Experience life

The air was as thick as solidified syrup, and every breath dragged on with a heavy, sluggish feeling.

He stood before the dark brown wooden door, its old panels almost blending into the shadows in the dim light. A meager sliver of light peeked through the crack, a hint of guidance, or perhaps a temptation.

Behind me, the barking of dogs grew louder and louder, as if they were tearing at my ankles.

Behind the door, there was a boy's voice, muffled and intermittent, as if it were being muffled or coming from a great distance.

The sound contained no specific words, only an urgent or painful sob that struck his heart repeatedly.

He wanted to move, to turn the brass doorknob. But his body felt as heavy as lead.

His heart began to race, as if it were about to burst through his chest amidst the barking of the dog and the whimpering from inside the door. The shock made his whole body go numb.

"Ho—!"

Lu Chenyang jolted up from his seat, his back slamming heavily against the cushion. His chest heaved violently as he gasped for breath, cold sweat beading on his forehead, a feeling of utter exhaustion washing over him.

After a few seconds of swaying, the pure white scenery outside the high-speed train window gradually pulled Lu Chenyang back to reality.

Lu Chenyang pressed his swollen temples. It turned out he had just fallen asleep on the high-speed train. He glanced at the time; there was still more than half an hour until they arrived in Changchun, Jilin, the filming location of "Dark Fire." The reason they didn't choose to fly was because of heavy snow in Changchun, which had grounded flights.

"Hmm...?" A soft, sleepy groan came from beside me.

Lu Chenyang turned his head to the side.

Yu Sheng was curled up in the seat next to him, covered with a soft, thin blanket. He seemed to have just been startled awake by Lu Chenyang's sudden movement; his eyelashes were still wet and stuck together. He struggled to lift them slightly, revealing his hazy black eyes beneath.

The warm afternoon light outlined the contours of his profile. His cheek pressed against the edge of the blanket, leaving a faint red mark. Soft bangs fell messily over his brow bone, and his whole being exuded a soft, warm glow. This warmth clearly calmed Lu Chenyang.

Yu Sheng was clearly not fully awake yet, only subconsciously looking over at Lu Chenyang's scent. Her eyes were dazed, with a bewilderment at being interrupted from deep sleep, like some small animal just peeking out of its nest.

Lu Chenyang has been having nightmares far too frequently lately. Before, it would only happen once or twice every month or two, but now the frequency has increased exponentially. Even when Yu Sheng is not fully awake, she reflexively tries to comfort him.

"Did you dream about that door again?" Yu Sheng shifted slightly, placing her warm, cozy hand, which was under the blanket, on Lu Chenyang's taut hand.

Lu Chenyang's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and he let out a long sigh. He gently took Yu Sheng's hand in his own, his fingertips caressing the other's warm palm.

"Yes, I dreamt about it again..." His voice was a little hoarse, "...I still can't open that door."

This was his recurring nightmare since childhood; that door was like a barrier, a divine punishment, one he could never overcome.

Bai Hua once said that it was his brain's self-protection mechanism. When the human spirit is subjected to unbearable stimulation and harm, the brain will exert a self-protective mechanism stronger than the body's consciousness. By blocking out all possible sources of stimulation, Lu Chenyang ended up having no memories before the age of seven.

—Bai Hua: 'Perhaps behind that door lies something you least want to see. Your brain is protecting you; if you force it open, the consequences might be more than you can handle. Do you really want to take that risk?'

—'But I want to go and see.'

Yu Sheng pulled the blanket over himself, tucking the two of them into its warmth. He didn't say anything to comfort them; he knew this feeling all too well. A person waking from a nightmare doesn't need you to tell them what's real and what's fake; just letting them know that someone is there for them is enough.

Yu Sheng used to think that Lu Chenyang was omnipotent, the invincible warrior in his dreams, and a fierce dog that could sprout wings and carry him soaring through the skies.

But when he was freed from his constraints and fears, and walked past the man to the front, he discovered that in the face of his natural enemy, he was just a pitiful little dog that would tremble but still had to stand upright with its tail between its legs.

"If you really want to know what's behind that door, I'll go with you to find out." Just like you've always been with me.

*

The minor incident on the high-speed train did not dampen Lu Chenyang's anticipation for the coming month.

It was supposed to be a pre-production experience, but for him, who grew up in a small town, it felt more like a vacation. Especially with Yu Sheng by his side. No paparazzi, no announcements, just simple daily life, like… a real young couple.

