Chapter 37
Unable to see his sister, unable to personally give her the gift, and unable to see her happy face when she received it, Luo Mingxiu felt a pang of sadness in his heart, a suffocating feeling like a thick fog.
He didn't know why he felt this way, nor how to relieve it.
Luo Mingxiu turned on his new phone, registered for WeChat, and didn't know what nickname to choose, so he randomly typed the pinyin for "xiu". The first character that popped up was "咻".
After registering and logging in, he searched for Shen Li's number, and then a cartoon pear avatar popped up on the screen with the nickname: A Pear.
He clicked on her profile picture and looked at it again and again. After clicking "add to contacts," she accepted the request instantly. He couldn't wait to go to her Moments and saw more updates than she had on her long-dormant QQ account.
Moments posts are only visible for the past six months
- I kind of miss playing villains. When I was in doubt, I would just slap someone. It felt so good.
- I'm so sleepy, so sleepy! Is this filming even possible? My beautiful Qingqing is suffering along with me.
- Open your eyes, get out of bed, the future movie queen!
- I went to see a movie directed by Wen with Qingqing. My tears were worthless, and I successfully got a sausage-lipped face.
These updates, some posted within a day and others only updated every few months, are more authentic daily occurrences than Weibo. Luo Mingxiu swiped his finger down until he reached the very bottom, where he stopped.
-I came across a puppy on the roadside after filming, and it looked just like my younger brother.
Luo Mingxiu tapped the like button on the screen. He looked at the picture below the text. The puppy didn't look like him at all, but his sister had posted it, proving that she thought of him when she wasn't working.
The boy smiled, his earlier frustration completely gone.
He stared at the dog in the picture for a long time. Then he opened the camera and, with his right hand pointing to the light from the lamp shining on the table, traced the shadow of a small dog.
He snapped a picture and uploaded it as his profile picture.
A pear: The profile picture is quite interesting.
A pear: Still looking at my WeChat Moments?
A pear: Go to bed early.
Upon seeing the three consecutive messages, Luo Mingxiu felt a sense of shame, as if he had been discovered.
His face flushed, and he quickly replied: Goodnight, sister.
Since entering puberty, Luo Mingxiu's height has been increasing, especially in the last year, when he has grown more than ten centimeters.
The physical changes were obvious, surprising not only the Shen couple but also Luo Qiuli.
Thinking back to when my son first entered junior high school, he always said that the boys in his class made fun of him for being short, and that he was always in the front row, whether in the classroom or during exercise.
And now, he's already a cut above his godfather.
When Luo Mingxiu registered for high school, the stares from those around him made him aware of the changes in his appearance.
Occasionally, after taking a shower at night, he would look in the mirror and wonder how his face and figure were inferior to those young heartthrobs who acted with his sister.
Whenever such a thought crossed his mind, he was startled. Why compare herself to others? Those people were just her colleagues; they'd go their separate ways once filming wrapped. How close could they really be to her?
High school life was dull and boring, so in his spare time he would browse Chen Li's WeChat Moments every day.
I check in on Weibo's super topic page, and sometimes when I see voting links posted by fans, I'll click on them to vote. I also sometimes browse Shen Li Studio's homepage to see if any new magazines have been released.
He likes to buy his sister's magazines, wanting to read the interviews inside to learn more about her thoughts, and the magazines usually come with a free poster.
His sister's appearance was very beautiful when magnified, and he wanted to keep it as a keepsake.
Buying magazines requires extra money. He doesn't stay at the hotel, and Luo Qiuli gives him a fixed amount of money each month, enough for food and bus fare.
He didn't want to skimp on his food, so he had to do other people's homework or take on game boosting jobs to earn some extra money.
His deskmate was one of his clients, and the only person Luo Mingxiu was close to at school. Of course, they naturally became close because of playing games.
He always saw Luo Mingxiu buying Chen Li magazines and found it novel: "I didn't expect that a top student like you would also be a fan of celebrities. That's something my sister likes to do."
Luo Mingxiu remained noncommittal. Outsiders didn't know about his relationship with his sister; he was simply concerned about her well-being.
He didn't want to categorize himself as a fan, making it seem like he was far removed from her, even though he had known her since childhood and they were so close.
Days passed uneventfully, and another winter arrived in the blink of an eye. On this day, the December issue of Shen Li vous was released in limited quantities, and the new drama was scheduled for release.
On the same day, Luo Mingxiu turned eighteen and returned home. Seeing the truck parked outside the villa, he thought of something and hurriedly went to the kitchen.
"Mother--"
"I heard you, don't yell." Luo Qiuli came out of the storage room.
Luo Mingxiu's eyes lit up: "With so many fresh ingredients delivered, is my sister coming back?"
Luo Qiuli smiled and said, "Yes, Lili has finished filming, but she can't come back today. She'll be back on the Winter Solstice. Her birthday present has already been sent back in advance and is in your room."
