Married in a Daze - Chapter 77
Chapter 77
When Meng Xin arrived in City M, Qin Zhenzhen was filming her final scene. On the university campus, Qin Zhenzhen's face was full of youthful collagen. She blended in seamlessly with the crowd of students, yet her innate radiance shone through. Even wearing the same uniform and sporting the same ponytail as the others, her extraordinary poise couldn't be concealed, her every gesture exuding elegance.
This was exactly what Jian Mu saw as well.
No matter how many people surrounded her, he could still clearly make out Qin Zhenzhen.
This feeling was strange. When they first met, he had merely held an appreciative attitude. But after returning, the more he delved into her background, the more interesting he found her. On a whim, he did something he'd never done before.
He dug up all of Qin Zhenzhen's variety show appearances to watch. He felt her emotional intelligence was remarkably high. Whenever faced with sharp or tricky questions, she always managed to tackle them with effortless grace, maintaining a poised and graceful demeanor. Jian Mu lowered his eyes with a faint smile.
He was, of all people, most acutely aware of this, wasn't he? She had rejected his advances several times without it ever becoming awkward.
Someone like her—you knew you should keep your distance, yet your gaze always lingered on her. Especially after discovering more of her virtues.
Not far away, the director shouted: "Get ready!"
With his order, the production assistants started bustling about. Qin Zhenzhen also hurriedly touched up her makeup. Thinking this was the last scene, she couldn't help but feel a bit happy. She could wrap up today. Director Yu had even given her a day off.
She wanted to go back and see her.
Thinking of this, Qin Zhenzhen quickly waved for Ji Lu to come over. Ji Lu was talking to Meng Xin. Qin Zhenzhen looked up and spotted Meng Xin. She was taken aback. "Sister Meng?"
"What are you doing here?"
Meng Xin smiled with pursed lips. "Nothing much. Just finished handling some things and came to take a look."
Qin Zhenzhen gave a slight nod. "Are you leaving tonight?"
"If you're leaving tonight, I'll go with you..."
Before she could finish saying 'back', Meng Xin cut her off. "Of course we're not leaving tonight. And you're not allowed to leave either."
Qin Zhenzhen shot her a sideways glance. "Why?"
Meng Xin pointed towards Jian Mu and his team. "We've been under their care for so long. We owe them at least a meal, right? You didn't even have a proper meal together before collaborating."
The corner of Qin Zhenzhen's mouth twitched. What do you mean they hadn't? They had eaten together at noon on the first day they arrived in City M. Though it was just her and Jian Mu back then. Still, this opportunity came from him, so treating him to a meal was only right.
She sighed inwardly. "Then can I leave tomorrow morning?"
Meng Xin narrowed her eyes. "Do you have something to do back home? Director Yu said he gave you a day off to rest. We might need to regroup by the afternoon."
Hearing Meng Xin's words, Qin Zhenzhen felt a bit unhappy, but she didn't show it. She just pursed her lips. Less than two minutes later, the director called for action, and she got up to walk towards the school.
Jian Mu watched the approaching figure, a glimmer of delight jumping into his eyes. Qin Zhenzhen was surrounded by three or four girls, smiling charmingly. Even though the girls around her were also good-looking with nice figures, it was still Qin Zhenzhen who tightly held his gaze.
She was simply different from the others.
"Cut!"
"Mr. Jian?"
The director's voice snapped Jian Mu out of his reverie. He lowered his head and let out a faint "Hmm." The director asked, "Are you too tired?"
They had been filming back-to-back recently. He himself didn't mind, but he was afraid Jian Mu was exhausted. Jian Mu had no real acting foundation; a single scene often required many takes. And Jian Mu had high standards, not allowing any flaws in the MV. So last night, they had filmed until ten o'clock.
If this were any other actor, they would have been chewed out long ago. But with Jian Mu here, he was just glad he himself wasn't the one getting scolded.
Jian Mu shook his head upon hearing this. "I'm fine. Let's continue."
The director had no choice but to raise his hand and start again.
The final scene wrapped up a little past seven. Qin Zhenzhen was grateful Meng Xin hadn't let her leave that night. If she left at this hour, she wouldn't get home until midnight, and Lu Ruyun would have long been asleep.
After changing her clothes, she heard a crew member say, "Thanks for your hard work." She smiled. "You've all worked hard too."
The crew member was dazzled by her gentle smile. Two girls standing a bit closer even had faint blushes on their faces. After Qin Zhenzhen left, they whispered, "Oh my god, she's so beautiful!"
"And she pairs so well with Brother Jian! Several scenes they filmed had amazing chemistry!"
"Yeah, yeah! That reunion scene yesterday, I was totally mesmerized."
"Being mesmerized is useless. She's already married. Don't even think about shipping them."
The girl in red clothes' words were a wake-up call. The others chimed in with agreements before dispersing. They didn't notice someone standing not far away.
Jian Mu's face showed neither joy nor anger, his lips pressed together.
When his assistant jogged over, he saw him standing there facing the cold wind. "Jian Mu, what are you looking at?"
