The only SSSS-level fertility constitution in the entire interstellar space

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting the intertwined shadows of the two figures onto the floor.

The air seemed to freeze, with only fine dust particles dancing in the beams of light.

Xie Linyu's fingertips did not leave; he loosely circled Lu Yao's neck, as if 'Ling Mo' was still conducting a dangerous test.

However, his gaze penetrated the character, looking deeply into Lu Yao's eyes.

Lu Yao could clearly feel the rise and fall of Xie Linyu's chest and smell the afternoon sun on him, which was completely different from Fu Ciyan's cool and refreshing scent.

"This scene," Xie Linyu began slowly, his voice still slightly hoarse, but no longer the desperate tone of 'Ling Mo,' but his own, "Do you think the emotional build-up is sufficient?"

Lu Yao's heart was still pounding. She subconsciously licked her dry lips, trying to bring her attention back to reality. She struggled and stood up: "Well, I think the tone of your last line could have been a little more ambiguous, more probing, and a little less aggressive, because 'Ling Mo' should be feeling more anticipation than panic right now."

Xie Linyu listened quietly. Although he stepped back slightly, the two were now very close because Lu Yao had stood up.

They could almost feel the temperature of each other's breaths as they were close to the ground.

Lu Yao subconsciously wanted to take a step back, but her heel accidentally touched the edge of the coffee table, causing her body to sway slightly.

Xie Linyu almost instinctively reached out and supported her arm.

"careful."

The fleeting contact reignited the lingering ambiguity in the air.

Xie Linyu's fingers, through the thin fabric, transmitted scorching heat.

He didn't let go, but lowered his head slightly, his blue eyes fixed intently on her, his voice even lower: "Lu Yao, you seemed a little nervous during our scene rehearsal just now?"

His gaze was direct, as if after he made his feelings clear, he no longer concealed his affection for her in the slightest.

Lu Yao's heart tightened. She avoided his gaze, gently pulled her hand away, and turned to pick up the water glass on the coffee table, using this to hide her unease: "...Really? Maybe I was too immersed in the performance and didn't react for a moment."

She tried to remain calm, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed a hint of what was going on.

Xie Linyu didn't expose her, but watched as her fingertips turned slightly white from the force she used when she picked up the water glass.

A knowing smile curved his lips. He took two steps back, sat back down on the sofa, and resumed his usual languid posture, as if the brief transgression had never happened.

"That's good." He picked up his script, smiled at Lu Yao, and said, "I already know how to portray the character 'Ling Mo.' Thank you for your cooperation, Teacher Lu."

He addressed her as "Teacher Lu," his tone tinged with a hint of mockery.

Lu Yao blushed, nodded casually, and sat down on the single sofa opposite her, creating some distance between them: "You're naturally good at capturing the essence of a character, so don't be shy."

The afternoon sun slanted in through the window behind her, gilding her with a fuzzy golden edge and making the expression on her face appear somewhat indistinct in the light and shadow.

Xie Linyu's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he lowered his eyes, concealing the emotions swirling within them: "How much longer do you and Fu Ciyan's marriage registration period last?"

The question sounded like something Xie Linyu would casually ask, but it made Lu Yao's heart skip a beat. She subconsciously looked up at Xie Linyu: "Why are you asking this?"

Could it be that he's trying to get a "love ticket" from her?

Lu Yao's toes, hidden inside her slippers, curled up slightly.

"Just curious, I want to know when I'll be able to take the lead." Xie Linyu smiled at Lu Yao as he said this, looking gentle and kind.

Lu Yao blushed and stood up: "Even if you finish matching with him, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be your turn..."

"I know Zhou Jinlu likes you too." Xie Linyu interrupted her, leaving Lu Yao's eyes wide with surprise. She was clearly astonished that Xie Linyu even knew this. "How are you surprised you know?"

Lu Yao nodded, looking rather obedient.

Looking at her bewildered expression, Xie Linyu felt as if his heart had been gently tickled by a feather, both itchy and tender.

He chuckled softly, stood up, and walked to her. "Zhou Jinlu told me."

"Why would he tell you this?" Lu Yao belatedly realized something, "Does he know about you...?"

"You're probably the only one who didn't notice," Xie Linyu smiled slightly helplessly. "Sometimes I really wonder if my acting is too good; didn't you notice at all?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yao felt a pang in her heart. She recalled how when she told Fu Ciyan that Xie Linyu liked her, the man didn't seem very surprised, which meant he had known all along.

So she was the only one kept in the dark.

"..." She looked at Xie Linyu with some indignation, "Who would bother to wonder if someone likes them? I'm not a narcissist!"

Xie Linyu chuckled: "I'm quite happy, at least you didn't seem to be very resistant after you learned how I felt."

"...Who said I didn't? I'm tired, I'm going upstairs to rest. Don't come any closer, I want to be alone." After saying that, Lu Yao turned around and hurriedly walked upstairs.

Clearly, she didn't want to continue discussing this topic with Xie Linyu.

Watching Lu Yao's almost hasty retreat disappear around the corner of the stairs, Xie Linyu's smile deepened, but his eyes grew increasingly unfathomable.

He didn't chase after them, knowing when to stop.

When Fu Ciyan returned, he only saw Xie Linyu sitting by the French windows in the living room; Lu Yao was nowhere to be seen. "Why are you the only one here?"

"Lu Yao is resting in her room." He replied indifferently without looking up, flipping through the script in his hand.

Having received the answer he wanted, Fu Ciyan did not linger and went straight upstairs.

Pushing open the bedroom door, I found the curtains drawn, and the dimly lit room was illuminated only by a nightlight. On the large bed, Lu Yao was fast asleep, covered with a thin blanket.

She looked like she was sleeping soundly, and her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was having a dream.

He didn't even wake up when he entered the house.

Fu Ciyan walked quietly to the bedside and sat down on the edge of the bed.

He didn't turn on the light, but with the soft glow of the nightlight, he carefully traced the peaceful sleeping face of the person on the bed.

He gently brushed his fingertips across her slightly furrowed brow, trying to soothe that unconscious unease.

Perhaps sensing the familiar presence, Lu Yao's furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and she even unconsciously tilted her head and rubbed against his palm, like a kitten seeking comfort.

Fu Ciyan's eyes instantly lit up with a smile, and he leaned over to gently kiss her forehead.

I didn't want to wake her. Although I didn't know why she was so sleepy, I decided to let her continue sleeping since she was sleeping so soundly.

After pausing for a moment, Fu Ciyan turned and went to the bathroom.

When he came out again after showering and changing, Lu Yao had changed her position but still showed no signs of waking up. He glanced at her, left the room, and went downstairs to prepare dinner.

But as soon as he entered the kitchen, his eyes darkened and his brows furrowed: "Xie Linyu, come here..."