Spring Festival Gala 1
Zhuang Yiyun received a sudden invitation from the Spring Festival Gala program team, and his immediate response was to decline over the phone.
“There are many experts in the MOTC-targeted drug research project who are more suitable than me.”
The staff member in charge of the invitation explained politely, “This time we have invited a total of seven experts. Professor Xun Yinsheng is the overall director, there are three experts responsible for vaccine research, and three experts who are responsible for the research of specific drugs, which is where you come in. The list was recommended by Professor Xun, and we are also contacting other experts. What do you think?”
Zhuang Yiyun remained unmoved.
“This is the biggest highlight of this year. Our achievements have restored the people’s confidence in national security. Inviting an expert group to the Spring Festival Gala is a requirement from the higher-ups, and it carries significant meaning. If you have any doubts, feel free to communicate with me.”
“I won’t perform on stage.”
On hearing his reason, the staff member was overjoyed and hastily added, “You don’t need to perform on stage. You and the other experts can sit in the audience. We will play a short documentary about combating the MOTC virus during the gala and then conduct a brief live interview with the experts. It’s very simple, and it won’t take much time, you’ll just participate as an audience member.”
With that, Zhuang Yiyun had no choice but to agree, although he had no interest in the matter.
His reaction was flat, even a bit annoyed. On the contrary, Yan Yan was excited. He kept saying he never dreamed his scientist husband would be on the Spring Festival Gala. Then he asked if there were any specific outfit requirements from the program team and mentioned wanting to check the list of participants on this year’s Spring Festival Gala.
Qian Ruqing was more excited. She didn’t know if this matter needed to be kept secret so she didn’t go around telling everyone, instead, she flooded the family WeChat group with her messages. Not only did she post in Yan’s family group, but she also messaged Zhuang Xian frantically.
Zhuang Xian had recovered through years of therapy but there was still some distance between her and Zhuang Yiyun, and it seemed the rift between mother and son couldn’t be completely bridged. But she had come to terms with it. She didn’t mind as long as her son was happy. Despite not being close to her, Quan Ruqing and Yan Yan cared for Zhuang Yiyun a lot. The one who needed to move on was herself.
Qian Ruqing didn’t expect her casual suggestion to turn into reality. Zhuang Xian accepted the pursuit of a business partner. He was successful in his career, and although he was a bit older, being only forty-one, he was twelve years younger than her.
In her second spring of life, she found a good man this time. She had no time to worry about their mother-son relationship anymore. Reflecting on the absurdity of these past years, she couldn’t help but sigh. The damage she had caused her son was irreparable. Facing each other calmly and exchanging a few words whenever they met was already precious.
But to say that she had no regrets at all was definitely impossible. Qian Ruqing frequently mentioned Zhuang Yiyun’s appearance on the Spring Festival Gala, updating Zhuang Xian almost in real time. Zhuang Yiyun and Yan Yan hadn’t mentioned a word to her. The contrast was so strong that it would be a lie if she said she wasn’t upset.
Today, Qian Ruqing suddenly brought up something, “Yan Yan has been worried about his outfit these days He said the other invited experts are affiliated with national and military research institutes so they’ll either wear military uniforms or work uniforms. Only Xiao Yiyun is from outside the system and has to wear a suit.”
“It’s not good if it’s too expensive, and wearing obvious brands is not good either, netizens have sharp eyes. But if it’s cheap and the quality is poor, he feels that Xiao Yiyun is losing face, and he’s a little worried. He mentioned it to me, but I only know the tailor shop outside our community. I thought… Ah Xian, do you have any suggestions?”
Zhuang Xian was stunned, almost thinking she misheard. Qian Ruqing was extending an invitation to her. Thinking about it, she realized how narrow-minded she had been before. Where could she find such a considerate in-law? Unfortunately, she hadn’t cherished it in the past. Technically, her relationship with Zhuang Yiyun was broken, and now it was like Qian Ruqing had another son. Why bother with her?
