A Time-Limited Romance with Movie Queen Ex - Chapter 48.2

“Let’s just call her Pony. A name would only be a constraint.” She thought quietly, if she gave it a name, it would be even harder to leave.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you,” the woman’s voice drifted in the wind, carrying a peculiar, bright yet silent tenderness.

“I really like it, but I won’t be able to visit often after this.”

Rong Qingyao’s eyes darkened slightly. “You can leave it with me and visit whenever you like. But it’s very attached to people, if too much time passes, it might forget you.”

“What should I do then?”

“Taking care of it every day would be best.”

For a fleeting moment, Luo Mijin could only see Rong Qingyao’s cool, almost moonlit face, as if it were blending into the night.

The woman didn’t seem to want to pressure Luo Mijin and quickly changed the subject. “Luo Mijin, could you accompany me to an event? Yan Si is on leave and can’t come, and there’s no one else I trust enough by my side.”

“What kind of event?”

“A red carpet in the country. It’s quite boring, but sometimes I have no choice. We’ll be back in about two days.”

“Will you be under the spotlight? The really dazzling kind? Like when I used to see you on TV?”

“Yes, the lights there are very bright and flashy.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you.” Luo Mijin agreed surprisingly smoothly. She had never seen Rong Qingyao shine so brilliantly before.

Though her life was full of regrets, she could at least lessen them bit by bit.

**

Luo Mijin made a special trip to the hospital to tell Luo Zhiwen about it. Her younger sister was fully supportive, even declaring she’d watch the event live from the hospital.

So, they boarded a private jet back to the country and immediately began preparations upon arrival.

Rong Qingyao owned property here as well, unsurprisingly decorated with floor-to-ceiling windows, gardens, butterflies, and other elegant elements.

Due to weather conditions, the red carpet was set up indoors. The enormous pale-green petal-shaped stage stretched nearly twenty meters, surrounded by gauzy fabric shaped like golden waves that rippled beautifully under the breeze from the blowers.

The central signing board was about seven meters long, flanked by sponsor logos on display. The media photography area formed a semicircle to ensure full coverage, and the hosts waited nearby to facilitate interviews and photo sessions with the guests.

Around three in the afternoon, Luo Mijin and Rong Qingyao arrived at the venue. From a distance, they could see the track cameras and live broadcast equipment already in place. The area was bustling with people, all eagerly awaiting the grand event.

The black Maybach maintained its usual air of understated luxury. Before the car even came to a stop, Luo Mijin could hear the roaring crowd outside. Layers of lights and silhouettes merged, rivaling the brilliance of stars in the Milky Way.

The agent in the front seat had already scrutinized Luo Mijin multiple times from shock to calm, and now to complete acceptance.

What more could she say?

Rong Qingyao had wealth, influence, and status. No matter how capricious she was, there was no stopping her.

Even if a scandal broke out, she had connections in the media to suppress it with money. Who knew? Maybe she just had a taste for playing around before her engagement.

And who was to say she wouldn’t one day abandon the entertainment industry altogether? The next movie she starred in was only because the agent had pleaded endlessly.

If she quit acting, she’d still go home to inherit a fortune, truly, the favored are fearless.

The agent could only sigh, realizing she’d been right all along about the way Rong Qingyao looked at Luo Mijin.

Her sharp eyes had seen through far too much.

She had already communicated with the organizers several times through her Bluetooth earpiece. Rong Qingyao would be the first to walk the red carpet, followed by a chat with the host about her recent life and plans for filming, a little treat for her fans and moviegoers.

After all, apart from watching her movies, they rarely got to see Rong Qingyao more than a few times a year.

“Qingyao, the organizers have confirmed you’ll be first on the red carpet. There’ll be a small prize draw beforehand, giving out souvenirs to the audience. After that, you’ll chat with the host, and someone will guide you to the front row,” the manager turned from the passenger seat. “The questions will mostly be about your engagement, your fiancé, and a bit about your films. Answer them properly, don’t stir up any trouble.”

Though Rong Qingyao was always composed in social settings, with impeccable tact and emotional intelligence, her manager couldn’t shake the unease in her chest. This felt too out of character.

The order of the red carpet was no trivial matter, it reflected status, popularity, public recognition, whether one had blockbuster works, high-end endorsements, whether they were primarily in film, TV, or variety shows.

Not to mention closeness with the organizers, fashion influence, and more, all factors that had to be weighed carefully.

Given that Rong Qingyao’s awards now far surpassed her peers, coupled with her solid public recognition, being first on the red carpet also signaled the prestige of the event itself.

“Mm, I understand,” Rong Qingyao gave her manager a reassuring look.

The manager glanced at Luo Mijin and asked politely, “Should we arrange a good seat for your friend? The media section has very comfortable seating.”

“No need. She’s not used to these kinds of events.”

“Alright.” The manager couldn’t help but study the two of them a little longer. If she’s not used to it, why bring her along?

