Chapter 47

Light rain washes away the years (02)

Chapter 47

"If you’re willing, tonight I do have a deal worth hundreds of millions to discuss with you."

A deal worth hundreds of millions with her?

Mu He instantly understood—this was leading to intimacy. She recalled what Zhong Li Fei had said about retreating to advance, quite similar in tactic, but wasn’t it too fast?

They had been dating for less than a month.

Vague memories surfaced…

In college, Ji Ning had found some adult enlightenment videos online from Japan. All the girls in the dorm watched together, commenting eagerly. She only glanced once, and the highly visual scenes made her dizzy, her face flushed the whole time, feeling like sitting on pins and needles, unsure how to position her hands and feet.

Later, she was mocked for being too innocent.

Indeed, emotionally, she only started to open up after reuniting with Xi Heng. Thinking that he was hinting at “that thing,” even knowing he was joking, she still blushed suddenly.

He was becoming increasingly improper in front of her.

Huo Siheng’s gaze gradually heated up. He intended to tease her and change the topic, but unexpectedly, he himself got caught up in it. With one hand, he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt and then lifted her around the waist.

Mu He finally got what she had wished for—being princess-carried while fully conscious. Before she could even savor the feeling, he gently placed her on the bed, his mature male body pressing against hers.

She didn’t expect him to be serious: “…Xi Heng?”

The man’s face was immersed in the dusk’s light, blurred. She couldn’t see clearly, only feeling that now he wore a slightly open shirt, his collarbone faintly visible, a sense of chill gone, looking like a refined rogue about to commit a misdeed.

His outline suddenly became clear, nose touching hers, those beautiful peach blossom eyes unfathomable, as if hiding countless seductive whirlpools. Mu He’s heart raced, lips slightly parted as she wanted to call out to him, giving him the opportunity, letting him advance unimpeded…

She gripped the bedsheet, creating deep creases.

The room quieted. Mu He turned her head, eyes glistening. Outside, night had fully fallen. A full moon hung in the sky, appearing as if submerged in water, giving an unreal feeling.

Huo Siheng buried himself at her neck to steady his breathing, letting out a mischievous laugh from his throat: “Yangyang, how about noodles tonight?”

Mu He didn’t want to respond and closed her eyes.

Even though nothing substantial had progressed, it felt like everything had happened. In this deal, he was the biggest winner; she had lost completely.

She planned to slowly settle the score with him later, and drifted into sleep, dazed.

When she woke up, it was already eight. Mu He walked out of the bedroom, passing the kitchen, catching sight of a tall figure at the counter. She stopped. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing lean forearms, strong and smooth in line, bending over to wash vegetables, exuding a homey feeling.

Her heart overflowed with affection. She entered the kitchen, wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, pressing her face to his back.

Neither spoke.

Huo Siheng turned off the faucet, grabbed two paper towels to dry his hands, opened the fridge, and took out two eggs.

Mu He seemed to have grown alongside him; wherever he moved, she followed.

Under her guidance, he finally managed to make a decent meal.

These days, Mu He’s meals on set had been good. To encourage him, she ate half a bowl, talking about the fun experiences with other actors. Her dark eyes sparkled: “Average age 35, I’m the youngest, and everyone spoils me…”

She spoke animatedly, clearly genuinely happy. Huo Siheng occasionally replied, his eyes curving beautifully.

Moonlight spilled outside, and warmth filled the room.

Mu He stayed home that night to rest and recover, arriving early the next day on set for the opening ceremony.

The crew hadn’t arranged media interviews, but many reporters and fans still came, the crowd noisy. The main crew, dressed in casual clothes, followed Director Tang to offer incense to the gods. The spring rain arrived unbidden, drifting down.

A good omen. The producer smiled broadly: “Water brings fortune. ‘Beicheng Has a Beauty’ opens auspiciously; ratings will soar!”

Director Tang, usually serious, nodded repeatedly.

After the group photo, Mu He and Gao Yuan were surrounded by reporters. Accustomed to media, she handled the sharp questions effortlessly without notes.

