Shen Family.
Shen Muyuan, in a silver-grey suit with his hair neatly styled, stood downstairs. He glanced at his watch and called out, "Shen Mianmian, are you ready yet?"
"Coming, coming!" Shen Tingyu replied repeatedly.
Hearing this familiar address, she couldn't help but curve her lips.
Mother Shen chided, "Muyuan, you shouldn't be indulging your sister. You have important business to attend to, how can you bring Tingyu along?"
Shen Muyuan smiled faintly, "It's alright, Mom. Mianmian is also a young lady of the Shen family. What is this kind of occasion? It's perfectly fine for her to want to go out and have some fun."
"You just spoil her." Mother Shen said this, but she was clearly pleased with the good relationship between the siblings.
Shen Tingyu descended the stairs at a leisurely pace. She lifted the hem of her skirt and twirled in front of Shen Muyuan, "How is it, brother? Do I look good?"
For today's occasion, she had meticulously chosen a deep purple puff-sleeved evening gown. Wearing it, she looked radiant, no longer the frail appearance of her usual days.
Shen Muyuan was momentarily stunned. He hadn't noticed it before, but today, he felt his sister bore a resemblance to Jiang Mian.
Not knowing why he suddenly thought of her, he quickly collected himself.
He then smiled, "My sister is, of course, the most beautiful."
Shen Tingyu, satisfied, linked her arm through his. "Then let's go, brother."
"Let's."
The two bid farewell to Mother Shen and left the house.
Slipping into the back seat, Shen Tingyu rested her head on Shen Muyuan's shoulder. "Brother, I know I shouldn't cling to you to bring me to events like this, but I get so envious seeing everyone else go. It also makes me sad that I don't have any good works nominated..."
Shen Muyuan turned his head and affectionately pinched her nose. "It's okay. You are a young lady of the Shen family. What does it matter if you go? You're still new, take your time. If it's not this time, it will be next time."
Shen Tingyu smiled softly. "Mhm! Today, I'm not a big star at all. I'm just brother's little princess."
They arrived at the entrance of the film festival. Shen Tingyu was very low-key, not stealing any thunder, and followed Shen Muyuan in to take their seats.
As soon as they entered, she spotted Ji Zhixiu in the crowd.
The venue lights had not yet fully illuminated, and the seats were sparsely occupied.
The media area was at the end of the red carpet. This place seemed to be isolated from the surrounding clamor.
The aisle space was narrow, and it was evident that the man's long legs beneath his suit trousers had nowhere to rest. His legs were slightly bent, knees straight, and black leather shoes were hidden in the darkness.
He was looking down, his clean, fair fingers idly fiddling with his phone. The light from the phone screen cast a faint glow on his face.
The man's profile was like jade, his jawline sharp, his nose straight, and his thin lips curved slightly upwards, exuding an air of nobility.
His aura was powerful, and he seemed isolated from the outside world.
Shen Tingyu did not miss the slight smile at the corner of his lips.
He was smiling? He was actually smiling? What was this man looking at?
She clenched the hem of her skirt, wanting to go up and greet him.
Her fingers turned white as she dug into the fabric. Shen Tingyu took a slow, steady breath, suppressing her emotions.
Regarding the Jiang Mian incident last time, Ji Zhixiu not confronting her was truly beyond her expectations.
She had a faint feeling that this matter would not pass so easily.
In front of Shen Muyuan, she chose to remain silently obedient.
Shen Muyuan sat beside him and said gently, "Zhixiu."
Almost the moment he sat down, Ji Zhixiu naturally closed his phone. His eyes were calm and emotionless, his gaze as cold as frost. "Muyuan."
Shen Muyuan smiled, quite surprised. "I didn't expect you to come as well."
Ji Zhixiu glanced at Shen Tingyu, then withdrew his gaze, leaning back slightly. "The judging panel invited me."
Shen Muyuan turned to Shen Tingyu on his right. "Mianmian, why aren't you greeting Zhixiu?"
Ji Zhixiu's heart skipped a beat.
That nickname... it had been too long since he'd heard it from Shen Muyuan.
If Shen Muyuan hadn't called Shen Tingyu that and he hadn't overheard it, he wouldn't have mistaken her.
Complex emotions swirled in his eyes, like a dense ink pooling within him.
Shen Tingyu was also startled for a moment, but quickly smiled and said, "Zhixiu."
Her voice was timid, and she felt a hint of guilt in her heart.
Only Shen Muyuan could not detect it.
He frowned imperceptibly. Could it be that his little sister hadn't let go of Zhixiu yet?
Ji Zhixiu's expression was cold, and a cold smile flickered across his lips. He responded with a faint "Mm."
He wouldn't even give her a glance.
Shen Tingyu's heart sank...
Despite being separated only by Shen Muyuan, sitting so close, he felt worlds away, unattainable.
This man always gave her the impression of being unfathomable.
She gave a self-deprecating laugh. So what if the judging panel invited him?
He probably came because of Jiang Mian.
The atmosphere between them grew tense.
Even Shen Muyuan sensed something was amiss.
He said uncomfortably, "Zhixiu, I've been away for so many years. Please take care of Tingyu for me."
He felt at ease entrusting Tingyu to Ji Zhixiu.
Only Zhixiu could protect Tingyu safely.
