXiang closed his eyes. He knew that there was no way they could communicate. Soft lips brushed over ZhouXiang's lips. ZhouXiang opened his eyes and felt YanMingXiu kissing his lips, gently sucking it, with his deep black pupils looking at him with eagerness. ZhouXiang wanted to turn his face but YanMingXiu gripped his chin so ZhouXiang was forced to accept this slightly lingering kiss. YanMingXiu gently gasped and softened his tone. For the first time ever, he used a negotiating tone, "Xiang Ge, let's stop fighting. We've always been getting along very well. Isn't it good to be just like we were be‐ fore?" ZhouXiang bitterly laughed twice, "Can you like me the way you like WangYuDong?" YanMingXiu looked at him silently. He didn't like ZhouXiang comparing himself with WangYuDong. They are completely separate. WangYuDong is his first love, is a precious treasure that he could never have and also is his brother-in-law. ZhouXiang is... What is ZhouXiang?

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ZhouXiang is the person who would cook him all sorts of good foods. He is the person who would lay down on the bed first to warm up the blankets in the winter so that when he got out the shower, he could im‐ mediately sleep warmly and comfortably. He is the first person he sees when he comes home and is the person who could instantly make him re‐ lax. He is the person that always had a smile on his face. He is the person that is extremely compatible with him in love making, giving him unsur‐ passable intensive pleasure. ZhouXiang and WangYuDong are not the same. WangYuDong seems to exist only in his fantasy but ZhouXiang is real. The smile on ZhouXiang's face is extremely somber, "Can't right? Then we can't be the same as before." YanMingXiu only felt perplexed. There are some irrational words he wanted to say to refute, but couldn't say it. What does he want to do with ZhouXiang? What is ZhouXiang's place in his heart? Even he himself does not know. The only thing he knows is that he doesn't want to be separated from ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu's silent expression and felt com‐ pletely overwhelmed by disappointment. If YanMingXiu tells him that he 'likes him' in this moment, even if he was just lying to him, perhaps he might waver and change his mind. But as expected, YanMingXiu didn't even make an effort to lie to him. This kind of honest bluntness is chilling. ZhouXiang closed his eyes and turned his head. He no longer wanted to say even a word. He felt YanMingXiu quietly getting under the blanket with both of his hands meandered around his waist, caressing every inch of his scorching hot skin. YanMingXiu softly muttered behind his back, "ZhouXiang... I miss you a little."

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ZhouXiang laid passively as his underwear was getting removed and his thighs spread apart. YanMingXiu lay sideways behind him; with his fa‐ miliarity with ZhouXiang's body, he effortlessly squeezed his cock into ZhouXiang's tight passage. ZhouXiang suppressed himself from making any sounds. There had never been a time when sex made him felt as miserable as it did now. Yet, he had no strength to resist. YanMingXiu hugged his waist tightly. ZhouXiang's silence made him endlessly flustered. He slowly gasped and uttered unbearably into ZhouXiang's ears, "ZhouXiang... I miss you." His voice even slightly tinged with grievance, but still, he didn't get a re‐ sponse. Feeling a bit furious, he turned them over and kneel on the bed with their position in doggy-style as he clutched ZhouXiang's thighs and ruthlessly thrust into him from behind. ZhouXiang buried his face in the blanket and tightly pressed his lips, not wanting to make a sound. The more YanMingXiu wanted to humiliate him, the more he wouldn't let YanMingXiu get his way. But he knew that YanMingXiu could easily shatter his self-esteem. Be‐ cause up until this moment, YanMingXiu still refused to look at his face during sex. ZhouXiang's entire worth to YanMingXiu's is only that he had a back silhouette very similar to WangYuDong. ZhouXiang opened his eyes. His expression is more lucid than ever. He could let go of YanMingXiu. With enough time, he could let go of YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu didn't continue to do it with him well into the middle of the night as he usually does. Instead, he stopped after once. Unresponsive sex made him feel awful. No matter how satisfied his body is, his heart is void. He really misses the days when he and ZhouXiang would make in‐ tensive passionate love, the kind of carefree, uninhibited dripping wet sex. Would he be able to experience it again? YanMingXiu wiped ZhouXiang's lower body with a wet towel and then hugged him under the blanket.

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ZhouXiang's back was originally facing him, but that made him feel quite uncomfortable so he turned ZhouXiang over. ZhouXiang looked at him and slowly closed his eyes. YanMingXiu held him overbearingly in his arms and said in a lowpitched voice that only the two of them could hear, "Xiang Ge, I won't treat you as WangYuDong again." ZhouXiang did not say anything. A deathly silent night. ________ When LanXiRong called ZhouXiang's phone, YanMingXiu had wanted to throw his phone on the ground, but he restrained himself and black‐ listed LanXiRong. YanMingXiu really did what he said. He forcefully put ZhouXiang under house arrest for two days. But he didn't have ZhouXiang tied up the en‐ tire time. Instead, he locked the door from the outside and hid the keys and his phone. Unless ZhouXiang threw caution out of the wind and didn't care to shamelessly cry out for help inside the house, otherwise YanMingXiu was constantly staring at him. He had no way to escape from this condo. He has lived in this place for 30 years. There was not one neighbor that didn't know him. He couldn't afford to be that shameless. On the afternoon of the film launching ceremony, LanXiRong, CaiWei and President Wang separately called ZhouXiang several times. The phone was always busy and the three were busily preoccupied with their work so didn't have the time to look into his matters or pay much atten‐ tion to it. At 8'o clock in the evening, ZhouXiang did not appear at the press con‐ ference. Instead, it was WangYuDong who showed up, impeccably dressed, appearing as the lead actor. It was as if nothing had happened. They were all dumbstruck.

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In front of so many cameras and dozens of reporters, Director Wang couldn't quarrel with WangYuDong. So just like how it was rehearsed, they had a seemingly joyful film launching ceremony. Nothing has changed, as if the complicated matters that happened outside of the cere‐ mony didn't happen. The rumors of WangYuDong's lead role being re‐ placed were completely discredited. All are happy. Only ZhouXiang watched as time slowly ticked by, as if the blood in his body has completely been drained and is getting colder and colder. He had already given up. The position of the leading actor, he may need to blaze a new trail to get it. But he obviously did not have that kind of life. He doesn't have the life of a lead actor. He could only naturally resign himself to being a stuntman. No matter how hard he strive for it and fought to get a leading role, in the end, it only proved that he is just a fool. He could only be a stuntman. ZhouXiang didn't feel anything, no disappointment, no anger, and also no regrets... because YanMingXiu had given him two days to be men‐ tally prepared for this ending. He calmly accepted it. The next morning, YanMingXiu gave him back his keys and phone and told him that he would take him to see Director Zhang Ling. "I'll do what I say and give you a role that is suitable for you. However popular you want to be, I'll fulfill it for you." ZhouXiang didn't resist as he was dragged to the car. YanMingXiu arranged to meet Zhang Ling at a hotel café. They arrived ten minutes earlier. The two sat on the sofa as they waited for Zhang Ling. ZhouXiang said that he needed to go to the bathroom. ZhouXiang appeared to be very calm and YanMingXiu didn't think too much as he let him go. He didn't know why but when he stared at 284

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ZhouXiang's back silhouette, up until ZhouXiang disappeared at the cor‐ ner, this back that is no different from usual, still looking very much like WangYuDong's back, but YanMingXiu could no longer think of WangYuDong as he look at this back. He clearly realized that it is ZhouXiang. If he knew at this moment that this would be the last time he would ever see ZhouXiang, he would be willing to pay any price just to return to this day. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 39 - The Last Phone Call ⦘

Chapter 39 - The Last Phone Call CaiWei's wife was not feeling well so he stayed home on this day to be with her. Upon seeing ZhouXiang, he was startled for a moment. Then, he immediately grabbed onto his collar and shouted, "Where the fuck were you these past two days! If you're not dead, I wanna hear how you're going to fucking explain this!" ZhouXiang look exhausted as he pushed CaiWei's chest to get him into the home, "Wei Ge, let's talk inside." CaiWei also realized that ZhouXiang's expression is ghastly paled, as if he had experienced some sort of tragedy. This made him even more wor‐ ried. He had known ZhouXiang for more than ten years. ZhouXiang is a very responsible and reliable person. The things ZhouXiang agreed on, he would never back out of. There has to be some reason. Even if he was to change his mind the last minute, he would not have turned off his phone and just disappear without reason. He will definitely tell him so they that they can be prepared. The only possibility is that something happened beyond ZhouXiang's control. Therefore, CaiWei was in a panic, afraid that ZhouXiang might have been in an accident. He had planned to go to ZhouXiang's home last night, but helplessly, his wife wasn't feeling well. He didn't sleep all night and couldn't get away. At this time, LanXiRong had already gone to ZhouXiang's home. Before hearing anything from LanXiRong, ZhouXiang actually appeared at his home. CaiWei pulled him into his home and shoved him on the sofa. His wife came out of the bedroom and looked at them anxiously. CaiWei had his wife go back into the room and closed the door. Then he sat down on the sofa next to ZhouXiang and gravely asked, "What the hell is going on?"

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ZhouXiang was too lazy to make up any excuses at this time. He slowly muttered, "YanMingXiu didn't let me go." "YanMingXiu didn't let you go? Why?" CaiWei quickly reacted. Yan‐ MingXiu is WangYuDong's future rother-in law. ZhouXiang glanced at him, confirming what he (CaiWei) suspected, "WangYuDong called him and have him stop me from going. He...in short. I couldn't make it." "Fuck, he's really fucking using force to bully people!!" CaiWei is so fu‐ rious that he almost smashed the coffee table, "How did he stop you? He couldn't possibly have tied you up?" ZhouXiang didn't utter a word, which by itself is silently admitting it. CaiWei is incensed, "What the fuck!! You guys have been together for so long; did he not feel a bit of sentiments toward you? Not to mention that WangYuDong has not officially married his sister, even if they have, he can't be that ruthless to you!" ZhouXiang sighed, "Wei Ge, it's useless to say that now, Director Wang's and President Wang's side, I don't know how to explain it. I don't dare to see them." "You also don't want to see them. Director Wang is furious, same with President Wang. Ah Xiang, I've already said earlier. If you don't come, you really can't work in the entertainment industry anymore, you under‐ stand?" CaiWei carefully observed ZhouXiang's expression, afraid that he couldn't take it. When ZhouXiang had just finished school in his 20s, CaiWei arranged for him to do meager odd jobs with the crew. Most of them were labor intensive with low pay. Gradually, some of the jobs would blend in with some roles that could expose the face or there could be a line or two. Af‐ ter three to four years, he began to get into the martial arts stuntman pro‐ fession. Although being a martial arts stuntman is considered a relatively low ranking career in the entertainment industry, at least in terms of in‐ come, it is much better than ordinary white-collar workers. ZhouXiang did not have the burden of caring for a wife nor taking care of the elders (since his parents had passed), so this income is enough for him to live a 287

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good life. He is also content with that. Moreover, in recent years, since he had gotten connections with many people, he has begun to pick up some martial arts supporting roles and stunt coordinator type of work. His prospects are definitely better. All this, he accumulated from his years of effort. But because of this matter, it had all been destroyed. ZhouXiang not only offended WangYuDong but also offended Director Wang and misled their President Wang. He is such a low level worker, how could he continue to exist in this circle? ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "Wei Ge, how could I not understand, but I have no other way..." CaiWei sighed, his heart full of helplessness. ZhouXiang has been his buddy since they were back in their school days. They've always had a good relationship. He really didn't want to see ZhouXiang lose his job going forth. ZhouXiang lowered his head and depressingly said, "Wei Ge. I know that I could no longer be a stuntman. I wanted to ask if you could find me some other work. I just need to make a bit more money. I can open a shop later." CaiWei sighed, "Don't rush things, just rest for a few days first." ZhouXiang revealed a desperate expression, "Wei Ge, I can't possibly not be anxious. Right now, I'm... YanMingXiu is still staying at my house refusing to leave. I have no other way. I want to avoid him at the mo‐ ment." CaiWei is shocked, "YanMingXiu? Is at your home refusing to leave? What the hell does this shameless bastard still want?" "I don't know. I want to hide from him. He may leave after a while so if there is anything else I could do right now, I want to do it right away. I don't want to be idle." He will think too much if he has too much free time. He's already passed the age of holding on to regrets. The most im‐ portant thing right now should not be this unrealistic love but his liveli‐ hood.

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CaiWei thought for a long time, then said with much difficulty, "There is one, but it is too harsh." After he said that, he was very hesitant, seem‐ ingly reluctant to say it. "Wei Ge, It's not like I can't bear the hardship. Tell me. Just as long as I could earn some money. Even if I was to go out and find a job now, I have no other skills. I can only find you. Only you can introduce me to some suitable jobs." CaiWei couldn't bear his persistence so he had no choice but to tell him, "I know a person some time ago who specializes in filming documen‐ taries. This time, they are going deep into ShiWan Mountain to track this mysterious primitive tribe that has never been out and record their life habits, traditions and the like. He's trying to assemble a group of people right now. You have been working as part of the crew for many years, what outdoor environmental filming locations have you not seen? You are exactly who they need. But the conditions of shooting a documentary are very harsh. It's completely different from the brilliance life of work‐ ing in the entertainment circle. Their purpose is not for profit but for sci‐ entific records and their funds come from the state and some civil organi‐ zations. They are definitely not treated like ordinary actors. Adding on, they often have to go through a lot of trouble just to shoot a certain scene, not to mention that this unknown place might be accompanied by a lot of dangers." CaiWei looked at him deeply, "It may take months or even a year or two. ZhouXiang, I really don't want you to go, but this is the only thing I could think of right now." ZhouXiang thought for a moment, "I'll go. This job is very suitable for me. Now is not the time for me to be pick the job but the job to pick me." CaiWei continuously sighed, "Ah Xiang, think about it again. Working in the indigenous forest is going to be very hard work and they'll have to bring a lot of equipment and the like. I advise you to think about it for a few more days. Then I'll help you ask. For the time being, you can live in my home for a while." After CaiWei finished saying this, he really re‐ gretted it. He still didn't want ZhouXiang to go. Although there are many people involved and security shouldn't be a problem, this is deep into the forest, who knows what will happen? ZhouXiang has lived in the city his entire life. Would he be able to stand it? He really regretted opening his mouth so fast.

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ZhouXiang shook his head, "Wei Ge, this is great. Really. Let me go. The documentary crew has very little contact with the entertainment in‐ dustry. They wouldn't reject me because of WangYuDong. Maybe I can still specialize in this type of work. This can be considered experience for me. Wei Ge. Don't worry. I'll take care of myself." CaiWei hesitated for a long time, and finally gave in to ZhouXiang's re‐ peated request. He called the person in charge of the crew and briefly in‐ troduced ZhouXiang. CaiWei is somewhat prestigious in the entertain‐ ment circle. The people he introduced is very reliable so the other side very quickly agreed. ZhouXiang will be going in the next two days. Be‐ sides two sets of changing clothes, he can bring nothing else. All the preparations have been made to go into the mountains. The normal ev‐ eryday clothes is of no use there. The crew seems to be in a rush to go. CaiWei didn't expect them to be leaving so quickly, this also caught ZhouXiang by surprise. CaiWei once again asked if he really planned on going. ZhouXiang thought about his situation and thought of YanMingXiu's chilling attitude. In the end, he nodded. After meeting with the person in charge, he directly got on the flight to Guangxi. During this time, his phone was turned off. He knew that YanMingXiu and LanXiRong would look for him, but he didn't want to hear from any‐ one at the moment. He just wanted to put all his energy into his work. Maybe after he returned a year and a half or so later, everything would have calmed down. At that time, he will look at planning out his life again. The only person he still kept in contact with is CaiWei. But it was through CaiWei contacting the person in charge, who would then contact him. CaiWei knew why he didn't want to turn on his phone. But this caused CaiWei a lot of headaches because his phone was constantly bombarded with calls from YanMingXiu and LanXiRong. Although CaiWei didn't know what they (YanMingXiu and LanXiRong) know, they obviously think that CaiWei knew where ZhouXiang is.

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ZhouXiang is at a low point in his life. Although CaiWei is overwhelm‐ ingly pestered, he didn't tell him about these things. He just reminded him that he must take care of himself. After a year, when everyone has forgotten about this matter, maybe he can come back and continue doing work as a martial arts stuntman again. Anything can happen, as long as he takes care of himself and come back healthy and energized. That phone call was made on the way to the mountain. At that moment, he never would have thought that, what was waiting for him was his own mystifying fate. At the beginning, everything went smoothly. They gradually proceeded led by the local guides. Finally, they settled in an outback remote area of the ShiWan Mountain. This place is far away from the world, but the scenery is beautiful and the air is fresh. This was quite shocking for sev‐ eral staff members who grew up in the city. With still more than a hundred kilometers away from their destination, they can still stay in the village. The village can still receive cell phone signals. But to get further and deeper into the mountains within two days, not to mention cell phone signal, they won't even be able to see a chicken. At that time they would have to start living the life of the great outdoor wilderness. But everyone would be spirited and happy with their dedications to the humanities in carrying out this type of work. Everyone got along very harmoniously, unitedly helping each other out in this un‐ familiar strange forest. This makes ZhouXiang feel much better than the crews in the entertainment circle. At least in this place, there is no fight‐ ing and scheming against each other. Whether it is the scientist who is obsessed with the natural sciences or the passionate adventurer, their hearts are relatively simple. After spending a few days with them and with the ambiance environment of the vast nature, ZhouXiang felt that his entire person is much better. Because he is exhausted every day, the time he spends thinking of Yan‐ MingXiu is also less. This is definitely a lucky break. On the eighth day of entering the mountains, they stayed in the last vil‐ lage that had communication to the outside world. Going forward, there are no public roads. They could only carry their heavy equipment and walk on foot.

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Everyone ate a lot that night, and then went to bed early. They would be leaving the next day when the sun is out. ZhouXiang lay on the bed and couldn't sleep no matter how he tried. He doesn't know what is on his mind that is haunting him, making him toss and turn unable to sleep. He looked at his watch and it was only sometime past ten o'clock in the evening. He couldn't help but took out his phone and planned on calling CaiWei. He didn't know why but he felt very flustered. He was afraid that some‐ thing might have happened to sister-in-law (CaiWei's wife). After all, her delivery date is near. This is already the last place to have phone signal. Once they entered deeper into the mountains, he won't be able to make any contact. It would be too late to contact him at that time. He quickly charged the phone for 20 minutes and then took it to the highest point in the village where the signal is strongest. The moment his phone was turned on, it beeped with dozens of text mes‐ sages and missed calls, shocking him. All those calls and text messages were from YanMingXiu and LanXiRong. He didn't look at any of it. He was afraid of seeing what he didn't want to see. He dialed CaiWei's phone but didn't expect CaiWei to have turned off his phone. He didn't know that CaiWei had turned off his phone because he was continuously pestered by YanMingXiu and LanXiRong. Instead, he thought that his fears had come true and could only pray in his heart that sister-in-law and the baby are both safe. He looked at the remaining battery on his phone and decided to call LanXiRong. He also felt guilty knowing that LanXiRong was so wor‐ ried.

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The call quickly connected with LanXiRong shouting, "Xiang Ge! Where did you go? Why don't you answer your phone! Do you know how worried I was!! Wei Ge merely mentioned that you went to work but didn't tell me where you went. You don't trust me?" Toward the end, he felt particularly grieved. ZhouXiang guiltily responded, "I really did go out for a job. I've been very busy lately so didn't turn on my phone....." "You even lie to me. Wei Ge has already told me about it. You turned off your phone to hide from YanMingXiu. I went to your home that day but nobody was at home. If I saw him, I would have beaten that heartless bastard to death." ZhouXiang sighed, "XiRong, consider it as Xiang Ge begging you, stay far away from him. He is not the type of people that we can provoke. I've already broken up with him. You should also pretend that he doesn't ex‐ ist. I'm doing really well right now. I like this job very much. I'll be back in a few months. We'll meet up again then." LanXiRong sighed, "Hearing your voice, I'm relieved. At least tell me what you are doing, where are you at?" ZhouXiang briefly told him a bit. After hearing it, LanXiRong was worried, "Is this place safe?" "It's fine. We have more than 20 people in the crew. It's only just a bit hard but it a great learning experience. You don't have to worry about me. My phone is almost out of battery. Tomorrow when we enter the wilderness, I'm not going to have phone signal so I'll contact you when I get back. Don't worry about me." LanXiRong reluctantly said a few words to him and finally muttered, "I'm waiting for you to come back." ZhouXiang knew the meaning of that sentence but he's in no mood to give any response at the moment. Maybe after he comes back a year and half later and could let go of YanMingXiu, he would consider going out with LanXiRong. But now he doesn't even want to think about it.

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Right after hanging up, YanMingXiu's call immediately came. ZhouXi‐ ang hesitated but finally picked up. YanMingXiu's voice sounded exhausted tinged with a bit of anger, "You finally turned on your phone." ZhouXiang faintly felt that this call came too coincidentally at this time; he couldn't help but blurted out, "You tapped my phone?" "Yes, or will I have to call your phone for 24 hours?" ZhouXiang was too angry to speak. "You went so far away just to hide from me?" YanMingXiu had been so exhausted by this matter with ZhouXiang these past days that he couldn't even get angry. When he heard the 'friendly' conversation between LanXiRong and ZhouXiang through the tapping software, his heart felt a faint throbbing pain, knowing that ZhouXiang would never initiate in calling him. "I'm doing it for my job," ZhouXiang tried to calm himself down. YanMingXiu said exhaustively, "ZhouXiang, come back, why must you go against me? What good does that do you?" "I'm not going against you. I went into the mountains to work. Yan‐ MingXiu, have you moved out of my home?" YanMingXiu gnawed his teeth, "No, I will stay in your home and wait for you to come back." ZhouXiang depressingly muttered, "Why can't you just let me go?" YanMingXiu was silent for a moment, "I want to start over with you. I like the feeling of being with you. Are these reasons good enough?" ZhouXiang's mind is in uttered chaos, "If you had said these words be‐ fore you called out WangYuDong's name while hugging me, I would have agreed to anything." "ZhouXiang! Don't be too much. What do you want from me?"

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ZhouXiang looked at the pitch-black dark forest; his voice is a bit hol‐ low, "MingXiu, you don't understand... you don't understand what it meant to me for you to be treating me as WangYuDong's substitute. You also don't understand how important that role was for me. We can't com‐ municate with each other; let's just leave it at that." "ZhouXiang!" YanMingXiu was consciously aware that he would hang up so he urgently stopped him. YanMingXiu's tone was tinged with sense of grievance, "Do you still like me?" ZhouXiang felt stabbing pain in his heart. YanMingXiu asked slowly, "Do you still like me? Xiang Ge, continue to like me. I won't treat you as WangYuDong anymore because I al‐ ready......" The call disconnected abruptly. ZhouXiang looked at the dark screen, obviously out of battery. He stared at the phone for a long time before returning to his room. Lay‐ ing on the bed, unable to sleep the entire night. The first time he saw YanMingXiu, he was mesmerized by him. This had become the entire image in his mind, making him feel such severe pain, as if a knife was being twisted in his heart. After ZhouXiang's rebirth, the last few days of his previous life were the days that he was most reluctant to remember. On the fourth day after they entered the mountain, there was a sudden rainstorm. Heavy rain washed away the muddy road. They had difficulty progressing. Everyone relied on their strong-will to move forward be‐ cause this place had no place for them to rest. Even the guides are com‐ pletely clueless. In the middle of the night, they suffered a terrible mudslide. The entire team was in chaos and the roads were obstructed. In the dark, everyone lost their way. ZhouXiang was no exception.

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ZhouXiang had always been with the second half of the team. When the mudslide occurred, everyone scattered and fled in all directions. He also ran deep into the mountains. After it had become safe, he realized that he had lost contact with everyone and didn't know where he was. He was carrying photographic equipment worth more than ¥1.6 million and weighing more than ten kilograms. He didn't dare to slack off and could only rely on his memory to keep going. Because he lacked survival experience in the wild, he didn't know how grave his situation was. At this time, he also panicked. Perhaps, if there was a person accompanying him, he would not have made the wrong de‐ cision. But in the dark, filled with unknown creatures lurking in the primitive forest, the judgments that a city person can make are mostly af‐ fected by fear. He was getting more and more panic. The direction of the compass is mostly blocked by the damage caused by heavy rain. He could only keep on detouring. In the end, he was exhausted and com‐ pletely lost in the forest. ZhouXiang could never forget how his foot landed on what felt like empty air, the feeling of rapid fall is a kind of fear deeply ingrained in a person's bone marrow. He didn't even know that he was on the edge of a cliff. He couldn't see the ground under his feet. Then, with the heavy rain, he was like a kite with its line broken, falling into the abyss. He didn't have time to fear nor shout. His mind swiftly swept past his 30 years of life. Then.... he could no longer feel anything anymore. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 40 - CaiWei's Warning T/N: Flashback ended. This chapter resumes with the elevator scene from Chapter 4. In instances where Older and Younger is used, Older ZhouXiang is referring to ZhouXiang before rebirth. Younger ZhouXi‐ ang is after rebirth. [ELEVATOR SCENE FROM CHAPTER 4 RESUMES] All the things that happened in the past are like horses racing by one af‐ ter another in ZhouXiang's mind. One can't blame him for remembering it too clearly. After all, to him, all these things have only occurred very recently. His heart still throbbed erratically for YanMingXiu's each and every move. When YanMingXiu grabbed his arm, he felt his breathing stopped. Could it be that he could recognize him? That's impossible... Everyone thought that he is dead. How could Yan‐ MingXiu have known that he had awakened in someone else's body? YanMingXiu stared intensely at ZhouXiang's face. This person is a com‐ plete stranger to him, seemingly ordinary with nothing distinctive. Yan‐ MingXiu can't even remember where he had seen this person. But when he stared into this person's eyes as they brushed past each other, he felt his heart indescribably pounding fiercely. This gripping pain in his heart made him suddenly feel completely at loss on what to do. He instinctively grabbed onto this person, wanting to know why. ZhouXiang exerted all his energy to remain calm on the surface. Main‐ taining his composure, he asked softly, "Mister, is something the mat‐ ter?" YanMingXiu stared dazedly. What is really wrong with him? YanMingXiu still wanted to ask who he is but he can't really ask. They've never met before. This question is even more baseless. How can 297

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people answer? ZhouXiang nodded at him and slowly pulled his arm out of his hand. YanMingXiu kept looking at him; the arm in his hand is very thin. Al‐ though this person's body's frame is not small but he's too thin and ap‐ peared sickly. No matter how he looked at him (ZhouXiang), there was nothing worthy for him to take notice. When ZhouXiang turned around and headed toward the elevator, Yan‐ MingXiu suddenly realized that this person's back silhouette is a bit like 'him(t/n)', but he is far too thin, so thin that he looks a bit deformed (thin like a broomstick). T/N: The 'him' here is referring to older ZhouXiang. Could it be that this is the reason why he felt this sense of familiarity? YanMingXiu's heart can't suppress itself from beating erratically. ZhouXiang calmly walked into the elevator. When the elevator doors slowly closed, ZhouXiang looked up and sees YanMingXiu looking closely at him. Their gazes once again collided in the air, but the elevator door quickly closed. Once the elevator door closed, ZhouXiang felt his legs going soft. He held onto the elevator wall with his hand supporting his body. This shocking impact of seeing YanMingXiu again is too immense. Although he has completely different face now, under YanMingXiu's gaze, he still has the feeling that there is no place to hide, as if he is completely naked. He never... never again wanted to have anything to do with YanMingXiu. God had given him a second life. It's not for him to get himself immersed back in into the mistakes and complicated mess from his previous life but for him to live a new life. This secret must not be discovered by Yan‐ MingXiu. 298

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He needed to get farther away from YanMingXiu. He returned home looking paled. The house permeated with the strong aroma of flavorful meat, the pot on top of the stove is boiling with hot steams. This simple taste makes ZhouXiang feel warm in his heart. ChenYing poked her head out of the kitchen and smiled, "Son, you're back." ZhouXiang stood at the door and watch this gentle and caring woman re‐ vealing a smile of contentment from her wholeheartedness in stewing a pot of chicken soup for her son. He felt a bit of sorrow and quickly responded, "Mom, I'm back." "You haven't eaten yet, right? Even if you have, come have a bowl of soup. You've just left the hospital. In the past two years, you haven't eaten anything decent. Your body is very weak; you need a lot of nour‐ ishment." In the past two years, this body had been relying solely on nutrient solu‐ tions and a liquid diet to sustain life so it's definitely not healthy. ZhouX‐ iang also felt that this body is extremely thin but his condition is not bad. With this young body, it's just a matter of time before he'll fully recover. The two ate a nice and hot meal around the simple dining table. ZhouXi‐ ang told ChenYing about the things that happened and what he had learned at work today. ChenYing listened with great enthusiasm; her eyes shined full of bril‐ liance. This kind of expression is very easy understand, it is full of hope...the hope for the future. After the meal, ZhouXiang called CaiWei. After all, it was CaiWei who introduced the job to him. No matter what, he should follow up with him on the first day and also thank him. CaiWei listened to his brief summary of his day's work and was very happy for him, "Ah Liu also called me and said that you got along very well with your colleagues and that you learned things very fast. Every‐

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one likes you very much. But then you weren't feeling well at night and left first. Are you fine now?" ZhouXiang smiled, "It's no big deal. I might just have been too lacking in nutrients in the last two years so my body is a bit weak. My mom is thinking of ways to help me nourish. If I can gain some weight after a while, that would be good." "Really, you are too thin. With work, you don't need to worry. If you don't feel well, just go back to rest. I won't pay you any less. Your situa‐ tion is different from others; I'll take special care of you." ZhouXiang responded with gratitude, "Wei Ge, thank you." Regardless of whether it was in his previous life or current life, CaiWei is always his benefactor. He's always the one to pull him back when he has trouble and the one to put him on the right track. "Oh yeah, I heard that you ran into YanMingXiu today?" CaiWei pre‐ tended to inadvertently ask. Sure enough, nothing can be concealed from CaiWei, ZhouXiang thought. YanMingXiu made a lot of commotions at the elevator. For a person (YanMingXiu) with very few words, who treated everyone with cold indifference to suddenly grab onto a stranger and not letting go is indeed very strange. It's no wonder that this news will reach CaiWei. ZhouXiang tried to make light of the situation, "Yeah, we saw each other." "Why is YanMingXiu interested in you?" CaiWei is baffled. The Yan‐ MingXiu that is condescending and arrogant, why would he grab onto ZhouXiang's arm and not let go? ZhouXiang responded, "I don't know, could he have mistaken me for someone else?" CaiWei is silent for a moment and then warned, "ZhouXiang, stay away from this person. I know that your situation is not good right now. Cer‐ tain people that can help, you most certainly should reach out to them. But it's not the same with this surname 'Yan.' He comes from a very in‐ fluential background. In the entertainment circle, he doesn't give crap

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about anyone. Not only will you not earn his favor, but can also end up hurting yourself. I'll tell you honestly, I'm extremely resentful of this per‐ son. There is also a problem with this person's character. The entertain‐ ment circle is actually very small. Maybe you will run into him again someday. But no matter what his motives are in being interested in you, you must not get too close to him. Wei Ge will not harm you. Remember my words, got that?" ZhouXiang responded firmly, "Don't worry, Wei Ge. People that should not be provoked, I definitely won't. I'll follow your words." CaiWei breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good. This matter, I'll look more into it. This is too strange..." The two men talked a bit more and then hung up. ZhouXiang felt somewhat uneasy, but he does not know where this anxi‐ ety comes from. He thought to himself, perhaps it is because of his ¥370,000 debt. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 41 - Looking Up The Past ⦘

Chapter 41 - Looking Up The Past Chapter 41 -- Looking Up The Past The next day, ZhouXiang rested at home. He kept thinking over and over again. Finally he decided to go to the Internet cafe and do a search on the things that happened two years ago and see how his incident was re‐ ported. Sitting in front of the computer, after the listing of the names of the crew, the page was redirected. His heart is literally suspended in that moment. Nobody in the world can understand his feelings. He is actually looking at his own death report. Although it happened two years ago, there were still a lot of reports about that accident. ZhouXiang looked at it one by one. His heart felt more and more pained. At that time, he was not the only one that had an accident. There was also a very talkative young man in his early twenties that was buried un‐ der the mudslide. Several of the crews were injured. The ones that were scattered were rescued in the subsequent Soshan Operation. The expecta‐ tions and enthusiasm of the crew when they entered the mountain were all shattered. After he fell off the cliff, the rescue team couldn't find any clues because the heavy rain had already washed away all the traces. After looking for a week, they still couldn't find his body so they could only treat his as a disappearance. But no one believed that he was still alive, otherwise why would he not appeared in two years? ZhouXiang also wanted to know where his body is. When he thought of his body lying in the depths of the mountains, exposed to all the natural elements, turning in a pile of bones, he felt such immense pain that made him want to cry.

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For the first time, he clearly felt like he was really 'dead', but he didn't even get a chance to have a burial. If possible, he really wanted to go back and find his body. But where he went that night, he didn't even know himself. Even the rescue team could not find him, how could he? ZhouXiang stared at the computer screen for a long time and still could not get himself out of this heavy sentimental emotion. This body that had accompanied him for thirty years was the greatest gift left by his parents. It was healthy and full of life. Without that body, it's like the only thing left by his parents in the world has disappeared. ZhouXiang sat for a long time. There was an indescribable pain in his heart but there was no one he could talk to. It took him a long time to adjust his emotions and search for other impor‐ tant content but there wasn't any. He thought about it and searched for LanXiRong. He found out that after his accident two years ago, LanXiRong left to develop his career abroad and only occasionally returned to China. He is already a hot commodity Chinese film star in Hollywood. Although he has not yet gotten the chance to play the protagonist, not many Chinese artists can compare to him in terms of international influence. ZhouXiang is very happy for LanXiRong. With this two years gap, he had too many questions. So he searched news of WangYuDong. In the end, WangYuDong didn't act in that film. But the reason for the fall-out is definitely not because Director Wang changed out his role. WangYuDong regretfully withdrew for 'physical reasons.' Missing out on this did not affect WangYuDong's career at all. In fact, after half a year of silence, he took on several films, pushing his acting career to a peak, get‐ ting awards one by one. Although ZhouXiang hated him, he had to admit that WangYuDong is a naturally talented actor. His acting skills pervaded into all aspects of life, helping him achieve the effects that he wanted...regardless of whether it was on the big screen or in his interper‐

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sonal relationships. With WangYuDong's cleverness in dealing with peo‐ ple, some people can't even achieve with a lifetime of practice. WangYuDong not only have a full-fledged career but also successfully married his fiancée six months ago. His fiance's identity has always been mysterious. It was not until the wedding day that everyone knew that his wife is the sole favorite granddaughter of YanDeJiang. Although YanDe‐ Jiang's term will be ending at the XX Conference this year and he will be stepping down, his influence is still not to be underestimated. Not to mention that his son is now a rising star in the political arena. What WangYuDong became a part of is this towering tree that does not fall, making his position in the entertainment industry incomparable to any others. ZhouXiang look at WangYuDong's proudly smug smile. He couldn't help but feel jealous. WangYuDong can be said to have a smooth sailing life, surrounded by endless triumphs. But for him (ZhouXiang), he was met with an unfortu‐ nate death. ZhouXiang smiled and laughed at himself. If it wasn't because of Yan‐ MingXiu, he would never have over-confidently compared himself to WangYuDong. He even had to grovel at WangYuDong in everything. But now everything has changed because of YanMingXiu. WangYuDong's success is like a mockery to his failures from time to time, though it is likely that WangYuDong has already forgotten him. ZhouXiang trembled as he entered the name of YanMingXiu in the search engine. The half year after his accident, YanMingXiu suddenly started to take on advertisements. Because of the huge sums of money spent on promotions, adding on to his extremely attractive looks, a short fifteen-second ad made him insanely popular. Since then, it never ended. It could be said that he didn't need to take more than a few steps to get to the position of a superstar. That is the power of money. It can make any impossible thing possible. At the same time, YanMingXiu is also a very controversial person. He barely smiles in front of the camera; his expression is always cold and indifferent. He does not autograph for fans nor does he participate in any 304

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variety shows. He didn't have any scandals and does not need to do any sort of promotions. As if, besides taking on ads and acting in some suit‐ able roles, he didn't have to do anything else. He was already immensely popular without having to put too much effort into his fame. The public's opinion toward him has always mixed. Some people loved his 'coolness' to great extremes, others made him out to be totally worth‐ less. But regardless, everyone knows that he is the famous prince of Beijing. No matter how skeptical one is on how he became famous, no one dares to be pompous in front of him. Just like that, YanMingXiu thrived in the entertainment industry using this weird way. ZhouXiang looked at the chilly photos on the webpage and felt that this person is very unfamiliar to him. Even though YanMingXiu used to be arrogant, he still smiled. Was WangYuDong's marriage to his sister that heavy of a blow to him? Why did he become a star? When ZhouXiang use to joke that YanMingXiu could get popular, YanMingXiu was full of contempt for this profession. But for whatever reasons, all this have nothing to do with him. Now, he only wants to quickly make money, pay off his debt and then live well with ChenYing in a better home. Condo! ZhouXiang thought of his former condo. That was what his parents left him. After he 'died,' who helped him man‐ age that? And now, whose name is it in? He has this urge to go back and see. He never intended to sell that condo because it is full of his childhood memories and is the only link between him and his parents. But when he thought about how the condo would be managed after his disappearance, his heart is full of anxiety. He decided

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to go back and check today. Even if it already belonged to someone else, he needed to see it with his own eyes. He left the Internet cafe and took the bus back to the neighborhood where he used to live. He is very familiar with this place. Because for him, he had just left a few weeks ago. There have been some changes in the neighborhood, but it's not obvious. After all, it is an old residential area. He walked into his own unit, the stairs were dark and old, but for him, the intimacy he felt is indeed in‐ comparable. He wanted to continue to live here. Going upstairs, he came face to face with an uncle (T/N). ZhouXiang was about to open his mouth to call out "Uncle Zhang," but suddenly stopped himself. He must always remind himself that he is no longer that ZhouXiang that many people knew, but is now this ZhouXiang that they don't know. T/N: uncle-also a term of respect for older man Uncle Zhang seems to think that this young man who had been staring at him is very strange. He nodded politely and passed by him. ZhouXiang's heart jumped a few times as he walked stiffly to the third floor. He stood in front of his door. There were no changes at all to this door; it is still the old-fashioned security door with rusted copper. ZhouXiang couldn't help himself from reaching out to touch his door. He wanted to pull out his key and open the door. This warm home would be as usual...welcoming his return. But he didn't dare. He didn't have any contact with his relatives so he use to put the spare key in the hydrant's box and hid it in the crevice of the fire extinguisher. He immediately wanted to open the fire hydrant and see if the key was still there, but he was afraid that someone was in the home. In his moment of hesitation, there were footsteps from the room sepa‐ rated by the door panel! ZhouXiang was frightfully shocked and panicked. Without even think‐ ing, he went upstairs and hid in the stairwell.

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After a long time, the door opened and a man wearing sunglasses and a cap came out from inside and turned around to carefully lock the security door. Although he disguised himself a bit, ZhouXiang recognized him at a glance. It is YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang's heart immediately tightened.

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Chapter 42 - Needing More Work Chapter 42 -- Needing More Work YanMingXiu didn't realize that anyone was peeking at him. He pushed down his cap, locked the doors and went downstairs. ZhouXiang had been bending over hiding on the stairwell. He was even afraid to breathe too deeply. It wasn't until he saw that YanMingXiu had walked out the building's door through the stairwell did he dare to stand up. His heart continued to beat wildly as he silently looked at the closed security door, feeling all sorts of emotions. Why would YanMingXiu be here? He shouldn't be living here. Even if he was to disguise himself very well, coming and going from this place every day, he will definitely be discovered by people nearby. No celebrity has ever lived in such a densely populated old neighborhood. This would certainly cause an inconvenience to a celebrity's livelihood. But on their last phone call before his accident, YanMingXiu had said, "I will stay in your home and wait for you to come back." ZhouXiang couldn't get his mind off this thought. So he actually clearly remembered every word that YanMingXiu said. In fact, he can even remember the tone that YanMingXiu used when he said these words, as well as the penetration of this sentence in the surrounding quiet air, reaching to the bottom of his heart. Could it be that he had really been waiting for him to return all this time? It merely just crossed ZhouXiang mind, then he immediately rejected this thought. He's already dead. Why would YanMingXiu wait for him? People who over-estimate themselves would always live harder days. YanMingXiu appearing here is very likely because he had to come back to get some‐ thing. After all, he had lived here for a year. Everywhere in this condo is full of his traces.

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Whatever the truth may be, one just needs to open the door and go in to take a look and will know. But ZhouXiang didn't dare. He was already scared out of his wits seeing YanMingXiu suddenly coming out of the condo. ZhouXiang decided to check and see if the spare key was still in the fire hydrant box and then plan again. He snuck down the stairs like a thief. His eyes kept moving, looking at his surroundings as his ears carefully try to distinguish any subtle sounds. After all, he is now considered to be 'someone else'. If he hastily goes in, then he's really a thief. After he determined that there was no one around, he quickly opened the fire hydrant box and reached his finger into the place where he had hid‐ den the key. With a touch, sure enough, he felt a small piece of metal. He took it out and saw that it was really his spare key! The only people who knew of the location of this spare key are him and YanMingXiu. But he only mentioned this once to YanMingXiu when he had just moved in. Most likely he (YanMingXiu) had long since forgot‐ ten about this. So after his accident, the key had just stayed there, not having been touched. ZhouXiang was unexpectedly overjoyed. He really wanted to open the door right now and to see what changes there have been with his condo. This unbearable excitement seemed to be rushing out of his body, but he exerted all his energy to suppress this urge. He put the key back in its original place and planned on waiting till a time that he thinks is safe before coming back. In case there is someone in the condo... in case someone suddenly comes back, this is a risk that he can't take. ZhouXiang left his former home. He decided to look into how his things were managed after his death, es‐ pecially with his assets. There was ¥200,000 in the bank account that was his hard-earned money from his many years of work. He must find a way to get it back. Otherwise, with just his meager salary of ¥3,000 a

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month, he still had to pay rent and support two adults. Adding on, the debt he incurred while staying in the hospital is still unclear. After he got home, he saw ChenYing looking at an ad with her reading glasses. ZhouXiang walked over and noticed that it is a job advertise‐ ment from a housekeeping agency. ZhouXiang creased his brows, "Mom, you're almost sixty; you still want to work as a housekeeper?" ChenYing is still looking at it intently, "It's not a housekeeper, but a care‐ taker (T/N). I ran into my former colleague in the supermarket today. Her daughter-in-law just gave birth to a child. Do you know how much a caretaker gets paid a month?" T/N: the term used is . It refers to a person that is hired to care for both newborn child and the mother in the month after birth. ZhouXiang shook his head. "¥6,000," ChenYing sighed, "That is really good money. Just working for a month and can earn ¥6,000. I wanted to go get some training to be‐ come a caretaker." "Mom, does this kind of training require money? The employer will give ¥6,000 but the intermediary fees will be withdrawn. At most, you'll get is half in your hands." "Half is fine too. It is still better than just sitting here. Earning any little bit helps." Looking at ChenYing's pale face and thinly frail body and thinking that she still have to worry about working for a living at this age, ZhouXi‐ ang's heart burst with waves of sadness. But he can't stop her. They are really desperate for money right now. What ChenYing said is right, earning every bit helps. He turned over the ad and felt that it was done too simply and look disreputable, "Mom, this doesn't look reliable. It could be a scam. Wait till I can go with you." "How about Monday?"

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"I can't ah. I have to work." "Those people are only there during work days, what should we do?" ZhouXiang thought for a moment, "I've just started work. It's inappropri‐ ate for me to take time off. Let's wait two weeks. I'll go with you then. You also rest your body a bit. You've been taking care of me all this time, it's tiring enough." ChenYing furrowed her brows, "That's also good." After ZhouXiang finished eating, he called CaiWei. He has just entered the company. Nobody thinks of him as anything so his salary now is just a meager. He wanted to ask CaiWei to help introduce some private work for him on the weekends. It can be anything as long as he can make some money. The average person will never mention this request to a person he had just known for a few days, especially if the other party has given him a stable job. But perhaps because ZhouXiang knew CaiWei too well, and subconsciously, he still felt very familiar to him, so he didn't think too much when making this request. From CaiWei's perspective, for a newcomer who had just entered the company to dare ask him this request, he would have quickly hung up. But he don't know why, he especially wanted to help ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang told him very genuinely on the phone that his mother had to sell their two condos for his hospital care. They owe a large amount of debt. What he needs most now is to make money. After CaiWei heard this, his heart felt very heavy. Perhaps, it is because ZhouXiang gave him a sense of familiarity... perhaps it is because ChenYing helped him take care of his father many times... or perhaps it was just because he is also called ZhouXiang, which made him continu‐ ously think of his buddy whose body still can't be found. Thinking of this buddy made him feel full of guilt. He wanted to make himself feel a bit better by helping this ZhouXiang. In short, CaiWei immediately agreed. He has many printed and media ads all year round. The decision to use any new person is up to him. He

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had heard from ChenYing that ZhouXiang had wanted to become a star before his accident. Now is just the time to pull him in. It's not that ZhouXiang don't have the potential to become popular. CaiWei arranged an audition for him on Sunday. It is a printed magazine ad for men's skincare and is a job that CaiWei placed him in at the last minute. ZhouXiang is very happy. This kind of face-only advertisement he had never thought about doing before. But this young ZhouXiang has a hand‐ some face. Although he had no distinguishing features, it is enough to shoot this kind of low-cost advertisement. ZhouXiang went out early the next morning and got to the audition site half an hour early. He went into the place and looked, it was a home modified to be a photo studio. The area is small and looked quite unpro‐ fessional. The other two young boys who came together to audition looked disap‐ pointed. ZhouXiang can understand their mentality. The newbies who had just entered this industry always had unrealistic fantasies about their career prospects, and then become disappointed when faced with the re‐ ality gap in front of them. This kind of low-cost magazine print advertisement will give the broker‐ age company a maximum of ¥6,000 to ¥7,000. The model could proba‐ bly get the remaining ¥2,000 left. But even if it wasn't for the money, some people will fight for the chance to get their faced exposed. Even if it was just to take a few photos in a sleazy studio for a magazine that is not popular, there is competition. Reality is so cruel. These two boys obviously looked down at such a shabby workplace. So when they were auditioning, it is inevitable that they would reveal their discontent, making the staff displeased. On the contrary, ZhouXiang is much more calm and at ease. His spoken words were polite and he looked sincere and responsible. So even though he is a little older and his appearance is not as good as the other two, he got the job effortlessly.

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ZhouXiang spent the entire day in this small studio. For three photos on the magazine, he smiled for hours, smiled so much that his cheeks hurt from having to constantly repeat the same movements over and over again to be in alignment with the ad's requirements. All in all, he took more than 400 photos. After the job ended, ZhouXiang dragged his tired body back home. After dinner, CaiWei called him and asked him about the progress of his work today. ZhouXiang briefed him and CaiWei was elated saying that he'll give ZhouXiang 50% of the pay. After doing more jobs in the fu‐ ture, he will find a way to increase his price. ZhouXiang is infinitely grateful to CaiWei. Their company has rigid rules. On the basis of this rule, CaiWei can decide on what percentage of pay to give a model. Generally, for a newcomer to get 30% is already not bad. The management company gets an agency fee. But CaiWei gave him half of it so he's definitely being especially caring towards him. CaiWei had always been like that. When he went to take on stuntman work previously, CaiWei would give him a bigger share, usually 20-30%. Without CaiWei, ZhouXiang didn't know how many jobs he would have had to work in order to have a stable income after graduating from sports university. It was CaiWei who gave him a way to make a living and not have to worry about his livelihood. And now that he has died and lived once again, it is still CaiWei who is helping him. This advertising job alone gave him a month's of his salary. If he can continue to get these private jobs, his life with ChenYing will improve a lot. He decided that after he got the money, he would first buy a TV so that ChenYing won't be too bored at home. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 43 - Auditioning for the Gaming Video Clip ⦘

Chapter 43 - Auditioning for the Gaming Video Clip Chapter 43 -- Auditioning for the Gaming Video Clip ZhouXiang went to the studio to work as usual on Monday. Since he is still in the training stage, he can only do some menial odd tasks in vari‐ ous sets. This kind of work, he had done almost ten years ago. Unexpect‐ edly, he had to start all over again. When he arrived at the sets, many of his colleagues had already arrived. He heard several girls chatting continuously about something. "That can't be right? YanMingXiu doesn't talk much?" "Yeah, I've never heard him say a word. I was wondering if he was a mute. Could it be that the nice voice in the film was dubbed?" "Aigh yah, he can talk. He just doesn't like to talk, that's all. He's pretty cool like that." "How's that cool? I think that it's too abnormal. Is there such person in the entertainment industry who doesn't laugh or talk? If it wasn't for his family's influential background and his attractive looks, he wouldn't have been popular." ZhouXiang passed by them and smiled lightly, "Ladies, there are all kinds of people in the entertainment circle. These kinds of words are okay to talk about among friends but don't let other people hear it." These girls were stunned. They couldn't understand how a newcomer like ZhouXiang would dare lecture them. ZhouXiang subconsciously realized that he's no longer a senior. But for a moment, he couldn't hold back. Although he really can't help but want to warn these naive girls who don't seem to understand anything, the bigger reason is that he really 314

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didn't want to hear anything about YanMingXiu. Unfortunately, he knew that this was impossible. As long as he's working in the entertainment in‐ dustry, he will be forced to hear about YanMingXiu's various news. Fortunately, Ah Liu just came over and eased his embarrassment. Ah Liu glared at them, "Ladies, be nice. How can you say these words so care‐ lessly? Do you know what family the "Yan" from YanMingXiu's sur‐ name is from? You need to suffer a bit to know? Hurry up and get to work!" The girls scattered and each went to do their work. ZhouXiang helped Lao Zhou move the lighting equipment. As he was moving, he was a bit lost in his thoughts. His mind kept thinking about YanMingXiu's cold, expressionless face on the big screen. He really didn't expect YanMingXiu to become like this. YanMingXiu didn't seem to have a bit of enthusiasm for this profession. But then...why did he get into it? "Be careful!" Lao Zhou shouted as he grabbed ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang suddenly regained his senses. His foot mis-stepped and he al‐ most fell down the steps. It didn't matter if he fell, but if he damaged the equipment in his hands, he won't be able to afford it. Lao Zhou glanced at him condemningly and took the equipment himself, "What's going on? What are you thinking?" ZhouXiang only smiled apologetically. Following his natural warming personality, he liked to make jokes to alleviate the awkwardness so he blurted out, "I was just thinking about the sweet and sour pork ribs that sister-in-law (T/N) makes." T/N: Sister-in-law here is referring to Lao Zhou's wife. Once these words were spoken, the both of them froze. ZhouXiang can't wait to punch himself twice. How long is it going to take for him to adapt to this identity change?

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But this really can't be blamed on him. In his memory, he was still that ZhouXiang a month ago. In just a month, he became this current ZhouX‐ iang. He needed to change how he used to speak and his style of doing things. He also needed to pretend that the people he knew before are complete strangers now. Only in doing so, can he be at ease at any time. But when his mind is distracted, this is easier said than done. Lao Zhou looked at him with widen eyes, "What are you talking about?" ZhouXiang quickly responded, "Right. Wei Ge told me that. Wei Ge is full of praises for sister-in-law's culinary skills. He mentioned it to me last time." Lao Zhou looked at him skeptically, "The last time he went to my home to eat was at least a year or two ago. Oh yeah, ZhouXiang was still here at that time." After saying that, Lao Zhou looked at him even more suspi‐ ciously. "Yes, yes, Wei Ge said that. I have the same name as that buddy of Wei Ge's who had passed away. That day I called Wei Ge to brief him on my work and said that Zhou Ge (aka Lao Zhou) is especially caring towards me. Just mentioning this, Wei Ge lamented and said that ZhouXiang had a very good relationship with you. They also went to your home to have dinner together, so I just... I was joking with Zhou Ge." ZhouXiang felt that this statement can be justified but he was still so nervous that he was sweating bullets. Lao Zhou said, "Oh, so that's what it is. If there is a chance later, I'll tell your sister-in-law to make a meal for you guys." "Okay, that's a must Zhou Ge." After Lao Zhou walked away, ZhouXiang secretly reminded himself that this kind of mistake can never be happen again, absolutely not. Being busy the entire time from early morning to night, ZhouXiang re‐ ceived a call from CaiWei when he was about to get off work. CaiWei sounded a bit urgent telling him this on the phone, "ZhouXiang, I have a job here, you have to come right away, I think you'll be able to do it." "Oh? Now? But I'm not off work yet."

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"Just tell Ah Liu. Take a taxi here. I'll text you the address." "Oh, okay." When ZhouXiang heard that he can make more money, all his fatigued from his day of work seems to have been swept away. His entire person immediately felt uplifted. He told Ah Liu and quickly went to the address CaiWei gave him. When ZhouXiang got to the place and looked around, it was an office building. The floor he went on is rented to a magazine publisher that spe‐ cializes in martial arts gaming consultation. When he was taken into a room by a staff, he realized that this room is temporarily used as a dressing room and CaiWei was waiting for him. CaiWei urged the makeup artist to "Hurry up," while at the same time press ZhouXiang onto the chair, patting him on the shoulders. ZhouXiang swept a glance at the person who rushed over to do his make-up. He could already guess what was going on. CaiWei explained, "There is a game for the first anniversary celebration hosted by this magazine. They want to put a live-action video clip on that day. I think your image is quite matching with a game's character so I called you over." ZhouXiang smiled, "Thank you, Wei Ge, I really don't know how to thank you." This kind of video clip can make more money than printed magazines. And once you get into the gaming industry, there will be many opportu‐ nities to get work in the future if you perform well. People who are skilled and talented do not need to be promoted. But most people still have to rely on exposure and more social networking to making a living in this niche of work. In those years, CaiWei led him step by step into this field. Right now, CaiWei is once again repeating the same thing that he did before. But the CaiWei now is more capable than before. ZhouXi‐ ang is full of expectations for his future. CaiWei smiled, "No need to thank me. If I can see that you and your mother can have a good life, I will be relieved. It is like this. Listen care‐ fully. There are still a few people auditioning with you this time. Most of

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them have a bit of martial arts experience so their movements will look more beautiful than yours. You have to calm down a bit. In fact, anyone will be able to do those moves with some practice. You need to focus on the details, don't compare yourself with them." ZhouXiang nodded, thinking that even if he was just doing it for show, he won't lose. But he still had to remind himself that he can't perform too well; otherwise he will look too suspicious. After changing into his costume and having his make-up done, ZhouXi‐ ang looked at 'himself' in the mirror. There was always a bit of weirdness in his heart. He always felt that it was not him. In fact, this is really not him, but now he has become one with him (younger ZhouXiang). CaiWei looked at him approvingly, "Not bad, very handsome but just too thin. Eat more. You don't look good being thin like this." "I've gained four to five kilograms (about 8-10 pounds) since I've been discharged from the hospital. After a while, I'll get to my normal weight." ZhouXiang smiled then turned a circle. CaiWei paused and dazedly looked at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang astonishingly asked, "What's wrong?" CaiWei murmured, "You... turn a circle." ZhouXiang turned a circle and could only hear CaiWei sighing softly be‐ hind him. ZhouXiang turned back and asked, "Wei Ge, what's wrong?" CaiWei smiled forcefully, "Same name...even the back silhouette is quite alike. Fate is really strange." ZhouXiang can't help but be stunned, "Are you saying that my back is very similar to your buddy?" CaiWei felt momentarily pained as he sighed, "Yeah, similar. Before you were too skinny so it was hard to tell, but now with a bit of meat, you look more and more like him. My buddy is almost just like you, but his body is much more firm than yours." 318

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ZhouXiang felt sorrow rising in his heart. Back silhouette... it's the back silhouette again. If he didn't have a back that is similar to WangYuDong, his fate would have been completely dif‐ ferent. Likely he would not have lost his life at the age of the thirty. CaiWei smiled reluctantly, "Let's go, I'll take you over there. Don't worry. They will give me face and will give priority to you. If I didn't have such great assurance, I wouldn't have you rush over here." He took ZhouXiang to an office where there are two cameras. There were several people sitting at the table and others dressed up like him standing on the side. A staff member released a video clip of the game, showing the repeated actions of the game characters for about four to five seconds. Then they were to imitate the actions. These actions were just a few ordinary kicking and punching kungfu moves. For ZhouXiang, it is extremely simple. He could easily remem‐ ber it by just looking once or twice. Other people who came for the audition went on the stage one after the other. Since they came for the audition, they have a bit of confidence. Their movements were not bad, but still far worse than a professional martial arts stuntman like ZhouXiang. When it was ZhouXiang's turn to be on the stage, he deliberately lowered his performance to make himself look less conspicuous. But he was re‐ ally eager to get this role so his action sequence was done in one go. Without making the slightest errors, the few judges including CaiWei looked on in shocked. Though these series of movements are only four to five seconds, it was extremely difficult to make the entire sequence smooth, coherent, and beautiful. ZhouXiang merely look a few times and was able to achieve this level is definitely incredible. People who don't know those with martial arts background would at most think that ZhouXiang learned his kung-fu moves well. Only Cai‐

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Wei who knew to some extent of their background knows how amazing that was. ZhouXiang had never told him that he had learned martial arts. More‐ over, even though those few moves were a little rough, the way it was done, is a bit like... like his good buddy who is no longer here. CaiWei's heart beat rapidly, feeling that there are too many coincidences in this world. Maybe God sent this ZhouXiang to him is so that he could make it up to him (older ZhouXiang). ZhouXiang succeeded in getting this role easily. Although he would only appear in this short game clip for a little over ten seconds and his face will only appear in a few shots, ZhouXiang is still very happy. His pay‐ ment from this short game clip is more than ¥10,000. After the audition, the staff informed him the time of the official filming. CaiWei had to leave ahead of time. After ZhouXiang confirmed the time, he planned on going home. When he walked to the company's door, someone yelled behind to stop him. He turned to look and saw a woman in her thirties. She was also a judge in the selection panel earlier. The woman smiled politely, "Greetings, my surname is Zhang, you can call me Zhang Jie (T/N)." T/N: Jie is older sister or a respectful way to address an older woman. "Zhang Jie greetings." Zhang Jie asked him, "Have you just debuted? I've never seen you be‐ fore." ZhouXiang smiled, "I can't be considered to have debuted. I'm just a handyman for JuXing. Wei Ge takes cares of me, giving me few chances to pick up some private jobs." Zhang Jie cordially said, "Come, sit down and have a talk. I was really amazed watching your moves earlier."

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ZhouXiang can vaguely sense something. It's likely she will be introduc‐ ing him to other work so he followed along her and sat on the couch. Zhang Jie said bluntly, "Have you ever thought about being a stuntman?" ZhouXiang is shocked, not knowing how to respond for a moment. Not only have he thought about it, he has been one for six to seven years. "Your figure is not bad but better if you gain some weight, especially when you turn around, your shoulders, neck, ears, the shape of your head, is very much like this person. Others did not notice this, but I did at a glance." ZhouXiang is a little nervous. He didn't know but he had a hint of omi‐ nous premonition. He carefully asked, "Who?" Zhang Jie smiled smugly, "WangYuDong, you must know him?" End of the Chapter

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Chapter 44 - My Name is ZhouXi‐ ang In that instant, all sorts of feelings welled up in ZhouXiang's heart. He wanted to laugh, to cry, to flip the table and kick the wall. WangYuDong... it is WangYuDong again! Stuntman... stuntman again! He really has no doubt that he has been cursed. Even with a completely new life, he still can't get rid of being WangYuDong's shadow. It's likely that this curse is branded on his soul, having nothing to do with his phys‐ ical body. He hated WangYuDong, hated being WangYuDong's substitute, whether it is in films or outside. At that moment, he only had the feeling of being played by God. It seemed that something invisible is dragging him forward, making it im‐ possible for him to escape. He felt that he is surrounded by heavy barri‐ ers and can't breathe. He took a deep breath and forcefully revealed a smile, "Of course I know who he is. Zhang Jie, thank you very much." Zhang Jie also smiled, "It's nothing. This is a win-win situation." In her opinion, ZhouXiang will certainly agree. Not to mentioned that he would be greatly compensated for being a stuntman of a superstar like WangYuDong. Even if there is no monetary compensation, many people would desperately vie for such opportunity. Even if they don't get to re‐ veal their faces in the film, but to be able to be a part of the WangYuDong's filming crew and get to know a few people or even casu‐ ally get a few pointers for promotion is a great opportunity for anyone's future development. This is a golden opportunity. ZhouXiang is a merely a handyman, how could he refuse?

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However, she didn't expect ZhouXiang to politely say, "Zhang Jie, this is indeed a very good opportunity, but I have to discuss it with Wei Ge." "Wei Ge? CaiWei?" "Yeah, I'm an employee from JuXing and work for him. Wei Ge won't al‐ low me to casually accept any jobs; I have to get his consent." Zhang Jie burst into laughter, "You... young man is really......" She wanted to say naive, but in the end, she didn't say it. She smiled and said, "Xiao... what is your surname?" "Zhou." "Well, Xiao Zhou, let Zhang Jie tell you a few real words. Just listen but don't say it out, okay?" ZhouXiang could guess what she wanted to say. This woman may be a few years older than him, but the way she handle matters is not as good as himself, so he nodded quietly. Zhang Jie smiled, "CaiWei is a good person and also takes great care of his subordinates. But with this matter, you really don't need to discuss it with him. Think about it yourself. You become WangYuDong's stuntman. You don't even have to show your face on the film. It's just a few shots from your back. And if you prefer, your name won't even appear on the credits. And you can still get a lot of money. Who would know that it's you? I know that each company's rules are different. Most won't allow for employees to take on private jobs. They have to follow the company's policies. It's so troublesome. You just have to come over quickly and don't tell others. CaiWei would never know. And if you have to go through the company, at most, the most money that will be in your hands is 30%. Are you willing? Zhang Jie don't think that it's worthwhile for you to do that." Zhang Jie has her own considerations. If ZhouXiang really wanted to go through his management company, there is indeed no loses to her. But according to industry rules, since she was the one that introduced ZhouXiang to such a big job, besides have to pay a commission to his brokerage company, he must still have to give her a portion. So the money that ZhouXiang actually gets in his hands is very less. She is also 323

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worried that ZhouXiang is not willing to the job because it is so little money. If ZhouXiang was to accept this job privately, her introduction fee is definitely more. ZhouXiang understood her sentiments clearly. But he would never agree to it. First of all, to not inform CaiWei before accepting any job is just being greedy for momentary petty gains. It's a stupid thing to do. Only new people will such things for immediate benefit. This surname Zhang is re‐ ally selfish to be sabotaging new people for monetary gains. The enter‐ tainment industry is so small. CaiWei's prominence is so widespread that the possibility of taking on a private job without being discovered is al‐ most zero. If he did this, CaiWei will be utterly disappointed in him. It is like him taking the initiative to pave his alternative future path. Most im‐ portantly, he definitely didn't want to be WangYuDong's stuntman again. He doesn't even want to see WangYuDong again. When he thought of WangYuDong revealing that familiar hypocritical smile, he just wanted to throw his fist. ZhouXiang smiled, "Zhang Jie, what you say is very reasonable. But Wei Ge is very caring of me. If I don't tell him, I definitely won't feel at ease. I still want to discuss it with him. I think he will agree. Let's do this. Why don't we exchange our phone numbers? I'll give you a call back. Is that okay with you?" Zhang Jie's expression didn't look good, but she tried to suppress from expressing it, "That's also fine. Give me a call after you discuss it. But you really should think over what I said, okay?" Zhang Jie dialed ZhouXiang's cell phone with her phone and then left heavy-heartedly. ZhouXiang dragged his exhaustive body home. He didn't have time at all to relax today, working tirelessly the entire day. As soon as he entered the home, he heard someone's sobbing noise. He was stunned. Taking a closer look, shocked, he saw ChenYing lying on the sofa bursting in convulsive sobs.

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"Mom? What happened?" ZhouXiang quickly walked over, feeling ex‐ tremely worried. ChenYing saw that he had returned. She quickly wiped away her tears, "You're back, I forgot to cook..." "Mom, it's fine. I'm not hungry, why are you crying? What happened?" ChenYing kept her head down for a long time and didn't say anything. After ZhouXiang repeatedly asked, she cried and told him that she went to the agency yesterday to apply for the caretaker training. But it was a sham after all. She gave a deposit of ¥300, but now those people are nowhere to be found. Although it wasn't a lot of money, they are now living in poverty and ChenYing is really dejected. This woman had already experienced so much misfortune in her life that any small thing can deeply affect her. ZhouXiang felt such unbearable pain. He couldn't blame ChenYing for not waiting for him to go with her. He comes home looking extremely exhausted everyday so ChenYing likely guessed that he couldn't find the time to go with her, but she didn't actually expect it to be a sham. Money... not having money is really depressing. It's not that ZhouXiang can't bear the suffering. He lost his parents when he was in elementary school and had been alone for so many years. But ever since he was young, he never had to worry over money. His parents left him with the condo and their bank savings. Adding on, there was the compensation given by the responsible party for the accident as well as the support for the cost of upbringing and monetary support given by his parents' families and relatives. Even though most of that has been de‐ pleted as he grew older, but by then, he had already started working and earning a living so he had never been burdened by debts. Thus, he had never felt such anxiety and desperation over money. This is like a big rock, pressed against his shoulders, and he couldn't breathe.

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ChenYing whimpered, "I thought that since you had woken up, the nightmare would be over, but... so much money, when can we pay it off?" ZhouXiang held this frail woman in his arms and comforted her. Al‐ though he feels physically and mentally exhausted, he can't leave this mother alone. It would be too wrong for him to do that. He can't do it. No matter how difficult it is, he is a man, a son, and is ChenYing's only hope, he must clench his teeth and endure it (the hardship). ZhouXiang remembered his own bankbook. As long as he can get a hold of his bankbook, he has his password and could take the money out. But he is already 'dead.' What can he do if the bank account has already been cancelled? He didn't know how his possessions were managed after his death. There are no relatives in his family and had no contact with any distant relatives, who could help him deal with all these things? He knew that it was impossible for him to get the condo back. But the money, his bank savings, he must find a way to get it back. As long as he got the ¥300,000 plus, the remaining ¥10,000 plus can be repaid within two to three years if he lives frugally. That is his greatest hope. The next day, he left work an hour earlier and went to the local police station in his district to check on his death certificate. He took a prop from his company -- a fake reporter's ID card and cropped his own pic‐ ture onto the card. He informed the civil police officer that he was here to follow up on the story of the documentary film crew that encountered an accident in heavy rain and mudslide in the mountains two years ago. He deliberately chose to go to the station five minutes before it closes. The only employee left at the police station is a very young female po‐ lice officer. It's likely that she had just started the job and didn't know that this is not in line with the regulations. But everyone was basically gone so she couldn't find anyone to ask. She was a bit nervous. ZhouXi‐ ang patiently coaxed her, saying a lot of good words. ZhouXiang is a bit handsome and could sweet-talk, so with the fake reporters ID card, the female police officer agreed to let him check.

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He checked for a long time but still couldn't find his own death certifi‐ cate. He searched using his name, home address, and even his ID number and he still found nothing. Does he not have a death certificate? ZhouXiang's heart ignited a glim‐ mer of hope. He then went to the Internet cafe and checked. If he disappeared from an accident, it would take two years for him to have been missing before a death certificate could be issued. It has just been two years since the date of his accident, so now it can be issued. The point is who will initiate the issuance of his death certificate? There is no one that would come here to do that for him. Unless his relatives was informed and wanted to take his property, but they haven't had any contact for so many years. They might not even have known about his passing. If there is no death certificate, doesn't that mean that his assets have not been divided and his bank account not cancelled? He can get it as long as he goes home? ZhouXiang feels his heart thumping. When he thought of his bankbook that could possibly still be in his home, he got extremely excited. His eyes seemingly brighten with this new prospect. When he returned home, he deliberately bought some fruits. The life of going to the supermarket and just casually throwing anything that he wanted into the shopping cart is gone forever but ZhouXiang is still full of hope for life. He did not tell CaiWei what Zhang Jei had said to him. He didn't plan on doing it anyway. When he got to the company the next morning, CaiWei called him into the office. CaiWei asked him when the game magazine will be filmed; ZhouXiang told him on the 16th. CaiWei patted his thighs, "That's perfect. Go to the filming studio city the day after tomorrow, I got a small role for you in a republic era drama. It'll just take you two days to shoot this, so do this first."

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ZhouXiang's eyes radiated. He didn't expect to have a chance to partici‐ pate in a TV series so soon. CaiWei basically gave him all the jobs that he could get. He really didn't know how to thank CaiWei. CaiWei smiled, "Stop it, don't thank me again. I am not doing it for you. I just want your mom to live a little better. And also, I feel that you and my buddy have a predestined connection. When I see you, I always think of him." ZhouXiang can understand CaiWei's mindset in wanting to make it up to him. But he really didn't want CaiWei to feel guilty because of him. His accident is definitely not CaiWei's fault. He endured and endured, finally he couldn't help himself from voicing, "Wei Ge that was not your fault, why do you blame yourself?" CaiWei raised his eyebrow, "How do you know about that?" "I... I've heard a bit and you've mentioned it so I went online to look and somewhat guessed it." CaiWei heaved a sigh, "You don't understand..." He waved his hand, "Get on with your work." ZhouXiang looked at CaiWei's somber expression, his heart feeling end‐ less excruciating pain. On the 12th, he went to the filming studio city on the outskirts of Beijing to report to work. This movie studio was opened in the past two years. Now many ancient dramas are shot here. There could be at two to three crews working simultaneously. Of course, there are also journalists and fans. ZhouXiang found the person in charge of the crew but he was extremely busy. He merely gave a quick assessment looking him up and down and exaggeratedly snapped his finger, "Yes, qualified. Go change clothes and have makeup done first. Then just wait. Your scene is not for a while. If you're bored just go stroll around but don't go too far." The person in charge spitted words quickly like a machine gun. Before ZhouXiang could even react, he was already gone."

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ZhouXiang smiled helplessly and took the initiative to head toward the dressing room. He hasn't seen such a chaotic crew for a long time. The entire studio set was chaotically busy. There is no order at all. If he was the one managing, he would definitely not do it like this. He couldn't even find anyone to let him know what his role was or what he should be wearing. After wasting more than an hour, he changed into the costume and got his make-up done. At this time, it was already time for lunch. After ZhouXiang finished eating, he realized that it was still very early for his scene and decided to go look around. It's the first time he came to this filming studio city, the area is definitely not small. He strolled to another studio set where they were filming an ancient movie. Standing in front of a replica of the ancient looking building, he carefully observed the meticulous carvings on the eaves and was amazed at how well the studio was built. He was so fixated that he didn't even realize that there was a suddenly rush of footsteps behind him. Before he could react, his shoulders were violently gripped by someone, forcing him to turn his body around. He widened his eyes and sees YanMingXiu's face unexpectedly appear‐ ing in front of him. Time seems to blur at once; the space between the two completely dis‐ torted. Three years ago, the boy who hugged him from behind coincided with the face of the man who is half a head taller than him now. His fa‐ cial features didn't change, still so beautiful that people can't look away. But the youthful naivety and arrogance has already faded from this per‐ son in front of him. Instead, it has changed into an expression that is chilling cold. Moreover, the distance between them has changed from their formerly intimate copulation to a distance between life and death. YanMingXiu's lips trembled as he gripped onto ZhouXiang's shoulders, unconsciously tightening. Not him. It's really not him.

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Obviously he knew that it was impossible. But when he saw that similar back silhouette, he still held onto that glimmer of hope, hoping that he would be able to see a miracle. But... YanMingXiu's expression is pale, almost without a trace of blood. ZhouXiang's body also trembled. YanMingXiu was gripping his shoulder so hard that it hurt, but he didn't say anything. He needed this pain to re‐ mind him to stay calm. His legs went soft. When he faced YanMingXiu again, he can't be as calm as he imagined. He wanted to run, to get as far away from him as possible. Otherwise, he would become someone that is not himself. He forcefully opened his mouth, "You.....what are you doing?" As if lighting has struck, YanMingXiu immediately took back his hand and looked at him coldly. It's not him, just a stranger. But, he has met this 'stranger' once. He usu‐ ally doesn't remember unrelated people, but he clearly remembered the first time he saw this person. The throbbing in his heart is like the raging waves rising in the stormy seas. Twice in a row, this person had made him lose control. Who exactly is he? YanMingXiu's assistant stared at him blankly on the side, for one who never acknowledges others, why is he so interested in this person (ZhouXiang)? This is the second time. The assistant asked softly, "MingXiu? Do you know him?" YanMingXiu didn't move at all, his eyes still stared at ZhouXiang as he coldly uttered, "Don't know." He wanted to turn around and leave, but he couldn't move. This person gave him an indescribable feeling. He didn't know what is happening to him. ZhouXiang secretly pinched himself. The pain made him wake up. He said calmly, "Mr. Yan, I know who you are, but you definitely don't know me. Maybe I ask what business do you want with me?"

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YanMingXiu didn't saying anything. He looked at him from top to bot‐ tom, once again confirming that the person in front of him is not one he would give a second glance and should not have such impact on him. Just as he turned his body around, wanting to go, a voice sounded from afar, "ZhouXiang, it's your turn, come over and get ready!" YanMingXiu's body stopped again. He stared at ZhouXiang with widened eyes, "What is your name?" ZhouXiang clenched his fist, his forehead protruding cold sweat, "My name is ZhouXiang." End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 45 - How Did He Know About the Twins? ⦘

Chapter 45 - How Did He Know About the Twins? YanMingXiu almost gnashed out of his teeth, "Your name is ZhouXi‐ ang?" The name ZhouXiang is actually a very common name. There is nothing special about it. But this person in front of him has stirred up emotions in him that he had never felt before. He could not explain why he would pay such attention to a stranger, adding on that this person's name is 'ZhouXiang.' He is also named ZhouXiang? The two words 'Zhou Xiang' is like a curse that can instantly erode his heart with tremendous pain. Why, why is this person also called ZhouXi‐ ang? Is God messing with him? ZhouXiang passed by YanMingXiu and quickly ran toward the set film‐ ing the republic era drama. He ran very quickly, not turning around, try‐ ing to leave all his distress and heavy-heartedness behind, along with this person who made him restless. Completely leaving all of it behind him. YanMingXiu stood stiffly for a few minutes; his body not moving at all. His assistant looked at him anxiously but also incomprehensively. YanMingXiu said to him, "Look into him, the more extensive the better." ZhouXiang's role is very simple for this drama. He merely had to act as a classmate who aids the protagonist in liking the heroine. When the pro‐ tagonist tries his hardest to reveal his love toward the girl, his role is just to say a few scripted lines of advice and then follow up with some sort of commotions. That would be the end of it. The plot is so simple, yet he NG'd seven times. When everyone could almost shoot their scenes in one to two takes, his behavior obviously causes dissatisfaction among others. His is merely a dispensable supporting role, yet wasted everyone's time and film. 332

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ZhouXiang's face is flushed with shame. The more he wanted to recover from the shock of running into YanMingXiu... to calm down, the more he is unable to do it. He either forgot the scripted lines or was in a daze in the middle of the scene. Having been a stuntman for so many years, he has been cast in dozens of small supporting roles that requires him to show his face. This kind of situation has never happened before. It makes him want to just slap himself. If it wasn't because CaiWei was the one that introduced him to this job, the person in charge would have kicked him out. At last, he was forcefully able to complete the scripted lines, ending his day's torture. Unexpectedly, after the work was over, CaiWei actually picked him up. ZhouXiang was already worried about his performance from this after‐ noon. He felt that he had put CaiWei to shame, yet CaiWei still came to pick him up. This made him even more embarrassingly ashamed. The person in charge must have called CaiWei to complain, so he came over specifically. CaiWei smiled immediately upon seeing him, "I know what you wanted to say but you don't need to say anything. It's normal for the first time. Let me tell you a joke. It's with my buddy ZhouXiang. The first time he acted in a movie, it was with a scene with a model that is almost as tall as him. So the director put a box under his feet but he forgot about it when they were shooting and fell off. It wasn't such a big deal that he fell, but he fell on top of the model who was furious. Hahaha. That is way more embarrassing than you." ZhouXiang looked at CaiWei. When he first took that minor role where he ended up accidentally harassing that model seven to eight years ago, he really made a spectacle of himself. CaiWei was watching on the side at the time. After he finished shooting, CaiWei laughed at him the entire time. Then the two went to a bar and got drunk. At that time, it seemed that nothing was a big deal. As long as there was liquor and their broth‐ erhood, they just laughingly passed the time.

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Where did that heroic boldness of his go? Could it have died with his body? The rim of ZhouXiang's eyes turned red, his tears almost falling. When CaiWei saw that his eyes were red, he mocked, "No way, why are you crying? With this, you're very different from my buddy. He will not cry over something like this." After CaiWei finished saying, he looked at him and heaved a sigh, "You must not cry. Man up!" ZhouXiang swung his head and smiled, "Of course not, why would I cry?" Looking like this, he is indeed not at all like that 'ZhouXiang.' He was an optimistic and open-minded person. He's always adopted a light‐ hearted perspective in everything and is usually free from worries. Be‐ cause in his mind, there is nothing in the world that is more painful and terrible than the death of his parents. He had already overcome that. What else can bring him down? How can he let himself become someone like a resentful woman over a man and even gave up his life? What is the big deal with owing ¥370,000 in debts? As long as he is alive, it can be repaid. So what if life is a bit hard? At least he can run, can move, and can feel the world around him. Being able to live again is already the biggest bargain God had given him. In this moment, ZhouXiang felt his mood lightened up a bit. Although he is still suppressed by the shadows of YanMingXiu and the debt, he began to learn to self-balance, to enlighten himself and think of the positive. He has a mother as well as his good buddy CaiWei. CaiWei patted him on the shoulder, "It's really okay. It's your first time acting in a film. It's normal to not do well. You'll be fine after a few more times in the future." ZhouXiang nodded, "Wei Ge, I'm so happy to have met you." "That's right, so you are very lucky. Be optimistic. All difficulties will pass. Let's go. I'll take you to dinner. Shoot... let's just go to my house. I already told your sister-in law (his wife) that I am going home to eat to‐ day."

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"That's great. I also wanted to see your twins." Before his accident, it was near the time of his wife's delivery date. Their ultrasound pictures revealed that it was a set of twin girls, whom he saw as his goddaughters. He felt that he would never have children in his life so he wanted to cherish CaiWei's children as his own. Unexpectedly things in the world are never certain. Before the babies are born, he had the accident. Now that he thought about it, the girls should be two years old. Surprisingly, CaiWei is shocked. He looked at ZhouXiang strangely, "Twins?" ZhouXiang is stunned. He remembered that it was indeed twin girls. Did he remember it wrong? CaiWei creased his brows, "Who told you that I have twins?" ZhouXiang suddenly became nervous. What did he say wrong? He only felt that he had said too much, "Heard....heard it from others." "My wife did have twins but only gave birth to one. This other one died in the womb. But this, nobody knew about it. How did you know? Who did you hear it from?" ZhouXiang felt the vision in front of him turning dark. He didn't expect that he had been so careful, yet still ended up saying the wrong thing. He never thought that he would make such a careless mistake. CaiWei didn't suspect anything else. He totally thought that the people in the company found out about his family's secret. Having one of their child die in the womb was very painful for the couple. They didn't want anyone to know. He's always thought that nobody in the company knew. He didn't expect that the secret that he had kept so well, is it really no longer a secret in the company? That even a newbie like ZhouXiang knew about it? This made him furious and suspicious. If ZhouXiang knew about this, how can he not know that one of them was not born? Did he really not know or did he slip-up? CaiWei stared at him fixedly, "Who actually told you?"

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ZhouXiang's face turned ghastly paled as he tried to evasively respond, "I forgot, maybe I got it mixed up. Didn't Bai Jie just have a baby? That day everyone was talking about children and someone mentioned that Wei Ge has twins. I definitely remembered it wrong. There were too many people talking that day. I got it all confused. I must have gotten you mixed up with somebody else." CaiWei didn't really believe it. He thought that ZhouXiang was afraid that it would make him depressed so deliberately hid it. But even if he was to pursue this matter, there wouldn't be any sort of outcome so Cai‐ Wei didn't want to ask any more. He just thought that it was strange. How did this get leaked out? He only told ZhouXiang about his wife's condition at the time. So except for ZhouXiang, no one knew that his wife was pregnant with twins. ZhouXiang is definitely not a blabbermouth person. He has known ZhouXiang for so many years and knew his personal character. So who could have said it? How could this young man in front of him know about it? CaiWei felt that this was so peculiarly bizarre. But he couldn't say what is wrong so he could only conceal his emotions, "If people gossip about me in the future, remember to let me know." ZhouXiang nodded stiffly, thinking that he must carefully think about what he says in the future. He must never make this kind of blunder again. After ZhouXiang got in the car with CaiWei, YanMingXiu and his assis‐ tant were in the car not far away. YanMingXiu's eyes kept staring at ZhouXiang until their car disappeared from his sight. He (ZhouXiang) also works for JuXing and is also under CaiWei??!! This person with the same name as ZhouXiang, why are there so many coincidences with ZhouXiang. These coincidences, it is too strange to say. It's as if the paths of their lives are overlapped. YanMingXiu is more and more curious about this person. He said to his assistant, "The ad for the suit, reach out to him to shoot it with me."

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Assistant Jiang nodded and carefully took note of YanMingXiu's instruc‐ tions on his notebook. End Of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 46 - Seeing LanXiRong Again ⦘

Chapter 46 - Seeing LanXiRong Again ZhouXiang saw the little niece at CaiWei's house. The little girl was run‐ ning all over, being very adorable and lively. She especially liked him and stuck to him as soon as he entered the door. CaiWei said with a smile, "Strange, my little girl is very reserve with ev‐ eryone. She had never been so close to strangers. You're the first one." When ZhouXiang was holding the little girl, his heart is full of emotions. When she was still in sister-in-law's belly, he had gently touched her. He could even recall her little movements inside the belly. But now, the child is so big. He is a person who had died and came back to life, but the little person his arms is a purely new life. For a moment, all sorts of feelings welled up in his mind. During dinner, ZhouXiang was feeling very unsettled. After all, CaiWei and his wife are too close with him. He had already said something wrong during the day. Now he's even more careful, his entire person be‐ coming overcautious. Sister-in -law laughed at him, saying that he's too shy. ZhouXiang really has an unspeakable suffering. After dinner, ZhouXiang refused CaiWei's offer to take him home. He took the bus instead. When he arrived home, it was pass 10pm. ChenYing was still waiting for him to give him a bowl of bowl of dong quai (T/N) chicken soup. T/N: dong quai or angelica sinensis is an herb widely used in Chinese traditional medicine for health, cardiovascular conditions, osteoarthrosis, inflammation, headache, infections, mild anemia, fatigue and high blood pressure. Dong Quai

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ZhouXiang felt that being able to experience this maternal love at all times has been the greatest gift since his rebirth. This is the thing most worthy for him to cherish. ----YanMingXiu's assistant, Xiao Jiang, contacted CaiWei the next day. The two people knew each other but aren't too familiar. But still, Xiao Jiang thought that CaiWei will definitely agree. After all, for a newcomer to be in a commercial with YanMingXiu is like a big gift from the sky. He never thought that CaiWei would flat-out refuse. Xiao Jiang is shocked, thinking what is wrong with CaiWei, isn't this harming ZhouXiang's career? This is a rare opportunity; will there be a second time in this life? So he questioned CaiWei but CaiWei didn't dare reveal his hatred toward YanMingXiu. CaiWei is shocked by the fact that YanMingXiu would look for ZhouXiang so he subconsciously wanted to refuse for him. He pondered over it and merely responded, "I have his work fully booked so he won't have any extra time. Moreover, his health isn't good. He can't work too much." These words were obviously his half-hearted response. Xiao Jiang had his doubts but obviously didn't want to point it out bluntly. Since CaiWei put it in such a way, he also couldn't force the matter. He can only hang up the phone and planned on discussing with YanMingXiu first before doing anything. This phone call with Assistant Jiang made CaiWei even more alert. When he heard of the previous incident with YanMingXiu not letting ZhouXiang go at the elevator, he already felt very unsettled. He couldn't tell exactly what is wrong. This time YanMingXiu specifically named ZhouXiang to be in an ad with him. These two people are so far off they can't even mingle together, how can YanMingXiu choose ZhouXiang? CaiWei didn't want to let ZhouXiang do this ad because he hated Yan‐ MingXiu. YanMingXiu had already gotten ZhouXiang indirectly killed. He didn't want to send this ZhouXiang to YanMingXiu's side. He felt that is unlucky and is a bad omen. 339

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So he didn't tell ZhouXiang about this matter. He was afraid that ZhouX‐ iang would be tempted by the money so he suppressed it. ----ChenYing eventually found a legitimate agent and started training to be a caretaker. After having something to do, she was full of spirits. ZhouXi‐ ang was very happy to see her like this. After over a month, ZhouXiang had his normal salary with additional in‐ comes from other ads and short films. In all, it totaled more than ¥10,000. ZhouXiang is very satisfied with this start. If he can maintain such income, even if he will be more tired, paying off the debt will just be around the corner. ZhouXiang spent his free time working out. Having been fed chicken soup every, ChenYing had fatten him up a bit. But after lying in bed for two years, his bones and muscles were very stiff, without the feeling of agile and dexterity compared to his former body. He had already felt that the last time he filmed that game video. Although he felt that he could do many movements, it would not come off as satisfactory to people's ex‐ pectations. If there is still such an opportunity in the future, he hoped to be able to show his level of performance from his past. He still hopes to be able to work in his old line of profession if possible. Although running into YanMingXiu and WangYuDong in the entertain‐ ment industry is a risk, these apprehensions is not important compared to sustenance. Being a martial arts actor is his primary skill set; it is what he is most competent in and most familiar with doing. He had been doing this for seven to eight years and had been relying on this for his income. To do something else all of a sudden, he really doesn't know what to do. If it wasn't for being able to meet CaiWei, if it wasn't for CaiWei giving him this type of work, he wouldn't even be able to get in touch with do‐ ing this type of jobs. He had no diploma, no other skills, or even knew anyone. Perhaps he can only start off by being a security guard or a salesman. Those kinds of days will definitely be much more difficult than what he is doing now. Now that he had changed into another body, a body that is youthful and somewhat attractive, he hoped to get into the entertainment industry with 340

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CaiWei's help. Even if he can only be a supporting actor in his life, it is enough to support ChenYing and himself. He positioned himself to be a martial arts actor. This is his greatest strength. For this goal, he has to train his body to move toward his goal step by step. When he was resting at home on Saturday, CaiWei called ZhouXiang and asked him to come to the company. ZhouXiang asked him why. CaiWei responded happily, "Our boss is coming back from abroad, he wanted to see you." President Wang? ZhouXiang calmly voiced, "Why is President Wang interested in me?" "I just mentioned you to him. Come over and meet the boss. Show off yourself. Oh, by the way, President Wang also brought back someone, you probably know him." "Who?" "Our company's pillar, LanXiRong." ZhouXiang's heart tightened. He left quickly after hanging up the phone. While on the bus, he looked at his face reflected on the windshield and almost hypnotized himself, You are not that ZhouXiang now. Be careful and be cautious when you speak. No one could comprehend that a dead person's soul is reborn into some‐ one else's body. He must not expose himself. When he arrived at the company, ZhouXiang familiarly went to the Pres‐ ident's office. After entering the office, as expected, three people were sitting around chatting. He deliberately put on a nervous face and said hello to President Wang. Then he couldn't help but land his sight on LanXiRong.

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LanXiRong didn't change much from two years ago. He has a baby face that is already distinctive even when he doesn't smile. But when he smiles, he's very cute. The years seemed to leave no trace on him, except for his pair of incomprehensible bottomless eyes. LanXiRong faintly glanced at him and then slightly bunched his brows. He already heard from CaiWei that this person is also called ZhouXiang and also had many similarities with that ZhouXiang but he didn't believe it. ZhouXiang is a common name, but his Xiang Ge is very different from anyone else. But when he saw this person, his heart trembled. The face didn't look like but his body is indeed very similar, especially this person's temperament...his tranquility and calmness and his cool‐ ness, he's not very old but gives people a very steady feeling. When their eyes collided, ZhouXiang's expression displayed an incom‐ prehensible familiarity that made LanXiRong feel somewhat unsettled. CaiWei is right. This person is very much like Xiang Ge. LanXiRong's expression turned gloomy instantly, feeling endless pain in his chest. Xiang Ge...... President Wang looked at ZhouXiang for a long while, and then sighed heavily, "Fate. It is fate." CaiWei pointed to ZhouXiang and said, "President Wang, this kid's life is not easy. His mother owed a lot of money in treating his illness, if there are any good opportunities, please give him some consideration." "I know. XiRong, isn't your MV (music video) needing a male support‐ ing actor? Will his figure do?" LanXiRong glanced ZhouXiang deeply, "Yeah." President Wang smiled, "I thought so too. As long as he doesn't look as good as you."

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ZhouXiang took the opportunity to flatter, "Most people won't be more attractive than him." Everyone loves to hear good flattery words, especially their President Wang. ZhouXiang used to rely on his mouth to make their President Wang happy so he was able to work more than the average employees. Otherwise, how could a little stuntman like him talk and laugh with Pres‐ ident Wang? President Wang likes people who knows their position and smiles, "Then let ZhouXiang do it but let me say this first. You have to do it well. This MV is different from the small ads you have received before. Game pro‐ motion video can be different. This is one of the main MVs for LanXiRong's album. His record sales are all over a million. There are many people who covet this supporting role. I'm giving CaiWei face and also face to my former employee, ZhouXiang, to give you this opportu‐ nity. If you don't do well, then you should give up this role immediately." ZhouXiang is so elated that he almost jumped up. Being able to show his face in LanXiRong's MV is more effective than acting in a hundred ads. President Wang stared at his face for a long time, "Your look is passable. Why don't you get double eyelids done? And also fix your chin, I'll give you money." ZhouXiang's chin almost fell to the ground but he didn't want to do cos‐ metic surgery. He felt that this young man's face is quite attractive. CaiWei laughed, "President Wang is just joking with you." LanXiRong, who had not spoken, suddenly said, "This is fine." He faintly swept ZhouXiang a glance, "You have to act it well. Don't lose face to this name." After saying that, LanXiRong sighed, then turned and walked out. President Wang frowned, "What's wrong with this kid today, so strange."

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CaiWei felt pained, "XiRong's relationship with ZhouXiang use to be very good. The two are like brothers. When ZhouXiang got in the acci‐ dent... you also know...he almost collapsed." President Wang nodded, "But it had been two years. This kid is very sen‐ timental." ZhouXiang lowered his head and sighed in his heart. President Wang and CaiWei had to talk privately so ZhouXiang went out. He ran into LanXiRong in the hallway. LanXiRong glanced at him; his eyes scanning him. ZhouXiang smiled, "Lan Ge, I am very happy to be able to participate in your MV. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." LanXiRong smiled slightly, "Just call me by my name. You're older than me right?" "Yes, I am almost twenty-seven, just a little older than you." LanXiRong pulled out his phone, "Leave me your cell number. I'll have my assistant inform you of the schedule." "Okay." The two of them exchanged phone numbers. LanXiRong glanced at him again; his lips revealed a somewhat ironic smile, "You're lucky." ZhouXiang is stunned. "If not for you having this name... if not for you looking a bit like him... no one will help you like this. You have to thank that ZhouXiang." ZhouXiang lowered his eyes and forcefully smiled, "What you said is true." LanXiRong's face momentarily turned paled. He shuddered and tucked his phone into his pocket, "Go. I want to be alone for a while."

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Seeing his hurtful expression, ZhouXiang felt extremely distressed. He resisted the urge to comfort him and walked in the opposite direction. Since he is already 'dead' in everyone's mind, then just let him be dead. End of the chapter

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Chapter 47 - The Ad with Yan‐ MingXiu ZhouXiang received a call from President Wang Saturday morning. He was sleeping at the time and quickly got up as soon as he saw the caller ID. "Hello, President Wang." "Xiao Zhou ah, you still haven't gotten up yet?" "Yeah. Too tired from yesterday." "I'm afraid you'll be more tired today. Get up. I arranged an ad for you. Head over there now." "Huh? Right now?" "Yes, the big star specifically indicated for you to go. He even called me directly," President Wang's tone sounded a bit odd. ZhouXiang rubbed his face, "Who is it?" "YanMingXiu." ZhouXiang's entire person became instantly alert, "Yan...YanMingXiu?" President Wang thought that he was too excited, "Yea, it's that Yan‐ MingXiu. Although I don't know what he saw in you but this is a golden opportunity. You are very lucky...getting to shoot an ad with Yan‐ MingXiu and also get to expose your face in XiRong's MV. Your future will be much brighter. However, XiRong's MV is still in the planning stage. It will be several more months before shooting starts. This ad is just in front of you. Since luck is on your side, hurry up and head over there." "This... Wei Ge didn't tell me."

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"Who knows what CaiWei is thinking in not letting you take on this job. So the call came to me. I'll ask him about it later. Get up and get ready." ZhouXiang is thinking of how to refuse. He astoundingly voiced, "Presi‐ dent Wang, it's not that I don't want to go, but I have something to do to‐ day." "What do you have to do?" "I have... I have another ad that is also coincidentally today." "It's no big deal. Have CaiWei to send someone else. Those are minor ads; just randomly sending any handsome guy will do. It doesn't have to be you. But for this one, YanMingXiu specifically chose you, so you must go. Don't say anymore. Hurry up and get ready. Give me your ad‐ dress. I'll send a driver to pick you up." "President Wang......" ZhouXiang knew that it is useless to say anything else. This little favor for YanMingXiu with such minimal cost, of course President Wang will‐ ingly obliges. To President Wang, he is merely lending his own staff to YanMingXiu. But for ZhouXiang, he had to endure his heart's torment to be in close proximity to YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang got up and washed his face, patting his cheeks loudly to try and calm himself down as soon as possible. ChenYing ran over after hearing the noise and shockingly asked, "Son, what are you doing? Hitting your face so hard it's red." ZhouXiang smiled, "Nothing. I have to go to a job. Wouldn't this wake me up even more?" ChenYing agonizingly said, "Since you started working, you almost never had a weekend off. Though we really need the money, your health is most important. If you get sick again, everything would be meaning‐ less. Don't just neglect your health to work so tirelessly." "Mom, you're thinking too much. My work is not tiring. I just do a few moves in front of the camera, how tiring can it be? But you... you have to

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rest more. Your face looks so pallid lately." When ZhouXiang looked at ChenYing, he wondered where the nutrients from the chicken soup went? While he gained some weight, ChenYing also drank it with him, but how can her complexion still look so bad? ChenYing smiled, "Your mother is almost sixty; I can't still be fair skin like a young girl right? I don't need to rest at all. It's boring staying home. Come back early today. I'm going to go buy some big prawns this afternoon." ChenYing was mumbling what's for dinner while wiping the water that ZhouXiang splashed onto the floor. ZhouXiang lowered his head and looked at ChenYing's frail, bulging spine, feeling pain in his heart. Don't think about YanMingXiu... think about the money. Doing this ad with YanMingXiu, the pay must be pretty good. This is what he should be thinking about. Although he is extremely baffled as to why YanMingXiu would ask him to do this ad. Half an hour later, the driver that President Wang sent arrived at the downstairs of his apartment. While sitting in the car, ZhouXiang pondered over why CaiWei didn't let him take this job. Could it be that he hated YanMingXiu? But with Cai‐ Wei doing that, it actually benefited President Wang because now he is able to do a cheap favor for YanMingXiu. As for his feelings and diffi‐ culties, it is obvious that a person like President Wang would not con‐ sider. In President Wang's mind, to be in an ad with YanMingXiu, for a minor unknown person like ZhouXiang, he should really be giving his thanks profusely. ZhouXiang exposed a sarcastic smile. It had been more than two months since he had awakened in this body. From the very beginning, it was uncomfortable and awkward. Now he fi‐ nally has the feeling of being completely integrated with this body.

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In the past two months, he had been trembling with fear and trepidation. In fact, he even became a bit of a 'yes' man, having no personal opinions, especially when facing people he is familiar with. He was really afraid of saying the wrong things or doing the wrong things, which might cause others to be suspicious. Even though he repeatedly reminded himself that he is no longer that ZhouXiang, he still misspoke a few times regardless of how careful he was. For a completely matured person to subcon‐ sciously change and force himself to adapt to a new identity is an ex‐ tremely hard thing to do. It is beyond imagination, but he had gradually overcame it. After acknowledging this body, he also fell back into his previous per‐ sonality bit by bit. He, ZhouXiang, should not be such a coward with a guilty conscience when seeing anyone. No one could accept such outra‐ geously bizarre thing as soul transferring. This will be the secret of his life. But it didn't mean that he should live in a shadow his entire life. He must get out and bring out his former easy-going and optimistic self to start a new life. He is younger compared to before, with more advan‐ tages. He even has a family now. No matter how he looked at this, he is lucky because it could have been worst. The only thing he needed to do is completely abandon his past and get rid of YanMingXiu entirely from his life. This process will be extremely painful, but he will still do it. Otherwise, he won't be considered as having new life... his heart will still be the same as before, imprisoned in his painful past The first step he should take is to calmly confront YanMingXiu... to face this person he had lived with, whom he had once loved but never loved him in return. He should completely forget this failed relationship and let the two of them become true strangers. After doing all sorts of thorough mental analysis in the car, ZhouXiang felt a lot better from the anxiety and nervousness he felt since receiving the call. When he got out of the car, he saw YanMingXiu's assistant. Taking a deep breath, he put on a calm smile, "Greetings, I'm ZhouXiang. We seemed to have seen each other last time. What is Dai Ge's (T/N) name?" T/N: Dai Ge means older brother or a respectful way of calling someone older.

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"My surname is Jiang. We're about the same age so you can call me Xiao Jiang." As YanMingXiu's assistant, Xiao Jiang's position in the entertain‐ ment industry should not be underestimated. However, when faced with the only person (ZhouXiang) YanMingXiu had ever been interested in, Xiao Jiang didn't dare to be even a bit pretentious. "Jiang Ge, you're being modest. I've not shot an ad before so please give me some guidance." ZhouXiang took out the cigarette and handed it to Assistant Jiang, "Jiang Ge, would you like a smoke?" Assistant Jiang shook his head, "I don't smoke. Let's go in. MingXiu is waiting for us." ZhouXiang's heart jumped fiercely. Clenching his fist secretly, he went to the set talking and laughing with Assistant Jiang. They are to shoot an ad for a branded suit today. The plot is to mimic Men in Black. The general idea is for everyone to wear sunglasses with YanMingXiu leading a group of people wearing black suits walking by. Although the scene looks silly, but after incorporating computer special effects, they will look like they are traveling back and forth in space with full of mind-blowing powers. After ZhouXiang arrived at the scene, he realized that he is one of a dozen members wearing a black suit. He led out a sigh of relief. Al‐ though assistant Jiang arranged for him to be in the front, with him wear‐ ing sunglasses and the same black suit with the others, adding on an ab‐ stract background, he will become less conspicuous. When he entered the studio, YanMingXiu came out of the dressing room after finishing his makeup and styled dress-up. He didn't need to wear sunglasses, so the corners of his eyes are painted with obvious eye makeup. How to describe the eye makeup? The corners of his eyes are slightly raised, aligning with YanMingXiu's expressionless but beautiful and flawless face, it gives people a very strange and bewitching feeling. When he swept his eyes, it's exceptionally captivating to people, just like the evil spirits who had the power to drive men crazy in ancient litera‐ ture.

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Although ZhouXiang had slept with him for a year, there are times that he would still be stunned by his appearance. Today is no exception. Beauty is an eternal joy. No one could evade this norm. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu looking like this, ZhouXiang wouldn't have wanted to ap‐ proach him in the first place, leading to him falling so deeply. YanMingXiu also saw him; with eyes like that of a deep natural pond quietly fixated at him for a full three seconds...it is enough to make ZhouXiang break out in cold sweat. ZhouXiang didn't want to be appear passive, so before YanMingXiu could react, he simply walked toward him with a happy smile, "President Yan, we meet again. I really didn't expect you to seek me out to shoot an ad with you. I don't know how to thank you. Would you like a cigarette?" He knew that YanMingXiu is most annoyed with flattery people. It's best that YanMingXiu is so annoyed that he won't want to see him again. If he could just see YanMingXiu's indescribable unsurpassed beauty once in a while and yet YanMingXiu never knew that there is such a person like him existing in this world, this is the best ending between them. Sure enough, YanMingXiu is dumbfounded as he raised his brows. Per‐ haps because ZhouXiang's initiative and enthusiasm are completely dif‐ ferent from the previous two encounters, it made YanMingXiu find him a bit strange. And the way he tried to kiss-up to him is so similar to many other people, how can YanMingXiu feel that this kind of person is even a bit like 'him'? YanMingXiu's expression had a trace of anger. He looked ZhouXiang silently and then walked passed him, as if undis‐ turbed by what he had seen. ZhouXiang's hand was still in mid-air; he didn't feel embarrassed. He calmly retracted his hand, turned and walked into the dressing room. Changing clothes, applying makeup, getting the props, ZhouXiang pre‐ pared for everything like the other ten plus models dressed in black suits. ZhouXiang gradually calmed down. Regardless of what YanMingXiu's purpose is in requesting that he come, now he (YanMingXiu) didn't even

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look at him. He (ZhouXiang) is just happy to shoot the ad, then take the money and leave. After putting on his suit, he glanced at the mirror and felt that it's very fitting. The time when he was in the hospital, he only thought that this young man's face was not bad. Unfortunately, he was skin to the bones. Now that he's gained some weight and with his exercises, this figure is becoming more accentuated. Looking at it now, this figure is the same height as his original body and even the body shape is similar. Perhaps men with the same body height and shape all look about the same right? It's not like a woman's body where the breast cup size is an obvious characteristic. No matter what, ZhouXiang didn't want to admit that his back is still similar to WangYuDong's. Even though he couldn't see his own back sil‐ houette, he also didn't want to see it. The scriptwriter came over and told them to assemble. ZhouXiang and the others head toward the studio. The scriptwriter gave instructions on when to walk and how to walk. Then the ten plus people lined up and practiced the walking speed, the frequency, and also how to control their facial expression to remain expressionless. Halfway into it, many of them laughed because a bunch of people walked around in black suits is really funny. ZhouXiang was standing at the front center of the line-up; with the ex‐ ception of YanMingXiu, his is the best position. The entire time, his per‐ formance is very much aligned. He was not distinctive nor did he both‐ ered the crews. However, what made him most uncomfortable was that he noticed that YanMingXiu would look at him from time to time. His kind of careful probing expression made him feel very uneasy. They spent almost the entire morning practicing walking in team forma‐ tion. When walking, they have to be uniform and consistent. It is a bit of a challenge for this group of young people who have just met. YanMingXiu is a lot more relaxed; he just practiced a few times and es‐ sentially knew what to do so he sat on the side. Sometimes he would

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stare around blankly, other times he would glance over and look at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang remembered that three years ago, YanMingXiu had also sat on the side like he is now, watching him film in front of the camera. That day, they made love in the dimly lit toilet stall. Afterwards, YanMingXiu waited for him from morning till evening. That frenzied passion is for‐ ever gone, yet sealed in his mind. Does he really want to still stir up and break through his restraint to reminisce on his feelings from that time? He must suppress these ridiculous impulses. After filming for an entire afternoon, the ad finally took shape. ZhouXiang also consciously observed YanMingXiu while he was film‐ ing. YanMingXiu can't be considered an actor with talent; this having a lot to do with his lack of expressions. But unexpectedly, his fans like him like this. He's definitely the only one who can create a name for himself in the entertainment industry solely by relying on having no expressions. It had been said that YanMingXiu only smiled when he was a guest star in his brother-in-law's films. Just to see YanMingXiu's smile, the people who went to see the films is probably no less than those who went to see WangYuDong. ZhouXiang could certainly imagine that YanMingXiu, who normally treated everyone indifferently, will only smile when facing WangYuDong. After the shooting, ZhouXiang changed his clothes, removed his makeup, intending to go home. He had just walked out when Assistant Jiang came over, "ZhouXiang." ZhouXiang answered, "Jiang Ge, thank you for today. I don't know any‐ thing. I didn't give you any trouble right?" Assistant Jiang smiled, "You're too modest. You said that you're a new‐ bie, but I could see that you're very familiar with filming. Your perfor‐ mance is the best."

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ZhouXiang smiled, "That's great. Then I will leave first." "Hey, wait..." Assistant Jiang pulled him to the side. When he was sure that no one else could hear them, he whispered, "ZhouXiang, our MingXiu wants to invite you for a meal. He's waiting for you in the un‐ derground garage. Go." ZhouXiang said with surprise, "This... why?" Assistant Jiang glanced at him strangely, "You have to ask yourself this. How would I know?" ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "I don't know either. Are you not mis‐ taken?" "How is that possible? Hurry up and go. MingXiu doesn't like to wait on people. Be careful when eating with him. He has a bad temper. When talking, just go along with whatever he says." "You... you're not going?" ZhouXiang heart sunk. Assistant Jiang pushed him out, "Why would I go? Hurry and go." ZhouXiang sighed heavily and he took the elevator down to the garage. He could immediately see YanMingXiu's low-profile Lexus. In his mind, these capital princes will typically flaunt their identities with something that ordinary people can't afford. To say the least, their Presi‐ dent Wang's car is very expensive. While YanMingXiu's food and cloth‐ ing must be of superior quality, he is not one to be flamboyant. If not for ZhouXiang having lived with him for nearly a year, he would not have known that YanMingXiu's background is so impressive when he initially thought it was only good. After becoming an star, YanMingXiu seemed to be even more low-pro‐ file. It is indeed safe for him to be driving this kind of car. No one will believe that such a prominent star like YanMingXiu would be hidden in‐ side. Only ZhouXiang knew because they have had sex in this car many times. He walked over, opened the passenger door and sat in, "President Yan."

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YanMingXiu looked at him faintly and asked, "What do you want to eat?" "Anything is fine." YanMingXiu started the car and drove out of the parking lot. This is the first time that they met alone since ZhouXiang was reborn again and it is in such a narrow space. ZhouXiang's heart beat like a drum. He repeatedly asked himself, Why... why is YanMingXiu paying such special attention to him? Could it be that he saw something? Impossible. He did not reveal any flaws. No one would know, Yan‐ MingXiu could not have known. The only possibility is that... ZhouXiang remembered that day when he ran into Zhang Jie during the audition. He still remembered what Zhang Jie had said, "Your back looks very much like WangYuDong's." ZhouXiang's heart sank to the bottom. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 48 - ZhouXiang Is Not Dead!! ⦘

Chapter 48 - ZhouXiang Is Not Dead!! YanMingXiu took him to a members only restaurant that he had previ‐ ously gone with LanXiRong. The patrons who come and go from here are all from the entertainment industry so they are protected from being harassed by the public. It seems that fame has brought a lot of disturbances to YanMingXiu's life. It is hard to imagine that a person like YanMingXiu, who is so selfcentered and so indifferent toward strangers, would put himself in the en‐ tertainment circle where there is a complete lack of privacy. Even though gossip relating to him is very rare, but coming and going will require him to conceal his face. Just thinking about this kind of life already made ZhouXiang thinks that it difficult to bear, not to mention for Yan‐ MingXiu, who has a very bad temper. The waiter took them to a secluded area and politely offered them the menu, "Mr. Yan, please." YanMingXiu seems to come here often as he familiarly selected a few dishes. After taking the order, the waiter went away. The two sat directly across from each other, both not knowing what to say. The atmosphere is very awkward. ZhouXiang unintentionally looked at YanMingXiu and was stunned by the depressive expression in his eyes. YanMingXiu's facial features did not change from before but the temper‐ ament of his entire person has changed completely; from this bright and brave looking, arrogant and unyielding youngster to this introverted, coldly detached, and unsmiling young man. Only one person can make him change to such extent.

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Even though many things have changed with the passage of time, the two of them is actually sitting together again. But YanMingXiu could no longer recognize who he is. This scene seemed to change instantly and the dark and exquisite restaurant became ZhouXiang's old family home with the both of them sitting face to face at the table tasting the dishes that ZhouXiang cooked. At that time, YanMingXiu's smiles and his smiles...both of their smiles came from within their hearts. Looking at YanMingXiu, seeing this person who is now so unfamiliar to him, who he could no longer guess what is on his mind, and then think‐ ing of his already 'dead' self, he can only look at life through someone else's body. With this person (YanMingXiu) whom he had once been inti‐ mate with, now they are looking directly face to face, but no longer know each other. His inner pain and sorrow are like the torrents of the river's raging water, furiously flooding his heart. This moment is so painful that it is indescribable. People who have not experienced this can never understand how much sadness, regret and helplessness is in his heart. He desperately appeased himself in order to forcefully maintain calm‐ ness on the surface, even though his heart has already felt like it had been twisted with a knife. YanMingXiu's slender fingers tapped on the wooden table and said in a low voice, "Your name is ZhouXiang, is it also the Xiang from "fei xi‐ angT/N"? T/N: -- fei xiang means to soar in the air, spreading wings and fly ZhouXiang took a deep breath with his lips shuddering a bit as he nod‐ ded, "Yeah." Does he (YanMingXiu) still remember himself (ZhouXi‐ ang)? YanMingXiu stared at him for a while, and then turned away, his halflidded eyes concealing his emotions.

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(Yan's thoughts) Does he look like him? Not alike? Even the back is a lit‐ tle similar. Why is he only interested in this person? When he is with him, he always has this odd feeling. It is as if something is pulling at his heart, making him follow this person closely. Why is that? Besides hav‐ ing the same exact name as ZhouXiang, what else is there? Why is he hoping for this bit of pathetic consolation? YanMingXiu's heart tightened. He is nowhere... nobody can be him. ZhouXiang asked cautiously, "President Yan, why did you want to invite me to dinner? I'm a little embarrassed." YanMingXiu didn't respond to his question. He didn't know how to re‐ spond. He just felt that there is something that he needed from this per‐ son but he didn't know what it is. He couldn't even explain this weird feeling to himself, how can he explain it to someone else? He thought of a question that he had wanted to ask all along, "What is your relationship with CaiWei?" When Xiao Jiang told him that CaiWei refused his request, he was very astonished. Originally, the coincidence of ZhouXiang working with CaiWei is enough to make him wonder. Now CaiWei's attitude is making him even more suspicious. "Wei... I am Wei Ge's employee. Wei Ge takes great care of me." "Why would he do that?" ZhouXiang lowly muttered, "Maybe because I have the same name as his buddy who has died." YanMingXiu slammed his fork on the china plate, his neck stiffly mov‐ ing, and his serenely deepened eyes probing him, "You know about his (older ZhouXiang) matters?" ZhouXiang carefully pondered over every word he is going to say next, "Wei Ge told me a bit." "CaiWei...what did he tell you?"

