Gu Chenyan was momentarily stunned. Then he opened his arms and embraced Qiao Shu.
Qiao Shu held onto Gu Chenyan’s waist with both hands, feeling a bit melancholic: he was already missing home before leaving.
The filming location chosen by the crew was the quaint and ancient city of Yancheng. It took a flight of two and a half hours from Haicheng to reach there.
As soon as they arrived on the set, the director added everyone to a WeChat group.
Next was a group reading of the script and taking official photos.
Being a low-budget martial arts web drama with an investment of only ten million, and with a director who emphasized authenticity and preferred on-site shooting, the cost of renting locations was high, almost consuming half of the budget. To avoid exceeding the budget, they had to carefully manage the shooting schedule and not waste any time.
Therefore, as soon as they arrived at the set, all the actors and crew members busied themselves. No one dared to slack off.
As the second male lead, Qiao Shu had a substantial amount of screen time, second only to the main characters. Fighting scenes comprised a significant portion of his role.
To avoid delaying the progress of the production, Qiao Shu often practiced martial arts and rehearsed fight scenes with the martial arts director and extras during his free time. He aimed to be well-prepared for the filming of fight scenes.
Returning to the hotel with bruises on his body became a routine.
A gust of wind passed by.
Qiao Shu shivered, raised his hand to half-hug himself, rubbed his arms with goosebumps, and murmured softly, “The cold air is coming. Tomorrow, I have to ask Sister Yue to help me buy some thick clothes.”
When they arrived in Yancheng, it was still autumn. In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed, and winter was approaching.
Qiao Shu quickened his pace.
The crew faced budget constraints, so naturally, they didn’t opt for a well-equipped hotel. Fortunately, though the hotel was a bit run-down, it had all the essentials. The key advantage was its proximity to the set, only a ten-minute walk away, making it extremely convenient.
Qiao Shu walked towards the hotel.
“Qiao Shu?”
Someone called out to him.
Qiao Shu turned around at the sound and saw a somewhat familiar man standing not far behind him.
The man was dressed in trendy attire, with ripped jeans, a black T-shirt, and a vest. He smiled as he approached Qiao Shu quickly: “It’s really you.”
“Qiao Shu, long time no see.”
Qiao Shu found the man somewhat familiar but couldn’t recall ever meeting him. After a moment of thought, he speculated that the person might be an acquaintance of the original owner.
Qiao Shu smiled awkwardly, “What a coincidence.”
However, the man extended his hand, and his fingers suddenly touched Qiao Shu’s cheek, “You’re still as beautiful as before. How about having a date tonight? We seem fated.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
What kind of creature was this!
The smile on Qiao Shu’s face quickly disappeared. He took a step back to avoid the man’s hand and said coldly, “Sorry, I have other plans.”
Without looking at the man again, he briskly walked towards the hotel.
However, the man was persistent and didn’t give up.
The person directly stepped forward, blocking Qiao Shu’s way with a puzzled expression, “Why are you so cold? When I left, you held my hand and cried so miserably. Now that I’m giving you a chance, why aren’t you taking it?”
He wondered, “Are you playing hard to get with me?”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Where did this narcissist come from?
However, with the person saying this, Qiao Shu suddenly had a faint impression. He followed that faint memory and then his expression turned strange.
Qiao Shu: “Xie Yuxi?”
Xie Yuxi arrogantly raised his chin, “Have you figured it out?”
Qiao Shu twitched his mouth. It turned out to be this weirdo.
The original owner had a three-day middle school romance, and the ex-boyfriend was the person in front of him, Xie Yuxi.
Back then, Xie Yuxi was very flamboyant, loved showing off his wealth, and even got into fights. He looked good and was quite popular with many girls, including the original owner who liked him.
Just before the high school entrance exam, the original owner gathered the courage to confess to Xie Yuxi. Fortunately, Xie Yuxi agreed.
However, just two days later, they faced the high school entrance exam. After the exam, Xie Yuxi asked to meet with the original owner. Expecting good news, the original owner happily went, but Xie Yuxi sadly told him that he was going abroad to study and asked the original owner to forget him and live a good life.
At that time, the original owner was very naive. Despite admiring Xie Yuxi for his vanity, he valued the relationship. He cried for a long time, holding Xie Yuxi’s arm.
