RPAGF Chapter 158 Breaking Through Relationships
Chapter 158 Breaking Through Relationships
Chapter 158 Breaking Through Relationships
The filming of the final few shots of "Lucy" today was completed in an atmosphere filled with a light and joyful, bubbly feeling.
News from the set spread like wildfire: "Liu Yifei's film has been nominated for the Venice Film Festival's main competition" was like a happy bomb dropped into a calm lake, making everyone feel proud.
Liu Yifei's condition was peculiar; her eyes still had a slight redness from excitement, and the tip of her nose was slightly wrinkled.
At this moment, her eyes were unusually bright and focused, even sharper than usual.
It was as if a new power within her enabled her to accurately grasp the calmness and compassion of the character "Lucy" after undergoing brain development, even when she was in the center of a huge vortex of surprise.
Luc Besson, behind the monitor, stroked his chin and whispered praise to the assistant director beside him, his tone carrying the exaggerated characteristic of the French.
"MonDieu! Look at those eyes! Pain and transcendence coexist, vulnerability and strength intertwine! Venice made the right choice!"
Liu isn't working right now; she's enjoying the performance, burning herself out! This kind of state is rare and precious!
Finally, after filming a close-up shot of Liu Yifei's subtle expression shifting from confusion to understanding, Luc Besson shouted his final, resounding "Cut! Parfait!" with satisfaction.
As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Yifei almost instantly snapped out of the detached state of "Lucy" who looked down on all living beings.
She blinked, let out a long breath as if a huge burden had been lifted, and then a bright, slightly childlike and silly smile, like sunlight breaking through the clouds, suddenly bloomed on her face!
"Thank you, director! Thank you everyone!" She first bowed deeply to Luc Besson and the crew, her voice rising slightly with excitement, clear and melodious.
Then, her eyes searched eagerly through the crowd, and when she saw the figure who had been quietly smiling at her, her eyes instantly curved into crescent moons.
She didn't bother to remove her makeup properly, just wiped her face haphazardly with the wet wipes her assistant handed her, took off her costume jacket to reveal a simple white T-shirt underneath, and flew towards Jiang Yu like a bird eager to return home.
Her high heels tapped out a rapid and cheerful rhythm on the concrete ground. Along the way, people kept saying "Congratulations" and "That's great!" She just nodded hurriedly and responded with a bright smile, "Thank you," but her feet never stopped moving.
She ran up to Jiang Yu, slightly out of breath, her cheeks flushed with a healthy rosy glow from excitement and exercise. She looked up at him, her eyes shining brightly, as if filled with starlight.
She didn't say anything, but simply reached out her hands naturally and grasped Jiang Yu's hands tightly, her fingertips conveying the surging joy and excitement in her heart.
Jiang Yu took her slightly cool hand in his own; his palm was warm and dry, carrying a reassuring strength.
He nodded to the several crew members who were smiling at him, and then let her pull him away, almost "escaping" from the lively area surrounded by blessings.
I sat in that familiar black Volvo SUV, and the door slammed shut, instantly shutting out the noise and commotion of the photography studio.
The car quieted down, with only the low, steady hum of the air conditioning system and the still-breathing sounds of the two people.
Liu Yifei did not immediately ask Jiang Yu to drive.
She didn't even wear a seatbelt; she just turned around and almost knelt on the wide passenger seat, facing Jiang Yu.
She gripped his arm tightly with both hands, as if otherwise she would be swept away by the immense joy.
Her eyes were wide open, staring at him without blinking, as if she wanted to confirm once again a dream that had fallen from the sky and was so beautiful it was unbelievable.
"Jiang Yu————" she began, her voice trembling slightly, a lingering trace of excitement, or perhaps a cautious tremor as if afraid of disturbing a beautiful dream.
"You—you say it again? Loudly, with absolute certainty! Black Swan—it really made it to Venice? In the main competition? I—Liu Yifei—really did it? I'm not hallucinating from exhaustion on set, right?"
She spoke rapidly, asking one question after another, but her eyes shone with an increasingly intense light, almost overflowing.
