Chapter 240 If I Say You’ll Be the One Begging, Then You’ll Be the One Begging

The lighting in the Japanese restaurant was carefully designed—a warm yellow glow.

It perfectly highlighted the appetizing colors of the food, while softening the outline of the person sitting across, making them appear especially gentle.

Song Jingmo rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt to his elbows, revealing his well-defined forearms.

Those fair, slender hands with distinct knuckles were focused on peeling a sweet shrimp, his movements skillful and pleasing to the eye.

The shell came off cleanly, leaving behind translucent shrimp meat that glistened enticingly under the light.

Song Jingmo dipped it lightly into a special sauce and brought it to Lu Er’s lips.

Lu Er opened his mouth to accept it, his eyes curving into pretty crescents. “Shrimp peeled by Dr. Song tastes the sweetest.”

A faint smile flickered in Song Jingmo’s eyes as he picked up another shrimp. “You can only have one cup of sake. No acting cute to drink more.”

Lu Er raised three fingers as if swearing an oath. “I promise I’ll only drink one cup. I listen to Dr. Song the most.”

With a face known as a “top-tier beauty in the entertainment industry” paired with such obedient behavior, it was enough to make anyone’s heart itch.

Just as Song Jingmo was about to say something, Lu Er’s phone on the table vibrated.

“Hello, Mom?”

The moment Lu Er spoke, Leng Qinghua’s voice came through the receiver—so clear that Song Jingmo could hear every word.

“What’s going on between Jingmo and that woman?”

“Mom—”

Lu Er hurriedly cut her off, awkwardly rubbing his nose. “We’re eating right now…”

“I’m asking you—”

Lu Er blinked, then turned the phone camera toward Song Jingmo, who was peeling shrimp.

Song Jingmo paused for a moment, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his usual composure.

He set the shrimp down, wiped his hands calmly, and nodded slightly toward the camera, his tone gentle. “Good evening, Auntie.”

“Jingmo…”

There was a faint hint of guilt in Leng Qinghua’s voice—after all, she had been the one who encouraged her son to go “catch someone cheating.”

Lu Er grinned. “Dr. Song isn’t someone who can be easily stolen away. You don’t need to worry.”

Leng Qinghua coughed lightly. “I…”

Song Jingmo picked up another shrimp and continued peeling it as he spoke. “Auntie, how is your ankle recovery? Does it still hurt at night?”

At the mention of her injury, Leng Qinghua relaxed noticeably. “It’s much better, though it still swells if I stand too long.”

She sighed, her tone carrying a complicated, hard-to-describe emotion. “Forget it. I was overthinking. You two enjoy your meal.”

Lu Er understood—his mother was worried he might get hurt.

For a moment, his emotions became complicated.

“Mom, I’ve thought it through. After I finish filming this project, I’ll return to A City and go back to work at the company.”

Silence fell on the other end.

After a few minutes, Leng Qinghua still sounded a bit incredulous. “You’ve really figured it out?”

“Yeah.”

Lu Er set down his chopsticks. “The entertainment industry really is messy. I’m tired after all these years. I’m planning to go back and ‘retire.’”

Her voice was filled with joy, mixed with concern. “It’s good that you’ve thought it through, but the penalties for your endorsements aren’t a small amount. And you still owe Qu Weiwei…”

“I know.”

Lu Er unconsciously traced the rim of his glass. “The penalties won’t be too much. I’ve already compensated what needed to be paid last time.”

Leng Qinghua was silent for a while before finally saying, “Alright. Then you and Jingmo enjoy your meal.”

After the call ended, the private room fell quiet for a moment.

“Er’er, this sudden decision of yours… have you really thought it through?”

Song Jingmo placed the peeled shrimp into Lu Er’s bowl, his tone calm.

Lu Er poked at the shrimp in his bowl without speaking.

“I’ve thought it through.”

This time, he didn’t avoid the topic. “I don’t want to disappear into a production crew for three or four months at a time and be separated from you anymore. Every time I see you eating alone during video calls, it hurts.”

He couldn’t stand seeing Song Jingmo alone.

So lonely… it made his heart ache.

He had already let him be alone for six years. From now on, he wanted to be by his side every single day.

The words were so direct that Lu Er grew embarrassed after saying them, lowering his head and stuffing shrimp into his mouth.

Song Jingmo didn’t respond. He picked up the sake bottle and poured himself a cup.

The liquid swirled in the glass, reflecting an amber glow.

“There’s no rush for this. You can take your time to think.”

His voice was gentle yet firm. “No matter what decision you make, I’ll support you. But remember—don’t give up what you truly love because of me.”

Lu Er smiled. “Dr. Song, what if what I truly want is to go home, become a domineering CEO, and keep you as my sugar baby?”

Song Jingmo looked at him with indulgence. “Er’er doesn’t need to work that hard. I can support myself.”

Lu Er huffed lightly. “Just wait until I take over the company. I’ll show you what real wealth looks like.”

By the time they left the restaurant, it was already eight in the evening.

H City’s nightscape was dazzling—neon lights turning the streets into a sea of brilliance.

Both of them had been drinking, and they walked hand in hand like an ordinary couple.

Leaning against Song Jingmo, slightly tipsy, Lu Er was clingier than usual.

His fingers absentmindedly fiddled with the buttons on Song Jingmo’s coat as he murmured, “What time do you start work tomorrow?”

“I have a meeting at nine.”

Song Jingmo gently combed through Lu Er’s hair with his fingers, his voice soft.

As they entered the hotel elevator, Lu Er suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, “What’s your room number?”

“1806.”

Lu Er’s eyes lit up. “My mom booked my hotel—it’s right across from yours. Surprise?”

Song Jingmo shook his head helplessly, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Aren’t you going to sleep with me?”

“Sleep with you and talk about life ideals?”

Song Jingmo raised an eyebrow. “We could also do something beneficial for both physical and mental health.”

Lu Er deliberately teased him. “But I only want to talk about life ideals.”

Song Jingmo played along. “How long do you want to talk?”

“Until…”

Lu Er leaned close to his ear, lowering his voice, his warm breath brushing against it. “Until… you beg for mercy.”

The tips of Song Jingmo’s ears turned slightly red, though his expression remained calm. “Er’er, are you drunk? Why are you talking nonsense?”

Lu Er stood his ground confidently. “If I say you’ll be the one begging, then you’ll be the one begging. Keep that mouth shut—no arguing.”

Song Jingmo: “…”

The mirrored walls of the elevator reflected their figures—one fully disguised with only bright eyes visible, the other tall and composed with a cool demeanor.

Looking at Song Jingmo through the reflection, Lu Er suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

“Mm?”

Song Jingmo gazed at him, his eyes deep. “Hold on. We’ll be back in the room soon.”

Lu Er clung to him lazily. “Dr. Song belongs to me tonight. I’ll return you to the hospital tomorrow.”

Song Jingmo raised a brow. “Er’er is especially good at flirting tonight.”

Standing at the door of Room 1806, Song Jingmo turned to look at him. “My room or yours?”

Lu Er thought for a moment. “Mine—so no blind fools come disturbing us at night.”

Song Jingmo pulled the room card from Lu Er. “Still holding a grudge, I see. But I like it.”

The door closed behind them, shutting out the hallway lights.

Inside, only a floor lamp was on, instantly creating a warm, private atmosphere.

Lu Er had just taken off his mask and hat when, before he could turn around, he was pulled into an embrace from behind.

Song Jingmo’s arms wrapped around his waist, his chin resting in the crook of Lu Er’s shoulder, his breath warm against his neck.

Lu Er trembled slightly, then relaxed into the embrace, leaning back against the warmth of his chest.