Chapter 51

Chapter 51

At three in the morning, there weren’t many viewers left in the live stream. Aside from those with vested interests who had to keep a constant watch and people who were staying up late anyway and had extra devices to spare, leaving the stream running, even die-hard fans rarely bothered to stare intently at a pitch-black screen where the main subjects had already turned off the lights and gone to sleep.

But earlier, when Ning Yichu suddenly got up to go out for some fresh air and He Shixia followed him, and the two of them left the program’s live broadcast range, the news spread a little, prompting some viewers who were still awake but hadn’t been watching the stream in real time to open it again. Out of curiosity, they wanted to wait for Ning Yichu and the others to return, hoping to catch any new gossip “on the front lines.”

Now, finally seeing He Shixia carrying Ning Yichu back, the viewers savored the moment—“they walked out separately but came back with one carrying the other”—before switching to the bedroom feed. Confirming that the view was still blocked, there wasn’t much else to see. Some viewers were about to exit the stream and go to sleep when they unexpectedly heard He Shixia’s normal speaking voice cut off abruptly.

Then came Ning Yichu’s light, airy remark: “If you say another word to ruin the mood, I’ll bite your head off”... The implications of that statement were quite significant.

Viewers who had been about to leave quickly retracted their fingers, which were poised to click the exit button. Some who had already exited processed what their ears had just heard and hurriedly returned, just in time to catch He Shixia’s seemingly out-of-context “I’ll help you get it,” which also trailed off unfinished.

Next came some ambiguous, indistinct sounds. Since they weren’t at normal speaking volume, they were hard to make out clearly, which only fueled the viewers’ imaginations—

“Holy shit, what’s going on! Am I just too sleep-deprived and my mind’s in the gutter?!”

“Are they kissing right now? This sounds way too intimate.”

“What what! Are we entering the real late-night content?!”

“Huh? Is this really something we’re allowed to listen to?”

“Ugh, the show's audio is so crappy. I turned the volume all the way up and still can’t hear clearly, waaaah.”

“Shh shh—I swear their breathing sounds have gotten heavier too—they’re definitely kissing! And from the sound of it, it’s not just a simple kiss!”

“A Ning just warned Film Emperor He not to be a buzzkill, hmm…”

“Huh? Did something drop on the floor?”

“A Ning was wearing a jacket earlier, right? I remember it had a metal zipper. Sounds like it could be the zipper pull hitting the floor.”

“Camera, read the room! Shake off that cloth covering your eyes! Let me take a look, just one look ()”

“Wait… Did A Ning say something? It’s a bit hard to hear, mainly because the breathing sounds are too distracting.”

“He did, he did! I heard it clearly! The wifey said He-ge’s breathing was too loud and would be heard, and then He-ge’s breathing actually seemed to quiet down a bit.”

“Don’t hold out on us, A Ning, we’re just listening to some sounds.”

“Holy shit, this is so exciting, so are they really… you know?”

“I still think I must be hallucinating from staying up too late.”

“This is so hot, damn. So they remember they’re live streaming, but just can’t help themselves, right? I get it, I get it. I can’t help the smile on my face right now either.”

“Damn, I have work tomorrow, let me go to sleep—”

“It’s fine, I’m a college student, I can catch up on sleep during my 8 a.m. class (not really).”

“I really think I’m hallucinating. I was staying up late writing fanfic about them, just started the steamy part when a fellow fan called me over to listen to the live scene. Now I suspect I’m the reincarnation of Ma Liang with his magic brush, where the words I write become reality…”

“Please, let us see! How can that cloth blocking the camera be so effective?!”

“Hmm, A Ning’s voice seems to have changed a bit. Reasonably suspecting they’ve moved to the next stage, hehehe (wipes drool).”

“Maybe it’s better the camera stays blocked. Suddenly, just listening feels like a state banquet too. If they really let us watch the live action, I’m afraid the stream would get shut down immediately, and then we wouldn’t even get to hear the sounds (serenely).”

“That makes sense…”

“Oh my god, is this the reward for staying up late? This is almost too good to be true.”

“I’m fulfilled. Listening to the real deal performing live for me.”

