The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Ms. Song’s Behavior Is Very Strange…

The car drove off the highway, and Song Xiangwan was jolted awake by the deceleration of the sharp turn. She was a little groggy, took off her eye mask, and looked at the scenery outside.

In the distance, the town’s buildings were visible, a completely different scene from the metropolis of Haicheng.

Low buildings clustered together, shrouded in a hazy mist. A thin layer of snow made the area seem quiet, like a secluded paradise nestled in the fields.

“We’re almost home…” Song Xiangwan rubbed her eyes vaguely, stretching to wake herself up.

She had slept the entire way and now could barely keep her eyelids open.

Since the decision to go home was last-minute, there were no flight or high-speed train tickets available. Fortunately, it wasn’t too far—a four-hour drive, so coming back by car wasn’t too much trouble.

“Later, they will help you move the New Year goods upstairs. I won’t show my face.” A gentle voice. The palm pressing down gently rubbed her head.

“Then you…” Song Xiangwan was a little dissatisfied and frowned slightly.

“Be obedient. I’ll stay outside.” Ming Jin’s tone was soothing. “Have a good New Year and don’t argue with your mother.”

“Are you staying at a hotel? Who stays at a hotel for the New Year…” Song Xiangwan mumbled softly, holding Ming Jin’s hand and looking at her worriedly.

“It’s fine. Didn’t you say you could sneak out to spend time with me?” Ming Jin’s tone was casual, as if she didn’t mind at all.

Song Xiangwan wanted to argue. It was so comfortable in Haicheng, yet she came with her to this small place to suffer, and now she had to spend the New Year in a hotel… But Ming Jin was firm.

“Alright, alright…” Song Xiangwan compromised verbally, but in her heart, she was thinking of running out whenever she could, trying to spend even New Year’s Eve outside.

As they spoke, the car had already arrived at the entrance of the residential compound. The security guard, an old man, was dozing in the security room. Hearing the horn, he came out with a ledger to register the vehicle, then manually opened the gate for them to enter—a very primitive access control system.

The car turned left and right within the compound, finally arriving below Building 18. The driver and the personal assistant had already gotten out to unload the New Year goods from the trunk.

Song Xiangwan unbuckled her seatbelt. Her eyes darted around, and when Ming Jin wasn’t paying attention, she leaned over and quickly pecked Ming Jin on the lips, then darted away like a flash of smoke.

A soft laugh. The triumphant cat ran quickly.

Ming Jin couldn’t help but curve her lips slightly, shaking her head helplessly.

She didn’t get out of the car. Hearing the commotion outside, Song Xiuyun also came down from upstairs to help.

The personal assistant quickly said, “Auntie, Auntie, please don’t bother. We can handle the moving.”

“How long will it take for just you two young ladies to move all these things? We’ll be faster if we work together,” came Song Xiuyun’s voice.

She also urged Song Xiangwan: “Wanwan, help out too.”

Ming Jin smiled faintly, imagining the cat’s exasperated expression.

Out in the world, she was pampered and never had to lift a finger.

At home, no matter what kind of big star you were, you were expected to work.

Ming Jin looked up, her fingers paused, but she raised her hand to roll down the car window. Her eyes met Song Xiuyun’s, and she politely greeted her: “Hello, Auntie.”

“Xiao Jin, come up for a drink of water too. You’ve been driving all this way, you must be tired,” Song Xiuyun said, smiling gently.

“My mother said so, come on, let’s go up…” Song Xiangwan peeked out, smiling brightly at Ming Jin.

This cat was doing it on purpose.

Since the elder had invited her, Ming Jin naturally couldn’t refuse.

This was Ming Jin’s second visit here. Everything was as it was before. The furnishings were simple and warm, and the slightly old furniture was full of the scent of life.

The sofa in the living room was covered with a hand-stitched cover. The TV was playing a family drama about a conflict between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The table had festive New Year fruit platters, melon seeds, peanuts, and various fruits… It was a small but homely place, and photos of Song Xiangwan’s childhood were hanging on the wall.

“Mom, where’s the tea?” Song Xiangwan called out from the kitchen.

“It’s right here, isn’t it? The cabinet door is open, can’t you see it?”

