ABOES 86: Secret Crush Finale

The final episode of Secret Crush aired the day before Christmas.

In the show, Ning Chu finally got what he had always longed for. He and the person he loved most, Xu Li, could finally be together out in the open. The moment Xu Li proposed to Ning Chu, tears instantly welled up in fans’ eyes.

【I’m crying! Ning Chu waited more than ten years for this proposal!!!】
【God, it’s too emotional—he met the person he loved most at the perfect age, and now they’re getting married at the perfect time. It’s beautiful.】
【My babies finally got married. I’m in tears.jpg】
【Whether it’s LiChu or the other couple, they all got their happy endings! So perfect!】
【If I remember right, LiChu didn’t get married in the original novel! The screenwriter is amazing! Thank you for fulfilling our dream as fans!】
【Wait, really? They didn’t get married in the original??】
【Replying above—nope, the author didn’t include it in the main text, but the ending was still lovely.】
【This is the sweetest drama ending we’ve had in years!】
【Yes! The drama was full of bittersweet moments, but overall, it ended sweetly!】

…

In the final scene, Ning Chu and Xu Li attended Wu Xiao and Jiang Jin’s wedding. As the wedding march played and the couple kissed, Xu Li leaned over and planted a kiss on the corner of Ning Chu’s lips.

The screen then shifted into a montage of youthful memories flashing by to the background music—

There was the line of poetry Ning Chu wrote on his scratch paper, the little glances Wu Xiao stole at Jiang Jin, Jiang Jin cautiously testing the waters, their first kiss, and Ning Chu’s stolen kiss on Xu Li…

Scene after scene flew by, until it paused on four smiling faces.

The words “The End” appeared, and the screen filled with messages.

【Congrats on the finale!】
【Thanks for being with us!】
【That was so sweet! All four characters were! I hope everyone watching can have a love as beautiful as Wu Xiao, Jiang Jin, Ning Chu, and Xu Li’s!】
【So moving… this kind of love is something to envy.】

…

On this same day, the original author of Secret Crush posted this on Weibo.

@QianQian: Secret Crush has finally wrapped! Huge thanks to the actors and everyone behind the scenes—thank you for bringing this beautiful story to life.

This story has always been my favorite, but also the one I regretted most. Ning Chu and Xu Li were side characters in the novel, so I didn’t devote much space to them. And because of publishing constraints, I couldn’t include their full ending.

So when the drama adaptation was first discussed, I made one request: please don’t cut Ning Chu and Xu Li’s storyline. I already owed them too much, I didn’t want their ending rewritten into something unrecognizable.

The production team not only agreed, but also asked me about my original idea for their ending. After I told them, the screenwriter reached out and said they would include it in the script.

I can’t describe how I felt—just incredibly touched.

Now that Secret Crush is officially over, I can finally share this.

Thank you, screenwriters, directors, cast, and every single person who worked on this show.

And to the readers and fans who supported Secret Crush from the start—this drama wouldn’t exist without you.

Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to @ChiYunxing and @DuanZhiyan. You two are the Ning Chu and Xu Li I always imagined. Thank you.

This post quickly went viral and topped Weibo’s trending list.

The ones most touched were the fans.

【Wait—is this really the ending QianQian originally envisioned? I’m crying again! She’s the best!】
【So emotional! Book fans are bawling!】
【Thank you, QianQian! Thank you to the whole production team!】
【LiChu forever! QianQian forever! Secret Crush forever!】
【Having this drama with me this winter warmed my heart so much.】

…

Chi Yunxing saw the post later in the evening. After reading it, he didn’t hesitate to repost.

@ChiYunxing: Thank you, QianQian. Without you, there would be no Ning Chu and Xu Li—and no “us” today.

Right after, Duan Zhiyan reposted his.

@DuanZhiyan: Thank you, QianQian. And thank you, Yunxing.

Seeing that, Chi Yunxing laughed and immediately called him.

“That last part—‘thank you, Yunxing’—was a bit unnecessary!” he said the moment the call connected.

