PHM chapter 16

Chinese Poetry and Culture Conference was not a well-known program, but Yan Xi really liked it. He watched every episode from beginning to end and had even started looking forward to the recording.

Still, he was a little nervous. The entire commentary panel was made up of accomplished scholars, while he had never formally studied literature. Everything he knew had come from his grandfather teaching him bits and pieces over the years. It felt a little like showing off in front of an expert.

While waiting backstage, he gave his teammates a surprise quiz. All of them looked bitter from start to finish.

He asked them two questions, and they stared at each other blankly, seemingly waiting for someone to give them the answer.

Yan Xi closed his eyes and took a long while to recover.

Lin Yi said expressionlessly, “I’m only eighteen. I haven’t even taken the college entrance exam yet. Why are you making things so difficult for me?”

Xia Zefan said, “Why don’t we just disband and go find Ren Xiao to form a new group? He only got sixty points on his college entrance exam. He’d fit in better with us.”

Ji Zhou said, “The group name.”

Yan Xi’s voice was cold. “Long Live Passing.”

The others: “……”

They instantly fell silent like quails, not daring to say another word.

Brother Feng walked in from outside. “The other guest is here.”

Yan Xi froze. “The other guest?”

His brows furrowed slightly. “The production team never notified us.”

Brother Feng smiled bitterly. “He was added at the last minute. It’s a small show, you know how it is. The sponsor is the boss. Speaking of which, this guest is actually a familiar face.”

He did not keep them in suspense. “It’s Su Zhi.”

Yan Xi was surprised. “Why is he here for this program?”

When the previous episode of Entertainment, Life aired, Su Zhi had appeared on the show with Pei Yuxing and ended up trending alongside him. Although it was not exactly positive news, it had made many viewers familiar with his name. His team had subsequently bought several rounds of promotional articles, and he seemed to have even landed two new endorsement deals. His resources were clearly not bad.

Actually, Yan Xi did not have a good impression of Su Zhi. He had inherited Old Mr. Yan Peili’s temperament and was rather protective of his own people.

He was not stupid. The last time Su Zhi had been on the trending searches, he had deliberately attacked Pei Yuxing from a particular angle, trying to stick the label of “bullying a junior” on him while portraying Su Zhi as the pitiful victim.

Fortunately, he still knew Pei Yuxing’s standing in the industry, so he had acted secretly and did not dare bring it into the open.

The courage of an ant trying to shake a tree—Yan Xi didn’t know whether it deserved praise or not.

“His group was only contracted for two years, and the contract is about to expire. The members are fighting fiercely over resources, and I heard Su Zhi and the company aren’t getting along very well. He’s been having a rough time lately.” Brother Feng said, “This show is still considered a proper variety program, and if he manages to establish a top-student persona, he might even have a chance at government-related resources.”

Yan Xi pursed his lips, his brows still furrowed as he muttered, “How could he establish that?”

His grandfather had spent his entire life teaching and educating others. Through freezing winters and scorching summers, he had never dared to call himself a diligent scholar.

He knew this was not something he should be worrying about, but he still felt somewhat melancholy.

He was a little nervous before going onstage, so Yan Xi went to the restroom. On his way back, he passed a lounge, and voices came from inside.

They were complaining about one of the judges.

“Who does some lousy professor think he is, giving me attitude? I gave him a chance to cooperate, but he refused, so he can take the consequences. It’s not like leaking a question is going to kill him.”

“There are other guests today. Be careful someone hears you and causes trouble.”

“That NEVER?” The young man was not afraid at all. “A nobody from the eighteenth tier who doesn’t even have any fans. If their leader hadn’t gone to ask for an autograph last time, how could I have embarrassed myself?”

“He sure was eager to come running over. He probably thinks he can use this as a stepping stone to climb higher. He should think about it—why would Pei Yuxing ever take a liking to him?”

He was getting more and more ridiculous, so the manager hurriedly cut him off. “Everyone wants to get into Stairway. If you want to get signed, stop stirring up trouble. And don’t let anyone hear Pei Yuxing’s name from you.”

His artist still had a sour expression, but at least he stopped talking.

His manager had been driven to the point of a headache by this troublemaker. “It’s about to start. Let’s go over first.”

The door opened, and Yan Xi came face-to-face with them.

…Actually, he had no intention of being the gentleman who listened beneath the wall. Unfortunately, he had heard his husband’s name, so the gossip had landed right in his own lap.

The manager’s expression stiffened.

