The Secret Behind the Villa and the “Allergy”

Ji Fengjing explained to Director Wen Zhiqing that he had moved two months prior and happened to end up living right next door to Wen Xingcheng.

Wen Zhiqing suddenly understood. “I see. Now that you mention it, I remember. The villa you’re staying in now—your father left it to you, didn’t he?”

Ji Fengjing froze for a moment. “Director, how did you know?” This had always been a lingering question in Ji Fengjing’s mind. His father had been clean and honest his entire life, living entirely within his modest means. Whenever his father had any extra money, he either donated it to orphanages or used it to support the families of his old brothers-in-arms. He had practically no savings, so how could he have ever afforded such a massive villa in such an expensive location?

Wen Zhiqing smiled. “I bought that house. Later on, I transferred the title to your father.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Fengjing was genuinely shocked. “Director… you bought it?”

Wen Zhiqing nodded. “Yes.” He let out a soft sigh and continued quietly, “A few years back, I wanted to mend my relationship with Xingcheng, so I bought the house right next to his. But later on…” Later on, he realized that although he had bought the house, those exact years happened to be the peak of Wen Xingcheng’s career. The boy was hustling so hard he barely had any time to return and stay there.

Since Wen Xingcheng wasn’t living there, and things at the laboratory began to pick up, Wen Zhiqing stopped going back as well, leaving the property completely vacant.

“After your accident, I approached your father to have you brought into the Research Institute. He refused at first. It wasn’t until the doctors declared you brain-dead that he finally agreed. That house was given to your father at the time as compensation for you acting as my clinical trial subject. He refused to accept it initially, saying he only wanted you to be cured.”

In the end, Wen Zhiqing had told Ji Yue that even if he didn’t want it for himself, he had to think about his child—to leave the boy a home, a place where he could properly rest and recuperate in the future. Ji Fengjing was his father’s weak spot. This accident was the only thing that could force the lifelong incorruptible Ji Yue to reluctantly accept the compensation.

Wen Zhiqing hadn’t known that Ji Fengjing had actually moved in, let alone that he had befriended his son, Wen Xingcheng. He felt more and more that he had chosen the perfect candidate.

“Rest assured, this wasn’t some kind of illicit transaction. Based on the institute’s criteria for recruiting clinical trial subjects who met the specific requirements at the time, the payout was quite substantial. Your father refused the cash, so I converted it into real estate for him instead.” Wen Zhiqing patted his shoulder. “It’s all for you kids.”

Ji Fengjing lowered his eyes, concealing the sudden warmth gathering in them. His father had never told him any of this. Hearing others speak of his father now still brought a profound sense of longing and deep warmth to his heart.

He forced down the aching miss for his father, and when he looked up again, the emotion in his eyes was safely tucked away. He spoke softly, “So this time, Director, you want me to protect Brother Dong, right?”

“Yes,” Wen Zhiqing confirmed. “Xingcheng dislikes the bodyguards I arrange for him, but I can’t bring myself to trust the ones he hires on his own either. Now that I know the two of you are acquainted, I can set my mind at ease. He’s heading abroad for an international film festival in a few days. Can you accompany him?”

“Of course,” Ji Fengjing agreed without a second thought. “Come to think of it, when Brother Dong had that boat accident last time, the photographer mentioned seeing someone underwater pulling him down. That might actually be true. I’ll look into it.”

“Then I’ll leave it in your hands.”

Ji Fengjing hesitated slightly before asking, “Should I tell him that you’re the one who sent me to protect him?”

“Absolutely not! That boy harbors deep hostility toward me. If he finds out I asked this of you, I’m worried he’ll distance himself from you too.” Wen Zhiqing had finally found someone who was both a friend to his son and exceptionally capable of protecting him—someone who could also regularly update him on his son’s condition. How could he possibly dare let Wen Xingcheng find out?

Ji Fengjing felt a bit conflicted. If he didn’t tell him, what excuse could he use to tag along on Brother Dong’s business trip?

