Chapter 49

In fact, the comments Sheng Qingli saw were already relatively restrained expressions from CP fans.

Some CP fans were even more exaggerated; they were more “lawless” and much more explicit.

To avoid seeing more things that she might not want to read, Sheng Qingli quickly finished reposting on Weibo and logged off.

About half an hour later, she learned that Pei Qingci had also reposted based on her share. Perhaps because of Pei Qingci’s previous actions, his fans weren’t surprised by this kind of behavior anymore and were even excitedly commenting and sharing.

Like robots.

The first day of filming went as smoothly as expected.

Director Wan Hongru was responsible for the scenes involving the leading characters, while another group filmed some snippets featuring supporting characters. The film would generally be divided into two groups for shooting.

This wasn’t Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s first collaboration; although their last project, “Swordplay,” didn’t have much romantic tension, their acting skills were evident, and they had a certain chemistry. Just a glance or even a subtle movement could convey their meanings to each other.

By the end of the first week of shooting, Director Wan was very satisfied.

He had also discussed with Wu Nuanshu, expressing his concerns that the two might become too immersed in their roles since he was aware of their ambiguous relationship. What he hadn’t anticipated was how their emotional expressions on camera while playing a couple would differ from those in private.

---

By the second week, the actors had become familiar with each other, and the scheduled scenes had gained a bit of complexity.

The script for “Love for a Long Time” tells the story of a naive and cheerful girl, Sang Xue, who, by chance, hears the story of Heng Yi and becomes extremely curious about him, leading to subsequent developments.

Sang Xue was not a local of Shanghai; her parents ran a breakfast shop in a small alley in the city, and she had grown up there, studying and living.

As a child, Sang Xue knew there was a large, beautiful garden villa not far from the breakfast shop, just around the corner of the alley. It was very different from the lively streets outside, resembling a castle she had seen on television, the kind where a princess would live.

Sang Xue was curious and often heard people mention how beautiful it was.

One day, by chance, Sang Xue and a few close friends discovered a hole in the castle’s wall big enough for children to pass through. They mischievously crawled through the hole and saw the much-talked-about castle with their own eyes.

The castle was indeed very large, but Sang Xue’s favorite part was the flowers in the castle’s courtyard and the swing entwined with blooming vines.

That day, they played in the garden for a long time.

By evening, they reluctantly left.

A week later, when Sang Xue and her friends wanted to sneak in again, they found that the hole had been blocked. They missed the opportunity to play there.

Gradually, Sang Xue buried this memory deep in her heart. Until one day, when she returned to the shop after school, she overheard a customer mentioning that someone had moved into the garden villa at the end of their alley, with several cars coming in and out during the day, moving a lot of things.

Those people seem mysterious and not very approachable.

With the sudden arrival of a new owner at the castle, Sang Xue became even more curious.

She wanted to know what kind of person lived in such a house. Was it a family of three? A newlywed couple? Or perhaps a large family?

If only a few people lived in such a big castle, it would be quite lonely.

As she grew older, Sang Xue transformed from a little girl into a lovely young woman.

Her curiosity about the castle deepened instead of fading; she wanted to see it again and find out who lived inside.

In high school, Sang Xue heard guests mention that a boy about her age lived in the castle, and he was very handsome, more beautiful than anyone she had ever seen.

While chatting, the guests praised him excessively, prompting Sang Xue to imagine what the boy living in the castle looked like.

Her curiosity grew stronger.

One day, Sang Xue made plans with a friend to go see the boy who lived in the castle.

After dinner, the two of them went “wandering” near the castle. The castle’s gate was locked, and from their height, they couldn’t see inside.

Just when they were about to give up, Sang Xue suddenly noticed a ladder beside the wall behind the castle.

The height of the ladder was just right to reach the top of the wall.

Naturally, with her strong curiosity and love for adventure, Sang Xue discussed with her friend about climbing the ladder to take a look.

At that moment, they just wanted to see what the courtyard, which they had once sneaked into, looked like now, hoping it was still as beautiful as before. Her friend suggested that Sang Xue go first while she held the ladder.

Sang Xue nodded.

The evening glow that day was quite beautiful.

The sunset painted the sky red as Sang Xue nervously climbed the ladder. When she reached the top, she suddenly froze. She saw a person sitting in the courtyard, a boy turned sideways to her, dressed in all black. His facial features were sharp, and he wore a pair of thin-framed glasses, holding a book.

He was so focused on reading that the sunset enveloped him, making him look exceptionally beautiful.

In that moment, Sang Xue felt as if she were gazing at a prince from another planet.

He was truly handsome.

Sensing something, the boy in the courtyard looked up at her.

Sang Xue, caught off guard, accidentally fell into the courtyard.

