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Shen Yuan makes sure his face stays perfectly still even as he despairs over the state of his career. Typecasting can happen to anyone. He doesn’t mind that he is stuck playing some form of austere teacher most of the time. There is a range to those roles. Sometimes he’s undemonstrative but supportive. Sometimes he’s ice cold and cruel. He can manage that.
No, the part he still doesn’t understand is how he keeps getting roles where the original work has his character getting screwed silly by another man. He has played almost-love interest to half of the male actors active in China by now. It’s awkward! So awkward! He’s still not sure how he’s supposed to face Liu Qingge! Their last movie, where he played the brother of the man Liu Qingge had been seeking revenge from, had been an unexpected hit. Sadly, Shen Yuan did not get to enjoy his renewed fame, too busy trying to discover ways of dodging questions about how his character’s love had given Liu Qingge’s character something to live for again, while Liu Qingge himself turned red and even more uncooperative by his side. Which was too bad, because Shen Yuan enjoys working with Liu Qingge. The man is fun to tease. Plus, thinking he makes a realistic partner to someone this beautiful is good for his ego.
In the end, he had been looking forward to his next project. Anything to change the topics surrounding him and give Liu Qingge some time to recenter himself so they could return to being friends.
Except that because this is Shen Yuan’s life, his next role a) still has his original character being seduced, and more, by another man, and b) has Tianlang-Jun playing that man.
Shen Yuan is going to die. This is not going to keep the media away from him! Why is Tianlang-Jun wasting his time appearing in some cheap book adaptation? Is this one more high-profile that he thought? He hasn’t read the book yet! He’s been busy!
He should do that, and then look the fandom up to see what it’s like.
_________________
He’s doomed.
The book is terrible. This is not a surprise. If you were to ask Shen Yuan, at least 95% of online novels aren’t worth the ink they’re printed on, and they’re not.
His character isn’t much better than in the script he was given, except he’s much, much gayer. Which isn’t surprising either. He has developed a very accurate fictional gaydar, courtesy of experience. Ye Ziqing is one of many teachers he has played, with the twist that his own teacher, Wang Yichen, the main character/opposite lead, had been on the lecherous side. In the book. In the script, the man had used demonic cultivation to save Ye Ziqing’s life, scaring Ye Ziqing away and causing him to start over in another sect, until the plot, and Wang Yichen, caught up to him.
No, he could deal with all that. It’s all more of the same. His issues are with the fact that this is not some random book with licensing rights that could be acquired on the cheap. The book in question is apparently the most popular danmei series currently being published, because people have no taste. It has fans all over China, in the rest of Asia and even in the West. Shen Yuan has spent last night scrolling Lofter in a daze, dread rising in his stomach as he reads manifesto after manifesto about how much he looks like the love interest, or how he’ll never do him justice, or how lovely he’s going to look being debauched by Tianlang-Jun.
Because this is another thing he was wrong about. Nothing about this adaptation is cheap, hence Tianlang-Jun’s involvement. It is a ridiculously high-profile project considering what the source material is. Worse, the director has apparently decided to use her sky-high budget to “be daring” and “push the envelope of what’s acceptable” to “give the fans what they want.”
Shen Yuan is going to kill his agent. It’s one thing to lowkey pretend to flirt while remaining proper. It’s another thing to let Tianlang-Jun of all people remove his clothes and touch him, even if they’re all supposed to pretend it is platonic. Hypothermia? In this day and age? Seriously? Who even wrote this script?
Ah.
At least Liu Mingyan wasn’t behind his last script. Liu Qingge would have killed himself to free his family from the shame.
That does explain the ‘there was only one bed’ subplot. Liu Mingyan does love her tropes. Still, they’re not playing teenagers! They’re full-grown adults! Shen Yuan’s character can get himself a room in another inn if necessary!
Then again, Ye Ziqing is not clever enough to recognise the disaster that the reappearance of the statutory rape teacher was bound to bring, so maybe looking for another inn is too much to ask of him.
