Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Liang Youjing stared at Xie Qingyue in disbelief—he just agreed?

Everyone was quite surprised. Not only was this unprecedented, but Xie Qingyue, as an investor, showing up so frequently on set was unheard of. Usually, investors would just throw money at a project or perhaps send a few representatives. A big boss who consistently appeared on site was a first for them.

Perhaps he was passionate about filmmaking, or maybe someone here had caught his eye. There was also a third possibility: he was here as a good friend, keeping an eye on Chen Zui for his buddy.

But as crew members, they really didn’t want big shots hanging around. It made the air feel heavy.

Xie Qingyue said, "Excuse me."

This was directed at Liang Youjing.

Liang Youjing had no choice but to step aside. He was seething inside. With just one sentence from Chen Zui, he had been relegated to an actor who couldn't even position his legs correctly. And now, it seemed this big boss agreed with Chen Zui’s assessment. He couldn’t afford to mess up anymore—he had to nail his performance.

The demonstration officially began.

Xie Qingyue walked up to Chen Zui, only to be grabbed by him. He yielded to Chen Zui’s pull and sat down on his lap.

He made no unnecessary movements.

Chen Zui wrapped his arms around Xie Qingyue’s waist from behind, pulling him close. "What are you looking at?"

Even through the shirt, he could feel the firmness of the muscles under his palm. The man’s lean, toned waist was perfect for holding.

His fingers gently stroked. Assistant Director Wang, watching from behind the monitor, noticed this small movement but assumed it was part of the performance. After all, they were playing a couple, and such natural, subtle actions added to the authenticity and sweetness of the scene.

Xie Qingyue raised the photo in his hand. "A photo. I ran into him today."

He leaned sideways into Chen Zui’s embrace. Even though Xie Qingyue was tall and well-built, he seemed to shrink slightly in Chen Zui’s arms as he pointed to one of the people in the photo.

The crew was inwardly impressed—he had even memorized Liang Youjing’s lines.

Chen Zui took the photo and looked at it.

Xie Qingyue was actually very ticklish. The hand stroking his waist was unbearable, making half his body go weak. So, he raised his hand and threw an arm over Chen Zui’s shoulder, turning around until he was facing him, kneeling on Chen Zui’s lap.

It was an even more intimate position than before.

Assistant Director Wang’s eyes were practically glued to the monitor. Chen Zui’s hand followed Xie Qingyue’s movement, shifting from his waist to the curve of his back. One hand almost entirely spanned Xie Qingyue’s waist, and in the process, Xie Qingyue’s shirt became slightly wrinkled.

The black shirt made Chen Zui’s hand appear even paler, but what was most striking was the combination of the prominent veins on the back of his hand and the red string bracelet around his wrist.

The tip of his thumb rested just above Xie Qingyue’s rounded buttocks, which were encased in suit pants.

The suit pants Xie Qingyue wore today had subtle vertical stripes. In this seated position, the stripes near his hip line fanned out, as if something were about to be revealed.

Beneath him were Chen Zui’s gray sweatpants, with a white drawstring hanging out from under the suit pants.

If one had a vivid imagination, it almost looked like something had leaked.

The sexual tension was almost palpable.

Even though Xie Qingyue was fully clothed, the effect was far more potent than what Liang Youjing was wearing. This wasn’t an action originally in the design, and Assistant Director Wang thought it should be added.

The moment Xie Qingyue turned around, his eyes met Chen Zui’s. Those pitch-black pupils were impossible to stare into for too long without feeling sucked in. No matter how much he tried to act unaffected, he couldn’t hide his nervousness. He could only fall back on his lines to escape: "He’s a police officer now. I never would have guessed."

"He had a crush on me back in school."

Chen Zui glanced at the photo again. "Oh? Did you say yes?"

He tossed the photo onto the table. "If you dare lie to me, I’ll have your hide."

His tone was deliberately fierce, but his eyes remained fixed on Xie Qingyue as he slowly leaned in and bit down on the button of Xie Qingyue’s shirt. His stark white teeth looked dangerous.

The phrase "have your hide" suddenly took on a whole different meaning. The crew was completely captivated. The lines hadn’t changed at all, but with a different person performing them, the feeling was entirely different. These two gave off the impression that they were already "in sync on another level," making everyone feel heated.

Xie Qingyue was about to lose it.

But this scene came to an end here.

