Category: Reborn to Stew Soup (GL)

Chapter 93: Pregnancy

Though frustrated, Director Pan was freed from the prosthetic belly, his dignity as a director… somewhat preserved.

He thoughtfully ate half the bag of dates, then called Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou over. He said the belly was indeed too heavy and he would have the props department adjust it, using this weight for the final, full-term belly, and reducing the weight for the earlier stages. Ji Junxin looked confused, while Mi Hongdou was relieved. This weight was already Ji Junxin’s limit, and she couldn’t ask for further reductions now. She would have to work with the props department later.

Mi Hongdou’s relief was short-lived.

Although he conceded on the weight, Director Pan had a new requirement: Ji Junxin should wear the appropriate prosthetic belly even off-screen to get used to it, for a more natural performance. So, from now on, even when not filming, Ji Junxin would have to wear that padded cloth, gradually increasing the weight as the plot progressed.

Mi Hongdou was horrified.

It was January, and they would be filming the estate scenes for about two months. Wearing a prosthetic belly even when not filming meant Ji Junxin would have to wear it for two whole months?

“No!” Mi Hongdou immediately objected. “Even with reduced weight, it’s still heavy. It’s different from a real pregnancy, all the weight is supported by the straps, it’s bad for her back. During filming, it’s unavoidable, for realism, but wearing it all the time, for two months, it’s too much.” She bombarded Director Pan with reasons.

Mi Hongdou’s firm and resolute tone made Pan Xiang, who had never seen anyone contradict Director Pan so directly, retreat behind Jiang Lingling, no longer as bold as when she teased him about the straps.

Director Pan, however, wasn’t angry. He frowned and thought for a moment. “If she doesn’t get used to it, her performance will be unnatural. And the gradual increase in weight won’t be effective. And the pregnancy scenes will only last for about a month, not two.”

Then don’t use the gradually increasing weight! Mi Hongdou wanted to say, but seeing his serious expression, she knew it was pointless. And the duration, right, she had miscalculated, the last month was after the birth.

Mi Hongdou remained silent. Director Pan continued, “Having her wear it all the time is indeed a bit much. How about this, whenever we change to a new weight, she wears it for a night after filming to get used to it. And every day, after filming, she wears it for two hours at night, or two hours before filming the next morning. Until the next weight change. How about that?”

It was a significant concession… but it still seemed a bit much. Mi Hongdou bit her lip and looked at Ji Junxin, who, thinking she was asking for her opinion, nodded, saying it was fine.

…She hadn’t even started negotiating! Why did she agree! Mi Hongdou regretted looking at Ji Junxin.

Director Pan, seeing Ji Junxin’s nod, his expression softened. Ji Junxin was a professional, a good student.

But before he could praise her, Mi Hongdou interrupted, “No, that won’t do.”

“Ji Junxin agreed, what’s the problem?” Director Pan raised an eyebrow. “Xiaomi, you’re acting like Ji Junxin’s manager. Those managers always say no, it’s not very endearing, don’t be like them.”

Jiang Lingling touched her chin, it seemed like Director Pan’s comment was directed at many people.

Being endearing wasn’t enough… Mi Hongdou ignored Ji Junxin’s earlier agreement and continued arguing, “Three hours the day before the weight change is fine. But she already wears it all day during filming, there’s no need for another two hours. She can just put it on a little earlier before filming and walk around, that’s enough. Right?” She tugged at Ji Junxin’s hand.

Ji Junxin’s hand, as if electrocuted, tightened its grip, her gaze wandering, but she still supported Mi Hongdou, softly agreeing.

“Even if she gets used to the weight, she might not be able to maintain the feeling of being pregnant. I still want her to experience the gradual increase in belly size. How about this, she wears a light, cotton-filled one at night, adding more cotton as the plot progresses, not heavy, just to get used to the feeling. She wears it after filming, until bedtime. How about that?” Although it felt a bit strange, Director Pan, his gaze fixed on Mi Hongdou, reiterated, “Just cotton, not heavy, very soft, and it’s cold now, it won’t be too warm.”

Just cotton, she couldn’t use the “bad for her back” excuse anymore. Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin for her opinion.

Ji Junxin, having learned her lesson, didn’t want Director Pan to criticize Mi Hongdou again for interfering. Although she didn’t mind wearing a light, cotton belly at night, she still said that whatever Mi Hongdou decided was fine.

Director Pan, looking at the pensive Mi Hongdou, clicked his tongue. Mi Hongdou was really protective of Ji Junxin, not willing to let her suffer at all.

“O…kay…” Mi Hongdou agreed reluctantly. She had been trying to get Ji Junxin an easier deal, but with Ji Junxin’s trusting gaze, she couldn’t refuse.

“Okay, settled then!” To everyone’s surprise, Director Pan didn’t add any further conditions, but just waved his hand. “Are you full? Go change and get your makeup done.”

Everyone filed out. Mi Hongdou, the last to leave, glanced back at Director Pan, who seemed to be in a good mood, and wondered if she had been manipulated.

She had been, of course. Director Pan had tried on the prosthetic belly himself and knew how uncomfortable it was. He wouldn’t torture Ji Junxin unless he had a grudge against her. From the beginning, he had only had two goals: one, get used to the new weight the day before, and two, let Ji Junxin experience the gradual increase in belly size, more specifically, the emotional changes caused by the physical inconveniences of pregnancy.

When negotiating, if you wanted a thirty percent discount, you started by asking for seventy percent. That way, even if the final discount was only thirty percent, the other party would readily agree, thinking they had gotten a good deal.

Director Pan, a veteran of the industry, although seemingly giving in to Mi Hongdou’s repeated objections, had achieved his goal. He looked at the half-eaten bag of stuffed dates. Mi Hongdou’s cooking was truly excellent, otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered with this elaborate manipulation, he would have just given a direct order.

He wondered what Mi Hongdou would make next time… He popped a date into his mouth, his eyes narrowing. He would definitely make time next time!

So, because of Director Pan’s strange requirement, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s life for the next month was… eventful. Well… perhaps only for Mi Hongdou?

Director Pan was right, the pregnancy scenes at the estate lasted for a little over a month.

During this month, Ji Junxin wore the rice-filled prosthetic belly during the day and the lighter, cotton-filled one at night. Mi Hongdou, well-prepared, borrowed Jiang Lingling’s kitchen and baked a large batch of various snacks, using them to befriend the props department. After several exchanges, the ten-pound, full-term belly was reduced to less than seven pounds, and the earlier ones were also proportionally lighter. Director Pan even checked the weights a few times, and although he didn’t explicitly criticize the “corner-cutting,” he looked at Mi Hongdou sternly.

Well… a few glares were a small price to pay for reducing the weight, Mi Hongdou thought, undeterred.

Director Pan was frustrated. He was the one who had come up with the prosthetic belly idea, shouldn’t Mi Hongdou have tried to bribe him first? Why did everyone in the props department get snacks, and he didn’t even get a single cookie? Even after two inspections, his hints ignored, it wasn’t scientific!

Mi Hongdou really… hadn’t noticed.

More accurately, after Ji Junxin started playing the pregnant woman day and night, all her attention, besides acting, was on taking care of Ji Junxin.

Knowing Ji Junxin from her previous life, and from their recent interactions, Mi Hongdou knew that Ji Junxin’s success, besides her talent, was also due to her ability to immerse herself in her roles. Playing a character and becoming a character were different. Ji Junxin’s easy immersion meant she could capture the essence of a character, which was an advantage in acting.

But now, following Director Pan’s instructions, wearing the heavy, rice-filled belly during the day and the lighter, cotton-filled one at night, constantly immersed in the role of a pregnant woman, even reading books about pregnancy, Mi Hongdou had a bad feeling about Ji Junxin’s increasing immersion.

Sure enough, after about ten days, when Ji Junxin’s prosthetic belly grew to five months’ size, Mi Hongdou’s premonition became reality.

She had known something was wrong, but she hadn’t expected it to manifest in… food.

That afternoon, Mi Hongdou finished filming early, while Ji Junxin still had two scenes. Mi Hongdou went back to the hotel, planning to have dinner ready when Ji Junxin returned.

Her timing was perfect. The crucian carp and tofu soup was simmering, the braised pork was tender, and Ji Junxin arrived just as she finished stir-frying the vegetables. But then, Ji Junxin refused the fish soup.

Mi Hongdou thought she had misheard and asked Ji Junxin to repeat herself.

“I’m not having fish soup, pregnant women get nauseous from fish soup,” Ji Junxin said seriously.

Mi Hongdou, looking at the five-month prosthetic belly, felt a jolt. “You’re just acting pregnant, you’re not really pregnant!”

Ji Junxin replied without hesitation, “Director Pan asked me to wear this even when not filming, to get into character. So, of course, I have to act like a pregnant woman.”

Ji Junxin’s serious expression made Mi Hongdou speechless, she couldn’t tell if she was serious or not.

After Ji Junxin didn’t touch the fragrant fish soup throughout the meal, Mi Hongdou finally believed her.

After all, as a foodie, Ji Junxin wouldn’t normally be able to resist such a tempting dish.

That night, Ji Junxin’s change worried Mi Hongdou. She had been fine when Mi Hongdou left the set, why was she now refusing fish? Had she been planning this, or had something happened after Mi Hongdou left? Mi Hongdou was confused and subtly asked Jiang Lingling, who was also on set, but… got nothing.

In the next two days, Mi Hongdou cooked dinner twice, even making hawthorn cake and steamed crabs, both considered taboo for pregnant women, but Ji Junxin didn’t touch them. Mi Hongdou finally accepted that Ji Junxin was serious this time.

It was just food, if Ji Junxin thought this would help her performance, Mi Hongdou didn’t mind. She had just been surprised that Ji Junxin would give up food for the sake of acting.

But Ji Junxin’s changes didn’t stop there.

Two days after the hawthorn cake and crab incident, Ji Junxin, wearing her six-month belly, complained to Mi Hongdou, “My back aches…”

So, what else could she do but offer a massage?

At first, Mi Hongdou thought Ji Junxin was just tired from filming. But after massaging her back, Ji Junxin pointed at her legs pitifully. “Pregnant women’s legs often cramp, the bigger the belly, the more frequent the cramps.”

Mi Hongdou felt a sense of dread.

Both morning sickness and leg cramps were part of the plot. And it was the young empress who took care of Miao Qianye during her pregnancy, cooking for her, massaging her… but that was in the script, why was Ji Junxin still in character after filming?

Mi Hongdou thought Ji Junxin was joking. So, the first time, she just gave her legs a quick massage. After all, massaging a fake pregnant woman’s legs to prevent cramps seemed ridiculous.

That night, however, Mi Hongdou was woken up by whimpering sounds from the bed next to hers. At first, she thought she was dreaming. Ji Junxin hadn’t overeaten or eaten anything spicy, why was she whimpering? But the sound persisted, becoming clearer, and Mi Hongdou woke up.

Listening carefully, it was indeed Ji Junxin. Mi Hongdou sat up and turned on the light.

Panicked, she almost pulled back Ji Junxin’s covers to check on her. But as soon as Ji Junxin spoke, Mi Hongdou wanted to turn off the lights again…

Not indigestion… not heartburn… not even hunger. Leg cramps… What leg cramps! Was she really pregnant or something? … Mi Hongdou was exasperated and told Ji Junxin to take off the prosthetic belly before going to sleep. If she kept wearing it day and night, she would lose her mind. She wasn’t even pregnant, what leg cramps?

But Ji Junxin, clutching the blanket, refused to take it off.

Ji Junxin’s unusual behavior was becoming more frequent. Although she claimed it was to stay in character, Mi Hongdou felt that this wasn’t what she, or even Director Pan, wanted. But Ji Junxin’s reasoning was too official, her attitude too firm, Mi Hongdou, although feeling uneasy, didn’t know what to do.

Finding a solution that wouldn’t discourage Ji Junxin while also preventing her from getting too immersed wasn’t easy. Mi Hongdou was still pondering it when Ji Junxin had this episode. The problem was escalating, and Mi Hongdou, seeing that encouragement and detachment were mutually exclusive, became more forceful in her request for Ji Junxin to remove the belly.

Although her tone was less gentle than usual, Mi Hongdou was still trying to coax her. But Ji Junxin, usually easily swayed, was now completely unmoved. She buried her head under the covers when Mi Hongdou tried to talk to her, and when Mi Hongdou tried to pull back the covers, she curled up into a ball, refusing to listen.

Normally, Mi Hongdou wouldn’t dare to be so forceful with Ji Junxin in bed. But this time was different. Ji Junxin’s immersion had become excessive, ignoring everything she said. This wasn’t good. Actors becoming too immersed and it affecting their real lives wasn’t uncommon, it happened more often than reported. Some were more severely affected, while others might not even notice it themselves. But not noticing it didn’t mean it wasn’t there, it just meant that there were no immediate, obvious symptoms, but it didn’t mean that similar triggers wouldn’t worsen the situation later. Excessive immersion was definitely not a good thing.

In Mi Hongdou’s opinion, Ji Junxin’s situation was no longer a minor issue.

So, that night, facing the cocoon-like Ji Junxin, she was determined to remove the prosthetic belly and break her immersion.

Mi Hongdou frowned, rubbed her hands together to warm them up, and then, without hesitation, reached under the covers.

Ji Junxin’s bed was very warm. Thinking that it was Ji Junxin’s warmth, Mi Hongdou hesitated for a moment, then continued reaching.

She slowly reached towards Ji Junxin’s waist where the belly was tied, her hand brushing against the warm blanket… the bedsheet… the nightgown… flesh… flesh?

Her hand touched… warm, no, hot, soft skin. Mi Hongdou froze. This idiot… couldn’t she even keep her nightgown properly closed? Her waist was completely exposed!

Mi Hongdou’s hand froze, unsure what to do.

Just then, Ji Junxin, feeling the warmth of Mi Hongdou’s hand against her lower back, shifted slightly.

Her warm body brushed against Mi Hongdou’s palm, a strange sensation spreading through her hand, to her body, then settling in her heart. Mi Hongdou, half-squatting, her mind reeling, quickly retracted her hand. But her legs suddenly felt weak, and she almost fell.

Chapter 92: Radish Cake

Director Pan had asked to meet in his tent. Mi Hongdou figured it was about filming, so Ji Junxin tagging along wasn’t a problem. The scissors request was strange, but the props department had everything. After a quick detour, Mi Hongdou now held a small, gold-plated pair of scissors.

The scissors were small, gold, and looked delicate and cute. Ji Junxin, waiting outside, couldn’t resist examining them on their way to the tent.

“Don’t play with sharp objects while walking.” Mi Hongdou stopped, looked around, and guided Ji Junxin to the side of the path. “Look here, be careful not to cut yourself.”

I’m not a child… Ji Junxin mentally complained about Mi Hongdou’s overprotectiveness, but she appreciated it. The small scissors were sharp and functional, their only unique qualities being their size, color, and delicate craftsmanship.

Seeing Ji Junxin’s fascination with the scissors, Mi Hongdou smiled. “You like them that much? Do you know which scene they’re for?”

“…” Ji Junxin thought for a moment, confused. “It shouldn’t be… my scene, right?” She should remember if it was.

Seeing Ji Junxin’s confusion, Mi Hongdou’s smile widened. “It is your scene. They’re essential props for… delivering your baby!”

“…” Ji Junxin suddenly remembered. In that scene, she just had to lie down, no wonder she didn’t know about the scissors. Thinking about the birthing scene, she paused, then said slowly, “You’re the one delivering my baby in that scene.”

It was a statement, although a strange one, but Mi Hongdou nodded. “Yes, the props department asked me to be careful with them and return them after use, or there will be no birthing props left. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…” Ji Junxin recalled the scene description in the script. It hadn’t seemed unusual before, but now, she felt a little uncomfortable.

Fortunately, that scene was still far off… Ji Junxin took a few deep breaths, composed herself, and said they could continue to Director Pan’s tent.

So, the little gold scissors were confiscated by Mi Hongdou again, using the “no sharp objects while walking” rule.

Ji Junxin followed, glancing at the scissors. So, some rules only applied to her? It was… a little sweet…

As they approached the tent, they ran into Jiang Lingling and Pan Xiang, also heading there.

Mi Hongdou figured that Pan Xiang, as Director Pan’s granddaughter, was naturally allowed, and as for Jiang Lingling, who could stop her? And she wasn’t the one who brought her, so she didn’t mention Director Pan’s message. She figured it was just about filming, and with everyone here, it couldn’t be anything serious.

