Chapter 74

Chapter 74

The emotion of liking was foreign to Song Nian.

Even after realizing his orientation differed from most other guys, aside from knowing he was drawn to mature and steady men, he had never had a specific crush on anyone.

But Li Yanchuan was unique.

When facing him, the rhythm of his heartbeat would change, sometimes racing, sometimes slowing, even he himself couldn't make sense of it.

Li Yanchuan remembered his preferences, stayed with him during low points, and even when they had conflicts, that proud man was always willing to compromise and apologize first, putting up with his unreasonableness.

He would feel his heart race when Li Yanchuan approached, be moved by his protection, be indignant at the injustice he suffered, and feel relieved for his bright future.

The gaze that locked with his, the hand that brushed his, the warmth that drew near, the low voice that slipped into his ear—each one made him drown deeper.

When he came back to his senses, he was already hopelessly ensnared.

Never having felt love blossom within him, Song Nian had never thought deeply about what his feelings for that person were; he just contentedly basked in this undefined closeness.

Now, as he reflected, all those feelings had been a forewarning the last time he saw Li Yanchuan appear before him.

He was delighted by their long-awaited reunion, as if his heart were glazed with honey, sweet and seeping into his very soul.

He also grew restless at the thought of separation, with longing that gushed like water from an open sluice, unstoppable.

But if it were someone else, he probably wouldn't have been so delighted and wistful.

Did this feeling mean he liked him?

Seeing the person lost in thought, Qin Xiao, being a veteran of such matters himself, understood immediately.

They were usually seen being so affectionate and attached that others almost forgot that this relationship started as a marriage of convenience based on business interests.

Feelings grew over time, so much so that in their long marital relationship, neither had noticed this shift in their feelings.

"If Li Yanchuan wanted a divorce right now, could you accept it?"

Qin Xiao took a sip and dropped a hint.

Divorce?

Hearing this word, Song Nian paused. He thought the answer would come naturally, but it lodged in his throat, and he lowered his eyes.

He remembered that when he first transmigrated into this world, his goal was just to change the original host's tragic fate.

Later, he added changing Li Yanchuan's fate.

Logically, all his goals had now been met; he could divorce, take a large sum of money, and leave, breaking free from the storyline to live a free life.

But why couldn't he go through with it?

It was like finally standing at the exit of a maze after countless hardships, yet hesitating to take that step.

Was he really willing to leave this so-called "besieged city"?

Was he really willing to leave Li Yanchuan?

His silence had already spoken. Qin Xiao patted his shoulder approvingly and encouraged him:

"See? You already have the answer."

Yes, he already knew the answer to the question.

Song Nian was taken aback.

The moment he looked up, the fog lifted, and the dust-covered feelings gleamed like a jewel, dazzling and brilliant.

—He did like him.

He liked Li Yanchuan.

This emotion was called love.

Having figured out this answer, the dazed look on Song Nian's face vanished, replaced by a smile of relief.

But then another crucial question surfaced.

"So, do you think Li Yanchuan likes me?"

Hearing this, Qin Xiao looked slightly dumbfounded:

"Can I take that as you showing off?"

"If Li Yanchuan doesn't like you, then all couples in the world are fake."

"Really?"

Hearing this, Song Nian's eyes suddenly lit up, looking at him with anticipation like an eager little creature.

Just then, his phone rang. They both looked over, and the screen showed Li Yanchuan's name.

Seeing this, Qin Xiao got a bright idea. He snapped his fingers, took the phone, and answered it for him:

"Believe it or not, I'll prove it to you."

The moment the video connected, Li Yanchuan started to speak, but when he saw the person on the other end, he immediately frowned.

"Hey, Chairman Li, are you looking for Song Nian? He's taking a shower in the bathroom."

Acting as if he hadn't noticed the shift in the man's face, Qin Xiao grinned widely and greeted him.

Meanwhile, his other hand reached outside the camera frame to hold Song Nian back, who was trying to grab the phone back.

Taking a shower?

That was way too suggestive. Li Yanchuan narrowed his eyes, and his face instantly darkened. His scrutinizing gaze was as sharp as a knife, stabbing at him icily.

Just as he was about to speak, his peripheral vision caught the sizzling flames and drifting smoke in the background.

"You're showering at a barbecue stall?"

Li Yanchuan looked disdainful and asked flatly.

Qin Xiao: ... How could his eyesight be that good?

Having been caught in his lie for nothing, he handed the phone back in embarrassment. The person on the screen then became Song Nian.

As soon as he saw him, Li Yanchuan's expression softened instantly, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Senior Qin is just joking, don't take it to heart."

Song Nian smiled at him and quickly explained.

"Yeah."

Li Yanchuan's eyes were filled with a gentle smile, as gentle as a tranquil lake.

Seeing this, Qin Xiao fell silent.

He leaned forward and turned the camera view toward himself.

The person on the screen immediately put on a stern face.

Then he turned the video back to Song Nian.

The person on the screen instantly broke into a smile again.

Hah, so Chairman Li is so two-faced, huh?

Qin Xiao, being treated differently, was furious.

