48 We have less than four hours

The metal door slid shut silently, and Lin Yuwei's high heels sank half an inch into the elevator carpet. She stared at the floor button, and Jin Lang's slender index finger pressed the sign for the top-floor bar, not any guest room floor. His nails unconsciously scraped across the crocodile-patterned surface of his handbag, making a slight "rustling" sound. The bar was softly lit, and a circular island counter was located in the center of the floor. Guests were scattered around, and outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the night view of Berlin was like scattered diamonds. Jin Lang walked back with two glasses of wine. The amber liquid looked like molten gold under the spotlight, and the bubbles were clearly visible climbing along the wall of the glass. "I picked a glass of light white beer." He pushed the glass over, and the cold air condensed into fine water droplets on the surface of the glass. "After all, we had red wine tonight." Lin Yuwei smiled and picked up the big beer glass, her red lips touching the rim of the glass. She glanced at the other party and gulped down half a glass in three or two gulps. The man's Adam's apple rolled as he swallowed, the liquid lingering on his lips tracing his jawline before being wiped away by bony fingers. Lin Yuwei narrowed her eyes, silently sighing. In terms of appearance alone, Jin Lang still had a slight edge over Ren Yiming. This man certainly had the goods. The muscular tones praised by major magazines were already visible in previous filmings when he appeared half-naked. It's a shame that "Summer Like You" focuses on a story of pure youth and romance, and the intimate scenes have been nicknamed "Baby Bus" by netizens. "Yuwei!" Jin Lang suddenly set down his wine glass, the crisp sound of the glass hitting the marble countertop, pulling her back from her wandering thoughts. "It's getting late, let's get straight to the point." Her fingertips trembled. "The point"—such a charming night show—wasn't the right place to discuss it here... "Because of other work arrangements after the New Year, I can't continue that variety show on Tudou TV." "Variety show..." "You mean fake acting, real acting?" Her voice suddenly rose, drawing the attention of her neighbor. "Yes, I'm so sorry!" Lin Yuwei quickly lowered her head, a raging fire already burning within her, yet she knew the last thing she wanted to do right now was to lash out with Jin Lang. Her earth-toned nails scratched white marks on her velvet dress, like scratching at a wound in her pride. When she looked up again, she had adopted a polite smile. "It's okay. After all, you've been going through a critical transition these past few years, and participating in a variety show is definitely a deviation from your developmental path." The corners of the woman's eyes flushed a subtle red, as if stung by the night breeze. "Thank you for your understanding!" Lin Yuwei straightened herself and let out a long sigh, as if trying to recover from her disappointment. "I was really looking forward to working together again. Fortunately, I haven't signed the contract yet!"

The metal door slid shut silently, and Lin Yuwei's high heels sank half an inch into the elevator carpet. She stared at the floor button. Jin Lang's slender index finger pressed the top floor bar sign, not any guest room floor.

The nails unconsciously scratched the crocodile-patterned surface of the handbag, making a slight "rustling" sound.

The bar is softly lit, with a circular island counter in the center. Guests are scattered around, and outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the night view of Berlin looks like scattered diamonds.

Jin Lang walked back with two glasses of wine. The amber liquid looked like melted gold under the spotlight, and the bubbles climbing along the wall of the glass were clearly visible.

"I picked a light white beer."

He pushed the wine glass over, and the cold air condensed into fine water droplets on the surface of the glass.

"After all, we already drank red wine tonight."

Lin Yuwei smiled and picked up the big beer glass, put her red lips on the rim of the glass, and saw the other party gulp down half of the glass in three or two gulps.

The man's Adam's apple rolled as he swallowed, and the liquid remaining on his lips ran across his jawline and was wiped away by his bony fingers.

Lin Yuwei narrowed her eyes, silently sighing. In terms of appearance alone, Jin Lang still had a slight edge over Ren Yiming. This man truly had the talent. The muscular tones that had been praised by major magazines were something we'd already seen in previous films where he appeared semi-naked. It was a shame that "Summer Like You" was primarily about pure youthful love, and the intimate scenes were nicknamed "Baby Bus" by netizens.

"Yuwei!"

Jin Lang suddenly put down his wine glass, and the crisp sound of the glass hitting the marble countertop brought her back from her wandering thoughts.

"It's getting late, let's get straight to the point."

Her fingertips trembled. "Main topic," such a charming night show shouldn't be explained here...

"Because I have other work arrangements after the New Year, I can't be a regular on that variety show on Tudou TV."

"Variety show..."

"You mean fake play, real play?"

Her voice suddenly rose, attracting the attention of the person sitting next to her.

"Yes, I'm so sorry!"

Lin Yuwei quickly lowered her head, a raging fire already burning in her heart, but she knew that the worst thing to do at this moment was to break up with Jin Lang.

