Chu Yueyi was surprised by Shi Guanghua's harsh words. She said incredulously, "Mr. Shi, you're so fake. There are no cameras now, why don't you speak honestly?"
They usually maintained a good image in front of cameras but could relax a bit in private. There was no need to frantically keep up appearances.
Shi Guanghua replied, "I am speaking honestly."
"I don't understand you," Chu Yueyi shook her head. She didn't take his words to heart and suggested, "Let's go for a walk. I'll show you some scenery different from the east side."
Shi Guanghua walked beside Chu Yueyi, looking her up and down. He commented, "You look different today."
Chu Yueyi usually appeared impeccably stylish from head to toe when in public. Now, however, she was dressed in casual winter clothes for warmth, without the all-out glamorous look female celebrities typically put on for the cameras.
Chu Yueyi responded impatiently, "I know, I look plain today. We're not filming a show, so don't expect me to dress up."
Not being in work mode, Chu Yueyi spoke more freely, especially since Shi Guanghua had seen her messy refrigerator and her true nature, so she felt less inhibited.
Hearing her self-deprecation, Shi Guanghua hesitated, "No, you look good. It's actually very authentic..."
Faced with his affirmation, Chu Yueyi couldn't help but glance at him sideways, dissatisfied. "Stop being fake. There's no need for pretense when we're not on the show." She didn't think being authentic was particularly good.
Chu Yueyi thought to herself: The entertainment industry doesn't need authenticity; being authentic just reveals all your flaws.
Shi Guanghua didn't understand why she always doubted him. He explained earnestly, "I always tell the truth."
"Right, right, you're the most honest," Chu Yueyi said dismissively. She spotted a bright, mirror-like ice rink not far away and changed the subject, "Want to go ice skating?"
During her school days, Chu Yueyi often played with friends at outdoor ice rinks, then queued at nearby food streets for local specialties, spending leisurely and carefree days. Now, seeing the frozen lake surface made her itch with excitement, feeling a strong urge to relive those happy memories.
Shi Guanghua looked in the direction she pointed. He saw the thick ice formed by natural low temperatures, shining brightly under the winter sun. There were already a few scattered tourists on the outdoor rink, looking like tiny ants on the snow from a distance.
Shi Guanghua said, "I'm fine with anything."
Hearing this, Chu Yueyi's eyebrow twitched. If they were filming, she might have ignored such a comment, but now she reminded him flatly, "Rephrase that."
Shi Guanghua immediately corrected himself: "I'd love to go."
Chu Yueyi, having successfully baited him, looked at him playfully, "So you do sometimes say things that aren't true."
Shi Guanghua was momentarily speechless, not expecting her to be so cunning, "..."
Chu Yueyi, pleased with her successful ploy, said triumphantly, "So stop pretending with me!"
Shi Guanghua chuckled, "You really are different today."
Chu Yueyi waved her hand dismissively as she walked ahead towards the ice rink, her words carried by the wind, "On the show, I'm just being nice and saving face for you."
She had positioned him as a colleague, so she could tolerate anything, but if she considered him a friend, she would reveal her true self.
Shi Guanghua stood still, watching her retreating figure, and muttered, "...Being nice to me?"
A moment later, he followed, also heading towards the ice rink.
Although there were other tourists on the ice, everyone was bundled up in thick clothing, making it impossible to distinguish individuals from a distance. People didn't dare to gather together, instead skating dispersed across the rink, not paying attention to those around them.
Chu Yueyi, under the pretext of showing Shi Guanghua the winter life of old Beijing, paid for both their entry tickets and rented ice skates. However, she soon discovered a fatal problem – Shi Guanghua couldn't skate.
Shi Guanghua put on the ice skates and held onto the rink's railing with one hand. He then stood still, watching her without moving an inch, as if his feet were glued to the ice. He was already tall, and now, unable to move, he looked somewhat awkward.
"Is this what you call 'fine with anything'?" Faced with this unexpected situation, Chu Yueyi couldn't help but bluntly tease, "This is more like 'not fine at all'."
Shi Guanghua said seriously, "I'm fine."
