In a Relationship With the Rugged Guy Next Door - Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Face It and Resolve It Proactively

Chu Feng’s traditional “big man” logic came in waves. Since Chen Jingming could never win an argument against him, he simply stopped trying to resist.

Back then, Chu Feng’s theory of “not accepting my kindness is the same as not forgiving me” had left Chen Jingming speechless. That was exactly how Chu Feng had managed to drag him into the bathroom to shower together.

It had been like this since they were kids. Chen Jingming used to follow him around, calling him “Brother” over and over. From the moment Chu Feng accepted that title, he truly treated Jingming like a younger brother—looking after him and, occasionally, bossing him around.

Thinking of this, Chen Jingming didn’t find Chu Feng annoying anymore. He leaned in with a sweet smile and kissed his cheek.

Chu Feng chuckled, taking this as Jingming’s silent agreement. “Good boy,” he said, satisfied.

Since they were finally in the city together, they went to the mall after dinner to shop for clothes. Neither of them were fashionistas; high-concept designs made them feel awkward. In the end, Chen Jingming picked a Donald Duck collaboration T-shirt, while Chu Feng stuck to solid colors.

…

Work and Side Hustles

With the Folk Museum preparing for its grand opening, Chen Jingming had plenty of work. He and Jin Ge spent a week finalizing the collection list. Since the best provincial artifacts had long since been moved to the Provincial Museum, the Wanyi Group had to use its significant influence. Xu Yue made several trips and managed to secure a decent collection.

Next, Chen Jingming and Jin Ge began setting up the exhibits, aiming for an opening during the National Day holiday.

Having a stable job improved Chen Jingming’s mental state significantly. When he wasn’t busy, he would “slack off” at his desk and write scripts. His podcast was still updating, featuring stories about the town and the ranch. He turned these experiences into articles and then recorded them. His most popular episode, “I Have a Friend,” was about Hu Xianyun.

He occasionally checked the comments and found them very interesting. He had tried to write an article with Chu Feng as the protagonist, but as soon as he picked up the pen, his mind filled with “R-rated” thoughts, so he had to give up.

By the end of August, summer in Changxi was fading. Chen Jingming visited the ranch often. The newly leased land now had a new cattle shed. They moved the cattle set for market after the New Year to the new site, freeing up the sheds near the dorms for the calves. New calves were prone to illness and needed frequent checkups from the vet, so being close to the dorms was more convenient.

…

The Script Offer

One Friday after work, Chen Jingming rode his motorcycle toward the ranch. He finished at 5:00 PM, just in time for dinner and to help Meng Qingyu with her livestream. His phone, mounted on the bike’s handlebar, buzzed with a call from Penny.

He pulled over to answer. “Hello? Sister Penny.”

“Halo, Screenwriter Chen! How have you been?”

“Pretty good. I’m riding to my brother’s ranch. How about you?”

“Haha, I’m doing well,” Penny said. “Actually, I’m calling for a reason. I saw you have a new script out. How is the progress on ‘I’ll Tell You a Happy Story’?”

Chen Jingming was surprised. Was Penny interested? Her company, Xingyu, usually produced TV dramas, never movies. But since they worked well together on The Child, he explained the current situation.

He told her he had passed on the high-paying but disreputable company and declined entering competitions because he needed money sooner rather than later.

“I see…” Penny paused. “Screenwriter Chen, do you know Huo Xin?”

Chen Jingming’s eyes lit up. “Of course!”

Huo Xin was a hot young director who had won several awards. He was known for making “dark” or niche “underground” themes accessible and commercially successful—a rare feat for an indie director.

“Huo Xin is my junior. He saw your script and is very interested,” Penny said, then laughed a bit sheepishly. “But you know, the budgets for these indie films aren’t high…”

Chen Jingming had refused Chu Feng and Xue Dongni’s advice to wait because he wanted money fast. But now that it was Huo Xin, his heart wavered. Even for a lower price, he wanted to collaborate.

