Third Comb

Not long after, the young barbeque shop owner put a few skewers on the table.

Lamb, chicken wings, drumsticks, beef….and a variety of other meat. They are seasoned with cumin and spices, stimulating the senses.

She smiled and said, “Enjoy your meal, bigshots.”

“Hey! Thanks, boss lady!” The director is well-acquainted with her. Every time he comes to Tangcheng to film, he would always come to this store to eat and do business.

While he waits for the boss lady to put down the plates one by one, Director Tong decides to mobilize the mood and jokes, “Everyone takes care of yourselves. Don’t be too polite. I come to this store often so I receive a commission.”

“You’re treating! Are you trying to take a commission from your own money?” Someone at the next table replied.

“Don’t worry about me and my money!” Director Tong arrogantly snorted.

Everyone laughed loudly.

Jiang Tiao was lucky. Her favorite roast lamb happens to be placed in front of her and Xu Che.

Xu Che, the glutton, reached out to pick a skewer and turned to her, “Teacher Jiang, you should eat too.”

Jiang Tiao smiled and nodded. She plans to get a few more and give some to Fu Ting Chuan. He is a proud person and she wasn’t even sure if he eats these kinds of things.

Ow! The metal skewers are still blazing hot. As if he had been stung by a bee, Xu Che reflexively retracts his hand.

Fu Ting Chuan noticed his assistant's actions. Then he turned to Jiang Tiao’s hand…..she seems to be reaching out for the skewers.

Suddenly, her arm was suddenly grabbed by someone.

Jiang Tiao looked back in surprise and saw Fu Ting Chuan with his eyes furrowed.

“Don’t move, it’s still hot.”

He has a good voice. It is like a clear spring stream flowing in the hot and stuffy room.

With the food right at her fingertips but not being able to eat it, Jiang Tiao couldn’t help but feel desolate. These kinds of things should be eaten hot….

Even though she thought this, she still said thank you and that she will be more careful.

As the recipient of the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor, Fu Ting Chuan can naturally interpret the micro-expressions on Jiang Tiao’s face.

He unfurrowed his brows and brought Jiang Tiao’s porcelain plate in front of him.

Then he took a few skewers from the plates in the center and put it on his own plate.

He took the skewer in his left hand and with his right hand, from top to bottom, he removed the lamb gristle from the metal stick and landed on Jiang Tiao’s plate.

Finally, the porcelain plate filled with lamb gristle was pushed back to her. Only then did Fu Ting Chuan calmly put down the chopstick and pick up his wine glass.

The action can be described as smooth and fluent.

Everyone at the table, “.....”

Jiang Tiao, “.....”

Xu Che gave Fu Ting Chuan a glare that says, “Don’t you know how to restrain yourself,” and received an indifferent expression in return. He hurriedly laughed, “Hahaha, our Old Fu really cares for his fans! We, seniors, don’t understand, eh.”

Fu Ting Chuan is known in the industry as very loving toward his fans. When everyone at the table heard this, they understood completely.

Director Tong clicked his tongue in amazement, “Teacher Fu, you’re awesome! This is the first time I’ve seen a man so caring for the opposite sex! No wonder so many young ladies are in love with you!”

Fu Ting Chuan professionally smiled, “It is what it should be. After all, to us actors, our fan’s attitude is public will.”

When he said these words, praises rang throughout the table and the atmosphere returned to normal.

One by one, Jiang Tiao picked the lamb gristle and put it in her mouth.

She has always been clear that Fu Ting Chuan treats his fans well but she never expected that he would be considerate to this point. It’s boyfriend power to the max.

His attentiveness and care penetrated her heart and spread throughout her body.

**

After everyone had eaten to satisfaction, they said their partings, intending to go back.

Jiang Tiao stood next to Fu Ting Chuan and Xu Che while she scans the crowd to look for her group.

Xu Che patted her shoulder and asked, “Teacher Jiang, how are you getting back?”

Jiang Tiao turned back, “I’ll just hitch a ride from my master.”

Xu Che raised his eyebrow and proposed, “There’s no difference between going in our car and Yuan Yang’s. It’s better to go in our car, we all going back to the hotel.”

“Do you mind?” Jiang Tiao looked up at Fu Ting Chuan.

He stayed quiet the entire time, staring straight ahead at the snow-coated mountains as if he isn’t there.

“Of course, we don’t mind. Our car is big even for the two of us!” Xu Che took the car keys from his pocket and swung them around his index finger. “I’ll go get the car from the parking lot, you two wait for me at the intersection.”

He pointed at a spot, “Wait for me there.”

“Okay.” Jiang Tiao answered, “Thank you.”

“It’s fine.” Xu Che clutched the key in his palm with a crisp sound and turned to walk away.

“Let’s go.” Fu Ting Chuan finally said and took long strides to the place.

Jiang Tiao hurried after him. Just like that night, their shadows are next to each other.

Fu Ting Chuan is comparatively taller than her so he has to bow down to look at her. She is wearing a gray sweatshirt with her hair tied into a big bun on top of her head. She looks youthful like an eighteen-year-old student.

Her hands are in her sweater pocket, making Fu Ting Chuan unconsciously feel more at ease.

At least he doesn’t have to look at her hand anymore so he can retain some of his brain cells.

After walking for a while, Jiang Tiao decided to break the heavy air cast upon them and shyly call out, “Teacher Fu.”

“En.” Fu Ting Chuan replied, showing that he is listening.

His response gave Jiang Tiao the encouragement to continue, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Go on.”

“Why did you decide to take up the role of Xue Shao?”