As Jing Li gazed at Gu Tingshen’s expression, he was momentarily stunned, sensing that his words held a deeper meaning.
But for the time being, he couldn’t discern any other implication. He could only suppress the strange emotions in his heart and respond with a smile, “Of course not. I would absolutely welcome Tingshen-ge if he wished to visit my home.”
Of course he would wish for it, how could he not?
Not just during the New Year, but every day thereafter, he longed to be rooted here.
“Then I’ll keep that in mind,” Gu Tingshen looked deeply into his eyes. The smile at the corner of his lips deepened, lending an air of devious charm to his entire being.
It was as if a predator had set its sights on its desired prey, exuding an aura of assured conquest.
This side of Gu Tingshen was rarely seen. His entire being radiated an alluring magnetism that Jing Li couldn’t help but steal a few more glances at.
Moreover, due to his reaction, the strange emotion from earlier resurfaced, as if Gu Tingshen’s expression harbored something obscure that quickened Jing Li’s heartbeat unnaturally.
“So you really intend to abandon the Gu family’s affairs and lounge here instead?”
Due to their seating arrangement, Jing Yu didn’t notice his friend’s expression. Otherwise, he would have surely noticed someone coveting his only younger brother right under his nose.
Overhearing their conversation, he jokingly reprimanded his friend, “I’ll tell you now, dismiss that thought. If they come looking for me here, I’ll definitely bundle you up and throw you out together.”
“I would welcome that wholeheartedly,” Gu Tingshen laughed, raising his eyebrows at him.
The two exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.
Jing Li looked at his brother, then at Gu Tingshen’s expression, and the strange emotion from before dissipated silently, as if everything prior was merely a figment of his imagination.
Jing Li shook his head, feeling that he was overthinking things, and promptly suppressed those thoughts to regain his composure.
However, what he thought was discreet, but he didn’t notice that when he secretly showed an expression of relief, the eyes of Gu Tingshen across from him suddenly turned deep.
The meal concluded in a harmonious atmosphere. Afterward, just past eight o’clock, the three gathered on the sofa in front of the television, awaiting the premiere of Jing Li’s new drama, “The Last Remnant.”
Like Jing Li and the others, countless netizens and online fans were also eagerly awaiting the drama’s broadcast.
With few dramas scheduled for broadcast during the New Year, and the pre-release promotions by the production team, the highly anticipated “The Last Remnant” was the center of attention. Even before the news broadcast began, countless viewers waited in front of their computers and televisions, ready to tune in as soon as possible.
On Weibo, topics related to “The Last Remnant” remained ever-present. As the premiere drew near, the drama was once again hotly discussed, rising to the top of the trending searches and continuing to climb with each passing moment.
Finally, after a commercial break under countless anticipating eyes, the opening theme of “The Last Remnant” began to play.
Befitting a well-produced drama, the opening song conveyed a grand and majestic aura. Coupled with the exquisite visuals, everyone was instantly captivated.
Previous promotions had revealed that “The Last Remnant” primarily revolved around a corrupt dynasty. A surviving son of the Han clan was wrongfully accused of treason and sentenced to the extermination of his nine generations. He laid low for years, meticulously plotting to overturn his family’s unjust case. Ultimately, due to the brutal and incompetent king, he ended up overthrowing the dynasty and ushering in a new era.
The drama’s opening depicted General Han’s triumphant return from battle, only to be brutally executed by the imperial forces under false charges of treason.
“We are ordered to execute the traitor Han Yu. Any resistance will be met with lethal force.”
With cold, harsh words, the imperial guards in armor mercilessly thrust their spears through the bodies of their compatriots, splattering blood across the ground.
The sound of weapons clashing together, mixed with the wails coming from everywhere, resounded for several days and nights in the downpour. Finally, the corpses lying on the ground dyed half of the sky red.
Forced to take up arms against their kin, General Han, covered in wounds, finally collapsed from exhaustion.
“General!!”
His deputy, who had been protecting him, anxiously tried to help him escape.
However, the general had expended his last ounce of strength.
Shaking his head, he gazed upon the young, blood-stained faces before him. Unwilling to further endanger them, he trembled as he retrieved a jade pendant he had worn for years, struggling to place it in his deputy’s hand. With labored breaths, he uttered, “This is… my… personal jade pendant. Take it… to Cangting Mountain… rescue Yan’er… let him… let him…” Live well.
But before he could finish, he drew his last breath, his reddened eyes frozen open, as if accusing the heavens of injustice.
“General!!!!”
The deputy clutched the lifeless body, letting out a mournful wail, his eyes filled with utter despair, yet a smoldering hatred gradually consumed his core.
Tightly gripping the jade pendant, he surveyed the warriors still engaged in fierce combat, his expression cold and resolute. “Rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I will rescue the young master and avenge you and the Han clan!”
…
As if unable to bear the Han clan’s tragic fate, the scene faded to black, jumping ahead ten years.