Chu Yueyi skated smoothly around him, leaving beautiful arcs on the ice, then skillfully returned to her original position. She challenged, "Show me how 'fine' you are then."
Shi Guanghua blinked, "Is this what you call being nice to me?"
Chu Yueyi didn't expect him to bring up her earlier words. She was momentarily at a loss for words and hurriedly said, "Okay, okay, I'm being nice to you. You're more high-maintenance than any girl I've ever taken out."
She realized that Shi Guanghua was quite a handful for a man – she had to put on a show with him during filming and now had to entertain him off-camera too.
Shi Guanghua questioned her comparison, saying softly, "Taking girls out?" Why did she always compare him to women?
Chu Yueyi didn't notice his subtle tone and casually replied, "I used to come skating with my classmates when I was in school."
Chu Yueyi began to teach him on the spot. She explained the skating techniques patiently, "First, learn how to stand. There are different standing positions – you can point your toes outward, or keep them vertical, then try standing on one foot..."
Shi Guanghua followed her example, imitating her movements. He gradually grasped the technique and tried to skate outward a few steps, but he was particularly clumsy, stumbling and nearly falling.
Chu Yueyi anxiously skated circles around him, then saw him grab the railing abruptly. She finally relaxed and said worriedly, "Don't rush to skate, you're not ready yet."
After Shi Guanghua steadied himself, he turned his head and met her concerned gaze. Her eyes sparkled like crystals in the sunlight.
Chu Yueyi looked at him anxiously and suggested softly, "Why don't I get you an ice sled? You can play and get a feel for it that way."
The winter wind blew across the ice, playfully lifting strands of her hair from beneath her woolen hat, making them dance lightly in the air. At that moment, her face was full of sincerity, her eyes fixed on him, as if he were the only person in the world.
Shi Guanghua felt his heart rate quicken. He took a deep breath of the cool air, suddenly understanding why Bai Yiyang had said Chu Yueyi was popular in school.
No one could resist her attentive gaze. After experiencing her meticulous care, one would hope for her attention to linger longer, perhaps even feeling a flutter of the heart at some point. Even though she occasionally said teasing things, she always revealed her gentleness in the details.
Who wouldn't want to have her kindness all to themselves? Who wouldn't want her to revolve around them? It would be strange not to want that.
Seeing Shi Guanghua lost in thought, Chu Yueyi waved her hand in front of his face and asked, "What's wrong? Don't be discouraged if you can't skate, it's not a big deal."
"I'll get you an ice sled. Don't just stand there silent," Chu Yueyi speculated that the great musician might have hurt his pride. She didn't want to make him withdraw into himself over skating, so she naturally adopted a tone used for comforting children.
Before Shi Guanghua could react, Chu Yueyi had already skated away to rent an ice sled. He watched her graceful, butterfly-like figure on the ice, feeling an indescribable satisfaction at that moment, yet also a vague sense of melancholy.
How long could this life last? How long would she continue to look at him this way?
He didn't know the answer, he just wanted to freeze this moment.
Chu Yueyi quickly returned with new equipment for Shi Guanghua. The ice sled was obviously much safer, with virtually no chance of falling. She even pulled the sled, guiding him for a couple of laps. Seeing his expression return to normal, she finally chased him off the sled.
Chu Yueyi took over his position, saying indignantly, "Now it's your turn to pull me, otherwise it's not fair."
Shi Guanghua had changed back into his own shoes and could now walk normally on the ice. He obediently pulled the sled carrying her, moving slowly.
Chu Yueyi sat leisurely on the ice sled, even going so far as to playfully shout, "Giddy up!"
Shi Guanghua: "..."
After their enjoyable time on the ice ended, they returned the rented equipment and walked to a nearby food street to find something to eat.
On the way, Chu Yueyi, acting as a local guide, thoughtfully collected feedback: "How was it? Was Mr. Shi satisfied with such a down-to-earth activity?"
Shi Guanghua replied sincerely, "It was quite fun."
Chu Yueyi: "That's good. I was worried you'd be disappointed that I didn't take you to places where celebrities usually hang out."
