The Only Choice - 62

One month later, Scarlet Flame officially began filming.

The male lead role was ultimately given to Lu Mingfan. The female lead was the one Zhou Fanfan had suggested from the start, and who the entire crew had approved: Guan Zhiyi.

Actually, back when they were first selecting the project for Scarlet Flame, Zhou Fanfan had already imagined the female lead's bright and resilient character being portrayed by Guan Zhiyi. However, at that time, she wasn't confident about securing her own "idol." When she sent the script to Guan Zhiyi's agent, she was incredibly nervous.

Fortunately, Guan Zhiyi herself loved the script. After reading it, she agreed to join the project without hesitation.

So, during the first month of filming, Zhou Fanfan constantly switched between "This is my idol!" and "This is my actor." To maintain her professionalism, she worked hard to restrain herself from fawning over Guan Zhiyi on set.

After a month, she finally grew accustomed to working alongside Guan Zhiyi and gradually blended in with the cast, often discussing scenes with them alongside the screenwriter.

Today, they had just finished a night shoot.

"I'm treating everyone to a late-night snack! How about hot pot?" Zhou Fanfan announced.

"Really? Can we really eat hot pot at this hour?" one actor asked.

Zhou Fanfan said, "We've had so many night shoots lately; everyone's worked hard. One meal is fine!"

"Yay!! Let's go, let's go! Hot pot is perfect for this cold weather."

Zhou Fanfan was also freezing. She wrapped her scarf tightly. "Then let's go! Wrap it up!"

"Fanfan, here, take this."

As they walked, Lu Mingfan caught up from behind and shoved his own hot water bottle into her hands.

Because they were around the same age, Zhou Fanfan got along well with the younger actors on set. Even though she was "management," everyone usually called her by her first name.

So, Lu Mingfan's form of address for her had also shifted from the initial "Miss Zhou" to now using her given name directly.

Zhou Fanfan said, "I have a hand warmer. You keep this for yourself."

Lu Mingfan replied, "Your hand warmer must have lost its heat by now after so long. This one works well, you use it. I'm wearing gloves anyway."

Zhou Fanfan's hands were indeed icy. She didn't stand on ceremony too much and thanked him.

"Oh, right. Others can eat more, but you can't. Don't you have a magazine shoot soon?"

Lu Mingfan gave a wry look. "Yes."

Zhou Fanfan said, "Then stick to more vegetables. And skip the heavy dipping sauces."

"Okay, sure."

Soon, Zhou Fanfan led everyone to a hot pot restaurant near the set. The crew and actors flooded in, occupying several tables.

Guan Zhiyi wanted to remove her makeup first, so she told everyone she would arrive at the restaurant a bit later.

On her way to the hot pot place after cleaning up, she received a call from Guan Yuanbai.

"Finished shooting for the day?"

Guan Zhiyi: "Yeah, heading for hot pot now. My future sister-in-law's treating~"

Guan Yuanbai asked, "Where is she then? She's not answering my calls either."

Guan Zhiyi: "Probably just got to the hot pot place and is busy chatting happily with everyone. Might not have noticed her phone."

Guan Yuanbai gave a noncommittal "Oh," asked her how she'd been lately, and told her to eat more nutritious food. Guan Zhiyi accepted the concern, saying she would take care of herself.

The conversation should have ended there.

But at the last moment, Guan Yuanbai suddenly asked another question. "How's that silver-haired guy in your crew been lately?"

Guan Zhiyi found it amusing. "You mean Mingfan? He has a name, why do you keep calling him 'silver-haired guy'?"

Guan Yuanbai said coolly, "Can't remember it."

"Sure you can't… You're just jealous," Guan Zhiyi said, a hint of gossip in her tone. "Bro, I think you might be overthinking it. He probably doesn't have those kinds of feelings for Fanfan, right? He knows she has a boyfriend. Don't hold onto it just because Fanfan complimented him a couple of times."

"None of your business."

Guan Zhiyi: "Then why are you asking me how he's been lately!"

"……"

The night was cold. Guan Zhiyi tightened her coat. "Alright, alright. Since you're so worried, I suggest you come visit the set. Otherwise… what if that handsome guy really does like her and launches a fierce pursuit? You might not compare favorably."

