Shen Mo had just changed his clothes when there was a sudden commotion outside the fitting room.
In the midst of the commotion, occasional screams could be heard.
Shen Mo adjusted his collar as he walked out of the fitting room, casually glancing towards the door. It was as if he was accustomed to such situations.
Bai Lixin looked curious and asked, “What’s going on?”
Shen Mo continued to tidy his clothes in front of the mirror. “Luo Mei is here, and the screams are from her fans. Come help me adjust the back of my shirt, it’s not very comfortable.”
Bai Lixin stood up from his chair and walked over to Shen Mo’s side. In the clear and bright mirror, a pair of handsome men were reflected.
Seeing the two of them standing side by side in the mirror, Shen Mo suddenly chuckled.
Bai Lixin asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Look in the mirror,” Shen Mo’s faint smile grew, “a pair of white shirts, and with the red background, isn’t it really suitable?”
A pair of white shirts…
A red background…
After a couple of seconds, Bai Lixin immediately understood Shen Mo’s implied meaning.
*In China, a couple puts on white shirts when taking the photo for the marriage certificate, and the background is red.
Baili Xin’s eyes narrowed, and he glanced sideways at Shen Mo. “I’m really reaching high to be able to take wedding photos with Shen Mo, the movie king.”
Shen Mo’s smile widened, and his arm slipped around Bai Lixin’s waist, pulling them closer together. “It’s okay, I’m reaching for you.”
As he spoke, his voice carried a hint of laughter. His soft and deep voice acted like a gentle cannonball that pierced into Bai Lixin’s ears, making his earlobes feel warm and his cheeks turn red.
This voice…
It’s like his ears are going to get pregnant.
Shen Mo’s hand hooked around Bai Lixin’s waist, and his other hand traced the young man’s firm waistline as he(Bai Lixin) slowly adjusted his shirt. His palm naturally held Bai Lixin’s hand, guiding it to slip inside his back collar.
“Could you feel around for me? I think there is something on my shirt here. It’s itching.”
The cold touch didn’t diminish Bai Lixin’s heated body temperature. His heart started beating uncontrollably, and his fingers trembled slightly as they brushed over something with a different texture on the man’s shirt.
Pulling out the object, Bai Lixin held it in his hand and looked at it. “It’s tape. It was stuck on the inside of your shirt. It shouldn’t be itching anymore now that it’s out.”
Just as he finished speaking, the man once again held onto Bai Lixin’s hand.
This time, he didn’t let go of Bai Lixin’s hand; instead, his fingers slipped from the back of Bai Lixin’s hand, and all ten fingers entwined, pulling Bai Lixin’s hand towards his own collar.
“There’s still a bit of an itch, scratch it for me.”
Bai Lixin’s face turned red, and he slightly bent his fingers, using his nails to scratch the back of Shen Mo’s neck. “Here?”
“Go a bit lower,” Shen Mo said.
Unconsciously, the two of them gradually moved towards the wall. Bai Lixin’s back was against the cold wall, and he slightly tiptoed to extend his warm fingers towards Shem Mo’s cold back. “Here?”
He raised his head to ask the man and his forehead just brushed against Shen Mo’s chin.
Their eyes met, and Bai Lixin’s breath suddenly hitched.
The man lowered his head, and stared into Bai Lixin’s eyes. The thick and sticky gaze seemed to pull a thread between them. “Yes, right there, a bit harder.”
Bai Lixin’s mind exploded for a moment. He hurriedly scratched a few times, his nails grazing over the man’s shoulder and neck, then he quickly withdrew his hand. His voice carried a mixture of irritation and embarrassment: “Alright, that’s enough!”
Using one hand to brace himself against the wall, Shen Mo undid a couple of buttons on his shirt and let it hang haphazardly on his shoulders, revealing his well-defined wheat-colored chest.
“You’re really helpful. Please fasten my shirt for me; my hands and feet aren’t very agile.”
Bai Lixin’s cheeks were burning. “…”
‘What do you mean your hands and feet aren’t agile!’
“Hurry up, someone might come in.” Shen Mo didn’t let Bai Lixin off the hook and urged him.
The outside noise did seem much closer. Bai Lixin stared at the chest in front of him in a daze, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down heavily. Numbly, he extended his hand to help Shen Mo fasten each button.
