The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: I Want to Give You the Best (7k Collection…

After a night’s sleep, Ming Jin distinctly felt that the muscles that had been softened by the hot compress yesterday were now stiff and cold again. She couldn’t even move her waist much; the pain was radiating all over.

She habitually reached out to touch the side, but didn’t feel anyone there. Her light brown eyes snapped open.

She wasn’t sure what time it was; the hotel room was empty.

Where is Wanwan? Almost instinctively, Ming Jin propped herself up on the bed.

The strain from lying down all night was painful, the muscles pulled tight. This movement to get up was only half-completed, and she couldn’t maintain it.

Her face was slightly pale. She hadn’t fully sat up, and her body was swaying precariously.

When Song Xiangwan pushed the door open, this was the sight that greeted her. She was startled and rushed over to support her: “Don’t rush! Did the pain flare up again?”

“You…” Ming Jin grasped her arm, took a breath, and then whispered, “Where did you go?”

Song Xiangwan understood. Ming Jin was so anxious because she hadn’t seen her.

“I went to buy something.” Song Xiangwan helped her lie back down and retrieved the items she had just carried in.

Jincheng was a small city. She had to run around a bit to buy an electric heating salt pack. Hot towels were difficult to maintain at the right temperature; she was afraid of scalding her or that the temperature wouldn’t be sufficient.

She had researched a lot about muscle strain. In the acute phase, both sitting and lying down for long periods are uncomfortable. Waking up after a night’s sleep would likely be the most painful time.

She adjusted the temperature of the salt pack and placed it on Ming Jin’s lower back, testing the temperature with the back of her hand several times. Song Xiangwan spoke in a soothing tone, like coaxing a child: “It won’t hurt in a little while, okay?”

Ming Jin, who was used to enduring pain alone, now became delicate. The sense of grievance from the previous days vanished instantly.

Seeing Song Xiangwan bustling around, full of worry, her heart seemed to soften as well.

“Alright, stop bustling. Did you not even have time for breakfast?” Ming Jin raised her hand to touch Song Xiangwan’s cheek, but she dodged, moving away.

The hand paused in mid-air. She heard Song Xiangwan say: “I’m still angry. I haven’t settled the score with you yet.”

Ming Jin lowered her hand and rested it in front of her: “What score do you want to settle with me?”

“You were uncomfortable and didn’t tell me, and you still traveled so far…” Song Xiangwan pointed her finger at Ming Jin, listing her “crimes” in a self-righteous tone.

“You don’t care about your health at all.”

“If I hadn’t found out, were you planning to keep it a secret?”

“You’re going to infuriate me.”

Song Xiangwan finished her tirade, got no response, bit her lip, and stared at Ming Jin: “Aren’t you going to argue?”

Ming Jin shook her head, but her lips curved slightly.

“You’re being scolded, how can you still laugh?” Song Xiangwan reached out and pinched her mouth, her stance intense. “Don’t laugh! Stop being cheeky and be serious.”

But looking at those light brown eyes, Song Xiangwan felt that she was still smiling.

Song Xiangwan reached out to adjust the position of the salt pack and said in an irritated tone: “Don’t touch me. This is your punishment.”

“Don’t touch…” Ming Jin paused, the smile on her face fading, but her tone was very sincere, “Just looking is also good.”

“When you’re by my side, I always feel safe.”

“I can’t touch you through the screen, I don’t know if anyone is bullying you, I don’t know if your filming is hard, and I worry about you.”

“Just looking… is enough…”

“You…” Song Xiangwan felt like she was punching cotton wool. Seeing her slightly pale lips, she instantly deflated.

Although she had asked Director Cheng to minimize Song Xiangwan’s workload on weekends, she was the lead actress, so it was impossible for her to have no scenes at all.

They tried to schedule all of Song Xiangwan’s scenes for the morning. After breakfast, she would arrive on set at eight.

During set transitions, Song Xiangwan would quickly dart into the RV, monitoring Ming Jin to ensure she rested well and caring about her back pain.

