Wen Shiqing had noticed a sweet, cloying fragrance earlier and assumed it was her imagination. It wasn’t until Zhou Langxing shifted that she realized the scent was indeed coming from him.
Zhou Langxing’s expression remained unchanged. “It’s been hot lately, and I’ve been wearing these thick clothes for a long time. I ran out of my own cologne, so when I was getting my makeup done this morning, I borrowed a bit of the makeup artist’s perfume. Does it smell bad? I’ve already sent Xiao Feng to buy a new one.”
After saying this, his tone lifted slightly, and he smiled. “Come to think of it, it’s a good thing I asked the makeup artist for some perfume. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared to hold you like that just now. I wouldn’t want my stinky self to make my baby smell bad too.”
Wen Shiqing let out a snort of laughter. “Zhou Langxing, since when did you start talking all sweet and mushy like this?”
Zhou Langxing pinched her cheek. “When I talk to my baby, I have to be sweet and mushy.”
Wen Shiqing couldn’t help but laugh.
Zhou Langxing continued, “But next time you come, you should still let me know ahead of time so I can have Xiao Feng pick you up. The temperature in S City is much hotter than back home—what if you get overheated?”
His tone carried a hint of concern. “Besides, you’ve always been sensitive to heat. Coming all the way here—must have been tiring, right?”
Wen Shiqing propped herself up on her arm to look at him and muttered, “I’m not that delicate.”
But then she added, “The main reason I came this time is actually for an audition opportunity. And since I knew you were here, I figured I’d come see you. I’ll head back tomorrow.”
“Audition?” Zhou Langxing said. “What project?”
“It’s a confidential project—I don’t even know who the creative team is. But when I went to the audition today, I saw several veteran actors there. I think I probably don’t stand a chance this time.” Wen Shiqing let out a sigh.
Zhou Langxing gently stroked her head. “No matter what, you’re the best in my eyes. If you don’t get this one, you’ll definitely get the next.”
Wen Shiqing hummed in acknowledgment. “What about you? Do you have a lot of scenes later?”
“A lot. I even have a late-night shoot tonight.” Zhou Langxing hunched his back slightly. “If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve told the director to push my scenes back so I could spend time with you.”
Wen Shiqing smiled. “Just focus on your work. There’s nothing to worry about when it comes to spending time with me.”
Zhou Langxing lay down on the table, trapping Wen Shiqing between the car wall and himself. He said softly, “I didn’t come home for your birthday this time. Were you upset?”
“Why would I be upset?” Wen Shiqing also lay down, the two of them facing each other across the small table. “I know you’re busy. It’s just a birthday—work matters more.”
Zhou Langxing stroked her hair. “You matter too. But I’m only busy for about half a month more. Once we wrap, everything will be fine.”
“Have they set the wrap date?” Wen Shiqing asked.
“Yeah.” Zhou Langxing’s eyes curved into a smile. “About half a month—might be a few days earlier or a few days later. But on our anniversary, I’ll definitely be home.”
Wen Shiqing nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait for you at home.”
She glanced down at the watch on her wrist. “You get some sleep first. I’ll sit here for a bit, then head back to the hotel.”
“How about you rest at my place tonight? I should be able to wrap up around one in the morning.” Zhou Langxing also checked his watch. “I’ll have Xiao Feng take you and Xiao Zhao around the area.”
“No need.” Wen Shiqing raised her hand to touch his face. “I just came by to see you. Don’t go to all that trouble. Once you head off to film, I’ll leave with Xiao Zhao.”
Zhou Langxing’s gaze settled on her, then he leaned in closer, wrapping an arm around Wen Shiqing’s waist, drawing their bodies together. “I’m sorry you have to put up with this, baby. Once I’m done with work, we’ll go on a trip together.”
“Okay.” Wen Shiqing curved her lips into a smile. “Get some rest now.”
Zhou Langxing mumbled drowsily, “Rest with you in my arms.”
The two of them dozed off like that for a while. Before long, Xiao Feng came over and stood outside the van, saying, “Bro, time for makeup.”
Zhou Langxing opened his eyes and sat up, grumbling uncharacteristically, “That was quick.”
