Jiang Mian just thought he was talking nonsense.
She nodded perfunctorily, "Mm-hmm."
This situation, in Ji Zhixiu's eyes, meant she didn't want to make it public at all. Although he had proposed it for the young lady's sake, if the young lady was unwilling to publicize it, that would be another matter entirely.
Thinking of this, a dull ache resonated in his chest.
"It was just a hand showing, there shouldn't be any problem. If anyone asks, just say it's a relative," Jiang Mian mused.
Then she added, "Forget it, with my popularity, maybe no one will even notice."
She wasn't some hot traffic idol, and her company didn't have the money to buy her popularity and hype.
Jiang Mian nodded, "Right, it's just a minor incident."
Ji Zhixiu watched her self-hypnotize, and his temple twitched uncontrollably. He called out loudly, "Jiang Mian."
Jiang Mian's voice was louder than his. She suddenly turned around, "What?"
"Wuwuwuwu, what if it really gets exposed?"
Ji Zhixiu was silent for a second, then reassured her, "It won't."
No one could find out that Jiang Mian was his wife.
As long as he didn't want to reveal it, no one could expose this news.
Jiang Mian stopped her fake crying, "Really... really?"
"Why don't you want to make it public?" His voice carried a hint of coldness, his jawline taut, and he stared down at her. It was as if he would do something if he didn't get a satisfactory answer.
Jiang Mian wasn't afraid of him and found his question strange. She raised her face and let out a heavy snort, turning her head away, "President Ji, I recall it was you who proposed the secret marriage in the first place."
Ji Zhixiu: "..."
Jiang Mian: "Nothing to say now, are you? You're in the wrong, aren't you? Is it my fault?"
Ji Zhixiu was speechless, choked by her words.
Jiang Mian felt a sense of triumphant pride in front of him. She put down her phone. But before she could savor her victory for long, Ning Jie's call came through.
"Jiang Mian! Go check Weibo yourself!" Ning Jie hung up after dropping this line.
Jiang Mian opened Weibo and the next second, "Damn..."
She felt sorry for Actor Song... Jiang Mian covered her face. Because of Ji Zhixiu's unintentional exposure of a hand and an ambiguously phrased remark, Actor Song Xingjia was propelled onto the trending list.
Many people were speculating if the man in Jiang Mian's life was Song Xingjia, or if they were already living together.
Of course, Song Xingjia's fans didn't believe it, because according to them, Jiang Mian's Weibo IP address was in Kyoto, while Song Xingjia's was in Hong Kong.
Jiang Mian felt a bit embarrassed and was hesitating about how to message Song Xingjia when his message arrived.
Song Xingjia: 【Don't worry about the trending topic, I'll handle it.】
It felt like a prick to Jiang Mian's heart. He didn't ask anything, didn't blame her, just told her not to worry and that he would take care of it.
She was the one causing him trouble, even "riding on his coattails," so why was he so gentle...
Jiang Mian typed, 【I'm very sorry about this, for dragging you into this undeserved trouble.】
The reply came instantly, 【Mian Mian, I'm a few years older than you. If you don't mind, you can treat me like an elder. Do you have a boyfriend?】
Jiang Mian felt it was okay to tell him, 【Yes.】
Song Xingjia: 【I see.】
Putting down her phone, Jiang Mian truly stopped paying attention to the Weibo trending topics.
...
The next day.
Ning Jie arranged for Jiang Mian to attend a luxurious cruise party hosted by a wealthy individual.
The event was star-studded, with big shots from various fields, as well as many famous producers and directors. Jiang Mian mused that given Ji Zhixiu's status, he should have also received an invitation.
Perhaps she could even meet Ji Zhixiu on the cruise that night and give him a surprise.
The event was scheduled for the evening, a cruise lasting twenty-four hours.
Jiang Mian chose a taro purple dress that reached her knees. It wasn't too eye-catching, nor too understated, making her look gentle and ethereal.
In the past, when Jiang Mian attended events, if the organizers didn't arrange styling for the less prominent artists, they had to do it themselves.
Jiang Mian had become quite skilled at it. She curled her hair, applied makeup, and then called Li Laidie.
