CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 83: CHRISTMAS EVE (PART 1)

The second stage of filming wasn’t very tight; it was mainly for reshooting a few scenes needed for post-production and filming the ending.

This way, things were a lot more relaxed; no late-night shoots, and no need to get up too early in the morning. Zhou Huaiyi could finally get a good night’s sleep.

In the blink of an eye, Christmas Eve arrived. During the coldest time of winter, H City saw its first snowfall of the year, prompting the crew to finish work early.

By the time Xiang Qichen finished removing his makeup, it was already completely dark outside. The orange streetlights reflected the falling snowflakes, pure and flawless. Zhou Huaiyi had never seen such a beautiful snowy scene before, and her excitement was uncontrollable; she ran outside with striding steps: "Ah—snow—such heavy snow—"

Xiang Qichen walked out slowly, hands in his pockets, his high collar covering his chin.

Zhou Huaiyi looked around, then glanced back at Xiang Qichen, who was a step behind her: "Why isn’t Yang Li around today?"

Xiang Qichen rubbed his collar, looking at ease: "Something came up at the company, so he went back to Yanchuan."

Hearing this, Zhou Huaiyi raised her eyebrows in thought, realizing she hadn’t been summoned by the company... could it be she’s not considered a formal employee?

As she was lost in thought, Xiang Qichen had already walked toward the Passat, unlocking the car and opening the driver’s door before looking back at her: "What are you standing there for? Get in the car."

Zhou Huaiyi stepped quickly over the snow, sat in the passenger seat, and rolled down the window, unable to suppress a grin: "Snow, oh snow, it’s so beautiful."

She caught a snowflake in her hand, which instantly melted into a little puddle in her palm. Zhou Huaiyi clenched her fist and turned to the man reversing the car, saying: "Qi Chen, they’re as beautiful as you."

His delicate features seemed to be veiled by the snow in a thin layer of crystal, and when he smiled, his eyes shone brightly, reflected unreservedly in hers.

Xiang Qichen’s heart skipped a beat, and he accidentally pressed the brake too hard, making them both lean forward due to inertia.

Zhou Huaiyi was startled: "What happened?"

Xiang Qichen remained calm: "Nothing."

With that, he made a right turn and sped away.

...

The car drove for about ten minutes before Zhou Huaiyi realized they didn’t seem to be heading towards the hotel.

With the snow outside getting lighter, Zhou Huaiyi sat up and turned to look at him: "Aren’t we going back to the hotel?"

Xiang Qichen replied nonchalantly: "No."

Seeing that he didn’t say more, Zhou Huaiyi didn’t dare ask further. She pressed her lips together and waited silently; after all, she’d soon find out where they were heading once they got there.

Five minutes later, the car arrived at a Western restaurant.

Zhou Huaiyi unfastened her seatbelt and craned her neck for a look. When she turned to the side again, she saw Xiang Qichen putting on a hat and mask.

She was taken aback and asked: "Are we eating here?"

"Yes." Xiang Qichen turned off the engine and opened the door, "Let’s go."

Zhou Huaiyi turned around, laughing sneakily as she opened the car door: Christmas Eve, dining with her male idol... and it’s Western cuisine... so romantic, so romantic...

As if it was prearranged, as soon as Xiang Qichen stepped inside, the waiter led them straight to a private room.

Inside, the lights were a warm yellow, gently spilling over the dining table, producing dappled reflections in the clean wineglasses. A circular speaker on the ceiling played a lively Spanish song, low and soothing, very romantic indeed.

Xiang Qichen had already taken off his hat and mask, casually tossing them onto the sofa before leisurely removing his coat.

Zhou Huaiyi exclaimed in surprise: "Why... why here of all places for dinner..."

Xiang Qichen paused for a second and casually replied: "I felt like having steak."

Zhou Huaiyi: "..."

So she just happened to benefit?

"Sit down," he said, "consider it a staff benefit."

Zhou Huaiyi lowered her eyes, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

Why did she shamelessly think that her male idol was going to confess to her...