Today was surely an unforgettable day for the renowned actor, Fu Yingdi.

It wasn't his first confession, but never had his emotions been such a roller coaster. Before he could even savor the confession, there came a twist too swift to process.

Fu Jinxiao looked down at him, inquiring, "What do you mean?"

"Well..." Shen Xingsui met his gaze with newfound clarity, "I've come to understand that there's more to affection than just love."

A question mark seemed to hover over Fu Jinxiao's head.

Leaning against the railing, Shen Xingsui whispered, "Mr. Fu, you've always looked out for me, mentored me, both as a teacher and a friend. It made me realize that happiness doesn't necessarily come from being together. Being your student, knowing you, and receiving your guidance—all of these have given me joy."

...

Fu Jinxiao was a bit lost, but he was profoundly taken aback.

"So..." As another firework ascended into the night sky, Shen Xingsui turned with a brilliant smile, illuminated by the burst of light. In his clear eyes, Fu Jinxiao's reflection appeared. Softly, he said, "Let's leave behind the feelings and thoughts of the past, whether they were meant to be or not. A new year is upon us, and I'm ready to embrace a fresh start in life."

Fireworks exploded above, their booming sound echoing the turbulence within Fu Yindi's heart.

Despite being someone accustomed to life's tumultuous waves, in this moment, he was momentarily captivated by Shen Xingsui's radiant face. Not to mention, the words spoken by Shen were equally perplexing. Perhaps no one's day could be as astonishing as his; being confessed to one moment and having it retracted the next.

Fu Jinxiao wanted to respond and nearly burst out laughing at the start.

Yet Shen Xingsui seemed oblivious, even opening his arms wide, "Happy New Year, Teacher Fu! Let's strive for this new year together, shall we?"

Never in his life had Fu Jinxiao found the phrase "Happy New Year" to be so ironic.

He was inclined to decline the embrace. But, looking up, their eyes met. Shen Xingsui wasn’t as composed as he appeared. In the biting cold, the sharp-nosed, elegant young man in a suit seemed to redden from the chill. The usually misty eyes were now rimmed in red. Standing there, the hug appeared to demand all his strength.

Almost as if possessed, Fu Jinxiao took a step forward and wrapped his arms around him.

The embrace was initially stiff and cold, but it gradually warmed. Fu Jinxiao thought he heard a soft sob. It seemed as if he was the one being unilaterally rejected, yet the one in his arms seemed more heartbroken.

With his head buried in Fu's chest, Shen Xingsui murmured with a hint of a buzz, "I'm so happy."

Tears rolled down his cheeks, landing on Fu Jinxiao's expensive suit fabric, disappearing without a trace, unnoticed by its owner.

Shen Xingsui's voice trembled slightly, but he reiterated with a gentle smile, "I'm genuinely happy."

Fu Jinxiao whispered, "Why?"

"I never thought I'd get the chance to say these words to you in this lifetime," Shen Xingsui paused, taking a deep breath to soothe the overwhelming emotions, "This is just wonderful."

He felt truly blessed.

After being reborn, he initially believed his greatest fortune was not meeting an untimely death as before. Little did he know he'd reconnect with his family, continue singing, meet his idol, converse, chat, and be close to him.

The more he got to know him, the more he realized how wonderful Fu Jinxiao was.

When he first joined "Starlight," Fu never judged him for his lack of background or skill. He guided him in games, taught him to sing, took him out for late-night snacks, helped him terminate a contract, looked after him during shows, and comforted him.

How could there be someone so kind in this world?

With all the good Fu did for him, how could he possibly repay him with the predicament of an engagement? Fu should be the one wishing for his happiness the most. Even if he wasn't as fortunate, it wouldn’t matter. The immense gratitude made this the only thing he could do for Fu.

Fu Jinxiao's voice brought him back to reality, a deep, elegant tone tinged with amusement, "Aren't you going to ask for my opinion?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

Fu Jinxiao held him, shielding him from the bitter cold of the night, murmuring, "What if I said I can't move past this?"

Being close, every word was crystal clear.

Shen Xingsui's eyes widened, and for a moment, it felt as though he could hear his own heartbeat.

From outside, there came the soft cheers of people and children:

"It's snowing!"

"Wow, look at the size of those flakes."

"There's a hint of rain too."

Shen Xingsui snapped back to reality and gazed outside the balcony. Through the ambient light, he saw snowflakes dancing down amidst the rain and whispered, "It really is snowing..."

Snowflakes drifted in, settling on both their shoulders.

Shen Xingsui looked up at him, offering a gentle smile. He began to step inside, "I think the cold must've played tricks on my hearing earlier. It's really freezing. Shouldn’t we go inside? If the snow intensifies, we might catch a cold..."

Fu Jinxiao gripped his arm, assertively and dominantly, "You heard right."