This action attracted the attention of the butler and bodyguards in the courtyard.

Sang Xue wasn’t injured; she only had a minor scrape.

After that incident, her parents became stricter than before. Because her academic performance wasn’t very good, they decided to hire a tutor to keep her from wandering around and to help her improve her grades, taking up all her free time on weekends, leaving her no chance to go out and play.

Sang Xue could no longer go near that house.

She also heard from her friend that the ladder had been removed, supposedly left behind by maintenance workers.

For this reason, Sang Xue felt both regretful and fortunate. She regretted not being able to climb the wall again but was glad she had seen the prince from the book. He was truly beautiful and handsome.

It was on that evening that a seed sprouted in Sang Xue’s heart.

During her high school years, Sang Xue worked hard and gradually forgot about the castle and the boy inside, achieving grades that satisfied her parents.

Her parents had promised her that as long as she got into university, they would grant her three wishes.

After the college entrance examination, Sang Xue slept for two days at home before going out to play with her friends.

Her first wish was to go on a graduation trip to the beach with her classmates.

After returning from the trip, the results of the entrance exam were released.

Sang Xue did quite well, more than enough to get into her dream university.

After filling out her application, she suddenly didn’t know what to do next. The breakfast shop didn’t need her help, and she couldn’t assist. Her classmates and friends were either traveling abroad or working summer jobs.

After discussing with her parents, she decided to find a summer job to gain some experience.

On her first day looking for a summer job, Sang Xue faced setbacks.

The second day was the same.

…

Just as she was about to give up, she got a part-time job at a 24-hour convenience store at the end of the alley.

It was one night while she was working part-time that she thought of the boy from the castle who had dazzled her at first sight.

Sang Xue received an order for delivery; the address was only a hundred meters away from the convenience store. The delivery person mumbled, “This person is really strange, ordering for just a hundred meters.”

It wasn’t even something private.

That day was Sang Xue’s first night shift.

Hearing this, she took a closer look at the address, faintly feeling that it was familiar.

It wasn’t until the delivery person left with the things she had prepared that she realized the address seemed to be the castle—6 Chunshan Road—that she had once been curious about and longed for, and had even fallen into.

That night, the little spark that had been extinguished in her heart rekindled.

In the following week, she continued to receive orders from the people in the castle, every day the same—ice water and ice cubes.

Sang Xue found it strange.

Who needed so many ice cubes and ice water at night? Didn’t they have a refrigerator that could chill and freeze? Or was it broken?

If it were broken, it wouldn’t be broken for so long.

Besides, didn’t he have bodyguards and a 24-hour butler?

On this day, Sang Xue was taking a break.

She couldn’t resist sneaking out to stroll around near No. 6 Chunshan Road. She circled the wall, hoping a maintenance worker would leave a ladder so she could climb in and see that beautiful boy again.

Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed.

However, Sang Xue did not feel discouraged. She had a long summer vacation ahead, and she planned to come here every day. She refused to believe that her luck was truly that bad.

In fact, Sang Xue wanted to see the boy again to confirm something.

She vaguely remembered that the last time she fell into the yard, the boy remained seated in his chair and did not get up. She wanted to know if his leg was injured and if it had healed after more than two years.

Her chance came when someone at No. 6 Chunshan Road placed an order again.

The delivery person came as usual to pick up the order, and Sang Xue had become familiar with him. Just as he was about to step out of the convenience store, she impulsively called out to him, “Let me help you deliver it.”

The delivery guy was taken aback, “You want to go?”

Sang Xue nodded. “Aren’t you still hungry? You can eat here while I deliver it and come back.”

There were two people on duty at the convenience store, so Sang Xue leaving for a while wouldn’t be a big deal.

The delivery guy hesitated for a few seconds and then agreed, “Alright, just leave it at the door.”

Sang Xue was stunned. “At the door?”

He nodded. “Yeah, isn’t it strange? He won’t let anyone in; he just wants it left at the door.”

“…”

It was indeed very strange.

Sang Xue thought to herself as she carried the ice and cold water to the entrance of the garden villa, set it down, and then rang the doorbell.

After placing it down, Sang Xue didn’t leave immediately. She knew it was inappropriate, but her curiosity got the better of her.

She waited not far away, and after a while, the gate opened. Under the bright moonlight, she saw the boy in a wheelchair come out, leaning to the side as he picked up the bag of ice water and ice cubes, placing it on his lap.

Sang Xue was completely stunned.

Suddenly, the person in the wheelchair looked over at her, and their eyes met.

For a few seconds, when the boy furrowed his brow and seemed ready to return, Sang Xue hurried over, “Um…”

She rushed in front of him, enthusiastic and proactive, “Do you remember me? I’m Sang Xue, the girl who fell over the wall more than two years ago.”

