Married in a Daze - Chapter 19
Chapter 19
After the game, everyone dispersed. Ji Lu and He Shuangshuang walked over from another area. Seeing Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen emerge from a different private room, they frowned slightly in confusion.
They didn't ask, though.
Lu Ruyun's film crew was right next to theirs, so the group headed toward the film city in a sizable procession. He Shuangshuang seemed to have something to say, but seeing Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen surrounded in the middle, chatting and laughing, she could only silently follow behind.
It was past three in the afternoon, the weather still blazing hot. Invisible flames seemed to dance through the air, heatwaves rolling in one wave higher than the last. Qin Zhenzhen fanned herself with her hand, her fair cheeks flushed a deep pink. Lu Ruyun glanced at her complexion, turned her head, and said softly to He Shuangshuang, "Umbrella."
He Shuangshuang took one from her bag and handed it over. Lu Ruyun opened it and held it above Qin Zhenzhen's head. Teasing remarks immediately came from the side:
"Teacher Lu is so thoughtful!"
"Teacher Lu, I'm hot too."
"If you're hot, go find Director Hu and ask for benefits!"
"I don't dare..."
The sound of everyone's laughter and chatter drifted over. Standing under the umbrella, Qin Zhenzhen felt much more comfortable. Before she could even thank Lu Ruyun, a girl beside her asked, "Zhenzhen, Teacher Lu, I actually have a question I'm dying to ask you both!"
Qin Zhenzhen turned to look. It was a crew member, a young girl with two adorable dimples when she smiled. Qin Zhenzhen smiled back. "What question?"
The girl smiled, her dimples prominent. She bit her lip. "I just want to know, did you chase Teacher Lu first, or did Teacher Lu chase you first?"
Her eyes sparkled, not hiding her curiosity at all. Meeting her clear gaze, Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily speechless.
The others unconsciously slowed their pace, turning to look their way. Song He chuckled. "I bet it was definitely Zhenzhen who chased Teacher Lu first."
"I think so too."
"Didn't Zhenzhen say during that Time in Full Bloom interview that she admired Teacher Lu? It must be Zhenzhen."
"I'll place my bet on Teacher Lu!"
"I think it's Teacher Lu too. After all, Teacher Lu just got distracted by beauty during the game earlier."
Hearing this speculation, everyone exchanged glances for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. Seeing Lu Ruyun being so misunderstood, Qin Zhenzhen laughed. "Of course, I was the one who chased her."
After saying this, she even lowered her head as if shy.
Lu Ruyun turned her gaze to Qin Zhenzhen's profile. Her fair, delicate cheeks were flushed a deep pink. It was clearly from the heat, but at this moment, it looked more like a blush brought on by shyness. Her bright eyes were lowered, long lashes like butterfly wings, trembling slightly.
Of course, I was the one who chased her.
Even though she knew Qin Zhenzhen was acting, lying, her heartbeat still skipped a beat.
After Qin Zhenzhen's statement, it was natural to endure more laughter and teasing from the crowd. Fortunately, they were nearing the set, and everyone quickly put away their playful attitudes. Lu Ruyun remained standing beside Qin Zhenzhen, holding the umbrella. Seeing everyone go off to work, Qin Zhenzhen whispered softly, "Thank you."
Lu Ruyun's expression remained as calm and composed as ever, her serene eyes unchanged. "You're welcome. Just remember you owe me a favor."
Qin Zhenzhen: ...
Lu Ruyun glanced at her, satisfied to see her stunned expression. She pressed her lips together, holding the umbrella as she and He Shuangshuang turned and left the set. After they left, Qin Zhenzhen called Ji Lu over and whispered, "Don't you think Lu Ruyun is acting a bit strange?"
Ji Lu shook her head at the question, glancing at Qin Zhenzhen's face. "I don't think Lu Ruyun is strange at all."
"On the other hand, Zhenzhen, you are the one acting a bit strange."
Qin Zhenzhen widened her eyes at Ji Lu. "What's strange about me?"
Ji Lu looked around, making sure no one was paying attention to them, then whispered, "Don't you realize you've been mentioning Lu Ruyun a lot lately?"