_________________
Shen Yuan is not at all surprised to find Tianlang-Jun’s hand settle on his back the moment they find themselves sharing a space. Lowkey flirting is Tianlang-Jun’s default mode of communication regardless of gender, as Shen Yuan found out quickly during their previous collaborations. Tianlang-Jun’s illustrious career had spared him from playing camouflaged danmei protagonists until now, and Shen Yuan does occasionally, much too occasionally if you were to ask him, get a role in a normal movie. They have shared a screen a few times, though Shen Yuan usually had a much smaller part.
All that to say that Shen Yuan has seen how Tianlang-Jun acts on set before. Shen Yuan fully expected being manhandled all filming long. “Method acting already?”
“Hello to you too. A pleasure to film with you again. Wonderful book, isn’t it?”
Shen Yuan gives him a disbelieving look. “Have you read it?”
“Of course.”
He should probably be more deferential to an actor both older and much more popular than he is, but an opinion like that needs to be challenged. “And you think it’s good? Are you dumb? Your character doesn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘no’ and my character apparently is willing to let anything slide if the dick is good enough.”
Shen Yuan realises his mistake by the way Tianlang-Jun’s eyes light up. “How harsh. Is that how you’re going to play him? Shall I adjust my expectations consequently?”
“Don’t you dare.” So what if the source material is lackluster? Shen Yuan is going to build his character up from the parts that are decent, and follow the script as best he can for the rest. His performance will not be as lackluster, that’s for sure.
“Apparently, I don’t take no for an answer.”
“You’re not him!”
“I’ll be.”
“Hopefully not.” Shen Yuan wants nothing to do with the pervert Tianlang-Jun is playing, still hung up on the student who rejected him years ago. Not that Tianlang-Jun seems like the type that would be bothered by things like age gaps or propriety.
Maybe that’s unfair. For all that Tianlang-Jun has the air of a degenerate, he has managed to preserve a flawless public reputation. Maybe he really is loyal to the defunct mother of his son, as he has often claimed.
Shen Yuan would much prefer to share this set with Luo Binghe. He’s lovely to work with. Such a dedicated young man, with a physique notable even in their shared world. Alas, Luo Binghe, like his father, is much more successful. He is much too busy being a teenage heartthrob to appear in the kinds of movies Shen Yuan shows up in.
Not that Gongyi Xiao is a bad replacement. He’s not as magnetic as Luo Binghe, but no one who isn’t part of that bloodline is. He is more than up to the task of being the third wheel of their infamous love triangle, pining fruitlessly for an uninterested Ye Ziqing.
If you were to ask Shen Yuan, he would make a much better partner than Wang Yichen. Devoted, diligent, kind and adorable. He’s Shen Yuan’s favorite character in this mess of a book.
Now that he thinks about it, it’s probably better that Luo Binghe isn’t on this set. Considering who his father is playing, that would be… weird.
Or something the fandom would be into, because fandom is going to fandom.
Not that Shen Yuan knows anything about that, and anyone claiming the reverse is going to regret it.
_________________
If this were anyone but Tianlang-Jun, Shen Yuan would be honored at his expertise being valued.
As it is Tianlang-Jun, he is pretty sure he is being mocked.
At least he brings decent alcohol to these meetings he keeps forcing on Shen Yuan. “I still don’t see what help I am supposed to provide to an actor with your resume. You don’t need me to tell you how to play your own role. You know how to create a character.”
“But I don’t have any experience with that type of character. You do.”
“Very debatable. This isn’t that different from the romantic leads you have played in the past. It is very different from the roles I have been playing.” Because Shen Yuan has generally been playing, as much as it pains him to describe it like that, ‘the girl’. Not universally, but most of the time. Who knew women were really into students fucking their teachers?
Not that he needed that knowledge!
“You still have more familiarity with the genre than I ever will. The director is looking for our performance to be as in-line with it as can be allowed. Why wouldn’t I ask for your opinion on the topic?”
Because Shen Yuan does not want to be put in the position of telling Tianlang-Jun to be heavy-handed with the eye contact, or that he should make sure to stand just a little bit too close for propriety every time they appear in the same scene, or that he’s on the right track with all the touching and the looming. It feels… weird. “Because you’re wasting both our time. I have nothing of value to offer that you did not think of yourself. You’re a naturally convincing romantic lead.”
“Thank you for the compliment. You’re a quite believable love interest yourself. You needn’t underestimate yourself. You have provided valuable insight.”