Duan Zhiyan chuckled. “Unnecessary? But I meant it.”

After all, if not for Yunxing, he wouldn’t have moved on so quickly.

Chi Yunxing huffed lightly. “Then I should thank you too. Without you, I couldn’t have played Ning Chu well.”

And most likely, he’d still be single now— though, of course, he didn’t say that last part out loud.

Duan Zhiyan smiled again. “Alright, enough of that. Are you coming back tomorrow?”

Chi Yunxing was away filming a variety show. It was his final shoot before the holidays, with only a few interviews left afterward.

“Of course,” he said. “Why? Missing me already?”

“…Yeah.” Duan Zhiyan’s voice was low and deep, tinged with that familiar magnetism. “I miss you.”

Chi Yunxing’s ears instantly flushed red, his cheeks burning.

“I’ll finish filming tonight. My flight’s tomorrow morning,” he murmured, voice softer now.

“I’ll pick you up from the airport?” Duan Zhiyan offered.

“Probably not,” Chi Yunxing frowned. “Airports are too crowded…”

“How about we go to Central Road together after I pick you up?” Duan Zhiyan interrupted. “There’s going to be a Secret Crush light show there tomorrow.”

Central Road was the busiest commercial district in Haishi, with over a million people passing through daily. The production team had chosen Christmas Day for a surprise light show to thank drama fans and CP shippers. It was a secret so far that is only shared with the cast and crew.

“We’re going too?” Chi Yunxing’s eyes lit up.

“You don’t want to?” Duan Zhiyan asked.

“I do!” he said quickly. Then hesitated. “But… there’ll be a crowd. What if someone recognizes us…”

“Then they recognize us,” Duan Zhiyan said softly.

Chi Yunxing’s lashes fluttered, then he smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

…
Chi Yunxing landed at ten the next morning.

It was cold in Haishi this time of year, and the forecast had predicted snow. Though the sky was clear when the plane landed, the sun didn’t last long.

Thanks to the popularity of the LiChu CP, Chi Yunxing now routinely encounters fans at the airport. Normally, he would greet them but he took the VIP exit today. He couldn’t wait to see Duan Zhiyan.

From afar, he spotted that familiar figure and without thinking, he started running toward him.

Hearing the footsteps, Duan Zhiyan turned around and opened his arms.

Chi Yunxing threw himself into his embrace, chilled from the flight. He pressed his cold nose against Duan Zhiyan’s neck, trying to soak up his warmth.

Startled, Duan Zhiyan tensed, then relaxed again and took his hands gently. “Cold?”

“A little,” Chi Yunxing said. “It was too warm on the plane, so the drop in temperature’s hitting me now.”

“Let’s get in the car and warm up first,” Duan Zhiyan said, guiding him toward the vehicle.

“Okay,” Chi Yunxing replied softly.

Liu Ran stowed Chi Yunxing’s luggage in the trunk, then came to knock on the window. “Chi Ge, Duan Ge, I’ll head out now?”

Duan Zhiyan rolled down the window and nodded. “Thanks.”

Chi Yunxing waved and added, “I sent you a red envelope for Christmas! Rest up well!”

Liu Ran grinned. “Thanks, Chi Ge! Happy holidays to you both!” With that, he was gone.

The window rolled back up, sealing out the cold.

Duan Zhiyan handed Chi Yunxing a hand warmer and poured him a cup of hot water. Chi Yunxing took it, sipping slowly. His lips soon glistened with moisture.

“Feeling better?” Duan Zhiyan reached out to touch his cheek, finally feeling some warmth.

“Much better.” Chi Yunxing nodded, then asked, “Where are we going now?”

Duan Zhiyan fastened his seatbelt, kissed the corner of his lips, and said, “Lunch first.”

They had lunch in a quiet restaurant, where the private room included a lounge for resting. Chi Yunxing had intended to go sightseeing right after but once he was full and warm, drowsiness hit hard. Just before he fell asleep in Duan Zhiyan’s arms, he mumbled, “Zhiyan Ge… you really thought of everything.”

