RSDH CH43

When Cheng Duzhou saw Duan Xingye, it felt just like a dream—a dream where the very person he had been yearning for met him in the Republican era.

It wasn’t until he touched Duan Xingye’s slightly cool hand and caught the faint, crisp fragrance on his palm that he finally landed back on earth.

A faint layer of pink surfaced on Duan Xingye’s translucent complexion. With a bit of force, he pulled his hand back, hiding it behind his back and curling his palm, which felt as if it had been burned by the imprint of a kiss.

Seeing his reaction, Cheng Duzhou realized his own slip in composure and felt somewhat embarrassed. Soon, however, he figured out why Duan Xingye had suddenly come to visit the set—it had to be an arrangement by Companionship Along the Way. Still, he felt elated. Saying “Take a seat,” he turned over a new teacup and poured him some water.

Pulling over a small chair, Duan Xingye sat down, lowered his head to adjust the hem of his suit, and tried his utmost to suppress the heat in his face so as not to appear unnatural in front of everyone.

Watching the couple, Li Lin smiled so wide his eyes practically crinkled into slits. He figured they were still in their honeymoon phase and couldn’t bear to be apart. No wonder their lead actor, famously known as the most formidable in the industry, had been somewhat distracted all week, constantly thinking about asking for time off to go home.

Lao Xu cheerfully spoke from the bottom of his heart: “Teacher Duan accepted the production crew’s invitation for this interview without telling anyone in advance. How is President Cheng feeling right now?”

Cheng Duzhou took a sip of tea, unable to hide the smile behind his lowered eyelashes: “Very surprised… I didn’t expect him to cooperate with you guys.”

“Rephrase that.” Duan Xingye looked at him. “I’m highly cooperative when I’m on a show, alright?”

“Then… I didn’t expect you to be this cooperative.”

“I shouldn’t have come.”

“I was wrong,” Cheng Duzhou hurriedly reached out to hold him down.

Seeing the little couple start bickering right then and there, Li Lin laughed, rocking back and forth, and said heartily: “Duzhou is very happy you could come. You didn’t see what he was like on set these past few days…”

“Cough.” Deliberately clearing his throat, Cheng Duzhou poured water for Li Lin. “Drink your tea.”

Li Lin shot him a teasing look and didn’t expose him further. Turning to Duan Xingye, he said gently: “I’ve heard about Mr. Duan for a long time, but Duzhou kept you hidden away and refused to bring you to meet us. Today is our first formal meeting. Mr. Duan has a wonderful aura. My daughter is a huge fan of yours, and I’ve listened to your songs too. When it comes to artists in this industry who are both talented and stunningly good-looking, I only yield to Mr. Duan.”

Cheng Duzhou looked at Li Lin with slight defensiveness, having never seen him flatter anyone so much.

Feeling pleased by the praise, Duan Xingye immediately formed a good impression of the internationally renowned director in front of him. At the same time, he felt a bit proud, thinking to himself that Cheng Duzhou wasn’t keeping him hidden away—he simply couldn’t bring him out in the first place.

“Just call me Xiao Duan,” he complimented back. “I’ve basically watched all of Director Li’s films. Especially Sleepless in Seattle, it’s a classic I’ve rewatched many times.”

“Oh~” Li Lin clapped his hands and said, “Starring Duzhou.”

“…”

Cheng Duzhou glanced at Duan Xingye and topped up his tea.

Duan Xingye looked at Li Lin without batting an eye and said, “I love the story and narrative style of that movie, and I greatly admire Director Li’s visual language.”

Leaning his upper body slightly forward, Li Lin immediately followed up: “Then would I have the honor of inviting you to act in my movie?”

As soon as these words came out, not only Duan Xingye, but even Cheng Duzhou and Lao Xu were stunned.

Cheng Duzhou helped explain: “He’s received movie offers in the past, but he’s not personally interested, so he’s never developed his career in that direction.”

“Besides, I haven’t received any training, I don’t know how to act,” Duan Xingye said indifferently. “Professional matters should be left to professionals.”

