The venue was bustling with reporters and media personnel for the press conference.

As the makeup artist worked on Shen Xingsui's face, she remarked, "Xingsui, when was the last time you had a proper rest? There are dark circles under your eyes; you look exhausted."

Shen Xingsui pondered for a moment before replying, "About two months."

"That's not acceptable!" The makeup artist was surprised but soon added, "Even after working so hard, your skin still looks flawless. Ah, the blessings of youth."

Shen Xingsui gave a slight smile, "Fu Teacher's skin looks pretty good too."

The makeup artist nodded in agreement, "That's true. Despite his age, Fu Teacher still looks so youthful. Most celebrities start showing signs of aging in their thirties. They rely heavily on filters and makeup, but not Fu Teacher. He's really something else."

Shen Xingsui responded, "He's always been dedicated to staying fit."

"Exercise is part of it, but he's naturally gifted too," the makeup artist, who seemed more informed, shared. "You might not know, but Fu Teacher was exceptionally handsome in his twenties. While others peak in their looks, he's been consistently top-notch. People say he could've relied on his looks, but he chose talent."

A reminiscent smile crept onto Shen Xingsui's face as he softly told the makeup artist, "I'm aware."

The makeup artist paused.

Yet, Shen Xingsui's gentle smile remained, and his soft eyes held a warmth that spoke volumes without saying a word.

She pressed her lips together and whispered, "Your bond with Fu Teacher is truly special. Haven't seen such close friendships in this industry in years. Maybe he'll be your best man when you get married."

It was meant as a lighthearted joke.

But it felt like a heavy stone dropping on Shen Xingsui's heart.

A stylist joined in, asking with a grin, "Heard you and your boyfriend are getting engaged?"

The makeup artist, glowing with happiness, replied, "Yes. If we meet our parents by year-end, we can set a date. What about you? Any wedding plans with your partner?"

The stylist grimaced, "Don't remind me. We're still sorting out housing issues. We want to get married too, but how can we without everything in place?"

They continued their lively discussion, with Shen Xingsui remaining an outsider. He wished to join, share his own love stories, update them on his life. But he couldn't.

...

A knock echoed from the door.

A staff member entered, saying, "Mr. Shen, you'll be up on stage shortly."

Shen Xingsui acknowledged, "Understood."

Their interview time was approaching. The media from various outlets had already prepared. As Shen Xingsui walked over, Director Zhang Sansan, dressed in a sharp suit, waved and greeted, "Xingsui, I have some great news for you."

Shen Xingsui: "What's up?"

"Our box office earnings have surpassed a billion." Zhang Sansan's face lit up with unadulterated joy. "We've already recouped our initial investment. I hope I've met the expectations of our investors."

They had invested around five hundred million, and given the box office split, Shen Xingsui, being one of the investors, would be looking at returns of over a hundred million just from the box office share.

Shen Xingsui commended, "Director, that's truly outstanding."

Though Zhang Sansan stood taller with pride, he remained grounded, "It's all thanks to Master Fu and your willingness to give me this chance. I'm aware that without Master Fu's involvement and your investment, I would never have had this opportunity."

"I'm forever in your debt..." Zhang Sansan made a fist in a gesture of respect, "I won't forget."

Shen Xingsui chuckled lightly, looking at the director with a hint of amusement, "You're too kind. We've mutually benefitted from this."

Zhang Sansan, sounding anxious, "This press conference is being live-streamed. I'm facing such a large audience for the first time. Do you think my outfit looks good, Xingsui? Is it presentable?"

"Director, you look quite dashing." Shen Xingsui patted his shoulder, "Live streaming isn't much different. Those who tune in are fans of the movie and admirers of your work, so there's no need for nerves."

This reassured Zhang Sansan.

A staff member nearby announced, "Both of you, please prepare. It's time to go on stage."

As they approached the stage, the clamor from the media below grew. Both Shen Xingsui and Jiang Chao had arrived. Master Fu Jinxiao, due to scheduling conflicts, hadn't arrived yet, leaving the initial interviews to them.

The host began, "First and foremost, welcome everyone to the 'Lonely City' roundtable discussion. We sincerely appreciate your support. Now, let's invite our director and lead actors on stage for a brief greeting..."

Amidst thunderous applause, the guests started making their entrance.

The spotlights shone brightly and were quite dazzling.

The audience in the live-stream chat was ecstatic:

"It's starting!"

"Finally seeing my darling Xingsui after his long absence from filming."

"Where's Master Fu?"

"Will Master Fu join in the second half?"

"Wow, can't wait!"

As the discussion commenced, the movie "Lonely City" received accolades from all corners. The host invited the main actors to share their perspectives on their roles. When the conversation shifted to the interactions between the young versions of Jiang Chao and Shen Xingsui, the entire audience erupted in laughter.

Shen Xingsui shared, "While filming, since both of us were novices, we would often apologize to each other for the slightest missteps."

Jiang Chao, unable to suppress his laughter, said, "Exactly. One day, I'd be like, 'I'm so sorry, Mr. Shen', and the next day, it would be Mr. Shen saying, 'My apologies, Jiang. I messed up the take again.'"

The atmosphere at the interview stage was lively.

Shen Xingsui and Jiang Chao continued, "Our director, being a newbie himself, would sometimes unexpectedly apologize to us on set."

The host, laughing, inquired, "Is that true, Director Zhang?"

"Absolutely," Director Zhang SanSan, adjusting his glasses, said with a touch of helplessness. "I have a lot of ideas, so I often ask the actors to adjust their positions multiple times for a single shot. Sometimes it takes too long, and I feel guilty about exhausting these talented individuals."