Qin Zhenzhen: ...
Had she?
Qin Zhenzhen thought deeply. Ever since they got married, she hadn't been so avoidant of Lu Ruyun anymore. Probably because after the marriage, she was with Lu Ruyun and no disaster had struck, so she felt at ease interacting with her.
But she didn't mention her all the time, did she?
Just as she was about to refute Ji Lu, she saw her push her gently. "Stop thinking about it. Hurry up and go change your clothes and get your makeup done."
Not far away, the stylist was approaching. Qin Zhenzhen suppressed what she wanted to say and headed into the dressing room.
They had only filmed one scene in the morning, one with Hu Jing. In the afternoon, they were scheduled to film scenes with Song He, as well as promotional stills of her in the Cold Palace. Finally, there was a 'family portrait' group photo.
This wasn't her first time collaborating with Song He, so they had a bit of tacit understanding. Moreover, Song He's acting skills were genuinely good; it was particularly exhilarating to match his intensity in a scene.
In full makeup, Qin Zhenzhen stood outside the palace hall, admiring the flowers. A maidservant followed behind. At that time, she was still the daughter of a meritorious official. The Empress Dowager's birthday had arrived, and all the female relatives of the ministers' families were invited to attend the banquet.
The sunlight was brilliant, a hundred flowers in full bloom. Yuan Yu walked on the gravel path, thinking of what the General had said to her before he left. When he returned, he would marry her. Her lovely face held a touch of joy, mixed with a hint of worry.
Joy, because she had received a promise from the one she loved. She just had to wait for his return, and then she could walk hand in hand with him, watching all the flowers bloom together.
Worry, because she feared he might not return.
Her face was fairer than the flowers, yet carried a faint trace of sorrow. Not far away, a man in a yellow robe stood with his hands behind his back, watching her. The eunuch beside the man spoke in a thin, sharp voice, "Your Majesty, that is the daughter of Lord Yuan."
Song He's star-like eyes were deep, the corner of his lips curved in a faint, ambiguous smile as he looked at Yuan Yu.
Yuan Yu bent down to touch a flower, her every gesture displaying feminine grace and beauty. Just as her hand was about to touch the flower's stem, she heard a voice beside her: "Careful!"
Then, her wrist was grabbed.
Yuan Yu turned her head in surprise, her gaze meeting Song He's. Their eyes locked. Song He's deep, pool-like eyes widened slightly, a flash of admiration rising in their depths.
"OK! Next scene!"
Hearing Director Hu's call, everyone sprang into action. Ji Lu hurried over to hold an umbrella for Qin Zhenzhen and hand her water. After taking a couple of sips, someone nearby timely handed her a tissue. Qin Zhenzhen turned to look—it was actually Hu Jing.
She smiled lightly. "Thank you."
Hu Jing said shyly, "No need to be polite. I haven't thanked you yet for what happened at the lunch gathering today."
Qin Zhenzhen waved her hand. "We're in the same crew now. Looking out for each other is only right."
Hu Jing nodded. Not far away, Director Hu shouted, "Ready yet? Hurry up and touch up the makeup!"
"Ready!"
"OK!"
Soon, the second scene began. The set was bustling with activity.
By the time Qin Zhenzhen finished filming the 'family portrait,' it was already six o'clock. The weather had cooled considerably. Just after changing her clothes and removing her makeup, she saw Ji Lu jogging over. "Zhenzhen, Sister Meng is on the phone."
She held out the phone to Qin Zhenzhen.
Qin Zhenzhen took it and held it to her ear with her shoulder. "Hello, Sister Meng."
Meng Xin's voice was slightly low. "Hmm. Finished filming? Is it convenient to talk now?"
Qin Zhenzhen gestured for Ji Lu to step out first, then spoke into the phone. "Go ahead."
Meng Xin hummed in acknowledgment. "Do you remember that video from a while ago, the one about the fight?"
Qin Zhenzhen thought for a moment. "I remember."
She had heard the company was trying to find the person who posted the video. Hearing Meng Xin's question now, she continued, "Did they find the person who posted it?"
