Chapter 24: The Returned White Moonlight (24)

Chapter 24: The White Moonlight Returns (Part 24)

The host couldn't help but chuckle at Yun Jinqiu's words. "Mr. Yun has quite a sense of humor. However, the feedback we've received indicates that most netizens find your acting quite good, especially your eye-acting—it's incredibly precise."

"Is that so? I'm truly flattered by the netizens' kind regard; it's almost overwhelming," Yun Jinqiu humbly replied. "But as most of you probably know, I'm not a professional actor. I'm still quite new to this craft. So, when portraying a character, I can only try my best to imagine their psychological state at that moment to achieve a more authentic performance. Even though my screen time is limited, I don't want to disappoint anyone."

The host nodded. "It seems acting is indeed a demanding profession. Our next segment involves reading negative comments. Mr. Yun, are you prepared to respond to them?"

"Certainly," Yun Jinqiu affirmed with a slight nod, his demeanor utterly composed.

The host looked at Yun Jinqiu, feeling an inexplicable nervousness.

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To be honest, this particular negative comment was quite mild compared to those aimed at other celebrities.

"Hmm..." Yun Jinqiu tilted his head. He had anticipated a comment that would curse his ancestors for generations and was fully prepared for a confrontation. Since this one was so gentle, he decided to offer a more diplomatic, official response.

"You know, every character possesses a unique charm. Whether they are a protagonist, an antagonist, or even a portly figure, each character has an independent soul. And for me, work is work, and life is life. Playing a character doesn't necessarily mean you adopt their life experiences. So, it's best to keep them distinct."

The host was momentarily stunned by this reply. Mr. Yun's answer seemed both relevant and irrelevant to the question.

"Mr. Yun... that was a truly excellent answer."

Yun Jinqiu offered a faint smile. "Thank you for the compliment. I spoke from the heart."

...

The interview was live-streamed. Within five minutes of its conclusion, the video had been reposted millions of times.

There was a time difference between the United States and the other side of the ocean. Even so, a certain individual received the video almost immediately.

In the dimly lit office, only the computer screen glowed, displaying Yun Jinqiu’s interview. The Yun Jinqiu on screen appeared more mature than six years ago, yet also more refined and distinguished. His handsome, ethereal features had shed their youthful innocence, becoming strikingly elegant and more captivatingly assertive than when he was eighteen. Even through the screen, no one could ignore the powerful allure of his face—especially since it belonged to Yun Jinqiu.

Six years since they last met...

Had it really been that long?

The interview video played on loop throughout the night, the desk strewn with liquor bottles and cigarettes.

Yun Jinqiu’s popularity in the United States surged rapidly, with fan clubs emerging one after another in a short span. However, the official accounts were primarily managed by Fang Rui and Chloe. When numerous luxury brands approached Yun Jinqiu for endorsements, he paused for a moment, then officially announced himself as the spokesperson for Cloud Group. Nothing was more convenient than endorsing his own company—it offered double the economic benefits.

In the evening, Yun Jinqiu received a call from Madam Yun.

"Xiao Qiu, do you still remember Qin Rui?"

"Qin Rui?" Yun Jinqiu's mind briefly went blank. "Of course I remember. What about him?"

"He has a girlfriend now."

"Oh... really?" Yun Jinqiu raised an eyebrow. "Congratulations to him."

"I heard they met in the Himalayas. The whole story was quite thrilling."

"Is that so?" Yun Jinqiu mused for a moment. That certainly sounded like Qin Rui.

Madam Yun continued to chat enthusiastically, while Yun Jinqiu listened quietly. After she finished, she couldn't help but ask, "Xiao Qiu, don't you have anything to say?"

"About what?" Yun Jinqiu looked puzzled. After a long silence, it dawned on him. "I'll give him a big red envelope."

"Not a red envelope," Madam Yun said, a hint of urgency in her voice. "You're almost twenty-five. Haven't you thought about dating or anything?"

Yun Jinqiu hadn't expected the conversation to suddenly turn to him.

"Mom, your intentions are quite transparent."

"Sigh..." Madam Yun sighed. "Well, you're not getting any younger. I don't know when I'll get to hold a grandchild..."

Yun Jinqiu: "..." Grandchildren already?

In the past, Yun Jinqiu's parents never dared to inquire about his romantic life. They worried that his past with Shang Wenyi had left him with emotional scars. But over the years, they noticed that Yun Jinqiu's mental state was very healthy, so they began to cautiously probe. The longer they probed, the more persistent they became.

Yun Jinqiu had grown accustomed to it. Flipping through documents, he replied distractedly, "I've been so busy with work these past few years; I haven't really considered it yet."

"You're just brushing me off again. You always say the same thing every time I ask."

