ABOES 62: Accidental Like

Tan Yao arrived in the afternoon, but instead of heading straight to the film set, she waited for Chi Yunxing at home.

As soon as Chi Yunxing walked through the door after wrapping up for the day, he caught a familiar scent of home-cooked food.

Hearing the noise, Tan Yao stepped out of the kitchen. “Yunxing, you’re back?”

Chi Yunxing smiled. “Hi, Mom.”

Tan Yao gave him a full body look from a distance before walking closer, her voice tinged with concern. “You’ve lost weight.”

“Really?” Chi Yunxing looked down at himself and muttered, “My brother didn’t say anything…”

Tan Yao paused. “Your brother came to see you? He didn’t mention it. When was this?”

Chi Yunxing’s heart skipped as he quickly covered. “Ah, it’s just a video call a couple days ago. We didn’t meet in person.”

“Video isn’t the same as seeing someone face to face.” Tan Yao took his hand and led him toward the dining room. “Anyway, forget about him for now. Let’s eat!”

Chi Yunxing nodded. “I’ve honestly been craving your cooking.”

“Then eat up!” Tan Yao grinned, clearly delighted.

Chi Yunxing nodded obediently. “I’ll do my best to finish everything!”

Tan Yao had to go to the hospital the next day, so she didn’t stay long. After dinner, she left, but not before opening the fridge and telling Chi Yunxing she had packed a separate portion for Duan Zhiyan. She reminded him to bring it to him the next day.

Thinking of Duan Zhiyan still in the hospital, cast a shadow over Chi Yunxing’s good mood.

He had messaged Duan Zhiyan that afternoon, but hadn’t received a reply.

Still, not wanting Tan Yao to notice anything was off, he smiled and said, “Got it. I’ll make sure to take it to Zhiyan Ge.”

…Though he’d be bringing it to the hospital.

There were no scenes for Chi Yunxing the next morning. Normally, he would still go to set and sit with Director Li Chao to learn but with Duan Zhiyan still in the hospital, Chi Yunxing had no desire to be on set.

After notifying Li Chao, Chi Yunxing brought the food Tan Yao had left and went to the hospital.

Even though it was a private hospital, it was a weekend, and still fairly busy.

Chi Yunxing waited until the parking garage had mostly cleared out before getting out, wearing a mask and cap.

The driver didn’t accompany him, staying in the garage instead.

At the door of the hospital room, Chi Yunxing took a breath and was just about to open the door when someone tapped his shoulder.

Startled, he turned and saw someone dressed similarly in a mask and cap, but with unmistakable dark smiling eyes.

“Zhiyan Ge!” Chi Yunxing instantly recognized him. “Where did you go?”

Duan Zhiyan opened the room door and tugged Chi Yunxing inside. “I felt a little stuffy so I went for a walk,” Once the door shut, he removed his mask and cap. “Why’d you come alone? You didn’t bring your assistant or Xie Yi?”

Chi Yunxing placed the food on the table and took off his mask and cap as well, smiling. “No scenes this morning, so I figured I’d come visit. I didn’t tell anyone, I wanted to let them rest.”

Duan Zhiyan frowned slightly. “What if someone took a picture? Next time, don’t go out alone. Always bring someone.”

Chi Yunxing nodded, knowing he was worried. “Okay, I understand,” He went to wash his hands and opened the food containers. “Zhiyan Ge, want to eat? Mom came yesterday and asked me to bring this to you.”

Duan Zhiyan had heard from Chi Xiwen that Tan Yao had visited, and said with a smile, “It’s been a while since I’ve tasted Aunt Tan’s cooking. I’ve missed it.”

“Well, now’s your chance. I’ll warm it up.”

There was a microwave in the room. Two minutes later, the room was filled with the aroma of food.

Duan Zhiyan brought the food out himself.

He picked up the chopsticks, tasted a bite, and smiled with satisfaction. “Delicious.”

Chi Yunxing grinned. “Mom’s cooking is really good!”

Duan Zhiyan nodded. “Yeah, but your cooking’s just as good.”

“Really?” Chi Yunxing’s smile widened. “If you like it, I’ll bring some next time.”

Duan Zhiyan immediately refused, “No need. Filming’s already tiring, maybe later when you have time.”

Chi Yunxing shook his head. “It’s not tiring. Just a couple home-cooked dishes, it’s quick and easy.”

