Chapter 50

Chapter 50

That same day, she took the return flight and arrived on set around one in the afternoon.

When she arrived, Yun Songzhang was in the middle of a scene. Wen Zhi didn’t want to interrupt, so she dragged a small stool over and sat beside Director Zhou to watch the shoot.

The streets of the capital were bustling with people, vendors and merchants shouting everywhere. As usual, Shen Zhi declined his colleagues’ invitations and headed alone to the Wuling Bookstore on East Street. Just as he picked out a book, he was stopped by a lovely noblewoman. No matter how he dodged, he couldn’t get past her, so he finally looked up and asked, “What does Miss Li want?”

This was none other than Li Huixin, the eldest daughter of Compiler Li.

Li Huixin’s bright eyes were filled with resentment as she asked unhappily, “Though I may not be the most beautiful, I'm still considered quite attractive, and my family background is respectable. I wouldn’t disgrace you as a wife, so why won’t you agree?” She thought herself bold for blocking his path like this, her face already flushed with embarrassment.

Shen Zhi took two steps back and bowed slightly. “My apologies. It’s not that Miss Li is lacking—it’s just that Shen's heart belongs to another.”

Li Huixin got upset, her lips pursed slightly. “You’re lying. You’ve been in the capital for years, yet no one has ever seen you with another woman. You keep no concubines, and you're not betrothed. This is just an excuse to dismiss me, isn’t it?”

Shen Zhi shook his head and explained patiently, “It’s not a lie. I injured my left leg for the one I cherish. I’ve never spoken of it because she's beyond my reach.”

Li Huixin’s gaze fell on his slightly lame left leg, and she began to believe him. Still, she wasn't satisfied and asked suspiciously, “If you broke your leg for her, why hasn’t she come to find you or married you?”

Shen Zhi’s expression was calm, as if still touched by the morning light. “She's the moon above...I'm just the dirt below. It’s enough to watch her from afar. So, it’s not that Miss Li is lacking—it’s just that Shen has no wish to marry.”

Li Huixin didn’t understand: why torture yourself with unrequited love?

She didn’t understand, but Wen Zhi somewhat did.

In Great Yong, their stations in life made any relationship impossible. She had never dared to imagine it, and Shen Yizhi hadn’t dared to hope, fearing it would lead to ruin—for himself and for her and their child.

Wen Zhi was silent for a moment before turning to Director Zhou. “Director Zhou, do you have the original novel of *Dream Lock Palace* that Author Shen sent over? Could you share it with me?”

“I’d like to read the original to better understand the character.”

“I do.” Director Zhou was pleased that the actress was so diligent. He immediately pulled out his phone, opened his email, and sent her the original novel.

As soon as Wen Zhi got the novel, she skipped straight to the ending. The more she read, the more her nose stung.

In the ending, Noble Consort Wen outplayed the Dog Emperor and became the young Empress Dowager, while Senior Tutor Shen remained Senior Tutor Shen, assisting the young emperor day after day for ten years. The two of them gazed at each other from afar across the palace walls, neither dwelling on the past nor hoping for the future, just waiting to grow old.

Some love story this turned out to be.

Shen Yizhi really was a coward. He had the nerve to rewrite the script, yet he didn’t dare to change the ending drastically.

She flipped further and discovered there was actually an epilogue.

Perhaps influenced by the themes of rebirth and time travel, the epilogue showed them being reborn. She became the daughter of a humble farming family, and Shen Yizhi became the boy next door. Forgetting their past lives and shedding the burdens of their previous existence, they started anew. From playmates to life partners, their lives were filled with happiness, sweetness, and surrounded by children and grandchildren.

He only dared to do this in the epilogue—just as he only dared to pursue her in the modern era.

Wen Zhi turned her gaze back to the man filming on set: in Great Yong, he had given her everything, even his life in the end. In the years she arrived early, he looked after her parents for her. After she returned, he was always looking after her and Mu Mu, catering to all her preferences.

He had a pleasant voice, gentle, obedient, handsome, a good provider, and attentive.

If she let someone like this get away, would there ever be another?

Wen Zhi’s heart ached, yet she also felt an inexplicable joy.

Gradually, she calmed down: if all he wanted was to leave the past behind and start anew—

She'd go along with him.

Once she realized this, Wen Zhi put away her phone and said to Director Zhou, "I need to rewrite the script." It was a statement, not a question.

Director Zhou seemed to think she was still half-asleep and asked in confusion, "Didn't we already revise the script?"

Wen Zhi: "I need to revise it again—change the details, add some scenes in the middle, and alter the current ending to make it a happy one."

Director Zhou rubbed his ear. "Well... I mean... but..."