The boy’s expression remained gloomy, showing no change.

Standing before him, Sang Xue felt nervous. She unconsciously bit her lip and softly said, “I didn’t mean anything bad; I just wanted to… I just wanted to know if your leg is better…”

Once the words were out, the boy’s expression changed.

But he had learned to control his emotions from a young age. Over the years, even after the sudden turn of events that left him unable to walk, he had only shown a noticeable emotional breakdown when he first learned of this fact.

He wouldn’t blame others, especially not a little girl.

After a moment of silence, Heng Yi clenched his fist and said solemnly, “Thank you for your concern.”

“…Oh,” Sang Xue exclaimed, her smile radiant, “You actually answered me! I thought you wouldn’t even acknowledge me.”

Heng Yi fell silent again.

Sang Xue felt a bit awkward and touched her nose. “I’m sorry, it seems I said the wrong thing again.”

She bent down to apologize, “I didn’t mean anything bad; I’m just working part-time at the convenience store. I noticed you’ve been ordering ice and ice water for several nights in a row, so I was worried and wanted to check on you.”

Saying this, she turned chatty and asked, “Are you alright?”

Heng Yi looked at her bright smile, momentarily distracted.

After a long while, his thin lips moved, and he replied, “I’m fine.”

“That’s good.” Sang Xue said, “If you’re alright, then I’ll be leaving.”

She waved goodbye and, unable to resist, complimented him one last time, “You’re really beautiful, even prettier than the people on TV.”

The girl ran away.

Heng Yi held the large bag of ice water and ice cubes that relieved his pain, watching her ponytails sway as she skipped away. In the night, her shadow stretched, her bobbing ponytails like small stones tossed into a calm lake, causing gentle ripples on the surface.

…

That night, Sheng Qingli was to play the role of Sang Xue at eighteen.

Initially, after receiving the script and confirming her acceptance of the role, Sheng Qingli had discussed with Wu Nuanshu and Wan Hongru whether it was suitable for someone her age to portray Sang Xue during her teenage years.

Originally, Wu Nuanshu and Wan Hongru also intended to find a new actress, ideally someone closer in age for the role.

However, after searching, they couldn’t find anyone particularly satisfactory.

In the end, Wan Hongru and Wu Nuanshu decided to have the makeup artist give Sheng Qingli an eighteen-year-old look first. If the makeup suited her and looked completely fitting, they would have Sheng Qingli play the role of Sang Xue during her high school years.

In fact, in the entertainment industry, Sheng Qingli’s twenties were not considered old.

She had always maintained her looks well, with fair and radiant skin, and no wrinkles at the corners of her eyes.

Once the makeup artist finished, the director, producer, and screenwriter all agreed that Sheng Qingli could portray the eighteen-year-old Sang Xue.

When she emerged with her makeup done and dressed, she looked as pure and bright as she had when she played Bian Yue in her early twenties.

Sitting in the makeup room, Sheng Qingli let out a breath.

The makeup artist, noticing her nervousness, couldn’t help but laugh, “You’ve done makeup before; do you trust me?”

Sheng Qingli: “I believe in you.”

She was a bit unsure of herself.

While the two were communicating, Pei Qingci arrived.

He had already finished his makeup and changed into his costume.

The two exchanged a glance in front of the camera.

Pei Qingci smiled and, covering his mouth with his hand, asked, “Are you nervous, Ms. Sheng?”

Before Sheng Qingli could respond, the makeup artist said, “She really is a bit.”

“Believe in yourself,” Pei Qingci said softly. “Once you’re done with your makeup, we can practice our scenes together.”

Sheng Qingli gave a gentle “mm.”

Half an hour later, Sheng Qingli’s makeup was finished.

Knowing the two were going to rehearse, the makeup artist tactfully left.

After the person left, Sheng Qingli looked at the person beside her and whispered, “Didn’t we rehearse just last night?”

After the official filming began, the number of times they rehearsed at the hotel increased.

This was entirely thanks to what Director Wan Hongru said on the first day of filming. He addressed all the actors and staff, saying everyone should rehearse more at the hotel after returning. He had high demands for their performances and hoped that the cooperating actors could go over their lines with their co-stars the night before filming to find the right feelings and not delay the progress.

Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci were especially mentioned by Director Wan.

Because of this, Pei Qingci frequently entered Sheng Qingli’s room openly and without hesitation.

Occasionally, when they ran into other actors, the two could calmly greet each other.

“…”

Hearing Sheng Qingli’s words, Pei Qingci raised his eyebrows slightly. “Does this mean, Ms. Sheng, that since we rehearsed last night, you don’t want to rehearse with me tonight?”

