Chapter 29: A Blindingly Obvious Secret Crush part 2

The celebrity guests, the players, and the lucky fan contestants, including Lin Yuran, gathered at center stage to receive applause. Gold confetti floated from above, drifting down like a romantic meteor shower.

Lin Yuran hadn’t expected an esports event to be this thrilling. Even her small part had left her bl00d pumping. She tilted her face up, reaching out to catch a piece of falling confetti.

Just then, her eyes met Chi Ye’s gaze through the golden rain.

It felt like being caught mid-stolen glance. Chi Ye’s lashes fluttered slightly, then his expression steadied, his gaze deep and focused, like he was imprinting her image in his mind.

Lin Yuran froze.

Those eyes, dark as a still lake under a night sky, shimmered with reflected stage lights. Within that quiet depth, something hidden and tender from his youth stirred faintly.

Light pooled along his shoulder, hazy and dreamy.

The surrounding cheers faded into the distance. All she could hear was her own frantic heartbeat, pounding wildly in her chest. It overwhelmed her. She lowered her gaze, lashes trembling.

Chi Ye raised a hand, gently brushing away the golden confetti from her hair. Online fans watching the livestream finally couldn’t hold it in anymore.

【Okay but that look Chi Ye gave her?! That’s not innocent.】

【Yeah no, there’s no way that look was platonic. I’m dead.】

【He’s literally dripping with affection, SO OBVIOUS.】

【They’re perfect together. I’m shipping it hard.】

【Too sweet!】

【This isn’t a match anymore. It’s a full-blown romance drama.】

— — — 

Backstage, the group returned to the VIP lounge for a break. Qu Wan took an instant liking to Lin Yuran and wouldn’t stop chatting with her.

“Sweetheart, so you studied art? No wonder, you’ve got that cultured elegance.”

Lin Yuran, for once, was modest. “You’re too kind, sister. You’ve got the real star aura.”

“Can you design movie posters?”

“Of course. I’ve done a few already.”

“My company’s prepping a film, but we haven’t found a poster design we’re happy with. Would you be interested?”

Lin Yuran’s eyes lit up. “Your film? Absolutely! I actually did the posters for last year’s Fog and Forest, Peach Blossom Drift, and Autumn Leaves. Do you like that style? I can add you on WeChat and you can send over your ideas.”

Qu Wan was shocked. “You did those?! Girl, those posters are legendary! So you’re the industry-famous ‘Soul Catcher of Film’?!”

Lin Yuran laughed. “That’s what they call me? I only started doing posters last year by chance, and it just… took off.”

“You’re crazy talented,” Qu Wan praised. “We tried reaching out before, but your manager said you were super hard to book.”

“I wasn’t trying to be elusive,” Lin Yuran smiled. “I was focused on exam prep the first half of this year, so I didn’t take any commissions. Now that school’s more settled, I’m easing back into work.”

Qu Wan took out her phone and added her on WeChat. “Then it’s settled. I want you. I’m in no rush, take your time.”

Lin Yuran replied generously, “Sure. I’ll design it for you for free.”

“Nope. You charge me the same as anyone else.”

“You choosing me is already the biggest gift.”

“You don’t know what your rates are now, do you?”

Lin Yuran actually did. Her first job didn’t pay much, but when it went viral, her next two commissions earned enough to wipe out her debts and let her apply to art school with confidence.

“Doesn’t matter. If it’s just lifting a pen, I won’t take your money.”

“I insist.”

“I refuse.”

Sheng Cong sat nearby, watching the two women’s bonding session. He stood up and told Chi Ye, “Let’s go talk outside.”

Chi Ye followed. Outside, they bumped into Qin Lang, who was smoking alone.

“Where’s your girl?” Chi Ye asked.

Qin Lang sighed. “She’s in that idol’s dressing room and won’t come out.”

Sheng Cong said, “You better rein her in.”

Qin Lang chuckled bitterly, “I can’t. She’s got me wrapped around her finger.”

That got Sheng Cong laughing. “Pathetic.”

Qin Lang offered cigarettes.

Chi Ye pulled out a lollipop instead. “Nah. I quit for real.”

Sheng Cong hesitated, then held out his hand. “Give me one too. My wife doesn’t let me smoke.”

Chi Ye was visibly surprised. His usually intimidating brother was actually… obedient? He grinned and handed him one.

As Qin Lang’s cigarette burned out, he gave a knowing smile. “You two talk. I’ll go make sure my girl doesn’t run off with someone.”

Sheng Cong chuckled. “Turns out cowardice is contagious. You two are a perfect pair.”

Then, turning to Chi Ye, “That girl you’re chasing, she doesn’t seem to know you’re into her.”

“…I haven’t told her,” Chi Ye admitted, eyes a little downcast.

Sheng Cong blinked. “You’re chasing her but haven’t said a word? How’s she supposed to know?”

Chi Ye sighed. “I’m scared.”

Sheng Cong looked like he couldn’t believe his ears. “Scared? Are you even a man of our family?”

“…Once, I confessed. She didn’t reject my advances before, and I truly thought she liked me. But when I said it out loud, I realized it was all just… in my head.”

“So what?” Sheng Cong said. “You’ve avoided relationships for years. All those matchmaking setups… was it all because of her? You’re serious about this?”

Chi Ye nodded.

“Then go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? She says no? Are you afraid of rejection, or of losing face?”

Chi Ye stayed quiet.

Sheng Cong continued, “When I went after your sister-in-law, she was ready to marry someone else. I didn’t care and I went for it anyway. You want her? Then let her know. Watch Extreme Partners again. I chased your sister-in-law on national television. You think I cared about looking dumb? She has to know.”

Chi Ye laughed. “Fine, I’ll watch your show. Learn from you. But I still want to be sure how she feels.”

“Tch,” Sheng Cong frowned. “You’re handsome, rich, smart. If she says no, maybe she likes girls.”

Chi Ye chuckled. “Come on, bro.”

“No seriously. It’d make more sense.”

He started walking back. “Anyway, I’m going to go keep an eye on my wife.”

Chi Ye laughed and was about to follow him when Zhou Xintong stepped into his path.

“Chi Ye, I need to talk to you.”

Chi Ye stopped, arms crossed. “Speak.”

Knowing he didn’t like dragging things out, Zhou Xintong inhaled deeply, then said directly, “Chi Ye, all these years, my feelings for you haven’t changed. If you still haven’t won Lin Yuran over, why not give me a chance?”

Chi Ye didn’t even pause. “My feelings haven’t changed either.”

A quiet silence stretched between them.

“I figured as much,” Zhou Xintong said with a bitter smile. “But I had to try even if it meant getting hurt again.”

She was candid, respectful, and knew when to step back. Chi Ye didn’t dislike her, if anything, he admired her honesty and listened patiently.

Zhou Xintong sighed, smiling again. “You and Lin Yuran… your progress is so slow, it’s maddening.”

Just then, a crisp clack of high heels approached and stopped a few steps away. Their conversation came to a halt.

…… 

T/N: If I, just a reader, is becoming frustrated, even so the people around them hahahaha it’s so obvious but Lin Yuran kep denying the obvious lol