Chapter 34

Lin Anjin greeted everyone, then quietly stepped aside to stand next to Yu Shiqing. This was his first-time meeting Jiang Yu before this, they had no contact so he had few impressions of him. Now seeing the person in front of him, he realized that Jiang Yu’s character really matched the rumors: strong-willed, distant, with a commanding presence. Hard to believe an entertainer so independent could be famous from debut but here he was, enviably successful.

Thinking this, Lin glanced at Yu and quietly smiled: “It seems geniuses are drawn to each other you and Jiang Yu, crossing different fields, could even become friends.”

Yu gave him a look and replied mildly, “We’re just actors.”

Lin smiled back: “Right, just actors.” But both Jiang Yu and Yu, lead actor of Tomorrow’s Sun, were top talent— “genius” wasn’t a title Lin could claim. He continued, “I’ve seen news about you two recently. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised you and Jiang Yu don’t exactly look like people who would become friends.”

At this, Yu glanced at Jiang Yu half turned and smiled faintly: “Is that so?”

At that moment, everyone returned to their seats. Director Shi Zhefing gave Lin a seat next to Yu so they could catch up, while he sat with the two screenwriters on the long couch. Jiang Yu took the single armchair at the other end to continue talking about the script and filming plans. Jiang Yu’s seat faced the two men. Yu had just withdrawn his gaze and said something to Lin, evidently enjoying the chat.

Jiang Yu snapped back to attention when Shi Zhefing asked: “Jiang Yu?” His eyes shifted to Shi Zhefing as he replied: “The script is good.”

Shi Zhefing smiled: “Your detective roles always have scenes opposite Yu Shiqing. I’ve heard you two are very compatible this will be no problem!”

Jiang Yu and Shi exchanged a few words when Ren Bai’s loud voice carried over.

“By the way, Anjin, which role are you playing this time?”

Lin glanced at Yu before answering: “That police officer.”

Ren immediately understood: “The one with a bit of chemistry with Yu Shiqing?”

In films, some emotional subtext is expected audiences love handsome Alpha‑Omega pairing. Lin’s looks fit that expectation, though he’s never been a top star.

Lin smiled: “Yes, that one.”

Ren then looked at Yu: “That’s quite a coincidence!”

Yu, sipping from a water cup on the side table, showed little interest. Lin continued: “I haven’t congratulated you yet on ending your contract with Huaze.”

Only those directly involved knew the story, but Huaze’s treatment toward Yu hinted at what happened. Lin once even offered to help.

Yu nodded: “Thank you.”

Lin said: “Xinshi Film should suit you well their scripts are high quality.” Then sheepishly added: “For instance Mist, thanks to you I didn’t expect to pass the audition, but that night Director Shi called me.”

Yu smiled: “I doubt I had that kind of influence.”

Lin laughed: “Maybe it was your good luck bringing me mine.”

They heard a sudden clack from across the room. Yu turned to see Jiang Yu setting his cup down sharply on the table. He raised his eyes to Yu and said without expression: “Sorry, slipped. Did that disturb you?”

Yu replied quietly: “No.”

Jiang Yu’s face darkened: “Good.” Then he turned back to Shi Zhefing and spoke no more. After finalizing schedules, Shi excused himself with the screenwriters, reminding everyone again about food before leaving.

Lin slapped his forehead: “I was so focused on chatting, I forgot to eat.”

Ren said: “No worries you can eat now.” He invited everyone to the buffet.

Walking over, Yu noticed Jiang Yu’s dark expression and asked: “Are you okay?”

Without glancing, Jiang Yu replied coldly: “I’m fine.”

Yu asked again: “Really?”

Jiang Yu pursed his lips then looked at Yu. Before he could speak, his attention was drawn to Lin approaching whatever he planned to say was swallowed. Yu followed his gaze.

Lin held a cup of hot tea and offered it: “There’s hot drink here and I remember you don’t like cold drinks.”

Ren remarked: “You’re still so thoughtful.”

Listening to their exchange, Yu turned his eyes only to see Jiang Yu’s back. Ren and Lin noticed too and Ren asked: “Why did Jiang Yu leave?”

Yu recalled the earlier scene but said nothing. Lin guessed: “Maybe he recognized someone?”

Ren agreed: “That makes sense this is Director Shi’s set. Hardly surprising Jiang Yu ran into an old acquaintance.”

Soon they saw Jiang Yu pause at a buffet table. Ren chuckled: “Maybe he’s just hungry.” Then he looked to Yu: “Oh right, I picked our table. Over there, Jiang Yu’s likely seated with us. Want to join him?”

Because most on set were confident actors, they eyed Yu as Director Shi’s newly invited lead actor and felt differently toward him. Ren had deliberately chosen a corner table to avoid attention while eating.

Yu nodded: “Okay.” He looked at Ren’s chosen table, stood, and walked toward Jiang Yu.

