The two sat side by side in the back seat. Song Xingjia handed her a cup of coconut water, "Try it."
Jiang Mian curved her lips and accepted it, "You're feeding me again."
Song Xingjia leaned back in his seat, his posture relaxing slightly, "Everyone gets one. I just didn't want to disturb you while you were filming, so I saved it for you until last."
"Thank you, it's sweet."
"Where are you from?" he asked, as if making casual conversation.
"My hometown is in Jiangnan. I grew up with my grandma. Jiangnan's scenery is as beautiful as a painting. If you have a chance, come visit. I'll be your guide."
He smiled gently, a barely perceptible hint of depth in his eyes, then said softly, "I've been there, but I only stayed for a day before leaving."
"Why only such a short time? Next time you come, you must try our Jiangnan specialties, and the glutinous pastries, they're absolutely divine." As Jiang Mian spoke, she couldn't help but recall the texture. Her grandma used to make them for her often.
Song Xingjia's gaze lowered slightly, and he nodded with anticipation, "I'll go when I have the chance. I'll definitely ask you to be my director then."
Jiang Mian finished her coconut water in one gulp, "Okay. By the way, after this movie is done, will you return to Kyoto?"
Actually, Jiang Mian didn't want to ask this question; it felt a bit like prying. However, Ji Lanruo wanted to know Song Xingjia's next plans and asked her to be sure to inquire.
Song Xingjia paused for a second, then mused, "Not necessarily."
There were many family matters to attend to. He needed to go back and help his elder brother, so he might not have time to return to Kyoto. It was more likely he would go directly back to Hong Kong.
"Why, do you want to see me?" he asked in a low voice.
"Your countless fans want to see you," Jiang Mian quipped, her mind racing.
Song Xingjia smiled helplessly, "You're right."
...
Since that birthday banquet, Shen Tingyu had confined herself to her room, not eating or drinking for several days.
At the dinner table, Shen's mother's worry was evident. Shen's father saw her state and put down his chopsticks, "If you're worried about Tingyu, why don't you go and talk to her properly."
Shen's mother then realized she had overlooked his feelings these past few days. She apologized, "I'm sorry, husband... Tingyu has always been obedient since she was little. This blow is too great for her."
Shen's father sighed, "Although Ji Zhixiu is good, matters of the heart cannot be forced. Tingyu is also excellent, what kind of man can't she have? Why cling to one tree?"
Shen's mother couldn't help but defend her daughter, "But Tingyu likes him..."
Shen's father waved his hand, "I know. Whether it's giving up or fighting for it, the first thing is to eat well. Your body can't collapse. Go upstairs and persuade her."
Shen's mother nodded and stood up, "Thank you, husband. I'll go now."
She walked up to the second floor and knocked on the door.
Shen Tingyu lay on the bed like a walking corpse, quietly staring at the ceiling. Hearing the noise, her eyes didn't change.
As soon as she closed her eyes, she remembered the man's heartless words that night, and the intimate scene between him and Jiang Mian. It was like a dagger piercing her heart, unbearable.
"Tingyu, let Mom in, okay? Seeing you like this, Mom is worried..."
"Tingyu, you were always the most obedient and sensible child. You said you would protect Mom forever and not leave me alone."
"But how can you do this to yourself? You're killing me..."
Shen's mother's voice, laced with tears, came through the door.
Shen Tingyu suddenly jolted as if waking from a dream. She pushed herself up to get out of bed, but almost fell to the ground because she hadn't eaten for days.
She stumbled towards the door, opened it, and looking at her mother's red eyes crying for her, she finally couldn't help but burst into tears, "Mom... I really love him... Do you know? I really love Ji Zhixiu."
"Mom knows, Mom knows." Seeing her daughter's pale lips, Shen's mother's heart ached.
She helped her daughter inside and sat her on the edge of the bed, gently stroking her back, her voice filled with affection, "It's okay, it's okay... Crying it out will be better. Our Tingyu is the best. Don't be sad, Mom is here with you..."
Shen Tingyu silently shed tears, leaning on her mother's shoulder, feeling a sense of reliance. She pleaded, "Mom, I want to marry him. As long as I marry him, we can take it slow later, and he'll surely accept me."
Shen's mother wiped her tears, "You eat well first, and Mom will figure out the rest."
"Okay, I'll eat now."
Shen's mother called a servant to bring her some congee with vegetables. After not eating for many days, her stomach couldn't handle eating suddenly, so she could only start with light liquid food.
Shen Tingyu was obedient and ate all the food Shen's mother brought her. After eating, she wiped her mouth and held her mother's hand.
"Mom, you'll help me, right?"
Unable to bear seeing her daughter's sadness any longer, she nodded in agreement, "Don't worry, Tingyu, whatever you want, Mom will help you. But you have to promise Mom first that you'll eat well from now on and won't scare me like this again."
Shen Tingyu nodded vigorously, "Don't worry, Mom, I won't do anything foolish again. I must win Ji Zhixiu back."
"Also, will staying in all these days affect your work?"
Shen Tingyu found her phone on the bedside table. After eating, she felt a bit of strength. She turned on her phone and saw many missed calls from the director, her assistant, her agent, and even Luo Fei.
She gently pushed Shen's mother out of the room, "Mom, I've cheered up now, you don't need to worry about me anymore. I need to deal with some work matters. Go and spend some time with Dad. You've been worried about him these past few days, and you've been worried about yourself too. Spend more time with him."
