Chapter 21: Public Opinion
Online, a student couldn’t contain their excitement and secretly posted a Weibo using a secondary account.
[Ahhh, sisters! I’m so excited I’m sweating! I saw two boys kiss for the first time!]
[It was during a party game just now. Two incredibly handsome guys kissed through a piece of paper. It’s hard to describe, but they were definitely school heartthrob level. The taller guy initiated the kiss, holding the other beautiful guy’s neck. You could see the veins in his hand and neck as he kissed.]
[Who understands? It was so hot! They were such good kissers; I felt everyone in the room blushed. I almost fainted.]
This Weibo post immediately sparked a small-scale discussion, with considerable likes and reposts.
Many envied them, frantically asking for details.
The original poster, however, got scared and deleted the Weibo after seeing so many views. Unfortunately, a marketing account seized the opportunity, taking screenshots and reposting it.
Marketing accounts have large traffic, and the post quickly went viral.
Countless comments appeared under the marketing account’s post. Initially, it was mostly sisters expressing their admiration, friendly and harmonious. However, as it became more popular, the original poster was identified.
That wasn’t all. Someone dug up a Weibo post she made a year ago. The background showed a wardrobe; the sleeve badge on one of the clothes was from Jiang University’s student union.
The original, ordinary mood post now had a completely different meaning.
Jiang University, party, two incredibly handsome guys, school heartthrob level—these keywords together made someone ask below: “Jiang University? Isn’t Bo Yan at Jiang University?”
“Yes! Could the guy kissing him be Bo Yan?”
“Probably not. Isn’t Bo Yan homophobic?”
“I think so too. Bo Yan’s personality is so cold; he wouldn’t participate in this kind of game.”
“But the poster said school heartthrob level! Besides Bo Yan, who at Jiang University deserves that title? And the other handsome guy wouldn’t be the school beauty, would he?”
“It’s really possible. And wasn’t it said that Bo Yan and the school beauty have a good relationship, with Bo Yan personally picking her up after class? I heard they both went on this trip, a perfect match!”
“Breaking news!!! A sasaeng said that at the time the poster posted the Weibo, Bo Yan and the others had just finished dinner and were in the living room, the room noisy like they were playing a game. Based on the time, it’s very likely to be Bo Yan.”
As soon as this message appeared, everyone was excited.
“Wow! How did sasaengs even get there?!”
“Sasaengs are disgusting, but if it’s really Bo Yan, it’s so good! His aura is abstinent, but he’s so alluring! It’s a pity he never films romance scenes. Send help, give me eyes that saw it live!”
“Ahhh, is our school beauty and school heartthrob couple going to drop a bombshell?”
“Poster!!! Please tell us more! I’m dying of curiosity!”
The matter involving Bo Yan completely exploded, directly trending on the hot search.
Many were captivated by the poster’s description. Although they knew it was just a game, Bo Yan had never filmed romance scenes, and so many people wanted to see him kiss.
Especially with the school beauty, whose back was already so beautiful. Many couldn’t imagine what it would be like to see them kiss.
Even without solid proof, just a few words caused a huge surge in the school beauty and school heartthrob super topic members.
Meanwhile, everyone in the villa also learned about the online news.
They couldn’t help but know; too many people called to ask about the truth. The villa became noisy, everyone looking at the main characters.
The girl who posted the Weibo had already come to apologize, feeling guilty.
Bai Qi seemed even more flustered than the girl, trying to comfort her. Bo Yan, however, simply shrugged it off, staring at the piece of paper they had kissed through, seemingly unconcerned.
“It’s okay, let’s continue.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, even more curious. Didn’t Bo Yan hate dating rumors the most? Why didn’t he seem angry at all?
Bai Qi looked at Bo Yan’s expression and whispered, “Maybe you should try to suppress it.”
Unlike the previous misunderstanding where he was mistaken for a girl, this time they really kissed. He remembered Bo Yan hated dating rumors and shipping, and Bai Qi never expected to be involved with him.
He felt guilty. Bo Yan frowned, looking over: “Are you bothered by this?”
How could it be him who was bothered? Bai Qi didn’t understand Bo Yan’s focus and quickly shook his head: “I don’t mind, but it’s not good for your image.”
“It’s not bad,” Bo Yan folded the paper and put it in his pocket, “It’s a good way to use a rumor to break the homophobic rumors and promote the next movie.”
