Crossover Actors - Chapter 43

Lu Wen slept soundly until it was dark. During his nap, Sister Lingling had quietly come in to adjust his blanket and prepared some snacks on the bedside table, anticipating he might wake up hungry.

 

He turned over, leaning against the high, soft headboard. His robe had shifted, exposing his chest and stomach.

 

Lu Wen took out his phone and opened WeChat to check the group chat with his friends. Since everyone was busy at the end of the year, the group had been quiet lately. He decided to test the loyalty of his long-time friends.

 

Lu Wen: “Hey guys, I’ve finished filming in Chongqing!”

 

Within half a minute, Gu Zhuoyan was the first to reply: “Send me your flight details.”

 

Lu Wen: “Are you picking me up?”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “Of course, hurry up.”

 

Lian Yiming, who was the young master of a star-rated hotel and had been providing them with a place to hang out since middle school, also chimed in: “Should we meet at my place or someone else’s?”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “Let’s go to yours for drinks.”

 

Lian Yiming: “There’s plenty of alcohol. I’ll have the restaurant prepare the ingredients in advance.”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “Yiming, are you picking him up?”

 

Lian Yiming: “Of course.”

 

Scrolling up through the conversation, Lu Wen felt a bit moved, but Su Wang hadn’t responded. After their fallout that night, Su Wang had ignored him for months.

 

Lu Wen typed: “Wang, are you there?”

 

Lian Yiming: “Hey, respond.”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “Su Wang, what’s up?”

 

Under the joint calls from the three, Su Wang reluctantly joined the chat and coldly replied: “It’s been months since Uncle Lu saw his son. Do you really need to pick him up?”

 

Lu Wen seized the opportunity to make amends: “Out of the four of us, you’re the smartest.”

 

Su Wang: “So you chose me to be your girlfriend?”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “Oh?”

 

Lian Yiming: “You two, wait a minute.”

 

Gu Zhuoyan: “When did this happen?”

 

Lian Yiming: “Quite sudden.”

 

Lu Wen couldn’t handle the three of them talking at once and typed a long response: “It’s all a misunderstanding! I’m back today. Let’s talk face-to-face tomorrow night at Sophie’s. Don’t miss it!”

 

His stomach growled. Lu Wen got up, picked up the snacks, and went to the dining room to have a bowl of soup. Lu Zhanqing had gone to the company in the afternoon and was still not back yet.

 

Sister Lingling, always worried: “Xiao Wen, play with your phone after you finish eating.”

 

Lu Wen, sliding through the screen: “You don’t understand. Playing with the phone while eating can enhance the flavor.”

 

Sister Lingling prepared some fruit for him and said: “Tomorrow, go check out Purple Mountain. Everything’s set up—water, electricity, internet, and even small appliances like the coffee machine and aromatherapy diffuser. I’ve bought all the daily necessities.”

 

Lu Wen wasn’t paying much attention: “Just tell me what’s missing.”

 

“Nothing should be missing,” Sister Lingling said proudly. “I made the list myself and bought everything you might need for daily life. The flowers need to be fresh. Let me know your check-in date, and I’ll arrange it for you.”

 

Lu Wen wasn’t listening, his attention fully on his phone. He logged into QQ and messaged the shy writer.

 

Unlucky Little Singer: “Good evening. Have you eaten yet?”

 

Lu Wen knew the other person was slow to respond. Every time he waited for a reply, he thought of how patient he had been with Qiu Yanting during phone calls. After finishing two cream tarts, he wiped his hands and opened the chat again.

 

Shy Little Writer: “Not yet, still working overtime.”

 

Unlucky Little Singer: “That sounds tough. You’ll definitely make a fortune.”

 

Shy Little Writer: “Thanks for the good wishes.”

 

Unlucky Little Singer: “I’m free these days. If you want to chat, just message me.”

 

Shy Little Writer: “Okay, thanks.”

 

After sending the message, Qiu Yanting glanced at the date on his computer screen. It was Friday, and he had worked through the week without realizing it.

 

It was getting late. Exhausted from driving, Qiu Yanting decided to spend the night at the studio. He checked the home surveillance system and made sure there was enough water and food. He turned on a small wall lamp remotely for Commander Huang.

