LOI Chapter 39 — Pursuing You Again

Some say silence is a form of cultivation, more powerful than any words.

Yan Zhi says silence is a form of torture, more destructive than any weapon.

Two hours had passed since Rong Ke’s harsh words. During this time, Yan Zhi had tried countless times to engage Rong Ke in conversation, but Rong Ke seemed to have activated his “Do Not Disturb” mode, ignoring all of Yan Zhi’s overtures.

After washing clothes, Rong Ke cleaned the windows. After cleaning the windows, he mopped the floor. His “Do Not Disturb” mode appeared to be a cleaning version – the house got increasingly spotless, but Yan Zhi grew increasingly anxious.

Seeing that Rong Ke couldn’t be coaxed, Yan Zhi resorted to searching online for ways to cheer up one’s wife. The first suggestion: hand over your secret stash of money.

This wasn’t an issue, but Rong Ke had few material desires. Yan Zhi figured even if he offered all his bank cards, Rong Ke wouldn’t spare them a glance.

The second suggestion: sweet talk.

Yan Zhi approached Rong Ke. “Darling wife…”

A murderous glare shot his way, and Yan Zhi immediately fell silent.

Apparently, sweet talk wouldn’t work either.

The third suggestion: show consideration for their hard work.

Yan Zhi thought for a while, then said to Rong Ke, “Cleaning must be tiring. Let me give you a massage.”

With a loud thud, Rong Ke slammed the mop against the floor, staring at Yan Zhi expressionlessly. Even without words, his eyes conveyed murderous intent.

Yan Zhi suddenly recalled his past offenses – twice using the pretext of massage to cop a feel. No wonder Rong Ke’s reaction was even stronger than to the sweet talk.

He scratched his cheek with his index finger, saying sheepishly, “I mean a real massage.”

Rong Ke still didn’t respond, continuing to mop. He scrubbed with such force that the gleaming tiles were repeatedly polished. Yan Zhi felt as if it were his own skin being stripped away, layer by layer, in Rong Ke’s mind.

He swallowed hard and said, “Baby, please stop mopping. You’re scaring me.”

Rong Ke finished the last swipe and returned to the utility balcony to wash the mop, his expression impassive.

In fact, Rong Ke wasn’t doing housework for any particular reason; he just wanted to find something to focus on while he thought. But Yan Zhi kept interrupting, so he used his glares to warn Yan Zhi: don’t provoke me.

Rong Ke was contemplating whether to move out. The reason to move was obvious – he didn’t want to let that bastard Yan Zhi take advantage of him anymore. But he was hesitant, worried he might encounter another landlord like the one at Fuxin Garden if he looked for a new place.

Recalling the moment he discovered the hidden camera still sent chills down his spine.

As the house became increasingly spotless, Rong Ke’s internal scales gradually tipped towards not moving. But he still felt indignant.

He comforted himself, reasoning that he’d soon be leaving for his tour anyway, so he wouldn’t be staying here much longer. Besides, Tianxi Yunwan had expensive rent; he might as well take advantage of the rent.

“Baby,” Yan Zhi followed him to the utility balcony, attempting conversation for the umpteenth time, “are you still angry?”

Rong Ke wasn’t one to sulk for long. Having sorted out the moving issue in his mind, he finally had the patience to deal with Yan Zhi. “Don’t you have work to do?”

“No amount of work is more important than you,” Yan Zhi replied.

Rong Ke remained unmoved. After hanging up the mop, he walked towards his bedroom, saying, “Just to let you know, I’m going out drinking tonight.”

“Drinking?” Yan Zhi asked, “With whom?”

“Zhou Lin,” Rong Ke replied.

Yan Zhi strode forward, blocking Rong Ke’s path, and asked with furrowed brows, “Why are you going drinking with him?”

“Is it any of your business?” Rong Ke retorted, walking past Yan Zhi.

“Wait,” Yan Zhi grabbed Rong Ke’s wrist, “Why isn’t it my business? Are you saying you want to break up?”

A question mark appeared above Rong Ke’s head. “When were we ever together?”

Yan Zhi immediately wore a deeply hurt expression. “How can you be so heartless?”

