Chapter 22: A Splash of Trouble

The next morning, Qin Li was jolted awake by a loud, insistent knock on her door.

She dragged herself out of bed and opened the door to find the assistant director standing there. She vaguely remembered his name but couldn't quite place it.

"Get ready," he said briskly. "We're about to start filming."

"Already?" Qin Li asked in surprise.

"It's not early," he replied, glancing at his watch. "It's eight o'clock. The hardworking folks have already been out and back."

He was, of course, referring to Yan Sen.

Even though they had all stayed up late enjoying the cake—nearly until 1 a.m.—Yan Sen had managed to rise with the dawn, as always, to handle farm work. Qin Li had to admit, she was impressed by his iron discipline.

"What are we shooting today?" she asked. "Is there anything specific I should know?"

"Just be yourself," the assistant director replied. "The show is all about capturing natural, authentic moments. The camera crew will be following you all day, but don't worry—not everything will make it into the final cut. We'll edit and only include the highlights. Oh, and here."

He handed her a small wireless mic. "Clip this onto your clothes. It'll pick up your conversations, even when the crew isn't nearby."

Finally, he produced a contract and held it out. "This is the filming agreement. The footage rights belong to our network, and we retain full editorial and explanatory control. Take your time to read through it, and sign if you're comfortable."

After the assistant left, Qin Li found Qu Dani, and the two of them carefully combed through the agreement. Once they were sure there was nothing shady in the fine print, Qin Li signed her name.

This was Qin Li's first time being on television, let alone a foreign network. The mix of nervousness and excitement brought a flutter to her chest. Feeling a sudden surge of vanity, she decided she couldn't afford to embarrass Chinese women on camera. She put on her best outfit, styled her hair neatly, and applied meticulous makeup. When she was done, the transformation was stunning—her usual tired, jilted appearance was nowhere in sight. Even Qu Dani, known for her blunt critiques, gave her a thumbs-up.

Qin Li scrutinized herself in the mirror, ensuring every detail was perfect before heading downstairs.

The moment she stepped into the living room, cameras swung to capture her every move. The room was crowded with unfamiliar crew members, making Qin Li feel a little self-conscious.

Yan Sen was already at the table, eating breakfast. He glanced up, and his eyes flickered with subtle interest at the sight of her. His gaze lingered briefly on her chest before darting away, and Qin Li's ears turned crimson. She suddenly regretted choosing such a revealing outfit.

"Good morning," she greeted him, sitting across from him at the table.

"Morning."

Schrödinger had claimed Thomas's usual seat, unbothered by the crowd. The cat was diligently grooming itself, casually licking its toes and... other areas, as if it were the star of the show.

Yan Sen handed her the breadbasket without a word. Qin Li pulled out a round loaf, but her hands trembled under the weight of all the watching eyes. She pressed too hard, and the knife slipped, clattering loudly to the floor.

Embarrassed, Qin Li froze. The knife had fallen just out of her reach. Picking it up felt awkward, but leaving it there was worse. Her face burned as the cameras recorded her every move.

Yan Sen's sharp eyes took in her discomfort. Without a word, he took her bread, cut it in half with his own knife, and asked simply, "Jam or meat?"

Qin Li blinked, momentarily stunned. The usually brusque and hands-off man had just cut her bread. Was this a special gesture for the cameras?

"Jam," she murmured.

Yan Sen spread butter on the bread first, then added a layer of strawberry jam before placing it neatly on her plate.

"Finish eating and come help," he said, his words clipped but clear.

"Help with what?" she asked, her nerves making her voice soft.

"Work."

"Oh." Qin Li lowered her head and focused on the bread, struggling to ignore the camera lens trained on her.

Yan Sen poured milk into a glass and slid it toward her. "Milk?"

She nodded and took a sip. The rich, creamy taste filled her mouth, far better than anything store-bought. It reminded her of the thick layer of cream on the milk she drank as a child.

"Is this from your cows?"

Yan Sen nodded. "Freshly milked."

"It's really—"

Before she could finish, Yan Sen leaned across the table toward her, closing the distance between them. His hand reached out, his fingers tilting her chin up.

The sudden closeness made her breath hitch. His deep eyes, his warm, masculine scent—it was all too much. Her heart raced, and her mind wandered into dangerous territory. Was this... was this man about to kiss her?

But no. His thumb brushed lightly against her lip, wiping away a smear of milk. Pulling back, he glanced at the residue on his thumb and said in his usual deadpan tone, "The milk's fat content is optimal this time."

Qin Li froze.

Her romantic delusions shattered instantly. Was he teasing her? Or just completely oblivious to how his actions might be interpreted?

Around them, the crew chuckled quietly. Their amused expressions made it clear they'd seen her reaction. Qin Li's face burned as she cursed Yan Sen in her heart.

He was either a clueless oaf or an expert at making her look like a fool. Either way, she was certain of one thing: she hated him in that moment.

After breakfast, the director approached Yan Sen and patted his shoulder with approval. "That was great—exactly what we were looking for," he said with satisfaction.

