To his surprise, the door opened immediately. Gu Xiaowei was already dressed in his pajamas, his hair dried, looking soft and fluffy.

“What is it?” Gu Xiaowei asked, looking at him.

“You… Why did you put this sketch in my room?”

After saying this, Luo Yu felt inexplicably tense, his emotions stretched taut as he waited for the other’s response.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“A death painter, naturally depicting death.” Gu Xiaowei’s gaze shifted from the sketch to Luo Yu’s face, disturbingly calm.

All of Luo Yu’s guesses and feelings collapsed instantly. He raised the picture frame, “But at this point, Bai Ying wasn’t dead yet!”

Gu Xiaowei’s eyes darkened. “But he still died, in front of me.”

So… was this Bai Ying’s memorial portrait?

Was Luo Yu supposed to hang it on the wall and light incense for it every day?

“If you don’t like it, I can take it back.”

Gu Xiaowei reached out, and just as he was about to touch the frame, Luo Yu pulled it back behind him.

“Once it’s given, it’s mine.”

“That’s true, or else it would’ve ended up in my shredder.”

In that moment, Luo Yu suddenly understood the meaning behind the drawing.

“Lu Pingfeng’s copying of the butterfly specimen was meant only for Wen Yuchi. The Bai Ying you drew—is only for me, isn’t it?”

Gu Xiaowei stared at Luo Yu for two or three seconds before answering, “Yes.”

Luo Yu laughed, and suddenly wrapped his arms around Gu Xiaowei’s neck.

Caught off guard, Gu Xiaowei stumbled forward half a step, his chin falling against Luo Yu’s shoulder.

Luo Yu tightened his grip, not giving Gu Xiaowei the chance to refuse or struggle, and whispered in his ear, “Thank you, I really like it.”

The fluffy bangs fell down, covering Gu Xiaowei’s eyes.

Just as Gu Xiaowei was about to raise his hand to embrace him, Luo Yu let go, smiling as he said, “See you tomorrow.”

He picked up the drawing and walked back to his room.

Gu Xiaowei’s hand, halfway raised, slowly dropped, and in a voice only he could hear, he said, “If you actually opened up that drawing… you might not like it so much.”

Luo Yu carried the drawing back to his room, taking a deep breath.

If only… this drawing had been given to him purely as Gu Xiaowei, without any influence from Lu Pingfeng’s character.

Simply as a gift from Gu Xiaowei to Luo Yu, and not Bai Ying in the eyes of Yan Ye.

But at least… Bai Ying captivated Yan Ye, while Wen Yuchi fascinated Lu Pingfeng.

And he would certainly possess Gu Xiaowei, too.

Luo Yu put the drawing together with the previous sketches in his cabinet. He suddenly felt a thrill of excitement at what Gu Xiaowei’s future drawings of him would be like.

After looking through a few of the documents Sister Cui had sent over, Luo Yu glanced at the time—it was already half-past ten. Time for bed.

With a click, Luo Yu turned off his bedside lamp. As long as nothing was bothering him, he could fall asleep in three minutes.

He didn’t know how much time had passed, but as he lay on his side, one half of his face pressed into the pillow, he vaguely felt his mattress sink slightly, as though someone was gently brushing his hair away from his ear.

“Mm…” Luo Yu opened his eyes and was startled to see someone sitting at the edge of his bed.

He had locked the door tonight! Who was this?

Luo Yu immediately grabbed the other’s wrist, ready to fight back, but the other person quickly covered his mouth.

“Don’t be scared.”

The two cool words, with a raspy undertone that sent a shiver down his spine.

Gu Xiaowei? How had he gotten in?

Luo Yu relaxed, patting the back of Gu Xiaowei’s hand, signaling for him to let go.

But Gu Xiaowei bent down, one hand propped on the pillow beside Luo Yu’s head, his eyes getting closer and closer, like a planet with an overwhelming gravitational pull, threatening to completely engulf him.

A wild anticipation surged in his heart, and Luo Yu was just about to push himself up, trying to get closer to him.

But just as Gu Xiaowei’s hand moved away, a powerful force pressed down on him, and Luo Yu’s head fell back onto the pillow.

All his calm self-control was shattered by the overwhelming heat. All the cautious probing was crushed like dry weeds, and even the moonlight outside seemed to warp and fall from the sky. Everything—from blood to spirit—burned as it bloomed.

Gu Xiaowei’s strength grew more intense, and even when Luo Yu tried to struggle for a breath, Gu Xiaowei followed him relentlessly.

Suddenly, Luo Yu thought of Bai Ying sinking into the water, being lifted up again and again by Yan Ye just before drowning… Fate couldn’t save Bai Ying, but Yan Ye could.

Luo Yu panicked, grabbing the back of Gu Xiaowei’s collar, feeling the obsession and madness beneath Gu Xiaowei’s cold exterior—the same extremity that was in Yan Ye and Lu Pingfeng.

The only difference was, the characters in the script were bound to follow their written paths.

But Gu Xiaowei had no script to bind him.

He would decide the ending he wanted.

Just when Luo Yu was about to lose all his strength to resist, Gu Xiaowei suddenly let him go.

Air rushed into his lungs as Luo Yu’s body arched, and when he opened his eyes, the room was empty, Gu Xiaowei nowhere to be seen.

Luo Yu sat up with difficulty, looking towards the door.

The door was properly locked, Gu Xiaowei had never come in, yet he existed in Luo Yu’s mind.

Or perhaps, in his dreams, Luo Yu’s subconscious had invited his intrusion.

A thin layer of sweat formed on his neck, and his heart was still trembling nonstop.

Luo Yu’s throat moved, and he threw off his blanket, feeling both helpless and embarrassed.

“What the hell…”

In the middle of the night, Luo Yu changed his underwear. The pair he tossed aside he didn’t even bother washing, as if it were some guilty evidence. He mercilessly threw it away.

His throat felt like it was burning, and all he wanted was a big glass of ice water.

Luo Yu opened the door, went downstairs, and headed to the kitchen.

He opened the fridge, which contained the bottled mineral water that Xiao Qin had ordered in advance. He grabbed a bottle, twisted off the cap, and eagerly gulped it down.

Only after his body temperature had finally cooled down did Luo Yu realize he had drunk the entire bottle in one go.

He hadn’t turned on any lights so as not to disturb anyone.

By now, he had fully adjusted to the darkness, and when he turned his head to go back, he was startled to see someone sitting on the sofa in the living room.

The person had silently concealed their presence and hadn’t said a word, even though they clearly saw him come downstairs.

The suburban night was still relatively cool, especially in the early morning.

The figure in the darkness lay in wait, as if they could seep into every pore of Luo Yu’s body, into his organs and bones.

“Who’s there?”

Luo Yu squinted his eyes, trying to make out who it was.

It seemed like the other person was holding something, faintly reflecting a cold glint in the dark.

Luo Yu didn’t move forward; instead, he backed up and groped around behind him.

He remembered there was a row of knives in the kitchen, placed there for the convenience of the resort guests to cook or slice fruit.

But when he reached out, he found that the spot where the fruit knife should be was empty.

“Brother Jiang? Or Brother Yan?”

Whoever it was, scaring someone like this in the middle of the night made Luo Yu really want to beat them up.

Luo Yu headed toward the kitchen light switch, but when he pressed it, the light didn’t come on as expected.

But the fridge had just been working. Could someone have cut the power to this circuit?

Luo Yu grew more and more uneasy. Had someone broken into the villa? A paparazzo? A stalker? Or a home invader?

His imagination ran wild in that moment.

He pulled open the fridge door, intending to use the fridge’s light to see who the other person was.

As the dim light gradually illuminated the sofa, Luo Yu saw Gu Xiaowei sitting there with a teasing smile on his lips.

“Your reaction is really amusing.”

Gu Xiaowei’s voice rang out, but there was a hint of malice in his usually cool tone.

One hand rested on his knee, while the other held a fruit knife against the table.

Gu Xiaowei always seemed to adopt a different air depending on the lighting.

For example, in bright light, he appeared cold and indifferent, adhering emotionlessly to the rules of the world.

But in a dim setting, his handsome features seemed to sink into sinister desires, blurring the line between good and evil, truth and falsehood.

“What’s so amusing?” Luo Yu’s throat moved as he spoke. Why had Gu Xiaowei been sitting in the living room this whole time?

Hadn’t he gone to bed and closed the door earlier?

“You were scared of me, full of caution. You guessed it was Brother Jiang, guessed it was Brother Yan, but you never guessed it was me.”

