Chapter 216: When Emotions Can No Longer Be Held Back (Guaranteed Double-Chapter)

"So what's this surprise you mentioned?"

As the two strolled through Hongkou Park, Gong Ying asked Wei Ming.

Seeing few people around, Wei Ming pulled a photo frame out of his bag.

"I drew a sketch based on your photos—I'm giving it to you."

To be fair, since he'd drawn one for Lin Jie, Wei Ming had to draw one for Xue Jie too.

Though not done from a live model, the quality was excellent—nose, eyes, all there.

Gong Ying stared in delight at the delicate frame, at her own image inside, already knowing which photo he'd copied—she'd loved that one herself.

After admiring it for a while, she said, "I love it, thank you—but how on earth did you draw it so well?"

"I was classmates with Ah Long for three years; while he studied, I picked up a few tricks too, but I can't compare to professionals—they can sketch this level of realism in minutes, while I spent days, painstakingly refining every detail."

Hearing Wei Ming had spent days, painstakingly crafting her likeness, Gong Ying was even more moved.

She loved this gift—it was his thanks for her helping him photograph those clothing shots.

He also had another request: "I want to enlarge one of your photos and put it on the exterior wall of the store when it opens—would you mind?"

"Huh?" Gong Ying paused.

Wei Ming continued, "Female customers will see it and think, 'If she looks that beautiful in it, I will too'—then impulsively buy it."

Gong Ying covered her mouth and laughed. "Is business really that easy?"

"Hey, don't laugh—it really is that easy now. Customers are still naive; they haven't been burned by crooked merchants yet."

Gong Ying teased, "That sounds exactly like something a crooked merchant would say."

"I'm just an investor. The real crooked merchant is Mei Wenhua—you met him before, at Peking University's south gate."

Gong Ying vaguely remembered: that day she'd gone to find Wei Ming, but he'd gone to see his overseas lover.

She recalled Wei Ming's subtle mention of Melinda in the China Youth Daily and asked, "Do you still keep in touch with your ex?"

Wei Ming: "She came back to Beijing recently."

Gong Ying: Of course!

Wei Ming: "My story 'The Game of the Brave' was published in Britain thanks to her efforts. She even delivered my royalty payment in person—that hundred dollars you got? That was from the British royalties."

Gong Ying: Suddenly I don't want that money anymore.

Wei Ming added, "From now on, we're business partners—earning money together."

Gong Ying felt Wei Ming had said that just for her—she was slightly comforted, but not much.

Gong Ying wasn't carrying a bag; holding the frame was awkward. "Better leave it with you."

"Sure, I'll give it back when we part," Wei Ming said, putting the frame away and pulling out a Big White Rabbit candy.

"Hey, a Big White Rabbit just grew in my bag—try it, Xue Jie."

Gong Ying waved her hand, smiling, but Wei Ming forced it into her palm anyway.

She reluctantly ate it herself—though grown now, she still couldn't quit this childhood favorite flavor.

Ahead lay a small lake; they sat by its edge, and Gong Ying told Wei Ming about how she and her sister used to split Big White Rabbit candies as kids.

Since her older siblings were much older, and the sisters were only three years apart, they always fought over everything—and were closest.

Xue Jie said they'd cut the candy in half with a knife. Wei Ming couldn't help wondering: if he wanted to take a bite from the piece already in her mouth, would she give it to him?

Suddenly, Wei Ming stood up, swayed, then clutched his head, staggering as if about to collapse.

Gong Ying gasped: "Ah Ming, what's wrong?"

Wei Ming: "Stood up too fast—low blood sugar, my old problem. That's why I always carry candy."

He patted his bag—but found nothing. He'd already given it to Gong Ying; it was already in her mouth.

Though low blood sugar wasn't serious, seeing such a healthy man suddenly collapse terrified Gong Ying.

She had no time to think—candy, candy! Yes, she had candy herself!

"Don't you dare look down on it," she said, then spat the candy out of her mouth and placed it into Wei Ming's.

Gong Ying so readily gave him the candy—Wei Ming was deeply moved.

He held it a while, gradually feeling refreshed; Gong Ying finally relaxed, licked her lips, then suddenly blushed.

Seeing no one around, Wei Ming said, "Xue Jie, I'm fine now—let me return the candy. I don't like sweets."

Gong Ying laughed. "Keep it. I don't mind losing one bite."

But Wei Ming insisted—he cupped her soft face, held it still, then kissed her, returning the candy mouth-to-mouth.

Gong Ying: "…."

She froze, stunned—before she could react, she'd been kissed.

