Qin Yilu had her fortune told by Mother Qin. The fortune-teller said that the age of twenty-four was a crucial period in her life, but there would be a crisis.
Once she passed this crisis, her life would become smooth sailing.
Father Qin almost wanted to change Qin Yilu’s name to “Qin Yishun,” which roughly translates to “Qin the Lucky.”
As Qin Yilu celebrated her 23rd birthday, both her mother and father couldn’t help but worry about their daughter’s future in the entertainment industry. They felt that she might not be secure in her career.
Father Qin thought that when their daughter came back, they should have a serious conversation with her and consider having her leave the industry.
Mother Qin was scrolling through Qin Yilu’s Weibo. “Old Qin, do you think Yilu bought fake followers?”
Father Qin: “How did our child become so vain?”
Mother Qin: “Fans are talking about Lulu and Jin Zhongbei, something like ‘all the way to the north1North is Bei as in ZhongBei‘.”
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Wyvbla Ckd: “Ebs kp Kkd Hbsdtclk?”
Ysvbla Ckd: “Tl’p vbl rakdnl qasx ‘Vasprlaswp Mkxlp.’ Tl’p vyzz yde bydepsxl.”
Wyvbla Ckd pdsavle, “Zsw osxld yal ps pbyzzso. Yld pbswze dsv cl fwetle pszlzu sd vblka yrrlyaydnl.”
Ysvbla Ckd tyhl bla bwpcyde y iwknj tzydnl, vyjkdt kd bkp clla clzzu yde cyze blye, alplxczkdt y zktbv cwzc.
Wyvbla Ckd pvsse wr pvayktbv yde pyke, “Zsw pbswze qsnwp xsal sd y xyd’p nbyaynvla.” Tl nbydtle vbl pwcflnv, “Pyazkdt, obyv oswze usw zkjl qsa ekddla vsdktbv? R’zz nssj qsa usw.”
Ysvbla Ckd: “…”
Ysvbla Ckd bye y tsppkru blyav. Gp pbl dsvknle vbl pktdp, pbl elnkele vs vyjl vbl kdkvkyvkhl vs nsdvynv Ckd Zkzw.
Gv vbkp vkxl, Ckd Zkzw oyp sd vbl plv qkzxkdt “Ovladyz Fosae yde Paytsd Fzyula.” Fbl bye rasqswde alprlnv qsa Kkd Hbsdtclk yv vbyv xsxldv. Tl oyp y pldksa yde y talyv qktwal, dsv psxlsdl pbl eyale vs qydvypkgl ycswv.
Mother Qin sighed, “Lulu, I just feel like Jin Zhongbei is a bit older, nine years older than you, right? Don’t you have any suitable young men around you? What about that Song Yiwen?”
Qin Yilu jumped up from her resting chair, “Mom, what are you talking about? It’s just a professional working relationship with Teacher Jin. Don’t overthink it, it’s so embarrassing.”
“You’re worried about embarrassment? You have thick skin!”
Qin Yilu asked, “What about Dad?”
Mother Qin replied, “He’s at the sports academy for training. He said he wants to introduce a new basketball player to you.”
Qin Yilu said, “You should let him have that time to work out. I have to go now; I need to memorize my lines. Bye!”
After hanging up, Qin Yilu fell into deep thought. Even her mom is curious. Could Jin Zhongbei possibly have any feelings for her?
“Lele, do you think Jin Teacher might feel like I’m intentionally trying to associate with him and ride on his popularity?”
Lele looked up, appearing a bit puzzled. “But this isn’t something we orchestrated; it’s all coming from the fans themselves.”
Qin Yilu pondered, “Jin Teacher’s fans really have a lot of class; they aren’t coming to attack me.”
Lele reminded her, “Aren’t Cheng Ying’s fans coming to attack you?”
Qin Yilu sighed, “I’m really innocent!”
Qin Yilu didn’t have much time to dwell on this matter. After finishing the TV series “Eternal Sword and Dragon Slayer,” she signed a new contract in September and accepted a role in a campus drama titled “Winter’s Secret,” which started filming in mid-October. However, at this point, her manager, Jiang Xiao, decided not to continue representing her.
Qin Yilu was very worried. Since she had entered the industry, she couldn’t easily quit. Jiang Xiao recommended another male talent manager from the company, Shen Chen, known for his strong and strict style. Shen Chen had managed numerous artists and was highly experienced. He and Jiang Xiao both promised to help Qin Yilu become the next Cheng Ying.
