Chapter 34

In the evening, the production team held a wrap party for Yang Bin.

The banquet hall on the top floor of the building had a high, vaulted ceiling and a glass skylight revealing dots of starlight. The layout was bar-style, with dim lighting and dozens of thin spotlights sweeping in a cycle.

There was a dance floor and a stage. Soothing jazz music flowed throughout the venue. To the side was a cold buffet area where a round of top-grade oysters had just been served, and an eight-tier champagne tower was set up.

Almost everyone had arrived. But it wasn't as grand as the kick-off banquet; the actresses' dresses weren't even as lavishly gorgeous as the carpet under their feet. However, the atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone was in a good mood.

Lu Wen held a glass of red wine. He took a sip, moistening the tip of his tongue, and found the quality to be merely average. After that, he just held it in his hand for show, not taking another sip.

He wandered around and came across Xian Qi by the long dessert table. She was holding an empty plate in one hand and her small purse in the other. He stopped and said, in a gentlemanly and straightforward manner, "Let me get some for you. Which one do you want?"

Xian Qi replied, "I'm not eating any of them."

Lu Wen instantly lost his composure. "Then what are you staring at for so long? Admiring the scenery?"

Xian Qi said, "What do you know? I'll get fat if I take just one bite. I'm a pure and innocent female star, you know." After spending some time together, they had become much more familiar with each other. "Do you want some? I'll get it for you."

"Am I not afraid of getting fat?" Lu Wen's idol image was as important to him as anyone's. "I'm a handsome male star, you know."

Xian Qi "tsked", swung her purse, and heartlessly went off to dance.

Lu Wen felt unenthusiastic. The delightful food didn't whet his appetite, nor did he have any desire to sit and make grand conversation. He wandered around and finally stopped by a wall to admire a magnificent oil painting.

Beside him were the tall hall doors. They were double doors with bronze animal-head handles, which were being pulled open by two waiters.

Regardless of whether they were on-screen actors or behind-the-scenes crew, almost everyone was present. So, this late arrival caused the surrounding people to crane their necks, wondering which big shot it could be.

Lu Wen was no exception, tilting his head to cast a glance.

In the center of the doorway, Qu Yanting walked in gracefully. His hair was styled to be slightly fluffy, revealing a smooth forehead. As soon as he entered, he paused to the side and took off his long coat, handing it to a waiter for safekeeping.

Underneath, he wore a pearl-colored light linen shirt, in the style of an evening shirt, soft and loose. It had a wide, open-angled lapel favored by European Romantic poets, covering only half of his collarbones. Two thin ribbons around his neck replaced a bow tie, not tied into a bow, but hanging lightly on his chest. He contrasted the loose top with a pair of slim-fit trousers in pure black, paired with black velvet smoking slippers.

Other than a silver engraved wristwatch, Qu Yanting wore no jewelry. He looked both simple and dapper. When he walked, his shirt billowed lightly behind him, faintly outlining the curve of his waist.

Many of the men and women present were stunned, consciously making way for him and greeting him with a smile, "Screenwriter Qu."

Qu Yanting nodded as he walked through, a faint smile playing on his lips, tinged with his usual reserve. Ren Shu called him from ahead, so he walked over and stepped into the circular booth right in front of the dance floor.

The band switched to another song, melodious and pleasant. Lu Wen tapped his foot to the beat half-heartedly. He walked to a corner of the dance floor, where the lights didn't reach, feeling a thrill of secretly observing the entire room.

"Yanting, you're late," Ren Shu said. "I thought you weren't coming."

Yang Bin was a veteran actor with many awards and accolades who had persisted with filming despite being unwell. He had personally called to invite him to the wrap party, so it would have been too inconsiderate not to show up. Qu Yanting carried a small bag and handed it over. "I was delayed by some shopping. I hope Teacher Yang doesn't mind."

"For me?" Yang Bin took it. "Screenwriter Qu, you're too kind."

