Chapter 4

There were four couples total on this show: two same-sex and two opposite-sex. Each group contained one couple that had been married for a long time and a couple that had either just started dating or had just gotten married. Before evening fell, the other couples arrived as well. The production staff was determined to get high viewer ratings, so weren’t stingy with their money. These four duos were all very valuable. Aside from Fang Shaoyi and Yuan Ye, one couple was an early Hong Kong film empress and her wealthy husband, one was the “fresh meat” and “fresh flower” couple the same age as Fang Shaoyi, and the last was a pair of youths. Both youths were just past twenty, making them the youngest CP on the show. They hadn’t publicized their relationship yet, so were going for that ambiguous feeling.

These two old CPs were extremely influential. With Fang Shaoyi and film empress Chen Ru’s statuses, it had taken great effort to get them to sign the contracts. The other two young CPs were in charge of the show’s online popularity: they all had an abundance of fans, bringing with them trending topics and marketability. Their online influence was impressive, so signing them hadn’t been cheap either.

With every group’s arrival, they exchanged greetings. Fang Shaoyi and Chen Ru had worked together before on a movie many years ago, so could be considered old acquaintances. However, Fang Shaoyi and Yuan Ye were completely unfamiliar with the other two duos. Yuan Ye hadn’t even heard of them before. The two youngest kids were the most polite and respectful. Everyone around them were their seniors. Even though they currently had a lot of fans, the difference in status between them was still substantial.

Dinner had been arranged in the hotel. Everyone sat down to eat. They were going to film the show together, so gathered for a meal to get to know one another better. Lin Tian was the one in charge of keeping the mood alive in this group. She was a usual guest on several different types of variety shows, so knew how to maintain the flow very well. The two youngest, Chi Xing and Cheng Xun, also had some experience. Their feel for variety was pretty strong. Chen Ru and her husband were from Hong Kong, so weren’t prudish at all; they could really let themselves go. Among them, only Fang Shaoyi and Yuan Ye spoke little. Neither took initiative to speak. Sometimes, they couldn’t even keep up with the others’ train of thought, becoming confused as to what they were ultimately trying to express.

Yuan Ye kept his head lowered and ate. Fang Shaoyi occasionally added food and soup to his bowls.

“Teacher Yuan, don’t just focus on eating. Come chat with us. Haha, Teacher Yuan is too down to earth!” The topic of conversation had switched to him. Yuan Ye looked up at Lin Tian. The other was smiling at him. Yuan Ye grinned at everyone and said, “Okay, let’s chat.”

His extremely serious response caused everyone at the table to burst into laughter again. The emotions expressed in variety shows were always exaggerated.

“Let him eat. When Teacher Yuan gets hungry, he starts eating in a rush. He can’t stand being too hungry.” Fang Shaoyi sat next to him and added another ladle full of soup to his bowl. He chuckled and told everyone else, “He’s also not much of a talker. If you make him speak, the conversation will get awkward.”

Yuan Ye glanced at him, then nodded with a smile. “, pretty good.” Yuan Ye replied with the same tone.

Fang Shaoyi turned around and stood there. Yuan Ye sat off to the side, arms around his knees, casually crossed in front of his body. Neither spoke. A while later, Yuan Ye asked, “Can I smoke in here?”

Fang Shaoyi cocked an eyebrow and looked at him. “Smoke?”

Yuan Ye patted his pocket. He wasn’t carrying around any cigarettes because of filming today. He shook his head, chuckled, and said, “Nevermind.”

He knew Fang Shaoyi’s gaze was locked on him. When those eyes landed on a person, they felt tangible and also carried warmth. Yuan Ye could tell when Fang Shaoyi was staring at him even without looking up; he could feel it.

This space was too stuffy. The tension could be cut with a knife. Yuan Ye sighed. He stood up and rubbed his head out of habit. The small scar by his eye happened to catch the light, so seemed a bit obvious. He told Fang Shaoyi, “It’s late. Rest early. I need to head back, shower, and sleep too.”

The production crew had prepared a suite for them, but there was only one bed. It was impossible for Yuan Ye to stay here. Earlier, he had told Ji Xiaotao to reserve another room for him. His stuff had already been moved over. When he was almost at the door, Fang Shaoyi called out, “Yuan Ye.”

Yuan Ye turned around and made a noise of acknowledgment.

Fang Shaoyi lowered his voice and said, “If you find this show too annoying, we can stop filming. I’ll have Geng Jinwei discuss with them when I get back.”

Yuan Ye cocked an eyebrow and looked over. “You’re annoyed? Whatever you want. If you want to stop filming, then stop. I’m fine with whatever.”

Fang Shaoyi furrowed his brows. He stared straight at Yuan Ye. “Quit bringing me up. I’m asking about you.”

Yuan Ye was wearing a casual jacket and black jeans. Right now, he had both hands in his pockets and was half turned around. With a smile that wasn’t really a smile, he stared at Fang Shaoyi. After showering, Fang Shaoyi had changed into a t-shirt and joggers. He looked clean and fresh, very homey. Yuan Ye had a set of these clothes too. Coincidentally, he had also brought them along as pajamas this time.

Yuan Ye suddenly laughed. He turned around to face Fang Shaoyi straight on. He closely observed Fang Shaoyi’s face, then nodded. Cold amusement resounded in his voice. “I’m so fucking annoyed.”

The depths of Fang Shaoyi’s eyes were still and dark. Without waiting for the other to answer, Yuan Ye continued, “……But I still want to keep filming.”

Yuan Ye took two steps forward. His face was in front of Fang Shaoyi’s. He grabbed the other’s t-shirt and asked, “Don’t you think I’m batshit crazy?”

Fang Shaoyi focused on the tiny scar at the corner of his eye. This scar had been there for many years. Back then, it had been pretty obvious, but now, it was almost imperceptible unless Yuan Ye was under a direct light source. Fang Shaoyi said, “Just say the word when you want to stop filming. No need to force yourself.”

Yuan Ye agreed softly. At the same time, he rubbed his fingers together. It was a tiny, reflexive action; he actually just wanted to smoke a cigarette. Yuan Ye turned around and left, lifting an arm in farewell.