My Wife is a Big Star

Chapter 47 - The Thick-Skinned Ostrich

“Auntie Yun, this is...” Chen Ran asked, somewhat dazed.

Auntie Yun, seemingly used to the sight, replied, “It’s fine. Zhizhi is always like this when she’s in a bad mood. She’ll be back to normal in a few days.”

Chen Ran was stunned. So, that unkempt woman dressed like a shut-in with her mouth stuffed full of snacks just now—that was actually Zhang Fanzhi?

He felt that something was fundamentally wrong, as if an image in his mind had completely shattered.

Auntie Yun also felt that something was a bit off and hurriedly added:

“Actually, Zhizhi usually pays a lot of attention to her image at home. It’s just that she’s been in a foul mood these past two days, so she’s being a bit more casual.”

No matter what Auntie Yun said, that slightly cold and elegant image of Zhang Fanzhi in his mind was gone forever. All he could think of now was that figure in bunny pajamas with cheeks puffed out like a hamster.

“This really is...” Chen Ran thought of Zhang Fanzhi’s temperament and felt a sudden headache. Now that he had seen this side of her, would she try to "silence" him to protect her secret?

“Chen Ran, have a seat first. I’ll go wash some fruit for you,” Auntie Yun said, gesturing for him to sit down.

As Chen Ran put down the guitar, his phone chimed with a notification.

Zhang Fanzhi: “Who told you to come over!”

Chen Ran scratched his head and glanced at her bedroom door. I’m literally in your house; do you really need to send a WeChat message?

He thought for a moment and replied: “I heard you were in a bad mood, so I came to see you.”

Zhang Fanzhi: “I’m in a great mood!”

She replied quickly, but every sentence ended with an exclamation mark. Chen Ran could feel her intense embarrassment through the screen.

He typed back: “Actually, I didn't see anything clearly just now. I just saw a big black rodent flash by.”

After sending it, Chen Ran felt it sounded too fake and immediately retracted the message.

Zhang Fanzhi: “...”

Did this guy think she wouldn't see it just because he retracted it?

Chen Ran typed again: “I brought the guitar over to sing for you.”

Zhang Fanzhi: “No need!” she replied with just two words.

Chen Ran: “I really learned it this time. I’ve been practicing for days!”

Zhang Fanzhi: “...”

Zhang Fanzhi: “Go home. Come back tomorrow!”

Chen Ran: “I don’t have time tomorrow.”

Zhang Fanzhi: “Then wait until you do have time!”

Chen Ran looked at her door again and sent one last message: “I really didn't see anything just now.”

This time, Zhang Fanzhi didn't reply at all.

Clearly, she didn't believe him. She had stood there in a daze before slowly walking away; unless Chen Ran was blind, there was no way he hadn't seen her.

……

Chen Ran originally intended to leave; otherwise, with Zhang Fanzhi's personality, she definitely wouldn't come out of her room today.

However, Director Zhang returned at that moment. Seeing Chen Ran about to leave, he insisted that since Chen Ran hadn't visited in a few days, he should stay a while longer.

And so, Chen Ran was pulled into a conversation by Director Zhang. They chatted for a long time, right up until it was almost time for dinner.

“Is Zhizhi still sleeping? Chen Ran is here; why hasn't she come out?!” Director Zhang frowned.

Chen Ran thought to himself: It’s exactly because I’m here that she won't come out. But aloud, he said:

“She’s in a bad mood and wants to rest more. I actually have some things to take care of, so I’ll head out first and come back another day.”

“It’s a day off; what could you possibly have to do? Your Auntie Yun is about to finish cooking. Eat before you go!” Director Zhang insisted.

Chen Ran hurriedly waved his hands.

“Uncle, I really have something. There’s an issue with the water and electricity at my place. The landlord is there today, so I need to go talk to him.”

Hearing this, Director Zhang had no choice but to let him go.

Before leaving, Chen Ran specifically ran to Zhang Fanzhi’s door to say goodbye:

“Zhizhi, I’m leaving now.”

After a long pause, a muffled “Mm” finally drifted out from inside.