Qu Yanting had dawdled endlessly before coming to the party and was late. Since he was already late, buying a gift on the way made him feel a little less in the wrong. He smiled shyly. "To celebrate your wrap-up. Thank you for your hard work."

Ren Shu took a glass of wine from a tray for Qu Yanting, and together they toasted Yang Bin. Qu Yanting took a small sip and asked with concern, "Teacher Yang, what are your plans next?"

Yang Bin said nonchalantly, "I'm giving myself a winter break. As soon as it gets cold, my respiratory system can't take it, and my legs start to hurt too."

Ren Shu said, "Then you should take a good rest for a while. Please take care of your health."

"Yes, I'm going to Hainan for a few months." Yang Bin patted the back of Ren Shu's hand affectionately. "I know you went to a lot of trouble to let me leave the set early. Thanks."

Ren Shu didn't dare take the credit. "The decision wasn't mine this time. I asked Yanting if it was possible, and he agreed right away. He stayed up all night rewriting the script so we could film it ahead of schedule."

Yang Bin immediately raised his glass. "Screenwriter Qu, thank you so much. I toast to you."

"You're being too formal." Qu Yanting drained his glass this time, lightly dabbing away the wine from his lips.

Entering, exchanging pleasantries, toasting back and forth—in reality, Qu Yanting felt unbearably on edge, as if sitting on pins and needles. He had specifically asked about the venue and learned it was a banquet hall that could hold a large crowd; he had lost count of how many deep breaths he took on the way here.

He had dressed up, hoping his carefully chosen clothes could mask his nervousness.

After finishing a glass of wine and making his greetings, Qu Yanting lapsed into silence. Ren Shu and Yang Bin, afraid of neglecting him, would throw a comment his way from time to time. The only comfort was that the dim lighting obscured the reluctance in his responses.

Through the dim and flickering lights, a person walked over from the edge of the dance floor.

Lu Wen looked relaxed, holding his wine glass as he came to offer congratulations. "Teacher Yang, happy wrap-up."

Yang Bin replied, "Xiao Lu, you had to start work so early in the morning. That was tough on you."

After the toast, Lu Wen didn't leave. He took out his phone and asked, "Teacher Yang, could we take a photo together as a souvenir?"

"Come on," Yang Bin readily agreed. "Let's take a few, you and I."

Lu Wen went around the brass coffee table, passed in front of Qu Yanting's knees, and sat down next to Yang Bin to take a few photos. After they were done, he didn't leave. As Yang Bin and Ren Shu continued to chat and laugh, he slid over to Qu Yanting's side.

From a distance, Lu Wen saw Qu Yanting sitting on the semi-circular, golden velvet sofa. The backrest was higher than his head. He was sitting a little away from the others, looking lonely and uneasy, as if on a desolate, quicksand island.

So he had brazenly come over. The lighting was so poor, the photo was just a pretext. He only wanted to be a steady, unmovable human wall against the wind and rain.

With the tall figure beside him acting as a shield, Qu Yanting gradually began to relax.

These past two days had been too fraught with conflict. At this moment, with the music and alcohol, Lu Wen wanted to escape for a while and not think about anything. The silence seemed out of place, so he turned his head and coughed in Qu Yanting's direction.

Qu Yanting spun the empty wine glass in his palm, remaining silent.

Lu Wen glanced at the glass and saw a faint smear on it. It was from Qu Yanting's cold, damp sweat. He asked, "Teacher Qu, are you not feeling well?"

Qu Yanting shook his head. "No."

Lu Wen was wearing a suit. He pulled the pocket square from his chest pocket, stuffed it into the web of Qu Yanting's thumb, and took the wine glass at the same time. "Wipe your hand," he said.

"Thank you." Qu Yanting felt the embarrassment of being seen through.

Lu Wen put down the wine glass. Instead of taking a new one from the tray, he grabbed a handful of buttered popcorn from a snack dish and held it out to Qu Yanting with one hand. "Have something sweet."

