Chapter 50 – I’m Waiting for You.

Before the official release of “Cliff,” there were several screenings arranged in various cities, primarily aimed at media and critics, with no need for the actors to attend.

To make time for the promotional tour the following month, Jiang Ruo pushed himself hard during the recording of “The Actor’s Flower Road.” The third round’s theme was the smoke and fire of war; Jiang Ruo played a soldier. To fit the role, he increased his physical training, but time was short. He didn’t gain much muscle, but he did lose weight.

Wei Chulin laughed at this, saying, “Forget playing a soldier, why not play a refugee?”

Chen Muxin, however, commented, “Building muscle requires skill… But your current physique is just right, suitable for many roles. There’s no need to deliberately change it.”

Jiang Ruo couldn’t remember when Chen Muxin stopped addressing him as “Brother Jiang.”

He could probably understand that this was akin to how he had refused to call Xi Yufeng “President Xi” and insisted on using his full name — it was about setting boundaries.

He didn’t bother correcting Chen Muxin. After all, he had already agreed to have dinner together. Why nitpick over a title?

However, that meal wouldn’t happen anytime soon. Chen Muxin’s drama from earlier in the year needed additional shooting for outdoor scenes. Halfway through the program’s recording, he was called back to the northwest.

He was still messaging Jiang Ruo before boarding the plane. The tall boy, nearly 1.9 meters, used an emoji of a crying bear, asking Jiang Ruo to wait for him for a month so they could go out to eat together after his return.

Jiang Ruo found his dramatic plea, as if they were facing a life-or-death separation, both amusing and pitiful. He replied, “Stop crying. It’s dry in the northwest. Be careful not to crack your cheeks.”

Chen Muxin immediately sent a smiling bear emoji in response.

While the third episode was being recorded under pressure, the first two episodes of “The Actor’s Flower Road” were officially released.

There wasn’t much to say about the first episode. It mainly introduced the guests and explained the competition rules, followed by a demonstration performance by the judges.

The second episode featured Jiang Ruo’s “Silent Love,” but unlike the competition order, his segment was edited to be the last one shown.

Jiang Ruo watched this episode late one night after finishing rehearsals. By then, the number of comments had grown significantly after three days of fermentation.

In the early performances, comments only took up half of the screen, mostly along the lines of “Why is he participating in this show?” “No acting jobs, huh? That’s sad.” “His acting sucks, no wonder he has no work.” When it was his turn, the comments suddenly multiplied.

At first, everyone was surprised that Jiang Ruo had managed to get Wei Chulin to act alongside him. Then someone mentioned that the two had a relationship in “Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain,” but in the drama, the second lead died saving the female lead. This time, “Silent Love” was like giving them a happy ending in an alternate universe.

At this remark, someone immediately jumped in to disagree — saying that in “Sun and Moon of Jing Mountain,” the first and second leads were the true love story!

The subsequent comments began to revolve around the relationships between the three characters, both on and off-screen. Those who supported the first female and first male leads believed that the official pairing couldn’t be broken. Those who backed the first female and second male leads held that unrequited love was the essence of true romance. As for those who rooted for the first and second male leads, they enthusiastically directed others to watch the two episodes of the variety show where Chen Muxin had invited Jiang Ruo as a guest, saying — everything in the drama is fake, reality shows are real!

Each side spoke their own mind, causing confusion. Jiang Ruo felt overwhelmed.

Just as he was about to turn off the comments, he noticed one that read — Shut up already, this scene is amazing. Anyone who doesn’t watch it is missing out.

Following this comment, the number of comments gradually decreased, as if the audience was focusing more on the plot, and discussions unrelated to the topic gradually ceased.

About five minutes later, the comments visibly increased again. This time, most were discussing the performance, praising the scriptwriter’s skills, the professionalism of the lighting and set design, and complimenting Wei Chulin’s consistent excellence.

Naturally, there were also comments about Jiang Ruo —

His posture is truly beautiful, no wonder he’s from a dance academy

If I were that girl, I’d definitely be with the mute brother. How attractive!

I remember him, he played the second lead in “When Orioles Take Flight,” and his dancing is killer

His name is Jiang Ruo? Wasn’t he the lead in Director Zhuang’s Cannes-bound film?

Yeah, I thought he got the role because of connections, but looking at this, he clearly has talent

More than just talent, I cried my eyes out the first time I watched

That sign language “I love you” scene, too heartbreaking. My tears aren’t worth much

Check out Jiang Ruo’s super talk for more content. His new movie, “Cliff,” is coming out in August. Please support it!

…

Jiang Ruo mainly focused on his own performance, only glancing at the comments occasionally.

Near the end of the performance, a comment caught his attention —

To portray unspoken love so realistically, he must have experienced it firsthand.

Jiang Ruo was taken aback for a moment. He opened the input box and typed “No.”

