A figure swiftly emerged from the French window, and the spring breeze made his clothes flutter. Lin Qiong's eyes were momentarily dry, and he involuntarily squinted against the wind.
His steps suddenly slowed down. He was panting, and he couldn't help but look back, feeling that his feet were as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Come on.
The voice in his heart told him that if he didn't leave now, it would be too late. However, his steps were hesitant and couldn't move forward.
Is Fu Xingyun having an episode?
Will he hurt himself while throwing things around?
Maybe he should go back. After all, how could he easily give up the good life he had built over a year?
Lin Qiong hesitated for a long time, and two conflicting ideas battled within his mind.
The subconscious thoughts repeatedly convinced himself.
Go. Isn't everything planned? Why are there problems at this critical moment? If you don't leave, what's the point of all that you did before?
Forcing himself to take steps, Lin Qiong's eyes couldn't leave the room on the third floor. His gaze accidentally fell on the trash can not far from his side.
Tightening his grip on the suitcase, he turned decisively and walked away.
He just wanted an ordinary life...
----
Wang Cheng was sound asleep at home when he was abruptly awakened by urgent knocking. He sat up from the bed with a disgruntled face, "I just checked the water meter yesterday!"
As his words fell, he opened the door and he faced an innocuous face.
Lin Qiong held some advertisements outside his door. "I'm not your landlord."
Wang Cheng gritted his teeth. "I know."
He wasn't blind.
But he didn't understand why this person came to him early in the morning.
"So, you finally couldn't bear it and ran away?" Wang Cheng asked.
Lin Qiong found a seat without saying a word.
Seeing that the other party didn't want to answer, Wang Cheng didn't inquire further.
Changing the topic, he sighed, "I didn't expect that you would think of coming to my place first when you were in trouble."
It seemed that the relationship between the two had improved a lot, and they could be considered very close friends. The fact that the first safe haven Lin Qiong thought of in times of trouble was him indicated that he was reliable and competent in his role..
With that thought, and seeing Lin Qiong nodding like a little chicken, Wang Cheng's face revealed a proud expression. "Is it because I'm reliable?!"
Lin Qiong blinked his big eyes and nodded. "Because of the hotel money."
"..."
Wang Cheng sighed.
He saw Lin Qiong coming early in the morning and asked, "Have you eaten?"
Lin Qiong shook his head. "No, can I have a meal at your place?"
"What kind of words are these?" Wang Cheng's tone was not very good.
Lin Qiong was a bit nervous.
"What do you mean, do you think I would just watch you starve?" Wang Cheng said, "Of course, you can have a meal at my place."
He felt relieved, "Wang Cheng, you are such a good person."
But then he touched his head and sounded a bit embarrassed, "But I might eat a lot."
Wang Cheng looked proud. "No problem, there are enough instant noodles."
Saying that, he led Lin Qiong to the kitchen.
-
Twenty minutes later, Wang Cheng looked at the three instant noodle bowls on the table and fell into contemplation.
Good gracious, the statement that he might eat a lot at the beginning wasn't out of politeness; it was a preventive measure against him.
Looking at Lin Qiong, who held a sausage in each hand, Wang Cheng took a deep breath. "Don't you fucking eat!"
Lin Qiong was startled, and his whole body involuntarily shuddered. However, he held the sausages stubbornly.
Looking at him with an innocent expression, he said, "Didn't you say there were enough instant noodles?"
Wang Cheng couldn't stand the pitiful look in his eyes. "Stop looking at me like that!"
Lin Qiong: "Then can I have a few more sausages?"
Wang Cheng had no choice with Lin Qiong, "Eat! Fucking eat all these sausages!"
Watching him devour the food, Wang Cheng momentarily thought he had taken in a refugee, "How long has it been since you ate?"
Lin Qiong raised two fingers.
Wang Cheng frowned, "Didn't you eat on the plane yesterday morning?!"
Lin Qiong instantly lifted his head, "Why are you swearing again?!"
Saying that, he raised the two fingers, "Two meals."
Wang Cheng: "Did you run away from home yesterday evening?"
Lin Qiong, with a mouthful of sausage, mumbled, "Yesterday afternoon."
But Lin Qiong didn't come to his house yesterday, "Then where did you sleep yesterday?"
"On a park bench."
Wang Cheng was shocked, "Are you crazy? Even if you don't want to spend money on a hotel, you can't sleep on the street!"
Lin Qiong shrank his neck, feeling scolded. After he came out yesterday, he sat in the park for a while. When he came back to his senses, it was already dark. He was used to sleeping anywhere – under the overpass, street corners – he had slept everywhere in his past life.
