IHTIAP Chapter 137 (Extra)

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Chapter 137: Extras

Part One:

When Meng Yuan called, Yu Nian was standing in the courtyard of the Sining Manor, humming a song while using brass shears to trim the branches and leaves of the plants. He put down the shears and answered the call, “Brother Meng?”

“A wise person doesn’t speak in riddles. Calculate it for yourself, how long has it been since you last gave an update?.”

Hearing this, Yu Nian stared at the tender green leaves on the branch, and after giving it some thought, he said, “I posted on Weibo three days ago!”

“Tsk, you’re still acting all righteous? You posted a flower, and you didn’t even appear in the photo. And you dare to say that? Your fans are all howling, saying they can’t even remember what their idol looks like anymore!” Meng Yuan didn’t give any room for negotiation, “Hurry up and start a live broadcast in Xinghai, otherwise, your fans’ imaginations are running wild. Even Nüwa couldn’t fill in those gaps. They’re guessing every other day if you’ve left the scene!”

Smiling, Yu Nian agreed, “Alright, Brother Meng, could you help me notify them? I’ll start the live broadcast in half an hour.”

At exactly ten-thirty, Yu Nian entered the live broadcast room, and the system showed that there were nearly tens of thousands of viewers online.

As it neared noon, with warm sunlight, he smiled and greeted the camera, “Hello everyone. These past few days in Ning City have been sunny and the weather is great. I’m currently tending to the plants in the yard.” Saying that, he switched the camera to show the brass shears in his hand and the flowers and trees in the courtyard.

[Nian Nian’s hands look so good! The same shears have been screenshot, I’m going to buy them!]

[It’s been so long since I’ve seen Nian Nian! Hurry up with the new album! It’s been a year since ‘Gleam’! Tell me, where is the new album?!]

[Is Nian Nian at the Sining Manor? The roses and camellias on the shelves are so beautiful! The peonies are gorgeous too! And I can hear birds chirping!]

While Yu Nian was reading the barrage, he smiled and replied, “Yeah, the roses and camellias are blooming well this year, and so are the peonies. It might be because we’ve had plenty of rain?” He added, “The new album isn’t out yet, can you all wait a little longer?”

After he asked, “Can you all wait a little longer?” with such a gentle tone, the screen was instantly filled with the word “yes.”

The sunlight seemed to be held in his eyelashes, his skin was naturally fair, and with the sunlight’s reflection, he looked even better. Placing his phone on a tree branch to secure it, Yu Nian explained, “Recently, I’ve been busy with the museum project, so the progress on the album has been a bit slow. However, the museum is almost finished and will be ready for use soon. After I’ve registered and categorized all the items at home and finished organizing them, this part will be done, and I’ll have more time.”

At this moment, the faint sound of a car’s engine could be heard coming from outside the courtyard walls. Yu Nian stopped speaking and looked toward the direction of the entrance gate.

[Ah ah ah, I bet a new album is coming for sure! President Xie must be back! Nian Nian’s eyes are shining!! Stars are visible!!]

[Nian Nian’s looks are beyond redemption, even this mysterious angle of his profile is as beautiful as a painting! The newly crowned Nian Gao says, who can resist this level of beauty!]

[Oh my god, can we see President Xie? The newly crowned YouYu girl is panicking! Should I record or screenshot? Ah!]

The gate opened, and Xie You walked into the courtyard. He immediately spotted Yu Nian’s location and unconsciously quickened his steps. He wore a hand-tailored black suit, had long legs, and his face devoid of any unnecessary expressions, exuding a cold aura. A sapphire tie clip sparkled in the sunlight.

His leather shoes stepped on the cobblestone path as he approached. Xie You loosened his black tie with one hand and leaned in, naturally kissing the corner of Yu Nian’s lips. His expression seemed to have caught the warmth of a spring breeze, softening completely. “I’m back.”

“Yeah.” Yu Nian smiled, then gestured towards the phone perched on a tree branch fork, “I’m doing a live broadcast.”

Xie You’s breath caught, and within two seconds, his ears turned red. He pressed his lips together, “Nian Nian…” There was a hint of grievance in his voice.

“We were quite far apart, and I figured we wouldn’t capture much, so I didn’t remind you.” Yu Nian stepped forward, embraced Xie You, and offered a smile, “I made the sweet and sour ribs you’ve been craving for days, as well as braised fish. I even simmered a pot of chicken soup. Uncle Shen sent fresh wild vegetables last night, so we can stir-fry a plate and taste the flavors of spring.”

“Alright.” Xie You accepted whatever Yu Nian made without any complaints. He remembered, pulled out a rectangular box from his pocket, and handed it to Yu Nian, “A little gift.”

Yu Nian took it and opened it to find a sapphire tie clip inside. Its design was simple yet exquisite. Among the details was a finely engraved “Nian” character, intricate like a pattern.

His gaze then shifted to Xie You’s tie. He curved his lips, “A matching set?”

“Yeah.” Xie You nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed as he shifted the focus of the conversation, “And there’s another matching tie being made, it’ll be delivered in a few days.”

