Because Gu Qichi was a picky eater, Bo Yu had specially gone to improve his culinary skills.

Unfortunately, President Bo was occupied with a myriad of daily affairs and only had time to learn the few dishes Gu Qichi loved most; he was utterly clueless about the rest.

However, he had made significant progress in baking and was exceptionally skilled at it.

Gu Qichi liked to eat fluffy, soft desserts, so Bo Yu catered to his tastes, hoping to capture the beauty’s favor.

Bo Yu’s hands had always been good-looking—knuckles distinct, fair and slender. The metacarpal bones pulled tight lines across the back of his hand, and the blue veins beneath the skin were intricate and complex, winding all the way to his prominent wrist bone. It was a kind of erotic handsomeness.

Once, on a whim, Gu Qichi used a ruler to measure the length of his hand; it was a full twenty-two centimeters, a whole finger joint longer than Gu Qichi’s hand.

Therefore, Bo Yu could completely wrap Gu Qichi’s hand within his palm. He would also occasionally ravage Gu Qichi’s fingertips playfully, kneading the pads of his fingers until they were flushed red. Bo Yu would even scoop up his hand, holding it in his mouth to lick and kiss.

But at this moment, these beautiful hands were making dough for dessert.

The white and soft dough could be kneaded into various shapes. Fermented to be fluffy and cottony, excess dough would even spill out from between his fingers.

Bo Yu had a bad habit: he always liked to lean down and taste the dough to judge if the fermentation was appropriate and when it should be sent into the oven.

When the tip of his high nose touched the dough, it would poke a small depression into it. But as soon as Bo Yu straightened up and left, the small pit would quickly recover, and the dough would remain as smooth as new.

Gu Qichi had never lifted a finger to do housework. Although he was picky to the extreme, he refused to do it himself. After all, if he did, he would only ruin all the ingredients. So he simply “let it rot” (gave up), crossing his arms elegantly, quietly waiting for Bo Yu to finish, responsible only for enjoying the result.

After all, a great beauty didn’t need to lift a finger; there would always be people rushing to serve him.

Let alone for this kind of thing, which was something one could only wish for but not seek.

Others who might rush to help couldn’t be seen, likely blocked at the starting line by certain people. So, one could only see President Bo, who usually dominated the business world, patiently baking, enjoying the wonderful time of showing off to the beauty.

The dessert Bo Yu was making today was special—strawberry cream puffs, something Gu Qichi hadn’t tried before.

The dough was pinched into small balls one by one, rolled into the shape of puffs, arranged neatly, and placed on the baking tray.

Today’s dessert was not only special in taste but also in appearance.

Bo Yu had obtained some roses from somewhere. Bright petals were placed on a tray as decoration.

But some were used as ingredients, placed inside cheesecloth.

The dark red rose petals were put into the pristine white gauze. Crushed forcefully by Bo Yu’s hands, the delicate petals were wrapped and squeezed by the gauze, leaving large and small stains. Immediately, rose juice seeped out from the tiny gaps, and a rich fragrance spread everywhere in the confined space.

For a moment, Gu Qichi seemed to see wildly growing thorny vines brandishing their claws before his eyes. The thick vines were covered in sharp thorns, and gorgeous, full roses bloomed from them, full of vitality and utmost beauty.

The rich rose juice was kneaded back into the dough, forming a blurry yet unfurling rose mark right on top.

The puff dough was sent into the oven. The oven let out a low hum. A steady stream of rising heat created an indistinct white mist inside. Under the dim light within the oven, the originally limp dough gradually expanded and grew larger. The blurry rose mark on top cracked open under the high-temperature baking, looking like a real rose blooming—possessing a unique magnificence.

They were clearly just baking puffs, but Gu Qichi felt unreasonably hot, as if he too were placed inside a giant furnace.

The surrounding air felt thin, forcibly plundered from his chest and abdomen. Gu Qichi’s steps were a bit unsteady, his head dizzy and muddled, his eyelids drooping uncontrollably from drowsiness.

After Bo Yu finished the puffs, he turned around to torment Gu Qichi.

