Married in a Daze - Chapter 85
Chapter 85
Even after Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun had been married for this long, this was still Meng Xin's first time visiting their apartment. She had been afraid of disturbing them and also afraid of seeing Lu Ruyun and feeling awkward. After all, during the online wars between Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun's fans, she hadn't held back her own efforts either.
So, she still felt somewhat awkward towards Lu Ruyun.
Fortunately, she quickly talked herself through it. They were bound to meet eventually. Besides, when Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun got married, she hadn't had time to send a gift. Thinking of this, she detoured her car to buy a present.
Qin Zhenzhen knew Meng Xin loved hotpot. Lu Ruyun had just returned with groceries when Meng Xin happened to step through the door. Lu Ruyun had bought ordinary home-style ingredients that could also be used for hotpot, but they were still missing some meatballs. Lu Ruyun muttered a few words to He Shuangshuang, and He Shuangshuang promptly set out again to buy them.
By the time Meng Xin arrived at the apartment, He Shuangshuang had just returned.
The two women entered together. Hearing movement at the door, Qin Zhenzhen walked out and saw them chatting as they came in.
"Sister Meng." Meng Xin was the oldest among them, so Lu Ruyun followed suit and also called her "Sister Meng."
Hearing this, Meng Xin felt her breath catch. She hurriedly smiled, "Just call me Meng Xin."
Qin Zhenzhen could sense her discomfort and looped her arm through Meng Xin's in an intimate gesture. Meng Xin's awkwardness eased a little. She offered the gift, "I didn't have time to give you anything for your wedding. Consider this a belated gift."
As she spoke, she handed the box in her hand to Qin Zhenzhen. Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun glanced at each other, a hint of shared amusement in their eyes.
"How thoughtful, and a waste of your money, Sister Meng." Qin Zhenzhen didn't stand on ceremony with Meng Xin. She took the box and opened it. Inside was a pair of couple's necklaces. The pendants were slightly different, but it was clearly a matching set.
Qin Zhenzhen's smile blossomed like a flower. "Thank you, Sister Meng."
Meng Xin didn't know the details of their previous situation, but her blessing was sincere. This was the first wedding gift Qin Zhenzhen had actually received. Back then, the marriage had been so rushed, and moreover, it was with Lu Ruyun—many of her friends had been left utterly bewildered. Her fans had sent some gifts later, but they were few and far between. So, this could be considered the first gift she'd received from a friend.
Naturally, Qin Zhenzhen was happy. He Shuangshuang stole a glance at the necklaces and privately cursed herself for being so unprofessional—she'd actually forgotten to give a gift!
As she was wondering how to remedy this, Lu Ruyun nudged her. "Dinner."
He Shuangshuang collected herself and hurriedly followed Lu Ruyun to the dining table.
The hotpot broth was bubbling vigorously. The meatballs Qin Zhenzhen had dropped in earlier were already floating to the surface. The vegetables were washed and placed to one side. After Meng Xin sat down, Qin Zhenzhen handed her a glass of ice water. Meng Xin had to drive later, and besides, she had filming tomorrow, so she couldn't drink.
Neither Lu Ruyun nor He Shuangshuang were fond of alcohol either. The four of them each held a drink as they sat around the hotpot.
Meng Xin had originally intended to discuss Qin Zhenzhen's upcoming schedule and endorsement deals over dinner, but with Lu Ruyun and He Shuangshuang present, it wasn't convenient. She had no choice but to focus her attention on eating.
The pot was a split pot—one side mild, the other spicy. Qin Zhenzhen wanted the spicy side but was afraid it would upset her stomach, so she only occasionally fished out a meatball to satisfy her craving. Meng Xin, on the other hand, was all about the spice, and paired with the ice-cold drinks, she found this hotpot meal extremely satisfying.
Lu Ruyun would glance at Qin Zhenzhen from time to time.
She wasn't a particularly hospitable person and didn't like others entering this apartment. Since buying it, aside from He Shuangshuang and Zhang Yiyao, no one else had ever come over.
When Qin Zhenzhen suggested inviting Meng Xin, she had hesitated for a few seconds but ultimately agreed.
There was none of the imagined irritation, no restlessness. In front of her was Qin Zhenzhen's smiling face; in her ears was Qin Zhenzhen's crisp voice. It wasn't overly sweet, but each sound struck a chord within her chest, sending ripples of echoes.
Her stomach felt warm. Her heart felt warm. Her eyes felt a touch hot.
Qin Zhenzhen shared some amusing anecdotes from the set with Meng Xin. He Shuangshuang interjected now and then, occasionally teasing her. The atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious, a tranquil slice of time.
