Tang Dingding Extra Story [8]

Guessing and hearing it with her own ears were two entirely different things.

Tang Dingding had never expected him to be so direct. Her mind went blank, buzzing incessantly, unable to process the moment. She looked up at him in shock, her eyes wide, and it took a long while before she finally found her voice: “You…”

Lu Zhixing’s voice grew deeper: “I like you. Isn’t that obvious?”

Since he had already opened his mouth, he decided to lay everything out on the table. Lu Zhixing didn’t care how long she had liked that person before or whether she felt uneasy now. To him, she was simply a precious young lady—a little girl who deserved to be cherished.

In terms of wealth, he couldn’t compare to the Tang family, and he occasionally even rebelled against such expectations. But he believed that what she needed most wasn’t those superficial things—she had been born with them. What was she lacking?

A pure and simple kind of love.

That was all it took.

Tang Dingding: “….”

This confession left her completely overwhelmed. Her ears turned red, and her pale cheeks gradually flushed pink at a visible pace. She lowered her head slightly, still feeling hesitant and retreating. After a pause, she murmured softly: “But… I haven’t thought about it yet.”

“Thought about what?”

Lu Zhixing wasn’t surprised. He hadn’t expected her to agree to anything right away.

Otherwise, how could he call it “I’m pursuing you”?

It would naturally take time and effort.

Tang Dingding took a deep breath and looked up at him. The man’s eyes always seemed to carry a trace of warmth and tolerance, soothing her unease. After some thought, she spoke earnestly: “I hadn’t planned to start dating so soon. It’s not because of the person I used to like—it’s just that I want to focus on my work and grow as a person. After all, I’ve finally found something I truly enjoy doing, and I feel like there’s so much more I can accomplish…”

Lu Zhixing smiled softly: “And?”

This time, Tang Dingding fell silent for a long while before whispering softly: “I don’t know if I like you…”

Perhaps she had feelings for him, but she didn’t know if they amounted to love.

Her first kiss had been with him.

He was her director, and she had often bribed him. They had spent several months together—he was a lazy, gentle gentleman who was often casual and unconcerned with trivial matters, but when it came to work, he was incredibly strict.

“I admit I admire you greatly—you’re talented, excellent, and I deeply respect you…”

“But I don’t know if it counts as liking you.”

The young girl was honest and sincere, laying all her cards on the table.

Lu Zhixing pondered for a moment, realizing she hadn’t outright rejected him. She was genuinely confused. He felt a mix of helplessness and reassurance—after all, she did have feelings for him, right? He smiled faintly: “Do you have strong feelings for me?”

Tang Dingding looked into his eyes and slowly nodded.

Lu Zhixing thought for a moment, then glanced at her, asking softly: “What about that accidental kiss last time—did you hate it?”

Tang Dingding’s heart raced like a roller coaster, speeding up at the memory of that scene—the soft touch of his lips. She bit her lip and whispered barely audibly: “No, it was an accident…”

That was enough.

Lu Zhixing straightened up, easing the pressure slightly. Tang Dingding quietly exhaled in relief, and so did he, smiling gently: “Don’t be nervous—I won’t push you. I’m 32 years old, eight years older than you. I’m healthy and don’t have any bad habits. My hobbies? Filmmaking. Since you have feelings for me, perhaps you’re not quite at the point of wanting to date me yet—but that’s okay. As I said, I’m pursuing you, so take your time.” He paused, chuckling lightly: “But don’t take too long. If possible, I’d hope for your answer sooner rather than later.”

Her heart trembled slightly, unsure of what to say.

Clearly, Lu Zhixing wasn’t done speaking. He continued: “Let me boost my appeal a bit. I once thought the age gap between us might be too large—you’re pure and lively, sometimes childlike. I considered that maybe dating someone closer to your age would suit you better, someone perhaps more romantic or playful, who could bring you the vitality of youth. But then I realized that certain things can be learned—I can try anything you like. And besides, you might not necessarily prefer those clichés.”

“In short, if you’re with me, I’ll definitely take good care of you.”

Every word from the man struck Tang Dingding’s heart. She had heard many confessions before, and though some were from boys who genuinely liked her, none had been as gentle and heartfelt as this one, making her feel relaxed and burden-free.

Her eyes suddenly welled up with tears, leaving her even more flustered.

Lu Zhixing’s fingers twitched, and in the end, he raised his hand to do something he had long wanted to do—ruffle Little Lamb’s hair.

That nickname was rather cute.

