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Su Ning slowly opened her eyes, as if she were breaking free from a long and complicated dream.

Consciousness, like the receding tide, is drawn away from the world of swords and intrigue in "The Deer and the Cauldron" and falls back to the peaceful shore of reality.

The cold touch of the dragon throne armrest in the imperial study still seemed to linger around me, and the unique, complex scent of the Forbidden City, a blend of sandalwood and the desire for power, seemed to still surround me.

The various experiences of manipulating events and wielding power in the dungeon world just now.

Like a revolving lantern, they flashed through my mind, every decision and every confrontation as clear as if it were yesterday.

Gently press your temples, feeling the subtle changes in the stubborn fog of memories in your mind.

As if brushed by an invisible breeze, the mist seemed to have quietly thinned out a bit...

[0.5% of the missing memories have been recovered, bringing the total recovery to 2.5%.]

This number, cold and objective, cast a warm pebble into the lake of his heart.

Progress is still slow, like a stream eroding a boulder, requiring years of painstaking effort.

But every recovery, however small, is like a spark that suddenly ignites in an endless, dark wilderness.

Though faint, the starlight was enough to pierce through the thick fog of confusion.

On this long journey of self-discovery, he saw a definite glimmer of hope.

I gently clenched my fist, feeling the self-awareness that gradually became clearer and more complete as fragments of memory returned. It was like a huge and broken jigsaw puzzle being patiently and piece by piece put back into place by an invisible hand.

Su Ning had a feeling that her true identity was definitely not simple, and she couldn't help but look forward to the day when she could fully regain her memories.

The pull of reality quickly brought him back to reality.

Filming for "Ode to Joy" is nearing its end, and the atmosphere on set is like a fully drawn bowstring, a mixture of the relaxed feeling of wrapping up and the tension of the final sprint.

This subtle atmosphere reaches a certain peak whenever Lin Yunxiao and Su Ning need to share the screen and act together.

Lin Yunxiao's portrayal of Qu Xiaoxiao is no longer the groping character she was when she first joined the cast.

She seemed to have merged with that quirky, seemingly cynical but actually insightful, passionate and decisive rich girl.

Every smile, every gesture, and every movement of hers perfectly captured the essence of Qu Xiaoxiao, bringing her to life in a vivid and captivating way.

However, what everyone present understood implicitly, and even secretly held their breath for, was...

Whenever the red camera light comes on, Lin Yunxiao's gaze falls on Su Ning, who plays the aloof and meticulous Dr. Zhao.

A strong, viscous chemical reaction, beyond the scope of the script, will silently explode in the air.

It wasn't just Qu Xiaoxiao's infatuation with Zhao Qiping, but also the almost impossible-to-hide, fluttering light in Lin Yunxiao's eyes when he looked at Su Ning.

That gaze was lingering and intense, as if it had hooks that could easily penetrate the character's outer shell and reach the depths of their soul, so sweet that it almost permeated the surrounding air with the scent of honey.

(Filming scene: Hospital corridor, Qu Xiaoxiao deliberately blocked Dr. Zhao who had just finished surgery)
Lin Yunxiao (Qu Xiaoxiao) skipped closer, her face bearing her signature sly smile. "Dr. Zhao, what a coincidence! Are you tired after just finishing surgery? Let me buy you some coffee to perk you up!"

Su Ning (Dr. Zhao) pushed up her glasses, her face indifferent, and turned to leave as if following the script: "Unfortunately, Ms. Qu. I still have patient data to organize."

"Hey, don't go!" Lin Yun smiled and spontaneously reached out, gently tugging at the cuff of Su Ning's white coat.

It was a small gesture, so natural that it seemed like something Qu Xiaoxiao would actually do.

She tilted her head back, her eyes sparkling, with a hint of coquettishness in them, "The data can be organized anytime, but this young lady's invitation is only valid once it expires~ Dr. Zhao, can you bear to refuse a friend who cares about you so much...?"

The director squinted behind the monitor but didn't call "cut".

This impromptu interaction was more vivid and ambiguous than the original script.

Su Ning was slightly taken aback; this wasn't in the script.

