Chapter 53 – All for You

As summer drew to a close, the rough cut of the film “Skin” was released. The director booked a small screening room and invited the lead actors along with several industry insiders for an advance viewing.

As the male lead, Jiang Ruo had to attend.

“The Actor’s Flower Road,” which had been filmed last month, was almost akin to a seclusion. Once Jiang Ruo emerged from the studio, he felt like a bird set free in nature, fluttering between various social gatherings and dinners.

Tang Jiani invited him for a facial, Zhou Xinyao asked him to visit a countryside retreat, Lin Xiao wanted him to try out her new makeup look, and even Wei Chulin called him, asking if he was available to guest star in a stage play.

From the popularity of “Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain,” to the high praise received in “Cliff,” and then his entry into the finals of “The Actor’s Flower Road,” Jiang Ruo had steadily built up his acting skills, and his popularity skyrocketed.

News reporters were quick to catch on, releasing multiple rounds of photos showing Jiang Ruo dining with girls, exclaiming, “How many good sisters do you have?”

Zheng Yiting believed there was no need for clarification. After all, it wasn’t as if they were caught entering and exiting hotels together. Was it so wrong for him to have normal friendships?

Moreover, considering Jiang Ruo’s current popularity, it was unclear who would benefit more from the association.

Jiang Ruo, worried about damaging the reputations of the female celebrities, suggested, “Should I come out of the closet publicly?”

Zheng Yiting immediately vetoed the idea. “That would put Chen Muxin in trouble. Are you tired of how hot your CP is?”

Jiang Ruo: “…”

When meeting Wei Chulin at a cafe to discuss the stage play, Jiang Ruo brought up this concern.

Wei Chulin said nonchalantly, “What’s the big deal? These paparazzi can write sensational stories just because they see two people walking side by side. Are we female celebrities never allowed to sit at the same table with men for dinner?”

Jiang Ruo found this argument quite reasonable and sighed, “Being a female celebrity is truly not easy.”

“Yes, we also have to manage our figures, or else we’re criticized for aging poorly.” Wei Chulin furrowed her brows as she picked up her black coffee, drinking it as if it were poison. “I see you dancers are all slim. Maybe I’ll start working out too.”

Afterwards, they talked about the stage play.

It was a well-regarded old theater troupe based in Feng City. After graduating from film school, Wei Chulin had honed her skills there for two years.

The script was newly written, and Jiang Ruo quickly skimmed through it, finding the plot intriguing.

“We’re short a male dancer, it’s a pretty important role,” Wei Chulin pointed out in the script. “The technical requirements are also high. I’ll send you a demo video later for you to check out.”

Jiang Ruo nodded. “But I haven’t been on stage for a long time. This kind of live performance doesn’t have the high error tolerance of filming. If something goes wrong, we can’t just reshoot it.”

“Please have some confidence, future Cannes Film Emperor.” Wei Chulin said. “If you agree, it would be their troupe’s luck. No matter how good the script is, it’s meaningless without someone to bring attention to it.”

Jiang Ruo laughed. “How can you call me a film emperor before I’ve even been nominated? Sister Wei, are you just trying to butter me up?”

“The flattery can be left for Director Zhuang. Anyway, it’s a decent role. I’m just facilitating the connection. Whether you go or not is up to you.”

“Hmm, thank you, Sister Wei. I’ll think about it carefully.”

Chen Muxin arrived when they were almost done talking. Upon seeing him, Wei Chulin glared. “Why are you in such a hurry? Anyone who didn’t know better would think I was going to devour Xiao Jiang.”

Everyone around them was tacitly aware of Chen Muxin’s pursuit of Jiang Ruo. Thus, facing such teasing, both of them handled it with ease.

“It’s not me who’s in a rush,” Chen Muxin pointed to the wall clock. “Time is almost up. Big Star Jiang has another engagement to rush to.”

“You sound like his agent,” Wei Chulin chuckled, picking up her bag. “Then I’ll take my leave first.”

The reason for inviting Chen Muxin to watch the rough cut of “Skin” was that Director Zhuang suggested the actors bring friends from the industry to view the film, hoping to receive some feedback to help adjust the editing.

Among Jiang Ruo’s friends in the industry, the most professional ones he could think of were Chen Muxin and Wei Chulin.

Wei Chulin declined right away, saying she didn’t want rumors of a romance with a future film emperor, nor did she care for the publicity. This left only Chen Muxin.