 

It rained a bit in the early morning, but by dawn, it had almost dried up. Qiu Yanting took a shower, completed the final touches on the script, locked up, and left to meet Wang Mingyu.

 

On the way, he stopped by a department store to buy a small gift so he wouldn’t arrive empty-handed. He reached the Purple Mountain estate at dusk and slowed down outside Gate 1. From the height of his SUV, he saw a low sports car blocking the way.

 

His phone lit up with a message from Wang Mingyu, asking how long until he arrived.

 

Qiu Yanting, feeling a bit frustrated, replied and threw his phone onto the center console with a thud. The sports car finally moved and entered the gate, driving along the willow-lined path.

 

The red sports car with a black roof was only slightly faster than an electric scooter. Unfortunately, the path was a narrow one-way street, and Qiu Yanting was stuck behind, unable to overtake. He honked several times.

 

The sports car responded promptly, accelerating to pull ahead, leaving Qiu Yanting frustrated and eager to catch up. He pressed the accelerator and gradually reduced the distance.

 

As he neared the entrance of the villa’s second gate, the sports car suddenly slowed down.

 

Qiu Yanting slammed the brakes too late and collided with the sports car with a loud thud.

 

The impact wasn’t severe, but it jolted the sports car. His palms were sweaty—worried about the driver’s safety and how to handle the situation with a stranger. His heart sank.

 

Taking a deep breath, Qiu Yanting got out of the car.

 

“Damn it…”

 

Lu Wen lifted his head from the steering wheel, covering his high nose bridge, afraid it might be broken. He was unfamiliar with the road, driving cautiously while glancing around, but did it really come to rear-ending?

 

Rubbing his nose with his right hand, Lu Wen forcefully shoved the car door open with his left hand, and stepped out of the car to confront the driver.

 

With a strong attitude, he turned around and was stunned.

 

A few steps away, Qiu Yanting was standing by the rear of the car, with the sky behind him bathed in the fiery red glow of the sunset.

 

They hadn’t seen each other for months, and neither expected to reunite in this way. They stared at each other in a daze until Lu Wen’s arm grew tired, and he lowered his hand from his face.

 

Qiu Yanting quickly rushed over: “You’re bleeding!”

 

Lu Wen let out an “ah” as Qiu Yanting pressed a handkerchief to his nose. The soft cotton fabric had a hint of soap aroma amidst the blood. Lu Wen raised his hand again but covered Qiu Yanting’s hand that was pressing against his nose.

 

Lu Wen moved his lips and mumbled, “Teacher Qiu.”

 

“Is it serious?” Qiu Yanting asked with concern, “Do we need to go to the hospital?”

 

Lu Wen bent down subtly, perhaps fearing Qiu Yanting’s hand might get sore, and brought his face closer to Qiu Yanting’s hand. After a while, Lu Wen gradually removed Qiu Yanting’s hand; the bleeding had stopped.

 

Qiu Yanting asked, “Does it hurt?”

 

“It hurts a lot,” Lu Wen said, pretending to be in pain, but he couldn’t help smiling broadly, his surprise at the encounter returning. “Teacher Qiu, I really didn’t expect to run into you.”

 

Both the coincidence and the absurdity were notable, and Qiu Yanting also laughed: “When did you come back?”

 

“Yesterday morning,” Lu Wen gestured towards the gate behind him with his thumb. “I’m moving in soon, just doing a tour today.”

 

Qiu Yanting was surprised: “You’re moving into Purple Mountain?”

 

Lu Wen nodded and asked eagerly, “Do you live here too?”

 

“No, I’m going to a friend’s house,” Qiu Yanting replied. “Actually, it’s my mentor’s house.”

 

Lu Wen knew it was Zeng Zhen and Wang Mingyu. He thought he would be excited to be neighbors with a renowned director and a top screenwriter, but finding out Qiu Yanting didn’t live there seemed to be more disappointing.

 

With both cars blocking the road, they drove into the estate. Lu Wen told Qiu Yanting the gate number, saying it was no big deal and asked Qiu Yanting to attend his appointment and find him later.

 

Arriving 15 minutes late, Qiu Yanting didn’t explain to Wang Mingyu, only offering an apology.

 

The house was empty as the nanny had gone home for the New Year and Zeng Zhen was on set. Wang Mingyu hadn’t had dinner yet and was opening the gift Qiu Yanting had bought.

