Xu Qingzhu got up and closed the window.
Raindrops gathered on the glass, gradually extending into fine, dense rain lines that meandered down.
I was wide awake.
I glanced at my watch; the hour hand had just passed "1".
With too many things piling up lately and a lot of psychological pressure, Xu Qingzhu often wakes up in the middle of the night.
However, after waking up tonight, she didn't start working as usual, but instead turned on her computer to look up information.
I researched astrophysics, cosmic civilizations, and basically a bunch of strange and unusual things.
After finishing her investigation, she slammed her laptop shut.
...
He's probably gone mad.
Xu Qingzhu tapped her head. "Believe in science."
— Extraterrestrials are also part of science.
So she started investigating again, and increasingly complex things came to light—black holes, wormholes, time travel.
There are plenty of scammers taking advantage of the situation.
Unable to find a clear answer, Xu Qingzhu searched for "[Why does someone suddenly change from before?]".
The answers below were also varied.
[Maybe it's just growing up; growing up happens in the blink of an eye.]
[Amnesia due to a car accident?]
[Dissociative identity disorder?]
Changes in the environment can lead to changes in thinking, and changes in thinking can in turn lead to changes in behavior.
[...]
Xu Qingzhu closed her laptop again.
There are many answers, but none of them are usable.
She must be crazy to look for answers on the internet.
Perhaps it was triggered by what happened tonight.
At that time, she was just a hair's breadth away from getting Liang Shi to tell her what he had to say.
Liang Shi's panic was genuine.
Xu Qingzhu closed her eyes and let out a soft breath.
Never mind, there's plenty of time in the future.
She didn't need to be too interested in these things, but everything related to Liang Shi appeared in her life every day.
She discovers new skills in Liang Shi every day.
This person was like a giant vortex, constantly drawing her closer.
If you're not careful, you'll get caught in the whirlpool.
Xu Qingzhu put the computer aside and forced herself to change her mindset.
//
Similarly, Liang Shi also did not sleep well all night.
Because of Xu Qingzhu's sudden teasing, she had a dream all night.
Although I knew it was a test, her touch was real, and her breath was real.
In that instant, she also smelled the scent of strawberry liqueur on Xu Qingzhu's body.
With a slight, intoxicating buzz, seemingly there yet not quite.
In dreams, desire and darkness intertwine.
She woke up early in the morning and changed into a new pair of underwear.
The next morning, the two ate breakfast in silence.
An eerie calm permeated the atmosphere.
Xu Qingzhu broke the silence first, calmly asking, "When are you going to audition?"
"This afternoon," Liang Shi said, finishing his warm water and turning to get a glass of water to wash it. "I asked my supervisor for leave."
"Then I wish you all the best," Xu Qingzhu said.
Liang Shi put the washed cup aside, smiled, and finally regained the feeling of being with her as usual. "I also wish you a successful new product launch."
"Definitely," Xu Qingzhu said firmly.
Today she wore a black turtleneck fitted top and black high-waisted wide-leg pants. Her hair was styled in an updo, which made her face look even more delicate and petite. When she smiled, even her eyes shone, radiating a confident smile.
Liang Shi was suddenly stunned.
This was the first time she had ever seen Xu Qingzhu so confident, as if the whole world was at her feet and she could get everything with ease.
Realizing his lapse in composure, Liang Shi turned away and coughed softly.
To cover his embarrassment, Liang Shi raised an eyebrow and asked, feigning sarcasm, "So sure?"
“Yes,” Xu Qingzhu said, “I have never been wrong in this regard.”
Liang Shi nodded slowly, intending to agree with what she said, but Xu Qingzhu asked, "You don't believe me?"
“How could that be?” Liang Shi immediately said, “How could I not believe Teacher Xu?”
Xu Qingzhu: "...?"
The fact that she was being given the same teacher title, which was being passed around like a football, really surprised Xu Qingzhu.
Xu Qingzhu chuckled softly, but she didn't want to suffer in silence. "Then let's believe Teacher Liang for now."
