I’m Face-Blind, But I Devoted Myself To Three Guys - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: “Happy New Year” ..

Having received personal permission from Chi Hui, Qi Xu no longer held back and began to pester him with messages even more confidently.

Although they were only chatting via mobile, and the Simp Value didn’t increase nearly as fast as it did when he was a personal assistant, meat is still meat no matter how small the fly. Qi Xu knew how to be content and grateful.

Most importantly, there was no urgent rush—during that month or so as an assistant, Qi Xu had earned 898 points from Chi Hui alone.

At first, Qi Xu paid close attention to specific point-scoring tasks, but later he discovered that as long as he stuck to the protagonist, even helping to take out the trash earned points. He then decided to let loose, sticking to Chi Hui whenever possible and finding excuses to touch or lean on him. Chi Hui did not disappoint his “Easiest to Simp” tag and was very generous with points.

Combined with his original life points, Qi Xu’s countdown timer had surpassed four digits. For the time being, he didn’t have to feel anxious about his lifespan.

A truly celebratory occasion.

…

Soon, it was New Year’s Eve. Qi Xu’s entire family returned to the old Qi family estate.

“Good morning.” Sitting in the back seat of the car and feeling bored, Qi Xu sent greetings to all three male leads.

The first to reply was Xie Chengyan.

“Is it already morning back home? Is today New Year’s Eve?”

Only then did Qi Xu remember that Xie Chengyan was still on a business trip; there was a 14-hour time difference between them.

“Yeah, it’s New Year’s Eve today. Are you still not back?”

Since the other two protagonists hadn’t woken up yet, Qi Xu decided to “pluck the wool” from the only one who had acknowledged him.

“Do you have to work during the Spring Festival too?” “Then I won’t be able to pay you New Year greetings in person.” “When are you coming back?” “What about the jellyfish at home?”

By now, Qi Xu had developed a powerful ability to talk to himself. He didn’t care if the other party replied; he just said whatever came to mind. As long as he wasn’t blocked, he could earn a few scattered Simp points.

Xie Chengyan had just finished work and was on his way back to his residence. Seeing the string of messages from Qi Xu, he looked down and couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

The boy was worried about quite a broad range of things.

“This project is quite tricky. It’ll take about two more weeks. I won’t be able to receive your greetings in person. Someone is looking after the jellyfish.”

Qi Xu pursed his lips and scrolled through their previous chat history. This was the first time Xie Chengyan had replied with so many words.

Thinking that the man was alone in a foreign land and couldn’t even return for the New Year because of work, he figured Xie must be homesick—which is why he was breaking character and chatting.

“Then take good care of yourself and go to bed early~” Qi Xu expressed his verbal concern. “If you need help with anything, tell me.” Like feeding the jellyfish.

This time, the other side didn’t reply immediately. Qi Xu tapped his fingers on his phone, waiting quietly.

A few minutes later, Xie Chengyan sent a sentence:

“Right now, I might need a hug.”

Oh?

Qi Xu stared at the sentence and arrived at a “sure enough” conclusion. —Xie Chengyan was definitely homesick.

Qi Xu silently offered his sympathy and then found a “Stick Figure Hug” sticker from his collection and sent it over.

At his residence, Xie Chengyan was loosening his tie while scanning the cute sticker. He raised an eyebrow. This young master was unexpectedly interesting.

..

Qi Xu waited a bit longer, but Xie Chengyan’s side went completely quiet. He assumed the man had gone to rest.

Just as he was about to close his phone, a new message notification popped up. It was from Chi Hui.

“Up so early today?” It wasn’t even 8:00 AM yet; Chi Hui had just opened his eyes.

Seeing work to be done, Qi Xu immediately perked up. “Because I’m going to my grandfather’s house today.”

“Chi Hui (3): Over in the East District?” Chi Hui remembered Qi Xu mentioning his hometown was in that area.

“No, my grandfather’s house is in Chang City.”

Chang City was at least a three-hour drive away, which was why the family had set off so early.

