Married in a Daze - Chapter 103
Chapter 103
The trajectory of Cold Palace indeed unfolded as Lu Ruyun had predicted. On the very night of the promotional event, it surged to the top of the ratings. The production team, using the General's death, Yuan Yu's descent into darkness, and the ratings as their selling points, launched a three-pronged attack. It quickly dominated Weibo, forums, and every corner of the internet with traffic.
Young people mostly browsed Weibo and forums, but middle-aged folks preferred short videos. The show was edited into various comical or awe-inspiring short clips and scattered across every corner of the web.
Qin Zhenzhen had garnered quite favorable public perception during this period. From MV heroine to various commercials, it seemed you couldn't turn on the TV or walk down the street without seeing her. Under such intensive promotion, Cold Palace's popularity skyrocketed.
Those in the know saw the craft; outsiders just watched the spectacle.
The informed understood the production team had taken a daring, unconventional approach, reviving Cold Palace from an unexpected angle. But most viewers, unaware, simply thought the drama itself was magical.
And so, another rallying cry for Cold Palace was sounded.
More people flocked to watch out of curiosity. A brief period of tender affection, a short stretch of unrequited longing, and the transition into the later darkness made people eagerly anticipate the subsequent plot.
Although many were still original book fans, they also raised their hands in curiosity. Under the official promotional Weibo posts, it was initially just fans of the various leads dominating the comments with declarations of love. But within two days, it was flooded with netizens of all stripes.
Funny netizens were responsible for posting memes, various emoticons, and hilarious clips.
Those who loved the plot discussed the story.
As for the book fans, they had long since defected to Qin Zhenzhen's side. They tapped on their keyboards, unleashing cries of adoration.
—Holy crap, Yuan Yu, hug me! This mom-fan loves you!
—Sorry, I'm slapping my own face for saying Qin Zhenzhen was only fit to play silly-sweet roles. Yuan Yu, dominate me, ahhhhh!
—Before watching, is all this really necessary? After watching... this is the Yuan Yu I wanted! Go for it, kill that emperor!
—Cold Palace is truly the most successful TV adaptation this year. The adaptation is god-tier, god-tier, god-tier! Let's briefly discuss the actors: every casting choice is spot-on. Then the acting: the Emperor, the General, Yuan Yu, the Empress Dowager, Consort Yao... sorry, I actually can't find anyone with bad acting. It's just too, too, too much like the book!
—Book fan here, fully satisfied. Last night, seeing Yuan Yu deal with Consort Yao, I was genuinely amazed.
Within two or three days of the promotional push, the narratives of various marketing accounts and hired posters were largely unified.
—Qin Zhenzhen Breaks Free from 'Silly-Sweet' Persona for the First Time, Acting Skills Soar.
—Cold Palace Creates Ratings Miracle.
—The Year's Best Adapted TV Series Freshly Announced.
Seeing such promotional angles, Qin Zhenzhen initially wondered if they were effective. After a few days, she didn't need to wonder anymore—they were completely effective. This drama, which had started with zero promotion, even with the production team deliberately suppressing news, completely exploded in popularity by its seventh episode after airing.
Online, a trend even emerged: "Did you watch Cold Palace tonight?"
Many young netizens expressed they hadn't watched a TV drama in years. This time, taking advantage of the New Year holiday, they were staying home to watch TV properly, and incidentally spending time with their parents. Somehow, this sentiment got trending, and many people clicked in to share their thoughts.
Some said they indeed hadn't properly shared a meal or watched TV with their parents in years.
Some said they were always busy but suddenly wanted to go home and see their parents.
There were too many comments like these. Eventually, both the production team and Qin Zhenzhen's side reposted these Weibo posts, adding pictures, expressing hope that amidst the busyness, people wouldn't forget to take care of themselves and their families, to find time to accompany their parents more often—and of course, it'd be best if they could watch Cold Palace.
These words, jokingly on the surface but genuinely caring underneath, warmed the hearts of many netizens who couldn't go home. Some proactive types directly announced they wouldn't work overtime this year and were going home to watch TV with their parents.
Trending topics came one after another, never dropping off since the day of the promotional event. Of course, there were also attacking antis, but mixed among the hired posters and fans, they were quickly drowned out.
Qin Zhenzhen became even busier. Originally scheduled plans had to be changed due to various unforeseen circumstances. Even before the New Year, she participated in a personal interview program. Facing such interviews now, Qin Zhenzhen was completely at ease, chatting and laughing effortlessly, never putting pressure on others. Her perfectly measured performance made the host very comfortable.
