Chapter 60: Embracing and Kissing in the Dark
In the top-floor conference room of "Qingyu Real Estate," a subsidiary of the Li Group, the air was so still it felt like it was frozen.
On either side of the seven-meter-long ebony conference table, executives sat upright, and the project manager's voice trembled slightly as he reported quarterly data.
In the main seat, Li Xinian leaned back in his chair with a composed posture, his fingertips lightly tapping the smooth tabletop.
His face was expressionless, his jawline was taut, and when his sharp eyes swept across the projection screen, the person being watched felt a chill run down their spine for no reason.
The entire conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; only the speaker's tense, dry voice echoed.
Everyone could feel the invisible pressure emanating from this young heir. His sudden visit today was clearly not to hear praise and flattery.
As a crucial business under the Li family group, their company cannot afford to make even the slightest mistake. And this President Li is clearly not someone to be easily fooled; he might find fault with them at any time.
Several senior vice presidents exchanged uneasy glances, their sweaty palms dampening the title page of their carefully prepared report.
Just then, the screen of the personal cell phone placed on the ebony table vibrated very slightly and lit up.
The speaker abruptly stopped speaking, glancing nervously at the person in the main seat, fearing that this untimely interruption might have offended them.
Li Xinian frowned almost imperceptibly, seemingly displeased at being interrupted. He lowered his eyes, his gaze casually sweeping over his phone screen.
From: [Stars]
The message is simple and direct: "Meeting monster, how much of your time are you planning to devour today? (Kitten peeking out.jpg)"
In an instant, it was as if ice and snow were melting and spring water was flowing over the frozen earth.
The chilling frost in Li Xinian's eyes faded silently, and his tightly pursed lips curved upwards into an extremely gentle arc.
The smile was faint, yet it instantly softened his cold and hard aura, even relaxing the previously tense jawline.
He even unconsciously shook his head slightly, revealing an intimacy mixed with indulgence and helplessness.
This brief yet striking change in expression left all the executives present, who had been holding their breath, speechless. Some subconsciously adjusted their glasses, wondering if they were hallucinating from the stress; others secretly pinched their thighs to confirm that the heir, who exuded an aura of "keep away," could actually show a smile that could be described as... "doting," because of a single message.
Li Xinian seemed completely oblivious to the astonishment filling the room, his slender fingers rapidly tapping the screen a few times.
"Almost there, I'll pick you up in an hour. If you're bored, go buy something to play with, just use my card."
After clicking send, he flipped his phone back onto the table. When he looked up again, the rare gentleness on his face had vanished without a trace, replaced by his previous calm and aloof demeanor, as if the smile from before was just a collective illusion.
"Continue." His voice was calm and even, signaling for the report to continue.
***
The phone vibrated very slightly in the assistant's hand, and the screen lit up, displaying a new message from [NianGaoBaoBao].
Lin Suxing, who was adjusting her posture under the spotlight, caught a glimpse of this out of the corner of her eye and her lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
He didn't immediately ask to check, but calmly let the photographer finish capturing the current shot before raising his hand to make a "wait a moment" gesture.
"Excuse me, just checking my messages." His voice had lost the coldness he displayed in front of the camera, taking on a genuine warmth. As he walked toward his assistant, the custom-made navy blue suit vest he wore, tailor-made for the role, accentuated his slender and upright waistline.
As I swiped my finger across the screen, Li Xinian's words, "Almost there. I'll pick you up in an hour. If you're bored, go buy something to play with; just swipe my card," jumped out at me.
The weariness that had accumulated from the long hours of filming in Lin Suxing's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a faint smile. He quickly replied, "Waiting for you, don't rush," and handed the phone back. When he turned around, all his personal emotions had been completely concealed.
"Excuse me, let's continue." Lin Suxing said, her voice completely different from a moment ago, carrying a gentle yet distant quality, which was Chen Jinyan's usual disguise.
He does have some talent as an actor; he gets into character very quickly.
The photographer stared intently at him through the lens, instructing, "Su Xing, give him a change in expression. Yes, just like that... Imagine you've just orchestrated a perfect conspiracy, but on the surface, you're still that harmless university professor."
Lin Suxing slightly adjusted his posture, elegantly slipping his right hand into his trouser pocket, while his left hand lightly adjusted the exquisite gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.
His facial muscles were completely relaxed, and even the corners of his lips maintained a faint, gentle smile.
However, the moment the photographer pressed the shutter, his eyes behind his glasses changed.
That was no longer Lin Suxing's gentle and clear gaze, nor Chen Jinyan's usual humility.
An extremely calm, indifferent demeanor, as if examining an experimental sample, emerged, while deep within it burned a cluster of obsessive, almost insane flames.