As footsteps approached, Jiang Yu didn’t turn his head: “What are you doing here? Time not spent with old acquaintances?”

No one else was near. Yu asked directly: “Did you have a problem with Lin Anjin?”

Jiang Yu replied: “No.”

Yu asked again: “Did he offend you somehow?”

Jiang Yu was never good at hiding emotions if he liked or disliked someone, it showed.

“Offend me?” Jiang Yu’s hand stopped. He turned to Yu: “Why? You’re personally interrogating me over not wanting to make friends with someone like him?”

Yu looked at him. After a moment, he said: “Alright. If you don’t want to say, I won’t ask.”

Jiang Yu’s grip tightened around the tray, then relaxed: “That’s better.” With that, they headed toward the table Ren had chosen.

After dinner, the event wound down. Lin said his goodbyes and went upstairs to his room. When Yu went to the restroom, Ren took a call from his company. All documents were in his luggage, so he left early.

Jiang Yu had planned to go upstairs too but noticed Yu’s forgotten phone on the table. He stared at it a second, then sat down with a dark expression.

Yu returned from the restroom: “Where’s Ren?”

Jiang Yu answered succinctly: “Upstairs.”

Yu asked: “Why didn’t you go up?”

Jiang Yu glanced at him: “Your phone.”

Yu realized the phone was on the table. He slipped it into his pocket: “Want to go together?”

Jiang Yu didn’t reply. He stood and walked ahead toward the door. Yu watched him and smiled softly.

Jiang Yu paused for an instant, then quickened his pace toward the elevator.

Near the elevator hallway corner he slowed again: “I don’t have my room key.”

When signing the contract, Meng Chen left with the key and Yu didn’t have his card either. The elevator required a card swipe to access the upper floors. As Ren returned from downstairs, they heard voices in the hallway growing louder:

“I’ll say it was luck, or an inside connection. They say his acting is good, but that’s an excuse—I doubt he’s that talented. If he were, he’d still be relevant.”

The voices echoed. Actor Yao Lun joined in, feeling relieved. He thought Yu’s reputation as a “box office poison” didn’t match his skill. He spat: “If he hadn’t used PR to sneak into Xinshi last year, why would this opportunity come to him? Looking at this reliance on marketing now…”

His words trailed off when he turned the corner only to find Yu and Jiang Yu standing by the elevator. They realized they had been overheard. Yao Lun’s mind buzzed. He had noticed no sign of them earlier. Unexpected. Those with him looked awkward.

Yao Lun flushed but tried to stay composed. He hadn’t named anyone; even if Yu heard, there was no proof only a minor ego bruise. He didn’t care about standing with Yu anyway.

But then he heard Jiang Yu’s cold laugh. Yao clenched his teeth and pretended not to hear. He guessed Jiang Yu wouldn’t hold a grudge over one comment yet Jiang Yu spoke again:

“What a pity the chance to act can’t be won by talking. Otherwise, you’d own the field.”

Yao blurted angrily: “You—!”

Jiang Yu sneered: “Rather than waste time jealous, why not check your own level?”

The elevator dinged and the doors opened.

Ren looked up and froze at all the faces. Seeing Jiang Yu take Yu’s hand into the elevator, he hit the floor button and glanced back. Those in the hallway still stared, frozen.

“Back there what was that?” Ren asked once inside. Jiang Yu replied: “Nothing.” Yu watched Jiang Yu’s reflection in the mirror. Ren felt this weird silence was awkward no need to say more since Jiang had nothing to add.

Because filming begins early tomorrow and Jiang has an early flight, both went upstairs after to rest early.

Early morning, Yu walked Jiang Yu to the hotel lobby can’t walk him to the airport but got him to the door. The film crew vehicle was already waiting. Lin, riding in the same car as Yu, learned Jiang Yu was leaving and came to say goodbye. Yu glanced at Lin’s departing figure.

“Couldn’t wait went ahead. No need to come.” Jiang Yu’s voice reached him.

Yu looked at him. Perhaps irrelevant, he clarified: “We’re just ordinary friends.”

Ren, overhearing: “…?”

That was normal between lovers but between two alphas, this sounded awkward.

Jiang Yu paused, then checked his watch calmly: “What kind of friends you two are is none of my business.”

“Nothing to do with you,” Yu replied. “I just wanted to tell you.”

Jiang Yu glanced up at him, meeting his deep dark eyes, tightened a bit inside. Yu noticed his move and said: “Time’s up get in the car.”

“Mm.” Jiang Yu looked away, walked to the car door.

Meng Chen was waiting: “Brother Jiang, shall we go?” Jiang got in and from the window saw Yu still standing. Gradually, Yu’s reflection appeared in the window as well. Jiang refocused, rested his elbow on the armrest, raised his fist to his lips to hide his faint smile, and spoke softly:

“Let’s go.”

Author: athena