Wen Zhi: "I’ll cover all the post-production promotional costs for the film. Mu Mu will join the shoot, and no matter the budget for your next film, I’ll invest in it." Since they were going for a happy ending, the whole family should be involved—helping both the father and son overcome their psychological shadows.

Director Zhou beamed. "Rewrite it! Tell me how you want it changed, and I’ll call the screenwriters right over." Investors call the shots, and as long as it wasn’t a ridiculous rewrite, he could make it work—especially with the promise of investment for his next project.

The screenwriters came right over and began revising the script based on Wen Zhi’s suggestions. By the next filming session, Yun Songzhang received the newly revised script.

He read through it as usual but asked in confusion, "Director Zhou, was this scene in the script before?" After meeting Miss Li, there was an additional scene where he coincidentally ran into Noble Consort Wen, disguised as a palace maid sneaking out of the palace.

Director Zhou, in an exceptionally good mood, explained, "It was a last-minute addition. Filming is all about inspiration—sometimes you just can’t hold it back."

Yun Songzhang: Alright, fine. It wasn’t like he hadn’t rewritten parts of the script himself before.

He studied the script and proceeded with filming as usual.

The scene returned to the bustling streets of the capital.

Senior Tutor Shen had just dismissed Li Huixin when he turned and came face-to-face with Wen Zhi, dressed as a young maid. Stunned into disbelief, he asked hesitantly, "...Did you hear everything?"

Wen Zhi nodded.

Just as he was about to leave, Wen Zhi pinned him against a bookshelf. "You limped because of me. That girl earlier was right—it’s not in my nature to leave a debt unpaid. How about I repay you with myself, Tutor Shen?"

The normally unflappable Tutor Shen was flustered, his face burning red as he lowered his voice. "Your Highness, please don’t jest. Your servant only..."

Wen Zhi leaned in and kissed him.

Time stood still. The moment her soft, warm lips touched his, Yun Songzhang’s thoughts short-circuited. His body stiffened, his hands and feet unsure where to go.

The script called for them to meet, Noble Consort Wen bringing up the Western Mountain prayers, demanding to know if he loved her, and then Tutor Shen stubbornly denying it before she stormed off in a huff.

So why were they kissing now?

He tried to think quickly, but his attention was entirely consumed by the sensation of her lips. The hammering of his heart drowned out all rational thought.

His reaction was too obvious. The teasing woman smirked inwardly—hadn’t he teased her for not daring to kiss him before? When it came down to it, he was just as green. Thirty years old and still this flustered?

The thought of corrupting a saint sent a thrill through Wen Zhi.

Deliberately, she reached for the hem of his robe at his waist, her fingers grazing his lean torso. Yun Songzhang, already rigid, now had the corners of his eyes reddening, his dark lashes frantically trembling.

Watching through the monitor, Director Zhou could hardly bear to look. Was Wen Zhi trying to rewrite the script or flirt with the male lead?

The set buzzed with romantic tension, the crew muffling squeals behind their hands.

Sister Zhi truly suited the dominant seductress type. With that stunning face, her teasing was irresistible—even the usually unflappable Yun Songzhang couldn’t handle it.

As her fingers neared his waist, Yun Songzhang finally broke. Gripping her shoulders, he put distance between them, his face flushed as he turned to Director Zhou. "Director, this wasn’t in the script, was it?"

Director Zhou called "Cut!" then glanced at Wen Zhi and cleared his throat. "Well, no, it wasn’t. But when actors improvise when it feels right, it can work beautifully. This take was perfect!"

Yun Songzhang: "We agreed on subtle beauty—hinted at, not shown."

Director Zhou: "Audiences these days want sweetness. Noble Consort Wen's character needs slight adjustments—bolder, more passionate, unafraid to love or hate. Otherwise, two people who never speak their minds in a romance won’t appeal to anyone."

The Assistant Director secretly gave a thumbs-up: Director Zhou always ready with some BS.

Yun Songzhang, suspicious and blushing, asked Wen Zhi, "You agreed to the script changes?"

Wen Zhi shamelessly replied, "The scriptwriter discussed it with me yesterday. Everything is for the sake of the production. Since I took this role, I’ll perform it well. A little artistic sacrifice never hurt anyone."

Yun Songzhang wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved that he was the male lead.

Wen Zhi glanced outside the study: "We’re not done yet. Let’s continue. I still have to go back to see Mu Mu later."

The color rushed back to his face. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Director Zhou: "Director, let’s continue."

Director Zhou nodded cheerfully: "Places everyone! Scene 36, take two!"