She couldn't bring Xiang Long to this kind of venue, as there were strict attendee limits. Bringing Li Laidie was already an exception.
Holding the invitation that Ning Jie had painstakingly obtained, she boarded the luxurious cruise with Li Laidie as night fell.
Kyoto was coastal, with a beautiful stretch of sea far from the city's hustle and bustle. This cruise ship was docked there. The attendant at the entrance took Jiang Mian's invitation, glanced at it, and showed a moment of surprise before quickly telling a nearby attendant, "You escort this lady inside."
Jiang Mian didn't notice. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she surveyed the cruise ship. This cruise ship was named "Angel Star." A certain film empress in the entertainment industry had her relationship exposed here, which led to the cruise ship becoming famous for a considerable time.
The attendant carefully led her in.
Inside the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled, casting a hazy light. Conversations could be heard among small groups. Men were in suits, and women were dressed in their finest.
Li Laidie followed Jiang Mian closely, her head down, afraid of losing her.
"Miss Jiang, you can explore for a while. We'll have activities later," the attendant said.
Jiang Mian nodded and gave him a smile, "Thank you."
After dismissing the attendant, Jiang Mian eagerly followed the signs to the buffet restaurant. Since she was here, shouldn't she eat something first? However, Jiang Mian was mindful. She was wearing a dress today and needed to watch her stomach. Jiang Mian pouted, "Laidie, eat more."
Li Laidie's eyes widened, and she nodded excitedly, "Sister, it's so beautiful here."
"If you like it, take more pictures later and eat more."
"Don't worry, Sister, I saved my stomach just for this meal tonight."
Jiang Mian chuckled and found a seat. "Let's just eat something casually first, then head to the banquet hall."
Li Laidie brought her some desserts. Female celebrities also had their dietary considerations. They shouldn't eat raw, cold, or greasy food on important occasions to avoid any mishaps.
She could eat some pretty and exquisite pastries. Jiang Mian took out her phone and took two pictures.
Just as she was about to send a message to Ji Zhixiu, she heard Li Laidie point behind her, "Sister, is that Liang Qiao and Shen Tingyu?"
Jiang Mian's fingertips paused. She put away her phone and quietly followed her gaze.
Across a buffet table, not far away, Liang Qiao was saying something to Shen Tingyu. It seemed Liang Qiao had the upper hand this time, as Shen Tingyu's expression wasn't good.
Liang Qiao had her arms crossed, wearing a red dress that exuded power. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she stood in front of Shen Tingyu in high heels. In contrast, Shen Tingyu wore a white layered dress with her hair pinned up, appearing fragile, making her look like a pitiful victim.
Liang Qiao had recently regained some popularity in the company, and Shen Tingyu had entered a film crew. She had recaptured Luo Fei's heart.
She already acted as if she were the CEO's wife in the company, so Shen Tingyu's return inevitably made her a thorn in her side.
Liang Qiao raised her eyebrows, her expression mocking, "Shen Tingyu, why are you everywhere?"
Shen Tingyu tightened her grip on the wine glass and looked up, "Liang Qiao, my goal isn't you. You don't need to pick a fight with me."
Liang Qiao was furious, "You're still playing innocent? If you weren't interested in Luo Fei, why would you come here as soon as you finished filming?"
Shen Tingyu was speechless. In her opinion, ten Luo Feis were not as good as Ji Zhixiu. Why would she be interested in Luo Fei?
If it weren't for the fact that she knew Luo Fei had also sent Ji Zhixiu an invitation, she wouldn't have bothered coming to this banquet.
But she wasn't foolish enough to speak ill of her boss in front of her. She lowered her eyes demurely, "Since Sister Qiao doesn't believe me, then I have nothing more to say."
In Liang Qiao's eyes, Shen Tingyu was just a scheming woman. Liang Qiao shot Shen Tingyu a venomous glare, "We'll see!"
Between her and Shen Tingyu, only one could remain!
Jiang Mian didn't want to watch the drama unfold. She withdrew her gaze, "Enemies cross paths."
Li Laidie nodded in agreement, "Why don't we go in later?"
Jiang Mian propped up her chin, losing her appetite for desserts. "Then after you finish eating, let's go check out the view on the deck."
