Chapter 57: Kiss Scene

Chapter 57 The Kiss Scene

"Moan, I want to hear it."

Lu Yuan’s voice was low and deep, like a feather brushing against his heart.

His heart pounded violently in his chest as Lin Shenshi stared blankly at the man so close before him.

The heat pressing against the back of his neck was scorching, like molten rock, and every breath was filled with a disorienting, feverish warmth.

Rationally, Lin Shenshi felt he should sternly refuse Lu Yuan’s excessive demand, but his mind was in a daze. By the time Lu Yuan covered his lips again, he had already missed the chance to refuse.

Teeth gently nipped and teased at his lips; the slight pain amplified the tingling sensation. Lin Shenshi couldn't help but go weak, leaning halfway against Lu Yuan’s shoulder, his head slightly tilted back, yielding to the onslaught from above.

Until he could bear it no longer, a soft moan escaped Lin Shenshi.

Melodic and enticing, tempting one to succumb.

Lu Yuan’s breathing noticeably grew heavier, his large hand pressing down with more force. The dual assault made Lin Shenshi almost unable to endure, tears pricked his eyes from the overwhelm.

He tightly closed his eyes, not daring to dwell on the fact that they were in a cinema where they could be discovered at any moment, and that he was being pinned and kissed by Lu Yuan, who was also male.

Their tongues danced together. It was impossible to tell how long this deep kiss lasted, but when Lu Yuan finally pulled away reluctantly, Lin Shenshi gasped for air as he came back to his senses.

In the movie, the protagonist’s team had already resolved the crisis, letting out final cheers. The deafening music faded away, and the scene transitioned to a calm conclusion.

People in the front rows were either excited or thrilled, whispering. Lu Yuan released him, leaning back slightly.

They seemed just like everyone else, as if they had merely enjoyed an exhilarating battle. No one knew that just moments ago, their lips had been tightly pressed together, their saliva mixing, indistinguishable from each other.

Lu Yuan’s hand moved from the back of his neck to his cheek, his thumb wiping away the tears at the corners of his eyes. His voice was hoarse, laced with a subtle plea: "Until you agree, I won't force you again. So... please don’t avoid me anymore, alright?"

Lin Shenshi took deep breaths, the rush of oxygen finally clearing his head.

What did he mean by not forcing him again? Hadn't he just held him down and kissed him without his consent?

As if aware of his thoughts, Lu Yuan forced a bitter smile: "This... think of it as interest. Otherwise... I’m afraid I might truly go mad."

Lu Yuan’s eyes were filled with melancholy and sorrow, and Lin Shenshi was shaken by the emotions swirling within them.

Before he could carefully discern them, Lu Yuan had already released him, lowering his gaze and sitting upright again.

The movie had ended, and people were rustling, standing to leave.

Only when the screening room was completely empty did Lin Shenshi give a slight nod:

"Alright."

*

The film set was buzzing with shocking news.

Tycoon Yin, who was swamped with endless responsibilities, had returned just one day after his previous visit.

The staff whispered among themselves:

"What's going on? Is our film crew about to make it big?" "I heard he wants to sign Yu Lanzhao!"

"Ah! Really? If that's the case, Xiao Yu is going to shoot to fame even before debuting!"

"But don’t you think it’s strange? Even if he wants to sign someone, does he need to be this eager?"

"You mean…"

The whispers were interrupted as Tang Sen rolled his script into a cylinder and lightly tapped each of them on the head: "What are you all gossiping about? Is your work all done?!"

Caught in the act, the staff quickly scattered.

Tang Sen sighed, shaking his head with his arms akimbo.

Now the film set was getting livelier—Advisor Lu had returned, and Tycoon Yin was back. But Tang Sen couldn’t shake the feeling that these two had hidden agendas.

He just couldn’t figure out what they were plotting.

Still, Tang Sen wasn’t too worried. Advisor Lu focused on coaching actors, and Tycoon Yin was busy with work. When he occasionally appeared on set, he merely observed quietly. There didn’t seem to be any irreconcilable conflicts.

Instead...

"Hey! Newbie, this is my spot."

During the break, Qi Lian stood with his arms crossed, looking down condescendingly, his narrow phoenix eyes narrowed with menace.

Yu Lanzhao was sitting on his folding chair, diligently reviewing his script. He looked up innocently and confused: "Are you talking to me?"

"Tsk!" Qi Lian urged impatiently. "Yeah, you! Move!"

Yu Lanzhao glanced around. There were plenty of open spaces nearby, with many wind-sheltered and sunlit spots. This spot wasn’t taken by anyone, so how could it be his?

Besides, in the past, Qi Lian always rested in his trailer. When had he ever roughed it out here?

Yu Lanzhao didn’t need to think hard to know Qi Lian was clearly provoking him.

Ever since returning from filming on location in the county, Qi Lian had been in a bad mood. Not a single cast or crewmember who had made a mistake escaped his sarcastic remarks.

However, Yu Lanzhao noticed that Qi Lian, who had previously tried every way to get close to Xiao Shi, had completely changed after returning.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to get close, but rather that he was wary—unable, or even afraid.

...Did Xiao Shi do something?

Was Qi Lian targeting him now also related to this?

*

The sight of Yu Lanzhao’s face filled Qi Lian with rage.

Why should a wolf in sheep’s clothing receive Lin Shenshi’s undivided affection? Even worse, this white lotus looked more and more like him with each passing day.

Especially the dark tear-shaped mole under the left eye—its shape and size were identical.