This was her first kiss!

From now on, her memory of her first kiss would taste like Big White Rabbit.

Wei Ming pulled away immediately, with no hesitation. Gong Ying, with the candy in her mouth, buried her head in her lap, playing the role of a timid quail—too much, too sudden!

Then Wei Ming bravely took her small hand. She tugged slightly, then let him keep it.

She never imagined Xiao Wei would take the initiative—so boldly.

"You…"

"You…"

They spoke at once.

Gong Ying said, "You go first."

Wei Ming: "Have you finished the Big White Rabbit?"

Gong Ying mumbled, "Not yet."

Wei Ming: "I think I'm getting low blood sugar again—can I taste it once more? I heard candy shouldn't be exposed to air once it starts melting."

Gong Ying now understood—there was no low blood sugar. She'd been tricked by this mischievous boy. But she wasn't angry.

As for giving him the candy again…

Gong Ying carefully glanced around, confirmed no one was watching, then tilted her neck—letting Wei Ming have his way. This time, the transfer took longer.

She'd already given it to him, yet he still held her back.

Gong Ying finally understood—no wonder Xiao Wei picked this quiet spot. He'd planned it all.

He's so calculating—will he sell me someday?

But whatever. Tonight, she'd play along. Maybe this was the Game of the Brave.

Gong Ying was fully immersed in this push-and-pull, chase-and-hide game, eyes closed. But Wei Ming kept watch—when he sensed someone approaching, he ended the risky, thrilling moment.

When they parted, the candy was returned to Gong Ying—but from all the movement, it had melted too much; little remained.

At that moment, Gong Ying was so tender she felt like she might dissolve, leaning against Wei Ming's shoulder, unconcerned by passersby. Wei Ming thought she'd even accompany him to a room at the Peace Hotel.

Though he wanted Xue Jie to catch up with Lin Jie's progress quickly, moving too fast might frighten her.

Xue Jie's life had been more turbulent, so she was more sensitive and cautious—rushing would backfire.

"I'm leaving tomorrow. If you can't return to Beijing, I'll come see you," Wei Ming promised.

"Mm, we can write letters," Gong Ying had slipped into the state of a girl in love. "And after finishing this film, I'll definitely return to Beijing for a while."

Wei Ming: "I don't know if I'll be in Beijing then."

He outlined his summer plans: shuttling between two film sets, taking his grandmother home, visiting his aunt, and writing a long novel.

Gong Ying worried: "You must take care of yourself—don't overwork. I heard writing a long novel drains your spirit."

Wei Ming squeezed her small hand. "One candy from my sister—any exhausted spirit recovers instantly."

Gong Ying blushed shyly. She'd never look at Big White Rabbit candies the same way again.

After circling Hongkou Park, the sun sank. They began searching for a restaurant.

Lao Hua said: full belly, lust arises. Eat first, then do the naughty things.

Huanghe Road's dining street hadn't emerged yet—if it had, they could eat there for days without repeating a dish.

Shanghai had more Western restaurants than Beijing, so Gong Ying recommended the Red House Western Restaurant on Avenue Joffre.

Unlike Beijing's Russian-style eateries, this was a French restaurant founded by an Italian-French couple. Though ownership had changed hands several times and was now Chinese-run, the dishes remained excellent.

Wei Ming tasted signature dishes: mustard steak, baked mandarin fish with cheese, Macaroni chicken, and signature desserts like flaming ice cream. He was delighted—definitely worth writing a diary entry.

This was also Gong Ying's first time eating here. She mimicked Wei Ming's table manners—she was just an actress. The prices were still too high for her.

But she planned to save money to buy him a gift.

Since Wei Ming was leaving early tomorrow, Gong Ying wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. When the streets grew quiet, he walked her home.

Before entering the alley, they kissed again in the dark. Gong Ying was growing accustomed to Wei Ming's skill—she credited it to his foreign lovers' training.

July in Shanghai was hot. Gong Ying wore light clothes. Wei Ming's arms around her back felt as if he could touch her skin through the fabric.

"Ah Ming, we can't go further—just stop here," Gong Ying panted. She feared being seen by someone familiar—her home was just a few turns away.

"Mm, I'll watch you leave," Wei Ming said, handing her the frame.

Gong Ying clutched it tightly to her chest.

She'd already told her parents she'd be home late. But she worried Yingying might spill the truth. On the short walk home, she kept imagining: what if Yingying confessed everything—how would she explain to her parents?

When she arrived, her parents waited anxiously in the living room.