Listening to their casual chatter, their occasional bursts of laughter, Lu Ruyun found the corners of her mouth lifting unconsciously as well.
"Ruyun." Qin Zhenzhen, sitting beside her, suddenly whispered her name. Lu Ruyun tilted her head. Her eyes still held a faint glimmer, her pupils ink-black. Meeting her gaze, Qin Zhenzhen's face flushed slightly. "Later, when Sister Meng talks about the schedule, can you help me weigh the options?"
Lu Ruyun met her clear eyes, slowly reining in the surging emotions in her heart. Her expression gradually returned to its usual composure. She nodded. "Okay."
Her voice was warm, as always. Qin Zhenzhen's brows lifted with a smile, her heart fluttering slightly. She put down her chopsticks and let her hand rest at her side. Seeing that He Shuangshuang and Meng Xin were still chatting about variety shows, she used the back of her hand to lightly brush against Lu Ruyun's waist. Lu Ruyun turned her head. Qin Zhenzhen smiled faintly and took Lu Ruyun's left hand, which was resting on her own leg.
Their fingers interlaced. A sweet sensation traveled from their fingertips into their bodies. Qin Zhenzhen couldn't help but squeeze a little tighter.
After the meal, He Shuangshuang volunteered to handle the cleanup. Qin Zhenzhen led Meng Xin into the study. Lu Ruyun exchanged a few words with He Shuangshuang and followed them in.
In the study, a warm yellow light was on. Cozy design touches were visible everywhere. Meng Xin didn't beat around the bush. She got straight to the point, pulling two forms from her bag and handing them to Qin Zhenzhen.
Qin Zhenzhen was taken aback. "This many?"
Meng Xin nodded. "And these are already the ones we've screened. There were even more calls coming in."
Qin Zhenzhen glanced at Lu Ruyun and nodded. "Let me take a look."
Lu Ruyun also sat down beside her.
The two of them looked over the forms. Several were for currently popular variety shows, and there were endorsements too—aside from the light luxury brand, there were several other well-known names in the industry. After her MV, Qin Zhenzhen hadn't expected her market value to soar so high, reaching such outrageous figures.
Qin Zhenzhen was having trouble deciding. In the end, Lu Ruyun analyzed the pros and cons for her.
She didn't need too many endorsements; one major brand would be enough. As for shows, she could pick a few more. With Cold Palace about to air, it was necessary to ride the wave of hype.
Regarding galas and events, Lu Ruyun selected a few heavyweight ones for her. Pointing at the remaining ones, she said, "These aren't necessary. Attending them won't create any splash and will just interfere with your schedule."
Meng Xin looked at the final list Lu Ruyun had helped narrow down. It was eighty to ninety percent in line with what she herself had thought. However, regarding the shows, she had originally wanted Zhenzhen to accept them all. After all, with Cold Palace coming out, increasing her visibility would help with promotion.
Lu Ruyun didn't agree with that viewpoint. The follow-up to the MV wasn't just domestic. She'd heard Jian Mu's team was already using the new song to target international year-end music awards. So, in terms of promotional reach, there was no need to worry at all.
Sitting on the rug, Qin Zhenzhen watched as Lu Ruyun conversed with Meng Xin, diplomatic and poised, unflustered. Her analysis of issues was incisive and thorough. Qin Zhenzhen's gaze unconsciously held a hint of admiration, as if she were looking at an idol, her eyes sparkling brightly.
Although Lu Ruyun was speaking with Meng Xin, her peripheral vision caught Qin Zhenzhen's expression. Noticing the trace of adoration in those clear eyes, her heart skipped a beat. The tips of her ears tinged pink. She cleared her throat lightly and continued discussing with Meng Xin.
Hearing the soft cough, Qin Zhenzhen snapped back to attention. By the time He Shuangshuang brought in fruit, their discussion was mostly concluded. Meng Xin put away the forms. "Then let's tentatively decide on this. I'll discuss the rest with the company's director before finalizing."
"Okay." Qin Zhenzhen agreed, her gaze drifting to the window behind Meng Xin. Flakes of snow were drifting down in a flurry. Qin Zhenzhen smiled. "It's snowing."
Meng Xin turned and saw snowflakes indeed floating outside the window.
City A was relatively cold. It snowed every winter, though in previous years it had been closer to the Spring Festival period. This year, it was early. Qin Zhenzhen walked to the window and opened it. A gust of cold wind rushed in, along with swirling snowflakes. It must have started while they were eating hotpot, as the ground was already wet.
Worried Qin Zhenzhen might catch a chill from the wind, Lu Ruyun closed the window from behind her. Meng Xin sighed, "Another year gone."