Luo Yu spread his hands in Gu Xiaowei’s direction. “You should be glad. A dangerous person sitting in the dark, turning off the villa’s power and holding a fruit knife—I never would’ve thought it was you. It shows I place you in my safe zone.”

“Because if you knew it was me, even if I stabbed you with this knife, you wouldn’t be afraid.” Gu Xiaowei said.

Luo Yu suddenly thought of the scene Gu Xiaowei was about to film: Zhao Sicheng seeing Lu Pingfeng sleepwalking with a fruit knife in the surveillance footage, the tip of the knife dripping red liquid onto the ground.

“Are you rehearsing Lu Pingfeng’s sleepwalking scene?” Luo Yu asked.

“What if I wasn’t rehearsing that scene?” Gu Xiaowei tilted his head and asked.

That smile didn’t belong to Gu Xiaowei. It was as if he had broken free from his usual restraint, revealing his true colors little by little.

Luo Yu slowly closed the fridge, and the room once again fell into darkness.

He walked over to Gu Xiaowei and sat beside him, speaking in a calm voice, “Go ahead, tell me. What problem are you having with Lu Pingfeng’s sleepwalking scene?”

“What do you think he’s dreaming about?” Gu Xiaowei lowered his head, looking at the small knife in his hand. “In reality, he uses a paintbrush to record death, but in his dreams, he can create death without limits. It’s like how he’ll always remember his mother dying beside him, making him cling to that moment. Perhaps in his daily fantasies, he’s killed everything he cares about countless times. His agent, Uncle He who looks after him, and that female student trapped in his painting… So, in his dreams, he uses a knife as his brush, carving out the images in his mind.”

Luo Yu furrowed his brow. He realized that in his previous life, Gu Xiaowei had probably thought this way alone in the dark, sinking deeper and deeper until he couldn’t escape from his role.

“Gu Xiaowei, what do you think is the most similar thing between you and Lu Pingfeng? I mean… if in a dream, you wanted to destroy something, what would it be?”

Luo Yu’s fingertips lightly touched the back of Gu Xiaowei’s knife.

He didn’t deliberately try to take the knife from him because he feared it would make Gu Xiaowei guarded and resistant.

In Gu Xiaowei’s mind, this knife was his path into Lu Pingfeng’s dream state.

Gu Xiaowei stayed silent for a long time, not answering him.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Luo Yu chuckled softly, easing the tension in the room.

“Can’t come up with an answer, right? Because you wouldn’t bother using a knife. You’d never need something like that to defeat or conquer anyone. Using it would be a sign of weakness and lack of ability. Gu Xiaowei, your very existence carries an unapproachable superiority. Your strength lies in mentally overpowering your opponents, filling them with the despair that they can never win against you. That’s who you are, and that’s who Lu Pingfeng is too.”

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“If you don’t tell me, I’ll think about it all night,” Luo Yu said.

“Then keep thinking, over and over again,” Gu Xiaowei said, waving the hand holding a cigarette in front of Luo Yu’s face. His fingertip brushed against Luo Yu’s nose, like teasing a child.

Luo Yu immediately grabbed his wrist, keeping his gaze fixed on Gu Xiaowei. He turned his face slightly and bit down on the cigarette in Gu Xiaowei’s hand, taking it between his lips.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Gu Xiaowei’s hand remained in the air as Luo Yu took a step back, straightened up, and smiled at him.

“Who hasn’t crossed the line before?” Luo Yu said, taking a light drag.

“What?” Gu Xiaowei asked.

“Take a guess,” Luo Yu flicked the ash off the cigarette, exuding a bit of carefree charm as the sparks by his lips flickered. He walked past Gu Xiaowei without a care.

And then he left.

The next episode of the drama started, and Xiao Qin and Ye Shengyi were excited. The duck necks were finished, leaving a pile of bones on the coffee table in front of the couch, where Luo Yu happened to sit down beside them.

“Brother Luo, aren’t you watching with Brother Gu?” Xiao Qin asked curiously.

“We spend enough time acting together. Do I really need to discuss the drama with him too? Let me catch my breath,” Luo Yu said half-jokingly.

The others immediately chimed in in agreement.

Gu Xiaowei stood above them, looking down at the top of Luo Yu’s head and his pale neck.

His left hand was still clenched, never loosening.

Because earlier, on the terrace, when Luo Yu took away that cigarette, his lips had brushed against Gu Xiaowei’s palm.

It felt like an unintentional move, yet also like a deliberate test.

After two episodes of “Counterattack”, there was a heated discussion online, with many enthusiastic fans and abundant spontaneous reactions.

The underwater scene between Gu Xiaowei and Luo Yu was particularly buzzworthy, with audiences praising their realistic acting and the intense atmosphere they created.

The clip was replayed endlessly by viewers on video platforms.

There were even three trending topics related to the drama.

While many praised Gu Xiaowei for being the ratings king, Luo Yu was given his first positive label: “Hidden Gem Actor.” There aren’t many young actors who can portray such a complex character like Bai Ying.

That night, while Luo Yu was still studying the script, Sister Cui called.

“Han Yang called me right after watching the latest two episodes! He said that no matter when ‘Beast and Rose’ wraps up, the drama he’s producing will wait for you!”

Luo Yu was stunned. “You mean… once this movie is done, I’ll be the lead?”

“Yes! Are you excited? Happy? Even President Jiang is looking out for this lead role for you! He was planning to invite Han Yang to a meeting, but now it’s Han Yang inviting him!”

Luo Yu closed his eyes and smiled, imagining Jiang Yinchuan’s smug expression.

“Oh, and have you heard of the brand PURE COLOUR?”

Luo Yu’s heart skipped a beat. Wasn’t that the brand of aftershave Gu Xiaowei used?

“I know. Their aftershave smells great.”

“They’ve just launched a new line that focuses on soothing effects after tightening. The tagline fits your vibe perfectly, so they want you to endorse this series.”

Luo Yu touched the tip of his nose and asked with a smile, “Which series?”

“The Downfall series—because of you, sobriety is a crime.”

What an interesting tagline. Someday, he’d have to make Gu Xiaowei use it, so he could experience what “sobriety is a crime” really means.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

“The episode of ‘Burn, Little Cosmos’ you participated in set a record for the show’s highest replay rate in three years! Even if you don’t want to be a permanent guest, Director Xu Mu still hopes you can record another episode before ‘Storm’ airs! You can’t avoid promoting the show, right?”

“They can invite the lead actor, Cheng Fei.”

“Uh… It’s a good idea to showcase your bromance with Cheng Fei. But if it’s just him… people might worry he’ll end up starting a world war with He Mu.”

“Hahaha! Knowing Cheng Fei, that’s entirely possible! He’d roast He Mu until he passes out.”

“Which, for the show… might be great for ratings too.”

“But He Mu probably wouldn’t appreciate that kind of attention.”

“Speaking of He Mu, his resources have noticeably downgraded lately. First, ‘Burn, Little Cosmos’ proposed lowering his appearance fee for the next season. He Mu refused, and both sides have been fighting over it. Although it hasn’t blown up on social media yet, the higher-ups at the show have already decided that if He Mu won’t agree to the fee cut, they won’t renew his contract.”

Luo Yu’s expression darkened. He could use He Mu as a cautionary tale—knowing which paths not to take, which directions to avoid.

“It was inevitable. He Mu’s overexposure in variety shows has lessened his chemistry with the programs, and his appeal to viewers is fading. The production team isn’t stupid; if the ratings don’t improve, they’re not going to keep throwing money at him.”

“The key issue is that ‘Burn, Little Cosmos”’s decision to lower He Mu’s fee has spread in the industry, and other variety shows are making similar demands. Plus, the luxury brand that had been negotiating with He Mu has now reached out to you!” Sister Cui’s excitement was evident.

Luo Yu had never paid much attention to luxury brands. He was a fashion black hole, so he could only listen with a smile as Sister Cui spoke.

“Although it’s just as a brand ambassador and not the spokesperson, at least now you won’t have to worry about borrowing clothes for important events! Doesn’t it feel like every day ‘Counterattack’ airs, your resources level up?”

Luo Yu laughed, “You just mentioned they’re also talking with He Mu. Won’t it be awkward if he’s the spokesperson and I’m the ambassador?”

“Don’t be silly! The fact they’re approaching you means they’re considering dropping He Mu! Look at He Mu—what has he done lately that’s worth mentioning? Even for the young general role he’s currently playing, he had to take a sick leave after two days of wirework. It’s said that the director was so furious, he and the producer raised hell at Ou Juntao’s office, demanding a replacement! But Dijun Media has no other decent actors to offer!”