Jian Mu tilted his head to look at him. "Go buy me a pack of cigarettes."
The assistant was stunned. He had quit smoking for nearly two or three years. Why did he suddenly want to smoke again?
But seeing Jian Mu seemed in a bad mood, he didn't ask further. He just nodded. "Okay."
Not far away, Qin Zhenzhen, already in the car, was looking down at her phone. It was past eight in the evening, and there hadn't been a single call or message from Lu Ruyun. Ever since she told Lu Ruyun she missed her two days ago, she hadn't received any more messages from her. Yesterday was too busy; she didn't get back to the hotel until after midnight. Afraid of disturbing Lu Ruyun, she resisted the urge to contact her.
Who knew this person wouldn't take the initiative to contact her either.
Qin Zhenzhen clutched her phone, wondering if she had misinterpreted Lu Ruyun's meaning. So now Lu Ruyun was unhappy? Or... she regretted it?
Thinking of these two possibilities, all Qin Zhenzhen's courage evaporated. If she had misread the situation, wouldn't that be incredibly awkward?
But if she hadn't misread it... today was her birthday. Her Weibo feed was flooded with congratulations. Even actors she had only worked with once had reposted birthday wishes. Yet only Lu Ruyun remained completely silent.
Qin Zhenzhen's expression was complicated, alternating between sighs. When Ji Lu entered the room holding clothes, she saw Qin Zhenzhen's dejected state. She smiled. "What's wrong, Zhenzhen? It's your birthday today, at least. Why so unhappy?"
"It's nothing." Qin Zhenzhen said the two words and looked up. "What's this?"
Ji Lu was holding clothes. "Aren't we going to dinner later? Sister Meng asked me to prepare this for you."
Qin Zhenzhen frowned. "It doesn't need to be this formal, does it?"
Ji Lu shrugged. Qin Zhenzhen had no choice but to nod. "Give it to me."
She took the clothes from Ji Lu. It was a long dress, sleeveless, in a deep red. The fabric was good quality, with a nice drape. Two lotus flowers were embroidered on the chest in a darker shade. The dress was form-fitting, tightly wrapping around Qin Zhenzhen's waist, slender to the point of being almost too thin to grasp. When she walked, it swayed gracefully.
When Ji Lu saw her come out wearing the dress, she couldn't help but exclaim, "It looks amazing on you!"
Qin Zhenzhen gave her an exasperated look. "Alright, enough flattery. Hand me the down jacket. I'm freezing to death."
Her words shattered the atmosphere that had just been created. Ji Lu hurriedly handed over the down jacket. After putting it on, Qin Zhenzhen asked, "What time are we leaving?"
Ji Lu glanced at her wristwatch. "We can go right away."
The dinner was scheduled for eight. When Qin Zhenzhen and Ji Lu arrived, Meng Xin was already chatting happily with Jian Mu's team. She could even vaguely catch phrases like "next time".
Next collaboration?
Meng Xin was thinking far ahead indeed.
Qin Zhenzhen walked over with her head slightly lowered. Meng Xin stood up and patted the seat beside her. "Zhenzhen, come sit here."
Wearing a proper smile and ten-centimeter high heels, Qin Zhenzhen walked over. Ji Lu didn't follow her; this table was for Jian Mu's core team members. She knew better than to sit there without any social awareness.
After Qin Zhenzhen sat down, Jian Mu also arrived, still surrounded by his entourage. Qin Zhenzhen recalled that every time she saw him, it was like this—him in the center of a crowd, his demeanor clearly marking him as a big shot.
Someone like him obviously belonged to a different world than hers.
Once Jian Mu arrived, the atmosphere at the venue became lively.
They had just finished filming and wanted to relax. Plus, it was Qin Zhenzhen's birthday, so this was a perfect excuse to have some fun. Qin Zhenzhen had been very approachable on set these past two days, leaving a very good impression on everyone. So tonight, she was the main focus of attention.
Since it was her birthday, everyone who came to toast her would say "Happy Birthday" and give her a small gift. Although Qin Zhenzhen wasn't much of a drinker, she still downed several glasses.
Jian Mu sat beside her, only occasionally exchanging a few words with her, without any special gestures. Every time Qin Zhenzhen stood up and sat back down, her long hair would brush against his wrist. Jian Mu's throat felt itchy, and he gave a light cough.
After sitting down, Qin Zhenzhen heard the sound and asked, "What's wrong?"
Jian Mu's voice was low. "Nothing. Just craving a cigarette."
After saying this, he smiled faintly, poured himself a glass of wine, and turned to Qin Zhenzhen. "I haven't wished you a happy birthday yet."
Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head with a smile, picked up her glass, and lightly clinked it with his. "Then let me also thank you for giving me this opportunity."
After Jian Mu threw his head back and drank, he glanced sideways at Qin Zhenzhen. Qin Zhenzhen had already had several drinks. Her fair cheeks were flushed pink, her eyes hazy with a slight drunkenness. Her gaze shifted, a hint of allure hidden even in the corners of her eyes. He tightened his grip on his glass and lowered his gaze.