But his reaction was remarkably quick. He lowered his eyes and said, "Ms. Qu, this is a hospital. Please keep quiet and be mindful of your surroundings."

Suning tried to pull his sleeve back.

Lin Yunxiao, however, pressed his advantage and applied a little more force.

Instead of letting go, they moved even closer, almost able to feel each other's breath.

"Dr. Zhao, your heart seems to be beating a little fast? Did I scare you? Or have you been missing me these past few days?"

An invisible tension permeated the air.

The staff watched with great interest, even holding their breath.

Su Ning looked at Lin Yunxiao's face, which was so close to hers, and saw her own reflection clearly in those eyes.

It possesses both Qu Xiaoxiao's boldness and Lin Yunxiao's undisguised exploration and fascination.

After a moment of silence, finally, the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

It was an extremely small, almost helpless arc.

“…Let go.” His voice was lower, with a slight hoarseness like that of a celibate person who has been aroused. It lacked intimidation and instead added to the ambiguity.

Lin Yunxiao seemed to have received some kind of encouragement, and smugly curled up the corners of her mouth, "Then it's a deal, the coffee will be made up next time!"

"Cut!" The director's voice finally rang out, filled with a satisfied smile. "Great! That take is a hit! Yun Xiao's improvisation was fantastic, the emotions were spot on! Teacher Su's response was also excellent!"

The play was over, but Lin Yun's smile as he looked at Su Ning did not fade away.

Every exchange of lines, every glance and physical touch that goes beyond the script, seems like a preordained destiny, quietly unfolding before everyone's eyes.

The line between on-screen and off-screen has become increasingly blurred in this protracted "natural performance."

The genuine emotions, almost overflowing, hidden beneath the precise lines and professional performances, transformed this venue into a unique and ambiguous stage.

In the dead of night, Lin Yunxiao received another message from Su Ning, and then, with her heart pounding, she walked into Su Ning's room.

Immediately afterwards, Lin Yunxiao was warmly embraced by Su Ning. "Yunxiao, I missed you so much, it feels like we've been apart for a century."

"Hmph! I was with you yesterday."

"You're so heartless! Don't you miss me at all?"

"President Su, do you treat Xiaojun the same way?"

"Don't call me President Su! Call me Brother Ning."

"..."

……

On the day filming wrapped, on set.

As the final lines of the scene faded, the director's resounding "Cut! All cast and crew of 'Ode to Joy,' filming officially wrapped—!" instantly ignited the pent-up fatigue and excitement accumulated over the past few months.

Champagne sprayed, ribbons flew, cheers and applause turned the film set into a sea of ​​joy.

In the center of the crowd, Su Ning and Lin Yunxiao, as the main characters, were naturally surrounded by everyone.

Lin Yun smiled, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She hugged and took photos with her colleagues, handling the situation with grace and a bright smile.

However, when her gaze inadvertently met that of Su Ning not far away, a complex emotion that only she herself could understand would flash quickly across the depths of her smile...

It was a feeling that transcended the boundaries between colleagues or boss and employee, carrying a secret intimacy and unspoken understanding.

But she immediately composed herself and turned to have a lively discussion about the character with the screenwriter beside her, performing flawlessly.

She knew that Su Ning was not only an actor with whom she had intimate scenes, but also the behind-the-scenes boss of a "bizarre and eccentric" film and television company who could influence her future career.

In the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune, any inappropriate display of ambiguity can be magnified and used as a weapon to attack her, or even anger Su Ning and ruin everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

Therefore, she had to be extremely cautious.

It's just that she doesn't understand Su Ning's mindset, whether he's sincere towards her or just trying something new.
……

That evening, the wrap party was held in the banquet hall of a high-end hotel.

The lights were dazzling, and the atmosphere was lively with toasts and laughter.

Lin Yunxiao had changed into a well-fitting evening gown, her makeup exquisite, and she moved with ease among the director, producer, investors, and lead actors. She was all smiles and poised demeanor, and her attitude towards Su Ning was perfectly measured…

There is a respectful tone and familiarity with the partner, but there is absolutely no hint of intimacy.