Seeing her, her father rushed: "Xue, your sister hasn't come home yet—it's so late! Has she made some shady friends?"

Her mother added: "This is driving me crazy! Why can't Yingying be as sensible as you?"

Gong Ying: "…."

She imagined Wei Ming's friend Ah Long—a top university scholar. He couldn't possibly be a shady friend. His face didn't suggest criminal tendencies.

"I'll go look for her," Gong Ying hurried out again.

Then, just at the alley's entrance, he spotted Gong Ying limping, supported by Liu Long.

"Second sister! I've finally found you!"

Wei Ming hadn't expected that even after he returned, Ah Long hadn't come back—could something have happened?

Over the past two years, Shanghai had received a massive influx of returned urban youths, and the city's social environment had indeed grown chaotic.

!

Wei Ming waited outside the Shanghai Animation Film Studio for nearly half an hour before Ah Long finally took a taxi back.

"What happened?" Wei Ming hurried over.

Ah Long gave a brief account.

"To buy you time, I kept hanging around Sister Ying, asking her how to paint oil paintings, then we went to Yu Garden to sketch. We had dinner together—I treated you, so reimburse me later. When we finally parted ways, we each headed off on our own, but as she boarded the bus, someone shoved her, she twisted her ankle on the curb, couldn't walk anymore, so I took her to a small clinic. Luckily, nothing serious, but out of friendship, I saw her home. And guess what? We ran into Sister Gong Yu right at her doorstep!"

Wei Ming patted his back. "Take a breath. You can tell it in pieces."

Ah Long spread his hands. "That's basically how it went."

"You haven't told me what happened after you met Sister Xue."

Ah Long: "Sister Gong Yu found out everything, then took Sister Ying away from me. After that, I don't know anything."

Wei Ming: "Alright, let's head back to the dorm. Tell me how much you spent on dinner—I'll reimburse you."

Ah Long waved his hand. "I was just kidding—I only ate noodles, not even a few cents."

"Too bad," Wei Ming boasted. "Sister Xue and I had French cuisine."

Ah Long gritted his teeth. "I really should've eaten something expensive and made you pay!"

When they lay in bed, the room was pitch black. Wei Ming asked: "Ah Long, am I being greedy?"

Ah Long replied sincerely: "A bit, but if I knew two such wonderful sisters, I might be greedy too."

He understood men's "want it all" mentality—compared to Wei Xiaobao with his seven wives in The Deer and the Cauldron, Ah Ming was already restrained.

He just looked ordinary; if one beautiful sister fancied him, he'd already be satisfied.

Wei Ming wasn't sure if he was speaking to Ah Long or muttering to himself: "I'll definitely treat them well. I swear I will."

Meanwhile, Gong Ying and her sister lay on the same bed, chatting late into the night. Gong Ying ultimately didn't expose how her sister had ditched her to go out with a man.

In exchange, Gong Yu had to tell her sister everything that had happened during her disappearance.

"We kissed," Gong Yu said, her eyes sparkling.

Gong Ying gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth—so something really happened!

"So when did you two get together?"

"Together? I guess today," Gong Yu replied. They'd had some ambiguity before, but always saw little of each other.

Gong Ying exclaimed: "What? You got together today and already kissed?"

Though Shanghai people were open-minded, Gong Ying was still stunned by her sister's speed.

"Emotions got too strong to hold back."

Gong Ying advised: "You should be more careful. Guess what we saw at the clinic tonight?"

"What?"

Gong Ying: "A girl younger than me went in for an abortion! Her aunt accompanied her—looked half-dead."

"Ah!" Gong Yu gasped, then hurriedly added, "I'd never do that. I'm not that irresponsible."

In her mind, such things were unthinkable.

Gong Ying thought her sister's words were just talk—she'd already kissed him after just getting together; who knew if they could keep control?

"Just remember to take precautions," Gong Ying added. "And should you tell Mom and Dad? Should we invite him over for dinner tomorrow?"

Since they'd already kissed, in Gong Ying's view, marriage was already worth considering.

Gong Yu sighed, her brow furrowed like Lin Daiyu's: "Let's wait for now. We're far apart, and the age gap is too big. I just have this feeling our relationship won't last."

"Second sister, you're too pessimistic," Gong Ying comforted her. "Ah Long's parents live in Hebei and Hong Kong respectively, yet their love has stayed strong for years—his letters read like passionate love notes. Distance isn't the problem."

"What? He told you that?" Gong Yu was surprised.

"Just casual chat," Gong Ying quickly changed the subject. "And age isn't an issue either. Ah Long told me Wei Ming's last girlfriend was a British exchange student four years older than him—he clearly likes older women. Maybe he's more mature, so he gets along better with sisters."

