Miss you so much!
Zuo Jingyou has always been very indulgent towards Yin Bai. Upon hearing her words, she readily nodded and said, “Okay.”
So Zuo Jingyou left all her social engagements behind and actually took Yin Bai back to the hotel, where they had a great time together.
After returning from Tibet, Zuo Jingyou took some time to rest and then plunged into the busy preparations for her upcoming project. While she and Xu Ruofeng were working on the storyboards for 《Dawa》, Zuo Jingyou also took on guest roles in several big-budget films to repay some favors.
Of course, during her guest appearances, she encountered many familiar directors who inquired about her schedule and asked if she had any availability. As someone who had already delivered a satisfying graduation piece, Zuo Jingyou naturally had time next year. Apart from the filming of 《Dawa》, she also wanted to take on one or two roles to maintain her status.
However, after rejecting the project proposed by Lu Qing, it was proving quite difficult to find another production with a similar level of quality and a well-crafted script. Zuo Jingyou searched high and low but couldn’t find a script that truly captivated her.
At that moment, director Xu Shishi came knocking on the door.
Xu Shishi was somewhat famous in the industry, known for her penchant for directing films centered around women. However, unlike Lu Qing, her focus was not on those extraordinary women who shone during turbulent times but rather on the resilient women who grew like weeds in the present urban landscape.
Her camera either focused on seemingly ordinary and unremarkable girls in third-rate high schools who hid sharp determination and vulnerability beneath the oppression of adults, or on young mothers who were sacrificially offered up within the confines of family relationships.
This time, however, Xu Shishi’s gaze was fixed on a urban white-collar woman who struggled to maintain intimate relationships and a streetwalker1.
Zuo Jingyou took a glance at the script and found it quite intriguing. The story revolved around a young woman who fought alone in the city and, amidst frequent separations from her boyfriend and the inability to sustain romantic relationships, yearned for nothing more than a comforting embrace to dissolve the weariness of the day.
On the way back from socializing, she encountered a young streetwalker…
From then on, she hired the streetwalker solely to obtain the warmth of an embrace in this concrete jungle.
It was a simple story, but the chemistry between the main characters was intense. Whether it was the weary young woman or the naive young streetwalker, there was a sense of reality mixed with idealism.
Rather than calling it a story about prostitution, it was more like an adult fairy tale. It was a story that could make people feel warm.
After all, an embrace truly had the power to heal.
Zuo Jingyou believed that this was a good script, even though it wouldn’t generate the same level of attention as Lu Qing’s films. However, she found the interpersonal relationships in this niche film very appealing.
After giving it some serious thought, she took the initiative to contact Xu Shishi and discuss collaborating on this film.
The next afternoon, Xu Shishi appeared in the reception area of Zuo Jingyou’s studio.
Xu Shishi was a delicately beautiful woman. Sitting in front of Zuo Jingyou at that moment, she sheepishly adjusted her thin-framed glasses and softly said, “I feel truly honored that Teacher Zuo is interested in this story.”
“The budget for this film may not be very high, so when it comes to remuneration, we may not be able to offer Teacher Zuo a substantial amount…”
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Teacher Zuo didn’t really consider the issue of remuneration. She looked at the slightly shy director sitting across from her and smiled as she asked, “Let’s not discuss remuneration for now. Is the current investment sufficient, Director Xu? When will the film start shooting?”
“The investment is sufficient,” Xu Shishi straightened her posture slightly, gaining some confidence as she looked at Zuo Jingyou. “When the film starts shooting will depend on your preference, Teacher Zuo.”
“Which character does Teacher Zuo favor more?”
Xu Shishi’s directness saved Zuo Jingyou from a lot of pleasantries. Zuo Jingyou smiled, lifted the steaming cup of coffee to her lips, took a sip, and said, “As for the character, I am more inclined towards the streetwalker. I have never tried a role like that before and I want to challenge myself this time…”
Zuo Jingyou took another sip of coffee, placed the cup on the table, crossed her legs together, and quietly gazed at Xu Shishi, saying, “There is just one thing I want to know. If I take on this film, who will be the actress playing opposite me?”
Xu Shishi’s eyes lit up with a smile as she looked at Zuo Jingyou and happily said, “That’s actually what I wanted to discuss with you. If Teacher Zuo takes on this film, there’s a 90% chance of collaborating with Teacher Xiao Nian.”
“Speaking of which, I approached you for this collaboration based on the recommendation of Teacher Xiao Nian. She has always admired you and expressed a strong desire to work with you if given the opportunity.”
“I also believe that if Teacher Zuo collaborates with Teacher Xiao Nian, it will undoubtedly bring a brilliant interpretation to this film.”
Xiao Nian? Yin Bai’s ex-girlfriend?
Zuo Jingyou pondered for a moment, then picked up her coffee and smiled, saying, “I’m also looking forward to working with Teacher Xiao Nian. However, could Director Xu give me one more day? I will provide you with an accurate response before 6 p.m. tomorrow.”
Xu Shishi received her commitment, but her already anxious heart became even more unsettled. She nodded awkwardly and said, “Alright.”
After chatting for a while longer, Zuo Jingyou stood up and escorted Xu Shishi out of the studio.
Zuo Jingyou crossed her arms and stood at the doorway, watching Xu Shishi’s departing figure, lost in thought.
Xiao Nian… To be honest, this script is good. The story is worth exploring, and the tangled relationships between the characters are quite captivating. Zuo Jingyou didn’t want to give up on this script.
