The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Can You Come See Me Off?

In the evening, as the autumn sun set, Signal Hill was bathed in a clear, golden light. The stone steps of the hiking trail were covered in soft, brownish-yellow fallen leaves.

The tri-lobed and pent-lobed maple leaves were blazing, their orange-red and deep purple like flames, contrasting beautifully with the white sails on the azure sea in the distance.

Red tiles, green trees, a clear sea, and a blue sky—the scenery here has always been one of Haicheng’s highlights.

“It’s great filming with Sister Wan. We work from nine to six with no overtime. With fewer night shoots lately, my skin has even improved.” Zhou Xintong hopped down from a rock.

“Be careful, don’t fall,” Song Xiangwan tidied her belongings, not forgetting to give a warning.

“Going home again?” Zhou Xintong leaned her head over and clicked her tongue. “Sister Wan, you disappear as soon as we finish work. How many dinner gatherings have you missed?”

“Next time, don’t schedule them after work. Schedule them during filming, and I promise I’ll be there,” Song Xiangwan lifted her eyelashes, flashing a brilliant smile.

Work started at 1:00 PM and ended promptly at 6:30 PM. Director Cheng’s coordination ability was very strong. Apart from occasional night shoots, they rarely worked overtime.

Of course, Song Xiangwan rushed home as soon as she was off work.

Isn’t that why she was filming in Haicheng?

Cheng Yu walked over and patted Zhou Xintong’s head: “Alright, hurry up and change your clothes. They’re all waiting for you for dinner.”

“Okay, I’m going now, I won’t get in the way,” Zhou Xintong winked, adding a final remark, “Sister Wan, enjoy your time with your wife.”

“The thing you asked me about a few days ago, I have an update,” Cheng Yu’s words immediately wiped the playful smile from Song Xiangwan’s face.

“You found the call record?” Song Xiangwan asked.

“Mhm,” Cheng Yu nodded. “That old phone from three years ago was broken. It couldn’t power on at all, but I found someone to retrieve the data from inside.”

“She just sent it to me,” Cheng Yu took out her phone, found the file, clicked it open, and handed it to Song Xiangwan. “This is the communication record from that period.”

Her communication record was very long. As a director, she had a wide network, and she had many calls every day.

However, this also gave Cheng Yu a good habit: she would save all communication records to prevent them from being overwritten by new ones.

“This date…” Song Xiangwan’s fingertip rested on the screen, deep in thought.

“The person who called you, did she say she was Xu Zhiyan? Do you remember her voice?” Song Xiangwan entered the number into her own phone and asked.

“She didn’t mention her name, but she said she was CEO Ming’s sister, so I just saved her name with a ‘Ming’ character. I only just found out her last name is Xu.”

“Do you remember what she said to you on the phone?” Song Xiangwan looked at the date of the call, her eyes slowly clouding over.

That date… was the day she and Ming Jin had the big argument…

“I remember. CEO Ming asked to meet me that day. I thought Wild Rose finally got investment, and I was so happy, I went to the restaurant early to wait.”

“But I waited all night and she never showed up.”

“In the middle of that, I got a call from CEO Ming’s sister. She called to ask for the address of the restaurant where I was meeting CEO Ming.”

“At the time, I found it strange. CEO Ming booked the restaurant, so wouldn’t it be easier for her to ask CEO Ming?”

“But I didn’t think much of it and gave her the address.”

“Nothing else… that’s all…” Cheng Yu thought carefully again, concluding with a definite tone, “There shouldn’t be anything else.”

“As for you asking about her voice and tone, it’s been three or four years. I really can’t recall.”

“Okay, I understand. Thank you, Director Cheng.” Song Xiangwan smiled and waved goodbye to everyone, hurrying down the mountain.

Halfway down, in a quiet, secluded spot, she stopped and patted Cheng Cheng’s shoulder: “Cheng Cheng, you go ahead. I need to make a phone call.”

“Okay,” Cheng Cheng simply nodded without asking why.

Song Xiangwan added: “Take my car. Have the driver take you. I have a car coming to pick me up.”

“Okay, thank you, Sister Wan.” Cheng Cheng handed Song Xiangwan’s bag to her and then went down the mountain first.