But someone who had been around the entertainment industry for years had seen all kinds of situations. He immediately put on a smile. “Teacher Yan, what brings you here? Did you have trouble finding your own lounge?”

It sounded almost as if he were implying that Yan Xi had deliberately come over to eavesdrop.

Yan Xi spread his hands, droplets of water still clinging to them, his gaze clear and innocent. “I went to the restroom.”

“Oh, I see.” The manager’s expression did not change. His face looked remarkably benevolent. “Please take good care of our Xiao Zhi during the recording later. He’s too straightforward and can’t keep things to himself. I’ll have to trouble you to look after him a little. Xiao Zhi’s fans will remember your kindness too.”

He was very smooth-talking.

Being thoughtless was just part of his personality, and since he was older, Yan Xi should not hold it against him. But what would happen if he did? He would probably be attacked by his fans.

Yan Xi shook his head. “I’m still inexperienced myself. I’m not capable of looking after someone else. Sorry.”

The manager’s expression immediately turned ugly.

But what did that have to do with Yan Xi?

He simply didn’t have a heart broad enough to forgive someone who spoke badly about him behind his back.

Yan Xi lowered his head and walked forward, but before he could take two steps, someone called out to him.

Su Zhi clearly did not have his manager’s composure. His popularity gave him plenty of confidence, and his tone was extremely impolite. “Are you leaving without even greeting your senior? Your company doesn’t seem to have taught you much about manners.”

Yan Xi said, “But you’re not my senior.”

Then he seriously started doing the math with him. “Although we’re not famous, we officially debuted three years ago. That’s one year longer than you.”

Su Zhi: “……”

Yan Xi turned around and stood straight. “Do you want to say goodbye to your senior?”

Su Zhi: “……”

In the end, of course, he did not say goodbye.

The young man was furious. He glared fiercely at Yan Xi before turning and walking away.

Yan Xi did not feel particularly affected, whether frightened or uneasy. Perhaps he had developed the mindset of someone who had already been boiled beyond caring.

If Ms. Bai Wanyi had been there, she probably would have rolled her eyes elegantly and once again complained that the grandfather and grandson were clearly not cut from the same cloth, while feeling relieved that her son had inherited her temper and had only a couple fewer gray hairs to show for it.

There was no time to tell Brother Feng and the others about the little incident. Yan Xi was directly led into the studio by a staff member, where everyone was already seated.

The contestants this episode were university students from all over the country. They wore name tags on their chests, with the names of their universities engraved beneath their own names.

It was a gathering of talented people.

Yan Xi found his seat and sat down. Directly in front of him was Professor Lu Wenqi, while Su Zhi sat beside him, making it impossible for the cameras not to catch him.

There were three judges in total. The other two were Madam Zhou Eya from Humanities University and Professor Bai Fengyu from Dongcheng University.

Although the two of them were not as widely known as Lu Wenqi, they were equally accomplished in the literary world.

Yan Xi felt deeply respectful toward them for being willing to come to such a small program to promote traditional Chinese culture.

He had a deep-rooted admiration for scholars.

Perhaps Pei Yuxing had noticed his young husband’s fondness for them. Whenever they had free time, he would sit with him on the balcony and read thick English classics aloud to him.

His pronunciation had the refined accent of an English gentleman, and his rich voice was intoxicating.

It was an extremely enjoyable time alone together.

The recording process was fairly standard. Perhaps the production team had given the judges a heads-up, because the teachers asked the guests an unusually large number of questions today. Aside from Yan Xi, every member of NEVER sat rigidly upright, like students being called on in class.

They somehow felt like they were back in school while at work.

The few of them knew their own abilities and did not try to show off in a setting like this, quietly acting as decoration.

Su Zhi, on the other hand, handled himself with ease. He put away his arrogance in private and presented himself as obedient and cheerful—the exact image that his girlfriend fans and mom fans loved most.

Of course, he could not answer that many of the questions. Fortunately, Madam Zhou Eya was extremely kind toward younger people and often managed to smooth things over without making it obvious. Professor Bai Fengyu was somewhat old-fashioned, but he did not say much.

So when Lu Wenqi opened his mouth to criticize them, the half-asleep Lin Yi and the others instantly woke up.

They sat upright, behaving impeccably.

The question was related to the “Four Gentlemen.” The students onstage took turns naming several poems related to plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, and then used them as the basis for discussion.¹The “Four Gentlemen” (四君子) refers to four plants traditionally celebrated in Chinese art and literature for the virtues they symbolize: plum blossoms for resilience and purity, orchids for elegance and integrity, bamboo for uprightness and humility, and chrysanthemums for nobility and steadfastness. Together, they represent the ideal character of a cultivated gentleman.

