Jing Mian froze, his fingers gripping the camera stiffly.
His heart began to race inexplicably.
…How did our gazes suddenly meet?
Jing Mian lowered the DSLR camera, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he barely resisted the urge to run away.
Fortunately, he was currently wearing his husband’s coat.
Jing Mian silently wrapped himself tighter in it.
The host, holding the microphone, announced that the event was nearing its end and it was time for the gift-giving segment. However, with Ren Congmian’s presence, the students were still highly enthusiastic, and the atmosphere in the stadium remained as lively as ever.
But when Ren Xingwan picked up the microphone, Jing Mian, who was focusing the camera, suddenly paused.
Because he realized that Mr. Ren’s gaze… was fixed on him.
Ren Xingwan’s deep, slightly somber voice resonated through the microphone, without much inflection: “Thank you, the student photographer.”
Jing Mian understood that Ren Xingwan was referring to him.
Surprised, he slowly lowered the camera.
The entire audience held their breath.
“Please bring it backstage later,” Ren Congmian said, his expression unchanged. “We’ll give you a gift.”
The host, taken aback, quickly smiled and responded, “Sure.”
“Mr. Ren, as always, is considerate. The student photographer can go backstage after the event to receive a limited-edition signed photo.”
“Next up…”
Behind him, the crowd’s noise was like a tidal wave, making Jing Mian’s side seem unusually quiet. Song Yuhang, unable to hide his surprise, finally said, “He really has a presence. Amidst all this chaos, he still noticed us.”
He then asked Jing Mian, “Do you think Ren Congmian’s signed photo could fetch a thousand on a certain platform?”
Jing Mian: “……”
After a long silence, Jing Mian took a half-step back, his voice barely returning to him: “I… might have something to do later. Yuhang, you go back to the dorm first. I’ll be a bit late.”
“Something to do?” Song Yuhang was puzzled. “The shooting will be over soon. Where are you going at this hour?”
Jing Mian dryly explained, “I need to return the camera to the publicity department. They have to edit the photos tonight, and I don’t want to delay them.”
Though it was a spur-of-the-moment excuse, it sounded quite logical. Song Yuhang believed him, nodding. “Alright, I’ll go to the supermarket to buy some coffee. Don’t stay out too late.”
Jing Mian responded with a nod.
Soon, the event was handed over to the organizers, and Ren Congmian turned to leave with the host, retreating backstage.
At that moment, the host suddenly turned and waved at Jing Mian, “Student, come over here!”
Jing Mian: “……”
His feet felt heavy, but he silently packed up the camera, maintaining a calm exterior as he followed, though his movements were somewhat mechanical.
Song Yuhang, as if remembering something, suddenly called out to Jing Mian’s back, “MianMian, you didn’t have dinner today, right? Dad will go to the cafeteria and bring you some stir-fried noodles.”
Jing Mian: “………”
He stiffly waved his hand, indicating it wasn’t necessary.
This nickname was common in their era. After four years in the same dorm, Jing Mian had rarely taken advantage of others, and few could escape the “dad” curse.
But Jing Mian wasn’t sure if Mr. Ren, who was two generations older, would understand.
He might even misinterpret it.
Hopefully, Mr. Ren didn’t hear it.
He Zhiyang stood still, watching Jing Mian’s back, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
Just now, he wasn’t sure if it was his imagination.
When their gazes crossed with the famous celebrity, He Zhiyang felt an indescribable, boundless coldness.
It made his spine stiffen and his Adam’s apple bob.
Like a cold hunter asserting his territory.
A pointed hostility, yet without any apparent reason.
Apart from the physical test day, this was Jing Mian’s first time in the backstage area of the school stadium.
The inside was clean and upscale, with offices, dressing rooms, a medical room, and even a VIP reception room. It seemed to have been specially cleaned and decorated for Ren Congmian’s visit, looking brand new compared to the last time.
Jing Mian thought Mr. Ren might want to talk to him.
Not out of jealousy or possessiveness, which would be absurd, but because of the potentially misleading situation. As his “fiancé,” Mr. Ren might want to remind him of the rules and boundaries.
Jing Mian felt a pang of sadness but acknowledged it was reasonable.
However, when they reached the VIP reception room, the host nodded and left, and Jing Mian stopped in his tracks.
There were other people in the room.
A man in a suit seemed to be waiting for them. He held a measuring tape and immediately stood up when Jing Mian appeared.
“Mr. Ren,” he greeted.
Ren Xingwan nodded and sat down on a nearby sofa.
Taking a half-read document, the man lowered his gaze and continued his work.
Jing Mian: “?”
The man smiled and explained, “I’m the tailor responsible for measuring you for the upcoming engagement party and wedding.”
Jing Mian understood.
So that’s why he was called backstage.
He silently breathed a sigh of relief, placing the heavy camera on a nearby table. “Do I need to take off my coat?”
The man replied, “It’s best to.”
Jing Mian complied, revealing a hoodie over his shirt.
He hesitated for a moment, then took off the hoodie as well.
Fortunately, the room was warm with air conditioning, and Jing Mian didn’t feel cold in just his shirt.
The man was very professional, guiding Jing Mian to stretch and raise his arms, moving efficiently.
Jing Mian couldn’t help but ask, “Are the suits all custom-made?”
