I Only Want You chapter 18
The backstage of the auditorium was located on the side of the stage. At this moment, both the dressing room and the prop room were crowded with students who had just finished their performances.
As Xie Yun Zhi carried Tiantian and followed Yang Xiaole into the backstage area, the new students’ representatives, the entire cast of “The Queen’s Punishment,” were adjusting their positions for a group photo in the open space. Yan Lan, who had been standing inconspicuously in the corner, was forcibly pulled by Lin Jianxing to the center, sandwiched between the prince and princess.
Feeling awkward, Yan Lan had a cold expression on his face. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye. When he turned his head, he met eyes with Xie Yun Zhi.
The unexpected eye contact made him somewhat shy, especially since he was currently wearing a dress and makeup. He hastily lowered his eyes to avoid eye contact but then noticed the little person in Xie Yun Zhi’s arms… Tiantian?!
Seeing that Yan Lan finally noticed him, Tiantian waved a small hand towards him, greeting him silently.
Yang Xiaole stood beside the uncle-nephew duo, enjoying the scene. “Ah, the popularity of our Momo is indeed sky-high. In the future, when he looks for a partner, he will surely have many choices. Only a fool would reject him.”
Ignoring the implied meaning in Yang Xiaole’s words, Xie Yun Zhi remained silent, just watching the dignified and beautiful Yan Lan in the crowd.
After the cast completed the group photo, Yan Lan adjusted his dress, hesitating on whether to approach Xie Yun Zhi. Before he could make up his mind, a scriptwriter from the crew pulled him aside.
“Senior, wait a moment, I want to take a separate photo with you.”
After this statement, others who were still hesitating on how to approach immediately clamored, saying they also wanted a photo.
Unable to refuse, Yan Lan had to take photos one by one with each of them. Eventually, not only students from the same crew but even students from other crews queued up for photos. Yan Lan found himself surrounded by the crowd.
After a while, Xie Yun Zhi’s phone suddenly rang. After a couple of acknowledgements, he said, “I’ll be there soon.”
Yang Xiaole perked up his ears, and upon hearing the last sentence, he turned to glare at him. “You’re leaving now?”
Without looking at him, Xie Yun Zhi said, “I need to step out for a moment.”
With that, he gently placed Tiantian, who was in his arms, on the ground and called out, “Yan Lan.”
His voice was not loud, but it possessed a mysterious penetrative quality. Despite the noisy environment, his voice was not drowned out by the ambient noise, still low and pleasing to the ears.
Everyone who was immersed in taking photos couldn’t help but turn their heads to look. Almost everyone immediately spotted Xie Yun Zhi, who was as conspicuous as a golden gingko tree in a forest – impossible to ignore.
Yan Lan, hearing Xie Yun Zhi calling him, showed a bit of confusion on his face. Then, he separated from the crowd in front of him and walked towards him.
Xie Yun Zhi stared at him without turning his eyes away, handing Tiantian over to him. “I need to go out for a moment. I’ll be back soon. Can you look after Tiantian for me?”
Yen Lan held Tiantian’s small hand tightly and nodded.
Xie Yun Zhi used sign language to explain his departure to Tiantian. Once Tiantian nodded, Xie Yun Zhi reached out and touched his hair, whispering, “I’ll be back soon.”
He spoke in a low voice, audible only to those closest to him, such as Yan Lan and Yang Xiaole. However, Tiantian couldn’t hear it, and even if he could, there was no need for the sign language explanation.
After he left, both Yan Lan and Yang Xiaole were somewhat dazed.
Yang Xiaole asked, “…Did he say that to you or the child? Isn’t this child deaf and mute?”
Yan Lan also looked confused, shaking his head to express his lack of understanding.
“Senior, is he your friend?”
Lin Jianxing, who didn’t know when he had walked behind them, retracted his gaze from the direction Xie Yun Zhi had left and looked down at the little mixed-race child in Yan Lan’s hand, his eyes shining. “Is this your younger brother?”
Yang Xiaole explained, “This is a student that Momo took part-time during the summer vacation. He came tonight specifically to watch the performance.”
Lin Jianxing particularly liked children. If he saw a beautifully delicate child like this one, even more exquisite than a doll, he would be too captivated to move.
“Oh my god, this child is so good-looking, and his eyes are blue.” Lin Jianxing half-crouched in front of Tiantian, praising his exquisite features. After the compliments, he started to get close, “Little friend, did you enjoy Brother’s performance just now? Brother was playing the prince.”
Tiantian looked at him expressionlessly, showing no signs of shyness.
Yang Xiaole explained, “Uh… this child is deaf and mute, can’t hear or speak.”
Lin Jianxing was taken aback by this revelation. Suddenly flustered, he stammered, “Ah, I’m sorry, I didn’t know…”
Yan Lan shook his head, indicating that it was okay.
