Chapter 61 – Give it a Try Later

A snowfall that started at the end of the year continued into the beginning of the new one.

The theater attached great importance to the New Year’s Day performance, gathering the actors half a day in advance for their final rehearsal.

Aside from the stage setup, the costumes for the New Year’s run had also changed. As one of the lead dancers, Jiang Ruo received new attire — a white loose skirt-pants ensemble and a sheer blouse with a plunging neckline.

In the past two years, Jiang Ruo had graced countless magazine covers, so he was no stranger to such skimpy outfits. After the rehearsal ended, he promptly changed into his costume, donned a long down jacket over it, and joined the other performers in the break room for boxed lunches.

Halfway through eating, Xiao Shen entered and whispered something in his ear. Jiang Ruo quickly shoveled a few mouthfuls of rice in, grabbed a napkin to wipe his mouth, and said, “Everyone, enjoy your meals. I’ve got something to take care of outside. Don’t leave after the afternoon session; I’ll treat everyone to bubble tea!”

Amidst calls of “Thanks, Brother Jiang” and “Brother Jiang is the best,” Jiang Ruo waved and hurried out.

His chauffeured car was parked in the theater’s parking lot.

Crossing the desolate tree-lined path after the snowfall and passing a deserted square, Jiang Ruo stood before the car, catching his breath before reaching for the door handle.

As soon as his foot touched the vehicle, the wrist holding the door frame was grasped and pulled, causing him to lurch forward into an embrace that smelled of cedarwood and tobacco.

In this position, Jiang Ruo rested his chin on Xi Yufeng’s shoulder, unable to suppress a laugh. “You’re not worried someone else might come?”

Xi Yufeng’s palm rested on his back while his lips brushed against Jiang Ruo’s earlobe. “Your footsteps are different from others.”

When asked how they were different, Xi Yufeng didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “Have you eaten?”

Jiang Ruo nodded. “You should have given me a heads up. If I knew, I would have ordered something for you too.”

“No need.” Xi Yufeng said, “I have things to do later. I just happened to be passing by and thought I’d drop in.”

Jiang Ruo raised an eyebrow. “This time, you really were just passing by?”

Xi Yufeng gave a faint “hmm.”

Given his past behavior, Jiang Ruo wasn’t very convinced.

He poured Xi Yufeng a cup of warm water and, while Xi Yufeng wasn’t paying attention, touched his forehead.

His temperature was normal; he hadn’t caught anything.

And because of his body leaning forward, Jiang Ruo exposed the wide-open neckline concealed under his down jacket.

Xi Yufeng’s brows furrowed. “Isn’t it cold wearing that?”

Looking down along his line of sight, Jiang Ruo realized Xi Yufeng didn’t know there was still a gap between the blouse and the skirt-pants, revealing a section of his waist. He explained, “There’s heating in the venue, and when we dance, it gets so hot we’re drenched in sweat. How could it be cold?”

Xi Yufeng glanced again at Jiang Ruo’s exposed neck and collarbone, remaining silent.

In the limited time they had, the two sat in the car, admiring the snow through the window.

It wasn’t particularly interesting. At noon, the sun came out, and the snow piled on either side of the road began to melt. When the wind blew, the snow hidden among the evergreen trees’ leaves fell like a miniature snow scene.

It fulfilled the wish of being with someone special during the first snow. Jiang Ruo propped his cheek in his hand, elbow on the table, and glanced over to see the person opposite him not looking at the snow, but at him.

His face flushed red as he realized how much he had changed, becoming more prone to shyness than before.

Perhaps this was the difference between being kept and being in love.

However, there were also many similarities.

For instance, in situations like this, Jiang Ruo’s response was still to move closer, to tease.

Lowering the table, his entire body nearly draped over Xi Yufeng, Jiang Ruo reached up to touch his eyes. As their breaths intertwined, he watched with satisfaction as the icy eyes darkened with intense emotion.

“What are you looking at?” Jiang Ruo asked.

Xi Yufeng gazed steadily at him. “Can’t I look?”

The fervor of pouring their hearts out had passed, and today’s Xi Yufeng was more restrained than last night.

Or perhaps he was afraid of losing control. His kisses landed on Jiang Ruo’s lips, cheeks, and behind the ears, light as feathers brushing against skin.

But Jiang Ruo wasn’t satisfied with these fleeting touches. He took one of Xi Yufeng’s hands and guided it under the hem of his down jacket, leading it toward his waist.

Soon, the palm brushed past smooth fabric to touch a patch of delicate, supple skin.

Seeing Xi Yufeng’s gaze darken further, Jiang Ruo smiled. “It’s a bit chilly here. Help me warm it up.”

Outside the car, the melting snow made the air frigid, while inside, the heat surged like a fire, making them almost break a sweat.

Unfortunately, this intimate moment was cut short. Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, followed by a knock on the car door. “Teacher Jiang, are you inside?”