Guan Yuanbai smiled slightly, but his words seemed laced with ice chips. "And where exactly would I not compare favorably? Do tell."

Guan Zhiyi: "You're not as good-looking, your words aren't as sweet, and your age isn't an advantage. Ah… if we really compare, I'm suddenly afraid my future sister-in-law might get snatched away."

"…………"

By the time Guan Zhiyi arrived at the hot pot restaurant, everyone had just started eating. Zhou Fanfan waved her over. "Yiyi!"

Guan Zhiyi walked over and sat down beside her.

"You must be freezing. Here, take the hot water bottle, warm up a bit." Zhou Fanfan directly handed the hot water bottle Lu Mingfan had given her earlier to Guan Zhiyi.

"Thank you, sis— Fanfan."

To avoid unnecessary complications, Zhou Fanfan and Guan Zhiyi still addressed each other as friends on set. Having just called her "sister-in-law" on the phone, she almost slipped up.

"The sauce station is over there." Zhou Fanfan pointed it out for her.

Guan Zhiyi nodded. "Yeah, I know."

After getting her sauces, Guan Zhiyi saw a WeChat message from Guan Yuanbai.

[Keep an eye on things for me]

Guan Zhiyi raised an eyebrow: [What's in it for me?]

Guan Yuanbai: [You'd be happy if I lost my wife, is that it?]

Guan Zhiyi: [Stingy]

Guan Yuanbai: [Keep a good watch. I'll give you some photos you haven't seen before when I'm back]

Guan Zhiyi: [What photos? What do I need photos for? Bro, you're really stingy]

Guan Yuanbai: [Photos of Qi Chengyan from high school. Found them the other day. Don't want them? Fine then.]

Guan Zhiyi: [?? Yes! I want them! Regardless of whether there's really anything going on, I'll definitely keep a close watch on Lu Mingfan for you!]

Everyone was eating hot pot boisterously. At that moment, Lu Mingfan was sitting right next to Zhou Fanfan.

"Want some fatty beef?" Lu Mingfan asked Zhou Fanfan, using a ladle to scoop food.

Zhou Fanfan: "Yes, yes, yes! Thanks!"

Lu Mingfan served some into her bowl. A little later, he scooped vegetables and potatoes, asking if she wanted some.

Guan Zhiyi narrowed her eyes. Maybe her brother's words had gotten to her, but even though Lu Mingfan was also helping others, she inexplicably felt something was a bit off.

So, she picked up another strainer and started continuously loading Zhou Fanfan's plate with food.

With her, the 'love bodyguard,' on duty, no one else was going to interfere with her brother and future sister-in-law's relationship!

"Ah, enough, enough, Yiyi! Eat for yourself, no need to keep serving me."

The moment Zhou Fanfan's bowl had a little space, Guan Zhiyi would refill it. Being taken care of like this made her a bit embarrassed.

Guan Zhiyi said, "It's fine, let me help. It also helps me eat less."

Zhou Fanfan immediately became serious. "You already eat too little normally! Don't be too strict with yourself!"

"If you were my agent, I'd die happy~" As she said this, she leaned closer to Zhou Fanfan's ear and whispered, "Of course, I'm super happy you're my sister-in-law too."

Zhou Fanfan's face visibly reddened. "I think I'm the lucky one here…"

After the late-night snack ended, Zhou Fanfan returned to her hotel room.

As soon as she sat down, she video-called Guan Yuanbai. "What are you up to?"

Guan Yuanbai was sitting in his study. "Finished eating?"

"Huh? How did you know I was just eating?"

"I called Xiao Wu earlier."

"Oh~ No wonder. But it was pretty noisy there earlier, I didn't hear your call. I saw it later, but I thought it'd be better to video call you once I got back to my room."

Guan Yuanbai nodded. "Mm. Have you been okay lately?"

"Pretty good. Just a bit cold. Yiyi's costume is really thin; I'm so afraid she'll catch a cold."

"And you?"

"Me? Of course I'm bundled up." Zhou Fanfan lay on her side on the bed, bringing the phone closer to look at him. "What are you wearing? Still in a shirt this late?"