Closing the door again, Shen Tingyu first dialed Luo Fei's number. After a few seconds, the call was answered, and his tone was impatient, "Shen Tingyu, do you the hell know you're filming? You signed a contract, and you disappeared from the set without a word, playing dead with me? If you don't want to do this drama, plenty of people can replace you."
"Liang Qiao is waiting for the lead role in this drama. I'm telling you, if you don't want to film it, pay the breach of contract fee and get lost!"
Even through the phone, Shen Tingyu could feel his anger. It could be said that this was the first time Luo Fei had spoken to her like this. Whenever she saw this man before, he was always gentlemanly and polite. Had he finally revealed his true colors?
She sneered silently, but her voice remained sweet and soft, "I'm sorry, Mr. Luo. I wasn't feeling well these past few days and only woke up today. As soon as I woke up, I called you back. I apologize. I will explain to the director. Please don't be so angry."
Hearing her explanation, Luo Fei's anger subsided somewhat. He said calmly, "Shen Tingyu, you've taken great advantage of your position at Luo Corp. Don't make me remind you. Do what you're supposed to do. Also, you'd better get to the set today. Catch up on the progress you've missed in the past few days."
"Of course, I'll be there shortly. Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Luo. It's all thanks to your repeated help that I have this opportunity to shine." She smiled slightly, "If there's a chance, I will definitely repay you handsomely."
If she hadn't borne some resemblance to Jiang Mian and could be used to satisfy his desires, this woman would have been worthless.
Luo Fei raised his eyelids and twirled the pen in his hand, "No need for so many sweet words, they get tiresome."
As he hung up the phone, he heard his assistant say, "Mr. Luo... Liang Qiao is outside and wants to see you."
"Let her in."
Liang Qiao strode in with confidence, her high heels clicking, but her demeanor faltered the moment she saw the man. She walked around the desk and sat on his lap, her arms around his neck, her red lips parting, her breath seductive, "Luo Fei, I haven't seen you in a while. Have you been busy lately?"
Luo Fei's nose was filled with the scent of her perfume. His large hand naturally rested on her chest, "Qiao Qiao, be good, I'm very busy."
Liang Qiao had been with him for many years and knew that the internal struggles within his family were fierce. For him, an illegitimate son, to climb to where he was today was not easy.
Hearing this, a hint of heartache mixed with dissatisfaction flickered in her eyes. "Luo Fei, I'm being good. But how do you treat me? You're pushing a newcomer, Shen Tingyu, and she's almost surpassing me!"
"As the company's face, I've brought in so much money and benefits for the company over the years. Hasn't that helped you establish yourself in the Luo family? And you, have you forgotten the old for the new?"
"Darling, how can Shen Tingyu compare to you? Isn't it good for me to promote her? It's also beneficial for you to mentor new talent. In this industry, you're from the same company; you should present a united front. Why are you starting an internal conflict?" Luo Fei slowly unbuttoned her qipao.
Liang Qiao's body softened, and she couldn't help but moan, but she still remembered the purpose of her visit. She said unhappily, "I've listened to you and appeared on a show with her. But you gave her the lead role in that drama. What am I to you?"
Luo Fei chuckled, "Liang Qiao, why are you competing with a newcomer like her? Or are you jealous?"
Liang Qiao's blush deepened as he hit the nail on the head.
Desire flared in the man's eyes, and his voice turned hoarse. Just as he was about to unbutton her last button, he heard his assistant rush in, "Mr. Luo, the eldest young master is here!"
Luo Fei's eyes cleared instantly, and Liang Qiao also snapped back to reality. She stood up and quickly put on her clothes.
The next second, the eldest young master Luo walked into the office. He looked around and, seeing Liang Qiao and Luo Fei, a mocking smile curved his lips, "What are you two up to in broad daylight?"
Liang Qiao stood straight, "Just here to discuss matters with Mr. Luo."
Luo Fei looked up at his elder brother, his expression mocking, "This is my territory. Even as my elder brother, you should announce yourself before entering next time."
"Ha? Your territory? How ridiculous. A bastard with that meager amount of shares really thinks he's part of this family? Luo Fei, if it weren't for your deceased mother's methods, would you be where you are today? I advise you to have some self-awareness. Everything you eat, wear, and use, which of it isn't from the Luo family? Stop putting on airs."
Luo Fei had experienced this kind of scene many times since returning to the Luo family. His expression remained unchanged, but his fists under the table clenched tightly, then slowly loosened, "So what? I am the CEO of Luo Corp."
The assistant trembled beside them, while Liang Qiao looked at Luo Fei with a complex expression.
Mentioning this matter, he deeply regretted it. If he had known this entertainment company would become so profitable, he would never have let his father hand the company over to this bastard.
But it was too late to say anything now. The man let out a contemptuous snort, "I'm here to tell you not to forget to return for the Zhou family banquet this week."
"Don't worry, elder brother, I won't forget."
After the man left, Liang Qiao walked over and hugged him, "Luo Fei, I believe in you. You are capable, and one day, you will crush your elder brother and all those who have bullied you."
Luo Fei lowered his gaze and caressed her fair neck, "Qiao Qiao, you won't betray me, will you?"
Liang Qiao felt a chill run down her spine, but she still replied, "Of course."
Luo Fei smiled with satisfaction.