Chapter 84
The public outcry surrounding "first love" erupted with fury, yet passed with surprising silence. Fans and detectives dug deep, searching for women Ling Yao might have interacted with during his trainee years, but they could never find a single, definitive, matching "first love." The clues seemed completely lost in the past. Ultimately, the vigorous "search" effort, lacking concrete evidence and new buzz, gradually lost steam, becoming a bitter topic of conversation within the fan community and yet another unsolved case in the online memory.
The crisis seemed to be over. After this false alarm, Ling Yao and Su Rui's relationship continued to grow in a hidden corner.
Su Rui still wears the ring from the south of France on her finger every day. Its simple design doesn't catch people's attention, but it will occasionally be noticed by close colleagues or partners.
"Hey, Mr. Su, this ring is very beautiful." During a break in a photo shoot, a familiar stylist said casually while helping him adjust his collar.
Su Rui's heart skipped a beat, and her fingertips curled slightly. She subconsciously wanted to touch the ring, but she forced herself to hold it back. He raised his eyes, trying to make a natural yet slightly shy expression, smiled, and replied vaguely, "Hmm," in a light tone, without saying anything more.
The other person would usually just smile and not delve into the details, at most jokingly saying, "Looks like something's up?" before changing the subject. Su Rui could only respond with the same vague smile each time, suppressing the unspeakable secret and the slight bitterness deep in his heart. The ring was both a sweet promise and a silent brand, a constant reminder of the shady nature of this relationship.
After this incident, Ling Yao seemed to clearly realize that the image of an absolute "perfect idol" is both fragile and dangerous, and a single mishap could trigger a tsunami. He began to consciously and more cautiously adjust his career plans.
Music remains his core, but both his company and he have begun actively seeking film and television opportunities for him. He's no longer being thrust into starring roles, but starting with supporting roles with limited but compelling parts. This could be a young talent with a distinguished family background and a distinguished demeanor in a serious drama, or a mysterious actor with a striking appearance and impressive looks in a commercial film.
These roles didn't necessarily drive box office and ratings, but they allowed him to slowly hone his acting skills in different crews, adapt to the rhythm of performing in front of the camera, and build his reputation. This also gradually established him as "Actor Ling Yao" in the public eye. This slow and steady process meant he had to let go of his superstar aura and start as a "newcomer" on the set, but he seemed to relish it.
Through the lens, Su Rui could see the transformation and the depth of his transformation. He would still be Ling Yao's most secret audience, sometimes on set, quietly watching Ling Yao discuss roles with the director, or watching him repeatedly replay scenes after they were finished, pondering every detail. Occasionally, when no one was paying attention, Ling Yao would cast a look seeking approval, and Su Rui would nod slightly, offering him silent encouragement.
They still met secretly in the hotel safe house and the temporary apartment they rented. Ling Yao would share with him the latest news on the set, complain about the boredom of memorizing lines, and occasionally reveal his thoughts on the future. Su Rui was his quietest listener and most stable supporter.
The relationship continues in the calm after the storm, like water flowing under the ice, calm on the surface but carrying the common weight and warmth of the two people inside.
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