Chapter 13 Orange Tulips
They were probably going out on a date, not on a business trip as colleagues, right?
Xiang Wan remained silent in the car, feeling that she should at least say something, even if it was just for the sake of the live-streaming equipment they had brought, when the other party finally spoke.
Ling Zhao: "Master, where are you from?"
Driver: "Ah, I'm from here."
Xiang Wan: "..."
She recalled how she had shed tears of empathy while watching the trailer for Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu, and began to question what she had been empathizing with.
And has this man ever actually been in a relationship?
[The contrast is stark; now I understand why being in the same frame with someone at dawn and dusk always looks so silly—it's all because of Ling Zhao!]
Although I don't think it's entirely Ling Zhao's fault, after glancing at the comments next door, I think you're right.
[The scene next door is already like a teen romance movie set, Mom, I'm totally shipping them!]
At this moment, my expression was the same as Xiang Wan's.
...
Perhaps Ling Zhao and Mu Jiu's breakup wasn't due to any heartbreaking story or any major issue, but rather because this man, despite his handsome appearance, was a real eyesore.
This was the first time she had ever encountered someone so... Xiang Wan thought for a long time, but could only come up with the adjective "wooden".
She tried to calm herself down, realizing for the first time how difficult it would be to show an expression of listening and understanding in front of the camera.
Even after getting off the bus, the driver, who had a very pleasant conversation with Ling Zhao, was reluctant to part ways and wanted to add him on WeChat.
Driver: "Young man, you're very honest. If you ever need any help in the future, feel free to ask me!"
Xiang Wan: "..."
She watched helplessly as her date, whom she had barely spoken to before leaving the house, added a stranger on WeChat.
Although the stranger she added on WeChat was a middle-aged man over fifty, it still stirred up indescribable feelings in her.
Very well, she decided to have no hope for any of today's events.
This is a live variety show; my facial expressions can't be off, and I can't roll my eyes, otherwise it will definitely go viral online...
After forcibly calming herself down, Xiang Wan finally regained her senses.
Aside from the questions the production team needed her to ask, this was just a regular filming assignment.
Strolling around somewhere and having lunch is much easier than waiting on set while filming.
After trying to convince herself not to be affected by what she had just seen, Xiang Wan followed Ling Zhao's footsteps and stopped at a shop. She subconsciously put on a business-like smile: "So we're going to..."
The door was pushed open, and a ragdoll cat with heterochromatic eyes hopped out, rubbing against her trouser leg while meowing. Before Xiang Wan could react, it had already leaped up and jumped into her arms with eyes full of dependence.
Blinded by the cat's beauty, Xiang Wan belatedly realized what was happening and looked towards the shop.
Cat café.
As you take off your shoes and step into the store, the first thing you smell is a calming fragrance.
On the floor, in the cat bed, and on the cat tree, cats of various breeds were either dozing, playing, or peeking out. The Ragdoll cat in her arms seemed to realize that her attention was not on it, so it meowed sweetly, gently nestled on her shoulder, and rubbed its cheek against her.
Xiang Wan endured it for a moment, but after taking her seat, she finally succumbed to the Ragdoll cat's charm, and her expression finally relaxed.
The shop assistant appeared at that moment and placed two cups of herbal tea on the table.
"Your drink has been served. If you need more toys or cat treats for interacting with the cat, you can scan the QR code on the table to place an order at any time."
After saying that, the shop assistant turned and left.
They went up to the second floor. It's unclear whether the show's production team had booked the entire venue or if there were simply not many customers at that time.
Regardless, in such a quiet and soothing environment, one can peacefully appreciate the lush greenery, the goldfish tank where the cat is entertained, and the main attraction of the shop—
A lively tabby cat darted past her feet, while an orange cat lazily basking in the sun merely glanced up at her scratches and turned away to continue sleeping. Not to mention the succubus-like ragdoll cat clinging to her.
It seems only natural that every afternoon should be spent here.
