Chapter 243: Spending the Night with Gong Ruxue

Not bad.

Gong Ruxue's complexion was visibly a bit tired, but she forced herself to perk up and said, "Is the place you live far from here?"

Not far.

Xu Yuexin took the luggage from Gong Ruxue's hands, led her out of the station, and returned to the guesthouse.

The guesthouse had hot water; Gong Ruxue went into the bathroom for a shower, then collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.

Xu Yuexin saw Gong Ruxue's delicate shoulders peeking from the thin blanket, her jet‑black hair hanging by her ears in a pretty way, and couldn't help to pinch her cheek.

Don't… mess around.

Gong Ruxue let out a soft hum, turned over on the bed and faced away from Xu Yuexin.

Xu Yuexin thought Gong Ruxue must be exhausted from travel, so he didn't disturb her, turned and went out to supervise the work.

That's not right…

Not long after stepping outside, Xu Yuexin's thoughts froze.

Gong Ruxue can sleep in her own room right in front of me; doesn't that mean she already…

…has great trust in me? If that's the case, I should be able to win her over soon.

Thinking that, Xu Yuexin felt a little joy.

…

The next day, Xu Yuexin at the construction site asked two history professors about the layout of the Ming-era Forbidden City, and the project chief engineer was also chatting with them.

Both professors were heavily hired by Xu Yuexin from Jingcheng, each paid 20 yuan per day, to ensure the construction details were error‑free.

When they finished talking, it was already noon.

Xu Yuexin, the two professors, and the chief engineer found a roadside eatery for a meal, and after eating returned to the guesthouse.

Inside the guesthouse, Gong Ruxue was seriously studying a drama script, and even when Xu Yuexin entered the room, her gaze never left it.

Xu Yuexin stood behind her, glanced at the script, and realized he had never seen it before.

Did you write it yourself?

Yeah.

Gong Ruxue lightly nodded without turning her head and said, "I'm planning to shift to scriptwriting, to see if I can make a name for myself."

Why, not going to Hu Hai to shoot movies?

Yeah, who told you not to?

Gong Ruxue put down the script, turned her face helplessly and looked at Xu Yuexin, saying.

In Gong Ruxue's heart, making movies had always been her first choice.

But since Xu Yuexin wouldn't allow it, she had to settle for the next best thing and choose drama scriptwriting.

So obedient.

If I tell you not to go, you don't go.

Xu Yuexin pretended to be deaf and mute, ignored Gong Ruxue's protest, stroked her hair and said with a smile.

Hmm, the feel is really good, so silky.

Alright, I'm still having a headache; how should I find the next organization.

Gong Ruxue stood up, turned her back to the table and leaned on the edge, saying.

You're not planning to go back to your former unit, right?

Right, the former troupe leader called me in for a talk, and the subtext was that I'm on unpaid leave, occupying a position within the troupe.

I just resigned, so they wouldn't nag me.

Go look for a new unit to apply to.

Apply?

Gong Ruxue was startled, "A drama troupe isn't a Sole Proprietorship; how do you apply?"

In recent years, with the development of the private economy, some people have begun looking for jobs through applications and interviews.

However, public institutions still largely follow the old staffing model: they either recruit from current students or transfer from other public units, and do not hire from the general public.

Thus Gong Ruxue found Xu Yuexin's wording unfamiliar.

That's simple; you just find out which unit needs people, then directly volunteer yourself, and that's it.

Xu Yuexin said casually, "If you lack confidence, that's fine; I'll write a script for you to take to the interview."

It'll definitely get you in.

You write the script for me? Alright, thank you.

Gong Ruxue beamed with a smile.

When Xu Yuexin mentioned self‑recommendation, Gong Ruxue still thought it a bit unreliable.

It wasn't until Xu Yuexin said he'd help write the script that Gong Ruxue became happy.

A script written by a great author will definitely pass the interview!

In the following days, besides supervising, after finishing talks with the two professors, Xu Yuexin got another task.

That was to write a script for Gong Ruxue!

Of course, the script wasn't his own creation; it was a classic from the mid‑1980s.

Xu Yuexin would carve out time each evening to write two thousand words, and by the time the set was officially completed and inspected, his script was finished.

Here, take it and get familiar with it first.

When you have a chance to interview later, use this.

Xu Yuexin handed the completed script to Gong Ruxue, saying.

"I'll take a look…"

Gong Ruxue couldn't wait and took the script.

She had already read the script back when Xu Yuexin was writing it and thought it was quite good.

Now that the script is officially finished, Gong Ruxue holds it in her hands and only feels experience.

"The plot is quite brilliant, full of twists and turns."

After reading the script, Gong Ruxue, holding the manuscript, sighed admiringly to Xu Yuexin.