The winter solstice is the day their new drama premieres, so they can watch it together.
Luo Mingxiu didn't want to dwell on whether it was early or late; he was just happy that his sister came back.
"Thank you, Mom. I'm going back to my bedroom." He couldn't hide his smile and turned to run into the house.
“Silly child, I don’t know what he’s thanking me for,” Luo Qiuli shook her head helplessly. “He hasn’t seen his sister in a long time, and he’s so excited that he’s talking incoherently.”
Entering his room, Luo Mingxiu closed the door, put down his bag, and plugged his phone into a charger. He saw a box lying on the bed—a coming-of-age gift from his sister: a low-key yet luxurious black watch.
He put on the gloves, eagerly took out his phone to take a picture, and sent it to his sister.
After posting the picture, I saw that my sister had sent him a message two minutes earlier.
Shen Li sent a red envelope: a wrap-up red envelope, to share in the joy.
Luo Mingxiu opened the form and was surprised to find two hundred yuan. He typed a reply: "That's a lot, thank you, sister."
Shen Li replied to his picture: Beautiful, happy adulthood!
Luo Mingxiu sent a shy emoji: When will my sister be home next Friday?
Shen Li: I'll be there at 7 PM. Senior high school students don't have weekends off anymore. You must still be in school by 7 PM.
Luo Mingxiu: I haven't had a holiday for a month. I just finished the mock exam. The school gave us two days off. We're waiting for you to come back.
Shen Li didn't reply. Luo Mingxiu glanced at her WeChat Moments; there were no updates. He exited WeChat, switched to Weibo, and opened the trailer posted today by the official Weibo account of the new drama.
The video plays, and the screen displays the words: A love story that transcends time and space, the ultimate heartwarming trailer.
A few scenes flashed by, and before he could react, he saw his sister kissing someone else on the lips. Her eyes were closed, and the man was holding her face and kissing her deeply.
Caught off guard, Luo Mingxiu immediately turned off his phone. After a moment of stunned silence, he turned it back on and read the rest of the content.
The entire trailer only features that one kissing scene. I don't know if it was only filmed once, or if there were many kissing scenes in the final cut that weren't included.
The image kept replaying in Luo Mingxiu's mind, and he felt a tightness in his chest.
His sister has starred in several romance dramas, which feature many kissing scenes. At first, he was particularly reluctant to watch them and always skipped her kissing scenes.
After a while, he became numb to it. Acting was just a job, nothing special.
But this time was different. This man named Li Nan had worked with her many times before; this was their fifth collaboration on a drama.
Luo Mingxiu felt a vague feeling deep inside him, a feeling he couldn't quite understand—it was like anger, yet also like sadness.
My sister is so dedicated; she's just acting.
He kept telling himself this, but his heart grew heavier and heavier.
That night, he had nightmares all night.
In his dream, his sister and a faceless man were kissing at their wedding. He wished her a happy marriage, his mouth full of blood. In the dream, he suffocated as if drowning, panic engulfing his body, filled with sorrow and helplessness.
My sister's wedding should be a joyous occasion, right? Why is he so afraid?
On Friday, Shen Li boarded a flight back to H City. The drama she had just finished filming was a tragic one. The four months of shooting were emotionally and physically exhausting, and after it ended, she felt lost and couldn't quite move on.
After her contract with her former company expired, she started her own business, and Cheng Qingqing, who had been with her for many years, was promoted from assistant to agent.
She used to be exploited by her boss at the company, but now that she's a boss herself, she doesn't dare to rest and keeps working non-stop, which makes her feel quite tired.
After informing Cheng Qingqing, she canceled all subsequent variety show recordings and most of her business work for the year.
Shen Li finally gave herself a break, and she immediately booked a flight home.
She hasn't been home for almost three years since she spent the Spring Festival on set last time, and she misses her parents, Aunt Luo, and her younger brother terribly.
My parents told me that my younger brother changed a lot after he started high school; I wonder how much he changed.
Luo Mingxiu doesn't usually post selfies on his WeChat Moments, so she was quite curious. Aunt Luo, on the other hand, posts frequently, and he appeared in several videos, looking much taller.
The plane streaked across the sky, and two hours later, the driver appeared at the airport exit on time to pick up Shen Li and take her home.
The car drove smoothly on the road, and Shen Li chatted casually with the driver. Before she knew it, they had arrived.
Outside the familiar gate, Shen Li got out of the car and looked up. A figure stood at the gate. Upon seeing the car, he stepped forward.
Luo Mingxiu approached her, wearing a long trench coat over his gray hoodie, which accentuated his figure.
His features became sharper, with dark eyelashes, a high nose bridge, and a more prominent Adam's apple, giving him an air that was somewhere between youthful innocence and mature manhood.
