“Xiao Jing, why aren’t you saying…”
Jing Yu was about to call his younger brother when he raised his eyes and saw Gu Tingshen standing in front of him. Stunned, he asked with a puzzled expression, “What are you doing here?”
Gu Tingshen froze for a moment, his heart tightening as he met Jing Yu’s scrutinizing gaze, fearing that he might notice something unusual.
However, before he could speak, Jing Yu’s expression instantly turned to one of realization, as if he had finally remembered inviting Gu Tingshen over for dinner that day.
But wasn’t this too early?
Perhaps due to the hangover from last night’s drinking and still feeling a bit groggy from just waking up, Jing Yu felt something was off but couldn’t quite figure it out at the moment.
Instead, after glancing around the kitchen and at his friend’s expression, he started to come up with some teasing and mocking remarks, “You came so early? And you went straight to the kitchen as soon as you arrived. Lao Gu, don’t tell me you’re here to learn Xiao Jing’s cooking skills?”
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Gu Ting Shen opened his mouth, thinking whether he should just go along with his words to brush it off. However, he saw Jing Yu suddenly squinting at him, then, in a serious tone, he said, “No, Lao Gu, something’s off about you!”
Perhaps due to a guilty conscience, at that moment, Gu Tingshen sensed a dangerous aura from Jing Yu’s gaze, as if he was about to pounce on him at any moment.
Gu Ting Shen’s heart skipped a beat, thinking that he had truly been discovered. Just as he was about to say something to ease the tension, he heard Jing Yu throw out a bombshell, “You must be in a relationship!”
His tone was one of absolute certainty, not a question.
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Gu Tingshen abruptly looked at him, and even Jing Li beside him had stopped his movements, his back stiff as he awaited his brother’s reaction.
“Don’t even try to deny it,” Jing Yu continued, seemingly oblivious to the abnormality of the two men before him. “Speaking of which, the last time I went to your company, I heard someone mention that you seemed particularly cheerful these days. During a meeting, you even smiled after receiving a message.”
“At first, I didn’t believe it, but now that I think about it, your behavior is indeed quite suspicious.”
As Gu Tingshen listened to his words, he vaguely recalled the incident when Jing Li had sent him a photo of flowers after confessing his feelings. At that triumphant moment, he had unintentionally revealed his emotions upon receiving the picture.
However, he hadn’t expected such a trivial event to spread throughout the company, let alone reach Jing Yu’s ears.
From the looks of it, Jing Yu was only speculating and had no specific suspicions about who it might be.
“Don’t listen to their nonsense. If I were in a stable relationship, you’d be the first to know.” Gu Tingshen’s heart was racing from Jing Yu’s words, but he managed to keep his composure.
Most importantly, he had planned to find a suitable time to probe Jing Yu’s reaction gradually, rather than being caught off guard like this in a flustered manner.
However, Jing Yu wasn’t done yet. After hearing Gu Tingshen’s response, he raised his eyebrows and dropped another bombshell, “You were the one I saw at the Lanyu Mall last night, weren’t you?”
Jing Yu leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, with a sly smile. “Don’t even try to deny it. I saw you.”
Last night, he had only found the person familiar. But upon recollection, he became more and more convinced that it was Gu Tingshen. Now, piecing everything together, he was even more certain.
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Gu Tingshen met Jing Yu’s interrogating gaze, his heart skipping a beat as the anxiety he had just suppressed surged back, even more forceful than before.
He even suspected that Jing Yu was deliberately tormenting him, dropping one bombshell after another, causing his heart to race like a rollercoaster, unable to find peace.
Even Jing Li behind him couldn’t remain composed, turning around to face them.
Gu Tingshen took a deep breath, catching a glimpse of Jing Li’s tense expression from the corner of his eye. He grew weary of maintaining this charade and thought it might be better to come clean, prepared to endure whatever scolding might follow. After all, he had concealed the truth first, so Jing Yu’s anger would be justified.
With this in mind, Gu Tingshen steadied his emotions and said, “Yes, I’m…”
However, before he could finish, Jing Yu leaned closer, his brow furrowing, “What’s wrong with your mouth? It’s swollen!”
Gu Tingshen: “……”
Gu Tingshen froze on the spot, the courage he had mustered instantly drained away.
Confessing was one thing, but doing so while Jing Yu’s younger brother had clearly swollen lips from kissing added a provocative element that even the seasoned Gu Tingshen couldn’t remain calm about.
However, Jing Li seemed to catch on.
“…Ge, haven’t you had breakfast yet?”
Jing Li stepped between Gu Tingshen and his brother, looking up at him. “You drank a bit too much last night, so I asked Auntie to prepare some seafood porridge for you this morning. Go and have some first to settle your stomach.”
