Chapter 113:
In the middle of the night, Jiang Yunjian unexpectedly woke up.
Usually, after being with Cheng Peng, he could sleep soundly until morning—too exhausted and too comfortable to wake up.
But tonight, for some inexplicable reason, he was wide awake, and he didn’t rush to go back to sleep. In the darkness, he studied the sleeping man beside him under the faint glow of moonlight.
Even after spending so many years in the entertainment industry, every time he looked at Cheng Peng, he still found him incredibly handsome. But it wasn’t just about his features—it was the way he carried himself, the way he spoke. Every expression, every word exuded the charm and warmth of a mature man. He was older than Jiang Yunjian, but it never felt out of place.
Jiang Yunjian suddenly remembered the question Bo Zhen had asked him earlier today.
Of course, Cheng Peng had never saved his life, nor had he thrown money at him—neither before nor after their arrangement.
Feelings like “liking” were truly strange. When his mother had been gravely ill and he had desperately needed a large sum for her treatment, it was Bo Zhen who had helped him—running around, helping him find work, and pulling him through that difficult time. He was deeply grateful to Bo Zhen. So later, when Bo Zhen was short on people and asked if he wanted to enter the entertainment industry, he had agreed without hesitation. He saw Bo Zhen as an older brother, a mentor in life—nothing more.
As for him and Cheng Peng, before their arrangement, they had only met twice.
The first time was during the season’s first snowfall. He had been sitting on a bench outside the hospital, looking through job listings in the newspaper because he couldn’t afford his mother’s medical bills. He called each number one by one, but every employer rejected him outright after hearing his age.
The fine snowflakes drifted down, dampening the newspaper. He wiped them off with his fingers and continued dialing.
Another rejection. Just as he hung up, a shadow suddenly fell over his newspaper, darkening his world for a brief moment.
He looked up to see a short man in a suit, holding a black umbrella.
The man handed the umbrella to him. Jiang Yunjian, momentarily dazed, took it without thinking. It wasn’t until the man had walked quite a distance away that he snapped out of it.
The man headed toward a black sedan and got into the driver’s seat. The car window was rolled down, and Jiang Yunjian saw the man lower his head slightly, speaking respectfully to someone in the backseat.
The person in the backseat turned his gaze and met Jiang Yunjian’s eyes.
He had narrow eyes, a gentle expression, and he nodded at him with a faint smile as a greeting.
Jiang Yunjian didn’t respond—he was too stunned.
It wasn’t until the car window slowly rolled up and the vehicle drove away from the hospital that he abruptly stood up. He clenched the handle of the black umbrella so tightly that he could feel the pulse in his palm.
Liking someone was such a strange thing.
It was just a man giving him an umbrella in the snow. A man who had been sitting in a black car and had only glanced at him once.
Simple—yet lethal.
The second time they met was at an awards ceremony. He had just received the Best Newcomer Award, and as he stepped off the stage, he saw Cheng Peng talking with another male celebrity.
Though “talking” might not be the right word. The celebrity was crying, as if trying to hold on to something.
Cheng Peng spoke a few words, his tone gentle, but after finishing, he turned around and left without hesitation—walking straight into him.
Cheng Peng smiled and said, “Congratulations.”
In that instant, Jiang Yunjian’s heart nearly stopped.
After that, this voice haunted his dreams, whispering nothing but filthy words.
In his dreams, he struggled, indulged, and felt pleasure.
And then—his dream came true.
Brushing away his thoughts, Jiang Yunjian carefully reached out, lightly touching Cheng Peng’s cheek. Then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips—nothing deep, just a fleeting touch. Like a greedy child tasting a hard-earned candy.
—
A few days after returning to the set, Cheng Peng’s secretary came by again—this time with three watches.
“Is Mr. Cheng addicted to giving watches or what?” Bo Zhen muttered as he unwrapped the packages.
Jiang Yunjian shook his head, indicating he had no idea. He lowered his head and sent a message to Cheng Peng.
After unboxing one, Bo Zhen pulled out his phone and fiddled with it for a while. Then he took a sharp breath. “Holy sh*t—”
Jiang Yunjian looked up. “What is it?”
Bo Zhen didn’t answer. He just handed him the phone.
On the screen was the same watch he had just received, listed on an official website. The price: 1.78 million.
Jiang Yunjian could certainly afford it himself, but as a gift, it was undeniably extravagant.
Bo Zhen swallowed hard. “Let me check the other two…”
“No need,” Jiang Yunjian placed the watch back into its box and closed the lid. “I have to return them, no need to check.”
Bo Zhen put down his phone and stared at him for a long moment. “Wait, what does President Cheng mean by this? He wasn’t like this last time, was he?”
The last time, everything had gone strictly by the rules. Cheng Peng’s secretary had handled all the negotiations, Jiang Yunjian had picked a few variety shows, and the secretary had taken care of the rest. Cheng Peng had never personally interfered in any step of the process, and likewise, Jiang Yunjian had never asked him anything directly. Because of that, Bo Zhen often felt like a heartless pimp.