Thanks to the valor of the Han clan’s forces, the enemy had been repeatedly routed and severely weakened, granting the empire a temporary respite of peace and prosperity.
However, beneath this peaceful facade, the emperor and court officials grew increasingly incompetent, leaving the common people destitute and miserable cries echoing across the land.
Yet amidst this chaotic landscape, there were those who defied convention – Han Youxun from Nancheng and Lu Mingyuan, the son of the imperial chancellor.
While Han Youxun’s circumstances in the south remained unknown, the chancellor’s young son, Lu Mingyuan, was a household name among the populace.
“Young Master Lu? Why, he’s the number one young master of the capital! Not only is he stunningly handsome, but his talents are unmatched!”
“I’ve never seen a more perfect young master from a prestigious family. Matchmakers line up from the southern to northern gates, vying to propose marriages!”
…
The subject of such admiration, Young Master Lu, peeked his head around the corner of the Lu family residence. His slender figure was adorned in a pristine white robe. Jet-black hair neatly gathered into an exquisite white jade coronet, framing a face no larger than a palm.
His complexion was fair and delicate, with slightly upturned peach-blossom eyes and dense lashes like feathers casting soft shadows beneath. A high-bridged nose and rosy thin lips – each feature meticulously crafted by the heavens to perfection.
However, his most captivating assets were those vibrant, soulful eyes. The black of his pupils was pure obsidian, the whites pristine like a newborn’s, drawing others into their depths. With each subtle movement, a blend of sincerity and wisdom danced within, tinged with a hint of harmless mischief. At a glance, one could tell that the owner of the eyes was a naughty little fox.
Beholding such a visage, it was hard not to be amazed. One could hardly deny his status as the capital’s number one young master.
Even Jing Yu and Gu Tingshen, engrossed in the television drama, found themselves momentarily entranced by Jing Li’s striking portrayal.
“No wonder fans adore Xiao Jing so much. With that appearance, even I’m awestruck,” Jing Yu laughed, glancing at his younger brother with affirmation and pride.
Although he said nothing, Gu Tingshen’s unwavering gaze remained fixed on Jing Li’s figure until the scene transitioned elsewhere, only then sparing a glance at the on-screen barrage of comments.
“If you’re willing, Ge, you’d undoubtedly look even more handsome in ancient attire,” Jing Li didn’t notice anything unusual about him. Hearing his brother’s words, he smiled and turned his head to compliment his brother in return.
It had indeed been quite some time since he last saw his brother donning historical garments. Given the opportunity, he would love to experience it together, even if just for a commemorative photoshoot.
As the brothers joked, the on-screen Jing Li spoke.
“Ah Wu, come here.”
The young master, concealed behind the wall, glanced at the two servants guarding his father’s study. Arching a brow, he flashed a mischievous grin and beckoned the book boy behind him, gesturing towards the pair.
The book boy, who was called Ah Wu, suddenly smiled knowingly, then stepped forward, found an excuse to take the two of them away, and then waved to his young master with his hands behind his back.
After the three of them walked away, the first young master swiftly emerged from the corner and strode boldly into his father’s study, closing the door behind him.
Sneaking into his father’s study to look through old case files was one of his few hobbies. Reading the accounts of strange and unusual events brought him distinct pleasure and helped organize his thoughts through the case proceedings.
However, the case he examined today caused his usually relaxed brow to furrow. By the end of reviewing the entire file, his expression had grown solemn.
“The Han family’s treason…”
Nearly every citizen of the Great Yuan dynasty was familiar with this matter. However, when Lu Mingyuan browsed the records in the file, he always felt that this case was full of weirdness and there were countless obvious flaws.
His inquisitive nature always liked to get to the bottom of things, so how could he let it go when he encountered such a strange thing?
As he delved deeper into the puzzling case, the story of “The Last Remnant” gradually unfolded before him.
The two-episode premiere was drawing to a close. The final scene depicted Lu Mingyuan following the clues he uncovered to the mountain town where the protagonist was hiding, their eyes meeting as the protagonist entered.
As the drama ended, the three viewers in the living room turned their attention away from the screen.
“This drama is really great. The plot and performances are almost perfect,” Gu Tingshen remarked, glancing at Jing Li with a slow smile. “If Wen Zheng plans to submit this work for the Feitian Television Awards next year, I’d say it’s a sure win.”
“Then allow me to congratulate Xiao Jing in advance for the drama’s smashing success and adding another accolade at the awards ceremony.”
The Feitian Award was among the three most prestigious and authoritative awards for television productions.
Winning such an honor not only validated an actor’s skills but could propel their career to new heights.
Gu Tingshen’s words expressed his most sincere well-wishes for Jing Li.
“Shall I echo Tingshen-ge’s auspicious words?” Jing Li smiled in response.
However, Gu Tingshen’s brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this.
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