Chapter 4 A Night of Passion

However, Yan Cai did not give him this opportunity. His hand glided across Xie Minglang's back, the latter's body surprisingly docile. Before the kiss began, Yan Cai smiled again and said, "Why deceive oneself?"

Yan Cai remained silent for a long time this time. When he finally spoke again, he had already shifted to another topic: "Xie Minglang, what do you want to do in the future? Are you planning to stay at a magazine like 'Yinping' for a lifetime?"

But at the moment he turned his head, he caught a glimpse of Yan Cai's furrowed brows, and instantly the words got stuck in his throat, unable to be spoken again

This week, I have to wake up early every day to secure a spot, and I have gotten used to it

Xie Minglang quickly found something to say: "Has the banquet ended so early? Wasn't it said that according to tradition, it should last until the middle of the night?"

Despite feeling extremely fatigued, Xie Minglang finally experienced the condition of being unable to fall asleep. After he finished processing the last batch of photos to be sent back to the magazine, he felt utterly exhausted, with his eyes stinging painfully, his limbs weak, and his mind dull as if someone had stuffed cotton in it. However, when he finally took a proper shower and prepared to get a good night's sleep, he was unexpectedly disheartened to find that no matter how he tried to cultivate a sense of drowsiness, he was utterly unable to fall asleep.

With an expressionless face, Yan Cai said: "Isn't it you who is making the situation awkward? If I were you, I wouldn't have come in at all, or at the very least, I would leave without saying a word."

Yan Cai glanced at him a few times and said, "You tell me ... ... "

While arriving at the conclusion that "hotels are indeed largely similar, differing only in their levels of luxury which increase geometrically," the bathroom door made a sound, and Yan Cai walked out from inside.

As the pleasantries were exchanged, the lights dimmed, and the conversation settled as he casually removed his hat. Seeing this, Xie Minglang couldn't help but say: "Wearing sunglasses inside the theater, do you really not want people to recognize you?"

Then let's go

After the performance concluded, Yan Cai stood up and left when the actors took their first bow. As he departed, he patted Xie Minglang's shoulder and softly said, "Let's go"

After Xie Minglang returned, he was indeed questioned by a group of colleagues. Xie Minglang simply said that he had run into an old friend he hadn't seen in a long time, and the two of them reminisced for an entire evening, only returning after having breakfast. He spoke with utmost sincerity, and to others, Xie Minglang had always been a well-behaved and upright young man, so they had no reason to doubt his words. They laughed and said, "We thought some beautiful sister had taken a liking to you and whisked you away," and the matter was left at that.

Yan Cai detected the humorous undertone and also laughed, softly saying: "So I took it off quickly, fearing that the staff would ask if I needed guide services"

Xie Minglang refused to complicate the issue further, took a deep breath, and smiled: "However, in the short term, I do not plan to change jobs. I can only regard it as a goal to strive for in the future"

As the second half began, Xie Minglang originally intended to glance at Yan Cai from time to time to observe his reactions. However, as the plot deepened, he became engrossed and had no time to pay attention to anything else. When the scene reached the part where the two bid farewell and embraced while dancing to a jazz tune, Xie Minglang inexplicably felt a warmth in his eyes and almost turned his head to ask: "He must know that he won't survive this outing, right"

Xie Minglang walked back to the hotel along the main road with a bitter smile, hoping to cultivate a sense of drowsiness one last time. He passed by the bench where he had met Yan Cai that night, and at that moment, a young couple was tightly embracing each other, seemingly whispering sweet nothings to one another

He looked so focused that Yan Cai couldn't help but smile. Sitting by the bed, she said nothing and simply watched him. Xie Minglang was startled, quickly averting his gaze, and despite his ears burning, he spoke nonchalantly, "You have a great figure; I really hope to shoot a set of photos with you one day"

Xie Minglang did not see Yan Cai, which did not come as a surprise to him. However, this week the cameras had become accustomed to following him around, and now suddenly they were nowhere to be seen. It felt as if a large space had opened up on the camera, leaving him somewhat at a loss.

