Married in a Daze - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

After Ji Lu picked up Qin Zhenzhen and got her into the car, she immediately noticed something was off about her expression. She frowned and asked, "Zhenzhen, what's wrong? Are you tired from the show?"

Qin Zhenzhen recalled Lu Ruyun's voice just moments ago and shook her head. "I'm fine, I just need to rest."

Ji Lu: "Should I ask Sister Meng to inform Director Hu?"

Qin Zhenzhen shook her head again. "There's no need."

There was a night shoot scheduled for tonight, everything was already arranged. She had no reason to skip it because of her own minor issue.

Seeing her attitude, Ji Lu didn't press further and changed the subject.

They went to Qin Zhenzhen's apartment first to drop off her luggage. Qin Zhenzhen sat on the sofa while Ji Lu opened her suitcase and began unpacking. She hung up each piece of clothing on the rack. When she turned back to the suitcase, she noticed a dress.

It looked quite familiar.

Ji Lu thought for a moment; she seemed to remember seeing Lu Ruyun wearing it.

So, did Zhenzhen buy the same one?

She took the dress out of the suitcase, shook it out, and frowned. "Zhenzhen, is this dress Teacher Lu's, or did you just buy it?"

Qin Zhenzhen turned to look and saw the dress in Ji Lu's hand.

It was Lu Ruyun's. She must have accidentally packed it into her own suitcase when she was packing at noon. Thinking of this, she said to Ji Lu, "Just leave it there."

Ji Lu nodded and placed the dress on the sofa. After a moment's thought, Qin Zhenzhen added, "Go get a garment bag. You can give it to her when we get to the set."

"Okay."

Ji Lu walked to the cabinet in the room, took out a garment bag, carefully folded the dress, and placed it inside. Qin Zhenzhen's gaze lingered on the bag on the sofa for a long while before she leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes.

The two of them stayed in the apartment unpacking until evening. Dinner was takeout ordered by Ji Lu. Looking at the ready-made meal on the table, Qin Zhenzhen suddenly thought of the home-cooked dishes Lu Ruyun had made just a couple of days ago. She sat down somewhat irritably, poking her chopsticks into her bowl, creating a clinking sound.

Ji Lu frowned at her, increasingly convinced she wasn't acting normal today.

After dinner, once Ji Lu had cleaned up, she asked Qin Zhenzhen if she needed to rest. Qin Zhenzhen turned to look at her. "Has Sister Meng mentioned anything to you about the new project?"

Typically, Meng Xin would notify Ji Lu.

Sure enough, Ji Lu nodded. "Yes, she did. She also said she's arranged some time for you to have a meal with Director Zheng. The audition time hasn't been announced yet."

Thinking of Lu Ruyun's words, Qin Zhenzhen said to Ji Lu, "When's the dinner?"

Ji Lu thought for a moment. "The day after tomorrow, in the evening."

Qin Zhenzhen made a sound of acknowledgment and stood up. Ji Lu watched her move and frowned. "Where are you going?"

"To the set."

Ji Lu followed behind her. "Huh? Now? But you just got back, shouldn't you rest..."

Before she could finish, she saw Qin Zhenzhen was already at the door. She had no choice but to follow. After a moment's hesitation, she picked up the garment bag from the sofa as well.

Ji Lu drove. Once in the car, Qin Zhenzhen, afraid Ji Lu would nag, closed her eyes and pretended to nap.

Seeing her so tired, Ji Lu stayed quiet the whole way, even turning up the air conditioning temperature a bit to prevent her from getting cold if she fell asleep. Qin Zhenzhen had only intended to pretend, but unexpectedly, she genuinely fell asleep and slept all the way to the set.

After parking, Ji Lu opened the door for her.

A cool evening breeze had picked up. The weather wasn't as stiflingly hot as it had been recently, likely due to yesterday's rain. It felt refreshingly cool. Qin Zhenzhen walked beside Ji Lu in her high heels, and soon they entered the film and television city and arrived at the set.

