Li Qianxing’s brain had just sorted out the logical sequence of events from a few seconds ago when Qi Jingnian and He Zhanpeng rushed over.
Qi Jingnian’s face was pale as he placed his hands on Li Qianxing’s shoulders. His eyes scanned him all over while anxiously asking, “Were you hit by the explosion?”
Li Qianxing’s heartbeat had gradually slowed down. He patted the back of his brother’s hand reassuringly. “I’m fine, Ge.”
He Zhanpeng examined both of his precious lead actors and let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness Xiao Jiang reacted quickly.”
After confirming his brother was unharmed, Qi Jingnian was reminded by these words and quickly turned to Jiang Lin, his face full of sincere gratitude. “Teacher Jiang, thank you so much!”
Jiang Lin smiled in response. “It’s nothing, Mr. Qi. I didn’t do much.”
Qi Jingnian insisted, “No, no, no. If you hadn’t protected Qianxing in time, who knows where he would’ve been thrown by the blast. We really must thank you properly for this! How about this, I’ll contact Ms. Yan later…”
Li Qianxing blinked, realizing he hadn’t thanked Jiang Lin yet, but his brother was still talking to him, and he couldn’t find a chance to interject.
Just then, Xiao Ding returned with Jiang Lin’s phone, waiting on the side. Li Qianxing examined it carefully again, confirming that it was the screen that had cracked, not just the protector.
When Qi Jingnian finished speaking, Li Qianxing finally had a chance to speak up. “Teacher Jiang, about your phone, let me replace it with a new one. Would you like the same model or something different?”
Jiang Lin took the phone and put it in his pocket, his smile still gentle. “It’s alright. I was planning to change my phone anyway. There’s no need for Teacher Li to spend money on this.”
Li Qianxing’s brows furrowed slightly without realizing it. He understood Jiang Lin was being polite, but he didn’t know how to continue the conversation to reasonably give him a new phone.
Qi Jingnian smoothly took over the conversation. “Ah, speaking of phones. As it happens, I have two of the latest models from H brand, special edition ones. I’ll have my secretary bring them over later, one for each of you.
“They’re sponsoring this film, and all the phone props in the movie are from their brand. I managed to get these two. If you don’t mind, you could post on Weibo with them and add a little tag for the model. It’d help promote our sponsor.”
Li Qianxing secretly glanced at his brother—when it came to speaking, his brother was truly skilled.
Jiang Lin, of course, knew this was Qi Jingnian’s intentional gift. Since the big boss had come up with such an elegant excuse, he didn’t refuse and graciously accepted.
After the minor incident that ended without harm, all crew members gathered for a group photo. The opening ceremony officially concluded, and everyone moved to the filming location to start work.
Both Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin had their own trailer vans for resting between scenes, but their makeup was arranged in the same room for the makeup artist’s convenience.
Just as their makeup was finished, Qi Jingnian’s secretary delivered two phones, mentioning they had different colored cases.
One was black, with a long dragon soaring through clouds outlined in gold on the case. The other was white, with a phoenix trailing an elegant long tail outlined in silver. Both designs had fluid, minimalist lines that exuded a unique beauty, reportedly designed by a famous artist.
Li Qianxing naturally let Jiang Lin choose first.
Jiang Lin picked up both phones and examined them carefully before handing the white one to Li Qianxing. “I think this one suits Teacher Li’s aura better. What do you think?”
Li Qianxing took it. “It’s nice.”
He then passed it to Xiao Zhu. “When you have time, help me transfer my phone data.”
Xiao Zhu quickly helped his boss compliment Jiang Lin. “Teacher Jiang has a good eye. I also thought at first glance that the black one suits you, and the white one suits our Li-ge.”
Jiang Lin smiled and put away his new phone.
The two then took their costumes and returned to their respective trailers to change.
As Li Qianxing was changing, he heard Xiao Zhu’s voice from outside the curtain.
“Li-ge, the opening ceremony report is out. It’s bought a mid-range trending topic. Director He posted on Weibo, and Jiang Lin has already reposted it. Should we also repost Director He’s post?”