“I don’t see it.” Song Xiangwan mumbled softly, tapping Song Xiuyun’s shoulder. “I’ll leave the tea-making to you. I’m blind anyway.”

With a soft laugh, she quickly walked past Song Xiuyun and went to the living room.

Ming Jin held the strawberry that Song Xiuyun had just slipped into her hand, looking around, feeling a different kind of sensation in her heart.

It was a completely different feeling from her own home.

This was the place where Song Xiangwan grew up, full of warmth and laughter, which shaped Song Xiangwan’s cheerful and outgoing personality.

“What a big strawberry.” Song Xiangwan picked one up and took a bite, looking at the cherries and imported candies on the table. “Tsk, tsk, finally willing to spend some money.”

These were not bought by Song Xiangwan; the things she bought were just unloaded today. Song Xiuyun was always thrifty, but this year’s New Year goods seemed to be quite an investment.

Song Xiuyun brought the tea and poured a cup for everyone present, speaking naturally to Ming Jin: “Xiao Jin, are you busy lately?”

“Not busy,” Ming Jin answered honestly. “I’ve handed over the family affairs to my sister. I’m not busy.”

“How is your health recently?” Song Xiuyun continued to ask.

“It’s good. Recovering very well.”

“That’s good. You’re young, but you still need to take care of your health.”

“And your parents…” Song Xiuyun continued.

“It’s not that expensive,” Song Xiuyun said with a smile. “Money is meant to be spent. It’s just sitting there otherwise. We should buy some good things for the New Year.”

“That’s right. Your daughter earns money for you to spend,” Song Xiangwan said approvingly, patting Song Xiuyun’s shoulder.

“Alright, Ms. Song, it’s dinner time. Time to cook,” Song Xiangwan looked at Song Xiuyun eagerly. “I’m hungry.”

“Okay, okay, cooking time.” Song Xiuyun stood up and said very naturally, “Xiao Jin, stay for dinner too. It’s just an extra pair of chopsticks.”

It would clearly be impolite to kick a guest out when it was dinner time.

Ming Jin glanced at Song Xiangwan and saw the cat looking smug—she did this on purpose again…

Song Xiuyun went into the kitchen, leaving Song Xiangwan and Ming Jin alone in the living room. Song Xiangwan didn’t hesitate, leaning close to Ming Jin’s ear to whisper: “Want to leave? No way.”

She quickly glanced at the figure in the kitchen, then swiftly leaned in and kissed Ming Jin on the lips.

Ming Jin’s eyes widened slightly. She couldn’t dodge. She lowered her voice and said, “This is your home. Your mother is right here…”

“What’s wrong? It’s not illegal for me to kiss my girlfriend.” Song Xiangwan looked smug, reaching out to cup Ming Jin’s chin. “Can’t I kiss you?”

She looked down at Ming Jin, smiling brightly. It was a sneaky yet very bold move.

“What’s wrong?” Song Xiangwan replied, clearly a little embarrassed that she was almost caught.

She looked at Song Xiuyun several times, and only when she confirmed it was just her back did she relax.

Song Xiuyun didn’t turn around, only saying, “We’re out of soy sauce. Go downstairs to the store by the compound gate and buy a bottle.”

“Okay,” Song Xiangwan replied, immediately going to grab her coat.

Ming Jin grabbed her arm. Song Xiangwan looked down at her and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

“If you leave, it’ll just be…” Ming Jin’s tone was nervous, an unprecedented nervousness. The CEO who managed an entire conglomerate was very nervous at this moment.

Song Xiangwan’s mother already knew about their relationship…

“It’s fine. I’ll run. I’ll be quick.” Song Xiangwan patted Ming Jin’s head, then quickly got up, opened the door, and went out.

The room immediately fell silent, with only the sound of chopping vegetables from the kitchen and the weeping from the TV drama.

Song Xiuyun walked out of the kitchen, approaching step by step. Ming Jin’s fingers pressed on the wheelchair armrest tightened slightly. She felt a layer of cold sweat on her back.

Don’t argue. No matter what unpleasant things the elder might say, don’t argue. For Song Xiangwan’s sake… Ming Jin told herself this.