When he got home, he foolishly took a cold shower and ended up with a high fever, landing in the hospital.
When the original owner finally managed to overcome the pain of his first love, it was already the beginning of high school.
Entering high school with anticipation, the original owner unexpectedly bumped into Xie Yuxi, who had told him about going abroad to study…
At that time, Xie Yuxi was holding another girl in his arms.
The original owner couldn’t believe it. Later, he secretly investigated and found out that Xie Yuxi had a rich second-generation girlfriend. Moreover, Xie Yuxi was not as wealthy as he pretended to be; in fact, his family was not even better off than the original owner’s.
The young love of the original owner quickly transformed into disgust and hatred. Due to this, the original owner played tricks on Xie Yuxi during high school. However, Xie Yuxi never knew, thinking that his unfortunate incidents during dates, internet cafe visits, and fights were merely bad luck.
Xie Yuxi: “Let’s go.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He had an expressionless face. “No, you’re overthinking. I just didn’t recognize you a moment ago and remembered now.”
Xie Yuxi: “…”
Xie Yuxi had thick skin. He hesitated for a second and then said, “Since you remembered, how about a reunion tonight?”
Qiao Shu deadpanned, “No need, I’m afraid of catching something with your casual attitude.”
Suddenly, Xie Yuxi received a call. He answered, “Hello.”
“Okay, I’ll be there.”
He hung up and waved to Qiao Shu, stepping aside, “Alright, I’ll ask you another time.”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Qiao Shu returned to his room in silence and took a shower.
As the male second lead with a lot of screen time, the director, fearing he might not be in the best condition, generously arranged a single room for him. The other main actors also had single rooms.
The hot water washed away the day’s accumulated fatigue, and Qiao Shu let out a comfortable sigh.
To save expenses, the director squeezed the shooting schedule tightly. Today was the first time in half a month that Qiao Shu returned to the hotel this early.
After the shower.
Qiao Shu, wearing loose pajamas, lay on the bed and picked up his phone.
Sure enough, there were unread messages.
A smile formed on Qiao Shu’s lips.
Gu Chenyan: The wind just picked up.
Gu Chenyan: I checked the weather in Yancheng. The temperature will significantly drop starting the day after tomorrow.
Gu Chenyan: I remember you didn’t bring thick clothes.
The suitcase Qiao Shu brought to the set was packed with Gu Chenyan’s help. He remembered exactly what clothes Qiao Shu had.
Qiao Shu: Is it windy in Haicheng too?
Qiao Shu: It was quite windy when I returned to the hotel just now, giving me goosebumps all over from the cold.
Qiao Shu: Tomorrow, I’ll ask Sister Yue to buy me two warm clothes in the city.
Qiao Shu: (Big Bear patting his chest)
Gu Chenyan replied promptly.
Gu Chenyan: Finished shooting?
Qiao Shu: Yes.
Gu Chenyan: No need for Yue to buy. I’m going on a business trip tomorrow.
Qiao Shu was puzzled:?
Gu Chenyan: Tomorrow, I’ll be on a business trip passing by Yancheng. I’ll bring it for you.
Qiao Shu blinked.
Qiao Shu blinked again.
The words on the WeChat chat box were still there, not disappearing.
So, he could see Gu Chenyan tomorrow?
Suddenly, his mood became somewhat excited.
Qiao Shu’s eyes became unexpectedly bright.
Even his typing speed increased.
Qiao Shu: Tomorrow?
Qiao Shu: What time will you arrive tomorrow?
Gu Chenyan: Early morning flight, should reach Yancheng Airport by 10.
“Ah!”
Qiao Shu happily rolled on the bed.
Tomorrow at ten!
After the excitement, Qiao Shu counted his scenes for tomorrow, and after calculating, he instantly wilted.
Tomorrow, he has scenes throughout the day, and he can only take a break during lunchtime. He won’t be able to pick up Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: QAQ
The director certainly won’t agree if he asks for a sudden leave.
Qiao Shu typed with a sense of grievance: Tomorrow, I might not have time to pick you up.
Qiao Shu: I’m sorry, Gu Chenyan.
The phone rang.
Qiao Shu answered.
Gu Chenyan’s reassuring voice came through, “Qiao Shu, you don’t need to apologize to me.”