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"Only said that he was filming in the mountains and had an accident and died..." "He's not dead!!" YanMingXiu suddenly shouted lowly, shocking ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu's eyes suddenly became bloodshot as he glared at ZhouXi‐ ang, "Who told you that he died?" ZhouXiang is so shocked that he sweated profusely. What does Yan‐ MingXiu really know? YanMingXiu's attitude made him even more afraid to speak. He hesi‐ tated, "The specifics... I don't know. It's what Wei Ge said." YanMingXiu seems to be aware that he has lost self-control. He used a napkin to gracefully wipe his lips and tried to suppress his emotions, "He's not dead. Go back and tell CaiWei not to speak utter nonsense." These words were not only a warning to CaiWei but also a warning for him. ZhouXiang could certainly understand its meaning. He wanted to ask YanMingXiu why he is so certain that he's not dead. He's so obvi‐ ously and thoroughly dead... so thoroughly dead that his soul has taken on someone else's body. In this world, is there anyone else who can have more say with regards to his life and death than himself? But to say that he's not dead is indeed right. His soul is still alive. But how can YanMingXiu be so sure? He pondered over and over again but still did not ask. He was afraid of making YanMingXiu suspicious. YanMingXiu said faintly, "ZhouXiang is not dead. He will come back one day. You should be glad that you've touched his light. Otherwise, why would CaiWei take special care of you?" That is also the truth. CaiWei is one that upholds the code of brotherhood but is not a fully compassionate Holy Mother. The only reason why Cai‐ Wei would help him for the most part is because CaiWei wanted to make

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himself feel better. Even though he never blamed CaiWei, CaiWei still felt guilty for his death. ZhouXiang glumly responded, "President Yan is right." Eating this meal is bland and flavorless. No matter how delicious the food is, ZhouXiang can't taste it because his heart is suffering from un‐ speakable torment. Fortunately, YanMingXiu did not continue on with this topic. It seems that he was treating him as though he was transparent. YanMingXiu fin‐ ished eating his own food and didn't utter another word. Remembering the countless meals they had eaten together, ZhouXiang never thought that one day they would have such a strangely bizarre meal together. ZhouXiang realized that his psychological defense is not strong enough. All these happy and sad memories still penetrated through these small cracks right into his heart, piercing him and riddling him with holes. It would be nice if he was really given more than two years' time, even if he was just lying in bed, it is enough for him to get rid of these huge, negative emotions. Unfortunately, although the world's clock has ticked passed two years, in his consciousness, he was still sleeping with this person in front of him just three months ago. He will get up early to pre‐ pare breakfast and then happily pull YanMingXiu out of bed to eat. Drastic change. In such a short time, he had experienced a drastic change. If time is a cure for everything, then the dose he took is obviously not enough. After the meal, YanMingXiu didn't appear to have the intention to take him home. ZhouXiang was even more eager to leave separately. The two of them left the restaurant and parted ways. ZhouXiang took out his cell phone and called CaiWei.

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He thought it was necessary to tell CaiWei about this (regarding the ad), but he had been so busy the entire day that he didn't even have the time to check his phone. CaiWei really didn't know anything about him going to film this ad with YanMingXiu. In President Wang's eyes, this is nothing that is worth in‐ forming CaiWei. When ZhouXiang told CaiWei about it, CaiWei was ut‐ terly astounded. ZhouXiang asked, "Wei Ge, why didn't you want me to come?" CaiWei didn't want ZhouXiang to misunderstand so he explained, "It's not that I don't want you to get more work, I just don't want you to get too close to YanMingXiu." ZhouXiang quickly voiced, "Wei Ge, you must have your reasons for do‐ ing what you did. I have no other meaning, I'm just curious." CaiWei deeply heaved a sigh, "With my buddy's accident, this surname Yan person needs to bear a huge part of the responsibility. I don't want to say more. In short, stay far away from him. He's nothing good." ZhouXiang sighed, "Wei Ge, don't worry. I'll remember." Clearly, Cai‐ Wei has grudges toward YanMingXiu because of him. The reason why he was in an accident, indeed, is in part due to YanMingXiu. To say that he does not hate YanMingXiu is impossible. But since he has been reborn, there are many things that are more important than holding grudges. Not to mention that he didn't want to have any connection with YanMingXiu. Hate or not hate, what can be done? ZhouXiang didn't tell CaiWei about YanMingXiu inviting him out to eat. Naturally, he didn't mention YanMingXiu's warning (about him speaking nonsense with regards to ZhouXiang's death). CaiWei is not a blabber‐ mouth. What's more, what YanMingXiu said is really baffling. However, since YanMingXiu is so determined that he is still alive, then the things in his home most likely have not been changed. And naturally, YanMingXiu will not initiate in getting his death certificate issued. He has no relatives in Beijing. If his death certificate is not issued, the Pub‐ lic Security Bureau can only treat this as a disappearance. He's afraid that

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his relatives who have the legal rights to manage his assets will never know that he had passed. Then the cash and bank cards left at home are likely still in the same place. YanMingXiu simply would not be interested in these things. He must go back as soon as possible. ZhouXiang looked up Assistant Jiang's cell phone number. He planned to start with this assistant and get close to him to find out about Yan‐ MingXiu's recent itinerary. And then pick a time when YanMingXiu is away to go back home and take a look. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 49 - Sneaking Into His Own Home ⦘

Chapter 49 - Sneaking Into His Own Home When Assistant Jiang received the call from ZhouXiang, he wasn't sur‐ prised. There are many people who wanted to get in contact with him. However, he dared not treat ZhouXiang like any others in randomly dis‐ missing him. His big boss personally invited ZhouXiang for a meal. He has worked for YanMingXiu for over a year and has never seen him pay so much attention to one person. Who knows what his boss is thinking. He only knows that he can't offend ZhouXiang. The two of them chatted politely for a while. ZhouXiang used the excuse of wanting Assistant Jiang to introduce him to others as they continually chatted. In the end, he was able to successfully get YanMingXiu's itiner‐ ary. ZhouXiang got a more precise time. YanMingXiu will be flying to Chongqing next Thursday. But it wasn't work relating to the entertain‐ ment circle but dealings with his own business. Most of the people in the entertainment circle called YanMingXiu "Presi‐ dent Yan" because YanMingXiu is unlike most performing artists who are constantly called to participate in various types of programs or to par‐ ticipate in public activities. YanMingXiu has his own company. It fact, it was doing quite well. Besides filming or advertising, YanMingXiu literally does not participate in any social activities. He didn't seem to care about his exposure rate just as long as he has works from time to time to ensure that the public will not forget him. According to Assistant Jiang, YanMingXiu would not be able to return till at least Sunday with this meeting in Chongqing. ZhouXiang decided not to hesitate any further. He will take action on Thursday night.

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After dinner on Thursday night, ZhouXiang watched TV with ChenYing as usual. Shortly after 10pm, he used the excuse that he was meeting a friend to go out. He had initially planned on going out in the middle of the night and not tell ChenYing but he came to realize that ChenYing is a very light sleeper. It would be much more troublesome if she found out. He prepared a series of things: a hat, sunglasses, mask, flashlights, pliers, etc. With all this tools, definitely no one would think that he's actually going back to "his own home" but instead would think of him intending to steal. ZhouXiang also felt pitiful and ridiculous. He had to go back to his own home to get his hard-earned money. But in order to do so, he needed to "steal" it. There is no other way. If he was caught looking like this, he certainly would be considered a thief. He got to the corridor of his own neighborhood and waited for a while to give himself the courage. After confirming no one was around, he quickly pulled out the spare key from the fire box and shuddered while using it to open the door's lock. He looked for a long time standing outside the door. There was not a bit of light within. There shouldn't be anyone but he was still so nervous that he was trembling all over. The security door to his condo was the same as before. It is not so easy to open. Even after the key is inserted, he needed to hold the door handle up to make the key fit perfectly with the keyhole. The sound of the gear rotation is especially loud in the middle of the night, gently pounding at ZhouXiang's heart. The door opened! ZhouXiang looked around again. He quickly turned the door handle to the wooden door inside and walked into the condo, quietly closing the door. The condo was filled with a muggy dusty smell. ZhouXiang immediately come to realize that no one had come to this condo for some time. In this season, if the windows are not opened for several days, there will be this kind of stifling smell. It seems that YanMingXiu does not live here. 364

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ZhouXiang didn't dare to turn on the light. Instead, he turned on his flashlight and scanned the room. The light of the flashlight and the glim‐ mering moon enabled him to see his home once again. Everything looked exactly as it did from his memory. There is not a bit of change. It seems like the passage of two years is all an illusion. He had only left for three months and has returned. His home, this place that has been with him from birth has been kept just as it was, waiting for him to return. In this condo, his memories are everywhere. He and his parents, him and YanMingXiu, his 30 years of life stories have all but concentrated in this old condo, so much that that every old wall is sprinkle with the taste of memories. ZhouXiang felt pain. He had an urge of wanting to cry. How much he hoped to be able to just appear here for the mere reason of 'coming home' as he had done countless times in the past instead of only temporarily staying like a thief? ZhouXiang sniffed his nose and didn't dare to think more. Although Yan‐ MingXiu is in another city, he still didn't dare to stay here for too long. This is likely what's called a person's guilty conscience. He wrapped the plastic bag on his shoes and gently walked in. The flash‐ light flashed through the dust on the shoe cabinet. It wasn't thick, just a thin layer of dust, which proves that there are people who came to clean from time to time. Maybe YanMingXiu still felt a bit of their former af‐ fections toward him so would occasionally have people come to clean it. That way the condo is not abandoned. He walked through the familiar small porch straight into his bedroom where he put his cash. He had a habit of putting spare cash in the bedside table. It wasn't much, just four to five thousand yuan which was still better than his monthly salary. He was ready to take the cash and go back to the living room to get his bank card.

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When he got into the bedroom, it looked just the same as before... even the bedding was the one he bought with YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang couldn't help but walked over and touched the neatly folded silk blanket, that soft and smooth feel. ZhouXiang could even remember that comfort‐ able feeling on his bare skin, especially when YanMingXiu turned over and wrapped the both of them with the blanket. ZhouXiang smiled bitterly as he gently put the corners of the blanket back in place. He quickly opened the bedside table. Sure enough, the money that he casually threw in there was still there. ZhouXiang had a pretty good life before. Four to five thousand was not a lot of money to him. At that time, he was able to flauntingly casually drive his car, take a boy that he had just met for a meal and gift him little presents. There was hardly any worries in his life until he met Yan‐ MingXiu. But now, even if it is ¥4 to ¥5, he will save it. In order to save the bus fare money, ChenYing will walk half an hour home in the blazing hot sun holding a bunch of groceries. ZhouXiang is also forced to change his habit of buying things without looking at prices. Instead, he'd diligently tried to save all the money he could. This ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 is already a pleasant surprise for ZhouXiang. He quickly put the money into his pocket and then returned to the living room. But what he didn't expect was that the flashlight would malfunc‐ tion. The light flashed a few times and then stopped working. ZhouXiang was angrily annoyed. He could only use the light on his cell phone to get his bank card from the closet. The cell phone's light would always turn dark after a short while so it was frustrating hard for ZhouXiang. When he went to GuangXi, he only brought a card for emergency use. In fact, following the crew, they were responsible for providing the meals. Adding on, there was no place to spend money in the mountains so he actually brought too much. He couldn't remember how much was on the card, it certainly wasn't much. The card with more money is place in the drawer. There were pile of his bills in the drawer, including documents and passbooks, etc. even his parents' marriage certificate were in there.

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Just as he turned around, he sensitively heard the security door's lock turning. All the fine hairs on ZhouXiang's body stood upright. Is there someone? YanMingXiu? That's impossible! Isn't he in Chongqing! How could he be so unlucky as to be openly caught like this! If YanMingXiu sees him here, how would he be able to explain this? Even with ten heads, he didn't know how to explain it! In his moment of desperation, ZhouXiang was at complete loss on what to. He grabbed a few things like his bank card and stuffed into his pocket. Then, he quickly closed the drawer. Panicking, he planned on sneaking into the study room to hide but didn't expect to have a little mishap as he was rushing. His tripped over the small stool near his foot and fell onto the ground with a loud thump. The front door was opened and the shadow of a tall figure appeared at the door, yelling, "Whose there?!" End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 50 – Almost Got Caught ⦘

Chapter 50 -- Almost Got Caught When ZhouXiang heard that voice, all the fine hairs on his body stood up....How could it be him?! He immediately remembered that besides him and YanMingXiu, there was one other person who knew where he put the spare key. At the time, this person had a very good relationship with him and went to his home almost every day. LanXiRong! One time ZhouXiang wasn't at home and couldn't leave but LanXiRong had come to his place so ZhouXiang told him the location of the spare key. After all, at the time he trusted LanXiRong and there was nothing valuable at home. That was the only time. Ever since then, every time LanXiRong came over, he was always home so he had long since forgot‐ ten about this. It wasn't until the encounter with LanXiRong at this strange time that he suddenly remembered. What to do?!! LanXiRong quickly turned on the lights in the living room. His first re‐ action was that there is a thief. Sure enough, a man wearing a cap, sun‐ glasses and a mask with his face tightly concealed fell onto the ground. As he tumbled, several bills and hundred yuan bills fell out of his pocket. LanXiRong angrily shouted, "You fucking dare to steal things here!" He hastily rushed up in a step, not even giving ZhouXiang a chance to react as he stepped on ZhouXiang's calf. ZhouXiang smothered his groans. It was so painful he almost cried out. LanXiRong bent over and was going to capture him. ZhouXiang remem‐ bered there was a potted plant behind him, so he reached behind and grabbed a handful of soil from the potted plant and didn't hesitate to throw it toward LanXiRong's face.

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LanXiRong was caught unprepared and couldn't open his eyes for a mo‐ ment. ZhouXiang took the opportunity to bolt up from the ground and kicked LanXiRong to the ground, then with big step jumped over him and fled out the door. The soil went into LanXiRong's eyes so tears gushed out. He forcefully turned his head and sees the thief's back as he fled out the door. His legs slightly slanted, but that figure, LanXiRong faintly felt that he had seen it somewhere. ZhouXiang ran out of the neighborhood. When he ran down the stairs, he faintly saw that several of his neighbors had turned on their lights. They were likely awakened from the shouting and commotions. As he ran, he removed the things from his face and threw it into the trash can. These were things he brought to disguise himself as he got near the neighborhood. At this time, most of the people in the neighborhood are sleeping, but there are still people on the main street. These things would easily make people suspicious. He ran out hundreds of meters away. It was only when he saw that LanXiRong didn't catch up that he finally felt relieved. His heart were in leaps and bounds, as if it is about to jump out of his body. ZhouXiang has never been so nervously tensed his entire life. He can't imagine how he could explain this if he was caught by LanXiRong. Confess to him? When ZhouXiang thought of this possibility, his heart beat even faster. Perhaps, LanXiRong can accept his identity? No, he can't hold on to this kind of wishful thinking. The reason why ZhouXiang didn't dare to let anyone know, for the most part is to protect himself. This kind of outrageous thing, once it is discovered by others, the impact it could bring him is completely unpredictable. Even though he still trusts CaiWei and LanXiRong, he still does not dare to take these risks.

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ZhouXiang hid in the corner for a long time. He is now half a kilometer away from the neighborhood. But because he was hidden directly in front of the neighborhood, he could clearly see the neighborhood's gate. He originally planned to return home quickly, but he suddenly wanted to see if LanXiRong would call the police. After waiting for about half an hour, the police car still didn't come. LanXiRong also didn't come out. It appears as though he didn't call the police. Suddenly, an Audi Q7 drove past the street next to him. He casually looked. Despite the dim lights and a few other cars on the street, ZhouX‐ iang could still see the license plate number at a glance. That is CaiWei's car! ZhouXiang watched as CaiWei's car turned into the neighborhood. He is utterly shocked. He knew his plan has completely failed. LanXiRong didn't know why he suddenly came to ZhouXiang's home but he was obviously shocked running into a thief inside. For a moment, he didn't know how to deal with it so he called CaiWei. No matter how much they discussed on how to handle this, there would still be traces left. In the end, YanMingXiu will still surely know about this. YanMingXiu will definitely be more strictly guarded in the future. At the very least, he would change the door's locks. It would be impossible for him to go back to his home again. ZhouXiang quickly pulled out his pocket to check the bunch of cards that he had quickly stuffed into his pocket. There were medical insurance cards, VIP cards from the clothing stores, hotel discount cards, etc. In the pile of cards, ZhouXiang finally found his ICBC card. To his disappointment, he remembered that this card is not the one that had most of his money. There might only be four to five thousand in this card.

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Moreover, after such a trouble, he didn't dare use this card. Just in case that after much discussion, the two people would report the card loss to the police. He knew that the banking system is connected to the network so if the card is really registered as loss, he would walk right into the trap when he goes and withdraw the money. He put the cards back into his pocket and subconsciously patted the cash in his pocket, hoping that it can be a bit of a comfort to himself. Although this time isn't considered as not having achieved anything, the loss is far more than what he had obtained. This made him feel extremely pained. In this world, what is more unlucky than being able to see your own money but can't use it...seeing your own home, but can't live in it? ZhouXiang looked at the time and saw that it was already very late so he could only return home. He planned to go to the company tomorrow to see if he can inadvertently get any information from CaiWei regarding the incident today. CaiWei is not on guard with him so he may tell him. Early the next morning, just when ZhouXiang got into the company's door. Ah Liu immediately saw him and grabbed him, "ZhouXiang, are you planning on looking for Wei Ge?" Everyone in the company knows that ZhouXiang and CaiWei have a good relationship. If he wasn't out for work, he would often look for Cai‐ Wei. ZhouXiang nodded, "Yeah, why?" Ah Liu lowered his voice, "Don't go. Don't go right now." ZhouXiang also unconsciously lowered his voice and creased his brows, "What happened?" "Young Master Yan is here. LanXiRong is also here. They're arguing right now. What are you going to do going in there now, be a cannon fodder?" ZhouXiang's heart thumped, "YanMingXiu? YanMingXiu came?"

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Ah Liu has gotten to know ZhouXiang for a while and the two have be‐ come familiar with each other. Ah Liu told him without hesitation, "Yeah, you've just entered the company. You may not know. It's been told that YanMingXiu and LanXiRong don't get along. They have fought before in the company. Not sure why. Anyway, after YanMingXiu en‐ tered the entertainment circle, LanXiRong went abroad, mainly to de‐ velop abroad. It's likely that he wanted to avoid him (YanMingXiu). Don't know what's going on today but YanMingXiu suddenly came to the company to look for LanXiRong and CaiWei. He caused a big com‐ motion; just don't know if they fought already." Ah Liu shook his head, although his tone seems to be very concerned but his face clearly showed that he's gossiping. "Wouldn't it be troublesome if there really was a fight? Nobody told President Wang?" ZhouXiang merely wanted to test the waters. It would really be troublesome to tell President Wang. Ah Liu blinked, "Who would dare? Even Wei Ge himself didn't call (President Wang), who would dare call? Isn't that looking for a scolding? In short, just don't go in there. Everyone just pretend like we don't know, after all, it's none of our business anyway." ZhouXiang nodded and patted his chubby arm, "I know, I'm gonna go take a smoke." ZhouXiang got rid of Ah Liu and snuck toward the direction of CaiWei's office. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 51 - Telling ZhouXiang About the Burglary ⦘

Chapter 51 - Telling ZhouXiang About the Burglary [In CaiWei's Office] "Surname Lan, aren't you being shameless? If it wasn't for giving face to ZhouXiang, there wouldn't be a place for you here." YanMingXiu's face is unsightly as he glared at LanXiRong. Not to be outdone, LanXiRong sneered, "I know that your Yan family is powerful and influential but isn't abroad too far for your family to reach? You don't have to use this to threaten me. I don't depend on you for a liv‐ ing. What do you mean by giving face to Xiang Ge? You're just feeling guilty. If it wasn't for you, Xiang Ge wouldn't have died!" YanMingXiu shouted angrily, "You fucking talk more shit, I'll tear your mouth! ZhouXiang is not dead. Without seeing his body, he must still be alive! You bastard actually stormed into our home. What shit talk with this thief coming into the condo, that thief is you!" He got the call from CaiWei in the middle of the night. CaiWei informed him that a thief had gone in and burglarized ZhouXiang's home and that he should come back to deal with it. After ZhouXiang's accident, the key to the condo had always been in YanMingXiu's hands. YanMingXiu did not allow anyone to move any of ZhouXiang's things. It's as if ZhouXiang will come back some day. He'll go back from time to time. Sometimes he'll stay for a while, sometimes for a few days. Whenever he felt that he could get over it and move on, he would leave. To him, this is a home that can't be violated in any manner. It is the place that holds all of his and ZhouXiang's memories, belonging only to the two of them. Not to mention a thief, even if CaiWei and LanXiRong were to step into this place, he wanted to kill them.

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CaiWei knew that YanMingXiu had possession to all of ZhouXiang's things. When LanXiRong called him to come to the condo, the two dis‐ cussed for a long time on how to handle this matter. LanXiRong wanted to report it to the police, not wanting to inform YanMingXiu. He never agreed to YanMingXiu having the rights to this condo anyway. However, after repeated considerations, CaiWei first notified YanMingXiu. If they were to inform the police and this matter got out of hand, YanMingXiu would still find out. Not only that, but exposing either one of them would have enough gossip to feed the media for three months. If they really re‐ ported to the police, how is this going to end? CaiWei didn't just have to consider the pressure from YanMingXiu but also LanXiRong's image. In the end, YanMingXiu quickly rushed back to Beijing that night. Cai‐ Wei knew that he would rush back. Although he hated YanMingXiu, he didn't dare to offend him. LanXiRong has a bit of the ignorance of a newborn calf. He was not afraid of tigers. For one, he's young. For two, his career is centralized in Europe and America. It would not be easy for YanMingXiu to mess with him so he's not afraid. In addition, LanXiRong had always blamed YanMingXiu for ZhouXiang's death. It is already good enough that LanXiRong didn't pounce on YanMingXiu upon seeing him, not to mention giving him face. CaiWei could only be the mediator between the two. He shouted, "This meeting is to exchange information and think of a way to catch the thief so that we could get ZhouXiang's thi... things back. What the fuck can you guys get out of continuing to argue!?" After he finished shouting, the two of them calmed down a bit. YanMingXiu sat back down on the sofa with his head lowered and his shoulders shuddering a bit. LanXiRong took a few big breaths, "Call the police, we won't reveal our‐ selves. Wei Ge, you do it. This neighborhood is too old. There is proba‐ bly no surveillance. But outside the neighborhood is a street, so there must be surveillance at the intersections. Maybe he was captured." CaiWei looked at YanMingXiu and asked, "Have you checked ZhouXi‐ ang's things? What's missing?" "The money in the bedside table and a few of his cards." 374

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CaiWei furrowed his brows, "Taking the cash is reasonable but why take the cards? It's not like he can withdraw the money." LanXiRong responded, "I'm guessing that he wanted to get all the cash from the drawer but panicked when I opened the door so he just quickly grabbed whatever he could. When I got into the room, he was so shocked that he tripped onto something and fell." YanMingXiu coldly uttered, "Can't even catch a thief that tripped. Fuck‐ ing useless." Disregarding his image, LanXiRong threw out a curse. He also felt somewhat stupid but still refuse to show his weakness, "Taking Xiang Ge's things and not letting it go, now you can't even prevent a thief, you're the one that's fucking useless." CaiWei heaved a sigh, "Enough, let's talk about something serious. This matter has to be handed over to the police but can't be publicized. Presi‐ dent Yan, you can handle this matter. Find someone reliable. You also don't want to be exposed." YanMingXiu nodded, seemingly agreeing. "XiRong, you are the only person who has seen this thief. Later, you'll have to give the police information about this person's appearance. You're right. In these times, there are surveillance cameras in most inter‐ sections. He must seem particularly conspicuous as he was running away, maybe it was captured." LanXiRong 'hmm', he tried to recall the back of this person. For a mo‐ ment, he felt that he has really seen that back from somewhere but he had no clue from where. Or it could be a figment of his own imagination; he was just confused so he didn't say it out. When ZhouXiang quietly walked closely to the door to CaiWei's office, it just happened that they were inside discussing about reporting this in‐ cident to the police and also mentioned the surveillance cameras at the intersections. ZhouXiang got so petrified that he started to sweat profusely. He didn't even think about that at all.

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However, when he ran out of the neighborhood, he was still wearing his disguise. Adding on, he was wearing clothes that were newly bought so even if he was captured by the surveillance, it's likely that he won't be recognized. He had made preparations prior to going for the reason that he might encounter an unexpected situation. Based on what he learned from police films, he did a little bit of things to misguide the investigator. He believed that finding a person in a haystack is absolutely difficult, so he was not particularly worried about being caught by the police. What he is more worried about is that he really can't go back to his home anymore, even if it was just to take a look. ZhouXiang is afraid that he would be seen leaning on the door trying to hear so after standing for a while, he left and waited in the office area. After a while, he saw YanMingXiu left in rage. He waited for a long time. Then he also saw LanXiRong leaving gloomily. ZhouXiang got up and went to find CaiWei. Once CaiWei saw him, he thought of 'ZhouXiang' again. He shook his head and sighed. ZhouXiang asked, "Wei Ge, what happened?" CaiWei blew out a ring of cigarette smoke, "ZhouXiang, I shouldn't tell you this, but I am so upset. I treat you as my people, so you can't tell anyone about this." ZhouXiang nodded, "Don't worry, Wei Ge, my mouth is sealed." "ZhouXiang's home was burglarized." ZhouXiang pretended to be surprised, "What?" "Since ZhouXiang's accident till now, his body fell somewhere in the deep valleys of XiWan Mountain and couldn't be found. So this could only be handled as a case of disappearance. His condo has been kept. He and YanMingXiu were once a couple so the key to the condo is also in YanMingXiu's hands. But for whatever reasons last night, XiRong drove by ZhouXiang's neighborhood wanting to go in and take a look. I've told

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you, before LanXiRong became famous; he and ZhouXiang's relation‐ ship were very close. He knew where the spare key was so he used it to open the door to go in. What happened was that he ran directly into the thief rummaging through things. You say... isn't this such a coincidence? On a day when YanMingXiu is in another city and XiRong just happened to passed by, the thief came on this day. How could there be such a coin‐ cidence in this world? Maybe God also feels remorseful toward my buddy so wanted to help keep the things that he left behind." ZhouXiang also felt that this is too much of a coincidence. He didn't go the day before or the day after. LanXiRong also didn't go before or after, but both went at a time when they would have a confrontation. Some‐ times he felt that something like fate seems to have an invisible hand that is really controlling their lives, making it impossible to resist. ZhouXiang lowly muttered, "Then what are you guys going to do?" "Will leave it to YanMingXiu to deal with it. After all, the two were in‐ deed a couple before. Actually, XiRong..." CaiWei could tell that LanXiRong likes ZhouXiang, but he immediately realized that it was in‐ appropriate to tell ZhouXiang this so didn't say it. "Maybe he'll have to get a professional to look into this. This can't be blatantly reported to the police. The things ZhouXiang left behind have been decreasing bit by bit, aiiiigh....." Hearing CaiWei say it in such a way, ZhouXiang didn't feel that the po‐ lice would be able to trace it to him but he still has a trace of tension. Af‐ ter all, he had been a law-abiding citizen for more than 30 years. As things have reached to this stage, going back to his condo to take his things already made him feel guilty. He could no longer return home. Although he was thorough in his plan‐ ning, thinking that he might forget as he's leaving in a hurry, he put the spare key back in its original place after opening the door. The police may not be able to know that he opened the door using the key. After all, powerful locksmiths and thieves can now open the door without breaking the lock. But after this time, YanMingXiu will surely change the lock. CaiWei inhaled a breadth of smoke and snuffed the cigarette butt. "Let's not talk about this, why are you looking for me?"

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ZhouXiang immediately responded, "It's nothing major. I just wanted to let you know that I've received the money for the last advertisement. That was very fast." "Yeah, the company is operating well, no reason to drag it. Oh right, the ad that you did with YanMingXiu. The funds are in and will be trans‐ ferred to you within these two days." ZhouXiang smiled, "That's great." CaiWei glanced at him oddly, "YanMingXiu really didn't talk to you that day or interact with you?" "Almost none. There were more than a dozen people filming this ad to‐ gether. The entire time I was practicing with the other supporting roles." CaiWei pondered over it, "Could it be that he really called you over be‐ cause you were just suitable for the ad?" Then how to explain the fact that he called directly to President Wang's home? Such a small support‐ ing role, not even revealing the face, who can't do it? Why bother in hav‐ ing to owe President Wang a favor by insisting on ZhouXiang for this ad? Is it merely because they have the same name? ZhouXiang smiled inadvertently, "Wei Ge, you're definitely thinking too much. After I got there that day, I realized that that those people's figure is similar to mine. Since they will be shooting the ad the day after tomor‐ row, they're definitely in a rush to find someone with similar figure, pursing perfection. Otherwise, why would someone like YanMingXiu pay special attention to me? " CaiWei nodded, reluctantly accepting this explanation. What is Yan‐ MingXiu really thinking? His head could explode from thinking and he still won't be able to guess correctly, so he might as well not even try to guess. ZhouXiang rubbed his hands "Wei Ge, is there any other work for me?" CaiWei smiled, "You really can't stand to be idle. Don't just risk your life to work so hard for money. Did you even rest last week? You've only been out of the hospital for a few months, keeping yourself healthy is earning money. Don't ruin your health just for money."

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"Don't worry, Wei Ge, I have been lying in bed for two years. My entire body feels alright. I just want to work right now." CaiWei voiced, "How much do you still owe?" "It's still that amount. I just paid back a few thousands in the past few days. I want to save some money and rent a different apartment. The cur‐ rent environment is very bad." CaiWei responded, "Take it slowly. You're still young. As long as you are here and healthy, there is nothing that is too big of a problem." ZhouXiang nodded. He ate lunch at the company and then went with Ah Liu to bring a bunch of rental crops to the studio. While sitting in the car, ZhouXiang was very sleepy. Suddenly, he awakened from the sound of his phone. He took it out and looked. It was a text message from a strange number. The text message was, "Are you done considering it? Time waits for no one." ZhouXiang pondered for a long time and was a bit worried as he looked at this strange number. Searching through his phone log, he found that this number had called him last month. ZhouXiang carefully recalled that day. Then it dawned on him that it was from Zhang Jie who had wanted to recruit him to be WangYuDong's stuntman. ZhouXiang didn't even think and immediately deleted the text. For him to be WangYuDong's stuntman again, this is even more upsetting than getting slapped. If he got this new life only to continue to be WangYuDong's stuntman, it would have been better for him to be com‐ pletely dead. After taking the props to the studio, ZhouXiang rounded up a bunch of people to start the installation. They worked frantically the entire time in the blazing hot sunlight. At three o'clock in the afternoon, ZhouXiang suddenly got a call from his mom. He wiped his sweat and hid in the shade to answer the call, "Hello,

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Mom." The voice that came through from the other line was not his mom's voice but an unfamiliar man, "Hi, are you ZhouXiang?" "I am. You are?" "I am the manager of Daxie Home Economics Service Company. Is ChenYing your mother?" ZhouXiang's heart suddenly jumped. "Yes, what's wrong with my mom?" "ChenYing suddenly fainted during the training. She's resting here right now. Come over and take her home." ZhouXiang's heart sank. After he hung up the phone, he immediately went tell Ah Liu the situation. Ah Liu had a good relationship with him. He immediately tells him, "I'll lend you my car. Hurry and go." ZhouXiang quickly responded, "Thank you buddy but I don't have a driver's license. You helping me finish up here is already the greatest help for me. Sorry for this unexpected situation. If there's time, I'll defi‐ nitely be back." Ah Liu patted him. "Hurry up and go, don't have to come back." After ZhouXiang ran out of the studio, he remembered that this is the suburbs and there are very few cars passing by. He anxiously ran along the street for a long time before finding an unofficial taxi. At this time, he didn't bother to ask the driver what the cost would be as he jumped in and headed to the city.

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Chapter 52 - To Be WangYuDong's Stuntman Again "It would take a few days for the exam results to come out. You should take your mother home but according to my years of experience in medi‐ cal practice, this must be an ailment with the kidney's function." The doctor pushed his glasses and handed a list of prescription to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang's hand trembled a bit as he lowly asked, "Doctor, could it be cancer?" "Don't be so pessimistic. This can't be determined at the moment. Not until the results are out. After it's out, I advise you take it to a big hospi‐ tal for a more thorough review. But as her son, you also lacked common sense. Can't you see that your mother's expression is very bad? A person of her age would have somewhat of a yellow tinted skin but it will not be this yellow. This is not normal. It is sickly." ZhouXiang's head lowered. He felt as if an invisible big stone is pressing on his shoulders, so heavy that he couldn't even lift his head. How could this be? Kidney function disease? What could it be? Kidney inflammation? Ure‐ mia? Diabetes? Kidney failure? Kidney cancer? ZhouXiang's under‐ standing of kidney diseases are just a few, but each one made him end‐ lessly petrified and worried. ChenYing lost her husband in her middle age and in her old age have a son that laid in the hospital bed for two years in a vegetative state. Her strength is merely motivated by her son whom she didn't know whether or not would wake up. But now that her son had awakened, she had also crumbled. Moreover, she would never know that her son's body lives another per‐ son's soul. Although this is not by ZhouXiang's choice, he still felt guilt and heartache toward ChenYing so he would never let ChenYing know

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that her son is gone. After his awakening, he was confused with many things but there is one thing that he is certain of and that is no matter how harsh and difficult life may be, he would always continue to play the role of ChenYing's son, until the day one of them dies. He never thought that ChenYing might not have the time to enjoy their new lives after paying off the debts. She might even be leaving this mun‐ dane world with regrets and unwillingness. When ZhouXiang thought of this, his heart felt such indescribable in‐ tense pain. This woman is too pitiful. Why does she have to endure this? ZhouXiang clutched the medical record tightly, his body shivered lightly. The doctor patted him on the shoulder, "I said, don't be so pessimistic. Maybe things aren't as serious as you think. Go back first, ah." ZhouXiang took a deep breath and then slowly breathed out. He wiped his face and stood up, "Doctor, thank you, I will come again the day after tomorrow." Leaving this room and going back to see ChenYing, he must be the son that could hold up the sky for this woman. After fluid transfusion, ChenYing had regained consciousness. The doc‐ tor did not request that she stay in the hospital. She was accompanied by a friend that she met in the caretaking training course. They were waiting in the rest area for ZhouXiang. When she saw ZhouXiang, it was like she saw her life-saving straw, her dark gloomy pupils flashing out rays of glistening lights. ZhouXiang quickly came over and supported her arm, "Mom, how are you feeling?" "I'm fine. Slept for a while. I'm much better now." The auntie next to him asked nervously, "Xiao Zhou, how is she?" "The doctor said that the results will be out the day after tomorrow and tells us to go home first and wait."

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ChenYing pressed her hand on her chest and trembled, "Ah Xiang, what if I......" "Mom." ZhouXiang interrupted her. "Mom, don't think too much. The results aren't out yet. Maybe it's just ordinary kidney inflammation." ZhouXiang looked at ChenYing's yellow pigmented skin. The doctor's words lingered in his ears. He faintly felt that it is not as simple as kid‐ ney inflammation. At this time, ChenYing didn't know what to think. Hearing ZhouXiang say it in such a way, despite her anxiousness, she tried to suppress it. She didn't want ZhouXiang to be worried seeing her like this. ZhouXiang thank the auntie who accompanied them to hospital and then took ChenYing home. They hailed for a taxi but ChenYing was not willing get in until ZhouXi‐ ang pushed her in. After arriving home, ZhouXiang said to ChenYing, "Mom, don't go to any training in the future. Just rest at home. You've been worried about making money for so many years, now it's my turn." ChenYing couldn't help but cry, "Ah Xiang, why is it that our lives are so hard?" ZhouXiang patted her back gently and said with a smile, "It's not hard, we are both good now. What can be so difficult? It's only the issue with money. My income will get better and better. Mom, you don't have to worry about anything. Just take care of your illness." ChenYing held her son and cried intermittently. If she didn't have this son by her side, she would have already died. She didn't think that God could be so cruel. She thought that once her son awakened, her hardships would come to an end. Not expecting that just when ZhouXiang recov‐ ered, she would get sick. She actually felt that her body was getting worse and worse but she had been enduring without saying anything. It's her own body so she knew that this is definitely not just an ordinary kid‐ ney inflammation. Toward the future, she is full of fear and resentment.

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ZhouXiang coaxed ChenYing for a long time before she could fall asleep. Seeing ChenYing's abnormally tinted yellow face with her brows still creasing in her sleep, ZhouXiang felt such unbearable pain in his heart that can't be described. No matter what illness ChenYing has, it is certain they will need to spend money. ChenYing can't go to work like this and he'd probably have to hire someone to take care of her. How much is all this going to cost? Just thinking about this, ZhouXiang could see that his path going forward is turning bleak and depressing. From his rebirth to the present, there is not a day that he didn't have to worry about money. This has never happened in his previous life. Feel‐ ing that he is not at all like the previous ZhouXiang, this economic pres‐ sure is so overwhelming that he couldn't even breathe. His optimistic personality of the past is not something that he could afford at this mo‐ ment. He is now just a poor man working hard to make a living. ZhouXiang thought of the text message from Zhang Jie. What conditions does he have to be proud? To pick and choose? To have a job that makes money, he should have no hesitation in accepting. What capital does he have to be picky on whose stuntman he is for? When a man is poor, he should have low expectations (t/n). ZhouXiang is now fully aware of the meaning of this sentence. T/N:: idiom means when a man is poor, his ambition is not far-reaching; poor with low expectations. Just this morning, he had despised taking on this proposal (to be to WangYuDong's stuntman). But now, he knows that he must seize every opportunity in his hands to make money. It is not clear what kind of ill‐ ness ChenYing has, but it is certain that they would need money. After ChenYing fell asleep, ZhouXiang called CaiWei. CaiWei quickly picked up, "I've just finished being busy and was just go‐ ing to give you a call. Ah Liu said that Auntie Chen fainted? Did you

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guys go to the hospital? How is her condition?" CaiWei asked a series of questions in a row. ZhouXiang felt a migraine coming as he somberly responded, "Still don't know yet. She had an ex‐ amination today. The doctor said to go back to the hospital the day after tomorrow to get the results." "Can't be...anything serious right?" CaiWei is heavyheartedly anxious. ZhouXiang heaved a sighed, "Not sure right now, Wei Ge. I'm calling you for another thing." "What is it?" "I recently met a big sister, surnamed Zhang, from the same company as WangYuDong. She wanted to recommend me as WangYuDong's stunt‐ man. I wanted to let you know." No matter what happens, he can't accept private jobs behind CaiWei's back. This would sabotage CaiWei's trust in him. CaiWei didn't say anything for a long time. After a while, as if he had re‐ gained his senses, he asked, "You say....who?" "WangYuDong," ZhouXiang knew what CaiWei is thinking. Even he felt that this is hard to believe. He had clearly changed to a completely dif‐ ferent identity but still, he seems to be taking the same old path. When he first entered the martial arts stuntman world, he could only get minor roles. Until one time he became WangYuDong's stuntman. At that time, WangYuDong had also just debuted, but because there was huge fi‐ nancial backing, he was the company's targeted object to promote. So right when he debuted, he played the lead actor of a martial arts film. When they were looking for ZhouXiang to be the stuntman, in order to mold WangYuDong's divine wholesome image, they made an agreement to pay him double the fee but ZhouXiang's name will not appear in the film's credits. The film was promoted as if all the scenes were done solely by WangYuDong himself. At the time, ZhouXiang was also a newcomer. Without foresight, he agreed without hesitation. Later, he re‐ gretted it tremendously because the film became a huge hit. There were several martial arts scenes in the film and most were done by him. The scenes that were arranged by the martial arts coordinator, the shooting 385

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skills of the filmographer and the later production; overall the effect in the film was remarkably superb. Those scenes were gorgeous and beauti‐ ful. One of the scenes was even deemed as classic. If ZhouXiang had in‐ sisted on having his name shown on the film's credit, just from the repu‐ tation and popularity of the film, he would've gotten some of the lime‐ light and likely wouldn't have been underrated having to struggle for the few years after. Unfortunately, he had already signed the contract. Even though the people that knew about this in the entertainment circle is not many, it's not something that he could expose to the public. However, later even after WangYuDong got famous, he continued to look for him to be his stuntman. Both him and CaiWei didn't agree to have his name removed but WangYuDong didn't care too much. The two continued to cooperate. So, he also rode along the waves of WangYuDong's popularity. It could be said that by being beside WangYuDong, he got a lot of opportunities. The WangYuDong at that time could not be compared to the WangYuDong now. He was already able to bring him a lot of benefits. Right now ZhouXiang is indeed short of money, under the lack of connections, if it wasn't because of the bad experiences from the past, he would not have refused. Although he deeply hated having anything to do with WangYuDong again, the reality is that there is a sword on top his head, forcing him to make a decision. CaiWei deeply sighed on the other line and lowly muttered, "What life is this? How could this be......?." ZhouXiang pretended to be confused, "What?" "You don't know? That ZhouXiang also use to be a stuntman for WangYuDong. As a matter of fact, the two have worked together on sev‐ eral films. He was almost the predominate replacement for WangYuDong." ZhouXiang lowly muttered, "I've heard it from others." CaiWei added, "Ah Xiang, this matter. I advise you not to go." "Why?"

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"Because that buddy of mine had a very unpleasant experience with WangYuDong over something in the end. Do you think that WangYuDong could accept another person with the name "ZhouXiang" as his stuntman? No matter how you put it, it'll be awkward." ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "Wei Ge. My situation right now, as long as there is a way to make money, even if I have to go inside a black lighted bonfire, I have to go inside, let alone because of this. You don't have to worry. This Zhang Jie only knows that my surname is Zhou. I will change my name when the time comes. As long as you don't reveal it, it'll be fine." CaiWei thought of his more than ¥300,00 debt and then thought of his mother who fainted today. He couldn't say anything to stop him. ZhouXiang is right. At this time, he really should not stop him from do‐ ing this because of his own apprehensions. CaiWei reluctantly responded, "Give me the number of that person. I'll help you get connected through the company. Do it well. You'll be able to meet many people being by WangYuDong's side. It's a ...... good thing." ZhouXiang softly responded, "Thank you, Wei Ge." End of the Chapter

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Chapter 53 - YanMingXiu Asks For a Role When Zhang Jie called him, it was the next morning. She complained to ZhouXiang on the phone for a long time, saying that he should've lis‐ tened to her before and that he shouldn't have discussed this with Cai‐ Wei. Now that it had delayed for this long, WangYuDong's side had al‐ ready found a stuntman. ZhouXiang only now realized that CaiWei had put the responsibility of delaying the time on him. He could only apologize. He thought that this time there will be no chances for him. He didn't expect that Zhang Jie would still ask him to go there. She said that if he performed better than the other stuntman, he can replace him. WangYuDong never cared about the money. What he pursued is quality. ZhouXiang rushed to the set before noon following her request. Zhang Jie was waiting for him at the entrance. When she saw him, she quickly said, "You finally came. To tell you the truth, the chances are not high. It all depends on you. If you get it, don't forget about me." ZhouXiang nodded, "Definitely won't. Thank you, Zhang Jie." When the two entered, WangYuDong was discussing the script with the director. ZhouXiang looked at this man that he was very familiar with. WangYuDong was still as handsome and refined as ever. Wherever he goes, there is this aura from him that people couldn't bear to neglect; however, ZhouXiang hated him very much. In fact, ZhouXiang never felt that WangYuDong did anything wrong. People are fully justified to only look after their own self-interest. WangYuDong was also just looking out for himself. It was just that ZhouXiang was jealous of him. Because of YanMingXiu's matters, ZhouXiang was too ashamed to show his face in front of WangYuDong.

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He desperately wanted to forget the past but the past will not leave him alone. Instead, it is even drawing closer toward him. Now he is again standing with WangYuDong and be his stuntman. To him, this really hap‐ pened not too long ago. When the two approached, WangYuDong looked up at them. ZhouXiang suppressed himself from panicking. Just like when he first came in contact with WangYuDong before, he respectfully addressed, "Dong Ge." He knew quite a bit about WangYuDong. WangYuDong especially likes to be flattered. When ZhouXiang thought of his own hypocritical smile he began to hate himself. WangYuDong "hmm", and smiled kindly, "You were the one that Zhang Jie was talking about? What's your name?" "Zhou......Zhou Yang." "Oh. Zhang Jie was full of praises for you but JuXing responded too late. My side has already recommended someone. But if you really do better than him, I will pick the best. Of course, the compensation will also make you very satisfied. It just depends on whether you have abilities or not." WangYuDong patted him on the shoulder and smiled, "Don't be nervous. Perform well. My works had always seek for perfection." ZhouXiang nodded, "I'll try my best." "Xiao Gu, take him to put on makeup and give him a stuntman costume. Hurry up." A girl responded as she pulled ZhouXiang and left. Half an hour later, after getting dressed up for the role, he followed Xiao Gu to the set. ZhouXiang knew this film director from before. But now, of course, this director doesn't know him. ZhouXiang nodded, "Director Zhao."

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Director Zhao glanced at him, "Who is this?" Xiao Gu explained, "Dong Ge's stuntman." "Wasn't there one already?" said the individual standing not far away from Director Zhao and frowned as he glanced over. Xiao Gu softly uttered, "I also don't know. Zhang Jie, come here." Zhang Jie and WangYuDong came together, and WangYuDong quickly explained the matter. Director Zhao said, "Then come and give it a try. Show us a few casual moves first so I can see the affect onscreen." ZhouXiang did some warmup and then performed a series of self-de‐ fense moves in front of the camera. When he was in school, he practiced swimming but he didn't have the talent so he didn't continue. At that time, a buddy in his dorm was prac‐ ticing martial arts. He felt that it was fun so he often learned a few things along with him. Although his speed and force wasn't that good, he got the poses superbly with it looking more beautiful than drawings. He didn't expect that it will later become his career. After he became a stunt‐ man, he followed along the teacher to learn about martial arts filming. The class' concentration was on teaching them how to make martial arts moves look good. ZhouXiang only needed to make a move before all his senses came back to him. Adding on, he had been exercising whenever he has time so at this time, he didn't feel that his body was as stiff as it was when he first woke up so his movements were very smooth. The camera turned slightly toward him. ZhouXiang felt that he had re‐ turned to that carefree and emotionally unrestraint feeling of being in front of the camera. For a moment, he got carried away, fully immersing himself. When he finished performing the series of martial arts postures from his memory, he turned back and he saw that several people, including the di‐ rector was staring blankly at him.

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ZhouXiang is very confident with his professional skills so he smiled faintly, "Is that okay?" Before WangYuDong even got to speak, the director already snapped his finger, "It's you." Zhang Jie was so elated that she discreetly gave him a thumbs up. Only WangYuDong looked at ZhouXiang thoughtfully. He felt that he had seen this series of ZhouXiang's fluid movements before but he couldn't remember where. Director Zhao said to ZhouXiang, "Go over there to find the stunt coor‐ dinator and discuss it with him. Because the stuntman's role wasn't de‐ cided for the longest time, the martial art scenes have lagged behind. Hurry up and go." ZhouXiang responded okay. As he rushed over to look for the stunt coor‐ dinator, he passed by a man glancing at him in contempt. ZhouXiang is stunned. But then he remembered that this person was the other stuntman WangYuDong found. His role was taken by ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang didn't turn his head to look at him and just walked passed without giving a reaction. The entertainment industry had always been the survival of the strongest, so there nothing to complain over. The stunt coordinator was very dissatisfied with the director's last minute change because he had already talked to the previous stuntman for a long time. However, he soon discovered that this young man was much more pro‐ fessional than the previous one. He didn't have to mention many actions at all because ZhouXiang can understand it at once and he even proposed some modifications fitting to the role's advantage. The stunt coordinator surprisingly asked him, "How many years have you been working as a stuntman?" ZhouXiang responded vaguely, "Not too long." "I felt that you've been working for a long time, so professional."

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In addition to being a stuntman, ZhouXiang had also began to participate in stunt coordinating work in the last few years. Of course, he's a profes‐ sional. The person in front of him doesn't know him, so he (ZhouXiang) can reveal his abilities without any reservations. The more they talked, the more they agreed and even modified more than half of the previous action sequences. Director Zhao requested to try and shoot a part first. ZhouXiang picked the first scene. The person who was to film with him on this first scene soon came. ZhouXiang took a prop sword and shuttled between the two of them. Using a sword was not his forte. It was something he later learned. In the past, when he filmed WangYuDong's films, another stunt‐ man would be used if sword skills were required. But this part was rela‐ tively short so ZhouXiang did it on his own. After filming, Director Zhao was quite satisfied with him, "Not bad. We'll start the official filming in the afternoon." ZhouXiang thought that he could get ¥40,000 to ¥50,000 this time so he was deeply moved and very happy. At this moment, there was a commotion at the door. ZhouXiang looked over and saw YanMingXiu coming over with Assistant Jiang. ZhouXiang was first shocked, then couldn't help but smile. YanMingXiu appearing at a place where WangYuDong is at, it is not strange at all. He slightly turned his head away since he didn't want YanMingXiu to see him. He guessed that YanMingXiu came to visit the set. He didn't expect that Assistant Jiang's eyes were so sharp and saw him at once, "Hey, isn't that Xiao Zhou?" ZhouXiang could only turn around awkwardly addressed them, "Jiang Ge, President Yan." YanMingXiu look at him astonishingly. WangYuDong smiled, "You guys know each other?" YanMingXiu quietly asked, "Why are you here?"

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Before ZhouXiang could speak, WangYuDong responded, "He's my new stuntman. His performance is pretty good. Since ZhouXiang's accident, I haven't found a stuntman to my liking. He is the best one so far." Both YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang's expressions changed; one was un‐ sightly; the other nervous. When WangYuDong saw YanMingXiu's expression; his eyes flashed, his mouth smirked with a faint smile, "MingXiu, what's wrong?" "Nothing," YanMingXiu handed him the things in his hand. "I went to ChongQing to handle some business and just came back. My sister just happened to be on the business trip too but she will have to come back next month. She asked me to give this to you." WangYuDong handed the things to the assistant, "Oh, okay. I will call her today. When I'm done working, I'll go see her." YanMingXiu was a little dazed and didn't hear what WangYuDong had said. Instead, his eyes drifted to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang wiped his sweat, "Director Zhao, I am going to get a takeout box. Can I go eat?" "Go right ahead." ZhouXiang walked to the other side of the set. Right when he got his takeout box, someone patted him from behind. He turned and saw that it was Assistant Jiang. "Hey, Jiang Ge, have you eaten yet?" "No, just about to." Assistant Jiang smiled and said, "What a coinci‐ dence." "Yeah," ZhouXiang smiled stiffly. "MingXiu tell you to go find him at the break lounge." "Huh?"

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"Bring an extra takeout for him. You guys can eat together." Assistant Jiang looked strangely at ZhouXiang. He really didn't know what it is with this guy, to be able to get close to YanMingXiu. Could it be that his boss likes ZhouXiang? Assistant Jiang was very uncertain. He had been with YanMingXiu for a long time and noticed that he was neither inter‐ ested in men or women. ZhouXiang could only bring an extra takeout with him. Assistant Jiang stopped him, "Oh, Xiao Zhou. Let me tell you, MingXiu's mood is very bad these two days. It likely because his home was burglarized by a thief so be careful when you talk to him." "Thief? Was it when he was in ChongQing?" ZhouXiang hoped to get some information from Assistant Jiang. "Yeah, MingXiu had just arrived in ChongQing when he got the news. Then he rushed back at night and then flew back to ChongQing at noon the next day. So exhausting. I can see that he's very tired and his mood is very bad so be careful." ZhouXiang nodded. Seeing that he couldn't get any information, he went to the break lounge with the takeout. ZhouXiang knocked on the door gently. YanMingXiu's low voice came from the inside, "Come in." He pushed the door open to go in. YanMingXiu was sitting in the chair, his head leaning against the wall, resting with his eyes closed. ZhouXiang put the takeout on the table, "President Yan, Jiang Ge said that you haven't eaten." YanMingXiu opened his eyes and glanced at him. ZhouXiang was still in his costume, which was a purely white heroically noble costume with quite a bit of a natural and unrestrained demeanor. YanMingXiu raised his chin, "Sit." ZhouXiang sat across from him, minding his own business as he took out his own takeout to eat. He could feel YanMingXiu's eyes staring at his 394

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head, full of restless anxiety. "Why did you come to be Dong Ge's stuntman?" ZhouXiang felt choked up a bit. He looked up and calmly replied, "Zhang Jie introduced me." YanMingXiu's eyes stared at him piercingly, "I just saw your video recording, your moves......who taught you?" ZhouXiang cautiously answered, "I took martial arts classes when I was younger. This is something I've liked since I was a child." All this is true. ChenYing had showed him photos of ZhouXiang when he was a child in martial arts class. YanMingXiu felt that he is lying. Who is really this person? Why does he and (older) ZhouXiang have so many coincidences? Both having the same exact first and last names, both working under CaiWei's agency and even now, he also became WangYuDong's stuntman. Adding on, every time he is with him, the kind of familiarity striking him directly on the face makes him lose his bearings and put him at a complete lost on what to do. This person is like "him (older ZhouXiang)", very much like him. From the first time he saw him till now, he's practically more and more like him. How could this be? YanMingXiu desperately restrained his urge to question him loudly. He had become more and more curious of this person. Being with 'this' ZhouXiang makes it impossible for him to not think of "him (older ZhouXiang)." YanMingXiu followed up to ask, "How do you know CaiWei?" "We... we met at the hospital." "How did you meet?" YanMingXiu's piercing questions had already sur‐ passed the level of their familiarity but he still looked at ZhouXiang un‐ yieldingly, forcing a response from him.

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ZhouXiang knew that with his current position, he really can't afford to offend him. He responded half-heartedly, "Wei Ge's father had a stroke and was paralyzed. My mother took care of him at the hospital." He subconsciously didn't want YanMingXiu to know that he was co‐ matose in the hospital for two years because this (younger) ZhouXiang and that (older) ZhouXiang had their accidents on the same exact day. Before, he didn't believe in anything paranormal but now he is convinced that supernatural powers exist in the world. When the both of them had their accidents at the same time, his soul entered this person body. This is inconceivable to ordinary people. So even with the people closest to him, he can't bring himself to tell them, not wanting them to have any suspicions. YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang's eyes and felt that he was still trying to mask something. He decided to send someone to investigate this per‐ son. He didn't know why he would pay extraordinary attention to this person. It's almost like....like he can slightly feel "him" through this (younger) ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang finished eating very quickly but YanMingXiu's chopsticks didn't even move. He kept looking at ZhouXiang with scrutiny. This meal was really tasteless for ZhouXiang. After eating, ZhouXiang left first. Coincidentally, Director Zhao called him, wanting to have a discussion with him at that time. Just as he walked over, YanMingXiu also followed him and bluntly asked Director Zhao and WangYuDong, "This film is not bad. Is there a suitable role for me(T/N)?" T/N: The reason YanMingXiu asked for a role is because he wanted to get closer to find out more about ZhouXiang. The two peoples' mouths dropped. WangYuDong reacted quickly and im‐ mediately smiled, "Of course, there is a role that is suitable for you." Aside from the films he invested in, YanMingXiu almost never partici‐ pated in other people's films because he refused to smile in front of the cameras. Because of that, there are many roles that he can't act in. At the present time, only WangYuDong can persuade YanMingXiu to cameo in 396

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his film for a few minutes. Moreover, with just a smile, an expression lasting less than two seconds is enough to make the box office exceed the expected 30% in sales. To be able to have YanMingXiu participate in his film, he could not ask for more. Unfortunately, he had asked for a quite a while last time before Yan‐ MingXiu agreed. This time, he didn't even dare to think about it. Unex‐ pectedly, YanMingXiu actually took the initiative to ask. This made WangYuDong and Director Zhao elated. There was actually no suitable role for YanMingXiu in this film but if they only needed to add a role at the last minute, it would be a box office guaranteed. Director Zhao said to the person next to him, "Hurry and call the screen‐ writer over. How can a meal take so long to eat. Quickly!" ZhouXiang turned his head and looked at YanMingXiu enquiringly, Yan‐ MingXiu also looked at him quietly, with a probing inquisitive look. End of the chapter

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Chapter 54 - Are you GAY? In the afternoon, when ZhouXiang is reshooting a falling down se‐ quence, YanMingXiu remained on the side watching, making him feel very uncomfortable. During the break, he heard Director Zhao discussed with the screen‐ writer, saying that he wanted to add a supporting role for YanMingXiu as the younger brother of the protagonist. A role of a sickly frail person that is on the sick bed all the time but at the same time is a scholarly person with great talent. In the end, he will die in the hands of the protagonist's enemies. It plays a crucial role in fueling the important plot of the change in the protagonist's temperament. When they discussed the script, YanMingXiu was also on the side and made some comments. ZhouXiang only heard part of the content, but he basically understood it. In order to add more screen time for Yan‐ MingXiu in the film, Director Zhao can be said having to painstakingly rack his brain. In fact, he didn't have to do it this way. ZhouXiang felt that as long as YanMingXiu could act many of his scenes with WangYuDong, YanMingXiu would definitely not refuse. ZhouXiang had been working in the entertainment industry for a while. Obviously he would have heard a lot of gossip. It has been said that Yan‐ MingXiu had never guest-starred in other people's films. The only excep‐ tion was for his brother-in law, Wang YuDong. If there is a first time, in‐ evitably there would be a second time. Compared to other people, WangYuDong is naturally different. Looking at the image of YanMingXiu and WangYuDong in deep discus‐ sions, ZhouXiang's heart is filled with indescribable emotions. When the two men stood together, it could be compared to the film's numerous magnificent special effects. There is really no need to worry about the box office. After ZhouXiang finished shooting a short scene, he went to the corner of a corridor to smoke and take a rest. His mind was always on ChenY‐ ing's health condition so he was restless the entire day.

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At this time, footsteps sounded on other side of the corridor. It was very quiet. Right next to ZhouXiang's side is the bathroom. He thought some‐ one was coming to use the bathroom but unexpectedly the footsteps stopped at the corner. Shortly after, YanMingXiu's voice sounded on the other side of the wall. "Hey, Bureau Chief Qin, you called me?" "Have you found a reliable person? When can we meet?" "I know that I've reported this to the police too late. For one, I can't let anyone know about this. Second, I've been busy with the company's work these past few days. I really can't get away. I'm worried that the media will catch wind of this so I must find a reliable person to look into this." "No, I didn't go into the room. The scene was kept as is. I had important matters to deal with abroad at the time so I had to leave quickly for a business trip the next day. I've only glanced outside from the door but still haven't gone into the room yet. Furthermore, there are two people who had moved around in the living room at the time but they didn't go into the rooms. They shouldn't have touched anything. If necessary, I can call them over to cooperate with the investigation." "That's great. I'll see you in the neighborhood at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon." ZhouXiang didn't dare to breathe. It wasn't until YanMingXiu hung up and returned to the set that ZhouXiang dared to blow out the smoke in his mouth. YanMingXiu really found someone to investigate. ZhouXiang became incessantly worried. In hiring a professional criminal investigator to in‐ vestigate the case, this simple case of "theft" really have too many ques‐ tionable points. So much that ZhouXiang can count it out. The undestroyed lock can reluctantly be interpreted as the thief's superb skills in unlocking the lock. But as soon as he entered the room, he went straight to the bedside table in the bedroom to get the cash and then im‐

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mediately returned to the living room to get the bank card. Any ordinary thief entering the condo would certainly have turned the home upside down and ransacked it. If this thief was not familiar with the home, how could he know exactly where those things are? Just this point alone is al‐ ready strange. ZhouXiang really didn't know what conclusions they will come to. At least people with normal IQ will suspect that this was done by someone internally. Although ZhouXiang didn't believe that they will suspect a dead person, he was still not at ease. ZhouXiang pondered and pondered, the more he thought, the more he became fearful. Tomorrow afternoon, YanMingXiu will bring the professional criminal investigator to the supposed crime scene. At that time, they would defi‐ nitely see a lot of questionable loopholes. Although ZhouXiang didn't feel that they would suspect him, his guilty conscience still made him feel very scared. He came up with an outrageously bold idea. And that is to return back tonight and destroy the scene. According to what YanMingXiu said, they are conscious of protecting the scene and didn't go in at will. If he could go back before tomorrow and mess up the scene a bit, they won't be able to find these suspicious traces. Immediately when he thought of this idea, ZhouXiang literally jumped out of his skin, his hand that is holding the cigarette shook. He has been a good citizen all his life and has always been an honest and upright per‐ son. He's never done these sneaky things but reality has forced him to take these risks time and time again. ZhouXiang palely stood on the side of the bathroom for a long time. He finally made up his mind to go back again tonight. He must mess up the scene and not leave too many trails for YanMingXiu. In order to do this, he needed to first find out about YanMingXiu's whereabouts. Although ZhouXiang didn't think that YanMingXiu would go back tonight, but after last time's unfortunate experience, he wanted to make sure. Otherwise, he wouldn't even have the courage to step into his old neighborhood. He returned to the set and continued to shoot (his scenes). 400

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At night after getting off work, ZhouXiang asked the staff around if they wanted to go singing and drinking in the evening. These people are all young and love the bustling lively excitement. Very soon, people re‐ sponded. ZhouXiang also tried to suck up to YanMingXiu, "President Yan I don't know if you can do me the favor? But I can see at first glance that you're very busy, you must have some social gatherings tonight?" "No." YanMingXiu looked at him faintly, "I'll join you guys." Everyone looked at YanMingXiu with their eyes wide-open. Even in their dreams, they didn't think he would agree. With YanMingXiu attending, how could other big and minor actors dare not accompany them? In the end, even WangYuDong and Director Zhao are coming. A small gathering had morphed into a welcoming party for YanMingXiu. The location changed from KTV to a nightclub. ZhouXiang thought, this is also good, YanMingXiu's alcohol tolerance is not good. He has the confidence to get him drunk. As soon as the work was over, more than 20 people enthusiastically rushed to the nightclub. WangYuDong acted as the host and reserved a big private room. The manager of the nightclub brought in fifteen young ladies and five young gentlemen. All of them looked quite beautiful. The staffs who were basking in the light enjoying their times all had radiant expressions. Even the girls followed along and became rowdy. One of the young men, for whatever reasons went to sit right next to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang glanced at him and thought that this kid's eyes are quite per‐ ceptive. He's only just glanced at him a few times and this kid could al‐ ready tell his sexual orientation? ZhouXiang thought to himself, he obvi‐ ously had no such thoughts at all, yet his natural character can't be changed after all. The boy smiled and asked, "Ge, what liquor are you drinking?" ZhouXiang smiled lightly, "I don't drink. This is just a soft drink. You help me drink (liquor)."

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"That's gotta be a lie. Just a glance and one can tell you can drink. You don't want to drink with me?" The boy's thigh brushed up against his thigh. Suddenly, he leaned his head closer, "Ge, you're the type I like. I'm not being like this just for money. I won't take your money. Take me out tonight? You just have to pay for the hotel." ZhouXiang smiled and responded, "I have something to do tonight, next time." The boy looked at him astonishingly, "Aiyah, you don't even want when it's free. Did I see wrong? You like big breasts?" ZhouXiang smiled and look in YanMingXiu's direction. The boy sensitively caught onto something, lowering his voice, "Ge, you can't be having this kind of bad habit right? You like that big star?" ZhouXiang looked at him blankly, "What nonsense are you saying?" "What? You don't think I've seen all sides of society? Every night, those big and minor stars come to us in waves. Whether they are straight or curved (gay), it could be seen at a glance. That Young Master "Yan" is definitely not interested in men. Don't think about it, just think of me." ZhouXiang really couldn't stand him being so presumptuous so he gave him a push, "Get me a bottle of green tea." He didn't expect the boy to hug his arm all of a sudden. Almost half of his body was in his embrace. Smiling, "Ge, how old are you? Have you just debuted? I've never seen you before." ZhouXiang was just about to say something when he saw the boy's face suddenly looking very weird. ZhouXiang turned his head back saw Yan‐ MingXiu standing behind him with a gloomy face. "President Yan..." YanMingXiu grabbed his arm and pulled him up from the couch. The private room is very large. In order to make it easier for everyone to enjoy and have a great time, the light is especially dark. Not many peo‐

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ple noticed what was happening in the corner but ZhouXiang still looked around unconsciously, "President Yan, what's the matter?" YanMingXiu glanced at the little duck (male prostitute) coldly and dragged ZhouXiang out with him. In order to make them look a bit natural, ZhouXiang could only grab YanMingXiu to make it look like the two people are walking out closely, not that he was being dragged out. After getting out of the private room, the hallway had waiters coming back and forth. ZhouXiang grabbed YanMingXiu's shoulder, "President Yan? President Yan?" YanMingXiu let go of him and pointed to the end of the corridor, "Go there, I have something to ask you." ZhouXiang could only brace himself to follow behind him. The two walked to the secluded corner. YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes at him and asked. "Are you GAY?" ZhouXiang shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah." This is something he's never concealed. YanMingXiu's lips trembled a bit. Why? Why are there so many similarities...one after another (between Older and younger ZhouXiang)? What is really going on? This is simply unimaginable. He can't help but blurt out, "Who are you really?" ZhouXiang is shocked as he forced himself to calm down, "President Yan, what do you mean by this?" "You..." YanMingXiu took a deep breath. "You told me that your name is ZhouXiang but you told Dong Ge that you're ZhouYang? How do you explain this? What is really your name? Who really are you?!" ZhouXiang remained calm, "I'm really called ZhouXiang. It is Wei Ge who told me not to tell Dong Ge my real name. He said that Dong Ge 403

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would definitely not use me if he heard that name." This explanation is reasonable. YanMingXiu's doubts are slightly sup‐ pressed. He continued to ask, "How much did CaiWei tell you? About ZhouXiang's matters?" "He didn't say much. Just that he used to be Dong Ge's stuntman and had offended Dong Ge." As ZhouXiang was saying this, he observed Yan‐ MingXiu's expression. Even though he looked as if it was nothing, his heart beated abruptly. YanMingXiu looked at him deeply and said coldly, "ZhouXiang's mat‐ ters, you shouldn't know too much. It has nothing to do with you." "President Yan, I have never asked about it." "That's good," YanMingXiu regained his gaze and turned around intend‐ ing to go back to the private room. Suddenly, he paused and remembered that the little duck was attached to ZhouXiang. His heart felt uncomfort‐ able momentarily. He couldn't help but want to ridicule ZhouXiang but he didn't know what right he has to do so. He stood still for a long time, then finally I left. It wasn't till after YanMingXiu had left for a while that ZhouXiang can calmly breathe and return to the private room. YanMingXiu sat in the corner. He didn't talk much and didn't participate in other people's activities. It was as if all of this had nothing to do with him. No one would provoke him. ZhouXiang picked up a bottle of wine and in front of all the eyes around, strolled to YanMingXiu's side. His lips curved in a smiled, "President Yan, have a drink." He poured a glass full of liquor and handed it to Yan‐ MingXiu. The people around him thought that ZhouXiang would be completely ig‐ nored. Unexpectedly, YanMingXiu just look at him and actually took the glass of liquor. ZhouXiang also poured a glass for himself, "President Yan, thank you for your preferential treatment, I'll cheers you."

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He must get YanMingXiu knocked out tonight. End of the chapter

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Chapter 55 - Getting Kissed By A Drunk YanMingXiu At first, YanMingXiu didn't realize that ZhouXiang wanted to get him drunk. After all, he didn't think that someone would be so brazen as to dare to do something like that. When he realized what was happening, he had already drank three glasses of liquor and felt dizzy. His tolerance for alcohol is indeed bad. He usually doesn't drink much. YanMingXiu grunted, "What are you doing? Wanting to get me drunk?" ZhouXiang smiled, "President Yan, don't be so serious. Everyone is drinking; come join the fun. If you really don't want to drink, that's fine. But I see that you also don't want to play or sing. Just sitting here is too boring. I'll just drink with you." A staff member had too much to drink and ended up singing like he was wailing and howling. A few people were already knocked out, flopping on each other with some of the ladies. There weren't many still sober. Only WangYuDong who had apprehensions with his brother-in-law be‐ ing present so didn't talk to the young ladies. Instead, he and Director Zhao and the others competed in drinking. YanMingXiu is really not interested in these things. Instead, he wanted to see what ZhouXiang wanted to do. "What are you going to do if you got me drunk? Let me tell you, my alcohol tolerance is not good; maybe I will make you pay back when I wake up the next day." " ZhouXiang smiled lightly in response, "Maybe President Yan would have forgotten me once you wake up. I'm just a nobody, not worthy for President Yan to remember." Perhaps it was because YanMingXiu drank too much, or perhaps it was because he (ZhouXiang) himself drank too much but ZhouXiang's thoughts became bolder, even his usual cautious‐ ness was almost forgotten.

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Looking at this drunken YanMingXiu in front of him with his eyes look‐ ing disoriented, ZhouXiang can't help but compare this scene with this same drunken person who had once held onto him crying out for his "Dong Ge." Although he never wanted to remember this scene in his life, he couldn't help himself from remembering it. When he said those words to YanMingXiu, his tone is filled with grievances that even he himself was not aware. YanMingXiu looked at him blankly. At that moment, YanMingXiu didn't know whether his thoughts were too sensitive or slow witted. In short, he experienced some strange emotions. His chest felt endlessly oppressed. The more he came in contact with this person (younger ZhouXiang), the more he would think of (older) ZhouXiang. But he can't help himself from getting close to this person (younger ZhouXiang). YanMingXiu looked at the liquor in front of him; maybe this (liquor) is the best thing right now. He picked up the glass and gulped down this liquid that he never liked down his throat. The twenty plus people partied until three in the morning; most of them were already drunk and couldn't walk. Only Assistant Jiang had this sense of responsibility. When he saw YanMingXiu drinking, he knew that he would be the driver tonight so he didn't drink, and thus was sober. ZhouXiang's alcohol tolerance is great; Even though his walking swayed a bit, his mind is still clear. The group of people left one after another. Some called for someone to pick them up, others hailed for a taxi. WangYuDong was taken home by someone. Assistant Jiang looked helplessly at YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang. In the end, his eyes fell on ZhouXiang, "Xiao Zhou ah. You got him drunk; it's really troubling for me." At this moment, YanMingXiu was so drunk he was laying down on the sofa. Even though he was very quiet, laying there with his eyes closed, not losing his cool and indifferent image, it was enough to shock Assis‐ tant Jiang. He had never dealt with a drunk YanMingXiu.

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ZhouXiang smiled and stood up with his hand holding onto a chair for support, "We're out to play ma." "Can you still walk? Help me put MingXiu in the car. I'll also take you home while I'm at it." "You can still drive?" "I didn't drink much. It's okay, let's go." Assistant Jiang pulled Yan‐ MingXiu up. Drunk people are particularly heavy, especially Yan‐ MingXiu, who is so tall and strong. The two people held each side of YanMingXiu and stumbled outside. ZhouXiang held onto his waist; he seemed to faintly remember the feel‐ ings of holding YanMingXiu. They put YanMingXiu in the back seat. ZhouXiang is sleepy and tired. He was too lazy to move to the front passenger seat so he also squeezed into the back seat. During this dark and silent drive, ZhouXiang fell asleep. Not knowing how much time had passed, Assistant Jiang pushed him, "ZhouXiang. Wake up. Help me take MingXiu upstairs." ZhouXiang opened his eyes and realized that the car had stopped at the underground parking lot. Assistant Jiang pushed him and pointed his fin‐ ger at the elevator not far away. ZhouXiang flung his head and sobered up a bit. He quickly got out of the car and helped Assistant Jiang get YanMingXiu out of the car. Then the two men took YanMingXiu into the elevator and up to his apartment. Assistant Jiang was taking out the keys while he was holding onto Yan‐ MingXiu, his movements in a flurry. When the door opened, ZhouXiang quickly held onto YanMingXiu to get him into the home while Assistant Jiang hastily pulled out the key. The two men's (ZhouXiang and Yan‐ MingXiu's) paces were not in line, causing YanMingXiu's body weight to suddenly lean onto ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu is too heavy and ZhouX‐ iang's knees gave in causing him to fall down at the entrance with Yan‐ MingXiu's body leaning above him.

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Assistant Jiang cried out alarmingly, "ZhouXiang!" With this severe collision slamming to the ground, YanMingXiu mum‐ bled a sound. Hearing the words "ZhouXiang" made his heart jumped and he instantly "woke" up. He slowly opened his eyes. Even though his eyes are not focused, it stared at the person beneath him. "ZhouXiang?" YanMingXiu softly mumbled but the two people present didn't hear him clearly. Assistant Jiang wanted to help pull YanMingXiu up but YanMingXiu swung his hand away. Lowering his head, his nose moved closer to ZhouXiang's face, seeming to smell and feel him. ZhouXiang stared dazedly at the ceiling and tried to push him away but he was feeling too dizzy. This is not the kind of the dizziness from drink‐ ing but the dizziness from the fall. In short, his hands weren't coordinat‐ ing. He softly muttered, "President Yan..." Without any words, something soft pressed onto his lips. When he real‐ ized that it is YanMingXiu's kiss tinged with a trace of alcohol, his entire body stiffened. Assistant Jiang is also dumbfounded. He stood at the door and watched YanMingXiu kiss ZhouXiang. He didn't know whether to leave or not. He simply thought that was his imagination. ZhouXiang gripped onto YanMingXiu's face, wanting to push him away, but he didn't know where a drunken YanMingXiu got so much strength. He was kissed so rigorously by YanMingXiu, as if he wanted to swallow ZhouXiang's lips. The rim of ZhouXiang's eyes had a burning sensation; unknowingly, he has an impulse to cry. YanMingXiu asked ambiguously, "Is it you(T/N)?" and then he hugged ZhouXiang and cried. T/N: He is referring to Older ZhouXiang.

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ZhouXiang is so shocked that he couldn't say anything. Assistant Jiang is terrified. As a smart and rational assistant, he made a decision which he thought was the most correct. He closed the door and fled. Knowing too much of the boss's stuff is not a good thing so it's bet‐ ter off he pretended not to know. ZhouXiang looked at the tightly closed door, thinking of Assistant Jiang's resolute 'retreat'. This series of events happened within just a minute. When he shockingly turned his head back, YanMingXiu had ac‐ tually fallen asleep. Only the tears on his face and his arms that are hold‐ ing tightly onto his arms are the only indication that everything that hap‐ pened earlier is not an illusion. YanMingXiu cried. Why? Is it you? Who is he talking about? When they first got into YanMingXiu's home, was he calling out for him‐ self (older ZhouXiang)? But ZhouXiang wasn't too sure, it was all too fuzzy. No matter what, ZhouXiang couldn't go so far as to overestimate himself in believing that YanMingXiu would cry for him. Maybe YanMingXiu just drank too much causing his mood to fluctuate hugely. When ZhouX‐ iang got drunk before, he even cried about the crush he had on this boy in junior high school. But when he woke up, he couldn't even remember that person's name nor how he looked like. Alcohol can magnify a person's emotions infinitely. Why is YanMingXiu like this? He had no idea. ZhouXiang only knew that he might have pro‐ voked some troubles. He moved his body and tried to sit up but YanMingXiu is still clinging to him, so he couldn't move. Although the weather in this season is not too cold, if he slept on the floor for an entire night, wouldn't he get sick? His most important pur‐ pose of getting YanMingXiu drunk is to ensure that his plan tonight

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would be absolutely safe. Even though he felt that he is still quite sober, he only needed to drink some water and get some fresh air, there shouldn't be any problems going back to his condo. But how can he get out of this place (YanMingXiu's home)? What if his movements are too big and it woke YanMingXiu up? ZhouXiang pondered for a long time, not knowing what to do. YanMingXiu's body was leaning on top of him; hot and heavy and his arm is still holding ZhouXiang's waist with so much strength, as if he was holding onto something very important, refusing to let go even in his stupor. ZhouXiang sighed softly; he endured and endured, and finally he couldn't help but stretch out a hand. That hand gently fell onto Yan‐ MingXiu's back. Through YanMingXiu's shirt, ZhouXiang's palm felt his scorching strength; the warming energy from his skin seeped through the palm of his hand and reached into his heart. This is..... YanMingXiu. This is the YanMingXiu that he used to be very intimate with; their bod‐ ies had joined as one many times. They had been very close. He still re‐ membered the scent of this person's aftershave, the softness of his hair, the heat on his skin, and the taste of their kisses. Now, they are once again hugging each other. But they are no longer the ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu from before. ZhouXiang dazedly feel the heat in the palm of his hand. He didn't dare to move. He was afraid that if he moved, the scene in front of him will collapse and he will find that everything is just an illusion. He blinked his eyes, the rim of his eyes felt incessantly painful. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 56 - Who Can Really Help Him? ⦘

Chapter 56 - Who Can Really Help Him? ZhouXiang laid on the ground for fully 20 minutes. After confirming that YanMingXiu was really in deep slumber, he gently pushed Yan‐ MingXiu's hand away from his waist and moved his body away from YanMingXiu's embrace. ZhouXiang rubbed his face. His head hurt a bit. He really wanted to flop down and sleep for a long time. Seeing that YanMingXiu is still laying on the ground, ZhouXiang pulled himself up, poured himself a glass of water and took a deep breath. Then he squatted down and dragged YanMingXiu up. He had intended to get YanMingXiu into the bedroom but looking around the apartment, the room that looked like a bedroom is a long distance away from him. He really didn't have the strength to drag YanMingXiu that far away. So he just pulled YanMingXiu onto the sofa. It was such a short distance but he was so exhausted that his head sweated bullets. If he didn't drink liquor, he could still carry YanMingXiu on his back. But unfortunately after drinking, his legs are a bit feeble. It was already good that he could stabilize his footsteps. To be able to move a person that is 184 lbs. would be too strenuous. After getting YanMingXiu on the sofa, he saw that there was blanket drying outside the balcony so he grabbed it and draped it over Yan‐ MingXiu. ZhouXiang glanced at his watch. It was already 4am. If he didn't go now, the sky will be bright soon. Although he decided to take this risk during the day, his heart kept drum‐ ming. Many bad thoughts flowed through his mind, making him feel that it would be wrong for him to go, yet also wrong for him not to go. But after having few glasses of liquor in his stomach, he's become much bolder. With time ticking by, he stood up and left without hesitation.

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He took a taxi back to the neighborhood of his former home. It was just 5am; the sky was already getting brighter. The morning cleaning workers under the street lights are doing their best to clean the streets. ZhouXiang asked the driver to park the car at the back door of the neigh‐ borhood. He remembered the surveillance camera CaiWei mentioned last time so he tried to be even more cautious. This back door is in an area that is very remote. It is the door that the cleaners often use when they pick up garbage. ZhouXiang coming in from here, basically no one will see him. He entered his building and walked up cautiously. The corridor is especially quiet. This is the time when people are deeply asleep so it's relatively a safer time. ZhouXiang was really able to get the spare key out from the fire hydrant box. It seems that they did not suspect that the "thief" had actually used the spare key. LanXiRong also put the key back. After all, if he didn't know the location of the key himself, who would have thought of it? With the key, ZhouXiang's heart is a lot more settled than before. It seems like god have given him an escape route. He carefully opened the door and bolted into the condo. The living room looked just like it did when he made his hasty escape, even the soil that he threw at LanXiRong's face was scattered on the ground. ZhouXiang took a deep breath and quickly walked into the bedroom. He purposely ransacked the cabinet and bedside table and then go into the study to open up all the drawers to create the illusion of it being rum‐ maged through. The only room he really didn't touch is the living room. According to what he overheard that day, the three of them decided to only stay in the living room in order to preserve the crime scene. So how the living room looked, they would remember. Fortunately, there is nothing valuable in the home. Otherwise, the aver‐ age person's first reaction upon realizing that he had been burglarized

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would be to check and see what is lost. Adding on, YanMingXiu and the others were able to remain calm and to the largest extent able to preserve the scene. ZhouXiang spent less than 10 minutes from the time he entered the condo till the time he left. He also knew that he might have left a loop‐ hole. After all, he's not a real thief or a criminal investigator. But he was able to accomplish the easiest thing he can think of to hinder the solving of the case. He believes that creating this chaos will definitely work. After doing all this, ZhouXiang quickly left. Just halfway down the stairs, his cell phone suddenly rang, scaring him out of his wits. ZhouXiang didn't look and quickly hung up. The ringing sound was not too ear-piercing in the quiet corridor. He didn't dare to stop running till the moment he got out of the neighbor‐ hood. It wasn't until he got to where he thought was safe that he took out his cell phone. ChenYing had called him. ZhouXiang called back. "ZhouXiang ah, you're still not back yet?" ChenYing obviously had just awakened, her voiced sounded a bit unclear. "Yeah, I just finished drinking with my colleagues. I'm coming home now. Mom, could you not sleep (because he wasn't home)? Don't wait for me." "I fell asleep. I saw that you haven't returned when I got up to use the bathroom. I'm not worried. It's fine as long as you're coming back. Don't be out so late in the future. You'll be very tired," ChenYing yawned. ZhouXiang hung up. At this time, the day was already getting brighter. ZhouXiang got on the earliest bus to rush home. After returning home, he was too lazy to wash his face. He simply fell asleep on the single bed in the living room. When he woke up the next day, it was already at noon.

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He opened his eyes and look at the clock. He first felt that he was late for work and wanted to get up quickly. But then he remembered that he had already requested the day off from CaiWei because he is was going to go get ChenYing's exam results. That is today. ZhouXiang's heart started trembling. "ZhouXiang? Are you awake?" ChenYing softly asked on the side. ZhouXiang sat up and flung his head, "Mom, why didn't you wake me up." "Tell you to do what? You got back so late yesterday." ChenYing gave him a towel, "Go wash your face first then come eat." ZhouXiang simple took a shower because his body reeked of alcohol. The smell was really bad. Although this cheap small apartment is very dilapidated, ChenYing is a woman who loves to be clean. The apartment inside is very organized and very clean. There is not an area that is dirty. ZhouXiang, standing in the apartment felt that he's in conflict with the fresh air in the apartment. After he cleaned himself up, ChenYing had already changed into a par‐ ticularly neat and decent outfit, sitting on the sofa, quietly staring at the second-hand TV that ZhouXiang bought, even though it wasn't turned on. "Mom," ZhouXiang called softly. ChenYing turned around and smile, "Eat first. After you eat, we can go to the hospital." ZhouXiang came over and crouched down in front of her, holding her hand, "Mom, don't go, I'll go by myself." "I will go with you, my own illness. I need to know more than anyone else." ZhouXiang still wanted to persuade her but ChenYing raised her hand and stroked his wet hair. "Don't persuade me. Ah Xiang, your mother is 415

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much stronger than you think. Even if the doctor says that I have cancer, I'm also not afraid. Seeing that you had awakened before I die and also have such a good job, I am at ease to go accompany your dad knowing that you'll be able to live on well." ZhouXiang's lips trembled; the rim of his eyes a little red. ChenYing patted him, "Hurry up and go eat." ZhouXiang reluctantly suppressed his emotions and casually raked through his hair. He went to eat the particularly rich breakfast ChenYing made. Afterwards, he went to change into his clothes and then the both of them headed out the door. This time ZhouXiang wanted to take a taxi and ChenYing didn't stop him. ZhouXiang can't stand ChenYing's depressing mood of seeming to accept her death. He tried desperately to cheer her up. She did smile but it was with reluctance. The two waited in line at the hospital for two hours. Finally, it was their turn. They walked into the same doctor's office from last time and closed the door. The room was quiet. The doctor glanced at them and pointed at the chairs in front of them, "Sit." The two sat down. The doctor informed them of the results using many medical terminolo‐ gies. ZhouXiang completely didn't understand. In fact, it wasn't just him. Even ChenYing who seems to be carefully listening, her head was buzzing and her eyes blurred. But they did not miss the last term, "uremia(T/N)." T/N: Uremia is the condition of having high levels of urea the blood. Treatment is to perform dialysis or a renal transplant. Classical signs of uremia are: progressive weakness and easy fatigue, loss of appetite due to nausea and vomiting, muscle atrophy, tremors, abnormal mental func‐ tion, frequent shallow respiration and metablic acidosis. Without inter‐ vention via dialysis or kidney transplant, uremia due to renal failure will progress and cause stupor, coma and death. Because uremia is mostly a

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consequence of kidney failure, its signs and symptoms often occur con‐ comitantly with other signs and symptoms of kidney failure. The doctor looked at the mother and son solemnly. "You can go to a big‐ ger hospital for a second opinion. But uremia is not difficult to diagnose. We can certainly diagnose it here. In fact, you should be thankful be‐ cause uremia is not a terminal disease. As long as the patient keeps up with the dialysis treatments, she can definitely prolong her life. " ZhouXiang led ChenYing out of the doctor's office. In the bleak hospital corridor, there are various types of doctors and patients moving about. They may all have unspeakable pains. Everyone's expressions look very somber. The usual look of despair on this ordinary mother and son didn't attract the attention of others. ChenYing murmured, "Why does it have to be this disease? Why this?" She had taken care of ZhouXiang in the hospital for two years and had seen all kinds of illnesses. For a family in poverty, the financial pressure of uremia is impossible to endure. The doctor said that her condition is more serious and suggest that she do dialysis twice a week. Each time, the fee is ¥400. In one month, the ex‐ pense would be more than ¥3,000. Moreover, uremic patients can't per‐ form any heavy physical labor. She basically lost the capability to work. ZhouXiang had just started working, how could he support the both of them, at the same time treat her?! ZhouXiang looked at the mottled walls of the hospital. He wanted to say something but it is lodged in his throat. Is this considered fortunate or unfortunate? At least as long as treatment is adhered to, there are many people with uremia who can live for a decade or two. ChenYing is already 60 this year. For a person to be able to live to 70 or 80 years old, her life is already considered to be fulfilled. However, where can he get the money? ¥800 is needed a week, this does not include the cost of other medicines and nutrient products. He can only earn six or seven thousand on average every month, and he still have to pay for the rent, meals, transportation, and etc. They still owe more than ¥300,000 debts. Adding on, if they can

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find a kidney donor for the kidney transplant, that would be an additional ¥100,000 of expenses. Where can he get the money? If he was the former ZhouXiang, he would resolutely sell his condo and get more than two million to overcome this hardship. But what does he have now? He has nothing, only a sickly mother who desperately needs money for care. ZhouXiang had never felt so desperate. ChenYing's subtle voice sounded as if it wasn't from her body. She said, "I'm not going to do the treatment." ZhouXiang looked up, "Mom..." ChenYing shook her head tiredly. As if she had gotten over and accepted the situation, "I can't burden you. This disease is a bottomless pit. We can't afford to treat it. You're still young and not yet married. I'm not go‐ ing to do the treatment......." ChenYing kept shaking her head, her tears streaming down her face. ZhouXiang took a deep breath and somberly responded, "Mom, you must get treated. If not for any particular reason but for the mere reason that you can't leave me alone. Our lives had been average but at least we are still here. If the person is gone, even if life is good, what use is there? Mom, you must get treated. You can't do this to me." ZhouXiang refused to believe that he is destined to not have a mother in this life. His real mom died when he was very young. Having been born again, he actually got a mom. But now this mom is facing impending death, he can't accept it. He definitely can't accept this. His real mom died from an accident, this he is helpless from preventing. But with ChenYing, at least there is hope to save her. The only problem is with money... nothing but money. ChenYing just shook her head with tears continually falling. Her eyes full of despair. She really wanted to die than to be alive and burden her son. ZhouXiang would not allow her to refuse. He did all the procedures for her first dialysis.

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When ChenYing was getting treated, ZhouXiang asked if she had any medical insurance or similar that could be used. ChenYing shook her head hopelessly. After her husband died, she col‐ lapsed emotionally and couldn't work so she retired early. Later, ZhouXi‐ ang was also hospitalized. Her medical insurance been depleted at some unknown time. Whether it can be used now, she's not even sure herself. ZhouXiang racked his brains to think of ways to make money, but there is nothing. He even wanted to confess his identity to CaiWei. However, uremia is a disease that needed treatment indefinitely. It can't be dealt with just tens of thousands of yuan but is a multi-million expense. Once he opened this mouth to CaiWei, CaiWei cares very much for their comradeship and still felt guilt toward him (his death), he can certainly lend him money. But he definitely can't pay it back. CaiWei has a wife and children to support, and a father who had a stroke. The pressure on his shoulders is not much lesser than him. How can he open this mouth to ask CaiWei? He didn't confess earlier or later, but did so when he needed money? Us‐ ing CaiWei's guilt and comradeship to force him, this kind of thing, he really can't do it. Besides, CaiWei may not be able to understand. ChenYing is not his real mother after all. He pondered over this again and again, but still felt that he shouldn't get CaiWei involved. He didn't want CaiWei to hate him. So, who else can help him? LanXiRong? One or two million, maybe is not much for him... No... no way. LanXiRong had been very sad over his death. How could he tell him the truth when he needed his money? Besides, he and LanXiRong are not close to this extent. What qualifications does he have to use LanXiRong? Besides, the most important thing is that he knew that he won't be able to pay the money back. No matter how successful LanXiRong is, the money didn't just blow from the wind. At that time, what does he have to compensate for LanXiRong?

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ChenYing's dialysis took and entire five hours. ZhouXiang stayed next to her, not leaving her side, but he didn't lift his head. At this time... who can really help him.....? End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 57 - Feeling Desperate ⦘

Chapter 57 - Feeling Desperate ZhouXiang made an arrangement with the doctor to have his kidney tested for compatibility the next time he come. This he did secretly be‐ hind ChenYing's back. Even if his kidney is a match, the first issue is that he has no money for the surgery and second is that he's afraid ChenYing would rather die than to agree to accept his kidney. But no matter what, he has to give it a try. At least there's more hope to save her. Although ZhouXiang felt a little fearful on the possibility of having a kidney removed, he had no reason to back down. This body was not his to start with, but belonged to this youngster named ZhouXiang. He was just a dying person fortunate enough to have his soul hosted in this body to continue on living his life. This youngster is ChenYing's son. On this body that hosted his soul, every strand of hair, skin and even this life came from ChenYing. He is the closest relative to ChenYing. He cannot evade nor can he be selfish. After the two of them returned home, the atmosphere in the small apart‐ ment is like a dark cloud pressing down on them; it is extremely heavy. ZhouXiang went into the kitchen and quickly made two bowls of hot noodles. His cooking skills had always been good, but after rebirth, these trivial things have always been taken care of by ChenYing. He was never al‐ lowed to do housework. This stubborn woman has always put her utmost effort into doing what a mother should do for ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang often thought that if his own biological mother was alive, she would probably be like this too. ZhouXiang coaxed her for a long time before she finally ate half a bowl of noodles. ZhouXiang, "Mom, you'll have to do dialysis treatment twice a week from now on. You can't miss even one."

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ChenYing shook her head painfully. The dialysis treatment today took nearly five hours. During treatment, every minute and every second was torment, especially if one has to live like this twice a week for maybe more than ten years, anyone would feel hopeless. Not being able to do anything or go anywhere, adding on hav‐ ing to expend immense effort and expense. Living like this......ChenYing would have rather that she had cancer so she could just die early and not burden her son. ZhouXiang could almost guess what was on her mind from seeing her expression. This made him panic endlessly. He still has to work so it's not possible for him to go with ChenYing every time. If he doesn't go, he's afraid that ChenYing would certainly not go. Pondering over and over, he decided to find a caretaker. Although that is an additional ex‐ pense, the caretaker can care for ChenYing and take her to the hospital. This is a must-pay expense. Beside this, he has no other ways. He thought of the auntie who took ChenYing to the hospital with him last time. The auntie was also doing monthly training with ChenYing and had mentioned that she also wanted to be a caretaker. She seemed very enthusiastic, strong and healthy so she should be suitable for this role. ZhouXiang immediately decided to call this caretaker tomorrow. But if he hired a caretaker, this apartment would be too small. It would be best to change to a bigger place. He can't have them all squeeze in one small room right? ZhouXiang became instantly terrified and distressed. The more he thought, the more this is becoming outrageous. Where is he going to get so much money? If he really hired someone to take care of ChenYing now, it would have already exceeded his limit. The money he earned dur‐ ing this time could only support them for two to three months, any longer...... After two to three months, he would have no money to treat ChenYing's illness. Even food and lodging would become a problem. At that time, what should he do? What should he do? What should he do? ZhouXiang's head is about to explode.

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At this moment, his cell phone rang. ZhouXiang looked at it and saw that it was actually from YanMingXiu. He had been a mess today, so matters with YanMingXiu and his condo were already thrown to the back of his mind. Looking at the time now, YanMingXiu would likely have already brought the criminal investigator to the condo. When people are going through difficulties, it's very easy to think pessimistically. In addition, in this moment, an ominous premo‐ nition continued to rise in ZhouXiang's heart. He really wanted to cuss.. to see how much more God wanted to mess with him. Without even thinking, he immediately hung up the phone. Right now, he really didn't have the energy to deal with YanMingXiu. After comforting ChenYing to sleep, ZhouXiang sat on the shabby sofa in the living room and smoked one cigarette after another. Racking his brains, he still couldn't think of any ways to get a lot of money in a short amount of time, unless he wins the lottery, unless the money fell from the sky, otherwise... Asking CaiWei is absolutely impossible. He couldn't trouble CaiWei. But besides him, how many rich people does he know that can lend him money? LanXiRong? Can't... they are not close to that degree. His current iden‐ tity is not close with LanXiRong. If he tells LanXiRong his true identity, LanXiRong might help him but he will owe him for life. He can't imag‐ ine what will happen in the future. President Wang? Maybe he can try. President Wang might be willing to help him with a couple ten thousands of yuan, but that will only solve his urgent need. There is an option.... and that is to first ask CaiWei to borrow a few ten thousands. This should not be too big of a problem. Then after, ask Presi‐ dent Wang to borrow another few ten thousands, which would total ¥100,000. At least this can support them till the end of the year. As for the rest of the money, who else? Who else can help him? Who else is rich and doesn't care about money...

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YanMingXiu? YanMingXiu's shadow suddenly appeared in ZhouXiang's mind. He is greatly alarmed. Why did he think of YanMingXiu! However, this is indeed a way. If he tells YanMingXiu who he really is, at least... at least he could get back his condo! Although his condo was old and small, it was given to his father by a state-owned enterprise. The location is the best in the second ring. With such great location, selling it for two million is not a problem at all. If the condo is sold, he can... Selling the condo......ZhouXiang's heart tightened fiercely. It was the last asset his parents left him, the place he had lived for 30 years and the only place that holds his and his parents' memories. He once vowed to never sell his condo his entire life. Even if he was too poor and have no food to eat, at least there is still a place for him to live. How could he sell this home! Weighing this home left by his parents with ChenYing on a scale, which side is heavier (important)? ZhouXiang gripped his hair and could not find an answer. If he doesn't reveal his true identity, then he could not get back the condo. How can he watch and let ChenYing die? But if he got the condo back?... He fell into a deep contradiction. His cell phone once again rang in the dark. ZhouXiang was afraid that it would awaken ChenYing; it had already taken her a long time to fall asleep, so he quickly picked up. The call was from CaiWei. He took the call and went into the kitchen, closing the door and lightly whispered, "Wei Ge." "Is everything done?" CaiWei's voice was a bit heavy.

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ZhouXiang "hmm" a sound. Being trapped in such an endless desperate dilemma, he really wanted to hug and cry with CaiWei. "How... how did it go?" ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "It's uremia." CaiWei sighed heavily and didn't say anything for a long time. ZhouXiang faintly muttered, "I'm going to take another day off. Right now I'm really...." CaiWei sighed, "You don't have to come this week. Just stay home and be with your mother. Your mother... her life is too hard." ZhouXiang hoarsely responded, "Yea, she is......" CaiWei was silent for a long while, "Ah Xiang, Wei Ge's ability is really limited. I can give you ¥50,000." ZhouXiang chocked up emotionally, "Wei Ge, I can't pay you back......" "I don't intend for you to pay it back unless you get rich later on. Uremia is an illness that needs a lot of money. I know that this money can't solve the bigger issue. I'll ask President Wang. President Wang can help you a little more." ZhouXiang honestly couldn't refuse anything. He really needed the money now so he can only respond with, "Wei Ge, thank you." CaiWei is also working for someone else. For him to loosen his wallet and be so generous to a completely unrelated person whom he had only met for less than half a year, ZhouXiang had no idea how to thank him. From the time he opened his eyes till now, CaiWei had been helping and taking care of him. If there are any positives from getting a new life, it is being able to meet CaiWei again. After hanging up the phone, ZhouXiang stayed a long time in the kitchen. His legs began to feel sore but he felt that such a small space gave him a sense of security.

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At this moment, the phone rang again. It was Assistant Jiang calling. ZhouXiang didn't want to offend him so he took the call. He didn't ex‐ pect YanMingXiu's gloomy voice to sound through the other line, "You deliberately not pick up my phone?" ZhouXiang's head buzzed. He subconsciously responded, "No... Didn't see it." "Then you see it now?" "......Yea......is something the matter?" ZhouXiang's tone was low, sound‐ ing weak and dispirited. "What happened to you? Still not sober?" ZhouXiang really hoped that everything that is happening now is just il‐ lusion from the alcohol, but unfortunately it is not. He forcefully smiled, "(I'm) Sober. Why is President Yan looking for me?" "I want you to come to my place right now." "Why?" "No particular reason. I want to see you." In YanMingXiu's eyes, ZhouXiang is still an unknown newbie who certainly wouldn't dare to of‐ fend him. ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "President Yan, I'm extremely not well to‐ day. I'm not going to go out. How about another day?" "Where are you? I'll have Xiao Jiang pick you up." ZhouXiang's thoughts were in chaos. Every sentence that YanMingXiu said made him impatient. He responded irritably, "I don't know. I don't have time to see you. I don't have time. I don't have the energy. Yan‐ MingXiu. Don't fucking torment me!" After he said that, he hung up the phone. At this time, he didn't care whether or not he said anything wrong nor of‐ fended YanMingXiu. He felt that his heart and lungs are going to ex‐ 426

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plode. When he talked to YanMingXiu, there seemed to be a sense of awareness constantly reminding him that this was the person who forced him into desperation with no choice but to join the documentary filming group. Otherwise he would not have died. He would still be living natu‐ rally and freely with his true identity as ZhouXiang... not having to expe‐ rience all this ......all this that made him feel immense pain. It is him! ZhouXiang didn't want to talk to him; didn't want to see him; didn't want to touch him. He hoped that all the things related to YanMingXiu would completely disappear in this world so that he would never remember them. If YanMingXiu liked him at the beginning, everything will be different, and all this sorrow wouldn't have happened. He never hated YanMingXiu as much as he did in this moment. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 58 - Taking ZhouXiang to See YanMingXiu T/N: Way this chapter ends.. will make it a double update for y'all. En‐ joy. The next morning, ZhouXiang called the auntie with the surname Wang and told her about ChenYing's condition. His main intent in hiring her was for her to look after ChenYing and take her to the hospital for her treatments. Aunt Wang cried on the phone upon hearing ChenYing's condition and said that this mother and son's lives have really not been easy. She agreed to it. Finally, they agreed that she would come twice a week to go with ChenYing to the hospital. In addition, she will also help ChenYing clean up the apartment. She will be paid ¥80 each time she comes. As long as ChenYing adhered to the dialysis treatment, doing ordinary cooking and other work were not a problem. Because of limited money, ZhouXiang can't afford a full-time caretaker. Since the pay is based on the number of times the caretaker comes, if he has time on Saturday, he can take ChenYing himself and save the money. But, in fact, he has never had a full weekend off after he started working. Now he must turn like a spinning top to finds ways to make more money. At the same time, he would find some free time to check and see if ChenYing could get any medical benefits. He felt that when he opened his eyes now, there is a bunch of things waiting for him to do. He's never felt so exhausted nor worked so hard before. He arrived at the company a little later. CaiWei called him directly into the office.

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CaiWei handed him a bank card, "There is ¥50,000 inside. Use this to take care of urgent needs first. President Wang went to Tibet for his Bud‐ dhist seclusion. No one can contact him at this time. When he comes back, I'll surely talk to him. I believe he will definitely help. However, you guys have no relationship so President Wang's assistance will be limited. You still have to quickly find a way. I will introduce as much work to you as possible but you must not casually tell others in the com‐ pany or else other people will be jealous." Ever since he entered the company, CaiWei had taken extra care of him. Other people were inevitably suspicious. ZhouXiang faintly felt that he owed CaiWei too much. If this didn't happen, maybe after a year and a half, after he had adapted to his identity and cast away all his layers of defenses, maybe... maybe he would tell CaiWei the truth. After all, with such a big secret weighing heavily in his heart, he didn't know if he would collapse one day. But he definitely can't reveal it now. He didn't want to cause CaiWei any injus‐ tice. CaiWei's expression is very deep, "Ah Xiang, you have to be strong. You're young after all so don't be discouraged about the future." ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "I understand..." He naturally understands but reality is just too cruel. CaiWei's desk phone rang. He reached for the handset, "Hello? Yea, it's me......what?" CaiWei frowned and looked at ZhouXiang, his eyes full of astonishment. ZhouXiang asked, "What is it?" CaiWei hung up; his expression strange. "JiangYuan is waiting for you downstairs and said that YanMingXiu is looking for you for some mat‐ ters." "Downstairs?" "Yes, downstairs."

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ZhouXiang looked at his cellphone; there was no message. It seemed that YanMingXiu knew what to do to force him to give in. CaiWei knocked on the table irritably, "ZhouXiang, what the hell is up with the two of you? You......are you hiding something from me?" Cai‐ Wei's eyes flashed brightly, glaring at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "Wei Ge, what YanMingXiu wants to do, I really don't know. I'm also very confused." Strange thoughts rose in CaiWei's mind. Could it be......could it be that YanMingXiu took ZhouXiang as "him"? Although they do have many similarities, they are not the same person. YanMingXiu can't be this blind right? If that is the case, then this ZhouXiang in front of him still don't know how bad luck he is. CaiWei's heart shook but he knew that he could not stop anything. He could only warn ZhouXiang to not get too close to YanMingXiu. But even after warning ZhouXiang so many times, ZhouXiang still got involved with YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang didn't want to cause any trouble for CaiWei, so he quickly re‐ sponded, "I'll go first. YanMingXiu looking for me probably have some‐ thing to do with the movie." CaiWei's eyes followed his back as he left; the anxiety in his heart in‐ creased considerably. ---------"Jiang Ge." ZhouXiang got into the car and nodded to JiangYuan in the driver's seat. JiangYuan frowned at him. He didn't expect ZhouXiang to be so calm. He dared to assume that ZhouXiang was awake the night before. Even though his footsteps were unsteady, his mind was alert so he should not have forgotten what happened that day. He also didn't know of the changes surrounding ZhouXiang. If it was be‐ fore, ZhouXiang should still be at loss having been kissed by Yan‐

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MingXiu; however, his mind now is just full of money. This kind of shock compared to the shock of receiving ChenYing's diagnosis is sim‐ ply insignificant. ZhouXiang glanced at JiangYuan, "Jiang Ge?" JiangYuan's regained his senses and started the car. He smiled, "Xiao Zhou, you've got guts to dare hang up the phone." ZhouXiang's mind cleared a bit. Thinking of his actions yesterday, it was very irrational. He tried to explain, "Something serious came up at home yesterday. I was very agitated and couldn't control my emotions. Jiang Ge, please don't take offense." "Oh, why are you explaining it to me? You have to explain it to MingXiu. You didn't hang up on me but on him." JiangYuan sighed, "You should also know that MingXiu's background is very unusual. No one has ever dared to provoke him. Even big shot celebrities with the strangest temper will still show him some level of respect. I really ad‐ mire you for being so daring, but this is not a good thing." ZhouXiang chuckled. Not a good thing. What can YanMingXiu do to him? He is still familiar to YanMingXiu to a degree. Although he (Yan‐ MingXiu) has a bad temper and is proud and arrogant, he is not a one to seek revenge on a trivial matters. It was just a phone call, ZhouXiang was not too worried. JiangYuan looked at ZhouXiang's uncaring expression and sighed in his heart. He had worked for YanMingXiu for more than a year. Even though he's not someone who is considered to fully understanding Yan‐ MingXiu, he is somewhat familiar with his temperament. YanMingXiu has never shown any intense interest to anybody like he did to ZhouXi‐ ang. In fact, he even did a lot of things that he never did before. Based on his assessment as a professional agent and assistant, he felt that Yan‐ MingXiu had fallen for ZhouXiang. Although his news is very well-informed, only a few people are aware of YanMingXiu's past relationship with someone named ZhouXiang. And for whatever reasons, these few people would never tell anyone so JiangYuan could not determine whether YanMingXiu had fallen for

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ZhouXiang based on this. It's only his intuition telling him that this is the case. As for why, he could not guess. He felt that ZhouXiang's appearance was not bad. He is somewhat hand‐ some but not outstanding. Especially when compared to YanMingXiu, it is like heaven and earth. ZhouXiang didn't have any unusual attractive personal traits or any particularly good qualities. He's merely just an or‐ dinary person. No matter how hard JiangYuan scratch his head, he couldn't figure out what it is that YanMingXiu sees in ZhouXiang. He only needed to confirm this point, then he can help his boss pacify all the obstacles and conceal all the bad news is enough. ZhouXiang didn't know what JiangYuan was thinking since he is still ab‐ sorbed in his own thoughts. The car quickly got to an upscale neighborhood. When ZhouXiang looked up, he immediately recognized that this was where YanMingXiu lived. When he took YanMingXiu back that night, he asserted that Yan‐ MingXiu didn't live in his home. YanMingXiu really had no reason to live in his home. Surely, YanMingXiu had gone back that time to get some of his things. ZhouXiang is indeed unlucky. Ever since he had awakened in this body, he had gone back his home three times. The first time, he saw YanMingXiu; the second time he ran into LanXiRong, and the last time nothing happened. ZhouXiang felt a bit unsettled, "Jiang Ge. Is this where President Yan lives?" "Yeah," JiangYuan stopped the car and led him to the elevator. "Jiang Ge. What does President Yan want? Can you reveal a bit?" When JiangYuan took him to YanMingXiu's apartment, ZhouXiang finally feel a little nervous. JiangYuan shook his head and shrugged, "I don't know, I am just respon‐ sible for bringing you here." ZhouXiang still wanted to say something but JiangYuan suddenly turned his head and put his hand on ZhouXiang's shoulder. He smiled, "Ah Xi‐

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ang, I advised you, 'a wise man knows when to submit to his circum‐ stances.' You will understand my words in the future." When JiangYuan said these words, ZhouXiang is even more puzzled. JiangYuan led him to the front door and pressed the doorbell. Yan‐ MingXiu opened the door dressed in casual clothes. From the moment the door opened, YanMingXiu stared right at ZhouXiang. JiangYuan smiled, "MingXiu, I'll leave first." YanMingXiu didn't even look at him but said coldly to ZhouXiang, "Come in." ZhouXiang glanced at JiangYuan who had just turned and walked away just like he did that night with an attitude of this not being any of his business. ZhouXiang couldn't suppress himself from feeling nervous. YanMingXiu couldn't remember kissing him right? Could it be that JiangYuan told him? When ZhouXiang was in a daze, YanMingXiu had already dragged his arm and pulled him into his home impatiently. End of the chapter

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Chapter 59 - The Proposal ZhouXiang flung his hand away and stood at the door as he didn't intend to go in. He had tried to suppress his gloominess and put on a hypocriti‐ cal flattering smile but he couldn't even fake it. Instead he had blank ex‐ pression, "President Yan, I really do have family matters to attend to. It's just trifling family matters that superior people like you can't imagine. But to me, it's not something that I could be distracted from. You can't be bearing grudges toward me because I hung up on you right?" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and seriously assessed ZhouXiang up and down. This person seems to be different overnight, or it could be said that this is the real him. Maybe there was a sudden unexpected mishap so he was too lazy to even put on a flattering respectful expression... immediately changing to one that is spiteful, even mocking him with this tone. YanMingXiu didn't believe that there were any ill feelings between them so where did his courage come from. The most important thing is where did his hostility come from in speaking to him in such a way? YanMingXiu's tone sounding unpleasant, "What do you mean?" "President Yan, what do you mean? What is your command in calling me to come here? Just say it. I really have to go home." ChenYing's mood had been very unstable the past two days, sometimes crying nonstop and sometimes sitting silently without talking. With her mental state like that, she really needed someone to watch over her. ZhouXiang was really afraid that she couldn't get over and accept their situation (and harm her‐ self or suicide). He couldn't accept this result. He would feel that he is a sinner. Therefore, he really didn't want to put on a facade and be polite and com‐ pliant toward YanMingXiu. He just wanted to hurry up and leave. YanMingXiu glanced at him coldly, "Fine, I'll be straightforward. Was it you who took me home the night before?"

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"It's Jiang Ge, I merely helped him." "I know there is JiangYuan. What I'm asking is, was it you who was with me in the end?" YanMingXiu stared fixedly at his eyes, as if he urgently wanted to get the answer from his eyes. ZhouXiang didn't expect JiangYuan to hide anything for him so he could only tell the truth. "Yes, but I left very soon after." YanMingXiu suddenly grabbed his chin, moving his body very close, his long figure giving ZhouXiang a sense of oppression. The hand that grabbed ZhouXiang's chin, slightly pulling closer, and his strength is immense, ZhouXiang looked at him silently. He wanted to see what this person wanted to do. YanMingXiu suddenly stretched out his thumb and touched his lips. His movement is very light and his expression a bit dazed. "It's you? Why is it you?" ZhouXiang just wanted to open his mouth but YanMingXiu suddenly moved close and covered his lips. ZhouXiang didn't even think. He used his backhand to push him away but YanMingXiu instantly grabbed his hand and pressed him to the wall, then forcefully and fiercely sucked his lower lip. Before ZhouXiang could even react, YanMingXiu has already released him. The expression on his face is so complicated that even ZhouXiang can't guess. It seems that he is surprised, lost, and even a little disgusted. Yes, disgusted. After YanMingXiu kissed him, he used the back of his hand to swipe his lips. It tastes like him, but not him. After all, it's not him. ZhouXiang was so angry that he wanted to slap him. But he restrained the urge to do it as he angrily uttered, "President Yan, that's way out of line. I am not familiar with you to that degree." 435

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YanMingXiu let go of him. He stepped back and assessed him from head to toe. If he kept him by his side, would he have the same experience as the night before? It appeared that only in his drunken state that this kind of warm and fa‐ miliar feeling turned out to be so real. For him, it's a huge temptation. It's simply like a good rain after a long cold drought or a freezing winter catching on fire. He's not dead. He's definitely not dead. But when will he return? With this long and full of skepticism wait, YanMingXiu didn't know when he would completely collapse. The appearance of this person in front of him is only tiny heat source but could temporarily prevent his bones from being frozen stiff. YanMingXiu made a decision. He opened his mouth but there wasn't much of an expression on his face. It was as if he was the king issuing an order that wouldn't allow for any‐ one to refuse. He asked ZhouXiang, "Do you want to be popular?" ZhouXiang didn't know what was going on. He unconsciously stepped back. If he didn't care for having to still make a living in the entertain‐ ment industry, he would have just turned around and leave. "What do you want? What roles do you want to play, how far do you want to go, and how high do you want to reach? I'll satisfy you. Be with me(T/N)." YanMingXiu said it slowly. He believes that there are people in the world who can't be tempted but this person obviously does not have such good character. T/N: YanMingXiu is proposing to buy ZhouXiang as a kept lover. He will pay and provide for all his expenses but ZhouXiang would become his sex slave, to comply with his commands and wishes, to be at his beck and call. ZhouXiang is shocked as he looked at YanMingXiu in disbelief.

