Top Dupe CH 058 Subvert That Good Night For Me Part 1

Luo Yu didn't expect that Gu Xiaowei was about to praise him.

"You portrayed the school heartthrob as bright and transparent, completely natural without any pretense. That year, all the girls in my department were watching your show and talking about you. You were also the school heartthrob in their hearts. I still remember the scene where you watched the female lead run toward the male lead, smiling, but with tears glistening in your eyes. I've seen my roommates wail and give up after a breakup, and I've seen other actors hold back tears in front of me, trying to convince me they were really sad... But the only scene that truly moved me was you standing at the bus stop—that moment gave me the illusion that love and youth were fading away together."

It took Luo Yu a long time before he could finally say, "Thank you."

"Luo Yu, never lose that talent that moves people's hearts," Gu Xiaowei said, looking at Luo Yu.

Everyone in the room suddenly felt a strange sense of emotion.

Xu Mu, however, inexplicably thought of He Mu. He had monopolized the "national school heartthrob" image for many years, and in recent years, some campus dramas had deliberately avoided using this trope, fearing that new actors would be suppressed by He Mu's team. He was genuinely curious about how the audience would react to Gu Xiaowei's evaluation in light of the industry's ongoing battle over this archetype.

"Any other questions? My time is precious." Although Gu Xiaowei said this, he had a gentle smile on his face.

No one on set felt he was being difficult; in fact, they were eagerly anticipating his interaction with Luo Yu.

"So, how should I repay you for your precious time?"

"Always be my rival, no matter what, never easily back down," Gu Xiaowei said.

Luo Yu looked at Gu Xiaowei, feeling a surge of emotion, as if he had returned to the stage in his previous life, acting alongside Gu Xiaowei in a play. They were the brightest twin stars, indifferent to online praise or criticism, unconcerned with gains and losses, caring only about the lines and their opponent.

Luo Yu didn't make a promise like an oath; he just closed his eyes and solemnly nodded.

"The next question: when did you first notice me and want to become friends with me?"

After asking this, Luo Yu began searching his memories. It seemed they became close while filming “Counterattack”.

Maybe it was his portrayal of Bai Ying that caught Gu Xiaowei's eye? But it also seemed to have started before “Counterattack”... During the audition, Gu Xiaowei had already spoken to him in the elevator.

Suddenly, he was very grateful to the program team for giving him the chance to ask a question he'd always been curious about.

Gu Xiaowei's answer exceeded Luo Yu's expectations.

"It was the day I went to the film academy for my entrance exam."

"Wh-which day?" Luo Yu wondered if he'd misheard.

The director, cameraman, and lighting technician all turned to Gu Xiaowei. Even with everyone looking at him, Gu Xiaowei's gaze remained fixed on Luo Yu.

"It was pouring rain that day, and there was a lot of water accumulated at the entrance of the film academy. To avoid being late, I had specifically chosen to take the subway. I still remember, when I got out of the station, there was an old lady selling raincoats. I bought one to keep my clothes from getting wet. But the hood didn't fit me well and kept falling down, blocking my vision."

Luo Yu's heart inexplicably felt a jolt, and his memory began to unfold like a rose blooming in reverse. He could almost hear the sound of the downpour, with countless raindrops blurring the world. He had been standing across from the school, holding an umbrella that was barely useful.

Gu Xiaowei's voice was calm, describing the moment in a way that stretched the memory long, everything coming from his simple recollection rather than embellished words.

"When I arrived at the film academy, I realized the water was too deep to cross. Several taxis had stalled in the middle of the road. I watched enviously as a girl being carried on her father's back crossed the road. The water reached her father's calves, and she lay on his back, holding an umbrella for him. Her father kept reassuring her, telling her not to worry, that she was talented and hardworking, and the teachers would definitely notice her. But my parents didn't support my decision to become an actor. I came without their knowledge. Every major decision in my life seems to go against their expectations, so... I never received that kind of comfort."

Hearing this, Luo Yu felt a tightness in his chest. He understood that feeling.

"After that father and daughter crossed the road, I rolled up my pants and untied my shoes, intending to wade through the water barefoot. At that moment, I had only one thought—this path I chose, I had to walk through it, no matter the obstacles."

Luo Yu finally remembered a day when it was pouring rain. His roommate had mentioned that the drainage system at the school gate was broken, and the school workers had laid down bricks and iron sheets, but the water was still too deep.