Jiang Yu chuckled at her rare childlike behavior and a series of questions. He reached out and cupped her slightly flushed cheeks, which were flushed with excitement. Then, he gently pinched her soft face with just the right amount of pressure.
"Ouch—it hurts a little!" Liu Yifei wrinkled her nose and cried out honestly, but her eyes suddenly brightened even more.
"It's good that it hurts." Jiang Yu leaned down and quickly kissed her slightly pouting lips, then pressed his forehead against hers, looking into her eyes with deep and firm eyes, and said each word clearly and distinctly.
"Listen, Ms. Liu Yifei. It's true, absolutely true, and the global media is reporting on it. Your film, 'Black Swan,' has been nominated for the main competition at the 66th Venice International Film Festival. You did it. This isn't a dream; it's an honor you earned through hard work."
His voice was not loud, but steady and powerful; every word was like a hammer, firmly nailing this honor into reality.
Upon receiving this unequivocal confirmation once again, Liu Yifei's wildly beating heart seemed to finally find its anchor and settle back into solid ground.
Immediately afterwards, an even stronger and more intense wave of joy overwhelmed her completely!
"Ah—!!!" She could no longer hold back and let out a short, excited scream, not out of fear, but out of pure joy.
The next second, she pounced into Jiang Yu's arms like a small cannonball, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck with such force that Jiang Yu almost fell backward.
She kissed his cheeks, chin, earlobes, and finally, heavily, on his lips, a flurry of passionate, unstructured kisses, like a little animal finally receiving a long-awaited candy, eager to share and confirm this sweetness.
"That's great! That's great! Jiang Yu! Jiang Yu!" She kissed him while calling his name indistinctly, tears welling up again, hot and soaking his neck and shirt collar.
But her mouth was stretched into a wide grin, like a child who had just received a perfect score. "Thank you! Thank you so much! Without you, I—"
She choked up, unable to speak, and simply hugged him tighter, as if he were the sole center of her happy universe at that moment.
Jiang Yu steadily caught her full weight as she pounced on him, letting her cry and laugh and playfully kiss him in his arms.
His arms encircled her slender waist and back, holding her firmly in his embrace, his eyes overflowing with doting affection.
Pride and gentleness.
He could completely understand her loss of composure at that moment; this honor meant far too much to her.
It is not just a film festival ticket, but also an affirmation and crowning from the world's highest level of art institution for her perseverance in resolutely stepping out of her comfort zone, bravely taking on complex roles, enduring the pain of transformation and external doubts.
Once her intense emotional outburst had subsided and she was only nestled in his arms, sobbing softly, Jiang Yu gently stroked her slender back, like stroking a kitten's fur, and whispered in her ear.
"Fool, why are you thanking me? The script was written by the screenwriter, and you played the role yourself. What moved the judges was the complex, tormented, and captivating Lin Xin you portrayed on screen. All I did was happen to have the vision, believe that you could handle the role, and then, naturally, send this gem to the stage where it could shine the brightest."
"I still have to thank you! A good eye is also a form of strength!" Liu Yifei raised her head, her nose and eyes were red, like a wronged yet happy little rabbit, but her eyes were unusually stubborn and bright.
"And—you have no idea how excited and scared I was when I first saw the script for 'Black Swan'—you were the one who kept telling me you could...you could—"
She remembered how he shielded her from unnecessary troubles and pressures, creating a peaceful environment for her to create, and her voice choked up again, "Anyway, you deserve most of the credit! No arguments allowed!"
Seeing her tear-streaked face yet her self-righteous and illogical arguments, Jiang Yu couldn't help but laugh out loud. He gently wiped away the tear stains on her cheeks with his fingertips and then rubbed her red nose.
"Okay, okay, I accept. I'm benefiting from our big star Liu's fame. But, big star, if you keep crying like this, your eyes will be swollen like peaches tomorrow. Director Luc will probably come to my house with his camera, questioning me about whether I bullied his Venice leading lady."
