IJLHTW - 56

In March, a one-minute video trailer went viral on Weibo, racking up over ten million views within hours.

Released by the country’s most anticipated documentary team, the trailer unveiled their new season’s theme—following the footsteps of Doctors Without Borders into the heart of Africa.

Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization many had only heard of but never truly understood, once again captured public interest.

When releasing the video, the Time Window team specifically thanked Ming Sheng Group. It was thanks to the sponsorship from Ming Sheng Pharmaceuticals that they were able to embark on this journey. The more eagle-eyed viewers noticed two familiar faces in the trailer.

Although Yi Zhecheng’s figure appeared only briefly, sharp-eyed fans immediately recognized him.

Moreover, during his recent interview, his past as a surgeon had already been revealed, including his time with Doctors Without Borders.

The article praised these individuals as idealists walking on the edge of death. Each of them had promising careers and comfortable lives in their respective countries but chose to abandon it all to serve in impoverished, war-torn regions.

What drove them was the compassion in their hearts.

The day after the Time Window team released their documentary teaser, Huo Ci announced her latest photography exhibition on Weibo. She also declared that all proceeds from the exhibition would be donated to Doctors Without Borders to support their ongoing charitable projects in China.

This announcement shed light on Huo Ci’s previous injury. Based on the timeline, she had likely been working in Africa at the time. For years, many in the photography world criticized Huo Ci for commercializing the art of photography. While her work in fashion was undeniably successful, she initially gained fame as a documentary photographer.

The announcement of Huo Ci’s photography exhibition effectively silenced some critics. However, since the exhibition hadn’t officially begun and her works hadn’t yet been seen, no one dared comment on whether her skills had improved or declined over the years.

Criticism or praise—neither had emerged yet.

The photography world remained quiet, but online buzz exploded. Her Weibo post quickly topped the trending charts, surpassing even posts from celebrities. The hashtag #HuoCiPhotographyTour quickly climbed to the top of trending topics.

Two hours later, Yi Zhecheng updated his Weibo again. He reposted Huo Ci’s post: “Looking forward to your exhibition.”

His tone was polite and distant, but reviewing Yi Zhecheng’s sparse social media presence—only two posts, both related to Huo Ci—spoke volumes.

Yi Zhecheng’s popularity online remained sky-high. If the interview sparked public curiosity about him, then the library photo evoked feelings of first love.

Every girl in her youth dreams of encountering a Jiang Zhishu-like figure by her side—tall, handsome, intelligent, seemingly invincible. In the interview photos, Yi Zhecheng appeared mature and commanding, exuding an air of dominance. But the library photo made people feel closer to him. Sunlight, desks, books—he sat quietly there, and when he looked up, his profile was strikingly handsome.

The original post now had over 110,000 retweets and more than 500,000 likes.

Even Huo Ci herself saved a copy. When she asked him when it was taken, he glanced at it casually and replied indifferently, “Probably my freshman or sophomore year.”

Huo Ci calculated and sighed wistfully. “I was still in middle school back then.”

Yi Zhecheng paused, then pulled her into his arms, pressing her onto the bed and kissing her thoroughly. After satisfying himself, he smirked and asked, “Are you hinting that I’m much older than you?”

That night, the much-older Yi Zhecheng ensured Huo Ci didn’t leave the bed.

Coincidentally, it was also the day presale tickets for the Beijing leg of her exhibition launched. Within three minutes of going live, all tickets for the day’s exhibition were sold out.

When the operator contacted Bai Yu, he nearly burst into laughter. He couldn’t have been happier. Originally, the Beijing exhibition was scheduled for five days, with the first day’s ticket sales just a trial run. Clearly, the presale results delighted everyone.

Bai Yu happily ordered afternoon tea to treat the entire studio.

With the exhibition just days away, Huo Ci had no other work commitments and focused solely on preparing for it. She had already arranged the photos. When Bai Yu entered, holding a cup of coffee, he said, “Take a break.”

“Tonight, we’re meeting with the sponsors. I’ve always handled these events, but with the exhibition starting soon, you absolutely must attend this time,” Bai Yu straddled a chair, resting his chin on his arms.