"Been busy with some things. Haven't showered yet."

"Oh, then go shower quickly and get some sleep early."

Guan Yuanbai said, "I'll chat with you for a bit first."

"You can do both at the same time."

Guan Yuanbai paused, his tone turning meaningful. "Do both at the same time? You want to watch me shower?"

Zhou Fanfan humphed lightly. "It's not like I haven't seen it before."

"Fine."

Zhou Fanfan was actually joking, but she didn't expect Guan Yuanbai to actually keep the video call going. He just carried the phone into the bathroom, propped it casually by the sink, and started taking off his clothes.

At home, he only wore that one layer. She watched him undo the buttons one by one, revealing his abdomen, his chest… well-defined muscles that looked rather enticing under the bathroom light.

Zhou Fanfan initially found it amusing, but the longer she watched, the warmer her face felt, and the warmer her body grew.

"…You… you're really giving me a live show?"

Guan Yuanbai stopped moving, leaning down to look into the camera. "Isn't that what you wanted to see?"

His voice sounded even deeper and more magnetic in the enclosed space of the bathroom, making her feel a bit dizzy.

Zhou Fanfan's heart hammered against her ribs, but she feigned calm. "You'd just show me because I want to see? That's dangerous! What if someone recorded the screen?"

"Recorded the screen?" Guan Yuanbai asked her. "Who would you share the recording with?"

Zhou Fanfan immediately sat up on the bed. "How could I show anyone else! I'd definitely keep it for myself!"

"Oh, so you've already thought that far ahead, planning to save it for personal appreciation." Guan Yuanbai straightened up, his hand moving to his trouser belt. "Then I suppose I can't let you down either."

"……"

Click.

She saw his hand move. The belt loosened.

From this angle, she couldn't see his face, only the most suggestive area, hinting at movement.

Zhou Fanfan took a deep breath and finally covered the phone with her hand. "This isn't appropriate! I really don't think this is appropriate! You… you really have no sense of self-protection! Even though I'm your girlfriend, we can't just do this—"

With the phone covered, there was no sound. Zhou Fanfan wanted to look but was too embarrassed!

After all, seeing it in person was one thing; seeing it over a video call was another. It was just a bit too stimulating!

"Are you still there? You… stop undressing! Guan Yuanbai?" There was no response. After a moment, Zhou Fanfan had no choice but to lift the corner of the phone slightly. "Are you there…?"

There was still no response from the other side. After wrestling with herself for a bit, Zhou Fanfan finally flipped the phone over completely.

Empty.

No one was in front of the camera. She could only see the open bathroom door.

Zhou Fanfan moved closer to the phone and faintly heard the sound of running water.

Probably the shower. So, he had already gone to shower earlier? He was just deliberately scaring her!

Zhou Fanfan fell silent, mortified. "I'm going to take a shower too!!"

Even though she was going to shower, she didn't hang up the call, just left the phone on the bed.

By the time she finished her shower and picked up the phone again, the video on the other end had changed locations, the camera now pointing at the ceiling.

Zhou Fanfan climbed into bed and spoke to the person on the other end. "I'm back."

The screen changed as Guan Yuanbai picked the phone up from the bed and pointed it at himself.

"Where'd you go?" Guan Yuanbai put down his tablet, focusing on talking to her.

Zhou Fanfan said, "To take a shower, of course. It's not like you're the only one who can shower."

Guan Yuanbai chuckled. "Then why did you leave without watching me shower?"

Zhou Fanfan: "You didn't point the camera over there yourself!"

"Oh, so you actually did want to watch."

"…I did not!"

"Really? But I want to." He suddenly added.

Zhou Fanfan was taken aback. "What?"

"You know what I mean."

Zhou Fanfan pretended not to understand, turning her head away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Guan Yuanbai leaned back. "Xiao Wu said you'll still be filming there the next couple of days."

The sudden change of topic was a bit jarring. Zhou Fanfan nodded. "Yeah."

"Mm. Then I'll come visit the set in a couple of days."

Zhou Fanfan: "Huh? So sudden."

"Not sudden."

Guan Yuanbai said slowly, "I told you. I want to see.”

---

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