Song Xiangwan looked at the string of numbers on her phone, hesitated for a few minutes, then dialed it, holding the phone to her ear.

The tone from the phone didn’t surprise Song Xiangwan. It had been three years, and if this call had been suspicious, the number wouldn’t have been kept active until now.

Song Xiangwan let out a deep breath, put the phone back in her pocket, and adjusted her mood on the way. When she saw Ming Jin, her face was bright and smiling.

“You’re all sweaty from running.” Ming Jin smiled, one hand around her waist, the other pulling out a tissue to wipe her sweat. “Didn’t I say there’s no rush, and I’d wait for you?”

“I couldn’t wait!” Song Xiangwan rubbed against Ming Jin in her arms. “You’re actually complaining that I’m sweaty. I’m rubbing it all on you.”

“When did I complain?” Ming Jin pinched her ear, her tone gentle. “When have I ever complained about you? I’ve seen you when you’re dirty.”

“Are we almost finished filming the Haicheng scenes?” Ming Jin asked.

Song Xiangwan had no intention of quitting the role. She knew from Cheng Yu that Ming Jin had been interested in this script three years ago, so she would definitely finish filming it properly.

It was just that she always felt their time together was too short. Why did they have to separate again?

Song Xiangwan looked up, kissed Ming Jin on the chin, and hugged her arm, looking intimate and dependent: “We still have a few days…”

The “few days” in her tone sounded like she was comforting herself.

“These properties…” Ming Jin picked up a few files from the side and placed them on Song Xiangwan’s lap. “They all look pretty good to me. Do you see one you like?”

“Properties?” Song Xiangwan lowered her head and flipped through them. “Properties in Jin City?”

“Yes. I’ll go with you for filming, and renting a place will always be inconvenient,” Ming Jin said. “These units are all fully furnished and ready to move into.”

Her tone was light, as if she were talking casually, yet her eyes held a subtle smile.

“Okay,” Song Xiangwan took Ming Jin’s hand and bit it near her mouth. “You bad woman, you did this on purpose, watching me be anxious for days.”

“No,” Ming Jin’s long knuckles pinched Song Xiangwan’s lips, like touching soft tofu. “I only decided yesterday.”

“Lately, I’ve noticed Ah Yan handling company matters very skillfully, but she still relies on me sometimes. So, leaving for a while might be good.”

“The Ming Corporation… doesn’t need me anymore…” Although there was a sense of relief in saying this, there was also a faint melancholy hidden in the words.

Having been in power for many years, letting go of everything at once was ultimately difficult to accept.

“I need you! How about you take charge of Rongxing from now on?” Song Xiangwan’s phoenix eyes sparkled brightly. “Would I have the honor of being personally led by CEO Ming?”

“That works,” Ming Jin chuckled softly. “As long as you’re not worried that I’ll lead you into a pit.”

“How could I be?” Song Xiangwan was full of confidence in Ming Jin. “The two of us together, we’ll be invincible.”

“But…” Song Xiangwan paused, looking at Ming Jin. “Wasn’t Rongxing losing money last quarter?”

Invincible at losing money.

There had been far too many issues last quarter. Although Song Xiangwan had filmed a variety show, accepted a movie role, and took on an advertisement in between.

However, she also paid a considerable amount in breach of contract fees. The movie was currently operating at a net loss, and Rongxing’s financial statement looked terrible.

Fortunately, Ming Jin had previously promised the board that if there were losses, she would cover them herself.

Song Xiangwan blinked, looking innocently at Ming Jin.

The cat was playing cute. Ming Jin couldn’t help but reach out and pinch her cheek: “It’s fine. My assets are enough for you to lose for a few decades.”

“In that case,” Song Xiangwan smiled brightly, though she didn’t have the intention of letting Ming Jin continue to lose money.

She was very capable of earning money. It was just that things had been too hectic recently. From now on, she would work hard. The cat would be responsible for supporting the family. The cat encouraged herself.

Since it was confirmed that Ming Jin would be accompanying her, choosing a house needed serious consideration.

They had to consider convenience of living, distance to the film studio, and comfort…

Ming Jin had already pre-screened them, and these options were indeed good, though none were perfect. After all, they needed to move in quickly, so the selection was limited.

