LOI Chapter 49 — Sleepless Night

When Rong Ke returned from his shower, public opinion online had already shifted.

Genuine passersby gradually dominated the square, and the focus of discussion moved from celebrity arrogance to Rong Ke’s newly posted Weibo:

[I hope everyone will pay more attention to my work, rather than to me personally.]

Although unfriendly comments still appeared, most fans remained rational and began spontaneously calling for respect for the artist’s privacy.

Zhou Lin’s repost of Rong Ke’s Weibo pushed tonight’s commotion to new heights.

[Zhou Lin: Support [fist emoji] // @Rong Ke: I hope…]

Rong Ke opened the comment section and looked. They were all fan comments and contained little content.

However, people in the square were discussing this, saying Zhou Lin had worked with Rong Ke before and surely understood his character. As a top-tier celebrity, Zhou Lin’s willingness to stand up for Rong Ke proved his good character.

Others mentioned Rong Ke’s official endorsements as evidence of his integrity.

There were also people mourning the recently sunk CP of “Sha Ya x Laoda”. Anyway, the square was very lively.

Yan Zhi had been on the phone in the living room, busy with who knows what.

With nothing else to do, Rong Ke sent a message to Zhou Lin:

[Rong Ke: Xiongdi, you’re brave [thumbs up]]
[Rong Ke: Daring to join such a commotion]

The 5G surfer replied immediately.

[Zhou Lin: Because public opinion was clearly about to reverse]
[Zhou Lin: I seized the opportunity to ride the wave]

This wave-riding proved quite effective, and Zhou Lin also trended on the hot search.

Objectively speaking, his actions indeed supported Rong Ke, so Rong Ke decided to restore Zhou Lin’s “good top” status.

[Rong Ke: Thanks]
[Rong Ke: I’ll introduce you to a good bottom next time we meet]

After sending the message, Rong Ke realized why he said “next time.”

He almost forgot he once introduced a fake bottom to Zhou Lin.

Watching Yan Zhi’s busy figure outside the bedroom, Rong Ke couldn’t help but feel relieved. Fortunately, this “sister” wasn’t a real sister.

However, Zhou Lin clearly didn’t want to accept the favor.

[Zhou Lin: No, my heart belongs only to my career]
[Zhou Lin: Rather than waiting for you to introduce me to fake bottoms]
[Zhou Lin: I’d prefer your husband arrange for me to be on MQ’s cover [smirk]]
[Rong Ke: …You really are ambitious :)]

Meanwhile, Yan Zhi finally finished his call and entered Rong Ke’s bedroom.

He sat on the bed and said, “I’ve arranged for the law firm to send a cease and desist letter.”

Rong Ke was surprised. “To whom?”

Soon, Rong Ke learned the answer.

During the recent uproar, some people spread rumors that Rong Ke had damaged a fan’s camera. Yan Zhi had the law firm preserve evidence and stated in the letter that they would sue the two leaders for defamation.

Coincidentally, these two were well-known super fans of Jiang Si and Liu Qing.

The night’s commotion had nearly ended, but with this legal letter, Weibo erupted once again.

[I smell gossip]
[Damn, I won’t sleep tonight. Someone tell me what happened]
[Quick analysis: RK confronting paparazzi isn’t a big deal, yet he got blacklisted online. I don’t believe there isn’t a mastermind behind this. So the answer is obvious…]
[Weren’t JS and RK on good terms? I remember JS even posted about it]
[It was all a front. RK snatched JS’s New Year cover. How could they be on good terms?]
[What about the other one? Birds of a feather? LOL]
[This year’s TV Drama Awards, Patchwork Family will definitely sweep the awards, but there’s only one Best Supporting Actor. Still don’t understand why RK is being targeted? [dog emoji]]
[tbh, RK is so brave to confront them directly. Everyone knows those two fandoms are rabid]
[Impressive, calling out rivals publicly. When will my bias do the same?]
[Tear it up, I love watching this excitement [dog emoji]]
[Not sleeping tonight, waiting for JS and LQ’s responses. Celebs should be held accountable for their fans’ actions]
[…]

Rong Ke also didn’t expect Yan Zhi to publicly challenge Jiang Si and Liu Qing, showing off his attitude of bringing everything out into the open.

