The next morning, Ji Nian had just woken up when she received a call to come over for breakfast. Her face turned red, embarrassed at how long they had kissed the day before, making her feel awkward thinking about it last night.
Ji Nian was annoyed with herself for not realizing sooner how thick-skinned Yu Luobai was. She hadn't planned on getting into a relationship so quickly, but since things had progressed this far, she might as well give it a try.
When Ji Nian knocked on the door, Yu Luobai looked down at the woman who only reached his chin, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up and his eyes filled with laughter. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
"Good morning, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai said with a chuckle.
Their relationship had accelerated at an incredible speed, upgrading to boyfriend and girlfriend overnight. Ji Nian was still adjusting to it, her face flushed as she returned his embrace and said, "Good morning, Mr. Yu."
Yu Luobai released her, took her hand and led her to the dining table. "Still calling me Mr. Yu?" he asked with a smile.
"Then what should I call you?" Ji Nian blinked, puzzled. "Yu Luobai? Luobai? Baibai?"
Yu Luobai burst out laughing, exasperated. "You can call me whatever you want."
"Mr. Yu," Ji Nian said, pursing her lips. She felt this was the most natural way to address him.
Yu Luobai ruffled her hair and smiled. "Hurry up and eat, or we'll be late."
When they arrived on set, He Yi noticed the unusual atmosphere between the two, wondering why Superstar Yu kept openly gazing at her artist with a smile.
"Sister, what's going on between you two?" He Yi asked in a low voice.
"Hmm?" Ji Nian looked over with a confused expression.
"Superstar Yu keeps staring at you," He Yi said, glancing furtively in his direction.
Ji Nian's face reddened as she spoke softly, "We're dating."
He Yi's eyes widened in shock as she covered her mouth, before excitedly whispering, "Sister! That's awesome!"
Ji Nian gave her an annoyed look. "It was purely accidental."
"Quick, quick, tell me how your relationship changed overnight!" He Yi was eager to gossip.
"You guess," Ji Nian rolled her eyes and walked away, ignoring her.
"Actors, get into position!" the director called out. "Ji Nian, Luobai, are you ready?"
Ji Nian hurried over upon being called. The set had been prepared like the previous day, resembling a bedroom.
Ji Nian listened to the instructions and sat on the bed, with Yu Luobai beside her. He smiled at her, and she pinched his hand in annoyance, indicating he should be more restrained.
Yu Luobai's lips curled up, but he didn't say a word.
"Ji Nian, pick up from where you hooked Luobai's chin yesterday," the director said.
"Okay," Ji Nian nodded.
"Alright, lighting crew, pay attention to your positions. Ready, action!"
Ji Nian took a deep breath, though kissing in front of so many people made her a little embarrassed. But she was determined to nail this scene today.
Ji Nian hooked Yu Luobai's chin as per the script, her gaze alluring as she lightly kissed his lips.
A flash of darkness passed through Yu Luobai's eyes as he forcefully pulled her waist towards him. Their gazes met, exchanging tentative looks.
Immersing himself in the role, Yu Luobai kissed her, his tongue seeking entry into her mouth.
Ji Nian momentarily broke character, her ears turning red as she froze in place.
"Cut!" the director suddenly called out. "Ji Nian, you've improved today, but your expression was off towards the end. Let's try again. Between you and the male lead, there should be a power struggle. You initiate the kiss, he responds, and you need to match his intensity while maintaining tenderness throughout the passion."
Ji Nian nodded silently, while Yu Luobai whispered to her, "Like yesterday."
The crew members who overheard exchanged puzzled glances, their eyes filled with curiosity about what had happened "like yesterday."
Ji Nian glared at him and let out a soft "hmph."
When the director called action again, Ji Nian quickly immersed herself in the scene. She hooked Yu Luobai's chin and took the initiative to kiss him first.
Yu Luobai was in a good mood, suddenly finding the appeal of the kissing scene. On the surface, he was acting out the role, but deep down he had his own personal motives.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, returning her kiss as if savoring a delicious treat.
To avoid another cut, Ji Nian threw caution to the wind, shamelessly embracing his waist. The two began a power struggle, their kiss escalating from gentle exploration to fierce biting and devouring.
The crew members were stunned, realizing they could watch this for free without needing to pay.
The couple's intimate poses on the bed exuded a sensual aura. Ji Nian's curvaceous figure was accentuated by her tight black dress.
Yu Luobai's large hands naturally wrapped around her slender waist, one hand gently cupping her face. He bit her tongue, pulling her closer as he trailed kisses down her neck.
Ji Nian shuddered, feeling a tingling sensation spread through her body. She went limp in his arms, dazed by his kisses. Was the script changed? She didn't recall a neck-kissing scene.
The director was dumbstruck, forgetting to call cut until realizing they had been kissing for quite some time. "Cut! That's a wrap!"
Yu Luobai gazed at Ji Nian, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. His body felt feverish, his eyes filled with a subtle, smoldering look.
Ji Nian was breathless from the intense kissing. Even after the cut was called, she remained dazed in the man's embrace, her body still recovering.
Finally freed, she gasped for air, relieved. "We managed to get through it at last."
"Superstar Yu's first on-screen kiss! Haha, this drama is going to be a hit for sure," the director laughed heartily.
Ji Nian's face flushed red. She gently extracted herself from Yu Luobai's arms, her heart still pounding. The sensation of his kisses on her neck lingered, and she swallowed hard, feeling annoyed. He had definitely done that on purpose!
With Ji Nian no longer in his embrace, Yu Luobai felt an inexplicable sense of loss. He looked at her, her hair tousled, and naturally reached out to smooth her disheveled tresses, unconcerned with the crew members' reactions.
Observing the intimate atmosphere between them, the director realized what was going on and gave Peng He a thumbs-up.
Peng He raised an eyebrow, his face displaying a knowing smile, inwardly marveling that his "iron tree" had finally blossomed.
"Shouldn't we prepare for a dating publicity strategy?" He Yi approached, exasperated.
Peng He nodded, completely unconcerned. "I've been prepared for a while, but we should still discuss it with the team."
"Our Ji Nian can't be subjected to negative rumors again," He Yi said apprehensively. Yu Luobai was a superstar with countless female fans. Their relationship, once public, might put the woman at a disadvantage.
"That's for sure. If she gets attacked, Luobai will have to answer to me," Peng He said with a smile.
"Let me know the details of your plan so I can assess if it's suitable," He Yi said seriously.
"Sure, let's grab some late-night snacks after work and discuss over dinner," Peng He agreed.