The man smiled. “Not necessarily, but we use Italian handcrafted fabric, and we always custom-make them. Although we’re not one of the most famous luxury brands, our boss is quite renowned, and it’s usually hard to get an appointment.”
Jing Mian thought.
So Ren Xingwan not only managed to get an appointment but also had the tailor come to the school to take his measurements.
The level of influence and status was truly daunting.
The man said, “The boss is abroad these days. I’m his apprentice, but you don’t need to worry. I’ve handled many high-quality suits, and the engagement party won’t disappoint you.”
Jing Mian understood.
But he politely added, “Being an apprentice at such a famous store is a rare opportunity. You must be very talented.”
The tailor was taken aback. “Mr. Jing, you flatter me.”
The measuring tape wrapped around the shirt, and the tailor silently noted the measurements, politely adding, “Mr. Jing, you’re slim but not too thin. You have a great figure, and the suit will look excellent on you.”
Jing Mian said, “Thank you for your trouble.”
The tailor replied, “It’s my pleasure.”
As they chatted, Jing Mian didn’t notice that Ren Xingwan, who had been silently working, had put down his documents and was now watching them.
Jing Mian asked, “Does Mr. Ren always have his suits custom-made here?”
The tailor said, “Mostly, Mr. Ren’s suits are made by the boss. Since he’s a regular customer, the boss is very familiar with his preferences.”
Jing Mian thought for a moment. “So after marrying Mr. Ren, I’ll probably become a regular customer too.”
The tailor smiled. “That’s right.”
Jing Mian calculated the time, somewhat surprised. “Will the suit be ready before the engagement party?”
“Yes, it will be quick,” the tailor said. “If you’re curious, you can add me on WeChat, and we can update you on the progress.”
“Are you done?”
The voice came from the man on the sofa, who had been silent until now.
It cut off their conversation, and the short, sharp words made everyone fall silent.
Despite the lack of emotion or inflection, the temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees.
The tailor hushed.
He put away the measuring tape and respectfully said, “I’m done, Mr. Ren.”
Jing Mian was surprised.
He had sensed Mr. Ren’s displeasure in his tone.
He realized that Mr. Ren had been working on documents and that his casual conversation with the tailor had unintentionally disturbed him.
Jing Mian felt awkward but didn’t know how to ease the tension.
The tailor respectfully bid farewell and left.
For a moment, the room was left with only Jing Mian and Mr. Ren.
The stone that had briefly fallen from his heart now hovered again.
However, Mr. Ren seemed to be on a call, and after a while, someone knocked on the door.
Jing Mian recognized the familiar face: Yu Nian.
Yu Nian held a large, colorful, and elegant box. He placed it on the nearby desk and carefully opened it layer by layer, revealing the contents.
Jing Mian realized it was a meal box.
Even though he was used to meal boxes, this one was the first of its kind—elegant and beautiful, with multiple layers, like a fine piece of art. The insulation was excellent, and the food was steaming hot, emitting a delicious aroma.
“Mr. Jing, this is from a famous local specialty restaurant. I wasn’t sure if you’d like it, so I got a bit of everything. Please try it.”
Perhaps because Mr. Ren was present, or due to previous experiences, Yu Nian didn’t call Jing Mian by his name and used formal language.
Jing Mian was taken aback.
He momentarily forgot how to react.
This… was for him?
Seemingly sensing Jing Mian’s surprise, Ren Xingwan glanced over and asked, “Didn’t you have dinner?”
That was true.
But if Mr. Ren knew, it meant he had heard Song Yuhang’s words earlier.
Despite his gratitude, Jing Mian felt a mix of emotions.
But he obediently sat down, took the small porcelain bowl of rice, and picked up the chopsticks. “Um… thank you.”
Thanks to the insulated box, the dishes were almost as fresh as when they were first cooked, likely delivered without much delay.
Mr. Ren said he had already eaten, so Jing Mian felt at ease.
He silently took a bite of the Crispy Pork Ribs and a spoonful of the warm soup, feeling his body and soul being healed.
After the meal,
Jing Mian stood up and noticed that Mr. Ren had already put away his documents and was leaving the school with him.
It was late at night, and the student crowd had dispersed. Some had returned to their dorms, others to convenience stores, but the cold of late autumn made it rare for anyone to linger.
As Jing Mian was about to leave the room, he felt a chill and instinctively reached for his coat.
But Mr. Ren took the coat.
Jing Mian froze as the large coat was draped over his shoulders. He heard the man’s deep voice, “Put on your sleeves.”
Jing Mian swallowed and obediently did as told.
One… and the other.
Jing Mian was dressed.
But the edge of the coat was held by a large hand, and the man didn’t let go, maintaining a position that made it easy to look up and meet his gaze.
A silent pressure slowly enveloped Jing Mian.
He lowered his eyes, not daring to look up.
He silently swallowed again.
In the dead of night, a conversation began, seemingly oblivious to the surroundings.
Ren Xingwan asked, “Is it fashionable to call someone ‘dad’ now?”
Jing Mian’s face flushed. “No.”
Ren Xingwan: “Is your junior pursuing you?”
Jing Mian: “…Yes.”
Ren Xingwan, succinctly: “Did I steal you away?”
Jing Mian, awkwardly: “No.”
The air fell silent.
Jing Mian paused, then asked, “If I said yes, would you cancel the engagement?”
Ren Xingwan: “No.”