He worked himself up to a high fever of 39.3 degrees for the filming, and then refused to eat or take injections in order to play the role of a drug addict well. Although we fought till the end, the filming was completed successfully. But as the saying goes, it is your own fault and you have to endure it even if you have to kneel down. Therefore, after returning to Yanjing, Li Xiaoheng would have to watch him take medicine. Even if Tao Mu was not happy about it, he had to bite the bullet and endure it.

"...I think I'm cured." After swallowing the last two pills with warm water, Tao Mu confirmed again and again: "Starting tomorrow, I don't need to take medicine anymore, right?"

Without waiting for Li Xiaoheng's reply, Tao Mu emphasized again: "It is said that taking too much cold medicine will stimulate the brain. If I am not smart, I may make mistakes in project decisions."

Isn't it a bit too childish to use this kind of thing as a threat?

Li Xiaoheng glanced at Tao Mu with a half-smile.

Perhaps he felt that his behavior was inappropriate, Tao Mu blushed, and tried to persuade him emotionally and rationally: "Taking too much medicine is not a good thing. As the saying goes, medicine is three-point poison."

"Also, can you stop making the medicinal soup you made before? It's too expensive and troublesome. I'm embarrassed."

"The doctor said that you almost turned your cold and fever into pneumonia." Li Xiaoheng said calmly, "I don't want my partner to not take care of his body. Or, do you want me to tell Mr. Liu, Mr. Meng, and Mr. Song about this?"

Afraid that his family would worry, Tao Mu still didn't dare to tell them how seriously ill he was at the time. Even though the entertainment tabloids were spreading rumors, Tao Mu only dared to tell everyone that he had a common cold. It was just that those gossip paparazzi deliberately made up shocking headlines to create hype - after all, they had previously said that Tao Mu was taken to a drug rehabilitation center.

With the testimony of Gou Rixin and Li Xiaoheng, two honest and reliable people, Liu Yao and the other two did not become suspicious. I also feel that gossip paparazzi dare to say anything in order to increase sales.

But on the other hand, Tao Mu, who was caught by Li Xiaoheng, had a hard time. Being forced to take injections and medicines was nothing. The most annoying thing was that Li Xiaoheng learned some medicinal recipes from somewhere and made soup and water for him every day. Tao Mu was dizzy from drinking. I finally managed to get through a week, but I couldn't take it any longer.

"Consider it my surrender. At most, I promise you that I will never pour cold water on my head or deliberately get a fever just for filming. As Mr. Li's most valued partner, I will definitely protect my brain and strive to have clear thinking and clear logic within ten years. I will definitely not delay you from making money."

Perhaps Li Xiaoheng had seen his most miserable side - his body was smelly, his hair was tangled, he was dizzy from hunger, his legs were weak, and he was held under the shower by Li Xiaoheng. Tao Mu, who felt that he had been honest with Li Xiaoheng, was much more relaxed when he faced Li Xiaoheng again. Even jokes can be made between words.

Li Xiaoheng cherishes such a lively Tao Mu. But some things must be made clear: "It's not just about pouring cold water, it's about prohibiting all self-destruction."

"Tao Mu, I know you like acting. But I hope you can cherish your body. In other words, you can only make more plays if you are in a healthier state. Instead of tossing yourself down for an insignificant role." Li Xiaoheng crossed his hands on his knees, crossed his legs, and said leisurely: "You are a businessman yourself. You should understand that input and output should at least be proportional."

"You mean, I should go all out when I'm playing the leading role, and just muddle through the rest of the time?" Tao Mu raised his eyebrows, deliberately misinterpreting Li Xiaoheng's words.

"What I mean is that even if you play the leading male role, you can't torture yourself like this. You need to understand sustainable development." Li Xiaoheng corrected him patiently: "When you do business, you know how to plan and keep a backup plan. Why do you fish in a dry pond when acting?"

"Is it that exaggerated?" Tao Mu sat down on the other end of the sofa and picked up the apple on the coffee table. Just as he was about to take a bite, it was snatched away by Li Xiaoheng.

Li Xiaoheng picked up a fruit knife, peeled the apple and cut it into pieces, then handed it to Tao Mu with a toothpick: "Do you need me to recite the results of the examination at that time?"

