Let's Get Married on the First Day of Rebirth - Chapter 34

Qiu Shuiyi revealed a smile, showing eight pearly white teeth. In Qu Ange’s eyes, this smile was smug and utterly baffling.

But her own reaction had been a bit too strong, making her seem somewhat undignified. She cleared her throat and said, “Thank you.”

Qiu Shuiyi leaned in, staring intently at Qu Ange’s lips before finally chuckling, “Seems like I picked the right gift.”

Qu Ange quickly lowered her head to avoid the other’s overly suggestive gaze, while sneaking a glance at Xu Mi out of the corner of her eye.

Xu Mi was staring at Qiu Shuiyi’s face, looking rather focused.

This made Qu Ange a little unhappy.

She tugged at Xu Mi’s arm and said, “Shall we go over there?”

Truth be told, she didn’t even know where “there” was—she just wanted to pull Xu Mi aside.

Xu Mi responded with a faint “Mm,” her gaze drifting elsewhere. Just as Qu Ange was about to say her goodbyes, Qiu Shuiyi raised a hand to stop her. “Let’s chat a bit more. What are your thoughts on the contract? You can share them now.”

Qu Ange did have some interest in signing with Brilliant Pictures. She hesitated for a moment, and Xu Mi, noticing this, said softly, “I’ll go grab a drink over there.”

With that, she pulled her hand free from Qu Ange’s grasp and walked away.

The movement was a bit forceful, leaving Qu Ange’s wrist red. Qu Ange watched her walk off, then turned back to Qiu Shuiyi, an inexplicable anger flaring up inside her.

But she suppressed it, forcing a smile as she asked, “What are your thoughts, President Qiu?”

Yet Qiu Shuiyi didn’t seem interested in discussing the matter anymore. She, too, was watching Xu Mi, and after a moment, she withdrew her gaze with a somewhat roguish smile. “Your girlfriend has quite the charm.”

At that, Qu Ange could no longer maintain her smile. Though her lips still curved upward, her eyes turned cold as she sized up Qiu Shuiyi.

In her past life, Qiu Shuiyi had no family and no romantic scandals. She was the epitome of a pure, upright, and respectable female entrepreneur. Now, Qu Ange found that image utterly absurd. Had everyone who knew the current Qiu Shuiyi died? How could the media spread such nonsense?

Qiu Shuiyi stroked her chin. “There’s something I—I just got back from abroad, so I tend to speak bluntly. Don’t take offense.”

Qu Ange’s patience was wearing thin. “Don’t say it. I will take offense.”

Qiu Shuiyi acted as if she hadn’t heard. “It seems to me that the two of you are somewhat at odds, even if you appear harmonious on the surface.”

Qu Ange forced a smile. “You may have just returned to the country, but your command of idioms seems quite good.”

Qiu Shuiyi looked delighted. “Thank you for the compliment. I’ve been studying idioms lately.”

Qu Ange finally lost her composure, rolling her eyes briefly. To cover it up, she lowered her head and said, “I’m a bit hungry. I’m going to grab something to eat.”

She headed toward the buffet table, but Qiu Shuiyi followed close behind.

“A female star eating at an event like this? Your stomach might stick out.”

“Actually, you can make any demands you want regarding the contract. Money isn’t an issue for me.”

“My next step is to invest in a major film, with veteran A-list actors playing supporting roles for you. How does that sound?”

Strange, where had Xu Mi gone?

Qiu Shuiyi buzzed around her like a mosquito, and with Xu Mi nowhere in sight, Qu Ange’s anger burned hotter and hotter. Just as it was about to reach an uncontrollable peak, someone suddenly called out to her—

“Qu Ange?”

Qu Ange turned toward the source of the voice and froze for a moment.

It seemed to be the boss of Guangju.

The boss of Guangju… it had been so long since she last saw him. In her memory, she had only met him twice in her previous life. Once when she terminated her contract and once when she first joined the company. The reason she remembered him so clearly was simply because Qu Ange had been struggling back then, and she remembered everyone she met during that period vividly.

