Chapter 66 Expose the album in front of the master

A moment of silence settled indoors.

As Fu Jinxiao watched Shen Xingsui's tangled and shy gaze, his eyes squinted slightly. Being a brilliant actor, he instantly realized Shen Xingsui's misunderstanding. But after pondering briefly, a mischievous grin surfaced on Fu's face. Instead of clarifying, he confidently approached.

The man's legs were long, and with every step he took on the floor, Shen Xingsui's anxiety intensified.

Eventually, Fu Jinxiao stopped beside the sofa, leaning down, bringing their faces extremely close. This allowed Shen Xingsui to observe his cold gaze up close. He hadn't realized before that when you looked closely, Fu's eyes held a hint of a soft blue, a shade more mesmerizing than any blue Shen Xingsui had ever seen.

Shen Xingsui's every breath was filled with Fu Jinxiao's scent. He whispered, "You..."

"What about me?" Fu Jinxiao teased, leaning against the sofa, a playful smirk in his eyes. Drawing nearer, his voice was deep and magnetic, "Don't want to?"

Shen Xingsui's cheeks turned crimson, stuttering, "I... I'm not mentally... prepared."

The amusement in Fu Jinxiao's eyes deepened, and he chuckled, a sound that came deep from his chest. It seemed the first time Shen Xingsui saw him genuinely laugh – different from his usual polite, insincere smiles – this one was wholehearted, reminiscent of a mischievous boy.

...

Lifting his head, Fu's flirtatious eyes teased, "Never realized you had so many thoughts about me, young comrade Shen."

! !

Realizing he overthought, Shen Xingsui felt a burning embarrassment.

Fu Jinxiao adjusted his clothes, placed them next to Shen, and advised, "Go freshen up. It's raining outside; you might catch a cold if you don’t."

Feeling more embarrassed by his own imagination, Shen Xingsui mumbled, "Oh, right... a cold..."

However, Fu Jinxiao wasn't done, smirking as he looked at the flustered Shen Xingsui, "Or were you thinking of something else?"

Indignant, Shen Xingsui retorted, "Nothing, I wasn't thinking of anything!"

Unable to stay a second longer, he grabbed his clothes and dashed into the bathroom. In his haste, he accidentally turned on cold water, snapping back to reality with a yelp.

From outside, Fu Jinxiao's voice inquired, "Is everything alright? Need help?"

Almost exploding, Shen Xingsui exclaimed, "No, I'm fine!"

Fu Jinxiao, hearing the chaotic noises inside, couldn't help but smile even broader. Being with Shen Xingsui always lifted his spirits. Despite encountering countless outstanding individuals over the years, none allowed him to let his guard down as Shen did.

No burdens.

No pressures.

Fu Jinxiao sighed, pondering, if Shen Xingsui had openly expressed his feelings, would he have reciprocated?

Over the years, not out of arrogance but due to the murky entertainment circle filled with opportunists, he had grown weary of those who tried to get close with ulterior motives. Even though he knew he would eventually marry, he never considered anyone from the industry.

However...

What if it's Shen Xingsui?

That answer remains an enigma.

After Shen Xingsui took a shower, he felt considerably calmer.

If he knew he'd make such a scene, he'd have never come to visit. Emerging from the bathroom in clothes given by Fu Jinxiu, he was immediately greeted by the aroma of food. After the day's events, he was famished. Drawn by the scent, he found his way to the kitchen.

Hearing a noise, Fu Jinxiu turned: "I'm cooking fish. Do you eat spicy?"

Shen Xingsui nodded.

"I thought you might." Fu Jinxiu covered the pot. "See if the rice is ready. Wash your hands, and we can start dinner."

Shen Xingsui promptly offered, "Let me help."

Fu Jinxiu watched as he diligently checked the rice cooker, and meticulously set the table. He moved busily around, as diligent as a house spouse.

After serving the rice, Shen Xingsui noticed two dishes on the table: stir-fried potato shreds, a dish of greens, a large bowl of tomato and egg soup, and even a fish stewing in a pot. He said, "Let me serve the dishes."

