Chapter 75: Why Did He Go To Japan With You, And Why Was He With You?
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
2023 Ver.
"May I ask Miss Gu Xizhi, some people say you disappeared from the entertainment industry for two years and suddenly played the female lead in Director Li's film because of unspoken rules, is this true?"
As soon as the sharp question emerged from the darkness, the audience turned their gaze towards Gu Xizhi.
Without much thought, Gu Xizhi replied, "No."
On the screen across, a green checkmark quickly appeared, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
This is precisely why all the viewers love this show; they can get to know a real artist through this program.
In a hotel a few kilometers away, after just finishing massaging Qu Xizhi's shoulders, Liang Ying looked like a forlorn child laborer. She panted heavily and sat down on the nearby sofa, picking up some leftover potato chips and asking Qu Xizhi, "Do you want to eat?"
Qu Xizhi's gaze fell on the TV, and she glanced at Liang Ying when she heard her. "You can eat it yourself."
Liang Ying nodded, "Then I'll eat by myself."
Qu Xizhi's attention returned to the television.
Inside the studio, the questions had changed hands, and this time it was Tang Yu's turn.
"Mr. Tang Yu, before I ask this question, I want to start by saying that three years ago when you came to our show, you mentioned having a momentary crush on Miss Gu Xizhi. So, my question now is, do you still like Miss Gu Xizhi?"
A close-up camera focused on Tang Yu, and under the spotlight, he casually said, "Yes."
The camera then shifted to the answer screen, and the enormous green checkmark once again sent the whole venue into excitement.
"Alright, next question, Miss She Jia..."
"Who do you think is the most beautiful woman here?"
"Myself."
"Okay!"
The questions continued, with She Jia followed by Gu Xizhi.
"Miss Gu Xizhi," the host asked as the spotlight illuminated her, "It's been said that you and Miss Qu Xizhi didn't communicate much during the filming of 'Black and White Feathers.' Is that true?"
After a brief moment of thought, Gu Xizhi answered to the camera, "Yes."
Once again, a green checkmark appeared on the screen, and the audience below erupted in amazement.
Gu Xizhi confirmed her response, feeling a deep sense of resignation. During this time, Qu Xizhi did seem to be less interested in interacting with her, so it couldn't be considered extensive communication. She couldn't afford to be dishonest with the lie detector.
However, such questions were all too common, and Gu Xizhi didn't think Qu Xizhi would have any objections. Since the day she debuted, the relationship between Gu Xizhi and Qu Xizhi had been the media's focus, and questions about the two of them were something Gu Xizhi encountered in almost every public appearance. She believed that Qu Xizhi had encountered the same and had long since become accustomed to it.
This feedback was undoubtedly exciting. The questions changed hands several times, and many hosts turned to Tang Yu once more. "Mr. Tang Yu."
Due to the atmosphere, these words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The host had to pause for a few seconds and then continued speaking after the applause subsided.
"We know that Miss Gu took a two-year break from the entertainment industry, and during that time, her fans were aware that she developed her career in Japan. However, recently, some fans have dug up photos of you appearing frequently in Japan two years ago."
The camera switched to a close-up of Tang Yu.
The lighting became noticeably brighter.
"So, at that time, when you were in Japan, were you two very close?"
Although the host's original question was about the closeness of their relationship, the way it sounded to the audience had a different flavor.
For a moment, it seemed even the lighting became ambiguous, and when the light fell on Tang Yu, he looked like he had a pink filter over him.
Tang Yu seemed to be contemplating whether to answer and how to answer. After a moment, he said, "Yes, our relationship has always been good."
This time, the results seemed to be a bit slow. After a moment, the close-up camera switched to the answer screen, displaying the psychological response and the visual response together in the answer circle.
The prominent green checkmark appeared in the answer circle, and the gazes of the audience toward the two individuals became highly ambiguous.
A TV set located tens of kilometers away suddenly turned off with a "click" sound.
The TV screen, which had just been bathed in pink bubbles, abruptly turned black. Liang Ying's aunt smile froze on her face, making it seem as though the sky was falling.
