Xu Tang drove alone to a hot pot restaurant. He had reserved a private room in advance, determined to enjoy a feast today.
He Xin arrived five minutes earlier and was already looking through the menu. When he saw Xu Tang come in, he smiled.
“It’s pretty rare to hear you say you’re craving something.”
Xu Tang smiled, set his handbag aside, sat down across from him, tore open a packet of sanitizing wipes, wiped his hands, and started ordering.
With a helpless sigh, He Xin began checking off dishes and writing quantities on the paper menu.
Here’s what had happened.
The night before, Zong Xuan had come home from work smelling like hot pot. Coincidentally, the TV program Xu Tang was watching happened to be about hot pot culture. That immediately awakened his craving, making him want to find someone to eat hot pot with. After all, eating it alone wasn’t much fun.
His first choice, naturally, was He Xin.
Whenever Xu Tang invited him out to eat, as long as He Xin wasn’t working, he never refused. Besides, this time Xu Tang specifically wanted hot pot. It was already late at night, and He Xin himself was feeling a little hungry. Just imagining that mouthwatering spicy red broth was enough to convince him. Anyone who loved spicy food would find it impossible to resist.
So he happily agreed.
After handing the completed menu to the server, He Xin waited until the server had left before asking,
“Why didn’t you ask Zong Xuan to come eat with you?”
“He left early this morning for work out of town. He won’t be back until the weekend.”
Other than rehearsals, Zong Xuan rarely accepted work that kept him away for more than three days anymore. But this assignment had already been scheduled long ago, so he still had to go.
“Oh? Doesn’t Emperor Zong understand that throwing money around for the one he loves is a virtue? What’s more important—work or eating hot pot with you?”
Though he was joking, He Xin sounded completely righteous.
“Work.”
Xu Tang answered without giving him any face.
“We still have to earn a living.”
“You really are hopeless.”
He Xin rolled his eyes.
“Whatever Zong Xuan does, you think he’s right.”
“Not necessarily.”
Xu Tang opened the sesame oil jar and started mixing his dipping sauce.
“For example, today he said I should use his credit card to treat you to dinner.”
“I turned him down.”
“What?!”
“Because I’m the one treating you, not him.”
As he spoke, he added minced garlic and chopped scallions to his sauce.
“What’s the difference?”
“Of course there’s a difference.”
“I’m the one having dinner with you, not my boyfriend.”
“Holy crap.”
“You’re jealous over something like that?”
“Yep.”
Xu Tang smiled as he poured seafood sauce into the bowl.
Seeing him admit it so shamelessly, He Xin rolled his eyes even harder.
Xu Tang burst into laughter and stopped teasing him.
Of course, he had only been joking.
He would still be using Zong Xuan’s card today.
Otherwise, Zong Xuan would undoubtedly call that evening and give him another lecture titled How to Properly Spend Your Boyfriend’s Money.
After all the food had been served, the waiter left the private room and closed the door behind him, giving the two of them privacy to chat.
He Xin tossed two plates of sliced meat into the pot first, then added vegetables and meatballs that took longer to cook.
“I heard from Yue Yan a couple of days ago that you’re going to be filming a movie?”
“Yeah.”
Xu Tang nodded.
“It wasn’t originally part of my plans, but Zong Xuan showed me the script and asked whether I wanted to do it—with him.”
“So I agreed.”
He Xin nodded approvingly.
“You should’ve tried acting a long time ago.”
“Nowadays everyone develops in multiple directions.”
“You already sing well and have excellent achievements, but branching into other fields can only help.”
“Honestly, I’m pretty nervous.”
Xu Tang laughed.
“What if my acting ends up being awkward? That’d be embarrassing.”
After Xu Tang told Kang Duo he wanted the role, her response had been simple.
“Great. Let’s do it.”
Very few entertainers focused on only one specialty anymore.
Either successful singers branched into acting, or successful actors branched into singing.
