Chapter 34 – Sweet Wine from ’98

Shen Fubai smiled as he bid farewell to Jiang Heng, calmly returning to his room. The moment the door shut, he leapt onto the bed and clutched at Xiong Heng Heng, showering him with kisses.

“Ahh! He isn’t dating anyone!” Shen Fubai buried his face into Xiong Heng Heng’s fluffy head, his elated voice muffled, “Hehe, I’m so happy.”

Shen Fubai’s thought process was something like this:

When he assumed Jiang Heng was in love.

Shen Fubai: I’m dead.

After finding out it was all a misunderstanding and Jiang Heng wasn’t actually dating anyone.

Shen Fubai: I’m alive again.

The rollercoaster of emotions, from life to death and back.

Now, Shen Fubai had a story to tell.

Shen Fubai couldn’t wait to share this joy with his sworn sister.

Such a delightful thing, how could he keep it to himself?

He couldn’t confide in anyone else, but after much consideration, there was only one good sister he met online who could understand.

The internet brought them together, and he cherished this connection.

Shen Fubai rolled over on the bed with Xiong Heng Heng in his arms, reaching for his phone. He unlocked the screen, opened Weibo, and accessed private messages—

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Amber, Amber, I have some great news!

Amber: What news?

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: I found out my idol isn’t dating anyone!

Amber: Hmm?

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: It was just a misunderstanding.

In Room 608, a hint of surprise flashed across Jiang Heng’s eyes—

Amber: How do you know now that it’s a misunderstanding?

Because he has a twin brother! Shen Fubai had wanted to type this, but then remembered Jiang Heng’s brother was an outsider to their circle, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to reveal this.

Even though Amber didn’t know the idol she thought was dating was actually Jiang Heng, Shen Fubai decided to play it safe and not disclose too much.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Ah, it was just a rumor, not accurate. I was foolish to believe it. Thinking about it carefully, how could it be possible?

Jiang Heng dismissed the fleeting suspicion in his heart.

How could they be the same person… It was probably just a coincidence that her online name was also Wine and she was a fan of Fubai. That’s why he subconsciously linked the two.

Jiang Heng, you’ve really gone mad thinking about him—

Shen Fubai’s fans had many affectionate nicknames for him—Fubai, Bai Bai, Ah Bai, and a few even called him Wine.

Their rallying cry was “cheers,” so why couldn’t they call him Wine? Shen Fubai was a captivating wine, sweet enough to never tire of drinking.

But people didn’t know that Shen Fubai’s nickname was indeed Wine.

Jiang Heng didn’t know either.

Sometimes he secretly called Fubai by the name Wine, precisely because fewer people used it. So few that it gave him the illusion that Shen Fubai belonged solely to him.

Perhaps because of this name, he developed a fondness for this netizen with the same name, which was why he continued chatting with her from the beginning.

Of course, later on, he got along so well with this netizen named Wine because of her amusing spirit—

Amber: Congratulations.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Thank you, thank you. Even though we can’t possibly be together since he isn’t dating anyone, it still feels different.

Amber: Why assume it’s impossible? What if it happens? I remember several cases where fans ended up marrying their idols.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Haha, the odds are too small, it’s only possible in dreams.

They were both men, after all.

Although the country had passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage two years ago, and a few couples within the industry had come forward, public opinion hadn’t fully adjusted yet. This would require a long process.

And the probability of a man being heterosexual was generally much higher than being homosexual.

Amber: Wishing your dreams come true. I also dream of getting on Fubai’s family register and have been working hard towards it. I believe I can make it happen.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: …

Staring at these words, Shen Fubai was stunned, unable to even type a response like, “I wish your dreams come true too.”

He almost wanted to say, “There’s no way I’ll marry you, we can only be sisters. I’m aiming for Heng Heng’s family register.”

Amber: Are you shocked by my grand dream?

Shen Fubai simply sent over an expression pack.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: I_suggest_you_give_up.jpg.

Amber: If you do that, we can’t be good sisters anymore. Look, I blessed you already; you can’t act this way, do you know? Quickly, bless me, encourage me, give me a pep talk.

Shen Fubai simply couldn’t do it.

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: Don’t you think… Fubai and Heng Heng are a better match?

Yes, he did it just to change the subject.

It wasn’t due to his own ulterior motives.

Amber: !!!!

Amber: Found the organization, I’ve always thought they’re such a perfect match!!!

Huh?

Did Wine Get Heng’s Attention Today: You’re giving up on your dream?

Amber: I think you’re right, they are perfectly suited for each other, no outsider can wedge themselves in.

Shen Fubai was also thrilled.

His soulmate indeed! What a keen eye, the CP she stood for was right up his alley.

To think that now everyone online treated Jiang Heng and Shen Fubai as rivals, and CP fans were like rare national treasures. Shen Fubai had only encountered two so far—one was the fan who was besieged by both sides’ fans in a previous thread, and the other was Amber.

Ah, great pioneers—

Shen Fubai immersed himself in days filled with passionate filming with his idol during the day and joyful chats with his sworn sister at night. Each day was incredibly fulfilling.

A week later, the lead actress Yu Xiaoxiao finally wrapped up her scenes at another production and joined the cast.

At the same time, with the start of summer vacation in July, the young actor playing the teenage Yu Tang was also about to join the set.

The production site became increasingly lively, and the weather grew hotter. The sun relentlessly scorched everything in its path, eager to dry out every living creature.

