Chapter 49: A Person Like a Deity

**Chapter 49: Someone Like a God**

Online discussions about the TV adaptation of this popular novel began to surge rapidly.

"What? *Farewell to Midsummer* is being turned into a TV drama? This is the novel that affected me most—please don’t ruin it!"

"I just checked the cast list and looked up their Weibo accounts. Though they’re all newcomers, they all look perfect for their roles! You can always trust Director Wu's work!"

"Didn't any of you notice that the actor playing Luo Ying is the living embodiment of the character? I've seen his dance videos—they're absolutely breathtaking!"

"It's Jian Ye! My new favorite! He's so gorgeous—I'm already imagining him as Luo Ying!"

"Now I'm curious—I'll check out his Weibo later."

"Totally worth it, girls! He's the star of Yun Chuan's Dance Department, an incredibly elegant and talented dancer!"

"The actor playing young Lin Zhirun is also an outstanding student from Yun Chuan’s Acting Department and even part of the student council. How are they all so amazing? Did Director Wu specifically scout talent from Yun Chuan? What great choices!"

Expectations for *Farewell to Midsummer* were sky-high. Even before filming started, the drama had already become a trending topic, which in turn reignited interest in Jian Ye’s dance videos.

Amid this growing excitement, Jian Ye headed to S City.

Yi Siyu couldn’t change his mind, so he finally gave up on the idea of sending a private jet.

His partner had their own plans—a husband shouldn’t interfere too much.

Yi Siyu knew how seriously Jian Ye was taking his acting debut, so during this time, he didn’t push him too hard emotionally. Instead, he helped him study the script and occasionally offered words of encouragement.

Since Jian Ye’s role wasn’t very big, there was no need for Yi Siyu to visit the set, which might have led to questions about their relationship. Some wealthy family matters were better kept private.

...

S City.

The sky was gray and oppressive, the air heavy with humidity.

Before arriving, Jian Ye sent a message to Director Wu, who was surprised that he had arrived several days early.

He hadn’t told Mo Huan either—he wanted to experience things on his own first.

The entire production would be shot on real locations around S City, not on studio-built sets. Every location had been carefully chosen and prepared by Director Wu and the production team.

After meeting him, Director Wu took Jian Ye to a hotel for dinner and then asked, "Have you finished reading the script?"

Jian Ye took a sip of soup. "Yes, I’ve memorized all my lines."

Director Wu smiled approvingly. "Not many young actors these days come early to prepare like you. New actors rarely take the time to really connect with their characters. So—do you enjoy acting?"

The director had a sharp eye. He noticed the light in Jian Ye’s eyes when talking about the role—the same kind of passion he himself had once had.

Jian Ye admitted openly, "To be honest, I've loved acting since I was a child."

"Then why didn’t you join the Acting Department instead of Dance?" Director Wu asked curiously.

Jian Ye hesitated and avoided the truth. "My mother is the lead dancer at the National Dance Theatre."

"Oh? So it's because of your family legacy and influence..." Director Wu nodded in understanding. "Then will you follow in her footsteps and join the dance theatre?"

Jian Ye smiled without giving a definite answer. "I’ll see where life takes me. I'm open to trying new things."

"You’re sharp, kid. You’ve got a bright future ahead—lots of potential. I really like you," Director Wu said, genuinely impressed by Jian Ye’s serious approach to acting.

After dinner, Director Wu had things to do and left first, so Jian Ye went back to the room the crew had arranged for him.

He was actually surprised the production was so generous—they gave small-time actors like him their own rooms. He’d heard the food was great too. Just what you’d expect from a top-tier crew.

Jian Ye had shot Yi Siyu a text when he got to S City to let him know he’d arrived safely. Now with some free time on his hands, he decided to go for a walk.

Earlier in their chat, Director Wu had mentioned a few places where they’d be shooting.

One was S City First High School—the spot for all the school scenes.

The other was the S City Riverside Bridge, the place where Luo Ying dies in the story.

The book had the same scene: Luo Ying dies saving a child who fell into the river.

Jian Ye had checked it out beforehand. The bridge was a good ten meters up—no joke. It depended on how Director Wu wanted to shoot it.

Some teams used stuntmen, especially if actors were scared of heights. Jumping from that height could be risky.

Jian Ye wasn’t afraid of heights. If they needed him to jump, as long as safety measures were in place, he was game. He didn’t have many scenes anyway—so he’d rather do it himself. He wasn’t about to use a double.

……

First stop: S City First High. The guard thought he was a student because he looked so young.

"Get inside! Night study hall’s about to start, and you’re still hanging around? Watch out or your teacher’ll catch you!"

S City First High was a key local school—teachers ran a tight ship when it came to academics.

Confused, Jian Ye got herded inside but dipped out of the guard’s view fast.

Any school had its share of kids who liked to play. A few minutes before class, a couple of guys were still balling it up on the court.

Jian Ye sat down and watched for a bit. Suddenly, a basketball came flying at him.

He snatched it on reflex, stunned for a second.