Li Lin waved his hand, seemingly unbothered by that, and said, “You must have shot MVs before, right?”

Nowadays, domestic singers shoot fewer MVs than before, and the production quality has grown rougher; no matter the circle, the trend of chasing quick cash is becoming increasingly obvious. However, Duan Xingye treated every album and every song with an attitude of striving for perfection, so he never skimped on MVs.

“I have,” Duan Xingye said. “But it still can’t compare to a movie.”

“Then that’s perfect.” Flashing a coaxing smile, Li Lin said, “I have a role here with no lines, just a few scenes. Just treat it like you’re shooting an MV; it’ll only take two or three hours to finish. But if acted well, it’s crucial to the entire work. I was originally going to give up on shaping this character, but now that I’ve seen you, I have confidence again. I wonder if Xiao Duan could do me a favor and make a friendly cameo?”

Li Lin spoke with utmost sincerity, and Duan Xingye wasn’t completely ignorant of social graces, so he replied: “If I can be of help, I’m naturally willing. But I definitely won’t be as dedicated as a professional actor, and I can’t shoot difficult scenes.”

Afraid Duan Xingye was being put on the spot, Cheng Duzhou chimed in: “Director Li, you’d be better off finding someone else.”

Sighing, Li Lin shot Cheng Duzhou a look as if he were an idiot, ignored him, and continued addressing Duan Xingye: “It’s not difficult. You just need to play yourself, but make the emotions slightly more delicate. I’ll guide you on that.”

Since the other party had already put it that way, Duan Xingye could only agree: “Director Li, please tell me which movie and what role.”

“The lover of the protagonist in this very movie,” Li Lin said with a beaming smile. “Looking left and right, only Xiao Duan can play it well.”

Cheng Duzhou’s heart instantly warmed. Looking at Duan Xingye, he only just realized that Duan Xingye was more suited to play the young master returning from studying abroad than anyone else—truly irreplaceable.

Not knowing the plot of the new movie, Duan Xingye asked, “Is it a scene with Cheng Duzhou?”

“Correct.” Giving a rough overview of the filming content, Li Lin said, “I’ll arrange it shortly and bump up your scenes to be filmed in advance. Among them, you have a few solo shots, mainly focusing on your back and side profile. In addition, there are four scenes with Duzhou, roughly an encounter at school, meeting again in the library, holding hands and taking a walk…”

At this point, Li Lin glanced at Cheng Duzhou again, deliberately dragging out his tone: “But as for this fourth kissing scene, you’ll have to let me reconsider whether to add it back in. After all, it’s an explicit performance, a gimmick to attract the audience, and it seems our lead actor is unwilling…”

Setting his teacup down with a heavy thud, Cheng Duzhou spoke with absolute conviction: “Director Li, first of all, a kissing scene does not constitute an explicit performance. Secondly, a kissing scene is necessary to elevate the character dynamics, and it should be emphatically portrayed so as to enhance audience immersion. Anyway, I’ve never seen a movie where the lovers merely hold hands. For the sake of the work’s authenticity, please treat this seriously. What should be kept must be kept.”

Lao Xu was completely dumbfounded. If his camera hadn’t recorded Cheng Duzhou’s earlier views on intimate scenes, he would have actually believed him.

Chuckling softly behind his hand, Li Lin said, “Is that so… then I’ll have to think about how to shoot it.”

Using the tip of his shoe to nudge Cheng Duzhou’s, Duan Xingye arched one brow in slightly biting mockery, lowering his voice: “Who were you originally supposed to film a kissing scene with? How come I never heard about it?”

He knew Cheng Duzhou didn’t film intimate scenes; otherwise, after five years, audiences wouldn’t still hold such fervent anticipation for his first on-screen kiss.

If there were a kissing scene in this movie, the netizens would absolutely send his co-star to the top of the trending searches without the production crew needing to lift a finger for marketing. Yet to this day, no such news had broken.

