Xi Tang returned to Shanghai and first went to Ni Kai Lun’s place. Kai Lun lived in a spacious apartment on Yangpu Road in Shanghai. Xi Tang didn’t have a house in Shanghai, and Ni Kai Lun had directly reserved a room for her. On the coffee table was a stack of scripts with Ni Kai Lun’s scrawled English note: “Read through them and see which ones you like.”

Xi Tang was a bit excited. After three years at the company, this was the first time she had the privilege to choose scripts.

Recently, “Palace Love Affair” had just been released, with ratings exceeding two points. Ni Kai Lun was busy arranging publicity tours for the artists and was rarely in Shanghai. When Xi Tang had business, she would go to the company; when she didn’t, she would read scripts at Ni Kai Lun’s home. Among them, she found two particularly good ones: one was a modern romantic suspense detective drama, and the other was a period piece set in a grand mansion.

Xi Tang holed up in Ni Kai Lun’s house for about a week. She preferred the female lead in the suspense drama, that psychopathic girl involved in the murder case on Pear Blossom Street. But looking at the overall script, the grand mansion drama that spanned from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic was more orthodox and impressive, narrating the changes in China’s era through the history of a prominent family. It would be a test of acting skills. Xi Tang carefully read through them and selected these two, waiting for the company’s final decision at their meeting.

On Tuesday, Ni Kai Lun returned. Xi Tang had nothing particular to do temporarily, so she booked a train ticket, planning to go home to see her mother.

On the morning of her departure day, Ni Kai Lun needed to go to the TV station for business. Her assistant had taken leave, so Xi Tang was dragged along to carry her bags and help out. After a busy morning finalizing two program procedures, the two walked out arm in arm.

“Huang Xi Tang!” As soon as they walked out the door, someone called her name, accompanied by waves of screams.

Ni Kai Lun, sharp-eyed, immediately let out an “oh my.”

Xi Tang also saw him. At the driveway of the TV station stood Zheng You Tong in a royal blue suit, with glossy hair, dressed stylishly and dashing, wearing black sunglasses, surrounded by his agent and assistants, waving at her from beside his shiny black van.

Xi Tang wanted to pretend she hadn’t heard.

But Zheng You Tong had already run towards them: “Xi Tang!”

Ni Kai Lun smiled and greeted him: “Big star, are you here to record a show?”

Zheng You Tong took off his sunglasses and politely said: “Miss Ni, hello.”

Xi Tang had no choice but to say: “Hey, Old Zheng, it’s been a while.”

Zheng You Tong looked at her happily: “Are you done with work?”

Xi Tang said: “Ah, yes, just accompanying Kai Lun to get a script.”

Zheng You Tong said: “We old classmates haven’t seen each other for a long time. I’m free for lunch, shall we eat together?”

Zheng You Tong’s assistant and agent had already followed at a discreet distance.

Xi Tang was thinking of how to decline.

Ni Kai Lun immediately said: “Xi Tang happens to be free too, go ahead.”

Xi Tang glared at her, but Ni Kai Lun was much fiercer, sending back a warning glance. With a top-tier young actor like Zheng You Tong, just standing next to him would probably occupy half a page of news. Xi Tang had been ignoring him for a long time, and Ni Kai Lun had wanted to kill her for it.

Xi Tang had no choice but to say: “Alright.”

Zheng You Tong immediately said: “Let’s get in the car first.”

His agent stepped forward to try to stop them: “You Tong, many fans are watching outside…”

Zheng You Tong impatiently dismissed him: “Let them watch. What’s wrong with me having a meal with a friend?”

They still went to a very private room for the meal. Zheng You Tong had a long-term reserved room at the hotel. He directly sent away his agent and assistant, and the two of them slowly enjoyed a meal.

During the meal, Zheng You Tong asked her: “Have you been back to school since graduation?”

Xi Tang shook her head.

Zheng You Tong said: “I’ve been back once or twice, but only for work. I didn’t dare to see the teachers, feeling quite guilty.”

Xi Tang smiled: “Don’t be so modest. Among the boys in our class, only you and Ming Kun made it. Every time I turn on the TV, I see your faces.”

Zheng You Tong looked a bit worried: “Ah, Kun-zi, I saw him at a club in Beijing last time. He was very enthusiastic, inviting me into his private room to hang out for a while. I didn’t stay long, but at that time, his mental state seemed a bit off. I guess he got into some of that stuff, playing a bit too wild.”

