***
Chapter 65 – Kiss Me
After the Q&A session of the meet-and-greet, there was an additional segment where fans could come on stage to take photos together.
The first girl who came up had an outgoing personality, calling Jiang Liusui “baby” repeatedly until he felt somewhat embarrassed. At the end, she said enthusiastically, “Jiang Liusui, fighting! I’ll definitely go support you when the movie is released!”
The second person to take a photo with Jiang Liusui was a handsome young man. He didn’t say much, only coolly telling Jiang Liusui, “Good luck.”
Jiang Liusui later found out that this was a famous esports player.
“It’s Fiee. This kid is pretty aloof, but he actually came specifically to attend the meet-and-greet,” Shang Qingzhi recognized him. “I attended a league event last year and even played a game with him.”
“Suisui, you have quite a few male fans,” Shang Qingzhi joked. “No wonder you’re Ling that charms everyone, regardless of gender.”
The meet-and-greet sparked enthusiastic reactions online, even exceeding the PR team’s expectations. The most talked-about part was the Q&A session, which was full of memorable moments. Several clips of the questions were quickly edited into standalone videos and widely circulated across major social media platforms.
【The host asked Jiang Liusui to pick a favorite actor. Yi-ge and Qingzhi were both staring at him and smiling—the scene was so heartwarming.】
【Why does it feel like a family of three? Hahahaha!】
【Even though the characters are supposed to be in a love-hate rivalry, the main actors seem surprisingly harmonious.】
【Wei Zixiao really kept staring at Jiang Liusui during the first half. When he interrupted, it felt like he was saying “I like you” through his character, but Jiang Liusui’s attitude was strictly professional.】
【Such a strong sense of doomed romance. I’m shipping them.】
【Don’t even mention it. The fans of both sides argued all night yesterday, and it got really ugly.】
【Jiang Liusui’s fans are surprisingly strong—they actually held their own against Wei Zixiao’s fans…】
【I really don’t recommend shipping this pair. If you’re going to ship, at least pick a better one. Wei Zixiao was clearly the one who started it, and Jiang Liusui ended up getting attacked for no reason by his fans who got triggered. They’re just co-stars. Qin Yi and Jiang Liusui had interactions yesterday too.】
【The interactions between Yi-ge and Suisui were actually pretty cute, but thanks to a certain someone, I can only laugh hysterically!】
【I know who you’re talking about.】
【Just quietly saying this—“someone who’s bad at acting but charming”. Based on past celebrity dating patterns, when someone says something that sounds strange at first, it’s often referring to a specific person. My first thought was gege.】
【Ahhh, sister! Don’t say things like that! Everyone’s on edge right now, and it’s so easy for fights to break out. Please delete this!】
【Arguing with that idol’s fans all night yesterday was exhausting. Now I really appreciate how great superstars are—their fans aren’t nearly as unhinged, and they don’t resort to such nasty insults.】
After the meet-and-greet ended, everyone returned to the set. They filmed for two more days, and after finishing the morning shoot on the third day, Jiang Liusui unexpectedly had two full days off, so he went back home.
The filming of ⟪Eternal Bell⟫ was more than halfway done. The latter part focused more on Qin Yi and Shang Qingzhi’s scenes, and Jiang Liusui had about half a month left before wrapping up.
Ling was a highly skilled fighter. Rather than emphasizing elaborate fight choreography, Director Pei Wen placed greater focus on creating an eerie, elusive atmosphere.
To achieve that ghostlike, unpredictable effect, Jiang Liusui had recently been repeatedly suspended on wires for his scenes, leaving numerous marks from filming all over his body. Not only were there bruises in shades of green and purple, but his limbs also ached intensely.
Fortunately, he was young. After resting for a few days, most of the bruises faded. Still, once he relaxed, a deep exhaustion set in, and he found it hard to muster much energy.
He had previously coordinated schedules with He Yujing, who had just wrapped up his final concert in the coastal region and was flying back to the capital that afternoon. Unable to fight off drowsiness, Jiang Liusui messaged He Yujing to wake him upon arriving home, then collapsed onto the bed in the master bedroom and fell asleep.
He Yujing often changed his cologne and sometimes used scented candles indoors as well. A faint fragrance lingered in the master bedroom.
Jiang Liusui couldn’t pinpoint the exact type of scent but felt it was floral—not overly sweet or cloying, rather crisp like a garden after rain.
He wrapped his arms around the pillow and gradually drifted off amid the comforting fragrance.
Half-asleep, Jiang Liusui sensed someone touching his cheek, followed by gentle kisses. What fully roused him was a tongue slipping between his lips. A soft sound escaped him, only to be swallowed completely by the other man.
Before things could escalate further, Jiang Liusui slowly opened his eyes.