Gu Qichi didn’t even know when the two of them started kissing; he only remembered that his lips stung a little when Bo Yu bit down.

Scorching heat boiled in his blood, and his heart beat violently in his chest—thump, thump—urgent and fierce, as if it were about to jump out of his throat.

It was just a pity that his lips were firmly blocked by Bo Yu, his teeth pried open, and even his hands were clasped by Bo Yu, who refused to relax his grip even a little.

The moonlight was dissolving, bright as flowing light, like flying jade.

Thin moon shadows penetrated through the window, shining on Gu Qichi’s body.

His skin was bright white, warm and lustrous; his brows and eyes were magnificent, shining with brilliance.

His peach blossom eyes were drenched with tears. His eyelashes, black as raven feathers, were wet; originally long and thick, they were now pitifully tangled together, trembling gently, evoking pity for no reason. His pupils were unfocused and dazed. A pool of tears welled in his beautiful irises. His bright lips trembled, mouth opening wide trying to breathe, yet he couldn’t stop the crystal-clear, viscous fluid from trickling down the corner of his lips.

Bo Yu inexplicably thought of a line from a poem he had read before:

“In antiquity there was none, nor has the world ever seen, such magnificent posture and rare beauty, beyond all praise. When she first arrived, she dazzled like the morning sun illuminating the roof beams; when she advanced a little, she was bright as the moon shedding its light. In an instant, beauty was born: shining like a flower, warm and lustrous as jade. The five colors raced together, their form impossible to fully describe. Looking closely, she stole one’s vision.” ①

In the past, he only felt that King Xiang of Chu was just a man of lust. Just a fleeting glance in a dream, and he lost most of his three souls and seven spirits to the Goddess, thereafter engaging in wishful thinking every night—how pitiful.

But now, he suddenly understood him.

Bo Yu thought, if he were King Xiang of Chu, he would definitely imprison the Goddess who entered his dreams by his side, keeping her with him at all times, entangled with her in death every day, enjoying the utmost pleasure.

Only, it was a pity he wasn’t King Xiang of Chu, and Gu Qichi wasn’t the dignified and restrained Goddess.

King Xiang had the intention while the Goddess had no heart. Although it was a tale of unforgettable love handed down through the ages, Bo Yu disdained it.

He only wanted Gu Qichi, to be with him morning and evening, year after year, in mutual love.

When the night was deep, the puffs were finally done baking. Unfortunately, President Bo hadn’t mastered the heat control well, so the puffs were a bit wrinkled, and many edges were broken.

But that didn’t stop them from being delicious.

President Bo, whose eyes were usually higher than the top of his head (arrogant), was very satisfied with his great work. Looking at the trembling pink puff, he extended a fingertip and flicked it. The skin was chewy and resilient. The fragrance of roses mixed with the aroma of dessert wafted to the nose. Just one last step, and he could feast.

The cream, whipped long ago, was put into a piping bag. Unfortunately, Bo Yu was careless and didn’t know where he had put the piping nozzle. He had to cut a small opening in the piping bag and poke a small hole in the bottom of the puff.

Bo Yu always worked with precision. He aimed the white cream at the small opening and injected it all until the puff was filled, so full it was about to overflow.

Gu Qichi was a bit puzzled. He actually didn’t like eating this much cream because he found it cloying.

But Bo Yu looked proud, giving a review as he looked at his work: “How good-looking. This puff—thin skin, big filling, very filling.”

Gu Qichi: “…”

Who eats dessert to get full…

But speechlessness aside, to care for Bo Yu’s feelings, Gu Qichi still gave him face and ate a lot.

The puffs were about the size of a child’s fist, filled with cream inside, and topped with a huge strawberry. One bite, and the sweet and sour juiciness of the strawberry mixed with the softness of the cream, plus the lingering taste of roses bursting on the taste buds—sweet but not greasy, exceptionally delicious.

Only then did Gu Qichi praise Bo Yu’s culinary skills.

Unfortunately, although the puffs were tasty, the quantity was simply too large. Gu Qichi had a small appetite to begin with. He tried hard to eat three, leaving his belly rounded, unable to stuff in any more.

