When Chu Yueyi arrived at the film set, it was the hottest time of the year in Hengdian. The sweltering heat had silenced even the summer cicadas, leaving only the sweat-drenched crew members on set.
The director, facing the travel-worn Chu Yueyi, sighed with relief, "Yueyi, you're always reliable. Thank you so much for coming to our rescue this time!"
Chu Yueyi replied, "It's no problem, we're all friends here."
"Ah, there aren't many people like you who value friendship these days," the director lamented. "I'm sure you'll become a big star one day!"
Chu Yueyi responded with a gentle smile, "Being famous or not, it's all the same. Regular people don't go to work thinking about becoming famous. Acting is just a profession in the end."
The director laughed, "Your perspective makes me feel narrow-minded in comparison."
Chu Yueyi had been acting for years, maintaining a steady but unremarkable career, content with her position as a well-known working actress in the industry.
In her earlier years, she had aspirations of becoming a big star, but now she was satisfied with a stable and fulfilling life. Although far from being a hot topic like current celebrities, her earnings and achievements were enough to keep her comfortable and somewhat famous.
What are the characteristics of a well-known working actress?
Excellent professional skills, cost-effective fees, a positive work attitude, and treating acting as an ordinary job.
Chu Yueyi had been in many good films, but she was never as famous as her works. The public's first impression of her was always "a talented young actress," with little thought beyond that.
Occasionally, Chu Yueyi would encounter people on the street who recognized her. They could even greet her casually, without the excitement typical of star-struck fans, more like old friends meeting by chance.
She thought this kind of life wasn't bad at all. There was a clear separation between her on-screen and off-screen life, allowing for a relaxed state and a fulfilling career.
In mid-July, the weather was stuffy and hot. The blue sky over Hengdian was dominated by the scorching sun, which had completely dried up the small pools left by the recent thunderstorms. The earth felt as if it had been rolled over by burning rocks.
In a shaded corner of the set, Chu Yueyi and her female co-star were having lunch and chatting idly.
The co-star noticed a tall figure lingering not far away. She glanced at Chu Yueyi beside her and suddenly said, "Don't you feel like Teacher Shi keeps looking at you?"
Chu Yueyi looked up, confused, "Not really, I haven't even spoken to him."
The co-star insisted, "A woman's intuition tells me your love life might be about to blossom."
Chu Yueyi retorted, "Don't overthink it. This isn't an otome game where every man in the world falls for one woman."
The co-star persisted, "Even though he seems aloof, I keep feeling like you're in his eyes."
Chu Yueyi joked, "Why don't you go help the scriptwriter next door with some plot ideas?"
Chu Yueyi flatly denied her co-star's outlandish guess, but the other woman kept bringing it up, seemingly drawing strange conclusions from nowhere.
Chu Yueyi swore that in the month and a half since she joined the crew, she hadn't even spoken to the man her co-star referred to as "Teacher Shi," and they hadn't even formally greeted each other during the crew meetings.
Reportedly, Teacher Shi was known for being unsociable and taciturn. He rarely talked about anything unrelated to work, so everyone around him had grown accustomed to it and thought nothing of it.
Teacher Shi, whose full name was Shi Guanghua, was composing the soundtrack for the film. He was with the crew to seek inspiration through immersion in the environment. He wasn't the sound director, so he didn't need to be present throughout the filming process, making him quite an unusual presence on set.
In Chu Yueyi's impression, teams creating film soundtracks didn't need to come to Hengdian at all. They could easily complete their work in studios in first-tier cities, and film crews rarely had the budget to have them on set.
Shi Guanghua's presence on set could only be explained by two reasons: either the production was truly well-funded and the director was insistent on having everyone present, or Shi Guanghua was an artist who took his work very seriously and was willing to endure the hardships of Hengdian to gather inspiration.
The film crew was indeed quite large, and except for the all-hands meetings, Chu Yueyi rarely encountered people from other departments, so she hadn't met Shi Guanghua many times.
Of course, even though they didn't know each other at all, she had heard quite a few interesting stories about him. After all, where there are people, there are stories, and gossip was everyone's favorite pastime during work breaks.
Shi Guanghua didn't often appear on set, but due to his strikingly handsome appearance, he still attracted a lot of attention from outsiders.
