Chapter 48: Trying a Pose from the Comic, Identity Revealed

Chapter 48: Trying a Pose from the Comic, Identity Revealed

Jiang Fengmian shot a sideways glare at Huo Zong, even suspecting that this social media post was only visible to him and Su Yanchu. Not just for flaunting their relationship, but also as a gesture of goodwill towards him.

"Babe, why don’t you teach me how to play the game? You know I’m not great at it and could use your help."

"Hmph, I doubt you really need my help."

Jiang Fengmian didn’t say it out loud, but he thought Huo Zong should just go to Dong Li. How could he accidentally send the exclusive emoji meant for him to someone else? It wasn’t just a simple mistake.

"Of course I need it! Jiang Fengmian, please teach me."

Huo Zong boldly pulled Jiang Fengmian into his arms, wrapping his arms around him to operate the game together.

Huo Zong’s warm breath brushed against Jiang Fengmian’s neck. They were too close, making him uncomfortable, so he shifted his head slightly and gave Huo Zong an elbow jab.

"Ouch, that really hurts! Are you trying to kill me, babe?"

Jiang Fengmian’s chin was pinched by Huo Zong’s hand, and he let out a muffled sound as the new game round was lost again.

"Hmph, serves you right."

Huo Zong kissed the corner of Jiang Fengmian’s lips, tracing his eyebrows and saying, "You wouldn’t really want to hurt me, would you, sweetheart?"

"Why not? You deserve it for being so naughty."

Jiang Fengmian tossed his phone aside and playfully pinched Huo Zong’s cheeks until he raised his hands in surrender.

"Babe, I’m sorry, I won’t tease you anymore. If something’s bothering you, talk to me, don’t keep it inside, okay?"

Jiang Fengmian murmured softly. Even though he knew he was Dong Li, he still felt a pang of jealousy, as if he wasn’t the most special one anymore.

"Huo Zong, in your heart, am I really the most special?"

"Yes, you are the only one, the most special."

Huo Zong had a good idea why Jiang Fengmian was upset. It was all about that emoji he sent when he was testing if Dong Li was Jiang Fengmian. Jiang Fengmian was really bothered by it.

"Jiang Fengmian, no matter what identity you have, I can recognize you."

Huo Zong gently cupped Jiang Fengmian’s cheek, softly gazing into his eyes, as if trying to see through to his soul.

As Jiang Fengmian’s eyes locked with Huo Zong’s, he felt as if he had been seen through. Huo Zong saw through his act as if it were nothing. He understood everything, just waiting for him to say it.

"Jiang Fengmian, you are the only one who is special to me."

After a few moments of eye contact, Jiang Fengmian was the first to look away. He melted into Huo Zong’s embrace, his eyes lowered.

"Huo Zong, what if I... mmm." Huo Zong gently pressed a finger to his lips, stopping the words that hadn’t yet been spoken.

"You don’t need to say anything. When you’re ready to share everything with me, I’ll be here. I don’t want you to say it just because you feel obligated. Tell me when you feel I’m someone you can trust with your life, that I can walk with you all the way."

Jiang Fengmian murmured ‘oh’ and clasped Huo Zong’s wrist, whining, "I already feel like we can walk together all the way."

"Mm, I think so too. So, when you’re a little happier, okay?"

Jiang Fengmian playfully nipped at Huo Zong’s neck, his teeth leaving a small red mark. Only then did he move away, satisfied.

It was as if Huo Zong already knew everything.

"Brother, just let it show."

Huo Zong touched the small bite mark with his fingertips, raised his eyebrows, and softly hummed, "Alright, I'll definitely show it."

"Hmph, then get back to work. I’ll play one more game."

Huo Zong gave Jiang Fengmian a quick peck on the lips before returning to work.

[Huo Zong: Chen Chen, check if anyone has recently transferred money to Jiang Fengmian's bank account, regardless of the amount.]

[Chen Chen: Yes, Huo Zong.]

Even though Huo Zong had a hunch, he still wanted concrete evidence. If he was mistaken, Jiang Fengmian would be even more upset.