He used to be able to tell them apart easily by their builds, but recently, this white lotus had sprouted up in height, seemingly almost as tall as him. Once, even a fan photographer almost mistook his silhouette for Qi Lian’s, which was absolutely maddening.

And...

Qi Lian’s gaze fell on Yu Lanzhao’s neck.

A deep gray fuzzy scarf was neatly wrapped around his neck—the same style but a different color from the one Qi Lian had picked up at the hotel. It boldly proclaimed that person’s intimacy and affection.

That morning, he had even seen a brand-new light brown scarf around Lin Shenshi’s neck.

—They had even bought a new one to match!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Qi Lian strode over to shoo him off, but as soon as he moved, someone suddenly sprang out from behind him.

"Qi Lian! There's something I need to talk to you about! Come here for a moment!" Assistant Xiao He grabbed his arm and, without waiting for a response, pulled him aside.

Qi Lian, stopped, fumed through gritted teeth, snarling, "Xiao He, you've got some nerve, how dare you pull me??!"

"I wouldn't dare, but it's urgent!" Xiao He said this aloud, but inwardly she was lamenting.

There was nothing urgent at all; it was just that Bai Yuxi had specifically instructed her to keep a close eye on Qi Lian, lest he cause trouble on set out of romantic frustration and ruin his reputation as a dedicated professional.

Sigh!

Being an assistant is so hard!

If it weren't for the fact that she landed a 10K+ monthly salary right after graduation, plus a two months' year-end bonus and separate performance incentives, who would want to deal with this drama king?!

"Let go! I said let go!" The drama king struggled a couple of times but couldn't break free, glaring furiously. "Is this how you treat your boss? Don't you believe I can have you fired?!"

"I believe it, I believe it, just calm down..."

Xiao He soothed him gently, though inwardly she was rolling her eyes.

Of course she believed it—he’d threatened that before. Last time, she’d been frantic, crying and seeking help from Bai Yuxi, but now she wasn’t afraid!

When Bai Yuxi gave her this assignment, she specifically patted her shoulder: "Xiao He, I know it’s tough. Just hold him back as hard as you can. If Qi Lian doesn’t know what’s good for him and insists on firing you, it’s fine—come to me. I’ll give you the exact same treatment."

Xiao He was so thrilled she nearly cried on the spot, almost hugging Bai Yuxi’s leg to swear her loyalty: "Sis! No problem! Leave it to me!" She almost wished Qi Lian would fire her quickly so she could work for a kinder, more easygoing boss.

Xiao He pulled and dragged until she finally managed to steer Qi Lian away from the possible confrontation. She breathed a sigh of relief as Qi Lian shook her off, his tone still irritable:

"What is it?"

Xiao He looked up at the sky. "The director wants you."

"It better be true!"

Qi Lian marched off toward the director’s rest area, with Xiao He scurrying after him.

If there was anyone on set most likely to summon Qi Lian, it was Director Tang Sen. She’d made it up on the spot—if she got lucky, fine; if not, well, congratulations to her on finding a new job.

The two arrived at the director’s area one after the other. Tang Sen looked pleasantly surprised to see them: "Qi Lian? Perfect timing, there’s something I need to discuss with you."

Xiao He: Oh ho! She actually hit the jackpot?!

"What is it?"

When it came to work, Qi Lian finally curbed his recent uncharacteristic irritability. His gaze drifted to the person beside Tang Sen—the very source of his turmoil.

Lin Shenshi didn’t seem surprised by his arrival; his composed face showed no reaction whatsoever to Qi Lian’s appearance.

The agitation he’d barely suppressed began to surge back.

Qi Lian frowned, averted his eyes, which helped a little.

Tang Sen walked over and handed him a script, pointing to a section as he explained: "It’s about this part of the plot. Xiao Lin came to see me earlier, and after reviewing it carefully, I think it needs further consideration."

On set, the director has the authority to adjust the script based on actual circumstances during filming, and it’s common to revise as they shoot. Qi Lian had encountered many directors who wanted to change the script and sought his opinion before.

So, he was experienced with this. He lowered his head to read the scene.

It was a confrontation between the male lead (played by Qi Lian) and the second male lead (played by Lin Shenshi).

In the film, the second male lead is the male lead’s junior sect brother. He appears harmless on the surface but is actually the mastermind behind all the events.

After the [Snowy Night Confrontation], the female lead is accidentally poisoned, and the only spiritual treasure that can cure her is in his possession.

The male lead sneaks into his residence under cover of night to search for the treasure, hiding it from everyone. He is discovered by the second male lead, and the two engage in a fierce struggle. The male lead, already injured, is overpowered and on the verge of being killed, so he resolves to self-destruct and take them both down.

In the chaos, the second male lead grabs the male lead by the collar and kisses him—a kiss tangled with blood and despair.

It’s at this moment that the male lead realizes the second male lead has always harbored hidden feelings for him, his Eldest Senior Brother.

Perhaps it’s rage that allows the male lead to break through his bottleneck, or perhaps the kiss distracts the second male lead. In the end, the male lead seizes the opportunity to severely injure the second male lead, takes the spiritual treasure, escapes back to their sect, and successfully administers the antidote to the female lead.

After reading the scene, Qi Lian instantly understood the issue.

Yet, he leisurely ran his finger over a certain word on the page, lifted his eyelids with a light laugh, and asked knowingly, "What’s the problem?"

"......" Tang Sen glanced at Lin Shenshi and explained to Qi Lian, "This kiss might upset the audience."

"Oh?"

Qi Lian paused for a moment, then sharply turned his gaze to the side.

"Is it really the audience who’ll be upset, or..."

"is it him, Lin Shenshi, who’s upset?"