After their meal, Song Yi gallantly escorted Shen Li to his hotel. Gu Xingchuan tagged along, never straying from their side.

As they reached the hotel entrance, Shen Li stopped his steps and said, “You don’t need to see me off. It’s late, and you’ve got filming tomorrow. Get some rest!”

Song Yi patted his shoulder and said, “You should rest early too. We will contact you when we return to the imperial capital. Don’t miss out this time.”

Shen Li nodded obediently, while Song Yi looked at his thin back with nostalgic eyes.

Just as Shen Li took a few steps away, he abruptly turned, swiftly closing the gap between them. Leaning in, he planted a sweet kiss on Song Yi’s cheek.

“I’m sorry for making you worry. I won’t lose contact again in the future.”

With a shy smile, Shen Li turned to Gu Xingchuan lowered his head, and said. “I owe you a kiss when your new album drops.”

Then after saying this, like a startled fox, he dashed off.

Initially, Song Yi was quite happy and quite pleased at first. However, after hearing the latter part of Shen Li’s words, he was immediately perplexed. What exactly did Shen Li mean?

Gu Xingchuan inserted his hands into his pockets and cast a glance at Song Yi. His gaze swept over the side of Song Yi’s face that was just kissed by Shen Li while clenching his fists tightly in his pockets causing the veins in his arms to protrude.

“How about starring in idol dramas together?” Gu Xingchuan said in a peculiar tone.

Song Yi touched his cheek, shrugging. “You’re just jealous.”

Gu Xingchuan snorted disdainfully and chuckled arrogantly, “I’m jealous? It’s just a kiss, you haven’t slept together.”

Song Yi shot him a glance, inwardly reproaching him for touching on such a sensitive topic. This little barbecue was annoying!

After seeing Shen Li, Song Yi finally let go of his worries. He had previously pondered whether something unfortunate had befallen Shen Li, but these somber thoughts evaporated. Song Yi’s mood suddenly lifted, becoming bright and radiant.

Although his attitude towards Shen Li remained ambiguous, he was in good spirits. He didn’t necessarily need to develop romantic feelings for Shen Li, as long as he was happy.

Song Yi returns to his resort room, with Gu Xingchuan following him in. He settled onto the sofa with ease, and watched the NBA game on TV with contentment, as if it were a routine he had performed countless times before.

After taking a shower, Song Yi came out dressed tightly, feeling lingering fear for Gu Xingchuan. He sat by the bed, carefully wiping his hair.

Gu Xingchuan caught a whiff of the subtle, sweet fragrance of orange shower gel lingering on Song Yi’s skin. Taking a few deep breaths, he glanced casually at her and said, “Last time, you asked me what I like about Shen Li. Now, it’s my turn to ask you, what do you like about Shen Li?”

Song Yi had considered this issue before, rather than liking Shen Li romantically, he felt grateful for the help Shen Li provided. Coincidentally, Shen Li was the type he liked.

This type of relationship was quite complex. For individuals like him, sustaining a long-term unrequited love without a sense of gratitude was challenging.

“I like his gentle and considerate personality,” Song Yi said, skirting around deeper sentiments

“Considerate?” Gu Xingchuan folded his arm and sneered, “He didn’t even realize that you didn’t eat spicy food. He was foolish enough to pick up vegetables for you, just like a pig.”

“And gentleness? If he were true, he wouldn’t have disappeared for so long, causing us so much worry.”

Song Yi shot him an incredulous look as he thought for a moment before saying. “I disagree. His personality shines through in various ways. Besides, I appreciate his elegance, charm, and good manners.”

Gu Xingchuan sneered, “Haven’t you witnessed him speaking on behalf of the school in a manner that is supposed to be appropriate and gracious. He’s so petrified that he can’t speak coherently, and you call that elegance?”

“Cute and well behaved… true cuteness is not on the surface, but written in the bones, do you understand?”

Song Yi’s patience wore thin. Was Gu Xingchuan here to pick a fight tonight, disparaging Shen Li and tarnishing his image?

“Don’t you like Shen Li? Belittling someone you like is equivalent to belittling your taste.”

Gu Xingchuan’s jaw tensed, his retort subdued. “I don’t need your input, I speak the truth.”

—