 

In the open kitchen, Qiu Yanting skillfully took out a box of wontons from the fridge and asked, “Teacher, how many do you want?”

 

Wang Mingyu said, “Ten, with chopped green onions.”

 

Qiu Yanting boiled the wontons in a small pot, chopped green onions and pickled vegetables, prepared the broth, and served a steaming bowl to Wang Mingyu. He then went to boil water for tea.

 

“Yanting,” Wang Mingyu started, “What do you think of the script?”

 

Qiu Yanting fiddled with the tea leaves in the pot and answered, somewhat disingenuously and tactfully, “It could be improved.”

 

Wang Mingyu laughed, “So you mean the script needs to be recycled.”

 

Qiu Yanting gave a slight smile, neither confirming nor denying. Wang Mingyu’s comment showed he understood the script’s value, and Qiu Yanting waited patiently for the next part.

 

After a couple of sips of hot soup, Wang Mingyu said, “This bowl of wontons costs a few bucks at a breakfast shop, but it would be double the price at a fancy hotel.”

 

Qiu Yanting covered the tea leaves can tightly and poured hot water into the teapot, feeling cold despite the warmth inside. After a long pause, he said firmly, “Teacher, I don’t want to do this.”

 

“Yanting,” Wang Mingyu persuaded, “You don’t need to resist.”

 

In Qiu Yanting’s mind, it was difficult to love what one does, and many people never find truly fulfilling work. Although he had been reluctant to change careers, he had developed feelings for screenwriting over the years.

 

“Teacher,” he said, “The industry environment isn’t great. I can’t control others, but I don’t want to participate in this kind of behavior.”

 

Wang Mingyu set down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a tissue, and advised, “You’re overthinking it. What famous screenwriter hasn’t had a script named after them? Market conditions drive market behavior. Going with the flow might be against your conscience, but swimming against the current can easily drown you.”

 

Qiu Yanting silently poured tea.

 

“Besides,” Wang Mingyu said, “One should be grateful.”

 

Qiu Yanting’s expression remained unchanged, but the tea poured from the spout shook briefly. After pouring the tea, he retracted his hand, with his fingernails gradually regaining their color.

 

He compromised, “I’ll think about it and give you an answer tomorrow.”

 

“Good, you’ve always been sensible,” Wang Mingyu said, picking up his tea. “Among the students I’ve sponsored, you’re the most promising.”

 

As dusk was driven away by the night, Qiu Yanting left the villa. It was already dark when he got into the driver’s seat, took a moment to settle in the closed space, and then started the engine.

 

He turned left and found the number 3-19 Lu Wen mentioned. Qiu Yanting turned off the engine and got out of the car. The garden gate was unlocked, and the path illuminated by a row of spotlights made the white villa very clear.

 

Qiu Yanting felt a strange familiarity but couldn’t recall why. Lu Wen was waving at him from the open door.

 

The unoccupied house felt especially desolate. Lu Wen turned on all the lights and took out a pair of slippers prepared by Sister Lingling. They were a bit large, making a “clopping” sound on the marble tiles.

 

Qiu Yanting asked, “Shall we check the car first?”

 

“No need,” Lu Wen said nonchalantly, “I’ll have the driver take it to the repair shop tomorrow.”

 

Qiu Yanting said, “How much will it cost to repair? I’ll transfer the money to you after it’s done.”

 

He then walked into the living room, which had a cool color scheme, decorated according to Lu Zhanqing’s taste. Lu Wen showed Qiu Yanting around the house and couldn’t help but ask, “Teacher Qiu, did you see Director Zeng earlier?”

 

“No, he’s not home.”

 

“Such a pity.”

 

Qiu Yanting couldn’t relate to this feeling. Fearing that Lu Wen might continue talking about these topics, he changed the subject: “I’m thirsty. Do you have something to drink?”

 

Lu Wen led him into the large kitchen, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows was the backyard. He took a cup from the sterilizer drawer and said, “Perfect timing to try out this coffee machine.”

 

Qiu Yanting said, “Don’t go to so much trouble. Mineral water is fine.”

