Chapter 47: I’m Back

Over the past few days, thanks to the frequent interactions between Lin Yue and Bai Chenxi, the Lingxi couple has been trending on social media, becoming a hot topic of conversation. Chu Muyun’s fans, who had always been reluctant to see Bai Chenxi tied to their idol, now saw the hype around Bai Chenxi and Lin Yue and enthusiastically fueled the flames. If it weren’t for the fact that the ever-popular Caesar was also in the picture, Chu Muyun might have been forgotten altogether. Some even joked that Chu Muyun was truly better suited to remain aloof in the heavens; romantic rumors simply didn’t fit him.

“We’re finally back!” Xiao Wen couldn’t stop smiling as soon as they got off the plane. Heaven knows how he survived the past month. All he wanted now was a long bath, a massage, and a good rest.

The two figures bundled up at the airport were none other than Chu Muyun and Xiao Wen. The crowds hurried past, barely sparing them a glance. Chu Muyun’s fans had no idea he was returning today. In fact, if not for Bai Chenxi’s livestream when he left, they wouldn’t have known about his departure either. But by now, the fans were used to it. After all, Chu Muyun always had so many secret schedules! Yet every time, he managed to surprise his fans with something wonderful, and they had come to accept it. What else can you do when your idol loves to vanish into thin air? Just wait and see.

As soon as Chu Muyun landed, he handed all his luggage to Xiao Wen to take home. As for himself, he claimed he was going to pick up Caesar. But who he was really going to see—well, Xiao Wen would say nothing; everyone understood anyway.

Meanwhile, Bai Chenxi had started a new livestream, and Lin Yue was once again roped in. When Lin Yue arrived, he was visibly reluctant. “Do you realize how many appearances I had to turn down just to come here? You should be grateful!”

Bai Chenxi smiled nonchalantly. “Don’t think I don’t know you’re actually on break with no work lined up.”

“So what if I’m on break? My downtime is precious too!” Lin Yue retorted.

Bai Chenxi nodded absentmindedly. “Yes, yes, very precious.”

With that, she tossed him an apron she’d just bought the day before. Lin Yue glanced at it, then looked back at her. “This is a men’s apron. Don’t tell me it’s Chu Muyun’s?”

Bai Chenxi grinned. “No, I bought it especially for you. Moved?”

Lin Yue shuddered. “I wouldn’t dare.”

As he started tying the apron, he asked, “So what am I in for today?”

“The Dragon Boat Festival is almost here. I thought we could make zongzi today,” Bai Chenxi replied, pointing triumphantly at several basins in the corner. “I washed and soaked the bamboo leaves yesterday, so we can start wrapping them right away.”

“Are you serious? Do I look like someone who knows how to wrap zongzi?” Lin Yue stared at the leaves in dismay.

Bai Chenxi nodded solemnly. “Of course. A man as brilliant as you can do anything.”

She couldn’t keep a straight face and burst out laughing.

“You’re still laughing,” Lin Yue grumbled, though Bai Chenxi only glanced at her non-existent watch with exaggerated seriousness. “If you don’t know how, you’d better learn fast. The crew will be here any minute.”

With a resigned sigh, Lin Yue rolled up his sleeves. “Fine, just tell me what to do.”

“Wash the rice and dates,” Bai Chenxi instructed, pointing to two basins in the distance.

When the crew arrived, they found Lin Yue dutifully crouched, washing rice. The livestream had already begun, and viewers witnessed the scene in real time.

[Wow! What a serene, domestic scene.]
[Oh my god, a homey male idol!]
[What are these two up to? My heart can’t take it.]
[He’s mine—everyone else, back off!]

Once Bai Chenxi let the crew in, she went over to help with the rice. Even something as simple as washing rice looked like a scene from a romance drama when done by such a handsome pair. The viewers couldn’t help but root for them to get together.

But the warm, lovely atmosphere didn’t last long before the duo shattered it themselves. Ever since the last livestream, Lin Yue’s persona as a gentle gentleman around Bai Chenxi had thoroughly collapsed. This time, he let loose and had no mercy teasing her.

Lin Yue, never one to keep quiet, soon started up again. “Honestly, if you wanted to eat zongzi, couldn’t you just buy a couple at the supermarket? But seeing how many you’ve prepared, I realize I underestimated your appetite.”

Bai Chenxi was used to his sharp tongue. Compared to Chu Muyun, this was nothing. Without looking up, she replied, “No way. Store-bought zongzi have no soul.”

“And besides, isn’t this a chance for our young master Lin, who’s never so much as dipped his fingers in water, to experience real life? I prepared so many for your perfect experience.”

She added, twisting the knife, “And to account for all the ones you’re bound to waste.”

Lin Yue gave her a look. “You know, since you came back, your comebacks are getting sharper. Is it because—”

Afraid he’d say something he shouldn’t, Bai Chenxi quickly cut him off with a bright smile. “Thank you for the compliment.”

Lin Yue looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “You really took that as a compliment?”

Bai Chenxi pursed her lips. “Why not? I’ll take it however I like.”

Lin Yue had no choice but to give in. “Fine, fine. Whatever you say.”

[The tone just changed—what’s going on?]
[Honestly, don’t you think their bickering is kind of sweet?]
[Exactly. You can tell they’re close, so let’s drop the shipping drama.]
[Right, they’re from the same agency—they get along fine. The fans are just making a fuss.]

As soon as this sensitive topic came up, the comments grew more heated, and it looked like yet another fan war was about to break out. But before it could start, a knock at the door put an end to everything, because what happened next was even more exciting.

Bai Chenxi opened the door to find Chu Muyun standing there. The two simply looked at each other, neither speaking for a moment.

[Love at first sight]
[Are we finally getting a showdown? I can’t help but feel excited!]
[Is this a love triangle? Why am I so thrilled?]
[These two communicate without words.]
[You’re back.]
[I missed you.]
[Why is the comment section like this? Weren’t we rooting for Lingxi?]

The lively viewers instantly switched sides, speculating about the silent conversation between the two.

Caesar, catching Chu Muyun’s scent, bounded over, barking excitedly at him. Bai Chenxi snapped out of her daze, and the first thing she said was, “You really got a tan.”

Chu Muyun: “…”

[Pfft! Bai Chenxi is so blunt.]
[She says what we’re all thinking!]
[Where did our idol go to get so tanned?]
[Not me, I’m just waiting for his surprise.]

Chu Muyun’s fans were quick to respond—he’d barely appeared before they all flocked to the livestream.

Remembering Bai Chenxi’s weakness for good looks, Chu Muyun deliberately asked, “So now that I’m tan, do you dislike me?”

Bai Chenxi wondered if she’d misheard—was that a hint of grievance in his voice? But then again, he was a celebrity; of course he cared about his face.

With uncommon tact, Bai Chenxi replied, “Of course not. You’re as handsome as ever, Brother Chu.”

Satisfied, Chu Muyun narrowed his eyes with pleasure.

[I’m so confused.]
[My mind is split in two!]
[I… I don’t know who to ship now…]