TCWSITD – Chapter 69

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Chapter 69 – Awards Ceremony

The event Lin Jiang was attending was the official Year-End Gala, and both he and Shen Ju were on the guest list.

At first light, Lin Jiang was already up. He slipped into the suit he’d prepared long in advance and tightened his tie. Shen Ju’s throat bobbed as he watched— the more he looked, the hungrier he felt.

He hadn’t slept much last night, his hair a mess and dark circles under his eyes. He regretted letting Lin Jiang off the hook yesterday. Surely, even with the event, they could’ve taken it easy?

As his thoughts wandered, Lin Jiang caught his gaze in the mirror. It was the first time Shen Ju had seen him in a suit, and he couldn’t resist climbing up to drape himself over Lin Jiang’s shoulders. “It’s still early. How about we… do something?”

Lin Jiang chuckled softly and withdrew his eyes. That look alone was enough to steal Shen Ju’s breath. Shen Ju took Lin Jiang’s hand and kissed it, only to hear Lin Jiang’s voice from above. “Sure. If you don’t get out of bed now, I’ll make sure you won’t be able to get up at all. Then the people outside who keep guessing about who tops and who bottoms will finally get their answer.”

This was a matter of pride. Shen Ju had already been losing ground in nearly every way, and if he couldn’t at least hold his own place in the relationship, he truly feared Lin Jiang might slip away from him.

With a jolt, he scrambled up, quickly washed his hair, showered, and blow-dried it. Once the suit was on, the aura of a young noble instantly emerged.

Lin Jiang watched him, and for a moment it felt like stepping back to the first time they met in person—his delicate demeanor so refined, standing there like an untouchable aristocrat who’d never known hardship.

As expected, wealthy people just had a different aura about them.

Even though Shen Ju was only nineteen, the tailored suit fit him impeccably, without any hint of a kid playing dress-up in adult clothes.¹小孩偷穿大人西装 (xiǎo hái tōu chuān dà rén xī zhuāng) – a metaphor meaning clothes that look too big or mature for someone—implies awkwardness or ill fit.

Lin Jiang admitted that part of his initial attraction to Shen Ju had been because of He Gu. At first glance, he resembled the boy Lin Jiang had once been infatuated with. Yet as they grew closer, Lin Jiang came to understand that the two were, in truth, nothing alike.

He Gu would never have been so thick-skinned.²没脸没皮 (méi liǎn méi pí) – lit. no face and no skin; A colloquial expression meaning shameless, thick-skinned, or brazen.

As Lin Jiang adjusted Shen Ju’s tie, a laugh slipped out before he could stop himself. SShen Ju looked at his tie, then at him. “What’s wrong? Did I choose an ugly color?”

“It looks good,” Lin Jiang said, patting his shoulder and smiling at him. “Blue makes you look young.”

Shen Ju: ?

I am already very young, okay?

On this point, he was quite confident. Running a hand through his half-dried hair, he suddenly tilted his head and asked, “Lin Jiang, do you really like blue? I noticed most of your home’s decor is blue.”

Lin Jiang paused for a moment, then suddenly realized that the interior here had been designed according to He Gu’s preferences. He had always meant to change it, but somehow forgot every time.

He glanced around. “What colors do you like?””

“Warm tones. They feel more comfortable to live in.”

Lin Jiang nodded. Blue really was too cold—no wonder he always felt a sense of emptiness when staying at home.

By the time they finished packing, Old Mao’s call came through, urging him to hurry over. The event wouldn’t start until seven in the evening, so calling him over at this hour was most likely just to gossip about him.

Lin Jiang agreed verbally but took Shen Ju out for a good meal first. It wasn’t until close to five o’clock that he leisurely brought him to the venue.

The moment he arrived, Old Mao grabbed him and boomed, “Lin Jiang, why are you avoiding us? Did you bring your little boyfriend or not?”

Then he saw Shen Ju following beside Lin Jiang, dressed in a suit and actually looking quite the part. Old Mao gave him a once-over and found no flaws. “Lin Jiang, you’ve really got guts. You even dared to take in a dog this fierce.”

Old Mao had barely finished speaking when Shen Ju shot him a glare. “Look, look! He’s even glaring at me—no respect for elders at all!”

Lin Jiang couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t scare him, he’s still young.”

Old Mao: ?

