Shi Guanghua had never won an argument against Chu Yueyi. He immediately stopped talking and tried to reach out to modify something, but she deftly dodged him.
Chu Yueyi maneuvered skillfully and admonished, "No touching. We agreed I'd mess with you, not the other way around."
Shi Guanghua failed to catch Chu Yueyi. He stared intently at her and said in a muffled voice, "...So they were right after all."
Chu Yueyi asked, "Right about what?"
Shi Guanghua replied, "That people need to learn how to communicate, or they won't be able to stand on their own feet."
Cheng and others had previously advised Shi Guanghua to learn how to communicate, warning that otherwise, he'd easily get beaten down in society. At the time, he didn't take it seriously, thinking he could just ignore others. Little did he know he'd meet someone he couldn't ignore, and he'd truly be outmatched in verbal sparring.
Shi Guanghua was the type who seemed cold and distant at first, but had little temper once you got to know him. He couldn't even retort when Cheng occasionally mocked him, let alone against her - eloquent and of special status.
Seeing that he was about to catch her, Chu Yueyi quickly fled, moving swiftly even in her dress.
The two found themselves in an impromptu chase along the shore until the Chief Director tactfully called for a stop.
The Chief Director coughed twice and said helplessly, "Yueyi, Guanghua, let's stop playing and go inside to film. There will be free time later..."
The production team had already set up in the lakeside restaurant, but Chu Yueyi and Shi Guanghua were entertaining themselves, feeling as if they could perform a crosstalk routine all day with just a chair.
Chu Yueyi was almost caught by Shi Guanghua, but thankfully the Chief Director intervened in time. She silenced her phone and put it in her pocket, not mentioning anything about changing contact names. Shi Guanghua felt helpless but could only accompany her to the restaurant to begin filming the indoor portion.
Shi Guanghua complained, "You're taking advantage of me." And not taking responsibility for it.
Chu Yueyi shrugged nonchalantly, "That's how cruel society is. It's your fault for not being able to take advantage yourself."
Shi Guanghua: "?"
Shi Guanghua: "Can I take advantage?"
Chu Yueyi, knowing he probably couldn't think of a way, casually said, "May the best person win."
Shi Guanghua took a deep breath. He glanced at her sideways and said with restraint, "Fine, just you wait."
She could only tease him this last day; after today's filming, it wouldn't be part of the show anymore.
He had already endured the first eleven episodes, so the twelfth and final one wouldn't be a problem.
Chu Yueyi: "Tsk tsk tsk, making threats. I'm so scared."
The exterior of the lakeside restaurant hadn't changed much. The wind chimes at the entrance made a crisp sound as the two pushed open the door, only to find the interior had been transformed.
Colorful silk ribbons were hung along both sides of the entrance hallway, with countless photos suspended from them - snapshots from throughout the show's filming. Star and moon decorations adorned the spaces between the ribbons and photos, glittering in the sunlight.
Chu Yueyi looked at the nearest photo, which happened to be from their first recording. In the photo, Shi Guanghua stood motionless, unable to say a word for quite some time, instantly reminding her of numerous old and new grievances.
Seizing the opportunity, Chu Yueyi pointed at that photo and demanded, "What were you thinking at that time?"
Back then, he had stood at the entrance without shaking hands or speaking, making the situation extremely awkward. Although he had somewhat redeemed himself with the "glowing" comment during the first impression, it still bothered her, especially now that they had become familiar with each other.
Shi Guanghua, who had been looking at a photo nearby, came over to see clearly and was startled. He then showed a hint of embarrassment and honestly said, "I wasn't thinking anything."
This was the truth - his mind had gone blank at that moment, what could he have been thinking?
Chu Yueyi exclaimed in disbelief, "Huh?"
Shi Guanghua asked in return, "Then what were you thinking at that time?"
Chu Yueyi pondered for a few seconds and answered just as honestly, with a straight face, "This person is a bit rude, his eyelashes are so long, it would probably be fun to pluck them out."
Shi Guanghua: "?"
Shi Guanghua was quite shocked. He frowned involuntarily, "But your attitude at that time..."
He had later guessed at her frustrations during filming, but he never imagined there was such a dark side.
