Married in a Daze - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

The medicine Qin Zhenzhen bought ultimately ended up in Lu Ruyun's bag. Naturally, she didn't take it; she merely placed it in the inner compartment. Perhaps due to her cheerful mood, she felt the pain in her lower abdomen—wasn't as severe anymore.

Her complexion also looked much rosier than before.

Seeing the change in her demeanor, Qin Zhenzhen became even more convinced her own speculation was correct.

This girl was pulling a "suffer to gain sympathy" act, and she had fallen for it.

A miscalculation! Such a miscalculation!

Qin Zhenzhen sighed deeply, grumbling inwardly, The old ginger is still the spiciest.

Around ten o'clock, the production crew finally had everything ready. Shen Haitang handed them an itinerary and script after boarding the vehicle. While most of the activities were scripted, a small portion involved improvising on the spot—this was the bonus segment of Star Showdown.

Also known as the Easter Egg segment.

The Easter Egg segment was different every episode, offering viewers a fresh experience, which was one reason they were willing to keep tuning in.

The bus rattled along, the cabin not exactly quiet. Apart from the host Shen Haitang and the director, the front few rows were filled with numerous crew members. Lu Ruyun was intently studying the itinerary and script, her expression serious. Staff in the front rows occasionally glanced back at her and Qin Zhenzhen. She frowned slightly and looked up.

Those people immediately turned their heads away, sitting up straight.

Lu Ruyun lowered her gaze back to the script. The bus was a bit bumpy. She hadn't slept well last night because of Qin Zhenzhen's text message, staying awake almost until dawn. Now, with the slight swaying of the bus, her head felt heavy and muddled.

She pinched the bridge of her nose and looked at Qin Zhenzhen.

Qin Zhenzhen, wearing earphones, was leaning against the window looking outside, her profile exquisite as a painting. The air conditioning breeze from above blew a few strands of hair against her cheek. Annoyed, Qin Zhenzhen tucked the long hair behind her ear. Lu Ruyun's gaze softened involuntarily as she thought of Qin Zhenzhen's earlier action of getting off the bus to buy medicine.

Shen Haitang nudged the photographer behind her. Understanding, the photographer quickly captured this moment.

The two nearby were completely unaware. Shen Haitang looked at them and suddenly knew what this episode's Easter Egg theme would be.

Love.

Yes, love. What a beautiful age.

What a beautiful sentiment.

It even made the pair of beauties before her seem even more radiant.

Still unaware she was being fantasized about, Qin Zhenzhen saw Lu Ruyun staring at her in the window reflection, making her hair stand on end. She lowered her head, pretending nothing was wrong, and listened to two songs. Sensing the needle-like gaze still fixed on her from beside, she couldn't stand it anymore and turned around. "Lu Ru—"

The words died in her throat as she met Lu Ruyun's lightly sleeping face. She blinked, struggling to finish the name. "Yun."

Lu Ruyun was sleeping.

Her staring earlier was just an illusion.

Even though no one saw her earlier action, Qin Zhenzhen was still so embarrassed she wished she could dig a hole and disappear. A blush spread across her fair face, reaching the roots of her ears. Just as she was about to scoot closer to the window, Lu Ruyun beside her tilted, her head directly landing on Qin Zhenzhen's shoulder.

Qin Zhenzhen's shoulder slumped, and Lu Ruyun slid down along it, ending up lying across her lap.

Qin Zhenzhen blinked twice, the blush on her face not yet faded. She was debating whether to wake her up or just push her aside when a soft call came from the front: "Zhenzhen."

Qin Zhenzhen looked up to see Shen Haitang and the photographer smiling at her.

Her hand, which was about to shake Lu Ruyun awake, instantly lost strength. She could only raise a professional smile, pulling a nearby trench coat over Lu Ruyun's slender form.

A perfect picture of marital affection.

Only after Shen Haitang turned around did Qin Zhenzhen let out a sigh of relief. But thinking of the ever-present photographers, she suppressed the urge to push Lu Ruyun away.