So, the four of them went to the tent together.

Director Pan was regretting his decision. The prosthetic belly was incredibly uncomfortable. Standing made his legs and back ache, sitting made his stomach ache… he could only shift between sitting and standing, pacing back and forth, it was pure torture. He had called Pan Xiang countless times, but she hadn’t answered. He was exhausted and worried about being seen like this by the crew, what would happen to his authority as a director? … So, he decided to call Mi Hongdou instead. He had a good impression of her.

Of course, this good impression only lasted until the moment she entered.

Director Pan, slumped in his chair, holding the prosthetic belly, looking utterly defeated, saw Mi Hongdou enter, his eyes lighting up. But before he could ask for her help, Ji Junxin also entered. He felt a pang of frustration. He should have known, those two were inseparable… well, Ji Junxin was sensible, and it was for her sake that he was suffering like this.

“Xiaomi…” he said weakly, then stopped abruptly as he saw Jiang Lingling following behind Ji Junxin.

No! Why Jiang Lingling too! Ganging up for meals was one thing, but ganging up to watch him suffer? Director Pan’s heart broke, and he pointed at Jiang Lingling with a trembling finger. “Jiang Lingling, close the door, now!” He didn’t want to know how many more were coming, three was already enough.

Jiang Lingling, startled by his angry tone before she could even see him clearly, instinctively closed the flimsy door. She was used to obeying Director Pan.

Before Director Pan could even relax, there was a knocking sound.

The makeshift tent wasn’t exactly soundproof.

Pan Xiang’s surprised voice came from outside: “Why is the door closed? What’s wrong? Open the door! Grandpa? Grandpa? Grandpa?”

Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin, and Jiang Lingling had already seen Director Pan’s predicament. A grandpa with a pregnant belly… it was strangely cute.

They weren’t particularly surprised. After all, it was Jiang Lingling who had suggested it during dinner. They just hadn’t expected to witness it firsthand. But judging by Director Pan’s expression, he didn’t seem to welcome their presence… They wanted to continue watching, but for the sake of their own safety, they looked away.

The three stood by the door, trying to suppress their laughter. Director Pan, sitting opposite them, his head throbbing from his granddaughter’s increasingly loud calls, felt like his soul was about to leave his body.

“Is there anyone else out there besides Pan Xiang?” he asked weakly, his voice almost drowned out by the shouting.

The three shook their heads.

“Let her in, then close the door.” He had already been seen by three people, one more wouldn’t make a difference.

Jiang Lingling opened the door. Director Pan, ignoring his foolish granddaughter, said to Mi Hongdou, “Xiaomi, give me the scissors.”

Mi Hongdou looked at the prosthetic belly… so that was what he wanted the scissors for. She quickly handed them over, feeling a little guilty about the three of them coming together like this.

When Pan Xiang entered, Director Pan was cutting the straps with his back turned. Seeing the prosthetic belly, she burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny? Come and help me!” He had intended to just cut the ends of the straps, so it would be easier for the props department to repair them, but cutting with his back turned was difficult.

Pan Xiang wasn’t afraid of him, she wasn’t an actress, heh. Handing her things to Jiang Lingling, she didn’t take the scissors, but stood behind him and quickly untied the knot he had been struggling with.

“See, no need for scissors. You’ll ruin the props department’s hard work.” She held the heavy belly, ignoring Director Pan’s darkening expression. “So, how does it feel? Heavy, isn’t it?”

“Hmph.” Director Pan, freed from the belly, snorted. “Yes, you’re so capable. I called you earlier, why didn’t you answer?”

Pan Xiang put the belly aside, a little embarrassed. “I had my phone on silent, and I was eating, I didn’t notice.” She took back her things from Jiang Lingling and offered them to Director Pan. “Radish cake, want some?”

“No, no!” Director Pan said angrily. “You didn’t even answer my calls, eat it yourself!”

“Aiya, why are you so angry? You didn’t answer my call later either. I thought you were busy, so I came quickly.” Pan Xiang shook the greaseproof paper package. “Really not eating?”

“No!” Although still feigning anger, Director Pan’s expression softened. He casually flipped over his phone, which was on the table. Several missed calls, she still had some filial piety. Radish cake, it did smell good, as an apology, it was acceptable.

Just as he was about to forgive her and accept the apology, Pan Xiang pulled back the radish cake and happily ran back to the peanut gallery.

“Have you had breakfast? The breakfast chef Jiang Lingling hired this time is really good, especially the radish cake, it’s so fragrant. Don’t worry, this isn’t leftover, it’s a fresh one.” Pan Xiang held out the two packages. “Want to try some? Two flavors, original and with a secret sauce.”

She shook the packages, and the aroma of radish cake filled the air.

Mi Hongdou was about to say they had already eaten, but seeing Ji Junxin’s gaze lingering on the packages, she knew she was tempted. Ji Junxin hadn’t accepted earlier, probably because she was embarrassed about having already had breakfast, Mi Hongdou thought, feeling that her assessment was accurate.

“Okay,” she said, taking the two packages from Pan Xiang.

Ji Junxin’s gaze shifted from Pan Xiang’s hand to Mi Hongdou’s.

Food in hand, a happy foodie…

“Original or with sauce?” Mi Hongdou asked gently.

Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou hesitantly. “But… I…”

Her hesitant tone and expression made Mi Hongdou think that she was afraid of being criticized for eating too much after already having a sticky rice roll. It was her fault, she had stopped Ji Junxin from eating the dates last night, and Ji Junxin had been unhappy.

Balancing a healthy diet and a good relationship was difficult…

“It’s okay, you didn’t eat much for breakfast, a little radish cake is fine.” Mi Hongdou couldn’t bear to see Ji Junxin’s conflicted expression and wanted to indulge her. “How about the one with sauce? It’s supposed to be a secret recipe.” She was about to hand it to Ji Junxin.

Ji Junxin took a step back, not taking it, still hesitant, but she finally managed to say what she wanted. “Actually… I was wondering… could we share both, half of each? I want to try both…”

Mi Hongdou, having completely misjudged the little foodie’s intentions, was stunned… In some aspects, she still didn’t understand Ji Junxin well enough!

“They’re all yours…” Mi Hongdou’s lips twitched.

“Let’s share,” Ji Junxin said, her voice slightly coquettish.

Mi Hongdou couldn’t refuse…

It was too cold outside, they might as well eat here. So, they went to a corner and started eating the radish cake.

Jiang Lingling whispered to Pan Xiang, “Those radish cakes are quite big, it’s hard to share, right? Should I get more from the car?” She was so considerate.

“No need.” Pan Xiang glanced at the two sharing the radish cake. “They can just break it with their hands. Or… feed each other. Don’t bother, it’s too much trouble, and eating too much breakfast isn’t good.” The future was uncertain, it was better to cherish the present. And most importantly, Jiang Lingling, look at their loving interaction, stop obsessing over Mi Hongdou! The world-weary Pan Xiang was also worried about Jiang Lingling.

Jiang Lingling paused, those words… this little girl was quite perceptive.

“What about Director Pan? Should we get him some?” Thinking about the suffering Director Pan, Jiang Lingling felt a little guilty. Although she didn’t know why he was wearing the prosthetic belly, it was her idea.

“He probably doesn’t want any, he just firmly refused. Let’s not bother him.” Pan Xiang, unknowingly, had just thrown her grandfather under the bus again.

Their whispered conversation went unnoticed by Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin.

Ji Junxin was captivated by the two packages of radish cake, and Mi Hongdou… her attention was, as always, on Ji Junxin.

As the saying goes, eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer. Winter radishes were considered as nourishing as ginseng.

They tried the original flavor first. Ji Junxin insisted that Mi Hongdou also try some. Mi Hongdou, unable to resist her soft, almost coquettish request, reached out to break off a piece, but Ji Junxin stopped her, saying it would get oily on her fingers, and urged her to just take a bite.

Mi Hongdou remembered their sticky rice roll mishap the day before. Exchanging half-eaten food was embarrassing enough, and now they were feeding each other? The thought made her blush, and she hesitated.

Seeing that Mi Hongdou wouldn’t take a bite, Ji Junxin took one herself, and then Mi Hongdou followed suit.

Ordinary radish cake was made with shredded daikon radish and rice flour, steamed.

The radish cake Jiang Lingling’s chef made was more elaborate. Also made with shredded radish and rice flour, it also contained chopped dried shrimp, minced meat, preserved pork, and preserved sausage, steamed, then pan-fried. With more ingredients and steps, it was naturally more fragrant.

The pan-fried surface was crispy and fragrant. The inside was soft and slightly chewy. The added ingredients were finely chopped, their individual flavors indistinguishable, but together, they created a complex and delicious blend: the sweetness of radish, the fragrance of rice flour, the richness of preserved pork, the savoriness of shrimp, the meaty flavor of minced meat, and the smoky aroma of sausage.

It was truly delicious! Even Mi Hongdou had to admit it. Looking at Ji Junxin’s shining eyes, she felt that the path of a chef was long and arduous, she had to work harder to capture the little foodie’s heart.

The radish cake was delicious, but the portion wasn’t large, and radish aided digestion, so Mi Hongdou, after one bite, stopped, wanting Ji Junxin to have more.

But Ji Junxin, although still a foodie at heart, now cared more about Mi Hongdou. When she encountered something delicious, she naturally wanted to share it with Mi Hongdou.

So, Mi Hongdou, unable to resist Ji Junxin’s persistence, shared the plain radish cake with her, bite for bite.

“Tsk tsk, they’re really feeding each other,” Jiang Lingling said, amused, having secretly observed them. After Pan Xiang’s earlier words, she felt a sense of camaraderie and turned to her, ready to gossip.

Ji Junxin’s feeding motions were a bit… exaggerated. Pan Xiang, who suspected Jiang Lingling had feelings for Mi Hongdou, heard a hint of jealousy in her voice.

This wouldn’t do. Regardless of what might happen between Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin in the future, right now, there was no room for Jiang Lingling. And Jiang Lingling was still paying so much attention to them, how torturous… Pan Xiang felt she had to intervene and save this lost child.

“Don’t your eyes hurt?” she asked casually.

“Huh?” Jiang Lingling, her gaze torn away from the “feeding each other” live stream, looked at Pan Xiang, confused.

“They say single dogs can’t watch couples showing affection for too long, or even titanium alloy dog eyes will be blinded.” Pan Xiang said calmly, then darted over to Director Pan, who was eating stuffed dates, quickly grabbed two, and returned. “Here, have a date, it’s sweet. Stop watching, your eyes will hurt.” She gave one to Jiang Lingling and popped the other into her own mouth.

Jiang Lingling put the date in her mouth and asked cautiously, “Do your eyes hurt too?”

They don’t… I don’t like Mi Hongdou! Pan Xiang glanced at Jiang Lingling, then, thinking that perhaps miserable people needed company, said, “They do…”

So Pan Xiang was also a fellow yuri enthusiast… or at least, she understood it. Jiang Lingling, who had been constantly blinded and critically hit by Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, looked at her as if having found a kindred spirit. “Aiya, my eyes hurt so much! It’s good to have someone share the pain!”

Something seemed off… Pan Xiang’s lips twitched, and she bit into the date. Crunch.

Jiang Lingling’s date was strawberry-stuffed, which should have been slightly sour, but today, it wasn’t sour at all! Just pure sweetness! Usually, when she and her assistant were subjected to a CP’s public display of affection, she would be the one suffering, while her clueless assistant remained unaffected! It wasn’t scientific! Only someone like Pan Xiang, who also felt the pain, could be a true friend!

Jiang Lingling mentally added Pan Xiang to her friend list, a one-sided addition.

In the corner, Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou were now sharing the second radish cake, the one with the secret sauce. It was made the same way as the plain one, the difference being the sauce, sweet and slightly spicy, similar to sweet chili sauce, but with something extra to enhance the flavor. The plain one highlighted the radish flavor. Both were delicious.

Perhaps because they were sharing, the radish cake today tasted especially good, especially sweet. Ji Junxin repeatedly fed Mi Hongdou, who felt incredibly pampered. A foodie sharing her food, how touching.

Sharing food, chatting happily.

Director Pan, without any radish cake, looked at the bag on the table, from which his granddaughter had taken two dates, and sighed.

Chapter 91: Other People

Although Mi Hongdou didn’t think there would be a time when she needed Ji Junxin’s protection, her words were still comforting. The gloom from the phone call dissipated, and she felt calmer. The unpleasant events from her previous life wouldn’t happen again, not to Ji Junxin, nor to herself.

Meanwhile, Ji Junxin, having just played the “domineering CEO,” realized the impropriety of their intertwined hands. Preoccupied with Mi Hongdou’s emotions, she hadn’t paid much attention. Now, with Mi Hongdou seemingly fine, her attention was drawn to their joined hands.

They had held hands before, after becoming close, but Ji Junxin had been oblivious to her own feelings then. Now, it was different. Having developed feelings for Mi Hongdou, the touch made her heart flutter. She had initiated the comforting gesture, and she was worried that pulling away now would upset Mi Hongdou. And Mi Hongdou’s hand was warm, the touch comforting and reassuring, she was reluctant to let go. But Mi Hongdou’s warmth spread through her, her breathing quickening, her face heating up, and she had to pull away.

Ji Junxin discreetly withdrew her hand, picked up the remaining half of the sticky rice roll, and took a bite, pretending she had just wanted to continue eating.

Mi Hongdou’s hand was empty, Ji Junxin’s touch gone, but the soft, delicate feeling lingered. She unconsciously remembered the warmth of Ji Junxin’s foot the night before… She picked up the soy milk and took a large gulp. The sweet, freshly ground soy milk, now slightly cool, calmed her racing thoughts.

She felt a little guilty. Ji Junxin, considering her a good friend, had acted without reservation, while she, harboring hidden feelings, had taken advantage… It was wrong! But she couldn’t help herself. Just being close to Ji Junxin, smelling her scent, made her heart itch, like a kitten’s paws scratching. Only physical contact, even the slightest touch, could soothe the itch.

Having a crush on someone of the same sex was much more pitiful than having a crush on someone of the opposite sex. The latter could at least dream of a future together. The former could only tell themselves to keep it hidden.

Compared to the torment of her secret crush, her father and sister were minor annoyances…

In the car, as the atmosphere eased, Mi Hongcai, whose call had been abruptly ended by Mi Hongdou, was furious. Her words were like invisible slaps, stinging his pride.

Mi Hongcai knew that this daughter was practically nonexistent. No shared time, no real connection. She had even returned all the child support payments, an act that practically severed their ties. He hadn’t tried to reconcile then. He was a businessman, and he hadn’t needed anything from her. Since she could return the money, she must not need anything from him either. With no mutual need, there was no need for further contact.

But although he thought this way, he hadn’t explicitly said it. And although Mi Hongdou was always cold and distant towards him, she was always polite. He hadn’t expected her to be so disrespectful this time, criticizing his infidelity and even implying that he had no right to interfere in her life. Although he didn’t care much about her, he wouldn’t tolerate his paternal authority being challenged. But before he could express his anger, she turned on Mi Yu, her icy tone startling even him, a seasoned businessman. And then she hung up.

His anger, not only unresolved, but amplified, Mi Hongcai’s face turned red, then purple, he clenched his phone tightly, then slowly released it.

“What happened? What did she say?” Mi Yu, although she had seen his anger, wasn’t afraid of him and just wanted to know about Mi Hongdou.

Mi Hongcai looked at his beloved daughter, remembering Mi Hongdou’s last words, and asked, “What did you do to Mi Hongdou on your eighth birthday?”

“It was Mi Yu’s eighth birthday, that girl was already eleven, what could Mi Yu possibly do to her?” Wang Bide interjected, her tone sarcastic. “You’re her father, you just lectured her a few words on the phone, and she’s already accusing our Mi Yu? Wasn’t it just a small injury she caused herself? If it was something serious, why didn’t she say anything then? Why bring it up now? If she doesn’t want to help our Mi Yu, just say it, we don’t need her, why slander our child?”

While Wang Bide was speaking, Mi Yu had already recovered from her initial panic at her father’s sudden question and now said with a pitiful expression, “Exactly, if she doesn’t want to help, just say it, why badmouth me in front of you? She just doesn’t want to help, and she’s trying to gain your sympathy! She’s just after our money! Dad, don’t be fooled by her!”

