Entertainment Industry Limited Time Open - Chapter 12:
The gathering was held at an upscale restaurant,
tucked away in a private floor reserved for top-tier celebrities.
Tong Liyue pushed open the door to the private room and
found it already bustling with people.
Familiar seniors chatted in small clusters,
the atmosphere light and relaxed. The scent of wine lingered in the air,
mingling with the soft glow of the lights.
The moment he appeared, all eyes turned to him.
Ah, isn’t this our little stage prince someone exclaimed with a laugh.
Liyue actually came, finally, come over quickly
Brother is about to cry, Tong Liyue, you still remember us
Tong Liyue’s smile was radiant, his sunglasses slipping off to reveal delicate,
peach-blossom eyes. He spoke with a playful lilt, I hope I’m not late
Even without his smile, he had a presence that drew attention.
Now with it, he captured everyone’s affection effortlessly.
For you, there is no such thing as being late.
Shen Yichen, sitting quietly in the corner, lifted his gaze and waved gracefully.
His voice carried indulgent warmth, Come over, this spot won’t catch the wind.
Thank you, Brother Yichen, Tong Liyue replied with a bright,
lively smile naturally flowing from him, Did you save me a spot.
Shen Yichen is far too biased, someone teased from the side,
making him save a seat and even charge a fee.
The room erupted in laughter, the atmosphere warm and easygoing.
Shen Yichen, a member of a boy band, was well-known as Tong Liyue’s close friend.
They had hosted numerous ceremonies and shows together,
their rapport captured countless times by the media.
Shen Yichen’s affection for Tong Liyue was no secret.
He called himself Liyue’s number one fan and often defended him publicly,
earning the nickname top doting idol among netizens.
Fans adored the two as an inseparable pair.
Although outgoing and cheerful, Tong Liyue didn’t enjoy drinking games.
Tonight he came not only out of obligation but because of too many worries weighing on him.
Before he made sense of his feelings, he wanted to keep distance from Ren Yuheng.
In the entertainment circle, Tong Liyue was everyone’s favorite.
No one pressured him to drink; on the contrary,
people jostled to shield him from alcohol. No one had ever seen him drunk,
and even Tong Liyue himself didn’t know his own tolerance.
Wine was poured, glass after glass, the atmosphere lively.
Tonight, breaking from his usual restraint, Tong Liyue raised his glass repeatedly,
drinking freely without a hint of hesitation.
Shen Yichen watched silently at first. When he sensed something was off,
he gently pressed his hand against Tong Liyue’s wrist,
his tone soft and intimate, Liyue, stop a bit, you’ve had too much.
Liyue’s gaze was dreamy as he tilted his head, a faint smile on his lips, I’m fine
Ignoring him, he stubbornly poured another glass and tilted his head back,
drinking it to prove his tolerance.
Shen Yichen sighed, rubbing the top of his head with affection,
What’s wrong, did the company scold you.
He knew Tong Liyue never complained about work,
always carrying the pressure of being a popular member silently.
How could they, Liyue mumbled dizzily, as long as I don’t make mistakes,
why would they scold me.
But he couldn’t bear seeing his seniors down,
or seeing the ever-capable Ren Yuheng blamed for anything.
Shen Yichen watched him with heartache,
quietly pouring water into his wine glass when Liyue wasn’t looking,
softly saying, You’re usually too obedient,
sometimes you should let yourself go
No matter the tricks he used to slow him down,
Tong Liyue didn’t know his limits and had no sense of moderation.
This was the first time Tong Liyue had ever been drunk.
His cheeks were flushed, his body soft, leaning against the sofa.
His peach-blossom eyes clouded with mist, he seemed even more endearing than usual.
Liyue, stop now Shen Yichen murmured, reaching for the glass.
Hm, Liyue only blinked sleepily, not hearing clearly.
Is Liyue drunk, someone asked curiously.
No, Liyue’s voice was slurred, a stubborn, playful whine rolling from his throat, I said no
The sight was unbearably cute.
The seniors around laughed, surrounding him to observe
this rare drunken little prince with keen interest.
Wow, he’s so well-behaved even drunk.
So adorable, never seen him like this in all these years.
Someone suggested recording a video, this is too precious.
Shen Yichen’s heart skipped a beat. He rose decisively,
standing in front of Tong Liyue, hand raised with a smile,
Everyone, nothing from tonight leaves this room, or there will be consequences.
Laughter filled the air, curiosity still glinting in their eyes.
Tong Liyue leaned on the sofa, gaze unfocused, lips slightly pouted,
completely relaxed a far cry from the clever, lively image he displayed on camera.
It was then Shen Yichen realized he was truly drunk.
He sighed, brushing Liyue’s cheek, Liyue, wake up, I’ll take you back.
Tong Liyue’s lashes fluttered, half-opening his misty eyes,
smiling faintly, whispering softly, Heng-ge.
Shen Yichen stiffened, chest tightening.
Ren Yuheng.
How could this be.
