CH 115

Rong Yuheng finally understood the meaning of “too many words will lead to mistakes” and “weaving a cocoon around oneself.”

When he covered himself with a big blanket at night, his body was straight and the blanket covered his head. Across the corridor, Huang Jianing, leaning against the bedside, turned off the light and asked strangely, “Are you cold?”

Rong Yuheng’s blanket moved.

Huang Jianing said, “You’ll suffocate like this.”

A muffled voice came from the blanket, “I’m already suffocating.”

“…”

The next day was the premiere of “Overseas Flowers,” and Rong Yuheng asked for leave from the team. Li Jiao only reminded him not to delay the performance and to stay safe, showing a very relaxed attitude.

Rong Yuheng had an afternoon flight, so he trained with the team in the morning.

In the bright dance studio, three sides were covered with clean mirrors. Six young men with slender figures moved their arms cleanly, turned sharply, and exuded a cool breeze.

The overhead lights illuminated their faces, and shadows alternated on their faces as they swung their heads vigorously, leaving sparkling sweat arcs in the air.

Thuds, heels on the smooth wooden floor, and the final move landed neatly. Shan Qi stood in the center, pointing to the top with slender fingers, and blue veins winding on his arms.

Sweat fell on the floor, leaving water marks.

Three seconds later, everyone relaxed.

Zou Yi lifted his clothes to wipe off the sweat from his face, revealing his well-defined abdomen. Huang Jianing envied it but didn’t try it—there was sweat, and he found it disgusting.

Rong Yuheng took off his coat and threw it aside, then went to the wall behind to pick up a bottle of water. Bian Chen picked up the coat he threw on the ground and draped it over Rong Yuheng’s back, saying, “Feeling hot?”

“It’s too hot,” Rong Yuheng took off the coat, tilted his head, and gulped down some water. Because he drank too quickly, some dripped down from the corner of his mouth, sliding along his graceful jawline.

He had a cold constitution and felt cold when still, but he sweated quickly when moving, looking like someone pulled out of the water.

Bian Chen looked at the water dripping from his mouth and said, “You…”

Rong Yuheng interrupted him by stuffing the coat into his mouth. “You’re the one who’s clueless!”

Huang Jianing happened to walk over, saw the scene, and protested for Rong Yuheng, “How can you describe him like that? He’s clearly the bird…”

He paused halfway, turned to ask Tang Ji, “What’s that bird called again?”

Tang Ji quietly and softly moved her lips, “Whale-headed stork.”

Rong Yuheng’s pupils shook: Don’t think he doesn’t know what a whale-headed stork looks like!

Unexpectedly, the only kind Tang Ji also betrayed him!

With condemnation for the entire team, Rong Yuheng left without nostalgia for the road to the premiere.

The plane landed close to five o’clock, and Qu Youhe came to the airport to pick him up.

Rong Yuheng didn’t book a hotel; Wen Zhecheng’s room was a suite, so he checked in directly. Qu Youhe took him to the door, his eyes full of meaning, “You…”

Rong Yuheng felt a chill down his spine from his gaze. He was about to slip back to the front desk to book another room when the door behind him was pushed open with a “click.”

“Here?”

Wen Zhecheng stood at the door holding the handle, greeted Qu Youhe and reached out to pull Rong Yuheng, who was still outside, into the room.

Bang, the door closed.

Rong Yuheng was almost immediately pinned against the door by Wen Zhecheng as soon as he entered.

A tall figure covered him, with rapid and fiery breaths close by. Wen Zhecheng’s eyes were deep and bright, and Rong Yuheng couldn’t help but feel stirred by the gaze.

Wen Zhecheng lowered his head and kissed him.

Soft lips pressed together, deforming under the pressure, and tongues entwined in the quiet foyer, creating a wet, rhythmic sound.

As Rong Yuheng’s grip loosened, his luggage bag made a “thud” as it fell to the ground. He raised his hand to hook around Wen Zhecheng’s neck, trembling from head to waist under the passionate kiss.

Wen Zhecheng extended his long arm, lifted Rong Yuheng, and carried him into the room.

Rong Yuheng’s legs hung on his waist side, neither falling nor clinging tightly. He could only support himself on Wen Zhecheng’s shoulders, resisting and saying, “I’m going to fall, put me down!”

Wen Zhecheng looked at him, “Then hold on tight.”

Even if Rong Yuheng’s face was thick-skinned, he still felt embarrassed. “Isn’t this inappropriate?”

Wen Zhecheng replied, “What’s inappropriate? When we were doing the tango, you could spin 360 degrees while holding onto my waist. Why didn’t you find anything inappropriate then?”

