She Said She Has Feelings For Someone - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Drunkard

“Take me… home.”

Min Wutong’s arrival brought a collective sigh of relief to the room.

Lu Shuyu snapped out of her earlier daze and looked up at Xia Leshuang, who was still standing. Xia Leshuang was tall, but she had been slightly hunched over because of Zhou Hongcai’s presence. With the deadlock broken by Min Wutong, she straightened her back, her shoulders squaring and her posture becoming as upright and resilient as a pine tree.

In that instant, she finally overlapped with the silhouette in Lu Shuyu’s memory.

Zhou Hongcai’s smug expression darkened. He downed the wine in his glass in one gulp before forcing another smile. “Wutong, I am your biological uncle after all, how could—”

Before he could finish, Min Wutong stepped forward, grabbed the wine porcelain pot from the table, and hurled it aside. In a flash, porcelain shards and wine splattered all over the floor in a chaotic mess.

“You—!” Zhou Hongcai was shocked and furious. “Min Wutong—”

“Shut up,” Min Wutong interrupted him again. “Is my name something someone like you is fit to say?”

“Uncle?” She let out a cold laugh. “That man has been dead for over ten years, and you’ve been calling yourself that for just as long. If you miss him that much, go down and join him.”

“I’ll remind you one more time,” Min Wutong’s gaze was ice-cold. “My surname is Min. Yours is Zhou.”

Zhou Hongcai trembled with rage, but he couldn’t utter a single word of rebuttal. His gaze then landed on Xia Leshuang, who was closest to him. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Min Wutong pull her away.

“Xia Leshuang’s contract with Star Entertainment ended long ago. She is about to become one of my people. President Zhou, I suggest you don’t reach your hands out too far.”

“Just you wait.” Leaving that parting shot, Zhou Hongcai left without looking back.

Que Ying stood up, wanting to chase after him but hesitating because of Min Wutong’s presence. The latter simply curled her lip and gestured toward the door. “Suit yourself.”

Once the sound of Que Ying’s hurried footsteps faded down the corridor, Min Wutong remarked, “Since we walk different paths, there’s no need to force ourselves to travel together.”

Min Wutong took her seat. Liao Min called the servers to clean up the mess and ordered the food to be served. The atmosphere at the table gradually improved.

“Everyone must be hungry,” Song Yi picked up her chopsticks. “Let’s eat.”

“Yes, eat up,” Min Wutong added, lifting her own chopsticks. “This was supposed to be a dinner party. I’m truly sorry; it’s all my fault for being late.”

“It’s fine,” Shen Juan comforted her. “It wasn’t without its gains.”

Shen Juan meant that identifying the potential risks associated with Que Ying before the project officially started was a good thing.

“True,” Song Yi smiled. “Actually, that interlude just now was a good testament. Our existence and our efforts are meaningful.”

At her words, Min Wutong’s expression brightened. “Exactly. Old Song is right.”

“If the environment is bad, we create our own. For example, ‘drinking culture’—we absolutely will not allow that to happen here.”

As soon as she finished, applause suddenly broke out. Lu Shuyu looked over and saw it was Jiang Fei.

Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, Jiang Fei paused her clapping and then flashed a brilliant smile: “I think President Min said it perfectly!”

Everyone at the table was amused by her, clapping in agreement. “That’s right! President Min is right!”

With that, the atmosphere of the dinner finally returned to its original warmth and liveliness. Min Wutong smiled, her gaze landing on Xia Leshuang, only to notice that her wine glass was already empty. If she remembered correctly, when she entered, Xia Leshuang was just about to drink.

“However,” she raised her voice, “Drinking culture is one thing, but everyone should feel free to drink whatever they like. Don’t be formal; the bill is on me anyway.”

“Thank you, President Min!” “President Min is so generous!”

Min Wutong laughed. “The wine, drinks, and desserts here at Chun Lan are all excellent. The owner specially poached a master chef for them. You should all try them; don’t miss out.”

“That’s right,” Qian Rong raised her hand. “If Wutong didn’t mention it, I almost forgot. I want a strawberry mousse!”

The table became lively again as people placed orders. Lu Shuyu asked for a Green Apple and Iced Orange sparkling water. She overheard Chen Qian nearby saying, “Stop drinking. Do you even know how much you’ve had today?”

But Xia Leshuang didn’t listen. After placing her order, she said, “My tolerance… is good. It’s not like… you don’t know.”

The alcohol Zhou Hongcai had called for earlier was baijiu, which has an extremely high alcohol content. Lu Shuyu estimated Xia Leshuang had downed half a bottle by herself. Just hearing her subtle, broken phrasing made her realize she was quite drunk.

