Against the Light - Chapter 161
Chapter 161: Where's the Kitty?
On set, in the studio.
Bai Yilan was discussing camera shots with Jin Shuang and the others. Everyone was listening attentively, offering their own ideas at appropriate times.
This was Yilan's first comeback after getting married. Everyone was very excited and greatly looking forward to working with her again!
As Bai Yilan was speaking, she suddenly noticed everyone's expressions change. One by one, they unconsciously broke into fond, doting smiles, looking behind her.
Seeing this, Bai Yilan glanced back. A little meatball crashed right into her arms. An unconscious, gentle smile appeared on Yilan's face.
"What are you doing here?" She lifted the little one up and sat her on her lap.
"Mama brought me. Mommy, you're so cool!" It was the little one's first time seeing her mommy giving instructions to so many people, and Yilan's image immediately grew taller in her heart.
"Is that so~"
"Mhm!" Xiao Ye gave Yilan a proper-looking thumbs-up. The cute little gesture made everyone burst out laughing.
"Say hello to the aunties." Yilan took her little hand and gave it a little wave.
"Hello, Aunties. I'm Xiao Ye."
"Hello, Little Milk Bun."
Xiao Ye giggled. Being watched by so many people made her a little shy. She leaned back and snuggled into Yilan's arms.
Everyone chuckled again.
"Sister Ran." Seeing Gu Xinran approach, a few people quickly greeted her.
"Mhm." Gu Xinran waved to everyone. "How's it going?"
"With Sister Lan leading the team, there are no problems at all. You can rest assured," Jin Shuang said with great confidence.
Gu Xinran glanced at Yilan, and the two exchanged a smile.
"Hey, Sister Ran, are all the actors in place?"
"Mhm, I brought her." Gu Xinran glanced back.
Lin Yuqing walked up to the group and gave a slight bow. "Hello, seniors. I'm Lin Yuqing."
Jin Shuang was slightly taken aback. She had heard of the name Lin Yuqing, but mostly in connection with unflattering rumors. She looked at Gu Xinran, a little confused.
"Xiao Qing will be the lead in this film. I hope everyone will take good care of her," Gu Xinran said.
"You're too kind, too kind. We'll look after each other. Since she's someone Sister Ran has chosen, we trust your judgment." Jin Shuang reacted quickly, turning to look at the others and nodding at them.
Gu Xinran smiled and didn't offer any further explanation. She just glanced at Lin Yuqing and gave her a nod.
"All the roles have been cast for now, but we're still missing someone for the agent role. No one has the availability." Bai Yilan looked at the list, then at Xinran.
Gu Xinran frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping across the room. Her eyes paused on someone, and a smile touched her lips.
Bai Yilan followed her gaze, raised an eyebrow slightly, and nodded enigmatically.
Fang Yi had been starving all day and was just about to sneak a bite of cake when she suddenly felt eyes on her. She looked up and saw the couple staring at her with mischievous expressions. Her fingers froze. She silently pulled the half-eaten piece of cake out of her mouth and offered it to them. "You want some?"
The two of them looked at her with disgust.
Ten minutes later.
"What? You want me to act? No, no, no, no, I can't do that. Don't, don't, don't do this. Can't I just find another actor for you?" Fang Yi shook her head and waved her hands, repeatedly refusing Gu Xinran's suggestion.
"No. This role was made for you."
"Sister Fang, don't refuse. It's such a great opportunity. Who knows, you might become a huge star because of this film~" Jin Shuang chimed in, teasing her from the side.
"Get outta here! I don't know the first thing about acting. You're just trying to make a fool out of me!"
"Be good." Gu Xinran's expression changed, and her tone became firm.
Fang Yi opened her mouth, but no words came out. She looked utterly wronged. In the end, only after learning that the agent role didn't have many scenes did she reluctantly agree.
"Makeup team, give her long hair extensions in a bit," Gu Xinran ordered.
"???" Fang Yi ruffled her short hair. "Sister Ran, that's gonna cost extra!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Three days later, the cast and crew of Deep Love quietly began filming.
No related information was posted on Weibo, nor was there any promotion. Aside from the people on set, not even the staff inside Heart Entertainment knew about it.
