In Dudu’s eyes, all the amazing people were superheroes.

He had already thought He Han was cool when he saw him on TV in a drama once.

But now, He Han could lift him high into the air—something even his mom couldn’t do.

Dudu had always believed his mom was the most powerful person in the world, but He Han had just done what even Ye Fan couldn’t.

And just like that, Dudu was completely won over by this uncle.

“Uncle, I want to go up again!”

He Han obliged, tossing him into the air once more and catching him firmly in his arms.

Dudu snuggled happily in his embrace, overjoyed.

When He Han finally set him down, Dudu was already completely smitten.

He Han sat down, and Dudu immediately crawled over to his side, determined to sit right next to him.

When He Han stood up again, Dudu followed closely behind like a little shadow, sticking to him wherever he went.

“Uncle, I wish I could see you every day.”

Dudu looked up, his little face serious, clearly expressing his wish one word at a time.

He Han felt an unexpected closeness to the boy. He crouched down to meet him at eye level.

“Uncle really likes Dudu too.”

Dudu let out a happy squeal. He even handed He Han one of his toy cars from the table.

It was a gift from Ye Fan—something he treasured—but he was willing to share it with He Han.

In the kitchen, Cheng Ping kept hearing Dudu’s cheerful giggles drifting in from the living room.

Curious, she peeked her head out.

He Han, usually so reserved and aloof, was surprisingly at ease with a child he barely knew.

He wasn’t the type to smile often, but now his face carried a warm, genuine expression.

Despite their age gap, He Han and Dudu played together as if no barrier existed between them.

Cheng Ping stared at their similar features and couldn’t help but think—they really did look like father and son.

She gave herself a little shake. What am I even thinking?

He Han and Ye Fan clearly didn’t know each other. If they did, how could they have worked on the same show without so much as a single interaction?

Although Cheng Ping tried to reason with herself, the words had already planted a seed in her heart.

A few days later, Ye Fan headed to the film set to continue shooting the next scenes.

After getting her makeup done and changing into costume, she stepped into the spotlight.

This scene portrayed Shen Yuan escorting Yao Guang back to the capital. Just before reaching the city, Yao Guang fell ill. Ignoring everyone’s objections, Shen Yuan insisted on carrying her himself and ordered an imperial physician to treat her.

The camera started rolling.

Shen Yuan noticed Yao Guang slumped against the prison cart, her face pale with a telltale flush on her cheeks—she was clearly sick.

He turned to the guards and said coldly, “Open the gate.”

The guard was startled and tried to stop him. “Prime Minister Shen, this goes against protocol.”

Shen Yuan shot him a frosty glance, his dark eyes like a bottomless night, filled with bone-deep chill.

“I won’t repeat myself.”

If the guard defied him again, Shen Yuan would not hesitate to end his life.

The guard shivered, took a deep breath, and unlatched the door.

Shen Yuan immediately stepped forward and gently lifted Yao Guang into his arms. She had already fallen unconscious, letting herself be held without resistance, her head resting against He Han’s shoulder.

Ye Fan’s soft breath brushed faintly against He Han’s neck.

Ye Fan’s subtle fragrance wafted softly toward him in gentle waves.

He Han’s eyes darkened with intensity, the ink-black depths swirling with emotion.

Unable to help himself, he tightened his hold slightly, drawing her delicate frame closer.

Without hesitation, He Han focused back on the scene.

Shen Yuan, carrying Yao Guang, demanded sharply, “Where is the imperial physician?”

“Prime Minister Shen, that’s not allowed—”

Shen Yuan’s cold, cutting voice suddenly dropped, filling the air with heavy pressure.

“The emperor ordered me to bring the princess back to the capital. Do you dare defy the imperial decree?”

His tone was so fierce and resolute that no one dared to argue.

“Cut!”

The director’s voice came sharply, and He Han immediately set Ye Fan down. She stepped back a few paces.

He Han reverted to his usual cool, composed demeanor, and Ye Fan’s expression became calm and neutral.

The intimate closeness they’d just shared vanished as if it had never existed.

Ye Fan moved aside, reminding everyone that their physical contact was strictly part of the scene, nothing more.

He Han glanced at her briefly but quickly looked away.

There was a break before the next scene. Ye Fan was studying the script when He Han approached the director.

“Director,” He Han called softly.

The director came over. “Do you have any ideas, He Han?”

Having worked with him before, the director knew He Han often had unique insights that others wouldn’t think of.

He Han lowered his voice. “Could we add a bit more to this scene? Maybe some extra moments?”

They spoke quietly, discussing the storyline.

Ye Fan couldn’t catch their words but saw the director nod repeatedly, clearly pleased with the suggestion.

After a while, the director called Ye Fan over. “Ye Fan, we’re going to add a new scene.”

Ye Fan looked at him, curious.

“We’ll include a part where He Han’s character takes care of you. It’ll make the story flow better.”

Ye Fan nodded in understanding.

The cameras rolled again.

Watching He Han and Ye Fan in the middle of the set, the director pondered quietly.

