Jiang Lin quickly scanned the few lines, turning the paper over and back to ensure he hadn’t missed anything.

He looked up. “I’m missing some crucial information here. Can’t prepare without it. Li-ge, is your information complete?”

Li Qianxing’s actions were almost synchronized with his as he replied, “There’s no specified setting.”

The host smiled, “Both teachers are so quick. Everyone, please look at the large screen in front. It shows the performance scene that will be set up on stage.”

Everyone looked up to see images appearing on the screen, one after another, in order of performance. The last was Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing’s scene—the audience seats in front of a theater stage.

The host handed out printed scene layouts to the guests. “Based on this, if the teachers feel anything needs to be added, please let us know.”

As Jiang Lin took the layout, he immediately requested, “Could we have an NPC extra?”

Before the host could respond, a quick-thinking new guest jumped in, “Teacher Jiang, how about me?”

Hearing this, the other two newcomers caught on and chimed in.

“Count me in too! I can even just stand there. It’d be a chance to observe both teachers’ acting up close!”

“Me too, me too! I’m quick at memorizing lines!”

Jiang Lin’s gaze swept over the three, noting their seemingly sincere attitudes. He turned to Li Qianxing, “Li-ge, do you want any? We could split them.”

Li Qianxing considered for a moment. “Let’s take two. They need to be able to deliver lines.”

Jiang Lin then asked about the three’s performance order, choosing the last one for himself and leaving the other two for Li Qianxing.

Seeing they had decided, the host continued, “Alright, now please hurry to the practice rooms to prepare. Audience members, keep an eye on the announcement area. We’ll soon post links to view each practice room. However, to preserve the final viewing experience, the practice room streams will be muted.”

As the other groups discussed while leaving the stage, following signs to the practice rooms, Li Qianxing called out to the host, “I need some props. Who should I speak to?”

The host quickly replied with a smile, “I’ll accompany you to the practice room. You can tell me directly.”

He then turned to Jiang Lin, “Teacher Jiang, do you need anything?”

Jiang Lin shook his head, “Nothing for now.”

To prevent Jiang Lin and Li Qianxing from conferring, the show placed them in separate small practice rooms.

Li Qianxing entered, scanning the room. In the center was an open space, with a large mirror, two chairs, and a small table against the wall. On the table were paper, pens, a laptop, and a small printer.

He approached the table, picked up a pen, and began listing his requirements to the host while writing them down. He then took the scene layout from earlier, making notes and sketches on it while explaining in detail.

The host listened attentively, then left with the materials.

Li Qianxing placed his phone on the table, sat down, opened the laptop, and began typing rapidly in a blank document.

By now, many fans had joined the practice room stream, chatting in the comments.

[They’ve separated the 99 couple. The production team is so heartless.]
[Even apart, their actions are in sync. Both are writing on their computers.]
[Director, I know you’re monitoring their screens. Share them quickly, don’t make me beg!]

The fans guessed correctly. Soon, small windows appeared on both livestreams, showing Li Qianxing and Jiang Lin’s computer screens.

[Is this… the legendary character profile?]
[So fast! If only I could write my homework at half that speed… TAT]
[There’s barely any information on that paper. Writing character profiles for such a short scene? So dedicated.]

By the time the first group finished performing, Li Qianxing had completed and printed the character profiles. He then opened a new document and continued writing.

[There’s a second one!]
[This time, it’s a script, but he can’t communicate with Lin-ge. The lines must be improvised.]
[It’s probably lines for the two NPCs.]

This document was brief. Li Qianxing quickly printed two copies, looked around for cameras, and said something. Moments later, a staff member entered, handing him some small props and taking the two papers.

Li Qianxing then found some video clips on his phone and, referencing the character profiles, began practicing postures and expressions in front of the mirror.

He practiced for over an hour, until the production team, as per his request, sent in a makeup artist with a set of opera robes to apply his makeup.

[Over an hour without sitting down once.]
[Repeating those few movements over and over. Incredible focus.]
[His walk really has that famous actor vibe. Has he studied this before?]
[Qianxing has indeed played dan¹旦角 (dàn jué) – dan, female roles in Chinese opera (traditionally played by specialized male actors) roles before. It was in his first film after college graduation. That’s when I became his fan. They say he apprenticed for this, spending his last semester studying opera. Even his graduation thesis was on this topic.
[The production team must have planned this. It’d be too difficult for someone with no background to learn on the spot.]

Li Qianxing didn’t apply full makeup, only doing his face while keeping his own hairstyle. Dressed in the costume, he looked as if he was preparing to go on stage.