"President Su, I have learned a lot from this collaboration. I am very grateful to you and the company for giving me this opportunity." She raised her glass to toast Su Ning, her tone sincere and her smile impeccable, displaying the complete respect of a subordinate to a superior.

Su Ning nodded slightly, clinked glasses with her, and said calmly, "It's because you performed well! You did an excellent job as the character Qu Xiaoxiao."

His response was official and distant, as if the countless moments of eye contact and ambiguous atmosphere between the two, both in front of and behind the camera, were merely superb acting skills that vanished with the end of the scene.

Lin Yunxiao felt a slight pang in her heart, but her smile remained unchanged. After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, she turned to talk to the others.

Only when she was in a secluded corner, watching Su Ning surrounded by people, his calm and composed profile, would an indescribable emotion surge within her.

She clearly remembered those chaotic nights, the warmth of his embrace, and that soul-stirring connection... It wasn't a play.

However, this secret memory, which should have been filled with sweetness and excitement, was suddenly struck by a strong sense of guilt.

Involuntarily, the image of her best friend Chen Xiaojun, whose face always wore a gentle smile, appeared in her mind.

Xiaojun trusted her so much, treating her as a confidante with whom she could share everything, and even gave her the opportunity to play "Qu Xiaoxiao"...

But what about yourself?

However, she and Xiaojun's boyfriend crossed the line.

"What am I doing..." Lin Yun smiled as she stood in front of the bright mirror while going to the restroom. "If Xiaojun knew... she would be very sad and disappointed, right? Do I... even deserve to be her friend?"

A sense of shame for betraying her friend, mixed with complex feelings for Su Ning, tangled up in her heart like a knotted ball of yarn.

She was both drawn to the dangerous attraction between herself and Su Ning, yet unable to escape the condemnation of her inner moral compass.

The wrap party continued late into the night amidst the hustle and bustle.

Lin Yunxiao maintained a perfect mask until she returned to her empty theater troupe dormitory and shed all pretense. Only then did the heavy sense of guilt and inner turmoil completely overwhelm her like a tidal wave.

I picked up my phone, looked at the wallpaper with a radiant photo of myself and Chen Xiaojun, and hovered my finger over the dial button, unable to press it for a long time.

Career ambitions, emotional stirrings, the shackles of friendship... Although filming for "Ode to Joy" has wrapped up.

But her own life story seems to be getting caught up in an even more complicated and difficult-to-determine plot.

The root of all this lies with that unfathomable man—Su Ning.

……

Despite Lin Yunxiao using all her rationality and social skills to avoid Su Ning after filming wrapped, attempting to forcibly seal her complex feelings in her memory.

I declined some business meetings that might lead to a meeting, and our communication on WeChat was limited to necessary work reports, with a respectful but distant tone.

Naively believing that as long as we keep our distance, time will heal all wounds.

However, fate seemed determined to work against her.

Just when Lin Yunxiao thought she was safe for the time being, Chen Xiaojun's invitation phone call was like a thunderclap, exploding in her hard-won peaceful life.

"Yunxiao! Are you free tomorrow night?" Chen Xiaojun's voice was as light and enthusiastic as ever on the other end of the phone. "Come over for dinner! Aning said he's recently learned a few new dishes and insists on cooking them himself. He specifically asked you to come and taste them!"

"Home"? "A-Ning"? "Cooking herself"?
These words pierced Lin Yunxiao's heart like needles.

"...Go...go to your house? Mr. Su...cooking himself? This...this isn't appropriate, it's too much of a disturbance..."

"Oh, what a bother! Why are you being so polite with me!" Chen Xiaojun said reproachfully. "It's settled then! Tomorrow night at seven, I'll send you the address. You absolutely have to come! I'll let you experience the 'virtuous' side of our richest man, Su, that no one knows about!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Yun slumped onto the sofa, her mind in turmoil.

Go to Suning and Chen Xiaojun's love nest?

Look how loving they are!

Will we also get to taste dishes prepared by Suning themselves?
This was nothing short of a meticulously planned, soul-crushing torture.