“…” Rong Yuheng choked for a moment, suspecting that Wen Zhecheng was holding a grudge. He argued, “That was sacrificing for art.”

“It can still be sacrificing for art now.”

“What kind of art is this?”

“Body art.”

“…” Damn, this is so provocative.

After being kissed and nibbled on the bed for more than twenty minutes, Rong Yuheng was finally released. He lay on the bed, exhausted, like a ragdoll that had its energy drained by a fairy, with even his gaze hollow.

The satisfied Wen Zhecheng wiped his mouth and, concerned about the well-being of his little hamster, asked, “Hungry? Shall I order some food for you?”

Rong Yuheng’s hollow eyes twitched slightly, slowly coming back to his senses.

“A bit,” he mumbled.

Wen Zhecheng grinned, “It seems I haven’t fed you enough…”

In one second, Rong Yuheng woke up! He couldn’t believe his eyes as he looked at Wen Zhecheng—Wen Zhecheng had set a trap for him!?

After saying this, Wen Zhecheng patted his head affectionately. “Lie down, I’ll go order something for you to eat, teacher.”

Damn! Rong Yuheng felt his scalp tingling from Wen Zhecheng’s seduction. This person had unilaterally entered a role-playing scenario!

When Wen Zhecheng brought dinner into the room, Rong Yuheng was already curled up in a corner of the bed, wrapped in a soul-cleansing blanket. Wen Zhecheng carried the food cart, amused, “What are you doing?”

Rong Yuheng, on high alert, said, “Refusing to enter the script!”

As if deaf to it, Wen Zhecheng playfully waved at him, “Come on, eat. Don’t you listen to your teacher anymore?”

Rong Yuheng, feeling the temptation of delicious food, slowly approached and was then seized by Wen Zhecheng, who hugged his waist tightly.

“Eat. I’m not hungry; I’ll watch you eat.”

After a while, unable to resist the temptation, Rong Yuheng finally moved closer, and Wen Zhecheng hugged him tightly around the waist.

“Eat. I’m not hungry, and I’ll watch you eat.”

Rong Yuheng felt an odd sensation, as if he were a pig being fattened up for slaughter…

After a meal, Wen Zhecheng, with a mouth full of endearments, encouraged Rong Yuheng to call him “teacher” overtly or covertly, inside and outside the lines.

Rong Yuheng raised his stubborn head and vowed not to succumb… only to be kissed by Wen Zhecheng in a posture that almost suffocated him.

Ten minutes later, Rong Yuheng pushed him away, covering his mouth, his gaze resentful. “What if I get swollen for tomorrow’s media event?”

Fearless, Wen Zhecheng said, “We face challenges together!”

Rong Yuheng said, “…”

“Or you can just call it for me.” Wen Zhecheng rubbed his earlobe, teasing with a tempting tone, “You sounded so good on the phone, why are you hesitating now?”

Caught between facing the challenge together and saving face, Rong Yuheng chose the latter and squeezed out a reluctant “teacher” from his lips.

The breathing next to his ear suddenly intensified, and Wen Zhecheng bit his earlobe, tightening his grip around Rong Yuheng’s waist. “Call again,” he said, “nine more times.”

Rong Yuheng, “…”

“Teacher.”

“Good boy.” Wen Zhecheng, not satisfied, added his own little drama, “Let the teacher check if you’ve finished your homework.”

Rong Yuheng: …What a creative Wen Zhecheng! Undoubtedly, he could make an impact if he entered the screenwriting industry.

In the wonderful play where one “teacher” corresponded to one small theater, the two of them went around Mount Akina again.

After cleaning up, Rong Yuheng, wrapped in a soul-cleansing blanket, watched as Wen Zhecheng amiably tidied up the food cart, bed sheets, and floor.

Rong Yuheng, his soul reset to factory settings, casually asked, “What are you going to wear tomorrow, teacher?”

Wen Zhecheng, choosing clothes in front of the luggage, paused in his movements.

The room fell silent for a full half-minute…

Then Rong Yuheng covered his mouth in shock: Damn! It just slipped out!!

Wen Zhecheng, who had received a “buy ten get one free” coupon, turned around lovingly and took out the deep blue tie that Rong Yuheng had given him from the suitcase. Swinging it in the air, the hanging texture was quite seductive.

“Teacher will wear the tie that Rong Rong gave me.”

Rong Yuheng, “…”

Fortunately, Wen Zhecheng still remembered that this tie was to be worn at tomorrow’s premiere and did not put some of his previous whims into practice.

Feeling that he had narrowly escaped a disaster, Rong Yuheng decided that next time he would give Wen Zhecheng a more conventional gift to suppress the colorful thoughts in his mind.

–

The premiere the next day invited not only the director, screenwriter, producer, and main cast but also various major media outlets.