He stepped out just as Jiang Lin emerged from next door. Jiang Lin had changed into a Zhongshan²中山装 (zhōng shān zhuāng) – Chinese tunic suit, a jacket style introduced by Sun Yat-sen 孙中山 and often worn by Mao Zedong. suit, his hair slicked back with gel.

Seeing Li Qianxing, Jiang Lin was momentarily stunned, a flash of admiration in his eyes. He murmured, “The production team really knows how to cast…”

Now that the mics were on, a wave of [Hahaha] flooded the comments.

[Lin-ge is stunned!]
[Screenshot taken. My expression matched Lin-ge’s just now.]
[Lin-ge doesn’t look like a playboy now. They look good together.]
[The playboy image is just surface-level. Considering their roles, they’re well-matched, though the plot feels a bit angsty.]

As they walked out together, the three newcomers waiting by the stage gaped at them, especially at Li Qianxing.

“Is that… Teacher Li?”

“This look… it’s too beautiful…”

Jiang Lin stepped slightly forward, half-shielding Li Qianxing. “Have you memorized your lines?”

The two with lines nodded quickly. Jiang Lin gave a few instructions to the one following him.

“Alright, let’s go on stage!”

◆

A spotlight illuminated one corner of the stage, revealing Boss Li seated before a mirror.

Head slightly bowed, his left hand gripped a scabbard, his right the hilt. He drew out a slender dagger, gently pressing its tip to his wrist.

The blade immediately broke the skin, drawing several drops of blood.

Boss Li’s expression remained unchanged. He wiped the blade on the inside of his sleeve, sheathed it, and tucked it into a small inner pocket fixed under his arm.

Ignoring the small wound, he pulled down his sleeve to cover it and looked up at the mirror.

His eyes reflected in the mirror were resolute and unyielding.

A moment later, he closed his eyes. When he reopened them, the killing intent had vanished, replaced by a watery sheen, as if filled with tender affection.

He picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and raised his hand to touch up his eyebrows.

The main stage lights came on, revealing a “packed” theater buzzing with noise.

Young Master Jiang sauntered in, hands in pockets, eyes fixed ahead as he headed straight for the front row. He stopped at a seat, looking the “occupant” up and down.

His bodyguard stepped forward, slapping a silver coin on the table and jerking his chin to indicate the person should move. He then bent to wipe the seat with his sleeve before retreating.

Young Master Jiang turned and sat down, slouching with one leg crossed, casually cracking sunflower seeds from the table.

The conversation from the next table drifted over.

“I heard the Li Family Troupe’s lead dan actor had an accident. We thought they were finished, but who knew? Boss Li himself can sing. They say he’s no worse than the original lead.”

“Not just as good, but like this!” (thumbs up) “Otherwise, how could every show be sold out? Everyone comes for him. This is my third time here.”

“Oh? Then tell me, which part of this new play is the most impressive?”

“Naturally, the toast scene. Not only are the lyrics superb, but his posture is absolutely exquisite!”

Young Master Jiang, initially disinterested, perked up at this, his face finally showing some curiosity.

Just then, unhurried footsteps approached. He looked up to see a man in elaborate robes, face made up but without a pearl headdress, walking over with a gentle smile.

Young Master Jiang stared, unconsciously straightening his posture.

Boss Li stopped before Young Master Jiang, seemingly oblivious to his impolite gaze, and bowed. “My apologies for my late arrival. We couldn’t properly welcome Young Master Jiang. Please forgive us.”

Snapping back to reality, Young Master Jiang casually returned the gesture. “No worries. I never knew Boss Li was so talented. I’ve clearly misjudged you before.”

Boss Li straightened, instructing his “attendant,” “Bring fresh tea for Young Master Jiang.”

Young Master Jiang’s gaze lingered on his face, grinning. “The quality of tea doesn’t just depend on the leaves.”

Boss Li met his gaze, smiling. “Oh? It seems Young Master has his own way of appreciating tea. Would you care to enlighten me?”

Young Master Jiang picked up a teacup, twirling it before raising it. His bodyguard bent to pour tea.

“Be it tea or wine, its fragrance and richness depend on who offers it.”

As he spoke, Young Master Jiang extended the cup, raising an eyebrow. “Boss Li, I just heard that in your new play, your toasting scene is particularly graceful. I’m impatient. Why don’t you demonstrate for me now?”

Boss Li’s smile didn’t waver, but he apologetically said, “My makeup isn’t complete…”

Young Master Jiang pushed the cup closer. “This is fine. Hurry up. Perform well, and I’ll reward you generously. If not—”

He chuckled darkly. “Your Li Family Troupe might not stay in this city much longer.”

Boss Li lowered his gaze to the teacup, slowly reaching to accept it.