“Aww, are they calling each other’s names—”

“Thanks for the gift, He-Ning ^o^”

“Everyone, keep it down. Let’s listen in stealth. Don’t call more people into the stream. With fewer people, the program team might turn a blind eye since the guests themselves don’t seem to mind being heard live. But if too many people come, the program team definitely won’t be able to pretend not to know, and they’ll shut down the stream. That would be a real loss, waaaah.”

“Damn, in the middle of the night, this is like giving me an adrenaline shot.”

“Adults should listen to this to have the energy to live well, hehehe.”

“My guess is the process went like this: A Ning had a nightmare and was in a bad mood, so he went out for a walk in the middle of the night. He Shixia coaxed him and carried him back, but A Ning still wanted to vent. And as everyone knows, sex is one way to vent, hence the current situation, hehe.”

“Ahem, I thought the person above was going to narrate their, uh, process. Got excited for nothing.”

“A Ning’s panting is getting me so excited. He-ge, you’re living the dream ^-^”

“Sounds like there’s even a bit of a sob in his voice, tsk tsk. He-ge, shouldn’t you be a bit more gentle?”

“Want to hear A Ning unable to take it anymore and crying while cursing Film Emperor He for being inhuman ().”

[Although unlikely, I’d also like to hear “Please, I can’t take it anymore” ~~]

“Hahahaha, even placing orders now.”

“Tsk, speaking of which, they probably didn’t prepare condoms, right? Didn’t hear any wrapper tearing sounds earlier.”

“Wow~ It’s good to have people watching together, can savor more details, huff huff.”

“Damn, Film Emperor He, you don’t know how good you have it.”

“No, no, this is exactly what makes it so delicious to ship (blissful face).”

Ning Yichu could still remember the existence of the camera’s microphone at first, but gradually, he couldn’t care anymore. Occasionally, he even wanted to curse He Shixia. Afraid Ning Yichu would feel embarrassed and resentful afterward, He Shixia kept kissing him, also blocking any words he might have wanted to say, preventing the possibly listening audience from hearing.

Ning Yichu had no choice but to bite He Shixia’s lips now and then.

“Although the main subjects are being incredibly generous with this no-barrier feast, and the guests are enjoying it very much, there’s still a question… Won’t they be awkward after daybreak? Thinking about the live stream and all :D”

“Well, they probably don’t care about anyone else anymore. A Ning doesn’t care about anyone, and He-ge seems to only care about A Ning (shrugs).”

“Bold question: will there be internal… (respecting the stream’s healthy environment (o^^o))”

“Internal… baby, that’s a bit too bold.”

“Although no one here can answer that question right now, it’s fine. Let’s keep listening. After we finish, we’ll know the answer (wipes mouth).”

“Flesh thin, bones close, heavenly sounds, endless to the ear, hehehehe.”

Ning Yichu was already physically weak, usually tired from walking a bit too long. Now, he was utterly exhausted and drowsy, his eyes barely able to stay open in the end. But He Shixia, worried he’d be uncomfortable and might get sick sleeping like that, carried him to the bathroom and turned on the shower.

Ning Yichu couldn’t stand steadily. There was no bathtub in this bathroom to lie in, so he had to lean his whole body against He Shixia, completely relying on the strength of He Shixia’s arms holding him.

He Shixia looked down at his flushed eye corners and couldn’t help kissing them over and over. Ning Yichu found him annoying but truly lacked the energy to curse him out, so he simply pretended not to notice.

After coming out of the bathroom, He Shixia first placed Ning Yichu on the floor bedding where he slept, then tidied up the bed before carrying Ning Yichu back onto it.

This time, He Shixia "pressed his advantage" and lay down on the bed too. He held Ning Yichu in his arms, unable to resist kissing Ning Yichu's forehead, cheeks, neck, and those lips already glistening and flushed from his touch.

Ning Yichu had been sleepy, but he was thoroughly cheesed out by this "sappy afterglow" act and couldn't fall asleep.

"...You're acting as if we're deeply in love, what a hassle." Ning Yichu finally mustered a bit of strength and mumbled slowly, "It was just one time; it doesn't change the fact that we'll divorce after the show ends... No matter how gentle you are, I won't lie and praise your skills. You're just really awful..."

