Jiang Siyang stayed in Hangzhou for four days, and Zhang Jin’an was happy for all four of them. They went out every day, visiting different places as if they wouldn't be satisfied until they had left their footprints across every inch of the city.
People recognized them on the streets, but most simply expressed their admiration politely before moving on. Few crowded around them to take photos, making the experience pleasant for everyone involved.
They only stayed in a hotel for one night before moving to a guesthouse. Zhang Jin’an had a friend who owned a villa in the Xihu District that was used as a boutique guesthouse. It was very close to the Nanping Evening Bell, so Zhang Jin’an called him up and booked it. The friend was quite hospitable; on their last night, he brought over a bottle of '85 Lafite, and the three of them had dinner together in the villa.
After the friend left, the villa was once again theirs alone. Neither of them was particularly formal; after tidying up the dishes, they put on slippers and went for a stroll. Under the dim glow of the streetlights, they happened upon a small pebble path.
Zhang Jin’an’s slippers were thin, and stepping on the stones felt like a foot massage. He stopped halfway and called out to Jiang Siyang.
When Jiang Siyang turned around, Zhang Jin’an realized he had forgotten what he wanted to say. They stood there, eyes locked for several seconds, and only reacted when the fish in the nearby water had already darted into the crevices of the rocks.
"Pfft..."
Both of them burst into laughter at the same time. The laughter had no beginning or end, yet it lasted for a long while.
Even the greatest news wouldn't usually warrant such laughter. Who knew why? Perhaps it was because the birds chirped at just the right moment, or perhaps the '85 Lafite had left them slightly tipsy and relaxed, making everything seem funny.
Zhang Jin’an laughed until he was tired and reached out a hand to Jiang Siyang. "Let's go back."
Jiang Siyang took his hand. "Okay."
Back at the villa, they showered and went to bed.
The bedroom in the villa was about sixty square meters, featuring mostly raw wood flooring. Facing the bed was not a wall, but a floor-to-ceiling window. Through it, they could clearly see the transition from the dark night to the pale dawn, and it felt as though they could hear the birds outside.
Dressed in pajamas, Zhang Jin’an and Jiang Siyang chose a movie to watch—*Pastoral*, starring Liang Zhongcun.
Zhang Jin’an had seen this movie over a hundred times. He had learned a great deal from it regarding vocal control, facial expressions, and movement design.
As the opening theme played, Jiang Siyang suddenly said, "I remember this senior is your favorite actor, right, Ge?"
Zhang Jin’an was a bit surprised. "You even know that?"
Jiang Siyang remained calm, looking at the laptop as he replied, "I’ve tried to learn everything I can about you."
"And the things you can't find out?" Zhang Jin’an followed up.
Jiang Siyang finally looked at Zhang Jin’an, his eyes crinkling into crescents. "I'll wait for you to tell me."
Zhang Jin’an smiled. "It’s starting."
*Pastoral* told a story set in the countryside. The protagonist arrives in a village and gets to know a group of locals, just as a young girl in the village goes missing. The film used a third-person perspective to recount the grievances of the villagers—who was whose enemy, who was whose friend. Layers of mist and various subplots slowly unraveled as the protagonist delved deeper.
The cast of this film consisted of top-tier actors; even an extra riding a tricycle had a perfect accent and acting skills.
Although it hadn't won many awards, to Zhang Jin’an, it was a masterpiece of sincerity.
"Liang Youwei! Do you have no conscience?!"
Even with the volume set to sixty, the man's roar was heart-wrenching.
"This Liang Youwei is a bit too unscrupulous," Jiang Siyang remarked with a frown.
"Exactly! I think he’s unscrupulous too!" These words hit home for Zhang Jin’an. He pointed at the screen, sounding agitated. "Every time I watch this, I want to hit him. He just bullies people with good tempers and acts like a privileged elder. They helped him so much, and in the end, he turns around and sells their daughter. Isn't that infuriating?"
"Indeed," Jiang Siyang nodded. "At first, he seemed pitiable, but now I see that pitiable people often have a hateful side to them."
Even though Zhang Jin’an had seen it many times, he still prayed during the scene where the police chased Liang Youwei: "I hope something happens to Liang Youwei."
"Something definitely will," Jiang Siyang said.
"Have you seen it?" Zhang Jin’an asked.
Jiang Siyang watched the screen intently. "His running form is incorrect. It’s easy to strain the knees like that."
