White Moonlight

Lu Qingxu and Chen Xingmu are nine years apart. When Lu Qingxu was studying with his financial support, Chen Xingmu was still a star adored by everyone, shining high above and beyond her reach. By the time Lu Qingxu returned home after winning an award, with people flocking around her like stars around the moon, Chen Xingmu, who had made a name for himself at a young age, had fallen to rock bottom, his reputation in tatters. When they met again, their positions had reversed. Chen Xingmu no longer remembered the child he had once supported. Feeling awkward, he held out a hand to her, his voice clear and bashful. "Director Lu, hello." He was still as pure as ever, with clear eyes and gentle features. Only now, there was a hint of weariness. - Lu Qingxu's new film had drawn widespread attention in the industry. Chen Xingmu's agent pulled every string he could to arrange a meeting with Lu Qingxu, bringing Chen Xingmu along in hopes of landing him a small role in the film. They chatted, then he auditioned. Unexpectedly, Lu Qingxu said, "This role isn't right for you." Chen Xingmu's lips tugged into a crestfallen smile. His flawless face showed no trace of age as he managed a polite smile. "I understand. Thank you, Director Lu." At that moment, Lu Qingxu wanted nothing more than to pull the man into her arms, consequences be damned. Feigning indifference, she smiled languidly. "The male lead suits you better." - Chen Xingmu was extraordinarily gentle, and just as extraordinarily insecure. He always kept his distance from others, like a sensitive plant that recoiled at the slightest touch. Lu Qingxu watched him slowly fall into her trap, growing attached to the tenderness she gave him even as he feared losing it. At last, she whispered in his ear, "What would you say this makes us?" The man's fingers curled as he spoke against his heart. "I respect you very much, Director Lu. In my heart, I even think of you as a younger sister." Lu Qingxu slipped an arm around his waist and lightly kissed his earlobe. "Then... big brother?" Chen Xingmu's throat tightened, and a flush spread from the corners of his eyes to his brows. He seemed to be drowning, his strength ebbing away. - Rumors in the industry said Lu Qingxu had a beloved white moonlight in her heart. Chen Xingmu supposedly looked a little like that person, which was why he received special treatment. At best, he was just a stand-in who could be discarded at any time. Chen Xingmu thought so too. So he hid his feelings, so intense they threatened to consume him, and treated her with careful tenderness, unwilling to say that he loved her. As if keeping it unspoken meant he had never loved her deeply, and would never be heartbroken. Until one day, while tidying the room, he found an old photograph. In it, he was only twenty-three, bending down to pose with a little girl. Behind them hung a banner for a charity donation event. The little girl wore a faint smile, but her eyes were dazzlingly bright, as if hiding ambition. As he stared at the photo, lost in thought, the little girl, who had once stood below his shoulder, wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. Her soft lips brushed his ear, her breath warm. "What are you looking at?" [Director x Performer] [Bold and Assertive x Incredibly Gentle] Reader's Guide: 1. First love for both / HE / age gap: 10 years / 25 x 35 2. The female lead gradually takes over the male lead's world; they dote on each other, and the male lead is exceptionally domestic 3. The female lead was supported by the male lead as a child and grew up to be carefree and an artistic genius 4. The male lead has never escaped the shadow of his family background, so he is very insecure and has a bit of a people-pleasing personality 5. My male leads are all faithful - Theme: A sweet romance