Shen Fubai had become a creature that would die without air conditioning. While he wore heavy costumes while filming and never complained, he would immediately retreat to an air-conditioned room once he finished shooting, resembling a fish drying under the sun, only able to survive through the mercy of the air conditioner.

Every day, Jiang Heng would visit Shen Fubai’s dressing room to enjoy the cool air, despite having his own personal room. But he had a good reason: low carbon footprint, saving electricity.

One air conditioner was better than two.

Shen Fubai was quite impressed. Under these circumstances, Heng Heng didn’t forget his mission as an environmental ambassador, truly commendable.

On the day Yu Xiaoxiao arrived, Shen Fubai was sitting in the dressing room eating watermelon. Eating chilled watermelon in summer was the most enjoyable experience. Shen Fubai had Lin Xiao buy several, storing them in the fridge. When filming paused around noon, he took them out, cut them in half with a large knife, and ate them with a spoon.

Outside, it was a hellish inferno, while inside, it was a paradise of bliss.

Jiang Heng moved closer, quietly sitting at the table, his eyes fixated.

Shen Fubai generously divided the watermelon with Jiang Heng, giving half to each of them.

Jiang Heng was reserved: “I can’t eat that much.” A lie, he could devour ten whole melons.

Still, he politely declined, to show he wasn’t a glutton.

As long as Shen Fubai offered again, he could immediately start digging in with gusto.

But how could Shen Fubai let his idol overeat? He was so considerate.

Shen Fubai hesitated, pained, scooping a large spoonful from the center of his watermelon—the reddest, sweetest part—and reluctantly extending it to Jiang Heng: “Here you go.”

Shen Fubai’s eyes remained glued to that sweetest piece of watermelon, his desire evident on his face.

But when he handed it over, there was no trace of reluctance.

Of course, he was willing to offer Jiang Heng the best he had.

Jiang Heng took the spoon.

He thought, How sweet Fubai is.

Jiang Heng gripped the spoon with his fingers, staring at the bright red slice of watermelon for a moment, before lifting his gaze. “Open your mouth.”

Shen Fubai was puzzled: “Huh?”

As soon as he formed the “ah” shape, a cold fruit was stuffed into his mouth, the sweet taste melting in his mouth, spreading sweetness to his heart.

Jiang Heng fed the watermelon to Shen Fubai.

Shen Fubai held the watermelon in his mouth, dazed, seeing only Jiang Heng lean in, holding the spoon. His gentle features seemed nonchalant yet subtly serious, so close.

His magnified features were exquisite, every detail picturesque. In this air-conditioned room, he still made Shen Fubai’s heart race with a flush of warmth.

Jiang Heng withdrew the spoon nonchalantly.

Shen Fubai quickly swallowed the watermelon, savoring the sweet taste.

“Don’t you eat watermelon?” Shen Fubai turned his head, “It’s, it’s very sweet.”

Jiang Heng put down the spoon slowly: “No need. I’ve already tasted something sweeter.”

Shen Fubai: “What?”

Jiang Heng chuckled softly: “Sweet wine from ’98. A hundred times sweeter than watermelon.”

’98 was Shen Fubai’s birth year.

However, the slow-witted Shen Fubai didn’t catch on, assuming Jiang Heng had drunk some wine before coming and naturally couldn’t taste much of the watermelon.

He was still surprised by Heng Heng feeding him.

Watermelon was sweet on its own, but if fed by Heng Heng, it could be a hundred times sweeter.

Just as they were basking in the sweetness of each other, sudden commotion outside interrupted them, accompanied by the sound of many footsteps.

Shen Fubai turned to look at the door: “Another big shot visiting?”

Jiang Heng didn’t lift his head: “This time, it’s probably the real Yu Xiaoxiao.”

Yu Xiaoxiao, a top-tier actress, had been active for four years, starring in multiple female lead roles. With her gentle and amiable image, she was often cast as the ideal daughter-in-law, earning her the title of “Pure and Innocent Beauty.”

In this drama, she played the same old role of Miss Zhang, an elegant and gentle heiress.

Only this Miss Zhang appeared demure and gentle on the surface, but behind the scenes, she caused a lot of trouble for Yu Tang. Rather than being the leading lady, she was more like a malicious supporting character. For Yu Xiaoxiao, this was a breakthrough role.

She had played too many gentle and dignified roles, causing viewer fatigue. Wanting to transform her image but not daring to make too drastic a change for fear of alienating her audience, she started with the role of Miss Zhang, gradually transitioning her image.

As the leading lady of this drama, Yang Yingying was considered the second female lead. Both their names followed the ABB format, and Yang Yingying was even prettier than Yu Xiaoxiao, yet their popularity and status were worlds apart.

From the commotion among the crew upon her arrival, one could tell. No one paid attention when Yang Yingying joined the set.

Shen Fubai could afford to be high-profile—in fact, if he waved his hand, thousands of troops would come to the set for a concert. But there was no need. As an idol crossing over into acting, keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention was the wise choice.

Yu Xiaoxiao was different. She was an actress by profession, a top star, a hot actress, and could afford any grandeur.

What did the two male leads think about Yu Xiaoxiao’s arrival?

Shen Fubai, calculating: Of course, they’ll have to allocate a dedicated dressing room for her, but the production doesn’t have enough dressing rooms, so…

Jiang Heng, his smile widening: So I can openly share a room with Fubai.

Yu Xiaoxiao, thank you, salute.

On her first day joining the set, Yu Xiaoxiao unknowingly received the most sincere thanks from the two male leads.