Zhang Jin’an: "...?"
By the end of the movie, Liang Youwei finally ended up in jail, and the film concluded. Zhang Jin’an let out a sigh of relief, his mood brightening.
"I think that little boy Qiao Yan's toy gun is quite interesting," Jiang Siyang said, dragging the progress bar back to the scene where the child was squirted water.
This toy gun was different from others. It was originally an ordinary water gun, but the character "Qiao Yan" was very skilled with his hands. After his modifications, the children's water gun had been transformed into a high-end black rifle.
"Yes, yes, yes! The first time I saw this was in high school. I was so obsessed with it back then; I really wanted to buy that gun," Zhang Jin’an said.
Jiang Siyang paused the frame and studied it for a moment. "It looks like a QBU-88 sniper rifle to me."
Zhang Jin’an shook his head. "I think it looks more like a Type 95."
The two heads leaned in close to examine it.
Jiang Siyang confirmed his thought. "It still looks like an 88."
Zhang Jin’an also stuck to his guns. "I think it's a 95."
Jiang Siyang looked at Zhang Jin’an. "The scope is the kind found on an 88."
Zhang Jin’an looked straight at Jiang Siyang. "It's bullpup."
Jiang Siyang: "Why would a water gun need a stock?"
Zhang Jin’an: "Then why would a water gun need such a large scope?"
The two stared at each other for over ten seconds before finally realizing what a foolish thing they were doing.
Zhang Jin’an collapsed onto the bed, laughing at the thought. "This is ridiculous. Why were we discussing that so seriously? It’s just a water gun, hahahahahaha..."
"I don't know," Jiang Siyang laughed as he closed the laptop. "Maybe the wine muddled our brains and we needed a water gun to wash them out."
"Hahahaha," Zhang Jin’an rolled over. "It’s gone to my head. My brain is already drowned in wine."
"Mine too," Jiang Siyang yawned, placed the laptop on the nightstand, and lay down as well.
Wood crackled in the fireplace, sparks jumping out, the rhythmic sound lulling their ears.
Zhang Jin’an looked at the ceiling. "So, we've settled on that day to go see your father?"
"Mm," Jiang Siyang had already closed his eyes. "My dad looks strict, but he’s actually very easy to talk to. Don't worry."
"I'm not worried, I'm nervous. It's my first time meeting a partner's parents. I have no experience," Zhang Jin’an said.
"It's fine. It's also my first time bringing someone to meet my dad. I don't have experience either," Jiang Siyang replied.
This answer wasn't comforting at all, which was very much in Jiang Siyang's style.
"Oh? What a coincidence, then," Zhang Jin’an said with a smile.
"Heh..." Jiang Siyang opened his eyes and started laughing.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Go to sleep," Zhang Jin’an said.
"Okay, goodnight then." Jiang Siyang gave Zhang Jin’an a smile before closing his eyes again.
Jiang Siyang was truly exhausted, but Zhang Jin’an genuinely couldn't sleep.
He watched the steady rise and fall of Jiang Siyang's chest, as if he had been in a deep sleep for a long time. His appearance under the soft moonlight was enough for a fansite master to take hundreds of photos.
Zhang Jin’an had never been as happy as he was today. Although it was all due to insignificant little things, it was relaxing and joyful.
He forgot who had told him this—that humans are born of sensibility, yet act with rationality. But he was neither; he was just a commoner who wanted romance.
What was romance?
Perhaps it was taking a photo at a street corner at dusk, perhaps it was walking hand-in-hand along a stream, or perhaps it was a brand of favoritism that no one could stop.
All of these were things Zhang Jin’an had once fantasized about, and now they were coming true one by one.
Zhang Jin’an’s favorite scene from these four days was standing on a mountain with Jiang Siyang—no one else around, only the endless yellow forest stretching across the ridges. Clouds veiled the peaks, the mountains stood over the water, and the water blended with the color of the sky. The Leifeng Pagoda was but a tiny silhouette in the distance.
They had kissed in such a beautiful setting.
Zhang Jin’an’s actions always outpaced his thoughts. He called out softly, "Siyang."
"I'm here," the other replied in a whisper.
"I want to kiss you," Zhang Jin’an said.
Jiang Siyang was the type who wanted to sleep as soon as he drank. Being able to stay awake until this hour had already exhausted all his energy. However, he heard those words clearly. He also understood perfectly that Zhang Jin’an’s words weren't a request for an answer, but a notification.