Fu Jinxiu waved him off: "Sit down. This is hot; don't burn yourself."

Shen Xingsui reluctantly sat still.

With impeccable timing, Fu Jinxiu served the fish. "Can't order takeout on a rainy day. Made something simple; hope it's sufficient."

Shen Xingsui mentally marveled at the spread and shook his head, "This is beyond sufficient. I never imagined you'd cook at home."

As if reading his thoughts, Fu Jinxiu smiled, "Did you imagine me always having things handed to me?"

Shen Xingsui choked up, recalling times he had thought just that.

With graceful motions, Fu Jinxiu placed a piece of fish on his plate. His elegant demeanor amidst the domestic setting seemed to bring them closer. "Being abroad, one can't be too picky. I'm usually out for work and rarely home. No need for a maid. As long as I don't starve, it's fine."

Watching him understate his struggles, Shen Xingsui ate with determination, finishing every grain of rice. After the meal, he volunteered, "I'll do the dishes!"

Fu Jinxiu said, "There's a dishwasher. Just load it."

Shen Xingsui nodded, "Alright, you can go shower now."

The statement came out naturally, but something felt amiss. Realizing it, Shen Xingsui snuck a glance at Fu Jinxiu.

With an amused smile, Fu Jinxiu chose not to comment and nodded his departure.

Relieved, Shen Xingsui quickly cleaned the dining area and the kitchen. Unsure of where to sleep, he hesitated in the living room, intrigued by the albums and memorabilia on the bookshelf.

The collection was even more comprehensive than his own, boasting rare photos and mementos. One image, in particular, caught Shen Xingsui's attention. It depicted a young Fu Jinxiu, clad in simple attire, seemingly singing on a stage with scant audience. Despite the blurred lens and minimal crowd, he struck a confident pose for the camera.

Lost in the photo, he was jolted back to reality by a noise behind him.

Fu Jinxiao asked, "What are you looking at?"

Shen Xingsui, with a slight tremble in his hand, almost dropped the photo. He quickly replied, "All's good. I just finished doing the dishes and noticed this frame, so I came over for a closer look..."

Seeing his nervousness, Fu Jinxiao said calmly, "I didn’t say you couldn’t look."

"This was from when I was 13, during a performance at the mall with my band at the time." A rare nostalgic expression appeared on Fu Jinxiao's face as he gazed at the photo, remarking, "Quite a disheveled look, isn’t it?"

"I've always known how hard you’ve worked," said Shen Xingsui. "You’ve always been someone I’ve looked up to."

Fu Jinxiao gave a half-smile, "I’m not as glamorous as you might think."

This was the first time someone, who always maintained an impeccable facade and was naturally wary and calculating, admitted to another that they might not be as they seem.

After speaking, Fu Jinxiao silently observed the young man before him.

The rain outside grew heavier, leaving winding trails on the windowpanes. Its persistent sound seemed to envelop the entire town, creating a cacophonous atmosphere.

Shen Xingsui bowed his head, murmuring softly, "It's not just your exterior that I admire."

Despite the noise from the rain, Fu Jinxiao heard him clearly.

Shen Xingsui looked up, meeting the profound, dark gaze of the man. After a brief moment, Fu Jinxiao smirked, "If I stood before you now, as the ordinary, mud-smeared version of me from that photo, would you still say the same?"

He had heard many flattering words; mere compliments no longer swayed him.

Expecting Shen Xingsui to express loyalty, he was instead met with, "But in this photo, you’re far from ordinary, aren’t you?"

Fu Jinxiao paused.

"The stage design is impressive, and you have such a strong presence, especially under those lights. Were those poses your own creation? Even with teammates behind, it's you who stands out. Anything but ordinary," Shen Xingsui rambled on, scrutinizing the photo.

While many might notice the somewhat ragged performer in a crowded venue, there were those who saw only him through that photo.

