The Berlin Film Festival opening ceremony wasn’t all that different from London’s. With the host’s humorous remarks keeping the mood light, laughter filled the venue. A world-renowned rock band performed classic hits, and clips from notable films of the past year were showcased. Just like that, the public part of the ceremony came to an end.

However, while the broadcasted opening ceremony had concluded, the real party for the invited guests was only just beginning.

After the ceremony, the Zhuang Hua Luo crew was interviewed by on-site reporters before heading to a nearby five-star hotel. As two staff members slowly pushed open the grand doors, a decadent celebrity-filled banquet unfolded before them.

Compared to people in Huaxia, Westerners were indeed more open in certain aspects. The afterparty for the Berlin Film Festival was hosted by a Hollywood megastar, and the room was filled with celebrities and socialites clinking wine glasses and chatting.

Many producers and investors showed up at events like these — some simply to discuss upcoming projects and decide where to place their funds over the next year. But for certain actors, it was also a golden opportunity to snag a producer or investor through less-than-professional means.

Rong Xu had seen it all. Not just in his previous life — even in this one, he’d attended plenty of similar events. If someone came here looking for shady deals or a “golden backer,” that was their business. But if someone simply wanted to enjoy the party, that was also perfectly normal.

For the Zhuang Hua Luo crew, they were here purely for the latter.

After entering the hotel, Rong Xu was quickly spotted by Lin Xuan, who immediately pulled him over. Meanwhile, Old Liu was preparing to speak with an American investor about funding his next film. Qin Cheng had originally wanted to go with Rong Xu, but just then, Mr. Holt (Clemens’ father) caught sight of him and blocked his path.

“Hey, Qin! Long time no see. How’s your film Limit coming along? Do you have some time lately…”

The banquet lasted until 1 a.m., with guests gradually trickling out. When Rong Xu and Old Liu were getting ready to leave, Qin Cheng was still in conversation with a British director.

Old Liu, running low on patience, waved his hand. “Forget waiting for him. Let’s head back ourselves.”

Rong Xu smiled. “You and Sister Huang go ahead, Old Liu. I’ll wait a bit longer for Qin Cheng.”

Old Liu didn’t think much of it. Everyone knew these two young men were close, and there was no reason to stop Rong Xu from waiting.

About twenty minutes later, as guests dwindled, Qin Cheng finally clinked glasses with the British director and ended the conversation. The hall was nearly empty. Qin Cheng turned, scanning the room — and froze when he spotted the boy.

Under the dazzling crystal chandelier stood a handsome, refined young man, raising his wineglass in a subtle wave. The deep red wine swirled in the glass, and the slender stem made his pale fingers seem even longer and more elegant. Rong Xu smiled gently, then downed the last sip of wine.

Qin Cheng lost focus for a moment, then strode forward to join his boy and leave together.

“Holt said he has a film and wants to work with me.” The hotel they were staying in was the one arranged for Zhuang Hua Luo. After leaving the banquet hall, the two of them entered the elevator. Qin Cheng continued, “Do you have time in the second half of next year?”

Rong Xu pressed the floor button and looked surprised. “As far as I know, Brother Luo hasn’t planned that far ahead yet. But I remember him saying two days ago that my schedule’s full until early next year. Why do you ask?”

The elevator rose smoothly.

Qin Cheng’s low, elegant voice sounded in the quiet space:
“I want to act with you in Holt’s movie.”

Rong Xu raised an eyebrow. “Second half of next year… Mr. Qin, I don’t think I’ll be playing a supporting role to you by then.” He paused, thinking. “But a dual male lead film? That’s worth considering. James and Hugh’s cop drama last year was a classic.”

Then he asked, “What kind of film is Holt’s? It must require a long prep time.”

Qin Cheng’s lips curved slightly. “Not telling you.”

Rong Xu froze and turned to study the composed man beside him. After a moment, he chuckled softly. “Scheming something, are you? And not telling me?”

Qin Cheng lowered his gaze, unbothered. “Trade secret. Though… I could tell you, maybe.”

Rong Xu smiled meaningfully. “There’s a catch?”

They stepped out of the elevator — their room was close now. Qin Cheng loosened his tie. His cold, handsome face betrayed no expression. Even on hotel security cameras, he appeared perfectly calm, like he was just walking down a hallway. No one would ever know that the dignified Mr. Qin was now saying something completely inappropriate:

“I accept bribes. And… seduction bonuses.”

Qin Cheng stopped in front of Rong Xu’s room. He looked down, his deep eyes locked on the boy before him — right in a blind spot where no camera could capture his face. Rong Xu, on the other hand, saw him clearly: lips curled, smile faint, eyes quietly intense.

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Four years ago, Qin Cheng had starred in an action blockbuster. There was a scene where he escaped by diving into water. When he emerged, hair slicked back and clinging to his elegant features, lips pressed together, gaze cold — the frame froze there, icy and restrained. It became an iconic scene, endlessly used in fan edits.

Now, in this moment, Rong Xu saw that same version of Qin Cheng again — cool, aloof, and irresistibly sexy. Storms brewed behind those eyes. The sheer masculine intensity was overwhelming, enough to make anyone hold their breath… and willingly drown in it.

But Rong Xu simply touched his lips and said calmly:
“As a scumbag, I didn’t know I had the ‘seduction’ skill.”

While speaking, he took out the room card and swiped it. The door opened. He stepped back into the room, turned his head slightly — soft strands of hair fell to one side. He said nothing else, just stood there, smiling faintly at the man still outside.

The moment Rong Xu said the word “scumbag,” the flirtatious atmosphere shattered completely.

Qin Cheng looked at him in shock, brow furrowing as thoughts raced. Yet he couldn’t figure out what that word was supposed to mean.

From inside the room, Rong Xu smiled and said:
“Come in.”

Qin Cheng had always planned to stay in Rong Xu’s room tonight. Two close friends sharing a room wasn’t a big deal — even if someone found out, it was easy to explain. So when Rong Xu invited him in, Qin Cheng stepped forward without thinking, completely unfazed by the earlier comment.

His shirt collar slightly loosened, revealing his well-defined collarbone. Once inside, he was finally out of the camera’s view. Bracing one hand against the wall, he leaned down, his lips curling in a low, husky murmur:

“Xiao Xu…”

But the next moment, Rong Xu smiled and said:

“I can’t really pull off seduction. But maybe… the Orange Goddess could give me a demonstration?”

The smile on Qin Cheng’s lips vanished instantly.

Almost instinctively, he turned to leave. But Rong Xu grabbed his wrist and — click! — the door shut behind him.

Qin Cheng: “…”

Rong Xu: “^_^”

The boy leaned in. Qin Cheng stepped back. His back hit the cold wooden door. He looked down at the youth in front of him, just as Rong Xu raised a finger to hook under his chin, gently tilting it up in a teasing stroke.

In those shimmering eyes, an enticing heat lingered. His breath fell softly against Qin Cheng’s flawless face, voice low and seductive.

It was the voice Qin Cheng loved most — gentle and warm like a spring breeze. Especially when the desire reached its peak, and that voice moaned his name — ending soft, raspy, and achingly sweet. It could bring him to climax in seconds.

But right now, Qin Cheng didn’t appreciate it at all.

Even as Rong Xu whispered his name, Qin Cheng stood frozen, powerless, letting the boy tilt his chin and tease him. His eyes widened helplessly.

“Qin Cheng… Oh, right, Orange Goddess, how do you seduce someone? Could you teach me… please?”