She Said She Has Feelings For Someone - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Attraction — Now you have me.

?

Lu Shuyu wants to give me a surprise?

Wait—

“It’s not me,” Xia Leshuang denied, “it’s my friend and her roommate!”

“Oh, right, right,” Li Ruowei quickly corrected herself, “it’s your friend’s roommate who wants to give your friend a surprise!”

“Exactly.” Xia Leshuang was satisfied.

Seeing the topic conclude there, Li Ruowei very tactfully stepped a few paces away, not wanting to disturb her actress’s deep contemplation.

Xia Leshuang propped her chin on one hand while her other hand scrolled through her chat history with Lu Shuyu. They weren’t in a relationship, so talking about “surprises” felt a bit strange. But even as just friends living together, having not seen each other for five days, a quiet return and a sudden appearance would indeed be a joyful thing.

Now she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret for having read the flight info Chen Qian sent. If she hadn’t known when Lu Shuyu was returning, she would have waited in ignorance. Then, the moment she saw Lu Shuyu at home, she could have expressed surprise and joy—emotions akin to receiving an unexpected gift. That was likely what Lu Shuyu hoped for.

But now that she knew, she couldn’t resist wanting to take the initiative. For instance, the moment she saw the message, she had asked Song Qingqiong for time off. To like someone is almost an instinct.

A realization struck Xia Leshuang’s heart. Yes, I like Lu Shuyu.

After the series of twists and turns they had been through, she had made up her mind to move closer slowly and wait for the “fish” to bite the hook. In that case, why remain passive? If the little fish doesn’t show itself occasionally, how can it attract the angler to cast the line?

Xia Leshuang had an epiphany. She sat up straight, about to send a message, when a staff member shouted: “Teacher Xia, we can continue now!”

Fine, work first!

“Coming!”

…

The night on the plateau was silent and freezing.

Lu Shuyu stayed in her room organizing her notes from the day. By the time she finished, it was nearly midnight. She let out a wry laugh, feeling helpless—it seemed her ability to maintain a regular sleep schedule in the past was only because she wasn’t busy enough.

She stood up to stretch. When she checked her phone, there were no new messages; Xia Leshuang was clearly still working. The production crew’s group chat, however, was buzzing. She clicked it and saw photos of the starry sky taken by Chi Shan and Chen Qian.

The photos were magnificent. Lu Shuyu opened her window, and a sea of stars fell into her gaze, brilliant beyond description against the backdrop of the night. She couldn’t resist taking a photo and sending it to Xia Leshuang.

— Teacher Xia, the starry sky on the plateau is beautiful. — Let’s come and see it together sometime.

She thought Xia Leshuang would still be busy, but the top of the chat immediately showed “typing…”

— It’s beautiful. — Okay, let’s see it together [Cute] — [Night view photo from a car window]

The photo was clear, showing static scenery outside. She must have just finished work and gotten into the car. Lu Shuyu smiled. This feeling of reporting into each other really felt a bit like a long-distance couple…

A gust of night wind blew in, giving her goosebumps. She snapped back to reality and closed the window.

— Hard work, Teacher Xia! Get home and rest well!

She locked her phone and lay back on the bed, thinking the day’s conversation was over. But just as sleepiness washed over her, the phone vibrated twice.

— It’s going to rain in B-City tomorrow. — Are you coming back tomorrow?

The moment she saw the content, Lu Shuyu’s sleepiness vanished. She wasn’t stupid; those two sentences were quite transparent. How did Xia Leshuang know she was returning tomorrow?

An answer immediately popped up: There’s an undercover agent nearby!

But rather than figuring out which teammate “betrayed” her, Lu Shuyu wanted to know if Xia Leshuang was being proactive or reactive. She paused for a few seconds, then typed: How did you know I’m back tomorrow?

Xia Leshuang replied quickly: I saw a crew member’s social media post.

The jumping expectation in Lu Shuyu’s heart was swept away. She checked her feed; indeed, several teammates had posted about “going home tomorrow.” Chi Shan had also posted that starry sky photo with the caption: Saw the most beautiful stars on my last night in C-City. In the comments, someone asked when she was returning, and she replied: Afternoon flight tomorrow.

Well, Lu Shuyu sighed. She had overthought it. She replied: Rain is fine, taking the subway is convenient.

Immediately, the “typing…” indicator flashed three times before a reply appeared.

— Can I come pick you up?

Before Lu Shuyu could react, another message popped up.

— I’m filming a commercial tomorrow night. It’s been a long time, I’m a bit nervous [Pitiful]

Was Xia Leshuang… acting spoiled with her?

Lu Shuyu was stunned into silence. Yet, instead of prying into Xia’s motives, she just wanted to reply quickly.

— Okay [Cute] — I’ve never seen a commercial film set before~ So curious!

That was a lie; of course she had seen them. But it didn’t matter now; Xia Leshuang wouldn’t know.

— Then send me the time. See you at the airport tomorrow [Expectant] — Shuyu, goodnight [Stars]

“Goodnight…” Lu Shuyu murmured instinctively. It felt like altitude sickness was hitting her late—her head was spinning, her body felt hot, and she even found it a bit hard to breathe. Until she fell asleep, she was wondering what Xia Leshuang’s move meant. She even dreamed of a pond where a little orange fish was swimming in circles, churning the water, as if attracting her to cast the hook quickly.

…

The flight landed in B-City at 6 PM. The rain had just stopped. As the car drove out of the airport, they saw a pink sunset.

“So beautiful,” Lu Shuyu couldn’t help but exclaim.

“It really is,” Xia Leshuang echoed from the driver’s seat.