In reality, Jiang Ruo had other motives for bringing Chen Muxin along.

There was some traffic on the way, and by the time they arrived at the screening room, it was nearly full.

Amidst the sea of people, Jiang Ruo immediately spotted Xi Yufeng sitting in a seat slightly to the right of center.

His presence here wasn’t surprising. After all, aside from being an investor, he was also one of the producers of the film, naturally needing to participate in its production.

He was still dressed in a shirt and trousers, but this time in black, blending into the dimly lit environment.

This time, Jiang Ruo’s seat was arranged towards the front. As he walked past down the aisle, his gaze met Xi Yufeng’s, and as before, he nodded and smiled at him, treating him no differently than anyone else.

Xi Yufeng, expressionless, watched him and Chen Muxin as they sat down in the front row, their backs close together.

The lights dimmed, and the movie began.

The two-hour viewing passed without incident.

As the film ended, Jiang Ruo felt relieved while inwardly laughing at himself for overreacting. He had already made things clear last time, and Xi Yufeng hadn’t sought him out again in the over a month since. It seemed he had accepted the outcome.

After the screening, Jiang Ruo and Chen Muxin went to a nearby restaurant to eat.

“I left in a hurry last time, not even getting a chance to settle the bill,” Jiang Ruo proudly slapped the menu on the table. “This time, I’m treating. Order whatever you want.”

Chen Muxin smiled. “Then I’ll indulge myself and not hold back.”

Despite saying this, he actually ordered very few dishes, mindful that neither of them needed to overeat to maintain their physique.

When the topic turned to weight loss, Chen Muxin said, “You seem to have lost weight recently. That’s perfect for the movie.”

“Skin” was a film about human desires, featuring numerous scenes of exposed bodies. Jiang Ruo felt a chill run down his spine. “Stop it, now I’m remembering those days on Director Zhuang’s set where he made everyone look at me with lustful eyes.”

“I guess that’s the true reaction to beautiful things,” Chen Muxin said. “Wanting to get closer to you doesn’t need to be taught.”

Jiang Ruo heard the hidden meaning in his words and laughed. “Is that so? Then I’ll take it as a compliment for my acting.”

He had considered taking a different path.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Just as the dishes were being served, Jiang Ruo’s phone rang, displaying a somewhat familiar string of numbers.

Picking up, he realized who it was.

“Hello, Mr. Jiang. I am Assistant Shi.”

Jiang Ruo was taken aback for a moment. “Assistant Shi? Why are you calling me?”

“This is regarding a dinner you and Mr. Xi agreed upon. He’s asking if you’re available now.”

“I did say I’d treat him to a meal, but it’s already past dinnertime.”

“Mr. Xi is very busy lately, and today is the only day he has free. If it’s convenient for you…”

Holding the phone, Jiang Ruo felt torn.

Yet he had promised to treat him to a meal, and this dinner had been delayed for too long. It was time to make good on his promise.

And he wanted to fulfill it soon.

So he said into the phone, “I’m eating with a friend. Can it be later?”

Silence greeted him on the other end as Assistant Shi sought instructions.

A moment later, Shi Mingxu’s voice came through again. “Mr. Xi said it’s fine. He’ll wait until you finish.”

“…Where are you now?”

“Just outside the restaurant where Mr. Jiang is dining.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ruo looked towards the entrance, and sure enough, Xi Yufeng’s usual business car was parked there.

Slipping his phone into his pocket, Chen Muxin asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” Jiang Ruo beckoned. “Eat, the fish tastes best while it’s hot.”

As an observant actor, Chen Muxin was sensitive to changes in others’ emotions.

Following Jiang Ruo’s gaze outward, he asked, “Is it him?”

Jiang Ruo was momentarily stunned.

His expression told everything, and Chen Muxin smiled. “No wonder…”

Once they had finished eating, Chen Muxin put down his chopsticks. “Since someone is waiting for you, let’s wrap this up early.”

Jiang Ruo felt helpless. “It’s fine. I just owe him a meal.”

“I should be the one saying it’s fine. Since you have an appointment with him, I have no reason to make things difficult for you.”

Chen Muxin glanced outside at the black car. “Still, he’s being overly forceful. Last time too… Is this how you always interact with him?”

Due to these words, even after sitting in the car, Jiang Ruo was still in a daze.

Xi Yufeng also sat in the backseat. When the car started moving, he asked, “What do you want to eat?”

