The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: It Should Just Be a Coincidence Today

Today’s filming assignment was for the print advertisement of Hongyue Mobile’s latest flagship phone.

This model came in four colors. According to the client’s request, Song Xiangwan needed to change into four outfits, matching the different colors, to shoot four photo series with different themes.

It was a strict requirement, but of course, the payment was substantial. Furthermore, they immediately signed a five-year endorsement contract with Song Xiangwan.

Song Xiangwan had been in the industry for so long and endorsed so many products, but rarely had a contract been signed for five years at once.

She finished shooting the first two sets in the morning, had a simple lunch, and started shooting again in the afternoon. The last set was the white series, and her costume was a white gauze dress.

“This one is called ‘Moonlight White,’ so we need to change the makeup. A clean, crisp look will better fit the product’s characteristics,” the makeup artist said.

Song Xiangwan was quite agreeable when working: “Okay, thank you for your hard work.”

“Ms. Song, please close your eyes.” The makeup artist used a sponge pad dipped in makeup remover to gently wipe off Song Xiangwan’s eyeshadow and eyeliner.

“These phones are all so beautiful.” Cheng Cheng stood by, holding Song Xiangwan’s thermos cup, looking at the phones displayed on the makeup table.

The body was streamlined, designed to be thin and delicate to suit a woman’s hand. The colors were all very light, pastel Macaron shades, very pleasing to the eye.

Because they were shooting a commercial video, they brought new phones for the shoot, not just models, for the screen display effect. These were brand-new phones not yet released to the market—not even a single photo had been leaked—and they looked very high-quality.

“You can pick one up and play with it; it’s fine,” the makeup artist said.

“Is that okay…” Cheng Cheng glanced around. There were many staff members present. “What if I break it?”

“Be careful, it’s fine. We’ve all secretly played with them,” the makeup artist whispered. “Just don’t take photos and leak them.”

“Alright.” Cheng Cheng reached out and picked up the Moonlight White. It wasn’t pure white; it seemed to shimmer with a faint silver light, sparkling, making it hard to put down.

“I think this Moonlight White is the prettiest…” Cheng Cheng turned it on and scrolled a few times, then looked at the back panel. “It looks different from other white phones.”

“I still prefer the ‘Summer Orange,'” Song Xiangwan chatted with Cheng Cheng with her eyes closed. “Summer should be full of vitality. It matches the weather this season.”

“The Summer Orange is a limited edition series, originally only planned for a limited summer release. Miss Song has great taste.”

“If Miss Song likes it, you can take a new phone with you later.” A gentle voice came from behind.

It sounded somewhat familiar. Song Xiangwan froze for a moment, then instantly opened her eyes and saw the person behind her through the mirror.

It was a man in a white shirt, in his thirties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. The shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking at Song Xiangwan through the mirror. His gaze was full of appreciation, like admiring a beautiful, vibrant flower.

“I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Hu, Hu Xianjun.” His lips curled into a gentle, friendly smile.

“Mr. Hu…” Song Xiangwan’s eyes showed slight shock.

No wonder she felt the voice was familiar. She had talked to him last night, but she had politely told him she had no time to meet and that he should drop the matter.

Why had she run into him here today?

“Miss Song didn’t know? Hongyue Mobile is a sub-brand under Lianda Technology. I personally participated in the design of this Summer Orange model.”

Song Xiangwan: “…” She truly didn’t know. She hadn’t researched it. Although she knew the name of this Hu fellow, she never thought of looking into his background.

Pure coincidence.

“If Miss Song likes it, I can give you one later.”

“I don’t like it.” Song Xiangwan refused without hesitation, leaving no room for negotiation. “I don’t like it at all. Everything I said just now was courtesy to the client. It’s hideous. All four colors are hideous, especially this Summer Orange.”

The makeup artist and Cheng Cheng were both stunned, afraid to speak.

They had never seen an endorser be so blunt about the product they were promoting.

“As expected of Miss Song, I admire your genuine nature.” Hu Xianjun didn’t seem surprised or angry. Instead, he chuckled easily.

“Please don’t. Don’t admire me. I can’t handle it. Also, since Hongyue is Mr. Hu’s brand, let’s terminate this contract now.”

