After Participating In A Love Show, Everyone Was Addicted To Cp Chapter 4

Chapter 4

On the other side, Xia Zhou, who had been brought to the filming site, was currently like a cat being held by the scruff of its neck—obedient yet stiff.

Dazzling spotlights, high-end mobile cameras floating up and down, staff members bustling about, and those gazes hidden in the shadows—all of it distracted Xia Zhou.

Come, come, Teacher Xia, look over here!

Don’t let your eyes wander, focus, relax a bit!

Just keep your hands natural, tilt your face this way, yes, yes, yes!

Now look at me! Got it, got it!

Give me a slight smile, make it natural!

Following the photographer’s instructions, Xia Zhou cooperated methodically.

Those serious yet slightly defensive expressions, paired with the cozy and warm setting and styling, created a sense of total disconnect, making the photographer scratch his head in frustration.

How should he put it? The person looked fine—handsome, even—but the resulting shots looked stiff no matter how he viewed them.

Looking at the slightly tense Xia Zhou through the lens, the photographer helplessly tapped the control panel, wondering if they should take a break to find a new creative direction.

Aiya!

Suddenly, a startled cry drew everyone’s attention.

Ling Le, wearing a facial mask, had somehow sneaked back to his throne at some point. Then, as if pushed over by something, he lost his balance and fell.

It’s fine, it’s fine, I just slipped! Carry on! Embarrassed, Ling Le apologized for the commotion as he scrambled up from the floor.

To outsiders, it looked like a restless young master had accidentally tripped. In reality, what Xia Zhou saw was a different scene.

It was a fluffy Samoyed spirit animal, currently wagging its tail happily after having knocked over its host.

Seeing Ling Le holding the big dog tightly in his arms and fiercely whispering some kind of warning, Xia Zhou’s gaze unconsciously softened.

The photographer didn’t understand what had happened, but having keenly captured the shift in Xia Zhou’s mood, he didn’t say a word and immediately began operating the control panel.

No, Xiaobai, you’re getting quite bossy now. Don’t you know to say hello when you come out? Ling Le began a new round of lecturing, holding the giant cloud-like fluff in his arms.

You have to be polite even as a spirit animal, you know? What, only you want to be close to Zhouzhou? Don’t I want to as well! And did you sneak out earlier? You’re making things very difficult for me, you know? Even if ordinary people can’t see you, don’t I need to save face in front of Zhouzhou?

The Samoyed, its movements restricted, twitched its ears. It completely ignored the nagging, its eyes bright and a smile on its face as it stared fixedly at Xia Zhou ahead.

And this isn’t like home. Don’t look over there, turn your head back… If you don’t want to be forcibly sent back, sit still.

Although the average staff member couldn’t see the spirit animal that had suddenly appeared, the mental fluctuations in the room still alerted the Special Control Center outside. Ling Le glanced indifferently at the few supervisors who had suddenly appeared in the corner, tightened his grip on his arms, and stopped speaking.

Excellent, Teacher Xia, keep that expression, yes! Don’t frown…! The photographer, immersed in the shoot, finally caught the opportunity. After a flurry of shots, he suddenly noticed Xia Zhou’s expression had turned worried.

Hiss, why does it feel like it suddenly got cold? Let’s take a break then, Teacher Xia. Coming back to his senses, the photographer realized the surroundings had suddenly become much quieter and announced a break in confusion.

As an A-grade Guide, Xia Zhou was one of the few in the White Tower who possessed both a broad mental field and high mental strength. Ever since the spirit animal appeared, Xia Zhou had keenly sensed Ling Le’s secret resistance and warning toward the supervisors.

Like a lone wolf marking its territory, it was an ability only S-grade Sentinels possessed. This released aura warned other Sentinels not to approach at will.

Xia Zhou wasn’t sure if Ling Le’s actions were intentional or a passive trigger. The experienced supervisors didn’t approach recklessly either, and the atmosphere remained at a stalemate until the photographer announced the break.

Perhaps I should try to get closer after all.

Xia Zhou observed and slowly formed a plan. However, before he could stand up, the styling team swarmed him. Some touched up his makeup while others fixed his hair. The star treatment briefly trapped Xia Zhou on set again, though fortunately, it didn’t take long.

Thank you for your hard work. After briefly thanking the staff, Xia Zhou freed himself and immediately walked toward Ling Le.

His clear goal and steady pace made Ling Le’s eyelid twitch, and he instantly forced Xiaobai back into his sea of consciousness.

A flash of disappointment crossed Xia Zhou’s eyes at not being able to get a closer look at Ling Le’s spirit animal. However, he quickly composed himself and started the conversation.

Is it convenient to schedule a time with you, Young Master Ling?

Xiao Ling, Xiao Le, Lele, Ling-zai, A-Ling… any of those. You can call me whatever you want. Hearing Xia Zhou’s question, Ling Le was first startled, then looked a bit aggrieved. But don’t call me Young Master Ling, okay?

Xia Zhou was stunned, not expecting Ling Le’s point of concern to be so abstract.

