This is the first time Gu Chenyan has watched Qiao Shu perform live. Just as he imagined, the earnest young actor seemed to radiate light as he focused on his acting. The brilliance in his eyes, body language, and expressions were completely different from his usual self.
Gu Chenyan felt a bit uncomfortable, yet proud.
This was his Qiao Shu.
Even in his professional work, Qiao Shu was adorable.
Gradually, the warmth in Gu Chenyan’s eyes increased.
The producer quickly found the best position for Gu Chenyan to have a clear view of the entire shooting scene and instructed someone to bring chairs promptly.
The staff swiftly brought over a wooden chair with a backrest.
Producer: “…”
The producer’s face contorted for a moment. Taking advantage of Gu Chenyan’s gaze still fixed on the actor, the producer hurriedly approached, “Why are you grabbing this one!”
Could this cheap wooden chair be for the wealthy father? Not to mention that this wealthy father could cause earthquakes in the city or even the entire country with just a stomp.
Staff member, feeling wronged: “But this is the best chair in the whole crew.”
Producer: “…”
Forgot.
Before having Mr. Gu as the wealthy father, their crew was very, very poor—so poor that even with Mr. Gu’s support, the producer and others remained extremely frugal, saving every penny to invest in the later production and promotion of this drama, making it a success.
The producer fell into silence.
A few seconds later, he said, “Hurry, get a clean cushion, and if there’s none, buy one.”
The producer personally moved the wooden chair over, awkwardly explaining, “Mr. Gu, please have a seat. We apologize for the inconvenience; currently, the crew only has these chairs. I’ve already instructed someone to get a cushion for you. Please bear with us.”
Gu Chenyan didn’t mind.
He sat down directly, saying, “No need for a cushion, this is fine.” Then he added, “You can go about your business.”
The producer was not about to miss the chance to make an impression in front of a big shot. He wanted to use this opportunity to strengthen their relationship and secure investment for the next production from this influential figure.
After all, this was Gu Chenyan!
“Sword of the Martial World” had already seen a substantial increase in value due to Gu Chenyan’s investment. Initially planned as a high-quality web drama, with Gu Chenyan’s backing, the crew only released a bit of information to television stations, and they all eagerly approached.
Thinking of the various benefits the crew had gained beyond their expectations, the producer felt extremely satisfied and vowed to serve Gu Chenyan well to keep him pleased.
So, the producer hastily said, “No need, no need. I happen to have some free time right now.”
Gu Chenyan lightly responded with a “Hmm” and decided to pay no more attention, focusing entirely on Qiao Shu.
Watching Qiao Shu was crucial.
His presence here this time was because he missed his little wife.
Little wife?
Gu Chenyan was slightly stunned.
Then, a hint of a smile spread across his face.
The producer, who had been keeping a close eye on Gu Chenyan, was almost dumbfounded. Did his eyes deceive him? The icy President Gu, known as the living King of Hell in the business world, actually smiled?
Subconsciously, he followed Gu Chenyan’s gaze, eager to know the reason behind President Gu’s smile.
“Producer Wang.”
Suddenly, Chen Wenyuan, who was nearby, spoke up, interrupting Producer Wang’s quest for answers.
Producer Wang quickly regained his composure, “Mr. Chen, is there anything you need?”
Chen Wenyuan smiled faintly, “I’m not familiar with the crew members. Could you please help check if the afternoon tea is sufficient? If not, more will be sent over.”
Producer Wang hesitated; he didn’t want to leave, especially with Gu Chenyan present. However, he couldn’t easily refuse Chen Wenyuan’s request, so he could only say, “Alright.”
He hurriedly left.
On the set, Qiao Shu, dressed in the red attire of a martial arts leader, stood imposingly on the stage, delivering lines with an innocent smile while uttering the most cruel words.
Blood flowed on the long sword in his hand, staining it crimson, eventually dripping onto the stage, forming a vivid red blood flower.
