The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: The Most Beautiful Movement

The downstairs hustle and bustle did not affect the quietness of this place in the slightest.

A wisp of incense smoke curled up from the Boshan censer on the desk. The scents of chenshui (aloeswood) and pine resin lingered. The four walls were adorned with ink paintings of bamboos and stones, inscribed with the words, “Do not speak while watching the game.” The brushstrokes were light yet powerful. In the chess room, there was an old suanzhi (rosewood) chess board set up. The surface was made of warm, smooth cloud stone, its texture like a winding stream. The sound of the chess pieces falling upon it was crisp and pleasant.

The woman sitting opposite Ming Jin was nearly fifty years old. She wore a sky-blue qipao and had no other decorations besides a jade hairpin holding up her hair.

She held a piece, pondered, and her slender fingers slowly placed the piece onto the board. She took a sip of light tea, her posture composed and elegant.

Song Xiangwan had never met this person, but before coming, Ming Jin had roughly introduced her.

This person, Fang Yu, was the head of Wanhe Holdings and a pre-eminent figure in Haicheng’s financial world.

For Xu Zhiyan to meet a person of such stature would indeed be a young person’s rash and slightly disrespectful act.

Ming Jin dropped her chess piece, her eyes seeming to momentarily brighten. She spoke, “Only you would have such guts.”

She had actually given up an entire block of pieces that was certain to be captured, like a brave warrior severing a limb to save the body, turning back to bite her opponent with a vengeance.

“I’ve missed a lot of fun these three years you’ve been away…” Fang Yu mused, dropping another piece. “When others play chess with me, they never dare to win.”

“Not only do they not dare to win, but they also don’t dare to lose too obviously. They’re all so timid and cautious, it’s truly boring.”

Both Fang Yu and Ming Jin’s chess skills were only amateur level—high level among ordinary people, but not professional.

Fang Yu loved chess deeply and had spent a lot of money hiring professional players to play against, but she still didn’t find it as enjoyable as playing with Ming Jin.

The game would still last a while, so Ming Jin looked at Song Xiangwan beside her: “Go amuse yourself for a bit. You don’t need to stay here with me.”

Song Xiangwan was momentarily stunned. She had no one to play with and it wouldn’t be fun to go downstairs. She immediately realized that Ming Jin and Fang Yu needed to talk.

She didn’t say much, stood up, and said, “CEO Fang, I’ll excuse myself now.”

After she left and the door closed, Fang Yu, whose focus was ninety percent on the chess game, spoke softly, “She has good sense.”

“Is this the little canary you’ve been keeping?” Fang Yu asked casually.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Ming Jin corrected slowly.

Fang Yu shifted her attention from the chess board and looked at Ming Jin: “You’re not actually serious, are you?”

The game paused. Her slender fingers toyed with the piece she held, gently rubbing it. Ming Jin’s light brown eyes were filled with seriousness: “I am serious.”

“Then what is the meaning of bringing her here today?” Fang Yu was an expert in reading people and naturally understood that all of Ming Jin’s actions were meaningful.

“If something happens to me, I hope you can look after her,” Ming Jin stated slowly.

Her tone was very calm, not at all like someone giving last instructions, but it still caused a slight stirring in Fang Yu’s heart.

“I won’t take on such a task. You look after her yourself. I don’t have the patience to care for people,” Fang Yu chuckled, her gaze returning to the board.

“In Haicheng, you are the person I trust the most,” Ming Jin said.

The smile on Fang Yu’s face slightly froze. The fingers gripping the chess piece tightened as she looked at those light brown eyes: “Seriously, you win.”

Xu Zhiyan had a child’s temperament, and Lin Rong was even more unreliable. After careful thought, this chess friend was the only option.

Considering her capability and her standing in Jiangcheng, she was the best candidate.

“Enough, let’s not talk about trivial matters. Our task now is to decide a winner.”

“Don’t you dare let me win just because you’ve entrusted something to me,” she said.

Her words meant she had agreed. Ming Jin nodded, “Naturally. It’s truly uncertain who will win and who will lose.”

…

When Song Xiangwan went downstairs, she immediately attracted the attention of a group of people. It was very rare for a seemingly insignificant actress to be invited to an occasion like this.

