Chapter 89 – Prelude and Preparation
After work, Fei Xiangnan didn’t contact Xiao Fang right away. Instead, he drove to his good friend Zhang Yuanxiao’s company. Compared to Zhang Yuanxiao, Fei Xiangnan felt he was much happier. At the very least, his wife still came home on time. But his good friend’s situation was different.
Or perhaps, people who pursue art have different ways of thinking. When inspiration struck today, he had to go into seclusion in a hotel, for an indefinite period of time—maybe a day, two days, or a month. So, when Fei Xiangnan saw Zhang Yuanxiao in his office, he was leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking melancholically while looking at the scenery outside. The scene looked incredibly sad, but in Fei Xiangnan’s eyes, it was all just smoke and mirrors. He could even effortlessly poke at the other’s sore spot.
“Your partner hasn’t been back for over half a month again?” Fei Xiangnan sat down in Zhang Yuanxiao’s seat as if he owned the place, his words instantly turning Zhang Yuanxiao’s expression sour.
He took a long, unhappy drag of nicotine and said with a dark face, “Did you come here just to laugh at me? You’re so busy, yet you have the time to come all the way here?”
Fei Xiangnan raised an eyebrow, not denying the suspicion that he had come to show off. He said shamelessly, “Seeing you all alone for so many days, you must be lonely. I came specially to keep you company. As good friends, we should definitely support each other.”
Zhang Yuanxiao snorted, too angry to speak. To be honest, he really was jealous. Finally, he started to sound like a salty person. “You’re celebrating too early. No actor is ever much less busy than a director. When he starts taking on roles, you’ll have plenty to long for. I’ll definitely come to see you then.”
Fei Xiangnan smiled confidently. “Don’t worry, I definitely won’t be as miserable as you.” When Fei Xiangnan was confident, he always had a plan. The calculating look in his eyes showed that this old man had long planned everything.
Defeated, he sat on the desk. Zhang Yuanxiao didn’t want to argue anymore. He said irritably, “Then what did you come to find me for? Don’t tell me you’re really just bored?”
Of course, that was impossible.
Fei Xiangnan held out his hand. Zhang Yuanxiao, understanding perfectly, handed him a cigarette and lit it for him. Fei Xiangnan took a deep drag and stated his true purpose.
“I came to ask for your advice on something.” White smoke drifted from Fei Xiangnan’s mouth, blurring the space between them. Zhang Yuanxiao squinted and took a drag himself. Between inhaling and exhaling, Zhang Yuanxiao knew what was going on.
Of course, he couldn’t resist a round of mockery. Who told Fei Xiangnan to provoke him first? Once the mockery started, it couldn’t be stopped, and it was finally ended by a kick from Fei Xiangnan. “Get to the point.”
Zhang Yuanxiao smiled knowingly, giving him a meaningful look. “How far do you want to go?”
Fei Xiangnan smiled wildly and replied, “I want to go all the way.” In this aspect, he didn’t like to be subtle. Even though he usually looked very serious, his inner self was not as calm as his surface appeared. This was just like Zhang Yuanxiao’s true nature; otherwise, the two of them wouldn’t have become friends.
Their gazes met, and they both smiled in unison.
***
Over on Xiao Fang’s side, he couldn’t help but shiver. His attention was still drawn to the awkward situation. The scene was too embarrassing; he didn’t even know how to explain it.
Ma Rui walked in and tactfully closed the door. He stood by the entrance with a red face, trying his best to look like he hadn’t heard anything.
In the end, it was Ruan Tan who coughed, trying to hide the blush on his face and make himself look less inexperienced. For the sake of face, anything could be sacrificed.
“Um, haven’t you done it before?”
Fortunately, it was Ma Rui who had walked in. Xiao Fang felt a little more relaxed. After the awkwardness passed, he was gradually able to get back on track. After all, this was a matter concerning the safety of his little flower.
“Just once. I was drunk that time, so, I don’t really remember much.”
