Chapter 21: Ice Cream
“Fateful Encounter” is not very long, consisting of only 25 episodes. In an era when domestic television dramas often start with fifty or sixty episodes, it’s truly a breath of fresh air.
However, when you look at the entire script, it couldn’t be stretched to fifty or sixty episodes. There are no love triangles, no sickness, no car accidents, no supernatural abilities, and no ethical dilemmas. From start to finish, it focuses solely on the love story between the male and female leads, with a touch of exploration into the busy lives of modern urban youth. To be able to make it to twenty-five episodes is already considered a stretch, and according to the screenwriter, their initial plan didn’t exceed twenty episodes.
Fang Xiao can be considered an experienced actress, and Jiang Yin’s acting skills are passable. When these two act together, the scenes flow exceptionally well, much to the delight of Director Wang.
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“Ebyv’p y tsse tkqv vs tkhl vs y tkaz?” Kkydt Zkd, obs eked’v byhl ydu pnldlp vbyv eyu, oyp kd vbl bsvlz, ldfsukdt yka nsdekvksdkdt yde lyvkdt knl nalyx yp bl ypjle Kkydt Gk, “Psd’v shlavbkdj kv; kv’p fwpv qsa y qlxyzl qaklde.”
Kkydt Gk’p lulp eyavle yaswde. “Zsw xlyd Wydt Kkl?”
“Zlp.” Kkydt Zkd dseele. “R rzyd vs kdhkvl bla vs ekddla yde tkhl bla y tkqv vs vbydj bla qsa vyjkdt nyal sq xl sd vbl plv.”
Tl jdlo bkp sod yckzkvklp hlau olzz. Kkydt Zkd oyp olzz yoyal sq oblal bl pvsse kd vlaxp sq vyzldv. Tkp aszl kd “Oxralpp Nw” oyp y pvasjl sq zwnj, yde bl nswze sdzu pyu vbyv bl oyp fwpv pvyavkdt vs zlyad vbl asrlp kd vlaxp sq ynvkdt. Xaktkdyzzu, bl bye rzyddle vs nsdvkdwl vyjkdt bkpvsaknyz eayxy aszlp vs tykd lmrlakldnl, cwv wdlmrlnvlezu, bl ldele wr kd y xselad eayxy.
Even though he had personally experienced similar situations such as in historical dramas, the limited time meant he could only achieve a semblance of authenticity.
Every time he acted opposite Fang Xiao, he could see clearly where the gap between them lay.
If Fang Xiao’s acting skills were rated at eighty or ninety, he was at most a sixty-one.
Fang Xiao had also noticed this, so she had been helping him carry the scenes, especially in the romantic scenes where she was leading the way. Fortunately, it was a love story, and as long as the emotions were portrayed well and the visuals were appealing, it would pass muster. If it were truly a narrative of a small character’s life, his sixty-one would be cut in half.
So, he was very grateful to Fang Xiao. She could easily do nothing or even use her acting to overshadow him and highlight herself, but she didn’t. Regardless of her intentions, he appreciated this favor.
Moreover, in the days they spent together, Jiang Yin could tell that Fang Xiao had a very pleasant personality and was worth befriending.
Getting along with people was not just about feeling good in your heart; it had to involve some initiative and mutual exchange to continue developing. In a society built on relationships, especially in the entertainment industry where connections were crucial, one had to maintain their network.
Jiang Ai was both surprised and appreciative. “Jiang Xiaoyin, you’ve really grown up.”
Jiang Yin playfully tapped her on the head. “Speak nicely.”
Jiang Ai playfully returned the favor with a kick and said, “Why not gift her cosmetics or a handbag? Every girl loves those. Wait, no, that won’t do. Fang Jie is a celebrity, not an ordinary person. She doesn’t lack these things. Let me think… How about giving her stuffed animals? I remember she mentioned on a variety show that she enjoys collecting stuffed animals. B&B has just released a limited edition teddy bear, four different styles in total. If you complete the set for her, it shows more thoughtfulness than cosmetics or handbags.”
Jiang Yin scooped up the last scoop of strawberry ice cream from the box. “I think you want that.”
Jiang Ai protested with conviction, “Jiang Xiaoyin, are you insulting my character? Am I the type of person?”
Three seconds later, she conceded under Jiang Yin’s amused gaze, “Alright, I am.”
Although she scolded him verbally, Jiang Yin eventually accepted Jiang Ai’s suggestion and decided to buy B&B’s teddy bear plushies — two sets, one for Fang Xiao and one for Jiang Ai. It would also serve as a graduation gift for his sister.
He really liked Jiang Ai. She was intelligent, adorable, principled, and even if she wasn’t his sister, she was an outstanding young lady. Most importantly, he felt a sense of family from her for the first time, experiencing her selfless care without any calculation.
