Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Reality?

“Different?” Although caught off guard by Adrian, Monica quickly adjusted, “I really want to know the difference between these two terms. Aren’t they referring to the same thing?”

“No, no, no, dear Monica,” Adrian replied, shaking his head with a smile, “If you look only at the outcome, there is indeed little difference between the two. But if you start from the process, then you’ll spot the distinction. We all know that from the beginning to end, before the final pleasure arrives, there’s a lot to do, such as kissing or caressing–these are indispensable. If it’s just about getting laid, the foreplay often won’t be done properly, especially by men, who are always in a rush to jump to the last step. But in making love, there will be a deeper exchange, where both parties will try their best to accommodate each other and present their best side, resulting in a pleasure that simply sleeping together can’t match.”

Monica stared blankly at Adrian, this being the first time someone had spoken so uninhibitedly about such things in front of her, yet it didn’t feel vulgar to her; instead, it felt very real.

“When a man and a woman lie on the same bed and start foreplay, each bit of emotion invested increases the wonderful feeling. With passionate kisses and intoxicating caresses, the ultimate pleasure will undoubtedly far exceed expectations! This is the difference between making love and just having sex,” Adrian continued.

“I have to admit that you have a way with words, Adrian. So, why are you telling me all this? What are you really after?” Monica asked, taking a deep breath and trying to appear calm.

“Of course, it’s to make love with you,” Adrian said with a casual shrug, as if it were the most commonplace of affairs.

Though she had anticipated this response, Monica couldn’t help but cover her forehead. Was this guy too explicit? However, she also felt an unusual thrill stirring inside her.

“Your pursuits are so noble, Adrian. It seems we should find a place to have a few drinks and get to know each other over a few days, shouldn’t we?” Monica’s tone was slightly mocking. “By the way, I heard you have a girlfriend.”

“Yes, but men are always like this–having something on their own plate but still can’t help wanting to take what’s on another’s plate.” Adrian was terrifyingly candid. “Beautiful and sexy women are tempting at any time and any place.”

Monica took a deep breath, feeling flustered for a few minutes before regaining her composure and saying, “So what should I say? Should I feel flattered?”

“Unless you don’t acknowledge your own allure,” Adrian said, smiling faintly.

“Thanks, but…” Monica tried hard to break free from this passive situation. “If you’re thinking about dating other women while you already have a girlfriend, it just shows that you’re pretty lousy, Adrian. I might sleep with you, but I won’t date you.”

As she turned to leave, Adrian suddenly grabbed her arm. Monica didn’t even have time to react before she was pressed against a lamppost, and then he sealed her lips with his. Adrian’s near-brutal force pried open Monica’s mouth as he explored and rolled about unrestrainedly inside, holding her face. Monica’s instinctive resistance not only failed to push his tongue out but ended up entangling and responding to it.

The smacking noises continued as Monica arched her back and lifted one foot onto the lamppost. Her hands had, unconsciously, wound around Adrian’s neck, her enticing curves subtly twisting under the caress through his coat. Beneath the stark white streetlights, the couple passionately kissed.

Finally, after sucking Monica’s lips once more, Adrian let go. Monica’s chest heaved and her cheeks flushed; she glared at him fiercely but didn’t know what to say.

“Absolutely enchanting,” Adrian murmured, his thumb tracing her reddened lips. “Let’s go back.”

Bastard! Fire seemed about to blaze from Monica’s eyes, yet she inexplicably allowed him to embrace her waist and walk towards the rented house. The warmth from his palm on her abdomen left her somewhat flustered, a sense of unprecedented defeat enveloping her heart.

Damnable man! Monica inwardly cursed again.

Nevertheless, this was just an interlude, and nothing else happened afterward. After the barbecue party ended, everyone headed off to the hotel to rest, preparing for the next day’s shoot. The only residual effect was that Monica’s otherwise okay state was nowhere to be found.

“Why must we keep babbling nonsense to sustain the atmosphere?” Mia asked, playfully biting into a cherry as she gave Vincent a mockingly amused look.

“Good question, but I don’t know,” Vincent shook his head.

“When you find someone truly special, you can enjoy moments of silence in their company,” Mia’s eyelids drooped.

“I don’t think we’re quite there yet, but don’t worry, we’ve just met,” Vincent laughed.

Following the dialogue, about ten seconds of silence passed before Adrian’s voice finally rang out, “Cut!”

Immediately, the crew around them started to sigh in relief.

“Thank God, it’s finally a wrap.”

“When the director spoke, I thought we were going for another NG.”

“Eisen, do me a favor, give my shoulders a rub; my arms are sore from holding them up.”

All these complaints reached the director’s ears, so after discussing some other matters with the assistant director, the director’s assistant, and the restaurant owner, he announced, “Alright guys, you have a 15-minute break.”

Although it wasn’t enough to completely relieve everyone’s fatigue, it was better than nothing, and the staff let out small cheers. As they started to sit down and rest, Adrian approached Monica, “Can I have a word with you, Monica?”

“Of course,” Monica shrugged her shoulders and followed Adrian to a side room under everyone else’s watchful eyes.

“Take a seat,” Adrian motioned to a chair in the room, but instead sat on the table himself with his arms crossed, “Yesterday and today, your performance hasn’t been up to par, and there have been too many NGs. Is something the matter?”

“I thought you of all people would know, Adrian,” Monica said with an edge in her voice.

“If you’re referring to that kiss, I apologize, but you shouldn’t let those emotions affect your performance; that’s not what an actor should do,” Adrian said seriously, as if the kiss from the other night was trivial.

Monica found herself at a loss for words again, her chest heaving with each breath, her full curves trembling with each heartbeat.

“Now, calm down. Let’s keep a steady composure and finish the shots here first; we can’t afford any more delays.” Adrian patted her on the shoulder, then stood up to leave. Just as he reached the door, he turned back and added, “By the way, you have a nice figure, especially during last night’s shooting of the acupuncture scene.”

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