Assistant Director Wang clapped enthusiastically, and the crew, taking the hint, also applauded. Liang Youjing, who had been frowning throughout, quickly smoothed his brow and joined in the applause. "President Xie’s performance was truly brilliant."

Chen Zui smirked. "Thank you for the guidance, President Xie."

At the same time, the hand on Xie Qingyue’s back gave a light pat.

A silent reminder.

Only then did Xie Qingyue get off him, adjusting his glasses as if he were once again the proper President Xie. "I’m flattered. I just spent some time in the drama club back in school."

Everyone: So that’s it.

It seemed his frequent visits and eagerness to jump in were due to an interest in theater.

Assistant Director Wang was thrilled—this version was excellent. "Just some time in the drama club, and you act this well? President Xie, you’re truly gifted."

"Youjing, later, I want you to do it exactly like President Xie."

Liang Youjing wasn't about to cross Xie Qingyue by saying anything negative. He smiled and accepted the arrangement. "Alright, but with President Xie’s outstanding performance setting the standard, I’m afraid I might not measure up."

Even when facing Chen Zui’s mean streak, he could still say something pleasant.

"President Xie, you mustn’t laugh at me~"

He laughed, and Assistant Director Wang laughed along—a typical display of phony grown-up politeness.

Chen Zui stood up from the couch and glanced at Xie Qingyue as if unintentionally. "Then later, Youjing and I will perform just like we did a moment ago."

Xie Qingyue remained silent. He understood perfectly well that this was something Chen Zui said deliberately—both testing the waters and messing with him.

Chen Zui looked at Liang Youjing. "But Youjing’s clothes don’t have buttons. Later, I’ll bite his collar instead."

Assistant Director Wang: "Sure, biting the collar works fine too."

Assistant Director Wang: "Oh, and Chen Zui, your hand—make sure to do that thing with your hand on Youjing’s waist. That little touch was nice."

Chen Zui kept his peripheral attention on Xie Qingyue, who hadn’t said a word. "Alright~"

Just as the three of them wrapped up and were about to start filming, Xie Qingyue suddenly spoke. "Let’s pause filming for today."

Both Assistant Director Wang and Liang Youjing were stunned. Only Chen Zui knew exactly what was up, though he quickly put on a confused look too as he looked at Xie Qingyue.

Xie Qingyue didn’t offer any explanation. As the big boss, calling off filming for the day was his call, and he didn’t need to justify it.

Chen Zui returned to his trailer to change.

Ao Tian: "You’d never guess what the relationship meter is now, even if you had a million guesses!"

Chen Zui: "Do you have to kill me?"

Ao Tian was amused by him: "Haha, 50%!"

This mission target was simply too easy. Ao Tian didn't quite understand why Xie Qingyue's liking for Chen Zui kept growing, even though he had already met his fated match. Just now, Xie Qingyue paid no attention to Liang Youjing at all.

You know, in the book, Xie Qingyue was smitten with Liang Youjing at first sight.

Chen Zui sent a message to Lu Buyan: "Coming to your place."

Lu Buyan had just woken up when he received the message. He was still dazed from last night's dinner with business partners. Though he didn’t understand why Chen Zui suddenly wanted to come over, the thought of seeing that face again...

However, his reply was: "Just this once. Next time, let me know in advance."

Chen Zui didn’t read his reply and instead stopped Xie Qingyue: "President Xie, could you please drive me to Lu Buyan’s place? He asked me to come over."

The sky was gloomy, and it was drizzling.

Unsurprisingly, Xie Qingyue agreed.

As the car drove off, Liang Youjing, watching it disappear into the distance, finally sensed something was wrong and began asking about the relationship between Chen Zui and Xie Qingyue.

The car was quiet, with only the sound of raindrops hitting the windows. The windshield wipers worked steadily at a steady rhythm. Xie Qingyue kept one hand on the steering wheel, his movements steady and controlled.

Chen Zui, sitting in the passenger seat, asked, knowing the answer: "President Xie, why did you suspend today’s filming?"

Xie Qingyue: "Because Buyan asked for you."

He went and used that excuse.

Chen Zui: Dishonest but smart.

The roads were slippery from the rain, giving Xie Qingyue every reason to drive very, very slowly, dragging out the trip to deliver Chen Zui to Lu Buyan.

"What does Buyan want with you?"

"I’m his lover. What else could he want me for? Probably to do what adults do."