"Xiao Qing, how is it?" Jin Shuang entered the dressing room to take a look. She was stunned when she saw Lin Yuqing in costume.
She was wearing a beige suit, her long hair styled in large curls that fell to her shoulders. Her makeup was light, her eyes cool and clear. She looked mature, composed, and had the aura of a star.
Jin Shuang grinned unconsciously, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes. She really has the look of a star."
Lin Yuqing glanced at her and gave a slight nod. Jin Shuang was surprised again. It wasn't just her appearance; even her aura was spot on! As expected, Xinran's judgment was truly excellent!
Before long, Lin Yuqing was ready. She came outside and calmly accepted everyone's scrutinizing gazes.
When Gu Xinran saw her powerful presence, she nodded imperceptibly. The style of the suit was a bit old-fashioned and formal, something Gu Xinran had specifically requested when the costumes were being made. After all, the story was set in a specific period, so it was important to be as faithful as possible with the details.
"Alright, all departments, get ready," Bai Yilan ordered, nodding at Lin Yuqing.
Lin Yuqing made a small adjustment and gave an "OK" sign.
"Action."
Watching through the camera, Jin Shuang saw Lin Yuqing perfectly embody the high-spirited air of a popular female celebrity without being overly deliberate. Her acting was natural and skilled, and Jin Shuang's eyes lit up.
Gu Xinran offered a few pointers from the side, helping her find the right feeling and refining the details. Bai Yilan mainly controlled the camera work and oversaw the entire scene. The couple worked together in perfect harmony.
The filming proceeded with exceptional smoothness.
Because both of them were immersed in their work, they had no time to look after Xiao Ye. They could only leave her at Shi Qing's house for the time being, letting her mom and Auntie Ye help watch over her.
Right now, the little one was lying on the table, bored out of her mind, a gloomy expression on her face.
"Xiao Ye, my baby, what's wrong? Why are you so unhappy? Tell Grandma." Ye Nan poured the little one a glass of juice, placed it in front of her, and tapped her little nose with the cup, asking with a smile.
"Xiao Ye misses Mommy." Xiao Ye pouted, her little brow furrowed, and she heaved a heavy sigh.
"Oh, is that so? Mommy is at work, so she can't be with Xiao Ye, right?"
"Mhm."
Ye Nan picked Xiao Ye up, held her close, and patted her gently, comforting her.
"What's wrong? Is she sleepy? It's about time for bed, isn't it?" Shi Qing returned from her walk, glanced at the time, and saw the little one's listless state.
"She misses Yilan," Ye Nan said softly.
"Be good, Xiao Ye. How about Grandma holds you while you sleep?" Shi Qing took the little one, held her horizontally in her arms, and patted her, preparing to lull her to sleep.
Xiao Ye wouldn't have it. She struggled to sit up and wrapped her arms around Shi Qing's neck. "Xiao Ye wants to wait for Mommy to come back."
Ye Nan glanced at the wall clock. It was almost nine. There was no telling when the two would be back. Yesterday, they hadn't returned until nearly eleven. Xiao Ye had stayed up until ten but couldn't hold on any longer and fell asleep, missing them completely.
"Then how about Xiao Ye closes her eyes first, and when Mommy comes back, Grandma will wake you up, okay?"
"That's what Grandma said yesterday, but you didn't wake Xiao Ye up." The little one pouted, looking like she was holding a bit of a grudge.
Shi Qing was speechless. Ye Nan pursed her lips, trying to hide a smile, but a glare from Shi Qing made her immediately wipe the smile off her face.
"Then let's wait a little longer. Grandma will watch some cartoons with you." Shi Qing sat on the sofa with the little one in her arms and had Ye Nan put on a cartoon for them to watch together.
The little one watched for a while, but her eyelids began to droop. She was clearly exhausted.
Shi Qing glanced down at her without a word and continued watching. Before long, the little one's head tilted to the side and she slumped into her arms, only to jolt awake and sit up again.
"Why don't you lie on Grandma's lap and watch," Shi Qing said, placing a cushion on her lap for the little one to rest her head on, patting her gently.
Ye Nan brought a blanket and gently draped it over Xiao Ye.
Just as the little one was about to fall asleep, the door suddenly opened.