Chi Hui looked at the location on his phone and realized Qi Xu had left the city. His lips unconsciously pressed into a thin line.

Not knowing why the other side had gone silent, Qi Xu looked for a topic: “Where are you going for the holiday today?”

The moment he sent it, he realized the topic was inappropriate. Chi Hui had no family; he would most likely be home alone.

Before Qi Xu could withdraw the message, a reply came. As expected:

“Chi Hui (3): Nowhere. Resting at home.”

Another person working until the end of the year only to spend New Year’s Eve alone.

“…” Qi Xu picked at his fingertip, suddenly feeling a bit guilty. After hesitating for a few seconds, he sent the same stick figure hug sticker he had sent to Xie Chengyan.

Chi Hui stared at the two hugging stick figures and unconsciously curled his lips.

“Childish.”

Perhaps because it was the last day of the year, everyone was exceptionally tolerant; not a single person ignored Qi Xu’s messages.

Just as they arrived at the Qi family villa and were getting out of the car, the final protagonist’s reply arrived late.

“Jiang Yingshen (1): My phone wasn’t with me just now.”

Judging by this, it seemed he had been awake for a while. Given the previous two cases, Qi Xu was suddenly worried that Jiang Yingshen’s holiday wouldn’t be easy either.

“Senior, did you get up early?” Qi Xu asked tentatively.

“Jiang Yingshen (1): Yes. I’m in my hometown, waking up early to help the elderly in the village write Spring Festival couplets.”

Oh, so he went back to his hometown. Compared to the first two, he had rest time and family company, which was pretty good.

Qi Xu felt inexplicably relieved and smiled as he sought a benefit for himself: “Senior, can you write a pair for me?”

Half a minute later, Jiang Yingshen asked: “What content do you want?”

Qi Xu tilted his head and typed four words: “Live to a hundred.”

Jiang Yingshen froze for a moment looking at those words, and only after a while did he agree: “Okay.”

Qi Xu searched through his sticker library again and sent the same hugging stick figure. A hug could be comfort, or it could be thanks. Even if they weren’t family, they should be “neatly organized” (meaning treated equally).

Ultimately, all three chat logs began with Qi Xu’s “Good morning” and ended with Qi Xu’s “Hug sticker.”

…

Ning Zhao was in the same car as Qi Xu. Seeing him typing away on his phone the whole journey, she found it novel and hooked her arm around his neck.

“Did you take up a job as a customer service rep lately?” Ning Zhao teased.

Qi Xu was bent over by her weight. He tucked his phone away. “No.”

Ning Zhao flashed a playful smile. “In love?”

Qi Xu didn’t know why his sister reached that conclusion. He shook his head. “No.”

“Have you moved your obsession to some celebrity lately?” Ignoring his denial, Ning Zhao asked again.

Qi Xu was surprised. “How did you know?”

Ning Zhao scoffed. “Is there anything about you I haven’t known since we were kids? You didn’t come home even when your break started; weren’t you working as his assistant?”

Qi Xu pursed his lips. “…” She really did know everything.

“So stupid. If you like someone, just throw money at them. Why follow him around like a servant to please him?”

“Money doesn’t work,” Qi Xu mumbled softly. After all, his hundred-thousand-dollar watch was only worth a few Simp points.

Ning Zhao let out a “Tsk,” feeling a bit frustrated at his lack of “backbone.”

“By the way, sister, have you ever heard of a group called ‘Qun Xing’ (The Stars)? A boy group from Jiahui Entertainment several years ago.” Seeing his sister mention this topic, Qi Xu couldn’t help but ask.

‘Qun Xing’ was the short-lived group Chi Hui had been in.

Ning Zhao thought for a moment with a frown before saying disdainfully, “Why would I know about a group from a rival company from years ago?”

“Help me check, please,” Qi Xu pleaded, pinning his hopes on her. His sister had many friends; she might be able to find something useful.

“Then give me half of your New Year’s red envelope money this year, and I’ll consider it.” Ning Zhao tightened her arm, smiling mischievously.