In any other scenario, the ball would've been in Shen Xingsui's court, but Fu Jinxiao was not one to suffer a setback. Today, unless everything was clear, nobody was leaving.

Shen Xingsui stared at him, bewildered.

From his taller vantage point, Fu Jinxiao looked down, reprimanding a bit, "Who confesses only to retract it immediately? Are you trying to toy with me?"

Shen Xingsui, caught off guard by this turn, stuttered, "Then... what are you implying?"

Fu Jinxiao paused.

What was he implying? He hadn't really thought it through.

He merely acted on impulse when Shen Xingsui hesitated, unwilling to let things end. He hadn't put much thought into stopping him.

Unexpectedly, as his grandmother always said, for the first time in his life, he felt like he'd been dumped.

Taking a deep breath, Fu Jinxiao looked down and said, "Emotional matters shouldn’t be decided unilaterally. Understand?"

Shen Xingsui blinked in confusion, pondering for a moment before cautiously asking, "So, you mean... it's not over?"

Not over.

Yes, that's the idea.

After some thought, Fu Jinxiao uttered, "At least it can't end so abruptly."

Tilted his head, Shen Xingsui inquired, "Then, what do you propose... do you, perhaps, have feelings for me too?"

The question seemed to stump Fu Jinxiao.

If he were younger, he would've declared his feelings without hesitation. There was indeed something special about the young man before him. But he wasn't young anymore. Weathered by time and countless turbulent experiences, impulsivity of his youth had been polished away. Every word spoken, every action taken, carried weight.

Liking and loving weren't just words.

He's no longer the young man he once was, incapable of indulging in youthful whims. When he commits to someone, he does so wholeheartedly, seeing it as a lifelong endeavor.

If he can't offer Shen Xingsui what he truly needs, why would he intervene, especially when Shen has come to terms and is ready to embrace a new chapter in life? Why cause him pain?

A brief silence was enough to lead Shen Xingsui astray.

With a gentle smile, Shen Xingsui remarked, "Professor Fu, you needn't bear any burdens on my account."

"My feelings for you are genuine, and expressing them is my choice. I didn't tell you in hopes of making you feel obligated in any way," Shen Xingsui said calmly, staring into Fu Jinxiu's eyes. "I just thought speaking my heart might spare me some future regrets. I've not made many right decisions in life, but today, I'm glad I took this step. It's closure for my feelings."

Fu Jinxiu thought, "Closure for you, but certainly not for me."

Shen Xingsui grew more animated as snowflakes settled on his nose. Shaking his head slightly, he murmured, "Let's leave the past behind, especially on this New Year's Eve. Our relationship remains unchanged, and I'll always respect you as my esteemed professor. I hope you won't dwell on this. If it truly bothers you, just consider my words as drunken ramblings."

"..."

Fu Jinxiu thought, "Easier said than done."

Voices beckoned from below the balcony, and it was Shen Xingchen waving, "Xingsui, hurry down! We're heading home!"

Acknowledging the call, Shen Xingsui took a few brisk steps, momentarily leaving the balcony, only to return shortly.

Fu Jinxiu's eyes brightened with anticipation.

Shen Xingsui's return was accompanied by a small, warm red charm—a "peace button". As he spoke, the cold air turned his breath to mist. The charm looked rather endearing nestled in his palm.

Shen Xingsui smiled, "This is for you. I forgot it last time. Almost left it behind again."

Waving, he said, "I should be going now."

His silhouette vanished quickly, as if chased by some invisible force, leaving Fu Jinxiu alone with the falling snow.

...

Once downstairs, Shen Xingsui couldn't maintain his composed facade any longer. His grip on the staircase rail turned his knuckles white, his body quivered, and he took several deep breaths, seeking the comfort of fresh air. After a while, he looked up, attempting to regain composure.

What a lie.

Feelings cultivated over years couldn't be easily set aside, despite his verbal claims.

Shen Xingsui had imagined this scenario countless times, rehearsing it in his mind. Yet, when reality struck, he found it hard to manage his emotions. Thankfully, he hadn't broken down in front of Fu Jinxiu. From start to finish, he had held onto his dignity.

...

Seeing him, Shen Xingchen mumbled, "You don't look sober at all. Your eyes are so red. Is it from the alcohol?"

Shen Xingsui sighed, "Yes, that drink was too strong. It's a bit overwhelming."

"That bad?"

"Yes," Shen Xingsui replied with a faint smile, "It's quite hard to bear."

Shen Xingchen draped an arm around him, offering support, "Your alcohol tolerance is quite low. I'll introduce you to other drinks, with practice, it'll get easier."

Shen Xingsui nodded, a hint of resignation in his eyes.