Qin Li barely resisted rolling her eyes. Great, my foot!

The director turned to Yan Sen again. "What's next on your agenda?"

"Washing the tractor," Yan Sen replied in his usual succinct manner.

The director then looked at Qin Li, his suggestion delivered with an encouraging smile. "Why don't you join him?"

Qin Li blinked. "I don't know how."

"Perfect," the director said, pointing at Yan Sen with a grin. "He can teach you."

Qin Li hesitated, glancing down at her outfit. "Let me change first—this isn't really suitable for work."

Before she could move, the director placed a hand on her shoulder. "No need. Just keep it natural."

Natural? Who washes a vehicle dressed like this?

Before Qin Li could protest further, the director was already speaking to the camera crew. "Find some good angles, but don't get too close. Let them have their space—we're aiming for authenticity, not perfection. Remember, this isn't a drama. Just natural and real."

With that, the scene shifted. Qin Li, as the reluctant leading lady, had no choice but to follow.

The weather outside was stunning. The bright sun beamed down from a cloudless sky, the fresh scent of grass filled the air, and a light breeze carried a perfect warmth. It was an ideal day for an outdoor shoot.

Yan Sen fetched a hose and a long-handled brush, preparing to clean his massive, mud-spattered tractor. The sun beat down on him, and after a few minutes, he pulled off his jacket and remained in just a sweat-soaked tank top. His rough boots and tight tank underscored his rugged appearance. The clinging fabric revealed the defined muscles on his back, and with each motion of his arm, the grooves of his physique shifted tantalizingly.

Qin Li couldn't help but steal a glance as she stood behind him. Despite his gruff personality, Yan Sen possessed an undeniable masculine allure—a quiet intensity wrapped in raw charisma.

Suddenly, Yan Sen turned around, catching her staring. Their eyes met, locking briefly in the warm sunlight.

"Wanna try?" he asked, his gaze steady.

For a moment, he looked almost radiant, the golden sunlight wrapping around him like a halo. His sapphire-blue eyes shimmered with a brilliance that rivaled the finest gemstones.

Qin Li's brain protested, but her body betrayed her. Before she realized it, she was walking forward, taking the soap brush he extended.

She tried to focus on scrubbing the tractor, but with Yan Sen standing so close, the task was nearly impossible. His mere presence—his scent, his steady breathing—seemed to short-circuit her brain.

Her sluggish progress caught his attention. Frustrated by her slow scrubbing, Yan Sen reached out to take the brush back. Qin Li, startled, didn't release her grip in time. Their hands brushed, and in that fleeting moment, his hand settled over hers.

Instead of letting go, Yan Sen leaned in closer, his chest lightly pressing against her back. His deep voice rumbled near her ear. "Like this," he murmured, guiding her hand in smooth, practiced motions.

His touch sent an electric jolt up her arm, and his breath tickled her skin. The atmosphere shifted into something thick and heady. Qin Li could feel her pulse race, and her body stiffened under the intensity of the moment.

Yan Sen was so close, so warm, so solid behind her. She didn't need to see his face; the sound of his breathing alone was enough to unravel her composure.

It was an unfamiliar, wordless kind of intimacy—far more subtle and seductive than anything her ex-husband had ever done. Qin Li prided herself on being a level-headed woman, but her rapidly reddening cheeks betrayed her.

Sensing her unease, Yan Sen abruptly stepped back, retreating to the other side of the tractor without a word.

Qin Li stole a quick glance at him, her emotions in turmoil. On one hand, she was relieved the moment had passed. On the other, she felt a twinge of disappointment at the restored distance.

She clenched her jaw in frustration. This guy! He's maddening. Pretending to be all stoic and reserved, but he knows exactly how to mess with my head. He's such a tease!

Her spiraling thoughts were cut short when a sudden splash of icy water cascaded down her back.

Qin Li jumped with a startled yelp, stumbling backward as water soaked through her clothes. Half-shocked, half-angry, she turned to see Yan Sen standing there with a hose, his lips quirking into a faint smile.

"Sorry," he said, though the glint of amusement in his eyes betrayed his sincerity.

That little smile—a rare, boyish expression—was oddly disarming. It wasn't smug or mocking, but warm and carefree, like he was genuinely enjoying himself for once.

Qin Li narrowed her eyes. "Oh, you're gonna get it now."

She crouched by a nearby bucket of soapy water, scooped it up, and waited until he came closer. The moment he did, she tossed the contents at him with all her might.

Soap suds and water drenched him from head to toe.

Yan Sen blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, without a word, he peeled off his wet tank top, revealing a lean, chiseled torso glistening under the sun. His abs were perfectly defined, his shoulders broad, and his tapered waist led to a hint of his v-line disappearing beneath the waistband of his jeans.

The sight was enough to make anyone forget to breathe.

He smirked, a rare, playful expression that bordered on mischievous.

Before Qin Li could process the sheer allure of his smile, Yan Sen's arm swung casually, sending his soaked tank top flying toward her. It landed squarely on her head.