But it had indeed been too long, and she couldn’t be entirely certain.

As she hesitated, Qiu Shuiyi spoke up first, “Ah, President Zhao.”

So, his surname was Zhao—that must be the boss of Guangju.

Qu Ange put on her professional smile again. “Boss, what a coincidence.”

President Zhao’s gaze was meaningful. “Not a coincidence. Everyone at Miss Lin’s birthday banquet is here for a reason.”

Qu Ange’s eyes shifted slightly.

It felt a bit like “a fox borrowing the tiger’s might,” but sometimes in life, you had to do just that. If you draped yourself in a tiger’s skin, others would regard you more highly, even if underneath, you were just a little lamb.

People were too busy these days to bother digging into your true self.

She lifted the corners of her lips, her expression confident and bold, without a trace of hesitation or timidity. “Of course, we all share the same purpose—to celebrate Miss Lin’s birthday.”

While exchanging veiled words with President Zhao, her mind was still preoccupied with one thought—

Where is Xu Mi?

…

Xu Mi was sitting in a restroom stall.

Propping her chin in her hand, she stared blankly into space.

The buffet-style dishes were visually appealing but not particularly tasty. Xu Mi had sampled a few but quickly lost interest. Just then, someone approached her, saying she looked unfamiliar and asking for her name.

Startled into silence, Xu Mi fled in a panic. After some thought, she decided the restroom was the only safe place to hide, so she went upstairs and locked herself in a stall.

As expected of a high-end hotel, even the restroom smelled pleasant.

Xu Mi switched the hand propping her chin.

—Maybe I should just leave?

Her mind wrestled with the dilemma of “stay or go” when she heard a soft voice from the next stall say, “Is someone there?”

Xu Mi was shocked.

Even in the restroom, someone was trying to talk to her.

But after glancing around, she felt reassured by the high partitions, which offered a sense of security.

Hesitating for a moment, she replied, “Yes, there is.”

The voice was soft and delicate, like a nightingale’s song, and it sounded on the verge of tears. “I—I got my period. Do you have… anything?”

Though the words were vague, as a woman, Xu Mi understood immediately.

Empathy instantly overpowered her social anxiety.

“I don’t have any with me, but I can go buy some for you right now.”

“Really? Thank you, thank you so much.”

Xu Mi left the stall.

As she passed through the hall, she glanced at the crowd and saw Qu Ange talking with several people.

Tall and wearing high heels, Qu Ange stood out like a graceful, towering plant.

She really is busy, Xu Mi thought.

Xu Mi slipped out through the back door, found a convenience store, and bought a pack of sanitary pads.

The summer night was stiflingly hot. After leaving the air-conditioned room, she was drenched in sweat within moments. By the time she returned to the restroom, her hair was sticking to her forehead in damp strands. She approached the stall and whispered, “Are you still there?”

The voice replied with relief, “Yes, I’m still here. A few people came by, but I didn’t recognize your voice, so I didn’t dare speak.”

Xu Mi said, “Why didn’t you ask them? They might have had some.”

The voice replied, “But I’d already asked you.”

Xu Mi slipped the sanitary pads under the door, and the person inside quickly took them, rustling softly.

Xu Mi stood up and walked to the mirror.

Her bangs were stuck together, looking a bit messy.

She wet her hands with water and brushed her bangs back. Her face, which always seemed so childlike, now looked a bit more mature with light makeup. Xu Mi suddenly thought that makeup wasn’t so bad after all.

Maybe she could learn how to do it.

The person in the stall was probably about to come out, and Xu Mi didn’t want to run into her, so she left.

By the time Lin Wanzhao stepped out, saying “thank you,” the restroom was empty.

…

Qu Ange finally found Xu Mi, who had been missing for a while.