Feeling that it lacked persuasiveness, he added, “He’s likely a method actor, immersing himself in the character’s experiences.”

After sending it, he realized that his attempt to “clarify” was not only meaningless but also somewhat comical.

It felt like he was trying to cover up something, but instead of concealing the truth, he was exposing himself even more.

In any case, this variety show brought Jiang Ruo another wave of fans and had a positive impact on promoting “Cliff.”

At the premiere held in Feng City in early August, Jiang Ruo, as a supporting actor, hadn’t planned to participate. Zhou Xinyao visited the filming set multiple times, bringing snacks that almost piled up into a mountain, all to persuade him to attend the premiere.

Her reasoning was solid: “You’ve been cooped up in this studio for over half a month. Don’t you want to get out and walk around?”

Jiang Ruo said, “Even if I did, there are so many fun places to go. Why suffer at a social event?”

“It’s not a social event, just a gathering for the crew members.” Zhou Xinyao said, “Last time, there was an issue during the preview screening, and we had to disperse hastily. Since then, we haven’t been able to gather everyone together. Old Liu just wants to treat everyone to a meal.”

Jiang Ruo understood — it was a celebration banquet.

Not attending would not only give the impression of being arrogant but also make him seem like an outsider.

Jiang Ruo was still hesitant. “Only crew members?”

Zhou Xinyao saw her chance and seized it while the iron was hot. “Of course. A private room can only fit a round table. Do you think it can seat many people?”

It was common knowledge that the round tables used in hotels could seat a maximum of twenty people.

But Jiang Ruo overlooked a scenario where the crew members occupied a separate private room, while two additional tables were set up next door for the sponsors and reporters.

Jiang Ruo, who arrived at Jin Garden after the premiere ended, exclaimed that he had been tricked and turned to leave, but Zhou Xinyao stopped him. “There’s a wall between the two private rooms. Don’t run over there, you won’t bump into him. Besides, he’s so busy, he probably won’t come to such a minor event.”

Jiang Ruo felt reassured and nodded, then suddenly looked up. “How do you know I don’t want to bump into him?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? You’re practically writing the six words ‘Don’t want to bump into Xi Yufeng’ on your forehead.” Zhou Xinyao shrugged. “Although I think it’s a shame between the two of you, I’m not going to force anything.”

The word “shame” caused Jiang Ruo a momentary daze.

Seeing his expression, Zhou Xinyao assumed she had stirred up painful memories and gently patted his shoulder.

Jiang Ruo sighed in cooperation, saying deeply, “Although, but, that’s seven words.”

“…”

Zhou Xinyao nearly had murderous thoughts.

The meal went surprisingly harmoniously. Crew colleagues chatted about their recent situations, joked around, and raised their glasses to wish for high box office sales. Two hours passed quickly.

After the banquet ended, Jiang Ruo lingered behind before leaving. Before heading to the restroom, he glanced at the adjacent private room from the corner of his eye.

The lights were off, indicating that the banquet had also ended.

Zhou Xinyao called out to him at the staircase, “Hurry up, hurry up. There are several empty cars parked downstairs.”

“You guys go ahead.” Jiang Ruo said. “I’ll have the nanny car pick me up.”

“Okay, then watch out for your safety.”

“Mm.”

Entering the restroom and turning on the faucet, Jiang Ruo belatedly realized that Zhou Xinyao had told him to be careful.

He couldn’t help but laugh. He was a grown man, what could possibly be unsafe?

It wasn’t as if he would be walking along, only to be captured by someone lurking around the corner. And that person happened to be drugged, needing him to relieve his lust.

Such bizarre things only needed to happen once.

After washing his hands and leaving, Jiang Ruo pulled out his phone while walking. Just as he reached the staircase, he suddenly heard someone calling his name.

“Jiang Ruo.”

A deep voice, as if from a dream, yet it made Jiang Ruo pause and turn his head in confusion.

At the staircase’s bend, in a familiar shadow, a tall man stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a cigarette that was nearly burned down to the end.

His figure was solitary, as if he had been waiting there for a long time.

Jiang Ruo couldn’t recall when he had approached. He decided to treat it as normal social interaction; he couldn’t just run away upon hearing someone call his name.

He chose the safest opening line. “President Xi also came here for dinner?”

Xi Yufeng moved aside, extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray by the wall, and threw it into the trash can.

Then he turned around, looking at Jiang Ruo, and hummed in agreement.

They were at a standard social distance apart, which should make it difficult to engage in a conversation longer than three sentences. Unexpectedly, Xi Yufeng turned the question back on him. “What about you?”

Jiang Ruo was momentarily stunned, answering after a moment, “Having dinner with the crew members, from the ‘Cliff’ team.”

Only after he finished speaking did he realize that the latter half of his sentence was unnecessary. Jiang Ruo pursed his lips slightly in frustration.

