After returning from the welfare home, it was Xiao Liu who drove.

Bai Fanlu didn’t say much; he was preoccupied with the information he learned earlier that morning from Zhang Xiaoling. Xiao Liu’s adoptive parent has the surname Yun, and after being adopted, Xiao Liu’s name was changed to Yun Zhan.

Could it really be such a coincidence?

Even now, Yun Zhan refused to tell him his real name. In the past, when they were just online friends, it wasn’t necessary to know, but things are different now. However, when Bai Fanlu asked Yun Zhan about it again, Yun Zhan simply said he hoped he would always be his Xiao Liu, and that knowing his name didn’t matter.

Something was definitely off.

When he got home, Bai Fanlu just opened his computer to start working when the planner girl, Jian Ling, who had been pestering him multiple times a day, messaged him again. She already knew that the reason they hadn’t settled on a CV (character voice) for the main role in “Floating Clouds of Ink and White” was because of Bai Fanlu.

Planner – Jian Ling: “Xiao Bai, don’t hesitate, you really can do it! Please, say yes, the crew has been waiting forever! Besides, I always thought you could do it when I heard your voice before. You said you couldn’t do voice acting and only wanted to focus on post-production, but now the opportunity is right in front of you…”

Bai Xiaolu: “I agree.”

Planner – Jian Ling: “Wow! Awesome!”

Not long after, his friend “Floating Clouds of Ink and White” sent a voice connection request.

“Brother, you really agreed to do the voice acting?”

“Of course.”

“That’s great! I’ll start preparing… uh, preparing to introduce you to Yu Junzhao.”

“No need, isn’t he in the group? I’ll add him.”

“…Okay, then I’ll hang up for now. You two have a good chat.”

“Of course, he’s my idol after all. I’m definitely going to take the chance to chat with him and ‘properly’ ask for advice on voice acting.”

Bai Fanlu deliberately emphasized the word “properly,” but Yun Zhan either didn’t catch his meaning or simply ignored it, and quickly hung up the call.

Bai Fanlu sent a friend request to “Yu Junzhao,” and the request was promptly accepted.

They had worked together in the same production group more than once before, so they were quite familiar with each other. However, Bai Fanlu had never privately chatted with him. Previously, he would have imagined that he would be nervous chatting with his idol in private like this.

But now, it didn’t seem like a big deal.

It was actually Yu Junzhao who seemed a bit nervous during their voice chat. Despite his familiar voice, Bai Fanlu, with his years of experience in post-production and sensitivity to emotional nuances, could sense that it was Yu Junzhao who was nervous during their private chat.

Strange…

Bai Fanlu thought to himself, but since he had an ulterior motive for taking on this voice acting job, he didn’t pay much attention to Yu Junzhao’s behavior.

Over the next few days, the two would schedule time in the evenings to practice their lines. Yu Junzhao, being very professional, worked diligently and was patient in guiding Bai Fanlu, who quickly managed to independently complete a scene.

A few days later, Yun Zhan called.

“Brother, I listened to your latest audio recording. It’s really good! You’re getting better and better!”

“Is that so? Thank you for the compliment. But I’ve been so busy practicing with Brother Zhao these past few nights that I haven’t really talked to you much. I’m sorry.”

Yun Zhan chuckled on the phone, “It’s okay, it’s all part of the job. Besides, you’re doing voice acting for my production, so I’m more than happy!”

Bai Fanlu thought for a moment, sensing genuine joy in Yun Zhan’s tone, without a hint of reluctance.

Didn’t he hear him call the other guy “Brother Zhao”?

“Speaking of which, no wonder he’s been my idol all along. His voice is really amazing. Every time we rehearse, my heart just races. I think I might actually…”

“Huh? Might what?” Yun Zhan asked urgently.

Bai Fanlu deliberately paused before slowly saying, “I might actually… have a bit of a crush on him.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by a cough from Yun Zhan. “R-really? Didn’t you always like him?”

Bai Fanlu was satisfied to hear the emotional fluctuation in Yun Zhan’s voice, though it wasn’t exactly the reaction he had anticipated.

Shouldn’t he be jealous when he heard that he liked someone else? Why did it feel like his response wasn’t intense enough?

Choosing his words carefully, Bai Fanlu continued, “My feelings for him… are different from the admiration I felt before. I actually want… to meet him in person.”

