YJDNY - 49

During her university days, Xiang Ge once had a late-night chat with her female roommate, and they delved into many risqué, hazy yet beautiful topics about the opposite sex.

One of the questions was: What does it actually feel like for guys when they have morning wood?

She still remembered the most upvoted answer she’d seen on Zhihu at the time—”Like the sun at high noon.”

Back then, Xiang Ge had thought the phrase was too abstract, something she couldn’t quite grasp.

Until this morning.

The sensation… really did feel terrifying. Even more so than last night.

By now, she had already gotten up and dressed. Zhou Xingyan sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard, watching her go in and out of the bathroom repeatedly.

Around 6:30 a.m., someone knocked on Xiang Ge’s door.

She flinched, slipping out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, glancing at the man on the bed.

Zhou Xingyan was utterly calm, meeting her gaze expressionlessly.

After a moment’s thought, Xiang Ge walked over, pressed her hands against his shoulders, and slowly pushed him down. Then, gripping the edge of the blanket, she yanked it up in one swift motion, completely covering the man on the bed.

A few strands of black hair peeked out from under the blanket. Xiang Ge pressed his head down further before calmly heading to the door.

It was one of Bai Yuandao’s assistants. She responded politely, shut the door, and returned to the bedroom.

Zhou Xingyan remained motionless under the blanket, a lump beneath the covers.

Xiang Ge almost laughed but held it in. She walked over and pulled the blanket off.

Zhou Xingyan hadn’t moved an inch, staring at her blankly, his hair slightly tousled, a few strands sticking up.

Xiang Ge smoothed his hair, then couldn’t help but chuckle before leaning down to nip his chin. ”Hubby’s off to work and earn money.”

Zhou Xingyan narrowed his eyes, giving her a sidelong glance.

Xiang Ge grinned. ”When are you leaving?”

Zhou Xingyan pushed himself up. ”This afternoon.” He looked at her. ”What time do you wrap up?”

Xiang Ge tilted her head. ”Not sure. Maybe five or six?”

Zhou Xingyan nodded. ”Then I’ll leave at seven.”

Xiang Ge fell silent, staring at him for two seconds before suddenly leaning in and hugging him.

She sat on the edge of the bed, face buried in the crook of his neck, arms tightening around him.

Even though they’d used the hotel’s shower gel and shampoo last night, Zhou Xingyan still carried his own distinct scent.

Her lips brushed against his neck as she murmured, ”Xingxing, I’ll try my best to avoid NG and finish filming quickly so I can come home soon.”

Zhou Xingyan held her without a word.

After a long pause, he finally responded in a low voice, ”Mm. I’ll wait for you.”

________________________________________

On Set

Xiang Ge rode to the set with the crew. When Ji Ran spotted her, he waved her over.

Remembering the sour look on a certain Zhou-family vinegar vat last night, she almost laughed as she approached. ”Teacher Ji.”

Ji Ran looked startled. ”No need for that. I’m not much older than you, and I’m not exactly seasoned either.”

Xiang Ge smiled. ”Teacher Ji’s Zhenguan was amazing.”

Ji Ran seemed surprised, a little bashful. ”You’ve seen Zhenguan?”

(She hadn’t. Period dramas had never been her thing.)

Without hesitation, she nodded. ”Of course. It was super popular.”

While preparations continued, they chatted for a bit—until her phone rang.

Excusing herself, she stepped aside to answer.

Zhou Xingyan’s voice was icy, matter-of-fact: ”If you keep talking to that wild man, all the chocolate at home will mysteriously vanish.”

Xiang Ge: ”...”

Zhou Xingyan: ”And when you ask me, I won’t know where it went either.”

Xiang Ge paused. ”Xingxing.”

“Hm?”

“Are you the clairvoyant, all-hearing Second Brother from Calabash Brothers?”

Zhou Xingyan: ”...”

________________________________________

Filming Begins

The story opened in a school, told from the female lead’s perspective: ”My Strange Desk Mate.” The set was a private high school. After makeup, Xiang Ge sat alone in a corner of the classroom.

Gu Yi approached, about to speak, but Su Yining stopped her.

The veteran actress lounged in her chair, chin propped on her hand as she observed the girl in the corner. ”Don’t bother. She won’t respond to you right now.”

Gu Yi scoffed internally.

So professional? What’s a rookie trying to prove?

When filming began, the clapperboard snapped—and Xiang Ge looked up.

Nearly everyone except Bai Yuandao froze.

The sharp, lazy defiance in her eyes was gone. Her gaze was dark, hollow, chilling—like staring into an abyss.