In the brilliant light, she wore a champagne-colored long dress. Her long hair cascaded down, and her intensely captivating eyes held an indescribable allure, making her breathtakingly beautiful.

Song Xiangwan didn’t want to socialize. She simply found a corner, got a glass of orange juice, and sat down.

Time passed minute by minute. She couldn’t help but look up towards the chess room. Ming Jin still hadn’t come out?

Sitting for a long time was exhausting, especially playing chess—bending over and getting up to place pieces was quite strenuous.

Worried in her heart, she was naturally uninterested in socializing with the people around her.

Then, someone carrying a glass of champagne sat down next to her: “Miss Song, are you alone?”

A strong scent of rose perfume reached her. Song Xiangwan looked up and saw the person: a strapless red long dress, a cascade of red, seaweed-like curls, and eyes as fiery and passionate as a blooming rose. Her red lips were pressed against the champagne glass, a color like flame.

“Excuse me, you are…” Song Xiangwan was a little uncomfortable with how closely the person had sat down, subtly shifting away slightly.

“My surname is Li, Li Huan. I’d like to get to know Miss Song.” She subtly moved even closer to Song Xiangwan.

Her palm was resting on the sofa, right by Song Xiangwan’s leg. The strong rose scent immediately enveloped her.

“I heard that Miss Song dislikes men. Coincidentally, so do I.”

“I like beautiful women, and coincidentally, I think you are the most beautiful person here tonight.”

This was a mix of flirtation and slight impertinence.

“Thank you for the compliment.” Song Xiangwan tried to pull away again, but her arm was grasped firmly.

The person opposite her leaned in and whispered, “Don’t be a stranger. You smell so good…”

“I heard your name a long time ago and even tried to contact you privately, but it seems you didn’t see my message.”

Her eyes darkened a bit, showing a subtle shadow, but she wasn’t angry. She just said, “So you’re a flower with thorns.”

Song Xiangwan was displeased. She put more pressure on her foot, pressing down hard, and said coldly, “Get lost.”

She showed no intention of leaving, only staring at Song Xiangwan, her eyes showing an increasingly strong surge of dark undercurrents.

“Miss Li, Miss Song, what a lively chat you’re having here?” A voice broke the tense atmosphere.

Li Huan released her hand, looked up at the newcomer, and spoke with disdain: “Han Yingying, are you planning to ruin my fun?”

Han Yingying felt a slight tingling on her scalp. This Miss Li was notorious in the Haicheng circle—she was indiscriminate, loved playing with actresses, and had a terrible reputation.

However, her family spanned both commercial and political sectors, with an immense background, making her someone Han Yingying could not afford to provoke.

But… Ming Jin was also someone Han Yingying couldn’t afford to provoke…

“I’m just reminding Miss Li not to casually reach out, lest you provoke someone you cannot afford to provoke,” Han Yingying said slowly.

“In Haicheng, is there anyone I can’t afford to provoke?” Li Huan took a sip of the champagne in her glass, swirling the wine. “It’s her honor to be noticed by me.”

“How about Miss Song dances the first dance with me tonight?” She looked at Song Xiangwan as if looking at a prey already in her grasp.

“Her dance partner is me.” The calm and soft voice, however, immediately overpowered Li Huan’s.

Li Huan’s eyes darkened. She turned to look, meeting Ming Jin’s gaze, and the fingers gripping the champagne glass slightly tightened.

Indeed… she was a character she couldn’t afford to provoke…

The Li family was powerful, but she was merely a second-generation heir, not quite on the level to challenge Ming Jin.

Although Ming Jin had stepped back from the forefront, everyone up and down Haicheng had to give her some face. No one wanted to easily provoke her.

“Ah Jin…” Song Xiangwan walked over to stand behind Ming Jin. Her eyelashes lifted, and she glared at Li Huan with arrogance, letting out a soft “humph.”

A proud, arrogant cat. Ming Jin couldn’t help but let the corners of her lips curve up slightly.

She really liked the way Song Xiangwan acted out in public, relying on her—it was very endearing.

However, three years ago, Song Xiangwan likely would have refused to acknowledge their relationship in public. Now, it seemed, shared adversity had brought them closer.

“So she’s CEO Ming’s companion. Then I was presumptuous.” Li Huan had no choice but to swallow her pride.