Shen Yuan is not blushing because he is not remembering the filming of the scene where Ye Ziqing and Wang Yichen meet again for the first time, and where, on Shen Yuan’s deluded suggestion, Tianlang-Jun tried to stop him from leaving on the spot by grabbing his waist instead of his robe, meaning he pulls Shen Yuan against him instead of just toward him, and then both their characters got to be visibly affected by the contact before continuing on with the script. Very slashable, 10/10 scene, would ship if I wasn’t part of the ship and also we weren’t both men.
He’s not putting himself through this again, so he needs to put an end to these meetings. “I don’t even know why they keep casting me in these things. I can’t really give you good advice in those circumstances.”
Tianlang-Jun laughs. “Do you really have no idea?”
Damn it. He just fell into a trap he dug himself. Tianlang-Jun is not the best person to breach this topic with. Shen Yuan doesn’t want to be anything less than 100% certain of his facts when he talks to the man. He’ll get tricked otherwise. “I know I have the right looks.” Which is, frankly, his best guess.
“Obviously, but if your appearance was your only drawn, you would have more competition. No, that’s not it.” Tianlang-Jun twirls the alcohol in his glass like the villain he was born to play. “There is such a thing as chemistry, darling. Without it, even the best performances can fall flat.”
Shen Yuan frowns. “That would make sense if I always played against the same person, but that’s not the case. I’ve been opposite lead to pretty much anyone with a name worth remembering.” Seriously, so many. Does he know male actors he hasn’t had to make eyes at at some point?
His cousin doesn’t count, so no, probably not.
“And yet, your ‘romances’ are always believable, are they not? No matter who you’re paired with, it’s like you can make them fall for you. The audience believes in your relationships. They feel real the way few actors can manage. The way few men can manage, especially opposite other men.”
Now Shen Yuan is offended. “Making the relationship look plausible is what I’m paid for! Don’t underestimate me!” Seriously, so rude! He’s a great actor! It doesn’t matter whether his opposite lead is his type of not. He’ll make it work, even if in the adaptations they aren’t supposed to be a couple. It’s not like everyone who pays to see the movie or faithfully follows the series doesn’t know the truth.
Tianlang-Jun settles down his glass and steps closer. “I would never insult your acting prowess. You are skilled. You are just especially skilled at playing love interest to someone of the same gender. Some don’t manage. You, however,” Tianlang-Jun’s arm boxing him against the wall, “seem to have no problem finding other men attractive.”
“Are you seriously trying to bidong me?! Because if you dare-“
“You don’t mind, do you? You’re not exactly disgusted by my being in close proximity.”
Tianlang-Jun is many, many things, but disgusting has never been one of them? “Why would I be?”
“How about now?”
“Hands off! Now!”
“My question?”
“Doesn’t need to be answered! Hands! Off!” The nerve! Keep that for the camera!
Tianlang-Jun takes back the hand that was getting much too familiar with his neck. He’d better, because Shen Yuan was going to bite it through.
Shen Yuan has had enough of this. “I’m going to bed.”
“I could-“
“I am going to leave right now and pretend you didn’t try to respond. See you tomorrow. And sleep well! I don’t want to have to deal with you sleep-deprived.” That way lies madness.
“Sweet dreams.”
Shen Yuan escapes before Tianlang-Jun can start elaborating on the content of those sweet dreams.
_________________
“Are you and Tianlang-Jun… all right?”
Shen Yuan frowns. “Yes? Is there a problem?”
“He seems very… tactile.”
Shen Yuan rolls his eyes. “That’s Tianlang-Jun for you. Have you not worked with him before? He’s just like that. Don’t worry about it.” Shen Yuan is already used to it.
Gongyi Xiao doesn’t seem reassured. “I haven’t had the chance yet, but I have heard of him. He isn’t as intrusive around the staff, and they have also started to notice how he treats you.”
“What is there to notice? Tianlang-Jun can be very method if he feels like it. The staff isn’t in the movie. Of course he doesn’t push them as hard as he does me.”
“You’re… You do this genre a lot, so rumors about you might be more damaging. Shouldn’t you be more careful?”