When Lu Ruyun woke up, she was dazed for a few seconds. Seeing a pair of fair thighs, she abruptly sat up, her face pale as paper, bright eyes dark and gleaming, a hint of barely perceptible fear in their depths. She swiftly distanced herself from Qin Zhenzhen, cold sweat uncontrollably breaking out on her palms.

Watching her reaction, the corner of Qin Zhenzhen's mouth twitched.

This reaction.

Was far too genuine.

This was the attitude Lu Ruyun should have towards her—avoiding her like the plague. Thinking of how Lu Ruyun had pretended to be nice to her out of revenge, she felt both unworthy and aggrieved on Lu Ruyun's behalf.

After sitting up straight, Lu Ruyun came to her senses. Seeing the person beside her was Qin Zhenzhen, she slowly unclenched her fists, her expression returning to normal, eyes still bright and dark. She stared at Qin Zhenzhen's profile, her voice hoarse. "Sorry, did I scare you just now?"

Qin Zhenzhen waved her hand. "It's fine, I understand."

Of course she understood, one hundred percent understood!

A cheating student almost getting caught by the proctor—she could totally understand that feeling!

Even though she, the proctor, had already known.

Hearing this, Lu Ruyun looked at Qin Zhenzhen, her bright eyes filled with complex emotions. Seeing Qin Zhenzhen being so magnanimous and saying she understood, Lu Ruyun relaxed. "Thank you."

Qin Zhenzhen gave a shallow smile. "No need."

Their conversation, where neither truly understood the other's meaning, only ended when they got off the bus.

The activity base resembled a small amusement park, fully equipped with various sports facilities and, of course, entertainment equipment. Shen Haitang first led everyone to the dormitories to drop off their luggage.

The dormitories were located at the far right of the activity base—several small villas. While Shen Haitang was assigning rooms, Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun stood beside her. Shen Haitang said to them, "You two take the one at the very end."

Qin Zhenzhen pursed her lips. "Us?"

Shen Haitang smiled, as if puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Qin Zhenzhen was about to speak when she noticed everyone's eyes on her. She curved her lips. "It's nothing. I just think it's a waste for just the two of us to have a whole villa. If anyone can't find a place, feel free to move in with us."

Everyone laughed, taking it as polite talk. After all, for this show, accommodations were arranged by the crew. How could there be a shortage of rooms?

Shen Haitang also chuckled lightly. "That won't do. If I really assigned someone to your villa, Ruyun would come after me."

Her words gave Qin Zhenzhen an easy way out. Qin Zhenzhen seized the opportunity to say, "Well then, we'll go put our luggage in the dorm first."

Everyone smiled. "Go ahead, see you later."

"See you later."

Qin Zhenzhen waved and walked with Lu Ruyun towards the villa at the very end.

The villa wasn't very large. European-style decor, from the hanging crystal chandelier to the vase of fresh flowers nearby, exuded a romantic feel everywhere. Walking from the living room inward, there were several rooms. Qin Zhenzhen randomly pointed at a door. "I'll take this one."

Lu Ruyun didn't speak, simply walking straight to the doors and pushing them open. One room was noticeably more luxuriously decorated. She said to Qin Zhenzhen, "You take this master bedroom."

As she spoke, she wheeled her own luggage inside. Qin Zhenzhen followed behind, confused. "You?"

After placing her luggage, Lu Ruyun took something out from inside and said, "To prevent Haitang from making surprise visits, I'll sleep in the room next door at night. Don't move anything else for now."

Pretending they shared a room.

Qin Zhenzhen looked at Lu Ruyun, momentarily unable to tell if this idea stemmed from the show's requirements or from wanting to get closer to her. But whichever reason it was made no difference; as long as they didn't share a room at night, it was fine.

She nodded. "Okay."

Lu Ruyun: "I'm going to the restroom."

Qin Zhenzhen watched her slender back disappear through the door before turning to open her suitcase. She pulled out a T-shirt and shorts. They'd be exercising later; wearing a skirt was definitely out of the question.