He had thought Liyue had only come to the gathering to distract himself from a bad mood,
not expecting this rare disheartenment was all because of Ren Yuheng.
Liyue had once been oblivious to Ren Yuheng’s feelings.
Now, hearing him call out drunkenly.
Had Ren Yuheng confessed.
A tangle of emotions surged through Shen Yichen.
He looked at Liyue, his grip tightening gently on his hand.
Brother, don’t just take care of Liyue, someone teased, let’s drink.
Shen Yichen’s gaze flicked to them, a smile touching his lips, No
He pulled Tong Liyue close, voice gentle but unyielding, I’ll take him to the next room to sober up
Night had deepened. Tong Liyue had not returned.
Ren Yuheng sat in the dorm living room, the television flickering.
His gaze drifted instead to the clock, each tick pulling him toward midnight.
He clenched his phone, thumb tracing the screen but never dialing.
He was afraid, afraid that any action might push Tong Liyue further away.
He could not bear to lose him.
He knew he shouldn’t be overbearing. Liyue was not a child,
no one in this world would force him to drink or hurt him.
Yet his mind replayed the unusual look in Liyue’s eyes today,
the restrained glint in his normally smiling peach-blossom eyes,
the way he avoided Ren Yuheng’s gaze,
and even the way he had pushed him away to attend the gathering.
Liyue, you are impossible.
Sighing, Ren Yuheng finally pressed call.
The phone rang endlessly, and just when he feared no one would answer,
a slow, teasing voice came through.
Ren Yuheng
Hearing it, he could no longer stay calm.
His face darkened, knuckles whitening, Where’s Liyue, why did you answer.
Why me, Shen Yichen drawled lazily, stretching the word,
of course because Liyue cannot answer right now.
The air went cold.
Veins on Ren Yuheng’s forehead throbbed as fury surged,
his voice low and dangerous, Shen Yichen.
Why so nervous, Shen Yichen’s voice was overly cheerful, and remember,
I am your senior and Liyue’s closest brother, so speak politely.
Let Tong Liyue take the phone, Ren Yuheng said, icily.
He’s drunk, sleeping soundly Shen Yichen replied lightly,
no need to worry, if you come now, you might see I’m taking very good care of him.
Don’t touch him, Ren Yuheng ground out
Shen Yichen laughed as if he hadn’t heard, Rest assured, I’ll take him back later
No need
The line went dead before Shen Yichen could react
The dorm door slammed open, night air pouring in, sharp and cold.
Ren Yuheng stepped out, phone still in hand, aura fierce, eyes storms ready to erupt
His patience had ended
By the time he reached the room, the gathering was winding down.
Glasses were scattered on tables, music echoed faintly,
a few guests lingered, yet Tong Liyue was nowhere to be seen
Heng-ge, someone called
Seeing him, a few brightened, surprised
Ren Yuheng rarely attended such gatherings.
the industry knew it was near impossible to lure him out.
Yet here he was, voluntarily
Where is Tong Liyue, he demanded, scanning the room
Oh, Liyue, one singer replied, tilting her head, Yichen took him to the next room to sober up
Ren Yuheng’s expression instantly froze
Thanks, he said evenly, nodding before striding away,
steps deliberate, simmering with restrained fury.
Damn it, Shen Yichen had taken Liyue alone to an empty room
His mind raced with impossible images, chest burning, fury and unease intertwining
He quickened his pace, flinging open the next room’s door.
His breath caught, bl00d pounding, fingers curling
On the sofa, Shen Yichen held Liyue casually, arm draped over his waist.
Tong Liyue’s drunk body leaned toward him, consciousness hazy
Shen Yichen’s head lowered, voice soft as he coaxed him,
fingers brushing through his hair, movements practiced and intimate.
The room seemed to freeze
Seeing the door open, Shen Yichen’s gaze met Ren Yuheng’s sharp one,
but he remained unruffled, a hint of a smirk curling his lips.
I told you I’d take him back, Shen Yichen said lazily,
tightening his hold just slightly, curious, so eager to come get him.
Ren Yuheng’s gaze locked on the hand resting on Liyue’s waist,
fingertips trembling from restrained anger.
He forced his voice low and hoarse, He needs to go back
Shen Yichen raised an eyebrow, fingers teasing Liyue’s shirt,
Still drunk, how could he go anywhere.
The tension snapped taut, like a drawn bow string ready to break
Without another word, Ren Yuheng stepped forward,
scooping Liyue into his arms before Shen Yichen could react.
Thanks, no need, his voice cold as ice, arms tight around Liyue, a clear claim
Shen Yichen only smiled, unbothered, Remember to take good care of him
Ren Yuheng ignored him, striding away, quick as if any extra second would make him explode.
Liyue nuzzled him, warm breath brushing his neck,
a faint scent of alcohol and familiarity sending his heart racing
A fierce, unbearable emotion surged within him
He ground his teeth, voice low and controlled,
Tong Liyue, I should never have let you leave my sight.