It was said that when a crew member once offered to add Shi Guanghua on WeChat, he shut down the possibility with a single sentence, politely refusing with, "We probably don't need to communicate about work, so there's no need to add each other."
"Did they really want to chat about work? They obviously just wanted to chat with him!" Others who heard this laughed, all discussing how oblivious Shi Guanghua was.
Most people in the crew were outgoing and cheerful. After all, they had traveled far and wide, meeting new people with each production. It was rare to encounter someone like Shi Guanghua.
People joked about it privately, and Chu Yueyi just found it amusing, only remembering that he didn't like adding people on WeChat.
She had never interacted with Shi Guanghua, but she did notice that he had been appearing on set more frequently lately. Beyond that, she didn't think much of it.
Shi Guanghua watched from afar as Chu Yueyi chatted and laughed with her co-star under the shade. He silently noted that she indeed got along well with everyone. No one in the crew seemed to dislike her; she always maintained good relationships with everyone.
The only regret was that they still didn't know each other.
Shi Guanghua noticed a message pop up on his phone screen, surprisingly from Zou Qian. He tapped to open it.
Zou Qian, well aware of why Shi Guanghua had joined the crew, asked bluntly: [How's your chat going?]
Shi Guanghua replied honestly: [We haven't chatted.]
[Why not? Did you find the real person doesn't match your imagination? Did your fan's rose-colored glasses shatter? If so, just come back.]
[It's not that.]
Shi Guanghua thought to himself that she was exactly as he had imagined, and continued to reply: [I don't know how to chat.]
[???]
Zou Qian was at a loss for words with Shi Guanghua. He called him directly, saying in disbelief, "What do you mean you don't know how to chat? I thought you'd have made some progress after being there for over a month. I didn't expect you to be enduring in silence for three years!"
"..."
Zou Qian was completely exasperated with Shi Guanghua. He had always known that his friend was interested in the actress Chu Yueyi, whom he had worked with before. However, while Shi Guanghua was usually stubborn and did things his own way, he became incredibly timid when it came to matters concerning her.
Zou Qian had no intention of forcibly matchmaking the two. He just thought they should at least get to know each other, have a brief conversation, and maybe Shi Guanghua's impression of Chu Yueyi would change after interacting with her.
When he had worked with Chu Yueyi before, he had specifically asked Shi Guanghua if he wanted to come over, intending to introduce them. In the end, Shi Guanghua did show up, but he hid backstage, secretly watching her without even coming forward to say hello!
It was that ridiculous. It was that childish.
It felt like those school days when you would purposely wander the corridors just to catch a glimpse of your crush, not really having any plan but feeling like even one look was worth it.
Zou Qian said frustratedly, "I know you're a late bloomer, but are you trying to make up for missed teenage crushes? What stage are you at now? What do you chat about on WeChat?"
Shi Guanghua admitted, "We haven't added each other on WeChat."
Zou Qian asked incredulously, "Why not? Shouldn't it be easy to add WeChat contacts within the crew?"
Shi Guanghua replied, "I don't know how to add her."
Zou Qian took a sharp breath, "Wait, Guanghua, have you ever interacted with women before!?"
Shi Guanghua humbly asked for advice, "So how do you add women on WeChat?"
Zou Qian replied, "You just find an appropriate moment, or directly ask for it."
Shi Guanghua looked curious, "Do you always directly ask for people's WeChat? Xiao Cheng mentioned you recently met a singer..."
Zou Qian was particularly sensitive to the word "singer." He defensively explained, "I-I didn't! How could I be so presumptuous as to directly ask for her WeChat!?"
"But I didn't say who it was," Shi Guanghua paused for a moment, calmly pointing out, "And you just suggested that I should ask directly?"
Shi Guanghua had thought Zou Qian was speaking from rich experience and sophisticated techniques when he heard him talk so confidently. Who knew his friend was also a theoretical giant, giving advice fluently but fumbling in execution.
This might be a common human flaw – being clear-headed when giving relationship advice to others, but panicking when it comes to one's own situation.
"At least I can actually talk to people when I meet them. You being in the crew for a month without communicating is just absurd!"
"...I have greeted her."
"Oh, what did you say?"