“What?” A surprised exclamation came through the phone.

“Is that not okay?”

“Of course it’s not… uh, I mean, I think it’s better not to.”

“Why?” Bai Fanlu pressed.

“As far as I know, he’s always been very low-key in the circle. No one knows what he looks like, and in cases like this, it usually means he’s not very good-looking.”

Hearing Yun Zhan talk bad about Yu Junzhao, Bai Fanlu still couldn’t detect any jealousy in his tone, but there was a hint of panic.

“There’s another possibility,” Bai Fanlu said.

“What possibility?”

“He’s extremely handsome, not just average.”

“…Brother…”

That word “brother” was spoken without the slightest trace of jealousy; if anything, there was a hint of secret joy—what was going on?

What happened afterward made Bai Fanlu sense something was wrong.

Bai Xiaolu: “Brother Zhao, we’ve been practicing together for quite a few days now. How about we bring in the writer and planner to give us some feedback?” The script was written by the author themselves, so the writer must be “Floating Clouds of Ink and White.”

Bai Fanlu did this on purpose; he wanted Yun Zhan to come in and listen to him flirt with someone else. He didn’t believe he could remain calm.

After a few minutes, Yu Junzhao replied, “Sure.”

Floating Clouds of Ink and White and the planner girl were then added to the group chat. Bai Fanlu and Yu Junzhao continued to practice their lines via voice chat, while Yun Zhan typed out his comments, always waiting until they finished to give his feedback.

Planner – Jian Ling: “Author, why don’t you send voice messages too? Typing is too slow.”

Only then did Yun Zhan send a voice message.

But at one point, Yun Zhan quickly retracted a voice message he sent, and Bai Fanlu, who had already clicked on it, heard a brief snippet of the beginning. That voice… sounded a bit off, as if the emotion hadn’t fully transitioned.

Bai Xiaolu: “Why don’t we all connect on a four-way voice chat? It’d be more convenient.”

Yu Junzhao: “It’s late; let’s do it another time.”

Then, this idol of his, who was usually so polite and courteous, just abruptly left the chat.

Odd, very odd.

Bai Fanlu felt something was wrong. Not only was Yun Zhan acting strange, but so was Yu Junzhao. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed.

After nearly half a month of voice acting practice with his idol, they finally reached the climax of the first part—a pseudo-H scene where Bai Fanlu’s character faces his inner demons.

Bai Xiaolu: “I think this kind of scene, even if it’s fake, should only be done with someone you like. Otherwise, it’ll feel really awkward during post-production when I have to edit it.”

Yun Zhan: “…”

Bai Xiaolu: “I’ve decided I’m going to ask my idol out in person, or at least have a video call, and then confess to him face-to-face.”

Yun Zhan: “Huh? It doesn’t need to be that complicated; it’s just voice acting. Many CVs have done tons of these scenes, and not all of them are real-life couples.”

Bai Xiaolu: “But I can’t do it. I’m not a professional CV; I’m only doing these two productions, and I’m not doing any more after this.”

Yun Zhan: “Brother, please don’t.”

Bai Xiaolu: “If not, then the author should cut this scene out.”

Yun Zhan: “It can’t be cut.”

Bai Xiaolu: “Then I want to meet my idol. I absolutely have to meet him.”

On the other end, Yun Zhan stared at the screen, speechless. What was his brother up to?

Yun Zhan couldn’t possibly make the idol come out to meet Bai Fanlu, but the problem was, he really wanted to hear Bai Fanlu’s seductive gasps during the H scene. He wanted to hear them so badly that he just couldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if it was just once. But now, when the moment came, he really couldn’t give it up…

Caught between a rock and a hard place, truly.

Meanwhile, Bai Fanlu was also thinking. Yun Zhan’s behavior had been too strange lately, and it seemed like it was time to bring out his trump card.

Bai Xiaolu: “Planner, we’re halfway through the production. How about organizing an in-person meetup for the group?”

Planner – Jian Ling: “Wow, Xiao Bai, you’re taking the initiative!”

Bai Xiaolu: “This is my first time voice acting, and everyone has been so kind and supportive, so I should invite everyone out for a gathering.”

Planner – Jian Ling: “Great! I’ll ask the group about a suitable time.”

Bai Xiaolu: “Thanks for handling it!”

Success!

A few days later, the time and location for the meetup were confirmed, and Bai Fanlu reached out to Yu Junzhao.