After the lovey-dovey couple, completely oblivious to others, ended the video, he sidled up gloomily:

"See that? That's a master of changing his face."

After all that, you still dare to say he doesn't like you?

Realizing this too, Song Nian scratched his cheek sheepishly and gave a shy smile.

"Take my advice: since you have feelings and he does too, just confess your feelings soon."

Qin Xiao, speaking from experience, gave him earnest advice.

"With Chairman Li's personality, he's definitely the secretly passionate type. If you don't confess, he'll never say anything."

Secretly passionate old men like him are too cautious, never expressing themselves easily; at the slightest sign of trouble, they'll pull back their outstretched hand.

If there's no clear hint, or if the other person doesn't make the first move, they'll never be the one to break the ice.

Confess... huh?

Song Nian lowered his gaze, his feathery eyelashes fluttering.

Then he suddenly lifted his head, looking as if he had made up his mind.

Just as Qin Xiao thought he was about to decide to confess, he saw him gently shake his head.

"Why?"

Almost thinking he had picked up bad habits from those mouth-less guys, Qin Xiao's eyes widened.

"Because... I want to wait a bit longer; now isn't the right time."

Song Nian whispered back, a little embarrassed.

He did like him, and he would confess, but not yet.

He wanted to wait until he had achieved some results before confessing his love in person.

Compared to himself, just entering the entertainment industry, Li Yanchuan was now the core of the entire Li Group, above all others, back at the peak of power and wealth.

He also wanted to become better, to stand by his side as a more perfect version of himself.

Just as Li Yanchuan had made the effort to come see him.

"Alright, even though I don't really get where you're coming from, I respect it."

Qin Xiao smiled and clinked glasses with him.

"Besides, I think with the substance and production quality of this script, you'll blow up once it airs."

In other words, if nothing unexpected happens, he'd get to confess soon.

"Then I'll take your kind words as good luck, Senior."

Song Nian smiled too.

The glasses clinked with a crisp sound, parting the dusty veil of the quiet night and burying a silent wish.

——————

Amid the packed shooting schedule, days flew by, and a little over a month had flown by.

During this time, the news of Li Yanchuan being able to stand up was also made public when he appeared in public.

Like a stone thrown into a lake, it sent ripples and chain reactions in all directions, even pushing Li Group's stock price up.

In contrast, their days of being apart more than together stayed simple but affectionate.

During this month apart, Song Nian would take breaks to go home and spend time with Li Yanchuan, while Li Yanchuan would make time from his busy schedule to visit the set more often.

They saw each other less, but their feelings didn't fade; instead, they grew deeper.

Occasionally, Li Yanchuan couldn't control his longing caused by their separation, but the person on the video would always gently soothe him.

Several times, Song Nian would tease him, "You miss me that much?" Only to receive a firm affirmative answer, which caught him off guard.

Finally, it was the day of wrap.

"Cheers! Celebrating the wrap!"

At the wrap party, the entire crew gathered around. With the clink of glasses, white foam from the beer shook and spilled.

Director Zhao raised his glass, started with a few polite words of thanks for everyone's hard work, then dropped the act and urged everyone to drink:

"Tonight's on me—let's drink until we can't stand!"

Finally released from the intense shoot, the actors cheered and started eating and drinking heartily. Though it was still a work party, the atmosphere was far from serious; it was a lot of fun.

Especially Qin Xiao, who, taking advantage of Jin Chengzhou being away at the company, went all out drinking, one bottle after another.

Shocked by how much he could drink, Song Nian wanted to tell him to take it easy but ended up being dragged into downing several glasses.

Not a heavy drinker, those few glasses immediately went to his head, sending him into a tipsy state where he was seeing double.

Even when Director Zhao grabbed him and went on and on, his words went in one ear and out the other, leaving no impression.

He could only nod blankly and agree to whatever was said to him.

Ah, Song Nian, I'm very good at judging people. Given your talent and dedication, I believe you'll make it big one day.

Director Zhao patted the man on the shoulder and said earnestly.

"Mm-hmm!"

Song Nian, his eyes glazed over, nodded emphatically. Whether he actually heard it clearly was another matter, but he certainly played his part emotionally.

Fortunately, Director Zhao wasn't much more sober himself. He simply kept rambling to himself, holding onto Song Nian and talking nonstop.

Until his phone rang, cutting short his monologue.

The moment he saw the caller ID, it sobered him up considerably. He quickly answered and walked toward the quiet hallway.

"What's up, Director Zhao? The missus checking up on you, or did your sugar daddy need you for something?"

Someone teased upon seeing this.

Director Zhao waved his hand, telling the person to go away. After finishing the call and returning to the private room, he looked at Song Nian with a meaningful expression and broke into a fond, knowing smile.

Drunk and confused, Song Nian tilted his head in confusion: ?

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, a black Bentley pulled up to the curb.

As the car door opened, a tall man stepped out.

"Chairman Li, Director Zhao sent me to escort you to the private room."

A staff member hurried out of the restaurant and approached, offering to guide him.

"No need to trouble yourself. I'll contact him myself."

The clear moonlight fell, illuminating his gentle features.

And a large bouquet of vibrant red roses in his arms.