He Yujing was sitting at the edge of the bed, leaning down to kiss him. From the way he was dressed, it looked like he had just come back from work—and…
Jiang Liusui’s gaze was completely captivated by his new hair color.
He Yujing had bleached it very light and dyed it silver-gray, with a faint hint of ash-blond upon closer look. His sharp features stood out even more strikingly against the light hair, with silver strands falling over his high brow bone like a meticulously crafted character from a video game.
Jiang Liusui stared, unblinking. Noticing he was awake, He Yujing deepened the kiss more boldly. Jiang Liusui wrapped his arms around He Yujing’s neck, pulling him onto the bed.
After a passionate kiss, Jiang Liusui entwined his legs around him and reached out curiously to touch his hair.
“You dyed your hair?”
He Yujing hummed lazily in response, pressing down on Jiang Liusui, the necklace at his neck shimmered with fragmented light.
Since waking up, Jiang Liusui had been staring intently at him. He Yujing asked knowingly, “Does it look good?”
“Looks good,” Jiang Liusui said, reaching out to trace the sharp line of his brows. “No matter what color you dye your hair, it suits you.”
“Do you like my face… or do you like me?” He Yujing chuckled, his slender fingers trailing down Jiang Liusui’s pale, slender neck, slowly unbuttoning his shirt. “I watched the video of your meet-and-greet.”
Jiang Liusui had mentioned his ideal type in front of so many people with such pointed implications—it was almost like a public confession.
While watching the video, He Yujing had been smiling the entire time. Later, he even asked Shen Jie if she knew who Jiang Liusui was referring to. Shen Jie shook her head in exasperation and told him to stop preening—just one sentence from Jiang Liusui could make him lose all sense of direction.
“My acting isn’t that bad, is it?” He Yujing defended himself. “I was genuinely imitating Qin Yi that day. When we filmed the MV, you saw me act normally, didn’t you?”
“It’s not bad—it’s just that no matter how you act, it still feels like you.” Jiang Liusui sounded almost complimentary. “I guess that’s a kind of charm.”
“……”
He Yujing pinched his waist in retaliation. Jiang Liusui, being ticklish, laughed and squirmed away, but He Yujing effortlessly pinned him to the bed with one hand.
Finally, He Yujing curled his lips and said darkly, “That brat Wei Zixiao…”
At the set, he had thought Wei Zixiao had given up, but unexpectedly, the boy had taken the chance to talk to Jiang Liusui again.
Jiang Liusui, pinned down by the shoulders and unable to move, coaxed him, “Forget him. We didn’t talk in private anyway.”
“Alright, we won’t talk about him.” A gentle response sounded in his ear, accompanied by the delicate touch of fingertips tracing his skin. “Baby, you’ve been working hard lately.”
He Yujing kept one hand firmly on him while the other kneaded his earlobe, as if petting a trapped little animal.
It was the first time Jiang Liusui had heard him call him that, and it made his whole body tingle with a warm, tingling sensation.
He Yujing seemed genuinely happy… Was it because he had said he liked him at the meet-and-greet?
As Jiang Liusui was lost in thought, He Yujing lifted his clothes and frowned at the fading marks on his body. “Why are you covered in bruises?”
“From the wire work,” Jiang Liusui explained, noticing He Yujing’s lingering concern. He added, “They don’t hurt anymore. They’ll fade completely in a few days.”
After a brief pause, Jiang Liusui gently clasped the hand resting on his shoulder. “Or… you could help me cover them up.”
As he spoke, Jiang Liusui moved his leg slightly. With his motion, a faint, barely audible jingling sound came from beneath the blanket.
Jiang Liusui froze, then pulled his leg out from under the blanket, realizing he had forgotten to remove the bells.
He had only filmed for half a day and had rushed through removing his makeup. It wasn’t until he got home and stepped into the elevator that he noticed the prop still wrapped around his ankle. He had meant to take it off as soon as he got home, but he had collapsed into bed and fallen asleep.
“I forgot to take it off,” Jiang Liusui said, starting to sit up. “Let me just—”
Around his pale ankle was a red silk thread, from which a golden bell dangled, the colors starkly contrasting.
Jiang Liusui’s ankle was so slender it could be encircled by one hand. He Yujing pushed him back down and tugged at his ankle, saying,
“Leave it on. It looks good on you.”
***
As winter set in, the weather grew gradually colder. By early December, the film studio had been shrouded in days of continuous rain. Finally, a clear and sunny day arrived, and every crew was bustling with activity, racing to film.
Jiang Liusui had just finished his final scene for the day, marking the official end of his shoot. After finishing his makeup and styling, he emerged just in time to catch Qin Yi and Shang Qingzhi filming.
He scanned the surroundings but didn’t see the person he most wanted to see.
He Yujing had wrapped up his domestic tour a few days prior. After a week of rest, he was set to begin the final leg of his Europe and America tour. These few days were a rare break, and he had promised to visit the set today.
