Because Gu Xizhi's body was really too cold, Qu Xizhi sent her directly into the bathroom on the second floor without any further delay.

Her ankle injury was so painful that she couldn't walk. After sending Gu Xizhi to the bathroom, Qu Xizhi sat down in the bedroom and refused to move again.

Xiao Yu, who had finished tidying up the guest room for Gu Xizhi, passed by Qu Xizhi's bedroom and saw her, who usually had a straight back whether walking or sitting, slumped casually on the bedroom's woolen carpet. Curiously, she walked to the bedroom door and asked, "Miss Qu, is there anything you need help with?"

With the pain in her foot easing a bit, Qu Xizhi adjusted her posture and said, "Go prepare some dinner, not all vegetarian."

Xiao Yu nodded and immediately went downstairs.

After Gu Xizhi finished her bath, she came to the freshly tidied guest room. When she opened the door, Qu Xizhi was sitting at the simple dining table, waiting for her. The room was filled with the aroma of food, and Gu Xizhi, who had just come in from the cold, suddenly remembered that she hadn't eaten for two meals. So, when she looked at Qu Xizhi again, her gaze couldn't help but reveal some subtlety.

"You..." After thinking about it, she retracted the puzzling question and said, "Thank you."

"Let's eat first." Qu Xizhi just smiled.

Although it's common for celebrities to skip meals or not eat enough, Gu Xizhi, who hadn't had a drop of water for over ten hours, didn't hold back when faced with the exquisite dishes.

After watching Gu Xizhi eat for a while, Qu Xizhi asked, "Are you really hungry?"

Gu Xizhi immediately slowed down her eating pace and replied, "...I'm okay."

Qu Xizhi looked at her for a while and said, "Xiao Jing."

"What?"

"Why did you wait for me for so long over there?"

"Where do you mean?" Gu Xizhi, who was eating, seemed too preoccupied to think.

"Outside Lan Rui's house."

Gu Xizhi stopped for a moment, picking up the vegetables but not putting them into her bowl. Her attention seemed elsewhere. "Well... because I was worried about your foot injury." After a brief pause, as if afraid her answer wouldn't earn full marks, she added, "After all, your injury was caused by me."

Qu Xizhi was silent for a moment after hearing this answer, and then asked, "What else?"

Gu Xizhi raised her head to look at her, then quickly lowered it to hide her unnatural look, "No more."

Qu Xizhi did not give up, "Are you worried about me and Lan Rui?"

Gu Xizhi once again raised her head to look at her. After a long pause, she set down her chopsticks and said earnestly, "Actually, I really don't understand why she did what she did to you, and I don't understand why you stayed at her house for so long. But I believe you have your reasons, so I still waited there."

"Do you really believe I have a valid reason to stay at her place for so long?"

"Actually, when I saw Lan Rui's stinky expression, I knew that you couldn't have done anything with her." Gu Xizhi glanced at the time and smiled, "Of course, if you two come out at this time tomorrow morning, no matter what you did or didn't do to her, I won't be there."

Qu Xizhi smiled and said, "It turns out that your bottom line is tomorrow morning. If I had known I would have stayed a few more hours."

Gu Xizhi glanced at her, "Is this joke really funny?"

"Not really." Qu Xizhi thought for a moment, put away her smile, and said seriously, "Xiao Jing, I'm sorry, actually this afternoon..."

"Okay." Gu Xizhi picked up her chopsticks and interrupted her, "Don't explain over and over, making me seem unreasonable. You and her don't have anything, isn't that answer enough?"

Qu Xizhi propped her chin up, smiling as she watched her eat, "So, you don't want to know why I took the role in 'Elements'?"

"Taking the role in 'Elements' is great. Anyway, the director said this movie is entirely for charity and won't participate in any film festivals, in that case, you won't have to fight with me for the best actress at next year's festival and I can't help but laugh."

Qu Xizhi looked at her, "Really?"

Gu Xizhi said nonchalantly, "Of course."

Qu Xizhi continued to look at her but said nothing. It was not until she gradually focused on the food in front of her again that she said, "Can I ask you another question?"

"Say it." She looked obviously unprepared.

"What happened the night before yesterday...are you still angry?"

"Cough cough cough..."

The food got stuck in Gu Xizhi's throat, and she coughed heavily. Qu Xizhi was afraid that she would choke, so she immediately gave her water. Gu Xizhi drank the water and rested for a while, then put the water on the table, lowered her head, and continued eating.

She didn't respond, and Qu Xizhi didn't rush her. She simply leaned on the table, quietly watching her eat. Eventually, Gu Xizhi couldn't bear being looked at like that and raised her head, saying, "Why are you... looking at me like that?"

Qu Xizhi: "You haven't answered my question yet."

Gu Xizhi's face turned visibly red. She cleared her throat and said, "What question?"

