Beyond the show- the beauty is in you

Part 7

Rú Xuán smiled warmly.

Rú Xuán-"You did fantastically, Xin Yi."

Xin Yi-"Thanks, I tried."

Xié Li approached them.

Xié Li-"Xin Yi, you impressed me today. Would you join me for dinner tonight?"

Xin Yi-" Sure. "

Xié Li and Xin Yi arrived at the elegant restaurant. They were ushered to a cozy table by the window.

Xié Li-"Order whatever you like, Xin Yi."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, discussing films, art and life.
dinner concluded.

Xié Li smiled warmly as Xin Yi stepped out of the car.

Xié Li-"Tonight was wonderful. I'll call you soon."

Xin Yi nodded, smiling.

Xin Yi-"Thanks, Senior. Goodnight."

As Xié Li drove away, Rú Xuán approached Xin Yi.
Xin Yi entered her room,

Rú Xuán-"How was your dinner?"

she asked, her tone playful.

Xin Yi-"Dinner was as usual,"

Xin Yi replied, dropping onto her bed.

Rú Xuán-"Oh, come on! At least show some interest. Xié Li's a catch!"

Xin Yi-"Rú Xuán, I've told you thousands of times: I'm not interested in him. Why do you keep shipping us?"
Rú Xuán-"I ship you two because Xié Li's perfect for you! Successful, charming—"

Xin Yi cut her off, rolling her eyes.

Xin Yi-"Charming? You mean pretentious?"
Rú Xuán-"Pretentious? You're just not seeing his genuine side."
Xin Yi-"Genuine? Please."
Rú Xuán-"Come on, show some enthusiasm! What's not to like?"
Xin Yi-"Rú Xuán, for the thousandth time, I'm not interested. Why do you keep pairing us?"

Rú Xuán-"I fear you're rejecting Xié Li because of what happened between us."
Xin Yi-"What are you talking about?"
Rú Xuán-"Remember that day in high school when you heard our conversation?"
Xin Yi-"What conversation?"

Rú Xuán's gaze dropped.

Rú Xuán-"You were sad afterward and started ignoring us. I thought you knew."

Xin Yi shook her head.

Xin Yi-"I failed my audition; that's why I was sad. I didn't hear anything."
Rú Xuán-"Really? You know nothing?"
Xin Yi-"About what?"
Rú Xuán-"I had a crush on Xié Li, but he rejected me... because of you."
Xin Yi-"What? Why?"
Rú Xuán-"Xié Li said he couldn't pursue me without jeopardizing his friendship with you. I kept it hidden, fearing losing our friendship—ours and yours with Xié Li."

Xin Yi shook her head.

Xin Yi-"I don't like Xié Li. I never did."
Rú Xuán-"What about him?"
Xin Yi-"He's always been a great friend, my senior... nothing more."
Rú Xuán-"And that's all?"
Xin Yi-"Yes. He still sees me as a child."

Xin Yi's voice dropped to a whisper.

Xin Yi-"Now that we're discussing this, I have a confession."

Rú Xuán leaned in, curiosity sparkling.

Rú Xuán-"I'm listening."

Xin Yi's cheeks flushed.

Xin Yi-"I think I have a crush on Shàn Yuán."

Rú Xuán's eyes widened.

Rú Xuán-"Shàn Yuán? You can't be serious!"

Xin Yi nodded, her face aglow.

Xin Yi-"Dead serious. I've been thinking about it every night."

Rú Xuán's curiosity deepened.

Rú Xuán-"Tell me, when did it all start?"

Xin Yi's brow furrowed.

Xin Yi-"I'm not sure... but there's something about him. He's so mysterious, and his eyes... they're full of secrets."

Rú Xuán's eyes sparkled.

Rú Xuán-"And what about him? Does he feel the same way?"

Xin Yi's shoulders lifted in a shrug.

Xin Yi-"I don't know."

Next day.

Shàn Yuán and Xin Yi were filming a scene in a picturesque garden. As they rehearsed their lines, the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the surroundings. After a few takes, the director called for a break. Shàn Yuán and Xin Yi wandered off to grab some snacks from the catering table. As they walked, Shàn Yuán accidentally tripped on a loose paving stone. Xin Yi quickly reached out to catch him, and they both stumbled, ending up in a awkward yet adorable pose.

Xin Yi's hands were on Shàn Yuán's chest, and his face was inches from hers. They locked eyes, and for a moment, time stood still.

Xin Yi-"Sorry! I was just...."
Shàn Yuán-"It's ok. Thanks."

they quickly parted.
On the same day
At home.

Xin Yi-" That was too embarrassing."
Rú Xuán-" That wasn't. It was too cute."
Xin Yi-" I would never go for that again."
Rú Xuán-" Don't worry he won't judge you. "
Xin Yi-" I hope so. "

The shoot was going on very well with each passing day.
Few days later.

Xin Yi's eyes widened as she saw Rú Xuán. She quickly turned around and started running.
Shàn Yuán, walking with Tài Sūn, looked up to see Xin Yi running towards them.

Xin Yi, not seeing Shàn Yuán, kept running, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She was about to collide with Shàn Yuán, but she managed to balance herself just in time, her arms flailing wildly.
Just as she thought she had avoided a collision, Rú Xuán caught up to her and pushed her from behind. Xin Yi's eyes widened as she felt herself losing balance.
Shàn Yuán, anticipating what was about to happen, quickly caught Xin Yi, wrapping his arms around her to steady her. Xin Yi's face was inches from Shàn Yuán's, their eyes locking in a moment of mutual surprise.

Tài Sūn, who had been watching the scene unfold, let out a low whistle.

Tài sún-"Well, that was... interesting,"

he said, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Shàn Yuán, still holding Xin Yi.

Shàn Yuán-"You okay?"

he asked, his voice low and gentle.
Xin Yi nodded, her face still flushed from the excitement.

Xin Yi-"Yeah, thanks to you,"

she said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.