Chapter 53 Foot Injury
Half-asleep, Wenqin drew back the curtains. With a "rip," sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating the floor. Yu Bai slowly opened his eyes and instinctively reached for his phone on the bedside table.
The first thing I saw was a WeChat message pop-up, a message from Chi Qinghe, sent around 3 a.m.
I had insomnia, so a friend invited me to go drinking. The more I drank, the more sober I became.
Bye-bye, I miss you.
I've almost finished my work. How about I come see you in the south of the city?
Yu Bai was taken aback.
Isn't it going to take a few more days?
Chi Qinghe replied instantly.
I want to see you.
Concise and to the point, straightforward and clear, his emotions were hard to contain, but Yu Bai could not understand his feelings. She was just worried that if Chi Qinghe came to find her, he would definitely meet with Jiang Jizhou, and there would be an unavoidable conflict. Yu Bai had a headache and could only advise Chi Qinghe.
I'm on a business trip in the countryside, can I wait a few more days?
When Chi Qinghe saw Yu Bai's message, it was as expected, but he still felt a headache coming on from a night of drinking. His vision blurred and his head felt like it was splitting apart. His hand holding the phone turned white as he tightened his grip.
Are family members not allowed to visit on set?
[Feeling wronged.jpg]
Chi Qinghe feigned nonchalance, testing the waters step by step.
"No need, it's not convenient in the countryside. I'll be going back in a few days."
Is it inconvenient to live in the countryside, or is it inconvenient because your ex-boyfriend is there?
Chi Qinghe smiled bitterly. He had never dared to hope to be with Yu Bai before. He had always known that Yu Bai didn't like him. But under Ms. Yu's matchmaking, he got together with Yu Bai in a confused and opportunistic way. He was extremely happy. Although Yu Bai was still indifferent to him, being together meant that there was a long future ahead. He would eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel.
After learning about Yu Bai and Jiang Jizhou's past, Chi Qinghe recalled the man she saw downstairs at Yu Bai's place that day. He was Jiang Jizhou, and they were still in contact. So that's why Yu Bai hadn't dated anyone all these years... Chi Qinghe was in turmoil, but she still couldn't bear to question Yu Bai at all.
It's okay, I've already bought the plane tickets.
Chi Qinghe believed that Yu Bai had his reasons for everything he decided. He did not want to put Yu Bai in a difficult position, but he had no choice but to force Yu Bai to make a choice.
Yu Bai was the girl he had cherished in his heart for many years. In his heart, she deserved the best. No matter what decision she made, he respected her, blessed her, and protected her.
Perhaps Yu Bai chose him, Chi Qinghe thought with a wry smile.
Yu Bai frowned as he read Chi Qinghe's message, but then he thought that it was good that Chi Qinghe was coming, as it could finally make Jiang Jizhou give up.
"Bai Bai, hurry up and wash up, it's almost eight o'clock, we still have to go to town for investigation and interviews."
Wenqin came out of the bathroom and peeked at Yu Bai, who was still on the bed looking at his phone. Upon hearing this, Yu Bai snapped out of his reverie, replied to Chi Qinghe's message, and immediately got out of bed to wash up.
After washing up and having breakfast, the four of them took a car to Qingxi Town.
Before getting in the car, Jiang Jizhou looked at Yu Bai and gestured for her to sit in the front, but Yu Bai opened the back door directly and squeezed in with Yue Ming and Wen Qin. She sat by the window, and Jiang Jizhou frowned slightly before opening the door and getting in.
Jiang Jizhou's eyes were covered in dark circles, as if he hadn't slept all night.
Yu Bai wasn't much better off. Although he had applied a thick layer of concealer and foundation under his eyes, there was still a faint bluish tinge, like a hazy mist that was hard to dispel.
Wenqin, who was standing nearby, noticed this carefully and asked Yu Bai in a low voice with concern, "Bai Bai, did you not sleep well last night? You look a little weak. Are you alright?"
Yu Bai looked up, forcing a smile, "It's alright."
