PHM chapter 4

The studio fell completely silent, and everyone was speechless.

Pei Yuxing had actually agreed to the young man’s request without the slightest hesitation.

The production team didn’t even continue their meeting, staring over in astonishment.

Yan Xi was also surprised that the man had agreed so readily, but he quickly recovered and handed the things over. “Then I’ll trouble you.”

Pei Yuxing calmly took the paper and pen and swiftly signed his name, his strokes smooth and powerful.

Compared to an oil-based marker, Yan Xi thought the man’s fountain-pen handwriting was even more beautiful.

One shelf in the display cabinet in their home study was filled with fountain pens of all kinds. Among them was one custom-made pen that Yan Xi had only seen the man use once.

It was when the two of them went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register their marriage.

At the time, Yan Xi had been carefully filling out his information on the form. His calligraphy had been personally taught to him by the Old Mr. Yan Peili, who would hold him on his lap as a child. Every stroke was neat and proper, and when he was young, he had even represented his school in calligraphy competitions.

He thought that no matter what, his handwriting would never embarrass him.

Yet when he glanced to the side, the man was wearing a black mask, his eyelashes lowered halfway as he held a fountain pen with a black body and silver cap. The nib brushed across the paper, producing handwriting that looked almost printed.

His rich life experience seemed to have given even his handwriting a different kind of meaning.

Yan Xi’s face flushed slightly. Because of his family environment, he had absolutely no resistance to people who could write beautiful characters.

Most celebrities had their signatures specially designed. Pretty, elaborate lettering could hide many flaws, and it was relatively easy to sign. But Pei Yuxing clearly didn’t have one of those. The three characters Pei Yuxing were distinct and crisp, each stroke clean and decisive, very much like the man himself.

Yan Xi suddenly remembered that he seemed to have never gotten the man’s autograph before.

He pursed his lips. “Thank you very much.”

“What about you?”

Yan Xi was a little confused. “Me?”

Pei Yuxing smiled. “Your teammates like me very much, but what about you? Do you like me?”

Envious looks immediately came from all around them. Pei Yuxing rarely took the initiative to interact with fans.

Look, the young man was so excited he couldn’t even speak.

Yan Xi wanted to bury his toes into the ground. He couldn’t believe the man had actually slipped in a little personal agenda.

His eyes widened as he froze.

His expression seemed to amuse the man. “Hmm?”

Yan Xi took a deep breath. His face couldn’t help turning red, though his back remained perfectly straight. “I like you very much too.”

Pei Yuxing’s smile became gentle. “Thank you.”

Yan Xi returned to the group, his heartbeat still not having settled down. Lin Yi grabbed his arm and silently screamed, “Brother, you’re my real brother. From now on, I’ll work like an ox and a horse for you…”

Yan Xi handed him the autograph. “Go yourself next time.”

Lin Yi chuckled twice. “I used up all my luck this time. Where would I get another chance? Teacher Pei really gave you face.”

Knowing that he was just casually flattering him, Yan Xi still curled his lips slightly and discreetly wiped the sweat from his palm with a tissue.

He was nowhere near as calm and composed as the man. During the day, they drew a clear line between themselves in front of everyone; at night, they were intimately entwined.

With Yan Xi taking the lead, the others became bolder as well. They gathered around Pei Yuxing to ask for autographs. The man seemed to be in an especially good mood today and patiently signed for several minutes, even giving the staff members his autograph.

Su Zhi followed behind an artist and handed over a piece of autograph paper with a beautiful dark pattern printed on it. “Teacher Pei…”

Pei Yuxing capped his pen, a distant, faint smile still hanging at the corners of his lips. “Sorry, it’s already over.”

His tone was very gentle.

Su Zhi’s sweet smile froze at the corners of his lips, embarrassment washing over him from head to toe. His eyes quickly reddened, but he could only force a smile. “It’s okay. Can I look forward to next time?”

Pei Yuxing nodded. “Of course.”

He was always gentle and patient with his juniors, and no one could find fault with him.

But many people knew that they had no idea when the next time would be.

The director’s team quickly finalized the new schedule and brought the initial draft to Pei Yuxing for review.

Entertainment, Life was a variety show that combined competition and everyday life. Its purpose was to encourage people to enjoy life properly while working hard. The show was divided into Entertainment during the day and Life at night.

In the revised script, VIC’s screen time had clearly increased, but this meant that the other artists, who were originally only there as background figures, would have practically no presence at all.

After reading it, Pei Yuxing’s expression didn’t change. He only gently suggested that the extra screen time given to his own group be changed into a PK match.

Most of the guests in this episode were idols and singers, and everyone would have a chance to perform.

The chief director smiled. “Teacher Pei really has thought this through. There aren’t many people in the industry these days who are willing to give newcomers a chance like you.”

Pei Yuxing said, “They’re my own kids. It doesn’t count as giving them a chance.”

The director froze.

