It would be deliberate to try to persuade him to stay any longer. After Zhao Xiyin left, Lao Cheng finally said something to Zhou Qishen: "Boss Zhou, you are a man who is afraid of his wife."
When Zhao Xiyin returned, Cen Yue could tell that she was in a bad mood. She wouldn't say anything when asked, barely ate any Japanese food, and seemed listless, as if she were sick. When she left, Zhao Xiyin was quite apologetic: "I'm sorry, I didn't have a proper meal with you today. Come to my house next time, my dad's cooking is amazing."
Cen Yue was quite worried about her. "I enjoyed my meal. Are you alright? You don't look too well."
Zhao Xiyin rubbed her stomach. "I ate a bit of a variety of things, and my stomach isn't feeling too comfortable."
After seeing Cen Yue off, Zhao Xiyin took a taxi to Yuetan West Street.
When Zhao Xiyin arrived, Ji Furong was still seeing patients. The clean and tidy consultation room was brightly lit by incandescent bulbs. A young mother was holding her feverish baby, and Ji Furong was examining the tongue. Zhao Xiyin didn't disturb her. She sat down on the sofa next to her, leaned back slightly, and stared intently at the white wall.
Ten minutes later, Ji Furong patted her shoulder, "Asleep?"
Zhao Xiyin opened her eyes and gave a forced smile. "Aunt Ji, are you done with your work?"
Ji Furong is petite, and the white medical coat makes her look gentle. Her short, layered hair is tucked behind her ears, making her look no more than forty years old.
She touched Zhao Xiyin's forehead with the back of her hand. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Zhao Xiyin hummed in agreement, gently covering her lower abdomen with both hands. "My stomach hurts again."
Ji Furong wasn't careless and helped her up. "How long have you been in pain? How does it hurt? Go inside and lie down, I'll take a look at you."
After a careful inspection, Ji Furong was relieved, but she still couldn't help but scold: "You ran too fast. How many times have I told you that you are not allowed to do strenuous exercise for the next three years?"
Zhao Xiyin obediently replied, "I understand." After a pause, she cautiously asked, "Haven't it been three years already?"
"Don't quibble with me, you need to understand what I mean. I'll prescribe some medicine for you to take care of yourself, take it on time." Ji Furong spoke gently, carefully checking the dosage. "Take a couple of days off, it's best to rest at home. If you're worried about inconveniencing your father, come to my place."
This is really difficult," Zhao Xiyin said. "It's not easy to ask for leave from the troupe."
Ji Furong became more serious, "Don't you care about your health?"
Zhao Xiyin said softly, "It's been so long, it should be fine, right? I just rushed through my run today."
Ji Furong didn't argue with her, and said calmly, "I'll call your aunt."
Zhao Xiyin's shoulders trembled, and she dared not utter a sound, speaking as softly as a mosquito's buzz: "I'll listen to you."
Ji Furong laughed and said, "I can't do anything with you. You're only afraid of your aunt. But Xiao Xi, listen to Aunt Ji. Although you're young, you didn't receive proper follow-up treatment back then, and you know how painful it is to have a chronic illness."
Zhao Xiyin remained silent, her head bowed, two strands of hair falling across her forehead, obscuring the emotions in her eyes. Ji Furong said nothing more, helped her tidy up the medicine, and then left work, saying, "Let's go, I'll take you home."
Zhao Xiyin pointed to the transparent bag containing the medicine, "Aunt Ji, let's change it."
She was afraid Zhao Wenchun would see it, and she was also afraid Zhao Wenchun would ask about it.
Zhao Xiyin asked the team leader for leave, but it was not approved for two days. When asked what was wrong, Zhao Xiyin made up an excuse that she had menstrual cramps. The new leader, a man, was not surprised and coldly refused, citing Su Ying and Ruan Dai's first joint practice the next day: "Take some painkillers, the team doctor has some."
After that aloof appearance, Su Ying left a rather ordinary impression on the girls. The next day, the group members were discussing among themselves: "I still prefer Ruan Dai. She's so nice and has no airs of a celebrity. I wonder if she'll give us gifts again this time."