Li Qianxing was about to respond when he suddenly remembered Jiang Lin saving him earlier and his brother’s excuse for giving them phones. He changed his question, “Did Jiang Lin post using the new phone?”
Xiao Zhu: “Yes, with the new model’s tag.”
Li Qianxing: “Log into my Weibo with the new phone. I’ll repost it myself later.”
Xiao Zhu’s voice held a hint of surprise. “You want to do it yourself? … Alright, I’ll switch your SIM card over first.”
Li Qianxing finished changing and pulled back the curtain to ask Xiao Zhu for the phone.
As Xiao Zhu handed it over, she smiled and said, “The picture Director He posted looks quite good. With this romance film theme, I bet your fans will be mingling with Jiang Lin’s fans.”
Li Qianxing gave a noncommittal response. He never engaged in self-promotion and rarely participated in film publicity. He was completely indifferent to his fan base. He only loved acting; everything else outside of that, he didn’t really care about.
Xiao Zhu had already opened Weibo for him. Li Qianxing took the phone and saw Director He Zhanpeng’s post:
[He Zhanpeng V: Film “Reunion” starts shooting, a same-sex romance. We’ve invited @Li Qianxing and @Jiang Lin as the lead actors. Stay tuned. [Picture]]
The attached image showed two scenes at the bottom: a mostly empty bar and a smaller section of an empty classroom. Above was the film title “Reunion” in large characters, followed by a faint silhouette of two people.
As the model in the photo, Li Qianxing immediately recognized the silhouette as the princess carry pose.
He clicked on He Zhanpeng’s tag to Jiang Lin’s Weibo and saw his most recent repost:
[Jiang Lin V: I’m delighted to be part of Director @He Zhanpeng’s “Reunion” and honored to work with @Li Qianxing. This is my first time in a romance film. I’ll do my best to portray this character well and hope to bring a fresh viewing experience to everyone. [Working hard] // @He Zhanpeng V: …]
Following Xiao Zhu’s usual management of the Weibo account, he would typically just repost Director He’s message without comment.
After all, for years this account had been a reposting bot, not saying a word even when receiving awards, just reposting official messages. Media, fans, and even casual observers of the entertainment industry were all familiar with Li Qianxing’s style.
However, this time, Li Qianxing clicked to repost Jiang Lin’s message and added a short comment:
[Li Qianxing V: Looking forward to our collaboration. // @Jiang Lin V: …]
After posting, he locked the phone and handed it back to Xiao Zhu.
“Let’s go to the set.”
*
Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin both didn’t actively manage their fan circles, so under this free-range approach, their fans weren’t much different from casual observers. Or rather, their fan circles were mainly composed of movie enthusiasts who genuinely enjoyed their work.
Therefore, when the news of “Reunion” starting production hit the trending topics, initial discussions focused on the film itself.
[Wow! Two award-winning actors in a romance film, directed by He Zhanpeng, who has a delicate style. A feast for both eyes and acting skills, can’t wait!]
[This is Jiang Lin’s second collaboration with Director He. But a romance film? Jiang Lin hasn’t really done a proper romantic role before. Can he handle such a big leap?]
[Congratulations to Qianxing for expanding his on-screen harem again. Though his previous romantic scenes were just side plots, this time it’s a full-on romance film. So I guess Teacher Jiang Lin can claim the position of first wife. [laughing]]
[Lin-ge’s first on-screen CP is with a senior award-winning actor. Thanks to Director He for playing matchmaker. [throwing flowers]]
[I have to applaud Director He’s vision. These two really do look like a CP. [Check out my fanmade couple edit.jpg]]
[Has no one noticed the silhouette in the poster? I compared it with common couple poses, and it’s almost certainly a princess carry. [Overlaid images.jpg]]
[Director He knows what he’s doing! I’m totally hooked!]
[Ahem, Director He has made several romance films before. The key point is, his style always pushes the boundaries a bit.]
[Cough cough, please elaborate!]
[Huh? But Li Qianxing accepted this role. I remember all his romantic scenes were quite reserved, and his studio even said his kissing scenes were all shot using camera tricks.]