Yu Nian had grown accustomed to Xie You buying him clothes and accessories. Because of this, Meng Yuan and the stylist thanked Xie You countless times, sincerely acknowledging that because of his presence, Yu Nian was no longer constantly switching between hoodies and sweaters.

At this moment, the barrage was scrolling by at an astonishing speed.

[Aaaaaah, what a lucky day it is! To witness Nian Nian and President Xie in the same frame! YouYu girl is crying loudly, this scene is so beautiful!]

[President Xie is so damn handsome!!! He looks better in real life than on magazine covers, what should I do! The only problem is the camera is too far away, sob sob sob, Nian Nian must be doing it on purpose!]

[I’m definitely not the only one wondering what President Xie took out of his pocket for Nian Nian! It seems like a box? Ah, their sweets are really delicious! Back then, when Nian Nian first debuted, I even unfollowed him, but later I turned over a new leaf and became a YouYu girl (laugh)]

At this point, Yu Nian approached the camera, his tone relaxed, “He’s back. This concludes today’s live broadcast. I promise I’ll work on the new album as soon as possible. See you next time!”

Part Two:

Waking up according to his biological clock, Yu Nian lazily closed his eyes, subconsciously shifting over and resting his head on Xie You’s chest, rubbing against him a couple of times.

“Awake, Nian Nian?” Xie You’s morning voice was slightly husky, the tail of his words carrying a strong scent of masculine hormones, gentle and sexy.

Yu Nian made a soft “Mm” in response, his voice still somewhat drowsy, “I had a dream just now. We were in an ancient city in the desert, it was really hot…” He spoke fragmentedly about his dream from the previous night, gradually waking up, and then asked, “What time is it?”

Xie You checked the time, “Seven-thirty.”

Under the covers, Yu Nian’s slender legs rested on Xie You’s body. He rubbed against him a couple of times and then sat up, gathering the blanket around him. He rubbed his eyes and said, “My sister is releasing a new album today, and I need to be there. She mentioned that there’s something to announce during the press conference. I need to get up and prepare to leave.”

While he spoke, Yu Nian got out of bed. He stepped onto the light beige hand-woven cashmere carpet barefoot, heading to the bathroom. Half an hour later, after he had washed up and taken a shower, Yu Nian emerged with his body still moist from the shower. He was wrapped in a black silk robe, the belt loosely tied, revealing a good portion of his shoulder and a large area of his chest, the white skin contrasting vividly against the black fabric.

Xie You was faster; he was already done with his shower, changed out of his robe, and into a white shirt and dress pants. He reached out to take the white towel that Yu Nian handed him and lifted his hand, gently using the towel to help Yu Nian dry his hair.

The sensation on his scalp was quite pleasant, and Yu Nian half-squinted his eyes, lazily sitting on the sofa. He unconsciously let out a soft nasal sound. However, in no time, he noticed a scalding breath landing on the nape of his neck and the line of his shoulder. The soft sensation of lips brought a tingling sensation, carrying a surge of warmth that cascaded along sensitive nerve endings, instantly turning into a rush of heat.

Yu Nian whispered, “Xie You…”

Xie You didn’t stop his movements; instead, he used his lips and teeth to suck gently.

The nerves that had slumbered under his skin throughout the night seemed to wake up one by one. Yu Nian lightly bit his lower lip, his energy instantly draining, his breath becoming tremulous along with the quiver of sensitive nerve endings.

Before breakfast, Xie You fed Yu Nian rice porridge. The sofa was narrow, and the two of them were pressed closely together. Yu Nian sat astride Xie You, his legs parted. Xie You’s long fingers lightly pinched Yu Nian’s chin as he fed him spoonfuls of porridge while planting tender kisses.

Xie You had fed Yu Nian rice porridge many times before, so he had a good grasp of the strength and angle. As Yu Nian sat on Xie You’s lap, he clamped his lips around the spoon. Xie You’s voice, slightly hoarse, coaxed, “Be good, don’t bite so tightly.”

In a daze, Yu Nian followed the instructions and relaxed his grip a bit. His eyes’ corners were tinged with a faint blush, and his forehead was slightly dotted with fine sweat. But just as he relaxed a bit, Xie You’s actions of feeding him porridge sped up considerably. Soon enough, Yu Nian’s voice took on a slightly tearful quality, “I can’t eat anymore…”

“Can’t eat? Be good, eat a little more.” After feeding the rice porridge, Xie You lowered his head and repeatedly kissed the delicate collarbone and shoulder line of Yu Nian. His touch was gentle, not allowing any hint of refusal.

Once the rice porridge was finished, Yu Nian was drenched in sweat. His legs felt weak as he leaned against the couch. Xie You put on a black silk robe, cradled him in his arms, and headed to the bathroom.

By the time Yu Nian was seated at the dining table, more than an hour had passed. His eyes were filled with a watery hue as he cast a sidelong glance at Xie You.

Amusement danced in Xie You’s eyes. “Do you want me to feed you, Nian Nian?”

