Chapter 57

Huo Ze went over to chat with his teammates for a bit. A few minutes later, he followed his parents into their car. Ye Leyao, Huo Jing, and Huo Yan got into another car. The two cars, carrying the entire family, headed grandly towards the destination: a bar.

Mama Huo, thinking about the teammates in the lounge, asked Huo Ze, “How did you arrange the celebration party?”

Huo Ze cleared his throat, “I booked the venue a long time ago. They can go directly there. Before leaving, I also sent a big red envelope in the group chat. Huo Ze picked up his phone and replied to a message, smiling as he said, “Besides, today’s drama probably won’t take too long. If the celebration party hasn’t ended by then, I’ll go over.”

Since Huo Ze had everything arranged, Mama and Papa Huo were no longer worried.

Half an hour later, the two cars stopped at the entrance of the bar.

This bar was the most luxurious in the entire city, with a membership system and a high threshold for joining. Non-members couldn’t just enter at will, so most of the patrons were from wealthy families. It even became a gathering place for these rich heirs.

Because of this, the bar’s environment and atmosphere were quite good. There was no deafening music, and no reporters were lurking outside.

Even so, when getting out of the car, Ye Leyao and Huo Yan still cautiously put on sunglasses, hats, and masks.

Papa Huo reported his membership number, and the waiter led the family inside.

As soon as they entered the door, Ye Leyao took off his sunglasses and began scanning the booths in the lobby.

[Meng Yue and Ran Jing seem to be in one of the booths in the lobby; I need to confirm their position…]

Papa Huo, hearing this, turned to the waiter and said, “We’re not going to a private room; take us to a booth.”

The waiter nodded and led the family to the front left.

Ye Leyao’s eyes suddenly lit up.

[I see Ran Jing! Next to him… it’s Meng Yue!]

Ye Leyao quickly told Mama Huo, “Mama Huo, I see a friend. Let’s sit over there!”

The adjacent booth happened to be empty, as if heaven was helping them!

Mama Huo nodded and told the waiter, “Let’s go there.”

The waiter led everyone over. Ye Leyao noticed that across from Ran Jing and Meng Yue, there was a man whose back looked familiar, but he didn’t pay much attention.

At this moment, Ran Jing also noticed him and winked at Ye Leyao, who smiled and quickly walked towards Ran Jing.

Qin Yao was discussing the details of a project with Meng Yue when he suddenly heard Ye Leyao’s thoughts.

Before he could locate Ye Leyao, he saw a familiar figure quickly pass by in front of him and then stop, smiling and saying, “Ran Jing, you’re here too? What a coincidence!”

Qin Yao turned around and saw not only Ye Leyao but the entire Huo family approaching.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, realizing that Ye Leyao had just mentioned Meng Yue and Ran Jing’s names, instantly putting the pieces together.

Could it be…

Are the people involved in tonight’s drama Meng Yue and Ran Jing?

But if Ye Leyao was just coming to the bar, why would his whole family come along?

Ran Jing, at this moment, was diligently playing the role of the white moonlight. When he winked at Ye Leyao earlier, he was hoping Ye Leyao wouldn’t come over.

But unexpectedly, not only did Ye Leyao come over, but he also brought a whole crowd with him.

Just a few days ago, Ran Jing had already angered Meng Yue by going out of character. He didn’t want to get his pay docked again.

So, even though Ye Leyao was standing in front of him, greeting him, Ran Jing didn’t make eye contact. Instead, he turned his head to seek Meng Yue’s opinion with his eyes.

Ye Leyao naturally didn’t miss the eye contact between Meng Yue and Ran Jing.

Ye Leyao couldn’t help but marvel.

[As expected, being a stand-in isn’t easy. You can’t even greet your friends casually, or else you’ll break character.]

Ye Leyao looked at Meng Yue and noticed his unpleasant expression, which made him angry.

[You’ve got quite the control issues, don’t you?!]

Qin Yao was amused by Ye Leyao, his lips curling up slightly without making a sound, wondering how long it would take for Ye Leyao to notice him.

