She returned to her seat, many cameras pointed at her flushed and swollen face. At this point, she couldn't leave the stage and had to wait until all the actors finished their performances and the wrap-up.
She forced a smile, smiled at the cameras, and continued to watch the actors on stage with full concentration.
A young actress sat beside her. Seeing that no cameras were focused on them, she whispered, "Sister, didn't you play the Chinese female police officer in 'Crimson Cruise'?"
Su Ding turned her head upon hearing this. She had also worked her way up from the bottom filming abroad and had played many roles. This was a film she shot two years ago, and she had a relatively significant supporting role.
She hadn't expected anyone to recognize her.
The actress speaking looked to be in her early twenties, as if she had just graduated from university. She smiled sincerely and kindly. Su Ding had some impression of her; she seemed to be a former child star, named Fan Xin.
Su Ding smiled back at her and nodded.
Fan Xin giggled excitedly, her eyes curving into crescents. She whispered, "Sister, I really like you! I didn't expect to see you here! Also, your performance just now was amazing!"
Su Ding accepted the goodwill offered by the other person and nodded with a smile.
It was already nine in the evening by the time the recording of the program concluded. Su Ding walked out and discovered that it was raining heavily outside, with rumbling thunder and lightning slashing across the dark, oppressive night sky.
The wind was strong, whipping raindrops that struck her, soaking her dress.
She retreated a few steps, shivering from the cold, her fingers stiff with frost. She rubbed her arms vigorously to warm them.
Autumn had arrived, and the cold rain was bleak and chilling.
She hadn't brought a jacket with her today. Xiao Yuan had an engagement and couldn't pick her up, so she had to take a taxi home herself.
Just as she took out her phone, another clap of thunder sounded, and the rain intensified.
Hiding under the eaves offered no protection from the strong winds and heavy rain. Her hair was soaked, and her dress was drenched, leaving her in a pathetic state.
She opened a ride-hailing app on her phone, but no drivers accepted her request. She grew impatient waiting.
Suddenly, a group of people emerged from the main entrance, discussing something enthusiastically. They were the capital bigwigs.
Su Ding walked a few steps away, avoiding the need for greetings.
Then, she saw a tall, young man, surrounded by the group, turn his cold, stern face towards her.
Her heart leaped, and she quickly lowered her head.
Why was Jin Ye here? She hadn't seen him in the audience at all, and she didn't know when he arrived.
Su Ding thought about how this man might have tried to pressure her into a quid pro quo a couple of days ago, and it made her feel uneasy. He was Shao Lin's boyfriend, someone she didn't even want to touch – his character was despicable!
Soon, the group dispersed, each driving home.
The taxi she had hailed would arrive in twenty minutes. She had no choice but to wait slowly, vaguely sensing a sharp gaze fixed on her from the darkness.
She spun around abruptly and met the eyes of the tall man in the distance!
Su Ding's heart immediately sank. All the other bigwigs had gone home, but this biggest bigwig was still waiting. It wasn't as if he didn't have a car.
Then, she saw Jin Ye slowly walking towards her…
Jin Ye had seen Su Ding from the moment she stepped out, her slender, delicate figure hidden in the darkness.
Pitifully weak.
Seeing her strong, beautiful eyes in the audience today had captured him, and he couldn't forget her.
Jin Ye couldn't explain his feelings, but driven by instinct, he wanted to get closer.
Su Ding offered a polite smile, "Mr. Jin, still not heading back?"
Jin Ye remained silent, his gaze fixed darkly on the woman before him.
Her hair and clothes were wet, yet she was smiling so unnaturally. He inexplicably found this woman a bit silly.
Seeing that Jin Ye ignored her, Su Ding didn't think much of it. She turned to face the vast expanse of rain, lost in thought.
Xiao Rui would probably be worried if it rained.
A deep, magnetic voice spoke, "Come with me, get in the car."
Su Ding looked up dazedly, seeing Jin Ye's secretary, Luo Zhu, hand him an umbrella before rushing down the steps to open the car door.
She was taken aback and waved her hand, "No... no need, thank you, Mr. Jin. My car is arriving soon."
Jin Ye frowned. If she stayed out any longer, she'd definitely catch a cold tomorrow.
He lowered his face and said, "Come with me."
Saying this, he opened the umbrella he was holding, sheltering Su Ding.
Su Ding was utterly stunned.
This, this couldn't be him trying to… exploit her, could it?