Song Xiangwan actually stood up without even removing her makeup: “Cheng Cheng, contact the driver. We’re leaving now.”

“Regarding the subsequent contract termination, my manager will communicate with the legal department here.” Song Xiangwan didn’t look back, lifting her feet and heading toward the dressing room.

The woman in the white gauze dress, with her long hair casually draped, had a graceful figure, yet she exuded an imposing presence, like an unyielding “Moonlight White.”

Ugh, why did I take his job?

Song Xiangwan furiously typed out a message to Cao Xin, but before sending it, she deleted every single word.

She couldn’t blame Cao Xin. Her manager didn’t know that her family was trying to set up a blind date for them.

Cao Xin: ???

Song Xiangwan: Disgusting. I’m not shooting anymore.

Cao Xin: Okay, got it.

Cao Xin: Thank you, my Ancestor. Thanks for at least giving me a heads-up before walking off.

Since she didn’t have to pay the breach fee, Cao Xin was now accustomed to Song Xiangwan’s capriciousness and felt no stress at all.

Song Xiangwan stripped off the dress, casually tossing it onto a chair. She quickly changed into her own clothes, finishing in a flash.

When she opened the door, she looked up and saw the man in the white suit, seemingly waiting for her.

He had a smile on his face, as if he thought he was incredibly handsome.

Disgusting, absolutely disgusting.

Her androphobia flared up.

Cao Xin eventually got the call and listened to her “Ancestor” chatter away for a long time. Finally, she promised, “Yes, yes, yes, we will terminate the contract immediately,” before the other party was satisfied.

…

The car stopped at the gate of the Ming family villa. The rear door opened. Long legs, not wearing high heels, stepped out. She hurried inside.

Upon entering the main gate, she saw someone in the garden. Ming Jin was sitting in her wheelchair, wearing linen trousers and a light-colored silk shirt, revealing her delicate, pale wrist bone.

Her long hands were tending to the peony branches in front of her. The red petals, green branches, and her pale hands made her fingers look as beautiful as jade.

Song Xiangwan walked over, knelt down in front of Ming Jin, and hugged her gently. Her voice was soft: “Why did you come out? It’s still quite hot in the evening.”

“I’ve been cooped up inside for too long. I wanted to come out and see,” Ming Jin’s hand gently patted Song Xiangwan’s back. She asked slowly, “Is the shoot over? Why are you back so early?”

According to the shooting schedule she mentioned before leaving, she shouldn’t be back until after sunset and the celebratory dinner.

“I didn’t want to shoot anymore. I didn’t like it…” Song Xiangwan whined softly, feeling a little guilty.

“Did you breach the contract?” Ming Jin asked.

“Mhm…” It wasn’t Song Xiangwan’s first time breaching a contract, but it was the first time she felt lacking in confidence.

She was somewhat unsure how to explain the reason for her breach.

“If you don’t want to shoot, then don’t. I’ll cover the penalty,” Ming Jin’s tone was as indulgent as always, not asking a single question.

Song Xiangwan pushed Ming Jin inside. Xu Zhiyan took the fresh peony branches from Ming Jin’s hands: “Sister, you seem very happy.”

“Am I?” Ming Jin’s tone was flat. “I don’t think so.”

“You are,” Xu Zhiyan blinked, teasing, “Is it because my sister-in-law is home for dinner?”

“Smart mouth,” Ming Jin scolded, but her tone wasn’t harsh; it was the usual playful, affectionate tone.

“Sister Qiu, please arrange these flowers and put them by my sister’s bedside.” Xu Zhiyan handed the flowers out, then went to wash her hands.

She did feel Ming Jin was very happy.

And this happiness didn’t start when Song Xiangwan returned; it was earlier…

It started when Ming Jin said she wanted to go out and pick a few flowers to arrange, even though Xu Zhiyan said the sun hadn’t set and it was a bit hot, she still went out.

She had seemed somewhat unhappy all day, but then suddenly cheered up then.

Xu Zhiyan didn’t think too much of it. She washed her hands and sat down at the dinner table, noticing the empty chair opposite her: “Where is Dr. Lin?”

“Dr. Lin said she had something to do today and not to wait for her for dinner,” Sister Qiu said.

