Finally, Labor Day arrived, but unfortunately, He Lindi was on a business trip again.
Several movies released during the holiday weekend were doing quite well, and the best-performing one had hired He Lindi to take photos during its promotional roadshow. Their offer wasn’t particularly high, but one of the lead actors was He Lindi’s favorite, so she readily accepted.
Chi Shuo supported her decision. The actor rarely made public appearances; missing this opportunity meant potentially waiting several years for another.
Thus, their planned three-day getaway was cancelled, which suited Chi Shuo just fine. She had intended to just laze around at home anyway. Summer was approaching, bringing an increased workload. A three-day break at home was precisely what she needed.
Chi Shuo couldn’t quite explain her feelings—happy to relax at home, yet missing He Lindi, who was busy traveling between cities.
Thankfully, on the last day of the holiday, the movie’s cast arrived in Yun Cheng. He Lindi’s flight followed. The cinema even gave Chi Shuo a front-row ticket—the back rows were already sold out to fans.
The screening time was perfect, 3:30 PM. She could sleep in and then get ready.
After washing up, Chi Shuo opened her closet, flipped through her clothes, checked the weather, and then put on a pleated skirt she hadn’t worn in almost a year. She applied a slightly more youthful makeup look.
He Lindi, hearing this over the phone, laughed. “Why are you wearing a pleated skirt?”
Chi Shuo stood before her full-length mirror, satisfied with her appearance. “I saw the photos; there are too many young girls there.” She smiled. “I can’t lose.”
He Lindi chuckled. “Okay.”
At 2 PM, Chi Shuo left her apartment, bringing an umbrella because the Yun Cheng sun was shining.
The screening time was convenient, but the location was a bit far. After getting off the subway, she walked for another ten minutes or so under her umbrella before reaching the cinema.
Because of the roadshow, even though 3 PM was usually a slow time, the entrance was crowded. Everyone was waiting for the elevators.
The screening hall was large, and many people had come. Chi Shuo followed the crowd. It took another ten minutes to reach the correct floor.
She didn’t need to queue for tickets; she just had to collect hers from the designated staff member.
Chi Shuo had never felt getting into a movie theater was such a complicated process. By the time she finally sat down, it was twenty minutes later than planned.
Thankfully, she had left early. Now, sitting down, the timing was just right. The movie started within three minutes.
The front rows of roadshow screenings were usually reserved for media and VIPs, especially for popular films like this one.
Chi Shuo was in the first row, slightly to the right, not too secluded, but not too prominent either. Being so close to the screen, by the end, she felt her neck might snap.
The movie finally ended. Chi Shuo rubbed her neck and overheard media staff whispering behind her.
“How can our company get an exclusive interview? The actor rarely makes public appearances.”
“Didn’t we already ask his studio? They’re not accepting interviews right now. Otherwise, why do you think we’re here? We’re just writing a standard report.”
“But our department head said if we can’t get the actor, we can try for He Lindi. She’s such a successful photographer in the entertainment industry.”
“Damn, forgot about that.”
He Lindi’s name piqued Chi Shuo’s interest. She smiled slightly, and before she could react further, she overheard more gossip.
“I heard He Lindi’s girlfriend works at the same company as her…”
“I heard they’re at different companies…”
“…” Both were puzzled by each other’s information. Chi Shuo never expected this “fire” would reach her.
She chuckled softly.
Inside the hall, people were chatting. Security guards started setting up barriers at the front.
Everyone quietly waited for the cast to appear. Chi Shuo checked her phone and noticed He Lindi had messaged: 【I’m inside.】
Chi Shuo looked around and spotted He Lindi among the photographers holding DSLRs at the front.
Across the crowd, He Lindi made eye contact with her and smiled.
Chi Shuo switched to camera mode and snapped a couple of pictures of He Lindi.
After another three minutes, there was a commotion in the hall. The host had taken the stage to warm up the atmosphere. Chi Shuo wasn’t interested; her attention was on He Lindi, diligently working. Only when the cast appeared on screen did she shift her focus slightly.
Roadshows weren’t very interesting; it was just a small fan meeting. The two media staff behind her started recording, only needing clear audio.
Soon, they leaned closer and asked, “Miss, which media outlet are you with?”
Chi Shuo thought for a moment, then tilted her head and replied, “I’m not with any media outlet, I’m just He Lindi’s…” she paused. “…apprentice.”
“Oh… Can we add you on WeChat?”
“Because our company really wants to interview Teacher He.”
Chi Shuo didn’t refuse. “Sure.” She smiled. “But I have to ask my girlfriend first.”
The updates for this novel will end this month. If you guys have any recommendations and suggestions, feel free to comment down below.
