A few days later, something unexpected happened to Yan Qing. The news of his contract relationship with He Zijia was exposed, causing quite a stir. Yan Qing, recalling his initial thoughts on advising the couple, couldn’t help but feel shocked.
Reflecting on it with Wen Jueli, he expressed relief that they weren’t a contract couple, joking about potential criticism. Wen Jueli remained silent.
Trying to change the subject, Yan Qing suggested going together to the set. However, Wen Jueli declined, prompting Yan Qing to wonder why his husband had become increasingly clingy lately, realizing it might affect his focus on work.
Returning after work, Yan Qing watched his poorly received drama and concluded that his acting needed improvement. Despite having stage experience, he acknowledged his on-screen naivety. His determination to become a versatile actor impressed his boss, leading to better opportunitie
Taking on a historical mystery drama, Yan Qing spotted familiar faces at the opening ceremony, including the male lead, Ren Sheng. They exchanged words, with Ren Sheng making a snarky comment about Yan Qing’s supporting role status. Unfazed, Yan Qing defended his choices, emphasizing that everyone has their own path in the industry and that being with his husband wasn’t about gaining resources.
He regained his composure, retorting, “Did you come to film right after the show ended because you’re short on cash?”
Yan Qing replied, “Are you my savior with a heart for the world? If not, just give me some money.”
Ren Sheng still remembered the penniless college student Yan Qing used to be, scoffing at the idea of an idol secretly admiring him for five years. Ren Sheng was determined to expose Yan Qing’s lack of acting skills once their drama aired.
However, when Ren Sheng saw Yan Qing in costume under the spotlight, an involuntary thought crossed his mind—he looked good. Realizing this unsettling idea, Ren Sheng quickly turned away.
Confused, Kan Hai asked Yan Qing about the tension with Ren Sheng, considering Ren Sheng’s seniority. Yan Qing brushed it off, mentioning Ren Sheng’s insinuations about the impurity of his relationship with his husband.
Kan Hai pondered, “Is it about coveting his resources?”
Yan Qing confirmed, “Yes, that’s why I need to focus on acting until I can stand shoulder to shoulder with my husband.”
Impressed, Kan Hai praised him, “Well said, have a goal.”
“But he has tens of millions more fans than you. Be careful not to get noticed by his fans,” Kan Hai warned.
Yan Qing scoffed, “My husband has one billion more than him.”
Many, like Ren Sheng, believed Yan Qing rushed into filming for quick money or publicity, underestimating his acting abilities. However, Yan Qing’s performance on set surprised everyone, surpassing the initial expectations of a naive newcomer.
In his role as a carefree young master facing tragedy, Yan Qing effortlessly conveyed extreme emotions in just two scenes. Even Ren Sheng, his acting partner, was momentarily stunned by his compelling presence.
The director, surprised, called for a break, and applause erupted on set. Yan Qing, humbled, thanked the director and promised to continue working hard.
After wrapping up the scenes, Yan Qing treated everyone to coffee and milk tea. As they enjoyed the drinks, a familiar face appeared unexpectedly.
Kan Hai whispered, “Yan Qing, Mr. Wen is here to visit the set!”
Yan Qing, surprised, asked, “My husband?”
Indeed, Wen Jueli stood near Yan Qing’s luxurious car, watching the filming. Yan Qing, naturally handsome with minimal makeup, felt a bit uncomfortable due to prolonged on-set makeup requirements.
Wen Jueli personally stood by, helping Yan Qing remove his makeup. Yan Qing, delighted, said, “I knew you would come to find me. But coming so late, won’t it be too late for you to go back?”
Wen Jueli’s touch was gentle, as if caring for a delicate piece of porcelain. He worked meticulously and slowly, his eyelashes gently drooping. “Mmm.”
Yan Qing blinked. “What’s wrong? Do you want to sleep with me?”
As their eyes met, Yan Qing, resembling a mischievous fox, teased, “Why, do you want me to hold you while you sleep? Didn’t I already buy you several boxes of incense with my first paycheck? Look at me, do you still want me to hold you?”
In reality, it was Yan Qing who liked to lean on Wen Jueli while sleeping.
Wen Jueli instructed him to close his eyes, placed a cool makeup cotton pad on them, and said, “Mmm, I want to sleep with you.”
Deprived of sight, Yan Qing’s other senses heightened. Tilting his head back, he received a long and gentle kiss.
Wen Jueli’s lip makeup remover was mild, not irritating. When Yan Qing opened his eyes slightly, it wasn’t too harsh. Time slipped away quietly between their fingers.
After coming to his senses, Yan Qing slumped in his chair. “Wait, wait a moment… continuing like this will delay our work.”
Confused, Wen Jueli asked, “What work?”
Hurriedly washing his face with minimal change in appearance, Yan Qing grabbed the script and explained, “Of course, it’s acting together!”
“You’re a big movie star; people think they can learn a lot if they can act with a big movie star,” Yan Qing added.
Seeing Yan Qing earnestly looking at him, Wen Jueli couldn’t help but chuckle and patted his head.
