A competitive lunch
"Hey, is she waving at us?!" Ke Ran was caught peeking and felt a little flustered.
Ding Xuefei pulled him back and patted Ke Ran on the shoulder: "Calm down! Don't forget our setup for today!"
"Eh?...Hmm!" Ke Ran seemed a little hesitant, but nodded in response to Ding Xuefei's firm stance.
Ding Xuefei nudged Ke Ran with her elbow, and Ke Ran, being perceptive, reached out and took her arm. The two walked very close together along the rose-lined path toward the two people.
"What a coincidence!" From a distance, Ke Ran smiled awkwardly, and whispered to Ding Xuefei between pleasantries, "Brother, do we really have to do this?"
Ding Xuefei remained unmoved, simply walking closer as if nothing had happened.
Ke Ran chuckled dryly, "You must be Teacher Ning? I've heard so much about you! You're even more beautiful in person than on screen!"
Ning Yusheng laughed and said, "I can't accept the title of teacher. Just call me Xiaosheng."
Yu Songlin first introduced Ning Yusheng: "This is Ke Ran, and this is Ding Xuefei."
"Teacher Ding is so handsome." Ning Yusheng replied with a smile, but noticing that the two people were acting strangely, a sly glint flashed in her eyes.
The two shook hands with Ning Yusheng, and their hands, which had just been put down for a moment, quickly came back together.
Yu Songlin's gaze fell on their intertwined arms: "What do you mean by this? Are you practicing three-legged race or ballet?"
Only after he said that did Ding Xuefei realize that his and Ke Ran's posture was quite awkward, with both hands stiffly folded, looking completely unnatural.
Ke Ran, completely oblivious to Yu Songlin's signal, laughed loudly, "Brother Lin is so funny!"
"Hmph, it's none of your business, we're happy to do it." Ding Xuefei made a face at Yu Songlin, then decisively let go, only to hold hands again. This time, with anticipation, their movements were naturally more numerous.
Ke Ran nodded firmly and shook hands in return: "Whatever Brother Xuefei says goes!"
"Thank you, Xiao Ran~" Ding Xuefei smiled with narrowed eyes, though it was unclear who she was speaking to.
Yu Songlin's pupils contracted slightly, and the smile on his lips froze.
For some reason, Ke Ran felt that Brother Lin was acting strangely today. He nudged Ding Xuefei with his elbow and whispered, "Brother, this is too much. We scared him."
Just then, a "pfft" sound broke the eerie and tense silence.
"Oh my, the rose garden seems especially lively today!"
Ning Yusheng smiled radiantly, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the air, and suggested in a light and cheerful tone, "Meeting is fate, so how about... we share a table and have lunch together?"
*
Hidden deep within the rose garden is an open-air restaurant, with white rattan tables and chairs scattered among the flowers, and sunlight filtering through the vine-covered roof, casting dappled patterns of light.
The four sat down, forming pairs facing each other. Ding Xuefei and Ke Ran sat close together, while Yu Songlin gentlemanly pulled out a chair for Ning Yusheng and then sat down next to her.
However, compared to the normal social distance between Yu and Ning, Ding Xuefei and Ke Ran's chairs were ridiculously close.
As Yu Songlin took the menu, he asked with concern, "Aren't you hot?"
"It's not hot." Ding Xuefei was about to look at the menu with Ke Ran when he suddenly noticed the sunlight and shadows falling on Ke Ran's cheeks and hurriedly said, "Xiao Ran, come sit over here, don't get sunburned."
Ke Ran was quick to react, leaning closer to Ding Xuefei, their shoulders touching: "My brother Xuefei is so thoughtful!"
Ning Yusheng was amused by the two of them, laughing so hard she couldn't stop. She patted Yu Songlin's arm repeatedly and said with a smile, "Ah Lin, why didn't you tell me before? They're so funny!"
Ding Xuefei's eyes flashed upon hearing this.
"Oh?" Ke Ran also sensed the implication in her words. "Did Teacher Ning talk to Brother Lin before coming here?"
"Don't call me Teacher Ning anymore. Just call me Xiao Sheng, like Ah Lin does," Ning Yusheng said kindly. "Yes, I came here because I heard Ah Lin was on this show."
As soon as she said that, Ke Ran covered her mouth and cried out while slapping Ding Xuefei's thigh. Yu Songlin quickly and calmly gave her a look, and Ning Yusheng winked at him.
The urgent need to manage her facial expressions made Ding Xuefei's face stiffen slightly, and she seemed unresponsive, except for clenching her fists under the table.
Ke Ran asked, "Xiao Sheng, what did Brother Lin say about us before? What's your impression of us?"
Ning Yusheng laughed and said, "Actually, there's nothing special about it. Everyone is very interesting and good-looking. As for my impression of them, I'll probably have to observe them for a while longer!"
