Chapter 107

After the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, Rong Qing quickly resumed work. Over the past year, she had achieved remarkable success; the two films she starred in received favorable responses. Yet, compared to some international productions, there was still a significant gap. Although her supporting role in "Years of Splendor" had won acclaim, the overall caliber of domestic and foreign actors differed greatly, and she remained far from the pinnacle of acting prowess.

Due to her status in China, several major American studios had invited her to participate in their productions. However, after reviewing the scripts, she found that these foreign blockbusters merely used her as a token to penetrate the Chinese market. The scripts lacked originality, and the roles offered failed to satisfy her. Time dragged on like this. Meanwhile, she took on a few endorsements and held fan meet-and-greets. Once a blazing star, Rong Qing had grown silent again, like the calm surface of a lake before a storm, poised to strike the peak once more.

One evening, with a facial mask on and a fashion magazine in hand, she nestled into the sofa, relishing the rare time without interruption. Suddenly, her phone buzzed incessantly.

“Rong Qing, you little rascal! You didn’t even call me during the New Year—you always forget about me!” A cheerful male voice flowed through the receiver.

Rong Qing was pleasantly surprised. She had been busy with family matters recently. “Director Zhang, Happy New Year! Actually, I’ve been missing you the most. I’ve been so busy these past few days, but I plan to visit you and your wife soon.” She playfully stuck out her tongue.

“Hmph, just sweet talk. You little charmer!” Despite the tough words, the warmth and affection in Director Wang Zhang’s voice were unmistakable—a renowned international filmmaker who cared deeply for Rong Qing. “Qing, have you received any new film invitations lately?”

“No, the scripts I’ve seen are either unsatisfactory or the roles don’t appeal to me. I keep picking and choosing but can’t find one that suits.” Rong Qing complained but trusted this elder who had greatly supported her career enough to share her honest feelings.

“Hmph, forget those domestic scripts—they’re hardly worth reading. Few take filmmaking seriously! I have a very good script here, just missing a female lead. I’ll send it to you shortly. Spend some time studying it at the villa. In a few days, you’ll fly to the United States!”

“Director Zhang… to the U.S. for an audition?” Rong Qing couldn’t contain her excitement. She sat upright from the sofa, a cucumber slice from her mask falling onto her hand.

“Yes. An old friend of mine is making a sci-fi film. Remember the American judge from your last audition? That old man? He immediately took a liking to you and specifically requested you for this audition. He’s a highly skilled and reliable director. Prepare well; the U.S. awaits you. Ah… I have to get to work. I have other matters—gotta hang up now…”

“Wait, Director Zhang, I—”

The call ended abruptly. The busy signal rang in her ear. I haven’t even decided whether to go to the U.S.! Rong Qing held the phone stiffly, silent.

Opening her laptop, she found the script already in her inbox. It was a classic American-style hero narrative, grand in scale, set against ancient China with elements of traditional mythology. The story unfolded in an American museum housing the relics of the ancient Chinese emperor preserved in Shennongjia. A Chinese woman breaking into the museum to steal treasures accidentally activated a mystical portal on the Shennongjia artifact, transporting her back to a primitive prehistoric era.

She was a new breed of Chinese special forces girl—alone in this wild continent—living off raw meat and fire, riding iron horses and wielding steel weapons. Though trained in civilized ways and possessing agile skills that earned her high survival ranks in the wild, she faced the harsh era where women were demeaned, subjugated as mere appendages to men. Her intelligence and strategies attracted suspicion from her people, leading to imprisonment and humiliation. Yet she emerged resilient, reinventing herself as a man to survive this brutal age.

She founded her own mercenary group, employing modern military tactics to battle the barbaric tribes that invaded her homeland. Fierce and bloodthirsty, they fought relentlessly. She took in vulnerable women, teaching them survival skills. In the wilderness, she established a nation of her own, spreading the ideals of freedom and equality among her people. Her body bore countless scars, each a medal of honor for her glorious battles. To the outside world, she was an invincible founding general; within, a ruthless iron lord. A proud, clever woman who, having lost everything and gained rebirth, ruled this harsh world and life with iron will.

The female lead’s romantic subplot was ambiguous, entangled with several strong, perfect men in flirtations but remained cold and detached. Her strength upheld a great kingdom, and her love was devoted to her people. She could have many men but never gave her true heart to any.

