Yuan Jin had a dream that foretold the future. The year he took his college entrance exams, the Yuan Group would go bankrupt, and his father, unable to bear the pressure, would jump to his death.
The dream also featured a legendary actor named Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu was handsome and dazzling, with first-rate talent. Any film or television production he appeared in was guaranteed critical acclaim and box-office success. At one point, his projects earned a miraculous 30 billion yuan at the box office, making him the youngest Best Actor to achieve a Grand Slam in history.
He was a money tree through and through, a treasure trove in human form.
In reality, though, Xiang Yu was a washed-up nobody at the very bottom of the industry.
Afraid his nightmare might come true, Yuan Jin took his allowance to the production studio, which was about to disband on the spot after its investor pulled out. He nervously spoke up at the entrance.
"H-Hello, sir. Could I invest in your production?"
"I-I don't have any other demands. I just want Teacher Xiang Yu to play the lead."
-
Xiang Yu was proud and principled, and worked diligently at his craft. He had never considered cutting corners. After one of his productions became a hit with both critics and audiences, his career took off.
But rumors soon spread through the industry that a mysterious benefactor had poured money into the show to get Xiang Yu into bed.
The process of keeping someone in exchange for favors: pay for productions and opportunities, treat them to dinner, give them luxury goods on dates, then sneak off to a hotel room.
They were at the first step now.
When Xiang Yu heard, he was so furious he slammed the table.
At the wrap party, his manager hinted that Xiang Yu should know the rules and at least thank his benefactor for the support.
Holding a glass of wine, Xiang Yu thought that if the benefactor tried anything untoward, he would fight to the bitter end, even if it cost him his career.
He turned around and saw the benefactor quietly hunched over in a corner, doing math problems. The boy looked up at him and smiled sweetly.
Xiang Yu: "Tsk."
-
Later on.
Xiang Yu, now a top-tier actor in the A-list, angrily cornered Young Master Yuan in his classroom. "When are you going to take me out to dinner?"
Yuan Jin: "?"
Some time later, Xiang Yu caught Yuan Jin out shopping with his classmates and demanded, "You have time to wander around. Why don't you ask me out?"
Yuan Jin: "?"
At Yuan Jin's coming-of-age ceremony, Best Actor Xiang shoved a gold card into the young master's hand, exasperated. "I've already booked the room."
Yuan Jin: "??"
-
Later still.
At an international film festival, the proud Best Actor Xiang held his trophy and said into the microphone, "There's a rumor in the industry that I'm Young Master Yuan's kept canary, that I can't live without him. I want to set the record straight once and for all..."
Xiang Yu's gaze passed through the elegantly dressed crowd and settled on Yuan Jin in the family seating section. He smiled proudly. "It's not a rumor."
Yuan Jin: "???!"
*
Note:
1. Same-sex marriage is legal in this setting.
2. Talented, proud gong (Xiang Yu) x pampered, delicate little angel shou (Yuan Jin).
Blurb posted on January 26, 2022. Screenshot saved.
Theme: Live positively, and work hard for what you want.