Bo Yu, however, was still not satisfied. His large hand pressed on Gu Qichi’s abdomen, his voice low and husky: “There are still so many left. Wife, eat one more.”

Gu Qichi shook his head, brows furrowed tightly. He repeatedly warned himself that he was an actor who relied on his figure for work. Forcing himself to resist the temptation of the dessert, he said righteously, “Bo Yu, I really can’t eat anymore.”

Only, his tone didn’t carry much deterrence; instead, it faintly lacked confidence.

In fact, including dinner, Gu Qichi had indeed eaten quite a lot. For the sake of Gu Qichi’s health, Bo Yu sighed and gave in helplessly.

He was just calculating the time for the next display of his wonderful culinary skills in his heart.

Next time, I can feed Gu Qichi a bit more. Ideally, fatten him up so he’ll be more comfortable to hold.

As Bo Yu thought this, he pressed against his shoulder, leaning over to kiss Gu Qichi’s ear.

He lowered his eyelashes. His hand hadn’t moved from its spot, holding Gu Qichi firmly in his arms. His gaze was low, dark and profound. His entire body radiated a satisfied and sated aura. gently rubbing Gu Qichi’s abdomen, his voice was deep and raspy:

“Baby, you were great.”

“Wife, I love you.”

It was a pity that Gu Qichi slept groggily afterward and didn’t hear what he said at all.

…

…

…

After waking up the next day, Gu Qichi struggled to fish his phone from the bed. He originally intended to check the time, but was caught off guard by the screen full of messages.

【Sister Wen】: Baby Qichi, the punishment result for that idiot Lou Shao has come down!

【Sister Wen】: Oh right, at eight o’clock this morning, he has to apologize to you. I stared at the whole process yesterday; Lou Shao can’t run away this time.

【Sister Wen】: [Lou Shao Statement Link], [Lou Shao Apology to Gu Qichi Link]…

【Sister Wen】: He didn’t use a legal team for this apology statement. The company withdrew all services for him.

【Sister Wen】: Help, where did this “fish that slipped through the net of nine-year compulsory education” come from? The whole thing is full of typos and grammatical errors. If I scattered a handful of rice on a keyboard, a chicken could write better than him.

【Sister Wen】: Eye roll.jpg

【Sister Wen】: It’s been hours, why haven’t you replied to my message, Baby Qichi?

【Sister Wen】: If you don’t reply, I’m going to call the police?!!

Gu Qichi fought back his drowsiness, wanting to straighten up and lean against the cushion to reply to her. But his waist went sour and weak, and intense pain from his lower body swept through him in an instant. Gu Qichi collapsed downward uncontrollably, a muffled groan spilling from his throat.

Memories of last night returned in fragments. Gu Qichi froze and cursed a swear word.

Bo Yu was a bit excessive last night, constantly lingering by his ear, coaxing Gu Qichi in a low voice, confusing him until he couldn’t find north.

Originally, it was agreed to just be a simple “reward,” and Gu Qichi only needed to pick a piece of clothing casually.

But by the end, Gu Qichi lost count of how many pieces he had worn. The memories were too chaotic for him to count.

He had worn many kinds of clothes in the past—costumes during filming, regardless of ancient or modern times; formal wear for walking the red carpet; design-heavy clothes for magazine shoots, like that high-slit skirt for Youth.

But he had never seen so many bizarre ways of wearing them, nor had he seen so many bizarre clothes.

Gu Qichi only remembered Bo Yu clutching the back of his neck, the emotions in his eyes completely undisguised, coaxing him in every possible way:

“Wife, I’m jealous.”

“Wife, I want to see.”

“Baby, you look so beautiful in this one, wear another one, okay?”

“Baby, save me, I’m going to die.”

The ancients often said beauty is enticing. Especially a man like Bo Yu who stepped right on Gu Qichi’s XP (kinks/preferences) and aesthetic points; he was simply repeatedly challenging his bottom line.