About half a minute later, Xiao Shen opened the door with permission, seeing the two occupants sitting separately, one in the front and one in the back. Their clothes were neat, but their expressions were somewhat unnatural. The small table between them had been retracted at some point, and the water cup on the windowsill, with half of its contents left, swayed as if it had just experienced severe shaking.

Jiang Ruo furtively pulled the zipper of his down jacket higher, asking Xiao Shen if the director was looking for him.

Receiving an affirmative response, Jiang Ruo stood up, leaving Xi Yufeng with a curt “We’ll talk on the phone,” then exited the car with an icy demeanor.

On the way to the director’s office, taking advantage of the absence of people around, Xiao Shen asked, “Should we report this to Sister Zheng?”

“…What thing?”

“The matter of you and President Xi getting back together.”

Jiang Ruo choked. “You figured it out?”

Xiao Shen put on a professional smile. “It’s really hard not to notice.”

Indeed, rushing back to Feng City, staying overnight at Xi Yufeng’s place, and now Xi Yufeng himself showing up…with such a commotion just now, anyone would suspect they were more than just friends.

But they had only just decided to be together, and their relationship was still unstable.

Jiang Ruo thought about it and said, “I’ll find the right opportunity to tell Sister Zheng. Keep this confidential for now.”

For nearly a week afterward, Jiang Ruo was so busy he barely had time to touch the ground, relying solely on phone calls to maintain contact with Xi Yufeng.

The final curtain fell on the play, and Jiang Ruo originally had two days to rest and recuperate. However, he unexpectedly received an invitation to appear on a talk show.

After deliberation, Zheng Yiting found that the broadcast time coincided perfectly with the Spring Festival. It would not only promote this year’s Cannes-bound film, “Skin,” but also solidify his reputation as an artist who valued substance over fame, riding on the momentum of the play’s success. It was a win-win situation, and the appearance was necessary.

So Jiang Ruo went on the show.

Because of being a last-minute replacement, the preparation time for the script and rehearsal was limited. Jiang Ruo remained highly focused, barely sleeping for two days, and after recording the program, he felt like he was floating.

He declined the invitation to have dinner with the production team and, guided by Xiao Shen, stumbled to a black business van. Without opening his eyes, he climbed in and burrowed into Xi Yufeng’s arms.

When asked what he wanted to eat, Jiang Ruo smacked his lips. “I want to sleep…go home, sleep.”

Xi Yufeng then took him back to the newly rented house.

The door here was also a fingerprint lock. Xi Yufeng held Jiang Ruo’s fingers to open it, then carried him straight to the bed in the bedroom.

Jiang Ruo was extremely tired but still remembered to attend to his “guest.”

He raised his arm and pointed outside. “There’s a TV in the living room. Watch it for a while…I’ll only sleep for an hour.”

In reality, he slept for over two hours.

When he woke up, it was already completely dark outside. Jiang Ruo emerged from the bedroom with bleary eyes, and Xi Yufeng was indeed watching TV — specifically, a previous episode of “The Actor’s Flower Road” featuring him, coincidentally the one with “Silent Love.”

Instantly alert, Jiang Ruo rushed forward and snatched the remote from Xi Yufeng’s hand. “Don’t watch this.”

He switched to a comedy program.

Dinner was sushi. Since moving here, Jiang Ruo had ordered takeout several times, choosing the best Japanese restaurant based on taste, and ordered two mild platters according to Xi Yufeng’s preferences.

By the time they finished eating, it was already ten o’clock at night, and the comedy program was already on its third episode.

Xi Yufeng was concerned about Jiang Ruo’s exhaustion and, after sitting for a while, prepared to leave.

With his coat draped over his arm, as he approached the door, he heard a voice from behind. “Are you waiting for me to say those words?”

Xi Yufeng turned around to see Jiang Ruo with his arms crossed, leaning against a cabinet near the door.

He wore a set of cotton pajamas, relaxed and casual in his pose. Behind him, the floor lamp emitted a warm glow, fitting Xi Yufeng’s current understanding of everything related to home.

This momentarily stunned him, and Xi Yufeng asked, “What?”

Jiang Ruo grinned with curved eyes. “Are you waiting for me to say, ‘Don’t leave tonight?'”

Recalling the past, Xi Yufeng had circled Jiang Ruo countless times within his own territory. This was the first time Jiang Ruo had retained him somewhere.

Jiang Ruo’s domain bore his characteristics — fresh and warm. Sitting on the sofa, accepting a cup of hot milk from Jiang Ruo, Xi Yufeng vaguely felt that even the rising steam was different from elsewhere.

Jiang Ruo drank milk before bed to help him sleep and mentioned buying a coffee machine to grind beans himself, planning to drink a cup every morning for a boost.

Such mundane conversations were rare between them in the past. Recognizing the change in their relationship simultaneously, Xi Yufeng realized that Jiang Ruo intended to reside here permanently.

At least until their relationship stabilized, he wouldn’t move back to live with him.

While he could understand Jiang Ruo’s caution and concerns, despite feeling disappointed, Xi Yufeng didn’t show it on his face.

However, Jiang Ruo picked up on something.