Gong Yu thought: four or five years was nothing compared to eight or nine—and…

"And you just said distance isn't a problem. Wei Ming and his ex were continents apart, not even in the same country, but that didn't mean they had no feelings."

Gong Ying laughed. "Sister, you're jealous of a woman who left China?"

Gong Yu: "That ex came back to Beijing recently."

"Ah?"

Gong Yu briefly explained Wei Ming's overseas publishing. She felt they'd likely meet again—and last time they met, old feelings might've already reignited.

With Wei Ming's kissing skills now, it felt like they'd never stopped staying in touch. Maybe when Mei Lin returned, they'd pick up right where they left off.

"He's still wearing the watch his ex gave him," Gong Yu said bitterly. So she planned to buy Wei Ming a precious Shanghai-brand watch and see if he'd switch it.

The next morning, as soon as dawn broke, Wei Ming left the animation studio with his bag. Ah Long saw him off in a taxi, then began his own journey to sneak and learn from the studio—for the glory of animation, press on!

Before entering the station, Wei Ming bought a copy of Story Weekly. After three issues, its circulation had surged to 700, 00–800, 00, making it a household name in Shanghai.

Wei Ming bought it only after seeing others do so, and overheard two buyers discussing it.

"Hey, another novel by Wei the Madman—'Ancient War: The Terracotta Lovers'? Cool title!"

"Damn, another serial—another few months to finish. What a drag!"

"Heh, I'll read it even if it takes months—I've got time!"

Hearing his fans show such support, Wei Ming was delighted. He guaranteed this story surpassed "Heroes Born in Youth"—the longevity genre would shatter contemporary mainland readers' perceptions.

But what delighted him more was spotting a familiar, beautiful figure at the station entrance.

"Sister Xue! You came to see me off!"

Wei Ming rushed forward and grabbed her hand, drawing many glances.

Gong Yu blushed and pulled her hand away: "I figured I'd come before work started, just in case you'd already boarded."

So she'd woken up extra early, skipped breakfast, just to see Wei Ming one last time—what if he was gone by the time she returned to Beijing? She didn't know when she'd see him again.

If this were two years later, Wei Ming would've definitely kissed her goodbye.

Now, they'd risk being arrested—so they had to restrain themselves, communicating only with their eyes.

In Gong Yu's gaze, she and Wei Ming were already embracing and kissing.

In Wei Ming's gaze, Sister Xue was already lying on the bed, utterly at his mercy.

Gong Yu: "Naughty boy."

Wei Ming: Shit, she understood!

"Heh, heh," Wei Ming scratched his head. "By the way, remember to buy this issue of Story Weekly—it has my new story."

He pulled out the magazine as a reminder. It was a grand historical romance—someone like Ah Min, a Hong Kong kid steeped in romance novels, couldn't put it down. Sister Xue would probably love it too.

Gong Yu nodded. Though she preferred Wei Ming's own works, she'd still support "Wei the Madman."

Since Gong Yu had to report for filming, she couldn't accompany him to the platform. They parted at the entrance, eyes brimming with reluctance.

On the return bus, she found a seat. After a moment of sadness, she picked up the magazine she'd just bought and flipped to "Ancient War: The Terracotta Lovers · Part One."

Story Weekly was treating this story with great importance—the cover boldly proclaimed: "Wei the Madman's New Work: A Terracotta Warrior's Thousand-Year Love."

The words "Thousand-Year Love" struck Gong Yu instantly. She began reading earnestly—then realized, horrified, she'd missed her stop!

"Oh no!" She jumped off and boarded a bus going the opposite direction.

Luckily, the story was only one-third long—she finished it in time. Otherwise, she might've ridden to the final stop.

She wasn't late, but her mind kept returning to Meng Tianfang, trapped in the terracotta warrior, immortal, and Dong'er, dead yet reborn in a second life.

She felt this story, in both prose and plot, surpassed Wei the Madman's debut in appeal. After finishing filming, she recommended it to the female crew members, who all rushed to read it—and then debated it endlessly.

Gong Yu felt immensely proud: Beautiful, isn't it? My man wrote this!

Wei Ming bought a hard sleeper. He'd reach Shandong by night, transfer trains, then buy another sleeper—just as dawn broke, he'd arrive in Hengzhou.

The heat was unbearable—he felt like he was rotting. And tomorrow was the day Wei Hong's college entrance exam began~

…

(Yesterday's minimum)

(End of Chapter)