Entertainment Industry Limited Time Open - Chapter 11:
Tong Liyue returned to the dance studio,
barely having a moment to collect his thoughts before
being surrounded by the other members.
Xiao Yue, shouted Jiang Linzhao as he ran over and grabbed his hand,
eyes wide with worry. What did they want with you
Tong Liyue’s mind was still heavy with what the higher-ups had said,
pressing down on him until it was hard to breathe.
But seeing the concern in their eyes, he forced a light smile.
It’s nothing, don’t worry
That’s good, Shen Yiran exhaled with relief and patted his shoulder with a smile.
You two talked for so long, Heng almost barged in to get you.
Luckily Zhiching stopped him
A few soft chuckles rippled through the room, easing the tension just a little.
Tong Liyue instinctively glanced at the corner where Ren Yuheng stood,
and sure enough, he was watching him.
Those deep, calm eyes seemed to see straight through the mask he tried to wear.
His heart skipped a beat and he quickly looked away, forcing a casual smile.
You’re exaggerating, nothing’s wrong
Finally, after the others went to the vending machine for drinks,
leaving only him and Ren Yuheng in the studio, the other man approached in silence.
You don’t seem very happy, Ren Yuheng said softly, his voice low and gentle.
What did they tell you
Tong Liyue lowered his eyes, as if oblivious to the tenderness directed at him,
and replied lightly, just talked a little
His tone sounded normal enough, but he took a subtle step back,
widening the space between them.
Ren Yuheng’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on him,
voice softer now. Why won’t you look at me.
Tong Liyue didn’t answer.
His mind was in chaos, fists clenching instinctively,
yet he turned away, trying to appear composed and escape the topic.
Wait, Ren Yuheng said, holding his wrist.
The grip was gentle but carried an insistence that refused to let go.
Unexpectedly, Tong Liyue lightly shrugged off his hand without hesitation.
The studio lights fell across them, casting a subtle tension in the air.
Seeing Ren Yuheng’s bewildered expression, a flicker of pity crossed Tong Liyue’s eyes.
He took a deep breath and spoke softly, but with a clear distance. Don’t do this.
Ren Yuheng froze slightly, watching Tong Liyue’s retreating back, his heart sinking.
That simple statement cut deeper than any rejection.
For the rest of the day, Tong Liyue acted naturally.
He wasn’t cold or cruel, still laughing and chatting with everyone,
blending in as if nothing had changed.
But he subconsciously began to distance himself from Ren Yuheng.
No closeness, no physical contact, barely any eye contact.
The change was slight, almost imperceptible to others, but Ren Yuheng felt every inch of it.
He didn’t confront him or force answers.
He knew that pressing too hard would only push Tong Liyue further away
So he waited, patiently, until night fell and only the two of them remained,
until they returned to a room where it was just the two of them.
There would be a chance to speak openly.
Ren Yuheng finally waited until Tong Liyue returned to his room.
The lock clicked softly, and the light fell on Tong Liyue’s profile,
soft yet tinged with fatigue. He didn’t speak as he entered,
smoothly removing his jacket and moving to the wardrobe to change.
Ren Yuheng stood silently by, watching his back, unease growing with each passing moment.
He couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped forward,
cautious as he probed. Xiao Yue, why are you avoiding me.
Tong Liyue paused, but didn’t turn, keeping his head down as he adjusted his clothes.
You’re overthinking.
There was no emotion in his voice, only deliberate coolness.
That deliberate distance tightened Ren Yuheng’s chest.
He inhaled deeply, not rushing to question him, and gently reached for Tong Liyue’s fingers.
The touch brought the faint chill of his hand into his palm.
He squeezed softly, as if coaxing, voice low and tender.
Can we talk.
He needed to know what Tong Liyue was thinking,
why this sudden distance had appeared.
Was it because of what the higher-ups said today,
or because of the line they had crossed last night
Or had this relationship always been his one-sided descent
But Tong Liyue didn’t respond. He stood quietly,
as if weighing something, and then almost imperceptibly
drew a deep breath and resolutely pushed Ren Yuheng’s hand away
I don’t think it’s possible, he said evenly, no further explanation offered
Ren Yuheng’s heart sank, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
He was about to speak when Tong Liyue picked up the
jacket draped over the chair and slowly put it on
Ren Yuheng’s brow furrowed as his gaze fell to the clock
You’re going out now, his voice low and tense
Tong Liyue’s fingers hesitated, then zipped up his jacket.
His lashes trembled slightly, voice still detached. Yes,
I promised the seniors I’d go drink.
Drink
Ren Yuheng’s frown deepened, anxiety creeping into his tone. With whom
Feng and the others, Tong Liyue said lightly, already ready to leave,
as if it were nothing of consequence.
Ren Yuheng swallowed down the rising frustration.
He didn’t dare touch him, only stepped in front of the door,
gaze locking on him protectively. I’ll go with you
It was almost instinctive control
You have an online meeting, didn’t you, Tong Liyue asked,
voice calm but boundary-setting. You don’t know them well, it’ll be boring anyway.
The words floated lightly but pierced like fine needles,
slowly sinking into Ren Yuheng’s heart.
Watching Tong Liyue turn to leave, his fingers tightened without thought,
and a wave of restless anxiety surged through him.
It hit him then that Tong Liyue was slowly,
deliberately withdrawing from his world.
And there was nothing he could do to stop it.