The little one jolted, her eyes flying open. She immediately turned her head toward the door.
"Mommy!" Upon seeing Yilan and Xinran walk in, Xiao Ye was instantly energized. She scrambled off the sofa and ran toward them.
"Why aren't you asleep yet, Xiao Ye?" Yilan knelt and gave her daughter a big hug.
"Mommy, Xiao Ye missed you so much," Xiao Ye mumbled, burying her face in Yilan's embrace and hugging her neck tightly.
"She refused to sleep, said she wanted to wait for you two. We were just about to get her to sleep when you came back," Ye Nan said helplessly.
"Is that so? Was my baby waiting for Mommy again?"
"Mhm!"
"Next time, if you're sleepy, just go to sleep first. Mama will sleep with you when she gets back," Gu Xinran said, stroking the little one's head.
The little one didn't answer, just kept snuggling against Yilan.
Seeing Xiao Ye like this, Yilan knew she was exhausted. "I'll put her to bed first. You go eat," she said to Xinran before carrying Xiao Ye into the bedroom.
"Why are you working so late again? Is the shoot not going well?" Ye Nan asked.
"It's going very smoothly. Don't you know Yilan is a workaholic? Once she starts working, she forgets everything else," Gu Xinran replied with a smile.
"And you don't remind her? What about the child?" Ye Nan chided.
"Mhm, my mistake." Gu Xinran was very quick to admit her fault.
Before long, Yilan came out of the bedroom.
"She's asleep already?" Gu Xinran ladled a bowl of soup for her.
"Mhm, she must have been sleepy for a while. She fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow."
"Okay, let's eat."
As they were eating dinner, Bai Yilan suddenly paused.
"By the way, Mom, Auntie Ye, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Hm?"
"Next week, Xinran and I have to go on a long trip to the mountains for location scouting."
Hearing this, both women frowned and exchanged a look.
"How long will you be gone?"
"At least a month, I think."
"That long?" Ye Nan was shocked, her expression troubled. "Xiao Ye misses you terribly if she doesn't see you for just one day. Over a month is too long. Can't just one of you go?"
"I wouldn't feel at ease letting her go alone," Gu Xinran sighed inwardly.
"That's true." Ye Nan sighed too, her face full of worry.
"Take the child with you. A child can't be away from her mothers," Shi Qing said after a moment of thought.
"I've thought about that too, but the conditions in the mountains won't be very good. I'm afraid Xiao Ye won't be able to handle it, and she'll suffer from irregular meals with us."
"Then why don't you eat on time?" Shi Qing's expression was displeased.
Bai Yilan's face stiffened, and she lowered her head.
"How about I go with you?" Ye Nan suggested.
"With your old bones? What would you do there? Get in the way?" Shi Qing shot her a glance.
"Bring a few more bodyguards, two nannies to watch the child, and two doctors. That should be enough," Shi Qing said.
Gu and Bai exchanged a look.
Gu Xinran thought about it carefully. Being gone for over a month without seeing Xiao Ye… forget how much she would miss her, she couldn't imagine how upset the child would be. Besides, Xiao Ye was insecure. What if she started overthinking again and thought her mothers had abandoned her?
After thinking it over, Shi Qing's words, 'A child can't be away from her mothers,' really resonated with her.
"Then let's take Xiao Ye with us. We did say we'd take her traveling to see the world when we had time. We don't need nannies, though. I can watch her when I'm not busy, and if I am, an assistant can help. Xiao Ye is very well-behaved. Let's bring bodyguards and medical staff," Gu Xinran said, looking to Yilan for her opinion.
"Besides, if the little one is there, you'll be more mindful and won't work yourself to the bone, right?"
Bai Yilan sighed in resignation and nodded. "Alright, let's take her."
"You two better watch her carefully. If anything happens, just see how I'll deal with you," Shi Qing said, giving them a cold, warning glance.
"Not a single hair on her head better be out of place!" Ye Nan chimed in.
"You can rest assured."
A week passed in the blink of an eye. Xiao Ye was overjoyed to learn she would be going on a trip with her mothers and had been counting down the days.
That morning, Gu and Bai were up at the crack of dawn.
Since the family of three was leaving today, Ye Nan also got up early to prepare breakfast.