Seeing him insist, Duan Zhiyan didn’t argue.

Chi Yunxing asked about his treatment yesterday.

Duan Zhiyan didn’t reveal much and just said it went okay.

Chi Yunxing figured he wouldn’t get more out of him and decided to ask the attending doctor before leaving.

Since he had scenes that afternoon, Chi Yunxing didn’t stay long. After chatting a bit, he got up to go.

Duan Zhiyan wanted to walk him down, but Chi Yunxing refused.

“Zhiyan Ge, you should rest. I can take the elevator myself,” He waved. “I’ll come again in a couple days!”

Without giving Duan Zhiyan a chance to respond, he closed the door and left.

Duan Zhiyan stood there, helpless but didn’t chase after him.

Once he was sure Duan Zhiyan wasn’t following, Chi Yunxing detoured to the doctor’s office.

It was on the same floor but a bit of a walk from the VIP rooms.

As he exited the ward area, the hallway got busier. He pulled his cap lower and quickened his pace.

After talking with the doctor, Chi Yunxing finally felt relieved.

As he exited the office, he ran into He You at the elevator.

He You instantly recognized him.

Chi Yunxing quickly held up a finger. “Don’t tell Zhiyan Ge I saw the doctor!”

He You found it amusing but nodded. “You have my word.”

Chi Yunxing waved. “I’m heading out, then.”

Noticing Chi Yunxing was alone, He You asked the same question Duan Zhiyan had, “No one came with you?”

“Nope. But the driver’s waiting in the garage,” Chi Yunxing replied.

He You frowned. “That’s not safe. I’ll take you down.”

Recalling the crowds from earlier, Chi Yunxing didn’t refuse.

Before letting him out of the elevator, He You checked for paparazzi. Only when he confirmed it was safe did he let Chi Yunxing step out.

After seeing him off, He You returned upstairs.

What he didn’t expect was that although there were no paparazzi, a few fans had recognized him.

One fan, a Level 10 user in Duan Zhiyan’s super topic, posted a photo of He You and Chi Yunxing together.

【That’s You Ge, right? Who’s the person next to him? New artist under his wing?】

The post quickly got attention.

【That’s You Ge. I’ve seen him wear that jacket before.】

【Is this at a hospital?】

【Hospital? Is Duan Ge sick?】

【Wasn’t Duan Ge filming a web drama?】

【Wait… that person looks really familiar…】

【Right?! I’ve seen him somewhere. Just can’t place it.】

【That van… isn’t it Chi Yunxing’s?】

Once someone pointed that out, everyone was stunned.

【Are you sure?】

Netizens dug up a recent paparazzi photo with a nearly identical van.

Details matched. It was the same vehicle.

The conclusion left everyone speechless.

“Duan Zhiyan’s agent escorted Chi Yunxing to the car.”

A short line, but it carried weight and endless speculation.

【Why would You Ge take Chi Yunxing to the garage?】

【Is Duan Ge sick? Did Chi Yunxing visit him?】

【But no official word about illness…】

【Wait, don’t tell me it’s because of… that reason?】

【What reason??】

【Too intense. Had to go to the hospital. cough cough】

【Wtf?!】

【This is Duan Zhiyan’s personal super topic. CP fans get out!】

【Disgusting. Stay in your own lane!】

【Can a mod block them? Seriously, take your delusions elsewhere.】

【We don’t even know if that’s really Chi Yunxing. Why are y’all freaking out already?】

The debate raged on for hours.

Because Duan Zhiyan was trending, marketing accounts picked up the post.

Someone even moved it to an anonymous forum with the clickbait title:

“Duan Zhiyan’s Agent Personally Escorts Chi Yunxing from the Hospital—What’s Their Relationship?”

【Damn!】

【I thought Duan Ge didn’t do fake CP.】

【This looks real. Who goes to the hospital just for a stunt?】

【That’s definitely He You!】

【So what’s going on between them? I’m curious too.】

【If they’re at the hospital together… well… you know.】

All afternoon, He You was with Duan Zhiyan for treatment, and Chi Xiwen was buried in work.

So the first to notice the post’s virality was Xie Yi.

At first, she thought it was just someone in the industry stirring drama with fake CP rumors.

Then she saw the photo.