“I’m heartless?” Rong Ke found it laughable. He poked Yan Zhi’s chest with his index finger, saying, “Search your conscience. Who’s the real jerk here?”

“I am,” Yan Zhi admitted instantly, grasping the hand Rong Ke was poking him with. “Then I’ll come with you tonight.”

“I invited him privately,” Rong Ke swiftly withdrew his hand.

“Well, someone needs to pay, right?” Yan Zhi said through gritted teeth. “I’ll treat you both to drinks.”

Rong Ke considered this and thought it wasn’t a bad idea. “Alright then.”

After finishing the filming of “Patchwork Family,” Zhou Lin had taken on a major production for a satellite TV drama. He was currently in the preparation stage and not too busy, so he gladly accepted Rong Ke’s invitation for drinks.

They met at the same bar as before, but this time, Rong Ke was fully disguised – hat, sunglasses, and mask all in place. Even Zhou Lin teased him about finally embracing his celebrity status.

After settling into their booth, Zhou Lin perused the drink menu, asking with enthusiasm, “So, Mr. Yan is covering all our expenses today?”

“Yes,” Yan Zhi said, “Just enjoy yourselves.”

Zhou Lin glanced at the two sitting opposite him, keenly sensing the awkward atmosphere.

After ordering drinks and waiting for the waiter to leave, he asked, “What’s going on? Are you two having a quarrel?”

“No,” Rong Ke replied nonchalantly, nibbling on fruit from the platter and watching the performance downstairs.

Yan Zhi merely glanced at Rong Ke’s profile without responding.

Zhou Lin immediately understood the situation. He pointed at Rong Ke, then at Yan Zhi, and said with amusement, “So you really thought he was the bottom.”

Rong Ke had no reaction, but Yan Zhi raised an eyebrow, shooting a death glare at Zhou Lin: So it was you.

“Sorry,” Zhou Lin covered his mouth, suppressing a laugh. “Let me have a moment.”

The waiter brought their drinks, but the atmosphere in the booth remained cold. Zhou Lin sipped his drink and complained, “What’s going on with you two? You called me out for drinks just to watch you sulk?”

Rong Ke also felt it wasn’t quite right. He clinked glasses with Zhou Lin and changed the subject to work. “What have you been up to lately?”

“Learning my lines. The next drama has more dialogue,” Zhou Lin said. “What about you? Haven’t seen you working on anything lately.”

“I’m about to start a Tea Society play. I’ll be quite busy throughout July and August,” Rong Ke replied.

“A stage play?” Zhou Lin was somewhat surprised. “You’re gaining popularity now. Shouldn’t you strike while the iron’s hot? I’ve seen the recent popularity rankings. You’ve already surpassed the main cast. ‘Patchwork Family’ has only aired five episodes. Your popularity will only keep rising.”

“Performing in a play allows me to learn from many veteran actors. Such opportunities are rare.”

Zhou Lin smiled, “You really love acting.”

As the two discussed work, Yan Zhi couldn’t join in. Soon after, Rong Ke went to the restroom. Zhou Lin, with a “finally” expression, leaned toward Yan Zhi and asked, “What’s the situation between you two?”

“There’s no situation,” Yan Zhi said.

“Really?” Zhou Lin said with a smile. “If there’s nothing going on, maybe I’ll pursue him then.”

His tone was casual, making it hard to tell if he was serious. Yan Zhi raised an eyebrow slightly and said, “You don’t stand a chance. He invited you out for drinks just to annoy me.”

“Hmm, makes sense,” Zhou Lin called over a waiter. “Then I must help him annoy you even more.”

Zhou Lin ordered a bottle of brandy for 12,800 yuan.

He originally wanted to see Yan Zhi wince at the price, but to his surprise, Yan Zhi stopped the waiter and said, “Bring two more bottles. He’ll take them home later.”

Zhou Lin asked in astonishment, “So generous?”

Yan Zhi dropped his aloof demeanor, leaned in close to Zhou Lin, and said in a low voice, “If you put in a good word for me, I’ll recommend you first when my fashion group considers brand ambassadors in the future.”

Zhou Lin’s eyes lit up, and he immediately grasped Yan Zhi’s hand, “Thank you, boss!”

