271 Taking a Shortcu (2/2)

”Eh? Really? So who does he end up with?”

”Are you sure you already want to know now?” Nie Chang leaned over and kissed his cheek. ”Wouldn't that spoil the fun?”

Su Yan harrumphed. ”Didn't you say we only need to read the beginning anyway? What's so bad about it?”

”Who knows? Maybe you'll want to read it sometime in the future.”

Su Yan pouted but finally admitted defeat. Why was his boyfriend doing this just when he was in a hurry? ”Alright, alright. Then just read the beginning. One chapter should be enough, right?”

Nie Chang grinned. ”Certainly.” In fact, the things he had already said were probably enough to explain the trope.

Ah, he was really curious just how long Su Yan would manage to keep listening when he found out that he already knew what would be mentioned in the next few paragraphs. Then there really was no way he'd have to read the rest of the novel to him. With that thought, Nie Chang cleared his throat and continued to read.

[Ah, he should probably put this into context: Six months ago he had still been a normal white-collar worker that spent his leisure time with reading novels. Then one day, he had stumbled upon a hidden gem. A really deeply hidden gem.

The author had given himself the unassuming pen name 'Simple Words' and called the masterpiece he was uploading 'Forever'. The author truly was too low-key! If Qiu Ming Wen hadn't been utterly bored that day and not in the mood for any of the other novels he normally read, he certainly wouldn't have honored it with a second glance.

In hindsight … he was grateful he had! Because 'Forever' turned out to be the novel he had waited for without even knowing it himself. It had everything: A strong protagonist with an equally strong set of morals that was still able to use brush or sword to finish his enemies off if there was the need. A beautiful and kind-hearted lover willing to do everything for the protagonist even if it would inconvenience himself. An intelligent villain that would stay around from the first chapter to the last, persistently hindering the protagonist on his path to glory and marital bliss.

The best thing probably was that —]

”Ah Chang!” Su Yan turned to his boyfriend with teary eyes. ”Can we stop that? He's just praising some novel that we haven't even read! It's so boring!”

Nie Chang nodded happily. ”But of course! If you don't like it, then I certainly wouldn't want to force you to listen to it. So, have you finished the noodles already?” He motioned at the two bowls in front of Su Yan, not caring that he hadn't gotten anything to eat. Ah, wouldn't he be able to make something while Su Yan checked his reward at home? He shouldn't worry about that.

Naturally, Su Yan nodded.

”Alright, then let's go.” Nie Chang slipped the phone into his little darling's pocket, took his hand and led him outside.

Ah, it really was great to take a shortcut!