Chapter 78: Temptation
Jiang Lingling had been plucked from her impoverished village by Dong Yuannan and transformed from a poor country girl into a pampered city girl. He treated her better than his own daughter, showering her with delicacies and experiences beyond most people’s wildest dreams. She had everything she wanted, indulged to the extreme.
For a few years, Jiang Lingling was captivated by this extravagant lifestyle. But the novelty soon wore off. After seeing countless sights and tasting countless delicacies, life seemed… stagnant. How much could one see or eat in a day, even if they did nothing else? When material possessions no longer held any excitement, Jiang Lingling felt a void in her spiritual life. Simply put, she was bored.
Back in her village, life had been filled with poverty and hardship, every day a struggle for survival. But it hadn’t been boring. Of course, even now, bored and pampered, she wouldn’t go back to her old life. As the saying goes, it’s easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to go back.
Reading novels on Jinjiang was Jiang Lingling’s way of filling the spiritual void. The ancients said, “Speak less, read more,” and they were right. Jiang Lingling’s boredom subsided after she started reading. Somewhat subsided, because although reading filled the void, it also brought new problems. Real life was so mundane, while the stories in books were so exciting: wuxia adventures, palace intrigues, supernatural mysteries, immortal cultivation fantasies… Jiang Lingling was captivated by these fantastical worlds.
Until her dreams became as vivid as the stories she read. She dreamt of bloody wuxia battles, of scheming in the palace, of battling ghosts and demons with magic… The world in her dreams was amazing!
Dong Yuannan, always concerned about his goddaughter, was the first to notice something was wrong. Jiang Lingling spending all day at home was one thing, but sleeping all day, besides eating, was definitely a sign of illness! He took her to the hospital for a thorough checkup, but the results showed that she was perfectly healthy. Jiang Lingling herself felt strong enough to take down two oxen, she didn’t understand why her godfather was so worried. So, looking at the perfect health report, Dong Yuannan couldn’t help but ask. Fortunately, Jiang Lingling adored her godfather and, without any embarrassment, told him everything about her obsession with daydreaming. Well, perhaps Jiang Lingling simply didn’t know what embarrassment was, it had nothing to do with adoration.
Jiang Lingling didn’t think it was a big deal. But Dong Yuannan panicked. If there was nothing wrong with her physically, then it must be a mental problem!
A normal parent would take their child to a psychologist, or even a psychiatrist. But Dong Yuannan, a self-made man who had navigated the complex world of business for years, wasn’t a normal parent. After talking to Jiang Lingling, he spent the entire night in his study, emerging the next day looking like a panda, and declared, “Let’s enter the film and television industry!”
She loved the worlds in books so much that she didn’t even want to wake up from her dreams? Then go act, go experience those fantastical worlds! Dong Yuannan enthusiastically brought his goddaughter into the entertainment industry, their first stop being the “Imperial Secrets” production, which was already filming.
At first, Jiang Lingling wasn’t very enthusiastic. Acting meant following a script, with fragmented scenes, often filmed out of order, it wasn’t as smooth, novel, and exciting as her dreams. But she always listened to Dong Yuannan, so she reluctantly joined the crew. For the first month, she was busy trying to get Mi Hongdou to make her egg fried rice and fighting with those who disliked her. She didn’t feel anything about acting.
But then, things changed. Pan Xiang, the screenwriter, repeatedly revised Jiang Lingling’s scenes, and although it was troublesome to learn the new lines, Jiang Lingling felt that she was gradually getting into the role. She remembered the first time she became immersed, she had almost forgotten her real identity, truly becoming the concubine in the palace. It was a wonderful experience. Jiang Lingling found increasing joy in acting. If at first, she had entered the industry to please Dong Yuannan, now she genuinely loved it.
She didn’t need the fame or the applause, just the act of performing brought her happiness. Of course, she was still very proud whenever Director Pan praised her.
Being an actress was amazing! Jiang Lingling thought this and believed that other actors must feel the same. Well, perhaps not all actors, but at least Mi Hongdou should feel this way.
After three months of filming, Jiang Lingling was no longer a complete newbie. At least, in her opinion, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin had the fewest NGs and received the most praise from Director Pan. It seemed… that Mi Hongdou also enjoyed acting. So, when Jiang Lingling heard Mi Hongdou seriously say that she wanted to be Ji Junxin’s assistant, she was incredibly shocked.
Just for a moment. But then, considering Mi Hongdou’s feelings for Ji Junxin, besides the shock, she felt that it was a natural progression. Compared to love, many things could be sacrificed.
A film would eventually end, and they would go their separate ways, the next collaboration uncertain. Having fallen in love with acting, Jiang Lingling, who now bought all the entertainment magazines, knew that friendships formed during filming often faded with time and distance, especially… when the feelings were more than just friendship. Jiang Lingling looked at Mi Hongdou, who was sincerely confessing her feelings to Ji Junxin, and could only sigh.
Everyone had their own pursuits. Although Jiang Lingling felt that it was a waste for Mi Hongdou to give up acting and become an assistant, she had no right to interfere. Even standing here felt intrusive.