“Bai Xiaoxiao’s role has been rejected by many actresses due to low pay and high difficulty. Why did you choose to take it?”

A poor answer could easily offend.

Fans around laughed, recalling how Mu He had once been too poor to even afford a window, and Ai Fei crowdfunded her, pushing her into trending searches. They eagerly awaited her answer.

Mu He smiled brightly at the camera: “I don’t think I chose Bai Xiaoxiao; she chose me.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

She winked playfully: “Because her name is Bai Xiaoxiao, and mine is Mu Yangyang. Isn’t that a special fate?”

Reporters: Alright, you win.

Fans: You’re beautiful; whatever you say is right!

Mu He’s side was impenetrable, leaving reporters to turn to the male lead, Gao Yuan. He had been in the industry ten years, nominated six times for Best Actor, but never won, earning the title “Best Runner-Up Actor.”

“Mr. Gao, do you have confidence that your role as Zheng Hui can finally win the Best Actor award?”

“Of course I have confidence,” Gao Yuan smiled, “but whether I win depends on our Gao family ancestors’ will.”

Fans laughed, feeling sorry. If he didn’t get Best Actor, he’d have to go home and inherit the billion-dollar family fortune.

“Just joking.”

He regained seriousness. “I’m an actor; performing well is my duty.

On this path, there are countless excellent peers. I can learn from every one of them. I’m honored to advance alongside them.”

Rain thickened as the interview wrapped. The crew prepared hot drinks and snacks for reporters, attending to every detail, so the resulting press releases naturally felt genuine.

Back in the lounge, Tan Mian handed Mu He a coffee. After a few sips, the makeup artist arrived. Unlike when playing Xi Yin, her costume and headpiece now were simple; she played a schoolgirl. Makeup was light—just a thin powder layer, eyebrows drawn, lips colored.

Before filming, Director Tang held a script reading session, analyzing characters’ psychology, motives, and even the tone and expression of every line. Mu He’s notebook filled with new insights.

After the meeting, the rain stopped.

The first scene involved Bai Xiaoxiao and her father.

The clapperboard clicked, Director Tang called: “Action!”

Silence filled the study. The camera first captured a lamp on the table, swaying in the wind. Its shadow slowly moved to Bai Xiaoxiao’s thin father’s back, standing at the desk checking his daughter’s homework.

Bai Xiaoxiao sat on a wooden chair, brow slightly furrowed, a grown-up sorrow on her face: “Dad, the teachers at school have all been taken away. They notified us that classes are suspended for half a month.”

“It’s okay,” her father’s expression was serious, but his tone normal. “Daddy will teach you from now on.”

“Dad, where do you think they took all the teachers? I heard…”

Small noises came from the roof. Her father motioned “shh.” Bai Xiaoxiao realized something, covered her mouth, tears of fear glimmered. Shadows jumped down, and she silently shouted: “Dad.”

Tears fell rapidly.

Impatient knocking came from outside.

Her father remained calm, hid his daughter in a cabinet, whispering: “Don’t be afraid. Go find Uncle Ming when it’s daylight.”

Bai Xiaoxiao nodded and shook her head alternately, then nodded firmly.

Her father adjusted his long robe, walked out righteously. Two men in black flanked him with guns: “Smart ones stay quiet.”

He didn’t glance at them, walking forward without turning his head.

Camera back to the cabinet. Bai Xiaoxiao curled up, trembling, gritting her teeth, repeating “Dad” in her mind. When dawn broke, she carefully emerged, cautiously observing the surroundings. The house door was open, and she stumbled outside.

Director Tang: “Cut!”

Mu He rested a few minutes, then continued the scene: Bai Xiaoxiao running through the alley crying for Uncle Ming.

The girl, dependent on her father, now faced fear, despair, helplessness, and a glimmer of hope—all to be conveyed in her running.

Six cameras followed simultaneously.

Every movement, expression, even subtle eye changes were captured in close-up.

“Again.”

“Your expression isn’t right, do it again.”

……

Mu He ran back and forth twenty-seven times before achieving the effect Director Tang wanted. “Reshoot one more shot of the fall. Pay attention—the camera must focus on the eyes.”