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YanMingXiu... wants to... YanMingXiu stared at the change in ZhouXiang's face. "Say it. What do you want? There has to be something you want." ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "Why?" The pinnacle of his heart is bleed‐ ing. Why? The answer he knew clearer than anyone else. YanMingXiu didn't shy away and bluntly responded, "You look like someone(T/N) but that has nothing to do with you." T/N: referring to Older ZhouXiang If it wasn't for his internal organs being overwhelmed by this excruciat‐ ing pain, ZhouXiang would probably do something crazy, such as loudly swearing, such as ruthlessly beating the crap out of him, using every‐ thing he could so that YanMingXiu would experience the pain he's in. Two lifetimes, he thought that he was already being given a renewed life. He didn't expect that this was merely a changing of bodies and that he would still continue to suffer the same torment. He can now conclude that God is messing with him. The soul inside this body has been cursed; cursed to only be a substitute for others in his life‐ times in order to bring about his value. No matter how many times he died, no matter how many times he gets reborn in a body, repeating the same cycles, his destiny never changed. He only made a slight turn and was pulled back to its original track. He thought that death could rewrite his destiny but he was gravely mis‐ taken. From the moment he woke up and saw CaiWei, he had been invis‐ ibly controlled. Being badly battered through the process, he still couldn't take another route. He still ended up taking his old path, still ended up being tangled with YanMingXiu, and still being treated by him as WangYuDong's substitute!! ZhouXiang's entire person had become easily frightened due to the traumatization of his past experiences. He suddenly bolted up, his hand raised into a fist and fiercely punched toward YanMingXiu's face.

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With this punch, YanMingXiu was knocked to the ground. He didn't im‐ mediately jump up to fight back. He just looked at ZhouXiang coldly. He thought that ZhouXiang felt deeply humiliated but this resistance is ut‐ terly ridiculous in his eyes. He has many ways to make ZhouXiang sub‐ mit. He is no longer the same Young Master Yan from before... that youngster who didn't even know his own heart... that youngster who was a stupid fool is already dead. ZhouXiang's entire body trembled as he struggled to turn and walk to‐ ward the door. YanMingXiu stood up, his chilling voice sounded behind him, "You can choose to agree or I'll have ways to force you to agree. In short, whatever I want, I'll definitely get." The palm of ZhouXiang's hand that is grabbing the door handle started sweating. He knew that he should open the door and leave immediately, going as far away as possible. But when he got out this door, he really could only get out this door. He will face insurmountable obstacles once this door closed on his face. In the end, he would have nowhere to go. Without needing anyone to warn him, he also knew the significant mean‐ ing behind YanMingXiu's(T/N) surname. T/N: basically means that the Yan family is an influential and powerful family. YanMingXiu can do anything to get him to submit. He took his hand back and exhibited an agonizing bitter smile on his face. Turning around, he looked at YanMingXiu coldly. YanMingXiu slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked at him in a condescending manner, just like looking at a nobody. "Give me money then," ZhouXiang said rigidly. YanMingXiu's eyebrows lifted, "How much do you want?" "A condo and two million cash," With this, the biggest problems in front of him will immediately be solved. How ridiculous. In this most desper‐ 438

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ate and endlessly painful situation, as long as a person like YanMingXiu opens his mouth, it can easily be resolved. Who the hell is he? YanMingXiu mocked, "Why do you think you're worth this?" "This is what I want. You think you can fuck me for free?" ZhouXiang's eyes are bloodshot. Every word that he uttered, he felt his heart trickling blood. "Fine. Agreed." ZhouXiang reached his hand out, "Pay the money first." YanMingXiu took his checkbook from the table and quickly wrote an amount, then tore it and threw it at him. Holding this extremely thin piece of paper, ZhouXiang's hand trembled erratically. It's that simple, just that simple. ChenYing's illness and his troubles have all been solved. Why didn't he think of it earlier? Why didn't he think of this before? That a person like him is actually worth some money? ZhouXiang really wanted to laugh. YanMingXiu expected ZhouXiang to have a bit more chastity, but he didn't expect ZhouXiang to agree so easily. The contempt in his heart be‐ came even worse. It doesn't matter. He never expected this person to be noble. He (younger ZhouXiang) is just a substitute. When he needs him, he'll appear in time, it's nothing more than that. YanMingXiu responded, "Tomorrow, I'll have JiangYuan get the condo ready for you. Move in immediately. I'll go there to find you." "No." ZhouXiang resolutely refused, "That condo, I'm using to live with my mom. You can't go there."

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"That's your business. You'll have to find a solution," YanMingXiu said bluntly. ZhouXiang glanced at YanMingXiu chillingly, no longer arguing with him, but instead asked what he most wanted to know, "How long?" YanMingXiu's brows lifted. "How long do you want me to be with you?" "I don't know," YanMingXiu responded straightforwardly. "I need a deadline," ZhouXiang smiled sarcastically. "A condo and cash, how long do you think I'm willing to have sex with you?" YanMingXiu responded coldly, "One year is fine." "A year it is." ZhouXiang carefully stuffed the check into his pocket, then turned and leave. After he walked downstairs, he stared up at this more than 30 stories high apartment building, so depressing, it's indescribable. He had only been in there for half an hour and it solved the crisis that would have taken him half a lifetime of hard work...but he sold himself. However, this business transaction is considered a good deal. ZhouXiang thought of ChenYing's yellow tinted expression, her life that seems to be withering away at any time is his biggest concern at the moment. He pat‐ ted the check in his pocket and laughed at himself. Just a matter of having sex with someone...it's really not that big a deal. This deal is worth it... very much worth it. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 60 - Trying to Convince ChenYing ⦘

Chapter 60 - Trying to Convince ChenYing ZhouXiang went home during lunch time. Aunt Wang and ChenYing didn't expect him to come back so early. ChenYing asked, "Xiang ah, didn't you go to work?" ZhouXiang showed a smile that put her at ease. "Wei Ge gave me a few days off. I'll stay with you this entire week." "You don't have to be with me. I'm not bedridden. Go to work. You just got the job, don't take time off." "Mom, the days off have been approved. There's no point for me to go back. Don't worry. It's just a few days." When Aunt Wang saw that he was back, she told them that she will leave. ZhouXiang walked her to the door and said to her, "Aunt Wang, I just borrowed some money so I'm not so tight right now. I've thought about it and want to hire you to take care of my mom full time. I'll rent a bigger apartment. It will include food, lodging, and one day off each week. Monthly pay will be ¥1,800, what do you think? I'm usually not home that much so you'll need to take care of my mother and go with her to the hospital." Aunt Wang agreed very quickly. After she retired, she had nothing to do. She had so much time that she was panicking. ZhouXiang had already planned it all out on the way home. The condo that YanMingXiu will give him, he can't let ChenYing live there. He could only rent another place for ChenYing; one that has 3 bedrooms. He'll live there but if YanMingXiu wants to see him... then he'll go to that condo.

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Bluntly put, YanMingXiu had bought him so whenever YanMingXiu wanted to fuck him, he'll just have to serve him. He thinks that Yan‐ MingXiu wouldn't want to be with him every day so most of the time, he could still go home. With this ¥2 million cash, ZhouXiang felt that his entire person has light‐ ened up. For the time being, he didn't want to think about YanMingXiu. He's only thinking of ChenYing's problems. This money not only paid off all their debts at once, it is also enough to support ChenYing's treat‐ ment for ten to twenty years and even a kidney transplant too. Even if this is not enough, he will still continue to earn money. He still has that home that he could sell. In short, their future lives won't be too hard. ChenYing won't have to carry the heavy mental barrier of burdening him. After sending Aunt Wang away, ZhouXiang returned home. ChenYing is checking on the pot of soup. It has been almost half a year since ZhouXiang was discharged from the hospital. Although their lives have always been very harsh, ChenYing would live frugally but still won't hesitate to splurge money for nutritious soup to nourish ZhouXi‐ ang's health. ChenYing saved on everything but she's willing to spend money on food. In her opinion, she couldn't provide anything for her son except for food. She still has a bit of ability to provide for her son to eat well. After ZhouXiang entered the apartment, ChenYing wiped her hand and came out. She looked at ZhouXiang with a serious expression, "Ah Xi‐ ang ah, I really like being with Aunt Wang but I don't need her to take care of me. I have hands and legs and can do anything. I'm embarrassed to tell her. You go tell her that she doesn't need to come. We don't have the money." ZhouXiang smiled and said appeasingly, "Mom, besides taking care of you, the most important thing is for her go with you to the hospital for your dialysis treatment and be your companion so you won't be so bored. Your dialysis takes four to five hours each time and I usually have to work overtime. It's so boring for you to be by yourself. Not only will I not fire her, I'm going to hire her to take care of you full time." ChenYing is shocked, "ZhouXiang. Stop joking, you absolutely can't!" 442

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ZhouXiang grabbed her hand, "Mom... mom, listen to me. Just listen to me." ChenYing looked at him suspiciously. "Mom, I went out today and borrowed some money." "Borrow money? From who?" "Wei Ge, our boss, and a... a former friend." "What friend? How much did you borrowed? Ah Xiang, we still owe money. If you keep on borrowing, we won't be able to pay it off our en‐ tire lifetime." "Mom, this friend, our relationship is very good. Moreover, he's a big celebrity and has a lot of money so he really doesn't care about these few hundreds of thousands yuan. He's in no hurry for me to pay it back." "A big celebrity?" ChenYing is stunned. Then, she suddenly grabbed ZhouXiang's sleeves and said in a sharp tone, "What friend! Is it that TanYin!?" TanYin? ZhouXiang is baffled. Who is this person? He's never heard of him. ChenYing looked at his face in bewilderment and suddenly remembered that ZhouXiang had already lost his memory after he woke up so he shouldn't remember. Although she saw the boy many times on TV but he had changed his name. Moreover, he's in the limelight, he shouldn't have anything to do with her son. Sure enough, ZhouXiang asked, "Mom, who is TanYin?" ChenYing felt like she had dug her own grave, she stuttered, "No......you don't remember. You met him when you were a model. I......I forgot. Since you don't remember, just leave it. If it's not him then it's fine." ZhouXiang didn't put it to heart. A person that this body's owner knew before had no relationship with him. He explained, "Mom, I don't re‐ member who you talked about before, but it is definitely not this person. 443

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The friend is someone I met after I woke up. He......he's a Buddhist; very good at heart and very generous. I happened to meet him at the company today and told him about my problems. He lent me ¥500,000." ZhouXiang tried to make it as close to the truth as possible, but he still felt that his mouth and tongue were dry. Although he had already low‐ ered the amount significantly, he still felt that his story is full of loop‐ holes. Sure enough, ChenYing still look at him skeptically. "Mom, it's true. I also think that I came across such a good thing. He said that I can repay him slowly, but he'll lend me the money first for our pressing needs. This money is really nothing to him. The money we owed, we can repay a part of it first. I'll work hard. It'll definitely get bet‐ ter in the future. So Mom, you must not have any burden. You must com‐ ply with the treatments. It's only if you live that we can have hope, okay?" ChenYing's voice trembled, "There is really such good people? How can there be such good people?" ZhouXiang smiled and confirmed the matter over and over again; only for ChenYing to feel as ease. If she knew that he agreed to such a deal... he wouldn't dare to think about the consequences. If it was his former body, he may not feel as terrible. He is not a woman, not to mention that he had slept with YanMingXiu before. However, this body was not his. Although they have converged for so long, ZhouXiang still could not fully accept this body. Using ChenYing's son's body to do this made his heart filled with a sense of guilt. More‐ over, when he thought of YanMingXiu using this body as a (substi‐ tute)......he could not describe his feelings. Embarrassed, awkward, and resentful. ZhouXiang's heart is full of nega‐ tive emotions. The gradual despair in ChenYing's eyes and her increasing hope is the only motivational force that made him feel better at this time.

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End of the chapter

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Chapter 61 - Finding A New Home The next morning, JiangYuan took the initiative to contact him, naturally telling him that he would come to pick him up and take him to check out the condo that is being prepared for him. His tone sounded very ordinary with nothing unusual. It was if everything was how it should be. He was not at all surprised. In the entertainment industry, all kinds of outrageous things stemming from personal interest happens every day. Not to mention JiangYuan, even ZhouXiang has known it to be a common occurrence. JiangYuan looked on stoically while ZhouXiang acted even more indifferently. He didn't even have a hint of blush on his expression when talking to JiangYuan in the car. JiangYuan felt guilty of muttering such thoughts in his heart. He felt that this person really don't seem like a newbie. He (ZhouXiang) didn't seem a bit embarrassed with this. JiangYuan couldn't even tell if this person is crooked (gay) or not but it's not his business. He only needed to do his job well and get his monthly salary. Not surprisingly for YanMingXiu, whether it is something for his own use or gifted to others, it's all good things. This condo, located in the downtown area, has a market value of no less than five million yuan. ZhouXiang didn't expect him to be so generous. Or, it could be that this is nothing in YanMingXiu's eyes. All the living necessities in the condo have been completely prepared. This place is basically ready for anyone to live in. JiangYuan explained, "MingXiu had originally prepared this condo for his older brother so everything is well equipped. Elder Young Master Yan (MingXiu's older brother) will be transferred back to Beijing in the near future so MingXiu specially chose to buy this condo near his work place. But now it's given to you. MingXiu treats you pretty well."

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ZhouXiang didn't say anything. He really didn't care about this at all. "Jiang Ge, I just came to get the key. I already know this place, thank you." "You don't want to go in to check it out? This condo is very beautiful," JiangYuan looked at the handmade chandelier on the ceiling, with his tone full of envy. He also came from a second generation average official family. He is the son of YanDeJiang's old subordinate. If not, he would have not have the qualifications to be YanMingXiu's assistant. But there is no comparison to their positions. He can't afford such a condo. Yan‐ MingXiu didn't even blink and just went on to pay for a secret lover. JiangYuan felt a bit jealous. What made him most speechless was that ZhouXiang didn't look happy at all. He just faintly glanced at it and was more anxious to leave. ZhouXiang shook his head, "Next time. I still have something to do to‐ day." JiangYuan couldn't help but look at him, "Where are you going? Home? I'll take you." "No, I... I'm going to stroll around to get familiar with the area." No matter how beautiful this condo is, ZhouXiang is not at all interested. He was only trying to assess the value of the condo. After this agreement with YanMingXiu ends, he would sell the condo. What does he need such a good condo for? He doesn't have that kind of life to enjoy it. Now that the location of the condo has been determined, he will rent an apart‐ ment nearby for his mother and Aunt Wang. If YanMingXiu is not here, he will go back there. He and JiangYuan went their separate ways downstairs. Strolling around the nearby area, he found a lot of rental agencies. He has to go to work the day after tomorrow so it would best to get the hous‐ ing situation settled today. Then, they can start moving. The place where they live now is very bad. It's definitely not suitable for a patient. He checked out four apartments in the afternoon and selected one. After spending an afternoon renting the apartment, he hurried home and called

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Aunt Wang to come over and help them pack up to move. ChenYing didn't think that ZhouXiang would be so swift and decisive in his actions. He had only just mentioned about them moving yesterday and they are already packing up their luggage today. However, ChenYing had never been a woman who has her own opinions. Her personality is one that is easy-going and amiable. After her husband died, the son who had gradually grown up became her pillar. The three people quickly got everything packed up in one night. They had a lot of things. Even though it wasn't worth much, it embodied the memories from the family in the last twenty to thirty years. Early the next morning, the truck from the moving company hired by ZhouXiang came. In one trip, the three of them and all their luggage were taken to the new place. The newly rented apartment is still somewhat old but it is very clean. The furniture and home appliances are complete. The rent is ¥3,000 per month. In Beijing, where the land is so expensive, to be able to find such a cheap three-bedroom in such an ideal location is ZhouXiang's luck. If it wasn't because the homeowner needing to leave the country and was ea‐ ger to rent it out, he wouldn't have given it to ZhouXiang at this price. They were busy for an entire day, cleaning and handling everything that needed to be done. Finally, they got everything settled in this new home. ChenYing touched the clean and beautiful patterns on the curtains in the living room, her face revealing a genuine smile for the first time in these several days. On Sunday night, ZhouXiang stayed in his newly rented apartment and received a call from YanMingXiu. When he saw the caller ID, his heartbeat is abnormally fast. It is reason‐ able to say that he shouldn't be nervous. It's just sex after all. He is not a woman and it's not like he's never had frantic sex before. In fact, he had even lived with this person for a year. To pay such a small price so that ChenYing could live the remainder of her life well, he should be glad. So what is he so nervous about?

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ZhouXiang hesitated for just a bit. The ringing on the phone made ChenYing called out, "Ah Xiang, your phone." ZhouXiang quickly connected the call, "Hello, President Yan." YanMingXiu got straight to the point, "Have you checked out the condo?" "I have. Thanks to President Yan for being so generous." "It's nothing. There's no suitable condo in this short notice. Have you moved in?" "In the coming two days," ZhouXiang responded vaguely. "Come to the set tomorrow. Director Zhao will give you a supporting role that will have your face exposed." Needless to say, this is naturally due to giving face to YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang forcefully smiled, "President Yan, I asked you for money. This business deal is considered to have been settled. You don't have to bother with me. I know my own weight (importance). YanMingXiu didn't take it seriously, "This is simply a piece of cake (T/N)." T/N: -- Something that can be effortlessly done, as easy as lifting a per‐ son's hand. ZhouXiang is too lazy to say anything else. It seems that YanMingXiu didn't need him to go over to the condo today, which made him relieved. YanMingXiu added, "Come to the set at nine o'clock tomorrow." -----ZhouXiang doesn't have the habit of sleeping in late. He got up early and rushed to the set. The filming for the city scenes were not yet completed. This is a good thing for ZhouXiang. It's been said that the outdoor scenes would be filmed in GuiZhou. At this time, he really didn't want to go anywhere far. 449

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He thought that he had gotten to the set early enough but didn't expect that when he got there and looked about, Director Zhao was in a heavy coat, already eating breakfast. As he was eating, he was directing the props team to change the scene. The season is already early Fall so the morning is particularly cold. ZhouXiang walked over and greeted the director, "Good morning Direc‐ tor Zhao, morning Wang Ge..." Once Director Zhao saw him, he pointed his chopsticks at the dressing room, "Go wait in line. Those little makeup artist girls really can't bear any hardship, still not here at this time." This tent was temporarily set up in the studio city and is open on all four sides. ZhouXiang shrunk his neck and headed to the dressing room. He waited in line to get his makeup done. These small supporting roles don't have exclusive makeup artists so they could only hurry and rush to line up. After he got dressed up, two hours had passed. Coming out of the dress‐ ing room, WangYuDong and YanMingXiu were already there and in the midst of discussion with the director. YanMingXiu signal with his eyes for him to come over. ZhouXiang went over. Director Zhao had mentioned that he will give him a role that would show his face. It's a villain role. Originally there were three underlings; right now one is changed and two is added. One is him and the other is a newcomer that is being promoted by WangYuDong's management company. WangYuDong canceled his contract with his original management com‐ pany over a year ago and opened his own company, pulling in many artists. His business flourished in Beijing and his career thrived. Who‐ ever he wanted to promote, it is an extremely easy thing to do. ZhouXiang knew that no matter how much he cursed WangYuDong in his heart, he couldn't even rattle half a fine hair on his body. The two of them are from completely different worlds. What resources does he have to be jealous of WangYuDong? It's laughable to even say that out loud.

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WangYuDong is still just as clever in dealing with people as he was be‐ fore. Toward ZhouXiang, he is very polite. Anyone that had just met him will feel that he's a pleasure to talk to; the elegant and graceful manner‐ isms of a noble son, so gentle and courteous, how could anyone not feel overwhelmingly flattered. It's likely that ZhouXiang is the only one who could see through him as a snake(T/N) that he is. T/N: what this means is that ZhouXiang is the only one that knows him as a two-faced hypocrite, just like a snake that will shed its original to get new skin. ZhouXiang spent the entire morning shooting the stuntman scenes. Di‐ rector Zhao and WangYuDong's requirements are very vigorous, con‐ stantly making various demands on the spot. ZhouXiang's body can't be compared to himself before. There are many action sequences that he felt he could do, but it came out unsatisfactory. WangYuDong was sometimes satisfied but shaking his head other times. After a while, he suddenly smiled and said to YanMingXiu, "He (younger ZhouXiang) is a far cry compared to the previous ZhouXiang. Such a pity." ZhouXiang was far away and didn't hear what they said. He was just try‐ ing to repeat the previous actions over and over again in front of the camera. YanMingXiu's expression immediately changed, his tone becoming un‐ usually chilly, "Don't mention him to me." Then he turned around and left. WangYuDong was startled. He likely didn't expect YanMingXiu to scold him like this. His expression was a bit awkward, his eyes tinged with a traced of uneasiness. He hesitated for half a second and said to Director Zhao, "You guys continue." After saying that, he turned and headed to‐ ward YanMingXiu's direction. Shortly after, when ZhouXiang was still gasping for breath, he could see the door of the dressing room slammed opened and YanMingXiu taking

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giants steps out without even turning his head, his expression looking ex‐ tremely unsightly. WangYuDong caught up and after calling out once for "MingXiu." He stared and watch YanMingXiu leave. ZhouXiang didn't know what was going on, only that something unpleas‐ ant seemed to have happened between the two because WangYuDong also came out with a gloomy face. No one will meddle in the Yan family's business. Everyone silently pre‐ tended as if they didn't see anything, minding their own business. After lunch at noon, ZhouXiang closed his eyes for a while. Later in the afternoon, he needs to try on the dress up for the villain's role. The makeup part is most annoying because it's really uncomfortable for him, let alone the constant putting on and removing (of the makeup and head gears). In the midst of drowsiness, his phone sounded with a text message. ZhouXiang took out his phone to check. It is a message from Yan‐ MingXiu, the content is a very simple word, 'Tonight.' The hairs over ZhouXiang's entire body stood up. Tonight... What is to happen tonight? It is very obvious. ZhouXiang is no longer in the mood to rest. He stood up, full of anxiety. He felt that he, himself, is laughable. Why was he being anxious and frightened like a little virgin? But he couldn't restrain himself from being nervous because this is YanMingXiu. Not anyone else... but YanMingXiu. "ZhouXiang, come and try the dress up!" The makeup artist is calling him. ZhouXiang rubbed his face and took a deep breath, then walked into the dressing room. 452

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Just as he was walking out the door after trying on the dress up, he col‐ lided with a person and crashed into his arms. ZhouXiang was scared out of his wits as he quickly uttered, "Sorry." He pushed this person a bit intending to leave, but unexpectedly his shoulder was suddenly gripped from behind. ZhouXiang turned his head in surprise and sees a very handsome boy staring wide-eyed at him. ZhouXiang tried to recall. He had seen this person on TV. He's a rookie who has been increasingly popular at quite an astonishing speed. But ZhouXiang had forgotten his name. "ZhouXiang!" The boy blurted out. This time it was ZhouXiang's turn to be amazed, "Yeah? You....." The boy suddenly grabbed his arm and forcefully dragged him out. "Hey? What are you doing?" ZhouXiang wanted to pry his arm out but he was afraid of offending this person so he could only resort to follow‐ ing him to the side. As the boy turned his face around, there was a hint of disgust on his beautiful face, "What are you doing here?" ZhouXiang is stunned, "Of course, it is to shoot a movie." "You? Shooting a movie? That's not bad Xiang Ge. You finally got your day to shine (T/N). The boy smirked and shook his head. "But the things from the past, I hope you won't gossip about it." T/N: means poor person that could finally see daylight, getting out of a predicament. ZhouXiang took a breath and slowly pried his arm out of his grip, "Brother, you may know me but I don't know you." The boy is shocked then smiled sarcastically, "Interesting, is this some new trick? Xiang Ge, don't even go there, it's been two years, you should also let go." 453

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ZhouXiang simply wanted to roll his eyes. Right now, he really has no time to be dealing with him. He pointed to his head, "I had an accident two years ago and had a concussion. I really don't remember anything. I'm guessing that you also don't want me to remember, right? So let's just leave it at that." ZhouXiang didn't even look at him as he turned and left. He is usually very kind to people. But this boy, whether it was his ex‐ pression or the words he said, it is extremely irritating. There must be some connection between him and the original owner of this body, but that has nothing to do with him. The boy is completely stunned as he looked at ZhouXiang's back, seeing him walking away resolutely.

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Chapter 62 - ZhouXiang Feeling Extremely Nervous ZhouXiang immediately realized that the person he was just talking to is the hugely popular newcomer WangYuDong's company's is currently promoting, TanYuXuan. No wonder he felt familiar even though he didn't watch too much TV. People who had too high of an exposure rate, others would always inadvertently remember. No matter what, TanYuXuan seemed like a stage name. ZhouXiang only now remembered that ChenYing had mentioned a person named TanYin. A person who the original owner of this body knew. He subconsciously felt that they are the same person. It's very likely that the original owner of this body and this TanYin didn't just know each other. He used to think that it was a bit strange. He felt that ChenYing is very secretive and had concealed many things with the previous experiences of this body. Especially when he used a joking tone to test her by asking, "Did I have a girlfriend?" ChenYing was even more evasive in not want‐ ing to respond. Two days ago, when he mentioned that he had borrowed money from a celebrity friend, ChenYing's reaction was extreme, adding on to TanYin's tone just now, a vague thought formed in the ZhouXiang's mind. The original owner of this body and this person with the surname Tan might have been a couple. After coming to this conclusion, ZhouXiang felt a surging headache. If he was to follow this reasoning, then it can completely explain why ChenYing was so secretive about so many things from his past, not wanting to tell him. For her, her son had lost his memory. So perhaps, he'd also forget that he is a homosexual. This would have been a good thing. She'd never understand that homosexuality is a natural instinct. If this is really the case, ZhouXiang would need to get a little farther away from this surname Tan. Fortunately, this TanYin didn't seem to want to be too close to him too. After all, he is popular now and must

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pay close attention to his image. So, ZhouXiang didn't really give it too much thought. He's merely a wild soul who had occupied a nest. He has no qualifications to judge the original owner's past So when TanYin came over, ZhouXiang looked as usual, as if he didn't know him at all. In fact, he really doesn't know him---as he shook hands with him when WangYuDong introduced them, it was only when he said his name, that it was a bit vague (T/N). In any case, ZhouXiang and ZhouYang sounded almost the same. WangYuDong might have forgotten what his name was. T/N: TanYin knew him to be ZhouXiang, but he told WangYuDong that his name was ZhouYang. Moreover, it didn't seem like WangYuDong had regained his senses from the hurried departure of YanMingXiu. His expression wasn't very good. He eyes didn't even seem as if he saw them. After handing them (ZhouXiang and TanYin) to Director Zhao, he quickly gave TanYin a word of advice, "perform well" and left. TanYin is very respectful to WangYuDong and Director Zhao but toward ZhouXiang, his expression was obviously hostile. ZhouXiang completely ignored him and only talked to Director Zhao re‐ garding the first scenes for his supporting character role. For the first time, he saw the four subordinates arranged for the villain BOSS in this movie. They are all very handsome young men; most of them are in their early twenties. ZhouXiang is the oldest and the least outstanding in terms of appearance. However, on the basis of acting and the interpretation of the martial arts action sequences, no one could match him. Very soon, aside from TanYin, the other two started to call him 'Ge'. He helped them correct their movements, saving the director and the martial arts coordinator a lot of trouble. TanYin looked at him incredulously. In his memory, ZhouXiang abso‐ lutely didn't have such ability. If he did, why wasn't he able to get popu‐ lar in the past? Not to mention that there was no performing companies willing to sign him. 456

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When they got off work, the two boys invited ZhouXiang out for a meal. If it was before, ZhouXiang would not refuse the invitation of such young and handsome boys. Although from the time he awakened, his mind was never on these kinds of things (getting into other relation‐ ships). But, that was how he had lived before and it's long become a habit. However, at this time, there is something more important waiting for him when he gets off work. He had to go see YanMingXiu. Just the thought of YanMingXiu, ZhouXiang's mind would begin to shudder again. He tried to suppress the throbbing in his head as he re‐ fused the invitation from the two boys. He rushed to remove his dress-up and changed into his clothes, intending to leave. He got off late today. He didn't even finish removing his makeup as he rushed out wiping his face with the wet towel given to him by the makeup artist. "ZhouXiang!" ZhouXiang instantly felt impatient. He's not a person that is considered to be lascivious. But as a man and a man that likes men, he has a natural affection for those that look beautiful. However, from the moment he saw TanYin, he didn't feel comfortable. There seems to be something from within the depths of his soul that makes him want to avoid this per‐ son. Perhaps, this is the wish of the original owner of this body. Unfortunately, TanYin would not let him do as he wished. He had caught up with him in a few steps. Feeling furious being ignored, he energeti‐ cally grabbed onto ZhouXiang and pushed him against the wall, "Why are you running!" TanYin fiercely glared at ZhouXiang. (TanYin's thoughts) Could it really be what this person had said? That he had lost his memory? Otherwise, how could this person who loved him deeply before, would ignore him to this extent. But memory lost is such bullshit. Can it really happen in reality? There is only one possibility, that is, he is pretending! ZhouXiang harshly grabbed his wrist, "TanYin, what the hell are you do‐ ing?"

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TanYin's eyes lit up as he responded furiously, "You really are pretend‐ ing, you know my real name." "My mom told me your real name when we saw you on TV. I repeat. I was in the hospital for two years. I don't remember anything. If you are my friend, you should let go of your hand first." TanYin reluctantly let go of his hand and looked at ZhouXiang seriously, "You... you've completely changed from before." The previous ZhouXiang was a man who was very gentle and even a lit‐ tle weak. Most importantly, he never looked at him with this unfamiliar expression. "I'm really like two completely different people from before," ZhouXi‐ ang said with pun intended. He calmed down, "TanYin, I don't know what relationship we had before but I really don't remember you. If I have offended you before, don't take it to heart. It is also a rare fate for us to be shooting a film together now. Let's just take care of each other in the future." TanYin looked at him stunned. Looking at this person, using this face that he was once so familiar with, saying something that is completely contrary to their previously deeply affectionate feelings... this kind of un‐ familiarity and indifference made TanYin feel very uncomfortable. Under ZhouXiang's calming expression, he didn't know how to respond. "Let's just leave it like this. We can have a drink when there is free time. I still have urgent matters, I'm going to leave first." ZhouXiang patted him on the shoulder, then turned and ran away. TanYin remained, looking at his back. His lips twitched slightly, his brows bunched together. ----ZhouXiang took out the key and opened the door to the condo. It was already past nine o'clock. He hasn't eaten yet. After finishing work, he was in a rush to get back. His belly is empty, but he obviously

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knew that this feeling of panic is not because of hunger but simply be‐ cause he didn't know how to respond to YanMingXiu. As soon as he got through the door, YanMingXiu came downstairs. He was wearing a bathrobe and his hair was still wet. Apparently, he just took a shower. When ZhouXiang really saw him, this intense panic he was in quickly calmed down. Why think so much? YanMingXiu paid the money; he only just has to do as he's told. Right... he doesn't have to think about anything else. He is ZhouXiang but not ZhouXiang. At least for now, there was no relation‐ ship between him and YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu glanced at him indifferently, "Just got off work now?" "Yeah," ZhouXiang used the bent-slip slippers to conceal his emotions. "Just got off work now?" He had heard this phrase many times when he was living with YanMingXiu. Every time it is because he returned home very late. YanMingXiu's tone would be tinged with a bit of dissatisfac‐ tion. At that time, ZhouXiang felt happy that someone cared that he came home late and it was a sweet feeling to him. "Have you eaten?" YanMingXiu further asked. ZhouXiang responded, "Yeah" He stood in the middle of the living room and looked up at YanMingXiu, waiting for his next words. YanMingXiu said expressionlessly, "Shower downstairs. Then, come up." After saying that, he turned around and went upstairs. ZhouXiang walked into the downstairs bathroom. As the warm water flowed down his cold skin, he felt the tightness in his heart relaxed a bit. ZhouXiang. Don't be such a coward. Just be calm. What's the big deal? This is not a big deal at all.

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The more he comforted himself, the more resolute and steadier his heart felt. After he showered, he went upstairs wrapped in only a bath towel. The heating in the room was very good, he didn't feel cold at all but his foot‐ steps were a bit heavy. YanMingXiu was sitting on the bed, reading a book. The soft light struck the side profile of his perfectly beautiful face, so beautiful that it makes people tremendously excited. No wonder so many people have lost their souls to him. ZhouXiang thought, Wasn't he one of them? When YanMingXiu heard his footsteps, he turned to look at him. Then, put the book on the headboard. ZhouXiang stood at the door. He didn't know what to do for a while, so he just stood there. YanMingXiu said, "Come here." ZhouXiang went to the bed. YanMingXiu looked at his bare chest. The emotions in his eyes fluctu‐ ated as he grabbed ZhouXiang's hand and pushed him onto the bed, pressing on top of him. The two gasped as they look at each other. A gust of complicated and strange aura flowed between them. YanMingXiu's mind shook tremendously. It's that kind of expression again, that kind of expression that makes him feel this sense of familiar‐ ity, that makes his heart beat rapidly. What does this expression really mean? Why does it seem to penetrate his soul and shock him endlessly? He trembled as he touched ZhouXiang's face. ZhouXiang looked at him stiffly. YanMingXiu's expression suddenly became distorted with a glimpse of unspeakable pain. He propped up his body as if he is extremely tired. 460

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Then, he pushed ZhouXiang away and turned to lie down next to him on the bed. ZhouXiang looked at the ceiling woodenly for a long time before saying very slowly, "President Yan..." "Don't bother me. Don't talk." YanMingXiu's low voice sounded from the side, as if he was suppressing his emotions. ZhouXiang felt the body that was in close proximity to his, his heart is full of all kinds of conflicting feelings. End of the chapter

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Chapter 63 - A Rare Night of Peaceful Sleep Since YanMingXiu didn't want to be bothered, ZhouXiang naturally wouldn't take the initiative to touch him. The interlocking of their gazes just now had already made him feel pained. For a moment, he felt that YanMingXiu saw it... saw through his skin and into the depths of his soul. But very quickly, YanMingXiu denied it. Right... he could see that Yan‐ MingXiu's eyes went from confusion to clarity, and then once again lost in confusion. He (ZhouXiang) doesn't know whether there could be this so-called 'in‐ visible connection' between two people who are not related by blood. Af‐ ter all, they've been intimately close; their bodies have physically com‐ bined and joined as one. When YanMingXiu looked at him, would he have a trace of that familiar feeling? ZhouXiang doesn't know. YanMingXiu also wouldn't tell him. Only that what he had expected (sex) didn't happen, which made him heaved out a sigh of relief. He lay next to YanMingXiu, wondering what he should do next. He wanted to leave but he didn't know if this was appropriate at this time. After thinking for a long time, he finally moved and wanted to get out of bed from the other side. But right when he sat up, YanMingXiu's cold voice sounded, "Where are you going?" ZhouXiang is shocked, then hesitantly responded, "President Yan, can I go back home?" YanMingXiu opened his eyes and knitted his brows, "You're not living here?" "My mom's health is not good. I can't live here every day."

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"But you have to stay here today," YanMingXiu's tone didn't allow him to refuse. ZhouXiang simply lay back down. Who told him to sell himself to Yan‐ MingXiu? YanMingXiu closed his exhaustive eyes again. ZhouXiang stared up at the ceiling. The two people are confined in this strange silence with time slowly whittling by. Suddenly, YanMingXiu slowly heaved a sigh in this quiet room, "Did you use the blue bottle body wash?" ZhouXiang was startled. There were several bottles of body wash in the bathroom downstairs but he just habitually used the brand he most often used before. He responded, "Yeah." After a long time, YanMingXiu softly muttered, "That's the smell." ZhouXiang didn't understand so he didn't say anything. YanMingXiu then said, "Turn to the other side." ZhouXiang was once again startled. Then he followed his instructions and turned with his back facing YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu's slender arm suddenly wrapped around his waist with his hot chest pressed against his back. ZhouXiang's body froze as Yan‐ MingXiu held him in his arms. YanMingXiu called out for 'ZhouXiang' in a hoarsely low-pitched voice. Then he stopped talking. But with these two words, ZhouXiang was un‐ able to calm down for the longest time. The two words seem to contain feelings that he can't understand. Although YanMingXiu might have just called out his name inadvertently, these two words penetrated the barri‐ ers through time and body, straight into the depths of his soul. He even had the feeling that YanMingXiu was calling him... the real him (older ZhouXiang). However, numerous facts have told him that he is once against having ridiculous dreams. 463

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When YanMingXiu told him to turn around and embraced him from be‐ hind, he clearly knew that YanMingXiu was thinking of WangYuDong, which was the reason why YanMingXiu was willing to pay for him. He should be thankful that at least now he is clear in this established re‐ lationship he has with YanMingXiu, rather than what it was like before, muddling through unclearly with each step, not being able to pull back. ZhouXiang closed his eyes. He felt that he must sleep like this tonight. He really hoped that he can immediately fall asleep right now. Other‐ wise, YanMingXiu's breath... his scent... his body temperature, every trace of it will enter his consciousness. His heart is instantly over‐ whelmed with this raging sorrow. If people could forget the past, they will definitely not have any more worries. At this time, ZhouXiang hoped to forget everything that had ever happened between him and YanMingXiu in the year they were to‐ gether, especially the memories of the numerous times of falling asleep with YanMingXiu. That to him now was a great disaster. He can't pretend that YanMingXiu doesn't exist, but he knew that Yan‐ MingXiu was only using him as a substitute for another person. This kind of despair and humiliation has long plagued him endlessly. After getting near YanMingXiu again, this torture is even worse. He felt that God is messing with him and is getting overly excited about it. Otherwise, how could he be stepping back into his old path after being reborn again? He was given a new life, but it was not for him to lead a completely different life but to continue on teasing him. The smoldering hot chest behind him is like the scorching heat igniting the raging flames within him, riddling his heart with gaping holes. ----ZhouXiang woke up very early. He didn't remember when he fell asleep last night. When he woke up, the sky was mistily bright. He moved. He thought that he was still sleeping on the side but at some unknown time, he had laid down flat on his back. However, YanMingXiu

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was still hugging him, his tall nose pressed against his face and his warm breadth drizzled on his skin, so close that there is basically no distance between the two. In that moment, it was as if it was a lifetime ago...like nothing had hap‐ pened; he was still that (older) ZhouXiang. He merely had nightmare. When he wakes up again, the person he love is still sleeping next to him. Those bitterly disappointed memories would be like fragments of a dream that is ruthlessly shattered. If that's the case... if that's the case... ZhouXiang's gradually alert eyes stared at the luxurious chandelier above his head. This did not belong in the old home that he had lived for 30 years. Everything is not a dream. It is real. ZhouXiang felt pained, his lips trembled uncontrollably. He turned his face. YanMingXiu's deeply asleep face is in close proxim‐ ity to his. That face is a miracle from the Creator. ZhouXiang is so mes‐ merized every time he sees it. YanMingXiu slept very deeply. ZhouXiang would never know that Yan‐ MingXiu had not been able to sleep so deeply for a long... long time. ZhouXiang reluctantly regained his senses, wanting to pry YanMingXiu's hand away to get up. Just when he moved, the hand that was holding his waist suddenly tightened. YanMingXiu knitted his brows while still sleeping, as if he was grabbing onto his life-saving straw, using such powerfully forceful strength to hug him, with his head deeply buried in his neck. ZhouXiang didn't want to wake him up but he wanted to get off the bed. After trying a few times, he finally awakened YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu stared at him hazily for a long time before gradually find‐ ing his focus, his voice hoarse, "It's you." ZhouXiang looked at him silently, and then tried to get up again.

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YanMingXiu didn't stop ZhouXiang from getting out of bed this time, but pulled his arm back and stared at his hand. ZhouXiang got up and went to the bathroom. The spot next to YanMingXiu is empty, taking away the surrounding body heat. In that moment, YanMingXiu suddenly experienced what he felt two years ago. When he heard the devastating news. At that moment his body felt void. He panicked and cried out, "Come back!!" ZhouXiang was shockingly frightened. His foot had already stepped into the bathroom. He turned to look at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu looked at him with blood-shot eyes. This person... he is more and more unable to understand. Since the accident, he had not been able to have a good night's sleep. For a long time, he had not experience what it felt like to be able sleep at ease, without any inhibitions. But yesterday, he merely hugged this per‐ son and was able to sleep peacefully with no dreams. Just like on this night, he was able to make up for all the sleep he had been lacking. He felt relieved and comfortable. He knew that he instinctively held onto this person or perhaps his instinct knew what this person could bring him. Why!! He is not ZhouXiang. They just have the same name, just similar figure, just .... but he is not ZhouXiang! YanMingXiu's face paled; the pain in his eyes couldn't even be con‐ cealed. He has fallen to the point of looking for the shadow of that person in a substitute. This is his punishment. When he thought that he was using ZhouXiang as WangYuDong's substitute, he was not aware of the actual person who had entered his heart. He had failed miserably with this method but still could not help himself from wanting to try. There are no other reasons. Just that he was in too

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much pain. He can't endure anymore. He was adamant that ZhouXiang is not dead but no one could confirm it. That little doubtful voice in his heart is getting louder and louder, but is roughly suppressed by him time and time again. To continually be persis‐ tent with this thought, he needed a lot of willpower. He knew better than anyone else. Even if this ZhouXiang could bring him a little comfort, he wanted to be close to him, just like a long frozen person wanting to be close to a matchstick. This can't save him... but he couldn't stop himself from taking that little warmth. He exhaustively looked at ZhouXiang, who is standing in front of the bathroom, waiting for him to say something. He lowly muttered, "I want to eat, cook for me."

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Chapter 64 - Coincidences are Staggering ZhouXiang got dressed and went downstairs as quickly as possible and then went into the kitchen to cook. The refrigerator is full of foods. ZhouXiang assumed that JiangYuan had brought them. He even thinks that none of these people knows the hard‐ ships of life. How could two people eat this much food? Some could go bad the next day. Seeing that, he felt gloomy. ZhouXiang put on an apron and got busy in the kitchen. He cooked very fast, working skillfully. In just a short a time, the aroma of the food per‐ meated into the room. ZhouXiang didn't know when YanMingXiu had come downstairs. Yan‐ MingXiu stood like a stone sculpture while observing ZhouXiang busily cooking in the kitchen. That broad back wrapped in an apron with his narrow waist and slender long legs, his slightly exposed pale neck and short stubbles, with his skillful and efficient swift movements made Yan‐ MingXiu felt as if he had returned to three years ago. He didn't know how many times he had sat on the dining table and watched ZhouXiang cook, smelling the aroma coming from the kitchen that made his belly rumble from hunger. Many times, he would get impa‐ tient and walk into the kitchen to hug the man from behind, urging him to hurry up. In return, he would get a particularly gentle smile. Unconsciously, he stood up and walked step by step into the kitchen. The person in front of him suddenly turned his head around, but this is not the face in his mind. YanMingXiu's heart trembled in that instant; his body dejectedly drooped. ZhouXiang, "President Yan, sit there and wait a bit."

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YanMingXiu sat down again. He tried to calm himself down by taking big breadths. He really didn't know what is happening to himself. Just being with this ZhouXiang, his entire person could not be calm. After a while, ZhouXiang brought out the rice, three dishes and a bowl of soup to the table. YanMingXiu had just calmed down and now his heart started to beat er‐ ratically again. The rice bowl is placed on the left and the bigger soup bowl on the right, the meat dish in the middle and the vegetarian dishes on both sides, all lined up in front of him. The big bowl of soup was on the other side. The way these foods were place are exactly the same way as that person! Even the food dishes were commonly seen on the dining table from before. YanMingXiu trembled as he picked up his chopsticks and put a piece of lettuce into his mouth. Then he slammed his chopsticks down on the ta‐ ble and glared fiercely at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang had just picked up his bowl and got startled by him, knitting his brows, "What's wrong? Not to your taste?" That shouldn't be. These are what YanMingXiu usually eats. All this is becoming more and more impossible for YanMingXiu to ac‐ cept. If he closed his eyes and not look at the face, what is the difference com‐ pared to sitting across from (older) ZhouXiang? How could there be so many coincidences in the world? So much that two people could make the same exact foods. This flavor... he could not forget even in his dreams. YanMingXiu gnawed his teeth, "Who taught you to cook?" ZhouXiang dazedly responded, "My mom." "Where is your mother from?"

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"Local." ZhouXiang looked at him in confusion, "President Yan, what's the matter? If it doesn't suit your appetite, I could make other foods. There are a lot of things in the refrigerator." YanMingXiu continued to stare at him fixatedly. Could it be that he is overthinking? Or could he still have that precon‐ ceived notion thinking that whatever he (younger ZhouXiang) did was similar to (older) ZhouXiang? After all, they are two completely different people. He couldn't explain this biggest contradiction at all. YanMingXiu looked at the table full of home cooked meal that is espe‐ cially suiting to his appetite, but he couldn't eat it. He merely tasted ev‐ ery dish. The more he tasted, the more frightened he became. Then he just put down his chopsticks. ZhouXiang couldn't guess what he was thinking, nor did he want to at‐ tempt. His last meal was noon yesterday. He hadn't eaten for 20 hours so he was very famished. When YanMingXiu picked up his cellphone and went to the balcony to make a call, ZhouXiang just buried his head in the dishes and ate most of it. "Hello, Team Leader Wang, it is me." "Hey, President Yan, hello... hello." "Team Leader Wang, has there been any progress?" "I had wanted to give you a call. Okay, so since you didn't want to alarm the neighbors, this has really caused a huge problem for our work. You probably don't know this but when the people from our bureau went over to investigate, they are like the little thief, sneaking around, hehehe." YanMingXiu wasn't in the mood to be joking with him. He asked bluntly, "Team Leader Wang, just tell me the current progress directly?" Team Leader Wang felt dejected and no longer attempted to get close. He responded in a more professional tone, "According to the most current

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report, we found a particularly big loophole. There seemed to be indica‐ tions that the scene was tampered with twice." "What do you mean? We didn't tamper with the scene." "Yes, you guys have been very careful, so the impact on the scene was very minimal. But there was still some damage to the living room. This is what we call the first time. What I'm saying as the second time is just a few days later. From the degree of dust deposition, it was at least three days later. There is evidence that someone may have entered the condo, but in many places we can't tell when the scene was caused." "Are you saying that the thief went back there again!?" When Yan‐ MingXiu heard this part, he was about to explode. "This... has not been confirmed, whether this was the thief and even more uncertain whether it was the same thief. But a lot of evidence on the surface pointed to someone else having been to the scene a few days after the incident. Since you had said that except for that night, you haven't been back to the condo, this is very suspicious. Could it possible that it is the two people that discovered the thief?" "I'll confirm this with them," YanMingXiu clenched his fist. He had some suspicions that LanXiRong did it. After all, LanXiRong also knew where ZhouXiang hid his spare key so it's easy for him to go in. The rea‐ son why YanMingXiu didn't take the key out from the fire hydrant box was simply because... Because he thought that ZhouXiang might come back one day. He didn't expect that the person he had been waiting for didn't come, in‐ stead a thief and a love rival came. YanMingXiu is so furious that his eyes became bloodshot. If he caught the thief, he will definitely make him pay. Team Leader Wang continued, "The other point is just our preliminary assumption but is inconclusive." "Say it."

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"This is about the door lock. Because President Yan repeatedly request that we not alarm the neighbors, our people can only close the door and work from inside the house, but this makes it a challenge to study the door lock. People come and go during the day and lighting is bad at night, so we haven't been able to do a thorough investigation on the door lock. We simply looked at it. According to the comrades who are famil‐ iar with lock crimes, the door lock was not damaged and there were no signs of using unlocking tools to unlock. It seems more likely that the door lock was opened with a key. However, this does not rule out that the thief might have used a more advanced unlocking tool which wouldn't leave any traces. We just didn't feel that it was necessary since he had al‐ ready rummaged through the house. Even without looking at the lock, you already know that there was a thief in the house. This is what baffled us. If you wanted this confirmed, we must remove the lock and bring it back to the lab for further studies. It's best if we could also remove the security door..." "No!" YanMingXiu adamantly refused, "The door must not be touched. The lock... let me think about it." YanMingXiu's heart trembled erratically again. Opened with a key? How could it be? If one didn't know where the spare key is, how can he know that the key is hidden in the curled-up water hose in the fire hy‐ drant box? And that water hose was curled up a few rounds so hiding a small key is easy but what thief is this smart to have known that? There are too many loopholes with this. YanMingXiu first doubted LanXiRong. After all, he didn't see the thief with his own eyes. This was all told to him by LanXiRong. Moreover, when he and Team Leader Wang's team went back to the scene that day and he was trying to verify what was lost, he really couldn't say what was really lost. Actually, he could even say that at glance, besides the condo seeming to look chaotic, there seems to be nothing missing. He knew too much about this little condo. Every little thing in the home had been imprinted in his mind. With the information provided by LanXiRong, he found out with much difficulty that ZhouXiang's cash on 472

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the bedside table was missing but he remembered that there was not much money. There were also ZhouXiang's SLR camera that cost over ¥20,000 and several lenses and a laptop. These are things that a thief should have taken. However, these were all left in its original location. This thief's behavior is really baffling. If, as he suspects, that there was really no thief from the beginning, that this was all self-directed and self-acted by LanXiRong, then there are too many things that don't make sense. For example, why would LanXiRong do this? How could he possibly need a couple thousands of yuan? Be‐ sides, why should he inform himself (YanMingXiu)? If he didn't' say it, he wouldn't have known anything. So what are the other possibilities? YanMingXiu's head is spinning fast, thinking of every other possibility. If the door lock is really opened with a key, then the people that knew of the location of the spare key is him (YanMingXiu), LanXiRong and... ZhouXiang?! YanMingXiu almost couldn't breathe. Team Leader Wang called him several times from the other line but he still didn't respond. If...if it's really ZhouXiang...but is it possible? He... he's alive? Will he come back? If he came back, why did he have to hide? YanMingXiu stopped himself from thinking further because he knew that when a person is frantically hoping for something, he will let his imagi‐ nation run wild. He will be deceived by his own delusions and lose his unbiased judgment. He can't be like this, he needed to remain calm. "President Yan? ...Hello?.... President Yan?" "Team Leader Wang." YanMingXiu's voice trembled, "Let me think about it. I'll find a time for us to go back there together. You could re‐ move the lock but you have to study it in the house. You can't take the lock away. After you're done, put it back in. The condo needs to remain exactly the same, you understand?"

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Team Leader Wang dazedly responded, "This..." "Team Leader Wang, is that possible?" Team Leader Wang bitterly responded, "Fine, there is really no other way." YanMingXiu heaved a long sigh, "Team Leader Wang, I have something else I wanted to ask for your help." "What is it?" "Help me investigate a person." YanMingXiu glanced through the French door and looked at the person eating inside the house. His deep eyes re‐ vealed an incomprehensible meaning, he gloomily responded, "His name is ZhouXiang..." End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 65 - A Mother’s Warning ⦘

Chapter 65 - A Mother's Warning After eating, ZhouXiang went to clean up the kitchen. At this time, YanMingXiu was also done with his phone call and had re‐ turned to the living room. ZhouXiang grabbed his coat, looking as though he wanted to leave but still asked for YanMingXiu's permission, "President Yan, may I go home first?" YanMingXiu glanced at him but didn't answer. ZhouXiang put the coat down again and waited for YanMingXiu's re‐ sponse. YanMingXiu unexpectedly asked, "Where's your home?" "It's... close by." ZhouXiang didn't know why he asked this, and added, "President Yan if you......call me, I can come over at any time." After ZhouXiang said that, he showed a self-mocking smile. It was very slight but YanMingXiu still caught it. YanMingXiu stood up, "I'll take you back." "Yan... no need. It's very close... only ten to twenty minutes walk, I could go back by myself." YanMingXiu didn't allow him to refuse and had already started to get dressed. He persistently added, "I'll take you." ZhouXiang couldn't refuse. After YanMingXiu took him to the neighborhood, he had no intention to leave. Instead, he followed ZhouXiang out of the car and said naturally, "You said that your mother's health is not good? I want to go visit." ZhouXiang's expression changed slightly, "President Yan... This is not appropriate right? My home is such a small place, how could it accom‐

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modate your noble......" YanMingXiu waved his hand and look at him warningly, "ZhouXiang, if you talk to me like this again, I will seal your mouth." Sometimes he could feel that when ZhouXiang talks to him in a very polite and respect‐ full manner, it would also at the same time be tinged with a trace of sar‐ casm. But he didn't understand why. It seems that ZhouXiang didn't have much opposition in being his boy toy so it's really not necessary for him to be emotionally unbalanced, right? ZhouXiang really shut his mouth. Whatever intent YanMingXiu had in wanting to go to his home, ZhouXiang would have no ways to stop him. He couldn't possibly coax him to leave. Just because YanMingXiu gave him a condo and money, he had to bend his spine in front of YanMingXiu this lifetime. The two men took the elevator upstairs. When ZhouXiang opened the door, ChenYing's voice immediately sounded, "XiuFen (Auntie Wang )?" "It's me, Mom." ZhouXiang led YanMingXiu into the home as ChenYing came out from the room. While walking, she grumbled, "XiuFen went grocery shopping and its been a long time......Oh? This is......" ChenYing saw YanMingXiu and is utterly startled. When average people meet YanMingXiu, they would naturally be capti‐ vated by his celestial appearance. Being startled is really not much. ChenYing had never really seen such attractive man in real life; so good looking that he seems to have come out of a painting. In any case, she was also an intellectual but she couldn't even find a suitable adjective to describe her shock in seeing YanMingXiu. She quickly regained her senses. YanMingXiu seems to be a celebrity. She had been staying home all day and spent most of her time watching TV so it's not surprising that she could recognize YanMingXiu. ChenYing is a little excited, "Isn't he that celebrity?" Her eyes switched back and forth between ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu, and finally looked

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to her son for an answer. ZhouXiang smiled and responded, "Mom, he is considered as my boss. The movie that I am currently acting in, he invested in it. We went to an outdoor filming site and couldn't come back yesterday. He gave me a ride today. When he heard that your health is not good, he wanted to come by and visit." YanMingXiu also nodded kindly at ChenYing as he put the tonic in his hand onto the ground. He had always received gifts from others that he hasn't done anything with so it was merely left in the trunk. Taking a few items out was easily done. The excitement in seeing a celebrity made ChenYing blushed a bit, "Aiyah, You're too modest. Come have a sit. Ah Xiang, why didn't you call? The home is so messy. I didn't even boil water. Aiyah......" ChenY‐ ing rushed to boil water as she didn't know how to host YanMingXiu. Even if YanMingXiu just stood still, she thought YanMingXiu is a per‐ son from another world. Once ChenYing turned around, the smile on ZhouXiang's face immedi‐ ately disappeared. He really wanted to know why YanMingXiu deliber‐ ately came here to torment him and his mom. He got his answer very soon. In the midst of ChenYing's conversation with YanMingXiu, he continu‐ ously asked about ZhouXiang's past. Although his questions were not obvious, ZhouXiang is perceptively aware. ChenYing is also not stupid. After talking for more than half an hour, she also noticed. Anything that she didn't feel was appropriate, she also didn't say it. After recovering from her initial shock of seeing Yan‐ MingXiu, her doubts gradually deepened. After YanMingXiu realized her resistance in delving more into ZhouXi‐ ang's past, he stopped asking and came up with a reason to leave. Immediately after he left, ChenYing and ZhouXiang were left staring at each other speechless.

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At this point, ChenYing's face had no more of the initial excitement; in‐ stead, her expression became depressingly heavy. ZhouXiang carefully tested, "Mom? What's the matter?" ChenYing bit her lips and then resolutely asked, "You and him, what is your relationship?" Even a housewife like her who rarely goes out knows that YanMingXiu's identity is unusual. If it wasn't for any special reason, why would he have the leisure time to come here to visit her? Does she deserve a special visit from such a big shot? No matter how she thought about it, it has to be because of her son. But her son is just an unknown minor actor. What does he have that is worthy for a big star like him make that effort? The more ChenYing thought about it, the more unsightly her expression became and the more worried she is. ZhouXiang was in a daze and for a moment, feeling guilty, "I've told you... he's an investor in a movie that I have a supporting role." "You are just a minor supporting role, why should he give you a ride home? Even if he gave you a ride, why come visit me?" ChenYing changed her usual frailness to suddenly becoming a bit aggressive. ZhouXiang rarely saw ChenYing like this. The first time was when "TanYin" was mentioned. The other time is now. A thought gradually formed in his mind. He calmed down and explained, "We get along well, that's all there is." ChenYing obviously didn't believe him. With her voice trembling, "Ah Xiang, tell mom the truth. Are you......are you......" ZhouXiang grabbed ChenYing's hand and calmly asked, "Mom, the TanYin you mentioned last time, was he my ex-boyfriend?" ChenYing's expression suddenly turned paled, with her body uncontrol‐ lably shaking, she evaded his gaze, silently confirming. Sure enough, it is what he thought. With TanYin's demonic enchanting appearance, anyone can tell he's GAY at just a glance. Moreover, he still has a lot of skills up his sleeves, knowing how to use himself.

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Combined with ChenYing's reaction and what TanYin had said, ZhouXi‐ ang is sure that TanYin is a couple with the original owner of this body. In the end, the owner of this body could not get popular, but TanYin took the opportunities and the two of them parted ways. These facts in the en‐ tertainment industry are not uncommon. Women could rely on their bod‐ ies to climb up the ladder. Men could also do the same. As a matter of fact, this happens even more than often. Although he was not sure that TanYin was such a person, but after he got popular, he trampled on his old love. So he is definitely capable of this. ChenYing's face became slightly distorted, "Ah Xiang, I know that I can't hide this from you. You told me before that homosexuality is not a disease, that it can't be cured. You said that is a gene a person is innately born with, it's their nature. I used to be against it. I wanted to get rid of that gay gene from your mind. But after you were comatized is when I came to realize that nothing is important. No matter what you are, as long as you are healthy and living, that is most important. So, I...I'm not going to have any objections anymore (of ZhouXiang being gay). I know that if it is really like you said, even if you lost your memories, you would still like a man in the future. But...but Xiao Tan won't do. This child's moral conduct is not good. When he was with you before, he just wanted to be famous. His feelings toward you are not genuine. Mom's just worried that when your career takes flight, you will run into him. I always see him on TV. That child's appearance looks good; he can sweet talk, and knows how to flatter people so everyone is fooled by him. But......you must be careful of him. No matter who you are with, it must not be him." ChenYing said a lot of things. In the end, she was somewhat anxious. Her inner turmoil is all written on her face. ZhouXiang sighed and smiled calmly, "Mom, you're thinking too much. I really don't remember that TanYin. You've said a lot. Even though I don't remember the things from the past, I really don't have feelings for women. But I will remember your words and not get too close to TanYin." He thought, if ChenYing knew that he had already met TanYin, she would be so upset. But this is something he can't hide for long. ChenYing will sooner or later know that he and TanYin are playing sup‐ portive roles for the villain in a movie.

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But, however long he can hide this from her; then let it be. He didn't want to upset ChenYing so soon. ChenYing took a deep breath and said anxiously, "Ah Xiang, that Presi‐ dent Yan..." "Mom, we are definitely not together. There is no such thing. Someone like him, how could he like me? We are just colleagues." Perhaps be‐ cause he was guilty, he said all these words very quickly. Afterwards, he felt that he had over-explained. It is inevitable that he looked like he was trying to mask it. But it is impossible to take back what was said. He felt that although he has no great wisdom, he had always been smart...with the exception of matters relating to YanMingXiu. Only with matters re‐ lating to YanMingXiu would he seem to always be out of control, mak‐ ing him so hopelessly stupid. Sure enough, ChenYing's eyes flashed a trace of blemish. She knew that forcing ZhouXiang is useless so she just said, "Ah Xiang, you are right. It is impossible for someone like him to look upon us with our back‐ grounds. I don't care what's going on with the two of you, but son... you have to remember, you must see clearly into the person's heart. Be smart and don't let people play you." The worry in ChenYing's eyes is quite obvious. This worry stems from a mother who is deeply considerate of her son, regardless of everything else. This made ZhouXiang felt touched. If he can be like any ordinary person, having experienced parents who would warn him a bit, perhaps he may not be so lost. Unfortunately, he did not have that. Furthermore, he sank into a complete mess. While in a daze, ChenYing caressed his face, "Son, mom has no objec‐ tions in you finding a boyfriend. You're also not young. If there is a good boy, you could......bring him back. As long as he has a good character and is dependable, mom won't object." After ChenYing finished saying this, she let out a long sigh. End of the chapter

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Chapter 66 - LanXiRong's Doubts Chapter 66 LanXiRong's Doubts LanXiRong returned to the country. He didn't plan on returning till at least next month, but YanMingXiu's phone call had made him so angry that he changed his schedule. He pushed his work back for a month and came back early. Because YanMingXiu questioned what happened that night, and hearing from his tone, he seem to be implying that LanXiRong self-directed and self-acted the scene from the beginning, making it sound as if he was the actual "thief." Although he refuted loudly with a bunch of reasons but he couldn't hide the fact that he really was the first person to discover the burglary that night. Both CaiWei and YanMingXiu merely heard it from his perspective. Because it was too late that night and most people were already sleeping; even the neighbors couldn't tell if they heard movements from next door. The thief himself didn't leave any concrete traces. All in all, LanXiRong really didn't have anything substantial that he could use to refute Yan‐ MingXiu's claims. When YanMingXiu asked him why he went to ZhouXiang's home, he was honest enough to admit that he was coincidently passing by and just wanted to go and see. YanMingXiu was even less convinced with this explanation but that is the fact. That day he was just driving past on that road; the streets were clean and clear, letting him see the view of the street from his memory. He could recall the many times that he and Xiang Ge bought the (food) ingredients from the supermarket, chatting along the way as they walked step by step on the old floor tiles to ZhouXiang's home, each of these steps were deeply imprinted in his heart. When he regained his senses, he had already unconsciously driven to the neighborhood.

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He still remembered the longing and sorrow he felt as he looked up at the windows of ZhouXiang's home from downstairs. He hoped that the light would be on so that he could just go up and knock on the door. The man would appear in front of him as usual, gently smiling and calling him "XiRong." This relationship (T/N) of his that is filled with ignorance and unsettling factors had never even started. Even he himself had his doubts and con‐ fusion (about the relationship). But all this had completely ended with ZhouXiang's accident. T/N: the relationship LanXiRong is referring to is the romantic "love" re‐ lationship he wanted with ZhouXiang. He would never forget how he felt that day when he received the call (of ZhouXiang's accident) from CaiWei. The pain was so excruciating that he didn't know what to do. He cried for a long time, locking himself in his room refusing to see anyone for several days. He really couldn't ac‐ cept it. This person was perfectly fine. He had just talked to him on the phone and now he's gone. He had completely disappeared from this world; even his body couldn't be found. In the beginning, he still held onto the delusion, hoping that the search and rescue team could find ZhouXiang. Maybe he was just trapped and still alive. But a week passed. Then two weeks passed. Under Yan‐ MingXiu's frantic persistence, the search and rescue team searched for more than a month but still could not find a trace. In the end, everyone gave up hope. Only YanMingXiu madly and stub‐ bornly insisted that ZhouXiang is not dead. Because his body is not found; he must still be alive. At that time, LanXiRong felt for the first time that there really were true feelings between YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang. Moreover, it was much deeper than he imagined, so deep that it devastated YanMingXiu to the point that he (YanMingXiu) changed completely. It was as if his former self has been completely destroyed by this accident.

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He (LanXiRong) couldn't hate anyone. He could only frantically leave to hide abroad; or else he'd reminisced of their past memories (between him and ZhouXiang). Until now, he finally could calmly face the fact that ZhouXiang had died. Only now, did he dared to try to enter ZhouXiang's home in the dead of night to look at the things that he was familiar with and to reminisce about the person he once really liked. It was only until this day that he finally dared. But he didn't expect that he would actually run into a thief. He really didn't know whether he was furious or fortunate. At least, he prevented the thief from taking away many of the things left by ZhouXiang. He had also been paying attention to the progression of the case during this time. It's just that he couldn't communicate directly with Yan‐ MingXiu. He could only get some of the information through CaiWei so he knew very little. So it's actually good that he's coming back at this time. Otherwise, this matter would be on his mind and he will always be bothered by it. CaiWei sent someone to the airport to pick him up and also called him to discuss his new music MV. He also asked if he would be starting to film once he returned because President Wang had personally promised to ar‐ range for ZhouXiang to be the second actor in the MV. CaiWei would have to coordinate the two sides as soon as he discussed it over with LanXiRong. LanXiRong discussed it with his assistant and agreed. When CaiWei mentioned the name ZhouXiang, LanXiRong is a bit stunned. Although he knew that (younger) ZhouXiang was not (older) ZhouXiang, but this name had a huge effect on him, he couldn't calmly face it. ZhouXiang, who used to get paid based on the time that he worked, has now become a busy man. His "schedule" will also need to be vetted out. For example, the filming progress of the movie slightly clashed with the filming of LanXiRong's MV, especially if they have to go to GuiZhou to shoot a specific scene next month. This scene is one of the most pivotal scenes for the plot of the story. He'd have to stay for at least half a month. 483

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After discussing with CaiWei, he decided to finish filming the MV be‐ fore he leaves. LanXiRong's schedule was also very tight. He had no rea‐ son to wait for ZhouXiang. At the same time, ZhouXiang didn't want to miss this opportunity. Now that ZhouXiang officially signed a contract with JuXing, JuXing will start to train him as an artist. Although ZhouXiang always felt that he was not the same caliber but with CaiWei's help and being taken un‐ der LanXiRong's wing, it would not be a problem for him to make a liv‐ ing being a stuntman or an actor. He also didn't have to report to work from 9-5 and don't have to do other side jobs. His income would also be much higher than before. Compared to the deal with YanMingXiu, he certainly wanted to make money on his own. However, he is not a materialistic person so if it could be like how it was before (before he died), it is fine with him. Too much fame is a burden. Although he has money in his hands, he didn't dare to be careless. Ure‐ mia is really an illness where money is thrown into a bottomless pit. ChenYing's health had not been good. Having long-term depression with frugal living had made her body frail and weak. Now that she's seriously ill, it nearly destroyed her. In less than a month, they have already spent tens of thousands of yuan. Just medicines and nutrients cost a few thou‐ sands. ZhouXiang did a rough calculation, with each month's rent, water, electricity, food, doctor visits, and caretaker, the family's monthly ex‐ penses almost totaled ¥20,000. ZhouXiang is now scared of spending money. But right now, he is still planning on buying a car, otherwise it would be too inconvenient to come and go. With the ¥370,000 debt, he dared not to pay it off all once because he feared that people would be suspicious. But this amount must be reserved. Calculating it like this, there are many areas that needed to spend money. The two million is like an hourglass, it may not be enough for a few years. ZhouXiang used to make at least ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 a month. Although this is not considered to be much in Beijing, he only had to support him‐ self. He didn't really save money nor could he save money. He did buy a lot of insurances so even if he got sick, he was not afraid. As a result, he had never learned to spend money carefully. He spent whatever he 484

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earned. Even though his savings were small but he didn't have any sense of crisis. However, now that he has so much money in his hands, he didn't dare to casually spend it. Every yuan needed to be meticulously calculated be‐ fore spending. ZhouXiang felt that since his rebirth, his personality had changed so much that he's even unfamiliar with the current him. After filming the scene as WangYuDong's stuntman in the morning, he quickly grabbed a box lunch and rushed to LanXiRong's MV location. By the time he got there, it was almost 2 o'clock. If it wasn't because WangYuDong, YanMingXiu, and that scheming TanYin not showing up today, ZhouXiang believed it would definitely be impossible to finish filming in the morning. The filming location was at a school. When he arrived, most of the staff had arrived except for LanXiRong. ZhouXiang first went to talk to the director and the producer. He had been too busy lately. Shooting this MV was a last minute deci‐ sion. ZhouXiang didn't even look at the script. It was simply a short MV without any scripted lines so it's not late to be looking at the script now. His role in the MV is the main actor's -- and that is LanXiRong -- roman‐ tic rival to fight for a girl. This MV is more focused on the campus school life. He had to dress up as a rascal and smash a beer bottle on LanXiRong's head. Right after ZhouXiang read the script, he is speechless. Maybe it was to please the younger fans so the theme song was actually designed for such a melodramatic plot. What made him quite embarrassed was that LanXiRong is only 24 years old this year and has a trademark baby face. The actress who plays the leading role is not even 20 years old. For these two to be acting in a cam‐ pus school life themed MV is definitely not a problem, but for ZhouXi‐ ang, he is almost 27 years old and not particularly young. He thought if President Wang knew of the content of this MV, he would not have agreed for him to be in it.

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Sure enough, when the director and the producer saw him, it was obvious that they weren't too satisfied and felt that ZhouXiang was not young enough. But at this crunching crucial moment, they couldn't object. So they had him quickly get dressed up for the role. ZhouXiang looked at the script while getting his makeup on. When he was done with the makeup, the effect was very good. He looked a few years younger, exuding confidence, making him look quite handsome. The director found several peons as followers for this rascal role, they were changing their clothes. At this time, LanXiRong slowly arrived. As soon as he entered the door, he saw ZhouXiang wearing a white col‐ lared shirt with three open buttons, his hair gelled high up, and a BandAid on his face practicing a grin in front of the mirror. The afternoon sun protruded through the big windows into the classroom, putting on a layer of pale yellow glow to ZhouXiang's entire body. In that moment, LanXiRong is stunned. He seemed to see a very familiar person standing not far away, at a distance that is within his reach. If he was to just take a step forward, he would be able to firmly grasp this per‐ son. A loud shout instantly pulled LanXiRong back to reality. He dazedly stared at the ZhouXiang in front of him. Did he see clearly? This is clearly (younger) ZhouXiang and not that one (older ZhouXiang). This made him feel such bitter hatred. ZhouXiang also turned around and greeted LanXiRong. LanXiRong was still watching him with a look that ZhouXiang couldn't comprehend. The producer ran over and urged, "XiRong, go change. We'll shoot a scene first and check to see the result."

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LanXiRong shook his head to get himself out of that depressive mood and walked toward the other classroom. When LanXiRong finished with his dress-up, he walked back to the classroom set. ZhouXiang is shooting a scene where he is bullying the classmates in the classroom. Although it is the first time that he acted in such a little kid role, he did it well. After filming the scene in the classroom, they moved the shooting loca‐ tion to the outside corridor to shoot a scene where ZhouXiang would be leading a bunch of peons with brooms to chase after the male lead. Since the director was not satisfied with the few takes, he told them to run again and again while LanXiRong acted with the heroine inside the classroom. When LanXiRong finished shooting, he went to the corridor to watch ZhouXiang's progress. On one side, the movie camera's displayed screen was repeatedly playing ZhouXiang's chasing scene. "I think that this take, it's good here and he's not blocked. You could see that his back is exposed." "But a person had run out of the scene. I still think that the fourth take is better..." While the director and the producer were discussing, LanXiRong's eyes were suddenly focused on the screen in the display. He walked over step by step, with his eyes staring at the back view of a person running fast on the screen. It made him feel strangely familiar. Where had he seen it before? He must've seen it somewhere. At first, he felt that because this ZhouXiang's figure is similar to Xiang Ge so their back views are somewhat similar. But having similarities of the back views with somebody else is not particularly hard to find, it's just that this scene made LanXiRong feel familiar, not only the back but also running motions.....

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Where exactly had it seen it before? Why did he care so much about this scene? He desperately tried hard to recall. It's really weird. Where had he seen this running back view? A flash of light dawned on LanXiRong and his expression suddenly changed. He suddenly remembered that day at ZhouXiang's home when he ran into that thief. That panically fleeing back view coincided with this run‐ ning back came to his mind. It looks so similar! After being shocked for a brief moment, LanXiRong immediately felt that this must be just a coincidence. It should just be two similar backs that happen to look very much alike. This ZhouXiang has a legitimate career and income. He couldn't possibly be connected to the thief. No matter how the average person looks at it, they would not connect these two totally unrelated things together. LanXiRong felt that he must have been too exhausted recently and had too many things on his mind so it is running wildly. One can't say that it's highly questionable just from have similar back views. Even though this ZhouXiang's back and Xiang Ge's back are very simi‐ lar; and from the moment he saw this person, this person had given him a sense of familiarity, making him want to delve further in understanding him, he was worried too much will instead make him uncertain on what to do next. He felt that his person really has fate with Xiang Ge. This is the only rea‐ son he could think of. ----After work is over, most people had already left. Since there were less people around, LanXiRong took this time to walk over to ZhouXiang and asked, "Are you free after work? Wanna come have a drink with me?"

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LanXiRong's heart swelled. Although he believed that this ZhouXiang would not be the thief, he still wanted to confirm something. After he said it, he regretted it a bit but he felt that if this person (ZhouXiang) dis‐ agrees, he still would not give up. ZhouXiang is also stunned. He then smiled, "Fine ah, but how come you wanted to drink with me? I am not too sure." Can't blame him for sus‐ pecting people. In reality, he didn't know why LanXiRong did this since he felt that he had nothing worthy for LanXiRong to be interested in. "No particular reason. We're from the same company. Moreover, you and Wei Ge's relationship is not bad. I've already called him. He'll come in a little bit." ZhouXiang heaved a sigh of relief. It turned out that he was thinking too much. "Ok. Let's go. I haven't drink in a long time. Wei Ge's alcohol tolerance is pretty good. We'll definitely enjoy tonight." ZhouXiang expressed a boldly spirited expression, but deep down he was a bit worried. Although he is not afraid of LanXiRong but CaiWei's alcohol tolerance is better than his. He couldn't beat CaiWei in drinking so he is afraid that he would inadvertently say the wrong things after drinking too much. He sat in LanXiRong's car to go to the bar. CaiWei was already there waiting for them. He also brought Ah Liu with him as well. The two had a table of liquor waiting for them. When ZhouXiang saw the liquor, he grumbled within his heart. It's easy for CaiWei to not drink, but when he does, he'd go all out in getting the others drunk. Just as Ah Liu was drinking and howling as he sang, the three of them just chatted. Fortunately, it was just gossiping about work related mat‐ ters, nothing important. After some unknown time, ZhouXiang really couldn't drink anymore. LanXiRong is very smart. He knew that his alcohol tolerance wasn't good so he would sometimes trick CaiWei or have even have him (ZhouXiang) drink for him. LanXiRong could do this but he (ZhouXi‐

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ang) couldn't. He really couldn't learn LanXiRong's seemingly spoiled but serious tone and attitude, making it difficult for people to refuse him. After a few rounds, LanXiRong didn't drink much but CaiWei was still urging them. He (ZhouXiang) was almost to the point where he couldn't take anymore (liquor). The music in the room along with Ah Liu's howls and screams continu‐ ously got louder and louder. Just when the noise is piercing his ears, ZhouXiang didn't know how, but he could still hear his own cellphone ringing. He still wasn't drunk but he felt very dizzy. He suddenly remembered that he didn't tell his mother that he would be home late. It was almost twelve o'clock now. His mother is definitely worried. He quickly pulled out his cellphone, but his hand trembled and the cell‐ phone fell to the ground. ZhouXiang was about to pick it up but his body wobbled and he fell into LanXiRong's arms. In this reeking of alcohol environment, a refreshing smell drifted into his nose, making him sobered up a bit. LanXiRong patted his back, "Don't move. You can't reach it. I'll pick it up for you." LanXiRong bent down and picked up the phone from under the coffee table. The phone is very durable. It didn't suffer any impact and was still ringing. LanXiRong inadvertently glanced at the screen and saw three characters, "YanMing-Xiu". LanXiRong is momentarily stunned. He knew that the two had collabo‐ rated but they are already close to the point where they would call each other at midnight? ZhouXiang still thought that it was his mother. He reached for the cell phone without thinking, "Hello, Mom......" YanMingXiu creased his brows, "You're drinking?" "Huh?" ZhouXiang didn't react for a long time. The first thing he real‐ ized was not YanMingXiu calling him but that his stomach was being compressed. It turned out that he was still slumped on top of

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LanXiRong's thighs. LanXiRong's knees are on his stomach. He mut‐ tered as he crawled up, "Hello?" "ZhouXiang!" YanMingXiu said in a heavy tone, "Where are you?" "At XX." "With who?" "With Wei Ge and them." ZhouXiang drank some water to make himself more sober, "President Yan, is there something?" This 'President Yan', no one heard it in such an environment. Only LanXiRong knew who the other person is as he continued to stare at ZhouXiang. "Hello? Go to a quiet place!" YanMingXiu displeasingly scolded. ZhouXiang could only pull himself up and wobbled to the bathroom to talk. At the same time, he called out, "Ah Liu! Ah Liu! Lower your voice." After he said that, he held onto the wall and walked into the bath‐ room. "Hello, President Yan, can you hear me now?" Just when he wanted to close the door, he felt some resistance. When he turned around, he saw LanXiRong holding the bathroom door, squeezing in with him and slammed the door shut, closing off most of the noise from outside. ZhouXiang looked at him in surprise. With a blank expression, LanXiRong grabbed the phone from ZhouXi‐ ang's hand and said coldly, "YanMingXiu, I'm LanXiRong, we're drink‐ ing now. ZhouXiang drank too much. You could call him another day." YanMingXiu was startled for half a second, gritting his teeth, "Surname Lan, why the fuck can't you just go away?" He hung up the phone after saying that. By this time, ZhouXiang also grabbed his phone, screaming, "XiRong, what are you doing!"

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LanXiRong didn't know what he was thinking. It was as if he hated for YanMingXiu getting close to 'ZhouXiang,' even if this is just a person with the same name. End of the chapter

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Chapter 67 - Don't Forget Who You Belong To Chapter 67 -- Don't Forget Who You Belong To After YanMingXiu hung up, the atmosphere of the two people in the bathroom is a bit tensed. ZhouXiang stuffed his cell phone into his pocket and looked at LanXiRong with an inquiring expression, asking his meaning behind do‐ ing that. After all, it is his cell phone and his own personal matters. Al‐ though LanXiRong has a lot of grievances against YanMingXiu, it has nothing to do with him. So him doing that is all too strange. LanXiRong's face revealed a trace of embarrassment as he awkwardly responds, "I saw that you couldn't even stand up so I was just being nice in helping you answer your phone." After saying that, his eyes drifted to the side. ZhouXiang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Even if he were to blame LanXiRong, nothing would have happened, so he simply pushed him away, opened the bathroom door and walked out. CaiWei glanced at them strangely, then immediately mocked, "Fuck, how old are you guys to still be pissing together...done comparing (dick size)? Who's bigger?" LanXiRong smiled as he responded, "Wei Ge, can you not be so vulgar. ZhouXiang left to answer the phone. The bathroom is slippery. I was just afraid that he would slip." That sounded a bit convincing. ZhouXiang's steps were a bit wobbly. ZhouXiang is too lazy to say anything else as he sat on the sofa and waved at CaiWei, "Wei Ge, I can't drink anymore, really can't drink any‐ more. Give... my mom a call. That I'm busy....really... make up an excuse to let her know that I won't be going home tonight."

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He's so drunk that his mom would be taking care of him instead of rest‐ ing. He just won't go back today and instead planned on going to the condo that YanMingXiu gave him. CaiWei took his phone and drank a mouthful of water to make his voice sound less drunk. Then he walked out, intending to go to a quiet place outside to make the call. ZhouXiang was so drunk that he was a bit lazy to even move. His eyes blurred seeing various blending colors on the LCD TV screen that is sup‐ posedly showing videos of love songs, but it paused in his mind. The lyrics and melody are out of tune, making it sounded like a sad song. Maybe because he had drank too much or perhaps he had held it in for too long, ZhouXiang has an unspeakable impulse at this time to vent all the secrets buried within himself. He is too tired to keep hiding. It's too troubling. He really wanted to tell everyone. Then, he wouldn't have to keep these secrets. Unfortunately, he didn't dare. LanXiRong saw that he wasn't looking normal so he opened a bottle of mineral water and put it on his lips. "ZhouXiang, are you okay? Drink some water." ZhouXiang took the bottle and carelessly poured it in his mouth but most of the water spilled all over the front of his shirt. "Fuck," ZhouXiang angrily swore as he patted the water on his lapel. LanXiRong sighed and grabbed the bottle of mineral water in his hand and put it aside, then took out some tissue to help him wipe. Although the heating in the bar is very good, wearing a long-sleeved shirt is even a bit hot, but as soon as they go outside, the chilly air from the blowing cold wind is guaranteed to make the scalp go numb, let alone that ZhouXiang had wet the front of his shirt and pants. LanXiRong wiped him a few times but seeing that the tissue paper on his clothes did not wipe any water away, he felt that this is not going to work. His clothes was soaked against his chest, it's definitely uncomfort‐

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able so he suggested, "Why don't you take off your top and put on my sweater. I have a shirt inside." ZhouXiang kept pulling the front of his shirt to prevent it from sticking to his chest. Looking at LanXiRong's clothes, he nodded to agree. LanXiRong took off the outer sweater and threw it to him. "Go put it on in the bathroom." ZhouXiang grabbed the sweater and wobbled as he tried to stand up. But his legs went soft and he suddenly fell back. Ah Liu teased him, "Why bother to go to the bathroom, just change here. There are no girls here and even if there is, it's not a big deal. Ah Xiang has a great body ah, come on, show it off, satisfy these dudes' cravings." Since Ah Liu had gotten to known him, he spoke more and more without reservations. His words have always tinged with a bit of vulgarity so ZhouXiang had gotten used to it. ZhouXiang smiled, "Looking is no problem, but that'll cost ¥100 for each look and I only take cash." After he finished talking, he reached out to unbutton his shirt. Ah Liu hollered on the side, singing a little pornographic song with no idea where he learned that from. ZhouXiang quickly took off his wet shirt. Then wiped the front of his chest with a paper towel and put on LanXiRong's cashmere sweater. His body suddenly felt a lot more comfortable. At this time, CaiWei came back. His expression looking a bit strange. ZhouXiang took his phone back and asked, "What happened?" CaiWei sat to his side and looked at him deeply, "You and YanMingXiu are very close?" ZhouXiang's heart jumped. Did CaiWei saw his text message? But he didn't say anything to YanMingXiu in the text message. CaiWei responded, "He just called and said that he is coming to pick you up." 495

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ZhouXiang is startled. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. LanXiRong heard it on the side and narrowed his eyes, pretending to in‐ advertently ask, "I can just take you back. Why bother for him to make a trip just to come get you?" ZhouXiang half-heartedly responded, "Oh, I've just realized that I have to go to the set tomorrow. He might have been afraid that I would delay the progress. I ... I'll go out to give him a call." CaiWei pulled him, "Don't need to call him. He's very close to the Worker's Stadium and will be here very soon." ZhouXiang's expression changed slightly. He's worried that if Yan‐ MingXiu came over, their relationship would be exposed. If it was some‐ one else, that would have been fine. But he definitely didn't want to ever let CaiWei know about it. CaiWei had repeatedly warned him to not get too close to YanMingXiu, but he already...he really don't want to see Cai‐ Wei's disappointment in him. ZhouXiang stood up unsteadily, "I...I'll just make a call, tell him not to come, waste of time..." He grabbed his phone and walked out of the private room and started to dial YanMingXiu's number, but YanMingXiu didn't pick up. He thought... would YanMingXiu be angry? After all, he and LanXiRong never got along before. He even hung up the phone immediately. ZhouXiang fiercely bumped his head twice against the wall to try and force himself to be a bit sober. He has to think of what to say later so that other people won't be able to see anything wrong. When he returned to the private room, CaiWei and Ah Liu were still drinking. Ah Liu has always been simple-minded and didn't think much of anything but the other three people all had apprehensions on their minds. After about ten minutes, the door of the private room was suddenly opened and the four people all turned their heads to see YanMingXiu wearing a heavy coat standing in the doorway looking quite worn out.

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The lights in the hall came in through the door, forming a circle of back‐ lighting on his body. They seem to be able to see the chilliness exuded all around his body. YanMingXiu immediately saw ZhouXiang's drunken flushed face. LanXiRong sat still and just looked at him coldly. No matter how much CaiWei hated YanMingXiu, on the surface he can't offend him. Seeing that no one spoke, he might as be the first one to say something. "President Yan, you're here, that's really fast." YanMingXiu went over and slammed the TV off. The singing noise in the box room disappeared instantly. Most of the noisy music from out‐ side is isolated so now the quietness in this box room is a bit strange. YanMingXiu pointed to ZhouXiang and said with gloomy face, "Get up, I'll take you back." ZhouXiang could only say to the other people, "I still have to go to the set tomorrow. I'll leave first. You guys continue." Then he deliberately said to YanMingXiu, "President Yan, will have to trouble you." He supported himself with the table wanting to stand up. YanMingXiu immediately grabbed his arm, pulling his entire person up. YanMingXiu's expression looked unsightly; so much that anyone with eyes could tell. If it is only because of the hostility between him and LanXiRong, many people in the circle already knew that so it's not at all surprising. However since YanMingXiu came in, his eyes were not on LanXiRong. Adding on, there was no confrontation between the two so YanMingXiu's chilling attitude is really baffling. ZhouXiang grabbed his coat and put it on. He swiftly took his shirt and quickly took a few steps, turning back to the three people to awkwardly excuse himself. Then, he was firmly pulled out by YanMingXiu. Ah Liu didn't know too much of the details so he didn't give it too much thought but LanXiRong and CaiWei are different. The two of them

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looked at each other, their expressions a bit complicated. After YanMingXiu shoved ZhouXiang into the car, he was in no hurry to drive, but grimly asked, "Whose clothes are you wearing?" ZhouXiang stared blankly, "Why?" "Is it LanXiRong's?" There was no need to talk about the wet top in ZhouXiang hands. Yan‐ MingXiu is very familiar with the cashmere sweater that he is wearing. He remembered that a sponsor had just sent him a book of a batch of clothes last week. The cashmere sweater and the shirt inside were set. He had ordered a set and had just received it yesterday but hasn't had the time to wear it. ZhouXiang is wearing the cashmere sweater of this set, while LanXiRong wore the matching shirt. Even though he could guess that ZhouXiang changed into it because his own top got wet, still his heart felt annoyed to the extremes. He hated LanXiRong. He felt that the reason he and (older) ZhouXiang had gotten to this point definitely involved this bastard, LanXiRong. Anyone who lusts after his things should die, regardless how much this (younger) ZhouXiang actually weighs in his heart, he will not let his things touch the slightest breath of LanXiRong. He said bluntly, "Stay away from surname Lan in the future, I hate him." ZhouXiang is silent. Hearing this sounded all too familiar. YanMingXiu saw that he didn't talk and thought that he wasn't happy. He turned and gripped ZhouXiang's chin with his hand and said expression‐ lessly, "Don't forget who you fucking belong to. Don't piss me off." Under the dim light, only ZhouXiang's bleak smile is visible as he faintly uttered, "President Yan... whatever you say, I'll definitely obey. I, ZhouXiang certainly won't forget that it is you who owns me." End of the chapter

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Chapter 68 - Calling Out ZhouXi‐ ang's Name Chapter 68 -- Calling Out ZhouXiang's Name ZhouXiang is lying on the passenger seat, with his body gently rising and falling from the car's forward movements. Under the influence of al‐ cohol, his sense of consciousness continuously slipped in and out of his mind. Sometimes he'd open his eyes and didn't know where he's at; at times he's in a daze. Half consciously, he was pulled out of the car by YanMingXiu. He could feel the elevator going up the floors. He knew they had gotten to their place. YanMingXiu put him in the guest room downstairs. ZhouXiang flopped himself onto the bed, his mouth making mumbling sounds that can't be understood. YanMingXiu was so exhausted that he was sweating profusely. He re‐ moved his coat and went to pat ZhouXiang's cheeks, "Get up to take a shower." ZhouXiang looked at him with his eyes half-squinted, "No...shower, gonna sleep." "Get up. You stink." YanMingXiu can't stand the smell of him and hated that he was wearing LanXiRong's clothes. Even if he was raising a dog, it should be wearing clothes according to his preferences. He hauled ZhouXiang out of bed, dragging him up at the same time pulling off his sweater and then furiously throwing the sweater onto the floor in disgust. ZhouXiang was a little impatient and said boldly, "President Yan, can you just let me sleep?" His eyelids are battling to stay open.

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YanMingXiu pulled him up unwaveringly, "No, go wash up." As he was saying this, he was holding him and dragging him to the bathroom, "I'm warning you, if you're drunk like this again in the future, I'm going to throw you out the street." ZhouXiang snorted, "Didn't tell you to pick me up." Maybe because the liquor gave him courage, all of ZhouXiang words were scolding him, making YanMingXiu extremely livid. He's always been disgusted with people who get badly drunk. They stink horribly and their minds would become retarded, not to mention that they would speak rudely. He grabbed the shower head and turned the water faucet, spraying the water above ZhouXiang's head. But he forgot that the hot water wouldn't come so quickly. The first thing that sprayed out of the shower-head was cold water making ZhouXiang angrily scream out as he subconsciously used his arms to block it. With this block, the shower-head was knocked to the ground, the water sprayed all over the place and all over them. YanMingXiu suppressed himself from shouting but the water on the skin was really uncomfortable. ZhouXiang bent down to try and pick it up. YanMingXiu lowered to turn off the faucet but the two men collided with a loud bang and both fell to the ground. ZhouXiang was already wobbly from his drunken state. This time, his entire person fell on top of YanMingXiu. He wasn't able to get up even after trying several times. YanMingXiu's heart pounded erratically again. His heart is shouting a person's name. As he's holding this person in his arms, the familiar weight, the familiar scent and even the familiar feeling of this person's hair made him return to the crazy things that he did with ZhouXiang three years ago. All of it is so vivid in his mind. The shower-head had already started spraying out hot water, soaking both of their clothes. ZhouXiang tried strenuously to prop himself up. He

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looked at YanMingXiu's deeply dark eyes. YanMingXiu is also looking at him. No...those passionate eyes were def‐ initely not looking at him, but at somebody else through him. He drank a lot but he is more sensitive than ever. ZhouXiang moved a little bit and felt that he's become hard. It has been half a year since he was reborn. He has not had any sexual activities dur‐ ing this entire time. It can be said that since his sexual experience in his teens, there has never been more than half a year gap that he didn't have sex. It's not that he didn't want to but he just didn't have the energy or time. When one is under dire economic pressure, his mind would be fully con‐ centrated on making money instead. He didn't have leisure time to be thinking about sex. So when he was tightly pressed onto YanMingXiu's lower body, he was not at all surprised that he had a reaction. He was originally extremely mesmerized by YanMingXiu, not to men‐ tion that he is a normal man after all. He craved for uninhibited intense sex, extremely craved for it. YanMingXiu also felt ZhouXiang's manhood pressing against him. It is very hot and very hard. YanMingXiu got a bit agitated. ZhouXiang's re‐ action is actually faster than him. Who is really satisfying who? ZhouXiang revealed a shallow smile, "President Yan, don't you want to enjoy your purchased goods (offering himself)? YanMingXiu responded hoarsely, "You're very skilled, how many (guys) have you been with?" "Don't remember. I had a concussion. Don't remember anything from the past." Although this is only the half the truth, ZhouXiang sincerely hoped that this is true. Sometimes, being able to forget is one of the greatest abilities. YanMingXiu watched him for a few seconds, then grabbed the showerhead and sprayed it down his head. ZhouXiang closed his eyes and didn't dodge; he was too lazy to move.

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After a while, he felt the hot water disappeared. He was hauled up by YanMingXiu and thrown onto the bed. When YanMingXiu grabbed his shoulder to flip him over, he willingly complied by turning to his back. He didn't need YanMingXiu to remind him. He knew what he was (WangYuDong's substitute). YanMingXiu removed their wet clothes. The heating in the room is suffi‐ cient. The two people didn't feel cold but neither of their hearts are warm. YanMingXiu pressed his head and forced him to lift his butt. ZhouXiang heard YanMingXiu say very clearly, "Don't turn your head around... don't make a sound." ZhouXiang didn't even hum a sound. In fact, compared to the fool that he was before, he felt a lot happier with this relationship that they have now is clear. Nothing but fuck buddies. All other feelings are utterly non‐ sense. YanMingXiu's hastily expanded his hole a bit and then roughly thrust his cock in. ZhouXiang felt immense pain but he didn't say anything. If he treated this relationship between him and YanMingXiu as a business transaction, then satisfying the customer's needs is the most basic principle. He is familiar with the frequency of YanMingXiu's thrusts, familiar with his strength and taste, familiar with everything of this person in bed and in his livelihood. So he (ZhouXiang) tried to find his own pleasure and release in this unilateral venting sex. He really didn't need to make it hard on himself. YanMingXiu's movements were getting stronger and more rigorous. ZhouXiang felt groggy, though he was still quite drunk. He is on the verge of collapse and losing his consciousness. Everything in front of him is no longer clear, even the noise sounding in his ears are surely also hallucinations because YanMingXiu would certainly not call out 'ZhouX‐ iang' when making love. It didn't seem like he did before so how could he now?

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He must have fainted a long ago. Otherwise why would he have such in‐ tense illusion. Sexual and alcohol stimulation brought him to the pinnacle of his climax. His entire person felt as if he is floating in soft silk but also struggling in the hot river. All the sensory stimuli suddenly seemed far yet near, seemed real yet fake, causing him to almost forget who he is. "ZhouXiang...ZhouXiang..." Is someone calling him? That voice seems to be crying(T/N). Crying because he died? How sorry I am for making people sad even af‐ ter death. T/N: YanMingXiu did actually call out for ZhouXiang and cried during this unilateral venting sex but ZhouXiang thought he was hallucinating. His body is intolerably numb that it felt like he is in paradise in one sec‐ ond and hell the next second. How long will this continuous torturous desire last? ZhouXiang? He is not ZhouXiang. No... he is ZhouXiang. Who is ZhouXiang? Is he ZhouXiang? Which ZhouXiang is he? It gradually became dark in front of his eyes. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 69 - Asking About the Accident ⦘

Chapter 69 - Asking About the Accident ZhouXiang slept for more than ten hours. When he woke up, the sun was soon to set. It's not that he had enough sleep but he woke up mainly needing to pee. He shook his throbbing head and got down from the bed. Once his foot landed on the ground, his legs went soft. If it wasn't for his hands hold‐ ing the bed supporting him, he would have definitely fallen to the ground. The aching pain in a specific lower area of his body embarrassingly re‐ minded him of what happened last night. With much difficulty, ZhouXiang propped up his body and wobbled to the bathroom, and cleaned himself thoroughly. The house is very quiet. YanMingXiu had left at some time ago. ZhouXi‐ ang got dressed and walked out of the room holding his waist. Looking at the clock, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. He suddenly remembered that he should call ChenYing. He dialed her phone. At this time, ChenYing is doing dialysis at the hos‐ pital. Immediately after picking up the call, she complained, "How could you just be calling now? I've called you several times this morning. I know that your work is busy but you should have the time to pick up a phone call right? Mom would worry." ZhouXiang remorsefully apologized, "I'll for sure call you ahead of time if I'm not coming home in the future." "Then are you coming back today?" "Today..." ZhouXiang is momentarily astounded. Should he ask Yan‐ MingXiu first? This big boss obviously needs him to be available at all

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times. He thought about it. "If I don't have anything to do tonight, I'll definitely be back." His answer is the equivalent to not saying anything. ChenYing ended the call disappointedly. After ZhouXiang hung up the phone, he felt hungry so he made a bowl of noodles for himself and ate it in the empty room. Although he was drunk last night, he could actually still remember many details. It's just that YanMingXiu's somewhat brutal actions made him feel very unfamiliar. He seemed to have been able to feel the despair vented from YanMingXiu's body, this feeling affecting him inch by inch, making him fall into a kind of inexplicable madness. YanMingXiu really has changed a lot. But hasn't he also? Time...can re‐ ally change a person completely. Even after he finished eating, YanMingXiu still hasn't called. ZhouXiang didn't think that there would be anything going on today so he got dressed and returned home. After going home, he accompanied ChenY‐ ing for a while. Then he went into the room to rest. He still had a hang‐ over. His head is throbbing. Since he didn't have to do any filming today, he must get a good rest. Not long after lay down, his cell phone rang. At first glance it was a strange number. He hesitated before connecting the call. A strange voice sounded, "Hello, is this ZhouXiang?" ZhouXiang pondered a bit. It seems to be TanYin. He pretended to not hear him since he didn't want to have any association with this man, "That's me, may I ask who this is?" The phone on the other line suddenly paused and then made a dissatis‐ factory 'squeaky' sound, "You really can't tell? Or you're being deliber‐ ate?" ZhouXiang didn't say anything even though he was a bit impatient.

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TanYin felt that it was no fun and helplessly responded, "It's me TanYin." "Oh, hello." TanYin awkwardly responded, "We're hanging out. Why don't you come join us? Ah Wu and Xiao Cai are here." "I don't know these people." "You know them before." "I don't know them now." "What's wrong with coming out to get to know them then?" TanYin is a bit displeased, "Come out, everyone wants to see you." ZhouXiang said with patience, "Xiao Tan, I still have to go to the set to‐ morrow. I'm very tired today. I need to rest. The people that you men‐ tioned, I really don't know them. If they really wanted to see me, I be‐ lieve that the two years that I was in the hospital, it wouldn't have been that nobody came to see me. I don't see what the point is now." With these words, TanYin's face changed. The former gentle and even somewhat weak ZhouXiang might really have disappeared. That person will never scold him indirectly like this. ZhouXiang responded, "Let's just leave it at that. You guys enjoy your‐ selves, bye bye." After saying that, he resolutely hung up. He can imagine TanYin being so furious that his head is about to ex‐ plode. This can also be said as helping the original owner of this body and ChenYing vent out a little of their resentment. Although he does not know much, his intuition tells him that this TanYin is an arrogant and pompous person with questionable personality. He definitely gave a lot of pains to the owner of this body. Even though ZhouXiang likes beautiful boys, he likes those that are a bit adorable. It's fine if they are a bit scheming but overly extreme in that re‐ gards is detestable. With his mind heavily in thoughts, ZhouXiang unknowingly fell asleep. 506

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When he got to the set the next day, both YanMingXiu and WangYuDong didn't come, but TanYin had arrived early. When he saw ZhouXiang, he glared at him fiercely. ZhouXiang pretended not to see him and went to get dressed to shoot his scenes. It wasn't until three in the afternoon that the day's work ended. When he packed up ready to leave, the planning coordinator gave him a piece of paper. ZhouXiang glanced at it. It is the schedule for next month's filming loca‐ tion. He is surprised, "Already leaving next week?" The planning coordinator responded, "Yeah, the itinerary is a bit tight, because we want to get it out in time for summer break next year so we have to head to the mountains before it starts to snow." "I see that my scenes aren't starting till the 4th, can I go there a few days later?" "Why?" "My mom's health is not good. It's not convenient for me to out for too long." "That's not going to work ah. There's going to be a specialist who will be taking the crew to the mountains. He can't possibly just go to pick you up separately. But you don't have to worry. After filming your scenes, I'll send you back. Even if it ended early, I've also arranged to have you leave on the same day as YanMingXiu." "Yan .... YanMingXiu is also going?" "Yeah, but his scenes aren't many." ZhouXiang felt a bit troubled. In the wilderness where it's so sparsely populated, these dozens of people seeing each other every day and work‐ ing so closely together, anything odd going on will easily be noticed at a glance. He's worried that his relationship with YanMingXiu would be discovered by people.

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The planning coordinator patted his shoulder, "In short, just get ready in advance." ZhouXiang nodded. Since that night, YanMingXiu had not contacted him. It was as if he has disappeared from his life. Instead, LanXiRong called him twice. The first time was to ask if he had returned home safely that night. The second time was to tell him to come and shoot the MV. The second time ZhouXiang went to shoot the MV, he brought the cash‐ mere sweater that had been cleaned to return it to LanXiRong. Originally this is just a very ordinary move but it gave the crew the impression that their relationship is very good. As such, he received yet another commer‐ cial in the afternoon. ZhouXiang has muddled along and shot several ads, but still none has led to any fame. But after the release of LanXiRong's MV and the film he participated with WangYuDong, he will be a familiar face for some of the viewers. Fame is just a matter of being seen and be known by even more people. As long as there is exposure, how he looks is really not the main point. Letting others mistakenly assume that he has a good relationship with LanXiRong is also a good façade. At least he can slightly touch that limelight. Although he knew that LanXiRong is only being a bit courte‐ ous to him because they are coworkers from the same company and he is giving face to CaiWei. What he didn't know was that the more contact LanXiRong had with him, the more he felt that he has the shadows of (older) ZhouXiang and his expression toward him is becoming more and more strange. Before going to Guizhou for filming, ZhouXiang finally finished shoot‐ ing his scenes for the MV. The day before he left, he received a phone call from YanMingXiu; whom hasn't contacted him for half a month.

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"President Yan," ZhouXiang tried to keep his voice steady even though he felt a little awkward. "Come over, not your place but my home." "Your home?" "Right, you've been here." ZhouXiang still remembered the place where he had taken drunk Yan‐ MingXiu back that time. When he thought of ChenYing's reminder for him to come back home early to eat crabs at night, he couldn't help but sigh. As he was rushing to YanMingXiu's place, he gave ChenYing a call. He got to YanMingXiu's home in less than half an hour. As soon as he en‐ tered the door, he saw YanMingXiu wearing casual home clothes, giving him an indifferent glance, "I have something to ask you." "Oh? Mnnn..President Yan ask." YanMingXiu turned his back and looked out the window. He didn't want ZhouXiang to see his expression. Although he had already forced him‐ self to calm down, he was still afraid of revealing his emotions. His seemingly calm voice slowly uttered. "Let me ask you. Did you have an accident more than two years ago and laid in the hospital for two years?" ZhouXiang is stunned. Is YanMingXiu investigating him? He suppressed the uneasiness in his heart, "Yeah." "What is the specific time of your accident?" YanMingXiu secretly clenched his fist, even though he already knew the date. That is a date he would never forget his entire life but he still wanted to hear it from ZhouXiang's mouth. The anxiety in ZhouXiang's heart is even heavier. "I... I don't remember." "You don't remember? How could you not remember?" "After I woke up, I've lost all my previous memories. I really don't re‐ member." 509

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YanMingXiu suddenly turned around, his expression a bit fierce, "Was it August 13th, X Year?" The shock ZhouXiang's face flashed by. This is also a date he would never forget in his life, because it is the date he 'died.' He has been convinced that because the time of his accident co‐ incided with the exact same time when the original owner of this body got injured, adding on that both of them have the same exact names, so the phenomenon of soul swapping could have occurred. If there must be an explanation, he thinks that the common belief would be that when the King of Hell(T/N) was collecting souls, he ended up collecting the wrong one. Originally, only one of them died (older ZhouXiang). But the King of Hell collected two souls (both ZhouXi‐ angs) so when he later realized that one hadn't yet died (younger ZhouX‐ iang), he released one of them back into the living. But as a result of them having the same exact names, he released the wrong soul back (older ZhouXiang) to the living. So it resulted in today's situation. T/N: According to ideas from Taoism,Buddhism, and traditional Chinese folk religion, after death, the soul will enter Diyu, which is a purgatory that serves to punish and renew spirits in preparation for reincarnation. All will go to Dijyu after death, but the period of time spends there is in‐ definite, depending on severity of the sins one committed. The King of Hell (A Yama king) is the ruler(s) of this place. In this story, ZhouXiang is thinking that King of Hell got the two ZhouXiang's mixed up and sent the dead one (Older) ZhouXiang back to the living instead of the injured younger ZhouXiang. He didn't care what the reason was that cause this situation of today. There is one thing that he is certain, and that is, he does not want to die. He hasn't lived enough. He didn't want to die at all. Even if he was in someone else's body, he wanted to live on. Therefore, he has always been deeply afraid of this matter. Regarding his unusual identity, he was even more reluctant to speak up. He is afraid that once this phenomenon got leaked, the impact to him will be unpre‐ dictable.

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When YanMingXiu looked at him with this distorted expression, he sud‐ denly felt fear. He was afraid that someone would know, especially Yan‐ MingXiu. He forced himself to remain calm. He believes that the average person would not believe in these outrageous things. His greatest reliance is that he and (younger) ZhouXiang are really two completely different people, regardless of how many coincidences there are between them! He pretended not to know and shook his head, "I only know that it was two years ago, specifically at what time? I don't remember. I also didn't ask my mom. I'm afraid that it'll sadden her. President Yan, why do you suddenly care about this?" YanMingXiu's piercing eyes moved back and forth on his face. He is ut‐ terly mystified by ZhouXiang's innocent, calm expression. After all, even he himself didn't know what he is skeptical about. What is this huge suspicion in his heart that is soon to make him collapse? He has no clue at all! End of the chapter

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Chapter 70 - -YanMingXiu Is Skeptical The two people looked at each other like this, both with heavy thoughts weighing on their minds. Without moving or saying anything else, Yan‐ MingXiu tried to probingly see something from ZhouXiang's expression but ZhouXiang's puzzled expression only looked calmly at YanMingXiu. He will never let YanMingXiu discover that he is that (older) ZhouXi‐ ang. He is not willing to let anyone know that that (older) ZhouXiang is alive again and is still walking the same path that he had traveled before. YanMingXiu didn't intend to let him off as he persistently asked, "Don't ask why. What I ask, you answer. Tell me what you know." ZhouXiang decided to be ignorant to the end, "Then ask." "How did you get into an accident?" "My mom said that it was from being crushed by heavy equipment dur‐ ing work." "You used to be a contracted model for JiNian Media. Who have you been in contact with?" "President Yan, I've already said that I lost my memory, I really don't re‐ member." YanMingXiu's face is very unsightly. He wanted to decipher from ZhouXiang's expression whether or not he was speaking the truth. He's always felt that something like memory lost should not have happened to him (ZhouXiang), but the investigation results showed that his symp‐ toms of memory loss are confirmed by the hospital. This person and (older) ZhouXiang have too many similarities and too many coincidences. So much that YanMingXiu definitely didn't believe that all this is absolutely just "coincidences." He felt that there is a thick layer of satin gauze in front of him. If he could open this satin gauze, he 512

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would be able to see the truth. Unfortunately, this is something he's un‐ able to do. This matter has exceeded his imagination. He can't make an effective judgment. He even wondered if he is being delusional from his desperate longing to see ZhouXiang alive. Unwilling to give up, Yan‐ MingXiu persistently asked, "You... did you have any dreams the time you were comatose? Were you conscious?" ZhouXiang shook his head. "Not at all, my memory stopped on the day of my accident." Without any evidence, YanMingXiu can't determine whether or not ZhouXiang is speaking the truth. He's soon to be driven crazy by this strange fantasy in his mind. ZhouXiang once again asked, "President Yan, why are you asking about this?" He could guess that YanMingXiu probably doubted his identity. After all, these coincidences are really strange. But does YanMingXiu's expression have to look so distorted? Perhaps, he felt very unlucky seeing the shadow of a "dead man" in a liv‐ ing person. YanMingXiu was aware that he couldn't get any more concrete answers from him so he just lowered his head in frustration, not giving any re‐ sponse. ZhouXiang merely sat quietly. His many years of acting experience in this career has brought him the benefits of not only being able to support himself, but also a certain level of acting skills. Although the waves in his heart are like the surging tides, as long as he doesn't panic, he could make himself appear calm on the surface. He believes that he can fool people, with the premise that he absolutely not panic. YanMingXiu lifted his head; his voice full of exhaustion, "We're going to GuiZhou tomorrow, are you done packing??" "All done."

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YanMingXiu pointed to his bedroom, "Go and help me pack. The lug‐ gage is on top of the closet." ZhouXiang was eager to leave as quickly as possible. He walked into the bedroom and starts to put a few sets of clothes appropriate to be worn for this season into the luggage. It should be very cold in the mountains so he added a down jacket. After adding the down jacket, he thought that he should also add some warm pants. But he couldn't find the pants where the pajamas are placed. This closet has three levels, all crowded with clothes. If one isn't familiar, it would not be easy to find anything. He gave up his plan in asking YanMingXiu about this and instead went to look for it himself. He looked around but still couldn't find it so he pulled out a drawer that seems to be for underwear. Inside the drawer, there were also some accessories. A small black box caught his attention. He hesitantly picked up the box and gently opened it. Inside is a pair of diamond cuff-links. He had gifted this to YanMingXiu. He used to like giving small gifts to the boys he's dating, but it was never too expensive. He was not a wealthy person and didn't have the money to be extravagant. It was just a gift coming from his heart. This pair of dia‐ mond cuff-links cost him more than ¥20,000 at the time and is the most expensive gift he had ever given. He never thought that such a thing would please YanMingXiu. But he just thought it (the gift) wouldn't be worthy of YanMingXiu if he didn't give him something good. In the end, the thing that he thought was good didn't even catch Yan‐ MingXiu's attention at the time. He was upset at himself for spending the money on it. He didn't expect that YanMingXiu would bring it here. Doesn't this mean that YanMingXiu actually liked this thing (diamond cuff-links) a bit? YanMingXiu didn't hear any movements from the closet for the long time so he went over to look. At a glance, he saw ZhouXiang holding the little black box. His expression changed greatly as he immediately rushed up and snatched the little box back and yelled harshly, "What are you doing!"

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The expression on his face was like the other person has tainted this small little box. ZhouXiang is momentarily terrified, "I... I was looking for something." YanMingXiu is so furious that he had forgotten that he had told ZhouXi‐ ang to pack for him. He said contradictorily, "Don't touch my things!" ZhouXiang awkwardly muttered, "I was just looking for a pair of warm pants. It's going to be very cold in the mountains." YanMingXiu glanced at him fiercely. He then pulled a drawer on the left hand side and pulled out a box of unopened thermal wear and threw it at him. ZhouXiang didn't want to bicker with him nor did he have any right to do so. He silently picked it up and turned to the luggage and continued to pack other things in there. As he was stuffing things in, he thought .... At this time, he's still worried about YanMingXiu getting cold in the moun‐ tains. Is this just his nature of caring for people or has he gone out of his mind? YanMingXiu remained standing in the same spot, dazedly staring at the small box in his hands. The two men could not see each other with the closet in between them. ZhouXiang buried his head packing things in the luggage while mocking at himself. YanMingXiu's face emerges an unspeakable level of pain. He softly kissed the ordinary small box, the rim around his eyes slightly red, as if he is unable to withstand this intense pain in his heart. His body started to tremble more and more, so much that he had to hold onto the drawer with his hands to stabilize his body. ----ChenYing repeatedly warned ZhouXiang to be careful with traveling be‐ fore she finally walked ZhouXiang downstairs. How could she not be worried? Her son was comatose for two years from an accident. This nightmare lasted two years. She never wanted to experience it again, so she repeatedly cautioned ZhouXiang to pay attention to his safety and re‐ turn home safe and sound.

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The next day, JiangYuan arranged for a driver to come pick him up and sent him directly to the airport. Many crew members have already assembled because celebrities can cause a frenzy at the airport. Even though the schedule for the location was not publicly announced, somehow the fans got the news. The airport was full of people, mostly young girls including many passers-bys watching the excitement, so many people that the outside of the doors to the security checkpoint were fully crowded. For these little girls, it didn't matter whether or not they saw the celebrity that they had wanted to see. As long as a handsome guy came, they would start to scream crazily. ZhouXiang, on a rare chance, got the feel‐ ing of being a 'star'. The crew reserved a small plane just enough for the 30 or so people. The director and the very popular stars naturally sat in the first class. ZhouXi‐ ang casually found a place in the back to put his luggage and sat in a window seat. Just as he was looking at the tow-vehicle towing all the luggage, there was movement in the seat next to him. He turned his head and sees TanYin's handsomely pale face in front of him. ZhouXiang frowned slightly, "Morning..." TanYin was wearing casual sportswear, brimming with youthfulness and beauty, extremely mesmerizing to anyone. Unfortunately, he had no good feelings toward this handsome youngster who use to be the type of guys he liked. TanYin pointed to the seat next to him. "I'm going to sit here." After say‐ ing that, he didn't wait for ZhouXiang to agree and just sat down. ZhouXiang couldn't understand what TanYin is thinking. When they first met, TanYin was desperate to cut off their relationship. How could be turning back to want to get close to him now?