“She is not a companion; she is family (jiajuan),” Ming Jin turned and waved her hand. The cat obediently walked over, allowing Ming Jin to take her hand.

Her phoenix eyes blinked gently, and her fingertips lightly tapped Ming Jin’s palm. Song Xiangwan’s heart was beating quickly, under the gaze of so many people…

Ah Jin said she was family.

The music for the first dance started. It was a waltz. Accompanied by the music, couples entered the floor one by one, beginning to dance.

Ming Jin looked up, her tone gentle: “Let’s go, Wanwan.”

“Do you really need to go?” Song Xiangwan was a little worried. She crouched down, cautiously reaching out to the small of Ming Jin’s back. After sitting for so long, it should be painful.

However, her hand met a cool surface. This person… how could she be wearing a back brace again? Song Xiangwan’s brow furrowed, a hint of displeasure showing.

“I want to dance this dance with you,” Ming Jin said softly.

“Wanwan, we’ve never danced together…” She gently grasped Song Xiangwan’s wrist, her thumb padding stroking the inside of her wrist.

Not before. Before, their relationship was hidden.

In the future, that might not be possible.

Song Xiangwan took Ming Jin’s hand and entered the dance floor. Following the music, she clearly altered her footwork. She danced around Ming Jin like a butterfly fluttering around a flower, her fingertips lightly holding Ming Jin’s. She didn’t use much strength, her eyes filled with a radiant, beautiful smile.

Although the background was a crowd of moving people.

Ming Jin’s gaze was fixed only on Song Xiangwan. The curve of her lips couldn’t help but rise, and her eyes were full of tenderness.

Almost everyone present witnessed this scene.

Word of mouth would spread. Within three to five days, the entire upper-class circle of Haicheng would know that Song Xiangwan was Ming Jin’s family (jiajuan).

…

The twenty-third was the day for the collective training camp departure. Starting tonight, all contestants would embark on a four-day, three-night collective living experience.

Early in the morning, the production team arrived to film the departure footage.

“Welcome, everyone…” Song Xiangwan opened the door. The crew entered and scanned the entire living room.

The huge villa, with its exquisite decoration, was a showcase of luxury and grandeur on every floor tile. The crew followed Song Xiangwan to the second-floor bedroom to pack her belongings.

Some typical items a female celebrity packs for a trip were shared: clothes, a makeup bag, and some sponsored favorite small items…

The suitcase was quickly packed full. Song Xiangwan lowered her gaze and carefully checked everything. Suddenly, she remembered: “Oh, right, pajamas.”

She got up and ran downstairs. The cameraman from the crew followed her.

She entered the first-floor bedroom. Song Xiangwan searched around: “Ah Jin, where are my pajamas?”

“Here…” A slender, fair hand entered the frame, holding out Song Xiangwan’s pajamas.

Song Xiangwan ran back upstairs to continue packing, taking Ming Jin’s pillow along and stuffing it into her suitcase.

“Is Teacher Song specially bringing a pillow?” the off-camera voice asked. “Is it because you’re particular about your pillow when sleeping?”

“If I hug this, I can definitely sleep sounder,” Song Xiangwan patted the pillow proudly. It smelled of Ming Jin.

As she picked it up to straighten it, something fell out from the seam of the pillowcase, landing on the suitcase.

The production crew reminded her: “Teacher Song, something seems to have fallen out.”

Song Xiangwan lowered her head to look. A small, triangular-shaped safety amulet had fallen right on top of the items in the suitcase. The camera zoomed in, giving it a close-up.

“This…” Song Xiangwan picked it up, her fingers gently clasping it. Her heart couldn’t help but stir slightly.

She, of course, remembered that she had given this to Ming Jin. She hadn’t expected Ming Jin to have kept it safely for so long.

This was from that year when she went to film a travel variety show. Hearing that the temple on that mountain was very effective, she climbed for four hours to the top and prayed for a peace amulet.

“Give it back to me,” a faint off-camera voice said. Song Xiangwan looked up and saw Ming Jin, who had followed her up.

She reached out. Song Xiangwan placed the amulet in her palm, watching as Ming Jin gently closed her hand around it, then carefully placed it back into her pocket.