They had a few drinks at the bar. Xie Minglang felt a bit tipsy and, in a daze, heard Yan Cairuo casually suggest, "Let's go upstairs and continue drinking." He did not object and followed him to the elevator, stumbling along the way.

I am also in that class

Before placing the order, Xie Minglang finally found an opportunity to speak: "I just don't understand"

The film festival has concluded, but the work is not yet finished. Goodbye, Yancai

He can finally remove the stiff smile he had put on during the farewell

Hearing the confusion in Xie Minglang's words, Yan Cai raised her eyes and retorted, "Then what should I do?"

On the second day of returning to the magazine office to resume normal work, Xie Minglang once again received a parcel without a sender's address. Since the film festival, he had started reading the entertainment section. That day, he happened to see the headline "Yan Cai terminates contract with long-time agent"; he did not read further, instead looking down at the ticket for the S seat he held in his hand for the performance at 7:30 that evening, a bitter smile inevitably rising to his face. That day, he happened to see the headline "Yan Cai terminates contract with long-time agent"; he did not read further, instead looking down at the ticket for the S seat he held in his hand for the performance at 7:30 that evening, a bitter smile inevitably rising to his face

After speaking, he skillfully led Yan Cai and Xie Minglang to their seats, then quietly withdrew, leaving the two of them in that quiet corner

However, after he finished speaking and sat still, Xie Minglang pretended to be oblivious, yet he understood what it meant. This feeling was indeed awkward, but before he could express anything, Yan Cai had already spoken first, with a tone that was calm to the extreme: "What are you to me?"

The words carried a distinct tone of mockery. However, Xie Minglang, both drunk and exhausted, could not formulate any retort. Although a voice in his mind repeatedly urged him to "leave, hurry and leave," he found himself completely powerless to act.

As he stepped outside, he was met head-on by the late autumn night breeze. Xie Minglang let out a heavy sigh, as if this could expel all the lingering smells of smoke, alcohol, and who knows what illicit substances he had been forced to inhale in the bar. He shook his head, feeling quite frustrated to realize that after this commotion, the already faint drowsiness had completely dissipated.

Xie Minglang chuckled twice: "A small place ... ... "

"The original clothes will suffice; otherwise, it will be troublesome when my colleagues see it upon returning." Xie Minglang shook his head repeatedly

Xie Minglang observed clearly, slightly furrowing his brow; yet that person smiled, took off their sunglasses, their eyebrows almost concealed beneath their hat: "You still came."

At one moment, Xie Minglang thought to himself, it is better to push it open quickly, taking one more step would lead to disaster

The elevator arrived at the designated floor at that moment, the doors opened, and Yan Cai subtly guided Xie Minglang out of the elevator. His arm was strong and firm, maintaining a simple supportive posture. However, with every word he spoke, each sound drew closer to the ear: "Ah, what a good child."

A draft swept through the empty corridor, and as Xie Minglang felt a chill on his body, he finally pulled himself away from this self-indulgent trance. His hand rested on Yan Cai's face, their foreheads touching, creating an illusion of familiarity and intimacy that was so easily mistaken; he felt Yan Cai's hand slide into his shirt from behind, the palm burning hot. Xie Minglang, dry-mouthed and tongue-tied, asked, "How long do you want to stay in the corridor?" His hand rested on Yan Cai's face, their foreheads touching, creating an illusion of familiarity and intimacy that was so easily mistaken; he felt Yan Cai's hand slide into his shirt from behind, the palm burning hot. Xie Minglang, dry-mouthed and tongue-tied, asked, "How long do you want to stay in the corridor?"

Hmm? Yan Cai flipped through the menu and casually responded

Due to a subconscious sense of unease, Xie Minglang hesitated slightly and said, "I have had too much to drink today, I cannot drink anymore, I should go back."

Alright, others are about to come out, it is better to leave early. Yan Cai did not give Xie Minglang any chance to refuse.

He was in a daze, half asleep and half awake, when suddenly his door was knocked on with a thunderous sound: "Minglang, don't sleep anymore, let's go out for a drink!"

Yan Cai fell silent for a moment: "I don't know about this year, I didn't go."

