“Ming Che ge, do you have time now? Can I talk to you?”

Ming Che saw clearly this time; he was holding a script.

Yu Cheng looked at him nervously, “It won’t take long.”

“Come in.”

There was a small sofa in the room, and they sat there to talk.

“The company picked two scripts for me. One is a low-budget idol drama as the male lead, and the other is a supporting role in a well-established TV series.”

“You don’t know which one to choose?”

“Yeah, I want to do both, but their schedules don’t allow it.”

“I can’t make the decision for you, but choosing either one will be progress for you. You’ll have many more opportunities like this, so it’s okay.”

Yu Cheng thought for a moment, “Ah, I think I understand. Thank you, Ming Che ge.”

“No problem.”

Ming Che picked up the hat on the table and put it on.

“Ming Che ge, are you going out? Do you need me to accompany you?”

“No need, it’s personal.”

Ming Che and Yu Cheng went out together. He went downstairs while Yu Cheng returned to his room. Tonight was even colder than yesterday, with a stronger wind.

The hotel where Wen Lin stayed had a prominent sign, and Ming Che could walk there without navigation. As he was walking, he was suddenly pulled behind a tree.

He had behaved all day, but in the end, he still came out.

“Your hands are so cold.”

Wen Lin held Ming Che’s hand tightly, trying to convey some warmth.

“It’s just my constitution, it’s fine. Where do you want to go?”

At this time, only some bars were still open. Wen Lin didn’t want to take Ming Che to such places, so they ended up returning to where he was staying.

As soon as they entered, Ming Che was hugged. Wen Lin leaned over and rubbed against him, knocking off his hat.

“There’s only one day left of filming, right?”

“You know my schedule well. Did Lu Hai tell you?”

“Why mention him?”

Wen Lin replied somewhat unhappily, resting his head on Ming Che’s neck. Although he didn’t like Lu Hai much, he did use him a bit. If it weren’t for Lu Hai, Ming Che wouldn’t have smoothly moved into the place he arranged.

The breath and hair tickled Ming Che’s neck. He rubbed Wen Lin’s head.

“Don’t stay at the door, let’s go inside.”

There was an open bottle of wine on the coffee table. Ming Che raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“You drank?”

“A bit in the morning.”

Ming Che pinched his chin, looking at him, “Are you overindulging?”

Wen Lin rarely didn’t retort, letting Ming Che’s hand move on his face.

“Want some?”

“Is it strong?”

“Not really.”

Wen Lin poured a glass, placing it in Ming Che’s hand, looking at him with an expectant gaze for some reason.

“Try it.”

Ming Che’s lips touched the rim, taking a small sip. It tasted similar to the champagne he had at the banquet.

“Do you want some too?”

Ming Che brought the glass to Wen Lin’s lips. The latter opened his mouth, and Ming Che tilted the glass, pouring some in.

He didn’t plan to drink much, finished the remaining bit in the glass, and placed it back on the table. Just as he was thinking about changing places, Wen Lin pressed him onto the sofa.

“I thought about last night.”

Ming Che looked up at him, a bad thought rising in his mind.

Is this person thinking of being on top?

“What about last night?”

Ming Che smiled deceptively, gently touching his face.

“Not satisfied with me?”

A blush crept up Wen Lin’s face, the intoxicating wine scent making him a bit dizzy.

“Last night, I wasn’t quite ready.”

Ming Che recalled his clumsy reactions last night, his smile widening.

So that’s what he’s upset about.

“It’s okay, I liked it.”

Wen Lin was coaxed into submission, “Anyway, forget about last night. Tonight, I’m serious.”

“Okay.”

When Wen Lin got serious, he was very passionate, causing Ming Che to be a bit more intense than the previous night. Finally, seeing Wen Lin was really out of energy, his hands slowly slipping from his shoulders, Ming Che considerately stopped.

“You were amazing tonight.”

Ming Che didn’t forget to praise him.

Wen Lin’s eyes lit up, immediately grabbing his hand.

“I can go again.”

Ming Che, caught between letting him go and going again, followed his desire.

The two on the bed were already asleep. 977 floated at the bedside, glancing at them.

Although the plot had long deviated, with the main character shou exiting early and the main character gong getting involved with the host, or rather, the host getting involved with the main character gong, they hadn’t been rejected by the world’s will. This meant the world’s will approved of the current development. Now, they just had to wait for the world’s will to determine the main character gong had achieved a perfect ending, and they could leave.

977 comforted itself and went to sleep.

…

Yesterday, he said Wen Lin was overindulging, and this morning, Ming Che almost couldn’t get up, realizing he wasn’t much better.

The hand around his waist held him tightly. When Ming Che removed Wen Lin’s hand, Wen Lin woke up.

“What time is it?”

“Six o’clock. If I don’t go back, I’ll be late. You keep sleeping.”

Ming Che quickly dressed and headed to the door. The room door opened and closed, and he was gone.

Wen Lin buried himself in the blanket, waking up in a bad mood. Although he knew Ming Che was going back to film, the feeling was still unpleasant.

Meanwhile, Ming Che had returned to the filming residence. He opened the door and went in, hearing movement in the living room and looking over.

“Ming Che ge?”

Yu Cheng looked at him in surprise.

“Good morning. I’m going up to change clothes.” Ming Che greeted him as usual and went upstairs.

After Yu Cheng’s initial confusion, he quickly found a suitable excuse for Ming Che.

He probably went for a morning run.

Today was the last day of filming. The final dinner was quite grand. During the day, they went out as usual to play and do tasks, returning home in the afternoon to prepare.

As a spin-off of the drama “Flowing Pearl,” the content they filmed had to fit the theme. The program team brought their costumes from the drama for them to change into, fulfilling the audience’s wishes.