This kiss would be like the melting snow in early spring or the withering leaves in late autumn—something no one could stop.
And him?
Naturally, he was willing.
So he replied, "Okay."
Then he heard the sound of clothes rubbing against the bedding near his ear, followed by the touch of soft lips against the corner of his mouth.
By now, Jiang Siyang's mind was as muddled as slush, but instinct drove him to open his eyes. His vision was blurry, and in that haze, he saw Zhang Jin’an sitting sideways. Behind him was the vast, clear night sky. The moon was bright and the stars were sparse, yet they outlined the silhouette of Zhang Jin’an’s hair and body.
*So it was the moon kissing him.* This was the last thought Jiang Siyang had before falling asleep.
Zhang Jin’an watched Jiang Siyang fall into a deep slumber, then quietly got out of bed to draw the curtains.
Returning to the bed, Zhang Jin’an couldn't help but kiss Jiang Siyang once more.
"Goodnight." Only after saying this did Zhang Jin’an fall asleep.
Jiang Siyang left the next day.
Being unable to see Jiang Siyang off at the airport was Zhang Jin’an’s greatest regret, and it was at times like these that he remembered the benefits of going public.
After Jiang Siyang left, Zhang Jin’an returned to Beijing. It was only on the way that he remembered his phone. When he opened Weibo, it was indeed a spectacle.
Because he hadn't gone online or posted anything for four days, people in his Weibo groups were joking that Zhang Jin’an had been kidnapped.
Zhang Jin’an didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He took a photo of the sun and posted it on Weibo with the caption: "The weather is great."
In less than five minutes, there were a hundred thousand comments, all of them expressing disbelief.
Browsing the comments, Zhang Jin’an couldn't help but retort, "I'm not *that* much of a shut-in, am I?"
Su Zhiyang joined the netizens in the chaos, spamming several messages in the group: "The world is ending! Zhang Jin’an actually went outside!"
Zhang Jin’an looked and saw it was a photo of him and Jiang Siyang taken outside a couple of days ago.
This incident even caused Zhang Jin’an’s fans to go viral for their humor. Several entertainment bloggers screenshotted things fans had said in the past, and passersby joked that Zhang Jin’an’s fans could debut as comedians themselves.
To everyone's surprise, even after two weeks, the heat of this meme hadn't dissipated. Whenever it was mentioned, a crowd of people would laugh.
Some variety shows wanted to capitalize on this popularity and invited Zhang Jin’an, but he had no interest and no time.
After resting in Beijing for a day, he received a notice from the company. They had secured a contract for a major IP adaptation. If he took it, Zhang Jin’an would also be sought for the animation and game voice-overs. However, this IP was highly coveted, and many famous artists wanted it. Consequently, he was pulled into contract negotiations and IP battles, shuttling between companies all day long. Two busy weeks passed in a flash.
Jiang Siyang wasn't idle either. He had taken on a new variety show, two commercials, and a new drama. He would join the drama crew in January. Both were busy, but they would find time to chat with each other. That was the most relaxing part of their day.
One night, Zhang Jin’an was wearing a loose grey pullover hoodie and a random pair of pants, sitting on the sofa video-chatting with Zhang Shuyu.
"I was thinking, if this little thing could stay viral for so long, then when you actually go public, won't it be even more insane? Weibo will definitely crash," Zhang Shuyu said, sitting cross-legged on her bed and giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
Zhang Jin’an remained unmoved, saying instead, "Zhang Shuyu, wouldn't it be great if you used the effort you spend on flattery to change your pajamas? With those pajamas and that white wall behind you, I really thought you were in a hospital."
"No, Ge, we've been talking for five minutes and you're still thinking about my pajamas?" Zhang Shuyu looked down at her hospital-gown-style pajamas and spoke indignantly into the microphone on her earphone cord. "And what's wrong with these pajamas? You should feel honored to have a sister who is so thrifty that she wears the same clothes for years, okay?"
Zhang Jin’an gave a disdainful huff, picked up his water glass, blew on it, and said flatly, "If you were really thrifty, you wouldn't have trashed your motorcycle, would you?"
Zhang Shuyu had called suddenly today, opening with "Gege, Gege." Having lived together for so many years, Zhang Jin’an knew immediately she wanted money. Sure enough, after a round of pleasantries, Zhang Shuyu said she had crashed her motorcycle into a flower bed and needed it repaired.
