Chapter 51

Chapter 51

While everyone was still debating, Yun Songzhang simply picked up Wen Zhi along with the blanket in his arms.

Everyone’s eyes widened, screaming inside their heads.

Yun Songzhang lowered his voice: "Xiao Zhou, go bring the car around."

The assistant, who'd been watching the drama, was a second slow to react before hurriedly running out to drive the car over.

After the assistant left, Yun Songzhang turned to Director Zhou and said, "Director Zhou, I’ll take her straight back to the hotel. Mu Mu is still waiting for her."

Director Zhou waved cheerfully: "Oh, sure, that works out perfectly. Be careful on the way." These two were obviously involved.

After they left, the Assistant Director muttered, "No wonder Yun Songzhang agreed so easily to play the male lead. Was he planning to get paid to date?"

Director Zhou, while overseeing the pack-up, replied, "We were already planning to promote them as a CP for publicity. I was just worried Wen Zhi wouldn’t agree—this saves us the hassle."

The Assistant Director gave a thumbs-up: "Master Zhou, you're brilliant!"

Meanwhile, after Yun Songzhang carried Wen Zhi into the car, he instructed the driver to get going. The car bounced roughly along the maze-like film studio roads, making Wen Zhi uncomfortable. Instinctively, she nuzzled closer.

Noticing her shift, Yun Songzhang chuckled softly: "Awake?"

Wen Zhi cleared her throat and sat up naturally: "For the record, I wasn’t pretending to sleep—I was shaken awake by the car."

Yun Songzhang: "Mm."

His eyes held amusement. Wen Zhi pouted: "What does ‘mm’ mean? I really was shaken awake!"

Yun Songzhang only smiled. Annoyed, Wen Zhi bundled herself up in the blanket and reached out to pinch him. But her hand was caught mid-air. He didn’t speak or smile anymore, just held her gaze intently.

Under his stare, Wen Zhi’s face grew warm. She struggled briefly to pull her hand back and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Yun Songzhang held her gaze for thirty long seconds, long enough to make her heart race, before asking meaningfully, "Do you know why I took the male lead role?"

Was he planning to settle accounts now?

Wen Zhi wrinkled her nose and nodded: "I know."

Yun Songzhang’s eyes darkened slightly: "Then why have you been deliberately..."

Wen Zhi raised a brow, her eyes bright as she waited for him to continue.

Suddenly at a loss for words, he took a deep breath and changed the subject: "I was wrong to avoid you before."

Wen Zhi: Huh, so our esteemed Senior Tutor Shen wasn't all that clever after all, she thought. Did he really think she’d give him a hard time over something so trivial?

Couldn’t he tell she was trying to get close to him?

Wen Zhi: "Then why did you avoid me?"

Yun Songzhang answered honestly: "Afraid you’d reject me too decisively?"

Wen Zhi: "I wasn’t planning to reject you before."

Yun Songzhang’s eyes instantly lit up, a smile tugging at his lips—until Wen Zhi sighed and added, "But after you disappeared for so long, I started rethinking my earlier rashness. Perhaps we should..."

Yun Songzhang: "I was wrong!" His apology was immediate, heartfelt, and sincere as he repeated, "I was wrong, truly. I wasn’t in my right mind back then either."

He was so earnest in his apology, and when those light eyes turned to her, Wen Zhi stopped mid-sentence, her eyes crinkling into a smile as she looked at him.

Yun Songzhang felt oddly nervous again and asked earnestly, "Then let me ask once more—can I chase you?"

Wen Zhi's lips curled up as she nodded.

Across from her, Yun Songzhang suddenly smiled, his smile subtle but warm. Though he remained seated properly, anyone familiar with him could tell he was uneasy.

Wen Zhi didn’t speak, her face also wearing a smile.

The car practically buzzed with romance. When it stopped at the hotel entrance, the assistant opened the door and, seeing Wen Zhi awake, exclaimed excitedly, "Teacher Wen, you’re finally awake!" Then, sensing something odd between the two, she wondered—

Why were they smiling so much?

