The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Just Trying to Get Away with It?

Ming Jin’s gaze also came through, across the layers of people and the evening lights, settling on Song Xiangwan.

The warm yellow light diffused over Song Xiangwan’s light-yellow silk qipao embroidered with gold thread and peony patterns. The gold-threaded intertwining vine patterns shimmered in the light. The high collar accentuated her porcelain white neck, and the small pearls hanging from the frog closures swayed with her movements, casting a string of fragmented light.

The light and shadow softened the cinnabar-red beauty mark at the corner of her eye, making her look tender and alluring. The white jade hairpin in her hair gathered her locks, highlighting her slender waist and graceful figure.

She was meticulously dressed up.

Ming Jin’s fingers lightly tightened. Her voice, speaking to Li Yuwan, was as normal as ever: “Auntie, I apologize for coming in such a hurry on your birthday.”

“CEO Ming, you are too kind. Your presence brightens our humble abode,” Li Yuwan led her in, following Ming Jin’s gaze.

She quickly introduced: “CEO Ming, this is my son, Hu Xianjun. He also runs a technology company in Haicheng.”

“Mhm.” Ming Jin withdrew her gaze from Song Xiangwan and looked at the man standing next to Song Xiangwan.

This is the one? A faint shadow crossed her eyes. There was a subtle contempt in her heart. He’s just this kind of caliber…

“CEO Ming, I’ve long heard your name. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Hu Xianjun extended his hand, intending to shake hands.

Ming Jin’s long, pale hand pressed lightly on her knee. She didn’t even lift her eyelashes, not acknowledging him, as if she hadn’t heard his remark.

“Hello, Mr. Hu. Nice to meet you.” Xu Zhiyan quickly stepped forward, shaking his hand, and introduced herself, “Xu Zhiyan.”

Xu Zhiyan didn’t understand what her sister was being difficult about. She had actively requested to come to this birthday banquet, yet her attitude seemed cold.

“I don’t like crowds. Please arrange a place for me to rest, Auntie,” Ming Jin said calmly.

“Of course,” Li Yuwan immediately called a servant over, whispered a few words, and gestured, “Please come this way.”

The wheelchair was pushed past Song Xiangwan. The surrounding crowd surged forward, blocking Song Xiangwan’s view. Song Xiangwan was stunned.

Ming Jin didn’t acknowledge her?

Huh? How could that be?

The banquet was held at the Hu family’s small estate. Li Yuwan was fond of pretentious elegance and even hired a Kunqu opera troupe to perform.

The grey-tiled stage floated on the clear, green water. Wooden pillars were immersed in the water. Faded vermilion gauze lanterns hung from the eaves of the stage. When the wind blew, they swayed gently, their reflections mingling in the water with the lotus leaves and pink lotuses in the pond.

The banquet seating was arranged under the old camphor trees on the waterfront. As the evening heat dissipated, the air, carrying the fragrance of lotus and water vapor, cooled the skin.

Song Xiangwan sat at a guest table with a cup of clear tea and a couple of pastries in front of her.

The swaying shadows of the trees drifted across her eyes. She rested her chin on one hand. The qipao outlined her graceful figure, making the surrounding courtyard and lights instantly pale in comparison.

Most of Li Yuwan’s guests were wives from wealthy families. Song Xiangwan didn’t know many people there.

The Kunqu opera on the stage was singing its slow, winding tunes. She took a sip of tea, her mind unsettled. She glanced around but couldn’t find Ming Jin.

What was the meaning of that?

Song Xiuyun was seated at the main table, right next to Li Yuwan, chatting animatedly with the other wives.

“I’ve been admiring your cushion. It’s exquisitely woven. I bought one from abroad for a huge price, and it’s not even as well-made as yours.”

“Oh, this one? Xiuyun gave it to me recently. She’s skillful and meticulous. We can’t compare.”

“She made it herself… I thought it was some brand-name product…”

“What brand-name? In this day and age, custom-made handicrafts are the best.”

“Then help me make two in a couple of days. The price doesn’t matter; I can afford any cost.”

