Conversations from just outside the changing room drifted into Jiang Mian's ears.
Her pupils constricted abruptly. She hadn't expected him to be so audacious.
The thrill of potentially being discovered at any moment made Jiang Mian's heart pound so fiercely it felt like it would leap into her throat.
Her earring brushed against the wall with the slightest movement, swaying in a graceful arc.
Jiang Mian's fingers loosened their grip on her skirt, and the voluminous gauze gown instantly filled the entire changing room, leaving nowhere to stand.
Ji Zhi Xiu propped himself up above Jiang Mian.
If anyone were to lift the curtain, they would see the breathtaking beauty of the woman beneath the man's arm.
The overwhelming tension made Jiang Mian's chest heave uncontrollably, fueling the man's desire.
It wasn't that he didn't want to restrain himself, but the young lady was simply too beautiful.
In this attire, she resembled the most elegant and noble goddess from ancient Greece or Rome, a beauty too sacred to be desecrated.
Yet, he inexplicably craved to leave his mark on her, to imbue her with his scent.
Jiang Mian's peach blossom eyes flickered, holding a multitude of emotions.
Ji Zhi Xiu instantly discerned the girl's shyness and nervousness.
His eyes held a smile. As if nothing were out of the ordinary, he shamelessly tasted the sweetness from her lips, even slowly and deliberately caressing her soft lips again and again.
Jiang Mian was so overwhelmed by the sensation that she felt like she was about to cry!
Her limbs were stiff, and she could only weakly grasp his hem, searching for a point of support.
She was like a vine or a flower branch clinging to a great tree.
A glistening film of moisture appeared at the corners of her eyes.
Ji Zhi Xiu was undoubtedly the person who understood her best.
Even in this situation, he could still expertly tease her.
Seizing a moment to catch her breath, Jiang Mian whimpered softly, "Someone... will hear us... my lipstick is all gone...呜..." kuAiδugg
Beyond the curtain, Staff Member B hesitated, "Still haven't found it."
Staff Member A: "Should we check the changing room?"
Staff Member B: "No way, look, the light is on, someone's inside."
The current situation made it difficult to disturb anyone, and she was just a small staff member. She nodded, "Then let's hurry and check the car, maybe it was left there."
"Let's go."
The footsteps of the two gradually faded away.
Jiang Mian let out a heavy sigh of relief, her eyes still red and moist.
Ji Zhi Xiu calmly observed the girl's appearance, a slight swell in his chest, a spark of desire igniting in his eyes.
He knew that if he continued, he wouldn't be able to stop.
He released the girl, his large hand swiftly pulling her closer as she slid down.
Jiang Mian's breathing was ragged. Even without looking in a mirror, she knew that anyone who saw her now would know what had just happened.
Compared to her state,
The man remained composed and indifferent, not even a crease on his clothes.
Jiang Mian felt indignant. She pressed her tongue against her cheek, took a deep breath, grabbed his tie, and pulled him down, quickly pressing a lipstick mark onto his white shirt collar.
Then, she said with mock ferocity, "You're not allowed to wipe it off!"
She wanted to make this man feel ashamed all day with this lipstick mark!
Ji Zhi Xiu raised an eyebrow, his dark, deep eyes fixed on her lips. He lowered his head, smiled faintly, and asked in a slightly raised tone, "Are you sure?"
The little girl was like a fierce but adorable... little rabbit, unbelievably cute.
"I'm sure!" she declared angrily.
Ji Zhi Xiu good-naturedly replied, "Alright."
He unhurriedly smoothed down the girl's skirt, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and he gently reminded her, "You go first. Remember to put on some makeup."
Jiang Mian snorted from her nose.
Holding her skirt with one hand, she sneakily lifted the curtain with the other.
Jiang Mian's cute action made Ji Zhi Xiu chuckle inwardly, a hint of pampering flashing in his eyes. He calmly said, "No one's here, don't worry."