Chu Yueyi: "Because I'm a kind person."
Shi Guanghua: "..." How is plucking out eyelashes kind!
Seeing his incredulous expression, Chu Yueyi became even more energetic. She pretended to wipe away tears and said, "And the first time we met, you said my smile wasn't pretty. You must have been disappointed when you saw me, that's why you said you weren't thinking anything..."
Shi Guanghua had been implicitly criticizing her outside, so naturally, Chu Yueyi wouldn't let it slide. The production team had handed her old accounts on a silver platter, and she had to flip through them noisily, retaliating against his earlier actions.
Cold sweat broke out on Shi Guanghua's back. He stiffly explained, "I didn't..."
Chu Yueyi sighed, "Ah, starting to deny it, starting to pretend to have amnesia, forgetting what you said."
She truly was an excellent actress, instantly on the verge of tears.
Shi Guanghua: "..."
Shi Guanghua was at a loss for words. He stared at her intently for a long time, his eyes like the finest ink-jade moistened by water, a bright light flashing in the deep black. He suddenly said, "You're the one who forgot."
He had never forgotten their first encounter, but the circumstances were quite special, and she probably had no impression of it anymore.
Chu Yueyi looked puzzled, "What did I forget?"
Shi Guanghua: "If you forgot, you'll have to figure it out yourself."
Chu Yueyi asked suspiciously, "Can't you at least give me a hint? You're not trying to trick me, are you?"
"A hint..." Shi Guanghua thought for a moment. Seeing her unconvinced expression, he simply took off his personal microphone and decisively switched it off. He was very familiar with all kinds of equipment and usually didn't need staff to help him put it on.
Chu Yueyi watched his actions in confusion, and the surrounding staff members were equally bewildered, not knowing what he was thinking.
Shi Guanghua stepped forward and reached out his arm towards Chu Yueyi, making her even more perplexed.
Chu Yueyi mistakenly thought he was going to hug her. She raised her hands anxiously, instinctively about to hug him back, when she felt some movement around her waist. Shi Guanghua had put his arms around her, reaching for the equipment at her waist, and turned it off as well.
With both of their microphones off, no sound could be picked up.
The Chief Director understood Shi Guanghua's intention and immediately felt a headache coming on, thinking that this person was being rebellious again. He signaled the sound engineer to come forward with the boom mic, but it was too late to remedy the situation.
Shi Guanghua kept one hand on the equipment at her waist. He pulled her closer and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
His familiar, fresh scent enveloped her, and she could feel the sun-like warmth behind his clothes.
Shi Guanghua's lips were almost touching her ear as he whispered, "You're wrong about one thing. This wasn't our first meeting."
His voice was extremely soft, but it carried warm breath that seemed to burrow into her ear. The lingering warmth made her earlobe tingle slightly, almost making her feel drunk and unsteady on her feet.
Chu Yueyi was made dizzy by his way of speaking. After processing the content, she looked at him with a face full of shock and bewilderment, her eyes wide with confusion.
Shi Guanghua didn't say anything more. He lowered his gaze, his expression calm, and turned her waist equipment back on before reattaching his own device.
They had been so close, and deliberately speaking in low voices, that the production team naturally hadn't picked up any sound.
The Chief Director's scalp tingled. He restrained himself from stepping forward: "Guanghua, are you treating us like we're dead, or do you really not see us as people..."
Chief Director: I've never seen such an arrogant fellow, turning off the microphone right in front of me!
Shi Guanghua used to find corners to whisper, but now he had directly skipped that step, creating a space on-site where sound couldn't be recorded.
Faced with the accusation, Shi Guanghua started to play deaf and dumb, not even bothering to explain his actions, leaving the Chief Director at a loss for words.
A staff member good-naturedly persuaded, "Come on, come on, boss, just bear with it. It's the last episode, he's in a bad mood too!"
The Chief Director indeed had no way to deal with Shi Guanghua. It was the last recording anyway, so there was no point in reprimanding him. Moreover, Shi Guanghua had been in a bad mood since morning, only relaxing after Chu Yueyi arrived.