The commotion on their side quickly attracted other members of the same crew. The girls who liked children had already noticed the presence of a mixed-race baby. As soon as they saw Lin Jianxing striking up a conversation, they couldn’t resist joining in to greet him.
Upon learning that Tiantian was deaf and mute, all their eyes involuntarily revealed pity and heartache. However, since they didn’t know sign language, they couldn’t communicate with Tiantian. In the end, the junior sister who played the princess tried tentatively extending a hand towards Tiantian, wanting to hold hands with him.
Tiantian was willing to give face, realizing that these brothers and sisters in front of him were the ones who performed with his teacher on stage. So, although his little face was as serious as “The Boss Baby,” he still shook hands properly with each person who approached.
Suddenly, a long line formed in front of Tiantian, and everyone wanted to shake hands with him. After shaking hands with the person in front, they turned around and rejoined the line, creating a perfect closed loop.
Tiantian was getting confused.
Hmm? Why are there still so many people?
Hmm? Didn’t this princess sister already shake hands with him?
Yan Lan chuckled and gave Yang Xiaole a meaningful look.
Yang Xiaole immediately understood his intention and walked out. “Alright, alright, let Momo and the child be alone for a while. The rest of you, go do whatever you need to do. Don’t blame me if you get scolded when he comes back; I warned you.”
Lin Jianxing couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “So, the person just now was him?”
Yang Xiaole nodded casually, urging the juniors who hadn’t removed their makeup to the dressing room, “Hurry up, and you might still catch a late-night snack. Speed, speed.”
The group of people rushed into the dressing room, leaving Yan Lan and Tiantian alone. Tiantian looked up at Yan Lan, appearing serious and attentive.
Yan Lan extended his hand and gently pinched Tiantian’s soft cheek, asking, “Did you miss me?”
Tiantian pursed his lips, gently nodding.
Yan Lan said, “I missed you too.”
Tiantian retracted his hand from Yan Lan’s grasp and gestured in sign language, “No, you didn’t miss me. You didn’t come to see me.”
Yan Lan replied, “I wanted to come and see you, but I had class.”
Tiantian turned his face away, pretending to be interested in the surroundings, looking at the sky and then the ground—anything but Yan Lan.
Yan Lan was about to play along when Lin Jianxing emerged from the dressing room, holding several roses.
“Senior, these flowers are for you.”
Yan Lan pointed to himself in surprise.
Lin Jianxing nodded with a smiling expression, handing the flowers to him. “Yes, these are a few leftovers from the props team. We all agree that they should be given to the queen. Thanks to Senior for willing to play the queen, the performance tonight is being widely discussed on the forums, and we’re a huge success.”
Yan Lan looked down at the roses in his hands, and a faint, gentle smile appeared on his otherwise flawless and icy face.
Lin Jianxing blushed a little, his heartbeat quickening unexpectedly. He nervously asked, “Everyone is discussing whether to have a buffet or hot pot for the celebration. Senior, do you have any suggestions?”
Just as Yan Lan was about to shake his head, chaos erupted behind them.
Several tall and robust guys were moving used props into the prop room. They were blocking the way, and the leader, a burly guy, shouted, “Move aside, classmates!”
Yan Lan quickly went to grab Tiantian, fearing that the child might get bumped by the large props. In his concern for Tiantian, he forgot that he was still wearing high heels. As he pulled Tiantian backward, his high heels slipped on the floor, and he lost his balance, falling backward.
This sudden movement caught everyone off guard. Lin Jianxing, who was closest, was the quickest to react. He reached out his hands to catch him.
However, someone was faster than him. Just as Lin Jianxing was about to extend his hands, a man in a dark suit suddenly appeared.
Xie Yun Zhi, holding a beautifully wrapped bouquet, extended his other arm forward, encircling Yan Lan’s waist. At the same time, he moved his body forward to catch him, preventing him from awkwardly falling to the ground.
The brief moment of weightlessness startled Yan Lan, and when he stabilized himself, he realized the hand supporting him belonged to Xie Yun Zhi.
Xie Yun Zhi turned his head to first confirm that Yan Lan in his arms was okay, then looked down at Tiantian. Once he ensured both were unharmed, he sighed in relief. “Be careful.”
Yan Lan, still in shock, nodded. Xie Yun Zhi led him to a corner where nobody was moving, making way for the passing people.
“Is your foot okay?”
Yan Lan’s wrist was still in Xie Yun Zhi’s palm, conveniently using his hand to maintain balance. He extended both feet, clad in high heels, from under the dress, confirming their condition, then shook his head to indicate he was fine.
Lin Jianxing, who had witnessed the entire incident, looked at Xie Yun Zhi, who suddenly appeared. Lin Jianxing felt that this man, in a black suit holding a large bouquet of flowers, seemed noble, as if he had mistakenly entered from another world, completely out of place in the surrounding environment.