Xi Tang had an understanding expression: “Ah, these things are common in the Beijing circle. If you can’t control yourself for a moment, it’s easy to fall into it. If you’re still on good terms with him, try to advise him if you can.”

“Mm, I understand,” Zheng You Tong nodded. “Last time, I had my assistant call you. We had a role in our group, not too many lines. Why didn’t you come?”

Xi Tang shook her head: “You’ve already helped me enough.”

Zheng You Tong was very sincere: “Four years, Xi Tang, really, four years of friendship. Not many from our class are persisting in acting. It’s only right to help each other when there’s an opportunity. You don’t need to be so formal.”

Xi Tang didn’t speak, feeling a bit emotional inside.

Zheng You Tong tentatively asked: “Still alone now?”

Xi Tang nodded.

In the entertainment circle, everyone knew what that meant. Zheng You Tong didn’t ask more, only saying: “If you ever need someone, definitely call me.”

Zheng You Tong’s assistant called to urge him.

He was a busy person.

Xi Tang walked out of the private room with him. In the hotel lobby, Xi Tang said: “Your assistant is probably waiting outside. I’ll come out a few minutes later.”

Zheng You Tong nodded.

Xi Tang watched him put on his black sunglasses, wave at her, then put his hands in his trouser pockets and walk out stylishly. Guests in the hotel lobby turned to look at him, but he walked through the lobby as if unaware, his coat fluttering elegantly, every gesture now showing the demeanor of a superstar.

Just as he was about to reach the main door, Zheng You Tong suddenly strode back.

Xi Tang said: “What’s wrong?”

He took off his sunglasses, looked at her with deep, dark suppression in his eyes, hesitated for a moment, and said: “I won’t be in Hengdian for a while. I’m going to Hong Kong tonight.”

Xi Tang was also a bit surprised. His recent films had all received good reviews, and he had been working on one major production after another, all the best in the industry: “What about your work?”

Zheng You Tong said: “The next project has already been negotiated, just waiting to sign. The Hong Kong side wants me to stay there for a while. The company wants me to act in films, aiming for awards.”

Xi Tang said tactfully: “Well, consider it a rest period then.”

Zheng You Tong became a bit emotional, his eyes reddening for a moment: “Xi Tang, do you know why I like you? Because you’ve never looked down on me.”

Xi Tang smiled considerately, her tone gentle: “Ah, we’re all just making a living. Old Zheng, you’re a good person.”

Zheng You Tong suddenly reached out and hugged her tightly.

Xi Tang called out softly: “Hey!”

He choked up and said: “Thank you.”

Xi Tang took a high-speed train in Shanghai, then transferred to a van in Hangzhou, returning to her hometown.

Her family used to run a small noodle shop on Yong’an Street in town. Before, her mother managed it herself, but later Xi Tang insisted on hiring help—a kitchen chef and a front-of-house girl. Xi Tang’s mother became the proprietress. Being close to the Xiangshi Mountain scenic area, business was decent, but since they only operated for breakfast and lunch, after paying wages, there was little surplus.

Xi Tang never cared about this money. She lived very frugally herself but always gave her mother ample funds. Her mother was not in good health, and staying at home alone was lonely. Since Xi Tang couldn’t accompany her long-term, she just hoped her mother would have something to do and people to talk to.

The house was an old one from long ago, with a courtyard at the back that her mother had purchased. This was the home where mother and daughter had lived all their lives.

When Xi Tang returned, neighbors came out to greet her: “Xi Tang, you’re back?”

“Oh my, why did you cut your hair short?”

“All celebrities are following this hairstyle now, it’s trendy.”

“Auntie watched your show. Ah, you looked so beautiful as a palace maid, but why were you only in a few episodes?”

Xi Tang didn’t speak, just smiled.

She quickly escaped into the house.

Her mother was in the kitchen, still wearing the apron she used for cooking noodles during the day, carefully cutting a piece of wine-fragrant braised meat on the chopping board. The braised sauce at Xi Tang’s family noodle shop was exceptional. Her mother said it was made according to a secret recipe passed down from her grandmother’s family. Xi Tang loved it the most.

Xi Tang went in and hugged her increasingly frail shoulders: “Mom.”