Xie Qingyue glanced at Chen Zui, then quickly looked away, focusing on the road as he followed the traffic and turned a corner. He finally said, somewhat helplessly: "It’s daytime."

Chen Zui chuckled lightly.

"President Xie, those things don't need a particular time—just a private location. For example, in a car—" Every word Chen Zui spoke was like a hook, luring even those who knew they were being reeled in to bite willingly.

"Though President Xie’s sedan isn’t ideal. An SUV would be more convenient—more room, better for moving around."

Chen Zui noticed Xie Qingyue’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Ao Tian, who had followed Chen Zui through several worlds, was stunned. This version of Chen Zui was too good at flirting! Even if he weren’t a deviant, he’d have a bright future!

Truly worthy of being its host.

The car stopped in front of Lu Buyan’s villa. Chen Zui took an umbrella from the car and got out. He leaned down by the car window and thanked Xie Qingyue.

As he turned to leave—

"Chen Zui."

Raindrops sprayed from the umbrella as Chen Zui turned back.

The person in the driver’s seat stared at him: "You’re Buyan’s person. You should watch your behavior in both words and actions."

In other words: Stop teasing me.

Ao Tian: Oh? Telling our Chen Zui to behave? You should control yourself first. Who was it that reacted so strongly behind the curtains?

So defensive!

—

Chen Zui entered the villa.

Xie Qingyue remained alone in the car. He didn’t drive off immediately but lit up a cigarette and smoked quietly, his eyes occasionally wandering to the villa.

He was very familiar with this villa.

Full-length windows, high walls—so anything done there wouldn’t be seen.

The walk-in closet had a wall covered in mirrors.

The kitchen island was large.

And now, Chen Zui had entered this villa, called over as Buyan’s lover…

He smoked one cigarette after another.

And he was the one who had personally brought Chen Zui here.

He jammed out his cigarette forcefully in the ashtray, stepped on the accelerator, and the tires sent water spraying.

—

Inside the villa.

Lu Buyan: "Can you cook?"

Chen Zui hadn’t come here to be his homemaker: "No."

Lu Buyan scoffed: "As a kept lover, cooking should be a basic skill. I won’t ask for much else, but at least learn how to make hangover soup."

His head still throbbed from the hangover: "Come here and rub my head."

He leaned back on the sofa, waiting for his lover’s attentive care.

After a while, he heard the sound of a door closing. Lu Buyan opened his eyes in confusion. The tall figure of Chen Zui was no longer in the living room. He turned to look toward the door.

Realizing what had happened, he angrily took out his phone and called Chen Zui.

"The number you have dialed is busy and cannot be connected at the moment…"

Lu Buyan was so angry he could barely breathe, his headache worsening. He hung up and started sending voice messages to Chen Zui.

"Who said you could leave? Do you even know how to be a lover? With an attitude like yours, I’m telling you, no one else would want you even if you paid them!"

"Wait, what did you even come here for?"

This time, Chen Zui replied: "To let you see a face similar to your white moonlight and ease your yearning."

Lu Buyan: ...

His anger vanished instantly, and he even found the other somewhat considerate—after all, it was still raining outside.

——

After finishing his wash, Xie Qingyue scrolled through his Moments and came across Chen Zui's post. He instinctively narrowed his eyes and reached for his glasses. The moment he saw it clearly, he nearly crushed his phone.

A photo accompanied by the caption: "A tragic sight."

In the photo, Chen Zui was shirtless, covered in scattered red marks, with the most noticeable ones on his chest.

Connecting this to the fact that he had sent Chen Zui to Lu Buyan's villa, Xie Qingyue's already low spirits sank even further. In that moment, a thought emerged in his mind: Why does it have to be Lu Buyan?

As soon as this thought surfaced, he froze. How could he entertain such an idea? Coveting another man's lover was inherently despicable, and even more so when that someone was Buyan—it wasn't just despicable but shameless and disloyal.

Xie Qingyue had always prided himself on his high moral standards, and he felt nothing but contempt for the person he was becoming.

He couldn't allow himself to fall deeper into Chen Zui's trap.

Wait.

How could Chen Zui, as an entertainment industry professional, dare to post such a photo on his Moments?

Refreshing the page, he noticed a new reply from Chen Zui: "Replying to all, these are just mosquito bites, hahaha. You're all overthinking it."

