Tang Dingding Extra Story [7]

Tang Dingding hadn’t forgotten about treating Lu Zhixing to dinner, but after returning home, she felt a bit embarrassed. Lu Zhixing often posted on social media, and she knew he was busy. She guessed that perhaps his earlier comment had been just a joke, so she didn’t want to intrude by bringing it up. Later, with her packed work schedule, the matter got postponed.

She looked up at him, her heart fluttering slightly, and asked softly: “Can we do it when we’re back in Beijing?”

Lu Zhixing’s lips curved into a faint smile: “Sure.”

The movie promotion still needed to continue, and they wouldn’t be returning to Beijing anytime soon.

The two began to develop an unspoken understanding. During interviews with sharper questions, Lu Zhixing would usually step in to help. Of course, sometimes he couldn’t make it too obvious—if other artists stumbled with their answers, he’d tease them lightly to ease the tension.

The early stages of promotion weren’t too hectic, and Lu Zhixing still had to oversee issues like film editing.

During this time, he received a call from Tang Yu asking him to help film something…

A proposal video?

Lu Zhixing: “What? I’m so busy—can’t you find someone else?”

Tang Yu: “I don’t trust anyone else.”

Lu Zhixing: “….”

He thought of Tang Dingding, paused for a moment, then agreed.

However, Tang Yu even asked him to sign a confidentiality agreement—no one could know about it. Lu Zhixing stared at the contract, hesitated briefly, and signed his name. Fine. For Tang Dingding’s sake, he’d take on this job.

In the future, if he pursued Tang Dingding and Tang Yu opposed it, he could use this as leverage.

After signing the contract, Lu Zhixing returned to his car and absentmindedly reflected, lighting a cigarette. By now, it was late October. The chilly autumn wind blew into the car, but his mind remained foggy.

Yes, during the signing, that was what he had been thinking about.

He liked Tang Dingding.

He wanted to pursue Tang Dingding.

It wasn’t just about wanting to spoil her—it was more than that. The longer he spent with her, the more endearing she became. Perhaps it was because she seemed so precious, with a soft temperament, innocent and cute. After being single for years, he never expected to fall for a young girl.

An eight-year age gap? So what? He was older, but he had thick enough skin to handle it.

If he succeeded in pursuing her, Old Feng might mock him—but that would be worth it.

If he failed…

Then he wished her a lifetime of peace and happiness.

That was all. He just felt she deserved to be cherished.

During that period, Lu Zhixing was overwhelmed with work, occasionally missing a promotional event or two. It didn’t have much impact since Pengzhou was popular, and there were the assistant director and Old Feng to hold things down. He was intermittently busy until early December, when Tang Yu’s proposal video was finally completed.

Lu Zhixing finally found some free time. He sent Tang Dingding a WeChat message: “Are you free tomorrow evening?”

He was well aware of her schedule—they were both in Beijing.

Tang Dingding had just finished her bath and was sitting on the carpet, unpacking a gift on the table. It was a gift from Lu Zhixing. Her room was spacious, with a white wicker gift rack near the balcony stacked with various trinkets.

Recently, there had been several new additions—imported chocolates, postcards, bone china cups, and more—all gifts Lu Zhixing had sent over the past couple of months.

It seemed he had been very busy, constantly traveling.

These items were little souvenirs he brought back for her from different places.

She opened the latest gift box to find a hairpin inside—exquisite and beautiful. This hairpin looked familiar, as if she’d seen it somewhere before. After pondering for a long time, she suddenly remembered—it was the same hairpin worn by the female lead in Lu Zhixing’s breakout film Journey .

The hairpin was a token of love given by the male lead to the female lead, symbolizing their bond throughout the movie.

Tang Dingding’s heart skipped a beat. Why did Director Lu give her this? If the previous small gifts were souvenirs he picked up while traveling, what about this one?

This held significant meaning.

She picked up the hairpin just as her phone buzzed with a WeChat notification from Lu Zhixing.

Her heart skipped another beat.

Tomorrow was free…

She had promised to treat him, and Tang Dingding wouldn’t go back on her word. Holding the hairpin, she spaced out for a moment before slowly replying: “Okay.”

When Lu Zhixing saw that “okay,” he let out a sigh of relief. He wondered if she had opened the gift yet and whether she would still reply the same way if she had. Soon, his phone buzzed again.

Tang Dingding: “What would Director like to eat?”

Lu Zhixing smiled and replied: “You decide.”