“Don’t talk nonsense, your father isn’t that foolish.” Wang Bide glared at Mi Yu, her seemingly reproachful tone lacking any real severity.

But Mi Hongcai fell for it. Mi Hongdou’s resolute words had caused him a moment of doubt. But now, looking at his pitiful daughter and his wife defending his authority, Mi Hongdou’s accusations no longer mattered.

Right, Mi Yu was only eight then, even if she wanted to harm Mi Hongdou, it would just be a childish prank, how could she cause a knife wound? And Mi Hongdou had admitted it was her own fault. It was just that her tone earlier had been so forceful that he had been momentarily swayed, how embarrassing. Mi Hongcai felt that he had seen through her and looked at Mi Yu apologetically. “I shouldn’t have asked, don’t be angry.”

Mi Yu was about to make a fuss when Wang Bide stopped her.

“What about the acting, what did she say?” Mi Yu asked, having overheard parts of the conversation but wanting more details.

Thinking about Mi Hongdou’s words, Mi Hongcai’s anger flared again. He gulped down the cold water and frowned. “She did lie to me last time. She wasn’t working as a designer, she was acting, probably in that… ‘Imperial’ something you showed me earlier.”

Too brief, that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Mi Yu pressed, “Then Dad, talk to her about my situation, I’m already a sophomore, and I haven’t had any opportunities to join a crew… she’s an art student, how far can she go? It’s better for her to help me, and when I become famous, I’ll repay the favor.”

Mi Hongcai was silent. Mi Hongdou’s words, whether true or not, showed her clear dislike for Mi Yu, asking for her help was probably pointless.

Mi Yu, thinking that he was just embarrassed to ask, went to him and said coquettishly, “Dad, the crew she’s in has powerful backers, and big stars, if I could meet them, I wouldn’t even need her help to get an opportunity.”

Mi Hongcai looked at his daughter. Mi Yu resembled Wang Bide, a delicate and beautiful girl. Mi Hongdou, although also beautiful, was always cold and distant, lacking his younger daughter’s charm. He was tempted by Mi Yu’s words. The influence of celebrities was immense. If Mi Yu became famous, it would also benefit his business, which was why he had supported her pursuing acting. But…

“I don’t think she’ll help.” Although it seemed to undermine his authority as a father, Mi Hongcai still felt it was better to discourage Mi Yu’s unrealistic expectations. “You know I haven’t had any contact with them. To be honest, two years ago, when Mi Hongdou turned eighteen, she returned all the child support payments I had made over the years. In other words, she doesn’t want anything to do with us. And just now, on the phone, she said she wouldn’t help Mi Yu.” He omitted Mi Hongdou’s warning for Mi Yu not to cross her path, dismissing it as an angry outburst.

“She said she wouldn’t help before you even asked?” Mi Yu was surprised. “Did you ever tell her I was studying acting?”

Mi Hongcai thought about it, he couldn’t quite remember. “Perhaps…”

Mi Yu was disappointed and indignant. “She’s an art student, what’s she doing taking a spot in the entertainment industry? I’m a professional, and I haven’t even joined a crew yet, and she gets such a good role! I don’t know how she even got into the production, perhaps she was…”

“If she doesn’t want to help, then forget it. Our Mi Yu can make it on her own, she doesn’t need her, and hopefully, she won’t come begging us later.” Wang Bide quickly interrupted. After all, Mi Hongdou was still Mi Hongcai’s daughter, it wouldn’t be good for Mi Yu to be too harsh, in case Mi Hongcai sided with her.

“Right, she’s just a small-timer, she can’t make any waves.” Mi Hongcai slapped the table and said to Mi Yu, “Focus on your studies, and when you graduate, I’ll find a way to get you into a production, we don’t need her!”

Mi Yu’s face lit up, but before she could speak, Wang Bide tugged at her clothes.

“Yes, listen to your father, he’ll take care of it.” Wang Bide smiled at Mi Hongcai. “Look at your daughter, so happy that you’re willing to help her. She trusts you so much, don’t listen to that other girl’s nonsense.”

Wang Bide’s words soothed Mi Hongcai’s anger. “Yes, I don’t believe her, I only trust you two.”

“You only trust your daughter, not me.” Wang Bide said, feigning hurt. “Last time, I told you about my cousin, the deputy factory manager at the food factory, their business isn’t doing well, and he wanted to work for you, but you didn’t agree, you didn’t trust me.”

Mi Hongcai waved his hand dismissively. “It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you, I just think running a factory and running a business are different. Sigh, if you want him to come, then let him.”

“Then meet him first, see if he’s suitable, don’t just hire him because of me.” Although her words were polite, her eyes were smiling. “By the way, there are some tangyuan in the pot, haven’t you had breakfast yet? Go eat some.”

Mi Hongcai, rubbing his aching head, went to eat the tangyuan, leaving Mi Yu and Wang Bide in the living room.

As soon as he left, Mi Yu said to Wang Bide, dissatisfied, “Mom, why did you stop me? I’m already a sophomore, Dad finally said he would help me, I should have asked him to do it now!”

“Your father already agreed, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to pressure him later.” Wang Bide smiled smugly. “But he was still feeling guilty towards you just now, it was better to bring up your cousin’s matter than your acting career. Your father has a daughter outside, with our family’s wealth and status, we need someone on the inside, looking out for us. Someone to speak up for us.”

Perhaps even Mi Hongdou herself hadn’t expected that her firm rejection of Mi Hongcai and Mi Yu in this life would actually accelerate Mi Yu’s entry into the industry. Life was truly unpredictable.

Qiao Rubai also felt the same.

Having spent a long time composing her reply to Ji Junxin the night before, she had fallen asleep while waiting for Ji Junxin’s response. She slept through the night, and there was still no message from Ji Junxin.

Qiao Rubai wasn’t sure how Ji Junxin would react to her brief reply. It had been somewhat superficial, she had thought the complex question would require a longer discussion. But Ji Junxin hadn’t given her the chance.

Although curious about Ji Junxin’s thoughts, Qiao Rubai didn’t want to send another message. She wasn’t sure if she should help Ji Junxin understand her feelings. Helping seemed… cruel, but not helping also seemed… cruel… Since Ji Junxin wasn’t asking, perhaps it was better to let her figure it out herself, Qiao Rubai thought, slightly avoiding the issue.

She hadn’t expected Ji Junxin not to reply last night. But when she arrived at the company this morning, an even bigger surprise was waiting for her.

“You’re saying, there’s nothing unusual about Shen Zhu?” Qiao Rubai frowned, flipping through the thin file.

“Her identity, family, social network, nothing unusual.” A sharp-looking man in a suit sat opposite her. “But there is one anomaly. Three days ago, the afternoon the crew finished filming the palace scenes and were preparing to move to the estate, Shen Zhu, who’s usually inseparable from Xiao Zhang, disappeared for a while. We found out that she was at a cafe in Shudian, meeting a man, but the cafe doesn’t have security cameras, so we could only get a description from the staff: a man in his forties. We haven’t identified him yet. But we did find out that later that afternoon, Shen Zhu went to a bank, we’re certain she deposited money, but we’re still investigating the amount.”

Qiao Rubai closed the file and smiled. “This is enough to confirm that there’s something going on.”

“Should we continue investigating the man’s identity and the amount deposited?” The man asked considerately.

“Yes, of course,” Qiao Rubai slammed the file on the table. “I want to know who he is and what he’s planning!”

The sound was loud, but the man, used to clients’ reactions, remained calm. “And the other matter, the continued investigation on Lu Gaoshi, we found that she has been meeting frequently with Jiang Dingyi, mostly at restaurants and tea houses, just the two of them. Their conversations, which we monitored, didn’t involve Qiong Yu or Miss Ji, just… a romantic relationship between two middle-aged people. They seem to be getting closer, perhaps because Jiang Dingyi’s wife has incurred more gambling debts, and Lu Gaoshi has given him almost two million yuan.”

“She gave him more money?” Qiao Rubai suddenly realized something she had overlooked. “Based on Lu Gaoshi’s salary and savings, covering the gambling debts once or twice wouldn’t be a problem, but this is a lot of money. Where would she get so much money? Can you find out?”

“It will take some time,” the man replied.

After the man left, Qiao Rubai remained deep in thought.

She had initially thought that Lu Gaoshi was just helping Jiang Duo get close to Ji Junxin to win Jiang Dingyi’s heart. But now, it seemed there was more to it.

She still hadn’t found any leads on Mi Hongdou’s and her own deaths in her previous life, and now Lu Gaoshi and Shen Zhu’s situations seemed to be developing further. She was in the entertainment business, why did she feel like she was becoming a detective! And these were things she couldn’t even discuss with Yang Lianyi, it was frustrating!

But there was sweetness amidst the bitterness.

Ji Junxin, having decided to hide her feelings and be a good friend, even after the film ended, found that the remaining half of the sticky rice roll no longer tasted bitter.

The sauces, the egg, the sausage, the sticky rice, it was delicious! It was a pity there was only half left… Ji Junxin savored each bite, even missing the part she had eaten earlier without tasting it.

Compared to unrequited love disguised as friendship, separation seemed even more bitter.

Nothing was more frightening than separation, no more contact, no longer knowing the other person’s joys and sorrows, only their image on a screen… Ji Junxin didn’t dare to dwell on it, or even this remaining deliciousness would turn bitter.

The rice roll wasn’t large to begin with, and the earlier half, eaten without enjoyment, was as if she hadn’t eaten at all. The remaining half, instead of filling her up, only whetted her appetite.

Mi Hongdou, seeing Ji Junxin’s gloomy expression as she sipped her soy milk, remembered her unusual behavior this morning. Although she suspected she might be fooled again, she couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Why so unhappy?”

“Sigh…” Ji Junxin finished her soy milk, her gaze distant. “I was wondering why we didn’t bring the stuffed dates, I could finish them all in five minutes.”

Mi Hongdou: “…”

So, her earlier worries… had been for nothing.

Just as Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were discussing whether to go and freeload breakfast from Jiang Lingling, a call from Director Pan made the decision for them.

On their way to the director’s tent, Ji Junxin looked confused. “Why did Director Pan ask you to bring scissors? And told you not to bring anyone else?”

“We’ll find out when we get there.” Mi Hongdou had a hunch, but she thought she was probably overthinking.

“But he said no one else.” Ji Junxin followed closely. “Is it okay for me to go?”

Mi Hongdou looked at her, amused. “Then don’t go.”

“…” Ji Junxin didn’t stop, just hummed softly. “I’m not ‘anyone else’.”

Heh… that little “else”… Although she didn’t look at Ji Junxin, Mi Hongdou’s eyes softened.

Yes, you’re… definitely not just anyone else…

Chapter 90: Protecting You

For Mi Hongcai, he hadn’t seen his ex-wife, Wang Linyue, since their divorce when Mi Hongdou was three. Immediately after the divorce, he married Wang Bide, who was very strict and didn’t allow him to see his ex-wife. Mi Hongdou was young then, and if Wang Linyue didn’t bring her, he couldn’t see her. So, he rarely saw Mi Hongdou when she was little. And with Wang Bide quickly giving birth to Mi Yu, his new daughter always by his side, he naturally paid less attention to the daughter he rarely saw, even gradually reducing their phone calls.

When Mi Hongdou was seven or eight, no longer needing her mother to accompany her, Mi Hongcai took her out, only to realize how distant they had become. He had wanted to spend more time with her, to build their relationship, but his new wife and young daughter demanded his attention, so it was mostly just wishful thinking. Then, on Mi Yu’s eighth birthday, Mi Hongdou’s first visit to his new home ended with her injuring her shoulder, and their contact became even less frequent.

Occasionally, late at night, Mi Hongcai would think about their strained relationship and sigh. But most of the time, with his new family, he rarely thought of Mi Hongdou.

However, not thinking of her didn’t mean he could accept her disrespect towards him, her father.

When his repeated questions were met with Mi Hongdou’s icy retort, “Didn’t you also tell my mother you would spend the rest of your life with her?” Mi Hongcai exploded like a gas tank.

“How dare you speak to me like that! I’m your father! It’s not your place to comment on our matters! Have you forgotten about filial piety!” Mi Hongcai’s face was livid. “Do you think lying to me was justified?”

Compared to the furious Mi Hongcai, Mi Hongdou was much calmer. Or rather, not calm, but cold…

While Mi Hongcai continued ranting, the chauffeured car arrived at the set, parking in a secluded spot away from the usual parking area. The driver quickly got out and waited nearby.

The driver Qiao Rubai assigned to Ji Junxin was carefully chosen, not only for his driving skills but also for his discretion. Hearing Mi Hongdou’s earlier words, he knew he shouldn’t overhear this conversation. Although he wasn’t Mi Hongdou’s driver, seeing her close relationship with Ji Junxin, he had to be considerate. Having reached the set, he parked in a quiet spot, waiting for Mi Hongdou to finish her call.

Bai Tang glanced at the driver, grabbed her bag, and was about to get out. She looked back and saw Ji Junxin sitting next to Mi Hongdou, her face full of concern for Mi Hongdou, who clearly wasn’t in a good mood. Ji Junxin didn’t seem to be getting out. Bai Tang quickly left the car.

The night before, Jiang Lingling’s assistant had walked with Bai Tang to get the car. During the short walk, she had subtly given Bai Tang some advice. Bai Tang, always clever and meticulous, although not fully understanding why the assistant repeatedly told her not to be too curious or interfere in anything between Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, kept it in mind.

Even after a satisfying meal, the assistant wasn’t one for idle chatter. Bai Tang thought about it later that night. From the gingerless vinegar to the stuffed dates Mi Hongdou gave Ji Junxin, she could sense the closeness between them. Having spent most of her time at Mengguan for training, and only a few days with Mi Hongdou, Bai Tang felt that she should indeed follow the assistant’s advice: observe more, speak less, and she would eventually understand the situation and how to act.

Like now, Mi Hongdou’s earlier words were clearly about a family matter, a complicated one. Judging by her tone, it wasn’t something she wanted to share. Bai Tang felt awkward. Fortunately, they had arrived, and the driver got out, so she followed. And Ji Junxin staying in the car was a clear sign of their closeness.

Mi Hongdou had only been on set for three months, had only known Ji Junxin for three months, and they were already close enough to share such personal matters? Bai Tang didn’t quite understand. Wasn’t the entertainment industry supposed to be a complicated place, full of backstabbing and fake friendships? … But Ji Junxin didn’t seem like that kind of person. Bai Tang remembered Ji Junxin’s genuine concern for Mi Hongdou before she got out of the car, a look of… protectiveness…

Bai Tang’s observation was accurate. Ji Junxin had watched as Mi Hongdou, usually so cheerful and optimistic, became cold and distant after answering the phone, a change that made her resent the person on the other end. Mi Hongdou’s cold silence, until her icy retort, “Didn’t you also tell my mother you would spend the rest of your life with her?” made Ji Junxin realize that it must be her father.

During the fried meatball night, Mi Hongdou had briefly mentioned her parents’ divorce, not going into details, but it was enough for Ji Junxin to imagine the situation. In her mind, with Mi’s mother being so kind and Mi Hongdou so gentle and capable, the father who abandoned them must be a terrible person. Now, seeing the guarded and distant Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin’s heart ached.

Having to be so guarded against your own father, she must have been deeply hurt. Ji Junxin thought of her own family. Although there was no betrayal or abandonment, the indifference also hurt.

Who wouldn’t want a loving family? But it was fate. Looking at Mi Hongdou, her lips pressed together, her expression strained, Ji Junxin felt a pang of empathy.

Mi Hongdou had almost reached her limit.

Preoccupied with Ji Junxin’s unusual behavior this morning, she hadn’t been in the mood to deal with Mi Hongcai’s call. She had only answered to prevent him from bothering her mother. She had just wanted to clarify things, but Mi Hongcai, as if having found her weakness, kept questioning her relentlessly, which was incredibly annoying. Her earlier retort had been the harshest words she had ever said to him, but saying them made her feel a little better, she could now endure his voice for a few more minutes.

After Mi Hongcai’s rant about respect, filial piety, and her earlier lie, Mi Hongdou finally sighed and said, “Okay, you did contribute to my birth. Even though you didn’t raise me, teach me, and we don’t have a relationship, you’re still my elder. I lied to you last time, I admit it, I’m sorry. Now that I’ve apologized, is there anything else?”

