Married in a Daze - Chapter 162

Chapter 162

The next day, when Lu Ruyun called Yin Ye, she learned that Lu Sheng had already contacted her and agreed to the script. Recalling the scene from last night, a slight ache spread from the bridge of Lu Ruyun's nose. She said to Yin Ye on the other end of the phone, "Okay, then I'll trouble you with this, Auntie Yin."

Yin Ye chuckled lightly. "It's no trouble."

Just as Yin Ye was about to hang up, Lu Ruyun added, "I'm sorry, Auntie Yin." She hung up the call before Yin Ye could respond, her eyes feeling slightly warm.

Since Lu Sheng had agreed to the script, Yin Ye didn't need to make any changes. Lu Ruyun reviewed the script from the beginning, confirmed everything was correct, and then handed it to Duan Qiuhan, asking him to start the promotional efforts.

Qin Zhenzhen had completely disappeared from the public eye since terminating her contract with Jing Rui. Many netizens speculated whether she was secretly filming a drama or preparing for her wedding.

Her whereabouts remained a mystery, and her fans were eagerly waiting for any news from her.

At this point in time, Duan Qiuhan's announcement that his next film would be a collaboration with Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun still caused quite a stir.

It was well known that Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun had collaborated once before. Time in Full Bloom had even been jokingly referred to by netizens as the work that sealed their relationship. With such a film preceding this new collaboration, it inevitably sparked some unusual discussions.

Anti-fans quickly latched onto these differing voices and spread them rapidly.

However, the fans of Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun didn't just sit back and allow the slander. They raised their voices and clashed head-on with the anti-fans. Qin Zhenzhen's achievements over the past half-year were there for all to see. She had already reached the peak twice with SP and Lanyi, making a powerful statement. Furthermore, Cold Palace, as one of the top TV dramas exported abroad this year, had achieved legendary ratings, putting Qin Zhenzhen in a position to look down upon a host of other popular young actresses.

The fans of the two were quite formidable. Within two hours of Duan Qiuhan's announcement, they had managed to control the narrative. Opening Weibo or forums, you'd see a flood of declarations of love.

Still, netizens were more curious about why they were collaborating with Duan Qiuhan than about the film itself.

After all, around this time last year, the two were rumored to be love rivals.

Although it was later proven to be a misunderstanding, it hadn't extinguished the gossip-loving hearts of the public.

All sorts of rumors followed.

Outsiders watch for excitement, while insiders watch for substance. Compared to netizens focusing on the gossip surrounding the trio, people within the industry were saying Qin Zhenzhen was devaluing herself.

What was her current status in the industry? She had been the female lead in Jian Mu's MV, collaborated with Yu Changlin, currently had a palace drama that was a major hit, and had even broken records with SP and Lanyi. With such standing, who couldn't she collaborate with? Why did it have to be Duan Qiuhan?

Not to mention Duan Qiuhan being relentlessly criticized online after the new year, he himself had no connections, no capital, and no background.

A triple-threat in the worst way.

His filmmaking was purely a hobby. For Qin Zhenzhen to choose to collaborate with him under these circumstances wasn't just about devaluing herself; there were suspicions she was sabotaging her own career.

However, an explanation for this viewpoint later emerged. Rumor had it that after terminating her contract with Jing Rui, Qin Zhenzhen had lost her resources. Coupled with Jing Rui intentionally applying pressure, she was grabbing any film opportunity that came her way.

Although most people felt this explanation was unlikely, it was currently the best reason circulating for Qin Zhenzhen's choice to work with Duan Qiuhan.

When Qin Zhenzhen found out this was the rumor going around the industry, she dug at her ear, looking incredulously at Ji Lu. "What did you say? No resources? Being suppressed?"

She laughed at her own words.

The TV drama and film audition invitations from Meng Xin's side were scheduled all the way to the end of the year. How could these people come up with this reason? She had no idea how such a rumor started.

Ji Lu also couldn't understand it. The rumor was spreading so convincingly within the industry, as if Zhenzhen really couldn't make it anymore and was begging for Duan Qiuhan's resources.

She shrugged. "Should we clarify things?"

"Clarify what?" Qin Zhenzhen glanced sideways at her. "Only fools would believe it."

Ji Lu pouted but said nothing.

Qin Zhenzhen looked at her reflection in the mirror and raised her eyes. "Where's Ruyun?"

Ji Lu was momentarily stunned, thinking for a few seconds before replying, "She went to a meeting with Director Duan."

Qin Zhenzhen nodded slightly. Lu Ruyun was meeting with Duan Qiuhan today to finalize the filming start date—the sooner, the better. Both she and Lu Ruyun currently had few work commitments, having turned down most appearances, preparing to focus solely on filming.

As soon as Ji Lu finished speaking, Qin Zhenzhen's phone notification sounded. It was a message from Lu Ruyun.

The filming start date was set: three days from now.

Qin Zhenzhen had no objections. She replied with "no problem." Shortly after sending it, she received a message from Meng Xin, informing her that Mountain Girl had secured its release date. The premiere was set for mid-June.

Meng Xin's message made Qin Zhenzhen abandon her lazy posture. She read the message over and over several times.

Mountain Girl wasn't her first film, but it was her first meaningful attempt at transformation. Moreover, during the filming of Mountain Girl, Lu Ruyun had given her private coaching. Even Yu Changlin said her acting had shown breakthroughs. Whether this statement was an exaggeration or not would depend on the audience's reaction.

When Lu Ruyun arrived at the studio, she saw Qin Zhenzhen holding her phone, lost in thought.

Ji Lu, spotting Lu Ruyun's approach, discreetly left the office, remembering to close the door behind her.

Lu Ruyun walked over to the sofa, sat down, and hugged Qin Zhenzhen. "What are you looking at?"