Although knowing these two wouldn’t dare respond directly—after all, one was a cheater and the other a homewrecker—Rong Ke still said resignedly, “You’ve thrown me into the center of public opinion again.”

The celebrities might not respond, but their fans weren’t easy to mess with.

Rong Ke glanced at the comments under the law firm’s letter. As expected, fans from both sides were controlling the narrative, saying their idols weren’t responsible for super fans’ actions. Some even theorized that Rong Ke was trying to divert attention.

“Best to resolve everything at once,” Yan Zhi said, climbing onto the bed and leaning against the headboard. “Not just these two, but let everyone know you’re not to be messed with.”

It’s one way to go about it, Rong Ke thought.

If he won this public opinion battle tonight, nobody would dare to smear him so easily in the future.

But looking at Yan Zhi casually lying beside him, Rong Ke raised an eyebrow and asked, “Did I allow you on my bed?”

Yan Zhi frowned, displeased. “I’m your boyfriend now. Why can’t I?”

Rong Ke said, “Nobody gets on my bed without showering.”

“Okay, wife.” Yan Zhi turned his head, kissing Rong Ke’s cheek. “Wait for me.”

The commotion on Weibo showed no signs of stopping. Rong Ke could guess that Jiang Si’s side would be in a panic after the legal letter, but he didn’t expect Zhuang Kang to call him.

“Did I disturb your rest?” Zhuang Kang’s tone was as businesslike as ever, devoid of emotion.

“It’s fine,” Rong Ke asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Did you arrange the leak on Guatian?” Zhuang Kang asked.

Rong Ke was confused. “What leak?”

“See for yourself,” Zhuang Kang said. “I just want to remind you, don’t forget we have a confidentiality agreement.”

Rong Ke lowered his phone, opened Guatian, and looked. He was welcomed by a tall building¹ on a breaking news post with an eye-catching title.

[Blockbuster Drama of the Year! The Entangled Love and Hatred of Three Popular Xiao Actors]

The story goes: Xiao A and Xiao B debuted together. One was from a major, and the other was a handsome newcomer. They had a secret relationship for years until Xiao B cheated with Xiao C and publicly announced their relationship.

P.S.:

Xiao A was previously unknown but starred in a hit drama this year, skyrocketing in popularity.
Xiao B recently failed in his transition to film.
Xiao C co-starred with Xiao A in the hit drama, rising from second-tier to first-tier.

Enjoy the gossip.

The clues in the post were too obvious. It didn’t take long for people to decode that Xiao A, Xiao B, and Xiao C were Rong Ke, Jiang Si, and Liu Qing, respectively.

This gossip was undoubtedly a bombshell. Someone reposted it on Weibo, causing an uproar. However, there was clearly someone managing public relations behind the scenes. While the forum was lively with discussions, not a trace of it appeared on the trending topics.

Rong Ke could guess it was Yan Zhi causing trouble.

This was clearly a warning to Jiang Si and Liu Qing. Even with a confidentiality agreement, they couldn’t rest easy.

“I didn’t leak it,” Rong Ke said flatly. “Maybe it was some righteous person.”

—It should be called a Gossip Judge.

“Regardless of who it is, if you reveal the evidence you have, we’ll sue,” Zhuang Kang said. “On the other hand, if the poster can’t provide substantial evidence, we’ll sue them for defamation.”

Rong Ke knew these tricks all too well.

Many true stories circulated in the entertainment industry, but they rarely could be substantiated due to lack of evidence.

Even if someone witnessed an actor entering a director’s room and was almost certain it was unspoken rule, unless they actually saw them in bed—which nobody could—spreading the story would lead to defamation charges.