Duan Zhiyan smiled, leaned in, and whispered, “Yunxing?”

No response—just steady breathing.

He chuckled softly, set his phone to Do Not Disturb, drew the curtains, and joined him on the bed.

Sensing the man’s presence, Chi Yunxing turned in his sleep and nestled into his chest.

Duan Zhiyan wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling him closer.

Chi Yunxing finally found a comfortable position and slipped into a deep sleep.

His soft hair brushed against Duan Zhiyan’s jaw. The man gently tucked it aside and kissed his forehead before closing his eyes.

The wind howled outside while it was all calm inside.

…

Chi Yunxing blinked his eyes open. Outside, the sky had already darkened. He lay in bed, dazed for a few seconds before remembering where he was.

He sat up with a start, just as the private room door opened and Duan Zhiyan stepped in, a chill clinging to his coat.

“You’re awake?” Duan Zhiyan took off his outerwear, stood under the heater for a few seconds, then walked over to him.

Chi Yunxing yawned long and wide, then nodded. “Mm, how did I sleep for so long?”

“You looked like you were sleeping deeply, so I didn’t wake you.” Duan Zhiyan leaned in to kiss him.

Chi Yunxing reached out his arms, and Duan Zhiyan instantly pulled him into an embrace.

“Kiss,” Chi Yunxing mumbled.

Duan Zhiyan’s eyes glinted with amusement. He tilted Chi Yunxing’s chin up and gave him a lingering kiss.

By the time the kiss ended, Chi Yunxing had sobered up. He stared out the window for a moment, then suddenly sat up straight. “What time is it? The light show…”

“There’s still time. It’s five thirty.” Duan Zhiyan patted his back. “We’re not far from Central Road. We can walk there.”

Chi Yunxing finally relaxed.

When they left the room, snow had begun to fall.

The flakes were fresh and light, drifting softly to the ground. Children ran in circles on the street, shouting, “It’s snowing!”

Duan Zhiyan stepped out behind Chi Yunxing, briefly stunned by the snowy scene. “It actually snowed this year.”

Chi Yunxing turned to look at him. “Does Haishi not get snow often?”

“Not really,” Duan Zhiyan nodded. “I think it’s been several years.”

Chi Yunxing looked up at the sky again and said, “In Beishi, it snows every year. Once it starts, it goes on for days. I remember one year the snow was so thick, it reached up to my knees.”

Duan Zhiyan turned to glance at him.

Chi Yunxing was smiling as he spoke, but for some reason, Duan Zhiyan felt a pang of sadness.

“Yunxing,” Duan Zhiyan called gently.

Chi Yunxing tilted his head. “Hm?”

Suddenly, Duan Zhiyan pulled off his mask and placed a warm kiss on Chi Yunxing’s forehead. “Don’t dwell on things you don’t like. From now on, I’ll be with you to turn every memory into a good one, how’s that?”

Chi Yunxing’s heart gave a sudden thump. He looked up and met Duan Zhiyan’s gaze—full of gentle affection.

A snowflake landed softly on Chi Yunxing’s lashes. The cold flake melted instantly on his warm skin, turning into a tiny droplet.

Duan Zhiyan’s slightly cool fingers brushed it away.

Chi Yunxing’s heart raced. Without hesitation, he smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

Duan Zhiyan smiled too.

Chi Yunxing reached out to help him put his mask back on, then held out his hand.

Duan Zhiyan took it and tucked both their hands into his coat pocket.

Inside the pocket was a hand warmer—soft and warm.

The snow was falling harder now, and the wind had picked up, but Chi Yunxing didn’t feel cold at all.

He wore the hat Duan Zhiyan had prepared for him, a thick scarf around his neck, and his hand was snugly pressed against Duan Zhiyan’s. His palm was even a little sweaty from the heat.

For the first time in his life, Chi Yunxing found himself loving snowy days.

He couldn’t help but whisper a little prayer in his heart: I hope this road could be a little longer… so I can keep walking it with Duan Zhiyan.

