Chapter 45 – Memo

Shen Fubai sprinted back to his cozy little nest, leaping onto his bed and wrapping himself tightly in his blanket, his heart pounding wildly.

The warmth on his lips lingered, still tingling from the kiss. He covered his face, feeling the burning heat, knowing without even looking that he was flushed red.

His first kiss was gone.

Gone to Heng Heng.

“Ahh ahh,” no words could express the excitement surging within him. Any attempt at language felt inadequate, creating an almost surreal sensation.

Only the lingering warmth on his lips felt real, searing through to his very soul.

“What day is it? Quick, I need to jot this down.” Shen Fubai checked his phone for the time, “July 24th.”

He opened his memo app, beginning to record.

Shen Fubai’s memo was even more private than his secret Weibo account; it was a place only he could see. Flipping through the entries, they all chronicled moments spent with Jiang Heng.

June 21st

I met Heng Heng today, shook hands with him. Heng Heng followed me on Weibo, coincidentally on the same day my secret account got some attention. Today was truly dreamlike.

In the evening, Heng Heng and I went up to the rooftop to stargaze. Turns out, he also loves sweets, how adorable.

June 22nd

Heng Heng and I had breakfast together, then rode in his chauffeured car to the set. The driver wasn’t the steadiest, causing me to bump into Heng Heng. His body is amazing.

He joked about keeping me hidden away in a golden cage, I’d be willing, seriously.

During filming, an actor hit me too hard during a scene, leaving me in pain, but Heng Heng took me to his dressing room to tend to my wounds, and the pain vanished instantly.

I wonder why Heng Heng drew nine hearts though.

June 23rd

Heng Heng and I dined at a couples restaurant, and spent the night at a neighboring couples hotel. For a moment, I felt like we were a couple.

The staff entrance at that restaurant was inhumanely designed, there weren’t any lights, the hallway was pitch black, and I’m deathly afraid of the dark.

He held my hand and carried me.

Suddenly, I wasn’t scared anymore.

June 24th

The aftereffects of practicing on stilts left my legs sore. Looks like I need to exercise more. I can’t match Heng Heng’s prowess, but I shouldn’t be too frail either.

Xiao Lin went to spend time with his girlfriend today, leaving me alone, feeling helpless and desolate. At lunchtime, I found myself stuck with tomato scrambled eggs, unbearable. I crouched beside the trash bin, questioning life.

Heng Heng came over and swapped meals with me, his food was so abundant. He also mentioned that once I join his studio, I’ll belong entirely to him.

Belong to you, I’ll work for free if I have to.

June 25th

I died inside, it seems Heng Heng is dating someone. Heartbroken, I feel like crying. My world has crumbled.

June 26th

I’ve been resurrected, Heng Heng isn’t dating anyone, hahahahaha. The world has been pieced back together.

Heng Heng must come from wealth, but it doesn’t matter, I love him for who he is, not his money.

Happy, hehe.

July 1st

Heng Heng fed me a piece of watermelon, the juiciest, reddest part. So sweet.

Oh right, Heng Heng and I trended online, we have our own super topic now!!

July 6th

Heng Heng scored 700 on the college entrance exam…my idol is indeed remarkable. I can’t compete academically, but I’ll strive to catch up with him professionally.

Shen Fubai’s memos were filled with Jiang Heng, from their first encounter to the present, every interaction meticulously recorded for future reminiscence.

This rare collaboration, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Perhaps they would never cross paths again. Every moment of their limited time together was faithfully written down by Shen Fubai, cherished and stored in his memo.

Today’s events deserved a proper recount!

Shen Fubai wanted to pen a lengthy narrative, but his fingers hovered over the screen for a long time, unable to type a single word.

He realized the feeling was indescribable. Like something long-awaited finally came true, wanting to celebrate with fireworks and shout it to the world, yet ultimately tucking it away carefully, basking in the joy alone.

In the end, he typed just one line.

July 24th

Heng Heng kissed me.

_

That evening, Shen Fubai didn’t touch his phone, cuddling with Bear Heng Heng, sleeping soundly.

A peaceful night’s sleep, filled with sweet dreams.

The next morning, he woke up unusually refreshed.

Jiang Heng left on time as usual, casually bidding him a simple “good morning.”

As if nothing happened last night.

It wasn’t much, just acting.

Shen Fubai played it cool, responding, “Good morning.”

Following international practice, they shared a car to the set.

For a month, Shen Fubai had been hitching rides with Jiang Heng daily, and everyone had grown accustomed to it. Shen Fubai’s driver had already been granted paid leave, happily returning home to his wife and children for the summer.

Inside the enclosed space, the atmosphere seemed both familiar and different.

Considering the scenes they rehearsed last night and what they were scheduled to shoot today, the subtle change was understandable.

Upon arriving at the set, they greeted Director Xu first.

Shen Fubai and Jiang Heng’s bedroom scene was a night shoot, scheduled for later. Most of the daytime involved shooting supporting actors’ scenes and filling in missing shots for the two leads.

So they were quite idle during the day.

Director Xu suggested they find a room to practice and get into character, avoiding any awkwardness when it came time for the actual shoot.

Shen Fubai silently acknowledged that they had practiced last night, but nodded obediently.

Jiang Heng indicated his understanding.

Director Xu was pleased, shooing them off to the rest area.

_

In the rest area, Shen Fubai and Jiang Heng stared at each other.

Shen Fubai: “…Do we need to rehearse again?”