"No need," he said flatly.
Since Shen Muyuan brought it up, Ji Zhixiu decided to speak. "Excluding the three years she spent abroad, she hasn't really needed my help much over the years."
"Consider it settled with that matter." His expression was indifferent, his eyes sharp.
He didn't explicitly state it, but Shen Muyuan knew what he was referring to.
When they were children, swimming together. Ji Zhixiu's leg cramped unexpectedly, and it was Shen Muyuan who used all his strength to pull him to safety.
From then on, Ji Zhixiu had promised to owe Shen Muyuan a favor.
Over the years, Shen Muyuan hadn't taken it to heart, and had even forgotten about it.
He hadn't expected this man to still remember.
His heart was complex, yet he knew that asking Ji Zhixiu to look after Shen Tingyu was indeed difficult for him.
He was always cold and aloof, indifferent to everything, yet he was expected to take good care of Tingyu out of respect for him.
Shen Muyuan nodded. "Alright."
Shen Tingyu frowned, not understanding what they were talking about.
What matter was it?
After Ji Zhixiu finished speaking, he remained silent.
The light and shadow cast faintly on his face.
Shen Muyuan asked curiously, "Zhixiu, what is that on your collar?"
Ji Zhixiu didn't react for a moment, but soon, he realized what it was and said calmly, "Nothing."
Shen Muyuan had clearly seen it and felt a vague sense of anger, his brows furrowed tightly. "Zhixiu, that's a woman's lipstick mark."
Shen Tingyu's gaze snapped to him, staring at Ji Zhixiu, wishing she could see through him. A lipstick mark?? Whose?!
Ji Zhixiu lowered his eyelids, slowly curling his lips, his voice tinged with amusement. "Scratched by a sharp-clawed little cat."
Shen Muyuan froze. Was he joking?
He couldn't discern Ji Zhixiu's true meaning.
However, he couldn't help but think of Jiang Mian.
If this lipstick mark wasn't hers, would she be sad if she saw it?
Shen Muyuan gave a self-deprecating smile. What was he doing? Wasn't this meddling?
He opened his mouth to ask more.
Ji Zhixiu's probing gaze swept over his face. "You seem to be asking quite a lot today."
Shen Muyuan smiled helplessly. "I'm just concerned about you."
...
Chang Min didn't chat for long in Jiang Mian's film crew room and decided to leave.
As Chang Min was leaving, Jiang Mian stood up to see her off.
Chang Min then got to see the full view of her dress. A hint of astonishment flashed in her eyes. "Aphrodite?"
This level of detail couldn't be achieved by a replica.
Besides, who would wear a replica on the red carpet? It would be a laughingstock.
Jiang Mian hadn't expected to be recognized so quickly. She smiled shyly. "Does it look good?"
Chang Min affirmed, "It's beautiful. You'll definitely be the most stunning one walking the red carpet later."
"Let's go, don't keep him waiting too long."
Someone had knocked on the door earlier, telling them to prepare quickly.
Jiang Mian nodded and went out with her.
Returning to her own dressing room, Chang Min calmed the storm in her heart.
It was indeed Aphrodite.
A gown designed by viastr with Greek mythology as its backdrop.
Jiang Mian was actually wearing this gown, the most coveted evening gown by all the noble ladies.
It was so beautiful, a gown that all girls couldn't resist.
Even she... couldn't resist it.
Just a small film festival, what was her background?
The artist following behind her, with keen insight, poured her a cup of tea. "What's wrong, Sister Min? Are you tired?"
Chang Min rubbed her forehead. "I'm fine."
A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. Then she thought, that man, Song Xingjia, probably wouldn't show up.
Jiang Mian was supposed to walk the red carpet with Director Wang.
Unexpectedly, the organizers notified her to walk alone. She was stunned for a second, but Director Wang decisively said, "That's a good thing! You go ahead."
So Jiang Mian, holding her skirt, walked onto the red carpet.
She was graceful and composed, her facial expression perfectly managed. After taking just a few steps, the weight behind her suddenly lightened.
Immediately, countless screams erupted. Jiang Mian felt a premonition and was about to turn around when a refined aura enveloped her shoulder.
The man's eyes were gentle, his lips curved in a smile, and his handsome face held a steady composure. Every move he made captivated everyone present.
Song Xingjia bent down to lift her skirt for her.
They exchanged a glance, and everything was unspoken.
The immense surprise made Jiang Mian's smile even sweeter.
Until they finished walking the red carpet and stood before the backdrop, Jiang Mian smoothly signed her name.
Her heart was still burning.
He had actually come.
Seizing an opportunity, Jiang Mian quietly called out, "Actor Song."
"Good girl, I'm here." His voice was incredibly comforting.
After signing his name with a few strokes, he turned around and embraced Jiang Mian.
This action made everyone go wild.
The film festival was being live-streamed online.
This scene sent everyone into a frenzy.
Especially Song Xingjia's fans.
[Ahhhhh he actually appeared!!!]
[He must be here to support Chen Wenya!!!]
[Hubby is so handsome!! Haven't seen him in so long!!]
[I'm going crazy, I'm going crazy!!]
[It's the living Song Xingjia!!!]
[The CP I shipped has come true!]
"I thought you weren't coming," she said very softly.
But Song Xingjia still caught it.