Gu Qichi bit his lip in annoyance. His gaze swept over the shredded fragments in the trash can. A blush rose on his face, and he desperately warned himself:

I definitely cannot agree to so many of Bo Yu’s unreasonable demands again.

He turned back to reply to Wen Xi.

【Baby Qichi】: Thanks Sister Wen, I saw it.

【Baby Qichi】: I just woke up, nothing happened, you don’t need to worry about me so much.

Wen Xi replied very quickly, and incidentally mentioned the recent schedule.

【Sister Wen】: Recently, Watermelon TV’s New Year’s Eve Gala came to me to discuss cooperation, and there’s also the year-end red carpet held by FALL IN LOVE magazine, they also invited you.

【Sister Wen】: I checked, neither of these events conflicts with your filming or variety show schedule. See if you’re interested.

【Sister Wen】: Oh right, Lin Shuangyi also came to ask me if you have any intention of singing Shen Qingye’s character theme song, a collaboration with Chen Xu.

【Sister Wen】: You remember Chen Xu, right? The popular singer who participated in the parent-child variety show with you before.

Chen Xu?

Gu Qichi couldn’t help but recall the other party’s appearance during that variety show. Always frowning, face pulling a long expression, looking like someone not to be messed with.

Gu Qichi had once heard Luo Qianqian gossiping on set that Chen Xu was very talented but also arrogant because of his talent. He had a bad temper and had offended quite a few people over the years.

Fortunately, the other party only liked to write his own lyrics and music, and had a good voice. Over the years, relying on his amazing talent, he had forcibly cut a bloody path through the music industry.

Gu Qichi replied to her:

【Baby Qichi】: Doesn’t Chen Xu dislike singing duets? He probably wouldn’t be willing to sing the theme song with me…

Wen Xi on the other side was very excited. Her new nail extensions were a bit long, but they couldn’t affect her performance. Her hand speed was so fast it could create an afterimage on the keyboard; Gu Qichi couldn’t keep up with her speed at all.

【Sister Wen】: Baby Qichi!!!

【Sister Wen】: This time it was Chen Xu who came looking for us himself! Lin Shuangyi said he only requested to collaborate with you!!!

【Sister Wen】: I was confused when his agent came to me too. I asked, and his agent said Chen Xu admires you very much, you don’t need to worry.

Gu Qichi was silent for a while and ultimately didn’t give Wen Xi a definitive answer.

After all, he had only met Chen Xu once. Compared to his own storm-attracting constitution, the other party was about the same. If it wasn’t necessary, Gu Qichi didn’t really want to wade into muddy waters.

At 12:00 noon today, Strive! Actor! returned on time. However, unlike previous variety shows, the program’s official account released three versions of the video.

The first version was the one originally intended for broadcast before the scandal broke out yesterday. In it, Gu Qichi’s persona was terrible, his screen time was minimal—a living, breathing vicious supporting male character who bullied the weak.

The second version was re-edited. Everyone’s screen time was balanced, and the editing even managed to find everyone’s shining points from these clips, which was not easy.

The third version was purely clips of Gu Qichi and Lou Shao interacting, perfectly reconstructing the beginning and end of their relationship.

In this version of the video, to avoid affecting the audience’s judgment, the program team specially presented an uncensored version. The camera focused on Lou Shao’s face, completely reproducing the interaction between the two one-to-one.

Gu Qichi wasn’t familiar with him, always remaining polite and self-possessed, cold and reserved.

On the contrary, Lou Shao harbored evil intentions, constantly staring at Gu Qichi, sizing him up, thinking unknown thoughts.

Not long after Gu Qichi finished his introduction, Lou Shao’s gaze toward him was somewhat gnashing of teeth. Later, during the run to fight for the right to choose, the other party’s malicious intent was clearly revealed.

The camera clearly recorded the scene where Lou Shao wanted to knock Gu Qichi down, and also recorded the scene where he collided with Gu Yuning and other actors afterward.

Netizen comment: “Lou Shao really harmed himself while trying to harm others. Fortunately, the whole variety show wasn’t ruined because of this one piece of rat shit.”

