When she made that teasing move, Luke instinctively reached out, intending to take the tissue and wipe his mouth himself.
But as he raised his hand, Zhang Ziyu smoothly pressed forward, slipping both her hand and the tissue into his palm.
Before he could react, she tucked the tissue firmly into his hand.
As she drew her soft, delicate fingers away, they brushed lightly across his palm—just enough to send ripples through his heart.
"Shy, are we? Then wipe it yourself." Her smile bloomed like a flower, full of charm and allure.
What a temptress—one who knew exactly how to make a man's pulse race.
Luke pretended to wipe his already clean mouth, trying to mask his unease.
When he finally set the tissue down, Zhang Ziyu spread her arms with a playful smile. "It's been so long. How about a hug?"
Looking at her slender, graceful figure and that cool yet seductive face, Luke's instincts urged him to step forward—to indulge in the warmth waiting for him.
But his mind stayed sharp and clear.
He and Zhang Ziyu had always gotten along well. During the filming of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, they'd played lovers on-screen and spent plenty of time together off it.
At twenty-one, she was three years older than him—right at the age when a woman is at her most radiant.
Back then, Luke had sensed that she saw him as an attractive but younger man—someone charming, yet still a "little brother."
She was warm and attentive, but she always kept a polite distance—just enough to draw a line between them.
The natural attraction between man and woman made her want to be close to him.
But his youth and inexperience meant that someone as pragmatic as her would never really choose him.
In the entertainment industry, women admire strength and status. A handsome, inexperienced younger guy might be cute—but not "husband material."
This time, though, her attitude toward him was clearly different.
And it wasn't hard to understand why.
Over the past two months, Luke's career had skyrocketed, and his momentum was impressive.
In her eyes, he was no longer the powerless, unknown kid who needed her help—he was a rising star, a valuable investment.
Her mindset had shifted—now she wanted to secure him.
Luke had already noticed this change, which was why he'd been careful to maintain some distance.
For example, when he came to Hong Kong, she'd already bought him a first-class plane ticket.
But Luke had politely declined, saying he'd already booked one himself—and he flew in economy instead.
"My arms are getting tired. You're really not being a gentleman, you know," Zhang Ziyu pouted when he didn't respond.
Young, beautiful women have a kind of privilege—most men simply can't say no to them.
Luke smiled and said, "I got in really late last night and didn't have time to shower. I'd hate to offend a beautiful lady with my smell."
Her eyes locked onto his. "So what? When we were filming, all sweaty and covered in dust, did I ever complain when you were holding me close?"
That line nearly made Luke lose it.
She was talking about their Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon love scenes—shot in the middle of the desert, with no chance to wash up.
They'd both been exhausted, drenched in sweat, yet still had to perform passionately for the camera.
That was ages ago, but her bringing it up now… the meaning was all too clear.
Looking at her flawless, rosy face, Luke was momentarily at a loss for how to refuse.
Then—
"Pfft…"
Zhang Ziyu suddenly burst out laughing.
She stomped her foot in frustration. "Ugh, I blew it! I just can't pull off being that shameless. Guess seduction really isn't my strong suit… I can't even flirt right. This is so annoying!"
Her face—normally a mix of purity and strength—now carried a hint of endearing awkwardness.
Luke smiled sincerely. "Ziyu, I really respect you. And I truly value our friendship."
He hadn't planned on being romantically involved with her, but he didn't dislike her either—if anything, he was grateful.
Sure, she was a bit calculating—but so what?
In this fame-driven industry, everyone has their motives.
Whether it was during Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon when she looked out for him, or later when she helped him connect with people, her care for him had always been genuine.
"Am I not attractive?" she asked softly, sensing his rejection but unwilling to give up.
Of course she was beautiful—he couldn't lie about that. But that wasn't the point.
"Ziyu, do you really need me to tell you you're beautiful? But… we're just not right for each other."
"What's wrong with having a little fun then?" she teased. "No strings attached. I don't need you to take responsibility."
"Love because you want to love," she said, her voice low and poetic. "Feelings don't have to be justified. I don't need anyone to give me a perfect era—I just want you, right now."
Before Luke could answer, his alarm went off.
Eight o'clock. Time to leave for the film set.
But the song lyrics playing from the alarm made the moment even more awkward…
A faint mist had gathered in Zhang Ziyu's eyes. She stared at him stubbornly, waiting for his answer.
Sincerity is always the truest bridge between people.
Luke said gently, "Ziyu, I really treasure the bond we have. I hope we can be lifelong friends.
I don't want to let desire get in the way or let a fleeting moment of passion turn us into strangers."
"Do you… hate me?" she asked softly.
"How could I?" Luke smiled. "You've always felt like a caring older sister to me—someone who feels like family."
Her eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill—but she wasn't some fragile little girl.
After a long moment, she managed a small, hurt smile.
"You really are cruel. Fine, I give up. From now on, I'll just treat you like a younger brother. Deal? We'll be siblings for life."
Luke grinned. "Deal. I'll never let you down, sis."
"Then can I get that hug now?" she said, spreading her arms again.
This time, Luke stepped forward and gently embraced her.
He held her lightly—but she gripped him hard, pressing herself against him as if trying to melt into his chest.
"Don't move," she whispered. "Just this once."
He didn't. He simply stood there, letting her hold on as long as she needed.
Finally, she pulled back, giving him a playful punch. "You did shower last night. You smell fine!"
Luke just smiled, saying nothing.
Her expression softened again. "Come on, little brother. I'll drive you to the set."
"Okay."
As he sat in the passenger seat on the way to the studio, Luke couldn't help feeling a twinge of disappointment.
So they were "siblings" now—that was a kind of closeness, right?
She had type A blood, which technically met the system's condition of "non-B type female."
But there was no task completion notification.
Which meant his little attempt to cheat the system had failed.
Apparently, only a real romantic connection counted as completion.
Damn system—it really didn't leave a single loophole.