When they had first met in the parking lot, they were inexplicably stiff and awkward. Perhaps it was because they hadn’t seen each other in five days, or perhaps it was something else. Only now did the ice seem to break. Lu Shuyu smiled brightly at the driver’s seat. “Hard work, Teacher Xia. You’re so busy, yet you made time to pick me up.”

Hearing this, Xia Leshuang stared straight ahead calmly, but her grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. “I should. Because I’m the one who needs you.”

…

Lu Shuyu was dazed for a moment.

At first listen, the sentence sounded like flirting. On second thought, it sounded ambiguous—like a line from a “player” who only contacts you when they need something. But neither extreme felt like Xia Leshuang’s actual intent. So, she probably just meant it literally: she was nervous about the commercial and needed company.

Thinking this, Lu Shuyu shrugged. “Alright, since I’m a ‘Bird Mother,’ a friend, and a roommate rolled into one, this sense of security is indeed layered~”

Xia Leshuang froze, glanced at the rearview mirror, and saw Lu Shuyu’s bright face against the pink sunset. The slight disappointment in her heart vanished. She nodded with a smile, “Of course, you are PD Lu~”

Lu Shuyu gave a couple of perfunctory laughs. “I thank you.”

…

As they arrived at the studio, Lu Shuyu saw a familiar brand logo. “Ah! This is the soda brand I always drink!”

Seeing the smile on Xia Leshuang’s lips, she understood why the other woman had brought her here. “Teacher Xia is great!” She gave a thumbs up, her face full of irrepressible curiosity.

“Let’s go,” Xia Leshuang led her inside. “I’m filming for a new product they’re launching. You can have a taste.”

Years ago, in her first year of high school, Xia Leshuang had filmed a commercial for this brand. Now, becoming the spokesperson for the new product felt like a reunion with her past.

Filming officially started an hour later. Xia Leshuang wasn’t just taking promotional photos; she also had a 15-second scripted short video involving friendly interaction with a soda-bottle mascot.

This was the first time Lu Shuyu had seen Xia Leshuang film a commercial, and it was very different from the variety show. As Xia Leshuang hugged the mascot and recited cute lines before the camera, Lu Shuyu couldn’t help but imagine her on a movie set.

Whether in the past or now, she believed Xia Leshuang would become a great actress and reach the pinnacle of the profession. She had seen her passion for acting. Back then, Xia had practiced Muay Thai for so long just to play a fighter—an effort that paid off with a Best Actress award. Xia Leshuang had both talent and perseverance; even if suppressed, she would shine as long as she was given a chance.

Her phone vibrated. A message from Min Wutong: — Don’t forget the celebration banquet the day after tomorrow. I’ve prepared your outfits. I’ll send them over tomorrow.

Reading this, Lu Shuyu felt a headache coming on. She had only suggested the banquet in a moment of urgency; now that it was actually happening, she felt a bit of resistance. So many industry bigwigs would be there. Now that Song Yi wasn’t around, she would have to face it alone.

“What are you thinking about?” Xia Leshuang’s voice suddenly sounded beside her. “You look so troubled.”

Lu Shuyu looked up in surprise. “Finished filming?”

“Not yet,” Xia Leshuang laughed. “A short break.”

“Oh, I see.” Lu Shuyu nodded. She was about to mention the banquet when she saw a young girl peeking out from behind Xia. “This is?”

Xia Leshuang stepped aside. “This is my assistant, Li Ruowei.”

“Hello, PD Lu!” Li Ruowei was very excited, stepping forward like a fan meeting an idol. “I’m your fan!”

Fan?

Lu Shuyu was dazed for a second. She smiled, “Hello, but I really didn’t expect to have fans.”

Li Ruowei said hurriedly, “I’ve seen all the shows you’ve worked on! Actually, I saw you three years ago at the company’s annual meeting! You were by President Min’s side, in a suit, looking so cool and composed with that smile!”

The “dead memories” suddenly attacked. Lu Shuyu almost blacked out, unwilling to remember that dark history of being forced to practice social skills. “Ah, I see. Quite a coincidence.”

“Back then, I thought PD Lu had such a strong aura and would definitely become an amazing producer.”

No, you’re wrong, Lu Shuyu corrected internally. Back then, she was so awkward she wanted to find a crack in the floor to hide in.

Li Ruowei’s eyes sparkled. “I really do have good taste!”

“Yes, yes,” Lu Shuyu smiled, immediately changing the subject. “Since you’re Teacher Xia’s assistant, we’ll probably see each other often.”

Li Ruowei’s eyes lit up again. She took a step to the side, her gaze darting between Xia Leshuang and Lu Shuyu. “So, the person Teacher Xia wanted to pick up was PD Lu. Then you two—”

“Ruowei,” Xia Leshuang suddenly spoke, “I’m hungry. Go buy me some food.”

Li Ruowei blinked, understanding immediately. She shrunk her shoulders guiltily. “Okay, Teacher Xia! I’m going now!”

She vanished quickly. Lu Shuyu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Teacher Xia, are you usually this scary?”

Clearly, it was because she almost let the cat out of the bag…

Xia Leshuang didn’t explain and pivoted back: “So, what was wrong just now?”

“Ah… sigh…” Lu Shuyu let out a long breath. “The celebration banquet is the day after tomorrow. We have to be there. In the past, my mentor always shielded me.” A trace of loss appeared in her eyes. “Now I’m alone.”

“How can that be?” Xia Leshuang said suddenly.

Lu Shuyu looked up and saw the steady tenderness in her eyes.

“Now you have me.”

“I will stay by your side.”

“You won’t be alone.”