Damn It! The Main Shou Turned Me Gay! (Showbiz) - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Young Master

Perhaps it was the lingering influence of all the fanfiction he had been reading, but the first thing that came to Qi Wenyan’s mind was—There’s going to be new fics tonight!

The moment he realized what he was thinking, Qi Wenyan expressionlessly slapped himself across the face.

Stop it, brain!

He forced himself to focus and tried to stay calm. “Brother Qian, a chat log alone doesn’t prove anything, right?”

At most, it confirmed that he and Xiao Chu had gone to the supermarket together. So what if two close buddies went shopping? What was there to feel guilty about?

Qian Ning replied, “That’s true, but the timing is too coincidental. If you want to fully clarify things, it might be tough. The only thing that could really suppress speculation would be a rumor about the two of you falling out.”

Of course, there was one more thing he didn’t say aloud:

If they were to completely cut ties now… what would they do later?

But before Qian Ning could finish that train of thought, Qi Wenyan already shot down the idea with firm determination:

“The friendship between me and Xiao Chu is witnessed by the heavens!”

Chu Zhiyu obediently added, “If it’s causing trouble for you, Qi-ge, we can have Brother Qian suppress the trending topic.”

To his surprise, Qi Wenyan hesitated for once.

He wasn’t naïve about CP marketing in the industry. Most of it was just staged for drama promotions.

But Xiao Chu…

Qi Wenyan raised an eyebrow at Chu Zhiyu and smiled. “Why suppress it? This is great exposure for you—an organically trending CP topic. There are tons of people who would kill for this kind of publicity!”

Then he turned to the phone and said, “The chat log did go a little overboard, so please reach out to the blogger, Brother Qian, and clarify that there’s nothing going on between me and Xiao Chu. Don’t worry about anything else.”

Chu Zhiyu didn’t take his eyes off Qi Wenyan for a second.

Qian Ning cautiously asked, “Mr. Qi, if we go this route, you and Xiao Chu will be tied together publicly for a while.”

Qi Wenyan didn’t care at all. “Yeah, yeah.”

It’s not like he was in a relationship! What was the big deal about being tied to Xiao Chu?

In fact, it would make it easier for him to closely monitor any trashy love interests circling the protagonist shou!

Chu Zhiyu leaned in and affectionately rubbed up to Qi Wenyan. “Qi-ge is so good to me!”

Qi Wenyan glanced at the fully stocked fridge and, despite himself, swallowed a little. His voice was absent-minded as he added, “Then I’ll leave the chat log thing to you, Brother Qian. Xiao Chu and I will be staying in Jiangcheng for another couple of days. That way, if we get photographed again, it won’t be such a big deal.”

Noticing Qi Wenyan’s gaze, Chu Zhiyu took the phone from him. “Thanks, Brother Qian.”

Even though his tone was polite and gentle as always, Qian Ning somehow felt a subtle warning behind those words.

As a good and loyal employee, he immediately replied, “No trouble at all! I won’t bother you two any longer then, hahaha.”

After ending the call, Chu Zhiyu suddenly took hold of Qi Wenyan’s arm.

Before Qi Wenyan could say anything, Chu Zhiyu smiled warmly and said, “Crab is best eaten fresh. Qi-ge, are you hungry?”

Qi Wenyan was delighted and tried to act reserved. “Not that hungry… but it is about time for lunch.”

After buying groceries and dealing with the trending topic, the day had already flown by. While the fan club was already “feasting” online, the two main characters finally sat down to their real lunch.

Qi Wenyan was happily tearing into a crab. As he scooped up a piece of rice cake, he casually asked, “By the way, Xiao Chu, what kind of class reunion are you going to? High school?”

Chu Zhiyu nodded. “Yeah, tomorrow at noon. At Xin Yue Fu.”

Xin Yue Fu?

That name sounded a little familiar.

Qi Wenyan chewed on a rice cake as he thought. Two seconds later, he suddenly slapped the table, pulled out his phone, and checked his messages from Fang Ruxu—

“21st, 11 AM, Wen Ci Pavilion at Xin Yue Fu.”

Qi Wenyan exclaimed, “That’s such a coincidence!”

He looked at Chu Zhiyu with excitement. “We can head over together tomorrow! I’ll go deal with my mom first, and then I’ll meet up with you.”

Chu Zhiyu’s eyes crinkled into a smile, as if he had known this would happen all along. “Sure.”

Suddenly drawn to something, Chu Zhiyu’s throat moved as he called out softly, “Qi-ge.”

Qi Wenyan was busy picking up food and didn’t look up. “Hmm?”

The next moment, a warm and soft touch brushed against his cheek—it was Chu Zhiyu’s finger.

Qi Wenyan’s eyes flew wide open.

Chu Zhiyu innocently handed him a tissue and pointed to the spot he’d just touched, speaking with gentle politeness:

“Qi-ge, you got some sauce on your face.”

Qi Wenyan suddenly felt his whole face burn.

But the air conditioning was on—why did he feel so hot?!

Trying his best to stay calm, he replied, “Oh. I’ll wipe it.”

He took the tissue and haphazardly wiped his face, not daring to meet Chu Zhiyu’s eyes.

Qi Wenyan took a vicious bite of rice cake in frustration.

That’s it. He really can’t keep reading fanfics anymore!!

…Not that he could actually stop.

Morning of the 21st. Qi Wenyan sleepily shuffled downstairs with his eyes closed.