Luo Yu lowered his eyes and smiled. This industry’s fortunes change quickly; maybe very soon He Mu would get a taste of the five years of obscurity Luo Yu had experienced.

After hanging up the phone, Luo Yu turned to look outside the door. The sound of running water in the bathroom hadn’t stopped, but Gu Xiaowei had been in there for almost twenty minutes.

Luo Yu narrowed his eyes. For a man with such excellent physical fitness to stay in the bathroom for so long—it was bound to stir some imaginative thoughts.

A mischievous idea crept into his mind.

Luo Yu approached the door and leaned against it. “Teacher Gu, you’ve been in there a while. Are you out of oxygen? Fainted? Need me to come in and save you?”

After a second or two, the door suddenly opened, and the steam from the hot water billowed out through the crack, moistening Luo Yu’s eyelashes and bangs with a fine mist.

Luo Yu’s eyes met Gu Xiaowei’s, dark as the depths of the ocean, and the feeling of being overwhelmed crept over him once more.

A towel was wrapped around Gu Xiaowei’s waist, his shoulder and abdominal muscles sharply defined. His previously cool gaze suddenly burned when it landed on Luo Yu, making Luo Yu feel strangely tense.

“If I had passed out from lack of oxygen, how would you save me?” Gu Xiaowei’s gaze flickered with amusement.

“Step one, drag you out,” Luo Yu replied.

Gu Xiaowei leaned against the door without moving, leaving only two fists’ worth of space between them.

Even through his casual clothes and Gu Xiaowei’s towel, Luo Yu could feel the heat emanating from his body.

“And step two?” Gu Xiaowei asked, not in a hurry to leave.

“Cardiac resuscitation,” Luo Yu said. He had originally wanted to say mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but who knows where the conversation would lead if he said that.

Gu Xiaowei didn’t move closer, still maintaining the distance. “I thought it should be mouth-to-mouth.”

Luo Yu had the impulse to pat him on the shoulder but felt awkward since Gu Xiaowei wasn’t wearing a shirt and was still slightly damp. He hesitated.

Though mostly because he had ulterior motives and felt guilty.

“Don’t worry. I’ll perform that mouth-to-mouth scene perfectly!”

Gu Xiaowei’s smile deepened. “The scene in the script is cardiac resuscitation, not mouth-to-mouth. If you’re really eager to learn, I can practice with you.”

Just cardiac resuscitation?

Luo Yu felt a twinge of disappointment.

“The director specifically arranged for professional first aid personnel to teach me hands-on,” Luo Yu politely replied.

“I meant mouth-to-mouth.”

Before Luo Yu could react, Gu Xiaowei had already walked back to his room.

Luo Yu opened his mouth, about to say something, when he heard the “click” of Gu Xiaowei locking the door.

One moment it’s cardiac resuscitation, the next it’s mouth-to-mouth—it’s enough to make one’s brain spin in circles. And he just left? Although Luo Yu wasn’t sure if the other was teasing him or just in a good mood after a bath and speaking casually.

Damn, if you’re so good, go lock the door forever.

Luo Yu entered the bathroom, then remembered he hadn’t brought a change of clothes, so he turned back to his room.

He sighed, scratching the back of his head, feeling like he was outmatched. One ambiguous, sudden move from Gu Xiaowei could throw him off completely, yet no matter how Luo Yu provoked him, Gu Xiaowei’s emotions always seemed perfectly controlled, yielding no results.

If he were truly in his early twenties, Luo Yu would’ve already stormed in, grabbed the other’s collar, and said, “If you don’t mean it, stop messing with me.”

But the problem was, he cared too much about him, afraid of making a wrong move, and losing even the chance to joke around without awkwardness in the future.

Someday, if I truly get my hands on you, you’ll be begging to live but unable to die.

Luo Yu picked up his clothes and headed back to the bathroom.

He deliberately turned off the ventilation, as if that could somehow let him stay in the other’s lingering presence.

Looking up, standing where Gu Xiaowei had showered earlier, Luo Yu took a deep breath. Besides the usual scent of his body wash, there was a faint hint of musk.

Luo Yu frowned, feeling the need to clear out the junk in his mind. Was this some sort of “old flames reigniting, everything becoming a threat” situation?

With a splash, he turned on the hot water and took a proper shower.

When he came out, Gu Xiaowei’s door was still closed, so Luo Yu returned to his own room.

He had just put his things down when, in the next instant, he drew a sharp breath.

There, by his bedside, was a picture frame, but it didn’t contain an oil painting—it was a sketch.

It was from tonight’s broadcast of “Counterattack”, when Bai Ying was submerged in water and lost consciousness.

His hair floated in the water, and though his eyes were closed, his expression was ethereal, evoking a desire for destruction that was both fragile and powerful. The contrast between the black and white and the light and shadows was stark.

But this stark contrast was like a rift in an abyss, allowing no light in, with all kinds of mad, deviant desires seeping through.

The rough, frenzied strokes somehow conveyed a barely restrained, on-the-edge-of-collapse intensity.

In that moment, Luo Yu’s heart was gripped and lifted to its peak, the feeling even stronger than when he had been watching the drama with Gu Xiaowei, shoulder to shoulder, earlier.

With every step closer, he moved nearer to a veiled, burning desire.

From the first stroke to the last, the force behind the pencil and the wild emotions of the artist were apparent.

For the first time, Luo Yu felt as though he’d been captured by a drawing.

His fingers touched it, the indentations of the lines etched into the paper were so clear.

When had Gu Xiaowei drawn this sketch?

When Luo Yu had been on the phone with Sister Cui? But didn’t Gu Xiaowei go to take a shower?

So it must’ve been while Luo Yu was in the bathroom… Just how skilled was he, to finish a drawing so quickly?

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

And why had he placed it in Luo Yu’s room, framed so carefully, almost ceremoniously, as if it were a confession?

Luo Yu ruffled his hair, took a deep breath, and grabbed the drawing, walking to Gu Xiaowei’s door, knocking forcefully.

“Gu Xiaowei, open the door.”

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He glanced at Brother Yan, who was driving in the front, and Ye Shengyi in the passenger seat, both clearly straining to overhear their conversation.

As for Xiao Qin in the backseat, she was leaning forward, trying to eavesdrop too.

Luo Yu promptly reached out and pushed Xiao Qin’s head back. “Sit properly! You’ll tumble over if there’s a sudden stop.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Xiao Qin pouted, rubbing her head. “You two are so unfair, whispering without letting us in on it!”

Luo Yu laughed, “We were just saying, Xiao Qin, you’ve been eating too well recently. Not only has your face rounded out, but so has your belly…”

Xiao Qin immediately covered her ears, “I won’t listen! I won’t listen! You’re rambling nonsense!”

Luo Yu turned back, only to find Gu Xiaowei, arms crossed and eyes closed, resting. He didn’t feel it was appropriate to say anything to disturb him.

He touched the back of his head, the spot where Gu Xiaowei had just held him.

If that had been a joke, Gu Xiaowei’s strength was no joke—Luo Yu doubted his head would remain intact if it weren’t made of iron.

Sighing, Luo Yu realized he had to seriously consider a question: could he win in a fight against Gu Xiaowei, a master of seven levels of sanda?

What if Gu Xiaowei had no feelings for him and decided to end things with a final brutal fight? The very thought made his bones ache.

And what if… what if he did have feelings? Given Gu Xiaowei’s quiet, explosive nature, the thought made Luo Yu’s bones ache even more.

Maybe he should buy insurance—if he lost an arm or a leg, at least he might get some medical compensation.

“What’s going through that head of yours?” Gu Xiaowei glanced at Luo Yu.

“I was thinking… falling in love with Gu Xiaowei must be a high-risk endeavor. With your strength, you could accidentally snap someone’s bones.”

“You could try. I can be very dangerous, but also very gentle.”

Seeing Gu Xiaowei’s hand reaching out without any hint of gentleness, Luo Yu quickly dodged, but still got his hair ruffled.

Before they knew it, the car pulled up outside their villa. Luo Yu was still squeezing his hand, and Xiao Qin couldn’t wait any longer, tapping him on the shoulder, “Brother Luo, aren’t you and Brother Gu getting out?”

“Oh, right! Of course!” Luo Yu seized his chance and tried to mess up Gu Xiaowei’s hair.

But before his fingers could even brush the strands, Gu Xiaowei suddenly grabbed his hand, squeezed his fingers together with an effortless grip, and applied just enough force to make Luo Yu wince in pain.

“Gu Xiaowei, are you trying to kill me?” Luo Yu shouted.

Gu Xiaowei opened his eyes, locking gazes with him. “You started it.”

