"Come, I'll drive," he said.
The two entered the elevator.
Jiang Mian was wearing a painterly dress today, with apricot-colored puff sleeves on the upper half and a khaki pleated skirt with a drawstring on the lower half.
Simple and elegant, her long legs were showcased to perfection.
She carried a small bow-shaped bag in her hand.
She looked both pure and beautiful.
Ye Yi's gaze never left her.
Jiang Mian chuckled, "It's only been a while since we last met, do you have to look at me like that?"
Ye Yi curled his lips, "I can't help it, you're so beautiful."
His eyes were clear and bright, devoid of any lust, and didn't make her feel uncomfortable.
Jiang Mian then realized his eyes were very beautiful.
Like Ji Zhixiu's, they were a very special type of phoenix eyes.
Yet, on the two men, they conveyed entirely different feelings.
She accepted the compliment with pleasure.
In the underground parking lot, Jiang Mian bent down and got into the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt.
"Do you know the way? Should I guide you?" she asked.
Ye Yi casually withdrew his hand from the navigation, his smile deepening, "I couldn't ask for more."
This Japanese restaurant was recommended to Jiang Mian by Zhao Xinxin.
It was said to have a first-class taste and exceptionally fresh ingredients.
The two entered and took a private room.
The environment was filled with Japanese elements and had a quiet atmosphere.
Jiang Mian was the first to kneel on the tatami mat, opening the menu. "What would you like to eat?"
They sat facing each other, Ye Yi propped his head on his hand, his eyes fixed on her. "Is there anything delicious?"
"The yuzu salt ramen is said to be their signature dish. Do you eat takoyaki? How about two orders?"
"Okay."
"And a sashimi platter?" Jiang Mian looked at the picture on the menu and thought it looked good.
"Okay."
Jiang Mian looked up and handed him the menu. "Is there anything you want to add?"
Ye Yi immediately shifted his gaze, took the menu, "How about some drinks?"
"Sure."
After ordering, Ye Yi asked, "Isn't the new drama premiering tonight?"
Jiang Mian nodded slightly, "Yes. It's finally airing."
She had waited a long time.
No actor didn't want to see their work broadcast.
In her early years of acting, several of her dramas had been shelved, which was a pity and unavoidable.
Now, being able to film was something she was content with.
Whether it became popular or not, like Sister Ning said, was up to fate.
Ye Yi responded, "Then we'll eat early, and I'll take you home to watch the show after we finish."
Jiang Mian was momentarily stunned, "How did you know?"
She had a habit of watching her own dramas when they aired.
She would also read the comments.
From an audience's perspective, to see where she could improve.
"I can't help it, I know everything," he said.
Jiang Mian softly scoffed, then asked, "What did you do abroad?"
Ye Yi looked at her, "You want to know?"
Jiang Mian nodded.
"I went to play, took a break for myself," Ye Yi said casually.
It wasn't that he wanted to hide it from her, he just felt there was nothing worth mentioning.
"You turned off your phone when you went out to play?" Jiang Mian raised an eyebrow.
"Did you call me? Is something wrong?" Ye Yi's first reaction was whether something had happened to Jiang Mian during his absence.
Jiang Mian shook her head, "No, I just called you. It said your phone was off."
Ye Yi looked at her, his expression extremely serious, "That was an accident. Next time, no matter when you call me, I will answer."
Jiang Mian smiled, not taking it to heart.
"Let's eat."
Jiang Mian grabbed her phone and took a picture to send to Zhao Xinxin, indicating that she had tried the recommended restaurant.
Then she picked up her chopsticks, "It looks pretty good."
After dinner, Jiang Mian returned home.
It was just in time, with ten minutes left before the show started.
Ji Zhixiu hadn't returned yet. Jiang Mian knew he was busy.
She sat alone on the sofa with some dried fish and watched the drama.
She took out her phone and posted a picture of the drama on Weibo.
Jiang Mian V: [Watching the show with everyone~ Tune in tonight, lock onto Lemon TV, two episodes every night.]
In this drama, Jiang Mian's character was initially a good person who helped the female lead, but later became an extremely complex character.
Jiang Mian was quite engrossed. The director of this drama was introduced by Song Xingjia.
He was indeed very good at directing.
From the beginning, he left the audience with suspense.
The female lead entered the palace to find her sister, and discovered there were three people who could be her sister.
One of them was Jiang Mian's character.
Because their sleeping quarters were close, they naturally became each other's first friends in the palace.
After watching two episodes, Jiang Mian turned off the TV. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
When Ji Zhixiu returned, he saw this scene.
Jiang Mian had already changed into pajamas and was lying on the sofa. Her smooth black hair was pulled to one side, and she was reading the original novel of "Jiu Li," which Ye Yi had brought her.
Xiao Yugan was nestled obediently beside her.
It had a tranquil, serene aura.
Hearing the movement, Jiang Mian looked up, and their eyes met.
Jiang Mian put down the book and put on her slippers, "Wait for me!"
Ji Zhixiu didn't know why she was in such a hurry and frowned, warning her, "Don't run."
Jiang Mian was quick and returned shortly.
She held a white porcelain bowl in her hand, a smile on her lips, "Sister Song made it tonight. I saved it specifically for you."