Ke Ran nodded, the conversation ended, and the small table quieted down. Ding Xuefei came over with the menu and pointed it out to him: "Xiao Ran, how about we have this couple's set meal?"
"Okay, okay."
Meanwhile, Yu Songlin, sitting across the table, called over a waiter and asked about the different ways they prepared steak. He also inquired about Ning Yusheng's preferences. After ordering, he suddenly stopped the waiter and said, "Could you please get this lady a blanket? It's a bit cold in here."
"Weren't you complaining about the heat just now?" Ding Xuefei muttered, picking up a small tomato with a fork.
Ke Ran thought Ding Xuefei was talking to him, so he leaned over and asked, "What is Brother Xuefei saying?"
Ding Xuefei flashed a bright smile, held up a fork, and brought a cherry tomato to Ke Ran's lips, her voice light and cheerful: "It's nothing, you should try this!"
"Oh, thank you, Brother Xuefei." Ke Ran was a little flattered, but quickly adapted and cooperated with Ding Xuefei's performance.
Ke Ran ate her tomato, and then no one at the table spoke. Yu Songlin and Ding Xuefei sat opposite her, their eyes darting around, unable to meet.
Finally, Ning Yusheng couldn't stand it anymore and started a conversation: "By the way, can you tell me what you guys played before? Was it fun?"
Didn't Yu Songlin mention it?
Ding Xuefei realized his tone was a bit harsh after he finished speaking, and that he would be criticized if it aired. He knew that being mean to a girl was not his intention, so he quickly added, "I meant that Yu Songlin, as the person who brought you to this show, should take responsibility, right?"
Yu Songlin suddenly looked up, and Ding Xuefei's gaze unexpectedly met his.
The actor remained calm and composed, smiling gently, "I have mentioned some things, but like during that treasure hunt that day..."
Ding Xuefei immediately interrupted when she sensed something was wrong: "Don't say it!"
Ke Ran and Ning Yusheng's interest was piqued. Judging from Ding Xuefei's reaction, they knew there was something interesting going on. Their big eyes darted between Ding Xuefei and Yu Songlin.
Ke Ran said, "Oh, I know about handcuffs! Is there something else interesting? Brother Lin, tell us quickly!"
"Oh? Handcuffs? Is that exciting? I really want to hear about it!" Ning Yusheng exclaimed with anticipation.
The handcuffs were fine, but yesterday in the cave by the sea, Ding Xuefei instinctively jumped onto Yu Songlin. Just thinking about it made his face feel like it was going to explode.
"You're not allowed to say it."
Ding Xuefei glared at him fiercely, as if she would start baring her teeth and claws if he said another word.
He's never this fierce or bossy to anyone else, but it's okay because it's Yu Songlin.
Even Ding Xuefei himself was unaware of his double standards.
Yu Songlin couldn't help but chuckle, a sly smile flashing in his eyes as he looked at Ding Xuefei. He said, "Didn't Brother Xuefei just say that I should take responsibility? Why aren't I allowed to say anything now?"
Ding Xuefei gritted her teeth: "I want to leave a good first impression on Xiao Sheng."
Yu Songlin turned to Ning Yusheng and said, "He said he was shy."
Because he hit the nail on the head, he really annoyed Ding Xuefei.
Ding Xuefei took a deep breath silently, feeling annoyed, but still had to keep smiling.
Ning Yusheng covered her face and laughed.
Ke Ran was completely confused: "So what happened?! I'm so curious!"
Before Yu Songlin could say anything, Ding Xuefei preemptively silenced Ke Ran with a cherry tomato: "You can watch the show from now on."
The meals were finally served, with two single-person meals on one side and a double-person meal on the other, a stark contrast.
Ning Yusheng exclaimed, "Wow, your meal looks so lavish! No wonder it's a couple's set meal!"
Yu Songlin's gaze lingered for a second on Ke Ran's arm, which was resting on the back of Ding Xuefei's chair, before the smile on his lips froze.
Ke Ran, completely oblivious, replied, "Oh right, because we're a couple today."
Ke Ran's focus is on "today," but the others' focus is clearly on "couples."
Ding Xuefei cut a small piece of steak and exaggeratedly held it to Ke Ran's mouth: "Ah~ open your mouth, Xiao Ran, try this."
Ke Ran was startled again. He forced himself to eat it, trying his best to look happy: "Mmm, Xuefei-ge's food is really different, it's especially sweet!"
"If I'm not mistaken, it's steak, and it's served with black pepper sauce, right? How come it tastes sweet?"
Yu Songlin appeared relaxed, but his expression was almost a cold laugh, which made Ke Ran shudder.
“What do you know?” Ding Xuefei said, unfazed. “Your partner will always feed you sweet things!”
"Heh." Yu Songlin silently put down his cutlery, crossed his arms, and stared at Ding Xuefei.