He was clearly smiling, but the smile had no warmth whatsoever; instead, it sent chills down one's spine, as if one could glimpse through that handsome exterior the cold-blooded soul within, a strategist who treated human lives as mere pawns.
"Excellent! That's the feeling!" The director couldn't help but whisper his approval. "A refined scoundrel, a gentle knife! Su Xing, keep it up!"
Lin Suxing followed the instructions and turned slightly to the side, the light casting a deep shadow on his well-defined profile.
He raised his hand and pushed up his glasses frame with his knuckles very slowly. This ordinary gesture, when performed by him, was full of calculated elegance and a subtle sense of threat.
The production team watched intently behind the monitor: "Wow, we really made the right choice with this role!" "Yeah, I used to have reservations about casting such a young kid, but it seems I was too prejudiced."...
When they first announced the casting, it did indeed spark a considerable amount of controversy.
This film cost a fortune of tens of figures and had a top-notch production team, which previously created China's highest-grossing sci-fi film to date, "Split Effect." However, this time the casting was very risky, choosing several new actors with little filming experience but great talent.
Some of them are even completely new faces who have never appeared on the movie screen before.
However, after the official Weibo account of "I Am Immortal" released audition clips of several actors' three auditions, the online criticism immediately turned into praise.
It's clear to everyone that the actors chosen by the production team of "I Am Immortal" are more suited to their roles than those who are more famous or have won awards. Although they have less experience, their understanding and grasp of the characters are no less than those of experienced actors.
The popularity of "I Am Immortal" has been amplified to new heights due to the controversy surrounding it. Whenever new materials, set photos, or audition clips are released, they immediately trend on Weibo.
The hashtag #IAlsoLive# has broken the record for the most discussed film before filming even began on various social media platforms.
"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Su Xing! That's about it for filming!" "Everyone's worked so hard!" "Thank you so much! Would you like some milk tea later?"...
After the last set of photos was taken, the tense professional atmosphere in the studio instantly relaxed.
The lighting technician began adjusting the equipment, the costume assistant nimbly moved around carrying boxes of clothing, and the assistant director, who had been watching the finished film, also came over with a smile to chat.
"Su Xing is in great form today. He perfectly embodies the character of Chen Jinyan, who appears to be a refined gentleman but is actually a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals." The assistant director said with a smile, "I heard you're about to join a new crew? You're working non-stop, you've really been working hard."
Lin Suxing took the warm towel handed to her by her assistant and gently placed it on her slightly tired brows and eyes. When she looked up again, she had her usual gentle smile on her face: "Yes, I won't be able to rest for more than a few days before I leave. Next up is a historical drama about power struggles in a fictional world, called 'The Mountain and River Palace'."
The production manager, who was adjusting reflectors nearby, turned around upon hearing this, his tone tinged with curiosity: "Oh? I've seen the filing; it's a big production by Director Liang. Which role do you play?"
The characters in "The Legend of Mountains and Rivers" have already been officially announced and their costume photos have been released, which has sparked heated discussions both inside and outside the entertainment industry.
The production manager was older and didn't pay much attention to certain things in the industry, so he was unaware of this matter.
“The second male lead, Helian Qi,” Lin Suxing replied calmly, as if he were talking about something ordinary. “A typical playboy, whose daily life consists of frequenting brothels and spending money like water. He is the number one spendthrift in the capital.”
This character is completely different from Chen Jinyan, the meticulous, cunning, and ruthless woman he just portrayed in "I Am Immortal." The executive producer, listening nearby, half-jokingly remarked, "Quite a leap, Su Xing! From a high-IQ villain to a mischievous devil, are you trying to challenge the audience's expectations?"
Having just confirmed their relationship, Lin Suxing naturally wanted to spend more time dating, kissing, hugging, and lifting Li Xinian up high.
But the system kept urging him to do tasks every day, using the carrot of "Lin Siyi's Destined Marriage" to keep him hanging on. Although he was helpless, he couldn't completely ignore his brother's marriage.
After the last Figaro magazine went viral, many magazines extended offers to him, expressing their desire to collaborate with him on similar styles, which clearly shows their recognition of his fashion sense.
Lin Suxing raised her head, her gaze regaining its previous composure, and said with a half-joking, half-serious tone, "The team has evaluated the character. Although outwardly expressive, this role has an inner twist, a complete character arc, and many layers. Maybe..."
The handsome young man paused, his smile deepening. "There's a chance to compete for next year's Golden Dragon Newcomer Award. We have to give it a try, right?"
He spoke casually, as if he were simply discussing a career goal.
Only he himself knew that behind this seemingly casual remark lay his entire expectation for his brother's happiness and his all-or-nothing gamble.
This work, "Mountains and Rivers," was chosen by him and his team after repeated deliberations, as the one that they believed had the greatest potential to help him achieve that special "mission" in terms of artistry and award potential.