Chu Yueyi did know about other celebrities' entertainment spots, but she rarely went herself, so she didn't feel comfortable taking Shi Guanghua there. Unsure of Shi Guanghua's preferences, and wondering if he might prefer high-end venues, she naturally asked for his opinion.
"Actually, you sometimes don't seem like a celebrity," Shi Guanghua said, immediately feeling he had misspoken. He instinctively tried to clarify, "I don't mean in terms of your talent or anything else, but in some aspects..."
Shi Guanghua wasn't saying she lacked star quality, but rather that her way of thinking differed from most people in the industry. Although she disguised it well in daily life, it became noticeable with prolonged interaction.
Chu Yueyi didn't catch him out on his words. She replied graciously, "I understand. It's just that she doesn't seem like she's performing as a celebrity, not giving off the typical star vibe."
Shi Guanghua hesitantly responded, "...Mm."
Chu Yueyi stated decisively, "That's normal. I never intended to become like most celebrities either."
Shi Guanghua was taken aback and turned to look at her.
Chu Yueyi smiled and said, "Actually, in high school, I was advised against applying for art school. My teacher said the entertainment industry was too chaotic and completely unsuitable for someone with my personality. They suggested I'd be better off focusing on academic studies."
"But who's to define what's suitable or not?" she said calmly. "Outsiders think you can only get ahead in the industry by tearing others down, but everyone has their own path of development. Just be yourself, there's no need to imitate anyone else."
Chu Yueyi had heard similar opinions during her university years. She didn't look like someone who studied acting, yet she got the best grades in her performance classes. She didn't need to deliberately imitate anyone; she just proved who she was.
Shi Guanghua pondered for a few seconds, unsure how to phrase his thoughts at that moment. He finally admitted, impressed, "As expected of Teacher Chu."
"Look who's talking, Teacher Shi," Chu Yueyi muttered. "You have the nerve to say that about me when you're even less like a celebrity."
At least she put on a celebrity facade when working. He sometimes couldn't even be bothered to pretend in front of the camera.
Shi Guanghua reiterated, "I'm not a celebrity to begin with."
Chu Yueyi led him to the shop and, looking at the queue at the entrance, replied, "Alright, Mr. Male Celebrity, let's line up for this one."
Chu Yueyi had chosen a famous eatery in the snack street. Due to people keeping their distance in the queue, the line appeared particularly long. Both were wearing thick down jackets and hadn't been recognized on their way, but now that they were staying in one place for longer, they naturally attracted glances from others.
Chu Yueyi's style of dress differed greatly from her usual look, so she didn't really draw attention. However, Shi Guanghua's height stood out, and he was soon noticed by those around them.
In the queue, a girl who had initially only been suspicious soon began to curiously peek and crane her neck. Finally, she even gave up her place in line to cautiously approach them, whispering tentatively, "Shi Guanghua?"
Shi Guanghua turned his head instinctively, only to see the shocked stranger. His eyes were full of bewilderment and confusion.
Chu Yueyi, startled by the voice, quickly shrank behind Shi Guanghua. She wished she could disappear into the ground right then and there, terrified of being discovered in her current everyday state.
The girl was so shocked she couldn't close her mouth. Catching a glimpse of the figure behind him, she stammered, "That couldn't be..."
Shi Guanghua noticed Chu Yueyi's movement and guessed what she was thinking. He took a small step forward, completely shielding her, and calmly said, "She doesn't want to be seen."
Hiding behind him, Chu Yueyi nearly bit him to death. "..." You've just confirmed my identity!
The girl shook off her initial excitement and quickly took a step back, saying understandingly, "Oh, oh, oh, I see, I totally get it!"
"So you two... just... come out to play like this..." the girl said dryly. She hadn't expected such good fortune during the Spring Festival, encountering her favorite CP while out buying snacks. Now she felt a bit light-headed, as if in a dream.
The girl thought: Seriously, you're not even trying to hide, just strolling around on the street?
Shi Guanghua was the calmest person present. He asked mildly, "Is there a problem?"
Faced with his composed demeanor, the girl was stumped by his direct question. She scratched her head, "Well... I guess not..."
The way the actual celebrity could be so matter-of-fact made her dizzy. It was as if it were perfectly normal for them to be out and about in broad daylight.