"Why did you turn it off? I still wanted to watch!" She complained to Qu Xizhi, the one responsible for turning off the TV.
"You want to watch?" Qu Xizhi's expression remained cold. "Okay, I'll call your mom to pick you up and watch at home."
"Ah?" Liang Ying, looking troubled, realized she might have annoyed Qu Xizhi. She quickly retreated silently and said, "Okay, fine."
Qu Xizhi had a look that kept strangers away, and Liang Ying didn't dare to provoke her in any way. She didn't dare to say a word or make any unnecessary movements. "Then, I'll go next door to find Sister Ling Xian."
After she finished speaking, she carefully observed Qu Xizhi's expression. Seeing that she didn't seem to care at all about what she said, she quickly put on her shoes and ran out as if running away.
After the "The Truth" program ended, the guests went backstage.
Having just experienced a bloody storm, several guests looked like they were still recovering from it. Tang Yu stood in the smoking area, listening to the guests' conversations while smoking. At this moment, the dressing room door opened, and Gu Xizhi walked out. In an instant, Tang Yu extinguished his cigarette and took a few steps forward.
"Can I escort you home?" he asked Gu Xizhi, appearing patient, gentle, and gentlemanly.
Gu Xizhi was somewhat surprised by his offer after everything that had transpired. She quickly waved her hand, "No need, I'll be going back with the crew."
Tang Yu hesitated for a moment, "Today..."
"Let's leave it at that for today," Gu Xizhi said. "Tang Yu, I hope your grandmother can peacefully spend her remaining time, but these are the only things I can do for her."
Tang Yu seemed to understand something. "Thank you, Xiao Jing."
Gu Xizhi smiled politely.
A few minutes later, Gu Xizhi returned to the hotel by car.
After a full day of work, Gu Xizhi felt a bit tired. Liang Ying had messaged her at some point, saying she had gone to Ling Xian's room. After seeing the message, Gu Xizhi briefly confirmed the situation with Ling Xian and then went back to her room, feeling at ease.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
After returning to the hotel, Gu Xizhi took off her high heels. The living room was dimly lit, with only a faint moonlight streaming in. Gu Xizhi turned on the lights and glanced at Qu Xizhi's room, finding it closed and quiet. She lowered her gaze and pushed open her own room door.
As she opened the door, a strange feeling of intrusion washed over her. She instinctively reached for the light switch, but in a split second her wrist lifted, and a force suppressed her. Caught off guard, she found herself completely trapped in another person's grip.
A familiar scent of perfume surrounded her. Gu Xizhi looked at the silhouette in the darkness with surprise. "Qu Xizhi?"
The person in front of her didn't respond. Her emotions seemed somewhat different, and her voice sounded very unfamiliar. "You're back?"
Gu Xizhi's voice trembled slightly, "...Yes."
"Did he bring you back?"
"No, no."
"Why didn't you let him take you back?"
"I... I don't have the kind of relationship with him that you're thinking."
"What kind of relationship?"
"Qu Xizhi," the feeling of being trapped in a corner made Gu Xizhi uncomfortable. "Can you turn on the lights first before we talk?" Qu Xizhi seemed like she hadn't heard her words at all.
The moon and streetlights illuminated the road very brightly. The dim, yellowish light shone through the windows. The dim light and shadows, with every subtle change, felt like the night was quietly opening its eyes.
In the darkness, Qu Xizhi spoke softly, "You asked him to go to Japan to find you."
Gu Xizhi was taken aback.
Did she do that?
Her question felt strange to her.
"Why did he go to Japan with you, and why was he with you?"
Gu Xizhi remained silent for a long time. Then, Qu Xizhi suddenly said, "Gu Xizhi, have you ever been with him?"
Gu Xizhi was shocked.
"W-what," her breath was wild and oppressive. Gu Xizhi was almost suffocating. "What are you talking about?"
Qu Xizhi didn't answer her. Instead, she suddenly kissed her on the lips.
She held Gu Xizhi's hands and trapped her firmly behind the intricately designed wooden door, kissing her passionately. Her kiss was so intense that it left no room to breathe, and Gu Xizhi had no idea why Qu Xizhi had lost control like this. She tried to push her away, thinking she had some room to evade and dodge, but she found herself on the brink of being devoured.
