After Writing a Story for My Husband and Brother

The day's intense script reading session came to an end, and the concentrated attention suddenly dissipated, giving way to a rush of fatigue, yet with a lingering sense of excitement. 

Lu Cheng called Zhong Shao to stay back, exchanged a few words in private, which didn't take long but was enough time for others to return to their rooms or head to the restaurant. 

Yu Cheng leaned against the wall by the door, watching Zhong Shao walk out, pulling out a pair of hands from his pocket, "Shao, about last night, I'm sorry." 

His voice was gentle and sincere, without timidity or unease. Zhong Shao quickly understood what Yu Cheng was referring to. 

He didn't intend to blame Yu Cheng, although his tone might have sounded a bit cold. 

"It's alright," Zhong Shao patted Yu Cheng's shoulder, gave a slight smile, and cheerfully said, "Junior Bro., let's grab sth to eat." 

Though Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng shared the same mentor, they had missed each other several times in their encounters. Prior to this, the most they had heard about each other was from Prof. Wang, "Among all my students, the two of you resemble each other the most." 

Yu Cheng had never thought he was similar to Zhong Shao, but his admiration for Zhong Shao was genuine. He didn't want to base their relationship solely on being fellow disciples, which led to him addressing Zhong Shao as "teacher." 

Unlike Zhong Shao, who was taken in by Prof. Wang as a disciple when he entered the film academy, Yu Cheng was discovered by Prof. Wang as a promising talent in the silent drama performance at the drama festival. 

It was the year Yu Cheng was just a senior in college.

Two individuals, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng, stood parallel to each other by the elevator door, their heights almost identical, presenting a pleasing sight. 

"Have you put on your mask?" Zhong Shao asked, taking out a black mask from his pocket. 

"Yes," Yu Cheng replied, then inquired, "Are we heading out?" 

"Yep." 

The two proceeded straight to the parking lot, where a moderately priced Land Rover gleamed. 

"Get in," Zhong Shao instructed, and without further ado, Yu Cheng opened the passenger door. 

The black Land Rover smoothly exited the parking lot and cruised leisurely along the roadway. Inside the car, a familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar voice drifted softly. Glancing at the display screen, Zhong Shao caught a glimpse of Yu Cheng's awkward expression and asked, "Is this your song?"

 Yu Cheng nodded, saying, "It's from my debut." 

Ten years ago, Yu Cheng participated in the performing arts college entrance exam, where his audition footage, exuding a hint of youthful innocence that resonated with the public's imagination of teenagers, went viral online. Subsequently, a reality show director approached him and extended an invitation. Fresh from completing his college entrance exams, and with the show's three-month duration coinciding perfectly with his desire to broaden his horizons, Yu Cheng unexpectedly emerged as the champion, debuting as an ace singer. 

Even Yu Cheng himself had not anticipated such an outcome. 

Two months later, Yu Cheng released his debut EP with five songs, three of which unexpectedly became instant hits.

The song currently playing in the car is one of the hits from back then — "Carrying". This song was dedicated to the fans and was one of Yu Cheng's early works involving lyric writing. Many student fans even incorporated the lyrics "adorned with honour, carrying applause, henceforth extraordinary; how to repay, with flowers and expectations, only by achieving dreams to the pinnacle" into their art essays. 

Zhong Shao hummed along with the music and said, "My sister used to really like you back then. I've listened to all your first EP," his tone was gentle as if saying 'the night looks nice tonight', "Among the five songs, this one is my favourite, even now." In the past, the music scene was diverse and did not resemble the current trend where a melody with a few words could become a hit. However, it was Yu Cheng's first time learning that Zhong Shao had a sister. 

"Thank you," what was initially awkward turned into openness, Yu Cheng also smiled slightly and said, "This is Yu Cheng speaking as a former singer." 

"Okay." It seemed that the two of them had gained some familiarity because of a song.

The car stopped at the entrance of a street. 

"This..." Zhong Shao stopped the car, and Yu Cheng realised they had arrived at the food street behind the their Uni.

Not missing Yu Cheng's serious surprise, he said, "Don't you miss this street?" 

"More than you know, I even dreamt about it." 

"Any dietary restrictions?" 

Yu Cheng chuckled lightly and said, "There aren't any on this street." 

That light-hearted smile seemed to make Zhong Shao see the youthful charm of the boy from ten years ago.

Wearing masks and pulling the hoodie cap over their heads, the two ordinary-looking students got off the car and walked inside. 

This unnamed food street, with several decades of history, offers a variety of food options of different flavours and sizes. Each shop is bustling with business, each with its unique taste. 

"It's been many years since I last came here, there have been some changes," said Zhong Shao as they walked along the road, "as same to people." 

Yu Cheng did not respond but asked, "Shao, which shop on this street do you like the most?" 

"Right in front," Zhong Shao pointed with his chin, "We are lucky, it's still there." "Aunt Yang's pickled fish noodles?" 

"Yes." 

"What a coincidence." 

It was also a shop he really liked. Throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies, Yu Cheng spent most of his time in the rehearsal room, practising dramas, polishing lines, and working on physical exercises. Every time he left the rehearsal room, he would go to this pickled fish noodle shop to have a bowl of sour and spicy pickled fish noodles, sweat it out, and all fatigue would disappear. 

Both of them ordered a portion of pickled fish rice noodles, tasted a few side dishes, found a corner, and lowered their masks below their chins. The taste remained the same, but the feeling of eating noodles here was different. 

Not only Yu Cheng but also Zhong Shao felt the same.

Upon his first visit to this establishment, Zhong Shao still recalls the scene vividly. It was a late December night during his freshman year, at the age of eighteen, right after he had been titled the Best Actor. Despite the numerous praises and accolades heaped upon him, Zhong Shao did not find the expected joy in receiving the prestigious "Best Actor" award. Instead, a profound sense of disorientation enveloped him within the hollow glory, leaving him uncertain about how to proceed on his budding path as a professional actor.

Lost in thought, he eventually found himself standing at the entrance of this particular eatery. Zhong Shao had a penchant for spicy and sour flavours, and the aroma wafting from the restaurant tantalized his taste buds. Opting for a bowl of sour and spicy fish noodles, although he didn't finish it, he found himself breaking into a light sweat, temporarily dissipating the troubling thoughts clouding his mind into the air.

Both individuals dined in silence, fully engrossed in the act of slurping noodles and picking at their dishes. The serene atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle provided a sense of comfort for the pair, occasionally catching snippets of conversation from nearby tables discussing school-related matters.

However, Lu Cheng is not as "comfortable". The crew stipulates that each actor can bring at most one assistant or one manager, or both assistants. However, the two male leads did not adhere to this rule and decided to go solo. It remains unclear whether this behaviour should be considered a positive example or if they should be questioned about their plans for the future. Nevertheless, the current focus is on the fact that these two individuals were seen leaving the hotel to dine together.

Leaving! The! Hotel! To! Dine!

Did Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng not realise that if their faces were seen on the streets together, it would immediately become a hot topic, possibly even going viral?!

They even started ignoring calls from the director!

After missing dozens of calls from Lu Cheng, Zhong Shao and Yu Cheng exchanged glances. Subsequently, Zhong Shao reluctantly sent a text message to Lu Cheng - Just this once and for all. 

Unfortunately, this turned out not to be the case. That night, Zhong Shao's manager, Tan Ye, and Yu Cheng's assistant, Miaomiao, hurriedly packed their belongings and arrived at the hotel to report to the director.