Unfortunately, he was no longer an emperor, so he couldn’t grant her titles or estates, and he couldn’t bestow her with gold, silver, or jewelry. The former emperor felt quite frustrated.
He checked his bank account balance, feeling even more motivated to strive for success and wealth.
Jiang Yin couldn’t leave the set temporarily, so he entrusted Zhao Qianjin to handle the teddy bear matter. However, after Zhao Qianjin visited several major stores, they were sold out, and he could only acquire two, not even a complete set.
Originally, Jiang Yin intended to seek help from Chen Dan to find a solution. However, while browsing his friends’ updates on social media, he saw that Zhao Pengpeng was on vacation in France. So, he decided to ask her for assistance with purchasing the teddy bears.
Even though it had been almost two months since “Empress Lu” finished filming, he had intentionally maintained this connection. While it was based on Zhao Pengpeng’s identity, there was genuine goodwill involved. He had no intention of scheming against a young girl, and his main goal was to have her create a positive impression in Zhao Yansen’s eyes and smooth over the thigh-hugging incident from the past.
Their chance encounter later and the subsequent addition to his WeChat contacts had been unexpected, but since the connection had already been established, there was no need to deliberately sever it.
Zhao Pengpeng immediately sent him a smirking emoji, as if watching a drama unfold. “What’s going on? Am I getting a stepmom?”
Jiang Yin explained that it was a gift for Fang Xiao and Jiang Ai.
Zhao Pengpeng replied with a cute grumbling emoji.
Jiang Yin smiled and sent a head-pat emoji. “I’ve prepared a gift for you too. I’ll give it to you when you’re back.”
Zhao Pengpeng suddenly became excited and sent a sticking-out-tongue emoji, saying, “That works! But it’ll take me about a week to return. I’ll have someone bring the items to you when I’m back in the country.”
Jiang Yin expressed his gratitude and chatted with her for a while.
However, what Jiang Yin never expected was that the person Zhao Pengpeng had entrusted with the task was none other than Zhao Yansen.
The low-budget web series of 25 episodes progressed quickly due to Director Wang’s lenient requirements. Forty days had passed, and the shooting was nearing completion. Most of the actors had already wrapped up their scenes, leaving the sweet romantic moments of the male and female leads as the main focus.
Director Wang’s standards were relatively low, mainly due to the limitations of web series and the budget. However, he personally valued this project and had intentionally saved the romantic scenes for last. This allowed Jiang Yin and Fang Xiao to become more familiar with each other, making it easier to convey the sweetness of their relationship on screen. Their rapport was indeed growing stronger.
At least, Jiang Yin was now able to hold Fang Xiao without any psychological burden and kiss her passionately on the kitchen counter.
With a handsome young man and an elegant and beautiful woman intimately embracing and exchanging sweet nothings, the looks exchanged between them were almost dripping with honey.
Those who were watching couldn’t help but show envy in their smiles.
“It’s working.” Director Wang exchanged a meaningful glance with the screenwriter, both of them filled with excitement.
They had originally invited Fang Xiao and Zhang Heting because of their status as a couple. Both their ages and identities closely matched those of the main characters in the drama. However, Zhang Heting had suddenly changed his mind.
In return, they had Jiang Yin, whose appearance and age fit the bill, and his acting skills were up to par. However, they were worried about whether he and Fang Xiao would have chemistry. This was the last thing an idol drama could afford to be lacking. The acting could be mediocre, and the production could be average, but the chemistry between the male and female leads had to be strong. Viewers wanted to see sweet romance that could ignite their inner teenage hearts. Strong chemistry automatically drew viewers in, and once that happened, it was a recipe for a successful idol drama.
All failed idol dramas shared one common trait: a lack of chemistry between the male and female leads. Some even fell short compared to the secondary male and female leads in the same drama. What was the point of watching if the chemistry wasn’t there?
That was why versatile actors, whether in contemporary or historical idol dramas, were in high demand. They often caused actors to go viral, and those who acted alongside them in the drama also gained popularity. This, in turn, spawned a multitude of fan pairings.
Fang Xiao wasn’t that kind of actress, so she had mainly played supporting roles or second-tier female leads throughout her career. She had never starred in an idol drama. Jiang Yin had never acted in a romance drama either. The fact that they had generated such a buzz was truly surprising.
“I bet with you that Jiang Yin will definitely become popular,” the screenwriter said.
“I don’t bet,” Director Wang shook his head and said with a smile, “but I also think he’ll become popular.”
Jiang Yin, who was considered to have the potential to become popular, was currently facing the biggest challenge of this drama – a bed scene.
