On Monday, Song Xi messaged Dai Ze saying she could take the show.
Dai Ze was delighted and said he would contact the director immediately.
While she had no other commitments, Song Xi planned to visit her younger brother in the hospital, fearing she wouldn't have time later.
She arrived fully disguised, only daring to remove her mask once inside the ward.
Sister Wang saw her and smiled, "Miss Song."
Song Xi checked on her brother's condition, noting Sister Wang's excellent care. She then took a red envelope from her bag.
"Miss Song, please, I can't accept this."
Song Xi said, "It's almost Chinese New Year in half a month, just consider it a lucky money envelope for the child."
Sister Wang was moved to tears, "...Miss Song, you are truly a kind soul!"
They sat and chatted for a while. Sister Wang didn't use the internet and didn't know what Song Xi did for a living.
Song Xi casually mentioned a profession. Sister Wang looked at her attire and said with longing, "If only my daughter could be like you after graduation."
Song Xi smiled inwardly, thinking it wouldn't be good to be like her.
After a while, Song Xi checked the time and decided to leave. As she stood up, she saw the ward door open. A man in a black overcoat stood tall and erect.
Upon seeing her, his face lit up with joy.
But Song Xi frowned deeply.
Sister Wang quickly explained, "Mr. Ye, why have you come! Miss Song, I told Mr. Ye, but he..."
Song Xi looked at Ye Hai, her expressionless face asking, "Sister Wang, could you please step out for a moment? I need to speak with him."
"Of course, of course, I'll leave right away!"
After the door closed, Song Xi sat down, her expression stern. "Ye Hai, Sister Wang is a good caregiver, and I appreciate you finding her. But I told you, do not interfere in my affairs anymore, and please stay away from me."
After such a long time, her first words to him were so hurtful. Even with his strong resilience, Ye Hai was wounded.
"...I just wanted to help you."
"I don't need it," Song Xi stated coldly. "We're all adults. When things are repeated over and over, it's no longer meaningful; it just becomes annoying."
Ye Hai stiffened, his fists clenching.
Song Xi walked up to him. "If you continue like this, I will have to transfer Yang Yang to another hospital."
"No!" Ye Hai tensed his entire body. "I won't come anymore."
"Thank you," Song Xi said sincerely.
As he reached the door, Ye Hai suddenly asked, "I heard you're with him?"
Song Xi paused, her eyes wary. "Who told you that?"
"There's been talk in the industry these past few days about Lou Yuming having a girlfriend, and I guessed it was you." Ye Hai's expression was tinged with bitterness. "Why would you choose him over me? Do you know how much gossip you'll attract by being with him?"
Song Xi was surprised that someone in the world was actually concerned about her situation.
And that person turned out to be Ye Hai.
"The two of you," Song Xi feigned composure, putting on her mask before leaving the ward. "I won't choose either of you."
Ge Baitao also learned that Lou Yuming had a girlfriend.
She gossiped with Song Xi on WeChat.
Song Xi tentatively asked: [Do you know who spread it?]
Ge Baitao: [Not sure, but there's no solid proof or photos, so it's probably fake. Why are you so concerned about him? Lu Chenyu's movie wraps up soon. We haven't seen each other in a while, let's go for dinner.]
Song Xi hesitated for a few seconds before agreeing: [Okay]
The location was a highly private, members-only restaurant.
Before going, Ge Baitao texted her, telling her to dress up nicely.
Song Xi didn't know why, but she thought it was important to welcome Lu Chenyu back properly.
So she put on her makeup carefully and chose a pink corduroy dress, looking artistic and retro, like a withered rose.
Upon entering the private room, Song Xi dared to remove her mask.
The room was dim, as if the curtains had been deliberately drawn. Song Xi recalled the waiter's mysterious smile and felt a sense of bewilderment.
As she was lost in thought, the light above suddenly "swished" on.
Only then did Song Xi get a clear view of everything before her.
The floor was covered in red petals, and colorful balloons hung around the room.
Lu Chenyu stood a short distance away, holding a large bouquet of roses.
His voice trembled with excitement. "Song Xi, will you be my girlfriend!"