The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Cheng Zhi led everyone out through the back door of Cuixuan Tower, and after walking along the lush green path for a short while, they arrived at the picturesque Cuihu Lake.

The sunlight gently spilled onto the lake, creating shimmering waves, while a light breeze caressed my face, bringing a touch of coolness that was truly refreshing.

The group strolled leisurely, while enthusiastically discussing the scene arrangements closely related to the plot.

"Let's head towards the lake embankment. There's a single-arch stone bridge over there. If we shoot from below the bridge, we can see Qi Lianyi and Shao Hanyi, our male and female protagonists, walking onto the bridge from opposite sides and then meeting in the middle."

Cheng Zhi used his thumbs and forefingers to form a square, held it up to his eyes to represent a frozen shot, and vividly described the shot's expression to everyone.

Xue Jiang chuckled and said, "On a misty morning after a light drizzle, the male protagonist, Shao Hanyi, was holding an oil-paper umbrella..."

Zhou Yanruo jokingly added, "We're still missing a female supporting character, how about Xue Jiang makes a cameo appearance?"

Jian Zheng imagined the scene and couldn't help but laugh, "Hahaha, this is good, let's film it like this."

Wang Jie was completely bewildered. He asked timidly, "Are we going to film the Broken Bridge?"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Cheng Zhi laughed so hard he squatted on the ground, unable to get up. "I was wondering why the more I described the scene, the more familiar it felt."

Jian Zheng raised his eyebrows and said to Wang Jie, "Wang Xuxian and Zhou Bai Niangzi are here. This is so interesting. You guys are really creative. As expected of artists, you really dare to think big."

A gentle breeze swept across the lake, creating ripples, and large, continuous grids appeared faintly on the surface.

Zhou Yanruo pointed to the grid on the lake surface and asked curiously, "Why is the lake surrounded by grids? It looks like fields."

Cheng Zhi proudly introduced, "This is Hutian. My family's Hutian aquaculture farm is located here. My dad told me that the output of Hutian is constantly breaking records every year. This year we also introduced new aquaculture species. If nothing unexpected happens, my family may become the leader in the city's aquaculture industry next year."

"Then you'll be even richer and more powerful," Xue Jiang joked, then added, "Next year, if we can shoot another short drama, I'll have to increase the budget."

“You can increase the budget now, and I guarantee the funds will be in place immediately,” Cheng Zhi said, walking backwards to appease Xue Jiang.

Zhou Yanruo said somewhat dejectedly, "Whether I can continue acting next year is unknown, and I don't even know if I can pass the graduation test of the training class."

Cheng Zhihao reassured him confidently, "Don't worry, there won't be any problems. At worst, my dad will invest, and I'll start my own film and television company so you can act to your heart's content!"

Wang Jie and Jian Zheng exchanged a glance, neither joining the conversation, both lost in thought. Wang Jie was currently busy assisting his professor in compiling data for a paper. This paper focused on the potential for excessive organic matter in lake water caused by aquaculture, revealing the serious ecological disasters it could trigger. Beneath the beautiful scenery before them, perhaps lay hidden ecological dangers.

"Wang Jie, what are you thinking about? You seem so engrossed." Zhou Yanruo turned her head and saw Wang Jie following them slowly with his head down, lost in thought. She said, "Isn't this place beautiful? Xue Jiang said we could film our encounter here."

"Did we meet here?" Wang Jie asked in surprise.

"Ugh, you weren't even listening to me. Why are you so distracted?"

After discussing it beforehand, Xue Jiang and Cheng Zhi returned together and said to Zhou Yanruo, "We've discussed it, and in order to show the development of Qi Lianyi and Shao Hanyi's relationship and their eventual confirmation of their relationship more naturally, it would be best to design an event that drives the plot forward."

Cheng Zhi eagerly added, "We'd like to find a location that showcases nature for filming. Tomorrow is Sunday, so we can go to the suburbs. Xue Jiang and I are both fine with it. What do you think?"