Don’t think that idol dramas lack bedroom scenes; nowadays, the environment is becoming more and more open, and idol dramas do indeed have bedroom scenes. Just like in Korean dramas where male actors show off their muscles while showering, Jiang Yin also had such a scene in this drama. However, it wasn’t as clean-cut; it was portrayed through the female lead’s touch, separated by a shirt.
The main theme of “Fateful Encounter” is the love affair between an older woman and a younger man, so the plot with hormones colliding is essential. There were eight kissing scenes, and simple touches couldn’t satisfy the scriptwriter. They even had two passionate kisses, leaving Jiang Yin completely flushed after shooting.
But what’s even more remarkable is the bedroom scene—it was actually a field scene!
This is the final episode, and the male lead wants to propose. He takes the female lead through all the tricks she taught him on how to court a girl initially. They watch a movie, have a lavish dinner, drink wine, then go camping by the seaside to watch the stars and the moon. Finally, they end up at the beach for the proposal, getting wet in the process.
“Can we really air this?” Jiang Yin couldn’t help but doubt.
Director Wang, who was directing the crew to lay blankets on the beach, floated over and said, “Don’t doubt our cinematography and editing. What we’re filming isn’t lust but love, absolutely beautiful and dreamy.”
The makeup assistant came over with a small spray bottle and began moisturizing Jiang Yin. It was genuine hydration; they had just finished shooting a water scene, and both actors should be wet. In the midst of a hot summer day, with Director Wang preparing for the bedroom scene, the sea breeze had already dried their hair.
Fang Xiao, who had finished moisturizing, also walked over. In this scene, both of them wore matching white shirts. After getting wet, the shirts clung tightly to their bodies. To avoid any accidental exposure, she draped a scarf over herself. Her long legs, clad in shorts, were partially hidden by the gauze scarf, making her even more seductive. Many male crew members discreetly averted their gaze.
Jiang Yin didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable; he thought it was a matter of different aesthetics. His taste leaned more towards pretty but slightly plump girls, and he found Fang Xiao too slender.
“Don’t be nervous,” Fang Xiao smiled confidently. “I’m not shy, so why should you be? Don’t worry, follow my lead, and you won’t lose out.”
Jiang Yin straightened his chest. Although Fang Xiao didn’t exactly match his aesthetic preferences, there was no denying that she was beautiful. Being underestimated by a beautiful woman, he felt the need to boost his male pride. “I’m not shy, don’t worry, I’ve got this.”
Fang Xiao raised an eyebrow, teasing in her eyes. “Alright then, I’ll leave it to you this time.”
With his bold words, Jiang Yin had to step up and perform.
—
On the sandy beach, caressed by a gentle breeze, the background was the sparkling sea, and the moonlight illuminated the entire stretch of the shoreline.
Exhausted from their water scene, Qin Yuan and Gu Mi lay side by side on the sandy beach, gazing at the sparkling night sky.
“Did you have a good time today?” Qin Yuan cautiously asked Gu Mi.
“Yes,” Gu Mi’s face lit up with a relaxed and cheerful smile. “I had a great time.”
Qin Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, his expression resembling that of a child who had just received candy, with a grin that almost reached his ears.
Gu Mi said, “Thank you for everything you did for me today. I’m really happy, and I enjoyed it. No matter what happens in the future, I’ll never forget today.”
Having gone through life and death, even though it was a misunderstanding, she had gained insight into many things. She no longer clung to love as she once did. No one could guarantee that they would love only one person for their entire life. She used to love drinking coffee every day and thought she would never quit, but after getting sick, she easily gave it up.
Qin Yuan understood the subtext in her words, and a hint of sadness flickered in his eyes. This wasn’t the first time he had heard such words from her. He firmly said, “We will always be together, and you won’t forget more than just today. Every day from now on, until we grow old.”
Gu Mi chuckled, “Are you proposing to me?”
“What if I said I am?” Qin Yuan suddenly turned to look at her, his gaze unwavering.
Gu Mi was momentarily stunned.
Qin Yuan sat up, revealing a ring he had prepared in advance from his pocket. When he held it out, his hand trembled as if he feared rejection. He couldn’t bring himself to meet Gu Mi’s eyes and instead opened the box, holding it up before her. “Can you, uh, marry me, I mean, will you marry me?”
Gu Mi looked at the ring, then back at Qin Yuan. The sea breeze tousled her hair, brushing against her face, and her exquisite face was adorned with tears of joy in the moonlight.
“In fact, there’s one more thing I haven’t taught you,” she said.
Qin Yuan quickly met her gaze, like a loyal dog waiting for its owner’s command.
Gu Mi brushed aside the tousled strands of her hair, her eyes taking on a seductive look. “Let me teach you the correct way to put on a ring.”
Author’s note:
Jiang Yin: I’ve learned a lot from this drama.
Zhao Yansen: Heh.
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