In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Crayon Shin-chan Going to Work in a Suit

Chu Feng propped up Jingming’s rear with his hands. “What?”

“I have a new job! Even though it’s short-term.” Jingming climbed higher on his shoulders, his legs wrapping tightly around Chu Feng’s waist. “Remember that script I sold in college? I wrote it when I was quite naive, but they’re actually going to film it. And so soon!”

“That’s amazing.” Chu Feng squatted down to let him off. “Get down and eat breakfast. Where is the shoot? How long will you be gone?”

“The filming is in the Southeast, but the script reading is in Shanghai. The producer said it’ll take about a week.”

Chu Feng’s face darkened instantly. “A week in Shanghai?”

“Yeah,” Jingming said, blowing on his porridge. “It’s a great opportunity, Brother. I can earn money and make industry connections.”

“I’m going with you,” Chu Feng declared.

“Huh?”

“I don’t feel safe letting you go alone,” Chu Feng said firmly. “What if you run into those extreme fans again?”

Jingming felt a pang in his chest. He realized that while he was trying to move on, Chu Feng’s pain and worry were just as deep as his own. “Brother, that’s over now. I can take care of myself. I’ve traveled for school and work on my own for years.”

“I’m not saying you’re incapable,” Chu Feng sighed, peeling a salted egg for him. “I just… I’d feel better if I were there to look after you.”

“But what about the ranch? Lang-ge isn’t back yet.”

They argued back and forth for two days. Jingming tried being soft, then firm, but Chu Feng was as stubborn as a mule (or a bull, fittingly). Eventually, due to the sheer volume of work at the ranch, Chu Feng reached a compromise: he would escort Jingming to Shanghai, get him settled in the hotel, and then fly back immediately.

…

Departure to Shanghai

After finishing his final tasks for Fengwu and saying goodbye to his mentors, Jingming prepared for the trip.

Chu Feng arrived home late the night before the flight. He saw Jingming sprawled out asleep on the sofa with the TV still on. Despite his exhaustion, seeing someone waiting for him made his heart swell.

The next morning, they flew to Shanghai. Jingming had chosen seats in the front row so Chu Feng’s large frame would have more legroom. It was their first real trip together.

Upon arriving at the four-star hotel booked by the production company, Chu Feng immediately drew stares. With his fitted T-shirt, jeans, old hiking backpack, and aviators tucked into his collar, he exuded a “wild, rugged alpha” energy.

Within two minutes of checking in, a man actually approached Chu Feng to ask for his WeChat.

“Sorry, not interested,” Chu Feng said.

Jingming turned around, squinting playfully at him. Behave yourself.

“Yes, sir,” Chu Feng nodded with a grin.

…

The “Brother-in-Law” Dinner

While Jingming had to attend a dinner with the production team, Chu Feng received a call from Chen Lang.

“My partner, Fu Yu, wants to treat the two of you to dinner tonight,” Lang said. “Since I’m Jingming’s cousin and you’re with him, that makes you and Fu Yu ‘brothers-in-law’ (连襟). Why not have a meal?”

Chu Feng laughed at the term. Since Jingming was busy, he went alone to Fu Yu’s high-end restaurant.

Meanwhile, Jingming arrived at the production dinner. To his surprise, a familiar face was there.

“Jingming, hello,” Shao Yuting greeted him. “Want to sit next to me?”

The producer, Penny, introduced Jingming as the original screenwriter of The Child (the censored title of The Ugly Child). The mood was light. Shao Yuting, a “traffic star,” was the biggest name there, acting as a favor to the producer.

Jingming handled the social situation gracefully. Although he was young, his years of living with his adoptive parents had taught him how to read the room and speak considerately.

…

The Departure

At 9:30 PM, Chu Feng picked Jingming up from the restaurant. He was holding two takeout containers from Fu Yu’s restaurant for Jingming to try.

“Baby also has to do ‘business’ drinking now,” Chu Feng teased as a slightly tipsy Jingming leaned against his chest.

“I’m not a baby,” Jingming mumbled.

“In my eyes, you always will be.”

The next morning, Chu Feng had to leave at 9 AM. He woke Jingming gently. “Baby, I’m heading out.”

Jingming hugged his neck. “Safe travels. Don’t worry about me.”

Chu Feng kissed his cheek. He smelled like fresh shaving water. “I’m not worried anymore. I saw how well you handled everything yesterday.” He paused, looking at Jingming with a soft smile. “I always knew you were capable, but mentally, I just couldn’t let go. Seeing you go to work… it feels like Crayon Shin-chan going to work in a suit.”

Jingming collapsed back onto the bed laughing.

Chu Feng tucked him back in. “Sleep a little longer.” He kissed Jingming’s forehead, turned off the light, and quietly closed the door.