Gongyi Xiao is such a sweet boy, worried about his senior’s reputation! Sadly, that ship sailed long ago. “I am very aware of my reputation. It wouldn’t be the first time fans speculate. If anything, considering his status and the fact that he is a father, he is much less likely to be the subject of rumors than I am. No one would seriously believe there is something between us. Adding to that that there is really nothing between us, there shouldn’t be any problem. At the very worst, I’ll have my agent find some woman who needs the publicity and we’ll ‘date’ for a few months. I’ll be fine.” He’s never had to go this far before, but if it starts to hurt his career, he’ll do what needs to be done.
He really needs more female friends. That would really help his image.
“I see. If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate! I would love to act alongside you again.”
Gongyi Xiao might be very handsome, but he doesn’t have the looks to make for a convincing girlfriend.
Not that that was what he was offering, or something Shen Yuan would have seriously considered. He’s just being his normal, kind self. “Thank you for the offer. Let’s get back to work, shall we?”
_________________
Shen Yuan takes a deep breath.
He often has to take a deep breath during filming, because the original was not great and Liu Mingyan, while lovely in many other aspects, is not his favorite scriptwriter. And while he loves Ning Yingying like a daughter, he hopes no daughter of his will follow in her footsteps.
“Remember the original! You want him!”
Does she need to say it like that? It's not like Tianlang-Jun isn't aware of that fact. He’s been playing his role like his character has been wanting to eat Shen Yuan’s alive. All while Shen Yuan has to pretend to ignore it, then notice, and be conflicted. Every time. But they can’t actually address it because that would be illegal, so they can never actually act on the tension between them. It’s a whole thing.
But this scene? This stupid hypothermia scene? Shen Yuan is going to struggle with that one. His character is confused, mind addled by the cold, but Tianlang-Jun’s character very much isn’t. No amount of cold could distract Wang Yichen from the sight of Ye Ziqing’s wet clothes clinging to his shivering frame. Not to mention he has a legitimate excuse to remove those clothes off him.
How Liu Mingyan managed to get that scene into the script and have it pass censorship is a mystery to him. It brings nothing to the actual plot of the movie. It’s only fanservice. It is not even that important in the book. It’s just there to give an excuse for Wang Yichen to perv and to pine.
But pass censorship it did, and so Shen Yuan is wearing dripping clothes in a fucking cavern because Ning Yingying decided against green screens. It will be more realistic!
Get a film crew in a cavern and see how realistic shit feels.
Tianlang-Jun is grinning at him, because he obviously enjoys wearing matching wet clothes in a damp cavern on the side of some mountain.
Can they start filming already? He can’t wait to get this over with and get changed.
“We’re ready? We are. Okay, start!”
Silence falls. The scene is mostly wordless. Ye Ziqing stumbles in the cavern, having been pushed in by an unstable Wang Yichen. He’s too cold, shivering and unable to grasp where he is or who he is with.
Even so, he knows it isn’t normal for someone, a man, to pull at his clothes the way this man does. Men don’t undress other men, they don’t… He shouldn’t have allowed…
Ye Ziqing struggles against the attempts to undress him. Even if this man feels familiar, even if something about him reminds him of better times, of having someone to look over him and care for him, this isn’t something he should be allowing.
But his mind is so cloudy, and the man’s hands on his skin aren’t… bad. They’re warm, and he feels… so cold.
Ye Ziqing stops fighting. He isn’t being hurt, and the soaked vestments he’s wearing aren’t comfortable anyway.
He still tenses when those hands rest on their hips, as if hesitating whether to go further.
The silence of the cavern seems to deepen.
A drop of ice-cold water slides down his back, and Ye Ziqing shivers harder.
The man’s breath is harsh as he pulls Ye Ziqing’s pants off.
Ye Ziqing finds himself naked in a cave with some man he might… Someone he should…
A man tearing his own drenched garments off himself, and that’s not right, that’s not something that should be happening, especially not with him, not with Wang Yichen, he has sworn to himself he would not go down that road again.
But Wang Yichen pulls him close, and just like before, Ye Ziqing finds it impossible to reject him.
“And scene! One take, good work!”
Thank the gods. Shen Yuan is so done with this shit. He will take the blanket and the personal space at this very moment, thank you very much.