“What kind of attitude is that!” Mi Hongcai, enraged by her words, exploded again. “Is that how your mother taught you?”

If before, Mi Hongdou had tolerated him to prevent him from bothering her mother, now that he had crossed the line, there was no need for further restraint.

Mi Hongdou’s expression turned icy, her voice laced with sarcasm as she said, “How my mother raised me is none of your business. Since you never cared before, don’t expect to control me now. Focus on your precious daughter, how well do you think you raised her? Ask her if she remembers what she did to me on her eighth birthday. I didn’t hold it against her, considering it repayment for you bringing me into this world. I know both last time and this time, it was Mi Yu who instigated you, right? Tell her not to use me. Even if she wants to be an actress, she better pray she doesn’t run into me. That incident from back then, I might just return the favor one day!”

Without waiting for a response, Mi Hongdou, having said her piece, hung up.

So, after being reborn, it was still better to settle scores, holding grudges was unsatisfying. Mi Hongdou leaned back against her seat and sighed. Before she could even finish her sigh, a hesitant hand reached out and gently covered hers.

It was a hesitant hand, pausing and retracting several times during its short journey, its eventual landing on Mi Hongdou’s hand betraying Ji Junxin’s inner conflict.

Ji Junxin’s hand, warm and soft, resting lightly on hers, brought a burning warmth.

Mi Hongdou looked at the small, delicate hand on hers, patted it gently with her other hand, and turned to Ji Junxin. “What’s wrong? Did I scare you?” Her voice was warm and gentle, as if afraid of startling the person beside her.

She must be scared, why else the hesitation? … A bitterness welled up in Mi Hongdou’s heart. There were still unresolved resentments from her previous life, and she still had this side to her, the side she showed to those she disliked. Someone as pure and innocent as Ji Junxin probably wouldn’t like this side of her.

But she hadn’t gotten out of the car to continue the call, hadn’t she deliberately let Ji Junxin witness this other side of her? Mi Hongdou didn’t understand herself. She had wanted to hide her feelings for Ji Junxin, to just be a good friend. But sometimes, she couldn’t resist these self-destructive acts, wanting to reveal herself completely, regardless of the consequences. A self-destructive tendency, a deep contradiction.

Mi Hongdou didn’t understand that it was precisely her efforts to suppress her feelings that caused these unconscious rebellions, her thoughts no longer rational.

Mi Hongdou’s words startled Ji Junxin, whose heart had been racing from holding her hand. “What? Why would I be scared?”

“Don’t you… find me a little scary when I’m like that on the phone?” Mi Hongdou’s tone wavered between her usual gentleness and the earlier coldness.

“No.” Ji Junxin’s answer was firm. She also noticed Mi Hongdou’s unusual behavior. She forced herself to focus, her voice calming. “No matter what happens, I’ll always support you.”

Ji Junxin’s tone was steady, her expression sincere, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Mi Hongdou, her hand tightening slightly, as if to convey her resolve.

Facing Ji Junxin like this, Mi Hongdou gradually relaxed, her frown softening, the coldness fading, the defensive wall crumbling.

“You…” Mi Hongdou’s expression softened, and she looked at the serious Ji Junxin, unable to help but smile. What a fool.

“I’m serious!” Ji Junxin, seeing Mi Hongdou’s smile, thought she didn’t believe her and squeezed Mi Hongdou’s hand. “I mean it!”

“Okay, okay, I know, I know.” Mi Hongdou’s smile widened, she squeezed Ji Junxin’s hand back, then her smile vanished, and she said with utmost sincerity, “Then, from now on, please take care of me.”

Mi Hongdou’s sudden change of expression and her intense gaze stunned Ji Junxin for a moment. Then she nodded seriously. “Okay, I’ll protect you.”

Now it was Mi Hongdou’s turn to be stunned. She had just said that because she found Ji Junxin’s serious expression adorable, it was just a tease, why this sudden seriousness?

The Ji Junxin in front of her now was someone she had never seen before, her expression resolute, her gaze firm, as if she had made a solemn vow. It wasn’t a battlefield, why this air of unwavering protectiveness? … Ji Junxin’s grip tightened slightly, a slight pain Mi Hongdou didn’t mind. She could feel that Ji Junxin’s “protect” wasn’t just empty words.

A sudden warmth bloomed in her heart, like the sun melting the ice and snow of a harsh winter, thawing the frozen ground. Mi Hongdou fought back tears. How could she deserve such sincerity? She had hidden feelings for Ji Junxin, her kindness just… a selfish desire… How could she accept such a genuine response? She had planned to stay by Ji Junxin’s side, to be a good friend, but at this moment, she wanted to retreat, she felt… unworthy…

At the same time, Ji Junxin also had a realization. She liked Mi Hongdou, and if they interacted too much, her feelings would be revealed. Rather than having Mi Hongdou find out and be disgusted, it was better to distance herself after filming ended. Less contact, a fading relationship, perhaps she could move on. Even if she couldn’t, it was better than being exposed, better than seeing Mi Hongdou’s disgust. Unable to be together, and with their separation imminent, Ji Junxin found everything bitter.

But her earlier promise couldn’t be broken. If she said she would protect Mi Hongdou, then she would. Her acting skills were well-regarded in the industry. To protect Mi Hongdou, she couldn’t distance herself, so she would hide her feelings and be a good friend! Ji Junxin thought resolutely.

Thoughts and feelings could change in an instant. Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s sudden shifts in perspective might not lead to the paths they envisioned.

Ji Junxin, seeing that Mi Hongdou’s expression had returned to its usual calmness, asked the question that had been on her mind, “You have a younger sister? What did she do to you on her eighth birthday?” Even without her promise of protection, she would still have asked. It didn’t sound like a pleasant memory, she didn’t want to hear about Mi Hongdou’s unhappiness, but she also didn’t want to be helpless if Mi Hongdou was in trouble.

Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin, not wanting to burden her with her family drama. But Ji Junxin’s expression was insistent. Seeing Mi Hongdou’s silence, she even poked her hand gently as a prompt.

Not just her unwavering gaze, but her fingers poking her palm, it was incredibly distracting. Mi Hongdou’s heart, even her body, felt… strange. She couldn’t resist and gave in. “Yes, after my father and mother divorced, he quickly remarried. I have a half-sister, three years younger than me, named Mi Yu. We’ve only met once, she should be… a sophomore in college now.”

“She bullied you on her eighth birthday?” Ji Junxin, dissatisfied with Mi Hongdou’s vague answer, pressed, her tone unusually forceful.

“…” Mi Hongdou unconsciously touched her left shoulder, still not wanting to scare Ji Junxin. “She just… tripped me with a few other kids.”

Mi Hongdou had downplayed it, but Ji Junxin’s eyebrows furrowed in anger. “She was only eight, and already so scheming! How terrible! Which knee did you injure? Was it bleeding? Does it still hurt?” She reached for Mi Hongdou’s knee.

“…It was… bleeding… it was many years ago, it doesn’t hurt anymore.” Mi Hongdou stopped Ji Junxin’s hand. The old wound didn’t hurt, but Ji Junxin’s grip on her hand did. Ji Junxin’s emotions could be gauged by the strength of her grip, it was interesting.

If Jiang Lingling were here, she would definitely comment on the fact that they were still holding hands.

“So you said your sister, no, you said Mi Yu wants to be an actress, to follow in your footsteps, what did you mean?” Ji Junxin asked, a barrage of questions.

“She’s studying acting, and she wants to be an actress. She seemed to have seen me when we were filming the estate test shoot. Later, when my father asked, I lied and said I wasn’t filming. She probably saw the trailer this time, and my father called to interrogate me.” Mi Hongdou couldn’t tell her about how she had helped Mi Yu in her previous life, and just mentioning this life’s events, she was worried that Ji Junxin would think she was heartless.

“Hmph. Scheming against you at such a young age, and now she wants your help?” Ji Junxin’s reaction was much stronger than Mi Hongdou expected, mostly anger. “You were bleeding! It was your knee, what if it had been your face? She did such a terrible thing, and she still has the nerve to ask for your help?” From Mi Hongdou’s tone, her relationship with her father was clearly strained. Mi Hongdou must have been bullied by Mi Yu without anyone defending her. Ji Junxin imagined the tiny Mi Hongdou being bullied by a group of children, falling and injuring her knee, bleeding and crying helplessly, and her heart ached. If there were no feelings between them, then they should just cut ties, why do such a terrible thing! Even a child, she couldn’t forgive! A cruel child wouldn’t grow into a good person! Ji Junxin quickly judged Mi Yu’s character.

“No, I won’t help her, I already refused.” Now it was Mi Hongdou’s turn to calm Ji Junxin down.

Ji Junxin took a deep breath. “But you were right, she better not enter this industry, and if she does, she better pray she doesn’t run into us. There are so many ways to make someone suffer in this industry, I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself.” Her gaze darkened, her demeanor changing.

“Pfft…” Although Ji Junxin’s words were serious, her tone world-weary, Mi Hongdou couldn’t help but laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” Ji Junxin pouted, her voice returning to its usual coquettishness. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no, no… you’re right.” Mi Hongdou suppressed her laughter, her eyes crinkling. “I just think… you sound like a domineering CEO.”

“Hmph.” Ji Junxin imitated Jiang Lingling, raising her chin, and patted Mi Hongdou’s leg with her free hand. “A domineering CEO protecting you!”

Mi Hongdou: “…”

Chapter 89: Bitterness in the Heart p2

“Then I’ll be going.” Having completed her mission, Pan Xiang waved at Director Pan, pleased with herself, she hadn’t let down last night’s delicious meal.

“Wait…” Director Pan narrowed his eyes, stopping Pan Xiang, who was about to leave. “She asked you to tell me this, didn’t she give you anything?”

“…” Pan Xiang turned around, looked at Director Pan’s knowing smile, and reluctantly took out a bag of stuffed dates from her bag. “I almost forgot…” Not really.

“Ha, it was Mi Hongdou, wasn’t it? I knew it, the props department wouldn’t be so concerned, and Ji Junxin even less so.” Director Pan picked up the bag, satisfied. “Store-bought or homemade?”

“Mi Hongdou baked them last night.” Pan Xiang, seeing her grandfather’s smug expression, her eyes darted around. “By the way, we had twice-cooked pork with garlic chives, scrambled eggs with shredded pork and yellow chives, dry pot cabbage, beef with tea tree mushrooms, iron plate tofu, steamed eggs with shrimp and clams, eggplant fish, and taro and pork bone soup last night, all made by Mi Hongdou. And also…”

“Stop!” Director Pan’s smugness vanished as Pan Xiang recited the dishes. He quickly made a “stop” gesture, his expression turning gloomy. “There’s no need to list them all, you’re not a waiter. Okay, okay, you can go now, if you continue, I’ll change my mind about the prosthetic belly.” Just listening to it made him want to cry.

Pan Xiang smiled, covered her mouth, and slowly backed away, pretending to leave. Director Pan proudly raised his chin. Just as Pan Xiang reached the door, she quickly added, “Mi Hongdou also steamed crabs!” Then, like a startled rabbit, she disappeared.

That little girl! Director Pan angrily grabbed something from the table, about to throw it at the door. But seeing that it was the bag of stuffed dates, he stopped.

Through the bag, he could see the dates, stuffed with various fillings, red, green, white, and yellow, quite interesting. He opened the bag, and the sweet aroma of dates, nuts, and fruits filled the air. That Mi Hongdou, not becoming a chef was such a waste… but not being an actress would also be a waste.

Director Pan smiled, shook his head, and without immediately eating the dates, glanced at the door. Seeing no one around, he quickly picked up the prosthetic belly and tried to put it on.

It was quite heavy, and without anyone to help, he couldn’t tie the straps. He placed it on the table, leaned over, and started tying the main straps, then the supporting ones. After a while, he finally managed to put it on and took a few steps back… Compared to Mi Hongdou, who almost collapsed, Director Pan was a little stronger, but he had been careless and the sudden weight made him bend over and stumble forward, almost bumping into the table. He steadied himself against the table and slowly straightened up. It was indeed quite heavy…

He leaned against the table for support, getting used to the weight, then let go and took a few steps, trying out bending, squatting, and standing. For Ji Junxin, this weight was indeed the limit. The later ones, even heavier, she probably wouldn’t be able to handle them, even if she forced it, her performance would be affected. Director Pan didn’t remove the prosthetic belly, but sat down, holding it, eating a few stuffed dates, and thinking about how to adjust it.

The dates were delicious, and Director Pan’s mind worked quickly. It wasn’t a complicated problem. After a few crispy, delicious dates, he had a solution.

But as he chewed on a kiwi-stuffed date and untied the prosthetic belly, his expression gradually shifted from happiness to seriousness, then to worry.

Pan Xiang, who had run into Jiang Lingling and was now in the chauffeured car, trying the breakfast made by Jiang Lingling’s newly poached chef, had no idea about the missed calls on her phone.

Director Pan, having searched the room for scissors without success, angrily slammed his phone on the table. That little girl, always around when there was food, nowhere to be found when needed! Couldn’t she even check her phone! Could they still be family! He looked at the prosthetic belly on his lap, feeling a sense of despair… it was so heavy…

Unlike Pan Xiang, who was happily eating and oblivious to the missed calls, Mi Hongdou, receiving a call, wasn’t so happy.

Her phone rang, breaking the quiet munching sounds in the car. The caller ID showed Mi Hongcai’s full name. Mi Hongdou hesitated, she could guess what the call was about. They were on their way to the set, and Ji Junxin was in the car, she didn’t want to answer. But she couldn’t not answer either. If he couldn’t reach her, he might call her mother, which would be even more troublesome. And some things couldn’t be explained in a text message. She had to answer…

Mi Hongdou sighed and answered the call.

As expected, after a few perfunctory greetings, Mi Hongcai got straight to the point, asking why she had lied about being an advertising designer when she was actually filming, even as a lead actress. His tone was much colder than last time, his greetings curt, his questions laced with anger.

When Qiao Rubai and Yang Lianyi came for dinner, discussing releasing a trailer to address the magazine article, Mi Hongdou had known that her father would eventually find out. Now, calculating the time, the trailer was released two afternoons ago, and the call came this morning, the news had spread quickly. Listening to her father’s angry questioning, Mi Hongdou wanted to laugh. What was he so angry about? After more than ten, almost twenty years of indifference, did he expect her to be honest and forthcoming? A hint of mockery appeared on her lips.

“Yes, I’m acting.” Mi Hongdou had lied last time because she didn’t want to deal with them before establishing herself. Now that the trailer was out, there was no point in denying it.

Perhaps surprised by her calm tone, Mi Hongcai stopped, and there was a brief silence on the phone.

Mi Hongcai was sitting in his living room. His wife, Wang Bide, and his daughter, Mi Yu, were sitting on the sofa next to him, both staring at him. A glass of warm water was gradually cooling down in front of him.

The night before, Mi Hongcai had been out late for a business dinner, returning almost 2 AM, sleeping in the cold guest room. He had just fallen asleep when he was woken up by his daughter, Mi Yu. It was still dark outside, and he felt like he had only slept for ten minutes! Even though he doted on Mi Yu, the lack of sleep and the throbbing headache made him irritable. But before he could express his anger, Mi Yu started talking.

The topic, naturally, was the “Imperial Secrets” trailer she saw online. Forget about the actress’s appearance, the introduction clearly stated that the actress playing Empress Qin Muxue was Mi Hongdou! Mi Yu, after checking the filming location and the cast, was furious. This film was a joint production between Qiong Yu and several other companies, directed by the renowned Director Pan, starring Ji Junxin, Qiong Yu’s top actress, and… it was being filmed in Shudian. Mi Yu hadn’t been mistaken! So, that “advertising designer” story, either Mi Hongdou was lying, or he was! Mi Yu didn’t care about what time he had come home or how well he had slept, she just wanted answers.

After being bombarded by Mi Yu’s questions, Mi Hongcai, although still grumpy from being woken up, couldn’t vent his anger at her, especially since Wang Bide, hearing the commotion, had also come downstairs. So, he suppressed his anger, and by the time he called Mi Hongdou, he was fuming.

So, although he started with polite greetings, as was his habit in business, his words were cold and laced with resentment. As he spoke, feeling his anger dissipating, he became even more unrestrained, asserting his authority as a father, his questioning tone sharp and accusatory, completely forgetting the strained relationship between him and Mi Hongdou.