When she got closer, Shen Li could clearly see that she had grown much taller, and by what extent.
He was a head taller than her, and she couldn't even look him in the eye; she had to crane her neck. His shoulders had also broadened; he hadn't just grown taller, he'd gotten stronger too.
"Sister." Luo Mingxiu lowered his head, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. The boy's voice was deep and gentle, and his eyes, as he looked at her, remained clear.
Shen Li looked him up and down again. His clothes and shoes were obviously new. Her gaze lingered on his shoes. "You're dressed like this, going out?" she asked.
"I just picked up my package, clothes I ordered online. Let me try them on," Luo Mingxiu said, touching his burning ears, and asked, "Do they look good?"
"It looks good, you have good taste." Shen Li pointed to the trunk of the car. "I brought back some things that the brand gave me. Can you help Uncle Liu carry them into the house?"
“Okay.” Luo Mingxiu went over to help.
Shen Li looked at him again, sighed slightly, and missed the little boy's cute appearance. Who is this giant now? Is he still her younger brother?
At the front door, her parents stood side by side to welcome her. The lights inside the villa shone on the windows, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Busy work takes a toll on her energy and spirit, but the thought of home always softens her heart.
"Dad, Mom." Shen Li ran over and hugged them, her longing turning into tears in her eyes.
Chen's mother gently patted her back: "I heard from your agent that if you're tired, you should rest. Don't push yourself too hard."
“Yes,” Shen Li nodded, “I’m taking a break until after the New Year before rejoining the crew. I was too busy before and didn’t spend enough time with you all. I’m sorry.”
Father Shen: "Don't say sorry. Your parents are busy too, we don't need anyone to accompany us. As long as you do what you like, we are happy if you are happy."
Aunt Luo had already prepared the meal. After the family finished eating in the dining room, they came to the living room.
Shen Li chatted with her parents for a bit, then gave her mother and Aunt Luo a set of the skincare products that the brand had given her.
At eight o'clock, the love story that transcends time and space began airing. Mother Shen picked up the remote control and turned on the TV. The opening sequence started playing, and everyone on the sofa turned their attention to the big screen.
Shen Li glanced at her parents, then looked at Luo Mingxiu, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
This is her first romantic idol drama, which includes a kissing scene. Unlike her previous suspense or sci-fi films, it wouldn't be appropriate for her younger brother to see it.
She walked over and blocked his way, saying, "Have you finished your homework? Go back to your room and do your homework."
"I didn't have much homework this week, I finished it at school." Luo Mingxiu quietly moved over and patted the sofa, gesturing for her to sit next to him.
"Sister, let's watch it together."
Seeing Luo Mingxiu's expressionless face, Shen Li forced herself to sit down. Oh well, he's a high school student, what doesn't he know? It just makes her feel awkward.
Thankfully, the opening credits showed some kissing scenes from the earlier episodes. Once Shen Li got into it, she stopped thinking about whether it was awkward or not.
Mother Shen brought over some fruit and melon seeds, opened the bag, and placed it on the coffee table in front of them. Then, the living room was filled with the sounds of people cracking melon seeds and occasional laughter.
This drama has a light comedy element. After watching one episode, Mother Shen laughed until she was tired. She called her husband back to the bedroom and said to her daughter and godson before leaving, "We're going back to our room to sleep. You should go to sleep early too, don't stay up too late."
"Okay." Shen Li replied with a smile, her eyes still glued to the television. She was immersed in the story, praising herself inwardly as she watched, wondering how she could act so well.
With the sunflower seeds gone, she reached to the side to grab some fruit, but accidentally touched something warm.
The moment his hand touched her, Luo Mingxiu's heart skipped a beat. He quickly pulled away and glanced at Shen Li, who was still staring intently at the TV, her hand rummaging aimlessly in the bag.
She didn't seem to feel anything.
Realizing he had overreacted, Luo Mingxiu reached for an orange and said, "I'll peel it for you."
The trash can was over there. Shen Li glanced at it, reached out and ruffled his hair, then smiled and said, "Thank you, little brother."
Luo Mingxiu paused for a moment, then quickly peeled the orange and stuffed it into her hand. When he touched his sister's hand again, it was still so cold, but he couldn't bring himself to say he would warm her hands.
His heart was pounding uncontrollably, and his face was flushed. He stared at her slender, fair fingers as she peeled open the orange, picked up a segment, and ate it bit by bit, as if she were kissing it.
"Why aren't you eating?" Shen Li suddenly turned her head and gave him a segment of the orange in her hand.
Luo Mingxiu stared blankly at her raised hand, then lowered his head slightly and bit the other end of the orange segment.
"You're using your hands to catch it, and you want me to feed you?" The person in front of me had some juice on their lips, glistening and translucent. They unconsciously licked their lips. "This orange is quite sweet."
