Xia Xiqing never thought that Zhou Ziheng would return the painting to him on his 26th birthday. Looking at his name on the nameplate of the painting frame, his eyes became slightly sore. The painting had disappeared for many years, and he almost had an escapist mentality, not looking for it, not thinking about it, as if as long as he treated it as non-existent, he would never care about the so-called family affection, and would never be hurt.
But escape is escape after all, he can't deny that this painting is integrated with too many complex and difficult to express emotions, and this emotion includes love. Zhou Ziheng understands this, so he will help him find it back and repair his broken heart.
Zhou Ziheng was always able to find his weak spot with great accuracy, and then protect it with his warm palms, regardless of whether he was willing or not, and he always gave his idealistic efforts. But he had to admit that he hit the mark every time.
Seeing the event proceeding in an orderly manner, Xia Xiqing's originally nervous heart relaxed a lot. There were many media from the literary and art circles among the guests, who reported on the event, and Xia Xiqing also accepted interviews accordingly.
“How did you get into art?”
This question was not very well asked. Xia Xiqing smiled at the female reporter who asked the question and said, "I learn from what I see and hear."
"So you mean that your family is also engaged in this profession?"
"I think the activities of this art gallery have little to do with my family." Xia Xiqing began to doubt the purpose of the female reporter. He tried to get out of it, but found himself surrounded by another group of media.
"May I ask how you got into the crew of Tracking?"
"There are rumors that you brought money into the crew. Could you please explain the relationship between you and the investors of the "Tracking" crew?"
It turned out that they came for the movie. Xia Xiqing should have thought that the huge response after the release of the trailer of this movie would sooner or later make some people jealous. It seems that they feel that they can't find a breakthrough from Zhou Ziheng and the director, so they can only start from themselves. Although Xia Xiqing is not a person in the entertainment industry, he has been splashed with dirty water several times and is already familiar with the routines of this circle.
With the assistant's prompt response, security personnel came to take control of the situation.
"Excuse me, please leave the exhibition hall."
"We are invited media, how can you expel us so easily?"
Xia Xiqing kept smiling and held the arm of the security guard beside him. "It's okay." He gave the reporters a professional fake smile. "As long as you don't ask questions unrelated to this event, you will not be expelled. Anyway, we have video records here. If your reports are inconsistent with the on-site situation, we will of course pursue legal responsibility according to the law." After saying that, he added as if jokingly, "I believe everyone knows how fussy I am."
Seeing the embarrassed expressions on the faces of the reporters, Xia Xiqing smiled innocently and said, "Aren't we going to interview you? Should we first talk about the dark colors of El Greco? Or the flowing light in William Turner's paintings?"
After sending away those entertainment reporters who were like headless flies, Xia Xiqing went to the second floor and poured himself a glass of champagne. After calming down, he felt that the matter was not that simple. Just now, those entertainment reporters kept talking about the investment in "Tracking". Could it be that the competitors saw that the investors were not public, so they took advantage of the situation and used the name of bringing in money
He wanted to bring money directly into the group, but he was not given the opportunity.
He tried to call Jiang Yin, but the line was busy. Xia Xiqing thought about it and originally wanted to call Zhou Ziheng but gave up in the end. He said before that he was shooting a perfume commercial and it should not be finished yet.
In order to understand the situation, Xia Xiqing checked the Internet. There was no hot search related to the investment in "Tracking" on the hot search list for the time being, but when he clicked on the hot search related to "Tracking", some marketing accounts began to dig up the investors. When Zhou Zijing invested before, it was in the name of acquiring a media subsidiary and signed a confidentiality agreement, so netizens could not see the public information of the investment.
There were similar comments under the Weibo posts of several marketing accounts. One wave said that there was something fishy about this semi-anonymous investment, while another wave pointed the finger directly at Xia Xiqing himself.
[Melon-eating crowd No. 1: How come there are melons whenever there is Xia Xiqing? Xia Xiqing is really a "treasure boy". ]
[Waiting for You 333: I think this kind of thing is related to bringing money into the group. Xia Xiqing, who studied painting, can now act in a play. What about those actors who graduated from professional schools but have no plays to act in? It's really ironic.]
Such remarks are everywhere, and the purpose of stirring up trouble is obvious. But what surprised Xia Xiqing was that the film company responded surprisingly quickly this time. He just refreshed the homepage and saw the clarification issued by the official Weibo of the movie.
[Film Tracking official Weibo: The recent online speculation about the investment in Tracking is all false. The following is the investment agreement. We will definitely investigate any rumor-mongering.]
The important parts of this investment agreement have been censored, but the amount of 85 million and the full name of the investor Xingye Media have been retained. In addition to this one, there are also investment agreements from the director himself and producer Jiang Yin.