Perhaps Su Zhi’s team wanted him to show off a little. From below the stage, they quietly held up a cue card, citing and analyzing an article that they claimed had been written by Lu Wenqi.

Su Zhi read it aloud, speaking as though he knew exactly what he was talking about.

At that moment, Xia Zefan secretly whispered to Yan Xi, sounding a little sour. “Not bad. They actually managed to dig this out. They’re going to let him show off.”

But their team leader solemnly shook his head.

“After reading On the Gentleman and Bamboo, I was deeply moved. I really admire Teacher Lu.” Su Zhi smiled brightly, his eyes filled with admiration.

Lu Wenqi did not interrupt him. He even praised him. “This article is not widely circulated. It’s not easy for you to find it and understand it so thoroughly.”

Su Zhi smiled faintly.

Lu Wenqi said, “If only it had really been written by me.”

“……”

The atmosphere on set froze for a moment. Lu Wenqi rubbed salt into the wound. “A full pot makes no sound, while a half-full pot rattles. Literature cannot be pursued with impatience or a desire for quick success. Patience is the foundation of all intelligence and wisdom.”

He had practically pointed at Su Zhi’s face and cursed him.

It was incredibly awkward.

If the cameras had not been rolling, Su Zhi probably would have breathed fire right there and then.

The host tried to smooth things over. “Teacher Lu really is as strict as ever.”

Lu Wenqi even dragged the host into it. “Of course. What else? Literature isn’t meant to be used as a stepping stone.”

The host: “……”

In short, it was terrifying.

The members of NEVER silently lowered their heads, not daring to make eye contact with any of the teachers onstage.

Only Yan Xi kept his back perfectly straight.

Su Zhi gritted his teeth, his embarrassed expression turning ashamed. “My knowledge is still insufficient… Teacher Yan Xi, what do you think? I haven’t even fully understood the works of the several teachers.”

Suddenly being called on, Yan Xi did not react for a moment. The cameras and Lu Wenqi’s gaze simultaneously turned toward him, and he suddenly became the most dazzling person onstage.

Yan Xi did not believe Su Zhi was being kind. He probably wanted to see him make a fool of himself even more.

“I haven’t read many modern analytical works about the Four Gentlemen, so I wouldn’t dare embarrass myself in front of everyone. But I remember a little of Teacher Bai Fengyu’s On the Three Friends of Winter: Plum and Teacher Lu Wenqi’s Orchid, the Virtue of a Gentleman.”

He cited the articles to point out the parts he agreed with and liked most, without deliberately showing off. His tone was sincere and humble.

He was composed, his words clear, and his manner gentle and refined.

Bai Fengyu rarely smiled. “My students all complain that my writing is stiff and boring. You’re still willing to read it. Didn’t you find it tedious?”

Yan Xi opened his mouth, seemingly trying to think of the right words of praise. A few seconds later, he gave up in despair and pleaded, “Honestly, it really is so hard to read. I have to go over it repeatedly before I can understand even a little of it. Teacher, please make your arguments simpler in the future. My brain can’t take it!”

The entire studio burst into laughter, and the atmosphere instantly relaxed. Even Professor Bai Fengyu could not hold back, while Madam Zhou Eya teased him, “Serves you right for being disliked.”

Su Zhi’s smile stiffened. As an idol, he desperately tried to control his expression, but he was trying so hard that his face looked somewhat ferocious.

“Teacher Yan Xi knows so much.” His fist clenched beneath the table, but his expression remained sincere. “Then could you tell me who wrote On the Gentleman and Bamboo?”

“Teacher Lu said the article isn’t widely circulated, but I believe Teacher Yan Xi must know.”

Yan Xi smiled slightly, his expression exceptionally warm. “Professor Yan Peili from the School of Literature at Jincheng University.”

Madam Zhou Eya teased him, “They’ve all had theirs mentioned. What about mine?”

Yan Xi’s face reddened, looking extremely embarrassed. “I haven’t read your On Chrysanthemums yet.”

Zhou Eya smiled warmly. “Good boy.”

By the time the recording ended, it was already close to eleven at night. Brother Feng came over, looking even more nervous than they were. “Is Su Zhi sick? He actually picked a fight with you while the cameras were rolling.”

Lin Yi’s shoulders slumped. “Teacher Lu is so scary. I didn’t even dare look at the camera. I was terrified he’d call on me. Wuwuwu.”