“She might not have the time to make them for you, and she doesn’t need your money. Xiuyun’s daughter is a first-tier actress. She wouldn’t bear to let her mother do this kind of labor.”

As soon as Li Yuwan said this, the wives seemed to wake up, and their gaze toward Song Xiuyun subtly changed: “An actress…”

They had assumed she was just another wealthy wife they didn’t recognize before. The casual warmth in their eyes instantly faded a few notches.

“Yes, her name is Song Xiangwan. She’s very popular right now,” Li Yuwan said, gesturing with her chin toward Song Xiangwan. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“I originally wanted to set her up with my son, but young people have their own ideas now, and neither of them wanted it.”

“Song Xiangwan…” Someone stammered, softly coughing. “Yuwan, didn’t you hear about what happened recently?”

“What happened?” Li Yuwan was stunned.

“That… nothing…” Someone was clearly evading the topic.

“I heard that Xiangwan is talented in singing and dancing,” Li Yuwan continued. “My opera troupe might not even be as good as Xiangwan.”

The wives: “…” They looked at her with shocked expressions.

Wait, is something wrong with your head?

The news about Song Xiangwan and Ming Jin had been circulating intensely in the upper-class circles recently, but this woman was utterly clueless, still trying to set them up.

It showed that she wasn’t well-informed and wasn’t truly integrated into this circle.

Moreover, what did she mean by that last comment? Was she subtly suggesting that Song Xiangwan was just a performer?

Did she expect everyone to agree and then encourage Song Xiangwan to go up and dance for them?

The wives looked at each other and collectively chose to remain silent.

Hu Xianjun came from a small county town and was only a young entrepreneur in Haicheng, not a significant figure. Ming Jin’s family, on the other hand…

“Sister Song, you have such good fortune to have such an outstanding daughter. We truly envy you.”

“I’ve always loved the shows Xiangwan performs. Sister Song, please introduce me later. I’d love a photo with her.”

“My daughter is a loyal fan of Xiangwan. She would be so jealous if she knew I saw Xiangwan today.”

“That’s right, I’m so jealous. If my daughter were that outstanding, I’d wake up smiling in my dreams.”

“I feel a connection with Xiangwan. Sister Song, why don’t we become sworn sisters? I could be an aunt to Xiangwan. What do you think?”

The smile on Li Yuwan’s face froze. Her eyes narrowed. No, this isn’t the script she envisioned… Why are these people…

Oh, she’s just an actress. How could she be worthy of your son? It’s a fortune she’s desperately chasing, and you’re too blind to see it.

She’s just an actress’s mother. Does she really think she’s some wealthy madam, entitled to sit at the main table?

Since you’re here, why don’t you go up and dance, so everyone can see what today’s actresses are like.

This was the narrative she had planned.

Having a match she enthusiastically promoted rejected by an actress made Li Yuwan feel humiliated. She held in her anger. Inviting Song Xiuyun today was intended to humiliate the mother and daughter, praising them outwardly while criticizing them subtly, hoping to embarrass them.

But…

Why?

Normally, when actresses were mentioned, they would insult them mercilessly. Today, they were saying their own daughters were inferior to Song Xiangwan and even wanted to be her aunt?

Song Xiangwan didn’t quite catch what they were saying, only feeling that the wives at that table were all looking at her with kind and friendly eyes.

It seemed Song Xiuyun was quite the socializer, managing to fit into even this circle.

Song Xiangwan: Ah Jin~ (Little Cat Rolling Emoji)

Song Xiangwan: Will you pay attention to me? (Little Cat Flirting Emoji)

Song Xiangwan: Where did you go? I’m coming to find you.

Song Xiangwan: Watching the opera here is so boring. They’re looking at me like a monkey.

My Beloved Ah Jin: Who?

Song Xiangwan immediately smiled, her eyes reflecting the lamplight, her expression bright and radiant. Her slender, pale fingers lightly tapped the screen, carefully replying to the message.

Hu Xianjun, who was greeting guests, happened to pass by and saw her gentle smile. He paused slightly.

She was so beautiful it was captivating.

He was self-made, focused entirely on his work and business. He had never thought about his personal life or paid attention to the entertainment industry.