After his long speech, Mi Hongdou’s calm admission of being an actress, without any further explanation, reignited his anger.

“So you’re acting! Then why did you tell me you were an advertising designer!” Mi Hongcai was furious. He had asked this question several times, and Mi Hongdou only admitted to acting, not addressing her earlier lie.

Mi Hongcai’s roar almost echoed through the phone and into the chauffeured car.

Mi Hongdou’s face turned even colder, her voice icy as she replied, “Didn’t you also tell my mother that you would spend the rest of your life with her?”

Chapter 89: Bitterness in the Heart p1

Mi Hongdou finished washing up and came out. Ji Junxin was almost ready to leave. Mi Hongdou glanced at the bag of stuffed dates on the coffee table. Only a few were missing. Considering Ji Junxin’s enthusiasm for them last night, she should have eaten more this morning. At least half the bag…

When a foodie easily passed up readily available treats, something was definitely off.

Mi Hongdou looked away, pretending to look elsewhere, and glanced at Ji Junxin, who was curled up on the sofa, holding a pillow, looking sleepy.

If it were anyone else, Mi Hongdou would just assume they hadn’t slept well and had no appetite. But this was Ji Junxin. Loss of appetite due to lack of sleep was impossible for her.

Something was definitely wrong… Ji Junxin had also tossed and turned last night. She had asked, but been brushed off. Although she felt something was amiss, Mi Hongdou didn’t ask.

Even close friends had secrets. Mi Hongdou tried to convince herself, but she couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with Ji Junxin, she had seemed fine during dinner last night.

Could the dates have gone bad overnight? Mi Hongdou thought perhaps she was overthinking, maybe it was just the food. She took a date and ate it.

The walnut inside was crispy and fragrant, not stale at all, perfect.

Mi Hongdou silently sealed the bag. Okay…

They went downstairs. Bai Tang had already bought breakfast: a sticky rice roll with pickled mustard greens, youtiao, and meat floss for Ji Junxin, one with egg, sausage, and pork tenderloin for herself, and two cups of soy milk… the same as yesterday, to compensate for Ji Junxin’s breakfast mishap.

It was difficult to hide your true feelings. Although Ji Junxin’s demeanor was normal, the half-eaten sticky rice roll spoke volumes.

Mi Hongdou remembered that when they discussed breakfast two days ago, if she hadn’t stopped her, Ji Junxin would have ordered two. Yesterday, even with the wrong filling, she had eaten almost a whole one. And today, finally having the right one, she had only eaten half?

Something was definitely wrong.

Even though she had been brushed off last night, seeing Ji Junxin put down the rice roll and wipe her mouth, Mi Hongdou couldn’t help but ask, “Just this much for breakfast?”

“…” Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou, then picked up the rice roll, took a bite, and said with a faint smile, “I’ll eat a little more.”

Mi Hongdou hadn’t expected this response, her prepared words of concern now trapped in her throat.

For Ji Junxin, food had always been a constant companion, regardless of the people around her. Growing up, without an allowance, her parents rarely brought home snacks. She only had three meals a day, sometimes cold breakfast, a standard school lunch, and takeout for dinner. But regardless of the temperature, the variety, or even the taste, having a full stomach brought a sense of satisfaction, a temporary reprieve from unhappiness. A particularly delicious meal could make her happy for half a day. When emotional needs were unmet, even slightly better food was like a sweet dewdrop, a brief respite.

Food was a source of warmth and strength, a comfort against life’s disappointments. Ji Junxin believed this, so when she finally had money, her priority was satisfying her appetite. Life was unpredictable, rarely going as planned, but the comfort of good food was a constant, something to be grateful for.

Ji Junxin hadn’t expected that one day, even food wouldn’t be able to comfort her.

Having cried herself to sleep the night before, thinking she had shed all her tears for that unattainable person, she woke up to find that it was just the beginning. The ache in her heart hadn’t been soothed by tears or sleep, the rising sun only bringing more sadness, confusion, and helplessness.

She had thought that pretending to be just friends, hiding her true feelings, was already difficult. But when she took a bite of the date this morning, she realized that even her taste buds and appetite were affected. Things had truly become terrible.

Loving someone she could never be with, every bite a taste of bitterness, what was the point of living?

The sticky rice, the tender fried egg, the fragrant sausage and pork, the perfectly balanced sauces… what did they matter to Ji Junxin, who found everything bitter?

With a faint smile, she nibbled on the remaining half of the rice roll, her heart and mouth filled with bitterness, her expression seemingly normal.

If Mi Hongdou were a true newcomer, or if she hadn’t paid such close attention to Ji Junxin for so many years, she might have been fooled by Ji Junxin’s acting.

That fleeting look of… having lost interest in everything, what was it? Mi Hongdou couldn’t believe what she had just seen in Ji Junxin’s smiling eyes…

What had happened overnight?

Mi Hongdou felt that something bad must have happened to Ji Junxin, something she didn’t want to share… Although worried, she could only maintain a friendly distance, not prying too much, it was frustrating.

In the chauffeured car heading towards the set, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin each held a half-eaten rice roll, lost in their own thoughts, the silence stretching between them. Meanwhile, on the set, two other people were arguing loudly.

In the makeshift director’s tent, Director Pan frowned and retreated a few steps, waving his hand dismissively. “No, no! Take it away!”

“We’re alone here, just try it on! You don’t want your female lead to injure herself halfway through filming, do you?” Pan Xiang, struggling to hold the ten-pound prosthetic belly Mi Hongdou had tried on the previous day, held it out to Director Pan.

“Nonsense! I’m a man, why would I try it on!” Director Pan said, annoyed. “The props department made this based on real pregnant women. It’s a little heavier than a real belly at the same stage, since it’s tied on the outside, we have to add weight for the realistic effect. Pregnant women can carry their babies, and an actress can’t handle a padded cloth? Besides, I just lifted it, it’s just for five or six months of pregnancy, it’s probably not even as heavy as a full-term pregnancy, how can it cause an injury? Stop this nonsense and return it to the props department.”

“It’s really heavy.” Pan Xiang insisted. “You just lifted it with your hands, men are naturally stronger, of course you don’t think it’s heavy. You have to try wearing it. I think this weight is already the limit. If the later ones are even heavier, it won’t work. And you know Ji Junxin, she’s stubborn, if you insist, she’ll wear it even if it hurts, and if she injures herself, it will be a problem for everyone.”

“…” Director Pan frowned. “She’s not stupid, if she can’t handle it, she won’t force it.”

“The point is, you asked them to gradually increase the weight with rice and cotton, to make it more realistic for Ji Junxin’s performance. If the initial weight is wrong, even if we adjust it later, the gradual progression is broken, what’s the point?” Pan Xiang held out the prosthetic belly. “It’s better to get it right from the start.”

Director Pan pushed her hand away. “The props department didn’t have any problems with the weight, why are you making such a fuss? And why are you suddenly so concerned about this? Did someone tell you something?”

Pan Xiang hesitated, then quickly recovered. “I’m the screenwriter, I have to be concerned about anything that might affect the film.” She put on a righteous expression. “I’m responsible for this film, for the actors. I’m willing to try it on, as the director, shouldn’t you have the same attitude?”

“…” Director Pan was silent. He was so used to thinking of her as his granddaughter that he often forgot she was the screenwriter.

Seeing his silence, Pan Xiang sighed. It seemed her eloquence wasn’t enough, she had to bring out the delicious dates.

Just as she was about to take out the stuffed dates from her bag, Director Pan took the prosthetic belly and said calmly, “Okay, I understand. I’ll have the props department test the weight. If it’s too heavy, we’ll adjust it.”

Although he didn’t try it on, this should be what Mi Hongdou wanted, right? Pan Xiang thought that her grandfather was quite reasonable, agreeing to adjust the weight after just a little persuasion.

Chapter 88: Why So Angry?

Qiao Rubai had been deliberating for quite a while. Ji Junxin, though still awake, had given up on receiving a reply that night.

As the saying goes, persevere, and you will see hope.

Although Ji Junxin had resigned herself to waiting, Qiao Rubai’s message arrived.

Unlike Ji Junxin’s long, rambling message, Qiao Rubai’s reply was short.

[I think A is angry because she’s afraid that B’s teasing isn’t just teasing, but B expressing her true feelings. A is probably afraid that B no longer likes her, what do you think?] Sender: Qiao Rubai.

Ji Junxin’s body stiffened as she read the message. Qiao Rubai’s words perfectly answered her question.

But she had just wanted to chat with her friend, to vent, to find a solution, not to be hit with such a direct answer!

Ji Junxin couldn’t quite process it. She was angry because she was afraid that Mi Hongdou’s jokes were actually criticisms, that Mi Hongdou no longer liked her… yes, that must be it. Besides the anger, she had also been worried that Mi Hongdou, her fan, would stop being her fan. That time, when Jiang Lingling was staring at Mi Hongdou, and she kept NGing, she had also been worried about losing Mi Hongdou as a fan, running away angrily after Director Pan called cut. Thinking about it now, whether it was the NG incident, the meatball incident, or the time Mi Hongdou said she would need digestive pills if she ate any more dates, she had been angry, but not at Mi Hongdou. She had been angry at herself! Angry at her own poor performance, at eating too much, at being greedy.

Qiao Rubai was right. She was right…

Ji Junxin was shocked to realize that her recent frequent anger had been directed at herself. It was, as Qiao Rubai said, because she was afraid of not being good enough, afraid of being disliked by Mi Hongdou.

So, that was it… Ji Junxin held her phone, frozen.

She had become so dependent on Mi Hongdou? Although she had a hunch, seeing it confirmed, Ji Junxin was still surprised.

Having understood the reason for her emotional outbursts, Ji Junxin now faced another question. In just over three months, why had she developed such strong feelings for Mi Hongdou? This fear of being disliked, of being abandoned, she had never felt it even with Qiao Rubai, her friend of over a decade.

Why?

Was it because Qiao Rubai was too busy recently, and Lu Gaoshi was gone, and she was too lonely? Or was it because Mi Hongdou’s cooking was too delicious, making her develop an uncontrollable fondness? No… it wasn’t just that. Ji Junxin knew those were contributing factors, but there was more.

What else? Ji Junxin couldn’t quite figure it out, but she felt like she was close to the answer. She hated this feeling of almost grasping the truth, yet still separated by a thin veil, a vague understanding but not quite there! It was incredibly frustrating. Unable to figure it out, yet unwilling to give up, Ji Junxin tossed and turned in bed, her movements no longer as quiet as before.

The bedroom lights had been off for a while, but Mi Hongdou was still awake. Ji Junxin had been tossing and turning since turning off the lights. Although the movements were subtle, Mi Hongdou, always attentive to Ji Junxin, could sense them. And although Ji Junxin was restless, there was no light from her side, which meant, in Mi Hongdou’s view, that she was trying to sleep. So, although Mi Hongdou was awake, she didn’t speak, thinking that Ji Junxin would eventually fall asleep.

But Ji Junxin continued tossing and turning, even turning on her phone once. The faint light made Mi Hongdou think she should check on her, but then the light went off, and Ji Junxin became quiet again, so she didn’t.

Until Ji Junxin started tossing and turning again, her movements more pronounced this time. A thought suddenly struck Mi Hongdou. Could it be that Ji Junxin had overeaten and was too embarrassed to get up and take medicine? Thinking this, she couldn’t help but speak up.

Just as Ji Junxin was about to roll out of bed in her frustration, trying to understand her feelings for Mi Hongdou, a voice came from the other bed.

“Ahem…” Mi Hongdou, afraid of startling Ji Junxin in the darkness, coughed softly before asking, “Can’t sleep?” Her voice was gentle.

The tossing and turning stopped abruptly.

Ji Junxin had been completely engrossed in her thoughts about Mi Hongdou. The sudden voice from the supposedly sleeping person startled her, and she broke out in a cold sweat. She was terrified that Mi Hongdou would discover her inner turmoil.

To Mi Hongdou, it was as if the person in the other bed had been launched into space after her question, no movement, no response, not even the sound of breathing. Was she really unwell from overeating?

Silence.

Mi Hongdou thought about it, she couldn’t let her suffer in silence. “Do you need those little hawthorn pills?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Although she couldn’t see Mi Hongdou’s expression in the darkness, Ji Junxin could hear the concern in her voice…

She misunderstood again! Did she think she was a glutton! A glutton who needed digestive pills every day! Ji Junxin’s insecurity intensified. But thanks to Qiao Rubai’s advice, although frustrated, she didn’t lash out at Mi Hongdou.

“No, I didn’t overeat,” she said, trying to sound calm and convincing.

“Then why can’t you sleep? Are you uncomfortable?” Mi Hongdou asked, her concern invisible in the darkness.

So she had been awake the whole time? Ji Junxin’s mind raced. No, she couldn’t let Mi Hongdou know what she was thinking. She quickly found an excuse: “The bed is a little cold, that’s why I can’t sleep.”

As soon as she said it, she felt the warmth of the hot water bottle against her feet and knew she was doomed.

As expected, Mi Hongdou’s voice was full of confusion: “I filled the hot water bottles, mine is still very warm. Did you kick it out of bed? Or is it leaking? Let me check.”

Before Ji Junxin could refuse, Mi Hongdou sat up and turned on the light.

Light flooded the room, but Ji Junxin’s heart sank.

It was just a small lie! Did she have to expose it so quickly! Could they still be friends! Ji Junxin’s eyes, having adjusted to the darkness, stung from the sudden brightness, her mind racing with complaints.

Then… she squinted, and through her blurry vision, she saw Mi Hongdou walking towards her bed.

She couldn’t think of another excuse.

“Actually…” It’s quite warm… Ji Junxin’s honest words died in her throat.

Mi Hongdou, standing by the bed, reached under the covers near Ji Junxin’s feet. “Actually what?” she asked, quickly checking the hot water bottle. “It’s quite warm, not leaking, not kicked out of bed, did you not feel it? It’s here, move your feet over.” She patted the hot water bottle, guiding Ji Junxin’s feet.

“Nothing…” Someone had offered her a way out, she had to take it. Although having Mi Hongdou’s hand under her covers was a little embarrassing, Ji Junxin, eager to escape, obediently moved her feet.

After all that tossing and turning, Ji Junxin’s feet weren’t just warm, they were hot. So, when she followed Mi Hongdou’s guidance and touched something soft, cool, and smooth, the contrast in temperature was stark.

It was Mi Hongdou’s hand! Ji Junxin quickly retracted her foot.

“Haha, your feet are quite warm. Was my hand too cold? Okay, I’m going back to sleep, you hold the hot water bottle.” Mi Hongdou smiled and got up, her hand, which had just touched Ji Junxin’s warm, soft foot, now clenched behind her back. She quickly turned off the lights, got into bed, and… tried to calm her racing heart.

Preoccupied with calming herself down, Mi Hongdou, eager to hide her reaction by turning off the lights, missed Ji Junxin’s even more unusual reaction. She also didn’t notice that Ji Junxin hadn’t said anything after her explanation.

Yes, silent. How could she speak? … Mi Hongdou’s slightly cool hand was like an electric shock. As soon as Ji Junxin realized what she had stepped on, she felt a jolt. Even after retracting her foot, the tingling numbness spread from her foot up her leg, through her limbs…

This was the first time Ji Junxin had experienced such a strange sensation. Uncomfortable, yet exciting, even… a little overwhelming. Her limbs stiff, her body tingling, her breathing rapid, she felt a sudden warmth spreading through her. It was just an accidental touch, why… Ji Junxin’s body trembled slightly under the covers.

Could such a strange feeling occur between friends? Ji Junxin curled up, even more confused.

It took a while for the strange sensation to subside. Her tense body gradually relaxed, her curled-up feet returning to the warm hot water bottle.

Mi Hongdou’s hand, reaching under the covers, had also touched this hot water bottle… Ji Junxin thought, and she slightly lifted her foot, then put it back.

Although her first reaction had been to pull away, and she had done so, the brief contact, although sending her into a momentary panic, wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, she found it strangely… pleasant.

She often had physical contact with Mi Hongdou, but why was it so different today? Ji Junxin carefully placed her foot on the hot water bottle… and replayed the incident in her mind.

