RCQT Chapter 53

The night was quiet, and in the dim room, Chu Qianze lay on the single bed, breathing gently.

The lock turned, producing a soft click, and the door opened quietly with just a crack.

Someone pulled the door open, walking in slowly. Their steps were very light, almost soundless. Turning back, they gripped the handle, closing the door. After completing these actions, they stood there for a long time.

Slowly, they turned around and walked towards where Chu Qianze was. Passing by the writing desk and bookshelf, they stopped by the bedside.

At this moment, a hand quickly reached out, grabbing the person’s arm.

Chu Qianze, not knowing when he woke up, pulled with force, turning his body and half-kneeling to restrain the person.

“Uh!”

A familiar voice sounded, causing him to loosen his grip.

Turning on the small lamp next to him, a halo of light illuminated the dark room, revealing the scene inside.

“Chai Heling?”

Chu Qianze finally let go and sat down on the side, saying with irritation, “Why are you in my room? Didn’t you say you would sleep on the sofa?”

He really hadn’t expected this strange move.

After a while, with no response, Chu Qianze sensed something was wrong. He grabbed Chai Heling’s arm, flipping him over, only to find him still closing his eyes, seemingly undisturbed.

So, sleepwalking?

Seeing Chai Heling’s slightly disheveled hair, some of it poking into his eyelids, Chu Qianze reached out to brush it away. He noticed Chai Heling was frowning deeply.

His fingertip gently touched the furrowed brow, smoothing it out.

After a while, Chai Heling’s brows furrowed again.

Chu Qianze found it amusing, sliding his fingertip lightly across the furrowed brow.

This guy won’t wake up.

In his mind, Chu Qianze complained silently. He was about to retract his hand but was held back.

Following the force, Chai Heling shifted slightly to the side, embracing Chu Qianze’s waist, and rested his head against his hip.

The familiar sensation made Chu Qianze relax his brows.

Chu Qianze felt embraced, and he almost suspected Chai Heling was pretending to sleep. After careful confirmation, he indeed found that Chai Heling was asleep.

Chu Qianze’s hand rested on Chai Heling’s shoulder, preparing to push him away, but then he heard a low murmur.

“Chu… Chu…”

The voice was very light, the tone was gentle, but it carried a hint of slight grievance, completely defenseless.

Chu Qianze’s pushing motion paused, and most of the force he applied was also released. Chai Heling’s grip was strong, as if afraid of letting go.

Seeing that Chai Heling didn’t want to release him, Chu Qianze went along with it. He sighed, lifted the back collar of Chai Heling’s clothes, and with the other hand, he hugged him, preparing to find a comfortable position.

Suddenly, he felt something strange under his hand.

The pajamas Chai Heling wore were originally reserved for himself by Chu Qianze, brand new and never worn before. When he bought this particular set, it was because he appreciated its loose fit, good fabric, and breathability, making it comfortable to wear. Consequently, he easily sensed that something was amiss.

Pulling the person up, Chu Qianze lifted the hem of his upper garment with one hand, shifting his gaze downward to focus on the back covered in scars.

Generally speaking, severe wounds tend to leave scars, but over time, they gradually fade. When Chai Heling lived with him before, he didn’t have these scars on his body.

Chu Qianze wondered how the person had come through the past year.

Putting the upper garment down, Chu Qianze turned off the light and embraced the person, lying back down.

The first rays of sunlight filtered in, gently infiltrating the room from the window.

Feeling a slight movement from the person in his arms, Chu Qianze opened his eyes and met the surprised gaze of the other.

A faint smile curled up at the corner of his mouth. “Good morning.”

Chai Heling was utterly bewildered.

Originally, he felt that he had slept very comfortably, and his whole body was warm. But when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Chu Qianze’s face. Glancing around, it was clear that it wasn’t the living room.

“How did I end up here?”

Chu Qianze: “Don’t you remember?”

