Chapter 1 (9)
On weekends, Bai Yuankai invited Yu Shuang to dinner and told her to invite all her fellow villagers. He always said that his mother, Yu Shuang, was from the same hometown.
Yu Jia was busy at home, and weekends were a rare time for couples to spend time with their children, so she couldn't leave. Yu Rui had an appointment out, so Yu Shuang let her know. Rui said she might be late. Only Yu Meng was free, so she went on time. She also wanted to meet this "industry's" star up close.
Yu Shuang had already returned to work, but she still wasn't in the right frame of mind. She looked listless. She hadn't gotten over the shock of her mother's death. But that didn't stop Yu Meng from "getting to the bottom of things." Before arriving at the restaurant, she'd already inquired thoroughly about Shuang and Bai Yuankai's relationship, their senior-junior relationship, their upbringing, their education, their current careers, and even the slow-witted Yu Shuang was surprised. "What? You want to introduce someone?" Yu Meng hurriedly said, "What? Aren't you a good match?"
Yu Shuang immediately said it was inappropriate.
"Something's not right."
"Number one, he doesn't like me, and I don't like him, man."
"Relationships need to be cultivated. Haven't you started to grow your hair long?" Yu Meng smiled.
"Second, I don't like his family. I don't like his dad, and I dislike his mom even more."
Yu Meng sighed and almost lost his grip on the steering wheel.
I forgot to ask about your family situation. "Poor?" she asked.
"rich."
"Hate on the rich?"
"Bad temper."
"Just bear with it for a while."
"No need." Yu Shuang is not someone who would suffer from anger.
Yu Meng peppered him with questions until she finally understood: Bai Yuankai came from a wealthy family. His father had been an official before turning to business, and his mother also had her own business, managing several trading companies. His parents spent roughly half their year in China and half abroad, traveling frequently between New York, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo.
Yu Meng focused on driving and didn't ask any more questions. She simply felt sorry for Yu Shuang. Was he going after the small fish instead of the big fish? If she were a few years younger and childless, she'd probably go after someone like Bai Yuankai, too. But now, she lacked confidence, and her hunting range remained around fifty. However, for someone like Bai Yuankai, she'd rather "unite" with him, ideally teaming up with her sisters so she could leverage their strength and forge ahead. Shuang wasn't working. Then Rui would be the one.
"How's Rui?"
"What?"
"Follow Bai."
"I can't tell."
"I think it's good."
"Sister Meng, are you addicted to being a matchmaker?" Yu Shuang was a little impatient.
"Good things should be kept within the family," Yu Meng said. "You should pay attention to this, too." Her concern came from the bottom of her heart. She hoped that her sisters would be safe, prosperous, and blessed.
Yu Rui said Yu Shuang had finally relented and agreed to a blind date. But after meeting two people, nothing happened. Yu Shuang always said, "There's no point in getting along."
But Yu Rui knew Yu Shuang had high standards for appearances. Even Bai Yuankai was frowned upon by her. It was too difficult. Why not just ask Huang Qi? He's an actor, and he has the looks. But Yu Rui felt awkward and couldn't bring herself to introduce him. Huang Qi wasn't a shared bike.
"What time will Xiaorui arrive?" Yu Meng asked again before entering the restaurant. Yu Shuang called Yu Rui. Yu Rui said she was still working and would come over as soon as she was done.
After getting off the bus, Yu Rui entered the residential complex and went straight upstairs. Zu Liangcai was already waiting for her inside. This area was close to the sea, and the community had been built a long time ago, but due to the lack of facilities, there weren't many residents.
Yu Rui first met Zu Liangcai while studying. Back then, he was a lowly official with little success. Now, he's risen through the ranks and become a prominent figure. He holds power, though he may not be able to call the shots, but in society, he's expected to show some respect.
This was the first time Yu Rui contacted him after graduation.
After sending the message, he called her immediately, using the secret phone. He said he wanted to meet up and talk. Yu Rui was mentally prepared, taking a shower and putting on some perfume before leaving.
After not seeing each other for so long, she hoped she looked better.
Zu Liang felt more distress than affection for Yu Rui. Even when they were lovers, he didn't fully consider her a lover. Yu Rui was too sensible. She never asked about his family, his children, his income, or his job.
She knew they had no future.
However, Yu Rui's understanding and understanding made Zu Liangcai very conflicted. On the one hand, he felt assured that such a lover was safe and secure; on the other hand, he felt that the charm was not enough. Yu Rui was not crazy about him, as if he lacked charm.
He was usually quite rational, and with Yu Rui, he couldn't find the romantic feeling he'd always dreamed of. So, after a while, they both took a step back and became friends. Of course, during their time together, Zu Liangcai spent a lot of money on Yu Rui, supporting her through her acting studies.