As Qiao Shu recited his lines, he suddenly felt someone watching him. Many people had observed him during filming, just as they did now. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that this particular gaze was different.
Qiao Shu wanted to turn and find the source of the gaze, but he reminded himself that he was currently filming. Unable to act on this sudden surge of instinct, he suppressed it and continued the shoot with utmost seriousness.
“Little wife looks beautiful in red attire,” Gu Chenyan suddenly whispered.
He thought: “Next time, I should pick more red clothes for my little wife to wear.”
Chen Wenyuan was standing nearby, his sharp ears catching the remark. Subconsciously, he turned his gaze towards Qiao Shu at the center of the set.
Indeed.
The bright red robe complemented Qiao Shu’s fair complexion and snow-like skin, making him stand out like a dazzling flame.
So, Chen Wenyuan began to seriously consider which tailor’s custom style would be more suitable for Qiao Shu. Red could have a more exquisite effect. As a qualified assistant, he needed to prepare the information in advance to alleviate his boss’s concerns.
Meanwhile, Qiao Shu focused on his acting, Gu Chenyan earnestly watched Qiao Shu, and the crew members intentionally or unintentionally directed their attention toward Gu Chenyan.
Some recognized Gu Chenyan at first glance from occasional appearances in financial newspapers. Others didn’t recognize him immediately, but upon noticing the attentive attitude of the producer and after glimpsing Gu Chenyan, they realized his identity was not ordinary. Curious minds began to inquire.
For a moment, the atmosphere on the set seemed outwardly normal, but underneath, hearts were stirring with various thoughts.
Everyone had their own ideas.
Meanwhile, not far away, Ou Yinan and Lu Yue found themselves somewhat perplexed after the initial shock. Should they approach?
Chen Wenyuan subtly shook his head at the two.
They immediately set aside their previous thoughts.
Producer Wang quickly returned, holding a tray with fruits and a teapot.
The fruits were hastily purchased from a nearby store, opting for the most expensive and best quality available. As for the tea, Producer Wang dug it out from the director’s room, who was a tea enthusiast.
The penny-pinching crew now had fruits, albeit the less expensive ones. However, delicate and refined items like tea weren’t in abundance in the bustling production, and whatever they had set aside was mainly for on-set use.
Naturally, these provisions were not up to Gu Chenyan’s standards.
“Mr. Gu, please help yourself,” Producer Wang said.
Someone brought over a small table, and Gu Chenyan glanced at it, saying, “Thank you.”
Then, his gaze returned to Qiao Shu.
The scene was quickly completed.
As Qiao Shu emerged from the state of acting, he instinctively sought the source of that gaze.
He turned his head and collided with a pair of deep eyes.
Qiao Shu was momentarily stunned, and in the next second, his eyes widened in pleasant surprise, “!!!”
Then, he rubbed his eyes.
The person was still there!
It was indeed Gu Chenyan!
Excitedly, Qiao Shu jumped down from the platform. The platform was a bit high, and he stumbled a bit as he landed, startling Gu Chenyan to stand up from his chair.
Fortunately, Qiao Shu regained his balance.
However, at the same time, Qiao Shu also sobered up.
He didn’t know why Gu Chenyan was here, but this was a film set, bustling with people. If he were to directly throw himself into Gu Chenyan’s arms now, it would probably cause a stir.
So, Qiao Shu could only suppress his excitement, reluctantly glance at Gu Chenyan, then lower his head and quickly walk towards Lu Yue and the others.
Qiao Shu: “Sister Yue Yue, my phone!” His voice couldn’t be more urgent.
Lu Yue quickly handed over the phone.
Qiao Shu took the phone and discreetly glanced at Gu Chenyan before pointing at the phone. Then, he lowered his head to start typing.
Qiao Shu: !!!
Qiao Shu: Why are you here?
Qiao Shu: Ahhhhh, so happy! I was just thinking about you.