"That question just now."

Gu Xizhi's face reddened even more, but she quickly adjusted her tone, "You mean that thing... I'm... of course, not upset about it." Her tone was particularly indifferent. "Actually, it's not a big deal. I had forgotten about it a long time ago."

"Forgotten?"

Surprisingly, she didn't find this response awkward at all. In fact, she said with confidence, "Yes."

At this point, if she continued to evade, trying to force the issue would only hurt her tough shell.

Qu Xizhi was indeed discouraged, but after all, it was not a matter of quick success and quick gain. If she didn't let go, everything would be in vain.

Besides, failure to do anything well just means not working hard enough.

"Let's eat." Qu Xizhi just smiled, and her positive emotions made her look gentle.

She said nothing more, and Gu Xizhi was completely relieved and started eating.

Although Qu Xizhi didn't say anything during the meal, Gu Xizhi still felt that this meal wasn't easy at all. After finally finishing her food, Qu Xizhi only asked, "Are you full?" Then, she called Xiao Yu to clear the table.

After the meal was finished and the room was tidied up, Qu Xizhi stood up and said to Gu Xizhi, "Go to bed early. If you have any questions, call me. I'll be next door to yours."

Gu Xizhi nodded, "I understand."

"Also, most of the shooting for 'Elements' will be done abroad. The production team has been waiting for the other lead actress for a long time. Regardless, I have to join the shoot in three days, and I might be quite busy after tomorrow."

Gu Xizhi was a little surprised, "You're leaving in three days?"

Qu Xizhi nodded.

"Which country?"

"U.K."

Gu Xizhi nodded, and after a moment she said, "Take care of yourself."

Qu Xizhi thought for a long time before saying, "Will you take me to the airport?"

Gu Xizhi also thought about it, "...if I have time, of course."

Qu Xizhi smiled after the somewhat ambiguous answer. "Rest well."

The words of apology were on the tip of her tongue, but suddenly, Qu Xizhi lost the courage to say them. Gu Xizhi nodded silently, watching her leave.

The next day, the rain had stopped, and the sky turned clear. Early in the morning, after breakfast, Qu Xizhi wanted to drive Gu Xizhi to her shooting schedule, but she faced strong opposition from Gu Xizhi.

"Your foot injury is so serious. You have to film again in a few days. You don't even have enough time to rest. How can you endure this? Besides, you can't drive at all because of your injury. How can you send me off?"

"I'll ask the driver to come with us."

"The driver won't want to do this back-and-forth trip either. Can't you just stay home and rest?"

Their argument drew the attention of Yin Jun, who had just come downstairs. She had heard them talking from upstairs, and without hesitation, she said, "Dear, listen to your good friend. Stay at home and rest."

Two to one, Qu Xizhi looked at Gu Xizhi and then at Yin Jun, "...Okay." She said to Gu Xizhi, "Then, be careful on the road."

"Yes." Gu Xizhi nodded with a smile, said goodbye to her and Yin Jun, and walked into her car.

The smoke emitted by the car exhaust quickly dispersed into the air and was absorbed by the large greenery. Yin Jun watched the car leave and looked sideways at Qu Xizhi, "Daughter, I lost an old photo that I kept in the piano room. Guess where I found it?"

Qu Xizhi knew her mother well enough not to beat around the bush. "In my room."

Yin Jun looked at her with a half-smile, "What are you doing with my photo?"

"No one has been to the piano room for a long time, and the photos are gathering dust there."

"That's my photo, even if it's covered in dust, it has nothing to do with you."

Qu Xizhi didn't want to argue with her, "What exactly do you want to say?"

Yin Jun smiled and said, "Remember when a girl came to our house pursuing you, and you told her you didn't like girls?"

"I don't like girls, I just like her."

"Are you sure?"

Qu Xizhi did not shy away, "Can you accept it?"

"Is it okay if I don't accept it?"

"No."

"I see..." Yin Jun smiled. "I'll think about it before saying anything." Then, as if she had suddenly remembered something, she said, "By the way, last time I told you that you shouldn't accept any events during the Chinese New Year and should come home for the holiday..."

"I have already made arrangements, and I will definitely accompany you during the Chinese New Year this year."

"What about your father and sister?"

"I'll call them later and make sure they come back for the holiday."

Yin Jun laughed softly, "My daughter is so good."

….

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1849307

This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

Three days later.

On the airport expressway.

"Can you handle it at all? Chasing a girl for over four months and still not getting anywhere, and now you're going abroad. Your campaign seems to be lasting for years."

Zhao Ling, who was driving and taking Qu Xizhi to the airport, kept teasing her. Ling Xian, who was sitting in the car, felt a bit embarrassed and put on her headphones to ignore the conversation inside the car.