Zhuang Kang meant the same thing. Without evidence, they’d sue the poster for defamation. The evidence was in Rong Ke’s hands, and leaking it would result in a huge breach of contract penalty.

—This penalty was equivalent to Jiang Si’s retirement fund, and Rong Ke certainly wouldn’t give away money for nothing.

“So,” Rong Ke wasn’t easily intimidated and asked calmly, “do you want me to leak it or not?”

“I hope this ends here,” Zhuang Kang sighed, sounding slightly tired. “We’ve received your warning. I promise Jiang Si won’t bother you again, and we’ll communicate with Liu Qing’s side. I assume you don’t want your private life exposed either.”

“If it comes to that, I don’t mind,” Rong Ke said. “I hope your promise holds.”

–

Just as he hung up, Jiang Si, who had been waiting nearby, asked, “What did he say?”

“He’s not the same Rong Ke as before. He is not so easy to manipulate,” Zhuang Kang frowned slightly, coldly eyeing Jiang Si. “How many times do I have to tell you, I’m your agent. Can’t you consult me before acting?”

“I originally wanted to help him,” Jiang Si said irritably. “Who told him to be ungrateful?”

Jiang Si’s plan was to gain favor with Rong Ke, hoping Yan Zhi might lift the ban on him.

Who knew Rong Ke wouldn’t accept his goodwill? Given this, even for Wen Cheng’s new film, he had to step on him.

He thought the couple were decent people who wouldn’t play industry games, but they unexpectedly called out his and Liu Qing’s super fans and sneakily leaked information on Guatian, entangling both in public opinion.

Unfortunately, they could only suppress this, not clarify. Clarifying would only make more people aware.

“What did Liu Qing’s side say?” Zhuang Kang asked.

“I couldn’t reach him,” Jiang Si said. “His phone is with Wen Cheng. He said he’s not available to take calls.”

“Keep a low profile for a while and prepare well for Director Wen’s new film audition,” Zhuang Kang said coldly. “Mr. Zou is already very displeased with you. If you don’t get this role, the company will consider shifting resources to others.”

“No, Zhuang-jie!” After a long time, Jiang Si respectfully used this title again. “I’ll work hard. The company can’t give up on me.”

–

Guatian’s exposé was deleted for “violating forum rules,” which didn’t surprise Rong Ke in the least.

Laughably, the marketing accounts on Weibo that had been stirring up drama about him being a diva suddenly began advocating for respect for celebrities’ privacy. Even the melon-eaters couldn’t stand it, pointing out the blatant double standard. They said no one cared when Rong Ke was mobbed at the airport, but now that Jiang Si and Liu Qing’s scandal had surfaced, everyone was suddenly concerned about privacy.

However, the other side’s PR tactics were undeniably effective. A minor celebrity’s fan-sleeping scandal was revealed out of thin air, instantly blurring the public’s focus.

As the heat of Rong Ke’s incident gradually dissipated, the night’s drama finally reached its conclusion near midnight.

After showering, Yan Zhi entered Rong Ke’s room wearing only pajama bottoms. But as he was about to climb into bed, Rong Ke stopped him. “I didn’t give you permission to get in.”

The issue wasn’t whether Yan Zhi had showered or not, but rather that Rong Ke had once sworn a poisonous oath: if he ever let Yan Zhi into his bed again, he’d take Yan Zhi’s surname.

“You know I can carry you to my bed,” Yan Zhi ran out of patience, pressing down on Rong Ke and kissing his lips. “Why make things so difficult?”

Despite the temptation before him, Rong Ke remained unmoved. “Go ahead and carry me, then.”

Yan Zhi’s mouth twitched as he prepared to stand up, defeated. But suddenly, he pressed down again, looking at Rong Ke with puppy eyes, and called out, “Dad.”

Rong Ke: “?”

“Is this okay?” Yan Zhi asked. “Taking my surname isn’t such a bad deal.”

