Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 266 Mutual Appreciation, Active Invitation

4:30 in the afternoon.

Hengdian World Studios, the filming location of "Chang Yue Jin Ming".

Having just finished filming an intense conflict scene, Bai Lu, adorned with a head full of jewels and carrying the hem of her ancient costume skirt boldly in her hand, revealing her sweatpants and snow boots underneath, rushed into the lead actors' rest area.

"Quickly! Teacher Luo! Dudu! And Zhenni!"

Her voice was clear and bright, filled with undisguised excitement.

"The film crew next door has a major scene today! Zhou Ye and Hou Minghao's kissing scene! Want to go watch it live? It's sure to be super exciting!"

Luo Yunxi was looking down at the script when she heard this and couldn't help but laugh.

"Teacher Bailu, you..."

"Go on, go on!"

Without a word, Bai Lu grabbed Luo Yunxi's arm with one hand and precisely grabbed Chen Duling, who had just removed her makeup and still looked tired, with the other hand.

"Dudu, let's go! Let's go watch them film a kissing scene! Let's learn from them! Zhenni, come along!"

Sun Zhenni didn't want to go at first, but she couldn't resist Bai Lu's enthusiasm, and with her own love of joining in the fun, she got up with a smile.

Chen Duling was pulled so hard by Bai Lu that she stumbled, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

Hearing the words "Zhou Ye" and "kissing scene" together, a string deep within her heart called "Jiang Qing" was gently plucked, causing an indescribable ripple.

She knew that Jiang Qing favored that girl.

For her, this kind of "watching the show" was hardly relaxing or enjoyable.

"Egret".

Her voice was soft, with her usual rationality.

"Isn't it inappropriate to just stand around and watch like this? Won't it disturb the people filming?"

"Oh! It's nothing!"

The egret waved its hand casually.

"I know Xiao Houzi very well! Besides, let's just sneak around and take a look from the outside! Let's go, let's go!"

She and Hou Minghao co-starred in "Journey to the West: The Land of Women" in 17. Although it was not broadcast for various reasons, the two have maintained a good relationship ever since.

"OK then."

Chen Duling couldn't refuse Bai Lu's hospitality, or rather, deep down she was also driven by a vague and inexplicable thought.

I want to see with my own eyes what the girl who made Jiang Qing's heart flutter again is like, both on and off screen.

The two film crews were very close to each other. In less than ten minutes, the four of them arrived at the edge of the "Heart Protection" film set. After scanning their faces, they easily arrived at the filming location.

The group looked up and saw Zhou Ye in the center of the set, wearing a flowing light blue ancient costume dress. His long black hair was styled into a lively bun, with a few strands hanging down beside his cheeks, making his already exquisite face even more playful and lively.

She was tilting her head slightly, reciting her lines to Hou Minghao, who was also dressed in ancient costume. Her voice was sweet and delicate, and her eyes held the tender affection required by the script.

The egret lowered its voice excitedly.

"Here it comes! The main event is here! Look at the atmosphere, it's so perfect!"

She didn't forget to nudge Chen Duling and Luo Yunxi next to her with her elbow.

Chen Duling's gaze passed over the bustling filming center and quietly landed on Zhou Ye.

The girl in front of the camera was indeed beautiful, with small features, and especially with that youthful vitality, like a flower bud with dew in the morning, which could be felt even from afar.

The image of Zhou Ye circling around Jiang Qing in Peach Blossom Valley flashed through her mind, his smile seemingly never fading, charming and adorable, and particularly infectious.

At this moment in front of the camera, she also portrayed the character's shyness naturally and vividly.

Chen Duling sighed silently in her heart.

No wonder Jiang Qing...

At that moment, the director's voice came through the walkie-talkie clearly.

"Alright! That's enough dialogue! Time for the kissing scene! Actors, get ready!"

Bai Lu excitedly grabbed Chen Duling's arm and shook it hard.

"Dudu, I'm here!"

In an instant, everyone on set focused their attention on the two people in the center of the shot.

However, Zhou Ye's next move surprised Bai Lu and the others, except for Chen Duling, who remained calm and seemed to have been prepared.

After hearing the director's instructions, Zhou Ye naturally took two steps back, moving from the center of the camera to the edge.

At the same time, a girl dressed in the exact same costume, with a similar hairstyle and height as her quickly stepped forward and stood opposite Hou Minghao, taking the spot where Zhou Ye had just been.