[Either Director He has changed his style, or Qianxing has. As a Li fan, I hope it’s… the latter! More passionate scenes between handsome men, please! [starry-eyed]]
The topic first shifted when Li fans discovered Li Qianxing’s Weibo post.
[!!! Qianxing actually typed words on Weibo! [shocked]]
[What?! The reposting bot has finally come to life? [shocked]]
[What?! So our Qianxing can actually type? [shocked]]
[Hmm… He didn’t repost Director He’s post, but Teacher Jiang Lin’s instead. Doesn’t it feel a bit… am I seeing things through shipping goggles? [covering eyes]]
[But Qianxing never hypes up CPs, so who is that “Looking forward to our collaboration” meant for… Anyway, I’ll start shipping them lightly.]
[They’re playing lovers anyway, so while we shouldn’t ship the real people, the character CP is definitely fair game. Count me in for light shipping +1.]
[Friendly visit from a Jiang fan, thanks to Teacher Li for the repost! By the way, light shipping +2.]
[Also a friendly visit from a Jiang fan. I’d like to remind everyone to check the Weibo tags on Teacher Li and our Lin-ge’s posts~ I’m shipping them hard!]
[Ah, just noticed Qianxing changed his phone. Isn’t this the latest model that was just released? And it’s a special commemorative edition.]
[Teacher Li has the “Special Commemorative White Silver” version, while Lin-ge has the “Special Commemorative Black Gold” version. Whether it’s intentional or not, we don’t know and don’t dare to ask.]
[These special commemorative editions are extremely rare, especially these two colors. You can’t buy them without connections. The second-hand prices have gone crazy, and there’s still no stock.]
[I’ve got pictures! Aren’t these two phones basically couple items?! [Two phones image.jpg]]
[Look what big sweet moment I found! I can’t let anyone miss this! [Weibo link]]
Fans and netizens gathered under Li Qianxing’s Weibo post quickly clicked through, finding a new post in the trending topic with a video:
[A small incident at the opening ceremony. I went to interview with my boss and accidentally caught this moment. It’s so sweet! Jiang Lin’s boyfriend power is off the charts! [Video]]
The video begins with Jiang Lin, He Zhanpeng, Li Qianxing, and Qi Jingnian unveiling a red cloth on a camera. As firecrackers start, He Zhanpeng and Qi Jingnian walk away. Jiang Lin moves closer to Li Qianxing, seemingly about to speak.
Suddenly, a piece breaks off from the top of a nearby firecracker and flies towards Li Qianxing! Li Qianxing seems to notice, turning to look. But in the next moment, the quick-thinking Jiang Lin grabs his shoulder and pulls him into his arms. Simultaneously, Jiang Lin throws something, knocking away the flying firecracker.
The video’s view count is rapidly increasing.
[Oh my god! Li fans thank Teacher Jiang Lin!]
[My Lin-ge is so cool!]
[I’ve watched it three times. I’m sure Jiang Lin threw his phone. And at that height and force, the screen probably didn’t survive.]
[Lin-ge’s new Weibo post was from a different phone. This explains why.]
[So, his new phone must be from Li Qianxing.]
[Not only did he get a new one quickly, Qianxing also got the same model for himself.]
[Just a guess, but maybe those two hard-to-get phones were bought in advance… right?]
[Stop it! These two must be my OTP!]
[Bring on the movie tickets! I’ll buy ten!]
[Doesn’t this deserve its own CP super topic?]
[Yes, yes! Let’s get it started!]
[But what should we call their CP?]
A discussion follows.
In the end, the video poster’s suggestion is unanimously approved:
[OP: How about “99”? The total strokes in both their names are nine, and it’s a good omen.]
[Agreed!]
[Support!]
[This is great!]
[99 sisters, raise your hands!]
Not long after, the “99CP” super topic is born.
Raine: Since I will be away for an early birthday trip. I will not be able to translate or post for 3-4 weeks, starting August 1. So, I’m wondering if you want me to schedule a bunch of chapters throughout my absence, or if you want me to mass translate and post all translated chapters before I go away, and the next update would be around late-August or early-September. Please let me know in the comments. If I don’t get any response, I will just schedule one chapter a week, lol.
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