After Failing to Reverse the Plot, I Made My Escape - Chapter 46

Original Spouse or The Other Person?

“Mommy, Chun Chun wants to go see The Perfect Journey.”

On the way to pick up Yu Fuqiu, Tan Ling watched as Chun Chun pulled on Yu Fuqiu’s hem and spoke in a small voice.

“Hmm? Why do you want to go?”

Yu Fuqiu crouched down slightly. Chun Chun was currently undergoing rehabilitation, and the pins in his legs would be removed soon.

“Because Jiaojiao is there!”

Lan Jiaojiao was the daughter of the award-winning actress Tian Xin. They lived close to each other, and the two children had played together since they were young, only losing touch after Chun Chun moved abroad. Chun Chun had somehow obtained the promotional list, which featured Tian Xin’s name.

“Auntie Tian is going, so Jiaojiao will definitely be there too.” He thought for a moment. “Last time, I told Jiaojiao that I made her a bracelet from seashells I found at the beach. She will definitely like it. We made a pinky swear. I cannot break my word.”

Yu Fuqiu hesitated. His original motive for joining this show was not pure. It was only to get closer to Chang Tingzhi and to confront Ke Qi’an directly.

“Mr. Yu,” Tan Ling stepped forward and whispered, “Since Chun Chun’s car accident last time, his photos have been leaked to the public. Actually, the impact is quite significant.”

Photos of Chun Chun playing abroad while being held in Yu Fuqiu’s arms, as well as older photos of Chang Tingzhi accompanying Yu Fuqiu to Country M for prenatal checkups and the birth, had all been unearthed. The reactions from netizens were mostly ones of amazement. When Chun Chun’s photos were enlarged, it was clear he had inherited all the best features of both Chang Tingzhi and Yu Fuqiu.

@YueShi: Quick, ask me the question! This child can be a child model!

@XiaoAi: If I get pregnant, I am printing his photo and putting it by my bed to look at every day. God knows if I had such a cute child, I would explode with happiness.

@FangQing: These features are a perfect blend of his parents. He is going to be so handsome when he grows up. Truly, you have to find a handsome partner. Even if you argue, you will end up slapping your own mouth for being mad at that face.

@HuixinALalala: With looks like that, why does Yu Fuqiu not let the child enter the entertainment industry? The child from the family next door is about the same age and has already started acting in short dramas.

Most comments were kind, though some were malicious, claiming Yu Fuqiu wanted to use the child to gain sympathy. Yu Fuqiu had never replied to a single one.

“So, letting Chun Chun come out and walk around might not be a bad thing,” Tan Ling said thoughtfully. “Moreover, you will no longer have to sneak around to see Chun Chun. You can hold his hand out in the open.”

Yu Fuqiu’s breath hitched.

“This journey does allow family members to come along.”

The Perfect Journey. Yu Fuqiu’s stiff brain began to turn slowly. Yes, how could he have forgotten? The novel had a very important plot point that made Chang Tingzhi realize Ke Qi’an could stir emotions in him that he had never felt before. It happened during an outdoor program. Chang Tingzhi participated in one episode as a guest.

It was during that specific episode that Ke Qi’an and Chang Tingzhi were stranded in the wild. The author had not described in detail what happened that night, but afterward, Chang Tingzhi began to focus all his attention on Ke Qi’an.

More than Chang Tingzhi’s change of heart, Yu Fuqiu feared Chang Tingzhi getting hurt. In the original novel, Ke Qi’an had already filmed a hit historical idol drama called Above the Brocade, winning the Best Newcomer Award. However, Yu Fuqiu had specifically recommended a more suitable candidate for that role. Consequently, Ke Qi’an did not get the part and did not have the same level of fame as he did in the novel.

Whatever Ke Qi’an wanted to do, Yu Fuqiu made sure he could not. Their first clash during the casting of an indie film was enough to witness Ke Qi’an’s ambition. He wanted to take Yu Fuqiu’s place.

“Mr. Yu, do you want Chun Chun to enter the entertainment industry?” Tan Ling asked softly.

“I respect Chun Chun’s wishes.” Yu Fuqiu rubbed the boy’s head. “But I hope more than anything that you are happy, healthy, and safe as you grow up. If you feel that doing this makes you happy, then Mommy supports all your decisions.”

Chun Chun looked up and said obediently, “Chun Chun just wants to spend more time with Mommy and visit Mommy at work.”

He had seen the person trying to destroy his parents’ relationship on the promotional material. He wanted to stay by his mother’s side to help shield her from danger. Perhaps his presence could even awaken some of his father’s memories.

“Chun Chun will stay obediently in the van and follow Sister Tan. So, Mommy, do not worry about me.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Yu, what made you decide to accept a role in an outdoor reality travel show for celebrity siblings?”