Even though the original blogger had clarified that it was just a misunderstanding between friends, for CP fans, it was proof—a real-life supermarket date between their ship!

So, after a brief moment of hesitation last night, Qi Wenyan ended up binging sweet fanfics into the night.

And truth be told, the change of flavor was… kinda nice.

So sweet… so sweet… so—wait, what’s that smell?!

As if summoned by the thought, the scent of fried eggs drifted into his nose.

Qi Wenyan cracked open his eyes and followed the smell—

Chu Zhiyu was placing two plates of breakfast onto the table, smiling up at him as he said softly:

“Good morning, Qi-ge.”

The college student in front of him wore a clean and tidy set of home clothes, with a Chibi Maruko-chan apron tied around his waist—something they’d bought together at the supermarket yesterday.

And he was looking at Qi Wenyan with eyes full of warmth.

Qi Wenyan sniffled. Somehow this scene felt way too cozy—and oddly familiar.

He lowered his gaze and thought for a moment. Suddenly, realization struck.

He’d read this exact scene in one of last night’s sweet fanfics.

Qi Wenyan once again questioned his life choices and smacked himself for good measure.

…Which, unfortunately, made him even hungrier.

Chu Zhiyu, ever the thoughtful househusband, pulled out a chair for Qi Wenyan and let him sit, then carefully laid out the tableware.

“Qi-ge, would you like milk or juice? Your stomach’s not great, so it’s better to avoid coffee in the morning.”

Stunned by this series of considerate actions, Qi Wenyan blurted out before he could think, “Milk is fine.”

It wasn’t until a warm glass of milk was placed in his hands that he finally came to his senses.

He kept sneaking glances at the obedient, quiet Chu Zhiyu eating beside him.

The latter looked up innocently, his eyes clear and earnest.

Qi Wenyan couldn’t help but sigh. “Xiao Chu, your future girlfriend is going to be so lucky.”

How could such a good Xiao Chu be wasted on those awful scumbag love interests?!

Qi Wenyan made a mental vow to protect Xiao Chu’s freedom.

But Chu Zhiyu seemed surprisingly indifferent to the topic.

He just smiled sweetly and said, “I just want to live up to Qi-ge’s expectations and stay by your side.”

Then, perhaps as a safety precaution due to past experiences, he added:

“…As your good brother!”

Unaware of any hidden implications, Qi Wenyan just patted his shoulder with a look of warmth and approval.

His shou protagonist had finally seen the light!

After breakfast, the makeup artist arranged by Fang Ruxu arrived in a whirlwind, carrying a luxury suit.

As soon as they entered, Fang’s assistant snapped a photo of the two of them on the couch and eagerly typed out a message.

Qi Wenyan immediately became alert. “Why the photo? Is Fang Ruxu trying to put a bounty on me?!”

The assistant sincerely shook her head. “No, Fang-ge made a bet with Mr. Xu. He said that if you were still with your little canary when the door opened, I had to send a photo right away.”

Qi Wenyan: “……”

He smiled coldly. “Fang Ruxu has too much time on his hands, huh?”

The assistant wisely remained silent.

Don’t pit one overworked employee against another.

Qi Wenyan sighed and changed the subject: “Who’s Mr. Xu? I’ve never heard Fang Ruxu mention him.”

As soon as he said that, the assistant stared at him like he’d just said something horrifying.

Qi Wenyan: “?”

He suddenly had a bad feeling.

Don’t tell me this is another one of my relatives?!

The assistant stammered, “Mr… Mr. Xu is Xu Qinyi… that is, Madam Qi—your mother.”

Madam Qi?!

That means…

My mom.

Qi Wenyan: “.”

He forced a smile and said weakly, “Haha, just joking. Wanted to see if you remembered my mom’s full name.”

The assistant finally relaxed but still gave him a weird look.

Is the young master okay in the head?

The actually not okay Qi Wenyan cleared his throat. “Let’s get started. Wouldn’t want to keep Madam Xu waiting.”

As soon as he finished, the styling team moved in like a SWAT squad, dragging Qi Wenyan into a chair and beginning a full makeover.

Chu Zhiyu naturally joined in, even helping to pick out which suit would look best on him.

Two hours later, a brand-new Qi Wenyan was unveiled, polished from head to toe.

He tugged at his collar and looked at Chu Zhiyu with pleading eyes. “Do I really need to be this formal just for a meal?”

Chu Zhiyu didn’t hesitate to praise him. “Qi-ge, you look amazing today—seriously handsome.”

Qi Wenyan blushed slightly. “You look good too, college heartthrob!”

He wasn’t exaggerating—Chu Zhiyu had on a simple black T-shirt, no styling, yet he was blindingly attractive.

The assistant checked her phone. “Madam Xu is almost at the venue. Young Master, shall we head out?”

Qi Wenyan nodded and called out to Chu Zhiyu, “Coming with, Xiao Chu?”

But Chu Zhiyu shook his head.

He pointed at the time and smiled. “No need to trouble Qi-ge. I still have some time before my reunion. I’ve got something to take care of first—I’ll meet you there later.”

Qi Wenyan didn’t push, just looked a bit disappointed.

“Alright. Keep in touch. I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done!”

Chu Zhiyu smiled and waved him off. But once Qi Wenyan’s car left, that smile slowly disappeared.

Twenty minutes later, a phone rang.

Chu Zhiyu’s expression darkened as he picked it up.

A deep voice came through the speaker:

“Young Master, the car is waiting at the gate. The Master said—since you’re back, you should come home for dinner tonight.”