Luo Mingxiu blushed, took the orange and put it in his mouth, glancing away as his heartbeat became chaotic.
He gradually lost focus on what was being broadcast on TV; all he could smell was the sweet fragrance emanating from the person beside him, and his face grew increasingly hot.
Disturbed, he got up, said "I'm going to wash up and go to bed," and hurriedly left.
Back in his room, Luo Mingxiu closed the door tightly and locked himself in the bathroom. His face in the mirror was flushed red, and he looked down, clearly knowing why.
how so?
Luo Mingxiu turned on the cold water and bent down to splash water on his face repeatedly.
The water was flowing rapidly, the body was being assaulted by the heat, and an overwhelming sense of guilt permeated every limb.
...
The next day, at the first light of dawn.
Shen's mother planned to take the whole family to a temple to pray for good luck for her daughter's new drama.
Shen Li got up early to do her hair and makeup. After finishing, she went downstairs. Luo Mingzheng was eating breakfast. He glanced at her, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, then his expression changed slightly before he buried his head in his food again.
When Aunt Luo saw her, she invited her to sit down. Aunt Luo's chicken drumsticks were thin and plentiful, one was enough to make two. Chen Li, who had a sweet tooth, ate two, which made Aunt Luo so happy that she squinted her eyes.
"Listen to your godparents when you go out, stay close to your sister, and don't wander off." Before getting into the car, Luo Qiuli reminded her son again.
Luo Mingxiu nodded: "Understood, I'll be your bodyguard when I go out, I promise I'll stay by your side every step of the way."
"You're such a chatterbox," Luo Qiuli patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, get in the car, have fun."
In the car, Shen's father was driving, Shen's mother was in the passenger seat, and Luo Mingxiu looked around, opened the car door, and sat in the back seat.
The scent of perfume wafted over from the person next to him, and Luo Mingxiu moved to the side, his finger hovering over the window button, but then he hesitated, worried that his sister might be cold.
He folded his hands, took out his phone from his pocket, and scrolled aimlessly to distract himself.
After watching just a few videos, my eyes still involuntarily drifted to the side.
My sister wore light makeup today, her hair was slightly curled and draped over her shoulders, and she wore a warm yellow cotton coat with a brown skirt. She looked like a little yellow pear incarnate.
She was also scrolling through her phone, her hands wrapped in fleece gloves, swiping the screen with some difficulty, but the owner of her hands was afraid of the cold and didn't want to take them off. She seemed to have come across an interesting video, stopped to watch, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
After watching for a while, my heart started pounding nervously; that feeling from last night had returned.
"Are you cold?" Shen Li raised her eyebrows and reached out to feel the thickness of his coat. "It's not thin at all, but your face is all red from the cold."
"It's not cold." Luo Mingxiu looked away, then awkwardly glanced out the window.
The temple is hidden in the mountains and forests. In the cold winter, there are not many people. After going up the mountain, Shen's father led them to offer incense at the entrance and then to the inner courtyard.
Facing the Buddha on all four sides, a large incense burner was placed in the center. Chen Li lit the incense, bowed in all four directions, and recited "New Drama Great Fire" three times in his heart before inserting the incense into the burner.
After paying their respects outside, they entered the hall. Under the Buddha statue, just as the people in front had finished their prayers, two prayer cushions were available. Shen Li and Luo Mingxiu stepped forward and knelt down to pay their respects.
The smoke curled upwards as Shen Li clasped her hands together, lowered her eyelashes, closed her eyes, and murmured incantations through her crimson lips. The smoke swirled around her face, making it look like she was wearing a veil.
Luo Mingxiu was so engrossed in watching that he didn't notice when Shen Li opened her eyes and glanced at him. He hurriedly lowered his head to follow her movements, closed his eyes reverently, and silently prayed for his sister's new drama to be a huge success.
Fearing that Buddha wouldn't see him, he then mentioned his sister's name and the title of the play.
After finishing their prayers, the group left the temple. Across the street, outside the temple's courtyard wall, a tree was covered with red ropes.
"What's that? Can we go into the temple over there?" Luo Mingxiu asked curiously, but the next second he noticed the couples under the tree and immediately realized he had spoken out of turn.
Shen Li was right next to him, very close, so she heard him clearly and explained, "That's for people seeking marriage; you're too young to need that."
After saying that, he added, "I don't need it now."
Luo Mingxiu looked at her: "Don't you want to be in a relationship, sister?"
"If I don't have someone I like, who am I going to date? My lover is my job."
"What do you mean by 'lover' being a job'? This is a sacred place for gods and Buddhas, don't talk nonsense."
Upon hearing her daughter's words, the mother became extremely nervous. She pulled her daughter together and clasped her hands in prayer, asking her to correct her statement and say that she would surely meet a good match in the future.
Luo Mingxiu, however, only heard the words "I don't have anyone I like" echoing in his ears, and felt happy.
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