She ran back and forth so many times that the staff started noticing something unusual.

“Teacher Song seems a little distracted today.”

“Yeah, normally during set dressing, she’s rehearsing with her co-stars. Why does she disappear as soon as they call ‘cut’ today?”

“Director.”

“Director.”

They greeted the director in unison, then exchanged glances and quickly dispersed.

Cheng Yu looked at the RV not far away, and couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t think Song Xiangwan was slacking off. Accompanying the major investor—that was definitely work.

If CEO Ming was in a good mood, a casual allocation of funds could make their prop and promotion budgets soar.

How could anyone dare to bully the true boss?

After filming wrapped up in the morning, the afternoon and evening were completely her own time.

In the evening, Song Xiangwan and Ming Jin went out together, intending to take Ming Jin to a Cantonese restaurant they had recently discovered and really liked.

“This one…”

“This one…”

“And this one…”

Only after ordering the dishes did Song Xiangwan realize she was the only one who had ordered: “Ah Jin, what do you want to eat?”

“Order what you like,” Ming Jin said casually. “Anything is fine for me.”

Ming Jin truly was a very casual person. She didn’t have any particular favorite foods, favorite pastimes, or special preferences… She always seemed indifferent, following established procedures, completing what needed to be done…

The only exception was Song Xiangwan. The only preference was Song Xiangwan. The only obsession was also Song Xiangwan.

“Alright then,” Song Xiangwan was used to it. When they went out to eat, her preferences always came first.

This restaurant didn’t have private rooms. The seating consisted of small cubicles, about one and a half meters high, partitioned on three sides, with only the side facing the aisle open.

There was a curtain for the open side facing the aisle, which could be drawn, effectively making it a small private space.

Once seated, the privacy was relatively strong. Since many film crews shoot in Jincheng, celebrities generally preferred places with some privacy.

But it was still different from a real private room… mainly the soundproofing…

Where Song Xiangwan was sitting now, she could clearly hear the voices next door.

“Seriously, trust me. As long as you renew your contract, I guarantee you two films a year, at least one as the second lead, which can be written into the contract.”

“Don’t you believe in my ability? That Liu Beixing before, and Li Yan, weren’t they both made famous by me?”

“You won’t find a better agent than me.”

“Think carefully. You’re not young anymore. Your looks aren’t the best, and your acting is a late start…”

Song Xiangwan frowned upon hearing this. The first half was manipulative rhetoric, but the latter part was completely gaslighting and psychological abuse (PUA).

Then, a very familiar voice sounded: “Brother Zhao, I’ve really thought it through. I don’t plan to renew.”

It was Zhou Xintong and her current agent.

The agent chuckled: “If you’re not renewing with me, where do you plan to go?”

“Let me tell you, if you leave here, you won’t even get a supporting role. You’ve been in the industry for so many years, how do you have no self-awareness?”

“If you had listened to me earlier and gotten plastic surgery—eye corner surgery and a nose job—to take the beauty route, you would be famous by now.”

“Everything that’s happening now is your own fault. It’s not my lack of ability. If you don’t listen to me, what can I do?”

“I’ve made plenty of artists famous. I’ve seen many like you.”

“I’ll say this much, I’m giving you a final chance. Sign now, follow my instructions, get plastic surgery, and I’ll invest heavily in promoting you in the future.”

Song Xiangwan’s brow furrowed tighter and tighter. She had heard before that Zhou Xintong’s agent was a piece of work, but she didn’t realize he was this ridiculous.

After several years of working together and the artist gaining nothing, he was now shifting the blame, claiming it was because Zhou Xintong didn’t get plastic surgery, so it was no longer his fault?

Every sentence was condescending and dismissive.

“Brother Zhao, I’ve really made up my mind.” Zhou Xintong was not shaken, but she didn’t mention that she had already found a new job.

“Are you really going to do this?”

“We’ve worked together for so many years. Won’t you even save me a little face?”