Young Master Jiang’s lips curled in smug satisfaction.

Boss Li stepped back slightly, bringing the cup to his chest. He raised his eyes, instantly transforming into a captivating, alluring persona.

A clear voice rang out: “On this fine evening, this exquisite brew should be offered to the general—”

He extended both hands, presenting the cup to Young Master Jiang.

Young Master Jiang nodded approvingly, reaching to accept.

Just as his hand touched the cup, Boss Li suddenly withdrew, stepping back.

Young Master Jiang froze, looking up to meet a pair of amorous eyes. That gaze seemed to hook him, holding him captive.

Boss Li extended the teacup once more.

Young Master Jiang chuckled, leaning forward to reach for it.

Boss Li, smiling sweetly with seductive eyes, withdrew again, stepping back once more.

Young Master Jiang slapped the armrest and stood up, taking two steps forward to corner Boss Li. He reached out with both hands to grab the teacup.

In that moment, Boss Li’s hand slid down, unhesitatingly reaching into his sleeve to grip the dagger’s hilt.

The blade’s partially exposed edge reflected a glint of light.

However, in the next instant, Young Master Jiang’s hand also moved downward, pressing against Boss Li’s.

Swish—

The dagger, barely unsheathed, was forced back in.

Boss Li’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Young Master Jiang, seemingly oblivious, used his other hand to grasp Boss Li’s wrist, bringing it up to his face. He drank half the tea directly from Boss Li’s hand.

They stood extremely close, no one else noticing the fleeting blade and power struggle.

Young Master Jiang continued to gaze at Boss Li, his eyes dark. He daringly caressed Boss Li’s face, leaning in to whisper.

“The wine is indeed exquisite. If Cao Cao had found someone like you to toast Guan Yunchang back then, he might have succeeded in keeping him³This line references a famous historical event from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Cao Cao, a powerful warlord, tried to persuade the legendary general Guan Yu (also known as Guan Yunchang) to join his forces by hosting a lavish banquet and having beautiful women serve him wine. However, Guan Yu remained loyal to his sworn brother Liu Bei and eventually left Cao Cao’s camp. This is suggesting that if Cao Cao had someone as alluring as Boss Li to serve the wine, he might have succeeded in winning over Guan Yu..”

Boss Li’s eyes trembled imperceptibly, his hand involuntarily relaxing.

Young Master Jiang released him, returning to the table to grab some sunflower seeds.

“Boss Li, your theater is too noisy. Later, come to my place and sing for me privately. Remember that, won’t you?”

Boss Li, back to his initial gentle demeanor, bowed. “I’m honored by Young Master Jiang’s favor. How could I refuse?”

Young Master Jiang grasped Boss Li’s folded hands, caressing them as if reluctant to let go, before turning away. He left with the same swaggering gait he had arrived with.

Boss Li watched his retreating figure, his gaze complex.

◆

As the stage lights dimmed, the immersed audience was jolted back to reality. The previously sparse comments suddenly exploded in number.

[Chilling!]
[When it suddenly cut to the overhead shot, seeing the knife drawn and pushed back, I got goosebumps!]
[Did they really not plan this? How did they make it so smooth!]
[Qianxing kept practicing the toast, knife draw, and assassination, while Lin-ge only practiced acting like a playboy. He didn’t even move his lips, it feels like he improvised all his lines on stage. Yet they matched perfectly!]
[Well, Lin-ge’s information was all background. He was clearly meant to be reactive, only able to prepare the line hinting at his identity. He had to wait and respond to Qianxing’s words.]
[Actually, matching the lines is understandable, given the hints from the extras’ dialogue earlier. What’s truly terrifying is how he countered that knife draw! That reaction speed is god-tier!]
[Mom, I think I just realized what kind of CP I’ve been shipping…]

Raine: I was planning to translate five chapters today but I’m already sleepy so enjoy the four chapters I finished. See you tomorrow.

TL Notes

• 1
  旦角 (dàn jué) – dan, female roles in Chinese opera (traditionally played by specialized male actors)
• 2
  中山装 (zhōng shān zhuāng) – Chinese tunic suit, a jacket style introduced by Sun Yat-sen 孙中山 and often worn by Mao Zedong.
• 3
  This line references a famous historical event from the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Cao Cao, a powerful warlord, tried to persuade the legendary general Guan Yu (also known as Guan Yunchang) to join his forces by hosting a lavish banquet and having beautiful women serve him wine. However, Guan Yu remained loyal to his sworn brother Liu Bei and eventually left Cao Cao’s camp. This is suggesting that if Cao Cao had someone as alluring as Boss Li to serve the wine, he might have succeeded in winning over Guan Yu.