You are sentimental.

Chapter Two

After Vice Director Zhidao found out that Cheng Liang needed to take a leave of absence, there was no hint of discontent. If it weren't for Zhou Zheng saying there was no need, the whole crew would have eagerly seen Cheng Liang off. Working with Cheng Liang was too stressful. A few days ago, everyone was hoping that after Cheng Liang fell silent due to illness, they could relax a bit. However, this person still stood in the way with a cold face, making the actors' legs weak.

At night, the staff took turns knocking on the door, speaking politely to Cheng Liang as if giving a formal report. One actress even sent him a box of hand warmers.

These people were quite good at reading the room. Basically, each person only stayed for three or four minutes at most, offering compliments while observing Cheng Liang's expressionless face. Once Cheng Liang's brow started to furrow, they quickly excused themselves.

Cheng Liang didn't sleep much all night. Early the next morning, he boarded a car to the county town.

The night was as dark as thick ink, and the moon hung coldly in the sky. Cheng Liang leaned against the window and fell asleep. The car shook violently on the bumpy mountain road. Even after Cheng Liang's head bumped against the window a few times, he didn't wake up until Zhou Zheng gently nudged him, allowing Cheng Liang to lean on his shoulder.

From the county town, they transferred to the city to catch a flight. By then, it was already getting light.

Cheng Liang felt relieved. After waking up, he checked his phone. Finally, with full signal, he scrolled through his social apps, but there was no message from Huo Qitong.

Cheng Liang replied to a few WeChat messages from friends. Shortly after, Zhou Guican called him.

"Nienshan? Finally remembered me, huh? Finished with work?" Zhou Guican, a few years older than Cheng Liang, habitually used a brotherly tone to address him.

"I'm sick, going back to Shanghai to rest for a few days," Cheng Liang's voice was hoarse, barely recognizable.

Zhou Guican sounded anxious, "If you're sick enough to take leave, it must be serious. What time do you arrive at the airport? I'll come pick you up."

"I'm fine, Zhou, you're busy. I have arrangements," Cheng Liang replied.

Zhou Guican didn't insist, "Nienshan, if you need anything, make sure to call me. Let me know when you're free, I'll come see you."

Cheng Liang agreed.

"...I strolled through a photography equipment exhibition a while back and got you a little something. I'll bring it over one of these days," Zhou Guican mentioned.

Cheng Liang smiled and, hoarsely, thanked Zhou Guican.

Zhou Guican only exchanged a few words with Cheng Liang, being cautious and courteous, almost like a nice old man, "Rest well. If you need help, don't hesitate to call me."

Cheng Liang nodded.

After a few more instructions, Zhou Guican hung up.

Zhou Zheng muttered beside him, "Mr. Zhou is truly something... They share the same surname, look at how charming he is. Zhou, if I wanted to work for Mr. Zhou, would he accept me?"

Cheng Liang glanced at Zhou Zheng, "With your clumsy ways, if you break something at his shop, he might just sell you to South Africa to mine diamonds for the rest of your life."

Zhou Zheng chuckled and fell silent.

"Show me Huo Qitong's schedule for today," Cheng Liang didn't indulge Zhou Zheng in talking more about Zhou Guican.

Zhou Zheng, somewhat reluctant, didn't dare to say more. He pulled out his laptop from his bag, opened the images in PDF format, and showed them to Cheng Liang.

"Huo Ge has no work these days. He only has one assignment in the afternoon, shooting a cover for V&G," Zhou Zheng peeked at Cheng Liang's expression, "It's a V&G cover you arranged for Huo Ge."

Cheng Liang nodded. His face softened, as Zhou Zheng had expected, "That's good, as long as he's willing to go."

Zhou Zheng sighed. Cheng Liang's implication was that he would personally go to pick up Huo Qitong after the shoot. The whole idea of taking care of his health seemed forgotten.

The plane arrived in Shanghai in the afternoon, and Zhou Zheng managed to persuade Cheng Liang to visit a hospital, while discreetly calling Huo Qitong.

Actually, Zhou Zheng didn't say anything inappropriate. He told Huo Qitong to behave, as Cheng Liang was back, and not to flirt in front of him. Zhou Zheng was afraid that if Cheng Liang saw Huo Qitong flirting with someone else, it might upset him greatly.

Wu Ling, Huo Qitong's assistant, was a timid girl but lacked flexibility. Zhou Zheng's words had a hint of impatience, and Wu Ling repeated them verbatim to Huo Qitong.

Huo Qitong's reaction was ice-cold.

And thus, things took a turn for the worse.

Cheng Liang arrived at the shoot early, only to find out that Huo Qitong had left even earlier. When the staff saw Cheng Liang, they hurriedly got up to offer him water and smiles. Cheng Liang asked, "Where is Huo Qitong?"

"Are you looking for Teacher Huo? He left a while ago with a friend to the underground parking lot after finishing the shoot."

Cheng Liang started to feel a headache, "His friend?"

The person in charge nodded, "It's a spirited young boy..." he seemed hesitant, "...close relationship, quite good..."

Cheng Liang's face darkened, wordlessly turning around and striding towards the parking lot.

Zhou Zheng quickly followed, silently praying to all the gods. When he saw Wu Ling anxiously pacing at the entrance of the parking lot, he knew all his prayers were in vain.

Wu Ling was close to tears, "Director Cheng, could you wait a moment? Huo Ge is exhausted and resting in the car."

Without so much as a glance at her, Cheng Liang walked straight in.

It had been a while before the trembling of the car finally subsided. When it stopped, a young boy's giggles emerged from inside. The car door opened slowly, and the person about to step out was startled by a shadow in front of the car, exclaiming in surprise and instinctively diving into Huo Qitong's arms.

Cheng Liang glanced at the boy, unfamiliar but undeniably handsome. With a round face, big eyes, and long trembling eyelashes, he exuded an aura of needing affection. He fit the exact type that Huo Qitong favored, similar to his nominal younger brother.

Cheng Liang's heart clenched, the pain impenetrable.

"Huo Ge..." the boy, still blushing from their encounter, softly waited for comfort.

"Be good, go back for now. I'll find you in a couple of days," Huo Qitong patted his head gently, his voice kind but his gaze fixed on Cheng Liang, brimming with undisguised provocation and malice.

The boy pouted, looking forlorn, and kissed Huo Qitong before timidly stepping out of the car.

It took a long time for Cheng Liang to finally speak, "Huo Qitong, what did I say."

Huo Qitong ran his hand through his hair. Without looking at Cheng Liang, he remained calm, "Anyone who dares to sleep with me should forget about mingling in this circle."

Huo Qitong's smile carried a hint of malice, "Just now, he knows what you said. He stayed with me simply because he likes me. So, feel free to do something about him."

Cheng Liang stared at Huo Qitong dully. Indeed, many people would give up their futures for his tenderness. With his eyes slightly peachy and full of affection for everyone, regardless of how hostile Cheng Liang appeared, there were always admirers ready to swarm around him at his beck and call.

Cheng Liang felt so wretched, too drained to even be angry.

"Zhou Zheng said you were at death's door, but you seem fine," Huo Qitong finally looked at Cheng Liang, "Living like a cat in the mountains for three months, enduring the elements, you look even more disgusting."

Cheng Liang wasn't exactly ugly, but he was far from good-looking, especially compared to the young men and women in the industry. He felt like a shabby duck next to them. He kept Huo Qitong around by providing resources, controlling his fate, and Huo Qitong reluctantly complied.

Cheng Liang shamelessly entered Huo Qitong's nanny car, still reeking of lingering emotions, a nauseating scent that pierced his dulled senses and made him want to vomit. With both hands pressed against his stomach, he felt a wave of nausea.

Huo Qitong didn't react to his audacious behavior and left Cheng Liang alone in the car, closing his eyes, too apathetic to address Cheng Liang.

Through the window's reflection, Cheng Liang gazed at Huo Qitong intently.

He was truly handsome, the most good-looking amongst all the artists Cheng Liang had seen. Standing nearly six feet tall, Huo Qitong had legs that seemed to go on forever, a flawless physique, with features delicately crafted, exuding unblemished perfection and aristocratic elegance.

Cheng Liang often wondered if he were a bit younger, a bit better-looking, perhaps resembling Huo Qitong's brother a bit more, would he be able to avoid hurting himself like this?

The two sat in silence until the car arrived at Cheng Liang's luxurious home in Lujiazui.

When Cheng Liang was in Shanghai, it was compulsory for Huo Qitong to stay with him.

As soon as they entered the house, Huo Qitong went straight upstairs to his room, while Cheng Liang took some cold medicine, showered, and then staggered into Huo Qitong's room.

Huo Qitong wasn't done with his shower when he found Cheng Liang lying on his bed. Frowning deeply, he looked displeased, "New sheets."

Cheng Liang curled his fingers, sensing Huo Qitong's implication that he was unclean.

"If you want to sleep, go ahead. After all, it's your house," Huo Qitong said before leaving.

"Huo Qitong," Cheng Liang hoarsely called out.

Huo Qitong paused for a moment, turning to glance at Cheng Liang.

"Stay with me tonight," Cheng Liang suppressed his sorrow, speaking resolutely, "If you want to video call your brother."

Veins bulged on the back of Huo Qitong's hand, his brother was his biggest weakness. Whenever Cheng Liang mentioned him, Huo Qitong wished he could grab Cheng Liang by the hair and slam him into a cabinet.

"Are you really so indebted?"