The Person I Love Who Has Been Missing For Three Years - Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Every Year is High Summer (End of Main Story…

Accompanied by the final sentence appearing on the screen, the end credits rolled, and in the screening room, spontaneous applause erupted like thunder.

“Thank you all for coming to the premiere of Wild Rose. I see many people, including myself, couldn’t help but shed tears.”

“Please welcome the main creative team of the film to meet everyone.”

The lights in the theater turned on. The main creative team waved greetings and walked in, standing in the front. They took the microphone from the host and introduced themselves.

“Hello, everyone. I am Cheng Yu, the director of this film. Thank you for defying the controversy to attend the viewing.”

“Hello, everyone. I am Song Xiangwan, who plays Li Fangfei in this film. I hope you enjoy it.”

Today was not a very formal occasion. Song Xiangwan wore light makeup, and her skin looked great. Standing under the lights, she was still dazzling.

“Hello, everyone. I am Zhou Xintong, who plays Lu Shuang in this film. Thank you all for your support.”

She… had fans?

Zhou Xintong was momentarily stunned, lightly pursing her lips. This feeling was quite wonderful.

What Song Xiangwan said was indeed true: creating art is not about catering to everyone’s preferences, but about resonating with those who walk the same path as you.

There was no need to be bound by the messy words of her manager. In fact, following her own preferences was fine.

The host began today’s questions: “I’d like to ask the director, the character Li Fangfei doesn’t have a romantic storyline, but you chose to preview the film on Valentine’s Day. Do you have any special intentions?”

Cheng Yu spoke: “Indeed, Li Fangfei has no romantic line. She never stopped for any suitor. She is always a very clear-headed person.”

“I don’t think Valentine’s Day must be about romance. Loving yourself is having the best lover.”

“Girls can also celebrate Valentine’s Day for themselves. There’s no problem with that.”

“The director’s insights are truly unique,” the host said with a smile. “Ms. Song, can you talk about your thoughts on this character?”

“This character is my favorite role in my acting career so far.”

“Because she is very close to me, it’s like walking the path I once traveled again.”

“Of course, I am luckier than Li Fangfei and haven’t encountered as many setbacks and hardships as her.”

“I feel that Li Fangfei is like a wild rose: unpampered in a greenhouse, yet she can bloom into a vibrant flower—with thorns, unyielding…”

The host’s questions had been communicated in advance, so all the answers were prepared and not difficult.

“Ms. Song, if Li Fangfei is career-minded, are you personally career-minded?”

Song Xiangwan pursed her lips and chuckled: “Not really.”

“Then you are love-minded?”

Song Xiangwan paused and thought for a moment: “Not really, either…”

“Who did Ms. Song think of just now? The roommate sister?” The audience laughed, filling the theater with cheerful laughter.

“You guys are mischievous,” Song Xiangwan avoided a direct answer, yet she didn’t deny it.

“Wife, wife, Xiangwan Wife, I have a question…” The audience member who was picked was somewhat excited.

She had said many times on Weibo that they shouldn’t randomly call her ‘Wife,’ but she couldn’t really control her fans.

“Cough, cough…” The audience member’s face was slightly flushed. She asked, “Is the rule about not calling you ‘Wife’ also because of the roommate sister?”

“Are you all doing this on purpose today?” Song Xiangwan raised her eyebrows, her gaze slightly teasing, her phoenix eyes shimmering with light. “Each and every one of you, I’ll remember you.”

“Alright, everyone, please ask questions related to the movie,” the host quickly pulled the conversation back.

“Ms. Song, in the film, it wasn’t revealed whether Li Fangfei won an award in the end. I really like this ending.”

“I feel she has achieved success in the meaning of life. I’d like to ask, Ms. Song, what do you think of this ending?”

Finally back on track, Song Xiangwan composed herself and replied: “I actually really like your description: success in the meaning of life.”

“When Li Fangfei stood on that stage and completed that dance, her life was already complete.”

“Secular success often constrains a person—to earn a lot of money, to be famous—but we often forget inner satisfaction.”

“Human greed is endless, and fame and fortune are endless, and awards are endless, but inner success and satisfaction can be achieved at any time.”

“I don’t think Li Fangfei’s final curtain call is a regret.”

“She lived, she showed her beauty, and she understood many things, so she has no regrets.”

“I think some apparent regrets are not necessarily regrets; they might be true fulfillment.”

“I have a question for Zhou Xintong. Xintong, we are your fans. We feel that you are very insecure, but we want to tell you that you are excellent.”

“Xintong, will you keep making movies in the future?”

Zhou Xintong paused for a moment before taking the microphone, her face radiant with a smile: “If you all like it, I will continue!”

A Go piece slowly landed on the board. Fang Yu slightly relaxed her brows and said softly, “I almost missed that move. I would have lost this game.”