The clapperboard sounded: "Scene 36, Shot 26, Take 2—Senior Tutor Shen encounters Noble Consort Wen in the study, a kiss seals their love. Action!"

Damn, they even renamed the scene.

As soon as Yun Songzhang returned to his position, Wen Zhi pinned him against the bookshelf. Through her clear eyes, he could see his own embarrassed face. Her hand slid beneath the heavy robes toward his waist again, and his muscles tensed instantly—beneath the thick fabric, his firm physique was palpable. Wen Zhi’s eyes sparkled with amusement as her lips drew near. Her sweet scent was intoxicating; Yun Songzhang couldn’t bear to close his eyes, locked onto her approaching lips.

Director Zhou: "Cut!" He stood up, grabbing the megaphone. "Mr. Yun, don’t stare so wide-eyed! Keep your eyes open—show us something!"

Wen Zhi pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh, while Yun Songzhang was uncharacteristically embarrassed.

The clapperboard: "Scene 36, Shot 26, Take 3—Senior Tutor Shen encounters Noble Consort Wen in the study, a kiss seals their love. Action!"

The third time, as Wen Zhi’s lips neared, Yun Songzhang shut his eyes tightly—only to find his senses heightened. Her floral scent, soft waist, warm skin—everything overwhelmed him, making it even harder to endure.

Director Zhou: "Cut! Mr. Yun, keep your eyes open—show us something! Again!"

Neither keeping his eyes open nor closing them worked.

After take after failed take, Yun Songzhang completely blanked on how to act.

Wen Zhi raised an eyebrow: "What, the mighty CEO can only peck foreheads?"

Yun Songzhang: "..." He never claimed to be an actor.

There was something different about Wen Zhi now.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to Director Zhou: "Director, let’s try one more time."

Director Zhou nodded: "All departments, ready."

The clapperboard: "Scene 36, Shot 26, Take 4—Senior Tutor Shen encounters Noble Consort Wen in the study, a kiss seals their love. Action!"

Wen Zhi backed him into the bookshelf again, leaning in slowly. Her lips met his, her arm circling his trim waist as her soft, perfumed curves pressed against him. His throat moved with a swallow.

In his mind, he repeated: *Loving someone isn’t shameful. Be true to your desires.*

After several silent repetitions, his rigid body gradually relaxed. His broad hand cradled the back of her head, pulling her closer.

A careful, controlled kiss.

Let's face it—when a gorgeous, serious man kisses someone, it’s downright sinful. The whole set was swimming with romantic tension.

He's practically the epitome of the celibate type!

Zhang Miaoran, who was observing nearby, couldn’t help but cover her face and squeal, tugging at Liu Yizhao excitedly: "When a corporate hottie gets secretly passionate, it’s really something else! It’s making my heart race too. Do you think he’d say yes if I pursued him?" Though she wasn't as stunning as Wen Zhi, she was still considered outstanding in the entertainment industry—hardworking and no drama.

Liu Yizhao mercilessly shattered her fantasy: "Give it up, you’ve got no chance. Haven’t you noticed he’s here for Teacher Wen? Wherever she is, his eyes follow—you could cut the tension with a knife."

"Besides, isn’t he the one rumored to be Wen Zhi’s ex?" Though the man in the photo only appeared as a blurry side profile, that physique was unmistakably the same person.

Zhang Miaoran: "Well, she was also linked with Lin Jiyao before. The saying goes, 'A woman chasing a man just takes one bold move.' How would I know if I don’t try?"

Liu Yizhao: "Teacher Wen seems to like him too. You really want to compete with her?"

Zhang Miaoran hesitated for two seconds: "Alright, forget it. There are plenty of men out there. It’s not worth fighting over him." Especially Wen Zhi—she’s clearly out of my league. Better not to make an enemy if they couldn’t be friends.

"Cut!" Director Zhou stood up excitedly. "Nailed it! This is the standard we’re going for—perfect!"

As soon as Director Zhou called it, Wen Zhi immediately let go of Yun Songzhang, cool as a cucumber as she addressed the director and the crew: "Great work, everyone. I’ll treat you all to drinks later."

Yun Songzhang leaned against the bookshelf corner, his arms still in the position of holding someone, his lips and the corners of his eyes slightly flushed as he gazed at her with smoldering intensity.

Wen Zhi, playing oblivious, took the coat from her assistant and walked away, sitting down in the rest area to study the script.

Yun Songzhang took a deep breath, steadied his emotions, and accepted the down jacket his assistant handed him before sitting down beside her. While reviewing the script, he kept glancing at her, his gaze inevitably lingering on her kiss-swollen lips.

Wen Zhi turned her head—he was busted.

"What are you looking at?"

Yun Songzhang stayed silent.

