He had overestimated his own composure.
When Lin Shen walked over, Director Jiang was chatting with Lu Jing about him.
“My judgment isn’t bad, right? Lin Shen was personally chosen by me. Whether it’s his looks or his acting skills, he’s truly outstanding. When I was flipping through the actor profiles, I spotted him right away!”
In front of his old friend, his words were filled with pride, and his praise was generous, waiting for Lu Jing to acknowledge his discerning eye.
Lu Jing’s eyes held a smile, and the corners of his lips curved faintly. “Yes, he really is exceptional.”
“Not only is he excellent in his craft, but he excels in other aspects as well. When waiting on set for long periods, other actors often complain to some extent, but Lin Shen never utters a word. He sits alone in a corner reading the script, hardly drawing any attention. Such patient and dedicated actors are rare these days.”
Lu Jing’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and his tone carried a subtle shift from before. “You pay a lot of attention to him?”
“Of course, I pay extra attention to someone I personally selected,” Director Jiang replied, not noticing the change in Lu Jing’s tone. “And it’s not just me boasting—I’ve always had an eye for spotting talent.”
As Director Jiang finished speaking, he turned his head and spotted Lin Shen walking toward them.
He waved at Lin Shen. “Lin Shen, come over here.”
Lin Shen was slightly surprised and paused for a moment.
As he approached, Director Jiang cheerfully introduced him to Lu Jing. “This is Lin Shen. He looks promising, doesn’t he? The first scene later is his, so keep your eyes wide open. I guarantee the person I picked will leave you impressed.”
He then turned to Lin Shen. “Lin Shen, this is Lu Jing. I don’t need to introduce the renowned Film Emperor Lu, do I?”
Director Jiang clearly had no idea about the relationship between Lin Shen and Lu Jing. Like everyone else present, he assumed they were merely two professionals in the entertainment industry with no prior connection.
When Lin Shen was called over, he felt a bit puzzled. Although Director Jiang was quite satisfied with his work, their interactions were usually limited to filming. Why would he suddenly call him over today?
After hearing Director Jiang’s words, Lin Shen realized the director was trying to play the role of a talent scout, introducing him to Lu Jing. In the entertainment industry, gaining Lu Jing’s recognition could greatly benefit his acting career.
Lin Shen stood while Lu Jing sat. One lowered his gaze, the other raised his eyes, their glances meeting in mid-air, subtly intertwined.
“Senior Lu, hello. I’m Lin Shen.”
Lu Jing looked at Lin Shen, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly stood up and extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Lu Jing.”
The air seemed to freeze. People around them stopped what they were doing and turned to look in their direction.
Under the gaze of many eyes, Lin Shen finally snapped out of his daze and quickly reached out to shake Lu Jing’s hand. Instinctively, he blurted out, “I’ve liked you for a long time. I’m very happy to be filming with you. Please take care of me in the future.”
Lu Jing’s voice was deep, carrying a hint of barely noticeable amusement. “Thank you for your admiration. I’ll be counting on you as well.”
The handshake lasted only a few seconds, but to Lin Shen, it felt like an eternity.
He had held Lu Jing’s hand just that noon, and now he stood before him in a different capacity, their hands clasped together. An indescribable feeling stirred within Lin Shen.
Hmm… how should he put it? That handshake and embrace at noon felt almost like a secret affair.
Secretive and alluring.
Lu Jing did not immediately sit back down in his chair. Instead, he turned his head to ask Director Jiang, “How much longer until we start filming?”
Director Jiang replied, “The set is all arranged. We can start filming now.”
Lu Jing then turned to Lin Shen and asked, “Are you ready?”
Lin Shen nodded and answered softly, “I’m ready.”
“Go ahead,” Lu Jing said. “Don’t be nervous.”
Lin Shen acknowledged with a “yes” and walked over to the camera. He exchanged a few words with his scene partner, then each took their positions, waiting for the start.
At the director’s signal, the clapperboard snapped, and filming officially began.