Xiao Ma put on an “I didn’t hear anything” expression, but his ears couldn’t help but perk up.
Inwardly, the tsundere Ruan Tan didn’t want to recall that artless scene at all, but he put on a show of being an expert. “Well, if the other person’s technique is good, it won’t hurt. Don’t worry.”
“But it’s only his second time,” Xiao Fang said with a pained expression, not caring about his old husband’s pride at all.
Sure enough, Ruan Tan’s expression changed at that. The second time? So the first time was when he was drunk? Ruan Tan, who had thought a few simple words of comfort would suffice, now took on his responsibility and began to give Xiao Fang a long-winded lecture on post-activity aftercare. By the time he finished, Xiao Fang’s face was as white as a sheet, and he was even walking unsteadily.
“Is it really that painful for the receiving party?” Xiao Ma asked sympathetically.
Xiao Fang immediately read the opposing viewpoint in Ma Rui’s thoughts and asked coolly, “What makes you qualified to speak for the giving party?”
Xiao Ma proudly puffed out his chest. Even if he was straight, it didn’t change the fact that he had been the top before.
Xiao Fang offered two words: “Heh, heh.”
Too much fluff, not worth commenting on.
Compared to the receiving party’s statement, the giving party’s was so much more adept and frank.
***
Meanwhile, Xiao Qi, after getting his makeup redone in his exclusive dressing room, came out and ran into Xiao Fang, who was packing up to go home.
“Director Ruan is rushing us. Brother Xiao, we need to hurry…” The words his little assistant was saying in his ear went completely unheard as Xiao Qi rushed towards Xiao Fang.
“The only reason you passed in one take was because of your relationship with Director Ruan. I hope you remember that. You’re just a supporting character; you’ll never outshine the main character.” Xiao Qi had now dropped the last shred of pretense when speaking to Xiao Fang, no longer holding back his words.
Xiao Fang had no desire to deal with such a person. He pulled Ma Rui and walked around him, not even giving him a second glance. This was even more humiliating than any retort he could have given.
Xiao Qi quickly chased after him and said sharply, “What gives you the right to be so arrogant? You just managed to curry favor with the director.”
Ma Rui had completely lost respect for this Film Emperor. He had no integrity at all, and he was more of a gossip than any busybody. Ma Rui couldn’t even be bothered to deal with him anymore. He just shot him a disdainful look and stepped aside to protect Brother Xiao, who was behind him. When it came to verbal sparring, the one behind him was the true master.
“You’re not convinced, are you?” Xiao Fang’s attitude towards Xiao Qi was now the same as his; he had no more reservations.
Xiao Qi glared at Xiao Fang, a sense of arrogant superiority once again appearing in his eyes. “You’re not worthy of my…”
“Don’t make yourself sound so noble. If you’re not convinced, then go build a good relationship with Director Ruan yourself. Why are you always trying to feel superior around me? Do you really think I’m still going to put up with you? Get lost, you’re annoying to look at!” Xiao Fang had an “I can’t be bothered to say another word to you” attitude. Ma Rui very professionally moved the big star aside, clearing a path for the two of them to pass.
“You!” How could Xiao Qi be willing to let it go? Just as he was about to step forward and block them…
“Xiao Qi, what are you doing? Get back to filming! Do you want the whole crew to wait for you? You think you’re a fairy princess?!” Ruan Tan rushed out furiously, directly quashing Xiao Qi’s next thought.
Xiao Fang nodded at Ruan Tan. As he passed by Xiao Qi, he added nonchalantly, “Go make friends. Don’t say I stopped you.”
“Hmph!” Ma Rui raised his head and snorted coldly, then left with Xiao Fang. Xiao Qi’s face darkened as he stood there.
The two of them got into the RV. Ma Rui praised Xiao Fang all the way for what had just happened, summarizing it in one sentence: As expected of my Brother Xiao, a man of few words and ruthless actions.