The two of them took a few steps forward, and soon spotted their waiting family not far ahead. A car was parked at the entrance, and their mother stood a short distance away, waving at them. As they approached, Xu Enzhen draped scarves around the children's necks, remarking, “You should've hurried when it began to snow. Hop in the car quickly. There's noodle soup made by Lady Fu inside. She said you didn't have a proper dinner tonight and drank quite a bit of wine. This will warm your stomach."

Everyone boarded the car in succession.

When the lid was lifted, the rich aroma of the noodle soup wafted out.

Shen Xingchen inhaled deeply, commenting, “Grandma is truly eternal. Her noodle soup, and the egg noodles my mother makes, both smell so good."

Xu Enzhen shot him a glance, quipping, “Always with your jokes. If you're hungry, eat."

Of those who attended the banquet, Xu Enzhen and her group were busy socializing, while Shen Xingchen went to play with his sister. Shen Xingsui had drunk too much and ended up vomiting, so they were quite hungry now. They completely finished the entire bucket of noodles.

The noodles were perfectly al dente, and the soup, likely boiled from bones, was rich and flavorful. Without any excessive accompaniments, it was just a simple bowl of noodle soup, yet irresistibly delicious.

Shen Xingchen sighed, “If only I could have Lady Fu's noodle soup more often. Sadly, I'm not that fortunate."

Xu Enzhen handed him a piece of meat from her bowl of soup, remarking, “If you were to shamelessly come over every day, Lady Fu might not drive you away. But indeed, that privilege isn't for you."

Shen Xingchen retorted, “Well, even though I don't have it, seeing that you guys don't either brings me some balance."

This kid always had some cheeky remarks to make.

Xu Enzhen snorted lightly, “Well, while you might not have that privilege, who's to say your younger brother won't?"

There was an underlying message in her words, only discernible to those in the know. Previously, Shen Xingsui might've been pleased by this, but now he understood better. Holding his bowl, he murmured, “I probably don't either..."

Xu Enzhen gave him a surprised look.

Shen Xingsui offered her a somewhat forced smile, as if without saying much, he had already conveyed the conclusion to his mother.

It seemed Xu Enzhen had grasped something. She moved her lips as if to speak, but eventually said nothing. She was well aware that young people's emotions were their own to navigate. Every generation has its own blessings, and there was little she could intervene in. As long as Xingsui made choices he believed were best, she had no objections.

...

evening

Fu Jinxiao returned from the balcony, just in time to spot Lina directing the servants in cleaning up.

He hesitated momentarily, wondering whether to turn around and leave, but Lina spotted him first, approaching to greet him, “Jinxiao."

Fu Jinxiao replied, “Happy New Year, Mother."

"Happy New Year," Lina, ever lively, responded, taking his hand, “You didn’t eat much tonight, did you? Lady Fu asked me to find you for dinner. She made noodles. Come, have some."

Fu Jinxiao, unable to decline, followed her lead.

The guests gradually left, and the mansion returned to its usual tranquility.

A tall, handsome man walked leisurely through the staircase corridor, with a benevolent-looking woman in a gown beside him. As they passed a hallway, they both noticed a painting hanging there. It depicted two people leaning close together. The woman in the painting wasn't Lina, but Wen Rong.

Lina whispered, “Lady Fu told me that her memorial day is in half a month. I'd like to accompany your father to pay our respects."

Fu Jinxiao nodded slightly, “That's fine. You both can arrange it."

Lina hesitated for a moment, then cautiously remarked, "You seem a bit out of sorts today."

The situation itself was indeed peculiar.

Mainly because Fu Yingdi has always been inscrutable, detecting his moods was always a challenge. If he showed signs of displeasure, it must be something profoundly affecting him.

Fu Jinxiao pulled out a chair in the dining room, "Do I?"

Lina nodded, "The last time I saw you this way was after a quarrel with your father."

As a servant brought him a bowl of noodles, Fu Jinxiao casually replied, "Well, you're mistaken. It's not that this time."

Lina was taken aback.

If someone other than Mr. Fu could upset him to this extent, that person must be truly influential. In all her years in this family, she had never witnessed such an incident.

Trying to be supportive, Lina offered, "Perhaps I can help?"

Without hesitation, Fu Jinxiao declined, "That won't be necessary."

Not dismayed by the refusal, Lina's attention was drawn to an ornate pendant by Fu Jinxiao's side. She exclaimed, "What's this? It's so charming!"

Fu Jinxiao casually responded, "A safety pendant."

With genuine curiosity, Lina asked, "May I take a closer look?"

Fu Jinxiao gave a nod of assent.

As Lina inspected the pendant, it was evident that the craftsmanship was somewhat amateurish, lacking in refined beauty. Yet, the effort and dedication poured into it were palpable. "I've seen someone make these before. It's extremely time-consuming and intricate. For a beginner, it would take a long time to master," she commented.

At this, Fu Jinxiao finally turned his attention to her.