Huo Ci frowned, and he immediately protested, “You can’t be difficult this time. I’ve already arranged everything. Besides, this is an opportunity. They mentioned that if the domestic tour goes well, they might sponsor us to go to Europe and the U.S. Think about how much that would elevate your career.”

She wouldn’t just be a renowned photographer in China anymore.

Bai Yu knew her well. Deep down, she had a relentless drive to excel at whatever she did.

Huo Ci understood that Bai Yu had been handling all the behind-the-scenes work for the exhibition. She only provided the artwork. For so long, whatever she needed, he had worked tirelessly to make happen.

So she nodded. “Alright.”

It was rare for her to agree, and Bai Yu was overjoyed.

Since she had to entertain that evening, Huo Ci called Yi Zhecheng in advance. Hearing her words, he didn’t say much, only reminding her to drink less. Just before hanging up, he tapped his pen on paper twice and said firmly, “Call me when you’re done. I’ll come pick you up.”

“No need. I’ll call a designated driver,” Huo Ci replied.

After a brief silence, he insisted, “I’ll come pick you up.”

Huo Ci knew he was worried about her returning alone late at night. “Fine. I’ll call you before I finish.”

________________________________________

When Lu Linzheng walked into the private room, Huo Ci was sitting on the couch scrolling through her phone. She had arrived early. Today, she wore a loose light blue sweater, revealing her fair neck and a hint of collarbone. As she lowered her head, her long hair fell gently by her cheek, making one want to reach out and brush it aside.

As soon as Bai Yu saw someone enter, he nudged Huo Ci. Already standing, he greeted them warmly, “Mr. Zhao, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us. We appreciate your support.”

Mr. Zhao quickly smiled, carefully glancing at Lu Linzheng beside him. He hadn’t expected such an ordinary business meeting to involve the big boss.

When Huo Ci stood, she immediately spotted Lu Linzheng and his slightly smug smile.

She was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected the sponsor to be him.

“I told you we’d meet again soon,” Lu Linzheng approached her, tall and handsome, with a faint smile that lacked the mischievousness from last time.

Huo Ci calmly met his gaze, nonchalantly replying, “Unfortunately, there won’t be any good shows this time.”

The previous stunt of threatening to jump off a building had been dramatic enough.

Unfazed by her sarcasm, Lu Linzheng raised an eyebrow. “If you enjoyed it, I can have her perform again.”

Huo Ci: “…Sure, you’re shameless.”

The others exchanged confused glances as they listened to their conversation. Finally, Mr. Zhao caught on and laughed loudly, “Mr. Lu, do you know Miss Huo?”

“Of course,” Lu Linzheng stared at her. Today, she wore tailored black trousers that accentuated her long, slender legs, exposing a delicate ankle.

His eyes lingered slightly lower.

“I’ve heard a lot about the great photographer, Miss Huo,” Lu Linzheng said, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

Anyone who knew this young master of the Lu family knew his eccentric personality. Those accompanying him today were all company employees. Normally, spotting Young Master Lu in the office meant seeing a sullen face—never had they witnessed such affability. Thus, everyone couldn’t help but steal glances at Huo Ci.

Indeed, beauty had its privileges.

Once seated, Mr. Zhao specially invited Lu Linzheng and Huo Ci to take the seats of honor. “Miss Huo is our host today, and Mr. Lu is our distinguished guest. Both deserve the best seats.”

Huo Ci coldly observed him. This was precisely why she disliked attending these events—it made her lose her appetite watching people grovel.

During the meal, someone tried to pour wine for Huo Ci, but Bai Yu quickly intervened.

Lu Linzheng turned to her, softly asking, “You don’t drink?”

“No,” Huo Ci replied curtly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Unperturbed, he smiled. “I don’t like drinking either. How about we both stick to water tonight?”

The pampering was almost suffocating. Everyone except Bai Yu felt their jaws drop. Rumors circulated that Young Master Lu showed little interest in women. Once, a woman threatened to jump off a building to get his attention, but when he arrived, he simply told her to hurry up and die.

Everyone quickly chimed in, “Green living is the trend nowadays. Drinking less is better. Water is healthy.”

Thus, everyone at the table switched to water—imported mineral water from the Alps, costing hundreds per bottle.