Chai Heling struggled to recall. Last night, he went to the bathroom, washed his hands, and then, in a daze, returned to his room, following the impressions in his mind…

His pupils contracted.

Key phrase: returned to his room!

He tried to calm himself and retrace the events.

After returning to the room, he closed the door and then fell asleep. What happened afterward, Chai Heling couldn’t quite remember, but he instinctively felt that it was all a dream!

Setting aside the jumbled memories, Chai Heling lifted his gaze to Chu Qianze, his eyes sincere and earnest.

“I said this was an accident… would you believe me?”

Goodness, this accident is truly wonderful. I should be this effective next time too!

Chai Heling shouted in his heart.

“An accident?”

Chu Qianze received the signal, indicating understanding. “Can you let go of my hand, then?”

With this reminder, Chai Heling realized he was nestled in the other’s arms, his hand still wrapped around his waist. The firm muscles were transmitted through his fingertips, and the sensation was truly exquisite.

After pondering for a moment, Chai Heling closed his eyes again, pretending not to have heard.

Chu Qianze found this person’s behavior amusing. He reached for his phone from the side and checked the time. “Didn’t you say your schedule was at 7 a.m. last night? If you don’t get up soon, you’ll be late.”

Chai Heling glanced at the time and pressed his lips together. Time passed so quickly.

Just as he was about to speak, he noticed the jade pendant hanging outside Chu Qianze’s clothes.

The other person wore a red string around his neck, which was quite common, and Chai Heling hadn’t paid much attention before. But now, the jade pendant on the red string was revealed, quietly resting against his collarbone.

Chai Heling picked up the jade pendant and examined it. Indeed, the patterns were exactly the same as he remembered.

“Where did you get this?” He felt that his tone was too serious, so he added, “I have a jade pendant just like this one.”

He just didn’t know when he had lost it.

“Don’t be puzzled. It’s yours,” Chu Qianze lowered his head and glanced at it. “You gave it to me back then, and I promised to keep it for you. Do you want it back now?”

How could I have given it away!

Chai Heling was about to blurt out that statement but stopped in time. If the person in question was Chu Qianze, he might actually be willing to give it to him.

“No, the old man said I’ve been staying at the main family’s place all this time and didn’t have a chance to meet you.” Chai Heling frowned.

Then, what about this jade pendant?

Waking up in the hospital, with a missing chunk of memory and even the jade pendant he always wore gone, Chai Heling, who initially had no interest in the selection, suddenly found out he had ranked first. Watching the replay of the video, he felt like a stranger to the reckless version of himself, as if he had been torn apart.

He originally thought he lost the jade pendant in one of the duels, only to find it on Chu Qianze.

He had some speculations in his mind and wanted to follow his memories to find evidence. However, no matter how he recollected, everything seemed like looking at flowers through mist—illusory and unreal, and the blank spaces in his memory made him unusually irritable.

At that time, even though he knew the old man’s words had loopholes, he just wanted to get out of the hospital as soon as possible and had no interest in recovering his memories. But now, it was clear that he had forgotten something important.

Chu Qianze had been observing the other’s reactions and, seeing the change in his expression, gently patted the back of his head.

“If you can’t remember, don’t force it.”

It was as if this person had some magical influence; Chai Heling’s originally anxious emotions were smoothed out.

“I… don’t remember.”

His tone carried a faint sense of disappointment.

“Mm.”

“I was in a coma a few months ago, and after waking up, I forgot a period of time.”

It wasn’t intentional to forget you.

“I understand,” Chu Qianze said. “If you have any questions, just ask. I’ll tell you.”

Chai Heling asked, “Were we close before?”

Defining closeness was a tricky question. After some thought, Chu Qianze stated a fact, “We used to live together.”

It seemed like they were quite close.

Chai Heling felt a strange hint of jealousy.

“When did that happen?”

Chu Qianze: “About a year and a half ago.”

Chai Heling: “Wasn’t that when you just wrote this novel?”

