Chapter 28: “Is There a Bed Scene?”

Chapter 28 "A Bed Scene?"

It was almost nine in the evening, and the day's work was done.

Song Tan returned to the makeup room to change. Though it hadn't snowed again these past few days, today was still bitterly cold. She pulled on her down jacket, and Tao Tao handed her a cup of hot ginger tea. "Sister Tan, drink up, it'll warm you."

"Thanks." Even though they were filming indoors, she’d been dressed lightly and needed to prevent a cold. Getting sick herself wasn’t a big deal, but passing it to Song Chuqing would be troublesome.

The ginger tea warmed her from the inside out.

Tao Tao seized the last few minutes to go over tomorrow’s schedule. "Sister Tan, your scenes aren't until after 10 a.m. tomorrow, so you can come in two hours later. Also, the assistant director said they’ll be filming special behind-the-scenes footage of you and Teacher Mu tomorrow."

Filming B-roll was normal, but the special notification was a bit intriguing. Song Tan asked, "Why?"

Tao Tao shrugged, looking puzzled. "I don't know either."

Perhaps it was for promoting this young Mr. Mu. Song Tan didn't press further.

After finishing her ginger tea, Song Tan wrapped a scarf around her neck. "Let's go, time to clock out."

People started trickling into the makeup room. Sister Wang called out, "Teacher Song, Teacher Mu just invited everyone to dinner. Come along!"

After working together for several days, the crew had Mu Xingzhou pretty much figured out—the youngest son of the influential Mu family in the capital, rich and powerful. As for his personality, he was handsome, spoke little, and had a cool, aloof vibe, but he didn’t cause trouble. He was also generous, often treating the crew to afternoon tea or extra meals. Now, with this dinner invitation, his popularity soared.

Song Tan checked the time—9 p.m.—then glanced at her phone. No messages. Ji Fuxi had said he was coming to pick her up, but there hadn't been a single WeChat message since then. She wasn't even sure if he'd show up.

After a moment’s hesitation, she replied, "I have a child at home, so I'll pass." Whether he came or not, these social gatherings weren't her thing. On such a cold night, going home early to cuddle her sweet, soft daughter sounded much more appealing.

The group walked out together.

A black Rolls-Royce was already parked at the entrance. Everyone guessed who it was for and teased, "Oh my, Teacher Song is so lucky~"

Song Tan didn't respond, just smiled and waved goodbye. "Enjoy your meal. Next time, it's my treat."

"Deal!"

The woman bundled up and walked forward. The driver stepped out and opened the car door for her. Several pairs of eyes craned to see, but all they could make out was a vague, dark silhouette in the back seat—though his posture was dignified, and his legs were incredibly long. Thus, the rumor of a "potbellied sugar daddy" was instantly debunked.

The Rolls-Royce drove off under everyone’s curious gazes.

Mu Xingzhou, who had been standing quietly to the side, tore his eyes away from the departing car and asked coldly, "Who was that?"

"Probably Teacher Song’s husband."

"How are you so sure it’s her husband?"

His question stumped Sister Wang and the others.

Before they could reply, he pressed on, "Does he come often to pick her up?"

"Not exactly often, just two or three times."

The assistant director, who had just come out, interrupted the conversation. "Alright, let's go. It's freezing—time for some drinks to warm up."

Mu Xingzhou lingered behind, pulling out his phone to message a friend: "Help me check the license plate JingAxxxxx."

Upon arriving at the restaurant, a reply came: "Mr. Mu, this car belongs to Ji Fuxi from Yuanhe Group."

Mu Xingzhou stared blankly at the three words on the screen for a moment.

Ji Fuxi?

He certainly knew who that was—his parents had gone to great lengths to curry favor with him, even attempting to arrange a business marriage through Mu Yuan.

But it didn't work out. Mu Yuan had been furious about being rejected and spent that time complaining about it to him daily.

His friend messaged again: "Why look into this? Aren’t you filming with your idol?"

Mu Xingzhou clenched his jaw and typed: "Screw off."

Ten minutes later, he picked up his phone again: "Is Ji Fuxi married?"

Friend: "No, haven’t heard anything. If he were, everyone in the circle would know by now."

Mu Xingzhou smirked.

A pursuer.

...

Meanwhile, in the car, Song Tan was surprised by the flowers. "For me?"

Ji Fuxi didn’t look up from the documents in his hands, answering calmly, "Yeah."

"Thank you." She figured he’d picked them up when buying sunflowers, but regardless, she appreciated the thought.

She lowered her head to smell them—they were fragrant. Beautiful things always put her at ease, and the exhaustion of the day gradually faded.

As the car pulled away, Ji Fuxi glanced over. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to work tonight."

"Mm."

There was a brief pause before he asked again, "What scene are you filming tonight?"

...How should she put this? Song Tan simplified it. "The female lead, heartbroken in both her family and romantic relationships, turns to a friend for comfort."

"Tired?"

This conversation was taking an odd turn. His "concern" was too obvious and direct, making this feel like some kind of debrief. "A little." She tried to elaborate. "The actor is inexperienced, so I have to guide him."

