Married in a Daze - Chapter 16

Chapter 16

It was half an hour later when Qin Zhenzhen found out that Lu Ruyun was with the crew next door. Song He had gone out for a stroll and came back to tell her, "Your wife is with the crew next door."

Qin Zhenzhen was dazed for a good while before she remembered that she had a wife—Lu Ruyun.

She nodded indifferently, biting on an ice pop. The cool sensation spread from the tip of her tongue to her heart, feeling incredibly refreshing. Seeing her squinting her eyes in enjoyment as she ate, Song He chuckled. "Want to go over and say hello?"

Qin Zhenzhen looked up at the blazing sun outside the shade of the umbrella and shook her head. "Forget it."

Song He sat down beside her, taking a sip of cold water. "Yeah, that makes sense. I heard you two were together all the time just a few days ago."

Qin Zhenzhen's face, already flushed from the heat, reddened even more. She coughed a few times at his words. About 'being together all the time just a few days ago'—that was definitely a cover story concocted by Meng Xin to hide the fact that the company had given her time off. Newly married, no public appearances—of course, they must be inseparable.

She had no way to refute it and could only smile to cover her embarrassment.

The two chatted idly for a bit before someone else joined their conversation. It was Sun Qin, who played the Empress Dowager in the show. A veteran actress, Qin Zhenzhen had often watched her TV dramas back in her student days.

Sun Qin sat down next to Song He, fanning herself with a paper fan, and sighed. "The weather is so hot."

Song He agreed. "It really is. Teacher Sun, would you like a bottle of cold water?"

Sun Qin shook her head. "No, thank you. I didn't take care of my body when I was young. Now that I'm old, I can't handle these icy, cold things anymore."

A gentle smile graced Song He's handsome face. "Teacher Sun, where are you old? You don't look it at all!"

He wasn't just flattering her. Although Sun Qin was a veteran, she had debuted early. If you really did the math, she was only in her forties now. Coupled with good skincare, her skin was fair and pinkish. Aside from crow's feet when she smiled, there really weren't many traces of time on her.

Song He looked sincere, his eyes clear and bright, as if his words came straight from the heart. Sun Qin looked at him with a beaming smile. "You're the one who knows how to talk."

Song He took a sip of water. "Not at all. I really don't think Teacher Sun is old. If you don't believe me, ask Zhenzhen."

Qin Zhenzhen was unexpectedly called upon. She was taken aback for a moment before quickly nodding. "Right, Song He is correct. Teacher Sun is definitely not old!"

Hearing Qin Zhenzhen speak, Sun Qin leaned forward a little to look at her, smiling cheerfully. "Zhenzhen, ah, don't believe everything he says. He's the best at sweet-talking young girls."

Song He hurriedly raised a hand. "Wrongfully accused! I don't sweet-talk young girls. Besides, Zhenzhen doesn't really count as a young girl anymore."

He finished and winked at Qin Zhenzhen. Sun Qin nodded. "Right, right, right. I almost forgot. I haven't congratulated you on your marriage yet."

Qin Zhenzhen let out a small laugh. "Thank you, Teacher Sun."

Sun Qin continued fanning herself with the paper fan, speaking unhurriedly. "But speaking of which, I really never expected you to marry Ruyun. I guess it's fate."

Song He looked thoughtful. "Now that Teacher Sun mentions it, I recall something. Didn't Teacher Lu and you play mother and daughter once before?"

Sun Qin nodded with a smile. "Yes, that's right. Time flies; it's been several years now."

Song He looked at Qin Zhenzhen. "That really is a coincidence. Wife is still wife, but daughter has turned into a son."

As soon as his words fell, all three of them chuckled softly. The atmosphere was harmonious. The temperature outside the umbrella kept climbing, but sitting at the innermost spot with a fan blowing on them, they actually felt quite comfortable.

After the laughter subsided, Song He continued. "But I'm still very curious. How exactly did Zhenzhen win over Teacher Lu?"

Sun Qin spoke up. "It wouldn't be strange for Zhenzhen to win over Ruyun. To win over Mrs. Lu—now that would be a real feat."