Wen Zhi smiled. "Wait—was that your *first* kiss?"

The two assistants nearby widened their eyes: No way—at your age?

Yun Songzhang: "Yeah." He appeared calm, but the tips of his ears were red as a stoplight.

Wen Zhi let out an "Oh," then went back to reading the script.

Just "Yeah"? Yun Songzhang suddenly felt weirdly ticked off.

But his frustration lasted only a moment—the next scene was even more intense.

After reading the new script twice, Yun Songzhang’s eyes froze. His expression remained neutral, but his entire ears were burning red: "Director Zhou, why was the script changed again?"

Just moments ago, he had reviewed the scene—Noble Consort Wen visiting Shen Zhi at the Hanlin Academy on a rainy night. But in less than half an hour, it had turned into Noble Consort Wen visiting Shen Zhi on a rainy night, almost getting busted by Compiler Li, who came by to retrieve a book, forcing the two to hide under the same blanket to avoid detection.

They’d just shared their first kiss, and now they were already zero to sixty?

Director Zhou explained: "After watching your kiss scene, we thought it was exceptional, so the screenwriter revised the script on the spot for stronger tension. PG-13, swear to god—it’s just lying on the same bed under the same blanket. Nothing happens."

That sounded a bit sus!

Yun Songzhang frowned and scanned the set: It was a damn fishbowl.

"Do we really have to film this?"

Director Zhou: "Teacher Wen already agreed."

Yun Songzhang: "*Sigh.* Fine. Add a sheer canopy. And remember to kick everyone out during filming."

Director Zhou: "What's the point of clearing the set when you're wearing three or four layers of clothes and sharing the same blanket? Who knew you were such a prude?"

Director Zhou called out to Teacher Wen on the other side, "Teacher Wen, are we ready to shoot?"

Teacher Wen responded and hurried over.

Director Zhou: "All departments, get ready."

Assistant director: "Scene 42, Shot 18, Take 1—Noble Consort Wen delivers winter clothes on a rainy night, the two share a bed. Action!"

On the first day of autumn, after the other officials had left, only Shen Zhi and Compiler Li remained on night duty at the Hanlin Academy in case the emperor had urgent matters to relay.

Ever since Shen Zhi rejected his marriage proposal, Compiler Li couldn't stand the sight of him. Now, stuck on night duty together, Compiler Li simply went to sleep in the next room, leaving Shen Zhi alone on duty.

Outside, wind and rain raged, with occasional thunder rumbling. The sudden change in weather left Shen Zhi unprepared—he lacked sufficient warm clothing and could only rely on hot tea to stay alert and warm. Even so, by midnight, he felt drafts seeping through the doors and windows, making the candles flicker wildly. Just as he moved to close the improperly shut door, a slender figure appeared outside.

Shen Zhi narrowed his eyes and reached out to grab the intruder, but the person turned around, gesturing for silence.

When he recognized her face, Shen Zhi’s eyes widened slightly. Glancing down at the cloak she held, he quickly understood—she had disguised herself as a young eunuch to deliver warm clothes in the rain.

Teacher Wen shook out the cloak and handed it to him. As Shen Zhi reached for it, frantic footsteps sounded outside, followed by Compiler Li’s lazy voice: "Shen Zhi, open the door. I left a borrowed book inside earlier—don’t take it." That book had been swallowed his pride to borrow from Elder Hong and couldn’t afford to go missing.

Both knew that if Compiler Li saw them, they'd be caught red-handed—especially since their relationship wasn’t exactly innocent.

Teacher Wen glanced around and, spotting a bed behind a wooden screen, quickly slipped over. The bed was small but neatly made. She slid under the blanket and lay still, holding her breath as she watched the door.

The door was pushed open impatiently. Compiler Li grumbled, "You junior—if you’re on night duty, don’t fall asleep! What if the emperor summons us? Negligence and dereliction of duty mean a beating. If you don’t want to stand watch, don’t drag me down with you."

Hidden on the bed behind the screen, Teacher Wen frowned repeatedly. Who was the negligent one here? This Compiler Li—she’d make sure someone impeached him sooner or later.

In front of the screen, Shen Zhi appeared calm, but his heart raced. He stood like a door god, silent.

Compiler Li, irritated, muttered while searching for his book, "I don’t know what my daughter sees in this stone-faced, yet the emperor favors him. Where’s my book?"

Unable to find it, he turned toward the screen.

Shen Zhi panicked and stepped behind the screen first, lowering the plain bed curtain before removing his outer robe and slipping under the blanket. Coldly, he said, "You slept the first half of the night—it’s my turn to rest now. If you can’t find the book, leave. You can look again tomorrow."