However, He Yujing had to stop by the company to handle some matters first, so he might arrive a little later.
Jiang Liusui withdrew his gaze and focused on the other actors filming in the center of the set.
After Li Yan’s death, the tension between the old prince and the emperor escalated. The emperor repeatedly urged Ming Zhao to take action.
Previously, Ming Zhao had been unable to access the Soul-Binding Chain, but as she spent more time with Li Heng, feelings gradually blossomed between them.
The cold-hearted and ruthless Li Heng seemed to have fallen in love with Ming Zhao. He personally told her where the Soul-Binding Chain was hidden and took her to a hidden chamber that others would struggle to find.
On one occasion when Li Heng went out, he did not take the Soul-Binding Chain with him. After some hesitation, Ming Zhao went to the secret chamber where the lock was stored and retrieved it from its hidden compartment.
Unless the Soul-Binding Chain was destroyed, no weapon in the world could harm Ling’s life. Shattering this small lock would cause Ling to die instantly.
The image of the frail, beautiful youth flashed through her mind once more—his demeanor when he spoke, the way he smiled at her… Ming Zhao hesitated, but at that moment, her maid rushed over, snatched the Soul-Binding Chain from her hands, and was about to smash it.
During the struggle, Ming Zhao realized that the maid was also a death envoy sent by the palace! To ensure success, the emperor had taken double precautions by placing someone by her side!
Ming Zhao desperately tried to stop the maid, and the commotion they caused attracted the old prince and his guards. Unexpectedly, Li Heng was among them.
The two were quickly captured. In her panic, Ming Zhao instinctively glanced at Li Heng, not only fearful of being discovered but also afraid of seeing disappointment on his face.
Enraged, the Old Prince ordered the execution of Ming Zhao and the maid, but Li Heng raised his hand to stop him, declaring that he had fallen in love with Ming Zhao.
No matter who she was or why she sought to steal the Soul-Binding Chain, he did not care.
The old prince was furious, cursing Li Heng for being blinded by lust. To his disbelief, Li Heng turned to the guards and ordered them to seize the old prince and execute him instead.
“Cut—!” Director Pei Wen called out, “That’s a wrap! Prepare for the next scene!”
This was a major scene, and after filming concluded, the actors on set collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Those required for the next scene hurried off to change costumes.
The next scene would take place in the palace at the other end of the film studio. Not only was the location changing, but there was also a significant jump in the timeline and plot between the two scenes. Qin Yi had transformed from a profound prince into the new emperor ruling the world, requiring a complete makeup and styling overhaul.
Seeing that Jiang Liusui had no immediate tasks, the makeup artist approached him once more, carefully checking for any imperfections and making final adjustments.
“The next scene will be your final one,” the makeup artist couldn’t help but remark. “Time flies. I still remember the day we did this look for your character poster.”
Jiang Liusui smiled and nodded. “Thank you as well, for creating so many beautiful looks for me.”
The makeup artist was flattered, insisting it was all part of the job while meticulously fine-tuning the smallest details.
Once the lead actors were fully prepared and the crew had set up the scene, Jiang Liusui walked onto the set in his intricate, vibrant red robes. His hair was left untied, flowing like dark water down his back, and he carried the small golden Soul-Binding Chain in his hand. Golden bells adorned his wrists and ankles.
Jiang Liusui’s makeup today was lavish and otherworldly, like a flower in full bloom at its peak—yet on the verge of withering in the next moment.
Director Pei Wen scrutinized him from head to toe, ensuring everything was flawless.
“You should know how to portray this scene—it’s right up your alley.”
“Numbness, destruction, despair, loneliness, sorrow… and the freedom Ling desires most,” Director Pei Wen listed a series of adjectives. “Once we finish this, you’ll wrap up. Perform well—aim to get it right in one take.”
Jiang Liusui nodded in agreement.
After the clapperboard snapped shut, he walked forward step by step holding the Soul-Binding Chain, passing through the heavily guarded imperial palace until he reached the towering pear tree in the royal garden.
He nimbly climbed the pear tree, idly swinging the Soul-Binding Chain in his hand as if it weren’t a treasure concerning his very life and death. The beautiful figure in red sat among the snow-like pear blossoms, gazing absently into the distance before finally locking eyes with the newly ascended Emperor Li Heng, who had rushed over with the imperial guards.
Ling slightly parted his lips, as if silently uttering something.
The ever-composed emperor’s eyes filled with terror as he loudly ordered the guards to stop him, but it was already too late.
Ling released his hand, and the fragile Soul-Binding Chain fell from his grasp.
“Cut—!” Director Pei Wen’s voice came from a distance.
“Congratulations on wrapping up—!!”
“Congratulations, Teacher Jiang, on wrapping up your scenes!”