On October 6th, Jiang Xiao married Zhou Xiulin.
When Qin Yilu and Jin Zhongbei met again, it had been a long time since they last saw each other. “Hello, Teacher Jin,” Qin Yilu greeted with a sweet smile.
Jin Zhongbei was wearing a black tailcoat, looking incredibly handsome.
Jin Shuyan stood by Qin Yilu’s side, and it was the first time Qin Yilu met her in person.
Jin Zhongbei politely introduced the two to each other.
Jin Shuyan smiled and said, “I listened to ‘Between You and Me,’ and you have a beautiful singing voice.”
Qin Yilu was surprised by how friendly Jin Shuyan was, and their relationship instantly became closer. “Miss Jin, your photos are really stunning.”
“In that case, I’ll take a set for you next time.”
“Great! You and Teacher Jin really do look alike.”
“Everyone says that. Oh, and thank you for the passion fruits,” Jin Shuyan said with a wink.
Qin Yilu looked at Jin Zhongbei, puzzled.
Jin Zhongbei explained, “You sent four boxes, and I can’t finish them all by myself, so I let Aso have some.”
“If you all like them, I can send you more next time,” Qin Yilu offered.
Jin Shuyan burst into laughter. “Is your family running a fruit orchard?”
Qin Yilu shook her head. “It’s one of my high school friends. She has a fruit orchard in Guangxi, and she’s running a small business on social media. I’m just supporting her.”
Jin Zhongbei glanced at her and understood. “You two go ahead and chat. I’ll go see what’s happening.” As he was a groomsman, he couldn’t linger here for too long.
As he left, Qin Yilu and Jin Shuyan began to chat more freely.
Soon, they exchanged contact information on WeChat.
Shortly after, they arranged to meet at a newly opened coffee shop next time.
Both of them were of a similar age and got along well.
In the winter of that year, the filming for “Winter’s Secret” wrapped up, making it Qin Yilu’s second television series. Simultaneously, the post-production for “Eternal Sword and Dragon Slayer” was nearing completion and scheduled to be released in mid-February.
Qin Yilu planned to take a break, but then, Shen Chen handed her a few scripts. “Take a look at these; let’s discuss which one suits you best.”
“Shen-ge, I just got home,” she replied.
Shen Chen took the potato chips from her hand, saying, “High-calorie junk food, Lele, you can’t have this kind of stuff around Yilu anymore.”
Lele responded, “Understood!”
Qin Yilu looked pitifully at him, “Shen-ge!”
Shen Chen patted her shoulder, saying, “What if someone takes a photo of you now, looking overweight and unattractive? If you become famous, they might use those photos to claim you had plastic surgery.”
Qin Yilu was on the verge of tears.
“Jiang-jie repeatedly asked me to help you succeed, so I can’t let her down.”
Qin Yilu said, “Let’s discuss the script.”
Shen Chen nodded, and his expression softened immediately.
Among the five scripts, there was even one for a historical drama. Qin Yilu found that one interesting, “The script for ‘The Tale of XX’ is pretty good.”
With those words, Shen Chen furrowed his brows, “I’m afraid you won’t have a role in this one.”
“What’s wrong?” Qin Yilu asked.
“The female lead has already been cast, and it’s Yang Yuan.”
“So can you give me the script?”
“There are a few special cameo roles, like the female lead’s cousin, a fifteen-year-old girl. Her dad is planning to invite Jin Zhongbei to do a cameo.”
Qin Yilu looked shocked, “Who did you say?”
“Jin Zhongbei. Aren’t you quite familiar with him?”
“He’s playing my dad?”
“It’s the current plan. It depends on his availability. Don’t worry about it. Acting alongside Bei Shen, you’ll surely learn a lot.”
Qin Yilu couldn’t help but flash a mischievous smile. “I’m looking forward to it. As I’m getting older, my roles are becoming more limited.”
Two days later, Qin Yilu and Jin Zhongbei bumped into each other.
Qin Yilu asked in a hushed tone, “Teacher Jin, I heard you’re going to be in Director Kong’s new film?”
Jin Zhongbei nodded.
Qin Yilu, with a slightly trembling voice, asked, “Do you know what role I’m playing?”
“What role will you be playing?” Jin Zhongbei inquired.
“I’ll be playing your daughter.”
“Is that so? Best of luck.”
“But I’ll have to call you ‘Dad.’ Won’t that feel a bit strange?”