Hearing the whispers between the two, Yue Ming, who was next to Wen Qin, teased Wen Qin, "It must be your snoring that kept Yu Bai from sleeping well."
“I never snore.” Wenqin immediately turned to glare at him, gritting her teeth.
The two chatted back and forth. Yu Bai smiled helplessly, took out the interview outline and started looking at it. Today's interview and filming tasks were quite heavy. She had to make sure that her part was flawless so as not to affect the filming speed. Therefore, she quickly devoted herself to her work without any distractions.
Even when Jiang Jizhou in the front row leaned back in his seat and peeked at her through the gap in the passenger seat, Yu Bai didn't notice.
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The weather today was pleasantly warm, neither too hot nor too cold, and a cool breeze created a comfortable environment for the group to take photos.
When Yu Bai interviewed local residents, Jiang Jizhou took on the task of filming and interviewing, while Yue Ming carried the camera equipment to shoot outdoor scenes with Wen Qin.
Yu Bai focused intently on interviewing the elderly grandfather in front of him. He had a deep understanding of the tremendous changes in Qingxi Town, from its initial state of relying on farming for a living and the gradual desolation of the town as young people went to work in other places, to its current prosperity relying on tourism.
The business model of Qingxi Town is gradually maturing, attracting a steady stream of tourists. However, this has also created many new and urgent problems that need to be addressed. There is a greater need for new investment to promote the sustainable development of Qingxi Town. One of the purposes of Jiang Jizhou's trip was to investigate local tourism projects.
Grandpa was a retired teacher from the town. He was hale and hearty and talkative. The interview went more smoothly than Yu Bai had expected, and was easy, fulfilling and enjoyable.
After the interview, Yu Bai stood up and bowed to express her gratitude for the interview. She was amused by a remark from her grandfather. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Jiang Jizhou behind the camera and realized that he was staring intently at her. Yu Bai's smile froze for a moment.
She hadn't noticed anything amiss. The air froze for a few seconds. Her grandfather, who was standing nearby, had already sensed the awkward atmosphere between them. He smiled knowingly and said to Yu Bai, "This young man is not bad."
Yu Bai withdrew his gaze, looked at his grandfather, and pursed his lips without saying a word.
As they packed up their photography equipment to head to the next shooting location, Yu Bai remained silent and focused on her work. Jiang Jizhou, however, whispered a very earnest compliment to her, "Bai Bai, you're really great right now."
That introverted, bullied hearing-impaired girl in high school has now become a capable and independent woman. At work, she shines so brightly that people completely overlook the flaw in her otherwise perfect work.
Yu Bai frowned, paused for a moment, then resumed his normal movements, packed up the equipment, and left on his own. Jiang Jizhou quickly followed.
Her voice was cold and detached: "People always grow up."
Jiang Jizhou smiled, as if he were still a boy, "But I can protect you forever."
Yu Bai said calmly, "No one can guarantee forever, and I don't need to."
"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant."
Jiang Jizhou immediately realized he had said the wrong thing. He cursed himself for being stupid in his heart. Yu Bai, however, walked faster and faster, completely ignoring the beautiful scenery around her. Fortunately, Jiang Jizhou had long legs and easily kept up. He looked down and saw her fair hand swaying slightly with her steps. He wanted to touch it but could no longer.
"It's okay, I know."
Yu Bai spoke calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Jiang Jizhou was the ray of light that stood up for her in her darkest years, the person she desperately tried to pursue and stand shoulder to shoulder with. Even though that ray of light later shattered like the most transparent and pure piece of glass in her heart, cutting her blood and never returning to its former state.
With love and hate balanced out, and the past like smoke, Yu Bai felt that he had become indifferent.
Seeing the slight smile on her face, Jiang Jizhou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Without a doubt, he was completely happy for Yu Bai's growth. He just wanted to say that he could always stand behind her, be her reliable support and safe harbor.
Jiang Jizhou was confident that he could win her back, whether it was one year, two years, three years... He was willing to wait indefinitely.
The two walked side by side, each with their own thoughts.
But during the subsequent filming, the two worked together more and more seamlessly. With just a glance from her, he understood what to do next and how to cooperate with her.
