33: My sweetheart took the initiative

If anyone else had said something like that, Chu Yilan would have smacked their mouth crooked.

But now, Chu Yilan merely turned his head and said, “Alright, go get some rest early.”

Shen Lian cooperatively yawned, “I really should rest early. It’s been a while since I took on a fighting scene. Today was satisfying, but it also left me with a sore back and aching muscles. It’s a shame you didn’t see it—I was really handsome.”

He saw it, Chu Yilan thought.

After chatting for a couple more minutes, he ended the video call. Chu Yilan slowly lowered his phone and zoned out for a while.

He was truly awkward. He clearly longed for something but refused to say it, constantly denying it in his heart. But when Shen Lian's video call came, and they kissed, and the sweet words were spoken, the tension clogging his chest instantly dissipated, leaving him feeling light as a feather.

Chu Yilan shut down his computer and took a shower. He didn't often stay in the office partition, but this time when he lay down, he slept very comfortably.

In the middle of the night, strong winds howled and rain poured down.

Shen Lian snuggled deeper into his quilt, vaguely thinking how nice it would be if tomorrow were a day off so he could sleep in.

However, as soon as the alarm rang, Shen Lian immediately climbed out of bed.

Same old routine: finish washing up before the crowd arrived.

Shen Lian wasn't fully awake yet. He sat on a stool outside waiting for the makeup artist, scrolling through his phone out of boredom.

He initially heard a commotion and paid it no mind, until several staff members hurried toward the area where the lead actors rested.

Shen Lian frowned and stood up.

It turned out that the rain last night was too heavy, blowing off the waterproof panels on the roof. Two rooms were leaking, and Zheng Ge’s was the worst affected.

Zheng Ge’s assistant was busy making calls, looking so serious that anyone who didn't know better would think Zheng Ge had drowned.

Shen Lian frequently encountered these kinds of sudden issues when filming in his previous life, especially for scenes requiring specific locations. There was nothing to be done but make do.

“Mr. Shen.” Sun Binghe's voice sounded from behind him.

Shen Lian turned around and saw that he was holding steaming hot breakfast and a cup of milk.

“You went out to buy this in such heavy rain?” Shen Lian was surprised.

“No, I had someone deliver it.”

Dai Tong had strict requirements for the artists but was not strict with the assistants. Although it wouldn't be good if Director Dai found out, Sun Binghe had his ways.

Wow, they were soup dumplings! Black truffle shrimp and fresh meat mushroom—the juice burst out with a single bite.

Sun Binghe had only bought one serving, so Shen Lian had to finish it at light speed.

A cup of hot milk followed, and he felt comfortable.

Shen Lian, having eaten and drunk his fill, smiled and looked at Sun Binghe: “Was this also ordered by Master Chu?”

Sun Binghe thought about it and decided that since he and Shen Lian were currently on the “same side” and had agreed not to betray each other, exchanging information was fine. Shen Lian had a conscience, and letting him know would encourage him to be more attentive to the Boss in the future.

So Sun Binghe nodded, “Yes.”

At the same moment, Chu Yilan, who was in a meeting, inexplicably felt a sense of panic.

Shen Lian waited for more than twenty minutes. Zheng Ge finally emerged, escorted by a group of people. Once the leads were present, the rest of the filming could proceed smoothly.

Shen Lian glanced over. Wasn't Zheng Ge perfectly fine?

Zheng Ge looked up and saw Shen Lian and his assistant sitting far away, looking completely unbothered.

Zheng Ge had always thought Shen Lian's change was an act of “feigned strength,” but even when acting, he couldn't reach this level.

The envy, inferiority, and unwillingness he once saw seemed to have been blown away like a gust of wind. Zheng Ge didn't treat Shen Lian as a control group, but this transformation caused an undeniable discomfort in his heart.

“Zheng Ge is looking at Mr. Shen,” Sun Binghe said.

Shen Lian replied, “Ignore him. He's just itching for trouble.”

Dai Tong looked like he had just woken up, walking over while pulling on his clothes. “How is it? Can it be fixed?”

“The staff said they'll try their best, but Zheng Ge's bedding is completely soaked,” the assistant said with a difficult expression.