The purpose of disclosing the investors is to stop the rumors of "Blackwater Investment", but to be honest, it cannot prove Xia Xiqing's innocence. He knows very well that these marketing accounts can easily link their names with any of these investors, whether it is Xing Ye, who accounts for the majority, Zhou Zijing behind him, or the director, or even Jiang Yin, they can all become his financial backers. This is the most difficult part.
Jiang Yin's phone suddenly rang, and Xia Xiqing answered it quickly. The other party sounded calm, but seemed to be looking for a solution.
"Xi Qing, you must have been harassed by reporters."
"Yeah. A group of them just came and I chased them away. Have you found out who stabbed you in the back?"
Jiang Yin said angrily, "After the release of Tracking was postponed, it clashed with a big-budget movie that also had two male protagonists, but the topic of the movie couldn't catch up, so they thought of ruining its reputation before the release so that people wouldn't go to see it."
I know it. Xia Xiqing stood in front of a window in the corner of the second floor, holding his cell phone, thinking.
There was no other way, even though Xia Xiqing had never wanted to do this.
"How about this, Sister Yin, you should have some marketing accounts under your control? Pretend to dig up my background. I'll give you the information later, but you won't be able to find out anything." Xia Xiqing's tone was completely nonchalant. "Just expose it to everyone and see who can support me."
He only celebrates his birthday once a year, and he has to reveal his family background for the sake of a movie. The self-revealing player is a joke that will last a lifetime.
Three hours later, a video was forwarded crazily on the Internet. It was the funeral of the domestic sculpture master Xi Hewei. The person standing in the front carrying the coffin for Mr. Xi was none other than Xia Xiqing, the popular painter who was at the center of controversy every day.
[Gossip Visit: Some netizens dug up the funeral of the sculpture master Mr. Xi. Isn’t the brother carrying the coffin Xia Xiqing? In addition, someone found the shares of Media Asia International on the Internet (to be verified). The boss of Media Asia is Xia Yunkai. Thinking about Xia Xiqing’s name, I don’t know if this kind of wealth novel dares to be written like this...]
[The person I like is a little painter: I should change my ID name. Kneel down and say happy birthday to Xi Qing! ]
[A passing fairy: So Xia Xiqing is the prince of Huanhe? His mother’s family is also the descendant of an art master. Why the hell doesn’t he like women!]
[12345 Go up the mountain to fight the tiger: ... Those who said that they were supported were all brainless haters. Media Asia, it’s too late to ask for support. ]
[Warning: I now suspect that Xia Xiqing really brought money into the group, hahaha, he brought his own money.]
[My son is the cutest: No, Media Asia did not invest in this movie. The largest investor is Xingye. Go check who acquired Xingye two years ago and then come back to thank me.]
[I'm pushing your tower to reply that my son is the cutest: Damn, I just checked, it's Jingming! Isn't the major shareholder of Jingming the brother of that guy? Damn, the one who really brings in the money is not the second male lead, but the first male lead.]
[My son is the cutest. The one who is pushing your tower is: the male lead cannot be discussed. His background is not something you can discuss. Shut up.]
[Study girl is cute: Happy birthday to Xiqing! What kind of fairy couple am I a fan of? ? ps I can vaguely smell the smell of self-destruction...]
[Happy birthday to Xia Xiqing on December 21: Wait for me if you want to blow yourself up! Xiqing: If you continue to spread rumors, I will blow you up!]
Now the focus of everyone's attention has turned to digging out Xia Xiqing's wealth. All kinds of jokes are flying around, and even a bunch of helpless sisters have started shouting "Xia Xiqing's husband" on Weibo, almost occupying his Weibo, making Xia Xiqing laugh and cry.
When he refreshed the page again, Xia Xiqing saw a Weibo post from Zhou Ziheng.
[Actor Zhou Ziheng: for you.]
This Weibo post has two pictures, each of which shows a bottle of perfume. The bottles are both very simple prismatic designs. The perfume liquid in the first bottle is deep black, mixed with a little blue quicksand, which makes people think of the vast universe and the tiny twinkling stardust in it at first glance.
The liquid in the other bottle is transparent and also contains quicksand, but it is a rich crimson color. The design inside the bottle is very special, with the quicksand fixed in the center of the bottle, and a small everlasting red rose hidden inside.
Xia Xiqing recognized almost immediately that the hand holding the perfume bottle was Zhou Ziheng's, not only because of her familiarity with him, but also because of the small rose tattoo on the inside of her ring finger that could be seen behind the translucent bottle.
The repost contains the official Weibo account of the high-end luxury brand that is collaborating on this project.
[These two perfumes will be sold worldwide as our Christmas limited editions. Actor Zhou Ziheng participated in the whole process of perfume blending and concept design. The main notes of rose mixed with pink pepper, supplemented by the pure desire of white musk, present the ultimate romance of starry sky and rose. The name of the perfume will be announced at 23:59 tonight.]
We really put in a lot of effort in this wave of publicity.
