The other party instantly fell silent.

At 23, Lu Guanlan became an overnight sensation overseas, earning the title of Best Actor. Meanwhile, I was still working odd jobs. It wasn’t until my contract with my previous company expired that a new up-and-coming entertainment company spotted me, and I signed on to become a regular on variety shows.

Lu Guanlan, being protective of his image, never participated in such shows. After that, I never got another chance to act in films.

If not for this strange “Love System,” I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with Lu Guanlan again in this lifetime.

When my manager handed me a movie script, I was shocked.

“One of the lead roles? Are you kidding me?”

“Yep, the producer specifically requested you.”

“Who on earth sees that much potential in me?”

“The other lead actor—Lu Guanlan.”

“…”

I expressionlessly put down the script. “I’m not taking it.”

The manager smacked me on the head with the script.

“Only an idiot refuses easy money! Count the number of zeros in the paycheck!”

I clicked my tongue. Lu Guanlan must have so much money he doesn’t know where to spend it—throwing cash at me, a washed-up has-been.

Still, I ran my fingers over the script. It had been years since I’d been on the big screen. I did miss it.

And maybe, I also hoped to leave behind one last film with Lu Guanlan that could actually be released.

But why on earth do we have to share the same room on set?

Lu Guanlan explained calmly, “The system tends to give missions early in the morning or late at night. If others see me knocking on your door or you knocking on mine in the middle of the night, it would cause a misunderstanding.”

“?”

So, living together solves that issue?

Lu Guanlan averted his gaze and said coldly, “Stop wasting time. Change your shoes and get ready to go out. The system’s ‘evening walk’ task has started.”

Fine.

The shooting location was a village, and no one was around on the rural paths. There was no need for hats or masks to cover up. Lu Guanlan grabbed my hand, his fingers cautiously sliding between mine.

The early autumn sky was crisp and clear, and the beautiful sunset stretched across the horizon. Neither of us spoke as we walked quietly in peace.

I had fantasized about this scene countless times in my dreams. How nice it would be if we were just an ordinary couple—without worrying about anyone’s judgment or the pressures of success. If only we could simply hold hands and walk together forever.

But, unfortunately, I couldn’t be selfish. As a song lyric goes, “I’m afraid you’ll fly too far away, but also afraid you’ll stay here forever.”

Lu Guanlan was born to soar in the skies. I couldn’t let his wings be clipped in my arms, even if it meant he hated me.

After the walk, we returned to the hotel room. Lu Guanlan seemed to be in a much better mood. After his shower, we sat on the bed and went over the script for the upcoming shoot. We were playing a pair of brothers: Lu Guanlan was the older brother, and I was the younger one.

The brothers struggled to start a business. The younger one was tempted to take shortcuts, violating boundaries, and ended up hiding in a remote village. The law eventually caught up with him, but before the police could, his older brother found him first.

Expecting to be turned in, the younger brother was surprised when his upright and strict brother covered for him, taking the blame himself. The older brother was executed, while the younger brother, wracked with guilt, spent the rest of his life in regret and repentance.

The script was heavy.

I remarked, “This kind of sacrifice is frustrating. It leaves the surviving person in a lifetime of guilt. Whoever makes the mistake should pay for it. It’s only right.”

Lu Guanlan glanced at me and snorted softly.

“Tch, what’s with that look?” I kicked his leg.

“The younger brother’s role is more layered and emotionally rich. Why didn’t you choose it?”

Lu Guanlan replied flatly, “I don’t look like a criminal.”

“…”

Do I look like one?

I stared at his face and asked, “Did you deliberately give me the flashier role? You’re investing money and giving up the lead. What’s in it for you?”

Lu Guanlan lifted his eyes and stared at me for a moment.

My palms began to sweat. “I’ve told you, there’s no chance for us to get back together. Stop wasting your energy. Didn’t you see how much drama our brief appearance together on that variety show caused? Stay away from me if you want to avoid trouble.”

Lu Guanlan snapped his script shut. “You’re overthinking it. I just want to be your brother.”

“?”

He rolled up the script and tapped my head. “I’ve been calling you ‘brother’ for years. It’s your turn now.”

“Have you memorized tomorrow’s lines? Say a few for me.”

I glared at him.

Lu Guanlan crossed his arms and urged, “Come on. What? Have you forgotten how to act after so many variety shows? You were the top of your class—surely you haven’t gotten that rusty.”

I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to punch him.

“Brother, what are you doing here?”

“Brother, please don’t turn me in!”

“Brother, my dear brother, the best brother in the world—help me out here!”

Lu Guanlan looked pleased, even opening a bottle of wine.

“Ah, that’s nice. Say a few more.”

I grabbed his collar. “You annoying jerk! Do you want a beating?”

As we pulled closer, Lu Guanlan smiled, his mint-scented breath so close I could smell it clearly.

I blushed and let go awkwardly, but then he grabbed me tightly.

Just then, the system chimed in.

[Random task triggered: Life’s Harmony.]

What??? Right before we were about to fight?

Lu Guanlan seemed to understand. “A fight at the head of the bed, reconciliation at the foot. This system sure knows how to play.”

He scooped me up with one arm and tossed me onto the bed, his fingers skillfully undoing the buttons of my pajamas.

“Wait! Hold on!”

I held his hand back. “We can’t just do this casually. Once the system disappears, we won’t have any relationship left. I need to save my virtue for someone else.”

Lu Guanlan’s face darkened, and he coldly grabbed my chin. “Who else are you planning to find? It’s been ten years, and no one’s taken an interest in you, you old bachelor.”

“Hey! Don’t insult me!”

I kicked him off the bed. “I may be ten years older, but so are you! I’ve told you before, I’m tired of this—there’s no spark left. You—”

Before I could finish, Lu Guanlan threw off his shirt, flashing his eight-pack abs right in front of me.