He was curious how He Han would interpret the added scene, trusting that He Han’s instincts would bring out the best.

With a wave of his hand, the director called out, “Action.”

Ye Fan leaned against the wall, eyes closed.

This scene was newly added by He Han, and Ye Fan only needed to follow his lead.

He Han carefully picked up the medicine bowl and brought it to Ye Fan’s lips. With utmost gentleness, he fed her the medicine, his eyes never leaving her face.

His expression was so tender, his deep affection truly moving.

Only while Yao Guang lay unconscious could Shen Yuan reveal his true emotions.

Everyone watching couldn’t help but wonder—what place did Yao Guang truly hold in Shen Yuan’s heart?

Now that they were enemies, how would their story continue?

He Han’s addition to the scene was perfectly executed.

Normally, the scene would end here, but when the director noticed He Han hadn’t stood up, he grew curious. Was He Han planning to continue acting?

He Han only mentioned adding the scene of caring for Yao Guang, without suggesting any other additions. But the director knew that He Han had his reasons for doing so.

The director didn’t call for a stop and quietly instructed everyone to remain silent.

All eyes were on He Han and Ye Fan.

Then, He Han lifted his hand and gently brushed Ye Fan’s hair aside.

On Ye Fan’s pale forehead were several distinct fresh scars.

He Han looked at Ye Fan, his eyes filled with tenderness.

It was Shen Yuan’s compassion for Yao Guang—and He Han’s own for Ye Fan.

Though they were clearly acting, He Han couldn’t help but recall that Ye Fan, as a stand-in, had taken on the toughest and most exhausting scenes.

During that time, Ye Fan’s body was covered in scars. She was so strong, as if nothing could make her give up.

Maybe it was then that he first started noticing her.

No—perhaps even earlier.

He Han’s gaze deepened, fixed on Ye Fan’s face as his fingers slowly traced over her eyes.

He remembered how her eyes would curve slightly when she smiled, softening her usually cool expression.

Stubbornness and gentleness—two seemingly contradictory traits—were perfectly balanced in Ye Fan.

His curiosity about her grew stronger.

He found himself irresistibly drawn to explore, to watch over her, wanting to understand everything about her.

He didn’t know when exactly this feeling had taken hold, but it had become clearer with time, etched deep in his memory, impossible to forget.

And her piano playing—the melody as familiar as a shadow within his heart.

Ye Fan’s eyes were tightly closed, unable to see what was happening around her.

But she could sense He Han drawing closer—his cool, crisp presence slowly enveloping her.

At that moment, Ye Fan felt a flutter of nervousness. Her heart quickened, and her eyelashes trembled ever so slightly.

He Han noticed her reaction, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his eyes.

His hand slowly moved downward until his long fingers came to rest gently on Ye Fan’s lips.

Her lips were small and delicate—exquisitely beautiful.

He Han’s hand traced her lips lightly, as if casually outlining their shape.

The touch was soft, tender, and deliberate—like a quiet remembrance of her.

He Han would not deny it: adding this scene was his own private wish.

Usually calm and composed, he found himself losing control in this moment with Ye Fan.

The softness beneath his fingertips lingered—an exquisite sensation that refused to fade.

In the stillness of the air, a subtle intimacy began to bloom.

He Han gazed at Ye Fan, momentarily lost in a daze.

He Han paused for a few seconds, then stopped his movement altogether.

He had completely forgotten they were still acting.

Ye Fan didn’t understand why He Han wanted to add this scene. It fit the story, but somehow, her heart felt uneasy.

He Han’s reaction was strange. The closeness between them was a little too intimate, and Ye Fan wasn’t used to it.

So, she made a decision.

She slightly turned her head, and He Han’s fingers slid away from her lips.

Then, Ye Fan parted her lips softly and called out a name.

“Shen Yuan.”

Her voice was quiet, as if the unconscious Yao Guang had murmured it unintentionally.

He Han snapped back to reality, realizing he had been momentarily distracted.

He quickly suppressed the swirling emotions and slipped back into character, becoming the young prime minister once more.

He Han spoke in a low, husky voice, filled with guilt and tenderness.

“Yao Guang, I was too late.”

Since this scene was newly added, no one noticed that He Han was acting a little off.

The director exclaimed excitedly, “Great!”

“He Han, the scene you added was fantastic! I thought it would just be the part where you care for Yao Guang, but I didn’t expect you to add that extra bit at the end. It really surprised me.”

With this change, Shen Yuan’s feelings for Yao Guang became even more profound.

Love that cannot be had, yet unable to stay away.

He Han’s performance perfectly captured that nuance—it was the finishing touch.

He Han’s lips curled into a faint smile but he said nothing. His gaze on Ye Fan grew deeper, full of unspoken meaning.

After a full day of shooting, Ye Fan greeted the director and crew before heading to the makeup room.

She disliked wearing makeup for too long—it easily damaged her skin.

Usually, after filming, Ye Fan would remove all her makeup thoroughly.

Sitting before the makeup mirror, her face was now bare but still strikingly beautiful.