Another issue was that Song Tan didn’t have male friends. Getting into character was tough. Director Fang had advised her to treat Mu Xingzhou as a close friend and forget about gender, but perhaps her acting skills weren't quite there yet—before each scene, facing that handsome twenty-something face always required a lot of mental preparation.

"Anything I can help with?"

Catching the earnest look in his eyes, Song Tan smiled faintly. "I’m good." Then an idea struck her, and she quickly corrected herself, "You free later?"

"What’s up?"

Song Tan blinked. "Wanna run lines with me?"

They were both men—strangers, really—so he’d make perfect practice material.

Ji Fuxi answered promptly, "Sure."

By the time they got home, Song Chuqing was already asleep. Song Tan went upstairs to check on her, then changed into comfy clothes and came back down.

Ji Fuxi was waiting in the living room. She poured two glasses of warm water, handed one to him, and sat beside him. "It's not difficult. Just read the lines as written."

"Okay."

Song Tan handed him the script and picked up her phone.

The script was filled with color-coded sticky notes with notes scribbled everywhere. Ji Fuxi flipped to the first page and saw neat, small-print handwriting—tidy and beautiful.

When he didn't start reading, Song Tan reached over to turn the pages. "Let's run through Scene 23, where the female lead, Xiyue, drinks with Chen Xucheng at a small bar."

That sounded like a guy's name. Ji Fuxi looked up. "Is this friend of yours a guy?"

"Well..." Song Tan corrected him, "Not my friend—the female lead's friend."

The man closed his eyes for a second before focusing on the script and lines.

The dialogue was indeed between friends, with nothing inappropriate.

But when he turned to the second page, his eyes locked on the first line. Ji Fuxi lifted his eyes again.

Meeting his gaze, Song Tan's stomach dropped. She leaned over to check the script, and this time, her heart nearly stopped. She tilted her head slightly, managed an awkward grin. "Maybe we should rehearse the next scene instead."

Ji Fuxi kept his cool. "It's fine. I understand. Let's begin."

"..."

Song Tan wanted to sink through the floor but had no choice. She gritted her teeth and started.

She pretended the water was alcohol from the script, took a big gulp, and slipped into the role.

The female lead’s voice was miserable. "Xucheng, do you think he loves me? If he does, why hasn’t he come to see me?"

Ji Fuxi delivered his line woodenly. "Xiyue, you’re nothing like the person I used to know."

There was completely deadpan—even drier than when he told stories to Xiao Chu.

Song Tan instantly regretted asking him.

She stared at his face, imagining him as Mu Xingzhou, then glanced at the script again. After hesitating for a few seconds, she followed the stage directions and grabbed his wrist. "What was I like before?"

Ji Fuxi looked down at her hand on his wrist, his eyes flickering slightly. "You were never bothered by trivial things. But now you’re drowning yourself over a man, acting like your life is over. Do you remember what you used to say? 'Xiyue lives only for herself.'"

Song Tan let go of his hand, trying to capture the female lead’s confusion. Her tone and expression were perfectly pitched. "Is that... really me...?"

Ji Fuxi: "Tell me, what’s so great about him?"

"I don’t know. I just love him." Song Tan checked the script, paused, then continued, "I love how he loves me, how he’s always gentle, how he touches me. It was my first time."

The female lead, a Dreamweaver undergoing trials in the mortal world, was experiencing human love for the first time—the excitement, sweetness, anxiety, and even desire.

The next line was the female lead reminiscing about her first time with her love interest—an innocent Dreamweaver frankly describing those steamy details. That was what Ji Fuxi had just seen.

Song Tan couldn’t continue.

The room suddenly felt too warm, and her face grew warm.

Before the New Year, she could’ve handled this naturally. But now, their relationship had shifted into something ambiguous and undefined—not exactly the right mood to discuss a character’s first time.

Song Tan finished the rest of her water and locked her phone. "Sorry, I forgot what this scene was about."

Ji Fuxi closed the script too, understanding her discomfort. After a brief silence, he asked, "There’s a bed scene?"

"...Yeah."

The man’s throat worked. He said nothing.

Song Tan wasn’t sure if she should explain but decided to anyway. "It’s fake. There are crew members everywhere."

Ji Fuxi held her eyes. "I know. It’s fine." It was just work. He wouldn’t interfere, and even if he wanted to, he had no real right to do so.

Since they were already on the topic, Song Tan decided to lay it all out. "Acting is just a job for me. Kiss scenes, bed scenes—they’re all part of the work. Don’t overthink it."

"There might also be shipping discussions online later." She then remembered she was "married" now, so she probably wouldn’t have to engage in fan service like before. Still, she added, "A lot of this job is beyond my control. Fans and audiences are the ones paying, after all. I can’t stop people from talking."

"I’m just a small-time player—nowhere near your earnings. But I really like this job. Acting is fun, and if nothing goes wrong, I’ll probably stay in this industry." It was a tentative question. Song Tan cautiously studied his expression.

If they were going to make this relationship work, she’d inevitably interact with his family. She’d seen plenty of colleagues disappear from the industry after marriage and kids, losing their careers.