At the same time, he was a bit puzzled.

A stand-in?

Is he talking about Ran Jing?

Qin Yao rarely came to bars, but today, Meng Yue asked him to discuss some business, so he came along.

But when he arrived, he found another young man sitting beside Meng Yue, whom Meng Yue introduced as Ran Jing.

Although Meng Yue didn’t explicitly state his relationship with Ran Jing, Qin Yao had a pretty good guess.

This really surprised Qin Yao.

He had heard before that Meng Yue had someone he couldn’t let go of in his heart.

Seeing Meng Yue with Ran Jing today, Qin Yao thought Meng Yue had finally moved on.

But it turned out that Ran Jing was just a stand-in.

What is this?

Is he playing some stand-in game because he can’t see or get the real thing?

Qin Yao’s guess was spot on.

Meng Yue rubbed his temples slightly. He truly hadn’t expected Ye Leyao to show up here, let alone the Huo family right behind him.

At this point, it was impossible to keep Ran Jing constrained, so Meng Yue helplessly waved Ran Jing off. Fortunately, he had already finished discussing business with Qin Yao, so he could endure for a little longer.

Ran Jing had been waiting for Meng Yue’s approval. Seeing the signal, he immediately flashed a bright smile, stood up, and took Ye Leyao’s arm, ready to leave.

But Ye Leyao didn’t move.

[You can’t leave! If you leave, what if you miss a chance encounter with the white moonlight?!]

In a moment of desperation, Ye Leyao directly sat down on the nearby seat, locking eyes with Ran Jing, who was pulling his arm.

Ran Jing looked at him with shock and confusion, “?”

Ye Leyao cleared his throat, “I… you guys…”

[I haven’t come up with a reason yet, ahhh—]

Ye Leyao screamed internally but maintained a calm exterior, and then, as he glanced around, he suddenly felt that the person across from him looked familiar.

Qin Yao put down his wine glass, smiling as he made eye contact with Ye Leyao.

A second later, Ye Leyao’s eyes lit up, “President Qin! What a coincidence, you’re here again?”

What kind of question is that?

Qin Yao replied helplessly, “What do you mean, ‘I’m here again’?”

He was just here to discuss some business. How was he supposed to know Ye Leyao would come here to catch some drama?

But seeing the boy’s smiling face in front of him, Qin Yao felt unexpectedly happy.

Just then, the Huo family also approached.

Seeing Qin Yao there, Mama Huo was the first to laugh and say, “What a coincidence. It’s rare for Lao Huo and me to come out for a drink, and we happen to run into you two.”

Since Mama Huo and Papa were elders, both Qin Yao and Meng Yue stood up to greet them.

After a brief chat, Papa Huo simply told the waiter, “Let’s sit in the booth across from them.”

It’s close by, so they can watch and hear the excitement more clearly later!

The family happily sat down.

Crisis averted, Ye Leyao tugged on Ran Jing’s arm and said, “Sit down.”

If Meng Yue and Qin Yao weren’t sitting right there, Ran Jing would have rolled his eyes.

He had thought Ye Leyao was there to save him, but it turned out Ye Leyao just wanted him to sit down!

However, Ran Jing didn’t stay mad for long; after all, Ye Leyao didn’t know his situation.

Ran Jing didn’t want to explain, so he could only sit down.

On second thought, he was actually thankful for Ye Leyao’s arrival. He had been playing a role all night, and now he could finally relax and be himself.

Ran Jing let his entire body relax. As soon as he sat down, he pushed the juice in front of him aside, grabbed the whiskey and a glass, filled it to the brim, and asked Ye Leyao, “Want some?”

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened, “I don’t drink.”

Ran Jing looked at him and said, “Then what are you doing in a bar?”

[Obviously to watch you have a chance encounter with the white moonlight!]

Ye Leyao silently retorted in his mind.

Ran Jing, having held it in all night and finally being himself again, tilted his head back and downed half the glass of whiskey in one go.