Ming Che, after a long time, put on the wig from the drama. Once everyone was dressed and gathered, it felt like they were back during filming, and they unconsciously spoke with a bit of their character’s tone.

“Flowing Pearl” had already aired more than half of its episodes. Coincidentally, tonight’s episode was the one where Ming Che’s character exits. The program team had them do a live reaction together.

Although there was no prior promotion, the live stream quickly filled with viewers. Ming Che sat next to the female lead, watching the drama on the screen in front of them.

As the plot progressed, the scene of Ming Che’s character’s death arrived. The female lead beside him already had tears in her eyes, and Ming Che handed her a tissue.

After the two episodes aired, their live stream ended, but the program recording hadn’t. They had a farewell segment for their characters, and Ming Che could imagine the editing would aim for a tear-jerking effect.

Each person’s interview time was quite long. Ming Che waited in the living room, and suddenly received a message on his phone.

[Can you come out for a moment?]

It was from his assistant.

Ming Che didn’t think much of it, informed the program team, and went out.

—

During the days Ming Che was filming, his assistant had a leisurely time, with nothing much to worry about. After dinner, while strolling outside the house, he saw a familiar figure.

At first, he wasn’t sure, but upon closer inspection, he realized he hadn’t mistaken.

“You… why are you here?” The assistant’s tone instantly became respectful.

“Just out for a walk.”

The assistant was at a loss for words, thinking to himself that he walked from home to abroad, but outwardly remained respectful.

“Does Ming ge know you’re here? At this time, they should be live streaming.”

The assistant took out his phone, searched, and entered the live stream. Wen Lin leaned over to watch, showing great interest.

“This is Ming Che.”

Wen Lin pointed at the man on the screen.

The assistant nodded, “Yes, this is Ming ge in his drama costume.”

“I know.”

From those three words, the assistant detected a hint of pride. Holding the phone, he and Wen Lin watched the live stream by the roadside.

When the screen showed Ming Che interacting with the female lead, the assistant’s heart skipped a beat, glancing sideways.

The person beside him didn’t show any abnormality, just kept his eyes glued to the screen, unwilling to look away. The drama’s scenes, subjectively processed, were artistically shot.

Death was always accompanied by omens, like a jade falling and shattering, a sword losing its luster, along with the female lead’s memories.

The once elegant and noble figure in white, now lying in the dust, always evoked pity.

After the live stream ended, the assistant finally heard the person beside him speak.

“He acted really well.”

The assistant quickly nodded in agreement, “Yes, yes, Ming ge’s acting is excellent.”

“Can you call him out for a moment?”

The assistant felt flattered.

“I’ll ask.”

So when Ming Che came out, he saw Wen Lin and the assistant standing together. He was still in his drama costume, his long hair blown by the wind, gently brushing the shoulder of the person opposite.

“What’s up?”

As soon as Ming Che spoke, he was hugged. Realizing what was happening, he hugged Wen Lin back.

The assistant sensibly turned around.

“Nothing, come back early.”

Wen Lin quickly let go.

Ming Che didn’t know what had happened, but agreed.

“It’s almost over.”

“I’ll come to pick you up then,” Wen Lin said.

Ming Che couldn’t stay outside for too long, so after speaking, he went back inside. Yu Cheng had already finished his interview and came over when he saw Ming Che.

“Ming Che ge, what time is your flight tomorrow? Can we go together?”

“I’m not planning to go back. I’ll stay here for a few more days.”

Yu Cheng nodded with a disappointed look, then quickly smiled.

“Then have fun, Ming Che ge.”

“Thank you.”

Soon it was Ming Che’s turn for the interview. There were many questions, and he answered them all. By the time he came out, it was already late. The program had finished recording, and the artists with schedules to catch had already left.

After removing his makeup and changing clothes, Ming Che packed his things and called his assistant to discuss the upcoming matters.

“You go back first. I’ll stay here for a few more days.”

The assistant guessed the reason for Ming Che staying and tentatively asked.

“Ming ge, does this mean you’re officially dating?”

“Something like that.”

“Are you planning to tell the company?” Although he was Ming Che’s assistant, he was still paid by the company.

“When I go back, I’ll tell Lu Hai about it.”

Ming Che pushed his suitcase out, the assistant following him downstairs, seeing him off at the entrance.

Wen Lin hadn’t arrived yet, so Ming Che stood at the entrance, looking down at his phone.

A voice called him from behind, and Ming Che turned to see Yu Cheng, who hadn’t even tidied his coat, coming out.

“Ming Che ge, why are you waiting here alone?”

Yu Cheng walked over to stand beside him.

Ming Che: “Waiting for someone.”

“Then I’ll keep you company.”

Ming Che put away his phone, looking at him. Yu Cheng nervously checked his attire.

“What’s wrong, Ming Che ge?”

“Nothing.”

After a moment of silence, Yu Cheng suddenly spoke up.

“Ming Che ge, I actually joined Senhai because of you.”

“Because you’re a fan?”

“Yes, but not entirely. Besides being your fan, I also… like you. I know there’s a big gap between us now, but can you give me a chance?”

Under the dim streetlight, Yu Cheng’s eyes were bright, really resembling Wen Lin in his youth. Ming Che looked at him, momentarily dazed, but he knew clearly they were different people.

If he hadn’t reunited with Wen Lin, during his continued stay in this world, Ming Che might have considered trying a relationship. He also wanted to experience what countless people were fascinated by—love.

He might not fully understand it yet, but he could vaguely sense its simple taste. It’s not something that can be tried with just anyone, even someone who looks exactly like Wen Lin.

He exhaled softly, his voice ethereal in the wind.

“I already… have someone I like.”