Curtain Call

Q: What's it like to get matched with your ex on a blind date?

A: Thanks for the invite. Just don't drink. It still hurts... No, I mean my head.

Xie Lanshen has been in the film industry for five years. His new movie has run into trouble, so a friend has offered to introduce him to someone influential.

Apparently, the guy is perfect in every way: good family, good temper, easy to get along with. The only catch is that he's gay, and Xie Lanshen happens to be exactly his type.

That night at the hotel, Xie Lanshen immediately spots his ex flirting with a younger guy.

He sneers, ready to make a cutting remark, but the next second, Lu Jinghua speaks up.

"He said he wanted to see me, so I came."

"I didn't expect him to still be hung up on me after five years."

"Truth is, I've missed him too. At least in bed, we were always a perfect match."

Xie Lanshen: "?"

Oh, screw you!

-

There are two legends in the film industry:

The genius director Xie Lanshen and the Best Actor Lu Jinghua.

Five years ago, everyone knew they were the perfect partners.

Five years later, everyone thought there was no chance they'd get back together.

Until the movie they made together became a huge box-office hit, and behind-the-scenes footage was released. Countless people saw Lu Jinghua drape an intimate arm over Xie Lanshen's shoulder, his lips brushing Xie Lanshen's ear, with no attempt to hide their closeness in front of a crowd of other actors.

"Director Xie, you keep filming other people. I'm going to get jealous."

The whole internet: "Holy crap?!"

-

Rumors about the two of them took over the trending charts overnight. With no other choice, Xie Lanshen knocked on Lu Jinghua's door, ready to ask him to join a press conference to clarify that it was all a misunderstanding.

Instead, Lu Jinghua reached out and closed the door behind him, giving him a sidelong glance with a faint smile.

"But I'm serious."

"Won't you really consider getting back together with me?"

-

A love that can never truly end means there are countless chances to begin again. - Lu Jinghua

When the curtain falls, I kiss you amid the roar of the crowd.

[Reading Guide]

1. Flirtatious, self-obsessed Best Actor gong x aloof director shou.

2. One-on-one romance, younger gong, happy ending. No real-life inspirations. The title may change.

2022.11.18/2023.1.30

Theme: A good ex should be as good as dead.