Chapter 10: Dust-covered Melody (1)
The host gently patted Shi Yi on the back.
She snapped out of her daze. "Thank you. Thank you, everyone."
She accepted the jade-white trophy. Standing in the brightest spot on stage, she could only see silhouettes of the audience. She noticed Zhou Shengchen crossing his right leg over his left, adjusting his posture.
"I'm not very good with words," Shi Yi said modestly, "so all I can think to say is thank you. I hope my voice can continue to bring life to your films, TV series, documentaries, and dubbed works."
It was very simple—so simple that everyone thought she hadn’t finished yet.
So they waited in silence.
Shi Yi paused briefly, then had no choice but to curve her lips into another smile and say thank you again.
She then raised the trophy slightly in her hand. Her moon-blue floor-length gown should have exuded springtime radiance, but she had deliberately chosen a retro style with sleeves that reached her elbows. The only accessory she wore was the emerald necklace Zhou Shengchen had given her when she met his mother—so vividly green it seemed to drip with moisture.
Her smile wasn’t deliberately poised or natural; there was even a sense of eagerness to leave.
Only then did the audience realize she had truly finished.
Amid belated applause, she stepped down from the stage, lifting her long skirt as she descended from the brightest lights. Behind her, a popular celebrity had already taken the stage, performing amidst bursts of dry ice.
Shi Yi quietly made her way through the dimly lit audience and sat down beside him.
Seeing her in high heels, Zhou Shengchen reached out and lightly took her hand, guiding her to sit next to him.
"Why are you sitting here?" she whispered into his ear as soon as she settled in.
He hesitated slightly, realizing his seat was far too conspicuous. "I only told them I wanted to surprise you by sitting where I could see you clearly. This was Uncle Lin’s arrangement."
She was speechless for a moment before chuckling softly. "Do you know where you’re sitting?"
"I can guess," he replied, looking somewhat resigned.
"Then… shall we leave now?"
"Don’t you need to stay until the end?"
"No," she shook her head. "I don’t mind."
She only felt uncomfortable for him—an outsider stuck in this noisy place.
Zhou Shengchen turned his head slightly to look at her.
She met his gaze, puzzled.
"Today, my mother asked me why I wanted to get engaged to you."
She hummed in acknowledgment.
"I told her you suit me well."
Because of the clamor around them, they had to speak almost in whispers to hear each other.
His words brushed against her ear, his warm breath faintly caressing her skin. Her ears burned, and soon her face grew warm as well. Unable to sit still, she shifted her hand slightly.
From the moment she sat down, he had been holding her hand—not too tight, not too loose.
Feeling her movement, Zhou Shengchen smiled faintly to himself before standing and leading her quietly toward a side exit. Their prominent seats and Shi Yi’s stunning presence—the most captivating beauty of the night—inevitably drew attention. Shi Yi sensed many eyes on them, but Zhou Shengchen remained utterly unperturbed, his expression serene.
As they left the hall, murmurs of discussion followed them.Especially those seated in the front row hadn't expected such a mysterious guest to appear just for a voice actor. But upon reflection, given Shi Yi's qualities, it wasn't excessive at all. Neither coy nor flashy, neither vulgar nor arrogant—she was perfectly suited to play the ethereal female lead in a period film. Someone whispered, "One of the mainland's top four female voices, and unexpectedly so beautiful. Who's her agent?"
"Meilin from East Vision," another replied with a smile. "I can hardly believe she's been holding onto such a trump card without promoting her. Who knows what she's waiting for."
"Waiting for what?" The first person shook their head. "You just don't recognize true value. The vintage jade necklace she's wearing tonight alone could fund another 'Curse of the Golden Flower.' My guess is she simply doesn't want to step into the spotlight."
The other clicked their tongue. "No wonder even a top agent like Meilin can hold back from pushing her."
Shi Yi had no idea that Zhou Shengchen's sudden appearance had made her the hot topic of the celebration banquet.
Someone privately revealed that the man seated in that position was surnamed Zhou.
But beyond that, no one was familiar with his background.
When they left, it wasn't even nine o'clock yet.
As the car pulled out of the garage, they could see crowds waiting at the grand theater's entrance. The place was brightly lit, with cars and people coming and going.
Uncle Lin asked if they should go for a dress fitting, to which Zhou Shengchen gave no clear answer.
"A dress fitting?" Shi Yi was puzzled.
He had already taken her exact measurements and sent over various dresses, all in vintage styles that aligned with her taste—modest and not revealing. There were so many that they could easily suffice for ten engagements. Why did they need another fitting?
"Seeing you in this dress tonight made me realize how beautiful it looks," he admitted frankly. "So I made a last-minute appointment with the tailor who made it to have a new one created for you."
"Is there something wrong with this one?"
"Not at all," he smiled. "I just suddenly wanted you to wear something newly made for our engagement."
She understood then.
Only after the car left Shanghai did she begin to wonder if he was taking her back to Zhenjiang. Fortunately, she recognized the highway to Zhenjiang, and this wasn't the right direction. Instead, they drove to an unknown small town.
Unlike a big city, where lights blaze at night, here only individual households had their own lights on.
Shi Yi, still in her dress and draped in Zhou Shengchen's suit jacket, got out and walked for a while until they reached a small courtyard. It looked like a residence rather than a dressmaking shop. She glanced around in confusion, and Zhou Shengchen finally explained, "This family has been tailors for over ten generations. Even the younger generation continues the tradition."
Shi Yi thought for a moment. "Don't tell me there's some hidden international designer here."
"Not at all," he chuckled. "They're quite wealthy now and don't need to make clothes for others. But their ancestral rule forbids abandoning the family craft, so the younger generation who are passionate about it travel abroad to study before returning to inherit the business."
"So it's a fusion of East and West," Shi Yi mused, looking down at her dress. "No wonder all the dresses you've sent me are so unique yet exquisitely crafted—unlike ordinary formal wear."
Uncle Lin knocked, and soon someone answered the door.
Recognizing Uncle Lin, they greeted him respectfully, though they didn't seem to know Zhou Shengchen.
They followed inside to a modest courtyard. The bluestone paving, carved stone gateways, and low-rise buildings were all nestled among trees. Thankfully, old-fashioned wall lamps had long replaced lanterns, or else Shi Yi might have truly suspected a woman in red would emerge from somewhere.Shi Yi said softly, "This courtyard still resembles the old houses of Jiangnan."
Zhou Shengchen replied, "Are you implying my ancestral home doesn’t?"
Shi Yi shook her head. "Your family’s estate is too large. I can’t even count how many courtyards it has."
He nodded. "Does that sound like nouveau riche to you?"
She shook her head again, answering earnestly, "Not nouveau riche—more like a haunted house set from a Hong Kong horror movie."
He chuckled and shook his head. "No one lives there regularly. People only return during ancestral rites."
"Is there someone to look after it normally?"
"Each generation has caretakers, usually the oldest stewards retiring there," he said. "Half for upkeep, half to let them live out their years in peace." As they spoke, an elderly maid lifted the embroidered curtain and announced, "Old Master Lin, please have a seat here first. I’ll fetch the madam." Uncle Lin nodded. "Tell the madam the true master has arrived today and wishes to personally select the clothing designs."
The maid hurried off, and soon tea was served.
Just as Shi Yi and Zhou Shengchen picked up their cups, before they could take a sip, two men and two women entered. Aside from an elderly matriarch, the other three were young. One man wore a traditional robe, while the other was dressed in a Western suit—so starkly different it seemed like a scene from a Republican-era film. The young woman, however, wore a simple T-shirt and long skirt, holding a sketchbook, appearing relatively normal.
Only in that era could one see such a mix of Eastern and Western attire.
Shi Yi was momentarily stunned. The robed man’s gaze swept over and settled on her. "I’d wager this must be Miss Shi Yi." The young woman laughed. "Obviously! She’s the only lady here, of course it’s her. Look, Second Brother, she’s wearing your design. You win this round."
The elderly matriarch waved her hand with a smile. "You three, show some respect to our guests."
She then approached and, noticing Uncle Lin standing to the side, quickly deduced Zhou Shengchen’s identity. She smiled and nodded. "Young Master, I last saw you when you were four. Over the years, I’ve made many clothes for you but never met you in person. Who’d have thought our reunion would be for your bride?"
Zhou Shengchen made to rise, but the matriarch sat first. "This old woman’s legs aren’t what they used to be, so forgive my lack of decorum."
"Please, make yourself comfortable," he said, unconcerned. "My apologies for coming so late."
"No matter. You’re a busy man—a scientist," the matriarch remarked admiringly, her eyes crinkling. "The Zhou family has always been full of clever minds, both the elders and the younger generation."
After some small talk, the matriarch began studying Shi Yi intently.
Though Zhou Shengchen had provided measurements earlier, seeing the person was irreplaceable. Clothes must complement not just the wearer’s size but also their looks and bearing. Having tailored garments all her life, the matriarch had rarely encountered someone like Shi Yi, whose figure and beauty were exceptional. Naturally delighted, she wasn’t alone—the grandchildren also gazed at Shi Yi as if she were a treasure.
After retaking measurements, the casually dressed young woman, being female herself, grew closer to Shi Yi. They whispered about intricate design details, and soon the young woman brought out various fabrics for Shi Yi to examine and critique."Shi Yi, your legs are so long," the girl remarked with admiration. "I remember my cousin who applied to dance academies had to meet the requirement of legs being 14 centimeters longer than the torso. You probably exceed that standard by nearly 2 centimeters."
Shi Yi smiled faintly.
From start to finish, apart from the elderly woman with mobility issues, no one actually sat down.
It seemed they all held Zhou Shengchen in great respect.
Throughout the entire process, Zhou Shengchen sat quietly to the side with remarkable patience. He wasn't reading, occasionally exchanging a few words with the elderly woman and offering his opinions when the young designers sought his input. By the time they left, two hours had passed.
The location wasn't far from Zhenjiang. Shi Yi assumed she would likely spend the night there.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Shengchen insisted on driving her back to Shanghai.
Only after seeing the lights in her room turn on did he return to the car.
If not for these extraordinary circumstances, he wouldn't have gone through such a long journey just to bring her back.
Suddenly, he said, "I hope she can remain safe and sound."
Uncle Lin nodded. "Young Master, rest assured. Right now, everyone in the Zhou Sheng family is quietly awaiting the engagement date. Before then, nothing will happen to Miss Shi Yi. Otherwise, all suspicion would fall on Zhou Shengxing—he wouldn't resort to such desperate measures."
Zhou Shengxing had held power for over twenty years, meticulous and calculating.
He truly wouldn't take that risk.
Zhou Shengchen waited until the bathroom light turned off and the bedroom light came on, then habitually glanced at his watch.
This time, it took 38 minutes. So... her usual routine likely fell between 25 to 38 minutes.
Uncle Lin continued, "The Zhou Sheng family rules are strict—no one dares break them. Young Master, set your mind at ease. Zhou Shengxing wouldn't dare withhold power."
Resting his hand on the car window frame, Zhou Shengchen said, "Let's go."
The car interior had no lighting, only moonlight filtering through the windows.
Silence prevailed.
As Uncle Lin drove onto the road, maintaining a steady pace, he asked, "Why has Young Master suddenly decided to shift the tides? Investing against the market to support Jiangnan's economy seems..."
Zhou Shengchen, weary, spoke slowly, "Within five to ten years, China will no longer have the world's cheapest labor. Inland factories will gradually close, and 'Made in China' will become 'Made in Cambodia' or 'Made in Vietnam.' The massive unemployment will create tremendous impact—we must cushion it in advance."
Uncle Lin fell silent.
This young master was different from others.
From the moment he entered university at fourteen, his path had diverged from the ordinary. A 5-10 year counter-market investment required vast connections and capital. Currently, those representing Zhou Shengchen were outsiders and advisors, but such a long-term project needed his genuine support—an act that would inevitably violate the Zhou Sheng family's prohibition against business involvement.
If not for his uncle Zhou Shengxing, perhaps it would have been simpler.
Shi Yi had assumed he would return to Zhenjiang during the day and come back late at night as before. Unexpectedly, the next morning, when she returned from the gym at a nearby hotel, Zhou Shengchen was already waiting downstairs.
Surprised, she heard him say, "I came to have breakfast with you."
At seven in the morning, someone appearing out of nowhere to share breakfast.
The scene suddenly reminded her of her school days—young couples meeting outside dormitories or near campus cafeterias.
Unfortunately, she had already eaten.
But he was still hungry.Shi Yi tentatively asked if he wanted to come upstairs, where she could make him a simple breakfast. Zhou Shengchen didn’t refuse. After leading him upstairs, she belatedly realized the only things in her home were milk and some fruit. On the kitchen shelf was a box of Nestlé’s cereal stars. She poured a generous amount into a bowl, added milk, cut up a plate of fruit, and served it to him.
He sat at the dining table, glancing down at the cute star shapes floating in the milk, momentarily stunned.
“I don’t know if you’re used to eating this,” Shi Yi said sheepishly, sticking out her tongue slightly. “But it’s pretty good.”
“I’m used to it,” he replied, amused.
Worried he might not have enough, she even brought out the box.
Zhou Shengchen deliberately glanced at the label: Recommended for ages 6–12.
He chuckled, then scooped up a spoonful of milk and stars and ate it.
She waited patiently beside him.
Looking closely, she noticed the faint weariness between his brows and his unusually pale complexion. Unable to resist, she reached out to touch his forehead. Sensing her movement, he lifted his eyes slightly to meet hers.
A brief silence fell.
She wasn’t sure whether to withdraw her hand or go ahead and check his temperature.
Just as she hesitated awkwardly, Zhou Shengchen leaned forward slightly, pressing his forehead against her hand.
Her fingers met his skin—indeed, he was burning up.
“It’s a low fever,” he said.
She hummed in acknowledgment.
They had held hands before, but always in public.
Now, in the bright, quiet dining room, the sudden contact with his skin made her hand tremble imperceptibly. Fortunately, she withdrew quickly before he noticed. “Has it not gone down, or did you catch another chill?”
“It never went away,” he said, setting down his spoon.
She fell silent for a few seconds.
He looked at her with amusement. “Going to brew me another medicinal packet?”
“That won’t work now,” she said regretfully. “That was perilla leaves—good for dispelling cold. But what you have now isn’t just a simple fever. I should’ve made you drink it last time and stay overnight to sweat it out. You’d have recovered quickly.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how suggestive they sounded. Though they were engaged, their relationship had only just begun to shift beyond friendship.
If he had really stayed the night…
Zhou Shengchen seemed oblivious to the implications and continued eating his fruit leisurely. “Stay overnight? I doubt I’d have had that much time to sleep.”
“What about now?” she suddenly asked.
“Now?”
“Mm,” she said. “You just ate. In about twenty minutes, I’ll give you some fever medicine, and you can sleep in the guest room. The fever should break.” Her gaze was earnest.
Zhou Shengchen looked surprised but quickly nodded. “Alright. I haven’t had a proper sleep in months.”
Shi Yi’s suggestion was genuinely for his sake.
So she didn’t overthink it, quickly clearing out the guest room while chatting idly with him as she changed the sheets. Once he took the medicine and lay down, she left the room to clean up the breakfast dishes.
Under the cool running water, she slowly washed the dishes.
His image lingered in her mind—delicate features, not sharply defined, save for his straight nose. Lying in bed, he had been so still, as if he’d fallen deeply asleep the moment he closed his eyes. So at ease that she could almost feel his complete trust in her.
Just as she finished putting away the clean dishes, she remembered—the medicine would make him sweat.
What would he do when he woke up?Should she really keep wearing these sweat-drenched clothes?
The thought had barely crossed her mind when she heard a soft knock at the door. Opening it, she found Uncle Lin, who simply said he'd brought some clean clothes that the young master always kept on hand. Shi Yi felt relieved, marveling once more at Zhou Shengchen's meticulousness—he had everything prepared flawlessly, leaving no detail overlooked. She placed the clothes in a clean wicker basket, pushed open the bedroom door, and set them inside.
The apartment was exceptionally well-designed, with both the master bedroom and guest room having their own bathrooms.
She figured Zhou Shengchen would undoubtedly take a shower when he woke up, without needing any reminder from her.
All morning, with Zhou Shengchen asleep in the guest room, her heart had felt unsettled, unable to settle down. To distract herself, she grabbed a box of DVDs and started watching a TV series. Her work schedule was unpredictable—unlike her mother, who could faithfully follow daily TV dramas—so she only indulged in full marathons of shows she liked during her rare breaks, to avoid lingering anticipation.
(End of Chapter)
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