He didn’t quite understand how a biological father and son could have such deep-seated resentment. Seeing how much the Director cared for Brother Dong, he couldn’t fathom why Brother Dong was so hostile toward him. But since the Director didn’t elaborate, it wasn’t his place to ask. After all, he was just here to execute a mission.

“I understand. Rest assured, Director, I will protect Brother Dong.”

Leaving the Research Institute, Ji Fengjing checked the time and saw it was already past clock-out hours. He simply checked in with the special operations department before heading straight home.

He glanced over at the house next door. The lights were out; Wen Xingcheng and his crew probably weren’t back yet. Ji Fengjing immediately headed back out to a local soup shop to grab a takeout order, then pulled out his phone to text Wen Xingcheng on WeChat.

【 Ji Fengjing: Brother Dong, are you off work yet? Where are you filming? 】

On the film set.

Wen Xingcheng had just finished a scene and was resting on a long bench.

Chen Chen walked over holding a thermos flask, his handsome face plastered with a bright smile. “Brother Dong, my family’s nanny simmered this chicken soup for four hours and just had it sent over. I can’t finish it all by myself, want to share?”

Wen Xingcheng replied flatly, “I’m not hungry, thank you.”

Chen Chen hurriedly pressed on, “Even if you’re not hungry, you can still have a little. We have to rush through night scenes tonight and probably won’t wrap up anytime soon. It’s good to line your stomach.”

Wen Xingcheng’s brows knit together slightly. He looked at Chen Chen and said, “Apologies. I am allergic to chicken.”

Chen Chen: “…” His face stiffened for a fraction of a second, though he managed to recover quickly, looking downcast. “Allergic to chicken? This is the first time I’ve ever heard of someone being allergic to chicken…”

Wen Xingcheng offered an indistinct “Mhm” and didn’t bother explaining further. He wasn’t stupid. Though he rarely scrolled through Weibo, he occasionally saw plenty of trending topics linking Chen Chen and himself. He thoroughly disliked Chen Chen’s blatant attempts to ride his coattails for a “CP” (couple) ship.

Consequently, he had absolutely no desire to say a single extra word to Chen Chen. When dealing with this kind of forced publicity pairing, the best way to shut it down and respond was simply: Who are you again?

Gripping the thermos flask tightly, Chen Chen did his best to suppress the indignation and frustration swirling inside him. He said mournfully, “Then… if Brother Dong is allergic to chicken, I’ll have the nanny change it to something else next time.”

Without giving Wen Xingcheng a chance to reject him again, he turned and walked away.

The crew members watching from afar couldn’t hear what was being said due to the distance; they only felt that Chen Chen was exceptionally good to the Film Emperor.

Ignoring whatever the onlookers were thinking, Wen Xingcheng pulled out his phone. He opened WeChat and tapped on his chat with Ji Fengjing, wanting to say something but not knowing where to start.

Ever since he had been educated on “youth internet slang” at the hospital, Wen Xingcheng had been trapped in a state of quiet existential dread. He hadn’t even had the nerve to ask Ji Fengjing why he hadn’t replied earlier.

He stared at his own cold, ruthless response of “Oh” in the chat log. Then he checked his Moments, noting the distinct lack of any likes or comments from Ji Fengjing. Finally, Wen Xingcheng tossed the phone aside in defeat.

It was exactly as Pei Yihan had said. Initially, he hadn’t thought there was anything wrong with words like “Oh” or “Hehe.” But once you accepted that modern connotation, looking back at them really gave off a certain vibe. No matter how he looked at it, it just felt completely wrong.

Is Ji Fengjing… angry? Does he think I’m just brushing him off?

Wen Xingcheng pressed his lips into a tight line, feeling a rare wave of helplessness and anxiety.

Right at that moment, the phone buzzed. Wen Xingcheng hadn’t intended to pay it any mind, but the moment his peripheral vision caught Ji Fengjing’s name, he sat up perfectly straight.

His fingers flew across the screen to open the chat. It really was him!

Without a second thought, Wen Xingcheng typed out his reply. 【 Have to work overtime. 】

As soon as he sent it, he felt the reply sounded incredibly detached. He hesitated, opened his chat with Pei Yihan, found an emoticon, copied it, and pasted it.