“You young people probably don’t like watching this show.” Song Xiuyun picked up the remote control, pressed a few buttons, and placed it in Ming Jin’s hand.

“I’m busy cooking. Please excuse my poor hospitality, Xiao Jin,” Song Xiuyun said kindly, then turned and left.

The channel was switched to the movie channel, which was playing a realistic-themed film. The lead actress in this film was Song Xiangwan.

Song Xiuyun didn’t say anything?

Before, wasn’t she against them being together?

She really said nothing?

This issue had put Ming Jin in a difficult position. She didn’t want to make things hard for Song Xiangwan, but she would absolutely not let go. She worried this deadlock would only deepen. What was happening now?

Song Xiangwan did run, but she didn’t come back quickly because the owner of the small store recognized her and stopped her for photos and autographs.

The house was eerily peaceful. There seemed to be no arguments. One person was in the living room, one in the kitchen, and they were chatting casually.

Song Xiuyun said, “What I said wasn’t nice either. Your father really wasn’t a good person. Wanwan’s father is the same…”

“Wanwan mentioned it to me,” Ming Jin said.

“Did you really scatter his ashes?”

“Yes,” Ming Jin replied. “I didn’t want to worship them. I felt disgusted.”

“I was too soft-hearted. I even buried him…” Song Xiuyun said.

Song Xiangwan: “…” Wait, in less than twenty minutes, you’ve already moved on to this topic?

Song Xiangwan had been afraid that Song Xiuyun would touch upon such taboo topics like parents, but they were chatting so happily?

And quite righteously indignant?

Is her mother going to dig up the grave and scatter the ashes too after the New Year?

Like mother, like daughter?

“Xiao Jin, do you have any dietary restrictions? Do you eat cilantro?” Song Xiuyun asked, not forgetting to tease Song Xiangwan. “Wanwan is a picky eater. She won’t eat this or that. She’s been difficult to cater to since she was a child.”

Song Xiangwan: “…” Are the two of you forming a united front now?

Song Xiangwan didn’t know what had happened, but she felt that the developments were a little outside her expectations.

Three dishes and one soup—they were home-cooked meals, not overly luxurious, but each one was prepared with care and skill. The taste of home was, after all, different from outside.

But Song Xiangwan remembered to restrain herself. Five pounds gained during the holiday season meant three months of nagging from Cao Xin.

She secretly observed the expressions of the two people at the dining table and decided to try pushing things further: “Mom, how about letting A-Jin stay overnight tonight?”

“No need, I’ve already booked a hotel,” Ming Jin quickly said.

“Stay at home. Why would we kick a guest out to stay in a hotel?” Song Xiuyun immediately objected. “You can stay in Wanwan’s room…”

Before Song Xiangwan could be happy, she heard Song Xiuyun add: “Wanwan will sleep with me. My bed is large enough for two.”

“Mom…” Song Xiangwan wanted to argue, but she met Ming Jin’s eyes, and glumly clicked her chopsticks. “Fine.”

Regardless, at least she managed to keep her at home. That was a big step.

“Do we have anything planned for tomorrow?” Song Xiangwan asked. “Whose house are we going to for dinner?”

The customs in her hometown were like this: during the New Year, you visit relatives and stay for meals. The New Year would pass after visiting every family.

That’s how Song Xiangwan’s New Year visits usually went. Every day, she was paraded around as a curiosity at the homes of her aunts and uncles, and the visits would end.

Being a big star gave Song Xiuyun a lot of face. Song Xiangwan cooperated with a fake smile and generally didn’t refuse.

“Your Third Aunt invited us over tomorrow, but I declined. We’ll stay home for a few days. You don’t like going out anyway,” Song Xiuyun replied.

“That’s so good?” Song Xiangwan’s eyes immediately lit up. She nodded happily. “That’s great. Let’s stay home tomorrow.”

Song Xiangwan rested her chin on her hand and looked at Song Xiuyun: “Ms. Song, what made you change your mind? Interview time.”

“Before I came home, you called me and said you wanted me to come back and visit all the relatives.”

“How did you suddenly figure it out?”

