Chapter 5: Intimacy

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“Are you… short on money?”

“Huh?” Shi Qiu blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question.

The student council president was admittedly good-looking, gold-rimmed glasses giving him that refined-but-dangerous vibe. In a place like X Film Academy, which was practically a breeding ground for future entertainers, his appearance was striking. Today, he wore a tailored trench coat, looking effortlessly suave.

But his aggressive demeanor? Shi Qiu didn’t like it one bit.

Zhong Xiyuan had no idea what was going on in this marshmallow’s head. He just thought the guy’s voice was kind of soft.

Seeing Shi Qiu still unresponsive, Zhong Xiyuan reached out and hooked a finger under his mask. Shi Qiu’s left hand was injured, his right hand was clutching the thick student handbook, and the sofa behind him left no room to dodge. He could only sit there, stunned, as Zhong Xiyuan pulled the mask down.

What was revealed was even more stunning than expected…a face pale and dewy, like a freshly peeled lychee.

Zhong Xiyuan’s fingers instinctively brushed against that soft cheek.

Shi Qiu slapped the student handbook onto his lap and smacked Zhong Xiyuan’s hand away, snapping, “What are you doing!”

Feisty.

Zhong Xiyuan wasn’t used to being glared at like that. His parents were industry giants in film and television, even the professors at X Film Academy treated him with deference.

Still, reaching out and touching someone’s face like that was definitely crossing a line.

He gave a textbook smile, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I just thought someone I knew was playing a prank.”

Shi Qiu found his ability to lie without blinking absolutely repulsive. In his past life, he’d debuted at sixteen and skyrocketed to fame, crowned Best Actor at twenty-seven, reigning at the top of the industry for a decade. He’d seen every kind of sleazeball.

Zhong Xiyuan? Just another lustful creep.

Shi Qiu was seriously considering leaving. It might be cold outside, but at least he wouldn’t have to deal with Zhong Xiyuan’s harassment.

Just as he hesitated, the office door knocked twice and swung open.

Jiang Fengmian walked in.

Shi Qiu immediately pulled up his mask and stood, eyes lighting up. “Ge!”

Zhong Xiyuan turned to look at Jiang Fengmian, then back at Shi Qiu who had suddenly transformed from a fierce little tiger into a docile puppy, tail wagging as he trotted over to Jiang Fengmian.

Jiang Fengmian sensed something off in the room, but seeing Shi Qiu’s clothes intact, he simply patted his head and greeted Zhong Xiyuan casually, “President Zhong.”

“Mm.” Zhong Xiyuan watched them leave, expression unchanged.

He knew Jiang Fengmian. Same year, different major, but definitely one of X Film Academy’s golden boys. Top entrance scores, top grades, always neck-and-neck with Zhong Xiyuan when it came to school awards.

But Zhong Xiyuan had never heard of Jiang Fengmian dating anyone. He was famously commitment-averse, rotating bed partners like clockwork.

Wait, didn’t Jiang Fengmian have a younger brother? The one who was obsessed with becoming his boyfriend? Caused such a stir that Jiang Fengmian even skipped an exam yesterday because of him.

Judging by the way Jiang Fengmian doted on Shi Qiu just now, it had to be that brother.

Zhong Xiyuan’s thoughts drifted back to the soft feel of Shi Qiu’s cheek under his fingers.

If he had a little brother like that who’s fierce to outsiders, soft and obedient to him, he’d have made him his boyfriend ages ago. No way he’d let things get messy and heartbreaking.

Outside, Jiang Fengmian asked, “He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

Shi Qiu shook his head silently.

Sure, Zhong Xiyuan touched his face, but he slapped him back. That evened things out.

“Good.” Jiang Fengmian exhaled. “Stay away from him from now on.”

“He’s not a good person?” Shi Qiu asked curiously.

Jiang Fengmian chuckled. “It’s not about good or bad. His parents are powerful in the industry. Most people wouldn’t dare mess with him.”

“Oh…” Shi Qiu nodded obediently. Then, as if remembering something, he asked, “Ge, I saw the third-years in your major are already filming all over the place. Have you…”

Jiang Fengmian’s expression shifted from awkward to puzzled, then cautiously asked, “Are you… short on money?”