As he fastened the last button, almost as if possessed, Bai Lixin’s finger lightly brushed over the man’s collarbone, his fingertip grinding against it, not willing to let go.
After touching for a couple of seconds, he realized what he had done. His fingers jolted as if receiving an electric shock, quickly retracting.
The man’s palm once again stopped Bai Lixin’s movement.
He forcefully held onto the young man’s hand and pressed it against his chest. “Do you like it? If you do, feel free to touch more. You can touch as much as you want; it’s all yours.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘Damn, why is the Dijia in this copy so flirtatious? Ahh.’
—————————————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Ahh, this darn atmosphere.]
[Big boss: What’s yours is yours. I belong to you, and my body belongs to you.]
[The big boss in this copy is so skilled. I hope the bosses from other copies learn from him.]
[It’s getting steamy. Is this the extent of it?]
[Even though they didn’t kiss, why do I feel like they’re already in bed? Ugh, my face is burning.]
…….
999th floor of the tower.
The man silently picked up a notebook from his side.
The notebook was densely filled with many notes. Flipping through it, one could vaguely see words like “pearls,” “likes ice play,” and “likes it rough and intense.”
Flipping towards the back, the man picked up a pen and wrote down a few words in an elegant manner: atmosphere, likes the chest (can’t get enough of it!).
After finishing writing, the man continued watching…
——————————–
There was a sudden knock on the room, and a few seconds later, the door opened from the inside.
Shen Mo looked at the woman knocking on the door, his gaze calmly asking, “Teacher Luo, is there something you need?”
Luo Mei stood outside the door, her gaze sweeping around inside the room. Her eyes paused on Bai Lixin, who was awkwardly leaning against the wall, for a few seconds. Finally, she withdrew her gaze meaningfully and looked at Shen Mo’s neck.
The woman said elegantly, ”What happened to your neck, Teacher Shen? Why is it so red? Are you okay?”
Shen Mo reached up and touched his neck. “This? It’s nothing. A little cat scratched me. That little fellow doesn’t know his own strength. There’s no bleeding so it’ll go down in a while. Do you need something, Teacher Luo?”
A hint of unwillingness flashed in the woman’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant. “Today’s scene with you is over. You’re a busy man, and I can’t usually find time either. It’s rare for both of us to be free. Let’s find some time and have a meal together.”
She paused, her gaze shifting to Bai Lixin in the distance. “Who’s this little brother? I don’t think I’ve seen him before. He’s quite handsome. Is he an actor too?”
Shen Mo moved slightly, blocking the woman’s scrutinizing gaze. “He is…”
“I’m Bai Lixin, Mr. Shen Mo’s personal caretaker,” Bai Lixin interrupted Shen Mo, “You’re Luo Mei, the movie queen! I almost thought I was seeing things earlier. Oh my, I’m actually seeing Luo Mei in person in this lifetime!”
In response to Shen Mo’s puzzled look, Bai Lixin rushed up in three strides and stood in front of Luo Mei. His cheeks turned red in a timely manner, and excitement sparkled in his eyes. “Teacher Luo, you’ve always been my goddess. May I ask for your autograph?”
Luo Mei assessed Bai Lixin, her voice charmingly enticing, “Just an autograph is enough? Don’t you want to have dinner with me?”
The excitement in the young man’s eyes grew even stronger. “Is that okay?”
Luo Mei: “Of course. I’m available for lunch today. Would Shen Mo like to join us?”
Shen Mo stared at the star-struck youth’s profile: “…”
‘Do I even have another choice?’
——————————
“Hahaha, so that’s how you two know each other.”
Inside the private room, the woman laughed elegantly. She seemed to have walked out of a traditional painting as a cheongsam beauty. Every smile and frown carried the unique charm and flavor of that era. She was alluring without being vulgar, elegant without being arrogant—every movement could easily make her the center of attention.
A wisp of softly curled hair cascaded down, and the woman lightly lifted her pinky finger, gently sweeping the strand behind her ear. She rested her cheek on her hand as she looked at the young man across from her. “So, you could say we’re quite fated. I didn’t expect us to play the same role.”
The young man’s cheeks reddened as usual. He sat awkwardly across from her, stuttering, “Y-yes, indeed. I didn’t expect… it’s my honor, Teacher Luo.”