Before we knew it, today's filming was nearing its end.
A faint blue hue appeared on the horizon, and a crescent moon hung there, bringing tranquility and healing.
The last interview was in an undeveloped mountain area. The road down the mountain was difficult. Yu Bai wanted to help Jiang Jizhou carry the equipment, but Jiang Jizhou refused. Only after she realized that Yu Bai was a little angry about it did she let her help.
She said curtly, "I'm here to work; this is just my job."
Jiang Jizhou smiled and looked at her patiently. "I know, but the mountain path is difficult to walk. I'll walk in front, and you follow behind. Be careful."
Yu Bai nodded and followed closely behind Jiang Jizhou. His eyes involuntarily fell on the back of Jiang Jizhou's head. He had thick black hair and a smooth, strong line on the back of his neck that extended to his broad shoulders. Although he had matured a lot, he still seemed to retain a youthful spirit in his bones. He could always vaguely overlap with the face of his younger self.
Lost in thought, Yu Bai snapped back to reality and deleted the fleeting memories that shouldn't have crossed her mind. She tripped over a protruding rock and, due to inertia, fell to one side. Yu Bai's first instinct was to protect the photography equipment in her hands, clutching it tightly to her chest. She fell to the ground, and a sharp pain immediately shot through her ankle, causing her to frown.
Jiang Jizhou, who was keeping an eye on Yu Bai behind him, turned around immediately upon hearing the noise. However, it happened too fast for him to react in time. He quickly threw aside his photography equipment, bent down, and tried to pick up Yu Bai, but Yu Bai instinctively pushed him away.
"It's okay, I should be able to do it. You take the equipment."
Yu Bai felt that she had sprained her ankle, and the pain made her sweat. Fortunately, the photography equipment in her arms was not damaged, so she gave the equipment to Jiang Jizhou.
"Never mind that, I'll carry you away, otherwise your injuries will get worse." Jiang Jizhou's voice was filled with urgency.
“Really, you don’t need to. Just listen to me.” Yu Bai looked up and stared intently at Jiang Jizhou.
"Do you still have to keep your distance from me at a time like this?" Jiang Jizhou felt deeply hurt, stung by her distant and polite gaze.
"No, the equipment needs to be carried. I'm fine, I just slipped and fell."
Yu Bai tried to make his voice as flat as possible.
After a long stalemate, Jiang Jizhou finally gave in and adopted a compromise. He held the photography equipment in one hand and supported Yu Bai with the other, as Yu Bai walked slowly with a limp.
Jiang Jizhou felt sorry for her and wanted to throw away the photography equipment and take her to see a doctor, but Yu Bai insisted.
After descending the mountain, Jiang Jizhou took a taxi to take Yu Bai back to a hospital near the hotel to check on her foot injury. After taking the X-ray, it turned out to be just a minor fracture, requiring a brace and crutches.
When the doctor heard that Yu Bai had walked all the way down the mountain, he praised her for her ability to endure. After finishing the treatment, he saw Jiang Jizhou, who was looking on anxiously, and smiled, "It's nothing, you'll be fine after a few days of rest."
"I told you I was fine."
Yu Bai glanced at Jiang Jizhou's furrowed brows and pretended to be relaxed.
For a moment, like that timid young girl, Jiang Jizhou was stunned, then let out a soft hum.
"A minor fracture is nothing to worry about."
Yu Bai looked away and remained silent.
After treating her foot injury, Yu Bai could only walk with crutches. She had never used crutches before, so it was quite difficult for her.
Back at the hotel, there were a few steps. Yu Bai wanted to hop up on one foot, but Jiang Jizhou sternly stopped her and picked her up with one hand without saying a word. Yu Bai exclaimed and fell into his warm and strong embrace.
What are you doing?
Yu Bai struggled with all his might.
Jiang Jizhou didn't waste any words with Yu Bai, and went straight up the steps into the hotel lobby.
Yu Bai's face flushed with anxiety, and in her flustered state, she bumped into a tall, elegant man walking towards her from a distance.
"Chi Qinghe?"
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