Wen Zhi suppressed her grin, wrapped herself in the blanket, and stepped out of the car first, with Yun Songzhang following closely behind. The two walked into the brightly lit hotel lobby one after another, where the night-shift receptionists and managers couldn’t help but glance their way. They seemed like such a perfect match, radiating heart-eyes energy.

The group headed upstairs, and when they reached her door, Wen Zhi turned to look at him. He stopped and said, "Hold on." Then he went straight to his own room.

Wen Zhi watched curiously as he soon returned, handing her a bag of toast. "You’ve gotta be starving after that shoot earlier. I had the front desk buy this—it’s still warm. Don’t eat too much."

The blanket-toting assistant looked back and forth between them, eyes wide: *Whoa, that’s next-level considerate!*

*Does Teacher Yun like Teacher Wen?!*

Under the dazzling corridor lights, Wen Zhi smiled with her eyes, her grin infectious.

"’Kay," she said with a wave before dipping into her room.

The assistant hurried in after her, still holding the blanket.

Outside, Yun Songzhang suddenly laughed, leaning his straight back against the apricot-colored wall, closing his eyes to bask in the giddy afterglow.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and when he opened his eyes, he saw Zhang Miaoran and Liu Yizhao emerge from the elevator clutching BBQ skewers. They greeted him warmly, "Teacher Yun, want some?"

Yun Songzhang smiled. "Late-night snacks aren’t my thing." With that, he entered his own room.

Zhang Miaoran stared at her skewers and muttered, "Before I left, I saw the front desk girl handing him a huge bag of bread. Why doesn’t *he* eat less?"

Liu Yizhao said, "That bread was for Wen."

Zhang Miaoran frowned. "How do you know?"

Liu Yizhao raised his phone. "Wen’s Weibo post."

Zhang Miaoran leaned in to look. Wen Zhi had just posted a picture of a slice of toast, its soft surface studded with juicy blueberries—total food porn. The caption read: *Both love and bread belong to me.*

Zhang Miaoran winced. "Are they a thing now?" She scrolled down to see a flood of excited comments.

"Spill the tea! What’s going on? Did Sister Zhi bag a hottie?"

"OMG! Our Sister Zhi is finally back in action—is she in love?"

"Put a ring on it or GTFO!"

"Ughhh, has someone already mooched off Sister Zhi’s glow-up? RIGGED!"

Zhang Miaoran sighed. "I seriously suspect she greenlit this drama as a dating flex."

Unaware of the uproar her photo had caused on Weibo, Wen Zhi cuddled Mu Mu, dead to the world. The next morning, with no scenes scheduled, she rolled onto set at 10.

Recently, Mu Mu had scenes to film, so Wen Zhi brought him along. As soon as she sat down in the makeup chair, Mr. Yun's assistant brought over two bento boxes and handed them to her: "Ms. Wen, Mr. Yun asked me to give these to you and Mu Mu. He wants you both to have breakfast before going to set."

Wen Zhi took them and thanked him. Mu Mu curiously leaned over to look: "Did Uncle Yun buy these bento boxes?"

Wen Zhi nodded. Mu Mu opened his bento box to find two onigiri, some round sweet potatoes, and corn kernels—it looked delicious. After checking his own, he peeked into Wen Zhi's box and was surprised to see heart-shaped eggs, heart-shaped onigiri, and even heart-shaped carrots.

Little Dumpling asked in confusion, "Mommy, why are yours all hearts? Mine are just round?"

Wen Zhi coughed lightly. "Do you like the heart-shaped ones, Mu Mu? Want to swap with me?"

Little Dumpling shook his head. "No."

He lowered his head to eat his own meal, while Wen Zhi happily took another photo and posted it to Weibo with the caption: *Breakfast with heart-shaped treats, have you eaten yet?*

Within minutes of posting, the comments section blew up again.

"Ahhhh, it's confirmed! Sister Zhi is definitely in love!"

"This is too sweet/saccharine—I can't take it."

"It's already 10 a.m., sis. We're full from all this PDA."