Tan Mian, holding clothes and water, stood nearby. Seeing Mu He fall again and again, she felt heartache. Ding Wu, by the monitor, felt even tighter in his chest. He had never realized how grueling filming could be for an actor. She must be bruised all over. Why didn’t they use a stunt double?

He tried to negotiate with Director Tang.

Tang’s attention was fully on Mu He, not a word of Ding Wu’s got through. On screen, Bai Xiaoxiao lunged forward; at the moment she hit the ground, a tear dropped. Director Tang was finally satisfied: “Pass! Not bad!”

He turned his head. “Mr. Ding, what were you just saying?”

Ding Wu’s voice was calm: “Nothing.”

He looked at his daughter. She had been helped up by the assistant. Once she put on her coat and sat in the corner to rest, he walked over: “Xiao Mu, are you okay?”

“Mr. Ding.”

Tan Mian, very tactful, brought over a chair.

Ding Wu sat down, keeping a distance to avoid making his daughter overthink, speaking in a calm tone: “You weren’t hurt, right?”

Mu He was slightly surprised, shook her head: “No.”

“That’s good.”

Ding Wu had a whole chest of concern he couldn’t voice, so he awkwardly changed the topic: “I just watched behind the monitor. Teacher Zhao Kai is truly a veteran—his performance was excellent.”

When will I be able to hear you call me “Dad”?

Mu He was happier than if she had been praised herself: “With Teacher Zhao there, I could get into character easily.”

Ding Wu said: “I’m also a fan of Teacher Zhao.”

Fake.

“Really?”

“I’ve watched all his dramas.”

“Me too,” Mu He felt a kindred spirit. “Which one do you like the most?”

Ding Wu had done his homework: “Green Grass by the River.”

“That was Teacher Zhao’s first work. I also really like it…”

Ding Wu almost got lost in that soft, clear voice, his heart swelling with paternal tenderness, yet he knew restraint well: “You rest first. I’ll go talk to Teacher Zhao.”

“Okay.”

They only filmed two scenes today, wrapping up by evening. Mu He returned to Jin Yue Bay, seeing the top-floor lights from afar, feeling an incomparable sense of warmth and peace, walking under the stars simply because he was waiting.

Seeing him, she cuddled him for a while, followed by a kiss, and all fatigue melted away.

At the dining table, it was as always Mu He’s domain, with Xi Heng as the best listener. After dinner, under the night sky, they took their bowls downstairs for a walk. Amid flowers and moonlight, even silence held a different kind of sweetness.

Wanwan, the biggest third wheel, consciously stayed behind, reducing her presence, strolling leisurely.

At the artificial lake, Mu He estimated the security’s patrol timing was near, nudged his arm: “Let’s go upstairs.”

She was tired too.

After washing up and lying on the bed, the starry sky outside the ceiling couldn’t compare to the view behind the frosted glass in the bathroom. Mu He openly admired it, until the door opened. He walked out, towel drying his half-wet hair, meeting her gaze straight on, lightly smiling at the corner of his mouth.

She feigned innocence: “I wasn’t peeking.”

He lazily said “Oh,” clearly not believing her.

With his hand raised, his pajamas lifted, revealing a short, sexy waistline. The mysterious black tattoo peeked out from the edge.

Mu He’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued: “I want to see your tattoo.”

Huo Siheng sat on the bed, voice low: “Are you sure you want to see it?”

Mu He’s ears reddened. He had said before, only his wife could see it. If she saw it, did that mean…

Was this a roundabout proposal?

She cautiously confirmed with him: “Seeing it doesn’t mean I have to take responsibility, right?”

He hid all emotion in his eyes: “No.”

Mu He relaxed, reaching to lift his pajamas, discovering most of the tattoo was below the waistband. This…

Huo Siheng lay down cooperatively, hands behind his head, calmly waiting for her next move.

Mu He held her breath, gently pulling down his waistband. The edge of his black underwear appeared, the tattoo only an outline of a wing. Clearly, to see the whole thing, she would have to confront a dangerous spot directly…