Lin Jiang, you traitor! Putting romance before friendship!

Lin Jiang’s sense of timing was impeccable. Before his teasing friends could start poking fun at him and Shen Ju, it was already time to enter the venue.

Everyone had assigned seats. Lin Jiang sat with Duren and the others, while Old Mao and his group could only stare helplessly from two rows back.

A beep sounded from his phone—Old Mao was gossiping from afar. Shen Ju glanced at the vibrating device and asked, puzzled, “Does he really want to know that much about me?”

Lin Jiang chuckled and ruffled his hair, then suddenly leaned in close to his ear. “What they’re curious about isn’t you—it’s my boyfriend.”

His voice was too seductive, making Shen Ju’s ears burn red in the middle of the crowd.

So many eyes on us—could he maybe be a little more mindful of appearances…?

The reporters behind them snapped photos furiously, already drafting headlines in their minds: Sweet whispers between the young couple, who are they trying to kill with sweetness?

The award ceremony began shortly after, and it dragged on for quite a while.

After two years, Lin Jiang once again claimed the title of Best Mid Laner, leaving countless fans nostalgic for the return of their youth.

Just by watching the screen, you could feel that Lin Jiang was in excellent form. It seemed as if he had truly climbed out of the mud and would never fall back again.

After the host’s introduction, the presenter took the stage to hand out the awards. Lin Jiang never expected that the one stepping up would be… He Gu.

The moment He Gu appeared, the atmosphere exploded. This was his very first public appearance at an event!

Reporters snapped photos like mad, their minds racing with explosive headlines:

Mysterious industry investor makes debut at awards!

Lin Jiang awarded by former KUG boss

The He family’s heir makes first public appearance

Any one of these could easily make it onto trending searches!

Moreover, news about Lin Jiang and He Gu has been circulating online recently. He Gu specially came to present him with the award—no matter how you look at it, this is extremely sensational news!

[Ahhhh Young Master He really hasn’t moved on!]

[He’s so in love. Lin Jiang’s already public with someone else, yet he still went up to give him the award!]

[He specially waited for Lin Jiang, presenting the award only to him.]

[This is too heartbreaking, Young Master He and Lin Jiang look so perfect together…]

[Why did my “dual-power CP” have to have a bad ending?]

[Isn’t the little dog good too? Obedient in every way³百依百顺 (bǎi yī bǎi shùn) – idiom meaning “obeys in everything,” describing someone who is completely compliant or obedient., and can be playful.]

[Still, Young Master He and Lin Jiang have known each other for almost five years!]

[Suddenly feels like it’s not over between them yet.]

In truth, it had been even longer than five years. Lin Jiang lowered his head to accept the trophy, avoiding He Gu’s gaze. When that hand, wearing a blue watch, reached out, Lin Jiang actually hesitated for a moment.

In his heart, he and He Gu were already history. But for He Gu, who had no memories of their previous life, this relationship had never truly ended.

Camera flashes clicked incessantly around them. Lin Jiang composed himself and shook his hand firmly.

He Gu tightened his grip slightly. The watch reflected brilliant light under the flashes, which reminded Lin Jiang of everything that had happened between them.

Before Lin Jiang could fully process it, He Gu had already let go.

He was a man of decorum. Even if he hadn’t moved on, he wouldn’t embarrass Lin Jiang in public. Yet it was precisely this restraint that sent the internet into a frenzy.

He stood on stage delivering his congratulatory speech with steady, powerful words, showcasing the same commanding presence he had shown at the press conference. There’s no denying it—he truly wa]s a man who carries himself well in business.

Five years of shared history, and now their only interaction was the awarding of a prize. Every phrase was devoid of romance, filled solely with genuine goodwill.

Lin Jiang smiled as he looked at the audience below. Although he didn’t glance at He Gu, he was still grateful that the other had given him this final act of grace.

Let this be where they cleanly severed ties.

From now on, they would each shine in their own respective fields.

Lin Jiang collected his award and made his exit. Next up was the Best AD award, which went to Shen Ju.

As Shen Ju took the stage, Lin Jiang happened to be walking back. His certificate slipped from his hands, and Shen Ju immediately turned back to pick it up for him, ensuring he returned safely before finally going up to accept his own award, forcing the host to improvise for two whole minutes.

That moment immediately refocused the online fans who had been shipping Lin Jiang and He Gu, bringing them back to reality.