“I flew all the way from Longcheng specifically for your contract matters, running around for you…”

Song Xiangwan couldn’t stand it anymore. She heard Ming Jin’s faint voice across from her: “Go ahead.”

“Huh?” Song Xiangwan blinked.

“Don’t you want to stand up for that young girl? Go ahead,” Ming Jin’s eyes looked over faintly. “If anything happens, I’ll handle it. Go.”

“Deal.” Song Xiangwan jumped up instantly, looking arrogant and bold.

Zhou Xintong was being harassed and overwhelmed. Her contract had one year left, and the company had urged her repeatedly.

She didn’t want to listen to this anymore, but the contract was still in his hands. She had to endure this year somehow.

“Tell me I’m right, aren’t I?”

“In this industry, there are beautiful women everywhere. You’re truly not pretty enough…”

“You’re saying someone isn’t pretty enough. Did you look in the mirror first? Don’t tell me you’re scared to, afraid you’ll give yourself nightmares?” The arrogant voice retorted instantly.

The agent’s expression changed, and he looked over with some hostility.

Song Xiangwan stepped into their cubicle, her fingertip lightly tapping the table: “You have no manners. When you see someone, don’t you know to stand up and greet them?”

“Sister Wan…” Zhou Xintong hadn’t expected Song Xiangwan to be here.

The agent was seething with anger, but due to Song Xiangwan’s status in the industry, he didn’t dare to lash out: “Teacher Song, this is an internal matter for our company.”

“If it were a normal contract signing, I wouldn’t say a word.”

“Listen to the things you’re saying, are those the words of a human being?”

“That young girl is only twenty-four this year, how is she old?”

“You don’t know how to promote artists, and then you blame everything on the artist.”

“I don’t think it’s because she’s not pretty; I think you, the agent, aren’t very smart.”

“There are too many smart people in this industry. You’re quite stupid. Why don’t you admit it?”

Song Xiangwan in full combat mode was not someone anyone could easily handle. The man’s face instantly darkened.

Song Xiangwan didn’t think her words were excessive. She was merely processing and returning the very words the agent had just said.

If he couldn’t handle that, did he consider whether the young girl could handle those words he just said?

“Teacher Song, it seems we have no grudge between us.” He managed to suppress his anger.

“No, I just can’t stand you bullying a junior,” Song Xiangwan reached out and grabbed Zhou Xintong’s arm. “Come on, let’s not listen to his nonsense.”

Zhou Xintong was indeed not a stunning beauty, but she was lively and adorable, and her self-taught acting skills were decent, even approved by Director Cheng.

At twenty-four, she was still young. As long as she worked hard, she would have plenty of opportunities in the future.

Song Xiangwan was afraid that Zhou Xintong would actually listen to this rubbish and get plastic surgery, which would truly ruin her future acting career.

Zhou Xintong was somewhat stunned by Song Xiangwan’s aura. She didn’t even have time to consider that the contract was still in the agent’s hands. She stood up and followed Song Xiangwan.

As both of them stood up, the agent snapped back to his senses. He couldn’t lose face like this.

He stood up and grabbed Zhou Xintong’s arm: “Did I tell you to leave?”

“What? You want to use force?” Song Xiangwan raised an eyebrow, her aura fearless. “You’re trying to abuse your power and use force?”

“Song Xiangwan, don’t go too far!” The agent finally burst out with uncontrollable anger.

“What do you want to do?” Song Xiangwan pulled Zhou Xintong behind her, shielding her. “I’m telling you, if you dare to lay a finger on me, I’ll end your career.”

“Sister Wan…” Zhou Xintong softly advised.

“Why be afraid of him? I’ve never been afraid of anyone in my life.” Song Xiangwan wasn’t scared at all.

He glared furiously for a moment, then immediately changed his expression and answered a call: “Hello, CEO Zhang…”

“Yes, yes, I know.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“Mhm, mhm, I get it.”

After hanging up, his face was worse than liver-colored. He took two deep, suppressed breaths and said: “Xintong, I apologize for today. What I said was wrong.”

“Oh…” Zhou Xintong was stunned.