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TanYin twisted to open the cap of the mineral water and took a sip. He said vaguely, "In this entire crew, it seems that I'm only familiar with you. Whether you remember it or not, we'll be staying in the mountains for a while, let's take care of each other." ZhouXiang smiled and responded, "Fine" After saying that, he turned around and continued to look out the window. TanYin glanced at him, his eyes radiated with an expression that is hard to interpret. End of the chapter

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Chapter 71 - He Just Doesn't Want To Come Back It's likely that TanYin was aware that the people nearby are people they knew so he didn't say anything during the flight, giving ZhouXiang some peaceful quiet time for a while. After the plane landed, the staff walked out one after another. When ZhouXiang passed by the first class area, he saw YanMingXiu reading a book in his seat. YanMingXiu pointed his chin to the seat next to him and ordered him to "sit down" when he saw him. ZhouXiang can only sit down. YanMingXiu voiced, "I didn't bring my assistant. These few days, you can just take on that role and be my assistant." The minor actors and actresses around them all heard it and immediately looked at ZhouXiang with envy, wishing that they could replace him. TanYin, who came out from behind ZhouXiang was stunned as he looked at him inconceivably, his mind secretly scheming on something. ZhouXiang, "Why didn't you bring Assistant Jiang?" "He has to help me with other things." "Then......you didn't bring anyone?" WangYuDong alone brought nine people. The lead actress is also a big-named celebrity and she brought four people with her. YanMingXiu unexpectedly didn't bring anyone. YanMingXiu faintly responded, "I am not used to having strangers fol‐ lowing me." Seeing that most people had left, YanMingXiu said, "Let's go." ZhouXiang consciously grabbed YanMingXiu's luggage; one person tak‐ ing two suitcases and got off the plane. Fortunately, men don't have many things. He just brought two sets of clothes with him. YanMingXiu 518

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didn't seem to have the awareness of being a big celebrity; even his lug‐ gage was packed by ZhouXiang. After leaving the airport, they took the bus and rushed to the shooting lo‐ cation. Although everyone was already tired, they didn't have much time to rest. Staying an extra day out of town will cost an extra day of expenses. The director requested that they must arrive at the shooting location today. It took more than seven hours of driving to get to the mountain junction between Guizhou and Guangxi. After arriving at their destination, it was already pass two in the middle of the night. The place was not completely closed off. Because of the beautiful scenery and excellent conditions, three to four filming crews had come here before to film, bringing in the local tourism industry. Several hotels were built here last year. They settled in the newest one. Because of the difficulty with transporting materials, even the best rooms were only rated at a three-star standard. These limited rooms were given to the di‐ rector, YanMingXiu, WangYuDong and the main actress. When the production assistant was allocating the room keys, ZhouXiang was getting his jacket from the suitcase. It is really cold in the moun‐ tains; once they got out of the car, it is chillingly cold. The production assistant arranged for ZhouXiang and a crew member from the camera team to be in the same room. ZhouXiang was just about to get the room card when YanMingXiu suddenly interjected, "Wait a minute." His voice was not loud but everyone became quiet. YanMingXiu pointed to ZhouXiang, "He's my temporary assistant and will stay with me (as in staying in the same room)." The production assistant is stunned and awkwardly muttered, "President Yan. That room only has a big single bed." "I could just sleep on the floor." ZhouXiang interjected before Yan‐ MingXiu could respond. ZhouXiang did this to prevent YanMingXiu

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from saying something he shouldn't say. But in other people's ears, it seems that ZhouXiang was afraid of YanMingXiu backing out of sharing a room with him. The production assistant could only hand over YanMingXiu's room card to ZhouXiang and added, "You don't have to sleep on the floor. I'll ask them to send an extra bed to the room." ZhouXiang followed YanMingXiu to the room. The room only has 2.2 meters size double bed. The decor is very ordi‐ nary but it is very clean. Most importantly, it is very spacious. The value of land at this place is not worth a not money. Furthermore, it is all agri‐ cultural land. The farmers have free reign to develop but there was no‐ body in charge. Therefore, this one being one of the best rooms is at least thirty to forty square meters (up to 430 sq. foot) in size. YanMingXiu sat on the bed and ordered ZhouXiang, "Hang up my clothes and put the things away." ZhouXiang had been an independent person since childhood so he's an expert in taking care of himself and of others. Just when YanMingXiu opened his mouth, ZhouXiang had already opened their luggages and starting hanging up the clothes and putting all the toiletries away. In just a short time, he had everything unpacked and put away. At this time, there was a knock on the door, ZhouXiang responded, "Who is it?" "Hello sir. We came to deliver an extra bed." ZhouXiang was just about to open his mouth when YanMingXiu inter‐ jected, "Don't need that." The person hesitated outside the door, "Mister, are you sure?" YanMingXiu responded, "No need. You guys can go back." ZhouXiang didn't say anything. This was not something he can decide. Besides, it's a waste not to sleep on such a big bed. He's not that prideful.

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YanMingXiu got up and went to take a shower. After he came out, ZhouXiang went in to shower. When ZhouXiang came out, YanMingXiu was already lying on the bed. He seemed very tired. After a day of hustling and bustling around, everyone is tired. ZhouXi‐ ang also planned to quickly sleep since he didn't know how busy they will be tomorrow. ZhouXiang climbed into bed and turned off the light. When the lights went out, the room is dark. YanMingXiu slowly reached over and hugged his waist from behind. His warm and pleasant scent drifted into ZhouXiang's nose. He felt that if he was to not think about anything...not think of the past or of the future, and just simply lay in YanMingXiu's embrace, it is as if they are a most intimate couple. This kind of feeling is really intoxicat‐ ing. ZhouXiang intended to loosen up. What he needed most now is a good rest. YanMingXiu spoke right at this time. His voice sounded very faint and very soft, "ZhouXiang, are you hiding something from me?" ZhouXiang didn't know what YanMingXiu meant by this. He asked cau‐ tiously, "I don't understand what President Yan means." YanMingXiu, "The feelings you give me is too familiar. It's as if I've known you and have lived with you before. Why is this?" ZhouXiang forced himself to responded, "Maybe this is fate." If it wasn't because they are fated, they would not be in the predicament of today...with a relationship that is so unclear in both past and current lifetimes. "ZhouXiang. Tell me....If a person had been missing for more than two years, do you think he may still be alive?"

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ZhouXiang's tensed up and smiled, "Most likely impossible. If still alive, he would have come back already." "Why can't he be alive? It could be that he didn't come back because he doesn't want to come back." ZhouXiang is silent for a moment, "President Yan, are you talking about the other ZhouXiang?" ZhouXiang clearly felt YanMingXiu's body stiffened. Then YanMingXiu asked, "How much do you know about him?" "I don't know anything at all. I just heard from what others have said." YanMingXiu quietly asked, "Then do you know what relationship I have with him?" ZhouXiang's heart tightened, What relationship? You say, what relation‐ ship? He clenched his teeth in the dark, "I don't know." YanMingXiu's voice is like the rising of the quiet abyss, cold and empty, "I feel that he's not dead. He just doesn't want to come back." ZhouXiang heard his own voice dissociated from his thoughts and auto‐ matically asked, "Why won't he want to come back?" YanMingXiu didn't respond to his question, instead he tightened his arms around ZhouXiang. ----On the second day, all the staff started work and began to choose the most suitable shooting location. In order to make the entry scene the best and most harmonious, it took them two days to choose the location. The surrounding people's attitude toward ZhouXiang became more and more polite and friendly. This is because they had gotten along fine or a long time and also related to ZhouXiang being able to stay in the same room with YanMingXiu.

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In the past two days, YanMingXiu didn't need to participate in any scenes so he essentially stayed in the room most of the time. Everyone seemed to have gotten used to his 'not easily approachable' personality. Even his food is separately prepared. When ZhouXiang was helping the camera team move equipment, TanYin came next to him and asked softly, "ZhouXiang, when did you get involved with President Yan? I've underestimated you." His tone is full of resentment. ZhouXiang lowered his head to assemble and install the frame, too lazy to respond. TanYin squatted down and looked at him for a moment, then exposed a beautiful smile, "Are you still bearing grudges on me for breaking up with you? I also had no choice back then. The company demanded me not to be involved in that area (gay)." ZhouXiang didn't even look at him, "I've already said, I don't remember." "Humph. You think that I really believe in your amnesia story that only appears in a Korean drama?" TanYin smiled, "I know that you remember me, you're just angry with me." ZhouXiang is helpless with this TanYin. It's not appropriate to swear at him or hit him. But still, he has to spend another half a month with him; ZhouXiang is really getting a headache. Seeing that no one was around, TanYin leaned close to ZhouXiang and suddenly put his lips next to his ear and blow on his cheek, "Xiang Ge, why are you still so naive?" ZhouXiang put a bit of distance between them. Seeing the ridicule in TanYin's eyes, he felt that evading is not going to work. He stood up from the ground and pulled TanYin up, "Come here, I need to talk to you." TanYin is stunned as he was being dragged by ZhouXiang toward the woods. This place is very vast, but sparsely populated. Everyone is busy so missing one to two people is hardly noticeable.

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After entering the woods, ZhouXiang lit a cigarette and asked directly, "Xiao Tan. Tell me, what do you want?" TanYin naturally reached out, took his cigarette, put it in his mouth and inhaled. Then he leaned toward ZhouXiang, using his waistline to rub against ZhouXiang's waist. He responded vaguely, "Xiang Ge, you used to like me so much, I don't believe that you've forgotten." ZhouXiang smiled, "I really have forgotten. Let's not talk about the past, just talk about the present. What do you want? Want to sleep with me?" "Yeah, I want to sleep with you." TanYin pulled ZhouXiang's neck and laughed, acting coquettishly, "Ever since the company started to endorse me, my private life has been very strictly controlled. I haven't been out to have fun for a long time...been bored death." TanYin reached out and touched ZhouXiang's lower body and blew on his cheek, "Xiang Ge, do you want to fuck me? You're hard too." ZhouXiang grabbed his hand, "Of course I'm hard since you're touching me." He put TanYin's hand behind his back and squinted his eyes, "Xiao Tan, I really don't remember you, but my mom does. My mom said that you're a person of malicious nature and told me not to associate with you. Tell me. Shouldn't I listen to my mom?" TanYin's expression instantly changed as he loosened his arm around ZhouXiang's neck. He sneered, "ZhouXiang, I just want to live my life a bit better. The way you were then, you'll never succeed. I came to Bei‐ jing because I had a fallout with my parents. Do you know how hard my life was? Do you know how desperately I needed fame and success? In‐ deed, you really helped me at the time and took care of me, but I can't spend the rest of my life dawdling like that with you, right? Also, your mom don't approve of us. But it's different now, I have wealth and fame. I could choose......" ZhouXiang lift his hand to stop his words, "Whatever you choose has nothing to do with me. Xiao Tan, I've already said it so clearly. The mat‐ ters from the past, I will never gossip to other people so you can be rest assured. As for the future, I also don't want to have anything to do with you. Since we have this opportunity to work together, we should just make the best of it. If we run into each other, just nodding our heads is

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enough for me. So, don't come to bother me anymore. Let's not have any unnecessary interaction." TanYin's face turned livid, his voice shaking, "You were not like this be‐ fore, I don't believe it... you said that you will wait for me, you said you will..." "I repeat, I -- don't -- remember." ZhouXiang adjusted his clothes, "If there is nothing else, I'll go back first." After saying that, he walked pass the furious looking TanYin and out of the woods. After just taking a few steps, TanYin suddenly hugged him from behind, his voice choking with emotions, "Xiang Ge, these few years, I gave it all just to get to where I am today. I've been with (T/N) old and ugly men as well as women. I've lived an inhuman life but I don't regret it. I just want to step on all those people who looked down on me. Do you under‐ stand? You're a local; you have a place to live and food at home. Have you slept in a ¥300 wet and dark basement? You've never slept in a dinky hotel with a blanket full of cockroaches right? Your mother also cooks for you every day... You just need to have a fixed salary every month and can live comfortably. But I can't. I have no way out. Xiang Ge, I like you. I really did like you before. Only you...only you have treated me genuinely well and cherished me. Only you were good to me when I was a nobody. But I... in all these years, I don't dare to see you. I have no face to see you. I thought, as long as I don't see you, my memories of you...you will still continue to hold and protect me. But now, there's nothing. Even you don't want me. Xiang Ge, do you hate me that much? I have everything now. I'll buy you the things you like; I can introduce famous directors to you. Let's get back together, okay? I only need you to treat me with one-tenth of your affections from before, okay?" T/N: Being with in this context alludes to having sex, being somebody's boy-toy ZhouXiang became speechless on the spot and didn't know what to say for a moment. He had come in contact with people like TanYin many times before. Those that came to this lustrous and dazzling big city full of dreams to be celebrity, in the end, would come to realize that the gap between reality and their ideal is far too great. Some people would work hard for a few years, consuming their youth, and still couldn't get a lead‐ ing role. To strive for a little fame, they are willing to sacrifice anything. 525

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ZhouXiang usually have sympathy for these children, but not at all overly. After all, a person's path was chosen by themselves. If they are willing to live an ordinary life, they can still live fine. But since they want to live a more vibrant life, they must pay a price. Hearing these words coming from TanYin, ZhouXiang did not fully be‐ lieve it. But the sadness in his tones is very real. Maybe this boy really thinks like that in his heart. ZhouXiang grabbed his hand, turned around and sighed, "Xiao Tan, liv‐ ing is not an easy thing for anyone. Maybe you really liked me before and I might have really liked you too, but... no matter whether you be‐ lieve it or not, I really don't remember. So, I'm very sorry. I can't be with you again." TanYin looked at him startled. His tears strolled down his beautiful face and his expression seemed to be very astonished. ZhouXiang patted his face, "You are good now. Sooner or later, you'll meet someone that can hit it off well with you, someone who thinks like you. I am not fitting. This is all I'll say. I am serious. So we should just keep our relationship as colleagues in the future." ZhouXiang exposed an apologetic expression. He nodded at him, then turned and left. TanYin looked at his back from a distance. Gradually, he lowered his head with his fist clenched. Two hours later, ZhouXiang followed the camera team up a hill. This hill is one of the shooting locations. The director asked them to observe the scenery after sunset. They will start filming tomorrow. Everyone had a very important mission. ----After ZhouXiang left, TanYin went to WangYuDong's room and respect‐ fully asked, "Dong Ge, were you looking for me?" WangYuDong 'mnnn' and sipped his cup of tea, "I heard that you were with ZhouYang earlier and you guys chatted for a long time?"

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TanYin is shocked, "Yes." He felt that WangYuDong was saying ZhouX‐ iang's name incorrectly but he didn't correct him. It's not that big a deal afterall. "You know each other?" "We are......all filming......" "I'm not talking about right now, you guys know each other from be‐ fore," his tone is clearing stating a fact. TanYin quickly responded, "We signed for the same model company in the past. At the time, we indeed knew each other, but are not very close......" "Okay Xiao Tan. When I sign a person into my company, you don't think that I'll look deeply into the person's background? You were involved with him, right?" TanYin's forehead brokeout in cold sweat, "We..." "It's nothing. Young people right?" WangYuDong smiled warmly, "Don't have to be so tensed. It's all in the past. I know that you're very obedient now." TanYin looked up at WangYuDong in confusion, "Dong Ge, what in‐ structions do you have for me?" "You know, he and my little brother-in-law are a little too close." TanYin didn't know why WangYuDong said this. WangYuDong's tone is a bit cold, "This matter, I need to know more. YanMingXiu, he doesn't like women. Don't be surprised. Telling you this may not be a good thing but I don't think that you would dare tell it to others." "Dong Ge, I definitely won't tell." "Well, that's good. I am his brother-in law after all. Toward this matter, I need to look after him on his sister's behalf. I can't let some messed-up person stay close to him just because he wants to stay close to him. I 527

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need you to do me a favor. Help me confirm the relationship between the two. I can't ask this directly. You understand right?" "Dong Ge, but... I am not close to ZhouXiang, how can I confirm.....?" WangYuDong was just thinking about this issue. Suddenly, he felt that there was something strange about what TanYin just said. "Wait a minute, what did you call him?" TanYin was stunned, "ZhouXiang?" "ZhouXiang? Isn't he called ZhouYang?" "Dong Ge, are we talking about the same person? The one that is now acting as President Yan's assistant..." "That's him." WangYuDong's expression sank, "His name is ZhouXiang? Which Xiang?" "The Xiang from Fei Xiang (to spread wings and fly)." The teacup WangYuDong was holding slammed to the marble floor. TanYin is so shocked he was shaking. WangYuDong is so enraged that his expression changed. That minor stuntman is called ZhouXiang? He's actually also called ZhouXiang? This unlucky name, why won't it disappear! He resentfully took out his cell phone and looked through his phonebook for a long time before finally finding CaiWei's name. After pondering for a bit, he finally understood what is going on. This minor stuntman would not be so bold to lie to him. This must have been instigated by CaiWei. Otherwise, he would not use another stuntman named with the name, "ZhouXiang." The call couldn't get connected to CaiWei's phone. WangYuDong hung up and said to TanYin coldly, "I'll leave this matter to you. I don't care what methods you used, go confirm his (ZhouXiang) relationship with YanMingXiu's and immediately come tell me."

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TanYin is utterly confused but he could only mumble to agree. End of the chapter

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Chapter 72 - TanYin's Missing Scheme ZhouXiang got up to get his makeup done at 4 o'clock in the morning. A minor actor like him who doesn't have a dedicated make-up artist must get up early or he'll end up delaying the filming progress. It was very hard for him to leave the room. Don't know what is going on with YanMingXiu but he said that he could only fall asleep with ZhouXi‐ ang next to him. Even when YanMingXiu is half asleep, he wouldn't let go of him. From the time ZhouXiang woke up to the time he left the bed, it took more than ten minutes of struggle to get out of YanMingXiu's em‐ brace to get up. Until YanMingXiu had fully awakened and saw clearly who he is, did he finally let him go. WangYuDong was in the next room. He doesn't know what Yan‐ MingXiu's mood is like at the moment, but it's probably not too good. Having been with YanMingXiu for a period of time with this identity, he (ZhouXiang) has instead felt a lot calmer. It can be said that there was no hatred toward YanMingXiu. After all, no matter how one puts it, Yan‐ MingXiu gave him money so that he and ChenYing didn't have to fall into desperation. As for whether or not he's a substitute, YanMingXiu had made it evident right at the beginning. With everything so clear-cut, he actually felt content. If YanMingXiu had frankly told him that 'we are only fuck buddies' in the past, then many of the future events would not have occurred. He would not be stupid enough to continue to be persistent with this. So with things being clear, ZhouXiang felt that it is good. His and Yan‐ MingXiu's relationship is merely an equal exchange. As long as he kept this point in mind, he felt that he is fully armed and no one could hurt him. The only thing that had given him some trouble recently is TanYin. The conversation that day may have had a little impact, but it's still not obvi‐ ous enough. TanYin still approached him intentionally or unintentionally.

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ZhouXiang is after all an old senior of the entertainment circle. TanYin saying those words, some of it is true. But with his knowledge of such people, TanYin has a different purpose and it is mostly related to Yan‐ MingXiu. ZhouXiang really just wanted to bear with him for these few days and then get rid of him after the film is over. After getting his make-up done at around 5 o'clock, ZhouXiang waited at the reserved hotel. Several of the rooms on the first floor of the hotel have been converted into dressing rooms and lounges. ZhouXiang drowsily leaned against the bed with his coat wrapped around him. At this time, he felt someone coming over, his nose faintly smell a man's cologne. ZhouXiang opened one eye and sees TanYin. Then he closed his eyes, wanting to ignore him. TanYin leaned on his side and softly asked, "ZhouXiang, lend me your cell phone, my phone battery is dead." "Oh," ZhouXiang can't wait for him to get away so he pulled his phone out and threw it at him. TanYin grabbed his phone instantly. Initially, ZhouXiang was so dazedly tired that he didn't have too much of a reaction. But after not hearing any movements around him for more than ten seconds, he opened his eyes and saw that TanYin was gone. ZhouXiang instantly got up from the bed and ran out of the room to find him. He remembered the message that YanMingXiu sent him a few days ago. He forgot to delete it. Although the content of the message didn't really say much, but if it was seen by someone that is observant, he'd still worry. There was no one in the hallway. ZhouXiang wrapped his coat tightly around himself and grabbed a man from the hotel lobby to ask if he had seen TanYin. The man said that TanYin had gone out.

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ZhouXiang quickly ran outside of the hotel. Surely, TanYin was standing at the door not far away, with his head lowered fiddling with his cell phone. ZhouXiang ran over, "Xiao Tan." TanYin suddenly turned his head and hurriedly pressed the phone's but‐ tons a few times. He didn't seem to know how to use this old cell phone. ZhouXiang walked over and grabbed his phone back, furrowing his brows, "Weren't you going to make a call?" "Yeah, the signal is good outside." ZhouXiang turned on the phone screen and surely the screen was on the sent box. He snorted, "Then why haven't you called?" "I don't know how to use your old-style rotten phone," TanYin's eyes look somewhat erratic. ZhouXiang responded, "Tell me the number, I'll help you call." TanYin was surprised, "Forget it. I'm not going to call. It's too cold. I want to go in." After saying that that, he intended to go back to the hotel. ZhouXiang immediately grabbed his arm and shoved him against the wall. He is really getting angry. TanYin has repeatedly provoked him as if he's deliberately asking for trouble. TanYin's expression looked a bit tensed. ZhouXiang asked coldly, "What is it that you really wanted to see?" "See what?" "Tell the truth. Don't treat me like an idiot." ZhouXiang suddenly tight‐ ened his grip on his arm. He never liked to use violence but this time he really needed to scare him. TanYin is like a rooster whose tail has been stepped on as he angrily re‐ torted, "I don't know what you're talking about. Do you have a delusional

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disorder? What's there to look for in your rotten old phone? And what do you have that's worth seeing?" "If there isn't anything to see then what the hell are you looking for?" ZhouXiang rudely cursed, "Surname Tan. Stop bothering me. I've al‐ ready told you clearly. Do you not have ears? Let me tell you, if you re‐ ally pissed me off, I'm going to make you regret it." TanYin's face suddenly changed. After a long while, his eyes suddenly turned red. "I just wanted to know what the relationship is between you and YanMingXiu!" ZhouXiang was shocked but calmly responded, "I am President Yan's temporary assistant." "I don't believe it. You like men. YanMingXiu's sexuality is also said to be very ambiguous. You don't have any experience. Why would he let you be his assistant? Moreover, just being his assistant, how could you sleep in his room? How could a big celebrity like him be willing to sleep in the same room with an assistant?" TanYin gripped onto ZhouXiang's collar, his expression grieved and furious, "ZhouXiang, I initially thought that you are different from me. You won't sell yourself to climb up. But what about now? In the end, how much better are you compared to me? What right do you have to look down on me? If it wasn't for Yan‐ MingXiu, you think you could get this role? Or stay in the same room with him?" ZhouXiang's face is livid. He clasped TanYin's chin and furiously re‐ torted, "What does my matter have to do with you? What fucking right do you have to interfere with my matters? I've already said that we have no relationship whatsoever. How many times do you need me to repeat that for you to understand?" "Are you admitting it?" TanYin voice trembled, "ZhouXiang, are you ad‐ mitting to it? You're really with YanMingXiu?" ZhouXiang pushed him away immediately and coldly answered, "You start any rumors of President Yan, be careful that you won't be able to bear the consequences."

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TanYin's body is obviously shaking but he still sneered scornfully, "Whether or not this is a rumor, you know it clearly yourself. ZhouXi‐ ang, I've misjudged you, you....you're not much better than me." ZhouXiang really didn't want continue this bickering with him. He glared at him fiercely. Then turned to head back to the hotel and contin‐ ued to wait in the room to start filming his scenes. At this time, it is dawn and the sky is mistily dusky. His phone rang. It is from YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu's drowsy voice sounded from the other line, "Come up." ZhouXiang muttered, "Okay," and immediately took the elevator up‐ stairs. When he entered the room, it was not yet 7am. YanMingXiu is still lying on the bed. His voice lowly, "Help me pick an outfit, I don't know if it's cold or not outside." "Very cold." ZhouXiang replied intermittently as he got YanMingXiu's warm pants and down jacket, "President Yan, you should get up." "How long before filming starts?" "Your scene is scheduled for 9 am. Get wash up, I'll bring you break‐ fast." YanMingXiu nodded and turned over to get up. At this time, the hotel room's phone rang. YanMingXiu furrowed his brows and picked up the handset. "Hello? Oh, Dong Ge... What?" YanMingXiu squinted his eyes as he glanced at ZhouXiang. His tone completely changed, "I know, I'll ask him." ZhouXiang's hand that was holding the clothes paused. He felt that it's not going to be anything good, "What?" YanMingXiu's eyes are very cold, "What is your relationship with TanYuXuan?" ZhouXiang didn't understand, "Before I got into the accident, we signed under the same model company. But I don't know him now." 534

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"Is that so? WangYuDong just told me that someone saw you having a dispute with TanYuXuan outside the hotel half an hour ago. Now he's missing. Many people are looking for him. " ZhouXiang frowned deeply. Now he really wants to get his hands on this troublemaker TanYin and beat the crap out of him. He can only attempt to say that they have ended their relationship, "I was really with..." "Why were you guys arguing?" "We...he mentioned the past, but I don't remember. He got angry, that's about it." YanMingXiu sneered, "Is that it? WangYuDong told me that you guys were a couple before. Many people also knew of this. You really forgot?" "I've really forgotten." ZhouXiang couldn't understand what role WangYuDong played in this matter, but he has strong resentment in his heart. At least from his past life's experience, anything that involved WangYuDong has not been good. YanMingXiu bolted out of bed with his expression chilling, "Go down first and see what's going on. I'll be down soon." ZhouXiang braced himself to go downstairs. Many people were gathered in the hotel's lobby. WangYuDong looked upset and exasperated saying something. Everyone looked busy but when they saw ZhouXiang, they all stared at him. WangYuDong also saw ZhouXiang. He angrily ordered, "Come over here." ZhouXiang's heart sank. He already knew what is going on. TanYin be‐ longs to WangYuDong's company. WangYuDong is using this opportu‐ nity to cause trouble for him. But at this time, he didn't understand. WangYuDong was still fine yesterday. Why this change in him suddenly today. Could he have guessed wrong? Is it really just TanYin messing things up?

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"Dong Ge. What's going on?" "What's going on?!" WangYuDong's voice wasn't loud but it is quite im‐ posing so everyone around could hear it, "I have no control over your private affairs but there must be a premise on how you handle your per‐ sonal matters. That is, it can't affect or delay work. Especially, it can't af‐ fect and delay everyone's work for your personal reasons! You and Xiao Tan's previous relationship, I don't want to mention. It would be inhuman for me to be lashing out at you over that, but what now? You guys are part of a collective workgroup. How could your personal conflicts lead to this? Right now because Xiao Tan had an argument with you, his emo‐ tions are out of control and we don't even know where he went. We're going to start filming soon. You tell me, how can we resolve this? Huh?" All the eyes around him pierced his body like needles. ZhouXiang's cheeks are burning hot. He secretly clenched his fists even though he couldn't say a word of rebuttal. It's not that he has nothing to refute, but if he dares to openly contradict WangYuDong, things will just get worse. Just like in that year, his is such a minor role so he could only force himself to suffer in silence. There is no place for him to reason. He absolutely didn't believe that TanYin would get "emotionally out of control" over the few words he said. Even if he was lent tremendous courage, TanYin would not dare to disappear in between filming. Be‐ sides, his big boss is present. If he is that naïve, he would not have gotten to his position today. This matter is definitely instigated by WangYuDong, otherwise he would never dare to do it. But why is WangYuDong targeting him again? How could he not know that he is once again hindering WangYuDong's path? The things that are happening are following the path of two years ago. ZhouXiang can't help but be a little scared, though he still forced himself to calm down. He somberly said, "Dong Ge, I had an accident two years ago and lost my memory. Even if we were in a relationship before, right now I don't remember. But I don't think my explanation matters. It's bet‐ ter to find Xiao Tan first. I'll confront him then." The director also seems to be furious, sitting on the side with a black face, "The first with this matter is that Xiao Tan needs to bear responsi‐ 536

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bility. As for whom else, wait for him to come back and then talk about it. Regardless of whether or not ZhouXiang had an argument with him, for him to leave over such private matters is definitely irresponsible. This kind of behavior must be severely punished." WangYuDong glanced fiercely at ZhouXiang, "I'll get even with you af‐ ter finding Xiao Tan." "What's going on ah?" A low voice suddenly came. Everyone turned their heads and see YanMingXiu standing behind them, sweeping his eyes at them coldly. At this time, no one dared to interject. WangYuDong reiterated a simpli‐ fied version of the situation to him. YanMingXiu responded, "Then, we should go find the person first. Who‐ ever's problem this is, or a problem with both of them, we'll know clearly out when he's found." The director also added, "Everyone, drop your work at hand and go search. The sky was still not bright yet when he left. It'll be troublesome if he got into an accident. Everyone get into teams of three and start from all directions. You must bring him back. " "Director, director! Xiao Tan is back!" "What?" Everyone turned their heads and saw that TanYin had really returned. The clothes on his body were dirty. It seemed as if he had rolled on the ground several times, looking very pathetic and his eyes were still blood‐ shot. WangYuDong quickly uttered, "TanYin! TanYuXuan! Where did you go?" "I..." TanYin's gaze went from WangYuDong to ZhouXiang, and then from ZhouXiang to YanMingXiu. Then he bit his lip and didn't speak. His expression seeming to have great grievances and he looked pitiful. "Say something."

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"I..... went for a walk...and fell." "Bullshit." WangYuDong angrily muttered, "Tell the truth, what is really going on?" TanYin is choking with sobs, "Dong Ge, don't ask, just take it as though I fell." The two people echoed each other's words. This was even more effective than TanYin directly accusing ZhouXiang. His (TanYin's) expression of biting his tongue both provoke everyone's curiosity and also made peo‐ ple assume that he is afraid of ZhouXiang because ZhouXiang has Yan‐ MingXiu's as his backer (supporter), so he's afraid to speak up. ZhouXiang is so furious that his entire body trembled. Nobody would know that the person who really can't speak up is him. If YanMingXiu was really his backer, that would have been great. He could thoroughly discredit both WangYuDong and TanYin in front of ev‐ eryone, but unfortunately he doesn't dare. Not only is YanMingXiu not his backer, even his (YanMingXiu) heart has always been toward WangYuDong. He, ZhouXiang, is a fucking nobody. Even though he didn't understand why WangYuDong suddenly wanted to make things difficult for him, regardless of what WangYuDong does to him, he can't fight back. He could only endure. He could only endure it. Everyone around looked at him awkwardly with all kinds of speculations forming in their minds. WangYuDong gloomily voiced, "Director, this.. no matter what, for whatever Xiao Tan did wrong, he is my person, it was neglection of du‐ ties on my part. I apologize on his behalf. When we return, the company will internally impose punishment on him. But right now, our schedule is set. To carry out punishment at this time is not appropriate. I'll have him go get dressed-up. He'll perform well to compensate for this ruckus. Is that fine with you?" WangYuDong's words gave the director no other alternatives. The direc‐ tor naturally wouldn't say anything else. Originally, he was only worried

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about the progress of filming. Other people's private affairs, he was too lazy to care so he nodded, "Xiao Tan, YuDong has pleaded for you. It's your blessing to have such a good boss. Don't do this again. Hurry up and go get ready." TanYin nodded. He hurriedly looked at ZhouXiang. His expression look‐ ing very complicated. ZhouXiang looked at him coldly. He wanted to see how this show will end and what WangYuDong wanted to do. Others are observing YanMingXiu, waiting for him to speak. He didn't say anything and others can't say anything about ZhouXiang. Only WangYuDong grabbed YanMingXiu and said, "MingXiu, since ZhouXiang is the person you recommended, Dong Ge is not going to say anything. Let's not delay the time and start filming. I'll go to you tonight and we can talk privately." ZhouXiang really wanted to pounce over and kill WangYuDong. This hypocrite two-face, trying to act selflessly impartial and considerate for the sake of the general good, this high and mighty big star with a great public image, why is he repeatedly making things so difficult for him. YanMingXiu didn't look at WangYuDong but faintly swept ZhouXiang a glace. "Work first. This matter, we really need to talk about it." WangYuDong's face flashed a trace of awkwardness; his expression a bit gloomy. End of the chapter

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Chapter 73 - Underestimating YanMingXiu's Feelings for ZhouXiang Because of the ruckus from the morning, the filming atmosphere on the first day after arriving at the mountain is somewhat depressing. No need to mention the director, his expression was gloomy the entire day. WangYuDong and YanMingXiu's expression also weren't good. The em‐ ployees beneath didn't even dare to joke around, everyone were walking on egg shells. Under such tensed atmosphere, they completed their work before dinner time. Despite the emotional tension, perhaps everyone was staying focus for fear of making any mistakes. The day's filming progress was excep‐ tionally smooth. After work, they gathered to have dinner at the hotel's restaurant. YanMingXiu didn't come downstairs for dinner so ZhouXiang quickly finished eating and order take-out for him and brought it upstairs. When he entered the room, YanMingXiu was on the phone discussing business matters. The light in the hotel room is a little dim. The laptop's screen resting on his lap illuminated a layer of blue reflected on his face, making him look a bit gloomy, especially when he looked up at ZhouXi‐ ang. ZhouXiang put the take-out on the table, then sat down on his bed and turned on the TV. He lay motionless watching the TV screen, which was playing a movie. But whatever movie was playing, ZhouXiang couldn't get into it at all. He thought for an entire day, fuming rage toward both WangYuDong and TanYin, but sadly realized that he couldn't do anything. He thought since he can't throw punches at WangYuDong, at least he needed to teach TanYin a lesson, but what use is there? Well, if TanYin wasn't instructed by WangYuDong, would he have dared to do what he did? The feeling of 540

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having to suppress himself with nobody to vent makes ZhouXiang feel like a balloon filled with resentment. If he was poked a few more times, he would explode. What's more, this matter is far from over. He didn't know what Yan‐ MingXiu would say or do. Anyway, if it was such a big deal, he just won't be part of this movie and just go back to the work that CaiWei had arranged for him. He'll still be able to support his family. YanMingXiu discussed his work matters with the person on the other line for a long time before finally hanging up. ZhouXiang turned to look at him and said calmly, "Your dinner is on the table." YanMingXiu slowly responded, "Your past have nothing to do with me but since you're with me now, if you dare to get yourself involved with any others, I'll definitely not let you off." His voice is very dismal, the sound is not loud but still there is a kind force that makes it impossible for people to ignore. ZhouXiang didn't have any expression on his face; his eyes remain star‐ ing at the TV screen. "I don't know why TanYin did what he did. But I've already severed my relationship with him a long time ago." He didn't want to explain too much. There was no point. What he really wanted to say about WangYuDong, he can't say it in front of YanMingXiu because then he'd only be asking for humiliation. Moreover, he's never expected anyone to support him, especially YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu moved the laptop to the side, raised his chin and pointed at the food on the table. "Take it out. I've no appetite, don't let me smell it." ZhouXiang stood up, picked up the food and put it outside the door. Then he turned back to pull the door close. At this time, a gust of wind blew through the hallway and the door slammed close causing a loud bang, shaking the walls. YanMingXiu lifted his head and raised his eyebrows, "You seem to be very dissatisfied?"

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ZhouXiang shrugged, "President Yan, that was the wind blowing." YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes, "ZhouXiang, I always feel that you have a lot of things hiding from me." ZhouXiang responded, "President Yan, I don't have anything to hide from you. Just that my business is not worthy of your interest, nor is it necessary to be mentioned." "What if I want to know?" ZhouXiang smiled awkwardly, "What does President Yan want to know? I'll definitely answer it truthfully." "Let's talk about TanYin then. You said that you don't remember him but even WangYuDong knew that you guys use to be together. You also should know it yourself. So the reason for your argument this morning is because of?" "He wanted to get back together but I don't want to." YanMingXiu led out a long "oh" sound, then changed the topic and coldly asked, "Then do you know why WangYuDong is targeted against you?" ZhouXiang glanced at him in surprise. "What? You think I will believe that TanYin, who is merely a newcomer, especially being under WangYuDong, would be so daring as to just leave? What is really the reason? Someone like you....how are you wor‐ thy for him to......." Before YanMingXiu even finished talking, ZhouXiang already knew what he wanted to say. He is such a minor actor, what does he have to make WangYuDong waste his time to step on him? The only possibility is that he had offended WangYuDong but he still didn't know how he of‐ fended WangYuDong. Naturally, he can't answer the doubts in Yan‐ MingXiu's heart. ZhouXiang smiled sarcastically, "President Yan, I am just as baffled as you. I don't know how I could have offended Dong Ge. Your FAMILY is

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of one mind, if you could help me figure it out, perhaps I could correct my mistakes." When ZhouXiang mentioned 'family,' he especially emphasized it with a heavier tone. YanMingXiu's expression became unsightly. He grabbed his cell phone and threw it at ZhouXiang's face, immediately hitting ZhouXiang in his cheekbones, making it instantly swollen. YanMingXiu responded coldly, "ZhouXiang, don't you have a bit of shame. You keep repeatedly speaking to me with this mocking sarcasm. Even if I was to spend money to raise a dog, it'll bark nicely upon seeing me. Who do you think you are? If it wasn't because ..... do you think you're even worth a few yuan?" ZhouXiang caressed his face, feeling the air leaking from his voided heart. But he didn't feel anything. He didn't feel humiliated, let alone sad‐ ness. He felt that what YanMingXiu said is extremely right. If it wasn't because he looked a bit like WangYuDong, whether it was from before or in the present, how could he have the opportunity to stand in front of YanMingXiu? After such a long time, he had finally accepted this fact and was able to fully be at peace. He smiled, "What President Yan said is right. I admit that I am wrong. No matter what Dong Ge does, he must have his reasons." YanMingXiu raised his eyebrows deeply. The smile on ZhouXiang's face made him feel uncomfortable, not only is it uncomfortable, it was simply glaring to the extreme. He instinctively felt that he had seen this expres‐ sion before from somewhere, this expression made his heart tremble. YanMingXiu didn't know how he could teach this person called ZhouXi‐ ang a lesson because this person is too untamed. But at the same time, there are so many commonalities between this person and "that person," so that he is always subconsciously tolerant of him. He has repeatedly tolerated his words and even gave him the condo he had prepared for his older brother. He knew that he is not "ZhouXiang" but because there were so many overlapping details between them, it made him lose his mind. 543

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He didn't know what he is expecting from this fake 'ZhouXiang.' What exactly was he expecting!! He stared at ZhouXiang coldly and ordered, "Undress." ZhouXiang is slightly startled and then nimbly removed his clothes piece by piece. YanMingXiu press him onto the bed, separating his thighs. Then, he pro‐ ceeded to brutally and fervently fuck him. The lines on ZhouXiang's back are painfully stretched, his muscles trembled violently with Yan‐ MingXiu's frightening rigorous speeds; sweat dripped along the sides of his cheeks onto the bed sheet. ZhouXiang clenched his teeth trying with much difficulty to suppress himself from making any sounds. The moans lodged in this throat in‐ stead became smothering sounds. The phone next to the bed suddenly rang. ZhouXiang slowly looked up and blankly glanced at it. YanMingXiu immediately pressed his head into the blanket and hoarsely shouted, "Don't let me see your face!" ZhouXiang's face was forced into the blanket. He hated that he couldn't directly bury himself beneath the bed. YanMingXiu picked up the handset; his thrusting movements became a bit stagnant but he was still slowly pummeling in and out of ZhouXiang. Back and forth, his hot weapon thrusted repeatedly into ZhouXiang's body. This strange feeling made his entire body shook. "Hello." WangYuDong's voice came clearly from the other line, "MingXiu, this is just a small hotel in the mountains. The soundproofing is not very good. Dong Ge is just on the other side of your wall. Can you be bit more re‐ strained?" Although his words were calm and very polite, the anger and ridicule in his tone still can't be concealed.

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The soundproofing is indeed really bad. YanMingXiu's movements re‐ peatedly made the headboard slammed loudly into the wall. Any average adult neighbor knew what is going on in the room next door. ZhouXiang felt his face rapidly burning hot as he tightly clenched his fist. YanMingXiu faintly responded, "I'll have the room changed tomorrow." "MingXiu!" WangYuDong gloomily responded, "This is not a problem with the room. What are you really thinking?" YanMingXiu retorted, "Dong Ge, what is really the matter?" WangYuDong suppressed his anger, "I want to talk to you about the mat‐ ter this morning." "Fine, I'll go to your room in a bit." After saying that, he immediately hung up. Holding onto ZhouXiang's waist, he continued to forcefully thrust into him. Not a word was spoken during this entire ordeal. In fact, there was not a hint of warming atmosphere between each other; it was simply venting sex. After YanMingXiu was done, he went to the bathroom and showered. Then changed his clothes and walked out closing the door. ZhouXiang rested in bed for a long time before he could breathe calmly. He also got up and took a shower and changed his clothes. As if nothing had happened, he flattened the sheets, laid on the bed and made his usual daily call to ChenYing. When he heard ChenYing's gentle and loving voice, he felt his mood be‐ coming exceptionally calm. ----WangYuDong poured a cup of tea for YanMingXiu and placed it on the table, then looked at him solemnly.

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YanMingXiu glanced at him indifferently, "Brother-in-law, I know what you wanted to say but I'm advising you not to say anything. Even my dad and my older brother can't control me, why waste the time?" WangYuDong heaved a sigh, "MingXiu. You call me brother-in-law, that is proof that we are one family. Even though I knew long ago that you stopped listening to what I said but I don't want to see you continue be‐ ing lost in your ways. I want to see you normal, to get married and have children so that mother, father, and older brother, as well as your older sister can be at ease and stop worrying." YanMingXiu gave him a fleeting glance, "If this is what you wanted to say, I'm going to head back first." "MingXiu..." WangYuDong furrowed his brows and lowly muttered, "You weren't like this before but because of that ZhouXiang, you became this distant with me......" YanMingXiu raised his hand in front of WangYuDong, his voice coldly detached, "I've said it many times. Don't mention ZhouXiang in front of me." WangYuDong gritted his teeth, getting himself a bit riled up, "MingXiu, you still haven't awakened? It's almost been three years. Why do you continue to wrongly persist on making it so hard on yourself, even now finding one that has the same exact name..." YanMingXiu immediately stood up and chillingly uttered, "Shut up." WangYuDong instantly grabbed onto YanMingXiu's collar, his expres‐ sion conflicting and his eyes flickered. He suddenly revealed a remorse‐ ful expression and sighed, "MingXiu, you becoming like this today is Dong Ge's fault. I know that you have feelings for me but I've always evaded it. At the time, I merely thought that you were still young; sooner or later you will understand.... It's Dong Ge's failure to handle this mat‐ ter, not paying attention to your issue so I ended up pushing you to some‐ one like ZhouXiang..." YanMingXiu grabbed his hand and very, very slowly took his hand off his collar. His expression extremely chilling, "You're thinking too much.

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It's already all in the past. You just need to be good with my sister, don't keep caring about my matters." WangYuDong's body shook as he furrowed his brows, "MingXiu, I only hope that we could return to the past. Before... before you would listen to the words Dong Ge says. Can you listen to Dong Ge this time? You are my only little brother-in-law. I hope that you could live a normal life." At this moment, even staying an extra second is too much for Yan‐ MingXiu. He shook his head and turned to walk out the door. "MingXiu!" YanMingXiu didn't turn around. WangYuDong squinted his eyes as he look at his back. He quickly thought, if he was to say this next sentence, to what extent would it of‐ fend YanMingXiu? Maybe this is a good opportunity to test this out, to see whether or not he would still be able to use YanMingXiu. He sighed, "MingXiu! ZhouXiang is already dead. When are you going to accept this reality?!" YanMingXiu's body immediately froze. He turned around slowly. His eyes were already so blood-shot that it is abnormally scary. He enunci‐ ated word by word, "Say-it-again." WangYuDong is stunned by his imposing manner, not only did he not dare to speak any further, even his body couldn't move. YanMingXiu pointed at him, his voice sounding murderous like the chill‐ iness of hell being frozen over, "No one can say this sentence. No one can. You, WangYuDong, most definitely can't. The reason why ZhouXi‐ ang went to the mountains is because he was forced to by me and by you. I'm letting you go is merely because you are my brother-in-law. If you continue to be voracious (greedy) and speak more nonsense, don't blame me for not caring that we are family." WangYuDong only felt the chills from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. His entire body felt ice-cold, so much that he couldn't even speak.

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He knew that he had overestimated YanMingXiu's affections toward him and underestimated YanMingXiu's stubborn persistence toward ZhouXi‐ ang. He really hated ZhouXiang. Because of ZhouXiang, he lost his most beneficial supporter in the Yan family. No matter how much YanMingMei loves him, she is after all, a woman. No matter what happens at home, if YanMingXiu can't be by his side (as in supporting him) like before, the series of real powers he wanted to achieve in this family will be more difficult. Once he thought of this, WangYuDong even hated the fake 'ZhouXiang' next door. End of the chapter

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Chapter 74 - Who is the REAL Substitute... Chapter 74 -- Who is the REAL Substitute... While ZhouXiang was chatting to ChenYing on the phone, he could vaguely hear arguments from WangYuDong's room. It was brief and then was followed by the sound of the door slamming opened and closed. Soon after, YanMingXiu returned. ZhouXiang again reminded ChenYing a few things and hung up the phone. Seeing YanMingXiu walking in looking very unsightly, he wondered if the two really did argued. If so, that is truly rare. ZhouXiang flipped the blanket over and planned on going to sleep after turning off the TV. He and YanMingXiu had nothing to communicate to each other, nor is he in the least bit interested in the dispute between the two. At this time, he didn't even want to touch a fine hair on Yan‐ MingXiu's head that could cause trouble for himself. When he picked up the remote control, his attention was then turned to the TV screen. He suddenly realized that it is broadcasting the first film that he had collaborated with WangYuDong on as his stuntman. It had been six to seven years ago and was the first movie that propelled WangYuDong to superstardom. This martial arts movie is still regarded by many as a classic. As ZhouXiang watched this movie, the technology can't be compared to today's time, be it the visual effects or special effects but his eyes couldn't leave the vivid leaping scenes or the very familiar faces of the crew during that time. YanMingXiu's eyes were also captivated by the scenes on the small 23inch TV.

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A freely leisure hero gracefully wearing a white robe, without even a speck of dust, appeared. His handsomely refined appearance along with his elegant and magnificently towering body became one of the classic screen images of that year, making the name, WangYuDong, instantly popular across the country. However, no one knew that more than half of those stunningly breathtak‐ ing fighting scenes that looked like floating clouds and flowing water (natural and smooth) were done by ZhouXiang. Especially the film's most beautiful, most classic and most artistic scene where the hero grace‐ fully went into the water. The entire sequence was done by him (ZhouXi‐ ang), WangYuDong merely showed his face when the hero turned around. This could only be blamed on ZhouXiang for being too young and inex‐ perienced at the time. He didn't know anything except for making money. However, if he didn't agree to have his name removed from the credits, he was afraid that the crew would not have continued to use him as a stuntman for the sole purpose of promoting WangYuDong. After the movie became a hit, some people had once urged him to take this opportunity to stir up speculation but he didn't agree to it. The huge amount of penalty fees for breaching the contract wasn't actually a con‐ cern because as long as he becomes popular, this amount of money would have been immaterial. The reason he didn't agree at the time was mainly because he was too young and had a sense of righteousness. He felt that it would be wrong to do that. If this was to be changed to the ZhouXiang a few years later, he likely wouldn't have handled it that way. But by then, the time had passed and it was already too late to say anything. Besides, he really didn't regret not taking that chance to promote himself. At least before he met YanMingXiu, he never regretted it. But now, seeing YanMingXiu silently watching the TV screen, deeply in thought, the corners of ZhouXiang's mouth curved into a mocking smile, "That's not WangYuDong." Although he knew that he wouldn't get any sort of revenge against WangYuDong, he had been intolerably suppressing himself from all the 550

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grievances the past few days and couldn't restrain himself from just blurting it out. He didn't even expect YanMingXiu to have a bit of reaction. However, not only did YanMingXiu reacted, his reaction is extreme. YanMingXiu suddenly turned his head and glared fiercely at ZhouXiang, "What did you say?" The water scene showing on the TV is almost over. ZhouXiang looked at the familiar screen and laughed at himself, "I said, that was not WangYuDong but a stuntman." YanMingXiu's body trembled uncontrollably. Not WangYuDong? But a stuntman? This person is telling him that the person whom he had fallen in love at first sight, the god-like heroic WangYuDong of that time, was actually NOT him, but a stuntman? At this point, YanMingXiu could no longer tell whether he had first fallen for this person because of his back or did he become captivated af‐ ter the person had turned his face around. But this is no longer important. What mattered is that if that back really belonged to a stuntman, then his feelings at that time were completely impure. The person he liked was merely his delusion; it might not even be a person! YanMingXiu's voice trembled, "What reason do you have to say that it is not WangYuDong? There is no mention of a stuntman being used in this movie. The promotion publicized that all the scenes were performed by WangYuDong personally." ZhouXiang responded indifferently, "Those martial arts moves are not complicated to do but required solid foundation skills. If WangYuDong had a month or two of practice, he might be able do most of it. But if he really had that ability, he wouldn't have needed me (to be his stuntman). Those actions were definitely not done by him but by a stuntman."

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YanMingXiu suddenly rushed over and gripped onto ZhouXiang's collar with his voice lowly roaring, "What reason do you have say that it is a stuntman! If you dare to talk shit..." ZhouXiang got a trace of twisted revenge upon seeing YanMingXiu's distorted and frantic expression. To be able to shatter YanMingXiu's fan‐ tasy of WangYuDong, even for a little, he would laugh happily. Facing YanMingXiu's expression of wanting to eat people, he still smiled and said, "I am also a stuntman myself. I'm sure that it was not done by WangYuDong but by a stuntman. If you don't believe me, since President Yan knows so many people, go find someone reliable and ask?" A stuntman... impossible, how could it be a stuntman... Who? Who is the stuntman in this movie? YanMingXiu's mind immediately thought of a name, this kind of possi‐ bility made his heart practically skipped a few beats. No... it's not him... it can't be him... YanMingXiu pushed ZhouXiang away ruthlessly and grabbed the phone from the desk. He quickly rummaged through the phone book. In the end, he called a person who certainly would know the inside story. This person used to be WangYuDong's assistant. After WangYuDong established his own entertainment company, he was hired as the company's CEO. He had followed WangYuDong for many years. From the time WangYuDong debuted to present. All matters re‐ garding WangYuDong, no one knew it better than him. The phone quickly connected. "Hello President Yan greetings." The voice on the other end of the line sounded a bit flattered (because YanMingXiu called him). "Lao Wu. I'm going to ask you something, tell me honestly. If there is even a trace of lies, I won't let you off." Lao Wu is stunned, his voice immediately followed by fear as he stut‐ tered, "Yan, President Yan, you... YuDong... you want...."

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"Cut the bullshit, answer me one thing." "You ... ask... as long as I can say..." "Was there really a stuntman used in WangYuDong's first movie?" When Lao Wu heard this question, he let out a sigh of relief. He thought that YanMingXiu had caught WangYuDong doing something question‐ able. As it turned out, he was just asking this kind of superficial question. At the time, they did a great job concealing this information in order to promote WangYuDong. But now, it is no longer important whether or not WangYuDong used a stuntman or did those scenes himself. None of this could affect WangYuDong's status at this point. Therefore, Lao Wu responded honestly, "President Yan, a stuntman was indeed used back then. But in order to increase the promotional effect, we told the media that he did all the scenes himself. As for the stuntman, it was settled by paying him off." "Who was the stuntman?" When YanMingXiu asked this question, his face looked hideous, his eyes bloodshot and his fists clenched, just like a beast forced into a desperate situation. It was only waiting for a head-on collision moment, then he would... "Oh ... that was ZhouXiang mah. Later, YuDong cooperated with him the most. Both of them have worked on four to five movies together. ZhouX‐ iang has always been our first choice." The phone in YanMingXiu's hand slammed to the ground. A burst of gloomy darkness consumed him. The twisted pain in his body almost took all his breath. His mind kept buzzing and almost everything is blood red in front of him; the entire space around becoming unreal in his eyes. ZhouXiang...... Why does God have to mess with him like this?! When he was sixteen years old, he stopped in front of the cinema and saw the trailer of this movie seven to eight times. The scene of the hero's

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back gracefully falling into the water left him infatuated and deeply mes‐ merized. Yet this person was actually ZhouXiang, actually ZhouXiang! It was not WangYuDong, not anyone else, but was ZhouXiang, ZhouXi‐ ang! Ironically, he treated ZhouXiang as WangYuDong's substitute. Who is the fucking substitute for who!? This step... he had been wrong from the beginning and had continued walking on this path till it is dark. Finally, it got to the point of no return, making him lose everything. Even his prayer for a chance to remedy was unobtainable. ZhouXiang had disappeared. He has a lot of things he wanted to tell him... a lot of things he wanted to do with him... and a long life ahead he wanted to share with him. But ZhouXiang had disappeared just like that. Because of his mistakes, he had step-by-step pushed ZhouXiang onto a path that separated them. He had hurt the person he loved most. Now everything has become retri‐ bution on himself. YanMingXiu is in so much pain that he wanted to die. He really wanted to disappear on the spot. Then maybe he and ZhouXiang could appear in the same place. He was starting to lose his balance. At this time, his rationale is already on the verge of collapse. This huge blow made him feel panic-stricken and tremendous grief at the same time ZhouXiang could never have imagined that YanMingXiu would have such a huge reaction. He (ZhouXiang) was dazed on the spot, at com‐ plete loss looking at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu dumbfoundedly walked toward the door, almost mechani‐ cally opening the door and quickly staggered out. The hotel door opened and then slammed closed, a gush of cold wind blew into the room, waking ZhouXiang from his senses.

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He didn't understand what was happening to YanMingXiu. Was this something that difficult for him to accept? He was stunned for a few minutes before remembering that YanMingXiu was only wearing his pajamas when he left. Where is he going in this freezing weather? It is very cold even just standing in the hallway. Leav‐ ing like that, he'll absolutely freeze. He quickly put on his clothes, picked up YanMingXiu's coat and ran out of the room. End of the chapter

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Chapter 75 - Looking for Yan‐ MingXiu Chapter 75 -- Looking for YanMingXiu ZhouXiang walked around the hotel first. He thought that if YanMingXiu didn't leave the hotel, he would go back to the room to sleep. In any case, he won't freeze to death. So he walked around the hotel but the hotel is so big that he couldn't find anyone. The auntie at the front desk was so engrossed in talking on QQ that when he asked her if she had seen any‐ one going out wearing pajamas, she mumbled that she didn't know. Finally, the auntie checked the door and confirmed that someone did go out. This door doesn't function well and people didn't know how to use it so they won't know how to close it tightly. ZhouXiang panicked a bit. If something happened to YanMingXiu, the unfortunate one would be his so called "assistant" (himself). Especially WangYuDong would not let him off. He borrowed a flashlight from the auntie and went out. The people in the village slept early so there were not many households with their lights on at 11pm. The entire village is pitch black. ZhouXiang stood at the same place for a long time as he didn't know where to start looking. He couldn't shout and couldn't alarm other people, otherwise when Yan‐ MingXiu returns, he'll most likely be the one to get in trouble. He wrapped his coat tightly around himself and walked into the village while swaying the flashlight back and forth, quietly calling for Yan‐ MingXiu. When he reached to the end of the village, he met a young couple who was having a rendezvous in the middle of the night. The light from the flashlight scared the two people and ZhouXiang took the opportunity to ask them if they have saw a person wearing pajamas.

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The two thought for a long time and then the woman suddenly remem‐ bered, "It seems that someone has gone into the mountains." ZhouXiang quickly asked, "How long has it been?" "Just now." ZhouXiang ran wildly in the direction that they pointed. If YanMingXiu really entered the mountain, it would be too dangerous. He has an in‐ stinctive fear of this dark forest because he was buried inside of a moun‐ tain. Walking with much difficulty through the solid grass in this mountain forest at night with the wind whistling in his ears really makes people feel so chillingly cold that their scalps were numbing. He couldn't imag‐ ine how far YanMingXiu could have ran wearing just a thin layer of silk pajamas. Why bother doing that? Could it be this hard for YanMingXiu to accept because that movie wasn't shot solely by WangYuDong but had a stunt‐ man? ZhouXiang felt that this is so pitiful and ridiculous. YanMingXiu is re‐ ally an affectionate person. "YanMingXiu! YanMingXiu!" ZhouXiang raised his voice and called out loudly. He didn't dare to run too deep into the mountains for fear that he would get lost, but after searching for ten minutes, he couldn't find Yan‐ MingXiu. He wanted to go back to the hotel and asked people to come search. If something happened to YanMingXiu, he can't bear the respon‐ sibility. After making up his mind, he followed the path to head back. The mountain forest is not tranquil. The birds that were hovering above the skies seemed to be frightened as they made ear-piercing sounds and anxiously flew up the skies. Hearing these sounds, ZhouXiang felt a burst of panic. Just as he was climbing up a high slope, a tremble suddenly rose up from the bottom of his feet and then his entire body swayed uncontrollably.

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ZhouXiang's feet that were stepping on a stone became wobbly and he suddenly rolled down the slope. An earthquake!! Only nature can gather the power from the shaking of the earth that makes people fearful. ZhouXiang never dreamed that he would run into an earthquake at this time. Although the amplitude is not particularly high but ZhouXiang was too nervous; he couldn't even stand up. The leaves and tiny branches fell on him. He tried frantically to stand up and rushed out of the woods. The big shake has stopped but there are still small aftershocks from time to time that jolted ZhouXiang's heart. The close-by village is brightly lit and the resounding screams are endless. After ZhouXiang passed through a marsh land, he saw a familiar figure. It is YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu seemed to be standing in the woods in a daze, as if he just realized where he is at. "YanMingXiu!!" ZhouXiang yelled and rushed over. YanMingXiu turned his head. Under the light, his skin exposed an abnor‐ mal blue and whitish color, his lips frozen purple and his eyes red. He looked very confused and helpless. ZhouXiang couldn't describe his feelings at the time. It's likely gutwrenching. He really despised the love YanMingXiu has for WangYuDong. He wanted to vomit. ZhouXiang shoved the coat he brought to YanMingXiu and uttered sternly, "Are you fucking crazy?! Do you know how dangerous it is to run into the pitch black mountains?! You can die, you can really fucking die!" YanMingXiu didn't even catch the coat but instead let it fall to the ground. He looked at ZhouXiang with a void look, as if he didn't under‐ stand what ZhouXiang was talking about.

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"Can you not feel the earthquake? Hurry up and get out. It's is too dan‐ gerous here, if any wood falls......" ZhouXiang exasperatedly picked up the coat and draped it over Yan‐ MingXiu's body, then dragged him out. After dragging him a few steps, YanMingXiu suddenly broke his hand free, and embraced his waist tightly with strength so strong that knocked both of them to the ground. ZhouXiang is so angry that he wanted to punch him to death. He is anx‐ ious to leave this place and get to an open flat land. If there was another big aftershock...this second life that he got with great difficulty... even though it is filled with depressing things, he still didn't want to die. He could only hear YanMingXiu's weak voice coming from behind, call‐ ing out for 'ZhouXiang.' ZhouXiang is shocked; his fist clenched tightly gripping the weeds. YanMingXiu called out for 'ZhouXiang' again. ZhouXiang had never heard YanMingXiu called him like this. Never before and not in the present. The way he called him was like...like he was asking for help. ZhouXiang didn't understand but YanMingXiu's voice shocked him, making him feel like his hands and feet were tied, stiff and unable to move. After a while, ZhouXiang could only feel YanMingXiu's hot chest, but couldn't hear a sound. He turned around slightly and realized that Yan‐ MingXiu had fallen asleep, as if everything that happened earlier was just him (YanMingXiu) sleepwalking. In such a place that is freezing cold and with an earthquake that had just occurred, YanMingXiu actually fell asleep! He patted YanMingXiu's face. It is ice cold. He's really asleep? Is he asleep or unconscious? ZhouXiang also wasn't sure. He only knew that he needed to get Yan‐ MingXiu out of here as soon as possible, but now it's become a difficult task. To carry out such a person who is taller and heavier than himself

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out of this unleveled forest, even though they are not far from the village, it is enough to exhaust him. ZhouXiang sighed and said to himself, "You are my fucking ancestor." He put the coat on YanMingXiu and then lifted him on his back. Yan‐ MingXiu's weight almost crushed him; each step he took is with much difficulty carrying YanMingXiu. The more than 200 meters mountainous path made him so tired that he was about to kneel down. Finally, he got YanMingXiu out of the woods. There seems to be a lot of crew members searching for them. Many flashlights were shining towards them from not far away, so bright that ZhouXiang couldn't open his eyes. "Right here! Right here!" "President Yan! ZhouXiang!" Several staff members ran over. Seeing that YanMingXiu had fainted, they were scared. The director also ran over and quickly asked, "What's going on! Where have you been?! There is an earthquake, do you know how dangerous it is?" WangYuDong also came over and pulled YanMingXiu down from ZhouXiang's back. He patted YanMingXiu's face and yelled, "MingXiu? MingXiu? Put him on the stretcher and quickly call the doctor." ZhouXiang opened his mouth and wanted to say that he (YanMingXiu) was fine. But seeing how nervous everyone is, it is pointless for him to say it, so he just retreated to the side. WangYuDong glanced at him fiercely and asked in a stern voice, "ZhouXiang, what's going on!" ZhouXiang responded coldly, "I came out for a walk with President Yan. Then there was an earthquake and President Yan hit his head." "What's with walking in the middle of the night?!" ZhouXiang also vented his frustrations. The grievances in him were too much. If he didn't vent, he might do something even more extreme, so he 560

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responded sarcastically, "If President Yan wanted to take a walk, it's not in my control to refuse." Everyone around them took a breath of cold air. No one in the entertain‐ ment circle dare to talk to WangYuDong like this. WangYuDong is also stunned. He never expected ZhouXiang to dare talk back at him. His first reaction is that ZhouXiang was just being arrogant because of his rela‐ tionship with YanMingXiu. Most of the other people also thought that way. Especially those who speculated that ZhouXiang's and YanMingXiu's relationship are abnor‐ mal. They look at ZhouXiang oddly. ZhouXiang shook his head and turned to go to a distant place. He found an open space and sat down on the ground. Seeing that he couldn't go back to the room right now, there is nothing he could do so he just sat on the side holding his knees like a porcupine with thorns all over his body. He watched the group of people from afar busily helping YanMingXiu. WangYuDong's anxious expression is un‐ usually glaring. End of the chapter

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Chapter 76 - Can't Stop History From Repeating Itself Chapter 76 -- Can't Stop History From Repeating Itself Because the magnitude of the earthquake wasn't high, the village didn't suffer any severe losses. It's just that some people who had trouble walk‐ ing suffered minor injuries when they were running. Despite this, no one dared to take it lightly. The people in the village moved the mattresses, bedding and the like to the open space outside. Even if the weather was cold, they still planned on spending the night outside. In places where people are sparsely populated and the buildings are mostly low, the damage caused by the earthquake is insignificant. But what they are most afraid of is that the earthquake could cause the vil‐ lage to be completely isolated from the outside world, and that no one would know what is going on at this time. ZhouXiang also took out two sets of bedding from the room and put it on top of the bed pads, creating a cotton-padded mattress. . Then, he got un‐ der and closed his eyes. Most people couldn't sleep. ZhouXiang kept hearing trembling voices around him that made him feel very agitated. He couldn't calm down. But he had filmed for an entire day and carried YanMingXiu on his back through the night. He was already very exhausted. Very soon, his deep exhaustion finally consumed his consciousness. He drowsily fell asleep. After dawn, the light was too bright and too noisy all around. He quickly woke up. Everyone around him was busy. ZhouXiang squinted his eyes and saw a pair of legs walking toward him. He swung his head and sat up, his nose was frozen stiff. The production assistant came over and pushed him once, "Go back to the hotel, it should be fine now."

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ZhouXiang dazedly stood up, grabbed his bedding and headed back to the hotel with the rest of the crowd. As soon as he got into the room, he saw YanMingXiu lying on the bed. It didn't look like he had awakened. WangYuDong was sitting in the chair by the bed watching news. Seeing ZhouXiang come in, WangYuDong looked at him coldly, "Get out. Have the hotel get you another room." ZhouXiang did not say anything. He turned to leave. "ZhouXiang," WangYuDong's chilling voice sounded from behind, "Don't take yourself too seriously, you know exactly what you are." ZhouXiang mockingly smiled at himself and left without turning back. Of course he knows what he is. He didn't need other people to remind him. He got a room that is a floor above YanMingXiu. When he got into the room, he turned on the TV. It was already past six in the morning. Many people still don't know that an earthquake happened but it's already been reported on TV. As it turned out, the epicenter of the earthquake actually occurred in the mountainous area along the border between Guizhou and Guangxi. The magnitude was 4.7 on the scale but due to the vast territory and dispersed personnel, there were no reports of major casualties and property losses. Experts from the Seismological Bureau are analyzing the scope of the earthquake and predicted that there may still be small aftershocks in the upcoming two to three days. It seems that the earthquake didn't cause any huge losses so the crew's filming plan should not change significantly. He didn't want to come back to this place a second time. After watching the news, it was almost seven o'clock. He figured that ChenYing should be up so he decided to give her a call to inform her of his safety before she sees it in the news. Then he went to sleep. He was tossing and turning for an entire night and didn't sleep well so he was

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very tired. He slept until the afternoon when someone came to get him to continue with his filming. The village had already returned to order in the afternoon. They used this few hours before sunset to film some of the content. On this day, even when ZhouXiang returned to the room to rest, he still hasn't seen YanMingXiu. For the next few days, YanMingXiu seemed to have stayed in his room the entire time, not coming out at all. ZhouXiang was filming from morning to night each day. Not only did he have to endure the skepticism of his colleagues but also have to guard against TanYin's tricks. The most annoying thing is that as long as WangYuDong is on the set, every single one of his scenes needed to be reshot seven to eight times. Even though he didn't have many scenes and the time that WangYuDong stays on set is not long, this happened once or twice every day. It is enough to make him so exhausted that he could hardly breathe. Everyone could see that ZhouXiang had offended WangYuDong so they took the initiative to talk to him less and less. ZhouXiang would not be depressed and dispirited over such matters. What really made him feel anxious was that he felt as though he had en‐ tered a strange circle... a strange circle of repeated experiences from his past life. Everything that is happening now is repeating the same mis‐ takes from before. He looked on helplessly at the things that happened in his past life, reoccurring one by one in the present. Although the specifics are different, the general direction was all the same. He is being pushed by an invisible force onto his old path and couldn't even stop. He is a little scared. He is a person who has died once. He is afraid of death. He is afraid that if he was to continue on, the end result would be the same as his previous life... Could it be that he had gotten a new life only to repeat the mistakes of his previous life? Then what is the point?

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ZhouXiang wanted to stop all of this from happening but finds himself helpless in doing so. He could no longer control the course of events from happening. ----Two days later, he finally saw YanMingXiu. According to the itinerary, ZhouXiang's scenes in the mountains are almost complete. He will be going back with YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu had very few scenes that will be ending in a day or two. Because his condition wasn't good, his progression was very slow. No one dares to rush him. The director's demand for him was not high; Yan‐ MingXiu only needed to expose his face. Their filming spot is not in the same place. ZhouXiang glanced at Yan‐ MingXiu from very far away. YanMingXiu also happened to turn his head and saw him. At the moment when their eyes met, ZhouXiang felt his heart sink. YanMingXiu's eyes are deep and heavy, like a bottomless pit, which makes people feel depressed when they look into it. He couldn't tell what it was, only that his heart felt distressed. After YanMingXiu glanced at him, he turned around. ZhouXiang also stiffly turned around. The crew had a car prepared for them. They will be leaving next day while the others will continue to stay to complete filming the rest of the mountain scenes. After Zhou Xiang finished packing his luggage that night, he planned on going to bed. At this time, the phone in the hotel room rang. He looked at the caller ID; it was from YanMingXiu's room. He hesitated a bit before picking up, "Hello." "Come over right now." After saying that, YanMingXiu hung up. ZhouXiang sighed, got dressed and went downstairs. He still had one of YanMingXiu's room card. He hesitated but still knocked on the door first. 565

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YanMingXiu voiced, "Come in." ZhouXiang opened the door and walked into the room. YanMingXiu was sitting on the bed, his face looking very pale with his lips appearing abnormally gray. He looked as if he was still sick. This is the worst ZhouXiang has seen him look. YanMingXiu pointed to the chair, "Sit down." ZhouXiang sat down. Although YanMingXiu's expression didn't look good, his sight was still sharp. Those eyes that could melt any women's heart is now concen‐ trated, staring at ZhouXiang without hesitation as he slowly spoke, "Why were you so sure that a stuntman was use in that movie of WangYuDong's?" Sure enough, it is about this. ZhouXiang responded softly, "I was only guessing." "Don't think that I will be convinced with this kind of excuse. When WangYuDong criticized you in your presence, you didn't even dare to ut‐ ter a single word. This kind of unreasonable thing, how could you dare casually say it? Furthermore, you were spot on. You must know some‐ thing." Of course ZhouXiang knew. Because he is the actual person involved. But unfortunately, he couldn't say this. He could only respond with, "I've heard some rumors before, adding on those actions are really not something WangYuDong could do." YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes, "ZhouXiang, I think that you're being untruthful to me on many things. If one day, I find out that you're hiding something important from me, I won't let you off." ZhouXiang couldn't look straight into his deep eyes... eyes that seemed to be piercing through him.

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YanMingXiu asked again, "I'm going to ask you a question, think care‐ fully before you respond." ZhouXiang nodded. "You and that (older) ZhouXiang have too many similarities. You're both about the same size, having similar experiences; both entered President Wang's company, both working under CaiWei, both doing the same type of work and most importantly, the date of ZhouXiang's accident is ex‐ actly the same date as yours." ZhouXiang's breathing quickened and his heart pounded erratically. He didn't know why YanMingXiu would suddenly turn the topic from WangYuDong to him. YanMingXiu's voice is a bit sharp, "I wanted to ask, why is this?!" End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 77 - Key Was Used To Open The Door ⦘

Chapter 77 - Key Was Used To Open The Door ZhouXiang forced a smile, "President Yan, how could I answer such question?" "I don't want to hear this kind of superficial answer." Unknowingly, YanMingXiu had already gotten out of bed and walked to his side, his slender fingers pinched ZhouXiang's chin, forcing him to look up. ZhouXiang's voice is hoarse, "I really don't know how to answer. I also don't know why." "You're lying!!" YanMingXiu snapped. With his fingers slowly tighten‐ ing, ZhouXiang felt his chin being crushed. YanMingXiu's eyes are becoming blood-shot. A person forced into such hopeless situation would have this kind of demeanor. His heart is feeling too chaotic. There is something that is bothering him and kept passing through his mind. He can't grasp onto it no matter how he tried and it re‐ fused to leave him be. He felt that he must grab onto it, as long as he could grab it, he would be saved. He doesn't believe that there could be so many coincidences in this world. There must be some sort of plan in this unseen universe that made this person also called ZhouXiang, who is full of familiar signals appear in front of him. And at a time that he (YanMingXiu) is most desperate and helpless. This ZhouXiang shouldn't just a passer-by, he.....how could he be so much like "him? It's almost as if they are the same person...... The same person...... When he thought of this, YanMingXiu is shocked by his own thought.

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Seeing this obviously younger, more handsome face, this person doesn't look a bit similar to that other person (older ZhouXiang). They are two completely different people. For YanMingXiu to accept this kind of un‐ scientific strange circumstance is too hard. How could a normal person believe in something so bizarre? Besides, this person didn't admit to it at all. This is the most baffling for YanMingXiu. If this ZhouXiang is really that ZhouXiang, why wouldn't he tell him? YanMingXiu have meticulously pondered over this matter countless times, yet still didn't dare to come to any conclusion because every argu‐ ment is illogical and unsound. He is afraid to get his hopes up high only to be devastatingly disappointed in the end. In these past years, he had depended on the phrase, 'He didn't die' to sus‐ tain himself. Although the master also said the following phrase, 'But is not alive,' he chose to believe the first phrase. He didn't believe that ZhouXiang is dead. Strictly speaking, he should not accept ZhouXiang's death. As long as he hasn't seen ZhouXiang's body, he would never ac‐ cept that ZhouXiang is dead. To accept ZhouXiang's death is tantamount to him strangling himself. He will collapse. He will utterly collapse. Especially after what he had experienced the past several days, realizing that the figure whom had left him mesmerized and infatuated was actu‐ ally ZhouXiang. He is even more unwilling to accept that... at a time when he admitted that he loved this person, he had also completely lost the chance to love forever. He won't accept it; he won't admit that he lost the chance to love ZhouX‐ iang forever. Never. ZhouXiang grabbed YanMingXiu's wrist with slight force. His chin felt so painful that it'll fracture if he (YanMingXiu) gripped any harder. He clutched YanMingXiu's wrist, hinting for him to let go.

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This dull pain pulled YanMingXiu back to his senses. He glanced at the ZhouXiang in front of him and slowly released his hand. ZhouXiang heaved a sigh of relief and stood up, sounding a bit coldly detached, "President Yan, these things you're saying is too absurd. I re‐ ally don't know how to answer. There are so many coincidences in the world. I'm afraid that you just think we are alike because of your precon‐ ception. So no matter what I do, you'll feel that we are alike. But I'm..... I'm completely different from him." ZhouXiang gritted his teeth as he uttered this last sentence. These words are not only for YanMingXiu to hear but also for himself. He has to be‐ come a completely different person from the previous "ZhouXiang." He will never repeat the same mistakes. People can't fall into the same trap twice, that's just fucked up. After ZhouXiang finished talking, he wanted to leave immediately. YanMingXiu held onto his shoulder, "Where are you going? Just stay here." ZhouXiang forced himself to sit down and said gloomily, "President Yan, don't make it hard for me." YanMingXiu adjusted his pajamas and went back to the bed. His hoarse voice rang in the quiet room. "ZhouXiang, I can't accept this kind of ex‐ planation. One day, I'll know what you are hiding." ZhouXiang didn't look up and stared straight on the ground. YanMingXiu responded, "Sleep, we're heading back to Beijing tomor‐ row." --------There are two other actors coming back to Beijing with them. This time, having borrowed some of YanMingXiu's lime light, ZhouXiang's seat was upgraded as he was able to sit with YanMingXiu. There were three to four people in first class. The two of them sat in the front row; both deeply immersed in their own thoughts and didn't even 570

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say a few words the entire time. In particular, YanMingXiu sat in the same position like a statue; his eyes kept staring out of the window. His whole person seemed to be shrouded in depressing air. The YanMingXiu now gives ZhouXiang the feeling like that of a tree that is withered inside. ZhouXiang could no longer find that full of en‐ thusiasm arrogant youth of the past in him. What remained is only that gloominess and coldly indifference, a complete contrast to his 23 years of age. ZhouXiang felt jealous and hatred toward the person who made Yan‐ MingXiu change to such an extent. After the plane landed, JiangYuan came to pick them up. JiangYuan first sent YanMingXiu home and then sent ZhouXiang home. Having not seen ChenYing for a few days, her complexion looked a lot better. ZhouXiang asked her about her recent treatments and felt that he could laxed his mind a bit and went to sleep. He finally woke up when it was almost time for dinner. He had been so busy after getting off the flight that he forgot to turn on his phone. When he finally turned it on, there were several missed calls, all from CaiWei. He quickly returned the call. CaiWei's voice sounded somewhat depressed, "ZhouXiang. Come out. I have something to ask you." ZhouXiang's heart sank. He suspected that his relationship with Yan‐ MingXiu had likely reached CaiWei's ears. This is not surprising consid‐ ering CaiWei's unimaginable wide network of contacts. When ZhouXiang thought of this, he guiltily didn't want to go see him and just ignore it. But when he thought that he still have to report to the company tomorrow, there's no use in dragging it out he could only brace himself to bluntly agree. [YanMingXiu meeting with the investigator]

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"President Yan, you're here." Team Leader Wang got up to shake hands with YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu also shook his hands. Then with a bit of impatience, "Team Leader Wang, I rushed here after getting off the flight, please tell me about the latest status to this case." YanMingXiu is in Team Leader Wang's office. There are a bunch of pho‐ tos spread out on his desk in front of him and more than ten photos posted on the whiteboard. They are all photos, relating to ZhouXiang's home burglary. Team Leader Wang didn't bother with any nonsense and got right to the point, "We've thoroughly analyzed this door lock and came to the con‐ clusion that the lock was not damaged. The lock cylinder was old but there were no serious scratches. There is a 90% possibility that this might have been opened with a perfectly matched key, and the remaining 10% might have been an ultra-high-end unlocking tool, but we are all more inclined to the first possibility." YanMingXiu suppressed the throbbing in his heart, "You're saying this lock might have been opened with a key?" "A very high possibility that it is." YanMingXiu thought of LanXiRong, thought of CaiWei, and then thought of ZhouXiang. These are the only people who know of the spare key, then the person who unlocked the house... YanMingXiu lowly responded, "Tomorrow, I will give you something. It is the spare key to this lock. See if you can find any clues." Team Leader Wang patted his thighs, "President Yan, why didn't you give us such an important thing earlier!" YanMingXiu didn't know much about criminal investigation. He simply didn't want to take the key away from its original place because he still harbored the dream that ZhouXiang will come back one day and feared that this dream would be shattered if he couldn't open the door...

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In this crucial moment, if he can crack open this shell then he would be able to resolve his biggest and most important doubt. He can't think too much. He told Team Leader Wang of his speculation toward LanXiRong and CaiWei, but he concealed their names. "President Yan, if you say it like this, then the motives and suspects of this case would have to be re-analyzed. Moreover, you said that one of them saw the suspect's back. In this case, can you ask him to assist us in watching some of the surveillance videos from the intersection to see if we can find the find suspect? We already have access to two of the sur‐ veillance videos that might have captured the neighborhood during that time period. Whenever he can come, we could watch it then." YanMingXiu thought for a moment, "Okay, I'll let him know. We'll watch it together." End of the chapter

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Chapter 78 - Why Are You So Much Like My Brother ZhouXi‐ ang? The place that CaiWei told ZhouXiang to go was actually the small Xin‐ Jiang restaurant that they often went to when they were struggling in those few years after graduating. In his memory, this restaurant has been in existence for at least 20 years. It has always had a small entrance with antiquated decor but the business was always good. There was a fat un‐ cle of Uighur nationality who was both the manager and chef. You can always hear his boisterous laughter from very far away. At that time, after he and CaiWei got off work, they often came here to have a meal, drink some wine, and then talked about the kind of life they would live if they became wealthy in the future. In the end, neither he nor CaiWei became very wealthy people but they are very content with their lives. Toward this small restaurant, they also have very sentimental feelings so they would come by every so often. However, it became lesser and lesser over time. Especially since CaiWei had gotten use to going out with various big bosses and celebrities to luxurious hotels and restaurants. Sitting in a dinky restaurant like this wearing a suit worth a few thousands seemed out of place. ZhouXiang didn't expect CaiWei to want to see him here. This small restaurant is still the same as before. ZhouXiang recognized it from far away. He went straight into a reserved room, CaiWei was already waiting for him inside and the table is full of food that they liked to eat and often or‐ dered at the time. There are six to seven bottles of beer in the middle of the table, and two bottles of white wine. ZhouXiang is very familiar with this setting. CaiWei wanted to get drunk.

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"Wei Ge," ZhouXiang felt a little nervous. His intuition tells him that the purpose of CaiWei looking for him is because of the matters with Yan‐ MingXiu. CaiWei glanced at him deeply, "Sit. I've already ordered." ZhouXiang sat in a chair at a distance that he felt is safe from CaiWei. He did this subconsciously but in CaiWei's eyes, it felt deliberate. CaiWei opened the bottles and poured two glasses, each of beer and liquor. ZhouXiang nodded, "Wei Ge, you are looking for me today..." CaiWei clashed their glasses, "Bottom up." ZhouXiang's lips trembled a bit. This familiar atmosphere made him feel a little helpless. He simply grabbed the bottle and boldly poured a large glass to suppress his fears. After drinking it, CaiWei got straight to the point, "I heard about you and YanMingXiu. Tell me the truth, is it true or false? If you really treat me as a brother(T/N), don't hide it from me." T/N: CaiWei and ZhouXiang's close friendship are almost like that of brothers so they would affectionately use brothers to address each other in this sense. This is why ZhouXiang addresses CaiWei's wife as sisterin-law. ZhouXiang wiped his mouth. He didn't dare to look at CaiWei but in‐ stead at the steaming hot dishes on the table, "It's true." CaiWei's hand that was holding the bottle of wine froze, then he slammed it heavily on the table and raised his hand to fiercely slap ZhouXiang's head, "You dumb fuck!!" ZhouXiang lowered his head with his lips pressed, not saying anything. "For what? What is it that you want? Money? Status? Tell me, what is it that you want?" 575

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ZhouXiang slowly turned his face and looked at CaiWei, his eyes a little red, "Money." Seeing his expression, CaiWei's entire person is stunned. Then he dropped his hand, seeming as if he is exhausted at once. ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "Wei Ge, sorry, I've let you down." CaiWei sighed heavily, his heart full of helplessness. "Son of a bitch. Money is a bitch......" CaiWei murmured, "Is your mother better?" ZhouXiang nodded. CaiWei depressingly drank a few gulps, "You chose this path. Don't re‐ gret it." ZhouXiang shook his head, "There's nothing worth...worth regretting." "Then I'll give you these words of warning, just take the money but don't think of anything else. YanMingXiu already has someone(T/N) in his heart, no others can get in." T/N: CaiWei knows that the person YanMingxiu has in his heart is older ZhouXiang ZhouXiang smiled and laughed at himself, "Okay." This point...nobody else can understand it better than him, who had ex‐ perienced it in two lifetimes. CaiWei swayed the wine bottle and hit it on the old table, smiling bit‐ terly, "ZhouXiang ah ZhouXiang, ZhouXiang......tell me, is this name cursed? Why is it always planted in this person's hand, why......fucking why?" ZhouXiang silently poured the wine. Wine is a good thing. Once drunk, everything is forgotten. CaiWei touched the table, "Do you know what this place is?" He asked but answered it himself, "This is the place where my brother (older 576

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ZhouXiang) and I often hang out at. I really want to drink with him again." ZhouXiang sniffed his nose. He had an impulse in wanting to tell CaiWei the truth, "Wei Ge, I..." Unexpectedly, CaiWei turned to look at him at this time. His expression is very deep and heavy, as if he is speculating something. "ZhouXiang, sometimes I feel that I really can't understand you." ZhouXiang is startled, "Wei Ge?" ZhouXiang don't know what CaiWei wanted to say. "You make me feel......you're too much like him. So much that some‐ times XiRong and I suspect that you two are one person." ZhouXiang is shocked. CaiWei patted ZhouXiang's shoulder, "There are a few things I've never asked but holding it in has been suffocating. First, I never told you about me going to Lao Zhou's place to eat, how did you know that his wife made sweet and sour pork ribs? You even told Lao Zhou that I told you that. ZhouXiang, why did you tell this lie?" Having beer combined with wine, CaiWei's timely alcohol tolerance is astonishing. At this time, he is already drunk; ZhouXiang is also the same. The two didn't even eat a bite of food. They came to drink and now both are drunk. Maybe because ZhouXiang is drunk that he dared to say these words. ZhouXiang subconsciously lied and vaguely responded, "I... I heard from others." "Heard from whom?" ZhouXiang shook his head, "I don't remember." "This... you don't remember, then what about my daughter? You remem‐ ber that? Nobody in the entire company knew that my wife was initially 577

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 78 - Why Are You So Much Like My Brother ZhouXiang? ⦘

pregnant with twins because only one child was born. Except for ZhouX‐ iang, except for my brother ZhouXiang, no one knew. How did you know? Huh? How did you fucking know?" CaiWei moved closer and closer, finally he grabbed onto ZhouXiang's collar. Half of his body slammed onto ZhouXiang's chest as he shouted at him, "ZhouXiang! ZhouXiang, brother, which ZhouXiang are you!? Why are you so much like my brother!? What fucking right do you have to be so much like my brother!? Who are you, ZhouXiang?!" "Wei Ge, Wei Ge, you drank too much. I'll take you home okay?" CaiWei gripped his collar, pulling him closer and closer, finally he showed a look that made ZhouXiang felt intense pain and guilt. He hoarsely muttered, "Wei Ge, I'm sorry." "Why are you sorry toward me? Tell me, how did you know about these things?" CaiWei clutched tightly onto ZhouXiang's arm and stared into his eyes. ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "Wei Ge, I'll take you back first, I..." CaiWei refused to let him go, his voice hoarse, "These things... I didn't intend on saying or asking but I didn't expect you to be with Yan‐ MingXiu. How can there be so many coincidences in the world? One af‐ ter another..." CaiWei's expressions are a little perplexed, his pupil grad‐ ually lost focus. The two men drank too fast and now they were all dizzy. ZhouXiang's emotions are also riled up as he sobbed over and over again, "Wei Ge, sorry, so sorry." "Sorry my ass....." CaiWei carelessly cursed, leaning onto ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang paid the bill and supported him out of the restaurant to hail for a cab. CaiWei was still mumbling in the car. He probably didn't know what he is talking about or what he wanted to asked as he momentarily men‐ tioned his and ZhouXiang's past, and then moved on to say ZhouXiang was not a good friend.

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ZhouXiang suppressed his urge to tell CaiWei everything as he took him home. He didn't dare to stay. After getting CaiWei settled, he said a few words to his sister-in-law (CaiWei's wife) and left. Getting down to the street, the cold winter breeze made him more awake from the alcohol. He walked toward the direction of his home and started to seriously ponder over whether or not to confess to CaiWei. Initially, he didn't dare to tell anyone because he was afraid that no one would believe him. Instead, they would treat him like an alien. After all, how could he ask others to believe something so improbable and farfetched? Later, it was because he had financial difficulties and didn't want to 'force' CaiWei to help him. Now, all these concerns have been al‐ leviated. No matter how he thought about it, CaiWei has always been his most trusted buddy. Whether it was before or in the present, CaiWei has continuously helped him with everything. When he thought of CaiWei feeling guilty and pained over his death, ZhouXiang also felt tormented. Maybe telling CaiWei everything would free the both of them from these tormented binds. At least, CaiWei will no longer blame himself because of him. As for him, he won't have to carry the burden of keeping this big secret. With a person to confide in, it can validate that him, ZhouXiang, had once lived as another person. This can also be considered redemption for himself. Maybe with CaiWei's help, he can get back his parents' relics. He no longer had any hope to get his condo back, but at least with the things in his home that were filled with his childhood memories, he wanted to get them all back. ZhouXiang pondered over and over. Finally in the end, he decided to find an appropriate time to tell CaiWei the truth. He'll just wait... wait until CaiWei sobers up. Then, he'll bring two bottles of good wine, find a quiet place and tell CaiWei everything, hoping that CaiWei can forgive him. The next day, ZhouXiang didn't go to the company. He guessed that Cai‐ Wei couldn't get up so he (ZhouXiang) simply didn't go.

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He had left home for more than two weeks so he should spend some time with ChenYing. This afternoon, he went with ChenYing to the hospital for her dialysis treatment. Although ChenYing's health has been recovering very well, having to do dialysis twice a week really wears down a person's willpower. She can't go far nor can she do heavy work. It's like her whole life is shackled to the hospital. Although ChenYing doesn't complain, ZhouXiang could al‐ ways see her unconsciously sighing. On the way home, ChenYing was sighing again. ZhouXiang couldn't help but asked, "Mom, why are you always sighing lately, aren't we good now?" ChenYing smiled, "I'm thinking...I'm thinking about when you can get married?" ZhouXiang smiled, "This..." "I'm not saying that you must marry a wife. It's fine even if you find a good boyfriend. You'll be twenty-seven years old after this year. It's not good to be alone. Mom may not be here any day. You can't always just stay with an old lady." "What are you saying? As long as you keep up with the treatments, you'll have no problem living for another two to three decades." ChenYing giggled, "I don't want to live that long. That's torture. Ah Xi‐ ang, you really haven't found anyone compatible? Don't be afraid. Mom really doesn't mind. The two years you were in a coma, I've opened up. Whether it is a man or woman, whether or not there are grandkids, noth‐ ing is more important than your health and your happiness. At that time I thought, even if you are paralyzed, as long as you can open your eyes and look at me, I'm willing to take care of you for life. So your homosex‐ uality is not a big deal, I've long not cared about it. As long as you're happy, as long as it's someone you like, bring him home to meet me. Mom won't object." ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "Mom, if there is suitable person, I'll defi‐ nitely bring him home to meet you. It's just that I really don't have time to find one right now. I'm too busy with work." 580

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ChenYing "Oh," but still unwilling to give up, "Find a decent person but he can't wear skirts and make-up." ZhouXiang is dumbfounded, "Mom, where are you heading..." ----"Everyone is here." YanMingXiu said to Team Leader Wang as he glanced at LanXiRong and CaiWei. LanXiRong had just returned to New York for less than half a month when he received CaiWei's call. He immediately dropped his work there and rushed back. No work can be more important than catching the thief. He wanted ZhouXiang's things to return to the way it was before. Team Leader Wang nodded and gestured the subordinate to begin play‐ ing the surveillance video. Several people sat around the computer and concentrated on the screen. Team Leader Wang explained, "According to Mr. Lan, the suspect ap‐ peared at about 3:30am in the morning. This is one of the three surveil‐ lance cameras at the intersection. Since it is impossible to determine when the suspect entered the home, we will first start looking at after 2:00am. If Mr. Lan could not see the assumed suspect, then we'll start looking before 2:00am. We at least have to watch from 10:00pm the evening before or maybe even earlier or later. If we can't find him on this surveillance camera, there are two other ones. As long as the suspect isn't someone falling from the sky, he won't be able to escape capture from these three cameras. But everyone...please be mentally prepared, this is a very time-consuming effort. Especially for Mr. Lan, since you are the only witness, you'll need to concentrate even more." LanXiRong nodded, "No problem, play it." YanMingXiu look at him gloomily, "Look carefully. Identify the thief or you will also become a suspect." LanXiRong glared at him but didn't respond as he started to focus on the screen.

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CaiWei also looked carefully. He remembered hearing ZhouXiang's con‐ tinuous apologies near his ears when he was drunk the other day. He al‐ ways felt that there was something suppressing his heart that couldn't be swallowed, making him very uncomfortable. He felt that he had come in contact with something but that thing is covered in a thick veil. Looking at the surveillance video that looked very blurry under the dim street lights, he had a strange feeling that he could find something here. Starting from two o'clock, several people concentrated on the screen. Since there were relatively few people appear at this time, they were able to catch those passing by once in a while. But unfortunately, from 2am4am, LanXiRong did not see the suspect's shadow from his memory in this video. Team Leader Wang voiced, "We'll check out the next video starting at the crucial time period first. If nothing can be found from the period of 2am4am on all the three surveillance cameras, we'll expand the time range starting from the first video again." After he said that, the second video captured by the surveillance camera is displayed on the screen. The few people were tired from watching the video, especially LanXiRong, who barely dared to blink. When the video was played at 3:37am, a person suddenly appeared on the screen coming out from the side door. His footwork was a bit impa‐ tient with his movements in between fast walking and running. At this time, he was the only person on the main street. His hasty expression looked very suspicious. LanXiRong's heart jumped erratically. He was just about to open his mouth when Team Leader shouted out first, "Stop!" The little police officer immediately stopped the video. Several people held their breath and looked at Team Leader Wang. Yan‐ MingXiu asked, "What? Is it him?"

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"Zoom in, zoom in and see." Team Leader Wang looked at LanXiRong, "Mr. Lan? This person's movements are too suspicious. Take a closer look. Is it him?" YanMingXiu faintly felt that this person's back was somewhat familiar, but the way this man runs, he was limping a little. YanMingXiu could not see his walking posture and the picture was so dark and blurry that he couldn't see clearly. LanXiRong stared at the screen. He had an impression of the person's clothes. At the time, the thief was wearing a pair of jeans with a blue long-sleeved shirt but the person on the screen did not wear hat and sun‐ glasses. The lighting was too dark and the person was too far away from the camera. More importantly, the person on the screen was almost fac‐ ing away from them so they could not see the face at all. The more it was magnified, the blurrier the person became. Although he couldn't see the face, LanXiRong was still certain that this was that thief. Not to mention the back looked familiar. His limping posture alone was the foot that he stepped on. He definitely won't forget. Looking at this person's back again, LanXiRong even thought that this back very similar to the MV scene he saw that day of ZhouXiang's back as he was running. Not only is the back profile similar, even the pos‐ ture.... How could there be such a coincidence? A series of questions raised in LanXiRong's heart. The foremost is whether or not ZhouXiang really is this thief? Although it was only a back view, at this time, LanXiRong's mind could no longer restrain from thinking all kinds of wild thoughts. That person's name, the way he talks, his career... And what Team Leader Wang said, "The door lock was opened with a spare key." All these seemingly chaotic pieces of information coming together gave rise to a shocking speculation in LanXiRong mind. Because of this spec‐

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ulation, he was unable to tell the truth. LanXiRong concealed his own turbulent emotions and said calmly, "Not him. That thief did not wear these clothes." Team Leader Wang is surprised, "Mr. Lan, are you sure? Look carefully. We've watched it for a long time. He is most suspicious." YanMingXiu also bunched his brows at LanXiRong. He had never trusted LanXiRong. So at this time, he is even more suspicious. But he couldn't ascertain whether he (LanXiRong) was telling the truth or not. LanXiRong said calmly, "Not this person. The figure and clothes are completely different." Team Leader Wang is very disappointed as he helplessly muttered, "Then let's continue to look more." CaiWei looked deeply at LanXiRong. He was sitting closest to LanXiRong. When the person appeared on the screen, he clearly saw LanXiRong's expression change with his body leaning forward. If it wasn't for Team Leader Wang calling stop first, LanXiRong's mouth was about to call stop. He knew that LanXiRong was lying. As for why LanXiRong would lie, he must find out. They watched the videos late into the afternoon; until they were dizzy and could not watch anymore. Looking very concentratedly, but still they didn't see anyone suspicious. Seeing as such, they would need to expand the time frame and continue to watch the videos. But it is obvious that none of them could continue on today. Team Leader Wang set a time for the next viewing with them and escorted the three people out of the door. When they reached the door, YanMingXiu glanced at LanXiRong and said coldly, "You're sure that your eyes have no problems right?" LanXiRong 'humph' and responded, "My eyes are very good. I won't mistake the wrong person and won't miss what I shouldn't miss." YanMingXiu's expression darkened. Toward LanXiRong's sarcasm, he couldn't refute. Instead, his eyes exhibited bottomless sorrow and sad‐

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ness, emotions so intensely deep that it shocked LanXiRong and CaiWei to their cores. He faintly swept the two people a glance, "Let me know immediately when you have information." After he said that, he got into the car and left. LanXiRong watched his car leave and let out a sigh inaudibly. CaiWei clasp onto LanXiRong's shoulder from behind and said, "XiRong, I was sitting next to you earlier. All your expression and move‐ ments, I saw it all. You can't hide it from me. You were lying. I want to know why." LanXiRong slowly turned around, his voice trembled, "Wei Ge, I don't know how to say this. My brain is in a mess right now." CaiWei refused to let him go, "Let's find a place. I'll sit and wait for you to explain everything!" End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 79 - ZhouXiang Meets YanMingSu ⦘

Chapter 79 - ZhouXiang Meets YanMingSu Chapter 79 -- ZhouXiang Meets YanMingSu ZhouXiang ha just gotten home with ChenYing when the phone rang. He picked up and saw that it is a text message from YanMingXiu asking him to go over now. He had planned to personally cook a meal today, but now he had to find an excuse to leave. After he arrived at the condo, YanMingXiu hadn't returned yet. ZhouXi‐ ang remembered that he hadn't had time to eat so he turned on the stove to cook some noodles for himself. As he was cooking, the doorbell rang. ZhouXiang washed his hands and went to open the door. He casually looked through the peephole and thought that it was YanMingXiu forget‐ ting to bring his key so he opened the door. As soon as he opened the door, he paused and stared blankly. Looking closely, the person standing outside the door is not YanMingXiu but look so much like YanMingXiu, just a few years older. This person's temperament is calm and reserved, like YanMingXiu. It is a look that is not easy for people to get close but he's not as gloomy looking as YanMingXiu. He immediately realized that this person might be YanMingXiu's older brother. The man standing at the door gave him a fleeting glance. He didn't seem at all surprise. He said, "I am MingXiu's older brother, my name is Yan‐ MingSu." ZhouXiang nodded, "Please come in." He could pretty much guess Yan‐ MingSu's purpose for coming. He's heard that this person is highly pres‐ tigious, is young and promising; it is unimaginable how far his future ca‐ reer can go. YanMingSu walked in as if this was his home. He looked around the condo, "I heard that this condo was originally prepared for me. MingXiu

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can be so rash. I'm only one person, why do I need to live in such a big place?" YanMingSu glanced at ZhouXiang and intentionally pointed out, "But he's done things even more rash." ZhouXiang responded casually, "Have a sit. He'll be back soon. Things between you and your brother should be discussed amongst yourselves." He is not at all interested in YanMingSu's purpose for coming here since he's already taken the money. Although the transfer of the condo is not yet complete, he didn't care whether he gets it or not. With the money he already has, plus his own work, he'll be able to manage ChenYing's treat‐ ment as well as support them. Besides, his and YanMingXiu's relation‐ ship is not one that is deeply in love where they rely on each other. He really hopes that it's like those scenes in those melodrama TV series where this big brother from the Yan family will throw a check on his face. He'll happily take the money and leave. He dreamed of being farther away from YanMingXiu. Being too close is too painful. If not for ChenYing, he would never torture himself in such a way. YanMingSu seems to be a little surprised. This person didn't appear to be nervous or lowly, which makes him feel quite unexpected. He (Yan‐ MingSu) really didn't know whether he (ZhouXiang) completely lacked shame or was the barrier in his heart really that strong. YanMingSu sat down on the sofa and asked, "What's your name?" "ZhouXiang." YanMingSu narrowed his eyes, "What?" "ZhouXiang, the Zhou from Duke of Zhou and Xiang from "flying Xi‐ ang." ZhouXiang pointed to the kitchen, "I'm cooking noodle right now, have a sit, I'm going to go check on it (the noodles)." YanMingSu looked at ZhouXiang's back silhouette. ZhouXiang? This person is also ZhouXiang?

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This name was once taboo between him and YanMingXiu. During the time when his dumb brother was on the verge of death because of a man, he had constantly heard this name from YanMingXiu's mouth. He was extremely busy with his work during the time but still had to watch over YanMingXiu and hide it from the family. At the time, he even had the in‐ clination to kill YanMingXiu. But he had no choice. He could not resurrect the dead. Finally, he had no choice but to seek out his Master in hoping that his Master could persuade YanMingXiu. He didn't know what his Master said to YanMingXiu but at least he was able to pull YanMingXiu back from verge of collapse. Just that YanMingXiu had turned into a person like that of the walking dead that he is today. ZhouXiang. The name that made him feel full of hatred ... the name that he had avoided, he's actually hearing it again. If he hadn't seen ZhouXiang's picture, he would have also been skeptical on whether ZhouXiang had really died and not just YanMingXiu's delu‐ sion in not being able to accept this reality. He soon came to understand why his brother kept this person with the same name by his side. He calmly looked toward the direction where ZhouXiang had disap‐ peared; his heart is in chaos. The reason he came over today is only because he had heard that Yan‐ MingXiu had essentially 'bought' a minor actor as a kept lover so he wanted to come and see. If this person is someone that is reliable, some‐ one whose heart is upright (not scheming), then he will turn a blind eye. If only YanMingXiu could come out of this so called 'ZhouXiang' abyss, this is most important as compared to his dislike toward women. But he never thought that even after three years, YanMingXiu never left this abyss, instead he fell deeper and deeper into it. He felt such despair and hopelessness for his little brother.

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After a while, ZhouXiang brought out a bowl of noodles, "Mr. Yan, have you eaten yet?" "I have." "I haven't, do you mind (if I eat)?" YanMingSu assessed him up and down, "Go right ahead." ZhouXiang wasn't at all modest as he went to sit down on the table and buried his head in the bowl of noodle. Whatever these two brothers have to discuss, he decided that he wouldn't even care a bit and wouldn't worry over it. If this bowl of noodle was going to be his last meal in his place, he'll whole-heartedly finish eating it. YanMingXiu returned before he finished eating. When he saw YanMingSu, he was obviously stunned. Then, he nodded and faintly said, "Da Ge(T/N)." T/N: Da Ge -- Older brother. YanMingSu sees YanMingXiu's obviously emaciated face and only felt angry and resentment. He pointed to ZhouXiang, "How long has it been (referring to ZhouXiang)?" YanMingXiu responded expressionlessly, "A few months." "You've made me restless just when I return, what is the meaning of this?" YanMingXiu didn't answer but instead asked, "When can I see JiKong Master? I need to see him." YanMingSu frowned, "Master is in a retreat. You'll have to wait." "I have to see him after." YanMingSu suppressed his anger, "Come here. I have something to ask you." YanMingSu stood up and took the lead to the study. 589

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YanMingXiu glanced at ZhouXiang, displeased, "Who allowed you to open the door for him." ZhouXiang responded, "You look too much alike. I just glance at the peephole and thought it was you." He put down his chopsticks, "I'm go‐ ing to go back first." YanMingXiu raised his hand to stop him, "Go wait upstairs." ZhouXiang wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, he cleaned up and went upstairs. He can faintly hear arguments coming from down‐ stairs. The soundproofing in the house is very good so the sounds he heard were very low. If he wasn't listening carefully, he could hardly no‐ tice it. So he definitely couldn't hear exactly what they were arguing about. Whatever they are arguing about is not his concern. ZhouXiang looked at his watch. It was already late so he took a shower and planned on going to sleep. He looked at the calendar on his cell phone before going to bed. There are four more days before his parents' death anniversary. Time really flew by. Checking his schedule, he realized that CaiWei had arranged a magazine audition for him on that day. He thought of pushing this off tomorrow. On that day, he only wanted to observe his parents and spend that day at the cemetery. ZhouXiang fell asleep as soon as his head hit the bed. Sleeping into the middle of the night, there are movements on his side. When he opened his eyes, he felt a dark shadow climbing onto bed, reeking of alcohol. ZhouXiang turned on the bedside lamp, "YanMingXiu?" YanMingXiu didn't say anything but flopped onto bed with his slender arm embracing his waist. ZhouXiang asked, "How did you get back?" But he immediately realized that YanMingXiu didn't feel a bit cold and is wearing the same clothes as

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when he came back earlier today. It's obvious that he didn't come back from anywhere, but he actually didn't go out at all. Could it be that he had been drinking this entire time downstairs? YanMingXiu gripped his lapel (front of his shirt) and without really fo‐ cusing on him, muttered, "ZhouXiang... do you know... do you know ... I missed you so much." ZhouXiang's entire body jolted. "Do you know? You certainly don't know... they also don't believe it, only I know... you..." Like a child, YanMingXiu buried his face in ZhouXiang's embrace, desperately trying to get closer, as if he was trying to get into his body. ZhouXiang only felt confused, his mind in chaos. He's calling for ZhouXiang... it's himself right?... not the original owner of this body, but... the real him? His words can only be explained this way. YanMingXiu missed him? Does he really? Because he is dead? Maybe, YanMingXiu really do a have a bit of affection for him. After all, they have lived together for a year. If only he was not "dead," he would never have known. ZhouXiang's heart is a mixture of flavors. He can't say clearly what flavor he is feeling. If he had heard these words in the past, he would have been very happy. For these words, he likely would have given in regardless of what YanMingXiu had done to him. Unfortu‐ nately, up until the accident, YanMingXiu never even gave him a glim‐ mer of hope. Now...even if he heard such words, he only felt chills. There is some good that can come out of dying once. A lot of things that he had once wanted in the past, right now, he no longer wanted it. YanMingXiu's body is very hot as he clung to him. Most of his body was lying on him and he couldn't move. Allowing YanMingXiu to hold him tightly, he looked up at the ceiling absentmindedly. Despite feeling tired and sleepy, he couldn't sleep.

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ZhouXiang, I miss you very much... Such a good sentence, even if it was intoxicated words, it would have been good if he (older ZhouXiang) had heard it earlier. Now.... It's all too late. He no longer needed it. ----Before daylight, ZhouXiang left. He still had to go to work and likely will be busy the entire day. When he went to pick up the things from the company, he bumped into CaiWei. CaiWei's expression is a bit stiff, but looked directly at him. ZhouXiang had already made up his mind to confess to CaiWei and tell him the truth after his parent's death anniversary. He's already at his limit in keeping this secret. No matter what happens afterwards, he wanted to say it now so that he could be free and also allow CaiWei to be free. With this idea in mind, he felt much lighter with his guilt and guilty con‐ science in facing CaiWei; his entire person becoming calm and at peace. He took the initiative to say, "Wei Ge, were you okay that day? You drank a lot." CaiWei responded with a "Mnnn" sound, "I had too much to drink. Don't mind the things that I said." "It's fine. I also drank a lot. I don't remember much." ZhouXiang smiled warmly and looked at CaiWei just like before. CaiWei trembled and asked, "You came by to get something?" "Yeah, I need to return the props to the MeiYing production team. Ah Liu told me to bring the bill over." "Fine, go do your work," CaiWei turned to leave. "Wei Ge." 592

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"Mnnn?" "The audition you arranged on me for the 16th, something came up, I won't be able to go." The sixteenth... CaiWei clenched his fists subconsciously and lowly uttered, "That's fine." After responding, he quickly left. ZhouXiang look at CaiWei's back view. He sensitively detected that Cai‐ Wei felt unfamiliar toward him. He felt a little uncomfortable, not know‐ ing whether CaiWei would blame him after finding out the truth and when he will forgive him. ZhouXiang wiped his face and forced his spirits up. Then, he went to take care of the work that he had to do. End of the chapter

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Chapter 80 - First Time Feeling Sexually Gratified Chapter 80 -- First Time Feeling Sexually Gratified T/N: Before I get busy After ZhouXiang delivered the bill to Ah Liu, he got a call from YanMingXiu. Once he answered the phone, he could hear YanMingXiu's intoxicated voice. It sounded as though he hadn't yet awakened from last night but it was already four to five in the late afternoon. Could it be that he was drinking until now? "ZhouXiang, come... come over." "President Yan? Have you been drinking this entire time?" "Not your business, come over ... right now." ZhouXiang sighed, "Okay, coming now." He hailed a taxi and quickly went back. As soon as he entered the condo, he was almost pushed out by the strong stench of alcohol. YanMingXiu was sitting on the sofa. There were a few bottles of red and white wine on the coffee table in front of him. His face is red, leaning against the sofa. Hearing the sound of the door, he turned his head and glanced at ZhouX‐ iang, "You're here. Cook me some food." ZhouXiang saw that he was still conscious and heaved a sigh of relief. He didn't want to deal with a drunkard at all, "What do you want to eat?" "Make whatever there is in the refrigerator," YanMingXiu stood up un‐ steadily and looked at him deeply, "Make your best dishes." ZhouXiang nodded and went into the kitchen to start cooking. 594

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YanMingXiu leaned against the door frame and stared at ZhouXiang's back with his eyes narrowed, "Did CaiWei told you? About ZhouXiang's home being burglarized?" ZhouXiang paused, then mumbled, "He mentioned it." "I don't think it's a thief." ZhouXiang uttered an "Oh" sound and voiced, "If not a thief, then who?" YanMingXiu's eyes emanated a warm glow, "I think it is ZhouXiang himself." ZhouXiang is shocked. If he turned back to look at YanMingXiu at this moment, he would have noticed the abnormal feverish glow in Yan‐ MingXiu's eyes. But he didn't dare to turn his head at this time. He could only hide his fluctuating emotions by continuing to chop vegetables. ZhouXiang responded, "What are you talking about? Isn't that ZhouXi‐ ang already..." "Team Leader Wang mentioned that there was no trace of the door lock being tampered with. It was opened with a key and the only people who knew of the key's location are myself, that surname Lan and ZhouXiang himself." ZhouXiang couldn't help but sneered, "Nonsense. How could a dead per‐ son come back to open the door?" YanMingXiu shouted angrily, "He is not dead!!" ZhouXiang got so frightened that he jolted. He turned around and saw YanMingXiu looking at him fiercely. ZhouXiang wanted to say some‐ thing but it was stuck in his throat so he couldn't say anything. For what reason is YanMingXiu so sure that he is not dead? Whether he was dead or not, the actual party involved has the most say in it. He re‐ ally wanted to slap YanMingXiu. LaoZi has been fucking dead for al‐ most three years. He's been dead for this long already, how is he still fucking not dead? It would have been great if he wasn't dead! His body

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was given by his parents. He didn't know whether he could find his par‐ ents with this face when he goes to Diyu(T/N). T/N: As previously explained, according to ideas from Taoism, Bud‐ dhism, and traditional Chinese folk religion, after death, the soul will en‐ ter Diyu, which is a purgatory that serves to punish and renew spirits in preparation for reincarnation. All will go to Dijyu after death, but the pe‐ riod of time spends there is indefinite, depending on serverity of the sins one committed. Not dead, such words "not dead," It was YanMingXiu who pushed him to the edge of the cliff, what right does he have to say that he's not dead? The two men glared at each other, both unwilling to concede. All kinds of emotions raged and surged between their eyes. Finally, ZhouXiang smiled forcefully at YanMingXiu, "President Yan, whatever you say then. After all, I don't know." After saying that, he turned around and continued to cook. YanMingXiu also stopped talking and just stood by the door, silently as‐ sessing ZhouXiang, trying to figure out what is brewing in his heart. After YanMingXiu finished eating, they made love. In the beginning, it was just like usual, a silent, unilateral venting sex act. ZhouXiang was still like an ostrich, concealing his face and emotions. YanMingXiu still didn't utter a word as he forcefully thrust into him. YanMingXiu slammed his body with such powerful force that ZhouXi‐ ang's head almost hit the headboard. He had experienced YanMingXiu's abilities and strength in bed a long time ago. But at that time, both of them enjoyed it. They often did it throughout the night, satiating themselves. But now, this was for Yan‐ MingXiu to vent his desires and emotions. ZhouXiang merely took it as a job, never complaining. It's good that this deal is settled to each of their satisfaction. However, something is oddly going on with YanMingXiu today. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, he'd touch his body a few times. These touches were like... like he is feeling him out. The areas that Yan‐

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MingXiu touched were all his (older ZhouXiang's) sensitive spots. Al‐ though he's in a different body, he's come to realize that he is still not im‐ mune to these touches. Very soon, he started to feel a different kind of sensation. He instinctively felt that YanMingXiu is trying to test him; that he is doubting him. This hasn't just been once or twice; he just didn't expect YanMingXiu to choose this method... ZhouXiang tried hard to control himself from making any sounds but YanMingXiu seemed to be doing it deliberately by prolonging his thrusts, very slowly entering and then very slowly pulling out, com‐ pletely shattering his willpower. For the first time, ZhouXiang felt pleasure, making him endlessly terri‐ fied. He suppressed his body's reaction but could not resist the increasing turbulent waves of intense pleasure. YanMingXiu also became unusual, his breathing becoming particularly heavy, as if he is trying to repress something. ZhouXiang voiced hoarsely, "Enough... you've had too much to drink." YanMingXiu turned a deaf ear and continued to change the angle of his thrusts. It is the first time he has the desire to penetrate this body and the feeling is actually this good. It is as if the person beneath him is the one who had been constantly on his mind. At this time, how could he stop? He didn't care whether it is his drunken delusion or what it may be, he just wanted to grasp firmly onto this current feeling. For the longest time, he had not felt this kind of satisfaction. Both of them are caught in an unprecedented state of ecstasy. Besides de‐ sires, there was nothing on their minds. In fact, who they are actually having sex with became insignificant. ZhouXiang felt like he is on the verge of drowning to death. He clutched onto the bed sheets tightly, withstanding the thrills of passion that seemed to have separated from his body a long time ago. In this moment, he couldn't tell which body he is in, whether it is his past life or this

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present life. This kind of familiar feeling invaded all his memories, caus‐ ing him to forget where he's at. Or it could be said that whichever body he was in, at this moment is no longer important. ----Having consumed liquor, YanMingXiu slept very deeply. YanMingXiu didn't even notice when ZhouXiang got up and quietly left. ZhouXiang wrapped himself in his coat and walked home. The apart‐ ment he rented is close-by, taking merely 20 minutes of walking to get home. But because of the sexual indulgence all night, his legs trembled constantly. Every step he took reminded him of what happened last night. It was too crazy... If he didn't yet still have a trace of reason, he would've thought that he had returned to the past. He didn't know if YanMingXiu noticed any differences. He hoped that he (YanMingXiu) had so much to drink that he'd completely forgotten ev‐ erything when he woke up. Otherwise, he really didn't know how to ex‐ plain the flawless compatibility of their bodies. This may be too ironic. Thinking about it now, maybe YanMingXiu was delaying on having an actual confrontation with him because their sex was quite pleasurable. At the time (referring to the past life), he only had YanMingXiu on his mind, so perhaps he (YanMingXiu) couldn't let go because of this. Men are just like this. ZhouXiang is too lazy to think about the future. Every day, he is troubled by a lot of problems. So much that he doesn't even have time to relax. Sometimes there are so many pressing issues on his mind that he just wanted to fucking let it go so he can get some peace, even if it was tem‐ porary. ZhouXiang got home, took a shower, and fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already noon. He went with ChenYing to the hospital for her dial‐ ysis treatment. Then, they spent a peaceful day grocery shopping, cook‐ ing and watching TV together.

