Before Song Yi could reach for his utensils, Gu Xingchuan got there first, grabbing Song Yi’s plate and swiftly cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces. He even picked out the broccoli from the side. “Here, finish up, and then we’ll head home.”

Song Yi wasn’t particularly hungry and nibbled absentmindedly at a few bites.

Shen Du glanced at the two of them, then, with a smile tried to start a conversation. “I saw some behind-the-scenes clips of Love in Bloom online. Is filming tiring?”

Clearly, he was giving Song Yi an easy topic, hoping to find common ground.

Just as Song Yi was deciding how to respond, Gu Xingchuan lightly pinched the sensitive area near the back of his neck, making him shiver like a startled cat, body tensing instantly.

Gu Xingchuan replied nonchalantly. “Filming’s not tiring, especially with Song Yi there.”

Each time Shen Du brought up a new topic, Gu Xingchuan intercepted, effectively cutting off any chance of conversation between him and Song Yi.

The two exchanged words back and forth, leaving Song Yi with no room to join in.

As Shen Du’s expression grew more strained, Gu Xingchuan kept pressing. Finally, Song Yi, unable to watch the rivalry any longer, tugged on Gu Xingchuan’s sleeve. Gu Xingchuan caught his look and wisely ended the verbal sparring.

After finishing the meal, Gu Xingchuan got up first to pay the bill. Song Yi sighed inwardly as he rose to leave. Meanwhile, Shen Du wiped his hands carefully and asked with a knowing smile. “Is he your boyfriend?”

With someone like Gu Xingchuan, his possessiveness was obvious to anyone with eyes.

Song Yi caught on to Shen Du’s intentions, but he wasn’t interested. Glancing at Gu Xingchuan standing at the front desk with his tall, pine-like posture, he stayed silent.

Shen Du also watched Gu Xingchuan, his gaze contemplative. He said bluntly. “He’s not right for you. I am.”

Song Yi shot him a look. Shen Du’s directness was irritating. “Whether we’re right for each other isn’t for you to decide.”

Shen Du chuckled softly. “He’s young, handsome, and fun. But are you only looking for a fling at this stage?” He stood, moving closer to Song Yi. “You’re not stuck in a teenage phase, are you?”

Though Song Yi didn’t have deep feelings for Gu Xingchuan, hearing Shen Du speak about him so dismissively put him off. Coldly, he replied. “You’re wrong. In terms of sincerity, you don’t even come close to him.”

If not for Shen Li’s sake, his words would have been sharper.

With Gu Xingchuan, Song Yi could read his intentions a mile away. But with Shen Du—after only two encounters—it was clear he was dealing with a cunning fox, someone whose real motives were buried deep.

At the end of the hallway, Gu Xingchuan finished paying and waved Song Yi over. Song Yi didn’t bother responding to Shen Du, walking straight toward Gu Xingchuan.

Recovering from the slight, Shen Du brushed his nose, then strode after Song Yi with a smirk. “You’re intriguing. I like a challenge.”

“The thrill of picking a rose isn’t in placing it in a vase—it’s in removing each thorn.”

Song Yi pretended not to hear and followed Gu Xingchuan down the stairs without a backward glance.

Outside, the rain hadn’t let up, and the sky was overcast. Gu Xingchuan opened the umbrella, and Song Yi ducked under it as they jogged to the car.

“What do you even have to talk about with Shen Li’s brother? Trying to score yourself a ‘big brother-in-law’ title?” Gu Xingchuan huffed as he sat in the driver’s seat, roughly wiping raindrops off his face.

Song Yi opened his mouth to retort, but his words faded when he noticed Gu Xingchuan’s shoulder.

His gray t-shirt was soaked on one side, darkening to a deep gray where the rain had seeped through, clinging to his muscular shoulder. His short black hair was damp and slightly disheveled, giving him a bit of a bedraggled look.

Song Yi glanced down at his own dry clothes, realizing that most of the umbrella had been angled toward him. A warm, unspoken feeling settled over him. Reaching into the glove box, he pulled out a dry towel and handed it over. “You had a big enough umbrella. Why get soaked?”

“I wanted to.” Gu Xingchuan grabbed the towel and carelessly rubbed his hair.

Song Yi couldn’t hold back a laugh. “You’re ridiculous.”

Gu Xingchuan turned to look at him, and Song Yi’s bright, amused eyes shone like stars against the gray day.

Their gazes met, and a quiet calm settled around them.

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