"Pfft!!" Liu Yifei burst into laughter through her tears at his exaggerated statement, lightly punching his chest. "Who's yours—"
""
The title "Venice Heroine" still made her feel incredibly sweet, and the remaining grievances and excitement transformed into purer joy.
She sniffed, sat up straight from his lap, and looked at him with bright, clear eyes that still held the clarity of her recent tears and a renewed sparkle.
"So how are we going to celebrate? Jiang Yu, I feel like I could eat a whole cow! No, I'm going to celebrate! Celebrate like crazy!"
Jiang Yu watched as she instantly switched from a sentimental tearful girl to an energetic celebratory mode, his smile deepening. "How do you want to celebrate? My soon-to-be Best Actress has spoken; you're the boss today."
The words "potential Best Actress" made Liu Yifei's face flush again. This time, she didn't refute it, but instead thought about it seriously, her fingers unconsciously twisting the buttons on Jiang Yu's shirt.
"Hmm—first, I need to go home! Back to Beverly Hills! That's where I feel most comfortable! And then—"
Her eyes lit up with the excitement of a foodie discovering a treasure. "I want hot pot! The most authentic Chongqing beef tallow hot pot! The kind that makes you sweat from the spiciness! And—and a little bit of wine! Just a tiny bit, to liven things up! To celebrate my—um, conquering Venice!"
She raised her chin and made a "go!" gesture, looking both charming and adorable, exuding a more outgoing confidence and liveliness.
"Okay, whatever you say." Jiang Yu readily agreed, helped her fasten her seatbelt, buckled his own, and started the car. "But you really can only have a little bit of alcohol. Celebration is fine, but we can't let it interfere with tomorrow—oh, maybe we can rest tomorrow?" He gave her a meaningful look.
Liu Yifei was completely immersed in the joy of the celebration and didn't think much about the deeper meaning in his words. She waved her hand generously and said, "I know, Butler Jiang! I'll only have a little bit! I promise it won't affect my performance!"
The car drove towards Beverly Hills.
The afterglow of the setting sun painted the horizon a magnificent golden-red, which danced on Liu Yifei's still excited face through the car window.
She stopped looking out the window and turned to the side, staring almost unblinkingly at Jiang Yu who was driving, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at him.
The smile on his lips never faded; he would occasionally chuckle to himself and then start daydreaming.
"Venice—I've looked at pictures, it's so beautiful, the houses are all in the water—what's it like walking the red carpet? Is it very long? Will director Darren Cage come along? —Oh dear, should I start controlling my diet now? Red carpet dresses are definitely very figure-dependent—"
She chattered on and on, asking one question after another, filled with anticipation for the unknown journey and a touch of endearing nervousness.
Jiang Yu listened patiently, occasionally glancing at her while waiting at a red light, his gaze so tender it could melt hearts.
He would offer suggestions as needed: "The dress and styling team has already prepared several options, you can take a look when you get back. Don't be afraid of the Italian interview, there will be an accompanying translator. You can also prepare a few simple remarks to show your confidence and politeness."
The key is to experience the film festival atmosphere, watch other excellent films, interact with filmmakers, and enjoy the process.
"Mmm!" Liu Yifei nodded vigorously, taking notes like a good student, then couldn't help but laugh, "Jiang Yu, I feel like I'm dreaming—no, it's even more beautiful than a dream!"
When Jiang Yu returned to his villa, nestled deep in Beverly Hills and hidden among the green trees, his well-trained Filipino maid, Maria, had already been notified and had everything prepared.
On the long dining table in the restaurant, a Chinese-style induction cooker hot pot with a powerful downdraft ventilation system was already in place, the copper pot gleaming.
The area next to it was practically a mini food expo: top-quality Kobe Wagyu beef and Australian Wagyu beef sliced as thin as cicada wings with perfect marbling.
Freshly air-shipped Iberian black pork belly rolls with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat; handmade, bouncy shrimp paste and beef balls filled with molten cheese.
Liu Yifei also specifically requested the "Hot Pot Trio"—freshly cleaned tripe, beef aorta, and duck intestines—which are essential and must be included.
