Huayu: Starting with Hextech

As dawn broke, the air in Shanghai at the end of May carried a unique moisture and warmth, quietly seeping in through the gaps in the curtains and casting a few pale golden spots of light on the bedroom floor.

Lin Xiao woke up to a warm and soft touch.

He opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Tang Yan's profile.

She lay on her side, a few strands of curly hair clinging to her forehead and cheeks, her lips slightly pouting. Her sleeping face was as serene as a child's, completely unlike the bold, awkward, and stubborn demeanor she had displayed the night before.

She draped one arm across his waist, her palm warm, nestled in his arms.

Lin Xiao looked at her quietly.

The light outlined her beautiful features, and her skin still bore the faint blush of last night's passion.

He could still smell the lingering scent of their lovemaking from the night before.

The languor and slight soreness deep within his body reminded him that what happened last night was not a dream.

The first woman he was with after his rebirth was Tang Yan.

This stirred a strange tenderness within him.

Just as his fingertips unconsciously brushed against Tang Yan's smooth shoulders and back, the familiar and long-lost system notification sounded leisurely in his mind:

[Ding! Detected that the host has achieved a significant breakthrough in life. Saying goodbye to virginity! Life experience integrity +1! Hidden achievement 'First Taste of Forbidden Fruit' unlocked]

Lin Xiao was slightly taken aback, then felt a bit dumbfounded.

This system... really does "pay attention" to every aspect of his life.

[In recognition of this milestone breakthrough and the host's recent diligent work (the completion of filming for "Beauty's Rival in Palace"), Hextech is hereby issuing a combined "Coming-of-Age Gift Pack" and "Interim Achievement Award"! Please check your mail!]

The deep blue system interface silently unfolded, its background seemingly tinged with a festive pink glow. Three options were arranged in sequence before the viewer:

Option 1: The opportunity to be the male lead in "Go Lala Go!" (Urban Workplace/Phenomenon-level Potential)

Effect: Secured the role of "Wang Wei," the male lead in the TV series "Du Lala's Promotion Diary."

This drama is positioned as a workplace romance for urban white-collar workers, with a solid script and an excellent production team. Playing this role will help the protagonist completely shed her historical costume image, establish a modern elite persona, and greatly broaden her acting range and audience base.

Option Two: The chance to be the male lead in "Too Late to Say I Love You" (A period drama/tearjerker)

Effect: Secured the role of "Murong Feng," the male lead in the TV series "Too Late to Say I Love You."

A young warlord, domineering yet deeply affectionate, a tragic love story amidst chaos.

The character possesses immense dramatic tension, easily evoking strong emotional resonance in the audience, and has a very high probability of creating a classic screen image, capturing the female audience market. A deeply moving and tragic love story, a true test of acting skills.

(Warning: The character is extremely emotionally draining; please be careful when getting into and out of character. You may be labeled as a "tragic male lead from the Republican era.")

Option 3: Opportunity to select the male lead in "The Weaver Girl" (ancient costume drama/female coming-of-age story)

Effect: Secured the role of "Lin Mufei," the male lead in the TV series "The Weaver Girl."

The general is portrayed as upright and loyal, a supportive companion to the male lead, with a relatively balanced role. The series focuses on female empowerment and the inheritance of textile craftsmanship, with a relatively composed style. This could further solidify its position in the historical drama market and showcase different facets of the genre.

(Note: The character's highlights are relatively unremarkable, and the potential for becoming a hit is slightly lower; it can be considered a safe choice.)

……

The three options clearly point to three different development paths.

"Too Late to Say I Love You," a story set during the Republican era under warlords, features a tragic love story between the male lead and the female lead. If acted well, it's an absolute tearjerker, quickly garnering a large and devoted fanbase, especially among female viewers. However, as the system notes, it's demanding and can easily lead to typecasting.

"The Weaver Girl" is a historical drama about a general, a safe and steady approach. It can capitalize on the popularity of historical dramas built up by "Chinese Paladin 3" and "Beauty's Rival in Palace," with low risk but also relatively little room for breakthrough.

And "Du Lala's Promotion Diary"...

Lin Xiao's gaze was fixed firmly on the first option.

Urban workplace drama, phenomenal potential, breaking away from the stereotype of period dramas, establishing a modern elite image... every keyword resonated with him.

He was all too aware of the influence this drama had on his past life.

It was more than just a hit TV series; it was a cultural phenomenon that accurately captured the pulse of urban white-collar workers, especially working women, sparking huge social discussions.

Wang Luodan rose to become a top-tier actress with her role as Du Lala, while Li Guangjie, who played Wang Wei, successfully established the image of a reliable urban man.

More importantly, the show's "modernity" and "workplace feel" are precisely the qualities he currently lacks.

"Chinese Paladin 3" is a fantasy romance novel, "The Myth" is a time-travel story, and "Beauty's Rival in Palace" is a historical drama.

He needs a strong modern drama to prove that he is not just a "handsome man in period dramas," but an actor who can handle contemporary life.

"Is there even a choice?" Lin Xiao chuckled inwardly, his mind making no hesitation. "I choose one."

[Confirmation! The role of Wang Wei, the male lead in "Go Lala Go!", has been secured!]

[The opportunity-driving program has been activated... Please keep communication channels open and stay informed about relevant industry developments during this period.]

[May you, host, ride the waves and reach new heights in this new "stage of life" and "career"!]

Lin Xiao let out a soft breath.

The next step in my career is now clearly laid out before me.

With the system as his biggest advantage, he's like a player with a strategy guide in hand, always able to seize the most crucial opportunities one step ahead of others.

"Um……"

Tang Yan, nestled in his arms, let out a soft moan, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes.

Her eyes, still misty with tears as she awoke, blinked in confusion before meeting Lin Xiao's gaze.

Memories of last night flooded back, and her fair cheeks instantly flushed a beautiful blush that spread to her ears and neck.

She instinctively tried to shrink under the covers, but Lin Xiao pulled her back into his arms, holding her waist.

"morning."

Lin Xiao lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.

"……morning."

Tang Yan's voice was barely audible as she buried her burning cheeks in the crook of his neck, not daring to look at him.

My body stiffened slightly, as if I wasn't used to such intimate morning moments without reservation.

Lin Xiao could feel the tension and shyness in her body, and the tenderness in his heart deepened.

He tightened his arms around her, his hands gently stroking her smooth back with a soothing touch.

"Does it still hurt?" he asked in a low voice, his voice slightly hoarse from the early morning.

Tang Yan gently shook her head in his arms, then nodded, and finally uttered a muffled nasal sound: "...a little."

"Then sleep a little longer."

Lin Xiao pulled the thin blanket up, wrapping her more tightly in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head.

The two embraced quietly, listening to each other's heartbeats and breaths gradually synchronizing.

Outside the window, the hustle and bustle of the city began to drift in—the sounds of traffic and distant vendors' cries—but all were shut out by this small, warm space.