As Christmas approached, the streets were decked out with red and green decorations. The closer they got to Central Road, the more crowded it became. Duan Zhiyan held Chi Yunxing’s hand tighter and tighter.

Both wore masks and hats, revealing only their eyes, but their tall figures still drew glances from passersby.

While waiting at a crosswalk, Chi Yunxing noticed a girl nearby had been staring at them for a while. One of them even walked over, phone in hand.

Chi Yunxing’s heart suddenly jumped into his throat.

The girl seemed a bit shy. She stopped in front of Duan Zhiyan, took off her mask, and said softly, “Hi, could I get your WeCh—”

Before she could finish, Duan Zhiyan shook his head and lifted their intertwined hands from the warm coat pocket, waving them gently in front of her. “Sorry, I already have someone I love.”

The girl’s expression dimmed noticeably.

Chi Yunxing stood frozen in place, still processing what had just happened. Before he could react, Duan Zhiyan quickly tucked their hands back into his pocket and asked softly, “Not cold, right?”

Chi Yunxing shook his head instinctively.

The light turned green, and Duan Zhiyan led him across the street.

It wasn’t until they reached the other side that Chi Yunxing finally snapped out of it and turned to look at Duan Zhiyan, shocked. “Was that girl… trying to hit on you?”

Duan Zhiyan chuckled. “What, you just realized?”

Chi Yunxing sounded a little aggrieved. “I thought she recognized us! I was scared!”

Duan Zhiyan stopped and looked at him, confirming that his expression was genuine. Then he furrowed his brows slightly. “I thought you’d at least get jealous.”

Chi Yunxing blinked, then burst out laughing.

Duan Zhiyan was clearly unimpressed. He reached out and pinched Chi Yunxing’s cheek under his mask. “Still laughing.”

The more Chi Yunxing laughed, the harder it was to stop. He even let out a string of soft giggles.

Duan Zhiyan watched him helplessly and finally tugged his hand. “Come on, the light show’s about to start.”

Chi Yunxing managed to rein in his laughter. His eyes were misty with tears from laughing so hard, and his long lashes were wet.

After taking a few more steps, he finally said, “I don’t know why, but I just trust you completely, Zhiyan Ge.”

“Hm?”

Chi Yunxing’s eyes, the only part visible above his mask, sparkled brightly as he looked straight at Duan Zhiyan.

Duan Zhiyan felt a warm current rush through his chest, light and comforting.

“You always know how to make me smile.”

Chi Yunxing didn’t care that they were still walking along the street. He reached out and hugged him. “Aren’t you happy?”

Duan Zhiyan’s voice turned hoarse. “I am.”

…

One more block, and they arrived at the location of the light show.

Duan Zhiyan had reserved a spot on the middle level, which offered the best view of the entire display.

As soon as they entered the private booth, Chi Yunxing took out his phone.

With just thirty minutes until the light show began, the production team finally posted an official Weibo.

@SecretCrushDrama: Ahem ahem, we’re here to give everyone a little Christmas gift—there will be a Secret Crush-themed light show on Central Road in Haishi tonight! If you’re nearby, swing by! If you can’t make it, we’ve prepared a livestream for you, just click the link to watch. Merry Christmas, everyone!

The moment it was posted, the drama’s Weibo comments exploded.

【???? What the heck! Why didn’t you tell us earlier!!!】
【This is so unfair! Why didn’t you post this sooner?!】
【OMG I’m literally right here at Central Road—I’m heading over now!】
【Screw it, I’m calling a taxi!】
【Damn it!!!!!! You guys are too much! Why announce it now?!】

…

The comment section was filled with lucky fans who were already nearby, others who had just left the area, and plenty more angrily scolding the production team for announcing it too late.

Chi Yunxing reposted the announcement, and as expected, his comments were filled with the same three kinds of replies.

He laughed, then picked a comment to reply to.

