For a moment, the director wondered if he'd heard wrong.

Was this a stroke of luck? Previously, attempts to get in touch had been ignored. The clear message had been a rejection. But now, not only was he meeting Fu Jinxiao in person, but the esteemed actor was even considering his script. It felt like winning the lottery!

"I..." Zhang Sansan choked up, gratefully grasping Fu Jinxiao's hand, "Mr. Fu, thank you so much!"

Fu Jinxiao shook his hand in return.

"No need for thanks," the actor said with a refined smile, "After all, we'll need to discuss the contract terms in detail later. I hope you'll be understanding."

Silence.

Somehow, upon hearing "be understanding," Zhang Sansan had a bad feeling.

The actors in the front had wrapped up for the day.

Not far away, the actor playing young Xu Yan was apologizing to Shen Xingsui. He felt guilty because his actions on set had unintentionally hurt Shen.

Shen Xingsui, seeing the genuine regret in the other's eyes, simply smiled and said, "It's alright."

“Everyone has their off days,” Shen Xingsui said, using a tissue handed to him by his assistant to wipe his face. There wasn’t the slightest hint of resentment in his eyes. Instead, they were clear and untainted. Seeing Jiang Chao in front of him, visibly nervous and sweating, he handed him a tissue. “You’ve worked hard too. Wipe off the sweat.”

Even with a bit of dust on his face and slightly worn-out clothes, Shen Xingsui stood there. With a gentle smile, he looked immaculate, as though untouched by the world's imperfections.

Jiang Chao was a rookie actor and lacked such experiences. His heart fluttered unevenly, and after taking the tissue, he held onto it, seemingly reluctant to use it.

Shen Xingsui said, “I’m going to check with the director about how late we're shooting tonight. I have some plans later and might need to leave early.”

It's said that Teacher Fu is returning to the country today.

And that he has a date tonight after an early wrap-up.

Shen Xingsui pondered how to approach the director with his request. Wearing a smile, he pulled aside the curtain and began, “Director, I wanted to ask you about tonight...”

The rest of his words got stuck in his throat.

The smile on his face froze. He looked, in a mix of joy and surprise, with a hint of awkwardness, at the man sitting next to the director.

Upon seeing Shen Xingsui, Zhang SanSan, oblivious to the relationship between the two, stood up excitedly and said, “Xingsui! You’re here at the right time. Teacher Fu is also here today. You two know each other, right? It’s perfect! Let’s reminisce...”

Fu Jinxiao also stood up.

Outside the tent, Shen Xingsui stared intently, without blinking, at the man.

Fu Jinxiao took a few steps towards him. Dressed in white casual wear and looking effortlessly elegant, he greeted with a friendly demeanor, “Mr. Shen, it’s been a while.”

With a rush of emotions, Shen Xingsui replied softly, “Yes, it has.”

“You've changed a lot since we last met,” Fu Jinxiao said, observing the slightly disheveled young man with a smile. “Almost didn’t recognize you.”

Even though it was a simple statement, it somehow made Shen Xingsui feel a lump in his throat.

With a twinkle in his eye, Fu Jinxiao added, “But it's a good change.”

Shen Xingsui paused.

“You’ve become even more remarkable,” the older man's voice was soft and tender. He looked at a thinner and more disheveled Shen Xingsui than he remembered, “Truly remarkable.”

It felt like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, bringing with it a sudden sense of relief and sweetness.

It was as if years of effort had finally been acknowledged. Despite the hardships and repeated takes, a few words of appreciation from the person he admired felt like a balm. It was akin to a strong child, who never cries when he falls, being gently picked up and praised for his resilience, then tenderly brushed off.

With teary eyes, Shen Xingsui leaned into Fu Jinxiao’s embrace, hugging him tightly.

Fu Jinxiao smiled and hugged him back, patting his back gently, over and over. Without shying away from the curious glances around them, he held his lover close when he needed comfort the most.

“Teacher Fu…”

Fu Jinxiao looked down, “Hmm?”

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the crew, the noise from equipment being moved and the scene being set, Shen Xingsui leaned on Fu Jinxe's shoulder. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he whispered into Fu's ear, "I've missed you so much."

...

They were incredibly close.