After hearing Shi Guanghua's words, Chu Yueyi found it unbelievable. She immediately lost interest in looking at the photos and blocked Shi Guanghua, who was wandering in front of the silk ribbons, exclaiming, "How is that possible?"
She had never heard of Shi Guanghua's name before, at most just casually coming across it online.
Shi Guanghua leisurely sidestepped her and countered with ease, "It's you who forgot."
Chu Yueyi blocked him again, insisting, "Then explain it clearly."
"No," Shi Guanghua refused firmly. Seeing her deep in thought, he continued calmly, "Not bad, you're feeling a renewed interest in me. Looks like the finale won't be forgotten."
Chu Yueyi: "..." Today he was really being sarcastic.
Chu Yueyi couldn't tolerate his playing hard to get. She immediately grabbed his sleeve and demanded, "Tell me..."
Shi Guanghua remained as silent as a stone, preferring to drag her along as he stepped forward rather than give an answer. His coat was nearly pulled off. He slowly moved his feet and conceded, "If you remember, there's a reward."
Chu Yueyi raised an eyebrow: "What reward?"
Shi Guanghua: "I'll think of something when the time comes."
Hearing this, Chu Yueyi gripped him even harder, wishing she could weigh him down like a counterweight.
After the photo wall segment, the couple moved on to the dining portion. The production team handed them menus, arranging for them to choose lunch dishes for each other. Neither knew what the other had selected until the waiter brought the food.
A moment later, Shi Guanghua looked at the lone seafood fried rice in front of him. He glanced thoughtfully at Chu Yueyi and reminded her, "Look at what's in front of you."
Shi Guanghua had chosen all of Chu Yueyi's favorite foods, without a single misstep. Even the drink matched her taste. She was already happily enjoying her meal, the table before her lavishly set, in stark contrast to the solitary seafood fried rice in front of him.
Chu Yueyi feigned innocence: "This is a meaningful dish. It's the first one Teacher Shi ordered, symbolizing our beautiful past memories."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she bargained, "If you tell me, I'll order more food for you."
The show's rules only allowed them to order for each other. Chu Yueyi, having caught his weakness, naturally pressed the topic of their first meeting.
Shi Guanghua: "You're cheating."
Chu Yueyi: "I'm not. But if you beg me, or act cute, I might add some dishes."
Shi Guanghua: "..."
Shi Guanghua gazed at the appetizing seafood fried rice before him, with its red and white shrimp, slightly curled squid tentacles, and plump grains of rice, still steaming. He picked up the utensils beside him, casually scooped up a spoonful, and brought it to his mouth.
Chu Yueyi was shocked. She stopped him in an instant: "What are you doing?"
Shi Guanghua blinked and said frankly, "You ordered it for me. Even if it's poison, I have to eat it."
This was his mindset during his first recording. Since she had served it to him, he ate it at the time.
Chu Yueyi pursed her lips and frowned, "You're threatening me."
Shi Guanghua looked up calmly: "What am I threatening you with?"
Chu Yueyi thought to herself, you're threatening me with yourself, brother, you could have an allergic reaction!
She suppressed her inner dissatisfaction, afraid he might actually eat it. After all, he wasn't very smart. She politely gestured with her hand, "Excuse me, could I have the menu please?"
The waiter brought the menu over. The additional dishes Chu Yueyi ordered were quite normal, basically Shi Guanghua's usual fare, stemming from her long-term Sherlock Holmes-style observations.
Shi Guanghua was quite surprised to hear this. He never mentioned what he liked to eat, only realizing he had preferences because he consistently chose these dishes. Even Cheng couldn't say what foods he liked, probably assuming he enjoyed everything. Yet she had quietly observed and remembered.
Shi Guanghua felt as if he were walking on clouds, or immersed in a jar of honey. Restraining his joy, he lowered his gaze and said, "Hmm, my threat worked after all."
Chu Yueyi had just finished ordering when she heard his seemingly provocative tone. She strongly suspected he was getting cocky from being pampered.
Chu Yueyi said coolly, "You'd better pray for good weather tomorrow." And that the airline operates normally.
Shi Guanghua: "?"
Really.
If she wasn't flying to the film set tomorrow, she would have pinned him to the ground and pummeled him right then and there!