Because none of Cheng Duzhou’s previous films had romantic pairings that could be shipped, Duan Xingye had never even considered the possibility of him filming intimate scenes. They had never made any agreements regarding this matter, and their two years of marriage had passed peacefully. But now, hearing that Cheng Duzhou was going to film a kissing scene with someone else, Duan Xingye started feeling all sorts of sourness inside.

It wasn’t the pure irritation of losing face like when he saw Cheng Duzhou on stage with his junior labelmate, but rather a tenser, more possessive displeasure akin to having something stolen.

Kicked for no apparent reason, Cheng Duzhou said, “I wasn’t going to film it with anyone.”

Suspecting him of lying, Duan Xingye kicked him with his shoe again: “Then how come there’s a fourth scene? You seem pretty eager to shoot it, too.”

He looked even more enthusiastic than the director.

Afraid of provoking him further, Cheng Duzhou pressed a hand against his knee and whispered, “There’s only a fourth scene because you’re here. It had already been deleted.”

That’s more like it.

Duan Xingye’s mood finally settled. He pulled his foot back and stopped messing with him.

But on second thought, something was wrong. Pinching the skin on the back of Cheng Duzhou’s hand, he said: “Why does it have to be there just because I’m here? I have to film a kissing scene for my screen debut, do I not have any dignity?”

“Although it’s not my screen debut, it’s my first kissing scene too,” Cheng Duzhou said, grasping his hand in return. “We’re both dedicating ourselves to art, so I wouldn’t fuss over it so much. What do you think?”

“…”

Duan Xingye snatched his hand back in annoyance.

Get lost.

After the break, the production crew’s makeup artist styled Duan Xingye, elevating the exquisite look of the young master returning from abroad to yet another level.

Taking advantage of his presence, Li Lin wanted to finish shooting all the lover’s scenes in one go.

The short film Companionship Along the Way shot in the scenic area previously was just for entertainment; this time, Duan Xingye was seriously filming a movie on a real set. However, his psychological fortitude had always been exceptional, and he didn’t show the slightest bit of stage fright.

According to the script, the protagonist and the young master meet in the university corridor—a classic love at first sight encounter.

On the way to the filming location, Li Lin instructed: “Xiao Duan, you just need to showcase your charm as an elegant young gentleman, no need to be nervous. For this scene, just play yourself; leave the rest to Duzhou.”

He then turned to caution Cheng Duzhou, saying: “I need you to give me that ‘one glance lasts a lifetime’ feeling. From being stunned, to your heart fluttering, to becoming utterly infatuated—the emotions are complex, but the acting can only come through your eyes. The intensity can’t be too strong; overdo it and you’ll easily look like a pervert.”

Noticing Duan Xingye’s gaze, Cheng Duzhou, afraid he might doubt his professionalism, quickly defended himself: “My acting isn’t that exaggerated, right?”

“It’s just because it’s your first time filming a romance scene, so I’m giving you a few extra pointers.” Tapping Cheng Duzhou with his rolled-up script, Li Lin said pointedly, “I’ve found the most perfect partner for you. If you can’t film this well, then this genre truly is your weak point, and you can go back to school to be remade.”

Cheng Duzhou lowered his head: “I won’t.”

The reason Li Lin needed Duan Xingye wasn’t just because Cheng Duzhou was only willing to film intimate scenes with him; more importantly, he could see that when Cheng Duzhou looked at Duan Xingye, the affection and infatuation in his eyes were absolutely genuine. With such precious emotion as a foundation, coupled with a little polishing of his acting skills, their portrayal as lovers in the film would be unshakeable.

The first scene began rolling.

Duan Xingye’s milky-white highlights had been temporarily dyed black. Wearing a very fashionable suspender suit of that era, his back was as straight as a pine, his side profile handsome and slender. Hugging a thick book, he walked down the ivy-entwined corridor. With only three minutes until grammar class started, his pace was slightly quicker than usual.

Right then, a tall man in a sharp suit approached from the opposite direction, both hands stuffed in his pockets, walking with his head down.