“My little tricks can’t fool you, CEO Fang,” Ming Jin picked up a piece, pondered, and gently placed it down.

The boshan burner drifted with fragrant mist. Hot tea was brewing on the side table next to the Go board. Outside, a light rain was falling. Playing Go amidst the spring rain was a form of enjoyment.

“I’ve heard a lot of news recently…” Fang Yu said slowly. “You were on the hot search a few days ago, about you and Ms. Song…”

“CEO Fang is so busy, yet you care about my small matters?” Ming Jin’s tone was flat.

“You are my good friend, so of course, I pay attention,” Fang Yu placed a piece, slowly saying, “Actually, I’m not a gossipy person…”

“It’s just that there’s been too much noise around me lately.”

“I heard Ms. Song’s new movie is about to be released.”

“I’ve seen a lot of the entertainment industry’s tricks.”

“Generating buzz, marketing, and getting on the hot search are all for popularity.”

“Your relationship can’t be hidden at this time… It inevitably makes people wonder…” Fang Yu’s tone was gentle, without aggression, but quite suggestive.

“CEO Fang thinks Wanwan is using me?” Ming Jin didn’t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

Fang Yu looked up, a soft smile in her clear, moist eyes: “I didn’t say that. You said it yourself.”

“You understand me,” Ming Jin wasn’t annoyed. She just placed a piece, picked up her teacup, and took a small sip. “If I don’t want it, no one can force it.”

When she didn’t want it public, she could completely suppress all news and all speculation.

Now, she simply wanted it, and that was all.

“You mean, you’re the one forcing her?” Fang Yu chuckled. “CEO Ming, when did you ever lose the upper hand in such matters?”

“I thought she would go public when I proposed,” Ming Jin said flatly.

“You have moments when you feel insecure?” Fang Yu laughed out loud.

“If it’s her, I’m always subject to feeling anxious about gain and loss,” Ming Jin did not deny it.

Click. A piece landed. Fang Yu’s eyes curved into a smile: “Once a stone is cast, there’s no retrieving it, CEO Ming…”

With that, she placed her piece, instantly capturing a large portion of Ming Jin’s stones. The previous balance of power immediately turned into a winning advantage.

“I knew talking about this would distract you. I should have brought it up sooner,” Fang Yu said with a hint of teasing.

“It’s not honorable to win like this. It’s no fun for you, is it?” Ming Jin was slightly helpless.

She was indeed distracted.

She thought Song Xiangwan would go public when she proposed, but Song Xiangwan only posted her single photo.

In the months following the proposal, she couldn’t help but feel anxious. She tentatively leaked some news about their relationship, but Song Xiangwan was soft and evasive.

But Ming Jin was not a person to take things lying down. She would fight for what she wanted. Hence, the recent hot searches and rumors were all orchestrated by her.

“True. Playing Go with you is all about the back and forth.” Fang Yu scrutinized the board and said, “This game, I win, right?”

“Mhm,” Ming Jin nodded, putting down her piece.

In this situation, there was no need to continue playing. Even a heavenly master couldn’t save this game.

“Even if it’s exploitation, I am happy,” Ming Jin put down her piece and added faintly, “It is my honor to be of use to her.”

“You are very different from a few years ago,” Fang Yu looked at her with interest. “After going through life and death, people really do change.”

If someone had told Ming Jin a few years ago that she would become so dependent on a person, Ming Jin would have completely disbelieved it.

The current CEO Ming had been spoiled a little, losing some of her aloofness and gaining some softness.

In the courtyard outside, someone holding an oiled-paper umbrella came in, placed the umbrella under the eaves, and brushed the rainwater off their sleeves: “CEO Fang, Ms. Song has arrived.”

“She’s here to take you home,” Fang Yu smiled. “Perfect. This game is over. Until next time.”

Song Xiangwan had run five roadshows in Haicheng today. She was aching all over but was still thinking about Ming Jin.

It was raining today, and she worried if Ming Jin felt unwell.

Seeing that her complexion was fine, Song Xiangwan felt relieved. After greeting Fang Yu, she led Ming Jin away.

It was rush hour, and with the rain, the road was a bit congested. Song Xiangwan reached out to embrace Ming Jin’s waist and gently rubbed it: “Are you tired from sitting?”

“Mhm…” Ming Jin replied, leaning against Song Xiangwan’s shoulder, allowing herself to expose a slightly vulnerable side.

Hearing her voice, Song Xiangwan couldn’t help but frown slightly and softened the intensity of her rubbing: “Try to sleep for a bit. We’ll be home soon.”

Ming Jin did drift into a hazy sleep for the latter half of the journey. When the car stopped, she woke up but didn’t open her eyes.

She let Song Xiangwan gently unbuckle her seatbelt, then carry her out of the car, all the way to the bedroom, and gently place her on the bed.

