I Became the Koi Actor After Entering the Book

**Chapter 57: The Gift**

Translator: Namizaki

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By the time filming wrapped up, it was already late into the following night. Chi Zhongqiao returned to the Hotel utterly exhausted, yet he maintained a smile as he bid farewell to the other four participants, barely managing to drag himself back to his room.

The Director had been relentless, putting the five of them through the wringer. Not only had they spent the entire day running around outdoors, but unexpected incidents kept cropping up to enhance the show’s drama.

At 5 PM, the production team tallied the participants’ remaining funds. Chi Zhongqiao, having emerged as the victor, advanced to the final challenge, where he would face Li Jinghong, the final guardian.

Li Jinghong hadn’t anticipated that Chi Zhongqiao would be his opponent in the final round. The two men froze in awkward silence for a moment before subtly masking their inappropriate expressions.

To avoid any stiffness on camera, they both put on a full-blown acting performance, staging a harmonious and pleasantly surprised reunion.

Chi Zhongqiao immediately declared, “Teacher Li is a Senior I deeply respect.”

Without missing a beat, Li Jinghong replied, “It’s such a wonderful surprise to see Zhongqiao here! Congratulations on reaching the final challenge!”

He then stepped forward and embraced Chi Zhongqiao warmly.

Li Jinghong, not Chi Zhongqiao, was the one who felt truly awkward. In <April in the Human World>, the production team had drastically reduced Chi Zhongqiao’s and the second male lead’s screen time, instead adding more scenes for Li Jinghong and the female lead. Though he hadn’t supported this decision, he ultimately remained silent, knowing the revised script would actually benefit him more.

As the saying goes, “The male supporting character is the one everyone loves.” Chi Zhongqiao and the second male lead’s characters were too compelling, which wasn’t good for the male lead. The revised script, however, shifted some of the plot’s focus to Li Jinghong’s character, not only giving him more opportunities to shine during filming but also making him more appealing to viewers after the show aired.

Originally, neither the second male lead nor Chi Zhongqiao had publicly revealed this change.

Chi Zhongqiao returned the hug. “Thank you, Teacher Li.”

After a few moments of friendly but insincere interaction, Chi Zhongqiao began the final challenge. He juggled interacting with Li Jinghong for the cameras while completing the tasks, leaving him mentally and physically exhausted after an hour.

Chi Zhongqiao collapsed onto the bed. Zhong Yin tiptoed into the bedroom. “Brother Qiao, do you want something to eat?”

Chi Zhongqiao shook his head. “I’m going to get some rest.”

Zhong Yin sighed, poured a glass of water, placed it on the bedside table, and quietly closed the door as he left. Chi Zhongqiao, as his Boss, was so self-sufficient that Zhong Yin often felt his salary was undeserved.

Brother Qiao is just too independent.

The moment Zhong Yin left, the “independent” Chi Zhongqiao sprang out of bed. He hesitated for a few seconds before grabbing his phone, then decided to shower first.

By the time he lay back down, it was already eleven o’clock.

Chi Zhongqiao held his phone, his finger hovering over Yuzhou’s contact for a long time before finally putting it down. He’s probably asleep already. I’ll leave him alone.

As soon as he turned over, his phone vibrated.

Chi Zhongqiao immediately flipped back and grabbed his phone.

Yuzhou: [Brother Qiao, are you asleep?]

Chi Zhongqiao replied swiftly: [Not yet.]

Within seconds of sending the message, a video call request came through. Chi Zhongqiao’s eyes lit up as he answered.

Lu Yuzhou had clearly just showered, wearing pajamas and his features still damp. He smiled faintly.

Chi Zhongqiao cleared his throat. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Lu Yuzhou: “I was waiting for you, Brother Qiao.”

It had only been two days since they parted, yet the longing felt more intense and lingering than ever before, twisting and turning in his mind, filling his dreams with thoughts of just one person.

Perhaps now that their relationship was official, his feelings were no longer restrained, allowing his longing to run wild.

Chi Zhongqiao wasn’t as clingy as Lu Yuzhou, but Lu Yuzhou’s words from the previous day—”I’ll wait for you to come home”—had been playing on repeat in his mind ever since: “My flight’s tomorrow morning, I should be there around noon. I’ll bring you lunch. Is there anything else you want?”