Coming back to his senses, Jiang Ruo replied, “I’ve eaten. And since I’m treating you to a meal, I should ask what you want to eat.”

“I want to eat the food you cook,” Xi Yufeng said without hesitation.

“…Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

Jiang Ruo thought for a moment. “Let’s go to my place. I have the pots and ingredients.”

Xi Yufeng looked at him and said, “Okay.”

The car drove into the dilapidated streets of the old district, stopping beside a short wall at the alley entrance.

After Jiang Ruo got out of the car, he took a few steps and then turned to look back at where the car was parked.

Thinking Xi Yufeng might be concerned about being disturbed, he said, “Old Liu and Shi Mingxu are in the car.”

Jiang Ruo shook his head, saying nothing, and continued walking deeper into the alley.

He guessed that this was Xi Yufeng’s first time entering such an old residential building, walking up stairs that were barely wide enough for one person.

At the corner, neighbors had piled up various items, making the already narrow path even tighter. Hearing something fall to the ground, Jiang Ruo turned around to find Xi Yufeng standing there with a cold expression. Beside his feet lay an old cardboard box that had fallen from somewhere.

Inside the house, it was unexpectedly spacious. Jiang Ruo told Xi Yufeng there was no need to change his shoes and enter directly. Xi Yufeng, somewhat unaccustomed to this, wiped his shoes on the doormat at the entrance before stepping inside.

It was a very ordinary layout with two bedrooms and two living rooms. Like the exterior of the building, whether it was the loose tiles or the peeling walls, everywhere showed signs of weathering and age.

However, it was kept very clean. A blue-gray sofa cover draped over the worn sofa, adorned with two square cushions. The placemat under the tablecloth on the dining table was clearly added later, its yellow stripes lively and fresh.

The balcony was filled with various flowers and plants. The character for “blessing” pasted on the window was slightly faded, indicating that it had been more than half a year since the last Spring Festival.

Just as he was examining the furnishings inside the house, he suddenly heard a sound coming from the kitchen.

Xi Yufeng turned his head to see that Jiang Ruo had already put on an apron at some point, asking, “Do you want to order anything?”

“No need,” Xi Yufeng said.

Jiang Ruo nodded. “Then we’ll just have whatever is available.”

Cooking wasn’t exactly Jiang Ruo’s forte, but it wasn’t unfamiliar to him either.

Back when his father passed away and his mother hadn’t remarried yet, during the period when his mother often worked night shifts, to avoid going hungry, he learned to cook instant noodles for himself at the tender age of less than ten.

Later, when he came to Feng City to study and lived outside the school, for a long time he struggled financially. To save money, he had to cook his own meals. Sometimes he stir-fried a couple of dishes, sometimes boiled an egg in instant noodles, which could be considered a nutritious and substantial meal.

Later still, he moved in with Xi Yufeng. After making a sandwich once, the task of preparing breakfast mysteriously fell on him.

And that last dinner before their separation… In memory, he had only eaten half of it, unsure of what happened to the leftovers stored in the fridge…

Lost in thought, the kitchen door suddenly opened.

Interrupted from his thoughts, Jiang Ruo, who was in the process of picking vegetables, said without turning around, “Do you want water? It’s in the fridge, help yourself.”

Waiting for a moment without hearing a response, Jiang Ruo turned to look.

Xi Yufeng had somehow entered the kitchen and stood by the stove, perhaps curious about what was cooking in the casserole, reaching out to touch the lid.

Jiang Ruo’s eyes widened in alarm, shouting, “Be careful, it’s hot,” and rushed over in a single bound, pushing Xi Yufeng away.

But he accidentally touched the lid himself, scalding his hand and causing the skin to instantly redden.

Xi Yufeng first called Shi Mingxu, but the latter seemed unclear about the situation, so he decided to personally run to the pharmacy.

Fifteen minutes later, Xi Yufeng returned from outside, carrying a large bag of burn ointments, as if he had bought every variety available in the pharmacy.

Jiang Ruo was pulled to sit down by him. Wanting to do it himself, he was powerless against Xi Yufeng’s insistence on holding his hand, his brows deeply furrowed as he looked at the red area that appeared to be fine.

Applying the ointment to the injured area, Xi Yufeng was still panting. He usually exercised regularly, so he must have run there and back to be breathing so heavily.

