FLC - Extra 2

First Love Code: Main Story, Side Story, Everyday Sweetness

Perhaps it was just her imagination, but Sheng Li felt that after she said those words, Yu Chi’s eyes seemed to brighten slightly. The corners of his lips curled up, and his voice, languid and deep, carried a playful tone: “Alright, even if it’s less than three times, sister can still make me pay. Whatever way you want.”

Sheng Li: “….”

So, no matter how you calculate it, you won’t lose, huh?

With an impassive expression, Sheng Li pushed him away. Go away.

Yu Chi’s lips curved into a faint smile as he ruffled her hair and murmured, “I’ll try to minimize my NGs.”

Perhaps because Sheng Li was on set, Lin Qi didn’t perform well and flubbed her lines in the first scene. The tables had turned—Sheng Li finally understood why Yu Chi got so jealous. Watching your boyfriend film a kissing scene with someone else… it was painful, bitter.

Sheng Li chuckled, giving herself an excuse. “I’m afraid my presence is affecting the actors’ performance. I’ll go rest in the lounge.”

Out of sight, out of mind.

Back in the lounge, Sheng Li took off her hat and mask, sitting expressionlessly on Yu Chi’s lounge chair. Xiao Jiu handed her a glass of water and stood beside her, cautiously asking, “Sister, do you want me to count how many times Brother-in-law messes up?”

Sheng Li: “….”

Yuan Yuan and Xiao Jiu truly were a pair—what treasures they were!

Still, there were some differences between them. Yuan Yuan was sharper, while Xiao Jiu was more innocent, but both were die-hard CP fans who worried endlessly. Sheng Li pursed her lips and looked up at her. “Xiao Jiu, how does it feel to watch your brother-in-law film a kissing scene?”

Xiao Jiu’s face contorted in pain. “It’s really unbearable, like finding out my boyfriend cheated on me—it hurts even more.”

Sheng Li: “….”

Xiao Jiu quickly added, “Of course, even if all the men in the world cheated, Brother-in-law wouldn’t! But seeing someone like him… having to film a kissing scene just makes me feel awful. Sobs.”

Sheng Li: “….”

Well, she felt much better now. At least many CP fans were feeling sour alongside her.

“You have a boyfriend?” Sheng Li asked.

Xiao Jiu: “No, it’s just a metaphor…”

Sheng Li couldn’t help but laugh at her. She scrolled through Weibo for a bit when suddenly she heard Director He shout through a megaphone, “Pass!”

Passed?

The lounge was a fair distance from the filming site—if the director hadn’t used a megaphone, they wouldn’t have been able to hear anything. Sheng Li asked Xiao Jiu, “Did you hear the director call ‘cut’ earlier?”

Xiao Jiu: “No…”

Sheng Li pursed her lips again. So, how many NGs had there been again?

Dinner was eaten on set, though not the typical boxed meals provided by the crew. Yu Chi had arranged for Xiao Chen to preorder something beforehand, mostly dishes Sheng Li liked.

Yu Chi unwrapped the chopsticks and handed them to Sheng Li.

She accepted them and glanced at him indifferently. She had initially wanted to ask how many NGs there had been, but instead, the words that came out were, “You guys are probably going to film until after ten tonight, right? I’ll head back to the hotel after dinner.”

Yu Chi placed a peeled shrimp into her bowl and looked at her. “Tired?”

“Mm.” Sheng Li was indeed a little tired. She had taken a flight earlier and endured a long car ride. Moreover, she didn’t want to stay on set watching Yu Chi act with Lin Qi anymore—even though there were no kissing scenes left, just looking at them grated on her nerves. “And I want more shrimp.”

Yu Chi stared at her for a few seconds. Seeing her calm demeanor, he felt a bit disheartened. After being together for so long, it always seemed like only he ever got jealous. Now that she’d shown a rare hint of jealousy, it disappeared so quickly.

Could she really not care? Was she this magnanimous?

Yu Chi’s expression gradually cooled as he lowered his gaze and continued peeling shrimp for her.

After finishing dinner with their respective thoughts swirling, Yu Chi picked up the car keys and stood up, saying, “I’ll take you back.”

Sheng Li raised an eyebrow. “Do you have time?”

“It’s only a 20-minute drive from the set to the hotel. There’s still over 40 minutes before the next scene starts. That’s enough time for a round trip.” Yu Chi extended his hand to her.

Sheng Li placed her hand in his palm, allowing him to pull her up.

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of the hotel. Xiao Jiu quickly hopped out of the back seat.

Sheng Li turned to look at Yu Chi in the driver’s seat, leaned over, and hooked her fingers under his chin, whispering, “I forgot to mention—you look incredibly handsome in that outfit today.”

Yu Chi turned to stare at her, raising an eyebrow. “If Sister likes it, should I wear it back tonight?”