Qiao Shu was straightforward. After a month without seeing each other, he truly missed Gu Chenyan a lot. His arrival now felt like he had heard Qiao Shu’s heartfelt longing, making him joyful and excited.
Gu Chenyan unlocked his phone and saw these messages. A subtle smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
Gu Chenyan: I miss you too.
At this moment, the cold aura around him completely dissipated, replaced by a gentle warmth, leaving Producer Wang beside him dumbfounded.
Producer Wang: ‘This is…’
Gu Chenyan: Is today’s filming finished?
Qiao Shu pouted: There’s one more scene.
He rarely acted coquettish: I want to finish filming quickly.
Gu Chenyan: Be good. After you finish filming, I’ll take you out for dinner.
Qiao Shu instantly felt energized: Sure!
With a contented Qiao Shu thinking about excuses to go out, he began calculating his scenes for the next day.
When Qiao Shu’s scenes were finally done, it was dinner time. The director and producer invited Gu Chenyan to join them for a meal, but he politely declined.
Gu Chenyan: “Sorry, I have something later.”
The director expressed regret, “Mr. Gu’s matters are important; we can have dinner anytime, hahaha.”
Gu Chenyan nodded, lifting his foot to leave.
Many artists who had been looking forward to this dinner sighed inwardly, regretting losing the chance to chat with Gu Chenyan.
Tang Ting: “I thought I could have dinner with Mr. Gu. Even if we don’t talk much, having a meal together would be enough to brag about. Ai.”
Cheng Yunchuan also sighed, “I wanted to find out which project Mr. Gu plans to invest in for the next drama.”
“Knowing that Mr. Gu is the investor for our crew didn’t shock me, but is Gu Group planning to enter the entertainment industry? However, it doesn’t seem simple for Mr. Gu to personally visit us. He’s a top figure in Haicheng, and he actually came to our crew. I still feel like it’s a dream. Qiao Shu, don’t you think so?”
“Hey, Qiao Shu, where are you going?”
Qiao Shu walked briskly towards the dressing room, “I’m going out for dinner tonight. I won’t be joining you guys.”
Tang Ting asked, “Going out to eat?”
Qiao Shu smiled unconsciously, “Yeah.” He sweetly added, “I made plans with someone important.”
Tang Ting instantly understood upon seeing that smile.
The date has arrived!
On the side, Cheng Yunchuan was still asking, “Who is it? Do you have a friend coming? Should we greet them together?”
Tang Ting kicked him, saying, “Of course, it’s a friend. What’s there to ask? We still have scenes to shoot tonight; no time for this. Let’s focus on our lines.”
Cheng Yunchuan was successfully diverted from the topic.
Qiao Shu changed into casual clothes and removed his makeup. He earnestly looked at himself in the mirror, furrowing his brow.
‘My skin seems a bit dry.’
But there’s clearly no time for a face mask now; Gu Chenyan is still waiting for him outside, and it’s a rare occasion to meet. Qiao Shu doesn’t want to waste any time.
With this in mind, Qiao Shu picked up the toner from the side and gently patted it on his face.
Gu Chenyan won’t mind, right?
Qiao Shu didn’t bring Lu Yue and Ou Yinan with him. He excitedly rushed outside after putting on his coat.
Gu Chenyan’s car was parked in a nearby corner. He had been watching the entrance and honked the horn when he saw Qiao Shu in the night. Gu Chenyan opened the car door for him.
Qiao Shu got into the passenger seat and looked at the handsome man in front of him. He stared fixedly for nearly a minute before bursting into laughter.
The car hadn’t started yet.
Gu Chenyan: “What’s so funny?”
Qiao Shu, with a smile in his eyes: “I feel like Mr. Gu is like a deity.”
Gu Chenyan raised an eyebrow, “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu: “I just thought of you, Mr. Gu, and here you are.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled at his words.
After the laughter, Qiao Shu finally inspected the car. Puzzled, he asked, “Why are you driving yourself today?”
