One week later, the script reading was completed.
The script in Lu Cheng's hands was rolled up like a horn as he exclaimed, "Everyone has worked hard, let's meet for the shoot!"
The cast and crew responded enthusiastically with smiles, "Okay!"
With just a week until filming, the cast and crew took a break, leaving their rooms untouched.
The sound of the door swipe card echoed, and Zhong Shao suddenly turned around, calling out to Yu Cheng. "What do you usually do on your days off?"
Tan Ye listened from behind the door like a lizard.
"Watching movies and scripts at home, or going on trips."
Zhong Shao seized the opportunity, "How about going on a trip together to relax?"
Yu Cheng hesitated for a moment and asked, "Overseas?"
For celebrities with some popularity, travelling abroad was the preferred choice, reducing the chances of being recognised and allowing for genuine relaxation.
Zhong Shao, noncommittal, inquired, "Do you have a visa?"
"Yes."
Tan Ye gripped his thigh tightly to prevent himself from shouting.
Zhong Shao must be crazy. This person who was both aloof and cold was actually inviting someone to travel together? Even his agent and friend of over a decade didn't receive such treatment.
He was pushed by the door, clutching his chest and unable to hide the pain in his expression, and said, "Shao, by doing this, doesn't your conscience ache? What about the promise not to develop feelings during the filming?"
"The filming hasn't even started yet," Zhong Shao glanced at Tan Ye and calmly stated the fact, "We just get along well."
Tan Ye: "..." I don't believe a word you say.
On a whim, the next afternoon, the two found themselves sitting in the airport lounge. Coincidentally, Zhong Shao was wearing a white hoodie while Yu Cheng was in black, both donning black baseball caps and masks.
Sitting side by side, they didn't talk much. Yu Cheng read a book while Zhong Shao flipped through a magazine, and apart from the airport security staff, no one recognised them.
As the plane left the runway and soared smoothly, the two each ordered a soda water. Zhong Shao, seizing the moment the flight attendant stood up, locked eyes with Yu Cheng, "Do you like England?"
Yu Cheng understood the implication - Zhong Shao was referring to their agreement to travel to England together.
"I've always wanted to see England in July."
After sipping his soda water, Zhong Shao didn't comment on Yu Cheng's words. He also wanted to see England in July.
After a ten and a half hour flight, the plane landed smoothly at London Heathrow Airport. Boarding the shuttle bus, the buildings and streets outside passed by leisurely, triggering some memories unknowingly.
July in London, not bustling but warm, like Burberry, the elegance and charm of England that others couldn't imitate.
As they neared the city centre, the allure of the rainbow became more immersive, reflecting the passion and freedom that this city possessed. The most striking was the sentence on the Barclays Bank billboard:
"We've come a long way. We have a long way to go."
Yu Cheng couldn't help but recall a saying, "When two people in love are separated by law, the law should be amended."
The sun was not yet setting, the hotel was right next to the Thames River. After dropping off their luggage, the two walked along the banks of the Thames. The comfortable temperature felt like the gentle touch of spring willows. The still-under-renovation Big Ben, the revolving London Eye in the sky, and the Tower of London lit up Greenwich on Earth. People were bustling, picnicking, and walking their dogs on the grass. Rainbow flags fluttered everywhere, and the sky was painted in shades of blue and pink. The river shimmered, embodying the unique British style.
Yu Cheng gazed across the Thames at Windsor Castle, saying, "If I grow old, I'll settle here."
Zhong Shao followed Yu Cheng's gaze, smiling, "Then we'll be neighbours by then." Yu Cheng leaned against a brick, suddenly remembered a poem, and recited, "If you're tired of London, you're tired of life."
Zhong Shao nodded, "Samuel Johnson."
The two locked eyes and chuckled again.
Zhong Shao was more familiar with London than Yu Cheng.
As the sun was about to set, Zhong Shao acted as a guide, taking Yu Cheng to experience the London Underground and the London night. The century-old subway lines, like a maze, did not hinder the display of British charm.
As the "proud month," the subway was filled with colourful hues. On the platform's signboard, was written a plain yet romantically freeing statement:
"There is London, you can be what you want to be, you can love whoever you love."
Two men strolled through the nighttime market, each holding British cuisine in hand, indulging in sweet pastries, and sipping unexpectedly delicious yet affordable drinks. They marvelled at the handcrafted items, displaying a rare hint of curiosity, only to serendipitously encounter a Chinese student who started up in the market. In hushed tones, they exchanged knowing glances.
Carrying paper bags, they made their way back to the hotel, where Yu Cheng suddenly chuckled and remarked, "Looks like we'll have to spend two hours in the hotel gym tonight."
Zhong Shao raised an eyebrow, replying, "More frightening than working out is the thought of Lu Cheng finding out what we ate tonight."