The scene was set in a chaotic and noisy bar. Dazzling lights flashed on the stage, where the singer and backup dancers performed with passionate energy. Below the stage, the crowd moved to the rhythm of the music, indulging in the joy brought by alcohol.
In an unnoticed corner, the character played by Lin Shen drank glass after glass of red wine. The crimson liquid trickled down his chin, slid along his neck, over his distinct and attractive collarbone, and soaked his clothes, leaving a mesmerizing blush on his white shirt.
On the sofas flanking the square table, a group of extravagantly dressed playboys stared at him with unabashed gazes. One of them swirled his wine glass and spoke in a vulgar, disdainful tone: “Jiang Zhuo, it’s not good to keep wearing wet clothes. You might catch a cold, and that would be heartbreaking. How about this? Take off your clothes and let these gentlemen see your body. Maybe it’ll be so enticing that someone can’t resist taking pity on you and reward you with a clean set of clothes.”
He leaned forward, placing one hand on Jiang Zhuo’s waist, and spoke in a voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear: “Especially this slender waist of yours. It must feel amazing to hold from behind.”
The people around laughed, their laughter sending chills down one’s spine.
“Brother Yu, this little beauty came specifically for you. Letting us see this much is already a privilege, thanks to you. How could we possibly ask for more?”
Jiang Zhuo had undone a few buttons of his shirt, revealing a stretch of fair skin. Every movement, whether still or in motion, was captivating.
But the person who suggested he undress was clearly someone no one present dared to offend.
“That’s right. Such a rare beauty is naturally for Brother Yu to enjoy alone. We wouldn’t dare to take a share from you.”
The man called Brother Yu seemed to be in high spirits. He kept one hand on Jiang Zhuo’s waist while raising his wine glass with the other, downing the clearly expensive red wine in one gulp. Then, with a forceful pull of his arm, he forced Jiang Zhuo closer to him.
In an instant, their breaths mingled. Just half an inch closer, and their lips would have touched.
Outside the scene, behind the camera, Lu Jing’s expression was grave. His fingers tightened, and even his usually steady breathing grew heavier.
Although he knew that due to the nature of his work, Lin Shen would inevitably have intimate scenes like this—including ones he himself had filmed in the past—he had long been aware of this particular scene and had repeatedly prepared himself mentally. Yet, when he actually saw Lin Shen so close to another man, he couldn’t remain calm.
He had overestimated his own composure.
At the critical moment, Jiang Zhuo extended a finger to press against Brother Yu’s chest. His expression was delicate, his voice enchanting: “Brother Yu, you haven’t agreed to my request yet.”
Brother Yu didn’t mind either, obligingly retreating a few inches: “I promise you, as long as you let me hold your waist and enjoy myself a few times tonight, the amount you want will definitely appear in your card tomorrow.”
Jiang Zhuo smiled and wrapped himself around him, placing both hands on his shoulders, ambiguous and intimate: “That’s what you said, don’t lie.”
Brother Yu laughed: “With so many brothers watching, are you still afraid I’ll go back on my word?”
Suddenly, the world spun, and Lin Shen was pinned beneath Brother Yu, surrounded by enthusiastic and sharp cheers.
“Cut—”
“Good acting,” Director Jiang said, “let’s do it again from where Jiang Zhuo’s hand presses against Brother Yu’s chest. This time, shoot a close-up. Jiang Zhuo, act a bit more coy and hesitant. The two of you can get closer. After the dialogue ends, Brother Yu flipping Jiang Zhuo onto the sofa should be more sudden—unexpected and quick, show the tension.”
No one noticed that with every additional word Director Jiang spoke, Lu Jing’s expression darkened further.
Director Jiang, immersed in explaining the scene, was completely unaware. After finishing, he nudged Lu Jing with his arm: “Don’t just let me talk, add a few words yourself.”
Across the way, Lin Shen held his breath, waiting for Lu Jing to speak.
Lu Jing’s gaze passed over the equipment and landed on Lin Shen, his eyes unreadable. After a long while, he slowly spoke: “When Jiang Zhuo presses his hand against Brother Yu while speaking, his body can lean forward along with his hand. Brother Yu should lean back with the force, but the distance between their noses shouldn’t increase—keep it close. For the later reversal, just pay attention to what Director Jiang said.”