Yan Cai's expression was no longer discernible, as if everything had been absorbed by the light, becoming an overwhelming shadow. He felt somewhat confused, straining to open his eyes, wanting to see everything clearly, hear everything distinctly, and make the correct judgment

Without saying much more, Yan Cai continued to walk ahead. Out of courtesy, Xie Minglang quickened his pace, walking alongside Yan Cai while maintaining a considerable distance, but they hardly engaged in conversation

Perhaps it was his completely numbed nerves due to fatigue, or perhaps it was simply because of that smile, but Xie Minglang did not even consider the possibilities behind this invitation and said without hesitation: "No problem"

Xie Minglang looked at him with a smile, as if trying to find insincerity in this statement. Yan Cai was just over 30 years old, and in the prime of his life, one could say he was at the height of male beauty. However, his statement was not without truth; no matter how dazzling he appeared, he had long since passed the age of a young man brimming with vigor.

The conversation had just begun when it was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. The moment Xie Minglang heard the noise, he froze, completely unable to fathom who could appear at this time. He also noticed Yan Cai's suddenly furrowed brows, realizing that this was also unexpected for her.

Since there was no refusal at that time, why not enjoy a meal properly? Is it really such a terrifying thing to have a meal together with me

Because I do not want to watch this play alone

As he stepped into the now deserted elevator, the moment Yancai pressed the button, Xie Minglang suddenly awakened to the realization that events were unfolding in a direction beyond his control. Xie Minglang saw his reflection in the elevator mirror, with bloodshot eyes and a flushed face, fatigue evident and unmasked. In comparison to the other face that appeared in the mirror, he was simply a sight unworthy of viewing

The seat this time was close to the aisle, and the spot on his left had been empty for quite a while. Just as he was wondering why there was always an empty seat next to him when watching a performance, a shadow fell over him. He instinctively looked up, and the newcomer spoke first: "Please make way."

Seeing this, Yan Cai revealed a smile again, and her tone softened: "I just wanted to find an interesting young person to watch a show with. I don't like eating alone, and coincidentally, I really like your photos, that's all. Alright, we can make it. Have we placed the order?"

I do not know why I am sitting here now

Yan Cai smiled at him and asked, "Where are you going?"

This is equivalent to a meaningless statement. Xie Minglang, however, honestly said: "Return to the hotel"

You ... ...

Yan Cai also frowned: "I always thought that agents were meant to handle matters, but it turns out you also double as a disciplinary director. How wonderful, one salary for two jobs, you must be working hard."

Yan Cai's attitude has returned to normal, and there seems to be a hint of amusement in her tone: "As expected, I can always see you."

It was only at the end of the intermission that Xie Minglang remembered that Yan Cai was sitting right next to him. He was unsure of how Yan Cai would react to such a performance, so he cautiously glanced at him out of the corner of his eye

As they approached the most renowned luxury hotel in the city, Yan Cai slowed his pace, a smile gradually appearing in his eyes. He turned to Xie Minglang, who had been quietly observing him along the way, and said, "If you are not tired, let's go have a drink together"

Startled, Xie Minglang quickly turned his head to stare at Yan Cai, who inexplicably transformed into several overlapping shadows before his eyes, seemingly closing in even closer. He thought to himself that it was not good, yet his limbs felt utterly powerless, as if in the blink of an eye, Yan Cai had already restrained him, still smiling, and calmly said: "You really have had too much to drink; you can hardly stand."

The tone of the latter half of the sentence shifted, and he was indeed surprised. When Xie Minglang saw the person in front suddenly turn around, he was initially a bit taken aback. Upon hearing that it was indeed Yan Cai's voice, he inwardly sighed in dismay and quickly said: "I was dragged to a bar by a friend for an all-nighter and really couldn't hold on any longer, so I came back. I truly didn't expect to run into you again"

Because you cannot refuse me

However ... ...

However, after a brief moment of distraction, a pain began in his head, and his sense of reality returned in an instant. Xie Minglang turned over heavily, struggling to sit up. His head throbbed, his joints ached, and his limbs felt weak. This was such a typical aftermath of fatigue, alcohol, and sexual exhaustion combined.