Qu Xizhi didn't have much reaction after hearing her words. While looking at the time on her watch, she said, "Does she have any shoot today?"

"Probably just makeup."

Qu Xizhi nodded and said nothing.

Zhao Ling glanced at her, "What? You want her to see you off?"

"She probably isn't available."

Zhao Ling shook her head, "I really sympathize with your skills in chasing girls."

Qu Xizhi changed the subject. "Has Tang Yu been up to anything lately?"

"As far as I know, he hasn't contacted Xiao Jing for a long time."

"It's strange for him to react like that with his personality."

"You are just thinking too much."

Qu Xizhi seemed to be deep in thought and didn't say anything.

Audition scene.

A set of makeup photos had just been taken, and the director, He Xue, was looking at the person on the screen, nodding continuously.

Gu Xizhi put on another outfit and walked out of the fitting room. She checked the time before walking in front of the camera again.

Once the actors were in position, director He Xue's camera focused on Gu Xizhi once again. The girl in the frame had her hair styled in waves for the film, with beautiful cascading curls on one side, giving her a more mature and sophisticated look.

Another set of photos was about to be taken. He Xue signaled the venue to prepare, and at the same time pulled down the camera to signal Gu Xizhi to prepare.

Click, click, click...

Each look was recorded by the camera. He Xue looked at the satisfied photos and smiled. After a while, she raised her hand to signal everyone to stop and rest.

After stopping, Gu Xizhi did not take a rest immediately but looked at the time. He Xue walked from the camera to her, looked at her, and smiled, "Are you in a hurry for something?"

Gu Xizhi put down her phone, shook her head and said, "No."

"I don't like inefficient work. If you have something to do, you can do it first.

Gu Xizhi shook her head, "I really don't."

He Xue said, "You are so restless, are you sure you won't regret it if you don't leave?"

Gu Xizhi looked at her and couldn't answer.

He Xue patted her shoulder and said, "Go ahead. As a bystander, I'm telling you that you will regret it if you don't go."

After hesitating for a while, Gu Xizhi seemed to have made a decision. She raised her head and smiled at He Xue. "Thank you, Director He."

He Xue just smiled gracefully.

Gu Xizhi walked to the side, picked up her bag, and once again approached He Xue. "Director He, can I ask you another question?"

"Say it."

“What should I do if I want to eat ice cream in winter but I’m afraid of the cold?”

"Is it really going to be cold?"

"Maybe."

"Then there's even less reason to give up delicious ice cream for a maybe."

Gu Xizhi nodded and smiled. "Actually, I was thinking the same thing."

He Xue smiled and waved her hand, "Go and get busy."

"Thank you." Gu Xizhi turned and left without looking back.

Something happened suddenly. Youyou drove the car to refuel. Gu Xizhi walked out of the audition site and hailed a taxi to go to the airport.

Trying to flag down a taxi during rush hour, especially one heading to the airport, was extremely difficult. She waited at the intersection for almost ten minutes, but no empty cabs came by. Passing private cars were unwilling to stop and pick her up. Time was slipping away, and if she waited any longer, she might not have made it to the airport in time. Gu Xizhi stared at a car that was moving slowly for a long time, and when it was about to pass her, she stepped forward and stopped it. "Hello, can I ride with you to the airport? I can pay."

The car window was lowered, and a man with clear facial features smiled at her and nodded.

Gu Xizhi was thinking about rushing for time and did not pay attention to the other party. He quickly got into the car and said, "I'm going to the airport."

"Which entrance?" he asked.

Only then did Gu Xizhi realize that this man had handsome features and spoke in Chinese with a foreigner's accent.

Feeling awkward, she looked at his face before saying, "South gate, thank you."

The foreign man stopped talking but turned the steering wheel and drove intently.

There were still five minutes left before the security check. The entire crew of "Element" was chatting together. Zhao Ling got a call and had to go back to the company. Before leaving, she said goodbye to Qu Xizhi, "I have something to go back to, so I can't see you off."

Qu Xizhi was fiddling with her phone. Hearing this, she put it away and stood to see her off, "I know, be careful on the road.

"Have a nice journey to you too." Zhao Ling hurriedly left the airport.

Ling Xian saw her leaving, walked to Qu Xizhi, and said, "It's getting late."

Qu Xizhi looked at the time and said, "It's not that late."

Ling Xian shook her head and did not argue with her.

….

The car sped all the way to the airport's south gate. When they were about to reach their destination, Gu Xizhi took some change from her bag and said to the young man in the driver's seat, "This is the fare, thank you."

The man just looked at the scattered money and quickly smiled and said, "No need for this."

Gu Xizhi was stunned for a moment, then took back her change and took out a piece of bill, "Thank you."

The young man looked at her reaction and smiled slightly. He parked the car by the entrance road and said, "I don't want the money, go ahead with your business."