While I was complaining about the advertising ambassador, I received a WeChat message from him.
[renaissance: Is it over? I'll wait for you at your house.]
Xia Xiqing actually didn't have much expectation for the so-called birthday surprise, because the previous painting meant a lot to him. But after seeing Zhou Ziheng's message, he couldn't help but feel a desire. He wanted to go back early, to see him, and to celebrate the day he was born with him.
There was nothing to celebrate about his birth into the world. What was worth celebrating was that he was lucky enough to come to this world and did not miss Zhou Ziheng.
When leaving the art gallery, many fans saw him leaving and couldn't help but whisper his name. Xia Xiqing walked out while adjusting his coat, saying goodbye to them with a smile.
"Happy birthday Xi Qing."
"Happy birthday!" One of the girls asked, holding the flowers in her hand, "Brother Xiqing, why did you buy pink roses?"
Xia Xiqing turned around to face them, took two steps backwards, and smiled gently, "Pink roses are the best accessories for girls."
After coming out of the elevator of the apartment, Xia Xiqing walked straight to the door of his home. But the moment he opened the door, he couldn't help but feel a little puzzled, because it was pitch black inside, and there was no light on.
This is not like Zhou Ziheng's style. If he is at home, he will definitely leave the light in the entrance hall on, or simply turn on every light.
Could it be that he hasn’t replied yet
Although he now dared to recall the past, his fear of darkness had almost become a physiological reaction. Xia Xiqing reached out, fumbled for the switch of the living room light at the door, and pressed it with a click.
Strange, the touch of this switch is different from before...
There was no time to check carefully, or even to notice that the lights in the living room were not on. Xia Xiqing just stood there in a daze.
The cold darkness of the empty living room was suddenly mixed with countless tiny dazzling stardust, floating in the vast universe. It was so quiet at this moment, as quiet as a vacuum, but he could hear his own heartbeat, beating at an ever-increasing frequency, reaching his eardrums, like a lonely radio frequency transmitted in the quiet universe.
Taking a step closer, Xia Xiqing tried to call out his name, as if it was a teleportation across light years.
"Ziheng?"
The moment he opened his mouth, an extremely bright spot of light suddenly burst out in the center of the quiet sea of stars in front of him, as if heralding the arrival of a young star. The phantom stellar wind in the darkness distorted and compressed everything. The beautiful floating spots of light in the field of vision disappeared and were reborn, gradually gathering into a red nebula and slowly unfolding.
It looks like a blooming rose.
He could not describe what he saw. This great shock seemed to come from the primitive awe and longing of tiny human beings for the boundless starry sky.
Zhou Ziheng finally appeared at the other end of the Rose Nebula, with a gentle and calm smile on his face and a small controller in his hand.
"Someone once asked me, there are so many beautiful things in this world. If you were asked to pick one to give to the person you love most, what would you choose?" He looked a little embarrassed. "Before I met you, I thought the most beautiful thing in the world was the universe. In essence, we are no different from these stardust. We are all children of the stars and children of the universe."
He lowered his head and smiled, "But after meeting you, I found that a rose covered in mud is also beautiful. Microscopic beauty is also awe-inspiring."
His gentle gaze traveled across the entire nebula and reached Xia Xiqing's eyes filled with stars.
"When I finally waited for this day, I started to feel conflicted, because whether it was the universe or the rose, I wanted to give it to you. So," he stretched out his hand, "please allow me to introduce you, this is Nebula NGC 2237. Or we can call it the Rose Nebula." Zhou Ziheng stepped over the stardust, passed through the magnificent star cluster, walked in front of Xia Xiqing, and hugged him.
"It took me half a month to take this picture." Zhou Ziheng took out a photo and put it in Xia Xiqing's hand. "Then I asked Zhixu to build a model and make a hologram together, so we have what you see now." He smiled and kissed Xia Xiqing's forehead, his voice gentler than the universe.
"Happy birthday. Thanks for being here for me."
Xia Xiqing finally understood why Zhou Ziheng was hiding on the rooftop with a bunch of astronomical photography equipment. But he didn't expect that he could actually reproduce the nebula billions of light years away in front of him, allowing him to experience all this solemn and romantic with his own eyes.
He finally understood what the two perfumes designed by Zhou Ziheng represented. The combination of black quicksand and eternal rose was everything in front of him.
He held the photo and looked up at Zhou Ziheng. Behind him was a gorgeous deep red nebula.
He wanted to speak, to express himself, but all the signals he could send out had been plundered and mixed into another heartbeat just a few feet away.
This most beautiful rose in the world, with stardust as its soil and the Milky Way as its nourishment, will never wither and will always bloom in the quiet universe.
"This is what I want to give you, a cosmic romance."
The author has something to say: I uploaded the nebula NGC2237 on Weibo. You must watch it and feel the little rose in the universe~
There are also birthday (ao3) gifts, which will be sent before 11 o'clock.