The climate in Kyoto is dry, and the weather in the tenth month of the lunar calendar is slightly cool.
Wen Ruan, sensitive to the cold, spends most of her time nestled in the greenhouse in her backyard, tending to her flowers, reading, or seeking inspiration for her new work.
At times, she visits the hospital to keep company with Old Master Wen, discussing the latest policies in the news or any fresh events.
Old Master Wen's condition has stabilized considerably.
Her family tends to worry excessively about her, and Old Master Wen always insists that the hospital's air quality is poor, forbidding her from staying.
But Wen Ruan pays no mind. The next day, and the day after, she arrives at the hospital with a carefree air, carrying her favorite books and the latest issues of the newspaper.
Those around Old Master Wen are reluctant to stop her, fearing that they might accidentally bump into this delicate young lady.
In the end, Old Master Wen relents, instructing his attendants to turn on the air purifier and bring several pots of greenery into the ward.
One elderly, one young—half-sitting, half-lying on the bed reading the newspaper, while the other lounges comfortably on the sofa, absorbed in a novel.
This has been the most peaceful and comfortable time Wen Ruan has had since returning to Kyoto.
Her parents have been busy lately, and they occasionally mention her relationship with He Yan Ci. She gives them a few brief answers, brushing it off.
They've been out of touch for some time, their last conversation a late-night call that has now drifted into the past, more than half a month ago.
Has their understanding of each other become unspoken?
Wen Ruan feels lighthearted and free, never expecting she would actively seek out He Yan Ci for a task.
One morning, as she enjoys a stress-free breakfast alone, a call from Tang Suiyi interrupts her peace.
"Soft-soft baby! I've got great news! 'North-South Chronicles' is confirmed, and we're starting filming on Wednesday! Director Xu specifically told the boss to make sure the original author attends the opening ceremony!"
"Oh, the filming location is in Jicheng. I checked, and it's really close to your place. Just an hour away."
"I had a peek at the cast—totally solid, all powerhouse actors. The boss was so smart about the box office share decision; he's such a sly genius."
"Soft-soft, are you listening? Say something!"
"Yes, I'm listening." Wen Ruan, enjoying her breakfast in peace, with an egg tart in her mouth, asked vaguely, "Is there a red envelope for the opening ceremony? How big is it?"
"What?" Tang Suiyi was speechless, then burst out laughing. "Soft-soft, are you serious? I'm talking about millions in royalties, and you're asking about a red envelope? You already have the royalties, who cares about a red envelope? Turn on your video and let me see—has your head been flooded?"
Wen Ruan finished the last sip of milk, wiped her lips with a tissue, and said, "Who says I don't care? The royalties are expected, but the red envelope is a windfall. How can they be the same?"
Tang Suiyi had no retort. "...You win. You really do."
After a bit of idle chit-chat, Wen Ruan ended the call.
She settled into the hanging chair in the sunroom and began flipping through the script for "North-South Chronicles."
This was one of her early works, a military-themed novel. The details were not as refined as they could be, and many parts still needed further discussion and deepening.
Lately, she had been confined to Kyoto, where the air felt almost as suffocating as smog.
No inspiration for new works had come to her, and her thoughts seemed as rare as endangered species, on the verge of extinction.
It would be nice to go out for a walk, meet people, and perhaps receive a red envelope or two.
By the way, she hadn't visited a film set in months. She was a bit excited.
The most troublesome thing for Wen Ruan was that in Kyoto, she had no friends who could ease her parents' concerns.
When she suggested going out for a walk, she could already imagine the solemn expression on her mother's face.
Her mother would either refuse outright or arrange for a whole entourage to accompany her.
Drivers, bodyguards, and assistants would clear the way, making it a spectacle worthy of a celebrity—she'd be the center of attention, and who knows, might even trend as a 'new money' topic.
The film hadn't yet become a hit, but she, as the original author, might become the topic of gossip in the city. The director and investors would certainly tear her apart.
Wen Ruan, dreading the hassle of going out, wondered who she could turn to for an excuse.
After thinking it over, she thought of He Yan Ci.
He was in a meeting, his phone vibrating slightly.
He opened his phone to find a message from Wen Ruan.
[Mr. He, you mentioned that if I ever wanted to go out for a while, I could reach out to you. Is that still true?] A cute face jpg.
"That was a while ago," he thought, almost half a month.
[Miss Wen, how may I assist you?] he replied with a smile.
[Not so formal. Mr. He, are you free recently?] Starry-eyed gif.
[Are you asking me out?]
!
Ask him out?
Wen Ruan: [There's a small favor I need your help with.]
[How soon? I'll be away on business from Wednesday to Friday next week.] He Yan Ci checked his schedule.
Business trip from Wednesday? Even better! A perfect opportunity.
[Actually, you don't need to be available.] You just need to lend me your name.
He Yan Ci raised an eyebrow, noticing the sudden contact after so long. He knew it wasn't as simple as it seemed.
With a playful smile, he typed: [You want to borrow my name to do something secretive, don't you?]
"..." Was he always this perceptive? What was "secretive" anyway?
Wen Ruan replied seriously: [Ahem, last time you suggested I should interact more with different people, and not isolate myself. I've been thinking it over these days, and you were right.]
He Yan Ci gestured for the senior executives to continue their report, [Oh? I'm not so sure. Sounds more like you've got something planned, like a strategy?]
"..." Wen Ruan: [Mr. He, surely you must be the King of Qi Xuan, not some kind of Zhang Wu Yan or Xia Ying Chun. Don't sell yourself short.]
"..."
He Yan Ci chuckled.
She sure was quick-witted.
[Alright, what do you need me to do? Should I call Aunt Min? Or do you want me to pick you up?]
Wen Ruan rested her soft hand on her chin and replied: [No need for any trouble. My parents don't really let me go out alone. I just want to take a stroll around Kyoto—it won't take too much time.]
He Yan Ci instantly understood her request: [So you want to use my name to go out, right?]
Yes, yes, exactly.
Wen Ruan added, with a hint of playful sweetness: [Mr. He, you know I haven't lived in Kyoto for long, and I don't really have friends here. It's just so stifling at home, and I can't manage to go anywhere alone.]
[Alright, I can lend you my name, but remember to take care of yourself first. Understand?] Although her words were soft and charming, her fragile health required special care.
[My WeChat number is the same as this phone number. Add me, and I'll consider myself somewhat involved. Let me know if anything goes wrong.]
Wen Ruan didn't expect him to agree so easily. She had been preparing to say more to convince him.
After this meeting, it seemed that He Yan Ci had changed—he was gentler, more of a gentleman, and, strangely enough, easier to talk to.
She would leave it at that.
Wen Ruan lowered her eyes and replied: [Got it. Thank you, Mr. He. You're a good person.]
"..."
He Yan Ci was busy and didn't reply.