Days blended together in a whirlwind of filming and rehearsals. Xin Yi's interactions with Shàn Yuán became increasingly comfortable, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on the emotions swirling inside. Their easy banter, shared laughter, and fleeting touches left her feeling... restless. Before she could process her thoughts, the day of their trip to Hunan arrived.
Xin Yi stood in her room, packing her suitcase. Rú Xuán entered, carrying a travel bag.
Rú Xuán-"Ready?"
Rú Xuán asked. Xin Yi nodded, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. As they headed to the airport, Xin Yi's mind wandered to Shàn Yuán. Their beach conversation, his gentle touch, and the way he looked at her.
Rú Xuán-"Xin Yi?"
Rú Xuán's voice broke her reverie.
Xin Yi-"Yes?"
Rú Xuán-"You okay? Lost in thought?" Xin Yi-"Just thinking about the trip." Rú Xuán-" Don't worry! You will have a good time with your mom." Xin Yi-"ya."
they boarded the plane, and soon, The plane touched down in Hunan, and the cast and crew disembarked.
Xié Li called out,
Xié Li-"Alright, everyone! Head to the hotel. We'll reconvene for dinner."
The group dispersed, hauling luggage and chatting. Xié Li turned to Xin Yi and Rú Xuán.
Xié Li-"You two, come with me. We're heading to our home." Xin Yi-"Finally, home!" Rú Xuán-"Missed it?"
Xin Yi nodded. As they followed Xié Li to his car, Shàn Yuán appeared beside Xin Yi.
Shàn Yuán-"Safe journey home."
he said softly. Xin Yi smiled.
Xin Yi-" You too." Shàn Yuán-"See you soon."
With a wave, he joined the others heading to the hotel.
Xié Li drove them through Hunan's scenic countryside. Xin Yi gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting to Shàn Yuán. Rú Xuán nudged her.
Rú Xuán-"Hey, what's on your mind?" Xin Yi-"Nothing."
As they approached Xin Yi's hometown, nostalgia washed over her. After dropping Rú Xuán off at her home, Xié Li continued driving through the familiar streets of their hometown.
Xié Li-"Almost there,"
Xié Li said, smiling. Xin Yi's excitement grew as they turned onto her street. The car stopped in front of Xin Yi's house.
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Xin Yi's eyes welled up.
Xin Yi-"Home."
Xié Li-"Welcome back, kiddo."
Xin Yi opened the door, stepping out onto the pavement.
Her mother rushed out, embracing Xin Yi tightly.
Ms. Nam-"Xin Xin! My baby's home!"
Tears of joy streamed down Xin Yi's face. Xié Li smiled.
Xié Li-"Your daughter's grown into a star." Ms Nam-" Xié Li."
They went on the dinning table. they were having their food with a sweet conversation.
Ms. Nam's eyes sparkled mischievously.
Ms. Nam-"So, Xin Xin, how's your co-star?" Xin Yi-"Why are you asking?" Ms. Nam-"Oh, come on! You never stopped talking about him on the phone." Xin Yi-"Stop it! It's nothing like that."
Xié Li chimed in,
Xié Li-"Shàn Yuán? He's doing great."
Ms. Nam's curiosity piqued,
Ms. Nam-"Really? What's he like?"
Xié Li's expression turned thoughtful, recalling the airport moment. Xié Li's eyes softened, his voice low.
Xié Li-"He's... dedicated."
Suddenly, Xié Li's gaze drifted, his thoughts elsewhere.
Ms. Nam-"What's wrong, Xié Li? Is The food not good?"
Xié Li snapped back, smiling warmly.
Xié Li-"No, it's perfect. I just love the food cooked by you."
Ms. Nam smiled, satisfied.
Xié Li-"Glad you like it."
The dinner conversation continued. After dinner. Xin Yi walked Xié Li to his car, the evening air filled with crickets. Xié Li gazed at her, nostalgia in his eyes.
Xié Li-"It looks like we've grown up too much. We don't even share the same bond we did in high school." Xin Yi-"It's nothing like that, Senior. I still look up to you."
Xié Li's smile softened.
Xié Li-"Ok, get inside and rest well. I'm heading home too."
Xin Yi nodded, watching as Xié Li got into his car.
Xin Yi-"Drive safe, Senior,"
Xié Li nodded, starting the engine. As Xin Yi turned to leave, Xié Li called out,
Xié Li-"Xin Yi."
Xin Yi turned back.
Xié Li-"Yes, Senior?"
Xié Li smiled.
Xié Li-" just wanted to here that again."
With a final smile, Xié Li drove off into the night. Xin Yi returned inside.
The next morning, Xin Yi woke up refreshed. Her mom prepared breakfast, filling the kitchen with savory aromas.
Xin Yi-"Mom, I'm going to the set early,"
Ms. Nam smiled.
Ms. Nam-"Have a great day, sweetie."
Xin Yi arrived at the set, where the crew bustled with activity. Shàn Yuán stood by the cameras, discussing scenes with Xié Li. Their eyes met, and Xin Yi's heart skipped a beat. Shàn Yuán smiled, walking toward her.
Shàn Yuán-"Morning,"
he said softly.
Xin Yi-"Morning,"
Xié Li-"Let's get started,"
Xié Li called out, clapping his hands. The crew scrambled into position. Shàn Yuán and Xin Yi took their marks.
Xié Li-"Action!"
The cameras rolled, capturing the emotional intensity. Xin Yi poured her heart into the performance. Shàn Yuán's eyes locked onto hers, his expression mirroring her character's turmoil. Their chemistry on-screen crackled.
Xié Li-"Cut!"
Xié Li exclaimed.
Xié Li"Perfect take!"
The crew applauded. Shàn Yuán smiled, offering Xin Yi a nod of approval. Xin Yi beamed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. As they broke for lunch, Shàn Yuán approached her.
Shàn Yuán-"Great job," Xin Yi-"Thanks."
Their eyes lingered, the air charged with tension. Xié Li gathered the four leads.
Xié Li-" Alright team, Now that the trailer's out, we have a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. usual questions about the series, your characters, and behind-the-scenes stories. I'll join you all tomorrow. Let's showcase our teamwork and enthusiasm."
The leads exchanged glances, united in their goal.