“Keep acting tough,” Chen Qian said helplessly. “See if you can even get home.”

At those words, Lu Shuyu lowered her eyes slightly.

Chen Qian’s worry was spot on. As soon as Xia Leshuang’s drink arrived, she snatched it up and raised it high toward Min Wutong.

“Xia Leshuang…” Chen Qian covered her face.

“Thank you, President Min, for helping me out just now!” Flushed with alcohol, Xia Leshuang’s eyes were startlingly bright. “I toast you!”

Before her target could even react, she downed the drink on her own. Min Wutong was taken aback. “Ah, no need to…”

Once the woman sat back down, Min Wutong finally realized what she was being thanked for and hurried to say, “I accept Film Queen Xia’s sentiment, but you might be thanking the wrong person.”

After another glass of wine, Xia Leshuang’s reactions were a bit sluggish. It took a moment before she asked, “Then… who should I thank?”

Min Wutong laughed. “It was Producer Lu who suggested I sign you.”

Lu Shuyu wanted to stop her, but it was too late.

“Speaking of which, during the initial auditions, it was Producer Lu who spotted you at a glance. She mentioned you were in the same school and class, and that you’ve been practicing Muay Thai since your second year of high school.”

The people sitting nearby all paused simultaneously. Chi Shan couldn’t help but look at Lu Shuyu, and then at Min Wutong.

Xia Leshuang regained a sliver of sobriety and gave a stiff smile. “Thank you, PD Lu.”

“Don’t mention it,” Lu Shuyu replied quickly. “It was just a coincidence.”

The two of them spoke across the space without looking at each other. Everyone around them sensed a strange tension in the air.

Just as a spark of curiosity flickered in Min Wutong’s eyes, Song Yi nudged her arm. She straightened her face and changed the subject. “By the way, did the dry run finish today? How did it go?”

Song Yi immediately picked up the thread. “I think it went quite well. But Producer Lu was the one who put in the most effort—personally guiding the cameras. It was a huge help.”

At this, Chi Shan hurriedly wiped her hands. “Oh, right! I happened to record a video of PD Lu rock climbing today. Let me show you.”

Min Wutong took the phone, watched it, and passed it to Qian Rong and Shen Juan. After watching, Qian Rong let out a “Wow.” “The filming technique feels much more advanced than back during Velocity.”

She was looking at Lu Shuyu as she said it, so Lu Shuyu smiled back. “It’s also because Chen Qian is skilled. She has a lot of relevant filming experience; she immediately understands any points I mention. It makes things very easy.”

The topic suddenly shifted to her, and Chen Qian waved her hands frantically. “No, no, it’s because PD Lu and everyone else gave such good guidance.”

Chi Shan slapped her shoulder heavily. “Why are you being so humble? If someone says you’re good, just accept it gracefully. We women need to be confident!”

Chen Qian wasn’t an extrovert; the slap made her face flush red. Opposite her, Liao Min couldn’t stop laughing and raised her glass.

“Since Chen Qian put it that way, let’s all toast PD Lu!” “To PD Lu’s endless stream of fresh ideas and her diligent, hands-on efforts in everything!”

The dinner table instantly became rowdy, except for the now-drunk and slumped-over Xia Leshuang.

Lu Shuyu accepted the deafening blessings of the table with a smile, navigating the conversation where she was the focus with ease, no longer having time to pay attention to a certain drunkard.

On the other side, Chen Qian watched the scene and couldn’t help but murmur, “PD Lu is truly ‘surrounded by stars’ (Zhong Xing Peng Yue) tonight.”

The guests weren’t very familiar with Lu Shuyu. Jiang Fei leaned in and asked softly, “Assistant Director Chen, what’s PD Lu’s background?”

Xia Leshuang was buried in her arms, sleeping soundly. Chen Qian leaned on her shoulder and whispered back to Jiang Fei.

“I don’t know much either. She’s someone PD Song brought up. Velocity was her project, which is why it has both their names as PDs.” “Our Silent Gold is also PD Lu’s idea. She wants to create a ‘Gold’ series. I heard she’s already drafted the themes for the next few seasons. Her mind is incredible.”

Jiang Fei realized the truth and a sense of admiration welled up. “No wonder there was a priority clause in the contract. But PD Lu is so low-key; she usually talks more about PD Song to the public.”

“Don’t say that out loud,” Chen Qian lowered her voice. “In private, PD Lu always calls PD Song ‘Teacher.’ She respects her very much. We can’t use the wrong words and accidentally cause a weird misunderstanding.”

Jiang Fei realized her slip and covered her mouth, signaling she wouldn’t talk nonsense again.

