Chapter 19: A Lady Uses Her Words, Not Her Hands

Silence is the screenwriter’s incompetence.

Ji Yu’s character biography was brilliant, reading more like a criminal record; the screenwriter even suspected that this guy might be a criminal in secret. How could he write a perverted villain with such flair? From the character’s nuances to his psychological conflicts, and the contrast between his inner good and evil, the villain was described with stunning depth. It was like... like Hannibal. Sipping red wine while listening to classical music, he would just snuff someone out.

The screenwriter for *Detective Colin* stared at Ji Yu’s biography, at a loss for words. He opened his mouth several times to lash out at Ji Yu, but held it back. Finally, with a flushed face, he blurted out, "Your handwriting is truly ugly!"

Those nearby exchanged glances, expecting the screenwriter to deliver a grand critique, not a pathetic dud. Ji Yu was amused; this screenwriter was quite interesting. He chuckled and said, "I apologize for showing off my clumsy hand; the writing is indeed a bit unsightly."

The screenwriter’s expression softened, thinking that the boy at least knew how to offer a graceful exit. The others laughed as well—as long as there wasn't a fight, it was fine. But was what Ji Yu wrote really that good? Several pairs of eyes darted toward the notebook in the screenwriter’s hands, all eager to take a peek.

However, the screenwriter stuffed the notebook into his bag and said, "Let's call it a day for the meeting. I’m going back to ponder the script some more!" Seeing this, the others had to give up; they could wait a few days.

The meeting ended prematurely because of Ji Yu. They had a simple lunch together, and the press conference was scheduled for the afternoon. It was well-attended, with representatives from the Shanghai Media Group and the Shanghai Film Group present. Even more reporters showed up, all there for the two leads. Li Yapeng was truly hot right now, and Jiang Qinqin was no less popular, having just filmed a drama with Zhao Wenzhuo.

Ji Yu wasn't on the stage; the news of him playing the second male lead had not yet been announced. They would wait until after the press conference to stir up some gossip.

By then, Ji Yu had already arrived at the film studio. His previous talent scout had already left for Hengdian. With no one to introduce him to work, he could only wait, pondering where to take Teacher Li for dinner that evening. They had already kissed; what could be the next step? At twenty years old, he was truly hungry. Teacher Li was beautiful and had a great figure; Ji Yu dreamed of her every night. His blood was running hot.

Soon, a crew arrived to recruit extras for a battle scene. Shanghai’s film studio was home to many Republican-era and anti-Japanese war dramas, and among the latter, there were plenty of spy thrillers. These were Ji Yu’s targets; even playing a minor secret agent gave him a chance to grind for combat skills.

Ji Yu was currently wearing a black *magua* with a holster strapped to his body—playing a lackey in a puppet army squad.

[Ding! A mission has arrived!]
[Task: Disguise yourself as a collaborator, wait for the opportunity to assassinate the puppet regiment commander, and steal intelligence!]
[Mission Reward: Assassination Skill Fragment *1, Exposure Value *10]

The task didn't grant combat skills, but assassination was fine too. It was suitable for his role in *Detective Colin*. Time was plentiful; he could grind for it slowly.

Ji Yu spent the afternoon playing a collaborator, several times wanting to just finish himself off. The collaborator was truly a scumbag, committing every evil, spreading malicious rumors, and lacking any shred of conscience. It was so depressing to play. Who was this screenwriter? Why write it so realistically? Couldn't it be more gratifying, like taking out a Japanese soldier with every shot? When would the era of "anti-Japanese hero dramas" finally arrive?

Shortly after 6:00 PM, Ji Yu bought some oranges at a fruit stand. The weather was getting cold; oranges were good for the body. Moistening, indeed.

Teacher Li had finished work and was on her way. Ji Yu waited in a restaurant for over ten minutes, having already eaten half the oranges, when she finally arrived.

"Phew... there was a traffic jam," Li Xiaoran said with a smile as soon as she sat down. Ji Yu placed a peeled orange into her mouth and asked with a grin, "Is this one sweet?"

Li Xiaoran nodded happily and said, "Sweet!"

Ji Yu laughed, "I tasted every one of them. I ate all the sour ones."

"Really?" Li Xiaoran was surprised and touched; she hadn't expected Ji Yu to be so thoughtful.

Ji Yu smiled and pushed the menu over, saying, "See what you'd like to eat."

Li Xiaoran didn't order immediately; she stood up, moved from across the table to sit next to him, and deliberately pressed against his side. Ji Yu chuckled, naturally resting his hand on her leg. Li Xiaoran didn't resist; she picked up the menu and ordered a few dishes. The relationship had taken a step forward.

After dinner, Ji Yu accompanied Li Xiaoran for a walk. Holding hands, they were no different from any other couple. They weren't big stars, just ordinary people. Li Xiaoran gripped Ji Yu’s hand tighter and asked softly, "I have to go to Hengdian to film for a month, and then I’m returning to Beijing."

Ji Yu understood what she meant and said with a smile, "Then wait for me in Beijing. Once I finish filming, I’ll go there too. Wherever you go, I go!"

"Really? Beijing has more opportunities, though. If not, you could come to Shanghai." Li Xiaoran remembered something and quickly added, "I share a rental with others in Beijing; I don't have my own place."

"That’s fine. Once I finish filming, I’ll have money. I’ll earn even more in the future and buy a big house!"

"Hmm, I believe in you!" Li Xiaoran said, then shyly pinched him.

"Why are you pinching me?"

"Who said I was going to live with you! Go find your Jiang Qinqin."

"..."

Li Xiaoran leaned her head on his shoulder, lost in thought. During dinner, she had intended to say yes to him tonight; they had already kissed, and it was the right time for the next step. But now that they were talking about Beijing, she wanted to wait until then. She didn't want to rush; she wanted to save it as a beautiful memory.

Ji Yu wasn't thinking that far ahead; once a man was fired up, he hardly cared about romance. As they neared the hotel, they shared a passionate kiss in the shadows of a street corner, and Ji Yu’s hands became restless. Li Xiaoran initially tried to stop him, but thinking she would have to refuse him later, her heart softened. Let’s give him a little interest first.

Ji Yu’s hand moved upward along her waist. Out of all the women in the country, only four percent possessed her curves. It was truly hard to come by! Feeling his excitement, Li Xiaoran pushed him away, panting, and said, "Can we wait a few days? I want to wait until we are living together to..."

Ji Yu put on a pitiful expression. Li Xiaoran kissed him and whispered, "It’s too fast, and it’s not convenient right now. Let’s wait a few days, okay?"

What more could Ji Yu say? He could only nod and agree. If Teacher Li wasn't willing and the circumstances didn't allow it, there was nothing he could do. Li Xiaoran saw his discomfort, pulled him close, and stroked his hair. "Be good. I’ll give you a reward."

"What reward?"

"Help me warm my hands first."

"Hmm? Teacher Li, you're acting strange! You should be rinsing your mouth."

"In your dreams!"

"A lady uses her words, not her hands."