“Ruqing, thank you. Of course, I know. I’ll come tomorrow to pick you and Yan Yan up and go to the store. How about tomorrow morning? Or this afternoon?” She sounded urgent, fearing Qian Ruqing might change her mind.
“I’m just thinking for myself, and I don’t know the children’s plans.”
Qian Ruqing’s words made Zhuang Xian anxious again. She genuinely wanted to do something for her son. Anything would do. This time, it was not something she wanted her son to do; it was something he truly needed and would make him happy.
Thinking about it, she said, “Then let’s not say it was my recommendation. I’ll make the arrangements first and you can take Yan Yan to see the outfits.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll ask him first, I’ll be tactful.”
Qian Ruqing didn’t hide anything from Yan Yan. When he heard about it, he agreed without hesitation.
Perhaps one could never truly empathize. Even though he and Zhuang Yiyun loved each other deeply, he couldn’t experience his childhood or his student days, nor could he sense the depth of the scars and injuries. He didn’t know how deep the cracks and wounds ran, but every time he saw Auntie Zhuang over the past few years, he wondered if he could help somehow.
In essence, he hoped his gege could not only confront and overcome the past but also gain new strength from it.
The shop Zhuang Xian recommended was perfect. It met all of his requirements. At first, he didn’t mention it to Zhuang Yiyun. He got his measurements taken and chose a style. Due to Zhuang Xian’s connections, the tailor hurriedly made the suit. When the store manager saw Zhuang Yiyun’s physique and how he was a perfect clothes hanger, he recommended several outfits, and Yan Yan, thinking they looked good, ordered them all. Zhuang Yiyun then asked Yan Yan’s measurements to be taken too, and they made matching outfits, directly making a couple’s set.
It wasn’t until the clothes were ready and brought back and Zhuang Yiyun put them on that Yan Yan told him, “This shop was recommended by your mom. The manager said she went back and forth many times to inquire. I find the suit fits well and looks good. What do you think, gege?”
Zhuang Yiyun carefully examined himself in the mirror, his expression calm. Even Yan Yan didn’t know what he was thinking. After awhile, he nodded and said, “Yes, it fits well.”
“Then…do you want to thank Auntie Zhuang?”
“Let’s talk about it later.”
Emotions kept surging in Zhuang Yiyun’s heart, far from the calmness he displayed on the surface. He had never been intentionally mistreated materially, but his mother always believed boys shouldn’t dress up. It would distract them from their studies. If they dressed too well, it would increase the risk of early romance. So, she never paid attention to this aspect of his life. After his grandma passed away, it was common for him to continue wearing clothes and shoes that were too small.
He was no longer the child who had to wear ill-fitting clothes and shoes just because his mother didn’t notice. He could easily buy himself a well-fitted, meticulously designed suit. However, hearing Yan Yan say this, the part of him that had been calm and untouched became active again.
He felt lost, unsure of how to respond. He wanted to say he didn’t need it, but he found himself secretly happy. These years, Yan Yan had spoiled him, teaching him to face his feelings directly. So, he didn’t outright refuse.
New Year’s Eve was a day for family reunions, and Yan Yan’s parents celebrated the holiday with him. They said since Xiao Yiyun wasn’t home, they needed to warm the house for him. The Yan family had a strange sense of ceremony. Originally, it was going to be just the three of them, but then Zhuang Xian brought her boyfriend, making it five people.
Meeting for the first time, the middle-aged man didn’t have exceptional looks, but his temperament was refined and he was as refreshing as a spring breeze. He was considerate to Zhuang Xian, and immediately gave Yan Yan a big red envelope upon seeing him. He was friendly with Yan Yan, a complete contrast to Zhuang Xian’s initial attitude.
Yan Yan accepted it calmly. It seemed this was going to be his future father-in-law and giving him a red envelope was common courtesy. Although an unfamiliar middle-aged man was added to the mix, he was a social and very tactful in his words and actions. While the atmosphere at dinner wasn’t lively, it was warm enough.
