Dating the Heartthrob Superstar-Chapter 32: I am willing

Chapter 32: I’m Willing

The summer weather was a bit stifling. Even in the morning, as soon as the sun emerged, the heat would envelop the world. The sea breeze drifted in, but it couldn’t bring any coolness; even the wind felt hot.

At least Lin Qin truly believed now that his entire body felt hot and flushed, his mind burnt blank. He could only stare dumbfounded at Meng Chao standing before him.

Lin Qin liked Meng Chao—this was beyond doubt.

But even so, Lin Qin had never imagined developing a relationship with Meng Chao that went beyond friendship. Although he genuinely, deeply liked Meng Chao, to Lin Qin, that was a luxury—something out of reach.

Yet now, what was once unattainable had become within arms’ length. Lin Qin was completely stunned, unable to grasp the reality. It felt like floating in the skies—his whole being ethereal.

Though Meng Chao had said something akin to a confession last night, he hadn’t made it explicit. But today, Meng Chao clearly laid it out in front of Lin Qin. Lin Qin’s heart couldn’t endure the surging joy and happiness all at once, leaving him looking a bit silly.

Meng Chao, caught up in the moment, assumed Lin Qin hadn’t understood his words. So he repeated them more plainly, "Lin Qin, I like you. Let’s date."

The deep yet slightly hesitant voice finally pulled Lin Qin back from his dreamlike world. He stood there, at a loss for what to do, his mouth opening but seemingly forgetting how to speak.

Meng Chao’s mood sank immediately. Pretending to smile, he added, "I was too hasty. If you don’t like me, that’s okay. You don’t need to force yourself. I’m sorry for troubling you."

How could Lin Qin bear to see Meng Chao sad? Anxiously, he blurted out, "I’m willing!"

Meng Chao pretended not to hear him. "What did you say? I didn’t catch that. Say it again."

Summoning courage from who knows where, Lin Qin shut his eyes and shouted by Meng Chao’s ear, "I’m willing! I’m willing to explore the path of being a couple with you!"

Meng Chao burst out laughing. Lin Qin looked over, and there wasn’t a trace of sorrow or disappointment in Meng Chao’s eyes—only gleaming joy that seemed to spill over.

Yet certain someone took advantage and played coy again, holding Lin Qin’s hand as he cheerfully said, "I knew Qinqin liked me. From now on, we’re officially a couple."

Switching from "Lin Qin" to "Qinqin" felt entirely natural.

Lin Qin’s face turned red, joy overflowing from his chest. He didn’t mind being teased by Meng Chao anymore. Fingers intertwined, sweetness enveloping him, Lin Qin’s smile refused to diminish, locked onto his face.

"Qinqin."

Suddenly, Meng Chao called Lin Qin seriously. Lin Qin looked up, still unprepared when Meng Chao’s exceedingly handsome face suddenly loomed closer.

Lin Qin thought Meng Chao was about to kiss him. Closing his eyes, he endured the overwhelming discomfort, anticipating the kiss to land.

Instead, a warm touch landed softly on his forehead, brushing like a feather—tickling.

Lin Qin opened his eyes to see Meng Chao’s hand resting lightly atop his head, giving a gentle pat. "Let’s go back."

"Okay." Though Lin Qin didn’t quite understand, he obediently nodded, unable to vocalize the questions in his throat.

Meng Chao had indeed intended to kiss Lin Qin. But as he got close to Lin Qin’s lips, he noticed Lin Qin’s trembling eyelashes and the subtle pale color draining from his face. Meng Chao realized Lin Qin wasn’t ready to fully accept physical intimacy yet. So he suppressed his urge to kiss Lin Qin, redirecting what would have landed on his lips to a soft touch on the forehead instead.

He liked Lin Qin—liked him more than he’d ever liked anyone. Because of that, he hoped Lin Qin’s recollections of their kisses would be filled with beauty, not reluctance or compromise.

Lin Qin partly guessed at Meng Chao’s thoughts. While happiness bloomed in his heart, he also resolved to actively participate in his therapy. Otherwise, wouldn’t missing out on the ability to even enjoy a kiss be a waste?

The invisible barrier between them had finally been broken. Two souls drawn to each other since the moment they met had finally come together.

Later that evening, Lin Qin retrieved his phone from the production team. This time, he cautiously switched to his secondary account and, trembling slightly, posted a tweet.

Feeling dissatisfied after a look, he used his once-a-year opportunity to rename his account. Finally, his ID wasn’t that uncreative string of numbers anymore.

Qinqin of Chao: We’re together now.

Thus, the seaside villa welcomed and bid farewell to several groups of guests, with the filming of "We’re Together" already halfway done.

On this day, the villa welcomed a special guest—Meng Chao’s older brother, Meng Ke.

Of course, Meng Ke wasn’t invited by the production team for the show. He just happened to be on a business trip in Aibinhai City and decided to drop by to see his younger brother—and his brother’s blooming iron tree "significant other."

Meng Ke wasn’t a public figure, so filming temporarily paused upon his arrival. Meng Chao invited him into the living room. By certain measures, this could count as meeting the family. Lin Qin was visibly nervous, but with his resolution to cooperate with treatment, he braved through his discomfort to get closer to others nonetheless.

"Brother Meng," Lin Qin greeted. Though it seemed like a casual remark, his palm was already damp with sweat.

With a five-point resemblance to Meng Chao, Meng Ke carried a more imposing presence. Compared to Meng Chao’s gentleness, Meng Ke was more stoic—a domineering president managing the expansive Meng Family enterprise. But facing his little brother’s partner, his attitude was relatively amiable. "Don’t be nervous. From now on, we’re family."

Lin Qin obediently responded with a soft "Okay" but grew even more nervous at the thought of "family."

Meng Chao gripped Lin Qin’s hand and looked at Meng Ke. "Brother, what brings you here this time?"

He certainly didn’t believe Meng Ke had come just to see him and Lin Qin.

Sure enough, Meng Ke had business.

He asked, "Have you finalized the later guest lineup?"

Meng Chao narrowed his eyes, immediately picking up his brother’s implication. "You want to slip someone in as a guest?"

Having significant influence in the selection of guests—not just because of his status but also as an investor in "We’re Together"—Meng Chao’s request for a guest addition wouldn’t be denied by the production team.

"Yes," Meng Ke admitted directly. "An indie singer, way off the radar, but talented."

"I didn’t expect you to be such an advocate for talent," Meng Chao remarked with a meaningful tone. His older brother’s small request was something he’d certainly help with. "Alright, send me the info. I’ll have the production team reach out."

With his objective achieved, Meng Ke didn’t linger long to avoid disrupting filming. Before leaving, he said, "Bring Lin Qin home sometime. I’m sure Mom and Dad are waiting to meet their ’daughter-in-law.’"

Meng Chao retorted, "Got it. Are you leaving or not?"