Chapter 59

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Chapter 59: Title

Song Yutian finally remembered—she had recorded a monologue for Gu Feng.

What had she said? She sifted through foggy memories.

Onscreen, the next "well-wisher" was herself.

In the footage, Song Yutian stated coolly, "Our teamwork speaks for itself. You already know my answer about continuing this partnership. As for blessings… may you never have to team up with me again."

Song Yutian maintained the same indifferent expression as seen in the video, her face showing no particular emotion.

To be honest, had she known this recording would be used as Gu Feng’s birthday greeting, Song Yutian might have put slightly more thought into it.

But there was no helping it—the director had originally requested her to film a monologue for her former teammate Gu Feng as bonus material for the edited version.

Thus, the current outcome.

Watching this segment, the softness that had briefly appeared in Gu Feng’s expression vanished once again. He turned to look at Song Yutian.

Their gazes locked, conducting a silent exchange that lasted mere seconds.

Gu Feng asked, "Is this how you extend your blessings?"

Song Yutian met his gaze unflinchingly. "What more did you expect?"

She remained unaware of how their increasingly frequent eye contact throughout the day might be interpreted by others.

Following the birthday video’s conclusion, the director made some ceremonial remarks before distributing cake.

The program group had prepared additional refreshments. After the contestants finished eating, the live broadcast concluded.

Participants returned to their respective rooms to rest.

At 10:30 PM, the manager called Song Yutian.

Glancing at the sleeping Su Moying, Song Yutian slipped quietly out of the room.

Concerned about disturbing others due to the corridor’s poor soundproofing, she answered while moving toward the rooftop.

A feminine voice came through: "Yutian, have you finished with the recording? Did you see the movie’s official announcement? It’s trending."

This marked the first time Song Yutian detected genuine cheerfulness in Sister Chen’s voice.

"Yes, I saw," she replied softly.

Sister Chen had messaged her the previous day about the production company’s planned lead actress announcement tonight. Song Yutian had checked after wrapping up filming.

"Between us," the manager continued, "I kept fearing complications before the official announcement. This lead role fell into your lap like manna from heaven**—you hadn’t landed decent work for so long, then suddenly this major project…"

Song Yutian listened silently, navigating the narrow staircase to the villa’s rooftop.

The program group’s remote villa stood far from downtown illumination. Moonlight alone silvered the unlit rooftop.

Leaning against the railing, Song Yutian heard her manager persist: "Now that it’s official, I can breathe easier. But stay vigilant—**maintain perfect conduct until this show wraps up. Train afterward, then join the film crew in November."

"Understood," Song Yutian responded.

After giving final instructions, the call ended.

Returning her phone to her pocket, Song Yutian noticed a shadowy figure ahead.

Observing that her call had concluded, the silhouette advanced two steps.

Pale moonlight revealed the visitor’s identity.

"Gu Feng," she acknowledged.

His silent nod confirmed her recognition.

"I’ll take my leave," Song Yutian said, turning to depart.

"Wait**—**" his voice arrested her.

She pivoted to face him.

He closed the distance between them until he was standing directly before her.

Only then did Song Yutian detect the alcohol scent clinging to him.

"Today’s my birthday," Gu Feng said. "Nothing more to say?"

She arched an eyebrow. "Happy birthday."

His frown deepened. "Do you truly resent me so? Because I rejected you before?"

Song Yutian: "…"

This sudden excavation of ancient history**—**was he actually intoxicated? He appeared coherent enough.

After a moment of consideration, she replied, "You are imagining offenses. The past stays buried. I’m not that Song Yutian anymore. As for resentment**—**you’re practically a stranger now."

Gu Feng absorbed this in silence.

Assuming he understood, she turned to leave.

"Song Yutian." His voice halted her again.

She inhaled deeply. "Gu Feng, what exactly—"

Though unoccupied, she owed him no obligation to humor an inebriated conversation.

"Song Yutian." His tone was weighted. "These days, I’ve contemplated… and now I’ve reached clarity."

She regarded him expectantly.

Gu Feng paused for a moment and said, "I want you to be my girlfriend."

Song Yutian was taken aback, then burst out laughing.

Gu Feng frowned. "What are you laughing at?" Though he didn’t understand the reason, he could tell her laughter held no joy.

"Mr. Gu, don’t you find yourself ridiculous?" Song Yutian said. "You keep professing your feelings for Su Moying, yet now you come to ask me to be your girlfriend? Or perhaps—"

She paused deliberately. "Is this about wanting what you can’t have?"

Gu Feng stiffened. "I admit I harbored feelings for Su Moying before, but that was merely a passing fancy. Now I’ve realized… I like you."

He dragged out the final sentence, as though uttering the word "like" caused him physical difficulty.

This time, Song Yutian couldn’t suppress a derisive snort.

Gu Feng pressed on, "I know my past words may have hurt you. I can make amends. You needn’t answer now**—**take time to consider—"

"No need for consideration. I refuse," Song Yutian cut him off cleanly. "I won’t be your girlfriend. Not now. Not ever."

Gu Feng’s mouth worked soundlessly. He’d anticipated rejection, even calculated strategies for her possible coy hesitation, but never this absolute dismissal.

Just weeks ago, this woman had pursued him with relentless determination.

"Why?" He grasped at straws. "If this is about Moying…"

"This has nothing to do with Moying." Her voice turned glacial. "I refuse any man incapable of treating women as equals."

Bewilderment etched Gu Feng’s features.

