Although he hadn’t paid much attention, there weren’t many uploaders with millions of fans in the living area.

Gu Xingchuan’s expression darkened. “Do you want to eat or keep chatting?”

Song Yi, quite hungry after not eating all afternoon, moved toward the table. Within minutes, Gu Xingchuan brought out a bowl of white congee, a plate of spicy lotus root, and a plate of baby bok choy.

The presentation was appealing and made his mouth water.

The white congee had a delicate flavor but was served warm, soothing the stomach. The vegetables were fresh and crisp, offering a comforting taste of life’s simplicity.

Gu Xingchuan set down the plate and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes, moving busily in the semi-open space. From where Song Yi sat, he could see Gu Xingchuan’s upright, slender back as he hummed an unfamiliar English song, seeming relaxed.

Song Yi felt a pang of emotion. It had been a long time since he’d enjoyed a meal in such a quiet, comfortable setting. On film sets, meals were always rushed, and at home, Zhao Hongyan was preoccupied with mahjong, leaving him with minimal, hasty meals or takeout.

He hadn’t felt this “homey” in a long time.

Song Yi smiled bitterly, feeling a bit sorry for himself. He had ended up experiencing this sense of warmth from an unexpected source.

He realized he really should find someone to share his life with.

After dinner, Gu Xingchuan pulled out a disc and inserted it into the video player. The screen whirred for a moment before displaying XXX, the film they had seen together in the cinema last time.

Although Song Yi had enjoyed the movie, watching it again so soon felt repetitive. “Can we watch something else?”

Gu Xingchuan glanced at him, stretched his long legs, and sat down beside him. “Don’t you like this movie?”

His plan was straightforward: if he bored Song Yi enough, he wouldn’t have to worry about him watching this movie with Cheng Song’s family.

“Just watch it,” Song Yi mumbled, growing sleepy. He had just returned from the film set and hadn’t yet adjusted to his normal routine.

By the time Gu Xingchuan emerged from the shower, Song Yi was already asleep on the sofa, leaning against a pillow.

The clock read eleven o’clock at night. The room was quiet, except for the faint sound of the television.

—