CapĂtulo 2086: Chapter 2086: Misunderstood
After arranging everything, Luo Ziling went upstairs to wash up and prepare for bed.
Just as he got upstairs and before entering his room, his phone notification sounded.
Taking it out to look, it turned out to be a WeChat message.
The message was from Dai Shulan.
âJunior, the last time you met that writer Xia Liuhui, he came to see me again today, saying he wants to interview you. Heâs planning to write your legendary story, but before starting, he wants to know more about you and any taboos that shouldnât be written. I wonder if youâre free tonight. If you are, letâs grab a late-night snack; my treat.â
Looking at the time, it was just after nine thirty.
Seeing it was still early, Luo Ziling hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed to Dai Shulanâs invitation.
âAlright then, where would it be convenient to meet?â
Dai Shulan quickly sent an address, a cafe called âNight Fragrance,â saying she would head there now to wait for Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling then turned and went downstairs, telling Wuyue that he was going out for a bit.
Wuyue didnât ask much, immediately going to prepare the car.
Twenty minutes later, Luo Ziling arrived at the cafe called âNight Fragrance.â
Dai Shulan was already there, but the writer Xia Liuhui had not yet arrived.
âSenior, youâre so quick,â Luo Ziling greeted with a smile, âItâs not cool for us two gentlemen to keep a lady waiting.â
Dai Shulan, who had dressed up a bit, immediately stood up to greet Luo Ziling as he came in.
âI was nearby, so I got here first. Since Iâm the host today, I should be here first.â Dai Shulan gave Luo Ziling a shy smile, then looked at him daringly, âYouâve been so busy lately, Mr. Luo, that I havenât seen a trace of you. I was worried you wouldnât accept my invitation today.â
âWhen you messaged me, I was just about to wash up and sleep. But the moment I saw a beautyâs call, I rushed over.â
Amused by Luo Zilingâs words, Dai Shulan couldnât help but laugh.
Today, Dai Shulan had styled her hair into two braids and wore a classic long dress, exuding a pure and beautiful aura.
Her radiant smile brightened the whole room, and even Luo Ziling, who had seen many beauties, was momentarily stunned.
âI am not a beauty,â Dai Shulan stopped smiling and gave Luo Ziling a sideways glance, âYuqing and Qingyin, they are the real beauties. In front of them, Iâm just an ugly duckling.â
âIf ugly ducklings looked this pretty, the world would be in chaos,â Luo Ziling said, playfully leaning closer to Dai Shulan, âYouâre a beloved beauty on the schoolâs flower rank, you know. If your fans heard you say that, theyâd be heartbroken.â
Dai Shulan could feel his breath as Luo Ziling leaned in, making her blush and giggle from the ticklish feeling.
Yet she was unwilling to back away.
Just then, the compartment door was knocked on and then pushed open, revealing Xia Liuhui at the entrance.
Upon seeing Luo Ziling and Dai Shulan so close, almost as if they were about to kiss, Xia Liuhui was startled, hurriedly shutting the door and retreating. Dai Shulan, also startled, turned even redder and quickly pulled away.
âHaha!â Luo Ziling showed no signs of losing composure, chuckling as he went to open the door.
âCome in!â Seeing Xia Liuhui awkwardly standing at the door, Luo Ziling gestured for him to enter without further explanation.
In these situations, explanations are futile and only add to the awkwardness.
When Xia Liuhui entered, Dai Shulan was already seated, her face still slightly flushed but her demeanor calm.
She wisely refrained from explaining anything.
She knew that no matter what explanation she provided, the outcome would be the same.
If Xia Liuhui assumed something improper between them, then explanations wouldnât change his mind. If he didnât think so, then no explanation was needed.
After sitting down, Xia Liuhui explained to Luo Ziling his purpose for being there, hoping that this evening Luo Ziling could satisfy his curiosity by sharing some of his legendary stories.
âWhat kind of person do you want to portray me as?â Luo Ziling first asked Xia Liuhui.
âA realistic man, full of passion and enthusiasm, nearly perfect but with flaws, very popular among girls, a classic tall, rich, and handsome profile.â Xia Liuhui shared his perception of Luo Ziling and the character he intended to write, then added with a smile, âFrom what I know about Mr. Luo, thereâs no need for embellishments; just writing about your real experiences is already legendary. However, some things canât be written due to policy restrictions, so my focus will be more selective, emphasizing your achievements in medicine and your romances.â
At this point, Xia Liuhui felt a bit embarrassed, âIâm sure youâre aware that urban novels often focus on face-slapping and conquering beauties, so those aspects will be highlighted. But I worry your female friends might be upset!â
While saying this, he glanced at Dai Shulan.
Seeing Dai Shulanâs beautiful face, he couldnât help but think: Even good cabbage gets spoiled by the tall, rich, and handsome.
Dai Shulan rolled her eyes at Xia Liuhui, choosing not to comment.
âWrite whatever you want, as long as you donât use my real name and donât portray me negatively.â Luo Ziling didnât mind much but offered a reminder, âJust remember, Iâm a young man full of positive energy, passion, and defiance against authority, with excellent medical skills.â
Xia Liuhui turned on his recording pen, politely asking Luo Ziling to share his illustrious achievements for inclusion in the novel.
Luo Ziling didnât refuse, recounting many of his traditional experiences, including his conquests in the Northwestâs Tianshan, battling beasts, and helping treat people, along with a series of thrilling incidents in Yanjing, and his trips to Japan and South Korea. However, he did not disclose his romantic experiences or his affairs with Yang Qingyin and Ouyang Feifei, as he preferred not to discuss them.
âFor everything else, youâll have to use your imagination.â Luo Ziling hinted.
With high emotional intelligence, Xia Liuhui understood and promptly agreed.
Their discussion continued for quite some time, ending around eleven thirty.
Finding it late, Xia Liuhui apologized and promptly took his leave, settling the bill before leaving.
Luo Ziling and Dai Shulan also didnât stay, getting up to leave.
As they were leaving, Luo Ziling noticed Xia Liuhui had already paid the bill and joked, âSenior, you said youâd treat me to a late-night snack, but someone else ended up paying. Does this mean you owe me a snack?â
âI suppose so. Iâll treat you next time, hoping youâll be free.â Dai Shulan did not refuse, readily agreeing.
She then added, âIf this novel gets published and you acknowledge being the protagonist while helping promote it, itâll surely become popular, and your reputation will soar again. As long as he writes well, your national hero image will be even more elevated.â
âThis is a form of self-marketing!â Luo Ziling chuckled, âWhat I need most right now is positive publicity to avoid negative news.â
Upon hearing this, Dai Shulan seemed somewhat downcast, nodding gently, âI understand!â
Seeing her expression, Luo Ziling realized she misunderstood, but he couldnât quite explain.