Song Xiangwan flipped through them, then saw another file in the bag: “Is there another unit…”

Had Ming Jin forgotten to take it out?

She pulled it out, then her movements paused slightly. Looking at the words on the file, she said: “You actually did this?”

A trust fund…

“Better safe than sorry,” Ming Jin smiled, saying lightly, “If we lose everything, we’ll have to rely on this fund to survive.”

Song Xiangwan pursed her lips. She didn’t believe Ming Jin’s words. Although she hadn’t calculated it, it was true, as Ming Jin said, that her assets could cover their losses for decades.

Moreover, with the Ming Corporation operating normally, they would continuously receive dividend income.

It was just that Ming Jin always wanted to get her an extra layer of insurance.

Ming Jin held Song Xiangwan’s hand, her tone gentle: “Don’t worry, I will try hard to stay with you.”

She worried that she wouldn’t live long, so she always wanted to prepare for the worst. But she also had no intention of surrendering to fate. She would cherish every day she was with Song Xiangwan and would actively strive for one more day, one more year.

“Mhm,” Song Xiangwan nodded. She didn’t refuse Ming Jin’s kindness. By accepting it, Ming Jin would feel at peace.

After tentatively selecting a house, Ming Jin called to arrange the purchasing process. Song Xiangwan looked out the window: “This isn’t the way home?”

“Who said we were going home?” Ming Jin said.

“We’re not going home?” Song Xiangwan’s eyes sparkled.

“What are you hoping for…” Ming Jin’s throat tightened slightly. She instinctively checked if her shirt buttons were undone.

They were fastened. She reached out and touched Song Xiangwan’s forehead: “Don’t think messy thoughts. I’m taking you to celebrate a festival.”

“A festival?” Song Xiangwan counted the dates on her fingers. “What festival?”

“Don’t you remember?” Ming Jin smiled. “November 4th. Think again.”

“My debut anniversary…” Song Xiangwan realized. “But what kind of festival is that?”

It wasn’t her birthday, their anniversary, or Valentine’s Day… Song Xiangwan herself had almost forgotten.

That summer, Pearl of the Deep Sea hadn’t aired. Then she became Ming Jin’s lover and filmed her first sixteen-episode mini-series.

With Ming Jin’s push, it premiered on November 4th. In its first week of broadcast, it instantly became a sensation and started a trend for mini-series that lasted several years.

So, Song Xiangwan’s debut anniversary was indeed November 4th.

“It’s worth commemorating,” Ming Jin’s tone was serious, her light brown eyes looking at Song Xiangwan. “Any day related to you is worth commemorating.”

“Oh no, oh no…” Song Xiangwan looked at herself. “Am I wearing this for the festival?”

“I packed for you,” Ming Jin said.

“Dress packed.”

“Makeup artist booked.”

“High heels packed.”

“Photographer ready.”

“You will absolutely look beautiful in the photos.”

“After you post your debut anniversary Weibo, then we’ll start the celebration.”

“How do you know me so well?” Song Xiangwan stared at Ming Jin with a smile. “Did you drill into my brain to look?”

“No need to drill. A cat’s thoughts are all written on her face. It’s very simple,” Ming Jin lifted her chin. “Go ahead and do what you want. You have permission.”

Song Xiangwan leaned over and kissed Ming Jin on the lips, her phoenix eyes shimmering, her expression joyous—the satisfied look of a cat that had been well-fed.

Night fell. The sky was cloudless. The crescent moon hung in the dark sky, casting a clear light. The sea breeze carried the light, salty scent of the ocean.

Her long hair was loosely tied up, every strand suggesting a slight laziness. The sea breeze blew, and the flowing dress outlined her figure.

The V-neckline revealed her exquisite, fair neck and collarbone. The pearl necklace she wore was warm and white. To deal with the evening temperature, she had a small fur shawl draped over her shoulders.

She held a red wine glass in her hand, leaning against the ship’s rail. Her phoenix eyes, full of speaking light, fixed on the camera lens.

In front of her was an eight-year anniversary cake. She leaned forward, looking past the cake towards the camera, her fingers extended, seemingly inviting the person on the other side of the lens.

She was stunning, beautiful like a rare treasure, making one want to hide her away.