Lina smiled gently, "So, I've always believed that anyone willing to invest such effort must be incredibly gentle and must have an abundance of love to give."

An abundance of love.

Sipping his soup, Fu Jinxiao paused, a fleeting memory of Shen Xingsui's face on the rooftop flashing before him. Though he had said he 'liked' him, his eyes were unmistakably filled with love.

Keenly, Lina ventured, "Let me guess, it's a gift from Xingsui, isn't it?"

Fu Jinxiao hadn't originally planned to seek advice from this stepmother, but given the complexities of emotions, she might possess insights he lacked. He asked hesitantly, "What made you decide to marry my father?"

Lina, surprised, responded with a simple, "Pardon?"

Unsure of why Fu Jinxiao would pose such a question, she waited for clarity.

Realizing his query might have sounded odd, Fu Jinxiao elaborated, "How did you ascertain that he would always be there for you, that he would love and cherish you forever?"

Lina, taken aback, blinked her beautiful eyes and after a thoughtful pause, smiled, "Honestly, I wasn't certain. I simply loved him, so I married him."

Fu Jinxiao scoffed, unconvinced, "Even if it might have been a mistaken choice?"

"..."

Who talks about their own father like that?

Lina responded with a hint of resignation, "But what can I do? I've fallen for him. Even if it's a mistake, I've accepted it."

Fu Jinxiao sank deep into contemplation.

Just as Lina thought he was preoccupied with marital issues due to a dispute with his father, she saw Fu Yingdi slowly set down his chopsticks. Lifting his gaze to her, he inquired, "How can one be sure? How do you truly know you like someone?"

Lina was taken aback.

Having been through several romances, while she may not have been the sharpest, she had emotional intelligence. Gradually, Lina smiled, "Have you fallen for someone?"

Only a young man smitten with love would bring up such a topic.

Fu Jinxiao put down his chopsticks, "I'm done eating."

"Ah..." As Lina was about to speak, the pendant she held was deftly taken by Fu Jinxiao. He cast her a sidelong glance, lips quirking up, "Thank you."

Lina was bewildered.

Fu Jinxiao murmured, "I think I've understood."

Lina questioned, "Understood what?"

Fu Jinxiao didn't answer. As he climbed the stairs, he waved at her, "Goodnight."

The Second Man

It wasn't long after Shen Minglang awoke from a drunken stupor that his phone began vibrating insistently. The disturbance got the young master's temper flaring, but upon seeing the caller was his mischievous friend, he refrained from smashing the phone and picked it up.

Shen Minglang said, "Please don't tell me you're calling this early just to wish me a Happy New Year."

Fu Jinxiao paused on the other end. Then, with a captivating male voice, he chuckled softly, drawing out his words with an elegant yet teasing tone, "Happy New Year."

A vein pulsed on Shen Minglang's forehead.

Just as he was about to hang up and go back to sleep, the voice on the other end spoke, "Come over. I've something to discuss."

Shen Minglang retorted, "What could be so important?"

"A significant matter," Fu Jinxiao replied calmly, "A life-altering decision."

Shen Minglang teased, "Considering joining a monastery?"

With a gentle smile, Fu Jinxiao replied, "If you don't show up, I'll make sure to arrange a meeting with the abbot for you."

Shen Minglang, suppressing irritation, replied, "Send me the address."

By midday, when Shen Minglang arrived at the entertainment venue, most of his irritability from the lack of sleep had dissipated. He sat down next to Fu Jinxiao in the private room and asked, "So, this 'life-altering decision' is to drink here?"

Though Fu Jinxiao was dressed casually today, his striking charm was undeniable. He reclined lazily on the sofa, remarking, "Master Shen seems quite irritable this early morning. Such a temper could leave one friendless."

Shen Minglang retorted, "If I were friendless, at least I'd get a good night's sleep."

Fu Jinxiao chuckled softly.

In a way, their bond was one of mutual understanding: both inherently ruthless, self-serving, and carefree.

Shen Minglang finally broached the main topic, "So, what's this life-altering matter you mentioned?"

Fu Jinxiao toyed with his glass, his eyes deep and inscrutable. After a moment under Shen Minglang's persistent gaze, he began, "I might... have feelings for someone."

"..."

A momentary silence filled the room.

quite a while

Shen Minglang adjusted his glasses, "If you like someone, pursue them. With your standing, is there anyone you can't win over?"

Fu Jinxiao responded leisurely, "In front of the one you cherish, one often feels vulnerable. Besides, I'm concerned that some in their family might disapprove."

Pouring himself a drink, Shen Minglang responded while pouring, "Who could disapprove? With the prestige of the Fu family, who could be more suitable? Unless they have a royal lineage to inherit. Which family is it? Do I know them? Share some details, and I'll offer my perspective."

Fu Jinxiao gazed at him, his smile deepening.

Holding his drink, Shen Minglang had an ominous premonition.