As soon as they got off the high-speed train, Lu Chenyang opened his suitcase on the platform, took out a thick down jacket, and wrapped Yu Sheng up like a tightly wrapped "zongzi" (a type of Chinese rice dumpling).

In the harsh winters of Northeast China, the cold wind can seep into your bones.

Yu Sheng looked around at the arrival gate for several minutes but couldn't find anyone from the film crew who was supposed to pick them up. He shakily took out his phone from his pocket, breathed out a puff of white breath to warm his frozen fingers, and then dialed Lan Dajing's number.

It rang for a long time before being answered, but it wasn't Director Lan herself who came through, but a young woman's voice, full of apology, "Teacher Yu, I'm so sorry! Director Lan said... said..."

The young woman on the other end of the phone stammered for a while, and Yu Sheng vaguely heard Lan Dajing's signature reprimanding voice coming from afar. Then, the young woman seemed to grit her teeth and stomp her foot, speaking rapidly and recklessly, "Director Lan said you should take a taxi or the subway yourselves! If you're here to experience life, don't expect anyone to wait on you. I've sent you the address: FAW old staff quarters on Dongfeng Street. Get there as soon as possible!"

After saying that, she seemed to have a huge weight lifted off her shoulders, and her voice returned to its soft and timid tone, "I'm so sorry, Teacher Yu, Director Lan asked me to pass on the message exactly as it was... I... I'm going there now, I'll wait for you!"

"..." Yu Sheng held her phone, stunned for a long time. "Has that old man Lan lost his mind?!"

Lu Chenyang overheard the entire conversation. Seeing Yu Sheng's discomfiture, he felt a pang of sympathy, but also a strange, mischievous pleasure. He attributed this to the saying "one is influenced by one's company," meaning that spending too much time with the Second Young Master Yu had corrupted him.

"Alright, alright, don't be angry anymore." Lu Chenyang took the phone and put it back in Yu Sheng's pocket. He pulled off his mask, cupped Yu Sheng's frozen red hands in his palms, leaned closer, breathed on them to warm them, and gently kissed his fingertips.

Both were wearing similar black and white long down jackets, their hats and masks covering them completely, and they even wore sunglasses to shield themselves from the glare of the snow. To passersby, they looked like an ordinary young couple, embracing and warming their hands at the station exit.

“Let’s go upstairs and take a taxi.” Yu Sheng raised her hand and pulled down Lu Chenyang’s mask under his chin. He had seen the signs when he came out of the station. Changchun West Station has several floors. The taxi stand is on the second floor, while they are on the first floor.

"Let's take the subway." Lu Chenyang stopped him, pointing to the still-falling snowflakes outside the window. "The snow is heavy in the city, the roads are icy, and taxis will definitely be stuck in a lot of traffic."

The subway? This was a first for Young Master Yu.

Lu Chenyang held the young master's hand tightly the whole time, leading him through this down-to-earth "first time".

Fortunately, it was noon, avoiding the peak hours; otherwise, Lu Chenyang was really worried that his precious young master would be squeezed so much that he would burst into tears on the spot.

It was past 1 p.m. when they arrived at the old FAW staff quarters. Yu Sheng dragged her leaden legs and followed behind dejectedly. Lu Chenyang pushed two suitcases with one hand and held up his phone to check the walking directions with the other.

He's responsible and dedicated; there's no shortage of good men out there.

The short two-hundred-meter stretch of road, under Yu Sheng's feet, somehow felt like the arduous journey of climbing a snow-capped mountain.

The cold in Northeast China is the kind of cold that carries a unique chill with every breath. The air you breathe in is somewhat similar to Lu Chenyang's clear, cold voice, yet it sends a shiver down your spine.

This was Yu Sheng's first time here. Although Shu Ye also had businesses in Changchun, the site selection, development, and ribbon-cutting were all handled by his subordinates. The Second Young Master Yu was only responsible for giving orders from afar.

Lu Chenyang, who was walking ahead, stopped. Yu Sheng looked up in a daze and saw a little girl, also bundled up like a ball, running towards them from under the street sign across the street.

"Teacher Yu! Teacher Lu! I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting!" The young girl apologized repeatedly; she was Qiao Xinmiao, the one who had relayed Director Lan's message on the phone. Her face was flushed, whether from the cold or excitement, it was hard to tell.