Jiang Mian peered left and right, afraid someone might suddenly appear and catch them.
Once she confirmed no one was around, Jiang Mian turned and gave him a look that was both coy and chiding, "I'm leaving!"
She hurried back to the previous resting room, lifting her skirt. Li Zhuyi looked surprised, "You didn't find the film crew, sis?"
Jiang Mian covered her mouth and mumbled, "Find the lipstick in my bag and give it to me, I need to touch up my makeup."
Li Zhuyi quickly rummaged through her bag, found the lipstick, and handed it over. "Here."
Jiang Mian pursed her lips and quickly reapplied her makeup in the mirror. Then she stood up and asked, "How do I look now?"
Li Zhuyi gazed at her, a little uncertain, "I remember this shade wasn't this red...?"
Jiang Mian suppressed the heat rising in her cheeks and calmly explained, "I layered it."
"Then it's fine, it's very pretty," she nodded.
...
Jiang Mian stood before the film crew's room and knocked.
"Oh, it's Jiang Mian, come in, come in!"
Director Wang opened the door for her.
A group of people, all actors from the film crew, were seated in the lounge.
They were all familiar with each other and exchanged greetings.
Jiang Mian scanned the room but didn't see the familiar figure she was looking for. A hint of disappointment flickered within her. She lifted her skirt and asked Director Wang, "Director Wang, is Song Xing Jia really not coming?"
The cheerful atmosphere froze for a moment.
Director Wang poured a glass of water and sat on the sofa, sighing, "I haven't been able to contact Xing Jia, so..."
Song Xing Jia was the biggest draw for this film.
If Song Xing Jia didn't attend, the film crew would undoubtedly be greatly disappointed.
Director Wang comforted them, "It's alright, it doesn't matter if Xing Jia isn't here. We're just here to have fun. Whether we win any awards or not, it's not important."
"Come, come, drink some water, don't all be so glum."
He smiled broadly, already content with the four award nominations.
Jiang Mian nodded, and everyone gradually became lively again.
Before long, the door was knocked again.
The supporting actress glanced back, "Our entire crew is here, who else could it be?"
She nudged the supporting actor, "Quick, quick, go open the door."
"Could it be the movie star Song?"
Everyone harbored a faint hope in their hearts.
Yet, they knew it was unlikely. If he were coming, he would have arrived by now.
The supporting actor, under everyone's gaze, stood up with a smile, "Alright, let's see who the distinguished guest is."
He opened the door. Chang Min and a few others stood at the entrance, smiling, "We came to visit."
"Welcome, welcome."
"Come in!"
The small flicker of hope that had just ignited in Jiang Mian's heart was instantly extinguished.
She quickly adjusted her expression and smiled, "Sister Min."
The room was spacious, with four dark brown sofas and several stools. A water dispenser was placed in the corner.
As Chang Min entered with three artists from her studio, the room became even more lively.
This year, she had been nominated for Best Film for a true story adaptation of a police undercover operation to rescue rural women.
Today, she wore a pale white slip dress, her hair permed into waves, exuding a gentle aura.
After greeting Director Wang, Chang Min sat beside him, smiling, "What's wrong? You seemed a little unhappy when I came in?"
Jiang Mian quickly shook her head, "No, no, I'm very happy to see Sister Min."
To her, Chang Min was also a familiar face.
After all, they had collaborated on a Qing Dynasty drama, "Lock Heart's Chronicle."
Chang Min patted her shoulder, "Are you thinking about Xing Jia?"
Hearing Chang Min mention Song Xing Jia so casually, Jiang Mian's eyes suddenly sparked with hope, "Are you very familiar with Movie Star Song, Sister Min?"
Chang Min held her tea, her gaze distant, "We... my debut work was with Xing Jia, and he was my first on-screen kiss."
Jiang Mian asked anxiously, "Then does Sister Min know where Movie Star Song has gone, to be absent for so long?"
