That afternoon, Zhou Zizhi attended a charity event. Her period arrived unexpectedly, leaving her in poor condition.
Jian Yu handed her a thermos. "Zizhi-jie, should we leave early?"
Zhou Zizhi sipped the hot water. "And tomorrow, you'll see a headline: 'Actress Throws Diva Tantrum at Public Event.'"
Jian Yu's lips twitched. She could already imagine the gossip reporters staying up all night to dig for dirt. If that headline went out, countless people would be dragged into the mess.
Rubbing her temples, Zhou Zizhi left the lounge and faced the cameras with a smile.
Being a public figure was exhausting. Applause and attention came in abundance, but so did high expectations. It was nearly impossible to maintain perfection, but she did her best.
After the event, Zhou Zizhi was invited to dinner with several actors, including the award-winning actress Fang Yi.
Zhou Zizhi suddenly thought of something and pulled out a notebook from her bag. "Fang-jie, I have a close friend who loves you, especially your performance in Rain on Wutong Mountain. Could you sign something for her?"
"Of course! Come a bit closer, Zizhi."
Fang Yi was warm and approachable. Not only did she sign her name and add a blessing, but she also wrote the leading lady's most iconic line from the series:
"To meet and to part, all decided in a single thought."
Zhou Zizhi put the notebook away. "Thank you, Fang-jie. Jo Nan will probably go crazy with joy."
"It's nothing."
Fang Yi, now in her early fifties, was the most senior among them in terms of both experience and achievement.
She was one of the few actresses in the film industry to achieve late success. After playing supporting roles for over three decades, she won Best Actress for her first leading role and became a millionaire almost overnight.
Her story was inspirational—a perfect example of how success comes to those who are fully prepared when opportunity strikes.
"Zizhi, are you really not going to have a sip?" Fang Yi held a bottle of red wine.
"My stomach isn't feeling great," Zhou Zizhi replied with a smile.
Fang Yi didn't insist. She sipped her wine and remarked, "This winter feels colder than last year's. Drink more hot soup to keep warm."
The group chatted casually about odd and amusing anecdotes. Without the watchful eyes of cameras, they could relax and speak freely.
"Zizhi, when are you coming on my show?"
The question came from Shi Lan, the host of Straight Talk. Known for her humorous yet sharp style, she held nothing back in her interviews.
Zhou Zizhi swallowed a bite of lettuce. "I'll definitely come when I get the chance."
"Everyone heard that, right?" Shi Lan grinned, her dimples showing. "I'll be waiting for you."
Shi Lan rarely found female celebrities interesting, but Zhou Zizhi was an exception. At the height of her fame, she disappeared from the screen, only to return years later in low-key fashion. There had to be a story there.
Fang Yi took a call, her eyes occasionally drifting toward Zhou Zizhi with subtle curiosity.
Not long after, Sun Liang arrived with He Yueming in tow. Removing his sunglasses, He greeted everyone with a poised and courteous demeanor.
He Yueming's presence elevated the atmosphere. Despite publicly acknowledging his relationship, his striking looks still had a magnetic effect.
Zhou Zizhi frowned slightly but remained seated.
When the waiter added two sets of cutlery, Sun Liang rubbed his hands. "It's freezing outside."
His opening comment was so grounded that the group continued discussing the weather, covering last year's, this year's, and even next year's forecasts.
He Yueming silently downed a glass of red wine in one go. Then, he stood and rearranged four dishes on the table.
Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
While the action wasn't exactly rude, it was odd enough to draw attention.
Most of them had interacted with He Yueming before and knew him to be polished and meticulous. His behavior today was out of character.
Zhou Zizhi's gaze turned cold. She had a sensitive stomach and couldn't eat spicy food. The two dishes placed before her were the only non-spicy ones on the table.
Was he doing this for her to see?
He Yueming's lips pressed into a thin line, and there was an almost shy look in his eyes. "Apologies for the disruption."
His words broke the tension, and the lively mood returned.
Zhou Zizhi lowered her gaze. Perhaps it was the lettuce or the tea, but her stomach began to ache.
After the meal, Fang Yi lingered. She looked at He Yueming and Zhou Zizhi. "I heard from Director Sun that his new film has you two as the leads. How's that coming along? Have you started shooting?"
"Not yet," Sun Liang coughed. "Since Fang-jie is here, how about they try a scene for us?"
Fang Yi's expression turned to surprise. "You haven't done a screen test yet?" With a curious smile, she added, "Then I'll have something exciting to watch today."
The atmosphere grew awkward as neither party spoke.
Fang Yi intended to help. She had read the script and thought it was excellent—a great opportunity for both actors, especially Zhou Zizhi, who might win an award. It would be a shame to miss out.
After a long pause, Zhou Zizhi finally said, "Sure."
He Yueming pulled his hands from his pockets, revealing faint red marks on his palms.
Sun Liang produced a script as if by magic. "Here's a short segment."
Moments later, Zhou Zizhi lifted her gaze, meeting He Yueming's eyes. The air between them was charged.
He Yueming's jaw tightened. "I had no choice."
Zhou Zizhi's tone dripped with sarcasm. "Really?"
Sun Liang and Fang Yi exchanged glances, astonished by how quickly the two actors got into character despite never having worked together before.
He Yueming's Adam's apple bobbed as he stared intently at Zhou Zizhi. "I love you. That hasn't changed."
Zhou Zizhi's breathing grew heavier, audible now.
"Your love means betrayal and abandonment?"
He Yueming's body stiffened, his expression filled with torment. "I had no other choice back then."
Sun Liang checked the script. The next part involved a slap—a common scene requiring coordination and technique, which veteran actors usually handled without issue.
He wasn't prepared for what happened next.
He Yueming didn't dodge. Standing firm, he took the slap head-on.
The loud smack made Sun Liang flinch. He immediately looked at He Yueming, who showed no sign of displeasure.
Still in character, Sun Liang thought.
By now, Sun Liang felt even more regret. These two would have been incredible together on screen.
He Yueming's temple throbbed as he said, "I regret it now."
"If I told you everything," he looked at Zhou Zizhi, almost pleading, "could we go back to how things were?"
Zhou Zizhi's response was swift and cutting. "Impossible."
Fang Yi couldn't help but admire their delivery. The depth of their performances and grasp of the characters was remarkable.
He Yueming slowly knelt before Zhou Zizhi, gripping her legs as his voice broke. He seemed on the verge of tears.
"I can't live without you."
Zhou Zizhi looked down at him, her gaze icy. "Then why don't you just die?"
Even after the scene ended and the other actors left, He Yueming remained kneeling, his limbs numb.