After delivering his lengthy speech, Lu Zhixing looked down at her and smiled: “Shouldn’t you give me a response?”

…Yes.

Tang Dingding looked up at him, her bright, clear eyes shining. She spoke earnestly: “I’ll think about it seriously.”

Lu Zhixing chuckled: “Alright, let me see you out?”

The two walked out of the private room together. Tang Dingding put on her mask and hat again. When they reached the restaurant entrance, they saw the car driven by the Tang family chauffeur waiting outside. Lu Zhixing looked down at her and said softly: “Go ahead.”

Before she left, he said one final sentence.

That sentence continued to spin in Tang Dingding’s mind even after she returned home.

As she prepared to sleep.

It kept spinning.

Just before she stepped down from the stairs, he leaned close to her and whispered softly:

“Dingding, working hard and falling in love don’t conflict.”

________________________________________

After that day, the crew entered another round of promotional activities—recording shows, giving interviews, and more. During this time, Lu Zhixing didn’t pressure Tang Dingding. Their interactions remained similar to before.

However, Tang Dingding could clearly feel that Lu Zhixing had fully let go and was treating her well.

Of course, he still maintained some restraint in public.

But those who were familiar with them could see the signs.

For instance, the perceptive Tang Xin.

She was the first to notice.

One day, after filming a program in a certain city, Lu Zhixing and Tang Dingding were walking side by side. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, looking relaxed. Taking advantage of no one paying attention, he pulled three nougat candies from his pocket and gently placed them in her coat pocket.

Tang Dingding’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up at him, and Lu Zhixing smiled faintly: “Get some rest early.”

This scene was witnessed by Tang Xin, who followed her into the room and fished out a few candies from her coat pocket. Smiling mischievously, she asked: “Director Lu slipped candies into your pocket—what does that mean? Don’t tell me he’s bribing you too.”

Tang Dingding blushed, feeling like Director Lu was treating her like a child.

She tried to deflect: “I gave him a lot before—he hasn’t finished them yet.”

Tang Xin: “Oh.”

Tang Dingding: “….”

Looking into her future sister-in-law’s eyes, she couldn’t hold back anymore. Turning around, she sat on the bed, holding the candies in her hand, and whispered softly: “Director Lu said he likes me and is pursuing me.”

Tang Xin wasn’t too surprised, but her eyes still lit up. She walked over: “And you? What do you think?”

“I don’t know…” Tang Dingding had never spoken about this to anyone before, but now that Tang Xin had caught her, she decided to spill everything. “I feel like I have feelings for him, but I’m not sure if it counts as love. I’m afraid to take that step too easily.”

Tang Xin understood this feeling all too well. She said: “You’ve liked Huo Chendong for so many years. Even if you’ve moved on and no longer like him, there’s a transitional period. During this time, you might not feel as sensitive or passionate about love, but that doesn’t stop you from having feelings for someone—even liking them.”

She poked Tang Dingding’s cheek and concluded: “You’re just a scaredy-cat, Little Lamb.”

Too afraid to take the leap.

This was a problem.

Perhaps for Tang Dingding, someone like Lu Zhixing would be the perfect match?

Tang Xin voiced her support: “I’m rooting for Director Lu.”

Tang Dingding: “….”

She lowered her head, staring at the candies in her hand, lost in thought.

Was she really just a coward?

________________________________________

On the other side, Old Feng also picked up on some hints. He followed Lu Zhixing back to his room and asked with a grin: “Come clean—are you into Dingding? I see how much more you care about her compared to anyone else.”

Lu Zhixing glanced at him, poured himself a glass of water, and sipped it slowly, refusing to answer.

Old Feng grew impatient: “Stop pretending with me. Just tell me—yes or no? If not, I’ll go ahead and play matchmaker again…”

That was enough to get a reaction.

Lu Zhixing sighed, setting the glass down and giving a faint, resigned smile: “Yes, I like Dingding. I’m pursuing her. Don’t go blabbing about it—just pretend you didn’t see anything.”

Old Feng: “….”

Pretend he didn’t see anything? Right.

________________________________________

Time flew by, and before they knew it, December 25th—the movie’s release date—had arrived.

The premiere was held at Shiguang Cinema in Beijing. Many media outlets and reporters attended, and Tang Dingding, as the lead actress, naturally stood front and center during the promotional event. The indoor temperature was just right, and Tang Dingding wore an elegant white dress, poised and graceful. To her left stood Pengzhou, and to her right, Lu Zhixing.