Ji Junxin’s life had been simple, first school, then the entertainment industry, but with Qiao Rubai and Qiong Yu protecting her, and her quick rise to fame, she hadn’t encountered any real hardships. Although lacking in real-life experience, she was good at applying the lessons learned from acting to her own life.

A hand reaching under the covers in the middle of the night, touching her foot… like an electric shock, a tingling numbness, not unpleasant…

Wasn’t this similar to the descriptions in scripts for romantic scenes, like hugging or holding hands?

Intimate scenes were always the most difficult for Ji Junxin. Whenever she had to film a hugging, hand-holding, or even just a touching scene… she would become stiff. Even when immersed in the role, being touched by a stranger always triggered a subconscious resistance. Overcoming this physical reaction was a challenge. Later, people in the industry became aware of this, and some considerate screenwriters would add notes to the script for such scenes, describing the appropriate emotional and physical responses, to help Ji Junxin better portray the character.

They were all intimate scenes, so although the scripts were different, the notes, using different words, described similar psychological and physical reactions. Ji Junxin now realized that her strange reaction earlier was very similar to those descriptions!

But… wasn’t that kind of reaction supposed to occur between lovers? Why…

The tangled threads of thought in Ji Junxin’s mind suddenly untangled. Her mind went blank, only one thought remaining.

So… did she have those feelings for Mi Hongdou? …

It made sense, both the strange sensation and her earlier insecurity and anger.

Although she had finally found the answer, she didn’t feel any relief. Ji Junxin felt dizzy, her mind filled with the realization of her feelings for Mi Hongdou, unable to process anything else.

This was… yuri… not some fourth kind of emotion, but love, between two women… Ji Junxin smiled wryly, had she just been enlightened and immediately fallen head over heels? If it weren’t for Pan Xiang’s explanation, she wouldn’t have connected her feelings for Mi Hongdou to the descriptions of romantic scenes in scripts.

Ji Junxin lay in bed, her feelings too complex to describe.

In her simple real life, and even in the slightly more complex world of dramas, love between two women had always seemed like something outside of her world. Even Pan Xiang’s earlier mention of it had only opened a small crack in her understanding. She had never thought she would step through that door, open it, and enter. Such a distant concept, suddenly so close, so real, it was both surprising and disorienting.

But thinking about the person she loved being Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin didn’t regret it.

Mi Hongdou was a truly special person. Whether the talented actress on set, or the caring and considerate friend in real life, Ji Junxin now realized that Mi Hongdou had always been a gentle yet captivating presence, drawing her in, sparking her interest, admiration, even fondness and dependence. When had this attraction turned into love? …

Ji Junxin had no experience with romantic love, she had never even considered it. Having grown up witnessing her parents’ polite but distant relationship, and their neglect of her, the concepts of marriage and children held no appeal for her. She was even afraid. Afraid of living with someone like ordinary friends, just sharing meals and a few words, afraid of having a child. Because she didn’t know how to interact with a child. She was afraid that she would inherit her parents’ indifference. If it was destined to cause pain, why bring a child into the world and subject them to the same unhappiness she had experienced?

But now, Ji Junxin realized that she, who had been used to being alone, had become accustomed to Mi Hongdou’s presence. They went everywhere together, ate together, slept together, and she was even afraid of returning to her solitary life after this film ended.

So, it wasn’t that she didn’t want a relationship, didn’t want to be with someone.

Ji Junxin shifted in bed, her hand resting on her heart, a clearer understanding of herself, but also a deeper sadness.

She loved someone she could never be with… Ji Junxin’s eyes stung, and tears silently slid down her cheeks, dampening her pillow.

It was a good thing she had rejected Mi Hongdou’s offer to be her assistant earlier. Afraid of being heard, Ji Junxin’s tears flowed freely, but she covered her mouth with her hand. If Mi Hongdou became her assistant, being together every day, she would eventually reveal her feelings. She couldn’t imagine how shocked and disgusted Mi Hongdou would be. She didn’t even dare to imagine Mi Hongdou’s expression, just the thought of them becoming strangers was enough to break her heart.

No, Mi Hongdou couldn’t know! Ji Junxin curled up in bed, heartbroken, her body shaking with sobs, but she desperately tried to remain quiet.

Most things in life were difficult, rarely going as planned. And unrequited love was one of the most difficult. Loving someone and having to hide it was a true test of acting skills.

The next morning, having woken up half an hour earlier and applied eye masks, Ji Junxin, with her acting skills, passed the test.

Although Mi Hongdou found it unusual that Ji Junxin was up so early without being woken up, she didn’t think much of it. Seeing that Ji Junxin’s behavior was normal, and that after washing up, she immediately went for the stuffed dates, Mi Hongdou thought that perhaps she had just woken up early to eat them. For a foodie, such behavior wasn’t strange.

Thinking this, Mi Hongdou went to wash up.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom. The smile on Ji Junxin’s face faded, and she slowly put down the date she was about to eat.

Just overnight, these dates had become… bitter…

Chapter 87: Friends

Woken in the middle of the night, Qiao Rubai had expected something urgent, but Ji Junxin’s message only made her laugh. She leaned back against her pillows, feeling sleepy, and her thoughts drifted to the past.

How had she and Ji Junxin become friends?

It was back in elementary school. Their teacher loved rearranging the seating, not just shifting rows weekly, but also randomly swapping seats. People naturally adapted to their environment, the changes subtle but real. Thanks to their teacher, the class’s social network was incredibly complex. Just as you got used to the people around you, you were thrown into a new environment. Qiao Rubai, due to her complicated family background, had always kept people at arm’s length. So, whenever she finally, after careful observation, decided to approach someone, the teacher would rearrange the seats. Time and again, she watched as other children, so easily making friends, played together happily, while she… remained on the outside. Even though young Qiao Rubai thought she didn’t need friends… she was still a child, her mind and worldview still developing, she didn’t have the emotional maturity to match her thoughts.

Even a lonely child needed friends!

After most of the semester, although the teacher continued rearranging the seats, in a class that size, with the same group of students, they eventually found their own circles of friends. And Qiao Rubai… gave up on making friends.

She still clearly remembered that cold winter morning, near the end of the semester, when the teacher rearranged the seats again, right before the bell rang. Qiao Rubai’s seat hadn’t changed, but half the people around her were new. The classroom was a chaotic mess of children moving their belongings. She sighed and left the classroom. Outside, the other children were playing, kicking shuttlecocks, jumping rope, playing tag… Qiao Rubai watched from the doorway, finding the games childish, yet feeling a pang of loneliness. She was just in elementary school, but she felt like a weary old soul. Just before the bell rang, she returned to her seat and realized… her new deskmate was the class’s ice queen…

The ice queen was Ji Junxin. Beautiful, with strict parents, focused solely on her studies, no time for fun or games, a seemingly unapproachable figure. Even well-behaved children were still playful at that age, running around and playing during breaks. Ji Junxin, beautiful, always neat and tidy, speaking softly, a diligent student with good grades, seemed difficult to approach.

Seeing that her deskmate was Ji Junxin, Qiao Rubai thought that if she couldn’t even befriend an ordinary child before the teacher moved her, how could she befriend this unapproachable ice queen? … She gave up. She took out her textbook and suddenly smelled the sweet aroma of roasted sweet potato, a smell that shouldn’t be in the classroom. Looking around, she finally noticed the slight movement of her new deskmate’s cheeks, a suspicious orange crumb by her mouth.

“The teacher said no food in the classroom,” young Qiao Rubai, still righteous, said to her new deskmate.

What happened next? … Qiao Rubai, drowsy, nuzzled her pillow. The little Ji Junxin, her face on the verge of tears, had startled her, so much so that she quickly promised not to tell the teacher. And then, little Ji Junxin, either out of gratitude or to ensure her silence, had offered her a small piece of the roasted sweet potato. Although her own family was full of drama, they were well-off, and she always had a full breakfast. Why hadn’t she refused? … Perhaps, she had been truly lonely then, unable to refuse a hand offered in friendship.

Once that first step towards friendship was taken, the following steps weren’t difficult. As they became closer, Qiao Rubai learned about Ji Junxin’s unusual family, her academic parents’ neglect, and that the small piece of sweet potato she had shared was bought with Ji Junxin’s precious allowance, a sacrifice that Ji Junxin had regretted until they became friends, because good things were meant to be shared. Qiao Rubai hadn’t understood then why Ji Junxin’s allowance was so precious. After all, they attended a good school, and Ji Junxin’s clothes and belongings didn’t suggest poverty. Later, she learned that Ji Junxin’s parents were incredibly strict, she had no allowance at all. A relative had once given her a piggy bank as a gift, putting two yuan in it as a demonstration. Ji Junxin had tried to return the money, but he wouldn’t take it, and her parents forgot about it, so she finally had two yuan of her own… which she used to buy the roasted sweet potato she had craved for so long, the one she shared with Qiao Rubai.

At that time, Qiao Rubai hadn’t understood why Ji Junxin had never had any street food, why she didn’t ask her parents for it, or for an allowance. Although her own family was complicated, she always had some money, and she could get anything she wanted, as long as it was reasonable. She had thought Ji Junxin’s family was strange, no wonder Ji Junxin was so… unexpectedly endearing.

Yes, endearing. From afar, an unapproachable ice queen, up close, a secret foodie, it was amusing. Qiao Rubai, intrigued, put more effort into their friendship, and the two lonely children became friends, practically growing up together.

Years later, their elementary school class organized a visit to their former teacher. Qiao Rubai hadn’t been interested, but she went anyway. She had the opportunity to ask their former teacher the question she had always wanted to ask: “Why did you rearrange our seats so often?” And the teacher, beaming with pride, had replied, “So the children could make more friends!” Qiao Rubai had been speechless. You almost made one child completely friendless! She hadn’t said it out loud, of course, such an embarrassing thing was best kept to herself.

Now that she thought about it, she should be grateful to that clueless teacher, and to all the oblivious children she had encountered, otherwise, with her slow-to-warm-up personality, she wouldn’t have become friends with Ji Junxin. And besides each other, they didn’t really have any other friends. Perhaps she should reflect on this. If their friendship hadn’t been so exclusive, would Ji Junxin have been so easily swayed by Jiang Duo in her previous life? During the filming of “Imperial Secrets” in her previous life, she had been busy establishing herself at Qiong Yu and barely had time to see Ji Junxin. Although it hadn’t affected their years of friendship, they weren’t as close as they had been during their school days, sharing similar experiences. Ji Junxin, seeking a mother figure, and without any friends her own age, Jiang Duo, well-versed in Ji Junxin’s preferences thanks to Lu Gaoshi’s guidance, had appeared, and it was understandable that Ji Junxin developed feelings for her.

In her previous life, Ji Junxin had only told Qiao Rubai about her relationship with Jiang Duo after they got together. Thinking that same-sex relationships were often kept secret, Qiao Rubai, worried that Ji Junxin would think she disapproved, hadn’t asked how they got together. Well, she did disapprove, not of Ji Junxin liking women, but of her liking someone like Jiang Duo, who seemed unreliable. But… Qiao Rubai, more experienced then, knew that a cardinal rule of friendship was not to criticize a friend’s current partner. So, she chose not to ask, not to comment. And after Ji Junxin and Jiang Duo broke up, it was even more inappropriate to ask. So, in her previous life, Qiao Rubai never knew whether it was Jiang Duo’s scheming or Ji Junxin’s genuine feelings that led to their relationship. But it didn’t matter, in this life, Lu Gaoshi was gone, and Jiang Duo’s true colors had been revealed at Nan Tian. There was no chance for them in this life.

Qiao Rubai was sleepy, and Ji Junxin’s message wasn’t urgent. Friendship… that wasn’t a topic that could be discussed in a few text messages. She decided to call Ji Junxin in the morning. But as she was drifting off, she felt a nagging unease, as if she had missed something. She tossed and turned, her sleepiness gone.

Now awake, her mind clearer, Qiao Rubai felt that the unease stemmed from Ji Junxin’s message. She opened it again.

At first glance, it was a question about friendship. A problem caused by different interpretations of a joke. But looking closer, something felt off.

Ji Junxin was always kind, gentle, and easygoing, how could she be so easily angered by a harmless, even caring joke? Take the first example, “You overate and had to take medicine last time, are you going to need it again?” It was clearly a caring reminder, trying to prevent her from overeating. Even she, an outsider, could see the concern, Qiao Rubai didn’t believe Ji Junxin couldn’t. And during her visits to Shudian, she had seen Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou’s growing closeness. Judging by Ji Junxin’s attitude, her tolerance towards her friends was almost limitless. Qiao Rubai remembered a time when she forgot about a dinner appointment with Ji Junxin. Her phone was on silent during a meeting, and by the time she saw the missed calls, Ji Junxin had already been waiting at the restaurant for two hours. For Ji Junxin, food was a serious matter, but because it was Qiao Rubai who was late, she hadn’t been angry. And during her visits to Shudian, she had noticed that Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou were even closer than she and Ji Junxin. The message also explicitly stated that they were good friends, even giving specific examples. If they were so close, why this sudden… pettiness?

Qiao Rubai sat up, turned on the light, and reread the message carefully, scrutinizing every word.

This kind of pettiness wasn’t like Ji Junxin… Qiao Rubai looked at the sender, yes, it was definitely from Ji Junxin. Fully awake now, she reread the message, and her gaze snagged on two words: “cried from anger.” … Qiao Rubai suddenly remembered something. In her previous life, after Ji Junxin and Jiang Duo got together, one night, she had received a call from Ji Junxin. Ji Junxin had been chatting about ordinary things, but Qiao Rubai noticed the unusual tone in her voice and, after asking, found out that she was angry at Jiang Duo and had run away, calling from the side of the road. Thinking it was something serious, Qiao Rubai had rushed out in the middle of the night to pick her up, only to find out, after much questioning, that it was because Jiang Duo had said, “I poured a glass of water earlier, where did it go? Did you drink it?” Ji Junxin had been so angry that she cried and ran away. Qiao Rubai had been shocked. Although Ji Junxin’s EQ and IQ were sometimes questionable, she hadn’t expected it to be that low.

It had been a cold night, and Qiao Rubai, having gotten out of her warm bed to comfort her friend, only to be met with such childishness, couldn’t forget it even after being reborn.

Remembering this, Qiao Rubai felt a sense of foreboding. Why would the gentle and easygoing Ji Junxin be driven to tears by a harmless remark? It must be because she cared deeply about this person, perhaps even more than a friend…

This sudden realization stunned Qiao Rubai. Could it be… that Ji Junxin had feelings for Mi Hongdou? She felt a sense of unease, wanting to sort out her thoughts, but her mind was a chaotic mess.

But thinking about it carefully, it wasn’t impossible. In her previous life, she had been busy, and Ji Junxin, without any friends her age, might have been lonely? And then Jiang Duo, with her ulterior motives and her food, had appeared, and they had become close. In this life, she was still busy, and Ji Junxin… had Mi Hongdou, the excellent chef who was willing to cook anything for her. So, their growing closeness… it made sense.

Was Ji Junxin destined to be swayed by food in both lifetimes? Qiao Rubai was speechless. If Ji Junxin’s fans knew that the key to capturing her heart was delicious food at the right time, they would be stunned.

It was unbelievable! Come to think of it… Qiao Rubai had given Ji Junxin so many snacks over the years, enough to fill a room, after learning about the precious sweet potato incident! Why hadn’t she captured Ji Junxin’s heart! How had they done it! Thinking about all the snacks she had given away, Qiao Rubai felt a twinge of jealousy. But then she realized… she wasn’t trying to win over Ji Junxin, she was pursuing Yang Lianyi. She had become momentarily stupid.

Being involved with Ji Junxin always seemed to lower her IQ. Qiao Rubai mentally berated herself.

If Ji Junxin’s feelings for Mi Hongdou were just those of a good friend, then replying to the message would be easy. But this assumption, to the now clear-headed Qiao Rubai, had a very low probability of being true. So, the question now was, if Ji Junxin truly had feelings for Mi Hongdou, what should she do? She thought about it carefully. Just as she had thought before, if Ji Junxin was destined to be with a woman, Mi Hongdou was a good choice. Her excellent cooking skills that could capture a foodie’s heart was one thing, but more importantly, Mi Hongdou was Ji Junxin’s true fan, her kindness genuine. In her previous life, after retiring, Ji Junxin had become emotionally distant, but Mi Hongdou had been her food buddy for four years, which showed her sincerity. But… in her previous life, Mi Hongdou seemed to have only been a devoted fan.