"Wow! Maria! You're an angel!" Liu Yifei cheered upon seeing the crowd. Her foodie instincts instantly overwhelmed everything, and even Venice temporarily took a backseat.
She leaned closer to the table, pointing at the tripe like a child: "This! This tastes best when blanched for ten seconds!"
Pointing to the shrimp paste, she said, "These should be saved for last, so they can soak up all the broth!"
Jiang Yu smiled and shook his head. He went to the Hengwen wine cellar and took a bottle of Burgundy Pinot Noir with soft tannins, as well as a small bottle of low-alcohol fruity sake. He remembered that she liked this sweet taste and knew that she actually had a low alcohol tolerance.
The bubbling red oil instantly filled the restaurant with the rich aroma of butter and various spices, dispelling the usual chill of the villa.
The two sat facing each other in a top-tier mansion in Los Angeles, enjoying the most down-to-earth and unrestrained Chinese feast.
Liu Yifei completely let loose, hissing and gasping for breath from the spiciness, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. Her lips were red and swollen from the spiciness, but she still couldn't stop eating, excitedly planning her Venice trip while she ate. From potential questions from reporters to other films she wanted to see in competition, and whether she should take the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Italy—
Most of the time, Jiang Yu just listened, smiled, and occasionally served her food, or offered her a slice of sweet watermelon when she was jumping up and down from the spiciness.
He enjoyed her unreserved happiness and silently noted down her wildly imaginative ideas.
After a few cups of sake, Liu Yifei's fair cheeks gradually flushed an alluring rosy hue, like a ripe peach.
Her eyes began to become hazy and soft, she talked more, and her voice took on a sweet, drunken quality and a hint of vulnerability rarely seen in her usual self.
"Jiang Yu————" She suddenly put down her chopsticks, rested her chin on her hand, looked at him with a slightly unfocused gaze, and said in a soft voice, "You know, Jiang Yu's hand holding the food paused slightly, and his heartstrings were gently plucked."
He knew about that period, but she never brought up the details herself.
"So many hurtful things said—" Liu Yifei's eyes dimmed, but a stubborn smile still lingered on her lips, as if she were talking about someone else. "They said I'm a wooden beauty, my acting hasn't improved in ten years, they said I only rely on my face, they said I'm a resource-backed actress, damn it—"
"Rely on the Godfather—"
She paused, then shook her head, as if trying to shake off those unpleasant memories. "My mom told me not to watch it, and my agent also tried to stop me—"
But I still couldn't help it—watching it felt like a huge stone was lodged in my heart, heavy, suffocating, and painful.
Jiang Yu put down his chopsticks, and through the rising steam of the hot pot, reached out and tightly grasped her hand that was resting on the table.
"They don't know anything!" Liu Yifei suddenly raised her voice, her words filled with drunken frankness and indignation. Her eyes were wide open, glistening with tears, whether from the alcohol or from grievances, it was hard to tell.
"I've also had my moments of giving it my all! In those fight scenes in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' and 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' I was suspended by wires, tumbling and rolling in the air, getting bruises all over my body. The bruises on my knees and elbows took a long time to fade! I've also tried to let go of my inhibitions and be funny, to be down-to-earth—but it seems like they can't see that! They only want to see the fairy-like image they want to see," and then they say I only know one expression!
Her voice choked with emotion, and pent-up grievances burst forth like a flood, "I've doubted myself too—"
Is it true that I can only play those ethereal, otherworldly characters? Do I really lack acting talent? Can I really only rely on my looks, on—on others?
She spoke the last few words softly and urgently, with a deep sense of self-mockery and hurt.
"Sisi—" Jiang Yu felt as if his heart was being squeezed tightly by a hand, and he felt extremely distressed.
He wanted to say something, but Liu Yifei shook her head, wiped her eyes with the back of her free hand, took a deep breath, looked at him, and her eyes gradually became clear and firm, even carrying a do-or-die courage.
"But!" she said forcefully, as if declaring to her past self and to those unseen doubters, "I don't believe it! I'm determined to try! That's why when I saw the script for 'Black Swan,' I desperately wanted to seize the opportunity, even though I was terrified, I still wanted to act! I want to prove that I, Liu Yifei, am not just what you think I am!"