【The director team knew lots of fans might come especially for it. They were worried it would crowd the roads or cause safety issues, so they didn’t announce it in advance. You guys can still watch the livestream! If not, I’ll livestream for you myself.】

Fans finally felt a little better.

【!!! Yunxing you spoil us too much!】
【Wait a sec! Did I read that right—Yunxing, you’re on Central Road too??】

Chi Yunxing glanced across at Duan Zhiyan and replied.

【Yep, Zhiyan Ge is here too =v=】

Fans: !!!
【My OTP just gave us another candy drop!!】
【Too sweet, I can’t take it!】
【Seriously, just get married already!】
【Hard to believe you’re not actually together!】
【Are you spending Christmas together?!】

Those were comments from CP fans.

【Yunxing and Duan Ge are both lead actors, what’s the big deal about them watching the light show together?】
【Treasure it, this might be the last wave of fan service.】
【I don’t ship them, but I still want to see Yunxing livestream! Preferably with Duan Ge making an appearance!】

Those were comments from solo stans.

Chi Yunxing chuckled as he scrolled through the comments, then handed his phone to Duan Zhiyan. “What do you think, should we livestream?”

Duan Zhiyan gave him a helpless look. “If we livestream, don’t you think the fans will figure out where we are? Besides, we only wore one layer, what if someone recognizes us on the way out?”

Chi Yunxing thought about it and realized he had a point.

I almost fell for it!

He quickly took his phone back and replied.

【Zhiyan Ge says we can’t livestream. If we do, you guys will figure out where we are QUQ】

Fans: !!!

【Yunxing, don’t listen to Duan Zhiyan!】
【Yeah! Don’t listen to him!】
【We promise we won’t bother you guys!】
【For real!!】

…

But Chi Yunxing wasn’t falling for it. He replied.

【The production team has a livestream link—just click to watch.】

Fans: …

【Ugh, Duan Zhiyan is so annoying!】

That comment quickly rose to the top of Chi Yunxing’s Weibo replies. Even Duan Zhiyan’s fans swarmed over to give it likes.

So annoying, seriously! Not even letting them livestream—way too much!

The more Chi Yunxing scrolled, the more he laughed. Just as he was about to reply again, a hand reached over and clasped his.

He looked up to find Duan Zhiyan giving him a wounded look. “Are the fans more fun than me?”

Chi Yunxing: “…”

He’s not even jealous of girls, but now he’s jealous of fans—how childish can you get!

But even while thinking that, Chi Yunxing obediently put down his phone, leaned in, and pecked Duan Zhiyan on the lips.

“Nope. You’re the most fun,” he said, settling right onto Duan Zhiyan’s lap.

A smile flickered in Duan Zhiyan’s eyes, and he hugged him tightly.

Outside, the snow was getting heavier, but it couldn’t dim the brilliance of the lights.

At exactly 7:15, a familiar poster suddenly lit up across Haishi’s landmark building. It was the promotional image for Secret Crush.

In the crowd below, many people stopped walking and looked up at the screen.

A familiar BGM played. A montage of iconic Secret Crush scenes began.

Frame after frame of cherished memories played across the screen. Chi Yunxing could hear the screams from the crowd below.

Duan Zhiyan gently lowered him off his lap and pulled him toward the floor-to-ceiling window.

Once the drama clips finished, it transitioned into never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage.

The crowd kept growing, and whenever something exciting played, there were rounds of applause.

Then came the most anticipated moment—the 4D showcase.

The production team had splurged on a naked-eye 4D wall. All four lead actors appeared on screen, smiling as they gave their Christmas wishes to the fans.

The cheers outside grew louder. Chi Yunxing even heard his and Duan Zhiyan’s names being shouted.

Then came a loud, clear voice, “You guys better stay together forever!”

Chi Yunxing couldn’t help but turn to look at Duan Zhiyan.

The lights from outside reflected in his eyes, shimmering like scattered stars. “They want us to be together forever.”

Duan Zhiyan leaned in and kissed Chi Yunxing’s warm, dry lips.

His voice was low, but full of sincerity. “We will.”