But when it came to filming the lift scene, John couldn’t hold back: "I want to try too!"

Xia Siyu turned around and gave him a look, then said disdainfully, "You? Are you sure?"

No man in the world could tolerate being told they’re not capable. John quickly puffed up his chest: "Why not? You’re my partner, we should do it! How can a stand-in take my place? Unless you use one too."

The manager actually didn’t want his artist working more and earning less. Although with someone watching, it wouldn’t be dangerous, there was no need to go all out for just a scene. So he gently advised, "They have already rehearsed. It wastes time."

John turned to seek the director’s opinion: "Director, can I give it a try?"

The director certainly preferred the actors to do it themselves, so he smiled, "You can, but..."

But whatever "but," hearing the word "can," John excitedly went to practice the moves.

Soon back on stage, Xia Siyu’s movements were graceful; though slightly lacking in strength, her moves were quite precise. However, John struggled much more; moves like these couldn’t be mastered just by watching. But John was persistent; he kept practicing until the scene was passed.

His diligence significantly slowed down the shooting progress. By the end of the shoot that day, he only managed to learn the moves, completing one-fifth of the progress.

Originally, Xia Siyu could’ve wrapped up tomorrow, but thanks to John, it’d be delayed by a day or two.

John himself was feeling pretty confident: "Doesn’t seem so hard?"

Xia Siyu rolled her eyes, "It’s not hard, just that thanks to you, I’ll be two days late getting back."

"Isn’t that great? I’ll treat you to some drinks." John didn’t seem to care about the sarcasm in her tone, casually putting an arm around her shoulder.

"Sure, is it Romanocanti?" If you’re treating, then let’s make it a costly one.

"What’s the point of red wine? If we’re drinking, let’s go strong."

"If it’s fifteen-year-old Maotai, that’s fine too." She wasn’t picky; Maotai is good too. If it could be convertible to cash, even better.

But John was most afraid of strong liquor, so he quickly retracted his arm: "Your Chinese liquor... can’t we do vodka, gin, or brandy?"

"Not drinking? Then I’ll head back." Xia Siyu moved her arm, "I didn’t get enough exercise today. Want to go for a run for an hour?"

"Not enough exercise" was mocking him for slowing down her progress, using a lot of time for his practice.

John exclaimed, "You’re really not being cute."

"Thank you, I’ll take that as a compliment." Xia Siyu was completely unfazed. Whether she’s cute or not, it had nothing to do with John.

These two were used to sparring with each other; John mocked her, she’d return it; John teased her, she’d tease back. It was all just talk, no one took it seriously.

**

When Xia Siyu returned to the hotel, she first reported to Director Ji and the others about possibly being two days late, and even got in touch with the program crew. After all, she had other commitments, with her schedule fully packed daily. Once her work matters were settled, she was about to inform Bo Yan too. Unexpectedly, Bo Yan first sent a message: "Dear, I might have something coming up here, will be two days late returning to the country."

Well, seems like she didn’t even need to say it herself, Xia Siyu replied: "You focus on your work, don’t worry about me."

Bo Yan asked, "You should be wrapping up tomorrow, right?"

Xia Siyu said, "Originally tomorrow, but it might be delayed by two days. Just in time, we can return together."

Bo Yan asked, "Did something go wrong with your work?"

"Not really a problem, just slightly slow shooting progress. I’ve already informed Director Ji."

Bo Yan nodded, then suddenly asked, "Are you exercising now?"

Actually, yes. Xia Siyu, while chatting with Bo Yan, was on the elliptical at the hotel. She stepped on the pedals, the machine rotating rhythmically while she replied to his messages. But Xia Siyu answered: "Yes, but how did you know?"

After all, she was on an elliptical, not a treadmill. This slower pace shouldn’t have pronounced breathing sounds. And with the hotel gym being quiet at the moment, there shouldn’t be other background noise either.

"Oh, I heard the machine’s sound, why, isn’t it?"

"Yes, it is." She was still a bit surprised but didn’t dwell on it. Bo Yan’s always clever, so guessing wasn’t strange.

"Okay, then you carry on, I won’t disturb you." Bo Yan hung up with a smile. Xia Siyu put on her headphones to listen to music; she then got off the elliptical and moved to the treadmill next to it.

Before long, it seemed she heard the gym door opening, and it sounded like the treadmill next to hers was being activated.

But she didn’t care, nor did she bother. Although Quebec wasn’t like Vancouver, where there are many Chinese, walking through certain neighborhoods in Vancouver could feel like being in China. But she didn’t have much interest in greeting strangers.

Actually, Xia Siyu privately wasn’t a super social butterfly. When she was interested, she could dive right in, quickly blending in with others. But when she didn’t feel like chatting, she’d prefer to lay low, only greeting those she knew well.

Especially after becoming an artist, her fame had grown, but so did her worries. Especially recently when scandal surrounded her, she was afraid of having eggs thrown at her when going out. Although she didn’t care about others’ gazes, she had no interest in seeking trouble. Though that time of being constantly criticized had passed, the habit persisted.

If she found something interesting, she’d find ways to integrate herself. But if she wasn’t interested, she’d hide in plain view within the bustling city, trying her best not to draw attention, nor would she focus on others.

Although it’s quite strange for people to come to the gym for a run at nine at night, she wouldn’t ask.

She continued running for quite a while, until the treadmill next door stopped, yet she hadn’t paused. Then a message came on her phone, so she pressed the pause button to check it. It was from Bo Yan: "Still exercising?"

Xia Siyu replied: "Almost done, planning to do some relaxing exercises to wrap up."

Bo Yan nodded and responded again: "Don’t overexert yourself."

Xia Siyu was about to respond when a staff member said from behind: "Sir, Ma’am, we are about to close soon."

Xia Siyu didn’t turn her head, first replying to Bo Yan: "Okay, got it."

Then she said, "Staff, could you please get me a bottle of Paris water? Chilled, please."