Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

41. "You Used To Be The One Above?"

On Saturday morning, Chu Zhichen rose early and found himself wrestling with his wardrobe, entering and exiting the cloakroom three times, yet unable to settle on an appropriate outfit.

Despite Xiang Mingzhang's advice against wearing formal attire, Chu Zhichen found himself clad in a suit. He turned to the internet to seek guidance on appropriate attire for music festivals, only to find that the contemporary fashion trends seemed too avant-garde for ordinary individuals like himself.

After much contemplation, Chu Zhichen retrieved a shopping bag from his closet, which contained a new autumn suit that his mother had purchased for him. After removing the label, he replaced his clothes with the new ensemble.

As he passed his sister's bedroom, Chu Shihui's eyes lit up. "Brother, where are you going dressed like that?" she inquired.

Unable to offer a satisfactory explanation, Chu Zhichen replied, "I have an errand for a colleague."

However, Chu Shihui possessed her own interpretation. "Is it that gay colleague you mentioned before? Are you dating?" she probed.

Chu Zhichen responded earnestly, "Don't be absurd."

Curiosity consuming her, Chu Shihui persisted, "I care about you. Is this colleague handsome?"

Unable to resist, Chu Zhichen admitted, "Yes, he is."

Chu Shihui had only met Xiang Mingzhang once and asked, "Is Xiang Mingzhang the handsome one?"

Chu Zhichen raised his hand and shut the door in response.

The music festival was taking place at Linhu Wetland Park in the southern part of the city. Although referred to as a park, it was, in truth, an expansive natural scenic area. Developed earlier on, the park covered a vast expanse and thus was one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

[T/N: The author is no doubt referring to Jiaxing Linhu Wetland Park, a man-made Eden that was created in 2005. This lush oasis covers 1.5 square kilometers and is home to a menagerie of flora and fauna.]

As visitor capacity reached its limit, the park began hosting occasional large-scale offline events to accommodate the growing demand.

At the park's entrance, Xiang Mingzhang arrived early and stood tall, composed amidst the thronging crowd. He had earphones plugged in and engaged in a phone conversation with Duan Hao while awaiting someone's arrival.

The Chu family's car pulled up, and Xiang Mingzhang remarked, "You must be busy. I'll hang up."

Chu Zhichen emerged from the vehicle, donning jeans for the first time in his life. They were white and blue, with the trouser legs slightly too short, revealing his slender ankles with each step he took.

The only element providing a modicum of comfort was the sneakers. Chu Zhichen approached Xiang Mingzhang and asked, "Am I late?"

Xiang Mingzhang's eyes gleamed as Chu Zhichen's presence captivated him daily. With his straight shoulders, slender waist, long legs, tightly wrapped or partially exposed, Xiang Mingzhang had admired Chu Zhichen's impeccable physique.

Yet, this was the first time he had seen Chu Zhichen dressed in this manner, slightly disregarding formalities while imbuing a youthful demeanor.

Xiang Mingzhang responded, "You're not late. Let's go."

They entered the park amid the crowd, following signs leading to the music festival venue. Prior to its commencement, the performers were instructed to wait in the leisure center located within the scenic area.

The entire Linhu Scenic Area belonged to Baiyi Corporation. Xiang Mingzhang exchanged greetings with Duan Hao, and as they arrived at the leisure center, staff guided them to the Xingyu lounge.