Xu Yuexin felt a little elated by her praise.

"That's not the case; once I make a move, it will definitely be a masterpiece."

Gong Ruxue saw Xu Yuexin's face bright with spring after the compliment, only pursed her lips in a smile and finally shook her head.

"By the way, you should keep such a good script for yourself."

"What's the matter?"

"I think such a brilliant work should bear your name; otherwise it would be a waste for you."

"No need for that; finding a job is more important for you."

Xu Yuexin wrapped his arm around Gong Ruxue's fragrant shoulder and said, "Wait, after the construction site is finished there will be some work to do, and after that we'll go back together."

"You can take it with you to the interview then."

Gong Ruxue, seeing Xu Yuexin's insistence, leaned into his embrace, nodded, and said nothing.

Whether for work or residence, Gong Ruxue now has Xu Yuexin's backing.

That gave her a huge sense of security!

The next day, Xu Yuexin left Gong Ruxue at the guesthouse and went to the construction site himself.

People from Hengguang Film Studio are coming today, and he has to go out to receive them.

Of course, there's also the intention of showing off one's strength here.

After arriving at the site, Xu Yuexin chatted with the Chief Engineer for a while, and about half an hour later the Factory Director of the film studio and Chen Lin arrived.

Seeing Xu Yuexin, Chen Lin took the initiative to greet him and then introduced the two sides.

"This is our Liu Shengyang, Factory Director."

"And this is Boss Xu, young, right?"

"Hehe, hello hello, truly young and promising."

"Look at this palace, so imposing…"

Liu Shengyang and Xu Yuexin finished their greetings with smiles and then turned their gaze toward the palace complex.

The palace complex was built to a 1:1 scale, referencing the opinions of two Ming history professors, striving to faithfully reproduce the layout of the former Ming palace.

Even from a great distance, Liu Shengyang's eyes were already drawn to the palace complex.

Now, approaching it, he found the scale unbelievably grand, worthy of admiration.

"Let's go, let's take a look inside."

Xu Yuexin patted Liu Shengyang's shoulder and said, and together they walked toward the steps of the palace complex.

Being patted on the shoulder by Xu Yuexin, Liu Shengyang felt the distance between them shrink considerably, and he was instantly flattered.

These days people's mindset is gradually shifting; as long as one does big business, one naturally gains social status.

Even though Liu Shengyang is a leader of a medium-sized state‑owned factory, he greatly envies Xu Yuexin's big deals.

Climbing the palace steps, Liu Shengyang walked cautiously, as if afraid to damage the stairs.

"Liu Factory Director, take a look; this is the Huangji Hall, originally called Fengtian Hall, renamed in the later Jiajing period."

"This… is the place where the emperor holds court, right?"

Liu Shengyang pointed at the Dragon Throne and asked admiringly.

"Yes, but in the later Jiajing period the emperor never held court there." "Hmm, it's built quite spectacularly."

Liu Shengyang gave a thumbs‑up and said, "By the way, this Dragon Throne isn't really made of solid gold, is it?"

"No, we're talking about a 100% replica."

Xu Yuexin smiled faintly, deliberately teasing Liu Shengyang.

"Sigh, how much would that cost!"

Liu Shengyang gasped and said.

Next to him, Chen Lin's expression turned sour: even if the gold on this Dragon Throne is merely plated, it still costs a lot! "I was just kidding with you, how could it be real gold?"

"We mixed a bit of other metal into the copper, and the result looks very much like real gold."

"Of course, over time the copper's original color will show, so it needs to be replated after a while."

Xu Yuexin explained to Liu Shengyang.

"I see, that's quite thoughtful then."

Liu Shengyang nodded and said.

When filming a historical drama, texture is the most important.

Xu Yuexin is willing to put effort into sets and props, so the final result will certainly not be lacking.

After touring the Huangji Hall, the three of them went around two other palaces, and Liu Shengyang and Chen Lin kept nodding in admiration throughout.

"All is ready, only the east wind is missing."

"I think we can start filming tomorrow."

When they emerged from inside the palace, Liu Shengyang said approvingly, "Boss Xu, what do you think?"

"I definitely want to start filming early."

Xu Yuexin said, "When can you get there?"

"Tomorrow I'll have them depart from Hu Hai, and first shoot the palace scenes here."

"How long is it expected to take to finish filming?"

"Half a year, we can definitely finish."

Factory Director Liu assured Xu Yuexin.

"Alright, I'll await good news."

Xu Yuexin said.

Factory Director Liu and Chen Lin are to return to Hengguang Film Studio tomorrow, and Xu Yuexin treated them to a meal that evening.

When he returned to the guesthouse, it was already late at night.

Gong Ruxue was originally familiarizing herself with the stage play script under the desk lamp, and she hurriedly stood up when Xu Yuexin entered.