Sheng Li: “….”

So you’re thinking about doing another Republican-era drama? Are you still in character?

With a completely straight face, she pushed him away, forcing a smile. “No thanks. I prefer the usual you. I’ll head upstairs first; you should get back soon.”

Yu Chi watched as Sheng Li and Xiao Jiu walked into the hotel before driving off.

At 11 p.m., Yu Chi returned to the hotel. Sheng Li had already showered and was sitting cross-legged on the bed in her bathrobe, talking to Zhou Sinuan on the phone. When she saw Yu Chi return, she merely glanced up at him and said into the phone, “That commercial you mentioned? It turned out pretty well.”

Zhou Sinuan: “????”

Yu Chi narrowed his eyes slightly, standing by the wardrobe and observing her for a few seconds before grabbing a bathrobe and heading to take a shower.

On the phone, Zhou Sinuan pressed further. “What commercial? Why did you suddenly change the topic? Did Yu Chi come back?” Her excitement bubbled over. “You haven’t told me yet—how does it feel to see your boyfriend film a kissing scene with someone else?”

Sheng Li rolled her eyes, stubbornly replying, “What’s there to feel? They’re professional actors. Basic respect for their craft is necessary.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she looked up and saw Yu Chi reappear.

Sheng Li: “….”

Yu Chi gave her a sidelong glance and walked straight toward her. Sheng Li had a nagging suspicion he’d overheard, so she blinked up at him teasingly. However, Yu Chi only returned to plug in his phone charger, then turned and left without another word.

The sound of running water soon filled the bathroom. Sheng Li glanced in its direction. Zhou Sinuan said, “You’re really calm about this. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

Sheng Li was five years older than Yu Chi and had been in the industry for years. If she made such a big deal out of it, it’d seem immature. After some thought, she replied, “Alright, maybe I wasn’t that calm, but I don’t want to seem petty. After all, he’s the king of jealousy. If I became just as jealous, wouldn’t we end up drinking vinegar all year round?”

Zhou Sinuan burst out laughing. “That makes sense. So, was your tough talk all for nothing?”

It did make sense.

After hanging up, Sheng Li sat on the bed pondering for a few minutes. Thinking back to the afternoon’s scene still made her uneasy. No, this couldn’t just slide.

Sheng Li wasn’t particularly tall, but she had great proportions. Her legs were famously straight and long. Though Yu Chi never explicitly said it, she knew he had a thing for legs. He often touched hers. Sometimes, when they cuddled on the couch watching movies, his hands weren’t around her waist—they were holding her ankles.

The sound of water stopped. The electric toothbrush buzzed for a moment. Three minutes later, just as the bathroom door opened and Yu Chi was about to step out, he was suddenly pushed back inside. He glanced down at Sheng Li, casually retreating two steps until his lower back hit the edge of the sink.

Sheng Li braced her hands on the marble countertop beside his waist and looked up at him. “Yu Xiaochi, how many NGs?”

Yu Chi froze for a second, relaxing fully against the sink, and chuckled softly. “Didn’t you say you didn’t feel anything? As actors, we should respect professionalism.”

“Did you do it on purpose? Does seeing me jealous give you some kind of thrill?” Sheng Li pinched his waist hard, gritting her teeth.

His waist was all hard muscle—he wasn’t ticklish or easily hurt. This time, she really meant business. Yu Chi hissed, lowering his gaze to her, his eyes dark and deep. Suddenly, with a trace of委屈 (a mix of委屈 and sulking), he said, “You never get jealous.”

Sheng Li declared confidently, “That just shows how much I trust and rely on you.”

Yu Chi: “Are you saying I don’t trust or rely on you enough?”

Sheng Li: “….”

She had been about to say “yes,” but that would likely lead to an argument—or worse, put her at a disadvantage.

“I’m the one settling accounts with you here. Don’t change the subject.” Sheng Li glared at him.

Yu Chi smiled lazily. “How does Sister want to settle?”

“How many NGs? Answer me first.” Sheng Li hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him down.

Yu Chi obligingly bent forward, wrapping his arms around her waist, and looked at her. “Twice.”

Sheng Li knew he wouldn’t lie to her and hummed contentedly. “That’s more like it.” As for how to settle… she hadn’t quite figured that out yet. After all, Yu Chi’s methods of “settling” usually happened in bed, where she always ended up surrendering. If she tried to settle the same way, wouldn’t it just benefit him?

They hadn’t seen each other in a while. Yu Chi lifted her by the waist and placed her on the sink counter, switching positions. He leaned down and kissed her. Sheng Li wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss. But when his hand touched her leg, she suddenly remembered Lin Qi’s long legs beneath her cheongsam and couldn’t help blurting, “Yu Xiaochi, is Lin Qi the most beautiful actress you’ve ever worked with?”