He Shuangshuang looked at the sky outside and echoed, "Yeah, another year gone."
The four of them looked out the window. Lu Ruyun was still standing behind Qin Zhenzhen. Qin Zhenzhen leaned back against her. A faint, crisp fragrance enveloped her. Her back pressed against Lu Ruyun's softness, and she nuzzled slightly—it felt incredibly comfortable.
A cell phone ringtone shattered the cozy atmosphere. Qin Zhenzhen saw Lu Ruyun take out her phone. With sharp eyes, she glimpsed the characters "Yaoyao" on the screen.
She deliberately took a couple of steps aside, pulling Meng Xin into conversation. Seeing the fruit platter was empty, He Shuangshuang went to prepare more.
"Okay, I won't."
"Yaoyao, you shouldn't think like that."
"Mm, I'll tell Zhenzhen."
Zhang Yiyao on the other end of the line seemed to say something more. Lu Ruyun stood by the window. "I just saw it, yes."
Seeing that she might be chatting for a while yet, Qin Zhenzhen simply led Meng Xin out of the study. After finishing up, Meng Xin wanted to use the restroom. Qin Zhenzhen, afraid she wouldn't find it, decided to take her there herself.
The bathroom door was closed, but light shone through from inside. Qin Zhenzhen stood at the door and knocked. "Shuangshuang?"
He Shuangshuang's voice came from inside. "Just a sec!"
Qin Zhenzhen quickly said, "You go ahead."
After saying this, she remembered what Lu Ruyun had told her about the other bathroom being separated. She said to Meng Xin, "Use this bathroom instead. Just now..."
Qin Zhenzhen pushed open the bathroom door. The light from the living room streamed in. Everything inside was somewhat blurry, but she could still make out the thin ropes and whips hanging on the wall. She frowned slightly, but before she could ask what they were, her eyes fell on the various items arranged on the vanity. Though indistinct, she could roughly discern their shapes. Qin Zhenzhen's face instantly flushed crimson, and she took two hasty steps back.
The light wasn't on. Meng Xin stood behind her and, seeing her retreat, asked, "What's wrong?"
Heat radiated from Qin Zhenzhen's face and forehead. She quickly closed the door. "N-nothing. It's just... not finished being renovated."
No sooner had she spoken than the door of the adjacent bathroom opened. He Shuangshuang emerged. "Zhenzhen, did you need to use it?"
Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily flustered. "No, it was Sister Meng."
Meng Xin smiled and brushed past He Shuangshuang into the bathroom.
By the time Lu Ruyun finished her call and came out, Meng Xin and He Shuangshuang were both ready to leave. The two of them stood at the door to see Meng Xin and He Shuangshuang off. Qin Zhenzhen seemed a bit distracted. After sending them off, Lu Ruyun looked at her sideways. "Zhenzhen?"
Qin Zhenzhen looked up at Lu Ruyun's upright and righteous face, then thought of the scene she'd just witnessed in the bathroom. She pressed her temples with a headache. What should I do? I can't look at Lu Ruyun directly now!
Seeing her lovely face scrunched up, Lu Ruyun's brows drew together. "What is it?"
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. "It's nothing."
With that, she quickly ducked into the bathroom, sat on the toilet, and bit her fingertip as she thought. Does Lu Ruyun have... that kind of preference? But I don't! Could this cause conflict between us?
Lost in her private distress, Qin Zhenzhen remained holed up in the bathroom for over half an hour without coming out. Having no other recourse, Lu Ruyun knocked on the door. Hearing a "just a little longer" from inside, she shook her head and turned to enter the other bathroom.
Three minutes later.
Lu Ruyun's voice, gritted with teeth, came through the phone. "He Shuangshuang, what is this?!"
He Shuangshuang, hearing her anger, blinked in confusion. "What?"
Lu Ruyun still spoke through clenched teeth. "The bathroom."
A lightbulb went off in He Shuangshuang's head. "Oh! That? That's your wedding gift."
Lu Ruyun: "..."
As soon as she hung up, Qin Zhenzhen emerged from the bathroom. The two of them stood facing each other awkwardly. Just as Lu Ruyun was about to explain the items in the bathroom, she heard Qin Zhenzhen whisper, "Ruyun."
"I've been thinking. I need to respect your... preferences. How about... we try it once a week in the future?"
Lu Ruyun's face immediately darkened. Her lips pressed into a tight line, and she said nothing.
Misinterpreting her silence, Qin Zhenzhen stammered, "Once isn't enough? Then t-twice... twice a week?"
Lu Ruyun: "..."
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