Jin Zhongbei responded, “From what I know, there isn’t a daughter as old as you in the whole story.”
Qin Yilu sighed, “You’re playing the male lead, right?”
Jin Zhongbei contemplated for a moment and then replied, “Your information is outdated.”
Qin Yilu clenched her teeth, feeling a bit frustrated. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? How infuriating! She had already called him “Dad.”
Since Jin Zhongbei wouldn’t be playing her father, Qin Yilu agreed cheerfully. She had initially hesitated to accept the role if Jin Zhongbei was cast as her father. Although she believed in the professionalism of actors, she still felt something was off about the whole situation.
The cast for “‘The Tale of XX'” had not been finalized. After Jin Zhongbei was cast as the male lead, they were still adjusting the rest of the actors. Particularly, they had been unable to cast the female lead.
Director Kong was quite worried. The delay was causing daily losses for the production.
On this day, several directors and producers gathered for another meeting. They continued discussing the issue of the female lead, but they couldn’t reach a decision.
Director Kong asked Jin Zhongbei, “Zhongbei, do you have any suggestions for the female lead?”
Jin Zhongbei put down his phone, lifted his head slowly, and replied firmly, “Qin Yilu.”
Who was Qin Yilu? Some of the directors were not quite sure. To them, Qin Yilu was a newcomer. However, when Jin Zhongbei recommended her, they believed in his choice.
Meanwhile, Qin Yilu was on a treadmill at the gym. Indeed, she had indulged herself a bit these past few days, and her chubby cheeks had returned.
Without another word, Shen Chen dragged her to the gym.
Qin Yilu ran for over half an hour, and when she stepped off the treadmill, her legs felt weak, and Lele had to help her.
The coach advised her to take a break before moving on to other training exercises.
Lele wiped the sweat from her face and said, “You should eat less in the future. Otherwise, you won’t have to work this hard.”
Qin Yilu was catching her breath and said, “Why has Shen Chen been on the phone for so long? It’s been twenty minutes.”
In a little while, Shen Chen hung up the phone and walked over to her with a serious expression.
Qin Yilu asked, “Shen Chen, what’s the matter?”
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
“Yilu, why did you eat so much? You have an audition for the role of the female lead in ‘The Tale of XX’ tomorrow,” Shen Chen said.
Qin Yilu was taken aback, “Female lead?” Wasn’t Jin Zhongbei playing the male lead? She didn’t want to play his daughter; she should be cast as his wife, right?
Shen Chen sighed heavily, looking at her face, and shook his head. “Rest well and practice a bit more. Please, for the love of your ancestors, eat less in the future. With this round face, you won’t look good in a period drama!”
Qin Yilu nodded in agreement, saying, “Shen Chen, are you sure? It’s like winning the lottery!”
Shen Chen looked at her skeptically and said, “Jin Zhongbei proposed it. Your relationship with him is quite good, isn’t it? Aren’t you the one…”
Qin Yilu repeatedly shook her head and said, “I don’t know.”
“Never mind. Tomorrow, give it your all. Many people want the role of the female lead, and some even have connections. However, it’s because Jin Zhongbei took on the male lead. If the female lead isn’t suitable, he won’t agree to it.”
Qin Yilu turned back to her training, and on that day, she added an extra half hour of training herself.
The next day, Qin Yilu went for her audition early in the morning. This role was for an innocent young girl who, due to a family alliance, marries into a noble family and goes from being strangers with her husband to falling in love and eventually helping him rebuild a nation.
Qin Yilu changed into her costume, which resembled the attire of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. To her surprise, she looked quite good in it. With no one around, she held up a makeup mirror, examined her post-makeup appearance, pinched her face, and muttered to herself, “Where am I fat? I’m just right.”
Jin Zhongbei had walked in and heard her comment. He chuckled lightly and kindly reminded her, “The female lead should have a melon-seed face.”
Qin Yilu immediately put the mirror down and said, “Jin Teacher, you’re here too.”
Jin Zhongbei walked in front of her and took a serious look at her face. Qin Yilu was wearing a pink and white long dress with delicate jade earrings. As she moved, they swayed gently, adding to her charm.
“Director Sun and the others will be here shortly,” Jin Zhongbei said as he took a seat across from her.
Qin Yilu lowered her head and asked, “Teacher Jin, I heard that you recommended me. Why?”
Jin Zhongbei seemed to ponder for a few seconds before replying, “The screenwriter mentioned you initially and thought you might be suitable for the role of Zhen Fu.”
