Chapter 56: 056 Want a drink? I can keep you company.

Although the field assignment didn’t explicitly state he’d have to participate in filming, facing Ye Fu’s pitiful yet persistent gaze, Ming Ruan still compromised.

He’d just give it a try. If it didn’t work out, they’d naturally give up, right?

…

Participating in filming naturally meant he couldn’t stay anonymous. When Ming Ruan returned to the crew, everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but stick to him, their heads swiveling like sunflowers following his every move.

Under the weight of the entire crew’s stares, Ming Ruan steeled himself and walked over to the Director.

“You’re here.” The Director lifted his eyes, gave him a calm glance, and patted the staff member beside him. “Go brief him on the scene.”

Then he barked at the others: “Stop staring! Get back to your own work!”

The crew immediately lost interest and averted their gazes.

Ming Ruan breathed a sigh of relief.

But what he didn’t know was that while he was earnestly cramming with the staff member, those seemingly calm, busy crew members were all barely containing their excitement, heads bowed, nudging and bumping each other, communicating frantically with their eyes, sneaking glances at Ming Ruan whenever they could.

This was Ming Ruan, after all. Every extra glance was a profit! Enough to brag about for ages!

But before this, personnel from the Sanatorium had specifically spoken with the entire crew, requiring them to cooperate with the Information Shackle and not let anything slip in front of Ming Ruan. They had no choice but to endure it for now.

On set, Ming Ruan thought the staff member would teach him blocking, turns, how to face the camera, what emotions to convey, what expressions to make… He’d even opened his Light Brain notes, ready to meticulously record everything.

The staff member positioned Ming Ruan at his designated spot. “Just stand here. When you see the fox come out of the forest, call him over, and then catch him. Can you do that?”

“Mhm, I’ve got it!” Ming Ruan nodded earnestly, waiting for the staff member to continue.

The staff member said, “Mhm, good luck.”

He then returned to the Director’s side, nodding to signal readiness. The Director immediately raised his hand high, signaling Ming Ruan to prepare for the take.

Huh?

What?

How was it starting already?

Ming Ruan felt completely lost, like he’d only just learned basic addition and was suddenly thrown into an advanced calculus exam.

But things had already reached this point.

Ming Ruan’s heart pounded wildly. He stood with his back to the forest, facing the city walls, his entire body rigid with anticipation.

He waited in place for a long, long time.

The camera held steady on him, and the Director gave no further instructions.

Long enough for his heartbeat to calm down, long enough for Ming Ruan to grow a little bored, his mind even wandering to other things.

“Yip.” A familiar soft cry reached Ming Ruan’s ears, but the emotion in that cry was somewhat unfamiliar.

It was the little fox.

Ming Ruan instinctively turned back around. Before him, the little fox’s fur was disheveled, its limbs caked with mud, leaves clinging to its body, panting heavily. It was vigilant, guarded, its eyes holding wariness and alarm. In an instant, Ming Ruan felt like he was pulled back to the moment he first met the fox.

His heart gave a slight, sour pang. He naturally opened his arms. “Come here, baby.” Gentle, patient, full of anticipation.

The little fox looked at Ming Ruan, its hesitant steps beginning, then growing more and more resolute, faster and faster, until it leaped into the air!

The crew members held their breath.

The Director’s hands were clasped tightly together, his eyes staring intensely at the scene before him.

Behind the continuous expanse of cold, gray-toned skyscrapers, the sun was stealthily ascending.

Ming Ruan held his arms open, waiting for Shi Huai to leap into them, just as they had done countless times since their very first meeting.

There was no awkwardness, nor any chance for error.

The fox pounced steadily into his embrace.

At that very moment, the sun’s height perfectly cleared the layered buildings.

Sunlight poured down from above all structures, instantly enveloping the entire world.

Ming Ruan’s golden hair and fair skin melted into the sunlight. Through the lens, the sunlight blurred his form, obscured his face, transforming him into a single beam among countless rays of light, rather than a specific individual.

This cluster of light caught the fox securely.