After the two had washed up, they woke Xiao Ye. The little one was groggy, rubbing her eyes. After a moment, she realized it was the day of the trip and was instantly wide awake!
Ye Nan made her favorite soup dumplings. The little one ate with great satisfaction, even eating one more big dumpling than usual.
Ye Nan and Shi Qing both looked reluctant to see them go.
"Is everything packed? The temperature in the mountains fluctuates a lot; it's cool in the mornings and evenings. Did you bring warm clothes? You have to remember to dress Xiao Ye warmly. Don't get so busy that you forget everything."
"I know. Don't worry."
"Xiao Ye, when you get there, if you're cold, hot, thirsty, or hungry, remember to tell your mamas, okay? Don't suffer in silence," Ye Nan said, crouching down to help the little one get dressed and put on her little hat, her voice full of concern.
"Mhm, I know, Grandma."
Xiao Ye hugged Ye Nan, then held out her arms for Shi Qing. "Grandma~"
Shi Qing picked the little one up.
The little one kissed her on the cheek. "Grandma, Xiao Ye is leaving now." She was sweetly comforting her grandmother.
"Okay, Grandma knows. Xiao Ye, you have to listen to your mamas and don't run around."
"Mhm!"
"Then Grandma has to take good care of herself, okay?" The little one furrowed her brow, her face full of worry.
Shi Qing chuckled and tapped her little nose. "Now you're looking after Grandma?"
"Mhm! And Grandma has to miss Xiao Ye, okay?" Xiao Ye took Shi Qing's hand and placed it over her own heart.
The small gesture melted Shi Qing's heart. "Okay, I will."
Xiao Ye kissed Shi Qing again, then turned to hug Ye Nan's neck and gave her a kiss too.
"Such a good girl. Go on." Shi Qing handed the little one to Gu Xinran and waved at her reluctantly.
Xiao Ye pouted, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Don't cry. Go on, have fun with your mamas. When you come back, you can tell Grandma all about the interesting things you saw."
"Mhm, okay!"
"We're leaving now, Mom."
Bai Yilan looked at the two of them, then walked over and gave them both a hug. "Take care of yourselves. We'll be back soon."
"Okay, go on."
The two of them saw the family of three to the elevator and only reluctantly returned to the apartment after the doors slowly closed.
In the car, Xiao Ye stood on the seat, watching the villa recede into the distance through the rear window.
"Xiao Ye? Do you miss your grandmas?"
"Mama, why can't our grandmas come play with us?"
"Grandma is older now, so it's not convenient for her to travel far."
"But I don't want to be apart from Grandma, and I don't want to be apart from Mama," Xiao Ye pouted, looking unhappy.
"Mama, why do people have to be apart?"
Gu Xinran smiled, unzipped her jacket, and held her as she sat down. "Why do we have to be apart? Hmm… because everyone has their own path in life. They have their own careers and their own lives. When you grow up, you'll have your own family, your own life, your own space and little secrets, and you won't live with your mamas anymore either."
"Ah! I don't want to be apart from Mama!" Xiao Ye didn't quite understand everything she said, but she understood the part about not living with her mamas anymore, and she immediately hugged Gu Xinran's arm in fright.
Gu Xinran chuckled and ruffled her little head. "When you're all grown up, I really hope I can still hear you say that."
"Record it," Bai Yilan, who was driving, suddenly said.
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Who teases their own kid like that?
After driving for a while, Xiao Ye's attention was captured by the passing scenery, and she gradually emerged from her sadness about leaving.
Gu Xinran turned to watch her for a moment, stroking her little head.
Before long, the car stopped outside the studio. Bai Yilan got out to take a look. Almost everyone had arrived, and the bus chartered by the crew was waiting outside.
She found Jin Shuang and asked a few questions. After learning that there were no issues, Bai Yilan felt relieved. She watched everyone load the equipment onto the bus. Once everyone was on board and she confirmed no one was missing, she returned to her own car.
"What was Mommy doing just now?"
"She went to see if Auntie Jin Shuang and the others had all arrived."
"Huh? Is Auntie Jin Shuang coming to play with us too?"
"That's right. But Xiao Ye, Mommy is going to work this time, so she might not have much time to play with you."