The surrounding onlookers couldn't hear or see what they were saying.

It was reminiscent of the charity ball they had attended, only now, the tables had turned with Shen Xingsui taking the lead. He looked gleefully triumphant, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

Yet, before he could revel in the moment, the voice that held him grew deeper with amusement. Without lowering his voice or avoiding the gaze of others, he responded with a magnetic tone, "So have I."

...

! !

Shen Xingsui stiffened in surprise.

Director Zhang San San, looking puzzled, inquired, "So have... what?"

As Director Zhang's innocent gaze settled on Shen Xingsui, he felt a blush creep up his cheeks. His playful mischief had backfired, while Fu Jinxe seemed unfazed, watching the scene unfold as though he were merely an amused spectator.

Shen Xingsui stammered, "Oh, nothing. Mr. Fu was just complimenting me."

Scratching his head, Director Zhang remembered something, "Right, Xingsui, you came looking for me earlier. What was it?"

It was then Shen Xingsui remembered his initial intent. He replied, "Oh, never mind. It's sorted now."

Director Zhang was puzzled: ?

Why did Xingsui seem so off today?

Another crew member approached, saying, "Mr. Shen, you have several scenes tonight. Were you injured during the fight scene? We have a first aid kit ready; would you like to get checked?"

Only then did Shen Xingsui recall the incident.

Fu Jinxe whispered, "You should get it checked."

They both bid the director farewell and left the set. It was only after they'd gone that Director Zhang had a realization. Fu, the famous actor, wasn't here to discuss a script with him; he was visiting the set!

Director Zhang mused, "Mr. Fu is so dedicated to his students."

The assistant director looked at him incredulously, "Thank God you're a director and not trying to make it in showbiz."

Zhang San San, confused, asked, "Why say that?"

The assistant director replied sarcastically, "With your level of insight, you wouldn't last three episodes."

"..."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

...

On their way to the lounge, Shen Xingsui's group ran into Jiang Chao's assistant.

The assistant, holding snacks and treats, insisted on sharing with Shen Xingsui, "Mr. Shen, Jiang specifically asked me to get these for everyone. Here's your share."

Shen Xingsui reflexively declined, "No need, but thank you."

"Please, don't mention it," the assistant said with a cheerful grin. "Everyone's getting some."

Hearing that everyone had received some and were partaking, Shen Xingsui felt it would seem pretentious to decline. He had his assistant, Can Can, accept on his behalf and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you. And please, extend my thanks to Brother Jiang."

The assistant waved it off and hurriedly left.

Holding the snacks, Can Can teased, "While everyone got a share, you seem to have one of everything. Brother Jiang is truly generous. Is he feeling guilty about something that happened this morning?"

Shen Xingsui was a bit perplexed but speculated, "Probably."

Fu Jinxiao glanced at the snacks and scoffed.

Shen Xingsui, oblivious to the reaction, went to the lounge. After resting at noon, he took off his costume to check for injuries. Fortunately, nothing was hurt except for a bruise on his back.

Can Can expressed her concern, "You should apply some ointment."

Shen Xingsui hesitated, reluctant to have a young girl assist him. Just as he was in two minds, Fu Jinxiao stepped forward, offering, "I'll do it."

Recognizing Fu Jinxiao's intent, Can Can promptly handed over the ointment and discreetly closed the door, her expression clearly indicating she had no intention of interrupting them.

Shen Xingsui chuckled, a hint of resignation in his eyes.

Holding the ointment, Fu Jinxiao instructed, "Lie on the couch."

After a brief pause, understanding the intention, Shen Xingsui complied, positioning himself on the couch. Initially, he didn't anticipate any discomfort from the application of the ointment. However, as Fu Jinxiao sat beside him, deftly rolling up his shirt to reveal the bruise and gently applying the ointment with rough fingers, the sensation caught him off guard.

The stark contrast of the bruise on his fair skin was disturbingly evident.

Fu Jinxiao's fingers carefully spread the cool ointment over the injury. Shen Xingsui winced from the pain but hid his face in a cushion to mask his discomfort.

In a soft voice, Fu Jinxiao advised, "Bear with it."

Shen Xingsui responded with a faint murmur of acknowledgment.