Although he didn’t care much about titles, seeing the young master’s pitiful gaze, Xia Zhou felt inexplicably soft-hearted.

Then… A-Ling.

Great! Then I’ll call you Zhouzhou. I’m free, definitely free! Zhouzhou, you can do whatever you want! Hearing Xia Zhou call his name so intimately, Ling Le’s eyes lit up, and he nodded excitedly.

Then… shall we add each other’s contact info? I’ll message you then.

Thus, both parties happily exchanged contact information, and the short break ended.

Xia Zhou was called back to the set. This time, his performance was significantly better than before. The photographer attributed this phenomenon to the company of a lover.

On one side, someone wouldn’t even do their own styling but insisted on watching over their partner’s shoot. On the other side, someone who seemed cold and aloof had those uncontrollable, lingering glances that didn’t want to part. Ah, I don’t even want to say it—watching other people fall in love really is the most interesting thing!

While the photographer was having a field day with his internal drama, Ling Le was also wearing a satisfied smile, having carefully saved Zhouzhou as a contact on his terminal.

Look at that—that’s what you call skill. Zhouzhou’s private contact info, obtained in minutes! Oh, right, did you find out what I asked you to look into earlier? Seeing Yan Mu approach, Ling Le immediately began to show off.

…According to the information I’ve gathered, Mr. Xia does not use perfume.

The answer came in the gold-medal assistant’s usual icy tone.

Really? But Zhouzhou smells so good! Didn’t you smell it? Ling Le shook his head in disbelief, sounding regretful.

Yan Mu: …

Various warnings and legal regulations flashed through Yan Mu’s mind in response to the young master’s words. Just as he was hesitating on how to tactfully offer a reminder, Ling Le spoke again.

Sigh, you’re not a Sentinel, so you probably can’t experience it… but it’s okay, don’t lose heart! Ordinary people have their own advantages! Assistant Yan, you’re already doing great! You have my approval!

Yan Mu: …

There were so many things to criticize that he didn’t know where to start. Yan Mu opened his mouth but hesitated, ultimately choosing to remain silent to the end.

And so, the two of them silently watched Xia Zhou, who had suddenly found his rhythm, quickly finish the shoot. Then, after a pleasant farewell, they finished work, and the atmosphere became even heavier.

*

In the blink of an eye, the day of their appointment arrived.

At 3:00 PM, according to the message Xia Zhou had sent, Ling Le arrived at the designated location twenty minutes early.

Looking at the five large words The Shop at the Corner on the sign, and the huge clinic logo below it, Ling Le pursed his lips in confusion, looking left and then right uncertainly.

Damn it, so he wasn’t asking me out to play?

Refusing to accept his fate easily, Ling Le opened his communicator. Hey, Zhouzhou, I’m here, but I’m not sure if I’ve found the right place. The Shop at the Corner—is it the one on the corner?

Hmm? You’re here so early? Then come in. I’m already inside the shop…

Hearing the voice from the communicator and seeing Xia Zhou walk out of the shop at the same time, the small hope in Ling Le’s heart was completely shattered.

So, are we still going out to play later?

Hanging up the call, Xia Zhou had just pushed open the door when he heard Ling Le’s complaint.

Did you dress up like this because you thought we were going out to play?

Looking at Ling Le’s outfit, Xia Zhou teased him while secretly marveling. Although he hadn’t stayed until the end of the previous styling session, Ling Le really suited this kind of look.

The moment he pushed open the door, Xia Zhou had been slightly stunned.

A comfortable, loose gray suit jacket paired with a white shirt—every movement exuded a sense of relaxation, natural and casual.

Taking the lemonade Ling Le handed over, Xia Zhou was surprised that the other party actually remembered such small things.

Alright, come in first. I specifically applied to the shop manager to clear the place today, so there won’t be anyone else to disturb us, Xia Zhou said, holding the door open while guiding Ling Le inside. Of course, if the treatment progresses quickly, we’ll still have time to stroll through the nearby park, if you want to go.

You said it!

Once inside the shop, Ling Le discovered that the interior was a whole different world. It was clearly a meticulously designed wooden, nature-themed decompression decor with excellent soundproofing. There was also a row of familiar treatment pods along the wall. Fine, it really was a proper clinic.

Just stay outside and keep watch. With so many monitoring and control devices here, it shouldn’t be your turn to act. Leaving the bodyguards in the lobby, Ling Le followed Xia Zhou to the second floor.

Pushing open the door to the treatment room, there were familiar equipment and a familiar recliner. Everything was still so unoriginal.

After finishing the preparations, Xia Zhou held a sterilized blanket. When he turned around, he saw that Ling Le had already taken off his jacket, put on the sensors, and was lying down properly.

You really don’t want to stay a second longer than necessary, do you? Xia Zhou said with a hint of a smile in his voice as he gently covered Ling Le with the blanket, then carefully checked if the equipment was running normally.

Feeling the gentle touch of Xia Zhou’s fingertips on his wrist as he adjusted the equipment, Ling Le moved his fingers uncomfortably.

Cough, what method of contact are we using later… I mean, the method for establishing a connection…