Shanghai Municipal Library, late afternoon, third-floor stacks
"Have you found what you want, Xiao?" Zhu called softly from the end of the aisle. Xiao glanced over her shoulder, fingers trailing along the book spines.
"Not yet," she replied, voice distant.
Mei Zhu stepped closer, arms crossed. "Then what are you looking for? Zhiyu is waiting for us in the reading area."
"Let him take some time for himself," Xiao murmured, eyes scanning the shelves.
Mei Zhu arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "You're really just making it up as you go, huh? Good idea."
Yu Xiao finally turned, lowering her hand. "Anyway, Zhiyu and I talked recently. He said his work passed censorship." She paused, voice softening. "I have nothing to do now but help him with whatever he needs. We're a team—we look after our own. Besides, Ms. Wang has a meeting this afternoon. Zhiyu's script is in the running. We need to keep an eye out for him." Zhu's teasing grin faded, replaced by a look of genuine pride.
"I never imagined you'd be such a good leader. Honestly, you used to be so cold and unapproachable."
Yu Xiao's lips twitched, half-smirking. "What kind of compliment is that? Don't try to flatter me."
Mei Zhu laughed. "Hey, don't be an anti-compliment. You're lucky you have me."
"Silly girl. Now you're making me embarrassed." Xiao started to turn away, but her gaze caught on a battered book at the end of the shelf. Her steps slowed, curiosity piqued. She reached for it, Zhu trailing close behind.
She brushed dust from the cover and read aloud, "Branded by Betrayal." Xiao shot Zhu a look.
Mei Zhu's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Looks like that book is fated for you," she teased, breaking into laughter.
Yu Xiao rolled her eyes, but a smirk played at her lips. "Ridiculous." She flipped through the book, eyebrows lifting in surprise. Most of the pages were missing—only the prologue and a fragment of the opening remained. "Huh. It's like someone ate three-quarters of the cake."
"What's so interesting about that old thing?" Zhu asked, peering over her shoulder. "It looks unusual, but… are you actually going to take it?"
"Do I need to?" Xiao shot back, raising an eyebrow.
Mei Zhu's expression softened. "Xiao, if I weren't your friend, I'd never pick up on your moods. I can't explain it, but I can feel something's up."
Yu Xiao hesitated, then put the book back on the shelf. "Fine! I won't take it."
"I'll go check on Zhiyu. Don't take too long," Zhu said, giving Xiao's arm a squeeze before heading down the aisle.
Yu Xiao let out a long breath, glancing at the books on her right. Just as she reached for another, a soft thud sounded behind her. The book she'd just returned had fallen to the floor.
How did that fall? I put it back properly.
She moved closer, about to pick it up, when Zhu's voice rang out from across the library.
"Pretty Xiao, don't keep your student waiting!" Zhu called. Xiao's shoulders slumped.
"She's always so impatient," Xiao muttered. "How am I supposed to think straight like this?" She stomped her foot in frustration. "Forget it. Zhu's right—students come first." Crossing her arms with a resigned frown, she left the book where it was and walked out.
Fading Lantern Press Studio – Screening Room
"Not long since I last saw you, Ms. Yu," Ms. Wang greeted as Yu Xiao entered the room. "I half-expected you to refuse my proposal. Thankfully, you thought better of it." Xiao managed a small, polite smile, bowed, and quietly took her seat. Cheng Zhiyu and Mei Zhu followed, settling beside her.
The rest of the studio team trickled in, filling every seat. Soon, a special guest arrived, carrying the weight of important decisions.
Yu Xiao focused on the screening, absorbing every detail of the discussion. After a while, the visitor drew a thick stack of paperwork from a briefcase and set it on the table. Next to her, Zhiyu tapped her back, anxiety etched in his features. Xiao turned, eyebrow raised.
"Senior Yu, are our scripts in that pile?" Zhiyu whispered, voice tight with hope.
Yu Xiao shrugged, her lips quirking. "Maybe. Let's wait and see. You're definitely one of the top choices." Zhiyu straightened, swallowing hard.
"If we aren't, what's our backup plan?" Zhu asked, reaching for Xiao's sleeve.
Yu Xiao smirked. "Plan B."
"Plan B? What is that?" Zhu pressed, eyes wide.
"Shhh," Xiao hushed, eyes flicking to the front. Zhu subsided, though her curiosity didn't fade.
"Cheng Zhiyu!" the visitor called suddenly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Here!" Zhiyu said, raising his hand, face flushed with anticipation.
"Meet your producer tomorrow," the visitor announced. Both Zhiyu and Xiao looked stunned. Ms. Wang, standing nearby, smiled warmly at their reaction. Zhiyu clapped a hand over his mouth, eyes shining at Xiao.
"Oh my… this is unexpected," he breathed. Xiao's proud smile said everything she couldn't voice.