"Of course! Director Liang's productions are guaranteed to be high-quality, and the character of Helian Qi is truly outstanding!" The assistant director wholeheartedly agreed. "Then I wish you a smooth filming process and great success!"
"Thank you for your kind words." Lin Suxing smiled and nodded in thanks.
At this moment, the phone placed to the side lit up slightly again, indicating that a new message had arrived.
Lin Suxing's gaze was instantly drawn to it, and the complex emotions in his eyes quickly faded, replaced by a more genuine and tender expectation. He knew that Li Xinian had arrived.
He quickly and politely said his final goodbyes to the staff while gesturing to his assistant to pack up his things.
All the heavy tasks concerning roles, awards, and his brother's marriage were temporarily put aside for him.
Now, all he wants is to see the person waiting for him downstairs as soon as possible.
His lover.
***
The drone hovered smoothly high in the sky, its camera overlooking the winding and magnificent Highway 1 of S City.
Below, a matte deep-sea blue Bentley Continental GT is steadily speeding along the road along the edge of the cliff, its sleek coupe body lines reflecting a captivating glow in the afterglow of the setting sun.
To the right lies the boundless Pacific Ocean. It is sunset, and a huge, orange-red fireball is slowly sinking towards the horizon, igniting the vast sea into a flowing sheet of gold.
The sky seemed to have had its palette overturned, with shades of orange-red, crimson, and deep blue blending out in distinct layers.
Several sailboats returning to port cast elegant silhouettes on the shimmering sea.
The Bentley turned a corner, slowed down, and drove off the main road, gliding along a private palm-lined driveway before finally coming to a smooth stop in front of a white wooden villa overlooking the sea.
This villa features a modern farmhouse design, with a wide, wraparound porch, tall floor-to-ceiling windows, and natural wood construction materials that blend seamlessly, exuding understated luxury.
On one side of the villa, a perfectly manicured lawn is dotted with an outdoor barbecue area, an infinity pool, and a fully equipped open-air bar.
On the other side, a private wooden dock extending into the azure waters is quietly moored with several luxury vessels: two sharply styled Italian Riva speedboats, a medium-sized Sunseeker sports yacht, and several motorboats ready to set sail immediately, resembling a miniature top-tier boat show.
“Shunduo just messaged me saying that he and Huaiwen went out to sea and won’t be there for a while.” Li Xinian leaned over to unbuckle Lin Suxing’s seatbelt, his nose brushing lightly against Lin Suxing’s ear.
After Li Xinian inherited the thumb ring, Wang Shunduo wanted to hold a celebration banquet for him to celebrate that he had finally achieved his wish.
That's why we had this small banquet held at Li Xinian's vacation villa today, and all the guests were friends of Li Xinian and Lin Suxing.
"It's rare for CEO Wang to find an opportunity to get together with Huaiwen. You've all been so busy lately." Lin Suxing chuckled, scratching Li Xinian's palm with her fingertip. "Isn't that right, busy people?"
By the time we arrived at the holiday villa, dusk had fallen, and the fiery sun was gradually sinking below the coastline, its light receding.
The heavy doors closed, cutting off the last ray of moonlight.
Just as Lin Suxing was about to fumble for the switch, Li Xinian suddenly wrapped his arms around him from behind. His warm chest pressed against Lin Suxing's, and his chin gently rested against Lin Suxing's shoulder.
In the darkness, the contact between their skin became even clearer, making one blush and their heart race in an instant. Li Xinian whispered in his ear, "Don't turn on the light, let me hold you for a while."
Lin Suxing's voice was sweet in the darkness as she intertwined her fingers with her lover's: "Okay, hug me."
In such a completely dark and enclosed space, the senses are amplified infinitely.
Lin Suxing could clearly feel the rise and fall of Li Xinian's chest and smell the faint sandalwood scent on his body, which was Li Xinian's favorite TOM FORD OUR WOOD.
He nestled obediently in Li Xinian's arms, wondering why the living room lights weren't on. According to the habits of these wealthy people, even if they went out to play, the house would definitely be brightly lit, and they would never turn off the living room lights.
Without thinking too much, the young man turned around and lovingly embraced his boyfriend's waist, his cheek pressed against the warm skin of his neck, his voice soft and sweet: "You've been so busy lately, you haven't had time to spend with me."
Li Xinian chuckled softly, "It's my fault. After we clean up this mess, I'll be able to spend time with you every day..."
"Let me give you a good hug," Li Xinian's lips were almost touching Lin Suxing's earlobe, his voice filled with a sigh of heartache, "I feel like you've lost some weight recently, it's a bit uncomfortable to hold you."
He gently stroked Lin Suxing's spine with his palm, lingering on her bony shoulder blades. "You've been so busy with filming these past few days that you've gotten so thin you can feel your bones."