Meng Xin: "Yes. But the IP address is overseas."
Qin Zhenzhen frowned. "Overseas?"
Meng Xin: "He Shuangshuang."
Qin Zhenzhen's busy hands paused slightly. Actually, the day Meng Xin told her this matter was related to Lu Ruyun, she had guessed a little. He Shuangshuang usually disliked her intensely. If she had been the one to leak such a video, it wouldn't be strange at all.
But why did Lu Ruyun specifically give her the complete video?
Was it to prove she had nothing to do with it?
Or was it because they were on the same boat at the time, afraid she would implicate her?
Qin Zhenzhen felt confused. Meng Xin's voice came softly through the phone. "Zhenzhen, regarding this matter..."
"After discussing with the company, we've decided to let it go."
"If we sue He Shuangshuang now, it will inevitably involve Lu Ruyun. You just got married; the media won't let go of such a big scoop."
"I think when Lu Ruyun gave you the video back then, she was also thinking along these lines—to let sleeping dogs lie."
"What do you think?"
What did she think?
Qin Zhenzhen didn't know what to think. She only felt her mind was a jumbled mess. She pressed her lips together. "I'll listen to Sister Meng's decision."
Meng Xin breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Then go back and rest well. Also, I've already received the invitation for Star Showdown. I'll notify you once the time is confirmed."
Qin Zhenzhen: "Okay."
She hung up and walked out of the dressing room. Ji Lu was waiting outside. Seeing her come out looking unwell, she asked, "Zhenzhen, what's wrong?"
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. "Nothing. I'm going to the restroom."
Ji Lu watched her figure disappear into the restroom entrance. Not a few minutes later, another woman also entered.
Qin Zhenzhen came out of the stall to see Zhu Yao washing her hands. The last time they met was during the Time in Full Bloom audition. In the blink of an eye, over half a year had passed. Zhu Yao was slightly thinner than before. She stood in front of the mirror in high heels, touching up her makeup. Seeing Qin Zhenzhen emerge from the stall, she raised a smile. "Zhenzhen, long time no see."
Qin Zhenzhen was feeling irritable and didn't want to bother with polite talk. She washed her hands as she replied, "Long time no see."
Her stiff tone made Zhu Yao particularly uncomfortable. Looking from the mirror at Qin Zhenzhen's flower-like face and lovely figure, Zhu Yao's light smile faded. She shot Qin Zhenzhen a sidelong glance. "Zhenzhen, one shouldn't be so arrogant. If you do or say the wrong thing now, it's Teacher Lu's face you'll be losing."
Qin Zhenzhen finished washing her hands, pulled two tissues to dry them, and scoffed at Zhu Yao's words. "What if I lose her face? I'm afraid Miss Zhu wouldn't even get the chance to lose it."
Hearing this, Zhu Yao's starry eyes blazed with anger. "You!"
Seeing her furious expression, Qin Zhenzhen found it amusing. She prepared to walk past her. Seeing herself ignored, Zhu Yao clenched her fist. "Qin Zhenzhen, don't get too cocky! Teacher Lu is just momentarily bewitched. She'll see your true colors!"
Qin Zhenzhen turned to look at Zhu Yao, seeing her clench her fists, trembling with rage. She smiled indifferently, took a step closer to Zhu Yao, and said in a cold voice, "Zhu Yao, haven't you realized it yet?"
Zhu Yao gritted her teeth. "Realized what?"
Qin Zhenzhen said with arrogant disdain, "Haven't you realized you don't even have the qualification to bewitch her?"
With that, she walked out of the restroom. Immediately, a roar echoed behind her: "Qin Zhenzhen!"
Zhu Yao angrily swung her bag against the wall. After a good venting session, she took a deep breath, tidied her makeup, and walked out of the restroom. After she left, a stall door opened, and a woman walked out.
Lu Ruyun stood in front of the mirror, as if she could still see the proud expression on Qin Zhenzhen's face as she spoke. As she lowered her eyes to wash her hands, the corner of her lips unconsciously lifted in a slight smile.
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