Fortunately, the dim lighting prevented either from seeing each other’s expressions clearly.

Because of the darkness, the other person’s voice seemed especially clear.

“I thought you wouldn’t come to this kind of occasion.”

“… Necessary socializing, inevitable.”

“You didn’t show up last time.”

Jiang Ruo was puzzled for a moment. Once he realized that “last time” might refer to the few gatherings Director Liu had organized after the preview screening, he became even more confused.

He had received invitations to those gatherings but declined because of work commitments.

Did Xi Yufeng go?

Didn’t he hate these kinds of occasions? It wasn’t business-related socializing, just some trivial events. Why not simply decline them?

But Jiang Ruo couldn’t ask the question “why.”

He didn’t want to always appear so vulnerable, nor did he want to take the first step only to be forced to retreat by a sudden downpour.

He also wanted to be calm and collected, to handle things with ease.

So Jiang Ruo said, “Busy with work, couldn’t spare the time.”

“Hmm.” Xi Yufeng said, “I saw the program you participated in.”

“Is that so?”

“Aunt Fang likes watching it, so I watched it too. You acted well.”

“Thank you… How has Aunt Fang been? It’s been a while since I contacted her.”

“She’s fine, just lonely by herself, always mentioning you.”

… …

This seemingly ordinary conversation left Jiang Ruo feeling uneasy.

It was like the vast sea surface, beneath its tranquility, there lurked waves waiting to surge, catching one off guard and stirring up chaos.

To end the conversation as soon as possible, Jiang Ruo claimed he needed to rush back to the rehearsal site.

Xi Yufeng seemed to frown. “So late, and you still need to go back?”

“Mm.” Jiang Ruo said, “The next session is being filmed the day after tomorrow, the schedule is tight.”

Xi Yufeng checked his wristwatch. “Then I’ll drive you.”

“No need, Xiao Shen is waiting for me downstairs.”

Without waiting for a response, Jiang Ruo turned and walked away.

Footsteps followed, prompting Jiang Ruo to unconsciously quicken his pace, attempting to shake off the annoying sound.

Then he heard his name called again.

“Jiang Ruo.” Xi Yufeng said, “The elevator is over here.”

Jiang Ruo paused. In those few short seconds, he calculated the time it would take to take the stairs versus the elevator. In the end, he compromised and, gritting his teeth, headed towards the elevator.

Initially intending to take a gamble, he didn’t expect that when they reached the ground floor, Xi Yufeng didn’t head towards the parking lot but stood beside Jiang Ruo, seemingly waiting for him to lead the way.

This made Jiang Ruo feel awkward. “My car might be across the street, you should go first.”

Xi Yufeng repeated, “I’ll drive you over.”

“No need.”

Xi Yufeng ignored his protest and continued to follow.

Annoyance slowly rose within Jiang Ruo.

This person was always like this. Even in the rain last time, he had insisted on holding an umbrella for him without asking.

“I said no need.” Jiang Ruo raised his voice. “Can’t you understand?”

The air fell silent instantly, even the faint summer breeze was clearly audible.

Their location was the porch outside the Jin Garden lobby, surrounded by noise, but none of the passersby noticed their commotion.

It was like being stranded on an uninhabited island, every breath, every glance, focused solely on the other person.

At that moment, a light shone overhead, bright as daylight, making it impossible for Jiang Ruo to ignore the other person.

Catching a glimpse of Xi Yufeng’s fleeting confusion, Jiang Ruo commanded himself to look away, dismissing it as an illusion.

However, his hearing remained, and he heard Xi Yufeng’s voice, tinged with helplessness. “But it’s not easy to see you.”

This sentence had no direct connection to the question Jiang Ruo had thrown out, so he was momentarily taken aback.

Xi Yufeng continued, “When do you have free time? I’ll come find you.”

Without meeting eyes, Jiang Ruo’s emotions finally calmed a bit. To avoid sounding too abrupt, he didn’t ask “Why are you looking for me?” Instead, he said, “Aren’t you busy too?”

Where did he find the time to run around?

Hearing Xi Yufeng chuckle softly, Jiang Ruo realized he had inadvertently steered the conversation back to the same point.

After all, that question could be followed by another — aren’t you also very busy, why are you here?

“Busy, but not really.” Clearly, Xi Yufeng also realized this. “because If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.”

After a brief daze, Jiang Ruo didn’t even notice when Xi Yufeng had come so close to him.

The scent of cedar mixed with a faint tobacco aroma enveloped him once again, irresistibly confining him on an island where only the two of them existed.

Xi Yufeng leaned in slightly, whispering close to Jiang Ruo’s ear, as if afraid he wouldn’t hear.

His voice was like the wind blowing by, deep and hollow.

He said, “I’m waiting for you.”