It was like a mirage—the other person suddenly reappeared out of nowhere. Qu Ange hurried over and grabbed Xu Mi’s arm, asking, “Where did you go?”

“To the restroom.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Her tone was unavoidably tinged with complaint, born of anxiety. Realizing this, she quickly added, “Not that I’m complaining, I was just worried.”

Xu Mi turned her face away. “I’m not a child.”

Qu Ange hooked her finger teasingly into Xu Mi’s palm and said with a suggestive smile, “I know you’re not a child.”

Xu Mi’s ears flushed red, and she shot Qu Ange a glare.

She glanced around but didn’t see Qiu Shuiyi, so she asked, “Where’s that person from earlier?”

“Shook her off.”

“Wasn’t she the boss who wanted to sign you?”

“You said it yourself. She didn’t seem reliable.”

Under the massive crystal chandelier, the crowd mingled, glasses clinking, and countless voices blended into meaningless white noise.

“Hmm… but didn’t she gift an expensive bottle of wine?”

“To her, it’s probably nothing anyway.”

“Yeah.”

Xu Mi wasn’t sure why she brought it up. Some words felt pointless once spoken, and she was well aware of that.

But Qu Ange was right beside her now, and she just wanted to keep talking a little longer.

“Well…”

Just as she was about to say something else, the surroundings suddenly quieted. The music shifted from a melodious pastoral tune to a birthday song. The banquet hall doors swung open, and a massive cake was wheeled in.

The cart headed toward the central stage, where a girl who looked no older than twenty stood gracefully, surrounded by a crowd applauding for her.

Qu Ange checked the time on her phone and remarked, “Seems we arrived a bit late.”

She explained to Xu Mi, “That’s Lin Wanzhao, the birthday girl.”

Xu Mi stared at Lin Wanzhao. Dressed in a white tulle gown, her hair meticulously styled into a bun, and adorned with pearl earrings and a necklace, she looked like a princess from a medieval oil painting.

Even from a distance, her posture alone exuded beauty.

So there really were people like this in the world. People who seemed to belong to a completely different reality from hers.

On stage, Lin Wanzhao’s parents said a few words before handing the microphone to her. Lin Wanzhao waved it off, seemingly too shy to speak, and went straight to lighting the candles.

The hall lights dimmed, leaving only the candlelight from the cake illuminating the figures on stage.

It was like a classical painting where only the protagonist stands in the bright light, while supporting characters like eunuchs and palace maids remain in the shadows.

Faced with a girl like this, they could only ever be the supporting cast.

Though she thought this, Xu Mi felt no resentment. To her, it was a neutral observation. After all, if it were her, she wouldn’t want a birthday like that.

But then Qu Ange’s voice sounded softly beside her: “We can have this too, someday.”

Xu Mi froze for a moment.

“In the future, our wedding, our birthdays—we can celebrate them lavishly too. I will succeed.”

Is that so.

That’s good.

But it’s unnecessary.

These thoughts flashed through my mind.

Yet, for some reason, I didn’t have the strength to voice them.

So in the end, I only responded with an “Mm.”

Because this was what Qu Ange wanted.

…

When the lights came on, someone approached Qu Ange and Xu Mi, saying they needed to speak with them.

The two followed the middle-aged woman in a suit, who wore a stern expression, to a room on the top floor of the hotel, where they met Lin Zhenyi.

As they entered, Lin Zhenyi was wearing glasses and writing something with her head lowered. Hearing the sound, she looked up, and her gaze immediately fell on Qu Ange’s face, seeming somewhat dazed.

Qu Ange thought the other’s claim that she resembled an old acquaintance of hers probably wasn’t a lie. From her past life to this one, it was clear enough that Lin Zhenyi was searching for someone’s shadow in her.

Qu Ange didn’t mind such a thing.

It wasn’t as if she’d lose a piece of flesh.