When Rong Ke returned, he clearly felt the atmosphere had changed.

“Was your trip to Paris Fashion Week with Yan Zhi your first time attending a show?”

“SPL’s sponsorship of ‘Patchwork Family’ was arranged by Yan Zhi, right?”

“It’s a shame you’re not participating in ‘Actors’ Summer’. You’re wasting Yan Zhi’s goodwill.”

Zhou Lin’s conversation kept revolving around Yan Zhi, and Yan Zhi found more opportunities to join in.

“Rong Ke was chosen for the New Year’s cover because of his expressiveness.”

“His unique experiences have shaped who he is today, something no one else can match.”

“Some people are born to be superstars, and that describes Rong Ke perfectly.”

“What are you two doing?” Rong Ke interrupted them, exasperated. “Are you putting on a two-man show for me?”

Zhou Lin broke character instantly, laughing, “Come on, just make up already. One top, one bottom, isn’t that a perfect match?”

Rong Ke didn’t want to complain to Zhou Lin about Yan Zhi pretending to be a bottom. Firstly, it would make him look foolish, and secondly, he didn’t want to badmouth Yan Zhi in public.

——No matter what, Yan Zhi was still special to him, even if he was a black-hearted bastard.

So it wasn’t surprising that Zhou Lin, only knowing that Rong Ke had misjudged Yan Zhi’s role, didn’t think it was a big deal.

“Let’s call it a night,” Rong Ke said without elaborating. He put on his hat and mask, heading downstairs. “I’ll call a car.”

Near midnight was when the bar was at its liveliest. The entrance was bustling with people coming and going, mostly in groups, paying little attention to passersby.

Watching Rong Ke waiting for the car by the roadside, Zhou Lin stood in the shadows with his arm around Yan Zhi’s shoulder, saying, “Brother, Rong Ke is actually a simple person. You can see it when he’s acting – if someone is good to him, he’ll definitely return the kindness. It’d be a shame if you let someone like that slip away.”

“I know,” Yan Zhi replied, watching Rong Ke with a slight frown.

Just then, Rong Ke’s car arrived. He turned back to look at Yan Zhi, tilting his head impatiently, gesturing for him to hurry up.

“See, he still remembers to call you. I think you’ve got a chance,” Zhou Lin patted Yan Zhi’s shoulder. “As long as you have the right attitude, winning him over shouldn’t be too difficult.”

…Pursuing someone? This touched on Yan Zhi’s knowledge blind spot.

He walked towards Rong Ke, lost in thought. Rong Ke glanced at Zhou Lin and, adhering to the principle that the friend of an enemy is also an enemy, silently excluded Zhou Lin from his list of “good tops.”

The two rode in silence.

Rong Ke had the window open, enjoying the early summer night breeze.

He was never one to dwell on negative emotions. Although he wouldn’t forgive Yan Zhi so quickly, he also wouldn’t keep harboring negative feelings.

Yan Zhi didn’t try to start a conversation, and Rong Ke remained calm – or rather, Yan Zhi’s silence was the best fire extinguisher for Rong Ke. They returned home without incident. Rong Ke headed straight for the guest room, but Yan Zhi suddenly called out to him.

“Rong Ke.”

Not “wife,” not “baby,” but a formal use of his name.

If Yan Zhi had used any flowery nickname instead of his name, Rong Ke wouldn’t have stopped.

“What is it?” Rong Ke turned to look at Yan Zhi.

“I really made a mistake. I know you hate being lied to, but I kept lying to you.”

“It’s good that you know,” Rong Ke continued towards the guest room, but Yan Zhi, with his long legs, stepped in front of the door first.

“Are you still angry with me?” Yan Zhi asked.

“Yes,” Rong Ke said flatly. “Can you move aside now?”

People who are truly angry rarely admit it. Those who say they’re angry are usually past the peak of their anger.

Rong Ke was still upset, of course, but more than anger, he felt too lazy to deal with Yan Zhi.

“I understand,” Yan Zhi exhaled, ruffling his hair messily. His eyes held a rare seriousness. “I’ll pursue you again.”

Rong Ke raised an eyebrow in surprise, replying lightly, “Do as you please.”