“It’s only because you don’t like it…” Song Xiuyun retorted impatiently. “Not happy about it? If you don’t want to stay home, go yourself. I’ll tell your Third Aunt to save you a spot.”

“No, no, no…” Song Xiangwan quickly begged for mercy. “I won’t go.”

Being surrounded by a circle of not-very-close relatives, taking turns taking photos and asking for autographs, she had to maintain a professional fake smile without showing even a hint of displeasure.

Song Xiangwan went to her own room, tidied up the bedding on the bed, plugged in the electric salt pack, and placed a thermos of warm water on the bedside table.

“The heating at home isn’t as warm as in Haicheng. It might be cold tonight. There’s an electric blanket underneath. Remember to turn it on.”

“And, and…” Song Xiangwan was afraid she was forgetting something.

“And what else?” Ming Jin smiled, watching her.

“And…” Song Xiangwan walked over, quietly closed the door, then approached and leaned in, looking into Ming Jin’s eyes. “And this.”

She leaned in and lightly kissed her.

“If you kiss me any more, you won’t want to leave,” Ming Jin raised her hand to stop her lips.

Song Xiangwan kissed her fingers instead, then crouched down and hugged Ming Jin: “I just don’t want to leave…”

It had been a long time since Song Xiangwan had slept in the same room as her mother. With the lights off, in the complete darkness, Song Xiangwan could hear the breathing beside her.

She also closed her eyes, and just as she thought Song Xiuyun had fallen asleep, she heard Song Xiuyun’s voice: “Is work still hard?”

“It’s fine,” Song Xiangwan replied. “I haven’t had much work this year. I only filmed one movie, nothing else much.”

“Even if you’re with Xiao Jin, you can’t abandon your own work,” Song Xiuyun said.

“You…” Song Xiangwan was stunned. “You agree to us being together?”

“I don’t agree,” Song Xiuyun paused, her tone helpless. “Does it matter?”

“You are my child. I naturally know your temper. Just like mine, you’re stubborn.”

“I’m just speaking my mind. Everything I said before was from the perspective of an older person.”

“You have to be psychologically prepared. She is older than you, and her body… it might not show now, but in a few years, you might understand.”

“Taking care of someone for a lifetime is very hard work. You need to think clearly.”

“Mhm,” Song Xiangwan nodded. She knew that Song Xiuyun’s objections were never out of selfishness. Her mother just didn’t want her to be wronged.

“And the money issue. The Ming family’s status is far above ours.”

“She has a lot of money, but it’s not yours. No matter what, a person must have the ability to support themselves. Your work, you cannot neglect it.”

“That way, no matter what happens in the future, you still have the capital to withdraw.”

“Mhm,” Song Xiangwan continued to nod.

Her views on love were actually very different from Song Xiuyun’s.

She was very idealistic.

Song Xiuyun was very realistic.

But this realism is what most people have to face in life: life, human nature, marriage, love… these are all realities.

A mother’s love meant thinking of all the worst possible outcomes for her.

Song Xiangwan didn’t argue that her feelings for Ming Jin were different, that they had experienced life and death together, and that there was no calculation between them.

Ming Jin’s money is, of course, my money… The little cat grumbled silently in her heart, taking it for granted.

“In my lifetime, your mother hasn’t given you much. I haven’t been able to elevate you, nor do I have the ability to do much for you.”

“Mom…” Song Xiangwan interrupted Song Xiuyun. She didn’t want to hear such things.

Since childhood, Song Xiuyun had supported her in learning dance and given her so much love. That was already more than enough.

“Alright, enough said. You’re grown up and have your own thoughts now.”

“As for the relatives here, if you don’t like some of them, don’t keep in touch. You won’t have much interaction with them later anyway.”

“Your cousins are still close to you. Since you’re back for the New Year, remember to say hello to them.”

“Mhm…” Song Xiangwan answered.

She hadn’t had a long chat with her mother like this in a long time. Before bed, lights off, no phone, no distractions—just heartfelt conversation.

Unknowingly, it was already the middle of the night. Song Xiangwan yawned.

Song Xiuyun’s voice paused. She said, “Sleep. No need to get up too early tomorrow, since we don’t have to go out.”