Biu
It was another shot straight to the heart.
Qiao Shu’s sense of grievance and disappointment vanished in an instant.
Countless sweet feelings swarmed in, wrapping Qiao Shu and infiltrating every cell in his body with a powerful and all-encompassing sweetness.
Qiao Shu covered his face.
Gu Chenyan! Is he really about to fall for him?
Gu Chenyan: “Focus on your filming; once it’s done, you’ll get to see me.”
Qiao Shu put down his hand, his face adorned with an uncontrollable sweet smile, “Okay.”
Before hanging up, Gu Chenyan asked, “Is there anything else you want to bring?”
Qiao Shu: “Not at the moment.”
Gu Chenyan: “Alright.”
“Let’s have lunch together tomorrow.”
When Qiao Shu hung up the phone, his heart was still beating uncontrollably.
He raised his hand to cover his heart.
“Qiao Shu, have some composure.”
Finally calming his erratic heartbeat, Qiao Shu suddenly thought of something. He picked up his phone again, found Gu Chenyan’s WeChat, and sent an emoji.
Qiao Shu: (Piggy hug)
A few seconds later.
Gu Chenyan: (Piggy hug)
Gu Chenyan: Good.
In his dreams, it was a beautiful paradise with flowers dancing in the air. Qiao Shu saw Gu Chenyan with angel wings, flying towards him and taking him to the sky.
Gu Chenyan’s arrival brought excitement to Qiao Shu, enhancing his spirits. This made him perform exceptionally well during filming, and he finished the morning scenes ahead of schedule, allowing him to rest early.
It was still early.
Qiao Shu changed into his regular clothes and checked the time—ten forty.
Gu Chenyan should be arriving soon.
Thinking about this, Qiao Shu, unusually restless, decided to inform Lu Yue and headed outside the set.
He dialed the number.
Qiao Shu: “Gu Chenyan.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm.”
Qiao Shu: “Where are you? I’ve finished my morning scenes.”
Gu Chenyan glanced at the navigation: “Ten minutes away.”
Qiao Shu immediately smiled, “Then I’ll wait for you at the crossroads outside the set.”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
Qiao Shu walked briskly toward the crossroads. It wasn’t far, and he quickened his pace, reaching there in about five to six minutes.
Qiao Shu stood at the intersection, knowing well that Gu Chenyan’s car would take a few more minutes to arrive. Yet, he kept glancing towards the direction from which the airport traffic would come.
His eyes slightly shimmered with eagerness.
“Darling, I’ll miss you.”
A somewhat familiar voice came from not far behind Qiao Shu, prompting him to instinctively turn his head.
Xie Yuxi embraced a beautiful woman with curly hair, the two standing in front of a sports car, kissing as if reluctant to part.
Qiao Shu: “…”
Eye-catching.
Qiao Shu turned his head pretending not to have seen.
Over there, after soothing the sugar mommy and sending them away, Xie Yuxi turned around to see Qiao Shu standing at the crossroads.
He squinted his eyes, then unhesitatingly walked towards Qiao Shu.
Xie Yuxi: “Qiao Shu, it seems we have quite the fate between us.”
Qiao Shu ignored him.
Xie Yuxi, undeterred, continued his self-promotion: “How about it? Fancy a date tonight? Those who have been with me praise my skills. What do you think? It’s hard to find someone you truly like in this remote place.”
He straightened up.
Qiao Shu: “…”
Unable to contain himself, Qiao Shu said, “Brother, if I didn’t see it wrong just now, you were hugging and kissing a woman.”
Xie Yuxi was nonchalant, “Oh, that’s my sugar mommy.”
“Do you mind?”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Xie Yuxi spoke with emphasis, “When we just started as actors, we need to make sacrifices for resources. I inquired yesterday. Are you currently playing the second male lead in a trashy web drama? Your resources don’t seem great, unlike me, starring as the male lead in a top-rated TV idol drama.”
This guy is also in the entertainment industry…
Xie Yuxi continued, “How about I introduce my sugar mommy to you? Considering our past dealings, I’ll try to convince her to take you in too. Maybe we can even have a threesome.”
He was enthusiastic.
Qiao Shu was stunned.
His ears are dirty! His ears are dirty!