Li Laidie quickly finished a chicken leg and wiped her mouth. "No need, let's go now."
Jiang Mian was stunned and was pulled up by her, forgetting all about sending a message to Ji Zhixiu.
The two of them walked to the second-floor deck. The night breeze was gentle, and a few stars dotted the sky. In the distance, the lights of the shore flickered, and the rolling blue waves had a strange allure.
Jiang Mian leaned on the railing, suddenly recalling their river cruise in Ireland during Chinese New Year. A slight smile curved her lips.
"Sister, what are you smiling about? Thinking of something happy?"
Perhaps it was the pleasant atmosphere, Jiang Mian tilted her head, "Thinking about the person I like."
Li Laidie hesitated, "Is it Xiang Long's boss?"
"Yes," thinking that Li Laidie was one of her own, Jiang Mian didn't hide it from her, "We're already married."
"!!"
"The moment I saw you two, I thought you were a perfect match," Li Laidie grinned. There was a tacit understanding between them that no one else could penetrate. Although she hadn't been in a relationship, she wasn't stupid.
"Does this, rounding up, mean my favorite ship has sailed?"
Jiang Mian smiled brightly, "Yes, go get two glasses of red wine, let's have a drink."
"Alright," Li Laidie nodded, "Wait for me, Sister."
Jiang Mian opened her arms to the wind. The playful breeze lifted the hem of her skirt, and a few strands of hair brushed across her cheek.
Seen from behind, her figure was like a fairy about to ascend into the sky.
Night Wing's footsteps faltered. A hint of amazement flashed in his eyes, then he stepped forward, took off his suit jacket, and draped it over Jiang Mian's shoulders. His tone was as nonchalant as ever, "Hiding out alone?"
Jiang Mian suddenly turned her head. Seeing that it was him, she turned back and leaned against the railing, about to take off the jacket. "I'm not cold."
She was accustomed to Night Wing's elusive movements.
Jiang Mian thought that even if she saw Night Wing in the women's restroom next time, she wouldn't be surprised.
"With such a strong wind outside, aren't you afraid of catching a cold? Big brother would be heartbroken." He said it with deep affection, as if he had admired Jiang Mian for years.
Jiang Mian was unfazed by his teasing. She frowned slightly and said seriously, "Firstly, it's not certain who's older between us. Secondly, I'm really not cold, I'm burning up inside."
Jiang Mian knew her body well; she had a lot of internal heat, and this breeze felt cool, so she didn't want to wear an extra layer.
"Cold wind blowing too much can lead to headaches," Night Wing stood beside her, his tone carrying undeniable concern.
Jiang Mian took off the jacket and threw it into his arms. "Thanks, I just wanted to feel the breeze."
Night Wing looked down at the jacket in his arms and chuckled, "Okay."
He always felt helpless when he encountered this woman, who was impervious to both soft and hard tactics.
The atmosphere became slightly awkward, and Jiang Mian didn't know what to say.
Night Wing draped the suit jacket over his arm and said casually, "Don't you have a lot of questions for me? Why aren't you asking?"
"Everyone has secrets they don't want to share. If you don't want to say, why should I pry?"
She could sense that Night Wing was a person with a story, and his every appearance was surprising. But she didn't want to explore it.
Jiang Mian rubbed her arms, a possibility dawning on her, and she asked suspiciously, "This cruise party tonight, it wasn't organized by you, was it?"
Night Wing paused, then burst into laughter. "This one really wasn't."
His laughter was unrestrained and carefree. Frankly speaking, Night Wing possessed a face that could be that of a male lead. His features were exquisite, and he had a pair of amorous eyes that seemed to look at everyone with gentleness.
But Jiang Mian knew it wasn't true. His smile was just a disguise. Only this time, it seemed to be genuine.
He suddenly lowered his head and leaned close to Jiang Mian, their distance only a few inches apart, close enough for him to clearly see Jiang Mian's distinct, curled eyelashes, and the momentary panic in her bright, star-like eyes.
He smiled maliciously, making it hard to discern truth from falsehood, and exhaled warmly, "But I came for you."
Jiang Mian pushed him away, "You're not serious."
Her words, riddled with flaws, were unbelievable. If he didn't organize it, how could he know she would definitely come?