Playing Along with My Wife

Song Mingzhou replied coldly, [Are you hoping something happened to him? Want to see him go crazy and torture me to death?]

[No.] 527 guiltily rubbed its nose. [That was the original plot. He didn't break his leg, so will that affect his descent into darkness? Affect the later plot?]

[What the hell does that have to do with me? I'm just completing my mission.]

[...]

Song Mingzhou recalled the computer voice he had heard in his head earlier and chose his words carefully. [Besides, judging from that voice, the original plot has already been altered a little without us realizing it. The later developments might change too. Maybe he won't go crazy.]

527 sighed. [I don't know. I'm just a low-level supervisor.]

Listening in, Duan Xun's lips curved into a smile. Of course he would not go crazy. He did not like Shen Qing at all, and he did not care even when Shen Qing announced their relationship publicly.

Even if it had not been Shen Qing.

He would have saved that person anyway.

Just then.

Faint shouts drifted over. "Mingzhou! I see Mingzhou and the others! Shen Qing's with them too—they're all fine!"

Xiao Ziyu's booming voice carried so far that everyone heard it.

Xiao Ziyu ran over and supported Shen Qing first. Only then did he notice Duan Xun leaning against Song Mingzhou and ask with concern, "How is Teacher Duan? Is he all right?"

Song Mingzhou had been about to say he was fine.

But when he saw Shen Qing completely unscathed, Shen Qing walking perfectly normally, Song Mingzhou felt irritated and said in a cold voice,

"He's not all right. Teacher Duan is injured and needs to get to the hospital as soon as possible."

Duan Xun:?

The little brat had gotten bold, daring to arrange his schedule however he pleased.

Xiao Ziyu was startled too.

Just then, Gu Yanting rushed over and anxiously shoved Xiao Ziyu aside, taking Shen Qing from him. "How are you? Are you hurt anywhere?"

Song Mingzhou: [Pretentious bastard!]

Duan Xun: Indeed.

They all made it out safely, and no one was seriously injured. But Song Mingzhou exaggerated Duan Xun's condition so dramatically that Duan Xun wore a grim expression, neither speaking nor refuting him.

The production crew was so frightened that they immediately called an ambulance to take him to the hospital.

"I'll go with him, Director. You need to stay here and oversee things on the mountain. I'm the freest one—I have time."

The director looked at Duan Xun, who nodded.

Only then did the director say, "All right, then. Call me immediately if anything comes up."

"Okay."

The first episode had only been planned as a two-day livestream, and this was already the final segment. With this accident halfway through, the remaining livestreamed wrap-up was canceled outright.

Though the first episode had been short, it had produced plenty of usable clips.

Especially the voting on the second day. Sure enough, the audience ultimately voted Gu Yanting and Shen Qing's Dragonfly CP as the most shippable couple, putting them far in the lead.

And just like in the original plot, the scene of Gu Yanting carrying Shen Qing out spread across the internet, attracting a large crowd of CP fans.

The difference was that this time, besides those two, there was another pair: Song Mingzhou supporting Duan Xun as they emerged from the thick smoke.

They were not embracing, but Duan Xun had slightly tilted his head and lowered his gaze just as Song Mingzhou looked up. Their eyes met, sparking crackling fireworks.

One was languid and carefree; the other cool and reserved.

Together, they made an exceptionally striking sight, blending into a wholly different aura and atmosphere. The popularity of their CP spread quickly as well, drawing away a large number of fans who had originally belonged to the main pairing.

Of course.

Neither Song Mingzhou nor Duan Xun had time to pay attention to that.

Duan Xun went straight through the VIP passage to an exclusive private ward. Song Mingzhou disguised himself a little and followed him. Even if he was unpopular, he was still a public figure.

Duan Xun was not seriously hurt, so after getting checked over, he rested in the room.

Song Mingzhou knocked on the door.

The one who opened it was Duan Xun's personal assistant, Lin Cheng.

Lin Cheng nodded at him. After stepping aside to let him in, he tactfully withdrew and thoughtfully shut the door behind him.

Duan Xun sat on the bed reading.

He did not even look up.

He seemed to really like reading, Song Mingzhou thought quietly.

[Ding. Plot point triggered. The original host boldly questions Duan Xun about why he went to save Shen Qing, thereby exposing his hostility toward Shen Qing and receiving a warning from Duan Xun.]

Duan Xun's lowered lashes trembled slightly. The words before his eyes seemed unable to enter his mind anymore.

He began looking forward to how this guy would question him. Would he pretend to be pitiful? Pretend to be a big cat? Or...

Wait.

How was he supposed to warn him?

What was he supposed to warn him about?

"Gege."

The light, airy voice reached his ears, and Duan Xun responded almost instinctively, "Mm?"

Song Mingzhou had already walked to the bedside and nuzzled his head over.

Duan Xun sighed. He seemed utterly unable to resist him, reaching out tenderly to stroke his head as though petting a cat.

Song "Kitty" Mingzhou took advantage of the opening and nuzzled further into his arms.

Duan Xun tossed the book aside and pulled him onto the bed, wrapping him in his arms. His cool fingers lingered over Song Mingzhou's face, neck, and waist.

The ambiguous atmosphere grew thicker and thicker.

Song Mingzhou let out a soft breath, raised his wet puppy-dog eyes, and clutched Duan Xun's sleeve with one hand as he spoke resentfully. "Why did you save Shen Qing, Gege? He's not a good person."

Again with that—not a good person.

Duan Xun gave a soft laugh and lifted his chin. Yet the smile did not reach his eyes, which were filled with icy indifference as he said disdainfully, "We've known each other for a long time. You can't compare to him."

Thump.

Song Mingzhou felt a heavy pressure in his chest.

Of course he knew.

It was that same trite childhood sweethearts plus white moonlight script. Unfortunately, he did not hold the male lead's script. He was destined to be only a supporting character making a wedding dress for someone else.

Song Mingzhou lowered his lashes, concealing the displeasure in his eyes. "I don't like him. He could obviously walk on his own, yet he still dragged you down and nearly got you hurt. Don't save him next time. I don't like him."

He did not hide his dislike for Shen Qing.

Duan Xun's fingers suddenly tightened. An indifferent chill radiated from him, winding around and enveloping them both until Song Mingzhou got goosebumps.

Seriously?

Was he really this mentally fragile?

No wonder he went so crazy later. How pitiful.

Song Mingzhou silently felt sorry for the man gripping his chin. Then he clearly felt the hand on his chin tremble.

Then Duan Xun's ice-cold voice sounded above his head. "Remember your place. You are only my..."

At that, he paused and considered his wording. "Only my little lover. You have no right to interfere in my affairs."

Song Mingzhou softened. "Gege."

Duan Xun's Adam's apple bobbed uncontrollably, but he maintained his cold, domineering manner. "You are not allowed to touch Shen Qing. Do you understand?"

[Ding. Host Song Mingzhou's key plot point has been successfully repaired. Current mission progress: 11/100.]

Song Mingzhou broke into a brilliant smile. "I understand."

Duan Xun froze briefly, then released him.

This guy.

He could really act for the sake of some stupid mission. He had even dragged the mighty Best Actor into acting alongside him in private. If he had known, he should have made the contract more detailed last time.

Not knowing what Duan Xun was thinking, Song Mingzhou had completed his mission and was in a good mood, so his thoughts began to wander.

He stretched out one finger and traced patterns over Duan Xun's chest.

"!"

Sure enough, a strong hand fiercely seized his pale wrist. The man's oppressive presence bore down on him. "What are you doing?"

Song Mingzhou was not afraid. He blinked honestly, then lowered his gaze.