The outside world was rife with wild rumors. Some unscrupulous media outlets claimed Song Xing Jia had already retired, gotten married, and had children. Others speculated that his prolonged silence meant he was likely in trouble.
Jiang Mian knew the truth could never be as maliciously speculated as they were.
His fan club and top Weibo influencers were as active as ever, just as when he was present.
They organized charity events, posted fan art, and never missed a beat.
Chang Min blinked. Seeing how anxious she was, she teased, "What? Are you very concerned about him?"
"Sister Min, please stop teasing me. Movie Star Song is a senior to me."
Chang Min sighed, "Indeed, you also collaborated on this film. However, I don't know where he's gone either."
Chang Min had met Song Xing Jia when she was eighteen. It had been nearly ten years.
She knew that the gentle and polite man, Song Xing Jia, had never truly let anyone into his inner world.
While he appeared to be caring and considerate towards everyone, he maintained a sense of distance from all of them.
She couldn't help but recall the scene of her first meeting with Song Xing Jia.
At eighteen, she had been discovered by a scout due to her striking beauty.
Her first role was in a historical romantic comedy arranged by the company.
Chang Min came from an ordinary family and had never faced so many cameras before.
On her first day on set, she found herself in a predicament.
Seeing her extreme timidity, her agent requested a few days for her to go back and receive some training.
A week later, Chang Min, full of confidence, forgot her lines the moment she saw Song Xing Jia.
She had never seen anyone so handsome. She had only seen him on television before.
Seeing him in person was a completely different, overwhelming experience.
The director grew impatient, "Chang Min! Is this the result of your week-long delay?!"
Chang Min jolted back to reality, her face flushing red to the roots of her hair. She was both startled and panicked, fearing she would lose this job.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Song Xing Jia smiled gently, reassuring her, "It's alright, take your time."
His eyes, like sparks in the dark night, gave Chang Min hope. A gentle warmth bloomed in her eyes, and he extended his hand towards her.
Taking a tissue from his assistant, he offered it to her, "Director, don't rush, let's build some rapport first."
On Song Xing Jia's account, the director stopped speaking. Or perhaps he grumbled a few more words, but Chang Min couldn't recall them.
She only remembered the man's gaze.
And her own timid self at that moment.
She reached out to take the tissue but, in her nervousness, her fingers brushed against his.
Chang Min's mind went blank for a few seconds; she didn't even know how to speak.
Song Xing Jia chuckled softly, placed the tissue in her hand, and said gently, "Wipe your tears, don't be nervous."
On set, Song Xing Jia offered her immense help.
He allowed her to experience the joy of this profession, and it was he who solidified an idea in her mind.
She wanted to stand taller, to become better.
On the last night of filming, while his assistant was packing, Chang Min cornered Song Xing Jia and, summoning her courage, asked, "I... can I contact you often... in the future?"
Having finally said it, she felt a slight sense of relief, but her heart pounded even harder.
It was like being tossed into a frying pan, repeatedly seared.
Song Xing Jia paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course."
And so, Chang Min smoothly obtained Song Xing Jia's phone number.
She only dared to send a greeting message on holidays.
Receiving a few brief words of reply was enough to make her overjoyed.
Much later, Chang Min realized that Song Xing Jia didn't want to cross any boundaries with anyone.
He had said "Of course," not "Then I'll keep your number."
"Sister Min, what's wrong?" Jiang Mian shook her arm.
Chang Min snapped back to reality, "It's nothing, don't worry. Although I don't know where he is, he'll definitely be alright."
Jiang Mian blinked, "I think so too."
They looked at each other and smiled.
A soft knock on the door sounded again, startling everyone.
Director Wang frowned, "Could it be the staff? It's not our turn to go on stage yet."
The supporting actor pouted, "I opened the door just now, it's your turn now."
The supporting actress glanced at him and casually said, "I'll open it, maybe it's Movie Star Song—"
As soon as she finished speaking, she opened the door.