Kneeling down to take off her shoes, Song Xiangwan then hugged Ming Jin and comforted her softly: “We’re home. A-Yan isn’t back yet. You can sleep a little longer. No rush.”

“It hurts…” Ming Jin murmured softly between her lips.

“Your back hurts?” Song Xiangwan roughly guessed.

“Mhm, it’s sore and heavy, I can’t exert any force…” Ming Jin rested her face against Song Xiangwan’s chest and said softly.

Her voice was very light and gentle, carrying an unspoken dependence that made Song Xiangwan’s heart melt a little.

“I’ll go get the salt pack to soothe it. You’ll feel better soon. Don’t worry,” Song Xiangwan’s tone was also very soft.

Taking off her coat, she lay down next to Ming Jin, hugged her body, and gently applied the salt pack. After asking to confirm the temperature was acceptable, she felt relieved.

Ming Jin gently closed her eyes, her voice weak: “Was the premiere smooth today?”

“Smooth. The response was great. Everyone loves the movie.”

“The audience questions, were they difficult for you?” Ming Jin asked seemingly casually.

Song Xiangwan: “…” Out of ten questions, eight were about the roommate sister. Did that count as difficult?

“It was alright. Not too tricky. I could handle it,” Song Xiangwan responded softly.

Ming Jin’s brow furrowed slightly and she didn’t continue speaking, which made Song Xiangwan slightly anxious: “Did I hurt you?”

“No. It’s good that it was smooth,” Ming Jin said plainly, not pressing the matter further.

Out of concern for Ming Jin’s health, Song Xiangwan didn’t call her out for dinner but brought the food into the bedroom, waking up the person on the bed.

At the dining table, Xu Zhiyan bit her chopsticks alone: “…” Seriously, a family of three, why do I always feel like the unnecessary third wheel?

Ming Jin’s appetite was good, and she ate some of the food.

Seeing the fatigue in Song Xiangwan’s eyes, Ming Jin said: “Don’t just look after me. You eat too. Get some rest early tonight.”

“I have an interview about the movie tomorrow. I still need to look over the questions later. You go to sleep first.”

Ming Jin pressed her heavy brow, watching Song Xiangwan leave. She felt a bit regretful. Had she pushed too hard? Song Xiangwan really looked tired.

If it was for her career…

Not going public was understandable.

She had indeed lost control a bit. Song Xiangwan probably faced a lot of awkward questions today.

Ming Jin didn’t sleep. She only turned on the bedside reading lamp, picked up a book and slowly flipped through it, but not many words registered in her mind.

Suppress the hot searches. Don’t cause trouble recently.

After a while, Ming Jin heard the door open softly. She looked up and met Song Xiangwan’s eyes.

Song Xiangwan was a little surprised: “Didn’t I tell you to sleep first?”

“I couldn’t sleep. Waiting for you,” Ming Jin’s lips curved upward. Just as she raised her fingers, Song Xiangwan tightly grabbed her hand.

Then, a slightly cool sensation slid onto her fingertip.

Ming Jin’s expression froze. She raised her hand to look: a platinum ring, perfectly sized, was on her ring finger.

“This is…”

Song Xiangwan leaned over and kissed Ming Jin’s brow and eyes: “A ring. A proposal.”

“Your ring didn’t make it out, and I think fate decided that I should be the one to give this ring.”

“You proposed, and I want to propose once too.”

“Out of a hundred steps, you walked ninety-nine. You have to leave one step for me to take forward.”

“Marry me, A-Jin…” Her voice was soft. She gently squeezed Ming Jin’s finger. There was also a ring on her own finger—a matching couple’s design.

“Yes,” Ming Jin smiled softly, looking at the ring on her finger, her eyes tender.

“I originally prepared a little more ceremony, but you’re not feeling well, and I didn’t want to miss Valentine’s Day…” Song Xiangwan explained softly.

“I want it,” Ming Jin said, a slight insistence in her eyes as she looked at Song Xiangwan. “I want the ceremony.”

“Okay,” Song Xiangwan nodded and picked her up.

In the dance studio, the lights suddenly turned on, illuminating the photos on the surrounding walls.

The photos that Ming Jin had stored in the warehouse saw the light of day again. Besides Song Xiangwan’s solo shots, one wall was specially dedicated to their joint photos.

In the center, a huge oil painting was draped with red silk.

Song Xiangwan placed a corner of the red silk in Ming Jin’s hand and whispered, “Pull it open.”

This oil painting… she painted it herself. She had seen it before. Why all the mystery… Ming Jin pulled it open, and her eyes suddenly stopped…

This was not hers.

The subject of this oil painting was her: a woman sitting in an office chair, her eyes clear, her knuckles resting gently on the desk, emanating a faint sense of pressure.