The host smiled and teased: “I heard this movie has only one kissing scene, filmed with eight cameras. This is Dingding’s first movie, and she’s already giving away her on-screen first kiss. When filming that scene, did anything funny or awkward happen?”

Tang Dingding: “….”

Funny things? No.

Awkwardness? Definitely.

Before filming the kissing scene, she had accidentally kissed the director.

Caught off guard by the host’s mention of it, Tang Dingding froze. Suddenly, her right hand, which had been hanging loosely at her side, was gently touched. It felt as though her heart had been brushed, sending a shiver through her.

From beside her came Lu Zhixing’s usual lazy and teasing tone when addressing the media: “The filming went smoothly. Pengzhou’s acting speaks for itself—he’s already earned everyone’s recognition. And Dingding worked hard too. They’re both very professional actors. As for the kissing scene…”

He also recalled that accidental kiss—and the actual kissing scene.

His jaw tightened slightly.

He continued with a smile: “You’ll have to watch the movie to find out.”

During that brief pause of his, Tang Dingding’s heart nearly leapt out of her chest. She forced herself to remain calm and smiled at the host: “Right, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out. I… made quite the sacrifice.”

As soon as she finished speaking—

The entire venue erupted in laughter, thoroughly amused by her comment.

Pengzhou chimed in with a joke: “Sorry, I took advantage of you…”

Tang Dingding flushed even redder and hurriedly clarified: “It’s professionalism! Pure professionalism!”

Everyone laughed even harder.

When the movie officially started playing, Tang Dingding still sat beside Lu Zhixing. Tang Xin and Tang Yu were seated in another row. Lu Zhixing had already seen the movie countless times, so he lounged lazily, his gaze shifting between the screen and the young girl beside him.

While focusing on the movie, Tang Dingding could still feel the intense heat of his gaze upon her.

After the premiere ended, Tang Dingding turned to Lu Zhixing beside her and whispered softly: “Director Lu, thank you for helping me out earlier.”

Lu Zhixing raised an eyebrow: “Helping you out? That incident happened because of me, Dingding. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Tang Dingding: “….”

How could she forget!

But at the time, she truly thought it was over and done with…

Suddenly, she remembered—the “eight cameras.” Hadn’t the cameras been rolling that day? Wouldn’t that mean everything had been recorded? She had forgotten because the crew had remained calm, with no pointing fingers or gossip afterward…

Later, she realized—it was probably Lu Zhixing who had suppressed it.

So… what about the footage?

Tang Dingding’s lips parted slightly, her eyes wide and confused as she looked at Lu Zhixing. Her voice grew even softer: “Director Lu, I wanted to ask…”

Before she could finish, someone called out: “Director Lu.”

Lu Zhixing responded but didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he leaned down to look at her: “What did you want to ask?”

Tang Dingding suddenly couldn’t bring herself to ask. She murmured softly: “Never mind. You go ahead and take care of things first.”

For now, this matter was put aside.

Because tonight, Tang Yu was going to propose to Tang Xin. Tang Dingding had only learned about it that morning, and she needed to help prepare… She was curious, but mostly excited. What kind of proposal surprise awaited them?

By the time the surprise proposal video finished playing, Tang Dingding’s eyes were already red.

She stood with You Huan and the others, watching the romantic proposal unfold. She saw her brother kneel before Tang Xin, laughing and crying, and thought that they must be the happiest couple in the world at that moment.

You Huan wiped her tears and smiled: “Silly girl, why are you crying?”

Tang Dingding sniffled: “I’m happy.”

You Huan teased: “Are you envious? If you’re envious, have your Director Lu film one for you too. He’s a director—you never know, it might turn out even better than this.”

Tang Dingding’s face flushed red, and she forgot all about crying.

Turning her head, she spotted Lu Zhixing standing nearby at some point. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he gazed down at her—who knows if he’d overheard? Not only Lu Zhixing, but Old Feng and the others were there too.

What a grand proposal.

Meanwhile, A Dream Made Just for You was reprinted once again. The book cover featured the movie poster, and Tang Dingding reposted the announcement to give away 1,000 copies. This time, she didn’t painstakingly copy addresses manually—a task handled by her studio staff.

By the time they had finished touring all the promotional stops, it was almost the end of the year. Tang Dingding was on vacation, lounging at home with her cat, when Lu Zhixing sent her a message: “Dingding, would you like to come over to my place? Old Feng and Tang Xin will be there too.”

Tang Dingding looked at her phone and replied: “Sure.”

That day, she dressed up carefully as always and visited his home for the first time.