"Mhm, I know. Mommy has to work hard," Xiao Ye nodded, looking like a little adult.
"Then…" Xiao Ye opened her mouth but hesitated.
"What is it?"
Gu Xinran stared at her little mouth for a moment. "You're not about to drool again, are you?" she asked with a laugh.
"Of course not!" The little one wrinkled her nose in annoyance and huffed.
"Alright, I know what you want to ask. Your Auntie Lin is coming too." Gu Xinran laughed and ruffled her daughter's hair. What a clever little imp.
"Really? Slurp. Oh." Feeling a bit of drool about to escape, the little one quickly sucked it back in, wiped her mouth, and even looked down at her clothes.
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "This kid drools every time Xiao Qing is mentioned. What are we going to do?"
Bai Yilan glanced at Xiao Ye in the rearview mirror, also looking helpless. A little fangirl, no doubt.
After about an hour of driving, the little one couldn't sit still anymore. She kicked her little legs, wanting to get out of her car seat.
"Be good, Xiao Ye. We'll be at a rest stop soon. Just hold on a little longer," Gu Xinran said softly, noticing her fidgeting.
"What's a rest stop?"
"It's a place to rest. We're on the highway now, and every so often, there's a service area where we can stop and rest to avoid driver fatigue," Gu Xinran explained patiently, not at all thinking the little one's question was too childish.
"Mhm." Xiao Ye nodded, her little brow furrowed as she seriously committed her mother's words to memory.
Before long, the car pulled into a service area, and Yilan parked it on the side.
"Ah! It's Auntie Lin!" Xiao Ye peered out the window and immediately spotted Lin Yuqing standing off to the side.
"Hm? Where?" Gu Xinran leaned over but couldn't see her after searching for a while. How on earth did this kid spot Lin Yuqing in a crowd so quickly?
Gu Xinran lifted Xiao Ye out of the car, and the little one made a beeline for Lin Yuqing.
"Auntie Lin!" she called out loudly from a distance.
Lin Yuqing turned at the sound of her voice, and her eyes curved into a smile when she saw her.
"Hey, how come this little tyke is here too?" Jin Shuang was surprised to see Xiao Ye, and the other staff members were pleasantly surprised as well.
"Auntie Lin! Xiao Ye hasn't…" The little one paused, holding up her fingers and counting them one by one. "…seen you for ten days!" She held up two small fists and looked at Lin Yuqing with a serious expression.
Lin Yuqing knelt to be at eye level with her. "You remember so clearly, Xiao Ye?"
"Mhm!"
"Did Auntie Lin miss Xiao Ye?" Xiao Ye blinked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at her.
"Yes, I missed Xiao Ye very much," Lin Yuqing said, stroking her little head.
Xiao Ye beamed, hugged her arm, and snuggled into her for a big hug.
"Hey? Xiao Ye, why are you only hugging Auntie Lin and not us? Auntie Jin Shuang is getting jealous," Jin Shuang teased from the side.
"Yeah~ You can't play favorites, Xiao Ye~" the others chimed in.
Xiao Ye giggled and looked at them. "Hello, Aunties," she greeted everyone obediently.
"Hello, Xiao Ye~"
"Xiao Ye, can you let Auntie give you a hug?" A staff member, looking extremely eager, sidled over to ask the little one's permission.
Xiao Ye pretended to think about it. "Mmm, okay," she agreed reluctantly.
A group of people immediately gathered around, taking turns hugging the little one. She was undoubtedly the group's darling.
After a moment, Jin Shuang put Xiao Ye down and pinched her little nose. "How are you so cute? Did you grow up eating cuteness?"
Xiao Ye giggled, a little shy from the praise.
Seeing Lin Yuqing standing nearby, Xiao Ye pattered over, looked up at her, and tugged on her clothes. "Auntie Lin?"
"Hm?"
"Are you unhappy, Auntie Lin?"
"What?"
"Is it because Xiao Ye let the other aunties hug her? Is Auntie Lin unhappy?"
Lin Yuqing chuckled and stroked her head. "No, of course not. Auntie is very happy that Xiao Ye is so popular."
"Phew." Xiao Ye patted her chest as if she'd been scared, comforting herself.