“Where did I attack you?” Luo Yu slapped Gu Xiaowei’s hand, “Let go! My bones are about to crack!”

Gu Xiaowei gave a small chuckle, releasing his grip, then stepped out of the van, casually crossing over Luo Yu’s legs and tossing out one final remark.

“Do you really not know where you were trying to attack?”

Standing outside the car, Xiao Qin, Brotjer Yan, and Ye Shengyi all stared at Luo Yu with wide-eyed surprise, as if he had done something scandalous.

Luo Yu remained calm as he exited the vehicle, but while changing into his slippers, Ye Shengyi whispered, “Bro, where exactly were you trying to attack Brother Gu?”

Luo Yu threw an arm around Ye Shengyi. “Where do you think?”

“Hehe, I’m still young. I won’t take part in your suggestive banter.”

Luo Yu pinched Ye Shengyi’s cheek hard. “Still young?”

“Ouch, ouch… let go…”

“What were you driving? Tell me, what were you driving?” (TN: driving=thinking, usually something inappropriate)

“A… a bicycle…”

“You think you deserve a bicycle?”

“A tricycle for toddlers…”

“Keep overthinking, and next time, you’ll be in a wheelchair,” Luo Yu let go of Ye Shengyi.

The boy bolted away in a flash.

Luo Yu turned back, only to meet Gu Xiaowei’s gaze.

It was as if Gu Xiaowei hadn’t left the filming mode, his expression unreadable. Just as Luo Yu was wondering what to say, Gu Xiaowei’s face softened, and he quietly said, “Let’s eat.”

Luo Yu nodded, but he couldn’t shake the strange feeling—the same shift in attitude Lu Pingfeng had when looking at others compared to Wen Yuchi.

After dinner, Brother Yan and the others claimed the sofa in the living room.

Xiao Qin somehow managed to bring back some duck neck and soda, the crack of the drinks opening making the room feel like a college dorm.

Ye Shengyi, wearing plastic gloves, waved a piece of duck neck at Luo Yu, “Want some, Brother Luo?”

“I…”

Before Luo Yu could respond, Gu Xiaowei’s arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him away.

“Let’s go watch upstairs.”

Luo Yu waved goodbye to them as he was dragged off.

Xiao Qin leaned toward Brother Yan and Ye Shengyi, “Don’t you guys think Brother Gu loves spending time alone with Brother Luo?”

“Maybe it’s awkward for him to watch the shows he’s acted in with us,” Brother Yan said.

Ye Shengyi made up a random excuse, “Maybe it’s more convenient for driving.”

Then, Xiao Qin and Brother Yan’s fists landed on his head, one on the left, one on the right.

Upstairs, Luo Yu didn’t go directly to Gu Xiaowei’s room but changed into lounge pants before knocking on his door.

Gu Xiaowei was already leaning against the headboard, finding the right TV channel. Luo Yu sat down on the other side.

The drama continued at a high pace, with intense developments. The plot had reached the point where Bai Ying was thrown into the sewer by his enemy, struggling as Yan Ye recklessly jumped in to save him.

Underwater, Bai Ying’s hair floated in the murky light, making him look like a captivating water spirit.

Luo Yu sat cross-legged, propping his chin on his hand, and at that moment, he had to admire the director’s camera work; it was so good that he felt like jumping into the water to rescue Bai Ying himself.

“Now, this is a true flower of the other shore.” (TN: spider lily)

Even if he sank into hell, he would take with him all the worldly desires, fueling the flames of purgatory even more fiercely.

Gu Xiaowei’s voice broke the silence, cold and restrained as always, making Luo Yu wonder: If Bai Ying, struggling underwater, heard a voice like this, would he abandon all his love, hatred, and desires, waiting for him to save him?

Underwater, Yan Ye looked at Bai Ying face-to-face, slapping his cheeks, trying to call his name, but only bubbles came out.

“What were you thinking at that moment?” Luo Yu asked.

It was something he’d been curious about—what made Gu Xiaowei not follow the script’s simple direction but instead repeatedly lift him up?

“Thinking of you,” Gu Xiaowei said softly.

Only three words, yet Luo Yu’s entire body tensed up, as if a faint electric current ran through his veins.

The screen displayed scenes full of strength and determination.

Underwater, Yan Ye’s expression was fierce and wild, as though it wasn’t Bai Ying struggling for life, but himself.

Usually ruthless and resolute, Bai Ying looked like a drifting broken branch or fallen leaf, with Yan Ye as his only lifeline.

Luo Yu’s gaze was fully captured by Yan Ye. It wasn’t just his shoulders straining with effort, even the veins on his neck bulged. It wasn’t so much a rescue as it was a desperate plundering.

He was seizing Bai Ying from the clutches of worldly desires and death itself.

Each time Yan Ye lifted Bai Ying to the surface, it was like an endless declaration of possession.

A scene that lasted only a few seconds felt like an eternity to Luo Yu.

Something deep in his soul seemed to be pierced by Yan Ye’s efforts, and even though Gu Xiaowei sat quietly beside him, as if he wasn’t there, Luo Yu’s breathing and heartbeat were entirely under the other’s control.

Finally, Bai Ying and Yan Ye climbed out, relying on each other’s strength. As they leaned against the well’s edge, water poured off their bodies back into the depths, and Luo Yu felt warmth rise in his chest and eyes.

Yan Ye closed his eyes, half-tilting his head back to let out a heavy exhale. To most people, it was a breath of relief, but to Luo Yu, it felt like an immense spiritual satisfaction—because from this point forward, Bai Ying would trust him completely.

And what about Gu Xiaowei?

Was each approach, each act of care, also a form of… conquest?

The episode ended with Yan Ye and Bai Ying, drenched, sitting at the entrance of a convenience store smoking, just before Bai Ying was about to reveal his connection to Bai Zhongxing.

Sharing his discontent and unwillingness with another person signified that Bai Ying had fully entrusted his faith to Yan Ye. From this moment on, even if Bai Ying suspected Yan Ye might be an undercover cop, he would indulge him without caring about the cost—even if it meant his life.

The credits rolled, with a sorrowful, low melody giving way to a powerful, intense high note.

Gu Xiaowei turned slightly toward Luo Yu, leaning in closer.

Instinctively, Luo Yu leaned back, but Gu Xiaowei’s hand was already propped on his left side, the other hand reaching around to lift the pillow behind Luo Yu.

Through the pillow, it almost felt like Gu Xiaowei embraced him.

From this angle, Luo Yu could see the contours of Gu Xiaowei’s brow and nose, exuding a masculine beauty that made his heart race.

But the next second, Gu Xiaowei grabbed a pack of cigarettes from under the pillow, releasing Luo Yu without a second thought and getting out of bed.

In that moment, all the warmth and scent belonging to Gu Xiaowei vanished. Luo Yu ruffled his hair, almost muttering a curse under his breath.

Was this guy doing it on purpose?

Who hides cigarettes under a pillow? There wasn’t even an agent coming to check!

And did Gu Xiaowei even have a smoking habit?

In their previous life, Luo Yu hadn’t seen him smoke much, and in this life, aside from the necessary scenes in his roles, he hadn’t seen him smoke either.

Plus, in the movie script, Lu Pingfeng didn’t smoke either.

Luo Yu got out of bed, searching for his slippers. When he looked up, he noticed that the nightstand on his side was slightly ajar, with something like a notebook inside.

It was probably Gu Xiaowei’s sketchbook.

He had once gifted him a sketch of the rose corridor.

Luo Yu gently tugged, and the drawer opened. A sense of foreboding crept over him.

Though the sketchbook wasn’t a diary or an important contract or manuscript, when Luo Yu’s fingertips touched it, it felt like they’d been scalded, and he quickly pulled back.

Then, making up his mind, he closed the drawer.

—Gu Xiaowei hadn’t shown it to him, so it was best not to look.

The next episode would start in a minute, so Luo Yu walked out onto the balcony. The night breeze greeted him boldly, and the sky full of stars was clearer than in the city.

Gu Xiaowei’s shoulders were as broad as ever, and as he turned his head, he ran a hand forcefully through his hair.

It seemed as though something was troubling him greatly.

Or perhaps he was desperately trying to restrain and suppress something.

When Luo Yu approached him, he saw Gu Xiaowei exhale a slow puff of smoke, his eyes closed.

That contradictory yet tender posture made one want to break all chains and kiss him madly.

“You hiding cigarettes under your pillow is like a student hiding comic books under a textbook, pretending to study with friends while actually playing in an internet café all night, and the parents and teachers still think you’re a good student.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“I’ve done plenty of rebellious things; I’m not the ‘good student’ you think I am,” Gu Xiaowei said.