However, if she were to collaborate with Xiao Nian, would Yin Bai be unhappy?
She probably wouldn’t be unhappy…
After all, Yin Bai had once liked Xiao Nian so much. Just because she disliked Lu Qing didn’t mean she dislike Xiao Nian. Besides, Yin Bai had mentioned before that sometimes she thought it would be good if Xiao Nian could work with her.
Moreover, she also admired Xiao Nian. If she could have scenes with her, it would definitely feel great.
However, filming a same-sex movie with Yin Bai’s ex-girlfriend, she should still ask for Yin Bai’s opinion.
Zuo Jingyou pondered for a moment and decided to go back and talk to Yin Bai. After all, it didn’t matter to others, but if she were to work with Lu Qing or Xiao Nian without informing her, her mischievous little devil at home would surely make a fuss. When that happens, it wouldn’t be something that could be pacified with flowers for half a month.
Ah… Actually, Zuo Jingyou is quite good at soothing her partner. It’s just that with such an insecure little kitten, it’s important to comfort her and make her feel at ease in order to accomplish anything.
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After all, Zuo Jingyou herself had gone through the same kind of insecurity and she didn’t want her partner to experience the same constant anxiety, doubt, and self-questioning in love…
Since she liked Yin Bai, she would definitely make it clear to her that she loved her the most.
After making up her mind, Zuo Jingyou gave some instructions to her assistant regarding the next steps and then called Yin Bai.
When Yin Bai received her call at home and heard the news of finishing work early, she was overjoyed. Holding the phone, she snuggled into the sofa and spoke incessantly, “Are you coming back? Or do you want to go out on a date with me?”
“Ah, we haven’t had a meal together for several days. Anyway, Tongtong has been nervously studying for her final exams recently, so you don’t need to come back and disturb her. Let her focus on studying and achieve good results!”
“As for us, how about we go out for a date? A couple of days ago, I went out with Jin Xiangyu to meet some business partners and discovered a really nice hidden-gem restaurant. How about I take you there?”
“And in the evening, we can go enjoy the night view. I have a suite on the top floor of the Galaxy Hotel in the city center. The night view from there is amazing! When you look down at night, the lights are as dazzling and captivating as a starry sea~”
“We’ll be able to see the most beautiful night view of the city!”
Yin Bai enthusiastically said a bunch of things, implying both directly and indirectly, that we haven’t had a hug in a week, so let’s find a scenic place, have a meal, and book a room!
Zuo Jingyou sat on the boss chair in her office and smiled as she listened to Yin Bai’s chattering voice in her ear. She twirled the pen in her hand and cheerfully said, “Sure, will you come and pick me up?”
“Great, I’ll change my clothes now and have Xiang Qiu drive me to your studio.”
Zuo Jingyou lightly bit her lip and chuckled softly, “What about my lack of clean clothes? You know, I never like wearing clothes from the previous day.”
“It’s okay, I’ll have Zhang Yu pick out a few outfits for you and leave them at the hotel. I remember your size, so just leave it to me!”
It seems like she really wants to meet up~
Zuo Jingyou’s lips curled up slightly, and she finally gave Yin Bai the answer she wanted, “Sure, let’s go on a date then.”
With a soft voice, Zuo Jingyou playfully complained to Yin Bai over the phone, “You better come and pick me up quickly. I didn’t eat much for lunch, and now I’m really hungry.”
Upon hearing this, Yin Bai quickly replied, “Hurry, immediately, right away! Get ready to wait for me. I’m heading out now!”
Not long after, Zuo Jingyou heard the flustered voice of Yin Bai on the other end of the phone, urging Xiang Qiu to get ready to leave. She whispered a goodbye and hung up the call.
The journey from Baihe Villa to Zuo Jingyou’s studio would take about an hour and a half by car. Despite Xiang Qiu driving as fast as possible, Yin Bai could only arrive at the location of Zuo Jingyou’s studio after about two hours.
After Zuo Jingyou got into the car, Yin Bai, sitting in the back seat, held her hand with an urgent tone and a slightly guilty expression. “Ah, there was traffic on the way. We should have arrived earlier.”
“Are you hungry? If I had known, I would have chosen a closer place. But I’ve already placed an order with Zhang Yu, so we’ll be able to eat as soon as we get there.”
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Zuo Jingyou gently looked at her, smiling softly with pursed lips. She watched as Yin Bai, with a worried expression, kneaded her arm for a while, sighing like a little old man. “Why didn’t you have a proper lunch? You need to eat well, even if you’re busy with work. Didn’t I remind you at noon?”
“You’ve been so busy with work lately, and you’ve even lost weight.”
Nagging on and on, she was an incredibly adorable and annoying little troublemaker.
Zuo Jingyou let out a soft sigh and reached up to cup Yin Bai’s face, calling out to her in a gentle voice, “Yin Bai…”
Yin Bai looked up, her face filled with confusion. “What’s wrong?”
Zuo Jingyou rubbed her face, full of tender affection. “At a time like this, are you complaining about me not eating? Didn’t we say we hadn’t seen each other for a few days? So, after meeting, why didn’t you hug me first?”
Yin Bai glanced at her, let out a playful growl, and pounced on Zuo Jingyou against the car window like a big dog. She hugged Zuo Jingyou’s shoulder, lowered her head to nibble on her neck, and mumbled, “Zuo Jingyou, I missed you so much!”
Zuo Jingyou raised her hand, gently stroking the back of Yin Bai’s head, with a smile in her eyes. “I… missed… missed you so much too…”