Everyone heard a soft laugh beside their ears: “Good baby.”

In that moment, the figure in the shot was Ming Ruan, and yet not Ming Ruan.

He was Ming Ruan, and the countless citizens of the Alpha Galaxy.

Everyone held their breath, unwilling to even blink, wanting only to imprint this miraculous scene into the deepest corners of their minds without missing a single frame.

Just a simple turn, an embrace, yet everything was so perfectly timed. Stripped of excess embellishment, the true emotion the public service promo aimed to express flowed naturally into everyone’s hearts.

…

After catching the little fox, Ming Ruan’s rationality gradually returned, remembering he was still filming. He stiffly nuzzled and inhaled the fox’s scent over and over, petting its head, then its ears, then its back, after the back he even grabbed its tail, exhausting every trick he knew, yet still didn’t hear the Director call ‘Cut!’

Only the fox remained oblivious, still clingingly nuzzling into the crook of his arm.

This was impossible.

Ming Ruan deflated, looking out of frame, waiting to be scolded.

But instead, he saw the Director nod.

Immediately following, applause thundered all around.

Ming Ruan: …?

“Completely natural, a perfect fit.”

“No trace of artifice, unpolished yet natural.”

“Just right.”

After filming ended, Ming Ruan was enthusiastically ushered by the crew members to the rest area and thoroughly pampered. The Director was also surrounded by a group of people, looking at the recorded footage, praising it amongst themselves.

The Director remained outwardly composed, but inwardly, he was very smug. Who would have thought they’d actually manage to get him to do it in the end!

Rather than saying they got Ming Ruan to act in this public service promo, it was more accurate to say that everyone knew who the human character in this promo was based on.

Acting as himself—how could it not be astonishing!

The Director could foresee that this public service promo would surely stir up a huge storm!

“That’s a wrap!”

“Wrap party, yay!”

“Director, take us to the Sky Island Central Hotel to see the sights! You can’t just give everyone a case of Nutrient Solution again, right?”

Because filming had gone so smoothly, everyone was laughing and joking around.

The Director cursed with a laugh. “All you ever think about is stuffing your faces.”

The Director checked the equipment and returned the filming location to the Sky Island Hub, glancing at the youth walking at the very back of the crowd, still looking dazed.

The team he led often filmed productions collaborating with the authorities, not having the extravagance of those big commercial studios. But this time, the authorities had specifically allocated a sum of funds, explicitly ordering them to take good care of Ming Ruan.

Back then, the Director thought the big shots were just fussy and precious. But after truly interacting with him these past days, he thought, even if the authorities hadn’t said anything before, he would have paid out of his own pocket to make sure Ming Ruan was perfectly comfortable!

“Let’s go! Sky Island Central Hotel!”

…

Ming Ruan had originally thought he would be very uncomfortable with such socializing, but he discovered the crew’s atmosphere was very friendly. Especially the little animal actors, who all crowded around him, completely engulfing him.

At the dining table, with little animals perched all over his head and shoulders, feeding one here, coaxing another there, he was too happily occupied to socialize.

The crew members at the same table didn’t mind either, watching with smiles and even taking photos with their Light Brains.

Amidst the harmonious laughter, a voice suddenly cut in:

“Hello, sorry to disturb you, are you Ming Ruan?”

The lively chatter at the table fell silent.

Film Island was frequented by industry insiders filming, so the Director hadn’t booked a private room, fearing the Beastmen might feel cramped.

Being suddenly approached by someone from the next table, the entire crew stared over in unison.

Jiang Ji, who had come over to talk, was stared at until he took a step back.

Normally, it was others who took the chance to chat him up while he was eating. This was the first time he’d approached someone else.

To be honest, this was a bit impolite.

But…

Jiang Ji smiled helplessly, pointing to the camera behind him. “Sorry for the disturbance, we’re from the ‘Entertainment Online’ variety show crew. Some fans just recognized Ming Ruan a moment ago, were very surprised, and asked me to come confirm.”

Ye Fu immediately stood up, shielding Ming Ruan. His mind raced to recall.

