It’s Okay to Divorce - Chapter 17

Chapter 17

After the lead actor wrapped up, the crew began filming scenes with the second male lead, Fu Yu, and the second female lead, also set in the temple.

Before Fu Yu went on set, Zou Tingshen pulled him aside for a brief word.

Fu Yu, being one of Zou Tingshen’s actors and a close friend, spoke freely. He couldn’t resist asking, “Brother Shen, do you have some special feelings for Mu Mian? You’ve never done kissing scenes, but today you actually…”

“It’s for the shoot,” Zou Tingshen said, patting his shoulder. “Remember the pointers I just gave you. Alright, go film.”

Fu Yu clearly didn’t buy it.

As if every kiss wasn’t “for the shoot”? Yet he’d never seen Zou Tingshen take it so seriously. As a fan of Mu Mian, Fu Yu was secretly thrilled at the idea of them together. Having been on set for so long, though he hadn’t spoken much with Mu Mian, he could tell her real personality was approachable and lively. Maybe they’d surprise the fans.

Mu Mian sat in the rest area, flipping through her script while waiting for Zou Tingshen to rehearse their scene.

Chen Sheng approached with a cup of water and handed it to her. Seeing no one around, he said, “Mianmian, what you did today seems to go against your promise to the old man.”

At the mention of that promise, Mu Mian’s temper flared. If not for that, would she have avoided kissing scenes for years? She was thirty now, and her first kiss had just happened—kind of laughable if you thought about it.

She waved her hand dismissively, irritation clear. “Don’t bring that up. The old man tries to control everything. I’m not a kid anymore—does he still think he can dictate my life? No way. Besides, he’s getting old and easy to fool. I’ll just tell him it was special effects or a stunt double. He won’t know.”

Chen Sheng took a deep breath, looking at her. “Mianmian, what’s really going on between you and Zou Tingshen?”

“Friends,” Mu Mian said, spreading her hands. “Isn’t that obvious?”

“Just friends?” Chen Sheng’s tone grew heavy, his expression serious. “Then, do I have a chance with you?”

Mu Mian didn’t hesitate. “No chance. You’ve asked me this before, Chen Sheng. We’re just not possible. With all the online hate I get, do you know how much pressure you’d face being with me?”

“I knew that six years ago,” Chen Sheng said, pausing before continuing. “Mianmian, I don’t care what others think of me. I only care about how you feel about me.”

“Chen Sheng, you’re honestly a great guy—perfect boyfriend or husband material. But… I don’t feel that spark with you. We’re just not happening.” This wasn’t the first time Mu Mian had been blunt, and she felt helpless. “Look, I’ll be straight with you. I like Zou Tingshen. I’m determined to marry him. You… you should move on. You’re amazing and deserve a better girl.”

Chen Sheng froze, his face paling. After a long moment, he asked, “When did this start?”

Mu Mian replied, “A long time ago.”

Chen Sheng was usually so warm and gentle, his smiles familiar to her. Seeing him so serious now made Mu Mian uncomfortable.

He opened his mouth to say more, but Zou Tingshen interrupted, handing Mu Mian a script. “For the kissing scene’s dialogue, I discussed some details with the director—when to kiss, when to embrace. I’ve marked them with a highlighter. Take a look. If it’s fine, we’ll reshoot later, kiss again, and aim to make the scene perfect.”

“Oh.” Mu Mian opened the script, glanced at it, then looked at Chen Sheng. “Uh, Dr. Chen, you should go. I’m fine, thanks for checking in.”

Chen Sheng: “…” Was this an eviction notice? They were going to kiss again?

The thought of their kissing scene sent a burning knot through his chest, a mix of jealousy and torment. Envy and resentment intertwined, nearly overwhelming his control.

Zou Tingshen turned to him, his gaze icy. “Mr. Chen, could you leave? We’re about to rehearse, and it’s not convenient with outsiders around.”

Chen Sheng nodded, his lips curling into a habitual smile, but his eyes were chillingly cold.

Mu Mian carefully reviewed the marked dialogue, oblivious to the silent clash of cold glares between the two men.

After Chen Sheng left, Zou Tingshen pointed at the script, explaining the kissing plan—when their lips would meet, when to deepen the kiss, when to embrace, all laid out clearly.

Mu Mian thought back to her awkward first kiss earlier, her ears turning red. She touched her nose and said, “I still feel… a bit shy. I’m worried it’ll come off too green again.”

“Don’t be nervous. I’ll guide you,” Zou Tingshen assured her.

“You sound like some kind of expert,” Mu Mian teased skeptically.

Zou Tingshen countered, “Never eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs run, haven’t I?” After a pause, he added, “You’ve had a crush on me for years—don’t tell me you’ve never had other thoughts? During the scene, you can fully enjoy our kiss.”