Tang Dingding thought for a moment and booked a private restaurant she often visited, sending him the address. She glanced at the hairpin, but decided to hold off on asking about it.

She’d ask tomorrow.

The next afternoon, after finishing a yoga class and taking a bath, Tang Dingding began picking out clothes. After changing and applying a delicate layer of makeup, she left the house promptly at five o’clock. Zeng Wan, knowing she was going out, reminded her: “Come home early tonight, and don’t drink too much if your tolerance isn’t good, okay?”

Tonight, she probably wouldn’t be drinking.

Tang Dingding smiled brightly: “Okay, Mom. See you later.”

When she arrived at the venue, she instructed her driver to go eat on his own and promised to call him when she was ready to leave. Before getting out of the car, she paused, pulling a mask from her bag and putting on a hat.

A celebrity had to maintain some discretion—she couldn’t risk being photographed while eating.

She arrived twenty minutes early, walked into the private room, and was momentarily stunned to see the man lounging lazily inside. Lu Zhixing set down his phone, looked up, and smiled lazily: “Why are you so early?”

…Who was earlier?

Tang Dingding walked in and smiled: “Director, when did you arrive?”

“A few minutes before you—I live nearby.”

Tang Dingding sat across from him and asked: “Are you hungry?”

It was still early, and neither of them was particularly hungry. However, Lu Zhixing still asked the waiter to bring the menu, pushing it toward her: “Take a look—what do you feel like eating? Don’t worry about me; order whatever you want.”

Tang Dingding hummed in acknowledgment and flipped through the menu. After spending several months together on set and promoting the film, she was familiar with his tastes—and perhaps he knew hers too? Lu Zhixing liked spicy food, so she ordered three appetizers, three lighter dishes, and a soup.

The portions here were small, so it should be just right.

While waiting for the food, Lu Zhixing poured two glasses of water, placing one in front of her, and smiled warmly: “Tired?”

Tang Dingding felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation but shook her head: “Not really.”

Lu Zhixing: “We’ll be heading to Chengdu next. It’s still cold there, and there’s no central heating, so make sure to dress warmly.”

Tang Dingding nodded: “Okay…”

She belatedly realized that Director Lu seemed to care about her much more than before—far more than when they were on set. Combined with the hairpin, it made her thoughts spiral.

Director Lu…

Did he… like her?

Or was he testing her, trying to pursue her?

The private room was dimly lit, with a soft golden glow illuminating their faces. The atmosphere was just right, but Tang Dingding felt a pang of fear. She didn’t dare ask about the meaning behind the hairpin gift. After all, she had spent so long nursing her feelings for Huo Chendong, and now that she had finally moved on, meeting a gentle yet strong gentleman like Lu Zhixing made her retreat inward.

She hadn’t decided yet whether she wanted to dive into another relationship.

Tang Dingding quickly changed the subject, raising a bright smile: “Director, do you think our movie’s box office will explode?”

“What do you think?”

He smiled back, turning the question around.

This film—he was confident about it. If the promotion went well, the box office would likely exceed 800 million yuan at the very least, which was the baseline for Shiguang Entertainment’s films. He estimated that after its release, it might even surpass that figure significantly.

Tang Dingding was equally confident: “It’ll definitely go over a billion. I…”

“Hmm?”

He looked at her, gesturing for her to continue.

Tang Dingding paused, then beamed brightly: “I have faith in you.”

Lu Zhixing chuckled. At that moment, the dishes arrived. He glanced at them, then looked up at her: “You don’t eat spicy food, right?”

“You can eat it—I ordered other things too.”

“Dingding.” He leaned back in his chair, smiling lazily as if indifferent, reminding her gently, “We’re not on set anymore. You don’t need to go out of your way to accommodate me. You’re a young girl—you should let me take care of you.”

“…It’s fine,” she murmured, suddenly feeling flustered. She urged him: “Try it?”

Only then did she realize what this situation resembled—a date.

They chatted intermittently. Lu Zhixing had started making short films in his teens and began directing movies at twenty. Over the years, he had accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Being with him never felt boring—he could effortlessly delve into any topic and share fascinating insights.

Tang Dingding, who had initially been somewhat awkward, gradually relaxed and found herself laughing several times at his witty remarks.

After dinner, Lu Zhixing stood up: “I’m going to the restroom.”