"Congratulations!" Zhu cheered, shaking Zhiyu's shoulder.
"Congratulations to both of us," Zhiyu replied, voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't have done this without you. This script—it belongs to all of us. Thank you, Seniors." Zhu shook him again, beaming.
"Hey, why so dramatic?" Zhu teased.
"Yeah, why so dramatic?" Xiao echoed, folding her arms with mock severity.
"Look, Senior, this is a privilege. We worked hard for this. Now we've actually earned something," Zhiyu explained, a shaky smile spreading across his face.
"All right, I know," Xiao said, warmth in her eyes.
"Ms. Yu?" Ms. Wang called. Xiao looked over. "Come here."
Yu Xiao stood, feeling every eye on her, and walked over. Ms. Wang gently took her wrist, leading her near the window.
"What's going on? Why did Ms. Wang take Xiao?" Zhu whispered to Zhiyu.
"No idea—it must be important if they want privacy," Zhiyu whispered back. Zhu nodded, both of them watching with curiosity.
"What is it, Ms. Wang?" Xiao asked, brow furrowed.
"I need to discuss something important. I hope you won't refuse," Ms. Wang said quietly.
"Whatever it is, I won't back down," Xiao replied, determined.
"Zhiyu's script isn't a simple one. We need the perfect location. I mentioned this before. Since you've helped others with their setups, why not do the same here? Zhiyu's your right hand, along with Mei Zhu. Handle it as usual." Xiao nodded, biting her lower lip in thought.
"I'll read his work first, then do some research." Ms. Wang nodded, satisfied.
"Good. How long will it take?"
"Three or four days," Xiao replied, surprised by her own estimate.
"Three or four days? That's a lot!" she gasped, but quickly composed herself. "But fine. I'll have Zhiyu give me a summary, especially about the sanctuaries in his story."
"Good idea, but be thorough. After you summarize and research, message me." Ms. Wang smiled.
"No problem," Xiao said, returning to her seat, where Zhu and Zhiyu were waiting eagerly.
"What did she want? Is she summoning you again?" Zhu asked the moment Xiao sat down.
"Senior Yu, what did Ms. Wang say?" Zhiyu pressed.
"She wants your script. Your work is the top choice for a film. Now I need to summarize the details. But honestly, reading it all is a drag. That's why I need your help. Read it for me so I can gather info and find the perfect setting." Zhu and Zhiyu exchanged shocked looks.
"What!" they both blurted out.
"Don't complain. Reading is easier than being a location manager," Xiao quipped. Zhiyu stared at her in disbelief, then glanced at Zhu.
"She's right. Xiao seems simple, but she's actually loaded," Zhu said, grinning.
"Tsk, stop spreading rumors," Xiao protested, rolling her eyes.
"She may not treasure the tip of her pen, but she's the best when it comes to adventures. She loves exploring beautiful places," Zhu added.
"Really?" Zhiyu said, eyes wide. "Then maybe we can go on an adventure when Senior Yu finds the setting for my work."
"Exactly!" Zhu agreed.
"Fine, I won't complain," Zhiyu said, sitting back.
"So," Xiao said, tapping her fingers on the table, "are you up for reading it? If you are, that's great."
"On it, my Master," Zhiyu replied. Yu Xiao's face darkened in mock annoyance.
"What did you say?" she deadpanned. Cheng Zhiyu grinned sheepishly.
"S-Senior, that's just a compliment," he added, lips pursed.
Yu Xiao let out a sigh. "Let's go!" She stood up, grabbing her things. Zhu and Zhiyu looked up.
"Where to?" Zhu asked.
"To start the task. No slacking," Xiao declared, striding out. Zhu and Zhiyu exchanged a look.
"Senior Yu is really serious, huh?" Zhiyu said, looking worried.
Mei Zhu shouldered her bag. "Are we really starting now? Wouldn't tomorrow be better?"
She shook her head, lips pursed. "Nope. Master's orders: now means now." She leaned in close to Zhiyu, lowering her voice. "Another thing: she may look quiet, but she's observant and tough. Under all that calm, you do not want to cross her. She can break your bones," she whispered with a wink.
"You mean she's…" Zhiyu began, but Zhu's phone buzzed. She glanced at her screen.
"Take Zhiyu to my dorm and wait for me. I'll be there by five," Xiao had messaged.
"Where are you?" Zhu texted back.
"Meeting Master Long," came Xiao's reply. She didn't answer any more of Zhu's questions.
"Yu Xiao! Just be clear about your role!" Zhu muttered, raising an eyebrow at Zhiyu. "Let's go." She strode off, Zhiyu hurrying behind her.
"Senior Mei, where are we going?"
"Just follow. Don't ask!" she called back, leaving him to chase her down the corridor.