Married in a Daze - Chapter 167
Chapter 167
Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun had been apart since their wedding, one busy with movie promotions, the other wholly immersed in filming her own movie. The couple hadn't even finished their pre-planned honeymoon before diving straight back into work.
Comparatively, Qin Zhenzhen was even busier than Lu Ruyun. Because her drama Cold Palace had been nominated for Best Foreign TV Series, she not only had to promote Mountain Girl but also had to find time to attend the overseas awards ceremony. By the time she finally had a moment to breathe amidst the hustle and bustle, it was already half a month later, mid-July.
The crew had finished filming all the other scenes, waiting just for Qin Zhenzhen to return. So when she got back, she didn't even get a chance for a passionate reunion with Lu Ruyun—a sweet compensation for their short separation—before being dragged directly onto the set. This filming stint lasted another half month, right up until the wrap-up party.
And online, news about her during this period had hardly ceased.
First, her and Lu Ruyun's wedding dominated the headlines for three consecutive days. Then, the movie Mountain Girl broke previous box office records for art-house films. Both in terms of ticket sales and critical acclaim, it completely overshadowed Director Yu Changlin's previous films, hailed by fans as a classic of the new era.
Not long after, the news that Cold Palace had been shortlisted for Best Foreign TV Series also broke. As the female lead, Qin Zhenzhen's star power was unrivaled for a time, and her presence saturated the media.
Her fan count skyrocketed, her influence on Weibo firmly holding the top spot for the past six months with no signs of wavering.
With such achievements, it seemed she could no longer be categorized simply as a 'traffic star.'
Fans began competing to promote her acting skills, calling her a true performer of substance.
For a while, it seemed even the number of anti-fans online had significantly decreased.
Qin Zhenzhen finally had time to check Weibo again at the end of July because Mountain Girl had been nominated for the Shengshi International Film Festival.
The news was released in late July. Given Qin Zhenzhen's recent high profile, the media wouldn't let any news about her slip by, vying to report it. And after lying low for two months, Director Zheng Shaoyuan's fans began stirring again.
Because Director Zheng's movie had also received nominations.
Like Mountain Girl, it was nominated for both Best Actress and Best Film—a double nomination.
It seemed almost theatrical how these two films kept serving the public with non-stop drama. First, they premiered on the same day, then they hit theaters on the same day, and now they even shared the same nominations. It made people feel a bit exasperated, then amused.
Just like half a year ago, netizens began speculating on who the final winner would be.
Although Mountain Girl currently crushed Director Zheng's film in both box office and critical reception, comebacks weren't unheard of. Besides, the Shengshi Festival didn't decide awards based on ticket sales. Moreover, Director Zheng's previous films had all received nominations, so predicting a winner this time was genuinely difficult.
Public opinion on Weibo shifted constantly, never settling.
Besides the Shengshi nomination, the reason Qin Zhenzhen logged onto Weibo again was that The Real Culprit had wrapped filming. She came on to share the good news with everyone and do some promotion. As soon as she posted, her fans bombarded her.
—Wahhhh! My wife Zhenzhen has finally posted! Oh my god, am I seeing things?!
—Zhenzhen, you've been missing for two months! Finally decided to show up.
—Zhenzhen, I miss you so much! But I know you're busy. Remember to take care of yourself! When you have time, remember to post a nine-panel photo set for us!
—I miss you and Teacher Lu! Will definitely support the movie! Looking forward to The Real Culprit!
Soon, her post was reposted by various marketing accounts, with both praise and criticism. The praise was for her once again pushing her boundaries and taking on a different role. The criticism was that she lacked discernment in choosing scripts and that with such a promising position, she might mess it all up.
After all, with her current stellar track record, she just needed to avoid missteps and stabilize her position. Yet, she chose such an unknown film, collaborating with a new director like Duan Qiuhan. It was easy for this to become a misstep.
When Lu Ruyun came downstairs, she saw Qin Zhenzhen holding her phone, her pretty face scrunched up, her delicate nose twitching slightly. Amused, Lu Ruyun walked over and sat beside her. "When did you get back?"
Seeing Lu Ruyun, Qin Zhenzhen turned with a smile. "Just got back. You were sleeping, so I didn't disturb you."
Lu Ruyun rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hadn't attended the wrap party for The Real Culprit last night, but Duan Qiuhan had pulled her aside for a few drinks. She had been sleeping until just now.
Standing by the sofa, she casually tied up her long hair with a hair tie. The loose strands were remarkably obedient in her hands. In no time, they were all tucked behind her ears, revealing her pure white profile, glowing like fine jade.
She wore thin pajamas. As she gathered her hair, the hem of her top rode up a little, just covering the tops of her thighs. The sight of her fair, slender legs was a visual assault for Qin Zhenzhen.
Her eyes darkened slightly, and she gave a light cough.