It seemed many had commented.

So that was the excuse. If that was the case, then posting it wasn’t really an issue.

He clicked on the photo, and it filled the entire screen of his phone. Every detail was magnified, falling clearly into his view. The person who had just been reflecting on his actions now his eyes greedily scanned every inch of the photo.

That night, Xie Qingyue tossed and turned, struggling to fall asleep.

He had a dream.

He was sitting in his SUV when suddenly the seat was lowered, and he leaned back with it.

Just as he was about to sit up and see what was happening, Chen Zui appeared, placing one hand on the seat, pinning him down.

Chen Zui was shirtless, marked with the same red marks from the photo, transforming him into an incarnation of raw desire.

"President Xie."

Chen Zui called out to him in that low, deep voice of his—respectful yet detached.

But his actions were decidedly improper. He grabbed Xie Qingyue's hand and placed it on his chest.

"President Xie, do whatever you want. I'll fully cooperate."

What he desired.

Xie Qingyue stared at those marks. He wanted them gone, wanted to replace them with marks of his own.

But he couldn't do that.

Yet, this was just a dream.

In the end, Xie Qingyue chose to indulge himself in the dream, applying more pressure to his grip.

But that alone wasn't enough.

It still couldn't completely cover up the traces Buyan had left.

He tilted his head up, leaned in, opened his mouth.

And bit down hard.

He thought: *Mine.*

In the dream, Chen Zui was his.

——

The sleeping man breathed in sharply, like taking a puff of a cigarette.

——

Ao Tian: "You really aren't afraid Xiao Xie will run away."

Chen Zui: "If he runs, I'll catch him and make him love me."

Ao Tian: Well then, its host’s perverted nature really was hard to change.

Chen Zui was a person with mischievous intentions.

He was eagerly anticipating Xie Qingyue's next reaction.

He looked at the red marks on his body. It was his first time creating fake marks, and he went overboard, being a bit too rough.

——

In the morning light, Xie Qingyue removed his soiled underwear and tossed it into the dedicated washing machine.

He had actually had such a dream.

He couldn't allow himself to sink any deeper. As an adult, controlling his emotions was a basic capability.

——

"Why doesn't he put his leg on Chen Zui's shoulder?"

Lu Buyan had watched the shooting footage from yesterday, which Xie Qingyue had provided when leaving. However, Xie Qingyue had only shown him the segments featuring Chen Zui and Liang Youjing.

Lu Buyan’s expression darkened. The actor’s leg positioning was too intentional.

What was his intention?

Trying to seduce Chen Zui.

"I came to ask for your opinion. Should we continue using this actor?"

Xie Qingyue sat across from him, pretending to be genuinely concerned for Lu Buyan.

"But even if we change actors, given Chen Zui’s looks, there’s no guarantee something like this won’t happen again. How about... you play this role instead?"

He made the suggestion.

But Lu Buyan immediately vetoed it: "Me? I can't act."

Lu Buyan had no interest in acting.

But he also couldn't just let Chen Zui get so close to someone else.

Xie Qingyue stood up: "Then think again if there's someone you'd feel comfortable with. I need to go meet my friends from the drama club back in college, so I'm heading out."

Lu Buyan nodded. As Xie Qingyue walked slowly towards the door,

Lu Buyan called out: "Wait up!"

Xie Qingyue turned back: "What is it?"

Lu Buyan looked at him and realized the answer was right under his nose—someone he trusted, who was interested in acting and had experience.

"Qing Yue, you should take this role."

Xie Qingyue's lips curled slightly: "Me?"

"Right, I'd trust you with this role. Besides, you like acting, don't you? I remember you were in a lot of plays back in college. Otherwise, you wouldn't have invested in this film. Why not give it a try yourself?"

Xie Qingyue was somewhat persuaded: "But Chen Zui is your... Isn't that a little awkward?"

"What's awkward about it?" Lu Buyan went over and put an arm around his shoulder. "It's not like you'd be interested in Chen Zui, and besides, you're already seeing someone."

He winked and chuckled.

"Don't refuse. Do me this favor, buddy. I'll thank you in advance."

Xie Qingyue reluctantly gave in: "Alright then."

Before leaving, he placed a car key on the table: "You've always wanted this car, right? It's yours."

Lu Buyan was overjoyed. He had missed out on buying this limited-edition sports car by a narrow margin back then. He had asked Xie Qingyue for it once, but Xie had only lent it to him and hadn't been willing to part with it.