Liang Shi: "..."
This little incident passed quickly.
But Liang Shi felt that the "sarcasm" between the two of them regarding their forms of address might last a long time.
Just before leaving, Liang Shi suddenly remembered, "Will your new product launch be broadcast live?"
"Hmm," Xu Qingzhu said, "Two o'clock in the afternoon."
Liang Shi: "..."
Her expression cracked.
"What's wrong?" Xu Qingzhu asked.
"No." Liang Shi hesitated. "My audition is also at 2 PM. I was planning to watch your live stream."
Xu Qingzhu smiled and said, "Teacher Liang is so kind."
Liang Shi: "...?"
Before she could confirm whether Xu Qingzhu was being sarcastic, Xu Qingzhu quickly added, "I really mean it."
Liang Shi sighed helplessly, "Alright. But I'll try my best to make time to watch it. Good luck!"
Xu Qingzhu smiled, her expression both arrogant and unrestrained. "Teacher Liang, do you have some faith in me?"
“Okay.” Liang Shi was touched by her enthusiasm. “Teacher Xu is the best.”
"Well..." Xu Qingzhu changed into high heels and put on a well-tailored suit jacket, as if she were wearing a battle robe, but said with a smile, "I wish Teacher Liang success in getting the role and a speedy entry into the entertainment industry."
Liang Shi: "...Okay."
"By the way," Liang Shi suddenly said, "I think I'll be competing with Chen Liuying for this role again. Would you mind?"
Xu Qingzhu paused for a moment, then casually asked, "Why would I mind?"
“Last time, because of what happened to me, you and your friend…” Liang Shi didn’t finish his sentence, but his expression was awkward: “So I’m worried that you two will have another unpleasant argument because of this.”
"If I say I mind, will you not go?" Xu Qingzhu still asked in return.
Liang Shi thought for two seconds and answered firmly, "No."
Xu Qingzhu laughed, her tone casual, "Then it seems I'm not that important to Teacher Liang."
“No.” Liang Shi pursed his lips. “This has nothing to do with how important you are. In this industry, you can’t give up your role.”
Xu Qingzhu glanced at her watch; it was getting late. She stopped teasing Liang Shi and said seriously, "I understand, so feel free to do it. Let's compete fairly. If you back down because of me, then I'll just become a burden to you. Liang Shi, no matter what, I hope you can prioritize your own situation, especially at work."
“But your feelings are also important,” Liang Shi replied instinctively.
Xu Qingzhu paused in opening the car door, then casually and nonchalantly drawled out, "Hmm?"
"Never mind, never mind." Liang Shi panicked and immediately urged her to go to work. "It's nothing, you should hurry up, you're going to be late."
He then quickly got into the car.
Xu Qingzhu glanced back at her, but she didn't look back.
When Xu Qingzhu arrived at the company, her phone vibrated slightly as she waited for the elevator downstairs.
Liang Shi sent a message—
Acting is something I actually enjoy, so I can't give up. But if you really want me to avoid Chen Liuying, I will avoid her too. I don't want my presence to ruin your relationships, even if it makes me unhappy. So I'm happy that you let me be bold and do it.
A few seconds later, another one appeared—
[Teacher Xu, I forgot to mention, you look absolutely stunning today! Fearless as you are, you're bound to be invincible! Go for it! I'll definitely get a role to support you!]
Xu Qingzhu stared at the screen, confirming again and again that it was indeed sent by Liang Shi.
I was so moved by the emotions in her words that I couldn't help but laugh.
"Blanche, what's got you so happy so early in the morning?" Sally walked over with an iced Americano, leaning her head closer to look at her screen. Xu Qingzhu immediately turned off the screen and suppressed her smile. "Nothing."
"Oh?" Sally clearly didn't believe it. "Your mouth is practically stretched to the back of your ears."
Xu Qingzhu rolled her eyes at her. "What the hell? How ugly do I have to be?"