Chapter 25: Boxed Meals

After adjusting the equipment, Yin Mengxi found the audition clip from half an hour earlier.

“It should be this part.”

Yin Mengxi stepped aside from the monitor to make room for Xiao Zhi.

“Thank you.”

He acknowledged her response and then crossed his arms, lowering his head to watch the screen. Guo Yue also leaned over, standing beside him as they both watched attentively.

Especially Xiao Zhi, who remained silent throughout, his slightly furrowed brows perhaps a sign of his intense focus. The surrounding actors instinctively quieted down, respecting his silence.

Tang Fei, however, fidgeted more than others, perhaps feeling awkward about Xiao Zhi and Guo Yue reviewing someone else’s audition. She occasionally smoothed her hair, drawing subtle glances from other actors.

Finally, the video ended. Xiao Zhi turned to Guo Yue and said a few words. Tang Fei moved closer, breaking the theater’s silence. Yin Mengxi heard her ask Xiao Zhi, “What’s wrong? Any issues?”

She was pouting playfully.

“No,” he replied softly, looking down at her with a gentle tone.

“Do you want to try Ye Jing?” he suggested.

Ye Jing was Ye Wan’s sister in the script, returning from studying abroad with her sibling. She disapproved of Mr. He’s educational philosophy and tried to prevent Ye Wan from associating with him. After the end of the Liberation War, she and her husband moved to Taiwan.

His suggestion...

...implied that Tang Fei wasn’t suitable for the female lead?

“Why?” Tang Fei frowned, moving even closer. “Do you think I didn’t perform well?”

She seemed a bit upset.

“Not at all,” his tone was gentle but clear in expressing his viewpoint. “I just think you’re more suited for Ye Jing.”

Though phrased diplomatically, the essence was undeniable: he believed Zhang Li performed better or was at least more suitable for the female lead role.

Everyone understood the implication. They exchanged glances, some enjoying the spectacle. After all, Tang Fei’s mother was the vice secretary, and she was a senior member of the drama club. Meanwhile, Zhang Li was only a junior. Choosing one over the other was a bold move.

Only Xiao Zhi could say such a thing…

“Alright, I’ll try Ye Jing later,” Tang Fei responded, her tone bright, seemingly not offended.

“We seniors should step back to give juniors a chance,” she added, turning to Zhang Li with a smile. “Congratulations, you really did a great job.”

Zhang Li was visibly moved; she hadn’t expected to win the role. Trying to steady her emotions, she thanked Tang Fei, promising, “Thank you everyone for trusting me. I’ll do my best in the performance!”

Tang Fei continued smiling, leading the applause, which others joined. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively. Even Yin Mengxi, an outsider, clapped along, touched inexplicably by the moment, her ambiguous feelings for Xiao Zhi stirring once again.

—Why was that?

Years later, reflecting on it, she gradually realized she had been moved by his fairness and objectivity. Though seemingly basic qualities, she would never encounter them again after leaving campus for society.

The auditions weren’t completed by morning’s end. Guo Yue called for a break, coinciding with the arrival of the boxed lunches ordered by the crew. Everyone headed backstage to the lounge to eat.

As an external member, Yin Mengxi wasn’t sure if there was a meal for her. Deciding against taking one, she helped a crew member named Han Yunqiao distribute the meals. Yunqiao, a chemistry major and senior, was still the vice president despite planning to leave the club for graduation preparations.

“Guo Yue is useless beyond managing rehearsals,” Yunqiao said frankly, her personality refreshingly straightforward. “If you want to know more about our club, feel free to talk to me. There’s props, costumes, music, lighting, reimbursements, logistics... so much to cover, each department worthy of its own report.”

Indeed.

Yin Mengxi had considered covering not just the actors but the entire crew’s efforts behind the scenes. She planned to discuss with Yushan and Stone, assigning two departments per person to highlight the crew’s daily life.

“Thank you, Senior,” Yin Mengxi smiled gratefully. “Should I help move the empty boxes out?”

“No need, we’ll collect them later,” Yunqiao reassured, noticing Yin Mengxi didn’t have a meal. “Oh dear, did you not get a meal?”

“Uh... no worries, I...”

“Guo Yue!” Yunqiao interrupted, visibly displeased. “I told you to inform me about additional people! Now the Youth League’s junior has no meal while you’re eating comfortably!”

...Fiercely.

Yin Mengxi was taken aback, wondering if a senior could scold a junior so directly. As she pondered, Xiao Zhi glanced at her. Sitting next to Tang Fei, his gaze made her heart ache, quickly averting her eyes.

“Yes, yes, my fault entirely,” Guo Yue was accustomed to Yunqiao’s scolding, unbothered. “Sorry, Junior. I forgot to inform logistics to add a meal for you. How about this: go to the cafeteria, and we’ll reimburse you...”

...How embarrassing.

“No need, Senior,” Yin Mengxi waved dismissively. “I didn’t plan to...”

“Take this.”

Before finishing, Xiao Zhi suddenly spoke. Startled, she turned to see him offering his untouched boxed meal.

“I haven’t touched it,” he clarified. “It’s new.”

Ah.

This.

“Really, Senior, please eat...” Yin Mengxi felt her palms sweat. “The cafeteria’s nearby. I’ll return soon after eating.”

Yet he didn’t withdraw his hand, maintaining the gesture of offering the meal.

“I had a late breakfast and wasn’t very hungry,” his tone was soft, his gaze warm. “Take it to avoid waste.”

...He was truly persuasive.

Like when he suggested Tang Fei switch roles—not saying “you’re unsuitable for Ye Wan” but “you’re perfect for Ye Jing.” Similarly now, instead of saying “you eat, I’m fine,” he said “to avoid waste,” making it seem like he was asking for her help.

Perhaps this was what a gentleman—or traditionally, a “gentleman”—was.

She hesitated, wanting to decline further, but Tang Fei interjected with a smile, “Junior, take it. Worst case, I’ll treat Senior Xiao to dinner tonight. We can’t let him starve.”

A casual comment, yet laden with familiarity. Yin Mengxi knew their close relationship allowed for spontaneous meals together.

The bittersweet feeling intensified, making her feel somewhat embarrassed. Accepting the meal seemed the best way out, so she finally took it, lowering her head to thank him.

“...Thank you, Senior.”

—What was she thanking him for?

She managed only a bite or two before losing her appetite.

Subtle emotions brewed within her, indescribable—unrequited love often brought powerlessness, envy, and jealousy towards those close to him. She felt it was wrong, thus criticizing herself... ultimately tangling into an unresolved mess.

Too tired to think, she helped Yunqiao clean up leftover boxes. Realizing the break wasn’t over, she bought a pack of cookies from the store, returning just as afternoon auditions began. Actors gathered on stage again.

Entering through the rear door, she saw him alone in the middle rows, arms crossed, watching the stage, his profile bathed in ambiguous light, even his shadow exquisitely beautiful.

She hesitated for at least two minutes, intending to pretend not seeing him and walk away. Yet, like a helpless magnet, she was drawn to him, finding herself beside him, holding up the bag of cookies.

“Senior...”

She tentatively spoke, simultaneously feeling gratitude and resentment towards him.

“...Would you like something to eat?”

His mind was simpler, far from her tangled thoughts. Politeness was his consistent approach in interactions. Seeing her with snacks, he gave a faint smile, doubling his warmth, easily making one dizzy.

“Thank you.”

Without hesitation, he accepted the snack from her hand, finding a seat and gesturing for her to sit.

“You mentioned an interview yesterday, right?” he casually asked while opening the cookies. “Shall we start now?”