At twenty, Ru Xue became wildly infatuated with an actor while watching a TV drama. After rewatching it over and over, she thought: She absolutely had to have a passionate, earth-shaking romance with this man.
Her roommate saw the new picture on her phone's lock screen and marveled at her taste. She had become a fan of a veteran star with an impeccable reputation and irresistible charm at first sight. Perhaps they could become fellow fans and follow his career together. But Ru Xue was quietly calculating what she had to offer and how she could work her way toward him, step by step.
So, when the holiday came, Ru Xue packed a bag and headed straight for the film studio.
From a cramped single room to a corner of the set, she watched the exquisitely dressed leading actress arrive, surrounded by a crowd, and silently set down her boxed lunch.
"A man should be like that!"
She thought of what the founding Han emperor had said upon seeing the First Emperor traveling in state.
The first time Zhou Mingzhao asked her name, Ru Xue said, "My name is Ru Xue. It's from the Book of Songs: 'The mayfly emerges from its burrow, its hemp-colored robe white as snow. My heart is troubled; let me return to my home.'"
But inwardly, she gave a wry smile. Given her parents' level of education, what did they know about the Book of Songs? It had simply happened to snow when she was born.
Sure enough, the award-winning actor, whose own name also came from the Book of Songs, took an interest in her. They talked for a long time and exchanged contact information.
"It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we get the chance to work together someday."
At the time, Ru Xue was still playing minor roles who appeared onscreen only a handful of times. She was overjoyed to hear those words, but kept a composed expression.
Later, Ru Xue climbed step by step to the pinnacle of her career. Dressed in exquisite, luxurious clothes, she was greeted by cheers and screams wherever she waved.
Amid everyone's envy, she held hands with the idol she'd admired as a student. They were a match made in heaven.
The flashing lights made Ru Xue feel dizzy. She felt that through sheer ambition, she had finally become the person she'd always wanted to be. Even Zhou Mingzhao was just as she'd once imagined: a suave, gentle rogue, embracing her like the ocean.
But something still felt wrong. Could anyone really be so much like the role they played? Could her awkward, youthful approach really have been flawless in front of this rising star among directors, now at the height of his fame?
Zhou Mingzhao, Zhou Mingzhao, are you really as upright and virtuous as your name suggests?
Ru Xue turned to look at the flawless profile of the person beside her. Were you a gentle, tranquil ocean, or an abyss tempting me to drown?
Theme: Become a better person while chasing the light.
