They moved from the bustling front hall to the backyard, which was significantly quieter. The deep corridors and open spaces were nearly empty, making the vast area feel desolate.
Wu Yan, following Pei Jin, stopped when the man did. He looked a bit lost and asked, “Brother, do you have something to say to me? Why find such a remote spot?”
“Wu Yan.” Pei Jin stared at the youth, his tone laced with helplessness.
“I’m here.” Wu Yan smiled and moved to lean closer, but Pei Jin suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Wu Yan looked down; it was his medicine case.
“Eh? Why is my medicine with you?” Wu Yan hadn’t realized he’d lost it. He frowned in confusion.
“You dropped it by the elevator. Don’t lose it next time.”
Pei Jin hadn’t originally planned to come to this gathering. But when Luo Xia mentioned Wu Yan was here, he had on some inexplicable whim—used the lost medicine as an excuse to come and pull the youth aside.
Wu Yan took the case, looking up with a soft gaze. “I see. Thank you, Brother.”
Watching Wu Yan’s obedient expression, Pei Jin’s heart stirred. He parted his lips to speak, but was suddenly pulled into a full embrace. Wu Yan wrapped his arms around Pei Jin’s waist, lowering his head. Beneath his trembling lashes, a flicker of secret cunning flashed.
Pei Jin grabbed Wu Yan’s collar to pull him away, but he was stopped by the sound of a weak cough. His movements froze, replaced by a hint of panic. “Wu Yan?”
“I’m fine…” Wu Yan let go and stumbled back a few steps. His stray hairs covered his expression, but the fragility in his voice was unmistakable.
Seeing him so weak, Pei Jin hurried forward to support him. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Wu Yan shook his head. He poured a few pills into his palm, but as he moved to take them, Pei Jin caught his wrist. Meeting the man’s worried gaze, Wu Yan leaned even closer.
He whispered, “Brother, you care so much. What if I accidentally misunderstand your feelings?” His voice was as sweet as if it were coated in sugar.
“I should really take you to the hospital.” Feeling the youth’s direct gaze, Pei Jin’s ear tips turned red. In the quiet corridor, the atmosphere became strangely intimate.
Wu Yan chewed the pills and swallowed them with effort. “I’m okay, it’s just an old ailment. If Brother feels sorry for me, won’t you do me a favor?”
“What is it?” Pei Jin asked, noticing the youth was still pale.
“Like me a little more. It’s always me thinking about Brother; it’s so unfair.” Wu Yan pouted, sounding truly heartbroken.
Pei Jin’s heart constricted as if squeezed by an invisible hand. Looking at the pitiful youth, he didn’t know what to say. Seeing his silence, Wu Yan’s eyes turned red. He spoke with a sob, yet feigned understanding: “I know Brother thinks this is too fast. It’s okay, I can wait. My feelings for you won’t change, no matter how long it takes.”
Because if they change, I’m dead.
Pei Jin, despite his experience, was at a loss. He said nothing but helped Wu Yan downstairs. At the exit, Gu Yanzhuo saw Wu Yan practically glued to Pei Jin. His initial shock turned to worry when he saw Wu Yan’s face.
“Yanyan, what’s wrong?” he asked anxiously.
Wu Yan was seated on a sofa. Pei Jin got him a cup of warm water. Feeling the prying eyes of the other guests, Wu Yan turned to Pei Jin. “I’m okay. Brother, can you take me back?”
Many guests had wanted to approach the Movie Star, but Wu Yan had effectively cut them off.
“Mhm,” Pei Jin nodded, not refusing.
Gu Yanzhuo, though not fond of Pei Jin’s personality, said, “Thanks for the trouble, Brother Pei. Take Yanyan home safely.”
The Hotel Return
Wu Yan slept the entire way back. By the time they reached the Bauhinia Hotel, he was still dazed as Pei Jin helped him upstairs.
“Where’s your keycard?” Pei Jin asked. “Right pocket,” Wu Yan replied concisely.
Pei Jin hesitated, then reached into the right pocket, but found only the medicine case. “Pants pocket,” Wu Yan whispered, shivering slightly as he felt the man’s hand through the fabric.
“…”
Pei Jin supported Wu Yan’s full weight. He hesitated, lips pressed tight, before reaching into the pants pocket. As he pulled the card out, he caught sight of Wu Yan’s flushed face. Those glass-like eyes and the beauty mark by his eye were incredibly alluring. Pei Jin forced himself to look away and swiped the door open.
Inside, Wu Yan leaned lazily on the sofa. “Thanks, Brother. Want to sit for a while?”
“No, I’m heading back.” Pei Jin sent a few texts to Xu Yike, then poured a glass of water for Wu Yan and draped a blanket over him. “I’ve called Xu Yike. If you feel worse, go to the hospital.”
As soon as the door closed, Wu Yan stretched and stood up, the weakness vanishing instantly. “Playing the pity card really works…” he murmured.
Just then, his phone lit up. It was a message from Pei Jin:
Pei Jin: The cookies were delicious.
Wu Yan smiled and replied:
Wu Yan: I’m glad you liked them, Brother. [Happy Penguin Emoji]
A knock sounded at the door. Wu Yan opened it to find a hotel waiter with a food cart. “Mr. Wu, here is your meal.”
“I didn’t order anything. Is there a mistake?” Wu Yan asked, glancing at the room number across the hall.
“No, sir. The guest in 1204 ordered it for you.”
“Come in then.” As the waiter set the table, Wu Yan’s phone chirped.
Pei Jin: Eat before you take your medicine.
Wu Yan replied:
Wu Yan: I see. Brother, you’re so good to me. Love you more now.
Wu Yan was halfway through the meal—most of which were his favorite dishes—when he heard a sound at the door. It wasn’t the waiter; it was Pei Jin.
“Looks like the food suits your taste,” Pei Jin said, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
Wu Yan was about to invite him in when Xu Yike hurried back. Seeing the two together, Xu Yike paused for two seconds and then turned and left. Wu Yan was delighted.
“Why did you come over, Brother?” Wu Yan asked.
“I was worried because Xu Yike hadn’t arrived yet,” Pei Jin explained. He didn’t refuse Wu Yan’s invitation to enter.
Inside, Wu Yan noticed Pei Jin looking at the TV, which was playing cartoons. He coughed and quickly turned it off. The room went silent.
“Brother…” Wu Yan sat close to him, tugging his sleeve. “Is your next movie with Gu Yanzhuo?”
“Mhm.” Pei Jin’s voice was steady.
“Does this mystery thriller have any romantic subplots?” Wu Yan asked, his hand trembling slightly.
“A little,” Pei Jin answered truthfully.
Wu Yan’s face fell. “Are there… kiss scenes?”
Pei Jin stiffened. He saw Wu Yan staring at him nervously and felt his heart soften. “There is one in the first draft, but it’s not finalized.”
Wu Yan’s eyes lit up with a sudden thought. He asked cunningly:
“Then, if I act as the ‘Party A’ investor, can I cancel that kiss scene?”