"He really is warm-hearted."
Zhang Jin’an murmured to himself, but the other man overheard him.
Xiao Qiu nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Jiang Siyang is truly kind. Remember that day about two weeks before he finished his scenes, when the crew had to work until the middle of the night?"
"Yeah, I remember," Zhang Jin’an nodded. He recalled that day vividly; the workload had been massive, and they hadn't finished until four in the morning, just an hour shy of pulling an all-nighter.
"After we were done and about to head out, Jiang Siyang gave every single one of us a bottle of vitamin water," Xiao Qiu said.
"That explains it," Zhang Jin’an said, the realization dawning on him. He had wondered why he hadn't seen Jiang Siyang immediately after they wrapped that night; it turned out he had gone to buy drinks for everyone.
"To be honest, I feel a bit bad about it. I didn't even get a chance to thank him before he finished his filming," Xiao Qiu said, scratching his head.
"Don't worry about it. If I see him, I'll pass along your thanks," Zhang Jin’an said, patting Xiao Qiu on the shoulder.
Xiao Qiu’s eyes lit up, and he thanked him repeatedly. "Really? Thanks, Brother Zhang! Oh, by the way, did you need me for something?"
"Oh, nothing major. I just wanted to ask when we’re starting the next shot."
"Soon, probably in seven or eight minutes," Xiao Qiu pointed toward Director Tang. "Director Tang just realized the positioning was off and is adjusting it now. He’s almost done."
"Alright, thanks," Zhang Jin’an said appreciatively.
Xiao Qiu went on his way.
Zhang Jin’an sat back down and resumed browsing Tuan Yuan’s Weibo. Tuan Yuan had reposted many behind-the-scenes clips from *Hidden Shadows*, especially videos where both he and Jiang Siyang appeared. She would even take individual screenshots to post.
[@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan]: The *Hidden Shadows* quartet has such a great relationship off-camera. I’m tearing up; how can a cast be this cute? [Image]
[@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan]: This clip of Siyang riding the electric scooter is killing me. Yang: Watch me speed for you guys. Director Tang: The battery isn't charged. In the end, he was slower than a bicycle LOL [Image]
[@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan]: Only a few days left until Siyang wraps his scenes. Oh my god, time is flying so fast TTTT [Image]
[@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan]: It’s been eight days since Siyang finished, and Brother Zhang hasn't posted on Weibo for eight days either. If I round that up, I’m totally shipping it again TTTTTT [Someone wake me up]
[@Plum_Blossoms_Only_In_October] replied to [@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan]: Holy crap! I originally thought it was just because Brother Zhang was too busy to post, but your explanation! Waaaah, I ship it, I ship it!
[@System_Limited_Tuan_Yuan] replied to [@Plum_Blossoms_Only_In_October]: I don’t care [Crying face]. Anyway, as long as we’re in our own Super Topic, we can ship them ourselves without worrying about being attacked.
Zhang Jin’an’s lack of Weibo activity was partly due to work, but it was also because of Jiang Siyang. How could funny videos on Weibo be more important than the real Jiang Siyang?
Zhang Jin’an chuckled. "Next time for sure, next time for sure."
The latest behind-the-scenes clip Tuan Yuan had shared was the one where he helped Jiang Siyang tie his hair.
Looking at it, Zhang Jin’an felt a wave of nostalgia. That had happened only a few days after he realized he liked Jiang Siyang. He hadn't expected so much time to pass already.
In the comments, someone said, "You can tell what Brother Zhang did every morning back in school," and another said, "He definitely must have played house when he was a kid." Zhang Jin’an couldn't help but laugh.
After catching his breath, he laughed and scolded playfully, "These fans are something else. Their sarcasm is top-tier."
"What are you looking at that’s making you so happy?" Li Qiang had approached at some point and was peering over. Zhang Jin’an generously showed him the phone screen.
"What else? Just some behind-the-scenes clips. Looking back at the past few months, feeling a bit nostalgic," Zhang Jin’an explained.
Li Qiang looked at the video playing, glanced sideways at Zhang Jin’an, and gave a suggestive smile. He whispered, "Are those eyes of yours looking at the crew, or at a certain someone?"
"Both."
Jiang Siyang looked up, his curly hair unable to hide the smile in his eyes. His expression was remarkably candid.
Today was a promotional event for a mall brand, and Jiang Siyang was making a guest appearance. He was currently the only guest in the lounge, so they didn't have to worry about being overheard.
Liu Wenping had intended to tease Jiang Siyang, but she hadn't expected him to answer so frankly. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
Shaking her head, she smiled. "The two of you really are a match made in heaven. I bet if Li Qiang teased Zhang Jin’an like that, he’d say the exact same thing."
"Why would I hide it?" Jiang Siyang asked immediately.
Liu Wenping paused, looking Jiang Siyang up and down.
She had styled his outfit today: a plaid milk-coffee colored suit jacket over a white T-shirt, paired with dark blue jeans and black leather shoes. It was a mix of formal and casual that suited Jiang Siyang perfectly.
