Married in a Daze - Chapter 149

Chapter 149

The Real Culprit was a suspense drama with two female leads who were best friends. They shared a deep bond, having accompanied each other for over a decade. One of the heroines had suffered trauma in childhood, spending several years in the hospital. Later, with the help of her boyfriend and her best friend, she slowly recovered and stepped out of the cage of her shadow.

The film opened with the mysterious death of the heroine's boyfriend, with the police collecting evidence and investigating. During the evidence-gathering process, suspicions fell on one of the two best friends. But as the investigation continued, the heroine herself also became a suspect. Just as the police investigation hit a deadlock, the best friend came forward and confessed, claiming to be the real murderer. At that moment, however, the heroine suddenly had a relapse, bringing up events from her childhood. The police discovered she had a history of mental illness and had argued with her boyfriend numerous times, deepening the suspicion against her. The best friend's confession now seemed more like an act of protection. Thus, both women became subjects of the investigation.

Unexpectedly, each piece of evidence collected was later overturned. This seemingly small case was filled with suspense, the plot complex and bewildering, one twist linked to another, tightly interwoven. Every small development seemed to offer a glimmer of hope, a breakthrough, yet none ever revealed the full truth. Even the final ending left much room for imagination.

When Qin Zhenzhen first read this script, she was genuinely impressed. Based on her extensive experience reading scripts, this film was destined to be a hit. However, when she reached the additional character details and the heroine's backstory, she fell silent.

Flipping back a few pages, there was indeed a brief description of the heroine's traumatic origin, but she hadn't studied it carefully before. Looking back now, she felt a chilling sensation creeping up from the soles of her feet.

The heroine's childhood trauma, her hospital experience—parts of it were shockingly similar to Lu Ruyun's own past. Of course, for dramatic effect, the script depicted the heroine's experiences as more severe, but she could see the parallels at a glance. As for Lu Ruyun, she would see it even more clearly. She probably noticed something was off from just the first few pages, and wouldn't need to read to the end to understand what had happened to the heroine.

Qin Zhenzhen stole a glance at Lu Ruyun. She had been sitting on the sofa for half an hour without making a sound. The two of them had just been sitting there in silence. Finally unable to bear it, Zhenzhen called out, "Ruyun?"

Hearing her voice, Lu Ruyun turned her head to look at her. Her originally pale complexion had slowly regained some color, a faint blush returning, but the coldness in her eyes hadn't yet dissipated. Her gaze focused on Qin Zhenzhen a moment later than usual. "Mm."

Qin Zhenzhen tidied the script and placed it on the coffee table, then scooted closer to her, whispering, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Lu Ruyun forced a smile, pulling back her imposing aura as she leaned against the back of the sofa. Qin Zhenzhen wrapped her arms around her waist, sensing the tension in her body. She slowly patted Lu Ruyun's back. "It's alright. Don't think about it anymore."

"Zhenzhen, I'm fine." Though Lu Ruyun's words said she was fine, her body told a different story. Her stiff posture and the slight trembling of her fingertips betrayed her.

But Qin Zhenzhen didn't call out her obvious lie. Instead, she played along. "Good, as long as you're fine."

"This script... Director Duan gave it to you?"

Her question carried a hint of suspicion. Duan Qiuhan had been with Zhang Yiyao for so many years; it wouldn't be strange if he knew a little about Ruyun's past. Moreover, considering how badly things had ended between Zhang Yiyao and Ruyun, and now Duan Qiuhan had broken up with Zhang Yiyao—for him to present this script now, anyone could guess his intentions.

As if sensing her doubts, Lu Ruyun replied in a low voice, "Zhenzhen, it wasn't Qiuhan."

"He only knows I was hospitalized before. He doesn't know about that incident."

In fact, even Zhang Yiyao didn't know. She and He Shuangshuang only knew she had been hospitalized because of family issues, that there were conflicts with her parents—just the surface details. As for the true circumstances, outsiders had no idea. Qin Zhenzhen was the first person she had ever told. Even Vice Dean Ding had only learned the situation from the Lu family.