“May I ask… how much?”

“400k,” Penny said.

Chen Jingming’s heart sank. “Ah… that…” The other two companies were offering 550k and 530k.

“I understand,” Penny said quickly. “Money is hard to earn these days. It’s a significant difference.”

“Actually, I’m grateful I can even command this price because of you and The Child,” Jingming replied politely.

“Haha, just good luck,” Penny teased. “I’ll never be able to buy your work for 50k again!”

After hanging up, Chen Jingming stood on the mountain road for a long time. He looked down at the ranch. He remembered the first time Chu Feng brought him here and how the vast scenery had lifted his depression.

He decided not to take the deal with Huo Xin. He needed the money. His foster parents had money, which is why they could adopt him. Now, he needed money to buy his freedom and ease Chu Feng’s burden. He wouldn’t sell his soul to a bad company, but among the good options, he would choose the highest bidder.

…

Mischief and Business

“Brother?” Chen Jingming walked into the office.

Chu Feng was signing documents. He reached out and pulled Jingming onto his lap. “Dinner is almost ready.”

“Are the kiwis ripe?” Jingming asked, looking at the papers.

“Mhm. Picking starts next week.” Chu Feng finished signing and hugged Jingming tightly. “Let me hold you for a bit… ugh, you’re sweaty.”

“Hahaha!” Chen Jingming playfully held Chu Feng’s head against his chest. “Smell it! That’s ‘manly scent,’ okay?”

Chu Feng played along, but then suddenly licked him right through the shirt.

“Ah!” Chen Jingming jumped up, clutching his chest. “You jerk!” There was a small wet patch on his T-shirt.

“What if someone sees?”

“They won’t,” Chu Feng said with a rogue grin, pulling Jingming back by the waist to kiss him. Just as they were messing around, a groan came from the door.

Chen Lang, in a white tank top and looking two shades darker from the sun, stood there with his hands on his hips. “This is an office. I truly give up on you two.”

Chen Jingming adjusted his clothes, blushing. “Brother Lang.”

They discussed some business regarding a supplier’s final payment. Chu Feng, the “rule-follower,” insisted on verifying everything before paying, while Chen Lang, the “relationship-builder,” wanted to be more flexible. They often bickered, but their “good cop, bad cop” routine worked perfectly for the business.

…

The Decision

During dinner at the canteen, the holiday season came up.

“September and October have two holidays back to back. We have more cattle and more staff this year; make sure the shifts are scheduled,” Chu Feng said.

Chen Lang nodded. “Are you two going anywhere?”

Chen Jingming stayed quiet, smiling vaguely. Chu Feng realized that National Day coincided with the death anniversary of his foster parents’ biological son. Every year during this holiday, the house was filled with a suffocating atmosphere of mourning, and Jingming had to pretend he didn’t know why.

Chu Feng felt a pang of pain for him. He planned to take time off to take Jingming on a trip, and he hoped to settle things with the foster parents before the New Year.

That night, while they were brushing their teeth, Chu Feng noticed Jingming was still distracted. “You have something to tell me, don’t you?”

“I’ll tell you after I finish brushing,” Jingming mumbled.

Later, they sat on the sofa. Chen Jingming turned to face Chu Feng, his expression serious.

“Brother, I want to go to Chaoshan.”

Chu Feng froze.

“I want to talk to them in person and make things clear,” Chen Jingming said, holding Chu Feng’s hand. “Their son’s anniversary is the 4th. I’ve always known that. I don’t want to run away anymore. I know you want to solve it for me, but I lived with them for so many years. I’m the one who was adopted, and I’m the one who wants to end the relationship. I should be the one to stand up and face it.”

Chu Feng looked at him, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and melancholy. Chen Jingming didn’t act spoiled this time; he was firm.

“Brother, let me go.”

Chu Feng stayed silent for a moment before finally nodding. “I know. I’ll go back with you.”