The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 5: Official Obituary

At 8:40 p.m. local time, Yin Chang boarded the plane, on his way towards the crash site. As the plane took off, news of his trip to Kenya appeared on the Internet at the same time. Photos of him at the security checkpoint in the airport were posted on the internet.

Yin Chang didn’t know it at the time, but in addition to Lu Lingxuan, there was a stylist, two photographers, and four bodyguards shadowing him. The entire Nova Entertainment ace team was involved behind the scenes.

While the fans were really present at the airport, both the content written about Yin Chang and the photos taken of him were all by the staff at Nova Entertainment. From the moment he set off to the airport, the people watching him were all planned by Yao Manhuai.

At the airport in Kenya, Yin Chang also encountered a group of fans. While there weren’t many Chinese fans in the crowd, the total numbers of fans were no less. Holding banners with Yin Dong and Yin Chang names printed on them, the fans gathered at the exit. When they saw Yin Chang, someone in the crowd took the lead and started singing —

 “Dear people, I miss you, I miss you…. with love in my eyes…”

“Don’t be afraid and don’t cry. I will give you all my tenderness …”

Yin Chang heard it right away. The song was Yin Dong’s song called, ‘I Will Give You All My Tenderness’.

Although he was primarily an actor later in life, Yin Dong sung pop-songs early in his career. The song, ‘I Will Give You All My Tenderness’ was the end song of a popular art film he helped make. Even though he didn’t sing many songs, it was the most famous song he had ever performed.

Although the lyrics were ordinary, his tone was smooth and he made the melody soar. Over the years, there were many different artists who covered the song.

Due to Yin Dong’s busy work, they were separated more often than not. Yin Chang and his father rarely had time to spend together. As most children do when their parents aren’t home, Yin Chang missed his father greatly. He often listed to Yin Dong’s song because it remined him of his father and hearing his father’s deep voice brought him comfort. The tenderness that he sung about spoke volumes to his soul. More than once, Yin Chang thought the song was about vulnerability and desire and thought his father was singing it for him.

As Yin Chang approached the crowd, the song’s melody flowed outward and became clearer as the fans sung in unison. ——

“Lonely people, think of me and wait for me……”

“Don’t be afraid and don’t cry. I’ll give you all my tenderness …”

……

They repeatedly sang the refrain over and over again. They were probably thinking of Yin Dong and many fans cried while they were singing. At the airport where the families of the victims were gathered, the sad atmosphere brought tears to the eyes of countless people.

Yin Chang also shed tears. For the first time, he experienced the warmth of these strange fans. When passing by the fans, Yin Chang slowed down his pace and glanced over at everyone one by one. With a small nod, his eyes were full of gratitude.

Various stills and scenes with Yin Chang’s interaction with fans were also caught by the accompanying photographers. After they were sent back to Nova Entertainment for post-production, the photographs and videos were posted online, causing a heated debate.

When looking at the images online, many people were rather empathetic towards the eighteen-year old youth who lost his father, especially Yin Dong’s original fans. Many comments like, “Little Yin, don’t be afraid!”, “Don’t worry Yin Chang”, and “We’ll be with you for your father!” were posted on various social media sites.

Through their encouragement for Yin Chang, they were also expressing their sorrow and regret for Yin Dong’s death.

Yin Chang rested for the night at the hotel next to the airport. Early the next morning, he rode a bus filled with embassy staff to the accident site. What was once an uninhabited wilderness, now was covered with scattered debris from the time of the crash. Five days later, the debris continued to smolder and the air was heavy with burnt odors and other chemical smells. As if the accident wasn’t sad enough, the overcast day made people feel even more depressed and gloomy.

As Yin Chang walked around, the thought of his father’s remains being scattered all over the wilderness made his heart tight. A wave of sadness overwhelmed him. Off to the side, Lu Lingxuan stood far away and dared not disturb him.

The two photographers that accompanied them held up their cameras and captured the scene. While taking pictures of the accident site, they also sneaked in some shots of Yin Chang.

At first, the photographer respected the emotional strain of the occasion, but after a few shots, Yin Chang’s actions excited them. The more photographs they took the more invigorated they felt and couldn’t help mumble how amazing he looked in the images: “This expression… beautiful….. ah, perfect….”

Another photographer overheard and asked: “Hello? His father is dead! What you are saying isn’t normal.”

The person put down his camera and whispered in his defense: “I think that every expression of his is in keeping with his image and temperament, you know? It’s not suitable for a handsome man to come here and give us a howling performance, right?”

He showed the other photographer the camera screen: “Look here. This one, and this one…. It’s the perfect role model for a lead as a tragic hero.”

As a fan of Yin Dong, the scene was tough to swallow when the photographer first arrived. When he heard the other photographer, he felt a bit offended that the person wasn’t taking the moment seriously. “Then, just shut your mouth and shoot. Don’t think of him like one of the idols in the studio for the week!”

“Okay …” After a break, the photographer saw Yin Chang squatting down not far away. Immediately, as he saw inspiration, he lifted his camera and quickly pointed it at Yin Chang and pressed the shutter button.

“Didn’t I just say, don’t…!” The other photographer exclaimed. “Shoot more scenes. Don’t keep pointing the camera at Yin Chang. It will be embarrassing if he finds out!”

When his photography buddy didn’t respond, he turned his head to look at him and was caught by surprise. With red eyes, his buddy had tears down his cheeks.

“…… What happened to you? “

“I saw him bow his head and I starting crying …”

Knowing that his buddy did have feelings, he was deeply relieved because he wasn’t the only one affected by the scene. However, when he looked at the image that had been captured, he was truly enraptured: “This one… It’s amazing!”

“…………”

Late at night domestic time, Yao Manhuai was shocked at what she saw when the images were sent to her after the company’s post-processing department were finished with them.

Amazing, heartbreaking, and beautiful … When she looked at the photo, she didn’t know which words to use to describe Yin Chang’s image.

Yin Chang was crouching on the barren landscape covered by the wreckage of the crash and his long fingers loosely held a handful of soil. With his eyes closed and head lowered, he had tears glistening on his cheek.

In the moment the image was captured, the breeze had been blowing his hair away from his forehead. As a result, his pale skin and fan-like eyelashes were revealed. With the pain and sadness expressed on his face, he looked like an angel kneeling with folded wings, an elven king, a lost spirit…..

When Yao Manhuai looked at this photo, her heart couldn’t stay calm because she couldn’t help but think of Yin Dong, who died.

……

For more than ten years, they had known each other. Together they experienced a series of trials and tribulations, but eventually they parted ways. He became a movie-star and she became a well-known agent.

In the early years, she had considered Yin Dong as a partner. However, she wanted more and turned her attention to her career. As his agent, Yin Dong let her leave his side to fulfill her dream. He even helped her set up her company.

After all these years, although they were nothing more than friends, she still thought of him fondly. She always thought the both of them had a long successful future ahead. No one would have expected Yin Dong’s end to be so sudden.

……

Yao Manhuai looked up and took a deep breath. In front of everyone else, she put on an indestructible façade. Finally, she was able to let go and shed tears.

Yao Manhuai gathered her emotions and telephoned Yang Jiajia. “Tomorrow at 12 noon, use Yin Dong’s Weibo account to post a formal obituary and prepare the memorial service for him.”

Yang Jiajia was surprised: “Tomorrow night? So fast!”

“Fast? The whole world knows that Yin Dong is dead and you’re still not making a sound. Are you pretending that he isn’t dead and he will walk into the building at any moment?” Yao Manhuai’s hoarse voice was so harsh and sarcastic that it was impossible to imagine that she had wept a few minutes ago.　

Yang Jiajia’s emotions also came up: “Sister Yao, Yin Dong’s death certificate hasn’t even been issued yet!”

Yao Manhuai was silent for a moment. Her voice softened slightly: “You know, for the sake of Yin Dong’s reputation, we can’t drag this on for too long …”

Yang Jiajia winced and immediately understood Yao Manhuai’s meaning.

On the internet, a certain event can trigger a frenzy of up to 10 days, with popular sentiment typically peaking in three to five days. If prolonged, the influence it had wouldn’t be so great and sometimes, it would trigger a negative effect instead.

It’s like someone saying ‘Yin Dong is dead’ in your ears every day and after 30 days, even if you have any sympathy for the deceased, you will gradually get tired of it. Therefore, they can’t sit back and wait as they do in real-life cases.

Although Yao Manhuai’s quick decision was abrupt, the fact that Yin Dong died in the plane crash wasn’t actually news. Wasn’t making everyone wait for his death certificate an unrealistic fantasy?

He was reluctant to admit it, and tried to delay her again: “But Yin Chang hasn’t returned yet.”

Yao Manhuai: “When his comes back, you will issue the obituary so they don’t conflict. I’ll speak with him later to be mentally prepared. You just have to make the necessary arrangements”

Yang Jiajia said helplessly: “Okay.”

Shortly after hanging up, Yang Jiajia received another email from Yao Manhuai, which read: “I forgot to tell you, the memorial service should be held within ten days after the posted obituary and remember to use this photo with the invitation.”

Having been put off by Yao Manhuai’s attitude, Yang Jiajia was feeling irritated. However, once he saw the image, his mind became blank. He no longer had anything to complain about.

At noon the next day, the official blog of Yin Dong’s studio sent out his obituary.

In just one hour, the post had been retweeted three-hundred-thousand times, making it to the top of the hot-search list. Neither was the public relations department involved in its promotion nor the marketing department. The entertainment community spontaneously forwarded the message and observed a moment of silence for the loss of the most famous movie star.

At the same time, the studio had confirmed the time and location of the memorial service. In seven days, it would be held at the Huaxing Hotel. Yang Jiajia sent electronic invitations to various media outlets, celebrities, and friends of Yin Dong. The invitations were accompanied by a photo of Yin Chang mourning his dead father at the accident.

At ten in the evening, Yang Jiajia reported the results to Yao Manhuai with excitement: “As of now, eighteen media companies and thirty-two agents of stars have confirmed with me that they will be there!”

More than that, even some media outlets that had little business dealings with them before, who weren’t in the scope of their invitation took the initiative to request an invitation.

Yang Jiajia asked: “The e-mails are written very sincerely, how should we reply?” “

Yao Manhuai said: “As long as they can get the guarantee from the formal media,  we will send an invite.”

Yang Jiajia: Ok, I see. “

Yao Manhuai reminded him: “Don’t forget to prepare this memorial service with the highest regard. Don’t let Yin Dong down.

Yang Jiajia: Of course! “

Yao Manhuai stood up, walked to the window and looked at the city’s skyline at night. If everyone’s life was a movie, then Yin Chang was the best curtain caller in Yin Dong’s life and the departure of Yin Dong was the best prologue for Yin Chang to go on stage.

____________________

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The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 4: Crash Site

At ten o’clock, Yang Jiajia appeared on time. Yin Chang changed his clothes and went to Yin Dong’s studio with him.

Unlike the desolate state the office was in when he arrived late last night, today’s office area was fully staffed, and everyone was working diligently in front of the computer. When Yin Chang entered the place, he caused a great commotion.

The airport storm was fermented by public opinion overnight. At this time, Yin Chang was no different from a public figure and coupled with his star-like appearance, the girls in the company could not keep their eyes from following him.

“Is he Yin Dong’s son?”

“Oh, my God!  So handsome! He’s much better looking than the most recent idols that have become famous!”

“Keep it quiet. His father just died…..Is that an appropriate thing to say……”

    ……

Hearing their whispers, Yang Jiajia was embarrassed: “The girls in the company are gossiping. Don’t mind them. Let’s go to the upstairs conference room today.”

As he knew he was a good-looking individual, Yin Chang didn’t care much about their whispers. Even without Yin Dong’s relationship, many people have pursued him over the years. He had grown numb to the attention.

Yao Manhuai arrived more than 10 minutes later than they did. She wanted to clear the air and offered an explanation: “Sorry, there was a traffic jam on the way.”

As Yang Jiajia pulled a chair out for her to sit, he said: “We have just arrived.”

Yao Manhuai didn’t delay. She sat down and said: “Let’s get started.”

First, they discussed the general plan for several companies under Yin Dong’s name. Since Yin Chang had little experience dealing with investments of the industry and company management, he decided it was most prudent to follow the advice of the lawyer and let Yao Manhuai, Yang Jiajia and Wang Yan form a temporary executive team for Yin Dong’s Film Studio. As long as the decisions were unanimously approved by the three executive members, until Yin Chang formally became the CEO, Yin Chang no longer had to make decisions for the business. As a result, the weight on Yin Chang’s shoulders was much less.

As for Nova Entertainment, even though Yin Dong was a major shareholder and should have a say about its’ business conduct, Yao Manhuai told Yin Chang that he was a silent partner. Due to their close relationship for many years, Nova Entertainment had always been operated and managed solely by her.

Yin Chang had no reason to object. With the division of labor between Yin Dong and Yao Manhuai, the arrangement was very reasonable. He also agreed and had no problem with continuing the current business contract.

After two hours, the four of them suspended their meeting so they could eat some lunch. As they unpacked the takeout, a variety of dishes were placed on the table. Yao Manhuai glanced at them and asked Yang Jiajia: “Why are there so many dishes? Is there something special going on?”

Yang Jiajia scratched his head: “Ah, no. I didn’t know what Yin Chang liked.”

Yao Manhuai glanced at Yin Chang: “Thanks to you.”

Yin Chang froze. He thought of the pile of breakfast foods that Yang Jiajia ordered for him in the morning and realized it was due to Yang Jiajia’s special care. He said: “Don’t mind me. Please eat whatever you want.”

Yang Jiajia smiled and said: “You are the only son of the Film Emperor.” Three years ago, Yin Chang was exposed by paparazzi. Yin Dong was so anxious that it caused an uproar in the company. Yang Jiajia dare not neglect Yin Dong’s son.

Yao Manhuai followed up with: “This is the nature of our work. When time allows, take advantage of it and enjoy a full table of delicious food because more often than not, there only is enough time for a quick snack. When Yang Jiajia orders food, he does it with your father’s money so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Yin Chang: “…”

During the meal, Yao Manhuai received several calls. It seemed like one of them was related to the plane crash because she frequently glanced at Yin Chang while talking to the person on the phone.

After she hung up, she said: “That was the Ethiopian Embassy. They have opened up the crash site for families of victims to visit. Would you like to go?”

Chopsticks in hand, Yin Chang paused: “I think so.”

Yao Manhuai added: “However, they have already said that the plane disintegrated when it crashed. The remains of the victims were primarily lost in the subsequent fire. Identification of them and relics found may take weeks or even months. If you go, there probably won’t be anything left for you to bring back.”

Yin Chang insisted: “I’m going.”

Yao Manhuai nodded and said: “Okay then. I’ll make arrangements for you as soon as possible.

After eating, Yin Chang walked out of the conference room alone, and leaned against a support column in a daze.

Yang Jiajia couldn’t bear his treatment and whispered to Yao Manhuai: “Sister Yao, you couldn’t let him eat in peace? You talked to him so directly that it’s rather cruel to him, no?”

As she was thinking about it more, Yao Manhuai didn’t answer him immediately. She was also observing him through the glass door. Using this chance, a girl brought him a cup of coffee in order to speak with him. Yin Chang accepted it and thanked her politely. In this way, he neither lacked grace nor was he pretentious.

“You don’t have to worry …” Yao Manhuai looked at Yin Chang’s calm eyes. Like a sculptor admiring the perfect material to work with, both precious and malleable, she said: “That child is stronger than you think.”

That evening, Yao Manhuai returned to the company and held an emergency meeting with various departments to plan Yin Chang’s trip in detail.

In the morning, Yao Manhuai informed Yin Chang of the details of his travel plans. His departure to Ethiopia was scheduled for the following evening.

Since Yang Jiajia and Yao Manhuai had to deal with official business, they couldn’t leave. A female agent from nova entertainment by the name of Lu Lingxuan was assigned to accompany Yin Chang while he traveled.

On the day of departure and ready to bring him to the airport, Lu Lingxuan was waiting for him outside his house. Approaching her, he noticed how short she was as she didn’t even reach the height of his chest. Also, she had short hair and a round youthful face that gave her the appearance of a freshmen in college.

“Hi. Are you Yin Chang? My name is Lu Lingxuan.” The girl spoke very clearly.

Yin Chang: “Hello.”

On the way to the airport, Lu Lingxuan reviewed the responsibilities that Yao Manhuai assigned to her for the trip some of which included helping with his lugguage and food and other trivial matters. “Treat me as a versatile assistant. If you need anything, don’t feel embarrassed and don’t be afraid to ask.”

As an individual who had been completely independent for most of his life, her comment made Yin Chang wince: “I can do it myself.”

Although he was only eighteen years old, he had no shortage of experience traveling alone. Since Yao Manhaui specially arranged for a person to pick him up, to take care of his belongings, and to drive him to the airport, he wondered if she was treating him like one of the movie stars in the company.

Lu Lingxuan laughed and didn’t argue. She only smiled and said: “It’s all right, you’ll need me eventually.”

He didn’t expect her words to be so prophetic. Once again at the airport, he was besieged.

However, this time it wasn’t a swarm of reporters, but fans. Hundreds of people gathered at the airport in support of Yin Dong and shouted at him unceremoniously.  “Yin Chang! Yin Chang!  Go see Yin Dong for us!”

Fortunately, the security was dispatched ahead of time. Before Yin Chang arrived at the airport, there were already people hovering nearby. As soon as they saw the eager crowd surge, they blocked it with a human wall in order to protect Yin Chang as he walked through into the airport.

Even when he passed through the security check, there continued to be many people who pointed at him. He didn’t feel any relief until he entered the first-class private waiting area.

“I’ll hold your ticket and passport for you. Sit here and don’t go anywhere before you get on the plane.” Wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses, Lu Lingxuan exuded authority. A completely different feeling then Yin Chang had with his first impression.

It wasn’t that Yin Chang thought traveling alone was hard, but he didn’t realize how much nearly being overrun by a crowd overwhelmed him. Lu Lingxuan took care of all the necessary details along the way to make his journey go smoothly.

When she observed him licking his dry lips, Lu Lingxuan asked: “What do you want to drink? I’ll bring you something. Would you like some orange juice?”

Yin Chang: “…”

Lu Lingxuan pushed her glasses up: “You don’t want orange juice? How about a soda? “

Yin Chang: “… Coke.”

Lu Lingxuan: “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

When Yin Chang calmed down a little, he asked Lu Lingxuan: “Where did all of those fans come from?”

Lu Lingxuan: “A large portion of people are here for your father, but now you have your own group of fans. Do you not know how hot your airport photos have turned out to be? It’s been on the hot-searches on the internet all day!”

Yin Chang knew something vaguely about it. Like what he experienced three years ago, he thought it was only temporary and would soon be quelled.

Lu Lingxuan joked with Yu Chang: “When we first met, despite my outward appearance, I wasn’t calm. Actually, I was very excited.”

She made a gesture and said “You look even more handsome and much bigger than in the photos.”

Yin Chang: “… oh?”

Lu Lingxuan: “I’m talking about your body size. You can’t tell in the photos. Petite people are more attractive when they are on camera. With your long legs, delicate features and handsome looks, I thought you were like one of the small idols in China. Seeing the real person… it’s really rare to be so tall and so beautiful like you.”

There were plenty of people around him who have spoken about him, but Yin Chang heard Lu Lingxuan’s accolade for the first time. Since he grew up abroad with other wealthy and similarly aged people around him, he didn’t feel like he was anything special.

Yin Chang asked her: “How do they know that I was going to Africa today?”

Lu Lingxuan answered him: “The news might have been leaked. In the entertainment circle, this kind of thing is hard to control. The same thing happened when you came back to China, right?”

In fact, in order to appease Yin Chang and make him feel more at ease, Lu Lingxuan was bluffing. Entertainers also need to follow rules. Certain information was always kept secret. One mistake and it could have an irreparable impact on a star.

The encounter Yin Chang had at the airport that night when he returned to China was an accident. Yao Manhuai arranged for someone to pick him up, but since the reporters were there, it was only natural to know his private information about his flight number was leaked.

Having confidential information being leaked to the press was an embarrassment for Yao Manhuai’s business and at the time, the problem of the leak couldn’t be investigated immediately. However, once she started probing for details, she discovered the girl who was the crew’s driver that day had previously worked at Kuaigou Entertainment. It was the same paparazzi team that had taken Yin Chang’s photo secretly three years ago. When the girl learned of Yin Chang’s return to China, the she told her colleagues in her former company. Once the information was spread by the hands of the paparazzi, Yin Chang would be under siege. Such mistakes would never be allowed in the company and a result, Yao Manguai’s fired the girl.

____________________

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The Perfect Relationship by Xi He Qing Ling

Chapter 3: Huaihe Apartment

Located in a high-end residential area, Huaihe Apartments had a rather impenetrable security system. After gaining admittance to the underground garage by swiping an access card, there was an elevator for use that services people’s homes directly.

Regardless of the apartment being Yin Dong’s private residence, he had given Yang Jiajia, his agent, an access card in case of emergencies. Even though his assistant, who also was on the plane when it crashed, took care of his daily necessities and travel arrangements, Yan Jiajia had also been to the house a number of times.

“1806, this is the one.” Yang Jiajia said and handed the key card to Yin Chang: “You hold onto it.” As he pushed opened the door and flicked on some of the lights, he pointed out the locations of the various rooms of the apartment to Yin Chang: “The guest bedroom has an attached bathroom. Please wash and get some rest.”

Before leaving, he explained again: “Make sure to listen to Yao Manhuai’s advice. With your father’s accident and your return to China being exposed by the paparazzi, you can’t leave the apartment and go out alone for the next few days. If you need anything, call me directly. It’s easy for me to come over.”

“Alright.” After seeing him off, Yin Chang collapsed on the bed in the guest room and within a few minutes, fell asleep.

The sky was already bright when he opened his eyes again. Yin Chang looked at his watch and found that he had slept for less than four hours. He sat up from the bed and swung his feet over the side with a slap. It was then that he noticed the pillows and comforter that covered the bed. They were printed with Transformers characters and checking the sheets underneath the blanket, they too were printed with Transformers.

……I was too exhausted to pay attention last night. Did my father set this room up for me?

When he was a kid, Yin Chang was obsessed with Transformers. Any time his father went to visit Yin Chang he would bring a small gift and every time, Yin Chang wanted Transformers. Over the years, he had brought him similar gifts and various models to assemble. As a result, the nanny had to move them to a large display case in a different room for all of them to fit.

But that was a long time ago and his preferences have long since changed. Yin Chang stroked the sheets and sighed softly.

Perhaps many people would envy him for having a movie-star as their father, but Yin Chang had more than once, fantasized about his father being a regular guy. That way, his father would have been able to spend more time with him.

However, although harsh, reality has taught him that a person can never ask for more then what was given. Even when Yin Dong was very busy with work and only had the time to see him twice a year, it was much better then being separated forever.

Last month, when he just turned eighteen years old, Yin Dong made a promise to him on the phone. He would make it up to Yin Chang and see him after they finished filming abroad.

It was like a dream. In the blink of an eye, the person was gone.

Sitting on the bed with his head hanging low, blinking back his tears, Yin Chang raised his hand to wipe his eyes then swallowed his bitterness. With a sigh, he got up to wash.

In the guest washroom, there was also a character cup and toothbrush. Yin Chang chuckled bitterly. How old was he? Did Yin Dong still think of him as a kid? After washing his face, Yin Chang went to the kitchen to get a glass of water to drink, then toured the rest of the place.

By no means was the apartment small, but it wasn’t very large either. At 100 square meters (~1076 sq ft) there were two bedrooms, one living room and a kitchen. The interior was tidy and minimalistic, yet with the scattered fashion magazines on the table and articles of clothing  on the sofa, it was clear that someone lived here.

Looking around, he saw that Yin Dong’s bedroom was connected to both a walk-in closet and a study.  Remembering what Lawyer Wang said last night about him being adopted, he walked into the study feeling apprehensive. He wondered if his father left any evidence about his life behind. Were there personal artifacts from his birth? mementos from his mother? a love letter perhaps?

The several books on a wooden table caught his attention. Looking at them more closely, Yin Chang read the titles of three of them out loud: “Adolescent Mental Health” ; “How to Communicate with a Rebellious Child” ; “Parents’ Wisdom.”

They were neither professional books about acting, nor novels for entertainment nor philosophical ones. The books had obvious traces of use. Many edges of the pages were folded inside. Flipping through one of the books to where a page was folded-in, the chapter was labeled ‘Rebellious boys need to be understood,’ and along the margins, there were many notes written there by a reader.

Yin Chang started reading the chapter:

“…..Adolescent boys are at a stage in their lives where they are trying to perfect their personality. Many changes in temperament and emotions are normal. In the eyes of adults, some children step out of line during this period in order to explore themselves, but more often then not, it is a method of seeking attention…..”

What the heck, Yin Chang thought. He had long passed the age of rebellion. Moreover, ever since he was a young child, he had always played the role of a good son. Even Fiona, who had taken care of him for 12 years, said that there was no one more obedient in the world then him.

Yin Chang couldn’t understand. What was his father doing reading these books?

While thinking about it, he noticed a stack of scripts on the bookshelf nearby. Ah. Yes, this makes sense Yin Chang thought. Perhaps, Yin Dong was making a film with a rebellious boy character and needed to do some research.

Yin Chang put down the book and moved his attention to the drawers in his father’s desk. Opening them, he looked inside. Other than work-related papers, there was nothing significant. After some time passed, the phone rang. It was Yang Jiajia.

“Yin Chang, did I wake you?”

“No. I’m already awake.” Yin Chang closed the drawers one-by-one. Not being able to find even a scrap of evidence pertaining to his life, Yin Chang felt disappointed and frustrated. Ever since Lawyer Wang reported the news last night, it was the first time he felt a sense of crisis in his life.

“It was very late when we arrived at your father’s apartment last night and I didn’t know if you would be awake yet. I thought you might be hungry so I ordered something to eat. I didn’t know if you liked Western food or Chinese, so I ordered both. The security will let you know when the delivery is ready. Eat and rest. I will pick you up around ten o’clock.”

“Okay, thank you.” Yin Chang said then hung up the phone. He glanced around and decided to give up searching through his father’s desk. He straightened up the papers then walked out.

A short while later, the security guards delivered the food. With a slight bow, he thanked them and closed the front door. At the entrance, a pair of children’s slippers caught his attention suddenly. He stretched out his leg to align his foot next to them. Clearly, they were slippers for a boy in their teens. Suspicious, Yin Chang worried.

Returning to the living room, Yin Chang sat down on the sofa and suddenly noticed another peculiar thing. Next to the coffee table lay a new box of Lego building set.

