My next book will be a farming story, Everyday Life in Xiqiao Town. The blurb is at the very end.
The three-time Best Actor announced he was going independent, with an unknown newcomer as his co-star. The whole industry burst into mocking laughter. Even a Best Actor had to go independent to help the poor? Who was the ugly rich kid he was supposed to sacrifice himself for?
Then behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot came out, and the complaints turned into heaven for fans of their looks and shippers alike. Ye Shiyu had already been hailed as the pinnacle of good looks in Chinese entertainment, and standing beside him was a curly-haired, blue-eyed man of mixed heritage. Xia En became an overnight sensation. Fans of their looks shouted, “I’m shipping this couple no matter what!” while the Best Actor’s fans were left fuming helplessly.
When scraps of behind-the-scenes footage leaked, Ye Shiyu’s solo fans yelled, “Flop, stay away from him!” while the shippers greedily devoured every morsel on their phones.
Solo fans: “He’s a professional. Once the promotional period is over, he’ll cut ties.”
Shippers: “Exactly, he’s professional. He’ll cut ties with the solo fans.”
The two never appeared together during the film’s promotional run, leading to rumors they’d cut ties.
Solo fans: “Cut ties! Cut all ties! Let’s celebrate!”
Shippers: “Unrequited love is delicious too. I’m eating this up.”
While the solo fans and shippers were at each other’s throats, Xia En remained unbothered. No matter how much dirt was thrown at him, he stood firm amid the torrent.
The marketing accounts that had spread hit pieces about him publicly begged for forgiveness. All the negative news vanished overnight, and he started wearing one luxury designer outfit after another. Countless netizens speculated about which powerful backer stood behind Xia En. As they followed the clues, his identity gradually came to light.
Shippers: “The sky’s falling! Now I’m worried about Teacher Ye! They’re from such different worlds. We need to prepare a bigger dowry for him!”
Solo fans: “Cut ties! We’ll always be cutting ties!”
Without his manager knowing, Xia En sneaked onto social media and reposted a solo fan’s post: “Cut ties? Not a chance.”
Shippers: “Aaaaaah! My ship is real!”
Next up: Everyday Life in Xiqiao Town
Chang Xiao was frail from birth, and his parents died when he was young. He grew up on meals provided by the townspeople.
A master at Baolin Temple once read his fortune, declaring that his life would be full of hardship and cut short. Still, he managed to grow up, stumbling along the way.
The Chang family used to run an apothecary, and Chang Xiao had picked up a thing or two by watching and listening as a child. He could treat the townspeople’s everyday aches and pains and earn a few coins.
He was gentle by nature and greeted everyone with a smile.
He should have made a fine husband, but his frail health meant no one came calling when he reached marriageable age.
Lin Zhouhui was the former young master of the Five Flavors Restaurant in Xiqiao Town. Why former? His father was a gambling addict who sold their ancestral business to pay off his debts, then died soon afterward.
He had only two wishes in life: to buy back his family’s business, and to find his good friend Chang Xiao a wife who suited him.
The first was easy. The second was harder than reaching the heavens, because Lin Zhouhui’s standards were simply too high.
She had to be able to take care of Chang Xiao, know how to cook, and be able to earn a living. Too gentle, and she’d be bullied; too fierce, and she’d bully Chang Xiao.
He searched and searched, but couldn’t find anyone suitable. Then one day, Lin Zhouhui saw his reflection in the water jar he used to wash his face.
Why couldn’t it be him?
He was handsome, had taken care of Chang Xiao since childhood, was a great cook, and knew how to make money. Why couldn’t it be him?
As countless matchmakers shook their heads and left the Chang family courtyard, Lin Zhouhui slipped inside. Chang Xiao was there, covering his mouth as he coughed, his brows slightly furrowed.
“Xiao Xiao, what do you think of me?”
Chang Xiao’s brow relaxed. He gently patted Lin Zhouhui’s head. “You really are a dummy.”
PS: 1. A cozy slice-of-life story. No male wives.
2. The love interest is very frail. I just love stories about beautiful, sickly men.
Theme: Moving forward hand in hand to build a beautiful future