Yun Jinqiu let out a soft sigh. "These things depend on fate, you know. A girlfriend won't just fall from the sky. Should I go climb the Himalayas too?"

"Better not," Madam Yun earnestly advised. "In any case, you need to put this on your agenda."

Yun Jinqiu nodded. "Okay."

After hanging up, Yun Jinqiu let out a long breath. He felt more pressure from this call than when applying for land reclamation permits.

Chloe walked in with a glass of orange juice. Curiously, he asked, "Why do people from China like to rush others into marriage? Without an emotional foundation, how can anyone be happy even if they get married?"

"Who knows?" Yun Jinqiu shook his head. To explain that, one would have to delve into five thousand years of history.

However, Madam Yun's call also reminded Yun Jinqiu of something else. He had been in the U.S. for six years. According to his timeline, he was due to return home soon. But Yun Jinqiu wasn't entirely at ease, so he called Tang Fei.

Tang Fei was asleep when Yun Jinqiu's call came through. Hearing the special ringtone, he immediately sprang out of bed.

"Hello?"

After a moment of thought, Yun Jinqiu asked, "Has Shang Wenyi been up to anything lately?"

"Shang Wenyi?" Tang Fei scratched his head. "No, not really. He's just working, working, working—a total workaholic."

"Is there no one around him?" Yun Jinqiu asked, frowning.

"Well... there's only that psychologist I mentioned before. But recently, his relationship with that psychologist has been rocky. He often gives him a hard time for no reason. And the psychologist is strange too; no matter how Shang Wenyi mistreats him, he never complains."

Hearing this familiar plot outline, Yun Jinqiu felt a flicker of bewilderment. Could this psychologist be the main protagonist (shou)? Yun Jinqiu fell into deep thought.

It seemed... not entirely impossible.

"Alright, I understand."

Tang Fei hesitated. "Did you call so late just to ask about this?"

"Of course not," Yun Jinqiu's tone became serious.

Tang Fei instantly perked up.

"Please send my regards to your parents."

Tang Fei: "..." This is a damn international long-distance call!

After hanging up, Yun Jinqiu began to formulate his own little plan. As long as the protagonist shou appeared, things would be easier. But to ensure everything went smoothly, Yun Jinqiu stayed in the U.S. for two more years. Two years was ample time for the protagonist gong and shou to develop their feelings. Having not returned to his homeland for eight years, Yun Jinqiu actually missed spicy hot pot quite a bit. He hadn't had hot pot in years, and the hot pot in the U.S. wasn't very authentic. Although some Chinese-owned hot pot places were decent, they lacked the fiery atmosphere of those back home.

Another six months passed, and Yun Jinqiu received a call from Qin Rui.

Qin Rui had somehow managed to get Yun Jinqiu’s phone number, likely from Madam Yun.

“Is this Jinqiu?” Qin Rui asked cautiously.

Yun Jinqiu deliberately remained silent. Just as Qin Rui was about to hang up in disappointment, Yun Jinqiu let out a soft chuckle and said, “It’s me.”

Hearing that voice after eight years, Qin Rui’s heart raced with excitement. He quickly said, “Jinqiu, I’m getting married.”

“Getting married?” Yun Jinqiu raised an eyebrow. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Qin Rui said with a smile, then sighed softly. “You used to be my best friend…”

Yun Jinqiu remained silent.

“Even now, you’re still my best friend,” Qin Rui’s tone was filled with nostalgia. “Jinqiu, I hope you can come to my wedding. We grew up together; it would be a regret if you weren’t there.”

Yun Jinqiu’s thin lips pressed together slightly. “When is your wedding?”

“December 21st. It’s the day I met her three years ago.”

Yun Jinqiu nodded. “I see.”

“Will you come?” Qin Rui asked nervously. Then, as if remembering something, he quickly added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t invite Shang Wenyi. I’ve already cut ties with him.”

Yun Jinqiu’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. “…I almost forgot about him until you mentioned him.”

Qin Rui paused. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Yun Jinqiu said indifferently. “I’ll attend your wedding.”

“Really?!” Qin Rui hadn’t expected Yun Jinqiu to agree.

“Really,” Yun Jinqiu leaned back on the sofa. “You’ll save me the best seat at the ceremony, right?”

“Of course, don’t worry about that. You’re my VVVVIP!” Qin Rui thumped his chest confidently.

“That’s good then,” Yun Jinqiu cleared his throat lightly.

“What time is your flight? Should I pick you up at the airport?” Qin Rui asked.

“We’ll talk about it then,” Yun Jinqiu’s return plans weren’t that detailed, and he didn’t want too many people to know.

“Alright,” Qin Rui was a bit disappointed but more excited.

Fang Rui, knowing that Yun Jinqiu was returning for the wedding, was a little worried.

“Are you truly ready to go back?” Fang Rui asked.

Author’s note: