Chapter 33

Slightly Sweet You (03)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Hearing what the Double-Headed Eagle said, Hosheng immediately realized she had misunderstood. He raised an eyebrow with interest and asked her what she was thinking.

Mu He wiped away her tears and, feeling embarrassed to lean on him again, straightened her posture and honestly spoke her thoughts: “China and Russia are friendly; may our friendship last forever.”

Huo Si Shao, who usually kept to himself, secluded among mountains and rivers and exuding a cool composure, couldn’t control his emotions after hearing her words. He let out a low chuckle.

Hosheng never expected that the ring he had spent several nights designing, had the best craftsmen in Fuchun City polish into a finished product, and given to her on Christmas Eve, would be misunderstood as conveying… friendship?

A man giving a woman a ring—could it mean anything else?

Mu He looked at his expression suspiciously, trying to read some clue: “What are you laughing at?”

“Mu Yangyang,” such hearty laughter was unfamiliar and long-lost to Hosheng. After a moment, he stopped laughing and reached out to gently pinch her cheek, “How are you so clever?”

Mu He’s heart sank slightly, as if struck heavily by a pendulum that had been suspended above, and her chest reverberated with a dull echo. Could it be that she really guessed correctly?

So, he had always treated her as just a friend.

The only things one cannot claim for oneself out of love, besides Mount Fuji, are the moon in the sky.

Mu He struggled to pull herself out of her low mood.

It’s okay, Mu Yangyang.

Affection grows over time. After all, he lives in your house; he won’t run away. Besides, as long as one is bold enough, what mischief can’t they get away with?

If it really comes to it, the worst-case scenario is forcing one’s way.

Of course, that’s a last-resort strategy.

The most pressing thing now is how to let Xi Heng know that she has “improper thoughts” toward him in a romantic sense.

Mu He felt instantly energized, rushing back to her room and drafting a seduction plan overnight. The plan included, but was not limited to: occasionally batting her eyes, wearing sexy pajamas, showing off her fair, straight legs in front of him, and maximizing physical closeness…

Hosheng had long since figured out her intentions completely. As for these little tricks, seeing her persistently seduce him every day, he enjoyed being seduced.

Before Mu He could fully put the plan into practice, the annual awards gala arrived. Because she was nominated for an award, she also received an invitation to the event.

Before leaving, she clung to Xi Heng’s arm and acted coquettishly: “I’ll win an award one day.”

Hosheng hid the surprise he planned to give her tonight, teasing her verbally: “In my lifetime, I should be able to see it, right?”

Am I really that bad?

!

Mu He glared at him in embarrassment and annoyance, then found it funny and sighed: “Hard to say, so you better live a long life.”

“Ah, I won’t tease you anymore, I’m leaving.”

The driver was already waiting downstairs.

Knowing that the Annual Most Popular Newcomer Award had already been predetermined for Qin Zhi, this trip was destined to be just a consolation run. Yet Mu He still went to the fashion styling studio arranged by Ye Xi, spending over three hours preparing her look and attending the gala in full regalia.

Her recent popularity had surged, and she had even surpassed top-tier actress Qin Zhi in online voting, dominating the charts. Upon her appearance, she was immediately surrounded by reporters.

The interviews inevitably focused on the awards. Tan Mian, the little clever one, had compiled the official responses two days ago, which Mu He skimmed over quickly, gaining confidence. She also sincerely thanked the reporters for their polite congratulations.

Almost half of the entertainment circle’s stars were present. The venue glittered with celebrities, and the camera flashes never ceased. Mu He was seated on the right, mid-upper section, next to the elegant and intellectual actress Guan Shiyu. After a polite greeting, she lifted her skirt slightly and sat gracefully.

Although Guan Shiyu wasn’t extremely famous, she had a good reputation in the industry, was low-profile, hardly ever caused a stir, and exuded a subtle, refined beauty that gave a comforting impression.

Qin Zhi, on the other hand, sat in the front row, center position. Confirming her award was all but secured, she wore a festive red gown, her makeup radiant, smiling as she greeted others. Her peripheral vision caught sight of Mu He, paused briefly, then ignored her as she floated past.

Satisfied with the seating arrangement and feeling a bit proud.

After all, it was just a minor competitor.

Qin Zhi had originally not taken Mu He seriously, but after being overshadowed on the show “Clever Challenges,” she privately harbored resentment.

In that palace intrigue drama, Mu He was just an unknown minor role, with only two or three scenes and minimal lines. Who would have expected that in just a few months, she would suddenly dare to compete for the newcomer award?

Wasn’t this an outright declaration of war?

Qin Zhi was angry but didn’t take it too seriously, only to find that Mu He had so many experts helping her garner votes. Most importantly, she even won the online voting!

No one likes being outdone, especially by an underdog. Qin Zhi felt humiliated. If Mu He actually won, how would she continue in the entertainment circle?

Fortunately, in the end, capital decides in this industry. No matter how impressive online data is, it’s still futile.

From childhood, Qin Zhi had never failed to obtain what she wanted.

She had memorized her acceptance speech, and the studio had prepared the trending post; all that was left was to receive the trophy and be crowned with glory.

As for Mu He, she should understand her place and quietly serve as a stepping stone.

The camera swept over, and Qin Zhi composed herself, displaying a complete ladylike demeanor and smiled appropriately.

Guests gradually took their seats. After an energetic song and dance opening, the award ceremony officially began. Awards were presented in sequence. Lin Xiyu and Zhong Li Fei won Male and Female God of the Year, respectively. Both graduated from Beijing Film Academy, senior and junior schoolmates. They stayed on stage for playful teasing by the host, cooperating seamlessly and adeptly cracking jokes, heating up the atmosphere.

Mu He, sitting below, kept smiling. The cameraman seemed particularly fond of her, capturing her smile on the live broadcast, making fans laugh along:

“Wow, her smile is so sweet, you’d think she won the award, haha.”

“This smile is genuine, not a bit fake!”

After Lin Xiyu and Zhong Li Fei finished their photos and left the stage, there was a mid-show break. The iron-lung diva Ai Qing performed a high-energy song, pushing the excitement to its peak.

The ceremony continued.

The host announced the next award: Most Popular Newcomer of the Year. In the back row, Qin Zhi’s fans went wild: “Qin Zhi! Qin Zhi! Zhi Zhi!”

Thousand Paper Cranes also didn’t want to be outdone: “Mu He! Mu Yangyang!”

“Now, please welcome the award presenter, performing artist Teacher Zhao Kai, to announce the winner.”

Hearing the familiar name, Mu He’s eyes lit up. Teacher Zhao was one of her most respected seniors. She had often studied his film clips, learning from his acting. She didn’t expect him to appear as the presenter. The surprise was delightful, though she couldn’t help feeling a bit regretful—how perfect it would have been if he had awarded her.

Zhao Kai didn’t keep suspense. Opening the list, he read: “Congratulations to the winner of the Most Popular Newcomer of the Year—Mu He!”

Qin Zhi, who had prepared to rise and accept the award, froze: “?”

!

Did she mishear, or was this a mistake?

!

All of Qin Zhi’s fans fell silent, only Thousand Paper Cranes’ cheers surged: “Mu He! Mu Yangyang!”

Cameras and spotlights focused on Mu He. She looked dazed, as if she hadn’t processed it yet. Wasn’t it predetermined for Qin Zhi?

What on earth was happening?

She walked onto the stage in a daze, becoming the focus of everyone’s attention.

Zhao Kai first shook her hand, then handed her the trophy, smiling gently: “Congratulations.”

“Teacher Zhao,” Mu He couldn’t help but hug him, her eyes slightly moist. This feeling, probably only true fans who had successfully met and hugged their idol could understand, “I’m so happy you are the one giving me the award.”