After drinking, he let out a comfortable sigh, completely ignoring Meng Yue’s frequent glances from the side.

Ye Leyao almost couldn’t hold back his laughter.

[So this is Ran Jing’s true personality?]

[I’m a bit surprised…]

Thinking this, Ye Leyao glanced at Meng Yue and almost lost his composure:

[Hahaha, oh my gosh, Meng Yue’s face is so sour—]

[So he knows Ran Jing’s true personality?]

The more Ye Leyao thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

[If he didn’t know, Meng Yue wouldn’t have sent Ran Jing to acting classes.]

[Meng Yue probably knows him too well!]

Ye Leyao stifled his laughter, while Qin Yao couldn’t help but smile.

The Huo family, sitting at the next table, frequently glanced over as well.

Seeing Ran Jing’s obedient, good-student appearance, they hadn’t expected him to be such a heavy drinker.

That bottle of liquor probably had a high alcohol content, right?

Mama Huo quietly remarked, “It looks like people really can’t be judged by appearances.”

Huo Yan, understandingly, said, “After all, it’s acting.”

Perhaps Ran Jing’s clothes and hairstyle were based on the white moonlight, completely unrelated to his own personality.

Huo Jing and Huo Ze nodded in agreement.

Qin Yao finished laughing and handed the menu to Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao took the menu and looked it over several times, but as expected, it was all alcohol.

“Is there nothing besides sunflower seeds and alcohol at a bar?” he thought.

Qin Yao chuckled after hearing this and asked, “How about I order a juice for you?”

Ye Leyao put the menu aside and nodded, “Okay.”

After ordering for Ye Leyao, Qin Yao asked, “Have you eaten?”

They had eaten before going to the match, but now they were starting to get a bit hungry again.

Ye Leyao replied, “But there’s nothing to eat on the menu, right?”

Qin Yao said, “I’ll have my assistant go to a nearby private kitchen, have the food prepared, and send it over. What do you want to eat?”

Meng Yue spoke first, “I don’t need anything.”

He was in a bad mood at the moment.

Of course, no one there was concerned about Meng Yue’s mood.

Ye Leyao happily ordered several dishes he wanted to eat and even asked Ran Jing beside him, “Do you want some crayfish?”

Ran Jing nodded without hesitation and said, “Yes!”

Meng Yue’s invitation had come suddenly tonight, and Ran Jing hadn’t even eaten yet!

The assistant moved quickly, and it didn’t take long for the ordered food to be delivered. Qin Yao was thorough in his arrangements, even ordering a set for the Huo family at the adjacent table, filling up both tables.

Looking at the crayfish and barbecue on the table, Meng Yue’s eyebrows furrowed so tightly they could pinch a fly.

But Ye Leyao and Ran Jing acted as if they didn’t notice, happily enjoying their meal.

Ran Jing ate and drank without even glancing at Meng Yue, making Meng Yue even more displeased.

Ye Leyao, seated where he was, found it inconvenient to observe Meng Yue’s expressions without deliberately turning his head.

So Ye Leyao simply stood up, moved to sit beside Qin Yao, and motioned to Qin Yao with his head.

Amused, Qin Yao moved over one seat to make room.

Ye Leyao sat back down, continuing to eat, chat, and observe Meng Yue’s expressions.

He had to admit that sitting across from them allowed him to observe more closely.

Whenever Ran Jing did something out of character, Ye Leyao could immediately catch the look on Meng Yue’s face.

When Ran Jing finished a glass of alcohol and picked up the bottle to pour himself a second, Meng Yue’s face finally darkened.

Just as Meng Yue raised his hand to stop Ran Jing, Ye Leyao suddenly thought:

[It’s ten o’clock! The white moonlight should appear soon, right?!]

Everyone who could hear Ye Leyao’s thoughts froze for a moment.

Even Qin Yao couldn’t help but look up, scanning the room.

At this time, the bar was not very crowded, with only a few occupied tables.

After scanning the room, Qin Yao withdrew his gaze.

He didn’t see anyone come in.

