Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The low voice was like a stone thrown into a lake, sending ripples through Pei Chuzhi’s heart.

She was dazed for a moment, and amid her quickening heartbeat, she heard her own eager desire to agree, and also heard the sly thought she was unwilling to admit.

Pei Chuzhi thought she had to admit she was attracted to the man before her.

Although people around her often laughed at her for being slow to understand, she was only a bit dull, not a stone that didn’t understand love.

No matter when those subtle feelings began to sprout, over these months of getting along, she truly started to blur the line between real and fake.

Even though she knew his care and concern were coated with a layer of performance-like sugar, she still tasted from Xing Ye’s words a sweetness that soaked her tongue and reached her heart.

Why would he need that special position?

He was already special.

So she smiled, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents: “Okay.”

Xing Ye froze for a moment, not expecting her to agree so readily.

His Adam’s apple tightened, and he walked out of the elevator with her.

They walked forward for a while, their synchronized footsteps echoing in the parking garage without knowing when they had become so in step.

Pei Chuzhi actually didn’t know what to do next.

“Do you have anything later?” she finally asked.

Xing Ye shook his head. “No.”

After a few more steps, he cleared his throat. “You?”

Pei Chuzhi shook her head too.

Xing Ye thought for a moment. “Let’s go have lunch.”

·

The hotel used for the audition was one of the places frequently rented by production crews in Yan City to recruit actors.

Nearby businesses understood how to do business. Each decorated their interiors with strong character, trying to attract actors.

Pei Chuzhi was fairly familiar with the area. After getting in the car, she was thinking whether to recommend a restaurant with good taste to Xing Ye, when she heard him say, “I’ll take you to Ding Yang’s place.”

These days it wasn’t unusual for celebrities to have side businesses.

But Pei Chuzhi was still a bit surprised, because Ding Yang had never mentioned publicly that he owned a restaurant.

Xing Ye: “He opened it for fun. Usually only a few friends go. It’s not open to the public.”

Pei Chuzhi nodded. “Then are you sure it’s open today?”

“…Wait a moment.”

Reminded by her, Xing Ye felt it was necessary to ask first.

While he made a call in the driver’s seat, Pei Chuzhi sent Xu Lei a message saying she didn’t need to pick her up.

Xu Lei responsibly asked: 【Then how will you come back?】

Pei Chuzhi said: 【I’ll take Xing Ye’s car.】

He wouldn’t not send her home after eating, right.

Xu Lei sent a sticker: 【Okay okay, you two go on a date!】

The words “go on a date” kept enlarging before her eyes.

Pei Chuzhi raised the corners of her lips and turned to look at the man beside her.

He lowered his eyes slightly, one hand tapping lightly on the steering wheel, the other holding the phone covering most of his face. From her angle, she could only see the veins on the back of his hand and his tall nose bridge.

“Mm? I’m bringing Zhizhi over.”

“Sure, tell the people in the shop and have them remember her name.”

He was probably talking to Ding Yang, his tone casual, carrying a familiarity he wouldn’t show in front of outsiders.

And also a subtler feeling—like he was bringing her into his social circle.

Pei Chuzhi secretly laughed at herself.

They were supposed to be contract lovers, yet she couldn’t help wanting to make the act real. That was why, when she saw others say they were on a date, it felt as if a jar of honey had overturned in her heart, spreading threads of sweetness.

Xing Ye hung up the call and opened his contacts. “The place is open. The chef Ding Yang hired is good, and it’s quiet. Save the number. If you want to go later, call to make a reservation.”

He softly recited a landline number.

Pei Chuzhi entered six digits into her phone, but while pressing save she was still thinking about the “later” he mentioned.

That “later” might include the long time after their contract expired.

Originally, she and Xing Ye were like two stars scattered in the sky. He shone brilliantly, while she was dim and small. Even the hazy glow around her was borrowed from him.

When the contract ended, they would no longer have any special intersection.

Perhaps they would meet at some event, pretend to have no connection, nod politely, and then pass by each other.

But Pei Chuzhi wasn’t someone who wallowed in melancholy.

If this was destined to be a dream with a countdown, then in the remaining year or so, she was willing to make the dream grander. After many years, maybe she could mention it nostalgically.

“That Xing Ye who was in the spotlight since birth—I once had a relationship with him that I knew from the start would end.”

·

Ding Yang’s restaurant was in an old alley.

There wasn’t even a signboard. Just traditional gray bricks and a vermilion door, looking like an ordinary residence.