"Didn't Director Zhou's *Dream Lock Palace* announce Sister Zhi as the female lead? She must be filming with the crew right now. Is she dating someone from the set?"

"Wait, who's the male lead in *Dream Lock Palace*? Is this just a PR stunt?"

"With Wen Zhi's family background, she wouldn’t need to hype anything."

Netizens, not satisfied with these breadcrumbs, started digging deeper. They uncovered that *Dream Lock Palace* had replaced its male lead at the last minute, and the new lead was an outsider. Since the production was keeping tight-lipped, nothing more could be found.

The movie hadn’t even started promotions yet, but Wen Zhi’s two consecutive posts had already put it on the trending list. When the Assistant Director showed the trending topics to Director Zhou, he grinned from ear to ear: "Hahaha, I knew I picked the right person. We’re even saving on marketing costs!"

After finishing breakfast, Wen Zhi had her makeup done and sat in a nearby chair, waiting for Mu Mu to finish his.

Just as she sat down, a phone started ringing.

It didn’t seem to be hers. She turned and saw Mr. Yun's assistant holding a phone, looking uncertain.

Noticing her gaze, the assistant quickly asked, "Ms. Wen, Mr. Yun’s phone has an incoming video chat. What should I do?"

Wen Zhi: "Who’s calling?"

Assistant: "Secretary Xia."

Since Mr. Yun was filming, this was likely a work-related call. Wen Zhi reached out. "Give it to me. I’ll answer."

The assistant immediately handed over the phone. Wen Zhi answered the video chat, and the screen revealed a conference room full of executives, all staring at her in surprise.

Wen Zhi froze momentarily—*What’s going on?*

The Wen Corporation executives were equally shocked—*Where’s President Yun? Wasn’t the video meeting scheduled for around 10? Why is Chairman Wen answering his phone? Is there something between them?*

Wen Zhi cleared her throat, snapping them back to attention. Secretary Xia quickly greeted her warmly and explained, "Ms. Wen, hello! President Yun instructed us to hold a video meeting at 10:20 this morning."

So it was a video meeting.

Wen Zhi said, "Hold on, let me check," then covered the phone and asked the assistant beside her, "When will Mr. Yun be done?"

Assistant: "It was scheduled to wrap by 10, but two scenes ran long. Likely another 40 minutes."

Wen Zhi nodded, then picked up the phone and replied, "President Yun is currently busy. I’ll stand in for the meeting, and I'll fill him in later."

The management team at Wen Corporation was buzzing, immediately speculating about the nature of their relationship.

Rumors about the two had circulated before. President Yun had taken such a long break—had he been with Chairwoman Wen all this time? Since President Yun’s phone was in Chairwoman Wen’s hands, it didn’t matter who they spoke to.

Oooh, was there big news coming for the Wen family?

The management team was just as gossipy. Within an hour after the meeting, the entire Wen Group knew that President Yun’s extended leave was because he had been with the Wen family’s eldest daughter.

Wen Zhi ended the video call, and the phone’s lock screen displayed a photo of her holding Mu Mu.

This—this was so embarrassing.

The corners of her lips curled up involuntarily, and her heart fluttered after so long. She turned to Mu Mu, who was getting styled, and asked, "Mu Mu, wanna take a pic with Uncle Yun when you have time?"

Mu Mu looked puzzled. "Didn’t someone already take a pic of me and Uncle Yun at the amusement park?"

Wen Zhi remembered—there had even been a pic of all three of them. She pulled out her phone, tapped around, and directly changed her lock screen to the paparazzi shot of their "family of three."

Just as she finished, Mu Mu exclaimed excitedly, "Uncle Yun?"

Wen Zhi turned in confusion and saw Yun Songzhang standing right behind her, his gaze fixed on her phone’s lock screen. Her hand trembled, nearly dropping the phone, but she played it cool and asked, "When did you get here?" She had been too absorbed in searching for the photo and hadn’t noticed him.

His eyes softened. "Right when you changed your lock screen."

Wen Zhi: "..."