Huo Yan looked at Huo Ze.

Huo Ze shook his head as well.

He hadn’t seen anyone approaching either.

In fact, the entire bar was relatively empty. Besides their two tables, there was only one other table in front of Qin Yao’s booth.

Huo Ze even began to doubt whether Ye Leyao had gotten the time wrong. Was it really supposed to be exactly ten o’clock?

Ye Leyao wouldn’t make a mistake, right?

Looking at the table next door.

Meng Yue had already stopped Ran Jing from pouring more alcohol, his face dark, struggling to suppress his anger, and said in a low voice, “That’s enough.”

Ran Jing looked at the confiscated alcohol and glass, a bit speechless, but he still remembered that the person in front of him was his boss. If the boss said no more drinking, what could he do?

Fortunately, Ran Jing had eaten his fill, so he simply stood up and said to Ye Leyao, “I’m going to wash my hands; do you want to come?”

Ye Leyao was feeling puzzled at that moment.

He was very sure; the novel clearly stated that at ten o’clock, the white moonlight met Ran Jing.

It was already almost 10:01…

Since he also wanted to wash his hands, Ye Leyao got up and followed.

The two of them walked towards the restroom, which happened to be in front of another table.

As they passed, Ye Leyao glanced to the side, and what he saw made his eyes widen:

[The white moonlight! You’re hiding here!]

[I’m sure it’s him!]

The entire Huo family/Qin Yao: “!!!”

So the white moonlight had arrived at the bar earlier, and at ten o’clock, it was their first encounter with the stand-in?

Ran Jing walked quickly, passing the booth in a few strides.

Ye Leyao, slightly behind, clearly saw a man’s gaze fixed on Ran Jing.

Ye Leyao was incredibly excited:

[Ahhh, they’ve met! So the next step is a conversation, right?!]

For a moment, Ye Leyao even wanted to grab Ran Jing right then.

But he quickly suppressed that impulse.

[No, no, I can’t stop Ran Jing.]

[Since the white moonlight has already noticed Ran Jing, he’ll definitely make a move next. I just need to wait!]

Ye Leyao quickened his pace, urging Ran Jing, “Hurry up.”@@novelbin@@

Ran Jing, puzzled, asked, “Why the rush?”

Though he said that, Ran Jing still picked up the pace.

Ye Leyao and Ran Jing went to the restroom.

Everyone else in the room, except for Meng Yue, had their thoughts focused on the booth in front of Qin Yao.

It seemed that when they first arrived, there were already people at that booth?

Huo Yan looked at Huo Ze.

Huo Ze shook his head, “I didn’t notice!”

When he came in, his attention was entirely on Ran Jing and Meng Yue. Who would pay attention to such minor details?

Papa and Mama Huo nodded in agreement.

Since Ye Leyao hadn’t mentioned it, they hadn’t noticed either and didn’t know when the white moonlight and their group had arrived.

But after taking a closer look, it seemed there were only three or four people at the white moonlight’s booth?

So, who exactly was the white moonlight?

Everyone was curious but restrained, only glancing over briefly before looking away.

It wasn’t time to alert them just yet!

After all, Ye Leyao had just said that the white moonlight would make the first move, so they just had to wait, right?

The next few minutes became the longest few minutes of the evening.

Huo Ze even felt that these minutes were longer than the last round of his match!

Finally, they heard Ye Leyao’s voice again.

[Ahhh, the white moonlight is looking over again! As expected, it’s love at first sight with Ran Jing!]

The Huo family all looked up, only to see Ye Leyao and Ran Jing returning from washing their hands.

Their eyes unintentionally fell on the booth in front, and sure enough, they saw a man slightly turning his head.

Qin Yao’s gaze fell on the man, surprised.

Huo Jing also looked away, lowering his voice and saying, “I know him.”

The Huo family all looked at him.

Huo Jing whispered, “His name is Chu Cheng. He was originally the son of the Gu family. Later, his mother divorced Father Gu, and he went abroad with his mother, changing his surname to Chu. He’s now called Chu Cheng.”