 

Reluctantly, Lu Wen gave up on the coffee machine, took a bottle of mineral water from the fridge, opened it, and handed it to Qiu Yanting. Last time at the pool, Qiu Yanting had casually said, “Have you gotten used to opening bottles for girls?”

 

The suave image of a heartthrob had crumbled at Jiangbei Airport. Lu Wen answered truthfully, “Don’t talk nonsense. I learned this in etiquette class when I was young.”

 

Qiu Yanting, intrigued, asked, “What else did you learn?”

 

Lu Wen wasn’t knowledgeable in serious topics but understood various trivial matters: “For instance, in social situations, you can appear bored but not fearful.”

 

Feeling somewhat implicated, Qiu Yanting drank his water.

 

Lu Wen continued, “At a banquet, it’s better to sit still rather than fidget with your watch or accessories, which makes your discomfort obvious.”

 

Qiu Yanting felt even more uneasy.

 

“If someone says something unpleasant,” Lu Wen said, “pretend you didn’t hear. If they say it a second time, it just makes them seem thick-skinned.”

 

Qiu Yanting’s thin facade slipped, showing a hint of helplessness, as if seeking advice: “What if someone is forcing me to do something I don’t want to do?”

 

Lu Wen had no theoretical response and was momentarily impulsive: “What happened?”

 

Regaining his composure, Qiu Yanting shook his head, avoiding Lu Wen’s gaze and turning away from the kitchen island. By the wall, there was a glass staircase, and he feigned curiosity: “Can I go upstairs for a look?”

 

Lu Wen replied irritably, “Even if you go up to the rooftop, no one will stop you.”

 

The second floor mainly had bedrooms. Lu Wen’s master bedroom had a balcony and a vanity table with a set of unopened skincare products. Sister Lingling wasn’t exaggerating; everything one could need was indeed there.

 

Lu Wen commented critically, “The bed is a bit hard.”

 

Qiu Yanting, with his experience, said, “If it’s too soft, it can cause back pain after a long time.”

 

They sat side by side on the edge of the bed and tested its firmness. Qiu Yanting reached out and turned on the bedside lamp, which cast a soft yellow light.

 

The bedside table was new, and the key for the drawer was still in the lock. Lu Wen complained about the key sticking out and said, “Teacher Qiu, you’re closer. Help me pull it out and put it in the drawer.”

 

Qiu Yanting complied, removing the key and opening the drawer.

 

They both expected the drawer to be empty, but instead, it was neatly arranged with a remote control, alarm clock, spare batteries, a notepad, and in the center, two boxes of condoms.

 

Lu Wen was dumbfounded, recalling Sister Lingling’s comment about buying everything one might need.

 

He said, “I…”

 

Qiu Yanting put the key away and closed the drawer, saying, “Many celebrities live in Purple Mountain, and paparazzi love to follow them. Be cautious if you bring people home.”

 

Lu Wen felt aggrieved: “Who have I brought? Only you!”

 

“Why are you so agitated?” Qiu Yanting said. “It’s normal for a single man in his twenties or thirties to bring people home occasionally.”

 

Lu Wen half-turned, brushing against Qiu Yanting’s leg, and retorted, “Then, you in your early thirties, do you often bring people home?”

 

Qiu Yanting said, “What’s it to you?”

 

Lu Wen asked again, “Do you have a girlfriend?”

 

Qiu Yanting replied, “What’s it to you?”

 

Lu Wen countered, “I’ve already hit you, so can’t I ask?”

 

“Don’t ask,” Qiu Yanting retorted. “You’re buying condoms but asking about other people’s girlfriends. Why didn’t you attend logic classes when you were young?”

 

Unable to argue further and feeling out of breath, Lu Wen’s nostrils heated up, and he felt he might start bleeding again. He suddenly noticed Qiu Yanting’s tightly clenched mineral water bottle.

 

The glass bottle had marks, similar to the sweat on the wine glasses from the wrap party.

 

Lu Wen realized Qiu Yanting had concerns and recalled the unfinished conversation downstairs. After a moment of thought, he put aside his grievances: “Does this logic make sense?”

 

“What?”

 

“If someone is bullying you, just tell me.”

 

Qiu Yanting didn’t know where to look and asked why.

 

— I’ll protect you.

 

“Because the last time I said those four words, I upset you,” Lu Wen answered softly, “so I didn’t dare to say them.”

 

—