“Like what?” Luo Yu raised his chin.

“Do you really want to know?” Gu Xiaowei turned around, leaning his back against the railing. Although he only slightly inclined toward Luo Yu, it felt like an unbridled temptation.

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Luo Yu couldn’t help but laugh, pressing his hand against Gu Xiaowei’s chest. “Hold on, hold on. I’m trying to prepare myself emotionally to face you. Don’t interrupt me getting into character.”

“I’m Lu Pingfeng. Why can’t you get into character when facing me?” Gu Xiaowei tilted his head, looking quite adorable as he seriously pondered this.

Luo Yu sighed, lifting his hand and brushing a strand of hair from Gu Xiaowei’s forehead. “But at this moment, to me, you are Gu Xiaowei.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Gu Xiaowei paused, took a step back, and turned to leave.

He walked to the other side of the living room, facing the painting of a dead stag, and slowly raised his hand to cover his forehead.

After a while, he turned to look at Luo Yu, who was intently reciting lines and planning his movements.

“Everyone to your positions! Filming starts in one minute!”

Luo Yu took a deep breath, and the expression on his face shifted. The smile belonging to Wen Yuchi appeared, like spring rain in March gently spreading into an ink painting. It seemed leisurely, but it was actually the indifferent attitude Wen Yuchi had toward the world.

The clapperboard fell, and the third meeting between Lu Pingfeng and Wen Yuchi began.

Wen Yuchi, dressed casually and holding something that looked like a gift, appeared on camera.

“Hello, Uncle He. I’m making a sudden visit. Is Mr. Lu home?” Wen Yuchi said with a smile.

The moment Uncle He saw him, his eyes lit up like polished stars. He made a welcoming gesture, his voice filled with warmth. “The gentleman is home. Please come in, Mr. Wen. I’ll let him know you’re here!”

Wen Yuchi sat down in the living room, casually placing the gift box on the glass coffee table. His fingers traced a mark on the table, where it seemed a round object had once rested.

It wasn’t an ashtray, as Lu Pingfeng didn’t smoke—he had no trace of a smoker’s scent. Nor was it the mark of a vase, as there were no such decorations in Lu Pingfeng’s home.

Just as Wen Yuchi was contemplating, Lu Pingfeng quietly emerged from his studio. Observing Wen Yuchi’s focus on the mark, he leaned down and softly said, “That’s the mark left by a pastry stand.”

Wen Yuchi looked up, meeting Lu Pingfeng’s gaze.

Those eyes were like black holes, absorbing all light.

“Mr. Lu’s place is always spotless. I didn’t expect there’d be a trace from a pastry stand.”

“Maybe it’s there for you to discover,” Lu Pingfeng replied, sitting down next to Wen Yuchi on the sofa.

Just as Wen Yuchi was about to ask, “Discover what?” he suddenly realized that perhaps Lu Pingfeng had been waiting for his visit all along.

“Someone told me that you wouldn’t accept my copied painting.” Lu Pingfeng glanced at the gift box on the table, his eyes unexpectedly gentle. “But that box doesn’t seem big enough to hold the copy.”

Wen Yuchi looked surprised. “That copy, you painted it?”

“So, you didn’t return it because you didn’t know it was mine?” Lu Pingfeng showed no signs of displeasure. On the contrary, his lips curved ever so slightly. Wen Yuchi’s visit had clearly brightened his mood.

“Yes. If you’d signed your name on it, I would’ve had to return it.”

There was no longer any probing or subtle confrontations between them. It felt more like a normal conversation, as if they were just ordinary people.

Uncle He entered with a tray of tea, placing the cup down as he asked Wen Yuchi, “We have freshly made red velvet cake today. Would you like to try some?”

He placed a porcelain plate with the cake precisely on the mark left by the pastry stand.

Wen Yuchi guessed that the mark was likely because Uncle He was used to putting everything in that spot.

Taking a small bite of cake, Wen Yuchi closed his eyes, savoring the soft texture of the velvet spreading across his taste buds. The sweetness was just right.

“I’d like to ask, Mr. Lu, if I returned that copy to you, would you auction it off?” Wen Yuchi asked, looking up.

“I would burn it.”

Wen Yuchi showed no signs of regret or sadness, simply nodding in understanding. “Because its purpose was to be given to me.”

“Yes,” Lu Pingfeng glanced at his watch and then added, “Mr. Wen, would you like to stay for dinner today?”

Wen Yuchi shook his head with a smile. “I’m afraid not. If I dined here, I’d subconsciously be looking for clues related to the case, or worse, chatting so happily with you that I might accidentally reveal some details. Once the case is over, we can have a proper meal.”

Lu Pingfeng nodded, his demeanor so gentle it seemed as though he was handling something precious that must not be damaged.

“Shall I give you a ride home?” Lu Pingfeng asked again.

Wen Yuchi smiled without answering.

Lu Pingfeng understood. “I suppose not, then.”

Wen Yuchi pursed his lips as if recalling the taste of the red velvet cake. “Your desserts are especially delicious. May I ask where they’re ordered from…or does someone close to you make them?”

Lu Pingfeng looked towards the kitchen. “Uncle He, please pack up the rest of the red velvet cake for Mr. Wen to take home.”

“Yes, sir.”

Uncle He packed the cake and brought it out.

“Uncle He, who makes the desserts here?”

“Oh, they’re ordered and delivered,” Uncle He replied.

Wen Yuchi accepted the box and noticed there were no labels, just plain white cardboard.

Lu Pingfeng smiled. “I guess Dr. Wen was wondering which shop made them.”

Calling him “Dr. Wen” instead of “Mr. Wen” indicated that Lu Pingfeng had guessed Wen Yuchi was asking because of the case.

Since his thoughts had already been seen through, there was no need to hide them anymore.

“Which shop makes them?” Wen Yuchi asked seriously.

“Uncle He, which one?” Lu Pingfeng’s voice deepened.

Uncle He immediately pulled a name card from his pocket. “It’s this one. If you’d like to place an order, you can call them. But…it might be hard to get a spot.”

Wen Yuchi took the card and raised his hand slightly. “Thanks. It’s getting late, so I’ll head out. The box contains my return gift to you. It pairs well with your butterfly painting.”

Lu Pingfeng nodded slightly.

As Wen Yuchi turned toward the entrance, Lu Pingfeng suddenly called out to him.

“Mr. Wen.”

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried a unique resonance, making the entire space tremble.

“What is it?” Wen Yuchi turned back to look at him.

“Besides you, I’ve never prepared desserts for anyone else,” Lu Pingfeng said.

In that moment, Wen Yuchi’s gaze grew distant, filled with boundless tenderness, as though he wanted to wrap both Lu Pingfeng and the darkness behind him in a protective cocoon.

“I know,” Wen Yuchi replied.

At the entrance, he set the cake down at his feet, took out his phone, and snapped a photo of the card, sending it to Zhao Sicheng.

[Mentor and I found dessert remnants, including red velvet cake, in the victim’s stomach. This is the shop where Lu Pingfeng’s butler orders red velvet cake from. Please check it out.]

Zhao Sicheng: [Received.]

After Wen Yuchi left, Lu Pingfeng sat at the coffee table, and Uncle He handed him a letter opener.

He unwrapped the package, revealing a sealed tin can with a note stuck to it, written in Wen Yuchi’s handwriting: [Caprifoliaceae plants, one of the suitable hosts for butterfly larvae.]

Lu Pingfeng lowered his eyes, for the first time showing a helpless expression, somewhere between a smile and a sigh.

“Sir, should we plant it?”

Lu Pingfeng walked toward the bedroom with the can. “It’s not the season yet. Besides… even if the world were full of honeysuckle, it wouldn’t prevent the extinction of the ‘Goddess of Light.'”

The scene ended, but the cameraman kept filming.

“Cut—Lu Pingfeng and Wen Yuchi, one more take!” Director Sheng Yunlan called.

The previously quiet space suddenly became lively.

The onlookers finally began to speak.

“Do you all feel like every scene between Gu Xiaowei and Luo Yu has a certain flavor?”

“Exactly, it’s either an emotional test and confrontation, mutual admiration where they rely on each other, or like just now… a particularly seamless fusion.”

“Yeah, whether it’s Zhao Sicheng or Qin Lin, every scene with Lu Pingfeng feels like they’re on opposite sides. But with Wen Yuchi, whether it’s a premeditated test or just careful observation, even if Lu Pingfeng sees through him, Wen Yuchi always comes across as free-spirited and candid.”