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The next morning, ZhouXiang went out wearing all black. He bought a bouquet of flowers, liquor and cigarettes and then hailed a taxi to the cemetery in the suburbs. When his parents died, the state was not strict in managing the cemeter‐ ies, even paying for the burial fees. Unlike now, he can't afford to be buried here. Walking through the rows of serene tombstones along the cemetery, he came to the spot where his parents were buried. This spot, he will never forget. Looking at the familiar yet distant faces on the tombstone, ZhouXiang sat down on the ground. He had thought that after so many years, he would have long been at peace. But having experience so many things these days, he had nowhere to vent out his grievances. Sitting in front of his parents' tombstones, his heart felt especially uncomfortable. "Dad, Mom, I'm here to see you. You can't recognize me looking like this but I'm ZhouXiang. I am really ZhouXiang. I am your son. No matter how I look like..." Toward the end, ZhouXiang is chocked up with emo‐ tions. He suddenly had the urge to cry. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 81 - The Friends Find OUT Chapter 81 The Friends Find OUT "Dad, mom, sorry, I didn't protect the body you gave me. I don't know how to explain it. I was already dead, but I woke up in this other person's body. Actually, dying is nothing. I could be reunited with the both of you. But since I'm still alive, even if it is in someone else's body, I want to live well. I know that you definitely want me to live well..." As ZhouXiang drank, he spoke intermittently about some illogical things. There are too many secrets in his heart that he couldn't talk to anyone about. Now he wanted to come clean and tell everything that had been suppressing him to his parents He completely forgot about the time and place of where he is at. Until he heard footsteps from behind him, he wanted to turn his head but he heard a familiar voice, a voice that trembled and is full of bewilder‐ ment, "Ah Xiang?" ZhouXiang's body froze. CaiWei looked at this person's back that is wearing a black windbreaker sitting on the ground in front of him. This huge expectation and anxiety forced his heart to almost jump out. ZhouXiang turned and saw that LanXiRong had the same expression. LanXiRong didn't look at him; his red eyes were staring at that back, his lips white with no trace of blood. Before, ZhouXiang never thought that he actually needed that much willpower for such a simple move like turning around. He used whatever little strength he had left to force himself to turn his body. He sees the two people he is familiar with, CaiWei and LanXiRong. In that moment, he only felt his nose stiffened. It quickly blurred in front of his eyes.

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CaiWei's expression turned from fright to ecstatic and then to ferocious. In just a short second, he had already rushed up and pushed ZhouXiang to the ground, roaring "ZhouXiang!" with his fist striking ZhouXiang in the face. ZhouXiang and CaiWei have known each other for more than ten years. In his memory, they've only had one fight and it was when they first met. He didn't even remember the reason. After the fight, they went to drink. And then he and CaiWei became great buddies. When the heavy fist landed on his face, ZhouXiang thought, is CaiWei's fist that strong? CaiWei's tears and snots flowed down his face as he crazily hit ZhouXi‐ ang while indistinctively cursing him, "I fucking kill you asshole! You bastard! You son of a bitch! ZhouXiang, you fucking asshole---." At the end, CaiWei had no more strength left and the two men held each other and cried. LanXiRong is half-squatting on the ground, trying to pull them apart but his hands were not strong enough. Finally, he also followed along and cried with them. There was no one in the cemetery in the morning. The cold and gloomy air filled every corners of the cemetery. The scene of three men hugging and crying together is strange yet their emotions are like the breaching of a dam where it can't be stopped even if they wanted to. After the crazy emotional ride, the three tiredly sat in the private room at the coffee shop. There was a lot to talk about, but they didn't know where to begin. ZhouXiang didn't know how many "sorry" he said today. In short, his throat had already gone coarse. CaiWei somberly said, "If we weren't in front of your parents today, I would've killed you." ZhouXiang lowered his head and did not speak. LanXiRong sighed deeply, "Let's calm down first and talk about it... Tell us what's going on. Right now, I still......still can't believe it."

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Although he (LanXiRong) and CaiWei have already discussed countless possibilities, they eventually found one that was most unbelievable yet is the highest possibility, so they came to verify it. They didn't expect it to be what they suspected. For a moment, elation and fury converged at the same time; along with being in awe of something so inconceivable made it hard for him to adjust his mood. Everything that happened today is like a dream. Xiang Ge is not dead, but is alive and living in another person's body! ZhouXiang drank some water and muttered, "I......let's start from the be‐ ginning." He recalled his panic and fears when he was his true 'self' get‐ ting lost on that raining night. "After we entered the mountain, there was a rainstorm and the heavy rain caused a landslide. Our team of more than 20 people got separated. I lost my way and was roaming anxiously around the mountains. My cell phone was out of battery. I fell off the cliff. These......I think you guys probably know." "The rescue team searched the place where you had your accident for over a month and still couldn't find you......" ZhouXiang shook his head, "I don't know. I've completely lost my sense of direction. Anyways, I lost consciousness. After I woke up, I was in the hospital. But I woke up in this body with this identity. Then I realized that time has passed for two full years." CaiWei took a long breath and painfully grasped his head, "Why didn't you tell me? Why? You were......we met in the hospital. Why didn't you tell me ZhouXiang!" LanXiRong was also angry, "Xiang Ge, could it be that you don't trust us? Why did you have to hide this from us?" ZhouXiang responded hoarsely, "Wei Ge, I couldn't say it. Will you guys believe it? Will you guys believe this kind of thing?" CaiWei and LanXiRong were silent at the same time. If ZhouXiang really told them at the beginning, would they believe it? Most likely the answer is no. If it wasn't for so much evidence that led

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them to have this deep suspicion and the gradual process in their hearts that allowed them to slowly accept such possibility, most likely any ordi‐ nary person could not believe in such an incredible thing. Even if they have personally validated this matter, they still have doubts in their hearts. They still have skepticism and feel that this is too unbe‐ lievable. If this happened to them, most likely they can't tell others too. LanXiRong sighed, "Wei Ge, let's not talk about this. You've already hit him...what's most important is that Xiang Ge is still alive." His eyes were red, with him on the verge of crying. CaiWei wiped his face; he is so riled up that he couldn't speak. There is obviously a lot to say but they didn't know what to say. This is what the three people thought at this time. CaiWei ordered a lot of liquor and they let go of all their apprehensions and drank to their hearts content. The three people got utterly drunk. During this time, what they did or said, they were completely unaware. They huddled on the sofa in this simple private room and slept all night. ZhouXiang didn't remember how he got back home that day. ChenYing said that his colleague sent him back. When he heard of that person's ap‐ pearance, it should be Ah Liu. He gave Ah Liu a call. It turned out that CaiWei had called Ah Liu to take them home one by one. ZhouXiang's body is dirty and he stunk. He took a shower and ate some‐ thing. His mind is already clear and his eyes not blurry. In that moment, he felt that he is reborn again. His body experienced an unprecedented serenity. The shadow that had been covering his heart seemed to have disappeared. This feeling of not having this burden makes him want to run out to the streets recklessly and shout. The feeling that he no longer had to carry this secret is so good. He no longer needed to be troubled by his worries, guilt and skepticism that often makes him unable to sleep. He didn't have to talk cautiously and do things carefully for fear of others knowing that his existence is one that can't be explained by science. And most importantly, is that in this world, someone can prove that he, ZhouXiang, once existed, not in this body but the body that his parents

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gave him. Even if he had become a completely different person, there is still someone that could remember his past with him. He really regretted not telling it earlier. This sense of relief is what he longed for the most in the past year. ZhouXiang's entire person felt different, as if he had suddenly lightened up. When ChenYing noticed this change in him, she asked, "Son, what is making you so happy?" ZhouXiang smiled softly, "A lot of things." As ChenYing looked at ZhouXiang's glimmering bright smile, she is im‐ mediately startled. Since ZhouXiang woke up, she never saw him smiling like this. It was as if something that was suppressing him is gone. After her son woke up, not only did he lose his previous memories, his character also changed greatly. The previous ZhouXiang was weak and naggy, had no opinions, loved to play, and was very immature. His livelihood was very depen‐ dent on her. But after waking up, this ZhouXiang, although something was always on his mind, he is very responsible. He looks like a man who can support the family, not like his younger self. She always felt that ZhouXiang is always somber because of the family's dramatic changes and her illness. But even after ZhouXiang got the money, he still didn't laxed a bit but worked even harder. After all, the money was also bor‐ rowed. But now, ZhouXiang is very different. She really didn't know what happened to her son that made him so cheerful. But as long as he's happy, it is a good thing. ChenYing smiled, "Like what?" "Like my work has been going very well lately. Like mom's condition is well controlled." "Nothing else?" ZhouXiang touched her white hair, "Our days are going smoothly, isn't that worthy to be happy?" ChenYing smiled, "Happy... happy."

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"Mom, let's not eat at home today. I'm going to take you and Auntie Wang to a restaurant." ZhouXiang took the two elderly ladies to eat Sichuan food. When they were eating, he received a phone call from LanXiRong. ZhouXiang still don't know how to face LanXiRong. He picked up the phone and walked outside the restaurant, "Hey, XiRong." LanXiRong's voice sounded very hoarse. He has a very valuable and ex‐ traordinary good voice. But because he drank too much, it's harmed his voice, likely causing a lot of delays in his work. LanXiRong said, "Xiang Ge, I want to see you." ZhouXiang sighed, "Today?" "The sooner the better." "Today then. I'm eating right now. After eating, I'm going to take my mom home and come find you." "Where are you? I'll come to pick you up and also take her home." ZhouXiang gave him the address. The moment he hung up the phone, the billboard across the street flick‐ ered under the lights. He is surprised to find that it was an advertisement he did for a real estate developer last month. He didn't expect it to be broadcasted in such conspicuous place. With his mouth gaping wide open looking at the billboard, he probably made himself very noticeable. A couple passing by couldn't help but glance at him. The girl quickly glanced between him and the billboard and said in astonishment, "Oh! You are that model." ZhouXiang suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and smiled, "Ah, yes." The man smiled, "Brother, you are handsomer than the one before." "Thank you." "Really, look at you." 605

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After the two of them left, ZhouXiang still felt a trace of excitement. He had been a stuntman and minor actor for so many years, no one had ever recognized him. This is the first time he has encountered such a thing in his life. Maybe after LanXiRong's MV is broadcasted, he will receive more attention. He really hoped he could get a little recognition; fame di‐ rectly equates to money. End of the chapter

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Chapter 82 - His Body Might Be Found Chapter 82 -- His Body Might Be Found LanXiRong arrived very soon, but he didn't go into the restaurant. In‐ stead, he waited for them in the parking lot. After all, it would be very troublesome to be recognized. ZhouXiang was afraid that his mom will think askew, so he told her be‐ fore they got into the car that LanxiRong is just a friend. LanXiRong parked the car in a corner of the parking lot and waited by the car. Seeing ZhouXiang, his mom, and the auntie approaching, LanXiRong lowered the scarf that was covering half his face and smiled as he walked over to greet them, Xiang Ge, Auntie." "Oh hey, isn't this ......" Aunt Wang screamed exaggeratedly. ChenYing's eyes also widened as she stared. Even though she has long known that her son works in the entertainment circle, she's always felt that he is a far distance from the stars. That is because she has yet to see ZhouXiang on TV. All the celebrities that she knew are all on TV, so she didn't expect that these big stars are regularly around her son. Since she and Auntie Wang usually have nothing much to do at home, watching TV was their only entertainment so they are familiar with most of the stars. This young man left a deep impression on them because he is too beautiful and cute. When he smiles, his smile is so bright and warmly, making him so likable. Even people their age would love to have a son like him. LanXiRong revealed his professional smile, his eyes curved into a cres‐ cent shape as he greeted the aunties, addressing them so sweetly.

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Both ChenYing and Auntie Wang were so enamored by him that they kept asking LanXiRong all sorts of questions along the way, such as how old he is, whether he has a significant other, how could his English be so good, and if he had any other family members, etc. ZhouXiang essen‐ tially became an onlooker. After taking the two old ladies home, ZhouXiang heaved a sigh of relief, feeling a bit embarrassed, "They don't usually have contact with anyone ... don't mind them." LanXiRong turned his head and looked at him deeply, "Xiang Ge, you don't have to be so modest with me." For a moment, ZhouXiang couldn't adapt to the fact that LanXiRong al‐ ready knew of his identity. He's always felt awkward and could only force himself to smile. LanXiRong unclasped his seat belt and leaned over. ZhouXiang blinked, a bit on guard. "I want to look at you," LanXiRong said softly, looking directly into ZhouXiang's eyes. ZhouXiang sighed, "Look at what." LanXiRong reached his hand out and touched his face, "Look at you... look at your face, I want to quickly adapt to your face." LanXiRong's young and beautiful face is very close, so close that ZhouXiang could see the fine hairs on his face in the dim light. His am‐ ber eyes filled with hopes and sorrows, as if they could pierce his heart. "XiRong......" LanXiRong reached out and hugged him, his body slightly shaking, "Xi‐ ang Ge... Xiang Ge... Is it really you? Is it you? Are you really alive? I still don't dare believe it. I don't dare believe that I could be so lucky, that you are actually still alive. Xiang Ge..." LanXiRong whimpered. His arms tightened as if he was afraid that ZhouXiang would slip away.

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He really missed this person a lot. He would never forget the kind of im‐ mense pain and despair he felt when he heard of his devastating news three years ago. He was at a complete loss. He could not forget ZhouXi‐ ang. He could not forget this person who had given him so much care and warmth in his most desperate times. He could not forget how he had failed to live up to his kindness, nor could he forget his own ignorant, in‐ distinctive but genuine love toward this person. ZhouXiang combed through his soft hair with his hands, "XiRong. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hide it from you." When there are only two people in the world who knew who he is, any feelings and sentiments from the other person made him feel exceptionally warm. "That's not important. As long as you are alive, nothing matters." LanXiRong breathed in ZhouXiang's warmth, his heart feeling full of gratitude. As long as you are still alive... LanXiRong is so moved, he wanted to cry. ZhouXiang comforted him for a long time before LanXiRong let him go. The rims of his are eyes red, but still didn't leave his sight as he dili‐ gently looked at his face. ZhouXiang touched his own face and smiled, "In fact, this is quite good. I'm younger and handsomer than before." LanXiRong forcefully lifted the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, "I still like how you looked before." After he said that, he regretted it a bit. After all, ZhouXiang should be the one feeling the most pained. He quickly added, "This is also good..." ZhouXiang smiled mindlessly, "I also like how I use to look. I've adapted to this face for quite some time now. But, it's all good...as long as I can still live." LanXiRong exposed a smiling and crying expression. ZhouXiang softly uttered a few comforting words. LanXiRong's emo‐ tions that had just calmed down suddenly thought of something and his

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face sank. He gloomily asked, "Xiang Ge, you and YanMingXiu..." LanXiRong gritted his teeth, but can't say anything else. He couldn't understand how even after ZhouXiang had changed into a different body, he could still get involved with YanMingXiu. No matter at what time, he (YanMingXiu) is always a step ahead of him..... ZhouXiang's face changed slightly, his voice dejected, "You also know it." The entertainment industry is originally a place without secrets. Every movements and words are under the scrutiny of many pairs of eyes. That holds true the more well-known a person is. These people might not dare to make irresponsible remarks about YanMingXiu so they will naturally point their fingers at him. Although he has not been to the company these days, he is aware that the news of him being YanMingXiu's kept lover will definitely be scandalously publicized by WangYuDong. But he didn't care. Right now he only cares for whatever that could be beneficial for him. What can be more reliable than money? Moreover, he has not been able to get rid of the feeling of living under someone else's skin. Any attack on him didn't seem to really be him. Although this is only to comfort himself, it is the most effective defense mechanism. LanXiRong's voice sounded a bit piercing, "Xiang Ge, why did you have to be with him? Do you still like him? It was him who got you killed, why do you still like him!" ZhouXiang responded faintly, "I don't like him, I just need money." "Then why didn't you come to me!" ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "XiRong, you want me to come find you and tell you that I am ZhouXiang and then borrow a lot of money from you? Although I can be quite shameless, I really can't open my mouth." LanXiRong's expression looked deeply hurt, "Why are you sacrificing yourself? Auntie Chen, she... she is not your...(real mother)..." "XiRong, your family is harmonious, safe and sound. I am very envious, so you can't understand me. I especially want to have a mother. Regard‐

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less of my age, I still want to have a mother. As a result, I really have one when I woke up. Although she is not really my mother, I still want to take care of her. After all, I've taken over her son's body; her son had completely disappeared from this world. Be it for emotional or rationale reasons, I can't abandon her. She is sick, I want to do anything I can to treat her. I have to take care of her till she passed and do whatever her son should have done." "Why must it be YanMingXiu, why must it be him? Xiang Ge, don't you hate him?" ZhouXiang is startled as he muttered slowly, "It's not a matter of hate or not hate. I just have to do what I needed to do. I've been with him for half a year. It'll be over in half a year." LanXiRong grabbed his shoulder, his eyes penetrating, "How much do you owe? I'll pay it off. You break it off with him right now." "XiRong......" LanXiRong voiced sternly, "Xiang Ge, since you came back from the dead. You should live a new life now. Why do you still want to continue on tangling with him?! I'll help you pay off your debt. I don't need you to do anything for me. If you want to pay it back then fine, if not, it's okay too. I only ask that you not be involved with YanMingXiu again. Give me a chance. Xiang Ge. I've always been thinking about you. Look at me. This time, can you just look at me?" ZhouXiang grabbed LanXiRong's arm and said seriously, "XiRong. Be‐ tween YanMingXiu and I, our deal will soon be settled. What I take from him and what I take from you is all the same to me. You understand? I don't want to owe anybody." "I don't think of it as you owing me, I just want to..." "XiRong, I know that you want to help me. You just need to help me keep this secret. That's my biggest favor. Let me solve my own matters. XiRong, your Xiang Ge (referring to himself) does not have much abil‐ ity, but the things that I can do, I don't want to rely on others. Don't worry about me, okay?"

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"Not possible," LanXiRong's eyes are bloodshot as he stared at ZhouXi‐ ang. "Xiang Ge, do you still want him to get you killed again? How could you not have learned your lesson?....You..." Subconsciously, he doesn't believe that ZhouXiang went to YanMingXiu because he had no other options. If there is no YanMingXiu, ZhouXiang would eventually come to find him. If it wasn't because that person is YanMingXiu... He always thought that ZhouXiang would do that. This is simply because that person is YanMingXiu, everything else, are just excuses that ZhouX‐ iang found for himself. However, it's likely that ZhouXiang himself isn't even aware of this. His biggest advantage now is that YanMingXiu still didn't know that this (younger) ZhouXiang is that (older) ZhouXiang. For YanMingXiu to suffer an entire lifetime because he had lost ZhouXiang is the best pun‐ ishment for causing ZhouXiang's death. The most important thing now is to sever the ties between ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu. Even people who have little contact with ZhouXiang have their doubts, YanMingXiu definitely has some awareness. They must be separated, must be...... LanXiRong's brain is churning fast, trying desperately to figure a way to get the both far away from each other. Just when the two were at a standstill, ZhouXiang's phone suddenly rang in the quiet car. ZhouXiang trembled as he quickly picked up, the call is from CaiWei. "Hey, Wei Ge." "ZhouXiang, where are you now?" "I'm downstairs of my home." "Downstairs? What are you doing downstairs on such chilling day?" ZhouXiang responded, "Ah, XiRong came to find me." CaiWei is silent for a moment, "You guys wait over there. I'm coming over immediately. I have something important to discuss with you."

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With the confined space in the car, his words where clearly heard. Cai‐ Wei's tone was particularly imposing. After hanging up, the two looked at each, not knowing what was going on. CaiWei arrived in a little over 20 minutes. He didn't get off the car but had them follow his car. LanXiRong drove behind CaiWei. CaiWei took them to a guest room in a hotel. After CaiWei entered the room, he didn't say anything. He first went to pour them three glasses of liquor. The two of them didn't understand as they followed behind and looked at CaiWei. CaiWei's anger from before had not yet dissipated, so no matter how happy he is, he was not too affectionate facing ZhouXiang. But today, his attitude has eased a lot. Even when he is looking at ZhouXiang, his expression is extremely hesitant, tinged of pity..... ZhouXiang is starting to feel more and more unsettled. He grabbed the glass of liquor handed by CaiWei and revealed a trace of smile, "Wei Ge, what is it?" CaiWei pointed at the liquor, "Drink first." ZhouXiang drank the liquor in one gulp and stared at CaiWei. CaiWei sat across from him. He glanced at ZhouXiang and then at LanXiRong again and then finally looked back at ZhouXiang. He opened his mouth, his tone heavy, "Ah Xiang, I want to tell you something. I hope you are mentally prepared." ZhouXiang is a bit nervous, but still remain calm, "Wei Ge, say it. I'm a person who has died once, there's nothing that I can't bear." CaiWei heaved a sigh, "Do you remember the earthquake that struck the border between Guizhou and Guangxi last month?" "Of course I remember. I was in the mountains at the time."

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"That earthquake... because the magnitude was low, there was little dam‐ age so it didn't cause too much of an impact. But... I got a call today from a crew who went into the mountain with you to shoot the documen‐ tary film back then." ZhouXiang's lips trembled, his eyes glared at CaiWei with his expression looking hideous. CaiWei nodded, "The earthquake caused some changes in the mountain. The locals might have found....your...body." CaiWei habitually wanted to say "corpse" but that didn't feel right. But no matter how he puts it, it won't change the effect this finding would have on ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang slowly bent down and gently clutched his head. End of the chapter

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Chapter 83 - The Plan to See The Body Chapter 83 -- The Plan to See The Body ZhouXiang never thought that there would be a day that he would have to go claim his own "corpse." Such absurd and cruel thing actually hap‐ pened to him. This news was so shocking that ZhouXiang didn't know if he had the courage to see his own dead body. Deep within his heart, he still held onto the little illusion with the hope that his body was well preserved in a certain place. And that one day, God will be kind enough to let him return to his own body. He would take everything that has happened as if it was a dream. But when he heard of the news, this last bit of hope is utteraly shattered. According to what CaiWei said, it was no longer possible to determine his identity by appearance. They could only assume that it was him by the clothing and photography equipment that he was carrying. A DNA test is required for the final confirmation. The reason CaiWei told him this was to get his opinion on whether or not he wanted to go to Guangxi to take a look. After all, that is ZhouXiang's own... (body) LanXiRong was silent the entire time. Apparently he still hasn't regained his senses from the tremendous shock. He just put his hand on ZhouXi‐ ang's back and gently stroked it. After a long time, ZhouXiang looked up. His eyes were bloodshot, look‐ ing very agitated as he hoarsely muttered, "Wei Ge, please go with me. I......I have to go look. That is the body given to me by my parents (T/N) so I must go......to handle it." ZhouXiang sniffed. "Go with me. I am afraid I can't take it." ZhouXiang covered his eyes. He felt such intense pain that he didn't know what to do.

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T/N: The Chinese saying is , , , which esstentially means our bodies---to every hair and bit of skin---are received by us from our parents and we must not presume to injure or wound them. This is from the Book of Fil‐ ial Piety by Confucius. What he had experienced and endured is something that no one else could experience in their entire lifetime. He is going to see his body, a body he had used for more than 30 years. It is the proof that he had once lived and existed in this world. He is famil‐ iar with everything in that body. He is the real ZhouXiang and that body carried its weight. It was once a healthy and lively body. But now, he has to face the body that may have become a pile of bones. He simply did not know how to describe his feelings. Fear? Sadness? Despair? That's not it or it could be said......that it is. LanXiRong said softly, "Xiang Ge, I'll go with you. I'll always be by you." CaiWei sighed, "Of course I'll go. Otherwise, with your identity right now, you won't be able to get near." ZhouXiang gulped down another half glass of the liquor and regained a bit of his senses. He responded, "Wei Ge, I always wanted to ask you. How were my funeral arrangements handled? Did you inform my rela‐ tives?" CaiWei exposed a weird expression, "Your funeral arrangements... were handled by YanMingXiu." "What?" ZhouXiang is shocked, "Why was he the one managing it? You have my aunt's phone number right? At that time......" CaiWei interjected, "At the time, I did inform your relatives. Those rela‐ tives that you still had contact with all came. They wanted to inherit some of your stuff but YanMingXiu wouldn't allow it because your acci‐ dent was handled as a missing person case. Without your death certifi‐ cate, adding on to YanMingXiu's pressure, they couldn't do anything. Therefore, all your things are in YanMingXiu's hands."

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"Why did he do this?" ZhouXiang frowned, "Could it be......could it be that he really believed that I am still alive?" LanXiRong added coldly, "If he didn't help WangYuDong at the time in preventing you from going to the opening ceremony, you wouldn't be forced to take on that documentary work. YanMingXiu felt guilty so he kept your things." ZhouXiang combed through is hair, "Wei Ge, do you have any way to get my condo back?" CaiWei shook his head, "I really don't have any way." LanXiRong depressingly muttered, "Maybe you could buy it back?" ZhouXiang thought for a moment, "Right. Now that they found my (body)......a death certificate could be issued, then my aunt can inherit the house and I could buy the condo again." CaiWei sighed, "It's useless. YanMingXiu won't give your condo to any‐ one." ZhouXiang furrowed his brows, "Why?" CaiWei was just about to open his mouth, but LanXiRong interjected him with his expression, hinting for him not to say anymore. He believed that CaiWei also felt like he does, in not wanting to see ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu get back together. It's best that ZhouXiang never know of YanMingXiu's feelings toward him. As expected, CaiWei changed the topic, "This is not the main problem. It's that you might not be able to afford the condo." ZhouXiang is startled then became silent. CaiWei is right. He definitely can't afford the condo. The average price of an old condo in that location is more than ¥20,000 per square meter. Although his condo is only a little over 70 square meters, it would cost nearly two million to buy it. He really can't afford it. LanXiRong answered, "I will buy it."

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ZhouXiang glanced at him, "XiRong, I can't let you..." "Xiang Ge," LanXiRong interrupted him with a smile, "I could treat it as an investment right? Do you really have to haggle with me so much? That condo also had my memories. How many meals have I eaten there before? How many times have I watched TV there? Like you, I'm also not willing to part with anything in that condo. If all goes well and your relatives could sell the condo, I'll definitely buy it. Don't try to persuade me to change my mind." ZhouXiang knew that this was probably the only way to keep the things in the condo. He knew that LanXiRong would do it; two to three million is really nothing to him. It would be nice if everything really went as smoothly as they thought. But for what CaiWei had mentioned, ZhouXi‐ ang still had some concerns. He didn't understand why YanMingXiu was holding onto his condo. Could it really be because YanMingXiu felt guilty toward him? CaiWei didn't give him time to think about it, "I have already made ar‐ rangements. We will go to GuangXi tomorrow. ZhouXiang, go back and get ready. I'll pick you up at 7:30 tomorrow morning." LanXiRong joined in and added, "Wei Ge, I'll go with Xiang Ge tomor‐ row and meet up with you. You don't have to pick us up." "That'll work. Ah Xiang. Remember to request time off from Ah Liu. He's in charge of personnel." ZhouXiang nodded; his mind in chaos. He wiped his face, "I'm going to go to the bathroom." After saying that, he got up and walked to the bath‐ room. He needed to wash his face and sober up. After he closed the door, LanXiRong immediately asked CaiWei, "Does YanMingXiu know?" CaiWei nodded with a heavy expression, "Earlier than me. He's probably already at GuangXi." "The (body) ...is still in the mountains?" "Yes, there are about forty kilometers in that place that are not open to traffic. It is all mountainous paths so can only rely on foot. They are

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moving it out now. It should be transported to the city closest to the mountain today." LanXiRong frowned slightly "If we go there like this, what are we going to do if Xiang Ge run into YanMingXiu?" "I will try to arrange it so they won't. I also don't want them to bump into each other." CaiWei's expression is a bit hesitant, "However, I'm really afraid that something will happen to YanMingXiu. Three years ago he......" LanXiRong glanced at him sharply, "Wei Ge, don't forget who did this to Xiang Ge. Don't tell me that you have sympathy for him?" CaiWei shook his head, "I just think that this matter is not as simple as they think." LanXiRong stood up, "No matter how, I must first try to prevent them from meeting. I'm afraid that Xiang Ge will waver...... After the DNA re‐ sults are out, we will inform Xiang Ge's relatives to deal with the funeral arrangements. The sooner the better." CaiWei deeply said, "We'll try......" He had too many concerns, like heavy clouds in front of him. When ZhouXiang came out of the bathroom, he pushed aside his wet bangs and said to LanXiRong, "Please take me back home." LanXiRong came over and patted his back, revealing a gentle smile. "Xi‐ ang Ge, I will be by your side the whole time. Don't be afraid." ZhouXiang reluctantly smiled, "I'm not afraid." End of the chapter

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Chapter 84 - Going To See the Body Chapter 84 -- Going To See the Body The next morning, the three of them took the first flight to GuangXi. Once they got off the plane, they switched to a car and drove toward Xi‐ Wan Mountains. It took them more than ten hours before they finally ar‐ rived at the location nearest to the village in the afternoon of the next day. ZhouXiang still had an impression of this village. When he went to the mountain that year, this was the last place they stayed at to reenergize. This was also the last place where he had his last phone call with Yan‐ MingXiu in his own identity. Three years have passed. This small village is entirely different from his memory. It is not the village itself that has changed but that when the vil‐ lagers knew that outsiders have arrived, they all came out in crowds to take a look. When the three of them arrived at the entrance of the village, they were stopped by two people wearing casual clothes. The short hair stubbles on their heads and their stiff temperament and unified movements and ex‐ pressions made it obvious that they are soldiers at just a glance. CaiWei asked, "Dai Ge (T/N), what's the matter?" T/N: Dai Ge () is used to address an older brother or unrelated older male. A soldier responded, "What are you guys doing here? Something hap‐ pened in this village recently. No outsiders are permitted to enter." CaiWei is astonished, "Could it be the corpse......has already arrived here?" The soldiers looked at him strangely, "Who told you guys to come here?" 620

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"The party in charge, a member from that crew informed us. We are friends of the deceased and are here to identify and claim him." The soldiers hesitated for a moment, "Wait a bit. I'm calling for someone to come out." Then he turned and went into the village. The three people waited at the village entrance, looking at each other. CaiWei said imposingly, "What is going on? Why even the troops are brought here? And looking at their stance, there seem to be many of them." LanXiRong looked inside the village, "Not sure but I'm guessing it's YanMingXiu that got them here." ZhouXiang didn't pay much attention to what they were saying at all. When he was standing at the village's entrance, thinking that his body might be inside, he felt such agonizing pain. He is really afraid to see his 'own' decomposed or skeletal body but he must go and see, even if it was only to bid farewell to his body. This would also allow him to completely let go. No one in the world could understand his mood at the moment, this kind of indescribable pain. After a while, a soldier came out with a gloomy looking fat person. CaiWei recognized at once that this was the person in charge of the crew that year. His surname is Xue. He has been sent here by his boss to han‐ dle this matter. After discovering the body, there are a series of matters that needed to be dealt with, such as compensation for ZhouXiang as well as the set of equipment that was worth more than a million yuan. CaiWei heard that because the equipment was still missing, the insurance companies were still hassling with them. "Xue Ge," CaiWei walked over and shook hands with him. Xue Ge's expression looked flushed as if he had just quarreled with someone. He says breathlessly, "Ah, you're here. Come on in......Huh? Why did you bring so many people? I've only prepared one room for you."

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CaiWei responded, "XiRong is also Ah Xiang's friend. He insisted on coming to see. This person (ZhouXiang) here is from my company and my boss wanted him to come along to help me handle things." Xue Ge took them into the village but they detoured around the roads. Along the way, he whispered cautiously as if he was afraid of someone, "Try not to let people see you as much as possible. This entire situation is chaotic." "What's really going on?" "I'll tell you when we go into the house. Aigh (sigh sound), Lao Cai, you came with two people, I really can't make the arrangement. Even this farmer's bed was all I could get after a long struggle. The troops had taken over this area entirely. The two of you (LanXiRong and ZhouXi‐ ang), I really have no other way, you'll just have to sleep on the ground." LanXiRong responded, "It's fine, the ground it is then." Xue Ge said with embarrassment, "Mr. Lan, I'm sorry. You guys will have to suffer a little. Have a rest first." "Not a problem." ZhouXiang is so anxious that his entire person is on the verge of explod‐ ing. It is impossible for him to rest calmly. He quickly asked, "Xie Ge, when can we..." CaiWei instantly grabbed him, disappointedly getting him to stop talk‐ ing. Xue Ge looked at him strangely, CaiWei asked, "Xue Ge, when can we see Ah Xiang? We are here to confirm whether or not it is Ah Xiang." "Oh, no need to confirm. The DNA results are already out. It is him." ZhouXiang's mind buzzed. He thought he was already prepared mentally. With the facts already in front of him, he could force himself to accept but when he actually heard it, he felt his vision turning bleakly dark, as if he is about to blackout. LanXiRong carefully supported him and gently squeezed his palm. 622

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CaiWei somberly responded, "How come it's this fast?" "Come in. Come in and talk," Xue Ge led them into the room that was prepared for CaiWei. CaiWei quickly asked, "How could it be so fast? The corpse......the body was found only three days ago. Even if it was shipped here immediately, that would have taken close to two days. The medical facilities here are so lacking, just to send the samples out to do the comparison and have it be sent back would take at least two to three days. How could the results be out already?" Xue Ge lowered his voice and responded, "The Yan family directly brought doctors and medical instruments here. Why do you think there are more than a dozen soldiers here?" Although his voice was very low, the three could still hear it clearly. ZhouXiang blurted out, "What does he want?" Xue Ge frowned as he pondered over who this person is. CaiWei haven't even spoken yet and he already opened his mouth. CaiWei turned to glance at ZhouXiang with a warning. He responded, "Xue Ge, don't mind him. My assistant is a bit anxious. Is YanMingXiu already here?" "He came two days ago, even earlier than me." "Then right now he......Ah Xiang right now, what's the situation?" Xue Ge's face revealed a strange expression, "It's so troublesome. I can't leave for the time being. Not only did YanMingXiu come, his older brother also came." CaiWei looked at him shockingly. Xue Ge was just about to speak but felt that some things couldn't be said in front of others, "Lao Cai, let's go to my place. Let them rest a bit." CaiWei had no choice but to head out with Xue Ge.

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LanXiRong and ZhouXiang were left sitting on the shabby bed inside the farmer's house, still haven't recovered from the shock. According to Xue Ge's words and with what they saw with their own eyes, this village is obviously being controlled by the Yan family. Is this something worth that big of an effort? ZhouXiang can't sit still, "I have to go see." LanXiRong grabbed onto him, "Xiang Ge, the village is full of people brought by YanMingXiu. Even if you wanted to go see, you won't be able to. Just sit and see if Xue Ge can think of some ways." ZhouXiang's expression is a bit distorted, "I really can't wait. I have to go see immediately. XiRong, you don't understand, that is my......my body. Fuck, how could there be such a ridiculous thing? I'm going to col‐ lapse if I don't do anything." LanXiRong looked at his obviously unusual expression. Although he couldn't experience what ZhouXiang is going through, he could some‐ what understand his feelings. He said helplessly, "Okay then. I'll go with you. It's dark now, we can see if we can sneak in......" "No, I'll go by myself. It is easier to be discovered with two people, es‐ pecially with your face; a lot of people still recognize you. If something were to happen, it will affect your reputation. I'm fine going by myself." LanXiRong stood up, "Xiang Ge, I can't let you go alone......" ZhouXiang gripped his shoulder to make him sit on the bed, "Right now, you can't help me. So please, wait here for me. I'll go see by myself. I must go and see." LanXiRong knew that ZhouXiang is right. The current situation is too strange. He'll just wait here. If ZhouXiang doesn't come back, he could still find CaiWei and Xue Ge for help. ZhouXiang rubbed his face and energetically shook his head, forcing himself to calm down a bit. Then, he went out of the house.

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This small village is so deserted that it's not even equipped with a power system. The electricity used in the village is supplied by one generator. At 9 o'clock in the evening, most of the people are already sleeping. The village is particularly dark, almost nothing could be seen from two me‐ ters away. ZhouXiang went back and forth in the dark village. There were only twenty households in this place, very less. Most of the people are asleep. He barely ran into anyone along the way, but sometimes there were a few soldiers walking around. At the end of the village, he finally found a household stationed with soldiers. There was no light in that house but the house next to it was lit and someone came out from time to time. ZhouXiang's heart jumped wildly. Perhaps his body is in one of these two farmers' house. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 85 - Seeing Himself Chapter 85 -- Seeing Himself ZhouXiang thought for a long time and still didn't know how he could get in. With several people standing at the door, he would definitely not be able to get through. He could see that Xue Ge had no say in this matter whatsoever, so it would be useless to wait for him to find a way. He also couldn't wait any longer. He is anxious to see himself. Also, he wanted to know why the two Yan brothers are here and brought so many people with them. When he was alive, he never felt that YanMingXiu cared much about him, so to be given this sort of treatment after his death is really ridiculous. After some thought, he decided to just go directly in. It's simply impossi‐ ble for him to avoid so many people so he might as well give it a try. He walked out of his shadow and went straight to the lighted farm house. Before he even got close, a soldier came over and asked, "Is something the matter?" ZhouXiang tried desperately to suppress his impatience, "I'm looking for YanMingXiu." The solder is stunned, his expression suddenly became cold as he looked at him cautiously, "Who are you?" "I'm his ...... friend." Another person heard their conversation and turned around to go into the house. After a while, a slender man came out of the house. ZhouXiang looked at him in the dim light, it is YanMingSu.

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YanMingSu merely glanced at him. Then, he lowly muttered, "Let him in." ZhouXiang followed YanMingSu into the house. The light in the house is a lot brighter. YanMingSu's condition looked re‐ ally bad, with heavy dark circles around his eyes. His exhaustive expres‐ sion seemed like he had experience some sort of torture. His entire per‐ son appeared dispirited. He swept ZhouXiang a glance and asked, "What are you doing here?" "I came with CaiWei, CaiWei is... a friend of ZhouXiang, we came to identify.... the person." "There is nothing to identify. The person had been dead for three years. What do you think is left? It's just bones." ZhouXiang's heart tightened instantly. The person YanMingSu is refer‐ ring to is not just any random person, not a dog on the side of the street, but it is him...is him ZhouXiang. YanMingSu didn't notice the change in ZhouXiang. He seemed very re‐ sentful as he gloomily muttered, "It's already like this. This guy.... really fucking can't stop making people worry." ZhouXiang felt so painful that he pressed his hand on his chest and squatted down. He only felt dizziness, as if the sky and earth are spin‐ ning relentlessly, his legs could barely support his weight. His face paled, seeming to have lost any trace of blood, "Bones... only bones are left..." "Otherwise, what else do you think there is.....what's with you?" Yan‐ MingSu flashed him a glance and noticed that something seemed very wrong with ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang raised his pale-white face, "Mr. Yan, could I see?" "See what?" "ZhouXiang's ... corpse." He reluctantly said these words. In this mo‐ ment, he's finally acknowledged in his heart that he has completely been obliterated.

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"Why do you need to go see? Who are you to him?" ZhouXiang couldn't answer. How could he tell him that he's the owner of that body? With only a few meters away, he couldn't even see his own body for the very last time. ZhouXiang is already very dazedly consumed by extreme sorrow. He persisted, "I beg you. Please let me have a look." YanMingSu frowned deeply and looked at ZhouXiang suspiciously. ZhouXiang quickly added, "No, not me, for Wei Ge, Wei Ge must see." "Not possible, you guys can't." ZhouXiang's expression looked a bit fierce, "Why?" YanMingSu stared into his eyes and mouthed each and every word very clearly, "My brother is in that room. He does not allow anyone to come close nor is he willing to come out. Not to mention you, I also can't go in." ZhouXiang looked at him stiffly, "Why?" YanMingSu sighed, "Going out this door, every word that I said earlier, you must not leak it out. The reason why I'm here is because of this. If you dare let others know, you won't be able to bear the consequences." "He...why is he?" "Why?" YanMingSu smiled forcefully, "Because he is crazy." "He... he and ZhouXiang's.... ZhouXiang's (T/N)...." T/N: ZhouXiang is referring to YanMingXiu trapping himself in the room with his corpse. "Right, he has been like this since he got here, not eating, not leaving the room, not making any sounds, just staying in that room." YanMingSu exhaustively rubbed his eyes, "I intend on waiting another day. If he's still the same, I'm going to forcefully take him back to Bei‐ 628

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jing." ZhouXiang is utterly shocked. Why is YanMingXiu guarding his bones? Why is he? What rights does he has? ZhouXiang's mind buzzed. He couldn't digest this information at all. The scenes from the past flashed swiftly in front of him. YanMingXiu's ten‐ der affections and ruthlessness, he had experienced it all. But never once did he feel that he occupied any space in YanMingXiu's heart. Yan‐ MingXiu's heart is filled to the brim of WangYuDong. There is hardly any space for him. But what is the meaning of YanMingXiu's unusual behavior now? Guilt? Is it merely just guilt? ZhouXiang pulled himself up from the ground, and panic-strickenly said, "I'll go see him." YanMingSu glanced at him and said tiredly, "You could try it. If you could make him talk or get him to come out, I owe you a favor." ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "Let me go in." YanMingSu led him out of the house to the house next door and handed him a flashlight. "Look for the lights yourself inside, use the doors to guide you." When ZhouXiang opened the door, his hand that is holding the flashlight immediately sweated, becoming wet and slippery. He couldn't get rid of this chilling feeling since he stepped into the house. The house inside is very dark; the ground has a lot of pot-holes. As soon as he walked in, there is a black stove on the side. ZhouXiang walked to‐ ward the stove. Everywhere that the flashlight shines at is eerily frighten‐ ing. But he is not afraid. He has too many doubts and sentiments in his heart. He has no strength to be fearful. He pulled the drawstring of the kitchen lamp and the kitchen lit up.

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ZhouXiang threw the flashlight down and turned to the room inside. Through the faint light, he could see what was lying on the bed in the bedroom. ZhouXiang's heart beat erratically. He took a few big steps and turned on the bedroom lights. The room is small. He could see everything at a glance, including the skeleton covered with white cloth on the bed and the person sitting on the ground. ZhouXiang's legs went soft. He almost fell to the ground. At this point, ZhouXiang is too busy to worry about whether or not Yan‐ MingXiu is dead or alive sitting in the corner. His eyes stared unwaver‐ ingly at the skeleton on the bed. What YanMingSu said was right, there is nothing to see. When a person's skin and flesh is gone, the only thing exposed without exception is the ghastly white skeleton of the dead. No matter that this person was his most familiar self; it had become this, how could he possibly recognize it? ZhouXiang's tears rapidly and uncontrollably flowed down his face. At this time, he could care less whether he would be discovered by Yan‐ MingXiu. He had almost forgotten everything. He knew that this skele‐ ton once belonged to his healthy body; it was once full of life. He didn't know what else in the world could be more cruel than seeing his own corpse. He almost collapsed. He's come to experience that kind of immense sor‐ row from losing his parents in that year, sorrow so immense that it could not be described and could not be vented. In the end, ZhouXiang didn't dare to go over. He only dared to look at it from a distance of a few meters. He really didn't have the courage or strength to walk over. Even his conscientious mind has now consumed all of his physical strength. He looked down and glanced at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu is leaning on the wall with his eyes closed. He didn't seem at all unfitting with the skeletal corpse because he is like a dead person himself; with his face paled and his spirit lifeless. Furthermore, he's not moving at all. Even the

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lights and sounds coming from the external world could not trigger him to make even the slightest reaction. If it wasn't for the slight trembling of his nose that told ZhouXiang that he was still alive, ZhouXiang really would have thought that Yan‐ MingXiu had no heartbeat. He has never seen YanMingXiu looking like this, so hopelessly devas‐ tated, his (YanMingXiu) entire person seeming to be completely drained, as if he is just a heap on the ground that is merely an empty shell. Is YanMingXiu heartbroken because of his death? ZhouXiang's body trembled. He wanted to go up to YanMingXiu and ask him, "Are you heartbroken because of me?" If you are really this heart‐ broken, then why didn't you tell me before? Why didn't you tell me be‐ fore I die... that you do, in fact, also care about me in your heart? Why did it have to wait till he had turned into a pile of bones for him to realize that YanMingXiu is heartbroken over him? Too late. Too fucking late. LaoZi has been thoroughly dead! ZhouXiang's tears continued to fall uncontrollably. As compared to los‐ ing a loved one, this is even more horrific, more emotional because he had lost himself. He had lost his past...his feelings... his identity...his body...his life... his everything. Although his soul is still alive but it is never him. He began to hate YanMingXiu again. He never wanted to put the blame of his death on YanMingXiu because he knew that he couldn't do any‐ thing. Thinking this way will only make it more painful for himself. But now, facing the skeleton that was his own body, he hated YanMingXiu to the extreme. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu, he would still be alive and liv‐ ing fine, enjoying his life with this body. But instead, he is like a lonely ghost taking over someone else's body. Not to mention, having to merci‐ lessly look at his own corpse. He could no longer stand seeing Yan‐ MingXiu looking as if he had lost his soul.

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He quickly tottered out of the house. When he rushed out, whoever he might have bumped into, whatever sounds he could have heard, he had no idea. He just wanted to run a bit farther away, so that this long night‐ mare is behind him. He ran into a forest, but was tripped by a stone on the ground and rolled out a few meters. He started to howl and cried loudly, frantically slamming himself on the ground. With the sight of his skeleton lingering on his mind, he couldn't take it; he felt that he's al‐ ready gone crazy. Urgent cries filled his ears. Whoever that was dragging him, pulling him, he pushed this person away, using all his energy to push this person away. He wanted to keep running but his legs were weak. Finally, he felt darkness in front of him, consuming him, and he col‐ lapsed on the ground. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 86 - Because I Am His Man ⦘

Chapter 86 - Because I Am His Man Chapter 86 Because I Am His Man When ZhouXiang woke up the next day, the first thing he saw was LanXiRong's face. He stared at the simple roof and recalled everything that happened last night. His entire person felt like a dream, completely unreal. LanXiRong quickly patted his face, "Xiang Ge? Are you okay? Can you hear me?" CaiWei also came over and looked at him worriedly. ZhouXiang laid stiffly for a long time before opening his mouth, "I'm fine." The two are relieved. LanXiRong supported ZhouXiang to sit up on the bed and poured him a glass of water. ZhouXiang drank a few mouthfuls of water and looked at the people and things around him. He doesn't know how to describe this feeling. It's like his body is stepping on empty space, but his mind is very clear. It's likely that his frantic wailing from yesterday enabled him to release most of his suppressed emotions. The somberness from his body has up‐ lifted quite a bit so he had regained his sanity. He thought, even if he were to be faced with his unrecognizable skeletal remains again, he wouldn't run away. He said to himself, ZhouXiang, you must have a clear mind. You must pull yourself together.

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After this last bit of his hopeful illusion had completely shattered, there was no way for him to go back so he became surprisingly calm. He clearly knew that the most important thing for him right now is to be able to get back his and his parents things. To continue on being perplexed over it will not change the facts and is completely meaningless. ZhouXiang looked at LanXiRong and CaiWei's concerned expressions and apologized, "Sorry, sorry for making you guys so worried, I'm fine." Seeing him appearing so calm instead made the two of them scared. Af‐ ter all, ZhouXiang was acting as though he was crazy yesterday; his en‐ tire person mentally collapsed. Anyone who had experienced this kind of thing would likely act like him. So now, seeing him so calm, the contrast is too big, making the two of them feel very uncertain, afraid that ZhouXiang will do something even more extreme. ZhouXiang got on the ground and put on his shoes, smiling calmly, "I am really fine. I got over it. Yesterday was just very upsetting... but...it's no longer important." CaiWei shook his head and sighed. "If you're really feeling pained, you must not hold it in. Seeing you like this is even scarier." ZhouXiang patted CaiWei's shoulder, "Wei Ge, me going over there by myself yesterday might have cause some trouble for you." "That's not the main concern. YanMingSu wanted you to go see him after you wake up." LanXiRong grabbed his arm, "Xiang Ge, you don't have to go. I know that this is really hard for you. If you don't want to stay here, I'll go back with you. Wei Ge can stay by himself and handle the rest." CaiWei also nodded in agreeance. "It's fine for me to stay" ZhouXiang shook his head. "I want to stay here. I'm going to go see Yan‐ MingSu and..." and YanMingXiu, but he didn't say that aloud. Seeing YanMingXiu looking like that yesterday made him extremely unsettled. He wanted to confirm something.

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ZhouXiang didn't allow them to come along with him. He went by him‐ self to see YanMingSu. Just when he got to the front door of the farm house to where Yan‐ MingSu was staying, to his surprise, there are actually two monks stand‐ ing outside. ZhouXiang is a bit oblivious. He didn't know much about religions and the like but his first reaction is that they were invited to perform some sort of religious ritual to help the soul find peace. ZhouXiang felt a bit frightful. Looking at him now, he appears to be a normal person. But the most unbelievably absurd thing had occurred to him. Although taking possession of another person's body is not something that happened to him voluntarily, it's still not right. So when he saw these two monks, he was particularly nervous, just like how monsters would feel see Taoist priests. But it was too late for him to turn back. The soldier who was standing at the door had already saw him. One of them turned and went to inform YanMingSu. ZhouXiang could only force himself to move for‐ ward. The facts have proved that this was just his imagination. The two monks just nodded politely and didn't pay too much attention to him. After a while, that soldier came out and motioned for him to go in. Immediately after ZhouXiang entered the house, he felt an extremely un‐ usual atmosphere. He couldn't describe the feeling. It's like this dilapi‐ dated rural house suddenly became very different. Even the flowing air had become gravely solemn. He walked into the bedroom and realized that not only was YanMingSu sitting inside but next to him is a tall and thin old monk, looking about seventy years old with no facial expres‐ sions. The moment ZhouXiang came in, the monk looked up and shot him a glance, a glance that is endlessly penetrative. Although there weren't any fluctuations in his expressions, ZhouXiang became ex‐ tremely tensed. YanMingSu said to ZhouXiang, "This is my master, JiKong Great Mas‐ ter." YanMingSu seems very respectful, his mannerism is even humble. ZhouXiang made a Buddhist gesture (clasp his palms in prayer form and bows), this he dared not neglect.

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In the past decade, he has come in contact with many prestigious and powerful people in the entertainment industry. Although they might not remember him, he knew a lot about these people. He found that the more powerful a person is, the stronger the need for faith. For example, the second generation wealthy President Wang is an obsessed Buddhist, no matter how busy he is every year, there is a fixed two to three months where he will take a retreat to devote entirely to the faith. Everyone in Beijing highly respects him but even so, when he goes to Tibet, he re‐ mains very-well disciplined. When he saw TieBang lama, he didn't even dare to lift his head. These were not rumors but came proudly from Pres‐ ident Wang's own mouth. When he mentions his master, it is like admir‐ ing the gods. It is extremely common for some big state-owned enter‐ prises and private enterprise bosses to believe in Buddhism or other spir‐ itual beliefs. It was not at all surprising for ZhouXiang to find that Yan‐ MingSu has a master. A person who YanMingSu could respect as a master is definitely an ex‐ traordinary great master, but he just didn't know why this person would appear at this place. JiKong Master watched him quietly or a while, still having no expres‐ sions, nor did he say anything. Being looked at by this master in such a penetrative way made ZhouXi‐ ang feel extremely awful. He said to YanMingSu, "Mr. Yan, why were you looking for me?" YanMingSu looked at him seriously, "I want to know what you saw yes‐ terday when you went in, what you said and what you did." ZhouXiang lowly muttered, "I saw a bunch of bones, saw YanMingXiu sitting on the ground with his eyes closed not saying anything. I didn't do anything, I got scared and fled." "Really? "Really." "But he wanted to see you now." ZhouXiang is startled, "Fine, I also want to see him."

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He walked into the farmhouse for the second time. But this time, Yan‐ MingXiu was sitting in front of the dining table. In front of him is a plate of breakfast but it hasn't been touched. YanMingXiu is just sitting there dazedly staring at the food. After ZhouXiang entered the house, YanMingXiu looked up at him with blood-shot eyes. YanMingXiu's appearance now is a far cry from his coldly indifferent and calm self of the past. He looked haggard with his hair unkempt and a lot thinner in just a few days. There is something forcefully pounding in ZhouXiang's heart. He couldn't help but look toward the room with his corpse but the door is closed. YanMingXiu spoke up, his voice is hoarse, "Sit down." ZhouXiang sat down and looked restlessly at YanMingXiu directly across from him. He wanted to say something but didn't know how to say it. YanMingXiu looked at him; his empty eyes flashed a trace of mysterious light. He stared directly at ZhouXiang, as if wanting to see through his flesh into his body, making ZhouXiang feel extremely uncomfortable. YanMingXiu said, "There are some things I need to tell you, because I can't let CaiWei see me like this, I'll tell you and you go and convey it to him." ZhouXiang nodded. "I will take care of everything for ZhouXiang so he doesn't need to be concerned." When YanMingXiu said these words, his eyes never left ZhouXiang's face, trying to gather all the expressions on his face. ZhouXiang's voice trembled, "What do you mean?" "What I mean is... ZhouXiang's remains and estate will be handled by me." "But, he still has relatives..."

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"I know. I've already resolved that. Right now, all of ZhouXiang's things are my legal property." ZhouXiang's hands under the table clenched into fists. He lowered his head and concealed his expression. He lowered his voice, "That, how do you plan on handling... handling ZhouXiang... and his things?" "I will bring him back to Beijing for burial." ZhouXiang then asked, "What about the condo? Sell it?" YanMingXiu looked at him deeply, "I'm going to remodel the condo." ZhouXiang is dumbfounded. He muttered, "Why... why...?" YanMingXiu's slender fingers gently tapped the table, and not at all po‐ litely and rhetorically asked, "Why should I tell you why?" ZhouXiang responded, "Because... Wei Ge said that ZhouXiang has some things in the condo that he wanted to take for sentimental reasons." "As I've said, everything belonging to ZhouXiang is now my legal prop‐ erty. It has nothing to do with him. I will handle it myself." ZhouXiang secretly bit his teeth, "How do you plan on handling it?" YanMingXiu responded coldly, "Burn it or bury it along with ZhouXi‐ ang." ZhouXiang almost bolted up. What right does YanMingXiu have to de‐ cide on what to do with his things! Those are his (things)... but he imme‐ diately thought that with his current status, he had no right to decide. With his voice trembling, "President Yan, Wei Ge's relationship with ZhouXiang is really good, he especially want to get back some things, especially ZhouXiang's parents..." "That doesn't matter to me. I have a responsibility for matters relating to ZhouXiang. I think it's better for ZhouXiang to take those things." ZhouXiang is so furious that he felt dizzy. He said sharply, "Why bother remodeling the condo, might as well also burn it for him?!" 638

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"The condo is not bad, I have some sentiments toward it and it's close to where I work. I can live there in the future, but I need to change how it looks so that I don't feel so bad." YanMingXiu said this calmly, with no cracks in his expression, grim and pitiless. ZhouXiang's heart is already thoroughly cold. He really didn't know how else he could get his things back. He most certainly can't depend on his aunt. YanMingXiu must have re‐ solved it. Facing YanMingXiu's decision, he is helpless. YanMingXiu stretched out his hand and pinched his chin, forcing him to look up. "Go back to tell CaiWei, I'm too lazy to follow up with the thief. It's no longer important. I will return to Beijing tomorrow to manage ZhouXiang's burial, then his condo and car. Tell him that he does not need to get involved. I'll inform him of the funeral." ZhouXiang stood up and gritted his teeth, "YanMingXiu, who are you to ZhouXiang? What right do you have to decide on the whereabouts of his things? Wei Ge is ZhouXiang's best buddy, you should..." "I am ZhouXiang's man," YanMingXiu's eagle-like eyes looked deeply into his eyes. "No one is more qualified than me to handle his things." ZhouXiang took a step back, looked at him fiercely, then turned and left. YanMingXiu's eyes followed his back and knew that he had disappeared from in his sight. He grabbed his chest, the dull pain from his heart made it almost impossible to straighten his back. He slowly clenched his fists, his blood-shot eyes staring at the direction in which his back disap‐ peared, and spit out two words, "ZhouXiang." End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 87 - The Revelation ⦘

Chapter 87 - The Revelation After ZhouXiang returned, he informed CaiWei and LanXiRong of Yan‐ MingXiu's intent. The both of them were enraged. ZhouXiang had no emotions, only dazedly said, "Go back. Let's go back home right now. I felt that YanMingXiu is lying about one thing. He said that the condo is already in his name but I don't think it would be so fast. The death cer‐ tificate can't be issued in just these few days. My aunt couldn't possibly have inherited my condo yet so how could YanMingXiu buy it. It's possi‐ ble that he might have a long-term agreement with my aunt, but I don't think the condo has been transferred yet. Wei Ge, after we go back, help me contact my aunt, I don't want the condo but I want a few things in‐ side. We must have her help me find a way." LanXiRong nodded, "That makes sense. This condo is definitely still in your name. No matter what big abilities YanMingXiu has, he can't just take over someone else's condo." CaiWei nodded, "Well, this is the only way. Let's head back before YanMingXiu does." After reaching consensus, the three men didn't stay for more than a mo‐ ment. They drove directly to the city on the same day and flew back to Beijing without stopping. CaiWei had already called ZhouXiang's aunt along the way, but the other party never answered. In the end, she simply turned off her phone. ZhouXiang understood what this meant so he no longer depended on this relative for help. Both CaiWei and LanXiRong still have their own matters to deal with. Before the three separated, CaiWei repeatedly urged him, "Don't think too much. I'll find other ways to contact your aunt. YanMingXiu hasn't yet returned. We still have some time." ZhouXiang nodded. He smiled and patted CaiWei's arm, "Wei Ge, I un‐ derstand. Don't worry. Thank you for coming with me and sorry for de‐ laying you guys for several days."

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LanXiRong smiled forcefully, "Xiang Ge, we couldn't even do anything, you still say this?" "How could that be? I've accomplished my biggest purpose. I saw my‐ self." ZhouXiang lifted the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, his eyes void, "I've nothing to regret." The two looked at him, feeling a bit pained. ZhouXiang smiled stiffly, "I'll treat you guys out for a meal later, go back first." After CaiWei left, LanXiRong was still worried so he took him home. After ZhouXiang got home, he acted as if everything was as usual. He even remembered to bring some specialties from Guangxi for ChenYing and Aunt Wang. When Aunt Wang was eating fruits, she began to repeti‐ tiously tell them that she found a nice girl from some family for ZhouXi‐ ang, a girl that is lively, sensible and the like. Aunt Wang have always liked ZhouXiang a lot and felt that he should have a significant other at his age, so she's always kept this in mind. ZhouXiang listened with a smile on his face, his eyes looking straight at the TV, but there was no picture. A phrase kept entering his mind. At midnight, sometime after 1 am, everyone was asleep. ZhouXiang quietly got out of bed and changed into a black outfit, put on a hat and a scarf, got some tools from his toolbox and then quietly went out. He went back to his own home by car. If he was not forced to such an ex‐ tent, he would definitely not take this kind of risks again, but he can't think of any other ways. In fact, nobody could help him because nobody could go against YanMingXiu. He definitely won't allow YanMingXiu to burn, or throw, and bury things that are extremely important to him. He was afraid that YanMingXiu have changed the lock so he brought some tools. He also didn't know if he could open the lock but he wanted to try his luck. At least he could check out what kind of lock it is. If he couldn't open it, he would spend money to find a thief to help him.

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He is determined to go in. When he arrived at the neighborhood, it was already past 2am. The neighborhood was quiet; the treetop is lush and dense, blocking most of the moonlight. There were several street lamps that are neither light nor dark dangling on both sides of the path. The entire atmosphere gives people a hidden kind of feeling. ZhouXiang went up the stairs. He grabbed the door handle to his home, turned on the flashlight and looked down at the door lock. YanMingXiu actually did not change the lock; it was still the original one, then what about the key? ZhouXiang quietly opened the fire box and reached his hand in. Very soon, he touched the small piece of cold metal. The key is still here... YanMingXiu actually let his guard down? Still leaving the key here? ZhouXiang couldn't help but wonder but he had no time to ponder over this. He quickly found the key and gently opened the door. The room is dark. He held the flashlight and scanned the area. He de‐ cided to first get the second prize trophy that his father won when he par‐ ticipated in the national martial arts competition. That was his father's most proud item. When he was a child, he often held it and asked his fa‐ ther to teach him. Using his memory, he touched the second row of cabi‐ nets near the TV, opened the glass door and reached in for the rusted tro‐ phy. The moment his fingertips touched the trophy, it suddenly brightened up in front of him. The lights in the living room are turned on! ZhouXiang is so frightened that his heart missed half a beat. His eyes couldn't adapt to the light for a while. He nervously lowered his head. When he opened his eyes slowly and turned his head in surprise, he sees YanMingXiu standing at the door of the bedroom, staring at him like a wolf, with his eyes glaring red, as if he will rush towards him at any time!

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ZhouXiang pulled his trembling hand back and then stood frozen in place. The two men looked at each other across the distance of a few me‐ ters. It is obviously a small home. They are so close but it felt as if there is an abyss in front of them, both not having the courage to cross. ZhouXiang understood in that moment, the words that YanMingXiu said yesterday and him being here today to stop him, all of it was premedi‐ tated by YanMingXiu to make him anxious...to make him impatient so that he would show his true colors and give himself away. At this moment, he can't find any other reasons to explain the situation at hand. What thief will come to steal a rusty, worthless trophy? YanMingXiu could hardly breathe. Every time he gasped, it is accompa‐ nied by great pain. Everything that he had experienced in the past few days were a million times more than all the pain he has suffered in his entire life. He has the illusion that his body had been riddled with holes. When he saw this person in front of him... when he is certain of what he had in mind, he thought that he will be very excited but the reality is that he can't even speak. He can't even take the first step and is already on the verge of collapse. The two men looked at each other comically and painfully for more than ten seconds. YanMingXiu finally forced out the very difficult words lodged in his throat, "Really... Is you..." ZhouXiang didn't explain anything. He just took off his scarf and coat because he was sweating profusely. There was no place in his internal or‐ gans that didn't feel pained. He felt as if he would faint. He didn't have to pretend anymore. Since it has already reached this stage, he should not leave. This is his condo, his home, he wants YanMingXiu to return it to him! YanMingXiu took step by step forward, getting closer and closer. ZhouXiang looked at his somewhat distorted expression and uncon‐ sciously stepped back. This step immediately stimulated YanMingXiu. He rushed forward in a big a step and fiercely slammed ZhouXiang on the wall, glaring at him with bloodshot eyes, his voice completely out of tune, "It's you... it's re‐ ally you......" 643

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ZhouXiang's lips trembled as he looked at YanMingXiu stiffly. YanMingXiu embraced ZhouXiang tightly, "It's really you... ZhouXi‐ ang... It's really you. Why, why didn't you tell me? You are so close to me but didn't tell me!" YanMingXiu somberly cried out, "I thought you were dead! I thought you were dead, ZhouXiang! Why are you doing this to me? How much do you really hate me? Why are you doing this to me?!" YanMingXiu's tears rapidly flowed down. He grabbed tightly onto ZhouXiang, just like holding a tree in the flood. Once he loosened his hand, he would fall into the abyss again. How he passed by these three years, he could no longer describe. He lied to himself day by day that ZhouXiang is not dead, that ZhouXiang would come back. So he com‐ pletely ignored the opposition from his entire family and became an ac‐ tor. He thought that ZhouXiang must be angry with him so he didn't want to come back to see him. He wanted ZhouXiang to be able to see him at all times, then maybe one day, ZhouXiang would come back. He waited day after day. Every day, he was deeply tormented by hope and despair. All his remorse that has carved into his bone marrow is like an abyss that had completely exhausted all of his thoughts of the future. There is a voice in his heart constantly telling him that ZhouXiang has already died but is suppressed by him time and time again. As long as he hadn't seen ZhouXiang's body, he could not help but hold onto the hope that ZhouX‐ iang is still alive. Otherwise, how could he continue to endure? How could he endure? In a world without ZhouXiang, when this person had given him the best feelings and then completely disengaged, how could he endure? He had been through this for three years...three years....more than a thou‐ sand days and nights, every minute and every second of yearning and pain, how did he really get through it? He's never really fallen in love or dated anyone. He even ended up putting his childish love on the wrong person. But very soon, he had come to realize that he didn't want to be separated from ZhouXiang. If only he was given a little bit more time, he would have figured out who it is that he truly loved. But why can't he even be given this opportunity before everything and all his hopes are dashed.

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No one could understand how he felt when he heard of ZhouXiang's ac‐ cident. He rather die. Fortunately, God really didn't give up on him. ZhouXiang really came back. But he obviously had been by his side for nearly a year, but didn't say anything. Was it to torture him? If there weren't so many clues, if it wasn't for this matter that made ZhouXiang reveal his biggest flaw, how long would he (ZhouXiang) have hidden it from himself? Maybe even on the day of his death, he wouldn't have known that the person he had always longed for... the per‐ son who was always on his mind, was right beside him! YanMingXiu is on the verge of collapsed. ZhouXiang actually hated him so much..... ZhouXiang is shocked seeing YanMingXiu's frantic expression, with his tears that kept falling. Every tears of YanMingXiu was like a knife piec‐ ing the core of his heart, making him feel overwhelmed. YanMingXiu touched his face and hoarsely muttered, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... ZhouXiang, don't hate me. I have done a lot of things wrong... but I miss you so much, miss you so much that I'm going crazy, don't hate me. ......" ZhouXiang stared at him blankly, his heart is tightly held by an invisible hand, almost suffocating him. For a moment, he couldn't digest so many things that have shocked him. His mind is completely blank. Why is YanMingXiu like this? Wasn't he always in love with WangYuDong? If he is so heart-broken over his death, then how come he never gave him even a bit of hope during the entire time they were to‐ gether? Even for him to feel the glimmer of hope that YanMingXiu liked him; he didn't even feel a bit of that. He only remembered that he kept pursuing,

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kept coaxing, kept doing everything he could to get YanMingXiu to like him, but YanMingXiu's affections were always changing, sometimes hot and sometimes cold. Until he knew who YanMingXiu had in his heart is when he gave up. What about now? What does it mean now? What is the fucking meaning of looking so heart-broken? ZhouXiang's mouth is agape; his tears almost fell. He wanted to push away YanMingXiu's hand that is grabbing onto him, but he wasn't strong enough and couldn't even move it a bit. YanMingXiu grabbed onto him tightly, as if he was afraid of him slip‐ ping away. He mournfully called out to him, "ZhouXiang, say some‐ thing, fucking say something. I beg you. Do you know how much I miss you? Do you know how I passed these three years? I love you. Do you understand? I know I've said that too late. But you didn't even give me a chance to tell you. ZhouXiang, I won't let you go again, I definitely won't....." When ZhouXiang heard the three words, he heard the collapsing sound of the world he had built. Love? YanMingXiu loves him? If YanMingXiu loves him, why did he die? Why? ZhouXiang finally opened his mouth. He looked at YanMingXiu indis‐ tinctively and said, "How could you say that you love me? YanMingXiu, how could you fucking say that to me? When you were fucking me, your heart was thinking of WangYuDong. With just a phone call from WangYuDong, you had me tied up and wouldn't let me leave. For WangYuDong.... You didn't care how much you humiliated me...You...you're telling me that you love me? YanMingXiu, this sen‐ tence, how could you say it?" Every single word is devastatingly heartbreaking. End of the chapter

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Chapter 88 - I Was Wron YanMingXiu's face is full of painful sorrow. Any excuses appear to be powerless and futile because nothing can be changed at this point. Even though ZhouXiang is standing in front of him right now, it can't change the fact that this person has died once. Even without ZhouXiang condemning him, he is so remorseful that he wanted to kill himself. He not only recognized the wrong person but also fell for the wrong person. If ZhouXiang had really died, leaving him painful for the rest of his life would be the best punishment for him. But ZhouXiang is still alive, even if it was in this unbelievably bizarre way, he didn't care. He didn't care what ZhouXiang had become as long as this is ZhouXiang. He only needs ZhouXiang! "ZhouXiang. Don't hate me, give me a chance. Let's start over. I've made a lot of mistakes but you are still alive. Give me a chance to make it up to you, ZhouXiang..." These words coming out of YanMingXiu's mouth are something that ZhouXiang didn't even dare to imagine. Every single words and sen‐ tences pierced him in his heart. ZhouXiang didn't know how to describe his own feelings; it's both grief and ridiculous. Before he met YanMingXiu, he was a passionate person. He's not pro‐ miscuous but he liked to pursue people who he finds captivating, those who give him a sense of refreshing excitement. After meeting Yan‐ MingXiu, he suddenly finds himself to be a very faithful person. At least, he never thought of bringing anyone into his parents' home. At the time, he sincerely hoped that YanMingXiu would continue to stay. He put out 100% of his heartfelt sincerity. But YanMingXiu gave him the shame of treating him as a substitute. On his last phone call with YanMingXiu in the remote small mountain village in Guangxi, he had already given up. Even though he loved Yan‐ MingXiu a lot, even though he might not be able to let YanMingXiu go

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for a while, he has decided to completely give up. He didn't die with the idea of being with YanMingXiu nor was he reborn with the idea of being with YanMingXiu. When YanMingXiu said these words, it's not that ZhouXiang is not touched, but what he felt was even more heartache. The pile of horrible bones is clearly ingrained in his mind at this time. Every sentence that YanMingXiu said is such great irony. ZhouXiang, himself do not have such an open-mind. There is no way he could forgive YanMingXiu. Although his death can't fully be blamed on YanMingXiu's, but without him, he wouldn't have been driven to such desperation than to accept that documentary work. There is no way..... no way... that after seeing himself becoming a skeleton could he reconcile with YanMingXiu's just because of his sentence, "I love you." That's simply wishful thinking. ZhouXiang endured all the grievances gushed up to his nasal cavity as he grabbed onto YanMingXiu's arm and tried to push him away. Panickly, YanMingXiu continued to embrace him tightly, refusing to let go. "Let go... let me go first." "No... ZhouXiang, no." He couldn't let go. ZhouXiang's resistance terri‐ fied him. He didn't know if he were to let go, would ZhouXiang com‐ pletely disappear from his world once again. He can't endure anymore. "YanMingXiu, I don't want to hate you. Don't force me. Let me go. If you really feel guilty toward me, then leave. This is my home. I asked you to leave three years ago. Now... leave." There is no trace of blood on YanMingXiu's face, even his lips is abnor‐ mally blue-gray. He looked at ZhouXiang in a daze, his eyelashes drenched with teardrops that would fall when he blinked. ZhouXiang had never seen YanMingXiu cry.

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YanMingXiu is usually coldly indifferent and arrogant. This kind of weak expression with crying and pleading is impossible to appear on his face. But in just ten minutes, he saw it all. Why didn't he tell him this sentence, "I love you" before his accident? Then all this tragedy would not have happened. ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "President Yan, I used to say that you're my ancestor. To think that I also have this day where you actually care for me, you telling me this now, do you think I should cry my heart out or be deeply grateful? If I didn't die, would you not even have looked at the real me and still be deeply in love with WangYuDong your entire life?" "That's not it." YanMingXiu's voice sounded a bit piercing from despera‐ tion, "At the time, I already want to be with you. I don't want to move out of your home. I don't want you to be in that movie because I don't want you to have any contact with LanXiRong. With regards to WangYuDong... I...what I did was wrong at the time. I should not have treated you like that because of WangYuDong. At the time.... ZhouXi‐ ang, I was only 21 years old. You have to allow me to make mistakes. Please, I beg you. Give me a chance. You coming back alive is God giv‐ ing me a chance. You also give me a chance. Let's start over. You said that you love me, ZhouXiang..." ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu, the rim of his eyes feeling painfully sore, "YanMingXiu, I've awakened for a year. I have a year's time to tell you but I never intended on doing so. Do you really not understand why?" YanMingXiu looked at him stiffly. ZhouXiang slowly and resolutely pushed him away, "God is not giving you a chance but giving me the chance to live again and correct the mis‐ take I made. You are that mistake. I can't waste the chance this time." He gently pushed YanMingXiu once, "Leave, get out, this is my home." YanMingXiu didn't move but just stared at him unwaveringly; his ex‐ pression distorted by pain.

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ZhouXiang grabbed his jacket, "You don't leave. I'll leave." At least Yan‐ MingXiu won't do anything to his condo. He decided to come back an‐ other day. YanMingXiu rushed up a bit frantically; both of them slam to the ground. ZhouXiang's head hit the ground and got a little dizzy. Before he even re‐ gained his senses, something soft smash onto this lips, fiercely kissing him. ZhouXiang's eyes widened. When he recovered his senses, he hit and pushed YanMingXiu off his body. With his eyes bloodshot, "Yan‐ MingXiu, that's fucking enough! Enough! I want to start (my life) over. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. If you drop a few tears, say some‐ thing nice and hope that I will treat you as my ancestor again, I would be sorry to my mom for giving birth to me!" He ruthlessly kicked Yan‐ MingXiu once, grabbed his coat and frantically ran out. It was already four o'clock in the morning. The street is so eerily quiet that it feels scary. On this cold winter day, almost no one would appear on the street at this time. Only ZhouXiang is running alone continuously on the street. If the patrolling police saw him, they'll likely think that he is guilty of some sort of crime. He didn't know how far he ran. It was as if he was hiding from a flood of beasts. In the end, he could no longer run anymore. He stopped and looked back. No one chased behind. The empty street is like a deep hole that extends continuously into a distance that he can't see clearly, as if it can suck people in to be doomed eternally. ZhouXiang leaned on the pole and gasped, his tears flooded out. The temperature was already below zero. He obviously wore a thick down jacket but still felt chillingly cold. It's been ten months since he had awakened. In the past ten months, hardly a day goes by that he could feel relaxed. There is always some‐ thing on his mind troubling him, constantly making him feel heavily bur‐ dened. Now that everyone whom he had wanted to conceal his identity from al‐ ready knew the truth, he should be relieved. But YanMingXiu has given him an even bigger shock, making him feel utterly lost. 650

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The things he had never dared to dream of are now clearly happening in front of him. But he was not at all excited. On the contrary, his heart felt somber and desolate. This is almost like hoping for a pot of water to boil for cooking, but after the water is boiled, the ingredients have already changed. ZhouXiang raised his hand to slap himself on the face to remind him that when he awakened in this body, he had already let go. He wrapped his coat tightly around himself and walked aimlessly on the streets in the early hours of Winter; then hailed for a taxi to quickly get home. In the taxi, his cell phone kept pinging with a series of continuous text messages. ZhouXiang saw YanMingXiu's name. He deleted all the text messages without reading any. So this is what it feels like to be heartily drained. He just wants to hide somewhere and sleep for a long time and not wake up. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 89 - Attending LanXiRong's MV Release Chapter 89: Attending LanXiRong's MV Release After ZhouXiang quietly returned home, he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the bed. He slept until noon of the next day. ChenYing knocked on his door, "ZhouXiang, get up. Someone is looking for you." ZhouXiang hazily opened his eyes and bolted out of bed. His first reac‐ tion was that YanMingXiu had come. Since he turned off his cell phone, YanMingXiu could most likely come directly to find him. ZhouXiang asked while getting dressed, "Mom, who is it?" "It's LanXiRong. He's waiting for you so hurry up." ZhouXiang heaved a sigh of relief. After he got dressed, he simply washed up and walked out of his room. LanXiRong was sitting in the living room, patiently responding to all sorts of questions from Aunt Wang while signing an autograph. "XiRong?" LanXiRong turned his head and smiled, "Xiang Ge, your phone is turned off so I came here to pick you up." "You must have forgotten with so many things going on recently. Today is the release of my new album. I want to take you there." When ChenYing heard their conversation, her heart beated like drums. Why is this big celebrity, surnamed Lan so respectful toward her son, al‐ ways addressing him "Xiang Ge"? It felt like ZhouXiang is really his big brother. This made her so happy that she couldn't say anything.

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ZhouXiang's face paled; his expression exhaustive but he forced himself to liven up and smiled embarrassingly, "I've forgotten. Sorry. Wait for me a bit. Let me change into a suit, then we can leave immediately." "Don't need to. I've already prepared a set of clothes for you in the car. You can get your hair done when we get there. We're tight on time, let's go now." ZhouXiang said, "Okay, let's go." ChenYing was just about to say something when LanXiRong smiled and said, "Auntie, turn the TV channel to XX 4pm this afternoon. The pro‐ motional event will be a broadcasted live. You'll be able to see me and Xiang Ge." "Okay, okay!" The two old ladies chuckled so happily that they couldn't even close their mouths. ChenYing is even more proud of her son. He's just great no matter what. ZhouXiang followed LanXiRong into the car. Once LanXiRong got into the car, the smile he exhibited earlier in front of ChenYing disappeared, replacing it with a serious expression, "Xiang Ge, Wei Ge and I thought of another method. It's the last resort. Since there are no other ways at this time, we could just go directly into the home to take back your im‐ portant things." ZhouXiang hesitated for a bit. He lowered his head and sighed, "There's no need to." "Are you worried of being caught by the police? You don't have to go, I'll find someone to. You make a list......" "XiRong, thank you," ZhouXiang turned his head and smiled softly, "But I already went there." LanXiRong's eyes widened as he slammed on the brakes, "You......you already went? When?" "Last night." LanXiRong quickly asked, "Then were you able to get your things?"

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"No, but I didn't need to." ZhouXiang reached out and stroked LanXiRong's head, "XiRong, you've grown up a lot and helped me a lot. Xiang Ge is very grateful to you but you don't have to worry about this matter anymore." "Xiang Ge, what do you mean?" ZhouXiang smiled stiffly, "I ran into YanMingXiu when I went." LanXiRong is stunned. His heart suddenly beat rapidly. Hearing this news put him at a complete loss on what to do. What he is most worried about... still happened. LanXiRong suddenly pressed his hand down on ZhouXiang's shoulder and said sternly, "Xiang Ge, did he do anything to you? What did you guys talk about?" "Nothing much. At least, I got back the things that belonged to me." ZhouXiang said, "This is also a good thing. After all, that condo is what I'm most worried about." "Xiang Ge, you won't get back with YanMingXiu again right? The way he treated you, you won't be fooled again right?" LanXiRong looked at him nervously; his beautiful big eyes full of ten‐ sion and pleading. ZhouXiang pretended to smile, "What are you thinking? How could I? I'm a person who has died once, especially after seeing myself become a pile of bones, I've completely gotten over it. My fate with YanMingXiu had already ended in my last life." LanXiRong breathe out a sigh of relief but still felt very uneasy, "Xiang Ge, I'm very happy that you think like this but YanMingXiu is definitely not going to be easy to..... (get rid of)..." LanXiRong realized that saying this would make YanMingXiu seem very affectionate so he changed his words and said, "YanMingXiu is too overbearing. You must try to stay away and don't come in contact with him." "Don't worry. I know. Let's go, isn't the time very tight?"

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LanXiRong just remembered the promotional event and restarted the car. The promotional event is held at a hotel's banquet hall. Many of their company's stars have arrived as well as some of LanXiRong's friends and a large number of reporters. Seeing more than a hundred people walking around in this banquet hall, it is enough to see how much influence LanXiRong has in the entertain‐ ment industry. ZhouXiang is very envious and very happy for LanXiRong. He went to the backstage to change his clothes and then got his hair and makeup done. Busy for an hour, the promotional event soon began. The staff informed ZhouXiang to wait in an area backstage. In a bit, he'll appear together with LanXiRong. ZhouXiang knew that LanXiRong deliberately wanted to promote him. With ZhouXiang appearing together with LanXiRong in this event along with the promotion for the MV broadcast, his value is obviously ex‐ pected to rise. There are many people who have the talents but just lacked the opportunity for the audiences to recognize them. ZhouXiang now has such opportunity; he must seize it very well. At this time, Ah Liu ran over and shouted, "Ah Xiang. Come out first. President Wang is here. Let's all go greet the big boss." ZhouXiang quickly got up and followed Ah Liu out. It was said that President Wang had just returned from Tibet and specially came to sup‐ port LanXiRong. This evidently shows how much he values the com‐ pany's most profitable money maker. LanXiRong also went over. CaiWei walked over from afar and waved at them. Several people walked to the door to greet President Wang. However when President Wang came in from the hidden back corridor of the ballroom, several people are stunned. Besides a few entourages and his wife, President Wang also brought YanMingXiu along.

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ZhouXiang's entire body froze; his eyes connected with YanMingXiu by a distance of more than ten meters. YanMingXiu didn't look too different from his typical appearance. In addition to being a lot thinner and a bit dispirited, the cold indifference that he usually exudes still lingered. Only at the moment when he saw ZhouXiang was there a faint glimmer of intense emotions from those dark bottomless eyes. President Wang looked tanner but very energetic. Praising from afar, "Aiyah, how did ZhouXiang become so handsome? Who is the stylist? Give him a raise." ZhouXiang wore a tailored iron grey color suit that accentuated his long slim body. His eyebrows were just trimmed and his eyes were bright and fully expressive making his entire person looking very dashing. Even with him standing next to a top-notch gorgeous stunning man like LanXiRong, he only seemed slightly inferior. Compared to LanXiRong's youthful exquisite appearance, ZhouXiang radiates a more matured and charming aurora. When ZhouXiang smiled politely at President Wang, the three people (YanMingXiu, CaiWei, LanXiRong) whom he (ZhouXiang) were quite familiar with, saw in an instant a shadow of his former self. This twentyseven-year-old body is more like the ZhouXiang from before; from his expression to his appearance, he is more and more like him. YanMingXiu's expression emanated strong yearnings but because of the occasion, he can only desperately suppress it. Seeing YanMingXiu's expression, LanXiRong loathingly gnashed his teeth. "President Wang, you're back." A few people came up to greet and shook hands with President Wang. President Wang looked proudly at LanXiRong, the big star he had nur‐ tured. He smiled and said, "This is the third album. Xiao Lan, you never let me down." LanXiRong laughed, "I can't do this without President Wang's nurtur‐ ing."

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After saying a few polite words, President Wang turned his attention to ZhouXiang, looking at him from head to toe and sighed, "Is this my imagination? Why is it that each time I see you, you are more and more like that ZhouXiang? The previous one......why is this? Not only just your temperament, even your facial features are more and more like him." The several people that knew the truth suddenly stiffened. There is a little bit of tingling in ZhouXiang's heart. He smiled, "It's probably because President Wang missed Xiang Ge (referring to his pre‐ vious self older ZhouXiang) too much. President Wang is such a senti‐ mental person. I am very fortunate to be working for you. Ever since I entered the company, Wei Ge, XiRong and President Wang, have all taken special care of me. It can be said that what I have today is from borrowing Xiang Ge's luck. Not only do you miss Xiang Ge, I also miss him very much." These spoken words appear to be very fitting but made those who knew ZhouXiang feel emotionally heavy. Not only did President Wang sigh, CaiWei's and LanXiRong's expressions are grief-stricken. YanMingXiu especially felt sharp piercing pains in his heart. President Wang sighed, "Aiigghh (sigh sound), since you guys have fate, then you live together with ZhouXiang's identity. Now that I think about it, I really regret that I couldn't promote ZhouXiang into fame. From now on, I will put more work on promoting you. With so many people help‐ ing you, you have to work harder. Don't let us down." "Thank you, President Wang, I will definitely do my best." President Wang nodded satisfactorily. He suddenly remembered some‐ thing. Slapping his hand on his head, he said with annoyance, "Aiyah...look how forgetful I am. MingXiu, MingXiu, come over here. Sorry. I've just been reminiscing the old days. You've met them right? No need for introductions, right?" YanMingXiu nodded with his eyes falling on ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang silently drift away from YanMingXiu's sight.

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President Wang said, "Everyone knows MingXiu right? He came espe‐ cially to support and aid XiRong with the event. I don't see a problem with this album getting millions in sales. In addition, (talking to) ZhouX‐ iang, MingXiu wants to invite you to participate in his new movie; it's an exceptionally heavy role. I've skimmed through the script and already ac‐ cepted for you. But don't be happy too early, MingXiu has very high ex‐ pectations." ZhouXiang stared blankly at YanMingXiu. President Wang thought that he was too happy. He laughed aloud, "Don't get too excited. We'll talk about the details later. You just show your face in the promotional event today. ZhouXiang, your future is limitless." For a little-unknown actor who can participate in YanMingXiu's movie, it's no exaggeration to say that this is a leap into the sky. It is a huge honor and great fortune to be able to jump directly from a minor actor to a first or second line actor so it never occurred to President Wang that ZhouXiang would probably disagree. He also didn't know that ZhouXi‐ ang is already thinking of ways to reject the offer. It's not that ZhouXiang doesn't love fame and fortune, but if the price is dependent upon YanMingXiu in order to move up, he's definitely unwill‐ ing. If he just moves forward with his feet firmly planted on the ground and stayed down-to-earth, one day he will have good results. After all, he has LanXiRong helping him. His starting step is already very good. He doesn't need to be extremely popular, especially not when it's linked to YanMingXiu's success. He must find a way to refuse, but right now is not the time. President Wang had already taken YanMingXiu into the banquet hall. Others followed and filed in. ZhouXiang and CaiWei, LanXiRong followed from behind. CaiWei frowned, "This YanMingXiu really knows how to use his influ‐ ence. He merely needed to grab onto President Wang, then you, ZhouXi‐ ang, can only be at his mercy."

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LanXiRong fiercely scoffed, "He's really a pest that won't leave. Such a shameless bastard......" ZhouXiang said depressingly, "Let's not talk about this. I'll find a way to deal with it. XiRong, today is your promotional event. Hurry up and go in. Remember, you must not look unhappy in front of the media." CaiWei said, "Don't worry. XiRong knows what's important." LanXiRong wanted to say more but in the end, he could only slump his shoulders. Although he had personal resentment toward YanMingXiu, he could not ignore President Wang's prominence. Not being able to stop YanMingXiu from getting closer and closer to ZhouXiang made him feel very depressed and helpless. ZhouXiang suppressed the negative emotions in his heart and patted LanXiRong on the shoulder, "Let's go. Put on your cute smiling face that everyone loves." LanXiRong forcefully smiled. Seeing that nobody was around besides them, he whispered, "Xiang Ge, can I give you a kiss?" ZhouXiang astonishingly responded, "What?" CaiWei heard it clearly and scolded with smile, "Look at you......" After saying that, he shook his head and left. ZhouXiang slightly mocked, "You brat... are you actually nervous?" "I'm not nervous. I just want to give you a kiss." LanXiRong exposed an expression like that of a spoiled child wanting to eat candy. That expression blended with his beautiful baby face made him look a bit pitiful. Thus, making it hard for people to refuse. It's no wonder that women of all ages upon seeing LanXiRong will want to hold him in their arms and spoil him. ZhouXiang bunched up his brows, "Where do you want to kiss?" "Where do you want it to be?" LanXiRong asked excitedly.

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ZhouXiang put his fingers on his lips, kissed it and blew him a kiss, "Okay, let's go in." After saying that, he turned and walked away. LanXiRong is dissatisfied with his half-hearted response. He stepped for‐ ward and quickly pecked ZhouXiang's lips, then smiled slyly, "Xiang Ge, don't fool people like that ah." ZhouXiang shook his head and said helplessly, "Go on in, stop wasting time." LanXiRong glanced at him deeply, "Xiang Ge, let's go. As long as I can have a say in my future movies and albums, I want you to be a part of it." ZhouXiang smiled, "Thank you." The two entered the banquet hall from the backstage. As soon as they stepped through the door, countless flashes rushed at them in frenzy. LanXiRong is used to this. He exposed his signature smile and greeted everyone. ZhouXiang still couldn't get used to the lights. The constant flashes almost made it impossible for him to open his eyes so he could only follow LanXiRong onto the stage. LanXiRong was soon surrounded by several reporters. The host on the stage repeatedly advised, "Don't surround XiRong. Don't rush. You can ask any questions in a moment. Don't rush everyone. Don't block the en‐ trance. Let XiRong get through first." ZhouXiang was pushed to the back with several reporters stopping in front of him, all wanting to get closer to LanXiRong. LanXiRong's body‐ guards rushed over to try and rescue him. ZhouXiang helplessly wanted to go around but couldn't find a way so he was at a loss. Just when there was a bit of chaos in the scene, a commotion came from behind ZhouXiang. With the help of his assistants and bodyguards, Yan‐ MingXiu broke through the reporters' encirclement and walked toward ZhouXiang. End of the chapter

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Chapter 90 - Their Emotional Talk Chapter 90: Their Emotional Talk The reporters turned their heads one by one. When they saw Yan‐ MingXiu coming over with his bodyguards, no one dared to go up to stop them. Instead, they voluntarily gave him way. YanMingXiu is the most unusual person in the circle. Not only is he an actor, but he also represents one of the most powerfully prestigious fam‐ ily in the capital city so no one dares to provoke him. Although he con‐ ducts himself in a coldly indifferent and arrogant manner, no media would say anything negative about him. Seeing him looking so unsightly coming over at this time, naturally nobody would dare block him. YanMingXiu looked directly at ZhouXiang. Approaching him calmly, then gently grabbed his arm and said softly, "Let's go." Although his voice was very low, it is completely quiet all around so the two words he said were clearly heard by everyone. Regarding this newcomer ZhouXiang, his gossip and exposure has re‐ cently been increasing exponentially. Oftentimes, it is associated with big-name stars such as LanXiRong, WangYuDong, and YanMingXiu. Even though nobody dared to say it publicly, it doesn't mean that they won't gossip behind closed doors. At least the news of ZhouXiang being "bought" by YanMingXiu had already entered many people's ears ever since the crew returned from GuiZhou. With the two making actual con‐ tact in public at this time, the reporters naturally would not let go of this good opportunity. All eyes stared at them like searchlights waiting for YanMingXiu to turn around so they could fervently snap a bunch of pic‐ tures. ZhouXiang maintained his composure and smiled, "President Yan, you first please." After saying that, he lightly pulled YanMingXiu's hand that was on him away and made an inviting gesture.

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The muscles on YanMingXiu's face slowly moved. He faintly glanced at the reporter who was standing in front of them, obviously giving a warn‐ ing, his slightly raised eyebrows made his expression all the more force‐ ful. The reporters who had stopped LanXiRong also dispersed. ZhouXiang nodded politely at the reporters and maneuvered onto the stage. YanMingXiu followed up from behind and gently supported his hand on his back. His movements are not deliberate. It merely looked as though he and ZhouXiang have always been close. This made LanXiRong frown slightly. The few people stood on the stage. The host first excitedly thanked Pres‐ ident Wang and YanMingXiu for coming and then had LanXiRong take the lead. Each took their turns to present their release speeches. When it was ZhouXiang's turn, there were more than a hundred pairs of eyes looking at him. For a moment, ZhouXiang became stiff. When he was standing on the stage earlier, he didn't feel nervous but now with so many people watching him, so many flashes shining on him, he immedi‐ ately felt the numbness in his scalp and the sweat in his palm. He really couldn't imagine how LanXiRong could have a concert at the stadium with so many people. He was only nervous for two to three sec‐ onds before he was able to calm down and present the speech he pre‐ pared. His speech is especially appropriate and fitting, thanking everyone that should be thanked. Following is the questioning session. Most of the questions were concen‐ trated on LanXiRong. Basically none had anything to do with ZhouXi‐ ang. Finally, there is the cake-cutting and fan raffles types of activities. This entire event took nearly three hours. President Wang booked a dinner banquet at the hotel. After the event, all the participants went to eat. ZhouXiang was arranged to sit on the main table. LanXiRong and Yan‐ MingXiu were also on the same table, but they were situated on both sides of President Wang, far from him.

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During the meal, someone would constantly come to the main table to give them a toast. The people at the main table also toasted each other. ZhouXiang, being the lowliest person on the main table toasted each per‐ son on the table. When he got to YanMingXiu, YanMingXiu stood up. This really gave ZhouXiang face. Before when everyone toasted, Yan‐ MingXiu never once got up. President Wang pursed his lips and smiled, "ZhouXiang. Did the filming in GuiZhou with President Yan go smoothly?" ZhouXiang nodded, "Didn't make President Wang lose face." President Wang laughed, "When this movie is released, your worth is go‐ ing to be extraordinary. You should thank MingXiu at that time. If it weren't for him, you would not have gotten the chance to act in that role." ZhouXiang smiled, "Thank you President Yan, thank you President Wang. I'll toast to the both of you again." He picked up the glass and poured a little for President Wang and Yan‐ MingXiu but poured himself a full glass, then raised his glass, "Bottoms up, you both go right ahead." Just when he was about to drink, YanMingXiu grabbed his hand. ZhouXiang is startled. Everyone on the table looked at them. YanMingXiu's hands are dry and warm. The skin on his palm is delicate and soft like a girl's hand, this is a pair of pampered hands. ZhouXiang's smile froze on his face. He didn't know what YanMingXiu wanted to do. YanMingXiu's deep, dark eyes silently stared at him for a long while. He then poured most of the wine from ZhouXiang's glass into his and downed it. The rest of the people on the table are silent. YanMingXiu's actions are too unusual, adding on these rumors, everyone looked at ZhouXiang a bit evasively.

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The atmosphere became a bit awkward. President Wang swirled his glass of wine and observed the two people standing, revealing a perceptive smile. ZhouXiang smiled, "President Yan, I'm overwhelmingly flattered. In fact, my stomach is already fine. I can drink. If I can't, I won't dare to toast you." Although everyone could hear that it's an excuse, this was a way out of the awkward situation. ZhouXiang clashed his glass with President Wang's glass and finished the wine in his glass. President Wang smiled, "A thing like stomach disease needs to have lifelong preventive measures. Just because it doesn't hurt today doesn't mean that you can just casually let your guard down. Remember that Xiao Zhou." "Thanks to President Wang for your concern." ZhouXiang had just put down his glass when CaiWei immediately stood up and toasted the entire table, bringing an end to this unusual little episode. After the meal, everyone gradually left. ZhouXiang was planning on leaving with CaiWei or LanXiRong but President Wang called him over. "Xiao Zhou, go with me." ZhouXiang responded, "President Wang, I don't want to bother you. It's along the way for many colleagues here; I can just hitch a ride with them." "Hey, hitch what ride? Let's go...let's go." LanXiRong was about to say something but bit his tongue. He could only watch ZhouXiang leave with President Wang. President Wang drank a bit too much. After getting out the door, he grabbed ZhouXiang and spoke to him about the plans for his promising future. ZhouXiang is very familiar with this kind of talk from President Wang. President Wang's mouth is quite awesome. If he wanted to paint a 664

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pie (overall interest) for someone, he'll surely make the painting of the pie round and full, making people yearn for it. ZhouXiang had been his employee for a long time so he knew how much truth there are in his words. He merely listened with a smile but didn't put it to heart. Finally, ZhouXiang supported President Wang to the hotel's entrance. There was several luxury cars parked outside. At this time, the reporters were basically gone so these big and minor stars dared to leave from the main entrance. He could see that that LanXiRong had already gotten into a car and the driver quickly drove away. President Wang clutched ZhouXiang's arm tightly and half-drunkenly spoke while smiling, "ZhouXiang, I see that you're not too old, your tem‐ perament is still quite stable, I am very optimistic for you, let Wang Ge tells you some truths, so listen." ZhouXiang nodded. "In this circle, there are many beautiful men and women coming and go‐ ing. Why is it that someone can be popular and others can not? It's be‐ cause those who can't be popular either didn't seize the opportunities or even have the chance to meet such opportunities. You... you are very lucky." President Wang pointed at his nose, "ZhouXiang, you need to be smarter. With an opportunity in front of you and if you let it go, then you're an id‐ iot... a fool." ZhouXiang turned his head, wondering what President Wang is referring to. He soon found out because President Wang clutched him down the steps, took the initiative to open a Bentley door and shoved him in, "Well, I've said so much. President Yan will take you back." At a glance, surely YanMingXiu is sitting on the other side looking at him quietly. ZhouXiang is stunned. He wanted to stand up but when he did, his shoul‐ ders reached President Wang's thick hands, preventing him. His body is in a posture that couldn't go up or down, just frozen in place.

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President Wang smiled at him. ZhouXiang's forehead sweated cold bullets. He reluctantly smiled and sat down. President Wang patted him on the shoulder and helped him close the door. The driver drove away. ZhouXiang sat on the left side with YanMingXiu sitting on the right side. The distance between the two was only a seat, but it seemed to be an in‐ surmountable obstacle. No one made a move. ZhouXiang turned his head slightly, "President Yan, my home on the east side, you're heading toward the west of Fourth Ring Road." He was telling this to YanMingXiu and also to the driver. But the driver is like a piece of wood. He didn't even move his head and continued to drive in the opposite direction. YanMingXiu softly said, "We're going to my place." ZhouXiang tried to suppress his anger, "I'm not going, find a place to drop me off." YanMingXiu turned to look at him, "ZhouXiang, I want to find a place to have a good talk with you." "We can talk anywhere, why does it have to be your home?" "If you don't want to go to my home, I could go with you to your home. I also wanted to see your mother." ZhouXiang narrowed his eyes, "YanMingXiu, what is it that you really want?" YanMingXiu bitterly smiled a bit, "What I want... you really don't under‐ stand?" ZhouXiang opened his mouth but stopped talking. There was another person in the car. It's not that he cared to give face to YanMingXiu but 666

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this is merely a relationship between two men. He was too embarrassed to speak about it in front of others, let alone, his story is utterly unworthy to be mentioned. The both of them stopped talking. After more than 20 minutes, they ar‐ rived at the place where YanMingXiu lived. ZhouXiang had been to this place a few times, even spending the night here. So to actually come as "another person," one can really have noth‐ ing to fear. A body that doesn't truly belong to him is like the safest um‐ brella, allowing him to hide within and do whatever he thinks is not hon‐ orable. Right now, he really didn't want to go in. But he still went in. If he didn't go in today, he'd still be forced to go in sooner or later. Each and every word from President Wang has been im‐ printed in his mind. This is fucking reality. He thought... he must have a good talk with YanMingXiu and clearly say whatever it is that he wanted to say. After YanMingXiu got into the house, he poured a cup of water for the both of them. Then sat on the sofa and sighed exhaustedly, "ZhouXiang, you asked me what I want. I only want a chance, a chance for you to ac‐ cept me again. You can't possibly not give me chance to atone for my mistakes and sentenced me to death. I absolutely can't accept it." ZhouXiang shook his head, "YanMingXiu, if someone treated you as someone else's substitute for a year, being such a proud and arrogant per‐ son like yourself, would you have forgiven him? Although I am not as ambitious nor do I have such a superiorly noble life like you, what you did to me was far more than that." YanMingXiu's hand that was holding the cup trembled. "In that year, I tried my hardest to please you. I asked you whether or not I could date you. You can't possibly not understand the meaning of that. I seriously want to be with you. If you were only treating me as fuck‐ buddy, you should have clearly said so from the beginning. I'm not an id‐ iot to still be pestering you, not letting you go. You were leading me on while at the same time trying to get the feeling of being with WangYuDong from me. Am I right?" 667

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YanMingXiu's expression paled. He could not refute any of ZhouXiang's words. "Maybe you like me very much. Otherwise, I'm not all that good look‐ ing, you could have anyone you wanted. You didn't have to live with me in that small shabby condo for a year. What did you like about me? You liked that I treated you well, liked that I do everything for you and took very good care of you. Mostly, you liked that I have a back that is very much like WangYuDong. So in that year, every time you fucked me, you liked to use the back position. And I fucking thought that it was just your obsession. If the person you fucked was really WangYuDong, you'll defi‐ nitely want to take a few more glances at his beautiful face, right?" To‐ ward the end of these words, ZhouXiang's voice trembled. He had been suppressing these words for a long time. From the time he broke up with YanMingXiu, he had wanted to say it. But unfortunately, he didn't have the chance. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu forcing him, he still wouldn't have said it because he needed to preserve his dignity. He also knew that he is shameful. He also didn't want to say in front of this person who had humiliated him and tell him how pathetic he was. YanMingXiu's voice is hoarse, "It's not, not like that! ZhouXiang. From when I was 16 years old, I thought that the person I liked was WangYuDong. Up until I met you, after I met you, everything changed. But when I finally realized who was really in my heart, you have al‐ ready... before I could tell you this, you were no longer here. ZhouXiang. I never thought of humiliating you. The year we were together was my most precious experience, irreplaceable by anyone. I just... I just didn't realize it at the time that I had....." YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang with bloodshot eyes, not knowing how to express to ZhouXiang how much he loves him. His mistakes had hurt ZhouXiang to such an extreme that is impossible to erase. No matter what he says, he can't change this fact. ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "You can't even refute that yourself, right? Do you think I'm stupid? After my accident, you felt guilty, remorseful. But what is the use? What if I didn't wake up in this body? I wouldn't have known even when I died that you actually still have some feelings for me." ZhouXiang pressed his hand over his heart, feeling that it is bleeding. "YanMingXiu, I'm still alive now, so you can save your guilt.

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There are many roads under the vast skies; we can each go our separate ways. You don't have to force me anymore. I've already let go of you. Isn't this good? God has given me this new life, please let me start over and live it well." YanMingXiu responed hoarsely, "ZhouXiang, why don't you believe my feelings for you? You obviously loved me before. Could it be that there is not a trace of feelings left? Everything that you had hoped to get from me, I could give it to you now. You just have to nod your head; I'll do anything for you. For this, you really can't forgive me?" ZhouXiang is silent for a long time before responding, "I can't do it. When I see my corpse, I can't do it." YanMingXiu seemed to hear the sounds of his heart shattering. He slowly gripped his hair, his mind buzzing with a voice that kept remind‐ ing him that ZhouXiang refused to forgive him, over and over again, cru‐ elly and clearly. ZhouXiang stood up. He forced himself to not to look at YanMingXiu and turned to the door. He can't listen anymore, can't see anymore. This person's heart (young ZhouXiang's heart) has been infected by his (YanMingXiu) lonely soul. His heart actually endlessly pitied YanMingXiu. This should not be. It's not right. His heart should have died with his body. "ZhouXiang, don't leave," YanMingXiu's hollowed voice came from be‐ hind. ZhouXiang's hand was already gripping the door handle. YanMingXiu's lowly-hoarse voice sounded quietly, "ZhouXiang, have you forgotten, we still have half a year left to our deal." ZhouXiang is shocked. He slowly turned around. YanMingXiu stood up, with his eyes inflamed with his expression a bit distorted. He walked step by step to ZhouXiang.

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ZhouXiang dropped his hand that was on the door handle. His entire body felt cold all over, wanting to smile but can't, "President Yan, how could I forget?" How could he have forgotten this? He actually forgot that he took ¥2 million and a condo from YanMingXiu and sold himself to him for a year. Such a valuable deal, he might not even have gotten in his entire life‐ time, but he actually forgot, or it could be said, he simply dared not think about it. YanMingXiu came close and touched his face gently. His eyes full of emotions, softly whispering, "Do you remember it now?" "Remembered." ZhouXiang looked at him quietly, his expression cold, "Till May of next year." YanMingXiu leaned close and gently pecked Zhou Xiang's lips. His voice hoarse, "ZhouXiang. I don't want to do this, but I can't just watch you walk away from me." ZhouXiang coldly said, "I need the money. I don't want the condo." "That won't do. The condo had already been transferred; you can't back out (of the deal)." ZhouXiang lightly trembled. "Half a year, in this half years' time, following our deal, stay with me." YanMingXiu stroked ZhouXiang's smooth face with his fingertips, his other hand wrapped around ZhouXiang's waist, hugging him tightly. ZhouXiang took a deep breath. The heater in the room is turned on suffi‐ ciently but his entire body felt chillingly cold. "Say something, ZhouXiang." YanMingXiu kissed and sucked ZhouXi‐ ang's neck, leaving his marks on his skin. ZhouXiang softly uttered, "I've nothing to say. President Yan. The skill of exerting your influence, you win." YanMingXiu's arm suddenly tightened, hugging ZhouXiang so tightly that he was almost breathless. 670

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"ZhouXiang, I don't want to do this. I'll be good to you. Be with me. My only own wish is that you stay by my side. Don't hate me. Don't resent me. ZhouXiang..." YanMingXiu is like a child, leaning his entire body weight on ZhouXiang, using all his strength to hold him for fear that he would disappear. ZhouXiang's depressing sunken eyes looked outside the windows at the dark night sky, not knowing what to say. Going around and around, stumbling and bumping, in fact he had never been in control of himself. This is ridiculous. The more he wanted something, the more reality op‐ poses it. When he wanted it, he can't get it. When he wanted to escape from it, he can't avoid it. No matter at what time, he can't get his way. Even though he lost his parents in his childhood, he didn't feel that his life was bad. But now he has this terrifying feeling that his fate had al‐ ready been laid out, and it's a complete farce. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 91 - YanMingXiu's Thoughts Chapter 91 -- YanMingXiu's Thoughts ZhouXiang didn't go home that night. It should be said that he didn't re‐ turn to the apartment he and ChenYing rented because YanMingXiu took him back to his real home. Despite the fact that ZhouXiang no longer has ownership of his own home. Once his body is found, his death had truly been confirmed. All of his possessions no longer have any connections to him. When he pushed open the familiar door and turned on the light switch that he could easily have felt even with his eyes closed, he saw the home he had lived in for 30 years looking just the same as before in front of him. There is no dust, no emptiness of being left vacant for a long time. The warming soft light streamed into the cozy little living room felt just as he left those years ago. There was not even the slightest change. YanMingXiu's eyes swept through every corners of the living room. He softly said, "I've tidied it up. You... after you left, I lived here for a long time. But later on, I didn't dare to anymore. The sound of your voice and your face is everywhere in this home, I can't live here. But every month I'll come back once or twice do some cleaning. Everything has been kept the same as before. ZhouXiang ... do you understand? I've always been waiting for you to come back." ZhouXiang's heart felt a bit pained. He sorrowfully sighed, "I've already returned. I'll exchange this condo with the one you transferred to me. Give me back mine, okay?" ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu, his eyes sincere, "Take it as me begging you." YanMingXiu smiled forcefully, "ZhouXiang, you really have the ability to make me feel bad. This condo, I can give it back to you but you have to give yourself to me."

