Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 69.3

They'll be filming endorsements outdoors tomorrow, so trainees with endorsements would have to collectively head to the airport tonight and visit different cities in batches, accompanied by staff. Then, they would return together to the White Tower tomorrow.

As for why Director Wu had asked to meet Huai Xu, it had to do with "Falling Asleep" becoming a hit.

Although outside news was not typically shared with the trainees to avoid distracting them, Director Wu had a private agreement with Huai Xu regarding "Falling Asleep." Hence, he needed to provide Huai Xu with appropriate feedback.

"Don't worry, I just wanted to inform you of good news. Congratulations! Your song is a huge hit!" Director Wu said with a joyful smile.

The success of Huai Xu's song was wonderful news to both Huai Xu and the production crew, so it was only natural that Director Wu felt joyful about it.

"By the way, do you have any suggestions for Falling Asleep's stage performance? Do you want to make any modifications?" Director Wu asked.

Trainees had the right to modify the songs and dances they were assigned if they felt these changes could improve their performances, but not every change was guaranteed to yield positive results.

Huai Xu knew what Director Wu was getting at, so she asked tactfully, "Do you have any advice for me?"

Director Wu put on a serious look and said, "Normally, we shouldn't be restricting your freedom to express yourself, but the audience has become familiar with Falling Asleep's melody. After discussing this with the other directors, we feel it would be best if we didn't modify the song. Can you accept that? As for the dance, rest assured that the dance instructors are almost done choreographing it."

Huai Xu pondered for a moment before she answered, "I'll give my thoughts after the choreography's practice room version is ready."

Both the song and the dance played a crucial role in determining a performance's success. Although Huai Xu didn't have a strong desire to introduce changes, it depended on the performance's overall effect. Out of caution, she wouldn't casually make any promises before having a look at the final product.

Director Wu smiled at Huai Xu's response, nodding as he said, "I expected as much. Let's wait until the day we divide teams for the third public performance, then!"

…

After her discussion with Director Wu, Huai Xu saw that the time was almost up. As Song Yingshi had volunteered to bring her suitcase to the bus, she headed straight out of the White Tower instead of returning to the dorm.

On the way, Huai Xu met Tao Qin, Lu Xuewen, Yu Sheng, and Hu Wan at the front lobby. Hu Wan waved at her excitedly while innocently saying, "Huai Xu, we heard that you and Little Shi were going at it in bed just— Uuu—"

After hurriedly covering Hu Wan's mouth, Lu Xuewen told Huai Xu, "Don't listen to Huhu's nonsense. What she meant to say is that we heard that you were doing it by the bed— Ah, Tao Qin, why did you pinch me?!"

After pinching Lu Xuewen with one hand and dragging Hu Wan aside with her other hand, Tao Qin said obediently, "We'll make ourselves scarce now."

Yu Sheng appeared to be a little slow on the uptake, so she ended up alone with Huai Xu in the lobby. Feeling a little awkward, she said, "Huai Xu, thank you… My manager already told me about what you did. Thank you for speaking up for me in front of Fu Qi."

After the dispute between Song Ming and Fu Qi at the studio, Yu Sheng had expected to leave empty-handed. However, Huai Xu's recommendation allowed her to meet Fu Qi for an interview the next day. Today, her manager even relayed the good news that she had landed a female lead role in one of Fu Qi's upcoming MVs.

Yu Sheng was a girl who had a lot of self-esteem. That day, she couldn't even bring herself stay behind to chat with Huai Xu, simply leaving after saying hello. Hence, she never expected Huai Xu to secure such a good resource for her. Although Huai Xu likely thought nothing of it, Yu Sheng felt she had to thank Huai Xu.

After awkwardly shifting in place, Yu Sheng continued, "I…don't know what to say. Anyway, if there is anything I can help you with in the future, you must come to me!"

Huai Xu chuckled at Yu Sheng's behavior, saying, "Don't worry about it. It's a fact that you're a good match for the role. Congratulations."

Yu Sheng was overjoyed to hear these words of affirmation. Feeling a little lightheaded, she nodded and said, "Mhm…but I still have to thank you. There are many in the entertainment industry who are like me, so I know the value of the opportunity you've given me. So, do come to me if you ever need me for anything."