When Li Yuwan brought up the blind date, he was initially unwilling until he saw the photo of Song Xiangwan his mother sent him.

Could someone really be that beautiful?

And after meeting her in person, he found her even more beautiful than in the photo.

Seeing the reply on her phone, Song Xiangwan slipped her phone into her clutch and stood up without greeting anyone.

She asked for directions along the way and reached the Chuihua Gate (Inner Gate) of the inner courtyard, where a maid blocked her path: “Excuse me, guest, the inner courtyard is not open to outsiders.”

“I’m here to find Ming Jin,” Song Xiangwan said. “She’s right inside…”

“Miss Song, why are you here?” A faint voice. Hu Xianjun walked forward, his eyes fixed on Song Xiangwan’s bright and delicate face.

He had clearly followed her, but his tone sounded like… a coincidence…

“I’m looking for someone,” Song Xiangwan said.

“CEO Ming?” Hu Xianjun chuckled slightly. “Miss Song knows CEO Ming?”

Song Xiangwan blinked. Wait, many people knew she and Ming Jin attended an event together recently. Did he… not know?

“Of course, I know her.”

“But CEO Ming didn’t speak to Miss Song just now. It doesn’t look like you know each other, does it?” Hu Xianjun’s tone carried an inexplicable confidence.

Before Song Xiangwan could speak, Hu Xianjun continued: “Miss Song is so dissatisfied with me, yet you still came to my mother’s birthday banquet.”

“So that was your purpose…”

“You look down on my status, but you want to use this opportunity to climb up the social ladder.”

Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but frown slightly upon hearing this. Her androphobia flared up intensely again. Good heavens, what is this man thinking?

Hu Xianjun took a step forward, instantly closing the distance between them.

Song Xiangwan instinctively recoiled, her heel hitting a step. She stumbled slightly.

Then, before Hu Xianjun could reach out to steady her, she quickly retreated three steps, reaching the top of the stairs, looking down at Hu Xianjun.

Phew, that was close! She was almost touched by this man. If he had touched her, wouldn’t she have to bathe eight hundred times when she got back?

The little cat was not someone to be trifled with and easily manipulated after being provoked.

Moreover, Ming Jin was right inside the inner courtyard. She felt completely confident.

“Hu Xianjun, let me tell you, don’t confuse looking down on you with wanting to climb the social ladder. I simply look down on you.”

“Stupid and narcissistic. Do you think you’re hot stuff?”

“I, Song Xiangwan, look down on you this life, the next life, and a hundred lives from now.”

“You only have this much perspective. Do you think everyone is like you, only looking for the highest branch to climb?”

Wildly arrogant, the emotion in her eyes was unconcealed. Her chin was held high, her face full of haughtiness—the pride of a little cat.

“Song Xiangwan, don’t push your luck.” Hu Xianjun showed a hint of anger at her words. In normal life, no one dared to point a finger and curse him like that.

“Why are the two of you arguing?” A faint voice interrupted the confrontation.

Xu Zhiyan walked out from the inner courtyard, looked at Song Xiangwan, and sighed softly with resignation: “Come inside.”

The maid no longer blocked her. Song Xiangwan happily walked in, leaving the mess of Hu Xianjun for Xu Zhiyan to handle.

The cat who came in happily, practically wagging her tail, rushed toward Ming Jin and looked pitifully: “Ah Jin…”

“Who bullied you?” Ming Jin’s hand pressed on the back of her neck, gently rubbing.

She had been a little annoyed, wanting to leave Song Xiangwan out to dry, but ultimately, with just a hint of feigned pitifulness, she softened.

In this kind of upper-class setting, where many looked down on actresses, Ming Jin ultimately couldn’t bear to leave her outside to be scrutinized.

Song Xiangwan didn’t answer her question, just burrowed her head into Ming Jin’s embrace and rubbed. In a compliant voice: “Why are you here? You just got out of the hospital. Why aren’t you resting at home?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” A calm voice, but it inexplicably made Song Xiangwan’s heart tense up.

She realized Ming Jin’s purpose didn’t seem to be attending the birthday banquet…

“I…” Song Xiangwan hesitated to speak. She suddenly felt the hand on her neck tighten slightly, gently pinching the flesh on her nape.