Chu Qianze: “Yes, at that time, when I found you, you had amnesia and forgot about your past. Now, seeing you again, you’ve lost your memory once more. It seems like you keep oscillating between amnesia and memory recovery.”

Who talks about someone like that?

Chai Heling restrained the urge to roll his eyes. “What was I like before?”

That was a good question. After careful consideration, Chu Qianze answered, “Clingy, crying a lot, and afraid of the dark.”

“How is that possible!”

I fixed those issues a few years ago!

“Don’t believe me?” Chu Qianze’s tone was light.

Chai Heling’s expression darkened.

“Are you remembering it incorrectly?”

“Have you remembered it now?” Chu Qianze asked.

“…No.”

“Haven’t remembered, still just going along with what I say.” Chu Qianze chuckled softly.

“Are you messing with me?” Chai Heling squinted his eyes.

“Not at all, everything I said is true.”

Chu Qianze thought for a moment and added, “By the way, before you left, we made a promise.”

“What promise?”

Holding his breath, Chai Heling instinctively felt that it was something important.

Chu Qianze said, “Do you really want to know?”

Chai Heling’s gaze was intense, filled with anticipation.

What could it be…

Chu Qianze: “Well, take your time and think about it.”

Emotions soared and plummeted for Chai Heling. The corner of his mouth twitched, and a sweat drop formed on his forehead.

“You’re teasing me.”

“I’m just helping you regain your memory, adding a little motivation.” Chu Qianze’s eyes twinkled with amusement, and it was so charming that it could melt hearts.

Distracted by this scene, Chai Heling’s enthusiasm dwindled.

“Anyway, you should get up now.”

Chu Qianze spoke as he lit up the phone screen and showed the time to Chai Heling. “If you don’t get up now, you really will be late.”

Chai Heling clicked his tongue.

Suddenly armed with such an important clue, the next step should be to strike while the iron is hot and pursue the advantage!

Crappy job, ruining my youth!!

At this moment, the ringtone of Chai Heling’s phone echoed from the living room. Chai Heling knew it was probably his assistant, not having seen him, calling to inquire about the next set of instructions.

Sighing, Chai Heling sat up. “We’ll talk more when I come back.”

“Of course,” Chu Qianze adjusted his pillow slightly. “But, if you have another bout of amnesia, forget it.”

“If you keep talking, I’ll take you with me!” Chai Heling pressed down on Chu Qianze’s shoulder, looking displeased.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Chai Heling’s gaze fell on the jade pendant at Chu Qianze’s collarbone, and he pointed at it. “Do you know the significance of this jade pendant?”

“Hmm?”

“It was passed down from above. The original words were, ‘For the future daughter-in-law, my wife.'” When mentioning “daughter-in-law” and “wife,” Chai Heling deliberately emphasized the words.

Chu Qianze wasn’t annoyed by the remark and leaned his hand behind his head, elongating his tone. “That would be truly my honor.”

Chai Heling found these words ticklish, thinking he might as well stay here and have a good conversation with this person.

At that moment, the second phone call rang, and he stood up abruptly. “Wait for me!”

His retreating figure carried visible frustration.

This darn job, hindering my love life!

Chai Heling quickly tidied himself up, went outside, and walked into the car after opening the door.

Chu Qianze stood by the window, watching the car leave, and then pulled the curtains back.

[Host, are you in a good mood?]

The light screen suddenly popped up.

“Pretty much. Have you finished reading all the manga novels?” Chu Qianze asked.

In this world of rapid cultural development, currently in a golden age, many interesting works have emerged. Unable to keep up, Chu Qianze simply provided the interface for the light screen to connect to the internet and browse and download relevant works.

[Not yet.]

The light screen flashed a few times, clearly excited.

[However, my granary is already half full.]

Granary?

“It seems you’ve basically grasped the internet slang of this world.”

