Chapter 63: Fluttering Heart

“Xiaofeng, this can’t go on. You’ve watched the clips of your scenes, haven’t you?” Chef Huang specially invited Zhang Xiaofeng out for a conversation during their midday break.

“Yes, Teacher Huang, I understand everything you’ve said.” Zhang Xiaofeng nodded to Chef Huang.

Zhang Xiaofeng understood what Chef Huang was trying to convey. Over the past few days, Chef Huang had attempted to film several scenes between Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng, but the results had been disappointing. Whenever Zhang Xiaofeng met Zhou Ran’s gaze, her eyes would involuntarily dart away. As a result, none of the scenes between them could be used. Chef Huang, meticulous about every detail of his directorial debut, “The Drummer,” had already gone so far as to carefully arrange the placement of every prop on set. The subtle nuances between Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng on camera mattered even more to him.

Chef Huang immediately noticed Zhang Xiaofeng’s tendency to avert her gaze whenever filming with Zhou Ran and tried to help her overcome the problem. Yet his guidance had little effect; lately, Zhang Xiaofeng had been so anxious about this issue that she could barely sleep. Her personal difficulty was slowing down the entire crew, filling her heart with guilt.

Chef Huang, out of options, offered her one last suggestion: to resolve the knot, one must find its source. Zhang Xiaofeng nodded slightly, recognizing it as the best solution available. Her heart had been in turmoil these past days, the fluttering inside causing her to drift and lose focus.

She kept pondering the reason for her racing heart: was it genuine affection for Zhou Ran, or merely the hormonal rush born from acting that blurred the lines between reality and the script? Zhang Xiaofeng couldn’t figure it out and felt too embarrassed to ask anyone, as it was a matter of personal privacy.

But now, it was clear her situation was affecting her life and the filming itself.

...

Five o’clock in the afternoon

Zhou Ran had just finished shooting for the day and returned to the hotel. His plan was to take a shower and then practice drums in a private music room. For days, his routine had been a triangle: hotel, set, hotel, music room, hotel.

Today, however, as Zhou Ran emerged from the shower, things took an unexpected turn. He noticed a new message on his phone from Zhang Xiaofeng.

He was surprised; during filming these days, Zhang Xiaofeng hadn’t interacted with him at all. Though Zhou Ran found it odd and didn’t quite understand, he didn’t dare ask her directly. He felt girls had their own unique logic and it wasn’t his place to meddle. He thought he’d wait for the right moment to casually inquire.

Opening WeChat, Zhou Ran saw that Zhang Xiaofeng had sent him only the address of a private restaurant, urging him to come quickly, with nothing else.

Zhou Ran was puzzled—he had no idea why she wanted to see him. He wondered about her sudden invitation, but his stomach’s loud rumble made the decision for him.

He simply replied, “Okay.”

After sending the message, Zhou Ran quickly dressed and applied makeup. Unlike others who did so to look better, Zhou Ran made himself look less attractive, hoping to avoid recognition. This was why he disliked going out—each outing required a deliberate disguise, otherwise he’d be instantly recognized. It was such a hassle, one of the many burdens of fame; to wear the crown, one must bear its weight. While enjoying the perks of celebrity, Zhou Ran had to accept its drawbacks.

With his disguise hurriedly complete, Zhou Ran headed out to meet Zhang Xiaofeng.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaofeng was already waiting at the restaurant. She had invited Zhou Ran this time to open up and honestly share her feelings with him.

She wasn’t sure if what she felt for Zhou Ran was true affection, or just a hormonal illusion from acting, or even the adoration of a fan for her idol. So she needed to talk to him, or else their scenes together would be impossible to film.

...

Lost in her thoughts, Zhang Xiaofeng was startled when Zhou Ran finally arrived at the private room.

Upon seeing him, she became flustered, forgetting all the words she’d prepared.

“What’s wrong, Sister Xiaofeng? Why did you suddenly invite me to dinner?” Zhou Ran entered and noticed Zhang Xiaofeng’s anxious gaze, asking her with curiosity.

His words jolted Zhang Xiaofeng; she quickly shifted her gaze elsewhere, though she forced herself to stay composed.

“Ah, it’s nothing, really. It’s just that I haven’t been in the best state these days while filming, so I might have troubled you a bit. I thought I should treat you to a meal as thanks.” She gave an awkward laugh and explained.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, Sister Xiaofeng! No need to be so formal with me. Besides, when we first filmed the kissing scene, I messed up several times too—it wasn’t just you. If you hadn’t given me that word of encouragement during my break, I probably would’ve kept getting stuck.” Zhou Ran smiled and reassured her.

“Haha, alright then! Shall we order? Brother Zhou, what would you like to eat?” Zhang Xiaofeng said with a smile.

“You go ahead and order. As long as there’s no cilantro, I’ll eat anything.” Zhou Ran nodded.

After listening, Zhang Xiaofeng nodded and opened the menu, ready to order a feast for them.

Still, as she was choosing dishes, she felt the urge to explain herself properly to Zhou Ran, otherwise the unease would linger in her heart.