Entertainment Online, it was a livestream variety show that broadcast the daily work of entertainment stars. It had been quite popular recently, and its reputation within the industry was fairly good. It seemed they really had just run into each other by chance.

Jiang Ji showed his livestream room to Ye Fu.

At that moment, the livestream room was flooded with screaming bullet comments:

【Wifey’s eyes look so big when he stares in surprise! Let me kiss!!】

【Ahhhhh, how can Ruanruan be here!! Why is he eating here?】

【The people next to him are? The crew for that public service promo??】

【Holy shit, is Ming Ruan really really starring in it!! I’m alive again!!】

【When will the film be released!! I’ll lick it to pieces!!】

The backend monitoring data showed that from the moment Ming Ruan flashed past in the livestream room and was recognized by sharp-eyed netizens, the data had been continuously climbing. It had now completely broken through Entertainment Online’s predictions for this variety show’s live broadcast metrics.

On Film Island, idols, actors, stars, and models were a dime a dozen, and viewers were already tired of seeing them. None of them could bring such high heat to the program’s livestream room like Ming Ruan!

Especially the livestream room belonging to Jiang Ji, who was closest to Ming Ruan—its data was leaving all others in the dust!

Ye Fu swiftly raised the bullet comment filtering level before calmly turning to ask Ming Ruan. “Your fans spotted you. Want to say hello?”

Although this show had a clear suspicion of trying to ride on his popularity, the fans were innocent; they were genuinely excited by this chance encounter with Ming Ruan.

Ming Ruan was also very surprised. He obediently raised a hand to wave hello. Inwardly, he mused: Isn’t this a bit like I’m the one trying to piggyback on a big star’s popularity?

Ming Ruan didn’t know that his simple waving motion made the already soaring data spike violently upward once more!

More and more people rushed in, shouting 【I heard Ruanruan is sighted here!】 【I’m here to reclaim my wife, everyone make way!】

The director of Entertainment Online, sitting far on the other side, couldn’t hold back anymore. He frantically signaled his own variety show members, urging them to try harder, to stay with Ming Ruan a bit longer.

“What a coincidence meeting like this, why don’t we all sit together?”

Amidst vague, mutual hemming and hawing, the two production crews somehow ended up mingling together.

Jiang Ji smoothly took a seat right next to Ming Ruan.

He carefully looked Ming Ruan over and said with a low laugh, “Ruanruan, I’m your fan. You’re even better looking in person than in your livestream!”

Ah, do people in the entertainment industry also watch cute pet livestreams?

Ming Ruan, who saw himself as just an ordinary Caretaker, felt flattered.

Jiang Ji looked quite young, his white T-shirt clean and tidy, his smile sunny and open, full of youthful vigor. He was very much like the good buddies Ming Ruan had in university.

Plus, Jiang Ji was a good conversationalist. As they talked back and forth, leaning close together, they actually got along quite well.

Ming Ruan was completely oblivious. But Shi Huai, sitting in Ming Ruan’s arms, had long since seen this guy blushing, swallowing saliva, his eyes constantly darting around, his hand propped behind Ming Ruan, always leaning into him.

What was his problem?!

The fox bristled, its eyes fixed intently on Jiang Ji’s every move. Every time Jiang Ji made a move that crossed the line, Shi Huai directly swatted at him with a paw.

Under the fox’s unsubtle interference, happening again and again, Jiang Ji gave Ming Ruan a very troubled look and awkwardly touched his head. “Sorry, am I being too familiar… It seems like he doesn’t like me very much?”

? This thick tea-like aroma.

The fox tilted its head, its mind full of question marks.

Ming Ruan didn’t know why the little fox was so restless right now. He soothingly hugged the fox close and squeezed it. “There, there. Let’s not scratch the big brother, okay?”

Shi Huai, being squeezed, let out a grumbling whimper, but his irritation subsided somewhat, finding it quite agreeable.

But then he saw Ming Ruan let go of him and continue chatting and laughing with Jiang Ji.

Shi Huai: …The irritation that had subsided came roaring back doubled!

