At a restaurant, a young woman sat by the window, resting her chin in her hand as she gazed outside.
She looked to be around twenty years old. Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail, framing her delicate oval face. Her large eyes sparkled brightly, and when she smiled, a charming dimple appeared on her cheek.
Yue Shilin had arrived early and was absentmindedly staring out the window when she overheard a hushed conversation coming from the booth behind her.
“Hey, did you hear? Wang Zhinan is coming here,” one girl said.
“Really? When? Is it for a premiere? I heard he filmed a movie,” another girl replied excitedly.
“I like him so much! I heard it’s tonight. Let’s go to the premiere at Huize Plaza together.”
“Absolutely! I’m a fan too. It’s a deal—we’re going tonight!”
It was obviously a conversation between two young fans discussing their idol.
Yue Shilin liked Wang Zhinan too. Ever since seeing him once on campus, she had never been able to forget him—that seemingly aloof and rebellious man who, beneath his cool exterior, possessed a gentle heart.
One day, she had accidentally witnessed him feeding a stray cat with remarkable tenderness. In that moment, his entire demeanor had softened, and to her, he had seemed like an angel descended from heaven.
Earlier, Qin Ruoyao had told her that Wang Zhinan had given her several signed photos and autographed albums. This time, she had promised to bring some for her.
If only she could see him in person.
Under the guidance of a waiter, Qin Ruoyao and Mo Junlin arrived at the booth and discovered that Yue Shilin was lost in thought.
“Hey, wake up, Shilin!”
Qin Ruoyao waved her hand in front of her eyes, snapping her back to reality.
“What are you thinking about? You didn’t even notice me arriving.”
“Nothing.”
Yue Shilin stood up and gave her a hug.
“I’ve missed you so much, Yaoyao.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
Then Qin Ruoyao pulled Mo Junlin closer and introduced him.
“This is my husband, Mo Junlin. You probably know who he is.”
Yue Shilin nodded.
“Even though I’ve already graduated, your reputation is still legendary. Hello, Senior Mo. It’s nice to meet you.”
Mo Junlin smiled and nodded politely.
“Hello. I’ve graduated many years ago.”
“But your photos are still hanging on the campus honor wall.”
“Really? Is he that famous? They’re still up there?” Qin Ruoyao asked curiously.
Mo Junlin helped her sit down and placed her bag aside before answering.
“Maybe they were put up during last year’s anniversary celebration and no one took them down.”
“Exactly. It was the university’s thirtieth anniversary, and many distinguished alumni attended. Your husband even gave a speech on stage—the girls in the audience were screaming the whole time.”
Thinking back on the scene made Yue Shilin laugh.
After ordering their food, Qin Ruoyao asked while they waited,
“How many days off do you have?”
“I only have three days this time, and then it’s back to being a cavewoman.”
“Your work is so hard. Excavating tombs really is your specialty.” Qin Ruoyao pulled her bag over and handed her a stack of items. “Here are the signed photos you wanted.”
“Wow, it’s really him!”
Yue Shilin was overjoyed.
“Thank you, Yaoyao.”
Lowering her voice, she asked, “I heard his movie premiere is at Huize Plaza tonight. Is that true?”
She looked every bit the devoted fan as she turned expectantly toward Mo Junlin. Since Wang Zhinan was his childhood friend, surely it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Smiling, Mo Junlin took out his phone.
“I’ll ask him.”
Yue Shilin nodded eagerly.
“Yes, please!”
Mo Junlin sent Wang Zhinan a message:
“Where are you now? I heard you have a movie premiere at Huize Plaza tonight?”
After sending it, he set his phone aside.
“Let’s eat first. If he replies, I’ll let you know. He wouldn’t dare ignore my messages.”
Yue Shilin nodded and settled down.
Soon, the dishes arrived.
Throughout the meal, Mo Junlin focused on taking care of Qin Ruoyao, serving her soup and putting food onto her plate.
Qin Ruoyao urged him to eat instead, insisting she could take care of herself.
Watching them, Yue Shilin couldn’t help feeling envious.
“When will I ever find a man this wonderful? You must have done something incredible in your past life to end up with someone like him. By the way, did you two really meet through a blind date?”
Mo Junlin nodded.
“Yes, we did. I’m very lucky to have met her.”
As he spoke, he gently placed another helping of food into Qin Ruoyao’s bowl.
“Oh, please!”
Yue Shilin shuddered dramatically.