Besides, even if Cheng Peng had a sudden impulse to be generous, casually giving away watches worth millions… that was just way too extravagant.
Jiang Yunjian pressed his lips together. After a long pause, he finally responded, “I don’t know.”
His phone vibrated with a new message on WeChat.
[Jiang Yunjian: President Cheng, what are these watches for?]
[Cheng Peng: Do you like them?]
[Jiang Yunjian: …They’re too expensive, I can’t accept them.]
[Cheng Peng: But don’t you like wearing the watches I give you?]
Having his little secret exposed, Jiang Yunjian’s ears burned red.
[Jiang Yunjian: Yes, I like them.]
[Jiang Yunjian: But they’re too expensive.]
[Cheng Peng: With your annual salary, you think these are expensive?]
[Jiang Yunjian: As a gift, yes, they are very expensive.]
[Cheng Peng: Just take them. You’ll have plenty of chances to repay me.]
[Jiang Yunjian: …]
[Jiang Yunjian: How exactly do you want me to repay you?]
Cheng Peng stared at the message, finding it too much of a hassle to type. He simply called him instead.
A chuckle escaped him. “Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
Jiang Yunjian quickly ducked into the dressing room, pleading, “…Don’t, I still have work to do later.”
“You think I don’t have work?” Just hearing his voice made Cheng Peng feel significantly more at ease. “Those things, once I give them to you, they’re yours. If you like them, wear them. If you don’t, throw them away. You don’t have to tell me.”
Jiang Yunjian was momentarily speechless. “How could I possibly throw them away?”
Cheng Peng said, “Then just wear them.”
A knock came from outside. The crew was calling him to the set.
Cheng Peng heard it. “Go ahead, get back to work. I’ll hang up.”
“Wait.” Jiang Yunjian quickly stopped him. “Are you free next Saturday?”
Cheng Peng glanced at his calendar. “Might have a dinner meeting.”
Jiang Yunjian hesitated for a moment. “Can I come see you?”
Cheng Peng closed his files. “It’s a work dinner.”
“No, I mean…” Jiang Yunjian lowered his voice. “I’ll come find you at noon. We can spend the afternoon together, and I’ll leave in the evening.”
So clingy?
Cheng Peng chuckled. Worried that Jiang Yunjian would get embarrassed again, he suppressed his laughter. “Come if you want. I’ll have someone pick you up.”
“No need, I’ll go by myself.” Jiang Yunjian quickly said. “Then… see you next Saturday.”
For a while, the filming crew had a heavy schedule because it was about to snow in a few days. Director Wu wanted to finish shooting the spring and summer scenes before the snow arrived.
Fortunately, since it was a period drama, they didn’t have to wear short sleeves. The male actors were fine, but the female actors had it tougher because they had to show their shoulders. After finishing a scene, the female lead couldn’t handle the cold and temporarily went back to her room to warm up. Jiang Yunjian approached Director Wu to discuss matters.
“Are you asking for leave again?” Director Wu asked in his usual tone. “Since you joined the crew, you’ve taken time off two or three times. Xiao Jian, this is not acceptable.”
“Sorry,” Jiang Yunjian replied without backing down. He took out the shooting schedule. “Director Wu, look at this. These scenes are all night shoots. I’m willing to work overtime for the next few days, and I can add extra pay for the crew. What do you think?”
Director Wu turned to look at him. “Is there an emergency?”
“Yes, there is,” Jiang Yunjian said thoughtfully. “It’s quite important.”
Director Wu’s previously cold expression softened, and he smiled. “Are you in love?”
Jiang Yunjian felt as if he had been stepped on and took a moment to respond. “Uh, no… it’s… not love…”
“Alright, alright, I understand. I’ve been there,” Director Wu said, looking at the schedule. After pondering for a moment, he continued, “Okay, but this is the last time. The upcoming shoots are tight, so I won’t easily approve any more leave requests. You need to understand my situation too.”
Jiang Yunjian expressed his gratitude. “Thank you.”
A few days later, Bo Zhen was shocked when he heard Jiang Yunjian’s request. “What are you talking about? Say that again, which watch do you want to buy?”
Without beating around the bush, Jiang Yunjian showed him a picture.
“That watch costs over eight million!” Bo Zhen couldn’t help but curse. It wasn’t that he was exaggerating; the price was just outrageous. “Who are you buying it for?”
Jiang Yunjian didn’t hide it. “It’s his birthday in a few days.”
…No wonder Jiang Yunjian insisted on taking Saturday off after working night shoots until two or three in the morning.
“Are you addicted to giving watches? Can’t you get something else?” Bo Zhen said.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jiang Yunjian replied, “I don’t know what else to give.”
“Ties, cufflinks, belts, all of those would work,” Bo Zhen immediately suggested. “I know a custom shop where you can get a unique cufflink for only about a hundred thousand.”
Jiang Yunjian thought for a moment. “That sounds good.”
“Right? I’ll contact them for you right away!”
“Okay, and also buy the watch for me.”
“?”
“I’ll give both gifts,” Jiang Yunjian smiled. “Thanks, I was worried a watch wouldn’t be enough.”