I see.
Later, Qin Yilu lived up to everyone’s expectations and secured the role of the female lead. She heaved a sigh of relief, lifted her dress, and hurried over to find Jin Zhongbei.
Jin Zhongbei was dressed in a white robe with a jade pendant around his waist, and his assistant was helping him straighten out his clothes.
“Teacher Jin, I made it!” Her voice was sweet and crisp, but her eyes were fixed on him.
“Congratulations,” his voice remained rather even.
“Teacher Jin, if you were in ancient times, there’d be no such thing as Pan An; you’d be the most handsome.” The assistant couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Jin Zhongbei glanced at her. “We’re starting shooting next week. Go back and study the scenes of the male and female leads thoroughly.”
With a slight smile on her lips, Qin Yilu replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll do my homework. I won’t disturb you further then.”
Jin Zhongbei thought for a moment, “If you’re not in a hurry, we can wait a while longer. Director Sun said that if you pass the audition today, he wants the male and female leads to take a promotional photo together.”
Qin Yilu couldn’t hide her joy in her eyes. “Then I’ll wait for you.” She obediently waited for Jin Zhongbei to finish preparing, occasionally stealing glances at him.
Seeing him like this, the nine-year age gap didn’t seem that significant.
When Jin Zhongbei finished fixing his hair and got ready to leave, he noticed that Qin Yilu was looking at him with a dazed expression.
He cleared his throat, “I’m leaving.”
Qin Yilu immediately snapped back to reality, her face filled with coquettishness. “I’m sorry. Teacher Jin, you look so stylish. No wonder your popularity has endured for so many years. How do you take care of yourself in your daily life?” She playfully imitated pinching his cheeks when the makeup artist had just applied makeup to him.
Along the way, it seemed like she had opened the floodgates for conversation, one question following another.
Jin Zhongbei could tell that the little girl was ecstatic after securing the role of the female lead.
“Teacher Jin—” She hadn’t finished her sentence when suddenly, she stumbled forward.
Luckily, Jin Zhongbei’s quick reflexes saved the day. He reached out and caught her. Qin Yilu ended up in his arms, and they were pressed tightly against each other.
Qin Yilu’s heart was pounding nervously. She seemed to catch a faint, pleasant scent from him.
Jin Zhongbei slowly released her and lowered his gaze to look at the hairpin she had been wearing. “Yilu, for the next four months, you’ll need to get used to wearing clothes like this.”
Qin Yilu lowered her head to adjust her skirt. She hadn’t noticed that she had stepped on it, leading to her fall. “Hmm, thank you!”
Jin Zhongbei looked at the hairpin, which swayed like drizzling rain, and slowly raised his hand.
Qin Yilu watched his movements, completely still.
He carefully adjusted her hairpin. “Let’s go.”
Qin Yilu’s thoughts were frozen in that moment. He had been so gentle just now. She had already immersed herself in her character and spoke softly, “Thank you, husband.”
Jin Zhongbei was momentarily stunned, his gaze falling on her rosy cheeks. His throat bobbed up and down.
Sometimes, Qin Yilu had a way of taking people by surprise.
In that moment, the esteemed Bei Shen couldn’t find the words. You’re welcome, my lady.
After a brief silence, she added, “Jin Teacher, I’m just setting the mood.”
Jin Zhongbei: “…”
After everything was done, Shen Chen came to pick up Qin Yilu, greeting Jin Zhongbei politely and respectfully. “Brother Bei, we’ll rely on you to give Yilu guidance in the future. Let’s get together when Aso has some free time.”
Jin Zhongbei nodded. “I’ll head back now.”
Shen Chen watched him get into the nanny car, his gaze following the car until it was out of sight. He sighed, “Yilu, when you become a big star, make sure to get yourself a luxury car!”
Qin Yilu: “…”
On the way back, Qin Yilu began to read the script. Last time, she had only skimmed through her guest appearance scenes, and she hadn’t had a chance to thoroughly examine the female lead’s lines. About one-third of the way in, she realized that the male and female leads had intimate scenes!
“Chen Ge, I saw in the script that the male lead has to kiss the female lead…”
“In that case, you’re in luck. You get to kiss Bei Shen in your third role.”
Qin Yilu’s eye twitched. “And there’s a wedding night scene later on…”
Sansukini: There will be a second chapter today at 10am (Philippine Time, 7pm PST)
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