After reshooting a few more details, Director Sheng finally announced that filming was wrapped for the day.

Everyone cheered, and someone shouted, “Time to go back and watch ‘Counterattack’,” followed by a round of laughter.

Even Luo Yu, present at the scene, rubbed his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Sheng Yunlan waved at Luo Yu, and he quickly approached.

“Xiao Luo, a quick reminder: tomorrow we’re filming the scene where Wen Yuchi returns to his apartment after working overtime, and Lu Pingfeng appears.”

Luo Yu nodded. “I know, tomorrow’s shoot will be at the youth apartments on the west side of the resort.”

Sheng Yunlan waved his hand. “That’s not the main point. The key is to show Wen Yuchi’s exhaustion and weariness after many days of overtime. You’ll need a bit of stubble on your chin.”

“Oh, understood.” Luo Yu touched his chin, thinking that since he hadn’t shaved that morning, a bit of stubble might indeed show by tomorrow.

“Alright, you can go now.”

Luo Yu straightened up and exited the villa, only to see Gu Xiaowei standing by the van, waiting for him.

As he got into the van, Gu Xiaowei raised his hand to block the frame for him. Luo Yu, being tall, accidentally bumped into Gu Xiaowei’s hand.

“Thanks,” Luo Yu glanced at him.

“En.” Gu Xiaowei responded softly without even looking up, an unconscious action he didn’t need to think about.

About ten seconds later, Gu Xiaowei finally got into the van.

“Was your agent giving you any instructions?” Luo Yu asked with a smile.

“Meng Yu said that because the first two episodes of ‘Counterattack’ were well received, there’s a show that wants to interview me.”

“That’s great,” Luo Yu nodded.

“I turned it down. Right now, I’m in Lu Pingfeng’s state. If they ask me to recall things from when I was Yan Ye, I won’t remember much.”

“You don’t remember? We had so many beautiful moments together, and you’re telling me you don’t recall them?” Luo Yu deliberately leaned closer to Gu Xiaowei, using a playfully sad tone.

The next second, Gu Xiaowei’s hand came down and pressed his head directly into his chest.

Here we go again! Gu Xiaowei’s sneak attacks always hit the mark, without any warning!

“Oh, beautiful moments? Which ones? Tell me.” Gu Xiaowei lowered his eyes, his fingers lightly threading through Luo Yu’s hair.

But just as Luo Yu was about to pull his head back, Gu Xiaowei’s wrist gave a subtle push upward.

Luo Yu, to maintain his balance, had no choice but to place his hand on Gu Xiaowei’s chest, basically tilting his head back, his chin lifted, staring directly at the other.

“That time when we both climbed out of the water, soaked to the bone, like brothers in distress, and you tossed a towel over me.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Really? I thought you’d say…” Gu Xiaowei lowered his head, his breath brushing Luo Yu’s ear, “the blowing smoke scene. When I nearly stepped back, you must’ve felt pretty proud, huh?”

With a bit of effort, Luo Yu finally pulled himself back upright.

No, there was no pride back then, but now? Definitely.

And… it seemed like Gu Xiaowei cared more about the blowing smoke scene than Luo Yu had expected!

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It remained quiet and still, maintaining its rhythmic rise and fall. A primal desire invaded Luo Yu’s brain along with his gaze, as if it had seized all his capacity for thought.

“If you really enjoy fixing my collar, there are dozens of shirts in the dressing room. I can put each one on for you,” Gu Xiaowei said, looking down at Luo Yu’s fingers.

“I’m just curious—what do those assistants pull at every time they fix collars? Isn’t it just supposed to sit nicely on the neck?” Luo Yu looked up and met Gu Xiaowei’s gaze, which had shifted from cold indifference to a hint of amusement.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

He was teasing him.

“Alright, I’ve experienced what it feels like to fix a collar. You may take your leave now.” Luo Yu playfully patted the back of his hand on Gu Xiaowei’s chest.

He had intended to take advantage of this guy but ended up feeling guilty instead.

The next scene featured Gu Xiaowei opposite Nie Yangchen. He passed the thermos back to Luo Yu, who shook it, twisted the lid off, and found it empty.

“You didn’t leave a single drop for me?”

“Who asked you to lie?” Gu Xiaowei shot him a glance.

“What lie did I tell?”

“Did Nie Yangchen really say he would leave me eating dust behind him?”

Gu Xiaowei’s tone was cold, but his eyes were slightly raised, carrying a hint of amusement.

Luo Yu suddenly remembered that Gu Xiaowei could read lips. He had previously guessed from his chat with Xie Chang that Jiang Yunxie had laid out a trap for him.

“He didn’t say it, but I’m sure that’s what he’s thinking.” Luo Yu replied without changing his expression.

“Oh, then let’s see who ends up being put down first.”

Gu Xiaowei turned and walked away.

Luo Yu mentally lit a candle for Nie Yangchen, sighing, “Who told you to provoke us first?”

The next scene featured Captain Zhao leaving the villa shortly after, and Mr. Zhuang, a major collector, sent his secretary Qin Lin to visit Lu Pingfeng again to discuss collections.

The staff adjusted the lighting in the villa, and after confirming the scene, another “click” was heard as all the actors plunged back into character.

Qin Lin walked into the living room of the villa with his professional smile. The curtains had been drawn, leaving only the cold light from the overhead chandelier in the room, as if a box that had once been opened was suddenly closed again.

However, if it were Pandora’s box, closing it might not be a bad thing.

At this moment, Lu Pingfeng sat coldly on the sofa, his arms spread across the backrest, slightly leaning back as if lost in thought while looking at the chandelier. The elegant stretch of his arms and the long lines of his legs made anyone watching this scene marvel—Lu Pingfeng’s very existence was art.

“If you came to talk about that redback spider painting, you can leave now,” Lu Pingfeng said.

His voice was chilling; in this spacious villa, it sounded like crushed ice clinking in a glass.

Qin Lin smiled nonchalantly, glancing down at the pastry tower on the glass coffee table. The pastries were neatly arranged, clearly untouched.

It seemed that the guest Lu Pingfeng had been waiting for had not arrived.

“I’m not here to discuss that redback spider painting. Mr. Zhuang heard that you recently copied the ‘Goddess of Light’ specimen, and he wants to collect your work.”

“It’s not a work; it’s just a copy of the specimen,” Lu Pingfeng replied.

“But Mr. Zhuang is very interested in it. It’s different from the specimen because your technique and the intent to gift it to someone give this painting vitality. It is the only piece among your many works that depicts a biological corpse theme yet does not signify death. Moreover… you still cannot send this copy to the intended recipient, just like this neglected pastry tower.”

Qin Lin gently persuaded Lu Pingfeng.

Finally straightening his back, Lu Pingfeng looked at him.

Unlike Qin Lin’s politeness, Lu Pingfeng’s gaze held an air of oppression, as if the bright space was gradually sinking into darkness, with him at the center of it all.

“Since Mr. Zhuang knows it exists for someone else, yet still wants it—to pay a high price for something he can never possess in spirit, that doesn’t align with Mr. Zhuang’s consumption philosophy. Unless… Qin Lin, you didn’t tell him this specimen copy is meant for someone else.”

Lu Pingfeng leaned on his knee with one elbow, and his slightly mocking smile carried an irresistible aggressiveness, as if he aimed to tear apart all the veils of hypocrisy to reveal the truth.

Qin Lin’s smile subtly faded, “Mr. Lu, it’s just that rarity is valuable. This is your first specimen copy, which is extraordinary for all collectors.”

Lu Pingfeng slowly shook his head, “It’s you who enjoys watching beautiful things stripped of their spiritual freedom, their shells pierced by cold nails, unable to struggle. This is the perfection frozen by death. And my copy proves that this perfection can be replicated.”

Qin Lin’s fingertips slightly curled.

“Mr. Lu, I’m just a secretary to a collector; I can never influence my boss’s decisions.”

Lu Pingfeng remained seated, his unchanged posture giving Qin Lin a sense of oppressive pressure, as if he were being forced to retreat from this space.

This man was like an elegant mirror, unmoved by anything, reflecting the shadows deep within him, ever-present like death.

All of Qin Lin’s explanations and justifications were futile before Lu Pingfeng.

“If my friend continues to refuse to accept it, it will have only one ending—destruction. Only he can possess it; Mr. Zhuang cannot, and neither can you.”

After speaking, Lu Pingfeng slowly leaned forward, took the teacup from the table, and walked into the painting studio.

Qin Lin’s suppressed nerves finally awakened, and he let out a deep breath.

At that moment, Uncle He came to the coffee table and took away the pastry tower.