Tang Dingding sat patiently in the private room, waiting for him to return. Lu Zhixing did go to the restroom, but he also took care of the bill. He frequently brought friends here, so the restaurant handled billing monthly—just a word was enough. When he returned to the room, it wasn’t even eight o’clock yet. Tang Dingding looked up at him: “Director, do you want dessert? Their desserts are really good.”

Eating dessert could easily take another half-hour.

Spending more time with her felt worthwhile.

Lu Zhixing leaned back in his chair, lazily tilting his chin toward her: “Really? Will you order for me?”

Tang Dingding’s face flushed red, and she softly agreed: “Okay.” She already knew the menu by heart and called the waiter in to place the order.

By the time they finished dessert, it was half-past eight.

When Tang Dingding tried to pay, she discovered that Lu Zhixing had already covered the bill. She froze, looking at him with a frown: “But we agreed that I’d treat you. How could you go back on your word like that…”

He laughed: “This doesn’t count as going back on my word. Save it for next time.”

Next time…

Tang Dingding’s heart fluttered slightly. She realized he must have done it on purpose, leaving her speechless and unable to call him out.

Lu Zhixing picked up his car keys and glanced at her: “Shall I drive you home?”

He had heard her mention before that she still lived with her parents and hadn’t moved out on her own.

Tang Dingding shook her head: “No need—I’ve already arranged for my driver to wait outside.”

Lu Zhixing hummed in acknowledgment. They both stood up. The dining table was only a few steps from the exit. As they reached for the door handle simultaneously, Tang Dingding quickly pulled her hand back, her heart skipping a beat. She looked up at him and found him gazing at her, his eyes deep and warm.

She bit her lip and whispered softly: “Let’s go.”

Lu Zhixing’s hand remained on the door handle, but he didn’t open it. Instead, he lowered his gaze to her, smirking faintly, and asked in a low voice: “Dingding, did you like yesterday’s gift?”

Her heartbeat quickened again.

…Was he testing her?

Tang Dingding grew nervous, clutching her bag strap tightly, and gave a soft “Mm”: “I liked it—it’s beautiful.”

Neither of them spoke for a moment. The door remained closed. Under the dim yellow light, the young girl’s face was pale and lovely, her long lashes casting delicate shadows that quivered ever so slightly. Lu Zhixing fought the urge to touch her lashes, wanting to calm her trembling nerves.

Holding back, he chuckled softly: “I’m glad you liked it.”

Finally, Tang Dingding couldn’t resist asking quietly: “Is that hairpin the one worn by the female lead in your movie Journey ?”

Lu Zhixing: “Mm.”

Another silence fell.

Lu Zhixing didn’t push her, waiting patiently for her to speak.

The young girl asked softly: “Then why did you give it to me?”

Because you like me?

If possible, Lu Zhixing wouldn’t have chosen this moment, standing by the door, to say these words. But the atmosphere had reached its peak—if interrupted, he feared he might lose the chance altogether. Lowering his gaze, he continued to look deeply into her eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips: “Dingding, how many people are pursuing you?”

Tang Dingding opened her mouth hesitantly, stammering: “Not many… It’s okay.” Perhaps because of his gentle demeanor, she found herself strangely comforted as she looked into his eyes. Her unease and tension slowly dissipated. She lowered her head, her voice soft: “I used to like someone for a very long time. Many men pursued me during that period, but I turned them all down. Most of the wealthy heirs in our circle knew who I liked, and though some of them pursued me too, I didn’t feel anything for them. Over time, fewer people came forward.”

Lu Zhixing shoved his hands into his pockets, already guessing who that person was.

Huo Chendong.

She looked up at him. Lu Zhixing smiled: “Does your family arrange engagements or fiancés for you?”

Tang Dingding shook her head: “No… Our family doesn’t do those things. We believe in free love.”

Lu Zhixing leaned in slightly, his hand still resting on the door handle, twisting it slightly until it pressed against the doorframe, as if enclosing her within his space. His gaze met hers evenly, and he asked softly: “Do you still like that man?”

Tang Dingding took a deep breath, resisting the urge to step back, and shook her head lightly: “I decided to stop liking him last year, on my birthday.”

Lu Zhixing smiled: “So your heart is empty? No one else you like?”

She nervously clutched her bag strap, barely daring to breathe, biting her lip, unsure of what to do.

Empty?

She wanted to press a hand to her chest—her heartbeat seemed unusually fast.

“If you don’t answer, I’ll take your silence as agreement,” Lu Zhixing said with an expanding smile, his deep voice steady and resolute. “Dingding, I’m pursuing you.”