Jian Zheng was also thinking of going out for a walk, so he immediately replied, "I'm fine with it, we can go together."

“I didn’t ask you, but you’re so eager.” Wang Jie looked at Zhou Yanruo, waiting for her reply.

"Going to the suburbs? Isn't that too far?" Zhou Yanruo hesitated slightly. "Can we come back the same day?"

“We can find a hotel in the suburbs to stay for one night, so we won’t have to rush for two days,” Cheng Zhi suggested.

"Two days? I might not be able to manage." Zhou Yanruo said hesitantly, "Grandma won't allow me to stay out overnight."

Zhou Yanruo's parents are coming to Xichuan this weekend. They originally planned to take her back to Beijing to prepare for her college entrance exam retake. After much persuasion, she finally convinced her parents to let her finish the English training course first. If she graduates successfully, she can go to Hancheng; if she fails, she will have to follow her parents' arrangements and go back to retake the exam next year.

"How about this, I'll have my dad arrange a car and send a driver along. That way we can make a round trip in one day, and all the photography equipment, costumes, and props needed for the shoot can be transported over at the same time," Cheng Zhi suggested as a compromise.

"That's a great idea. Having a capable dad is awesome!" Xue Jiang immediately agreed.

“Wang Jie, you don’t have class tomorrow, right? We can go together and come back the same day, so it won’t interfere with your classes on Monday,” Jian Zheng asked, pulling Wang Jie aside.

Wang Jie wasn't particularly interested in the filming itself, but he was willing to go with Zhou Yanruo if she went.

"Alright then, let's set off early tomorrow so we won't be too late when we get back." Zhou Yanruo finally decided to go with everyone.

"See you at the school gate tomorrow," Cheng Zhi said.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Wang Jie rode his bicycle with Zhou Yanruo on the back and arrived at school early. Not long after, Jian Zheng also arrived on time.

"You've all arrived? I'll go park the car now. Did you come by bus?" Jian Zheng asked.

“We just arrived recently,” Wang Jie replied. “I brought her here on my bike, and the bike is already parked.”

"Why haven't Cheng Zhi and Xue Jiang arrived yet?" Zhou Yanruo looked at a Santana sedan parked at the school gate, somewhat puzzled. "Was that car arranged by Cheng Zhi? Are there enough seats for the five of us in that sedan?"

Just then, Cheng Zhi rode up like a whirlwind on his imposing motorcycle, with Xue Jiang on the back.

Cheng Zhi's motorcycle roared loudly, like a wild horse, speeding towards the school gate. He brought it to a steady stop, and Xue Jiang jumped off the back seat, both of them looking excited.

"Sorry, sorry, I just went to pick up Xue Jiang." Cheng Zhi explained with a smile, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Oh, everyone's here. Looks like we're the only two who're late."

"It's alright, we just arrived anyway." Wang Jie waved his hand, indicating that he didn't mind.

Looking at the scene before her, Zhou Yanruo said helplessly, "Cheng Zhi, is the car you arranged not big enough for all five of us?"

“I never planned for five people to ride. The three of you will ride in the car, and I'll ride my precious bike. Xue Jiang will come with me.” Cheng Zhi looked at Zhou Yanruo and Wang Jie standing side by side and said slyly, “Wang Jie and Zhou Yanruo can sit in the back, and Jian Zheng, how about you sit in the front passenger seat?”

“No problem.” Jian Zheng nodded in agreement.

So, everyone quickly divided into groups and got into their respective cars. The sedans slowly started, followed closely by motorcycles, and the group headed towards the filming location in the suburbs.

The scenery outside the car window was rushing past, but the atmosphere inside was exceptionally harmonious. Zhou Yanruo and Wang Jie sat in the back seat, exchanging a few words occasionally, their voices soft and warm. Jian Zheng chatted with the driver, occasionally letting out a hearty laugh.

Cheng Zhi and Xue Jiang led the way on their motorcycles. They sped along, like free travelers, fully enjoying the thrill of speed and passion.

And so, amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, the group embarked on their journey to the countryside.