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ZhouXiang turned his head silently, "Half a year, only half a year left in our deal." "Even if it is half a year, I won't give up." YanMingXiu added, "In this six months, we'll be like before, you have to follow according to my plans. I'll give you two days to move back here." YanMingXiu leaned forward and gently kissed ZhouXiang's soft lips, "Let's live here together and start over." ZhouXiang gnawed his teeth, "You doing all this makes no sense. There is nothing that can go back. If I was still the ZhouXiang from before, if I didn't fall off the cliff, then maybe I can start over with you. But now, YanMingXiu, now, look at me, look at my face, we can't start over." "We can." YanMingXiu stared fiercely into ZhouXiang's eyes. His eyes are so deep that it look a bit frightening. "ZhouXiang, actually you never knew me because I've always guarded myself from you. I made a huge mistake. I didn't let you know how content I was in the year we were to‐ gether. Every single day, I was so comfortable and happy. You don't un‐ derstand what you mean to me. I also didn't understand back then, but the three years that you weren't here, I know clearer than anything else that I can't ... can't let you go." He didn't know whether he dared in his life to tell ZhouXiang that the person who had captivated him at the age of 16, the person he fell in love with and the person constantly on his mind in these years is ZhouXiang. Because he mistaken the wrong person, loved the wrong person, the mis‐ take he made in this life is one that he couldn't forgive himself. At this point, he can't do anything about it. He doesn't have the courage to tell ZhouXiang. He's afraid that ZhouXiang will hate him even more. He even hated himself. If it could be said that the graceful, natural and unrestrained back of the person dressed in white on the silver screen satisfied his illusion of a per‐ fect lover in his youth, then the year that he was with ZhouXiang was a period that constantly showed him what it was in a relationship that made him feel comfortable and content. He saw how a mature man treats love and how he (ZhouXiang) used his kindness and tolerance to influ‐ ence and bind the other person. He is the one who has been firmly grasped by ZhouXiang. However, he was too stupid at the time to realize it. He was blinded by his own obsession. He even felt that since he al‐ 673

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ready had someone (WangYuDong) in his heart, he was going against his own principles to fall for someone (ZhouXiang) else. While he enjoyed all the goodness that ZhouXiang gave him, he just muddled along in de‐ ceiving himself, deceiving ZhouXiang. So for ZhouXiang to not believe him, he could fully understand. He did not give ZhouXiang even a bit of confidence in that year. Even when ZhouXiang died, he didn't know how much he weighed in his heart. He will use all his remaining time to make up for the mistakes he made, to end this three-year torture and get back the person he most wanted in his life... the person he must have in his life. When ZhouXiang saw YanMingXiu's eyes looking so resolute and deeply emotional, his heart trembled unconsciously. YanMingXiu mentioned a point that is very true. He never truly under‐ stood YanMingXiu because YanMingXiu never gave him that chance. In the first few months, he didn't even know YanMingXiu's background or what he does. In his eyes, YanMingXiu was just a recent graduate from college that is proud and arrogant, with a financially well-off family, a youngster that is not easy to please. At the time, he didn't pay much at‐ tention to what kind of person YanMingXiu really was. Right from the beginning, he was only attracted by his god-like appearance. When he really wanted to understand YanMingXiu, he didn't have such opportunity because he had genuinely fallen in love with YanMingXiu. All of YanMingXiu's virtues and shortcomings are characteristics that are worthy for him to explore in his eyes. He could no longer see clearly. Until he was reborn with this identity and met YanMingXiu again is when he finally woke up. YanMingXiu is no longer that youth from the past or even the YanMingXiu from then. He was not as simple as he thought. Standing in front of him now is a man who can do as he pleases in the entertainment circle, powerful and indifferent. When he came into contact with YanMingXiu's unreserved expression, he felt chillingly cold. He didn't believe anything that YanMingXiu said because he had the illusion that he was going to be swallowed up. He said mockingly, "YanMingXiu, if you really were what you said...that you can't forget me, then how did our deal come from? You spent two 674

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million and a condo to essentially 'buy' me. What you bought was not me but this body. In fact, this is nothing. Who doesn't have physical needs? But when you like WangYuDong, you treated me as his substitute. You say that you like me but also found a substitute. In fact, you are just lack‐ ing someone to be with you... it didn't matter who...." Before ZhouXiang even finished talking, YanMingXiu's face became ex‐ tremely unsightly. He impulsively pressed ZhouXiang to the wall, his voice extremely piercing from the pain he's in, "ZhouXiang, treating you as WangYuDong before ... I'm sorry to you... but you... the very first time I saw you at the elevator, even if your looks have completely changed, I still feel a shock that can't be explained. At the time, my only thought was that I didn't want you to go. I used this method to get you, or to get this body, is because..." YanMingXiu is choking with sobs, "Because I missed you so much that I'm going crazy. The familiarity that I get from you is the only thing that could save me at that time. You don't under‐ stand... You don't understand how much I miss you. You don't under‐ stand how I endured every day. You are obviously you, yet you hid it from me for so long. You told CaiWei, told LanXiRong, but only didn't tell me. Are you satisfied with this kind of revenge? You should be satis‐ fied. I'm in much more pain than you think!" YanMingXiu hugged him tightly, his voice full of despair, "ZhouXiang, even if I deserve every‐ thing, I never thought of betraying you in the slightest bit, I just ...... you two (referring to both younger and older ZhouXiang) are too much alike. You're actually the same person! ZhouXiang, can you understand? It's been three years. I can't go on anymore!" WangYuDong, two ZhouXiangs, substitute, substitute, who is whose substitute? Who is the substitute? Who is the protagonist?! From the be‐ ginning to now, all the circumstances is like a joke deliberately planned by God. The purpose is simply to push them into a desperate situation and then look at their painful and stupid expression for entertainment. ZhouXiang opened his mouth, his words on the tip of tongue but he didn't say anything. He was afraid that if he were to open his mouth, his emotions would get out of control. YanMingXiu's pain and grievances made him feel overwhelmed. Could YanMingXiu be considered as having betrayed him? Even he is unsure.

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He is also a man. He never thought that someone should be faithful to a dead person. YanMingXiu didn't do anything wrong. In fact, he even helped him. But all the tangled emotions in his heart made it impossible for him to re‐ solve. Is he jealous? Who is he jealous of? Both ZhouXiangs are him yet not completely him. Who is the substitute? Who is the protagonist? Even he himself can't tell. ZhouXiang closed his eyes in pain. He had long understood that as long as he gets involved with Yan‐ MingXiu, what is waiting for him is inconceivable pain and suffering. So he must, must stay away from YanMingXiu. Even if he loves Yan‐ MingXiu a lot, he is also afraid. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 92 - Don't Give Up On Me Chapter 92 -- Don't Give Up On Me ZhouXiang gently pushed YanMingXiu away. He flopped softly down on the sofa as his legs grew weak and stared blankly at the TV set that should've been disposed of long ago. YanMingXiu stood still for a while. He wiped his face and heaved a sigh to calm down his emotions, then turned and went into the kitchen. ZhouXiang heard the sound of the microwave oven working in the kitchen and dazedly glanced toward the kitchen. He didn't know what YanMingXiu is doing. After a while, YanMingXiu came out holding two bone china bowls (T/N). The small porcelain bowls were as white as jade, printed with pale pink camellia flowers. They were bought when he and YanMingXiu were leisurely strolling the streets. The two practically spotted it at the same time. ZhouXiang wanted to leave after seeing the price but Yan‐ MingXiu just went and brought the set. T/N: Bone china is a type of porcelain that is composed of bone ash, feldspathic material, and kaolin and is the strongest of the porcelain or china ceramics, having very high mechanical and physical strength and chip resistance, and is known for its high levels of whiteness and translu‐ cency. In the second half year of their cohabitation, they used it all the time. He could even imagine the camellia flower set being placed at the table at home. The pale pink camellia flowers on the white porcelain lined with whitewashed red and white plaid tablecloths is so gentle and elegant, full of homely atmosphere. ZhouXiang just stared blankly at YanMingXiu as he put the porcelain bowls on the coffee table. In the porcelain bowls are white fungus

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soup(T/N). whitefungusoup T/N: White fungus has been appraised for its medicinal benefits, namely anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. In Chinese families, it is commonly used in soups cooked for soothing purposes like nourishing the bodies, healing dry coughs and clearing heat in the lungs. "I made it before I left today. I knew there was going to be liquor in‐ volved." YanMingXiu's voice still tinged with a slight snuffling sound. He softly added, "It may not be as good as the way you make it. Try it." He picked up a bowl of white fungus soup and handed it to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang stretched out his hands to take it. He led out a sigh and took a sip. YanMingXiu asked with bit of eagerness, "Is it good?" "President Yan, you don't have to do this." ZhouXiang put the bowl down and look quietly at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu gnawed his teeth, "You're not allowed to call me President Yan again." YanMingXiu can't imagine what kind of mockery ZhouXiang had in his heart when he called him 'President Yan.' When the truth was revealed, YanMingXiu even had a trace of hatred toward ZhouXiang because he had hid this from him for a year. The longer he was separated from ZhouXiang, the more his pain in‐ creased. No one could understand this. Only he knew what it felt like to have sleepless nights...what it felt like to wake up in the middle of a dream crying... and what it felt like to look all over the world in hoping to find someone and couldn't. The most terrifying is lying to himself that this person is not dead but then seeing with his own eyes the skeletal bones in front of him. It was such devastating despair. If it wasn't for the Great Master's reminder, it's likely he wouldn't have walked out of the farmer's house again. So when he realized that ZhouXiang was by his side, when he knew that all his speculations had a reasonable explana‐

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tion, for a moment, he hated ZhouXiang ...but he hated himself even more. No one could stop him from getting ZhouXiang back because what it felt like to lose the person you love most, he knew it clearly himself. ZhouXiang is silent for a while, "I'll move back tomorrow but this is be‐ tween us. Stop doing things in public that could lead to gossip." When YanMingXiu took him onto the stage today, it already made him feel un‐ settled. "No one dares to gossip about me." "Yes, but they dare to about me." "Don't take it to heart. ZhouXiang, anything they say won't affect you. You want to be a star, I will help you fulfill it." "It's not that..." ZhouXiang wanted to explain but felt that it was futile. He does not want to be a star, but rather an actor with a stable income. Being too popular is a kind of burden. He is a lazy and easily satisfied person. He just wanted to earn money, while at the same time not be stared at. He really shouldn't be working in the entertainment circle. But unfortunately, he has no other skills. To say that he doesn't want fame wouldn't make sense. "Whatever you want, just tell me. I'll fulfill it for you." YanMingXiu gripped ZhouXiang's chin and looked at him genuinely, "Just tell me." ZhouXiang faintly said, "My career is developing very well. You don't have to do anything more. Just leave me with a good reputation." YanMingXiu's fingers trembled, "Your reputation now came from LanXiRong. I don't want you to still be linked to LanXiRong's marking. Don't shoot those MVs, the quality is too low. I am planning a movie. I want you to play the leading role and I'll play the supporting role to sup‐ port you." ZhouXiang frowned, "YanMingXiu, I'm really happy with what I'm do‐ ing now, I don't need you to boost me."

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"Three years ago, I promised to invest in a movie for you but you ran away that day." YanMingXiu's voice is tinged with a bit of vulnerability because that was the last time he saw ZhouXiang -- the real ZhouXiang. Even thinking of it now is like piercing pains stabbing his heart. He hoarsely voiced, "I've said...what you lost, I will make you up to you. ZhouXiang, I can't make you come back to life but anything else...as long as I can give it to you, I will give it all to you." ZhouXiang knew that it is useless to say anything. Although Yan‐ MingXiu has changed a lot, the one thing that will never change is his nature. When YanMingXiu decides on something, that is the final deci‐ sion. He is that kind of dominating overbearing person. It is also because YanMingXiu is so proud that ZhouXiang believes that it won't be long before YanMingXiu would be tired of pleasing him in this way and would give up. A dead person cannot be resurrected; this is a fact can't be changed in any lives. But the person is still alive so the meaning is completely different. He wanted to see how long Yan‐ MingXiu could endure. ZhouXiang shook his head, "Up to you. I'm going back." YanMingXiu immediately grabbed him, "Where are you going?" "I'm going to go back first." "Don't go. I'll help you move tomorrow. Stay here tonight." Yan‐ MingXiu's expression is intense and very deep, completely not allowing ZhouXiang to refuse. ZhouXiang almost laughed aloud, "YanMingXiu, do you think it is suit‐ able to have sex with our situation right now?" YanMingXiu's face slightly blushed, "That's not what I meant. I only want you to stay. If you don't want to do it, I won't force you." "Then what do you want to do? Just lie down and chat?" Unexpectedly, YanMingXiu nodded, "Just stay by my side is enough. Doing anything is fine."

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ZhouXiang grabbed his hair irritably then nodded, "I am going to take a bath." ZhouXiang got up and went to the inner home. The narrow corridors, simple bathroom, simple study, comfortable master bedroom...ZhouXi‐ ang couldn't help but look at every corners of the home. His fingertips stroked the slightly coarse yellow walls. This kind of familiar and warm feeling filled his heart. Dad, mom, I'm back. I am really back. YanMingXiu quietly watched ZhouXiang from behind. The image of this person walking freely around this home is a most precious memory in his life. Now, all those images finally reappeared. He didn't use to believe in God but now he believes that fate had long been predestined. And ZhouXiang is the person destined for him. Otherwise, ZhouXiang would not have return to his side after rebirth. Starting over once again, he will definitely not let go of this chance to make up for his mistakes. ZhouXiang took a comfortable hot bath. His bathroom is very small and the heat is not easily dispersed. Although the ventilation in the summer is a bit of a problem, bathing in the winter is particularly warm. The longlost warmth makes ZhouXiang feel moved. Everything in the bathroom felt so intimate. After he finished bathing, he realized that he had forgotten to grab his pajamas. When he was about to wear the clothes he was wearing earlier, a gentle knock came from the bathroom door. YanMingXiu's shadow is outside the bathroom. "I have your pajamas. Put them on." ZhouXiang opened the door and saw YanMingXiu looking at him hold‐ ing a set of pajamas. He didn't know how long YanMingXiu had been standing there. ZhouXiang took the pajamas. This hand trembled slightly. This is one set of couple pajamas he bought. At that time, in order to give YanMingXiu some mental hints, he bought a lot of things for couples, like pajamas,

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cups, toothbrushes, and underwear. He had hoped that YanMingXiu would have the feeling of being a couple with him. At the time, Yan‐ MingXiu did not refuse. ZhouXiang was so excited thinking that Yan‐ MingXiu had accepted these kinds of hints (of them being a couple). Later, he realized that YanMingXiu didn't care about these senseless triv‐ ial things, allowing him to be groundlessly excited. What can influence YanMingXiu? Unexpectedly, with the passage of time, YanMingXiu is now using the same exact methods to try and evoke these feelings in him. He finally understood why YanMingXiu, who could buy any place he wanted any‐ where would insist on moving back with him to this 30 years old, 70square-meter condo. It is because their memories are everywhere in this place, from every room to every layout, to the small porcelain bowls, to the set of pajamas...all these are proof that he once loved YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu hopes that he remembers these. YanMingXiu did a good job because ZhouXiang had never forgotten these small details. In this place, he was forced to remember every bits and pieces of his and YanMingXiu's memories over and over. The more he remembered, the more pain he felt. Sure enough, the bedding in the bedroom was picked by them at the time. The rug on the wooden floor was bought by YanMingXiu. The 10 years old floor lamp was broken by YanMingXiu when he kicked it while getting up in the middle of the night. He repaired it but now, he can still see the traces of the repair. Even when YanMingXiu came out of the bathroom, he is dressed exactly like him but just in a bigger size pa‐ jama. Everything is like a reverse flow of time, like they were dragged back to three years ago by an invisible hand. ZhouXiang is forced to experience these sweet and happy moments from before. With YanMingXiu's hair softly affixed to his face, it made him looked a couple years younger and so similar to the arrogant and indifferent teenager from then, especially those eyes, so deep that people cannot see through it. When ZhouXiang eyes collided with YanMingXiu's eyes, he could sense that YanMingXiu seemed to see through what he is thinking. 682

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YanMingXiu walked to the bed and slowly sat down. ZhouXiang's wet bangs stuck onto his forehead and the cold water drops rolled down his eyebrows onto his eye sockets. The two quietly looked at each other as they sat very close together. YanMingXiu whispered, "Xiang Ge... thank you for coming back." ZhouXiang's heart trembled. "I want you to remember everything in this home, especially your feel‐ ings for me." His tone is full of confidence. YanMingXiu kissed ZhouXiang's soft lips, gently sucking and crushing it, enjoying the refreshing taste. This is the first time YanMingXiu kissed him. It should be said that, it is the first time he kissed him in his current appearance. He had been with YanMingXiu for half a year, the number of times they made love is just a handful. Not to mention kissing, every time when YanMingXiu vented sexually, he didn't want to see his face. He initially thought that YanMingXiu was still treating him as WangYuDong, but he did not expect that he had become his own substi‐ tute. Such an absurd circumstance actually happened to him. But since he can wake up in another person's body, there is nothing in this world that is impossible. The feeling of being teased by the invisible hand is indeed increasingly intense, making ZhouXiang frightened and trembled with fear. He is afraid that this new farce arranged by God is only waiting until he gets too deep into the trick and then God would violently wake him up, let‐ ting him fall into the ruins again. YanMingXiu's slippery tongue broke through the barrier of ZhouXiang's teeth, got into his mouth and tangled with his tongue. ZhouXiang's eyes blurred and his emotions involuntarily pulled back by this warm kiss. He subconsciously pushed YanMingXiu away but YanMingXiu grasped his hands and suppressed him forcefully.

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ZhouXiang could only passively endure this increasingly frantic kiss. YanMingXiu turned this initial light kiss into a deep kiss full of intense yearnings and lustful tastes. These fierce emotions started a fire that swept through and engulfed both of their minds. ZhouXiang widen his eyes; he couldn't understand why such kiss could penetrate from sorrow to despair, and that sorrow is so contagious. Just when the two of them were just about out of breadth, YanMingXiu let him go, falling onto ZhouXiang's body weakly, gripping his waist and muttering, "You're back. You really came back." ZhouXiang suppressed the urge to touch him. He lay on the bed at a complete loss, allowing YanMingXiu to lean on top of him heavily. YanMingXiu adjusted his posture and essentially held ZhouXiang's up‐ per body in his arms. His gentle and hoarse voice rang softly in ZhouXi‐ ang's ear, "Xiang Ge, go to sleep. I hope that I can hold you like this to sleep every day in the future. Don't give up on me because I will never give up on you." ZhouXiang closed his eyes tiredly. YanMingXiu held ZhouXiang as if he is holding his entire world. This is his entire world. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 93 - YanMingxiu Taking ChenYing To the Hospital ⦘

Chapter 93 - YanMingxiu Taking ChenYing To the Hospital Chapter 93 -- YanMingxiu Taking ChenYing To the Hospital The next morning, CaiWei called ZhouXiang to go back to the company. When ZhouXiang woke up, YanMingXiu had already awakened and even planned to make him breakfast but he was not as quick as ZhouXi‐ ang. ZhouXiang finished cooking and ate, then rushed out. Seeing that it's close to the lunar New Years, the company had a lot of things needing to be done. CaiWei lacks helpers to deliver gifts so he lent ZhouXiang a car and had him help deliver the gifts. ZhouXiang had done these tasks before so CaiWei felt very much at ease in letting him handle it. After ZhouXiang's identity was revealed, although CaiWei was furi‐ ous in the beginning, ZhouXiang could tell that he was very happy. He used to be CaiWei's right hand man and his competency had made Cai‐ Wei felt very much at ease. So at this time, important tasks were natu‐ rally given to him. After ZhouXiang delivered the gifts, he called CaiWei to ask if he could borrow the car and return it to the company tomorrow. He wanted to use it move. He had very little things in the condo that YanMingXiu trans‐ ferred to him. All his things fit in the car. Even though YanMingXiu wanted to help him, he didn't want to see YanMingXiu all the time. That would make him nervous. CaiWei very quickly agreed and ZhouXiang drove the car back to that condo. He went in and cleaned up a little. There was really nothing. He packed up in less than an hour and put everything in the car. He still intended to give this condo back to YanMingXiu, in hoping that YanMingXiu could also return his condo to him. After cleaning up, he drove back to ChenYing's place.

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After he opened the door, the home was very quiet. ZhouXiang remem‐ bered that today is Thursday and Aunt Wang must've gone with ChenY‐ ing to the hospital for dialysis. When he was about to remove his shoes, the door was opened from the room. ZhouXiang looked up and saw Aunt Wang coming out of the room like she had been sleeping. "Aunt Wang? You didn't go to the hospital with my mom?" "Your mom already went. I didn't go." "Huh?" Aunt Wang said excitedly, "Your friend, that big star YanMingXiu came this morning and took Ying Jie out." ZhouXiang froze as he bent down to take off his shoes. He straightened his back, "You said that YanMingXiu took my mom?" "Yeah, he said that he will take Ying Jie to do dialysis." "My mom just went with him like that?" ZhouXiang's tone uncon‐ sciously rose. Aunt Wang seemed to feel that his tone sounded abnormal and got a little nervous, "Ah Xiang, what's wrong? Was it inappropriate?" ZhouXiang realized his attitude seemed a bit off and shook his head with a smile, "It's okay. I just felt sorry for inconveniencing others. You don't have to wait on us for dinner; I'm going to go to the hospital to pick my mom up." "Ah... Ah Xiang." "Mnnn?" "They may not be at the hospital where she usually goes. Your big star friend said that he's going to take Ying Jie to a better hospital for checkup."

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ZhouXiang nodded quietly, "Okay, got it." ZhouXiang grabbed his key, cell phone and left. As he was walking, he dialed YanMingXiu's cell phone and the call was quickly connected. "Hello?" "Hey. YanMingXiu, where did you take my mom today?" "To the hospital." "Which one?" "XX Hospital. I found someone to do an examination evaluation on her." ZhouXiang heaved a sigh of relief. Initially, he was very skeptical of YanMingXiu's purpose for taking ChenYing, but at least YanMingXiu brought her to a reliable place. XX Hospital is the best hospital for treat‐ ing uremia in the country. Unfortunately, he couldn't get on the waiting list. "I'm going there now. You didn't say anything rash to my mom right?" YanMingXiu is silent for a moment, "We're not in the hospital now. The dialysis is done. She's at my home right now." ZhouXiang clenched his cell phone, "You...what did you say to her?" "Come over first." ZhouXiang hung up the phone depressingly and drove to YanMingXiu's home. He rushed to YanMingXiu's place as quickly as he could. Once he got to the place, he found that the two of them were actually wearing aprons, making zucchini pancake (T/N). The entire room permeated with the aroma of white radish and chicken soup. zucchini panckake T/N: Zucchini pancake: is a traditional staple food in old Beijing. It is a soft cake made from zucchini, eggs and flour. "Mom?" ZhouXiang looked at them strangely. 687

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ChenYing smiled, "You're here. Go wash your hands and wait for dinner; we're almost done." ZhouXiang then looked at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu smiled at him softly, "Take off your coat; it's very hot in the room." ZhouXiang took off his coat and walked toward them uncomfortably. He had been observing ChenYing's expression but ChenYing is immersed in cooking and didn't look at him. ZhouXiang said helplessly, "I am going to check on the soup." As soon as he entered the kitchen, a clay pot of chicken soup was bub‐ bling with heat on top of the gas stove. YanMingXiu said from behind him, "It's done. Turn off the stove." ZhouXiang turned off the stove, opened the lid, and the appetizing aroma suddenly rushed up his nose. ZhouXiang put the clay pot on the table and serve the soup into three bowls to let it cool down. Soon, the rice and other dishes were done. The three sat down on the table with ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu di‐ rectly facing each other. The atmosphere was a bit awkward. From the moment that ZhouXiang got into the home until now, he didn't say anything and ChenYing also didn't say anything. Only YanMingXiu leisurely spoke to them. It seemed as though everything is normal, as if it isn't their first time having a meal like this. While YanMingXiu is drinking soup, he said, "I took Auntie to XX Hos‐ pital today. The diagnosis results are the same as the previous one. How‐ ever, the experts have some better solutions in the treatment methods. Next time we can go together and discuss it." ZhouXiang suppressed himself from asking the questions that he wanted to ask. He nodded and responded, "Okay." After the meal, YanMingXiu wanted take them back home but ZhouXi‐ ang refused, "Don't need to. I drove the company's car here. We can go 688

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back on our own." After saying that, he didn't wait for YanMingXiu to say anymore and left with ChenYing. When the weather is freezing cold, it's really unbearable to get directly into the car after leaving the home. ZhouXiang started to consider buying a car again. Although YanMingXiu still kept his original car but because the car was initially bought used and its functionality was just average, adding on that it was left not driven for three years, it can no longer start. ZhouXiang intends to include a car as part of his next year's plan. After getting into the car, ZhouXiang didn't speak. He waited for ChenY‐ ing to speak first. Sure enough, ChenYing quietly heaved a sigh, "This kid is pretty good." "Mom, what did you two do today?" "He suddenly came to the apartment this morning. I saw him last time so I thought he came to see you. I didn't expect him to come see me and said that he would take me to the big hospital for an examination." "And then you just went? Why didn't you give me a call?" "Your mother is not stupid. If he wasn't trying to get something, why would he treat this old lady so nice? I also watched the news. When I saw the promotional event, I've already noticed that the way he looks at you is different. I've said. You shouldn't hide these things from me. Lately, you've been staying out all night. Do you really think that I would believe you are working overtime every day?" ZhouXiang sighed helplessly, "Mom, we are not like what you think." "And what is that?" ZhouXiang suddenly became speechless. He really didn't know how to explain his relationship with YanMingXiu to ChenYing nor could he tell her the truth. A conservative elder like ChenYing would definitely not accept it. ZhouXiang couldn't help but become more worried about the rumors that could get into ChenYing's ears. ZhouXiang is especially furi‐ ous thinking how YanMingXiu just came and took ChenYing away. He

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said vaguely, "We were in a movie together and he took good care of me, but I don't think we are suitable. We're from different worlds." "Aiyah, that's what I'm worried about too. Although this child is very good, his family background is way out of our league. I just hope that you can find a person who you can live with sincerely. If you're really with him, I've nothing to say. But will his family agree? I don't want to see you suffer so I didn't say anything today. This matter, it's better for you to make your own decision." ZhouXiang smiled, "Mom, you think too much. We are not even to that extent. How can I say this? Anyways, it's not possible between us. You just treat him as a friend of mine okay? But try not to inconvenience him." "I understand. I just wanted to test him today or I wouldn't have taken up his entire day. Who would've guess that this kid who seemed to be quite insensible is especially good. My dialysis treatment took four to five hours but not once was he impatient. He even chatted with me the whole time. Aiyah, he's really good. He's also handsome and is thoughtful. Ah Xiang, this is your own matters so I won't say anymore. Anyways, just remember that whatever you do, I'll support you." ZhouXiang smiled and glanced at her, "Mom, you're really not an ordi‐ nary old lady, too cool!" Being teased by him, ChenYing said with pride, "My son will also be a star in the future. I also have to keep up with the times." ZhouXiang smiled with her but there is no smile visible in his eyes. Yan‐ MingXiu has no worries but ZhouXiang do. He can't imagine how ChenYing would feel upon hearing the unbearable rumors and how dis‐ appointed she would be at her son. ZhouXiang gripped tightly onto the steering wheel, with increasing dissatisfaction toward YanMingXiu. End of the chapter

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Chapter 94 - Xiang Ge I Love You (M) Chapter 94 -- Xiang Ge I Love You (M) After the two got home, ChenYing went to chat with Aunt Wang while ZhouXiang returned to his room. He called YanMingXiu immediately when he got into his room. Earlier ChenYing was there so it wasn't ap‐ propriate to say certain things. After the phone call was connected, ZhouXiang quickly asked, "How could you just casually take my mom out?" YanMingXiu replied without any guilt whatsoever, "Could it be that you don't want her to get better treatment?" "Her condition is good right now." "That's because she hasn't been ill too long ago. There are many compli‐ cations in the later stages of uremia and your understanding of this dis‐ ease is too limited, including the hospital where she was getting her treatment. That is not a good hospital. Don't tell me you don't want her to have the best treatment?" The words YanMingXiu said literally pushed ZhouXiang onto a high wall, making it sound as though ZhouXiang didn't want ChenYing to have contact with YanMingXiu, even if it's at the expense of providing better treatment for her. ZhouXiang couldn't dispute this. He responded irritably, "You're capable. What you say is reasonable but I don't want her to be confused and think of foolish thoughts. She's just a conservative old lady. If this messed-up situation gets passed to her ears, she'll get sick even if she wasn't before. YanMingXiu responded lightly, "I think she's much more open-minded and understanding than you think." "Don't use your lame arguments to make this sound logical."

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YanMingXiu is silent and then asked rhetorically, "ZhouXiang, she's not your real mother. Do you really care that much about her?" This time it was ZhouXiang that is silent. He thought a bit before re‐ sponding, "Although she's not my real mother, I've always wanted a mother. Besides, I took over her son's body; I can't possibly not fulfill my filial piety in his place." "Okay, I understand. Since you treat her as your mother, I'll also treat her as my mother." ZhouXiang got angry, "Don't fucking bullshit. My mom can't accept this kind of honor!" After saying that, he promptly hung up. YanMingXiu didn't call back. ZhouXiang took a shower and fell onto the bed. He felt like he had been busy for an entire day so he was especially tired. In fact, he certainly hoped that ChenYing could be treated in a good hos‐ pital. He had actually gone to that hospital initially and waited in line from two in the middle of the night until 6 in the morning just to get a ticket number. In the end, he still couldn't get it. Then when he looked at trying to buy a ticket number, the cost was ¥3,000, immediately scaring him. The online appointment to see the specialist was already booked out past four months. And even if the patient could be seen, if there needs to be a return visit, the wait is still a long time. When he thought of how difficult it is just to get an examination for an illness at a good hospital, he was afraid that ChenYing couldn't afford the wait so he no longer bothered with it. It's not the same for someone with power and status. The hospital is like a home clinic. Seeking out the best doctors in the country is an easy thing to do. No matter how unjust ZhouXiang felt about this, he can't help but accept this fact. He has a feeling as though YanMingXiu is a hunter, setting a net every‐ where around him, waiting for him to have nowhere to go and then he would immediately pull the net. At that time, he may never be able to es‐ cape again.

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But this is a trap he dared not and didn't want to jump into. He jumped into it once and lost his life. Even for a dog, if it had licked a fire pan once, it wouldn't be stupid enough to do it again, let alone people. ZhouXiang heaved a sighed and realized that he couldn't fall sleep so he grabbed a book and started to read. After a while, sensing that his eyes have started to feel droopy, he finally decided to go to sleep. Unexpectedly, his cell phone rang at this time. ZhouXiang first looked at the clock on the wall. It was already two o'clock in the middle of the night. Who would call him? When he picked up his phone to check, surely it is YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang didn't want to pick up but pondering for a while, he still picked up, "Hey." "ZhouXiang, you haven't slept yet?" ZhouXiang responded lazily, "You woke me up." "The lights in your room are on." ZhouXiang subconsciously straightened up his body and turned his head, "Where are you?" "Downstairs." "What are you doing here?" YanMingXiu's voice is soft like the softest thick satin, "I made you an‐ gry, so I couldn't sleep. I wanted to come to your home to see but didn't expect your lights to be on." ZhouXiang is silent. YanMingXiu's caring attitude made him feel very uneasy, especially his heart, pounded beat by beat. He sighed softly, "I'm going to sleep, (you) go back." "Can I go up? It's cold outside." "You're not in the car?"

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"I don't want to be in the car, can't see your windows from inside the car." ZhouXiang raked through his hair irritably, "YanMingXiu, don't be like this. It's not like you." "What is like me?" "You... I don't know, just go back." "I don't want to. I want go up. I want see you." "YanMingXiu, what is really with you?" "If I don't see you for even a day, I get anxious." YanMingXiu softly muttered, "Very anxious. Xiang Ge, you were so good to me before. At the time, I've always felt that it should be like that because who told you to like me? In this past three years, I've relied on our memories from then to endure. What I'm most afraid of is that you would disappear again. I want you to move back because I want to be able to see you when I come home and have you by my side when I wake up every day. I no longer wanted to go through life not being able to find you... see you... or hear your voice. That was truly a nightmare." ZhouXiang's hand holding the phone trembled. "I'm up. Open the door for me." ZhouXiang heard the footsteps from the quiet stairwell on his phone. "I'm outside your door," YanMingXiu reminded him. ZhouXiang sat on the bed for a while before hanging up the phone. Then he got up, put on his slippers, draped his thick pajamas around his shoul‐ ders and walked pass the living room to open the door for YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu's body exuded cold air, his ears and cheeks were red. He seemed to have been standing outside for a long time. ZhouXiang was about to say something but YanMingXiu rushed over and embraced him tightly, his cold lips smashing onto his lips.

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The living room is very dark. ZhouXiang took a few steps back and al‐ most fell onto the sofa. The pajamas he had draped on his shoulders fell to the floor. He was only wearing a tank top and shorts to sleep. Being pulled into YanMingXiu's embrace immediately exposed him to the chilling air from the outside; his whole body shivered from the cold. However, his (YanMingXiu) lips that were tightly pressing on his lips are hot, the thrashing of his tongue is also hot and even YanMingXiu's hand holding his waist is gradually getting hot. ZhouXiang is kissed to the point where he felt a bit dizzy, his mind blank for a while. Then he pushed YanMingXiu away and reached his hand to cover his mouth and whispered, "Don't make any sound." After saying that, he pulled YanMingXiu into his room and shut the door tightly. If ChenYing were to see YanMingXiu, he wouldn't be able to clearly ex‐ plain to her. YanMingXiu's enthusiasm did not get impeded. Right when the door is locked, he immediately pushed ZhouXiang to the bed. ZhouXiang tried to avoid his advances but his bare skin still touched YanMingXiu's clothes. He softly scolded, "Your body is freezing cold." YanMingXiu took off his coat and threw it on the floor, then clasped onto ZhouXiang's hand and kissed him intensely. Seeing the situation as such, ZhouXiang knew that he won't be able to evade (sex) tonight. The two didn't know how many times they had done it before. Although they have numerous barriers in their hearts, at least their bodies are exceptionally genuine. At this time, there is nothing more to say. Might as well just do it. ZhouXiang said in between gasps from being fervently kissed, "Don't make a sound, they are just in the opposite room." YanMingXiu is thoroughly absorbed in kissing him as he moved down to his chin, his throat, not saying anything. YanMingXiu very quickly removed all of his and ZhouXiang's clothes.

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The room is very warm and the heating ignited their internal fires. At this time, the two men are nakedly entwined, seeing the glimmer of abnormal lights in each other's eyes. This perverse fire penetrated and filled their minds. YanMingXiu frantically caressed ZhouXiang's pectoral muscles, his in‐ tensive kisses are like raindrops falling on ZhouXiang's chest, leaving spots of love markings. ZhouXiang embedded his hand in YanMingXiu's hair and whispered, "Do you have condom? I don't have it at home." YanMingXiu paused, "I also don't have it." ZhouXiang felt a bit angry, "Then what is there to do?" "There were a few times that we didn't use it before." YanMingXiu pressed onto him, obviously not relenting. "Back then, we did it often...now..." ZhouXiang is a little embarrassed, "Fine... get up." YanMingXiu instantly grabbed onto ZhouXiang's little brother that had long stood erected. He gripped it gently making ZhouXiang's entire body becoming partially soft. ZhouXiang twisted his body uncomfortably; his willpower is not as reso‐ lute. Speaking of it, he had not been fully able to enjoy sex for a long time. From rebirth till present, not even once. He really missed it. YanMingXiu kissed his lips, "Xiang Ge, let's do it. I'll be careful not to hurt you." ZhouXiang reached his hand to grab the hand cream from the headboard, "We'll just make do." YanMingXiu kissed him intensely. Then, he spread ZhouXiang's two long legs, seeing his (ZhouXiang's) slightly erected crotch lying in be‐ tween his pubic hair; he couldn't help but lowered his head and used his soft tongue to brush the tip of his hardened sex organ. 696

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ZhouXiang's body trembled as he looked at YanMingXiu in shock. In the year they lived together, he had done this (kissed YanMingXiu's cock, blowjobs) many times, but not once did YanMingXiu use his mouth on him. He's always comforted himself that it's because Yan‐ MingXiu had mysophobia (T/N), but in actuality it was because the other person didn't even care for him. T/N: mysophobia -- extreme or irrational fear of dirtiness or contamina‐ tion. He didn't expect YanMingXiu to be willing to do this. YanMingXiu seemed to feel his gaze. He lifted his head slightly, his ex‐ pression looking a bit embarrassed, "I try." ZhouXiang's heart jumped erratically. That expression... that expression looked just like the first time he saw YanMingXiu, this beautiful young boy, his face obviously looking em‐ barrassed because he had mistakenly recognized the wrong person. This look is so attractive, striking him in his heart almost instantly. He didn't know whether or not he fell in love with YanMingXiu at first sight but at least in terms of appearance, he had never seen anyone more appealing than YanMingXiu. It seems that his shallowness is the begin‐ ning of this tragedy. Having no time to ponder any further, ZhouXiang's cock is sheathed in a warm mouth. This wet and smooth feeling really makes a person insane, especially when ZhouXiang saw the expression on YanMingXiu's face, the face that had once made him deeply infatuated. No matter whether it is psychological satisfaction or physical pleasure, all of it rapidly soared to the extreme at once. ZhouXiang couldn't help but moaned once as his hand gripped tightly onto the bed sheets. This unbearable moan gave YanMingXiu huge motivation. Relying on the memories of how others did this on him, he glided the increasing hardened cocked in and out of his warm mouth. Even though the taste is

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unpleasant, when he thought of how he could pleasure ZhouXiang, he was willing to do it. ZhouXiang hasn't been aroused for such a long time, so very soon, he shot out. YanMingXiu couldn't evade it in time and was sprayed on the face. ZhouXiang is extremely embarrassed as he grabbed a few sheets of tissues and handed it to him. YanMingXiu wiped the semen from his face and smiled at him warmly. ZhouXiang's face is a burning hot. He had already passed the age of be‐ ing embarrassed over this kind of thing, but at this time he didn't know what is happening to him. YanMingXiu leaned over, gently caressing and stroking his waist while kissing him softly. "Can I?" ZhouXiang vaguely muttered at "hmm" sound. YanMingXiu spread his thighs widely, and then squeezed a big amount of hand cream on his hand and smeared it on ZhouXiang's hole. His meat hole is very tight. YanMingXiu's finger struggled with much difficulty before finally squeezing in. ZhouXiang moved uncomfortably, his brows lifted slightly. YanMingXiu caressed him while using his fingers to probe back and forth in and out of his hole. He had done it with this body several times. Although the number of times is very few, he is not unfamiliar with it. However this time is dif‐ ferent from any other times. In the past, what he needed from this body was to vent his frustrations. Besides desire, there was yearning, remorse, sorrow, and so on. But this time is different, what he wanted is to meld as one with this person. Looking at this person, who is both familiar and unfamiliar to him, this is not the face of his beloved ZhouXiang. He missed the face of the man who always had on a warm and carefree smile. But he could no longer see it again. Everything was his fault. But fortunately, fortunately, the man's soul is still here, no matter what his face looks like, just knowing that the person in this body is the person he loves the most is enough.

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Under YanMingXiu's tantalizing probes and jabs, ZhouXiang's meat hole softened. The tight mouth opened slightly and shimmered in the light. YanMingXiu pulled out his wet fingers and switch to use his penis to push at ZhouXiang's hole. His meaty tip continuously probe at the tender red hole before finally pushing in slowly. ZhouXiang took a deep breath. All the senses in his body are awakened. His entire body concentrated on his tightened tunnel, feeling Yan‐ MingXiu's hardened penis penetrating through his tightened meat walls, bit by bit impaling him. ZhouXiang's gasping voice trembled a bit. He gritted his teeth, "Go light... lightly..." YanMingXiu slowed down. He slowly pressed to rub ZhouXiang's tight hole and whispered softly, "Relax a bit. I want to go all in. Xiang Ge. Forget all the previous times. I want to give you the best experience, just like how we did before." ZhouXiang gritted his teeth, the shame of having something foreign in‐ vading his body made him speechless. YanMingXiu held onto his waist tightly and moved slowly. Yan‐ MingXiu's big cock and his beautiful face seemed completely unfitting. ZhouXiang was intimidated the first time he saw it. At this time, this big baby has swelled to an atrocious size from being aroused. ZhouXiang felt that his entire intestinal cavity is filled with YanMingXiu's cock. Ev‐ ery time YanMingXiu thrust into him, it felt like a hard and hot rod is fu‐ riously raging in his internal organs. This feeling of being completely filled can't be expressed. ZhouXiang lifted his neck, his face blushing red. Every time Yan‐ MingXiu plunged deeply into him and then pulled out, his entire body would shudder. Despite changing to a different body, all his sensitive ar‐ eas are surprisingly the same. Maybe this has nothing to do with the physical body itself but is directly related to his own senses, so every time YanMingXiu ignited the desires in him, he is able to successfully make ZhouXiang fully aroused. Soon the two men returned to their passion from before. In the year they lived together, the two were like wild beasts. They almost did it in every 699

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positions and locations, frantically and boldly enjoying the excitement and thrilling pleasure that sex brings them. At that time they were famil‐ iar with every sensitive areas of the other person's body and can very easily make the other person's lust surged. ZhouXiang had always been a one before he met YanMingXiu. Mainly because he felt that his appear‐ ance, figure, and temperament is not suitable to be on the bottom. After being with YanMingXiu is when he came to realize that he is naturally more fitting to be a zero. The number of times he cum almost immedi‐ ately were not many, but there were several occasions when Yan‐ MingXiu easily made him shot out almost instantly. Now that the two are nakedly intertwined again, all the crazy memories from the past rapidly rose up to their minds. Just merely thinking about it is enough to make ZhouXiang's body scalding hot. YanMingXiu's thrusts are getting stronger and faster, almost making it impossible for him to close his thighs. He can only lay numb with his legs spread apart to make it easier for YanMingXiu to plunder in and out. ZhouXiang didn't dare to make a sound. In fact, he especially liked to moan aloud. Especially at the moment of climax, the pleasure is too thrilling but he didn't forget where he was. He could only bite his teeth and let the waves of pleasure push him step by step to the peak of desire. The sweat from YanMingXiu's face fell to his chest, it is scalding hot. ZhouXiang opened his misty eyes at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu also looked at him. This is the first time that the two are making love face-toface. No, it's not that they haven't tried this direct facing position. It should be said that this was the first time they are making love face-toface with YanMingXiu looking directly into his eyes and not burying his face in trying to pretend he was someone else. When their eyes collided, ZhouXiang clearly saw the love permeating from YanMingXiu's eyes; this tender affection shocked him to his core. YanMingXiu thrusted vigorously into ZhouXiang body. At the moment when the thrilling pleasure was becoming unbearable and about to erupt, he firmly and tremblingly muttered, "Xiang Ge, I love you." End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 95 - Let Me Move On With My Life ⦘

Chapter 95 - Let Me Move On With My Life Chapter 95 -- Let Me Move On With My Life ZhouXiang's bed is a 150cmX200cm single bed. He usually didn't feel that it is small when he's sleeping but when there are two tall and big men lying on the bed, it is an extremely tight fit. He could hardly turn over. However, YanMingXiu didn't give ZhouXiang a chance to turn over. He kept pulling ZhouXiang close to him. It was a bit overbearing but very warm. ZhouXiang's room has heating but the window is not sealed tightly so the chilling air always leaked in. On this night, he did not feel a trace of cold wind, instead every cells in his body was over‐ flowed with the heat coming from YanMingXiu. When the two woke up, it was almost noon. ZhouXiang glanced at his watch and immediately got up from his bed. He usually never slept till this time. He has a habit of getting up early, unless he's too exhausted. Last night, he was indeed exhausted. Other‐ wise he wouldn't have unknowingly slept until now. As soon as he moved, YanMingXiu also woke up and stared at him. ZhouXiang gave him a little shove, "Get up, it's almost eleven o'clock. "Okay." Although YanMingXiu responded, his arms forcefully wrapped around his waist, saying softly, "We've nothing to do... let's just sleep for a while longer." ZhouXiang sounded a bit urgent, "Can't, my mom will come to call me to go out to eat." YanMingXiu didn't say anything but hugged his waist more tightly with his head buried in his embrace as he muttered, "Xiang Ge, I've been thinking of this day for a long time." To be able to wake up with ZhouX‐ iang is almost a dream beyond his touch. He really hoped that time could

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stop in this moment, even if it was to stay like this forever, that is fine too. ZhouXiang's mind is not on him. He pushed YanMingXiu out of bed, quickly put on his clothes and walked with an awkward posture to the door, leaning his ears against the door, listening to the movements out‐ side. There were only sounds from the TV outside. ZhouXiang whispered, "Put on your clothes. I'm going out to see. I'll call you out to leave later. Don't make any sounds." YanMingXiu raked through his bed hair, his expression a bit disap‐ pointed. ZhouXiang impatiently urged, "Hurry up." "Just like this?" YanMingXiu's glittering eyes unwaveringly looked at ZhouXiang. He smiled bitterly, "Last night... I thought it would change something. Your mother has already guessed our relationship, why bother to be secretive about it?" ZhouXiang gritted his teeth, "Whether or not she knows is our family's business. Hurry up and get dressed." YanMingXiu shook his head in disappointment and silently got out of bed to put on his clothes. After ZhouXiang saw that he was dressed, he was going to open the door to go out but YanMingXiu grabbed onto him, "I want to go out with you." ZhouXiang frowned, "Don't force me." YanMingXiu's expression changed slightly, trembling as he let go of his hand, "Xiang Ge, what exactly can I do for you to be willing to start over with me? Did you feel it last night? We obviously have a deep connec‐ tion. You still have feelings for me. Why can't you give me a chance? Everything that you had hoped to get from me before, everything that I

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didn't give you before, I will give it you. I want to seriously date you. In my life, I will never again treat anyone else the way I've treated you." ZhouXiang turned his head and lowly muttered, "You most definitely won't treat someone else like this. Nobody is as stupid as me." YanMingXiu clenched his teeth. His heart feeling such pain that he didn't know what to say afterwards. Seeing his loss expression, ZhouXiang's heart remained calmed. He re‐ leased the doorknob and turned back to sit on the bed. He looked at Yan‐ MingXiu quietly. His voice sounding deflated, "MingXiu, our relation‐ ship from the past to now is only harmonious during sex. What you said is right. I must still have feelings for you. Men are born to like doing these kind of things (sex). But that is all there is left between us. You say that you like me. In fact, I am very touched. But from my past experi‐ ence, the price to pay for being with you is too high. It's not been easy for me to get this life. I want to live it well. If I continue to embroil my‐ self with you, then what is the difference compared with my previous life? Wouldn't I have wasted living that life? Seeing that I didn't die, you should be relieved. You don't have to feel guilty anymore. Moreover, the disparities between our backgrounds are far too wide. We really aren't suitable for each other. I've overestimated myself before. From the be‐ ginning, I should not have gotten myself involved with you." Hearing these words, the rims of YanMingXiu eyes turned red. He glared firmly at ZhouXiang, wanting to find a trace of that familiar tenderness and affections from that expression. ZhouXiang kick his slippers with his feet from time to time. He thought. He should just say everything that he had wanted to say at once. In fact, letting it all out calmly is much better than doing so in anger. At least, he is especially clear on what he wanted to say and could express it very clearly. "With your family background, you should be marrying a wellmatched woman of same social status, right? Your kind of family will not allow you to mess around (be gay) like this. Just this alone is some‐ thing I can't accept. I don't like women. I won't marry a woman to ruin her life. If I can find a man willing to be with me, that would be great. If I can't, it's not a big deal. The number of couples that can last in this cir‐ cle is only a handful. I won't force the matter. But whether or not I could find him, this person will definitely not be you. Not to mention others, 703

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just your brother alone can kill me. Our fate is just like this. Actually, as you can see, our ending have already come out in my last life, and that is separation between life and death. I've already given up on you. Let me move on with my life. What point is there in continuing to be persis‐ tent?" YanMingXiu's blood almost seeped out from gritting his teeth as he re‐ sponded with his voice hoarsely, "What do you know? All that you've said only meant that you still don't trust me. In your eyes, are my feel‐ ings really this shallow? Everything that you've said, if I haven't thought it through, I wouldn't have continued to wait for you for three years. In these three years, I've just been waiting for you to return, for us to live without apprehensions, just as long as you come back." YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang, the sorrow in his eyes almost overflowed out. ZhouXiang trembled as he sighed and held his head helplessly. "YanMingXiu, if I indulged myself again, who knows what the results will be? I've already died once. I'm really afraid that this bizarre joke is far from over." YanMingXiu touched ZhouXiang's ears gently, "Xiang Ge, I won't let you go. Absolutely not. I could no longer live without you, not even for day. I have enough time to wait for you. I won't let anyone get near you. I'll wait for you to put down all your burdens to start over with me." At this moment, someone knocked on the door. ZhouXiang paused and lifted his head, "Who is it?" "Are you two awake?" ChenYing's voice came from outside the door. "Ah, just woke up." "If you're up, then come out and eat." ZhouXiang is stunned. He thought back. Did ChenYing just say, "You two"? Hearing no sounds from the inside ChenYing muttered, "Come out. Don't hide. I've sent Aunt Wang home, there are no outsiders home."

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ZhouXiang dejectedly heaved a sigh. This time he really has nothing to say. YanMingXiu regained a bit of his spirit. He pulled ZhouXiang's chin and quickly kissed him, then looked at him sincerely, "Xiang Ge, this is go‐ ing to happen sooner or later." After saying that, he stood up first and went to open the door before ZhouXiang could stop him. ChenYing is wearing an apron, looking at them calmly. ZhouXiang can't wait to bury himself under the blanket. Although he is a natural homosexual, nobody restricted or criticized his sexual orientation during his growth since he didn't have parents. Al‐ though ChenYing had mentioned that she understood him, still...being caught by an elder knowing that he had sex with another man in bed made him incomparably embarrassed. He thought. If his parents were still alive, he would likely be faced with this kind of uncomfortable situ‐ ation upon seeing them as well. ChenYing didn't lift her eyes, "I had wanted to ask you to have breakfast this the morning." She looked at YanMingXiu and tried to smile, but her expression is particularly awkward. Although she had long known that ZhouXiang is gay, she still felt a bit complicated seeing her son, whom she had literally raised, nakedly shar‐ ing a blanket with another man in a bed. She used to be very against ZhouXiang being with TanYin, so much that their mother-son relationship was once extremely tumultuous. But after ZhouXiang's accident, how could she still have the mood to still be picky? Later on, she completely got over it. But imagining it is one thing, seeing it with her own eyes is another thing. Although she also liked this remarkably beautiful popular star, she still needed some time to adjust. She decided to work harder to treat this big star better. After all, her son and he have already done it..... "Mr. Yan, you also come to eat too. I made some wantons." "Auntie, thank you, I'm going to go wash my face first."

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"Go right ahead, I've set out a new toothbrush for you." YanMingXiu went to the bathroom. ZhouXiang and ChenYing looked at each other for a few seconds and then awkwardly lowered their heads. ChenYing rubbed her hand that had some remnants of flour onto her apron and reached out to feel ZhouXiang's forehead, "It's a bit hot, the heater is too strong. It's easy to get a fever." ZhouXiang nodded. "You are already this old. Whomever you want to be with is your free‐ dom, don't have to be embarrassed." ZhouXiang glanced at her gratefully, "Mom, thank you." ChenYing depressingly sighed, "Thanks to what? It's your nature, what could be done?" ZhouXiang turned his head. He could see YanMingXiu's back from this angle washing his face. ZhouXiang thought. He has such an open-minded mother but Yan‐ MingXiu most definitely would not. Sooner or later, he would have to withdraw. Even if he does not withdraw, the tremendous influence and power of the Yan family will never allow YanMingXiu to act recklessly. The end result would still come to nothing. If he were to really start over with YanMingXiu, getting to the end, it's most likely going to be the same outcome. He could no longer afford such sins. This is still better, ending it here like this is best. YanMingXiu's phone that had fallen on the bed rang. ZhouXiang subcon‐ sciously glanced and saw the name displayed on the screen. It is WangYuDong. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 96 - Fulfilling ZhouXiang’s Career Aspirations ⦘

Chapter 96 - Fulfilling ZhouXi‐ ang's Career Aspirations Chapter 96 -- Fulfilling ZhouXiang's Career Aspirations ZhouXiang definitely has a psychological hatred toward this name. Be‐ fore he met YanMingXiu, he's always felt that he is an open-minded tol‐ erant person who would not be petty over little things. But toward WangYuDong, he is full of jealous hatred. This kind of petty jealously is something that even he is unwilling to face because it is a bit humiliat‐ ing. But he can't control his gloomy emotions. He thought, if he could just have a fight with WangYuDong, it would actually give him some relief. But unfortunately, that is not something he could do. So the more he sup‐ presses himself, the harder it is for him to endure. Thinking about it, he hypnotically used his finger to gently push the "end call" button, hanging up the call. He thought, WangYuDong probably had never experienced having his phone call hung up by YanMingXiu. Seeing the phone screen gradually darkened, ZhouXiang suddenly real‐ ized what he had just done and can't help but feel annoyed. How could he be jealous of WangYuDong to such extreme, it's too fucking shame‐ ful. Perhaps it's from guilt or to cover up, when YanMingXiu came out of the bathroom, ZhouXiang looked at him and says, "WangYuDong called you." Then he got up to go to the bathroom, brushing past YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu is slightly startled. He picked up the phone from the bed with no intention to return the call. There is obviously something more important at this moment. But just when he was about to put down the phone, it rang again. So, he could only pick it up, "Hello, Dong Ge." "MingXiu? What were you doing just now?"

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"In the bathroom." "Is someone else at your home??" YanMingXiu paused, "What's the matter?" "The phone call was disconnected earlier." YanMingXiu is stunned. He couldn't help but glance at ZhouXiang's back, "Nobody's here. Don't know what happened. Is something the mat‐ ter?" "Yea, Dong Ge wanted to talk to you about something. Are you free this afternoon?" "I have something going on this afternoon. Whatever it is, just say it on the phone." WangYuDong heavily exhaled a breath, obviously not very satisfied with YanMingXiu's dismissal. But he could only respond, "The country is cracking down on the real estate industry terribly at this time. My dad funds are trapped. Last time, I used the company's funds to cover for him but I also got caught in the end. MingXiu, can you help me out?" YanMingXiu furrowed his brows and went to gently close the door and then walked a few steps into the room. His voice sounding a bit harsh, "When I got the news last time, I've already told my sister to let you know. How could you still invest in it?" WangYuDong quickly responded, "My dad wouldn't listen to me at all. He is my dad after all. I can't not help him. MingXiu, we are a family. Help me think of a way?" YanMingXiu's expression is gloomy as he took a deep breath, "How much do you need?" WangYuDong didn't say. It was as if he didn't want to say it on the phone, "This... let's talk when we meet. Are you free tomorrow?" YanMingXiu's voice is a bit unsympathetic, "Dong Ge, it's not the first time I've helped you. If my dad or older brother finds out about this, you

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think about the consequences yourself. How many times do you want this to happen again?" WangYuDong's voice is a bit flustered, "MingXiu, I... I'm asking for your help because I have no other way. MingMei is pregnant. I don't want her to worry." "What? My sister is pregnant? Why are you just saying this now?" "We also just found out two days ago. Isn't mom's birthday the day after tomorrow? I had wanted to announce it on her birthday to give you guys a surprise." "MingXiu, right now is the most crucial time for MingMei. You know... you know that a pregnant woman's mood is very unstable. I don't want her to be affected because of my matters. You must not tell older brother or dad. Help me, you have a way." YanMingXiu drearily responded, "Fine, I know. Bring Lao Liu to my company tomorrow morning." After hanging up, he opened the door and walked out. ZhouXiang had just finished washing up in the bathroom. The two men looked directly at each other. ZhouXiang saw YanMingXiu holding the phone; he obviously shut the door to talk. ZhouXiang couldn't help but creased his brows, then swept his eyes passed YanMingXiu and turned to the living room. YanMingXiu followed behind him and explained, "That was just family matters." ZhouXiang was setting the table. He responded indifferently with an "oh," and then said, "I had wanted to pick it up for you but the touch screen is too sensitive. It accidentally hung up." YanMingXiu tightened his phone in his pocket. He was initially very up‐ set because of WangYuDong's phone call, but ZhouXiang's added expla‐ nation made him catch onto something. He squinted at ZhouXiang, his mouth lightly raised, "It doesn't matter even if the call was hung up."

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At this time, ChenYing came out with a pot. The house permeated with tempting aroma. "Mom, let me (hold it)," Seeing ChenYing's thin arms holding such a big pot, ZhouXiang is terrified. Just as he was about to take it from her, Yan‐ MingXiu, who was closer to ChenYing, had already stepped forward and took the pot into his hands and placed it on the table. ChenYing wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Aiyah, it's so heavy. Had I known earlier, I would have just served it in the kitchen." ZhouXiang took a glance; the pot is filled with aromatic dumpling soup. He said on the side, "In the future, let me carry it. What are we going to do if it gets spilled and burn you?" ChenYing smiled embarrassingly. She glanced at YanMingXiu and softly muttered, "Thank you." YanMingXiu gently nodded his head, "Auntie, have a sit." The three people sat together and ate breakfast. ChenYing first asked, "The both of you. How long has it been?" ZhouXiang choked and looked at ChenYing in panic. YanMingXiu calmly responded, "Two to three months." "Oh, no wonder Ah Xiang didn't come back here often during this time." ZhouXiang awkwardly uttered, "Mom, let's talk about this later." ChenYing looked at him, "What are you embarrassed about? Even I'm not embarrassed." ZhouXiang shamefully lowered his head to eat the dumpling soup. ChenYing asked YanMingXiu, "Xiao Yan, is your grandfather YanDe‐ Jiang?" YanMingXiu nodded.

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ChenYing's face emerged a trace of anxiety, "Aigh. If the elders in your family were to know...wouldn't this be a problem?" "Auntie, I have my own plans. I will not make it hard for Xiang Ge." ChenYing shook her head and sighed, "Still a child. Other things I won't say, but as a parent, I'm definitely clearer than you. You guys ah... don't think that this is so simple. Consider it carefully, think about the future. Don't be so impulsive. Feelings will fade one day. Don't regret it then." "Mom," ZhouXiang couldn't continue on listening anymore. He put down his chopsticks and said with a trace of serious tone, "Let's stop talking, just eat, okay?" ChenYing also realized that she had said too much and helplessly low‐ ered her head. YanMingXiu glanced at ZhouXiang and didn't say anything. But the message conveyed in his eyes made it impossible for ZhouXiang to look at him directly. After breakfast, YanMingXiu use the excuse of work to take ZhouXiang out. YanMingXiu didn't lie. He really took ZhouXiang to a film studio, seri‐ ously wanting to customize a movie for ZhouXiang. In his view, ZhouX‐ iang is surely hoping for some level of achievements in his acting career. So naturally, YanMingXiu wanted to fulfill that for him. Over the years, besides WangYuDong's film, YanMingXiu has not played a supporting role for others. He had only participated twice in WangYuDong's movies. The first time was because YanMingMei asked him and he couldn't refuse. The second time was because of ZhouXiang. There was something about him (ZhouXiang) that made him want to pay more attention at a closer distance. Although at that time, he didn't yet know that this (younger) ZhouXiang is that (older) ZhouXiang. Now, he intends to solely focus on acting to support ZhouXiang's movies. He really didn't care at all whether or not he is popular. His sole purpose of exposing himself initially was because of his hope that ZhouXiang could still be alive somewhere in the world and could see

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him on TV. Now that ZhouXiang is back, he no longer needed to expose himself anymore. YanMingXiu introduced ZhouXiang to an especially renown movie stu‐ dio. Its establishment was led by a famous director and two gold label producers. It has all the best resources in the circle. To participate in one of their movies, the future prospect would be unimaginable. ZhouXiang didn't expect YanMingXiu to find such a big-name studio to work with a minor actor like himself. He knew very clearly of his own (meager) importance so he was a bit terrified. However, it's likely that YanMingXiu have already gotten this settled. When they arrived, JiangYuan was already waiting for them as he very familiarly chatted with the people inside. The people in the studio provided ZhouXiang with two scripts, both of which are the focus of being produced right now. One of them uses the People's Republic era as a backdrop with an anti-Japanese theme script and a lowborn character as the protagonist. It is an extremely attractive role. Several people felt that ZhouXiang's appearance and temperament are in line with the image of this wooden and slow but upright and hon‐ est role. Although the theme of this film is mostly serious, the studio in‐ tends to invest heavily into making it a classic. The protagonist has an image of an average civilian who is heroic and extremely righteous. This role could push ZhouXiang's career to a peak. For a person who had been a stuntman for nearly a decade, the sense of loss in not being able to reveal his own face for even a second in a film he had worked hard on is something others can't possibly understand. ZhouXiang is fully aware of the value of this film, he is very tempted. YanMingXiu had been observing ZhouXiang's expression. When he saw ZhouXiang eyes glimmering from time to time during their discussion, he knew that he had taken the right step. JiangYuan discussed in more details with the person in charge. After a while, it was lunchtime. YanMingXiu planned to invite these people for a meal. At this time, the beautiful woman at the front desk knocked on the door and rushed in to tell one of the responsible parties, "President Zhang, 712

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 96 - Fulfilling ZhouXiang’s Career Aspirations ⦘

WangYuDong is here." YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang both stiffened. President Zhang smiled and responded, "You guys go ahead first. I'm go‐ ing to talk to YuDong about some matters. President Yan, want to come with me?" YanMingXiu shook his head and responded, "No need to. You go right ahead. We're going to leave first. Let's just meet at the restaurant tonight then?" "That works too, please forgive me, there are too many things going on every day." The few people said a few pleasantries then President Zhang led them away. WangYuDong's voice came from the outside. Although his voice is not loud, it is very clear, "I saw MingXiu's car downstairs. Is he here?" YanMingXiu could only stand up and open the door. ZhouXiang also followed along and stood up. Right when he turned around, the door is opened. His eyes colliding with WangYuDong's, who clearly conveyed emotions of surprise to dissatisfaction.

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Chapter 97 - I Will Give You The Best Following behind WangYuDong is also TanYin, whom he had not seen for a long time. TanYin was also very surprised in seeing ZhouXiang but his expression soon turned to one that is indescribably complicated. The few people looked at each other stiffly. The atmosphere is very awk‐ ward. President Zhang looked back a forth a few times and smiled, "What's the matter?" WangYuDong revealed an elegant smile, "It's nothing. I just haven't seen MingXiu for a long time. This is such a coincidence." His phrase 'Such a coincidence' didn't come off as very sincere. He didn't think that YanMingXiu's so-called matters actually involve ZhouXiang. The name 'ZhouXiang' is practically his nemesis. It was be‐ fore and it is now. Everything related to the two characters 'ZhouXiang' is almost all bad luck. He couldn't help but suspect that YanMingXiu had a purpose in bringing ZhouXiang here. Even if it was him, he had to put in a lot of effort to discuss with this studio on any collaboration, and still, it is not always possible for there to be a suitable script. After all, the stu‐ dio picks the artist; he also had to pick the script. However, YanMingXiu actually led ZhouXiang to the president's office; seemingly their discus‐ sion is going very well. For a newcomer who is not famous like ZhouXiang, it's actually easier to find a suitable role as compared to him (WangYuDong). If YanMingXiu were to also assist in promoting him (ZhouXiang), then ZhouXiang could very likely get a role that even he himself might not be able to get. When he thought of his own stuntman upstaging him, he can't help but think of the ZhouXiang from three years ago. That ZhouXiang was also his stuntman. He also wanted to take over his role as lead. All of this, ev‐ erything is all too familiar, so familiar that he also felt the same sense of crisis and disgust with this ZhouXiang.

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ZhouXiang didn't look at these two people in front of him pleasantly. Af‐ ter the incident in Guizhou last time, he didn't even bother to give face to WangYuDong and TanYin. After all, trying to be nice to them is a joke. Why bother to waste the energy so he simply looked at them expression‐ lessly. His cold attitude in WangYuDong and TanYin's eyes exuded 'con‐ ceit' from someone's good grace." They felt that ever since ZhouXiang got himself involved with YanMingXiu, he's not at all the same from be‐ fore. WangYuDong gloomily glanced at ZhouXiang and asked even though he already knew, "Isn't this ZhouXiang? Why are you here?" ZhouXiang faintly responded, "Came with President Yan." "MingXiu, you said that you had some matters this afternoon. So it was his matters?" WangYuDong's tone is full of disdain. YanMingXiu responded calmly and assuredly, "Yes, brother-in-law, we've arranged to meet in the company tomorrow meeting. You and President Zhang have matters to discuss, you guys go ahead first. Presi‐ dent Zhang, we'll see you later." After saying that, he led ZhouXiang and JiangYuan away. In his impression, YanMingXiu rarely ever addressed him as "brother-inlaw" unless they are at home. To hear him say "brother-in-law," he didn't' know why it made him feel full of unfamiliarity. He absentmindedly doubted whether the teenager of the past who use to call him "DongGe" with glimmering eyes of adoration actually existed. Who really is this gloomy, indifferent, and imposingly threatening man? He blurted out, "Wait a minute," suppressing his anger, he sneered, "MingXiu, I'm also looking for you with some urgent matters. Since this is such a coinci‐ dence, why don't we invite President Zhang for dinner? Then afterwards, we can find a place to chat. Isn't this a better arrangement? That way, I don't have to make another trip in the morning." He was in the way of the door so it was impossible for YanMingXiu to get out. President Zhang noticed the tensed atmosphere so he quickly voiced, "I'm going to go to the restroom, Xiao Wan, take our guests to the con‐ ference room. I'll be there shortly." After saying that, he led his people away, having no intention to get involved.

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After the people in the studio left, YanMingXiu no longer intended to be respectful to WangYuDong. He said very directly, "I have matters tonight. I've said tomorrow morning so it's going to be tomorrow morn‐ ing. I'm going to leave first." He immediately grabbed ZhouXiang's arm and pulled him away. ZhouXiang uncomfortably pulled his arm back. The eyes of everyone around fell on his arm. ZhouXiang glanced at WangYuDong without changing his expression and walked right passed him to get out. WangYuDong is so enraged he clenched his fist with his lips shivering a bit. TanYin's face also paled as he looked at ZhouXiang's back, his ex‐ pression extremely complicated. YanMingXiu also passed by WangYuDong, following closely behind ZhouXiang as they leave. JiangYuan is the last one leave. When he passed by the door, WangYuDong grabbed him. JiangYuan looked at WangYuDong awk‐ wardly, "President Wang, I shouldn't be involved with family matters, don't make it difficult for me." "I'll just ask you a question, answer honestly." JiangYuan saw that YanMingXiu had already walked further away, he hastily said, "Ask" "Are they living together?" JiangYuan didn't comment but only looked at WangYuDong with his eyes glistenning. His expression conveyed the answer that both could un‐ derstand. WangYuDong's face became gloomy, "Okay, go." JiangYuan also quickly left. WangYuDong turned his head to glance at TanYin, "It seems that you re‐ ally don't know your ex-boyfriend that well." TanYin gritted his teeth, "Dong Ge, he is like a different person from be‐ fore, completely changed into another person." 716

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"I'm guessing your brain has gone awry. That's not right. It should be that it's finally enlightened." WangYuDong patted his head lightly and mocked, "If you have half of his ability to entice YanMingXiu's type, then I won't have to put in so much effort on you." TanYin's face paled as he lowered his head and didn't say anything. WangYuDong coldly snorted, the expression in his eyes becoming er‐ ratic. JiangYuan drove the three of them to the hotel. There were no words spoken along the way. After arriving at the hotel, it was still two hours away from the arranged dinner with President Zhang. YanMingXiu had JiangYuan book a room and took ZhouXiang to get some rest. In fact, the both of them were not tired but ZhouXiang felt that Yan‐ MingXiu had something to say. Sure enough, after entering the room, YanMingXiu probingly asked, "Do you hate WangYuDong a lot?" ZhouXiang shot him a glance and smiled, "President Yan. You asking this kind of question, aren't you making it hard on yourself, why bother?" YanMingXiu's face somberly sank. "I would rather it be hard on me than you." ZhouXiang is slightly startled. He lowered his head and thought a bit, then responded, "Can't be considered as hate, it's just that I'm inferior to him on everything. It's uncomfortable. To say it frankly, it's jealousy, nothing big." "Is it just that? The matter with the role from years ago... Do you hate him? Hate... me?" ZhouXiang smiled coldly, "Too tiring to be talking about this at this point. I also don't want to mention it anymore. In short, as long as WangYuDong mind his own business, that is enough. But right now....." ZhouXiang mocked, "I don't know what's going on. He's still seeing me as an eyesore. Why don't you go and tell this big star brother-in-law of yours to not lower himself to my level and just let me off?"

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"I'll definitely not allow anyone to hurt you anymore. But if you have something weighing heavily on your mind, I hope that you will say it out. Xiang Ge. I'm already prepared to battle alongside you for the long term. Everything that I can make up to you, I want to make it up to you one by one. But you must let me know, how much do I still owe you?" ZhouXiang frowned deeply, "YanMingXiu. If I was to take on your Dong Ge, what would you do? Will you deal with him for me? Are you willing? Even though you keep saying that you like me now, I still re‐ member how you became a complete drunken mess when he got en‐ gaged to your sister back then. That kind of affections and love can't be fake right? Let me tell you the truth. No matter how I see it, I don't like WangYuDong. I'm jealous of him. When I was his stuntman before, it was just envy. I envied that everything seems to go his way. He got ev‐ erything. Up until you appeared, until I come to realized that the person I love also fucking treated me as his substitute, I became jealous of him, even hated him. No matter how I tried to please you, it amounted to nothing. The other person (referring to YanMingXiu) didn't even care. What do I amount to? Even now, I still can't forget the shame and humil‐ iation of you treating me as his substitute. I really want to trade places with him. Are you satisfied with this explanation?" ZhouXiang gnashed his teeth, angry that his scalp is about to explode. This is so ridiculous. He used to believe himself to be a generous and tol‐ erant person in his past life. He was never bothered with his losses, suc‐ cess and failures, living freely and at ease, making people endlessly envi‐ ous of him. With the exception to love, he just couldn't get pass it. All the gloominess and negative emotions got incited, shocking him continu‐ ously. Yet he had no way to control himself. He had changed beyond recognition, completely losing his previous identity. Not just the outer shell, but even the soul that took over this body has changed. YanMingXiu lowered his head and somberly responded, "Xiang Ge, I'm sorry." No matter how much guilt he felt or how remorseful he is, the things that have happened could no longer be changed. If it could be de‐ scribed that in their relationship from the past, ZhouXiang was the one who threw himself at him, pulling at his heartstrings step by step behind his back, with him merely trudging along relaxingly without putting in any effort, then in this moment, the person who is having great difficulty progressing forward has been replaced by him. Every step he took re‐

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quires great willpower. He must constantly encourage himself to not re‐ treat from ZhouXiang's indifference. He endured heartaches, endured re‐ morse, and endured blaming himself to get closer and closer to ZhouXi‐ ang, because at this time ZhouXiang only wanted to get far away from him. He must not lax his grip even for a bit until he can be back to ZhouXiang's side once again. How long would this take? How hard would it be? He can't imagine it at all. In fact, he wondered whether or not he had used any strength with every step he had taken. He had never courted anyone and his love life had already suffered such a devastating blow. In this regard, he is like a primary school student. There is no teacher guiding him on how to get a person's heart back. He could only feel his way around to move forward, even if he was to hit the wall everywhere, he can't stop. At this time, whenever ZhouXiang openly expresses the guilt in his heart, it would make him feel immense pain. But it also continued to give him hope. At least... at least ZhouXiang is willing to talk to him... at least ZhouXiang can respond. This is a hundred million times better than not being able to find a person in this vast and wide world. He lifted his head to look at ZhouXiang and said seriously, "Xiang Ge. I used to like WangYuDong. But right now, I only treat him as my brotherin-law. I only have you in my heart. I won't have anyone else. He is my brother-in-law. I can't do much to him. But for all the things you lost be‐ cause of him, I will give it all to you...the best roles, the best films, the best teams. Everything that WangYuDong can't get, I will give you. You don't have to be jealous of him or envy him because there is going to be that day when you will do better than him." ZhouXiang's expression exposed a trace of confusion. How much of YanMingXiu's words can he believe? YanMingXiu use to like WangYuDong so much. Can he completely forget it all because of him now? Can it be that in YanMingXiu's consciousness, only the things that he can't get are particularly precious? ZhouXiang felt a terrible migraine. YanMingXiu raked through his hair and said softly, "Xiang Ge, believe me, I will give you the best."

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ZhouXiang shook his head, "I'm not that kind of material. I know my own worth. As long as WangYuDong don't come to provoke me is enough." YanMingXiu gripped his chin and softly kissed the corner of his mouth, "Don't think that things are so complicated. To make a person popular is not a hard thing to do. I just want you to be happy." ZhouXiang smiled lightly and shook his head, then slowly moved his head away, "If you were like this for even one percent in the past, every‐ thing would have been different." YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang's solemn side profile, sharp piercing pains reverberated in his heart. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 98 - Not Wanting the Present to Change ⦘

Chapter 98 - Not Wanting the Present to Change Chapter 98 -- Not Wanting the Present to Change During the dinner banquet, the film's overall planning was basically set‐ tled, though many details still needed to be discussed. The boss is the one spending the money so the studio will only try its best to make ZhouXiang fit for the lead actor's role instead of changing anything else for fear of offending YanMingXiu. Until the two returned to ZhouXiang's home, ZhouXiang was still in a trance, not really believing that he'll actually be staring in a movie. Coincidentally, LanXiRong's recent album release is going through a popular craze. The MV theme song he participated in received a lot of praises. Although he did not pay much attention to these kinds of news recently, hearing from CaiWei's feedback, the number of people looking to cooperate with him had increased significantly. ZhouXiang has al‐ ready felt something called 'fame.' This kind of thing is currently en‐ veloping him, solidifying around him. He felt a bit terrified but at the same time looked forward to what will happen next. Once the film that WangYuDong produced is successfully released, his exposure rate will raise another level. The milestone in his career is higher and higher each time, allowing him to see the prospect of his fu‐ ture development. After returning to his home, ZhouXiang braced himself to call ChenY‐ ing, informing her that he won't be going back tonight. ChenYing didn't say much, only reminded him to be mindful of not catching a cold. Most of his things had been moved back to his real home. Seeing all the familiar objects and atmosphere in his home, he didn't feel as if he ever left. One day when YanMingXiu moves away, he will bring ChenYing back here to live with him. It's perfect because there are two rooms in this home for them.

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A pair of powerful hands embraced his waist from behind, a hard jaw fell on his shoulder and a captivating voice sounded on the side of his ears, "Want some hangover medicine? You uncomfortable?" ZhouXiang shook his head, "Didn't drink much." "Let's take a shower together," When YanMingXiu rubbed his cheeks against ZhouXiang's neck, it even tinged with a bit of pettish charms. ZhouXiang's body stiffened a bit. He couldn't help but think of the in‐ tense passion from last night. His legs still felt weak even walking now. YanMingXiu seemed to have sensed his thoughts. His soft lips kissed his neck, "Not going to do anything. I just wanted to take a shower with you." "My bathroom is only this big. It can't stand two people." "It could," YanMingXiu softly responded with his hands diving into ZhouXiang's clothes, moving up to take off ZhouXiang's sweater. ZhouXiang felt his body getting a bit hot. He hazily followed Yan‐ MingXiu into the bathroom. His bathroom is only four to five square meters, with a toilet, a sink and a shower head. It can't accommodate anything big. Two men standing in‐ side would touch by just turning. It is really a tight fit. YanMingXiu didn't care. When the hot water rained down on them, he pressed ZhouXiang to the wall and fervently kissed him. The trickling warm water quickly got them wet; they couldn't open their eyes and could only use their lips, bodies and hands to feel each other. ZhouXiang gasped as he reiterated what YanMingXiu said earlier, "Not going to do anything?" YanMingXiu laughed lightly as he appeasingly caressed ZhouXiang's cock and said hoarsely, "Do just a little." In the end, even doing "just a little" failed to hold. When YanMingXiu pressed ZhouXiang to the wall and rigorously penetrated him in the standing position, ZhouXiang couldn't help but think of the many shame‐

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ful things they had done in this bathroom before. This bathroom is small and old, but it is full of their intimately tendered memories. YanMingXiu is now using all his actions to rekindle his past memo‐ ries...using every bit of his memories to bind him. This is something he obviously knew yet is helpless to break free. ZhouXiang is beginning to dread the end of their remaining half-year contract. Because by that time, they could no longer stay as they cur‐ rently are. He would have to make a decision. But he is increasingly con‐ vinced that their current status does not need to be changed. If only they could continue to stay burdenless like this........ The warm water trickled into ZhouXiang's eyes. He closed his eyes tightly, his heart in chaos. The next morning, YanMingXiu got up very early. When he woke up, ZhouXiang also woke up, habitually wanting to go make breakfast. "Ugh." ZhouXiang rolled over. He didn't want to move. He was so ex‐ hausted last night his waist felt like it had fractured. YanMingXiu got dress and sat back down on the bed. He leaned onto ZhouXiang's naked back, not wanting to let go as he kissed his neck, "Xiang Ge, I'm going out." "Mnnn okay," ZhouXiang buried his face in the pillow, not opening his eyes. YanMingXiu gripped his waist lightly and caressed his warm skin while softly muttering, "Xiang Ge, don't go out today, wait for me to come back okay?" "Huh?" "Don't do anything. I just wanna see you when I come home." "Ahh," ZhouXiang yawned, still not fully awake. Even though he didn't get a real response, YanMingXiu still felt warm in his heart. To be able to watch ZhouXiang sleep in a place within his reach, be affectionate with him before going out and seeing his face im‐ 723

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mediately upon returning home are everything he ever wanted. Those miserable dragging days felt like three years of hellish pain. These things that are so simple were higher to attain than the sky itself. Now that it is in the palm of his hand, he absolutely .... absolutely will not let go. After YanMingXiu left, ZhouXiang didn't sleep for too long. After all, he was used to getting up early. He was never a lazy person. After getting out of bed, he began to clean up the home. This is the first time since his rebirth that he had so much time to stay in his home. He decided not to do anything in the coming two days except for cleaning and tidying every corners. Although he used to hire a house‐ keeper to clean every other week, now he wanted to be personally do it himself because it is something that is more gratifying to him than mak‐ ing a huge amount of money. In the afternoon, he went out to buy a bunch of groceries, giving most of it to ChenYing and taking some for himself. Having been busy for an en‐ tire day, he still didn't feel tired. Like many times before, he liked to cook a meal of foods he loved to eat. It's something he enjoyed doing on his leisure days off. After cooking six dishes and a pot of soup, he came to realize that most of the foods he cooked are actually foods that Yan‐ MingXiu loved to eat. After returning to this home, he felt that the air here is vastly different. There seems to be an inexplicable and warm atmosphere around. No matter where or what he looked at, he can't help but think of the bits and pieces of his past with YanMingXiu. The more he didn't want to think about it, the more these fragments and images seep into his mind. So from time to time, he would fall into an il‐ lusion that he is still the ZhouXiang from before and that nothing had changed. This kind of feeling is terrifying because that one-thousandth of a second illusion will make him extremely depressed after regaining his senses. In fact, he can't even remember what he was thinking to have made a ta‐ ble of food that he use to cook to please YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang simply didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 724

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YanMingXiu came back in half an hour. ZhouXiang also didn't try to hide it as he pointed at the table, "Let's eat. It's all foods that you love." YanMingXiu's eyes suddenly glimmered. For a person who has such per‐ fect facial features, once he makes a surprise expression, his entire per‐ son will simply glow, so bright that ZhouXiang's eyes didn't know where to look. When YanMingXiu was eating, he ate very hastily, not caring at all about graceful table manners, wanting to just sweep all the dishes on the table clean. He had not eaten a meal personally prepared for him by ZhouXi‐ ang in over three years. Having regained something that was lost, this kind of feeling is hard for him to describe. Seeing YanMingXiu burying his head eating, ZhouXiang felt both heartache and sad. His eyes spun back and forth on YanMingXiu's long eyelashes. These slightly twitching eyelashes are so beautiful, seeming to sweep into people's hearts. YanMingXiu seemed to have gotten busy all of a sudden but he would still insist on returning to eat every day, even though he is out most of the day. ZhouXiang now has the privilege to select some of his work, specifically to conform to the theme of the protagonist's image; he had to pay atten‐ tion to the nature of his work. Therefore, the quality of his work in‐ creased, but the quantity has reduced giving him more leisure time. Dur‐ ing the day, he'd usually go back to accompany ChenYing, especially for her dialysis. The four to five hours of dialysis treatment is very dreary and boring so ZhouXiang bought her a tablet and put in a lot of TV dra‐ mas. ChenYing had no other hobbies other than loving to watch TV. So when he couldn't go with her, he would let her watch to relieve her bore‐ dom. One day, ChenYing told him that she saw his MV. When she said it, her entire complexion was different. ZhouXiang smiled, "Where did you see it?"

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"That thing you bought for me, a little boy who was sitting next to me when I was doing dialysis taught me how to go online. I asked him to search for you and found it." ChenYing sighed, "Such a pity, this child is only 16 years old and going through this kind of suffering. I'm already sixty, getting this illness is not that big of a deal." ZhouXiang comforted, "So mom, you need to be full of hope for the fu‐ ture. You are still very lucky." "Yeah, I know. Oh my son, you played that role of the hooligan really well, so handsome." ChenYing squinted her eyes as she smiled and touched his face. "You look like me." ZhouXiang winked his eyes and made a few jokes. It is a very joyous and harmonious time for the two. When he took ChenYing home, he saw an entertainment program inter‐ view with LanXiRong's new MV on a huge LED screen of a shopping mall. The screen is broadcasting the clip of album. ZhouXiang saw his own face flash vividly on the screen, his heart full of emotions. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 99 - Film Premier ⦘

Chapter 99 - Film Premier Chapter 99 -- Film Premier After taking ChenYing home, ZhouXiang also returned to his home. YanMingXiu came back very early today. ZhouXiang glanced at him and asked, "What do you want to eat tonight?" "Xiang Ge, don't bother with that for now. I have something to tell you." ZhouXiang sat on the sofa next to him, "What is it?" YanMingXiu's face tinged with a shade of discomfort, "Xiang Ge, your... your funeral, do you have any thoughts?" ZhouXiang froze. Funeral... After returning from Guizhou, it had been more than half a month. All of his funeral affairs were handed over to YanMingXiu. To be precise, Yan‐ MingXiu's requested to handle it, he merely just wanted to evade it. He really didn't have the courage to be dealing with his own funeral arrange‐ ments. Now, it's likely that all the procedures and the like are completed. It is time to consider these things. YanMingXiu gripped his hand. ZhouXiang regained his senses and took his hand back, "It's nothing. I'm fine." He combed through his hair and sighed, "Forget about the funeral, just bury it. I'll go to the cemetery to see if there are any spaces next to my parents' tombstones. I was too young at the time and didn't think to leave an extra space for myself. Now I don't think I can be placed next to them."

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"Let me handle this. I'll go ask." YanMingXiu looked at him deeply, "I will have a place set for the both of us." ZhouXiang is shocked as he bitterly smiled, "When I go see my parents in the future, I can also see myself... this is really fucking crazy." YanMingXiu lowered his head; his eyes full of sorrow, "Xiang Ge, I..." ZhouXiang raised his hand to stop him, "You don't have to apologize any more. I'll say it again. You don't have to take responsibility for my acci‐ dent. What you owe me are feelings, not life. But everything has passed; don't mention it anymore in the future." YanMingXiu relentlessly asked, "Why aren't you letting me pay it back?" "Because I don't want it. Don't dare want it." YanMingXiu still wanted to say something but ZhouXiang had already stood up and walked into the kitchen. He prepped the food ingredients while telling him, "I'll go take a look after the burial. Everything else, I'm not going to be involved. There's no point. Also, don't tell CaiWei and them. If they ask, just say it then...." YanMingXiu swallowed back the words he had wanted to say, seeing ZhouXiang's lonely desolate back, he felt terrible. He walked over and embraced ZhouXiang from behind, saying softly, "Tell you something that makes you happy." "What...?" He wrapped his powerful strong arms around ZhouXiang's waist, their two bodies tightly affixed, seemingly inseparable. "The movie premiere had been moved ahead of schedule to the 24th." "Ohhh? Didn't they say New Year's Day?" "It'll be competing against an American film on New Year's Day so it's been moved up to the Christmas holiday." "Isn't that the day after tomorrow then?" 728

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 99 - Film Premier ⦘

"Yeah. Since you didn't participate in the previous promotion, you must go to this premiere." ZhouXiang thought. It's not that he didn't want to participate but nobody called him at all. He was only a small supporting role after all. With him also making WangYuDong furious in front of the crew, it would be sur‐ prising for him to still be included. So he hesitated, "I wasn't even part of the promotion to start with, the premiere definitely has nothing to do with me." "I'll take you there." YanMingXiu softly pulled his earlobe in his mouth and lightly nipped it with his teeth, "Everything that has to do with me, also involves you." "Forget it. Going without being invited is no fun." "It's fine. Nobody would dare say anything. There is a dinner banquet af‐ ter the premiere; I'll introduce you to some people. This gathering is very important." ZhouXiang no longer persisted against it. To be able to participate in the premiere of his movie, even if he is only playing supporting role, he is very happy. Besides, with YanMingXiu present, nobody would make it hard for him. ZhouXiang laughed at himself while thinking, having a backing is in‐ deed convenient. No wonder everyone wants to find one or two. On the afternoon of the 24th, YanMingXiu took ZhouXiang to a renowned styling studio, taking more than three hours to give ZhouXi‐ ang a complete make-over. Seeing ZhouXiang coming forward dressed in an impeccably suit with his handsome face shrouded in glistening light, it was impossible for people to look away. When YanMingXiu saw this ZhouXiang, it was as if he was seeing that very familiar face of the person who always had on a warmly gentle smile. He knew that he could no longer see that face again. Although the same soul lived in this body, this kind of intense lost and remorse contin‐ ued to torture his heart endlessly.

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ZhouXiang walked to the front of the full-body mirror and looked for two seconds. Then he smiled softly, "More attractive compared to be‐ fore(T/N)." His tone was full of despairing loss. T/N: As compared to his previous self, older ZhouXiang. The stylist next to him looked baffled. ZhouXiang smiled at him, "I mean this style." YanMingXiu walked up next to him and softly whispered, "No matter which one, it is still you, the 'you' whom I love." After the two men got themselves dressed up, JiangYuan came to take them to the premiere. The premiere was held at an exhibition hall in a hotel. The outside was surrounded by reporters, fans and various vehicles. When YanMingXiu led ZhouXiang out of the car, countless spotlights fired at them like ma‐ chine guns, all the microphones are like knives stabbing in front of them. Questions like raindrops continuously rained down on them, adding on to the screams from the fans outside, ZhouXiang felt that this is similar to a small battlefield except for the lack of smoke (from weapons). Ev‐ erything else is just about the same. When he thought about it, he sup‐ pressed his nervousness and instead wanted to laugh. The calm and gentle smile on his face attracted countless cameras. "Mr. Yan, what made you decide to participate in this movie? Could it be that you only take part in movies with your own family?" "Is it because WangYuDong is your brother-in-law that you guest-starred in his movies? "Is Mr. Yan and ZhouXiang's personal relationship very good? How do you guys know each other? Can you reveal a bit?" "How do you rate this movie and how do you evaluate your perfor‐ mance?" The people around blurted a variety of questions, some were particularly cunning, making ZhouXiang somewhat apprehensive. The two had rap‐

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port to not say a word. ZhouXiang still kept his smile. YanMingXiu looked on indifferently at the people around him and just beelined to the hotel. YanMingXiu's bodyguards opened up a path for them along the way. Fi‐ nally, the hotel's security guards came over to assist and they were able to break through the hash of people to get into the hotel. After entering the hotel, all the containment disappeared. ZhouXiang took a long breath, sweat dripping from his body. YanMingXiu smiled at him and asked, "Nervous?" "A bit, I've never been subjected to this kind of attention before, only seeing others being blocked and intercepted from afar. So this is how it feels like. It's very scary." YanMingXiu laughed lightly, "It's okay after you get used to it." JiangYuan also smiled and patted ZhouXiang's shoulder, "This is consid‐ ered minor. You've not seen what it means to be really scary. They would trample on me just to get close to MingXiu." Very soon, people familiar with YanMingXiu saw that they had come so they also came forward to say a few words. The crew responsible for the reception also came over and led them to the venue. The venue is full of round tables. Each round table has a maximum of six chairs, making it convenient for people to turn around and watch the movie. There are var‐ ious wines and snacks on the table. The atmosphere is excellent. From afar, they could already see WangYuDong leading TanYin and other stars busy with setting the stage, the staff shuffling back and forth. Half an hour later, the premiere officially began. Starting off with show‐ casing the important roles for the promotion and then the film began. YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang sat in the best position. ZhouXiang's eyes stared intently at the huge screen. After four to five minutes into the movie, ZhouXiang remembered that the villain's role would appear for the first time. Thinking that he would soon see himself onscreen, ZhouXiang felt a trace of excitement.

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He had also guest-starred in a number of large and small productions, but it can't even be considered to be a supporting role. At most, he was an extra, occasionally there were one or two lines. This time, there was at least 10 minutes of screen-time, he will appear. Unexpectedly, even after this scene was over ZhouXiang still didn't see his face. Instead TanYin, who was the subordinate of the lead villain, ap‐ peared. ZhouXiang crease his brows, thinking that it might have been deleted for whatever reason. For a typical movie with several hours of footage to be shortened to an hour or two is very normal. After all, his role is not an important role. YanMingXiu didn't realize this because he didn't quite know what role ZhouXiang was playing. Moreover, ZhouXiang was merely a supporting role so it's not surprising that his appearances onscreen are few. ZhouXiang continued to watch full of expectations. But even after the movie was shown halfway through, the lead villain had appeared many times, as well has his underlings and TanYin, and the two other people, all except for him. By now, even YanMingXiu realized that something is wrong. He squeezed ZhouXiang's hand under the table and leaned close to his ear, "There should be your scenes right? Still not out yet?" ZhouXiang's expression didn't look quite right, he said in a deep voice, "I don't know." Something seems to have dawned on YanMingXiu; his expression be‐ came gloomy. Sure enough, the movie concluded with ZhouXiang's face not even ap‐ pearing once. Of course, his shots as WangYuDong's stuntman were in‐ deed edited very well, the graceful movements, the elegant back, every‐ one thought that it belonged solely to WangYuDong. ZhouXiang clenched his fist.

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YanMingXiu said something but the sounds from the movie were too loud so ZhouXiang didn't hear him. But from YanMingXiu's expression, he could tell that it was not a good thing. Upon seeing that YanMingXiu was going to immediately stand, he instantly held onto his shoulder. JiangYuan also quickly pulled YanMingXiu, signaling for him not to be impulsive. YanMingXiu had already stood up slightly at this this time. His expres‐ sion a little distorted. He reached out and adjusted his suit a bit and sat back down. The movie is over. ZhouXiang did not appear at all from beginning to end. Even when the credits are shown, the name displayed as WangYuDong's stuntman is -- ZhouYang. This is flat out irony. ZhouXiang is livid. He was going to explode. He didn't know if this was an illusion, but he felt that many people were watching him, many pairs of eyes staring at him, waiting to see him make a fool of himself. He knew that it is his own illusion because most of the people here didn't even know that he was also in this movie. Now, they definitely won't know, but ZhouXiang still felt humiliated. Getting him to star in this movie only to have all his scenes cut, even if this was someone else, it is a direct slap in the face. ZhouXiang never ex‐ pected WangYuDong would do something like this but he firmly be‐ lieved that this must be instructed by him (WangYuDong). After all, it was YanMingXiu who referenced him for this role, no one else would dare to offend YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu is also enraged, his clenched fists were cackling. Before the film's credits were over, he pulled ZhouXiang up, "Let's go." Earlier ZhouXiang didn't let YanMingXiu go because it would have been too obvious. Now that the movie had ended and many people were head‐ ing to the restrooms and such, it would not appear to be too abrupt for them to leave now. In fact, he didn't want to stay any longer in this place.

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ZhouXiang and JiangYuan followed behind him and left the venue. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 100 - ZhouXiang vs. WangYuDong On YanMingXiu’s Scale ⦘

Chapter 100 - ZhouXiang vs. WangYuDong On YanMingXiu's Scale Chapter 100 -ZhouXiang vs. WangYuDong On YanMingXiu's Scale "Xiang Ge! Xiang Ge!" Unknowingly ZhouXiang had quickly walked in front of them, seeming to have no direction at all, just aimlessly walking straight ahead. YanMingXiu caught up with him in a few steps and grabbed him, "Xiang Ge, don't get agitated. This matter, I'll definitely give you an explana‐ tion." ZhouXiang's face is gloomy, "Explanation? The explanation is that no matter what, I'm still fucking getting oppressed by WangYuDong!" The humiliation that WangYuDong had given him, each and every one, he couldn't tell which he hated the most. Before, he had held onto the viewpoint and felt that WangYuDong is not specifically aiming against him. He treated WangYuDong as though he was a love rival, an imagi‐ nary enemy. But in WangYuDong's eyes, he is essentially invisible. Ev‐ erything that WangYuDong had done is all for his (WangYuDong) own benefit. He (ZhouXiang) is just a little stone in his path that he could simply just kick out of his way. But this time, he is absolutely sure that WangYuDong is deliberately pissing him off but he can't figure out why. Could it be that WangYuDong also liked YanMingXiu? The two of them actually love each, but it's just not possible for WangYuDong to say it? With this thought in mind, ZhouXiang immediately felt frightened. If this was really the case, then there is definitely no business for him here. It's better for him to go anywhere nice and cool instead of giving WangYuDong a chance to make things difficult for him.

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ZhouXiang felt very unsettled. A man being suppressed continuously, provoked and humiliated by another person, yet couldn't do anything about it! So useless! He's completely useless! Seeing YanMingXiu looking so tensed, ZhouXiang is furious. He said coldly, "WangYuDong is always against me. This obviously has some‐ thing to do with you. Don't you think you need to ask this good brotherin-law of yours about it? It may be that the both of you do love each other. This is a good thing." YanMingXiu's expression changed instantly, "Xiang Ge, don't say stuff like this. He doesn't like men and I don't like him anymore. He is just my brother-in-law but you are my lover. No matter what happens, I'm on your side. I won't let you suffer from injustice." YanMingXiu's tone and expression are very sincere. ZhouXiang gaze at him steadily for a few seconds before his rage gradually subsided. He heaved a sigh and irritably kicked the tires with his shiny leather shoes. His entire person calmed down. Although he is full of resentment, he has no expectation for YanMingXiu to help him. After all, WangYuDong is his relative. What can YanMingXiu help him do? He can't even say clearly himself as to what resolution he expected from this ordeal. He gloomily muttered, "Forget it. I don't have the ability. This role was orig‐ inally not mine anyway. Just leave it at that. I'm going back." YanMingXiu pulled him tightly, "Xiang Ge, this... I will have WangYuDong personally give you an explanation." ZhouXiang didn't have much hope, but just thinking of WangYuDong bowing down to him, he felt very happy. But, this is just his thought. He heaved a long sigh, feeling extremely tired. He had dressed like a clown for an entire afternoon, looking forward to seeing his first movie and even told ChenYing that he would take her to the theater to watch it but what happened in the end? All his scenes were completely cut out. He can't even be compare to an extra. The entire day is such a joke. Seeing that he had calmed down, YanMingXiu pushed him into the car and had JiangYuan take them home. 736

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The three didn't speak in the car, the atmosphere is extremely depressing. After entering the home, ZhouXiang took off his suit jacket, ripped off his tie and messed up his meticulously styled hair and then flopped him‐ self on the couch with his eyes closed. YanMingXiu sat down next to him, holding his upper body in his arms and gently massaged his temple. ZhouXiang endured and endured, and finally exploded, "WangYuDong is so esteemed, how are you going to get him to personally give me an ex‐ planation?" To have a man younger than himself help him "seek justice" actually makes him feel even more useless and cowardly, but if he could see WangYuDong's humiliated expression, then all is worth it. He would rather be a villain than an aggrieved person. YanMingXiu kissed the top of his head, "He recently needed money and asked me for help. I didn't expect him to dare to play like this." Yan‐ MingXiu squinted his eyes, his mind rapidly pondered over something. ZhouXiang also can't figure out why WangYuDong would so blatantly offend YanMingXiu. If this was a role that he had gotten himself, then let it be. After all, he doesn't have much say in the circle. But this is a role that YanMingXiu got for him, so for WangYuDong to be doing this, he's directly embarrassing YanMingXiu. However, after thinking about it, YanMingXiu did use to love WangYuDong. WangYuDong likely didn't think that YanMingXiu would do anything to him (WangYuDong) for him (ZhouXiang). Even ZhouXi‐ ang didn't believe YanMingXiu would do such a thing, so why would WangYuDong think so. He definitely didn't believe that YanMingXiu would be willing to go against WangYuDong. Although now YanMingXiu kept telling him that he likes him, he could never forget how much YanMingXiu use to like WangYuDong in the past. A probing curiosity suddenly rose in him. At this time, he really wanted to see to what extent will YanMingXiu do for him. This is like a scale,

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the more YanMingXiu tends to him, the more WangYuDong will sink. ZhouXiang realized that his thought is dangerous, but he could not re‐ strain himself. He really wanted to know how much he and WangYuDong weighed in YanMingXiu's heart. He had thought of this question three years ago. At that time, the answer was devastating. It's self-evident that for him to dare try this out is absolutely inviting humili‐ ation for himself. But right now, he really wanted to give it a try. Maybe... just maybe YanMingXiu's love for him had really surpassed WangYuDong. This possibility kept attacking ZhouXiang's heart, making him eager to prove something. Although YanMingXiu is by his side, the dark shadows of the past have been deeply imprinted in him. He still lacked the confidence and has his doubts, so maybe this is the opportunity for him to really see how much YanMingXiu had changed. ZhouXiang sat up and looked at him fixedly, "Fine, I'll wait for WangYuDong to personally give me an explanation." YanMingXiu smiled, "I will take you to my company tomorrow. He'll be coming tomorrow." ZhouXiang raised his eyebrow, "Come to borrow money?" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes. "Now, it's hard to say." ZhouXiang's heart beat erratically. It's been many years; maybe this is his only chance to strike back against WangYuDong. He had been suppressed for many years, having been en‐ vious and jealous of WangYuDong by every means. But WangYuDong had never even regarded him as an opponent. If they are really love ri‐ vals, then he had lost tragically in his past life, leaving him in utter sham‐ bles. But what about this time? This time... ZhouXiang glanced at YanMingXiu and realized that YanMingXiu was also looking at him. He looked away and he found that his rationality had increasingly deviated from his original path.

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End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 101 - Meeting YanMingMei ⦘

Chapter 101 - Meeting YanMing‐ Mei Chapter 101 -Meeting YanMingMei The next day, YanMingXiu took ZhouXiang to his company. This is the first time for ZhouXiang to really come in contact with Yan‐ MingXiu's business. The scale of this company really shocked him. It must be difficult for YanMingXiu to manage such a large company while also being exposed to the public (being an actor). ZhouXiang can imag‐ ine how tired YanMingXiu is every day. Although YanMingXiu is now trying to fade from the public but when their car entered the courtyard of the office building, they saw a dozen girls holding banners bearing YanMingXiu's name being blocked by the security guards at the gate. ZhouXiang looked at those young girls who were not afraid of the freez‐ ing cold, he couldn't help but sigh. YanMingXiu remained his usual self, coldly indifferent. He didn't even glance at them. ZhouXiang probably understands why YanMingXiu is driving such inconspicuous car. Even all the windows were tinted black. They took the underground garage elevator to YanMingXiu's office. Once they got out of the elevator, JiangYuan came over, "President Yan, WangYuDong is here." "Okay. In the reception?" "Yes, besides him, there is also....." "Who else?" "Miss Yan is here as well." YanMingXiu's expression changed slightly, "What is she doing here?" 740

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 101 - Meeting YanMingMei ⦘

"I don't know. You're heading there now?" YanMingXiu sighed "Yeah." "Then..." JiangYuan looked at ZhouXiang. The Yan family's young miss is particularly strict in her brother's affairs. In contrast, YanMingXiu's eldest brother turned a blind eye on it. Yan‐ MingXiu's brother and sister had argued many times over YanMingXiu's sexual orientation. Bringing ZhouXiang with him this time will surely make matters worse. "It's okay." YanMingXiu patted ZhouXiang's back, "Let's go." Sooner or later, YanMingXiu will have to face his family. YanMingXiu could already guess WangYuDong's intent in bringing YanMingMei. To get what they each want, both will have to give in. ZhouXiang also hesitated as he glanced at YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu pulled him toward the reception. As soon as they entered the reception, they saw an extremely wellmatched looking couple sitting in the center of the sofa chatting happily. Seeing that YanMingXiu had come, WangYuDong stood up but still held onto YanMingMei's hand. YanMingMei also stood up; she who usually wears six-seven cm high heels is now wearing a pair of soft-soled flats. "Sis, brother-in-law." YanMingXiu nodded, which can be considered as saying 'hello'. YanMingMei's smile faded when the two came in. It's likely that WangYuDong had said something to her, which made her glare viciously at ZhouXiang the moment he walked in. ZhouXiang has never had any conflicts with women in his entire life. Al‐ though he is not attracted to them, he had always been amiable to his fe‐ male friends. It had become second nature to him. Even though Yan‐ MingMei didn't look too cordial, he still nodded and smiled faintly. 741

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YanMingMei seemed to be in a daze for a moment. Then, she uncom‐ fortably turned her face to the side. YanMingXiu sat on the sofa, "Brother-in-law, I thought you are coming to talk about business today. Why did you bring my sister?" "You guys talk about your stuff. Having me here still won't affect it." YanMingMei glared at YanMingXiu, "I haven't seen you for a long time too." YanMingXiu glanced at WangYuDong, "Then come back another time to talk. It is my rule to separate my business from personal affairs." WangYuDong smiled expressionlessly, "MingXiu, MingMei is not an outsider. I have to take her to a pregnancy checkup later so I conve‐ niently brought her along. I've brought the contract and some informa‐ tion. Take a look." When the pregnancy checkup was mentioned, YanMingXiu's expression had a trace of commotion, but he still didn't take the things WangYuDong handed over, "Since you have other things to do, you should take my sister there first. The day after tomorrow is mom's birth‐ day; come look for me after her birthday. Sis, I have things to do. I'll leave first." After he said that, he stood up intending to leave. This attitude is obviously not giving WangYuDong face. YanMingMei didn't know what was happening so she somewhat blamingly asked, "MingXiu, how can you treat your brother-in-law like this? Even if he asked for your help with business matters, we are still one family. What can't be said in front of me?" Obviously WangYuDong brought YanMingMei along to force Yan‐ MingXiu to sign the agreement as soon as possible. YanMingXiu can still deal with WangYuDong but his sister's temper is very big. Money is just a number in her eyes; it's the least valuable thing. She never had to be anxious over these numbers nor did she ever think she would ever have to worry about it. So she certainly won't understand what it meant for any investment to be appropriately spent in the right place. If she

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knew that WangYuDong is short of money and he didn't help, she'll defi‐ nitely make a hell of a fuss. YanMingXiu's dissatisfaction toward WangYuDong had gradually in‐ creased over time. What WangYuDong did yesterday and today are about to touch his bottom line. In fact, he had realized WangYuDong's many shortcomings before but he never confronted it because he was fully con‐ centrated in liking him at the time. Who would have known that he mis‐ takenly liked the wrong person? After discarding these subjective love feelings is when he could finally see WangYuDong clearly. WangYuDong is merely just an attractive face with a lacking character; he can speak well and do things; he can make his image appear to be per‐ fect, but he has no business mind-set and is narrow-minded. If YanMingXiu didn't have ZhouXiang, he really didn't know when he would be able to see WangYuDong's true character clearly. YanMingXiu didn't know why WangYuDong is against ZhouXiang but whatever the reasons are, he won't let anyone hurt ZhouXiang. It's just that he didn't expect WangYuDong to bring his sister to force him to sub‐ mit. YanMingXiu's attitude is a bit cold, "Sis, I've said that I have a separa‐ tion between business and personal matters. At home, he is my brotherin-law. In the company, he is Party B. You guys go do your stuff. I won't discuss it today nor will I discuss it at home." "You...what is it that's so secretive?! Are you guys hiding something from me?!" YanMingMei is so enraged that she slammed her hands on the coffee table a few times, "MingXiu, you've become more and more peculiar in recent years, even using this attitude toward us. How did you become like this? You...is it because you're with this man? You having this messed-up (gay) man by your side, what the hell are you thinking? Mom and dad have been turning a blind eye but sooner or later they will take care of you!" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "I've said it many times; just take care of yourself. Leave me alone." "YanMingXiu!!"

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ZhouXiang laughed at himself. He stood up and said politely, "President Yan, Executive Wang and Miss Yan, since this is your family affairs, it's not appropriate for me to be here. You guys talk, I'll leave first." After he said that, he didn't hesitate and walked toward the door. "Stop right there." YanMingMei stepped in front of him, "This is indeed our family affairs but you've already taken part in it. Since you're both here, as a sister I can't just watch my brother fool around with a man and pretend not to see it!" WangYuDong did not expect the situation to turn out like this. Once Yan‐ MingMei's anger flares up, even ten cattle cannot stop her. YanMingXiu is even more enraged. He told WangYuDong to come by today with the intention for him to explain the matter with the movie and have him make up for it with monetary compensation to give ZhouXiang a justification. He also intended to request that WangYuDong re-edit a new version of the movie with ZhouXiang appearing in it for internet sales. But he didn't expect WangYuDong to bring YanMingMei, which instead caused ZhouXiang to be insulted again. ZhouXiang's mouth still has on smile with his head lowered and not talk‐ ing. In fact, most of those words he said yesterday were just angry words spo‐ ken in the spur of the moment. After he slept and woke up, his mind had cleared a lot. He felt that asking YanMingXiu to be in contention with his own brother-in-law really doesn't make sense and is completely un‐ necessary. After all, this merely involved just minor personal interest. Why bother to let emotions affect them. He's won't go so far as to be this immature. He just wanted some monetary compensation from WangYuDong. This way, WangYuDong can still preserve his dignity and he (ZhouXiang) can feel better as well. However, this turn of event is completely unexpected. Before he could open his mouth to say anything, he was being insulted first. This result was so novel that he wanted to laugh. YanMingXiu walked over and patted ZhouXiang's back, "Xiang Ge, you go out first. I will handle it."

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ZhouXiang looked at YanMingMei. He really wanted leave but the young lady refused to let him go. YanMingMei said sternly, "MingXiu, if you continue on like this, I can only tell parents about it. You're almost 24. How long are you going to continue to keep fooling around like this?" "Sis, don't say anymore." YanMingXiu's tone was full of warning. "Do you not know what your status is? The Forbidden City is square and such a big place. Good news can travel far but bad news can't be hidden. Do you want everyone to laugh at our Yan family?" YanMingXiu's expression turned gloomy. He ordered while grinding his teeth, "Get out." YanMingMei's eyes widen, "Repeat that?" "I said, get out." YanMingMei's anger is almost to the extreme but then turned to griev‐ ance. Her eyes immediately turned red, with her voice trembling, she pointed to YanMingXiu, "You...... why are you so irrational. Because of him, you......" YanMingMei glanced at ZhouXiang, "Is it because of him that you are treating your sister this way?" YanMingMei looked at ZhouXiang hatefully, "You're a man but you cling onto others like a woman. Don't you feel shameful?" These words are like needles stabbing into ZhouXiang's heart but he still smiled politely and responded, "Miss Yan, in fact, you don't have to be so angry. This is just a deal between two willing parties. Any contract has a time limit; sooner or later it will come to an end. Why let it affect your family's harmony?" YanMingMei didn't expect ZhouXiang to be so calm. She is stunned for a moment. ZhouXiang took advantage of her in a dazed state and quickly walked passed her and got out of the room.

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YanMingXiu's expression is extremely unsightly. He also followed ZhouXiang and walked to the door. When he got to the door, he suddenly turned back, "Sis, don't you want to know why WangYuDong came to look for me? I'll tell you. He came to borrow money from me. You guys deal with it." After he said that, he went out to chase after ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu stopped ZhouXiang in the hallway and dragged him into an office. There are two people discussing work in that office. Upon seeing them coming in, they were stunned. YanMingXiu softly ordered, "Go out first." The two people glanced at each other and immediately went out, leaving only the two of them in the office. ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "I can guess what you want to say. Forget it. President Yan, I've already expected what the situation would be in running into your family. It's no big deal." The more ZhouXiang showed his indifference, the more guilty Yan‐ MingXiu felt. He said coarsely, "Xiang Ge, I'm sorry. I didn't expect him to bring my sister. My sister is unreasonable. Don't be angry." ZhouXiang smiled, "Don't worry about it. I was just speaking at the spur of the moment yesterday. It's not serious. Go do your work. I'm going back to see my mom." "Xiang Ge." YanMingXiu stopped him and looked straight into his eyes, "Xiang Ge, what my sister said......Yes, I'll be facing the pressure from my family in the future, but I will handle it. I won't let you be burdened by it. Please believe me." ZhouXiang frowned, "No, YanMingXiu. Where do you get this confi‐ dence from? You are probably still too young. Not to mention your kind of family but even children of ordinary families won't easily allow them to be with a man. What makes you think that you can continue on being with me? Based on what......?" ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "Why do you ......do you feel that your family will allow you to act rashly? Yan‐ MingXiu, grow up!"

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ZhouXiang is so enraged that he was not able to continue. He told him‐ self that he must be calm. He had already felt very ashamed. If he doesn't maintain this calming attitude, he'll end up being a joke. He should have known long ago that in front of WangYuDong, he would always be the one inviting humiliation on himself. WangYuDong never really competed with him but ZhouXiang always ended up being shamed every time. What's more disgraceful was that he actually hoped for Yan‐ MingXiu to help him vie for some pride. When did he become such a coward? Now that he's thinking of these dark thoughts, his face burned up. End of the Chapter

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Chapter 102 - Where is Yan‐ MingXiu? Chapter 102 -Where is YanMingXiu? Seeing how ZhouXiang's eyes turned red from rage yet still maintain that calm look made YanMingXiu's heart ache so much. YanMingXiu thought that this would be the opportunity for him to prove himself but he didn't expect to shoot himself in the foot with his sister humiliating ZhouXiang. He thought that his sister, who is already wife and soon to become a mother would be more mature. He didn't expect her to still be so overbearing. He wasn't afraid of YanMingMei telling their parents. He would have to confront them sooner or later, but right now is not a good time. He's afraid that ZhouXiang will be hurt. What he least wanted to see in his entire life is ZhouXiang suffering any grievances. He had already made ZhouXiang lose too many things; so much that he had no way to make it all up to him. Even if he were to do his best to make amends, it is too late... all this really made the crack be‐ tween them wider and wider. He regretted allowing ZhouXiang meet YanMingMei. Sooner or later they would meet, but right now is definitely not the right time. ZhouXiang rubbed his face, "I'm going back. I really have things to do. No time to really just be with you every day." He turned toward the exit after saying that. YanMingXiu softly uttered, "Do you need to go with auntie to the hospi‐ tal? I'll go with you." "Don't have to. YanMingXiu, give me some breathing space." He opened the door and left. YanMingXiu watched as ZhouXiang's somewhat disheartened back sil‐ houette gradually got further and further away. A huge panic suddenly

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rose in his heart. He is terrified that ZhouXiang would just walk away...out of his sight... out of his life, just like he did three years ago. He quickly chased behind ZhouXiang to stop him. He panted and very nervously asked, "Xiang Ge, are you coming home tonight? When are we going to see each other again?" ZhouXiang looked at him with a bit of astonishment. "You are coming back home tonight right? If not tonight...then tomor‐ row? Tell me when you'll come back." YanMingXiu looked at him deeply, "Don't just leave without a word. Tell me when you'll come back." Right now, YanMingXiu is like a little women worried about her spouse walking out on her, but he can't control himself from this thought. At the moment, his heart is still hanging in suspense, afraid that ZhouXiang will disappear and he will be shattered once again. Every minute and every second in the past three years is a torment that he can't forget for a life‐ time. Only when this person is around him can he be free from that hope‐ lessness. So he will never let ZhouXiang go. He even wanted to lock ZhouXiang away so nobody can see him. ZhouXiang wanted to free himself from YanMingXiu's arm, "I don't know." "You cannot not know." YanMingXiu's voice sounded a bit piercing, "Xi‐ ang Ge, when are you coming home? I'll go pick you up. Tell me." ZhouXiang gnawed his teeth, "Three days, three days later." YanMingXiu loosen his hand and disappointedly uttered, "Okay, I'll pick you up then......" ZhouXiang took a step back but YanMingXiu took a step closer and sim‐ ply pressed ZhouXiang to the wall and kissed him fiercely. Someone may come to the corridor at any time but YanMingXiu didn't care the slightest bit as he continued to forcefully kiss him for a while before let‐ ting him go unwillingly.

