Entertainment Industry Limited Time Open - CHAPTER 5:

After going back and forth for a while, Tong Liyue still

couldn’t convince Ren Yuheng to leave.

Maybe it was because Ren Yuheng was always so gentle with him, always indulgent,

that Tong Liyue forgot for a moment just how overwhelming this man could be.

Those sharp features and tall frame, that natural authority when he went quiet

it was the kind of presence that could easily crush resistance.

And with his sharp eyes, there was almost nothing one could hide from him.

Ren Yuheng didn’t argue further. He turned away to pour a glass of water,

tore open the medicine packet, and held the pill to Tong Liyue’s lips.

Eat your medicine, his tone left no room for refusal.

Tong Liyue frowned slightly but didn’t take it.

He wasn’t against taking medicine he just didn’t want to

obey like a well-trained pet, especially under that gaze that felt like an order.

It made him even more determined to resist.

Don’t want to? Ren Yuheng arched an eyebrow, a soft laugh escaping him.

Fine then. I’ll feed you myself.

The words barely fell before he started to lean closer.

Tong Liyue panicked and reached out quickly, stopping him.

I’ll do it! He took the cup, swallowed the pills obediently.

Ren Yuheng’s lips twitched in a faint, almost invisible

smile before returning to his usual coolness.

He reached out, touched Tong Liyue’s forehead, and

finding it still burning hot, quietly wrung out a towel and began to wipe him down.

The cold touch against his feverish skin felt soothing.

Tong Liyue sighed softly, his voice turning drowsy.

Brother, the guest room only has a single bed.

You should go rest… I’ll be fine after a nap.

Mm, sleep then. Ren Yuheng’s voice was gentle, as if agreeing.

But the next moment, his hand slid over Tong Liyue’s stomach, pressing lightly.

Tong Liyue froze.

Close your eyes, Ren Yuheng said with quiet firmness. I don’t want to argue.

There was no escaping that tone. Tong Liyue knew resistance was useless,

so he gave in and closed his eyes.

Soon, the sound of Ren Yuheng’s slow breathing filled the quiet room.

His warm palm moved in soft, rhythmic motions against Tong Liyue’s abdomen,

a soothing touch that lulled him toward sleep.

The fever’s heat gradually faded. Beads of sweat were gently wiped away.

His brow relaxed, and his breathing evened out until finally, he slipped into dreams.

The night was still. Faint light from the window traced soft shadows across his face.

Ren Yuheng sat beside him, watching in silence. His gaze was deep, unreadable.

He brushed aside a strand of hair from Tong Liyue’s forehead,

fingertips lingering on the silky strands. His movements were almost reverent.

The boy who smiled so brightly in public now looked so fragile,

so heartbreakingly soft in sleep. The usual spark in him was dimmed by illness,

replaced by quiet vulnerability.

His lips were flushed from fever, and Ren Yuheng’s eyes darkened.

He should have left long ago, but he couldn’t bring himself to go.

You never think about yourself, do you? he whispered, his voice low and strained.

Always pretending to be fine, never showing weakness,

even when you’re burning up like this.

Do you have any idea how much that hurts to watch?

How much you make me ache?

No one could hear the quiet confession that followed.

Tong Liyue was deep asleep, unaware of the emotions that had been clawing at

Ren Yuheng’s chest for so long.

Because to Tong Liyue, he was only a brother. Nothing more.

Ren Yuheng let out a bitter laugh and started to rise, but before he could move,

something warm and weak tugged at his wrist.

Tong Liyue hadn’t fully woken up he was half-dreaming, half-conscious

but his fingers curled loosely around Ren Yuheng’s hand,

seeking warmth like a child in sleep.

You’re… the nicest to me, he murmured softly, his voice airy and innocent,

like a sigh against Ren Yuheng’s skin.

The words hit like a lightning strike.

Ren Yuheng froze, breath catching, his heart suddenly racing in chaos.

Tong Liyue… he breathed, voice breaking. He couldn’t help it anymore

he pulled him close.

His arms tightened, holding him as if the world might steal him away.

His voice turned hoarse.

You don’t even know why I’m good to you. You don’t understand…

how dangerous it is for me to want you like this.

But Tong Liyue only shifted in his sleep, curling a little closer,

his hair brushing Ren Yuheng’s palm.

That small, trusting movement shattered the last of his control.

Your kindness turned me into something terrible, he whispered,

laughing softly, bitterly. If you ever saw the real me, you’d hate me for it.

Yet even as he said it, he held tighter, as if trying to trap that fleeting warmth inside his bones.

I can’t help it anymore. I like you too much. I don’t want anyone else to have you.

So please, Liyue… keep pretending you don’t know.

Tong Liyue stirred in his fevered sleep, mumbling softly.

His breath came unsteady, and he murmured, Heng-ge…

The sound sent a jolt straight through Ren Yuheng.

His gaze darkened, landing on the pale curve of

Tong Liyue’s neck, flushed pink from the fever.

His throat tightened. Desire and guilt tangled like wildfire.

Then Tong Liyue sighed, voice barely there. So hot…

And that single phrase broke everything.

Ren Yuheng leaned in, breath ragged. His restraint snapped.

He pressed his lips against Tong Liyue’s, trembling at the first touch.

The kiss started soft, testing, reverent. But it deepened quickly hungry, desperate.

Tong Liyue stirred, a faint sound escaping him, but his fever-heavy body couldn’t fight back.

His lashes fluttered, his brows knitting faintly as if in protest,

yet his lips parted under the pressure.

Ren Yuheng’s hand cupped his jaw, forcing the angle he wanted.

The kiss grew rougher, deeper.

The air thickened, filled with heat and the rustle of sheets.

Then, finally, Ren Yuheng tore himself away, chest heaving, face shadowed with self-loathing.

Damn it, he hissed under his breath. He looked down at

Tong Liyue cheeks flushed, lips swollen, breath soft and uneven

and felt the guilt claw at his heart.

You’re insane, he whispered to himself.

He covered Tong Liyue gently with the blanket, turned away,

and paused at the doorway. His voice was almost inaudible.

I’m sorry, Xiaoyue.