Chapter 21 – Da Bao Has Grown Up

Zhang Yuanxiao froze, the glass of wine he was raising to his lips halting mid-air. He knew all too well what came after being on the receiving end of one of that man’s glares.

“What is it?” Zhang Yuanxiao asked, the glare sobering him up considerably.

Fei Xiangnan’s eyes swept over his friend before locking onto his gaze. “He didn’t pay to get into the cast.”

???

So this was all just to tell him that? Zhang Yuanxiao could clearly see that Fei Xiangnan had changed. The cold, calculating, profit-driven man he used to be would never have spoken up for his lover.

“Xiao Fang? Isn’t he just a pretty boy who’s all talk and no substance? Why are you defending him? Or have you fallen for him?” Zhang Yuanxiao asked, completely oblivious to the fact that he was dancing on the very edge of Fei Xiangnan’s patience.

The question caught Fei Xiangnan off guard. He certainly hadn’t fallen for that fool, but he had to admit, the intense dislike he once felt was gone. That was why he was so angry.

“I’m just stating the facts. He only auditioned for a supporting role. If it were about money, don’t you think the Fei family has enough to buy him a lead role?”

Zhang Yuanxiao didn’t like the sound of that. “Do you think my Ruan Tan is the kind of person who can be bought? He values talent! If that actor Xiao Qi had some skill, that would be one thing. But you had to go and pick his good-for-nothing brother. I really don’t know what you’re thinking.”

Clang! Fei Xiangnan slammed his wine glass down on the table.

“I know exactly what he’s like, and I don’t need anyone else’s opinion. If you feel so bad for Xiao Qi, you can go chase after him yourself, as long as your bigshot director doesn’t mind,” Fei Xiangnan said, his voice laced with fury.

This time, Zhang Yuanxiao didn’t dare to retort; he was genuinely frightened. He never imagined Xiao Fang held such an important place in his friend’s heart. It was likely that even Fei Xiangnan himself hadn’t realized it.

“Alright, alright, let’s drop it. Besides, you might not be afraid of the Yan family, but I’d rather not get on their bad side. If I got involved, Yan Yunyang would probably lose his mind,” Zhang Yuanxiao said, shuddering at the mere thought of an enraged Yan Yunyang.

Fei Xiangnan stared at the light reflecting off the bar, slowly reining in his emotions before letting out a soft “mm.”

Zhang Yuanxiao picked up his glass and looked at Fei Xiangnan’s impeccable profile. The same Fei Xiangnan who had sworn during their school days that he would never fall for anyone now seemed poised to crush that declaration under his heel.

I hope it’s just my imagination…

***

The weather grew hotter by the day. Xiao Fang felt a small sense of relief that he was in a period drama, as the historical costumes would easily hide his slightly protruding belly. It had been a month since he’d last seen Fei Xiangnan, and he had no way of contacting Xiao Qi either. A seed of anxiety began to sprout in Xiao Fang’s usually calm heart, not for himself, but for Xiao Qi’s feelings.

He just wanted to know if Xiao Qi truly liked Fei Xiangnan. If it was true, he would just run away. Then, no matter how the plot deviated, it would be a love triangle between the three of them, and he, Xiao Fang, would have very little to do with it.

Just as Xiao Fang was lost in thought, a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around his waist. He let out a startled cry.

“Xiao Fang, why such a big reaction?” Zhang Hang asked from behind him, looking puzzled.

Xiao Fang had been genuinely scared, and upon realizing it was this troublemaker, his last shred of tolerance vanished. “Let go of me! Do you have to scare people like that?”

“Hey, Xiao Fang, don’t be so angry. Xiao Qi just called and invited me to dinner. I really can’t stand being around that ice prince for too long. Why don’t you come with me?” Zhang Hang said with a hint of a wheedling tone, not loosening his grip. It was clear he really didn’t get along with Xiao Qi.

Normally, Xiao Fang would have no interest in going just to offer a few flattering words, but this time was different. This was a golden opportunity.

“Fine, I’ll go with you.”

Zhang Hang was surprised by his quick agreement.

“But you have to promise me one thing,” Xiao Fang added. Of course, there were conditions.

“What condition?”

“During dinner, you have to find an excuse to leave. I want to talk to him alone.”

Zhang Hang really wanted to be in on the secret. To him, Xiao Fang was a complete mystery, acting in ways that were totally out of character from his old self. He was dying to know what was going on in the current Xiao Fang’s head.

“How about you just pretend I’m invisible? I swear I won’t disturb you,” Zhang Hang said with a grin.

Xiao Fang shot him a look that clearly said there was no room for negotiation.

“Then you can just go by yourself.”

“No, no, no! I promise, I promise!”

Xiao Fang felt like he was finally getting the hang of dealing with Zhang Hang. Feeling the hands still on his waist, he squirmed uncomfortably. “Zhang Hang, let go.”

As Xiao Fang squirmed, the hair on top of his head brushed against Zhang Hang’s lower lip. Zhang Hang’s heart clenched, and he froze for a moment before finally letting go. “Xiao Fang, you seem to have…”

“Hmm?” Xiao Fang turned back, his clear eyes seeming to see right through him.

“Gotten fatter. I feel like your belly has gained some weight. That won’t do. As an actor, you need to watch yourself,” Zhang Hang teased, hiding his earlier reaction.