This script was magnificent and grand, embodying a certain imperfect perfection. After reading it, Rong Qing was deeply moved by its vast vision and the defiant woman at its center. The capital city she built was known as an oasis in the wilderness, and she was the war goddess celebrated throughout that savage era—Elus.

Because this film carried rich Chinese classical elements, the director deliberately sought a Chinese actress for the lead. Naturally, if her audition impressed the director, the original conception might even change.

Rong Qing decided immediately: she would play Elus. A woman could be gentle, strong, even charming, but the heroine carried the heroic spirit and decisiveness of a man, an icy, powerful aura—a true challenge for herself. Moreover, such a large-scale production, with its nuanced portrayal of characters, was an even greater test of her acting skills.

The audition was scheduled for the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, meaning she would depart for the U.S. after the Lantern Festival. If she secured the role, she might stay in America for half a year. She was never one to cling to home, but after marriage, she had grown accustomed to the company of family. The loneliness that once lingered in her heart had been filled with affection and love. Now, she felt a deep reluctance to leave her man, her family behind. Yet, she had a premonition—this might be her crowning achievement, a defining chapter in her career. She had to go.

After the New Year, people rested briefly before returning to their busy lives. Rong Qing, having moved out of the family estate, spent the Lantern Festival with relatives. Watching her grandfather surrounded by joyful children, a warmth indescribable filled the emptiness in her heart. It wasn’t until she left the old mansion that her smiling face faltered.

Rong Qing and Huo Lingtian strolled through the brightly lit courtyard. Despite the winter chill, the proud plum blossoms bloomed vibrantly, their faint fragrance exuding a unique charm. She linked her arm with his; his broad frame encircled her, his warm chest radiating heat that banished any coldness.

“Plop… plop…” A few hot tears fell onto his arm. Startled, Huo Lingtian looked down at her. The wetness on his skin scorched his heart. It was unbearable.

“Baby… baby… what’s wrong?” He anxiously held her. He never wanted to see her cry.

Rong Qing wrapped her arms around his neck and bit his cold lips fiercely. She kissed him with such intensity, as if pouring all her emotions and love into his very being, vowing never to part again. She was fragile now, like a coward hiding in his embrace.

After releasing her emotions, she reluctantly pulled away. Seeing his lips wounded from her fierce bite, she instantly felt a pang of sorrow. Gently, she stroked the bloodied lip with her thumb and softly asked, “Does it hurt?”

“Yes,” he met her gaze, “Your tears flow into my heart, bitter and aching. It hurts me deeply.”

Huo Lingtian’s deep eyes looked into her soul. She stared back at the only man in her life, laden with bitter sorrow, and spoke slowly and clearly: “I’m going to America to shoot the film. I might be away from home for half a year.”

As expected, upon hearing this, the calm depths of his eyes churned with tumultuous waves. His breath grew chaotic, oppressed, even pained. He gripped her arm, trembling, lips quivering. Moments later, the sorrow vanished as if it were an illusion. Huo Lingtian protected his precious love, then asked in steady tones, “Is it confirmed?”

“Yes… it is.” Rong Qing whispered, burying herself in his chest, unwilling to meet his sorrowful expression. She feared one glance might make her change her mind about going.

“I see…” He sighed sadly. “Then you should pack well. Though you haven’t bought much over there, nothing compares to the comfort of home. Qing, you have your career. Don’t let me hold you back.”

“Sniff…” Rong Qing whimpered, feeling a hollow emptiness inside. “Huo Lingtian, what will I do when I miss you so much?”

“Baby, whenever you miss me, I’ll come to see you, okay? Don’t cry, silly girl. Your husband’s work spans the globe. I can work in the U.S. too. Trust me, darling… Baby, don’t cry.” Hearing her sobs, his heart felt tangled. He missed her terribly, wishing to stay by her side every day, loving her. But he couldn’t say so—it might only leave regrets for the one he loved most.

“Okay, then I’ll video call you every day and you must visit me every month. Take good care of yourself while I’m gone, I’ll think of you every day.” Rong Qing coquettishly wrapped her arms around his neck. His tolerance and care unlocked the shackles in her mind, giving her the freedom to be herself.

“Mm.” Seeing her once a month wouldn’t do! Five or ten times at least! Huo Lingtian thought silently.

“Honey, I leave the day after tomorrow.” So soon!

“All right, I’ll see you off.”

“Okay…”

At midnight, on the spacious, brightly lit avenue of the Huo estate, two young lovers were inseparable, their passion and joy leaving a trail of laughter along the long road...

—End of side note—

Typed during internship on the office computer…