RSDH CH30

In another room.

The production assistant, having endured two consecutive days of high-intensity filming, was so sleepy he wanted to die early in the morning. Still, he had to force himself to stay alert and stand guard in the livestream room.

Because he was facing Lü Ye Shu Huai, a magical pair of guests who could cause a livestream disaster in the blink of an eye.

Sensing that Cheng Duzhou was about to say something explosive, the assistant immediately used his unparalleled hand speed to mute the audio.

However, his action woke up the livestream room too. Viewer numbers surged rapidly, filling the screen with question marks.

“President Cheng ying? Ying what?” (Translator’s note: ‘Ying’ sounds like the start of ‘ying’ – hard/erect, but also a sound effect for crying/moaning)

“Try to think in the direction of things that can’t be broadcast.”

“Understood instantly.”

The assistant: “…”

Muted for nothing.

…

Cheng Duzhou was completely oblivious to the commotion in the livestream room. He saw that under the morning light, a blush gradually spread across Duan Xingye’s face, yet his gaze was still focused on him.

He was a bit surprised. He didn’t think his love words were particularly moving, at most just sincere.

But Duan Xingye seemed to enjoy it.

The next second.

Duan Xingye grabbed a pillow from the side and pressed it onto Cheng Duzhou’s face.

“…”

Backstage.

Old Xu sat down carrying two cups of soy milk, his first glance landing on the data on the screen.

“Yo, the audience enthusiasm is so high today.”

And ridiculously high, a bit abnormal for this time of day.

He then looked at the monitor.

He saw Duan Xingye lying on top of Cheng Duzhou, hugging a pillow to suffocate his head.

Old Xu sipped his soy milk, amused by the elementary school chicken fighting style. “Are they rehearsing?”

Fahai and Bai Suzhen had a fight scene. This couple was quite dedicated, rehearsing lines before even getting out of bed.

“No.” The assistant shook his head, his voice trembling. “Teacher Duan wants to murder his husband.”

“Pfft!!!”

Old Xu sprayed out all the soy milk he had just put in his mouth.

…

Cheng Duzhou struggled out from under the pillow. Seeing the camera with the green light on the table, he woke up completely. His amorous thoughts dissipated instantly, understanding why Duan Xingye blushed.

Duan Xingye couldn’t be bothered to talk nonsense anymore. He scrambled out of bed, intending to abandon Cheng Duzhou and run into the bathroom to hide.

Cheng Duzhou reacted quickly and followed.

The two tugged at each other at the bathroom door for a while, making the audience laugh heartily.

Finally, Duan Xingye dragged him in.

Leaving him outside would just be embarrassing!

Inside the bathroom, no one spoke for quite a while, silently digesting the morning that felt like waking from a nightmare.

Cheng Duzhou woke up with a beauty in his arms, his mind relaxed and consciousness hazy. Unable to think as rigorously as usual, a landslide of tender feelings poured out like a mudslide.

But then again, if he could think, he wouldn’t have rashly spoken love words to Duan Xingye.

And Duan Xingye still didn’t know that what Cheng Duzhou said were love words. He thought Cheng Duzhou was playing the hooligan early in the morning because he couldn’t get what he wanted after being rejected last night.

Duan Xingye sat on the edge of the bathtub, messaging Sister Yu to ask about public opinion.

Cheng Duzhou stood in front of the sink and wiped his face. After calming down, he picked up the toothpaste and started brushing his teeth.

As he brushed, thinking of something unknown, he suddenly gave a soft laugh, then laughed again.

Duan Xingye looked up from his phone, surprised. “Lost your mind?”

Cheng Duzhou shook his head, bent down to spit into the basin, his voice remarkably calm: “You’re right. It feels okay. I might really be getting used to it.”

“!”

Duan Xingye’s gaze turned to horror.

This guy was like this before getting used to it; after really getting used to it, who knows how wild he would become.

Sister Yu replied at this time, stating that the program had muted the audio.

Duan Xingye finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Today was the last day in the ancient town.

After all guests finished changing costumes, they went to the scenic area together to film the adapted short film of The Legend of White Snake.

Following the order of taking makeup photos yesterday, the production team advanced the shooting progress methodically, experiencing the scenes of Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen meeting, borrowing the umbrella, falling in love, and Fahai fighting Lady Bai.

