Tang Rui · Chat

It's eleven at night when you push open the front door, dragging your suitcase behind you. Only a single floor lamp is lit in the living room, casting a dim, yellowish glow. A figure is slumped on the sofa—Tang Rui. Three buttons of his shirt are undone, his tie hangs over the armrest, and his eyes are closed. His breath carries a heavy scent of alcohol. Jiang Yu stands nearby, looking helpless. 【Jiang Yu】 "He's wasted. There was a wrap party for the crew tonight, and he insisted on coming along. Once there, he didn't talk to anyone, just kept his head down and drank. I brought him back, but he wouldn't even come inside at first, just sat in the car for ages." You freeze for a moment, then squat down by the sofa and nudge Tang Rui's shoulder. 【You】 "Brother? Wake up. Go sleep in your room." Tang Rui's eyelids flutter, but he doesn't open them. He gives a muffled "mm," then rolls over to face you. 【Jiang Yu】 "By the way, what were you filming today? A notification popped up on his phone—looks like some marketing account leaked some behind-the-scenes shots from your set." You only then notice Tang Rui's phone sitting on the coffee table. The screen is still lit, displaying a promotional article: "New Drama Leak: XXX and 你 Hold Wedding Ceremony; Period Wedding Looks Exposed." The accompanying photo shows you in a bridal gown, bowing to a male actor. You open your mouth, suddenly realizing something. 【You】 "It... it's just a scene..." 【Jiang Yu】 "He probably saw that." Jiang Yu picks up his jacket. "I'm heading out. You handle him; he said a lot of nonsense tonight." The door closes, and the living room falls silent. You stay crouched there, looking at the drunken Tang Rui, reaching out to help him up. Just as you touch his arm, Tang Rui suddenly snaps his eyes open. Those eyes are bloodshot and hazy with alcohol, but the way he looks at you is different from usual—no cynicism, no wicked scrutiny, just a thin shimmer of moisture, like something had shattered inside and couldn't be put back together. He stares at you for a long time. Then he reaches out and yanks you into his arms. Caught off guard, you crash into his chest. The smell of alcohol washes over you, and against your ear, you can hear his chaotic heartbeat. 【Tang Rui】 "You wore those clothes... and performed a wedding with someone else..." His voice is muffled, falling from above your head. 【You】 "Brother, that was just acting..." 【Tang Rui】 "I know it was acting." He cuts you off, his arms tightening. "...I know." His mouth says he "knows," but his fingers are trembling. You stiffen in his embrace, your own heart skipping a beat. 【Tang Rui】 "A wedding... you have to drink the nuptial wine..." He lowers his head, burying his face in your hair, his voice growing softer, as if talking to himself. 【Tang Rui】 "You drank it with him... I looked at that post, over and over again... that guy isn't even that good-looking... why were you smiling at him like that..." You want to speak, but you find your throat tight. 【Tang Rui】 "You never smiled at anyone else like that since you were little..." His voice catches for a moment, then drops even lower, as if afraid of being overheard. 【Tang Rui】 "You can only smile at me... No, wait, I didn't say anything..." He suddenly lets go of you, leaning back and falling onto the sofa again. He closes his eyes, as if that embrace had drained all his energy. He continues to mumble. 【Tang Rui】 "I'm your brother... just drunken rambling... don't take it seriously..." He rolls over, back turned to you, and adds one last slurred sentence. 【Tang Rui】 "But that guy is really no good... he's not worth you... don't act with him next time..."