After the recording, the host even pulled Qin Zhenzhen aside for photos, praising her as a very emotionally intelligent artist and hoping for another chance to collaborate.
Qin Zhenzhen smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. Ji Lu approached from behind and whispered, "Zhenzhen, Teacher Lu is here."
She pointed to the side. Qin Zhenzhen followed her gesture and saw Lu Ruyun standing not far away, wearing a trench coat, gazing steadily at her with her usual expression.
The host also saw Lu Ruyun, bid Qin Zhenzhen farewell, and left.
Lu Ruyun walked over to Qin Zhenzhen in her high heels and asked, "Do you have anything else scheduled later?"
Qin Zhenzhen rubbed her temples tiredly. "No. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Sister Meng told me to go back and rest early today."
Lu Ruyun nodded lightly. "Okay."
After she changed clothes and removed her makeup, she followed Lu Ruyun to the car.
Once in the car, Qin Zhenzhen leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes to rest. She had intended to nap for just a little while, but ended up falling asleep. She had only slept four hours in the past two days and was already exhausted. Now, relaxing, listening to comfortable music with the warm car heater blowing on her, she quickly drifted into dreamland.
When Lu Ruyun drove the car to the apartment building's underground parking, she turned to look at her. She was even thinner than during the movie filming, her chin sharper, with faint dark circles under her eyes. Lu Ruyun's fingers brushed just below Qin Zhenzhen's eyelids, her touch gentle.
Soon, her phone buzzed with a vibration. Lu Ruyun saw He Shuangshuang's name on the screen.
—Are you sure you don't need us over tonight?
In previous years, New Year's Eve dinner was always shared by her and Zhang Yiyao with Lu Ruyun. Even though Qin Zhenzhen was there this year, given how busy she'd been lately, He Shuangshuang was worried Lu Ruyun might be alone at home, hence the question.
Lu Ruyun pursed her lips and replied: No need. How is Yaoyao?
He Shuangshuang: She's okay. Isn't Qiuhan back recently? So I haven't gone over. Maybe with Qiuhan back, the two of them can make up. Me going over would just make me a third wheel.
Lu Ruyun sighed: Okay.
Just as she finished the conversation, Qin Zhenzhen opened her eyes. Lu Ruyun turned to look at her, her voice gentle. "Awake?"
Qin Zhenzhen was dazed for a few seconds, then looked at Lu Ruyun, a faint smile on her face. "Ruyun, I fell asleep."
Her voice, just woken up, was soft and tender, not as crisp as usual, a bit clingy. Lu Ruyun loved this tone of hers, feeling her heart flutter slightly upon hearing it.
Qin Zhenzhen, awake for several seconds, saw Lu Ruyun wasn't moving, just looking at her. She leaned toward the rearview mirror, checking left and right. "Is there something on my face?"
Lu Ruyun smiled slightly. "Flowers."
Qin Zhenzhen blinked, her expression confused. Lu Ruyun couldn't resist kissing her cheek before getting out of the car.
A cold wind rushed into the car, waking Qin Zhenzhen up fully.
No cooking was happening at the apartment. Tonight, they were planning to have New Year's Eve dinner at Qin Zhenzhen's parents' place. Gifts had been prepared long ago. Actually, according to City A's customs, in the first year of marriage, you're supposed to visit every relative's home with gifts. But due to Qin Zhenzhen's special status, this process was waived; they only bought gifts for her parents.
Lu Ruyun placed the exquisitely wrapped boxes in the trunk. Returning to the apartment, she saw Qin Zhenzhen changing clothes. She was wearing a wool dress; the back zipper was stuck. She was frowning at the mirror. Lu Ruyun walked behind her and helped pull the zipper up. The dress was waist-cinching, accentuating her slender waist, so narrow it seemed you could encircle it with one hand. Qin Zhenzhen spun in front of the mirror twice, very satisfied.
"Ruyun, which outfit are you wearing?"
"How about that coat I bought for you in City H last time? It's really nice."
Lu Ruyun shook her head. "No. That's too bright."
That was Qin Zhenzhen's aesthetic standard—a bright red long wool coat with two flowers embroidered on the chest. Lu Ruyun had worn it once after buying it and refused to wear it again.
Qin Zhenzhen retorted, "What's wrong with bright? New Year's calls for festive colors."
