When Heng Bao was three years old, Jiang Mian was nominated for Best Actress at the Magnolia Awards for her role in the Republican era drama "Three Inches of Acacia" alongside Song Xing Jia.
In recent years, Jiang Mian had been working tirelessly, moving from one project to another, earning the reputation of a dedicated worker. She had won almost every major and minor award, both domestically and internationally.
Only the Magnolia Award for Best Actress remained elusive, with fierce competition every year. Jiang Mian always narrowly missed out.
As a result, when she received the news of her nomination again, she felt more at peace than she had expected.
Sister Ning didn't put any pressure on her, giving her a few days off.
The first thing Jiang Mian wanted to do upon returning home was to see her son.
Upon arriving, she discovered that Ji Zhi Xiu had already brought their son back ahead of her.
When Jiang Mian was busy, Ji Zhi Xiu would also bring Heng Bao, heavily bundled up, to visit her on set.
The mother and son were not strangers to each other.
Upon seeing his mommy return, Heng Bao immediately rushed into her arms.
Jiang Mian couldn't go anywhere without him following closely behind. The little guy was very clingy, like a human pet.
That night, he demonstrated his desire to sleep with his mommy by lying down directly between them.
A vein throbbed on Ji Zhi Xiu's forehead as he called out his son's full name in a slightly cold tone: "Ji Heng, sleep in your own bed."
Heng Bao remained silent, inching closer to Jiang Mian.
Ji Zhi Xiu was not swayed by this tactic. He knew Heng Bao was simply refusing to speak, protesting silently.
Jiang Mian hugged her son tightly, hesitating: "Perhaps... we could let our son sleep with us tonight?"
Ji Zhi Xiu frowned, "He's three years old!"
The implication was that he should be sleeping by himself by now.
"He's only three!" Jiang Mian protested, "You're too harsh on him."
The couple exchanged a look.
Ji Zhi Xiu pinched the bridge of his nose, silently conceding defeat, and compromised, "Fine, let him sleep with us."
Heng Bao, content, hugged his mommy's arm and said in a milky voice, "Mommy, tell me a story."
"Okay," Jiang Mian picked up a storybook from the nightstand and began to read.
Before she could finish, she saw Heng Bao had fallen asleep.
Jiang Mian breathed a sigh of relief.
Carefully observing the changes in her son's features over the years, she couldn't help but sigh, "A Xiu, Heng Bao looks exactly like you."
Ji Zhi Xiu, his face stern, walked through the crook of Heng Bao's legs and scooped him up.
Jiang Mian quickly straightened up, "What are you doing?"
"Taking him back to his own room," Ji Zhi Xiu said calmly.
Jiang Mian paused for a second, then waved her hand, "As you wish."
After returning from taking Heng Bao to his room, Ji Zhi Xiu casually turned off the light.
In the darkness, he kissed the red lips he had longed for, his voice hoarse and captivating, filled with endless longing, "Wife, I miss you..."
Jiang Mian missed him just as much. She ran her hands through his rough stubble, and broken moans escaped her lips.
At this moment, both heart and body were perfectly aligned.
After it was over, Jiang Mian felt as though she had been fished out of water.
She didn't want to move another inch.
Ji Zhi Xiu reached for a drawer.
Jiang Mian sensed his intention, her eyelashes fluttering. "No more..."
Ji Zhi Xiu paused, burying his head in her neck. "We haven't seen each other for a month..."
Even though she knew he was playing the victim, Jiang Mian couldn't help but soften.
It had indeed been a while, and Jiang Mian knew he had been holding back.
She pursed her lips, "Then... be gentle..."
"Okay," he agreed readily.
Just as he was about to continue, a voice came from the doorway, "Daddy, Mommy..."
Jiang Mian panicked instantly, all other thoughts gone. She pushed him, "It's Heng Bao, he's awake, quickly open the door."
Ji Zhi Xiu's expression turned as dark as a pot bottom; he instantly felt like throwing this son out the window.