[Mmhmm.jpg]

[I’ve even cultivated several big fans by urging updates recently.]

So that’s what he’s been busy with lately.

“Take it easy, don’t get caught,” Chu Qianze reminded.

[Don’t worry, I’m proficient in system regulations and will strictly follow the rules. (Excited rubbing hands.jpg)]

Chu Qianze pulled a small sofa over from the side and casually sat on it, legs bent, resting on the edge.

“Activate the voice-to-text function.”

[Are you going to start writing again?]

Indeed busy.

“Just write when you have time.”

But Chu Qianze hadn’t written for a long time either because, in a little while, he had to go to the film set.

“Everyone worked hard today,” Director Wang applauded, letting the crew take a break.

Seeing him looking around, Chu Qianze asked, “Director Wang, are you looking for someone?”

“The filming for today is almost done, but Mr. Chai hasn’t shown up yet. It’s been four days. Right now, I feel like a student waiting for a surprise check, a knife hanging over my neck, not giving me a clean break,” Director Wang sighed, his gaze falling on Chu Qianze.

Hurry up; I’m waiting for your answer.

“He’s on a business trip and will be back in a week.”

Seeing Director Wang’s expression change, Chu Qianze exclaimed, “Didn’t I mention it?”

“When did you say that?”

Director Wang’s eyes widened, then he returned to a normal state, stroking his small beard. “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, right?”

Chu Qianze opened the phone calendar and checked. “Yes.”

“Very good, excellent.”

Director Wang smiled in satisfaction.

“Perfect timing. We’ll have a little event tomorrow. Let’s call it—The Single Dog Consolation Event.”

Upon hearing the name, Chu Qianze’s mouth twitched.

What’s wrong with being a single dog?

“Don’t be fooled by the fancy name. It’s just everyone exchanging gifts, expressing colleague camaraderie. Or if you have feelings for someone, take the chance to express them. Flowers, chocolates, anything goes.”

Director Wang made a circling motion with his hand, feeling that just doing this wasn’t interesting enough. “The one who receives the most gifts will get a mysterious reward personally given by Director Wang!”

“What do you all think?”

“Sounds good!” Duan Fa responded first.

Others also expressed their agreement.

Zhuyan took a few steps to the platform, gesturing for Chu Qianze to follow, and cleared his throat. “Let me show off my personal charm. Hello, everyone! I’m Zhu Yan, number one, the male lead grandpa in this TV drama. Remember to shower me with gifts!”

As he spoke, he blew a kiss.

Zhu Yan was still in his old man costume, having just finished a fight scene, with blood on his mouth and clothes. He looked towards the audience, squinted, and winked while blowing a kiss. The scene…

Chu Qianze stood next to him, witnessing the most direct view.

He remained expressionless, silently stepping down from the platform.

Seeing Zhu Yan like this, the crowd booed.

After watching for a while, Director Wang felt the atmosphere was about right. He clapped his hands to regain attention.

“Although we have a special event, it can only be done during break times. We can’t delay the progress of filming! Got it?!”

“Got it!” the crowd shouted.

“All right, it’s over now. Everyone can disperse. Go back and get some rest, don’t let the excitement keep you up at night.” After Director Wang finished speaking, everyone went about their business.

In the evening.

Since it was an event initiated by Director Wang, Chu Qianze thought he should participate. With that in mind, he opened the food delivery app on his phone and confirmed a few items.

The next morning, when Chu Qianze arrived on set, he came face to face with Zhu Yan.

“Xiao Chu, your Single Dog Consolation Event gift. Take a look, am I considerate enough? I’m giving it to you first.” Zhu Yan grinned, offering a bouquet of roses. He looked inexplicably pleased with himself.

Chu Qianze squinted his eyes and gave a friendly smile. “Do you have a girlfriend now?”

“Heh, let me tell you, of course—” Zhu Yan tossed his hair, then his tone took a nosedive, deadpanning, “I don’t.”

Damn, poking at the heartstrings.