The audience watched with relish in the livestream, feeling as if they were on the filming set, and laughing heartily at the guests’ NG scenes.

Near the end of the afternoon, they finally reached the last scene.

The chief director said, “This scene is Fahai separating Xu Xian and Lady Bai. No lines, free improvisation. No need for serious drama style; keep it humorous and relaxed.”

As professional actors, Cheng Duzhou and Jiang Li definitely had to lead everyone into character, but this was no pressure for them.

Duan Xingye squatted under the eaves, draped in a down jacket, warming his hands with a cup. Looking at the darkening sky, he complained a bit, “Let’s speed it up later.”

Wearing costumes was cold enough; finishing quickly meant going home early.

Cheng Duzhou bit the edge of the paper cup and asked him, “How much speed?”

Duan Xingye said, “Of course, as fast as possible.”

Everyone concentrate, one-take pass kind of speed.

Cheng Duzhou went to find Jiang Li, asking if they could act according to his rhythm for this scene.

Jiang Li was happy to relax.

Everyone wanted to wrap up before dark.

The last scene began.

Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen stood in the courtyard, their hands raised high, resting together emptily.

Jiang Li spoke with sincere emotion: “Young Master, I want to stay with you forever, but hateful Fahai won’t let it go. Let’s flee.”

As soon as her voice fell, Bang!, the main door was kicked open from the outside.

A person strode in. As the staff landed, the blower kicked up dust at his feet, red cassock fluttering.

Cheng Duzhou looked stern and fierce, his voice like a bell addressing the two in the courtyard: “Presumptuous! Let go of hands!”

Jiang Li was startled, releasing the hand loosely held with Duan Xingye and taking a step back.

This wasn’t acting; she was truly intimidated by Cheng Duzhou’s powerful aura. It was a subconscious reaction.

She realized now that Cheng Duzhou had held back when acting opposite her before.

As expected of an actor deeply rooted in the film industry. Sometimes one shot’s emotion needed a week of polishing. Under such torturous training, Cheng Duzhou’s foundation was astonishingly solid. Even Jiang Li felt the younger generation was formidable, naturally being pulled into the scene by him.

After separating from Jiang Li, seeing Cheng Duzhou enter, Duan Xingye just raised an eyebrow calmly, almost blurting out “Why are you shouting so loud?”.

Cheng Duzhou couldn’t scare him.

But Duan Xingye also knew they were acting right now, so he didn’t take it to heart.

Fahai strode closer with steady steps, saying to the two: “I warned you long ago. Humans and demons have different paths; it violates the laws of heaven. You cannot be together.”

Bai Suzhen cared about Xu Xian, fearing a conflict with Fahai would hurt him. Moreover, she was a demon and knew magic; at a time like this, she should stand up.

Just as Duan Xingye was about to pull Xu Xian behind him.

Cheng Duzhou pulled him out instead, shielding him behind himself, and said sternly to Xu Xian: “Stay away from him! Indulging in male beauty will only harm you!”

Duan Xingye: “?”

The bullet comments instantly typed “Hahahahahaha” on the public screen.

“Why do I feel something is wrong? Did Fahai scold the wrong person?”

“Fahai should pull Xu Xian over and yell at Lady Bai to back off, right!”

“Laughing to death, acting out a funny plot so seriously, how do they keep a straight face?”

“Seeing them meet on the bridge yesterday, I knew Fahai would snatch Lady Duan sooner or later.”

“I see it now; the one indulging in male beauty is Fahai.”

Relying on solid acting skills, Jiang Li suppressed the overwhelming laughter rolling in her stomach. The corner of her mouth only twitched once before she put on a pleading look: “Master, please let us go! The Young Master and I are truly in love!”

Cheng Duzhou flicked his wide monk sleeve, shaking off her hand, sneering: “I see you are obstinate, bewitched deeply by this monster. Today I will help you collect him!”

Then he turned to Bai Suzhen and said: “Go! Return to Leifeng Pagoda with me!”

Although confused, Duan Xingye could still keep up with the plot. Of course, he refused, waving away Fahai’s hand: “Mind your own business. Coming to harass us again and again, today I will settle this with you.”

Duan Xingye turned back to retrieve his sword.

Suddenly.

Cheng Duzhou hugged him from behind, lifting him off his feet, carrying him towards the door, saying: “Little demon, you’re rebelling.”

“…”

The bullet comments exploded with laughter.