He Shixia couldn't help but chuckle, kissed Ning Yichu's lips again, and then softly agreed, "Yeah, my bad. Go to sleep, A Ning, I won't bother you anymore."

Ning Yichu was so exhausted he was in a daze. When he spoke, he forgot about the live mic. He Shixia was focused on listening to his voice and also didn't remember the issue at that moment.

Actually, Ning Yichu's voice wasn't loud, but the problem was the room was too quiet now. Unlike before when there were at least their breaths and movements as interference, the audience still tuned into the livestream heard every word Ning Yichu said.

"A Ning's voice is so soft for once, hehehe."

"What did Brother He do to make A Ning say that?"

"He Shixia: My skills are really lousy? I don't believe it."

"Oh my god, we even get to hear this kind of post-coital pillow talk, fangirls' lives are complete."

"Wait, wait, there's a key question..."

"A Ning is probably just talking tough, right? If Film Emperor He's skills were really bad and made him uncomfortable, he probably wouldn't have let Film Emperor He touch him?"

[Tsk, never thought I'd hear the actual person say 'we only did it once' one day. What an exciting moment. Those who missed this live stream really lost out.]

"I... damn... what did A Ning just say? They'll divorce after the show ends?"

"Huh?! Did he say that?"

"Oh my god, yes he did! I just realized it too. My brain was so full of sugar earlier I selectively ignored it!"

"Ahhhh even though I know A Ning has no feelings for Film Emperor He, it's not like there are *really* no feelings, how did it get to the point of divorce so quickly!"

"He Shixia didn't deny it..."

"'Divorce after the show ends' probably means they decided this before coming on the show, right? Film Emperor He, is your wife-chasing journey going to just stop like that?"

"Don't be so pessimistic. Maybe after spending time together during the show, A Ning decides not to divorce? Even if they do, they can remarry! Brother He, go for it! I believe in you! Look, A Ning was willing to sleep with you. You have a lot of hope!"

"Eh, are they both sleeping on the bed tonight?"

"I will keep tonight's recording as a family heirloom. [Enjoying]"

Ning Yichu fell asleep. He Shixia, still quite keyed up and unable to sleep, originally wanted to use Ning Yichu's sleeping face as a sleeping pill, but the more he looked, the wider awake he became. However, he didn't dare kiss him again, afraid of waking Ning Yichu.

Until dawn, He Shixia looked up and suddenly remembered the camera issue... If Ning Yichu's words last night about them divorcing were heard by any audience still in the live stream...

Although he didn't want people to know about this, it wasn't a big problem. Comparatively, "Ning Yichu's post-coital voice being heard by others" made He Shixia more displeased. It felt like Ning Yichu had been taken advantage of.

He Shixia thought for a moment, got out of bed with minimal movement, found his phone, and sent a message to the director. He didn't explain much, just said that he and Ning Yichu would rest today and not participate in recording, and would resume normal recording tomorrow. Later, he would have his agent contact the program team to discuss compensation for breaching the contract. But in short, please don't disturb them today except for delivering meals.

As for how the audience would view it, or if people would seize the chance to criticize them for slacking off and acting like divas, He Shixia didn't care. He figured Ning Yichu would care even less.

Having been too exhausted in the early morning, He Shixia hoped Ning Yichu could rest well and was afraid he might get sick again.

Fortunately, until nearly noon when Ning Yichu woke up and opened his eyes, there were no signs of fever or illness.

After sitting up, Ning Yichu zoned out for a while, feeling like the sanity he'd lost in the early morning had finally returned. He moved his still sore body, saw He Shixia in front of him, and became furious with embarrassment: "Why didn't you stop me?"

After speaking, Ning Yichu paused, realizing his voice was still a bit hoarse, and kissing too much had made his lips slightly sore. Also, he saw the obvious bite marks on He Shixia's smiling lips, clearly meant to remind others of what they had done...

Ning Yichu didn't care about others' opinions of his character, but matters in bed were too private. He did care about his privacy and, if possible, didn't want to see others gossiping enthusiastically about this aspect of his life.

