Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Both lost in their own thoughts, when they turned back, their expressions were back to normal, each secretly relieved they hadn't been discovered.

After breakfast in the room, they prepared to head to the set.

Since the suit Li Yanchuan had worn to arrive was too flashy, Song Nian had a courier deliver a new black long-sleeved shirt.

Either the size was off or he was just too well-built—even though it was supposed to be loose, it still looked tight on him.

His muscular chest and abs strained against the tight fabric, practically popping out.

Enough to make anyone want to reach out.

Unused to seeing him dressed like this, Song Nian coughed to pretend he was calm, reluctantly tore his eyes away, pushed his stray thoughts aside, and walked out stiffly, his steps clumsy.

Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and hurried back.

He rummaged through the closet and fished out a black hat and mask.

"I can't have anyone else see my assistant looking this handsome," Song Nian joked, but his hands were firm as he put them on for him.

After all, Li Yanchuan was the chairman of Li Corporation, so he couldn't exactly show up on set in plain sight and act as his assistant.

Of course, emotionally speaking, there was a selfish motive behind the joke.

Like their own little secret, he wanted to be the only one to see Li Yanchuan like this.

Li Yanchuan had no objections, bending down like a tamed wolf acknowledging its master, letting him do whatever he wanted.

"Let's go, Mr. Assistant."

After helping him put on the hat and mask, Song Nian cupped his face and rubbed his cheeks.

The sharp eyes visible above the mask curved slightly as Li Yanchuan smiled and got into character:

"At your service, my dear Teacher Song Nian."

————

"Not bad, not bad—this scene is perfect. One take."

Director Zhao was in an especially good mood today. After checking the excellent footage, he watched Song Nian performing brilliantly and felt immensely satisfied.

"Did something good happen, or have you been sneaking in extra practice? You're in incredible form today."

Just yesterday he seemed off, but today he was like a different person. The director couldn't resist teasing him.

Song Nian just grinned goofily and played it off.

—Indeed, something good happened. My husband came to keep me company. But I can't tell you, hehe.

"Did you change assistants? Is Xiao Sun busy?"

Glancing in a certain direction, Director Zhao asked casually.

Following his gaze, Li Yanchuan was standing there waiting, dressed all in black, holding a towel and warm water, his eyes fixed on Song Nian, totally ignoring the curious looks from the crew.

Even though his face was mostly hidden, his extraordinary aura was unmistakable. The black outfit only enhanced his mystery, like an ice-encased sword—sharp and untouchable.

Curious crew members whispered among themselves, some guessing he was a new actor, others thinking he was an assistant.

A few wanted to approach, but his unwavering gaze and stay-away vibe held them back.

But none of the chatter reached Li Yanchuan's ears, as his whole attention was on Song Nian.

This was the first time he had seen Song Nian act in person.

On set, Song Nian was so free and dazzling, totally lost in his role, shining in his element.

Like a brilliant sun, that captured everyone's attention.

After a captivating performance, Song Nian dropped out of character, a satisfied smile on his lips.

For that smile, Li Yanchuan thought, he would give anything.

Just as he was deeply captivated, unable to look away, his sun suddenly turned to look at him.

The moment their eyes met, an even more radiant smile bloomed just for him.

Then, his sun ran toward him.

"I won't tell you. I'm going to find my new assistant," Song Nian said, sticking his tongue out at Director Zhao, keeping him in the dark on purpose so his sugar daddy could go incognito.

Then he trotted off toward Li Yanchuan.

Watching his cheerful figure, Director Zhao chuckled. But when his eyes landed on the black-clad assistant, he froze.

Wait, that figure, that familiar vibe...

Isn't that Chairman Li!

The investor had suddenly shown up on set without warning. Director Zhao was startled and instinctively wanted to greet him, but the other man gave him a pointed, meaningful look and gave a slight shake of his head.

With the hat and mask, it was obvious the man didn't want to make a fuss or reveal his identity.

He was simply there to accompany his partner.

Director Zhao stopped, silently mimed zipping his lips shut, signaling that he would keep the secret and play dumb.

"All done?"

As Song Nian approached, Li Yanchuan took the towel and wiped the sweat from his face, then handed him a bottle of water he'd already opened.

His actions were intimate, like ice melting only for one person, revealing a rare tenderness.

Song Nian had intended to take the bottle, but the man wouldn't let him, so he simply opened his mouth and drank as Li Yanchuan held the bottle.

Since the afternoon shoot started early and it was almost lunchtime, they decided not to go back to the hotel.

As limp as a rag doll, Song Nian clung to Li Yanchuan's arm, practically hanging off him, his joy evident. On their way to the dressing room, they ran into Qin Xiao and a companion.

"Huh? Is this your new assistant?"

Looking at the fully disguised Li Yanchuan, Qin Xiao, who didn't recognize him, curiously circled around him, examining him left and right.

"Such a great physique, aren't you considering recruiting him into the entertainment industry?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he looked up and met Li Yanchuan's death glare.

He gave an involuntary shiver: ...?

