Chapter 49

Chapter 49

The boy named Xiao Chen truly seemed to love small animals. Even while held in his grandfather's arms, his blinking eyes stayed glued to the little white dog ahead.

So Song Nian led the dog over. The pup circled his pant leg, then looked up, wagging its tail.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen's eyes lit up. He shyly asked the elderly man for permission, and after getting a nod of approval, excitedly crouched down to pet the dog.

Watching the child's face brimming with joy, the old man couldn't help but sigh:

"Ever since we got back home, this is the first time I've seen him this happy."

Song Nian smiled and agreed, saying kids are just like that.

Watching the kid and dog having a blast, the two fell into conversation.

Maybe it was just him, but after Song Nian introduced himself, the old man seemed to hesitate for a second before snapping back to normal.

From their chat, Song Nian learned that the man's surname was Zhang. He'd been living abroad for decades and only came back home with his family a few months ago.

Xiao Chen was his grandson. Since he grew up overseas, the boy didn't speak the language and was still pretty shy and skittish since coming back.

Today, while taking him for a walk, the old man lost sight of him for a second—turns out he'd run off to find that little dog.

"You brought the kid for a walk out here?"

Picking up on that, Song Nian asked curiously.

Not that he was being nosy, but this remote film studio way out in the suburbs had no neighborhoods or tourist spots nearby. Hardly anyone came here unless they had work to do.

"This is a film base, isn't it? I just thought I'd bring the kid to look around."

Old Zhang coughed into his hand, his eyes darting around, but his excuse was pretty convincing.

Song Nian thought for a second, then slapped his palm in realization.

"Oh, I get it—you want to check out a film crew filming, right? There's a crew shooting outside at the far east end. You can go check it out."

As he said this, he didn't even notice the man looking away and cheerfully pointed the way.

Seeing this, Old Zhang smiled in thanks but didn't hurry off. Instead, he brought up another topic.

"Young man, are you an actor as well?" he asked.

"I wouldn't call myself an actor. This is my first time filming."

Song Nian waved his hand, smiling shyly.

Hearing that it was his first time acting, Old Zhang gave him a thoughtful look, then looked away without a trace.

They chatted for a bit until it was time for Song Nian to get to work. He said goodbye to the two of them and left.

He figured it was just a one-time thing, but the next day, same time, same place, he ran into them again—they'd already arrived, already feeding the dog.

The little dog, having tasted delicious boiled beef for the first time, stared at Xiao Chen with puppy-dog eyes. When Song Nian offered some meat, the pup just gave it a half-hearted sniff, then turned around and faced him with its butt.

"Hey, you're already getting picky, huh?" he joked.

"Is this your crew's dog?" Old Zhang asked, chuckling.

"No, it's probably a stray that hangs around here. I just feed it whenever I see it around."

He'd thought about adopting it, but considering Li Yanchuan's health and wishes, he didn't feel right making that call alone.

Over the next few days, they kept running into each other there, and the three of them gradually got to know each other.

The dog visibly put on weight and even got a name: Rookie.

As for Old Zhang, Song Nian felt he was looking for someone. He kept glancing toward the set and often asked about which crews were filming and which actors were involved.

Was the old man a fan?

Song Nian tilted his head in thought. But since he never mentioned a name, he couldn't figure out who Old Zhang was looking for.

Time passed quickly. He had just two more scenes left before wrapping up.

Meanwhile, Li Yanchuan's rehabilitation continued.

During this period, Song Nian never deliberately asked about the progress. Even when he came home a few times and happened to see the doctor leaving, he didn't press for details.

He knew this couldn't be rushed. Putting pressure on Li Yanchuan, given his sensitive nature, might backfire.

Letting things take their course, he believed that someone as capable as Li Yanchuan would succeed at anything.

He would definitely stand up again.

Following the doctor's instructions, besides daily training, the legs needed moderate massage.

Song Nian volunteered for the task and stuck to it every day.

That evening, while massaging Li Yanchuan's legs, he tentatively asked:

"Honey, can I ask you two things?"

Hearing this, Li Yanchuan looked up, his gaze shifting from the pale, slender hands to Song Nian's gentle face.

"Tomorrow, there's a banquet scene. Can I use the necklace you gave me for the styling?"

The scene to be shot the next day was the climax of the entire drama. To capture the opulence of the banquet and the satisfying payoff of the confrontation, the director had suggested that actors, if able, bring real accessories—since the budget and styling team weren't up to par.

Of course, if they didn't have any, they could use the fakes from the styling department.

Wanting the best on-screen effect, Song Nian decided to follow the director's suggestion as much as possible. After thinking it over, he realized the only suitable item he had was that emerald necklace.

But since it was a gift from Li Yanchuan, he felt he should ask for permission.

"It's already yours. You decide."

Li Yanchuan lowered his eyes indifferently, leaving the choice entirely to him.