Xie Minglang looked at Yan Cai's body, and his first reaction was from the perspective of a "photographer"—well-proportioned and with excellent proportions, making it hard to imagine how suitable she would be for nude photography

Yan Cai took two steps closer, and only then did Xie Minglang see clearly that he was not wearing the formal suit from the award ceremony, but had changed into a dark sweater, looking comfortable and at ease

Xie Minglang stepped out of the room, and the door closed automatically behind him, making only a faint sound

Xie Minglang had never known that Yan Cai was such an eloquent person. After listening, he was stunned for a while, unsure of how to respond

Return to the hotel

He answered so matter-of-factly that Xie Minglang instinctively declined: "No... I..."

The silent man was replaced by Xie Minglang. He ultimately smiled and said: "In this situation, discussing ideals is truly out of place. I do not intend to stay at 'Silver Screen' for a lifetime, but at least for now, I really enjoy this job and my current life"

You are always afraid

He dried his hair, changed his clothes, and when he came out, he was already prepared to say goodbye. At that moment, the two even calmly shook hands. The past few hours seemed like the scent of tobacco, the taste of alcohol, and under the sunlight, all traces would eventually dissipate without a trace

After the awards ceremony, the spotlight shifted to a new wave of publicity on the red carpet. Everyone who emerged with a trophy was radiant and full of spirit. At this moment, photographers had long been waiting on both sides of the red carpet, diligently capturing every dazzling moment. Various hosts were also busily engaged, intercepting each award winner on the red carpet, with crowds surging around the recipients of major awards such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress, as congratulatory interviewers came and went in a steady stream

It seems that we are all warmed up

He is simply playing a woman

Yan Cai calmly picked up the tea and took a sip upon hearing this statement, saying: "That role should be reserved for Zheng Xiao, but I am already too old to play Valenti."

This brief conversation brought Xie Minglang completely back to reality. This was not a case of meeting a stranger in a bar, spending a night together, and then going their separate ways without further contact. He still had work, which meant that there would be a day when he would meet and even collaborate with the man beside him

Yan Cai glanced at the clothes Xie Minglang was wearing and asked, "How are you going to wear that back?"

He asked Ge Huai in this manner

Otherwise, it would be a pity to waste this ticket

You should have considerable experience in dealing with journalists

Yan Cai drove Xie Minglang to a rather remote restaurant. It was well past the prime dinner hour, and there were no other patrons in the restaurant. However, upon seeing Yan Cai, the waiter immediately approached with familiarity, saying: "Mr. Yan, it has been a while since I last saw you"

If you want to know why it is you, it is because you are the only person I have recently met who is not an actor but still maintains a sincere expression when speaking in a formal manner. Therefore, I believe that even if you say some comforting words after the performance, they will still seem credible.

Sensing the hand that suddenly reached out, Xie Minglang instinctively took a step back, nervously staring at Yan Cai. However, Yan Cai merely reached out to press the elevator button, her sleeve brushing lightly against Xie Minglang's face, making that spot feel as if it were about to ignite.

Yan Cai smiled, her eyes brightening, and her voice lowered slightly, sounding quite enchanting: "You lack neither talent nor youth; these are boundless assets. Stay by my side, and I will bring you closer to your ideals."

Work must continue. After this round of filming, the closing banquet of the film festival will follow. Journalists do not have permission to enter and shoot at this banquet, so apart from a few entertainment reporters eager to grab the spotlight, most of the photographers have dispersed. The scene that was bustling and lively just a moment ago suddenly turned quiet, and the empty red carpet under the lights inevitably appeared lonely.

When they left, almost all the other audience members were still in the theater, and the small square outside the theater was empty. Yan Cai looked at Xie Minglang and asked, "Have you had dinner?"

Oh, so you came to watch a play with me as a journalist, and then sat down to have a meal together. Next, as a journalist, what else do you plan to do

Have dinner

Oh, many people in this class are leaving

Listening to the conversation, with a deeper smile, she nodded slightly, lowered her head to read the program, and simultaneously said: "This is my first time reading this. The photographer missed the mark a bit; some of the photos are completely not what they seem."

