She slipped on her shoes hastily and said, "No need to trouble yourself further; I'll just have a light bite."
Gu Lili hurried to the kitchen and, within minutes, returned bearing a tray laden with cake, milk, lychees, and peaches.
Seated cross-legged on the sofa, she nibbled as she recounted the evening's events at the university.
Long Yubei listened quietly. When she finished, he closed his book and set it aside. "Why did that male student pull off your wig?"
"He merely wanted to see me with my natural hair. Is that so hard to guess?"
"A boy with such a gesture and thoughtfulness—looks like you've captivated him."
Gu Lili found it utterly bewildering. "That can't be..."
"What will you do then?" He reached out and gently stroked her hair. "You are so remarkable; what if someday you surpass me and no longer look my way?"
"I refuse to believe you would worry about that." She peeled a lychee and brought it to his lips. Long Yubei complied and ate it.
"Why don't you believe me?"
"Because you don't love me. Only those who love deeply fear loss."
He offered no retort, merely watching her eat.
After finishing, they ascended together to wash up.
Unable to fall asleep, she suggested watching a movie, to which he agreed.
"What shall we watch?"
"A romance."
Long Yubei took the remote and began scrolling, settling on a film starring Liang He.
"Let's watch Liang He's."
Long Yubei expressed mild disdain. "I'm tired of seeing his face in real life, and you want me to watch him on screen too?"
"I'm not tired of him; I think Liang He is quite handsome."
"Who's more handsome, him or me?"
Such a choice...
Gu Lili entwined her arm around his and rested her head on his shoulder. "You two have different kinds of handsomeness. Most of the time, you're more aloof and reserved; Liang He's charm is warmer, like the gentle embrace of spring."
"Aloof and reserved?" He challenged her. "Isn't that exactly how you describe Liang He when you're with me?!"
"I said most of the time. If you wore a perpetual scowl before me, I wouldn't be able to stand it. I want a husband, not an iceberg."
He pressed play, and they settled into the film.
When the heroine appeared, Gu Lili eagerly asked, "What's her name?"
"Sun Qianqian. A popular actress, signed to the same agency as Liang He."
"She's quite attractive."
"Just so-so."
Gu Lili smiled softly. "Darling, do you think I could ever be a movie star with my looks?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because my wife, Long Yubei's, cannot be a star. I won't allow another man to lay a finger on you."
"I never said I wanted to be one. I'm just asking if I have the look to enter the entertainment industry."
Long Yubei kissed her on the forehead. "Of course you do, but even if you entertain the thought, I'll crush it before it can take root."
"I have no such thought."
The movie began cheerfully but grew increasingly tragic, culminating in the male lead's death.
Gu Lili was utterly consumed by the film and broke down in tears.
Long Yubei was flustered. "Lili, it's just fiction—only a movie..."
"Do you think I don't know that?" she sobbed louder. "But I feel for the characters; Liang He brought them to life. To me, Liang He is that man—and that man is Liang He..."
Immediately, Long Yubei dialed Liang He's number and berated him, "What kind of terrible film did you make, with the male lead dying?!"