“Why are you still calling me Teacher Luo,” the woman tilted her head slightly, revealing her graceful neck, “Since we’re so fated, just call me ‘Sister Mei.’ That’s what my friends call me.”
The young man fidgeted with the tablecloth, nervously avoiding eye contact with the woman opposite him. “Alright, S-Sister Mei.”
Shen Mo silently took a sip of tea.
It was really bitter.
Luo Mei elegantly took out a business card from her bag and handed it over. She exuded an enchanting and delicate aura, even her nails were painted with elegant scarlet. “Here, take this. It’s Sister’s business card, and my phone number is on it.”
The young man stood up from his chair with surprise and caution. He held the corners of the business card delicately, fearing he might damage it. “Thank you, Teac… um, Sister Mei.”
Seeing the young man take the card, Luo Mei rose gracefully. “I have a shoot in the afternoon, so I’ll be leaving. Take your time with the meal. Xiao Xin, let’s hang out more when you’re free. There’s no need to see me off.”
The young man blushed shyly and watched Luo Mei leave. In an instant, he shed his shyness, slumping onto his seat and exhaling deeply. “That was exhausting.”
Shen Mo: “…”
Huh? Pretending?
Wait, that’s strange, the bitter tea from earlier seems to have turned sweet.
Bai Lixin casually pulled out his phone from his pocket and sent a message: [Hello, Sister Mei, this is Bai Lixin. Here’s my phone number, please keep it.]
Half a minute later, Luo Mei replied: [Alright [thumb up], I’ll save it, Xiao Xin.]
After saving Luo Mei’s number, Bai Lixin leaned back in his chair and stretched lazily. He looked at Shen Mo, who seemed a bit dazed, and said, “Let’s go.”
Shen Mo: “Where are we going?”
Bai Lixin steadied himself by placing a hand on Shen Mo’s shoulder. “You’ll know when we get there.”
Half an hour later, the two arrived at the Gold Sea Luxury Apartments.
Shen Mo had changed into a disguise— a pair of black-rimmed glasses that gave him the appearance of an intellectual.
They had taken a taxi, and on the way, they passed by a toy store where Bai Lixin got off to buy a large packaged toy for children.
Later, they passed by a health product store, and Bai Lixin got off again to buy a bunch of health supplements.
On the way, Shen Mo didn’t ask where Bai Lixin was heading. When they stood in front of the Gold Sea Luxury Apartments, Shen Mo’s deep gaze swept over Bai Lixin, up and down. “I didn’t expect you to be so proactive. Do you want to come home with me? Let’s go then?”
Bai Lixin: “???”
‘I’m not, I haven’t, don’t make things up!’
Seeing that he was about to be pulled by Shen Mo to his residence, Bai Lixin quickly stopped him, pointing in a direction, “I’m going there!”
Shen Mo looked in the direction Bai Lixin pointed, a tinge of regret passing through his gaze. He quietly followed Bai Lixin, looking somewhat aggrieved.
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘Don’t act all pitiful.’
It was one day later from the last time bai Lixin knocked on the old man’s door again.
Inside, there were sounds of movement. After a moment, the old man opened the door cautiously, watching Bai Lixin and Shen Mo warily. “What, it’s you again? Didn’t I say it already? Your sister’s disappearance has nothing to do with us. Don’t keep bothering us. I might call the police.”
“I came today to deliver this,” just before the old man closed the door, Bai Lixin held up the toys and health supplements he had in his hands. “Yesterday was rather abrupt, so I’m here to apologize properly today. It’s a little something for you and your grandson.”
The old man’s initially resistant expression stiffened for a moment. His eyes fixed on the health supplements, and his expression eased considerably. “I see. Well, come in then. Since you’ve come all this way, you can’t just leave without sitting for a while. There are shoe covers in the shoe cabinet. Please put them on.”
Compared to the first time, the old man was noticeably more amiable this time.
“Have you found your sister yet?” The old man asked after pouring them each a glass of water in disposable cups and sitting down slowly.
“Ah, not yet,” Bai Lixin shook his head with a sigh. “There’s no sign of her on the surveillance cameras either. It’s like she vanished into thin air.”
Old man: “The child is already so grown up. Maybe she just went somewhere to relax. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.”
Bai Lixin: “I’ll take your good words.”
Loud thumping sounds echoed from the stairs as a massive figure dashed up from the basement and lunged at the toys.