Xiang Wan looked up and saw Ling Zhao taking a sip of his flower tea, while the cow cat in his arms was playing with its drooping "wolf tail" with great interest.
He didn't ask anything, but simply looked up to indicate that she could drink the flower tea in front of her, and then gently scratched the calico cat's chin.
Sunlight streamed through the window, and the happy cat squinted its eyes.
The negative thoughts that had been lingering in her mind, or her initial resistance to continuing the filming, were briefly put aside.
All she could see was this peaceful and serene scene.
Once again, Xiang Wan recalled the line her roommate had said in the trailer.
I won't meet anyone better than him.
Even when he was overwhelmed by negative comments and before anyone paid attention to him, one person saw the shining qualities in him beneath his unruly exterior.
Perhaps this is why Mu Jiu fell in love with him.
——
Mu Jiu sneezed.
Are you cold?
As Deng Minzhou asked, he had already turned up the car's interior temperature: "Sorry, is it any better now?"
Mu Jiu shook her head: "It's not very cold... but it's just right now, thank you."
Compared to his online persona, Deng Minzhou behaved quite like a gentleman, and the questions he asked during the chat were very tactful.
So when asked seemingly sensational questions, Mu Jiu understood.
This is the production team's task.
Deng Minzhou: "What type do you like? Or rather, what's your ideal type?"
To ensure the show's effectiveness, the production team can't operate entirely without a script. However, even celebrities don't all possess good acting skills, so the script at most serves to guide the guests' conversations in a certain direction, create unexpected situations, and find ways to ignite conflict, etc.
Mu Jiu did not intend to use this opportunity to generate any buzz, but even if he wanted to avoid those misleading descriptions, as long as someone wanted to deliberately distort the truth, they would still try to associate those descriptions with a specific person.
"...there is no specific type."
Mu Jiu collected his thoughts and calmly said, "However, people who get along well and have kind hearts are more likely to gain favor."
"Although this is just my personal opinion."
With a sunny smile, he said, "I think you perfectly fit the criteria of being easy to get along with and kind-hearted. Perhaps you prefer someone similar to yourself?"
Mu Jiu: "Even if you say nice things about me, it won't do you any good, will it?"
The two exchanged a smile and naturally moved on from the topic.
Dating a man who understands women's minds so well gives you the feeling that you can handle everything with ease.
Their destination was a small amusement park with only rides that weren't too intense, such as a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a carousel.
After playing around, she felt relaxed without being too tired. The restaurant where she had lunch was also to her liking, clearly indicating that they had prepared in advance.
But he didn't mention any of this to her in a ostentatious way, as if it were a natural occurrence, so that people would only realize the consistency of their cadence when they came to their senses.
This made Mu Jiu sincerely feel that if Fang Yucheng hadn't been on the show, Deng Minzhou might have been the man with the most votes.
After all the activities were finished, it got dark.
Deng Minzhou gave her a heads-up beforehand, telling her to rest nearby for a while, before heading towards a shop not far away.
When he walked over carrying a bouquet of flowers, he saw Mu Jiu standing there waiting for him. He couldn't help but feel a little helpless: "You can sit and wait for me. I will find you."
"It's just my personal habit."
Mu Jiu didn't mind: "If I'm sitting down, I'll feel a little uneasy if I can't see anyone."
This was the first time she had said something truly touching during their date today, and it was something she did intentionally.
Once two people live together for a period of time, their habits and ways of thinking will inevitably reflect each other's influence.
Mu Jiu had been thinking about what kind of behavior she needed to exhibit to clearly distinguish between "the things she would do on her own" and "the things she would do after dating Ling Zhao".
Then, she had an idea.
Given their backgrounds, they must have gone through periods of hiding and running away when dating. Even a year ago, when Ling Zhao was being attacked the most, almost the entire internet was filled with mockery and insults directed at him.
If it's to protect his lover, even during a rare date, he would have every reason to leave without saying goodbye if he spotted paparazzi or was recognized.