Jiang Chao joked, "We just keep setting each other up."

Continuing the discussion, the host asked Shen Xingsui, "Did this improve when you started working with Mr. Fu?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Absolutely. Mr. Fu is an extremely experienced and mature actor. He's been immensely helpful in our scenes, speeding up the filming process. I'm truly grateful to him and cherish the opportunity we had to work together."

Naturally, when the subject of the famous actor arose, the media always relished in probing deeper, aiming to maximize exposure.

The host inquired further, "Would you like to collaborate with him again in the future?"

"Of course," Shen Xingsui nodded with a smile. "It would be an honor to work with Mr. Fu again."

All the answers were diplomatically phrased. The questions were pre-discussed and Shen Xingsui's responses were impeccably crafted.

Finally, it was time for the journalists to ask their questions.

The host announced to the audience, "We have ten minutes for an open Q&A session. Feel free to ask questions based on what the audience online is keen on. We also have loyal fans of the movie present, who will get the opportunity to interact with our stars."

Thunderous applause erupted from below.

The journalists began their barrage of questions. Everything proceeded normally until a fan got her chance to ask.

Holding the microphone and gazing intently at the stage, she whispered, "Mr. Shen, I'm a huge fan. I've seen the movie over twenty times, each at different showings. I adore you and support your work wholeheartedly. But lately, we, the fans, and even some supporters of the movie have faced harassment."

A deafening silence enveloped the room.

The fan continued relentlessly, "There are those who resist us, vilify the shipping community, and even question your relationship with Mr. Fu. The disputes are intense, many attacking you and even us, your fans."

Shen Xingsui's grip on his microphone tightened. Looking at the fan's tear-filled eyes, the silent accusations felt like blows to his heart.

"Mr. Shen, we truly admire and support you," the fan whispered, "We ignore others' comments, wanting to hear only from you. Can you clarify your relationship with Mr. Fu? Is it strictly professional, or merely that of a mentor and mentee?"

The entire room was in an uproar.

The spotlight was blinding, the media's excitement palpable. Shen Xingsui stood frozen, microphone in hand, struggling to find words.

This could impact Fu JinXiao's career.

The hatred directed towards Shen was immense. Any comment he made could potentially tarnish Fu's pristine reputation.

There he stood, between his lover and his fans, a choice to be made, feeling as though he was being torn apart. Amidst the blinding lights and the deafening noise, he felt the weight of the world forcing him to make a defining decision.

Noticing the awkward tension, Zhang San quickly stepped forward attempting to downplay the situation, "Well, there's really no issue here. I can vouch for them; there's nothing inappropriate between the two. During filming, everything was professional."

Jiang Chao also hastily approached, tugging Shen Xingsui's arm, and with a forced smile addressed the camera, “Yes, exactly. The rumors out there are merely baseless gossip.”

The audience below expressed their discontent, wanting to hear from Shen Xingsui directly.

The constant tugging and the chaotic noise of the scene felt like an open-mouthed monster, ready to consume everyone.

...

suddenly

In that moment, the world went silent.

On the other side of the stage stood a tall man dressed in an everyday black trench coat. Yet, under the stage lights, he drew all eyes. Fu Jinxiao removed his sunglasses, revealing a handsome face with a mischievous smile, and greeted, "Good afternoon, everyone."

All eyes turned his way, and with his presence, a collective sigh of relief was felt.

Director Zhang San hurriedly approached, "Jinxiao, thank goodness you're here. Please, help us clear up this misunderstanding."

Fu Jinxiao nodded and began walking towards the center of the stage where Shen Xingsui stood, microphone in hand. As he approached, the crisp sound of his boots could be heard, carrying with it the chill of the outside air.

Shen Xingsui's eyes flickered until Fu Jinxiao stopped in front of him and offered a gentle smile, "I apologize for being late."

His presence was reassuring, as if telling Shen Xingsui, "I'm here with you."

Shen Xingsui pressed his lips together, shaking his head gently.

Without hesitation, Fu Jinxiao took the microphone from Shen Xingsui and smiled at the audience, "Since I'm late, how about we skip ahead? Let me address the question posed to Mr. Shen, shall I?"

The audience gasped, but seemed to agree enthusiastically.

Looking directly at the inquisitive fan, Fu Jinxiao's typically laid-back tone became serious, "Shen Xingsui is my beloved."

As these words hung in the air, the fan's eyes widened in shock.

"We are in a romantic relationship, and soon, we'll be officially wed," Fu Jinxiao calmly stated. "Thank you all for your interest in our personal lives. We'll be sure to invite the media to our wedding to witness and celebrate with us."

???

Confusion seemed to strike the media below, their faces full of astonishment.

Viewers of the live broadcast went wild with comments:

"Is this for real?"

"So they are really together!"

"Did Shen Xingsui save the galaxy in his past life or something?"

"I despise you!"

"My heart is broken."

"No, I don't agree. They don't match at all. If this is true, I'm unfollowing."

The scene was chaotic and lively. It was destined to be an extraordinary night, and Fu Jinxiao's romance was bound to stir waves, especially among the fans who'd make a huge fuss.

"By the way," Fu Jinxiao began in a calm tone amidst the commotion, "There's another announcement I'd like to make. I'd planned to share it later, but since we're already here, might as well."

Shen Xingsui glanced at him with a hint of surprise.

Looking down at him with a faint smile, Fu Jinxiao made a shocking declaration, "After fulfilling all my current contracts, I'll permanently retire from the entertainment industry."