"Just 'hello'."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Zou Qian pondered for a few seconds before responding impassively, "Alright, I understand. I'm certain you've returned empty-handed once again. Last time you merely glimpsed her backstage, and now you've managed to steal a few glances on set. I suppose that's some progress."
Zou Qian mocked, "When you two actually exchange WeChat contacts, please have my granddaughter burn some joss paper to inform me."
Shi Guanghua calmly replied, "How can you be so sure you'll have grandchildren?"
Zou Qian: "!!?"
In the break room, Chu Yueyi and the staff gathered around a large table for tea and conversation. Although the filming schedule was usually intense, there were occasional leisurely afternoons before the extensive night shoots, allowing everyone to steal a moment of relaxation.
The chatter revolved around trivial matters, recent games they'd played, and characters from popular TV dramas.
"If I were the female lead, I'd definitely choose the second male lead. It's not that the main lead is bad, I just don't feel drawn to him..."
The break room buzzed with conversation as Shi Guanghua entered to retrieve something. His peripheral vision caught Chu Yueyi among the crowd, causing his heart to skip a beat inexplicably. Not daring to linger, he quickly grabbed a hard drive from the side.
The male assistant director noticed Shi Guanghua's entrance and warmly invited him, "Mr. Shi, would you like to join us for a chat?"
The women in the room were engrossed in discussing the drama, leaving the male assistant director feeling somewhat left out. He hoped another male colleague would stay to disperse the current atmosphere in the break room.
Shi Guanghua raised his hand to politely decline, "No..."
"Yueyi, who do you like in the drama? Do you prefer the second male lead too?"
"No, I might lean towards the main lead," Chu Yueyi replied.
The girls looked surprised, "Oh, that's unexpected. Don't you think the second lead is very devoted?"
Chu Yueyi explained sheepishly, "It's mainly my personality, I guess. If the other person doesn't take initiative, there's basically no story. The second lead type doesn't really work for me..."
One of the girls exclaimed, "Ah, I couldn't tell at all. I find you very easy to get along with!"
Chu Yueyi thought ruefully that of course she'd be easy to get along with now - they were colleagues confined to the film set for an extended period. But maintaining interpersonal relationships required effort. Once work ended and everyone went their separate ways, the situation would be different.
Chu Yueyi had a habit of being accommodating to others at work, but once the job was over, they'd part ways. Some people, remembering her past kindness, would continue to contact her frequently, allowing their friendship to continue. Otherwise, they might not chat again for years.
Chu Yueyi wasn't in the habit of asking others for favors, so she wouldn't maintain relationships after work ended. Ironically, people's emotions often develop through mutual favors. She could chat pleasantly with anyone, but it seemed she could also do without anyone.
Shi Guanghua had initially refused the male assistant director's invitation, but upon overhearing the conversation nearby, he instantly changed his mind. He pulled out a chair and sat down, acting purely on instinct.
The male assistant director had clearly heard Shi Guanghua's refusal, but was baffled when he suddenly changed his mind, scratching his head in confusion.
Fortunately, the crew members were all quite talkative, and as more people joined the break room, the atmosphere became lively and cheerful. Shi Guanghua sat silently next to the male assistant director, but his presence didn't disrupt the mood.
With the room never falling silent, no one paid much attention to him.
Chu Yueyi and the other women began discussing games, with a female jungler who specialized in carrying her teammates becoming the center of attention.
"I want to learn how to jungle too. Can you teach me? I need to study hard and reinvent myself. I can't keep being useless in the game!"
"Sure, no problem."
"Can we add each other on WeChat? We could team up to play sometime."
Chu Yueyi had no objections and began exchanging WeChat contacts with the crew members one by one. They had all gathered here during their break, but hadn't interacted much before, so it was natural to add each other as friends now that they were getting along.
Shi Guanghua watched as she added people one by one, realizing the opportunity was right in front of him. He unconsciously straightened his back.
The male assistant director immediately became restless and called out loudly, "I want to add you too! Don't forget about me!"
Chu Yueyi teased, "Don't you already have my WeChat? Xiao Xiao gave it to you..."
Chu Yueyi was acquainted with the male assistant director's wife, so they were naturally more familiar compared to the others.
