Zhao Wuyan felt a pain like her liver and gallbladder were cracking. Listening to Tang's mother's words, she sneered inwardly but was helpless.
Life had to go on.
Tang Si's actions had plunged her into despair, but Tang's mother had a point...
People's hearts are made of flesh and blood.
She believed that if she was attentive and kind enough, she could surely win him back.
...
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Meng Jingwei returned to the film crew to shoot.
As soon as she arrived, she encountered Qiao Ziqian.
"It's been a while since we last saw each other. How have you been lately?" She walked up to Qiao Ziqian, her tone towards him exceptionally gentle.
Meng Jingwei believed that the death of Qiao Ziqian's 'girlfriend,' Nan Shuang, had dealt him a fatal blow. Therefore, she had been sending him messages recently, but he had rarely replied.
Qiao Ziqian, wearing a gray casual jacket, showed a strained smile when he saw Meng Jingwei. "Happy New Year. I'm sorry I haven't replied to your messages much lately."
"I understand," Meng Jingwei nodded. "The deceased are at peace, and the living carry on. You're stronger than I imagined."
"People always have to look forward," Qiao Ziqian shrugged and let out a long sigh. "Death is a release for Shuangshuang."
"It's good that you can think of it that way," Meng Jingwei said with emotion, then added, "Work hard. I'll treat you to hot pot after work tonight."
"Okay, sounds good," he nodded.
Meng Jingwei gestured towards the makeup room. "I'm off."
With that, she walked towards the makeup room.
As soon as she entered, she saw someone sitting in her usual seat.
Upon closer inspection, she realized that the person sitting in her spot was Su Meiyi.
"What are you doing?"
Meng Jingwei walked towards her and questioned her directly.
Su Meiyi, who was sitting in her seat, stood up immediately upon hearing the voice, hurriedly moving aside and giving her an awkward smile. "What are you doing here?"
As she spoke, her unfocused gaze flickered towards the makeup table. Meng Jingwei followed her line of sight and found a small potted plant on the table.
It was a small money tree planted in a goose-yellow little duck flowerpot.
Seeing the money tree, Meng Jingwei looked at Su Meiyi with a suppressed expression, only to see Su Meiyi smile somewhat timidly. "Um... I bought a small potted plant today, and I bought an extra one. I felt it would be a waste to throw it away, so I brought it over for you."
Ever since Lu Sen had told her that she had been used by Tang Wanxing, and that Tang Wanxing had then tried to 'kill' her, Su Meiyi had learned the truth from Lu Sen. Knowing that she had misunderstood Meng Jingwei multiple times, she began to proactively show goodwill.
Meng Jingwei looked at the potted plant on the table, raised her eyebrows slightly, moved the chair, and sat down. She leaned down to look at the small green plant and flicked its verdant leaves. "There's a saying, isn't there... 'Unsolicited kindness'..."
She didn't finish the sentence, but Su Meiyi understood her meaning.
"Don't overthink it. I really just brought you a potted plant as a casual gesture," Su Meiyi quickly explained.
But after her explanation, Meng Jingwei kept her head down, fiddling with the plant, and didn't acknowledge her.
She stood by anxiously, wringing her hands, her face drooping, completely devoid of her usual arrogant demeanor.
After hesitating for a long time, she finally mustered the courage and said, "Actually, Lu Sen told me everything. I know I... I misunderstood you before. But it really wasn't me that day you fell into the water. Although I hated you back then, I never intended to kill you. Really, I'm telling the truth."
She stuttered her explanation, but before she could get any reaction from Meng Jingwei.