She sat silently, unpacking her books one by one, untouched by the chatter and laughter around her.

When Gu Yi spoke to her, her lashes fluttered. She glanced up, then away, her slender frame shrinking back unconsciously. Her fingers twitched—reaching forward slightly before curling into fists.

Xiang Ge had never fully understood Shen Jing’s character before.

They were nothing alike. Xiang Ge was tough, hiding her emotions behind thorns—defiant, aggressive, unwilling to yield.

But Shen Jing was soft.

She feared softly, escaped softly. She flinched, begged, cried, constantly seeking help.

Struggling in the dark, yet still craving light.

Why are you talking to me?

Please, just leave me alone.

Please…

Help me.

Tiny, terrified. Struggling, yearning.

Gu Yi faltered.

Shen Jing’s role in Cocoon was substantial—almost a dual lead.

And if one performance outshone the other, the latter would be completely eclipsed.

Xiang Ge’s Shen Jing was unexpected, her skill far beyond a rookie’s. Caught off guard, Gu Yi scrambled to up her own acting—only to blank on her lines entirely.

Bai Yuandao clicked his tongue. ”Cut!”

Gu Yi snapped back to reality, apologizing quickly.

After three takes, Bai Yuandao rubbed his temples impatiently and turned to Xiang Ge. ”Guide her a little.”

Xiang Ge blinked, confused. ”It’s such a simple scene. How?”

“...”

Gu Yi gritted her teeth.

When they finally got the shot, Gu Yi shot her a glare.

Xiang Ge was baffled.

________________________________________

Lunch Break

Bai Yuandao, usually easygoing, became a demon on set. By noon, Xiang Ge had barely drunk any water.

The moment they broke for lunch, she called Gong Mo, demanding she come tomorrow.

The private school’s campus was lush and green. After gulping down half a bottle of water, Xiang Ge took her lunchbox and sat on a small staircase near a side path.

The science building was secluded, with only a few students passing by. In her uniform, she blended right in—like any other high schooler.

She’d barely taken a few bites when her phone rang.

Mouth full of meatball, she answered with a muffled ”Hello?”

“Where are you?”

“Filming. At a school.”

“I know. I’m at the gate. Where exactly?”

“...”

How do you know everything?

The school was huge. Setting her lunch aside, she stood and directed him.

Ten minutes later, Zhou Xingyan found her.

She was still crouched, chopsticks picking at braised chicken. Her hair was tied in a messy ponytail. Spotting him, she waved with her free hand.

Zhou Xingyan hung up, walked over, and lifted her lunchbox, holding it out for her.

She ate from his hand.

Then he suddenly pulled her up, turning them both before glancing down. ”You’re eating in the wind?”

Xiang Ge chewed. ”The atmosphere’s nice. Feels like being back in high school.” She eyed the lunchbox. ”Hold it steady.”

Zhou Xingyan smirked. ”Am I your table now?”

Xiang Ge swallowed, utterly serious. ”Of course not. You’re my man—my everything.”

Zhou Xingyan’s gaze snapped up, locking onto her.

Her messy ponytail, loose strands tucked behind her ears. Her clean, youthful face. The oversized uniform, neat collar, and small earring holes visible up close.

He’d never seen her wear her uniform so properly in high school.

Back then, it was always hanging open, collar half-flipped, lazy and defiant—earrings glinting, sharp and bright.

(And though he’d always scolded her for it, young Zhou Xingyan had secretly loved it—because it gave him an excuse to pull her aside, to watch her pout as she zipped up her jacket, grumbling at him like an angry little monster.)

But now, seeing her like this—neat and proper—was just as captivating.

Especially with her cheeks full of food, lips glossy from sauce, saying you’re my everything.

His tongue flicked over his own lips before he leaned in to kiss her.

She still had her chopsticks raised. He carefully held the lunchbox steady, avoiding spills as his lips brushed hers—light, fleeting.

She closed her eyes.

Between the trees, on the quiet steps, the girl in uniform tilted her head up. The taste of braised chicken lingered.

Until—

“Ah.”

A gasp came from behind Zhou Xingyan.

Xiang Ge jolted, eyes flying open as she pushed him away.

Zhou Xingyan didn’t budge, lazily licking her lower lip before turning, displeased.

Su Yining stood at the science building’s side door, glancing between them.

Xiang Ge stiffened. ”Teacher Su… you’re done with lunch?”

Su Yining hummed, then glared at Zhou Xingyan in disgust. ”You should be reborn.”

Zhou Xingyan: ”...”

Xiang Ge: ”...”

???

Su Yining pointed at Xiang Ge. ”She’s in a high school uniform, and you still went for it?”