In his memory, Gu Chenyan rarely drove himself. The busy President Gu always had a driver and assistants like Assistant Chen accompanying him.
Gu Chenyan playfully teased, “Guess, Little Mr. Qiao.”
The nickname made Qiao Shu’s heart flutter. He suppressed his restless heart and asked, “Mr. Gu, are you suggesting a private date with Little Mr. Qiao?”
Gu Chenyan didn’t deny it.
Qiao Shu’s heart pounded even harder.
The air inside the car became ambiguous due to Gu Chenyan’s response.
Qiao Shu looked at Gu Chenyan’s serious expression, his Adam’s apple sliding as he swallowed a gulp of saliva.
Gulp
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
Qiao Shu couldn’t resist, “Mr. Gu.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu: “After not seeing each other for so long, your Little Mr. Qiao wants to give you a kiss.”
Qiao Shu reached out, grabbing Gu Chenyan’s tie. With a forceful pull, he brought Gu Chenyan closer.
Then, he tilted his head and covered Gu Chenyan’s lips.
Before he realized his own feelings, Qiao Shu found that kissing Gu Chenyan was something deeply captivating. Now, with the awareness of his emotions and after a month of separation, Qiao Shu desired this kiss even more.
Boldly, he held onto Gu Chenyan’s lips, gently nibbling on those lips he had been coveting.
Sweet.
Just like his emotions.
It was like effervescent cola, creating numerous tiny bubbles.
“Gu Chenyan.”
“Husband.”
Qiao Shu switched between these endearments.
Gu Chenyan’s gaze grew deeper. He lifted his hand, cradling Qiao Shu’s face. His fingertip brushed over the corner of Qiao Shu’s lips, and then his palm automatically moved backward, securing itself around the back of Qiao Shu’s neck.
“Qiao Shu.”
“Open your mouth.”
This lingering kiss lasted for a long time. When released, Qiao Shu’s breath was unsteady, and his face was flushed.
Gu Chenyan pulled out a tissue and gently wiped away the traces on Qiao Shu’s lips.
Qiao Shu’s eyelashes trembled.
Ah, he had been so bold just now!
Qiao Shu sneakily glanced at Gu Chenyan. Even when wiping his lips, the man’s attitude was so serious.
Qiao Shu chuckled.
Gu Chenyan: “What do you want to eat?”
“Hot pot?”
Qiao Shu was momentarily stunned, and then his smile widened. He nodded, “Yes.”
Gu Chenyan actually remembered.
When Qiao Shu first arrived in Desert City, he once came across a Weibo hot search for #HotPot#.
The various images of hot pots in the hot search made him drool, wishing he could immediately go to a hot pot restaurant for a feast.
That night, while chatting with Gu Chenyan, he mentioned his craving for hot pot.
The next day, the culinary team of the crew prepared a grand hot pot feast. The chefs’ skills were still superb, and the hot pot they made was rich in color, aroma, and taste. Everyone enjoyed it to the fullest, making the atmosphere on set exceptionally lively.
Qiao Shu took a photo and sent it to Gu Chenyan: “The hot pot is delicious, but I want to eat it with Mr. Gu.”
Qiao Shu had never thought that every word, every small wish, every little thought, and the details of life could be completely remembered by someone, fulfilled for him, and taken care of on his behalf.
As the car traversed the streets, neon lights of various colors flashed by. Qiao Shu looked at the handsome profile of the man, and sweetness filled his heart.
This was Gu Chenyan.
His husband.
The hot pot restaurant was chosen by Chen Wenyuan after searching through Desert City’s food app, reading all the reviews, and selecting the one with the best ratings.
It wasn’t a lavishly decorated hotel as usual; this hot pot restaurant was an old one, with a somewhat outdated decor, but it was very clean.
Upon entering, a strong aroma of hot pot could be smelled. It wasn’t repulsive; instead, it was particularly enticing.
Inside the private room.
Gu Chenyan: “Mildly spicy?”
Qiao Shu: “Do you like spicy food?”