Her voice grew louder and stronger, and tears silently streamed down her face. They were no longer tears of grievance, but tears of relief and pride after breaking through the fog and recognizing herself.
"Now—Venice tells me I made the right choice! I did it!" She cried, yet her smile was incredibly radiant. She grabbed the half-empty cup of sake in front of her, tilted her head back, and downed it in one gulp. She coughed from the spiciness, but still stubbornly looked at Jiang Yu. "Jiang Yu, I did it, didn't I?"
"Yes! You did it! You did a wonderful job!" Jiang Yu affirmed without hesitation, got up and walked to her side, gently pulling her into his arms.
She cried unrestrainedly in his arms, no longer a suppressed sob, but a cathartic release, washing away all the depression, resentment, and self-doubt that had accumulated over the past two years, fueled by alcohol and joy.
Jiang Yu simply held her and gently patted her back, as if comforting a child who had been wronged but had finally found someone to rely on.
His voice carried a reassuring power: "Those noises have never mattered. What matters is knowing what you want and having the courage to fight for it and persevere. Now, the world's most discerning film festival juries are telling the world through their selections that Liu Yifei is a good actress who deserves to be taken seriously. Time will prove everything, and Venice has already given its answer."
His words were like the warmest spring, soothing her excited and trembling heart.
Liu Yifei cried for a while, then gradually stopped, raised her head, and looked at Jiang Yu who was so close to her with teary eyes.
Alcohol, the extreme emotional release, and the unreserved support and understanding from the man in front of her filled her with indescribable emotion and a bold impulse.
She reached out, her fingertips still cool from the tears, and gently traced his handsome brow bone and high nose bridge, finally resting on his warm lower lip.
Her eyes were dreamy, yet strangely clear, carrying a reckless invitation.
"Jiang Yu—" Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear, carrying the aroma of wine and the slight spiciness of hot pot, brushing against his lips, "I'm a little dizzy—I smell like hot pot all over me, it's awful—you—"
She paused, her cheeks flushed crimson, but her eyes remained fixed on him, unwavering, as if she had summoned all her courage. "Will you carry me to the bath? Right now?"
These words were like a spark falling into a pile of dry wood that was already teeming with undercurrents.
Jiang Yu's eyes suddenly turned as deep as night, and all his restraint, patience, and pent-up desire were completely ignited at this moment by the unparalleled courage and invitation in her eyes.
He knew, of course, that she was drunk, but the intoxication did not cloud her mind. Instead, it made her shed her usual shyness and concerns, revealing her truest and most straightforward inner self.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice was hoarse, sounding unlike his own: "Sissi, are you sure? Do you know what this means?"
"I know."
Liu Yifei's answer was surprisingly quick. She even slightly raised her chin to meet his intensely piercing gaze. Although her cheeks were burning and her heart was pounding, her tone carried a desperate and frank determination, "I don't want to wait any longer. I don't want any more 'rushing.' Jiang Yu, I love you. Right now, right here, I want to be with you. Completely."
The last few words, like the most precise key, unlocked the last shackles in Jiang Yu's heart.
Without further hesitation, Jiang Yu quickly and forcefully lifted her from the chair into his arms!
His movements were even somewhat hasty, but thankfully he managed to protect her steadily.
Liu Yifei gasped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her burning cheeks in the firm crook of his neck.
She could feel the strength of his bulging arm muscles and hear his heart pounding as fast as her own.
Are you scared? A little rushed. Are you nervous? A lot.
More than anything, there is the calm acceptance of the dust settling down, and the excitement of stepping into a new era of fear and anticipation.
Jiang Yu carried her and they walked briskly up the spiral staircase covered with a soft carpet, heading towards their master bedroom on the third floor.
His steps were steady yet hurried, as if he were holding the most precious and fragile thing in the world, and he was eager to explore the deepest secrets of the treasure.
Only one floor lamp was turned on in the bedroom, casting a warm yellow glow that enveloped the luxurious space in a hazy, ambiguous atmosphere.