Song Yutian dismissed the urge to explain**—**entrenched mindsets couldn’t be shifted through mere words. After brief consideration, she added, "Though unrelated to Moying, I’ll give you some advice: If you can’t commit wholeheartedly to Su Moying, stop masquerading as her devoted lover."

Noticing his defensive posture, she clarified, "Don’t misunderstand. Moying deserves better than being shackled by some philandering man’s whims."

The original novel’s ending flashed through her mind**—**Su Moying abandoning her flourishing career for this man. The sheer waste of it curdled Song Yutian’s stomach.

Previously, she’d avoided meddling in relationships, assuming that Mrs. Gu’s title might bring more fulfillment than a showbusiness career. But witnessing Gu Feng’s fickleness, she could no longer remain passive.

Even if it meant risking his misunderstanding, the words needed saying.

Having spoken her piece, Song Yutian turned sharply, eager to escape this entanglement. She’d barely taken three steps when a figure materialized at the stairwell.

Her hurried pace and the unexpected presence startled her.

"Song Yutian—" Gu Feng’s delayed pursuit brought him face-to-face with the same interloper.

His frown deepened as he locked eyes with Zhong Yueli. The two men stood in silent confrontation, Gu Feng’s unspoken arguments died beneath the weight of this third-party witness.

Song Yutian contemplated retreating to her room, but the narrow rooftop staircase left no passage around Zhong Yueli. Before she could request clearance, Gu Feng demanded, "What are you doing here?"

"Passing through," Zhong Yueli’s tone remained neutral.

Gu Feng’s jaw tightened. "Move aside."

Two heartbeats passed.

Zhong Yueli shifted half a step to the right.

"How unexpected," Gu Feng sneered. "Some prim exteriors conceal eavesdroppers." He shouldered past without waiting for a retort, his footsteps echoing down the stairs.

Alone on the rooftop with Zhong Yueli, Song Yutian offered a curt nod. Gu Feng’s persistence had frayed her patience; she moved to leave. "I’ll be—"

"Yutian."

She froze mid-step.

Zhong Yueli continued, "Congratulations on Director Cheng’s official film announcement."

Song Yutian stifled an inward sigh. Basic courtesy demanded her continued presence.

"When you recommended me to Director Cheng…" She met his gaze. "I never properly thanked you."

"It was merely a trivial gesture."

"And your public support that day…" She inclined her head. "My apologies for the trouble caused."

Having previously thanked him via message, she seized this chance for a personal acknowledgment.

"No trouble." His eyes softened imperceptibly. "I acted according to my own wishes."

After that, the two fell silent for a moment.

After some thought, Song Yutian added, "You’ve helped me twice. By principle, I should return the favor. But I don’t think I can assist you with anything right now, so if you ever need me in the future, just ask."

Zhong Yueli smiled faintly. "Alright."

Song Yutian blinked. Wasn’t he going to politely decline?

But she didn’t dwell on it. Seeing that he showed no intention of continuing the conversation, she said, "Then I won’t disturb you any longer?"

"Yutian, I…" Zhong Yueli began, then hesitated.

"What is it?" Song Yutian asked.

Zhong Yueli pressed his lips together. "I apologize, but I truly wasn’t eavesdropping earlier."

Song Yutian paused, then chuckled. "It’s fine. I don’t mind."

After all, she and Gu Feng had been conversing in a public area—it hardly counted as private.

Though Gu Feng likely felt differently.

The thought of Gu Feng hastily leaving, probably embarrassed at the idea of his "confession" being overheard by Zhong Yueli, struck her as somewhat amusing.

Zhong Yueli asked, "I noticed alcohol on Gu Feng earlier. Are you alright?"

Song Yutian was surprised by his perceptiveness but quickly replied, "I’m fine."

Just an unexpected declaration, that’s all.

Zhong Yueli spoke haltingly, "Is Gu Feng perhaps…"

Song Yutian arched an eyebrow. "Perhaps what?"

After a beat of silence, Zhong Yueli shook his head. "Nothing."

Song Yutian regarded him questioningly.

Zhong Yueli remained quiet for another moment before saying, "Let’s return. The night breeze is chilly."

Nodding, Song Yutian agreed, "Alright."

She’d been wanting to return to her room anyway—had she known Gu Feng was there, she’d never have come to the rooftop.

Song Yutian led the way downstairs with Zhong Yueli following behind.

On the narrow staircase, she sensed the man’s hand hovering protectively near her back, whether intentionally or not.

They reached the third floor without incident.

Zhong Yueli’s room lay at the corridor’s end. When Song Yutian arrived at her door first, he stood slightly behind and to the side, as if awaiting her entry.

After a pause, Song Yutian offered, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Zhong Yueli replied.

Closing her door, Song Yutian found Su Moying still fast asleep, lips slightly parted with soft dreamlike murmurs. She couldn’t suppress a smile.

Despite being part of a popular girl group, Su Moying remained essentially a teenage girl.

The quiet night amplified the distant click of a closing door—Zhong Yueli retiring to his room.

A sudden realization struck Song Yutian: their simultaneous return meant Zhong Yueli hadn’t gone to the rooftop for any particular purpose. Then why had he been at the stairwell earlier?

Though her conversation with Gu Feng hadn’t been loud, their voices should have carried to his position. Yet instinct told her Zhong Yueli’s claim that he hadn’t been eavesdropping had been genuine.

Recalling his concern about Gu Feng’s alcohol-laced breath and her well-being, a hypothesis formed—only to be immediately dismissed.

Why overthink? Song Yutian gave a slight shake of her head.