He had gone out to watch a play and was about to wade back when he noticed a boy at the station. He guessed the boy was there for the entrance exam too.

Many applicants had someone with them, like their parents. If they had already debuted, they might even have an agent or assistant by their side. But that boy was all alone. Luo Yu inexplicably felt that the boy looked lonely, as if waiting for comfort, or perhaps needing validation.

Gu Xiaowei's eyes were full, as if containing the rivers and seas formed by that day's rain, silently flowing, ready to surge for someone.

"Someone suddenly asked me, 'Classmate, are you here for the entrance exam? My pants are already soaked, so why don't I carry you across.' That person wasn't pretending; he really stepped down into the water and handed his umbrella to me. I've never been used to accepting help from strangers, but that was the only time I felt my desires were being supported. I wanted to be stubborn for once, to feel someone else's kindness. I climbed onto his back, and he wobbled a bit. I was afraid I'd weigh him down and cause him to fall into the water. But he said, 'Don't worry, I'll carry you across.' He was worried the water would soak my shoes and kept lifting my legs with his arms."

Luo Yu's eyes were already red. The simple act of kindness he did back then had stayed with Gu Xiaowei until now.

"I don't understand why one person can be so good to another," Gu Xiaowei said softly, looking at Luo Yu.

Luo Yu could only shake his head because he didn't know either.

It was like seeing that lonely figure made him want to carry him across.

"When he put me down, I asked him—'What's your name?'"

Luo Yu's voice trembled slightly as he answered, "My name is Luo Yu. You have to get in, and when you see me next time, remember to call me 'senior brother.'"

That's why Gu Xiaowei called him "senior brother" in the elevator when he was auditioning for the role of Bai Ying, and why every time he reposted something related to Luo Yu on Weibo, he started with the words "senior brother."

Gu Xiaowei was just keeping his promise, no matter how many years had passed.

Luo Yu, standing on this side of the camera, with red eyes, looked at Gu Xiaowei, who wore a rare serene smile.

In the end, Luo Yu took a big step forward, and as if they were of one mind, Gu Xiaowei stood up, and the two tightly embraced each other.

For a moment, everyone felt a mix of emotions and joy for them.

It seemed that everything before didn’t matter; only this moment was the true reunion.

For the production team, this VCR had already generated enough buzz by now.

Director Xu had not expected to capture such a warm and meaningful moment.

He once again secretly felt fortunate to have invited Luo Yu for this program and silently hoped that these two would have a smooth path in the industry.

When they left the room, it was already past nine at night. Xu Mu advised Luo Yu to conserve his energy and rest well.

After Xu Mu and his team left, only Gu Xiaowei and Luo Yu remained in the room.

The two were a bit quiet, with Luo Yu feeling overwhelmed, not knowing what to say.

Just then, Luo Yu's phone rang—it was a call from Sister Cui.

Not only had she brought Luo Yu's suitcase, but she had also brought Gu Xiaowei's luggage.

Sister Cui had just learned that Gu Xiaowei had helped record the VCR and expressed her gratitude to him.

"Now that the luggage is here, shouldn't you take a shower?" Gu Xiaowei asked, looking at Luo Yu.

Luo Yu glanced at the bright, transparent glass and smiled, saying, "I'll unpack first; you go ahead."

He knew that there must be a curtain to block the view on such glass walls, but after secretly checking for a while, he couldn't find the switch to lower the curtain.

But he remembered that the curtains in Xu Mu's room were down, so he quickly asked where the switch was via WeChat.

Gu Xiaowei walked over and said, "How about we play rock-paper-scissors. Whoever loses goes first. This way, neither of us will feel like we're at a disadvantage."

Luo Yu couldn't help but laugh and asked, "So you don't know how to lower the curtains either?"

Gu Xiaowei tilted his chin, raised his fist, and said, "Come on."

They counted to three and made their moves simultaneously. Gu Xiaowei won.

"Wait! Best two out of three!"

Gu Xiaowei raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "Don't tell me you’re going to ask for five out of seven next."

"I absolutely won’t!" Luo Yu rolled up his sleeves and said, "I still have the dignity of a senior brother!"

Then Luo Yu won the next two rounds, and with a beaming smile, he pointed to the transparent glass wall and said, "You—go take a shower!"

