When Jing Li received the message from Gu Tingshen, he was already sitting with his group in the lounge, reading the script. To avoid disturbing others, he had muted his phone like everyone else, so he didn’t notice the message.
The actors who could be chosen by Director Wen were all exceptional performers. Even during the script reading, their performance felt extraordinarily engaging. Before they knew it, they were immersed in the script, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Both the actors reading and the staff observing the filming enjoyed this auditory feast.
Several hours passed unnoticed until some veteran actors couldn’t help but yawn repeatedly. Director Wen then called it a day, dismissing everyone to rest and ensure they were in top condition for the first day of filming tomorrow.
Jing Li felt fine since, unlike ordinary humans, his spiritual energy could sustain him for months even without sleep.
However, others couldn’t keep up, especially the older veterans. Almost as soon as Director Wen called it, they stood up from their seats, laughing and joking about their “old bones” as they left the lounge one by one.
After the seniors left, the remaining crew followed suit.
Jing Li trailed behind, picking up his phone to find several unread messages. Apart from a greeting from his brother, the rest were from Gu Tingshen.
Jing Li replied to his brother first, then opened Gu Tingshen’s chat to read his messages.
[Gu Tingshen: I saw your photos with others online.]
[Gu Tingshen: Busy?]
[Gu Tingshen: Message me when you’re done.]
The first message and the last two had a half-hour gap, probably because he could not help but send another one after not receiving a reply.
Although the messages were casual chit-chat, reading them made Jing Li’s lips unconsciously curve upward, as if any message from Gu Tingshen, regardless of content, brought him joy.
As if it demonstrated his importance to the other person.
[Jing Li: Sorry, I was doing a script reading with my phone on silent mode. Just saw your messages.]
Jing Li replied with a smile, about to joke and ask if he looked handsome in the photos, when Gu Tingshen’s name appeared on the incoming call display.
For a moment, he imagined Gu Tingshen had been waiting for his message and, upon seeing the reply, called him immediately without bothering to type.
Jing Li’s smile widened, his eyes and brows tinged with mirth as he eagerly answered, “Hey, Shen-ge.”
“Are you done with work?” Gu Tingshen’s voice was deep and carried an undeniable tenderness.
“Yeah. I’m on my way back to the hotel.” Jing Li’s voice softened, laced with a laugh. “What are you up to, Shen-ge?”
……
As Jing Li walked and talked, their mundane conversation felt sweet to his ears, like sugar frosting seeping into his heart.
Engrossed in the call, he failed to notice someone hurrying towards him from behind, slowing down beside him and calling out, “Mr. Jing.”
Hearing his name, Jing Li instinctively turned to meet Wu Xiaojun’s eager gaze.
“Mr. Jing, could you spare some time for me after we get back to the hotel?” Seeing Jing Li look his way, Wu Xiaojun quickly asked with an earnest smile.
Gu Tingshen heard it, too, and immediately grew wary. “It sounds like someone is talking to you?”
“Yeah, it’s a co-star, the one in those photos you saw, Wu Xiaojun.” Jing Li explained into the receiver before addressing Wu Xiaojun, “What’s wrong?”
The one from those photos?
Gu Tingshen’s mind flashed to the image of the other man leaning against Jing Li, and he felt a surge of displeasure.
Before he could speak, however, he heard Wu Xiaojun’s voice again.
“…Sorry, I didn’t realize you were on the phone.” Wu Xiaojun pretended to just notice, embarrassed. “I can wait until you’re done talking.”
“It’s okay.” Jing Li smiled at him and told the person on the line to hold on a moment. He was unwilling to hang up as he addressed Wu Xiaojun, signaling him to continue.
“…Well, you and I have a confrontation scene tomorrow, and there’s a part I’m not too sure about. I was wondering if you had time to run lines with me?” Wu Xiaojun scratched his head sheepishly. “It’s my first time filming this kind of subject matter, and since it’s the first day tomorrow, I want to be as prepared as possible.”
This wasn’t an unusual request among actors, and the more demanding ones tended to be more meticulous with their roles. Jing Li didn’t mind; in fact, it improved his impression of Wu Xiaojun. Without hesitation, he nodded. “Sure, just bring the script to my room later.”