Unable to describe the taste in his heart, Jiang Ruo felt that things weren’t developing in the direction he had hoped.

He wanted to quickly treat this meal and sever the last bit of entanglement.

But after applying the medicine, they sat across from each other at the dining table. Jiang Ruo’s taste buds seemed to have gone numb, unable to taste the flavor of the food.

He felt a burning gaze upon him, as if trying to penetrate his thoughts.

However, this was their last meal together.

Thinking this, Jiang Ruo felt an unusual sense of relief as he cleared the dishes, hearing Xi Yufeng ask if he could rest here for a while and not refusing.

Having cooked only three dishes, he quickly finished cleaning up.

Returning to the living room and finding no one there, Jiang Ruo approached his room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the one-foot-wide crack, he could see Xi Yufeng leaning against the head of the bed, one foot resting on the floor, eyes tightly closed as if asleep.

He thought Xi Yufeng would rest on the sofa, never expecting him to feel so at home.

Jiang Ruo silently criticized him in his heart, yet his footsteps became lighter as he entered the room to charge his phone. Turning around, he couldn’t help but pause when he saw the figure on the bed.

The high-quality shirt, the face that seemed deep due to the backlighting, no matter how one looked at it, he didn’t seem like someone who belonged in this dilapidated little house.

Approaching in two steps, Jiang Ruo leaned forward slightly, noticing the faint bluish-green shadows under Xi Yufeng’s eyes, remembering when they first started living together, Xi Yufeng mentioned his chronic insomnia.

How did he endure those countless silent, sleepless nights?

Why now, lying on this old bed, could he sleep so peacefully?

Xi Yufeng didn’t know if he had fallen asleep, but smelling Jiang Ruo’s unique scent, he felt a sense of peace and closed his eyes.

Regaining consciousness was also due to the fragrance with a soap-like freshness that suddenly approached, becoming stronger. He was content to be surrounded by this scent, yet preemptively feared its departure, so he suddenly opened his eyes and reached out to grab him.

The first thing he saw was Jiang Ruo’s panicked expression.

And in his eyes, there was an unhidden reluctance and attachment.

Jiang Ruo was terrified, like a thief caught in the act, turning to flee.

But the soft warmth that landed on his hand stopped him in his tracks.

Xi Yufeng held his wrist, leaning forward to reach the injured spot on his hand.

His thin lips lightly brushed the scalded area, causing that patch of skin to burn fiercely.

That wasn’t even the worst part.

More alarming was the look in Xi Yufeng’s eyes as he stared at Jiang Ruo.

It was a scorching heat, the final vestige of restraint about to vanish, confirming his deepest desire.

“Gotcha…” almost gritting his teeth, Xi Yufeng asked, “Where else do you want to run?”

The disparity in strength meant Jiang Ruo couldn’t escape even if he wanted to.

He looked away, striving to remain calm. “So, President Xi still wants to fuck me.”

Taking a breath, Jiang Ruo continued, “But you see, I don’t lack sex buddies.”

The moment the words “sex buddies” left his mouth, Jiang Ruo distinctly felt the hand holding his wrist tighten.

He was gambling, betting that Xi Yufeng’s tyrannical nature hadn’t changed, unable to bear his repeated defiance and disloyalty.

But this time, the outcome deviated from all expectations.

Another hand reached his back, silently blocking any possibility of retreat. Just as Jiang Ruo opened his mouth, he sensed a figure pressing down, his slightly parted lips sealed shut.

An intense kiss, eager to confirm again, employing an invasive technique until absolute certainty, fiercely extracting every strand of “I still love you” from Jiang Ruo’s body.

Jiang Ruo felt a desperate sense of suffocation, forcing him to respond in kind, seeking survival through reciprocation.

Before separating, Xi Yufeng lightly pecked the swollen, reddened lips that had been kissed repeatedly. Jiang Ruo, his mind in chaos, not only didn’t pull away but reflexively leaned forward.

At that point, his entire body was enveloped in Xi Yufeng’s embrace, even his labored breathing mixing with the other’s heavy exhales.

As if it still wasn’t enough, Xi Yufeng released one hand to turn Jiang Ruo’s face.

Lack of oxygen left Jiang Ruo limp, unable to dodge. Unexpectedly, his chin was pinched, crashing into the penetrating gaze that seemed to suck him in.

“Since you haven’t let go either, come back,” Xi Yufeng’s voice was low. “What you want, now I can give you all.”