Lin Yuqing took her little hand and rolled up her sleeve to look. The spot where she had been bitten by a mosquito last time had already healed. Her arm was fair and smooth, with no mark left behind.
"Where's your sachet?" Lin Yuqing asked.
"Mmm, Xiao Ye isn't wearing it."
"Is it with your mama?"
"Mhm."
"Have your mama help you put it on later. We'll be going into the mountains soon, and there are mosquitoes there. Xiao Ye can't get bitten, okay?"
"Okay." The little one nodded obediently.
"Alright, everyone, break's about over. Let's get back on the bus," Jin Shuang called out.
Lin Yuqing glanced back, picked up the little one, and carried her back to Yilan's car before turning to get on the bus.
As soon as she was back in the car, the little one opened her small backpack and started rummaging through it.
"What are you looking for, Xiao Ye?"
"The sachet, for keeping mosquitoes away. Auntie Lin told Xiao Ye to wear it."
Gu Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Mama wanted to put it on for you this morning, why didn't you listen? But you listen as soon as your auntie says so, is that it?" Feeling a little jealous, she took the little one's backpack, found the sachet for her, and tied it to her wrist.
"Mama and Mommy should wear one too. Auntie said there are lots of mosquitoes in the mountains."
"Mama isn't afraid of mosquitoes. Let's put it on Mommy." Before the car started moving, Gu Xinran helped Yilan put one on as well.
"Then… can Xiao Ye take one for Auntie?" The little one looked at Gu Xinran with pleading eyes, her little hands unconsciously clasped together in a begging gesture.
"You can." How could Gu Xinran possibly resist that? She surrendered immediately.
The little one was overjoyed, clutching the sachet as if it were a precious treasure.
The car slowly started moving. Xiao Ye stared out the window for a while, and her eyelids began to feel heavy.
Gu Xinran draped a piece of clothing over her and patted her gently. "We still have a while to go. If you're sleepy, Xiao Ye, just take a nap."
"Mhm," the little one mumbled and obediently closed her eyes.
Two hours later, the vehicles slowly drove into their destination: Kema Mountain.
Gu Xinran looked out the window. "This road is well-paved," she remarked, looking at the smooth road ahead.
It had only been three or four years since the two of them were last here, but the place had changed dramatically. It seemed that because of the pleasant scenery, many other film crews had come here to shoot. With strong support from the relevant authorities, a road had been built, and the local tourism industry had boomed.
"Yeah, I remember the road being very bumpy last time we came," Bai Yilan recalled. Back then, she hadn't recovered her memories from her past life and still saw Xinran as just a regular friend, trying to completely remove her from her heart.
Gu Xinran kept looking around, her mind replaying the scenes from their last visit. She remembered that they had been in such a hurry back then that the small wooden cabin they'd hastily built didn't even have a roof. On their last night, the two of them had lain in that cabin, gazing at the countless stars in the sky.
Thinking back on it now, it was still full of memories.
Before long, they found the farmhouse they had booked in advance and parked the car in the courtyard. The bus followed close behind and also entered the yard.
Everyone got off the vehicles one after another, and they all stretched their limbs to relieve the stiffness.
Gu Xinran woke Xiao Ye, helped her get dressed, and let her sit in the car for a bit to get her bearings.
Meanwhile, Yilan went to find the owner of the farmhouse to arrange accommodations for everyone.
Xiao Ye blinked her eyes, still looking half-asleep and a bit dazed.
Gu Xinran lifted her out. "Be a good girl, baby. You can sleep more once we get to our room, okay?"
"Mhm." Xiao Ye let out a big yawn, rubbed her eyes, and saw the sachet clutched in her hand.
"Oh no, I haven't given this to Auntie yet! She's going to get bitten by mosquitoes!" She was instantly wide awake.
"Then wake yourself up a bit, and we'll go give it to Auntie in a little while."
Xiao Ye nodded and gave a big stretch.
Bai Yilan returned to the car and knocked on the window.
Xiao Ye immediately rolled down the window. "Mommy!"
"Are you awake, baby? We're here," Yilan said, stroking the little one's head. She nodded to Xinran. "Everything's arranged. Let's go to our room and rest for a bit."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work." Gu Xinran nodded and got out of the car, carrying Xiao Ye.