Ning Yu walked past and glanced at them. “Stop tricking him out of his money.”

Ning Zhao’s attention was diverted, and she let go of Qi Xu to start bickering with her twin brother.

…

Qi Xu followed them to see Grandfather Qi. It was a rare occasion for the whole family to sit down for a meal. After lunch, Qi Xu slipped into the flower room, took a photo, and sent it to Chi Hui.

While waiting for a reply, he sidled up to the old man with a smile. “Grandpa, can I take a pot of flowers from your flower room?”

The old man was over seventy but still stood tall and straight. He was currently playing chess with Ning Yu. He glanced at his beloved youngest grandson.

“If you’ve taken an interest in flowers lately, go pick one yourself. Be careful, some have thorns. You can ask Uncle Liu to help you.”

Having received permission, Qi Xu skipped back to the flower room. Just as he entered, Chi Hui’s video call came through.

Since Qi Xu wanted him to pick one, he immediately flipped the camera. “Did you see the photo I sent? The orchids are all here. Which one do you like?”

When the video connected, Qi Xu’s face flashed past before the camera focused on the room full of flowers. A flicker of regret that he hadn’t even noticed himself flashed through Chi Hui’s eyes.

“Whatever. Any is fine.”

“Whatever?” Qi Xu was puzzled. Didn’t he call to pick a flower?

Chi Hui pursed his lips, and realizing the issue, added: “The Mo Orchid (Ink Orchid), then.”

Following his lead, Qi Xu began picking through the many orchids his grandfather raised, zooming in on each pot for Chi Hui. He searched meticulously, whereas the person on the other end of the phone wasn’t paying much attention.

After filming a few, Qi Xu also noticed Chi Hui’s odd behavior. He blinked and flipped the camera back to himself. He stared at the person on the other side. “What’s wrong?”

Chi Hui met Qi Xu’s gaze through the lens and then looked away. “Nothing.”

Qi Xu observed Chi Hui’s expression and after a moment, he understood something. “Do you miss me?”

Chi Hui was stunned by the blunt question and reflexively looked back at the lens.

Qi Xu continued: “Is it because spending the New Year alone is too lonely?” Maybe a bit of separation anxiety? He had felt it too when he first quit.

Chi Hui’s lips thinned into a straight line, and his hand at his side clenched instinctively. He didn’t speak; he neither confirmed nor denied it.

Qi Xu pursed his lips, certain of his guess. Chi Hui probably saw every household immersed in the festive atmosphere while his own house only had a man and a dog. It was too lonely, which is why he called.

Qi Xu felt sympathetic, but he couldn’t invite him over here.

“When are you coming back?” Chi Hui skipped the previous question and asked.

Qi Xu scratched his cheek. “Probably around the fifth day of the New Year.” That was the usual time he returned.

As soon as he said it, Chi Hui’s brow furrowed. The fifth day—his vacation would be exactly over then. They would miss each other.

“Forget it. It’s nothing. The dog is just being a bit noisy; maybe it wants you to take it out for a walk.” Chi Hui made up a random excuse.

Qi Xu: “Okay, I’ll go see it as soon as I get back.”

Chi Hui nodded slightly, acting as if he didn’t care. They chatted for a few more meaningless minutes before hanging up.

…

The family reunion dinner was quite early, finishing before 7:00 PM. Qi Xu was sitting on the sofa digesting his food when he heard his sister on the phone with a friend, apparently making plans to meet up.

“It’s fine, I can drive back fast,” Ning Zhao said to the person on the phone. “Three and a half hours. Wait for me.”

Qi Xu realized something. “Sister, where are you going?”

“Back to Rong City.” Ning Zhao hung up and started putting on her coat.

Sitting nearby, Father Qi heard this and asked, “It’s so late, why are you going back?”

“Meeting friends. It’s not late; the nightlife has just begun.”

Father Qi was massaging the back of Mother Ning’s neck. “You’re not staying to keep the New Year’s vigil with us this year?”

