Red String Across Worlds: BL System

Chapter 11

The move to Li Wei's mansion was a seamless transition into a world of understated luxury. The sprawling estate, nestled in a secluded part of the city, was a haven of tranquility. The mansion itself was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with high ceilings, expansive windows overlooking lush gardens, and elegantly furnished rooms that exuded an air of quiet sophistication.

As Lin Mu's few belongings were being moved in, Li Wei took him on a tour of the mansion. He showed him the grand library filled with leather-bound books, the state-of-the-art home theater, the serene indoor pool, and the sprawling gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly.

"It's... incredible, Li Wei," Lin Mu said, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and amusement. "You weren't kidding when you said it was large."

Li Wei chuckled, wrapping an arm around Lin Mu's waist. "It always felt a bit empty before. Now... now it will finally feel like home."

As they stood in the grand foyer, sunlight streaming through the massive windows, Li Wei took a deep breath. "Lin Mu, there's something I want to share with you, something about my family."

He led Lin Mu to a study, a room filled with antique furniture and portraits of stern-looking individuals. "My family... we have a long history in global commerce. Our businesses span various sectors, from technology and finance to luxury goods and real estate. We operate on a scale that... well, it's quite significant."

Lin Mu listened attentively, a playful glint in his eyes.

Li Wei continued, "I am the sole heir to this... empire, for lack of a better word. It comes with a great deal of responsibility, but also... a certain level of influence."

Lin Mu raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips. "So, you're telling me my future husband is not only incredibly handsome and talented but also... ridiculously wealthy and powerful?"

Li Wei's eyes darkened with amusement. "Something like that. Does this... accommodate your... shall we say... lazy inclinations?"

Lin Mu leaned in, playfully nipping at Li Wei's ear. "Darling, it stimulates them immensely."

The playful banter quickly escalated into a passionate embrace, their bodies finding a familiar rhythm of desire. They retreated to Li Wei's master suite, the opulent surroundings fading into the background as their focus narrowed to the intense connection between them. The night was filled with tender touches, whispered affections, and a deepening of their physical and emotional intimacy. While the specifics of their lovemaking remained private, the initial fervent exploration gave way to a comfortable and deeply satisfying closeness, culminating in a shared exhaustion and the quiet contentment of holding each other through the night.

The following morning, Lin Mu awoke with a groan, a dull ache in his lower back. He shifted gingerly, wincing slightly.

Li Wei, who was already awake and watching him with a fond smile, chuckled softly. "Trouble sleeping, my love?"

"Sleeping was wonderful," Lin Mu grumbled, attempting to sit up. "It's the activities leading up to sleep that have left me feeling... less than limber." He shot Li Wei a playful glare. "Remind me to request a softer mattress for my side of the bed."

Li Wei leaned over, gently massaging Lin Mu's back. "My apologies, my passionate one. Perhaps I was a little... enthusiastic."

Lin Mu leaned into the touch, the gentle pressure easing some of the tension. "A little? Darling, I feel like I went ten rounds with a particularly energetic wrestler."

Their comfortable bickering filled the morning air, a testament to the easy intimacy they had developed.

Meanwhile, as Lin Mu settled into his new life with Li Wei, the world of "The Ballad of the Crimson Dawn" continued its successful run. Ye Ming was also experiencing a surge in popularity, his portrayal of Prince Jing winning him critical acclaim and a legion of adoring fans.

During the filming, a subtle connection had been forming between Ye Ming and Zhang He, who played the formidable General Murong Feng. Their characters, though initially on the same side, often had intense scenes together, their contrasting personalities creating a compelling dynamic. Murong Feng, with his stoic loyalty and quiet strength, often found himself observing Prince Jing's youthful idealism with a mixture of respect and a hint of protectiveness.

Off-screen, Ye Ming and Zhang He had developed a quiet camaraderie. Zhang He, usually reserved and somewhat aloof, seemed to relax in Ye Ming's presence, his sharp edges softening slightly. They would often discuss their characters, their contrasting approaches to leadership and duty, finding common ground despite their different acting styles.

One day, during a break from filming a particularly intense war council scene, Ye Ming had approached Zhang He, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Zhang He-ge," Ye Ming began hesitantly, using the respectful honorific, "I was thinking about the scene where Murong Feng advises Prince Jing against a risky maneuver. There's this... almost paternal concern in his voice, even though he maintains his formal demeanor. What do you think motivates that?"

Zhang He had considered the question for a moment, his usual coldness softening. "Murong Feng has served the royal family for many years. He sees the potential in Prince Jing, the hope he represents. His concern isn't just about military strategy; it's about protecting that hope."

Their conversation had continued, delving deeper into their characters' motivations and the subtle nuances of their relationship. It was one of many such exchanges, quiet moments of connection amidst the chaos of the set.

Unbeknownst to Ye Ming, Zhang He found himself increasingly drawn to the younger actor's earnestness and unwavering optimism. There was a light about Ye Ming that seemed to cut through Zhang He's usual reserve, a genuine warmth that he found himself gravitating towards.

Ye Ming, in turn, admired Zhang He's quiet strength and his unwavering dedication to his craft. He found a sense of stability and quiet understanding in Zhang He's presence, a contrast to the often-frenetic energy of the entertainment industry.

Their burgeoning feelings remained unspoken, a subtle undercurrent in their interactions, unnoticed by the wider cast and crew. But the seeds of attraction had been sown.

Meanwhile, the success of "The Ballad of the Crimson Dawn" had not gone unnoticed by everyone. In the shadows, a familiar figure watched Ye Ming's rising star with a cold, calculating gaze. Long Tianyi, the powerful CEO from the original timeline, had become aware of the movie's popularity and the immense success of its young lead. A flicker of possessiveness, a resurfacing of his obsessive infatuation with Ye Ming, began to stir within him. He saw Ye Ming's growing fame not as a triumph, but as something that needed to be... controlled.

One afternoon, as Ye Ming was leaving a promotional event, a sleek black car pulled up beside him. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Long Tianyi's impeccably handsome but undeniably cold face.

"Ye Ming," Long Tianyi said, his voice smooth but with an underlying edge of command. "We need to talk."

Ye Ming, who had been enjoying the enthusiastic greetings of his fans, froze, a flicker of surprise and a hint of unease crossing his features. He hadn't seen Long Tianyi since their abrupt and rather public breakup after the truth about Bai Fan's fate had come to light in the original timeline. A part of him had hoped he would never have to see him again.

The encounter hung in the air, a dark cloud momentarily eclipsing Ye Ming's bright success. The ripples of the past, it seemed, were not entirely finished spreading through this new reality.