Moreover, Lin Zhenyi was very restrained. After just a brief moment of distraction, she quickly snapped back to reality and said with a smile, “It’s too noisy downstairs. I went for a bit but didn’t stay. If Wan Zhao hadn’t wanted me to come, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

She looked at Xu Mi. “Is this your wife?”

Hearing this, Xu Mi clenched her fists and looked at Qu Ange in surprise. She hadn’t expected Qu Ange to tell everyone they were married. She felt nervous, but since the other was an elder, she had to respond. So she lowered her head and said, “Hello.”

Qu Ange smiled. “Her name is Xu Mi—the ‘mi’ as in ‘dense’ or ‘numerous.'”

Lin Zhenyi smiled faintly at this. “Quite unique. I really didn’t expect it to be that ‘mi.'”

The three moved to sit on the sofa, and Lin Zhenyi said, “Let’s talk about the contract.”

To speak of this contract, there was actually little left to discuss. It was just the same few points, the kind that would always get her called foolish whenever she brought them up. But this time, after hearing it, Lin Zhenyi didn’t call her foolish. She just sighed and said, “You’re too young.”

Qu Ange thought Lin Zhenyi was indeed more reserved, not one to easily say, “Are you stupid?”

The lighting was dim. The room was decorated in a Western retro style, with a brass-based table lamp and a velvet sofa, creating an intimate and tranquil atmosphere. Lin Zhenyi’s voice was gentle as she said, “Don’t worry too much. If Zhao Minpu gives you any trouble, come to me. I’ll speak to him on your behalf. I invited Zhao Minpu today as well—did you see him?”

“I did. When he saw me, he seemed to have an idea. So, it was you who invited him.”

Lin Zhenyi nodded. “That’s good. Be careful when signing with a company next. Would you like me to recommend one to you?”

In her past life, it was Lin Zhenyi who had introduced her to her next company—a well-established one, but precisely because it was so established, it had too many big names, making it hard for anyone to remember Qu Ange.

Back then, Lin Zhenyi’s health wasn’t good, and Qu Ange had already received too many favors from her. How could she possibly trouble her further? Besides, she had also realized that her foundational skills were truly lacking, so she spent years furthering her studies and hiring private tutors. It wasn’t until years later that she finally landed a leading role.

They chatted back and forth for about ten minutes when Lin Zhenyi suddenly said, “Xu Mi—that’s your name, right? Are you tired?”

Xu Mi was taken aback. She looked up, paused for a moment, and then shook her head.

Lin Zhenyi said, “If you’re tired, you can rest here for a while. I also find it quite noisy downstairs.”

So warm.

Xu Mi thought to herself.

Earlier, when the other party was chatting with Qu Ange, even though Xu Mi was just listening from the side, she felt as if bathed in a gentle breeze. Before this, Xu Mi hadn’t known what kind of person Lin Zhenyi was, so she had vaguely imagined her as a seasoned actress from TV dramas. But Lin Zhenyi turned out to be completely different from what she had imagined.

So, there are people like this in the entertainment industry too.

Not all of them are like Bei Tian and Zhou Yue.

But ultimately, this world still felt incompatible with her.

She shook her head again and said, “I’m not tired. It’s just that when I have no expression, I look a bit… down.”

Lin Zhenyi asked, “What does ‘down’ mean?”

Xu Mi thought for a moment. “Probably means looking listless, like I’m unlucky.”

Suddenly, she felt she had said too much and didn’t know what to do. Lin Zhenyi laughed and said, “Not at all. You’re very beautiful. I feel like you’re on the right path.”

“Really?” The words slipped out before she could stop them. She guessed she must look foolish now.

Lin Zhenyi said, “Of course. I know a little about reading faces. I can tell both of you are destined for prosperity.”

Qu Ange burst out laughing. “I thought we were supposed to be the ones saying auspicious words.”

In any case, the conversation unexpectedly left everyone feeling at ease. When Xu Mi stepped out, she even felt a little reluctant to leave.