Zu Liangcai once said with a smile, "You're not cut out for acting." Yu Rui looked at him, confused. "You can't pretend," he continued. She smiled wryly. It wasn't that she couldn't, it was that she didn't need to. She knew there was no future with him—since she already knew the outcome, why bother deceiving herself? It was better to get straight to the point.
Ironically, Zu Liangcai's pursuit is self-deception. He lives too realistically, and love is his daydream. Daydreams are his theme, focusing on experience and process.
Yu Rui only wants results.
Their meeting was truly a coincidence, a beautiful misunderstanding. He came looking for youth. But she was young but old at heart, unable to appreciate his vicissitudes.
Because of Yu Rui's "lesson", Zu Liangcai rarely touched young girls again.
Yu Rui entered. She stood gracefully. She now understood makeup better, had more experience, and a more refined demeanor. She put down her bag. It was the one Zu Liang had bought her.
Zu Liangcai recognized his old friend at a glance.
"I'm still using it," he said with a smile. He was very graceful. A man with power looks younger. He looked like the middle-aged male model in a Taobao ad, incredibly charming.
"Frugal," Yu Rui said self-deprecatingly. The atmosphere became more relaxed.
"How's it going?" He stood up, one hand in his trouser pocket, his manner full of confidence. It always sounded like a leader talking to a subordinate. An occupational hazard.
Yu Rui knew that he asked her about her recent situation, but she didn't know where to start. She had no acting jobs, endless waiting, no progress in her work, and even no proper relationship that would make her ex-lover "gasp".
Yu Rui had originally wanted to use her connections to join the art troupe, but upon inquiring, she learned that the system was undergoing reforms and everyone inside was looking for a way out. Joining would simply be a waste of youth, a pointless endeavor. She had no expertise in anything else. She had tried livestreaming with Huang Qi, but the platform wasn't supportive, and she couldn't get ahead. She couldn't bring herself to do it overly explicit—she still cared about her reputation and didn't want to lose the bigger picture for the sake of a small one. That was why Zu Liang suddenly asked this question—and it was, of course, the point. She was still a little flustered.
She quickly adjusted herself. She decided to stay true to herself and not pretend.
"No," she replied.
Well, I won't come to him.
Zu Liangcai chuckled. It was the laugh of a successful middle-aged man. It was full of tolerance and self-satisfaction. A man is only happy when he gives. That's proof of strength.
The hand in the trouser pocket was pulled out.
A jewelry box appeared in front of Yu Rui.
A proposal? A sudden buzzing sound crossed her mind. What should she do? She was momentarily at a loss. She opened the box woodenly, only to discover a pair of diamond earrings.
The perfect gift.
Yu Rui felt comforted, but at the same time she couldn't help feeling a little lost.
He didn't help her put it on. Yu Rui wore it on her ear. It's a gift, so you have to give it a try. You have to see the real effect.
The water boiled. Zu Liang brought Yu Rui a cup of instant milk tea. It needed to be brewed.
"I drink tea." Yu Rui quickly corrected.
Liangcai smiled, understanding. The girl who used to prefer milk tea had switched to tea. Yu Rui had only just begun to appreciate the true flavor of tea in the past year. Tea needs to be brewed. Fill it with boiling water. Only with this brew can new things and new situations emerge. Life also needs to be brewed; a lukewarm approach won't solve problems; it will only lead to constant quantitative change.
Yu Rui didn't mention work; she'd already mentioned it in the message, so there was no need to bring it up again in person. They chatted for a while about acting, the entertainment industry, and then about Buddhist scriptures. Liangcai called it Buddhist studies—a discipline. Yu Rui was confused, but she managed to answer. She'd copied the Heart Sutra on the day Guanyin Bodhisattva attained enlightenment; it had been Liangcai's birthday gift.
After Yu Rui checked her phone twice, Liang realized it was almost time for the conversation and asked, "What industry do you want to work in?" Yu Rui replied bluntly, "I wonder if media is a good option for me."
Since there weren't many opportunities, she stopped being coy. This was the only time she'd ask him for help. It would be over once she got it. She couldn't afford to owe him too many favors.
Liangcai remained silent. He drank his tea. Then, the main topic began. Yu Rui waited. If you take someone's things, you can't not give back. Yu Rui knew this clearly. But in this kind of situation, only the man can take the initiative. Waiting... She had already showered before coming.
There was silence for a while. Liang Cai said, "Let's go. Where are you going? I'll take you there."
Yu Rui was a little surprised.
They had truly become friends. Pure friendship. This was a rare bit of genuine affection in this cold, indifferent city. Yu Rui was a little touched, but she knew she couldn't cry.
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