But the impulsive decision in the early morning was his own. At the time, he wasn't completely unaware of the live stream situation, but Ning Yichu couldn't explain what he was thinking at that moment, how he'd just given in.

Anyway, to avoid angering himself now, Ning Yichu decided to take it out on He Shixia.

He Shixia smiled and took all the blame: "Sorry, my fault. It's all my fault for corrupting you."

His sincere attitude made Ning Yichu fall silent, feeling a bit awkward instead.

Averting his eyes from He Shixia, Ning Yichu asked nonchalantly, "What time is it?"

He Shixia said gently, "Eleven thirty. I've already told the director that we won't be recording today. The program team just delivered lunch. Shall I bring it in for you?"

This time, Ning Yichu didn't say he wanted to eat outside. He grunted in agreement, not wanting to appear in the audience's view for the time being.

Ning Yichu's attempt to bury his head in the sand made He Shixia even more amused. Unable to restrain himself, he bent down and kissed Ning Yichu's lips again: "A Ning, it's okay."

When He Shixia said this, he was almost right against Ning Yichu's lips. Ning Yichu simply opened his mouth and bit him again, then pulled back, warning the still-smiling He Shixia who was in pain: "Don't push your luck! Keep the same distance as before!"

He Shixia laughed, "Okay, sorry. Don't be angry, A Ning."

He Shixia went out to get the food. Ning Yichu sat on the bed for a while longer, then couldn't help but sigh softly, "What a stupid thing to do..."

"Not stupid, not stupid. Don't be shy, A Ning, hahaha."

"He's furious with embarrassment, so cute."

"I knew it wouldn't be all tender and sweet after waking up from this, hahaha."

"Curious, what did Brother He do just now to make A Ning warn him not to push his luck?"

"Either hands or mouth. (Mm.)"

"Ah, last time when A Ning woke up late due to illness, he chose to eat in the kitchen. Why is he staying in bed today? Is his body (specifically a certain part) uncomfortable, or is he too embarrassed?"

"A Ning, maybe don't go online for now. Mainly because netizens are really enjoying gossiping about this. I'm afraid if you read too much, you'll want to strangle He Shixia, creating a social news story to cover the entertainment headlines, hehe."

"Anyway, Film Emperor He doesn't seem embarrassed at all. Not only is he completely at ease, but he's in an especially good mood."

"He's not even hiding the bite marks on his lips at all, tsk tsk."

"Cut him some slack. He slept with his wife! How wonderful!"

[Although some people want to stir trouble, criticism doesn't gain traction because the actual person doesn't care at all. The key is the reason for this 'slacking off' is just too gossip-worthy. The whole thing is really interesting.]

"Anyway, CP fans are thrilled."

"Who understands? I have audio of the actual person's bedroom activities!"

"I really want to see what A Ning looks like now. Does he have marks on his lips like Brother He?"

"I guess Film Emperor He wouldn't have the heart to bite A Ning, but kissing too much can make lips swell too. ()"

"I'm still so concerned about them getting divorced..."

"Suddenly thought, this show only has two pairs of resident guests, and both are spouses planning to divorce after the show ends..."

He Shixia brought the meal into the bedroom, placing it on the bedside table. Ning Yichu ate in silence, then warned He Shixia, "Get rid of that grin—it's annoying to look at. And don't bring this up again."

He Shixia immediately wiped the smile off his face and nodded obediently, "Alright... but I usually smile around you anyway. You can't expect me to never smile again, can you, A Ning?"

Ning Yichu huffed, "What you do in the future has nothing to do with me. We're divorcing as soon as the show's over anyway."

He Shixia smiled, "Then I'll take the dishes out first."

"Explain in detail, why did they make this decision? (sobbing)"

"After learning why they got married, I'm not surprised A Ning wants a divorce. What really shocks me is how quickly they're planning to split. I thought they'd at least stay married for a while. And He Ge just accepted it?"

"If he didn't accept it, the path to winning back his wife would be even harder..."