Qin Zhenzhen's expression changed subtly upon hearing 'Mrs. Lu,' but the two people chatting didn't notice. Song He looked at Sun Qin in surprise. "Mrs. Lu?"

Sun Qin smiled at him. "Yes, Mrs. Lu, she..."

"Director Hu is here!"

A crisp young woman's voice rang out not far from the three of them. Everyone stood up. Sun Qin also swallowed the words she hadn't finished, smiling at Song He. "Let's go. Director Hu is here."

Song He stood up immediately after her. Only Qin Zhenzhen remained seated on the stool, thinking about what Sun Qin had just said.

What did she mean about Mrs. Lu?

And that time she mentioned that if there were any needs from Lu Ruyun's family side, she could also cooperate. Lu Ruyun's face had instantly turned cold then, replying stiffly that there was no such need.

At first, she thought it was because Lu Ruyun considered her an outsider and unnecessary to get involved in her family matters.

But now, it seemed like there might be more to the story?

"Zhenzhen?"

Ji Lu jogged inside. Seeing Qin Zhenzhen still lost in thought, she nudged her. "Zhenzhen?"

Qin Zhenzhen snapped back to reality, looking at Ji Lu's sweaty face in slight confusion. "What's wrong?"

Ji Lu pointed to the other side. "Director Hu is here."

"Okay."

Qin Zhenzhen stood up and let out a sigh. Why did she feel like whenever she encountered anything related to Lu Ruyun, she couldn't help but start overthinking?

After Director Hu arrived, everyone got busy. Makeup, costume changes, moving locations, setting up scenes. It was already hot, and everyone was busy working up a sweat. Qin Zhenzhen was wearing an elegant, simple long dress, wrapped in layer upon layer. She felt like the very air she exhaled carried waves of heat.

Ji Lu stood beside her, using a small fan to cool her down, hanging a bottle of ice water above the fan. The air blowing out was chilly, providing some comfort.

The first promotional still involved her and Hu Jing, who played the general. Qin Zhenzhen sat in a pavilion, its four sides veiled with thin white gauze. She sat alone inside, drinking tea. Hearing commotion below the pavilion, she looked down and saw the young man Hu Jing on horseback.

Hu Jing sat tall on his horse, in military uniform and armor, looking dashing and heroic, a long sword at his waist. He had just returned triumphantly from the battlefield. Many citizens came out to welcome him, their cheers unending. A faint smile graced his not-so-fair face.

The long street was noisy, the sound of hooves clip-clopping. Hu Jing sat ramrod straight, looking straight ahead. As he passed the pavilion, as if by some telepathic connection, he looked up. The white gauze covering the pavilion was gently lifted by the wind, revealing a corner and a glimpse of an exquisite, beautiful face. Bright eyes shimmering like water looked down at him. Hu Jing's starry eyes narrowed slightly, his breath catching, his face filled with awe.

"Cut!"

"Let's do it again. Hu Jing, your final expression was way too natural."

Everyone burst into laughter. Hu Jing's ears turned bright red. He let the makeup artist touch up his makeup, but his gaze kept drifting involuntarily towards the pavilion. That moment when the wind lifted the white gauze—he had genuinely been struck by her beauty.

Qin Zhenzhen wore that simple, elegant long dress, with narrow shoulders and a slender waist that seemed one could easily encircle. The wrist holding the teacup was delicate and fair, her fingers slender and graceful. Under the sunlight, they looked almost translucent.

Those bright eyes that looked towards him held a soft charm, her expression gentle, the corners of her lips slightly upturned. That single smile made him forget he was filming, and he couldn't help but show an expression of awe.

After Hu Jing's makeup touch-up, he took several deep breaths. Director Hu walked over with the script. "Ready?"

Hu Jing glanced at Qin Zhenzhen, meeting her gaze as she looked over. He smiled and nodded. "Ready."

This time, there were no further hiccups. They got it in one take. After Ji Lu helped her down, Qin Zhenzhen couldn't help but mutter, "I'm going to die of heat."