Lu Ruyun was left speechless. She waited as Qin Zhenzhen took the coat out of the closet and selected a matching blouse and wide-leg trousers to go with it.
Seeing Lu Ruyun's reluctance, Qin Zhenzhen shoved the clothes into her hands. "Go change, quick."
When she came out, Qin Zhenzhen's eyes brightened slightly.
Lu Ruyun rarely wore bright colors. Qin Zhenzhen had once rummaged through her closet for ages without finding any color besides black, white, and gray. But during this period, she had intermittently added quite a few items for her.
Actually, she looked very good in red. She was tall, with fair skin—she'd look amazing in red.
Lu Ruyun, seeing Qin Zhenzhen silent for a long moment, walked over to stand beside her. "Is it weird?"
Seeing her uncharacteristic lack of confidence, Qin Zhenzhen pursed her lips into a smile. "It's weird, alright."
"Weirdly beautiful."
Lu Ruyun glanced at her, chuckling lightly. "Let's go."
Qin Zhenzhen followed Lu Ruyun out and got into the car.
This was Lu Ruyun's second time accompanying her home. The first time, they were still acting out a newlywed relationship. Who would have thought it was all real now? In just a few months, the direction of life had changed so drastically.
This feeling was truly incredible. Qin Zhenzhen leaned against the seatback, chatting idly with Lu Ruyun. Her phone was exploding with messages. She casually opened a group chat filled with New Year's greetings. She smiled faintly, placing her hand on Lu Ruyun's. Her heart felt warm and sweet.
Under the streetlights, pedestrians on the street walked in twos and threes, or a car would pass by. Qin Zhenzhen tilted her head, looking at the festive lanterns and decorations outside the window, suddenly reminded of her childhood. Back then, she loved New Year the most, counting down the days on her fingers every winter break. She told Lu Ruyun these memories, even laughing at herself. "You have no idea, when I was a kid, I loved New Year the most because I could receive all sorts of gifts."
Because she was delicate-looking from a young age, all the relatives doted on her. Every New Year, they'd bring her many novel little toys. Back then, young and naive, she loved showing off to her friends, basking in their envious gazes. The vanity of those days—Qin Zhenzhen couldn't help but laugh thinking about it.
Lu Ruyun listened to her chattering, then tilted her head and said, "Zhenzhen, could you get my bag for me?"
Qin Zhenzhen responded with a questioning hum, then turned to fetch her bag from the back seat. "What's wrong?"
Lu Ruyun lowered her gaze. "Open it and see."
Qin Zhenzhen's heartbeat skipped, then she laughed. "What, did you prepare a gift for me?"
Lu Ruyun let out a very soft, very light "Mm."
Qin Zhenzhen's palms grew sweaty. She had received so many gifts before, long past the age of excitement and nervousness over them. But right now, her heart couldn't help but race faster, and faster still.
She opened the bag.
She saw the box inside.
Coincidentally, the car arrived at the residential complex. Lu Ruyun parked the car under a streetlight. Qin Zhenzhen blinked, looking at the box in front of her. "What is it?"
Lu Ruyun took the box and opened it. Qin Zhenzhen saw two rings inside the box, shimmering brilliantly under the streetlight. Her mind exploded with a bang, leaving her at a loss. She bit her lip lightly, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Their marriage had started as a contractual arrangement, devoid of any ceremony, even wedding rings. Initially, they thought it unnecessary, a hassle if they divorced later. They never imagined they'd walk a lifetime with this person.
Lu Ruyun carefully took her hand, her voice gentle. "Actually, they were custom-made a long time ago, but I never found the right opportunity. Zhenzhen, you said the happiest thing for you was receiving gifts during New Year."
"The happiest thing for me is having met you in this lifetime."
She finished with a slight smile at Qin Zhenzhen. Qin Zhenzhen bit her lip, her eyes rimmed red. With a queenly, somewhat haughty posture, seeing Lu Ruyun hadn't moved, she urged, "Well, put it on me!"
Lu Ruyun chuckled softly. Under the streetlight, inside the car, she met Qin Zhenzhen's clear, bright gaze and slowly slid the ring onto her ring finger. Qin Zhenzhen felt the cool touch of the metal on her skin, unable to suppress the unrestrained joy bursting in her heart. She felt full of energy. Soon, sounds came from within the car.
"Zhenzhen, w-wait... makeup will smudge."
"Then we'll just reapply it."
"Zhen... mm..."
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