“Do you want a smoke?” Jiang Ruo pointed to the balcony. “No smoking indoors. You can go there to smoke.”

When asked who set the no-smoking rule, Jiang Ruo shrugged. “It’s my house, of course I set the rules.”

Xi Yufeng chuckled, suddenly feeling relieved.

If this was the prerequisite for equality, if this was the first step toward mutual support.

Neither of them was sleepy at that moment. Jiang Ruo, who had taken a nap, was particularly energetic. He started a movie, turning down the volume, and spoke to Xi Yufeng as they watched.

They mainly discussed some arrangements for the next year.

“The Cliff” had just won Best Film at the Golden Rooster Awards in Xia City, and next year, “Skin” would compete in the main competition unit at Cannes, the pressure mounting with the increasing attention. After the Spring Festival, Director Xu’s film required him to deliver a perfect performance.

Xi Yufeng listened attentively, refraining from commenting on Jiang Ruo’s choices, only reminding him not to push himself too hard and to prioritize his health.

Jiang Ruo rolled his eyes in response. “I wonder who worked so hard they caught a fever.”

Xi Yufeng exchanged a “same here” glance with him.

The conversation veered back to the topic, and Jiang Ruo asked, “You’ve played quite a few roles in the past two years. Which one do you like the most?”

Xi Yufeng looked deeply into his eyes, the answer unspoken.

Jiang Ruo pretended not to understand. “They all say the characters I portray are very similar to me. Is that true?”

“Not at all.” Xi Yufeng said, “You are simply you.”

“Really?”

“Mm.”

“I’m actually quite interested in taking on roles that contrast sharply with myself.”

“In the future, you can try.”

Touched by the familiar phrase, Jiang Ruo smiled at Xi Yufeng. “Speaking of which, do you remember owing me many ‘in the futures?'”

Xi Yufeng certainly did.

Not only did he remember, but he could accurately discern the difference between then and now.

Back then, even if disappointed, Jiang Ruo dared not voice it, displaying a submissive nature akin to swallowing one’s teeth and blood. Now, Jiang Ruo could confront him straightforwardly, complaining about his broken promises.

Xi Yufeng could confirm that he preferred this candid, unrestrained Jiang Ruo.

This realization sparked fear about his previous overbearing attitude in trying to win Jiang Ruo back.

How could Jiang Ruo, so proud, endure control, coercion, and threats to his personal freedom? Even the most intense love couldn’t withstand the wear and tear of repeated disappointment.

Fortunately, Jiang Ruo was willing to give him hints and try again; otherwise, they truly would have ended up strangers.

Thus, after agreeing to fulfill his promise to Jiang Ruo, Xi Yufeng agreed to additional requests.

“You can see that, as a boyfriend, I have my own opinions and won’t always follow your wishes.” Jiang Ruo said, “I’ll also meddle in various matters, like making you smoke outside.”

Xi Yufeng readily agreed. “I’ll smoke outside from now on.”

“I hope that matters between the two of us are discussed and agreed upon, rather than you always making unilateral decisions.”

“Agreed.”

“Don’t ignore my texts. If you’re busy, respond once you’re free.”

“Alright.”

“Tell me if you’re sick; don’t bear it alone.”

“…Mm.”

“Next time we go for barbecue, you’re not allowed to stay in the car; you have to come into the restaurant with me.”

“…”

“Okay?”

“…Okay.”

Jiang Ruo repeatedly tested Xi Yufeng’s limits and gained immense satisfaction from his “yielding.”

Naturally, he would reciprocate.

Jiang Ruo shifted his body, one hand resting on Xi Yufeng’s shoulder, his chin pressing against the back of his hand.

As Xi Yufeng turned his head, their noses nearly touched, their gazes magnetically drawn to each other.

“There’s also,” Jiang Ruo looked at him, his eye corners tinted red, “occasionally, I’ll be lazy and don’t want to…”

He spoke slowly, the last two words almost a whisper. Xi Yufeng deduced the word from his mouth shape, his breathing abruptly pausing.

When it resumed, it was like a tangible force, scorching against his cheek.

Jiang Ruo heard Xi Yufeng say “it’s alright,” and “I’ll help you.”

In the glass-enclosed shower stall, the sound of rushing water and the swirling steam.

A well-defined hand traveled down from the nape of the neck, inch by inch, reaching its destination.

Just as it was about to delve deeper, Jiang Ruo suddenly recalled something. Struggling to raise his head, he panted, “This year, you really didn’t…didn’t find someone else?”

Through the misty vapor, Xi Yufeng’s gaze on Jiang Ruo was hazy yet infatuated.

This was genuine restraint, real self-control.

Jiang Ruo wasn’t unaware of Xi Yufeng’s reaction in a certain part of his body, especially after physical contact.

Holding him tightly in his embrace, Xi Yufeng lowered his head to kiss Jiang Ruo, his hand continuing its motion, pushing inward, muffling a stifled groan between their lips.

A husky voice echoed in his ear. Xi Yufeng said, “Give it a try later…you’ll know.”