The Ex's Tears Are So Hot - Chapter 11

Guan Jinnian winced, eyes shut tight as he jerked back, his forehead thudding softly against the windowpane.

“Ouch…” He groaned, rubbing the spot — the headache was getting worse.

“You okay?” Xie Zhixin leaned over, reaching instinctively to soothe his head.

“Sit down. Enough already!” Guan Jinnian swatted his hand away, shooting him a glare.

Xie Zhixin, caught off guard, looked flustered and muttered apologetically, “I didn’t mean to… sorry.”

Guan Jinnian didn’t respond, clearly unwilling to engage further. The mood in the car quickly turned stiff and quiet.

The assistant seated in front had been observing their interaction quietly. Sensing the awkward tension, she tried to defuse the situation by handing back two folders.

“This is the show’s planning summary. You both can have a look. If anything seems off or inconvenient, we’ll bring it up with the team.”

“Thanks. We’ll check it over,” Guan Jinnian replied, taking one folder and passing the other to Xie Zhixin.

Though Xie Zhixin accepted it quietly, the gap between their knees on the seat never returned. Guan Jinnian tried to shift away subtly — but the moment he did, Xie Zhixin’s knee followed again. It happened several times — him moving, and the other moving right back, like some kind of unconscious game of tag.

Guan Jinnian glanced sideways. Xie Zhixin appeared to be focused intently on the documents, completely unaware of the ongoing contact.

Since when did he have this habit? Guan Jinnian thought to himself, annoyed but forcing himself to ignore the repeated brushing of knees and turned to focus on the show materials.

The show was titled “Rebound Plan”, and the name itself was a giveaway — a relationship-centered variety series. It would be filmed largely through livestreams, airing from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., covering ten days per episode, and a total of four episodes.

Each episode would take the cast to a different location, allowing the pairs to explore local culture while navigating and rebuilding their relationships. Behind the scenes, professional psychologists and relationship experts would be involved to analyze emotional dynamics and provide insights.

There were also elements of interaction — small games like truth-or-dare or confessions that might dig into personal matters. If any sensitive topics were off-limits, they could be flagged in advance via their agents.

This, Guan Jinnian guessed, was the “potential inconvenience” Sister Li had mentioned earlier. But to him, it wasn’t a big deal — unless the crew started asking raunchy questions, there wasn’t much in his life he felt the need to hide.

Once he finished reading, Xie Zhixin also closed his folder and handed it back to the assistant, then paused and said, “I have a question.”

Everyone turned, expecting something technical or serious. But with a completely earnest expression, Xie Zhixin asked, “How are the rooms going to be assigned during filming? Can I room with Jinnian?”

The car went silent.

Guan Jinnian: “…”

All that information and this is what he focuses on?

Speechless, Guan Jinnian leaned back, closed his eyes, and decided it was better not to speak.

The assistant in front, Qin Li, looked like she wanted to scream — but held it in, remembering this man was technically her boss.

She gathered the folders and said dryly, “Since both of you seem okay with the concept, let’s move on to the contracts and finer points.”

The variety show, titled “The Reunion Project,” was produced by Orange Video. Their car soon arrived at the headquarters, and they headed to the 21st floor conference room.

Inside, directors and producers were already seated. A poised woman in her thirties stood up to greet them.

“Mr. Guan, Mr. Xie — I’m Huang Jiajia, your point of contact for the show. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both.”

After the customary handshakes and greetings, they sat down to go over the contracts. Thanks to Xie Zhixin’s reputation and connections, the team had prepared favorable terms, and even Guan Jinnian’s fee was more than generous.

As Miss Huang had promised, there was no hidden agenda — just a genuine desire to make quality entertainment.

The negotiations went smoothly, and they signed the paperwork. The producers suggested dinner to celebrate, and while Guan Jinnian didn’t want to, he couldn’t decline. Naturally, Xie Zhixin went along without hesitation.

At the dinner, the mood was light and pleasant. Everyone got along well.

Director Wang, tipsy from the wine, clapped Guan Jinnian’s shoulder warmly and said, “Honestly, you’ve got the talent — just haven’t had the luck. But if you show your charm on this program, who knows? You might finally land a lead role.”