After a while, Qiao Shu finally said with difficulty, “Thanks for your kind offer, but no need. I think it’s better if we just pretend not to know each other.”
Xie Yuxi: “Are you sure…”
But Qiao Shu suddenly brightened. He pushed Xie Yuxi aside, saying, “Excuse me, don’t block the way.”
A black business car slowly came to a stop in front of Qiao Shu, and a brilliant smile appeared on his face.
The car door opened.
Long legs clad in black trousers stepped out, shiny leather shoes touching the ground.
“Gu Chenyan!”
Qiao Shu joyfully called out.
After half a month of separation, Gu Chenyan seemed even more handsome and attractive.
Gu Chenyan walked over to Qiao Shu on his own, and his black eyes fell on Qiao Shu.
Gu Chenyan: “You’ve lost weight.”
Qiao Shu: “Just a little.”
Gu Chenyan whispered, “Did you wait long?”
Qiao Shu shook his head, “No, I just arrived.”
Gu Chenyan: “Are you hungry?”
Qiao Shu rubbed his stomach, “A bit.”
After shooting two fight scenes in the morning, the buns and steamed buns he had for breakfast were long gone.
Gu Chenyan: “Let’s go eat.”
Qiao Shu: “Sure!”
Gu Chenyan: “Get in the car.”
Qiao Shu climbed into the car.
Completely ignored, a thoroughly disregarded Xie Yuxi snapped out of his daze from Gu Chenyan’s grand entrance. Seeing that Qiao Shu was about to leave, he hastily shouted, “Qiao Shu, remember to consider it!”
Gu Chenyan looked over.
Xie Yuxi shivered inexplicably, feeling a chill down his spine.
He wanted to run.
In fact, he did run, hastily saying, “I have something to do, I’ll leave first,” and quickly disappeared.
Qiao Shu: “…”
Qiao Shu didn’t take it seriously at all. After climbing into the back seat of the car, he beckoned for Gu Chenyan to sit beside him.
The car door closed.
The black car gradually moved away.
Inside the car.
Gu Chenyan performed a magic trick and took out a food box, opening it and handing it to Qiao Shu, “Your favorite.”
Qiao Shu’s eyes lit up, “Strawberries!”
Gu Chenyan nodded.
Qiao Shu looked up, “Did you specially bring it for me?”
Gu Chenyan nodded again.
These strawberries were specially air-freighted by Gu Chenyan early in the morning.
The strawberries were washed.
Qiao Shu happily took one and put it in his mouth. The sweet taste spread in his mouth, lingering until his heart.
Qiao Shu tilted his head and smiled at Gu Chenyan, “Very delicious.”
He couldn’t help but complain a little, “Our crew is so poor; don’t mention strawberries, even getting a few apples is difficult.”
Gu Chenyan was momentarily stunned.
It was the first time he heard Qiao Shu talk about these things.
Furrowing his brows slightly, Gu Chenyan felt a bit displeased. After a few seconds, he adjusted his mood and said, “If you want to eat something, just let me know. I’ll have someone deliver it to you every day.”
Qiao Shu was slightly touched.
But he still declined, “No need, no need. Everyone in the crew is the same; it’s not good to make things special.”
It was a bit embarrassing to have special treatment.
Gu Chenyan remained silent.
After finishing one, Qiao Shu forked another and offered it to the corner of Gu Chenyan’s lips.
Gu Chenyan refused, “It’s for you.”
Qiao Shu didn’t move and smiled, “Delicacies are more enjoyable when shared. Just have one.”
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
A few seconds later, Gu Chenyan opened his mouth and took a bite of the strawberry.
A few more seconds passed, and he silently nodded in his heart: indeed, it’s tastier when shared with someone else.
Qiao Shu ate a few and then stopped, carefully covering the food box.
Gu Chenyan looked at him. “Not eating anymore?”
Qiao Shu nodded. “I want to save some room in my stomach to eat with you. I’ll have it later.”
Gu Chenyan’s eyes flickered slightly.
After a while, he said, “Qiao Shu.”
Qiao Shu looked up. “Hmm?”
Gu Chenyan asked, “Who was that person just now?”
⌈Weekend chapters: 2⌉ ⌊Progress: 1/2 ⌋