Perhaps the very next second after she goes out to buy something, she will receive a message on her phone saying, "I'm leaving now."
After she showed an expression of realizing she had misspoke, Deng Minzhou did not press her further, but instead handed her the bouquet of flowers.
tulip.
It wasn't the fiery red you often see on TV, but a bright and warm orange. After being overwhelmed by the vibrant colors, it took a while before I could smell its delicate fragrance.
Mu Jiu hesitated for a moment before accepting the bouquet.
The magazine model, who is nearly 1.9 meters tall, slightly bent her knees in front of her so that her eyes were level with hers: "The little flower seller just told me that its flower language is 'beautiful memories'."
In the dim sunlight, he smiled like a clever and cheerful golden retriever: "I want to give this to you as a way to end today."
Mu Jiu: "...Thank you."
Her expression subtly changed when her gaze fell on the bouquet.
Deng Minzhou, who had been observing her, was momentarily stunned when he saw the pure, joyful smile on her face, which showed no signs of her guard.
The woman in front of me was already very beautiful, but she never seemed to use her beauty as a tool. Even just a fleeting smile from her could make many people willing to do anything for her.
She simply looked at him sincerely and said, "Thank you for putting so much thought into today's date. I had a really great time today."
...Or perhaps, the reason she seems so distant is because she has someone else in her heart.
Deng Minzhou put aside his wandering thoughts and put on his usual smile: "It is my honor to serve ladies."
As the sun began to set, the guests who had gone out on their dates that day gradually returned to the cabin.
Unfortunately, Mu Jiu ran into Xiang Wan and Ling Zhao at the door of the cottage.
The atmosphere between them wasn't as stiff as when they first met. Although they didn't talk much, they seemed to have grown closer.
Seeing her approach, Xiang Wan subconsciously reached out to greet her, but her back stiffened when she saw Mu Jiu's gaze fall on the person behind her.
Although it wasn't very obvious, Xiang Wan still noticed that the other person's smile faded a little when it fell on Ling Zhao.
Mu Jiu: "Good evening. Excuse me, I need to go put out the flowers first."
After saying that, she passed the two people in the entryway and went straight up to the second floor.
Xiang Wan paused for a moment, then hurriedly said goodbye and went upstairs.
She knew how much of an impact that scene would have on someone who still harbored feelings for their ex.
After quickly catching up with Mu Jiu, she only saw his surprised and clear eyes.
However, the calmer and more nonchalant the other party was, the more uneasy Xiang Wan became.
“We went to a cat cafe, had lunch there, and spent some time playing with the cats. We didn’t talk much…”
She instinctively began reporting her itinerary: "You..."
Xiang Wan paused, then looked at her cautiously: "Is it because of me that you don't want to stay downstairs?"
"It's not because of you."
Xiang Wan's confession surprised Mu Jiu, but Mu Jiu quickly cleared up the misunderstanding: "I didn't want to stay there because of you."
She simply wanted to reduce the number of times she was in the same frame as Ling Zhao.
Mu Jiu: "So it's okay..."
Before she could finish speaking, Xiang Wan suddenly hugged her.
Huh? Huh?
Mu Jiu was not used to such intimate behavior and did not know where things had gone wrong to develop to this point.
She barely managed to hide the confusion in her eyes when she heard Xiang Wan's voice beside her ear: "I'm sorry, I've only ever thought about myself and have never really cared about you."
Mu Jiu: ...
Mu Jiu: ...?
At the same time, the two men who were thrown downstairs glanced at each other, and then looked back at the two figures that disappeared at the bottom of the stairs.
Deng Minzhou was the first to react, glancing at Ling Zhao, who had a bewildered expression.
He realized something, and after hesitating for a few seconds, he stepped forward and patted the other man on the shoulder: "Brother, I'm not the person she wants to choose."
Ling Zhao: "..."
"I know."
He was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Neither am I."
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