She lightly lifted her skirt, revealing a slender, fair ankle and exquisite, diamond-studded, red-soled high heels. But her skin tone was even more captivating, making one want to reach out and grasp it.

“Teacher Song, that’s enough footage. We’ll touch them up right away and send them to you…” The photographer team was quick and efficient, finishing the shoot and disembarking the yacht.

Song Xiangwan held the prop wine glass and walked over with a captivating sway. She leaned over Ming Jin: “Had enough to look at?”

Her voice held a contained laugh, slightly lowered, as if seducing him. Her lips brushed Ming Jin’s ear.

“If you haven’t seen enough, there’s more. I can show you anything,” Song Xiangwan took Ming Jin’s hand and placed it on her chest.

The V-neck dress was suggestive. Reaching out felt like pressing onto a soft cloud.

“It’s just us on the boat…” Song Xiangwan lightly pressed her leg against Ming Jin’s knee, rubbing it. Her long dress lifted, and she raised her ankle, resting her foot on the wheelchair.

She seemed to know where Ming Jin was looking, and she happily moved closer to let her look.

Her ankle was circled by Ming Jin’s knuckles, transmitting a burning warmth, spreading like a fragrance in the salty air of the sea breeze.

“Stop messing around,” Ming Jin’s thumb gently rubbed her skin, then let go of her hand, her tone faint. “Let’s eat.”

They had posed for half the evening and hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

“You…” Song Xiangwan lightly snorted, obediently withdrew her foot, and straightened her skirt.

Ming Jin’s eyes held a teasing smile. Mission accomplished in teasing the cat.

They had originally planned to sail, but the sea was a bit rough tonight, so the plan to sail was temporarily changed in the afternoon. They only posed for photos on the yacht docked in the harbor and then went back to the restaurant for dinner.

The private room in the seaside restaurant offered an unobstructed view of the sea outside: the warm yellow lights of the pier, the towering lighthouse, and the surging waves of the sea.

After Song Xiangwan finished eating, the photographer had already sent over the retouched photos.

But by the time they reached her, the nine-panel photo grid had been swapped…

“Stingy,” Song Xiangwan chuckled softly, then clicked send.

All the slightly revealing photos were gone, but the remaining nine were still very beautiful.

“Are you full?” Ming Jin seemed not to have heard her complaint and said, “If you’re full, we can go home.”

“No, I’m still hungry…” Song Xiangwan tossed her phone aside, blinking her eyes. “You bad woman.”

This private room was very secluded. Although the floor-to-ceiling windows were large, there was actually an adjoining resting room. Did Ming Jin truly have innocent intentions in choosing a place like this?

Her dress fell to the floor. She stepped out of it barefoot, squatted in front of Ming Jin, and placed her hand on the buttons of Ming Jin’s collar: “Ah Jin~”

Pouting playfully, she unhooked the buttons, leaned in, pressed against Ming Jin’s chest, and kissed her gently, then lightly licked with her tongue.

Ming Jin, of course, knew the cat’s nature. This cat had been patiently holding back for a long time while she was hospitalized.

With such provocation, she also couldn’t resist. Her breath hitched slightly. She wrapped her hand around the cat’s soft waist, stroking her.

“You were prepared, weren’t you?” Song Xiangwan smiled faintly, her kiss sliding up to Ming Jin’s jaw.

Without waiting for Ming Jin to speak, she leaned down, lifted her up, and stepped over the clothes on the floor.

The four-piece bedding set in the resting room was brand new…

This bad woman was pretending she knew nothing.

Although they had been together this whole time, Song Xiangwan had kept to the rules out of concern for Ming Jin’s health. Their embrace now was like holding back a long-suppressed yearning.

Ming Jin’s shirt was crumpled beneath them. She was pressed against the bed, being kissed, with no room to retreat.

Song Xiangwan was above her, her loose hair had already fallen, the ends lightly sweeping across Ming Jin’s neck. Song Xiangwan reached out and tucked it away.

“Ah Jin…” She lowered her body, pressed close to Ming Jin’s neck, kissed her softly, and whispered, “I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time.”

During the last check-up, the doctor said that Ming Jin’s body had recovered without major complications.

After consulting her current private doctor, she also said the recovery was excellent.