Obviously not. Tao Mu ate his apple in silence. Then he suddenly realized that he was too close to Li Xiaoheng. Of course, this is also due to the fact that the tiny apartment he lives in opposite the Beijing Film Academy is too small. The small house is only 30 square meters and there is only a row of sofas in the living room, so the two men over 1.8 meters tall appear to be too close to each other.

"You always come to my place to work, don't you feel crowded?" Tao Mu suggested calmly: "I think you can go back to your own apartment or office. If you have any questions, we can communicate by phone."

Li Xiaoheng sneered, stood up, walked into the kitchen, picked up the microwave gloves, took down the old pigeon soup that was stewing on the stove, scooped a bowl and brought it back to the living room, and handed it to Tao Mu: "You can stop taking the medicine. But you must continue to drink the soup. In your words, I am a domineering CEO who makes tens of millions of dollars every minute, and I personally stew soup for you. Aren't you moved?"

Dare to move if you dare. The key is that drinking too much soup is too nutritious, and if you get fat you have to go to the gym to lose weight.

Tao Mu took the soup with a conflicted look on his face and took a sip - it's no wonder that a domineering CEO who makes tens of millions of dollars every minute has a pretty good talent for cooking.

"I also feel that I am a food god who was delayed by a domineering president. Even Mr. Song said that I have good talent." During their private interactions, Li Xiaoheng became more open. Every time Tao Mu was told a joke, he felt very happy.

——But the habit of confessing suddenly also makes Tao Mu feel headache: "...So I am so outstanding. I can make money to support the family and I am beautiful, and I can do both housework and housework. Why don't you consider having a relationship with me?"

Tao Mu almost choked on a mouthful of old pigeon soup. Hearing this, he looked at Li Xiaoheng helplessly: "I really don't know what you like about me?"

"Maybe you don't like this about me. If I say this, you will feel more relaxed." Li Xiaoheng smiled and teased, looking at Tao Mu with more gentle eyes: "I said, I like you, so I am willing to pursue you. This is my own business, you don't have to feel burdened. I hope you can enjoy the process."

Tao Mu held the bowl of soup in silence.

The warm-toned light shone down from above, making Tao Mu's long eyelashes look exceptionally dense and delicate. Li Xiaoheng looked at Tao Mu's trembling eyelashes and smiled gently: "If you are worried that one day you will be moved by my pursuit and want to accept me, but find that I am not interested. Then we might as well make a promise-"

"How can we make an agreement on something like this?" Tao Mu frowned and interrupted Li Xiaoheng: "Do you think we can sign a contract if we are doing business together?"

Even if they do business together, there are many partners who survive the initial financing period but eventually become enemies. Human hearts are unpredictable and cannot be restrained by a piece of written contract. Moreover, for people like them, the so-called contract is nothing more than a stopgap measure to achieve equal status. When signing a contract, one should not only think about abiding by the agreement, but also be prepared to tear it up at any time.

Tao Mu has never been a man of his word. Everything he did was to maximize his profits. If the cost of betrayal is high enough, he can even break all agreements. What’s even more ridiculous is that Li Xiaoheng is exactly this kind of person.

Two people who put profit above all else actually dream of falling in love. Just like two poisonous snakes trying to stay together for warmth. They are cold-blooded animals, and their fangs are filled with venom. When you are close to them, do you have to be on guard all the time to prevent the other party's fangs from hitting you?

He had had enough of this kind of life in his previous life, where he had to be cautious and alert even to people around him.

Tao Mu pondered secretly, and suddenly felt his cheeks getting hot. It turned out that Li Xiaoheng's finger was poking the corner of his mouth.

"What are you thinking about? The corners of your mouth are drooping with grievance?" Li Xiaoheng smiled softly, "I think you are a little leopard."

"Ah?" Tao Mu didn't follow up on Li Xiaoheng's question and was stunned for a moment.

"I think you are a beautiful little leopard. You have smooth fur and sharp claws. Do you know the hunting characteristics of leopards? They like to hide in trees, looking down from a high position and waiting for prey to pass by under the trees, or sneak up on prey and attack them. They also have excellent endurance. When there is no prey, they will be able to starve for a few days without any problem."

Tao Mu looked at Li Xiaoheng in confusion, wondering why he suddenly mentioned the leopard. Could it be because he has been staying at home these past few days, often watching Animal World to kill time?

Just as he was daydreaming, Li Xiaoheng, who was originally sitting on the other side of the sofa, suddenly came over, staring at Tao Mu with a pair of dark, bright eyes. It was so close that Tao Mu could clearly see his own reflection in the other's pupils.