Seeing the pitiful look of a homeless person, Wang Cheng didn't continue to question. "Alright, stay at my place for a few days. After a few days, you can follow the crew for accommodation when the schedule resumes."
After saying that, he glanced at the instant noodle bowls on the table and sighed.
He might have to starve the guy.
Later, Wang Cheng took a phone call and went to the company. Lin Qiong continued to nap on the sofa.
Turning over and over, unable to sleep, he hesitated and took out the phone that he forcibly turned off.
Lin Qiong felt uneasy, and after turning it on, he was bombarded by countless missed calls and messages. Even the system no longer displayed the number, only a simple ellipsis.
His breath suddenly stopped, and he lost the mood to check entertainment news.
Every unread message, every missed call, seemed to be poking at his spine.
Each word of the messages told him that he hurt someone, hurt Fu Xingyun.
Lin Qiong forced himself to close his eyes, but Fu Xingyun's words continued to echo in his ears, inescapable and haunting.
It was the gentlest moment between them, the most tender expression in Fu Xingyun's eyes as he spoke softly, afraid of scaring him. It even carried an unusual caution.
He expressed love, liking, and said he couldn't be without him.
He asked if they could be together.
Was he moved at that moment?
No.
But now, looking back, there's a bit of blushing and a faster heartbeat.
What was he thinking at that time?
Ah, history is repeating.
The person in his previous life also deceived him like this.
Lin Qiong felt disgusted by his subconscious reaction when hearing the expression of emotions from the other person.
The same deception, speaking words of deep feelings and loyalty, ultimately being more ruthless than anyone else. In the end, he was the one deceived, tasting the foolish price, the cost of deception.
He was exhausted, and those who wanted their debts would smash his door in the middle of the night.
He was homeless, not even stray cats had their own nests.
He had no one to rely on, no family. He knew this since he was a child, but he worked hard to live a life just like an ordinary person.
But in the end, he was deceived—by the emotions he longed for the most, by his best friend.
He wanted the emotions that ordinary people have—family, love, friendship. Greedily wanting to have them all at once, he desired a normal family life.
The smell from the garbage bin was unbearable, stinging the eyes.
But what could he do?
To survive, he and a group of homeless people fought for cardboard near the trash bin. He built a nest for himself with a bruised and swollen face, but it wasn't as comfortable as blankets and pillows.
To survive, he had to eat, even if the food emitted a sour liquid and a nauseating odor. Even if some parts were already starting to rot, he still forced it into his mouth, then clenched his teeth to prevent himself from vomiting.
He needed money. Money was what he needed the most.
He needed money to help that damn person repay the high-interest loans. He needed money to buy food. But with his ragged appearance and debt collectors running wild, he didn't dare to use it anywhere.
What if a shop got smashed because of him? What would he do?!
Life wasn't fair. It didn't give him a perfect family or a smooth life.
They say when God closes a door, he opens a window for you.
To hell with that! Even if the window is bright, it's not as spacious as a door. He felt he was the most pitiful, there was no one more miserable than him.
So now he couldn't go back. Leaving was his best choice.
He wanted money. Money is lifeless, and what's his is his. Money can give him everything. That's what he longed for in his previous life until death.
Emotions were sealed off like an impenetrable fortress from the first time he was deceived.
But looking at those unread messages, he couldn't help but want to click and see.
Yet, he was afraid.
At first, he was timid and eager to please when facing Fu Xingyun. Otherwise, he didn't know when he might lose his life.
But later, those concerns seemed to disappear...
Yet, he dared not go further...
Fu Xingyun was a person with a highly complex background, both in terms of family and life experiences. They were not from the same world, or perhaps Lin Qiong was not a person in their world.
The people in this world came from distinguished families, with power and ambition. Even if they were underestimated and beaten down, they could rise again.
This was also what Lin Qiong feared.
For the sake of power, they could manipulate everything, using human lives as stakes to achieve their ambitions. They were like hungry wolves, devouring without leaving bones.
He was just an ordinary citizen, wanting to live a normal life. Their ideologies were completely opposed to his.
Moreover, with the influence of the novel's plot, he felt that he couldn't endure it.
So he ran away, wanting to run far away.
But as he looked at his phone, his eyes became sore. Indeed, fate was never fair to him. Why was it so hard for him to live? Even love was not allowed for him.
He didn't know if he liked Fu Xingyun, but he knew he had feelings for him. Yet, he was also afraid of the conspiracies and complexities around Fu Xingyun, afraid of his unpredictable temper. He feared that everything would turn out just like the novel described, and his ending would still not be a happy one.
He was not brave, and he had never lived courageously.
Fu Xingyun's feelings for him were like a rope trying to pull him back. He wanted to escape but willingly put on the rope, only to start struggling later.