Ji Zhixiu looked down at the bowl of sweet taro balls.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice was gentle, "I have something for you too."
He took out the fruit tea he had brought for Jiang Mian.
He was afraid Jiang Mian wouldn't be able to sleep if she drank milk tea at night, so he specially brought fruit tea.
The little girl was obviously very happy, her eyes full of smiles.
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. The scent of milk mixed with body wash entered his nose. "Thank you, husband."
Ji Zhixiu accepted it with pleasure, pulling her to sit at the dining table.
Jiang Mian inserted the straw and took a sip, very satisfied. "It would be even better if it were cold."
There were ice cubes at home. Jiang Mian got up, intending to add two.
Then she heard the man say softly, "Your period should start in two days."
Jiang Mian pouted, "Spoilsport." She then took out her phone and ignored him.
Ji Zhixiu rubbed his forehead, "I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable when it arrives."
The little girl was very delicate. If she wasn't careful now, she would cry when her period came in a couple of days.
Jiang Mian opened Weibo and saw the trending topic for the new drama, "Lock Heart," which had premiered today and was high on the hot search list.
Both Chang Min and she had also made it to the trending list.
Having attention was a good sign. She browsed through the comments and found the reviews to be quite good.
Seeing that the little girl wasn't paying attention to him, Ji Zhixiu silently finished his sweet taro balls.
"It's time to sleep," he reminded her.
Jiang Mian slowly responded, "I'll wait for you in bed."
When Ji Zhixiu finished bathing and came out, he saw a bulge on the bed with his back to him.
He reached his large hand in and said softly, "Mian Mian."
He thought the little girl was still sulking. He called out twice, but there was no response.
Ji Zhixiu turned the little girl over and only then realized she was already fast asleep.
Ji Zhixiu sighed helplessly. No wonder she had agreed so readily earlier.
"Ungrateful little thing."
...
Jiang Mian slept until she woke up naturally.
When she went downstairs, she saw the man holding a glass of water in one hand and reading a newspaper in the other.
Jiang Mian couldn't help but yawn, "Sister Song, please get me some breakfast."
"Young Madam, is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Ji Zhixiu turned his head, "Sister Song, you can go about your other tasks. I'll make it for her."
Sister Song was happy to oblige, "Okay, call me if you need anything."
"What do you want to eat?" he asked Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian licked her lips, "I want noodles."
"Wait," the man got up.
A moment later, he placed a bowl of mixed-ingredient noodles in front of her. "Mom wants us to go back for dinner on Friday night."
Jiang Mian mixed the noodles and slowly responded, "Oh."
She couldn't even be bothered to ask if she needed to prepare anything.
After all, this man would arrange everything perfectly.
While eating, Jiang Mian said, "Is there any news about my mother's matter?"
She asked casually, it just occurred to her.
Ji Zhixiu paused, his voice as usual as he comforted her, "Don't worry, there's no news yet. We'll find out slowly."
Jiang Mian suppressed the doubt in her heart. Logically, it shouldn't take Ji Zhixiu this long to find someone.
But then again, so many years had passed, it was normal.
She nodded and continued eating her noodles, not asking further.
"Sister Ning told me about the perfume endorsement."
"Mhm, you'll come to the company this weekend to shoot the advertisement. Fan Cheng will take you there then."
They skipped the step of communicating with the company.
Jiang Mian said, "Oh— is that it?"
Ji Zhixiu nodded slightly, "The clothing and makeup company will arrange it for you. You just need to show up. After the shoot, have lunch with me."
Jiang Mian blinked, "Oh—"
After eating, Jiang Mian started to feel unwell. After going to the restroom, she saw her period had arrived.
Seeing her crestfallen face, Ji Zhixiu couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
Jiang Mian frowned, "My period has started."
"It's good I didn't let you add ice last night. Come here," Ji Zhixiu called her.
Jiang Mian no longer blamed him and trotted over.
Ji Zhixiu put his arm around her and hugged her close. "I'll have Sister Song make you a bowl of brown sugar dumplings with two eggs."
Jiang Mian replied obediently in a dispirited manner, "Okay."
She always felt unwell during her period, lacking energy and appearing weak, her complexion a shade paler.
Ji Zhixiu felt a pang of sympathy and kissed her forehead.
"Why don't you lie down for a while?"
Jiang Mian shook her head, "I want to watch TV."
There was a rerun of "Lock Heart" this morning from last night.
Jiang Mian wanted to watch it again.
Ji Zhixiu turned on the TV, "I'll watch with you."
Jiang Mian tilted her head up, "Aren't you going to the company today?"
"No, I'll stay home and spend the day with you."
With the little girl like this, he certainly couldn't be at ease going to work.
Jiang Mian watched intently. After feeding her the brown sugar dumplings, Ji Zhixiu took a napkin and wiped her lips.
"How are you feeling now?"
After drinking the warm beverage, she felt much better.
Jiang Mian felt warm all over, especially hugging Ji Zhixiu, this big warm stove.
Her spirits had also lifted. She licked her lips, "Much better."
"Can you tell which one is the female lead's sister?" she asked.
"Consort Ying," the man said flatly.
Jiang Mian blinked, "Why?"
"It's a feeling. The clues the female lead mentioned only match her. And she herself has many secrets."