However, it was clearly not a traditional oil painting, but a painted-by-numbers canvas.

Song Xiangwan didn’t have much of a painting foundation… This painted-by-numbers canvas must have taken her a long time to complete.

Even Sister Qiu had been bribed by her.

The surveillance camera in the dance studio had been “broken” this entire time. No one had fixed it.

Ming Jin had wondered why Sister Qiu was so slack in her work.

It turned out this cat was behind all the tricks.

“The first time I saw you…” Song Xiangwan smiled, looking up at Ming Jin’s oil painting, and slowly said, “I felt like you were so high above everyone else.”

“How could such a perfect woman like me?”

“I felt like the ugly duckling who suddenly became a swan.”

“It made me a little uneasy.”

“I never thought our names would be together, until forever.”

“A-Jin, marry me,” Song Xiangwan’s eyes were sparkling. She held the flowers in her hand and knelt on one knee, her eyes full of brilliant smiles.

“You already said yes just now, no takebacks,” she quickly added.

She extended her hand: “Hand.”

Ming Jin put her hand out. Their fingers intertwined. Song Xiangwan placed their hands on the flowers and took a photo.

My beloved Ming Jin, Happy Valentine’s Day. @LessIceSlightSugar

She had been looking forward to this official announcement. She wanted to propose herself, and she had been impatient waiting for this custom-made ring to arrive.

Late at night, Cao Xin was bombarded with calls from media outlets seeking verification.

In an instant, the comment section under this official announcement Weibo exploded.

Roommate sister’s identity revealed!

Song Xiangwan, you’ve married well!

This Ming Jin… is she THE Ming family’s Ming Jin in Haicheng?

Oh my god, a true behind-the-scenes mogul.

I knew the roommate sister was someone important.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m the only single dog.

Upstairs, Director Cheng Yu said that girls can love themselves and celebrate Valentine’s Day for themselves. Let’s support each other!

After posting the Weibo, Song Xiangwan gave Ming Jin a kiss on the brow, smiling: “Wait a moment.”

Before Ming Jin could ask what for, she quickly ran off.

Ming Jin: Buy trending topic. Needs to stay in the top spot for a whole day.

Ming Jin: Control the comment section to prevent extreme fans.

The other side: Understood, CEO Ming.

Although she didn’t know what the frequent changes of mind meant, the employee’s job was simply to execute the orders well.

Ming Jin clicked into social media and realized she had been mentioned. She didn’t have an official account, only this small one named ‘LessIceSlightSugar.’

She originally registered it to sneak into Song Xiangwan’s fan group. Song Xiangwan meant… she had been exposed long ago?

The account quickly gained followers. In just ten minutes, it gained hundreds of thousands of followers, causing her phone to lag a bit.

Song Xiangwan’s Dog: Rich woman, truly rich woman. I wonder how she casually dropped 500,000 QAQ.

Wanwan’s Visual Fan: My goodness, I shipped the rich woman and Wanwan before. It’s actually real.

Wife is Song Xiangwan: Sis-in-law, I was wrong. I’m changing my nickname immediately. I won’t dare to call her ‘Wife’ anymore.

A Grain of Sugar: Wuwuwu, this group witnessed love.

Ming Jin: “…” I was accidentally exposed.

LessIceSlightSugar: Thank you for the blessings.

LessIceSlightSugar: Red envelope.

Photo with Sis-in-law.

Photo with Sis-in-law.

Photo with Sis-in-law.

A string of replies flooded in.

Ming Jin couldn’t help but smile slightly, hearing Song Xiangwan’s voice: “What are you looking at? Why are you so happy?”

“Am I?” Ming Jin calmly turned off her phone screen.

“Yes, it’s written all over your face,” Song Xiangwan clicked her tongue. “It’s funnier than finding money.”

Ming Jin: “Finding money isn’t that fun.” How much could she find?

She hadn’t expected to be happy to be called ‘Sis-in-law.’

She didn’t elaborate. She only looked up and saw the red dress Song Xiangwan was wearing. She had changed her clothes just now.

“Does it look good? It’s the same style…” Song Xiangwan twirled around in front of her, then set up the camera, pressed the record button, and ran over to take Ming Jin’s hand.

“Let’s film a video. From now on, every Valentine’s Day, we’ll dance together.”

In the dance studio, a spotlight shone directly on the two of them. Waltz music began to play, and the red skirt flared.

Song Xiangwan held Ming Jin’s hand, twirling around Ming Jin in a dance, her eyes full of smiles meeting Ming Jin’s gaze. She was vibrant and graceful, the small mole at the corner of her eye bright and beautiful.

The warmth of her palm was intense, like a passionate fire.

In the music, she laughed enthusiastically, her brightness flamboyant and unrestrained.

Ming Jin felt a surge of emotion, as if she were transported back to the high summer of that year.