Director Jiang praised: “As expected of a seasoned film emperor.”
The actors began preparing, and the cameras were set.
Close-ups and extreme close-ups placed higher demands on the actors’ facial expressions and body language. This part took several takes, with the director repeatedly explaining details and the actors adjusting their performances. The final result was surprisingly good.
When the last take ended, Director Jiang called out loudly to stop, announcing that the scene was done. The actor playing Brother Yu got up from Lin Shen, saying “Sorry for the intrusion” while pulling out a clean handkerchief from somewhere and handing it to Lin Shen.
The red liquid sticking to his skin was indeed uncomfortable. Lin Shen took it and politely thanked him, wiping his chin and neck.
As he wiped, he cautiously glanced toward the director. Director Jiang was beaming, very satisfied with the shot.
Lu Jing’s expression, however, wasn’t great. His thin lips were slightly pursed into a tight line.
His professionalism was fully displayed during work, but that didn’t stop him from privately disliking this scene.
Even though nothing too explicit was filmed, a flame called jealousy still rose in his chest.
As if some jar had been suddenly overturned.
Director Jiang directed the set: “Everyone, take a good rest. Those with wine on them can go back to shower and change clothes. Everyone performed very well in this crucial scene, especially Lin Shen.”
“By the way, Lin Shen, there’s another similar scene coming up soon. Go back and study the script carefully, and maintain your current state. The actor you’ll be working with is experienced, so as long as you cooperate well, that scene is sure to be both beneficial and enjoyable for you.”
This role posed many challenges for Lin Shen. In real life, he wasn’t good at expressing too much emotion—even playful or coquettish behavior was rarely seen in him, let alone being alluring and charming.
The most similar aspect between him and Jiang Zhuo was probably their faces.
They both had beautiful bone structure and features.
If they wanted to, every smile or glance could be utterly captivating.
Director Jiang was still enthusiastically explaining something to Lin Shen about the upcoming intimate scene, whose co-star he still didn’t know.
However, Lin Shen had no mind to listen at the moment. His gaze was fixed on Lu Jing, his heart hanging in the balance, caught between uncertainty and hesitation.
All the incessant noise around him faded away from his senses. In this small world, only Lin Shen and Lu Jing remained.
After what felt like an eternity, Lu Jing suddenly stood up, stepped past Director Jiang, and strode away with his long legs.
Seeing this, Director Jiang called out to him, “Hey—where are you going? The next scene is about to start.”
“Something came up. I’ll be back later.”
Only after Lu Jing left did Director Jiang realize he had been talking for too long. He stopped his rapid-fire speech and said, “Let’s not waste everyone’s time. Go about your business. The lighting and props for the next scene need attention. The person in charge should…”
Lin Shen stepped out of the director’s line of sight, and Xiao Xu handed him a bottle of water. “Brother, would you like some water?”
Lin Shen shook his head and took his phone from Xiao Xu’s other hand. As soon as he unlocked it, a WeChat message popped up.
Lu Jing: [Go back to the hotel first to shower and change.]
Lin Shen stared at the message, unsure whether Lu Jing was angry or not.
He typed a reply: “Okay.”
The distance from the set to the hotel wasn’t far, and Lin Shen arrived quickly. After stepping out of the elevator, he walked straight to Room 1701. As soon as he rang the doorbell, the door opened.
In the next moment, Lin Shen was pulled into the room by a strong force. The sound of the door slamming shut echoed sharply in the empty hallway.
Xiao Xu, who had witnessed the entire scene in such a short time, stood dumbfounded outside the door, his mouth agape.
—I knew I’d end up seeing something I shouldn’t in the hallway!
Author’s Note:
In the end, Xiao Xu bore it all alone! (But as a CP fan who gets to witness the sweetest moments firsthand, this feeling isn’t so bad, is it?)
Xiao Xu turned and went back to his room, took out his tools, and began huffing and puffing as he worked on his fan creation. (Note: The kind with explicit content.)