With this reminder from Huo Jing, the others also remembered.

Mama Huo spoke first, “Isn’t he related to the Qin family…”

Papa Huo nodded, “Yes, the Gu family is Qin Yao’s mother’s family. By blood, Chu Cheng should call Qin Yao ‘cousin’.”

Qin Yao hadn’t expected to see Chu Cheng here.

Perhaps because his gaze lingered long enough, Chu Cheng noticed it and looked over.

Their eyes met, and Qin Yao was the first to smile.

Chu Cheng also smiled, said a few words to the friend beside him, then picked up his glass and walked over.

Just then, he happened to encounter Ye Leyao and Ran Jing walking by.

Chu Cheng’s gaze naturally fell on Ran Jing.

But Ran Jing, unaware, continued walking.

Ye Leyao’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest.

[Aaaah, the white moonlight’s gaze is so obvious, yet Ran Jing still hasn’t noticed!]

[But is the white moonlight coming over to strike up a conversation?]

Ye Leyao sat down beside Qin Yao.

He watched as Chu Cheng walked up to him with his wine glass.

Ye Leyao’s pupils shook with shock.

[Huh? Bro, what are you doing…]

Before Ye Leyao could continue his internal freak-out, he heard Qin Yao beside him say, “When did you return to the country?”

Chu Cheng clinked glasses with Qin Yao, smiling, “Just got back. Long time no see, cousin.”

The heart Ye Leyao had been holding up slowly settled down.

He reached out, patting his chest, unable to stop himself from screaming internally.

[That scared me!]

The Huo family at the next table nearly burst out laughing.

Huo Ze covered his face, his shoulders shaking, “Isn’t Ye Leyao a little too self-absorbed?”

Huo Yan raised an eyebrow, “I’ve always said, he’s just a little narcissist.”

Mama Huo gave the two brothers a reproachful look, “Xiao Yao didn’t know Chu Cheng and Qin Yao knew each other!”

One moment they were saying Chu Cheng was coming to hit on Ran Jing, and the next he was standing in front of Ye Leyao.

Who wouldn’t be shocked?

Huo Ze and Huo Yan knew this was true.

But that didn’t stop them from poking fun at Ye Leyao!

After all, they had been teased by Ye Leyao plenty themselves.

This evens things out!

Ye Leyao had indeed been startled.

He even forgot to check Meng Yue’s expression at the moment. It wasn’t until he heard a clatter that he looked up at Meng Yue.

Chu Cheng had approached too quickly, acting so naturally, walking straight up to Qin Yao and smiling as they clinked glasses and hugged.

It wasn’t until Chu Cheng and Qin Yao separated that Meng Yue’s gaze finally landed on Chu Cheng.

When Meng Yue looked up and saw his face, he froze in place.

This face was too familiar to him, having appeared on countless sleepless nights.

Meng Yue had been hoping and longing for this moment to reunite with him.

And now, here Chu Cheng was, appearing without any warning.

Meng Yue was so overwhelmed with emotion that he stood up suddenly, not even noticing the wine glass in front of him getting knocked over.

Ran Jing didn’t notice either, so the spilled wine splashed onto his shirt.

Ran Jing immediately frowned, looking up, and he too froze.

Ye Leyao, seeing both their reactions, slowly began to laugh.

[Hahaha, it looks like Ran Jing recognized Chu Cheng too!]

[Ran Jing is a professional stand-in, so even if Meng Yue hadn’t shown him any photos or info about Chu Cheng, Ran Jing had secretly learned about him, just to play his role better in front of Meng Yue.]

[The happier Meng Yue is, the bigger his paycheck.]

[But no way did Ran Jing expect to see the real Chu Cheng here!]

Ran Jing’s usually calm demeanor was cracking.

Ye Leyao, sitting across from them, was having a great time watching their reactions.

[It looks like the one most flustered is still Meng Yue!]