Lu Ruyun walked over and sat next to her, noticing her bright phone screen. "What are you looking at?"
Freshly washed, she carried a faint, clean scent. Qin Zhenzhen's mind was slightly adrift. "Looking at people criticizing me."
Lu Ruyun's elegant brows drew together as she looked at the phone.
—Didn't they say Qin Zhenzhen had great resources? She's been pretty much top-tier this past half-year, so why is she still working with Duan Qiuhan?
—The weird thing isn't working with Duan Qiuhan; the weird thing is, weren't they love rivals before?
—Ugh, don't talk nonsense! Our Zhenzhen and Director Duan were never in that kind of relationship. Is making stuff up fun?
—Regardless, at Qin Zhenzhen's current market value, collaborating with Duan Qiuhan is just strange, however you think about it.
Lu Ruyun finished reading these comments without even scrolling and turned off the phone. Her expression remained normal as she asked Qin Zhenzhen, "Have you had lunch? What would you like to eat?"
Qin Zhenzhen thought for a few seconds, then wrapped her arms around Lu Ruyun's neck. "Can I eat anything I want?"
Lu Ruyun smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Qin Zhenzhen leaned in even closer, practically burrowing into Lu Ruyun's embrace. "Can I eat you too?"
Lu Ruyun: ...
Half an hour later, the door to the study opened. Two figures stumbled their way inside, tumbling onto the large bed together. Before long, the sound of Qin Zhenzhen's soft, coquettish voice filled the room, seductive to the bone. It had been a while since Lu Ruyun had heard her sweetly calling her name like this. Overcome with emotion, she held onto her, wanting her again and again.
The sounds from the study continued from afternoon until late at night, intermittent and lingering.
Qin Zhenzhen woke up the next day at noon, roused by a phone call. Ji Lu's voice was as usual. "Zhenzhen, I'm outside your door."
Freshly awakened, Qin Zhenzhen was a bit muddled. After a pause, she asked, "What are you doing outside?"
Ji Lu was momentarily speechless by her matter-of-fact question. After hesitating for several seconds, she said, "Aren't we going to Country G this afternoon for the Shengshi Film Festival?"
Hearing about the film festival, Qin Zhenzhen immediately woke up completely.
The Shengshi Film Festival was held in Country G. Since Qin Zhenzhen's Mountain Girl had received double nominations, she naturally had to walk the red carpet.
She responded to Ji Lu briefly before hanging up. Looking down, she saw Lu Ruyun still in a light sleep, her bare face pure and fair, her breathing long and even. Her exposed arm was pale with a hint of pink, tempting one to take a bite.
And Qin Zhenzhen really did bite her.
Lu Ruyun woke with a start of pain, turning to see Qin Zhenzhen lying on top of her. She wasn't wearing any clothes; the rise and fall of her chest pressed against Lu Ruyun's arm, soft and yielding.
There were still fading red marks on her chest. Where their skin touched, a slight tremor passed through. Lu Ruyun flipped over, throwing the thin blanket aside, and pulled Qin Zhenzhen under the covers with her.
Lu Ruyun's voice was low, slightly hoarse. "Why are you awake so early?"
Qin Zhenzhen reached out and pinched the tip of Lu Ruyun's nose. "It's already noon. How is that early?"
Lu Ruyun smiled, her hand resting on Qin Zhenzhen's waist, her fingertips slightly cool. Qin Zhenzhen shivered and quickly grabbed her hand. "Don't mess around. I have to go to Country G later."
"Go to Country G?"
"For the film festival?"
Qin Zhenzhen gave a soft hum of affirmation, but the sound changed pitch, carrying a hint of restraint because of Lu Ruyun's wandering hands. Hearing this, Lu Ruyun wrapped her arm around Qin Zhenzhen's waist, pulling her closer. Her voice dropped slightly. "For how many days?"
"About three days." Qin Zhenzhen started counting on her fingers.
Just as she raised a finger, someone bit it. Qin Zhenzhen instinctively tried to pull back, but Lu Ruyun didn't give her the chance. She murmured, "Are you still hungry now?"
As soon as the words were out, Qin Zhenzhen burst out laughing, quickly saying, "I'm not hungry!"
Lu Ruyun, however, let go of her hand and instead touched Qin Zhenzhen's flat stomach. "Let me feel."
Qin Zhenzhen felt ticklish, her laughter bright and pleasant, tinged with a plea. "Really, really! Teacher Lu, I'm really not hungry!"
Lu Ruyun leaned close to her ear and whispered softly, "But I am hungry."
Qin Zhenzhen: ...
Ji Lu waited in the car for over half an hour. She was already accustomed to Qin Zhenzhen always being late whenever she left the apartment, even developing the habit of notifying her an hour in advance.
So she wasn't surprised at all by Qin Zhenzhen's tardiness this time. She even checked the time, unable to believe that this time, it hadn't taken a full hour.
Faced with Ji Lu's suspicious look, Qin Zhenzhen simply coughed lightly to ease the awkwardness, then pretended to sleep as soon as she got in the car.
But she couldn't fall asleep.
She opened her eyes and watched the scenery flash by outside the window. She saw her own advertisement playing on the huge screen in the city center, saw her face and posters displayed in front of many shops along the streets and alleys. Her lips curved upwards, her mood growing even better.
Of course, this good mood only lasted until evening, before she saw Zheng Shaoyuan.
Zheng Shaoyuan walked over arm-in-arm with Wei An, smiling at her. "Miss Qin."
Qin Zhenzhen pulled the corners of her mouth into a barely-there smile. "Director Zheng, Miss Wei."
Zheng Shaoyuan acted as if the previous incidents had never happened, trying to be chummy. Faced with his increasingly greasy face, Qin Zhenzhen simply excused herself to use the restroom.
The awards ceremony hadn't started yet, so she hid in the bathroom and texted Lu Ruyun.
—What are you doing?
A reply came within seconds.
—Watching you.
Since the film festival was being live-streamed, Lu Ruyun had been staring at the computer since the red carpet began. It wasn't until she saw Qin Zhenzhen's figure pass by on screen that she snapped out of her trance. She hadn't expected to receive a message from Qin Zhenzhen just a few minutes later.
Receiving this message inexplicably made Qin Zhenzhen's face flush with warmth. She fanned herself with her hand, a smile tugging irresistibly at her lips. The displeasure she'd felt moments ago instantly dissipated.
"Zhenzhen?" Ji Lu hurried into the restroom and tapped on the stall door. "It's about to start."
Qin Zhenzhen stood up, smoothed her gown, and unhurriedly opened the door to walk out.
Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Film were all saved for the finale, announced last. Qin Zhenzhen sat on her chair, watching person after person take the stage, wave after wave of applause rising. Although Wei An was sitting beside her, thinking of Lu Ruyun's words, even her forced smile turned sweet.
Wei An glanced at Qin Zhenzhen and, seeing her smile, whispered, "Sister Zhenzhen."
She debuted later than Qin Zhenzhen and was younger. By industry convention, calling her 'Sister' wasn't out of place. Qin Zhenzhen turned her head with a slight smile. "Miss Wei."
Wei An lowered her voice further. "Sister Zhenzhen, you don't have to be so formal. Actually, I've been wanting to find an opportunity to apologize to you about what happened before. It was all the fans being immature, talking nonsense. You're not angry, are you?"
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Of course not. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten all about it."
Hearing this, Wei An's face immediately showed embarrassment, unable to even muster a smile. Qin Zhenzhen's words, while sounding magnanimous, actually conveyed that she hadn't taken Wei An's matters seriously at all—she simply hadn't cared enough to remember.
Wei An's expression turned unreadable, a mix of emotions, while Qin Zhenzhen wore a gentle smile, which grew even warmer when the spotlight swept over her.
The live-stream chat was already exploding.
—Zhenzhen!!! My Zhenzhen is stunningly beautiful!
—Holy crap, this is the feeling of falling in love!
—Let me introduce everyone to my wife, Zhenzhen!
Various comments flooded the screen, blocking Qin Zhenzhen's smiling face. Irritated, Lu Ruyun turned off the chat overlay, directly facing Qin Zhenzhen's radiant smile. She couldn't help but let her own eyes curve into a smile.
Five minutes later, she couldn't resist turning the chat back on.
It had transformed into a betting arena.
—Bet ten cents, Mountain Girl wins!
—Bet fifty cents, Director Zheng wins!
—Bet a dollar, Qin Zhenzhen!
—Betting Qin Zhenzhen wins! If she doesn't get the award, I'll stand on my head and... well, you know!
Lu Ruyun looked at the screen. It was the final moment. The host began announcing Best Film. The spotlight kept shifting among the directors in the front rows. She saw the usually composed Yu Changlin clenching his hands, a look of tension on his face.
"The Best Film of the 42nd Shengshi International Film Festival is—" The host chose this moment to build suspense. The spotlight flashed even more frequently. Lu Ruyun even saw Zheng Shaoyuan twitch as if about to stand up. The host, smiling, then announced: "It's Mountain Girl! Congratulations to Director Yu Changlin!"
The audience immediately erupted in applause. Yu Changlin first looked stunned, then stood up, his eyes filled with emotion as he walked onto the stage.
After the earlier tense moment, the announcements for Best Actor and Best Actress became even more nerve-wracking. Lu Ruyun watched Qin Zhenzhen and the other actresses on screen, her lips pressed into a tight line, fists clenched. When the host announced the name for Best Actress, she finally let out a long, relieved breath.
He Shuangshuang's text message immediately arrived on her phone.
—Ruyun, Zhenzhen won!!!!!!
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