Kang Duo didn’t necessarily expect Xu Tang to become a brilliant actor.
She simply believed that trying different fields, understanding the industry more deeply, and building connections would all benefit his future.
Besides…
His co-star was Zong Xuan.
If they didn’t take advantage of such a perfect opportunity, they’d have to be crazy.
For once, Zong Xuan had actually done something worthwhile by helping give Xu Tang a boost.
“Isn’t Director Xin directing?”
He Xin said.
“Then you’ll be fine.”
“Everyone in the industry praises Director Xin’s ability to guide newcomers.”
“This is the perfect opportunity to learn.”
Having worked in television himself, He Xin naturally understood this side of the business far better than Xu Tang.
“That’s true…”
“But nobody knows how it’ll go in practice.”
Xu Tang still lacked confidence.
He Xin put on a serious face.
“Then let this veteran give you a few pointers.”
Xu Tang immediately played along.
“Please enlighten this humble junior!”
“I’m not going to lecture you about understanding your character or becoming your character.”
“That’s basic.”
“From my experience, if you want your acting to avoid looking awkward, the audience has to stop seeing you.”
“You know how idols are trained.”
“They’re taught which angle looks best, which expressions are prettiest, how to smile for the camera…”
“But once you’re acting, you have to throw all of that away.”
“You’re portraying a character—not yourself.”
“So don’t worry about looking handsome on camera or maintaining your image.”
“Instead, think about what the character would actually do—even if it makes you look unattractive.”
“That’s when you’re truly acting.”
That point was extremely important.
Many actors either didn’t understand it or refused to let themselves look imperfect on camera. They constantly searched for flattering angles until every scene resembled a magazine photoshoot.
How could that possibly feel genuine?
Characters in television dramas and films were inherently imperfect.
Some weren’t handsome.
Some weren’t beautiful.
Without accepting that fact, audiences would always feel disconnected.
Fans might initially overlook poor acting because of good looks.
But as they matured—or stopped being fans—they would begin seeing every flaw clearly.
Well-known directors also had little interest in hiring actors like that.
Usually only filmmakers chasing quick profits or inexperienced directors would cast them.
In the long run, that severely limited their careers.
Sooner or later, a younger, more talented generation would replace them completely.
Xu Tang thought for a moment before nodding.
“I understand.”
“As for how to immerse yourself in a role or express emotions appropriately, that all depends on the script.”
“You’d better ask Zong Xuan.”
“He definitely has more experience than I do.”
“You don’t need to worry too much about your scenes together.”
“He’s excellent at carrying his scene partners.”
“But pay extra attention to your solo scenes.”
“When you get home, study hard under Teacher Zong.”
“I know.”
Xu Tang smiled.
The script was still being revised.
He couldn’t begin memorizing it until the final version was finished.
Once that happened, he planned to discuss everything with Zong Xuan.
Although changes during filming were inevitable, being prepared beforehand was always better than cramming at the last minute.
After eating for a while, He Xin picked up a soft, chewy rice cake for dessert.
“Oh, right.”
“After The Shape of Love finishes airing, come on my show.”
“Help boost my ratings.”
“You still worry about ratings?”
Xu Tang laughed.
“Who would ever complain about having higher ratings?”
He Xin grinned.
“All right.”
“Just let Sister Kang know in advance when you’ll be filming.”
“Will do.”
After thinking for a moment, Xu Tang added,
“If you’re inviting me, shouldn’t you invite Zhou Xing and the others too?”
“Playing favorites might get people talking.”
“I’ve already thought about that.”
He Xin nodded.
“Inviting Zhou Xing and Chen Tina shouldn’t be a problem.”
“But Yu Lun and Ai Ya…”
“They’re getting questioned pretty heavily right now.”
“If I interview them now, wouldn’t I just be slapping myself in the face?”
If he let those two come on his show pretending to be deeply in love, only for everything to fall apart later, people might think he had been helping cover it up.