“Think carefully, and speak slowly,” Ming Jin’s tone was calm but filled with oppression.

“My mother and Auntie Li are good friends. Auntie Li invited my mother to her birthday banquet, and I followed along…”

Song Xiangwan spoke, feeling a little guilty.

However, she was certain that Ming Jin shouldn’t know about the blind date.

“Dressed up so beautifully just to attend a birthday banquet?” Ming Jin’s finger traced the high collar of the qipao, pinched the frog closure, and lightly grasped it.

Instantly, feeling pinched at the neck, she leaned forward. Song Xiangwan quickly reached out and grabbed the armrest of the wheelchair.

Like her lifeline had been grasped, she raised her chin, exposing her pale, clean neck.

Like prey offering its neck for slaughter.

Ming Jin’s other hand pressed against her cheek with some force, wiping off her blush and leaving faint red finger marks.

“Am I very beautiful?” Song Xiangwan didn’t struggle. She just followed the pressure, smiling radiantly, looking at her.

Ming Jin: “…” Being so heartless was a unique trait.

“Ah Jin, tell me, am I very beautiful?” Song Xiangwan looked at her eagerly, as if waiting for Ming Jin’s confirmation.

She leaned in closer, her nose touching Ming Jin’s chin. She chuckled softly, then traced her jawline to the side of her face, kissing her ear gently.

“So, me dressing up a little means ‘dressing up beautifully’ in Ah Jin’s book.”

She grabbed Ming Jin’s hand and placed it on her chest, gently pressing down. She smiled brightly at Ming Jin: “Feel this. Not only is my face beautiful, but my figure is excellent too.”

The vixen instantly took control.

She then played the victim: “That Hu Xianjun is so annoying. He kept staring at me the moment he saw me and even said I wanted to climb the social ladder.”

“I don’t want to climb the social ladder.”

She leaned in, giggling, and kissed Ming Jin’s lips: “I want to climb this branch—you.”

“Once I climb up, I won’t come down. I’ll stay put.”

Her eyes sparkled with a playful smile, reflecting only Ming Jin’s image. Her flattering, light kisses instantly captivated Ming Jin’s heart.

Listening to her curse Hu Xianjun, the congestion in Ming Jin’s heart slowly dispersed. The violent emotions that had almost overwhelmed her receded.

She didn’t like Hu Xianjun, and she wasn’t here for a blind date…

But the expression on Ming Jin’s face didn’t soften. She forcefully maintained her composure, telling herself in her mind that the blind date matter hadn’t been settled yet.

“This dress is so tight…” Song Xiangwan muttered, pulling Ming Jin’s hand again, pressing it on the frog closure. “Will you help me undo it?”

Through the clothes, she could feel the cat’s body temperature, so hot that her palm began to sweat.

Ming Jin’s fingers moved slightly, undoing the frog closure. Her thumb pressed against Song Xiangwan’s neck—a burning heat.

“Is it beautiful?” Song Xiangwan half-knelt, leaning over. Her red lips approached, her breath fanning Ming Jin’s nose. She leaned closer, about to kiss her.

She didn’t succeed. Her lips were stopped by a cool finger. Ming Jin spoke: “Don’t change the subject.”

This cat was seducing her. Of course, she could tell, and she almost lost control. Her breathing was tight right now.

“I told you. I didn’t lie to you. I just came to accompany my mother today,” Song Xiangwan looked at her pitifully. “You don’t trust me.”

“I should punish you,” Song Xiangwan said, grabbing Ming Jin’s hand and biting her fingertip, not too hard, not too soft.

Her tongue gently circled her fingertip, giving it a lick.

Ming Jin’s fingers tightened. She reached out and pressed the back of Song Xiangwan’s head, pulling Song Xiangwan close and covering that restless mouth with hers.

Lips and teeth collided. Her tongue gently explored, the soft touch pressing down, inch by inch, tasting the air inside. Song Xiangwan’s arm, which was holding the wheelchair armrest, trembled slightly, but she still lifted her head, yielding to the passionate, lingering kiss, exchanging breaths—a deep, intense kiss.

