The show Geology Tales had been running for many seasons, maintaining its popularity thanks to the local government's support and the high quality of its production.
With Song's warning in mind, Zoe prepared herself for a potential "sneak attack" by the production crew the next morning. She wasn't afraid of being caught without makeup, but the lighting had to be right. Zoe knew how easily bad lighting could make someone look less flattering—many "shocking celebrity bare-faced photos" that circulated online were often just the result of poor lighting, not unattractive faces. She tested different lighting setups in her hotel room: the bedside lamp on, the overhead light on, or the room's lights all together. After experimenting and checking herself on her phone's camera, she settled on the lighting that made her look best, then decided to sleep with the light on.
Zoe didn't usually have trouble sleeping with the light on—though, in this case, it wasn't just for comfort. It was a bit of strategy. When the crew came in, they'd capture not a dark room, but one softly lit and inviting, with Zoe looking naturally serene as if deep in a peaceful sleep. It was a subtle trick; when a person is sleeping, they're at their most harmless, and that vulnerability made them easier to like.
Zoe knew her biggest advantage right now was her face, and with no effort, she could look beautiful just by doing nothing. But to her surprise, the next morning, instead of the crew arriving to "catch" her, she received a message informing her that filming was delayed.
"Looks like one of the guests can't film today. It's all been postponed," said Zhu Lan.
"Who?" Zoe asked.
"Not sure yet. I'm still trying to find out," Zhu Lan replied.
Zoe sat up on the bed, yawning. "If it's postponed, does that mean we'll reschedule?"
"Maybe. But we've already got work lined up for tomorrow afternoon. If filming gets pushed too far, we might not be able to stay longer. Everyone's got a packed schedule, you know."
Half an hour later, Zhu Lan got another call.
"It's true; filming's off. They're rescheduling." Zhu Lan hung up, looking slightly troubled. "It's not one of the guests—turns out the director's in the hospital."
"Zhao Qin?" Zoe was surprised. "What happened?"
"He had a heart attack, got rushed to the hospital."
Zoe was even more shocked. "A heart attack? But he's so young!"
Zhu Lan sighed. "This industry's brutal. Late nights, irregular eating—eventually, the body can't keep up."
With the director's emergency, the filming had to be called off. Zoe asked, "So what do we do now?"
"I'll change our flight. We'll head home early," Zhu Lan said.
"Should we visit Zhao Qin in the hospital?" Zoe suggested.
Zhu Lan raised an eyebrow. "Visit? Are you close?"
"Not really, but we're supposed to be filming together, right? We heard he's in the hospital—doesn't it seem like good manners to visit?" Zoe reasoned.
Zhu Lan shrugged. "We're not really close. I don't see the need. Besides, we've wasted a whole day now because of this. But if you really want to go, I won't stop you."
"What about Su Yan and the others?" Zoe asked.
Zhu Lan smirked. "Su Yan's already checking out. She's ready to leave."
"So soon?" Zoe was taken aback.
"Of course. As soon as they hear filming's canceled, they're out."
Zoe sighed. "If no one else is going, it'll look odd if I go alone. It might seem like I'm really close to Zhao Qin."
"Exactly. Everyone's busy with their own work. Visiting's a waste of time unless you're really close. Maybe the regulars might visit, but I haven't heard of anyone planning it."
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Song.
"I heard the director's in the hospital?"
Zoe raised an eyebrow. "You're well-informed. I only just found out."
"I have a PD friend in your show's crew. They told me. So, no filming for you guys?"
"Yeah. Everyone's leaving."
"Just like that?" Song replied.
"What else should we do? Filming's canceled. Why stay?"
"Wait, how about lunch? Let's eat together."
Zoe stared at the message. "Lunch? Are you crazy?" she thought. They'd just been caught on camera together, and now Song was inviting her out? If anyone saw, it could confirm rumors that they were dating. Zoe wasn't about to take that risk, especially since some of Song's die-hard fans were still targeting her on social media.
"If you come, I'll tell you the real reason the director's in the hospital." Song teased.
Zoe frowned, suspicious. "What's with the mystery? Didn't he have a heart attack?"
"That's just the official story. I can guarantee you the truth is far more interesting. It's worth a lunch."
Zoe was still unsure. "You want me to have lunch with you now? You're a top star, can you not make me your gossip bait? Too many eyes on you."
"That's exactly why we should be open about it. Let's just post a picture together on social media."
Zoe thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright, I'll consider it." She turned to Zhu Lan. "Let's push our departure to the afternoon."
Zhu Lan raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Zoe sighed. "You probably won't believe this."
"What?"
"Song invited me to lunch. He's in Hainan too."
Zhu Lan froze, clearly surprised.
Zoe smiled to herself, knowing exactly how Zhu Lan would react.
Zhu Lan crossed her arms, eyeing Zoe. "Tell me the truth, Zoe. Are you two secretly dating?"