So, as soon as Mi Hongdou finished speaking, Jiang Lingling quietly retreated…
“What if I were your assistant?”
Mi Hongdou’s words were like a thunderbolt, striking Ji Junxin.
If Mi Hongdou were her assistant, then she would always be with her, not leaving after a project ended, not drifting apart because of busy schedules. She would always be by her side, within reach. She could even share a room with her during filming. And when they weren’t filming, she could be her personal assistant, living with her. Right, her current one-bedroom apartment was too small… Perhaps she should buy a bigger one, a duplex, with enough space. No, no, that would be too big, what if they lived on separate floors? A two-bedroom apartment would be better, separate rooms but on the same floor, not too far apart. Although not as close as sharing a hotel room, it was still good. She could buy an apartment near Mi’s mother’s place, so Mi Hongdou could visit her mother often, but she had to come back to her place at night. Being close to her mother’s place, there would be no excuse for Mi Hongdou not to come back.
Mi Hongdou’s one sentence sparked countless fantasies in Ji Junxin’s mind, from working and living together, to buying a new apartment, to even wondering what kind of interior design Mi Hongdou liked.
It was such a tempting thought… Ji Junxin couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this hopeful and excited about life. Was it when she first started acting, filled with anticipation for this new life?
She could see that Mi Hongdou’s offer was sincere, not a joke. That was why she felt such a surge of hope and excitement. But… she quickly suppressed it.
It was such a wonderful and tempting offer, like a feast presented to a starving person, almost irresistible. Ji Junxin bit her lip, the dull pain strengthening her resolve.
“I already have two assistants, I can’t afford a third,” she said, forcing a smile, dismissing Mi Hongdou’s words as a joke.
But if Mi Hongdou could say it out loud, it wasn’t just a joke. Admittedly, she had spoken impulsively, reacting to Ji Junxin’s words about them eventually separating, about only Shen Zhu being able to stay with her. But as soon as the words left her mouth, Mi Hongdou had a realization. Yes, this was the solution, the only way to always be with Ji Junxin, to always protect her. If she became Ji Junxin’s assistant, then Lu Gaoshi, Shen Zhu, and the like, their schemes wouldn’t matter, because Ji Junxin would only need her. Then, she could accompany Ji Junxin during filming, in her daily life, even if Ji Junxin got married and had children, as her assistant, she could still stay with her, never leaving. Wait, she couldn’t think about that, it hurt. But being an assistant, it was a really good idea.
Mi Hongdou, now determined, seeing Ji Junxin’s polite refusal, became anxious. “I’m serious, I think I would be a good assistant. Look, I can do everything your current assistants can do. And I can cook, they can’t, right?” Determined to persuade Ji Junxin, she had to use her trump card. “Think about it, if I were your assistant, I could make you breakfast every morning, we could bring lunch to the set, and late-night snacks and desserts, of course. I could make you whatever you want, whenever you want, no need to worry about scheduling. And…”
“No…” Ji Junxin forced herself to interrupt, to avoid hearing the even more tempting offers. “I can’t hire you as my assistant.”
“…” Mi Hongdou’s enthusiasm was doused with cold water, and her voice was tinged with disappointment. “Why?”
Ji Junxin was about to explain, then stopped and asked, “Then why do you, a talented actress, want to be my assistant?”
Because she couldn’t bear to be apart from her, of course! Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin, the words on the tip of her tongue, then swallowed them. Saying that would reveal her true feelings. She suddenly regretted it, she could have taken a more gradual approach, there was no need to be so direct now.
“Haha, we’ll talk about this later,” Mi Hongdou said, forcing a smile and changing the subject.
Ji Junxin didn’t speak. They looked at each other, and Mi Hongdou, feeling guilty, looked away first.
Mi Hongdou hadn’t said it out loud, but Ji Junxin understood. How could she not? A talented actress, with connections and opportunities, about to become famous with two upcoming dramas, suddenly wanting to give it all up and become an assistant, what other reason could there be? It must be… just like how she was reluctant to part with her, Mi Hongdou was also reluctant… A sweetness bloomed in Ji Junxin’s heart, strengthening her resolve.
“No, I won’t hire you as my assistant, not in the future either.” Ji Junxin didn’t want to give Mi Hongdou any more hope and, despite the pang in her heart, firmly rejected her.
Mi Hongdou felt hurt, but she couldn’t argue further, or it would only make Ji Junxin overthink. It was frustrating… Mi Hongdou took a deep breath.
Ji Junxin couldn’t miss Mi Hongdou’s disappointment.
“I’d rather see you shine on screen than be my assistant.” Ji Junxin, not wanting Mi Hongdou to be unhappy, explained, “Although I also don’t want to be apart from you after this film, I don’t want you to make such a sacrifice. Even if we can’t film together, we’ll still be good friends, right?…”
The classic “give a slap, then offer a sweet date” tactic. Mi Hongdou sighed, but the date was still sweet.
