Chapter 101: Seeing the Blue Sky Once More

Online discussions buzzed with the news that Bai Chenxi would star in "Peony Chant." Bai Chenxi was relatively unfazed, having anticipated such reactions when she accepted the role.

However, Tian Jie couldn’t sit still as he scrolled through the comments. After all the effort he’d put into securing the lead actress, how had it come to be seen as some shady backstage deal? He’d let it slide before, but this time, he was determined to protect his cast.

Director Tian Jie V: “This is the lead I personally chose. No shortcuts, no drama behind the scenes—I picked her myself.”

Soon, Director Li also reposted the Weibo post.

Director Li Tianqi V: “The schedule was coordinated by us. I’m definitely not going to say Tian Jie begged me for days over this… @Director Tian Jie.”

Tian Jie quickly replied in the comments: “Who said I begged you? That’s slander.”

Unsurprisingly, the two soon began a playful back-and-forth in the comment section. Their banter softened the tone of the discussion considerably.

Though some discordant voices remained, such dissent was inevitable.

Perhaps because Tian Jie’s "Peony Chant" had been delayed so harshly, the production resumed just three days later.

Thus began Bai Chenxi’s routine of shuttling between two projects—fortunately, both filming in the same studio city.

Upon arriving on set, Lan Tian spotted Bai Chenxi and rushed over excitedly.

“Bai Chenxi, how is it? Are you surprised to see me?”

Surprise, not quite—more like a touch of astonishment. “What are you doing here?”

Lan Tian grinned. “I’m the male lead in this drama. Didn’t expect us to be working together again before our last show even aired.”

Bai Chenxi frowned. “I thought the male lead was some guy named Li… something Tian? Did I get it wrong?”

Lan Tian couldn’t help but tease, “You really never bother to check who you’re acting with, huh? Don’t even know who’s funding this one, do you?”

“I know,” Bai Chenxi finally chimed in, eager to answer. “It’s Kaijia Culture.”

Lan Tian looked impressed. “Not bad. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I see. So the male lead was chosen by the investors too, and they pulled me in along with them.”

“The company figured since you and I have worked together before, once the show airs, a joint marketing push could maybe spin it into something like ‘Fated Lovers through Lifetimes.’ So here I am, bundled in.”

Bai Chenxi sighed in admiration. “Your company really thinks long-term and plays a good game.”

It was then she realized something. “Lin Yue, I just noticed I’ve been filming three dramas in a row, all with Kaijia Culture.”

Besides her breakout role, these were the only three dramas she had.

Both Lan Tian and Bai Chenxi exchanged helpless looks. No wonder fans were speculating—this was hard not to read into.

Lan Tian, however, bore no misunderstandings, knowing the backstory and the relationship between Jiang Jize and Chu Muyun. He just marveled at how much effort Brother Chu was putting in for his girlfriend.

Having worked with Lan Tian once before, their chemistry on set was smoother this time.

Passing by, Lan Tian nearly floated. “You think with our chemistry in the next two dramas, can we snag this year’s Best On-Screen Couple award? Last year it was you and Lin Yue, right?”

At that thought, Lin Yue felt a spark of excitement, completely forgetting about Brother Chu who was far away.

Because Bai Chenxi was juggling both projects nonstop, when Chu Muyun called in the evening, she was still on set.

Chu Muyun frowned deeply. “You still haven’t gone back? If I’d known you’d be this exhausted, I would’ve just had Jiang Jize book you straight away.”

Bai Chenxi couldn’t help but vent. “Yeah! I’m so tired! I feel like I can barely hold my phone anymore.”

Worried, Chu Muyun advised, “If you’re tired, rest a bit—don’t push yourself too hard. It’s your own family; if anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.”

Bai Chenxi smiled slyly, “Of course, I’m not an iron woman. When I get a chance, I’ll rest. Right now, I could fall asleep standing up.”

Though Bai Chenxi spoke lightly, Chu Muyun’s heart ached for her.

She continued, sharing her feelings: “I used to dislike those news stories about actors filming back-to-back projects. Thought they were just chasing money and a bit unprofessional.”

“Now I admire them—they’re real heroes. This non-stop grind isn’t for the faint of heart.”

After chatting a while, Bai Chenxi said she had to hang up. “Alright, Brother Chu, I have to shoot now.”

Chu Muyun suddenly asked, “Are you happy?”

Bai Chenxi paused mid-step, thought for a moment, then replied lightly, “It’s pain mixed with joy.”

After hanging up, Chu Muyun immediately made a call.

“Jiang, the boss is treating everyone to a late-night snack.”

Late at night on set, the crew, barely able to keep their eyes open, were instantly awakened by the shout.

Everyone murmured “Thank you, Boss Jiang,” their energy spiked as they resumed work.

Eating the food, Bai Chenxi felt her spirits lift. She thought, “After all, he’s the company CEO—he’d better be reliable. I won’t call him a fool again.”

Tian Jie looked at the snacks and scoffed, “Thank Boss Jiang? More like thank Bai Chenxi! He’s done Kaijia projects before, but when has Boss Jiang ever brought late-night snacks?”

If anyone else was paying attention, it would only be Lan Tian.

Holding his snack, Lan Tian approached. “Boss Jiang, I won’t thank you, but I do have to thank you.”

“Me?” Bai Chenxi, thinking he misunderstood, hurried to clarify, “I have nothing to do with your Boss Jiang.”

Lan Tian said, “Who said you have anything to do with Boss Jiang? I meant you and Brother Chu.”

Bai Chenxi was puzzled. “What does this have to do with Chu Muyun?”

Lan Tian asked in surprise, “Wasn’t this snack delivered by Brother Chu for you?”

“But didn’t Boss Jiang send it?” Bai Chenxi asked.

Lan Tian nodded confidently. “No, just now Brother Chu asked me if you’d eaten the late-night snack. If it wasn’t him, how would he know?”

Noticing Bai Chenxi’s cluelessness, Lan Tian tactfully boosted Chu Muyun’s goodwill.

Looking at Bai Chenxi, Lan Tian hinted, “Didn’t expect Brother Chu to be so thoughtful.”

Could it be him? Though she’d said she was exhausted and hung up not long before the snack arrived, could it be a coincidence?

Bai Chenxi sent a photo of the food to Chu Muyun, adding, “Delicious late-night snack.”

Chu Muyun immediately replied, “As long as it’s good.”

It really was from him. Bai Chenxi held her phone, grinning foolishly. This feeling was more energizing than eating ten late-night meals.

She wanted to say thanks but felt it might be too dry or awkward.

After thinking it over, she finally typed, “Thanks, big spender. For a foodie like me, once there’s good food, nothing else matters.”

She added several playful stickers, then followed with, “When I get home, I’ll cook for you.”

Bai Chenxi thought, since he’d gone to such lengths, she’d definitely cook a good meal to repay him.

But Chu Muyun only saw the words “get home.” He put away his phone and murmured, “I’ll be waiting for you to come home.”