…

The departure video from the morning was released in the afternoon before the contestants checked into the collective dormitory.

Song Xiangwan was currently the most popular contestant on the show, and the video’s views were astonishing.

Song Xiangwan’s house is so big! She’s so rich.

Not just rich. Did you see that painting of the mountain and stones? It’s the real deal—priceless. Ordinary people can’t buy something like that.

When she first debuted, didn’t she cultivate a persona as a poor student?

She’s been famous for so many years; she must have earned a lot of money.

But… that still doesn’t explain this…

LOL, her bedroom is upstairs, so why did she go downstairs to find her pajamas? And the pillow was also taken from downstairs.

Hilarious. My house is this big too. I’d definitely live upstairs for two days and downstairs for two days.

Who was the person who handed the pajamas? Was it Wanwan’s family? She previously said her only family was her mother, and that voice sounds very young.

A peace amulet? I remember Wanwan climbed that mountain for four hours to get that one.

Who is this person?

The housekeeper?

Are you serious? Would a housekeeper have hands that beautiful and fair? Would a housekeeper receive Wanwan’s peace amulet?

Could it be… hiss…

Wanwan said she dislikes men. Hiss…

Oh, I understand. It’s a roommate sister!

Not a roommate sister. Call her sister-in-law (saozi).

Sister-in-law’s hands are so fair.

Sister-in-law’s voice is nice.

Sister-in-law is really rich.

I bet Wanwan is the bottom.

Don’t guess. She definitely is, LOL. She looks like a submissive one.

Wuwuwu, sister-in-law’s hands are so pretty. Song Xiangwan, you’re eating so well?

#SisterInLaw’sHands#

Cao Xin looked at the trending topic, utterly bewildered.

The fact that the production team could film inside the Ming family home and that Ming Jin’s voice was broadcast meant that Ming Jin must have given her approval.

Forget it. Judging by CEO Ming’s actions, this trending topic was likely boosted by her as well.

For a female celebrity, having a relationship exposed is usually a scandal.

But for Song Xiangwan, the situation was strangely different. Everyone seemed to… enjoy the news?

Su Chenxing watched not only her own clips but also Song Xiangwan’s clips and the trending topics, getting so angry she almost smashed her phone.

Her assistant, scared, cautiously reminded her, “Sis, we’ll be at the dormitory soon. Please watch your temper…”

“Why? Why is it that when she dates, the entire internet sends blessings?” Su Chenxing was furious.

Two years ago, she dated a male actor in the industry. They were sweet, but then the paparazzi caught them, and the public opinion went crazy.

Xu Jing was furious, forcing her to break up with him.

She hadn’t wanted to. She quite liked the boyfriend.

But for the sake of her career, she bit the bullet and broke it off.

Why could she not date, but Song Xiangwan could?

The assistant whispered, “Sis, you have more male fans. That’s how it is…”

Song Xiangwan had virtually no male fans. Although her face was beautiful, her statement about disliking men had purged her fan base thoroughly; there wasn’t a single man left.

Male fans are like that—loudest with their words, stingiest with their money, cause the most trouble, and harbor many fantasies.

Female fans were different. They would pour money into her, and upon seeing their idol dating a ‘sister-in-law,’ they were so happy they wanted to set off firecrackers.

The only argument was whether their idol was the T (tomboy/top) or the P (po/passive/bottom).

The program’s screen captures also spread like wildfire in the upper-class circles.

Anyone who had been to the Ming family’s home could recognize it, and Ming Jin’s voice was completely unaltered.

Ming Jin replied to a message: I just want everyone to know that she belongs to me.

She hoped everyone in the upper-class circle would consider Song Xiangwan’s worth, given the treatment she received and the importance she held in Ming Jin’s heart.

She was family—a member of the Ming family.

If anyone, like Li Huan, tried to treat Song Xiangwan as a female celebrity to be toyed with, they would have to consider whether they would face retaliation and suppression from the Ming family.

This was what she could do for Song Xiangwan.

Regardless of the future, the moment she wore the Ming family’s mark, anyone in the industry looking for a chance to take advantage would have to think twice.

Having Rongxing ensured her future resources.

Having Ming Corporation shares guaranteed her a lifetime of comfort.

Having Fang Yu ensured her capital wouldn’t be cunningly taken away.