Neither looked at the other, thus failing to gauge their proximity. Just as they were about to brush past each other, their shoulders collided solidly. Both turned sideways simultaneously, their gazes intersecting.

With Duan Xingye’s back to the camera, Li Lin focused on a close-up of Cheng Duzhou’s face. The man lifted his eyes, his heart undisturbed, nothing registering in his sight. Then, his gaze faintly condensed, finding focus. Very quickly, like ripples on spring water, it shimmered—clearly stunned, laced with burgeoning affection. Even as the two pulled apart as they continued walking, his gaze remained sticky and lingering.

Duan Xingye withdrew his gaze. For some reason, just being looked at by Cheng Duzhou like that made his heart pound wildly. However, afraid of ruining the current take, he was forced to take a deep breath to suppress his emotions. As a result, the arm holding the book tightened unconsciously, and his back straightened a fraction more.

Only now did he realize that Cheng Duzhou’s acting in the romance show could be described as a gentle breeze and mild rain. When he truly unleashed his acting skills, he became an unsheathed blade; very few could withstand that kind of aura. Thankfully, the camera wasn’t on him.

The two walked further away with their backs to each other. After taking just a few steps, Cheng Duzhou looked back again. Reaching up a hand to grasp the back of his neck, he lowered his head, his expression falling into a daze. Yet, his ears had turned red, visibly harboring a burning, unspoken secret.

“Cut!”

Li Lin applauded. The shot, barely five seconds long, would be processed in slow motion during post-production. It was done in one take and was incredibly ideal—far exceeding his expectations, one might say.

Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye returned to the director’s side to look at the monitor.

Cheng Duzhou’s performance was remarkable, but as a professionally trained actor, it was to be expected, so Li Lin offered no critique.

In truth, for a director as demanding as Li Lin, as long as he wasn’t scolding, it was a compliment. On the entire set, Cheng Duzhou was the one who got scolded the least.

If Cheng Duzhou achieved the ideal, the part that far exceeded the director’s expectations lay with Duan Xingye.

“Xiao Duan, you were being too modest earlier; you have a tremendous talent for acting.” Li Lin specifically praised Duan Xingye, using the tip of his pen to gesture at his arm on the screen. “You handled the details here exceptionally well. After withdrawing your gaze, you took a deep breath, and the rhythm of your body elevated significantly. The muscles in your arm and back even tensed up, showing that the character isn’t indifferent inside, but rather nervous and unsettled. In the moment we encounter someone we like, our adrenaline definitely spikes. This body language design is extremely concise and clever. So impressive, as expected of a talent. Without me even directing your acting, you grasped the character’s inner state so precisely. Brilliantly acted.”

“…”

Not knowing what to say, Duan Xingye turned his face away and took a gulp of mineral water.

What ‘grasping the character’s inner state’? He had no idea what that meant.

Since the corridor was also the location of the characters’ first kiss in the film, they were shooting the kissing scene next.

Cheng Duzhou stepped away for touch-ups.

Duan Xingye pointed a finger at Cheng Duzhou’s bright red ears frozen on the monitor screen and asked, “How do actors do that? I thought blushing was a makeup effect.”

Smiling like a riddle-master, Li Lin said: “Actors don’t possess a skill to control blushing on command; it depends on their personal state. Why don’t you ask Duzhou what he was thinking about at that moment?”

Duan Xingye pressed his lips together and withdrew his hand.

Like hell he’d ask.

…

Shooting a kissing scene outdoors meant being scrutinized from three hundred and sixty-five degrees. The vicinity would not only have crew members but also a small number of extras watching the spectacle, making it inherently awkward.

However, overcoming a sense of shame was a mandatory course for actors.

Looking out for Duan Xingye since it was his first time acting, Cheng Duzhou said: “Just close your eyes in a bit and don’t worry about anything else.”

Duan Xingye understood; Cheng Duzhou intended to lead him into the scene.

