The lights in the venue went out in an instant, leaving only a spotlight shining on the stage.
After the host finished their speech, they invited the organizers to come on stage and give a talk.
Next were the invited entertainment industry big shots, each sharing and discussing their experiences and insights in film and television.
As soon as the last screenwriter finished speaking, the lights suddenly came back on.
By the time Luo Ying opened his eyes again, Lu Rang had already followed Ye Suishan over.
“Silan, why didn’t you say anything when you arrived?”
Ye Suishan teased Wen Silan for putting on airs, and the latter could only apologize repeatedly.
“With so many people surrounding you, Teacher, I didn’t dare to disturb. I just got here myself and was planning to wait until the crowd thinned out before coming to find you.”
Wen Silan was blatantly lying, but Ye Suishan didn’t press the matter.
Noticing Luo Ying standing nearby, he asked, “Silan, who is this? Why haven’t you introduced him?”
Suddenly called out, Luo Ying quickly bowed and offered a toast to Ye Suishan. “Teacher Ye, hello. My name is Luo Ying. I’m a friend of President Wen.”
Ye Suishan seemed to like this kind of proactive and humble young man. While Luo Ying was toasting, he took hold of Luo Ying’s hand, patted it, glanced up at Lu Rang behind him, and smiled. “This kid is quite polite and likable. Don’t you think so, Xiao Luo?”
The jealousy that had been simmering in Lu Rang’s eyes hadn’t yet dissipated. He lowered his gaze and acknowledged the remark, then immediately fixed his stare on the hand Wen Silan had placed on Luo Ying.
Ye Suishan continued, “Nowadays, it’s you young people leading the way in this industry. Luo Ying, which direction are you developing in?”
Luo Ying hadn’t mentioned the new project he had invested in to Lu Rang. His original intention was simply to earn more money to pay off his debts and escape the reality of being kept as soon as possible.
Now, being asked about it in front of Lu Rang, Luo Ying really didn’t know how to respond.
He forced a smile and braced himself to say, “I’ve only just entered this circle and don’t have a clear direction yet. I’m trying out a project with a friend to support newcomers in making films.”
Ye Suishan seemed very interested. “That’s great, quite novel.”
Whether intentionally trying to make connections or genuinely optimistic about the project, he glanced at Ye Xirong. “Luo Ying, when your project starts filming, could you save a small role for my Xirong? This kid is almost out of acting jobs.”
“Huh?”
Just minutes ago, Luo Ying had been worrying about how to connect with Ye Suishan, and now the man was taking the initiative to make the connection.
Moreover, he had heard that Ye Xirong was already a hugely popular celebrity, with schedules booked solid for filming. Wasn’t this just handing him a huge advantage for free?
“Looks like I’ve put you in a difficult spot,” Ye Suishan chuckled. “How about this—I’ll ask Xiao Luo to make a guest appearance for you. He has a lot of fans, so he definitely won’t let you lose money. Xiao Luo, what do you think?”
Lu Rang’s voice was cold. “I have no objections.”
Luo Ying was practically sweating bullets as he raised his glass in thanks to Lu Rang.
Ye Suishan laughed, and Luo Ying forced a dry laugh along with him.
It wasn’t Ye Suishan’s request that had put him in a difficult position—it was the intensity of Lu Rang’s gaze, which felt like it was about to burn a hole through him.
That look seemed to carry words, questioning why Luo Ying had kept so many things from him.
It also seemed to say that as long as Luo Ying asked, Lu Rang would make free guest appearances in every project he invested in.
At that moment, Ye Xirong, never one to miss a chance to stir up trouble, jumped in to add fuel to the fire. “Lu Rang, you rarely agree to things so readily. What’s the reason this time?”
Luo Ying rushed to answer, “We’re old classmates.”
That was said for Ye Suishan to hear.
After speaking, he guiltily glanced at Lu Rang, whose face had turned dark.
Lu Rang shot a cold glance and echoed Luo Ying’s words, as if repeating, “Yeah, old classmates.”
Just then, someone else came over to greet Ye Suishan. Squeezed between three tall men, Luo Ying felt utterly suffocated.