Gu Xizhi looked at the money in her hand, confirmed that he wasn't refusing it because it was too little, and felt a bit puzzled. But time was running out, so she had no choice but to say again, "Thank you very much. If it's convenient, could you tell me your name and phone number? I'd like to thank you properly another day."

"No need," he remained calm, "Your voice is very beautiful."

When the ringtone rang, Gu Zhi didn't bother to say more to him. While giving him an apologetic smile, she got out of the car, answered the phone, and walked toward the airport lobby.

Security checks had already begun. Ling Xian looked at Qu Xizhi, who was sitting still, and reminded her, "If we don't hurry, they'll leave without us."

Qu Xizhi looked at the time again and finally nodded this time, "Let's go."

The airport was bustling with people coming and going. As Gu Xizhi entered the departure lounge, she suddenly felt like finding someone in such an environment was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. For the first few seconds, Gu Xizhi had the immediate thought of calling Qu Xizhi, but due to Qu Xizhi's nature, she didn't have the chance to do this unnecessary thing.

Although her hat and sunglasses remained on, Qu Xizhi's unique aura made her stand out in the crowd.

The rest of the film crew had already passed through security. Gu Xizhi walked directly to the opposite side of her and blocked her path.

Although she was wearing the character costume from the audition, Gu Xizhi's personal style of dressing was splendid and suited her very well. When Qu Xizhi saw her, she was initially surprised but quickly took off her sunglasses.

"Xiao Jing?"

"Fortunately, I caught up." Gu Xizhi finally saw Qu Xizhi in front of her, feeling a sense of relief.

"Why did you come?" Still surprised.

"I came to see you off," Gu Xizhi took a deep breath, "After all, it will be a long time before I see you again. As your good friend, I couldn't just let you go without saying goodbye, right?" She smiled.

This statement made Qu Xizhi neither happy nor helpless, but overall, she was delighted. "So, I should thank you?"

"You can't thank me just by saying it." Gu Xizhi looked at Ling Xian behind her, then smiled and took a few steps toward her. "Won't you give me a goodbye hug?"

Qu Xizhi hesitated for a moment at the strange request but eventually set down what she was holding and opened her arms.

Gu Xizhi took another step forward, and Qu Xizhi hugged her.

Suddenly encountering such a situation, Ling Xian took Qu Xizhi's luggage and walked away silently. Qu Xizhi had initially prepared to let go, but at that moment, Gu Xizhi held onto her, not allowing her to move.

The simple goodbye hug felt a bit different due to Gu Xizhi's actions. Qu Xizhi furrowed her brow, and the sound in her ear had a curious tone. "Xiao Jing?"

"Don't talk." A soft voice.

Qu Xizhi stopped talking and didn't move.

Gu Xizhi held her shoulders, slightly moved her body backward, leaned her head toward Qu Xizhi, and lightly brushed her lips against her fair cheek.

The soft lips brushed against her cheek with a warm breath. Although it was only a moment, Qu Xizhi could still tell that it was a kiss.

The glimmer in her eyes was half bright and half surprised. Qu Xizhi asked uncertainly, "Xiao Jing?"

Gu Xizhi let her go and smiled, "Okay, I'm just here to tell you that you can't get involved with foreign girls or handsome guys when you go to the U.K., and you can't make so many good friends, because there is a very good friend waiting for you back home."

The passengers at the security check had almost finished, but Qu Xizhi stood there and looked at her quietly.

The announcement repeatedly urged passengers, and Gu Xizhi, holding her hand, shook it and said, "You should go now, or you'll be late."

Qu Xizhi glanced at the waiting staff, held her hand, and kissed her forehead, "Is this for real?"

Gu Xizhi nodded solemnly and smiled.

Qu Xizhi also smiled, and when her long eyelashes curved upward, they almost covered her eyes, making her look exceptionally beautiful.

The crisp autumn weather, with golden sunlight streaming through the airport's floor-to-ceiling windows, refracted into a colorful display. Planes glide on the runway, ascending until they disappear into the clouds. Gu Xizhi stood in the airport lounge, watching the farthest plane vanish into the sky. She turned around, picked up her phone, and sent a short message.

Meanwhile, Liang Youyou, who was chatting up a beautiful model, heard the message notification, opened her inbox, and read a message:

I'm going to start dating.

Liang Youyou exited the mailbox with disdain and put away her mobile phone. She raised a smile and looked at the beautiful woman in front of her. "Shall we have dinner tonight?"

Glancing at her phone, the woman smiled and asked, "Why bother with dinner? Can't we just start dating directly?"

Liang Youyou immediately lifted her chin and kissed her, "I love you to death, little beauty."

A few minutes later, Gu Xizhi also received a text message:

I've started dating too, it took only ten minutes.

Gu Xizhi shook her head in resignation and firmly exited her inbox.