Spring Night of Misty Rain - Chapter 21

That evening, Shen Zeyu received the script from Xu Luosu. Upon opening it, she found the pages saturated with a style reminiscent of her own early works. While it was clearly an imitation, it retained Xu Luosu’s personal touch—imbued with a sense of warmth and sunshine.

In the past, Shen Zeyu wouldn’t have cared for such stories. On the surface, she seemed cheerful, but in reality, her personality was stubborn and gloomy. Rather than bright, sunny days, she preferred the overcast and the rain. To her, the damp rainy season represented spring—the beginning of all things, where anything could happen.

However, after a long bout of illness left her constitution weak, she found herself disliking the rain. She now preferred clear skies; the warm sun could dry out the “damp chill” in her bones, transforming her from a scruffy alley rat into a fluffy squirrel.

As she read, the script made her think of Xu Luosu—specifically, Xu Luosu on set. During the filming of Golden Crow, Xu Luosu’s character required her to be cold and somewhat somber in front of the camera. On the rare occasions she acted cute, it felt like the sudden melting of ice and snow. While that “cool” persona was trendy, Shen Zeyu didn’t care for it.

She preferred the Xu Luosu off-camera, because she was always smiling. She was naturally radiant; when she laughed, her eyes curved into crescent moons, bright and vivid.

Privately, Shen Zeyu had overheard the staff gossiping more than once about how fragrant Xu Luosu was—as if she possessed the natural scent of a high-born young lady from her hair down to her toes. Shen Zeyu had rhinitis and usually couldn’t smell much, but whenever Xu Luosu leaned in close, she could catch it. It was a warm, solar scent that made one feel pleasantly lazy.

After finishing the script, Shen Zeyu sent a message: “I’ve finished reading it. The script has your ‘scent’—it feels very warm!”

It took a while for Xu Luosu to reply: “So, has Senior Sister decided?”

Shen Zeyu thought for a moment before replying: “Give me a week. If I finish the framework for the second season in a week, I’ll come find you.”

“Deal,” Xu Luosu replied.

The Arrival

That week was less about the script and more about Shen Zeyu overcoming her “depressive phase.” Through a disciplined routine of healthy eating and moderate exercise, she fought through the exhaustion and managed to produce a solid framework.

After Xu Luosu and Qin Zhiyue reviewed it, they decided to hold a script discussion meeting. In late August, Shen Zeyu flew to Yuncheng to attend the meeting at the bustling Film and Television City.

Xu Luosu adjusted her shooting schedule specifically to pick her up at the airport. As soon as Shen Zeyu stepped off the plane, she was greeted warmly by her “young boss.”

Shen Zeyu emerged from the exit wearing a mask and tea-colored rimless glasses, pushing her suitcase. Despite the tail end of midsummer, she was wrapped up tight in a long-sleeved silk shirt and matching suit trousers.

Still, Xu Luosu recognized her instantly. Standing by the elevators leading to the B3 parking lot, she waved enthusiastically. “Senior Sister!”

The girl’s bright smile drew glances from passersby, frightening Shen Zeyu into pulling her mask higher. She scurried toward Xu Luosu like a fugitive.

“Mm,” Shen Zeyu nodded stiffly once she reached her. She leaned in, lowering her mask just enough to whisper, “Didn’t you say your assistant would pick me up? Why did you come yourself?”

“Xiao Cai isn’t feeling well, so I filled in,” Xu Luosu explained with a smile, reaching for the suitcase.

“I see…” Shen Zeyu nodded pensively.

Xu Luosu looked down at Shen Zeyu’s curly hair, which had frizzed up after the two-hour flight, and the smile in her eyes deepened. “Come on, let’s get to the hotel first.”

The Uncomfortable Encounter

The two turned to the elevator. Just as the doors were closing, a frantic rolling sound of suitcase wheels echoed from the hallway. “Wait… wait a moment!”

Xu Luosu instinctively hit the “Open” button. At the same time, Shen Zeyu’s hand shot out reflexively toward the “Close” button.

Their hands ended up parallel on the control panel. Xu Luosu glanced at Shen Zeyu, surprised. Through the tea-colored lenses, she could see a flash of panic in Shen Zeyu’s eyes, making her look like a startled cat. After two seconds of frozen silence, Shen Zeyu withdrew her hand, pretending nothing had happened.

The doors slid open. A person dragging a suitcase rushed in, panting.

The moment the stranger stepped inside, Shen Zeyu—who had been standing beside Xu Luosu—suddenly “zipped” behind her like a wild kitten darting into a bush. Xu Luosu felt a sudden warmth against her back as Shen Zeyu gripped the fabric of her coat, pressing herself against her.

Xu Luosu’s entire body went stiff. Her mind stalled for a moment until the elevator doors closed. Finally, she turned her gaze toward the “intruder.”

The newcomer was nearly as tall as she was, wearing a white bucket hat, black sunglasses, and a matching mask. She wore a grey-and-white striped sundress, exuding a misty, ethereal aura.

“Teacher Lin Pei?” Xu Luosu asked tentatively.

At the mention of the name, Shen Zeyu—hidden behind her—began to tremble uncontrollably.

Lin Pei, standing in the opposite corner, turned toward the sound. Seeing Xu Luosu’s face, she thought for a moment before remembering. “Ah, Boss Xu…”

She seemed socially awkward, her voice sounding timid and strained. “What a coincidence…”

As Lin Pei spoke, Xu Luosu felt Shen Zeyu shake even harder. To confirm this, Xu Luosu kept the conversation going. “It is. Are you just getting back from a business trip?”

Lin Pei nodded. “Yes.”

The elevator was a confined space; once a conversation started, eyes naturally wandered. Within seconds, Lin Pei’s gaze fell upon the hand gripping Xu Luosu’s waist. When she saw the tiny red mole on the index finger, she froze.

She remembered that hand. It belonged to Shen Zeyu.

Lin Pei’s eyes darted behind Xu Luosu, catching a glimpse of slightly curled black hair. Her pupils shook. “Um…”

She opened her mouth to call out, but the elevator reached B3 with a ding. Before she could speak, Xu Luosu decisively grabbed the suitcase with one hand and took Shen Zeyu’s hand with the other, leading her out.

“We’re heading out first. Let’s chat again when we have the chance, Teacher Lin Pei.”

As they brushed past, Lin Pei’s voice trailed off. “Shen…”

In that moment, she finally saw Shen Zeyu’s face. It was entirely different from the warm, gentle face in her memory. This face was cold. Her expression was stern, her gaze sharp and distant. Shen Zeyu walked past without so much as a glance.

It was as if nothing had ever happened between them. They were total strangers.

Lin Pei felt a sharp sting in her heart, and her reaching hand slowly dropped back to her side.