Chapter 37

After a night of silence, the apartment finally saw some activity again.

Lin Si sat on the sofa, leaning weakly to one side, his eyes half-closed.

His right hand was tightly clasped in his left palm.

Three minutes ago, Lu Wei’s broad hand had enveloped his, giving him a light handshake.

It felt strange. Lin Si’s trust in Lu Wei fluctuated constantly. Even when he initiated their reconciliation, he hadn’t been completely confident.

Yet, the moment Lu Wei grasped his hand, he instinctively returned the gesture, as if trying to express his sincerity.

The warmth of their touching fingertips made Lin Si wonder if his brain had lost connection with his body—or maybe it was just the influence of pheromones making him act this way.

But… Lu Wei had said—

“It won’t happen again.”

Lin Si had pressed his lips together and nodded. “It’s okay.”

The exchange had been as formal as an international negotiation. After a long standoff, both sides finally reached a truce.

Even if their only agreement was simply—to get along as friends and neighbors.

The doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Lin Si snapped out of it, assuming Liao Ji had arrived, and got up to answer the door.

Duan Yang’s face appeared on the other side. He beamed cheerfully and greeted Lin Si, “Morning.” Then, standing at the step below, he asked, “Mind if I come in?”

Lin Si quickly stepped aside, bending down to pull out a new pair of men’s slippers from the shoe cabinet. “Of course, come in.”

Duan Yang unpacked the breakfast items one by one, glancing toward the inner room. “Boss Lu catching up on sleep?”

Lin Si’s mind flashed back to Lu Wei stepping out of the bathroom just minutes ago. He made an educated guess. “He… should be changing clothes.”

As soon as he spoke, Lu Wei appeared in view—completely transformed from last night’s look. He was back in his impeccably pressed dress shirt, buttoned all the way up, not a single one left undone.

He walked over, saw Duan Yang standing by the dining table, and handed him his suit jacket, speaking succinctly. “Notified?”

“Yes. Once the 9 AM meeting is over, all key personnel from Xijiang will come over. But your schedule is packed today,” Duan Yang reported.

Lu Wei scooped half a bowl of eight-treasure porridge for Lin Si, then grabbed a sandwich for himself as he sat down. “Fifteen minutes.”

“Fifteen minutes should be enough,” Duan Yang replied. “The license plate details should come in around ten.”

Lu Wei simply responded with a soft “mm” and said no more, eating his sandwich swiftly and quietly.

Lin Si had seen Lu Wei work before, so he wasn’t too intimidated this time. He took his time, scooping up a spoonful of porridge just as Duan Yang leaned in to whisper something to Lu Wei—too softly for Lin Si to hear.

Lu Wei listened without much reaction, his gaze lowering as he continued his breakfast.

By the time Lu Wei finished his sandwich, Lin Si had only gotten through half his porridge. He reached for a small bread roll just as Lu Wei stood up.

Duan Yang left first, while Lin Si watched them from the dining table, nibbling on his bread, preparing to wave goodbye.

“Go to work,” Lu Wei said.

Lin Si lowered the bread from his mouth and nodded. “Mm.”

“If anything comes up, call me,” Lu Wei added.

Lin Si nodded again.

Lu Wei’s gaze lingered on Lin Si’s lips, where a tiny crumb clung to the soft, rosy skin. He didn’t point it out—just let his eyes rest there a moment longer before turning to leave.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Si asked.

“If you’re tired, take a nap.” Lu Wei picked up his briefcase from the sofa, walked past him, and called him by another name. “You Yu.“

Lin Si scratched his face. “What squid?”

“Ye Gaotan’s movie,” Lu Wei reminded him.

Lin Si’s head jerked to a blank space in the room, then whipped back around. His eyes widened, and he looked up at Lu Wei with delight. “Me? Really?!”

Lu Wei nodded. “Mm.”

The small bread roll was abandoned on the plate as Lin Si shot up from his seat. His arms instinctively spread open, as if he was about to hug something—but realizing it was Lu Wei in front of him, he hesitated. He took two steps forward but then awkwardly pulled his hands back to his sides.

Still, his bright eyes curved with a beaming smile. “That’s amazing!”

The gloom that had shadowed his face due to the Bai Fan incident finally lifted, replaced by vibrant joy. Seeing this, Lu Wei seemed to savor the moment, the corner of his lips subtly curving into a barely noticeable smile.