There is almost no opportunity in "Silver Screen"

The rhythmic sound of splashing water reached Xie Minglang's ears, and he finally slowly extricated himself from the soft embrace of the god of sleep. The bed was soft and warm, and he was sinking into it, having no desire to move at all

Well, the flight is in the evening

They greeted each other calmly. Yan Cai, wiping her wet hair, asked, "Why are you up so early?"

No, you are being overly trusting towards someone you have only met a few times

Xie Minglang suddenly recalled that day in another restaurant when he met Wei Ke, and the conversation they had. There were some things he did not understand at the time, but now it is a different story: "When we first went to see your play, we encountered a person who said that your role should be swapped with Zheng Xiao's. Feifei even had a big argument with him over this at the time, but in hindsight, he was right."

The room was filled with a suffocating silence, as if the temperature had also dropped. In such an atmosphere, Ge Huai, who had been sitting quietly with his eyes downcast for an unknown length of time, finally stood up and calmly said: "I understand"

But in the next moment, the caress that entwined him evoked certain deeply buried memories, and he could not help but surrender. Then, he simply took it a step further, his trembling hand pressed against the nape of the neck of the person beside him, who was equally damp with sweat

No

He paused for a moment, involuntarily smiling as he recalled something: "What does it feel like to expose oneself in this way in front of so many people? You clearly could have chosen another play."

Xie Minglang propped his empty hand against the wall of the elevator and forced a smile, saying: "That’s why I said I was drunk. Thank you for pulling me just now. If I stay any longer, I will embarrass myself. I really need to go back"

Xie Minglang was at a loss for words upon hearing this, unsure whether the statement was credible or not. Yan Cai looked up after finishing the menu: "Shall we have a lighter meal tonight"

He was startled and sat up suddenly; there was still only him in the room, but that knocking sound was definitely not an illusion

As the people around began to disperse, Xie Minglang replied softly: "His performance is completely different. It is very captivating and beautiful"

Goodbye

His response was so natural that Xie Minglang didn't react at first. By the time he understood it clearly, he was the one who felt uncomfortable: "Oh... so you didn't go. Hmm..."

Faced with such an invitation, Xie Minglang hesitated for only a moment before standing up and leaving with him

Upon arriving at the bar, he realized it was so noisy that it was impossible to bear. Xie Minglang already had a headache, and after a while, the noise only seemed to intensify. He endured for quite some time, but when he noticed that his companions were fully engrossed in their fun and had completely forgotten about him, he quietly informed the bartender and slipped out.

Is that so

I will follow you

Hearing the sound of the door closing, Yan Cai first pressed down on Xie Minglang's shoulder, signaling him to sit still, before speaking: "I remember I hung a 'Do Not Disturb' sign at the door."

The warmth brought by the kiss made Xie Minglang forget to react in a short period of time, and by the time he began to take action, the entire scene was already completely beyond his control. Yet, he cherished this long-lost sense of intimacy and the slight pain of breathlessness, as his body, warmed by alcohol, became increasingly heated with each kiss that transferred from his lips and tongue to his neck, as if even his blood were about to boil.

The topic inevitably returns to "Kiss of the Spider Woman"

This suggestive gaze caused Xie Minglang to blush once again, yet he still refused to give in verbally: "The coat is never a problem..."

He couldn't help but quicken his pace, only to find that at some point, there was another person at the end of his line of sight. Xie Minglang habitually glanced down at his watch, and his first thought was that it was yet another poor soul like himself, wandering the streets at midnight due to insomnia. However, as the distance between the two gradually closed, he quickly overturned his initial conclusion

"Why are you giving me the tickets for tonight's show?" he asked, among a series of questions, perhaps the one that was easiest to answer.

Xie Minglang found something amiss: "Where to?"

Yan Cai really laughed this time: "Where are you going now?"

Ge Huai's expression grew increasingly sullen. He remained silent for a long time before finally saying slowly, "Alright, we will discuss this issue later."

Upon reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table, Xie Minglang took a large sip, only to discover, as expected, that his hand was trembling incessantly. He let out a helpless sigh, withdrew back under the covers, and simultaneously began to scrutinize the room he had not had the time to properly observe the night before.

He certainly had countless questions, but Xie Minglang was frustrated to realize that he had no means to defend himself against Yan Cai.