[After all, he’s been pining for this white moonlight for so many years, only for him to return and catch him at a bar with a stand-in—tsk tsk tsk…]

The sound of the glass falling was loud. Originally, Chu Cheng had been chatting with Qin Yao, but hearing the noise, he turned his head to look over.

Ye Leyao got even more excited:

[Aaaah, the white moonlight’s looking over, so what’s he going to do?!]

Then, both tables heard Chu Cheng ask, “Are you okay?”

Ye Leyao followed Chu Cheng’s gaze and then broke into a wide grin.

[Hahaha, Chu Cheng asked Ran Jing! He looked at Ran Jing! No way, Chu Cheng, did you not see Meng Yue sitting right next to him?!]

Ye Leyao was bursting with excitement.

Ran Jing clearly hadn’t expected Chu Cheng to address him. He glanced at Meng Yue beside him, unsure whether he should reply.

Unexpectedly, Chu Cheng put down his wine glass, grabbed some clean tissues from a nearby box, and handed them to Ran Jing, saying, “Wipe it off. Even though it’s not cold out, the temperature in the bar is low. Or would you prefer if I had someone bring you a change of clothes?”

Ye Leyao sharply inhaled and then quietly looked at Meng Yue’s expression.

As expected, Meng Yue’s face turned pitch black.

Ye Leyao couldn’t hold back anymore, turning his head slightly and trying hard not to let his grin show.

[I mustn’t laugh, mustn’t laugh. Laughing now would be too cruel!]

[Who would have thought that when Chu Cheng and Meng Yue finally met, all his attention would be on the stand-in, without sparing a single glance for Meng Yue!]

Ran Jing didn’t dare follow Chu Cheng.

As Meng Yue’s mood sank lower and lower, Ran Jing had no choice but to take the tissues from Chu Cheng, muttering a soft “Thank you.”

Chu Cheng’s handsome smile widened, “No problem.”

Meng Yue couldn’t take it anymore.

It had been a whole minute since Chu Cheng had appeared, and in that entire minute, he hadn’t looked at Meng Yue once! He only cared about someone completely unimportant.

Suddenly, Meng Yue felt a pang of panic.

Could it be?

Had Chu Cheng figured out that Ran Jing was his stand-in?

Meng Yue opened his mouth, wanting to explain, but didn’t know where to start.

After all, it was true—Ran Jing was indeed his stand-in.

So was Chu Cheng doing this on purpose?

Was he mad, and that’s why he ignored Meng Yue?

The thought sent a sharp pain through Meng Yue’s heart.

He clenched his fist tightly by his side, taking several deep breaths to suppress the bitterness, and finally, he forced out, “Chu Cheng, long time no see.”

Ran Jing, having taken the tissues from Chu Cheng, began to wipe off the spilled wine.

But Chu Cheng’s gaze remained fixed on Ran Jing.

Hearing the voice, Chu Cheng finally looked up, first glancing at Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao sat next to Qin Yao, his face slightly turned toward him.

Qin Yao’s gentle gaze rested on him, and neither of them was looking at Chu Cheng.

It wasn’t them.

So Chu Cheng shifted his gaze to the last man at the table.

Their eyes met, and the air became still.

Ye Leyao quietly lifted his head, his excitement mounting.

[Aaaah, I’m getting nervous for them!]

Who wouldn’t be?

The entire Huo family was on the edge of their seats.

Then, the next moment, everyone heard Chu Cheng ask, in a tone full of confusion, “Excuse me—but who are you?”

As soon as those words were spoken, everyone’s eyes widened.

Wait.

Did they hear that right?

Chu Cheng didn’t recognize Meng Yue?!

Ye Leyao couldn’t hold back any longer, laughing hysterically:

[Hahahahaha, ‘Who are you?’ Hahaha—]

[Meng Yue is completely dumbfounded! Hahaha—]

[Who would have thought that Chu Cheng really didn’t recognize Meng Yue? I’m done for…hahaha…]

[So this is what it means when they say: one person keeps you in their heart, but you throw them into a ditch?]

Huo Ze couldn’t help it anymore, letting out the first laugh of the night: “Hahaha—”