……

The following evening, Lin Yunxiao, with the feeling of going to his execution, rang the doorbell of that top-tier luxury mansion.

Chen Xiaojun opened the door, wearing a cute apron and beaming with happiness. She warmly pulled Lin Yunxiao inside.

In the spacious and bright open kitchen, Suning was indeed dressed in comfortable home clothes with a dark apron tied around her waist, intently tossing the wok.

The warmth of home cooking enveloped him, softening his usual aloof demeanor and revealing a touch of domestic gentleness and... "virtuousness".

Several tempting and fragrant dishes were already laid out on the table, showing that the chef's skills were quite superb.

"Yun Xiao is here!" Chen Xiaojun said cheerfully. "Look, our chef is in great shape today! This squirrel-shaped mandarin fish is his specialty, you should try it!"

Hearing the voice, Su Ning turned around and calmly looked at Lin Yunxiao. "You're here. Please make yourself at home. There's just one soup left."

Seeing this scene, Lin Yunxiao felt a tightness in his chest.

Every exquisite dish on the table, Su Ning's skillful cooking, and especially the natural tenderness and gentleness he showed to Chen Xiaojun, were like fine needles pricking her heart, causing a dense, persistent pain.

Envy, jealousy, bitterness... all sorts of emotions entwined her heart like vines.

She forced a smile, praising the delicious food and echoing Chen Xiaojun's enthusiastic description of the home decor, but inside she was screaming: This should be the warmth of a normal relationship!

Why can't I be the one standing next to him?

Why am I relegated to sitting here, forcing a smile, as a guest with ulterior motives?

For Lin Yunxiao, the meal was utterly tasteless.

After dinner, the three of them moved to the living room, which was comparable to a professional home theater, to rest.

"Xiaojun, President Su, it's getting late. I need to go back to the theater troupe's dormitory, otherwise the dormitory manager won't open the door for me." Lin Yun smiled, wanting to say goodbye and escape this suffocatingly warm atmosphere.

"It's still early. There's a movie that's been getting good reviews lately, let's watch it together! You can stay here tonight, there are rooms available, it's not safe for you to go back alone so late."

Stay overnight?!
Lin Yunxiao suddenly looked up and met Su Ning's deep gaze.

His gaze was calm and expressionless, yet it seemed to possess an all-seeing magic that sent a chill down her spine. What did he mean?
Is it just the host being polite?
Or... some kind of perverse probing?
Didn't he know what his words meant to her and Xiaojun?

Chen Xiaojun seemed a little surprised, but quickly smiled and chimed in, "Yeah! Yunxiao, you're free tomorrow being the weekend anyway, so why don't you stay here? We haven't chatted all night like we used to in ages! We can continue chatting after the movie!"

Faced with Chen Xiaojun's sincere pleas to stay and Su Ning's unyielding attitude, all of Lin Yunxiao's words of refusal stuck in his throat.

She could only manage an extremely stiff smile, squeezing out two words through gritted teeth, "...Okay."

The lights dimmed, and a movie began playing on the giant screen.

The three sat side by side on a comfortable and spacious sofa, with Chen Xiaojun in the middle, naturally leaning against Su Ning's side.

The screen was filled with changing lights and shadows, and the plot was full of ups and downs, but Lin Yunxiao couldn't concentrate on any of the scenes.

Her entire senses were occupied by the subtle atmosphere around her.

She could smell the faint, cool scent emanating from Su Ning, exactly as she remembered it, and she could feel Chen Xiaojun's innocent dependence and contentment on the other side.

I sat there stiffly, my palms sweating, my mind in turmoil.

"Demon! He absolutely did it on purpose!" Lin Yunxiao silently cried out in his heart.

Su Ning left her here so that she would witness his intimacy with Chen Xiaojun and suffer from jealousy and guilt!
Suning, on the other hand, remained a detached observer, calmly watching her inner struggles and embarrassment.

This night is destined to be long and unbearable.

The story in the movie is far less thrilling than the complex emotions that undercurrent between the three people in real life.

Lin Yun sat there, as if he were in an invisible battlefield.

Every minute and every second was an extreme test of her willpower and mentality.

...(End of chapter)