Lu Zhixing opened the door and smiled when he saw her standing there, radiant and charming. “Come in,” he said, taking the gift she held in her hands. “Is this for me?”

“Mm…”

Tang Dingding felt a little shy. She peeked inside, seeing no one around but catching the scent of something delicious.

Lu Zhixing placed a new pair of pink slippers in front of her: “Come in. They’re not here yet—you’re early.”

Wasn’t it supposed to be six o’clock?

She had only arrived five minutes early…

And Tang Xin had told her just five minutes ago that she was already downstairs.

Lu Zhixing glanced down at the gift in her hands and chuckled—it was candy again.

If he showed her later the stash of nougat candies she had given him, most of which were still untouched, he wondered what kind of expression she’d make.

Tang Dingding followed behind him, taking in his home. It was about the same size as her brother’s place—two or three hundred square meters of open-concept living space. The decor reflected a man living alone, with an artistic touch. There were various collectibles and artworks Lu Zhixing had gathered from around the world, along with vintage CDs and filming equipment—all looking quite valuable.

It was the kind of place where, if a thief managed to break in, they’d hit the jackpot.

On the long dining table sat two hot pots, bubbling away with steam. The table was laden with an assortment of ingredients, and Lu Zhixing had even prepared several stir-fried dishes, making the spread especially lavish. He turned to Tang Dingding and extended an invitation: “Would you like to take a look around the other rooms?”

Tang Dingding found his home fascinating. Her eyes sparkled: “Can I?”

Lu Zhixing looked at her, his voice lazy yet amused: “You can do whatever you want.”

Tang Dingding’s face flushed red, and she lowered her head, murmuring softly: “I can’t be so casual…”

Lu Zhixing chuckled, then turned and walked toward a room—a collection room. “Inside are all the CDs and old movie discs I’ve collected from around the world. If you can think of it, I probably have it. If you’re interested…” He shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced back at her. “Feel free to come over for a movie night anytime.”

There was also a home theater.

Tang Dingding’s eyes shone brightly, and the way she looked at him carried a hint of admiration—the kind a woman gives to a man she admires.

“Alright…”

“Will you really come?”

Tang Dingding felt herself retreating step by step, her heartbeat suddenly quickening. Luckily, Lu Zhixing’s phone rang. He smiled at her before answering: “What? You’re not coming?”

Old Feng laughed cheerfully on the other end: “We’re not going. We’re giving you a perfect opportunity—make the most of it. But remember, keep it appropriate. It’s her first time visiting your place, so don’t act like a beast. Be gentlemanly…”

Gentlemanly, my ass!

Lu Zhixing cursed internally and hung up.

Meanwhile, Tang Dingding’s WeChat buzzed.

Tang Xin: “Little Lamb, your brother’s upset. I need to comfort him. As for you, enjoy dinner with Director Lu.”

Tang Dingding: “….”

She looked up at Lu Zhixing: “My sister-in-law says they’re not coming…”

Reason? Her brother needed comforting???

She couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud.

Lu Zhixing lowered his hand, explaining somewhat helplessly: “Old Feng and the others aren’t coming either. You probably already guessed why—they’re deliberately giving us some space.”

Tang Dingding: “….”

The two fell silent for a moment before Lu Zhixing spoke: “Let’s eat first, okay?”

Tang Dingding: “Mm…”

What else could she do? She couldn’t just leave…

Facing a meal meant for eight people, both felt a bit awkward. Lu Zhixing sat across from her, but inwardly, he felt more relaxed. Looking at her, he teased lazily: “Don’t be nervous—I’m not going to eat you. After we finish, I’ll send you home.”

Tang Dingding looked at him, her tone carrying a hint of pleading: “Director, let’s eat.”

He smiled. Alright, let’s eat.

“It’s still early. After dinner, I can show you something—some of my old work.”

“Okay…”

After dinner, Lu Zhixing poured Tang Dingding a glass of juice.

Tang Dingding was already full and only drank half the glass before setting it down on the table.

Lu Zhixing said: “If you can’t finish, just leave it. I’ll clean up later.”

He then led her into his home theater, which connected to the master bedroom—accessible only through the bedroom. Tang Dingding sneakily glanced at the man’s bedroom. It was clean and minimalistic, with a large bed, dark gray sheets, and a neatly folded blanket.

The home theater was dimly lit. Tang Dingding sat beside Lu Zhixing, who lounged with his legs stretched out, leaning forward slightly as he clicked open a folder. His gaze lingered briefly on one particular file before pausing.

He started by playing a short film he had made during university.

A light comedy.