During dinner, Xie Minglang had a little to drink and began to talk excessively and uncontrollably. He was not drunk, and Yan Cai was very clear about this, seeming to find it quite amusing, even encouraging him to speak more.

After coming out, the person was somewhat calmer, and many matters were quickly sorted out during the shower, yet most still could not be concluded.

We can continue to argue in front of him. Then the major entertainment newspapers will have no shortage of headlines for the next month. Ge Huai pulled a chair and sat down

It is not fear

At this moment, Yan Cai had already changed into his outerwear. He saw Xie Minglang coming out wrapped in a bath towel, seemingly lost in thought, and couldn't help but smile: "Just now, while you were taking a shower, I had someone send your clothes up from downstairs"

In the next two hours, Xie Minglang witnessed a Molina that was completely different from Yan Cai's performance. Zheng Xiao's Molina carried an unspeakable sense of sadness, yet he was always smiling; his performance resembled that of a thorough prisoner, with every movement being precise and efficient. He arranged his bed excessively neatly, and his actions of pouring water were executed with remarkable skill, as if he had lived in such a harsh environment for far too long and had completely adapted to it. More importantly, Zheng Xiao consistently conveyed a message to the audience: he was a man who genuinely wished to be treated as a "woman." The same sense of femininity that Yan Cai portrayed with a subtle allure, Zheng Xiao handled with a naturalness that seemed effortless. Every one of his actions, from care and comfort to the final outburst of tears, belonged to the feminine realm, merely expressed through a male body. He was completely ignorant of politics and had no interest in it; every story he told was like weaving a net, slowly drawing the men outside into a deep entanglement.

He was afraid that the knocking at the door would attract protests from others, so he hurriedly rushed over to open the door. In the blink of an eye, a group of people surged in, insisting on dragging him out to celebrate the successful completion of their work. Xie Minglang was exhausted and initially refused to go no matter what, but the group was resolute in their intentions. After a prolonged tug-of-war, it became apparent that if they continued to argue, the roof would be rattled off. Left with no choice, Xie Minglang changed his clothes and went along with them.

The more he looked, the more it seemed so, which made Xie Minglang hesitate. However, thinking that turning around and leaving would be too deliberate, he had no choice but to brace himself and continue walking. The distance between the two individuals grew closer, and at that moment, Xie Minglang found himself uncertain again. Just as he had reassured himself that this person could not possibly be Yan Cai, the tall and thin figure a few meters away suddenly stopped. The expression was unclear in the shadows, but the tone was decidedly grim: "You've had enough... Why is it you again?"

It is merely a bed; where else is there to sleep

Are you leaving today? Yan Cai casually asked.

Ge Huai walked in, his cold gaze sweeping over Xie Minglang, leaving the latter feeling completely chilled. However, he paid no attention to Xie Minglang and instead addressed Yan Cai, saying: "You did well. Now just directly pick the reporters to come back; there's no need to be so frugal if you want to expose a scandal."

There is only one ticket, and Xie Minglang can only go alone. When passing by the box office, he still saw the sign "Tickets for today are sold out," but did not see the throngs of girls waiting for tickets. Those who were collecting tickets were queuing up to enter in an orderly manner, and from time to time, someone would quietly discuss what it would be like if Yan Cai's role were played by Zheng Xiao.

This is indeed a harsh truth, Xie Minglang thought with a sense of frustration

Xie Minglang slowly shook his head: "This has little to do with age. It is simply that the passion required for that role is something you no longer need. Why perform a character whose traits are all things you do not require? Furthermore, the difference between Zheng Xiao and you lies in the fact that he is genuinely portraying a woman, while you are merely thinking of playing a homosexual man. He is less constrained, and thus he performs more freely. As for you..."

Noticing Xie Minglang's gaze, Yan Cai turned her face around. He was always smiling, and this time was no exception: "You performed very well, didn't you?"

Long after Ge Huai had left, no one in the room spoke. After this incident, reflecting on past experiences and observations, Xie Minglang vaguely sensed something, but he had no opportunity to voice it. After a moment of silence, he finally got up from the bed and nonchalantly went to the bathroom to wash up.