Just after changing clothes, there was a knock on the door. Qin Zhenzhen opened it to see Lu Ruyun standing outside, one hand tying up her long hair, acting naturally. "Do you need to change?"

Lu Ruyun stood at the doorway, stunned for a few seconds, her face slightly pale. She nodded. "Alright."

Qin Zhenzhen, expression unchanged, stood outside the door with her hair in a high ponytail. Lu Ruyun went in and closed the door, leaning back against it, trying hard to calm the sudden surge of panic. She took several deep breaths before letting her gaze fall on her suitcase nearby.

In the inner compartment was the medicine she needed.

Leaning against the door for a long while, she merely pulled two pieces of clothing from her suitcase.

Qin Zhenzhen came out of the bathroom and glanced at her watch. Over ten minutes had passed. Had Lu Ruyun not come out yet, or had she left?

She quickly walked to the closed door and knocked. "Lu... Teacher Lu?"

Lu Ruyun's hand, changing clothes, trembled. "Be right there."

Though the voice sounded barely normal, there was a hint of unnaturalness.

Qin Zhenzhen didn't dwell on it, just stood by the door. "Okay."

She waited another two minutes before Lu Ruyun emerged.

She had changed into a fitted tracksuit—short sleeves and long pants. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and she wore light makeup, which actually reduced her usual air of dignity and added a touch of youthfulness.

It was just that this face was too heroic, looking exactly like a national team coach.

Having calmed her emotions, Lu Ruyun met Qin Zhenzhen's gaze. "What's wrong?"

Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. "Nothing. Let's go out."

The two left the apartment together.

Several people were already standing outside, including Shen Haitang, who was also wearing lively sportswear. Seeing them come out, she smiled. "You two took forever getting ready."

Fu Cheng chimed in. "Teacher Lu and Zhenzhen can afford to take their time."

As soon as she said this, the rest laughed. Qin Zhenzhen glanced at Fu Cheng and noticed she also had a small dimple on her cheek when she smiled, quite similar to that girl named He Tian from her drama crew.

After everyone laughed and joked for a bit, Shen Haitang began distributing task cards.

She led everyone to the large sports field behind the dormitories. Qin Zhenzhen glanced around and saw not only many sports equipment on the field but also some unrelated items. She was frowning slightly when she heard Shen Haitang laugh. "Alright, now I'm going to hand out the task cards."

The camera lens focused on her as she explained, "But first, we draw the activity. Task cards are issued based on the activity."

There were six of them, drawing for four activities. The one with the most votes would be chosen. If two tied in votes, they'd play both activities. This was Qin Zhenzhen's first time participating in this kind of sports variety show, and she found it somewhat novel.

Shen Haitang gave them a cylindrical jar. Each person reached in to draw a slip, with only options one, two, three, or four. Qin Zhenzhen drew number four. She glanced at the slip's description.

Four: Hundred-meter relay. The relay runner must circle the previous runner five times. First to reach the finish line wins. The winner can have one wish granted. The loser must randomly select one player from the group and confess their feelings on the spot.

Qin Zhenzhen looked up at the blazing sun. While a hundred-meter relay wasn't exactly difficult, running it would still be exhausting.

She sincerely hoped they could choose a different event.

But precisely what she hoped for didn't happen.

Hu Jing and Ding Yichuan both drew number four. This activity was unsurprisingly ranked first.

Shen Haitang smiled and handed out the task cards to everyone.

The task card stated they would be in pairs. Qin Zhenzhen watched as Shen Haitang brought out the jar again, guessing they would draw partners. Sure enough, Shen Haitang pointed at the jar. "Although I'd love to pair Ruyun and Zhenzhen together, we can't cheat. Draw your lots."

"I'll grudgingly give you priority. You two draw first."

Everyone chuckled. Qin Zhenzhen stood beside Lu Ruyun, reached in, and drew number two. She tilted her head to look; Lu Ruyun had drawn number three.

Not in the same group...

That was just perfect!

Qin Zhenzhen suppressed her excitement, lowering her head to sneak a laugh, her shoulders shaking. Lu Ruyun looked at her and couldn't help saying, "It's okay, we still have the next round."

Qin Zhenzhen's good mood instantly—vanished.

After drawing partners, they stood together in pairs.

Qin Zhenzhen was paired with Hu Jing. Lu Ruyun with Fu Cheng. The remaining pair was Ding Yichuan and Wang Zi.

Shen Haitang stood at the starting point, letting them decide who would start first.

Qin Zhenzhen, afraid of getting dizzy from circling, chose to stand at the starting line. Lu Ruyun naturally chose to start with her. The other person at the starting line was Ding Yichuan.

Ding Yichuan waved at Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun with a smile. "Teacher Lu, Zhenzhen, do your best. I won't go easy on you."

Qin Zhenzhen responded with her signature smile.

Shen Haitang stood on the other side, a whistle hanging around her neck. She also waved a small flag. Suddenly, the whistle blew!

Ding Yichuan immediately shot forward like an arrow.

Qin Zhenzhen watched his back and pursed her lips.

He really wasn't holding back!

But she was still faster than Lu Ruyun. Perhaps due to her period, Lu Ruyun was running quite slowly. Qin Zhenzhen refrained from looking at her and reached Hu Jing's side a step ahead of Lu Ruyun.

By the time Hu Jing started circling, Lu Ruyun had just arrived.

Fu Cheng, sweating anxiously, quickly began circling Lu Ruyun.

Qin Zhenzhen stood catching her breath. After two or three seconds, she realized something was off. Why was Hu Jing still circling? She pushed Hu Jing's arm. "How many laps?"

Hu Jing's starry eyes looked dazed. "I forgot..."

Qin Zhenzhen gritted her teeth, furrowing her pretty brows. Seeing Fu Cheng had already run off, she hurriedly shouted, "Run!"

Hu Jing immediately dashed off but was still a step slower than Fu Cheng.

He ended up last.

Everyone pointed and laughed at him.

Even Qin Zhenzhen felt too embarrassed to blame him, merely shooting him an annoyed glare. Hu Jing jogged up to her side. "Sorry, Zhenzhen."

Qin Zhenzhen sighed. "Forget it."

Hu Jing scratched his head. He suffered from motion sickness. Although he'd slept on the bus today, getting off and smelling gasoline made him rush back to the villa to vomit. He thought he'd be fine after throwing up, but his head still felt dizzy. Just now, after two circles, he felt like vomiting again.

Seeing his slightly pale face, Qin Zhenzhen swallowed her reproach and asked, "What's wrong?"

Hu Jing met her starry eyes, shimmering with light and clear concern. He smiled. "It's nothing, just a bit of motion sickness. I thought I was better, but the spinning made me dizzy again."

Qin Zhenzhen: "Then why didn't you tell me? I could have spoken to Teacher Shen, let you rest for the next round?"

Hu Jing shook his head. "No need, no need."

As they were chatting, Shen Haitang walked over, holding her flag. "Decided? Which of you two is the loser?"

Considering Hu Jing's condition, Qin Zhenzhen spoke up. "Me."

Hu Jing quickly stood beside her. "No, it was my mistake. I should be the one."

Shen Haitang laughed. "This is the first time I've seen people fighting to be the loser."

"Alright then, Hu Jing it is."

After she said this, the other four also walked over. Ding Yichuan and Wang Zi were unsurprisingly the winners. The winner could make a wish, to be fulfilled by the production team.

In previous episodes, for show effect, this wish fulfillment was often scheduled last, as many wished to meet their idols, and the crew needed to invite the idol for a cameo.

Shen Haitang led Hu Jing and Qin Zhenzhen to stand before Ding Yichuan. "Thought of your wish?"

Ding Yichuan and Wang Zi exchanged glances, unable to suppress their smiles. "Yes."

Shen Haitang looked at them in surprise. "So fast? Let me guess... could your wish be related to someone here?"

Ding Yichuan nodded. "Correct."

Shen Haitang continued. "Related to someone here... that would be Ruyun, right?!"

Wang Zi hummed in agreement. "Teacher Shen is so smart."

Qin Zhenzhen watched their interaction, unsure if this was part of their script or improvised. Their tacit understanding was too well-coordinated.

Shen Haitang's bright eyes swept over Lu Ruyun before landing on Qin Zhenzhen.

Fu Cheng leaned close to Ding Yichuan and whispered, "What's the wish?"

Ding Yichuan extended his hand, holding a slip of paper. "Here."

Fu Cheng, sharp-eyed and quick-handed, tried to grab it. Ding Yichuan hurriedly held on, then handed it to Shen Haitang.

Shen Haitang tucked the small flag at her waist, took Ding Yichuan's slip, and opened it. Fu Cheng peeked carefully from behind her and couldn't help doubling over with laughter when she saw the words.

The slip read: Please have Teacher Lu and Zhenzhen perform the classic scene from the movie Reunion on the spot!

Hearing Shen Haitang finish reading the wish, Qin Zhenzhen was momentarily stunned.

The classic scene from Reunion?

Reunion was an old film about a protagonist who fell in love with a girl in the same class during school. The crush was beautiful yet bittersweet. She cautiously approached, gently testing the waters. The two spent a wonderful school era together.

When school ended, the protagonist, due to timidity, never confessed. They simply went their separate ways.

Ten years later, they reunited. The protagonist had become a psychologist, and the girl was her patient.

Through gradual interaction, the decade-old crush gradually surfaced. It turned out it wasn't just the protagonist's one-sided crush; it was mutual. That girl had also been infatuated with her.

Plot-wise, this movie didn't have particularly outstanding moments—just a common story of reunited crushes rekindling after ten years.

But what set this movie apart from others was precisely this.

This movie was the first same-sex love film released right after the legalization of homosexuality. Although countless similar themes and more novel plots followed later, none could shake this film's position.

It was the white moonlight and cinnabar mole in many people's hearts. One scene, where the protagonist could no longer hold back and finally confessed her feelings in the rain, followed by a passionate, rain-soaked kiss, was hailed as a classic.

And the tablet in Shen Haitang's hands was currently playing this exact classic scene.

Everyone watched with great interest as the protagonist on the screen finally couldn't hold back and said, "I like you."

"From ten years ago..."

Before she could finish, the woman opposite her suddenly embraced her, tilting her head up to meet her lips, sealing them with a kiss. Raindrops slid down both their faces, mingling with indistinguishable tears. Under the rain, they kissed with wild abandon, as if only the two of them existed between heaven and earth.

They kissed for a full two minutes before the scene shifted to a room.

Shen Haitang put away the tablet and looked at Lu Ruyun. Winners' wishes weren't always guaranteed fulfillment. The production team could only try their best to satisfy, not promise one hundred percent satisfaction, like with this wish.

She still needed Lu Ruyun and Qin Zhenzhen's consent.

With this in mind, she asked, "Ruyun and Zhenzhen, what's your opinion? Are you willing to fulfill our juniors' wish?"

Qin Zhenzhen looked up at Lu Ruyun.

They could refuse.

But the reason for refusal?

Not wanting to perform intimate scenes with Lu Ruyun?

She could already imagine the trending topic hanging her and Lu Ruyun's names for a whole day tomorrow if she said that.

Qin Zhenzhen stole a glance at Ding Yichuan. What kind of wish was this? If you must wish for something, couldn't you wish for world peace? Always having such thoughts in your head—so improper!

Ding Yichuan sensed her gaze and quickly turned to meet it with a smile. "Teacher Qin, do your best!"

Qin Zhenzhen raised a fake smile.

Do my best.

Do my best at what.

Do I need to "do my best" to kiss Lu Ruyun? Kiss until the end of time?

The thought horrified her, making her shiver. Lu Ruyun beside her asked softly, "Is it okay?"

Qin Zhenzhen pursed her lips. "Can it not be okay?"

Lu Ruyun lowered her eyelids, expression normal, and said nothing.

Shen Haitang on the other side smiled. "Good, since you two have no objections, let's prepare."

Prepare.

Artificial rain was definitely impossible. Qin Zhenzhen thought they'd probably just act out a passionate scene. Three minutes later, she was wrong. She had underestimated human imagination.

Hu Jing, Fu Cheng, and Ding Yichuan stood together, each holding a bucket. On the other side stood four staff members, also holding buckets. Shen Haitang smiled. "Look at the sky. Rain is unlikely, so we can only create artificial rain."

As she spoke, she dipped her hand into the nearest staff member's bucket and sprinkled water like scattering flowers. "Like this."

Watching her action, Qin Zhenzhen wished she could faint on the spot.

Whose idea was this?!

Not only was it utterly lacking in aesthetic appeal, it was downright pathetic. This wasn't recreating a classic scene; this was creating an absurd one, right??

However, her refusal was not accepted. Shen Haitang looked at her and smiled. "Don't worry, Zhenzhen. We'll control the intensity."

She then looked at Lu Ruyun. "Need to prepare?"

Lu Ruyun turned to meet Qin Zhenzhen's bright eyes. "Do you need to prepare?"

Qin Zhenzhen took several deep breaths. "Let's start."

Their attire today wasn't as refined as in the film, but Qin Zhenzhen's T-shirt and shorts paired with Lu Ruyun's fitted tracksuit had its own unique flavor. Or perhaps it was because they were good-looking, natural-born clothes hangers, making anything look stylish.

Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun stood facing each other. Shen Haitang gestured to the side, and the other staff members signaled understanding. One staff member pretended to be a clapper loader, stepping forward and announcing in an exaggerated tone, "Reunion classic scene reenactment, scene one, begin!"

His comical voice made everyone double over with laughter, even Qin Zhenzhen couldn't suppress a smile. Shen Haitang quickly walked over to the staff member and rapped his head. "Be serious!"

After saying that, she raised her hand. Everyone got into position.

Qin Zhenzhen also began to get into character. This scene was hailed as the classic of Reunion not just because of the rain-soaked kiss, but because, in that environment, breaking through worldly conventions to choose honesty and receiving the most passionate response.

It gave countless people in same-sex relationships immense courage. Qin Zhenzhen heard that when this film was released, several cinemas were in an uproar. She was still young then, not understanding such emotions. Of course, up to this point, she still couldn't personally comprehend what kind of impulse this was.

Because she had yet to encounter someone who could make her crazy enough to disregard everything.

Qin Zhenzhen was playing the protagonist. She mimicked the protagonist's state of mind several times. Rainy day. A confession difficult to voice. The bitter memories carefully stored for ten years, all unveiled at this moment.

Not far away, Shen Haitang and the others were gently sprinkling water. As she said, the intensity was perfectly controlled. The droplets falling on them were just like rain, not appearing messy, and even carrying a hint of hazy beauty through the lens.

Feeling the water on her cheeks, Qin Zhenzhen looked up at the person before her, her red lips parting slightly. "I like you."

Lu Ruyun raised her eyes, her gaze fixed on Qin Zhenzhen's exquisite features. Her fair forehead, whether from sweat or rain, gleamed with a faint light. Bright eyes like water, autumn waves within, long eyelashes trembling lightly. She clenched her hands, not daring to take a step forward.

Water splashed between them, blurring their vision. Qin Zhenzhen held her breath and continued, "From ten years ago..."

After saying this, she blinked, signaling it was Lu Ruyun's turn. Lu Ruyun remained motionless, still staring at her dazedly, a hint of softness in her eyes. Seeing her immobile, Qin Zhenzhen simply reached out and pulled her closer. Lu Ruyun took a step forward, standing face-to-face with Qin Zhenzhen.

This was clearly no longer following Reunion's scene.

But Shen Haitang didn't call cut.

Qin Zhenzhen looked up at the dazed Lu Ruyun and gritted her teeth. "Hurry up and kiss me already!"

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