“Thanks for the gift, Zhu Yan.” Chu Qianze accepted the flowers and walked away.

“Hey, where are you going?!” Zhu Yan followed, trying to imply something desperately.

Where’s my gift?

Seeing through Zhu Yan’s hidden message, Chu Qianze gave him a sly look.

“When you came in, did you see a big bag?” he asked.

“Oh, you mean that one with a big sign hanging next to it? The one that says, ‘Valentine’s Day Gift, one for each person’?” Zhu Yan caught up quickly.

“Yeah, I saw it. Didn’t know who left it there. Hehe, I grabbed two at once!” Zhu Yan said proudly.

Under Chu Qianze’s amused gaze, he realized a beat too late and tentatively asked, “That wasn’t yours, was it?”

“Yeah, I asked the delivery guy to help out.”

After saying this, Chu Qianze patted Zhu Yan on the shoulder. “Remember to put the extras back.”

Caught taking advantage, Zhu Yan grinned awkwardly. “The extra one is actually for Director Wang. I felt sorry for him, so I thought I’d give him an extra.”

Chu Qianze nodded slightly, not continuing the topic. After all, it was all in good fun.

“Why did you put the gifts there? Now no one knows who they’re from. How will you exchange gifts?” Zhu Yan asked.

“It’s convenient,” Chu Qianze said casually.

Giving gifts one by one was too troublesome. As long as the sentiment was conveyed, it was enough. Moreover, based on his understanding of Director Wang, that so-called mysterious gift was probably not something good.

Chu Qianze’s self-assigned role was just a background, waiting to applaud first when it ended.

Chu Qianze took a look at the gift and found a large piece of dark chocolate. “Thanks.”

“The things in the bag at the door—did you take them?” Duan Fa asked.

“Yes, I did,” Duanfa picked up a small gift box from the table. “Is this yours?”

“Yes.”

“Very stylish,” Duan Fa said with a smile.

After a few steps, two girls approached, exchanged glances, and simultaneously said, “Editor Chu, your gift~”

“Editor Chu, happy Valentine’s Day~” The gift was a box of white chocolate.

“Thank you. Remember to go to the door for the gift; that bag is from me.”

Finally back at his place, Chu Qianze placed the received gifts on the table and found a chair to sit down on. During this journey, he felt like a parrot.

When it was time to start filming, after Director Wang called for action, everyone adjusted their mood and returned to their respective tasks.

At lunchtime, Zhu Yan brought his lunch box over to Chu Qianze.

“Everyone, how many gifts did you all receive?” He took a sip of soup and managed to create a posture for toasting.

“Judging by the way you look, it seems like you had a good harvest?” Director Wang teased.

Zhu Yan chuckled twice, “Of course, it’s definitely because my speech yesterday touched everyone’s hearts and made a lasting impression.”

“Isn’t it due to bartering goods early in the morning?” This remark was delivered without mercy, directly hitting Zhu Yan in the heart and shattering his joyful facade.

“Director Wang, at least give me some face.” Zhu Yan wore a distressed expression.

Why must it be like this? Is he not allowed to indulge in a little fantasy?

“I’ve recently become fascinated with this style, speaking reality to point the way, making your life less illusionary and more grounded,” Director Wang said with emphasis.

“I surrender. Can’t provoke, can’t provoke. Director Wang, just treat what I said earlier as nonsense and let it go!” Zhu Yan pleaded.

Wasn’t it just some slip-ups with my mouth this morning? Can’t you direct your fire elsewhere? Can’t I just apologize?

Zhu Yan screamed in his mind, shifting his gaze to Chu Qianze, changing the subject: “How was your morning, Xiao Chu?”

Director Wang snorted and answered on behalf of the person, “As for Xiao Chu, the gifts are piled up so high now, the table can’t even hold them.”

Zhu Yan was shocked, “Really? I didn’t see Xiao Chu moving around!”