In foreign countries, Lego wasn’t exclusively meant for children. Many adults build large sets as a way of destressing and relaxation, but Yin Chang didn’t think Yin Dong would have such a hobby. As he unwrapped his food, he anxious thoughts ran wild.

Yang Jiajia was very thoughtful. There were two food options. One bag had Hong Kong-style porridge, fried dumplings and soybean milk. The other had a sandwich and freshly squeezed juice. While Yin Chang reached in to grab the sandwich, the phone rang again. This time, instead of a regular phone call, it was a video call on Skype.

When he pressed the ON button, his friend appeared on the screen. “Hey Bro, are you back in China? Let me see where you are now.”

The blond youth, approximately the same age as Yin Chang was the boy he had a dispute with years ago. Since then, they had become good friends. His name was Evan and he was the only foreign student to know who Yin Chang really was.

“I’m at my dad’s house.” Yin Chang raised his cell phone up and showed him around the environment.

“Looks empty. Is anyone there with you?” Evan asked, full of concern.

“No, it’s just me.”

Evan commented: “You look tired.”

Yin Chang didn’t deny it: “I am very tired.”

With sympathy, Evan said: “My poor Bro. I’m sorry for what happened to you, but everyone has to move on. You and your father usually didn’t see each other very much, right?  Just treat it as him going to another place. Yes, he’s gone to heaven so you can cheer up a little.”

“I know.” Yin Chang replied then bit into his sandwich. Chewing, he mulled over the clues he found at his father’s house and couldn’t help telling his friend about the details he saw: “I think there is something going on with my dad.”

Evan: “What’s wrong?”

Yin Chang glanced at the Lego set at his feet: “Well, there are some things here grown men wouldn’t be using.”

Evan smirked. “So, it’s for women then? Did your father have someone he was seeing?”

“No.” If it was a woman, Yin Chang would feel relieved. He always felt that Yin Dong was too lonely. For all these years, there wasn’t even gossip about a girlfriend. Yin Chang wanted him to find another to be his stepmom. He used to think Yao Manhuai would be a great match, but they never were anything more than friends.

Evan asked: “What things are you talking about?”

“Kids’ stuff, ” he replied and pointed the camera at the Lego box. “Also, there are pair of small slippers here. The guest room has cartoon bedding, not to mention the kid toothbrushes in the bathroom. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was kid toothpaste and shampoo someplace as well. I don’t think this stuff is supposed to be for me.”

Evan laughed: “Well then, does your father have an illegitimate child?”

Almost spurting out his mouthful of food, Yin Chang choked and coughed. Evan gave voice to the suspicion he had growing in his heart. While he took a few moments to regain his thoughts, he closed his eyes to speculate. These items were for a child older than eight. Except for Yao Manhuai, he hasn’t seen a woman in his father’s life at all, so how was it possible to have an illegitimate child?

Convincing himself, Yin Chang told Evan: “Well, even if there are these toys here, there isn’t any presence of a child living here. The apartment is too stark and tidy for that.”

Evan: “Well, maybe it’s a child of a friend of your father’s?”

“Probably.” Yin Chang also felt like the possibility was more likely.

Evan asked: “When are you coming back?”

Yin Chang: “I can’t come back for the time being. There are too many things here that I need to take care of. My father is gone and now I have to take responsibility and deal with it.”

Evan: “Congratulations! You can no longer be such a carefree little boy anymore.”

Yin Chang smirked: “Don’t make fun of me. I’ve never been a little boy.”

Evan: “Okay, okay. You are very big……  So, are you feeling a little better after talking with me?”

Yin Chang said dryly: “Nope.”

Evan: “…”

After hanging up the phone, in fact, Yin Chang did feel a little better. Although concerned, Evan wasn’t overly intrusive about the details of the incident. His simple yet normal phone conversation alleviated Yin Chang’s unexplainable uneasiness.

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