“Cut—”

The scene ended, and Nie Yangchen gently shook his shoulder, finally returning to himself from the character of Qin Lin.

Just now, Gu Xiaowei’s presence was too oppressive; both his gaze and lines made Nie Yangchen feel as if his own value had been completely overturned, expelled from this world, losing his sense of self.

Nie Yangchen took a deep breath and looked in Gu Xiaowei’s direction. How did this guy manage to emit such a presence at such a young age?

What had he experienced? How was he able to so thoroughly restore the highly complex character of Lu Pingfeng?

Nie Yangchen looked towards Gu Xiaowei, who calmly walked over to the director, reviewing the performance just now.

Sheng Yunlan stroked his chin while watching the final shot of Lu Pingfeng, saying, “The presence is too strong, leaving little space for the other actors to perform.”

This meant that Gu Xiaowei had completely overwhelmed Nie Yangchen, making his Qin Lin seem too weak, removing the sense of confrontation between the two characters.

“Then let’s start over from the last line,” Gu Xiaowei said without any defense.

Sheng Yunlan narrowed his eyes and shook his head, “No, this is good. For Lu Pingfeng, Qin Lin isn’t his opponent. Since he isn’t an opponent, let’s elevate the stakes and let the audience compare Lu Pingfeng’s attitude towards Wen Yuchi and Qin Lin.”

Hearing this, Nie Yangchen sighed helplessly, “So I’ve become the contrast for Wen Yuchi?”

“A contrast can learn well from comparison,” Gu Xiaowei said flatly.

Nie Yangchen touched the corner of his mouth, which had been hit, feeling that Gu Xiaowei’s suppression of him just now was intentional.

Ah ha… could it be that rivals become particularly hostile when they meet?

Nie Yangchen looked over at Luo Yu and silently asked him, “What did you say to him?”

Luo Yu shrugged nonchalantly, as if it had nothing to do with him.

Nie Yangchen thought to himself, damn… could it be that Gu Xiaowei, with all his illustrious reputation, would actually fall for Luo Yu’s trickery and beauty trap?

No, no, if anyone should be blamed, it should be himself; why did he provoke Luo Yu that night?

After every scene, Gu Xiaowei had only two directions to go: one was to check the filming effects with the director, and the other was to return to Luo Yu’s side.

At this moment, Luo Yu was chatting and laughing with Yan Jun, holding a paper cup filled with coffee.

Gu Xiaowei walked over and heard that these two were actually talking about him.

“The first time I saw Teacher Gu, he wasn’t this famous yet, but he was wearing a black suit all over, looking stern, not at all like someone attending a celebration, but more like…” Yan Jun caught sight of Gu Xiaowei and pursed his lips, falling silent.

Luo Yu, however, was completely unaware that Gu Xiaowei was standing behind him, and finished the next sentence, “Like he was going to a funeral, right? Sometimes I think he would look that way even at his wedding; would his father-in-law dare to give him the bride’s hand?”

“Or you could just give your hand to me.”

Luo Yu turned around and caught sight of him, instantly breaking into a smile, changing the subject faster than flipping a book page. “Teacher Gu, you’ve worked hard, right? Here, this is the coffee I just snagged for you. It’s supposed to be coconut latte flavored; hurry and soothe your throat. The next scene is with you and me!”

Yan Jun paused for a moment; Luo Yu’s expression really resembled that of an assistant trying to flatter a big star, his smile and demeanor strikingly vivid.

Gu Xiaowei did not take the paper cup but said, “Aren’t you going to drink it?”

“This was snatched for you.”

“Is it too sweet for you, so you don’t like it? And since Yan Jun’s assistant brought it, you felt awkward refusing it.”

Luo Yu wondered how Gu Xiaowei could have noticed his movements over here when he was with the director just a moment ago.

“It’s okay; I can drink it all in one go.” Luo Yu raised his hand, making a gesture of “don’t say anymore.”

But Gu Xiaowei took the paper cup, “I’ll drink it. I asked Xiao Qin to brew you some Pu’er tea; it’ll be sent over shortly.”

Luo Yu smiled, “Thanks!”

The last scene of the day was when Luo Yu, playing the forensic doctor Wen Yuchi, came to thank Lu Pingfeng for the butterfly specimen he had gifted.

At first, the staff intended to follow the director’s orders and leave the villa, but once Gu Xiaowei and Luo Yu started their scene, everyone coincidentally returned.

The staff maintaining order on set nervously approached Director Sheng, whispering, “Director, everyone really wants to watch this scene… I’ve tried to persuade them for a while, but no one wants to leave. How about you…?”

How about you step in to say something?

Sheng Yunlan’s expression did not change, “Just make sure they don’t enter the frame. They probably couldn’t help it after watching ‘Counterattack’ yesterday and seeing Gu Xiaowei and Luo Yu act together.”

“Indeed. The impact of ‘Counterattack’ is too strong.”

Sheng Yunlan took the loudspeaker and said to everyone, “Those who want to watch should be aware; if they get caught on camera, we’ll have to redo it! No one wants to waste time repeating scenes tonight, right?”

“What’s going on tonight?” The cinematographer, who was familiar with Sheng Yunlan, joked.

“Doesn’t everyone want to finish before eight o’clock to go back and watch TV?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

As soon as Sheng Yunlan finished speaking, the onlooking actors and staff retreated a good distance away. The cinematographer made an “OK” gesture, and Sheng Yunlan put down the loudspeaker in satisfaction.

Luo Yu took a deep breath, intending to adjust his collar, but suddenly realized he was wearing an ordinary round-neck casual shirt, and the movement of raising his hands to his collar felt a bit awkward.

However, Gu Xiaowei came over leisurely, stopping in front of him, saying, “If you want, I can help you adjust your collar.”

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“Feeling better?” Luo Yu didn’t turn to look at Nie Yangchen.

“I’ve thought it through. You and Gu Xiaowei are not my enemies,” Nie Yangchen said.

“Then who is?” Luo Yu replied half-jokingly, though they both understood the answer without saying it.

“Anyone who tries to leave me with no choices is the one I really want to defeat,” Nie Yangchen answered.

“You still have a long way to go.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Nie Yangchen laughed, his gaze shifting from being unfocused to steady. “I’ll start walking my own path from now on, drawing nourishment from you and Gu Xiaowei.”

Hearing this, Luo Yu chuckled, “Thanks for putting me and Gu Xiaowei on the same level; I’m truly flattered.”

“Because you’re the first one to make Ou Junhao want something he can’t have.”

Though Nie Yangchen’s mouth still bore the bruise from being hit by Gu Xiaowei, the cold smile on his face added a layer of icy determination. Luo Yu smiled back, knowing that impenetrable fortresses are often breached from within. 

He uncharitably wished for Ou Junhao—may you suffer while I enjoy a sunny day.

The second scene of the day began, and all cast and crew took their places.

The scene’s backdrop was set after the body of college student Xie Yan was discovered, having once modeled for Lu Pingfeng. Police Captain Zhao Sicheng was there to investigate the case.

This would also be the first direct confrontation of acting skills between Yan Jun and Gu Xiaowei, drawing a crowd of onlookers.

A familiar clapper sound echoed through the villa, signaling everyone to be quiet.

Zhao Sicheng walked up to the transparent coffee table in the living room, accompanied by two police officers and Uncle He.

Seeing the pastries on the table, Zhao Sicheng squinted at Uncle He and asked, “Uncle He, does Mr. Lu have important guests today?”

Uncle He smiled, “You are the only guests Mr. Lu has today.”

“Ah… that really is unexpected,” Zhao Sicheng said, tugging at the corner of his mouth, not enjoying the compliment.

After half a minute, Lu Pingfeng emerged from the studio, dressed in a loose sweater, and sat down on the couch next to Zhao Sicheng.

“You’ve been visiting me more and more often, Captain Zhao,” Lu Pingfeng remarked.

Zhao Sicheng politely smiled and leaned forward, resting his hand on his knee. “That’s only because there have been more cases involving imitations of your famous paintings, hasn’t there? These reporters today are relentless; we arrive at a crime scene and they’re already setting up cameras across the street. I assume Mr. Lu knows why I’m here?”

Lu Pingfeng replied coolly, “Because the victim was the model for my painting ‘Sunset and Thorns.’ Her death closely resembles the theme of that painting. But I met several guests yesterday afternoon, so I have ample alibis. I’m afraid, Captain Zhao, your suspicions of me are misplaced.”

Zhao Sicheng frowned, raising his eyes to meet Lu Pingfeng’s, a force in his gaze as if trying to pin Lu Pingfeng in place. “Wait a moment; I didn’t tell you the time of the victim’s death. How do you know it was yesterday afternoon?”