Hu Jing had already arrived. Tonight's scene involved a confrontation between him and Song He in the Golden Luan Hall, so he had come straight here after leaving the show to get into costume and prepare. Qin Zhenzhen's scenes were later, so after arriving at the set, she sat under a parasol.

Not far away, Sun Qin had just finished her scene. Seeing Qin Zhenzhen, whom she hadn't seen in days, she called out, "Zhenzhen!"

Qin Zhenzhen looked up and smiled. "Teacher Sun."

Sun Qin smiled warmly at her. "How was it? Did the show recording go smoothly?"

Qin Zhenzhen nodded. "Pretty well."

While they were still chatting, Song He also walked over in his costume. As soon as he arrived, he collapsed onto a stool, looking utterly exhausted. "Zhenzhen, you're finally back. We're about to be skinned alive by Director Hu's torment."

Qin Zhenzhen glanced at him sideways. "Is it that exaggerated?"

Song He laughed. "Of course it is! Look, have I lost weight?"

Qin Zhenzhen studied him seriously. "You've gotten fatter!"

Song He: "Do you even know how to have a conversation!"

The group joked around for a while until footsteps were heard not far away. They turned to look and saw Lu Ruyun surrounded by several people. She was already in costume, walking beside Duan Qiuhan as they talked, followed by several staff members and He Shuangshuang.

Qin Zhenzhen stared at her figure for a moment. It was Song He who nudged her and said, "What's the matter? Seeing her every day and still so enamored? Zhenzhen, you're done for."

Sun Qin laughed. "What do you know? They're newlyweds. Show some understanding."

Song He raised an eyebrow. "Right."

After teasing Qin Zhenzhen, they heard the signal from Director Hu to get ready. The two of them bid farewell to Qin Zhenzhen and got up to walk outside. After they left, the faint smile vanished from Qin Zhenzhen's face, replaced by a cool expression.

Ji Lu sat beside her and asked, "Zhenzhen, do you want to rest a bit?"

Qin Zhenzhen shook her head. "No need. I need to call Sister Meng."

Ji Lu acknowledged. "Alright, then I'll go return the clothes to Teacher Lu."

With that, she got up, carrying the bag, and walked towards the other production set. Qin Zhenzhen remained seated, taking her phone out of her pocket to call Meng Xin.

The phone rang several times before someone picked up. It was very noisy on Meng Xin's end.

"Sorry, Director Zheng, I need to take a call."

Qin Zhenzhen heard Meng Xin's whispered apology, and a few seconds later, it quieted down on the other end.

"Zhenzhen? Are you back?"

Qin Zhenzhen made an affirmative sound. "I'm at the set."

Meng Xin: "Good. Get some rest tonight. I've arranged dinner with Director Zheng tomorrow night. It wasn't easy to get this connection. Tomorrow, you need to..."

Qin Zhenzhen interrupted her. "Sister Meng."

"I don't want to accept Director Zheng's new project."

For a moment, Meng Xin wondered if she had heard wrong and asked twice, "What? What?"

Qin Zhenzhen let out a breath and lowered her head. "Director Zheng's new project... I don't think it's suitable for me. Sister Meng, I know you went to a lot of trouble for this opportunity, but I don't want to take it."

Meng Xin's expression tightened, her voice gradually sinking. "Why isn't it suitable? Why don't you want to take it? Zhenzhen, you can't always expect to soar to the top overnight. We need to have a long-term plan. I know the movie Time in Full Bloom was a bit of a blow for you, but Director Zheng is different. Several of his films have been released, and the lowest box office has been at least five hundred million."

Qin Zhenzhen lowered her eyelids, her gaze falling on her own legs. She caught a glimpse of a fleeting sparkle. Reaching down to her ankle, she touched the cool anklet.

"Sister Meng, I know his movies have good box office and reputation..."

"Good that you know. Zhenzhen, I know you want to climb higher. I want to see you become a huge star too. But we have to take it step by step. What you lack right now is resources. I haven't told you before because I didn't want to affect your mood, but after Time in Full Bloom wrapped, several directors who had talked about casting you in movies changed their minds. The resources we have on hand right now aren't that plentiful."

"You've been in the entertainment industry for three years now. Just acting in TV dramas forever isn't a solution. These idol dramas only increase your visibility. To stand firm, you need the backing of box office success. I don't want you to miss this opportunity."

After listening to Meng Xin's words, Qin Zhenzhen's fingers stroked the chain on her ankle, pondering for a long moment. "Sister Meng, let me think about it some more."

Meng Xin: "Alright, think it over carefully. I don't want you to make any irrational choices."

Qin Zhenzhen hung up the phone, removed the anklet, and held it in her palm. Under the light, it sparkled brilliantly.

She stared at the anklet for a long time before putting it back in her pocket.

Shortly after, Ji Lu returned from delivering the clothes. She sat down beside Qin Zhenzhen and took a sip of water. "Zhenzhen, I gave it to Teacher Lu."

"But Teacher Lu seems to have a tough schedule. I heard she has three scenes tonight. Three in a row right after getting back, that's really exhausting."

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhenzhen just made a noncommittal sound, her expression unchanged.

A staff member not far away called out, "Ji Lu!"

Ji Lu jogged over and returned to tell Qin Zhenzhen, "Zhenzhen, time to change into costume."

Qin Zhenzhen followed Ji Lu to the dressing room. After changing into her costume, she stood to the side. The current scene wasn't finished yet. Song He sat on the throne in the Golden Luan Hall, looking lazy. He leaned against the armrest of the throne, sneering, "Is General Wei suggesting that this emperor is untrustworthy?"

As soon as his words fell, all the ministers knelt in unison. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"

Hu Jing stood among the ministers. His neatly tied-up long hair was slightly disheveled, with a few strands falling loose at his forehead. There was an unhealed wound on his face, his expression furious, eyes blazing with anger. He gritted his teeth and said, "This humble official would not dare!"

Song He glanced at him indifferently, his tone suddenly shifting. "Do you not dare to think it, or not dare to say it!"

Hu Jing's Adam's apple bobbed, his face flushed red. The fury in his eyes seemed about to ignite the ministers around him. "I dare not think it, nor say it! But I dare to act!"

As he spoke, he drew his sword! Everyone present, except for Song He, was startled, crying out, "General Wei, you mustn't!"

"General Wei!"

A eunuch's shrill voice pierced everyone's eardrums. "Guards! Protect His Majesty! General Wei is rebelling!"

"Cut!"

"Next scene."

The set became busy again. Qin Zhenzhen stood in place, watching as people immediately swarmed Song He for touch-ups. The next scene was her face-off with Song He.

Hu Jing walked out of the hall, saw Qin Zhenzhen, and offered a slight smile on his handsome face. He nodded a greeting to her before being led away by his assistant.

Qin Zhenzhen also had the makeup artist retouch her makeup.

The next scene wasn't filmed here but in a palace building at the back. The crew had already gone ahead to set up. Director Hu stood in front of Qin Zhenzhen and Song He, explaining the scene. He simulated the actions for Qin Zhenzhen. "Remember that?"

"Let's shoot it this way for now."

Qin Zhenzhen composed herself. "Okay."

After Director Hu left, Song He stood beside Qin Zhenzhen, and the two walked towards the back palace together. Song He asked, "Zhenzhen, why do you seem distracted?"

Qin Zhenzhen gave a light laugh. "I'm not."

Song He tilted his head to look at her. "Don't try to hide it, it's obvious. Is there some problem between you and Teacher Lu?"

Qin Zhenzhen's bright eyes flickered. She shook her head. "No. Maybe I'm just tired from the show and need rest."

Song He patted her shoulder. "Then get a good rest tonight when you get back."

Qin Zhenzhen nodded with a slight smile. The two of them entered the rear palace.

---

The filming wrapped up close to eleven. It was almost September, and the nights were starting to get chilly. After changing back into her own clothes, Qin Zhenzhen sneezed several times in a row. Ji Lu looked at her anxiously. "What's wrong? Are you catching a cold?"

Qin Zhenzhen rubbed her nose. "Just a bit cold, that's all."

Ji Lu: "Let's go, hurry and get in the car."

Qin Zhenzhen followed her, ready to get in the car. Her hand in her pocket touched something icy cold. She pulled it out, looked at it, and said to Ji Lu, "Wait for me a second."

Ji Lu looked on, puzzled, as Qin Zhenzhen walked towards the neighboring set.

Lu Ruyun had just finished her scene. She sat at the dressing table in her dressing room. People came and went in the rest area, many greeting her. "Teacher Lu."

"Teacher Lu, you've worked hard."

Lu Ruyun nodded with a faint smile, looking at her reflection in the mirror, the corners of her lips lifted, but there was no real joy in her eyes.

Zhu Yao sat two seats away from her. With a sidelong glance, she could see Lu Ruyun's profile. She reached out a finger, tracing the outline of her profile in the air. Seeing Lu Ruyun suddenly stand up, she also rose and called out, "Teacher Lu."

Lu Ruyun turned her head, noticing the infatuation in Zhu Yao's eyes. Her voice turned much cooler. "Miss Zhu, is there something?"

Zhu Yao approached her. "Nothing important. I just saw that Teacher Lu seemed a bit tired. I brewed a cup of coffee."

She offered a thermal cup. Lu Ruyun looked at the familiar cup in front of her, smiled, and shook her head. "Thank you, but no need."

Zhu Yao persisted, calling out, "Teacher Lu..."

Lu Ruyun gave her a detached glance. "Miss Zhu, I hope you can channel this energy into your acting."

With that, she left. Zhu Yao gritted her teeth but still chased after her.

"Lu—"

Before she could finish calling out, the door opened, revealing Qin Zhenzhen standing outside.

Lu Ruyun's expression changed slightly. Upon seeing Qin Zhenzhen, a flicker of hope surfaced in her eyes, but it quickly returned to lifelessness. Qin Zhenzhen looked at her, then at Zhu Yao behind her, and pressed her lips together. "Do you have a moment?"

Fifteen minutes later, the two stood in an unused rest area. The fluorescent light was harsh. Lu Ruyun didn't look at Qin Zhenzhen, only saying calmly, "Miss Qin, is there something you need?"

Qin Zhenzhen looked up at her, seeing that she had reverted to how she was when they first met.

No, back when they first met, she wasn't this cold.

Seeing her silent, Lu Ruyun studied her face carefully, a faint hope slowly rising in her eyes.

Qin Zhenzhen reached into her pocket and pulled out the anklet. "Returning this to you."

The tiny spark of hope in Lu Ruyun's eyes completely extinguished. Her bright eyes were dark and gleaming, emitting a cold light. She reached out and took the anklet from Qin Zhenzhen, holding it in her hand and looking at it for a moment. "This... you should keep it, Miss Qin."

Qin Zhenzhen looked up, meeting Lu Ruyun's cool gaze, seeing her stiff face, lips pressed into a straight line, expression covered in frost. "Our current public persona is that of a loving couple. How can we manage without props?"

After saying this, she pressed her lips into a smile, her tone still cold and detached. "I almost forgot, Miss Qin's acting skills should be sufficient without these now."

"If you don't want it, just throw it away. The trash can is outside the door."

After speaking, Lu Ruyun walked straight past Qin Zhenzhen and out the door. The door clicked shut. The chain in Qin Zhenzhen's hand emitted a faint, cold white light. She lowered her eyelids and also walked out the door.

There was a trash can right outside. She stood hesitantly beside it, lifted the lid, but before she could throw the anklet in, she saw what was inside.

It was the garment bag Ji Lu had just delivered earlier.

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