Ji Lu held up the fan. Just as she was about to turn to get the ice water, someone handed it over. Song He's voice followed. "Director Hu says it's too hot. We're taking a break for now. The rest will be shot this afternoon."

Qin Zhenzhen took the water from him, tilting her head back to drink several gulps. The icy cold sensation flowed from her mouth down to her stomach. A look of satisfaction spread across her face.

Song He continued. "What about lunch later? Director Hu booked a restaurant nearby. We can eat lunch and rest for a bit afterwards."

Qin Zhenzhen checked the time; it was almost eleven. She thought for a moment. "I..."

Before she could finish, her phone rang with a familiar tune. Ji Lu took the phone out of the bag and handed it to her. Qin Zhenzhen gave Song He an apologetic smile, turned around, and answered the call. "Hello."

The voice on the other end was one she had become very familiar with lately.

Lu Ruyun's tone was as calm as ever. "Are you free to meet in a little while?"

Qin Zhenzhen glanced at Song He, who was still waiting for her response, and paused. "Meet? Where?"

Lu Ruyun replied, "Tianquan Hotel. Or if you have somewhere else..."

Qin Zhenzhen cut her off. "That's fine."

Lu Ruyun gave an affirmative hum. "Okay."

Qin Zhenzhen handed the phone back to Ji Lu and said to Song He, "Sorry, I can't join you for lunch later."

Song He smiled. "No problem."

After exchanging farewells with Qin Zhenzhen, he returned to his stool. Ji Lu accompanied Qin Zhenzhen to change out of her costume. When they came out, only a few people remained outside. Director Hu was still there, talking to the production coordinator, pointing around various spots. He was probably discussing scene setup. He suddenly saw Qin Zhenzhen and called out, "Miss Qin."

Qin Zhenzhen walked over, lifting the corners of her lips. "Director Hu, just call me Zhenzhen."

Director Hu smiled. "Okay. I heard from Song He you have something to do later?"

Qin Zhenzhen checked the time again. "Yes, a little something, but it's fine. It won't take long."

Director Hu nodded. "Alright. Don't forget the afternoon schedule."

Qin Zhenzhen replied, "Okay."

She gave a slight nod and walked past Director Hu. Ji Lu followed closely behind and asked, "Zhenzhen, you have something to do?"

Qin Zhenzhen walked quickly, her steps hurried. "To Tianquan Hotel."

Although puzzled, Ji Lu knew her boundaries and kept quiet.

Tianquan Hotel was located very close to the Guzhen Film and Television City, in an excellent location. Perhaps because it was near the film city, the decor was very classical—artificial rockeries, wooden bridges, gurgling flowing water. Even the staff wore their hair long with delicate hairpins and floral-patterned silk dresses.

Qin Zhenzhen had been here a few times with previous crews and always found the place exceptionally elegant. Today, however, she wasn't in the mood for appreciation. After entering, she immediately sent a message to Lu Ruyun asking which private room. Lu Ruyun replied with two words, and she beckoned a staff member to lead her to the room first.

---

Lu Ruyun had just put her phone in her bag and stood up when someone hurried over, smiling at her. "Teacher Lu, Director Duan says we're having lunch together later, right at..."

Lu Ruyun interrupted Zhu Yao's words, her expression as calm as usual. "I have a prior engagement later, so I won't be able to join."

Zhu Yao's expression stiffened for a few seconds before she forced a smile. "Alright then. I'll let Director Duan know."

Lu Ruyun gave her a slight nod. Seeing her about to turn away, she spoke again. "Oh, Miss Zhu, could I trouble you to get me a bottle of cold water from the fridge over there?"

Zhu Yao quickly turned her gaze to the fridge beside them, opening the door eagerly. As she took out the cold water, she said with a smile, "Teacher Lu really should drink less of this. The cold can hurt your stomach."

Lu Ruyun took it from her calmly. "Thank you. It's just that Zhenzhen has a craving. I'll be sure to pass on your kind concern to her later."

Zhu Yao suddenly felt her whole heart go cold, just like the icy water still in her hand that she hadn't yet handed over.

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