“Congratulations.”

Lin Si clasped his hands together with a loud clap, then excitedly paced back and forth. “Thank you!”

“You earned it yourself.” Lu Wei’s words had barely settled when Duan Yang knocked on the door. “Boss Lu.”

Time was tight. Lu Wei took a few steps away from Lin Si, but his gaze lingered until the last moment before he finally turned and walked out the door.

Duan Yang closed the door behind them, pressed the elevator button, and waited. As they got into the car, he spoke quietly, “Boss Lu, an AA relationship is totally possible. Mr. Lin seems to have a great temperament.”

Lu Wei didn’t respond. He simply opened his laptop and began working.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down, unlocking the screen—it was a private message from Lin Si. The first one he’d received since giving Lin Si Duan Yang’s number to contact him.

Lin Si: [What do you like to eat?]

Lin Si: [Vegetables]

Just as Lu Wei was about to type a reply, another message popped up.

Lin Si: [Will you be home for dinner tonight?]

Lu Wei: [Yes.]

Lin Si: [Oh oh oh great, then I’ll cook at home tonight. What do you want to eat?]

Lu Wei hesitated for a moment, then typed:

Lu Wei: [Can you make pan-fried tofu?]

---

2501.

Lin Si put the dishes into the dishwasher, dried his hands, and looked down at Lu Wei’s reply. He froze for a moment.

Did Lu Wei have surveillance cameras in his home? Or had he secretly checked his recipe book? He had casually picked out his signature dish.

Lin Si replied: [I can make it.]

Lu Wei: [Then let’s have that. The rest, make what you like.]

Lin Si: [Okay.]

Since he couldn’t go out, he quickly made a grocery list and sent a message to Aunt Li, asking her to bring the ingredients when she came over.

Just as he finished, Liao Ji arrived. Lin Si opened the door for him.

Liao Ji was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, his hair a complete mess—clearly, he hadn’t slept all night. Lin Si poured him a glass of warm water. “Why don’t you tell me what needs to be done? I’ll take care of it while you get some rest.”

“Rest? How can I sleep now? I want to be a keyboard warrior and fight those trolls online!” Liao Ji opened his laptop while speaking. “Bai Fan’s phone is turned on again, but he won’t answer any calls.”

He pointed at a draft statement. “This is what we’re planning to release soon. See if you want to make any changes.”

Lin Si leaned in and read through it carefully. “Looks good.”

“Try calling Bai Fan,” Liao Ji said, rubbing his temples. “See if he picks up for you.”

Lin Si was skeptical. “He doesn’t even know my number. If I call, he won’t answer.”

“Send him a text first—tell him it’s you. Then call.” Liao Ji instructed. “Our plan is for your acting coach to clear things up first, then your company colleagues will share that post, followed by clarifying the New Year’s party incident.”

Lin Si followed his train of thought. “Are you planning to release the West River surveillance footage or the company’s?”

Liao Ji shook his head. “The company’s footage is from a blind spot—nothing useful was recorded. The surveillance you have is the only solid evidence.”

“Then what’s the point of me calling him?” Lin Si asked as he dialed Bai Fan’s number and sent him a message.

“We just need to catch him being uncooperative,” Liao Ji explained. “According to Shengshi’s artist protection clause, if we go head-to-head like this, Shengshi might get sued.”

Lin Si waited five minutes before calling Bai Fan. To his surprise, Bai Fan actually picked up.

He pressed the record button. “Hello, this is Lin Si.”

“Mm.” Bai Fan responded.

“You’ve seen what’s happening online, right?” Lin Si said. “Can you clarify the situation?”

Bai Fan let out a bitter laugh. “What’s the point now?”

“Of course, it matters. A direct clarification from you is the strongest way to refute the rumors,” Lin Si said. “I have no interest in being associated with you beyond being colleagues.”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Bai Fan suddenly changed his tone. “Sorry, I’m busy right now.”

Then he hung up.

Lin Si ended the recording and shrugged. “He thinks I’m trying to trap him. He wouldn’t even say an extra word.”

Liao Ji took the hard drive from Lin Si. “Alright. I’ll contact the team. We’ll get everything ready and start.”

Lin Si helped confirm the video clips they would use, then leaned his head against the sofa, closing his eyes for a moment.

He had a brief dream.