Seeing this, the old man’s eyebrows furrowed, a mix of undisguised disdain and fear in his eyes.
“Good boy, take the toys and play over there.”
The big boy drooled at the corners of his mouth, holding the large toy with both hands. He wobbled over to a corner of the hall and sat down, immediately tearing into the toy’s packaging in a wild manner.
Seeing this, the old man let out a long sigh and went over to help him open the packaging. Guo Dan immediately embraced the toy inside and played with it fervently.
Bai Lixin: “How old is this child?”
Old man: “Sixteen.”
Bai Lixin: “Sixteen already? Then did his mother give birth to him before she was legally an adult?”
Old man: “No, how could…,” the old man’s voice faltered as he was about to take a drink. He looked at Bai Lixin with caution, his voice involuntarily rising, “What nonsense are you talking about?!”
Bai Lixin: “According to the records, Luo Mei is only 33 years old. She claimed to be an only child, with her mother passing away early, leaving only her father. Now you’re saying this child is your grandson, which means he’s Luo Mei’s son, right? Is my deduction wrong?”
The old man stared blankly at Bai Lixin.
Shen Mo idly played with his phone, while Bai Lixin looked quietly at the old man.
The two looked at each other, and in the vast space, there was no other movement except the sound of the big boy playing with his toys in the distance.
Everything seemed frozen.
After a long time, the old man, like a spring toy wound tightly and suddenly released, stood up abruptly, blowing his mustache and staring wide-eyed. “What Luo Mei? What are you saying? I don’t understand!”
“You are Luo Mei’s father. Even though you both are trying to deny your relationship, the internet has memory. Once something is captured, it might never disappear completely. The most reputable actress in Country X having a child out of wedlock, this news is sure to attract a lot of attention, isn’t it?” Bai Lixin smiled as he looked at the old man. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see the movie queen fall into such negative news, would you? Since I didn’t approach the media first, but came to see you, it shows my sincerity.”
“I just want a few answers. Tell me, and I’ll leave immediately. Starting today, I’ll erase everything about Luo Mei from my mind.”
“If you drive me away now, your house will be swarmed by the media within two hours.”
“Smart people should know how to choose, right?”
Shen Mo had just changed his clothes when there was a sudden commotion outside the fitting room.
In the midst of the commotion, occasional screams could be heard.
Shen Mo adjusted his collar as he walked out of the fitting room, casually glancing towards the door. It was as if he was accustomed to such situations.
Bai Lixin looked curious and asked, “What’s going on?”
Shen Mo continued to tidy his clothes in front of the mirror. “Luo Mei is here, and the screams are from her fans. Come help me adjust the back of my shirt, it’s not very comfortable.”
Bai Lixin stood up from his chair and walked over to Shen Mo’s side. In the clear and bright mirror, a pair of handsome men were reflected.
Seeing the two of them standing side by side in the mirror, Shen Mo suddenly chuckled.
Bai Lixin asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Look in the mirror,” Shen Mo’s faint smile grew, “a pair of white shirts, and with the red background, isn’t it really suitable?”
A pair of white shirts…
A red background…
After a couple of seconds, Bai Lixin immediately understood Shen Mo’s implied meaning.
*In China, a couple puts on white shirts when taking the photo for the marriage certificate, and the background is red.
Baili Xin’s eyes narrowed, and he glanced sideways at Shen Mo. “I’m really reaching high to be able to take wedding photos with Shen Mo, the movie king.”
Shen Mo’s smile widened, and his arm slipped around Bai Lixin’s waist, pulling them closer together. “It’s okay, I’m reaching for you.”
As he spoke, his voice carried a hint of laughter. His soft and deep voice acted like a gentle cannonball that pierced into Bai Lixin’s ears, making his earlobes feel warm and his cheeks turn red.
This voice…
It’s like his ears are going to get pregnant.
Shen Mo’s hand hooked around Bai Lixin’s waist, and his other hand traced the young man’s firm waistline as he(Bai Lixin) slowly adjusted his shirt. His palm naturally held Bai Lixin’s hand, guiding it to slip inside his back collar.
“Could you feel around for me? I think there is something on my shirt here. It’s itching.”
The cold touch didn’t diminish Bai Lixin’s heated body temperature. His heart started beating uncontrollably, and his fingers trembled slightly as they brushed over something with a different texture on the man’s shirt.
