"It's just as you see, he likes me, and I..." Gu Zhiyan exhaled a puff of smoke, saying with relief, "I like him too." Gu Zhiyan wasn't someone with emotional barriers. Xie Luofeng had helped her all the way, protecting her everywhere. In the wealthy circles, she relied on the Shen family; in the entertainment industry, she relied on Xie Luofeng. Her first half of life had been fraught with hardships, but the latter half was smooth sailing. Many people said that after divorcing Shen Zhenghao, she had delayed finding someone else because her feelings for Shen Zhenghao were too deep, and she couldn't move on from that marriage. She never explained, but in her heart, she thought, what was Shen Zhenghao even worth to make her heartbroken or give her deep affection? If possible, she hoped Xie Luofeng would find a good woman, get married, have children, and live a happy and fulfilling life. She was afraid of losing Xie Luofeng, which was why she had been evading his love. Today, hearing Xie Luofeng's confession, she suddenly realized that if Xie Luofeng were to leave like this, she would probably never find a man who loved her as much and whom she loved so deeply. Not all men were Shen Zhenghao, and not all marriages would fail. She should be brave enough to love and not let her previous marriage cause her to let down Xie Luofeng. When someone can't figure something out, it might take them years, but if they do figure it out, a second is enough. Gu Zhiyan's frankness caught Song Qinian and Shen Keqin off guard, leaving them unsure of what to do. Seeing their bewildered expressions, Gu Zhiyan chuckled, "What? Do you think I shouldn't have fallen for someone else?" Song Qinian and Shen Keqin shook their heads in unison, saying simultaneously, "No, no." The next second, Shen Keqin raised her hand like a primary school student answering a question, "Third Aunt, I support you dating. I think Director Xie is very handsome, talented, and a perfect match for you." Gu Zhiyan glanced at Song Qinian. Song Qinian coughed awkwardly and said, "I was in the restroom just now. I heard your conversation. I didn't expect Director Xie had waited for you for over twenty years. How many twenty years can one have in a lifetime? He must love you very, very much. Mom, I hope you can be happy." For someone like Gu Zhiyan, wealth and fame were not lacking; what was missing was someone who loved her wholeheartedly, could make her smile, and allow her to live a happy life. Gu Zhiyan suddenly smiled, walked over to them, patted their shoulders, and said, "It seems I haven't doted on you two in vain. Come on, let's go for a big meal." Shen Keqin and Song Qinian exchanged smiles, both happy for Gu Zhiyan. That afternoon, the film crew stopped work for half a day, mainly because the director, for some reason, was grinning like an idiot and kept casting shy glances at the female lead, dazzling everyone with their "titanium alloy dog eyes." Gu Zhiyan gave him several looks, urging him to focus on filming, but the great director mistook it for flirtation and almost rushed over to embrace her. No matter how old a man is, when he falls in love, he becomes like a child. Moreover, Xie Luofeng had waited for Gu Zhiyan for over twenty years. That kiss felt like New Year's for a child; he wished he could throw a grand banquet and announce it to the world. Gu Zhiyan was utterly speechless. Fortunately, the directing team was quick to react and gave everyone a half-day break to adjust. Gu Zhiyan was filming a modern drama, so she didn't need to change costumes or remove makeup, but she still had things to discuss with her assistant. When she finished and was about to take Song Qinian and Shen Keqin out for dinner, she saw Xie Luofeng waiting anxiously at the entrance, his expression one of nervousness she had never seen before. Song Qinian and Shen Keqin glanced at Gu Zhiyan, greeted Xie Luofeng obediently, and thoughtfully left them space. Xie Luofeng felt somewhat awkward facing Song Qinian, but that awkwardness couldn't compare to a single strand of Gu Zhiyan's hair. "Ayan... you... we..." Xie Luofeng, a great director who had won countless awards, was always in control and commanding on stage or on set. Yet, before a woman, he was so nervous his palms sweated and he was at a loss. "If you have something to say, just say it. When did you become so indecisive?" Compared to Xie Luofeng, Gu Zhiyan appeared much calmer on the surface. "We just kissed, and you responded to me!" Gu Zhiyan: "...So?" "You... accept my confession, right?" Before Gu Zhiyan could speak, Xie Luofeng stepped forward and took her hand. "Ayan, I know you. If you had no feelings for me at all, you wouldn't have kissed me back. We're this old now, and every minute and second is extremely precious. Give me a chance, okay?" Gu Zhiyan had never seen Xie Luofeng so humble. This man had achieved fame at a young age, was immensely talented, yet was willing to wait for her for so many years. If she were to let down such a man, she would truly be struck by lightning. "We'll see how you perform." Gu Zhiyan didn't agree directly, mainly because he had been too foolish all afternoon. If they were to be together, it would definitely affect his work. Upon hearing this, Xie Luofeng joyfully lifted Gu Zhiyan in his arms. "Ayan, I will definitely perform well. I love you so much, I'm so happy!" Gu Zhiyan was startled. "...Are you crazy? Put me down!" Gu Zhiyan wasn't afraid of scandal; she was worried about affecting the film they were currently shooting. Xie Luofeng, however, was obedient and gently put Gu Zhiyan down, his smile stretching almost to the heavens. "Ayan... Ayan..." Gu Zhiyan covered the great director's mouth. "Stop calling out. Let's finish filming first. After the wrap, I'll give you an answer." Xie Luofeng nodded, then held Gu Zhiyan's hand and kissed her palm. His eyes, full of deep affection, stared at Gu Zhiyan, and he smiled happily. "I'll do whatever you say." After handling Xie Luofeng, the three of them went to the restaurant. As soon as they sat down, Shen Keqin began to chatter. "I really can't believe it, Director Xie secretly admired Third Aunt for over twenty years. My goodness, that takes so much perseverance and deep affection!" Thinking of something, she let out a soft hum. "Unlike my third uncle, who was good at everything except for having terrible taste. He didn't want a woman as wonderful as Third Aunt, and instead went for that 'white lotus' ex. Humph, he'll regret it later." Hearing this, Song Qinian's mind drifted back to what Ji Ruxue had said. People's emotions are truly complex. Xie Luofeng loved Gu Zhiyan so purely for so many years, afraid to pressure her, only wanting her to be happy. Whereas Ji Ruxue even schemed against Shen Zhenghao to be with him. Whether Shen Zhenghao would regret it, she didn't know, but Gu Zhiyan's future would definitely be happy. Before the three of them had finished their meal, Song Qinian suddenly received a call from Lin Lanxing, saying the old lady urgently needed her to return home.
Joy
Chapter 462 Complicated Feelings