Compared to the insincere flattery downstairs, chatting with Lin Zhenyi was far more comfortable.

With someone like this by Qu Ange’s side, surely her future path would be smoother, right?

As she was thinking this, the elevator doors opened, and Lin Wanzhao stepped out. The beautiful girl who had stood under the spotlight earlier, seemingly untouchable from afar, suddenly appeared before them. Xu Mi didn’t recognize her, but Qu Ange did, because she had known Lin Wanzhao in her previous life.

Lin Wanzhao’s life path could be considered that of a typical socialite.

She worked as a violist in an orchestra, married a wealthy second-generation heir of a multinational corporation at twenty-three, and became a full-time housewife after marriage, participating in various social events.

In her previous life, Qu Ange hadn’t met Lin Wanzhao through Lin Zhenyi. Back then, by the time Qu Ange met Lin Zhenyi, Lin Wanzhao was already engaged, had moved abroad, married the following year, had her first child the year after, and then a second child the next—never a moment of rest.

They had met at a pottery club. Qu Ange had just won an award and was riding high, mingling effortlessly in the circles of wealthy wives and young ladies in City A. While socializing, she noticed Lin Wanzhao quietly reading a book on pottery, seemingly out of place among them.

That year, Lin Wanzhao was only twenty-eight, but she appeared as calm and still as still water. They grew closer because Lin Wanzhao knew nothing about pottery, and Qu Ange often helped her. Over time, she discovered that Lin Wanzhao was Lin Zhenyi’s niece.

Even so, their relationship never became particularly close.

It was as if Lin Wanzhao herself was always somewhat detached. Her interactions with others were always mild, and it was hard to guess what she was truly thinking.

But Qu Ange could vaguely tell.

She probably wasn’t very happy.

Now, seeing the nineteen-year-old Lin Wanzhao, the comparison made Qu Ange even more certain.

The twenty-eight-year-old Lin Wanzhao was definitely unhappy, because at nineteen, her eyes still held a spark—nothing like the stagnant pond she would later become.

Upon seeing Qu Ange and Xu Mi, her face instantly lit up with a smile, revealing two shallow dimples at the corners of her lips. “Are you friends of my aunt?” she asked.

As soon as she spoke, Xu Mi glanced up briefly before quickly looking away.

She recognized the voice from the restroom.

Qu Ange nodded and said, “Yes.” Lin Wanzhao smiled, pressing her lips together as she stole a glance at Qu Ange. Qu Ange asked, “What is it, Miss Lin?”

Lin Wanzhao seemed a little embarrassed, twisting her fingers together before finally saying, “I recognize you. You’re the creator of Dream Travels.”

Qu Ange quickly replied, “No, I’m not.”

Lin Wanzhao was taken aback. “Why won’t you admit it? Is it like what people say online—are you facing some kind of difficulty?”

Lin Wanzhao’s voice was sweet, delicate, and soft. In later years, her voice remained the same, but she rarely spoke, and when she did, it was devoid of emotion. Unlike now, when it was genuinely full of sweetness.

Qu Ange didn’t want to get entangled with this young lady who had never stepped out of her ivory tower, so she smiled and said, “There’s really no difficulty. If anything, I’m just embarrassed to take credit for someone else’s talent. Miss Lin, are you here to see Lin Zhenyi? You should hurry, then. When I left, she mentioned she was about to go to sleep.”

As she spoke, she tugged Xu Mi toward the elevator, but Xu Mi pulled away and stepped inside first.

Qu Ange quickly followed. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, Lin Wanzhao slipped in as well.

She stood in the corner, head lowered, fiddling with the hem of her skirt as if feeling awkward.

“I really love Dream Travels. I transcribed the score—could you check if I got it right?”

Qu Ange sighed helplessly. “Believe it or not, I can’t even read sheet music.”

Lin Wanzhao looked up at her, a hint of sadness in her eyes, probably thinking Qu Ange was making up excuses to brush her off.