"Pass it! Pass it! What grade are you in? Come play with us!" shouted a tall guy with spiky hair.

Jian Ye stood up awkwardly, smiling shyly. "I’m not that good."

"No worries—it’s just for fun! Hurry up, class is starting soon!"

Hearing that, Jian Ye stopped holding back. He dribbled a few times, took a few steps, then picked up speed.

The others saw he was going for a layup and moved to block him.

Jian Ye dodged left, then right, spun around, faked a move, then hopped back and leaped for a shot.

"Dude!"

The ball flew through the air in a perfect arc.

A clean three-pointer slid effortlessly through the net, right in front of them.

As he landed, Jian Ye glanced at his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

That old feeling was back.

He used to play basketball in his previous world—back in high school and college—but later he got too busy with acting and dropped it. It was never professional, just a hobby. He hadn’t played in ages, so earlier, he wasn’t sure if he could even make the shot.

Now, he just feels like this body has better stamina and reflexes than before.

Could it be because the system improved his physical condition?

"Bro! You call that ‘not very good’? That’s flexing! If you’re this good, how come I’ve never seen you before?"

Jian Ye scratched his neck. "I’m not from your school."

"From another school? No wonder! I mean, if someone as hot and good at ball as you were at our school, those girls would’ve been all over you long ago."

Jian Ye: "..."

"Hey! You guys! Which class are you from? Who's your homeroom teacher? Can't you hear the bell?" A rough voice boomed.

The students bolted like scared rabbits. "Hurry! Hurry! The dean's got way too much time on his hands today! I don't wanna copypaste school rules in his office!"

Even though Jian Ye wasn’t from their school, they dragged him along while running.

As he ran, he thought about how Luo Ying’s character always seemed lonely. If someone had been there for him like this, maybe he wouldn’t have had to go it alone all the time?

Suddenly, he understood why Luo Ying fell for the young male lead, Lin Zhirun. In times like that, anyone who stood by his side would become his lifeline. Likewise, Luo Ying was the White Moonlight to Lin Zhirun—he was the other’s shining light.

...

Later, Jian Ye and the others reached the edge of the school wall.

"We're dipping back to class. What about you? How’re you getting out? The main gate’s definitely locked by now," said the boy with spiky hair, panting.

Jian Ye pointed at the top of the wall. "You guys head to class. I’ll climb over."

The boy raised an eyebrow. "That high? How’re you gonna get over that?"

But Jian Ye simply rubbed his hands together, rolled his wrists, bent his knees slightly, then launched himself upward, stretching high to grab the top bricks of the wall.

The boys muttered under their breaths, "No way!"

"You’ve got springs for legs! No wonder you floated out there earlier!" The boy’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

Jian Ye steadied his breathing, pushed off the wall with his feet, did a mid-air flip, and landed crouched neatly on top of the wall.

This time, the boys went silent—completely stunned.

They were shook.

Is this guy some kind of ninja?

Looking at their dazed expressions, Jian Ye told them the truth: "I trained in dance. I’ve got the basics down. Don’t try anything risky like this, okay? Later."

With that, he jumped down from the wall.

The boys stared at the spot where he'd vanished, wondering if they’d just hallucinated the guy.

Someone this hot, athletic, can ball, can scale walls, with a voice like velvet and a smile that could melt glaciers—does someone like that even exist? Oh right, and he dances too.

"Should’ve snagged his WeChat earlier. We could’ve balled together," the boy with spiky hair muttered regretfully.

...

After school, Jian Ye made his way back, passing by Linhe Bridge on the way.

It was already evening, and the bridge lights were on, casting a warm glow on the road.

The bridge railings were high. He glanced down through the gaps—below was the dark river, pitch-black and mysterious.

The river wasn’t particularly wide, but it was probably deep.

On both sides of the river ran narrow paths, likely used by fishermen, though not really for pedestrians. The area was overgrown with thick bushes and trees, clearly left wild for years.

If anyone fell in, it would be truly dangerous.

Jian Ye didn’t linger long before leaving. The air was thick, as if the wind had picked up.

……

Back at the hotel, Jian Ye took a shower and had just gotten out when he saw a message from Mo Huan.

"Senior": Xiao Ye, you’re already in S City? Director Wu just told me.

"It’s Ye, Not Arrogant": Yeah, I came early to look around and explore a bit.

"Senior": I’ll be there tomorrow too. You must be bored alone—I’ll keep you company. [Happy]

"It’s Ye, Not Arrogant": Whatever works.

Not long after, the one back home also called.

Jian Ye: "……"

Every single day—can't they give him a break? He really needed someone to reply to messages for him.

Ideally, a standard response: "I'm tired, leave me alone."

"Author's Note"

Jian Ye: One after another, they're all so clingy. (Helpless shrug jpg.)

President Yi: First day without my wife, missing him. (Longing for kisses jpg.)

P.S.: Heads up—a storm is coming. Later, the puppy will jump off the bridge early. (A not-so-spoiler spoiler.)