So, after slowly calming down and recalling the script she had just read, she realized only parts of the experiences matched her own; there were still many differences.

She had been too easily drawn into it earlier, unable to think clearly. Now, with the script out of sight, she could finally regain her composure.

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhenzhen continued to hold her. "Well, if it wasn't him, then it wasn't. Anyway, don't think about it anymore. Just return this script to Director Duan. I don't want you looking at it either."

She rattled on, firmly opposing any further exposure to the script. After finishing, she even used her toes to nudge the script, pushing it off the coffee table onto the carpet below. Seeing her childish action, Lu Ruyun said nothing, simply allowing herself to be held, slowly calming the storm of emotions that had just raged within her.

Meng Xin and the others arrived, and Qin Zhenzhen reluctantly went to open the door. Worried her unsettled state might show, Lu Ruyun went to the bedroom to change and reapply her makeup. When she came downstairs, He Shuangshuang was setting down several bags of fruit on the coffee table. As she did, she casually tidied up some materials, picking up the script from the floor and placing it with the rest on the TV cabinet.

Everyone looked over as Lu Ruyun descended the stairs. She had changed into a long dress with a shawl over her shoulders, her hair tied up, her makeup freshly applied. No trace of her earlier demeanor remained. Seeing her like this, Qin Zhenzhen let out a sigh of relief and called, "Ruyun, come over. Sister Meng and the others are here."

As soon as she finished speaking, Dong Xiang and Mei Ling respectfully greeted, "Teacher Lu."

Lu Ruyun gave a slight nod. "Please, have a seat."

Qin Zhenzhen stood at the foot of the stairs, looking up at her with a smile. After Lu Ruyun came down, she asked, "What should we have for dinner?"

Originally, she had planned to cook after her shower, but the earlier incident had thrown everything off. Now, there were no dinner preparations at all. Her question made Lu Ruyun pause for a few seconds before she smiled and said, "Ask Sister Meng."

"How about hotpot?"

The suggestion came from Dong Xiang. After speaking, she offered a somewhat shy smile. She wasn't usually very talkative, so taking the initiative like this was quite rare.

"I heard Sister Meng likes hotpot. Lingling and I just bought a lot of ingredients."

Mei Ling also smiled. "Yeah, Xiangxiang just dragged me out to buy these."

She pointed to the two large white bags on the coffee table, from which the outlines of various vegetables and hotpot meatballs were visible. They had even bought the soup base. It seemed they had come prepared.

Qin Zhenzhen didn't comment on their approach.

Although she and Lu Ruyun were now the bosses of the studio, ultimately, it was Meng Xin who currently managed their schedules. He Shuangshuang had said she would guide them, but she wasn't very experienced at it. Meng Xin had been brought in, and Lu Ruyun had handed over all practical authority to her. They had seen this clearly and naturally knew who to please.

Having a little cleverness wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Thinking this, Qin Zhenzhen smiled. "Great! Then let's have hotpot!"

Once she agreed, no one else objected. Qin Zhenzhen brought out a split hotpot pot. Her cooking skills had improved significantly recently, and she still managed to whip up one or two of her signature dishes. Lu Ruyun helped in the kitchen, the sounds of their activity occasionally drifting out. Dong Xiang, visiting the apartment for the first time, looked around curiously. Her gaze eventually settled on the kitchen, and she said with a hint of envy, "Zhenzhen and Teacher Lu have such a good relationship."

"Yeah, it's really good," Mei Ling echoed. Hearing this, Meng Xin smiled and sat on the sofa watching TV. Ji Lu and He Shuangshuang sat together on another sofa, neither speaking. Nearby, Mei Ling and Dong Xiang were chatting. He Shuangshuang shifted uncomfortably. Ji Lu turned to her naturally and asked, "What have you been busy with these past few days?"