Zhao Kai had been in the industry nearly forty years; he could tell that the girl’s words were sincere. He patted her back lightly and offered some encouraging words.

Mu He nodded repeatedly: “Thank you, Teacher Zhao.”

Holding the trophy, she approached the microphone, her heart nearly in her throat, her mind almost blank: “Honestly, I didn’t expect to win, so…” She didn’t know what to say.

Seeing Thousand Paper Cranes waving excitedly from the back, she finally took a deep breath and smiled

“Small Waist Spirit shows off her long legs and steals the spotlight!”

“Same camera angle, same filter, how can she be this beautiful?

! Totally unfair!”

“Hahaha, at the New Year’s Eve gala she brought the waters of Lake Baikal, tonight she brings the blooming, vibrant spring…”

Mu He’s long curls were soft and fluffy. She wore a high-end brand pale green short dress with a cinched waist. The hem was intricately hand-embroidered, looking fresh and sweet. She finished her acceptance speech smoothly, covered her chest, and bowed deeply.

Amid the warm applause, she returned to her seat, her heart still pounding.

It felt dreamlike, as if floating on clouds. Even holding the heavy trophy, it felt unreal.

Backstage, Ye Xi and Tan Mian were also incredulous. What was going on?

The only explanation they could think of was that the organizers adhered to fairness, and the Qin family couldn’t interfere.

Ye Xi hurried to have someone write a press release about Mu He winning, only to find that #MuHeWinsNewcomerAwardDeservedly# was already trending. As her manager, she felt a little relieved.

It wasn’t until the awards ceremony was near its end that Mu He calmed down and accepted the fact. She quietly took out her phone and sent a photo of the trophy to Xi Heng: “Mr. Xi, you can start praising me now [proud]”

Xi Heng: “Congratulations to the clever, elegant, beautiful, generous, gentle, and kind… Mu Yangyang.”

Mu He beamed, feeling delighted. The string of adjectives felt strangely familiar. She realized—weren’t these the words she had written in her self-reflection?

Does he have to be this lazy?

After presenting the remaining major awards, the gala concluded. Mu He was stopped by reporters for interviews. Meanwhile, Qin Zhi had already returned to the lounge. She called her father, first questioning why the promised award had disappeared, then crying about being the biggest joke of the night.

Qin Yuan, unaware of what had happened, comforted his daughter: “I’ll go ask and clarify right away.”

After hanging up, Qin Zhi still felt unsatisfied, venting anger at her manager and assistant.

A while later, she received a call from her father, but before she could finish listening, she angrily smashed her phone and stormed out.

On the other side, Mu He finally left, encountering Mrs. Qin hurrying along the way to the lounge. Mu He walked past without looking at her.

Mrs. Qin, however, glanced back at her once.

Late at night, Mu He returned home. Xi Heng was still waiting in the living room. She was excited, chatting with him until past three in the morning. Only after his repeated urging did she go to bed.

Before fully coming down from the joy of her first award, Mu He received a thunderbolt—Xi Heng was going home.

In fact, as the Lunar New Year approached, she had a premonition, though she had been like an ostrich avoiding it. When the moment finally arrived, she felt panicked and helpless.

Perhaps he would leave again and not return.

Perhaps when he appeared again, he would be forced to marry that woman.

But she had no standing or reason to stop him from reuniting with his family.

Grandpa Huo was getting old and weak. Important family matters had to be handled by Hosheng, who had been delaying his return day by day. Now it couldn’t be postponed any longer. Moreover, the primary purpose of this trip was to deal with the Ding family trouble.

However…

Watching the person in the room busily packing his luggage, Hosheng’s mood was complicated.

She no longer threw small tantrums or shed tears, hiding her sadness. Her maturity was heartbreaking.

He was used to a wandering life, never thinking about farewells, never feeling attachment, never considering departures as sorrowful.

Yet he also felt a sense of security, probably because this time, she was waiting at home.