Xing Ye raised his hand and knocked. Soon an aunt with graying hair came to open the door.

She was clearly someone who had seen the world. Seeing the popular movie star and his girlfriend, she showed no surprise and kindly smiled. “Come in.”

Like welcoming relatives.

Pei Chuzhi, new here, smiled politely at her, then her gaze was drawn to a towering tree in the courtyard.

She suspected it would take two or three adult men to encircle the trunk. Beneath the tree were two wooden tables, not particularly delicate, but with a rustic charm.

Xing Ye was obviously familiar with the place. He led her to sit at one, then brought over a copper kettle from somewhere and poured tea into their cups.

The aunt placed a handwritten menu on the table.

Xing Ye pushed it to Pei Chuzhi. “You order.”

She glanced over it, seeing mostly home-style dishes, and casually ordered a few. Then she added, “Remember, no cilantro.”

“Don’t worry.” The aunt quickly wrote it down. “He doesn’t eat cilantro either. We all know.”

After the aunt left, Xing Ye looked at her, a bit curious. “That just now—were you saying it for me, or for yourself?”

“Cilantro?”

Pei Chuzhi confirmed. Seeing him nod, she smiled. “For you. I remember when we filmed Quietly Fall in Love with You, you picked all the cilantro out of your boxed meal.”

Xing Ye raised his brow, a pleased smile at the corner of his lips.

While waiting for the dishes, they inevitably talked about today’s audition.

According to Xing Ye’s feedback, among the performances he saw up to Pei Chuzhi, none left a particularly deep impression.

However, unexpectedly, Chu Man’s performance today was passable.

“But her acting was too formulaic. It’s obvious she crammed acting training.”

When Xing Ye mentioned other actresses, his tone was as flat as commenting on a fallen leaf. “If I were the director, I wouldn’t want to use that kind of actor.”

Pei Chuzhi propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. “But Director Bai is very good at filming actresses.”

Even if she only had sixty percent ability, in Bai Ruxu’s hands it could be trained into eighty percent charm. A merely passable Chu Man, if Bai Ruxu was willing to guide her patiently, might also be usable.

Xing Ye glanced at her. “Worried you won’t be selected?”

Pei Chuzhi didn’t intend to deny her uneasiness.

She had been in the industry for nearly three years and had heard plenty of stories. This was no longer an era where directors decided everything. No matter how big a name you were, when facing capital’s pressure, you would still have to bow sometimes.

“Of course I’m worried,” she said softly. “But being able to attend this audition is already lucky. I’ll leave the rest to fate.”

To gain is my fortune, to lose is my fate—this was something Pei Chuzhi deeply understood after the changes in her family.

Rather than worry and complain, it was better to do her best and leave the rest to destiny.

The aroma of food drifted over, interrupting their conversation.

The aunt from earlier carried a tray out of the kitchen and placed the dishes on the table.

The dishes didn’t look complicated, but after a few bites, Pei Chuzhi realized the chef was indeed skilled—subtle, simply adding the most suitable flavors to the freshest ingredients.

She served herself a bowl of matsutake soup, her expression relaxed. “Let’s eat first.”

Xing Ye picked up his chopsticks and quietly watched her, hesitating for a moment.

A director of Bai Ruxu’s level wouldn’t have only Ya Ying investing. If he really explained all the complicated dealings, this meal wouldn’t have time for anything else.

He had only heard a few days ago that Chu Man had found someone to push her into the production as the lead.

And the investment that person was willing to provide was reportedly not small.

Xing Ye had connections and seniority in the entertainment industry, but his main job wasn’t running a company. He had a say in which projects Ya Ying invested in, but the specific amounts were mostly decided by other management.

Seeing him silent, Pei Chuzhi guessed Chu Man was determined to win this time. She smiled calmly. “Don’t be like this. You’ve already helped me a lot.”

If Xing Ye hadn’t introduced her, she might not even have met Bai Ruxu.

Even if this time didn’t work out, at least she had shown herself to Bai Ruxu. Maybe he’d think of her for another film in the future.

“She might not succeed.”

After a long time, Xing Ye spoke slowly. “If Director Bai really likes someone, he’ll definitely stick to his opinion.”

Pei Chuzhi nodded. Knowing nothing was certain, she changed the topic. “By the way, my mom called me earlier and asked if I was dating. It almost scared me.”

Xing Ye picked at fish bones with his chopsticks. “Did Aunt scold you?”

“Not really. It’s just that I didn’t tell them in advance.”