He doesn’t give a second look to Tianlang-Jun, not that he would need to. He’s sure the man is incredibly smug at having managed to pull out the performance he wanted out of Shen Yuan on the first try. Shen Yuan does not need that attitude in his life, thank you. He’s a professional, so he does what his job demands, nothing more, nothing less.
_________________
Spending time with people he doesn’t have to see every day away from set for once is nice. “Thank you for your invitation.”
Mu Qingfang smiles at him kindly. “Think nothing of it.”
Shen Yuan really should add more composed people to his close circle. He was starting to forget that people could be around other people without encroaching on their personal space or fretting worriedly.
Plus, this place is nice. The bar is quiet and private, the kind of place they can both afford to get a drink at without attracting too much attention. “Is coming all this way to basically make a cameo worth it?”
Mu Qingfang shrugs gracefully, because he is the type of person who can manage that. “It’s a major picture. The exposure will be nice, and the pay is nothing to sneeze at.”
He can’t deny any of it. “Indeed.”
“It is also nice to see you again. You seem to enjoy this film.”
“The casting director did a pretty decent job. You’re here after all. That’s not always the case.” Shen Yuan still dreads the occasional mention of that one time someone decided Mobei-Jun, famous for appearing deadly and deadly hot in designer clothes on billboards all over Asia, needed acting credits. That was a mistake. “Acting is always more fun when your coworkers can do it too.”
“So you are getting along with Tianlang-Jun? I wondered. He can be a lot to deal with.”
Not him too? Why do people care so much about his relationship with an actor that has been named China’s most eligible bachelor three years straight? Shen Yuan is decently popular, but he doesn’t have anywhere near as much name recognition as Tianlang-Jun.
Which might be because unlike Shen Yuan, Tianlang-Jun gets cast in series and movies that do not involve an undercurrent of him getting bent over the nearest table by his co-star.
He might also be objectively more attractive than Shen Yuan.
Anyway, his point is that they’re not close acquaintances. They don’t meet very often. Their relationship is meaningless. “We’re doing fine.”
“He can be demanding, but he would accept a no if you were to tell him off.”
Seriously? Again? “Why does everyone seem worried for my virtue? Neither of us goes for men!”
Mu Qingfang sighs. “I know you don’t, but I would be very surprised to find out Tianlang-Jun restrains himself to one gender.”
Huh. From anyone else, he would suspect crass speculation, but Mu Qingfang isn’t the type. “Even if you’re right, why would he pick me? He could have anyone!” If he were to seriously consider the matter, maybe Tianlang-Jun batting for both teams wouldn’t be the most surprising thing about him. It’s not like it’s unheard of in their world. It’s just kept very, very quiet.
Alarm bells start to ring when Mu Qingfang visibly hesitates. The man can have tact, but he isn’t one to sweeten harsh truths. “What is it.” Whatever Mu Qingfang is about to say, Shen Yuan is pretty certain he’s not going to like it.
“Tianlang-Jun might be very accomplished, but even he would face intense backlash if he were found out with another man. He surely has considered his options. Someone from our world can’t unveil him without endangering themselves. And you… probably look like a rather safe bet.”
Wow. That is the nicest way somehow has ever called him gay, and considering his line of work, it’s not the first time it happens. “I’m not attracted to men.”
“We wouldn’t judge you for it. No one has ever said a word about it to your cousin.”
“No one would dare bring it up to Shen Jiu. That person would find their car on fire; their intimate photos leaked to the public; their agent caught in a scandal involving a minor, illicit substances and a donkey; their next project cancelled for untold reasons before the next sunrise.” Shen Yuan seriously doesn’t know anyone who hates life enough to imply that Shen Jiu’s relationship with Yue Qingyuan is anything other than platonic within a hundred kilometers of him, despite it being an open secret. Shen Yuan himself certainly never made that mistake. He wouldn’t be here to regret it.
“My point is that considering your body of work and your interactions with your co-leads, no one would be surprised. If you were interested, Tianlang-Jun would also be. If you aren’t, you should tell him so, because anything less than a clear refusal will be taken as an invitation. And your current behavior probably isn’t being interpreted as a clear refusal, not by him and neither by the cast and staff.”