Gu Xizhi felt a sense of panic.
As Qu Xizhi's breath once again came tantalizingly close to her, Gu Xizhi felt an almost overwhelming sensation, as if countless sleepless nights of humble emptiness were being filled in this brief moment. She almost forgot what she was doing.
Gu Xizhi felt somewhat out of control.
The close proximity caused their breaths to intertwine, and the simmering heat on their cheeks ignited another round of passion. Qu Xizhi's lips and tongue invaded and compelled her to respond, and the scorching breath almost felt like it would set the air on fire. Gu Xizhi was pushed to the limit and suddenly broke free from her grip.
"Qu Xizhi," she marveled at her absurdity and slapped her hard. "Are you out of your mind?!"
The entire world suddenly fell silent.
In the distance, there were signs of impending rain in the sky, and the high-rise buildings stood in eerie silence, detached from the bustling cityscape below. The desperate quiet in the deep darkness felt like an invisible hand choking the life out of it, and only the faint sounds of breathing could restore a hint of vitality.
After a long silence, Qu Xizhi then took a few steps back.
"I'm sorry," she said, leaning against the window. Backlit, she looked like a cold silhouette.
"I lost my mind just now."
Gu Xizhi took a deep breath; her emotions seemed mixed, and her reddened eyes displayed a blend of anger and pain.
Qu Xizhi stood by the window, her expression hidden in the darkness, "I just can't stand seeing you two together."
Her voice sounded somewhat heavy, like a bitter violin.
"Gu Xizhi, do you still hate me?" Qu Xizhi suddenly raised her head. The moonlight fell on her, casting a pale glow.
Gu Xizhi wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, "Qu Xizhi, what are you saying?"
"I know, the failure of the movie two years ago was a huge blow to you,"
Qu Xizhi said. "Because of that failure, you were suffocated by the ridicule of the media and the audience. You felt worthless and doubted yourself. You held your breath to prove yourself, and because of the gap between us, you saw my presence as a mockery of you. Until today, you still can't accept me."
She paused and continued, "But have you ever thought that, in the face of all this, I am also very sad?"
The silhouette against the window under the moon is very clear, Gu Xizhi stared blankly at her outline, suddenly taken aback by her words, feeling somewhat at a loss.
Qu Xizhi went on, "Indeed, compared to my smooth sailing career, yours has been a bit bumpy. Because of my presence, you've experienced more malice. But Gu Xizhi..."
"Does my existence only bring you embarrassment and nothing else?"
Outside the window, the wind rustled, and dark clouds gradually obscured the moonlight. The sky darkened in a very short time, with only the streetlights casting a warm glow.
Gu Xizhi looked at the silhouette and her eyes widened in shock.
Qu Xizhi stepped away from the window.
She took a few steps forward and returned to Gu Xizhi's side, her tone suddenly very serious.
"Gu Xizhi, tell me, after all these years, do you have even the slightest bit of regret?"
Tell me, after all these years, do you have even the slightest bit of regret?
Gu Xizhi held her breath.
At this moment, her limbs were extremely stiff, and her blood seemed to have completely cooled.
"Qu Xizhi..." she instinctively took a step back.
"No," Qu Xizhi's voice was like shattered ice.
In the darkness, her expression was not clear, but her tone made Gu Xizhi feel scared.
"But I will still go crazy for you. In front of you, my dignity, everything about me, still means nothing," she cornered Gu Xizhi.
"Gu Xizhi, I still love you. When I see you with Tang Yu, I'll be jealous to the point of madness. Tell me, what should I do?"
Gu Xizhi took a few steps back until it hit the door with a bang.
She looked at her in shock.
….
The moon disappeared behind layers of clouds, and the gentle, drizzling rain painted beautiful arcs between heaven and earth, instantly merging with the ground.
There was the sound of rain hitting the windows indoors. Small raindrops pelted the glass in a rapid and continuous patter.
Gu Xizhi's eyes were moist, and she sat on the edge of the bed in a state of shock.