In Ming Ruan’s arms, the fox’s body heaved violently.

This person, this person was making improper advances on Ming Ruan right in front of him.

His hand was practically about to touch Ming Ruan’s waist.

And he couldn’t do anything about it.

Shi Huai couldn’t help but recall the events of the past two days.

He was a fox. He couldn’t openly communicate or interact with Ming Ruan. He couldn’t be his tour guide, showing him around the Interstellar realm. He couldn’t teach him how to act, nor could he soothe his nerves. Encountering situations like this where someone was taking advantage of him, he couldn’t stop it, couldn’t protect him.

Even… today was his and Ming Ruan’s first collaboration. He was so happy, so excited, wanting to tell Ming Ruan all his feelings completely!

But Ming Ruan couldn’t understand.

The fox closed its eyes, head drooping.

He didn’t want Ming Ruan to only like the fox anymore.

He wanted Ming Ruan to like him.

Like Shi Huai, the person.

…

If only he were human.

If only he could turn back into his human form.

…

Ming Ruan was listening intently to Jiang Ji introduce the retro delicacies on the table when he suddenly felt his arms empty.

The little fox had jumped off the chair and run headlong towards the depths of the restaurant without looking back.

“Baby!”

Ming Ruan didn’t care about anything else. He stood up to chase after him but was held back by Ye Fu pressing on his shoulder. “It’s okay, I’ll go.” With that, Ye Fu chased after the fox.

People around them heard the commotion, and quite a few looked over.

Remembering the livestream camera was still on them, Ming Ruan had to restrain himself and not make a big scene.

Jiang Ji noticed Ming Ruan’s anxiety and distraction. He offered a few words of comfort, but they had no effect.

His gaze swept around, and he picked up a drink from the table, poured a glass, and handed it to Ming Ruan. “Relax, it’s nothing. Try this? It’s a drink brewed from a type of Berry. They say the technique was passed down from ancient times. It can soothe your mood.”

Ming Ruan’s attention was pulled back slightly by a keyword. He saw the glass of something that looked like red wine or grape wine.

He actually wasn’t much of a drinker, but Jiang Ji had already brought the glass right up to him, holding it there, looking at him with concern, waiting for him to take it.

Ming Ruan felt it would be awkward to refuse. He hesitated, then reached out to take it.

Jiang Ji watched Ming Ruan’s fingertips draw closer, that fair, tender color contrasting with the deep red-purple of the wine, making everything exceptionally enticing.

Jiang Ji felt his mouth go dry. He swallowed. He couldn’t help but fantasize about how those pink, tender lips would look stained deep red by this wine.

“Try it.” He lowered his voice, bringing the glass even closer.

His hand was large. Holding the glass, it covered half of it. If Ming Ruan wanted to hold it steady, he would inevitably have to touch his hand.

What would that feel like? What temperature would his fingertips be?

Just as the two were about to make contact, suddenly, a shadow loomed over from behind Ming Ruan!

A hand, with distinct knuckles and faintly visible blue veins, reached from behind to the front, grabbing Ming Ruan’s wrist in one swift motion, stopping his action.

Ming Ruan felt a warm presence press against his back, another person’s slightly rapid breath spraying near his ear. It was a completely boundary-crossing distance, yet Ming Ruan unexpectedly felt no pressure or resistance. As if his body had long been familiar with such intimacy.

Opposite him, before Jiang Ji could react, the wine glass in his hand had already been snatched away.

The youth tilted the glass back and downed it in one gulp. As his head tilted back, his disheveled hair swept past those delicate features, features familiar to everyone present.

Empty glass.

The youth wiped the dark red wine stain from his lips with the back of his hand, his lips curving into a smirk, revealing a pair of sharp little canine teeth.

The glass was placed back onto the table in front of Jiang Ji with a thud. The youth moved from behind Ming Ruan to in front of him, shielding Ming Ruan completely.

He tilted his head slightly, looking down at Jiang Ji, the corners of his eyes slightly upturned, his brows and eyes brimming with unbridled arrogance.

“Want a drink? I can keep you company.”