Jiang Heng was slightly taken aback, a smile playing in his eyes. “How do you want to practice?”

Shen Fubai: What the hell am I supposed to say?

Was he supposed to suggest they practice like they did last night?

He didn’t have the nerve.

“Just, let’s go over the lines again.” Last night, his lines were a mess, lacking any genuine emotion.

Oh, there was one line.

— I really like you.

A true portrayal, no need for added sentiment, naturally intense.

Jiang Heng lowered his head, smiling. “Alright.”

I want to hear you say it again.

Say you like me.

I believe you.

_

The daytime was short, night fell quickly.

Shen Fubai was already in costume, nervously fidgeting with the hem of his garment, palms slick with sweat.

Under the moonlight, the youth wore a silk robe, unadorned and makeup-free, still breathtakingly beautiful.

The crucial scene was about to begin.

He had to perform well, not holding Heng Heng back.

Suddenly, a hand grasped his, warmth spreading from the palm. Shen Fubai was startled, turning to see Jiang Heng standing beside him, dressed in military uniform, heroic and handsome.

Jiang Heng said, “Cheers.”

Shen Fubai was surprised.

“It’s your fans’ cheer phrase.” Jiang Heng chuckled, “It means good luck, right?”

Shen Fubai nodded sheepishly. This wasn’t a secret; a quick search on Baidu would reveal his cheer phrase.

But hearing it from Heng Heng…

…made him…

Ah, so embarrassed.

“Little Jiang and Little Shen, come prepare!” Director Xu called through a megaphone.

Jiang Heng looked at Shen Fubai. “Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Shen Fubai nodded.

Director Xu gave them a brief rundown of the scene. “…Later, you’ll enter from outside and confess your feelings to Yu Tang, then carry him to the bed, undress him, and continue acting, portraying a tender and affectionate atmosphere. The entire process will be shot in one take, understood?”

They nodded.

Director Xu continued, “Two men shouldn’t have any qualms about this. In bed, you’re lovers; out of bed, you’re brothers. It’s a plot requirement, nothing to worry about. Little Shen, don’t be shy.”

Shen Fubai: “…I won’t, director.”

Director Xu’s comment reminded him of a saying—brothers are the ones who become your women when you need them.

…A bit scary.

Clearly, Director Xu was just making a casual remark, soon calling out through the megaphone, “Everyone ready! Take eighty-one, shot thirteen, action!”

_

Chu Yu walked into the room, seeing Yu Tang seated at the table, his makeup and headdress removed, but still wearing his costume. The young man’s face was clear and handsome, not far from his appearance in heavy makeup.

Yu Tang sat under the dim candlelight, lost in thought. Hearing the sound of boots on the floor, he lifted his gaze lightly. “Why has Master come to me?”

“A-Tang, you’ve been ignoring me these days. I’ve pondered over it for a long time, unable to understand. Now I realize, it’s because of Miss Zhang?” Chu Yu asked, “Do you think I’m going to marry her?”

Yu Tang questioned, “Isn’t that so?”

“Of course not.” Chu Yu replied firmly.

Yu Tang stood up, somewhat at a loss. “But, your family, and everyone else…they all say so.”

“They’ve never asked for my opinion, I don’t want to.” Chu Yu approached him, lowering his head to kiss his brows and eyes. “A-Tang, you know, I only have eyes for you. You should trust me.”

_

When Jiang Heng’s butterfly-like kiss landed on the corner of his eye, Shen Fubai’s eyelashes fluttered, nearly breaking character.

He closed his eyes, suppressing the tremor in his voice. “Okay, I believe you.”

Jiang Heng kissed the tip of his nose, then scooped him up, carrying him towards the bed.

Director Xu quickly adjusted the camera position, capturing a close-up.

The room had been cleared, with only essential crew members allowed inside. Currently, there were no more than five people in the scene—the two leads, the director, and the crew.

But even having a third party watching was enough to make it awkward.

As actors, they needed strong mental fortitude.

Jiang Heng carried Shen Fubai to the bed, oblivious to the presence of others. He gently laid Shen Fubai down, the stunning young man sitting before him, hands resting on his shoulders, tilting his head slightly, his lips crimson, eyes shimmering.

Blushing before speaking, sweet and intoxicating, like a captivating peach blossom wine.

He slowly undid the silk robe, the fabric slipping off instantly, pooling around his waist, revealing large expanses of snowy skin. The youth’s back was dotted with faint scars, remnants of old injuries. Some were from being beaten with brooms, others from cigarette burns, and some were the result of the hardships endured while practicing basic skills, leaving marks that marred the beauty.

“Master.” Shen Fubai remained clear-headed, not forgetting his lines. “A-Tang’s body…has many scars, ugly, please don’t despise it.”

After rehearsing for so long during the day, he knew his lines by heart. When it came down to the real thing, Shen Fubai rarely faltered.

Jiang Heng caressed the scars gently, eyes filled with pity. “It’s alright, I don’t despise it.”

He remembered that Shen Fubai was a dancer, and dancers inevitably faced bumps and bruises. That night at the Nine Nines Hotel, Shen Fubai performed two difficult dance moves in front of him, stunningly beautiful. Yet Jiang Heng couldn’t help but think about the hardships Shen Fubai must have endured to achieve such skill.

He felt a pang of sympathy.

Shen Fubai smoothly exchanged the remaining lines with Jiang Heng.

Then—

The real show began.