After saying goodbye to Huai Xu, Yu Sheng quickly chased after her friends.

Under the hazy night sky, Hu Wan was still confused about the previous situation as she asked, "Did I say something wrong? I was just talking about— Wait, did you misinterpret my words? Ugh, you guys have such dirty minds."

"Little kids shouldn't be running their mouths," Lu Xuewen said. Then, she turned to Tao Qin and asked, "Also, why did you pinch me, Tao Qin? It's not like Huai Xu would get angry with me."

"It felt like the natural thing to do then, so I just did it…" Tao Qin explained.

When Yu Sheng caught up with the trio, they stopped bickering and simultaneously turned to look at her, asking:

"Have you thanked her?"

Yu Sheng smiled and nodded.

With close friends accompanying her and helping her, the world seemed incomparably beautiful in her eyes. Yu Sheng felt that there could be no moment more pleasant than this.

Subsequently, the group of four made their way to the bus that was about to depart.

"To the airport!"

…

Song Yingshi, Huai Xu, and Hu Wan's destination was B City. A staff member accompanied them, and the four of them safely landed at B City's airport late in the evening.

SSDL (brand) had arranged their accommodation for the night. They were given two business suites in a five-star hotel, each with two bedrooms.

When dividing rooms, before Song Yingshi could say anything, Hu Wan, the staff member, and even SSDL's representative all tacitly agreed that she and Huai Xu would share a room.

Song Yingshi: "..."

Song Yingshi had no choice but to acknowledge Snow-Kissed Rose's popularity.

After Song Yingshi and Huai Xu arrived inside their suite, Huai Xu took the initiative to unpack their belongings. Meanwhile, Song Yingshi checked her phone, which she had regained access to after leaving the White Tower, and saw it was just a little past 10 o'clock in the evening.

Song Yingshi ran over to the balcony and looked down, spotting the brightly lit and bustling streets surrounding the hotel. Amidst her observation, an evening breeze carrying the summer heat hit her face, instantly causing her to perspire. However, the heat did not scare her in the slightest. On the contrary, she grew happier as she inhaled the warm air.

A moment later, Song Yingshi returned to the suite and asked, "Huai Xu, are you hungry?"

"No," Huai Xu answered curtly.

"But I'm hungry," Song Yingshi said.

"You ate salad on the bus," Huai Xu stated.

"Must you have such a good memory?" Song Yingshi pursed her lips.

"What are you up to this time?" Huai Xu asked, getting straight to the point.

"'This time?' What do you mean by that?" Song Yingshi frowned before suddenly laughing when she realized Huai Xu understood what she was getting at. Then, after sitting down next to her suitcase and raising her head to watch Huai Xu walk around busily unpacking, she said, "It's only 10 PM. It's still early for bed. We've been stuck in the White Tower for so long, so what do you say about going outside to have some fun?"

"It's only been two days since our last holiday," Huai Xu said, raising an eyebrow.

Song Yingshi rummaged through her suitcase, pulled out two baseball caps, and closed the suitcase that Huai Xu was halfway through unpacking. Then, she jumped up and pulled Huai Xu out of the suite, saying, "Even two days is too much! The White Tower is like a boarding school, and I feel like I'm locked in when I see the 'school gate.' Have you never looked forward to the weekend whenever you return to school on Monday mornings?"

"No," Huai Xu answered.

Song Yingshi: ?

Song Yingshi didn't try to bicker with Huai Xu over this matter. After dragging Huai Xu to the door, she put on a mask and a baseball cap for Huai Xu, ensuring only Huai Xu's eyes were visible to others. Then, after doing the same for herself, she said, "Let's go, Miss Celebrity."

Song Yingshi had plenty of experience sneaking out without the staff's knowledgetaff. She was extremely careful when she opened the door and even tiptoed when she walked past the neighboring suite with Huai Xu.

"Free at last." Song Yingshi breathed a sigh of relief after successfully getting on the elevator. Then, she pulled out her phone and said in a voice full of expectation, "Now, let's see if anything is interesting nearby."

…

Twenty minutes later, Song Yingshi and Huai Xu sat on a bench in the dimly lit city park, each holding a cup of fruit tea.

Song Yingshi's idea to go out incognito was on point. In her past life, even after she had risen to fame, she could easily blend in with the crowd for a long time when she put on her current disguise. Although there were still occasions when she would get recognized, her outfit would let her fans know that she wanted to relax in private.