Chen Chen quickly replied, saying that Sheng Zhiyi had recently transferred money to him, and Love Comics had also sent him several fixed payments, each exactly one hundred thousand.

Dong Li was the contracted artist on Love Comics.

Huo Zong flipped a page, downloaded the Love Comics app, and found that Dong Li’s comic began serializing soon after he joined the Huo family.

Suddenly, it all made sense—Jiang Fengmian’s late nights and sore eyes. He couldn’t draw comfortably at home, so he stayed up late, which strained his eyes.

[Uncle: Xiao Yi, did you hire Dong Li to draw a comic?]

[Xiao Yi: Huh, Uncle, why do you ask? It wasn’t a comic, just a CP commission. It was really beautiful—I loved it.]

[Uncle: It’s nothing. Huo Corporation’s legal department is investigating a plagiarism case against the artist who copied Dong Li’s work. We’re gathering evidence. If you have anything, send it over.]

[Xiao Yi: Sure, I’ll have our in-house artist analyze it and prepare a report.]

[Uncle: Alright.]

Huo Zong looked at Jiang Fengmian, a pang of heartache in his eyes. He earned that money just to buy him a watch. Huo Zong pressed the watch on his wrist, his chest tightening. Drawing every frame, all to give him a watch.

He suddenly stood up, overwhelmed, and tightly hugged a bewildered Jiang Fengmian. He held him so tightly, it felt like he wanted to merge him into his very being.

"Brother, what’s going on?"

Jiang Fengmian stroked Huo Zong’s hair, wondering if he’d been too harsh, making him seek comfort.

"Huo Zong, I’m not mad. You’re quiet—are you about to cry?"

Jiang Fengmian was startled by his own thought. He gently struggled, cupping Huo Zong’s temples and massaging them.

"Brother, what’s really going on? You’re scaring me."

Huo Zong was silent for a while, his deep eyes gazing affectionately at Jiang Fengmian.

"Kitty, I absolutely love the watch you gave me."

"If you like it, then that’s good. When I have more money later, I’ll pick an even better one for you."

Jiang Fengmian calculated that the royalties should be substantial. His data was impressive, and just during the serialization period, it had already surpassed the popularity of the best works on the platform in previous years. In the real world, his comic had earned eight million after taxes.

Silver Fox Entertainment wasn’t short on money, and he was an internal recommendation, so it should be even more.

"Brother, what do you think of 'Love'? A specially customized version for 9.99 million. You can switch it out and wear it."

Huo Zong silenced Jiang Fengmian's endless chatter with a kiss. He tilted Jiang Fengmian's chin up and kissed him deeply, with more intensity than ever before.

Jiang Fengmian could barely catch his breath, forced to endure Huo Zong's intense, dominating kiss. A thin strand of saliva trailed from the corner of his mouth, which Huo Zong gently kissed away.

He pressed his forehead to Jiang Fengmian's, his eyes brimming with emotions Jiang Fengmian couldn't read.

Jiang Fengmian's lips felt swollen and on fire. He half-closed his teary eyes, locking gazes with Huo Zong. His tongue brushed over the blood on his lips as he cupped Huo Zong's face with concern.

"Brother, tell me, what's wrong?"

This side of Huo Zong was something Jiang Fengmian couldn't understand. It didn't seem like he was mad at him.

"Kitty, is there something you want to tell me?"

Huo Zong knelt down between Jiang Fengmian's legs, his fingertips gently tracing the calluses on Jiang Fengmian's palm, finally stopping at his rough fingertips.

These were the marks left from years of drawing. Just touching them made Huo Zong's heart hurt.

He didn't really care for wristwatches that much. Jiang Fengmian didn't need to stay up late drawing just to save up for one.

"I need to step out for a bit. I'll be back before you know it. When I get back, I have something to tell you."

"I'll come with you," Huo Zong said quickly.

Meeting Jiang Fengmian's gaze, Huo Zong knew he wanted to go alone. If he hadn't asked, Jiang Fengmian would have slipped out quietly.

"Brother, I want to go alone. If there's any problem, I'll contact you, okay?"

