"It's only been a few days, but Teacher Jing Yu, you look like you've lost weight," Xia Yining said with a slight squint and a playful smile.
"Not too bad," Jing Yu replied. "I've just been filming pretty late every day lately."
He accepted a cup of tea handed to him by Yu Youqing and glanced at the two of them.
In 'White Album 2', Xia Yining's character (Kazusa) had almost no screen time in the university arc, so she'd been in standby mode for a while now.
But despite having graduated just three months ago, she had already become one of the most popular rising actresses in Lan Province—second only to Yu Youqing. And now, her attitude toward Jing Yu had shifted—from initial skepticism, to being won over during 'Your Lie in April', and now, something close to admiration or even anticipation.
Jing Yu hesitated as he looked at the two of them. With all three 'White Album 2' leads finally gathered in one room, there was something he wanted to say—but in the end, he held it in.
"You're about to say something, aren't you, Teacher Jing Yu?" Yu Youqing asked, perceptive as always. After all, she'd filmed three dramas with him now—not to mention over ten kissing scenes—and she could pick up even subtle changes in his mood.
"No, it's nothing. I was just going to say…" Jing Yu paused, then continued.
"'White Album 2' might be ending soon. After working with you two for so long, I just wanted to remind you to start seriously thinking about your next steps, your future career paths. Though maybe that's a bit presumptuous of me to say…"
The moment those words landed, Xia Yining's playful demeanor vanished. Her expression sharpened, and she subtly adjusted the hem of her black dress.
Her mind started racing.
If Jing Yu planned to stay in Lan Province, he wouldn't be giving them advice like this.
Which meant—he was probably preparing to leave Jin Hui TV.
Was he… worried about their future after 'White Album 2' ended? Was he subtly warning them not to waste time now that their popularity was high? That if a big agency or major TV network wanted to sign them, they shouldn't hold out?
She blinked, thoughtful. That had to be it.
If Jing Yu had no intention of leaving, it would make more sense for him to want them to stay free agents—easier for future collaborations. His current warning only made sense if he was preparing to go somewhere they couldn't easily follow.
Yu Youqing also froze for a second, her lashes quivering.
"You're leaving, aren't you…? Is that why you're saying this?" she asked quietly.
Jing Yu could tell from their faces that they had more or less figured it out.
"It's nothing," he said, smiling lightly. "Just friendly advice. An actor's career window is short—especially for actresses. Most only get seven or eight good years. One wrong move, and it could mess up everything."
After working together for over half a year, they weren't just colleagues. There was some real friendship there.
And since he wasn't staying in Lan Province, he knew he wouldn't be able to keep working with them—so he genuinely hoped they would seize any good opportunities that came.
He understood Lan Province's limitations in the entertainment world. If they stayed here too long without a breakout project, they'd just become local celebrities, unable to step into the national spotlight.
So if any big networks or reputable agencies from the richer provinces approached them during this period of high exposure, he hoped they'd go for it—because once 'White Album 2' cooled down, those opportunities might never come again.
The two women fell silent.
Yu Youqing looked panicked for a second. She glanced at Jing Yu a few times, then gritted her teeth.
"…I still like being a freelance actor," she finally said. "Fewer restrictions. It means I can say things to you that someone tied to a station or agency wouldn't dare say."
Jing Yu looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"I still want to be in your next drama. If you think I'm suitable, I hope I can get a chance to audition. No matter where it is."
Jing Yu stared at her for a few seconds.
"I don't even know when I'm filming again. What are you thinking, waiting around for me? What if I just take a break for a year or two and go travel?"
He didn't have any concrete plans yet—just that he wasn't staying at Jin Hui. The limitations were too stifling. But he hadn't decided where to go next.
Multiple networks had reached out already, but none had really caught his interest.
It wasn't that he had to join the biggest network in the country, but at the very least, the top ten. Top fifteen, worst case. Anything lower, and he'd just run into the same problems he had at Jin Hui.
In that kind of uncertain situation, he really couldn't promise anything to Yu Youqing or Xia Yining.
"I don't care." Yu Youqing's ears turned slightly red. "If your next drama needs me, I'll be there. So…"
As she spoke, her words started sounding… off. A little too personal. She peeked at Jing Yu's face—thankfully, his expression looked completely normal.
Relieved, yet… somehow disappointed.
"…Me too," Xia Yining chimed in at just the right moment.
By now, she knew Jing Yu well enough to understand his personality. She knew that this kind of blunt "I'm here because of your talent and potential" attitude wouldn't put him off. He wouldn't get arrogant about it either—he'd just see it as a perfectly reasonable choice. After all, he'd do the same thing.
"…Hey, this is your career we're talking about," Jing Yu said, exasperated. "And you're seriously going to just rely on me? You're not worried this could backfire?"
They weren't on set. This was just a personal conversation among friends.
Jing Yu knew full well that in the eyes of Lan Province's actors, he was a huge asset—a surefire shortcut to fame. But still, these two were being way too weird about it.
He wasn't that amazing, was he?
If they were going to cling to a big name, there were plenty of other screenwriters outside Lan Province with even bigger legs to hug. And if some of those writers' agencies or stations were recruiting, it would make way more sense to jump ship.
Were they just that inexperienced and blindly putting their trust in him?
Or…
Were they falling for his looks or personality?
Or were they just trying to reassure him—afraid he was testing their loyalty before 'White Album 2' ended?
He mulled it over for a while and, being pragmatic, mentally ruled out the "correct" answer first.
"What if my next drama has no female characters?" he asked. "All guys?"
"I'll dress like a guy and fake being a pretty boy," Xia Yining said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and grinning.
"My classmates in college used to say I looked amazing in masculine clothes. I'm sure the audience would love it."
"I'll do the same! I've always been interested in cross-dressing roles," Yu Youqing quickly added.
Jing Yu felt a strange tangle of emotions rise inside him.
Had he really put on too much of a front? The confidence these two had in him almost exceeded the confidence he had in himself.
He shook his head.
Just then, the assistant from the station came in to call the three of them to the stage.
8:00 PM.
Originally, this was supposed to be the airing time for the tenth episode of Jiang Shiqing's new autumn season drama.
But Jin Hui TV had made a last-minute switch—replacing the timeslot with a 'White Album 2' fan interview special featuring Jing Yu, Yu Youqing, and Xia Yining.
The station's main lobby had been converted into a makeshift event venue, filled with 500 eager fans.
Camera crews had set up in every corner. The spotlight was firmly on 'White Album 2'.
And on Jin Hui TV, viewership of the show continued to climb.