The meal lasted until after nine o’clock, ending with expectations for the new show. Lu Shuyu went to the restroom; when she returned, everyone had dispersed, leaving only Xia Leshuang still sitting on her stool.

Her eyes were closed, she was motionless—isolated and lonely.

Seeing her about to tip forward, Lu Shuyu rushed up to catch her. Unexpectedly, Xia Leshuang opened her eyes. Looking dazed, she lifted her head and stared fixedly at Lu Shuyu.

“Film Queen Xia?” Lu Shuyu asked tentatively. “How are you getting back? Where did Assistant Director Chen go—”

She couldn’t finish her sentence because Xia Leshuang suddenly burst into tears. Large, heavy droplets fell rapidly, washing her alcohol-hazed eyes until they were clean and bright.

Lu Shuyu was both surprised and pained. She couldn’t help but call out softly, “Xia Leshuang…”

That voice seemed to flip a switch. Xia Leshuang grabbed her arm to stand up and then threw her arms around her. Her grip was incredibly strong, wrapping tighter and tighter as if she were clutching a long-lost treasure.

“Xia Leshuang!”

Before Lu Shuyu could react, Chen Qian rushed back in. She tried to pull her away, but it only made Xia Leshuang hold on tighter. Lu Shuyu was being squeezed so hard she could barely breathe. “Assistant Director Chen, stop pulling… I can’t… breathe…”

Chen Qian quickly let go. As if on purpose, Xia Leshuang also loosened her grip slightly, allowing Lu Shuyu to catch her breath.

Is this the strength of an eight-year Muay Thai hobbyist? Lu Shuyu felt like hitting someone.

“What… what do we do…” Chen Qian had a massive headache.

Lu Shuyu took a deep breath before asking, “Her home—” She remembered halfway through that it was in the neighboring city, so she changed her mind. “Forget it, I’ll take her to a hotel.”

“No!” Xia Leshuang started fussing again. “No hotel!”

Chen Qian slapped her forehead. “Seriously, she’s a handful.”

Lu Shuyu patted the back of the person in her arms, both annoyed and helpless. “Fine, no hotel.”

Xia Leshuang settled down as expected. Lu Shuyu mouthed to Chen Qian: I’ll take her to a hotel, you go.

Chen Qian was worried Lu Shuyu couldn’t handle such a large person on her own. Lu Shuyu thought for a moment and asked, “Xia Leshuang, can you walk?”

The head on her shoulder nudged around; it was unclear if that meant yes or no. Lu Shuyu asked again, “Xia Leshuang, we’re going home. Are you coming?”

At those words, Xia Leshuang actually straightened up. But her hand gripped Lu Shuyu’s deathly tight, refusing to let go.

Lu Shuyu tried leading her for a couple of steps. Her gait was a bit serpentine, but since she could walk, it wasn’t a major problem.

“I’m so sorry, PD Lu,” Chen Qian couldn’t help but apologize again outside Chun Lan.

Lu Shuyu patted her. “It’s fine. Go back and get some rest. See you the day after tomorrow.”

Once Chen Qian was gone, Lu Shuyu shook Xia Leshuang’s tightly held hand. Her palm was filled with a warmth that left no room for air.

“Let’s go, you little ancestor.”

There were star-rated hotels near Chun Lan. Lu Shuyu half-dragged, half-carried Xia Leshuang to the entrance of a hotel, but the latter suddenly began to struggle again. “No hotel—no—”

Her resistance was obvious. She even shook off Lu Shuyu’s hand and started stumbling away. Lu Shuyu was startled and quickly chased after her.

She finally caught her by a flower bed. Xia Leshuang was still resisting. Lu Shuyu felt helpless. “What happened to holding onto me and never letting go just a moment ago?”

“Xia Leshuang!” she shouted each syllable clearly. “I am Lu Shuyu! Look at me clearly!”

She repeated it twice before Xia Leshuang finally quieted down. Her legs gave way, and she slumped onto the edge of the flower bed. Lu Shuyu tried to pull her up. “It’s dirty!”

“Shuyu…” Xia Leshuang suddenly called out.

Lu Shuyu froze, forgetting to pull her up. The two of them stared at each other, one standing and one sitting.

“Shuyu…” Xia Leshuang started crying again, looking aggrieved and heartbroken.

The spring night wind made Lu Shuyu’s eyes sting. She gripped the other woman’s arm, her mind spinning: Xia Leshuang, what on earth has happened to you over these years?

“Shuyu,” Xia Leshuang sobbed, “Take me… home.”

“Okay,” Lu Shuyu nodded. “Home.”