Huo Zong stubbornly stared into Jiang Fengmian's eyes, firmly gripping his hand, leaving no room for refusal.

"Kitty, I'm just worried."

"How about this? I'll go first, and you can come pick me up in about an hour, okay?"

Both of them compromised. Jiang Fengmian had to coax Huo Zong for a while before he reluctantly agreed.

[Dong Li: Is your uncle free today?]

[Dong Li: How about we meet at the Qingmei Zhujiu teahouse? I have time now.]

[Yi Huo: Sure, let me ask.]

A few minutes later, Yi Huo gave a thumbs up.

Jiang Fengmian sent the reserved private room number to Yi Huo, scheduling the meeting for half an hour later. Qingmei Zhujiu was about ten minutes away from Jiang Fengmian, so he could head over anytime without delay.

"Brother, I'm heading out. Can you come pick me up later?"

"Okay."

After Jiang Fengmian left, Huo Zong received a consumption message for a pot of Longjing tea from private room number 2 at Qingmei Zhujiu.

Knowing the location, Huo Zong followed twenty minutes after Jiang Fengmian left, booking private room number 3.

The vice president of Silver Fox Entertainment was in his fifties, looking younger in person than he did in public appearances online.

Sitting next to him was a man wearing a loose T-shirt, thick black-framed glasses, and slightly messy hair, looking as if he had just rolled out of bed.

"Are you Dong Li?"

"Hi, I'm Dong Li."

Yi Huo was so shocked he yanked off his glasses and rubbed his eyes repeatedly.

There was no mistaking it—this was Jiang Fengmian, the older brother of Jiang Fengqiu, the so-called legendary prodigy. Sadly, three years ago he suffered a brain injury and has been mentally impaired since.

"Is your head okay now?"

The smile on Jiang Fengmian's lips slowly faded, and he instinctively put his arms behind his back, a gesture of resistance and self-protection.

"You know me," Jiang Fengmian replied coolly. Being classmates with Jiang Fengqiu, it wasn’t strange for him to know him.

"Uncle, this is Jiang Fengmian of the Jiang family."

The VP narrowed his eyes, studying Jiang Fengmian with interest. The Jiang family’s fool—seems he’s recovered.

"Are we still talking about the copyright? If not, I’ve got other things to handle and should head out."

There’s a big jealous mess waiting for me back at the company. When he left, Huo Zong looked so pitiful, like a lovesick fool. He needs to go back early to comfort him.

"Yes, let’s talk. Young Master Jiang, have a seat."

"Just Dong Li is fine."

Jiang Fengmian hated the title 'Young Master Jiang.' He wasn’t a young master of the Jiang family—more like their dog, one that anyone could step on at will.

"I’ve seen your work—it’s a perfect fit for our third-quarter fantasy theme. My nephew should have already mentioned it to you. After you sell the rights, we may add characters or tweak the plot. Is that okay with you?"

"As long as the price is right, I’m fine with it."

From the start, Jiang Fengmian’s goal was to sell the rights. He didn’t care if the adaptation flopped or became a hit. He only cared about how much he could get from the rights. As long as they didn’t slander his work or maliciously blame the failure on the comic, he could accept it.

"Changes are normal, but they can’t ignore the heart of the comic. Honestly, my comic doesn’t need changes."

Jiang Fengmian has already learned from his experience in the real world. After the last adaptation became a huge hit, he has already added and deleted some content while drawing this time.

"If you’ve read it carefully, you’d know that adding or cutting anything will ruin the plot’s logic. It was designed from the ground up with adaptation logic in mind. Once you change it, it’s guaranteed to flop."

"If I recall, you’re a newcomer, right? What makes you so confident? A newcomer manga artist with no adaptation experience and no understanding of copyright, how can you be so sure our changes will flop?"

Jiang Fengmian took a sip of tea and said calmly, "My work speaks for itself. Believe it or not, that’s your call. You know I don’t lack money."

The VP leaned back in his chair. Everyone knew Jiang Fengmian was a fool, but this was clearly a case of playing dumb to outsmart the tigers, making fools of the Jiang family.