“It's fine,” Director Dai quickly called out to the staff. “The crew has hot air blowers. Hang everything up, let it air out, and blow-dry it for a day. That should be enough.”

It seemed that this was the only solution.

For Dai Tong, not even a rain of knives could delay the filming schedule. The lead actors successively got ready, and the busy new day continued.

Sun Binghe was a qualified record keeper.

[Boss, Mr. Shen's side flip kick was really beautiful. Do you want a video or a photo?]

Chu Yilan: [Does your phone only support one function?]

[Understood, Boss!]

[Boss, Mr. Shen's performance was the best on set. The director stopped bothering him and started fiercely criticizing an artist named Wei Fanchen instead. His assistant even slandered Mr. Shen yesterday.]

Chu Yilan: [Why didn't you tell me?]

[I scolded him until he cried. He cried very sadly. Now he avoids me whenever he sees me. Boss, do you need me to scold him again?]

Chu Yilan suddenly thought of Sun Binghe's sharp tongue. [Forget it. Just stick to your normal performance.]

However, Chu Yilan had doubts about the phrase “the director stopped bothering him.”

Was he sure it was because the performance was good, and not because it was so terrible the director gave up on him?

But judging by the photos and videos sent by Sun Binghe, Shen Lian was indeed stunning.

After a whole day, Shen Lian felt like he must have lost three catties.

Meanwhile, the rain drizzled all day long outside.

Apart from Wei Fanchen, who was sulking, the progress of the other lead actors was quite good. But soon, a new problem arose.

Zheng Ge's room was still leaking, and his bedding hadn't dried.

His assistant was frantic, claiming that Zheng Ge had old injuries and couldn't be exposed to cold or dampness, and so on.

Wei Fanchen was full of pent-up malice with nowhere to vent. Seeing Shen Lian, he suddenly curled his lips into a smile.

Sun Binghe noticed this and subtly straightened his back.

“Shen Lian, based on the roof layout, your room should be the driest. Why don't you swap with Zheng Ge?” Wei Fanchen proposed.

As soon as he said this, the surroundings fell silent.

Shen Lian narrowed his eyes and looked toward Zheng Ge.

Zheng Ge happened to be looking at him too, maintaining that clean, innocent appearance, acting as if he was easygoing and humble. But what did his silence mean?

“Your room is also very dry,” Sun Binghe said. “Why don't *you* switch?”

Wei Fanchen: “Is this your place to talk?”

“What, is it illegal for an assistant to speak? I haven't received any such notice,” Sun Binghe said with a slight smile. “Mr. Wei Fanchen, is it? If you could put the energy you use to target others into acting, your skills wouldn't be so terrible.”

“Hmph!” An Assistant Director couldn't help letting out a laugh, quickly covering his mouth afterward.

“You...” Wei Fanchen was trembling with anger.

“Alright, it's just a small matter. Everyone, please don't cause conflict because of me,” Zheng Ge said, then looked at Sun Binghe. “As Shen Lian's assistant, you shouldn't talk to Fanchen like that.”

“Mr. Zheng,” Sun Binghe replied politely. “Self-proclaimed purity doesn't conceal inner filth. Before trying to be a good person, you should first look at what you've done. Don't you agree?”

The implication was, 'Stop pretending, you idiot.'

Forget everyone else; Shen Lian didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.

“Alright, alright,” Director Dai appeared just in time. “How about this, I'll squeeze in with Assistant Director Li. He doesn't smoke or drink, and his room is clean. Zheng Ge, you move in there.”

Zheng Ge didn't respond immediately; he had been completely stunned by Sun Binghe's counter-attack.

The commotion dispersed. Perhaps because Sun Binghe's aura was too strong when he was arguing, no one dared to cross him now.

Despite this, Sun Binghe was still dissatisfied. He immediately turned around and messaged Chu Yilan: [Boss, Zheng Ge’s room is leaking and uninhabitable, so he tried to steal Mr. Shen’s room.]

Shen Lian was slightly surprised when he received a call from Chu Yilan—his Sweetheart had actually made the first move.