Although he was already quite thin, Li Xinian thought to himself.
Lin Suxing leaned over and pecked him on the cheek: "You've lost weight too, I can tell, I can feel it as soon as I hug you. We've both been so busy lately, we haven't had time to date."
Li Xinian did not answer, but responded with his actions.
The wrist that was originally being held was flipped over, and the other hand took the initiative to tightly hold Lin Suxing's hand, while the other hand held the treasure in its arms tightly, stroking up and down his thin back, as if to confirm his real existence.
“It’s my fault,” Li Xinian’s voice was also a little hoarse, filled with obvious guilt. He turned his face to the side, his lips accidentally brushing against Lin Suxing’s temple. “I’ve neglected you. These days… I haven’t even been able to squeeze out a moment to look at you properly. I miss you so much.”
He spoke the last three words very softly, yet they were like pebbles thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in Lin Suxing's heart.
"It's good that you know you miss me... I miss you so much too, I think about you every day, hmm!" Lin Suxing chuckled, her nose affectionately brushing against Li Xinian's cheek, then turning to the back of his ear, one of Li Xinian's most sensitive areas.
Warm breath sprayed onto him, and he felt the body in his arms tense up instantly. His heartbeat, heavy and rapid, was transmitted through their pressed chests, intertwining with his own drumming heartbeat, making them indistinguishable.
Darkness fosters courage, but also blurs boundaries.
They embraced tightly, as if trying to meld each other into their very bones. Their close embrace was filled with the delicate friction of skin against skin, the passionate mingling of breaths—a silent yet powerful expression of their intense love.
"Hold me tighter..." Lin Suxing's voice had a slightly sticky nasal tone, like a coquettish plea, or a command. She tightened her grip on Li Xinian's waist. "Tighter."
Li Xinian used almost all his restraint to hold him tightly in his arms, his deep voice filled with a doting smile: "Isn't it tight enough? I'm afraid I'll hurt you."
"No... I just like this feeling of being so close." Lin Suxing shook her head against his neck, her hair brushing against Li Xinian's skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
He leaned back slightly, and in the absolute darkness, relying on instinct and the memory of countless kisses, he accurately placed his warm breath on Li Xinian's lips, and asked softly in a coaxing tone, "Niannian, since you miss me, then...why don't you kiss me?"
This almost blatant invitation was like a spark that ignited the last line of defense.
Without any hesitation, Li Xinian lowered his head and precisely captured his lips.
This was not a fleeting kiss; it was passionate and lingered between their mouths.
Their lips and tongues were warm and moist, tracing each other's familiar outlines in the darkness, exchanging scorching temperatures.
They didn't know how much time had passed, until they were almost out of air in their lungs, before they finally separated slightly, still with their foreheads touching and their noses rubbing together.
"After all our friends have left..." Li Xinian gently stroked Lin Suxing's slightly flushed lips with his fingertips, his voice deep and sexy, as he made a promise, "I'll make it up to you properly then."
Lin Suxing let out a soft, indistinct laugh, then leaned in and quickly pecked the corner of his mouth: "I've got it. Mr. Li, you'd better keep your word."
This darkness, filled with tenderness and love, was like a perfect protective shield, allowing them to briefly shed all their external identities and simply be two individuals in love, clinging to each other.
Until Li Xinian, with a smile, reached out again and pressed the wall switch next to him.
"Clatter".
The crisp sound was exceptionally clear in the silence.
The gentle, warm light in the entryway that I had expected did not appear. Instead, there was a wide-open view ahead and a dazzling light that suddenly shone like a cascading galaxy!
The two instinctively squinted, blinded by the bright light. As their vision gradually adjusted, the scene before them caused even seasoned veterans like Li Xinian and Lin Suxing to freeze in place, their breath catching in their throats for a moment.
The entryway leads to an extremely spacious and luxurious sunken living room.
What truly froze their blood was the dark mass of people standing in the center of the living room, arranged along the sunken steps.
They had almost all of their closest friends.
Standing at the front was Wang Shunduo, dressed in a casual suit and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. His face was as calm as ever, but his eyes behind the lenses gleamed with undisguised amusement.
Beside him stood Meng Huaiwen, a tall and robust man with dazzling blond hair, who was grinning, revealing his snow-white teeth, his eyes crinkling with laughter.
Beside him was Alex, Li Xinian's best white friend from his time studying at an Ivy League school, and several other familiar faces.
No one spoke; they all stared at the two people still tightly embracing and acting intimately in the entryway.
Every face was filled with a mischievous "we've seen it all" attitude and barely suppressed excitement; the air was thick with an almost tangible, intense atmosphere of "watching the drama unfold."
Time seemed to freeze in that instant.
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Author's note: This TF perfume smells absolutely amazing, I love it!
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