“What could she be doing… fooling around outside…” Xu Zhiyan muttered under her breath. She immediately fell silent when she saw Ming Jin approaching.

After dinner, Song Xiangwan pushed Ming Jin outside for a walk, worried she was getting bored indoors.

She had stayed in the hospital for over a month, but she hadn’t missed the peak of summer by returning now.

Streetlights cast long, overlapping shadows on the ground. The flower beds along the road were in full bloom. There was the rustling of insects and a bright moon in the sky.

It was a clear, pleasant summer night. The two people’s shadows stretched long on the ground, seemingly merging together.

“It’s a shame I didn’t wear a red dress,” Song Xiangwan said with some regret.

“You want to…” Ming Jin seemed to understand her thoughts.

“I want to dance for you.” Song Xiangwan walked under the streetlight, looked up at the light, and smiled at Ming Jin. “Is it beautiful even without a red dress?”

“Beautiful. You are beautiful no matter what,” Ming Jin’s eyes reflected the warm color of the light.

There was no music, not even a skirt. She made a gesture of lifting a skirt, her arms long and graceful, forming a beautiful curve. Her spine was straight, and her toes lightly touched the ground.

There was only the sound of insects and her beloved dancing. Everything else faded into insignificance.

She danced step by step toward Ming Jin, reached out, took Ming Jin’s hand, turned her body, and spun around Ming Jin.

Her phoenix eyes were brimming with a smile, gazing at Ming Jin. The light of the streetlamp was reflected, showing Ming Jin’s appearance. Her gaze was intense and passionate, as if it could speak.

Ming Jin’s eyes narrowed. She grabbed Song Xiangwan’s hand and instantly pulled her into her arms.

A mountain bike stopped steadily beside them. The rider, dressed in tight cycling gear, apologized repeatedly: “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t see you…”

“The speed limit is too high on the community road,” Ming Jin’s tone was cold.

“It’s fine. My brakes are excellent. I can stop,” the person laughed, pushing the pedal with their foot, and shot off like lightning.

“Which family’s privileged son…” Ming Jin frowned slightly, clearly having a poor impression of the person.

“Ah Jin, are you okay?” Song Xiangwan’s voice was anxious.

She had just been pulled into Ming Jin’s arms and was practically sitting in her lap. She looked distressed, terrified of hurting her.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Ming Jin held her hand, looking at those worried eyes. She whispered, “Wanwan, I’m very well.”

She did look fine. Her complexion was normal, her lips had color, and she didn’t seem to be in pain.

Song Xiangwan’s tense heart eased, and she let out a slight breath of relief.

“You can sit in my lap…” Ming Jin raised her hand, lightly pressed her fingers against Song Xiangwan’s chin, and looked into her eyes. “It’s okay.”

She felt better than ever before. She could pull her into her arms and had the strength to protect her. This feeling was wonderful.

Before she could finish, her vision suddenly darkened. Song Xiangwan leaned in and gently kissed Ming Jin’s lips.

The hands resting on Ming Jin’s knees weren’t bearing weight. She simply leaned over, slightly lifted her chin, and kissed those lips.

The sound of insects under the streetlamp mingled with heavy breathing.

But Song Xiangwan didn’t dare to be unrestrained. Like a temptress, she licked Ming Jin’s lips and then released her.

Her eyes were full of smiles. She whispered, “No rush. We have plenty of time later…”

She leaned closer and gently kissed Ming Jin’s earlobe: “Plenty of time to have you…”

The alluring cat teased and intoxicated, but had no intention of taking things to the final step.

Just as Ming Jin was about to say something, Song Xiangwan placed her fingers on Ming Jin’s lips, pressing her words back. Song Xiangwan said, “I don’t want to take any risks. We can afford to wait, can’t we, Ah Jin?”

The heart failure during surgery had caused damage to her heart. Even now, the indicators hadn’t fully returned to normal.

Although Dr. Liu, the head of cardiology, guaranteed that there shouldn’t be any problems as long as there were no major ups and downs, Song Xiangwan couldn’t gamble.

Despite the turmoil inside, the fierce longing, she still had to restrain herself and wait until everything was settled and spring had arrived.