She wasn’t easily embarrassed.

"Anyway, I just chaired a video meeting for you. It was mainly about the GYW deal. The details have been sent to your email." She handed his phone back to him, making sure his screen lit up as she did.

Then, she casually asked, "When did you change your lock screen?"

Yun Songzhang glanced at it and replied offhandedly, "A screenshot from when you were on that parenting show."

Wen Zhi: So he had his eye on her since he returned.

Yun Songzhang added, "Before that, it was your student ID photo from when you were twelve."

Wen Zhi: "Student ID?" When she was twelve, she had traveled back to Great Yong and met Shen Yizhi, who was a few years older than her.

Yun Songzhang must have recognized her at first glance from that photo.

Fate worked in funny ways sometimes.

As they chatted, someone called from outside, "Are you two ready? The director says it’s time to start filming."

Yun Songzhang glanced at Mu Mu and nodded. "Coming!"

"Mu Mu, come here." Wen Zhi beckoned to Mu Mu, then naturally walked side by side with Yun Songzhang toward the door.

Mu Mu pressed his lips together, stared at their backs for two seconds, then squeezed between them, forcefully separating the two. Thinking smugly, he grabbed one of their hands each, muttering inwardly: *Now Uncle Yun won’t be able to walk next to Mom.*

Yun Songzhang just went with it. The moment Little Dumpling reached out, he naturally took his hand, as if he had done so countless times before. Wen Zhi, however, couldn’t help but glance at them—the scene felt like a return to Great Yong, where Senior Tutor Shen had helped the young prince grow up.

The thought made her regretful. How had she failed to recognize him all those times before?

He had merely changed his face and demeanor to uphold the Wen family, but deep down, he was still the same person.

The scene of two adults and a child walking together was warm and sweet, looking exactly like an ancient family of three on their post-dinner stroll. Director Zhou couldn't help but stand up from behind the monitor, facing the trio with admiration. "After filming so many movies over the years, this is the first time I've found actors who fit their roles so perfectly. This doesn’t feel like filming—it’s like watching a real historical family documentary." A genuine portrayal of an ancient family of three.

Assistant Director nodded in agreement. "The moment I saw this child, I thought he was a perfect match for the young crown prince. With this costume, he's the very likeness of him!"

A gentle breeze blew, sending Wen Zhi's long hair dancing, which got caught on the hairpin at her side. Yun Songzhang reached out to help untangle it, his demeanor affectionate and tender.

Upon closer look, both of them carried hints of spring in their smiles.

Director Zhou and Assistant Director shivered simultaneously, as if they'd eaten too much sugar.

Were these two trying to make sure the entire crew knew they were dating?

Not only did the crew know, but even little Mu Mu had noticed.

Over the following period, the entire crew found themselves treated to constant displays of affection. From subtle gestures to lingering gazes, even the simplest words seemed to drip with romantic tension. This intoxicating warmth warmed even the December cold in the film studio.

Even the crew’s efficiency improved dramatically. Originally scheduled to wrap up by next spring, the production managed to finish a day before the Minor New Year's Eve.

On the final day of filming, the director lifted his megaphone and shouted to everyone on set, "Final two takes, people! Give it your all, and we’ll wrap up after this."

The crew worked with renewed energy as they prepared the set.

In the 25th year of Yonghe in Great Yong, the emperor passed on, and Consort Shu conspired with Prince Kang to launch a rebellion, which was quelled by Senior Tutor Shen and the Zhang family. In the first year of Jiading, the young crown prince ascended the throne, with his mother, Lady Wen, becoming the Empress Dowager and residing in Shoukang Palace. The Senior Tutor was made Regent to assist the young emperor. Two years later, he rooted out the rebel factions in court and solidified imperial authority.

Great Yong entered an era of peace.

That same year, the young Empress Dowager died suddenly. Following her final decree, she was returned to her ancestral homeland for burial. On the day of her funeral, the Regent fell gravely ill, remaining bedridden for over three months. Later that year, Regent Shen Zhi married, and it was said his bride was a childhood friend, a sweetheart from their youth.