The earth-colored nails scratched a few white marks on the velvet skirt, like scratching wounds on self-esteem.

When he raised his head again, he had put on a proper smile.

"It's okay. After all, you've been in a critical transition period these past few years, and participating in a variety show is indeed a deviation from your development direction."

The corners of the woman's eyes were just the right shade of red, as if they were hurt by the night wind.

"Thank you for your understanding!"

Lin Yuwei straightened up and let out a long sigh, as if trying to adjust her feeling of loss.

"I was really looking forward to our collaboration again, luckily I haven't signed the contract yet!"

"It seems I have to find a new job for myself as soon as I return home!"

After saying that, she winked at Jin Lang playfully.

"There will always be opportunities for cooperation in the future. I'll ask Zhang Yi to check out any suitable scripts. Let's keep in touch!"

The two people were like practicing Tai Chi, going back and forth, stopping when the time was right. Some things didn't need to be said too explicitly.

Lin Yuwei raised her glass and smiled.

"Then I'll wait for your good news!"

"Okay! Cheers!"

Jin Lang finished the wine in his glass and looked at Lin Yuwei, whose eyes seemed a little drunken. He offered to take her back to rest.

On the way back in the elevator, Lin Yuwei leaned against the mirrored wall and talked to herself.

"Liu Yuwei...Yuwei...Xiaoyu..."

When Jin Lang heard the name she mumbled, he couldn't help but look at her.

The other person suddenly looked up, met his gaze, and said as if suddenly realizing something, "I remember now!"

"The one who called at the celebration party...was she?"

Since Lin Yuwei guessed it, it would be better to admit it openly instead of hiding it.

"It's her."

This straightforwardness actually made Lin Yuwei choke. Although she didn't say anything, her mind was still working rapidly. If it was Liu Yuwei who called, then the person the paparazzi later photographed was naturally her.

With a "ding" sound, Lin Yuwei, who lived on a high floor, arrived first. Jin Lang pressed the metal door-opening button and said good night gently and politely.

Seeing that he had no intention of sending her off again, Lin Yuwei was too lazy to pretend anymore and nodded slightly. As she took a step, the hem of her skirt swept across Jin Lang's pants, bringing with it a sweet and subtle fragrance.

Jin Lang returned to the house and checked the time. It was still dark in the country. Although he had not concealed anything just now, it did not mean that he fully trusted Lin Yuwei.

He found Zhang Yi's WeChat and quickly typed a line of words.

I ran into Lin Yuwei in Berlin and invited her to dinner, where I mentioned the variety show. She didn't say anything, but out of caution, I asked my PR to keep an eye on her and to be sure to leave a message when I contacted her team.

Then he left a message for Shen Cheng, "If there's a role suitable for Lin Yuwei, please let me know. I'll return the favor!"

After sending the message, he threw his phone aside and lay straight on the king-size bed.

tomorrow!

Yes, tomorrow!

He stood up with a somersault.

Hot water from the shower washed over his body. He squeezed double the amount of shower gel, trying hard to wash away the sweet perfume smell that lingered around him.

In the suite on the 15th floor, Lin Yuwei chased away the assistant, grabbed a glass from the coffee table, and smashed it against the fireplace. …

The morning light filtered through the gauze curtains, casting fine spots of light on the hotel carpet. Jin Lang stood in front of the dressing mirror, took out all the clothes in the suitcase and tried them on.

The dark grey cashmere sweater makes his shoulders look smooth, but the POLO collar seems too rigid; when he puts on a light-coloured wide sweater, the fabric is loose and looks too lazy and casual.

Before going out, he ruffled the loose hair on his forehead in front of the mirror, making his carefully dressed outfit look like a casual combination.

He arrived early and waited downstairs at the hotel where Liu Yuwei was staying. Every time the elevator door opened with a "ding" sound, he would straighten his back as if by reflex, and the leather sofa in the lobby was repeatedly rubbed into tiny wrinkles.

When he finally saw a familiar face, Jin Lang smiled knowingly. He finally chose comfortable and casual jeans, paired with a hooded sweater and a gray down jacket.

Liu Yuwei wore wide-leg jeans and a short black jacket. A gray wool scarf covered half of her face, revealing only a pair of bright eyes. The brick-red canvas bag on her shoulder was a vibrant splash of color. Her outfit was almost identical to what Jin Lang remembered when they were in love.

Jin Lang waved at her.

The sight of Liu Yuwei jogging towards him made his eyes hot.

"I shouldn't be late, it's you who arrived early!"

"Yes, I'm a little early!" A gentle arc appeared on the corner of his mouth, and the hands of the watch hidden in his cuff shifted slightly, 15 minutes early.

Liu Yuwei is a person who attaches great importance to the concept of time. For this reason, Jin Lang made fine adjustments to all his timing equipment, and this habit has been retained to this day.