NEVER received the new filming schedule, and all four of them were stunned for a second. Brother Feng repeatedly confirmed with the staff whether they really were going to have a PK match against VIC.

After receiving confirmation, he was visibly excited. “Quick, go choose a song. I’ll go have a good talk with the director. We have to make sure your footage stays in the final cut.”

“You guys are really lucky to have Pei Yuxing show up for a visit. Otherwise, where would you get an opportunity like this?”

After Brother Feng left, the members of NEVER immediately began discussing things enthusiastically.

The first to speak was actually the quietest member, Ji Zhou. “Choose a new song. It’s easy to sing.”

Xia Zefan said, “Hard works too. Rap is my strong suit. I guarantee I won’t embarrass you guys.”‼

Lin Yi was worried. “What if they edit us badly? They’re obviously trying to give VIC more screen time.”

Yan Xi said, “He’s not that kind of person.”

It took Lin Yi two seconds to realize who he was talking about. His expression became indescribable. “Brother, you’re actually a fan of Teacher Pei, aren’t you?”

Yan Xi didn’t answer the question and instead brought up the song selection. “Let’s choose NEVER.”

The other three stared at him in shock.

Xia Zefan asked, “Are you serious?”

NEVER was their debut song. Back then, they had been full of ambition, putting a great deal of effort into the arrangement, choreography, and MV. The singing and dancing were difficult, and one mistake in controlling their breathing could turn the whole performance into a disaster.

Xia Zefan disagreed. “Wouldn’t it be safer to choose the new song? It has a gentle style, but love songs are also very popular right now.”

Lin Yi also said, “Besides, didn’t you say your waist was bothering you two days ago? This song is way too risky.”

“I’m not afraid of something being difficult. I’m afraid the audience won’t remember it.” Yan Xi rubbed his wrist. “Besides, having the song share the same name as the album will make it more memorable. Don’t you guys have confidence in yourselves?”

“How could we not!” Lin Yi immediately exploded. He absolutely wouldn’t allow anyone to question his professional ability. “But your waist…”

Yan Xi lowered his eyes. “It’s been fine for a while.”

Pei Yuxing still remembered that Yan Xi was a singer-dancer. Most of the time, he was restrained and patient, but that day, because he had drunk a little at a social gathering, it was inevitable that he had lost control.

His fingers clamped around Yan Xi’s chin, preventing him from looking away. His eyes were filled with obscure emotions, more aggressive than a wild beast.

Yan Xi simply hadn’t had time to look closely before he was completely lost in passion.

Once the song was decided, the guests took their positions. Pei Yuxing and two other senior artists served as judges for the event.

It wasn’t a formal competition, so the overall atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. The younger artists even teased one another and created jokes, presenting lively and enthusiastic images in front of the cameras.

VIC was a five-member group. Their leader, Ren Xiao, was a very energetic young man with eye-catching white hair. A modern dance performance immediately pushed the atmosphere to a climax.

Perhaps because their boss was present, they were still somewhat nervous during the performance. Although Pei Yuxing wasn’t the type to criticize or comment on his juniors, his presence was simply too intimidating. Moreover, he himself had come from a band and had achieved accomplishments during his brief career as a singer that they still hadn’t reached.

Naturally, the more popular artists went first. One famous idol and singer after another took the stage. VIC performed with ease, occasionally going easy on guests who had obvious weaknesses.

Yan Xi and his teammates stood in the farthest corner, watching with their blood boiling. They really wanted to get onstage.

Finally, it was their turn. The four of them were filled with fighting spirit. With just one glance, the other side understood their challenge.

“Looks like we have some opponents,” Ren Xiao said with a grin, revealing two small canine teeth. “But if you’re here to challenge us, according to the rules of the jianghu, you should give us your names first, right?”

Knowing that the four of them weren’t famous, he was deliberately giving them an opportunity.

A strong fighter didn’t fight nameless opponents.

After greeting the camera together, the members of NEVER introduced themselves one by one.

“I’m the most handsome Lin Yi in the group.”

“I’m rapper Xia Zefan.”

“Ji Zhou.”

“I’m NEVER’s leader, Yan Xi.”

Next should have been the part where both sides exchanged trash talk, but something unexpected happened in the middle. Pei Yuxing spoke.

“Peach and plum trees do not speak, yet a path forms beneath them,”¹桃李不言，下自成蹊 is an idiom from Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》), meaning that a person of good character or great merit naturally earns people’s respect without needing to seek it. he said, his expression amiable. “It’s a line of poetry I like very much.”

VIC’s captain stood frozen in place. The trash talk he had just thought of got stuck in his throat. He was still too young to hide his emotions, and his expression was full of surprise.

After all, Pei Yuxing rarely openly expressed his preferences in public, let alone when it was merely someone’s name.

It wasn’t just him. The other guests also turned to look.

After everything that had happened earlier, Yan Xi was already able to handle the man’s unexpected remarks. “My grandfather gave me this name. I was born in March, when the peach blossoms were in full bloom, and my family hoped I would grow up to be a sincere and honest person, so they borrowed the line from that poem.”