For a time, the capital was abuzz with admiration for the couple.

The filming set was drenched in celebratory red—red lanterns, red silk, and red "double happiness" decorations. Wen Zhi, dressed in a red wedding gown, stood under the osmanthus tree in the Shen residence, running through their lines with the groom, who was also clad in red.

Director Zhou stood nearby, guiding them through the scene.

Strangely, Yun Songzhang, who usually had an impeccable memory, kept making mistakes—either misspeaking or forgetting his lines entirely.

Director Zhou grew impatient. "My friend, it’s the last scene! What’s going on?"

Yun Songzhang apologized, "Sorry, I’m a bit nervous."

Director Zhou rolled his eyes. "Why are you nervous about a fake wedding? It’s not like you’re actually going through with the wedding night!"

A faint blush spread across Yun Songzhang’s cheeks, and he avoided looking at Wen Zhi.

Director Zhou covered his face. "How does this guy have two faces? He’s usually so smooth!"

Wen Zhi put aside the script and suggested, "Director Zhou, why don’t we skip the script for the final scene? Let’s just film it naturally. True feelings make the best drama, don’t they?"

Director Zhou considered it and agreed. "You’re right. For a wedding scene, unscripted moments might work better."

"Alright, let’s give it a try."

He called out again, "All departments, get ready! This scene is long, so let’s aim for a smooth take. Guests, prepare to enter—we’ll film the wedding ceremony first, then the bridal chamber."

The crew chuckled in response.

Firecrackers crackled through the capital as numerous officials arrived to offer congratulations.

"The auspicious moment is upon us! Bride and groom, bow to heaven and earth!"

On this day of his wedding, the usually cold and aloof Regent Shen had completely thawed, his tall and upright figure appearing even more elegant and dignified. His gaze toward the bride was tender and lingering.

Squeezed into the crowd, Li Huixin bit her lip, her heart filled with sour envy: So he’d been telling the truth—he had finally gotten his wish and married the one he loved.

"First bow to heaven and earth."

"Second bow to the parents."

"Bow to each other as husband and wife."

"The ceremony is complete! Escort the couple to the bridal chamber!"

Amid cheers and celebration, Shen Zhi bent down and scooped up the bride, carrying her into the bridal chamber surrounded by the crowd. A group of young men tried to crash the wedding festivities, but the door to the chamber was firmly slammed in their faces.

Inside the bridal chamber, the red candles flickered.

Shen Zhi sat by the bed, locking eyes with Wen Zhi beneath the red veil.

Though physically close, their eyes seemed to meet across mountains and seas, through the passing of dynasties.

He reached out, and the red veil fell away, revealing a face as bright as a blooming lotus.

At that moment, Wen Zhi saw Yun Songzhang's eyes redden as he smiled. He covered her hand with his and murmured softly, "I’ve waited so long for you..."

Wen Zhi couldn’t tell whether these were lines from the script, words Shen Yizhi meant for her, or something Yun Songzhang wanted to say to her.

Her heart swelled with bittersweet longing, and forgetting they were still filming, she leaned in and kissed him.

The moment their lips touched, Mu Mu, standing in front of the monitor, widened his tiny eyes and lunged forward. Fortunately, the Assistant Director reacted swiftly, grabbing the little dumpling, covering his eyes, and hauling him off.

Once outside, Mu Mu kicked and shouted, "Let me go! Let me go! He can’t kiss my mom!"

The Assistant Director thought to himself: This kid is really deep into his role—even calling her "mother" now.

No matter how much he struggled, Mu Mu couldn’t break free. He could only cling to the Assistant Director’s back, watching helplessly as the silhouettes of the two kissed and embraced behind the paper windows of the bridal chamber.

He was completely devastated, more than he had ever been before, and burst into heaving, furious tears.

That night, after the shoot ended, he refused to speak to Wen Zhi. The next day, he boycotted the wrap party. Left with no choice, Wen Zhi had two assistants and a teacher stay with him at the hotel.