…

Song Xiangwan returned to the villa, took a shower, and blew her hair dry. When she went out late at night for a drink of water, she found the TV in the living room was still on, and Xu Zhiyan was staring blankly at the sofa.

“What’s wrong? Why haven’t you gone to sleep?” Song Xiangwan walked over with a glass cup, noticing that the TV was playing infomercials from a shopping channel.

“Watching TV,” Xu Zhiyan said flatly.

Song Xiangwan: “…” Why the heck was she watching commercials late at night?

A figure stumbled in, unable to stand steady, and the bag in her hand crashed against the console table in the entrance hall.

“Keep your voice down. Don’t wake people up,” Xu Zhiyan said sternly, her tone revealing underlying displeasure.

“Little girl…” Lin Rong swayed, walked over, and rubbed Xu Zhiyan’s head. “Don’t be so fierce. You’re even cuter when you’re all fierce.”

Xu Zhiyan stepped back, dodging the hand, her brows tightly furrowed: “Were you drinking?”

The smell of alcohol on Lin Rong was overpowering. She was saturated with it. Before, she would only have one or two drinks. This time, she definitely drank a lot.

“Not much,” Lin Rong stretched and walked toward her room. She grabbed the doorknob and turned it several times. “Why… won’t it open…”

“You’re turning it the wrong way,” Xu Zhiyan suppressed her emotions, walked over, and grabbed Lin Rong’s arm. “Where did you go?”

“Went to… have some fun…” Lin Rong pushed the door open, walked in, and threw herself onto the bed.

Song Xiangwan followed and stood in the doorway, not walking in: “Ayan, do you need help?”

“Ignore this drunkard,” Xu Zhiyan snorted and walked out, but then heard a crash.

The person on the bed rolled over, seeming to reach for something on the bedside table, but knocked over the lamp, sending crystal pendants clattering everywhere on the floor.

“Hey, hey, be careful,” Xu Zhiyan shouted. She turned to Song Xiangwan and instructed, “You should go back and rest. I can handle this here.”

Song Xiangwan gave Sister Qiu an instruction and didn’t intervene further, returning to her room.

Hugging Ming Jin’s arm, she nestled beside her and recounted the situation: “I always feel like Dr. Lin has something on her mind.”

“The Haicheng Economic Summit is happening in the next few days. The Lin family will also send a representative,” Ming Jin said flatly.

“How do you know everything?” Song Xiangwan was surprised. She looked up at Ming Jin’s eyes—a vast expanse of light brown that seemed bottomless.

This person, who had undergone surgery and hospitalization, seemingly detached from company matters, was still privy to all this information.

Ming Jin’s lips curved slightly. She whispered, “What I should know, I naturally know.”

“What else do you know that I don’t?” Song Xiangwan blinked, staring at Ming Jin.

“I know everything,” Ming Jin said calmly, reaching out to cover her eyes. “Alright, sleep now.”

Song Xiangwan twisted her head, revealing her eyes from under Ming Jin’s hand: “Really? You know everything?”

Ming Jin didn’t speak this time, just quietly looked at her. The night light was dim, seemingly adding a deeper shadow to her eyes.

These eyes looked like they could see through everything, right into a person’s core.

The CEO Ming who held absolute power and was accustomed to controlling everything had never disappeared. The oppressive feeling she naturally gave off was not diminished by her illness in the slightest.

Song Xiangwan felt an inexplicable… sense of unease…

“Alright, alright, I won’t ask anymore. Sleep,” Song Xiangwan closed her eyes and snuggled closer to Ming Jin.

In the darkness, Ming Jin’s lips pressed slightly, and she, too, gently closed her eyes.

…

At the tail end of summer, the Haicheng Economic Summit was in full swing. The business elite gathered together, more comprehensively than ever before.

Li Yuwan’s sixtieth birthday celebration was also held with great fanfare.

Song Xiangwan was one hundred percent unwilling: “Mom, I really don’t want to go…”

“Little Hu told me about your situation…” Song Xiuyun said.

“It’s impossible between us,” Song Xiangwan stated firmly, making her attitude clear.

“Little Hu also said it’s impossible between you, so I’m not pressuring you to do anything with him, am I?” Song Xiuyun adjusted her outfit in the mirror.