[I, Shen Ju, will always live beyond the rules.]

[This is good, though. I’ve always felt Lin Jiang was too tense. A rule-breaking puppy suits him perfectly!]

[Hahaha, inexplicably got shown some couple affection.]

[Who would’ve thought Dog Shen was waiting to ambush us here? So annoying.]

[I’m still sticking with my Lin Jiang-Shen Ju CP. Young Master He is too rational. I prefer blatant favoritism.]

[He Gu is great, but Shen Ju isn’t bad either.]

Shen Ju, who had been facing overwhelming backlash online, managed to flip public opinion in his favor with just one dramatic gesture at the awards ceremony.

This made many who hadn’t understood Lin Jiang’s choice gradually understand his choice.

Actually, thinking carefully, Shen Ju is really quite nice, especially today wearing a suit—many people sighed, thinking that Lin Jiang has been quietly enjoying the good things.

After the event, Old Mao treated Lin Jiang and the others to a meal. They drank until they were tipsy, and Old Mao slung an arm around Lin Jiang’s shoulders, speaking to him like a seasoned elder.

“I think you made the right choice. Life’s about choosing what makes you comfortable. Little Dog Shen is clearly the right fit for you. You won’t regret being with him. I support you, brother!”

Lin Jiang smiled and downed his drink. His gaze drifted to Shen Ju, who was sobering up on the balcony, constantly glancing back at him as if afraid he’d run away.

He could feel it—Shen Ju truly cared about him.

He poured Old Mao another drink. “Shen Ju can’t handle alcohol well. I’ll drink this toast on his behalf.”

Old Mao grumbled, “Even if he can’t hold his liquor, you shouldn’t be the one covering for him. I’ve already handed you over to him and promised the whole internet he’d treat you right. But that kid doesn’t seem like the loyal type. If he ever bullies you or betrays you, just tell me. I’ll deal with him for you!”

Lin Jiang chuckled, draining his glass in one go. Through the glass, he watched Shen Ju on the balcony. “Don’t worry,” he murmured, “Shen Ju is someone who stays loyal.”

That transparent jade pendant was something his grandmother had prayed for and given to him. Over the years, it had weathered countless hardships and lost its monetary value long ago—but he had never once considered taking it off.

Perhaps it all started with that jade pendant. Lin Jiang’s feelings for Shen Ju had spiraled increasingly out of control since then.

Lin Jiang is someone who worries a lot about gain and loss. At home, he is dispensable; in his career, he can be replaced at any time. What he truly needed was steadfast, enduring love.

Indeed, the dazzle of youth was fleeting. If he had calmly thought it through, he would have realized long ago that someone like He Gu, who treats everything so lightly, was never right for him.

What he needed was someone who would stay by his side at all times, someone who would always hold him in their heart.

Just like that jade pendant, perhaps no one else valued it anymore, but years later, there was still someone willing to cherish and preserve it carefully.

Lin Jiang finished his last drink, set down the glass, and stood up. “I can’t drink anymore. You guys go ahead. If I keep going, my little boyfriend might get jealous.”

“Lin Jiang, you bastard, leaving so early? You’re less free than when you were single.”

“Hahaha, just get out of here already! We don’t want to smell the stench of your lovey-dovey crap!”

Amid the teasing, Lin Jiang got up and walked over to Shen Ju. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go. I’ll take you for your favorite late-night snack.”

Shen Ju’s eyes instantly lit up. He quickly stood and grasped Lin Jiang’s hand with his own icy fingers, holding on tightly. “I thought you’d forgotten about me…”

Author’s Note:

Earlier in this timeline, something happened to He Gu, which will be revealed in the extras. There are about two more chapters left in the main story before we move into He Gu’s previous-life perspective in the extras, which will mainly uncover some events from Lin Jiang’s previous life.

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• 1
  小孩偷穿大人西装 (xiǎo hái tōu chuān dà rén xī zhuāng) – a metaphor meaning clothes that look too big or mature for someone—implies awkwardness or ill fit.
• 2
  没脸没皮 (méi liǎn méi pí) – lit. no face and no skin; A colloquial expression meaning shameless, thick-skinned, or brazen.
• 3
  百依百顺 (bǎi yī bǎi shùn) – idiom meaning “obeys in everything,” describing someone who is completely compliant or obedient.