He Shuangshuang glanced at her relaxed demeanor, feeling even more uneasy. She scooted a bit to the side, clearing her throat softly. "Nothing much, just studio stuff."

Ji Lu nodded. "Well, if you need help, you can call me. Zhenzhen doesn't have any schedules these days. She asked me to help you guys out more."

He Shuangshuang knew Ji Lu had joined the studio with Qin Zhenzhen; she had even prepared the contract. But Ji Lu hadn't started working at the studio until now. This sudden offer to help still felt awkward.

"No need..."

He Shuangshuang murmured the two words, her lips barely moving. Seeing Ji Lu's clear eyes fixed on her, a faint blush crept onto her pretty face. She pretended to focus on the TV. "Zhenzhen is preparing for the wedding, right? You should help her."

As soon as she finished, Mei Ling, sitting beside her, asked curiously, "Sister Shuangshuang, when is Teacher Lu's wedding?"

Dong Xiang also looked at He Shuangshuang, curiosity in her eyes. He Shuangshuang pursed her lips into a smile. "Not decided yet. It depends on what they arrange."

Mei Ling nodded. "That's true. Teacher Lu will let us know."

"The sixth of next month..."

"That probably won't work..."

Various discussions drifted from the sofa area, mingling with the sounds from the TV. Lu Ruyun stood in the kitchen. Before her was Qin Zhenzhen's busy figure; behind her, the hushed chatter of friends. The coldness and warmth in her heart collided, sparking into flames that then spread to every corner of her body, covering the previous icy sensation.

She watched Qin Zhenzhen's profile as she bent her head to wash vegetables. Tap water fell on her fingertips, scattering into glistening droplets. Unable to resist, Lu Ruyun wrapped her arms around Qin Zhenzhen from behind, holding her tightly.

Qin Zhenzhen only froze for a few seconds before leaning back into her embrace. Only an occasional word or two escaped the kitchen. The others tactfully shifted their gazes away, engaging in their own conversations.

Dinner was quite enjoyable. Everyone had a few small drinks. Ji Lu had to drive later, so she refrained, planning to take people home. The dining table was lively and noisy. Dong Xiang, not a talkative girl, was drawn into telling a few jokes. Outside, the sky gradually darkened, but the laughter and chatter from the living room drifted through the windows, the atmosphere harmonious.

Lu Ruyun, quite unusually, also drank several glasses in a row until a flush appeared on her cheeks. Worried she might get drunk if she continued, Qin Zhenzhen quickly replaced the wine in front of her with milk.

The meal was a success, hosts and guests alike enjoying themselves.

After dinner, Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun saw Meng Xin and the others off. He Shuangshuang, who had drunk the most, was helped into the car by Ji Lu and Meng Xin. Dong Xiang and Mei Ling, who hadn't drunk much, also said their goodbyes and got in the car to look after He Shuangshuang.

Lu Ruyun watched as the lively sounds faded and the car slowly disappeared from view. A breeze blew, and she slightly narrowed her eyes.

Qin Zhenzhen called from the doorway, "Ruyun."

Lu Ruyun collected herself and walked back inside, closing the door. The TV was still on, the table a mess. Qin Zhenzhen moved to clean up but was stopped as Lu Ruyun grabbed her wrist.

Her long hair swirled through the air as Qin Zhenzhen was pulled into Lu Ruyun's embrace. Both had been drinking; the strong scent of alcohol under their noses wasn't particularly pleasant, but Lu Ruyun found it intoxicating.

Qin Zhenzhen tilted her head back slightly in the embrace, but before she could speak, Lu Ruyun captured her lips. Qin Zhenzhen stumbled backward, her back hitting the shoe-changing stool. She sat down abruptly, facing the full-length mirror. In the reflection, she saw her own flushed cheeks, her eyes soft and alluring. Lu Ruyun's hands were already roaming over her body. Under this dual assault on her senses—visual and tactile—she instantly deflated like a balloon losing air, going limp.

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