As soon as he lay down, Teacher Wen’s soft, delicate body pressed against him, clinging to his side without daring to move.

Compiler Li, taken aback by his bluntness, grew displeased and approached the bed to lift the curtain. "You’re the junior here, and young too. How dare you act this way? Did you take my book and now feel guilty?"

If he lifts the curtain, it’d be over.

Perhaps too nervous, the person in his arms unconsciously tightened her grip, her slender fingers slipping beneath his inner robe. Her soft palm rested over his heart. Her face pressed against his chest, clinging like ivy, her faint fragrance lingering at his nose.

Too close.

What happened to just sharing a blanket?

Just as he was about to deliver his next line, Teacher Wen’s leg slid between his legs. Yun Songzhang’s mind went blank instantly, his line stuck in his throat, unable to come out.

Director Zhou called, "Cut!" Peering over, he asked, "Mr. Yun, was the line too long? Need to review it again?"

Yun Songzhang’s face turned slightly red. "No, it’s just... too hot."

Wen Zhi, who was lying on top of him, poked her head out from under the blanket and asked in confusion, "It's not hot. I've been under here the whole time and don't feel hot at all. Why are you so hot?"

The actor playing Compiler Li shivered and said, *whispered*, "It's freezing in the middle of winter—I'm about to die from the cold. Yet Teacher Yun is complaining about the heat. Young people really do have good health." The blanket on the bed had been grabbed last-minute and wasn't particularly thick.

Teacher Yun felt that the phrase "young people have good health" had some double meaning, making him feel even hotter.

"Director Zhou, maybe we should have Xiao Zhi get down first. The audience won’t see through the curtain anyway. We can always film her climbing down later."

Director Zhou shook his head. "No way. This is a crucial shot—it has to be done in one take. Audiences nowadays are observant. They’ll notice if there’s someone inside, whether they move or not."

The Assistant Director added, *shook her head*, "Teacher Yun, you’re not embarrassed, are you? This is nothing serious—just sharing a blanket without even saying a word. Look, Teacher Wen isn’t awkward at all."

Teacher Yun: "..."

It wasn’t the same at all. One had no lines and was being "restless," while the other had all these lines to say while dealing with the "restlessness."

The real problem was that this scene had been added last-minute, and he wasn’t good at acting.

Teacher Wen said, "Let’s just shoot it like this. It’s late, and I can't be bothered with changes."

The one actually being bothered, Teacher Yun: "...Let’s continue."

Director Zhou waved his hand, and the clapper loader snapped the slate. They resumed filming from the previous take.

Compiler Li placed his hand on the bed curtain, but Shen Zhi’s cold voice came from inside: "Though I may be your junior in age, my official rank is above yours. I’ve given you leeway all this time out of respect. But Compiler Li, sleeping through half your shift—isn’t that neglecting your duties? It wouldn’t look good if this reached His Majesty’s ears."

Midway through his line, the person on top of him started fidgeting again. He focused his breathing, forcing himself to act like a puppet—a numb, unfeeling puppet—just wanting to get through his lines quickly.

But Teacher Wen wouldn't let him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing closer.

As a result, what should have been a simple scene required dozens of takes.

Until Teacher Wen fell asleep mid-shoot.

The entire crew exchanged glances, then looked at Teacher Wen on the bed and Teacher Yun, trapped underneath. No one knew what to do.

Director Zhou whispered, "Just wake her up directly."

The assistant quickly shook her head, lowering her voice. "No, no. Teacher Wen has a terrible morning temper—if you wake her abruptly, she’ll snap at everyone."

The Assistant Director joked, "How about letting Teacher Wen and Teacher Yun sleep here? We can get two more thick blankets and a couple of heaters." After all, the set had surveillance.

The rest of the crew: *What an awful idea.* Even if the situation was unusual, how could they leave a man and woman alone together?

Sure, hookups were common these days, but if everyone knew about it, that was a different story.

Even if they were just innocently sleeping under the same blanket, people would still get the wrong idea.

The assistant, still naive, added, "That wouldn’t work. It’s unsafe here at night with no one around. And even with blankets and heaters, it’s still freezing in winter—they’d get sick." A hotel with climate control would be much more comfortable.

"Should we ask Teacher Yun for his opinion?"

The trapped Teacher Yun: "..."

Were these people stupid, or were they deliberately playing matchmaker?

Why was such a simple issue being debated—and why were they asking *him*?

Author’s Note:

Wen Zhi, asleep: *Liking someone isn’t shameful. Be true to your desires!*

Teacher Yun: *Are you trying to make me take advantage?*

Onlookers: *Yes.*