He covered half his face with his hand, blocking Lu Rang’s gaze. Spotting a passing waiter, he placed his glass on the tray. “You guys chat first. I need to use the restroom. Sorry about that.”
Luo Ying practically dashed into the bathroom. Warm water gushed from the sensor faucet, and he cupped a handful to splash on his face.
Click—
The bathroom door was locked from the inside. Luo Ying turned his head toward the sound to see Lu Rang casually adjusting his collar, his presence imposing.
Luo Ying had assumed Lu Rang would linger a bit longer with Ye Xirong and the others. If he’d known Lu Rang would follow, he would have locked the door earlier.
Then he wouldn’t be stuck here staring awkwardly at him.
Under the warm light, Luo Ying’s face flushed red. His curled eyelashes were damp and clung together in clusters. His brown pupils reflected the light, and his moist lips resembled two dew-kissed rose petals, tempting one to pluck them.
“My partner couldn’t make it, so I’m attending on his behalf. I didn’t tell you because I was afraid you’d bring me along. If the paparazzi outside caught us, our relationship would… Mmm…”
Before Luo Ying could finish, Lu Rang pressed him against the wall.
His head rested on Lu Rang’s large hand, his waist held tightly.
This kiss was fierce and aggressive. A wet tongue swept in, sometimes sucking, sometimes nibbling, as if all the restraint Lu Rang had shown earlier was unleashed in this moment. His lips wantonly ravaged those two rose petals.
Luo Ying’s hands rested on Lu Rang’s shoulders. He was kissed breathless. Yet, Lu Rang’s kisses thrilled him—even this domineering, invasive pressure made his heart race.
Oh no, he thought. Am I some kind of masochist when it comes to this?
During a brief pause for air, Lu Rang whispered, “You’re afraid our relationship will be exposed?”
Luo Ying nodded dazedly, his breath still unsteady, his voice soft. “It would affect your reputation. And I don’t want people in Haidu’s circles to know I’m being… by you.”
Even though Luo Ying had come to terms with being kept, the words still felt scorching on his tongue. He couldn’t quite say them aloud.
Lu Rang punished him with a bite on his lower lip. “So, I’m just your old classmate now?”
Luo Ying felt a bit wronged. “But you are.”
Lu Rang stared at him. Fresh from the passionate kiss, Luo Ying hadn’t fully caught his breath. He panted, his damp eyelashes clustering toward the corners of his eyes, his eye rims slightly reddened, his gaze dazed and alluring.
“I don’t care about online gossip. I just want you to acknowledge me as your boyfriend in front of them. I’m willingly supporting you. We’re in a relationship—not the kind you think.”
Huh??
Is there a difference??
Luo Ying and he had no foundation of love. If not that kind of relationship, then what?
He really feared Lu Rang had genuinely mistaken him for that unattainable ideal and gotten lost in his own performance.
Whatever. The one paying the bills is him.
He can do as he pleases.
Leaning against the wall, Luo Ying blinked innocently. “Fine. Whatever you say.”
Lu Rang was utterly disarmed by Luo Ying’s words. He took a deep breath, the cold air chilling his teeth, and for a moment, he truly felt his defenses crumbling.
Seeing Lu Rang remain silent for so long, Luo Ying looked up and was startled to find Lu Rang’s eyes reddened, glistening with unshed tears.
!!!
What did this mean now?
Luo Ying was completely thrown off.
“What’s wrong with you?” Luo Ying was at a loss.
Lu Rang remained silent, only tightening his embrace around Luo Ying, resting his chin on his shoulder.
The bathroom was empty, making the sound of Lu Rang steadying his breathing even more distinct.
“Luo Ying, last time it was ‘friend,’ this time it’s ‘old classmate.’ Next time, I don’t want to hear you assign me another new label.”
Luo Ying, struggling to breathe in the tight hold, squirmed and reluctantly pushed back, “But I think it’s best to avoid suspicion in public.”
Then he fell silent under Lu Rang’s cold, tear-filled gaze.
After a long, tense exchange of looks, Luo Ying finally relented.
Still, Luo Ying couldn’t understand why Lu Rang was so fixated on his identity as his “boyfriend.”