Xia Zefan let out a long breath. “We’re finally free. A noob struggling to survive in front of a max-level boss.”

Ji Zhou said nothing, but the look on his face already said he had lost all will to live.

Lin Yi said, “Luckily we had our bro holding down the fort. I couldn’t even remember the titles of the books in the materials he sent us, let alone what they were about. Otherwise, the one embarrassing himself wouldn’t have been Su Zhi. It would’ve been me.”

He dramatically spread his arms wide. “Bro, you’re my god… Where’s my bro?”

After saying goodbye to Brother Feng, Yan Xi headed toward the emergency stairwell with his phone in hand and pressed the call button. “Mm.”

Hearing that sound, Pei Yuxing smiled. “Tired?”

“A little. The recording took quite a long time.”

And it had all been mental work. Later on, the judges became extremely interested in him and completely forgot about the production team’s arrangements. Almost every question was directed toward him, and they became so engrossed in their conversation that the host nearly failed to steer the topic back twice.

He had to stay extremely focused and could not afford to make the slightest mistake.

But even so, Lu Wenqi had still taken a few jabs at him.

Yan Xi’s knowledge had been taught by Old Mr. Yan Peili, and their ideas differed considerably. But Yan Xi was always polite, displaying the humility expected of a junior. Lu Wenqi felt a familiar frustration, yet he couldn’t bring himself to take issue with a younger person.

He was practically going to burst with anger.

Thinking about how the old man had been enduring his grandfather’s influence for so many years, Yan Xi figured getting a few jabs in return was nothing.

Pei Yuxing could not help laughing. “Your teacher and Professor Lu were like this even when they were young.”

Yan Xi laughed along and changed the subject. “What are you doing?”

“Having a meeting.”

“You’re still working this late?”

“Mm. There’s a project we need to discuss carefully.” The aloof film emperor radiated the happiness of a married man while chatting with his young husband. “Should I have my assistant come pick you up?”

“No need. I’m going back to the dorm tonight.” Yan Xi watched the light filtering through the crack in the door. “Are you smoking?”

He had only learned after they got married that the man smoked. With the cigarette pinched between his thumb and index finger, Pei Yuxing looked calm and composed at the negotiating table.

He did not smoke very often. More often, he simply did it in certain situations as part of the expected social etiquette.

When he was younger, he had been less restrained. He did not hide it from the media or his fans. Even when people mocked him, he would only laugh disdainfully before blowing a string of smoke rings right in front of them.

He had been extremely wild, unruly, and rebellious, enough to drive his anti-fans half mad.

Smoke curled around Pei Yuxing’s hand, while the silver ring on his ring finger carefully avoided the cigarette.

The international film emperor said with an utterly sincere expression, “No.”

But his young husband clearly did not believe him. “Turn on the video.”

The laughter on the other end grew even gentler, silently admitting that he was telling the truth.

Naturally, he ended up getting a lecture. Even the international film emperor could only accept his partner’s nagging with a smile.

Afterward, a new post appeared on his Moments.

Pei: Smoking is bad for your health. Good advice is worth listening to.

A picture showing off both the cigarette butt and his wedding ring in equal measure.

Countless friends were left sighing in dismay. The aloof beauty had finally descended from his pedestal.

……

By the time Yan Xi saw the post on his Moments feed, he was already in the van. He liked it, then replied with a smiling emoji.

Brother Feng was in the driver’s seat discussing a possible endorsement with them.

“It’s not a major brand, but it has a good reputation and a long history. Unfortunately, the current market has squeezed it to the point where it’s barely surviving, so the offer is a little low. You might have heard of the brand when you were kids…”

“Holy shit—” Xia Zefan suddenly cried out.

Lin Yi had just fallen asleep and was startled awake. “What? What happened?”

Xia Zefan clutched his phone, even swearing out loud. “Fuck, what am I looking at? #PeiYuxing’sMoments. Someone posted a screenshot of Teacher Pei’s Moments from an hour ago online.”

Lin Yi dropped back into his seat and put on his eye mask. “That’s it? I thought something happened.”

Xia Zefan’s eyes were red, and his hands were trembling. “But fuck, he’s wearing a ring on his ring finger!”

You can read the full completed story here with instant full access. ✨

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  The “Four Gentlemen” (四君子) refers to four plants traditionally celebrated in Chinese art and literature for the virtues they symbolize: plum blossoms for resilience and purity, orchids for elegance and integrity, bamboo for uprightness and humility, and chrysanthemums for nobility and steadfastness. Together, they represent the ideal character of a cultivated gentleman.