Behind him, Jin Chengzhou let out a resigned, amused sigh, then pulled his stunned lover back into his arms with a mix of apology and affection.

Then he looked at Li Yanchuan and said:

"Sorry, Chairman Li, no offense intended."

"It's fine. Today, I'm really just Song Nian's assistant."

Hearing this, Li Yanchuan waved it off, not bothered, exchanged a quick greeting with them, then wrapped his arm around Song Nian and headed into the lounge.

"Wait, how did you recognize that was Chairman Li?"

Qin Xiao found it hard to believe. He didn't know whether to mock the guy for dressing like a bandit or be stunned that he was actually standing up.

"I never expected Chairman Li, as busy as he is, to still find time to visit the set."

He must really like Song Nian to drop by in his hectic schedule.

And he's standing up—is this the power of love?!

Also, is this some kind of roleplay where he pretends to be an assistant? They're so deep in character, and fully disguised.

Once in the lounge, Song Nian plopped down on the sofa and asked curiously:

"Do you know Jin Chengzhou?"

"We've crossed paths a few times at work."

Li Yanchuan replied briefly.

"Juggling his own work and the entertainment world, he must really, really like Qin Xiao."

Song Nian said with emotion.

"Then I'll make more time to see you from now on."

Li Yanchuan seamlessly followed up.

These natural words fell on Song Nian's ears, sent ripples through his heart, leaving him unsettled for a long time.

What does this mean? Is he trying to learn from Jin Chengzhou?

But Jin Chengzhou does it because he likes Qin Xiao—why would Li Yanchuan do the same for me?

Startled by his own bold thought, he choked and quickly shook his head, shaking off that conceited thought.

Yet somehow, he felt a hint of secret delight.

He didn't have time to untangle the mess of thoughts and his racing heart, so he struggled to keep a straight face, afraid of being found out.

Since Li Yanchuan was there, there was no way they'd eat boxed lunch. Watching him bring in takeout, Song Nian's eyes lit up.

"Slow down, careful, it's hot."

Li Yanchuan peeled the crawfish and attentively fed it to him.

In the past, he probably couldn't have imagined himself actively wanting to take care of someone.

And yet, he even found it sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.

At first, Song Nian felt a bit shy about being fed, but after enjoying it a few times, he stopped pretending and just opened his mouth wide with an "ah" to signal the man to hurry up and feed him.

He was pretty much acting spoiled, using the favor to act spoiled.

Probably because he knew that even if he behaved like this in front of the man now, he wouldn't be considered immature or childish.

After lunch, Song Nian, content, lay on the sofa rubbing his belly.

With good food and Li Yanchuan by his side, even work felt incredibly blissful.

Li Yanchuan smiled softly and carefully shifted Song Nian's head onto his lap.

And so they spent a warm afternoon squeezed together on the narrow sofa.

The gentle sunlight poured over them, peaceful and cozy. The two busy people managed to steal a rare moment of leisure, and the air itself seemed filled with tenderness.

————

"Ah—"

Another sigh escaped him. Qin Xiao couldn't take it anymore and stuffed a skewer into the man's mouth.

In just twenty minutes of late-night snack time, this was already Song Nian's thirtieth sigh.

"I know you miss Chairman Li now that he's gone, but don't be so lovesick, okay?"

Ever since Li Yanchuan got on the plane back a few days ago, Song Nian had been acting like a lovesick stone, obviously going through separation anxiety.

"We'll be apart for so long again, of course I miss him."

Called out so bluntly, Song Nian didn't even feel embarrassed. He pouted, his lips pressing against the skewer, and admitted it frankly.

Even though they could video call, it was never the same as being together in person.

Hearing this, Qin Xiao smiled and took a sip of beer, half-jokingly, half-seriously:

"You're always able to express your emotions so honestly."

"I envy you that."

He paused, then added, a faint sadness crossing his face.

If he and Jin Chengzhou had been able to be so open about their feelings back then, would they not have missed out on all those years?

Maybe the year Jin Chengzhou enlisted, or even earlier, the two could have opened up to each other.

They wouldn't have spent so many years apart, struggling to finally be together, wasting so many years for nothing.

"I want to pick your brain—do you and Chairman Li always interact with this kind of straight-talking dynamic?"

Putting down his glass, Qin Xiao looked over seriously and asked earnestly.

"If you don't mind, could I ask who made the first move between you two?"

Compared to his own awkward relationship, he guessed their relationship must have been a lot smoother given their personalities—probably Song Nian had made the first move?

But to his surprise, Song Nian's eyes darted away, showing a hint of panic.

"We... we haven't even confessed yet."

He stammered, "It's not about who confessed first."

Hearing this, Qin Xiao stood frozen like a statue, a giant question mark popping up over his head.

"You two are so lovey-dovey, acting like you're married, and you still haven't even shared your feelings?"

Does that even make sense?

"Well, do you like Chairman Li?"

He asked tentatively.

As if hit at his most vulnerable spot, Song Nian blinked in confusion, murmured the words to himself, and seemed to zone out.

Did he... like Li Yanchuan?