Yu Songlin rarely had that look in his eyes, like a venomous snake staring at its prey. The next second, he laughed, as if the previous look was just an illusion.
"Brother Xuefei is so funny, could you please stop making me laugh?"
Ding Xuefei was momentarily stunned by that look, but he wasn't the type to obediently listen: "I'll try my best."
*
Everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts during the meal. Ke Ran and Ning Yusheng occasionally brought up some topics, but they were mostly superficial. Although the other two would occasionally join in the conversation, it was easy to see that they completely ignored each other.
Yu Songlin acted like a gentleman, taking good care of his date, while Ding Xuefei gradually lost interest in "showing affection," probably because no matter what she did, the other person's attitude remained the same.
The meal appeared to be amicable on the surface, but two people were on the verge of exploding.
Near the end, something happened.
Ning Yusheng finished eating, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and then sat obediently to the side.
Ke Ran, who was sitting opposite her, looked up from her pasta, saw Ning Yusheng, and suddenly laughed.
Ning Yusheng was confused, and the other two also looked at her.
A little brown sauce smeared on the girl's fair cheeks, adding a touch of liveliness to her dignified demeanor, especially her bewildered look, which made her look very cute.
Yu Songlin pointed to his cheek, but Ning Yusheng didn't understand at all and just looked at him in confusion.
Ding Xuefei turned her gaze to Yu Songlin, and Yu Songlin noticed it. He knew they were thinking the same thing.
He reached out and wiped the sauce off Ning Yusheng's cheek, then took a napkin to wipe his hands. Ning Yusheng smiled shyly and wiped her face again.
Ning Yusheng was taken aback and said, "Is it okay? I remember Ah Lin has a cleanliness obsession."
That's definitely a big deal.
Under the table, Yu Songlin almost scraped his fingers, but he smiled and said, "It's okay."
He did it on a whim while looking at Ding Xuefei.
He can't be the only one who's jealous, can he?
"So sweet!" Ke Ran clutched her chest, looking completely smitten.
Ding Xuefei was stunned for a few seconds, unable to believe that Yu Songlin would wipe other people's mouths.
Yu Songlin used to treat only him like this.
His obsessive-compulsive disorder about cleanliness meant he would even use a tissue to wipe his own mouth, but he would only use a tissue when it came to Ding Xuefei…
Ding Xuefei eats very heartily and is not very refined; she often ends up looking like a little cat with graffiti without even realizing it.
The first time Yu Songlin wiped his mouth with his hand, Ding Xuefei's reaction was similar to Ning Yusheng's, as if the sun had risen in the west.
And then, and then what happened? It seems like they kissed.
From then on, it was like a signal between them. When they were deeply in love, Yu Songlin would kiss him on the corner of the mouth after every meal.
The first time he wanted to break up was one day after dinner when Yu Songlin silently threw a stack of tissues in front of him.
Those things happened a long time ago, but thinking about them now still makes Ding Xuefei's nose sting, though he no longer sheds tears.
What does it mean that Yu Songlin is wiping someone else's mouth now? That's so unfair. I want to pounce on him and punch him twice.
Hitting someone is illegal, but it's not unreasonable for him to retaliate a little.
Ding Xuefei picked up a clean napkin from the table and moved closer to Ke Ran.
Yu Songlin lowered his gaze.
"Baby, come here, let me wipe you!"
He regretted saying those two words as soon as he did. He wasn't that kind of sentimental person, and he and Ke Ran were far from being that intimate...
What on earth is he doing? What is this all about? Is he putting on an act for Yu Songlin? Is he competing with him? Is he jealous? Is it really necessary?
Ke Ran was so startled by the word "baby" that she almost jumped up. Her face turned bright red, her mind went blank, and she could only mechanically repeat the overly embarrassing term: "Baby?!"
"Hmm!" Ding Xuefei already felt a little embarrassed, but the die was cast, and it was too late to back out now.
Ding Xuefei wiped it a couple of times, but still wasn't used to it, so she left it to Ke Ran herself.
Yu Songlin's gaze remained fixed on Ding Xuefei, a gaze so cold and unwavering, as if it were tangible. His breathing became heavy, and his teeth chattered slightly.
Bullet comments:
"Help! I don't know how to kowtow anymore!"
"My favorite character died, then it seems like they came back to life, but I'm about to die."
"What a beautiful state of mind upstairs!"
"As expected, a couple needs a third/fourth person to make it more enjoyable to ship them."
Ding Xuefei noticed Yu Songlin's unfriendly expression and subconsciously became nervous, but then she thought that he had no need to be nervous at all...
Even if his relationship with Ke Ran is fake, what does it have to do with Yu Songlin, his ex-boyfriend?
Besides, with so many cameras set up, no matter what Yu Songlin was angry about, he didn't think the other party would dare to do anything.
The next second, Yu Songlin suddenly stood up and took a step towards Ding Xuefei.
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