"So what if I do? It's about being part of the group!" the male assistant director joked. Hearing someone call for him at the door, he instantly switched back to work mode, "Coming, coming!"
The male assistant director left the break room, leaving the others to continue chatting.
Chu Yueyi added WeChat contacts along the seating arrangement. After adding the last girl, she turned her head and unexpectedly caught sight of Shi Guanghua, momentarily stunned.
She remembered there had been an empty seat between the girl and Shi Guanghua, which was where the male assistant director had been sitting before he left. Now the assistant director's seat had vanished, with only the distance between the two of them revealing that an empty seat had once existed.
Chu Yueyi noticed a chair that had been moved aside. She didn't understand the reason for removing the chair but didn't comment on it, simply putting away her phone.
Shi Guanghua watched her put away her phone, maintaining a calm exterior while feeling deeply disappointed inside.
Why did she suddenly stop adding contacts?!
Shi Guanghua had even placed his phone on the table, waiting for her to reach him after adding the person before him. Yet she inexplicably stopped?
Chu Yueyi had added some people she hadn't chatted much with out of politeness, but Shi Guanghua seemed to dislike exchanging contact information, so she didn't want to bother him.
She assumed Shi Guanghua was a professional who preferred to keep things strictly business, likely not wanting to communicate much with others. So she respected his interpersonal habits.
Seeing her turn to leave, Shi Guanghua reflexively stood up, startling everyone present.
Chu Yueyi was equally surprised by his sudden movement. She paused, bewildered, as he silently took out his phone and suddenly presented a QR code to add him as a friend.
Chu Yueyi: "?"
Shi Guanghua's gaze awkwardly fell to the side, lacking the courage to look at her. His body was so tense he couldn't speak, and even the fingertips of his other hand trembled slightly.
Chu Yueyi was unaware of the turbulent emotions beneath his rigid expression. She seriously doubted whether he was just offering her a way out, possibly not wanting to add her but just going along with the crowd, similar to how the male assistant director had called out to be added despite already having her contact.
Chu Yueyi hadn't interacted with Shi Guanghua before, but she had heard rumors about his personality. She considerately said, "We probably don't need to communicate for work, so it's okay if we don't add each other."
So it's fine if he doesn't want to add her.
The onlookers were already shocked speechless when they saw Shi Guanghua take out his phone, and hearing Chu Yueyi's words made them struggle even harder to contain themselves, inwardly letting out a series of surprised exclamations!
The girls covered their mouths, frantically exchanging glances, all watching the scene unfold like a spectacle.
It had taken all of Shi Guanghua's courage just to stand up and take out his phone. He never imagined the situation would develop so awkwardly, with his own words being used against him. He wracked his brain to formulate a response, finally managing to squeeze out a stiff, "I want to learn."
"Learn what?" Chu Yueyi blinked in confusion. "Do you want to learn jungling too?"
She was indeed a bit surprised. Shi Guanghua looked like he'd be a natural jungler, so why would he need to ask her for guidance?
Shi Guanghua didn't even know what jungling was, but he muttered in agreement, "Mm-hmm."
This was truly the most awkward excuse, considering Shi Guanghua had never even downloaded the game and didn't even know what they had been discussing earlier.
However, Chu Yueyi didn't probe further. She good-naturedly took out her phone and said generously, "Alright, I'll scan your code then."
Chu Yueyi didn't take his words seriously, figuring he might soon forget about it anyway.
After they added each other on WeChat, they noticed the others inexplicably suppressing smiles, which both found rather odd.
Chu Yueyi took her script and headed to the makeup room. Shi Guanghua didn't linger in the break room either, returning to his own room.
After lying low for over a month, Shi Guanghua stared at the "CYY" in his WeChat contact list, struggling to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up.
He got it!!
After composing himself, he sent a message to Zou Qian, sharing his joy in a matter-of-fact tone: [Can't burn joss paper for you, but I've added her.]
Zou Qian looked at the message, feeling somewhat exasperated. He could sense a hint of pride in it, but didn't think it was something worth bragging about.
Zou Qian had had Chu Yueyi's WeChat for quite some time now. Those unaware might think adding her was some great feat.
Shi Guanghua soon received Zou Qian's reply.
[Congratulations, you've finally reached the same starting line as me. Burn some joss paper to inform me of any further progress!]