She froze. Others might not recognize him, but she saw Chi Yunxing every day. No way she’d miss it.

Fans could recognize him too.

While she browsed the thread, fans were already commenting that the guy looked like Chi Yunxing.

At a loss, Xie Yi tried calling He You, but he didn’t answer twice.

Left with no choice, she called PR to cool the trending topic and asked marketing partners not to repost it.

She planned to speak with Chi Yunxing after his scene wrapped.

When told he’d been photographed, Chi Yunxing was stunned. “I wore a mask and a cap. How did anyone recognize me?”

Xie Yi handed him her phone. “It was Teacher Duan’s fan who recognized He You. He’s been with Teacher Duan since debut, any long-time fan would know him.”

Looking at the photo, Chi Yunxing frowned. “Is the post gaining traction?”

Xie Yi nodded. “Lots of reposts. CP fans are insisting it’s you. They’re fighting with Teacher Duan’s fans. If this keeps up, it might be trending.”

“This is my fault…” Chi Yunxing frowned. “Have You Ge said anything?”

“I called, but he didn’t pick up.”

“We’ll have to make a statement. But if we do, people might find out Zhiyan Ge is sick…” Chi Yunxing’s voice was filled with guilt. “I really should’ve brought someone with me today…”

“It’s not a big deal,” Xie Yi comforted. “Worst case, we say you two ran into each other at the hospital.”

Chi Yunxing thought for a moment. “I’ll call Zhiyan Ge…”

Before he could finish, his phone rang. It was Duan Zhiyan.

He quickly answered, “Hello? Zhiyan Ge…”

“Saw the photo online?” Duan Zhiyan asked with a chuckle before he could continue.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. If I had—”

“What does it have to do with you?” Duan Zhiyan laughed. “Stop blaming yourself. Don’t worry. I already made a statement. Just repost it later.”

Chi Yunxing felt even more guilty. “If only I had brought Liu Ran…”

“It’s fine. Not a big deal.”

“How is it not? Zhiyan Ge, don’t just comfort me…”

Duan Zhiyan laughed again. “It really isn’t. I’ll just explain to the fans. But there’s one thing that does make me sad.”

Chi Yunxing panicked. “Is it my Ge—?”

“No,” Duan Zhiyan replied, smiling softly. He lowered his gaze, voice husky and quiet over the line, “What makes me sad is… I won’t get to see you for a while. Not until I’m discharged.”

Chi Yunxing’s eyes widened. His ears tingled. He instinctively rubbed them as if they were burning.

Stunned for several seconds, he finally whispered, “I… can’t visit anymore?”

“No. Now that fans have taken photos, they’ll figure out which hospital I’m in. It won’t be long before paparazzi and fans swarm the place.”

“…That’s true,” Chi Yunxing mumbled.

“‘That’s true’?” Duan Zhiyan laughed helplessly. “Anyway, the doctor said I only need a few more treatments. I should be discharged in about a week. After that, I’ll just need occasional check-ups.”

Chi Yunxing had heard the same thing from the doctor earlier but now, the word “week” felt long.

Why had that changed? He didn’t dare think about it too deeply.

“Then… I guess I won’t get to cook for you like I said,” he murmured, annoyed at his own recklessness.

Sensing his regret, Duan Zhiyan said gently, “That’s fine. I’ll eat it when I’m out. Unless, by then, you don’t think I deserve the ‘patient’ treatment anymore.”

“Of course not!” Chi Yunxing quickly said. “If you want it, I’ll make it anytime.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

Chi Yunxing smiled. “Mm.”

Hearing him laugh, Duan Zhiyan finally relaxed.

They chatted for a while longer before hanging up.

Xie Yi had heard the whole conversation.

“He’ll make a statement?” she asked.

Chi Yunxing nodded and opened Weibo.

Sure enough, just minutes ago, Duan Zhiyan had posted.

@DuanZhiyan: Old condition flared up again. I’m following the doctor’s advice and staying in the hospital for two days. Yunxing stopped by with food. Don’t overthink it.

Chi Yunxing smiled at first, but when he reached the final three words—don’t overthink it—his smile faded slightly.

He reposted it with a comment.

@ChiYunxing: Get well soon, Zhiyan-ge! I’ll personally take you out for a meal!

With both posts online, the afternoon’s chaos finally had closure.