“I can eat by myself!”

With the delay, they were running late for their departure. Accompanied by their bodyguards, Yu Nian and Xie You headed to the venue of Yu Qing’s new album release. Inside, the atmosphere was bustling with activity. When the staff saw Yu Nian, they hurriedly led him to the backstage resting area.

Yu Qing was toying with a lighter absentmindedly, lost in thought. Hearing some movement, she snapped back to reality. “You’re here?”

Yu Nian found a chair for himself and sat down. Seeing Yu Qing’s subdued expression, he asked, “What’s wrong, sister?”

With a “snap,” she tossed the lighter onto the table and ran her fingers through her long hair. “Nian Nian, I’m quitting the entertainment industry.”

Though he had mentally prepared himself, the suddenness of it still surprised Yu Nian. “So soon?”

“What’s ‘soon’? I’m five years older than you, and you’re already twenty-four. I’m nearly thirty, it’s time for me to step back too.” Despite discussing quitting, Yu Qing displayed no obvious intense emotions. “There’s a whole mess of things waiting for me to sort out. Besides, my dad indulged me in playing around for so many years, I should settle down now.”

She raised her red lips, her expressions as flamboyant as ever. “I’ve released so many albums and starred in so many movies. Pursuing dreams? Well, I’ve achieved mine.”

Knowing that Yu Qing was always more aware of things than others, Yu Nian nodded with a smile. “Yeah, that’s true.”

“Still, Nian Nian, you understand me. The moment I mentioned quitting, my manager started crying like I was forced into it against my will. When I quit, I’ll be heading to Sheng Shi Group as the chairwoman, okay? I’m not going to suffer!” Yu Qing rolled her eyes and then softened her tone. “Since I was a child, I knew I’d be taking over my dad’s position. Anyway, next time you see news about me, it won’t be in the entertainment section, but in the financial news.”

She pointed with her finger. “Button up your shirt’s second button. The hickey is showing.”

Yu Nian complied naturally, buttoning up his shirt with only the top button undone.

Opening a metal cigarette case, Yu Qing held an unlit cigarette between her teeth. “You used to look so obedient as a child. Wherever I went, I took you with me, worried that someone might bully you.”

Yu Nian’s smile deepened. “If anyone really bullies me, I’ll call my big sister immediately.”

Amused by the coddling, Yu Qing poked Yu Nian’s face, just like when they were kids. She laughed, “Yeah, big sis has got your back!”

Part 3:

Approaching early autumn, the temperature had cooled down due to several consecutive autumn rains, relieving the heat of midsummer. The Qing Shan Museum had been fully arranged and was ready for opening. 

As planned, during the first week of the museum’s opening, admission was free, with a daily limit on the number of visitors. Thus, as soon as the official website released the reservation slots for the first three days, fans who had been eagerly awaiting pounced on them within a second. Fortunately, the website was well-prepared and didn’t crash.

The day before the official opening, Yu Nian visited the Qingshan Museum by himself. Inside, it was quiet, devoid of voices. Numerous artifacts were displayed in glass cabinets, as if the entire world had fallen into silence.

The Qingshan Museum had three floors and an underground storage room. The above-ground structure was made of glass and steel, allowing ample natural light to pour in through the glass, offering glimpses of the tranquil pond and the landscape known as “Distant Mountains” to the north of the clear pond. The water was clear as a mirror, reflecting the scenery like a delicate and natural painting.

Hearing familiar footsteps, Yu Nian turned around and smiled at Xie You. “So early?”

“Yeah, the meeting ended early, so I came to find you.” Xie You stood next to Yu Nian, and they ascended the steps together, climbing up floor by floor.

“‘Portrait of a Lady’ was bought by Uncle Rong and me during my college years when we went to Europe. I was sick at the time and had a fever, yet I went to the auction. After buying the painting, I hugged the wooden box and fell into a daze, drifting off to sleep. Uncle Rong was quite scared back then.”

In the painting and calligraphy hall, Yu Nian pointed at the glass cabinet containing “Night Banquet.” “Whenever Grandpa saw this painting before, he would be sad for quite a while. Later, Grandma simply forbade him from looking at it. But Grandpa still missed it, so sometimes he would sneak the painting out and look at it, instructing me not to let Grandma find out. Actually, Grandma could tell when Grandpa was feeling down. She could guess it, but she just pretended not to know.”

Yu Nian could recount the stories behind each artifact displayed in the museum. His voice was cheerful, and his eyes were as clear and bright as obsidian immersed in spring water.

Xie You listened attentively, gazing at Yu Nian with a gaze that was subtle yet filled with tenderness.

After completing a tour of the museum, they returned to the main hall. Standing by the glass wall, they could see the stones placed by the side of the entrance. The stones had been dampened by rain, their colors deepened slightly, and the characters carved on them were still distinct, “A thousand years won’t return, only Qingshan remains.”

Turning his head, Yu Nian met Xie You’s gaze. Without speaking, Yu Nian lowered his eyelashes, sincerely interlocked their fingers, and offered Xie You a radiant smile.

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