Lin Qiong, sitting on the sofa, looked at the messages sent by Fu Xingyun. He was like a little mouse secretly peeking but not daring to respond. He was scared, yet at the same time, he couldn't understand if Fu Xingyun really liked him.
"Where are you?! Come back now!"
"Lin Qiong, do you think I'll divorce you just because you ran away? Impossible!"
"Why aren't you replying to my messages or answering my calls?"
"Where are you? It's already dark. Do you have a place to stay?"
"Do you have money on you?!"
"Lin Qiong, I like you. I really like you. Come back."
When Wang Cheng opened the door and came back, he saw Lin Qiong twisting himself into a pretzel on the sofa. "What are you doing?"
The little head that was still shaking suddenly stiffened. "I'm sleeping."
Wang Cheng glanced at him. "You can talk while sleeping?"
Lin Qiong: "..."
----
The secretary walked into the room, looking at the disorderly surroundings, and was momentarily stunned.
Damn, did the boss's house get robbed?!
But looking at the man in the living room who seemed unperturbed, there was a difference.
Truly he was a big boss, with strong psychological resilience. Even if there was a burglary, he didn't care, as he had money anyway.
However, the secretary still swallowed nervously and tentatively asked, "Boss, do you need to call the police?"
The man who was initially lost in thought was brought back. "Call the police?"
The secretary nodded.
"Yes, we should call the police," Fu Xingyun's calm demeanor lost some of its composure. "He has been missing for a day."
The secretary, learning that the burglar was so audacious, suggested, "Then let's call the police now and catch him!"
"Can the police catch him?"
The secretary nodded. "Certainly."
Fu Xingyun took out his phone. "How fast can they do it?"
"It depends on his cunning and malicious intent."
As soon as these words were spoken, the boss's face instantly darkened.
"Watch your words."
The secretary's heart trembled for a moment. Then, cautiously, he asked, "Malicious?"
Fu Xingyun replied, "Lin Qiong is not that kind of person."
The secretary: !!!
So, it's not that the thief ran away; it's the boss's wife who ran away?!
The secretary looked at the man who took out his phone and hurriedly stepped forward to intercept. "B-Boss, I think maybe you shouldn't call the police."
The man frowned. "Why?"
The secretary didn't know how to say it for a moment. "It's better to keep family matters private."
"Boss, you have a reputation and fame in the business world, and you've even been on TV. If you report to the police and it gets disclosed..." That would mean everyone knowing that your wife has run away.
The secretary didn't say the last part, but Fu Xingyun had already anticipated it.
"Send someone to look for him now."
"I'll go now." The secretary glanced at the mess on the floor. "Boss, do you need a domestic helper to clean up?"
Fu Xingyun looked at the chaotic scene. "Yes, please."
In case Lin Qiong suddenly returned, it wouldn't be good if he got scared.
Since recognizing his feelings for Lin Qiong, he had not lost control in front of him.
One was because he was afraid of frightening Lin Qiong, and the other was to appear more perfect in front of his beloved.
Even kissing required him to choose the right moment when the other was asleep.
But no matter how he restrained himself, Lin Qiong still ran away.
Anger and unwillingness burned in his heart, and he didn't understand why Lin Qiong insisted on a divorce or why he ran away.
He lifted his hand, feeling a headache, and rubbed his forehead. If the other party continued to be so stubborn, he wouldn't be able to endure it.
Looking at the messages on his phone without a single reply, he fell into silence for a long time before dialing the other's number again.
The phone rang.
One second... five seconds... ten seconds...
Finally, it automatically disconnected.
The man's dark eyes darkened, and he pocketed his phone, turning to go upstairs. He kicked aside the things that had turned from artworks into debris that were blocking his way.
The secretary was busy in the other room, and suddenly, the phone received a message.
Boss: Contact me immediately when you find him.
----
After staying at Wang Cheng's place for a few days, they received news about the next promotional event for the drama, scheduled for two days later. Tomorrow, they would have to catch a flight.
Wang Cheng was packing his luggage in his room and shouted loudly, "Lin Qiong, don't forget to pack your things!"
"I know!"
Lin Qiong neatly folded his clothes and returned to the sofa.
Wang Cheng came out, glanced at him without saying anything. In these few days, Lin Qiong had been in this state, eating or sleeping, much less talkative than before, and lacked his usual energy, as if he had been possessed by a sleep bug.
Seeing Lin Qiong's unenergetic and listless appearance, Wang Cheng stepped forward and patted his shoulder. "We're leaving tomorrow, come on! Today, I'll take you out to eat."
Wrapped in a blanket, Lin Qiong remained on the sofa, unfazed.