Bo Zhen blurted out, “Please, just be clear about your relationship. You’re in a sugar baby situation; he’s your benefactor, so you don’t need to give him money…”
As soon as he said that, he realized it was wrong and quickly stopped.
Jiang Yunjian lowered his gaze, and his smile faded slightly.
Bo Zhen felt like slapping himself for being so nosy. “Alright… Actually, Cheng Peng has been treating you quite well recently. You two have been together for almost two months, right?”
“Yeah,” Jiang Yunjian handed his phone back. “Please help me order it, brother. I appreciate it.”
Bo Zhen sighed. “Fine, I’ll treat it as if you owe him from your previous life, and now you’re reincarnated to repay him. I’ll buy it for you, alright?”
“It’s not about owing anything; it’s just my personal choice,” Jiang Yunjian said with a smile. “Thanks, brother.”
On that Saturday, Jiang Yunjian woke up early and met with the stylist, who was quite surprised. Usually, relying on his good looks, Jiang Yunjian didn’t bother to dress up unless he had an event.
“What’s the occasion?” the stylist asked.
Jiang Yunjian paused for a moment before replying, “It’s a very important private occasion.”
The stylist nodded. “Got it.”
After getting ready, Jiang Yunjian said goodbye to the stylist, carrying the cake and gifts he had just ordered as he stepped outside.
The weather was getting colder. Although he was dressed well, wearing a mask and sunglasses made him even more noticeable. However, he didn’t mind and directly got into the car waiting at the entrance.
The assistant turned around and said, “Brother, it’s about to snow. Aren’t you cold dressed like this?”
Jiang Yunjian didn’t answer. “Do you think it will snow today?”
The assistant paused and glanced at the temperature display near the fuel gauge. “It should snow today or tomorrow. The weather forecast said it was supposed to snow yesterday, but it hasn’t yet.”
“Just drive,” Jiang Yunjian said.
He had arranged to meet Cheng Peng at noon, but since he left early, he arrived at the residential area where Cheng Peng lived at just eleven o’clock.
Jiang Yunjian asked the assistant to stop in front of a convenience store.
“Brother, let me walk you to the door. It’s too easy for you to be recognized like this,” the assistant said, rolling down the window.
“No need, there’s hardly anyone around here on weekends. You can go back,” Jiang Yunjian replied. “You’ve worked hard.”
There were still many supplies at Cheng Peng’s place, so he didn’t need to go into the convenience store. He also worried that Cheng Peng might notice something.
It was better to be cautious.
As he walked towards Cheng Peng’s house, he couldn’t help but think about whether arriving early would cause any trouble for him.
When he reached the corner, he hesitated for a moment but decided to send a message to ask first.
He set the cake down on the ground, took out his phone, and, finding it inconvenient, removed his gloves. His hands were now exposed to the freezing air, which felt like ice.
Just as he opened the chat window, he heard a series of coughs coming from in front of him.
Jiang Yunjian instinctively looked up and saw a young man standing outside Cheng Peng’s door.
The young man was dressed lightly, wearing jeans and sneakers, and he carried a backpack. He looked quite young.
Jiang Yunjian had met him two years ago at a farmstay. At that time, the boy had sat next to Cheng Peng, looking pitiful and vulnerable. Cheng Peng often glanced over at him, even during arm-wrestling matches, seemingly looking through him at the person behind.
His movements stiffened, and he instinctively shut his phone, unable to process what was happening.
The boy pressed the doorbell several times, and Jiang Yunjian’s heart raced in sync with his finger’s rhythm—sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
With a click, the door opened.
Jiang Yunjian hurriedly hid behind the wall, blinking in panic. Then he lowered his head and quickly pulled the visible part of the cake box back.
He didn’t know how long he stood there, but eventually, he cautiously peeked out.
Cheng Peng was wearing gray loungewear and looked at the boy with a calm expression.
The boy had his head down, speaking with difficulty, and he wiped his tears with his hand. Finally, he took out a small cake he had hidden in his backpack. It was tiny, weighing less than a quarter of Jiang Yunjian’s cake.
He couldn’t hear their conversation.
Jiang Yunjian stared intently at Cheng Peng, afraid to blink.
He saw Cheng Peng remain silent, quietly listening to the boy finish speaking. After a long time, he sighed.
Then, he stepped aside to give the boy a way in.
The boy quickly slipped through the gap and entered the house.
The front door closed with a soft sound, sealing off the world outside from the two inside.
Jiang Yunjian stood there in a daze, unsure of what to do next.
Cheng Peng already had a cake; did that mean he should go in?
Jiang Yunjian stood in the cold wind for a while, not seeing anyone come out. After a moment, he felt something gently touch the back of his hand, sending a chill through him.
Then, a few white flakes floated down in front of him.
…It was snowing.
The first snow he had eagerly anticipated for many days had finally arrived.
Jiang Yunjian looked down at the snow quickly melting on his hand, feeling the cold spread through his limbs, freezing him to the core.
Huge shoutout to @_nyanmaru_ on Discord for commissioning this! The chapter will be posted regularly, show your support for Ciacia at Kofi.