【 Wen Xingcheng: QAQ 】

Ji Fengjing, who had just grabbed the packaged soup, blinked at the reply, then shook his head with a chuckle.

【 Ji Fengjing: Pei Yihan, are you messing with Brother Dong’s phone? 】

【 Wen Xingcheng: … 】 【 Wen Xingcheng: No, it’s me. 】

【 Ji Fengjing: Stop playing around. Brother Dong would never send an emoticon like that. It’s definitely you, you can’t fool me. 】

【 Wen Xingcheng: … 】 【 Wen Xingcheng: Oh. 】

Wen Xingcheng recalled a message.

Staring at the recalled “Oh,” Wen Xingcheng let out a sigh of relief. He had almost sent it out of habit just now; thank goodness his reflexes were fast.

【 Wen Xingcheng: Mhm o(￣▽￣)o 】 【 Wen Xingcheng: I am Wen Xingcheng. 】 【 Wen Xingcheng: Not lying to you. 】

Ji Fengjing clicked his tongue, thinking to himself that his little cousin really took him for an idiot. There was no way Brother Dong would talk like that.

Deciding not to get bogged down over who it actually was, he texted back: 【 Ji Fengjing: Can you tell me where you guys are filming? Are visitors allowed on set? 】

【 Wen Xingcheng: Allowed. You’re coming? 】

【 Ji Fengjing: Yeah, is it okay? 】

【 Wen Xingcheng: Yes. 】 【 Wen Xingcheng: [WeChat Location Sharing] 】

Ji Fengjing looked at the location pin sent over. It was over in the old city district—not close, but not terribly far either. He hailed a taxi on the spot, arriving at the entrance of the film set within half an hour.

A staff member was waiting outside. Spotting Ji Fengjing, the crew member’s eyes lit up. “Hello, are you Mr. Ji? Brother Dong told me to wait for you here.”

Ji Fengjing smiled. “Yes. Sorry to trouble you.”

The staff member waved his hands frantically. “No trouble at all! You’re actually the very first person to ever visit Brother Dong on set. Here’s a staff badge, keep it on so it’s easier to move around.”

Ji Fengjing put on the badge and followed the crew member into the shooting area.

Wen Xingcheng was currently getting his makeup touched up. Just as the makeup artist finished, Ji Fengjing walked in. The moment Wen Xingcheng saw him, he stood up immediately.

“You’re here.” A light flickered in Wen Xingcheng’s eyes as he pulled over a chair. “Sit.”

It was Ji Fengjing’s first time watching a celebrity film up close. Seeing Wen Xingcheng’s face covered in faux grime and mud, he found it quite novel. “Brother Dong, is the stuff on your face intentional?”

“Yes,” Wen Xingcheng said. “There’s a fight scene coming up. Does it look very dirty?”

Ji Fengjing beamed at him. “It’s fine, not too dirty. It doesn’t hide your handsomeness at all! I guess good-looking people look great no matter what.” It had to be said, Wen Xingcheng’s visuals were incredibly striking.

Wen Xingcheng’s ears grew warm. He really… praises my looks every chance he gets. He quickly shifted his gaze, his eyes landing on the bag Ji Fengjing was carrying. “What’s that?”

“Some chicken soup I picked up on my way here,” Ji Fengjing said. “It might be a little cool by now. I was worried you hadn’t eaten. Do you want to drink it now?”

Wen Xingcheng didn’t hesitate for a single second. “Yes.”

On the other side of the set, Chen Chen had also finished his makeup touch-up and was waiting to shoot his scene with Wen Xingcheng. However, he was suddenly told they would be taking a short break.

The crew member informed him, “Axing, wait up a bit. Teacher Wen is drinking some chicken soup, he’ll be over right after he finishes.”

Hearing this, Chen Chen nearly lost his footing. “…Drinking what soup?”

The crew member replied, “Chicken soup. A friend of Teacher Wen brought it over. Honestly, that friend of his is incredibly good-looking. I wonder if he’s a celebrity too, though I’ve never seen him around before.”

Chen Chen: “…” ???? But wasn’t Brother Dong supposed to be allergic to chicken?!