The slightly sweet drink had a potent kick, as they passed by the Thames River, both enjoying a slight buzz. Yu Cheng placed the paper bag on a bench, gazing at the Ferris wheel crossing the night skyline. He then gestured to Zhong Shao invitingly, proposing their version of 'Midnight in Paris' - 'Midnight in London.'
Yu Cheng's youthful smile shimmered brightly in the night. The pure smile of the young man overlapped with Zhong Shao's memory, reminiscent of their first encounter two years ago.
As if guided by fate, Zhong Shao held Yu Cheng's hand, dancing along the Thames River under the starlit sky. During their dance, Zhong Shao suddenly asked, "Yu Cheng, why did you call me 'laoshi' when we first met?"
Yu Cheng paused, locking eyes with Zhong Shao, "That 'laoshir' was how highly I regarded you."
"Really?"
"Indeed," Yu Cheng nodded, followed by a hiccup.
With the relaxation brought by alcohol, Yu Cheng turned to Zhong Shao, "Shao, you've always been keen on social issues, especially marginalised groups. Is it because you belong to one of them?"
Zhong Shao raised an eyebrow, sensing a genuine inquiry from Yu Cheng.
"Is it true?" Yu Cheng repeated, his earnest expression unexpectedly endearing. "Not entirely," Zhong Shao replied, "Shifting attention to those who need it, influencing those who can be influenced, perhaps that's the only thing I, as a somewhat renowned actor, can do." The notion of redirecting attention and influence struck a chord with Yu Cheng, only to be swept away by Zhong Shao into a shared dance.
That night, they stopped at courtesy, yet came closer.
Based on the adults' tacit understanding, no one mentioned it the next day.
This was the annual Pride in London event, also known as the LGBTQI+ Pride Parade. Originating in 1972, the London Pride Parade has a 51-year history. It is one of the largest and most attractive events in London each year, with a central theme for every parade.
This year's theme is "All Our Pride." Only in London, approximately 1.5 million individuals from minority groups and the general public participate in the parade each year, starting from Hyde Park, passing through London's major squares and streets, and ending at the iconic Oxford Street.
Wearing T-shirts adorned with rainbow flags, their shirttails tucked into straight-leg jeans, the two of them casually ran their fingers through their hair without styling gel, with straight hair hanging lifelessly on their heads. They simply put on colourful feather masks and blended into the parade procession.
In a foreign land, among unfamiliar public identities, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng surged through the crowd, passing by the fragrant lilies, jumping through queer in high heels, the flag-waving cheers, cheering and encouraging others, exuding bravery and freedom.
They confidently displayed their true selves in front of everyone.
He and he were no exception.
As they followed the performers at the front, a rainbow shower fell from the sky, with flags fluttering or twirling in the wind. Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng also reached out to catch a few, each rainbow flag bearing the words "All Our Pride."
We are normal people, we are gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, queer, and all other non-heterosexual identities. We should all be proud. Here, diversity is something worth celebrating publicly because you finally know "who you are."
In the parade, amidst numerous cheers, there are also silent appeals being made. Yu Cheng raised his phone to capture a scene: a girl in the crowd holding up a sign, expressing her thoughts in Chinese and English on the white placard: "No homo in China." An incomprehensible and inexplicable emotion grows wildly along the vines. In the land he deeply loves, where the minority accounts for 5% of the total population, as the legalization of same-sex marriage takes root and blossoms worldwide, more conservative values and restricted spaces for activities thrive there, becoming unspoken taboos under the metaphor.
As the parade reached Tralfagar Square, a stage was set up between two flower-shaped fountains, adorned with the words "Pride's got talent" and "All our pride" hanging high above. The crowd below the stage danced and waved hands, while actors and singers of different genders, races, and sexual orientations performed on stage, blending everyone together in pride. The rapper on stage passionately recited his lyrics, and in the final verse, he leapt up, raised his index finger towards the clear sky, and every cell in his body shouted, "It's time to kiss!"
The atmosphere reached its peak when Zhong Shao turned his head and kissed Yu Cheng, both of their hands hanging by their sides, each holding a rainbow flag. It was just a light kiss, tender, gentle, and yet so lingering.
"I apologise," Zhong Shao rarely found himself in an awkward situation. He was not someone who would normally act in such a manner, but the urge to kiss Yu Cheng was so strong that he couldn't resist.
And so, he did.
Yu Cheng, however, displayed a gracious demeanour and simply said, "No worries."
Amid cheers and under the bright sun, the parade came to an end.
After a simple meal, the two individuals returned to their rooms, exchanging little words.
A single kiss, nestled between caring and indifference, left Zhong Shao pacing in his room, feeling out of sorts throughout his entire being.