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ZhouXiang quickly glanced at him, then turned and left. Until ZhouXiang's figure disappeared is when YanMingXiu regained his gaze. He took out his cellphone and called home, "Hello, Aunt Xue. I'll be home for dinner tonight, prepare for it." There is no need to hide any further. YanMingXiu dazedly look at the cellphone screen; he had al‐ ready made up his mind. ZhouXiang bought fruits lasting for an entire week home. Aunt Wang was in the midst of teaching ChenYing how to knit a sweater. The two are sitting on the sofa talking and laughing. The scene is simple and warm. "Mom, I'm back." "Oh, you're home." ChenYing glanced at her watch, "You haven't eaten yet right? Perfect time for lunch." "Yeah, I want to eat the hot and sour soup you make." "Aiyah, we don't have bamboo shoots at home. Let me go buy some. We still have time." Aunt Wang changed into an outfit, wore her shoes and went out. ZhouXiang sat next to ChenYing and smiled softly, "I'll go with you to the hospital later this afternoon." "Okay." ChenYing put down her knitting and asked probingly, "Ah Xi‐ ang, can we change it to once a week? I'm feeling a lot better now. Doing dialysis twice a week is time-consuming and a waste of money." "Mom, we've already agreed to do it a few times a week. It's what the doctor said. Now, YanMingXiu is trying to get you transferred to a dif‐ ferent hospital. We can do another checkup at the new hospital. We have to follow the doctor's advice, don't think too much." "Aigh, it's not easy for you to make money......" ChenYing suddenly thought of something and said seriously, "Ah Xiang, although our family is not rich, we can live comfortably. Listen carefully, although Xiao

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Yan's family is rich, you can't depend on him. You can't take his money. We need to have our pride and not allow anyone to look down on us." ZhouXiang nodded guiltily, "Mom, I understand." "I know that you'll know what is appropriate. By the way, when is your movie going to be out in the theater? Let's go and watch it. Oh and also bring Aunt Wang too." ZhouXiang can only half-heartedly respond, "It seems to have been post‐ poned. I'm not sure yet. There are many movies out during the end of the year. Sometimes it can be pushed out to next year." "Oh, that's true. No hurry. You are still young. There are people who get popular in their 40s or 50s. As long as you have a steady income, there's no need to hurry." ZhouXiang chatted with ChenYing for a while. When Aunt Wang came back, they had lunch, took a nap, and then ZhouXiang went with ChenY‐ ing to the hospital for dialysis. YanMingXiu didn't call him all day. ZhouXiang felt a lot more relaxed. The next day, ZhouXiang went to the company. He had not been to the company for almost a week, which is not good. He had to discuss with CaiWei on the few extra jobs he told him about last time. After arriving at the company, CaiWei's looked very dispirited. He did not look like his usual energetic self. "Wei Ge, what's wrong?" CaiWei looked at him tiredly, "My dad may not be able to make it to the New Year's." When ZhouXiang thought of the old man who couldn't move in bed, his heart also felt pained. He comforted, "Wei Ge, don't dwell on it. In fact, lying immobile like that, your dad is suffering too." "I know. He's been sick for so long, the entire family is mentally pre‐ pared for it. It's just that when thinking he's really going to die.... I..." CaiWei shook his head, "To be born, grow old, get sick, and die, the fate 751

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of humankind is something that nobody can avoid. Anyway, let's not talk about this. Let's talk about your work." "Okay." "Here is what's owed to you for your last few jobs, review it. If you don't have any problems, sign it and I'll approve it for you. The company had set aside a lot of funds for XiRong's MV so you'll get ¥80,000. This price for a new person is very good." ZhouXiang is shocked, "That much?" "Yeah, do you know who approved it?" "President Wang?" "Yes, President Wang specially approved it, saying that you did very well." ZhouXiang remembered how President Wang pushed him into Yan‐ MingXiu's car that day. Although he has other intentions but to spend tens of thousands just to get closer to YanMingXiu, it is a very profitable thing. Unfortunately, President Wang's intention is a bit off. Even ZhouXiang himself is unclear of his relationship with YanMingXiu. CaiWei looked at ZhouXiang again and again and sighed, "Lately, how've you been with YanMingXiu?" ZhouXiang looked away awkwardly, "Ahh, like usual." "I can also guess why you are still with him. But ZhouXiang, I can only warn you that a person who has been stumbled twice by a stone is most stupid. Have you thought about it clearly?" "Wei Ge..." ZhouXiang wanted to say "You can be rest assured, I know what I'm doing," but he's guilty and can't say anything. It's not that he doesn't know that the time being with YanMingXiu would carry the risk of repeating the same mistakes of the past, but he is powerless to break free from the net that YanMingXiu had set for him. YanMingXiu didn't give him a choice; he really had no choice at all. Al‐ though there is still half-year remaining on their contract, specifically, 752

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five months, but after the five months is over, will YanMingXiu be able to naturally and unrestrainedly say goodbye to him? He is more perplexed than anyone else, more at loss than anyone else. He can't see how he should move forward in the future nor does he know who is waiting for him at the end of the fog. CaiWei, "I can't control your matters but you hurt XiRong very much." ZhouXiang slowly lowered his head, speechless. After that time, LanXiRong called him two times but he didn't pick up. What is he going to say if he picked up the phone? The questions LanXiRong would ask, he won't be able to answer any. Instead it will make him feel extremely awkward and miserable. "In the second year after you were gone, XiRong had a girlfriend, but they broke up very quickly. He told me that he really doesn't like men, but he liked only you. Who can be blamed on this? You treated him so good back then but he didn't appreciate you; instead, treated you as though you had offended him. It wasn't till he went abroad and having gone through pain and suffering that he remembered how great you were to him. If he were to be with you back then, there would be no Yan‐ MingXiu later and won't be so many......Aigh, frankly speaking, it's fate." ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "If you didn't mentioned this, I wouldn't have even remembered. That was so many years ago. At that time, I re‐ ally did admire him but who knew in the end, that would happen. Wei Ge, your memories are too good. This is not a good thing." CaiWei smiled and shook his head. Right when the two were talking, CaiWei's secretary knocked the door, "Manager Cai, LanXiRong is here." CaiWei smiled helplessly, "I don't know if he has a spy in the company. Once you came, he also appeared. This is all because of you." ZhouXiang really didn't want to see LanXiRong, but he also knew that he couldn't hide so he simply stayed in CaiWei's office to avoid meeting LanXiRong alone. It's just too awkward.

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After LanXiRong came in, he swept the two of them a glance. He seemed different from what ZhouXiang imagined, looking very calm as he sat down next to ZhouXiang. "Xiang Ge. Long time no see." ZhouXiang smiled, "It's only been a week." "Have you been with YanMingXiu these days?" LanXiRong's bright eyes looked at ZhouXiang without blinking. ZhouXiang felt flustered under such sharp gaze. ZhouXiang nodded, "Yeah." LanXiRong blinked, his lips trembled. He thought about it and said, "Xi‐ ang Ge, are you still going to be spending the New Year with us?" ZhouXiang is silent. Before he didn't have his parents, so ever since he met CaiWei, he would go with CaiWei to TongZhou to spend the New Year almost every year. Otherwise, he'd be spending New Years quietly by himself. That is too pitiful. LanXiRong explained, "I have very important social events this year so I can't go home. I have to stay in Beijing so I planned to spend it with Wei Ge. You and your mom come too, okay? Just like before, we can spend the New Year together." ZhouXiang looked at CaiWei who nodded, "Before the year end, I have to take my dad back to my old home in TongZhou. I don't want him to suffer any more. When he was still able to talk before, he had mentioned that he didn't want to die in the hospital. He wanted to pass (die) in his own home. If you don't have any plans, you can come with me to TongZhou for the New Years. I have a lot of relatives there. It's very lively." ZhouXiang thought of a big family like YanMingXiu's. In the New Year, he must be staying at home. Before the year ends, Aunt Wang certainly will return to her hometown in Sichuan. There's no point for him and ChenYing to spend it quietly by themselves. But to be safe, it's best that they stay in Beijing, "I also want to spend the New Year with you guys. Let me go home and discuss it with my mom and let you know later."

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LanXiRong looked at him with bit of sorrow. He was about to speak but said nothing. ZhouXiang couldn't stand that kind of expression from LanXiRong. He was initially a soft-hearted person and felt a little apologetic toward LanXiRong. He quickly stood up, "Wei Ge, I'm going to the finance de‐ partment to confirm the payment records. I'll treat you guys out for lunch at noon." At noon, CaiWei introduced several jobs to ZhouXiang, letting him to pick which ones he wanted to accept. At this time, ZhouXiang didn't tell CaiWei about what happened at the premiere nor did he tell him that YanMingXiu brought him to the movie studio. The former was because he was embarrassed to mention it and the latter is because nothing was confirmed. As for the jobs that CaiWei got him, they are all simple and are fast money-making jobs. He liked it very much so immediately selected a few. ----He stayed with ChenYing for two days. During this time, YanMingXiu unexpectedly didn't even give him a phone call or a single text message, making him quite surprised. On the third night, he returned to his home according to his promise. He gave YanMingXiu a call to see whether or not he would be coming back for dinner. But his phone was turned off. ZhouXiang was very confused but he didn't take this to heart. He had al‐ ready eaten anyway so he went to take a shower and then went to the study to go on the internet. When it was time to go to bed at 11pm, YanMingXiu still had not re‐ turned. Since YanMingXiu told him to come back, he couldn't have forgotten right?

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ZhouXiang thought again. This is his own home; why is he treating it as if he's a guest? It's up to YanMingXiu whether he comes or not. He turned off the computer, washed up and went to bed. Since he returned to his own home, this is the first time he spent the night alone. There is a strange feeling in his heart that can't be described. It seemed like it shouldn't be like this. It shouldn't just be him alone in this home. This thought shocked him. For more than two decades, he has been living alone in this home...that is until YanMingXiu appeared. Habit is a really scary thing. It can slowly and subtlely eat away a per‐ son's wisdom. ZhouXiang unconsciously fell asleep. When he woke up the next day, he realized that YanMingXiu really didn't come back. He called again but the phone was still turned off. Since YanMingXiu turned off his phone, he would have no qualms in just going back to ChenYing's place. It's not that he doesn't want to stay in his own home but ChenYing needs care and companionship. The next few days, YanMingXiu didn't contact him at all. This person seems to have suddenly disappeared from ZhouXiang's life. Initially, ZhouXiang felt relaxed as he didn't have to be at someone's beck and call. But after a week, he began to worry as to whether Yan‐ MingXiu had an accident. He couldn't stand it anymore so he called JiangYuan. He didn't expect JiangYuan to not answer the phone. After his third call, JiangYuan sim‐ ply turned off the phone. It is obvious that JiangYuan didn't want to talk to him. The doubts and unease in ZhouXiang's heart grew deeper. What happened to YanMingXiu? What things can't be clearly explained? Why did he have to hide? Or did he really have an accident? When he thought of this possibility, ZhouXiang's heart tightened. After a while, his cell phone rang. A strange number sent him a text with the message, "Don't ask me, I can't say anything."

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ZhouXiang guessed that JiangYuan was the one who sent him this mes‐ sage. He became even more worried. This kind of matters where he is to‐ tally clueless really makes a person feel most heart-wrenching. He has no clue and does not know who he can ask. He could only wait. When YanMingXiu isn't around, indeed, he felt a lot more relaxed. He didn't have the anxiety of being watched but at the same time, he is wor‐ ried and frightened not knowing what happened to YanMingXiu. Day after day, ZhouXiang passed his days in suspense and on edge. In a blink of an eye, the Spring Festival had arrived.The Lunar New Year came early this year, in the middle of January. YanMingXiu had been missing for half a month and ZhouXiang had no choice but to wait. If YanMingXiu bluntly told him, "Let's end it here," then ZhouXiang would have felt relieved. But being ambiguous like this, ZhouXiang was worried that something might have happened to him, while at the same time having constant doubts. The more he thought, the more pessimistic he got. His entire mind is full of troubling matters. He had decided to take ChenYing to CaiWei's hometown, TongZhou, to celebrate the New Years. CaiWei's family members are outspoken peo‐ ple. They are very welcoming toward them. Aunt Wang went home for the past few days so he took ChenYing to buy some New Year's items to get ready for the New Years. When he is busy, his mind is too distracted and he didn't think about where YanMingXiu could be or what he was doing. On the 29th, ZhouXiang has already prepared everything in the morning and was just waiting for LanXiRong to pick both him and ChenYing up to go to CaiWei's hometown together. He still had to go with ChenYing to do a dialysis in the afternoon. Since there wasn't anything to do in the morning, he took ChenYing to have Cantonese morning tea. After they finished eating, the phone rang immediately when they en‐ tered the home. It was a call from an unfamiliar number. He doesn't know why but his heartbeat sped up. His instinct told him that it's proba‐ bly YanMingXiu. 757

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After he answered the phone, a very familiar voice came through but it is not YanMingXiu, but the eldest Yan grandson, YanMingSu. "Is this ZhouXiang?" YanMingSu's low voice came from the phone. ZhouXiang, "Mnnn." "I want to have a chat with you." "For what?" "You can guess for what reason. Naturally it's related to MingXiu." ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "He......Where is he?" "Let's meet. I'm waiting for you at XX Café on South LiShi Road. Come now." ZhouXiang thought for a moment, "Okay, I'm coming now." End of the chapter

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Chapter 103 - -Persuading ZhouXiang to Leave YanMingXiu Chapter 103 -Persuading ZhouXiang to Leave YanMingXiu ZhouXiang cautioned ChenYing a few words and left. Glancing at the time, there was still ample time but just in case, he sent a text to LanXiRong to come pick them up an hour later. The café was very easy to find. The patrons coming to this shop that still remained opened two days before the Lunar New Year's had reduced by half. The color of the exterior wall of this cafe is very unique and eyecatching. There was barely anyone in the shop. When he entered, the waiter asked if he was here to meet someone with the surname Yan. ZhouXiang replied that he is so the waiter took him to the reserved room. YanMingSu sat alone in the room. He swept a glance at ZhouXiang, his expression deep and serious. ZhouXiang closed the door and sat opposite of YanMingSu. He wanted to wait for YanMingSu to speak first but YanMingSu just kept staring at him, with his eyes barely blinking, making him extremely nervous. So he could only force himself to speak first, "Are you looking for me regarding YanMingXiu? I haven't seen him for a long time. In fact, I don't even know where he is." YanMingSu responded gloomily, "You don't need to lure me into telling you. I'm also not going to lie to you. He is home now." ZhouXiang sat up straight, "At home." "Yes, at home, confined by my dad." ZhouXiang is slightly startled, "Confined?"

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"MingMei went home and told them about the matter with you guys. MingXiu simply admitted and ultimately the altercation turned out like this. Seeing how it's already the New Years, everything is such a terrible mess both in and out of the family. He's been kept home under house ar‐ rest by my dad, not allowed to go out." ZhouXiang lowered his head with his hands trembling. He put his hand in his pocket and gently tightened it into a fist. "I have a younger sister and a younger brother. One found a vain and dis‐ honest trash (referring to WangYuDong); another simply found one of the same sex (referring ZhouXiang). Not one can ease my mind." Yan‐ MingSu shook his head, looking exhausted and agitated. ZhouXiang strongly suppressed the shock of his heart and faintly re‐ sponded, "I don't know why you're looking for me." He never imagined that YanMingXiu would really come out to his fam‐ ily. A family like the Yan's, YanMingXiu would have to bear the pressure in daring to say that he actually liked a man? If YanMingXiu could really do this for him... ZhouXiang's heart wavered. This is the first time. He began to doubt his determination. He began to doubt, maybe... maybe everything is not as bad as he thinks, maybe even going back on his old path, it may not be a dead end. YanMingSu was observing his expression the entire time. At this mo‐ ment, he mocked, "What? Very touched? If it was three years ago, I might still be uncertain but now I can clearly tell you, when my brother likes you, he can put his entire heart into it, but after it's over, where is the love?" ZhouXiang narrowed his eyes, "I'm a simple minded person, Director Yan (T/N), please say it directly." T/N: YanMingSu's title is , which is the head of a governmental depart‐ ment; director. Assume that YanMingXu is an head director of a Govern‐ mental department.

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"Three years ago, there was a person with the same exact name as yours, who had been with MingXiu. You know right?" "I know." "When this person had an accident years ago, MingXiu was also very heart broken. But what happened in the end? It's all been forgotten. And now, he's once again fallen hard for you. To tell you bluntly, who can't live on after someone leaves? No matter how deep the feelings were, af‐ ter the time had passed, it's nothing special. If I want, I have many ways to make it so that you guys won't be able to see each other for the rest of your lives. One day he will forget about you. But I don't want to do that because MingXiu will hate me. I would rather prefer that you be a bit more reasonable in seeing the situation and take the initiative to break up with him." ZhouXiang's heart felt all sorts of emotions. At this time, he really wanted to tell YanMingSu that he got it wrong. I am that ZhouXiang. He's always thought that YanMingXiu would never be able to overcome the critical juncture of his family's objection. In fact, he still does not feel that YanMingXiu could overcome it. But the fact that YanMingXiu is willing to take that step is quickly shattering his psychological defense. When he was very young, from the time he knew he is gay, he had thought that if one day there is that person willing to confess to his par‐ ents and insist on being with him, regardless of the pressures from family and society, he will certainly be with him his entire life. Now this person really appeared. They have suffered through so much hurt and agony but it is still this person who is willing to give it all for him in the end. His mood is complicated and pained. He simply doesn't know what to do. What should they do? He and YanMingXiu, what should they do? Seeing that he isn't talking, YanMingSu looked at him calmly, "I don't know how deep the feelings between the both of you are, but it's cer‐

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tainly not to the extent of your imagination. MingXiu is only 24 years old. He still has a very long future ahead of him. He will meet many other people. One day, he will come to realize that being with a person who can't have children... a person who he can't bring out is a wrong choice. If you wait until then to leave, you would have devalued to a point that you can't imagine. Why not just simply do it now? I'll compen‐ sate for all your losses." YanMingSu's words actually made him feel comfortable. It's not as pro‐ voking as the Yan's family elder daughter but it still made his entire body feel chillingly cold. He didn't need YanMingSu to tell him. He had already considered all of this. When he first pursued YanMingXiu, he didn't know YanMingXiu is from the Yan family. Had he known, he would have retreated right from the beginning. No matter how entangled they are, he would give up. At that time, he still had not fallen deeply in love with YanMingXiu, at least not to the point where it could only be him and no other... not to the point where he would be stupid enough to be like a moth flying into the flames. When he found out later, it was already too late. Now knowing and looking back, he could clearly see that his path with YanMingXiu is one that is full of challenges. Having gone though hard‐ ships and tragedy, even coming back from the dead once, he dared to bet that nobody's love life is as torturous and as hopeless as theirs. If a person is still able to persist to the end on a path that is full of set‐ backs and pains, he must be a brave man. But how many people are re‐ ally that brave? At least ZhouXiang knew very early on to retreat. The kind of exhaustion and fear of the future forced him to be reluctant to move forward. He's afraid that taking a few steps forward will lead to him falling into an abyss. Staying in the same place or taking a step back is at least safe. Going forward may be hell or maybe heaven. With this tormenting choice, who can be calm? ZhouXiang felt a splitting headache with his eyes a little blurry. He waved his hand and hoarsely muttered, "Director Yan, can I see him first?"

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"Can't. It's not me not allowing you. It's my dad not allowing. He can't come out right now." "Then how long are you guys planning on confining him?" "Until he gives up." ZhouXiang bent down and supported his elbows on his knees, rubbing his face forcefully with both hands. His face became red from rubbing too hard. He is silent for a long time before saying, "I don't have the final say in our relationship. It is useless to force me. What do you want me to do?" "Take the money and leave," YanMingSu simply responded. ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "Not possible, my home is here, my career is here, unless you throw me into a ditch, otherwise, I won't leave." "As long as you have money, you can have a home and a career any‐ where. ZhouXiang, I've been in contact with you several times and my impression of you is not bad. You are not like those foolish superficial little celebrities. You are a man with insight and knowledge. I have in‐ vestigated you and know that the reason you are with MingXiu is be‐ cause of your dire need of money for your mother's illness. You are a smart person. You know that MingXiu is not a good choice. Smart peo‐ ple should do smart things. If you guys continue on, you might not get anything." ZhouXiang responded softly, "You don't need to threaten me. The things you've said, I know very well in my heart. But there are some things that I can't explain to you. I just need to see him." "This, I can't make the decision. I have to discuss it with my dad." "Then you go and discuss it with him. I need to go back for the New Years." ZhouXiang stood up. The moment he stood up straight, he is a little dizzy. He felt his brain severely lacking oxygen.

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He wanted to leave as soon as possible. YanMingSu's aura is very op‐ pressive. In front of him, he seems to not be wearing clothes. Everyone one of his words pierced his heart. He needed some time. He need to slowly and calmly think about this. YanMingSu was still sitting in the chair, slightly lifting his chin, staring at him for a long while and said, "Fine. Go back first. I will keep in touch with you at any time." ZhouXiang nodded indifferently, then quickly opened the door and left. End of the chapter

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Chapter 104 - ChenYing Finding Out About the Deal Chapter 104: ChenYing Finding Out About the Deal After ZhouXiang left the cafe, his mind could not be calm at all. He walked toward the direction of his home for more than ten minutes before hailing for a taxi. He thought a lot on the road. Although he told YanMingSu that he wanted to see YanMingXiu, he is somewhat afraid to see him. What should he say after seeing him? Could he really abandon their deal and accept this person again? How would YanMingXiu handle the pressure at home? With these series of problems lying ahead of them, ZhouXiang feels particularly tired. No matter how much feelings one has, it could completely whittle away by the accumulated exhaustion over a long pe‐ riod of time. ZhouXiang felt that he is in this state. What YanMingXiu had done for him had touched his heart. He had remained in the same place, feeling endless exhaustion because he doesn't know what price he would have to pay to step forward and what the consequences would be. But no matter what the consequences may be, nothing can be more terri‐ fying than losing his life. ZhouXiang thought to himself. He heaved a sigh and looked at the overcast gray sky above Beijing. His heart feeling extremely suffocated. After rushing home, there was still more than two hours before meeting LanXiRong at their agreed time. He has abundant time. Upon opening the door into the home, he saw ChenYing sitting in the room with her head down, not knowing what she's looking at. After hearing movements, ChenYing lifted her head, the rim of her eyes red. ZhouXiang immediately felt something wrong with the atmosphere.

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"Mom, I'm back. What wrong?" He's only been out for two to three hours, what could have happened? ChenYing was obviously very happy all day today but now she seems to have been crying. ChenYing pointed to the sofa next to her, "Sit down. I have something to ask you." ZhouXiang is very astonished. ChenYing had never spoken to him in such harsh tone. In his impression, ChenYing had always been a kind and gentle loving woman who would spoil her child beyond limits and essentially had no temper. He walked over and sat down, watching ChenYing worriedly, "Mom. What is really wrong? Are you not feeling well?" "Somebody came by earlier." ZhouXiang is shocked, "Who, who came?" "A lawyer...and gave me these things." ChenYing looked at him with bloodshot eyes and pushed the documents on the table to him. ZhouXiang picked it up and take a look. His hand started to shake slightly. These are his bank statements. When he first opened the ac‐ count, there was two million clearly in the account; this huge amount is abnormally glaring. Behind this, there is also a series of documents re‐ lated to the transfer of the condo, very clearly showing the transfer from YanMingXiu to his name. This very private matter (T/N) is actually very obvious in other peoples' eyes. T/N: This private matter is alluding to the deal between ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu. ZhouXiang threw the file onto the table. He really couldn't look into ChenYing's skeptic expression. ChenYing pointed at the white papers with her trembling fingers. Her paled face is similar to those papers, "This record for the two million de‐ posit, I remember very clearly. It was shortly after I got ill. You said that

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you were looking for someone to borrow money. ZhouXiang, your mother is old but not an idiot. This money was given to you by Yan‐ MingXiu, right? The condo is also from him, right? Because of me, you (sold yourself to him).... do you think that your mom can live on hap‐ pily?! "ChenYing is more and more riled up. In the end, she basically shouted. Such a thinly frail woman, one can hardly imagine that she could make such a sound. ZhouXiang took a deep breath and tried to explain, "Mom, it's really not what you think. I knew him from way before. I am.... borrowing money from him." "You still want to lie to me!" ChenYing shouted angrily, "People already came knocking on the door! ZhouXiang, you are a man, how could you do this kind of thing? Even if I have to die, I don't need the money com‐ ing from you doing this! You....don't you find this shameful?!" ZhouXiang's heart tightened, unable to respond. ChenYing looked at ZhouXiang's deathly paled face and immediately re‐ gretted her harsh words. She immediately hugged ZhouXiang, feeling immense pain, "Ah Xiang. I'm sorry. I shouldn't blame you. It's not your fault. It's mom forcing you to such measures....." ZhouXiang sobbed, "Mom. Don't say that. You shouldn't know about this." ChenYing cried, "How could you not tell me? You're my only child. You almost died. Regardless of what happens to me, I don't want you to be humiliated, not even for a bit. I need you to have your dignity and be an upright man." ZhouXiang's heart tightened, his eyes became blurry. He didn't expect YanMingSu to play this hand, calling him out and si‐ multaneously finding someone to put pressure on ChenYing. With ChenYing's stubbornness, she'll likely refuse treatment now. This person's attack is extremely ruthless. Although WangYuDong had made him resentful, he had never done anything impulsive. If Yan‐ MingSu is standing in front of him now, he will beat the crap out of him.

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ZhouXiang is both furious and anxious. It started to turn black in front of his eyes. How could he have overestimated himself, thinking that as long as he and YanMingXiu are in love with each other, all their problems can be solved? In reality, if they had really gotten to this step back then, it would have just been the beginning of their many challenges. In this case, he should be thankful that he died early? Otherwise, he wouldn't have known the things that happened after. Or should he begrudge that he died too early. If it was a year and a half later, he would have given up under such surmountable pressure. Everything that had happened can't go back. If it was him from before (older ZhouXiang), what would he choose? Would he have whole-heart‐ edly given it all for YanMingXiu to continue on this path till it is dark. Or know his place and retreat? He doesn't know, he really doesn't know. If the later matter with WangYuDong didn't happen, he would continue to faithfully love YanMingXiu. He could have inadvertently become a Casanova unknowingly. But he knew that if it was the him now, he likely won't be able to do it. This incident brought about the consequence he was most worried about. ChenYing insisted that he return the money and the condo, otherwise she would not continue on with her treatment. ZhouXiang had no choice but to agree. With his current savings and ChenYing's current expenses, it would impossible for him to support the both of them for too long. He thought of borrowing money from LanXiRong but ChenYing may not agree. Adding on, how would he pay this person back? After much thinking, he once again thought of his own condo. As long as he sells the condo, all these problems will be solved. ZhouXiang didn't think that after going around in a circle and having ex‐ erted so much energy, he still has to resort to this step. But now, even the condo is not in his name; unless YanMingXiu agrees to transfer it to him.

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No matter what, he must see YanMingXiu. But how would YanMingXiu agree? ... ZhouXiang is so vexed that he wanted to hit his head against the wall. He hasn't smoked for a long time, but today he hid on the balcony smok‐ ing several cigarettes. The cigarette butt burned to his hand and he wasn't even aware. He smoked seven to eight cigarettes. Then, he took out his cell phone to call YanMingSu. The other side quickly picked up. ZhouXiang uttered gloomily, "Yan‐ MingSu, you playing this hand, I really fucking look down on you. It's fine for you to come at me. But you even have to make things difficult for a 60 plus year sickly women, is this meaningful to you? YanMingSu is silent for two seconds, "I can probably guess what you are saying but I didn't do it. I only came for you today." ZhouXiang responded coldly, "Then this is such a coincidence. Right af‐ ter you called me out, someone came to see my mom. How can the tim‐ ing be so perfect?" "I'll look into this and give you an answer when I find out. This kind of thing, if I did it, I will admit it. But this kind of method is not good, I won't use it. Oh right, I was just about to call you. I'm home right now. I've discussed with my dad. He allowed you to see MingXiu. I'll send a car to pick you up on the second day of the Lunar New Year." "I don't want to go to your house." "My dad won't allow MingXiu to leave the house so you have to come. Why... are you scared?" "You don't have to provoke me. Actually, I am a bit scared. Three gener‐ ations of your family are from the military, I am afraid that I won't be able to come back." ZhouXiang is serious when he said this but YanMingSu thought he was joking. He even smiled, "You're thinking too much. If we really were to get rid of you, just me is enough, don't have to take you to my home. Text me your address in a moment."

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With things as they are, ChenYing and ZhouXiang weren't in the mood for the Lunar New Year. He called LanXiRong and told him that there had been a change with ChenYing's condition and he needed to stay home. LanXiRong was disappointed after hearing it but still insisted on coming to spend New Year's with them. ZhouXiang tried to persuade him but was useless so he could only allow him to come. Upon hearing that LanXiRong was coming, ChenYing forced her spirit up and tidied up Aunt Wang's room so that he could to stay the night. After being overly upset, ChenYing's mood has been very depressed. When LanXiRong came over, he realized that she didn't seem quite right but because she's also a sickly person, he didn't think too much of it. Only ZhouXiang knew what was going on. Seeing that she couldn't eat and sleep well, often looking at him with guilt and agony, he felt espe‐ cially pained. And this is just the beginning. The Yan family hasn't actually started to deal with him. What about later? And later after that? ZhouXiang stood on the cold, windy balcony and looked at the moon. Today is New Year's Eve. The outside world is extraordinarily festive and lively. This is a city that never sleeps. Everywhere is full of people and the sound of cars, pushing the atmosphere of the festival to its peak. But he felt that he couldn't get into the mood at all. YanMingXiu's face constantly appeared in front of his eyes, every one of his expressions made him worry. There are many times he didn't dare to admit it but he couldn't lie to him‐ self. From his past life to present... from the beginning to the end, his love for YanMingXiu had never stopped. There are just too many emotions that have surpassed his suppressed feelings for YanMingXiu. He never deceived YanMingXiu. He really, re‐ ally doesn't want to get back together with him. The advantage of having died once is that he no longer stubbornly persisted in getting what he couldn't get in his past life.

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He just wanted to get a bit farther away from YanMingXiu to ensure his own safety so he could continue on living his life. Perhaps finding an‐ other person that he likes is not as difficult as he thinks, at least it's much simpler than gambling on his own future. "Xiang Ge?" A soft voice came from behind. ZhouXiang turned his head and sees LanXiRong standing behind him. "Xiang Ge, why are you standing outside in the cold? It's really freezing out here." ZhouXiang smiled and extinguished the cigarette butt and turned to walk into the home. LanXiRong glanced at the cigarette butts ZhouXiang threw into the flower pot, it was full. There were more than 10 butts. He bunched up his brows. "Xiang Ge, is something wrong?" ZhouXiang looked at the cigarette butts, "Haven't smoked for a long time." "You didn't use to smoke so much. Is something troubling you?" ZhouXiang shook his head. "Is it because of YanMingXiu?" LanXiRong looked at him fixedly, his bright eyes filled with emotions. ZhouXiang no longer evaded as he nodded, "XiRong. It may be difficult for you to understand me. I also can't explain it to you. Anyway... I've been tangled with him for years. It may have a thing to do with our des‐ tinies. You say... if there is such a thing as fate, that no matter what I do, it has already been decided? In fact, no matter what I do, it will still lead to the same outcome." LanXiRong looked at him in a daze.

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ZhouXiang smiled embarrassingly, "How did I become so literary, how laughable. Let's go....go in and have some dumplings." LanXiRong grabbed onto him and says softly, "Xiang Ge, I know that you love him. In fact, I've always known. Your expressions, your behav‐ iors, from beginning to end, I know that the person you love is him. Even though you say that you won't be with him anymore, I still feel that you are deceiving yourself. But Xiang Ge, you also understand yourself, you and him are not from the same world. Even if you can forgive him, would you be able to last with him?" ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, "I know. I know this more than anyone else." "Xiang Ge, I know that the fate between us has passed. I didn't grasp onto it at the time. Now, no matter how hard I try, I can't get you back. Even thinking about this now is painful but I won't force you anymore. I only hope that you can be a bit more sensible. I don't want to see you suffer." ZhouXiang patted his shoulder, not knowing what to say. If there is such a thing as fate, why should he even bother with resisting? After all, there is some invisible force messing with them. YanMingXiu once treated him as WangYuDong's substitute. When he was born again into this body, all the paths coincided, with history once again repeating itself. However, this time he became his own substitute. Is someone act‐ ing a good show or is there really such coincidences in the world? ZhouXiang felt overwhelmingly exhausted. Sometimes when people live too clearly, it is actually better to be confused. The three people passed a very dreary New Year's. After eating the dumplings, they slept early. On the first day of the lunar New Years, LanXiRong had to work so he left early in the morning. ZhouXiang got up and did chores to pass the time. ChenYing stared dazedly in front of the TV. A day passed by just like that. On the evening of the second Lunar year, he finally received a call from YanMingSu telling him that a car is waiting for him downstairs.

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ZhouXiang changed his clothes and went downstairs, then got into the car. The reserved and silent driver didn't say anything to him the entire time. He just drove him to the military compound of a military district near the embassy district. The car parked in front of a three-story villa. When he got out of the car, he saw a soldier standing guard at the door. A person seemingly in charge was waiting for him. "Mr. Zhou greetings. Please come with me." ZhouXiang wrapped his coat tighter around himself and followed the man into the house. Several people were sitting in the room, all looking at him solemnly. This day, this moment, did not seem a bit like the New Year, it is more like judgment for a prisoner. ZhouXiang had expected this kind of atmosphere before coming. He is very calm. He stood in the living room and waited to see what they would do. He swept his glance over and saw YanMingSu's familiar face. The older couple must be the parents. ZhouXiang humbly nodded politely. YanMingXiu's father snorted and turned his head. His mother creased her brows looking at ZhouXiang. YanMingSu raised his hand before his dad spoke, "Dad, don't talk. You promised me that you'll let me handle this." His dad coughed once and glanced coldly at ZhouXiang, then turned his head. YanMingSu stood up, "ZhouXiang, come with me." ZhouXiang followed him upstairs. When they were passing through the living room, YanMingXiu's mother suddenly stood up. Her hand held a tray as she headed in front of ZhouXiang and pleaded softly, "Young man, can you get my son to eat a bit of this?" 773

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ZhouXiang doesn't know why, his eyes are red. She pushed the tray into ZhouXiang's hand, "Can you get him to eat a bit of this?" ZhouXiang took the tray and nodded, then quickly followed YanMingSu upstairs. The two went to the innermost room on the third floor. YanMingSu knocked on the door, "MingXiu, he's here." Almost immediately, the door opened and YanMingXiu's face appeared in front of ZhouXiang Before ZhouXiang could even react, YanMingXiu had already rushed forward and instantly embraced him. YanMingXiu's grieving voice could be heard besides his ears, "Xiang Ge." YanMingSu furrowed his brows. He kept thinking that the way Yan‐ MingXiu addressed "Xiang Ge" sounded too familiar. He had a strange thought in his heart. ZhouXiang could hardly stabilize the tray. His heart almost jumped out from this throat. He felt a deep sense of distress as he stood completely at loss, not knowing how to respond. YanMingXiu is half a head taller than ZhouXiang. At this time, he bent down to bury his face on ZhouXiang's shoulder, exerting all his energy to breathe in ZhouXiang's scent, trying desperately to be fully encapsulated in ZhouXiang's aura to unleash his many days of yearning. He knew long ago that he could not be separated from ZhouXiang, nor could he imagine how unbearable it would be for him to be forcefully separated from him. Every day, he tells himself to be calm... calm, and more calm. This is a competition between him and his dad. He must not admit defeat but there were many times when he had wanted to jump down from the top floor. He wanted to go to ZhouXiang, immediately. He didn't know if he had already gone crazy. Maybe this is not yearning but a kind of panic. If he can't see ZhouXiang, he will panic; worried that

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ZhouXiang will disappear once again and he will once again fall into a hopeless abyss. So only when he could hold firmly onto ZhouXiang could he feel safe. YanMingSu pushed them into the room, "Go in and talk, don't let dad see this." The three people went into the room. The room's light was not lit. ZhouXiang glanced at YanMingXiu. He could smell the refreshing fra‐ grance of bathing on YanMingXiu. He should have just cleaned himself but the haggardness on his face could not be washed away. He obviously got quite thin with his cheekbones slightly protruded. Seeing him like this made ZhouXiang's heart feel extreme agony. YanMingXiu turned on the lights. The room seemed clean with traces of deliberate cleaning. YanMingSu said coldly, "If he doesn't come, you really going to be at ease living in a doghouseT/N?" T/N: YanMingXiu had been starving and not taking care of himself, along with leaving his room in a mess. It is only after knowing that ZhouXiang is coming that he deliberately cleaned himself and his room up. Hence, YanMingSu made this comment. YanMingXiu has regained calmness. He looked at YanMingSu seriously and said earnestly, "Ge, you have to help me." YanMingSu responded sarcastically, "I'm not helping you, lest you end up with no descendants." "As long as our Yan family have you is enough. I don't care whether or not I have children. I don't like women at all. I won't marry a woman. Mom and dad can give up on that thought." "What bullshit. How many years have you lived? You know what you want now but are you going to know what you want when you're 34? 44? 54? 84? These questions, those people who have lived to that age have given you the answer. You can't not have children. When a person is

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young, it is inevitable to be foolish and confused. We are here to put you back on the right path." YanMingXiu said calmly, "Ge, you don't believe in my feelings. I can tell you one thing. I've been waiting all along for him to come to tell you directly in person. I want you to know that you've gravely underesti‐ mated me." YanMingSu narrowed his eyes, "What?" YanMingXiu pointed to ZhouXiang, "He is ZhouXiang." YanMingSu responded angrily, "Nonsense..." ZhouXiang's expression instantly changed, wanting to stop YanMingXiu but it was too late. YanMingSu's brain churned and immediately realized that this didn't sound right. YanMingXiu remained calm as he continued, "He is ZhouXiang. He is that (older) ZhouXiang. The ZhouXiang you thought was dead." YanMingSu widened his eyes and gritted his teeth, "You...do you know what the hell you're talking about!? Are you out of your mind from being starved!?" End of the chapter

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Chapter 105 - YanMingXiu's Con‐ fession Chapter 105 -- YanMingXiu's Confession YanMingXiu's voice trembled, "Ge, you must have been very curious about what JiKong Master said to me. The answer is now in front of you, because ZhouXiang is alive." YanMingSu looked at ZhouXiang in shock. Although he knew his younger brother is obsessed with this person (younger ZhouXiang), he also recognized that it must be because of (older) ZhouXiang. He had said that YanMingXiu's affections are fickle, but in fact, he knew that YanMingXiu has never freed himself from ZhouXiang's binds all along. But regardless, he would never believe such a bizarre thing even if he was beaten to death. This person is obviously not (older) ZhouXiang. He had seen pictures of (older) ZhouXiang... No, the main point is that ZhouXiang is indeed dead! Then what is this thing in front of him that his brother is saying is 'still alive'? "You... you... tell me clearly, what are you talking about?" Seeing that these words can't be taken back, ZhouXiang had no other choice but to lower his head. All right then! Now that the secret he had intended to bring to the grave has been revealed to those that essentially should know, the only thing left is a deep sense of powerlessness. YanMingXiu glanced at ZhouXiang and muttered hoarsely, "Ge, you may not believe me, but you will believe in your master, right? ZhouXi‐ ang really did have an accident. That dead body is indeed ZhouXiang. But he had awakened in someone else's body, in a person who has the same name and had an accident the same time as him. The person you're now looking at is him."

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YanMingSu took a step back and took a breadth of cold air. He looked at ZhouXiang in disbelief. His voice trembling, "How could you be so sure? There are many coincidences in the world. What if he is lying to you, what if....." YanMingSu didn't say anything further. He knew that it is impossible. If this is true, then that means he is real. Although Yan‐ MingXiu has been devastating confused by love, he is not stupid enough to be fooled by something this ridiculous to such an extent. Moreover, he vaguely remembered that his master had said some ambiguous words at the time. Seeing ZhouXiang's odd expression, and now thinking back, those words might have meant something. It might have been connected to this entire matter. YanMingSu flopped down on the sofa. This is already outrageous for any normal person to hear such things, let alone seeing it with his own eyes. Of course, it had crossed his mind that YanMingXiu could be lying to him because he has once rashly shouted at this disappointing brother of his that if this ZhouXiang do come back alive, he will wish them a longlived harmonious union. So YanMingXiu could make up such a lie to trick him to get passed his barrier. But what about his master? Should he ask his own master about it? His master will definitely not lie to him. YanMingSu wanted to call and ask, but in his heart, he had already be‐ lieved. He didn't think that YanMingXiu will lie to him about this kind of thing. In fact, although he had told this ZhouXiang that YanMingXiu would one day forget about him just like he had forgotten that ZhouXiang to get him to retreat, but in the past three years, he had seen how much Yan‐ MingXiu had suffered with his own eyes. He knew that YanMingXiu had never forgotten ZhouXiang. Even if he is looking for another person; it is still because of ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu can't be deceived and won't use something like this to lie to him. This person is really that (older) ZhouXiang. When YanMingSu thought of such, he simply can't lift his head to look up at ZhouXiang. It's all too strange.

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YanMingXiu voiced hoarsely, "Ge, will you help me? You've said that if ZhouXiang is really alive, you will approve of us." YanMingSu's face is particularly unsightly, "Fuck, how would I know that he would really come back alive." ZhouXiang resolutely muttered, "This matter, you can't tell anyone out‐ side of this house, especially my mom. If you use this to threaten me and she finds out, I will not let you off at any costs." YanMingSu coldly snorted, "You watch too many TV dramas." He quickly regained his calmness, "I need to carefully think about this. It's too hard for me to digest this news at the moment. You guys go ahead and talk. Don't take too long, I will wait for you guys downstairs." YanMingSu opened the door and walked out. As soon as the door is closed, YanMingXiu pushed ZhouXiang to the wall and vigorously covered his lips with his lips. The two nice and warm lips melded, full of the YanMingXiu's familiar taste. ZhouXiang opened his mouth, letting the agile tongue invade his mouth, sweeping every wet corner of his oral cavity. YanMingXiu seemed to have exerted all his energy with this intense kiss, as if wanting to swallow him whole. YanMingXiu did what he had wanted to do these days. He kissed and ca‐ ressed ZhouXiang, wanting to use physical intimate contact to prove that this person belongs to him. No one can take him away. ZhouXiang gripped his shoulder and slowly pushed him away, "Okay, I didn't come about this." YanMingXiu clasped ZhouXiang's chin. Seeing ZhouXiang's pale face, he has a very bad feeling in his heart, "What happened? My brother made things hard for you?" ZhouXiang turned his face and shook his head. He started to have prob‐ lem breathing. He clearly had made a decision but couldn't say it. 779

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"Xiang Ge, what's really going on? You don't have to worry about my parents. They will eventually give in. Believe me. I will make it so that you can openly be with me without any reservation." ZhouXiang pointed at the tray of food, "Eat something, your mother made it for you." "Not eating." ZhouXiang furrowed his brows, "How long have you not eaten?" "I don't know, don't worry. I have hidden some food, won't starve to death. My mom is soft-hearted, she will persuade my dad." ZhouXiang pulled him to sit down. He couldn't help himself from gently touching YanMingXiu's emaciated face. YanMingXiu squinted his eyes at him, "Xiang Ge, are you feeling pained for me?" "Eat first." ZhouXiang picked up the bowl of porridge, "Eat." YanMingXiu furrowed his brows and look at it. Finally, with ZhouXi‐ ang's insistence, he ate the entire bowl of porridge. ZhouXiang's eyes didn't blink, as he silently watched until YanMingXiu finished eating. It's obviously that YanMingXiu had been starving for a few days. Even though he tried to suppress himself, he still ate hastily. After he finished eating, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked at ZhouXiang with embarrassment. Although he had lost a lot of weight, his flirtatious ex‐ pression still startled ZhouXiang. YanMingXiu took ZhouXiang's hand and smiled softly, "Xiang Ge, I've missed you so much. You must have called me right? My phone and computer has been confiscated." ZhouXiang nodded, "I also went to JiangYuan." "JiangYuan wouldn't have dared to say anything. Did you contact my brother or did my brother contact you?" 780

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"He contacted me." "What did he say to you?" "You should be able to guess." "Well, actually my brother is more understanding than my parents. He will definitely help us. Xiang Ge, don't worry. My dad is stubborn but my mom and brother will be able to convince him. In the end, he will definitely give in. Wait till next year, I'll take you back to my home for the New Years." YanMingXiu grinned. His brimming smile is so wide that it almost over‐ flowed. He seemed to have seen the outcome he wanted to see. ZhouXiang's lips twitched with his eyes lowered, not speaking. "Xiang Ge?" Not getting the response he expected, YanMingXiu sud‐ denly got a little anxious, "Xiang Ge, I've already gotten to this step, could it be that you still don't believe in me? I can no longer go back." ZhouXiang voiced hoarsely, "Someone came to look for ChenYing." YanMingXiu is startled. "Our matter, she knows. She asked me to return the money and condo to you. I came to find you today mainly for this matter..." "No!" YanMingXiu shouted angrily, "What are you trying to say?" ZhouXiang looked up with this eyes void, "MingXiu, I don't know in your eyes whether or not you feel that I'm incomprehensible. Why would I care so much for a woman who is not my real mother? But I really want to treat her as my real mother. You can't understand my lack of maternal love for the last twenty plus years. What it means to me? That day, some‐ one from your family came and said a few words to her. Afterward, she can't eat and can't sleep well for several days. If you continue to be like this, I don't know what your family will do to protect you. But no matter what it is, it's not something I can afford to take on." "I will protect you and protect her, I won't let..."

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"MingXiu," ZhouXiang interrupted him, "You can't even get out of this house right now." Pain rose up in YanMingXiu eyes. ZhouXiang felt that his heart had been pulled out, his lips are only auto‐ matically opening and closing saying the things that he had already pre‐ pared to say, "Let's just move on, okay? I don't hate you, all the things from the past written off with a stroke. Actually, the two of us are really not fated at all. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been tangled for two life‐ times and still not have a good ending. Right from the start, we are not from the same world. If you had told me earlier that you are from the Yan family, I would never have dared to get involved with you. If we keep on persisting like this, we'll both end up suffering. Let's just end it here and move on with our lives." YanMingXiu stared at ZhouXiang with bloodshot eyes. He didn't say anything but tightly clenched his lips, so hard that he could taste blood on his teeth. None of this is how he had imagined it to be, completely different. Why is it that he had fought so hard to get to where he is today, but ZhouXi‐ ang still could not open his heart to him? He had done so much. Could it be that it didn't matter at all to ZhouXiang? He had put his mind and all his efforts to make ZhouXiang believe in his love. He didn't think that ZhouXiang couldn't see it, but why... why do they need to end it here? Why? The thing that he, YanMingXiu wants, there is no such thing as "end it here"! ZhouXiang does not know whether doing this is right or wrong. But he felt that it would be good for everyone. YanMingXiu made him waver but he should persist with his original decision. He should not be en‐ tranced. The person he is now must be more rational compared to the person he was a few months ago. ZhouXiang's heart had never felt so confused. He could no longer make the determination himself. Rather than say he made a decision, might as well say that he is evading in making a decision. But in YanMingXiu eyes, this is merely him "maintaining his original decision." With all he had done in the last several months, still nothing has changed. Yan‐ MingXiu couldn't accept these words, couldn't accept the decision 782

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ZhouXiang brought. At a time when he is trying desperately to fight for their future, ZhouXiang actually refused to follow him. This is such big irony. ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu, seeing his bloodshot eyes and dis‐ torted expression, he didn't need YanMingXiu to open his mouth, he couldn't say anything further. He grabbed his head, having a splitting headache. YanMingXiu didn't get overly agitated. Instead, he is surprisingly calm. He asked ZhouXiang, "Xiang Ge, are you serious?" ZhouXiang didn't move. He just nodded. YanMingXiu's eyes are blood shot with no emotions visible from his frozen expression, "I haven't eaten for four to five days. Only my brother secretly gave me some bread. I'm not crazy to be doing this. I'm merely making a bet that my dad will give in. He will definitely give in. After all, I'm his son. I've thought that the hardest part would soon past, but didn't think that the most difficult problem is still with you." ZhouXiang's body trembled. "I'll tell you why I like WangYuDong. At that time, I was only sixteen. I've only just realized that I don't like women. Instead, I have feelings for men. I was very scared but at the same time very excited. I finally knew why I couldn't be like any other guys in being excited with holding girls' hands. My age is right at a time when one is especially curious about love. I'm no exception so I started to pay attention to men. One day after school, I walked passed a movie theater, the big screen outside was broadcasting the trailer of WangYuDong's very first movie. I'm sure that you have a deeper impression with that than me, because you were his stuntman." ZhouXiang paused and slowly raised his head. YanMingXiu looked at him, his eyes void, "The trailer clip broadcasted on the screen repeatedly played the most classic scene in the movie... the part of him looking back after falling into the water. I was immediately mesmerized. I've never followed any stars but I felt that this back is so breathtaking. It fulfilled and satiated all my sexual fantasies." 783

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ZhouXiang opened his mouth and looked at him incredulously. YanMingXiu continued, "So because of that, I started to be interested in him. Later, I left to go abroad. That country is very liberal. At one point, I indulged myself for a while. In fact, I rarely thought of him during this time. What I didn't expect was that he would one day become my sister's boyfriend. Do you understand that when I realize how close this piece of cake is to me, yet I can't reach out for it? This piece of cake became es‐ pecially delicious because it is the taste from all my imagination." As YanMingXiu continued to talk, tears from the corner of his eyes flowed down his face. "When I met you, I wasn't even 21 years old. I had no idea about love or what it is. I only firmly believed in one thing and always felt that it was right. I feel that I like WangYuDong so I should continue to like him. And so... I ended up ignoring you. I made a lot of mistakes, but I also paid a huge price. This huge price is something that I don't ever want to think about in my entire life. What is most ironic is that it was because of this back that I fell for WangYuDong all those years ago. But this back was actually not his." Unconsciously, ZhouXiang's eyes blurred. His eyes felt piercing pains as hot tears fell down his cheeks. YanMingXiu choked with sobs, "It was actually not his... but yours. Xi‐ ang Ge. I have always liked you. But I didn't realize it until it was too late. Everything that I've done wrong, I've received punishment. Xiang Ge, can I really not be forgiven?" ZhouXiang opened his mouth but couldn't speak. His tears flowed into his mouth; it is bitter beyond his imagination. The pain he felt is as if his heart is being pulled out, so painful that it overwhelmed him. Who is the one actually messing with them? Who determined their fate? Who is it! End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 106 - A Period of Depression ⦘

Chapter 106 - A Period of Depres‐ sion Chapter 106 -- A Period of Depression Suddenly, the door is fiercely pushed opened. A medium-sized man, looking about 60-70, full of prestige and vigor stood at the door. ZhouXiang felt that he looked familiar but his brain was still in a state of confusion. It took him three to four seconds to fully recognize that this is the person he often saw on TV. He is YanMingXiu's grandfather, a sig‐ nificant well known figure in the government, YanDeJiang. At this time, ZhouXiang didn't feel nervous. He couldn't even get himself to wipe the tears off his face as he stared at the person who had just en‐ tered. When YanMingXiu's mother saw her son's dispirited emaciated self, with tears strewn all over his face, she felt immensely pained. She tried to al‐ leviate the situation at hand, "Dad, you just came back. Got take a rest first. Leave the children's matter to us." YanDeJiang ignored her as he slowly moved his eyes from ZhouXiang's face to YanMingXiu's face. When he spoke, his voice is very slow but sounded powerfully resonating, "Crying like this, how shameful." YanMingXiu wiped his face and softly muttered, "Grandpa." "Didn't eat for how many days?" YanDeJiang glanced into the room and frowned with dissatisfaction. "Just ate," YanMingXiu stubbornly turned his face to the side. "Is not eating going to solve the problem? This same old trick, your dad had used it back then when he refused to the join the army. I was still able to make him give in." YanMingXiu didn't say anything. 785

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ZhouXiang had a bit of difficulty breathing under such high pressured situation. YanDeJiang glanced at ZhouXiang and said, "Mnnnn ... young people falling in love... as though it's a matter of life and death, isn't that stupid? If you really have the time and energy, why not go do something useful." There was not a sound in or out of the room, nobody even dared to take a deep breath. "Young man, go back. This is our family matters. Outsiders don't need to intervene." YanDeJiang said faintly as he looked at ZhouXiang. Every one of his words made ZhouXiang felt so ashamed he wanted to find a hole to crawl into. He stood up almost automatically and headed toward the door. YanMingXiu bolted from the sofa and stepped in front of ZhouXiang. Wiping his tears with his voice trembling, "You're not allowed to leave." YanDeJiang raised his voice, "You dare!" ZhouXiang wanted to push YanMingXiu away but he wasn't strong enough. He didn't dare to look at YanMingXiu's eyes. It made him feel pained. YanMingSu came over and pulled YanMingXiu aside, "Let him go back first. This won't solve the problem." "No way. Ge, I can't let him go. What am I going to do if he leaves and not come back?" YanMingXiu was still tightly gripping onto ZhouXi‐ ang's sleeve, refusing to let go. YanMingSu patted his face and lowered his voice, "Let go first (referring to ZhouXiang's sleeves). I'll help you think of a way. Let go." Everyone was looking at them. ZhouXiang felt so overwhelmed. He kept his head lowered with his ears red. His entire person felt weak and list‐ less. YanMingXiu's paranoia is a bit abnormal.

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YanMingSu had no choice but to say something in his ear. YanMingXiu deeply furrowed his brows and finally let go of his hand reluctantly. ZhouXiang pulled his arm back. With his head lowered, he rushed out of the door. YanMingXiu's mother's voice sounded behind him, "Son, you're making mom feel very hurt...." The car that picked him up was waiting downstairs. ZhouXiang rushed into the car. His tears uncontrollably streamed down his face. He leaned back in the seat and reached his hand out to cover his eyes, his tears continued to well up around his eyes. He cried quietly. He kept ask‐ ing himself. Is doing this right? Is it right or not? If it's not, then does he have the courage to go back? Even when the car arrived at the downstairs of his home, he didn't have an answer. It's just that every time he thought of leaving YanMingXiu alone there and he himself escaped, the pain in his heart felt as if it had been pierced with a knife. He didn't know how he got upstairs. After entering the home, even ChenYing's shocking expression didn't make him come back to his senses. He went straight into his room and flopped down on the bed. ChenYing's worried voice sounded from outside the door but she didn't come in. ZhouXiang closed his eyes and fell into a deep slumber. He slept very deeply. When he woke up, it was dark outside. ZhouXiang felt an excru‐ ciating migraine. It was particularly painful, as if his head is about to crack open. He sat up unsteadily and stared blankly at the darkness outside the win‐ dows. He can't see anything outside. There was nothing. "Xiang Ge... I have always liked you." "Xiang Ge... can I really not be forgiven?" "Xiang Ge...."

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In his mind, all he kept repeatedly hearing and seeing is YanMingXiu's voice and face. ZhouXiang felt that he had been possessed. His mouth is extremely dry. He walked out of his room, intending to go into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. However, as soon as he opened the door, he found the living room brightly lit. ChenYing is sit‐ ting on the sofa looking at something. Hearing movements, ChenYing turned her face and glanced at him sadly. ZhouXiang glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already passed two o'clock in the middle of the night. He forced himself to liven up but his voice is still lifeless, "Mom, how come you're not asleep?" "Ah Xiang, come here." ZhouXiang sat next to ChenYing. He thought that ChenYing would definitely ask him about what hap‐ pened today. His eyes are so swollen that it was hard to see anything. ChenYing can't possibly not notice. Unexpectedly, ChenYing didn't ask. Instead she pointed to the photo album in front of her, "This was taken when you were six years old. At that time, your father was still alive." ZhouXiang looked at her, not understanding. "If your father is not dead, I don't have to work so hard, you also don't have to work so hard." ChenYing sniffed her nose, "Ah Xiang, sometimes, I feel that it would have been better if I had just died, then I won't give you so much trou‐ ble." " "Mom, how can you say that?" ChenYing looked at him deeply, "Ah Xiang, what mom said that day is too harsh. Don't take it to heart." "I won't." "Actually, do you like him? Tell me the truth, do you like him?"

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ZhouXiang lowered his head and didn't say anything. "You like him. But could his family accept you." He already got an extremely accurate answer to this question. ZhouXi‐ ang shook his head. "You also know it yourself. So you must not be foolish to get your feet stuck in this ditch and can't pull yourself out. That would be too terrible." ZhouXiang slowly closed his eyes. --------The 7th day of the Lunar New Year was unusually long. ZhouXiang didn't go out. Every day, he just stayed home, lost in his own thoughts. CaiWei and LanXiRong called him to go out but he made some excuses to refuse them. Putting the phone near his hand, he knew he was waiting for someone to call him, but didn't know whether or not he wanted that call to come. This kind of anxiety is about to make him crazy. Having stayed home for the third day, ChenYing finally couldn't stand it anymore and handed him a mirror to look at himself. ZhouXiang glanced once. He felt that he still looked quite good. This young man is quite handsome, even if he was dejected to such an extent, he still had his charms. He wanted to laugh at himself, but the laugh is more unsightly than crying. ChenYing caressed his hair, "How come you are so foolish? As long as you like him, mom is willing to support you but mom is most afraid of seeing you in pain... most afraid of seeing you hurt." ZhouXiang took her hand and gently patted her back, "Mom. Don't worry. Who hasn't gone through a breakup in their lives? Give me some time. I'll be fine. Don't take this so seriously." He didn't know whether he is comforting ChenYing or comforting him‐ self. Only he, himself knows that he would never love any other person 789

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as he had loved YanMingXiu in his life. He had already given up a life, how could there be another person who can still make him give in to that extent. ChenYing shook her head, not knowing what to say. The phone call that ZhouXiang was waiting for never came. But instead, YanMingSu came. YanMingSu rang the doorbell to his home. The mo‐ ment ZhouXiang opened the door, the emotions in his heart is like the ocean's surging waves, almost fiercely drowning him to death. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 107 - A Brother’s Love ⦘

Chapter 107 - A Brother's Love Chapter 107 -- A Brother's Love "ZhouXiang, who is it?" ChenYing asked as she walked from the living room. When she saw the person at the door, she was shocked. YanMingSu and YanMingXiu look very much alike, but their ages and expressions are vastly different. ChenYing immediately understood, "ZhouXiang, let him in, why stand at the door?" ZhouXiang regained his senses, "Please...please come in." He welcomed YanMingSu into the house. After YanMingSu entered the home, he glanced around the small temporarily rented apartment, all his emotions hidden so deep that people could not see what he is thinking. ZhouXiang pointed to his room, "Let's talk in there." "Not yet. I have something to say to your mother first." YanMingSu turned his eyes toward ChenYing, smiling, "Auntie...hello." ChenYing looked at ZhouXiang with a baffling expression. In her eyes, the sons of the Yan family are people that are specially privileged. She is just an ordinary person so it is inevitable that she will be nervous facing YanMingSu. "Ah, he-hello, you should be Mr. Yan's older brother? You two look very much alike." YanMingSu nodded, "Auntie, you've seen MingXiu many times?" "I've seen him... seen him a few times. He is a good boy. He even helped me cook." ChenYing pointed to the sofa, "Have a seat. I'll get you a glass of water." "Auntie, don't bother. Have a seat. I have something to say to you."

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ChenYing turned her attention to ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang pulled her and sat down. He resisted the urge to ask about YanMingXiu's current condi‐ tion and decided to hear what YanMingSu wanted to say first. After YanMingSu sat down, he looked at ChenYing with sincerity, "Aun‐ tie, this time I came here to specifically apologize to you." ChenYing's eyes widened. "It was my dad's lackey who came to see you that day. My mother sent him. It's very wrong for my mother to do that but you are also a mother, I believe that you could understand her. I hope you won't take it to heart." ChenYing opened her mouth but didn't know what to say for a moment. Instead, she merely moved her hands, "It's really nothing..." "What the lackey said is also not exactly the truth. Although ZhouXiang did accept my brother's money, it was for your illness. Moreover, they do have feelings for each other. It's not how the lackey put it... that it's just a simple money transaction. I believe that you could also see the affections between them. Do you really believe that it's just what the lackey said?" ChenYing's breathing followed by a little trembling. She glanced at ZhouXiang painfully. In fact, she knew in her heart that the two young people must have feelings for each other. She could clearly see how much affections YanMingXiu have for her son. And she could also see why her son was looking so depressed and lost the past several days. ZhouXiang stared at YanMingSu the entire time, not knowing what his purpose is in telling ChenYing this. ChenYing lowered her head awkwardly, "Mr. Yan, I understand what you mean. I was too impulsive that day. I've never encountered such a thing, it's just...what is your intention in telling me all this?" ZhouXiang also wanted to ask the same question. YanMingSu smiled lightly, "This, I'll have to talk to ZhouXiang alone." ChenYing heaved a sighed, "You guys go in the room to talk then. Ah Xiang, your own matters, you should make your own decisions. I'm old,

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sometimes I get too confused. You don't have to take it to heart." ZhouXiang lowered his head and comforted her with a few words, then led YanMingSu into his room. After closing the door, he pointed to the bed, "The room is small, just sit on the bed." YanMingSu didn't sit down. Instead, he picked up the tie clip from the desk and fiddled with it. YanMingXiu left it at ZhouXiang's home the night he stayed over and ZhouXiang had been too busy to remember to give it back to him so it's just been kept on his desk. "This is MingXiu's right?" "Yes." "Before he came to see you that night, he came to see me. He asked me to help him find the best kidney disease experts." ZhouXiang still remembered that day. YanMingXiu took ChenYing out without informing him. They had an unhappy discussion. That night, YanMingXiu drove to his home to see him. It was probably the most warmly compassionate night the two have had since his rebirth. There was no resentment, no hatred or mockery as they took possession of each other in the most primitive ways, drawing warmth from each other's bod‐ ies. If time could have stopped on that night, it would have been good. YanMingSu continued, "He really cares about you. At that time, I still didn't know that you are that (older) ZhouXiang. I just felt that he was being even more foolish. After all, you are only a substitute. He wanted to find the thing he lost from a substitute. Is that even possible? But I have no choice but to watch my brother's life destroyed by a relation‐ ship... completely losing himself. The more successful he is in his career, in other peoples' eyes, he is a fitting member of the Yan family. Only I know that his heart is like a barren desert, sooner or later, his soul will follow along this barren desert and drift away."

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ZhouXiang couldn't imagine that such a serious and stern person like YanMingSu would say such emotional words. Moreover, every single word pierced his heart. "There are many things that I can help him with, such as getting connec‐ tions to people. But there are also many things that I can't help him with, such as getting him to forget about you and becoming normal again. The reason I told you stay away from him before was because I knew that he was treating you as substitute. It's no particular meaning. A substitute is a substitute. When he awakens, he will regret the stupid things he has done. I don't want to him to be so shameful in front of the family. But what I didn't realize was that you are him, you are that (older) ZhouXi‐ ang." YanMingSu sighed deeply, full of helplessness, "MingXiu's heart has never changed. The person in his heart has always been you. I really don't know how I could stop him. He has shown me with his actions that he has never forgotten about you in more than three years. Even when he didn't know whether you were dead or alive, he continued to persist. Now that you are alive and in front of him, he would definitely not give up even if someone was to kill him." ZhouXiang grabbed his other hand with his trembling hand. From the beginning till now, what he thought of most was his own pain and suffering, his own gains and losses. He never seemed to have ever paid attention to what YanMingXiu went through and did... because he didn't see it, because he wanted to evade it. He wanted to hide very far away from YanMingXiu so he refused to see... refused to think... refused to feel. If it was him and YanMingXiu's death was uncertain for three years, how would he be? Just thinking of this, a huge panic and desperation instantly enveloped ZhouXiang. Who is in more pain compared to the other is not a competition. But if it was to be compared, he and YanMingXiu, how would the winner be de‐ termined? ZhouXiang covered his eyes with his hand. The light in the room is not bright but it is so piercing that he wanted to cry. 794

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"The days since your accident, my brother's appearance is something you can't imagine. To put it harshly, after your death, he is also like a dead person. I remembered rushing back to Beijing from abroad specifically for him. When he saw me, he hugged me and cried, saying that he regret‐ ted. He said... it was only after your death that he's come to realize that he loves you. He didn't even get to tell you that. He said it was too late. My brother never cried even when he was young because my father would not allow us to cry. I've never seen him so devastated." ZhouXiang's heart gripped with pain, his eyes feverish as he forcibly tried to suppress his tears from falling. YanMingSu lowered his eyes, "Those days were particularly chaotic. For a period of three to four months, I had to run back at forth between two places. I was so busy with work but also had to take care of him and hide this from my parents. In fact, at the time, my parents knew a bit but they didn't know how grave the situation was. Later on, I invited my master, wanting him to enlighten MingXiu. Unexpectedly, after they chatted just once, he really got better. But he entered into a phase that was even more terrifying. He started to insist that you are not dead. He said that you must be too disappointed in him so you left. He wanted to become a star so that everyone could see him. One day when you see him, maybe you'll forgive him, maybe you'll come back. ZhouXiang ah, my brother has hurt you and you have also hurt him. The destiny between the both of you are really ill-fated, so much that it can't even be clarified." ZhouXiang took a deep breath; the wet crevices between his fingers are all tears. He could hardly breathe. Right... in this life they are ill-fated. No... to him, it has been two life‐ times. In both of his lifetimes, their relationship had been utterly nebu‐ lous, making them suffer immensely. But as of yet, there is still no good ending, still not knowing whether there would be that day of happiness after going through all this immense pain and suffering. He has never done anything malicious or evil, why is God making his life so difficult? "At the time, I did say that if you really came back alive, I definitely won't prevent you guys from being together. Seeing how much he has

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persisted, I certainly won't be able to stop it anyway. But I really didn't think that you would come back." YanMingSu puts the tie clip that he was fiddling with on the desk. Smacking his lips with this voice sharp and clear, "I talked to my master on the phone last night. He gave me a lesson. ZhouXiang, the fate be‐ tween you and MingXiu can't be severed. Even after you died, the King of Hell still kicked you back from diyu and also mingled back with MingXiu. Why do you think this is? Do you really think that you could escape from this? You two have long been tied together." ZhouXiang tightened the grip on his hair, his voice hoarse, "I don't know... I don't know..." "ZhouXiang, everything that I've said is mainly just to hope that my brother will live well. If he lives well, then I don't have to worry. It's not like I have nothing better to do than to help him clean up his messes. Ini‐ tially, I was very opposed to his involvement with a man. But seeing how it is at the moment, if I was to really separate the both of you, something bad might happen. So I'll persuade my parents, but what about you? You should also make your position clear, right?" ZhouXiang raised his head. It is really hard for a 1.8M tall man like him to look so pitiful. He vigorously wiped his face, his voice trembling, "I want to ask you a question." "Ask." "If you are me, what would you do?" YanMingSu touched the desk with his finger, "I will have nothing to do with the other person. No matter how you I look at it, it's not a good thing. The risk assessment is too high. It is far higher than my ability can withstand. The world is so vast. There are so many choices out there, why waste time on one that brings pain and grief?" YanMingSu glanced at ZhouXiang, "But this answer does not pertain to you, because I can do it, you can't. You love my brother. There is only a fine line between love and hate. Even if this is an ill-fated relationship between the two of you, you can't hide from it. He also won't let you hide from it." 796

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ZhouXiang let out a laughter that is harder to hear than actual crying. He laughed a few times and looked at YanMingSu with bloodshot eyes. YanMingSu smiled, "If you really don't care, this wouldn't have affected you." ZhouXiang swung his head and uttered with his voice hoarse, "Take me to see him." YanMingSu looked heedlessly out the windows and responded softly, "He's just downstairs." End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 108 - Let’s Start Over ⦘

Chapter 108 - Let's Start Over Chapter 108 Let's Start Over ZhouXiang asked unsurely, "Downstairs?" "Yeah." "He can come out?" ZhouXiang suddenly felt nervous. When he thought of YanMingXiu waiting downstairs, he felt that even going downstairs is a difficult problem. How should he face him? "My grandfather let him out. He said that two children loving and bicker‐ ing, sooner or later, they'll awaken from their senses. From the start, he doesn't believe that you guys will last. After all, MingXiu is only 24 years old. The people around his age had already changed (partners) a dozen times." YanMingSu smiled faintly, "My grandfather is very busy. He really doesn't have the time to be caring about these grandchildren af‐ fairs. He merely stepped in this time because he felt that MingXiu had gone too far. I also urged my dad. MingXiu is free for a while. However, I'm afraid that there are still many challenges in the future. The two of you must be mentally prepared. Hopefully at the time, you two don't come and bother me is good enough." ZhouXiang smiled bitterly, not knowing what else to say. YanMingSu said these words blatantly, not leaving out anything. ZhouX‐ iang was swept into it. The important thing is that YanMingXiu is down‐ stairs. He had rejected YanMingXiu many times but YanMingXiu never gave up. And he, himself have also reached his limit. He has been strug‐ gling for too long in the predicament of whether to advance or retreat. If he still don't make a decision, the first one to collapse would be him. And right now, he decided to go downstairs. Having been torturing each other for too long, ZhouXiang felt extremely exhausted. This relationship has almost changed him completely, not just 798

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on the outside but even with his state of mind. He has become vastly dif‐ ferent from the person he was before. But he still wants to be himself. If he has to go back and follow his old path to become his true self again, he is willing to make this gamble. After all, for him to give up Yan‐ MingXiu at this time, he really is...... ZhouXiang stood up and looked at himself through the glass of the book‐ case. Reflected back at him is a pale, pitiful looking face. He wiped his face with a tissue, wanting to make himself look a bit normal. He didn't want to frighten ChenYing. "I... I'm going down." "Wait, I still have something to say." "What is it?" "In case you become a part of my Yan family, don't put my mom's action to heart. It's WangYuDong fanning the fire beside her, making things sound very severe so she sent my dad's lackey to see your mom." ZhouXiang clenched his fist, "Not unusual, this surname Wang is my nemesis." "This fellow had not been too honest recently but my sister is pregnant, I can't touch him..." YanMingSu smiled, "But I still have to give him some lesson to let him know that he is not qualified to take charge of our Yan's family matters." At this time, ZhouXiang could care less about WangYuDong. Whether or not WangYuDong is dead or alive has nothing to do with him. Although WangYuDong has played an important role in both of his lives, he is def‐ initely a role that God sent to try him. Just thinking more of this, his head would hurt. He might as well not even think about it. When he opened the door to go out, ChenYing was standing in the living room, seeming to be hesitating to knock on his door. She is shocked upon seeing him come out. ZhouXiang looked at her, "Mom, YanMingXiu is just downstairs."

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ChenYing opened her mouth, unconsciously laying her hand on her chest. She sighed, "Then go on down. The weather is so cold, keep warm." ZhouXiang paused a little and then quickly opened the door and rushed downstairs. ChenYing heaved a long sigh, deepening her brows; the worries in her eyes can't be concealed. It is snowing outside. ZhouXiang wore only a thin sweater but he didn't feel cold. When he saw YanMingXiu, leaning against the car with a thin layer of frosted snow on his body, his mind became blank. YanMingXiu looked up and obviously looked a bit startled in seeing him, "Xiang ... Xiang Ge." "Why aren't you inside the car?" ZhouXiang asked softly. "I want to be closer to you," YanMingXiu is very genuine, as if doing this is a normal thing. ZhouXiang sniffed his nose, his eyes feeling pained. "How could you wear so little?" YanMingXiu asked as he started to un‐ button his coat, wanting to take it off. "Don't have to..." ZhouXiang reached out to stop him. His head uncon‐ sciously lowered, as if it couldn't bear any weight, with his voice trem‐ bling, "YanMingXiu, you say... are you smart or stupid? You say that you love me, why didn't you realize it earlier?" YanMingXiu sniffed his nose, "Very stupid." "Exactly. If you had realized earlier, we wouldn't have suffered so much." ZhouXiang covered his eyes, "You're really a bastard... Yan‐ MingXiu... It's already like this. You didn't even let me have some peace. Did you know how I've been everyd......."

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A gust of cold wind blew and ZhouXiang felt the freezing chills immedi‐ ately. The snow on the ground made crunching sounds. Very soon after, he is tightly hugged in a warm embrace. YanMingXiu wrapped his coat around him, his sobbing voice ringing next to his ear, "Xiang Ge... Xiang Ge, let's start over... forget everything from the past... let's start over." ZhouXiang also hoped that they could start over. Their encounter was not considered good but it was enough for him to remember his entire life. Now thinking of that scene, his heart beat even faster. ZhouXiang's voice sounded hoarsely, "MingXiu...would we be able to last?" "We would, Xiang Ge, you've essentially lived two lifetimes and still came back to me. This is your fate and also my fate. We would certainly be able to last." ZhouXiang whimpered, "That makes sense. Otherwise, the world so vast, why would I run into CaiWei the moment I woke up and bump into you the first day on my job? You say... this thing call fate ... is it good or bad?" Toward the end, his voice is no longer in tune. Having died once, he has become even more cautious than ever before doing anything. His first thought is always on ensuring his own safety and how he could peacefully manage his current lifestyle to not fall into the predicament of repeating the same mistakes from his previous life. But he had forgotten to ask himself, what it is that his heart desired. If he was to cast aside all his apprehensions, he really can't lie to himself. He had always ... always wanted to have an ending with YanMingXiu. This was what he most intensely wished for before. Until now, it hasn't changed because this wish had never been realized. It was the greatest regret in his past life. YanMingXiu hugged him tightly. ZhouXiang could feel the hot tears soaking his clothes and burning his shoulders. He could no longer sup‐ press himself and reached his arms out to hug YanMingXiu. He still re‐ membered how it felt to embrace YanMingXiu. Just like how it had al‐ ways been... this made his heart beat erratically, made him nervous, made him hug tighter, not wanting to let go.

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"YanMingXiu. LaoZi will make a gamble with you this time. If I lose again, then... that is just my life, I'll fucking admit it." YanMingXiu's heart is filled with many emotions ... joy, sadness, help‐ lessness, resentment, happiness, sorrow, and panic. All these emotions collided... constantly expanding and deforming, as if in the next second it will burst. He felt himself stepping on soft clouds; perhaps taking a step forward might still be heaven or maybe he'll fall into an endless hell. He held tightly, very tightly onto ZhouXiang. Afraid that if he was to let go, everything in front of him is just a dream. He had waited for this day for more than three years. He once thought that it would never come true. He had floated in despair, holding on to this bit of obsessive persistence to this day. No one could understand the immense pain of frantically longing for someone but not knowing where he's at, or whether he is dead or alive. If ZhouXiang didn't come back alive, he couldn't imagine how he could have lived on. Fortunately, fortunately he could once again embrace this person. They are still young. He has a long time to heal ZhouXiang's wounds, to re-es‐ tablish their trust and feelings.. to return back to their past. He will never let go. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 109 - Be With Him to the End ⦘

Chapter 109 - Be With Him to the End Chapter 109 -- Be With Him to the End The clothes on ZhouXiang were not suitable for the snow weather. After a short while, his entire body shivered and his lips turned blue. Yan‐ MingXiu pulled him into the car and spoke with a heavy nasal sound, "How could you come down wearing so little?" ZhouXiang responded embarrassingly with a bit of nervousness, "I heard that it's not cold when it's snowing." "Nonsense, no matter what, it's still below zero." YanMingXiu turned the car's heater to the highest. He caressed ZhouXiang's face with his frozen fingers, showing a crying and laughing expression. But even with him showing such a strange expression, he still made people felt touched end‐ lessly. ZhouXiang embarrassingly turned his head to the side. YanMingXiu gripped his chin and melded their lips, gently kissing him. ZhouXiang starred at YanMingXiu's eyelashes in close proximity, mov‐ ing like swaying fans; it is especially captivating. YanMingXiu winked, "I'm going to stay here (in ZhouXiang's room) tonight." ZhouXiang still felt a bit awkward, "No, go back with your brother." "Will you move back?" YanMingXiu looked straight at him, his eyes full of expectations. ZhouXiang nodded and shook his head, "I can't. I have to take care of my mom."

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YanMingXiu uttered, "We can live together. We can move into the home at SanHuan. I can take care of her along with you." ZhouXiang thought for a moment, "Forget it. My mom's personality is not one who likes to trouble others." "But I want to live with you," YanMingXiu lightly frowned. ZhouXiang's mind is in chaos, "Let's talk about this later." YanMingXiu pressed ZhouXiang onto the car's door and expressed his dissatisfaction with a lingering kiss. Bang! Bang! Suddenly loud banging noise sounded from atop their heads, starling the two. ZhouXiang immediately sat up straight and his head severely slammed into the windows, hitting it so hard that he is seeing stars. YanMingXiu pulled him forward and softly smiled, "Got you so scared?" He wiped the fog off the window and saw YanMingSu standing outside of the car, looking at them helplessly. ZhouXiang pushed him away and got out of the car, "I am going to go up first." ZhouXiang is not an easily embarrassed person, but now he is actually somewhat embarrassed. He didn't know how to face YanMingXiu. He needed to sort out his thoughts and think of how to handle ChenYing and YanMingXiu's relationship in the future, and with his career, and how to explain to CaiWei and the others. All in all, just thinking about this is enough to give him a headache. YanMingXiu's eyes fixated on ZhouXiang's back until he disappeared into the stairway before he turned his gaze back. Seeing his useless younger brother, YanMingSu could only sigh, "Are you satisfied now?" YanMingXiu smiled, his smiled tinged with a bit of inexplicable sorrow, "He really do still have feelings for me." 804

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"Then why don't you go tell him yourself?" "He is very resistant to me, especially with the feeling of taking the same path from before. When you're on a path and the end is a cliff, you cer‐ tainly won't want to take it a second time." YanMingXiu looked up to‐ ward ZhouXiang's lighted room, his expression absorbed and persistent, "But I want him to be by my side at all times, advancing and retreating together, no matter what the end is." "Then, the thing you promised grandfather and our parents, how long are you going to be able to hide that?" YanMingSu's expression is a bit seri‐ ous. YanMingXiu's eyes turned gloomy, his ordinary expression concealing unspeakable pain, "I don't know, but... if I don't grasp firmly onto him at this time, he will leave me at a time when I'm most helpless. If I didn't appear here today, he will hesitate again tomorrow. Ge, he lost his par‐ ents when he was 8 years old. In fact, he lacked security more than any‐ one else. If I can't make him feel at ease, he will choose the most rational way to protect himself. His so-called rational way is one that I can't ac‐ cept." "Your own choice, I have nothing to say. But remember... once your lies are exposed, I'm gonna see how you're going to deal with it." YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and didn't answer. He can't consider the consequences. Nothing can be worse than ZhouXi‐ ang's leaving him at this time. He needed to firmly trap ZhouXiang so that he can't leave him no matter what happens. ----After ZhouXiang went upstairs, he thought that ChenYing would say something to him. Unexpectedly, ChenYing didn't say anything, merely telling him to go to bed early. After ZhouXiang returned to his room, he flopped down on the bed heavily. His heart continued to beat erratically, for everything that had just happened ... for the past ... for YanMingXiu.

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ZhouXiang asked himself, even though he doesn't know what would happen in the future, would he continue to live on being confused and foolish? The corner of his mouth moved, revealing a somewhat warmly smile. If he was to be with YanMingXiu, being confused and foolish moving forward is worth a try. Thinking about everything that had happened in the past, ZhouXiang un‐ consciously fell asleep. In the middle of the night, his phone rang. He touched the phone and squinted his eyes at the screen. Again, it is YanMingXiu's call. Almost out of reflex, he bolted off the bed and opened the curtains to look down‐ stairs. Sure enough, YanMingXiu and his car are downstairs. Yan‐ MingXiu even poked his head out of the car and waved at him. ZhouXiang connected the call, "Why are you being crazy again?" YanMingXiu felt very grieved, "I said that I wanted to sleep with you but you don't want to." "I've said that I don't want to and you're still not leaving?" "I've also said that I want to be a bit closer to you." "Fine, with you calling in the middle of the night, you think I don't un‐ derstand what you want?" "Then, can I go upstairs?" ZhouXiang hesitated for two seconds and sighed, "Come up then." He quietly opened the door and pulled YanMingXiu in. ZhouXiang's room is small, and it's hot, hotter than in the car. Yan‐ MingXiu took off his sweater as soon as he entered, wearing only a tank top. ZhouXiang narrowed his eyes and looked at him. YanMingXiu pulled him on the bed, "I know you're not in the mood. We're just going to sleep, just sleep."

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ZhouXiang heaved a sigh and lay back on the bed. YanMingXiu took off his pants and climbed into the bed and got under the blanket, tightly hugging ZhouXiang. The room is so quiet that they could only hear each other's breathing. "MingXiu. "Mnnnnn?" "You remember what it was like when we first met?" YanMingXiu is silent. Of course he remembered the first time they met. He had mistakenly thought that ZhouXiang's back was WangYuDong's back. This is not something worth mentioning. It is a forbidden topic be‐ tween them because of the things that happened after. "Hey, why aren't you talking? Could you have forgotten? I was doing a martial arts scene as WangYuDong's stuntman and you thought I was him and even hugged me from behind." YanMingXiu said solemnly, "I remember." YanMingXiu treating ZhouXiang as WangYuDong's substitute is a life‐ time knot for ZhouXiang. It is also something that made YanMingXiu feel very ashamed every time he thought of it. But ZhouXiang felt that he if could just freely bring it up himself like this, perhaps one day, he could completely let it go. "Did you know what I thought of when I saw you?" "What?" "I was thinking...if I could do it (sex) with you just once, then anything is worth it." YanMingXiu laughed, "Really?" "Really." "What about now?" 807

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ZhouXiang is silent for a long while, "Now, it's not just once but every‐ thing has changed." YanMingXiu didn't say anything. He just embraced him tighter. ZhouXiang whined softly and sighed, "It would be best if we could go back to the past." ----YanMingXiu left before the sky brightened. After all, it would be embar‐ rassing for ChenYing so see him again. However, he came again at past 9 o'clock in the morning and said that he would take ChenYing to see a doctor. ZhouXiang remembered that he had mentioned contacting a good nephrologist last time. It was about treating the illness. It is best not to delay it. ZhouXiang advised ChenYing to go right now. ChenYing is hesitant because she is worried about money issues. Yan‐ MingXiu could see her concerns and said softly, "Auntie, between Xiang Ge and I, there are no difference between what we have. His matters are my matters. You being so stubborn will only make him feel pained, mak‐ ing it harder for yourself." ZhouXiang is in no position to speak. After all, he still needed to use YanMingXiu's money. This is really not a glorious thing. He can only look at ChenYing anxiously, hoping that she would understand. ChenYing couldn't stand see her son feeling so pained. Although she felt that her face is hot, she could only follow the two of them downstairs. YanMingXiu took her to a private hospital in Beijing. There is a promi‐ nent expert on kidney disease in China who is in partnership with the hospital. Sometimes she will come here to provide consultations. ZhouXiang brought all of ChenYing's medical information, his heart full of hope. After arriving at the hospital, ChenYing had a few routine examinations. The doctor led two apprentices to study ChenYing's condition and re‐ 808

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 109 - Be With Him to the End ⦘

quested that she stay in the hospital for a few days so that they could fur‐ ther observe her and try to determine the best treatment plan within the weeks' time. ChenYing is not willing to stay in the hospital but decided to with the doctor's examination and ZhouXiang's persuasion. After the nurse took her to the ward, the doctor said to ZhouXiang and YanMingXiu, "With her condition, it best to have a kidney transplant. You can start looking for a kidney donor now." Coming out of the hospital, ZhouXiang kept thinking silently. YanMingXiu squeezed his palm, "Xiang Ge, this is indeed a very diffi‐ cult task but there are so many Chinese people, we can search online. Don't think too much. Even if you can't find a kidney donor, as long as she follows her treatment, many people with uremia can live for a decade or two." ZhouXiang smiled, "I understand but don't tell her about this. Wait until there is a donor first. I don't want to give her any hope that won't come true. I am afraid that the old lady won't be able to bear it." "I understand." YanMingXiu smiled and glanced at him, "Xiang Ge, let's go to WangJiaWang supermarket near our home to buy some hot pot in‐ gredients. They have the beef balls you like to eat. Let's have hot pot tonight, okay? "" "Okay, Let's go. Haven't eaten it in a long time." YanMingXiu felt a piercing pain in his heart as he bitterly smiled, "Yeah, haven't eaten it in a long time..." End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 110 - Having Hot Pot At Home ⦘

Chapter 110 - Having Hot Pot At Home Chapter 110 -- Having Hot Pot At Home The nearby supermarket was where they most frequently shopped before when they were living together. It's not very big but is close to home and the varieties of products were sufficient. There was a 7-eleven and 24hour porridge shop next to the supermarket. Before, when they got hun‐ gry at night, they would come down to have some midnight snacks. Specifically, ZhouXiang is usually the one to come downstairs to buy their midnight snacks. The two pushed the cart through the various rows of shelves to pick the items. YanMingXiu's habits are the same as before, throwing whatever he wanted into the cart, whether or not it is something they would use. Sometimes, ZhouXiang would pick it up and put it back when he wasn't paying attention. At that time, ZhouXiang wouldn't let YanMingXiu see him do it because not only would YanMingXiu put it back, he would ac‐ tually grab a few and throw it back into the cart in protest. ZhouXiang never got angry. Instead he felt that YanMingXiu's naive behavior was very adorable. At the time, everything YanMingXiu did was charming, even if he was being an overbearingly bully that constantly lose his temper, there is that distinctive flavor. Now YanMingXiu's habits still hasn't changed, grabbing anything that he saw pleasing to his eyes. And still, ZhouXiang have the patience to talk it over with him, "This cabbage kale doesn't look to fresh, let's change to another." YanMingXiu took out the veggie thrown into the cart and looked at it. Surely, it didn't look very fresh, "Oh, you choose then." ZhouXiang picked and chose a few bunch of vegetables, then grabbed the few that he felt are good into to the cart.

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YanMingXiu's hand was on the cart. Unknowing whether it is intentional or not, he gently put his hand on top of ZhouXiang's hand and turned his head to smile softly at him. His smile so wide that his eyes turned cres‐ cent shaped, looking very beautiful. ZhouXiang couldn't help but laughed, "What are you laughing at?" YanMingXiu kneaded his fingers, "I haven't strolled like this with you in a supermarket for a long time." "You use to complain that the supermarket smelled bad." YanMingXiu smiled faintly "With you by my side, everywhere is good." ZhouXiang suppressed his smile, "When did you learn to talk like this? We're out in public. Be careful...mindful of your image." YanMingXiu couldn't help but lean against him and used his shoulder to bump ZhouXiang's shoulder. Even if it is such a simple touch, he felt very content. ZhouXiang also has not experienced this for a long time, his entire body felt warm and light as a feather. There is no longer that lingering reclu‐ siveness and oppression that can't be ridden of. The burden in his body dissipated, with this person shouldering his burden along with him, he won't have to carry so much pressure and decision on his own. He made a decision and this decision made him feel at ease, that is enough. To be able to be with YanMingXiu like this makes him feel very com‐ fortable. Even if he had gone through such torment and suffering, this is actually what he still wanted most. Since he can't change his true nature, he could only accept his fate. The two people chatted leisurely while shopping. The mood is incompa‐ rably harmonious. YanMingXiu could already foresee into the future of their ordinarily peaceful and beautiful lives. After buying the hot pot ingredients, the two went home with three big bags.

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ZhouXiang skillfully prepared the hot pot ingredients while YanMingXiu turned on the electric stove to cook the hot pot broth. The two circled back and forth in the small kitchen and dining table, busy with their tasks. From time to time, they would bump into each other just by turn‐ ing their bodies and would end up smiling at each other. In less than half an hour, the hot pot broth is ready. ZhouXiang threw in the uncooked ingredients first. The two surrounded the little hot stove and ate happily. Having a small home does have its benefits. Just turning on the heater for a short time, adding on the heat from the hot pot, they are already sweat‐ ing profusely in just a short time, needing to remove their tops, leaving just their tank tops. The two gossiped about the entertainment circle. In the past, ZhouXiang would rack his brain for topics to talk to YanMingXiu. After all, there were no commonalities in their daily lives and habits. But now they have many common topics. The things that YanMingXiu knew are not less, all of it coming from the JiangYuan's big mouth chatting away in the car. He never really cared but ZhouXiang likes to hear about it so he's enjoyed telling him. The two chat and ate. The atmosphere is very good. At this time, YanMingXiu's cell phone suddenly rang. He took it out and glanced, the smile on his face stiffened. Upon seeing the name on the phone, he hung up without hesitation. ZhouXiang raised his eyebrow, not knowing what was happening, but he felt that it was a call from WangYuDong, so he blurted out, "WangYuDong?" YanMingXiu faintly responded, "Yeah, ignore it. Let's eat." After saying that, he turned off his phone. ZhouXiang curled his lips, "Just answer it, it's nothing." YanMingXiu shook his head, "Not answering, waste of time."

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ZhouXiang glanced at him deeply, then heaved a sigh. He can't help but laughed twice. "What?" "It just felt like I've vented some anger. For so many years, I've been trampled on by WangYuDong. Now that there is this day that you, Yan‐ MingXiu, actually won't pick up his call because of me, it feels pretty good." ZhouXiang put down his bowl and took a big gulp of his ice cold beer, laughing loudly, "Feels really great!" YanMingXiu smiled and then said seriously, "He can't be compared to you." ZhouXiang grabbed the bottle of liquor and filled his glass, "Come on. Bottoms up." He thought, in this relationship, he could be considered as achieving success right? In his past or present life, be in or out of his ca‐ reer, he had always been WangYuDong's substitute. It was like that in his relationship and also like that in his job. This feeling of grievance and humiliation is such a burden that it can bend a person's back. But now there is finally that day when he can hold his head up high and be proud and happy. Irrespective of work, at least in his relationship, he no longer loses to WangYuDong. The substitute does have a day to become the lead. At this time, it's best to heartily have a drink, mixing all the grievances with the liquor, gulp it down and get rid of it. YanMingXiu followed along to toast with him. ZhouXiang put down the glass, wiped his mouth with the napkin and smiled, "But why is he really looking for you? Asking you to do some‐ thing for him? Tell me to make me happy." YanMingXiu tried to lighten it, "Borrow money." "Is it still the same matter from last time?" "You haven't lent it to him yet?"

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"He kissed up to the wrong people." YanMingXiu coldly groaned, "My parents don't handle the finances. What use is it for him to babble stuff to my mom?" "But regardless, he's still your brother-in-law, you're really not caring?" The corners of YanMingXiu's mouth rose up in a smile, "For me to spend the money, there is a condition." His eyes flashed a glimmer of light, seeming to be calculating something in his heart. This look made ZhouXiang felt a bit unease. This YanMingXiu is indeed very ruthless. Thinking of how much he used to like WangYuDong back in those years, once the feelings are no longer there, he could completely cast away all those sentimental feel‐ ings. Although ZhouXiang felt that this kind of thing should not be com‐ pared, there is still that gloominess shadow in his heart. YanMingXiu seems to have guessed what he is thinking. He stood up, crossed the table and quickly kissed him, firmly saying, "Xiang Ge, you are different from anyone else. I will always be good to you." ZhouXiang smiled, "Let's hope that's how it'll always be. Who can be too sure?" YanMingXiu frowned, "Xiang Ge, don't think too much about it. I just want to give him a lesson so that he won't dare to say too much in the fu‐ ture." ZhouXiang joked, "I know. Regardless of how you teach him your les‐ son, I'm happy to see, remember to live-broadcast it at any time." YanMingXiu laughed along. Although ZhouXiang had long hoped for WangYuDong to be down on his luck, his attention to this matter had dampened a lot. Perhaps, be‐ cause when he was facing WangYuDong in the past, he can't beat him in anything so his spirit of competing to win is particularly strong. But when he had finally won the thing he most wanted, the jealousy and ha‐ tred he had for WangYuDong is essentially gone because he no longer cared. No matter what happens to WangYuDong, whether he's dead or alive, he no longer cared anymore. He only cared on how to live a better

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life and how to maintain his current life for a long, long time. Therefore, he didn't care how YanMingXiu would handle this matter with WangYuDong, whether or not he would loan him money, it is not his own money. Regardless of what he thinks, WangYuDong is undoubtedly the son-in-law of the Yan family. In the end, he felt that YanMingXiu would still help him. He didn't want YanMingXiu to feel any mental bur‐ den with this due to him so he appeasingly muttered, "This is your fam‐ ily matter, deal with it however way you want, you don't need to worry about me. Whatever happens to WangYuDong, I really don't care. I'm not as petty as you think." YanMingXiu understood what he meant. His heart eased up a bit, "Xiang Ge, I won't give anyone the chance to hurt you again." ZhouXiang laughed, "Are you really trying to raise me like a canary (a weakling). I'm naturally a raven (strong). You don't have to be like this. We can just be like before, okay?" YanMingXiu also smiled at ease, "Okay. We'll just like before." To return to how their lives were before is their greatest wish. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 111 - The Chat With CaiWei ⦘

Chapter 111 - The Chat With Cai‐ Wei Chapter 111 -- The Chat With CaiWei The next morning, ZhouXiang made ChenYing breakfast and brought it over to her at the hospital. He stayed with her for half an hour before go‐ ing to the company. In the afternoon, he helped CaiWei prepare for a bidding meeting relat‐ ing to renovating materials for a film studio. Because this involves a con‐ tract that is more than seven million yuan and CaiWei was too busy and couldn't attend, he could only be at ease in sending ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang is naturally obligated. He spent the afternoon getting an un‐ derstanding of the several bidding companies and then went with a few others to discuss the conditions for the winning bid. In the evening, CaiWei came back after finishing his work and insisted on treating them to a meal. ZhouXiang thought of the person at home so he gave YanMingXiu a call to inform him that he won't be coming back for dinner tonight. Unexpectedly, YanMingXiu didn't answer the phone. ZhouXiang didn't give it too much thought and instead happily went to dinner with CaiWei. It is inevitable to have a few drinks during a meal. The group of people drank a bit. CaiWei didn't drink because he had to meet with clients later in the night. After the meal, CaiWei wanted to take ZhouXiang home. ZhouXiang felt that this will be a bit embarrassing. After all, if CaiWei took him home, it would mean that CaiWei would know that he had moved back to his own home. And the only reason he could move back need not be elaborated (T/N).

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T/N: it means that CaiWei would know that ZhouXiang has reconciled with YanMingXiu. After all, YanMingXiu has ownership of that house. However, being his best buddy, CaiWei would know sooner or later so ZhouXiang didn't reject his offer. After getting into the car, he gave the address to his condo. CaiWei had just started the car; his foot instantly shift from the accelerator to the brakes making ZhouXiang's entire body propelled forward, almost slamming into the windshield. CaiWei looked at him in shock, "You... you moved back?" This move quickly sobered him up. ZhouXiang almost immediately had no feeling of being drunk. He nodded, "Yeah, moved back." "Then... then what about YanMingXiu?" ZhouXiang sighed and smiled, "He also lives with me." "What do you mean? Have you guys really reconciled?" ZhouXiang touched his nose and softly responded, "Wei Ge, I don't know if you can understand or not. I've also been confused for a long but it seems that our fates have been determined." "I really can't fucking understand at all," CaiWei slammed his hands on the steering wheel, seeming to be quite dissatisfied, "Have you forgotten what he did to you before? No matter what, he indirectly killed you, how can you just get back together with him? Moreover, is the surname Yan from an ordinary family? Will his family accept you? Or are you saying that you're willing to continue playing this underground love affair?" ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "Everything you've said, I've not forgotten. He also hasn't forgotten. I just think that when I'm suffering, he also can't be any better. When I think of this, he's not so hateful. Moreover, right now he truly treats me genuinely. I can tell. As for his family.....Wei Ge, I really don't know what to do. We'll just go day by day." "ZhouXiang, I see that you will regret one day." ZhouXiang rubbed his eyes. He could only force a smile, "Wei Ge, don't curse me. I don't even know what I should do. I don't think that my IQ is

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this low but when I run into these kinds of things, I feel so fucked up. You know, sometimes when I think of the things that happened from the past, I get so pissed that I want to punch him. But when I see him cry, I also feel pained." "Fucking crazy." CaiWei glanced at him fiercely then turned to restart the car. "If you lose yourself again, I won't fucking give a care about you." ZhouXiang's eyes fell onto the streets outside the windows and depress‐ ingly responded, "If I lose again, then that's just my life." CaiWei drove ZhouXiang to the downstairs of his home. ZhouXiang opened the car door and was going to get out. Suddenly he turned his head and asked, "Wei Ge, you want to come up and sit for a while?" ZhouXiang looked at him quietly, "You haven't been to my place for a long time." CaiWei wanted to tell him "fuck no" but seeing ZhouXiang's expression, he couldn't say it. He responded in a bad mood, "Another day." ZhouXiang nodded and was about to get off the car. CaiWei immediately grabbed his arm. ZhouXiang bent his body, "Wei Ge?" CaiWei sighed, "Get in. I still have something to say." ZhouXiang sat back in the car. CaiWei thought for a moment, "Since you're willing to start over with him, I'll also say a few impartial words. This guy YanMingXiu is nothing special but towards you.... his feelings are likely genuine." CaiWei took out a cigarette and lit it, then opened a slit of the car's window, "At the time of your accident, the search and rescue team would reasonably search for just a week, at most two weeks. YanMingXiu rushed to GuangXi and got connection to somebody and ended up forcing the res‐ cue team to search for more than a month. This is not typical. The search and rescue team wasn't even owned by his family. I was also there at the time and wanted to urge him but YanMingXiu was extremely unrelent‐

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ing. It was as though he had gone crazy, looking nothing like what he used to be. If you see him, you also won't feel that he's the same person." ZhouXiang lowered his eyes; his heart trembled slightly. This... he had heard intermittently from other people's mouths. Although he didn't see it with his own eyes but from these fragments, he could feel YanMingXiu's desperation and hopelessness at that time. If only he could switch places with YanMingXiu, he would be able to experience what kind of immense pain it would be to not know whether the person you love is dead or alive. Therefore, he really can't continue to hate YanMingXiu because Yan‐ MingXiu had already received his punishment. "It was only at this time that XiRong and I dared to believe that he really has feelings for you. Otherwise just an accident alone could not destroy a person like that." CaiWei tapped the cigarette ash out of the window. A gush of cold wind blew through the window slit, blowing the ash back inside and fragments into ZhouXiang's nose. He wrinkled his nose, from his nasal cavity to the rim of his eyes, all of it making him feel grieved. "This is all I have to say. Since you want to be with him, then just seri‐ ously start over again. Although I'm not optimistic about you guys, but who can say? Maybe lovers can really have a happy ending. Since I can see that you haven't given up even after dying once, you're utterly hope‐ less." ZhouXiang sighed, "That's just the way it is." "Okay, get the fuck out." CaiWei patted his head, "Dumb idiot. Even got younger after dying, lucky you." ZhouXiang laughed and turned to go upstairs. After ZhouXiang got home, YanMingXiu still hadn't yet returned. He didn't know what YanMingXiu could be busy with. Sitting on the sofa in the living room, he carefully looked around every‐ where, at every corners of this home. YanMingXiu's traces are every‐ where. He sat and thought of everything between them. It was as if noth‐

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ing had happened, but the reality is that everything that did happen is ir‐ reparable. He swung his head a few times, not wanting to think anymore. He got up and took a shower and went to sleep early. Sleeping into the middle of the night, the room's door was opened. "MingXiu?" ZhouXiang muttered. "It's me." YanMingXiu removed his clothes and simply jumped into the bed. ZhouXiang was lying flat on his belly. YanMingXiu pressed directly on his back with his breathing a bit heavy. He smelled a bit like liquor. "Hey? Did you drink? Or is it me..l.can't be... I've taken a shower....You drank?" "Yeah" "With who?" "......My dad." ZhouXiang turned over and tried desperately to discern YanMingXiu's face in the dark but he could hardly see anything. He could only see Yan‐ MingXiu's intoxicated eyes. "Are you okay?" "Xiang Ge, no matter what happens, will you stay with me?" "What's going on?" "Promise me." "Promise you what?" "Promise me that you won't leave me no matter what happens."

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"What is really wrong with you?" ZhouXiang is not use to a Yan‐ MingXiu who had drank alcohol. YanMingXiu's alcohol tolerance is very bad. Every time he gets drunk, he could create problems for him. The most unforgettable and profound time was the night of WangYuDong's engagement to his sister. He was drunk and was lying in bed calling out WangYuDong's name. That time made him disgusted, so he had had always felt unsettled with YanMingXiu's drinking. "Xiang Ge, I can't leave you. I really can't leave you." YanMingXiu pulled tightly onto ZhouXiang's waist, "Why are you so good to me? I treated you so bad before." Starting to talking nonsense... ZhouXiang is helpless. He wanted to push YanMingXiu away but he is like a snake wrapping tightly around him, not letting him go no matter what. YanMingXiu suddenly said with sobbing tone, "Xiang Ge, you must not leave me." ZhouXiang sighed, "Fine. I won't leave you. Let me go first okay? I can hardly breathe." Once YanMingXiu heard his words, he slid down from ZhouXiang but still didn't let go. He was like a child who lacked a sense of security. Arching his head into ZhouXiang's embrace until he found a position that put him at ease, he fell into a deep asleep. ZhouXiang went to bed too early, with YanMingXiu's ordeal just now, he actually couldn't fall sleep. YanMingXiu's even breathing sounded in his ears. ZhouXiang's arms on his waist also unconsciously tightened. End of the chapter

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Chapter 112 - YanFei Came to Find ZhouXiang Chapter 112 -YanFei Came to Find ZhouXiang T/N: I have to say, some parts of this story seems so predictable. Many of you made very accurate assumptions throughout, hence my lack of comment response, as I wouldn't know what to say without revealing too much. The next morning YanMingXiu was still asleep when ZhouXiang woke up. He needed to meet up with someone today from the TV studio that Yan‐ MingXiu had introduced to him to for a series of preparations before shooting. The movie requires him to practice horse riding and also lose some weight to fit the image of the protagonist so he got up early to get ready to go. After he came out from taking a shower, YanMingXiu seemed to have woken up. He rolled over and even stretched his hand to pull onto some‐ thing (referring to subconsciously grabbing onto ZhouXiang). Seeing his movements, ZhouXiang felt that it is especially funny. In the next second, YanMingXiu opened his eyes and looked around the bed. After seeing ZhouXiang, wrapped in a bath towel standing at the door, he finally felt relieved. ZhouXiang smiled, "Your sleeping is really lewd." YanMingXiu turned over, "Not comfortable..." "Who told you to drink?" ZhouXiang poured a glass of water and pulled him up, "Have some water, even your voice is hoarse...." YanMingXiu didn't reach out for it but instead bit the edge of the glass so ZhouXiang could only feed it to him. 822

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After drinking the water, YanMingXiu reached out and grabbed his waist. The fragrant smell of the body wash on ZhouXiang is very good. YanMingXiu couldn't help but moved close to smell him as he mumbled, "You need to go out?" "Yah, I've to leave after eating. You can just heat it up to eat when you get up." "Where you going?" "The studio people called me to go over to do some preparations for the movie, saying that I need to learn how to ride horses and also need me to lose some weight. I think that I'm already thin enough but they need an even leaner look." ZhouXiang smiled helplessly. He patted Yan‐ MingXiu's head, "Let go, I have to leave." YanMingXiu rubbed his short, stubble chin on ZhouXiang's warm and bare abs, and then reluctantly let go. ZhouXiang especially wanted to laugh. He felt that he is not even like this when he was 24 years old. How can YanMingXiu act like such a kid? "Remember to eat, if it cold then just heat it up." He changed into his clothes and left. ----After meeting the people in the studio, he was taken to a racecourse where a professional trainer is to train him on horse-riding. For this role, he would also have to do some dangerous stunts while on a horse. The scene is said to be only three to four minutes of the entire movie, but it is especially important. The studio people requested that he must practice. ZhouXiang had ridden on horses with his colleagues in KangXi grass‐ lands before but it was merely for fun. At that time, his salary was not high and he felt that this activity was too expensive so he came down af‐ ter ten minutes. Before, he didn't feel that it was that tiring sitting on the horse's back. When he was sitting, he didn't feel much. He didn't expect that after sitting for half an hour, both of his legs couldn't stand straight and he could hardly walk.

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Fortunately, the trainer didn't make it hard for him. He arranged a train‐ ing schedule for him, giving him enough time to adjust. ZhouXiang spent the entire afternoon in the racecourse. It wasn't until af‐ ter 5pm that a studio employee took him home. When ZhouXiang got out of the car, he realized that a large Jeep with a military license plate was parked downstairs. It is particularly eye-catch‐ ing. He felt that this jeep looked familiar. The jeep's window is suddenly rolled down and a head wearing a mili‐ tary cap poked out from the driver's position. This driver glanced at him and then shrank his head back. Following, the man got out of the car and marched toward him, "Are you comrade ZhouXiang?" "Yes." ZhouXiang remembered this was the vehicle he saw when he went to YanMingXiu's house last time. Although he didn't remember the license plate number, the car definitely looked like this. "Chief wants to see you." ZhouXiang's heart tightened. He looked toward the vehicle but couldn't see anything, "Which... which one?" This officer headed to the back of the car and opened the door to quickly tell the person inside something. After a while, the person inside the car stepped out. It is YanMingXiu's father. ZhouXiang didn't know what the intent is on this day. He had checked his (YanMingXiu) father's news on the Internet and found his name in a bunch of dazzling military merits. His name is YanFei. ZhouXiang's hand in his pocket started sweating. He really wanted to call YanMingXiu to quickly come back but the other party will definitely not give him this chance. Otherwise, he (YanFei) would not have come looking for him when YanMingXiu is not here. This is directed at him. Of all the people that ZhouXiang's had come in contact with in his life thus far, the highest is President Wang. He had never dealt with anyone

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from the military. And looking at YanFei's serious and rigid face, think‐ ing about his attitude towards this matter, ZhouXiang is somewhat terri‐ fied. He calmed himself down a bit then politely bowed to YanFei, "Yan..." How should he address him? ZhouXiang thought that this is Yan‐ MingXiu's father after all. Addressing him too formally didn't seem quite right but too endearingly is inviting trouble for himself. YanFei waved his hand and didn't give him time to think about it, "Bring me upstairs, I want to take a look." "Upstairs?" "Yes, the place that you live with him." ZhouXiang is dumbfounded. He remained stiffened in place for a few seconds before gripping the keys in his pocket tightly and led the way. After YanFei entered the condo, he stood at the entrance and glanced around the home, "You guys live here?" ZhouXiang didn't care whether or not he was satisfied with this place. It wasn't like he was the one living here. He nodded frankly. "It's doable, it's good to be a bit simple." YanFei took a step into the liv‐ ing room but suddenly remembered that he was still wearing his shoes so he took a step back to put on a pair of slippers before stepping into the home. "Have a seat." When ZhouXiang was gesturing for him to seat, YanFei had already sat down. His eyes were still looming around. It seems that he could not be‐ lieve his son would live here. ZhouXiang poured two cups of hot water and put it on the table before sitting next to YanFei. YanFei glanced at him, "How old are you this year?" "27." 825

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"You're four years older than MingXiu?" ZhouXiang thought... actually not just 4 years. Using his original age, he is 9 years older. YanFei shook his head, "I really don't know what young people are thinking these days. Following a fashionable trend? Looking for excite‐ ment?" ZhouXiang faintly responded, "We are just like any ordinary people, looking for a significant other, falling in love." "Nonsense, how can two men be considered a couple? Can fall in love? If that is possible, the human race would have been extinct long ago." YanFei's volume is not loud but it is particularly profound and powerful, seeming to carry some kind of invisible intimidation. His few words have made ZhouXiang's scalp go numb. He forcefully smiled, "Yan... Uncle Yan, no matter how absurd you find this to be, it is also a choice we have made through countless pressures. I don't believe that in your eyes, you would believe that we are merely fol‐ lowing a fashionable trend or seeking excitement. You know that MingXiu is serious, I ... I am too." YanFei snorted, "Two men together. Do you know how shameful that is? How are you guys going to have children?" ZhouXiang very uncomfortably rubbed his hands, "If we have that thought in the future, we could adopt one..." "Adopt one? Is our Yan family not able to have children? Why the need to adopt one? After the adopted child grows up, will it really care for you, take care of you in old age?" ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "If you have something to say, just say it directly." "Hearing what you said, it's obvious that MingXiu had not told you." ZhouXiang's lips trembled a bit, "Told... told me what? "

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"He promised me that he would get married and give me a grandchild." The light on the top of YanFei's head is very bright, but in front of ZhouXiang's eyes, it is turning black. So the reason YanMingXiu was able to be free is because he promised his father this? YanMingXiu, you really wouldn't be trying to hit two birds with one stone in such a convenient way right? ZhouXiang's voice shook, "This, I really didn't know." "I reckon he didn't dare to tell you. Mnn, cowering... not like a man." YanFei lucidly responded, "This is my biggest concession toward you guys. As long as he gets married, I won't care about this between the both of you. To carry on the Yan family's lineage is his responsibility as a descendant of the family. If you know your place, you should know what to do." ZhouXiang revealed a pale smile, "I know." "Good." YanFei nodded with satisfaction and then asked, "You're also an actor?" "Yes." "Messing around for a few years in your youth is enough. Your field of work is just a profession that lasts as long as a person's youth. When it's time to settle down in the future, you can help MingXiu take care of some matters in and out of the home. Don't be too flamboyant with your identity." ZhouXiang has been numb to the point where he couldn't feel anything. He automatically nodded. After all, whatever YanFei said is meaningless to him because there is nothing that he could do to make him satisfied. He might as well not even do any of it. It had always been very difficult for him to be with YanMingXiu. It was hard to overcome his own psychological obstacles. It was also hard to overcome the obstacles from the outside world. He didn't expect that this is even much more difficult than he imagined.

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Having been living this carefree illusion for three days, he is reminded head on that reality had never changed and it is useless to even evade. After all, he still had to face many of the troubling, worrisome and per‐ haps even retreating issues. For example, everything that is happening right now in front of him. If YanMingXiu had been truthful at the time in letting him know that the price of his freedom was his promise to his father that he would get mar‐ ried, he definitely would have turned and leave. But YanMingXiu did not tell him. He didn't even mention a word. If his old man didn't personally come to look for him, when would he find out? On YanMingXiu's wedding day? This has got to be the biggest comedy. He would be the most ridiculous clown in this comedy. Seeing that he is almost finished with what he needed to say, YanFei stood up, "I've said this much, since you're both in such a relationship, you guys need to discuss this carefully. If you really must be with MingXiu, our family won't treat you unfairly." After he finished, he turned and walked out the door. ZhouXiang stood up and escorted him a little distance. Although he is overwhelmed by various emotions, he still remembered this basic com‐ mon courtesy. After YanFei left, ZhouXiang flopped on to the sofa and suddenly felt that he had exhausted all the strength in his body. End of the chapter

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Chapter 113 - YanMingXiu's Promise to His Father Chapter 113 -- YanMingXiu's Promise to His Father ZhouXiang received a text message from YanMingXiu in the evening in‐ forming him that he had to leave for a business trip at the last minute. It was quite urgent and he was already on a plane ready to take off. He would call him tomorrow and tell him to go to bed first. ZhouXiang stared at the phone's screen for a long time, then automati‐ cally slid his fingers over the keys to respond with one word, 'okay.' Then he turned off his phone. After ZhouXiang took a shower, it was already 11pm when he laid on the bed. The home is dark. Besides him, there is no one else breathing deeply. It was too quiet. All the ideal conditions for sleeping are there but he couldn't sleep at all. It seems that ever since he had awakened in his body till now, it had been more than eight months but there was not a day that goes by when he could just fall asleep without thinking or worrying about something. He thought to himself, although he had earned a few years being reborn again, he had so many worries that on the contrary, would have short‐ ened his life. He really wanted to cast all these troubling matters aside, to not think and be bothered by it anymore. But he knew that this dark cloud had been floating above his head. Whether or not he cast it away, he will have to face it sooner or later. Finally, ZhouXiang can't lay down anymore so he got up from the bed and sat in the living room without turning on the lights. He started to smoke in succession. In the beginning, he was more awake the more he smoked. But later on, he became more and more dazed. Finally, he fell asleep on the sofa.