Sitting before the live camera, the interviewer smiled and handed the microphone to Yu Fuqiu. Not long ago, The Perfect Journey announced a new format featuring dual guides. Each day’s itinerary would be handled by different people, and then netizens and other celebrities would vote for their favorite and least favorite guide that evening. It was a full live broadcast with no room for faking.

After the show announced its participants one by one, the production team seemed intent on causing trouble. They simultaneously announced Yu Fuqiu and Ke Qi’an, tagging their names side by side. Unsurprisingly, Weibo exploded.

#YuFuqiu #KeQi’an #OriginalSpouseOrTheOtherPerson #ChangTingzhi

“I wanted to challenge myself again,” Yu Fuqiu smiled timidly. The beautiful corners of his eyes tilted upward, causing the interviewer to catch her breath until a staff member snapped her out of it. “I have been weighed down by work for too long. I want to see the world again.”

In truth, he just wanted to see Chang Tingzhi. Since the Changqiu Group had decided to invest in it, Chang Tingzhi would inevitably show up in person.

“Indeed, Mr. Yu is very strong and brave.” The interviewer changed the subject, glancing at the real-time comments. “However, we understand you were only recently discharged. Is your health really okay? Why did you not rest longer? Being so eager to make a comeback, do you have any special plans? Or did you decide to participate after seeing the list of invited guests?”

The comments were flying by.

[He is just chasing clout!] [Joining a show right after being discharged? Victim persona.] [Did he snatch the spot because he heard CEO Chang was coming?]

At that moment, the side door was gently pushed open. “Hi! Hello, everyone!”

The camera panned toward the newcomer. The voice was crisp and melodious. Yu Fuqiu stiffened. It was Ke Qi’an. He was dressed in light-colored clothes with his sleeves casually rolled up, looking exceptionally vibrant. He waved to the camera like a bright little sun.

“Wow, Xiao An looks great today,” the host chimed in.

Ke Qi’an walked briskly to the center and sat down near Yu Fuqiu. He tilted his head, staring at Yu Fuqiu for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Mr. Yu, long time no see. Is your health better?”

The concern sounded incredibly sincere. That is, if it had not already been leaked that the person entering the hotel with Chang Tingzhi was him. Yu Fuqiu’s lips moved slightly before he gave a cold response. He wanted to look away, but his gaze froze on the middle finger of Ke Qi’an’s hand as he brushed back his hair.

Ke Qi’an seemed unaffected. Under his influence, the awkward atmosphere in the live stream instantly became lively.

[An An is so sunny!] [The contrast is brutal. The person next to him looks like he is on mute.] [No wonder Chang Tingzhi likes this type. Who wants to face a lifeless person every day?]

When the host asked why he joined, he spoke eloquently. “I just wanted to get out, meet different people, and recharge! Plus, I heard this itinerary is very interesting.”

The ring on his middle finger reflected the studio lights, catching everyone’s attention. “Oh, Xiao An, that ring looks very special. Does it have a special meaning?”

Ke Qi’an paused, a shy smile appearing on his face. He rubbed the ring gently with his left thumb. “This,” his voice was soft, “is the first gift given to me by my favorite person. He made it himself. It took a long time, from the design to the polishing. He is a very stubborn person. His hands were covered in marks from the polishing.”

He pouted slightly. “But it was me who felt the heartache. When I applied medicine to his hands, he still said it was nothing. Tell me, why would he do that?”

Made it himself. Took a long time. The first gift.

Yu Fuqiu’s breathing stopped. He recognized it. That was the ring Chang Tingzhi had designed and hand-crafted using his first major earnings. At that time, Chang Tingzhi had knelt carefully before him and solemnly placed it on his finger.

“Qiuqiu, now that you have put on my ring, you are mine for life. You cannot escape.”

Yu Fuqiu never imagined that the final destination for that ring would be a cold trash can—or worse, the hand of another man.

“Oh, speaking of him, he just reposted it.” Ke Qi’an wore a helpless smile as he turned his phone toward the camera.

Chang Tingzhi’s Weibo had just specifically reposted Ke Qi’an’s promotional post.

@ChangTingzhi: Please take good care of An An. He is a little muddlehead who cannot even take care of himself.

Ke Qi’an replied:

@KeQi’an-AnAn: [Playful Emoji] I wonder whose fault it is that I ended up in such a mess. Anyway, please look after me.

Directly below Ke Qi’an’s post was Yu Fuqiu’s announcement. Chang Tingzhi’s account showed absolutely no activity regarding Yu Fuqiu’s post. No likes, no comments, and certainly no reposts.

Yu Fuqiu sat in the studio, looking at the screen and the laughter of the person beside him. He felt nothing but a biting, icy cold.