“Alright, I’m taking her. I’ll pay for your table’s food, Brother Zhao. Take your time eating.” Song Xiangwan pulled Zhou Xintong’s hand and walked away.

“What happened to him?” Zhou Xintong was still confused.

She thought a fight was about to break out, and given Brother Zhao’s volatile temper, there might have even been a physical conflict.

Following Song Xiangwan to their cubicle, Zhou Xintong looked up and saw Ming Jin. She instantly understood…

“CEO Ming.” Zhou Xintong was a little nervous, standing there cautiously.

“Sit down. Eat with us,” Ming Jin said gently.

She looked at Song Xiangwan and smiled lightly: “Did you vent your anger?”

“I did,” Song Xiangwan smiled brightly. “You should have seen his expression just now. He was so utterly repressed.”

Her expression was vibrant and dazzling… Zhou Xintong lowered her head to eat, feeling a pang of envy. In this industry, there were few people as bold as Song Xiangwan.

After dinner, Song Xiangwan lay on the sofa to digest her food and saw Ming Jin pulling a game console out of her luggage: “Want to play?”

“Consider it my apology to you,” Ming Jin said.

Three years ago, Song Xiangwan loved to drag her into playing games, but her free time was minimal, so she rarely got her way. Since returning, they hadn’t played together yet.

“That sounds great,” Song Xiangwan was thrilled, but didn’t forget her condition: “We can’t play for too long. You can’t get tired.”

“Alright,” Ming Jin’s eyes held a soft, indulgent smile.

Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but lean in closer to see the smile in her eyes, then lifted her chin, and lightly kissed Ming Jin’s lips.

The kiss was fleeting and unbelievably gentle. Ming Jin said: “Didn’t you forbid me from touching you?”

“Yes, yes. You’re not allowed to touch me, but you didn’t say I wasn’t allowed to touch you,” Song Xiangwan blinked, smiling triumphantly.

The rule only applies to the governor, not the common people. The unreasonable cat was just like that.

The records on the game console brought from home showed it was fully completed, so they randomly selected a level to play.

“Rice, rice, the rice cooker exploded! Ah Jin, hurry, hurry!”

“Aah, my cucumber! Why did it go into the trash can?”

“Plates, plates, we have no plates left…”

“It’s over, it’s on fire!”

The result of the screaming chaos was that the entire kitchen was engulfed in flames. They couldn’t even manage to cook two dishes in the end, scoring zero stars.

“This…” Song Xiangwan fell into contemplation.

When she played with Zhou Xintong and the others, it was chaotic. When she played with Ming Jin, it was also chaotic… Applying the controlled variable method, the problem lies with…

The problem lies with this game! The settings are completely unreasonable! How can two people complete so many tasks?

But Ming Jin was very patient. She didn’t run away like Zhou Xintong and the others. She only offered encouragement: “That was very good. Look, we managed to make two dishes.”

“It’s okay. We’ll start over.”

“Excellent.”

“Even setting the kitchen on fire is excellent?” Song Xiangwan looked at Ming Jin with anticipation.

Ming Jin chuckled, suppressing her laughter, and nodded: “Yes, excellent.”

“The most important thing about playing a game is the process, not the result.”

“Enjoying the fun of the process is enough…”

Playing games with Song Xiangwan was quite enjoyable.

But Song Xiangwan didn’t think so: “How can that be? Not finishing a level after playing for half a day offers zero sense of accomplishment.”

“Do you want to clear the level?” Ming Jin asked.

“What you just said…” Song Xiangwan was speechless. “Is it a question of wanting to? It’s a question of being able to.”

“If you want to clear the level, follow my command.” Ming Jin controlled the controller, pressed restart, and chose the same level: making sushi.

“We’ll split the screen in two. You’ll mainly be responsible for chopping vegetables—cucumber and shrimp—and then washing dishes. Leave the rest to me.”

“Can we do it?” Song Xiangwan was a little doubtful.

“Yes, trust me.” Ming Jin looked at her, a faint smile on her lips.