But it was utterly tasteless.

Bai Yu’s heart sank as he watched. From the looks of this Mr. Lu, it seemed he had ulterior motives toward Huo Ci.

He had been dealing with Mr. Zhao until now. When he initially sought sponsors, this company approached him. Though not large, they were generous and decisive—except for their strict penalty clauses, which satisfied Bai Yu completely.

Who would’ve thought this Mr. Lu would suddenly appear tonight?

Clearly, he was here for Huo Ci.

Bai Yu had known her for so long and had fended off countless unwanted advances on her behalf. Realizing he had inadvertently attracted this suitor, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Would Mr. Yi kill him?

Thinking of Yi Zhecheng’s possessive and protective nature, Bai Yu feared for his life.

When Huo Ci returned from the restroom, Bai Yu was waiting outside. He whispered, “Why don’t you leave early? I’ll tell them you’re feeling unwell and went home.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you afraid of offending anyone?”

“My dear lady, even I’m not blind enough to miss this,” Bai Yu pleaded.

He would return first to stall the group while she left. Huo Ci snickered, watching him walk away.

The elevator arrived, and she pressed the button for the first floor. As the doors slowly closed, someone suddenly squeezed in. Lu Linzheng coolly observed her. “Leaving so early without saying goodbye? Leaving others waiting isn’t very polite, is it?”

His lips curled into a smirk, that mischievous aura reappearing.

Huo Ci leaned against the elevator wall, preparing to send a message to Yi Zhecheng. Without looking up from her phone, she replied, “Is that so? Isn’t that why you followed me?”

The restaurant was on the seventh floor, and once the elevator doors closed, the signal became poor.

Just as Huo Ci lifted her head to speak, the lights inside flickered, and moments later, the elevator violently shook. Huo Ci immediately rushed forward, pressing every button on the panel. Then she returned to stand in the triangular corner of the elevator. Beside her, Lu Linzheng’s face turned pale as he watched her.

After a while, the shaking stopped.

But the lights went out, and the elevator seemed to have halted somewhere.

Seeing the elevator unmoving, Huo Ci began pressing the alarm button. Soon, staff contacted them, and Huo Ci calmly informed them that two people were trapped inside.

“Understood, miss. Please remain patient. Our maintenance crew is on their way,” a gentle female voice reassured her.

Once the call ended, the elevator fell silent, save for the sound of their breathing.

Compared to Huo Ci’s calm demeanor, the man beside her seemed to breathe heavily. As his breathing grew increasingly rapid, Huo Ci couldn’t help but ask, “Are you alright?”

Her voice was cold and detached, but in that moment, it acted like a soothing balm, calming Lu Linzheng’s nerves.

He chuckled slightly. “Aren’t you scared? How can you stay so calm?”

“Scared? Didn’t you see me press every button just now?” she muttered. If this elevator crashes, I haven’t even married Yi Zhecheng yet. Dying like this would be too unjust.

Perhaps talking to her helped, as his fear eased considerably.

“I’m terrified,” he suddenly whispered. Huo Ci listened quietly as he continued, “I was kidnapped as a child, so I’m afraid of dark places.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a bright, straight beam of light illuminated the dark elevator.

It was the flashlight on Huo Ci’s phone.

The surroundings weren’t as dark anymore. Lu Linzheng turned to look at her—her exquisite face as aloof as ever.

Yet it strangely brought a sense of comfort.

________________________________________

By the time they were rescued, a group of people was already waiting outside. The restaurant manager immediately approached, repeatedly apologizing. But Lu Linzheng, who now had the energy to scold them, sneered, “Instead of wasting time apologizing, maintain your elevators properly.”

Huo Ci, seeing his newfound vigor, snickered and turned to leave.

Lu Linzheng blocked her path. “Today, thank you.”

Huo Ci looked up as his hand reached out. He gently brushed a strand of her hair that had fallen by her cheek, the soft strands sliding through his fingertips. He tucked her hair behind her ear, laughing softly when he saw her frown. “It was dirty.”

“Huo Ci.”

A voice came from behind her. Turning, Huo Ci saw Yi Zhecheng standing at the entrance.

He quietly observed her and Lu Linzheng.