Doesn’t that just make things awkward?

But she didn’t dare say it out loud.

“Don’t worry. There are too many people outside just wait for me in the car.” Rong Qingyao, radiant in her intricate gown, let her hand briefly overlap with Luo Mijin’s for just a second before pulling away a polite, reassuring gesture. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Alright. I’ll be here, waiting for you.” Luo Mijin adjusted easily. After all, everyone’s attention was fixed on Rong Qingyao.

She didn’t have to be the center of attention anymore.

Tonight, Rong Qingyao’s haute couture gown was stunning, a strapless, high-waisted design with cascading layers of black fabric, accentuating her full, sensual curves.

As she walked the red carpet, bathed in starlight, the audience’s gazes locked onto her, burning with admiration.

The cameras lingered on her for a few extra seconds, hers was a face impossible to ignore. Sharp, cool eyes, flawless porcelain skin, and striking features that carried an undercurrent of allure beneath their aloofness. Her gaze was as clear as snow.

Tonight, Rong Qingyao’s black velvet gown hugged her waist, its thin straps accentuating her slender figure. Paired with her golden hair, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

The prize draw machine was ready. Rong Qingyao stood beside it, turned the handle, and within seconds, a numbered ping-pong ball rolled out.

In that brief moment, the live broadcast’s comment section exploded, flooding the screen.

[It’s Qingyao, Rong Qingyao, ahhh!!!]

[My goddess is absolutely killing it today like a deity descending to bless us mortals.]

[Sister, step on me, please step on me, I’ll kneel before you and hand you the whip myself.]

[Everyone, I’m at a loss for words. Sister Qingyao is so beautiful, so aloof, so deadly today. Wuwu, so divine and untouchable.]

[Sister, can you marry me today? I’m already lying down ready.]

[Sister!! Forget the raffle, pick me!!]

Once this last comment appeared, a flood of identical copies followed, dominating the screen for over a minute.

At the end of the red carpet, after signing autographs and taking photos with various guests, Rong Qingyao followed the program’s flow and engaged in polite conversation with the host before the cameras.

The host, ever professional, maintained a perfectly measured smile. “Our Qingyao looks absolutely breathtaking today. This outfit is understated yet elegant. I heard you personally selected the cut and color of this exceptional pigeon-blood ruby brooch’s center stone.”

Rong Qingyao smiled modestly and pointed out that the styling guidance had all come from the brand’s designers.

“I remember when Qingyao first brought her work here five years ago, she was also wearing an elegant evening gown. Time flies,” the host shifted the topic to personal relationships. “I heard Qingyao has good news coming up, you’re getting engaged? Would you like to share any relationship advice for your fans to reference?”

Rong Qingyao lowered her eyes with a faint smile. “I wouldn’t call it advice everyone’s life has no standard answers. But if you can be certain that person is the love of your life.”

She raised her gaze to look into the distance. “Then never let her go.”

“Wow,” the host exaggeratedly laughed. “So Qingyao has indeed found her true love, and is telling everyone to cherish what’s in front of them?”

“Yes, I’m very fortunate to have found mine long ago,” Rong Qingyao said lightly, as if discussing the most ordinary matter.

“No wonder you’re rushing to get engaged to keep them! Who knew our Qingyao was such a devoted romantic?” The host seized the chance to ask a juicier question. “But I wonder if Qingyao ever worries your true love might get jealous because of your work? Like how stunningly gorgeous you look today.”

Rong Qingyao: “…”

For once, the woman was stumped, pausing for a full second. The live comments exploded again.

[My dear wife I won’t get jealous, I’m super open-minded, pick me pick me, I really won’t get jealous.]

[Wife looks absolutely breathtaking, I love it.]

[Damn, Qingyao actually seems to be considering whether they’d get jealous, ahhh so gentle save me save me, I’m so envious.]

[Oh my god, why do I feel like the goddess would be super tender and accommodating in love? I thought she’d be the cold, aloof type.]

Outside the red carpet venue, Luo Mijin stepped out of the car, immediately sensing the electric atmosphere.

Rong Qingyao’s manager called out to her, “Miss Luo, weren’t you waiting in the car for Qingyao? It’s crowded here be careful.”

“I won’t go far,” Luo Mijin replied softly. “I just want to see her.”

She had seen Rong Qingyao in her youth, loving her, leaving her, brimming with ambition. Now she wanted to see more, to see Rong Qingyao realizing her dreams.

That dazzling, starlit brilliance.

She slowly made her way toward the magnificent exhibition hall, standing in a corner to peer through the glass windows at the highest platform.

On stage, Rong Qingyao smiled faintly, as if reminiscing about something.

“Now, she probably wouldn’t get jealous anymore. She’s grown up mature and steady, able to separate personal life from work…”

The host pressed further, “But what if they’re just pretending to be magnanimous, when actually they’re possessive and extremely jealous? What would you do then?”