Huh?
Bai Qi listened in surprise, suddenly understanding.
That’s why Bo Yan never explained whenever rumors surfaced. Since they were both boys, people would guess but not spread real dating rumors; it could even change Bo Yan’s image of being homophobic, preparing for his next movie.
Bai Qi was relieved, letting out a long sigh, whispering, “That’s good. I’ll cooperate if you need anything.”
Bo Yan paused, suddenly raising his eyes to look at him: “Maybe there will really be a need later, but it might be a bit excessive. Are you willing to cooperate?”
Bai Qi nodded naturally: “Of course, I’m not a star.”
Besides, he didn’t plan on dating again; he didn’t care about his reputation. Bo Yan cared so much about his next movie, he would definitely help if he could.
Bo Yan smiled, lowering his voice: “Thank you very much. I’ll pay you a salary then.”
That’s…so embarrassing.
Bai Qi wanted to refuse, but Bo Yan said, “This is a form of publicity; the company will pay.”
Hearing about the company paying, Bai Qi’s eyes lit up.
Finally, he couldn’t help but nod, even secretly hoping for more opportunities to cooperate.
A little excessive was fine; he really needed money…and it wouldn’t be too excessive.
Seeing Bai Qi and Bo Yan so relaxed and unconcerned, everyone became even more excited. Ordinary people rarely get the attention of hot searches; the party atmosphere became even higher, and the game continued.
But the class monitor’s mind was no longer on the game.
He touched his chin, looking at the corner, seeing Bo Yan say something that made Bai Qi’s eyes shine. He couldn’t help but sneer, guessing Bai Qi had been tricked again.
Putting aside his prejudice, if Bo Yan really liked Bai Qi and was willing to be good to him, it wasn’t impossible.
Handsome and rich, he was top-tier in every aspect. And people in the entertainment industry were cunning; with Bo Yan protecting Bai Qi, he would be less likely to be deceived by outsiders.
However, if Bo Yan just liked Bai Qi’s looks and wanted to play with him, he would definitely play Bai Qi around, with a destructive power far greater than Lin Feng. That absolutely couldn’t happen.
With a watchful eye, the class monitor observed, soon it was Bo Yan’s turn (number twelve).
The class monitor was still absent-minded; Bo Yan’s truth question didn’t matter; it just asked about his first kiss, not his kiss with Bai Qi.
No way Bo Yan hadn’t kissed anyone before.
Bai Qi didn’t think this had anything to do with him, quietly standing in the corner watching Bo Yan, feeling curious.
Bo Yan himself, however, unusually fell silent for a moment, surprising everyone.
Bai Qi whispered, “Why don’t you speak?”
Bo Yan seemed a little unhappy, leaning close to Bai Qi: “I don’t want to publicly comment on him. Do you have any ideas?”
Bai Qi was surprised, never expecting Bo Yan’s cold personality to care so much for someone. He didn’t know what to do.
But they had come this far. Going to the cinema now would be a loss.
After thinking for a while, he tentatively asked: “Why don’t you just say you forgot?”
Bo Yan smiled: “So soon?”
“So soon?” Bai Qi pursed his lips, it was likely sometime before he returned to school; he didn’t expect his first kiss to be so late.
It wasn’t good to think more about Bo Yan’s private matters. Bai Qi didn’t know what to do, but Bo Yan turned and asked him: “What did your first kiss feel like?”
Bai Qi pursed his lips.
How could he tell Bo Yan it was during acting practice? It was too burdensome. His beautiful eyes flickered, hesitantly saying, “I don’t really know; I was a little stunned.”
“Just stunned?”
“Uh, maybe a little dizzy, and my mouth was sweet.”
Bai Qi vaguely told the truth, Bo Yan’s mood seemingly improved.
Handing the slip to the class monitor, he smiled and said, “It was sweet.”
The atmosphere in the room became slightly sour. Many people, even knowing that Bo Yan had certainly kissed before, felt a little uncomfortable seeing him happily recounting the feeling.
Many couldn’t help but look at Bai Qi, wondering who that person was, even wishing it was Bai Qi.
The room assignment game soon ended. Next, they went upstairs to choose rooms according to their numbers.
The class monitor repeatedly emphasized: “I’ve closed all the doors. Usually, you can’t really tell how good the rooms are. The first group can choose first; whichever room you choose, you go in.”