"Where do you want to go? It gets dark in Berlin before six!"

She turned on her phone screen to check the time.

"We have less than four hours."

It felt like there was a lime blocking my heart, and every time it beat, a sour liquid would squeeze out and flow through my blood vessels.

After not hearing a reply for a long while, Liu Yuwei raised her eyes and met his, her eyes dim.

"What’s wrong with you?"

He turned his head away, his eyelashes casting a trembling shadow under his eyes, and he forced down his surging emotions. No matter how she answered today, these four hours would be the most precious memories in the future. Instead of lamenting the passing of time, it would be better to create more joy.

"It's okay, we can go anywhere, I'll take your advice!"

"Then let's walk around the city, visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and finally Alexanderplatz. These are all major check-in spots in Berlin, perfect for tourists like you who've never been here before."

"By the way, we'll pass by our school on the way!"

Liu Yuwei seemed to be in a good mood, with smiles hidden in the corners of her eyes and eyebrows.

"Lawyer Liu changed his position today and became Director Liu!"

Jin Lang was infected by her emotions and teased her with a smile.

Liu Yuwei blinked and raised his hand to make a gesture of invitation.

"Let's go! We can take the bus from here to the first stop. VIP guests, please follow along."

…

The winter wind, swirling with the dust of history, swept past the Brandenburg Gate. Liu Yuwei, almost completely absorbed in her role as tour guide, recounted the architectural style and historical legends. Then, she tugged on Jin Lang's sleeve and ran to the perfect photo spot, snapping a few photos.

"My photography skills are pretty good, take a look!"

He lowered his head and looked through the photos attentively. A smiling middle-aged couple of tourists asked Liu Yuwei to help take a photo.

"Amazing Photos!" The man gave her a thumbs-up after looking at the photos, then pointed at Jin Lang, indicating that he should take a photo of them together as well.

Liu Yuwei waved her hand to refuse. Just as "No, thanks" was about to come out of her mouth, she saw Jin Lang striding forward and handing over his phone without hesitation.

In the camera, the two people stood straight, like a roadside shelter, with a gap cleverly left in the middle.

A blond man holding a cell phone leaned out and yelled, "Stay Closer!"

As if encouraged, Jin Lang pursed his lips slightly and took a step to the right, the corner of his clothes accidentally brushing against Liu Yuwei's coat.

“One, Two, Three, Cheese!”

At the last second before the shutter was pressed, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder, then quickly pulled it back.

After politely thanking the other party, Jin Lang held the phone in his hand and stood there as if he was under a spell, not looking back for a long time.

A furry head came closer, and the ends of the hair rubbed against the smooth fabric of the down jacket.

"Is the photo not good?"

Jin Lang hurriedly tilted the screen to the other side, his ears slightly red, like a child who was caught stealing candy.

"Let me see! I have image rights too!"

Liu Yuwei patted his arm, his tone full of urging, "Hurry up!"

Jin Lang suddenly smiled slyly, put his phone in his pocket, turned around and jogged two steps, "I'll show you when I catch up!"

"Don't you know I was the runner-up in the 800-meter race at the high school athletic meet?"

Liu Yuwei put her hands on her hips and shouted at him in defiance, her eyes full of fighting spirit.

"Let me see if you've regressed!"

The two were chasing each other among the bustling tourists. Jin Lang "accidentally" bumped into a passerby and stopped in his tracks. As he wished, she grabbed the hood of his down jacket.

She said proudly, "Got you!"

After running a few steps, Liu Yuwei was still a little out of breath, so she lowered her head and took out a bottle of mineral water from her bag.

"Drink this!"

As soon as she finished speaking, a black Starbucks cup was handed to her.

"New, just bought it this morning!" There was a hint of unnaturalness in his voice.

Liu Yuwei's hand on the mineral water bottle froze, and she stopped twisting the cap. Seeing this, Jin Lang snatched the plastic bottle from her hand and replaced it with a thermos. Their fingers touched briefly, but a hint of warmth spread throughout their bodies.

Jin Lang remembered that because of her weak spleen and stomach, she would burp constantly whenever the weather turned bad or she caught a cold. A heat pad, hot water bottle, and thermos cup were Liu Yuwei's standard winter gear.

The warm lemon water flowed down her throat. Liu Yuwei was stunned holding the cup. The heat blurred her expression and hid the emotions in her eyes, leaving only a lingering sour taste in her mouth.

Author's Note

Lazy Cat on the Cloud

author

04-18

In the next chapter, they'll start explaining what happened back then. I'll try to finish it in one chapter, so it's probably going to be a bit long. I'll be coding on the train on Sunday (yes, I'm on another business trip next week, sigh)! Thanks for sticking with me, and have a great weekend!