She didn't come out until after Chen Ran had left. Director Zhang furrowed his brows; it was impossible for his daughter to be this impolite. Could the young couple be having a spat?

He planned to ask his wife what was going on later.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Zhang Fanzhi only threw off her quilt once she heard the sound of the door closing as Chen Ran left, revealing her delicate face. Her face had turned completely pink, while her neck and earlobes were a deep crimson, her eyes filled with shame and annoyance.

She hadn't expected Chen Ran to show up at this time at all. Usually, he would send her a WeChat message before coming over; why did he suddenly appear this time?

Zhang Fanzhi took several deep breaths, yet her heart still felt incredibly stifled by embarrassment.

Dressed in her fluffy bunny pajamas, she stepped lightly off the bed and looked down through the window, catching sight of Chen Ran's retreating figure as he carried his guitar on his back.

Suddenly, Chen Ran turned back and glanced up. Zhang Fanzhi was startled and scrambled backward to hide, nearly tripping over something.

By the time she steadied herself, she furrowed her brows in irritation. When she looked out the window again, Chen Ran had already disappeared from sight.

……

Returning to his apartment, Chen Ran felt somewhat helpless.

He had wanted to play and sing for Zhang Fanzhi in person, primarily because it would be much easier to communicate that way.

For instance, having her transcribe his singing into a music score while face-to-face would be ten thousand times better than doing it over a phone.

Who could have known that after encountering such a situation, the usually thick-skinned Zhang Fanzhi would actually turn into an ostrich.

Fine then. Since he couldn't sing for her in person, he could only settle for the next best thing.

Chen Ran was dejected. If he had known he’d have to record it on his phone, why did he bother going through all that trouble? It was such a hassle!

Chen Ran originally wanted to record the entire song, but after several attempts, he realized his skill simply wouldn't allow it. Every time he reached the halfway point, something would go wrong—either his breathing was uneven, or he sang the lyrics wrong.

He simply didn't have the technical foundation.

He lowered his standards and decided to record just one segment first.

After finishing, he listened to it a few times and felt the tune was off. He started over. After recording many times in a row, until his phone battery was drained and he had to work while plugged into the charger, it finally felt passably appropriate.

He found Zhang Fanzhi and sent the recording over.

"I worked out the melody myself, and I've finished writing the lyrics. Listen to it and see what you think."

After sending the message, he tossed the phone aside and went to get some water first. Having sung for so long, he felt his throat aching.

Because of Chen Ran's network connection, the recording hadn't gone through yet; Zhang Fanzhi only received the message first.

She was momentarily dazed. What does Chen Ran mean? He really worked out a melody and recorded himself singing?

She remembered Chen Ran saying last time that if it was about a song, he could help—meaning he would write a song himself.

He wasn't just joking around?

While Zhang Fanzhi was wondering, the recording came through. After a moment's thought, she opened the file.

Although she didn't have much hope for Chen Ran's singing—or rather, she had prepared herself for it to be terrible—it was his sincere intention, so she had to listen to it regardless.

As the recording opened, she heard Chen Ran let out a cough. He had been recording for a long time, so his voice was a bit dry, and he coughed to clear his throat.

Then came the crisp sound of a guitar. Hearing the guitar, Zhang Fanzhi felt that Chen Ran must have practiced diligently; it was much better than last time. After a very brief intro, Chen Ran began to sing.

"If pride hadn't been coldly slapped down by the sea of reality..."

"How would one know how much effort it takes to reach the distance..."

Chen Ran's singing technique was poor; his breathing was uneven and his voice was unstable.

Ordinarily, Zhang Fanzhi would certainly find it painful to listen to. But this time, she didn't care about the technique at all.

Her entire attention was focused on Chen Ran's song.

"If dreams hadn't fallen from the cliff in a critical moment..."

"How would one know that persistent people possess invisible wings..."

As she listened to Chen Ran’s voice, she remained in a trance-like state.

The hand holding her phone was trembling slightly.

The sudden silence made the sound of her own breathing become distinct...