Xiao Fang no longer wanted to deal with that person in his heart. He wasn’t even savoring that incident right now, because something even more important was about to happen.
“At, the library,” Xiao Fang hesitated, unsure whether to say it or not. The various maintenance tips Ruan Tan had just given him had already made him give up the idea of going home. Even the strawberry mousse couldn’t bring him any joy.
“What’s wrong with the library, Brother Xiao?” Ma Rui, seeing that they were almost at the library, immediately told the driver to slow down.
Xiao Fang’s hand holding his phone was hesitating. Should he go to a hotel first and then find an excuse to get out of it? Xiao Fang thought to himself, his eyes uncontrollably looking out the window. The car passed by building after building, finally reaching the vicinity of the library. He hadn’t looked before, but one glance now gave him a shock.
His man was leaning against a black Maybach, looking incredibly manly as he smoked a cigarette. Those long legs, that pose—he was like a free human male hormone dispenser. It seemed like he was trying to attract every man and woman within a ten-mile radius.
To Xiao Fang, all this just looked like someone with too much energy. Was it really that hot? He was panting outside. On this cold day with only a few degrees, the few women on the road had all gathered around. Xiao Fang’s eyes were about to pop out.
“I’m getting off at the library. You go back first!” Xiao Fang quickly put on his bulky padded jacket, black mask, and sunglasses, fully armed and ready to get out of the car. Ma Rui was about to ask what was going on, but a glance out the window made him understand.
“Uh, Brother Xiao is going to the library to borrow a book. Driver, let’s pull over by the side of the road.” Ma Rui nimbly made up an excuse for Xiao Fang in front of the outsiders. When they reached the side of the road, Xiao Fang scrambled out of the car like a nimble monkey.
Ma Rui was speechless. As the Best Actor, couldn’t you at least act the part properly?
After Xiao Fang got out of the car, Xiao Ma immediately told the driver to drive away. Right now, Xiao Fang couldn’t care less about whether his butt would hurt or not. He just wanted to stuff this man into the car first.
Fei Xiangnan saw Xiao Fang walking over from a distance. Before he could even say hello, Xiao Fang snatched the cigarette from his hand, extinguished it in a nearby trash can, and then threw it away.
Fei Xiangnan was about to explain that he didn’t have a strong smoking habit when his partner dragged him into the car. The surrounding women looked on with resentful eyes. Xiao Fang, overcome with jealousy, glared at everyone present through his sunglasses and then sat domineeringly in the passenger seat.
“Drive!”
President Fei immediately stepped on the gas, then slowly savored Xiao Fang’s actions.
Was he jealous? Fei Xiangnan smiled with great pleasure.
“The cake is in the glove compartment. Eat it.”
No matter how angry the foodie Xiao Fang was, he would never forget to eat. He took off his mask and glasses and began to eat without any regard for his image. After eating the strawberry mousse he had been craving, Xiao Fang’s jealousy was diluted by the sweetness of the strawberries.
“In the future, mmph, don’t just lean outside. There are still some rich-hating terrorists in this world,” Xiao Fang warned in a roundabout way.
Fei Xiangnan held back his laughter and agreed, almost overwhelmed by his wife’s cuteness.
At a red light, Fei Xiangnan couldn’t hold back any longer. He pulled Xiao Fang’s body over and pressed his lips firmly against his pink ones. The taste of tobacco and strawberry mousse mixed together and finally melted into one. This kiss was different from before; both of them had something deeper in their hearts, so the kiss was more passionate and unrestrained.
Xiao Fang felt like he was suffocating. His oxygen was being sucked away, and he could only rely on his instincts to adapt. In this self-forgetful chaos, he seemed to have realized something. Since they were going to be together for a lifetime, he would have to endure the pain sooner or later. It was better to get it over with quickly. If he really couldn’t stand it, he would just kick Fei Xiangnan away!
At this moment, Xiao Fang made this important decision!