Pei Yuxing said, “Mm,” and didn’t say anything else, seemingly just curious.

The trash-talk segment naturally passed over, and as the music began, they went straight into the PK.

VIC had actually chosen a song from their debut album as well, a hit song that had become popular everywhere. Its rhythm was light and catchy. Although it seemed simple, it was actually quite demanding vocally.

They had extensive stage experience, and seeing them live was even more intimidating than watching them on screen. They were both singing-and-dancing boy groups, so the pressure on NEVER was considerable.

At the end, Ren Xiao gave them a provocative smile, arrogant and confident.

Yan Xi accepted the challenge without hesitation.

Fortunately, although they didn’t usually have any schedules, the four of them still practiced diligently, so they wouldn’t embarrass themselves in front of everyone.

They had long been a well-coordinated team, and they were no worse than groups that had debuted several years earlier.

After a brilliant RAP section by Xia Zefan, there were several seconds of silence. Then Chinese-style electronic music suddenly rang out, and Yan Xi performed a side handspring with a leg twist into the center of the stage.

When choreographing this routine, he had specifically consulted his grandmother, Ms. Bai Wanyi. As a national treasure-level dance artist, she had given her grandson many valuable suggestions.

The young man moved like a startled swan and flowed like a winding dragon.²身若惊鸿，婉若游龙 is an allusion to Cao Zhi’s description of the goddess in Ode to the Goddess of Luo, comparing graceful movement to a startled swan and a winding dragon. It describes someone whose movements are both light and swift yet elegant and fluid.

He landed from a jump, followed by two front flips. The entire sequence flowed seamlessly, and his ability to stay airborne was almost astonishing.

Someone murmured, “Is he flying?”

Yan Xi couldn’t hear them, completely confident and composed.

Soft gasps came from all around, and almost everyone was staring in stunned silence.

When it ended, thunderous applause erupted.

Ren Xiao asked exaggeratedly, “Does Newton just have no control over you?”

Yan Xi was amused by his phrasing. “Maybe our country isn’t under his jurisdiction.”

Ren Xiao didn’t hold back with his praise. “That was amazing, absolutely amazing! Director, you absolutely cannot cut this part! I’m going to watch it a hundred times when I get back!”

The last sentence was directed at the production crew.

Of course, it was just a joke for the sake of the show. Yan Xi didn’t take it seriously. At least he had already given it his all.

Naturally, there wasn’t much to comment on. VIC’s professional ability was beyond doubt. The five members nervously watched their boss, and Pei Yuxing nodded. “Not bad.”

Just two simple words made the five members of VIC relax their tense shoulders.

The host asked, “Teacher Pei, what did you think of the performance just now?”

He was referring to Yan Xi’s Chinese dance performance.

Yan Xi looked at the man, unable to stop a trace of anticipation from showing in his eyes.

Strictly speaking, he had never shown the man his strongest skill. If he really had to name something, whenever Ji Zhou rearranged a song, he would sing it for him.

At home, Pei Yuxing dressed casually. When working, he would wear frameless glasses, but no matter how busy he was, he would put down whatever he was doing and listen attentively.

His expression wouldn’t change much, but after listening, he would always give Yan Xi a simple kiss on the lips or gently stroke the back of his head with his large hand, his touch incredibly gentle.

He really wanted to hear the man’s evaluation.

Pei Yuxing, however, said, “Sorry, I was too engrossed in watching.”

“I’m an outsider when it comes to dance, so I wouldn’t dare make a rash judgment. But…” He looked at Yan Xi, a smile on his lips, his delight genuine and heartfelt. Slowly, he said, “If I were your family, I would definitely be very proud of your performance just now.”

Yan Xi hadn’t expected to receive such high praise. His eyes shone brightly, and he could even feel the envious looks coming from the members of VIC beside him.

He clasped his hands behind his back, his expression gentle as he focused on the man. “Thank you. If you were my family, I would be very happy too.”

The man remained gentle. “It would be my honor.”

It was a very ordinary exchange, yet the director frowned and quietly flipped through the group’s profile. Their credentials were mediocre, with nothing particularly impressive.

He muttered, “How strange…”

The host, eager to see the drama unfold, asked, “Then does Teacher Pei have any evaluation for Yan Xi himself?”

Pei Yuxing fell into an eerie silence for two seconds before saying, “Your waist is very flexible.”

Host: “……?”

Everyone else: “……”

Yan Xi: “……”

He felt that perhaps he still hadn’t learned how to deal with the man’s unexpected remarks.

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• 1
  桃李不言，下自成蹊 is an idiom from Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》), meaning that a person of good character or great merit naturally earns people’s respect without needing to seek it.
• 2
  身若惊鸿，婉若游龙 is an allusion to Cao Zhi’s description of the goddess in Ode to the Goddess of Luo, comparing graceful movement to a startled swan and a winding dragon. It describes someone whose movements are both light and swift yet elegant and fluid.