Gu Chenyan: “I can eat anything.”
After some thought, Qiao Shu suggested, “Let’s go with six hot pot bases – one clear broth and one tomato-based broth. How does that sound?”
Gu Chenyan: “Sounds good.”
After selecting the broth, they moved on to choosing dishes.
Gu Chenyan handed the menu to Qiao Shu, “You order.”
Qiao Shu smiled, then picked up the menu and walked over to sit beside Gu Chenyan, saying, “Let’s order together.”
Qiao Shu: “Do you eat beef?”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes.”
Qiao Shu: “Then, let’s get a serving of fatty beef. How about some spicy beef as well?”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
Qiao Shu: “The seafood here looks fresh; I just checked. How about some base rock shrimp?”
Gu Chenyan: “Sure.”
Qiao Shu: “Oh, do you eat squid?”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes.”
Qiao Shu: “How about duck blood?”
Gu Chenyan: “Sure.”
…
Qiao Shu then ordered several essential dishes for the hot pot, and Gu Chenyan responded with approval as usual.
Qiao Shu, holding a pen, looked at Gu Chenyan sideways.
Gu Chenyan: “What’s the matter?”
Qiao Shu smiled: “Why do you always say ‘okay’ to everything?”
Gu Chenyan, puzzled, honestly replied: “I’m not picky about food.”
Qiao Shu: “Do you think it’s not good that I’m picky about food?”
Gu Chenyan, naturally said: “No.”
Qiao Shu looked at Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan: “I’ll eat whatever you want to eat. If you don’t like something, I can eat it for you.”
Qiao Shu felt that there was no man in the world better, more handsome, and more gentle than Gu Chenyan.
There is only one Gu Chenyan in this world.
He crossed worlds to meet this person.
The two of them sat face to face, enjoying the hot pot. Gu Chenyan was always particularly considerate of Qiao Shu. They ordered many dishes, all of which Qiao Shu liked. However, with so many dishes, Qiao Shu would still have preferences.
Sometimes, Qiao Shu would take only a bite or two and then stop eating, while other dishes he wanted to keep eating.
When Gu Chenyan helped Qiao Shu cook the dishes, he always saved the ones Qiao Shu liked the most for him. For the ones Qiao Shu didn’t particularly like, Gu Chenyan would eat more himself.
Qiao Shu observed everything.
“Here.”
Qiao Shu carefully peeled a prawn and placed it in Gu Chenyan’s bowl.
No one is without food preferences. Although Qiao Shu and Gu Chenyan haven’t had many meals together, Qiao Shu keenly observed that Gu Chenyan likes to eat shrimp.
However, probably due to the hassle of peeling shrimp, Gu Chenyan usually avoids dealing with it.
But that’s okay.
With a raised eyebrow, Qiao Shu noticed that Gu Chenyan didn’t like to peel shrimp, so he decided to do it for him.
“Did it scald you?” Gu Chenyan noticed Qiao Shu’s slightly reddened fingertips.
Qiao Shu shook his head. “Not at all.”
Gu Chenyan took a wet tissue and wiped Qiao Shu’s hands. “I can do it myself.”
Qiao Shu smiled, “I want to do it for you.”
The two of them enjoyed the hot pot, exchanging dishes, and by the end, surprisingly, there were hardly any leftovers from the ones they ordered.
Leaning back in his chair, Qiao Shu contentedly rubbed his slightly bulging belly.
Burp~
Gu Chenyan expressed concern, “Did you overeat?” He walked over and sat next to Qiao Shu, saying, “Let me massage it for you.”
The man’s broad and warm palms felt particularly comfortable on Qiao Shu’s stomach.
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu: “Have you ever massaged someone’s belly before?”
Gu Chenyan: “No. Why do you ask?”
Qiao Shu: “Because Mr. Gu’s skills are too good, very comforting.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled.