Qu Ange nudged Xu Mi. “If you don’t believe me, ask her. We grew up together, she knows me best.”

Xu Mi hesitated, wondering if speaking would reveal her as the person from the restroom. But they had only exchanged a few words back then, and her voice wasn’t as distinctive as Lin Wanzhao’s—surely it wouldn’t matter, right?

When Xu Mi didn’t respond immediately, Lin Wanzhao grew even more skeptical. “She’s not saying anything. What’s your relationship? Are you close friends?”

Qu Ange said, “No, we’re—”

Xu Mi’s voice cut her off sharply: “Yes, we’re friends.”

Lin Wanzhao froze, staring at Xu Mi. “You…”

The elevator arrived, and Xu Mi hurried out. Qu Ange chased after her. By the time Lin Wanzhao stepped out, the two had already disappeared. Yet, she smiled again—she had recognized Xu Mi’s voice. It was unmistakably the person who had helped her in the restroom.

…

Qu Ange caught up with Xu Mi, realizing that something had been off about her all evening.

Combined with what had happened the night before, she felt uneasy and restless. Unable to make sense of it, she asked, “Why did you say we’re friends?”

Xu Mi’s voice was cold and firm. “You used to say the same.”

“But I’ve changed now.”

“Why should I accept it just because you’ve changed? I’m a person too—don’t I have my own thoughts?”

Her voice rose, drawing curious glances from the people around them.

Xu Mi closed her eyes, pressing her fingers to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I think I’m really tired. Please, just let me be alone for a while.”

She walked toward the dining table, but halfway there, she noticed Qu Ange following her from about two meters away. She found a chair and sat down, only to see Qu Ange stopped by Qiu Shuiyi not far off.

“I’ve been looking for you for ages,” Qiu Shuiyi said.

Qu Ange had already figured out this person had no sense of shame. Annoyed, her tone couldn’t help but sound sharp: “What do you want, President Qiu? I’m just a low-level worker in the entertainment industry, not like you capitalists.”

Qiu Shuiyi nudged her with an elbow: “Don’t be like that. I think we’re cut from the same cloth.”

Qu Ange looked puzzled, while Qiu Shuiyi raised an eyebrow and gestured with her eyes toward Qu Ange’s shoulder.

Qu Ange glanced down and noticed her shawl had slipped, revealing a faint pink mark.

She quickly covered it with the shawl, this time flushing with embarrassment and anger as she shot Qiu Shuiyi a glare. “I’ve decided to consider other companies after all, President Qiu.”

Qiu Shuiyi wore a pitiful expression. “I was just trying to help, and this is how you treat me?”

Ignoring her, Qu Ange turned her gaze toward Xu Mi, who was sitting with her head bowed in the distance.

She didn’t dare approach, afraid Xu Mi might be angry, yet she longed to be near, worried that Xu Mi might slip away without a word.

An invisible wall stood between them, and now it seemed to have grown even thicker.

As she brooded over this, the music suddenly stopped, replaced by the deep, melodious strains of a string instrument. The familiar melody sent shivers down her spine. She looked toward the source of the sound and saw Lin Wanzhao standing on the stage, playing a viola.

She was performing “Dream Journey.”

Qu Ange was so embarrassed she wished she could vanish on the spot, but Qiu Shuiyi grabbed her arm, staring intently at the stage. “Who is that?”

“Are you an idiot? That’s Lin Wanzhao. Didn’t you see her lighting the candles earlier?”

“I was outside on a phone call when the candles were lit. That’s Lin Wanzhao? My god, I thought she was a fairy.”

Hearing Qiu Shuiyi’s infatuated description, Qu Ange couldn’t help but glance back at the stage. Lin Wanzhao nodded slightly in her direction, her posture graceful, like a swan spreading its wings.

After a moment, Qu Ange remarked, “It’s not that exaggerated, is it?”

Her attention drifted back to Xu Mi, who was also gazing at the stage, completely captivated.