“Isn’t it enough to have Ning Yu and Hao Hao with you?” Ning Zhao said nonchalantly.

Ning Yu didn’t even look up. “I can’t tonight. I have an international meeting. You guys stay up.”

“An international meeting? Haven’t we only had a collaboration with a subsidiary of Lin Han lately?” Mother Ning found it a bit strange.

“The person in charge there is currently abroad and didn’t come back for the New Year. They want to wrap things up as quickly as possible.” Ning Yu was still looking at the documents he would need later.

But Qi Xu realized something from their conversation. Lin Han was the Xie family’s company.

“Brother, are you talking about Xie Chengyan?”

Ning Yu looked up, remembered that Qi Xu and Xie Chengyan had a history, and nodded. “It’s him.”

Qi Xu pursed his lips and blinked twice.

“Alright, let Hao Hao stay with you for the vigil. I’m leaving.” Ning Zhao had finished packing and was ready to go.

But as she stood up, Qi Xu grabbed her arm. “I want to go with you.”

Ning Zhao frowned. “I’m staying out all night; you won’t be able to handle it.”

“No, I want to go back to Rong City with you.”

…

And so, Qi Xu got into the car to return to Rong City with his sister.

“Heh, that little brat has good eyes. He made off with the best pot of White Mo Orchid I raised.”

Grandfather Qi rested for a while after dinner. When he came out of his room, he found the juniors gone, and his pot of blooming Mo Orchid was missing too.

…

While in the car, Qi Xu asked his brother to help find out Xie Chengyan’s current address. Though puzzled, Ning Yu asked Xie Chengyan’s traveling secretary before the meeting started.

Consequently, after his meeting ended, Xie Chengyan received a call from the hotel front desk saying someone had delivered something. The secretary had told him about Ning Yu asking for the address, so he assumed it was from Ning Yu.

But when the item was brought up, he found it was a custom-made dessert. It didn’t look like something Ning Yu would send. On the small cake was a drawing of two hugging stick figures, and below them were four neat characters:

“Happy New Year~”

Xie Chengyan stared at the cake, his expression freezing for a moment. After a long while, he partially covered his lips and laughed.

…

There was a slight delay on the way back to Rong City. Finally, at 23:50, Ning Zhao dropped Qi Xu off at his apartment building.

Qi Xu held the pot of Mo Orchid, which emitted a unique, delicate fragrance. After Ning Zhao drove away, he turned around and headed straight for the old residential neighborhood nearby.

The weather was good today. Many people were outside waiting for the countdown. Even though it was close to midnight, it was still very lively. Fireworks were being set off in the distance.

As the fireworks rose into the night sky and exploded into brilliant blooms, Qi Xu couldn’t help but stop to take a photo. While he was in the elevator going up, the time struck midnight.

The New Year had arrived.

Outside, the people waiting for the countdown cheered together to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Qi Xu sent the photo he just took to Jiang Yingshen.

“Senior, Happy New Year.”

Ding—

As the message sent successfully, the elevator reached the familiar floor. Qi Xu tucked his phone away, held the flower, and stood outside the door, ringing the doorbell.

He had been a bit worried that the person inside might be asleep, but the door was opened just a few rings later.

Chi Hui thought it was Xu Changshu. He frowned and pulled the door open a crack. But when he saw the person standing outside, the expression on his face suddenly went blank.

The unique fragrance of the orchid drifted through the air. The face hidden behind the pot of White Mo Orchid was filled with a smile, and the blinking eyes were clear and beautiful.

“Happy New Year! I’m here to deliver a flower.”

Chi Hui felt as if these words were coated in honey-like sweetness. He stared at Qi Xu, blinked very lightly, and only reacted after a long moment.

Parting his lips slightly, he replied softly, “Happy New Year.”

At the same moment, the phone in Qi Xu’s pocket vibrated twice.

“Jiang Yingshen (1): Happy New Year.” “Xie Chengyan (2): Thank you for the cake. Happy New Year.”