Tsk, with the Jiang family's background, how could he not lack money? If he really didn’t lack money, he wouldn’t be drawing comics on an obscure platform.

"Nowadays, the investment in fantasy dramas isn’t as much as before, and the copyright fees have been cut accordingly. For your work, Silver Fox can offer this much."

The VP made a gesture of nine. Jiang Fengmian's face showed no trace of joy. He sipped his tea slowly, exuding the calm and composure of a high-ranking official, even more at ease than the VP of Silver Fox who has seen many storms.

From Jiang Fengmian, he seemed to see the shadow of someone. The VP put down his teacup, feeling there was nothing more to discuss.

"At most, I can add another 500,000. I consulted the copyright department of Love Comics. Before signing, you already signed a proxy agreement, but you have to share part of the copyright fee with them. I guarantee you get nine, and I’ll pay the rest to the website. How about that?"

"After-tax, I get nine. Since I dare to ask for this much, I must be confident that the drama will be a huge hit. Comic copyright is not just the icing on the cake; the story is the root of everything. This is something you, VP, should understand best."

From Jiang Fengmian's words, the VP faintly sensed a threat. He also thought of what his nephew said, that Jiang Fengmian is acquainted with high-level executives at Huo Corporation...

The VP thought again, could it be that Jiang Fengmian is deliberately saying this to manipulate him?

In the quiet VIP room, Jiang Fengmian's phone suddenly blared with an alarm.

"Sorry, my boyfriend is coming to pick me up. If we can't settle this now, we can discuss it later."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.

Immediately after, Huo Zong pushed the door open, just in time to meet Jiang Fengmian's startled look.

Jiang Fengmian jumped up from his chair and ran to Huo Zong, grabbing his wrist and saying, "Brother, are you a jet? How did you get here so fast?"

It had only been about twenty seconds since the alarm went off, and there he was, as if by magic.

"Mr. Huo, so you're Dong Li's boyfriend?"

"Yes, I'm Dong Li's boyfriend." Huo Zong deliberately emphasized the words "Dong Li," his fingers brushing the back of Jiang Fengmian's hand, his eyes full of meaning.

Yi Huo was utterly stunned. When did Jiang Fengmian get together with Huo Zong? Why even bother with comics or selling rights? Isn't it just about lounging in a mountain of cash?

Jiang Fengmian guiltily hid behind Huo Zong, feeling like Huo Zong might unleash some intense drama once they got home.

"This, this..." The VP was suddenly at a loss for words. Jiang Fengmian's transformation was too stark. He meekly held Huo Zong's hand, as if his earlier confidence had vanished.

"Here's the thing: we want to buy Dong Li's 'Yu Jiangshan,' but we're not seeing eye to eye on the price. Still, it's negotiable."

So Jiang Fengmian truly wasn't short on cash; they were the ones looking foolish.

"We’ll need to discuss the rights sale further, VP. If there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave."

Huo Zong's smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. He gently held Jiang Fengmian's fingers, his fingertips pressing on the thin calluses in his palm, and turned to leave.

"Brother."

"Hmm."

In silence, Jiang Fengmian sat in Huo Zong's car, watching the scenery fly by, but he never spoke.

Once home, the moment the door shut, Jiang Fengmian wrapped his arms around Huo Zong's waist.

"Brother, I am Dong Li. You asked what I wanted to say, and here it is. Did you already know? Was that emoji some kind of test?"

Jiang Fengmian pinched the firm flesh on Huo Zong's waist, "You knew and still toyed with me, Huo Zong. You’re such a tease."

"Not too early. I only started to sense something was off last night. Kitty, my watch was paid for with your comic earnings, wasn’t it?"

Jiang Fengmian hummed, knowing he couldn't hide it, so he nodded.

"Brother, I wanted to give it to you, using my own ability."

Huo Zong pursed his lips, gently pulling Jiang Fengmian's hand to his lips for a soft kiss, one after another, not giving Jiang Fengmian a chance to pull back.

"Huo Zong, that tickles."

"Jiang Fengmian, from the start, did you draw comics just for that watch? Back then, we were just strangers who had just met."

