Chapter 88
The day after tomorrow, Song Ling woke up early, intending to drive Li Xinjun to the film set. As they were getting ready to leave, Mark suddenly appeared, declaring that he wanted to join them. Li Xinjun readily agreed, but Song Ling eyed Mark suspiciously. Just a few days ago, he had complained about how boring it was to visit the set, and now that Li Xinjun had recovered, he had no reason to stay in Shanghai. He was supposed to return to England soon, yet here he was, insisting on going to the studio.
Song Ling watched as Mark and Li Xinjun chatted excitedly, deciding to hold her questions for later. She got behind the wheel and drove them to the set.
Upon arriving, Song Ling accompanied Li Xinjun to find Director Wang, while Mark discreetly slipped away. Director Wang, who had been in the midst of scolding a crew member, saw them and immediately brightened, his face breaking into a wide smile as he walked towards them.
“Mo Mo, you’re finally back! How are you feeling? I heard you had surgery? And your hair…”
Li Xinjun self-consciously touched her short hair. Although the new hairstyle accentuated her features, she was still getting used to it after years of having long hair.
“I’m fine now, thanks to you. I had a minor issue with my head, so I had a small surgery. I had to shave part of my hair for the surgery, so I decided to cut it short. It would have looked weird otherwise. I’ll have to ask the makeup team to find a suitable wig for me.”
“The hair is not a problem. The important thing is your health. Are you sure you’re ready to resume filming? I want to get back on schedule, but your safety comes first. If you’re not feeling up to it, don’t push yourself. I can talk to Ms. Song about increasing the investment. I’m sure she’ll understand. Right, Ms. Song?”
Director Wang looked at Song Ling, seeking her confirmation. Song Ling, secretly delighted at the possibility of delaying filming, couldn’t show her true feelings in front of Li Xinjun. She nodded silently, but before she could speak, Li Xinjun interjected, politely declining Director Wang’s offer.
“There’s no need, Director Wang. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. If I experience any discomfort during filming, I’ll let you know immediately. I promise I won’t push myself.”
Director Wang, touched by her dedication, was impressed. He still had some concerns about her health, but he couldn’t argue with her determination.
“Alright, if you’re sure. Then let’s resume filming. But I’ll try to schedule your scenes early in the day, so you can rest and recover. We won’t overwork you.”
“Thank you, Director Wang.”
“I should be thanking you! You’re willing to work even after having surgery! Otherwise, we might not be able to submit the film to the Berlinale this year.”
“I’m just doing my job.”
“Okay, enough with the formalities. Let’s get to work.”
“Okay.”
Director Wang turned to the crew and shouted,
“Everyone, back to work!”
Song Ling, who had been silent throughout the conversation, was puzzled. She followed Li Xinjun to her dressing room. Once inside, Li Xinjun closed the door and pinned Song Ling against the wall, their eyes meeting.
“Are you upset?”
“No.”
“Really? Then why are you so quiet? And why is your face so dark?”
“Stop it. I’m not upset. It’s just…”
“Just what? Sister Ling, didn’t we agree that I would finish filming this movie, and then I would quit acting?”
“Yes…”
“Then why are you still unhappy? Are you still worried about me and Sister Qiqi?”
“I… I really hate the thought of you being touched by someone else. Even if I know she doesn’t have feelings for you, I can’t stand it. Can we skip the sex scene? I’m fine with everything else, but not that.”
“Pfft, you’re so cute! What am I going to do with you? I love you so much!”
Li Xinjun couldn’t help but pinch Song Ling’s cheek. Song Ling pouted, glaring at her. Li Xinjun, seeing no one around, quickly pecked her on the cheek.
“I’ll try to talk to Director Wang and see if we can use the footage we already shot. Maybe we can avoid reshooting that scene.”
“Okay.”
“I have to get back to work now. Do you want to go back to the villa?”
“No, I want to stay here with you.”
“Okay, then you can wander around the set.”
“Okay, go ahead.”
Li Xinjun went to find Director Wang and discussed the possibility of using the existing footage of the bed scene. Director Wang, after considering it, agreed. The footage was usable, and they could avoid reshooting the entire scene. They would just need to film some additional shots.
The rest of the filming went smoothly. Without the challenging sex scene, and with Li Xinjun and Fan Weiqi’s excellent chemistry, they quickly caught up on the lost time.
As filming neared completion, the location shifted back to Beijing. Li Xinjun, Song Ling, Fan Weiqi, and Mark flew back to Beijing on Song Ling’s private jet, while the rest of the crew followed on commercial flights.
On the plane, Mark and Fan Weiqi sat together, their hands intertwined. Li Xinjun, curious, watched them, her eyes darting back and forth between them. She finally couldn’t contain her curiosity and asked,
“What’s going on between you two?”
Fan Weiqi blushed, looking at Mark, who grinned, holding up their intertwined hands for Li Xinjun to see. Li Xinjun, surprised, nudged Song Ling, who was sitting beside her, urging her to look.
Song Ling simply smiled, her expression saying, “I told you so.” Li Xinjun, confused, looked at the three of them, then demanded an explanation.
Fan Weiqi, shyly, recounted the story of how she and Mark had met and fallen for each other. Li Xinjun listened, munching on popcorn, enjoying the gossip. After hearing their story, she turned to Song Ling.
“When did you find out about them? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I just guessed. I saw how often Mark was visiting the set and put two and two together.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have noticed sooner!”
“You were busy, and it’s not that important.”
“They’re my best friend and our family! How is that not important?”
“Tsk, they just like each other. What’s the big deal?”
“You’re so cold! Do you think Qiqi knows about our true identities?”
“I doubt it. Mark wouldn’t tell her.”
“Why not? It’s bound to happen eventually.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You mean Mark doesn’t want to turn her into a vampire? But then they can’t be together forever.”
“Sometimes, having an expiration date isn’t a bad thing. At least he can give her the best years of his life. Isn’t that better?”
“Hmm, but I think our way is better. We can be together forever.”
“Have you forgotten how resistant you were at first?”
“That’s true. But I’m glad I came around.”
“Hmph, you made me suffer for centuries.”
“Sister Ling, look! The view is so beautiful! So many clouds!”
“…”
Song Ling knew that Li Xinjun was changing the subject, but she didn’t pursue it, letting her get away with it. She knew that she would be forever entangled with Li Xinjun, their lives intertwined, their love story an endless cycle of passion, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
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