Tang Dingding watched attentively and quietly asked: “Is this one of the works you showed me in the office?”

She still remembered vividly how he had showcased all his works to her in the office, convincing her to play the lead role. At the time, as he recited lines from the script, he was… very… very… If she had to describe it with one word—

Tang Dingding thought it would be: sexy.

“Mm,” he replied. “If you’re interested, you can watch them all.”

Lu Zhixing leaned casually against the backrest, tilting his head to look at her.

Tang Dingding nervously fiddled with her fingers, mumbling a soft “okay.” Lu Zhixing proceeded to show her three short films in succession. Sitting close to her, he caught the faint scent of her perfume, causing a subtle restlessness in his heart.

By nine o’clock, all three short films had finished playing.

Lu Zhixing opened another file but didn’t press play yet. The cover image was familiar—it was… Tang Dingding’s eyes widened, her heart racing uncontrollably. She abruptly turned to look at him: “Director, this is…”

The eight-camera kiss!!!

“Yes, it’s that accident. I… didn’t delete it. But don’t worry—it’s only here. No copies exist.” He paused briefly, his gaze deep and tender under the dim screen light. Looking at her, his voice grew low and husky: “I couldn’t bear to delete it. I kept it.”

“Now, the choice is yours.”

“You can delete it. I haven’t backed it up—it’s the only copy.”

Tang Dingding: “….”

She was stunned, unable to utter a single word.

Lu Zhixing leaned closer, his breath hovering near the top of her head: “Or, Dingding, can you give me an answer?”

Tang Dingding’s heart pounded wildly. She looked up at him, gazing into his deep, dark eyes, where a tiny reflection of herself shimmered. In the end, Lu Zhixing couldn’t resist pushing her a little, smiling as he asked: “Dingding, delete or keep?”

“Make a choice, hmm?”

Delete—what did it mean?

Keep—what did it mean?

Tang Dingding knew. Trembling, she reached out to touch the mouse.

Lu Zhixing’s jaw tightened, his fingers resting on his knee, clenching slightly. In the end, he didn’t stop her. He turned his face away—until the screen flickered, and sound began to play. He looked up at her in disbelief.

The young girl’s face was flushed as she focused intently on the screen.

After the video finished playing, she recalled all the details of her interactions with Lu Zhixing over the past days—the tender sincerity of his confession… Her hand hovered over the mouse but couldn’t bring herself to click “delete.”

The moment she let go—

Lu Zhixing’s heart relaxed along with hers.

Tang Dingding turned to look at him, her voice soft: “I won’t delete it. Can I keep it as a keepsake?”

Lu Zhixing chuckled lazily and reached out to gently ruffle her head. But it seemed that wasn’t enough for him. He leaned closer, their breaths mingling, clear and warm. Her breathing quickened instantly, but she didn’t retreat.

His hand rested on her waist as he pressed his lips against hers—a deep kiss, completely different from their accidental one before. It was both gentle and passionate.

Tang Dingding’s lips trembled slightly, her heart melting like butter. She thought to herself, so this is what a real kiss feels like…

Her heart raced, yet everything felt calm and comforting, leaving her longing for more.

The kiss lasted for several minutes before Lu Zhixing finally released her, breathless. He whispered with a low laugh: “You scared me to death just now.”

Tang Dingding nestled against his chest, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat. Her face was red as she smiled softly: “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Lu Zhixing lifted her into his arms and placed her on his lap. Tang Dingding rested her hands against his chest and murmured softly: “Does this mean we’re boyfriend and girlfriend now?”

“Of course,” Lu Zhixing replied with a smile. “Even if you wanted to back out now, I wouldn’t let you.”

“…I don’t want to.”

“Good girl.”

She relaxed her body, leaning into his embrace. Then, another thought came to mind: “We just became a couple, and we’re already this close. Isn’t it too fast?”

Lu Zhixing asked: “But are you okay with it?”

Tang Dingding: “….”

She was okay with it.

If she was willing, why should she care about societal norms or worldly expectations?

Lu Zhixing gently ruffled her hair again and lowered his head to seek her lips once more. He placed her hand on his neck. The light from the home theater screen flickered on and then dimmed again.

Neither of them paid any attention to it.

At 10:30 p.m., Lu Zhixing picked up his car keys, preparing to take her home. Suddenly, he remembered something and grabbed two pieces of candy from the table, placing them in her palm. Tang Dingding’s lips were still moist as she muttered softly: “Director, I’ll get cavities…”

“No, you won’t. Just brush your teeth well when you get home.”