After Strive! Actor! changed producers and directors, compared to the original clips, it was obvious that the production level had improved more than just a little bit. Coupled with the storm that broke out yesterday, it attracted a large amount of traffic and viewers.

As water flows when a channel is formed, the views of this variety show rose with the tide, directly breaking the record for the premiere views of a variety show in the past six months.

The reputation among passersby was also very good, faintly laying the foundation for good word-of-mouth.

The staff of Strive! Actor!, no longer squeezed by a black-hearted boss, looked at the soaring traffic and their soon-to-be-bulging wallets. Their creative enthusiasm ran high, and they started the subsequent editing without stopping.

Even Gu Qichi was notified that the recording cycle of the variety show would be shortened; they might need to record extra.

Also, new sponsors were very optimistic about this variety show. Not only did they add investment, but they also specifically requested Gu Qichi to record the product placement spots in the next episode.

Wen Xi was in high spirits due to the happy events. For the past two days, she even had less of an opinion about Bo Yu hogging Gu Qichi.

However, in the clips revealed in the third version of the variety show, some melon-eating spectators discovered a strange blind spot.

At that time, not only did Lou Shao make a move to bump into Gu Qichi, but Gu Yuning, who was alongside them, also seemed a bit off.

judging by the direction of Gu Yuning’s movement, he also seemed to want to make a move on Gu Qichi at that time.

While Luo Qianqian was surfing the internet, she happened to be pushed an analysis post from Douban. The poster specially used a 0.5x slow-motion lens to analyze and explain Lou Shao and Gu Yuning’s body language in depth.

The title was also extremely clickbaity—

《Gossip 818: The Love-Hate Entanglement Between Gu Yuning and Gu Qichi Over the Years. This Time, It’s My Turn to Make a Move on You!》

Strive! Actor! was already at the forefront of the storm and highly anticipated by the public. It was heard that recently, the slots for challengers coming to “kick the gym” (challenge the regulars) were being fought over like crazy by artists with some name recognition. They all wanted to leech some traffic or use the variety show to hook up with Director Jiang An.

Either option would be of great benefit to them.

Plus, Gu Yuning was originally a second-tier traffic star. His methods of spoiling fans, abusing fans (to generate sympathy), and solidifying fans were superb. With professional water armies under his agent, he had naturally cultivated a large group of die-hard fans.

So when Luo Qianqian saw this post, it had already become a “hot” post on Douban, with hundreds of replies built up.

1L: Isn’t that cheap? We already said he’s a has-been, yet he insists on leeching. Even non-Gu Yuning fans have to say it’s bad luck.

2L: Gu Qichi’s water-fans, instead of wasting time, why don’t you go understand what kind of rotten person your gege is? Don’t pick up trash and treat it like treasure, it’s truly pitiful.

3L: Can the eighteenth-tier has-been roll far away? Don’t come near us, it’s bad luck to death.

4L: …Although, but, isn’t it obvious that Gu Yuning wanted to trip Gu Qichi?

5L: Please, our Little Ning is beautiful and kind-hearted. Back when Gu Qichi put glue in his contact lenses, he forgave him with the mindset of “letting people off when possible.” Just for a broken variety show now, you think Little Ning would bother framing him? Are you okay?

6L: Exactly. Wasn’t the razor blade in Little Ning’s shoe also put there by this silicon fake person? Doing so many bad things, is Gu Qichi really not afraid of going to hell?

7L: Are you guys okay? What does it have to do with our Little Chi? Instead of spending time tearing each other apart, why not understand the truth? There is no substantive evidence for the contact lens case or the razor blade, not even surveillance footage. Slandering a person’s innocence for no reason like this, isn’t it a bit too excessive?

8L: Sorry, without relying on Ls (marketing/hype), Baby Chi can also successfully break out of the circle with his prosperous beauty. After all, Nuwa’s graduation project isn’t something anyone can just brag about having. Am I right, poor little wild flower?

9L: Carrying away Fashion Emperor Gu Qichi with 660,000 magazine sales. Don’t drag my brother down to sink with you. Save some virtue for your parents with your mouth.