On a whim, Song Xiangwan believed her.

Actually, the best role for Song Xiangwan’s position would have been steaming the rice, but washing dishes was a bit far. However, Ming Jin didn’t trust her with the rice steaming task.

It kept exploding.

She would scream and run over to grab the pot, only to realize she was still holding a cucumber, waving it around the pot, and wondering why she couldn’t pick up the pot.

Utilizing people according to their ability. Although this made the efficiency a little lower, the probability of error was greatly reduced.

“Cucumber…”

“Shrimp…”

“Wash the plates, wash the plates…”

Song Xiangwan was busy the whole time, muttering to herself, her eyes watching the screen very attentively.

“Wow… we cleared the level!” Song Xiangwan looked at the final victory screen. She raised her hand, and Ming Jin also raised hers. They celebrated with a knowing high-five.

“Why didn’t you command me before?” Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but whisper.

Ming Jin didn’t speak. She just operated the little car on the screen and started the next level.

The process is more important than the result when playing a game.

But if Song Xiangwan wanted to win, she could pursue that result for Song Xiangwan.

Song Xiangwan was a relatively good gaming partner. At least when assigned a task, she followed instructions precisely and didn’t mess around arbitrarily.

Song Xiangwan also realized that Ming Jin’s thinking was exceptionally clear. For every level, she could quickly find the most efficient way to divide the labor.

That brain…

It made sense.

A company as large as the Ming Corporation was managed so effortlessly under her. This was just a division of labor between two people—it was easy for her.

“Mhm, okay. Then send the final proposal to me. I’ll review it one more time.”

Ming Jin put down the game controller: “Alright, no more games. I have work to handle.”

“Okay,” Song Xiangwan didn’t fuss. She put away the game console, helped Ming Jin find her laptop, and then lay down on the sofa next to her to read her script.

Silence fell, broken only by the rustling sound of turning script pages and the occasional tap of Ming Jin’s keyboard.

Song Xiangwan had already memorized the lines for the scene they were filming tomorrow. She looked up and realized an hour had passed.

“You’ve been sitting for so long, does your back hurt?” She scooted over, reaching out to check Ming Jin’s lower back. When her fingertip made contact, she clearly felt Ming Jin stiffen slightly.

“You’re going to infuriate me…” Song Xiangwan grumbled, leaning forward and hugging Ming Jin’s waist, acting as her backrest.

“Just a little bit more, and I’ll be done,” Ming Jin said softly, reaching out to stroke her head.

“Do you really have to work so hard…” Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but whisper, her voice filled with heartache.

“There’s no end to earning money. We don’t need a lot of money to live…”

“I don’t need it, but I need it to take care of you,” Ming Jin’s tone was flat.

“I can take care of myself…” Song Xiangwan murmured softly.

“Of course. My Wanwan is amazing. She can take care of herself, and she took good care of herself for these three years.”

“It’s not that you need it; it’s that I want to take care of you. How about giving me a chance?” Ming Jin’s tone was gentle, lightly stroking Song Xiangwan’s hair.

“Three meals a day are enough,” Song Xiangwan counted on her fingers. “That doesn’t require much money.”

“That won’t do. I want to take good care of you,” Ming Jin reached out and touched her cheek. “You’re so beautiful, how can you be brought up cheaply?”

Her cat should be beautiful and dazzling, wearing the most expensive clothes in the world, the most precious jewelry, and it was best if she was pampered and spoiled by her.

Ming Jin’s tone was serious. She pinched Song Xiangwan’s nose and said: “I want to give you the best. I don’t want you to suffer any hardship by being with me.”

Song Xiangwan worried and took care of her every day now. She already felt that Song Xiangwan was enduring great hardship.

Luxury and fine living were absolutely necessary.

Most importantly, she would be Song Xiangwan’s backing.

Whenever she wanted to show her claws and scratch someone, no matter who the person was, they would have to stand obediently and let her bully them.

She could be forever vibrant and unrestrained, arrogant and willful, doing whatever she pleased.