Immersion

Zhou Yungui spent ten years in the entertainment industry, going from a supporting actor in minor roles to playing second fiddle in low-budget online films.

He wanted to terminate his contract, but the huge penalty, his family's debts, and his worsening depression were all weighing him down until he could barely breathe.

The only thing that could save him was a script with two male leads. He had no choice.

The role suited him remarkably well. They had similar experiences, or rather, similar scars.

He had always been a method actor. As it happened, he kept getting tragic roles, and all he could do was draw on the painful memories of his own past.

So every time he came out of character, it felt like he'd been skinned alive.

The director of this project was especially demanding. Zhou Yungui came in ready to risk everything to save his career, only to discover that his scene partner was an amateur newcomer, as new as they come.

So throughout filming, Zhou Yungui could only guide and encourage him, little by little.

Chi Yan had just graduated from college when a set of magazine photos made him an overnight sensation. Director Gu of The Divide called on him again and again to join the production.

Knowing it was a script with two male leads, he agreed, eager to try something new.

Before he left, a friend warned him not to get too caught up in the script and accidentally fall in love with a man.

He scoffed and declared with absolute confidence, "I'm straight."

As Zhou Yungui guided Chi Yan through scenes, taught him how to get in touch with his emotions, and took care of everything for him, something about their relationship began to change.

They played lovers in the show and teamed up for publicity off set.

Little by little, Chi Yan realized he could no longer tell reality from the script.

"Chi Yan, you have to imagine you're him and immerse yourself in the role. That's the only way to make it work."

The man before him was so gentle. Even when he was on the verge of breaking down, he still held himself together long enough to comfort Chi Yan first.

Chi Yan wanted to lose himself in him.

After learning about Zhou Yungui's painful past, Chi Yan felt even more heartbroken for him.

"Zhou Yungui, I love you." Under the camera, Chi Yan called him by the wrong name.

Zhou Yungui was more clearheaded than Chi Yan. "Chi Yan, don't imitate me. Don't lose yourself in the role."

Chi Yan was stubborn. Once he made up his mind, he stuck to it.

He cornered Zhou Yungui at the turn of the stairs. "Wasn't it you, Teacher Zhou, who told me to immerse myself in the role? So why, now that I have, are you telling me to snap out of it?"

Zhou Yungui resisted Chi Yan's advances. He thought Chi Yan was just like he used to be, too immersed in his character.

Besides, someone like him didn't deserve anyone's sincere affection.

Until the day when Shen Yu, in the story, watched Xu Yin's blood stain the bathtub, and Zhou Yungui, outside the story, finally broke down completely.

Without hesitation, Chi Yan climbed out of the bathtub and held him tight in front of everyone.

"Zhou Yungui, I'm not Xu Yin. I'll stay with you. I love you."

Theme: See the sincerity hidden beneath the disguise