Sheng Qingli glanced at him; her meaning was clear.

They were still on set, and it was best for Pei Qingci to be a little more restrained.

Pei Qingci smiled and lightly pinched her ear, saying, “I just came over to talk to you.”

Sheng Qingli replied with an “oh,” taking her time to ask, “About what?”

“Are you very nervous?” Pei Qingci asked.

Sheng Qingli replied, “A little bit. Sang Xue is too lively and full of life at the beginning; I’m worried I won’t perform well.”

Pei Qingci understood and lowered his gaze to look at her. “Should we go over it one more time?”

Sheng Qingli thought for a moment. “Sure, I’ll find my feelings first.”

The two earnestly rehearsed two more scenes.

Just after finishing, Director Wan called for them.

The movie was filmed in winter but set in summer, so both Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci weren’t wearing much. Pei Qingci was fine, as his character Heng Yi was always wrapped up tightly, but Sheng Qingli had it harder.

Taking off her outer coat, her costume revealed a short-sleeved top with a lettuce collar and sexy denim shorts.

A gust of cold wind blew, and Sheng Qingli couldn’t help but shiver.

Before she could gather herself, Director Wan spoke up, “Are you okay?”

Sheng Qingli exhaled and replied softly, “I’m okay, Director Wan.”

Wan Hongru nodded, looking at her and reminding, “Tonight’s scene is crucial in the movie. Your meeting with Heng Yi is what deepens his impression of you.”

After discussing the scene with Sheng Qingli for a while, Wan Hongru officially started filming.

This scene appeared easy, but expressing the emotions was quite challenging.

The feelings needed to be conveyed accurately; the girl’s innocence, youth, and vitality had to be layered and progressive.

…

The lights and moonlight illuminated the scene.

Filming such a scene in weather with only two or three degrees posed a significant test for the actors.

As expected, Sheng Qingli struggled with this scene multiple times.

Wan Hongru felt her emotions were lacking; she hadn’t portrayed Sang Xue’s youthful essence.

The progress stagnated.

Sheng Qingli felt a bit troubled.

The cold weather was tough for the crew as well.

After a while, Wan Hongru turned his head, “Let’s film Qingci’s scenes first, Qingli, you can continue finding your feelings.”

Sheng Qingli nodded.

Putting on a down jacket, Sheng Qingli took the ginger tea that Tong Tong handed her.

“Drink a bit, Sister Li Li, don’t catch a cold.”

Sheng Qingli replied with a soft “mm” and casually found a chair to sit down. “Give me the script.”

She needed to continue searching for her feelings.

After finishing the ginger tea, Sheng Qingli went through the script again.

After Wan Hongru finished filming Pei Qingci’s scenes at the villa, they continued filming hers.

After much grinding.

On the eleventh attempt, Sheng Qingli finally passed this scene.

Wan Hongru satisfiedly raised his head from the monitor, praising her, “Not bad.”

Sheng Qingli sighed in relief, “Director Wan, let me see.”

Wan Hongru knew her habit and stepped aside to give her space.

After watching, Sheng Qingli felt genuinely reassured.

After finishing the shoot, it was already three in the morning.

There weren’t many people on the street, and at night, it was just Sheng Qingli and Pei Qingci’s scenes.

The two returned to the hotel one after the other.

When they reached the door, Pei Qingci glanced at her. “You should wash up first.”

Sheng Qingli replied, “Ah?”

“Are you going to come over later?” Pei Qingci asked quietly.

Sheng Qingli checked the time, “Isn’t it a bit late?”

Hearing this, Pei Qingci teased her deliberately, “It’s just right at this hour.”

“…”

Sheng Qingli felt a bit embarrassed, “I take a long time in the shower.”

“I know,” Pei Qingci murmured. “Remember to take a bath.”

Sheng Qingli had been freezing all night.

Sheng Qingli replied with an “mm,” opened the door, and said, “Then I’m going in.”

Pei Qingci nodded.

An hour later, the doorbell rang.

When the door opened, Pei Qingci walked in and immediately raised his hand to touch Sheng Qingli’s forehead. “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

Sheng Qingli was in a daze, knowing that he was worried about her.

She gently shook her head, “Not for now.”

It was cold during the shoot, but it was much better after taking a shower.

The room was quiet late at night.

After confirming that Sheng Qingli was fine, Pei Qingci let out a sigh of relief.

They exchanged silent glances for a moment; Pei Qingci lowered her lashes, quietly looking at her, and spoke softly, “Tomorrow is a holiday. Do you want to go out for a walk?”

Sheng Qingli raised her face, “Where to?”

Pei Qingci intertwined their fingers, bent down, kissed her lips, and said in a husky voice, “Let’s go on a date.”