And finally, having the Ming family’s protection ensured she would never again encounter exploitation, making her path to stardom smooth.

On the TV screen, Song Xiangwan’s face, under the high-definition camera lens, was smiling brightly, flawlessly beautiful.

Ming Jin’s finger pressed the remote control. The screen suddenly went black. She looked at the TV screen, stared for five seconds, and then said, “Let’s go.”

Her surgery was scheduled for tomorrow, and she was only admitting herself today—she was already a very disobedient patient.

The peace amulet was safely tucked into her pocket, accompanying her to face whatever tomorrow held.

…

The collective training camp ceremony took place in the evening and was live-streamed across the internet.

A lively bonfire party created a festive atmosphere. By the time they returned to the dormitory, it was already eleven at night.

Since it was a collective camp, they were in a communal dormitory.

Except for the restroom and changing room, every other area was seamlessly covered by cameras.

Lu Peiling had a healthy biological clock. After returning, she took a quick shower and immediately went to bed.

Eleven o’clock was already a late night for her.

Song Xiangwan entered the bathroom, took off her clothes, and made a video call to Ming Jin.

Ming Jin had just replied to her message, so she surely wasn’t asleep yet.

To her surprise, the video call was rejected.

Hung up?

Song Xiangwan pursed her lips, feeling a little unhappy.

Then her phone rang again. Ming Jin called back with a voice call.

“Not asleep yet?” Ming Jin’s voice was subdued, but it sounded slightly tired.

“Not yet. The bonfire party just ended, and I just got back,” Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but worry. “How are you today? You sound a little tired.”

When she left this morning, Ming Jin had seemed fine.

“Did you go to the company and didn’t rest well at home?” The cat’s tone was slightly disgruntled.

“It’s nothing. I just handled a few things. I’m a little tired,” Ming Jin soothed her.

“Can you video call me? I want to see you,” Song Xiangwan’s tone had a subtle hint of coaxing.

“I’m about to sleep and have already turned off the lights,” Ming Jin said softly. “It’s fine. I’m just a bit tired. I’ll be fine after some rest.”

“If you’re really worried, I can turn the lights on now…”

“No, no, no,” Song Xiangwan immediately stopped her. “Let’s just leave it.”

Ming Jin’s voice really sounded tired. There was no need to turn the lights on and bother her again.

“If you’re tired, I won’t disturb you. Go to sleep early. I’ll be back in a couple of days,” Song Xiangwan said.

The other side was silent for a moment but didn’t hang up. Instead, she said softly, “I can’t sleep. Why don’t you chat with me a little longer?”

“What should we chat about?” Song Xiangwan said with a smile. “Am I causing your insomnia by not being by your side?”

“Anything is fine. I just want to hear your voice.” Ming Jin didn’t answer the question but didn’t deny it either.

“My voice, huh…” Song Xiangwan pondered, her eyes subtly shifting. “Go back to your phone’s home screen. Do you see it?”

“See what?”

“That pink app,” Song Xiangwan said. “Open it…”

“Mhm.” Ming Jin followed her instructions, opened the app, and then paused. She recognized what it was.

Song Xiangwan actually brought something like that with her.

“Press it…” Song Xiangwan’s voice came through the earphones. She seemed to have pressed her lips against the microphone, her low voice sounding as if she was speaking right next to Ming Jin’s ear.

“Wifey, Ah Jin, baby, press it… please, I miss you…” Even through the phone, Ming Jin could feel the warmth in her words.

Ming Jin felt her breathing slightly tighten. Her suspended finger hesitated for a moment before gently pressing the remote switch.

“Ah Jin, I love you so much,” Song Xiangwan’s low voice came through.

The most beautiful movement.

“Mmm…” She didn’t suppress her sounds, turning on the faucet in the sink.

Her fingertips braced against the edge of the sink. She was a little unsteady, her voice slightly trembling and fragmented: “Ah Jin, I miss you so much. I really, really miss you…”

“I miss you so much I could die, but I can’t hold you… Mmm… I miss you so much…”

“Give me more, okay? Mmm… I want to hold you so much…”

Ming Jin’s fingers gripping the phone tightened slightly. She slowly and deeply drew a breath. This cat was truly a tempting enchantress.