Before Guan Jinnian could respond, Xie Zhixin leaned in and casually brushed off Wang’s hand.

“Our Jinnian is talented. I’ll make sure he gets the roles he deserves. Appreciate the support, Director Wang.”

Startled for a second, the director burst into laughter, shaking his head, “You brat. I never knew you were this possessive.”

Others laughed as well. The room was full of amusement.

Even Guan Jinnian couldn’t help but smile faintly. His gaze softened as he looked at Xie Zhixin.

“I’ll be right back, need the restroom,” he said, rising and heading out.

He asked a waiter for directions and followed them. But as he entered the bathroom, he stumbled into an unexpected scene.

Wu Zhaoyan was shoved up against the sink by a suited man, their clothes in disarray, the atmosphere unmistakably compromising.

Startled, Wu Zhaoyan pushed the man away and scrambled to fix himself. “Director Du!” he gasped.

Guan Jinnian averted his eyes and turned to leave — but Wu Zhaoyan caught up with him.

“Guan Jinnian! Did you leak those videos of me?”

Wu Zhaoyan looked nothing like the arrogant coworker he once was. His face was pale and tense, and panic gleamed beneath the thick makeup.

He lunged at Guan Jinnian, who stepped back — only to hit the edge of a frame with the back of his head.

“Damn it…” he gritted his teeth against the surge of pain.

“So what?” he shot back. “You had no problem sending trolls after me. You think I can’t hit back with some blackmail of my own?”

“Do you know how many brand deals I lost? Do you know how much money that cost me?” Wu Zhaoyan snarled, eyes filled with venom.

Guan Jinnian turned to leave, done with the drama — but Wu Zhaoyan grabbed him again.

At his limit, Guan Jinnian shoved him off forcefully, sending him stumbling.

Wu Zhaoyan snapped. He lunged again, swinging fists wildly.

Guan Jinnian managed to dodge the first hit, barely catching the second, but his head was still spinning from earlier. His reflexes were off — Wu Zhaoyan nearly landed several blows.

“Are you out of your mind?!” Guan Jinnian shouted.

He couldn’t take it anymore and punched back, square in the jaw.

Wu Zhaoyan was stunned — then tackled him, and the two started fighting.

The man from earlier exited the bathroom, watching with amusement. After a moment, he sauntered over and made a half-hearted attempt to separate them.

Helping the now-bleeding Wu Zhaoyan to his feet, he muttered near his ear, “This little beauty’s got fire. I like that. Bring him over and I’ll help you clean up your mess.”

He shot a lecherous glance at Guan Jinnian, then swaggered off.

Guan Jinnian heard it all — and immediately sensed danger. As he tried to sneak away, he caught sight of Wu Zhaoyan pulling something from his bag — a small spray can.

Eyes wide, he turned to run — but Wu Zhaoyan’s bag struck the exact same spot on his injured head.

Agony exploded again, and he crumpled. Before he could react, the spray was already in front of him — he inhaled part of it by accident.

“Cough… cough!” he gasped, clutching his face. “What the hell did you just use on me…?”

But his words slurred. His vision blurred. Heat spread rapidly through his body, like fire under his skin.

Suddenly, someone grabbed Wu Zhaoyan’s wrist mid-swing.

It was Xie Zhixin.

His face was like a thundercloud. Without a word, he threw punch after punch, pinning Wu Zhaoyan down.

Qin Li and Xiao He rushed over, panicked. “Boss, stop! Calm down!”

But Xie Zhixin wouldn’t listen — not until Xiao He shouted, “Something’s wrong with Mr. Guan!”

Only then did Xie Zhixin pause, turning toward the collapsed figure on the floor.

Guan Jinnian was drenched in sweat, gasping for air. His skin was flushed, eyes dazed. Heat pulsed in waves, clouding his thoughts.

He fought to stay conscious, biting his tongue hard. But he was barely holding on.

Then a familiar voice came through the haze.

“Jinnian, are you alright?”

Xie Zhixin. His voice was the only thing clear in that moment.

“I feel awful…” Guan Jinnian whispered, leaning into him, voice trembling.