Chapter Twenty-Three: Living Together (Please Support and Recommend)

Smelling the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen, Geng Geng’s nose twitched, and she slowly opened her eyes. Finding the space beside her in bed empty, she heard the sounds of movement from the kitchen and rose, though she felt a slight, lingering discomfort as she walked. Thinking of the previous night, her face flushed with a bashful warmth, yet she felt immensely sweet; last night, the two of them had finally truly become one. Seeing the toothbrush prepared for her on the vanity, Geng Geng quickly washed up, unable to wait to head to the kitchen.

Watching the busy figure in the kitchen, with Li Jie’s profile illuminated by the morning sun, Geng Geng couldn't help but be momentarily mesmerized.

Hearing the commotion, Li Jie looked up to see Geng Geng gazing at him with such infatuation that he couldn't help but smile. He had never experienced days like these before. In his original world, although he had achieved minor success, he had spent his student years working part-time jobs and his post-graduation years buried in work, leaving no time for romance. In the stillness of the night, he would always fall asleep alone—no family, no lover. He was very satisfied with his current life; he would be perfectly willing to stay in this world forever. Yet, the thought that he would have to leave once his mission was complete cast a shadow over his heart, and his movements faltered for a brief moment.

Ever since entering this mission world, he had tried countless ways to contact the system, but it remained silent, as if it didn't exist. Unfortunately, his experiences in this world made it impossible for Li Jie to forget that the system was a Sword of Damocles, forever hanging over his head, waiting to fall at any unknown time.

Ever since the orientation party, the relationship between the two had progressed by leaps and bounds; they were like conjoined twins, inseparable. During a trip to Yalong Bay in the summer of their sophomore year, their relationship took another step forward, with only the final barrier left to cross. Since that time, they had been as close as lacquer and glue. Beta often complained to Geng Geng that she was prioritizing her boyfriend over her best friend, clinging to Li Jie every day and leaving them with too little time together. She would jokingly say, "If you keep this up, you're going to lose me." Geng Geng could only express her helplessness, for she couldn't control herself—she just wanted to stay by Li Jie's side, never wanting to be apart even for a moment.

After they moved in together during their junior year, Geng Geng, who could occasionally be a bit oblivious, keenly sensed that Li Jie was hiding something from her. Sometimes, the look of melancholy that crossed his face made her heart ache, and she grew curious about what could be making him unhappy. She wanted to share the burden with him, but whenever she asked, Li Jie would subtly change the subject. Geng Geng assumed it must be due to family issues; she could never have imagined that his sorrow stemmed from the fact that he would eventually have to leave this world.

"Geng Geng, you're awake! Come here, perfect timing—the noodles are ready. Try this nourishing chicken soup noodle dish I just developed." Recovering from his wandering thoughts, Li Jie walked toward Geng Geng with the freshly made bowl.

"You're always making such delicious food for me; I'm definitely going to get fat again." Though she complained, she was actually thrilled.

"I just want to feed you until you're plump and rosy, so that no one else will want you but me," Li Jie said, pinching Geng Geng’s slightly chubby cheek with a 'menacing' air.

"Hmph! Once I get as round as a ball, I’ll stick to you like glue so you’ll never be able to shake me off," Geng Geng retorted.

"That is exactly what I'm hoping for!"

"Pfft! I won't get fat!"

"Aren't you going to eat? Didn't you have plans to meet Beta later? Will you make it on time?"

"Oh my, that's right! I almost forgot!" She hurriedly slurped down her noodles, complaining that Li Jie should have woken her up earlier, leaving her so rushed. It had been quite a while since she and Beta had gone out shopping together alone.

Watching Geng Geng rush out the door, Li Jie smiled helplessly. He cleared the table and prepared to head to his study to work on his third novel. His previous work, *The Miracles of the Namiya General Store*, had been finished during his sophomore year. After a customary period of slacking off, during which he worked sporadically, he had essentially completed *Journey Under the Midnight Sun* and was now looking to wrap it up.

As Li Jie began to write, Ni Liang, the distribution director at Red Rock Records, called with good news. The new album, *I Can't Stop Loving You*, which Li Jie had produced for the label's rising star Su Ning—now a powerhouse vocalist of the new generation—had been a massive success in both critical acclaim and sales. Within just one month, it had surpassed one million copies, and it had now crossed the three-million mark with strong potential for more. It had sparked a "Su Ning craze" nationwide, and with this project, Su Ning had become an overnight sensation. Li Jie felt quite invigorated by the news.

This was the first time Li Jie had taken on the role of an album producer; previously, he had merely provided songs for Red Rock to assign to singers as they saw fit, rather than tailoring them specifically for someone. Given their excellent working relationship and a long-standing desire from the company, Red Rock had invited him several times to produce albums for their artists. This time, tempted by the top-tier offer they made, and having some free time, he had agreed. The results proved that Li Jie was well worth the premium they paid. Ni Liang’s status within the company had risen sharply, and there were rumors that he was poised to succeed the retiring CEO to take the helm of the Red Rock giant.

On the phone, Ni Liang also complained with a wry smile that too many friends in the industry were badgering him for information about the mysterious producer "Chi Tian," and he asked if Li Jie would be willing to meet them.

Because his alias "Chi Tian" had already penned many classic songs, he was already somewhat famous, but no one expected him to be capable of tailoring songs perfectly to different artists. And every time he produced something, it became a classic; looking at his previous work, he had never missed. It was terrifying. Naturally, everyone was desperate to find out who he was and hire him to produce their albums. Li Jie declined the requests; tailoring music was mentally exhausting, and he had no interest in accumulating vast wealth this way, especially since Lu Lao had already asked him to start taking over the family business after graduation.

For this album, Li Jie had provided six songs: "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Love Letter," "Slowly," "Kiss Goodbye," "You Are the Most Precious," and "Heart Like a Knife Wound." The other four tracks were selected by Red Rock themselves. Initially, Su Ning had been skeptical about Li Jie serving as a producer, but after Li Jie presented these songs, Su Ning’s attitude did a 180-degree turn. They were so perfect for him, as if they had been custom-made. From that point on, he had no more doubts about Li Jie’s role as a producer.

As soon as the call with Ni Liang ended, Su Ning’s call came through.

"Teacher Lu, my new album has sold through the roof! Thank you so much!" Su Ning’s voice trembled with excitement.

"Teacher Lu, thank you so much for those songs you provided. They are absolutely amazing!"

"You're too modest. My songs are just the icing on the cake. Without your talent, even the best songs wouldn't become hits. The album's sales are a testament to your own ability," Li Jie replied calmly.

"Teacher Lu, I’m planning to make a special trip to Beijing in a few days to host a banquet to thank you in person. You must be there. Director Ni will also be coming with me."

Li Jie readily agreed, then returned to writing *Journey Under the Midnight Sun*.

"Hey! Geng Geng, over here!" Beta shouted, waving at Geng Geng.

Noticing the slightly unusual way Geng Geng was walking, Beta seemed to understand something about why she had come out so late today.

"Sigh, Geng Geng, you seem to have gained a bit of weight lately, haven't you?"

"Really? It's all Lu Xinghe's fault! He’s always coming up with new ways to make delicious food for me. Ever since we moved out of the dorms, I feel like I've gained at least ten pounds."