When Pei Chuzhi mentioned her parents, genuine happiness spread across her face. Then she added, “Didn’t your parents ask?”

“Ask what?”

“About… you and me dating.” She pursed her lips, her face slightly red.

Xing Ye thought for a moment. “I think they mentioned it. What, afraid that one day my parents will come to meet you?”

Pei Chuzhi hadn’t thought that far, but after he casually mentioned it, she suddenly felt a bit scared.

She silently drank some soup, praying Xing Ye’s parents wouldn’t act on a whim.

Unexpectedly, after a few seconds of silence, Xing Ye said, “Actually, it’s not impossible.”

Pei Chuzhi: “Huh?”

“If there’s a chance, I’ll take you to meet my family.” Xing Ye chuckled softly, curling his lips teasingly. “Scared?”

Pei Chuzhi: “……”

Scared.

·

In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed, and the casting list for Half a Lifetime of Splendor still hadn’t been announced.

At nine in the evening, smoke filled a private club’s private room.

“Director Bai, smoke less.”

The producer who attended the audition played a card. “Look at Teacher Xing’s expression. If you keep smoking, he might start hitting people.”

The ashtray on the black round table was already stuffed with cigarette butts.

The three men sitting around the table had different expressions. Although they all held cards, the topic clearly wasn’t limited to the game.

Xing Ye gathered the remaining cards and spread them again, his face expressionless.

Bai Ruxu had suddenly asked him out today. From the sound of it, he wanted to talk about the female lead.

Bai Ruxu crushed the cigarette and sighed. “I’m worried, you know? Xing Ye, I’m not one to beat around the bush. I’ll be honest with you. I think Pei Chuzhi is very good, but if I choose her, I’ll have to offend a big shot.”

Xing Ye’s gaze darkened slightly. “You mean you’ll choose Chu Man?”

He let out a cold laugh, anger tinting his brows. “You don’t care about the film’s quality anymore?”

The producer tried to smooth things over. “You know how it is. In the past two years, capital has withdrawn a lot. So many projects can’t even start filming. People willing to throw money into movies are few. No matter how much Director Bai pursues art, he still has to eat first.”

Xing Ye didn’t speak.

The producer continued, “Or… Teacher Xing, why don’t you take the male lead? With your guarantee, we could find more investors.”

Xing Ye shook his head. “My schedule can’t be arranged.”

It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered it. First, he truly didn’t have time. Second, he didn’t want Pei Chuzhi, during these crucial years, to have every work tied to his name.

Over time, people would easily ignore her ability and treat her only as Xing Ye’s accessory.

Bai Ruxu worriedly wanted to light another cigarette.

Xing Ye glanced at him. “If you reject Chu Man, you can’t find other investors?”

“It’s not just about money.” Bai Ruxu rubbed his brow. “The person behind Chu Man is from your circle. He’s already made it known—anyone who invests will be going against him.”

Xing Ye frowned. “Aren’t you in the same circle as me?”

The producer coughed twice and reminded him, “Director Bai means… your family’s circle.”

He leaned over slightly and whispered a name.

The anger in Xing Ye’s eyes deepened.

No wonder even someone as stubborn as Bai Ruxu didn’t dare directly reject Chu Man. It turned out the backing was indeed strong.

But understanding this, he also realized why he’d been invited tonight.

Xing Ye’s voice sank. “So either I step in directly, or you give up on her and choose Chu Man. That’s what you mean?”

The producer nodded repeatedly, looking embarrassed.

All their long buildup tonight was for this final point. It did sound calculating.

Xing Ye’s expression indeed didn’t look good.

He threw the cards in his hand onto the table, his cold gaze sweeping over the two.

Bai Ruxu frowned. He had said before that Xing Ye disliked this roundabout approach. If the producer hadn’t insisted, and if he himself didn’t truly want Pei Chuzhi to star in Half a Lifetime of Splendor, he wouldn’t have played along.

Unfortunately, judging by Xing Ye’s expression now, he seemed about to flip the table and leave.

After a long silence, Xing Ye suddenly laughed.

“Fine. Isn’t it just about backing? I’ll be her backing.”

Author’s note: Thanks to the little angels who cast overlord tickets or irrigated nutrient solution between 2019-12-19 22:03:20 and 2019-12-20 20:50:36~

Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: Little Fairy? 2; Man Sha Hua Other Shore Flower 1;

Thanks to the little angels who irrigated nutrient solution: Black Girl 3 bottles; Ha Ha Ha Ha Husky 1 bottle;

Thank you very much for everyone’s support, I will continue to work hard!