Chapter 671: Chapter 668 Crisis (4)
This guy, as she was about to leave, he sent her a message about classical literature.
Bo Yan knew that if he started off by giving Xia Siyu those convoluted tomes to read, she wouldn’t be able to get through them and would probably fall asleep after scanning a few pages. So, with the principle that she could still learn some ancient bedroom techniques, he recommended worldly novels to her. Most were written in semi-classical vernacular, which shouldn’t be too hard to understand. Plus, the titles sounded quite impressive, such as “Romance of the Western Chamber,” “Peony Hall,” and “Peach Blossom Fan,” as well as “Three Words and Two Shots.” Oh, and don’t doubt it, most are about scholars and brothel women, scholars and ladies of distinguished families, scholars and the charming widows next door—stories of their assorted affairs. Fearing she might not understand them, he specifically told her to find the classical Chinese to vernacular Chinese translation editions, even specifying which versions to pick. If not from China Bookstore, then it should be from People’s Literature Publishing House, or else The Commercial Press.
And most importantly, the “uncensored” version! Bo Yan had explored a myriad of books, and his teenage enlightenment on matters of both genders had come through these literary masterpieces. He vividly remembered picking up a book, reading with eagerness to the thrilling parts only to be greeted by a series of small squares filling the page, squares that continued for two full pages. Flipping further, there were several more pages filled with squares.
The story in question followed a married woman who mistakenly entered a temple…
This must be one of the earliest instances of “writing nothing below the neck,” right?
The list Bo Yan sent was meticulous, almost to the point of being old-fashioned. But through this long list of book recommendations, Xia Siyu could still discern the earnest hopes Bo Yan harbored for her beneath all those little tricks. He truly wanted her to read more, learn more. Knowledge can’t solve everything, but it can address most issues.
It could meet her needs and enrich their marital life—a perfect case of killing two birds with one stone.
Although he didn’t write words like “I love you,” “I miss you,” or “have a smooth trip,” the length of his message revealed his sentiments.
Xia Siyu smiled and forwarded Bo Yan’s message to Wei Jingjing, “Buy these books for me. I want to read them.”
Looking at the long list of books, Wei Jingjing’s first impulse was to check if the sun had risen from the west that day. Xia Siyu, who was usually so indifferent to learning, had suddenly started reading books?
She turned her head quizzically, seeing the slight curve at the corner of Xia Siyu’s lips, clearly in a good mood. Watching her, Wei Jingjing smiled once, then again.
She cautiously asked, “The temperature variation has been quite drastic recently… if you catch a cold, be sure to tell me.”
I’m worried you’re feverish and delirious.
Xia Siyu didn’t reply, and the car continued on its way.
Five hours later, they arrived at the filming location.
This time, Xia Siyu joined the set seamlessly. “Youth 2” had already been shooting for seven days before the leading actress arrived. Thankfully, it was the same crew and actors, and no changes had been made to the main cast and director, so there was no need for acclimation.
Xia Siyu had already reviewed the script on the plane. Given that she had just arrived and her scenes weren’t many—plus it was an urban drama, not a period drama that required changing into heavy costumes and hairdos—she acclimated herself to the environment, tried on her makeup, and was ready to head to the set as soon as she put down her luggage.
“Youth 2” was filmed in reverse order, starting with the lead characters as adults trapped in corporate life, burdened with mediocrity and helplessness, before filming the college years. From the moment Xia Siyu arrived, she skilfully grasped and portrayed the complex emotions of feeling powerless, deflated, yet still desiring love despite being hesitant due to past hurts resulting from an exquisite lifestyle.