10L: Whether it was intentional foul play to harm someone, everyone isn’t blind. What Gu Yuning did, isn’t it all clearly laid out there? If you have time to speculate about the heaven-gifted beauty Gu Qichi, why not look more at your own brother’s ugly face?

11L: Heaven-gifted beauty? Nuwa’s graduation project? You really have the nerve to brag. Aren’t you afraid that the 2.08 million yuan silicon face will run out of the lens to scare people? After all, not everyone has an original natural face like Gu Yuning.

12L: The way certain plastic surgery stars beg for food shouldn’t be too annoying.

The post had grown very tall; it was difficult to finish reading it in a short time.

It seemed that after the tearing battle (fan war) a few days ago, Gu Qichi’s scarce fans had forcibly cultivated combat power. One person could withstand ten. So far, Luo Qianqian hadn’t seen Gu Qichi’s fans lose ground verbally.

They usually attacked the enemy’s weaknesses quickly, accurately, and ruthlessly, making the other side piss themselves in terror, and then raised the flag of victory high above.

It was just that seeing Gu Yuning’s fans always bringing up the contact lenses and razor blades in shoes made Luo Qianqian feel a bit stifled. She definitely believed Gu Qichi wouldn’t do such a thing, but suffering from a lack of evidence, she couldn’t ask him directly.

Thinking of this, Luo Qianqian sighed helplessly.

She turned her head to look at the sleeping Gu Qichi. His sleeping face was peaceful. A U-shaped pillow was stuck behind his neck, pressing the hair on the back of his head so it stuck up.

There were faint dark circles under his eyes, looking like he hadn’t rested well, very exhausted.

But the person was much fatter than before he went back. There was a bit more meat on his cheeks, his complexion was rosy and lustrous—a look of being well-fed and satisfied. Luo Qianqian withdrew her gaze, sighing silently.

Teacher Gu’s life must be very happy recently. It seems Teacher Bo takes very good care of Teacher Gu.

I should also take advantage of this time to write more fanfiction!

Luo Qianqian felt a bit tragic and indignant. The “Wen Xin Ru Gu” (Wen Che x Gu Qichi) Super Topic had risen abruptly recently like a new force. Since those three clips were released, a large number of fans flooded into the Super Topic, a bunch of people coming to eat sugar (ship them). They were practically rubbing the faces of the Gu Qichi and Bo Yu CP fans on the ground.

If this can be tolerated, what cannot?!

As a big fan of their (Bo/Gu) Super Topic, Luo Qianqian actively produced content (“food”), hoping to retain the lost CP fans, but the effect was negligible.

Clearly, Teacher Gu and Teacher Bo are the most shippable!!!

Real couples are the YYDS (Eternal Gods/GOAT)!

Luo Qianqian screamed silently.

The next second, Gu Qichi woke up slowly, still having some sleep marks on his face.

At the same time, a message suddenly popped up in Luo Qianqian’s Weibo private message box. The ID was extremely familiar.

Luo Qianqian rubbed her eyes, confirming again and again that she hadn’t seen it wrong, before clicking open the private message box.

The attitude on the other side was cold and arrogant, but Luo Qianqian felt it was only natural—

【YUCHI】: You there?

【YUCHI】: Are you the big fan of the xxx Super Topic, that fanfiction writer?

Luo Qianqian scratched her head, not understanding what business this famous wealthy woman, who was rich enough to be known outside the circle, had with her. She replied cautiously with a question mark.

【It’s Qianqian Not Wanwan】: ?

【It’s Qianqian Not Wanwan】: Is something the matter?

The wealthy woman’s attitude remained cold, but the words she spoke were far less terrifying than her reputation and methods—

【YUCHI】: I’m here to throw money. However much you want. You write the fics, and incidentally find some people who can produce content to develop this Super Topic.

【YUCHI】: I want it to surpass that “Wen Xin Ru Gu” Super Topic.

Luo Qianqian: “?”

---

Author’s Note:
① The quote comes from “The Ode to the Goddess” by Song Yu of the pre-Qin period. My writing is trash, I’ll say it first. I might not have used it well, please don’t roast me, or roast lightly.