“Please note: once you go in, don’t regret it and sneak out.”
Everyone agreed. Students generally have limited funds; saving money by not renting another villa was good.
Bai Qi’s number was five, but two people ahead of him gave up, making him and Bo Yan the third group to go upstairs.
Everyone was sitting downstairs; the first two groups had mixed reactions of joy and sadness. Soon, it was Bai Qi’s turn.
Before leaving, unnoticed by everyone, the class monitor seemingly casually brushed past Bo Yan, quickly slipping a note into his pocket.
Bo Yan looked at him deeply, turning to go upstairs with Bai Qi.
The villa was really large, specially built like a hotel. The second-floor corridor had rooms on each side, the doors identical.
The two rooms in the middle already had nameplates, silent inside, and it was hard to judge their quality.
Bai Qi looked around, confused about which to choose, looking questioningly at Bo Yan.
“Which room should we choose?”
Bo Yan’s hand was in his pocket, seeming familiar with the layout, as if searching for something.
Then he strode towards the second-to-last room, taking Bai Qi with him: “This one.”
He added, “I’m guessing.”
“Okay,” Bai Qi had no objection; the room didn’t matter, as long as it was quiet.
Bai Qi pushed open the door and entered. Seeing the layout, he was momentarily stunned, regret washing over him.
Bai Qi suddenly realized the importance of the room’s condition.
This room was clearly a converted dressing room. One entire wall was a large, brightly polished mirror, next to a small bed, and next to that, a narrow aisle barely wide enough for one person.
There was a bathroom with a shower, which was good. The room’s decor was creamy white, quite comfortable.
However, as Bai Qi walked around, he found the bed too small. Bo Yan was tall; they would be cramped.
The floor was also small; there was no space to sleep on the floor.
Sighing inwardly, he turned to see Bo Yan also frowning. Bai Qi couldn’t help but comfort him: “It’s okay, having a bathroom is already good.”
Bo Yan raised an eyebrow: “Don’t you think the bed is small?”
Honestly, it was small, but to comfort Bo Yan, Bai Qi lied, “It’s pretty big, we can just lie down.”
He wasn’t good at lying; his eyes flickered as he spoke, his ears burning, his whole body uncomfortable.
Bo Yan seemingly casually nodded, asking, “Are you afraid of mirrors when you sleep?”
Bai Qi was actually afraid. The mirror was too large, like a wall next to the bed. Turning his head in his sleep might scare him.
But he insisted, “No, the mirror is beautiful.”
Bo Yan couldn’t help but laugh, his dark gaze on the room: “That’s good, I like it here too.”
“Ah?”
Bai Qi was stunned, never expecting Bo Yan to like this style: “Is it because the mirror is convenient for practicing acting?”
“Sort of,” Bo Yan pushed his suitcase in, casually taking off his shirt.
The large black long-sleeved shirt was removed, revealing pale muscle contours like a continuous snow mountain, broad shoulders, narrow waist, beautiful mermaid lines extending below his pants, beautiful like a work of art.
“I’m going to take a shower. Are you going to the bathroom now?” Bo Yan’s gaze was calm, not minding his body being seen by Bai Qi.
Bai Qi immediately looked away, shaking his head in a fluster.
Bo Yan quickly left, but for some reason, the scene still lingered in his mind.
He actually envied Bo Yan’s physique; long, beautiful, and strong.
Looking down at his thin arms, Bai Qi was a little distressed; maybe he should exercise more.
He turned to pack his suitcase, considering it exercise. Soon, footsteps were heard outside; other classmates came up.
It was already two or three in the afternoon; it was a bit late to climb the mountain, and the class monitor sent a group announcement:
“Everyone is free to act this afternoon. There’s a market near the village for tourists. You can invite a few people to go, but you must report your location every two hours.”
“The mountain road is steep; don’t climb the mountain privately. We’ll go together tomorrow.”
Bai Qi carefully read the group announcement, thinking about what to do in the afternoon, when he suddenly received a private message from the class monitor.
“Xiao Qi, are you free to chat?”
“Okay.”
Bai Qi also wanted to talk to the class monitor; he was someone he could confide in, but they hadn’t had much time to chat before.
Then the class monitor sent another message: “Which room are you in?”
“Room 6. What’s wrong?”
Damn it!
The class monitor couldn’t help but curse inwardly. That lecherous Bo Yan!
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