OSM Chapter 40: “Why don’t… you stay in my room tonight?”

Translator: Abo Dammen

It’s not like he’s asking for trouble.

But things were different now.

Li Yuze no longer feels that things which once seemed troublesome for him were still troublesome under certain circumstances.

People, after all, have to understand the times.

So, he hung up the phone with Chen Qiong and found a familiar director in his contacts. He had worked with this director on a film earlier in the year, but hadn’t been in touch since. Now, he gave him a call to check in on the film’s promotional progress. They chatted a little while, and he made his way back to his room.

Over the next few days, He Zhiqiu followed Xu Sui around to understand the basics of a variety show. He didn’t watch such shows much before and was not very familiar with the current types. There were all kinds of shows—comprehensive competitions, family and marriage themed, traditional talent shows, talk shows, and more.

Xu Sui narrowed down the options and eventually helped He Zhiqiu secure a spot on the most low-key lifestyle variety show. Initially, they were hesitant to take him on, after all, the show was quite popular, having aired two successful seasons with excellent ratings.

They never lacked guests.

However, recently, two of the regular MCs might need to leave for four or five episodes due to work reasons.

Xu Sui, well-connected, managed to find a few contacts and finally got through to the show’s producer. After bringing a few bottles of fine wine, he was able to submit He Zhiqiu’s profile.

Coincidentally, the production team had been pondering whether to add another guest.

Since the show followed a monthly airing schedule, with production starting in the first ten days of each month, editing in the following half, and airing at the end of the month, they had many scheduling restrictions. Those they wanted weren’t available, and those available weren’t suitable.

They finally found an actress whose schedule fit, and it turned out to be Zheng Zike, the lead from Pingsha. The production team asked if she wanted to bring another guest along. She casually flipped through the guest list and chose He Zhiqiu.

After all, they had worked together before, and she had a good impression of him.

Additionally, He Zhiqiu was well-spoken, composed, and exuded a gentle, calm presence. Standing under the open sky, he radiated a quiet, serene demeanor—perfect for the show’s vibe.

The show, Life and Leisure Notes, had two staff members meet He Zhiqiu twice, took a few photos, and finalized his participation.

With just a few days before filming, Xu Sui wasn’t overly anxious. After wrapping up this matter, he let He Zhiqiu rest. Recently, he had a strange feeling that someone was badmouthing him behind his back. Rubbing his sore nose, he sneezed again.

On a rare day off, they spent it together at home.

He Zhiqiu woke up early to make breakfast and knocked on Li Yuze’s door. The door was slightly ajar. He hadn’t noticed when, but Li Yuze’s bedroom was no longer locked.

Despite that, He Zhiqiu still didn’t enter on his own. He felt they hadn’t reached the level where they could casually walk into each other’s rooms.

Of course, if Li Yuze wanted to enter his room, it would be fine. After all, this was Li Yuze’s home, and he could go anywhere.

A little while later, Li Yuze came downstairs, talking on the phone. “Anything’s fine, you guys decide,” he said. “I’m just making a suggestion, you don’t have to take it as final.” After a moment, he added humbly, “You’re too kind, I’m still far from your level. It’s my honor to work with you.”

He entered the dining room, still talking, and He Zhiqiu handed him a pair of chopsticks. Li Yuze gave a few “hmms” before ending the call.

“Any new work?” He Zhiqiu asked.

Li Yuze answered, “The movie we filmed earlier is in the process of preparing promotions, but we still don’t know how it’ll be arranged.”

He Zhiqiu nodded, serving him a bowl of fish porridge, and began talking about the variety show.

The weather had been gloomy, and the view outside the window was overcast.

He Zhiqiu had planned to dry the blankets after breakfast, but by afternoon, the weather hadn’t cleared up. He gave up on the idea.

Li Yuze sat cross-legged on the couch playing a game. Seeing He Zhiqiu pacing near the balcony, he cluelessly said, “If you want to dry them, you can still do it now, right? We’re indoors, so even if it rains later, it won’t matter.”

He Zhiqiu walked over and said, “It won’t work without the sun.” He didn’t want to dry the blankets because they were damp and uncomfortable but because he had a habit of wanting to smell the sun.

Besides, on a rainy day, taking the blankets out would only cause them to absorb the moisture in the air. And such a large item couldn’t be dried in the meantime. He’d have to wait for a sunny day next time.

Li Yuze didn’t respond for a few seconds, his eyes lingering on the coffee table as he continued playing the game, not speaking further.

Later that evening, around 9 PM.

They had dinner and went back to their respective rooms.

Li Yuze went upstairs unusually early that night. He Zhiqiu had wanted to stay a little longer with him, but seeing him leave, he followed him upstairs.

Although they were now in a romantic relationship, the time they spent together was still very limited. Both of their careers were busy, and even though they talked a lot on their phones or had long video calls, there was still an undeniable distance between them, separated by a screen.

This couldn’t go on.

After He Zhiqiu finished showering, his hair still damp, he rushed out of the bathroom and flipped through a stack of scripts on the bedside table.

These scripts were usually his study material. He casually picked one and took a deep breath, trying to calm his anxious mood.

He planned to use the excuse of “asking for advice” to spend more time with Li Yuze.

But as soon as he opened the door, he saw Li Yuze standing in front of his room. In his left arm, he held a pillow, and his right hand was raised, probably to knock on the door.

He probably didn’t expect He Zhiqiu to appear so suddenly, and was startled. He quickly coughed and tried to cover up, “Not sleeping yet?”

“Ah…” He Zhiqiu felt a little guilty, hiding the script behind his back, and cleared his throat, replying softly, “Not yet. What about you? Why aren’t you resting?”

Li Yuze paused for a few seconds before sighing, “There was a small accident. I might not be able to sleep.”

He Zhiqiu immediately asked, “What happened?”

Li Yuze hesitated for a moment and then said, “I accidentally knocked over my water cup while drinking.”

“The water spilled all over the blanket, so I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

He quickly led He Zhiqiu into his room to show him.

Sure enough, there was a large wet patch on the bed.

He Zhiqiu blinked for a few seconds and glanced at the coffee cup on Li Yuze’s desk. That cup could hold about 300 milliliters of water at most. It was unclear how many cups of water had been spilled to soak the blanket like this.

He almost wanted to laugh but held it back, asking anyway, “What are you going to do about it?”

Li Yuze shrugged helplessly, “What else can I do? I’ll have to sleep on the couch.” He turned to leave, but his hand lingered behind him, grabbing at the air.

He Zhiqiu humorously grabbed his finger, smiling, “The couch… forget it. It’s too small.”

Li Yuze asked, “So, what do we do?”

He Zhiqiu thought for a few seconds before answering, “Why don’t… you stay in my room tonight?”

Li Yuze turned back immediately, “Really?”

He Zhiqiu’s ears reddened a bit, but he nodded, “Really.”

“But, it’s been cloudy these days, and my blankets won’t dry quickly.”

“Then… how about tomorrow night, you stay with me too?”