However, Zhuang Yiyun, who was alone backstage at the Spring Festival Gala, felt far from comfortable. Holding a pen and paper, he mentally prepared himself countless times but still couldn’t take that step. Yan Yan had urged him to get an autograph from a young celebrity performing at the gala, joking about how trendy this new star was and how this would make a perfect New Year’s gift.
Zhuang Yiyun didn’t want to do it at all. He couldn’t fathom asking another man’s autograph for his husband’s sake. But every time he refused, Yan Yan brought up how they hadn’t spent Chinese New Year together in three years, emphasizing how he had finally come back, and now, for the fourth year, they wouldn’t be together.
Obviously, Yan Yan had been excited about him appearing on the Spring Festival Gala…
‘Forget it, I can’t reason with my husband.’
As audience members, their MOTC project team didn’t need makeup, but due to their special status, a resting room had been arranged. Zhuang Yiyun didn’t pay attention to the entertainment industry; he didn’t recognize any of the celebrities so he had to read the names on the doors of the dressing rooms one by one.
In the bustling corridor, his extraordinary height, model-like physique, and exceptional looks earned him plenty of attention. Some recognized him, while others didn’t and he occasionally heard people discussing which celebrity he might be.
At first, nobody approached him as everyone was busy. But as Zhuang Yiyun continued searching, he became increasingly conspicuous. Suddenly, someone called him “Dr. Zhuang” in a clear and melodious voice.
Zhuang Yiyun wasn’t as sensitive to voices as Yan Yan was. He thought it was someone he vaguely knew but wasn’t close to. When he turned around, he saw a completely unfamiliar face. The young man had delicate features, obvious stage makeup, and was dressed in a modified version of traditional Chinese clothing.
“Dr. Zhuang, is there something I can help you with?” The young man noticed Zhuang Yiyun’s wary and took the initiative to introduce himself, “I’m actor Liu Ning. I see you seem to be in trouble. Do you need assistance?”
The young man was very friendly. Zhuang Yiyun thought about it and explained his task of finding someone. Upon hearing this, the young man happily took him over. Seeing Zhuang Yiyun holding a pen and paper, clearly wanting an autograph, the young man kindly introduced him and requested the signature.
Yan Yan had wanted autographs from two stars. One was incredibly youthful. The sequins on his hair and eyes were so bright that it made people dizzy. This person was very enthusiastic, obviously recognizing Zhuang Yiyun. He showered Zhuang Yiyun with compliments and even joked, “A scientist asking for my autograph. Have my works become famous in the scientific community!?”
Zhuang Yiyun clearly heard this, but he remained silent, not mentioning that he had no idea who the person was.
The other star sneered, obviously not taking Zhuang Yiyun, a researcher, seriously. If it weren’t for Liu Ning’s face, this person wouldn’t have wanted to give an autograph to this man who was even more handsome than themselves. This person was cold and didn’t bother with pleasantries. Who cared about a scientist’s name? Nowadays, even doctorates could be faked. Anyone could claim to be a scientist.
After signing the autographs, Liu Ning walked a few steps with Zhuang Yiyun, which was very polite. When they parted ways, Liu Ning expressed his admiration for scientists like him and asked for a photo. Zhuang Yiyun didn’t refuse because the other party had helped him.
With the autograph matter resolved, the Spring Festival Gala was about to begin. He and the other members of the project team went to their designated seats, a round table in the front row of the audience section. Before leaving the resting area, a staff member presented a row of sashes with the words “Outstanding National Scientific Researcher” written on them.
Zhuang Yiyun was dumbfounded. He used to wear such things frequently, often representing outstanding students or model students in school speeches. However, after working for so many years, this was the first time he had seen one again. He felt a sense of shame, like an adult forced to wear children’s clothes. He really didn’t want to wear it, but seeing Professor Xun calmly putting it on… He resigned himself and wore the sash.
Regret flooded him for the 10,000th time. Why had he agreed to participate in the Spring Festival Gala? There were so many people in the project team, it’s not like they wouldn’t have anyone if he didn’t come!