When they returned to the hall, Wen Silan was nowhere to be seen. Ye Xirong was leaning back on the sofa, holding a wine glass, facing the entrance with his long legs crossed. Spotting Luo Ying and Lu Rang returning, he waved them over, signaling for a chat.
When Luo Ying had first met Ye Xirong a few days ago, he was already in costume and styled for his role. Now, seeing the “real” him, Luo Ying couldn’t help but think this man knew how to dress well—even the necklace he wore was of a rare, translucent quality.
Before Lu Rang could sit down, he was pulled aside by a director to catch up. Luo Ying sat on the sofa first, and under Ye Xirong’s intensely curious gaze, he immediately regretted moving so quickly.
Luo Ying leaned back on the sofa, tilting his chin slightly upward, hands folded on his knees.
He didn’t like being scrutinized with such an appreciative gaze, but out of respect for Ye Xirong being Ye Suishan’s son, he averted his eyes, forcibly ignoring Ye Xirong’s stare.
He couldn’t confront him directly, but he also couldn’t be bothered to engage.
“How interesting.”
Ye Xirong set down his glass and moved to sit beside Luo Ying, his captivating eyes smiling.
“President Luo, any progress on the investment project?” Ye Xirong started a conversation.
Luo Ying replied formally, “We’re still in the selection phase across campuses.”
Ye Xirong added, “There are quite a few graduates doing internships lately, so the selection must be busy. Are you personally picking candidates, President Luo?”
Luo Ying said, “No need. We only need to choose suitable films and personnel from the finalists among the campuses.”
Ye Xirong mused, “That makes it easier.”
Then the two fell into silence. Luo Ying, bored, scrolled through his phone, checking his social feed and liking or commenting on everything he could.
A few minutes later, Ye Xirong suddenly spoke up, his tone dripping with gossip.
“Mind sharing? How did you and Lu Rang get together?”
Before Luo Ying could respond, Ye Xirong continued, almost to himself, “I remember he always had someone on his mind.”
Luo Ying, even more curious, asked, “Was it his college sweetheart?”
Ye Xirong’s eyes lit up. “You know about that?”
Luo Ying shook his head. “I’ve heard about it.”
Ye Xirong crossed his legs and leaned in closer to Luo Ying, thinking for a moment before saying, “I don’t think he started dating in college—it was probably in high school. Maybe right after graduation or just as he started university. We met in our sophomore year, so it was definitely before that. I only found out by chance when I saw a couple photo on his phone lock screen.”
The two of them bonded over discussing Lu Rang’s romantic history, and Luo Ying suddenly found Ye Xirong much more agreeable. He leaned in as well and asked quietly, “Why did they break up?”
Ye Xirong squinted lazily and replied, “I heard the other person went abroad. Just left without a word and dumped Lu Rang.”
That sounded like an abrupt breakup.
Luo Ying covered his mouth, feeling a pang of sympathy for Lu Rang’s past.
No wonder he was willing to spend so much money to date me—was it because he couldn’t accept how quickly that relationship ended?
But if that first love ever returned to the country, would Lu Rang pull a TV drama move and rekindle the old flame?
Lost in thought, Luo Ying asked somewhat guiltily, “Have you seen a photo of that person? Did they look like anyone you know?”
“How would I remember?” Ye Xirong sprawled back against the sofa and said, “Probably fair-skinned and clean-cut. If you get the chance, just take a look for yourself.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he glanced sharply at Luo Ying, realizing he’d said the wrong thing, and quickly tried to salvage the situation. “I bet those photos are long deleted anyway. I was asking how you two got together—how did we end up talking about his ex?”
Luo Ying suddenly deflated like a punctured balloon and made up a random excuse to brush it off.
With the gossipy atmosphere gone, the two fell into silence again.
Ye Xirong had no choice but to steer the conversation back to the “New Talent Support Plan.” “President Luo, your company must have invested quite a bit in this project, right?”
Luo Ying awkwardly picked up the thread. “My partner put in most of the money. I only contributed a small portion.”
Just as Luo Ying was about to pour himself a drink, a sharp, sarcastic voice came from the side.
“Well, well, President Luo, still have money to break into the entertainment industry, huh?”