Jiang Yu gently placed her on the velvet bedspread in the center of the bed. Her silk shirt had come undone slightly from the movement, revealing her slender, fair waist and delicate collarbone, which shimmered alluringly in the dim light.
Liu Yifei lay on her back, her chest rising and falling slightly with nervousness and anticipation.
She watched as Jiang Yuxi stood by the bed, taking off his coat, which was stained with the scent of fire and Buddha, and unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt.
His gaze was fixed on her, deep and unfathomable like an ancient pool, churning with a burning desire she had never seen before, like an invisible net that tightly enveloped her.
He leaned down, placing his hands on either side of her body, trapping her within his breath and shadow.
Their noses almost touched, their breaths mingling passionately.
He gave her one last chance, the only chance for Ling to change her mind, "Qianqian, if you say stop now, I'll immediately go and run your bath, and then you can sleep obediently in the guest room."
His patience and respect acted like the most powerful catalyst, instead igniting an unprecedented courage and initiative within Liu Yifei.
She didn't say anything, but simply reached out her arm, hooked it around his neck, pulled him towards her, and then tilted her head back to kiss his lips.
The kiss was no longer awkward, no longer hesitant!
Heavy breathing, and their hearts beating faster and faster...
After an unknown amount of time, the two gradually calmed down.
Liu Yifei felt weak all over and had no strength to pull the silk, like a dehydrated fish trying to pull its tail.
Wu collapsed onto Jiang Yu's equally sweat-drenched chest, panting heavily.
Jiang Yu's arms were still tightly wrapped around her waist, and his hands unconsciously and absentmindedly caressed her smooth back, calming his equally heavy breathing.
Neither of them spoke, they simply embraced in silence.
After a long while, Liu Yifei stirred gently in his arms, her voice soft and seductive, carrying a hint of post-coital languor and a touch of coquettishness: "Sticky—uncomfortable—and smells like fire—"
Jiang Yu chuckled softly. He carefully got up, wrapped her tightly in the soft, thin blanket beside him, like wrapping a precious silkworm cocoon, then casually put on his own pajama pants, and then steadily picked her up along with the blanket, carrying her towards the bathroom connected to the bedroom.
The intelligent constant temperature system had already filled the huge jacuzzi with hot water at just the right temperature, with soothing bath salts and a few fresh rose petals floating on the surface.
Jiang Yu carefully placed her into the water, and the warm water instantly enveloped their tired yet excited bodies, bringing ultimate relaxation.
He let her lean against him, took a soft natural sponge, squeezed on some white-scented shower gel, and gently wiped her down, from her beautiful swan-like neck to her smooth shoulders and arms, to her smooth back, and then to her straight, long legs—
Liu Yifei closed her eyes, letting the warm water and the gentle caress of the man behind her envelop her, her body and mind relaxing to an unprecedented degree.
An unprecedented sense of security and belonging washed over my entire body with the flow of water.
After carefully washing Liang Yi clean, Jiang Yu used a wide, soft bath towel to dry every drop of water off her body, and then put a smooth, cool, solid-color silk nightgown on her before carrying her back to the bedroom.
Jiang Yu tucked her into the fluffy quilt, then lay down himself, pulling her into his arms from behind, their bodies perfectly aligned.
Liu Yifei snuggled against him, finding the most comfortable position. The scent of his shower gel, the same as hers, lingered around her nose. Her heavy eyelids could no longer stay open, and she almost instantly drifted into a sweet dream, a satisfied and sweet smile unconsciously curving her lips.
The next morning, Liu Yifei was awakened by her body's biological clock and a slightly sore and swollen feeling in a certain area.
First, consciousness returned and his eyes cleared. The events of the previous night flashed before his eyes: from the ecstasy in Nice, the boisterous celebration at the bonfire, to the drunken outpouring, and finally, that intimate embrace that exhausted all his strength—
Every detail flashed through her mind like a high-definition movie, so clear that it instantly made her blush from her ears to her neck.
