Part 1Today's battle between the two male leads is also very enticing

About 5,670 characters · Part 1 of the two Parts printed here.

**1.**

On the first day of filming at the new location, I texted my boyfriend:

"Hey, how's the new set?"

To my surprise, the usually reserved him shared:

"The new leading actress is pretty clumsy."

"We just rehearsed a scene, and she was so clumsy it gave me a headache."

"Haha, but she's kind of cute. We're doing a variety show together next week, so that should be fun."

I looked at my phone with a bitter smile.

Trying to sound casual, I replied:

"What a coincidence, I fell on set today. The second male lead saw me hurt, and his eyes turned red with worry. He practically carried me to the medical station."

"He wouldn't leave, afraid I might have broken something, and insisted on going to the hospital with me. It took a lot to convince him otherwise."

"Are all actors this gentle and caring?"

He was silent for a long time.

Then, he called me frantically:

"Hey, I'm sorry. I thought you didn't care about me anymore. My friends suggested this might make you jealous and care more."

"I made it all up. You did too, right?"

Me: "......"

Oops, I wasn't making it up.

**2.**

On the first day of shooting the new series, Liam led the entire crew to Hengdian World Studios.

I habitually texted him:

"Hey, how's the new set?"

Honestly, I didn't expect much of a response.

After all, my famous director boyfriend is always so reserved.

No matter what I ask, his replies are usually short:

"Mm."

"Oh."

"Okay."

When he's busy, he might just reply with a "1."

But this time, he broke his usual cold demeanor.

He sent me a long message:

"The new leading actress is quite clumsy."

"We just rehearsed a scene, and she was so clumsy it gave me a headache."

"Haha, but she's kind of cute. We're doing a variety show together next week, so that should be fun."

His words were filled with unexpected joy.

I never thought I'd hear him call someone cute.

Especially another actress.

My heart ached, and I felt like crying.

**3.**

I've been pursuing Liam for five years.

And doting on him for five years as well.

Late nights on set, I brought him hot boxed lunches;

When he was overwhelmed with work, I stood by him with coffee near the monitors;

Even when he had a fever while editing, I delivered medicine to him.

Every time he prepared for a new film, I was the first to audition, even for the smallest extra role.

He said he wanted to create a film that would change the landscape of Chinese cinema.

So, I pushed myself to the limit, taking on roles back-to-back, improving my acting skills, and finally became the first Chinese Best Actress at an international film festival.

Everyone knew I liked Liam.

Except him.

Until last year, at the company annual meeting, after a few drinks, I gathered the courage to confess.

He coldly replied, "Mm."

But that indifferent word excited me for the whole night.

I naively thought that once we were official, he'd be more gentle and proactive.

Reality slapped me hard.

He remained distant.

But he'd start sending me bubble tea, bring me food when the film crew's meals didn't suit me, and occasionally pick me up after work.

I kept telling myself not to ask for too much. That's just Liam's nature, and these gestures were already a lot from him.

But today, I realized.

He isn't inherently cold; he just hasn't met someone worth his warmth.

I even doubted if he ever liked me.

I really like Liam.

But I also have self-respect.

The year I graduated, my social media account was hacked once.

A self-proclaimed "gossip columnist" promotional account screenshotted everything I wrote about my admiration for Liam on my private account and posted it, tagging all mainstream media in the comments section.

My secret infatuation was edited into a melodramatic script, paired with exaggerated expressions.

Promotional accounts swarmed, reposting it.

My comments section was filled with mockery:

"An 18th-tier nobody like you thinks you're worthy of Liam? Look at yourself, he's a rising director."

"That's hilarious, Director Liam's new film attracts top actors for auditions. Your acting hasn't even started; what are you thinking?"

"Give up, Liam would never like someone like you, a pretty face."

Humiliated, I wanted the promotional account to delete the post.

But they pushed further, fabricating stories about me buying followers and riding on fame.

Public opinion spiraled out of control, and I thought my budding career was over.

That day, Liam, at his press conference, tore up that promotional account's work badge right in front of the cameras.

He then looked at the media present, his voice cold:

"You think such despicable behavior is professional? I've seen enough disgusting tricks."

"And, I fully recognize Olivia's acting skills and attitude. She'll become a great actress."

**4.**

Since that press conference, no one in the industry dared to target me openly.

And because of Liam's action, I liked him even more.

But he was so hard to pursue.

I had countless moments of wanting to give up, but he would give me hope just when I was about to.

I was like a dog, led on by him, falling for it every time.

But today, his different attitude towards another woman became the last straw that broke me.

I'm tired.

And I'm at peace.

With a vengeful sense of sarcasm, I replied with a smile:

"What a coincidence, I fell on set today. The second male lead saw me hurt, and his eyes turned red with worry. He practically carried me to the medical station."

"He wouldn't leave, afraid I might have broken something, and insisted on going to the hospital with me. It took a lot to convince him otherwise."