Pulling out the object, Bai Lixin held it in his hand and looked at it. “It’s tape. It was stuck on the inside of your shirt. It shouldn’t be itching anymore now that it’s out.”
Just as he finished speaking, the man once again held onto Bai Lixin’s hand.
This time, he didn’t let go of Bai Lixin’s hand; instead, his fingers slipped from the back of Bai Lixin’s hand, and all ten fingers entwined, pulling Bai Lixin’s hand towards his own collar.
“There’s still a bit of an itch, scratch it for me.”
Bai Lixin’s face turned red, and he slightly bent his fingers, using his nails to scratch the back of Shen Mo’s neck. “Here?”
“Go a bit lower,” Shen Mo said.
Unconsciously, the two of them gradually moved towards the wall. Bai Lixin’s back was against the cold wall, and he slightly tiptoed to extend his warm fingers towards Shem Mo’s cold back. “Here?”
He raised his head to ask the man and his forehead just brushed against Shen Mo’s chin.
Their eyes met, and Bai Lixin’s breath suddenly hitched.
The man lowered his head, and stared into Bai Lixin’s eyes. The thick and sticky gaze seemed to pull a thread between them. “Yes, right there, a bit harder.”
Bai Lixin’s mind exploded for a moment. He hurriedly scratched a few times, his nails grazing over the man’s shoulder and neck, then he quickly withdrew his hand. His voice carried a mixture of irritation and embarrassment: “Alright, that’s enough!”
Using one hand to brace himself against the wall, Shen Mo undid a couple of buttons on his shirt and let it hang haphazardly on his shoulders, revealing his well-defined wheat-colored chest.
“You’re really helpful. Please fasten my shirt for me; my hands and feet aren’t very agile.”
Bai Lixin’s cheeks were burning. “…”
‘What do you mean your hands and feet aren’t agile!’
“Hurry up, someone might come in.” Shen Mo didn’t let Bai Lixin off the hook and urged him.
The outside noise did seem much closer. Bai Lixin stared at the chest in front of him in a daze, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down heavily. Numbly, he extended his hand to help Shen Mo fasten each button.
As he fastened the last button, almost as if possessed, Bai Lixin’s finger lightly brushed over the man’s collarbone, his fingertip grinding against it, not willing to let go.
After touching for a couple of seconds, he realized what he had done. His fingers jolted as if receiving an electric shock, quickly retracting.
The man’s palm once again stopped Bai Lixin’s movement.
He forcefully held onto the young man’s hand and pressed it against his chest. “Do you like it? If you do, feel free to touch more. You can touch as much as you want; it’s all yours.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘Damn, why is the Dijia in this copy so flirtatious? Ahh.’
—————————————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Ahh, this darn atmosphere.]
[Big boss: What’s yours is yours. I belong to you, and my body belongs to you.]
[The big boss in this copy is so skilled. I hope the bosses from other copies learn from him.]
[It’s getting steamy. Is this the extent of it?]
[Even though they didn’t kiss, why do I feel like they’re already in bed? Ugh, my face is burning.]
…….
999th floor of the tower.
The man silently picked up a notebook from his side.
The notebook was densely filled with many notes. Flipping through it, one could vaguely see words like “pearls,” “likes ice play,” and “likes it rough and intense.”
Flipping towards the back, the man picked up a pen and wrote down a few words in an elegant manner: atmosphere, likes the chest (can’t get enough of it!).
After finishing writing, the man continued watching…
——————————–
There was a sudden knock on the room, and a few seconds later, the door opened from the inside.
Shen Mo looked at the woman knocking on the door, his gaze calmly asking, “Teacher Luo, is there something you need?”
Luo Mei stood outside the door, her gaze sweeping around inside the room. Her eyes paused on Bai Lixin, who was awkwardly leaning against the wall, for a few seconds. Finally, she withdrew her gaze meaningfully and looked at Shen Mo’s neck.
The woman said elegantly, ”What happened to your neck, Teacher Shen? Why is it so red? Are you okay?”
Shen Mo reached up and touched his neck. “This? It’s nothing. A little cat scratched me. That little fellow doesn’t know his own strength. There’s no bleeding so it’ll go down in a while. Do you need something, Teacher Luo?”
A hint of unwillingness flashed in the woman’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant. “Today’s scene with you is over. You’re a busy man, and I can’t usually find time either. It’s rare for both of us to be free. Let’s find some time and have a meal together.”