Xiao Fang’s eyes widened like saucers. “None of your business!” he snapped, mortified. He then grabbed his snacks and moved a good ten steps away, furiously munching on the dried pineapple Que Jiang had made for him. His heart was pounding, terrified of being found out.

Zhang Hang didn’t think much of it, instead finding this side of Xiao Fang rather endearing. Xiao Fang’s foodie nature had been exposed within two weeks on set, and everyone thought it was cute. After all, being an actor came with so many restrictions, so finding a harmless way to de-stress like eating snacks was perfectly normal and low-risk.

“I’m just kidding. I’m not going to steal your dried pineapple. I have to step out for a bit, call me when you’re ready,” Zhang Hang said before leaving, as he had something else to attend to.

Only after watching him leave did Xiao Fang relax. His hand instinctively went to his belly, and his gaze softened at a speed visible to the naked eye.

“Three months already. Did I eat him fat? Showing so soon,” Xiao Fang murmured, a blissful smile spreading across his face. After the initial strange feeling, he was now filled with nothing but fatherly love for this child. Even if he knew he couldn’t be by his side every day in the future, he was certain he would never stop loving him.

An idea flashed in his mind. Xiao Fang took out his phone, found a good angle, and snapped a photo that perfectly captured his slightly rounded stomach.

He quickly typed out a message and sent it to Fei Xiangnan. Aside from their daily “good morning” and “good afternoon” texts, they hadn’t really talked about anything else.

***

Fei Xiangnan had indeed been incredibly busy this month. The company had landed a major project, and its completion would elevate their overall capabilities to a whole new level. Including business trips, he had traveled no less than ten times this month, personally overseeing various mobilizations. He had no other hobbies; work had become the main pillar supporting his life. He had wanted to find time to visit Xiao Fang but never got the chance. Sometimes at night, he would think about calling him, but then he wouldn’t know what to say beyond the usual platitudes about taking care of himself—things Que Jiang was already doing perfectly. He had a nagging feeling that he wanted to say more than just that.

But he didn’t allow himself to dwell on it. He knew he couldn’t cross that line, so he endured until the project was finished without anything happening.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Fei Xiangnan picked it up and saw Xiao Fang’s name pop up. He glanced at the time; it wasn’t their usual messaging hour.

He opened the message. It was just a picture of an abdomen, with a slight, visible curve. A subtle smile touched Fei Xiangnan’s lips, and his mood suddenly brightened.

Below the picture was a line of text: President Fei, Da Bao has grown up!

“President Fei, here’s a document that requires your signature.” His secretary pushed the door open to find not a stern, working Fei Xiangnan, but a man gazing at his phone with a smile that could only be described as blissful.

“Pres-President Fei,” the secretary repeated, startled.

The reminder snapped Fei Xiangnan back to reality. His expression instantly flattened. “Just leave it there.”

A seedling of gossip began to sprout wildly in the secretary’s heart, but she didn’t dare show it in front of her boss. She quickly placed the document on the desk and left. After she was gone, Fei Xiangnan picked up his phone again. This time, he didn’t text back; he called directly.

Xiao Fang was surprised to get a call, but he answered it quickly and professionally.

“President Fei, I’ve missed you so much!”

Fei Xiangnan’s slightly lifted spirits immediately plummeted upon hearing Xiao Fang’s exaggerated tone. “Speak properly,” he commanded.

“Okay!”

“How have you been feeling?” Fei Xiangnan wanted to ask so many things, but what came out was still the same polite, detached question.

“Very good, President Fei! Que Jiang’s cooking is delicious. For lunch today, he made me abalone soup. It was so fresh, I had two big bowls with my rice!”

Fei Xiangnan could almost picture Xiao Fang’s delighted face as he spoke.

“Mm, that’s good. If you feel uncomfortable at all, just quit the job. The Fei family can still afford to support you.”

It was a classic line from a domineering CEO. Xiao Fang wisely chose not to argue with Fei Xiangnan, though he certainly couldn’t just ditch this job. “Hehe, okay,” he agreed verbally, but his heart had other plans.

Fei Xiangnan knew the little weasel was just placating him. He should be free now, right?

“Are you free in three days? I’ll come see you and take you for a check-up,” he offered, privately adding, and I’ll secretly observe whether your work is too tiring.

Xiao Fang did a quick mental calculation. It was about time for a check-up, so he immediately agreed.

Fei Xiangnan paused. He had wanted to ask about the supporting role, but since they would be meeting in three days, there was no rush. The conversation was over, and it was time to hang up.

“President Fei.”

Xiao Fang’s voice suddenly came from the other end.

“Yes?” Fei Xiangnan’s grip on the phone tightened slightly.

“Have you been very busy with work lately?”

“A little.”

“Then you have to take good care of yourself. Don’t overwork. Seeing you so exhausted, my heart is breaking. Remember to keep the fridge stocked and ask the housekeeper to cook for you. Home-cooked meals are good, much cleaner than eating out,” Xiao Fang said, his tone a mix of sycophantic flattery and genuine concern.

Fei Xiangnan’s gaze softened instantly, though the urge to roast him was still strong.

“I know. I will.” When the words came out, they had transformed into a simple, compliant response.