Since the belly massage didn’t last long, and Qiao Shu was concerned that Gu Chenyan’s hands might get tired, he suggested they go shopping together. While passing by a pharmacy, Gu Chenyan went in and bought a box of digestive tablets.
Gu Chenyan: “Chew it.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay.”
Chewing on the digestive tablet, Qiao Shu looked at the man beside him, reaching out to secretly hold his hand.
Gu Chenyan paused for a moment, then his hand moved, and the two intertwined their fingers.
The winter nights in Desert City were not suitable for wandering. It was fine right after the hot pot, but as they walked, the cold made them shiver.
Too cold.
The darker the night, the lower the temperature.
Gu Chenyan: “Back to the car?”
Qiao Shu: “Sure.”
With the heater on in the car, Qiao Shu quickly stopped shivering, even taking off his coat.
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Shu.”
Qiao Shu: “Hmm?”
Gu Chenyan: “Can you stay in the hotel with me tonight?”
Qiao Shu blushed.
For such matters, there was no need to ask! He was definitely going to follow his husband’s lead!
So, Qiao Shu shyly said, “Okay.”
The car started.
After a month of not seeing each other, Gu Chenyan extended an invitation to stay together again, and inevitably, Qiao Shu’s mind conjured up vivid images.
Such as leaning against the wall.
Such as pinching the waist.
And, you know, those intimate moments.
As Qiao Shu’s imagination ran wild, his face turned even redder, and he found it hard to sit still.
Why haven’t they arrived at the hotel yet?
Ahem.
Must remain composed.
Gu Chenyan: “Feeling warm?”
Qiao Shu: “Huh?”
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Shu, your face is very red.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Qiao Shu touched his face, realizing it was indeed quite warm. In an attempt to downplay it, he waved his hand as if fanning himself. “Seems like it’s a bit warm.”
Gu Chenyan reached out to lower the temperature of the heater.
The car finally entered an underground parking lot.
Gu Chenyan: “This place is close to the film set. I’ll drive you there tomorrow. What time do you need to be at the set?”
Qiao Shu thought for a moment, “Before 8 am is good.”
Tomorrow, he didn’t have many scenes, and they were scheduled for a later time.
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
As they got out of the car, Qiao Shu remembered something: “How long will you stay this time?”
Gu Chenyan: “Two days.”
Qiao Shu was taken aback.
Only two days…
Gu Chenyan continued, “I have an overseas trip after two days, and the return time is not confirmed yet.”
Qiao Shu rubbed his fingers nervously, “Oh.”
Gu Chenyan locked the car and took Qiao Shu’s hand, walking towards the elevator.
Qiao Shu looked at their intertwined hands, and the faint trace of disappointment in his heart dissipated slightly.
The hotel they entered wasn’t a luxurious five-star establishment, nor did it boast any suites.
Gu Chenyan swiped the card, leading Qiao Shu into a room.
The versatile Assistant Chen had already prepared fresh clothes for both of them. Qiao Shu quickly washed up, changed into pajamas, and wrapped himself in the blanket. His gaze lingered on the frosted glass door of the bathroom, listening to the sound of running water inside.
Gulp
Swallowing saliva.
Should he venture in?
Author’s note:
Dual chapters.
Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated nutrient solutions from 2021-01-31 03:00:00 to 2021-02-01 23:48:36~
Thanks to the nutrient irrigating angels: Yan Yi with 46 bottles; myh7412010 with 20 bottles; Goldfish Dumb with 15 bottles; Breaking through the clouds, awakening unconsciously, Abnormal Soft Sister, Shen Ciyán with 10 bottles; Hamster without running wheel with 7 bottles; Shrimp with 6 bottles; Ylrenjing, Leisurely Seeing Nanshan with 5 bottles; Little Yingying with 2 bottles; Qianshan Yueying, Strawberry Smoothie without Ice, Han Mo with 1 bottle;
Thank you all very much for your support, and I will continue to work hard!
⌈Weekend chapters: 0⌉ ⌊Progress: 1/2 ⌋