“Great, thank you, Mr. Jing.” Wu Xiaojun thanked him repeatedly with a face of joy, and then said, “I’ll let you go then and grab some late-night snacks to bring over later.”
Before Jing Li could respond, Wu Xiaojun had already dashed off.
Jing Li opened his mouth, then sighed as he watched Wu’s retreating figure. He spoke into the silent receiver, “Shen-ge, are you still there?”
After a two-second pause, Gu Tingshen let out a light hum. “Xiao Jing really is popular wherever he goes.”
Though his tone was flat, Jing Li sensed a hint of sourness. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Not as much as you, Shen-ge.”
The ambiguous remark left Gu Tingshen wondering if Jing Li meant he wasn’t as popular or didn’t hold the same place in his heart. However, he assumed the latter, his mood strangely improving.
After some more idle chat, Gu Tingshen revealed his intention to visit the set.
Jing Li naturally welcomed the idea. Ever since acknowledging his feelings, he feared not spending enough time with Gu Tingshen. With this project taking at least two to three months to wrap, frequent visits from Gu Tingshen would make the days less unbearable.
As they continued their affectionate banter, Gu Tingshen suddenly asked, “So you’ll be running lines with that Wu guy later? Just the two of you?”
“Yeah, that scene is a crucial turning point in the story, so it’s better to practice…” Jing Li absentmindedly agreed but trailed off, detecting an odd undertone.
Gu Tingshen’s tone, especially that last question, seemed to imply displeasure at Jing Li being alone with someone else.
Realizing the implication, Jing Li’s heart raced, his breathing quickening.
Though their relationship had maintained a subtle flirtatiousness lately, they had never crossed any lines.
It was almost as if they tacitly explored each other’s boundaries without shattering that fragile barrier.
But whether it was Gu Tingshen’s current questioning or his peculiar tone when mentioning Wu Xiaojun earlier…
Jing Li forced himself to calm down, steadied his breathing and probed playfully, “Why do I detect a hint of jealousy in your tone, Shen-ge?”
After saying that, he unconsciously gripped his phone tighter and held his breath, awaiting the reaction of the person on the other end.
There was a momentary silence before Gu Tingshen’s slightly husky voice came through, “And if I am jealous, what does Xiao Jing plan to do about it?”
Asking this question, Gu Tingshen must have prepared himself for a long time, his breathing growing heavier for an instant before he reined it back in, returning to his usual demeanor.
Jing Li felt his mind explode with dazzling fireworks. Although he had guessed Gu Tingshen’s feelings, facing this moment still left him exhilarated and flustered.
His face flushed red with rising warmth, his smile widening to the maximum as his eyes curved into crescent moons, reflecting twinkling starlight in his pupils.
The surprise was so sudden that Jing Li momentarily forgot how to react.
It was Gu Tingshen, having received no response, whose expression darkened slightly.
Had he been too hasty?
But what could he do? He had waited so long for Jing Li, and they had finally established their current relationship.
He could not tolerate anyone deliberately trying to take Jing Li away from him.
While Wu Xiaojun’s little tricks might fool others, they certainly didn’t escape his notice.
Especially after overhearing that phone conversation, he confirmed his suspicions about Wu Xiaojun’s intentions towards Jing Li.
Gu Tingshen narrowed his eyes and took a deep, quiet breath.
After some time, he let out a low chuckle.
“What’s wrong? Was Xiao Jing startled by my words?” His gentle laughter contrasted with his gaze. “If you find it inappropriate, just consider…” that I was joking with you just now.
“If Shen-ge is unhappy, then I won’t be alone with anyone else from now on, okay?” Jing Li’s sudden interruption halted Gu Tingshen’s unfinished sentence, leaving him stunned until the meaning sank in.
Realizing the implication of Jing Li’s words, Gu Tingshen’s breathing instantly grew heavier again.
He asked almost urgently, “Do you understand what you just said?”
Before Jing Li could answer, he cut in, “No, let me speak first.”
He paused, then continued seriously, “Xiao Jing, can I pursue you?”
“With the intention of marriage and spending the rest of our lives together.”
Hehehe
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