Gu Xiaowei looked at his own hand, seemingly still pondering why his luck was so bad tonight.

"Can you be so happy over something like this?"

"This is my first step in winning against you," Luo Yu said with a grin.

Gu Xiaowei said nothing, opened his suitcase, took out a change of clothes, and put them in a waterproof bag. Before heading to the bathroom, he gave Luo Yu's hair a playful ruffle.

Luo Yu grabbed Gu Xiaowei's wrist, but Gu Xiaowei didn't pull away, allowing Luo Yu to hold on.

After a second or two, Luo Yu pushed Gu Xiaowei’s hand away and said, "Touching my head costs extra."

"Can it be an annual subscription?"

"Go away!"

Gu Xiaowei smiled down and finally went into the bathroom.

Luo Yu intentionally walked to the glass wall, crossed his arms, and pretended to admire the view, though he only dared to watch Gu Xiaowei take off his upper clothes. When it came to something he shouldn't see, Luo Yu would proactively leave... for a night run.

Gu Xiaowei stood on the other side of the glass wall and beckoned Luo Yu with his hand.

Luo Yu took two steps forward. Gu Xiaowei placed one hand on the glass wall, and Luo Yu could clearly see the lines of his palm, deep and clear. Luo Yu didn’t know what Gu Xiaowei intended to do until Gu Xiaowei turned his head slightly, prompting Luo Yu to press his own hand against the glass as well.

Well, Gu Xiaowei’s hand was actually a bit larger than his.

At this moment, a faint buzzing sound came from above. Gu Xiaowei pressed a button by the sink, and the curtain descended!

The switch that Luo Yu couldn’t find after searching for a long time was found immediately by Gu Xiaowei! It seemed that Gu Xiaowei had seen his previous embarrassment and deliberately didn’t tell him where the button was.

This was really too much!

Luo Yu took a deep breath and then laughed. He hadn’t expected Gu Xiaowei to have such a childish side.

Perhaps because Gu Xiaowei always seemed mature and steady, Luo Yu forgot that he was actually a bit younger.

The curtain was quite thick, and Luo Yu couldn't see even a vague shadow of Gu Xiaowei's figure, leaving no room for imagination.

As expected of the program team's hotel, it's very proper.

Luo Yu could only return to the sofa and scroll through his phone in boredom.

The sound of running water started, and Luo Yu looked towards the bathroom, feeling inexplicably embarrassed.

He opened his playlist on his phone and played the highest-pitched, most screaming rock song he could find.

It was like trying to cover something up with music, though Luo Yu himself didn’t know what he was trying to hide.

After ten minutes, Gu Xiaowei came out, wearing his silver-gray silk pajamas. He walked towards Luo Yu, and as he moved, the fabric clung to his abdomen, briefly revealing the outline of his abs before quickly disappearing.

"I’m done showering. Your turn." Gu Xiaowei paused and then added, "Are you listening to 'Monsoon'?"

Luo Yu glanced at his phone and realized the song he was playing was indeed "Monsoon."

"You listen to rock?" Luo Yu was surprised. In his mind, Gu Xiaowei should prefer more lyrical or classical music.

"Not much. But there’s a line in 'Monsoon' that feels very impactful when screamed." Gu Xiaowei sat down on the sofa, facing Luo Yu, who was squatting on the floor looking for something in his suitcase.

"Which line?" Luo Yu looked up at him.

After his shower, Gu Xiaowei’s eyebrows and eyes were moist, like a snow pine in the rain, tall and gentle.

"Guess, Senior Brother." He leaned slightly towards Luo Yu and pulled out the hoodie string that had fallen into Luo Yu’s collar.

As the hoodie string brushed against Luo Yu’s collarbone, it felt like something was traveling along his nerve lines, creating a tingling sensation.

Luo Yu felt almost bewitched. At that moment, the song was just in the introduction, with no screaming, but when he met Gu Xiaowei’s deep, ink-like eyes, he instinctively said, "Permeate me, drown me, crush me... subvert that good night for me..."

"Yes. Especially suitable for a special moment."

Gu Xiaowei seemed to know what Luo Yu was searching for. He bent down, reached into the very bottom of Luo Yu’s suitcase, and pulled out Luo Yu’s checkered cotton pajamas.

"Oh, thank you." Luo Yu took them.

He packed the pajamas and a change of underwear into the waterproof bag and went to the bathroom.