However, Song Yingshi failed to consider Snow-Kissed Rose's immense popularity.

When Song Yingshi was waiting in line for her fruit tea, the nearby girls noticed her and Huai Xu and started scrutinizing them. Fortunately, she was alert to gazes and dashed off with Huai Xu with their fruit tea in hand before anyone recognized them.

However, the nightlife in B City was too abundant. There were crowds everywhere they went, and many people would give them curious looks. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Song Yingshi had no choice but to sneak into a small park to seek shelter.

They had moved in quite a hurry just now, so Song Yingshi was now covered in a thin layer of sweat. After taking two sips of fruit tea to cool down and soothe her depressed heart, she bit on the straw and came up with an excuse for her failed excursion, "It must be because you're too attractive.

Huai Xu leaned back against the bench and stretched out her long legs. In a relaxed posture and leisurely tone, she said, "I thought you wanted to see the night view."

Song Yingshi: "..."

Besides the indistinct streetlights obstructed by foliage, the only other light source in this park came from the reflection of the surrounding tall buildings. Song Yingshi could barely see her fingers, let alone admire the night view.

As Song Yingshi surveyed her surroundings, her heart gradually calmed down. After getting over her disappointment at being unable to "hit the streets," she shifted her focus to her unfinished missions.

While Song Yingshi was scanning her surroundings, Huai Xu was looking at the sky.

The crescent moon at the beginning of the month faced west. It was shaped like a long, narrow strip, with few stars scattered around it, looking lonely yet lively simultaneously. It resembled them, sitting by themselves in a cold and desolate park. To Song Yingshi, she was likely glad that she had someone to talk to in this situation. But to Huai Xu, this situation was as sweet as syrup.

Huai Xu laughed silently, her laughter carrying hints of self-ridicule. However, it did not carry much sadness.

As Huai Xu secretly enjoyed the moment, Song Yingshi's uniquely sweet voice sounded beside her, "Give me your fruit tea."

Huai Xu did as told and handed Song Yingshi her fruit tea.

Huai Xu didn't have a habit of drinking cold beverages, but the fruit tea shop didn't sell hot beverages during summertime, so Song Yingshi got iced tea for her.

While caressing Huai Xu's cup, Song Yingshi said, "Your cup's not cold at all."

After saying so, Song Yingshi placed Huai Xu's cup aside, ignoring it but not returning it to its owner.

Huai Xu didn't know what Song Yingshi was up to, but she didn't bother to ask about the other party's actions. After all, Song Yingshi was not a person who could stay idle.

Sure enough, after a moment of silence, Song Yingshi said, "Hey, it's actually quite refreshing to put a cup of icy beverage on your face. Do you want to try it?"

Huai Xu tilted her head and looked at Song Yingshi.

Huai Xu could see Song Yingshi's bright eyes through the darkness. She could also see Song Yingshi wearing a smile that resembled the crescent moon in the sky while pressing a fruit tea cup against her cheek.

After staring for a moment, Huai Xu responded with a nonchalant hum and extended her hand toward Song Yingshi. She imagined that the fruit tea that had touched Song Yingshi's cheek must carry her scent, and holding it in her palm would evoke a sweet, intimate sensation.

However, to Huai Xu's surprise, what entered her palm was not the cup but Song Yingshi's hand.

Before Huai Xu could react, Song Yingshi's hand clamped down on hers and pulled, the sudden force causing her to lean forward. Halfway through leaning forward, she felt one of Song Yingshi's palms enveloping her face.

Cold, soft, numb, and powerful.

Song Yingshi also leaned her body forward, their foreheads and kneecaps nearly touching.

With a smile, Song Yingshi asked, "Is it cooling?"

Huai Xu subconsciously evaded Song Yingshi's gaze as she softly answered, "It's okay."

"Just okay, huh—" Song Yingshi said, dragging out her voice mischievously.

Huai Xu realized something, but before she could react, the hand on her face was retracted, and it was replaced by Song Yingshi's soft, elastic, and cooling…cheek.

Huai Xu froze.

Amidst her shock, Huai Xu heard Song Yingshi whispering into her left ear like a gust of wind, "Is it cold enough now?"