Wen Shiqing also sat up. “Go on, busy man. It’s about time—I need to head back to the hotel too.”
Zhou Langxing lunged toward her again, pulling her tightly into his embrace without a word, burying his face in the crook of Wen Shiqing’s shoulder and breathing in her scent deeply.
Wen Shiqing could barely catch her breath from his tight hold. She laughed and patted Zhou Langxing’s shoulder. “Alright, go get ready now.”
Only then did Zhou Langxing slowly release his arms, his gaze dropping to Wen Shiqing. His voice lowered a notch as he said, “Shiqing, if…”
Wen Shiqing looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
But in the end, Zhou Langxing didn’t say it. He just smiled. “Never mind. I’ll tell you when we get back.”
“What is it? Can’t you say it now?” Wen Shiqing asked.
“No.” A handsome smile spread across Zhou Langxing’s face. “You’ll find out when the time comes. Just wait for me to come home.”
Wen Shiqing nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait for you.”
“What time are you heading back tomorrow? I’ll have Xiao Feng drive you to the high-speed rail station.” Zhou Langxing asked.
“Afternoon ticket, probably around two or three. I’ll grab lunch with Xiao Zhao before that.” Wen Shiqing replied.
“Good. I should have a break early tomorrow afternoon—I’ll come find you.” Zhou Langxing tidied himself up. “I’ll have Xiao Feng take you back. You don’t have a car, so it’d be inconvenient otherwise.”
Wen Shiqing nodded. “Whatever you say.”
Zhou Langxing’s eyes curved with a smile, and with lingering reluctance, he said, “I’m off to work.”
“Go on.” Wen Shiqing waved her hand. “Hurry.”
Zhou Langxing lowered his gaze, his mind seemingly elsewhere, but in the end he turned and left the van.
Wen Shiqing watched him say something to Xiao Feng, then walk off alone with his phone in hand.
Xiao Feng came up after he left. “Sister Shiqing, do you want to rest a bit more?”
“No need. Let’s head back to the hotel now.” Wen Shiqing had only come to see Zhou Langxing anyway. Now that he was busy, there was no point in her staying. Besides, she’d gotten up early today for the audition, so going back now would give her a chance to rest.
Xiao Feng nodded. “Alright, I’ll go get the car now. But our car is parked at the entrance—you’ll have to walk over with me, since the car can’t come in here.”
Wen Shiqing nodded. “Okay, I’ll let Xiao Zhao know.”
Xiao Zhao should have already arranged the afternoon tea by now. Judging by the time, she’d probably be coming over soon.
Wen Shiqing sent a message to Xiao Zhao, and Xiao Zhao quickly replied with a simple “okay,” saying he would wait for them directly in the parking lot.
Wen Shiqing followed Xiao Feng toward the parking lot.
The parking lot wasn’t far, actually—just a five or six minute walk.
Xiao Feng said, “Sis, wait for me here in the shade first. It’s bound to be hot in the car in this weather, so I’ll go start the AC and cool it down.”
Wen Shiqing nodded. “Alright.”
She was sensitive to both cold and heat, and after just a few minutes of walking, she was already drenched in sweat, the sticky feeling highly unpleasant.
Xiao Feng took the car keys and went to find the vehicle. Wen Shiqing glanced around, then lowered her head, intending to ask Xiao Zhao if he was on his way.
But before Xiao Zhao arrived, she happened to run into Lin Yueshu—the person who had recently been caught up in a rumor with Zhou Langxing.
Standing beside Lin Yueshu was presumably her assistant, holding an umbrella over her. The two were heading into the production set and hadn’t noticed Wen Shiqing in the corner.
Wen Shiqing’s gaze rested on them until their figures disappeared around the corner, and only then did she look away.
Just then, Xiao Feng drove over. He got out and opened the rear door. “Sis, get in and wait. It’s hot out here.”
Wen Shiqing hummed in acknowledgment and walked over, about to climb into the car.
At that very moment, a gentle breeze stirred, carrying a certain scent her way.
Wen Shiqing frowned slightly.
That familiar, cloyingly sweet perfume.