Shen Yuan cannot decide if he’s being called a cocktease or utterly clueless. Neither is flattering. “With all due respect, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You don’t have to agree with me to ask Tianlang-Jun to tone his attention down. If his hand was any lower on your back earlier it would have been indecent.”
…Was it that bad? It was more of the same, wasn’t it? Tianlang-Jun has been handsy from the moment he set foot on the set. Shen Yuan doesn’t really care anymore.
Then again, Mu Qingfang is someone with a good head on his shoulders. He isn’t one to worry without reason or to distribute warnings left and right. Maybe he’s right in that a small intervention would be apropos.
_________________
“It has been brought to my attention, by multiple people, that you are taking liberties with my person that should not be taken.”
“This needed to be brought to your attention? I thought I was quite obvious about it.”
“I’m not stupid! I noticed! I just didn’t care. We’re not very close, but this is nothing new. I’ve seen you do the same thing to Qi Qingqi during that movie we both worked on two years ago.”
“I assure you that if I had treated Qi Qingqi the way I treat you, I would not be here today. She is much less permissive than you.”
Shen Yuan frowns. He distinctly remembers Tianlang-Jun flirting with his then co-star. She had looked annoyed about it, but just like Tianlang-Jun flirts like he breathes, Qi Qingqi’s default expression is frowning. It’s a miracle she doesn’t have wrinkles. She probably spends a fortune in skin care treatments. “You were making passes at her. I was here.”
Tianlang-Jun shrugs. “I wasn’t serious about it, and she knew it.”
“You’re not serious about it now either!”
“Aren’t I?”
Shen Yuan hates arguing with Tianlang-Jun. He’s a menace. “No you’re not, because you’re an incredibly famous actor and I’m a B-lister, and also we’re both men.”
“It is refreshing for this not to be your first point of opposition.”
“Because it is just that obvious! You had a wife! You have a son proving that marriage was consummated! Your heterosexuality is duly proven.”
“Shall I begin by explaining that a known attraction to women doesn’t stop someone from also being attracted to men, or shall I lead by underlining your own lack of accomplishments in this same domain? By your own admittance, your preferences are uncertain.”
“I’ve been busy! Unlike some people here, my career isn’t a sure thing! The projects I’ve worked on aren’t exactly conductive to meeting eligible women!”
“I would argue the reverse, actually. Your works are directed at women. You must have a decent following.”
He does, but they don’t want to be with him! In fact, they would probably much prefer to hear all about this debacle! “Do you think I’m stupid enough to date a fan?”
“I would never insult your intelligence. Your quick wit is part of your charm after all.”
This man. Shen Yuan can’t. “Can we just agree on you easing on the pdas and move on?”
“I don’t think we can. I have no desire to do so, and neither do you.”
“Excuse me?”
“You never objected to them until people insisted, because if multiple people talked, that means you ignored the firsts to bring it up. You knew and you didn’t care enough to act, ergo you don’t mind.”
This is ridiculous. “Was I supposed to interfere with your process? You’re a distinguished actor and my co-star. I didn’t want to risk our working relationship.”
“Like you are now? I am your senior both in age and professionally. By all means, you should have let me do as I wish.”
“That’s how sexual harassment lawsuits are started.”
“And we wouldn’t want that, would we? Not to mention that rumors would indeed be hurtful to both of us. Let’s make a deal: I’ll tone down my affection in public if you agree to increase the frequency of our afterwork meetings. There is nothing strange about co-stars rehearsing together, is there?”
…That’s probably as close to a win-win as Shen Yuan will get? As much as he hates to admit it, those meetings Tianlang-Jun insisted on have been beneficial to him too. Tianlang-Jun is, after all, famous for a reason. His insights can be enlightening, and his takes on certain scenes definitely heightened the scenario they were given. He has a deep understanding of the original novel, which he genuinely enjoyed for some unfathomable reason. Not to mention that despite how irritating the man can be, he is still more pleasant to be around than his cousin or the aforementioned Qi Qingqi. “Deal.”
All his charm doesn’t stop Shen Yuan from wanting to wipe that satisfied smile from his face.
