Chapter 25: A Sky That Used to Dislike the Rain

"Thank you, Yu Wei. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known where to look for her..."

Fei Hong wiped his neck with a towel while expressing his gratitude to Yu Wei, who stood nearby. Zhou Mumu usually went out alone, and they truly had no idea where she might go.

"It's nothing."

Yu Wei glanced at Fei Hong, whose lips remained curled in a constant smile. Ever since the two of them had returned huddled together, his smile had not faded once.

He figured he had been officially designated as the matchmaker by the groom-to-be. If those two actually ended up together, Yu Wei would certainly deserve a seat at the main table.

"What did you two do out there in the rain? Your eyes go soft the moment someone mentions Mumu..."

"Don't talk nonsense. We didn't do anything."

The fact that he had slipped into his local dialect in his haste proved he was flustered. Yu Wei noticed his reddening ears immediately but chose not to point it out.

The guy was quite capable in his dealings with the world, yet he seemed rather dense when it came to romantic relationships. It was hard to say whether they would eventually make it.

Just as Yu Wei was teasing Fei Hong, a staff member suddenly approached to inform them that Zhou Mumu had developed a high fever and might be unable to participate in the remainder of the show's recording.

So, this is what happens when you try to be romantic in the rain...

"Is it serious?"

Fei Hong, who had been shy just a second ago, felt a jolt run through him. He rushed out without a word, followed closely by Yu Wei, who felt a complex mix of emotions.

A fever and a cold might not sound like much, but during the filming of a show, it could become a major issue. To put it bluntly, if something went wrong, who would take the responsibility?

In many variety shows, whenever a young celebrity got a bump or a bruise, they were immediately sent to the hospital—often an arrangement by the production crew—only for the star to be criticized later for being "delicate."

He wasn't trying to defend these young stars, but during a production, the safest bet for the crew was to arrange medical care immediately to avoid endless trouble. If they didn't send them to the hospital and the star had another underlying condition, what would happen? What if the celebrity's agency wasn't happy?

Of course, some young stars were indeed being dramatic over a mere scratch, but besides them, the production crews who coddled them like precious treasures should also be blamed.

Zhou Mumu's situation was much more severe. She was running a high, persistent fever, drifting in and out of consciousness, and soaked in cold sweat as she lay in bed.

The cottage was equipped with a first-aid kit, but the medication they had given her so far showed no signs of working.

"She's burning up. Maybe we should take her to the hospital."

Tong Yulu paced back and forth anxiously, wishing she could just carry Mumu on her back and run out. All her little schemes had vanished, leaving only the genuine concern of a friend.

Even Yu Wei, who had only been there for a week, had such a positive impression of the show. They had been filming for over a month; it would be impossible not to have developed any feelings.

Even though she didn't get along with Chi Leying, she would certainly be just as worried if she were the one sick.

"We still need to ask for Mumu's opinion."

Chi Leying took the towel off Zhou Mumu's forehead, rinsed it in warm water, wrung it out, and placed it back. "If she doesn't want to film anymore, she can leave, of course."

"Isn't it common knowledge that Mumu doesn't like this show?"

Tong Yulu’s remark brought the subtext into the open. Everyone had known it, but no one had been willing to poke that paper window until now.

The room fell into a long silence, which was eventually broken by an anxious Fei Hong, who prepared to have the production crew arrange a hospital transfer immediately.

While the guests often had their own little agendas, they were essentially of one mind when a real crisis hit.

Tong Yulu and Fei Hong favored immediate medical attention, but Chi Leying and Yu Wei felt they should respect the patient's own wishes. They weren't children; adults had to make their own decisions and face the consequences. In the end, they were, at most, "neighbors" sharing a rental.

Perhaps Yu Wei was a bit more calculating. He considered the broader picture: if she went to the hospital, she would miss filming. Who would cover the losses for the production team? Would her agency be happy?

He could see these things, and so could everyone else. The fact that the production team hadn't taken a stance was simply because they were waiting for the person involved to speak up.

They were trying to avoid any blame...

"I... I want to keep filming."

