Chapter 36: Aching and Burning

Back under the tree, Shen Xici’s arms were filled with a large bouquet of flowers with a big red envelope tucked among them. It was a crew tradition; every main character received one when they wrapped filming, for good luck.

After taking photos for the crew’s publicity, Shen Xici, holding the flowers, went to thank the staff and received a heap of “Congratulations.”

Director Wan Shan was still wearing a dark blue flat cap, making one suspect he had a whole row of the same style in his closet. He stood behind the equipment, holding a thermos filled with goji berries and red dates. Seeing Shen Xici approach, he also smiled, “Congratulations on wrapping, Teacher Shen!”

Although on set, the title “Teacher” was used for everyone—lighting, cinematography, grips, and makeup artists alike—Shen Xici still felt a bit embarrassed being called “Teacher Shen” by Director Wan.

“Thank you, Director Wan.”

Director Wan Shan looked at him with appreciation. “Will you continue acting in the future?”

Holding the flowers, Shen Xici nodded seriously. “I will.”

“That’s good. If there’s a suitable role in the future, I’ll come find you for it.”

Hearing this, Old Ji and the head of cinematography standing nearby both looked over. One had to know, with Director Wan Shan’s status in the film and television industry, as soon as news of a project in preparation was released, investors from all sides and actors of all levels would fight tooth and nail just to get in. It was a classic case of too many monks for too little porridge.

Regardless of whether this “suitable role” was big or small, to receive such a promise meant that this actor had made a mark in Director Wan’s mind.

Old Ji waved from the side. “Shen Xici, let’s work together again in the future!”

Many things were already different from his previous life.

Shen Xici smiled and agreed, then eagerly asked, “Director, can our next film start shooting next month?”

Director Wan Shan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He tapped Shen Xici’s head with a roll of paper. “You rascal, haven’t you had enough filming? Want me to add two more scenes for you?”

Shen Xici ducked his neck and laughed. “No, no, no, I’ve had enough, I’ve had enough! I’ve already decided, today and tomorrow, I’m just going to lie around at home!”

Back in the dressing room, Shen Xici took off the coarse white robe and removed the blue crystal earring, as if he were shedding, removing the mute boy from his body. He knew very clearly that the character of the mute boy was fictional, yet he always felt that this person might have lived and laughed somewhere, at some time.

After changing into his own clothes and stepping out of the dressing room, a handful of colorful confetti rained down, and Lan Xiaoshan’s cheers erupted from the side. “Congratulations, Brother Shen, on wrapping your first movie role! From now on, may you chase the wind and moon, and have a long and prosperous career on the starry road!”

Shen Xici was amused and laughed, his dimples appearing. “Where did you learn those words?”

Lan Xiaoshan said proudly, “I searched online for a while and picked a rhyming one. Classy, right?” He then threw two more handfuls of confetti into the air. “Brother Shen’s exclusive celebration ceremony! It’s a pity Brother Shao isn’t here. With Brother Shao’s superior height, the confetti effect would definitely be better than mine!”

Lowering his head to hide the emotion in his eyes, he looked at the sparkling confetti stuck to his sleeve, glittering as it reflected the light. Shen Xici pulled three flowers from the bouquet on the dressing table, deftly tied them with a ribbon into a bow, and took out a red envelope he had prepared earlier from his pocket, handing them both to Lan Xiaoshan. “Congratulations to Xiaoshan for finishing another film set. Your experience bar has gone up again!”

Unexpectedly, Lan Xiaoshan’s eyes turned red at once. He sniffled. “Brother Shen…”

Shen Xici stuffed the items into his hands. “What, are you preparing to break into the field of crying scenes? The tears come on command.”

Lan Xiaoshan had dropped out of school at sixteen to earn money to support his family and pay for his mother’s medicine. He followed a distant relative into film crews to do odd jobs. Because he was young, meticulous, and diligent, he became a set assistant. He had worked on several film sets, but this was the first time someone had given him flowers when his own work “wrapped.” He wasn’t the main character, not a supporting character, not even an extra. He was just a little assistant who rushed between different film sets, fetching clothes and handing out water cups. But, suddenly one day, he was seen too.

“I’m just a little reluctant to leave,” Lan Xiaoshan said with a nasal tone, then looked up and forced a smile. “If you ever need an assistant in the future, Brother Shen, just call me. As long as I’m free, I’ll definitely come!”

The motorcycle traveled through the dense forest. Crushed dead branches and leaves splattered onto the rusty exhaust pipe casing. The brilliant sunlight, filtered through the branches, fell on Shen Xici along with the tree shadows. The interplay of light and shadow was like a constantly changing ink wash painting.

He had mentally prepared himself countless times, but when he was actually riding the motorcycle alone, he still felt lonely.