"Wow! Mama! That cloud is so white and pretty!" Xiao Ye looked up and saw a huge, cotton-candy-like white cloud overhead, her little mouth agape in surprise.
Many people heard her voice and also looked up, stunned by the beautiful scenery.
"Mhm, it's beautiful," Gu Xinran agreed, glancing up. "What does that cloud look like to you, Xiao Ye?"
"It looks like a smiley face, and it's smiling at Xiao Ye!"
Hearing her innocent, childlike answer, everyone laughed, remarking on how wonderful children were—so innocent, pure, and carefree.
Xiao Ye heard someone laughing and looked back. "Auntie Lin!" She spotted Lin Yuqing at once and waved to her.
Lin Yuqing walked over.
"Auntie Lin, Xiao Ye was very good," Xiao Ye said, pulling back her sleeve to show her the sachet on her wrist.
Lin Yuqing's eyes curved into a smile, and she nodded at her. "Good."
"This is for Auntie Lin." Xiao Ye held out the sachet she was clutching in her other hand.
"Hm?"
"Can Xiao Ye help Auntie Lin put it on?"
Lin Yuqing was about to refuse, but seeing the little one's expectant gaze, she nodded and held out her left hand.
The little one very seriously tied the sachet for Lin Yuqing, then gave her a cheerful grin.
"Xiao Ye? Don't we get one?" Jin Shuang protested in mock dissatisfaction.
"Umm…" Xiao Ye scratched her ear, looked at Jin Shuang with a troubled expression, and said, "Then… you can have Xiao Ye's." She held out her little hand.
"Aww, Xiao Ye is so nice~ But Auntie was just teasing you. Auntie isn't afraid of mosquitoes," Jin Shuang said with a laugh, pinching the little one's cheek. So cute~
As she was pinching, she suddenly felt a hostile gaze. She turned her head and saw Lin Yuqing squinting at her.
What's her problem?
"Alright, stop fooling around. Go back to your rooms and put away your luggage first," Bai Yilan called out.
"Okay," everyone replied and got busy.
"Yilan, you and Xiao Ye go back to the room and rest for a bit. I'll get the luggage," Gu Xinran said, putting Xiao Ye down and having her hold Yilan's hand.
"Mhm." Yilan nodded. She was indeed a bit tired after driving all the way. She led Xiao Ye toward their room.
Gu Xinran helped everyone with their luggage and also helped set up the equipment before finally taking her own bags back to her room.
Before long, everyone was settled, and the farmhouse owner had prepared lunch to welcome them.
Some twenty-odd people sat around the table, enjoying lunch together.
Xiao Ye had slept her fill in the car, so she wasn't sleepy now. Yilan held her on her lap as she ate with everyone.
The food was a bit greasy, not as light and tasty as what they ate at home. The little one had a few bites and then shook her head, indicating she didn't want any more. Yilan made her a bottle of milk formula, and the little one obediently held her bottle, watching the adults eat with relish.
"Everyone, let's raise our glasses for a toast. I'm sure many of you here were with Sister Lan when we filmed here ten years ago, right? This time, we're revisiting an old haunt," Jin Shuang proposed.
Bai Yilan smiled slightly and raised her glass. "I'll use water in place of wine. Here's a toast to everyone. Thank you all for taking care of me all these years."
"Sister Lan, you're too kind. It's you two who take care of us."
"Exactly~"
Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together.
"Ah, me too!" Xiao Ye suddenly exclaimed, raising her little milk bottle and clinking it against Jin Shuang's glass.
Everyone froze for a second, then burst out laughing. "Hey, can someone take a picture of her? We can show it to her when she's older," Jin Shuang said with a laugh.
"I will, I will! Xiao Ye, clink glasses with the aunties again~"
The little one scratched her head. Seeing everyone looking at her, she smiled shyly, tapped Jin Shuang's glass with her bottle again, and said in a milky voice, "Cheers!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Come on, cheers!"
Lunch ended amidst everyone's laughter and conversation.
After the meal, Yilan told everyone to go back to their rooms to rest. They would gather at two in the afternoon to go up the mountain and scout for locations.