After Wen Zhi and Yun Songzhang left, Mu Mu hid in his room and secretly called Sen Sen, whining miserably, "Uncle Yun really wants to be my dad! He kissed my mom! What do I do? He’s going to be my dad! I don’t want a dad at all! Sen Sen, can you help me stop him from becoming my dad?"

Sen Sen scratched his little head, trying his best to comfort him: "Don’t be sad. Didn’t you say Uncle Yun is really nice to you? Maybe you could buy him a gift and ask him not to be your dad?"

Mu Mu sniffled. "A gift?"

Sen Sen nodded. "Mu Mu, don’t you remember? Jin Yanyan, who sits in front of us, always lets me borrow her crayons after I give her ice cream."

Mu Mu thought about it and realized that made sense.

Still unsure, he called Chen Yueliang, Xiao Xiao, and Wen Xiaowen for advice, and all of them suggested giving a gift.

He immediately called Grandpa Zhong to ask what kind of gift Uncle Yun would like.

Grandpa Zhong laughed warmly. "How did you know today is President Yun’s birthday? Though he never celebrates it in previous years."

Today is Uncle Yun’s birthday?

Mu Mu’s eyes suddenly lit up—then he’d get Uncle Yun a cake!

At this thought, he immediately bolted out the door.

The wrap party was held at a small bar nearby, and the crew was excited. Especially Director Zhou, who kept saying how fortunate he was to work with Wen Zhi and Yun Songzhang, insisting on toasting them both.

Wen Zhi was also in a great mood and didn’t refuse any drinks offered, knowing Yun Songzhang would take care of her if she got drunk. But every time she was about to drink, Yun Songzhang took the drink for her.

By the end of the party, she was fine, but Yun Songzhang was drunk, his eyes glassy and his face flushed red.

From the moment they bid farewell to the crew and got into the car, he kept staring at her, making even the sober Wen Zhi blush under his gaze.

With a playful smile, she held up two fingers and leaned in, asking, "Are you drunk? How many fingers am I holding up?"

Yun Songzhang blinked slowly, his eyes getting glassier. Instead of answering, he gently grasped her hand, drew closer, and stared at her face.

They were so close that Wen Zhi could almost touch the tip of his nose if she leaned in just a bit more.

The atmosphere in the back of the van grew increasingly intimate.

She whispered, "What are you doing...?"

Yun Songzhang tightened his grip on her hand. "Does this count as catching up now?"

His voice was low, husky, and laced with the scent of alcohol, paired with his refined and elegant features—it was irresistible.

In a sudden rush of desire, Wen Zhi tugged on his tie and pulled him in.

The rustling of fabric was unusually loud in the confined space, and the smell of liquor hung heavier in the backseat.

Caught up in the moment, Wen Zhi pushed him down onto the soft carpet of the van’s rear seat.

Damn it! Yun Songzhang’s suit jacket was thrown aside, and as Wen Zhi leaned in, her phone in her pocket rang nonstop. With flushed cheeks, she muttered a curse and answered. Chen Yuyao’s voice came through: "Mu Mu told me you and Yun Songzhang are together now? Yun Songzhang is Senior Tutor Shen, isn’t he?"

Are you kidding me? Right when things were getting good.

Yun Songzhang, his clothes disheveled, grabbed the phone and pulled her back down onto the carpet.

Caught up in the moment, one of their shoes fell off, and the phone on the floor started ringing like crazy again—Damn it! It wouldn’t stop unless answered.

Worried it might be Mu Mu, Wen Zhi fumbled for the phone and put it to her ear. This time, it was Liu Yiru playfully teasing, "Moving fast, huh? Already got him?"

Wen Zhi: "!!!!"

Through gritted teeth, she replied, "In the middle of it right now!"

Her heavy breathing gave everything away, and Liu Yiru quickly hung up.

Yun Songzhang turned her face back to his and continued kissing, his hand sliding under her collar.

The phone rang again like crazy, and annoyed, he slapped at it with his free hand.

Breathless, they carried on.