“Is there something you want to buy?”

Shi Qiu’s face went blank.

But thinking back on “Shi Qiu’s” past behavior, it made sense. He’d never cared about Jiang Fengmian’s future, dragged him down without a second thought.

Shi Qiu gave a sheepish smile. “No, I just realized I’ve been too selfish. I want to help you out.”

From what he’d read in the student handbook, there was no way to fix Jiang Fengmian’s exam scores. So Shi Qiu had to find another way to support him.

“You just being good is already a huge help.” Jiang Fengmian patted his shoulder warmly.

Shi Qiu felt like he’d been shot in the knee again.

They walked in silence for a while. Seeing Shi Qiu’s downcast expression, Jiang Fengmian sighed and coaxed, “Alright, alright. If I ever need your help, I’ll ask. Don’t worry about me.”

“My credentials are solid. Sooner or later, I’ll land a role.”

Shi Qiu knew he was telling the truth. But he also knew how fickle fame could be. Without connections, “sooner or later” could mean years of struggle.

“Then… can I use my own account to film some short videos to boost your followers?” Shi Qiu asked.

“…Sure.” Jiang Fengmian wasn’t sure what he was up to, but at least it sounded legit.

He’d had some buzz when he first enrolled, even gained tens of thousands of followers. But he hadn’t kept up with it, and the account had gone quiet.

Many students tried building hype through social media, but few succeeded.

Shi Qiu eyed Jiang Fengmian’s current look, pulled out his new phone, and said, “Ge, you look great right now. How about we shoot one now?”

“Weren’t we going to lunch?” Jiang Fengmian laughed helplessly.

“Then let’s eat first and shoot after.” Shi Qiu obediently tucked his phone away.

Jiang Fengmian grabbed his wrist and led him to the cafeteria.

Zhong Xiyuan was at the food counter when he saw Jiang Fengmian walk in, holding hands with that same guy.

Shi Qiu followed closely, Jiang Fengmian carrying two trays while Shi Qiu held two phones.

Zhong Xiyuan felt a flicker of irritation.

So they’re close, huh? Pampering him like that, yet pretending to be all tortured by unrequited feelings.

Since when was Jiang Fengmian such a poser?

Zhong Xiyuan had never liked him. Thanks to his parents, he’d already met most of the school’s leadership before enrolling, people he could call “uncle” and “aunt.” After starting school, teachers bent over backward to boost his scores and award chances.

But Jiang Fengmian had none of that. Yet teachers kept praising him: “He’s got potential,” “He’s going places.”

Their names always appeared side by side in award lists. Even though Zhong Xiyuan believed he’d earned his success without parental help, everyone still saw him as riding on their coattails, always a step behind Jiang Fengmian.

Now, seeing Jiang Fengmian like this only made him more annoyed.

X Film Academy’s cafeteria was famously good. Few nearby restaurants could compete. Shi Qiu and Jiang Fengmian picked out a few dishes and sat down. Shi Qiu placed his phone aside and began eating with his right hand.

“Ge, after lunch let’s go back to your exam building. I’ll film a video there,” Shi Qiu said between bites.

“Alright.” Jiang Fengmian agreed easily.

He had nothing else planned for the afternoon.

Shi Qiu mentally sorted through strategies for launching a social media account. After filtering out the shady ones, he settled on starting with a “visual appeal” video.

There were many ways to build a following, but most weren’t exactly dignified. Since this was for Jiang Fengmian’s career, it had to be classy.

They finished eating quickly. Jiang Fengmian pulled out a wet wipe, carefully cleaned Shi Qiu’s hand, handed him a tissue for his mouth, then got up to clear their trays.

The whole scene radiated intimacy.

Zhong Xiyuan watched them leave like conjoined twins, his brow unconsciously furrowing.

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Translator note: 📌

Thank you for reading 💖 see you again in the next chapter, my lovely cherries 😘

📍Note: I’m pretty free lately, so I will be posting 3  to 4 chapters a day. Enjoy 🤭