Hearing the crew’s successive congratulations, Jiang Liusui emerged from his role as “Ling.” For a brief moment, the reality of it all felt almost unreal.
Nearly three months of filming had come to an end. During his time on the set of ⟪Eternal Bell⟫, Jiang Liusui had learned a tremendous amount—whether it was the director who demanded perfection in every detail, the excellent actors he worked with, or the many crew members who dedicated themselves behind the scenes. What Jiang Liusui learned in this short period even surpassed the sum of his four years in the industry.
With help from the crew, Jiang Liusui climbed down from the pear tree and smilingly accepted congratulations from Qin Yi, Shang Qingzhi, and others.
Pei Wen walked over, his face unusually gentle, looking at Jiang Liusui with a sense of satisfaction. “Compared to your audition, you’ve improved a lot.”
“You’re a naturally gifted actor, but precisely because of your talent, you have your own preferred acting style—that’s completely normal.” Thinking of his breakthroughs in the film, Pei Wen encouraged him: “An actor can’t always play roles that suit their strengths. It’s good that you’re conscious about expanding your range.”
“Keep working hard.’
“Thank you, Director Pei.” Jiang Liusui expressed genuine gratitude. “I’ve truly learned so much from you. Thank you for choosing me back then.”
Only after speaking did Jiang Liusui notice a familiar figure not far away.
He Yujing stood at the edge of the set, a faint smile on his handsome face, though it was impossible to tell how long he had been watching. Although positioned inconspicuously, crew members still occasionally glanced back at him.
Everyone knew about their relationship and tacitly made way for Jiang Liusui.
Seeing Jiang Liusui approach in quick strides, He Yujing directly opened his arms, and Jiang Liusui crashed into his embrace without slowing his pace.
“Congratulations on wrapping up.” Holding him, He Yujing apologized slightly, “I arrived a bit late and only caught the final scene.”
Jiang Liusui pretended to be dissatisfied: “You missed my most dashing moments.”
“I think you look quite striking right now.” Slender fingers hooked the golden bell tied to Jiang Liusui’s wrist as He Yujing whispered in his ear, “You look so beautiful today.”
His voice was naturally pleasant—low, magnetic, and pure, making it all the more captivating.
Jiang Liusui’s ears grew warm. If not for everyone present, he almost wanted to cling to He Yujing and not let go.
Since they were in a public setting, He Yujing didn’t act too intimately. After hugging Jiang Liusui, he withdrew his hand, genuinely expressing a hint of regret: “I’Il have to watch Teacher Jiang’s performance in the cinema. I don’t even know what happens in the latter half of the plot—you’ll have to give me a crash course later.”
Jiang Liusui agreed with a smile, exchanged greetings with the director and others, then walked with He Yujing toward the dressing room while chatting.
Inside the dressing room, bouquets sent by everyone were displayed. Jiang Liusui noticed two gift bags—one large and one small—placed in front of the vanity.
He recognized the brand, a luxury label specializing in high jewelry, and knew the items inside were undoubtedly expensive. It was unlikely anyone else would have sent them, so Jiang Liusui turned to look at He Yujing.
“These are your wrap-up gifts,” He Yujing said, ruffling his hair. “I noticed you don’t seem to like wearing watches, so this time it’s all jewelry.”
Previously, for his birthday, He Yujing hadn’t been able to make it back in time and had sent him a gemstone watch.
Jiang Liusui wasn’t in the habit of wearing accessories and, despite liking it, had simply stored it in He Yujing’s walk-in closet.
“Thank you. I’m sure the pieces you picked are beautiful.”
Knowing his habits, Jiang Liusui understood He Yujing must have spent a long time selecting the wrap gift, especially with such a busy schedule. He smiled warmly and said, “I’Il wear them often.”
He specifically added, “I don’t wear the watch because there’s no chance during filming, but I really like it and will wear it for events.”
He Yujing suddenly reached out and touched the small golden lock in his hand.
Jiang Liusui had been carrying the Soul-Binding Chain prop from the shoot all the way here. Seeing He Yujing’s curiosity, he loosened his grip.
He Yujing lifted the small golden lock, teasingly asking, “If I shake this, will you obey my every command?”
Noticing the mischievous glint in his eyes, Jiang Liusui played along: “What would you have me do?”
Having just finished filming, he was still in full costume and makeup. As he spoke, his expression subtly shifted, his eyes flashing with a ghostly, seductive look—almost as if the red-clad beauty standing before him were truly the Ling controlled by the lock.
He Yujing casually shook the lock and said flippantly, “Kiss me.”
The beauty in red tilted his head slightly, his gaze far more lively than the numbness of being “controlled” by the lock:
“For you, I wouldn’t need this.”
After speaking, Jiang Liusui affectionately pecked his lips and whispered softly between shared breaths, “I’d listen to anything you say.”
— — — —