Her mother smiled, nudging her arm with her elbow: “Still like a child. Hurry up, wash your hands, and eat.”

After dinner, Xi Tang returned to her room. The small floral-patterned bedsheets were kept clean and tidy. She lay on the bed, reached out and pulled a rope beside the bed. The rope hung high, connected to the beam of the eaves. Dust on the roof shook and fell down in rustling sounds. Next door came a crisp tinkling sound.

Xi Tang raised her voice: “Little Landlord?”

From the other side immediately came a “woah” sound, followed by the flip-flapping sound of a man wearing slippers. At the wall, a muffled voice said: “Nini, ni hu na le?”

Hearing his voice, Xi Tang smiled happily: “Yes, I’m tired. I’ll come see your wife and baby tomorrow.”

Little Landlord let out an excited cry next door, then made several wooing sounds trying to say something. Xi Tang said: “Slow down, I didn’t catch that.”

At this point, a young woman’s voice interjected: “Sister Xi Tang?”

Xi Tang said: “Ah, you must be Little Landlord’s wife.”

The new wife was very lively: “Yes, yes, we received the clothes and baby formula you sent. They’re really good—”

Xi Tang said: “Good, glad they arrived. Thank you both for helping to take care of my mom.”

The woman agreed repeatedly: “Of course, Sister, you came back just in time. The child’s father is in trouble now. I tell him but he doesn’t listen. He only listens to you. Please talk some sense into him!”

Xi Tang asked with concern: “What happened?”

Little Landlord’s wife rattled on: “The family’s hotel was inspected by the Industry and Commerce Bureau a few days ago. I told him to find someone to help mediate and see what could be done, but he refuses to go…”

At this point, Little Landlord’s voice came reprimanding his wife: “Ni zen me mo!”

His wife immediately cried out: “I’m just anxious! We haven’t been able to operate for so many days. If you don’t do something, your son won’t even have formula milk soon!”

This couple was quite a pair—one couldn’t speak clearly, and the other spoke like spilling beans.

Xi Tang quickly said: “Alright, don’t argue. I’ll come to your house tomorrow, and we can talk more then.”

Since Xi Tang was old enough to understand, her mother had told her that her father had passed away when she was very young. Her entire childhood memories were chaotic because they were constantly moving. Xi Tang couldn’t even remember exactly how many times they had moved until she started elementary school when her mother finally decided to settle in Xianju.

They had no relatives, and no friends, and her mother rarely socialized with the neighbors, who could be both kind and cruel—except for Uncle Qiu.

Uncle Qiu was a good person. From a very young age, he often came to their house to see her, bringing her candies and toys. Then one day, when she returned from school, she saw a woman with disheveled hair cursing loudly at their doorstep, surrounded by a crowd of neighbors pointing and commenting. She was too scared to go home and hid outside the crowd, clutching her little schoolbag tightly. That night, she heard her mother crying secretly in the room.

From that day on, children laughed at her, saying she was a child without a father, and that her mother was a bad woman.

Only Little Landlord from next door continued to play with her.

Little Landlord was genuinely the rich second generation in the town at that time. His parents operated the town’s earliest hotel and had a large piece of land developed into a parking lot. Little Landlord had a congenital disability—his speech from throat to tongue was unclear and muddled. He was also often mocked by other children. Once, when several boys were pulling Xi Tang’s braids on the playground, Little Landlord passed by and drove them away with his fists and kicks. Xi Tang and he hid at the foot of the playground wall. When he talked to her, his words were a jumble of unintelligible sounds, but eventually, she came to understand him.

Little Landlord later had two special skills. Fighting was one of them—later, none of the mischievous children in the entire town dared to bully Xi Tang again.

He was a year younger than her, always in the class below hers. Little Landlord wasn’t good at studying, while Xi Tang’s grades were consistently excellent, until the third year of middle school when an art teacher from the city selected her to attend the Arts Affiliated High School.

Later, when she returned from Beijing to her hometown and then to Hengdian, Little Landlord had barely graduated from high school and then took over his parents’ business. His other special skill was cooking delicious food. He ran the hotel and restaurant, and often referred hotel guests to her mother’s place for breakfast, claiming it served the best braised noodles in Xianju.

Little Landlord didn’t understand the entertainment circle. Little Landlord was her childhood comrade-in-arms.

She felt at peace, finally lying down and having a good night’s sleep.