"Thanks, honey. I'll borrow it tomorrow!"

Hearing this, a smile suddenly blossomed on Song Nian's face as he promised not to damage the gem.

"There's another thing?"

He had planned to wait a while before bringing up the next matter, but unexpectedly the other person brought it up voluntarily. He paused and could only mention it tactfully:

"Honey, do you like puppies?"

A puppy?

Upon hearing this, Li Yanchuan's first reaction wasn't about a pet dog.

His half-squinted eyes gazed over, scanning the person's cheeks before moving down to the exposed neck.

The delicate, fair, and slender neck, with soft and elastic skin glowing like jade in the dim light, its perfect curve extending downward, and under the thin nightgown, the beautiful collarbones were faintly visible.

Perfect for leaving red marks.

And also, very suitable for wearing certain things.

For example, a collar with a chain.

"W-why are you staring at me?"

Feeling inexplicably that the man's gaze grew intense, with a glint of danger in it, Song Nian instinctively shrank his neck for self-protection.

Like a startled puppy, his ears flattened into airplane ears, showing the whites of his eyes, looking over warily.

"Nothing, go on."

Imperceptibly suppressing his thoughts, Li Yanchuan turned his head away and said calmly.

His expression was exceptionally calm, and no one would have guessed what dangerous desire had just surfaced in his heart.

"I met a stray puppy outside the set. Can I take it home for now and find it a forever home later?"

To soften the other person's heart, Song Nian even gestured to show that the puppy was only about this big (indicating tiny), homeless and pitiful.

After all, this was Li Yanchuan's house; it wouldn't be appropriate for him to bring a small animal home without permission.

And upon hearing this, Li Yanchuan's first reaction was to frown, but meeting the other's expectant gaze, he paused in his words, swallowed them back, and changed his reply:

"Whatever you think, I have no objection."

"Can I bring it back tomorrow then?"

To curry favor, he even rubbed his leg more eagerly. After receiving an affirmative answer, Song Nian's eyes suddenly lit up, he grinned with a bright smile, and lunged to hug the man.

"Great! Thank you, honey!"

He even nuzzled into the man's neck like a docile little beast.

The feel of his chestnut-brown head was pleasant, brushing against the skin, tickling the neck as if someone had gently blown on the back of his neck.

Li Yanchuan couldn't help but raise his hand to ruffle the top of his head.

A little dog...

Seems... not bad.

He lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

————

Because today's plot was very important, there were quite a few NGs during filming, and the wrap-up time was later than usual.

Afraid that the puppy would have to wait too long, Song Nian hurried away as soon as filming ended.

He didn't even take off his makeup, and still had the emerald necklace hanging around his neck.

When he arrived, Xiao Chen and Old Zhang were already there.

Stepping forward to greet them, Song Nian told them that he would wrap up his scenes tomorrow and wanted to temporarily adopt Little White.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhang nodded in understanding.

Earlier when they first met, he had asked Old Zhang if he was willing to adopt Little White. The old man might have had some thoughts at the time, but in the end, for reasons unknown, he declined.

The final scene was scheduled for tomorrow, so after Xiao Chen had had his fun, Song Nian prepared to pick up Little White and get in the car to go home.

"I'll take Little White away for now. If you miss him, you can come to my place anytime to see him."

As he spoke, Song Nian bent down to pick up Little White.

With his bending motion, the necklace slipped out from his chest and was exposed to the air.

The huge emerald gem reflected bright light in the sunlight, instantly attracting attention.

And not because of its value.

Feeling the touch on his chest, Song Nian paused and casually tucked it back against his chest.

After all, this thing was worth a fortune; it wouldn't be good to have it hanging out in plain sight after filming, in case someone took note of it.

Although he could put it back in the jewelry box, but right now, in a public place, it clearly wasn't the right time.

In this smooth motion, Song Nian completely failed to notice that Old Zhang's expression beside him had changed.

His pupils contracted sharply, his breath caught, and he stood frozen in place, as if recalling something important. His whole body trembled, and his straight back hunched slightly.

Tears filled his eyes, as if the gem's brilliance had stung his eyes.

Emotion surged in his chest, and he began to cough violently.

This commotion startled Song Nian. He quickly put down Little White, helped Old Zhang to sit down, and patted his back to ease his breathing:

"Are you okay? Shall I go buy you a bottle of water?"

After recovering, Old Zhang waved his hand, but suddenly grabbed Song Nian's arm and asked with a burning, urgent gaze:

"You, where did you get that necklace?"

"My husband gave it to me."

Puzzled, Song Nian paused and answered subconsciously.

"Your husband... his surname is Li?"

"How do you know?"

For some reason, Old Zhang suddenly became excited, his eyes shining with a fervent light that Song Nian didn't understand, and he grabbed Song Nian's hand excitedly.

Like a traveler who had finally found the object of his longings.