Duan Zhiyan’s fans were shocked but relieved.

【Wait, he’s hospitalized??】

【Take care of yourself, Duan Zhiyan! You’re not a teenager anymore—you’re almost 27! Time to live healthy!】

【LMAO, definitely a real fan above.】

Duan Zhiyan replied to that fan:

@DuanZhiyan: ? I’m old?

Fans burst out laughing.

【31 is peak for men!】

【You’re not old, babe! Even at 60, you’ll be a hot grandpa!】

@DuanZhiyan: ?

【LOL I’m dying here…】

【This thread is chaos!】

Chi Yunxing couldn’t help but laugh. He laughed so hard he dropped his phone on his face, and it slid into the couch.

“Ow…” he muttered.

Just then, Director Li Chao called for him.

Chi Yunxing quickly turned off the screen, grabbed his script, and left. Completely unaware that he had accidentally liked the comment:

【You’re not old, babe! Even at 60, you’ll be a hot grandpa!】

An hour later, after wrapping the next scene, the hashtag #ChiYunxingLikedIt was trending.

When he picked up his phone, he saw five missed calls—one from Chi Xiwen, one from Tang Yao, and three from Duan Zhiyan.

Thinking it was urgent, he called Tang Yao first.

Tang Yao had only just found out Duan Zhiyan was hospitalized and was worried.

She’d called Chi Xiwen after Chi Yunxing didn’t answer, and he assured her it was just a stomach issue.

So when Chi Yunxing called back, she simply said, “Good thing I didn’t put chili in the food yesterday.”

“Your Aunt Yu was shocked too. Zhiyan didn’t even tell the family…”

“He just didn’t want to worry you all,” Chi Yunxing explained.

“If he really didn’t want us to worry, he’d eat properly!” Tang Yao scolded. “You hear me, Yunxing? Don’t be like him!”

Chi Yunxing laughed. “Don’t worry, Mom.”

He’d lived once already, he knew to take care of himself.

After reassuring her, they hung up.

Then he called Chi Xiwen.

Chi Xiwen only said one thing. “Check Weibo.”

“…Weibo? What happened?”

Chi Xiwen couldn’t hold back a laugh. “It’s nothing bad. Just look. Hahahaha—”

He hung up.

Confused, Chi Yunxing opened Weibo.

Half an hour ago, Duan Zhiyan had posted again.

@DuanZhiyan: @ChiYunxing Looks like it’ll take several meals to comfort me now.

The comments:

【LOLOLOLOLOL】

【You’re getting old, accept it!】

【Sorry but look at my badge—I’m a loyal fan, I swear!】

Chi Yunxing: “……”

So this was what social death felt like.

Devastated, he left a weak reply.

@ChiYunxing: If I said it was a slip of the thumb, would you believe me?

@DuanZhiyan: Too late to fix it.

@ChiYunxing: QAQ What if I make it three me meals?

@DuanZhiyan: Hmph.

@ChiYunxing: I swear it was a slip! The comment was just too funny, then my phone hit my face, then the director called—so I left…

This time, Duan Zhiyan didn’t reply by text. Instead, he called directly.

Chi Yunxing answered nervously. “Hello…”

Duan Zhiyan’s voice was full of concern. “How did you manage to drop your phone on yourself? Did it hurt?”

Chi Yunxing hadn’t expected that. He thought Duan Zhiyan was calling to scold him, and the sudden warmth in his chest caught him off guard. “No, it wasn’t that bad. I wasn’t holding it very high…”

Duan Zhiyan let out a soft breath. “Good.”

Then Chi Yunxing remembered the accidental like he’d left on that comment. He said anxiously, “Zhiyan Ge, I already unliked that post.”

“Why bother unliking it?” Duan Zhiyan asked deliberately.

Chi Yunxing rubbed his already burning face. “I wasn’t saying you’re… old. You’re only eight years older than me!”

Duan Zhiyan’s tone was calm. “Mhm. A three-year age gap is a generational divide. So we’ve got what, two of those between us?”

“No, that’s not—!” Chi Yunxing rushed to explain, and then, before he could stop himself, the words just blurted out, “Older people take better care of you. That’s a good thing!”

“Oh?” Duan Zhiyan’s voice dipped lower. “So what you’re saying is… Yunxing likes people who are older than him?”

Chi Yunxing suddenly froze.