Calculating the time, the Sheng family’s private jet should have already landed at Ningcheng Airport. Sheng Shaoyan should be just in time for the emergency board meeting. Sheng family’s Second Uncle probably thought that since Sheng Shaoyan had been missing for a month without any news, he was most likely dead, which is why he had stirred up public opinion with such fanfare, preparing to seize power.

The Sheng family still retained the traditions of an old-fashioned family. To ensure the stability of power transition, the eldest son of the eldest son had the first right of succession. Sheng Shaoyan’s father had died young in an accident, and his second uncle, Sheng Junhong, thought he was a shoo-in for the position. Unexpectedly, a few years later, Old Mr. Sheng made an exception and allowed Sheng Shaoyan, who had just turned twenty, to attend board meetings. Soon after, he was appointed CEO, a clear sign that he was being groomed as the successor.

How could Sheng Junhong be willing to accept that? Although the Sheng family was traditional, as long as it was within the rules, they did not prohibit infighting. The winner takes all. If Sheng Shaoyan hadn’t been so suspicious, it’s uncertain whether he would have survived until now.

Shen Xici reviewed the events of the past month. Although he hadn’t done anything to harm Sheng Shaoyan, nor had he deliberately fabricated lies or shown any malice or ulterior motives, he also hadn’t hidden the familiarity and naturalness of their interactions. He understood Sheng Shaoyan. Whether it was revealing the amnesia, describing the difficult situation he would face upon returning to the Sheng family, or fabricating an identity and a story, all of it would arouse Sheng Shaoyan’s intense suspicion and ultimately backfire. The best method was to say nothing at all and let Sheng Shaoyan observe and think for himself, then make his own decision.

Fortunately, he succeeded. Sheng Shaoyan only left after his memory returned. But at the same time, the familiarity he had shown from the very beginning would immediately be seen as a lie and misdirection. In this life, Sheng Shaoyan didn’t know him at all; the two had never crossed paths before. He couldn’t explain his motive or where that familiarity and understanding came from. But at the time, he couldn’t worry about too much.

He didn’t know what Sheng Shaoyan would think. For now, it was clear that the “cold shoulder package” wouldn’t be sent to him, but as a high-risk individual full of suspicious points, he definitely wouldn’t be getting the “friendship package” either. Putting himself in Sheng Shaoyan’s shoes, he must look completely ill-intentioned, with perhaps an even bigger conspiracy behind him!

As the motorcycle reached the outskirts of the county town, he saw the small, beige-walled building in the distance. Shen Xici subconsciously slowed down, and finally just turned around, circling the narrow road again and again until the fuel tank indicator warned him he was almost out of gas. Only then did he park the motorcycle downstairs.

Not really wanting to go back, Shen Xici walked slowly to the fruit stall, carefully picking out fruit, intentionally or unintentionally stalling for time.

The old lady was tidying up and glanced behind him. “A’Di, the handsome boy isn’t with you?”

“He went back to Ningcheng,” Shen Xici repeated what he had told Lan Xiaoshan, putting fruit into a plastic bag one by one. He then realized he had taken enough for two people. Since he couldn’t finish it himself, he put half of it back.

The old lady sized him up for a moment, then suddenly thought of something, her eyes lighting up. “A’Di, are you free today?”

Shen Xici nodded eagerly. “Grandma, I’ve finished my work. I’m very free right now. Is something the matter?”

Although he had told Director Wan Shan that he wanted to lie at home for two days doing nothing, in reality, he wished he had many, many things to do. It would be best if he was so busy he had no time to return to that empty rental house, no chance to habitually call out “A’Shao,” so busy he had no space to think about the person who had already left.

“That’s perfect!” the old lady said happily. “A’Di, you know about the Cliff Song Festival, right?”

Ten days ago, Sheng Shaoyan had asked him if he wanted to go to the nearby village to participate in the Cliff Song Festival celebrations. He had even planned the route. But later, because the director had revised the script overnight, they couldn’t go. At that time, he had thought they might not get the chance. Unexpectedly, they really didn’t get the chance.

Pushing aside the regret in his heart, Shen Xici smiled. “I know. A’Shao told me about it. It’s in the big village of the Ling people by the river southeast of the county, right? There’s embroidered ball tossing, song battles, and things like that.”

“Yes, yes, yes, and many competitions!” The old lady’s face was full of pride. “When I was young, I played the leaf flute. I was unbeatable in all the nine villages and eighteen stockades! All those young men who came to have song battles with me, bringing flowers to win my favor, I didn’t fancy any of them. I couldn’t be bothered to open my mouth, so I just played the leaf flute to send them away, and they would run off with their tails between their legs.”

Shen Xici lavished her with praise. “Playing a leaf is so difficult, Grandma, you’re truly amazing! Those young men had good taste, and they also knew their own limits.”

The old lady beamed at his praise, then said with regret, “Unfortunately, my lungs are not good anymore. I don’t have enough breath. I can’t beat those old sisters at playing the leaf anymore. A’Di, I want to trouble you with a favor, if you’re willing?”