Bai Xiaolu: “Brother Zhao, will you be attending the meetup?”

Yu Junzhao: “I probably can’t make it; I’ll likely be on a business trip in City A around that time.”

Bai Xiaolu: “Oh, that’s a shame. I was really looking forward to meeting you. In that case… I’ll send you some videos of the event.”

Yu Junzhao: “Alright.”

Bai Xiaolu: “I might get a little clingy if I’ve had too much to drink. If I try to call you, will that disturb your rest?”

Yu Junzhao: “It won’t.”

Bai Fanlu smiled slightly, having formed a plan.

The gathering took place at a KTV, and Bai Fanlu arrived together with Yun Zhan.

Once inside the private room, most people had already arrived. After some introductions, everyone began either singing or drinking, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

Bai Fanlu sent a video of the scene to Yu Junzhao via his phone, but received no reply.

Yun Zhan was singing, and just as Bai Fanlu got up to leave, Yun Zhan, who had been watching the screen, immediately noticed and put down the microphone to approach him. “What’s wrong, brother?”

“I’m feeling a bit tipsy. It’s stuffy in here, so I’m going outside for some fresh air.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“No need, I’m going to call Brother Zhao.”

Yun Zhan hesitated in his attempt to help Bai Fanlu out of the room, then withdrew his hand and said, “Okay, go ahead. I’ll stay and hang out with everyone.”

Bai Fanlu walked out of the private room, but instead of going outside, he turned a corner behind the door and dialed a voice call on QQ.

The first call wasn’t answered, so he edited a message.

Bai Xiaolu: “Brother Zhao, are you busy? I’ve had a bit too much to drink, feeling a little dizzy. I hope I’m not bothering you…” He deliberately crafted a tone of flirtatious coyness. Sure enough, when Bai Fanlu tried calling again through QQ, the door to the private room opened, and Yun Zhan quickly stepped out, heading toward the back door.

After a moment, the call connected.

“Hello… I drank too much,” Bai Fanlu feigned drunkenness, speaking with his hand covering his mouth while quietly heading toward the back door.

“How are you? If you’ve had too much, don’t stay outside. Be careful not to catch a cold,” Yu Junzhao’s voice was calm.

“But I want to hear your voice… It’s just too noisy inside.”

“Be good, go back inside. We can talk when you get home.”

“I don’t want to… Brother Zhao… Will you come to the next meetup?”

Bai Fanlu deliberately stalled, tiptoeing forward until he spotted Yun Zhan’s back, hearing him speak in his idol’s elegant and gentle voice, “I… I’ll try.”

“Don’t you want to see me?” Bai Fanlu narrowed his eyes, his previously coquettish tone turning a bit colder.

Voice acting, huh? Who couldn’t do that?

“Of course… I want to see you.”

Oh, Yun Zhan, still playing along!

Bai Fanlu initially wanted to confront him while still holding the phone, but after a moment of thought, he changed his mind and said into the phone, “Is that so… well, alright, I’ll trust you for now. Don’t disappoint me again.”

He spoke as he slowly backed away, and after hanging up the phone, he headed to the restroom to wash his face.

Acting as if nothing had happened, Bai Fanlu returned to the private room and had some more to drink. His tolerance was quite good, so he was only mildly tipsy, while most of the others were already quite drunk.

Yun Zhan stayed outside for a while before coming back, having not drunk any alcohol because he was driving.

By the time the gathering ended, it was already 11 p.m. Yun Zhan dropped off three others at their homes before taking Bai Fanlu home last. The other three were far more intoxicated, while Bai Fanlu was still somewhat sober.

After driving around the city for a while, Bai Fanlu, sitting in the front passenger seat, was starting to drift off.

When they arrived, Bai Fanlu woke up slightly, groggily opening the car door. As he tried to get up, he was tugged back—he hadn’t unfastened his seatbelt.

“I got it,” Yun Zhan leaned over to unbuckle the seatbelt for him. “There, it’s done.”

As Yun Zhan was withdrawing his hand from around Bai Fanlu’s waist, his hand was suddenly caught. Yun Zhan looked up, only to meet a pair of seductive eyes.

“Do you want… to come up for a bit?”

In the middle of the night, “coming up” had a different connotation.

Even though Yun Zhan knew where Bai Fanlu lived, this was his first time entering his home.