"What's wrong? Got bored with it?"

Xie Qingyue looked at him with a hint of guilt: "Yeah."

Lu Buyan, thrilled, was about to go to his house to take the car, afraid Xie Qingyue might change his mind: "I'll transfer the money to your account right away."

"No need, it's a gift."

Although they were wealthy, giving away a sports car worth millions so casually was still a bit...

Lu Buyan: "You're the best, man!"

——

Chen Zui arrived on set and discovered that Director Xue was there today, and he was here early, too.

He went over to greet him.

Director Xue: "Morning. By the way, did you know your co-star has been replaced?"

Chen Zui had already guessed it, but he didn't actually know the details.

He shook his head: "Who’s the replacement?"

Director Xue looked at him, thinking that given his relationship with Xie Qingyue, he would have known in advance.

"President Xie is taking the role himself."

Chen Zui's guess was correct, but he was curious about how Xie Qingyue had managed to work it out with Lu Buyan.

Xie Qingyue arrived together with Lu Buyan. Xie Qingyue went to see Director Xue,

while Lu Buyan gave Chen Zui a stern warning to focus on acting and not mess around with others or cheat on him.

"Anyway, while you're here, just listen to Qing Yue."

Chen Zui felt a little sorry for Lu Buyan. Well, before the mission ends, he'd return the remaining money to him.

Xie Qingyue came over. Facing Chen Zui, he felt somewhat guilty and avoided eye contact.

Even though Chen Zui acted as usual, greeting him with, "President Xie,"

Xie Qingyue didn't look at him and just nodded.

"I have to fly abroad. Qing Yue, keep a close eye on him during this time."

"And you, don't turn off your phone. I'll call you on video when I have time."

Amid his exhausting work, he needed to recharge just by looking at a face that resembled Si Gui's.

Lu Buyan came and went in a hurry.

Only Chen Zui and Xie Qingyue were left in the lounge. Logically, Xie Qingyue should have been the one in charge, but now he was the one being evasive.

Chen Zui: "President Xie, it's time to change clothes."

"Yeah."

Xie Qingyue left Chen Zui's lounge. He had thought Chen Zui might say something, but surprisingly, he was on his best behavior this time.

Perhaps he was intentionally letting him off the hook.

Considering this possibility...

Actually... Chen Zui wasn't that bad after all.

It wasn't uncommon for actors to be replaced after filming had started, but it was rare for the replacement to be the investor big shot himself.

This...

Although the crew was surprised, it was none of their business.

It was the same scene as before.

Xie Qingyue's role was rewritten to match his real-life identity.

So, when he appeared, he was still wearing a dress shirt, slacks, and glasses.

Everyone: Indeed, money talks.

With Director Xue running the show, the official filming began. Since it was a scene they had acted out before, the progress went very smoothly.

Everyone even wrapped early, and they were over the moon.

Director Xue suggested, "How about we grab a meal?"

The smiles on everyone's faces instantly vanished. Honestly, after work, workers just want to leave the workplace and their colleagues behind immediately—they really don’t want to go to some work dinner! It’s purely a waste of time!

The department leads all chimed in agreeing.

Xie Qingyue said, "Sorry, I still have work to handle."

He had to squeeze in extra work to manage company matters while filming; otherwise, it would truly be slacking off. Of course, he'd brought this on himself.

He wasn’t going.

Everyone then looked at the other male lead.

Chen Zui whispered to Xie Qingyue, "Should I go?"

Xie Qingyue looked at him, and Chen Zui continued, "Lu Buyan told me to listen to you."

"I’m very obedient."

Xie Qingyue’s breath caught for a moment.

Group dinners often involve drinking, drinking can lead to drunkenness, and drunkenness can lead to trouble.

He had to keep an eye on Chen Zui for Buyan’s sake.

"Director Xue, Chen Zui needs to come with me. Sorry about that. Once things settle down, I’ll make arrangements, and I hope you’ll join us."

Director Xue replied, "No problem, no problem. Work comes first."

With both male leads unable to attend, the dinner plan was put on hold, and smiles crept back onto everyone’s faces.

Chen Zui followed Xie Qingyue to the parking lot. When Xie Qingyue pressed the car key, an SUV unlocked.

Chen Zui noted, "Boss Xie, you’ve changed cars."