“So what are you going to do?”
Xu Tang asked.
It really was an awkward situation.
Invite them?
Bad.
Don’t invite them?
Also bad.
After considering it, He Xin calmly answered,
“Stall.”
“How long can you stall?”
“I’ll schedule your episode and Zhou Xing’s far apart.”
“That way, if Yu Lun and Ai Ya don’t appear for a while, fans will probably just assume they’re busy with work and haven’t filmed yet.”
He had never personally used that strategy before.
But many veteran hosts had mastered it long ago.
Perhaps it was finally his turn to learn from them.
“I hope it’ll fool people.”
Xu Tang certainly didn’t want anything to tarnish He Xin’s program.
“Maybe they’ll announce their breakup before long.”
“That would be perfect.”
“I wouldn’t even have to think anymore.”
Xu Tang considered it.
“Probably not that soon.”
“Wouldn’t that basically prove everyone right?”
“Not necessarily.”
“If they drag it out and paparazzi catch them first, it’ll be even worse.”
“They’re better off making the announcement themselves.”
As The Shape of Love grew increasingly popular, Yu Lun and Ai Ya were receiving more and more attention.
If paparazzi started following them, problems were almost inevitable.
Making the announcement early might actually be the safer choice.
“That’s true.”
“But at the earliest, they’d still have to wait until the show’s finished airing, right?”
Xu Tang remembered there being a clause like that in the contract.
He and Zong Xuan hadn’t read it carefully.
After all, it had nothing to do with them.
“Yeah.”
“So all we can do is wish them good luck.”
He Xin raised his teacup.
Xu Tang clinked his own against it.
It looked like a heartfelt toast…
Though judging by He Xin’s expression, he clearly wasn’t putting much sincerity into it.
After discussions and negotiations on Zong Xuan’s side, Yue Yan agreed to serve as the producer for The Return of the Sovereign.
Director Xin finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With Yue Yan handling production, all he needed to worry about was making a good film.
Zong Xuan arranged for everyone to meet once he returned, bringing the screenwriter along as well.
That way, communication would be more efficient and revisions to the newest draft of the script could proceed more smoothly.
That weekend, Xu Tang stayed home alone watching Episode Four of The Shape of Love.
With Zong Xuan away, he found himself feeling lonely.
So this is what people mean when they say those happily in love become sentimental…
The theme of this episode was:
Letters.
Each couple had been asked to write a letter to their partner.
The length didn’t matter.
The important thing was expressing their feelings honestly.
Yue Yan and He Xin’s letters, as well as Zhou Xing and Chen Tina’s, were fairly conventional.
They expressed love and gratitude for everything their partners had done over the years.
The former pair’s letters were more playful.
The latter’s were more emotional.
Yu Lun and Ai Ya’s letters, however, felt almost like official statements.
Beautifully written.
But lacking genuine emotion.
As for Xu Tang and Zong Xuan…
No matter what anyone else thought, those letters were deeply meaningful and precious to them.
During the New Year, Xu Tang had injured his hand and hadn’t written Zong Xuan his annual letter as he usually did.
This episode finally gave him the chance to make up for it.
At the very end was a blank sheet of stationery.
It looked as though it had accidentally been folded in.
Shi Duo smiled.
“I didn’t expect Tang Tang to write a letter like this.”
“It never actually says ‘love,’ but every word seems full of it.”
“You’re so attentive to him.”
“So concerned about him.”
Gently stroking the letter, Zong Xuan smiled.
“Every year before Lunar New Year, he writes me one like this.”
“He points out everything I did well—and everything I need to improve.”
“I’ve corrected quite a few bad habits thanks to his letters.”
“This year he injured his hand, so he couldn’t write.”
“I thought I’d have to wait until next year.”
“Oh?”
“That actually sounds pretty romantic.”
Shi Duo laughed.