Since the dinner where someone mentioned the lack of scallions, ginger, and garlic in the dishes, Qiao Rubai had suspected that Mi Hongdou might also be reborn. But Mi Hongdou hadn’t made any unusual moves, while she herself had been changing the script, bringing Mi Hongdou into the production early, leaving so many clues. And yet, Mi Hongdou hadn’t approached her. It could only mean that even if Mi Hongdou was reborn, she didn’t want anyone to know. Qiao Rubai didn’t mind acknowledging her, but Mi Hongdou’s death in her previous life was somewhat related to her, and she was currently investigating it. Although Mi Hongdou’s death couldn’t be entirely blamed on her, Qiao Rubai still felt awkward about acknowledging her without knowing the truth, so she had been waiting, planning to approach Mi Hongdou after the investigation.

Although she hadn’t confirmed it, Qiao Rubai was almost certain that Mi Hongdou was also reborn. Then, in her previous life, after four years of friendship, they hadn’t become romantically involved, would Mi Hongdou reciprocate Ji Junxin’s feelings now?

Would Ji Junxin be stuck in unrequited love in this life? Qiao Rubai was worried. It was she who had pushed Mi Hongdou towards Ji Junxin earlier.

Having sorted out her thoughts, Qiao Rubai looked at the message. Ji Junxin’s confusion suggested that she hadn’t realized the nature of her feelings for Mi Hongdou yet.

Should she point it out, or not? Should she reveal her own secret, or not? Should she interfere, or not? Qiao Rubai felt like she was facing a difficult choice…

Ji Junxin was easily swayed, especially by those close to her. That was how Lu Gaoshi had managed to push Jiang Duo towards her in her previous life…

Qiao Rubai knew that she was a very important friend to Ji Junxin. Every word she said now could greatly influence Ji Junxin’s thoughts. She didn’t want to blindly encourage her friend to act recklessly, nor did she want to extinguish a potential spark. Qiao Rubai sat up straight in bed, her fingers typing and deleting, finally composing a reply and sending it.

Chapter 86: Stuffed Dates

It was more of a loud murmur than a gasp.

Bai Tang’s exclamation, “Why isn’t there any ginger in Miss Ji’s vinegar? Isn’t that too cold?” drew everyone’s attention to Ji Junxin’s vinegar dish.

Crab was considered a “cold” food in traditional Chinese medicine, so it was usually paired with ginger vinegar or alcohol to balance its coldness. Since they had work the next day, alcohol wasn’t an option, so everyone’s ginger vinegar dish had a generous amount of minced ginger, almost half the dish. Now, thanks to Bai Tang, they noticed that Ji Junxin’s dish was just pure black vinegar, without a single shred of ginger.

Ji Junxin was confused. “But my vinegar has a strong ginger flavor.” Then she looked at the other dishes, piled high with minced ginger, and shuddered. “You put so much ginger in your vinegar? Do you all like ginger that much?”

Although they didn’t dislike ginger, they didn’t particularly like it either. Everyone looked at Mi Hongdou.

“Speaking of which, being the only one in the kitchen today was a bit lonely,” Mi Hongdou said. She couldn’t tell them that because Ji Junxin hated ginger, she had minced a whole bowl of it just to create this ginger-infused vinegar. If she had to make a separate dish for everyone, she would have died from exhaustion. She hoped her subtle hint would be understood.

As soon as she finished, Ji Junxin said with an annoyed expression, “You were alone in the kitchen! Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have wasted my time playing mahjong!” Mi Hongdou was amused and touched. She had just been complaining about the tedious task of mincing ginger, and this idiot!

Ji Junxin didn’t understand the hidden meaning, but others did.

Jiang Lingling sensed Mi Hongdou’s complaint about their high expectations and quickly tried to appease her. “Xiaomi, you worked hard today, I’ll toast to you, to you.” She seriously picked up her glass of corn juice, walked over to Mi Hongdou, and clinked glasses with her. Jiang Lingling, however, was also unlucky. Getting closer to Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, she inadvertently saw the open crab shell in front of Ji Junxin, overflowing with glistening, orange roe. Crabs were indeed fat this season, but there were limits! Double the usual amount of roe, who was she kidding?

Being constantly bombarded with critical hits, Jiang Lingling’s heart was already numb from the pain… And that Bai Tang, so observant of the lack of ginger, couldn’t she see the double portion of crab roe! She would buy her a hundred pairs of glasses tomorrow!

How pitiful… Pan Xiang, seeing Jiang Lingling’s dejected expression after the toast, felt even more sympathetic. She decided to subtly probe later. If Jiang Lingling’s feelings for Mi Hongdou were influenced by her script, she would feel incredibly guilty and would find a way to make amends.

If Mi Hongdou knew that adding a little extra crab roe to Ji Junxin’s crab had caused so much misunderstanding, she… well, she would still do it!

Towards the end of the meal, Mi Hongdou finally brought up the prosthetic belly issue with Pan Xiang. Having enjoyed a free meal, Pan Xiang readily agreed to talk to Director Pan, but she couldn’t guarantee success. After all, she lacked experience in practical filming matters and couldn’t easily persuade the meticulous and experienced Director Pan.

“Then take that heavy prosthetic belly Mi Hongdou mentioned and have Director Pan try it on himself,” Jiang Lingling, always the one with the most devious ideas, suggested.

Pan Xiang shook her head repeatedly. “My grandpa is so old-fashioned, if I ask him to wear a prosthetic belly, he might throw both me and the belly out.”

Mi Hongdou, however, thought Jiang Lingling’s idea was quite good. Telling him how heavy and uncomfortable it was wouldn’t be as effective as having him experience it himself. “You can always coax an elder, especially since you’re his granddaughter. Just ask him to try it on privately, no one else will know, he won’t be embarrassed.” She thought for a moment. “Strike while the iron is hot. I made some stuffed dates this afternoon, take them tomorrow and coax him into trying on that five or six-month belly.”

Mi Hongdou’s words were met with silence. The diners, who had been lounging in their chairs, now sat up straight, their eyes shining as they looked at Mi Hongdou, like pets waiting to be fed, led by Ji Junxin, the expert in begging for food with her adorable, pitiful expressions.

“Of course, there’s some for you.” Mi Hongdou smiled reassuringly at Ji Junxin. She had made them for her, after all… silly girl…

Ji Junxin relaxed and leaned back in her chair.

The others sat up even straighter, trying to look pitiful and adorable. Jiang Lingling, the least patient, wanting to divert Mi Hongdou’s attention from Ji Junxin, shifted in her chair, making a scraping sound against the floor. Mi Hongdou looked at her.

“Of course, there’s enough for everyone…” Mi Hongdou smiled. She couldn’t just give dates to Ji Junxin and not the others…

Everyone relaxed again.

Jiang Lingling really was pitiful, always resorting to such clumsy tactics to get Mi Hongdou’s attention, Pan Xiang thought, deciding to be nicer to her and not argue with her anymore.

Mi Hongdou had made the stuffed dates as a snack while preparing dinner, mainly for Ji Junxin, whose period was approaching.

She had initially planned to make red date sponge cake and red dates stuffed with glutinous rice, a recently popular dessert. Both were easy to make. The sponge cake just required adding more red dates. The stuffed dates were slightly more complicated, involving stuffing pitted dates with glutinous rice paste and then boiling them.

But Mi Hongdou discovered… there was no glutinous rice flour in the kitchen! It was surprising for a restaurant kitchen. She searched again, couldn’t find any, but found several jars of seemingly good quality dried fruits… She tried some, and they were indeed as good as they looked. So, red date sponge cake and glutinous rice stuffed dates became dried fruit and nut stuffed dates.

These were even easier to make than the glutinous rice version. Just wash and pit the dates, stuff them with dried fruits or nuts like walnuts and peanuts, bake them to remove some moisture, and they were done. Before dinner, Mi Hongdou had baked a large plate of stuffed dates and left them to cool in the kitchen. They would be crispy and fragrant when cooled.

So, after lounging for a bit to aid digestion, they eagerly followed Mi Hongdou to the kitchen to get their share. The kitchen was now busy, it seemed the restaurant was open for business. Mi Hongdou was a little surprised, but thinking about Jiang Lingling’s achievements in her previous life, she figured that a restaurant was probably a minor matter for her, and this quick turnaround was normal. Jiang Lingling must have asserted her authority this afternoon. Now, the chefs were all working diligently, as if suddenly energized. The kitchen was bustling with activity, but thankfully, no one touched her dates.

Jiang Lingling’s attention, however, wasn’t on the busy chefs, but on the seemingly small plate of dates.

Mi Hongdou took out some clean plastic bags, packed one for each person, and another for Director Pan. The remaining… small pile was quickly gone after everyone took two.

“Delicious!” Ji Junxin, always straightforward with food, popped a peanut-stuffed date into her mouth. The rich aroma of dates, the sweet, caramelized surface from baking, combined with the roasted fragrance, as sweet as candy, but much more delicious. And the texture, no longer soft and chewy, but crispy like dried fruit, the crunch of the peanut inside, it was incredibly delicious! Fragrant, crispy, and sweet, this kind of snack was Ji Junxin’s favorite!

After finishing one, she looked at the other date in her hand, also peanut-stuffed. Jiang Lingling had eaten one with a green filling earlier, which looked delicious. Ji Junxin was conflicted, should she trade for a different flavor, or finish this delicious peanut-stuffed date and then open her bag? As she was thinking, two more dates appeared on the tissue paper in front of her.

“I’m full,” Mi Hongdou said, rubbing her stomach with a pained expression.

“Miss Mi, do you have a stomachache? There’s medicine in the car, should we go out to eat, or should I bring it in?” Bai Tang, the ever-attentive assistant, her loyalty to Mi Hongdou having increased after tasting her cooking, asked.

The newcomer was a bit clueless… The assistant pulled Bai Tang’s sleeve. “Let’s go get the car.”

Bai Tang said to Mi Hongdou, her face full of concern, “I’ll go get the car, Miss Mi, come out quickly, there’s hot water in the thermos, it’s convenient for taking medicine!”

The assistant, her face dark, dragged the clueless Bai Tang away. If she continued like this, she would probably be fired soon. As a fellow assistant, only she could save her…

Bai Tang, who had just narrowly escaped unemployment, was dragged away by the assistant. Mi Hongdou breathed a sigh of relief, wondering if she should criticize her assistant for being too attentive or praise her own acting skills.

Facing Ji Junxin’s concerned gaze, Mi Hongdou quickly said, before she could speak, “I’m just full, my stomach doesn’t hurt.”

“Then let’s take a walk later.” Seeing Mi Hongdou’s normal expression, Ji Junxin was relieved and finally had the chance to examine the two dates in her hand. One with a green filling, like the one Jiang Lingling had earlier, and one with a red filling! Ji Junxin eagerly ate the green one. The crispy, sweet date was stuffed with sweet and sour kiwi fruit paste, slightly firm from baking, but chewy and fragrant. The red one was strawberry-stuffed, similar in texture to the kiwi, but with a different flavor. Both the dried fruit and fruit fillings were delicious… Ji Junxin popped the last peanut-stuffed date into her mouth, licked her lips, and thought that if she weren’t so full from dinner, she wouldn’t be able to save these for later.

Ji Junxin’s satisfaction was Mi Hongdou’s greatest happiness.

Overall, it had been a good dinner, not just because of the food. Jiang Lingling had finished her script discussion with Pan Xiang, and Mi Hongdou had successfully persuaded Pan Xiang to talk to Director Pan about the prosthetic belly. They had eaten and accomplished their goals, quite efficient.

Ji Junxin hoped that the dinner in her stomach would digest quickly, so she could have some more dates. But by bedtime, she was still full. She thought that even if she was full, she could still find room for a few dates. But as soon as she reached for the bag, Mi Hongdou, already in bed, as if she had a sixth sense, suddenly said, “Do you remember those little hawthorn pills?” Ji Junxin blushed and rushed to the bathroom to brush her teeth… Mi Hongdou, after becoming close to her, was really annoying! She used to pretend not to know what those pills were for, and now she was using it to tease her! Could they still be friends!

After brushing her teeth, Ji Junxin returned, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. But Mi Hongdou was right, she couldn’t even argue, so she just lingered by the bed for a moment, then climbed in. The warm hot water bottles in her bed soothed her frustration. She touched her slightly flushed cheeks, suddenly feeling confused… what was wrong with her? Why was she so angry at Mi Hongdou’s teasing? Mi Hongdou was her good friend, wasn’t it normal for friends to know each other’s embarrassing secrets and tease each other? Why was she so angry? Ji Junxin couldn’t understand… did she dislike Mi Hongdou? Impossible! She immediately dismissed the thought. She didn’t know why she was so easily angered, but she knew she didn’t dislike Mi Hongdou at all, on the contrary, she liked her very much.

Why did she get angry when teased by Mi Hongdou, someone she liked? Had she become less tolerant? Ji Junxin tossed and turned in bed, unable to understand. If it were other things, she wouldn’t care, there were many things she didn’t understand. But this was different. She realized that recently, she often got annoyed by Mi Hongdou’s casual jokes. She had almost retorted earlier… This wasn’t good! If she and Mi Hongdou had a fight over a joke, she would definitely regret it later!

Ji Junxin tossed and turned, feeling like she wouldn’t be able to sleep without figuring this out.

What should one do when they had something they couldn’t understand? Ask for help, of course!

Ji Junxin turned over, facing Mi Hongdou’s bed, and was about to speak. But before a single syllable escaped her lips, she stopped.

Was she stupid! After what had just happened, if she asked, Mi Hongdou would immediately know what she was referring to! Ji Junxin didn’t want Mi Hongdou to know about her emotional outbursts and immediately removed her from the list of potential advisors.

Ji Junxin didn’t have many friends. Mi Hongdou was out, so the next one was naturally Qiao Rubai.

As Ji Junxin picked up her phone and started typing a message to Qiao Rubai, perhaps even she didn’t realize that in her heart, Mi Hongdou was now more important than Qiao Rubai…

On a cold winter night, what was the best thing to do?

Sleep, of course!

After receiving Ji Junxin’s call that morning, Qiao Rubai had immediately summoned Shen Zhu and Xiao Zhang back to Jiang City, transferring them away from Ji Junxin. They had returned to Qiong Yu at noon, but Qiao Rubai hadn’t seen them, just having them stay at the company for the afternoon. Firstly, she was busy and didn’t have time to deal with it properly. Secondly, although Ji Junxin hadn’t said much on the phone, Qiao Rubai instinctively felt that something was off and she needed time to investigate Shen Zhu. As long as the two assistants weren’t with Ji Junxin, dealing with them would be easy, she wasn’t in a hurry.

After a day of work, and a meeting with the private investigator, Qiao Rubai, exhausted, went home, showered, and fell into bed.

The most cruel thing you could do to a tired person was to wake them up with a phone call or a message.

Qiao Rubai, thus cruelly awakened, fumbled for her phone, thinking that if it was a spam message, she would find the sender and destroy them.

Finally finding her phone, turning it on, and after her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw that the sender was Ji Junxin, and half her sleepiness vanished.

Although they were childhood friends, Ji Junxin and Qiao Rubai rarely texted. Firstly, they were too busy… and secondly, they were truly too busy. Texts were usually for important matters.

With the strangely behaving Shen Zhu this morning, and now a late-night text from Ji Junxin, Qiao Rubai was worried. Had something happened?

She nervously opened the message, read it once, twice, thrice, then put down her phone, confused. Was she… dreaming?

[I need to ask you something. It’s about a friend. Let’s call her A. She has a friend, let’s call her B. A and B are good friends, they share the same values and get along well, both in life and at work. But recently, A has been acting strangely. Specifically, when B jokes with her, A gets angry easily. The jokes are like, “You overate and had to take medicine last time, are you going to need it again?” or “Who ate that whole plate of radish meatballs?” … A knows B is joking, but she still gets angry, even cries. Why do you think A is acting like this?] Sender: Ji Junxin.

If seeing Ji Junxin’s name had dispelled half her sleepiness, then reading the message completely banished it!