During the acting process, Yan Qing increasingly realized the excellence of a movie star. Memorizing lines effortlessly, emphasizing nuances, understanding the character’s psychology, and adjusting tones were all part of Wen Jueli’s expertise.
As a talented actor, Wen Jueli demanded perfection. Yan Qing enjoyed the applause from others, but Wen Jueli, a strict mentor, helped him correct any shortcomings.
Nodding seriously, Yan Qing followed Wen Jueli’s advice and then flipped through the script. “By the way, husband, what do you think about kissing scenes and how to approach them?”
Wen Jueli was taken aback. “You have kissing scenes?”
“Of course, originally scheduled for today, but the other actor hasn’t arrived… I thought this was just a mystery drama, didn’t expect there’d be emotional scenes for me,” Yan Qing explained.
Wen Jueli remained silent.
Yan Qing continued, “Why, as an actor, isn’t it normal to have emotional scenes?”
“I suggest you not come over, or I’ll call someone.”
“Never mind, I won’t call anyone. Come on, let’s get it over with quickly.” Yan Qing’s role as a side character wasn’t extensive and would conclude in just over a month.
In the following week, Yan Qing joined another new drama production, once again choosing a role with limited screen time but perfectly suited for him.
After filming for a while, he requested a short break from the director, taking two days off because his parents wanted to meet Wen Jueli.
Wen Jueli, a person beloved by everyone, received warm greetings from Yan Qing’s parents the moment they entered the house. The chatter continued, but Yan Qing, a sentimental person, found himself on the verge of tears. Just five years ago, their family was prosperous, and now he had to support it on his own.
Thinking of the household expenses, Yan Qing left his in-laws and husband to chat and hurried back to his room.
After a while, a faint sound of the door opening echoed in the quiet room. Wen Jueli walked in and asked, “It’s very late now. Aren’t you going to sleep?”
Yan Qing wanted to, but he couldn’t. “I need to read the script. If I don’t study the character’s script, I’ll definitely have a headache during the shoot the day after tomorrow. Besides, with so many people in the crew, they can’t all wait for me to act aimlessly.”
Wen Jueli didn’t say anything and sat on the edge of the bed, calmly watching Yan Qing go through the script.
Occasionally encountering parts he didn’t understand, Yan Qing would seek guidance, and Wen Jueli would provide answers.
By the time they reached the wee hours, Yan Qing, having finally relented, got into bed to sleep with his husband.
Unable to fall asleep immediately, he stared at the unfamiliar ceiling and murmured, “Husband, with such a natural talent for acting, have you really never encountered any bottlenecks?”
Wen Jueli bluntly replied, “No.”
Yan Qing sighed, “Your type of character is really annoying.”
Wen Jueli added, “I don’t actually like acting.”
Thinking he misheard, Yan Qing asked, “What did you say?”
“I just happened to be asked if I wanted to act that year. At that time, I thought if I could leave home for a while, I would go.” Wen Jueli spoke with a calm and low tone, seemingly detached from the subject. “It just happened that I had talent, became famous overnight, and I’ve been an actor ever since.”
Leaving home.
This thought had never crossed Yan Qing’s mind during his adolescence or, so far, in his life. He knew Wen Jueli was an orphan, adopted by people who later passed away. After being taken in by his grandfather, who was practically a stranger, the emotional turmoil must have been immense. Yan Qing didn’t know how to comfort him, so he just tightened his grip on Wen Jueli’s hand and snuggled into his arms, whispering, “You’re really something.”
“I have loved performing since I was a child, but my mom disagreed. I still remember, from middle school to high school, for a continuous six years, I would secretly wait for the extracurricular classes to finish before riding my bicycle madly to the drama club.”
“My mom actually knew about this. She was particularly sneaky, intentionally arranging numerous extracurricular classes for me. As long as I didn’t join the drama club, I would definitely have enough rest time. But who am I? I’m her son, of course, I gritted my teeth and came anyway… cough, but in the third year of junior high, something happened, and she didn’t bother me much after that.”
“It’s that I got deceived carelessly. Someone online claimed to be looking for actors. It was close to home, so I sneaked over, paid a few thousand as tuition from my pocket money, and then… haha… I almost got sold into the deep mountains.”
“Fortunately, I cleverly slipped away when they weren’t paying attention, then called the police and got them all arrested. Luckily, luckily, I was clever… My mom scolded me when she saw me, but since I cried and said I loved acting, she softened and didn’t bother me much, hehe.”
“So when you say you don’t want to act, that statement is a luxury for my childhood self.”
Wen Jueli comfortingly ran his hand through Yan Qing’s hair. “I’m sorry.”
Yan Qing replied, “What do you have to apologize for? I’m just joking! If you want to retire and stop acting in the future, don’t, I can support you. You just need to be beautiful at home.”
“Oh, by the way, I have videos from when I performed in high school dramas. Do you want to see them?”
“Sure…”
The video’s background was noisy, and the camera was shaky, but Wen Jueli’s lowered gaze always focused steadily on the small male lead shining on the stage.
The lively and vibrant young protagonist captivated everyone’s attention, shining brightly on the stage.
Wen Jueli actually remembered this figure forever.
He had seen it before.
Experienced it in person at the scene.