Yu Sheng was so cold that she didn't even want to open her lips, because if she opened her mouth, a blast of cold air would rush in. So she simply handed over the task of communication to Lu Chenyang and huddled in the back like a quail.

After introducing herself, Qiao Xinmiao offered to help carry the luggage. Lu Chenyang never troubled ladies and was about to decline, but when he noticed Yu Sheng shivering from the cold beside him, he gave her one of his suitcases. He then turned around, stretched out his long arm, and pulled Yu Sheng into his arms, using his body to shield him from the cold wind blowing from the side.

Qiao Xinmiao led the way, but couldn't help but steal glances at the two people snuggling behind her.

Watching Lu Chenyang half-embracing Yu Sheng; watching him whisper something in Yu Sheng's ear; watching Yu Sheng, though looking impatient, still obediently being protected...

The little girl's face grew redder and redder, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up wildly. She held back for a long time but didn't dare to ask, "Is Chen Yu Luo Yan real?" But she subconsciously hypnotized herself that it was real.

The surrounding area has long lost its urban vibrancy, replaced by rows of drab, low-rise tenement buildings. It's hard to imagine that a second-tier city would still have such an old cluster of buildings; I heard it was intentionally preserved by the government.

The exposed red brick walls were mottled with years of frost, snow, and coal smoke, covered with deep and shallow gray-black scars. The cement ground underfoot was frozen hard, covered with a crust of snow and thin ice, and one could easily stumble if one was not careful.

"Ah Sheng, this road is too slippery, shall I carry you?"

"No need! Let's go." Yu Sheng could throw tantrums and act spoiled at home, but in front of outsiders, especially the young ladies in the film crew, the Second Young Master Yu still had some self-respect. He struggled, trying to get out of Lu Chenyang's arms and walk more steadily on his own.

Hearing the commotion behind her, Qiao Xinmiao's maternal smile deepened.

She resisted the urge to take out her phone to take pictures. "Um... let me briefly introduce this place to the two teachers. This place was personally chosen by Director Lan. It used to be the family quarters of FAW Changchun. Now most of the people have moved away, and only some nostalgic elderly people still live here."

She pulled her scarf up to cover her mouth and nose, and pointed ahead, "Just a little further ahead is the filming location, which is also the little flower shop where Wu Cao danced in the script."

After moving forward a few dozen meters, the distance between the buildings became even narrower, and you could hear the sounds of cooking from the opposite houses. Each unit entrance was dark, with large, shiny lumps of ice that had been trampled on and stuck to the doorways.

Yu Sheng walked cautiously with every step. Lu Chenyang, who had originally put his arm around Yu Sheng's waist, realized that this made it difficult for both of them to move, so he simply held Yu Sheng's hand and put it in the pocket of his warm down jacket. He took off his gloves and used his palm to warm Yu Sheng's fingers.

"Are you cold? There's a lot of ice ahead, walk slowly."

"Does your leg hurt? I asked the doctor before I came, and he said your legs are most susceptible to cold."

"Oh dear, put your hat on properly, the tips of your ears are all red from the cold!"

"Be good, put your hands in my pockets and don't take them out."

Lu Chenyang, like a worried old father, kept nagging and giving instructions in every detail. Yu Sheng could only give perfunctory "uh-huhs" in response. He could sense that Qiao Xinmiao's gaze towards them was becoming increasingly strange; the young girl's smile gave him a feeling of elder's kindness towards a younger generation. It made him feel uncomfortable all over, and his ears inexplicably felt hot.

"We're here! This is it, Wu Cao's flower shop. The two teachers will be staying here for the next month." Qiao Xinmiao finally stopped at a corner and pointed to a small storefront a few meters away.

The two looked in the direction she pointed. In this old neighborhood of tenement buildings, there actually existed a vibrant corner: a small flower shop.

The shop is extremely small, like a tiny space squeezed out between two buildings.

The storefront was so old that its original color was no longer visible, covered with a transparent plastic sheet to block the wind, which rattled loudly in the cold wind. A wooden sign hung above the door, with the words "Wu Cao" written in red paint, and a simple flower drawn next to it.

“Ha,” Yu Sheng grinned, exhaling a puff of white breath, “It’s done quite well. Old Man Lan really put in a lot of effort this time.” But the thought of staying here for a month made his smile a little bitter.

"Don't worry," Qiao Xinmiao explained as she pushed open the small glass door and entered the room, "Although the building is a bit old, the heating is very strong, so it won't be cold at all." She emphasized, "Director Lan even installed a water heater because he thought it might be inconvenient for the two teachers to go to the public bathhouse!"