"The last batch of guest stars includes magazine editors, hosts, and famous journalists. Can we please have an interview? (begging)"

After collecting himself, Ning Yichu was perfectly calm by dinnertime. He didn't ask He Shixia to bring the meal into the bedroom again and instead went to the kitchen to eat.

Before leaving the bedroom, He Shixia straightened his collar for him, "Hmm... I think the production team prepared some spare clothes, just in case. Should I ask if they have a scarf? Or maybe use some concealer..."

Ning Yichu had already checked the mirror while washing up. There were several noticeable hickeys on his neck, and the collar of his late-September outfit couldn't cover them at all.

Now, hearing He Shixia's insincere afterthought, Ning Yichu pushed him away, "How about you just ask the production team if they have tape to seal your mouth? That seems more feasible."

In the live stream, the audience was thrilled to see Ning Yichu finally appear. And when they spotted the hickeys on his neck, they grew even more excited—

"Film Emperor He really went all out on his wife ^o^"

【Looks like A Ning has thrown in the towel, adopting the mindset of 'as long as I'm not embarrassed, it's everyone else who should feel awkward.'】

【A Ning doesn't need to feel awkward, and we 'everyone else' aren't embarrassed either, hahaha】

【To be honest, I really admire He Shixia's attitude. Ning Yichu took half a day to appear as if nothing happened, while He Shixia seems to have skipped the 'feeling embarrassed' phase entirely.】

"He Ge: Those of you who've never chased after a wife wouldn't understand—thick skin is a basic skill."

"Place your bets! Guess whether Film Emperor He can still sleep in the bed tonight!"

"Judging by A Ning's attitude, I bet Film Emperor He will have to go back to the floor."

"The bedroom camera is still blocked right now, and they definitely won't remove the cover before bed. How are we supposed to know where He Shixia sleeps?"

【That's easy. He Ge will definitely 'push his luck' and assume he can sleep in the bed. We'll know the answer by whether A Ning kicks him out, hahaha】

Sure enough, that night before bed, He Shixia deliberately didn't ask. Seeing Ning Yichu lie down, he turned off the light and then made a move for the bed as if it were a given.

"Go sleep on your floor." Ning Yichu spoke up the moment He Shixia sat down.

He Shixia smiled and tried to negotiate, "I swear my hands won't touch you..."

Ning Yichu kept his eyes closed, "Do I need to say it a second time?"

He Shixia had no choice but to give up regretfully, "Alright, goodnight, A Ning."

"RIP, Film Emperor He."

"Look at it this way—your wife is talking to you! Look on the bright side!"

"That's very optimistic, hahaha."

The next day, Ning Yichu and He Shixia went out to film the show as usual.

This was the second-to-last day of the entire program. By tomorrow evening, all the guests would leave the island together and finish recording.

The six guest stars for the final episode had arrived yesterday morning, but given the obvious reasons, Ning Yichu and He Shixia only met them this morning.

What had the production team on edge and left the audience in disbelief was that the scenario of "guest stars insisting on provoking Ning Yichu as soon as they meet" seemed to be repeating itself this morning—

As soon as he saw Ning Yichu, Wen Shen, the editor-in-chief of an international fashion magazine, stared at him intently.

He Shixia frowned, recalling the situation from his previous life. Back then, Wen Shen hadn't acted so strangely... While thinking, He Shixia stepped in front of Ning Yichu, blocking Wen Shen's gaze, "If you have something to say, say it directly."

Wen Shen smiled, "Don't misunderstand. I have no ill intentions. It's just that... Teacher Ning looks a bit like my older sister. My sister also lost a child once. I heard Teacher Ning grew up in an orphanage and has a jade pendant engraved with 'A Ning'? Would it be possible to see that pendant and ask for Teacher Ning's birthday?"

Amidst the surprise of those around them, Ning Yichu remained expressionless.

Only then did He Shixia realize that the intense look Wen Shen had given Ning Yichu did contain a trace of inexplicable affection, not any malicious intent.

Moreover, when He Shixia had just been reborn, Ning Yichu had mentioned the fate of their child from the previous life. At that time, Ning Yichu had also mentioned that on his biological parents' side, there was indeed a blood-related uncle...