In the room, Yilan leaned against the bed, rubbing her forehead, feeling drowsy.
Xiao Ye stood on a stool, looking out the window, finding everything new and fascinating.
"Aren't you going to nap for a bit, Xiao Ye? Once we're on the mountain this afternoon, there won't be anywhere to sleep if you get tired," Gu Xinran asked softly.
"Mama, Xiao Ye wants to look at the clouds some more."
"Okay, go ahead. How about we look for five more minutes and then go to sleep? There will be even more beautiful scenery on the mountain tonight."
"Scenery?"
"Mhm, the stars on the mountain are beautiful. They're so big and bright, it's like they're right above our heads, close enough to grab."
"Really? Really big stars?"
"Mhm."
"Xiao Ye wants to see!"
"We have to wait until it gets dark to see them. So Xiao Ye needs to take a nap and save her energy so she can stay up to see the stars."
"Mmm, then Xiao Ye needs to sleep!" The little one immediately gave in, wrapping her little arms around Xinran's neck.
Gu Xinran carried her back to the bed, held her, and patted her gently as they rested together.
At two o'clock sharp, the crew gathered on time and set off for the mountain in a large group.
Xiao Ye had her arms around Gu Xinran's neck, her head swiveling from side to side to take in the scenery. Her eyes weren't big enough; she didn't know where to look.
The people walking behind Xinran found her adorable and couldn't help teasing her. She would giggle and give a smile to anyone who looked at her, full marks for friendliness.
Jin Shuang took a few people and went up the mountain quickly to scout the path for the group. In truth, there wasn't much to scout. Many crews had filmed here over the past couple of years, and the villagers had already cleared a path up the mountain. It wasn't like last time when they had to climb a rough trail, which was incredibly difficult to walk.
"Hey, why is there a small wooden cabin there? It wasn't here last time, was it?"
"Yeah, who built a cabin here?"
"Maybe another crew built it for a shoot and didn't tear it down afterward?"
"Well, that saves us some trouble! We don't have to build one ourselves!" Jin Shuang was delighted and quickly turned to call out to the group.
Hearing their discussion, Gu Xinran's eyelid twitched, and she exchanged a look with Yilan.
The two of them quickened their pace, caught up with Jin Shuang, and sure enough, they saw the small wooden cabin in the distance.
When they had left before, they hadn't had time to finish the roof. Now, the cabin was fully completed. By the looks of it, someone could even live in it.
"This cabin is pretty well-built."
"Hey, I think someone started building it but didn't finish, and the villagers completed it later. I heard the farmhouse owner mention it earlier," someone replied.
Everyone understood.
When Lin Yuqing saw the wooden cabin, her expression was complex. In her past life, she and Xiao Ye had also stayed in a small wooden cabin on Kema Mountain for a while. That had been the most comfortable, pleasant, and carefree time for the two of them.
At this thought, Lin Yuqing looked past the crowd and stole a glance at the little one, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Before long, the group arrived in front of the small wooden cabin.
The cabin wasn't locked, but there was a sign asking visitors to cherish the cabin and not damage it.
"Hey, what does 'Gu Bai Residence' mean?" Jin Shuang asked, walking around to the back of the cabin and spotting another sign.
Gu Xinran froze, suddenly remembering that when she built this cabin, she had put up a sign that read "Gu Bai Residence." Later, Yilan had drawn a switch symbol on it, changing it to "Bai Gu Residence."
"Huh? Is this a swing?" Not far from the cabin, Jin Shuang discovered another wooden object. It looked a lot like a swing, but it seemed a bit old and not very sturdy, so she didn't dare sit on it.
Gu and Bai looked at each other and smiled.
Lin Yuqing walked into the cabin for a look. The general structure was quite similar to the one she had lived in in her past life, though the interior details were different. But based on the construction alone, she could already tell that this cabin was Xinran's handiwork.
Gu Xinran carried Xiao Ye inside and looked around.
The little one blinked her big eyes, looking all around. Her little brow was tightly furrowed, and she scratched her head in confusion.
"Mama, where's the kitty?"
"What?"
"The kitty! There's a yellow kitty here!"
Lin Yuqing was startled. She exchanged a look with Xinran, seeing the deep shock in the other's eyes!
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