“Wha—?!” Mu Mian nearly exploded, then lowered her voice. “Who said I had a crush on you?!”

“You did,” Zou Tingshen said, pointing to his ear calmly. “I heard it with my own ears. Was I hallucinating?”

“That was just an excuse to fend him off—a shield, got it?” Mu Mian was practically fuming.

Zou Tingshen raised an eyebrow. “Why not just tell him we’re married? Wouldn’t that cut off his hopes for good?”

Mu Mian crossed her arms, glaring at him. “Are you an idiot? If he spills that to anyone, do you think we’d have a life left?”

“We’ll have to go public eventually,” Zou Tingshen said casually, as if announcing he was going on a diet.

…

The clapperboard snapped again. Back at the wishing stone, the husband and wife faced each other. Mr. Mo lifted his wife’s chin with his finger and leaned in for the kiss.

As their lips met again, Mu Mian felt goosebumps, her bl00d racing, her skin burning. Her mind roared, nearly drowning out her thoughts, but she suppressed the strange emotions, slipping into her role as the female lead and responding to Zou Tingshen.

They quickly fell into character, teeth grazing, lips and tongues entwining, as if they truly were a couple who had loved each other for years. Zou Tingshen, cautious not to let the deep kiss affect her pregnancy, cradled her delicate face, kissing her tenderly yet reluctantly, as if he couldn’t bear to let go.

Once the barrier was broken, the kiss felt impossibly sweet—especially with the mother of his child. He suddenly realized this was what he’d always longed for. He knew the sweetness was an illusion, born from their immersion in the scene, but even before it ended, he was already addicted, savoring every moment.

At the perfect moment, Zou Tingshen pulled back, caressing her cheek, gazing at her.

Up close, Mu Mian’s skin was luminous. Her eyes, despite the years, hadn’t lost their spark—deep black, shimmering with a hint of moisture, breathtakingly unaware of their own beauty, stirring his heart.

A strand of her dark hair was tucked behind her ear, contrasting with her ear’s delicate whiteness. Her bare earlobe, full and inviting, tempted him to lean in and kiss it.

The sudden kiss on her earlobe caught Mu Mian off guard. She quickly adjusted, wrapping her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder, and cooing playfully, “Husband, let’s not fight anymore, okay?”

Zou Tingshen closed his eyes, brushing his nose against her hair, inhaling softly. He held her tightly and murmured, “Okay.”

His portrayal of a man’s devotion and love was flawless.

Director Feng Weijian watched the kissing scene through the lens, stunned by its perfection, especially Zou Tingshen’s impromptu earlobe kiss. That look in his eyes—pure brilliance!

They’d expected the scene to take dozens of tries, but it passed on the second take, a delightful surprise.

***

After their child was born, their marriage would inevitably go public. So Ming Wei and Xu Lin began steering public perception, starting with the drama’s official Weibo account posting behind-the-scenes photos of their kiss.

The photos turned out beautifully. In one, Mu Mian rested her chin on her husband’s shoulder, her expression content and sweet, like a docile kitten.

Fans begged for It’s Okay To Divorce to air soon, eager to see Mu Mian’s wife role. Comments were split.

Some fans accused the official account of hyping a CP, insisting they wouldn’t fall for it. The two could never be together, and there’d be no fan candy—they rejected any CP hype.

Others sensed a playful, coy side to Mu Mian in the photos, a stark contrast to her usual cool image. They wondered if her real personality might be… adorable? If so, maybe she and Zou Tingshen could shower fans with sweetness.

The anti-CP and pro-CP factions clashed.

The former lashed out, “Are you brainless? Mu Mian’s a top actress—she can act with any emotion!”

The latter shot back, “Hah, you said it—she’s a top actress! What if her usual persona is just an act for her agency? You so-called diehard fans are just haters, aren’t you? I love every side of Mianmian! Even if she marries a beggar, I’ll still love her!”

“…Idiots…”

***

It’s Okay To Divorce wrapped in late August.

Zou Tingshen quickly booked tickets to Fukadan Island. He owned a property in a small town there, rich with local culture, beautiful scenery, and a pleasant climate—perfect for a getaway.

He spent a few months there each year. The town, mostly home to elderly residents and families, didn’t care about Chinese pop culture or know he was a star.

Locals only knew him as a kind, handsome Chinese man who worked in China and looked out for his neighbors.

Mu Mian’s pregnancy was nearly ten months along, close to the doctor’s estimated due date. Zou Tingshen planned for her to give birth there, away from domestic reporters.

Before leaving, he took her for a checkup, only to find her belly… still looked seven months along. No sign of labor anytime soon.

The doctor said it’d be at least three more months.

Mu Mian groaned, “Old Zou, is this kid Nezha or what?”