"Were there especially many tasks today?"

"You're exhausted, right?"

"No, today wasn't tiring; the main thing was accompanying the people from the film studio."

"Oh, have a glass of milk."

"It'll sober you up."

After speaking, Gong Ruxue opened the nightstand drawer, took out some milk powder, and intended to mix it for Xu Yuexin to drink.

"No need, I haven't been drinking."

"I don't believe you."

"Ha…"

Xu Yuexin let out a breath toward Gong Ruxue, proving he truly hadn't been drinking.

Gong Ruxue was made to laugh by him.

"Indeed, I didn't drink."

"After accompanying them today, are you preparing to go back?"

"Yes, after they go on set, I'll discuss the subsequent filming schedule with them, then head back."

"Okay. When you're about to leave, tell me and I'll buy the ticket."

Gong Ruxue said excitedly after hearing that.

She was already eager to return to Jingcheng to look for a job.

Two days later, the crew of "The Ming Dynasty 1566" moved into Hengdian.

Xu Yuexin, together with Factory Director Liu and Chen Lin, learned the specific arrangements for their subsequent filming, felt fairly satisfied, and therefore asked Gong Ruxue to purchase a ticket back to Jing.

In those days there was no Internet, telephone ticketing was also underdeveloped, and every county's train station had a ticket office.

Gong Ruxue took a carriage to the county seat ticket office, bought two sleeper tickets for the return, and handed one of them to Xu Yuexin.

"Tomorrow's ticket, the berths are still adjacent."

"Alright, pack your luggage."

Xu Yuexin said, and then glanced out the window one more time.

The filming location was built, announcing that he had placed his first piece on Hengdian.

From now on, Xu Yuexin plans to use the current palace complex as a base, continuously expanding the scope of the film city.

As for how large it should be specifically…

Of course, the bigger the better.

Because the best business in this world is the landlord trade.

Being a landlord, you only need to calmly collect rent each year to make money, which is better than anything else.

No matter the director, regardless of how blockbuster a TV drama is, they'll all have to pay him in the future.

Xu Yuexin calculated happily.

The next afternoon, the two boarded the train back to Jing.

The luggage was a bit heavy; Xu Yuexin alone carried four bags on his back, and Gong Ruxue's hands were also stuffed full.

After boarding, Gong Ruxue saw the red mark on Xu Yuexin's hand and felt very sorry for him.

"Does the mark on your hand hurt?"

Gong Ruxue asked concernedly.

"It's nothing to hurt over."

Xu Yuexin sat on the lower bunk where Gong Ruxue was, wrapped his arms around her waist and said.

Being embraced like that in front of other passengers made Gong Ruxue quite embarrassed, so she shifted her gaze toward the window.

…

After a one‑day‑two‑night journey, Xu Yuexin and Gong Ruxue finally arrived in Jingcheng late at night.

After exiting the station, Gong Ruxue walked toward the taxi Dispatch Point, and Xu Yuexin walked over with her.

Gong Ruxue knew Xu Yuexin's home was close to the train station, and found the situation a bit odd.

"Aren't you going home?"

"It's too late, I'll take you back."

Xu Yuexin shook his head and said.

Gong Ruxue felt a surge of nervousness upon hearing that.

She was a few years older than Xu Yuexin, so she naturally understood the implication of his words.

"Could it be… we're spending the night together today?" Gong Ruxue thought shyly, momentarily lost in thought.

At the Dispatch Point, Xu Yuexin flagged down a taxi and shoved most of the luggage into the trunk.

What didn't fit was placed on the back seat.

He set the luggage down, Xu Yuexin sat in the passenger seat, and Gong Ruxue sat in the back row.

His brother is quite chatty, and after Xu Yuexin got into the car he kept talking without pause.

"Buddy, is your family from Tuanjie Lake?"

"No, we're staying at a relative's place. What's up?"

"Nothing, my family is from Tuanjie Lake, and I've seen the area around my home become bustling over the past few years."

"By the way, you guys are businesspeople returning from out of town, right?"

"No, the two of us are both students."

Xu Yuexin told two consecutive lies.

Being out of town, he didn't want to reveal too much personal information.

After arriving, Xu Yuexin paid three yuan for the fare, got off, walked to the back‑door area, and lifted two bags of luggage.

Then came the big and small bags in the trunk.

This time, the two of them walked more laboriously than at the train station, because they had to go upstairs.

After much effort they reached the doorway, Gong Ruxue took out a key and opened the door.

Xu Yuexin naturally followed her inside, went to the bedroom, and flopped onto the bed in a sprawled position.

"Let's go take a shower."

Xu Yuexin, with his eyes closed, said to Gong Ruxue as if nothing mattered.

(End of chapter)