Her hair scattered. The white jade hairpin fell from her hair, landing on the floor with a soft clack, shattering into several pieces, rolling a few times, and disappearing somewhere.

Her satin-like long hair cascaded down through Ming Jin’s fingers, spilling onto the gold-threaded qipao, leaving Ming Jin’s hands scented with hair fragrance.

Through the window in the distance, the Kunqu opera’s winding tune seemed to be singing a verse about deep affection.

“Ah Jin…” Song Xiangwan murmured between kisses. The cat’s hand became restless, reaching for the button at Ming Jin’s neckline, lightly pinching it.

Then, her wrist was grabbed. It was Ming Jin’s voice: “No mischief allowed.”

“That’s not fair.” Her phoenix eyes were red as she looked at Ming Jin, clearly unhappy. “I’m like this, and you haven’t even undone one button…”

She was indeed disheveled. The frog closures were undone, the qipao hung loosely on her body, her hair was completely unbound, and her lipstick was smudged, her lips slightly red.

She was so beautiful that it made Ming Jin’s heart flutter. Ming Jin held her hand, gently kissing her wrist bone, and said, “Don’t move.”

The kiss was the uncontrollable depth of affection, but “don’t move” meant Ming Jin still had a score to settle.

“What you said just now is true, but…” Ming Jin paused slightly, leaned down, and wrapped her arms around Song Xiangwan’s waist, pulling her into her lap.

Song Xiangwan fell forward, resting on Ming Jin’s knees. She didn’t struggle, obediently lying there.

She felt uneasy, hearing Ming Jin continue: “But you didn’t tell me everything.”

“Your elders set you up for a blind date with Hu Xianjun…” Ming Jin’s tone grew heavier with each word.

She absolutely couldn’t accept it. Even knowing Song Xiangwan didn’t like the person at all, she still couldn’t accept Song Xiangwan going on a blind date.

“I don’t like him,” Song Xiangwan muttered.

“Lift up,” Ming Jin’s tone seemed covered by a layer of dark cloud, carrying an undeniable sense of danger.

“But you didn’t tell me,” Ming Jin said in a low voice. “And you weren’t planning on telling me, were you?”

Song Xiangwan immediately calmed down. She truly… hadn’t planned on telling her…

“Lift up,” Ming Jin emphasized again. “This is punishment.”

A light but not too light slap landed on her bottom. Song Xiangwan gave a soft ooh, looking a little pathetic, but she didn’t resist.

The sensation was excellent. Ming Jin’s hand pressed on her upper thigh. Her palm felt the silky touch of the gold-threaded qipao. She looked at the slight redness on the back of Song Xiangwan’s neck.

“You bully me…” The little cat’s voice was aggrieved, with a slight tremor.

“Don’t move. I’m not finished,” Ming Jin said calmly, but the darkness in her eyes was bottomless.

“Since you don’t like him, you should keep your distance. Knowing he’s not a good person, yet still putting yourself in danger by attending the birthday banquet—that also deserves punishment.”

“Not asking me for help when you encountered trouble—that also deserves punishment.”

When Ming Jin’s slap landed, the sound was even more distinct. Song Xiangwan whined and clung to Ming Jin, refusing to let go.

She was doing it on purpose. Ming Jin took a deep breath and said calmly, “Stop making noises.”

“No way. I will make noises. Don’t you like hearing it?” Song Xiangwan flirted unnecessarily, throwing a tantrum like someone spoiled rotten.

Ming Jin’s hand paused, then withdrew. She pinched the flesh at the back of Song Xiangwan’s neck, lifting her head so they met eyes.

The light-brown eyes were deep, seeming to harbor heavy, swirling light.

Song Xiangwan felt a faint sense of danger. She lightly pursed her lips, not daring to make any more noises.

“You like making noises, do you?” Ming Jin pressed and rubbed the flesh on the back of her neck. “Do you think those two slaps are the end of it?”

Hearing the sound from the monitor in the car, hearing she was coming to this birthday banquet, Ming Jin almost went insane.

Attending the blind date’s family banquet without saying a word, so daring—did she really think she could just get away with it?