The two left, leaving Xu Xian standing blankly in place.

From far outside the door came Lady Duan’s unbearable scream: “Bald donkey! Let go of me—!”

A scene that should have taken at least fifteen more minutes to shoot was finished in less than three minutes under Cheng Duzhou’s lead, and the program effect was exceptionally good.

The director shouted “Cut!” with a smile, and applause and cheers rang out in the courtyard.

All the Way With You Grand Movie wrapped.

The second episode officially ended here.

The audience was still wanting more, leaving enthusiastic comments, agreeing to meet the program team next week.

…

The guests came by private car and went back by private car.

Before parting, Jiang Li ran over and knocked on the window of [Lü Ye Shu Huai]’s car. Seeing Cheng Duzhou, then looking at Duan Xingye beside him, she made a phone call gesture and smiled: “It’s settled. Come to our place for dinner on Friday. Rooms will be arranged for you. I’ll contact you then.”

She still remembered yesterday’s agreement.

Cheng Duzhou said “Thanks for the trouble,” expressing gratitude, and then the couple bid her farewell together.

Jiang Li’s home wasn’t in Shanghai, but in Xiao City in the neighboring province, which happened to be not far from the studio of Singer-Songwriter 101. If Duan Xingye finished work on time, he could make it to the dinner. Cheng Duzhou had already reserved the time.

Having finished this week’s All the Way With You, as soon as the camera turned off, Duan Xingye couldn’t hide his fatigue.

The heating in the car was very strong. Cheng Duzhou took off his jacket and said with a hint of teasing, “Want to come into my arms?”

Duan Xingye glanced at him and shook his head with a faint expression.

Cheng Duzhou didn’t ask again.

Then, Duan Xingye curled up his long legs, lay across the back seat, and rested his head on Cheng Duzhou’s lap.

“…”

Cheng Duzhou looked at Duan Xingye, seeing him rub his cheek against his leg like a cat, nuzzling into a comfortable position.

His heart, which was slightly cold from rejection just now, warmed up with signs of melting.

Duan Xingye exhaled relaxedly and said, “Wake me when we’re home.”

Duan Xingye remembered that on the way to Xi Village yesterday, he lay in Cheng Duzhou’s arms the whole way, causing Cheng Duzhou’s arm to go numb. So today he changed to resting on his lap.

Cheng Duzhou brushed the hair by his ear with his hand and responded in a low voice: “Okay.”

Duan Xingye grabbed his big hand, moved it over his eyes to cover them, blocking the streetlights shining from outside.

Cheng Duzhou looked at the lower half of Duan Xingye’s defenseless face, imagining how those rose-colored lips looked when smiling, and felt soft eyelashes touching his palm, ticklish.

In the new week, Singer-Songwriter 101 announced in the group chat that copyright negotiations for the three golden songs encountered some obstacles and took longer than expected. Therefore, the mentor solo stage was postponed until after the mass auditions.

Singer-Songwriter was one of the few live-format talent shows in the country. Without pre-recorded trailers, changing segments temporarily didn’t matter.

Hearing this, Duan Xingye didn’t feel his plan was disrupted; instead, he had an opportunity to implement his ideas.

The preparation time given to mentors by the program team was unreasonably short. If he performed this week as originally planned, he could only perform the original version. But given an extra week, he could adapt the song.

The original version of the golden song was indeed a classic, but he wanted to adapt it to better suit his timbre and be more easily accepted by young people. His stage strove for perfection.

Therefore, for the past two days, Duan Xingye had been soaking in the mixing studio arranging music.

Once, Tao Ziyi tagged him in the group chat, asking about the rehearsal progress.

Duan Xingye ignored him directly, not giving him any face.

Cheng Duzhou joined the film crew this week. Not far from Shanghai, but according to regulations, he had to live on set.

Perhaps Cheng Duzhou couldn’t go anywhere, or was too busy, or the crew’s lunch wasn’t worth photographing—Duan Xingye didn’t receive any more reporting messages afterward.

Thursday night, he came out of the Shengxing Building, took out his phone to contact Xiao Dai, and saw the WeChat notification from that long-lost name.

Cheng Duzhou: [Forget it, pretend I didn’t say anything.]

Duan Xingye: “?”

Forget what?

What did you say?

He opened the message list only to find that two hours ago, Cheng Duzhou had sent him a string of messages.