She—did she really do it? So brave, you could even say—wild?
Liu Yifei felt her whole body burning up. She instinctively tried to bury herself in the pillow, but found herself tightly encircled in a strong arm, her back pressed against the warm, firm chest.
She cautiously and very slowly opened one eye, observing through the gap in her eyelashes.
Jiang Yu seemed to still be asleep, his breathing even and long, and the warm breath he exhaled brushed against the back of her neck, arousing a slight shiver in her.
She didn't move, but simply felt it quietly.
The discomfort in her body was real, especially in that private area, where a slight ache and stinging sensation clearly reminded her of the frenzy and intimacy of the previous night.
Strangely, she felt no regret or annoyance whatsoever; instead, she felt a sense of peace and a profound, almost overflowing, happiness.
She recalled how, when she occasionally discussed this topic with friends in the industry, they would hesitate and give her mysterious smiles. At the time, she only felt shy and confused, but now she had a personal understanding of it.
She quietly buried her burning cheeks deeper into the pillow, but her body involuntarily pressed itself closer to the warmth emanating from behind her.
At that moment, the arm around her waist moved, and then a voice with a unique husky and languid magnetic quality, characteristic of someone just awakened, rang in her ear.
"You're awake? How are you feeling? Is there anything that's particularly uncomfortable?"
Liu Yifei's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, then slowly relaxed, but she didn't turn around. She just made a barely audible "hmm" sound, as soft as a mosquito's hum, carrying a hint of post-coital embarrassment.
"It's...it's okay...it's just a little...sour."
Jiang Yu chuckled softly, then gently turned her around to face him.
In the morning light, her cheeks were flushed like the sunset, and her eyes darted away, avoiding his gaze.
Her long eyelashes trembled like startled butterfly wings, her lips were slightly swollen, bearing the marks of being thoroughly loved, and she exuded a fatal attraction of a seductive charm after her first time, making his heart heat up and his Adam's apple bob involuntarily.
He lowered his head and placed a gentle good morning kiss on her smooth forehead, his voice husky with morning ache and tenderness.
"If you're feeling unwell, just rest today and don't go to the set. I've told Luc to hurry up and adjust the filming schedule."
"Huh? Taking leave?" Liu Yifei was stunned. Thinking of the film crew and the schedule, she shook her head unconsciously, her voice a little hesitant, "It probably won't work—Director Lu Ke's schedule is very tight, and I—"
"There's nothing wrong with it." Jiang Yu's tone was gentle yet authoritative, his fingers lightly brushing away the slightly disheveled strands of hair near her cheek. "Your main scenes are almost finished filming recently. All that's left is some reshoots and scenes with supporting characters. Adjusting your schedule won't affect the overall production. Given your current condition..."
He glanced meaningfully at her flushed face and slightly tired but moist eyes, "You need to rest more. Be good."
The last two words carried an undeniable gentle dominance, yet strangely, they made Liu Yifei feel sweet inside, soothing her sense of responsibility.
She did feel a bit sluggish, and a certain discomfort reminded her that she needed to slow down.
She pouted slightly and muttered softly, "Then—how are you going to tell the director? You can't exactly say I—"
"Don't worry, leave it to me." Jiang Yu kissed her nose reassuringly, reached for the phone on the bedside table, and dialed Luc Besson's number directly in fluent French.
"Bonjour, Luke. It's me—yes, there's something I can trouble you with. Liu isn't feeling well today and needs to take the day off—yes, it's not convenient, he needs to rest—just a little, you understand. Yes—thank you for understanding, let's film the other scenes first, um, he should be better by tomorrow—okay, goodbye."
On the other end of the phone, Luc Besson's hearty laughter, tinged with understanding and a touch of teasing, seemed to be heard. One could even faintly hear him quickly saying something in French to someone next to him, which elicited a burst of laughter.
Jiang Yuling smiled and replied a few words before hanging up the phone.
"Director Luc—what did he say?"