Lu Pingfeng’s voice remained calm, but his deep-set eyes felt like a chilling well to Zhao Sicheng, making him feel less like a living being and more like an inanimate object.

“Because the backdrop of that painting is dusk; otherwise, it wouldn’t be called ‘Sunset and Thorns.’ If the murderer was imitating my work to kill, how could they overlook the element of sunset? If the victim had died in the morning or at noon, it wouldn’t qualify as imitating my painting.”

Zhao Sicheng was momentarily thrown off, unable to find a flaw in Lu Pingfeng’s logic.

“Mr. Lu, we need the names and contact information of your guests from yesterday afternoon to verify your alibi. Also, we require access to over six months of surveillance footage from here, as well as a list of all the works you have completed, are currently working on, or have yet to finish. Here are the relevant documents; please confirm.”

Lu Pingfeng turned to Uncle He and said, “Provide Captain Zhao everything he needs. As for the works, let Ai Lin handle it; she should have a clearer record than I do.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Lu.” Zhao Sicheng glanced at the pastry tower again and added, “Mr. Lu, you don’t need to prepare so many pastries next time. We have official duties and no time to enjoy afternoon tea with you.”

Lu Pingfeng didn’t seem offended, merely asking, “It’s a pity I couldn’t chat with the knowledgeable forensic doctor today.”

Just as he turned away, Zhao Sicheng suddenly spoke up, “Mr. Lu, do you know who sent dead mice and cockroaches to the police station?”

“Your forensic doctor, Dr. Wen, thinks they’re my enthusiastic fans.”

Zhao Sicheng narrowed his eyes, taking slow steps toward Lu Pingfeng. “There’s been a twisted personality test circulating online—two sisters see a handsome man at a relative’s funeral. The next day, the younger sister dies, the reason being…”

“The elder sister killed the younger to meet that man at the funeral.”

“How did you hear about this story, Mr. Lu, when you seem nearly isolated from the internet?” Zhao Sicheng asked with a smile.

“My psychiatrist told me.”

This response caught Zhao Sicheng off guard, leaving him unsure of how to continue.

“You’re worried that I planned or killed that female model just to see the forensic doctor again. But I haven’t seen that model since the painting was finished. How could she know I once sent a gift to the forensic doctor?”

Zhao Sicheng paused. If Lu Pingfeng was telling the truth about never having seen the woman after… and his instincts told him Lu Pingfeng was indeed being truthful, then why did that woman target Dr. Wen with threatening gifts of dead mice and cockroaches? That warranted further investigation.

“And even if, for argument’s sake, I did kill her to see the forensic doctor again, at least the forensic doctor is safe.”

In that moment, Lu Pingfeng’s gaze transcended Zhao Sicheng, as if piercing through the very space itself, looking into a certain someone’s heart.

It felt like an ancient forest, dark and fathomless, where, for reasons beyond comprehension, a wildfire suddenly erupted, roaring and surging.

Then came a long silence that stretched for several dozen seconds.

“Good—very good! You must maintain this state all day,” Sheng Yunlan stood up, applauding Gu Xiaowei and Yan Jun.

Yan Jun waved his hand and then patted his own chest. “I can’t do this. I can’t take it anymore. Every time I act opposite Gu Xiaowei, I deeply understand that saying—when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”

“Not at all! Brother Yan’s portrayal of the police captain is very impressive. I always feel like you’ll put handcuffs on our great artist any second now—’You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say will be used against you in a court of law!'” Luo Yu called out loudly.

Yan Jun walked over, and Luo Yu quickly offered him the small stool. While Yan Jun reviewed the playback, he quietly said, “Xiao Luo, I truly admire you.”

“What do you admire me for?” Luo Yu tilted his head, asking from the side.

“Gu Xiaowei’s aura is incredibly impactful. The moment my emotions slip, I forget my lines or the performance itself. I watched your audition scene with him… God, you catch his cues without any effort,” Yan Jun said gloomily.

“Maybe… we’re somewhat familiar with each other? So I’m not afraid of him,” Luo Yu supported his chin, smiling at Yan Jun.

Luo Yu felt fearless and undeterred at the moment, after all, he was a brave warrior who wanted to sleep with Gu Xiaowei!

Unbeknownst to him, someone had crouched down beside him, mirroring his posture. However, while Luo Yu was propping his head up to look at Yan Jun, the other person was resting his chin on his hand, gazing at Luo Yu.

“What are you thinking about?”

A cool voice sounded in Luo Yu’s ear, causing his heart to tremble, and he nearly lost his balance, teetering toward Yan Jun.

Yan Jun hurried to catch Luo Yu, but before he could touch his shoulder, he was pulled away by Gu Xiaowei, who was crouching on the other side.

Luo Yu turned his head and met Gu Xiaowei’s eyes, feeling inexplicably guilty. Just now, when asked what he was “thinking,” he thought… about you.

“Just now, Brother Yan praised me for always catching your lines. So, I was just reminiscing,” Luo Yu said with a smile.

Gu Xiaowei gripped Luo Yu’s shoulder and directly pulled him up.

At that moment, the script supervisor shouted through a megaphone that they were going to retake a shot.

Only then did Gu Xiaowei let go of Luo Yu and nod his chin toward Yan Jun, indicating that they should go and retake the scene together.

After Gu Xiaowei walked away, Luo Yu exhaled a sigh of relief.

Once the shot was completed, the staff members could finally relax a little.

Only a few days into filming, the progress was steady. The main actors were reliable, with no random laughter or forgotten lines. Just watching the scene, one could feel the tension between the characters.

The next scene was about to begin in the living room of this villa, but the set needed minor adjustments.

Gu Xiaowei walked toward Luo Yu’s direction, glancing at Nie Yangchen, who was standing beside him.

Nie Yangchen lightly touched the place where he had been hit and smiled faintly before walking away.

“What did he say?” Gu Xiaowei took his thermos and paused, twisting the lid halfway before stopping without looking up at Luo Yu.

“He said he would draw on your acting skills, surpass you, and leave you eating dust.” Luo Yu replied nonchalantly.

Of course, there was some truth in the nonsense, like the part about drawing on acting skills.

Gu Xiaowei completely twisted the lid off and took a big gulp of coffee. Luo Yu frowned at the sight, thinking to himself, “Are you okay, buddy?”

“He doesn’t have that opportunity,” Gu Xiaowei handed the cup back to Luo Yu.

“Fine, I’ll wait for you to put him down,” Luo Yu said, leaning closer to Gu Xiaowei as he took the cup, speaking softly.

Gu Xiaowei raised his eyes, coincidentally meeting Luo Yu’s playful smile.

Over the years, Luo Yu had gradually shed his youthful appearance. His brows and eyes exuded a naturally gentle charm, giving him a pure and sincere masculinity.

Yet at this moment, the slight moisture in those peach blossom eyes made Gu Xiaowei’s throat constrict.

Ever since the director said that the villa’s space was limited, and that unrelated personnel, including assistants, were not allowed inside during indoor filming, Luo Yu felt he had truly become Gu Xiaowei’s personal assistant, handling everything from serving thermos cups to taking care of scripts and jackets.

Wait, isn’t there more that an assistant can do?

Luo Yu placed the cup and script on a small chair beside him and reached up to gently tug at Gu Xiaowei’s collar.

He thought Gu Xiaowei might question what he intended to do with a glance, but instead, Gu Xiaowei leaned in closer, slightly lowering his head toward him.

In that instant, the cool scent of aftershave collided with Luo Yu’s sense of smell, releasing a subtle warmth that prompted an urge to retreat.

However, Luo Yu still pretended to be calm as he smoothed Gu Xiaowei’s collar. When his hand moved toward the back of Gu Xiaowei’s neck, he unexpectedly felt as though he was hugging him and expressing affection.

Luo Yu’s heart raced a beat faster. He didn’t dare look into Gu Xiaowei’s eyes, instead letting his gaze fall down to Gu Xiaowei’s lips.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

His lips weren’t thin; they often tightened slightly from concentration or seriousness, like a string that couldn’t be loosened. Yet at this moment, Luo Yu’s gaze lingered on the slight opening between Gu Xiaowei’s lips, breeding endless imagination.

Would this man one day fall, obsessively and madly pursuing another person?

Luo Yu subtly steadied his breathing, quickly shifting his gaze downward to collide with Gu Xiaowei’s sharply defined jawline, which revealed a sense of coldness and an irresistible authority. Luo Yu’s gaze dropped further, landing on the Adam’s apple.

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