“So I will absolutely not hire you as my assistant.” Ji Junxin emphasized seriously. Only she knew how much it pained her to say those words… It seemed she wouldn’t need to buy a new apartment after all. She really wanted Mi Hongdou to be her assistant… but it seemed she was destined to be alone.
“Okay, I understand.” Mi Hongdou saw Ji Junxin’s seriousness. Although rejected, her heart still felt warm. But seeing Ji Junxin’s resolute demeanor, she couldn’t help but feel a little unwilling. “But if I were your assistant, I could cook for you every day, aren’t you even tempted?”
Tempted! Her heart was practically leaping with joy! Ji Junxin forced herself to remain calm and retorted, “So if you’re not my assistant, you won’t cook for me anymore?”
“…” Mi Hongdou was speechless.
Jiang Lingling, having tactfully retreated, stopped behind some cover, still worried about those two fools, and watched from afar. They seemed to be talking calmly and then walked away together. Jiang Lingling was relieved, but also a little disappointed. So, no one noticed her leaving? Was a single dog’s presence that insignificant!
Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin weren’t fools, they noticed Jiang Lingling’s absence, just a little late. After Ji Junxin firmly rejected Mi Hongdou, and Mi Hongdou accepted the rejection, their minds slightly calmer, they realized that Jiang Lingling was gone. Well, it wasn’t much different from not noticing at all.
But the set wasn’t that large, Jiang Lingling wouldn’t get lost. Ji Junxin assumed Jiang Lingling had something to do and left. Mi Hongdou’s guess was closer to the truth, she figured Jiang Lingling had tactfully left to give them some space. Jiang Lingling, although often unreliable, could be considerate sometimes.
As they walked towards the makeup area, Ji Junxin thought that the assistant topic was finally over. But after a few steps, Mi Hongdou spoke again.
“After this film, who knows when we’ll have another chance to work together. How about letting me be your part-time assistant during this time? We’re eating, living, and working together anyway, and you don’t have much for an assistant to do.” This time, Mi Hongdou’s offer was more carefully considered. Of course, seeing Shen Zhu’s closeness to Ji Junxin and feeling uncomfortable was one reason, but more importantly, she felt that Shen Zhu’s sudden clinginess was suspicious. She needed time to investigate, and during that time, it was best to limit Shen Zhu’s access to Ji Junxin.
Mi Hongdou’s persistence surprised Ji Junxin. But thinking about it, Mi Hongdou was right. She didn’t really have much for an assistant to do. These past few months… packing, cleaning, cooking, those were all tasks an assistant would normally do, and Mi Hongdou had already been doing them. Mi Hongdou had practically been her part-time assistant! Ji Junxin felt a pang of guilt for her obliviousness and unintentional exploitation.
“But Shen Zhu just asked me to give her and Xiao Zhang more tasks…” Ji Junxin still remembered Shen Zhu’s words, and now that she had realized it, she couldn’t continue exploiting Mi Hongdou.
What a naive fool… Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin, exasperated. How could she be so clueless? How badly had she been manipulated in her previous life!
“…Are you angry?” Ji Junxin clearly saw the annoyance in Mi Hongdou’s eyes.
“No…” Mi Hongdou shook her head, then nodded. “Okay, I am a little angry, but not at you. Listen, you heard what Jiang Lingling said, Shen Zhu was asking about your whereabouts, who knows what her intentions are? This could be a big deal. You might think she was just being concerned, but there might be something else going on. You can’t judge a book by its cover, right? I have a suggestion. Tell Qiao Rubai about Shen Zhu asking about our trip, let her handle it. She’s your manager, she should know about this.” Mi Hongdou would investigate Shen Zhu herself, but that would take time. Judging by Ji Junxin’s reaction, she hadn’t experienced Shen Zhu’s true nature yet and probably wouldn’t readily distance herself from her. But Qiao Rubai was different, if she knew about this, she would act immediately, better safe than sorry.
Mi Hongdou understood Qiao Rubai’s personality, and Ji Junxin, having grown up with her, knew her even better. Knowing Qiao Rubai’s decisiveness, Ji Junxin hesitated.
“Call her now.” Mi Hongdou stood firm, not moving until Ji Junxin made the call.
Ji Junxin didn’t move, and neither did Mi Hongdou. Finally… Ji Junxin called Qiao Rubai.
As expected, Qiao Rubai just told them to focus on filming and leave everything else to her.
Ji Junxin hung up the phone, a little sad. “So, she’s going to transfer Shen Zhu?”
Definitely. Qiao Rubai was so reliable, Mi Hongdou was relieved. Of course, she still had to comfort Ji Junxin.
“It’s okay, we’ve already agreed that I’ll be your part-time assistant during this time. It’s just right that Shen Zhu is being transferred.” Mi Hongdou intended to comfort Ji Junxin, but she couldn’t help but feel a little smug.
When did they agree? … Ji Junxin glared at Mi Hongdou, who smiled at her, and Ji Junxin couldn’t help but smile too.
Well, actually… it wasn’t so bad.
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