Cameras flashed like lightning.
Yu Zhen stood at the edge of the red carpet, folded invitation clenched loosely in his fingers as reporters shouted the same name endlessly:
"LIAN XUAN—LOOK THIS WAY!"
The country's biggest star stood beneath lighting rigs with effortless confidence—black suit. Perfect posture. Golden gaze sharp behind polite celebrity composure.
Lian Xuan.
Immortal general no more.Crime lord no longer.
In this world, he was a living spotlight — adored by millions.
Yu Zhen remained hidden behind velvet barriers — not because he feared crowds, but because something inside him braced. It was always like this in new worlds:
They met like strangers.
But this time—
The soul-thread tugged instantly.
The moment Lian Xuan turned and spotted Yu Zhen beyond the barricades, the world narrowed.
The pull hit hard.
[SOUL THREAD ENGAGED] [AFFINITY SURGE] [MEMORY FRAGMENT 5 — DORMANT STIRRING]
Lian Xuan faltered midsmile.
Reporters noticed at once.
"Who is he looking at?"
"Lian Xuan!"
Yu Zhen felt heat rush up his spine as the actor broke formation, walking straight off the carpet toward the barricade.
Agents shouted his name, security scrambling to block his path.
But he didn't stop.
He reached Yu Zhen — eyes meeting silver —
And time collapsed.
"You..." Lian Xuan said under his breath.
They stood only inches apart, separated by velvet rope and social status.
Something fierce stirred in Lian Xuan's chest.
I know you.
He couldn't remember why — only that the pull was suffocating.
Yu Zhen stepped toward him calmly.
"You're going to get mobbed," he said quietly.
Lian Xuan didn't look away.
"I don't care."
It wasn't bravado.
It was instinct.
Outside cameras kept shouting — capturing only Lian Xuan pausing mid-carpet and staring intensely at a stranger.
The Contract
Thirty minutes later, they sat across from each other in a private VIP lounge while industry executives whispered frantically beyond the door.
"Your chemistry with that kid outside?" a manager hissed.
"Fans will eat it up. Fake relationship. PR gold."
Lian Xuan bristled.
"I don't do staged romance."
"We don't need romance — just appearances."
Silence stretched.
Lian Xuan's gaze drifted to Yu Zhen — who sat quietly, composed.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Yu Zhen."
The name sent an echo through Lian Xuan's chest like a chord struck too hard.
[MEMORY FRACTURE — MICRO FLASH] [BATTLEFIELD IMAGE DETECTED]
He winced faintly.
"…Weird. Saying your name feels familiar."
Yu Zhen watched him closely.
"It should."
The executives leaned forward eagerly.
"So… are we doing this?"
Lian Xuan's eyes flicked up.
"Only if he agrees."
Yu Zhen lifted his gaze slowly.
"You mean pretend to date the most famous actor in the country?"
"Yes."
He didn't hide why.
"Because I want you near me."
There was no flirtation in the words.
Only raw truth.
Yu Zhen allowed himself a small smile.
"Looks like I walked into trouble again."
[SOUL THREAD — ACTIVE] [MEMORY FRAGMENT 5 — STIMULATING] [AFFINITY LEVEL: 72%]