Lu Yuzhou’s thumb traced the edge of his phone case. “I want Brother Qiao.”

Chi Zhongqiao paused, then chuckled. “En, I’m really walking into the lion’s den.”

They talked for a while, Lu Yuzhou’s eyes sparkling with laughter. Chi Zhongqiao couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you in such a good mood?”

Leaning back in his chair, Lu Yuzhou suddenly burst into genuine laughter—not just the usual upturned corner of his mouth, but a full-hearted, unrestrained laugh. Realizing he might be losing his composure, he quickly composed himself, his eyes shining brightly. “Because my boyfriend’s coming home tomorrow.”

“Before, it was Brother Qiao coming home. Tomorrow, it’s my boyfriend coming home.”

After living for over twenty years, Chi Zhongqiao finally understood the meaning of “longing to return home.” He picked up the pre-ordered lunch and immediately instructed the driver to take him to Zhaohui.

He hadn’t notified Lu Yuzhou, wanting to surprise him, so he went straight to the top floor. He entered the office, only to find Lu Yuzhou wasn’t there.

Chi Zhongqiao checked his phone—it was already 11:46 AM.

Wasn’t Yuzhou’s morning meeting supposed to end at 11?

He sent Lu Yuzhou a message, but received no reply. Assuming he was busy, Chi Zhongqiao set down the lunch and strolled toward the glass-walled observation corridor on the top floor, a place he often liked to wander when he had free time.

The corridor was usually deserted. Chi Zhongqiao froze when he heard a man’s tense voice as he approached.

Someone’s here? I should probably wait outside.

Just as he was about to turn around, a familiar voice reached his ears—

“…Do you think this project is worth investing in? Since last year, the government has already issued relevant policies…”

It was Lu Yuzhou’s voice, lower than usual. Though he was reprimanding someone, his tone was flat, devoid of emotion. Lu Yuzhou never resorted to harsh words or personal attacks; he simply pointed out his subordinates’ mistakes with cold efficiency, listing every flaw. Faced with his detached demeanor, those being reprimanded often felt so guilty they wished they could jump off the building before they were scared to death.

Chi Zhongqiao found this novel and lingered to listen for a few more moments before quietly retreating.

He had no interest in who Lu Yuzhou was scolding. After all, managing such a vast company required immense effort, and dealing with immature subordinates was a constant challenge. In such situations, even the Old Master himself would occasionally play the stern disciplinarian.

Still, Chi Zhongqiao decided to move further away to avoid any awkward encounters when the person emerged from the corridor.

He had taken only a few steps when he heard footsteps behind him, quickly exiting the corridor into the hallway.

Chi Zhongqiao turned to find himself face-to-face with a relieved-looking Senior Executive.

Lu Yuzhou, who had suddenly spotted Chi Zhongqiao, froze mid-step, his pace gradually slowing to a complete halt.

“How much did Brother Qiao hear of my scolding earlier?”

Chi Zhongqiao paused, then naturally adopted a warm smile. “I just arrived when you saw me. Is the meeting over?”

“Yes, it’s over.” Lu Yuzhou replied.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, the executive lowered his head and said meekly, “Then, President Lu, I’ll head back now.”

Lu Yuzhou nodded.

The executive quickly scurried away, his neck hunched.

Only after the man’s retreating figure disappeared into the elevator did Chi Zhongqiao extend his hand to Lu Yuzhou, who stood frozen a few steps away. “Come here.”

By the time Lu Yuzhou realized what was happening, he was already standing before Chi Zhongqiao. In those two short steps, he had forgotten to breathe. “I wasn’t being particularly harsh with him. It’s just…”

Lu Yuzhou clutched the folder in his hand. He was never one for sentimentality when handling business matters.

He felt a pang of annoyance: Why did I even think to come to the observation corridor?

Chi Zhongqiao nodded. “En, I understand.”

He took two steps forward, then noticed Lu Yuzhou still standing in place, head bowed.

Chi Zhongqiao chuckled. “Weren’t you being quite fierce just now?”