Xie Yun Zhi didn’t spare Lin Jianxing a glance, maintaining his composure while facing Yan Lan. His handsome face slightly furrowed, his voice low, “There are many people here. Since you’re wearing a dress and heels, don’t rush while walking. In case you bump into something…”
Yan Lan nodded continuously, obedient like an elementary school student being lectured by a parent.
After Xie Yun Zhi finished speaking, which sounded like both reprimand and concern, he seemed to notice there was another person nearby. He turned to look at Lin Jianxing. His deep, black eyes exuded an ancient and cool tranquility, lacking any ripples. His voice, too, was flat and without much variation. “Are you the classmate who played the prince? Your performance was excellent, and both Tiantian and I liked it.”
Lin Jianxing chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head uncomfortably. Watching Xie Yun Zhi holding a bouquet of flowers and still gripping Yan Lan’s wrist, he suddenly remembered the two instances when Yang Xiaole used “that person” as a substitute name. Even Yang Xiaole had convinced Yan Lan to wear a dress and makeup by mentioning “that person.” It seemed ambiguous, like the secret code used among girls to refer to someone they liked.
As Lin Jianxing was making this connection, he only needed one final step for the enlightenment to strike.
Lin Jianxing was a smart person, quick-witted with a lively mind. Although a straight guy, he wasn’t overly straightforward. In less than a minute, he connected “that person” and the person Yan Lan had liked for a long time.
This sudden realization made his eyebrows fly up, a surprised gaze constantly shifting between Yan Lan and Xie Yun Zhi. Then came the moment of enlightenment, a sudden, “Oh~.”
His reaction made both Yan Lan and Xie Yun Zhi look at him strangely.
Yan Lan even extended a finger to draw a question mark, asking what “Oh” meant.
Lin Jianxing vigorously shook his head. “Nothing. I’ll contact you for the celebration banquet later. Senior, see you then.”
Yan Lan nodded, and Lin Jianxing waved to him and Tiantian before turning and walking back into the dressing room.
Yan Lan lowered his head, looking at Xie Yun Zhi still holding his wrist tightly. Xie Yun Zhi noticed his gaze and seemed to realize something, saying a quick apology before letting go of Yan Lan’s hand.
Yan Lan raised his eyes, looking at the bouquet of flowers in Xie Yun Zhi’s other hand. The colors were as beautiful as cream. He gestured in sign language, asking if the flowers were for him.
Xie Yun Zhi didn’t answer his question but looked at the roses in Yan Lan’s hand. “Does you like roses?”
Yan Lan shook his head. “I like the ones you’re holding.”
“Then, if you throw away the roses, I’ll give you this bouquet.”
Yan Lan first confirmed that the roses in his hand had no thorns, then handed the bouquet to Tiantian. With his hands now free, he reached toward Xie Yun Zhi, making a motion as if requesting a hug, but his expression was more like saying, “Okay, give me the flowers.”
Xie Yun Zhi, reluctantly satisfied, handed him the large bunch of Gypsophila. He said warmly, “It was a fantastic performance. I didn’t expect you to have such talent in acting. Everyone really liked it.”
Hugging the large bouquet, Yan Lan couldn’t help but lower his head, burying his face in the flowers and enjoying the gentle fragrance, making his eyes soften with happiness.
Seeing him happy, Xie Yun Zhi’s heart softened. “As long as you like it. I forgot to buy them when I came, and I only remembered to order flowers just before coming in. Fortunately, they arrived in time.”
Yan Lan reached out to touch the petals of the baby’s breath, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Xie Yun Zhi, as if asking a question.
Xie Yun Zhi, inexplicably understanding his intention, coughed lightly, his fist against his lips. “Usually, Secretary Lin handles these things himself. I didn’t put much thought into it.”
Yan Lan lowered his eyes, and his long, black eyelashes were as soft as raven feathers, brushing Xie Yun Zhi’s heart like gentle brushes, causing an itchy sensation.
“Can the Queen accompany us for dinner?”
Yan Lan blushed slightly, thinking that Xie Yun Zhi was joking with him. Holding the flowers, he gave Xie Yun Zhi a gentle look.
Unexpectedly, Xie Yun Zhi took out his phone and opened the camera function. “May I?”
Yan Lan suddenly looked puzzled.
Xie Yun Zhi bent down, picked up Tiantian at his feet, letting him hug around his neck. “They can all take pictures with you, so of course, Tiantian and I would like to as well.”
Yan Lan hesitated for two seconds, nodded slightly, and before Xie Yun Zhi could come over, he walked to his side, close enough for both to smell the faint fragrance on each other.
Xie Yun Zhi raised his phone high, and the faces of the three perfectly fit into the phone screen, leaving behind their first photo together.
After taking the picture, Xie Yun Zhi put Tiantian down from his arms. He took another photo with Yan Lan, and then, satisfied, he put away his phone and asked, “Would the Queen graciously accompany us for a late-night snack?”