Although Liu Yifei couldn't understand the specifics, the undisguised laughter and Jiang Yu's affection made her so embarrassed that she wanted to bury herself under the covers again. Her cheeks were so hot they could fry an egg on them. "Did he guess? He definitely guessed! It's all your fault—the whole crew knows—how am I going to face Yi tomorrow—"
"So what if you know?" Jiang Yu said dismissively, laughing as he pulled back the blanket she was trying to cover her face. Looking into her teary, embarrassed eyes, he said, "We're perfectly innocent, in love, what's there to hide? He even told me to take good care of his Black Swan, so as not to ruin the red carpet moment in Nice."
"You still dare to talk!" Liu Yifei was so embarrassed that she clenched her weak fist and punched his chest, but Jiang Yuyi grabbed it and kissed it.
"Alright, I'm not teasing you anymore. Are you hungry? I'll go make you something to eat, and then you can take a good nap," Jiang Yu asked softly.
"—Hmm, I'm a little hungry." Liu Yifei nodded firmly. After last night's physical exertion and emotional ups and downs, her stomach was indeed empty.
Jiang Yu stole another kiss on her lips before getting up from the bed.
He was only wearing pajama bottoms, his muscular upper body completely exposed to the morning light. His muscles were well-defined and powerful, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and clearly defined abs. There were also a few faint red marks on his back from when she had unconsciously left them the night before.
Liu Yifei glanced at it secretly, her heart skipped a beat, and her face turned even redder. She quickly looked away, pretending to study the embroidery pattern on the quilt.
After washing up, Jiang Yu went straight to Lou Gu's kitchen.
Liu Yifei slowly got up. She was still sore, but it was bearable.
She walked into the luxurious bathroom attached to the master bedroom and stared blankly at the female lead in the mirror. Her eyes were full of spring, her skin glowed with a healthy rosy luster, and her eyes and brows were tinged with the soft and charming style of someone who had been thoroughly pampered and nourished.
Is this the change that comes with becoming a true leading lady? It seems that—not only her body, but even her eyes have changed somewhat. She has lost some of the girlish naivety and hesitation, and gained more of a calm charm and certainty.
She looked at herself in the mirror and slowly revealed a sweet, slightly smug smile.
After she finished washing up and changed into comfortable and soft cotton loungewear, she slowly walked up the spiral staircase while holding onto the handrail. The air was filled with the warm and enticing aroma of rice porridge, mixed with a faint, sweet scent of fermented rice wine.
In the open kitchen, Jiang Yu was wearing a dark blue linen apron, his back to her, intently watching the stove fire.
The morning light streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling window beside him, casting a soft golden glow on his tall figure.
The millet porridge in the Buddha village is cooked until it is golden and thick, bubbling with tiny bubbles.
In the little Buddha statue next to it, the sweet rice balls in fermented rice wine are already cooked. The white glutinous rice balls float in the clear, slightly yellow fermented rice wine soup, garnished with a few bright red goji berries and golden egg drop soup, making it look incredibly appetizing.
This scene, filled with the warmth and ordinariness of home, formed a wonderful and harmonious contrast with the Nice honor she had just experienced and the intense passion of the previous night, making Liu Yifei's heart incredibly soft and incredibly at ease.
She walked over and gently hugged Jiang Yu's waist from behind, pressing her face against his warm, firm back, inhaling the clean scent of soap and the faint aroma of porridge emanating from him.
"What delicious food are you making, Chef Jiang?" she asked in a muffled voice, her tone soft and slightly apologetic, as if she had just woken up.
"I have some millet porridge to soothe your stomach, and your favorite sweet fermented rice balls, with goji berries and egg drop soup." Jiang Yu turned his head and rubbed his cheek against her hair. "It'll be ready soon, go sit at the table and wait."
"No, I'll just stay here and watch, and learn from Aunt Jiang's unique breakfast recipe." Liu Yifei refused to move, wrapping her arms even tighter.
Jiang Yu smiled and let her cling to his back like a koala. His hands moved quickly and skillfully, ladling the porridge and glutinous rice balls into two exquisite bone china bowls.
Soon, two steaming bowls of fragrant breakfast were served on the table covered with a linen tablecloth.
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