When talking about Su Ying, he said, "I've read some entertainment news that says she's very difficult to work with and a bit of a diva. I don't know how many actors in her team she's made cry."
"But she dances so well. I love her dance 'Phoenix Soaring' the most. She dances it like she's a spirit."
Some people say she is a younger version of Teacher Dai.
After listening to the gossip, Cen Yue nudged Zhao Xiyin next to her and whispered, "You look even worse today than yesterday. Are you alright?"
Zhao Xiyin sat cross-legged on the ground, "I feel a little uncomfortable, I feel like I have a stitch in my stomach."
Cen Yue was quite worried, "You're rehearsing with Su Ying today, are you sure you can handle it?"
Zhao Xiyin kept her palms pressed against her lower abdomen; even through her clothes, she could feel the coolness. She sighed, "I'll try my best, hopefully it won't take too long."
The project "Nine Thoughts" differs slightly from typical film and television works. From its inception, it was planned to be presented in both stage play and theatrical release, with a simultaneous world tour of the stage play and its nationwide theatrical release. Pang Ce is renowned for his martial arts epics, and his subsequent film and television works cover a wide range of genres. At his level, his pursuit is no longer about money or fame; rather, innovation and expansion within his professional field seem to stem from a pioneering spirit and a sense of mission.
The film's production naturally takes market considerations into account. For example, they planned to cast Ruan Dai as the female lead, and the popular Su Ying as a highlight to enhance the film's prestige and quality. The male lead is also a four-time Golden Horse Award winner for Best Actor.
However, rumors were rampant, and the media reported at least three times that Su Ying and Ruan Dai were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds. Where there are women, there is conflict, which is something the public enjoys watching.
The dance choreography for "Nine Thoughts" had already been completed by the troupe. The rehearsals were almost perfect, and everyone was nervous today with Su Ying. Su Ying wore a simple white dress, her black hair styled in a bun, her eyes and brows so aloof they seemed otherworldly. From the moment she entered, she hadn't given the world a second glance, her ethereal beauty disdainful of all living beings.
Dai Yunxin accompanied a delegation from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on their art exchange trip to the United States, and only her assistant was present today. Zhang Yijie, as the top producer at Fantian Entertainment, was naturally also there. Meng Weixi entered later, and was quite low-key, standing far away with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the stage, looking sufficiently serious.
Zhao Xiyin was in the second row, and when she started to strike a pose, the formation was basically a large triangle. Su Ying led the dance, and with the deep, resonant tolling of bells and drums, and the clear, melodious playing of the guzheng, the artistic conception was instantly evoked.
Although there were no uniforms or makeup, their vibrant and beautiful faces were the best scenery. The dancers, handpicked from among hundreds, moved with exquisite precision, their spirit and grace flowing freely. This scene evoked only one line of poetry:
Exquisite pavilions rise amidst five-colored clouds, where graceful fairies dwell.
After the intro, the formation changed, and the six performers danced together with Su Ying. The music changed, becoming more cheerful and lively. This part was very eye-catching, featuring six consecutive, highly difficult spins and jumps. Zhao Xiyin and the others practiced for a long time, perfecting the timing of their jumps, the height of their leaps, and the frequency of their spins to almost the millimeter.
At this moment, Su Ying suddenly stopped and gestured for the music to continue.
She stepped off the stage and stood in front of it, staring intently at the six dancers without a smile. Her gaze was as calm as a deep, still lake as she scrutinized their every movement, revealing no emotion whatsoever.
Zhang Yijie and Dai Yunxin's assistant walked over, and the assistant handed them a bottle of water with a smile: "Sister Su, thank you for your trouble."
Su Ying took it and nodded slightly.
Before leaving, Dai Yunxin instructed that although she couldn't come in person, she must record the entire event, especially Zhao Xiyin's part. The assistant, holding the camera, didn't dare to neglect the task.
Zhang Yijie noticed that Su Ying had something on her mind, so he smiled and said, "Give me some pointers."
Su Ying turned her head and pointed to the person standing on the left: "Is she the one Teacher Dai has been recommending?"
"Yes, Zhao Xiyin."