Chapter 33.2 (1/2)
Deep in the Act
Translator: Kotoni
Editor: Cien
Quality Check: Isalee
First Published on Chaleuria
Chapter 33.2
The next day, Zhang Zhun and Xiao-Deng made their way upstairs for breakfast. According to the schedule, there was supposed to be an early shoot in the morning. However, when the two reached the restaurant, they were told by the production manager that all filming had been called off for the day. Noticing the sheer number of entertainment reporters milling about the place, Zhang Zhun a.s.sumed at first that the cancelation was just a tactic to evade media attention. He only found out the real reason for the break after Xiao-Deng returned from his round of inquiries: Chen Hsin had an upset stomach and had been on an IV drip for his acute gastric inflammation since midnight.
It must have been the gla.s.s noodles from the mala broth, Zhang Zhun realized at once; it was his fault that Chen Hsin had to go through such 'gut-wrenching' agony. Unaware of the full story, Xiao-Deng jeered, ”Is he serious? The mighty king of the silver screen, scared sick just because his love affair has come to light?” At this, Zhang Zhun shot a fierce glare at his a.s.sistant. Despite feeling a little wronged, Xiao-Deng shut up without a fuss upon seeing the older man's displeasure.
Meanwhile, a group of reporters seated at the neighboring table began darting frequent glances at the pair. They muttered among themselves from time to time, appearing to have recognized Zhang Zhun as Chen Hsin's co-star. When Xiao-Deng and Zhang Zhun were almost done with breakfast, the reporters snuck up to their table and greeted the actor with smiles plastered on their faces. ”Is this Zhang Zhun-laos.h.i.+? Good morning, we're from Sun Entertainment.”
”Good morning,” Zhang Zhun returned, cautious and reserved. He nodded at them and prepared to leave, but the group showed no signs of letting up. ”What are your thoughts on Chen Hsin's clandestine affair?” they pressed.
Xiao-Deng immediately got to work: he stepped between the group and Zhang Zhun, blocking the reporters' way with his tall figure. ”What has someone else's love life got to do with us?” he retorted as he hid Zhang Zhun behind him, half-s.h.i.+elding the older man with his own body. ”Ge, you go first.”
”I… will be on the thirty-eighth floor,” Zhang Zhun breathed, his voice drifting lightly by the young man's ears. Turning his head, Xiao-Deng saw the piteous expression haunting his big brother's face. Like a dead branch cut away from a flower arrangement, Zhang Zhun seemed withered and gaunt. ”I'm going to see him.”
The reporters started shoving at Xiao-Deng, but to no avail. The young man did not budge at all. ”There's no need for this. We just have one question for you!” They persisted, refusing to relent. ”Zhang-laos.h.i.+, you spend so much time with Chen Hsin every day. Do you know if he's seeing any other women on the side? Come on, tell us!”
The question stabbed Zhang Zhun to the quick. Towering over the reporters, Xiao-Deng jabbed a warning finger at them. ”One more word from you and I'll smash you to a pulp! Try me!”
Zhang Zhun stepped out of the elevator on the thirty-eighth floor. Right before him were several smokers with filming equipment, while more people could be seen pacing back and forth farther down the corridor. He bowed his head and slowly made his way to Chen Hsin's room. Many reporters were leaning against the walls, and just as many were sitting on the carpet. All eyes fell on Zhang Zhun, sizing him up as he walked through their midst. When they saw him press the doorbell to Chen Hsin's room, the sensitive crowd began stirring. Bits of their muttered conversations drifted into Zhang Zhun's ears: ”Who's that? Looks kinda familiar…”
The door opened. Feng Yunting appeared in the entrance. She paused for an instant when she saw Zhang Zhun, but broke into a gentle smile in the next breath as she greeted him, ”Please come in, Zhang-laos.h.i.+!” Although Zhang Zhun already knew that she would be the one to answer the door, he could not help feeling awkward about it. Stepping into the room, he heard the young woman drop her voice into an airy murmur, ”The gall of you to show up now.”
Zhang Zhun pretended to have heard nothing. ”How is he?”
Feng Yunting looked at him with indifference. She was still wearing the same outfit from last night. Exhaustion showed on her face despite her freshened make-up; it was evident that she had not managed to get much rest. ”The fever's gone. It's nothing serious.”
Zhang Zhun walked toward the bed. He had been in this room many times before; he knew exactly where everything was, down to the placement of the furniture. But now, those surfaces with covered with Feng Yunting's belongings. Bright-colored dresses were draped over the backs of chairs, while tables were laden with expensive bags and scarves. Zhang Zhun turned his head away and saw Chen Hsin lying on the large bed with an IV drip in his left hand. A large clothes rack stood close by, serving as a makes.h.i.+ft holder for the saline drip bag.
Chen Hsin was awake. He had already seen Zhang Zhun. Moving his eyes in contentment, he called out to the other man, ”You came empty-handed?” The hoa.r.s.eness in his voice added an almost comical touch of vulnerability to his being.