"Youthful spirit... such youthful spirit," Liu Wenping admired after another look. "Siyang, your energy is a perfect match for these clothes."
"What does that have to do with the clothes?" Jiang Siyang asked.
"It doesn't have much to do with them," Xie Jie said as he walked over, placing the book he was reading on the table in front of Jiang Siyang. "Sister Liu just wants to praise her own styling skills."
"Oh..." Jiang Siyang nodded in understanding.
Liu Wenping covered her mouth and coughed twice, then lightly kicked Xie Jie and glared at him. "You talk too much."
Xie Jie chuckled, then remembered something and patted Jiang Siyang on the shoulder.
Jiang Siyang stopped looking at his phone and turned his attention to them.
"What is it?" Jiang Siyang asked.
"Siyang, didn't you record a song yesterday? Did you send it to Brother Zhang yet?" Xie Jie asked.
Jiang Siyang spun his phone by one corner between his fingers. He shook his head. "Not yet."
Xie Jie pulled over a nearby chair and sat next to him. "Why? Why haven't you sent it?"
Liu Wenping was confused. She said to Xie Jie, "What does it matter to you if he sends it or not? Why are you so anxious?"
Xie Jie looked up at her. "Sister Liu, you don't understand. That video is my masterpiece. I spent so much time that night looking for the perfect lighting to film it. Siyang, hurry up and send it. I want to see Brother Zhang’s reaction."
"I watched it again later and thought I didn't sing very well."
"That’s nonsense, pure nonsense!" Xie Jie pushed off with his feet, his rolling chair sliding back a large step. "You call that bad singing? If you keep being this humble, I’m going to hack your account and send it for you."
Liu Wenping held back the agitated Xie Jie. "Little Xie, calm down. Hacking is illegal."
"True..." Xie Jie thought for a moment. "Then I’ll call him and spoil it for him directly."
"Siyang, for the sake of Little Xie’s hard work trying to 'debut' as a cameraman, just listen to him. I don't know what you two are up to, but your singing isn't bad," Liu Wenping said, siding with Xie Jie this time. Even though she didn't know the details, Xie Jie sounded like he had a point.
Liu Wenping noticed that Jiang Siyang had stopped spinning his phone. She felt a secret surge of joy.
He was wavering.
She continued, "Besides, even if it were bad, Zhang Jin’an would be happy with anything you send. Even if you sent him embarrassing photos of himself, I doubt he’d mind."
Jiang Siyang nodded and unlocked his phone. "True. Since it’s already recorded, I shouldn't let Xie Jie’s filming go to waste."
Xie Jie nodded vigorously, slowly scooting his chair back.
"Exactly! Send it, send it now! If I can get Brother Zhang’s seal of approval, I can debut. I’ll debut as a cameraman for girl group music shows," Xie Jie joked.
Liu Wenping crossed her arms and glanced at him. "What? You want to quit?"
Xie Jie immediately lost his bravado, lowering his head and waving his hands. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I was just talking."
"Sent."
To Xie Jie, Jiang Siyang’s voice sounded like heavenly music at that moment.
"That fast?"
Xie Jie leaned over to look. The video had indeed been sent, with a few added words: "Xie Jie helped film this."
Xie Jie thumped his chest twice and said to Jiang Siyang, "Alright, brother, you’ve got my back."
The two shared a high-five.
Jiang Siyang put his phone in his pocket and stood up. "I don't know when he’ll be able to reply, but if he says anything good about your work, I’ll be sure to tell you."
"No rush, as long as it’s sent," Xie Jie said.
Liu Wenping checked her watch. "Alright, let’s go. It’s about time. Let’s wait in the wings."
It only took a few minutes for Jiang Siyang to walk from backstage to the steps of the platform. His appearance triggered a few startled cries from the crowd; some didn't know who he was and were asking those around them for his name.
The mall’s lighting was perpetually bright, exposing a person’s skin completely to the light—every freckle and flaw was visible. If a bald man were standing in the center of the hall, his head would surely be reflecting the glare.
"Choosing to take the role in *Hidden Shadows* was the smartest decision you made this year," Liu Wenping whispered in Jiang Siyang’s ear. "Look, the show hasn't even aired yet, and you’ve already gained so much popularity."
*And you’ve won a heart, too,* Liu Wenping thought but didn't say. Now wasn't the time for teasing.
"Brother Zhang helped a lot with that, too," Jiang Siyang said.
"Yes, yes..." Liu Wenping smiled. "By the way, you’ve worked hard these past few days, dealing with a flipped schedule and only getting three or four hours of sleep. In a few days, I’ll try to see if I can arrange a bit more time off for you."
Jiang Siyang was genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Sister Liu."
"No need to thank me; it’s what a manager should do." Liu Wenping looked toward the stage and whispered, "It’s almost your turn. I’m heading back."
The host slowly went through the transition script, eventually mentioning the name "Jiang Siyang." Only then did Jiang Siyang step onto the stage.