A dance tune started playing, elegant and old-fashioned. The young people in the crew all left the dance floor. Tao Meifan appeared, holding the hem of her skirt, and waved towards the booth, looking for a dance partner.

Lu Wen made a move to get up. "I'm going to dance with my mom."

"Don't go." Qu Yanting grabbed Lu Wen's wrist. He was afraid of being left alone, his tone both restrained and urgent. "Just stay here... don't go anywhere."

Lu Wen had no intention of moving in the first place. "Oh."

Qu Yanting realized he'd been tricked by the idiot and squeezed his wrist hard. Lu Wen grimaced in pain, sending the popcorn scattering everywhere.

Just then, Ren Shu walked onto the dance floor and took Tao Meifan's hand to present a dance.

The atmosphere gradually heated up. The stage was lit, and quite a few people rushed up to sing, turning it into something of a karaoke session. Lu Wen wanted to go up and sing too, but for Qu Yanting's sake, he obediently remained a listener.

Everyone was having a great time. Tao Meifan and a group of other actors came over to toast Yang Bin. Qu Yanting shifted to the side, his back ramrod straight, forcing a look of propriety under everyone's gaze.

Someone started chanting, "Teacher Yang, sing a song! Teacher Yang, sing a song!"

Yang Bin boldly went on stage and fashionably sang a pop song, complete with a rap section, which stunned everyone. The mood was just right. He pointed to the audience. "How about one from the director? That's not too much to ask, is it?"

Ren Shu complained, "I just finished dancing! I haven't even caught my breath!"

"Then you pick someone!" Yang Bin waved his hand magnanimously. "Pick someone with enough star power! Have them sing for you!"

The area around the booth was packed. Ren Shu downed a glass of wine. Tipsy and excited, he lifted his head and shouted at Qu Yanting, "Does Screenwriter Qu have enough star power?"

Qu Yanting's eyelid twitched violently. "I can't. I can't sing."

"Don't be like that!" Ren Shu said loudly. "Screenwriter Qu, sing one!"

Qu Yanting's newly dried palm instantly became damp and slick again. The supportive cheers, the playful jeers, the excited voices of the crowd drowned him. The smile on his lips was so thin, and even shaking his head looked like a coy refusal.

Tao Meifan personally invited him, "Screenwriter Qu, please sing a song!"

Yang Bin extended the microphone from the stage. "Screenwriter Qu, just think of it as a send-off for me!"

Lu Wen was the closest and noticed a subtle change in Qu Yanting's expression. It wasn't embarrassment, but a state approaching timidity and discomfort.

'Could it be that Qu Yanting is tone-deaf and afraid of making a fool of himself? He was willing to be a knight, but alas, he wasn't qualified.'

Amidst everyone's expectant gazes, Qu Yanting stood up. On such a joyous occasion, with a senior personally inviting him, how could he be a killjoy? He could only bear the sweat drenching his back and put on a show of magnanimity.

Qu Yanting stepped onto the foot-high marble stage, took the microphone, and said some pretty words befitting his status: "Then I'll make a fool of myself. Congratulations on wrapping up, Teacher Yang. I hope we can work together again in the future."

The lights dimmed, and small beams swept slowly.

The sound of pattering rain began, and the intro flowed out.

Qu Yanting lowered his gaze and began to sing softly, slowly, "I still remember the number on the hotel door that day, still recall the look of your smiling departure..."

The whole city felt so cheerful that day

As we walked together down half a mile of long street

I still remember the yellow cast of the streetlights on your face

And how they lit up that lukewarm bento box

Your silhouette was too beautiful

I had to hold back tears to dare look closely

It was the Cantonese version of The Promise. Sung in Qu Yanting's clear, cool voice, it was like a wisp of cloud drawn across an azure sky—lingering, pure, and refusing to fade for a long, long time.