“That’s way too sweet.”
Qin Ruoyao laughed.
“Maybe I really did burn incense and pray hard in my previous life.”
Meanwhile, Wang Zhinan was stuck in traffic when he received Mo Junlin’s message.
Since when is this guy so concerned about my schedule?
Then he realized it was probably because his sister-in-law wanted to know.
He replied:
“That’s right. Seven o’clock tonight. Assuming nothing unexpected happens, I’m currently stuck in traffic.”
Yue Shilin changed the subject.
“So when are you two planning to have children? Your kids would definitely be gorgeous.”
Hearing the question, Mo Junlin simply smiled without answering.
Qin Ruoyao shot back,
“Why do you sound just like my mom? We’ve only been married for a short time.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t start planning.”
“You should worry less about me and more about yourself. Why don’t you have a boyfriend yet? You’re gorgeous—basically campus beauty queen material. Are all the men at your university blind?”
Yue Shilin snorted.
“You think no one’s pursuing me? I’d rather stay single than settle. The guys at school are too immature.”
At that moment, Mo Junlin’s phone buzzed with Wang Zhinan’s reply.
“Wang Zhinan says the premiere starts at seven. If we want to go, just let him know and he’ll make arrangements.”
Yue Shilin nodded immediately.
Of course she wanted to go. It was a chance to see her idol up close.
Turning to Qin Ruoyao, she said,
“You have to come with me tonight.”
Qin Ruoyao didn’t mind. She had nothing else planned anyway.
After lunch, Mo Junlin accompanied the two women shopping at the department store, fully embracing his role as the designated carrier and payment provider. It was his first time shopping with Qin Ruoyao, and he didn’t show the slightest hint of impatience.
By the time they arrived at Huize Plaza, it was already six o’clock.
After contacting Wang Zhinan in advance, his manager, Ah Tai, was waiting downstairs to meet them. They were escorted inside without any trouble.
Ah Tai first led them backstage to see Wang Zhinan, who had just finished getting ready.
Seeing them arrive, he stood up to greet them.
“You’re here. What brings you to this city?”
Mo Junlin explained,
“Yaoyao’s family lives here. We took advantage of the holiday to come back for a visit.”
“We got back yesterday,” Qin Ruoyao added. “At lunch, we heard you were holding a premiere here, so we decided to stop by. Let me introduce you—this is my best friend, Yue Shilin.”
Wang Zhinan had already noticed the unfamiliar young woman. She was beautiful, and when she smiled, the sweet dimple on her cheek stood out.
Yue Shilin hurriedly greeted him.
“Hello, Brother Wang. I’m a huge fan.”
Finally getting the chance to meet him face-to-face, she was visibly excited.
Qin Ruoyao smiled.
“We only came because Shilin heard you’d be here.”
“Thank you for your support.”
Wang Zhinan spoke sincerely.
“Is this Director Wei’s movie premiere?” Qin Ruoyao asked.
Wang Zhinan nodded.
“It’s Until We Meet Again.”
He glanced at the time.
“We should head in now. It’s about to start.”
He walked ahead while Mo Junlin held Qin Ruoyao’s hand and followed behind Yue Shilin.
The theater was packed.
From a distance, they spotted Director Wei Han. Since he was too far away, they simply nodded in greeting.
After finding their seats, the movie began shortly afterward.
Not long into the film, Qin Ruoyao started feeling sleepy. The dialogue was amusing enough, but she just couldn’t stay interested.
Mo Junlin gently rested her head on his shoulder so she could sleep more comfortably.
Finally, the movie reached its conclusion, and the theme song slowly began to play.
The previously restless audience instantly quieted down and listened intently.
I once crossed mountains and seas,
And also passed through endless crowds.
Everything I once possessed
Vanished like smoke in the blink of an eye…
The song seemed to tell the story of countless ordinary people. Some audience members were moved to tears.
Even after the screen faded to black, no one stood up.
Only when the lights came back on did everyone snap out of their trance, and thunderous applause filled the theater.
The cast and crew bowed in gratitude.
The song Ordinary Road became an instant sensation.
Although the movie itself was well received, many critics believed that the song had elevated the film’s popularity. Many people went to see the movie just to hear the song.
As a result, more and more people became eager to discover the true identity of the mysterious songwriter known as “Peach Blossoms Bloom” (Tao Zhi Yao Yao).
Of course, the person in question couldn’t have cared less.