“Mhm,” Song Xiangwan replied. She closed her eyes, but she didn’t intend to fall asleep.

She wanted to wait for Song Xiuyun to fall asleep and then sneak a peek at Ming Jin.

However, she felt drowsy after only a short wait. In her confusion, she felt Song Xiuyun getting up beside her.

Going to the restroom, perhaps?

But the main bedroom had an ensuite bathroom.

She closed the door and left.

Song Xiangwan’s mind was hazy. She couldn’t think too much. Before Song Xiuyun returned, she drifted off to sleep.

Ming Jin woke up to a view of pink curtains. Song Xiangwan’s room was themed in pink: pink curtains, a pink desk, and the four-piece bedding set was the lacy kind found in a princess’s room. The small bedside lamp was a pink-purple crystal lamp, bathing the room in pink.

When this house was purchased, Song Xiangwan had already debuted and was earning money. She didn’t come back for the purchase, and Song Xiuyun oversaw the decoration.

The result was that a daughter is always a little princess in her mother’s heart… an eye-stinging amount of pink…

Ming Jin stepped out of the room. When she opened the door, she saw Song Xiangwan in the living room. She was stunned for a moment before she dared to confirm it was Song Xiangwan.

Song Xiangwan was wearing an exaggerated pink cotton jacket that looked like it could be pajamas but wasn’t. She looked like a ball, her hair was tied up casually, and she was bare-faced.

Ming Jin: “…” The female celebrity has assimilated into the local style. She returns to her hometown and instantly blends in.

“There’s a new set. Do you want to wear it?” Song Xiangwan showed her the clothes she was wearing. “It’s so warm.”

Ming Jin was silent for a moment, then said, “I decline.”

Since they weren’t going out, there was nothing to do. The TV was on, and the three of them sat in the living room watching the drama.

Song Xiuyun was busy with her handiwork, seemingly knitting a scarf.

Song Xiangwan nudged Ming Jin, pointed at the macadamia nuts on the table, and whispered, “I want to eat that.”

Before Ming Jin could speak, she added two words: “The ones with shells.”

Ming Jin: “…” She resignedly took the nut container, cracked them open one by one, and fed them into Song Xiangwan’s mouth one at a time.

At first, she was determined to put them in Song Xiangwan’s hand.

But the cat was naughty and eventually started receiving them directly with her mouth, which scared Ming Jin enough to keep glancing at Song Xiuyun’s reaction.

Song Xiangwan still had to maintain her image. She changed clothes to go grocery shopping and went out with Ming Jin.

“Wanwan’s back?” Small towns are like this. She often ran into relatives. Even the butcher recognized her.

Song Xiangwan nodded: “Yes, yes, I’m back for the New Year.”

“These are all prime ribs, very fresh.” The person handed over the weighed meat. Song Xiangwan took it and hung it on the wheelchair.

It felt very down-to-earth.

Ming Jin’s wheelchair had never carried raw meat before.

Not only raw meat, but her lap was also filled with fruits and vegetables.

When the personal assistant and driver came to pick them up, they saw CEO Ming buried in a pile of vegetables. They exchanged a look, stifling their laughter.

“How about letting them go home for the New Year?” Song Xiangwan asked Ming Jin. “Don’t they get time off?”

“No, no, Miss Song. We are not on holiday,” the personal assistant quickly said. “We are staying at a hotel and will be on standby at all times.”

The pay was ten times the normal salary during the New Year. She had fought several other assistants for this job.

She was afraid that a single word from Miss Song would send her back home by CEO Ming.

“We bought so much, we can’t finish it in two days…” Song Xiangwan looked at the vegetables and planned. “How about inviting Teacher Zhou to spend the New Year with us?”

Zhou Ying never married and had no close relatives now.

“That’s fine. If you think it’s okay, then do it,” Ming Jin had no objection.

“It’s just that…” Song Xiangwan paused. “I feel like something is wrong.”

“What’s wrong?” Ming Jin asked.

“I came home for the New Year, but I didn’t see my mother very happy. She’s too strange,” Song Xiangwan recalled with a frown.

The more she thought about it, the stranger Ms. Song’s behavior seemed.

Did she actually accept her relationship with Ming Jin?