Rong Yuheng wore a light gray suit that accentuated his waist, outlining his figure. The tailored suit highlighted his well-shaped legs, and the fabric gracefully covered his perky buttocks.

Wen Zhecheng, unable to resist, had a hard time keeping his composure as he walked in behind Rong Yuheng. He leaned close, murmuring, “I’m a bit nervous.”

Rong Yuheng, oblivious to the cause, turned and smiled, “You’ve won an award for Best Actor and been on the podium three times. Why are you nervous about a premiere?”

“I’m afraid of making tomorrow’s headlines and trending topics,” Wen Zhecheng said, “The suit pants are too snug.”

Rong Yuheng asked, “Huh?” Not understanding.

With many media and actors around, Wen Zhecheng couldn’t get too close to Rong Yuheng. He lowered his voice, sounding a bit husky, “I’m about to react.”

Damn! Rong Yuheng suddenly jumped back like a startled clam, looking at Wen Zhecheng with shock, discreetly scanning below without changing his expression.

Seriously, they had… done it yesterday. How could he have so much energy now!?

Wen Zhecheng’s face was slightly red. He wore a dark suit with a silver-striped blue tie, buttoned up to highlight his sexy Adam’s apple. Despite the restrained appearance, his face exuded a seductive tension that was hard to ignore.

Rong Yuheng silently turned his head… oh no, he was about to react too.

He couldn’t imagine what explosive news it would be if the media captured both of them having reactions at the premiere!

After reciting “heart-clearing mantras” ten times in his mind to suppress his desires, Rong Yuheng took a deep breath, turned around, and greeted other actors in the room.

…

When everyone was seated, and the host announced the start of the event, Rong Yuheng’s attention returned to the premiere.

Wen Zhecheng, as the second male lead, had already gone on stage with other crew members for interviews. Rong Yuheng sat alone at the table, but the media cameras kept turning towards him.

Wasn’t Rong Yuheng supposed to be performing with STAR—T now? Yet, here he was attending the premiere of “Overseas Flower”!

On stage, Long Zheng explained his shooting ideas, themes, and the general plot of the film. Then it was time for the main cast to answer media questions.

Although “Overseas Flower” depicted the student group’s struggle against the era’s challenges during the Republic of China, it also intertwined with the love story amid the wilderness turmoil.

Pan Siyi, played by Pansiyi, initially liked the second male lead played by Wen Zhecheng. Later, through cooperation and mutual support, she fell in love with the first male lead, played by Wei Xintian.

The media handed the microphone to Pan Siyi, asking, “How do you view the romantic plotline between the male and female leads, as well as the second male lead?”

This question had an implied comparison between the first and second male leads, and if not careful, it could lead to controversies regarding the film and the actors.

After pondering for a moment, Pan Siyi responded, “The first and second male leads are two completely different types, both very charming. The second male lead radiates a dazzling light with his courage, determination, and strong sense of responsibility, which initially attracts the female lead. However, the affection from the female lead turns into respect and admiration for him. The love story between the male and female leads serves as a thread in the film, weaving through the smoke and chaos, adding a warm touch of humanity to this tragic yet magnificent era.”

Rong Yuheng listened attentively. He had strong empathy, especially for stories set against the background of the Republic of China. Just hearing Pan Siyi explain a bit of the character background made him feel uneasy.

The microphone was then handed to Wen Zhecheng, and the question posed was, “We know that when casting, Teacher Wen chose the second male lead because your personalities are close. Would Teacher Wen also choose to sacrifice love for the country in that era?”

Rong Yuheng felt that the media present today was quite tricky, with questions full of traps.

If Wen Zhecheng said “no,” it would definitely draw criticism. If he said “yes,” and considering Rong Yuheng was present today, it would definitely lead to media scrutiny of his expression.

Onstage, Wen Zhecheng didn’t hesitate at all and directly responded to the questioning media, “There’s no such thing as sacrificing love. His love is for the country, so he defends the country. If he falls in love with someone, he will defend both the country and his loved one.”

“In that era, defending the country was equivalent to defending the one you love.”

…

Rong Yuheng leaned back in his chair, smiling at Wen Zhecheng.

After interviewing all the crew members, the next segment was screening a clip from the movie.

As the crew members stepped off the stage, Wen Zhecheng, descending the stairs, suddenly looked down at his chest where the tie was and adjusted it. Pan Siyi, standing nearby, noticed and praised, “Teacher Wen, your tie looks good.”

Wen Zhecheng’s eyes softened, and he casually replied, “Hmm, I like it too.”

When everyone returned to their seats, Wen Zhecheng sat beside Rong Yuheng. The latter leaned slightly towards him and complimented, “You spoke really well just now.”