Zhang Jin’an took a sip of water and set the glass down.
"If you're too lazy to pay for the repairs, I can endure riding it as is. I'll just ask you for money when the new Spring Breeze models come out next year," Zhang Shuyu said.
Zhang Jin’an: "What makes you so sure I'll give you money?"
Zhang Shuyu blinked. "Because I'm your cutest little sister."
Zhang Jin’an: "I could actually choose not to acknowledge that."
"Zhang Jin’an!" After her shout, Zhang Shuyu began to act spoiled and aggrieved. "Ge—just give me some repair money. Once I start my internship, I'll pay you back—"
Zhang Jin’an got goosebumps. "Don't your roommates hit you when you talk like that?"
"They went to shower. I'm the only one in the dorm right now," Zhang Shuyu scratched her lip.
They were siblings, after all, so Zhang Jin’an was going to give her the money.
"How much do you need?" Zhang Jin’an asked calmly.
Zhang Shuyu’s eyes lit up immediately. "Really?"
Zhang Jin’an found it funny. "Or would you prefer it be fake?"
"Seven hundred," Zhang Shuyu added quickly. "I'll pay you back as soon as I start my internship, plus the six hundred and fifty-seven yuan and thirty cents from last time."
"You actually remember," Zhang Jin’an smiled and transferred the money to her.
"Unless I'm truly broke, I never stay in debt to anyone," Zhang Shuyu’s eyes widened when she saw the amount. "A thousand?! Thank you, Boss Zhang!"
"Next time this happens, go to your second sister. Don't come to me," Zhang Jin’an said.
"You know how stingy Second Sis is," Zhang Shuyu pouted. "In our family, only you and I have the consumption philosophy of 'enjoy life while you can' and 'live in the moment.' The others are all saving for retirement."
Zhang Jin’an thought for a moment and said, "I'm going to start saving money too."
"No way, sir, are you sure?" Zhang Shuyu covered her mouth. "Ge, don't scare me. What's wrong with you lately? You're actually thinking about saving? I was shocked when you didn't go on Weibo for four days. I remember back when there was no Wi-Fi, you'd use your data just to check in every single day without fail. This time you actually lasted four days. Tell me! Are you going bankrupt? If you are, just tell me, I'll donate a thousand yuan to you."
"I thank you so much," Zhang Jin’an said.
Zhang Shuyu: "What's up with you? Just tell me."
Zhang Jin’an: "I went out to play with Jiang Siyang."
Zhang Shuyu: "..."
The silence lasted only two seconds before Zhang Shuyu grabbed her pillow and started punching it. "Ah! Dammit, why did I ask?! I should have guessed! Why do I seek out this abuse?!"
Zhang Jin’an saw everything clearly and said nonchalantly, "What? If you're not happy, give the money back."
Zhang Shuyu instantly threw the pillow aside, placed her hand over her heart, and looked firmly at the camera. "No, not at all. This little lady just thinks you two are such a perfect match that I'm very envious."
Zhang Jin’an was dying of laughter. "Zhang Shuyu, I truly admire your ability to turn with the wind every time I see it."
"Eh—how can you call it turning with the wind? This is sincerity," Zhang Shuyu’s tone gradually shifted toward a poetic recitation, her voice rising and falling with dramatic emphasis, though not a single stress was in the right place. "I sincerely wish you both a long life together and a happy marriage for a hundred years! I voluntarily withdraw from this romance. I'll go under the car, you two stay inside. Goodbye—"
Zhang Shuyu hung up the video call immediately after finishing.
The living room suddenly became quiet.
Following Jiang Siyang's suggestion, Zhang Jin’an had bought two wooden stands for the living room to hold flowers after returning to Beijing—one for sunflowers and one for narcissus.
Zhang Jin’an let out a smile, set his phone aside, and tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling.
Whenever he thought of that night, his heart felt sweet, and he couldn't help but be happy.
He missed Jiang Siyang terribly, and not just because of the kiss that night.
In their profession, being able to see each other a few times a month was considered lucky. Therefore, he cherished every moment they spent together and didn't want to waste any of it.
But time wouldn't listen to him. It was like the spring water they had seen at the foot of the mountain—clear, cool, and slowly flowing away.
Before he knew it, a month had passed, and the day to go see Jiang Siyang's father had arrived.
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Unable to be Arrogant [Entertainment Circle] | Chapter 118 | The Moon's Kiss | Novela.app | Novela.app