Ji Junxin, someone is going to die of laughter from your message, do you know that! Qiao Rubai put down her phone, not wanting to reply at all… A, B… how many friends did Ji Junxin even have? After all that A and B nonsense, it was obviously about Ji Junxin herself… So, in this world, whenever someone talked about their “friend’s” problems, it was always about their own problems! And that B… poor B… Qiao Rubai felt a pang of sympathy for Mi Hongdou. Just from those two sentences, she could tell how difficult Mi Hongdou’s life was. And Ji Junxin’s foodie nature seemed to have developed rapidly in this life. Could it be because she had sent her the little chef a few years earlier?

Chapter 85: Eggplant Fish

“Drink the bones?”

Pan Xiang and Jiang Lingling looked towards the voice and saw Mi Hongdou holding Ji Junxin’s wrist, her gaze fixed on the spoon of fish soup in Ji Junxin’s hand, using her other hand to pick out a fish bone. They both mentally sighed, Mi Hongdou was truly devoted, while Ji Junxin… Ji Junxin looked at them innocently.

Just as Pan Xiang and Jiang Lingling were mentally criticizing the oblivious Ji Junxin, Ji Junxin blinked at them, her expression curious. “Who’s eating shells?”

Pan Xiang released Jiang Lingling’s wrist, and Jiang Lingling slowly lowered her spoon. For some reason, being questioned by the clueless Ji Junxin made them feel slightly awkward.

It was like elementary school exams, they always got perfect scores, while another child always failed. Then one day, they failed, and the usually failing child, with an innocent expression, looked around and asked, “Who else failed this time?” How awkward.

Wait, why was she feeling awkward? Pan Xiang wondered.

“Although this eggplant fish uses fillets, and there shouldn’t be any bones in the soup, you should still be careful, scoop from the top,” Mi Hongdou said, discarding the fish bone she had just picked out from Ji Junxin’s spoon. She looked at Pan Xiang and Jiang Lingling. “What’s wrong?”

Since it sounded like Pan Xiang’s voice earlier, Mi Hongdou looked in her direction.

Pan Xiang remained silent. Although Jiang Lingling had also been foolish just now, she couldn’t bear to categorize her with Ji Junxin.

“Heh…” Jiang Lingling chuckled awkwardly. “I wasn’t paying attention, I almost ate the clam shell.” If Mi Hongdou hadn’t been looking at Pan Xiang, she wouldn’t have admitted it! But she couldn’t just let Mi Hongdou be questioned. Jiang Lingling mentally patted herself on the back.

“Hahaha…” Ji Junxin’s eyes crinkled with laughter, and she turned to Mi Hongdou proudly. “See, the clam shell was so big, and my fish bone was so small.”

…You’re proud of not seeing the fish bone? Mi Hongdou couldn’t bear to criticize Ji Junxin and just smiled, letting Jiang Lingling take the blame.

Jiang Lingling felt miserable. It was like a usually failing student finding her test paper with a 59 and waving it in front of her, who had scored a 58…

Mi Hongdou, ignoring Jiang Lingling’s misery, focused on ladling fish soup for Ji Junxin. The eggplant fish soup, simmered until milky white, looked and smelled delicious. No wonder Ji Junxin, who hadn’t had fish soup at lunch, immediately went for it. Mi Hongdou carefully scooped the soup from the top, her movements gentle yet efficient. It was cold, and even with the air conditioning, the soup would cool down quickly. Warm, almost scalding, that was the perfect temperature for fish soup. Mi Hongdou was focused, perhaps thinking of the person who would be drinking the soup, her gaze gentle.

Ji Junxin, having finished teasing Jiang Lingling, was now captivated by Mi Hongdou. One gently ladling the soup, the other watching intently, the atmosphere between them shifted, a quiet intimacy that seemed to exclude everyone else.

Bai Tang, sitting next to Mi Hongdou, nibbling on a piece of beef, sensed something and shifted her chair slightly away, feeling more comfortable.

Although Pan Xiang wasn’t always on set, as a writer with a wild imagination, she could sense the unusual dynamic between Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin. That was why she had told Mi Hongdou about Gu Tiansheng, subtly warning them to be careful, even revealing that she had written the scripts for his films.

In Pan Xiang’s view, there was indeed something more than friendship between Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, but how it would develop was uncertain. After all, in this industry, it wasn’t uncommon for actors to develop feelings for each other during filming. Even romantic relationships between male and female actors often fizzled out, let alone same-sex relationships, which were much more difficult. It wasn’t that Pan Xiang didn’t think they could make it work, she had seen similar situations on Gu Tiansheng’s sets. Two years ago, during the filming of “The Kettle and the Heart,” based on her novel, the two male leads had become incredibly close. Gu Tiansheng had wanted them to continue working together on “Spy Game,” but he was worried about their relationship developing further, so he didn’t, even kindly advising them to spend some time apart after filming. Who knew that the two, so close during filming, practically inseparable, would drift apart after “The Kettle and the Heart” wrapped up, each pursuing their own careers. Pan Xiang knew that her script probably had flaws, but the emotional impact of a story was temporary. Now, she wondered if Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin would remain close after filming ended. If not, she felt a strange sense of… melancholy.

Jiang Lingling watched as Mi Hongdou ladled soup for Ji Junxin. A fish bone, not even eaten yet, and someone was already there to remove it, such attentiveness, even without knowing the nature of their relationship, it was still enviable. Jiang Lingling looked at the two, their little world excluding everyone else, how they constantly blinded single dogs with their brilliance. Only someone with her inner strength, her grand ambitions and ideals, could be friends with them. She didn’t realize that there were other single people at the table, but she was the only one feeling the sting.

Pan Xiang, who had stopped Jiang Lingling from eating the clam shell earlier, although now eating a piece of twice-cooked pork, was still paying attention to Jiang Lingling. So, Jiang Lingling’s expectant and melancholic expression didn’t escape her notice. A sudden thought struck her, making her pause, her chopsticks almost dropping the garlic chives.

That expression on Jiang Lingling’s face… could it be that she had a crush on one of them! Pan Xiang’s gaze swept over Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, immersed in their own world, clearly not welcoming any intrusion. If Jiang Lingling had feelings for one of them, wasn’t she setting herself up for heartbreak?

Pan Xiang was startled by her own thought. If Jiang Lingling knew, she would probably laugh and smear steamed egg on her face. Pan Xiang hadn’t spent much time with Jiang Lingling, unlike her assistant, who often saw this envious and jealous look and wouldn’t have such a wild imagination.

The thinly sliced pork belly, fried until crispy, the fat rendered and no longer greasy, the lean meat tender and fragrant, stir-fried with garlic chives and various sauces, was a delicious dish. But Pan Xiang, preoccupied with her thoughts, couldn’t appreciate it.

Her gaze shifting between the almost lovey-dovey duo and the seemingly heartbroken Jiang Lingling, Pan Xiang felt that her guess might be right. She just didn’t know… whether it was Jiang Lingling’s own feelings, or if it was influenced by her script… Although she wasn’t sure, Pan Xiang felt a pang of guilt. Her scripts always had this flaw, somehow turning normal romances into BL stories… and now, perhaps, also yuri.

Pan Xiang sympathetically gave Jiang Lingling a piece of clam meat. Jiang Lingling looked at her, surprised, as if saying, did you think I was so stupid as to eat the shell? Pan Xiang, for once, didn’t argue and gave her another piece.

Actually, she didn’t really like clams… Jiang Lingling looked at the little girl with the bun, diligently picking out clam meat, and ate the offered pieces.

The clam meat, firm and flavorful… Just two small pieces, and Jiang Lingling closed her eyes in satisfaction. She seemed to recall reading somewhere that clams were considered the most flavorful seafood. It was in a time-travel, farming novel. The foodie protagonist, having traveled back to ancient times with limited ingredients and cooking techniques, to satisfy her cravings and earn money, had dried and powdered clams as a substitute for MSG and made a delicious clam sauce, making a fortune. The author’s description of the clam’s flavor had made Jiang Lingling hungry, and she remembered it clearly. A foodie wasn’t necessarily a good cook. Someone like Mi Hongdou, with her excellent culinary skills, could thrive in any era. It was a pity that she chose to be an actress. If she joined her restaurant, it would be a huge boost, Jiang Lingling thought, looking at Mi Hongdou, who was serving Ji Junxin fish soup, her eyes filled with regret.

That melancholic, lovesick gaze! Why was she like this again! Pan Xiang followed Jiang Lingling’s gaze and realized who the object of her affection was.

Feeling sorry for her, Pan Xiang gave Jiang Lingling some scrambled eggs with shredded pork and yellow chives.

Jiang Lingling returned the favor with a spoonful of iron plate tofu.

The iron plate tofu, made with Japanese tofu, coated in cornstarch and deep-fried until golden brown, then stir-fried with onions, sausage, and diced carrots, seasoned with tomato sauce, and finally placed on a sizzling hot iron plate with some broth, was a delicious and appetizing dish. But Pan Xiang, eating the tofu, sighed inwardly. It seemed that Jiang Lingling’s current mood, just like the taste of this tofu, was a bit… sour.

Jiang Lingling, eating the shredded pork, had no idea that someone else’s imagination was now surpassing hers.

Pan Xiang’s conflicted thoughts went unnoticed.

Mi Hongdou was watching Ji Junxin, who was carefully sipping the fish soup, and nagging, “Drink slowly, so if there are any fish bones, they’ll sink to the bottom.”

Ji Junxin took a small sip. The milky white soup was fragrant and flavorful, without any fishy smell. The white pepper enhanced the aroma, and the warmth flowed down her throat, warming her from the inside.

Unlike the external warmth from air conditioning or hot water bottles, only food could bring such inner warmth and satisfaction.

It was so delicious she wanted to swallow her own tongue! Ji Junxin, before Mi Hongdou could stop her, quickly finished the soup.

“There were no fish bones. How could there be fish bones in the soup you ladled for me?” Ji Junxin licked her lips and showed Mi Hongdou the clean, empty bowl.

Why did she look so smug? Mi Hongdou, amused and exasperated, took the bowl. “I’ll get you another bowl.”

Regardless of the blatant flirting between one pair and the awkwardness between the other, the delicious food made it a pleasant meal. By the time everyone was almost finished, Mi Hongdou remembered the steamed crabs in the kitchen. She had steamed two for each person, but now… one each would probably be enough.

Everyone was quite full, good food was hard to resist, especially for Bai Tang, who was trying Mi Hongdou’s cooking for the first time. Now, forget about crabs, she could barely eat another bite of anything. Steamed crabs weren’t difficult to make, it wasn’t like Mi Hongdou’s other dishes. But since she had made them, they still expressed their willingness to have one.

The colder the weather, the fatter the crabs. The steamed crabs, their shells almost bursting with bright orange, glistening roe, were incredibly tempting.

One female crab per person, a small dish of ginger vinegar.

Slightly full, they ate the crabs slowly, like a snack, chatting casually.

Mostly listening to Jiang Lingling. She pointed out several scenes in the later part of the script that she thought could be changed. Minor changes, like changing “placing the bucket on the ground” to “splashing the water,” or “pushing someone aside” to “bumping into someone”… Most of the scenes she mentioned involved Jiang Duo, and recalling the morning’s incident, Pan Xiang understood Jiang Lingling’s intentions. Jiang Duo was truly unlucky to have offended the vengeful Jiang Lingling.

Although Jiang Lingling’s intentions were obvious, Pan Xiang could tell that she had indeed studied the script carefully, and some of her suggestions weren’t bad. For those that could improve the plot, Pan Xiang said she would consider them. But those that were purely for the sake of tormenting Jiang Duo, without any benefit to the story, she rejected.

Jiang Lingling was a little disappointed. She had spent a lot of time finding those scenes.

Pan Xiang, looking at the disappointed Jiang Lingling, then at Mi Hongdou, felt a pang of sympathy.

“If we change all the scenes you mentioned, it would seem like Wei Xunqin is deliberately targeting Concubine Zhu. After all, Wei Xunqin’s rank in the palace is lower than Concubine Zhu’s. If the young empress continues to use her authority to suppress the others, then Wei Xunqin can’t be too aggressive towards Concubine Zhu, who outranks her. Only when Concubine Zhu goes too far, truly threatening or causing trouble for the Empress and Miao Qianye, would Wei Xunqin, wanting to repay the Empress’s kindness, have a reason to intervene. Like in this morning’s scene, with the concubines surrounding the Empress and Miao Qianye, Concubine Zhu instigating and provoking, and the situation escalating, Wei Xunqin’s bucket of cold water was just right.” Pan Xiang paused. “Actually, the changes I agreed to earlier are already enough to make Concubine Zhu suffer. And I’ll add some subtle actions for Miao Qianye, which should also satisfy those who dislike Concubine Zhu.”

Satisfy who? The characters in the story? The audience? Or Jiang Lingling? Pan Xiang didn’t specify. But Jiang Lingling understood. Making a good film was the priority, getting revenge on someone you disliked was just a bonus. Pan Xiang’s explanation, although out of sympathy, had inadvertently dissuaded Jiang Lingling from further changing the script.

Seeing Jiang Lingling’s agreement, Pan Xiang was relieved. Although Wei Xunqin was a newly created character after the major script revision, she was the character Pan Xiang had put the most effort into. It was thanks to the detailed information about Jiang Lingling provided by Dong Yuannan. Not just among those at the table, but probably in the entire crew, thanks to Dong Yuannan, Pan Xiang was probably the one who understood Jiang Lingling the most. From his information, she not only knew what Jiang Lingling liked to eat, drink, and wear, what she disliked and feared… but after careful study, she almost felt like she could see into Jiang Lingling’s heart.

Having lost her parents at a young age, growing up in poverty, yet remaining resilient and kind. Forced into an unwanted marriage by her relatives, driven to despair, then saved by Dong Yuannan. Late at night, Pan Xiang, reading Dong Yuannan’s account, filled with a father’s love and compassion, could almost feel Jiang Lingling’s despair… Dong Yuannan’s appearance must have been like a godsend…

They said there were gods and buddhas watching over mortals, but for those in despair, the one who extended a helping hand was their god.

That night, Pan Xiang, the writer who could move her readers to tears, found herself tearing up over a stack of documents. Even knowing that the hardship was over, she was still touched by that moment of salvation. And that night, a new Wei Xunqin was born under her pen. Unloved, resilient, yet burdened by misfortune, having experienced great hardship, finding a helping hand, a savior, in her moment of despair.

The new character took shape overnight. Pan Xiang remembered finishing the script just as dawn broke, the gentle light dispelling the darkness. At that moment, she knew that Wei Xunqin, although a supporting character, would be loved by many. Because everyone hoped for salvation.

Although Qiao Rubai had initially just asked her to flesh out Jiang Lingling’s character and add more scenes, after writing Wei Xunqin’s story, Pan Xiang couldn’t bear to have her brilliance hidden. In the script for Jiang Lingling, besides the usual scene descriptions and lines, she also added detailed analyses of the character’s emotional and relational development. She loved Wei Xunqin too much and hoped that Jiang Lingling, the inspiration for the character, could portray her well.

So, Pan Xiang didn’t want Director Pan to have any prejudice against Jiang Lingling, and she didn’t want Jiang Lingling to deviate too much from the plot just to torment Jiang Duo. It wasn’t worth it… for a screenwriter, seeing her beloved characters brought to life on screen was the ultimate reward.

Jiang Lingling had asked why her script had so many extra notes, and Pan Xiang had just casually said it was a “newbie perk.” So, in the end, Jiang Lingling never knew about Pan Xiang’s special feelings for Wei Xunqin, or even for her.

They ate crabs and discussed the plot, the atmosphere even livelier than during the meal.

Ji Junxin had also become closer to Jiang Lingling these past few days. Hearing Jiang Lingling’s requests for more scenes tormenting Jiang Duo, she couldn’t help but smile. “With your straightforward and vengeful personality, playing the tragic and forbearing Wei Xunqin must be difficult.”

Jiang Lingling chuckled. “Although the character is quite different from me, it’s actually quite easy to play, especially after the screenwriter revised the script a few times. Our little screenwriter is truly amazing!”

Who’s a little girl! Pan Xiang glared at Jiang Lingling. How was Wei Xunqin different from her? Both pitiful, both lacking love, both unlucky, both saved, both devoted to their saviors! Where was the difference! Pan Xiang looked around the table, everyone seemingly agreeing with Jiang Lingling, and sighed inwardly. So, only she could see through Jiang Lingling’s boisterous facade… these people lacked any sense of observation! Wait, why was she observing…

The oblivious group happily ate their crabs, until Bai Tang, pointing at Ji Junxin’s plate, let out a soft gasp.