With unwavering focus on the image, Shen Xingsui’s bright, earnest voice rang out, "I believe you’ve always been incredible, Mr. Fu, not just in music but in film and performance as well. I’ve admired and wanted to learn from you for so long."

Fu Jinxiao arched an eyebrow.

He had grown numb to most confessions of admiration, yet Shen Xingsui's sincere words invoked an undeniable pleasure within him.

Perhaps flattery from someone you're fond of tastes sweeter?

In any case, these words undeniably lifted Fu Jinxiao's spirits.

From a vantage point, he gazed down at the person beside him. The warm light cast a gentle hue over him. On this quiet, rain-soaked night, emotions seemed heightened, especially when faced with someone so trusting and vulnerable.

A mischievous streak surged within Fu Jinxiao. Leaning against the sofa and peering down at Shen Xingsui, he asked with unexpected candor, "What exactly do you want to learn from me?"

"Our families have good ties, and your mother repeatedly told me to take care of you. You've called me 'teacher' for so long. If you want to learn, I won’t hold back." He took a step closer, leaning down to match Shen Xingsui’s height, a playful smile on his handsome face. In a low, magnetic voice, he teased, "How shall we proceed? Direct hands-on guidance?"

Shen Xingsui was taken aback.

Even though he knew they were talking about serious academic matters, his face uncontrollably flushed a deep shade of red.

Why...

But it was really hard not to let his mind wander.

Just as Shen Xingsui was pondering what to say, his phone rang. Frantically searching the couch, he eventually located it and picked up, "Hello, Manager Wang?"

Wang Meican replied, "Ah, Xingsui, I heard you might've found the original music score. Did you? You haven't called, and I was worried something might've happened to you."

Shen Xingsui had completely forgotten!

Chiding himself, he quickly assured her, "I'm fine, Manager Wang. Sorry, I got sidetracked after leaving. I did get the score; it's with me now."

Wang Meican breathed a sigh of relief, "It's alright, as long as you're okay. I heard Jinxiao picked you up, where are you guys? Did he take you out for dinner? Are you back home?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated, glancing at Fu Jinxiao.

Fu Jinxiao nodded slightly, indicating it was okay to answer. After all, he hadn't done anything yet.

Honest to a fault, Shen Xingsui said, "I'm at Fu Jinxiao's place. There was a traffic jam and it was raining. His place was nearby, so I came over."

There was a momentary silence on the other end.

quite a while

Wang Meican exploded, "What?!"

Shen Xingsui felt like his eardrums might burst. Wang Meican stammered, "You're at his house? How did you... Are you alright, Xingsui?"

Shen Xingsui was puzzled, "I'm perfectly fine."

Finally relaxed, Wang Meican rubbed her forehead, lamenting that Shen Xingsui was still too naive. Regardless of traffic jams or rain, had the cunning Fu Jinxiao ever taken anyone to his private residence? Wasn't this like sending a lamb to the wolf's den?

Wang Meican lowered her voice, "Xingsui, listen to me. Even if it's your mentor's house, you need to be cautious about your personal safety. Don't let yourself..."

Before she could finish, a chuckle interrupted her from the other end, followed by Fu Jinxiao's deep voice, "Don't let yourself what?"

Wang Meican froze.

"Go on," Fu Jinxiao teased, raising an eyebrow, "I'm all ears."

"..."

After a moment's hesitation, Wang Meican surrendered, "Ahem, Xingsui, just send me a photo of the original script. I'll discuss it with the PR team here."

Fu Jinxiao leaned down, "Where did you keep the script?"

Shen Xingsui reflexively pointed to the suitcase beside him.

Without missing a beat, Fu Jinxiao moved to retrieve it. It was only after the suitcase was in his hands that Shen Xingsui realized, aside from the script, it also contained Fu Jinxiao's albums, limited edition photos, figures, and autographs! If Fu Jinxiao opened it and saw all that, how embarrassing would that be? He'd probably be mistaken for a crazed fan!