But in reality, Cheng Duzhou’s worry was superfluous. For Duan Xingye, as long as he distinguished clearly between acting and reality and treated it as work, he would have no psychological burden.

Positions.

The clapper loader held the slate and shouted: “The Hunt, Scene 128, Take 3, Action!”

Clack!

Having just been showered by artificial rain, the pothos vines hanging above the corridor dripped with lush green, while the sky above the teaching building was completely clear.

Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye sat on a bench by the corridor. As if drawn by an inexplicable magnetism, their eyes locked, and their faces gradually drew closer. Testing each other’s breath for a fleeting second, both lowered their eyelashes until their eyes gently fluttered shut.

The instant they touched, Duan Xingye immediately noticed that Cheng Duzhou had used mouthwash; an intense, spicy mint flavor bloomed in his mouth. He felt it was completely unnecessary—Cheng Duzhou’s natural scent was already refreshing and clean; he didn’t like mouthwash.

Cheng Duzhou had been a bit nervous before the shoot began. He wanted to appear steady in front of Duan Xingye. Acting required maintaining thirty percent sobriety and seventy percent immersion; he thought he could handle it. But as the kiss deepened, without realizing it, he discarded even that remaining thirty percent of sobriety.

The guy holding the reflector board next to them was a burly, grown man who had been around film sets for years. He could watch bed scenes without batting an eye or his heart skipping a beat. This time, halfway through, he actually looked away, staring at a snail crawling up a nearby pillar.

Not far away, Lao Xu filmed with his camera, wearing an auntie-like grin. This was permitted by the production crew; they would blur this behind-the-scenes footage and intercut it into this episode’s livestream of Companionship Along the Way. Not only was it a highlight for the variety show, but it also served to build hype for the movie The Hunt.

Duan Xingye gradually felt the air grow thin, the wind and birdsong by his ears fading away. Ultimately, he too was drawn into the scene. Out of habit, he raised a hand to wrap around the back of Cheng Duzhou’s head. Just as his slender, pale fingers were about to stroke and weave into the black hair…

—”Cut!!!”

With Li Lin’s explosive shout, the sweet, restless atmosphere in the corridor vanished instantly.

Cheng Duzhou and Duan Xingye pulled apart, their gazes darting away rapidly in slight avoidance, both raising a hand simultaneously to wipe the corners of their mouths.

In stark contrast to his attitude during the previous take, as Li Lin stared at the monitor, his face grew darker and darker, clearly thoroughly dissatisfied.

The two actors approached him.

Gone was Li Lin’s former pleasant demeanor. He turned to his assistant next to him, his tone sharp: “Go find some ice packs for these two.”

“…………”

Only then did the couple realize their lips were burning hot. Blushing violently in unison, they reached up to cover their mouths as a cover-up.

“Pfft!”

A few staff members nearby had already failed to hold back their laughter.

This was the first time they had ever seen actors shoot a kissing scene so hard they needed ice packs to reduce the swelling.

After the assistant jogged off…

“Cheng Duzhou, rein it in a bit!” Li Lin pointed his pen at Cheng Duzhou’s hand on the monitor. “Where did you put it?”

On the screen, Cheng Duzhou’s large hand had already climbed onto Duan Xingye’s chest.

“…” Immensely embarrassed, Cheng Duzhou lowered his eyes and muttered, “Sorry.”

Although the director was scolding Cheng Duzhou, Duan Xingye’s level of embarrassment at this moment was no better than his; his face was practically on fire.

He hadn’t even realized where Cheng Duzhou’s hand was placed just now.

“I just don’t get it.” Li Lin turned his head, glaring at the two of them with dissatisfaction. “You’re filming a first kiss. Why did you make it look like foreplay? Have you never experienced a first kiss before?”

“…………”

Neither of the husbands spoke. They turned around to evade answering, both feeling somewhat wronged in their hearts.

But this was exactly how it had been since their very first kiss; what was wrong with it?

__

Author’s Note:

The Couple: We’ve always been this wild.

Director Li rubbing his forehead: Please rein it in a bit.