Great, Brother Qiao thinks I was fierce too.

Lu Yuzhou had inexplicably ruined their reunion, leaving him in a terrible mood.

Chi Zhongqiao said slowly, “On the way here, I kept thinking about what gift to bring you.”

Lu Yuzhou wasn’t particularly interested in gifts. Every corner of their home was already overflowing with trinkets Chi Zhongqiao had brought back—so many they were impossible to count. More than gifts, he was preoccupied with how to explain what had happened in the corridor earlier.

Seeing Lu Yuzhou’s unchanging expression, Chi Zhongqiao immediately understood what he was thinking. He smiled. “I can’t guarantee you’ll like this gift, but I’ve been preparing it for a long time.”

“I like anything Brother Qiao gives me,” Lu Yuzhou replied.

Chi Zhongqiao didn’t respond. Before returning, he had spent hours browsing the shops near the airport, unable to find the perfect gift. He pondered the entire flight, finally devising a “gift” he thought Lu Yuzhou would appreciate.

Lu Yuzhou froze.

Chi Zhongqiao entered the office, waited for Lu Yuzhou to follow, then gently closed the door. He pushed Lu Yuzhou against it, pressing him firmly against the wood, his eyes curving into a teasing smile. “What did you say you wanted yesterday?”

Lu Yuzhou was speechless.

The shock made him drop the folder, which clattered to the floor.

Chi Zhongqiao leaned closer. “Do you want me?”

Lu Yuzhou reached out to touch Chi Zhongqiao’s waist, then hesitated, feeling it would be presumptuous. Instead, he gripped the doorknob, unsure whether he wanted to escape or use the cool metal to calm himself.

Chi Zhongqiao lowered his gaze, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to the corner of Lu Yuzhou’s lips.

“No watch, no cufflinks, no love letters, no flowers. Am I good enough?”

Lu Yuzhou released the doorknob. He had been stunned the moment Chi Zhongqiao leaned in, and even after the brief kiss, he remained dazed.

Am I dreaming? Or am I so terrified I’m hallucinating?

Lu Yuzhou took Chi Zhongqiao’s hand. The office felt like a simmering pot of syrup, bubbling and radiating an unrestrained sweetness.

Chi Zhongqiao murmured, “Don’t be afraid.”

Lu Yuzhou stammered, “I just didn’t want Brother Qiao to think I’m being unreasonable or demanding. I didn’t mean to…”

Lovers always yearn to appear flawless in each other’s eyes.

Chi Zhongqiao paused for a moment, then smiled. “You said you wanted to change last time,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss Lu Yuzhou again. “I believe in you.”

The reason he insisted on eavesdropping in the hallway was purely out of curiosity about the Lu Yuzhou he presented to the outside world.

He had seen many sides of Lu Yuzhou that remained hidden from others—smiling, vulnerable, playful… He enjoyed the privilege of knowing Lu Yuzhou’s softest, most vulnerable self. Occasionally, he couldn’t help but wonder about the cold, professional Lu Yuzhou he saw in public.

When Chi Zhongqiao briefly shed his role as an Elder and regarded Lu Yuzhou with the admiration one might feel for a peer, he naturally noticed his maturity and sense of responsibility, and marveled at his sharp instincts and decisive courage.

Whenever Chi Zhongqiao looked at Lu Yuzhou, his affection was always tinged with pride.

Lu Yuzhou wrapped his arms around him, burying his face in Chi Zhongqiao’s neck.

“Thank you, Brother Qiao.”

“You haven’t told me if you like the gift yet,” Chi Zhongqiao teased.

Before Lu Yuzhou could answer, he continued slowly, “If you don’t like it, there’s nothing I can do. This gift took the longest to prepare, and I doubt I’ll ever find anything better in my lifetime.”

Lu Yuzhou stiffened slightly.

Chi Zhongqiao rested his chin on Lu Yuzhou’s shoulder, his breathing steady. “Well, what do you expect when I’ve been preparing for this for over twenty years?”

Lu Yuzhou: “…Brother Qiao, is this your first time kissing someone?”

“First kiss?” Chi Zhongqiao chuckled. “What’s so special about that? I’m talking about—I’m giving myself to you.”