Chapter 52 Whistling the Dog

Amidst good-natured cheers, Wen Xubai smiled and finished his drink, and Qin Yuzhou followed suit with a glass of wine.

The atmosphere in this scene was incredibly heartwarming.

Lu Haowen, who was sitting diagonally opposite Wen Xubai, gripped his bamboo chopsticks tightly.

He kept his head down, the shadow cast by the stray hairs on his forehead just enough to cover his suddenly gloomy face, but the gaze in his peripheral vision was so intense it seemed to burn a hole between them.

Qin Yuzhou put down his wine glass, let out a satisfied breath, and leaned back to relax. His gaze swept over the thousands of lights in the village, and he felt as if the stale air in his chest had dissipated.

"This place is really nice, completely different from what I imagined."

After saying that, he looked at Wen Xubai and said, "Speaking of which, what are the plans for tomorrow? My place is packed with people, just waiting for you, the store manager, to assign me tasks."

Wen Xubai picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, and after hearing this, he smiled and followed his words.

"I'm glad you like it."

He continued, "There's nothing specific to do tomorrow, so just treat it like you're at home and relax on vacation. If you're interested, our landlord Li Nong and his sister can take you around the village, or you can go fishing with Uncle De by the river."

"This is good!"

Qin Yuzhou's eyes lit up, and he laughed heartily. Then, he leaned forward slightly and asked naturally, "So, what is Teacher Wen going to do tomorrow?"

"I'm going to town this morning to buy some ingredients and daily necessities," Wen Xubai replied casually in a gentle tone.

Before Qin Yuzhou could respond, Lu Haowen, the movie star known for his cool demeanor, suddenly raised his head, his voice carrying a deliberately suppressed tension.

"Is Teacher Wen going to town?"

Lu Haowen looked at him, a hint of pleading in his eyes, "I'll go with you, and I can help you carry your things."

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere at the dinner table froze for a split second.

The moment everyone's attention was focused on Lu Haowen, Wen Xubai's lips curled into a swift upward smile. It was as if a master had seen their pet finally make the expected reaction, but the smile vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed.

However, Xie Xun happened to catch this micro-expression out of the corner of his eye.

He paused in his chopsticks movement, then without changing his expression, put the food into his mouth and slowly chewed it.

He appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, he was already filled with doubts.

Wen Xubai's smile was strange.

This doesn't resemble the disgust, fear, or exhaustion one would show after learning that Lu Haowen might be the one who harmed him, nor does it feel like the happiness of relying on a lover.

On the contrary, it's very much like the pleasure of having everything under control.

This subtle flaw is quite different from Wen Xubai's usual gentle and tolerant image.

However... this could also be the way Wen Xubai and Lu Haowen usually interact.

Qin Yuzhou, who had started the conversation, raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He simply picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and glanced back and forth between the two of them.

[What's with Lu Yingdi's tone? Is he starting to promote a romantic pairing?]

This is really strange; there's definitely something going on between you two!

Haowen seems really nervous, like he's afraid Teacher Wen will go out alone with Teacher Qin? When did they start seeing each other without telling us?

[A textbook example of possessiveness; everyone should take note!]

Unlike Lu Haowen's nervousness, Wen Xubai simply smiled and put down his chopsticks, wiping his mouth with a tissue at the same time. His movements were elegant, yet carried a clear sense of aloofness.

"No need to trouble you, Haowen."

His tone was calm, even with an unyielding force, “Yuzhou has a driver’s license, so he can drive me there. You don’t have anything to do tomorrow, so you can rest in the village.”

He didn't even look at Lu Haowen's instantly pale face, but instead smiled at Qin Yuzhou with a hint of apology, "I'll have to trouble you to be my driver this time."

"I couldn't have gotten it."

Qin Yuzhou readily agreed, laughing heartily as if he hadn't noticed the undercurrent between Wen Xubai and Lu Haowen earlier. "It'll be good for me to familiarize myself with the roads and such, so I'll treat it as a trip."

Everyone chatted and laughed, and the topic naturally turned to tomorrow's itinerary, and the atmosphere became harmonious again.

This joyous scene was like a thousand red-hot needles, piercing Lu Haowen's eyes and heart.

He was once again isolated, like a complete clown.

They were all laughing, and their laughter was so jarring!

Wen Xubai smiled at Qin Yuzhou so naturally and easily, just like he did back on set, when he smiled at everyone in the same way.

Gentle yet dazzling, like a ray of light he could never reach, even after chasing it his whole life.

And what about myself?

Back then, he was just a nobody, huddled in a corner, unable to even deliver a complete line, and could only look up at him humbly and cautiously.

It was Wen Xubai who personally pulled him out of the mud, taught him acting, introduced him to people, and gave him hope.

He thought he was special, that he had finally reached that light.

When he finally mustered the courage to confess his feelings, he failed every time.

Now that he had finally seized the opportunity and finally made Wen Xubai his own, why did everything go back to square one as soon as Qin Yuzhou arrived?!

No, it's even worse than the origin!

Wen Xubai doesn't even want to look at him anymore!

Is it because he's not famous enough? Not high enough? Or is it that Wen Xubai has only been giving him handouts from the beginning?

Like teasing a stray dog ​​picked up from the roadside, giving it a treat when you're happy, and kicking it away when you're annoyed?

The Buddha statue around his neck was burning hot, and the violent resentment mixed with deep-seated inferiority almost tore his reason apart and devoured the last bit of conscience he had left.

Since gentleness can't hold him back and compliance can't earn him any attention, he might as well go completely insane!

He wanted Wen Xubai to look at him, to look at him forever!

Even if it's hatred, fear, or disgust, he must never retreat back into that forgotten shadow.

Hehehe—

"That's right. You only have one enemy now, and that is Xie Xun."

"Kill him, then no one will be able to protect Wen Xubai, hahaha~"

A twisted smile mixed with obsessive thoughts filled his mind, causing bloodshot veins to spread in his eyes and his lips to curl up uncontrollably. His hands, hidden under the table, clenched so tightly that they almost drew blood.

Xie Xun watched silently, his brows furrowed.

He watched as Lu Haowen's expression changed as if he had been driven mad, and the murderous intent that flashed in his eyes.

Tsk... This guy looks like he's been whistled at.

Wen Xubai's words, "Don't bother me," were the first command he uttered in public. His subsequent smile and choice of someone else were enough to irritate Lu Haowen.

If Lu Haowen were to suffer, become agitated, or even go on the verge of losing control at this point, he would be met with reproachful glances from onlookers.

The moment this thought crossed Xie Xun's mind, a chill ran down his spine.

If that's true, then Wen Xubai's true nature beneath his gentle exterior is probably far more frightening than that of the tangible evil Buddha.

What are you looking for?

Fu Qinghuai had somehow gotten close to him again, wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his chin on his shoulder, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "You also think this scene looks familiar?"