“I made your favorite spicy chicken for lunch, don’t feel uncomfortable later.”
Then, he turned to Gu Tingshen and said, “Help Ge bring out the porridge and side dishes from the pot on the stove.”
Gu Tingshen quickly obliged, seizing the opportunity to retreat into the kitchen.
Their diversion successfully shifted Jing Yu’s attention. Upon hearing that his brother had the helper auntie prepare seafood porridge and his favorite dish, a smile spread across his face. He readily agreed and joined them in carrying the breakfast to the dining room.
Along the way, he couldn’t help but caution his friend, “Is your mouth also inflamed? Take care of yourself, don’t stay up too late. You’re both grown men now…”
In the kitchen, Jing Li listened to his brother’s rambling, seemingly oblivious to any abnormalities. Recalling their earlier panicked state, he found it both silly and amusing, unable to stifle a quiet chuckle.
The meal was consumed amidst this thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere. However, as they continued eating and observed Jing Yu’s oblivious demeanor, it seemed he genuinely didn’t notice anything between the two of them. Eventually, even the gossip about Gu Tingshen’s love life was pushed to the back of their minds during this rare leisurely time at home.
Even so, Jing Li and Gu Tingshen still restrained themselves a lot, at least in front of Jing Yu, behaving properly, fearing that they might reveal their secret before gauging his reaction could lead to an outburst.
Yet, despite their caution, fate had other plans.
While sitting and chatting in the living room after the meal, the entertainment channel on the TV opposite them happened to mention the exposure of a famous male actor’s romance. However, because the actor’s girlfriend and wife fans were so numerous, the impact on the actor’s career was quite significant.
Seeing this, Jing Yu couldn’t help but comment, “These online fans really have too much free time, meddling in everyone’s business, even their love lives. In my opinion, as long as the couple is of good character and genuinely cares for each other, that’s all that matters.”
Jing Li and Gu Tingshen also glanced at the television.
While Jing Li remained silent, Gu Tingshen felt a pang in his heart. He looked at his friend and probed, “What if Xiao Jing fell in love? Would you still think the same way?”
“…Why are we talking about Xiao Jing now?” Jing Yu glanced at him but still said, “Xiao Jing is so good, so whoever dates him must be outstanding in every way.”
After a pause, recalling his brother’s experience of being cheated by a scumbag a few years ago, he added, “Most importantly, they must treat him well, never deceive him or betray him, and always put Xiao Jing first.”
Gu Tingshen silently reflected and felt he met those requirements. As for treating Jing Li well, his future actions would naturally demonstrate that.
With this thought, he gained confidence and probed further, “What do you think about someone like me for Xiao Jing?”
“You?” Jing Yu looked him up and down, then slowly nodded amid Gu Tingshen’s anxious wait, “If the person has your character, looks, and achievements… well, I won’t say they’re on par with you, but at least they’d be close enough.”
Jing Yu never considered his friend might be interested in his brother, so he genuinely thought about the question.
However, midway through, he felt it might be too narrow to hold Jing Li’s future partner to Gu Tingshen’s standards. With sincerity, he added, “But requirements vary from person to person. We can’t be too harsh…”
Jing Yu continued speaking, but Gu Tingshen could no longer focus, his ears filled with the previous praise.
Although he tried to restrain himself, the corners of his mouth curved upward slightly. If the situation permitted, he would have confessed right then.
Beside them, Jing Li found his oblivious brother’s rambling both amusing and funny. even looking at his brother with a bit of pity.
Usually decisive and efficient, why was he like this now…
Jing Li sighed but maintained his composure, not wanting to reveal anything.
Amidst this unexpectedly harmonious yet divergent atmosphere, Jing Li’s phone suddenly rang.
He paused, checked the caller ID, and upon seeing it was Director Wen, he quickly excused himself before answering.
After greeting him, the director said with a chuckle, “You’re still at home, right?”
“Yes.” Jing Li replied, assuming it was an urgent matter from the production team. “Is there something from the crew? If it’s urgent, I can book a ticket back immediately.”
“No need to rush back,” Director Wen responded almost simultaneously, pausing before continuing with a laugh, “It’s not about the crew.”
“Actually, it’s a director friend of mine who’s preparing a fantasy film. After seeing your previous fantasy role, he wants to invite you to play a supporting role.”
“If you’re interested, I can let him know, and since you’re in the capital, you two can meet and discuss.”
Jing Li was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting this from the director.
However, he had heard that movies offered a completely new experience compared to television, so he was quite interested.
However, he would need to review the script first before deciding.
With this in mind, he told the director, “Sure, but I’d like to see the script first. Could you provide me with his contact information so I can discuss it with him directly?”
Director Wen naturally agreed, and after hanging up the phone, he sent over a business card.
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