Huo Zong's mind was filled with too many things, as if it was about to explode. He stared at Jiang Fengmian with crimson eyes, wanting to see how he would explain.

"Brother, I had to make money, and I just wanted to give you a watch, that's all."

Jiang Fengmian's gaze didn't waver, looking straight at Huo Zong. He sighed, stroking Huo Zong's eyebrows, "Huo Zong, don't frown."

"Kitty, you're making me feel a bit overwhelmed, always thinking I don't love you enough."

The little money his kitty earned through day and night of hard work was all spent on him.

"Then just love me a bit more in the future, brother. Love isn't a competition; it's not about who loves more. As long as our hearts are connected, and I feel your overflowing love, that's enough."

Huo Zong nodded, holding Jiang Fengmian's palm, growing more concerned about his rough fingers. He didn't want Jiang Fengmian to be a helpless canary; he just wanted him not to work so hard.

"Kitty, would you blame me for messing up your contract with Silver Fox? You used my card to pay, and I got the spending alert. I followed you after you went."

With a thud, Jiang Fengmian's curled finger tapped on Huo Zong's forehead.

"Brother, how can you be so clueless? If I didn't want you to know, I would've just used my own card. I used yours because I wanted you to find out."

"Huo Zong, I was really scared, actually. When you showed up out of nowhere, I knew I had bet right. My Huo Zong would respect all my choices, love me, honor me, and not meddle in my life."

"Dong Li is my final layer of disguise. I stand before you fully, without any pretense. Huo Zong, do you like me this way?"

"Yes." Even though it was just one word, Huo Zong answered very seriously.

"No matter what kind of you, I love it."

Jiang Fengmian took Huo Zong's hand and sat down, his fingers tracing a perfect curve at the corner of Huo Zong's mouth.

"Brother, I used to imagine that when I revealed my identity, it would be earth-shattering, you'd be so shocked you couldn't close your mouth, clapping and praising me."

"Who knew you were so sharp, it wasn't dramatic at all. But it's fine, you're Huo Zong, as long as you know, that's enough."

Huo Zong immediately clapped along, pecking Jiang Fengmian's lips, "My kitty is actually the famous Dong Li, so amazing, I'm proud of you."

Jiang Fengmian laughed so hard he couldn't close his mouth, he hummed and pushed Huo Zong's cheek away, asking, "Brother, how did you actually find out? I can't figure it out, really can't."

"The money I put in your little box was accounted for, and when you hid less, knowing you're not dumb, some of your behaviors became particularly odd. Plus, you were constantly replying to messages last night, and this morning I tested you with a meme."

"Indeed, it was because Chen Chen found out that Love Comics had paid you two hundred thousand, the times were quite close, and Xiao Yi, he also paid you, I knew as soon as I asked him."

Oh my, Jiang Fengmian now thinks carefully, it was just then that Huo Zong thought he was dumb, it was all flaws.

"Kitty, how much did Silver Fox Entertainment offer you for the copyright? I can't bear to see your hard work sold cheaply, my kitty works so hard, don't sell it to others, sell it to me."

Jiang Fengmian scratched the tip of his ear, only Huo Zong with his 800-meter thick filter would feel sorry for his hard work.

"They offered nine million, before tax."

Huo Zong oh-ed, speaking with great wealth, "I'll give you ninety million, sell it to me."

"Brother, you're crazy, let's talk about the copyright later."

Huo Zong's mouth was blocked by Jiang Fengmian's lips, unable to speak, vaguely hearing Jiang Fengmian's voice, "Brother, now I allow you to punish me."

Huo Zong hummed lightly as if electrified, saying in a low voice, "Kitty, since you draw comics, you should know some positions, kitty, let's try."

"Kitty, you said it, let me punish you, then I'll punish you in the way you're best at."

His waist tightly encircled, Jiang Fengmian had nowhere to hide, he wanted to cry but had no tears.

He draws serious comics, not that kind of circle and cross!

Jiang Fengmian swallowed, shaking his head frantically, "Brother, I, I don't understand."

Huo Zong picked Jiang Fengmian up horizontally, staring straight at him, refusing to be denied, "No, you understand."