Seeing his lack of reaction, Jiang Mian grew anxious and flustered, "Please, husband, get up quickly, okay?"
Knowing she was inconveniencing him, her face flushed slightly. She closed her eyes and whispered something in Ji Zhi Xiu's ear.
A flicker of surprise and delight crossed Ji Zhi Xiu's eyes.
"I promise, you can do whatever you want," she added hastily, afraid he wouldn't believe her.
Ji Zhi Xiu let out a low chuckle. "Fine."
He got up.
Jiang Mian quickly tidied herself and said to the door, "Heng Bao, wait for Mommy."
The door opened, and Heng Bao stood at the doorway looking pitiful, "Daddy and Mommy don't want me anymore?"
Ji Zhi Xiu's narrow eyes narrowed, and he scoffed inwardly.
Jiang Mian felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and quickly scooped her son onto the bed, "Of course not, Mommy loves Heng Bao the most. Go back to sleep, Mommy will coax you."
Heng Bao whispered, "I don't dare to sleep, I'm afraid if I fall asleep, Mommy will disappear."
Jiang Mian's guilt reached its peak. She softly said, "No, Mommy promises you, when Heng Bao wakes up, Mommy will definitely be here."
Ji Zhi Xiu stood by the bed, watching Ji Heng's performance, a vein throbbing on his temple.
He deeply regretted bringing his son home today.
The next morning, before Jiang Mian had even woken up, Ji Zhi Xiu had already sent Heng Bao back to the old residence.
Mother Ji was startled. Although she also missed her grandson dearly, had he returned so soon?
Seeing her son's displeased face, Mother Ji asked, "What's wrong?"
Ji Zhi Xiu said coldly, "Mom, Ji Heng needs to sleep alone now."
As an experienced mother, Mother Ji understood immediately.
She coughed twice, unable to hide her smile, "Alright, alright, Mom understands. It's not a big deal. Leave this to me."
Jiang Mian was very unhappy that Ji Zhi Xiu had sent their son back without a word.
For several days, she didn't give him a pleasant look.
Ji Zhi Xiu knew he was in the wrong, but he didn't regret it.
Jiang Mian didn't speak to him at all until the Magnolia Awards ceremony.
That evening, Jiang Mian attended in grand style.
She wore a limited edition Spring/Summer haute couture gown from a French luxury brand.
Having just become the global spokesperson for this high-end brand this year, she was adorned in a smoky grey, high-slit cheongsam, exuding a captivating beauty with every movement.
Her black hair was styled into a bun, secured with a wooden hairpin, with a few strands of hair falling across her forehead, like a beauty stepped out of a landscape painting.
Amongst the crowd of actresses, she possessed a unique aura, establishing her own distinct style.
This was the second time she had walked the red carpet arm-in-arm with Song Xing Jia.
Compared to a few years ago, Jiang Mian now displayed a more confident and at ease demeanor.
As they passed the press area, a reporter asked Jiang Mian, "Will Mr. Ji be here to support his wife today?"
Jiang Mian replied with a hint of annoyance, "Whatever he wants, whether he comes or not."
This statement immediately trended on social media, with the media speculating whether the couple was experiencing marital problems.
Working overtime to scrutinize the details, the headlines even suggested that the couple had divorced and were living their separate lives.
Sister Ning knew the moment she saw it that the couple must have argued.
She was troubled but didn't want to waste time clarifying.
After all, times had changed. Every move Jiang Mian made now could potentially trigger a trending topic, attracting much attention from gossip mongers.
After Jiang Mian and Song Xing Jia sat down, Song Xing Jia asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Did you have a fight with Mr. Ji?"
Jiang Mian shook her head, "No, we never fight."
Ji Zhi Xiu never argued with her; they simply couldn't have a disagreement.
He preferred to remain silent rather than say anything harsh to her.
Thinking of this, Jiang Mian paused, suddenly missing Ji Zhi Xiu dearly.
Song Xing Jia understood, "So it's you being angry unilaterally."