“No.” Yu Chi buried his face in her shoulder, his voice muffled.

“No?” Sheng Li paused, her voice turning cold. “Then who?”

She couldn’t recall any actress more beautiful than Lin Qi. Could it be Chen Yu? No, Chen Yu had a pure, innocent face but wasn’t particularly stunning—definitely not on par with Lin Qi. Could it be Zhou Sinuan? Zhou Sinuan was beautiful…

While Sheng Li was lost in thought, the bathrobe had already pooled around her waist. Coming back to her senses, she realized Yu Chi was staring down at her, his gaze shadowy yet admiring. His voice was low as he said, “Sheng Li.”

“Hmm?” For a moment, Sheng Li didn’t register what he meant, assuming he was simply calling her name.

Intent on teasing him, she stroked the back of his neck. Yu Chi raised his eyes, his gaze falling on the mirror behind her. Her luminous, fair skin glowed under the lights, her shoulder blades resembling delicate wings ready to take flight. He stared for a few seconds before returning his gaze to her face and murmuring, “Didn’t you understand? The most beautiful actress I’ve ever worked with is named Sheng Li.”

Sheng Li’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up, smiling brightly. “Really?”

Yu Chi hummed softly, his hands starting to wander. Sheng Li was losing herself in his touch but, at the last moment, pushed him away. Yu Chi was burning with desire, his brow twitching slightly, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in—but he couldn’t quite believe Sheng Li would be so cruel. His voice, strained and altered, asked, “Does Sister not want me?”

Sheng Li took a deep breath, calmly pulling her bathrobe back up. “Aren’t we settling accounts? That’s enough for tonight.”

This time, Yu Chi was genuinely stunned. He stared at her incredulously, half-laughing, half-exasperated. “That’s it?”

Sheng Li glanced down at him, cleared her throat, and slid off the counter, avoiding his gaze. Her legs felt weak, almost causing her to stumble. She steadied herself by gripping the counter and declared calmly, “Didn’t you say I could settle however I wanted? That’s how it’s going to be tonight—don’t regret it later, Yu Xiaochi.”

Without sparing another glance at Yu Chi’s murderous glare, she turned and left.

Yu Chi briefly closed his eyes and muttered a curse under his breath.

Damn it. He’d already put on protection, but now he couldn’t do a thing. What the hell was this?

Just as Sheng Li was about to drift off to sleep, Yu Chi finally emerged from the bathroom. He lifted the covers and climbed into bed, hugging her from behind. He nibbled on her ear, instantly jolting her awake. She let out a soft cry of pain.

Yu Chi snorted and bit her ear again, satisfied. “Sleep.”

In the dim light, Sheng Li blinked, suddenly recalling their disagreement about anniversaries. Initially, Sheng Li believed their reconciliation day should be considered their anniversary.

Yu Chi frowned, arguing, “Shouldn’t it be July 8th?”

July 8th was the day they first got together.

From the moment they started dating, aside from her period or when she was sick, every encounter between them had been fiery and passionate. They had never spent a night simply sleeping under the covers like this.

The next morning, Yu Chi accompanied Sheng Li to breakfast at the hotel before heading to the set. Xiao Jiu noticed his gloomy expression. Once he left for the set, she cautiously asked Sheng Li, “Sister, did you and Brother-in-law have a fight?”

Sheng Li raised an eyebrow. “No.”

Xiao Jiu wasn’t convinced but didn’t dare ask further, opting to report to Yuan Yuan via WeChat instead.

Xiao Jiu: [Sister definitely fought with Brother-in-law because of yesterday’s kissing scene.]

Yuan Yuan: [How’s Lili doing?]

After some thought, Xiao Jiu replied: [Very… relaxed.]

Yuan Yuan: [What time did she wake up?]

Xiao Jiu: [She was up by 7 a.m. and had breakfast with Brother-in-law.]

Yuan Yuan had been by Sheng Li’s side for many years and understood her far better than Xiao Jiu. She was also sharper and more imaginative, especially since she was the pioneer of online CP fandom, capable of writing thousands of words of sweet fanfiction based on deduction and intuition alone.

After a while, Xiao Jiu received Yuan Yuan’s reply: [Brother-in-law is probably sexually frustrated.]

Xiao Jiu: [Impossible! After not seeing each other for so long, they must have been like dry tinder meeting fire!]

Yuan Yuan: [Lili is just pretending to be tough. She was definitely upset yesterday.]

Yuan Yuan: [She woke up at 7 a.m. today, which is unusual. Maybe Brother-in-law slept on the couch last night. If they had done anything, Lili wouldn’t have gotten up before noon.]

Yuan Yuan: [You’re still young. You don’t understand.]

Xiao Jiu: […]

After a while.

Xiao Jiu: [I get it now.]