The on-site director immediately directed the lighting and camera crew to adjust their angles and focus on Hou Minghao and the stunt double.

"Action!"

As soon as the director gave the order, Hou Minghao immediately got into character, bowing his head affectionately.

The stunt double also tilted his head back slightly, and the two completed the kissing scene required by the script in front of the camera.

The entire process went smoothly, with the staff performing their duties without showing any surprise, clearly indicating that they were already used to it.

At the edge of the film set, Bai Lu and his two companions looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

The egret's mouth was slightly open, and the excitement on her face instantly froze, turning into an incredulous astonishment. She blurted out unconsciously.

"Huh? A...stand-in?"

She suddenly turned her head to look at Chen Duling beside her, who looked perfectly normal, with a belated realization in her eyes.

Luo Yunxi also raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of understanding flashing in her eyes.

Sun Zhenni also realized what was happening at this moment and glanced at Chen Duling.

Chen Duling was the same in their film crew.

Bai Lu's gaze swept back and forth between Chen Duling and Zhou Ye, her mind instantly connecting a series of fragmented pieces of information.

Regarding the rumors about Zhou Ye and Chen Duling and that President Jiang, and Chen Duling's insistence on using a body double for intimate scenes in the Changyue drama, and the fact that the production team actually agreed to it...

She then realized that she had unintentionally brought two "love rivals" into the same frame!
She slapped her forehead in frustration and muttered to herself.

"My God... what's wrong with my brain..."

At this moment, Hou Minghao finished filming and looked up to see Bai Lu and the others standing on the periphery. His face immediately lit up with a delighted smile, and he strode over.

"Oh! Professor Bailu has graced us with her presence! What a rare guest!"

The egret quickly wiped the embarrassment from its face, opened its mouth, and laughed heartily as it went to greet the guest.

"Haha, young master! I heard you're filming a major scene today, so I came to learn from you!"

She patted Hou Minghao's shoulder forcefully.

"I think you just want to join in the fun, don't you?"

Hou Minghao immediately saw through her thoughts, exchanged pleasantries familiarly, and then naturally turned his gaze to Chen Duling.

"Sister Duling is here too, it's been a long time."

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Chen Duling nodded slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

His gaze, however, involuntarily passed over Hou Minghao and landed on the girl who was walking in their direction.

Zhou Ye also saw them. She first smiled and said something to her assistant, then walked over with light steps.

Similarly, her gaze immediately fell upon Chen Duling in the crowd.

Their eyes met in the air.

Zhou Ye's eyes were clear and bright, filled with undisguised curiosity and scrutiny.

Is this Chen Duling?

That campus belle from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the "beauty that makes sense" that Jiang Qing mentioned?
She certainly has a great temperament, aloof and elegant, and very beautiful, completely different from her loud and boisterous type.

She couldn't help but have some doubts.

No wonder Jiang Qing flirted with her so openly before...

Chen Duling's eyebrows relaxed slightly, and she greeted Zhou Ye's gaze with a gentle smile.

Up close, this girl has amazing skin, so white it practically glows. Her features are so delicate they seem flawless. When she's not smiling, she gives off an aura of being someone you don't want to mess with, and she has a cool and aloof demeanor.

When she smiles, she seems to transform into a completely different person; her eyes crinkle into crescents, and her soft, gentle demeanor makes her exceptionally endearing.

She suddenly realized why Jiang Qing liked her.

How many boys wouldn't be attracted to such a cute and innocent girl?

This girl looks like the kind who has been well protected since childhood, growing up in a pampered environment.

"Yazi!"

To liven things up, Bailu pulled Zhou Ye over.

"Come, let me introduce you. This is Dudu Chen Duling. Call her Sister Duling!"

Zhou Ye immediately put on a bright smile and extended his hand.

"Hello, Sister Duling! I'm Zhou Ye! I've watched The Left Ear several times."

Her smile is sweet and warm, with a unique infectious charm.

Chen Duling reached out and gently shook her hand.

The curve of her lips deepened slightly, and her voice became gentle.

"Hello, Yezi, I've seen Peach Blossom Village, and your performance was adorable."

"Really? Thank you, Sister Duling!"

Zhou Ye's smile became even brighter, like a little sun.

Seeing that the atmosphere was good, Hou Minghao made a suggestion.

"It's rare for everyone to get together, how about we have dinner together tonight? I know a new private kitchen restaurant that opened, the food is really good."