She didn’t want that. There was still so much she hadn’t done, and she hadn’t even made her own film yet.

If the Ji family asked her to quit, she might have to reconsider Ji Fuxi.

But Ji Fuxi didn't react, only nodding. "Mm."

Then he added, "My work has its constraints too—lots of travel and networking. I hope you’ll understand."

Song Tan hadn't expected that. She hadn't meant for them to compare work schedules.

She smiled. "I get it." Yuanhe Group wasn’t some mom-and-pop operation. These executives were overworked—of course she understood.

Remembering something, she reminded him, "Don’t smoke around Xiao Chu." She’d smelled it on him a few times and had even seen him smoking on New Year’s Day. She didn’t know what brand it was—it wasn’t unpleasant, but secondhand smoke wasn’t good for kids.

"Okay."

"One more thing—Zhong Chen and Ge Yun are traveling for work next week, and Aunt Zhou doesn’t drive. Can we borrow Uncle Li for a few days? Just to pick up Xiao Chu. Aunt Zhou can stay with her until I get back."

Her studio had other colleagues, but none were close to Xiao Chu. Song Tan wasn’t comfortable letting them do the school run, so she had to ask him.

"Sure."

Song Tan thought for a moment. That should be everything. It was almost ten, so she said, "Thanks for doing this."

But he didn’t leave. "Song Tan, there’s something else."

She settled back in her seat. "Go ahead."

"Today, Xiao Chu asked me a question." He paused. "Why don’t Mom and Dad live together?"

"..."

Ji Fuxi’s gaze locked onto hers. "So I was thinking—I’ll move in with you guys soon."

After a beat of silence, he added, "We’re both busy during the day, and you get home late. As it is, we hardly see each other during the week."

He had only seen her twice in the past two weeks, each time for less than ten minutes.

Song Tan froze for a moment, not immediately grasping the meaning behind his words.

Ji Fuxi repeated softly, "Okay?"

"...Okay."

Song Tan wanted to ask if it was because of her or Xiao Chu, but the answer was obvious—wasn’t the whole point of building this relationship for Xiao Chu’s sake?

Yet his tone and gaze were so misleading that Song Tan gradually found herself confused.

They looked at each other, neither willing to look away.

The next second, the brewing atmosphere was shattered by a sleepy girl coming downstairs.

"Mommy."

Song Chuqing rubbed her eyes as she walked down.

Song Tan responded, "What’s wrong, Xiao Chu?"

The little girl came over and immediately hugged her mother’s neck, whispering, "Mommy, I had a bad dream."

Song Tan stroked her back. "Don’t be scared, Mommy’s here."

Song Chuqing was scared but had to tell about the dream. "I dreamed Daddy turned into a big monster. He had super scary teeth and wanted to eat us. Daddy was being bad, and he was ugly and stinky."

Ji Fuxi, who had been ignored behind them: "..."

Song Tan glanced at the man, who looked upset, and smiled. "Then what did Xiao Chu do?"

Song Chuqing let go and shook her little fist angrily. "I was so angry! Daddy was too mean!" But then she slumped, and pouted. "But I was afraid I couldn’t beat him, so I ran and ran until I got to a place with no people... and then I woke up."

Song Tan laughed again and nodded behind her.

The little girl turned and finally noticed the man who had transformed into a monster in her dream. She screamed and hid in Song Tan’s arms. "Ah—!"

Ji Fuxi forced a smile and beckoned to her. "Come here, Xiao Chu."

Now fully awake, Song Chuqing looked at her mom first before cautiously walking slowly over to him, looking shy. "Daddy, why are you still here?"

Ji Fuxi pulled her onto his lap and apologized gently, "I’m sorry, Xiao Chu. Daddy scared you in your dream."

Song Chuqing didn’t understand why he was apologizing—it was only a dream. She’d even dreamed of turning into a monster herself before.

"Tomorrow, Daddy will move in with you."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Yay!"

Ji Fuxi ruffled her hair. "Still angry with Daddy?"

"Not anymore."

"Happy now?"

"Happy!"

After a moment, he leaned down and gave her chubby cheek a quick kiss. "Goodnight, Xiao Chu. Daddy’s heading home now."

She'd kissed him often, but he'd never kissed her first before. Perhaps how distant he usually was had turned him into a monster in her dream.

"Goodnight." The girl grinned. "Remember to come tomorrow!"

"Mhm."

It was nearly eleven.

Uncle Li had already gone home, so Ji Fuxi drove back to the old house.

Aunt Jiang was still awake and met him, asking if he wanted something to eat.

Ji Fuxi hung his suit jacket over his arm and said as he walked by, "I’ve eaten. You should rest."

But as he reached the stairs, he turned back, frowning. "Aunt Jiang, am I... ugly?"

"Ugly?" What kind of word was that? Aunt Jiang laughed. "If you’re ugly, then there’s no such thing as a good-looking person in this world."

The man’s brow remained furrowed as he smelled himself. "Do I usually smell bad?"

"???" Aunt Jiang was baffled. "Xixi, have you been drinking?"