“Do you even need to move? The gifts are all delivered directly to the door,” Director Wang’s smile gradually became more unrestrained.

Frozen in motion, Zhu Yan looked at Chu Qianze, attempting to figure out what was going on.

I’m just quietly having a meal, and the battlefield comes to me. Chu Qianze sighed inwardly, adjusting his expression to make it genuinely encouraging:

“Brother Yan, you’re still quite behind compared to me. Keep it up, believe in your own abilities.”

“Really?” Zhu Yan believed him, laughing heartily. He quickly finished his meal, preparing to seize the time to send out more gifts (crossed out). Give them enough opportunity to have sufficient time to give him gifts.

Seeing Zhu Yan leave with enthusiasm, Chu Qianze chuckled, “Why is Brother Yan so excited?”

Like a peacock in heat.

“Ah, he’s in the mood for love,” Director Wang said sarcastically.

Chu Qianze reacted a beat late, “Is it someone from our crew?”

“More or less. Look, he’s trying to make his presence felt,” Director Wang gestured with his chin in the direction Zhu Yan went, leaving the rest unspoken.

Can this really work?

Chu Qianze had some doubts.

But he quickly brushed aside the matter and called out to Director Wang, “Can you at least give us a hint about the mysterious reward?”

“If I reveal it beforehand, can it still be considered mysterious?” Director Wang said, refusing to give spoilers.

Seeing Director Wang’s expression, Chu Qianze became even more certain that it wasn’t something good.

He shifted his gaze to Zhu Yan. Brother Yan, revealing something with such high technical content, it’s up to you. You must deliver!

The day’s filming for the crew came to a close, and Chu Qianze followed Director Wang to organize everything he had just recorded.

After reviewing the footage and ensuring it met a satisfactory level, Director Wang finally relaxed.

“All right, that’s it for today’s filming. Great job, everyone!”

Upon hearing this, there was some commotion among the crowd. They were eager for the unfolding developments and the mysterious gift Director Wang mentioned.

A delivery person in uniform rushed in on a bike.

“Excuse me, is Mr. Chu Qianze here?”

“Chu Qianze, your delivery is here!” a girl who brought the delivery person in announced.

I didn’t order any delivery.

Chu Qianze walked over, “That’s me.”

The delivery person smiled warmly, “This is from ABC Delivery. Since cars can’t enter here, could you please come outside to sign for it?”

“Do we have a rule here prohibiting cars from entering?” Duan Fu asked quietly.

“I don’t know, never heard of it,” someone nearby replied.

“Come on, let’s go check it out.”

Duan Fu was genuinely curious. And he wasn’t the only one with that thought.

Arriving at the entrance, Chu Qianze looked at the car in front of him and understood why it had been stopped.

“Do you all use trucks for deliveries now?” he asked the delivery person.

The delivery person replied, “Different types of deliveries require different equipment. Your order is a bit special.”

The crew members who had followed to see what was going on were also surprised by the scale of it all.

“…Is this something ordered by our director Chu?”

“What on earth is it? The delivery is so luxurious.”

“In my lifetime, I never thought I’d see deliveries by truck. Shocking!”

“I feel like something incredible is about to happen; I need to capture this on my phone.”

“Sister, thanks for the heads up.”

The delivery person waved to the onlookers, opened the truck door, and unveiled the mystery behind the delivery.

Inside the truck, beautifully packaged bouquets were neatly arranged.

In order to prevent any damage to the fresh flowers during the transportation process, each bouquet was securely fixed with transparent partitions.

The flowers were vibrant and radiant, bathed in sunlight, with a subtle halo of light scattering through the dewdrops.

The bouquets were cleverly spaced and arranged, creating an extraordinary picture with the fresh flowers as the backdrop.

“This is a gift ordered by an anonymous buyer for you.”

“He said, ‘Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day~’.”

 

 

 

---

Support me on ko-fi ʚ(´꒳`)ɞ