"Don't stay indoors all the time. People need to change their mood. The decision you made now is for your own good. There's nothing to be lost. Cheer up." Saying this, he shook the seemingly lifeless person. "This doesn't seem like you, Lin Qiong."
But the other remained motionless.
Wang Cheng sighed. "I'll treat you."
Lin Qiong instantly sat up. "Let's go."
Wang Cheng was momentarily unsure why he had been so worried.
He hadn't changed at all.
Originally, they thought of having some drinks, but considering the early flight the next day, they decided against it.
The restaurant was the same one where Lin Qiong had successfully auditioned for the role. However, this time, he wore a hat and a mask.
Now that many people recognized him, even yesterday when he slept in the park, he covered his head, fearing someone might recognize him.
Wang Cheng: "I didn't expect things to go so smoothly for us."
Lin Qiong nodded while eating. Their efforts had not been in vain; they had achieved satisfactory results.
After finishing their meal, they returned home. Wang Cheng initially wanted to remind Lin Qiong to sleep early as they had a flight the next day, but when Lin Qiong returned and changed his clothes, he once again lay down on the sofa.
Wang Cheng felt he had been overly concerned and swallowed back his words.
----
The next day, at 7:30 AM.
"Damn, why the hell didn't the alarm clock ring?!!!"
Wang Cheng and Lin Qiong rushed frantically.
Lin Qiong felt a bit weak in the legs due to fatigue. He had slept early yesterday, but waking up at seven was still early. The two rushed to the airport in a hurry.
Luckily, they were fast, and their frantic run allowed them some spare time.
Wang Cheng panted, "You go to the VIP lounge and wait; I'll go through the procedures."
Lin Qiong nodded, carrying his luggage as he walked into the small compartment in the lounge.
Just after sitting down for a short while, the room's door made a sound.
Lin Qiong stood up upon hearing it, "You're back so soon."
A man in a tailored suit entered, meticulously groomed from head to toe. His tall and upright figure blocked the way, and Lin Qiong who was speaking froze upon seeing him.
"You..." Lin Qiong's heart sank suddenly. Unconsciously swallowing saliva, he looked at the man's indifferent face and shrank his neck, "Why are you here?"
Seeing the other person backing away like a startled cat, the man seemed displeased, "Can't I come?"
For a moment, Lin Qiong dared not look into the man's eyes, knowing that he couldn't confront him directly, "You can come. I'll leave first."
Saying that, he tried to pull his luggage and leave, but he was stopped with just one step.
The man approached quickly, and his strong chest pressed against Lin Qiong, causing him to retreat continuously.
Finally, he forced him into a corner, and Fu Xingyun raised his hand, grabbing Lin Qiong's chin, forcing him to face him.
"Not replying to messages?"
Lin Qiong began to play dumb.
"Not answering calls."
"..."
Fu Xingyun exerted a little force, "You're really ruthless."
He didn't expect the other person to leave for five days without sending him a single message. Even more unexpected was that now that he had caught him, Lin Qiong still wanted to run.
His gaze wandered over the person's body, and lowering his head, he kissed him.
But rather than calling it a kiss, it was more like a bite.
Lin Qiong was startled, and for a moment, his nasal cavity was filled with the man's breath. He felt a stinging sensation on his lips, and he reached out to push the man's chest.
But this action seemed to completely anger the other party. The kiss, which was not gentle from the start, became even more fierce, like a wild beast plundering territory, allowing no retreat.
Feeling something probing in, Lin Qiong wanted to close his mouth but was firmly clamped down by the man's hand, forced to open his mouth to welcome him.
Lin Qiong's heart raced rapidly, struggling to catch his breath, "Don't... don't... kiss anymore."
Fu Xingyun released Lin Qiong's jaw, looking at the spit-glistening lips. Thinking that the other person might be uncomfortable with his head tilted back, he raised his hand and directly lifted Lin Qiong up, placing his legs around his waist. Lin Qiong widened his eyes, and trying to kick his legs, he attempted to struggle.
Smack!
A stinging sensation on his buttocks.
"Behave."
Lin Qiong hadn't reacted yet when he felt the pain. Once again, the feeling of warmth came to his lips.
"Open your mouth."
Lin Qiong turned his head, refusing to open his mouth. He didn't want to lose face, now did he?
Seeing that Lin Qiong didn't open his mouth, the man supported his buttocks with one hand, pinched his waist with the other, and then turned his face again, kissing him once more.
Lin Qiong was kissed so much that he leaned back, but there was nowhere to retreat behind him, so he had to shrink down.
The man, seeing that Lin Qiong didn't open his mouth, used one arm to lift him up, and then he pinched his buttocks.