I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Gu Yan raised an eyebrow: "Seclusion?"

Shu Zi nodded, "Yes, in seclusion."

"You must thoroughly understand the script, study the character, and maintain your physical condition."

"I'm going to be the lead actress in this production, so I can't let the haters criticize me for nothing. I have to make them admit their mistake."

Looking at her determined expression, Gu Yan smiled and asked, "Then what can I do?"

Shu Zi patted his shoulder and said in a serious tone:

"Provide good logistical support, feed me three meals a day on time, and make sure I don't starve."

Gu Yan chuckled softly: "I guarantee I'll complete the mission."

For the next two weeks, Shuzi's life settled into a regular rhythm.

Every morning after getting up, she would curl up on the sofa and read the script for two hours without fail.

Before leaving home at noon, Gu Yan would prepare lunch, which she only needed to heat up before eating.

In the afternoon, I continued to study the character, writing and drawing in my notebook, and practicing my expressions and lines in front of the mirror from time to time.

When I get tired, I set up my easel and paint a few strokes on the balcony, just to get some fresh air.

In the evening, she would wait for Gu Yan to come home from work so they could have dinner together. After dinner, she would snuggle up next to him, watch TV shows, and chat. Before going to bed, he would keep her occupied for a while. Her days were peaceful and fulfilling.

A week before filming began, the production team arranged three days of script readings.

Shu Zi went out early and returned late every day, going through the script scene by scene with the main cast. After three days, she had a good understanding of her character and co-star.

The night before she joined the crew, Shu Zi spread her suitcase out on the bedroom floor and was about to stuff clothes into it when Gu Yan walked up behind her and pulled her to sit down on the bed.

"I'll do it."

Shu Zi didn't refuse. She sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her legs, and watched Gu Yan squatting in front of the suitcase, deftly folding clothes. She couldn't help but laugh.

"That's impressive, Mr. Gu. You're quite skilled in your work."

"Um."

Gu Yan curled his lips, "After all, my girlfriend is a little princess, I can't afford to not learn how to serve her."

But when Shu Zi heard this, it was automatically translated as, "After all, my girlfriend is a little good-for-nothing. If I don't learn how to serve her, how can I afford to be good to her?"

She kicked his shin:

"Who are you calling trash!"

Gu Yan didn't dodge, nor did he stop folding clothes. His tone was tinged with amusement: "Whoever answers me gets to say it."

He folded and arranged her clothes neatly, and even packed small items such as chargers, eye masks, and face masks into small storage bags and stuffed them into the gaps in the box.

Shu Zi swung her legs, watching from the side, occasionally offering a few words of instruction:

"I want to bring that blue one too."

"And that power bank, yes, please put it in my side pocket."

Gu Yan did as instructed without the slightest impatience.

He stuffed the last pack of wet wipes into the side pocket, zipped up the suitcase, and looked up at her: "Is there anything else you need to bring?"

Shu Zi thought for a moment and shook her head: "No, it should be complete."

Gu Yan stood up, pushed his suitcase against the wall, looked at her face, remained silent for a few seconds, then walked up to her, reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Shu Zi was taken aback by his sudden hug and asked, nestled against his chest, "What's wrong?"

Gu Yan didn't speak, but tightened his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head. After a long while, he whispered:

I'll take you there tomorrow.

Shu Zi chuckled softly and wrapped her arms around his waist: "Okay, I'll tell Sister Wen and the others later."

The next morning, Wu Qiwei parked his car at the entrance on time.

Gu Yan put her suitcase in the trunk, and then the two of them sat in the back seat together.

The car smoothly drove out of the city and headed towards the neighboring city where the film crew was located.

The car had Shu Zi's favorite playlist playing. She leaned on Gu Yan's shoulder, with a script spread out on her lap. She would occasionally glance down at it, but most of the time she would stare blankly at the scenery rushing past the window.

Gu Yan glanced down at her, reached out and tucked the stray hairs on her shoulder behind her ear, and said nothing.

The three-hour drive wasn't too long, and we arrived at the hotel arranged by the film crew at noon.

Gu Yan helped her carry her suitcase to the room door, and then bent down to check the room's facilities for her.

Shu Zi leaned against the door, watching him bustling around, and couldn't help but smile.

"Mr. Gu, are you here to drop me off or to inspect the house?"

Gu Yan didn't turn around; he was checking the air conditioner. "By the way," he said.

After checking the hot water and window latches, he straightened up, walked out of the bathroom, and looked at her:

"This room is so-so. Shall I have someone move you to a penthouse suite?"

Shu Zi walked over with a smile and looked around:

"No need, this room is fine. Don't try to be special. I'll stay in the same room as the rest of the crew."

Shu Zi tiptoed and kissed him on the chin: "Don't worry, I won't let myself be wronged."

Gu Yan paused for a moment, looked down at her, and said nothing. He simply wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and with his other hand he supported the back of her head before lowering his head to kiss her.

They lingered and kissed deeply, as if they were using up all the time they wouldn't see each other for the next few days.

Shu Zi's legs went weak from his kisses. She gripped the fabric of his shirt tightly with her fingers, tilted her head back, and responded, her breathing becoming increasingly erratic.

After a long while, he slowly stepped back, still holding her close, his breathing slightly unsteady, his voice low:

"...Let's eat first, I'll eat with you before I leave."

Shu Zi nodded: "Okay."

Gu Yan took out his phone and sent a message to Wu Qiwei.

Less than twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Wu Qiwei stood at the door carrying two food boxes, handed them in, and then tactfully withdrew.

The two sat facing each other at a small table by the window, chatting casually as they ate, enjoying their meal at a leisurely pace.

After the meal, Gu Yan helped her put away the lunchbox, then stood by the window and glanced down at the hotel layout before turning around and walking over to her.

He reached out and pulled her into his arms, hugged her for a while, and then whispered:

"I'm leaving now. Take care of yourself, and call me if you need anything."

Shu Zi buried her face in his chest and gave a muffled "Mmm": "You too, take care of yourself."

He gently pecked her lips again before straightening up, turning around, and walking out of the room toward the elevator.

Shu Zi stood at the door, watching his back walk away until he turned a corner at the end of the corridor before she looked away.

She reached up and touched her burning lips, smiled, and turned to close the door.

Gu Yan stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the first floor.

The elevator doors slowly closed, descended two floors, and then paused briefly.

The door opened, and a girl with her hair in a ponytail walked in, carrying a bag of things she had bought from a convenience store.

Gu Yan moved aside, not paying much attention.