In the dream, he and Y had worked hard for years and finally managed to buy a two-bedroom apartment in the virtual world. Hand in hand, they pushed open the door—but Lin Si froze in place.

The entryway had a small staircase, the lighting was a warm yellow, and the built-in shoe cabinet was wooden. At the end of the hall stood a marble pillar.

Lin Si suddenly backed out of the door and looked up at the unit number—2501!

His heart skipped a beat. He rushed back inside, eager to tell Y that this was his home.

But at the top of the entryway stairs, someone stood with their back to him. Upon hearing his footsteps, the person turned around and extended a hand.

“Baby.”

It was Lu Wei’s face.

Lin Si woke up with a jolt.

He gasped for breath, his chest rising and falling violently. His hands instinctively gripped the nearest object as his dazed eyes searched the air.

“What’s wrong?” Liao Ji came over and touched his forehead. “Bad dream?”

Hearing Liao Ji’s voice brought Lin Si back to reality. He closed his eyes and furrowed his brows.

Liao Ji assumed he was just exhausted from all the stress and sighed, patting him on the back. “It’s fine, not a big deal. Even if someone exposes you as an Omega tomorrow, I’ll find a way to handle it.”

Lin Si reached over and hugged Liao Ji, resting his head on his shoulder. He had the sudden urge to tell him—I think I like someone.

Liao Ji let him hug him while he continued typing and coordinating online. Lin Si turned his head and asked, “How long did I sleep?”

“About an hour and a half, I think,” Liao Ji replied, helplessly ruffling his hair. “The whole internet is in chaos, and the main character is here taking a nap.”

“The surveillance footage has been turned into GIFs and short clips,” Liao Ji showed him. “Funny thing—we were just about to release our statement when Xu Xiangyang beat us to it. He posted saying all those rumors about the film crew were fake. Then the director of ‘Missing You 66’ reposted it. Gotta say, they’re really standing up for you.”

Lin Si rubbed his eyes, looked down at his phone, and sent thank-you messages to Xu Xiangyang and the crew’s group chat.

“The nanny van’s driving records have been used to create a simplified map for public notarization,” Liao Ji explained. “Your home address and hotel stay have been omitted—only the general locations are shown: the set, the hotel, and your residence.”

“Just now, the acting coach created an account and posted a clarification. Now we’re coordinating with media outlets to release the footage.”

Lin Si nodded. “Yeah, post it. Don’t let people keep shifting the focus onto the coach.”

---

A Hotel in Beicheng.

The curtains in the room were fully drawn. A slender young man sat at the foot of the bed, gripping his phone tightly. His voice was urgent.

“Why does Lin Si still have surveillance footage? Didn’t you say even the backups were deleted?!”

The person on the other end said something, but it only made the young man angrier. He got up and kicked the nightstand hard, yelling,

“Then what the hell am I supposed to do now?! Everyone is coming after me! Hurry up and find a way to get everything Lin Si posted deleted!”

His outburst didn’t last long. The call was abruptly cut off. In frustration, he hurled his phone onto the floor.

The carpet softened the impact, causing the screen to simply go dark. But before the call, his screen had been open to social media—

In just a few short hours, the entire world seemed to have turned against Bai Fan.

---

【Bai Fan should just drop dead on the streets tonight. Die die die die die.】

【I’m cracking open a beer to celebrate this clown’s downfall! Bai Fan, you b****!】

【Lin Si is so damn unlucky… Getting leeched off by someone from his own company.】

【What did our baby Si ever do wrong? He even did a duet with you when you were younger to boost your popularity, and now you repay him like this? Ungrateful snake.】

【Is he that desperate for fame? Never seen someone so shameless in my life.】

【Lin Si’s team really pulled through—finding all the evidence overnight? Absolute legends. Liao Ji, come out and take your praise! F*** yeah!】

【@ The Human Confusion Awards—come collect your winner.】

【Unbelievable. Has Bai Fan never met an Alpha before? Clinging on like a damn parasite.】

---

Author’s Note:
Couldn’t think of a title today… so just moving the plot along -w-

T/n: i don’t think the mastermind is Bai Fan, he’s just a pawn the villain is that other costar of his…something Qin i guess lol in Missing you 66 movie🤔🤔🤔 but let’s see. Stay tuned 😉. If you want to support me you can buy me a Ko-Fi or go to my paypal page. Happy Reading 🤩❤️