She paused, her gaze shifting to Bai Lixin in the distance. “Who’s this little brother? I don’t think I’ve seen him before. He’s quite handsome. Is he an actor too?”
Shen Mo moved slightly, blocking the woman’s scrutinizing gaze. “He is…”
“I’m Bai Lixin, Mr. Shen Mo’s personal caretaker,” Bai Lixin interrupted Shen Mo, “You’re Luo Mei, the movie queen! I almost thought I was seeing things earlier. Oh my, I’m actually seeing Luo Mei in person in this lifetime!”
In response to Shen Mo’s puzzled look, Bai Lixin rushed up in three strides and stood in front of Luo Mei. His cheeks turned red in a timely manner, and excitement sparkled in his eyes. “Teacher Luo, you’ve always been my goddess. May I ask for your autograph?”
Luo Mei assessed Bai Lixin, her voice charmingly enticing, “Just an autograph is enough? Don’t you want to have dinner with me?”
The excitement in the young man’s eyes grew even stronger. “Is that okay?”
Luo Mei: “Of course. I’m available for lunch today. Would Shen Mo like to join us?”
Shen Mo stared at the star-struck youth’s profile: “…”
‘Do I even have another choice?’
——————————
“Hahaha, so that’s how you two know each other.”
Inside the private room, the woman laughed elegantly. She seemed to have walked out of a traditional painting as a cheongsam beauty. Every smile and frown carried the unique charm and flavor of that era. She was alluring without being vulgar, elegant without being arrogant—every movement could easily make her the center of attention.
A wisp of softly curled hair cascaded down, and the woman lightly lifted her pinky finger, gently sweeping the strand behind her ear. She rested her cheek on her hand as she looked at the young man across from her. “So, you could say we’re quite fated. I didn’t expect us to play the same role.”
The young man’s cheeks reddened as usual. He sat awkwardly across from her, stuttering, “Y-yes, indeed. I didn’t expect… it’s my honor, Teacher Luo.”
“Why are you still calling me Teacher Luo,” the woman tilted her head slightly, revealing her graceful neck, “Since we’re so fated, just call me ‘Sister Mei.’ That’s what my friends call me.”
The young man fidgeted with the tablecloth, nervously avoiding eye contact with the woman opposite him. “Alright, S-Sister Mei.”
Shen Mo silently took a sip of tea.
It was really bitter.
Luo Mei elegantly took out a business card from her bag and handed it over. She exuded an enchanting and delicate aura, even her nails were painted with elegant scarlet. “Here, take this. It’s Sister’s business card, and my phone number is on it.”
The young man stood up from his chair with surprise and caution. He held the corners of the business card delicately, fearing he might damage it. “Thank you, Teac… um, Sister Mei.”
Seeing the young man take the card, Luo Mei rose gracefully. “I have a shoot in the afternoon, so I’ll be leaving. Take your time with the meal. Xiao Xin, let’s hang out more when you’re free. There’s no need to see me off.”
The young man blushed shyly and watched Luo Mei leave. In an instant, he shed his shyness, slumping onto his seat and exhaling deeply. “That was exhausting.”
Shen Mo: “…”
Huh? Pretending?
Wait, that’s strange, the bitter tea from earlier seems to have turned sweet.
Bai Lixin casually pulled out his phone from his pocket and sent a message: [Hello, Sister Mei, this is Bai Lixin. Here’s my phone number, please keep it.]
Half a minute later, Luo Mei replied: [Alright [thumb up], I’ll save it, Xiao Xin.]
After saving Luo Mei’s number, Bai Lixin leaned back in his chair and stretched lazily. He looked at Shen Mo, who seemed a bit dazed, and said, “Let’s go.”
Shen Mo: “Where are we going?”
Bai Lixin steadied himself by placing a hand on Shen Mo’s shoulder. “You’ll know when we get there.”
Half an hour later, the two arrived at the Gold Sea Luxury Apartments.
Shen Mo had changed into a disguise— a pair of black-rimmed glasses that gave him the appearance of an intellectual.
They had taken a taxi, and on the way, they passed by a toy store where Bai Lixin got off to buy a large packaged toy for children.
Later, they passed by a health product store, and Bai Lixin got off again to buy a bunch of health supplements.