With a light chuckle, Fu Jinxiao teased, "Earlier, right after filming, you seemed fine, even comforting others. Feeling it now?"

Shen Xingsui, his attention diverted, replied, "Back then, I didn't think much after the incident. It's only now that it's sinking in."

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, "What were you so engrossed in thinking about earlier?"

The last thing Shen Xingsui wanted to admit was that he was pondering about Jiang Chao.

Recalling the snacks on the nearby table, a frosty expression masked Fu Jinxiao's face.

Shen Xingsui hesitated for a moment, then buried his face deeper into the cushion. In a voice as soft as a whisper, he murmured, "Thinking..."

Unable to catch his words, Fu Jinxiao leaned closer, "Thinking about?"

"Thinking of you."

Shen Xingsui hesitantly voiced those two words.

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Did you know I was in the studio at that time?"

"I didn’t," Shen Xingsui replied honestly. "But I knew you were returning to the country today, so I missed you, wondering when I'd see you again."

"..."

The frostiness in Fu Jinxiao's demeanor instantly melted away, replaced by a gentle warmth. A subtle joy twinkled in his eyes. The sweetness from his lover on the first day back in the country washed away his exhaustion from a day without rest.

Suddenly, there was a faint noise at the door.

Fu Jinxiao, always on high alert, cast a quick glance toward the entrance. Realizing something, a flash of understanding appeared in his eyes.

"Xingsui," he whispered to the man beside him.

Shen Xingsui turned to him, puzzled.

With a mischievous grin on his handsome face, Fu Jinxiao murmured, "Did you really miss me?"

Taken aback, Shen Xingsui found his lips captured in a kiss by Fu Jinxiao. A kiss filled with longing and tenderness. Separated for so long, they reveled in each other's presence. The kiss started gently but deepened with Shen Xingsui’s reciprocation.

A soft "click".

The sound at the door became more noticeable.

Startled, Shen Xingsui broke the kiss, breathing heavily and looking questioningly at the door. "Who's that?"

The door slowly opened, revealing Jiang Chao, who was holding a thermos. He had come with good intentions, bringing chicken soup. Yet, his joy and rehearsed words were shattered by the scene he inadvertently witnessed.

His heart felt a mixture of emotions, primarily heartbreak.

Still in Fu Jinxiao's embrace, Shen Xingsui flushed with embarrassment. "Jiang-ge, what brings you here?"

Jiang Chao struggled with his emotions, glancing at Fu Jinxiao.

The man on the couch exuded an intimidating aura, completely unfazed even with an unexpected guest witnessing such intimacy. His piercing gaze made Jiang Chao feel exposed and awkward.

Trying to compose himself, Jiang Chao said, "I felt somewhat responsible for your injury. So, I asked my assistant to buy you some chicken soup to help you recover."

Shen Xingsui hadn't expected such kindness. "You're too considerate, Jiang-ge. I was just doing my job. You've been running around too; it must be tiring for you."

Touched by Shen Xingsui's thoughtfulness, Jiang Chao replied, "I'm a few years older than you. It's only right that I look out for you."

Shen Xingsui was moved by his kindness.

However, Fu Jinxiao's eyebrow arched imperceptibly. Rising from his seat, his towering presence brought a sense of dominance to the room. He approached Jiang Chao gracefully, even taking the thermos with a smile, "Jiang-teacher, you're truly thoughtful. We've been a handful for you over the past month. I should treat everyone to dinner as thanks."

Jiang Chao’s face darkened slightly. Fu Jinxiao's words were subtly marking his territory, leaving Jiang Chao with no way to counter.

Reluctantly, he said, "No, it's nothing. We're all part of the same crew. Helping each other out is just what we do."

"Indeed," Fu Jinxiao's smile deepened. "Thank you for the snacks. I've tasted some; they're delightful."

The lovingly prepared snacks she made had been consumed by someone else.

Jiang Chao felt as if he could only hear the sound of his heart breaking. Holding back his tears, he awkwardly excused himself and almost ran into the door as he left.

Shen Xingsui asked with concern, "Mr. Jiang, did you hurt your head? Are you too tired? Would you like to rest a while here?"

Jiang Chao quickly shook his head.

woohoo

He didn't need to rest; he wanted to rush back to his room and mourn his lost love.