"Yeah!"

Egret immediately responded enthusiastically; she loves lively atmospheres.

"I'm starving! Let's go!"

She suddenly remembered something after she finished speaking, and subconsciously looked at Chen Duling with a hint of trepidation in her eyes.

Although she and Zhou Ye seemed to be getting along well just now, will this meal be alright?

Hou Minghao belatedly realized the subtle change in the atmosphere, his smile faltered, and he turned his gaze to Zhou Ye.

Chen Duling had a faint smile on her face, as if she hadn't noticed their little actions.

"I'm fine with it, I'll follow your arrangements."

She turned her gaze to Zhou Ye with a frank expression, her eyes carrying a silent question.

Zhou Ye received Chen Duling's gaze, his smile remained bright, and he nodded vigorously.

"Great! We haven't had a get-together for several days! Let's all get together and have some fun."

She put her hands behind her back and swayed gently, seemingly without any reservations about having dinner at the same table with Chen Duling.

Thus, this impromptu dinner was decided in a subtle, almost imperceptible atmosphere.

Half an hour later, the group arrived at the dining venue.

The private restaurant Hou Minghao chose had an elegant environment. The warm yellow lights in the private room illuminated the steaming dishes, which were indeed delicious and visually appealing, earning high praise from everyone.

Bai Lu fully utilized her role as the atmosphere-maker, chatting with Luo Yunxi, Hou Minghao, and Sun Zhenni about fun things that happened on set, complaining about the director, and sharing food tips for Hengdian, creating constant laughter and trying her best to liven up the atmosphere.

Chen Duling and Zhou Ye sat on opposite sides of the round table, seemingly in unspoken agreement.

While the group chatted animatedly, Chen Duling didn't say much, mostly just listening quietly. Occasionally, when Bailu called on her, she would respond with a smile.

Her gaze would occasionally sweep over Zhou Ye across from her, observing his actions.

In contrast, Zhou Ye appeared much more lively.

While chatting with Bai Lu and Hou Minghao, sharing interesting stories from the "Protecting the Heart" drama crew, she curiously tried the new dishes on the table. Her eyes would light up when she encountered something delicious, and she would enthusiastically recommend it to Sun Zhenni next to her.

Seemingly completely immersed in the lively party, she acted quite naturally towards Chen Duling's presence.

The conversation at the dinner table ranged from all over the world, gradually shifting from interesting stories about the two film crews to gossip within the entertainment industry, especially the recent scandals involving several top celebrities, which provided plenty of topics for discussion.

The meal passed slowly in this seemingly lively atmosphere until the dishes were scattered and the night deepened.

As everyone stepped out of the restaurant, the chill of a winter night in Hengdian hit them.

The dazzling lights of the film studio twinkled in the distance, illuminating each person with their own thoughts.

Bai Lu, still wanting more, pulled Luo Yunxi and Sun Zhenni aside to discuss whether they should go get some more drinks.

Hou Minghao was looking down at his phone.

Just as Chen Duling was about to say goodbye and return to the hotel, Zhou Ye, who had been by her side, suddenly spoke up. His voice was clear and crisp, but it carried an undeniable seriousness.

"Sister Duling, please wait a moment."

Chen Duling paused, then slowly turned around to face her.

The warm yellow light from the streetlights cast a soft glow on her cool profile.

She looked at Zhou Ye with a questioning look in her eyes.

Zhou Ye took two steps forward and stood in front of her.

The night breeze ruffled the stray hairs on her forehead. She tilted her small face up, and her bright eyes, which were always full of smiles, were now unusually serious.

She took a deep breath of the cool air, her voice soft but clear, piercing through the surrounding noise.

"Could...could we talk alone? Or maybe have a drink together?"

The conversation among Bai Lu and the others immediately subsided, their gazes sweeping over them almost imperceptibly.

Chen Duling sized up the girl in front of her, whose serious expression clearly conveyed the tension in her eyes.

There was no provocation, no hostility, only an expectation of communication.

The space fell silent for a few seconds, as if even the noise of the film studio at night had receded into the distance.

Just when Zhou Ye thought he was about to be rejected, two dimples, one deep and one shallow, slowly bloomed on Chen Duling's fair cheeks. Her gentle smile spread across her entire face in the blink of an eye, dispelling her original coldness and aloofness.

She nodded gently, her voice soft.

"of course can."

The night wind suddenly became noisy.

(End of this chapter)