The door closed behind them, and just as Yun Zhan was about to ask if he should take off his shoes, he felt someone press up against him from behind.

He thought Bai Fanlu was too drunk to stand properly, so he turned to help him.

Unexpectedly, Bai Fanlu grabbed Yun Zhan’s tie, hooked an arm around his neck, and pulled him down for a kiss.

Yun Zhan’s eyes widened in shock, his hands unsure of where to go.

But Bai Fanlu seemed to miss his mark, his lips brushing past Yun Zhan’s cheek as his body softened. “I feel so dizzy…”

Yun Zhan quickly recovered, scooping Bai Fanlu into his arms and pressing him against the wall with a swift turn.

The hallway light hadn’t been turned on, leaving only a sliver of soft moonlight filtering in from the living room balcony.

Just as their lips were about to meet, Yun Zhan stopped a mere inch away.

Bai Fanlu looked up, his eyes glistening with the effects of alcohol, a smile playing at the corners of his lips, his lashes heavy as if coated in mist, making them appear so fragile they might dissolve at a touch.

Yun Zhan’s breathing grew shallow, and he swallowed hard before asking, “Brother, do you still recognize me?”

Bai Fanlu’s fingers brushed against Yun Zhan’s temple. “Of course I do, you’re… Yun Zhan…”

Yun Zhan stared into his eyes. “Which Yun Zhan?”

“Which? Who else could it be…” Bai Fanlu’s expression showed a hint of confusion as his fingers traced from Yun Zhan’s temple to his earlobe, and then to his eyes.

Those eyes, so deep they seemed capable of drawing a person in, were focused on him with such intensity that they left no room for anything else. It made Bai Fanlu forget about anyone or anything else.

Senior brother, if I told you I had my reasons, would you believe me?

Senior brother, from beginning to end, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved.

Senior brother, don’t forget me again.

Senior brother, I’ll always be by your side, always.

Senior brother, trust me.

Trust… trust me…

Alright, I’ll trust you!

Suddenly, Bai Fanlu wrapped his arms around Yun Zhan, and this time, he accurately kissed those lips.

Yun Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly, his hand tightening around Bai Fanlu’s waist, but he held himself back from responding.

As the awkward yet intentional kiss finally broke, the air between them still tingling with intimacy, Yun Zhan asked, “Brother… why did you kiss me?”

“Why? Well… it’s hard to say…” Bai Fanlu’s eyes sparkled with mischief, his cheeks flushed, teasing him playfully.

Yun Zhan’s gaze darkened, but before he could say anything, Bai Fanlu added, “But, I can write it for you…”

His fingers trailed down Yun Zhan’s tie, stopping at his chest, where he traced ten deliberate strokes.

Yun Zhan froze.

Bai Fanlu laughed softly, leaning close to whisper three words into his ear…

In the small one-bedroom apartment, the bedroom was only a few steps from the entryway.

Yet the two entangled figures took a long time to stumble their way from the living room to the bed.

Just as Yun Zhan pinned Bai Fanlu down, the latter, who had been playing along the whole time, suddenly stopped him.

“What’s wrong?” Yun Zhan asked hoarsely.

Bai Fanlu blinked his alcohol-laden eyes, staring at him intently, and even licked his lips—the very lips that had just shared a kiss, now glistening and full.

His heart raced.

Yun Zhan thought, if Bai Fanlu told him to stop now, he’d lose his mind.

“Let me hear it… If you can pant in a way that makes my heart race like my idol, I’ll let you continue. Otherwise… you’ll see it, but you won’t get to taste it…”

Yun Zhan looked down at Bai Fanlu, understanding what he meant from the glint in his eyes.

Bai Fanlu shifted slightly, striking a pose.

“Honesty gets leniency, resistance gets severity… Don’t let this cooked duck fly away… Ah Zhan…”

Accompanying his bold actions, the words “leniency” and “severity” took on an intoxicatingly suggestive tone.

And that final trembling “Ah Zhan,” if he could still hold back after that, he truly wouldn’t be a man.

Yun Zhan leaned in close to Bai Fanlu’s ear, speaking in that legendary deep, seductive voice that could make anyone melt.

“Ah Li, how dare you provoke this God? Such boldness… For a mischievous spirit like you, the only solution is to teach you… my seven rounds of divine prowess.”

“Heh… Then let’s see what you’ve got, shall we?”