Voices could be heard in the living room.
"That's good. If you're okay with it, that's great. I'll come to pick you up early tomorrow. I'm really sorry to disturb you this late."
"It's okay. See you tomorrow."
The voices gradually faded, and there was a heavy sound of the door closing in the living room. Gu Xizhi blinked, and she felt like she was waking up from a dream. She suddenly looked towards the door that had a small crack.
The living room fell back into a long silence. Through the crack in the door, she couldn't see what was happening outside, but her intuition told her that Qu Xizhi was right outside the door.
Gu Xizhi trembled and took a deep breath as if she wanted to stand up.
Qu Xizhi's voice suddenly sounded outside the door: "I lost my temper just now, but you don't have to be afraid, I won't impose anything on you."
She stood far away outside the door.
"Gu Xizhi."
"I'm a little tired."
"Just pretend that nothing happened."
"Forget it."
The sound of the door opening and closing once again filled the room. This time, it felt like the world truly came to a standstill, with only the sound of rain mixed with the wind against the high-rise buildings. In the dark of night, it sounded like someone was softly sobbing.
Gu Xizhi suddenly seemed to have lost her strength, she sat back down again.
The next day
The rain had continued throughout the night, and there was no sign of it stopping even as the day arrived. The film crew had been eagerly anticipating this rain scene and was now busy arranging the shots in the rain.
In an old-fashioned alley, it was noon, and Gu Xizhi, portraying the character Yun Xiaoxiao, was having lunch with her grandmother. Suddenly, the sounds of a man and a woman arguing reached them through the rain, followed by the clattering of various utensils breaking. Yun Xiaoxiao instinctively looked at her grandmother, who smiled calmly and said, "It's alright, keep eating." Holding her bowl and chopsticks, Yun Xiaoxiao couldn't eat anymore. It seemed like she remembered something, and she abruptly stood up and walked to the window, gazing out into the alley.
Outside the window, the light rain continued to fall. Qin Shiyu, portrayed by Qu Xizhi, stood alone under the eaves, staring at the sky with an expressionless face. It seemed like she had been there for quite some time.
Yun Xiaoxiao's gaze was filled with concern as she watched her. Her grandmother remained seated, calmly picking her food, and sighed, "Her parents always argue, poor child."
Yun Xiaoxiao turned to her grandmother and then grabbed a coat and an umbrella before rushing out.
"Grandma, I'm going to check."
….
In the next scene, Gu Xizhi, playing the role of Yun Xiaoxiao, goes outside to find Qu Xizhi, who portrays Qin Shiyu. In the light rain, Qin Shiyu stands under the eaves wearing a camisole, appearing to have rushed out. Yun Xiaoxiao offers her clothes to cover Qin Shiyu, but she doesn't seem appreciative. Not only does she reject Yun Xiaoxiao's clothes, but she also turns and runs into the rain.
In the filming scene, Qu Xizhi, playing the role of Qin Shiyu, runs in the rain, while Yun Xiaoxiao, portrayed by Gu Xizhi, follows her with an umbrella. After a chase, Yun Xiaoxiao finds Qin Shiyu taking shelter at the entrance of a coffee shop. She once again offers her own clothes. In the light rain, Yun Xiaoxiao looked at her while panting with a determined expression. Qin Shiyu looks at her for a long while and finally accepts the offered clothing.
The scene between the two leading actresses went smoothly despite the previous delays due to rain. Scarlett Li had no intention of reshooting, which was good news. However, after the filming was over, Gu Xizhi became very concerned about Qu Xizhi's condition.
Because of the scene, the female lead, Qin Shi Yu, needed to run in the rain wearing a camisole. After shooting the scene, most of Qu Xizhi's clothes were wet. Although she later put on the clothes given by "Yun Xiaoxiao," Gu Xizhi noticed that her hair and clothes were still quite damp.
It was May, and the season wasn't hot enough to require wearing a camisole, especially when it was raining, and there was a bit of a chill in the air. Getting soaked in the rain would likely make someone shiver.
So, as soon as this scene ended, Gu Xizhi did something.
Member