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The next morning, he was awakened by sound of the phone ringing. He didn't react at first and then suddenly awakened to realize that it was the sound of the home's phone. Since he had moved back home, this phone had never rang. He had completely forgotten that it even existed. He climbed to the other side of the sofa and picked up the phone, "Hello?" "ZhouXiang?" CaiWei's voice came from the other line with a hint of ex‐ citement. "Wei Ge? Why didn't you call my cell phone?" "Your cell phone is turned off." "Ohh." ZhouXiang only now remembered. "I haven't called this number in a long time. I was guessing the number and surprisingly I still remembered." ZhouXiang is a little moved, "You use to dial it all the time." "Not true, hey, now is not the time to talk about this. Tell you some gos‐ sip news, guaranteed to make you thrilled." "What gossip?" "I accompanied President Wang to dinner with some guests last night and heard that WangYuDong and his dad seemed to be in some trouble. Some people said that they were doing illegal fundraising. The people who got cheated exposed this. And now, it's said that there is judicial in‐ volvement with evidence being collected as we speak." ZhouXiang immediately woke up, "Illegal fundraising? Isn't his old man very wealthy?" WangYuDong's old man has at least two listed companies as well as shares in large energy companies overseas. And even WangYuDong's himself, his own business has always been doing well. Why would they need to raise funds illegally?" "The wealthier, the greater the risk. When we make mistakes in our jobs, the most we lose is our wages. When they run into problems with their businesses, they could easily lose tens to hundreds of millions. The inter‐ 830

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national climate is not good in the last two years. They must have been affected. Oh, hey, I think back luck will befall on this surname Wang this time. The few people who had dinner with President Wang yesterday wouldn't talk indiscriminately if they're not sure." ZhouXiang doesn't know how to describe his current mood, more or less like watching a good show. WangYuDong's public's reputation is not bad in the circle but he does flaunt a bit. Especially after becoming the ideal son-in-law of the Yan family, his social status of course would naturally rise as a result. So there are many people who are jealous of him. At this time, people who want to watch good show are definitely everywhere. Only ZhouXiang would be gloating over WangYuDong's misfortune while feeling a bit worried. Because he faintly felt that this matter involved YanMingXiu. WangYuDong had asked YanMingXiu for help some time ago, most likely due to some hardship with his business. That wasn't too long ago and now with the breakout story of the illegal fundraising, this is kind of dubious no matter what he thinks. What role does YanMingXiu play in this? Could it be that WangYuDong was forced to take desperate measures resorting to illegal fundraising be‐ cause YanMingXiu refused to lend him money? This is not quite right. Despite the fact that he had never been involved with matters relating to business, to really have to raise funds, one can't possible say that they need money today and someone would be giving it the next day. More‐ over, according to what CaiWei said, the people who have been cheated only seemed to have reacted recently. Then this had probably started a long time ago. With WangYuDong and his dad's prestigious reputations in Beijing, no one would even presume that they would be involved in il‐ legal fundraising. It is reckoned that these investors have long felt that they are making investments rather than being 'conned'. Such big matter that even gossip is out; YanMingXiu should have known it already but didn't even mention a word.... ZhouXiang also asked CaiWei some of the specifics but CaiWei didn't know much. He just called to share this news with him. After all, CaiWei also didn't particularly liked WangYuDong because of ZhouXiang's mat‐ ters.

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After hanging up the phone, ZhouXiang realized that it was only 8am. He turned on his cell phone and realized that YanMingXiu had sent him two text messages, asking if he had gotten up and whether or not he had breakfast. ZhouXiang returned with a text, "When are you coming back?" YanMingXiu quickly replied, "Tomorrow evening." ZhouXiang had just received his text when YanMingXiu's phone call came. After ZhouXiang connected, the voice from the other line softly smiled, "Xiang Ge, do you miss me?" ZhouXiang resisted the conflicting emotions from hearing his voice at the moment and asked in a low voice, "What are you doing?" "In a meeting. I snuck out for a while. I miss you," YanMingXiu seems to be in a good mood as he gently laughed, "I bought you a lot of deli‐ cious food." ZhouXiang said expressionlessly, "I have something to ask you. We'll talk when you return." "What is it?" "Concentrate on work first. It's not convenient to say on the phone." YanMingXiu's breathing became unsteady, "Xiang Ge, what is it? Your tone doesn't sound right." ZhouXiang is silent for a moment, "We'll talk when you get back." "Xiang Ge..." ZhouXiang hung up the phone. He took a deep breath with his brain buzzing. His entire person lay on the sofa, not wanting to move at all. He remained like that for ten full minutes before his heart steadied from the chilliness all over his body. He stood up and got dressed, planning on going to the hospital.

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He wanted to bring ChenYing home today. ChenYing had called him ev‐ ery day, telling him that she doesn't want to stay in the hospital anymore. She wanted to come home. All her examinations should have been com‐ pleted. Aunty Wang had also returned from her hometown. It is time to take her home. In the past two days, he had been using YangMingXiu's car, but when he habitually grabbed the car keys, he didn't know why, he remembered the words YanFei said, "When it's time to settle down in the future, you can help MingXiu to take care of some matters in and out of the home. Don't be too flamboy‐ ant with your identity," sounding as if he is a girl. Fuck...... Men are usually not bothered by such trifles, using each other things, at times they won't even bother with asking. Moreover, he and Yan‐ MingXiu are a couple. But after hearing YanFei's words, and thinking that he still owed YanMingXiu so much money, it just made him very uncomfortable. He dropped the car keys and decided that he would go buy a used car im‐ mediately, one that is in line with his status, that he can drive feeling at ease. He hailed a taxi to the hospital and took ChenYing home. After settling down, he went to the racecourse and continued with his training. He had intended to go back home to have dinner with ChenYing at night. But af‐ ter his training was over, YanMingXiu's call came. ZhouXiang beat his sore leg lightly with his fist as he connected the phone, "Hello?" "Xiang Ge, where are you?" "At the racecourse." "I'm home." "Didn't you say.... forget it, I'm coming back now." "I'll come pick you up. I see that you didn't drive."

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"No need, just wait for me." ZhouXiang gloomily hung up. After he got home, YanMingXiu had prepared a table of food. Upon en‐ tering the door, ZhouXiang saw YanMingXiu peeking out of the kitchen wearing an apron; the sky-blue apron obviously with oil stains all over, not looking a bit out of sorts. One can only say that anyone looking like YanMingXiu would look good even wearing a gunny sack.. ZhouXiang didn't have much time to appreciate this handsome man be‐ cause YanMingXiu don't necessarily belong to him. When he thought of this, he wasn't in any mood. YanMingXiu smiled at him, "Tired? Seeing you look like you've trained all afternoon. Go take a shower and come out to eat." "Don't need to." ZhouXiang, who usually loves to be neat and tidy, but at this time, he didn't even bother hanging up his jacket. He just threw it on the back of the sofa. The smile on YanMingXiu's face stiffened, noticing an unusual atmos‐ phere in the air. He felt a burst of nervous tension because he's guilty. ZhouXiang took out a cigarette from his coat's pocket. While lighting it, he asked, "I just want to ask you. When are you planning on telling me that you need to get married? Are you going to personally give me an in‐ vitation?" YanMingXiu's expression changed instantly, "Who told you that?" "Your dad came to look for me. Why are you so surprised? You really think you can hide this? YanMingXiu, I just don't understand. Even if I'm that stupid, do you think I can happily watch you get married, that I can watch you holding your wife in one hand and your child in the other, bringing honor to your ancestors? Am I your fucking underground lover?!" ZhouXiang pointed at his nose, furious, "Don't think that your surname Yan is all that great, who the hell are you treating as a dumb fuck?!" "Xiang Ge, calm down. Let me explain, ok?"

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ZhouXiang took a smoke vigorously; the pungent heat burned his throat making it itchy, "What do you want to explain? You want to persuade me to accept-" "No!" YanMingXiu quickly interjected, "This is just temporary mea‐ sures, I'm just..." "You're just lying to your dad? Leading your dad on? Let you marry and play for a while, deceive him for a while and then divorce?" ZhouXiang's voice is a bit piercing, "I really want to know, what plans do you have in mind that will satisfy both sides!" YanMingXiu's expression paled, "Xiang Ge, I don't want to marry any‐ one." "You can't even change his mind on the things that you didn't promise him... not to mention you promised him now." ZhouXiang said hoarsely, "Do you really think that your dad is an idiot? YanMingXiu, is this the good days that you had envisioned for us? Is this what you said by going back to the past? In fact, take a look, nothing has changed. What you're actually thinking in your heart, I can guess. If you really had no inten‐ tions to get married, you would have told me right at the beginning. But you didn't tell me. You kept hiding this because you are guilty. What is it that you really want... ask yourself? You wanted to solve this problem without me knowing about it? You want ...you really thought of getting married?" ZhouXiang lift his head and looked at him quietly. His eyes seemed to be two deep pools. YanMingXiu felt that he can't evade under that expression. He had thought of many ways. He really had thought about (marriage)... YanMingXiu guiltily bowed his head. ZhouXiang was actually still expecting YanMingXiu to have a better rea‐ son to refute. At least, this fact, he didn't want to know. However, Yan‐ MingXiu still have not spoken, which in essence is agreeing tacitly. At this moment, ZhouXiang really wanted to cry. He felt an overwhelm‐ ing exhaustion that he had never felt before. There are a many homosexuals in the world, for all kinds of pressures and reasons would chose to marry a person of the opposite sex whom they absolutely had no interest in to evade public scrutiny. Although 835

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ZhouXiang didn't agree to these things, he is helpless to it. But it doesn't mean that he could accept it. He absolutely can't accept YanMingXiu marrying a woman, yet also wants to maintain this relationship with him. No fucking way. ZhouXiang could no longer feel heartache. If these rash thoughts materi‐ alized, his heart would have long been like a strainer and probably got another scar. He pointed to the door, "Leave, I really don't want to see you right now." YanMingXiu took off the apron and said resolutely, "Xiang Ge, I admit that I really thought about this approach. I'm under too much pressure. I have to find a way to balance this. But the reason I didn't tell you is cer‐ tainly not because I wanted to make this decision secretly. I just don't want you to worry. My ultimate choice is definitely not to marry anyone but to be able to get my dad to compromise. Xiang Ge, trust me..." "I don't trust you, fuck off." ZhouXiang sat down on the sofa, so tired he didn't even want to move his fingers, "Being with you is too exhausting; really, tell me what I'm hoping for?" YanMingXiu's face is white like paper. His voice shaking, "Xiang Ge, you can't kick me out. At this critical moment, you can't give up on me." "Which critical moment? YanMingXiu, tell me how should I believe you? Should I fucking lie to myself for you until the day that I get your wedding invitation?!" ZhouXiang said tiredly, "Just leave, really, go, I really can't fucking stand it anymore." YanMingXiu took a step back and didn't move any more. He was as stiff as a stone standing in place, feeling his heart bleeding. End of the chapter

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Chapter 114 - ZhouXiang Makes His Stance Clear to YanFei (M) Chapter 114 -- ZhouXiang Makes His Stance Clear to YanFei (M) ZhouXiang kept his head down the entire time, the ash from the cigarette fell to his feet, burning blotches on the carpet that he had painstakingly kept clean, but he didn't even realize it. YanMingXiu took a deep breath, "Xiang Ge, I have already thought of countermeasures but I'm not sure if it'll work that's why I haven't men‐ tioned it to you. Do you want to hear it? " ZhouXiang shook his head, "I don't... not right now.... I just want to be a lone for a little while." "Okay, I'll give you some time to be alone. I'll be back here tomorrow night. If you're not here, I'll go pick you up." ZhouXiang lifted his head and look at YanMingXiu with bloodshot eyes, "You go back first." YanMingXiu turned his head, grabbed his clothes and left. ZhouXiang showed a faint smile. Is the problem stemming from them or from around them? Why are things always happening in ways that they least want? He and Yan‐ MingXiu wanted so desperately to pull themselves back onto the right track but get derailed again and again. It's as if there is an invisible force opposing them. No matter how hard they try, they can't free themselves from it. It shouldn't be that everyone's love life is this difficult, right? So difficult it doesn't even make any sense. ZhouXiang even starts to feel an indescribable resentment for everything that had happened from beginning to end. He's really unwilling to be re‐ 837

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signed to this fate... for him and YanMingXiu to be manipulated by oth‐ ers, not being able to do anything about it.... just like this... He had even lost his life, yet still couldn't disengage himself from this re‐ lationship. Having paid such huge price, it's definitely not to end up with nothing in the end. How can he be willing to accept this? ZhouXiang suddenly stood up, grabbed his coat and rushed out of the gate. He hailed for a taxi on the side of the road and gave a street name. It is a street in the embassy district. This area lives many leading govern‐ mental officials who had stepped down from their post but are still ac‐ tively working. The distance is not far from his home. ZhouXiang had been there once. He thought that he would never have the chance to step into this place a second time his entire life, especially not the one to take the initiative to do so. But his heart felt tremendously suppressed, so much that all his rage flooded in that direction. Before he regrets it, he wants to do what he wanted to do. Anyway, he really can't see this getting any worse than it already is. Shortly after ten minutes, he arrived at the door to the family's com‐ pound. The soldier at the door looked very young. Rubbing his frozen red nose, he asked, "Who are you looking for?" "I am looking for Chief Yan (T/N)." T/N/: YanFei's title is , which could mean senior official, senior officer, chief of a governmental entity. "May I ask what your name is?" "I'm ZhouXiang." "Please wait a bit." The soldier went in and said something to the stand‐ ing guards. A guard picked up the phone. After a while, a soldier took out a book, "Come, you have to register." ZhouXiang wrote down his name and the party he is looking for before being allowed to enter.

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In a distance, a figure bundled up in a military jacket walked toward him. After approaching closer, ZhouXiang recognized that this person is Yan‐ Fei's personal security guard. "ZhouXiang right? Follow me." ZhouXiang sniffed his nose and silently followed him. The family's courtyard is unusually quiet. The hustle and bustle of Bei‐ jing at night seemed to not have even the slightest effect in this place. This kind of silence made ZhouXiang's heart beat erratically. The guard brought him into the building where he was the last time. There is a big army vehicle and a red flag in the yard. He knew that Yan‐ DeJiang as well as the family's two sons and daughter don't usually live in this home. But at this time, if YanMingSu was at home, he might be able to alleviate some of his nervousness. He really came. YanFei and YanMingXiu's mother sat in the spacious living room wait‐ ing for him. Even without wearing his military uniform, YanFei looked prestigiously imposing. With his brows bunched, "Why did you come to my house?" The moment ZhouXiang saw him, he is surprisingly calm, "Chief, didn't you also came to my home?" YanFei is momentarily speechless; his expression not looking good. "Are you here to look for me? MingXiu don't live here." "I'm here to look for you. I've something to say to you" YanFei's eyebrows twitched, his tone a bit harsh, "Say it." YanMingXiu's mother tugged his arm, her expression looking a bit con‐ demning. YanFei glared at her and swept her hand away. ZhouXiang remained standing at the door. YanFei had no intention to in‐ vite him in. In fact, ZhouXiang didn't plan on going in. He just came to finish what he had wanted to say. This place has nothing worthy for him to stay. 839

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ZhouXiang said calmly, "Chief, whether you believe it or not, MingXiu and I are serious about each other. There are many things in the world that you don't want to believe in nor understand, but it really does exist." YanFei slammed fiercely on the table, his breath unsteady as he angrily muttered, "Keep talking!!" "What I want to say is very simple. MingXiu will not marry anyone. If he does, this would long ago have nothing to do with me. Indeed, I really can't have children. After all, I'm not a woman. I am being with him as a man. I have my own career, he also has his own. We don't affect each other. I won't be a lover that is secretly hidden from the world, especially waiting to take on whatever role it may be after he gets married. All the things you expect me to do, I may not be able to do it. But there is only one thing that I can do, and that is, I will always treat him as the most important person to me in the world. My heart will never change. I hope..... that you guys can respect your son's choice." YanMingXiu's parents looked at him dazedly, not regaining their senses. ZhouXiang bowed to them. Then turned around and walked out. The snow on the ground still has not melted, making that 'zhizha' sounds upon being stepped on. ZhouXiang hearing the sounds felt as if it is play‐ ing a splendid tune. He's probably gone crazy or had taken on the heartbroken mentality. Re‐ gardless, he was too lazy to care. To be able to freely spill everything that he had kept in his heart in front of the Yan family is extremely thrilling. Whatever happens going forward will just let it be. Can there be anything that is worse than what he had experience before? There won't be, so there is nothing for him to worry about. He hailed for a taxi and gave a familiar address. After more than ten minutes, he stood outside the door of YanMingXiu's home. He just came over like that. In fact, that was not hard at all.

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He put his finger over the doorbell and was just about to press it when the door suddenly opened from the inside. YanMingXiu is rushing out. He didn't even wear his jacket as he dashed out and immediately slammed into ZhouXiang. "Xiang Ge?" YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang in disbelief. The corners of ZhouXiang's stiffened mouth lifted in a forced smile, "Where are you going in such a hurry?" "My dad called me and said-" ZhouXiang interrupted him, "Said that I went there? That's right. I went there and then I came back." YanMingXiu gasped heavily, "Why did you go there. What did you say?" ZhouXiang stroked his (own) face and said warmly, "I said that you won't marry anyone. You can only be with me. You have no objections, right?" YanMingXiu's expression can be described as unpredictable, this look of sadness and extreme happiness collided making ZhouXiang endlessly sad seeing him like this. In the next second, he was dragged through the door by YanMingXiu. His back slammed harshly into the wall, so hard that he is seeing stars as soft lips covered his lips, vigorously kissing him with such desperate ea‐ gerness. ZhouXiang's fingers caressed his hair as he responded fervently. YanMingXiu removed his clothes, his warm hands stroking back and forth around his waist, igniting the fires of desire everywhere on his body. ZhouXiang gasped, "Your dad told you to go home...." "...Don't care," YanMingXiu said resolutely. In the next second, he pulled down ZhouXiang's pants and slid his fingers into ZhouXiang's under‐ 841

⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 114 - ZhouXiang Makes His Stance Clear to YanFei (M) ⦘

wear, meandering his way to the soft meat hidden in the pubic hair. ZhouXiang also reached out to grasp onto YanMingXiu's cock, feeling the soft organ getting hotter, harder and bigger in the palm of his hand. The two are like two hungry beasts, only by devouring the other person could they survive. Very soon, they were rolling on the carpet with their clothes disheveled. YanMingXiu stripped all the clothes off ZhouXiang, his rain-like kisses continuously fall on ZhouXiang's chest and his hand movements below got faster and faster. ZhouXiang could not last long with YanMingXiu's skillful caress. He came very soon. YanMingXiu smeared ZhouXiang's tightly closed corridor with his bod‐ ily fluid, the familiar entry is lubricated as fingers plunged into the se‐ cluded hole, massaging and expanded it in circular motions. ZhouXiang spread his legs and wrapped it around YanMingXiu's waist as he continuously kissed his (YanMingXiu) chest without the slightest hesitation. It is as though he wanted to use his intense actions to merge their bodies. YanMingXiu gasped, "I'm not wearing condom..." ZhouXiang gnawed his teeth, "Put it in, just put it in..." Having received the encouragement he was most satisfied with, Yan‐ MingXiu readied his cock and resolutely plunged forward, diving into this person whom he had yearned for, the person whom he had tried to possess by all means. "Ahhhh, mnnn... oooooh..." ZhouXiang painfully moaned as he tightly hugged YanMingXiu. Blue veins protruded on YanMingXiu's forehead as he tried to suppress himself from wildly thrusting into ZhouXiang, instead he penetrated him slowly, waiting for the tight tunnel to open completely. ZhouXiang desperately restrain himself from moaning out loud as he continuously called out the name of the person whom will be intertwined 842

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with him for the rest of his life 'YanMingXiu'. YanMingXiu held onto ZhouXiang's waist, his hard and hot cock contin‐ ued to glide back and forth in the narrow flesh walls. ZhouXiang's body shook as he starts to feel the familiar climatic pleasure slowly rising up, forcing him to hug YanMingXiu even more tightly, his waist arched, urg‐ ing with silent movement. YanMingXiu's patience has also reached the limit. He bent ZhouXiang's thighs to his chest and clutched his waist, lifting it and vigorously thrusted again and again into this tunnel that drives people crazy. The sounds from the slamming of their bodies continuously rang into their ears, pulling them into a delirious state of ecstasy. ZhouXiang raised his neck, his face inflamed as he undulated his body to meet YanMingXiu's attacks without reservations. The two rolled onto the soft carpet with their bodies tightly entangled. Being fully immersed in the most primitive lust, they almost didn't know what exhaustion meant as they continuously tried to grasp the thrills of passion from the other person, both indulging themselves in the seas of desires unable to pull themselves out. This kind of exuberant uninhibited feeling gave rise to a very intensive feeling within their hearts. And that is, things should have been like this, this is what they wanted. Nothing should be changed. Actually every‐ thing that they want, they had already gotten it a long time ago. Having been tormented for a few years, as it turns out, what they have been look‐ ing for had already came true in the very beginning. Yet they went through so many detours, paying such high price only to go back to their original starting point. ZhouXiang is both grateful and pained. At least they still have that chance to go back to how they were. At least... they still have that chance. End of the chapter

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Chapter 115 - YanMingXiu's Idea Chapter 115 -- YanMingXiu's Idea When ZhouXiang woke up, it was already dawn. He heard YanMingXiu's voice coming from downstairs. It seemed like he is talking to somebody on the phone. He turned over. His whole body is sore and achy, especially below his waist, it hurts every time he moves. He felt that this is even more ex‐ hausting than riding a horse. He lie on the bed and groaned for a bit and then slowly got up and wore YanMingXiu's robe and went downstairs. Indeed, YanMingXiu is talking on the phone in the living room, his ex‐ pression looking very serious. "We must obtain this within two days. I will contact Director Lee. Find ways to have the auditors redo the audit." ZhouXiang tied the strap on the robe as he walked downstairs and heard YanMingXiu talk but couldn't guess what he's talking about. YanMingXiu quickly realized the moment ZhouXiang came downstairs from his movements. He lifted his head to look at him, his chilling ex‐ pression change to a smile directly reflected in his eyes. He quickly hung up the phone, "Xiang Ge, you're up." "Why didn't you wake me? It's almost 10am." When ZhouXiang thought about what happened yesterday, he actually felt embarrassed. It's not the first or second time they made love frantically but not once had they done it with such desperation like that. Up until now, ZhouXiang is still in a daze over what happened. At times, he wondered if it had been a dream. YanMingXiu walked over and kissed him, "Xiang Ge, you were awe‐ some."

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"Huh?" "You went to see my dad yesterday. My dad had already told me." Yan‐ MingXiu held ZhouXiang's waist and said softly, "I've never felt so pow‐ erful. I feel that I have endless strength enabling me to fight with my dad for another three hundred rounds." ZhouXiang smiled and lowered his head, "MingXiu, sometimes I feel that I am quite a coward and timid but sometimes I feel that I'm quite manly. I also wanted to be a very manly person but I've always been un‐ able to avoid my cowardly side. I may not always have the courage I had last yesterday. But...how do I say it? The thought of wanting to continue on with you gave me the persistence to be manly." YanMingXiu's eyes turn red, revealing an extremely gentle and soft smile, "Xiang Ge, thank you. Everything that you had given me, I want to thank you." Just like many years ago, ZhouXiang habitually caressed his hair, "In fact, thinking about yesterday, it's quite scary. Your dad has a gun on him right?" YanMingXiu couldn't help but laugh. "You didn't go back home yesterday, is it going to be okay?" "Regardless, it's already the way it is. I'll go back later." ZhouXiang nodded, "You said yesterday......" "What?" "You said that you have methods. I wanted to hear about it now." YanMingXiu kissed him intensely, "Okay, let me tell you." "Tell me." "It has to do with WangYuDong." ZhouXiang is surprised, "With him?" ZhouXiang immediately remem‐ bered the rumors circulating in the entertainment industry of 845

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WangYuDong's illegal fundraising. He had thought about asking Yan‐ MingXiu before but he couldn't even take care of his own matters so WangYuDong's gossip was long forgotten. Could it be that YanMingXiu wanted to take advantage of this matter? When his thought came to this point, he immediately casted his own doubts, "There are gossips in the circle saying that he and his father are suspected of illegal fundraising. Is this related to that?" "You already heard the news?" "Yeah, CaiWei told me." YanMingXiu smiled, "Not bad. The news traveled fast." "What do you mean?" "I was the one who spread that news." YanMingXiu pulled him into the kitchen, "You still haven't eaten breakfast yet. Come hurry and have breakfast." ZhouXiang wasn't in the mood for breakfast. He looked at YanMingXiu inquiringly, "You spread it? Why?" YanMingXiu filled a bowl of porridge for ZhouXiang, "Of course it's to scare him." "Be a little more clearer." "Actually, the matter is not that serious. Simply put, I can make it so that it can be very serious, enough to make WangYuDong's father stay in prison for the rest of his life and also resolved that matter." YanMingXiu looked up, his eyes narrowed with a smile, "Although my dad looks down on WangYuDong's father but if his in-law was to go to prison, he also loses face." "You......you had this planned out?" "I was just taking advantage of this matter. I didn't force him to do illegal fundraising." YanMingXiu finished putting the porridge and the veggies together, "Hurry and come eat. You definitely haven't eaten anything from last night till now."

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ZhouXiang's face is a little pale; he suddenly felt that YanMingXiu is a little scary. Although YanMingXiu didn't force them to do illegal fundraising but it's still related to YanMingXiu's unwillingness to help. Even though he might not have any sympathy toward WangYuDong but he just thought...just thought that YanMingXiu....this person is quite ruthless. YanMingXiu patted his face and said resolutely, "Xiang Ge, there are a lot of things that I can't explain clearly to you. You also don't think about it okay? I am confident in this. I won't really put WangYuDong in jail, or else my sister will be finished. But I must take advantage of this matter to stop them from getting in our way. Trust me, okay?" ZhouXiang shook his head and sighed, "Business matters I don't under‐ stand nor do I want to care. I just want to ask, the issue with marriage, how do you plan to handle it? Using WangYuDong? Will it really make your dad acquiesce from that (referring to the promise)?" YanMingXiu's face changed slightly and lowly uttered, "Xiang Ge, I had originally planned to meet that girl my dad introduced for a couple of times to satisfy their......" ZhouXiang's body stiffened. YanMingXiu quickly added, "Xiang Ge, don't worry. I definitely won't marry anyone. I have confidence in this matter. Don't think rashly, okay?" ZhouXiang looked deeply into his eyes; after a long while, he reluctantly said, "Okay." YanMingXiu heaved a sigh of relief. He clenched his fist and said, "Xi‐ ang Ge, as long as you are by my side, I can completely change for you. I can do anything for you but you must not leave me. If you leave me, I don't know what things I will do, do you understand?" ZhouXiang felt numbed under his dark gazed. He nodded. "YanMingXiu smiled and kissed him, "Hurry up and eat."

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ZhouXiang didn't want to worry about anything. Anyway, he had already been prepared. He will live every day in the moment. If YanMingXiu re‐ ally let him down in the future, he will just leave. It's not that he can't leave YanMingXiu; there's no one who cannot leave the other. After YanMingXiu left, ZhouXiang also left. He went home first and replenished a lot of his daily necessities. Then took a break and went to the gym in the afternoon. ZhouXiang had always been an exceptionally responsible person when it came to work. The studio asked him to lose ten to twelve pounds in two months so he will lose it. After exercising, he took a shower and went to the locker room to change. His cell phone was in the locker. After he finished changing and took out his phone, he saw several missed calls, all of which were from YanMingSu. His first instinct is that something happened to YanMingXiu. He quickly returned the call and it was connected very shortly. "Hello? What happened?" YanMingSu's tone was not good, "Why are you just answering the phone now?" "I was in the gym. What happened?" "MingXiu had been beaten by my dad quite seriously. Come to the hos‐ pital." ZhouXiang grinded his teeth. He punched the locker with a loud bang and the poor quality tin door sunk in. End of the chapter

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Chapter 116 - Talking to Mother Yan Chapter 116 -- Talking to Mother Yan ZhouXiang rushed to the hospital. Initially, he felt that YanMingSu was exaggerating. No matter how one puts it, YanMingXiu is his son; to what extent can YanFei beat him? Therefore, although he was dejected, he wasn't too worried. But when he got to the hospital, ZhouXiang is shocked. YanMingXiu's face had no marks but his arm is in a cast and his eyes are closed with his brows bunched up, looking very uncomfortable. YanMingSu is sitting on the side of his bed working on his laptop. After ZhouXiang came in, he made a "hush" movement, then put down his lap‐ top and pulled ZhouXiang out of the room. YanMingSu whispered, "He just fell asleep, talk out here." ZhouXiang quickly asked, "Is his arm broken?" "Yeah, it's broken," YanMingSu seems to be used to it, "His ribs also fractured." ZhouXiang's face changed, "You... your dad... from your dad's beating?" A parent's teaching of his child is fully justified, but he rarely saw a par‐ ent laying such heavy hand on his own son. How could he have the heart to do that to his own child? "Yes, my dad doesn't easily beat people because he can't control himself when he starts." YanMingSu glanced at the back room, "Beat him with a baton." ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu's tightly closed eyes from afar, feel‐ ing immense pain. He was so depressed that even his shoulders drooped, 849

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having to lean against the wall, at a loss. YanMingSu glanced at ZhouXiang and said, "You don't have to worry too much. My dad didn't hit his vitals. When I was young, I've angered him a lot but it was all trifling matters. MingXiu angered him less but it was very big matters every time. If my dad didn't control himself then, he would have killed him, "YanMingSu shrugged his shoulders, "In fact, there is some advantage to this. After he finished hitting us, my mom would have a fight with him. Afterward, we would have some peaceful days." ZhouXiang gnawed his teeth, "Isn't he your fucking real father?" YanMingSu said with a blank expression, "Being able to live to the present, of course, is real." "I'm going to go in to see him?" YanMingSu nodded, "Go in. He had been waiting for you this entire time, then couldn't wait anymore and fell asleep." ZhouXiang walked quietly to the side of the bed and looked at Yan‐ MingXiu's paled face, he couldn't describe the agony his heart. If the beating was from someone else, he could pick up a rod and beat the per‐ son for revenge. But this is YanMingXiu's old man, what can he do? What can YanMingXiu do? Almost without thinking about it, he also knew why YanMingXiu was beaten. It had to do with him rashly and crudely running to the Yan fam‐ ily home and saying a bunch of mindlessly careless words that are be‐ yond his position. He did so with unconstrained courage and persistence but didn't consider YanMingXiu. He dared to laugh at YanMingXiu for being dumb? In this relationship, no one is smarter than the other, because one ends up losing more miser‐ ably than the other. ZhouXiang stretched out his fingers to gently touch his cheek. He just wanted to feel YanMingXiu's temperature with his fingertips because his face is too pale, looking as if there is no trace of blood.

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With such a slight touch, YanMingXiu immediately opened his eyes. His eyes went from blurred to awake. After seeing who is in front of him, he revealed a gentle smile, "Xiang Ge, you've come." ZhouXiang softly whispered, "I was at the gym this afternoon and didn't hear the phone." "It's fine. You're here is all that matters." YanMingXiu extended his left hand to hold ZhouXiang's hand. ZhouXiang somberly muttered, "MingXiu, I didn't consider the conse‐ quences. It's my fault, I'm sorry." YanMingXiu smiled, "You don't have to apologize. You did great. We need to let my dad know where we stand. I already know. You also know. This will allow him to take our relationship seriously. Today's confrontation is good. With my dad, only my grandfather and mother can deal with him. When we were young, he would even hit my elder sister. Hitting me is no big deal, the harder he hit, the better. My mom would likely fight with him for at least three months. He will leave us alone for at least three months." ZhouXiang sighed, "This is not worth it. It would have been fine if you went back last night... " "Don't think too much about it. In fact, it wasn't so much about you run‐ ning to my home. It's because of what I told him about WangYuDong that got him pissed." YanMingXiu's lips curved into a smile, "I want to give him a good show. Whether or not he agrees to us being together, his son is gay regardless. But if he disagreed, his son-in-law would also put the family to shame." ZhouXiang touched his forehead, "Take it easy. He is your father after all. Getting him so riled up, the only one feeling horrible in the end is yourself." YanMingXiu snorted, "I know my limits. Seeing how he rushed over to hit me a few times yesterday, he's in good health." At this time, YanMingSu came in from the outside, holding some bever‐ ages and fast food in his hand, "Haven't eaten yet, right? Come eat some‐

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thing." "Where did you get it?" YanMingXiu glanced at the fast food box. "Wherever I got it, you're not allowed to be picky. Just eat. I'm fucking very busy every day yet still have to get away to deal with your business. Having a brother like you, I'm in really bad luck for a long time." YanMingXiu smiled, "This can't be blamed on me." YanMingSu put the things on the bedside table, "You guys eat. I'm leav‐ ing." ZhouXiang asked, "You're not eating with us?" YanMingSu glanced at his watch, "I have a social event tonight. Gotta go." After saying that, he turned around and walked toward the door. YanMingXiu called out, "Ge." "Yeah?" One of YanMingSu's hand is on the doorknob as he turned to look back. "Thanks ah." "Hnnn, don't give a crap for that." He didn't turn his head and left. YanMingXiu shrugged and reached his hand out for a can of drink. He suddenly became anxiously worried because he can now only use one hand. ZhouXiang is very envious of having brothers and sisters, growing up to‐ gether, growing old together. Even if one day their parents are gone, they can still help and support each other. This feeling must be great. He took the drink from YanMingXiu, inserted a straw into it and put the straw in his mouth. YanMingXiu muttered, "Being able to use just one hand is very inconve‐ nient." "Isn't that nonsense?" ZhouXiang opened the lunch box and put a piece of braised pork to his mouth. 852

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YanMingXiu smiled while taking joy in being fed by ZhouXiang. The two haven't eaten a few mouthfuls before the door to the ward is suddenly opened. Both of their actions paused as they turned their heads to look at the door. YanMingXiu's mother quickly rushed in, looking at them in a daze. "Mom...." ZhouXiang have seen her a few times before. This women's entire body exuded an air of nobility. Her appearance and mannerisms are exception‐ ally good. A woman at her age, blossoming with sophistication and ele‐ gance is especially alluring. The two Yan brothers looking so handsome, their facial features are mostly inherited from her. In contrast, although YanMingMei is beautiful, she could not be compared to her two brothers. However, her expression at this time is hasty with her eyebrows bunched up in anxiety and her hair a bit disarray. Obviously her condition wasn't very good. She quickly swept a glance at ZhouXiang and then her eyes fell on her son, quickly rushing over, "MingXiu How are you? Where is your brother?" "I'm fine. It's all been taken care of. Brother had some matters to attend to tonight." "What can be more important than his own brother? Really, I obviously told him to watch over you." ZhouXiang stood up and gave up the only chair in the room to her. He nodded to Mother Yan and stood silently on the side. All along, Mother Yan hadn't taken a good look at this young man. Now thinking that he might become her daughter-in-law, she wanted to look more closely in this moment. ZhouXiang is very different from the kind of men in her imagination that could captivate men and make them confused. In her old-fashioned views, this kind of men should be similar to that of a woman, wearing makeup and tight clothes. But looking at ZhouXiang, he is a gracefully dapper looking man. She had seen him on TV. At the time, she thought that this youngster looked quite good. To say that he's handsome, he's far

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from her son. But his body exudes this calmness and natural tempera‐ ment that gives people a very good feeling toward him. Unbeknownst whether this is a woman's natural instinct, she couldn't really hate this young man. Mother Yan sat in the chair and gently stroked YanMingXiu's arm cast. Her eyes a little red, "How can there be a father like that? So ruth‐ less...and you too, telling you to beg for forgiveness and you won't. You could have just coaxed him, but instead getting him so enraged by insist‐ ing on going against him. What is it that you want? Getting beat to such extent..." "This is not much. The bones will heal well soon. Mom, I beg you not to cry. I get a headache when you cry." "Little rascal..." Mother Yan wiped the edge of her eyes. Seeing what they were eating, she frowned, "What are you eating? Your brother bought that for you?" "Yeah." "Your brother just handle things like this.." Mother Yan took out her cell phone to call the lackey. "Mom, don't need to. We've already ate half of it." Mother Yan sighed, "Tell me, what to do? You and your father feud to this extent. If you're disobedient on other matters, we also don't want to care, but with this..." She remembered that ZhouXiang is still standing on the side. She couldn't help but give him a look. ZhouXiang softly voiced, "You two chat. I'm going to go out to buy something." YanMingXiu strenuously stretched out his left hand to clasp the edge of his clothes, seriously utterly, "Xiang Ge, you don't need to evade, have a sit on the bed." Mother Yan astonishingly glanced at YanMingXiu and then again at ZhouXiang.

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ZhouXiang felt a little embarrassed. Mother Yan, "Then have a sit on the bed." ZhouXiang could only sit down. In fact, he really wanted to go out to take a breather. Mother Yan looked at him, "ZhouXiang, how old are you? Where are you from?" "27, I'm local." "What do your parents do?" My parents are from the public institution. My dad died a few years ago. My mother is retired and is staying home." "Is there anyone else at home?" "No..." "Then you..." Mother Yan pursed her lips, "Your mom really doesn't care...that you and..." ZhouXiang smiled softly, "Auntie, I was in an accident about three years ago and was comatose on the hospital bed for two years, almost like a vegetative person. Before that, my mother strongly opposed that I didn't want to marry a woman. But after this happened, my mom said that noth‐ ing is more important than me living healthily. She no longer cared as long as I live well." Mother Yan is startled and then slowly lowered her head. "Auntie, more than half a year ago, my mother got an illness, it turned out to be uremia. When I was hospitalized, we owed a lot of money. We were already in debt. With her illness, it was even worse. You might not be able to imagine. At that time, my monthly salary is just a little over 3k, adding some of the acting and modeling gigs, at most I get is ¥6,000¥7,000 a month. The expense to treat my mom's illness is nearly ¥3,000 a month and we still have to support ourselves, pay rent, buy food, and repay debts. At the time, I was very desperate so I borrowed money from

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MingXiu, but our relationship is not as shameful as you think. Once my career improves in the future, I will pay him back." ZhouXiang's words are very sincere. These are all words coming from within his heart. He had been watching Mother Yan's eyes and can clearly see that this woman's attitude is softening. ZhouXiang had always appealed to women of all ages. According to them, they feel that he is gentle and generous, humorous and caring to‐ ward people. ZhouXiang doesn't feel that he is particularly attractive but at least toward females, he is very patient and tolerant. Adding on, with the number of his exposures to women increasing, he could feel that older women especially are really good to him. Mother Yan seems to be no exception. Her expression toward him have changed, she asked, "How is your mom now?" ZhouXiang sighed, "Her condition is stable but has to do dialysis twice a week. Each time is four to five hours so basically most of the time is spent in the hospital." Mother Yan nodded and said softly, "Oh, this has got to be hard on you." ZhouXiang smiled, "Auntie, taking your son away, I am also guilty but we really can't separate from each other." YanMingXiu tightly clenched ZhouXiang's hand and smiled at him. ZhouXiang also gave him a smile. These tiny movements all fell in Mother Yan's eyes. She awkwardly bowed her head and muttered, "I can't decide on such matters. I only care that my son can live well." "Mom, I can only live well if I'm with him. You forced me to marry someone I have no feelings for; do you think I can be well?" "Aren't I just afraid that you won't have children? You might feel that not having children is good right now but wait till you're old, you'll know the pain of not having children."

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"Mom, we can adopt, we can find a surrogate. There are many ways to solve it. Even though what you say is important, but we're not living our lives solely for children." ZhouXiang softly added, "Auntie, this problem... there are many ways to solve. But the most unwise is to knowingly hurt another woman." Mother Yan sighed, "I can't beat you guys in words. You...you still dis‐ cuss this with your dad, I'm not the one who can take charge in the fam‐ ily." YanMingXiu changed to grip her hand, "Mom, as long as you don't ob‐ ject to us, then it's good." Mother Yan said unwillingly, "I've really spoiled you too much." End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 117 - Your Family’s Water Is Too Deep ⦘

Chapter 117 - Your Family's Wa‐ ter Is Too Deep Chapter 117 -- Your Family's Water Is Too Deep Mother Yan stayed in the hospital until after 10pm. She repeatedly re‐ minded YanMingXiu to eat before leaving reluctantly. After she left, ZhouXiang spent the night with YanMingXiu in the hospital. The single ward that YanMingSu reserved is very good. It has a double bed so the two of them just sleep together. YanMingXiu can't move his right hand so he simply put his left hand gently on top of ZhouXiang's hand. Their fingers overlapped and the areas where their skin touch is warm. When they woke up the next day, YanMingXiu persisted on geting dis‐ charged from the hospital regardless. So ZhouXiang consulted with the doctor and helped him do the discharge procedures. JiangYuan received their call and came to take them home. It was the first time for JiangYuan to take them to ZhouXiang's own home. When he saw this place, he is obviously very shocked because he didn't expect that YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang would live in such a small and out‐ moded neighborhood. This environment really didn't match Yan‐ MingXiu's identity. This is undoubtedly ZhouXiang's home. With all the things that Yan‐ MingXiu had done for ZhouXiang, JiangYuan had already become aware of how extraordinary ZhouXiang is. Because of this, he also gave a lot of attention to ZhouXiang. After returning home, the problem with YanMingXiu's injuries with their daily livelihood activities became apparent. With his right hand broken and the many bruises on his body along with his fractured ribs, not only is it inconvenient for him to walk but even showering and cleaning him‐ self are also very problematic.

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The only person suitable to take care of him is obviously ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang has no choice but to request for a vacation from his com‐ pany. He also made up an excuse that YanMingXiu is sick to ChenYing, informing her that he won't be coming back for a short time. Suddenly, all of ZhouXiang's time became free and his his full-time job is to take care of YanMingXiu. Because YanMingXiu's right hand is injured, he can't even use chop‐ sticks. When eating, he has to use the spoon. When the spoon doesn't work, ZhouXiang would feed him. A meal can be a bit exhaustive for ZhouXiang. However, this is only the beginning. Bathing at night is probably the biggest challenge for ZhouXiang. Stand‐ ing at the bathroom door for a long time, he turned his head and said to YanMingXiu, "How about you shower once every three days?" YanMingXiu frowned and shook his head, "Too uncomfortable." "If you have to shower every day then we can't do anything else." "Since you don't have anything to do anyway and I can't do much like this." YanMingXiu grinned, "Hurry and help me shower." ZhouXiang has no choice but to carefully remove YanMingXiu's clothes. In order to prevent water from splashing on his own body, he also re‐ moved his own clothes. Then he held the shower head, turned the water to medium and carefully washed YanMingXiu's body. ZhouXiang's bathroom is very small; its basic functionality is the shower and the toilet so with two men standing inside, it's a bit tight. At this time, the two are stark naked in the small bathroom, the shower becom‐ ing hotter and hotter with the atmosphere becoming more and more lewd. ZhouXiang had to prevent the water from touching YanMingXiu's in‐ juries as well as avoid his perverted groping. He's never felt that shower‐ ing can be so tiring. ZhouXiang smiled while scolding, "Enough, you brat. There are many areas in your body that can't touch water; I'm not going to be responsible if it does."

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YanMingXiu reached out and touched his slender waistline, whispering, "If you don't take responsibility, who will?" "With you asking for a beating like this, I won't be responsible. Be a bit serious." ZhouXiang unintentionally gave him a push but it just so hap‐ pened that he pushed on the side of the fractured rib so YanMingXiu ended up hissing in pain. ZhouXiang anxiously asked, "You okay? Where is it hurting?" A man's touch is usually not gentle. It's typically okay but when it hits an injured area, it's definitely painful. YanMingXiu smiled forcefully and waved his hand, "I'm fine." "Let me check. See if you dare to be so playful." ZhouXiang's action be‐ came even more careful. YanMingXiu was still unrepenting, his fingers continued to stroke all over ZhouXiang's body with a very resigned look of only being able to look but not eat. ZhouXiang smiled lowly, "If you touch again, I'm going to tie you up." YanMingXiu responded provocatively, "That we can try too (as in having sex when being tied up)." "Bastard." It was not easy to finish taking this shower. Both of their faces were beet red. Although it was very laborious, what needs to be caressed and stroked was done in the end. Although it scratched the itch, it was not very fun but at least they solved the problem. After the shower, the two watched a movie on the sofa. When the movie was halfway through, ZhouXiang's cell phone suddenly rang. His eyes were intently on the TV screen so he just glanced at the phone and saw an unfamiliar number. He didn't think and just answered it. "Hello?" No sound came from the other line.

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"Hello? Who is this?" ZhouXiang turned the TV volume down. The other line finally said something. The voice sounded very gloomy, "It's WangYuDong." ZhouXiang is stunned; He suddenly sat up straight. "Is YanMingXiu with you?" YanMingXiu looked at ZhouXiang strangely, "Who is it?" Even if ZhouXiang wanted to stop YanMingXiu from speaking, it was already too late. WangYuDong has already heard his voice. He said in a com‐ manding tone, "Have MingXiu answer the phone." ZhouXiang frowned, "Why are you looking for him?" "It's not for you to ask. Give him the phone." ZhouXiang snorted, "Executive Wang, you called my cell phone. Al‐ though it's not for me to ask, it is my phone. I still have the right to who can use it. Bye Bye." He hung up instantly after that. YanMingXiu immediately looked at ZhouXiang anxiously, "Was that WangYuDong?" "Yeah." ZhouXiang stuffed a beef strip in his mouth, "You didn't answer his call?" YanMingXiu responded, "Let him be nervous for a few more days. If they're not desperate, they won't know how extreme the situation is." "He already called here......" Before he finished speaking, the phone rang again. ZhouXiang glanced and saw that it's WangYuDong again. He is debating whether or not to pick up when YanMingXiu said, "An‐ swer it. Trust me." ZhouXiang nodded and answered the call, "Hello, Executive Wang" WangYuDong suppressed his anger, "I have urgent business to talk to MingXiu."

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ZhouXiang felt a bit of vindication. When he thought of WangYuDong's deflated expression, his hatred toward him lessened. He said casually, "Oh Executive Wang, I can't force anyone talk to you. You're making things difficult for me." "You!" WangYuDong shouted angrily, "Don't take advantage of your re‐ lationship with him to intimidate others. No matter how one puts it, what the hell do you think you are?!" ZhouXiang smiled, "Executive Wang, when it comes to using other peo‐ ple's power to intimidate people, we're not much different right?" "You fucking looking for death!" WangYuDong screamed and hung up. He seemed to be furious. After ZhouXiang hung up, he sighed. He felt that WangYuDong had changed a lot in the past two years. When he first met WangYuDong, it was about six to seven years ago. At that time, WangYuDong was a spe‐ cially privileged person, with a good family background, great looks and even highly educated. He possessed almost everything that could make women go crazy. WangYuDong also knew how to conduct himself well. On the surface, he got along well with others and rarely offended any‐ one. However, ever since he became the ideal son-in-law of the Yan fam‐ ily, with this powerful backing, his entire person is different from before. His social status rose as well as his ambition, which inevitably offended many people. He still remembered that he used to admire WangYuDong and was most envious of him. He couldn't say that he was jealous of him. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu, he wouldn't have resented WangYuDong. They would have never opposed each other to such extremes. But when a (romantic) relationship involved, it can make people become very narrow-minded and sensitive. When he thought of the many things that happened at the time, there were better ways to solve it. At least, it won't be like this, harming others without benefited himself. But the time had passed, noth‐ ing can go back. For him and YanMingXiu to get to where they are today, it is full of re‐ grets, suffering and pains, not to mention having WangYuDong as a "love rival."

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YanMingXiu softly muttered, "Xiang Ge, you okay?" ZhouXiang finally reacted and realized that he was in a daze. He quickly responded, "I'm fine......" He then smiled forcefully, "In fact, what he said is right. If it was before, I definitely wouldn't dare to talk to him like that if I want to continue working in the industry." YanMingXiu muttered, "That you should do. You and I will forever be tied together." ZhouXiang shook his head, "Let's just keep watching the movie." "Okay." ZhouXiang held the remote control but did not press the start button. He then lowered his hand again, "MingXiu, what are you going to do about WangYuDong?" "Business matters, you might not understand if I go into details. More or less, I have control of several investors who can sue or not sue WangYuDong's father. Right now, I'm saying to let it go. If they sue, his father will stay in prison for at least ten years." ZhouXiang bunched up his brows, "I don't have any sympathy for WangYuDong but I just felt that you are part of the Yan family after all. You doing this, will your parents let it go?" "I'm doing this is not just for us. I have discussed it with my brother. This is also to give WangYuDong and his dad a lesson. In the past few years, this father and son have gotten a lot of money from using our fam‐ ily's name. The Yan family's reputation has been ruined by them. You know this year is election year. If someone use this to attack my grandfa‐ ther at this time, it's not just a matter of reputation, it could be a serious issue. My brother had already suppressed them once or else they wouldn't have resorted to raising funds. I didn't expect that they didn't feel any repentance, with their debt getting bigger and bigger, getting to this point today. This time, WangYuDong's dad took out all his fortune to settle this. As for the portion that they weren't able to settle, it's under my brother and my control. This is my biggest bargaining chip. Even if my dad is not doing it for face, he still has to consider the overall picture for the fate of the family." 863

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"With you doing this, it'll be surprising if your dad didn't get angry." "My dad is a soldier so he will follow the military's directives his entire life. His mind doesn't like think too much. He doesn't care much about most of the things happening outside of the home. Whatever my grandfa‐ ther says, he listens. What my mother says to him, he can be persuaded. In this world, he will only listen to these two people's words. My mom is soft-hearted and dotes on my sister the most. Now that my sister is preg‐ nant and later when they (YanMingMei and WangYuDong) go to talk to my mom, my mom will plead with my dad. It's very highly that they will let WangYuDong and his dad go. If we let them go on like this and con‐ tinue to cause trouble, the Yan family will really be in greater danger. Af‐ ter all, there are many eyes watching the things happening around WangYuDong. I am doing this for us as well as for my family." YanMingXiu fell into ZhouXiang's arms and smiled with his eyes closed, "Xiang Ge, don't worry. I am not a person who doesn't know what's im‐ portant. I'll use the best approach to achieve my goals and end all future troubles." ZhouXiang sighed, "The water in your home is really deep." Yan‐ MingXiu found a comfortable position to lay down into ZhouXiang's arms and hooked his left hand on his neck, "It's much deeper than you think. Don't think about it or else you will get upset." "True. Just you alone is enough to upset me." ZhouXiang slightly poke at the cast on his hand. "I'm also irritated. I want to do it (sex)." YanMingXiu stared at him with wide eyes, his eyes full of expectations. "Forget it." "Xiang Ge..." ZhouXiang smiled, "No. How are you going to do it, one-armed hero?" YanMingXiu pulled his neck lower and put his mouth near his ear and whispered, "You sit on top. I want to see you move." ZhouXiang smiled lazily, "Too tired. My old waist can't take it."

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"Xiang Ge, let's do it." ZhouXiang glanced at him and blocked his lips. End of the chapter T/N: It has been reported that well known celebrity, WanYuDong was at‐ tacked last night by a big group of people dressed in black attire wearing face masks resembling the passed away stuntman, ZhouXiang. He ap‐ pears to have been tied up with a rope spread-eagled and severely beaten with various kinds of weapons, such as baton with spikes, tortured in‐ struments, flameblowers and such and dragged by a horse for an indefi‐ nite time. His injuries appears to be grave with the lost of the use of his legs and lower body, rendering him impotent. It's very likely he will be leaving the industry. END. Translator -- [DISCLAIMER] The above incident report is not part of the actual story but readers' fic of conspired attack on WangYuDong. For those of you contributing to the attack, thanks much. It was such an en‐ tertaining read. LOL If this really happened, it would have been so satisfying!

🙂

Writing is really not my forte, should any of you creative person out there like to write about this incident, please do so and I'll gladly replace this. This is just a little fun before the story ends. LOL hahah. Hope no‐ body minds. Dearest author Shui Qian Chen (), my apologies for your readers' brutality. We obviously felt that WangYuDong deserves it for all his evil deeds!

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 118 - Some Peaceful Days ⦘

Chapter 118 - Some Peaceful Days Chapter 118 -- Some Peaceful Days In order to care for YanMingXiu, ZhouXiang didn't go out for a few days except when needed to buy necessities. This is the first time he is taking on a leading role. Just thinking about it is inconceivable. He doesn't feel that he is qualified enough. If it wasn't for YanMingXiu, he likely would never have such an opportunity in his life. So his demands on himself are extremely strict. Sometimes YanMingXiu would sit quietly on the side and observe ZhouXiang read the scripted lines over and over again, using various kinds of emotions and moods to portay the role within the scripted con‐ text and surrounding environments. They could just sit and do this for an entire afternoon with neither feeling tired. ZhouXiang felt that his entire heart had been heated up. He didn't need to do anything in particular everyday besides quietly and peacefully passing this ordinary life with YanMingXiu, getting up early to eat, taking a nap at noon, relaxing in the afternoon, and sleeping at night. These are ordi‐ nary things but because there is a special person by his side, it had be‐ come extraordinary. Every minute and second that he spends with Yan‐ MingXiu makes him feel immensely happy. Sometimes he felt that his home is a secret space. As long as they con‐ tinue to stay here, just like they did in the beginning, they would con‐ tinue to live peacefully and happily. But once they leave the confirnes of this home, they would return to the real world and endless troubles are surely to follow. Although ZhouXiang knew that evading the issues wouldn't solve any‐ thing but his mind had also become lazy, hoping that this kind of peace‐ ful days can last a little longer. Unfortunately, this peaceful life couldn't last over a week and Yan‐ MingXiu is already unable to sit still. There were many things he had to

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deal with in his company. After his rib fracture had recovered a bit and wasn't as painful, JiangYuan came to pick him up to go to work. After he left, ZhouXiang also resumed his routine work, such as horse riding, memorizing the script, and losing weight to prepare for the film‐ ing in two months. After the release of the MV with LanXiRong, his image had greatly im‐ proved. Now that he has a bit of fame, his work also increased. Any free time that could be used for work, he would have CaiWei reach out to his connections, not wanting let any opportunities to make money slip away. His thought is very simple. He wanted to repay YanMingXiu. If only he could repay the two million is when he could finally lift his head in front of the Yan family. On this day, he went back to the company to discuss a job. When he passed by the office, he was stopped by a colleague. Ah Liu smiled with his hand on his shoulder and voiced, "Xiang Ge, you haven't come to the company for a long time." "Of course! You've all missed me like crazy, right?" ZhouXiang said sar‐ castically. Ah Liu and the others laughed. Lao Zhou patted the table, "ZhouXiang, you brat is not ordinary. Now that you have a bit of fame, you don't have to help me move equipment anymore." "Zhou Ge, don't treat me like an outsider. If you need me to help move the equipment, I'll be there." ZhouXiang has always liked this company because it is a lot more com‐ passionate and warmly compared to other average companies. The rumor of his intimate relationship with YanMingXiu has long not been a secret but these people are still able to talk to him without any judgements. This point alone already made ZhouXiang felt very touched. Ah Liu said mysteriously to ZhouXiang, "Xiang Ge, come over here, let's gossip."

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ZhouXiang smiled, "What kind of gossip, you sound so excited?" "WangYuDong is in trouble. Did you know about it?" ZhouXiang is a bit surprised. His surprise is not pretension. He is sur‐ prised because he now realized that even Ah Liu knew about this news so the entire industry must also know about it. He asked, "What is going on?" "Seeing you looking like this, you obviously don't know. Let me tell you. Strictly speaking, it's not him that is in trouble but his father. You know his father, right? Is a big boss, involved in various kinds of industries with two companies listed, but it suffered huge losses of more than ¥8 billion in the last quarter with the stocks plummeting below the issue price. This time I heard that he is suspected of having illegally raised more than ¥3 billion with his younger brother. WangYuDong's company was also affected. Now that the situation has gotten so out of hand, his acting career has been halted." ZhouXiang nodded, "It's that serious?" "Exactly, this big celebrity Wang had always been shamelessly arrogant. Oh, that's not true. In fact, the way he conduct himself is not that annoy‐ ing and he's quite generous to the people below. He's just too much of a show-off, making people envious and hates him. "Now that he's in trouble, there must be a bunch of people waiting to watch a good show." Zhou Ge grinned, "I think this is the best time to get close to him, think about it? How can WangYuDong fall so easily? Who is behind him? Will the Yan family allow him to shame the family? Who doesn't know how to make something perfect even more perfect? Helping him in this time of desperation is really showing true affections. If anyone is smart, this is not the time to avoid him but instead get on his side." "Get on his side? That's easy for you to say? If he was to come looking for you to help him or borrow money at this time, are you willing lend it to him?"

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"I definitely will lend it." "Zhou Ge is just bullshitting" "Of course I am, where do I have the money to lend." "Hahahahah." Within this bunch of people's lively gossip, ZhouXiang could clearly see what it means by 'when a man is going down, everyone will give him a push.' Although he has no sympathy for WangYuDong, he could sense the hypocrisy of the world. After chatting in the office for a while, he went to find CaiWei to discuss the next stages of work that has been arranged for him. Ever since he had received more work, the percentage of fee he has to give the company also increased. This is the company's policy so ZhouXiang has no com‐ plaints. On the contrary, because of their mutual understanding relation‐ ship, the level of work he can get has also been upgraded. After the two finished discussing work, CaiWei started to talk with him about WangYuDong's recent rumors that has shaken up the entire enter‐ tainment industry. Although ZhouXiang knew the inside of this story, it wasn't appropriate for him to disclose so he could only warn CaiWei not to follow the others in their mockery. No matter how one puts it, WangYuDong will not fall. He is still the son-in-law of the Yan family. CaiWei is aware that ZhouXiang knew a lot more of the inside story, but he also didn't ask. He just listened along. After returning in the evening, YanMingXiu sent him a text message telling him that he is not coming back today. ZhouXiang didn't care too much. Seeing that there was no food at home, he puts on his jacket intending on going downstairs to buy some food. Right when he got out of the front door to his neighborhood, a military vehicle immediately slammed right in front of him and an officer strolled out of the car, "Mr. Zhou, please get in the car."

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Needless to say, in this situation, ZhouXiang knew who it is, "What's go‐ ing on, a kidnap?" The other side's face didn't move, just automatically repeating, "Please get in the car." "Can you let me change my clothes?" ZhouXiang opened the front of his jacket, "I'm in my pajamas." "Sorry, I need to get you there in half an hour. The time is tight, please get in the car." "Fine, let's go." As ZhouXiang got into the car, he thought to himself. Going there look‐ ing like this is going to be a joke. But since YanFei wouldn't have any hope for him, it wouldn't have matter anyway. He didn't think that at the time, this joke was still a very big joke. End of the chapter

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Chapter 119 - We Are Free Chapter 119 -- We Are Free Initially, he thought that he would be taken to a residential area but he quickly realized that it was the wrong route. Remembering how Yan‐ MingXiu got beaten by YanFei, he couldn't help but worry what YanFei would do to him. Someone who could do that to his own son, what can't he do to an outsider he disliked. ZhouXiang can't help but worry about his own personal safety. When he went downstairs to buy food, he only brought his keys and ¥200. He didn't even bring his cell phone so even if he wanted to call YanMingXiu at this time, he couldn't. Laughing at himself for making a fuss, at the same time, he felt that this matter is not that simple. The military vehicle took him to a place he had never been to before. They had to pass through three levels of security. Just that alone, one can tell that only very important people live here. ZhouXiang grabbed his fleece pajama pants and finally start to feel embarrassed. The car turned into a courtyard and stopped. A three-story villa appeared in front of him. He remembered seeing several similar villas during the few minutes drive but they were far apart. "Mr. Zhou, please get out of the car." ZhouXiang wrapped his coat tightly around himself. It's March and the weather is already warming up but he didn't feel cold. Subconsciously, he merely wanted to hide his gray striped pajamas. Once he got inside the house, ZhouXiang is a bit dumbfounded. He had already seen everyone in the house. It is the Yan family, from young to old, all sitting around the dining table, only YanMingSu is ab‐ sent. YanDeJiang sat in the patriarch spot and was sizing him up while holding a teacup. Everyone else is looking at him.

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ZhouXiang can't describe the predicament he is in at this time. YanDe‐ Jiang said to the officer who took him here, "ZhangWu, how can you let him come dressed like that?" ZhangWu responded expressionlessly, "Sir, you said to bring him here within half an hour." "Then you should've let him change clothes." "Sir, it would have taken more than half an hour if he was to change his clothes." "Fuck, your brain is made of eucalyptus (stupid/blockhead)." YanDe‐ Jiang waved his hand, "You go and eat." The officer turned and left, leaving Zhou Xiang standing awkwardly alone at the entrance. A house full of Yan family members, although they are casually dressed, at least no one is wearing pajamas at home. ZhouXiang straighten his back, trying to make himself look less embarrassing. YanMingXiu smiled at him, "I'll go with you to change. There are two sets of suits in my car." "Ah, okay." YanMingXiu was about to get up when YanDeJiang raised his hand to stop him, "Forget it. There are no outsiders here." YanMingXiu is stunned and quickly turned to ZhouXiang, "Xiang Ge, come and sit." He stood up and pulled out the chair next to him. After ZhouXiang took his seat, he found himself sitting opposite of WangYuDong and YanMingMei. Both of them narrowed their eyes at him contemptuously. ZhouXiang turned his gaze to the side and didn't pay much attention to them. YanDeJiang patted the table, "Start dinner."

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Two aunties began to serve the dishes from the kitchen on the table, fill‐ ing it in a short time. These are ordinary home-cooked dishes. Their life‐ style is different from ZhouXiang's imagination. YanDeJiang tapped the table with his finger, "You are ZhouXiang right? Where do you work?" ZhouXiang responded, "I work in a film company." "Oh, you're an actor then." "Yes." YanDeJiang nodded his head and picked up his chopsticks, "Everyone, let's eat." After he moved his chopsticks, everyone started to eat. ZhouXiang quietly turned and glanced at YanMingXiu, using his expres‐ sion to discreetly ask him what's going on. YanMingXiu held his hand under the table, with his voice lowered, "It's nothing, don't worry, just eat." YanFei turned his head and looked at them coldly. YanMingXiu didn't respond. Because one of his arms still couldn't move, ZhouXiang helped him pick the food from the dishes and put it in his bowl so he can eat it with a spoon. These back and forth actions origi‐ nally appear to be a normal thing but because of the intimate relationship between the two, it looks awkward in front of other people's eyes. ZhouXiang felt a few pairs of eyes looking at them from time to time. This meal is eaten as if he is sitting on pins and needles. At this time, YanDeJiang spoke. His voice sounded very calm and the rate of his speech is very slow. But before he finished speaking, no one dared to say a word, "How long have you known each other?" YanMingXiu responded, "One year." "Only a year?" YanDeJiang smiled, "It's only a year and you guys have already decided to be seriously committed...not giving a care for family's 873

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consent? Kids are always going to be kids." YanMingXiu quietly took out a napkin to wipe his mouth. He didn't look at anyone, nor did he intend to respond. YanDeJiang voiced, "MingXiu, for this you caused such a huge ruckus in the family and also got beaten. Is it worth it?" YanMingXiu softly responded, "It is." YanDeJiang laughed, "If you feel that it's worth it, then its fine. If you re‐ gret in the future, nobody will clean up this mess for you." YanMingXiu nodded seriously. YanDeJiang then said to YanFei, "You are already at this age, why are you still taking this so hard? Let the children live their lives. I'm old. I have limited energy. I can't work that many more years so I need to con‐ tribute the little energy I have toward the country. I don't have time to be dealing with your affairs. YanFei, don't bother me with these trifle mat‐ ters anymore in the future. I'm advising you to be more open-minded. The more open-minded you are, the more relaxed you will be." YanFei angrily angrily, "Dad, you're just going to let him be like that?" "I am too lazy to care about him." YanDeJiang then glanced at YanMing‐ Mei, "It's not the same with MingMei. MingMei is a girl. You need to take good care of her and don't let her suffer. Leave the two boys alone and let them do whatever they want. Why are you caring so much for? Don't you feel tired?" YanFei is simply dumbfounded, "Dad, if I brought a man back home 30 years ago, what would you have thought?" "30 years ago, I was not open-minded like this. My words will stop here. Whether you interfere or not, I don't care. You can't control your son, what's the point of getting me involved? Anyways, my advice to you is to sleep when you want to sleep, eat when you want to eat. If you have free time, go play some golf. Don't bring worries upon yourself." YanDe‐ Jiang sipped his tea and narrowed his eyes at YanMingXiu and ZhouXi‐ ang, "Moreover, these two kids have just met for a year and have already

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determined that they can't live without each other. There'll definitely be a good show in the future. What's your hurry?" YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang looked at each other, their hands clasped even tighter under the table. Perhaps in YanDeJiang's eyes, they are just youngsters with feelings that can easily come and go without lasting. Sooner or later, they will sepa‐ rate without anyone's interference. What YanDeJiang didn't know is that, what they had already experienced is more than what others have experi‐ enced in a lifetime. Even then, they still couldn't separate after going through so many challenges and tribulations. What reason could there be in the future that would separate them? YanDeJiang's expression suddenly darkened. He looks at WangYuDong and YanMingMei, "MingMei." "Grandpa." YanMingMei's usual arrogance had disappeared. She looked particularly well-behaved. YanDeJiang didn't even glance at WangYuDong as he slowly uttered, "Your father only has one daughter. The entire family dotes on you. But some issues with principles, especially those that could cause devastating impact to the family's interest, you need to look at it clearly. Don't turn your elbow outward (T/N). Don't forget what your surname is. If some‐ thing really happened, don't blame the elders for not showing mercy. You guys asked for it." T/N: : Don't turn your elbow outward means don't be selfish and not rec‐ ognized right from wrong. His tone in the last sentence is very stern. WangYuDong got so fright‐ ened that he was shaking, too scared to even breathe. He didn't dare to lift his head as he sat stiffly. YanMingMei's voice trembled, "Grandpa...I understand." "Mnnn." YanDeJiang took a sip of tea, "After dinner, you guys go back to your own homes. The children have all grown up and have their own families. YanFei, stay and play chess with me."

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"Yes, Dad." YanMingXiu stood up and hesitated for a long while before calling out, "Dad." YanFei didn't turn back but stopped walking. YanFei sighed, "If you plan on staying here for the night, remember to let your mom know." YanFei humphed and followed YanDeJiang upstairs without turning his head. Mother Yan sighed, "Just ignore him. He's like that." YanMingXiu didn't take it to heart. He turned and looked at ZhouXiang, "Xiang Ge, you're not nervous anymore right?" ZhouXiang took a deep breath, "Don't mention it. Let's just leave quickly." WangYuDong groaned and glared at ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang also looked at him coldly, refusing to show any weakness. He grabbed YanMingXiu's arm, "Let's go. You drove here right?" "JiangYuan drove me." "Where is he?" "Having dinner with Uncle Zhang. Don't worry about him, you can drive." "Okay." The two had just planned to leave when WangYuDong suddenly called out, "MingXiu." YanMingXiu glanced at him, waiting for him to speak. "We haven't seen you for a long time and you haven't been picking up my phone calls. I don't know the meaning of this. Is it that difficult for me to ask you something?" 876

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YanMingXiu looked at him coldly and didn't say anything. Mother Yan and YanMingMei looked at them nervously. "I want to talk to you about my dad's matter. I went to see big brother, but you know how hard it is to communicate with big brother with his at‐ titude. Only you can help me. You really can't just leave me to die right?" YanMingXiu responded faintly, "There is a huge price for helping you; I'm also not a money printing machine." WangYuDong quickly added, "But we are family." YanMingMei interrupted, "Yes. MingXiu, such a big matter happened. Both of you can't be so unconcerned!" "Didn't Grandpa already said? You guys asked for it. Brother-in-law, what you and your father did the last two years, you guys know best. Dad won't get involved in these matters but big brother and I saw it very clearly. But because we considered you guys as part of the family, we continued to turn a blind eye. We didn't expect you guys to go even fur‐ ther in intensifying the matter, not even considering the consequences at all. This is election year, Grandpa will soon be withdrawing from the of‐ fice. When he is in office, obviously nobody would dare stir up any trou‐ bles. But what happens when he steps down? All you guys cared about is money, how to get money through any reprehensible means, did you ever care about the interest of the family?" WangYuDong's face turned pale. He couldn't utter a word. YanMingXiu coldly added, "Now that something happened so you thought of us. Isn't it too late? This matter... we still have to think about it. Just don't count on us helping. Even now, your father is not willing to take out his own money, you take us as fools? If he doesn't want to take out his own money, he might as well just wait to live in prison then." WangYuDong's body shook as he held onto the chair to sit down. YanMingMei looked anxiously at her mother but Mother Yan shook her head helplessly, expressing that there's nothing she could do about it. YanMingMei then looked at her brother pleadingly. YanMingXiu

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glanced at her, "Sis, your favoritism needs to stop. You are a part of his family, but also a part of our family. Use your brain and have a bit of consideration for our family. This is all I'm going to say. You guys find a way to resolve this. If you can't take out the cash in a week, then I no longer care about this matter." YanMingXiu pulled ZhouXiang up from the chair, "Xiang Ge, let's go." ZhouXiang followed him closely to the door. Before he walked out, he turned and glance back at WangYuDong. He had never seen WangYuDong looking so despair. The blow that this incident gave him is apparently not one he had ever experienced. ZhouXiang once thought that he would be very happy seeing WangYuDong looking like this one day. But the fact is, he didn't feel anything at all. It is like WangYuDong is a stranger who has nothing to do with him. Actually, he is indeed an insignificant person. ZhouXiang realized that his state of mind had changed a lot, which is a good sign. When the two got into the car, ZhouXiang finally could talk openly. He quickly asked, "What the hell is going on today? Fuck, I was in my paja‐ mas and was just thinking of going out to get some food but once I got out of the neighborhood, I was pulled into a car. I thought I was getting kidnapped." YanMingXiu's responded by immediately hugging him. A bit excited as he said, "Xiang Ge, we're free for the time being." "Really?" "Really. Today is a family meal. My grandfather called you here. You still don't understand?" ZhouXiang turned his head around and pondered over it, "That's not right. Your grandfather didn't say any good words." "My grandfather is only concerned with major matters. Ours is too triv‐ ial, he's too lazy to care. But he dotes heavily on my sister ever since we were children. He doing this today, in a way is to compromise with me

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on behalf of my father. He won't care about our matters but I have to help WangYuDong overcome this crisis." ZhouXiang was stunned, "This....your family's matters are really compli‐ cated." YanMingXiu kissed him intensely, "It is also your family now too." "Nope, this is your family matters. I'm only involved with you. I don't want to get involve with your family. This water is too deep, I won't be able to float." YanMingXiu responded softly, "Don't worry. With me here, I won't let you drown." ZhouXiang smiled and kissed him back, "Can we be free for a long time?" "Yes." YanMingXiu tightened his arms around his waist and muttered, "Xiang Ge, even in my dreams, I want to be with you without any appre‐ hensions." ZhouXiang laughed twice, "I also want that too." From the beginning, I've wanted this even more than you. End of the chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 120 - Just Treat Him Like He’s Also Your Son ⦘

Chapter 120 - Just Treat Him Like He's Also Your Son Chapter 120 -- Just Treat Him Like He's Also Your Son Spring came late this year. It wasn't until the beginning of March when the weather finally started to warm up. All the trees and flowers began to blossom. The yard in ZhouXiang's neighborhood planted many flowers and trees. At this time, the season is flourishing with great vitality. Since they came back from YanDeJiang's place that day, sure enough, YanFei never interfered with them. Many of the things they were worried about have been alleviated. Although YanFei still refused to talk to Yan‐ MingXiu, Mother Yan's attitude softened very quickly. One day, she even invited YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang out to have a meal, carefully inquir‐ ing about ZhouXiang's situation. After the meal, the two drove home, YanMingXiu said to ZhouXiang, "My mom likes you very much." ZhouXiang blinked, "How do you know?" "My mom likes handsome guys. She especially liked WangYuDong be‐ fore, but the things he did was too overboard in the last two years. Hear‐ ing from my brother, whenever my mom sees your ads on TV, she would just stare. ZhouXiang smiled, "Then I'm going to hit the gym this winter so I can show your mom my ripped abs in the summer. Wouldn't this effect be a bit better?" YanMingXiu warmly responded, "Not only my mom, it's also effective for me too." ZhouXiang squinted, "Wait till you're fully recovered, you also need to go workout. Otherwise, when summer comes, our vacation plan is going

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to be a bust. I'm going to run to some handsome guys. As a good breed of GAY, I can't stand next to a boyfriend who doesn't have eight packs." YanMingXiu groaned, "Whether or not I have eight-packs, you'll know after you count." "It doesn't count if you have it now. You need to keep it for 4-5 months. Seeing you now, food is fed directly to your mouth, bathing you just need to lift your arms, and even dressing is with my help. Since your cast had been removed, how can you still be so fragile? In this month, you've already gained 4 pounds. If you continue on like this..." ZhouXiang laughed, "You don't have to bother with fading out of the ET industry, your fans will dump you." YanMingXiu reached out and pinched his waist, curling his lips, "What about you? You're also going to dump me? Even if I become a big fat guy, you can't run to any other handsome guys." ZhouXiang laughed cheerfully, "So petty. I was just joking. But really, is your arm really not healed yet? I have to feed you and help you dress ev‐ ery day, wasting so much of my time. Can we live a little more effi‐ ciently?" YanMingXiu smiled with his eyes squinting, his face exposing a satisfied expression, like a satiated fox that had eaten and drank enough, "When I say it's healed is when it's healed." "Hey, how can you be so shameless?" YanMingXiu laughed without say‐ ing anything. ZhouXiang was about to continue on pressuring him but the phone sud‐ denly rang. He pulled the earphones out of his pocket and stuffed it into his ears. Since he is driving, he pressed the answer button and answered with a "Hello?" without looking at the screen. "Xiang Ge, it is me." "Ah, XiRong." ZhouXiang was a little surprised. He subconsciously glanced at YanMingXiu and sees him bunching his brows. "Xiang Ge, what are you doing?"

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"I'm driving." "Then I'm going to make this short. I'm going to America tomorrow. I might not be coming back for several months. Can we meet up before I leave?" Even though YanMingXiu can't hear what LanXiRong is saying, seeing ZhouXiang's hesitant expression; he probably can guess that LanXiRong wanted to meet up with him. Without even thinking, he reached out to try and take ZhouXiang's earphones. ZhouXiang leaned his head away and softly scolded, "Stop causing trou‐ ble." LanXiRong paused on the line, "Are you with him?" "Yeah, we're going home." LanXiRong is silent. After a long time, he forcefully laughed, "I still can't be compared to him." ZhouXiang heaved a sigh in his heart. He felt that it is too dangerous to evade YanMingXiu's actions while driving so he swerved the steering wheel to stop on the side of the road. He covered the earphone and says softly, "XiRong, thank you for all your help before. Without you and Wei Ge, it would have been very hard for me to get pass that time." "You know that these polite words are not what I wanted to hear." LanXiRong's voice is particularly nice, clear and adorable, making peo‐ ple feel the breadth of youth assaulting their senses. It's no wonder that he's a natural born actor and singer. Everywhere on his body had a part that is captivating to people. Initially, ZhouXiang was really very inter‐ ested in him. In his memory, this boy is adorable and very lovable. But he could no longer remember the loving affections he had for LanXiRong at that time. If LanXiRong had accepted him then, everything would have been dif‐ ferent.

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But there is no "if" in life. ZhouXiang sighed, "These aren't polite words. XiRong. I'm very thank‐ ful to you. I'm also very happy for all your achievements. People like you are suitable for the greatest and finest beauty... forget your Xiang Ge." LanXiRong heaved a long sigh, this sigh that is tinged with sorrow and sadness made ZhouXiang feel a bit pained. "Xiang Ge, I'm leaving tomorrow, you really can't meet up with me?" ZhouXiang pondered for a moment, "It's not like you're not coming back. We'll meet up next time you come back. For sure, okay?" He thought, when LanXiRong returns again, he would be able to candidly accept his relationship with YanMingXiu. Then maybe it won't be so awkward at the time. LanXiRong hoarsely voiced, "Xiang Ge, I hope you didn't make the wrong choice this time." ZhouXiang smiled, his eyes unconsciously fell on YanMingXiu and re‐ sponded softly, "I hope so too." After hanging up the phone, ZhouXiang turned his head and sees Yan‐ MingXiu's dejected expression. He was obviously suppressing himself from exploding, so much that he is feeling very unsettled. Immediately when ZhouXiang hung up, he asked, "What were you guys talking about? Wanting to meet up with you? How could this guy not fucking let go already. There was nothing between the both of you from the begin‐ ning to end. Why is he still lingering on?" ZhouXiang responded, "Don't say that. He just cares about me." YanMingXiu scoffed and muttered, "Just stay in America, why keep coming back." ZhouXiang patted his face, "Don't be so immature ah, how old are you?" After saying that, he was going to restart the car but YanMingXiu grabbed his hand and grinned at him.

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There is no light in the car, only the street lights from the outside pene‐ trating within. So it is very dim. YanMingXiu's eyes are particularly bright in the dim light, as if it could shine into people's hearts. "What is it?" "Xiang Ge, no matter how good others are, you can't see... can't think of them." ZhouXiang can't help laughing, "What are you talking about..?." "I am serious. I know that your relationship with this surname Lan was quite good before. You obviously liked him, right? I am gay like you. I understand how men think. I don't believe you felt nothing when he was constantly around you before." ZhouXiang raked through his hair, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Yeah." YanMingXiu gripped onto ZhouXiang's chin, their eyes looking directly at each other, "Xiang Ge, but that is all in the past. You have me now. Regardless of him or other people, you can only look at me... think of me. In this world, nobody needs you more than me. Don't make me worry, okay?" ZhouXiang looked at YanMingXiu quietly, the emotions in his eyes re‐ vealing an honest and sincere expression. He patted YanMingXiu's face gently and said softly, "Don't worry. I only have you in my eyes." YanMingXiu finally laughed. He gripped ZhouXiang's face and kissed his soft lips intimately. ZhouXiang took the initiative to hold him. The two heartily kissed each other in this small confined space. Their wet lips, warm oral cavities and that familiar feeling giving them that peace of mind made the meaning of this simple kiss substantially different. This is the person they truly love. To be able to embrace each other in this warm and cold time and absorb the intoxicating temperature from each other is a kind of happiness. This is just a kiss, but it's enough to make people enthralled. The two had planned to go directly home but ZhouXiang suddenly re‐ membered that Mother Yan had given them some fresh mackerel. It was

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more than ten kilograms. They couldn't eat it all so he wanted to take some back to ChenYing. They headed to her place. ChenYing had already given her implied approval to their cohabitation so she wouldn't call and ask if ZhouXiang didn't come home. She knew that she will have to get use to her son growing up and moving out re‐ gardless. Even if the person he is with is not a man but an actual daugh‐ ter-in-law, this would have happened sooner or later. Despite feeling very depressed, ChenYing did not visibly show it. She only reminded ZhouX‐ iang to come back to eat once in a while when he's not busy. She usually has Aunt Wang accompany her so she doesn't feel too lonely. However, seeing the two men coming back together, she is both surprised and happy. When they entered the home, she quickly asked if they had "eaten?" "Mom, it's already after eight o'clock, of course we've already eaten. MingXiu's mother gave us some mackerel. It's frozen and still very fresh. We can't eat it all so came to give you half." "Oh oh, that good stuff. Aunt Wang, can you put it in the refrigerator?" Aunt Wang very delightedly looked at YanMingXiu and ZhouXiang over and over again, liking them more and more no matter how much she looked. She even wanted them to be her sons. Upon hearing ChenYing's words, she reluctantly took the fish to the kitchen. ChenYing wore her glasses and took out her medical file, "I've been looking at this for two days but the doctor's handwriting is too ugly. I can't guess what he's writing." "Auntie, you don't have to try and guess what it is. If you have any ques‐ tions, you can ask the doctor directly when doing your dialysis." "Ahhh, I'm afraid to trouble people... he seems very busy." "Mom, you can't be afraid to bother people for medical treatment." ZhouXiang paused, "Mom, I've been thinking about something for a long time. I want to talk to you about it today." "Say it."

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"It's about your kidney transplant." ChenYing nodded, "Oh, this... I've heard that the chance is slim unless it's from..." ChenYing suddenly opened her eyes and looked at ZhouXi‐ ang, "I'm telling you, with the kidney donor, you better not do any test matching. Even if I die, I don't want your kidney. Don't even think about it." ZhouXiang didn't expect ChenYing's reaction to be so extreme, "Mom, let me explain it to you, a person has two......" "Don't tell me this. I already know these things, but I definitely won't al‐ low it. To cut something out from somebody's body, how could there not be any harm? I definitely don't believe this. I'm already sixty years old and you're only in your twenties, so young. You still have a long road ahead of you. Even if yours is a match, to give yours to me, is it worth it? Anyway, I definitely don't want it. This... you're not allowed think about it. Even if I die, I don't want it. Without a kidney transplant, there's not much change to my life. It's not a big deal. But if my son sacrifices his health for me, I might as well die early." ChenYing's tone is a bit riled up, her position in this matter extremely determined. YanMingXiu tried to smoothly advised, "Auntie, your concern I under‐ stand, I also don't agree with Xiang Ge donating his kidney to you. Al‐ though it is a bit selfish for me to say this, I believe you can understand. I will search for a kidney donor all over the world. I believe that there is still great hope." ZhouXiang sighed and looked at ChenYing's resolute expression and then look at YanMingXiu's gentle but intense expression. He knew that he wouldn't be able to get pass them on this. He can understand ChenYing's thoughts. If it was himself, he also won't allow his young child take this risk. But, he's always felt that he owed it to ChenYing. After all, he had taken this body from her son. ChenYing grasped his hand, "Ah Xiang, you need to understand mom. If you really want me to be well and live for a few more years, don't think about this so I can be at ease. Promise me."

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Under ChenYing's resolute expression, ZhouXiang could only nod help‐ lessly. ChenYing breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "What time did you guys eat? Has it fully digested? Aunt Wang and I learned how to make this dessert from TV. I'll get you some from the refrigerator." The two stayed there for a while, eating dessert and accompanying ChenYing to watch TV. They stayed till 10pm before leaving to go home. When ChenYing walked them to the door, she sighed and smiled, "My son has grown up and have his own family. It's really fast." ZhouXiang lowered his head and smiled, then suddenly pulled Yan‐ MingXiu's neck, "Mom, just treat him like he's also your son." The rim of ChenYing's eyes turned red as she smiled lovingly. End of the Chapter

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Chapter 121 - Each Heartbeat…Beating For Each Other ⦘

Chapter 121 - Each Heart‐ beat...Beating For Each Other Chapter 121: Each Heartbeat...Beating For Each Other After the two returned home, ZhouXiang removed his jacket and wanted to have a good discussion with YanMingXiu regarding ChenYing's treat‐ ment, but he was unexpectedly embraced from behind as he was hanging up the jacket. YanMingXiu's left hand meandered into his clothes, stroking his warm and firm chest. ZhouXiang relaxingly leaned onto him and smiled, "I have something se‐ rious to talk to you about." "This is also serious." "You seem a little too eager..... Hey, don't bite my neck. You don't know how hard your bite is." The more ZhouXiang talked, the more YanMingXiu continued, using his teeth to leave a neat row of teeth markings along his neck. ZhouXiang could already feel something hot and hard pushing behind him. He deliberately grinded his lower body against YanMingXiu. Ini‐ tially, he just wanted to tease him but he didn't expect YanMingXiu to have no patience at all and immediately pressed him onto the sofa and fervently tear into his clothes, raining kisses on his chest. "What's going on?" ZhouXiang obviously felt that YanMingXiu is much more eager than usual. These two days, the two had been restraining themselves. YanMingXiu lifted his head, his eyes sparkling, "Xiang Ge, today you told ChenYing to treat me as her other son." ZhouXiang nodded, "I did say that."

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YanMingXiu revealed a perverse smile, "That's just it. Today I need to pleasure you." "You... fuck. Pleasure me...first you take off my pants. Is there anyone who pleasures people like you do?" "Then tell me how should I do it?" YanMingXiu gripped his pants and squinted his eyes at him, his expression tinged with lust. ZhouXiang stared blankly and responded helplessly, "Still... take it (pants) off first." YanMingXiu no longer hesitated and quickly stripped ZhouXiang bare with just a few moves, then passionately kissed him with his hands con‐ tinuously caressing and stroking all over his body. ZhouXiang eyes flashed a trace of perceptive light, "Your arm is healed!!" "Yeah." YanMingXiu buried his head and continued to kiss him, having no interest to talk. "YanMingXiu...you bastard. You just know how to tease me." "I like you feeding me." "You still haven't grown up." "I just like you feeding me. Let me have a full meal today." Yan‐ MingXiu's powerful arm spread ZhouXiang's body and entered him, us‐ ing all his intensity and passion to take possession of him. There is no one else in the world who could make him feel such im‐ mense pain... no one else who could make him experience what it means to intensely longed for someone. He will use all his time to completely own this person. Nobody could separate them. ----ZhouXiang's movie is currently in preparation to start filing in three months. For two months, he had been practicing horsemanship and had lost seven pounds. Initially, his physique was already very much up to 889

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par, now he's a little too thin but he is very satisfied with his figure. When he was trying on the dress-up for the role, he made a serious ex‐ pression in the mirror, the face that reflected back at him had a somewhat poor but noble feel. Due to the season, all the scenes to be shot in the beginning are indoor scenes. This is the first time that ZhouXiang didn't have to use to any weapons nor his skills as a stuntman, but he didn't feel that it is much easier. On the contrary, it was even more exhausting than being a stunt‐ man. The reason is very simple. When he was a stuntman, he only needed to make sure that his actions are well executed at the right cam‐ era angles. But when he had to take on the leading role of a movie, the director's expectations of him are not the same. ZhouXiang's acting is still bit lacking and he had a hard time getting into character. So in his spare time, he essentially used it to understand his role, practicing in front of the mirror. But when it came to filming, there are many times when the scenes needed to be reshot repeatedly. In the beginning, there was barely a time that he didn't have to reshoot a scene, delaying the en‐ tire crew's progress. ZhouXiang is a person who can't stand to trouble others. He became so anxious that he often had trouble sleeping in the middle of the night and would get up to practice his lines. After two or three times, YanMingXiu couldn't stand it anymore so he especially took three days off to stay home to help him practice his scenes. It was impossible for ZhouXiang to assess YanMingXiu's acting skills because YanMingXiu essentially had no expression in any of his roles. However, his grandeur eminence is enough to satisfy the need of the film's production. If YanMingXiu was to act in a comedy, it'll definitely be a flop. But when it is a role personally selected by YanMingXiu him‐ self, a role that is most suitable for him, his performance would be ex‐ ceptionally remarkable. Unfortunately, YanMingXiu didn't care at all about his reputation in the entertainment industry. He had already decided that he will no longer act in any other movies unless it is for ZhouXiang. And now for ZhouXiang, he deliberately set aside his work to meticulously help him get into the role. 890

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ZhouXiang is extremely touched but felt embarrassed. YanMingXiu's pa‐ tience is definitely his biggest help, allowing him to calmly deal with his current predicament. So when shooting restarted again, his condition was much better and the shooting progression became much more smoother. In the entertainment circle, the amount of rumors between the two al‐ ready can't be concealed. There is also a lot of news of them on the inter‐ net. YanMingXiu had always hated gossip news. But one day he saw a picture of ZhouXiang holding his arm to across the street. YanMingXiu pointed to the screen and said, "Xiang Ge, this photo is not bad. My legs are really long." ZhouXiang scoffed and laughed aloud, "You showoff, let me see." ZhouXiang moved close to glance at the screen, "Not bad, but the angle is not that good. This posture is not much different from me holding an old lady cross the street." YanMingXiu creased his brows, "You dare say that I'm an old lady?" "There is no such shameful old lady like you," ZhouXiang kissed him, "Hurry up and take a shower. I have to get to bed soon. Need to get up early tomorrow." "You've been waking up early and sleeping late for this movie; you're even busier than me. Now I really regret introducing you to this crew. I can't even see you when I come home and the refrigerator is all left‐ overs." ZhouXiang said with beaming smiles, "Just tell me what it is that you want to eat, I'll make it for you." YanMingXiu curled his lips and hugged his waist forcefully, "I don't want you to cook. I want your time." ZhouXiang smiled softly, "That's not a problem. My time outside of filming is yours. You're my only love. If I don't spend time with you, who can I spend my time with?" YanMingXiu narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Your mouth still knows how to say this."

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"Not only can my mouth say it, it can also do a lot of things." ZhouXiang teased as he leaned over and brushed their lips, gently kissing and suck‐ ing YanMingXiu's soft lips. YanMingXiu enjoyed this tender kiss with his eyes closed. After ZhouXiang kissed him, he blinked and smiled warmly, "Hurry up and go take a shower. Today I will risk it all to accompany this gentle‐ man (T/N)." T/N: -- in this context it just means that he'll have sex with YanMingXiu for as long as he wants. YanMingXiu's eyes glimmered as he immediately pressed ZhouXiang onto the bed, "Let's do it first and then shower together." "Shower first.... I also haven't....nnnhhh...ahh..." The room within is full of erotic scenery (sex). ---------Despite being busy with filming, there was also something major going on in their lives. And that is the renovation of ZhouXiang's home. ZhouXiang is full of sentimental affections for this old home but there are obviously many areas that are too old and needed to be renovated. ZhouXiang had once asked YangMingXiu's advice on whether or not he wanted to live here. If he didn't want to, they could change the place. Af‐ ter all, he (ZhouXiang) could come back to this place any time. He is worried that the environment would be too hard for YanMingXiu to en‐ dure. YanMingXiu simply shook his head in refusal, saying that he liked this place very much. After all, there is just the two of them. The space of lit‐ tle over 70 square meters (754sq ft) is sufficient for them. If needed, they could always go back to his condo. He is also full of affections for this home because it is full of his and ZhouXiang's early memories. So ZhouXiang decided to renovate this home on a smaller scale, mainly changing the old fashioned wall paper, the tiles, a bit of everything,

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adding some new furniture, and making a full-walled bookcase so that YanMingXiu could work. In the interim, the two moved to YanMingXiu's place while the renova‐ tion is in progress. Because they are usually busy, the job of the foreman was handed over to JiangYuan. But when they have time, they will go back to check on the progress and give some suggestions. In a blink of an eye, half a year passed. The renovation of the home is completed and a third of ZhouXiang's film had also been completed. Af‐ ter the start of summer, there was more and more outdoor filming. Just standing outside for ten minutes, ZhouXiang's body would sweat pro‐ fusely. It was extremely difficult for the entire crew. He was no excep‐ tion. YanMingXiu came by twice to visit his filming set. Both times, he didn't bother with evading, freely greeting the crew. Their intimate relationship is no longer a secret, though nobody said it in front of them. Following the rise of ZhouXiang's fame and worth, WangYuDong was affected by the crisis over his father's illegal activities. His career was hugely impacted, having no new projects nor has he appeared in the pub‐ lic for a long time. However, ZhouXiang felt that with WangYuDong's capabilities, it won't be hard for him to make a comeback. But regardless of how WangYuDong is, he no longer cared. He is extremely happy and content with his current life. When he felt that his entire person is fulfilled, his heart no longer harbored any hatred or resentment. During the half year, he and YanMingXiu returned to ChenYing's place two to three times a month and ZhouXiang went with YanMingXiu to his family home once. YanMingXiu and his father finally started to communicate with each other again. His father's attitude is not as unyielding as before, even though his expression still didn't look good when he sees ZhouXiang, but at least he can turn a blind eye.

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ZhouXiang didn't think or cared too much. Having the Yan family accept him would be best, but he didn't think it could be achieved. As long as he and YanMingXiu could maintain their current life, it is already consid‐ ered success. He thought, anyone who wants to see them break up halfway will even‐ tually lose. Because in his heart, there are no other kind of feeling (like their love) that could overcome the barriers of life and death, making something that is impossible possible, and still stubbornly and miracu‐ lously be able to embrace one another. His fate with YanMingXiu couldn't be severed even with his death. He couldn't think of anything they won't be able to overcome. Even if he had died once, even if he was born again, even on a path that is full of challenges and difficulties, his heart still yearned for this boy who had once captivated and made his heart beat erratically. This point had never changed. ------There were subtle footsteps nearing. Following, a heavy weight flopped down next to him on the mattress as a warm body got under the blanket and naturally pulled his waist. ZhouXiang whispered, "You're back." YanMingXiu responded softly, "Got back so late... woke you up." ZhouXiang leaned in his arms. Although his body build is not small and he can't be a timid, helpless-looking little woman, he really loves the feeling of being tightly nestling close together. This makes him feel at ease and content, "It's fine. I just fell asleep, don't come back so late in the future. It's not safe." YanMingXiu kissed his forehead, "I know. You've also been busy all day." "Yeah...so tired." YanMingXiu stroked his waist gently, "Then go to sleep. I'll go with you to ChenYing's home this Sunday."

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ZhouXiang's mouth lifted into an infinite soft smile, "Okay." He opened his arms and wrapped it tightly around YanMingXiu's waist. The two men's bodies are very close...so close they could feel each other's heart‐ beat. Each heartbeat... beating for each other.

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Epilogue - The Husbands' Sweet Days (M) -- End Epilogue -- The Husbands' Sweet Days (M) -- End Just when ZhouXiang is in deep sleep, his cell phone suddenly rang. From sleeping to being shockingly awake, he seemed to have been sleep‐ ing for a particularly long time. He drowsily opened his eyes and reached out to touch in the direction of the sound. A warm and forceful hand grabbed his wrist, YanMingXiu's gentle voice sounded near his ear, "Don't pick up, just sleep." ZhouXiang yawned and put his head softly on YanMingXiu's belly, "Been sleeping for so long my head hurts." "From last night to now.... about 16-17 hours." "No way, that long?" ZhouXiang swung his head, "I should get up now. Phone, give me the phone." YanMingXiu picked up ZhouXiang's phone, glance at it and dropped the call, "It's JiangYuan, don't pick up. You said that you'll take a vacation after all the promotional activities." With YanMingXiu essentially withdrawing from the entertainment indus‐ try and ZhouXiang's career flourishing, JiangYuan also conveniently be‐ came ZhouXiang's agent. ZhouXiang heaved a sigh, "Even if the promotional activities are over, you also can't torment me (with excessive sex). I'm so exhausted." YanMingXiu's hand reached under the blanket and pinched his waist. Sounding a bit resentful, "You've been running around all over the coun‐ try the last two months, I can't even catch you. Now that I finally got the chance, shouldn't you generously make it up to me?"

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ZhouXiang rolled over and caressed his face and smiled, "Isn't it all over? I have a long period to rest. Why are you in such a hurry?" YanMingXiu put down the book in his hand and lowered his head to kiss him, "Let's travel..." ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "No, I don't want to go anywhere. Right now, I just want to stay home for a month or two and not go anywhere. Flying to three cities a day is horrendous." "Okay, will listen to you. We'll just have a vacation at home. But we've agreed, you can't pick up any other work within three months." ZhouXiang smiled, "Didn't I already listen to you on this? You were the one that arranged the agent for me." "I did that because I was afraid you would get too tired. It wasn't neces‐ sary at all. You only need to act the roles you want. You don't have to work so hard for money." "I know. I'll be selective with the scripts." ZhouXiang wrapped his arms around YanMingXiu's neck and whispered, "Haven't made you a good meal in the long time, what do you want to eat tonight?" "Xiang Ge, don't change the topic." YanMingXiu's slender fingers raked through his hair, "Promise me that you'll only do one film a year." ZhouXiang smiled forcefully, "But I really want to make more money, I don't want to use yours." "What's mine is yours." "That's not right. If my mom finds out, she'll get mad" "Even if you only do one film a year, it's enough for you to support the family, not to mention if you get too busy, how are you going to have time to take care of auntie and have time for me? You're just thinking about supporting the family but not caring for the family." YanMingXiu looked directly at ZhouXiang's eyes as he tells him this very seriously. Seeing his serious expression, ZhouXiang couldn't help but laugh, "Okay, forget about it. I know exactly what you're thinking. What you 897

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said makes sense. I also don't want to work so hard. One film a year it is." YanMingXiu finally smiled with relief, "This morning, my mom sent someone to give us some prawns. It's very fresh. How do you want to cook it?" "What do you want to eat?" "Do you know what day it is today?" "What day is it?" ZhouXiang got a little anxious. He is particularly afraid of forgetting YanMingXiu's birthday and the like because he (Yan‐ MingXiu) would definitely not let him off easily. He pondered over it and is pretty confident that YanMingXiu's birthday is in the summer. YanMingXiu responded, "Today is Winter Solstice (T/N)" T/N: , Winter Solstice is one of the most important Chinese and East Asian festivals celebrated by the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans during the , on or around December 22. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in. Traditionally, it is also a time for families to get together. Tra‐ ditions and customs for the day varies in different areas of China. One activity that occurs during these get-togethers (especially in southern China) is the making and eating of tangyuan () or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. In northern China, people typically eat dumplings. tanyuan dumpling "Oh, it's already Winter Solstice so soon. Want to make dumplings?" "Okay, let's make dumplings." "Aiyah, we have to go home (referring to ChenYing's place)." "You forgot that auntie and aunt Wang went to Sichuan for vacation? Wait till she comes back, then we can go."

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"Been so busy that I forgot." ZhouXiang swung his arm and got up, "Slept for a day, my whole body has stiffened. You've just been sitting here reading your book?" " YanMingXiu softly muttered, "Keeping you warm." After ZhouXiang's washed up, the two went downstairs to buy groceries. Autumn had just started the day before yesterday so the weather is a bit cold. YanMingXiu didn't wear a jacket so ZhouXiang stood close to him. The two of them walked very slowly, as if going out to buy groceries to‐ gether is also a very enjoyable leisure pastime. They bought a cabbage, as well as some other vegetables and meat. ZhouXiang is best at making dumplings with cabbage and shrimp stuff‐ ing. After the dumplings are out of the steaming pot, not one would leak. Just a bite into it, the aromatic juice will seep into the mouth. His dumplings are so delicious that even ChenYing's dumplings can't be compared to his. As they were heading home after they had gotten all the ingredients, ZhouXiang suddenly asked, "Should we invite auntie to come over and eat with us?" YanMingXiu asked astonishingly, "My mom?" "Yeah." YanMingXiu is a bit hesitant, "Is that okay?" "Why wouldn't it be? Didn't she send us the prawns? You've lived at my place for so long and she never came by. She definitely wants to see where her son lives. Besides, today is the Winter Solstice, it is reason‐ able." YanMingXiu said, "My mom may not come." "Just ask and see." YanMingXiu called and asked his mom. Unexpectedly, his mother really agreed to come over. 899

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The two went home to make dumplings. An hour later, the doorbell rang. YanMingXiu opened the door. Mother Yan curiously glanced inside the home." "Mom, come in." ZhouXiang poked his head out of the kitchen and smiled, "Auntie, you're here." Mother Yan frowned slightly, "Don't say that I'm complaining, why are you guys living in such a small place? I'm not saying that you have to live in a big extravagant house, but... it's not like you don't have the money." ZhouXiang lifted his hand that is full of flour and rubbed his forehead with his arm. He explained, "This place has special meaning for the both of us. In fact, we don't live here all the time, sometimes we go to MingXiu's home. It's about half-half time." YanMingXiu also added, "Mom, as long as the home has enough space for us is good enough. Why do need such a big house? Let alone the transportation here is great." "Fine. After all, it's your lives." Mother Yan took off her coat and rolled up her sleeves, "Is it wrapped? I can help." "Don't need to mom. Just have a sit. We can do it ourselves. The kitchen is small, can't fit too many people." Mother Yan smiled, "Really, you also know it's small... I'm going to take a look around, you go busy yourselves." After a little over ten minutes, the dumplings started cooking. The deli‐ cious aroma permeated the entire home; it is very temping. While ZhouXiang was busy peeling the garlics, YanMingXiu continu‐ ously look at him from the side. Then one of his arms reached out to grasp his waist, putting his head on ZhouXiang's shoulder, "Xiang Ge, I think my mom is very pleased with you."

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ZhouXiang quickly turned around and kissed him, "Yeah, I know. Your mom is an easily softhearted person." YanMingXiu clung to his neck with dissatisfaction, "Sooner or later, I'm going to take you home." ZhouXiang smiled, "I hope that there will be that day... aiyah, tell you to watch the steaming pot, the water is coming out!" YanMingXiu quickly ran over to lift the lid. The boiling dumpling soup sprinkled on the floor that ZhouXiang had just wiped. YanMingXiu smiled embarrassedly, looking so adorable ZhouXiang couldn't even get angry when seeing that face. He smiled and complained, "Just having you watch over the pot and you can't even do it." YanMingXiu pinched his waist, "I just need to be able to watch over you is enough." After a while, the dumplings were taken out of the pot. The steaming scrumptious plate of dumplings looked extremely enticing. The two put a few dishes of other foods and the plate of dumplings on the table. Yan‐ MingXiu called over to his mom, "Mom, come eat." Mother Yan came over and looked, "Wow, who made this? Definitely not my son." ZhouXiang smiled, "I made this today but MingXiu's cooking skills are quite good. He used to cook for himself when he was going to school." "Really? How come I didn't know that? Ahh, I know why. You'll show your skills at ZhouXiang's home, but at home, you won't even lift a fin‐ ger." Mother Yan's mouth twitched as she pointed to YanMingXiu, "Bias." YanMingXiu smiled, "I'll cook for you in the future, okay? Mom, have a sit." When a boy grows up, it's rare for him to be close to his mother. Most would feel awkward. YanMingXiu is even more so. Mother Yan hasn't

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felt so close to her son for a long time. If one was to mention this, it should be ZhouXiang's credit. She couldn't help but look at ZhouXiang a few times and thought that this daughter-in-law, except for not being a woman, everything else about him is really good. ZhouXiang revealed a gentle smile, "Auntie, eat while it's hot. Today is the Winter Solstice. Eat more dumplings to warm the body." "Come, you guys eat too." The three people chatted while eating. Mother Yan became very excited, mentioning many things from YanMingXiu's childhood. She repeatedly said that YanMingXiu was very cute when he was a child and many peo‐ ple liked him. The more she talked, the more excited she got. She even said that she'll bring YanMingXiu's childhood pictures when she comes next time. ZhouXiang listened with great interest. From time to time, he also teased YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu looked at the two people happily chatting away, he immediately felt completely relaxed. He has always been worried that ZhouXiang wouldn't be able to endure the pressure from his parents but he is now convinced that ZhouXiang is more determined than he imagined. Although his father had always been unyielding, ZhouXiang's coaxing his mother is really quite effective. Now when his mom buys him something, she would also buy it for ZhouXiang. No matter what, this is a huge improvement. He is not afraid of his parent's opposition, he's only afraid that ZhouXiang would feel grieved. After the meal, Mother Yan grabbed ZhouXiang and asked him about his filming project. ZhouXiang told her of the many funny and interesting things that occurred during filming. In fact, she had always been very cu‐ rious about these things but YanMingXiu never told her. Now that a per‐ son willingly chatted to her about these things, she is especially happy. ZhouXiang's words are especially sweet-natured, with his gentle voice, it is very enjoyable to chat with him. ZhouXiang chatted with Mother Yan till about 10pm before the driver came to pick her up.

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After she left, ZhouXiang grabbed the apron intending on cleaning the kitchen. But unexpectedly, after a glance, all the bowls and pans had been washed. He didn't know when YanMingXiu cleaned it. YanMingXiu hugged him from behind, "You've been tired for a whole day, how could I let you clean." "How could this little work make me tired... but since you've already cleaned up, I do feel a little sleepy, let's go to bed." "Go to sleep right now? It's too early, right?" When YanMingXiu said that it was too early, his hand had already meandered into ZhouXiang's pants and moving downward. ZhouXiang immediately bent down and gripped YanMingXiu's hand through his pants. His posture is a bit funny. Gnawing his teeth, "How could you not feel tired at all, how many times did we do it last night?" YanMingXiu faintly smiled, "How can this kind of thing make me tired." Then he began to tug at ZhouXiang's pants. ZhouXiang sighed, "It seems that the time I wasn't home, you had been suppressed (YanMingXiu's sexual urges) for too long. "Bullshit. Didn't you know how much I wanted to go find you? But you wouldn't let me." "It's just going to be troublesome if you go. Everyone knows you... mn‐ nghh..." YanMingXiu immediately grabbed ZhouXiang's cock, his agile fingers kneaded his cock atop the underwear... "You don't let me go. Then you have to let me have my fill from the last two months." "Go to the bed... floor is cold" Fortunately, their home is small. They got to the room in just a few steps. YanMingXiu is obviously very eager. Upon entering the room, he imme‐ diately pressed ZhouXiang on the bed. It must have been hard for him to suppress himself the few hours that his mom was here.

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His rough and impatient kisses very quickly landed on ZhouXiang. Both of their lips heatedly melded together. ZhouXiang opened his mouth and teased YanMingXiu's tongue. YanMingXiu is obviously very aroused, his hardened lower body continuously grinded against ZhouXiang's un‐ derwear, further igniting ZhouXiang lust. ZhouXiang reached out and wantonly tore at YanMingXiu's clothes. The two of them are like raging infernos, ignited with just a touch. Very soon they stripped each other completely out of their clothes. YanMingXiu's kisses lowered, going from ZhouXiang's chin, to his chest, then his navel. ZhouXiang spread his legs and wrapped it around YanMingXiu's waist; his five fingers chaotically threaded through his hair, his waist continuously arching, grinding against YanMingXiu's lower body. The places where their body blended are fervently hot. The flames of de‐ sires emanated from their eyes. YanMingXiu panted and huskily gasped, "Xiang Ge, I want to go straight in." He urgently wanted to feel ZhouXiang's internal body heat, so much that he didn't even want to bother with the foreplay that he usu‐ ally enjoyed. ZhouXiang softly responded, "Put ...just put it in." Because the two just had a night of frenzied passion, ZhouXiang felt that his tightly enclosed tunnel is still soft. YanMingXiu used a little lubrica‐ tion and started to probe at his entrance. Very soon, he was able to easily insert his two fingers side by side into the ZhouXiang's warm cavity. YanMingXiu smiled faintly, "It's really not the same after fucking for a night, so easy to go in." ZhouXiang's face is inflamed, "Talk some more and I'll kick you." After saying that, he had already extended his legs intending on kicking Yan‐ MingXiu. YanMingXiu immediately grabbed onto his thighs and forcefully spread it widely apart. He quickly pulled out his fingers and started to push his erected big baby into the warm tunnel. As he thrust, he teased, "If you

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have the energy to kick me, it just means that we haven't done it enough." "Less bullshit....." ZhouXiang clenched his teeth, his mouth drawing out hissing sounds. With the emptiness in his lower body being stuffed fully, this pleasurable feeling is tinged with a trace of pain. It's hard to say which feeling is stronger, but he knew that this is what he wanted. YanMingXiu gave a contented sigh, "So tight, so hot, Xiang Ge, it feels so good inside you." ZhouXiang's face is burning. He is too lazy to respond. He could only arch his waist to further urge YanMingXiu. YanMingXiu was initially afraid that his movements were too strong for ZhouXiang to endure. But after getting such direct encouragement, his entire person is like a strong bow ready to strike. Holding onto ZhouXi‐ ang's waist, he began to thrust rapidly and deeply into ZhouXiang. ZhouXiang's small meat hole quickly expanded to an incredible size, completely engulfing YanMingXiu's thick cock. The image of his cock gradually disappearing into his body is full of obscene and sinful taste. YanMingXiu forcefully spread ZhouXiang's butt cheeks and fiercely smacked his perked buttocks. Every time he entered, he seemed to have push ZhouXiang's body to an even more intense level of orgasm, forcing him to contract his tight entrance, delusionally seeking more warmth. And each time he pulls out is like the spring tides, making his body feel indescribably empty. In between his thrusts, both people were pushed to the peak of their passion, following the joining of their bodies, they drifted in the sea of desires, and soon were drowned in the earth shatter‐ ing intensive lust... then soon struggled for even more. YanMingXiu rammed into ZhouXiang's ass so hard that it made pa-pa sounds. That rhythmic, shameful sound is simply a great aphrodisiac forcing YanMingXiu to constantly adjust his speed so that ZhouXiang's body could give him even better reaction. "MingXiu... too fast... slow a bit... too fast..." ZhouXiang pulled his neck forward. He can hardly breathe from YanMingXiu's forceful intensive thrusts. 905

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"I can't stop, Xiang Ge, I'm sure fucking you like this is still not enough in my life. I can't stop... I love you, I love you too much." YanMingXiu's speed and intensity became more and more frightening making ZhouXi‐ ang gasped and panted continuously. The attack from each waves of pas‐ sion is stronger and stronger. This kind of thrilling pleasure, like the bites from a million ants is almost killing him. He really can't stand it... "Enough, it's really too... too fast... mnnh ah mnn... ah ah, MingXiu, too, too fast..." YanMingXiu is extremely knowledgeable with ZhouXiang's body, essen‐ tially aiming for that secret spot that would bring ZhouXiang to his cli‐ max with his every thrust. ZhouXiang couldn't help but twist his body. At the moment of climax, his entire person suddenly tensed, forcefully contracting his meat hole, bringing extreme pleasure to YanMingXiu. The moment when ZhouXiang came, YanMingXiu's body trembled and also came inside ZhouXiang's body. The two reached their climax at al‐ most at the same time. The entire space seems to have been ignited by their heat. Even when YanMingXiu is so exhausted that he leaned on top of ZhouX‐ iang, his tongue was still being mischievous as he licked the sweat from ZhouXiang's neck. It was a long time before ZhouXiang regained his senses from this dazed experience, his entire person feeling bewildered, "You...where did you get the energy from?" YanMingXiu hugged his waist tightly. Even though he is very tired, his mental and physically satiation is enough to fill his entire world. He smiled lightly, "As long as it is with you, I'll always have the energy." ZhouXiang caressed his hair, "Fuck, very sleepy... and tired, I can't... have to sleep." "You're not going to shower?" "Don't want to move."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Epilogue - The Husbands’ Sweet Days (M) – End ⦘

"I'll help you shower, okay?" "Ahhhh..." ZhouXiang muttered, "Forget it..." YanMingXiu embraced him tightly and softly voiced, "You're sweaty. You can catch a cold. Let me rest for a bit, I'll help you wash, just sleep first." "Okay... don't call me." "Don't call you." "MingXiu." "Mnnn?" "I should've sent some dumplings home with auntie today. Maybe your dad will eat it, it's really good." "Yeah. If he doesn't eat it, it's his loss." "Aigh, how could I forget..." ZhouXiang's voice got softer and softer. "It's okay, there is still New Year's." "Yeah. New year's is fine too." YanMingXiu kissed his mouth gently, "Xiang Ge, I love you." "Ah.... I love you too." "Say it again." "What?" "I love you." "I also love you."

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Epilogue - The Husbands’ Sweet Days (M) – End ⦘

YanMingXiu very contently tightened his arms around ZhouXiang. To be able to hold ZhouXiang like this is enough in his entire life. If happiness can completely make a person feel fulfilled, then his heart is happily brimming full without the slightest gap. He's very grateful to God for bringing ZhouXiang back to him. The End

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⦗ Professional Body Double c1-125 — Epilogue - The Husbands’ Sweet Days (M) – End ⦘

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