"If you were a leopard, I would be your prey. I hope you can stay with me for a long time. Get to know my temperament and daily routine. If one day you think I have betrayed you, you can stand on the tree and pounce on me like a hunting leopard, and cut my throat with your sharp claws. Or sneak up behind me and attack me, and bite my spine directly. I believe you can do it."

The tall figure slowly enveloped him, and the strong sense of intimidation from the male hormones made Tao Mu frown uncomfortably. He subconsciously clenched his fists and tensed his body. That was the conditioned reflex of a male to express dissatisfaction and rejection after being invaded at a safe distance, or even a subtle aggression caused by a lack of security.

The originally sharp phoenix eyes widened instantly, and an extremely strong deterrent force burst out from the moving eyes, just like a sated little leopard that immediately went into alert mode the moment it saw its natural enemy. The sharp claws and powerful aura revealed at that moment were so beautiful that they were fascinating.

The two gazes met in the air, and the atmosphere instantly became intense and tense. Li Xiaoheng wanted Tao Mu to see his heart clearly, but Tao Mu looked back at him unwillingly. After a long while, Li Xiaoheng took the lead in looking away, stepped back slightly, stared into Tao Mu's eyes and said with a smile: "If two powerful hunters want to fall in love, one of them must surrender first, I am willing to lie down and show you my belly."

After Li Xiaoheng finished his sentimental words, he started to act frivolously again. He leaned on the other side of the sofa, stretched out his hand to hold the hem of his shirt and pretended to lift it up: "I spent a long time in the gym to get these six-pack abs, do you want to see them?"

Tao Mu suddenly blackened his eyes: "No need."

He stood up and ordered them to leave: "It's getting late. Go back."

"Actually, I can stay." Li Xiaoheng also stood up and said jokingly, "If your sofa welcomes me."

"You are a boss who makes tens of millions every minute. It's really unfair for you to sleep on the sofa." Tao Mu said politely, but his actions were not polite at all. Go directly to the entrance and open the door. Use practical actions to tell Li Xiaoheng that he is not welcome even on the sofa in their home.

"I bought a 180-square-meter three-bedroom apartment in the building next door. I have the master bedroom, your guest bedroom, and our study. There's also a very large kitchen." Li Xiaoheng put on his woolen coat and took out the key from his briefcase: "You're welcome to come anytime. Of course, it would be even better if you're willing to accept the key."

Tao Mu was obviously unwilling. So Li Xiaoheng could only return to his deserted new home with the spare key in his pocket with regret. When I got home, I remembered that I forgot to bring my computer back. I had no choice but to call Tao Mu: "...I left my laptop at your house. Would you like to send it to me? I still have to work at night."

Tao Mu glanced speechlessly at the innocent-looking laptop on the coffee table, feeling that he could no longer hold on to Li Xiaoheng's tactics.

"Can't you just stop eating grass near your nest?"

"I thought we had reached a consensus on this point." Li Xiaoheng took out some of Tao Mu's favorite snacks and fruits from the refrigerator and said with a smile: "...I mean that we are all carnivores."

"Speaking of which, I've always been curious. As a powerful predator, you actually set standards for yourself based on the living habits of rabbits." Li Xiaoheng pretended to be puzzled and asked, "Is it because you've been craving for rabbit meat recently?"

"Braised or stir-fried? If you really want to eat it, I can learn from the old man. How about stewing it in a casserole?"

Looking at the phone that was suddenly hung up, Li Xiaoheng smiled.

Ten minutes later, the quiet and cold three-bedroom apartment finally welcomed its first guest - or it would be more appropriate to say, another owner.

"Welcome." Li Xiaoheng placed a pair of bunny fur slippers for Tao Mu, invited him in, and took the laptop: "You are the first guest to step into this house after it is renovated."

If we use a house as an analogy, Tao Mu is also the first person to enter Li Xiaoheng's heart in all these years.

However, Mr. Tao, who was very realistic, did not notice the double meaning of Mr. Li's words. Hearing this, I subconsciously covered my nose and said, "Are you sure the formaldehyde level is not excessive?"

Li Xiaoheng: "..."

The author has something to say:

Small theater——

Li Gong: The old house is on fire (?-ω??)▄︻┻┳══━一

Tao Mu (pouring a basin of water): What?

Li Gong: ...It's okay!