Qin Zhenzhen was a little tipsy, so she spoke with less restraint, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Actually, I'm still very curious. Why did you choose me back then?"
She wasn't as tall as Jian Mu, so she had to tilt her head up slightly when speaking. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her bright eyes sparkling. Jian Mu glanced at her, thinking the current Qin Zhenzhen resembled a flower.
A blooming rose.
Beautiful, noble, yet thorny—not something to be touched lightly.
Qin Zhenzhen didn't get an answer from Jian Mu and withdrew her gaze. Freed from the intensity of those bright eyes, Jian Mu came back to his senses and said, "It was Uncle Yu who recommended you to me."
"He said you were very good."
Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily confused. "Director Yu?"
Jian Mu smiled and nodded. To be precise, his team had given him a list of many candidates. In the end, he couldn't decide, so he went to see Uncle Yu. Upon learning that Qin Zhenzhen was the female lead for the movie he was about to film next, he became interested.
As for later going to Shen Haitang's place, besides celebrating Doudou's birthday, it was entirely to see Qin Zhenzhen in person.
If, before seeing her in person, he only had a thirty percent desire to collaborate, after meeting her, the remaining seventy percent didn't matter.
Because he had developed a personal interest.
Upon hearing his answer, Qin Zhenzhen nodded and took another small sip of wine. Jian Mu heard her say very softly, "Thank you."
He was just about to say "You're welcome" when her phone rang. Qin Zhenzhen looked down, took her phone from her bag, and her eyes lit up when she saw Lu Ruyun's name. She turned to Jian Mu and said, "Sorry, I need to step out to take this call."
Jian Mu nodded, watching her walk out.
Qin Zhenzhen left in a hurry, forgetting to grab her down jacket. The moment she stepped outside, a blast of cold air hit her, instantly clearing her previously muddled head. She thought about going back for her coat but couldn't bear to keep Lu Ruyun waiting. She simply stood in the hallway and answered the phone. "Hello?"
Her voice carried a slight hint of alcohol, not as crisp as usual, with a touch of charming naivety.
Lu Ruyun's voice came through clearly. "At a dinner gathering?"
Qin Zhenzhen nodded. "Yes, at a dinner."
After she said that, Lu Ruyun didn't ask anything else or speak. Only the sound of wind from her phone reached Qin Zhenzhen's end. The two were silent for a few seconds before Lu Ruyun said, "Are you free... to come downstairs?"
Qin Zhenzhen's mind went blank for a second. "What?"
Lu Ruyun repeated gently, "Are you free to come downstairs?"
Qin Zhenzhen's eyelids lifted. A possibility quickly dawned on her. Wearing her ten-centimeter heels, she turned and walked briskly back, quickly pressing the elevator button. Moments ago she felt cold, but now her whole body was burning up.
Lu Ruyun was here?
How did she get here?
To see her?
Various thoughts flashed through her mind. Countless little figures seemed to be fighting inside Qin Zhenzhen's head. After exiting the elevator, she hurried out but didn't see any sign of Lu Ruyun. Just as she was about to ask if this was a prank, she heard someone call from behind: "Zhenzhen."
Qin Zhenzhen was still holding her phone. She slowly turned around. Lu Ruyun stood straight in a trench coat. Her long hair was lifted by the wind, mirroring the curve of her lifted lips.
The two looked at each other, their bright eyes filled with each other's reflections. In such a beautiful scene under the night sky, Lu Ruyun took two steps forward and presented a gift. "Happy Birthday."
Qin Zhenzhen smiled and accepted it. "Thank you."
A gust of cold wind blew, giving Qin Zhenzhen goosebumps. The lingering romantic atmosphere was instantly swept away. After seeing her accept the gift, Lu Ruyun smiled with pursed lips, the tips of her ears slightly red. "Zhenzhen."
"Are you willing..."
Before she could finish, a loud sneeze interrupted her. Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head, complaining. "No, it's too cold. Teacher Lu, let's go inside to talk."
As she spoke, she reached out to take Lu Ruyun's hand. Lu Ruyun didn't move. Instead, she stood there and took off her trench coat, draping it over Qin Zhenzhen.
The familiar, crisp fragrance enveloped her. Qin Zhenzhen swallowed, suddenly unable to move. After Lu Ruyun helped her into the coat, she met Qin Zhenzhen's bright eyes. They were standing very close, their breaths mingling. Qin Zhenzhen heard her own heart pounding loudly, her eardrums throbbing painfully.
Her eyes reddened slightly. Her mind, clear just moments ago, became as muddled as if she were drunk again. Lu Ruyun adjusted the collar of the coat for her. Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head and asked, "What were you about to say just now?"
Lu Ruyun's hands, adjusting the coat, paused. Her expression was natural, but a faint smile surfaced in her eyes. She looked up, her bright eyes dark and luminous. Qin Zhenzhen stared into her eyes, deeply drawn in.
A clear, soft voice sounded in her ear.
"Zhenzhen, are you willing to be with me?"
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