Song Xiangwan’s obedient demeanor was instantly shredded. Her seductive side was showcased completely.

“Love me…” Song Xiangwan held Ming Jin’s hand, gently rubbed it, and kissed it between her lips and teeth. “I missed you so much. I truly missed you…”

Hugs and kisses, calling her name, weren’t enough. The void in her heart wouldn’t be filled. She wanted more, much more.

The little cat moved closer, deliberately rubbing against her, offering herself. She whispered softly: “Ah Jin… Wife… Please give it to me, okay…”

This bad woman was indeed prepared beforehand.

Ming Jin held Song Xiangwan, gently kissed her cheek, her voice also soft: “Good girl, I will give it to you. It’s all yours.”

“We haven’t started yet, baby,” Ming Jin chuckled lightly.

“It’s just for fun…” Her phoenix eyes looked over, full of laughter. “Doesn’t hearing me call you make you more excited?”

Her finger rested on Ming Jin’s collarbone, lightly tracing it, her tone playful: “Do you like me calling you that? I can be more cooperative.”

Her tone was filled with vibrant excitement.

Cooperative… Ming Jin’s eyes paused, and she said softly: “Do you need to be cooperative? Have you not tried it in many years, and you don’t trust my ‘cooking skills’?”

Of course, cooperation was very stimulating.

A beautiful voice, sweet and long, with a hint of pouting through her nose, lightly humming straight into one’s heart.

Song Xiangwan sat in the car on the way back, her face radiating satisfaction and smiles. She was full, scrolling through social media.

The photos she posted received positive reviews. The comment section was full of compliments about her beauty.

Sister, are you a microscopist?

There is a person, hahaha, Wanwan, you’re not being honest.

I can’t take it anymore, I’m going to write a fanfic. After the debut anniversary photos, she was grabbed, her dress was ripped, hehehe.

Hurry, hurry, I want to read it, I want to read it.

Song Xiangwan: “…” That was a bit much. The dress was quite expensive.

The cat needed to support the family from now on. She couldn’t just tear up clothes casually. She needed to live frugally.

The villa was quiet. The first thing Ming Jin did when they got home was ask Sister Qiu: “Is Ah Yan home?”

“Yes, she is. She slept all afternoon, had dinner, and went back to her room,” Sister Qiu said.

“She didn’t go out?” Ming Jin asked.

Her going out this afternoon and evening was meant to give Xu Zhiyan time. Whether she went or not, Ming Jin would not obstruct her.

“No,” Sister Qiu shook her head.

“Alright, I see.” Ming Jin glanced at Xu Zhiyan’s door but decided not to ask, and returned to her room.

After showering, Song Xiangwan lay in bed, playing with Ming Jin’s fingers. Seeing her checking flight information, she asked: “Is Dr. Lin leaving today?”

“Mhm,” Ming Jin nodded, turned off her phone, and tossed it onto the bedside table. “Ah Yan is truly…”

It wasn’t entirely surprising. Her own sister not being indecisive was a good thing.

Lin Shan’s death had a huge impact. A police statement was released the next day.

On that day, Lin Shan left the sanatorium alone and walked to the rooftop. The entire sequence was recorded by surveillance cameras.

But this was only speculation. As for the truth, perhaps only Lin Shan knew the answer.

The follow-up matters had been settled during this time. Today, Lin Rong was taking the ashes back to Shenzhen.

Haicheng Airport. Throughout the day, flights took off and landed, and the broadcast system sounded repeatedly.

“CEO Lin, this is the last flight to Shenzhen today…” The accompanying person whispered a reminder.

She had waited here all day, buying one ticket after another for later flights. Finally, it was the last moment. She glanced at the urn: “Let’s go.”

She couldn’t escape her control after all. For the rest of her life, her mother would exist in her memory as the image from her childhood.

When a person dies, one tends to remember their good qualities. This is human nature.

Ming Jin picked up Song Xiangwan’s phone and looked at it: “Director Cheng invited you to dinner?”

It was a restaurant address.

Song Xiangwan’s fingers, which were applying a face mask, paused. She said, “Yes, she invited me to dinner.”

This matter was a serious trauma for Ming Jin. Song Xiangwan hadn’t figured out how to bring it up.