The only comfort he could give her was: “Wait for me to come back.”

After Xi Heng left, Mu He returned alone to the empty house, forgetting even dinner. She sat on the living room sofa holding bowls until midnight. The next day, she groggily woke, made breakfast, and knocked on his door. No response for a long time.

She finally realized something. Slowly squatting down, tears fell like broken pearls, striking the floor in heavy drops.

Mu He felt hollow inside, lost and listless, uninterested in anything. Xi Heng was probably very busy; the last message he sent was on the day he left: “Arrived.” She feared bad news and didn’t contact him.

Her heart ached more each day, tossing and turning at night, only falling asleep by running to his bed, resting on his scent.

When his scent faded, she searched the wardrobe for his shirts, hugging them to survive the long nights.

Unknowingly, New Year’s Eve arrived as promised.

Mu He’s day was filled with work. Near midnight, she sat tired in the car, passing through the festive city, returning to Golden Moon Bay. The security guard room still had three guards on duty. She had the driver stop and gave them each a gift she brought.

The guards thanked her, the youngest one saying: “Happy New Year to you and Mr. Huo.”

Aside from the company’s Mr. Huo, Mu He didn’t know any other Huo, thinking he had mistaken her, smiling faintly as she turned away.

The community was decorated with lanterns and banners, full of New Year’s spirit.

The cold wind blew, Mu He wrapped her coat tighter, walking calmly. Tonight, no moon or stars, the sky pitch black. Every home was reunited. She longed deeply for her father… and Xi Heng.

Walking, she felt the chill on her hair, looked up, and snow was falling.

The first snow in City A arrived on New Year’s Eve, belatedly.

Mu He reached out, letting snowflakes land in her palm, icy and slowly melting.

Was it snowing in his city too?

At this moment, what was he doing?

She kept walking.

Suddenly, she stopped.

Under the streetlight stood a familiar, upright figure. The man wore the dark coat she had bought, tall, with the yellowish light and falling snow softening the contours of his face.

Graceful and radiant.

He appeared so suddenly, yet perfectly. Mu He thought she was hallucinating. Blinking hard, he was still there. Overjoyed, she ran to him, colliding into his embrace: “Xi Heng…”

He had probably been waiting outside a long time. She felt the cold on his coat, yet he… was real.

He really came back!

A flood of emotions surged. Mu He, like a floating leaf battered by a storm, instinctively hugged him tightly, tears filling her eyes. All her hesitation, worry, and doubt vanished the moment she saw him. She didn’t want to wait any longer. Standing at the threshold of love, she had nothing but courage.

The ten days apart had stretched the distance, making Mu He clearer—she liked him and wanted to be with him.

“Let’s try, Mu Yangyang.”

Her heart burned, her throat as if holding a hot coal: “I…I…” I like you. Can I pursue you?

Yet saying it felt… so hard.

The man’s index finger pressed lightly on her lips, cool.

Mu He shivered, the light in her eyes dimming, darker than the night sky above. Had he guessed what she was about to say? Yet he wouldn’t let her speak. Wasn’t that obvious enough?

Snowflakes fell, melting in her heart.

His finger moved away. Shadows fell. Her lips were covered by a new weight…

Mu He’s eyes widened in shock. So close, his long lashes almost brushing her face.

He was kissing her?

!

His lips were cool but soft.

Mu He thought she understood, but wasn’t sure, her mind in chaos.

She vaguely heard a voice ask: After snow melts, what does it become?

Another voice answered: It becomes spring.

Thump, thump, her heart seemed alive again.

Hosheng pressed against her lips, lightly tracing her shape without deep intrusion, yet enchantingly seductive. He pressed against the corner of her lips and whispered: “The engagement is cancelled.”

Mu He’s hands around his waist tightened, looking straight into his eyes: “…So?”

“So,” light gleamed in his eyes, he murmured, “can I pursue you?

Mu Yangyang.”