Chapter 87
Another secret meeting. This time, after Ling Yao wrapped filming for his new drama, they temporarily checked into a penthouse suite in a hotel, staying for just one night. Outside the window were the city lights, dazzling yet distant, just like their relationship, seemingly within reach yet always separated by a layer of glass.
The air was filled with the warmth of their brief reunion, but also with a subtle tension. Su Rui leaned against Ling Yao's chest, her fingers unconsciously entwined with the buttons of his pajamas. She remained silent for a long time. Although the birthday incident had passed, Shen Qingyuan's words were like a seed, quietly taking root and sprouting in his heart.
He finally raised his head and looked at Ling Yao's beautifully shaped jaw. His voice was very soft, but it was filled with an unprecedented seriousness and persistence: "Ling Yao..."
"Hmm?" Ling Yao responded lazily with his eyes closed, his fingers occasionally stroking her hair.
"We..." Su Rui took a deep breath, as if she had exhausted all her courage. "How long are we going to have to do this? When... can we stop being so secretive?"
The hand stroking her hair paused.
Ling Yao slowly opened his eyes and looked down at him. The room was dimly lit, but he could clearly see the longing and hidden uneasiness in Su Rui's eyes. This wasn't the first time Su Rui had expressed such emotions, but it was the first time she had asked so directly and seriously.
A brief silence spread in the air, carrying a heavy texture.
Ling Yao didn't answer immediately, but tightened his arms and hugged Su Rui deeper into his arms, as if this could suppress his anxiety. He sighed, his voice low and gentle, with a soothing tone:
"Rui Rui, you know, I've always wanted to do this. More than anyone else." He first confirmed his desire, then turned the conversation to reality, "But now really isn't the time."
He propped himself up slightly and looked at Su Rui seriously. "Look at me now. Although I've played a few good supporting roles and received some recognition, my foundation is still unstable. In the eyes of many people, I'm still that 'traffic transformation', relying on fans and popularity. If I make it public now, all the focus will immediately shift to my private life. People will no longer discuss my roles or my acting skills, but will only hype my relationship crazily. You saw the previous turmoil over the 'first love' incident."
His analysis was calm and realistic, his fingers gently stroking Su Rui's cheek. His tone became more earnest, even tinged with longing. "Give me a little more time, okay? Wait until I've truly established myself in the film and television industry, won some prestigious awards, and let my solid work and acting skills speak for themselves, so that everyone recognizes me as an 'actor,' not just a 'star.'"
His eyes became incredibly firm, as if he was making a solemn promise: "When that time comes, when I no longer need to rely on so-called personas and traffic to maintain my career, when I have enough confidence and strength to face any storm, I will definitely be the first to make it public! I will announce to everyone that you are the one I love. I promise."
These words are reasonable and even full of a beautiful blueprint for the future. He defines public disclosure as a beautiful reward after a clear career goal that needs to be achieved through hard work, rather than a path that can be chosen at the moment.
Su Rui was speechless at the sincere commitment and career ambition in his eyes. He knew Ling Yao was partially truthful, and the cost of disclosure was indeed enormous. He couldn't argue with the seemingly logical path aimed at a "better future."
But… the fatigue and grievance deep within my heart, borne from long periods of concealment, were not completely soothed by this promise. That “when…” moment still seemed distant and vague.
He lowered his eyelashes, buried his face in Ling Yao's chest again, and said sullenly: "...Do we have to wait much longer?"
Ling Yao heard the disappointment in his tone, bent down and kissed the top of his head, his tone even more gentle and intoxicating: "It won't be long, believe me. For our future, be patient a little longer, okay? Everything will be fine."
He once again wrapped up the problem with a hug and promises, giving temporary comfort, but avoiding the core question of "why not now" and the real emotional exhaustion that Su Rui endured in the current relationship.
Su Rui didn't say anything else, simply hugging him tighter, as if drawing strength from this warm embrace to persevere. Hope and loss intertwined, weighing heavily on his heart. He was willing to believe Ling Yao's promise, but the path to openness, from Ling Yao's description, seemed to require complete fulfillment of himself first, and his feelings and waiting became the necessary sacrifice along the way.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