Wen Zhecheng’s eyes sparkled, and he smiled, “Hmm.”

The lights in the venue dimmed, leaving only the front projection screen emitting a faint light. The room fell silent as everyone waited for the film to start.

On the screen, the first image was Pan Siyi’s back as she ran forward. Chaos and scattered crowds surrounded her, thick smoke rising in the distance, and nearby shops were thrown into disarray.

Pan Siyi turned her head, her clean face now with smudges of ash. Her lips were dry, revealing bloodshot lines, and her anxious expression was evident.

Her student dress stumbled on her ankles, so she simply lifted the hem and held it in her hand, running through the crowd towards the station.

Before long, soldiers with bayoneted rifles caught up. The women’s screams mixed with the cries of children, creating a chaotic and heart-wrenching scene amid the gunshots.

Pan Siyi still carried the token, leaked by someone unknown, attracting enemy forces. She had run a whole block and would be safe once she boarded the train.

…

Rong Yuheng watched with great concentration. He rarely watched films set in the Republic of China era, but it wasn’t that he disliked them. “Overseas Flower” was well-made, and every detail revealed the texture of that era.

Pan Siyi needed to escort a crucial item to K City. The train hadn’t arrived yet, and there were pursuers behind her. In a critical moment, Wei Xintian and Wen Zhecheng arrived just in time.

Outside the station, the crowd surged, and a group of pursuers armed with bayonets burst in. The crowd scattered in panic, screams filling the air. In the distance, the “rumbling” sound of the approaching train could be heard, while the streets behind them were engulfed in the devouring flames of war.

Wei Xintian and Wen Zhecheng ran against the fleeing crowd, confronting the enemy head-on. Like navigators breaking through the waves in a noisy flood, they cut a path through the chaos for those behind them.

The two sides clashed, their fierce moves not hesitating for a moment in the face of the formidable opponents. The piercing sound of gunfire mixed with the dull thuds of physical clashes, creating a thrilling life-and-death battle.

After dealing with one opponent, Wen Zhecheng smoothly seized the bayonet and confronted the second assailant…

Once they eliminated all the pursuers, the train arrived just in time. Pan Siyi, unarmed and alone, faced numerous risks on the way, so Wei Xintian and the others had to accompany her.

As they were about to turn towards the station, two military vehicles suddenly roared in at the street corner. Eight soldiers were on board, glaring in the direction of the station.

It was clear they were pursuing Pan Siyi and the item she carried.

“Damn it, why are there more!” Wei Xintian cursed, ready to charge.

A sudden force on his arm made him turn. Wen Zhecheng was looking at him, “You go first, escort the item. I’ll hold them off.”

“Are you kidding? Eight people against you…”

“Escort the item safely.” Wen Zhecheng repeated.

Wei Xintian was dumbfounded for two seconds, then said, “Then I’ll stay, and you go.”

The pursuers were rapidly closing in during their brief exchange. With time running out, Wen Zhecheng pushed Wei Xintian towards the station, “You have someone to care for; go find them.”

Wei Xintian gritted his teeth. Indeed, publicly and privately, he couldn’t stay here. “And what about you?”

Wen Zhecheng tightened his grip on the bayonet, and the camera zoomed in. His backhand bulged with veins, knuckles turning white, as if preparing to face an inevitable fate.

“I also have someone to care for, right beneath my feet.”

This land, this nation, this country.

Wei Xintian’s eyes suddenly reddened, then he sharply turned and sprinted towards the station platform…

The screen showed Wen Zhecheng’s upright figure. The camera swept upward from below, capturing his broad shoulders as if he alone supported the entire sky.

One against eight, plus the armed disparity, calling it a delay was indeed just a delay.

The sharp bayonet reflected the glaring sunlight above, and the chaotic background blurred and swayed in the surroundings.

…

In the seating area, Wen Zhecheng glanced sideways at Rong Yuheng. The lighting was still somewhat dim, and it was hard to see the latter’s expression.

He knew what would happen in the next scene, afraid that Rong Yuheng couldn’t handle it. He raised his hand to cover Rong Yuheng’s eyes.

But his hand was suddenly held back by a grip on his wrist.

—On the screen, the bayonet was piercing directly into Wen Zhecheng’s abdomen, and one could even hear the subtle sound of the sharp weapon penetrating the body.

The screen suddenly brightened at this moment, casting the scene into Rong Yuheng’s eyes. Wen Zhecheng saw that his eyes were already filled with tears, yet he blinked and absorbed every detail on the screen.

Rong Yuheng finally understood what Wen Zhongyun meant by finding it hard to separate oneself from the character.

The fingers on Wen Zhecheng’s wrist trembled gently.

“Let me see.”