“That would be even better,” Rong Qingyao said in a voice tender with quiet wisdom. “Whether they’re being unreasonable or mature and tolerant, either is fine.”

As long as you return to my side.

The live comments froze for an instant before erupting again:

[Aahhh the goddess is so dreamy I want to marry her!]

[Help why is she so perfect!]

[I’d give up ten years of my life to date Rong Qingyao!]

[I’d give twenty, pick me pick me.]

[Are we really competing over this?]

[Why… why do I feel a hint of sadness in Qingyao?]

Luo Mijin stood in the farthest corner, her face adorned with a bright, pure smile as she watched the radiant woman surrounded by the crowd beautiful, poised, as if she had already claimed every beautiful thing this world could offer.

She believed everyone would want to lay the finest things at her feet, for her to pick and choose as she pleased.

She was happy to have met Rong Qingyao in their humble beginnings, and even more fortunate to witness the woman now shining like the brightest moon.

During those years when she couldn’t see Rong Qingyao, her only wish was to see her again, just once. They didn’t even need to speak; just letting her catch a glimpse of her back from afar would have been enough.

Now, she could even witness the woman successfully obtaining everything she desired flowers, applause, fame, wealth, even love.

She should feel no regrets.

The woman’s smile was relaxed and graceful, like a warm spring breeze. Her responses to the host were clear and firm, her voice rising and falling with conviction.

The event continued, with other celebrities taking the stage one after another. The host remained witty and humorous, keeping the atmosphere lively with gossip, ensuring the excitement didn’t fade after Rong Qingyao took her seat.

Luo Mijin lingered by the window a little longer, thinking she would have to wait several more hours before seeing Rong Qingyao again, and slowly retreated into the protective darkness.

She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when, as if guided by some unspoken connection, she turned back in the dark and saw Rong Qingyao walking toward her, step by step.

The blue-tinged night sky was scattered with stars, and the red carpet lights occasionally illuminated the shadows of trees and clouds. Rong Qingyao held up the hem of her dress, a magnificent black gown with a sweeping train, blooming like a field of poppies.

“Luo Mijin, why did you come out?”

This was the only awards ceremony Rong Qingyao had ever looked forward to, not for the glamorous crowd, the laughter, or the intoxication of power and status.

But to tell this person that she had worked hard enough hard enough to deserve loving Luo Mijin.

If only, that day, she hadn’t been swayed by emotions and pride, if only she had spoken every word she wanted to say, one by one.

Would the outcome have been different?

She wanted to say she didn’t want to break up.

“I wanted to see…” This time, Luo Mijin didn’t choose to lie. Her light-colored eyes were filled with longing and warmth. “I wanted to see you.”

The warm glow of the lights bathed the woman’s profile, casting a delicate, almost fragile pallor over her slightly furrowed brows, jade-like nose, and petal-soft lips.

“Do I look good?” Rong Qingyao asked softly.

“You do.”

Their tender moment was interrupted when the manager suddenly appeared from the other side, glancing around nervously for any lurking media cameras while holding up a black umbrella to shield them both.

“Can’t you save this for the hotel? Do you even realize where you are? Leaving the red carpet early is one thing, but getting caught on camera would be a mess!”

“Alright, we’ll talk later,” Rong Qingyao conceded, knowing she had overstepped.

Back in the nearby hotel room, Luo Mijin looked at Rong Qingyao for a few seconds before slowly averting her gaze. “Did you drink earlier?”

“Just a little. A glass of champagne, it would’ve been rude not to.” Rong Qingyao never took her eyes off Luo Mijin, staring unblinkingly.

Luo Mijin finally felt a hint of awkwardness and turned away. “So, are you really drunk, or just pretending?”

“Pretending.” The woman cupped Luo Mijin’s face, forcing her to meet her gaze.

“You should rest first,” Luo Mijin said, struggling to maintain her composure. “I’ll go make you some sobering soup. I’ll be back soon.”

“Wait a moment, Luo Mijin.”

“What’s wrong?” Luo Mijin had already reached the door, turning back with slightly flushed cheeks.

Outside the window, cedar trees, nandina, and eucalyptus were entwined with vibrant climbing plants, their shadows dappled. The large, foil-white leaves of the magnolia basked in the moonlight, its half-opened snow-white petals gleaming like the moon and ivory, exuding a fresh, delicate fragrance of greenery.

Yet, inside the room, it was so quiet, so quiet that the frantic pounding of her heart against her eardrums seemed ready to revolt.

“Luo Mijin, come here.”

“Are you alright?” Seeing the woman’s lips an unnatural shade of red, Luo Mijin worriedly touched her forehead. “Are you running a fever again? I’ll go get the thermometer for you, Mmm.”

For the first time, Rong Qingyao deliberately, without hesitation, kissed Luo Mijin’s lips, fully conscious.

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