Sure enough, as soon as I stepped into the flower shop, the warmth mixed with the fragrance of flowers hit me, dispelling much of the chill.

Yu Sheng found a chair that looked fairly sturdy, plopped down, looked around, and joked, "Not bad, at least Old Man Lan didn't completely lose his humanity; he still managed to install a water heater."

The shop was small, but exceptionally clean. White walls and terrazzo floors. Several old glass cases and light-colored wooden shelves displayed artificial flowers—lily of the valley, roses, asparagus ferns—arranged with a stylish flair. An old-fashioned table lamp cast a warm glow, illuminating the frost patterns on the windowpane. It was quite lovely.

The warmth carefully crafted within this small space is like a fragile yet warm dream in this old neighborhood.

"You've worked hard. Is the second floor where we'll be staying?" Lu Chenyang put down his suitcase and looked at the narrow staircase leading to the second floor. In the script, the second floor of Wu Cao's flower shop was his little nest, which later became the only place where Sui Qing could sleep.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Qiao Xinmiao nodded quickly, "It's all cleaned up, and the bedding is all new."

"When can we meet Director Lan?" Lu Chenyang asked.

“This…” Qiao Xinmiao’s expression gradually became troubled, her eyes darting around. After stammering for a long time, she finally said in a low voice as if she was giving up, “Director Lan… he’s been very busy lately, so… we might not be able to see him for the time being.”

"Where does he live? Is it nearby too?" Yu Sheng asked lazily as she sat up from her chair.

“Uh…no,” Qiao Xinmiao lowered her head even further, her voice barely audible, “Director Lan…he’s staying at a hotel in the city.”

"What?!" Yu Sheng's sense of imbalance instantly reached its peak. "He made us stay here to experience life, while he went to stay in a hotel?!"

Qiao Xinmiao awkwardly shut her mouth, her lips pressed into a tight line. She hadn't dared to say that Director Lan was staying in your Shuye's presidential suite! She was afraid you'd faint from anger if she did, Teacher Yu!

After seeing off the relieved Qiao Xinmiao, the two of them found their suitcases much emptier. The tablets, game consoles, and other contraband inside had been ruthlessly confiscated. Their pockets were also completely empty, except for the envelope containing eight thousand yuan in cash on the counter.

"Old Lan... he's really ruthless." Yu Sheng hugged her laptop, which she had managed to keep only after fighting for it, and felt like her home had been ransacked.

Just now, Qiao Xinmiao "impartially" carried out Lan Dajing's "decree," confiscating all of the two's communication and entertainment devices, including cell phones, tablets, and bank cards. She left them only with two outdated, old-fashioned feature phones, inserting their own SIM cards for essential calls.

That eight thousand yuan was a monthly living expense calculated strictly according to the historical background and the characters' identities, Sui Qing and Wu Cao. As for the computer in Yu Sheng's arms, it was only after he repeatedly emphasized that he needed to remotely handle urgent official business at the Shuye Hotel that Director Lan reluctantly granted him permission to keep it.

Four thousand yuan a month per person isn't actually a small amount, and Lu Chenyang didn't care much; he could even live comfortably with less. But for Young Master Yu, who spends six or seven figures on a mattress, it's a disaster.

“Lu Chenyang… I’m hungry…” Yu Sheng sat sullenly in the chair, holding the only remaining computer in her arms, and looked up at Lu Chenyang who was still packing his luggage.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with grievance, like a large feline that had been starving; her pitiful appearance would soften anyone's heart.

Lu Chenyang immediately put down the clothes he was halfway through packing, strode over, and pulled the aggrieved big cat into his arms, stroking its back with his warm hands. "Are you starving?" His voice was so gentle it could melt your heart. It was already past two in the afternoon, and the two had only had a quick breakfast on the high-speed train.

"What do you want to eat? Should we eat out or I cook for you?" Lu Chenyang asked him, looking down at him. He had just gone upstairs to check; although the second floor was simply and old-fashionedly decorated, the kitchen was fully equipped, and the stove was usable.

"You did this." Yu Sheng buried his face in Lu Chenyang's down jacket, rubbing against him from side to side, and said in a muffled voice, "There's too little money... It'll be gone after a few meals out." The second young master Yu, who was used to spending money lavishly, seemed unusually "thrifty" at this moment.

"Okay, then you go upstairs to rest, I'll do it."