Qin Zhenzhen turned her head to look at Lu Ruyun, relaxing her body a bit. She put her phone back in her bag and smiled. "Nothing. Sister Meng just sent me a message. Mountain Girl has been scheduled for release."

Lu Ruyun showed slight surprise upon hearing this. "When?"

"Next month."

After saying this, Qin Zhenzhen looked at Lu Ruyun. "Teacher Lu, I'm going to be busy again."

Lu Ruyun held her and hummed in acknowledgment.

The premiere date for Mountain Girl was earlier than she had expected, but it wasn't hard to guess. Among the four major film festivals, Shengshi and Changle both had submission deadlines in June. If Yu Changlin was considering the film festivals, choosing a June release was understandable.

The setting sun cast its afterglow through the window into the office. Seeing Lu Ruyun silent, Qin Zhenzhen turned her head and asked, "Ruyun, did you make plans with Aunt for tonight?"

Lu Ruyun's thoughts were interrupted. She reacted and nodded. "I did."

After speaking, her expression turned hesitant.

Qin Zhenzhen looked at her with a smile. "What's wrong?" These past few days, her attempts to persuade Lu Sheng to return to the apartment had been unsuccessful. So, she simply made a habit of dragging Lu Ruyun along to have dinner with Lu Sheng whenever possible. Fortunately, they weren't in a drama crew yet and had free time. In a few more days, they probably wouldn't even have time for a meal.

Lu Ruyun remained silent for a moment, resting her chin on Qin Zhenzhen's shoulder before finally saying, "I'm wondering if I should invite Auntie Yin to join us."

Hearing this, someone as clever as Qin Zhenzhen immediately understood her meaning.

"You want to play matchmaker between Aunt and Auntie Yin?"

Lu Ruyun pressed her lips together, her expression conflicted. "Not matchmaking. I just feel they shouldn't miss their chance like this."

Especially because of her.

These past few days, facing Lu Sheng always brought a faint sense of guilt to Lu Ruyun. How good Lu Sheng and Yin Ye's relationship was—even though she was young back then, she could feel it. Recalling the diary of Lu Sheng's she had accidentally seen, the depth of emotion between the lines, the attachment that couldn't be fully expressed on paper, every sentence had left a deep impression on her. Yet, because of her, the two had been separated for so many years. She always felt remorseful.

Moreover, Lu Sheng had been unwilling to enter another relationship all these years. Sometimes, looking at the solitary Lu Sheng and recalling the scenes of Lu Sheng and Yin Ye together in the past, she felt she shouldn't do nothing.

Qin Zhenzhen let herself be hugged from behind, Lu Ruyun's warm breath against her neck, causing a ticklish sensation.

"Ruyun."

"Actually, whether Aunt and Auntie Yin have missed their chance isn't for us to decide."

"Do you remember what you told me before?"

"You said two people who are meant to meet will always meet, just in different ways."

"Look, Aunt and Auntie Yin have already reconnected, haven't they?"

Although it was a bit late, it was better than having no contact at all. As for whether the two could ultimately walk together again, that belonged to the trajectory of their own fate. It couldn't be forced, nor could it be missed.

After hearing this, Lu Ruyun thought for a long time before nodding gently, a smile shimmering in her bright eyes as she said softly, "Zhenzhen."

Qin Zhenzhen turned her face to look at Lu Ruyun, blinking. "What is it?"

Lu Ruyun leaned in a little closer, her voice slightly lower. "Nothing. I just want to kiss you."

Qin Zhenzhen: ...

The two lingered in the office for quite a while. When they left, Qin Zhenzhen's lips were slightly swollen. She spent a long time in the restroom touching up her makeup before coming out. Lu Ruyun waited for her at the door. Seeing the charming, slightly reproachful glance Qin Zhenzhen shot her, her eyes sparkling with a glimmer of emotion, Lu Ruyun felt a tickle in her throat. She coughed lightly and averted her gaze.

Dinner was still with Lu Sheng at the hotel. Lu Sheng mentioned wanting to visit Qin Zhenzhen's parents in the next few days while she had time. After a quick discussion, Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen decided to go within these three days. Once they entered the film crew, they might genuinely have no time.

Lu Sheng naturally had no objections, leaving the timing entirely up to Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun.

After dinner, they settled on the date to visit the Qin household. Lu Sheng also dragged Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen out to buy many gifts. Having been in City A for so long, this was her first time visiting the night market. Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun accompanied her until past midnight before sending Lu Sheng back to the hotel.

Lu Ruyun drove back. After wandering around for half the night, Qin Zhenzhen was somewhat tired, her calves aching. Once in the car, she kicked off her high heels, leaned back in the seat, feeling indescribably comfortable.

Lu Ruyun glanced at her, seeing not a trace of her usual dignified posture, and a faint smile touched her lips. She pulled a blanket from the back seat and handed it to Qin Zhenzhen, gesturing for her to cover herself.

The car window was open. The night breeze blew gently into the car. As summer approached, even the wind carried a touch of warmth.

Qin Zhenzhen leaned against the seat, tilting her head to look at the neon lights outside. The dazzling array of lights, the vibrant nightlife, flickered incessantly, a dizzying spectacle. She narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression serene.

The car was quiet, filled only with soft music and the familiar scent of perfume. Time seemed to flow slowly, like the gradual movement of traffic. As they neared the apartment, Qin Zhenzhen's phone let out a soft ding. She took it out of her bag to look. It was actually a message from Meng Xin.

At this hour, sending a message... Qin Zhenzhen's right eyelid twitched inexplicably.

Opening her phone, she indeed saw a rather unpleasant piece of news.

—Zhenzhen, Zheng Shaoyuan's film is premiering on the same day as yours.

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