So that was it.

Rong Ke had to admit defeat to the other’s twisted logic.

“You really know how to adapt, don’t you?” Rong Ke’s composure finally crumbled. He flipped their positions, straddling Yan Zhi’s waist and looking down at him. “Good boy, Daddy will make you happy tonight.”

A week apart had melted their intense longing into scorching kisses.

At first, Rong Ke took the lead, his rhythm completely unlike his outward show of dominance. Instead, it was slow and tender, like a gentle stream. Soon, Yan Zhi couldn’t take it anymore. In no time at all, he stripped away their clothes, instantly transforming their sonata into a passionate crescendo.

Rong Ke’s mind alternated between buzzing and dizziness. He was like a pianist with strings attached, seemingly in control of the performance, but in reality, every move was manipulated by Yan Zhi’s fingers.

“Yan Zhi,” he completely relinquished control, lowering his stance, “stop messing around.”

“What did you call me?” Yan Zhi asked, kissing Rong Ke’s earlobe.

His fingers continued their mischief, showing no signs of behaving. Rong Ke gritted his teeth, suppressing the tingling sensation: “…Good boy.”

“Heh.” Yan Zhi chuckled softly, and replied obediently, “Alright.”

The cherries on Rong Ke’s chest were incredibly sensitive. Mere finger caresses made them blush fiercely, and when Yan Zhi took them into his mouth, they swelled even more.

Unbearable pleasure shot to his lower abdomen, drawing suppressed moans from his lips.

Rong Ke didn’t want to be led by the nose, so he tried to distract himself by reciting his “endurance spell.” However, when fingers widened his secret place and a warm mouth enveloped his heat, his mind short-circuited, his whole body swept up in a flood of ecstasy.

“Yan Zhi…” Rong Ke said hoarsely, “Stop using your fingers. I want you inside me.”

He, who was just impatient, now became a tease.

“Not yet,” Yan Zhi guided Rong Ke’s hand downward. “It’ll hurt you.”

The sleeping beast had awakened. Although he had seen it many times before, Rong Ke still felt a jolt of apprehension when preparing to accept it.

The fingers patiently expanded to four, and finally, the tip probed its way in. Rong Ke furrowed his brow, complaining, “What on earth did you eat to grow so big?”

Yan Zhi amusedly sealed Rong Ke’s lips. “Bear with it.” As pleasure gradually gave way to pain, Rong Ke started to claw at him. “Pull out first.”

“No,” Yan Zhi thrust shallowly. “You feel so good inside.”

“I don’t fucking feel good… Shit!”

With one forceful thrust, Rong Ke nearly saw stars from the pain. But it was just that one moment. The fleeing pleasure returned in full force, even stirring up a more violent torrent.

“Damn… Do you even know how to make love?” Rong Ke was about to curse again. “Charging in like that, you’re going to push my lungs out.”

-Of course, it felt amazing, too, but Rong Ke feared he wouldn’t last past the fifteen-minute mark.

The air grew quiet. Yan Zhi narrowed his eyes, looking at Rong Ke. “What did you say?”

“Uh,” Rong Ke realized he’d blurted out something outrageous. He swallowed and said, “I meant, go slower, careful not to slip out.”

“It won’t slip out,” Yan Zhi thrust fiercely again. “It’s not coming out tonight.”

The earlier thrusts were just appetizers; after that, Yan Zhi’s pace never slowed.

Rong Ke tried scratching, tried biting, but it only resulted in more intense teasing. In the end, he could only talk tough. “If you keep this up… Daddy won’t love you anymore…”

Yan Zhi leaned in, whispering behind Rong Ke’s ear. “As long as Daddy lets me fuck him.”

Rong Ke cursed with a red face, “You bastard…”

The night was still young, and the prince’s pleasure continued. As for the one being drained…

Rong Ke thought distractedly that they’d need to set some ground rules—nighttime exercise shouldn’t exceed an hour.