“I wouldn’t call it romantic.”
“He always cared for me this way.”
“Quietly.”
“I used to be too careless to notice.”
“But now that I do…”
“…I treasure it all the more.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“The last page is blank.”
“Was it accidentally included?”
“Were you disappointed?”
Zong Xuan smiled.
“No.”
“It wasn’t included by mistake.”
“It was his way of telling me…”
“…there’s simply too much left unsaid.”
“As long as we both understand, that’s enough.”
Watching the television, Xu Tang was genuinely surprised.
Neither of them had known what the other had said during the recording.
This was the first time Xu Tang had heard Zong Xuan’s explanation.
He had never expected…
…that Zong Xuan truly understood.
The blank page had indeed been placed there intentionally.
There had simply been too many things to write.
So many that Xu Tang hadn’t even known where to begin.
The blank page represented everything left unspoken.
Then the camera switched.
It was Xu Tang’s turn to read his letter.
Zong Xuan’s letter was very short.
It quoted a famous line:
The spring waters are just beginning to rise, the spring woods are at their fullest, the spring breeze stretches for miles—but none compare to you. May we have years to look back upon, and spend our lifetime growing old together in deep love.
Just those few lines…
And Xu Tang’s eyes instantly turned red.
At long last…
Zong Xuan’s feelings for him had become love.
“That’s awfully simple.”
Shi Duo laughed.
He didn’t know the history between Zong Xuan and Xu Tang.
He was simply reacting at first glance.
“No.”
Xu Tang sniffled.
“I understand what he means.”
“I’m very happy.”
“All right.”
“I’ll admit I don’t understand couples’ secret language.”
Shi Duo said helplessly.
The program continued playing.
But Xu Tang’s thoughts had already wandered elsewhere.
He remembered how, after returning to their room that day, Zong Xuan had pulled him into the bathroom and kissed him for what felt like forever.
His face gradually grew warm.
Since returning home, both of them had been busy.
They still hadn’t taken the final step in their relationship.
Though…
They had already bought everything they would need.
Those items were now quietly waiting inside the nightstand drawer in the upstairs bedroom…
Episode Four once again became a hot topic online.
But Xu Tang no longer had time to pay attention.
After Zong Xuan returned, he brought Xu Tang to meet with Director Xin, Yue Yan, and Xin Yun.
Besides discussing the production team and story revisions, Xin Yun also hoped Xu Tang would perform the movie’s theme song.
If possible, she hoped he could write it as well.
Xin Yun was the same age as Yue Yan.
But meeting her favorite idol still made her blush like a young girl.
Zong Xuan didn’t come across as particularly approachable.
Still, he was courteous and gentlemanly.
Xu Tang, on the other hand, had an easygoing personality and quickly struck up a conversation with Xin Yun.
“As for writing the lyrics and composition…”
Xu Tang thought for a moment.
“I might not have enough time.”
“Filming alone will keep me pretty busy.”
“But singing it won’t be a problem.”
After another pause, he added,
“I don’t know if you’ve heard of Fang Tan.”
“His ancient-style songs are excellent—the lyrics, the compositions, and his vocals.”
“I think he’d be worth considering.”
“Fang Tan really is outstanding.”
Director Xin nodded.
“He’s also very dedicated to studying classical poetry.”
“I’ve listened to his songs.”
“They have wonderful charm.”
“Then let’s invite Fang Tan to write the theme song.”
Yue Yan made the decision on the spot.
“I’ll get in touch with him.”
Xu Tang nodded.
“I’ll ask him to set aside some time for us.”
Although they rarely met in person, he and Fang Tan still kept in touch regularly.
Their friendship remained as close as ever.
After wrapping up the discussion, everyone had nearly finished eating.
Before leaving, the enthusiastic fan-girl Xin Yun asked both Xu Tang and Zong Xuan for their autographs.
Only then, completely satisfied, did she head home with her father.