The call wasn’t hung up—instead, it was accidentally answered.

On the other end, Lin Jiyao was about to speak when he heard weird, shuffling sounds. As an adult, he knew exactly what was happening and immediately turned beet red.

Before he could hang up, Xiao Xiao ran over and shouted into the phone, "Pretty sister, what are you doing?"

The sudden noise startled her, and in her lust-filled haze, Wen Zhi nearly bit Yun Songzhang’s tongue.

Yun Songzhang gritted his teeth, pressing two fingers against his lips as he stared at her. His gaze had cleared considerably, but it was now replaced with suppressed frustration.

The phone buzzed insistently. Wen Zhi slid out from under him, picking up the device with a nervous laugh. "I—I don’t know why they’ve all lost it today..."

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the hotel. The assistant in the front seat rapped on the window and called out, "Teacher!"

Wen Zhi hurried to slip her shoes on, grabbed her coat, then tossed Yun Songzhang’s jacket at him, fumbling around for her glasses as she whispered, "Straighten your hair and tie, quick."

What was supposed to be a perfectly normal romantic moment had somehow turned into something resembling a clandestine rendezvous.

Yun Songzhang settled the glasses she handed him and chuckled darkly. Wen Zhi glared at him. "You’re still laughing!"

He wiped the smeared lipstick from the corner of her mouth, then straightened himself before opening the car door.

Wen Zhi followed closely behind. The assistant peeked into the backseat, picking up on the weird vibe.

"Teacher Wen, thank you for taking care of me these past days. I won’t be able to assist you anymore," the assistant said, sounding reluctant.

Wen Zhi nodded. "Thank you too." But her mind was preoccupied with the devastatingly handsome man beside her.

The assistant asked nervously, "Teacher Wen, can we take a photo together?"

"Of course."

The assistant skipped off happily, handing her phone to Yun Songzhang, whispering, "Teacher Yun, could you help take the picture?"

Yun Songzhang nodded, accepting the phone. Through the lens, he gazed at his girl—radiant and beautiful even in the darkness, her eyes holding stars and him.

No matter the time or place, she never failed to make his heart race.

"Done." He returned the phone to the assistant, who skipped off cheerfully.

Now alone, the two walked side by side toward the hotel.

Under the cover of their coats, their fingers intertwined as they entered the elevator and made their way to their floor. Just as Wen Zhi was about to open her door, Yun Songzhang caught her hand from behind.

The pull wasn’t forceful, but just enough to draw her into his arms.

His eyelids drooped as he asked in a husky voice, "You still haven’t answered me. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Wen Zhi couldn’t help but laugh—after all that kissing, he was still asking this?

Teasing him, she shook her head. "No."

Yun Songzhang’s eyes darkened slightly, his fingers tightening around hers.

Unable to hold back, Wen Zhi let out a soft laugh. "Why don’t you just marry me instead? After all, men and women shouldn’t be too intimate—Mmf!"

Yun Songzhang pinned her to the wall, his mouth capturing hers in a deep kiss...

Wen Zhi went still momentarily before remembering they were in the hallway. She immediately pushed at him. Understanding, he reached for the door handle. Between kisses, Wen Zhi mumbled, "No—Mu Mu’s inside. Let’s go to your room..."

The door next to them opened, revealing darkness within. They stumbled inside, still kissing and tugging at each other’s clothes... Worried she might trip, Yun Songzhang fumbled blindly for the light switch while still kissing her.

*Click!*

The lights in the room flashed on.

Except—he hadn’t touched the switch.

"Surprise! Happy birthday!!!"

Two party poppers went off simultaneously, spraying [censored] all over their heads and faces.

Wen Zhi and Yun Songzhang turned their heads in shock to find the room packed with people—some holding party poppers, others clutching streamers—all staring at them in equal horror. Mu Mu stood in the middle of the crowd, holding a small cake, his eyes bulging like copper bells.

Finally getting some action was bad enough without being interrupted repeatedly, but now they were being watched by so many people.

Wen Zhi was mortified: What fresh hell was this?!

Author's note: