That Figure Looks Just Like Wen Ruan

Kyoto's air was dry, the lunar October breeze carrying a faint chill. Wen Ruan, always sensitive to cold, spent most days in the backyard greenhouse—nurturing flowers, reading, or seeking inspiration for her next novel. When not there, she kept Grandpa Wen company at the hospital, sharing news of policy changes or trivial anecdotes as his condition stabilized.

The family fussed over her constantly. Grandpa Wen, claiming hospital air was unhealthy, tried to shoo her away, but she ignored him, arriving daily with books and newspapers, unimpeded by staff too cautious to prevent the delicate heiress. Eventually, he relented, ordering air purifiers and potted plants to freshen his room. Side by side, he read the newspaper propped on his bed, while she curled on the sofa with a storybook—some of her calmest days since returning to Kyoto.

Her parents, busy with work, rarely pressed her about He Yanci. They'd exchanged no more than polite texts since their late-night call weeks ago—a mutual silence she assumed was understanding.

That peace shattered one morning when Tang Suiyi's call disrupted her breakfast."Ruan Ruan baby! Big news: North-South Chronicles is greenlit! Shooting starts Wednesday! Director Xu specifically asked for the original author at the opening ceremony!""The location's Jicheng, close to Kyoto—just an hour away!""I peeked at the cast list—all A-listers! Lao Da's decision to negotiate a revenue share was genius.""Hello? You there?""Mhm," Wen Ruan mumbled, biting into a tart, milk dribbling down her chin. "Any opening ceremony red envelopes? How big?""Seriously?!" Tang squawked, half-laughing. "I'm talking seven-figure royalties, and you're asking about red envelopes? Show me your face—did you hit your head?"Wen Ruan wiped her lips, grinning. "Royalties are expected; red envelopes are windfalls. Totally different."Tang groaned, defeated. "...You win. You're a financial genius."

After hanging up, Wen Ruan swung in the sunroom's hammock, flipping through the North-South script. The military-themed novel needed polish, and she craved fresh air—though leaving Kyoto meant battling her parents' overprotection. A solo trip would trigger a parade of drivers and bodyguards, turning her into tabloid fodder. Who can I use as an excuse?

He Yanci, mid-meeting, felt his phone vibrate. A message from Wen Ruan:"Mr. He, the other day you said I could ask you for help going out—does that still stand? ""Other day" was half a month ago. He smirked. "What's your request, Miss Wen?""'Request' is too formal. Are you free soon?" "You're inviting me?"Ugh, no. "I need a small favor.""How soon? Business trip from Wednesday to next Friday."Perfect timing! "Actually, you don't need to join." Just lend me your name.

He Yanci's brow rose. "Inviting me but don't need my presence? Planning something sneaky, Miss Wen?"...Must he be so perceptive? "Ahem. You said I should socialize more. I've been thinking—you're right."He muted the meeting, typing: "Funny, it sounds more like 'conveniently using me'.""Mr. He, you're no 'Zhong Wuyan' or 'Xia Yingchun'—don't sell yourself short."He chuckled. Sharp tongue. "Fine. How to assist? Call your mother? Pick you up?"She propped her chin, typing: "No need. My parents won't let me go alone. I just want a short tour of Kyoto.""Ah, using my name to slip out. Understood."Her reply was sweet, calculated: "I don't have friends here, and it's so dull at home. I have no choice.""Agreed. Add me on WeChat—your number is this? Keep me updated. Don't wander far, or I'll revoke permission."Surprised by his ease, Wen Ruan marveled at this new He Yanci—kinder, more approachable, with a hidden edge. "Got it. Thanks, Mr. He. You're a good person."

He didn't reply, buried in work.

Five days into his trip, He Yanci received a call from his mother."Yanci, why did you take Wen Ruan on your trip? Her health is fragile—what if something happens?"Puzzled, he checked WeChat—no friend request. Clever girl."Yanci, last time I asked about your feelings, you evaded. Now you're taking her away—what's your intention?""Mother, do you really think I'd act recklessly?""I know you, but she's not ordinary. A single misstep could ruin both families.""...I'm not a heartless playboy.""Still, you should've told us. I ran into Min Qing at the mall—she said Wen Ruan went to Jicheng. Your schedules align. I didn't contradict her, but this is risky."

He Yanci understood: Wen Ruan had come to Jicheng, using his name. He'd have to play along.

In Jicheng, rain poured relentlessly, extending Wen Ruan's three-day trip to a week. She stayed at a guesthouse near the film set, but her damp room drove her to a hotel. That evening, as she checked in, Fu Jingbai called."Fu Laoshi," she greeted, smiling."How's the opening ceremony?""Smooth. No major script changes—I'm free to relax.""Your novel is brilliant. With this cast, it'll be a hit. Congrats in advance.""Thanks for the luck. I'll treat you to dinner when I'm back south.""Deal."

She wandered to the lobby's seating area, twirling a plant's leaf. "Honestly, I didn't expect your words to work on my mother.""Remember, I'm half-Kyoto native. Your mom's a fan.""Really? Mom's part of your 'auntie fan club'?"He laughed, low and warm. "Among many. I have quite the senior fanbase.""You're popular with all ages. My friends never miss your films.""Is that so?"

Their conversation flowed easily, unaware of the figure approaching.

He Yanci, returning to the hotel, paused at the elevator. A familiar silhouette caught his eye—soft curls tied with a ribbon, a flowy dress under a knit cardigan. She tilted her head, laughing at something on the phone, hairs dancing in the wind.

Wen Ruan.He dismissed his team, striding toward her. Afraid of cold but dressed so lightly?

As he neared, her laughter rang clear, eyes bright with joy—a far cry from the delicate, guarded girl in Kyoto. His lips twitched. This "small tour of Kyoto" sure is extensive.

The rain continued to fall, unaware of the quiet reunion unfolding in the lobby—two souls, each carrying secrets, drawn together by a borrowed name and a twist of fate.