On the way, Shen Mo didn’t ask where Bai Lixin was heading. When they stood in front of the Gold Sea Luxury Apartments, Shen Mo’s deep gaze swept over Bai Lixin, up and down. “I didn’t expect you to be so proactive. Do you want to come home with me? Let’s go then?”
Bai Lixin: “???”
‘I’m not, I haven’t, don’t make things up!’
Seeing that he was about to be pulled by Shen Mo to his residence, Bai Lixin quickly stopped him, pointing in a direction, “I’m going there!”
Shen Mo looked in the direction Bai Lixin pointed, a tinge of regret passing through his gaze. He quietly followed Bai Lixin, looking somewhat aggrieved.
Bai Lixin: “…”
‘Don’t act all pitiful.’
It was one day later from the last time bai Lixin knocked on the old man’s door again.
Inside, there were sounds of movement. After a moment, the old man opened the door cautiously, watching Bai Lixin and Shen Mo warily. “What, it’s you again? Didn’t I say it already? Your sister’s disappearance has nothing to do with us. Don’t keep bothering us. I might call the police.”
“I came today to deliver this,” just before the old man closed the door, Bai Lixin held up the toys and health supplements he had in his hands. “Yesterday was rather abrupt, so I’m here to apologize properly today. It’s a little something for you and your grandson.”
The old man’s initially resistant expression stiffened for a moment. His eyes fixed on the health supplements, and his expression eased considerably. “I see. Well, come in then. Since you’ve come all this way, you can’t just leave without sitting for a while. There are shoe covers in the shoe cabinet. Please put them on.”
Compared to the first time, the old man was noticeably more amiable this time.
“Have you found your sister yet?” The old man asked after pouring them each a glass of water in disposable cups and sitting down slowly.
“Ah, not yet,” Bai Lixin shook his head with a sigh. “There’s no sign of her on the surveillance cameras either. It’s like she vanished into thin air.”
Old man: “The child is already so grown up. Maybe she just went somewhere to relax. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.”
Bai Lixin: “I’ll take your good words.”
Loud thumping sounds echoed from the stairs as a massive figure dashed up from the basement and lunged at the toys.
Seeing this, the old man’s eyebrows furrowed, a mix of undisguised disdain and fear in his eyes.
“Good boy, take the toys and play over there.”
The big boy drooled at the corners of his mouth, holding the large toy with both hands. He wobbled over to a corner of the hall and sat down, immediately tearing into the toy’s packaging in a wild manner.
Seeing this, the old man let out a long sigh and went over to help him open the packaging. Guo Dan immediately embraced the toy inside and played with it fervently.
Bai Lixin: “How old is this child?”
Old man: “Sixteen.”
Bai Lixin: “Sixteen already? Then did his mother give birth to him before she was legally an adult?”
Old man: “No, how could…,” the old man’s voice faltered as he was about to take a drink. He looked at Bai Lixin with caution, his voice involuntarily rising, “What nonsense are you talking about?!”
Bai Lixin: “According to the records, Luo Mei is only 33 years old. She claimed to be an only child, with her mother passing away early, leaving only her father. Now you’re saying this child is your grandson, which means he’s Luo Mei’s son, right? Is my deduction wrong?”
The old man stared blankly at Bai Lixin.
Shen Mo idly played with his phone, while Bai Lixin looked quietly at the old man.
The two looked at each other, and in the vast space, there was no other movement except the sound of the big boy playing with his toys in the distance.
Everything seemed frozen.
After a long time, the old man, like a spring toy wound tightly and suddenly released, stood up abruptly, blowing his mustache and staring wide-eyed. “What Luo Mei? What are you saying? I don’t understand!”
“You are Luo Mei’s father. Even though you both are trying to deny your relationship, the internet has memory. Once something is captured, it might never disappear completely. The most reputable actress in Country X having a child out of wedlock, this news is sure to attract a lot of attention, isn’t it?” Bai Lixin smiled as he looked at the old man. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to see the movie queen fall into such negative news, would you? Since I didn’t approach the media first, but came to see you, it shows my sincerity.”
“I just want a few answers. Tell me, and I’ll leave immediately. Starting today, I’ll erase everything about Luo Mei from my mind.”
“If you drive me away now, your house will be swarmed by the media within two hours.”
“Smart people should know how to choose, right?”