Zhou Mumu stirred and opened her eyes. Her voice provided an immediate solution to everyone's dilemma. Even though she hadn't been fully conscious, she had faintly heard their conversation.

They were clearly surprised by her words. After all, she didn't like this show; why not take the opportunity to rest for a while?

And in her current condition...

"I want to be with everyone."

Zhou Mumu curled up under the covers. The thick quilt covered her body like a fish trapped in an oven, every breath she took heavy and searing.

She remembered Yu Wei's words from that afternoon. After she explained how her company had tricked her into joining the show, Yu Wei's response had been simple:

"Since you are here, make the best of it."

He didn't offer empty platitudes about her situation, nor did he offer cynical advice like "just fight back." He simply told her to cherish every day she spent there.

In the world of adults, how could one say "no" so easily? Everyone had their own hardships, and there weren't as many straightforward plots as one might think.

So, Yu Wei had simply wished her a bit of luck.

"I really don't like this show, but I like being with everyone..."

The only sound in the air was her intermittent, labored breathing and the slight noise of her dry, cracked lips pulling apart.

Yu Wei could fully understand that sentiment. Celebrities rarely had normal social interactions. Being here provided a rare escape from the "dyeing vat" of the entertainment industry, making the bond between "roommates" feel much more sincere.

A warmth spread through the group, yet they couldn't find the right words to dissuade her. They could only look at each other, waiting to hear what others thought.

"How about this? If Mumu hasn't improved by nine o'clock, we will go to the hospital immediately. For now, let her rest quietly."

They were too worried to think clearly, but Yu Wei, being a newcomer without such deep emotional entanglements, was the only one capable of being rational at that moment.

This suggestion was fair; it respected the patient's wishes while providing a safety net, and it was quickly met with unanimous agreement.

Yu Wei was merely going with the flow. This solution was easy to think of, but the other resident guests hadn't known how to bring it up, so it had fallen to him.

The production team agreed as well, but for safety, someone had to stay behind to look after her.

Seeing Fei Hong’s hesitant but eager expression, Yu Wei made an instant decision. He smiled and said, "Let Fei Hong stay. He's an actor and doesn't know music, so I'll go perform some talent for everyone else."

"Talent?"

"I have to pay rent, don't I? As an artist, if I don't bring out a finished product, how am I supposed to earn money for rent?"

The group's hearts skipped a beat. Was Yu Wei serious? Had he actually composed a song in just a few days?

The production team was undoubtedly the most delighted. They had been wanting to feature Yu Wei's song on the show for a long time but hadn't felt comfortable asking about his progress.

They had been waiting anxiously, and finally, the song had arrived.

Seeing the confused expressions of the others, Yu Wei continued to tease, "Mumu is your roommate, but am I not? Are you not going to throw a farewell party for me?"

If it weren't for this rain, they would have been having his bonfire farewell party right now.

The guests eventually left the room one by one. Before leaving, Yu Wei didn't forget to give Fei Hong a wink.

He would be the first one to pick up his chopsticks at their wedding!

Fei Hong gave Yu Wei a grateful look. He watched the others leave, then sat by Zhou Mumu's bedside, his face full of worry.

She looked like a piece of burned charcoal, her damp hair sticking to her neck, cold and clammy like strands of seaweed.

...

The sound of the rain waxed and waned—at times a dense, thunderous roar, and moments later, it faded into a delicate, whispered murmuring.

The group sat in the living room, quietly watching Yu Wei adjust his guitar with slightly clumsy movements.

They had waited for this moment for a long time, but now that it was actually here, it didn't seem as exciting as they had imagined.

They were still looking forward to Yu Wei's song and still wanted the chance to collaborate with him, but at this very moment, they only hoped that Mumu would get better.

They sat in the room, the sound of the rain outside seeping into their ears, as if it wouldn't stop until it had filled the entire house.

Yu Wei glanced toward the direction of Zhou Mumu's room and, while trying to liven up the atmosphere, introduced the song: "This song fits the mood perfectly. It's called 'Hearing the Sound of Rain.'"

They should be able to hear it, he thought...