Jiang Mian complained softly, "As soon as I got home and didn't spend much time with our son, he sent Heng Bao back to the old residence."
Song Xing Jia had no response to this and changed the subject, "This year, all the nominees with you are seasoned actors."
Jiang Mian's heart was calm, "I've come to terms with it. If it doesn't happen this time, I'll work harder."
Song Xing Jia was surprised, "What if it's you?"
Jiang Mian replied honestly, "I haven't thought about it."
Song Xing Jia chuckled, "Maintain a good mindset."
The awards ceremony was long and tedious. Jiang Mian listened attentively as the host lightened the mood, applauding from time to time.
But her mind had long since drifted elsewhere.
Thinking that she hadn't spoken to Ji Zhi Xiu for several days, Jiang Mian suddenly felt a pang of regret.
So much so that when her name was suddenly called, Jiang Mian was still a little slow to react.
The camera panned to Jiang Mian, her absentmindedness and bewilderment clearly visible in her eyes.
Comments flooded the screen.
[Help, how is she so cute]
[Is she thinking about what to do if she divorces and can't rely on Mr. Ji anymore?]
[Wife!! Stop spacing out! Go up and accept the award!!]
[Her reaction is so real haha]
Song Xing Jia looked somewhat helpless and said in a low voice, "Mian Mian, wake up."
The host also chuckled and announced again, "Let us congratulate this year's Best Actress. She is Fang Man Man in 'Three Inches of Acacia,' who sought revenge for her family with an unyielding spirit and served the country with unwavering loyalty. And she is also the practical actress Jiang Mian, who has steadily forged ahead step by step outside of the drama—!"
Jiang Mian snapped back to reality, finally standing up and walking to the podium to receive her award.
The presenter was an older actress with whom Jiang Mian had worked before.
Seeing her win, the relief in her eyes was evident.
She patted Jiang Mian's shoulder, "Everything was worth it."
Jiang Mian suppressed her excitement and nodded, "Thank you, teacher."
The host asked, "This is Mian Mian's first Magnolia Award for Best Actress. It's clear Mian Mian is very excited. Do you have anything you'd like to say to everyone?"
Jiang Mian held the trophy, gazing at the dense crowd below, her mind going blank for a moment.
"I..." Her voice choked.
Unsure who started it, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
She paused for a moment, then a bright smile spread across her face, "I am deeply honored to receive this award. It would be a lie to say I'm not happy; it's true that I'm very surprised. Because I never thought I'd have a chance this time. As everyone knows, there's even a running joke online about Jiang Mian and the Magnolia Awards—if Jiang Mian is nominated, she's automatically ruled out."
The audience erupted in good-natured laughter.
Only Ji Zhi Xiu, amidst the crowd, remained silent. He hugged his son tightly and smiled helplessly, "Your mommy always lacks a bit of confidence in herself."
Heng Bao, wearing a mask that covered his entire face, revealed only his bright, clear eyes.
He said earnestly, "Mommy is amazing!"
"Of course."
On stage, Jiang Mian took a deep breath and continued, "So I am very grateful to everyone—the directors, producers, partners, and my fans. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I hope this is not an end, but a new beginning. In the future, I will continue to inspire myself to do better and to reward everyone with more excellent works."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd, then she spotted a familiar face and for a moment almost thought she was mistaken.
Until Ji Zhi Xiu said softly, "Say hello to your mommy."
He then lifted his son, and Heng Bao extended his young hand, waving at his mother.
Jiang Mian's heart trembled with surprise and joy, as if brilliant fireworks were erupting within her.
This man, coming alone was one thing, but he even brought their son. Did he believe she would win so much?
A glittering mist welled up in Jiang Mian's eyes, her voice soft, "Of course, I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support from behind the scenes, which allowed me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my work."
"I love him, and this love will never change."
As her words fell, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Jiang Mian's gaze remained fixed in one direction, and the camera soon found it.
After the awards ceremony, the GIF of her gazing affectionately at the stage and him waiting in the audience with their son became a classic romantic image for countless onlookers.