Lu Wen was captivated as he listened, oblivious to his surroundings. He couldn't smell the red wine, and the glass in his hand felt very light.

Countless images flashed through his mind: the door to room 6206, the pitch-black alley, the hazy light under the fifth tree, the scalding congee, the profile reflected in the taxi window... Qu Yanting's slightly reddened eyes under the grapevines.

He had forgotten everything.

The song ended to thunderous applause. Qu Yanting walked off the stage with an open and poised demeanor, but behind him, his shirt was stuck coldly to his back. No one knew of his discomposure.

Ren Shu, having caught his breath, took the baton and sang the next song, sparking another wave of cheers.

Qu Yanting didn't return to the booth. He avoided the crowd and walked towards the exit like a lone wild goose. He was still clutching the pocket square Lu Wen had given him, which he used to wipe a line of cold sweat from his forehead.

He left the banquet hall hurriedly, not even bothering to retrieve his coat, just wanting to hide and be alone for a while.

Qu Yanting turned into the restroom, went into the innermost stall, locked the door, and sat down on the toilet lid. He bent over, resting his elbows on his thighs, and covered his eyes with his hands.

He felt dejected. He ran his fingers through his hair, messing up the style he had carefully arranged.

The sharp sound of leather heels echoed. Someone came in, stopped in the outer vanity area, and quickly left. The restroom became quiet and deserted again, with no one else entering or leaving.

A full forty minutes passed. Qu Yanting hid in the stall. His sweaty body felt a bit cold, but he was relaxing bit by bit, his nerves not so tense.

Taking a deep breath, Qu Yanting opened the door, washed and dried his hands. As he walked toward the restroom exit, he heard voices outside.

"Sorry, you can't go in."

"It's not under maintenance, but you really can't go in..."

"Please use the restroom over there. Sorry for the trouble."

"I'm really sorry, please go to that one..."

It was Lu Wen's voice.

So it wasn't luck that no one had come in... Qu Yanting pulled the door open, and the first thing he saw was Lu Wen's broad back blocking the entrance. A sudden tightness filled his chest, an indescribable feeling.

"Lu Wen," he called out.

Lu Wen turned around. There was much he didn't understand, but he didn't ask anything, avoiding any topic that might make Qu Yanting uncomfortable. "Teacher Qu," he said directly, "do you want to go back to the party, or leave now?"

Qu Yanting said, "I'd like to leave now."

"Okay." Lu Wen didn't ask for an opinion. The fact that he had followed him out showed he was worried. "I'll go with you."

Lu Wen didn't give Qu Yanting a chance to refuse, pointing casually. "I'll get our coats. Wait for me by the sculpture."

Qu Yanting said, "Okay."

As if afraid he would sneak away, Lu Wen saw Qu Yanting holding his pocket square and patted his own chest. "I need to put that back in my pocket later. Before I get back, help me fold it into a multi-pointed shape."

The top floor of the building had a minimalist style and was slightly spacious. Qu Yanting stood under the sculpture, carefully folding the cloth in his hands.

After a short wait, Lu Wen returned, carrying his coat over his arm.

They were a dozen meters apart. Lu Wen walked forward, unable to judge whether each step bringing him closer to Qu Yanting was right or wrong.

He clearly should have avoided him, yet he chose to follow. He should have ignored him, yet his heart was swayed again and again.

Lu Wen found it hard to control himself. Qu Yanting sitting alone on the sofa, standing on the dimly lit stage, lost in the bustling crowd, and now waiting under that cold sculpture... all of it reminded him of the surging, deep blue pool water.

Qu Yanting sinking to the bottom of the pool, like a handful of snow dissolving in water. It made one want to scoop him up, yet fear being unable to hold on.

Lu Wen quickened his pace.

When they were half a meter apart, Qu Yanting finished folding it and took a step forward as if to welcome him.

Before he could hand the item over, Lu Wen rushed forward, raised his arms to shake out the coat, and wrapped it tightly around him.