_________________
It works. Now that Shen Yuan actually makes himself pay attention, yes, the staff and the secondary cast were keeping watch over him, over them both, in a way that wasn’t quite professional. Gongyi Xiao had been very present, apparently trying to put himself between Shen Yuan and Tianlang-Jun as often as possible. Some members of the crew, especially female crew, had been looking at him in a way he is very, very familiar with by now. He has even noticed that some of the inexplicably hostile members of the staff had softened now that Tianlang-Jun had been tamed.
Shen Yuan congratulates himself on a job well done. Hopefully Mu Qingfang’s fears have been quieted.
_________________
So everything has returned to normal? That is good to hear.
As close to normal as things can be with Tianlang-Jun still around, but yes.
Is there anything I should know?
You’re not my mother!
No, but I know your cousin.
Shen Yuan can image very few things worse than Shen Jiu getting enmeshed in this farce. He would probably love to get dirt on Tianlang-Jun and use it to ruin him. As far as Shen Jiu was concerned, one less famous actor meant one less person stopping him from becoming the number one actor in China.
As for whether he’d mind Shen Yuan being collateral damage, probably not. He’d better not risk it. It’s Tianlang-Jun. Of course he didn’t just stop. He asked for more private rehearsal sessions in exchange. It’s fine. Almost all of the movie is just us, there’s nothing abnormal about us rehearsing.
So you’re spending more time with him than before?
I was already spending most of my days with him anyway.
Shen Yuan, I am going to tell you something. You are not going to respond to me. You are going to read my message, turn off your phone and think about it. You are not going to write a response before reading all of my message. You are not going to call me. You are going to read, and you are going to think. Is that understood?
You’re terrifying.
Is. that. understood?
Yes Mother Mu.
I understand that there is a professional aspect to this situation that complexifies things, but to me, it seems that Tianlang-Jun has agreed to stop flirting with you in public in exchange for dating you in private. Shen Yuan, do you want to date Tianlang-Jun?
Shen Yuan has written four paragraphs by the time he remembers that he promised not to respond. Right. He has to think about this or risk earning Mu Qingfang’s wrath.
Is there anything to think about, really? Tianlang-Jun is a man. Shen Yuan is also a man, so things like Tianlang-Jun’s undisputable attractiveness or his natural charm are irrelevant to him. He can admit spending time with the man can be pleasant, but that doesn’t have anything to do with a potential romance. Shen Yuan isn’t attracted to men, so that’s that.
…
…
Is he attracted to men?
Nah, he likes women plenty. They’re pretty, and nice, and family-oriented, and right, Tianlang-Jun himself said that being attracted to women had nothing to do with attraction to men. He’s probably not wrong about that.
How does one determine attraction anyway? He doesn’t think he has ever fantasised about one of his co-stars, for exemple? But he doesn’t really fantasise about women that way either. It’s not really his thing?
He notices attractive men, but he only works with attractive men? How could he not notice them? Plus, he has to! It’s his job most of the time! He has to know why the characters he plays would want the characters he is supposed to fall for! It doesn’t mean anything.
Shen Yuan drags back the deeply buried memory of Tianlang-Jun pulling his naked body to his. At the time, he was playing the role, and the presence of a full crew dampens any chance at arousal as far as he’s concerned, but here, alone in his room, were he to revisit that memory, along with the many, many touches Tianlang-Jun peppered all over him, how would that make him feel?
Beside embarrassed as hell.
…So maybe he isn’t immune to men.
Fuck.
_________________
“This is your fault and I expect you to take full responsibility for it.”
“As I will as soon as I know what you’re blaming me for.”
Shen Yuan kisses Tianlang-Jun will all of the pissed-off anger of someone who has been toyed with for weeks, to the full knowledge of everyone but himself, and ends up falling for it anyway.
“Oh, that. I will happily take all responsibility for that. Can I also take responsibility for the success of our movie when all of our sexual tension makes it a national hit?”
Shen Yuan chose this. He can only blame himself.
No, he can very much blame Tianlang-Jun. “I’m still going to outact you.” Tianlang-Jun deserves it for being Tianlang-Jun, debaucher of poor B-list actors and ruiner of lives.
“I’ll love to see you try.”
And to think all Shen Yuan wanted was another project to stop the rumors haunting him and his co-star. He’s pretty sure he couldn’t have failed at that more spectacularly.
Let’s make it an entertaining spectacle, at least.