The beauty of love is priceless
On the way back, the night breeze was cool, ruffling Zhiwei's hair. She was still immersed in the afterglow of the sensual feast she had just experienced, feeling that the stagnation that had been building up in her heart for days had been washed away by the ethereal singing, leaving her feeling completely relaxed.
Looking at her relaxed brows, Jingnan smiled and said softly, "Happy birthday, Weiwei. Although there are still a few days left, the cherry blossoms are blooming so quickly this year that we can't wait for your actual birthday. So I'll just have to give you this 'birthday greeting' in advance."
Zhiwei paused slightly, then realized that her birthday was approaching. She turned to look at Jingnan, her eyes filled with genuine smiles and gratitude: "Jingnan, thank you. And thank you all." This "all" naturally included Shi Ya, Xiaoyu, and the other thoughtful people who had quietly made arrangements for her.
"Tonight... I will never forget it. I will remember this night on every full moon night and every day when cherry blossoms are falling."
Seeing her so moved, Jing Nan deliberately put on a stern face and teased her in a businesslike tone, "Don't just thank me verbally, Miss Shen. This 'kindness' has a price tag, and the bill will be sent to your team later. After all, the appearance fee for a popular singer like Yu Bin's private waterfront concert is not something a white-collar worker like me who lives on a salary can afford to pay."
Upon hearing this, Zhiwei was first taken aback, then chuckled and shook her head. She naturally knew that Jingnan was joking, and this sentiment was far beyond what money could measure, but she went along with it and lazily leaned back in her seat: "Okay, okay, let Shiya pay. It's worth the price to have Yu Bin sing this show."
She didn't take it to heart. It wasn't until a few days later that Yu Bin's team contacted her through Jing Nan, respectfully making a request—they wanted to film the creative concept and artistic conception of the performance on a boat under the moon at Shichahai that night into a high-quality music film, and wanted to inquire about copyright matters and whether any fees would be required.
After hearing Jingnan's account, Zhiwei simply waved her hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Let them take the pictures. Is it really worth asking about such a trivial matter?" When had Shen Zhiwei ever cared about such petty money? The moonlight, cherry blossoms, songs, and state of mind that night were priceless. If someone could recreate its essence and spread it, it would be a fitting tribute to that night's beauty.
Thus, the music film "Moonlit Night, Cherry Blossoms," starring the popular singer Yu Bin, was born. The film meticulously recreates the painted boat, shimmering water, moonlight, and flower shadows of that night, and Yu Bin's singing voice appears even more ethereal and otherworldly thanks to the exquisite production. Upon its release, the film quickly swept across major platforms, achieving both critical acclaim and high viewership. It not only propelled Yu Bin's singing career to new heights, earning him the reputation of having a "voice kissed by moonlight," but also brought him and Zhi Wei into contact through this collaboration, gradually making them acquainted.
People are curious: Yu Bin has a unique voice, but his looks are not top-notch in the entertainment industry where there are many handsome men. His demeanor and temperament are more elegant than strong and dazzling. How can he stand out among the charming men around Shen Zhiwei?
Faced with such inquiries, Zhiwei simply smiled, her tone calm yet resolute: "An excellent man has his own unique charm, why compare him to others?" What she admired was that unassuming focus, that voice that could cleanse her heart, and that was enough.
The popularity of "Moonlit Night, Cherry Blossoms" continues to grow, and Zhiwei's name is occasionally mentioned. Although she has not officially appeared, the identity of the "mysterious invitee" revealed in the behind-the-scenes footage adds to her intriguing aura. She remains busy with her new collection design, occasionally attending events, sometimes with Yu Bin, with whom she has a pleasant conversation, and sometimes with other friends.
Backstage at a fashion party, Qin Yang, through the crowd, saw Zhiwei talking quietly with Yu Bin. Yu Bin tilted his head slightly to listen, his expression focused and gentle, while Zhiwei wore a relaxed, gentle smile that he rarely saw.
A strange pang of bitterness welled up in Qin Yang's heart. Thanks to his relationship with Zhiwei, he had secured excellent fashion resources, and his career was steadily rising. But the more this happened, the more he could feel the invisible distance between them. She seemed kind to everyone, generous and quick to offer help, yet she never allowed anyone to truly get close.
Having finally found a moment of respite, Qin Yang walked up to Zhiwei, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of probing and grievance: "Sister Zhiwei seems to be very busy lately; it's not easy for me to even see you."
Zhiwei, with her keen perception, immediately detected the hint of bitterness in his words. She raised her eyes, looking at him with clear eyes, and without beating around the bush, directly pointed out the truth. Her tone was even gentle, yet carried a clear-headed chill: "Qin Yang, you won't stay for me, and I won't stay for you. Isn't this good enough?"
A single sentence, like a pebble gently thrown into the still waters of Qin Yang's heart, stirred up a thousand ripples. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found himself speechless. His career was on the rise, and the "national boyfriend" image his team had cultivated for him was deeply ingrained. He couldn't, and dared not, publicly acknowledge any stable relationship, especially with a high-profile woman like Shen Zhiwei. His approach to her was initially driven by the desire to leverage her connections and resources.
Zhiwei, on the other hand, is long past the age of worrying about someone or giving up on her own plans. She enjoys companionship, appreciates beauty, and is happy to make others happy, but the main axis of her life will always be in her own hands. She will not be a shadow behind any man, nor will she wait for anyone's favor.
“When you look back, I’ll always be there.” Zhiwei smiled slightly as she looked at his suddenly complicated expression, picked up her handbag, and gently patted his arm, a familiar gesture as if soothing a sulking younger brother. Qin Yang didn’t know that because of a young man he had never met, he always had a unique kind of indulgence from Zhiwei—not too much, just right.
After saying that, she gracefully turned and walked towards Yu Bin and her other friends who were waiting for her not far away, leaving Qin Yang standing alone in the same spot, his heart filled with mixed feelings. She saw things too clearly and lived too wisely, not even leaving him with the slightest bit of self-deception or fantasy.
He then clearly realized that in this "game" she had orchestrated, he had never had the right to bargain. What she could give him was opportunity, resources, and respectable adult interactions; what she never gave him was sincerity, exclusivity, and a future. And he, it seemed, couldn't give her what she wanted—if she really wanted anything at all.
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