A person who was usually thrifty, she had specifically bought a designer item a few days ago: a satin, deep-red qipao paired with pearl earrings, looking quite respectable.

“Then why do you still want me to attend his mother’s birthday banquet?” Song Xiangwan didn’t understand.

“She is the only friend I have in Haicheng. If she invites me, of course, I have to go,” Song Xiuyun said.

“And you…” She looked over. “Auntie Li likes you very much, so you should go too.”

“I’ve made things easy for you. I bought your gift in advance. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just go with me, have a meal, and come back.”

“She’s my only friend in Haicheng. Can’t you consider your mother’s feelings?”

“Fine, fine, fine…” Song Xiangwan rested her chin on her hand, nodding dejectedly, looking like she had completely given up the struggle.

“Look, isn’t this skirt a bit too bright?” Song Xiuyun looked at herself in the mirror, feeling unnatural. “Should I change it?”

Before Song Xiangwan could speak, she went into the bedroom and came out wearing a dark blue dress with auspicious cloud patterns.

“How about this one?” Song Xiuyun asked.

“Good, good, good. It’s pretty,” Song Xiangwan’s tone was dismissive.

“You girl, I asked you for an opinion, and you’re mentally miles away,” Song Xiuyun snorted softly.

“Mom, look at the time. What time is it now?” Song Xiangwan reminded her, showing Song Xiuyun the time on her phone. “If you delay any longer…”

“Oh, oh, oh, we’re going to be late! Go, go, go! Hurry!” Song Xiuyun didn’t bother to change her clothes anymore. She grabbed Song Xiangwan’s arm and rushed out.

“When did you two meet? How come I didn’t know?” Song Xiangwan was puzzled.

Her mother, a simple middle-aged woman from a small county, how did she meet Hu Xianjun’s mother, to the point of setting up a blind date?

It was said that people from different circles couldn’t easily mix. How did these two completely different people…

“I can’t explain it to you. Don’t talk so much. Just follow me.”

“Remember to be sweet-mouthed when you meet them.”

“Even if the blind date doesn’t work out, the connection remains.”

“Remember to greet people proactively. Don’t make me remind you.”

Song Xiangwan: “…” She was so grown up, yet her mother still treated her like a child.

After hurrying along, they weren’t late. Song Xiangwan breathed a sigh of relief before getting out of the car. After being lectured the whole way, she finally had some peace.

But it wasn’t completely peaceful. Seeing that man instantly made her feel sick. Her androphobia flared up again.

But for her mother’s sake, and for her mother’s friendship, she smiled and greeted them: “Hello, Auntie Li. Hello, Mr. Hu. Happy Birthday, Auntie Li. May you stay young forever.”

“This must be Wanwan,” Li Yuwan reached out and held Song Xiangwan’s hand, smiling kindly. “I knew she was a good child. Xiuyun, you raised her well.”

“You’re just being polite. Standing next to Little Hu, who wouldn’t compliment the Hu family’s good upbringing?” Song Xiuyun was pleased and played along with the polite flattery.

After exchanging pleasantries, Song Xiangwan felt her face was frozen from smiling.

She didn’t really mind these social occasions, as she was used to fake smiling, but a certain gaze kept scanning her, making her feel completely uncomfortable.

“Madam,” a butler-like figure hurried over, stopped next to Li Yuwan, and said in a low voice, “CEO Ming has arrived.”

“She…” Li Yuwan froze for a moment but quickly recovered. “Excuse me, I was rude. I need to go see a guest.”

For some reason, Song Xiangwan suddenly had a bad feeling. CEO Ming…

Hu Xianjun didn’t follow. Instead, he moved closer to Song Xiangwan: “Miss Song, long time no see.”

Song Xiangwan completely ignored him, just looking up. She saw Xu Zhiyan pushing a wheelchair in, with Li Yuwan walking beside the wheelchair, smiling and saying something.

Her hand hanging by her side tightened slightly.

Why was she here?

Why was she not recovering at home, but coming to a place like this?

And… Song Xiangwan subtly increased the distance between herself and Hu Xianjun…

The Hu family inviting the Ming family was understandable. Today should just be a coincidence… Ming Jin shouldn’t know about… the blind date, right?