Even without makeup, Ye Fan’s every movement carried a subtle allure.

The makeup artist carefully removed the ornaments from her hair one by one.

Ye Fan began removing the hairpins herself.

At the other end, He Han had finished filming. He walked down the long corridor.

Actors and crew members passed by, greeting He Han with nods.

He had already changed out of his ancient costume robe. He realized he had left some things in the makeup room and planned to grab them before leaving.

The makeup room door was slightly ajar. He Han knocked three times softly before pushing it open.

As the door swung open, the light from inside spilled out, illuminating the corridor behind him.

At that moment, only two people remained in the makeup room.

Ye Fan sat in front of the vanity mirror, removing all the decorations from her hair.

Her long hair had fallen over one shoulder.

After a full day of filming, her hair, which had been pinned up all day, now fell in gentle waves.

When He Han entered, Ye Fan was absentmindedly playing with her long hair.

The next moment, she looked up toward the mirror.

At the instant she saw He Han, her body froze.

In the mirror, He Han’s gaze landed directly on Ye Fan.

Their eyes met.

His dark eyes were deep and unreadable.

His tall figure cast a shadow behind him.

Ye Fan guessed He Han had come to retrieve something. She said nothing and simply nodded at him.

She continued with what she was doing.

Though Ye Fan focused on her task, she could clearly feel the gaze behind her—steadily fixed on her, impossible to ignore.

She looked up again.

He Han remained standing in place, not leaving.

Her fingers tightened slightly, and she instinctively gave him a small smile.

He Han’s lips curled into a faint smile, a trace of warmth flickering in his dark eyes.

By the time Ye Fan finished tidying the dressing table, she looked up again.

He Han was gone.

Stepping out of the makeup room, Ye Fan found the corridor empty and quiet.

The autumn night air was cool, a gentle breeze stirring softly.

During the day, countless crews had come and gone, with the same set hosting countless scenes.

But now, at night, Ye Fan’s late shoot was nearly done, and most crews had wrapped up.

The film studio had settled into a peaceful calm.

Her car waited a short distance away. As she prepared to walk over, her attention caught by a shadow.

He Han was leaning against the wall, his face half-hidden in the dim light and shadow.

His gaze shifted toward Ye Fan, as if waiting for her.

Ye Fan paused, caught off guard.

She recalled all the earlier coincidences—and with the director’s last-minute added scene tonight—something just felt off.

If that scene was something He Han had planned deliberately, then she needed to keep her distance from him.

Once Dudu was a little older, many things wouldn’t be so easy to hide.

Ye Fan’s goal was simple: just act well, earn money, and raise Dudu.

Beyond work and acting, she didn’t want any involvement with He Han.

After she stood there for a moment, He Han’s low, cool voice broke the silence.

He said her name—just two simple words—but in his mouth, it sounded especially compelling.

“Ye Fan.”

She had no choice but to walk over to him.

Stopping in front of He Han, the studio lights had gone out, leaving only the street lamps glowing nearby.

They could clearly see each other’s faces—but neither could read the other’s thoughts.

“Heading home?” He Han’s tone was calm, as if making casual conversation.

Ye Fan nodded. “Yeah. You?”

“I’ll head back soon.” He Han leaned in slightly. “You did well today. You’ve really improved.”

Their eyes met—her gaze clear and bright, his deep and intense.

Both silently recalled their scenes together from earlier.

Ye Fan’s voice was cool and steady as she got straight to the point. “Was that extra scene today… intentional?”

No matter what He Han’s motives were, she wanted to put an end to it.

He Han paused for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips. “What if I said it was?”

Ye Fan blinked, surprised. She had expected him to dodge the question, but his answer was unexpectedly direct.

She shifted her tone, choosing a different approach. “He Han, there are some things you don’t understand.”

“Is that so?” He Han said slowly, savoring the words, a spark of interest flickering in his eyes.

He seemed genuinely intrigued, lost in thought for a moment.

He Han studied Ye Fan’s face carefully, his deep voice cutting through the night. “I don’t think there’s anything here to regret.”

Ye Fan stayed calm. “There’s something I want to tell you.”

If He Han knew she already had a child, he probably wouldn’t be interested in her anymore.

Dudu was still too young; even if He Han saw him, he wouldn’t notice anything unusual.

He wouldn’t investigate Dudu, nor suspect the child had anything to do with him.

After all, before they met on set this year, they were two people with no connection whatsoever.

“Yeah? What do you want to say?” He Han’s eyes locked onto Ye Fan’s. The night breeze rustled softly, carrying his presence closer.

He Han seemed to sense Ye Fan’s hesitation and smiled. “Just say it.”

Ye Fan lifted her eyes to meet his gaze.

She parted her lips slightly, her tone earnest. “Actually, I already have a child—almost three years old.”

The air fell silent for a moment.

Ye Fan studied He Han’s face. His expression was unreadable. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief—he had backed off. As long as she kept Dudu hidden, everything would be fine.

Then—

He Han’s lips curved slowly into a smile as he spoke three simple words:

“I know.”

=^_^=