Chapter Forty-Seven
What followed was chaotic and devoid of memorable moments.
Shen Qianzhan couldn’t recall whether she had obediently closed her eyes or when Ji Qinghe had mercifully let her go.
By the time her memory kicked in again, she was already seated at the dining table, with Meng Wangzhou holding a bottle of Lafite and asking, “Producer Shen, would you like some too?”
Spread across the long table were all the freshly prepared dishes, not limited to Chinese cuisine. The meal was a mix of salads, bread rolls, and Western-style dishes.
Meng Wangzhou had just finished pouring wine for Ms. Meng and was now looking at her with eager anticipation. Seeing her hesitate, he pointed to the aged wine beside Ji Qingzhen. “Or perhaps you’d like to share a few drinks with the old master?”
Shen Qianzhan was accustomed to the dining etiquette of never refusing an offer. Hearing this, she put on a show of slight hesitation, about to proceed with the performance of reluctantly accepting the hospitality when Ji Qinghe reached out to block Meng Wangzhou’s probing attempt and stated firmly, “Just give her juice.”
Shen Qianzhan, whose performance had been interrupted: “...?”
She slowly turned her head, attempting to express her anger.
Before she could fully execute the gesture, Ji Qinghe spoke first. “If you want me to drive you back, you can have the wine.” Confident that she wouldn’t dare to ask for alcohol in front of everyone, he raised an eyebrow slightly and added unhurriedly, “My family doesn’t have the habit of toasting. How many times do I need to remind you?”
His tone wasn’t deliberately pointed, but the more natural it sounded, the more it invited speculation.
Shen Qianzhan felt Ms. Meng’s gaze shift from some unknown point and settle on her, tangible and heavy, pressing down on her heart.
She took a subtle deep breath and, without troubling Meng Wangzhou to pour her juice, gracefully stood up to serve herself.
The floral arrangements and candlesticks on the long table had already been moved to the far corner. She poured herself some juice, placed the glass bottle beside her, and calmly explained, “Mr. Ji is considerate. I almost forgot I drove here.”
She raised her glass, politely thanked Ms. Meng for personally preparing the meal, and expressed her gratitude for the enjoyable and enlightening conversation with Mr. Ji. Only then did she elegantly take her seat again.
Meng Qiongzhi appreciated well-mannered juniors, and Shen Qianzhan’s gesture had clearly earned her considerable goodwill. With a slight smile, she gestured for everyone to begin the meal while making small talk with Shen Qianzhan. “There aren’t many rules in our home. As a guest, please make yourself comfortable.”
“I’ve lived abroad for many years, so my eating habits are quite casual and unpretentious. I hope you find the food to your liking.”
Shen Qianzhan smiled, subtly complimenting her. “If one is too particular about everything, life becomes dull.”
Meng Qiongzhi pursed her lips and tore off a piece of bread. “Qinghe’s personality is rather dull, yet he’s met someone as interesting as you.”
Shen Qianzhan didn’t respond immediately. Her chopsticks trembled slightly as images flashed before her eyes—either the depths of emotion in his gaze or the moment just before he leaned in to kiss her.
Steadying her hand, she replied with utmost calmness. “Mr. Ji is different from me. In his position, steadiness and seriousness are paramount. In my line of work, one must learn to adapt. If I were too dull, who would be willing to invest?”
Ji Qinghe leisurely peeled a shrimp, not even lifting his eyelids. “How am I different from you?”
He removed the dark vein from the shrimp’s back and spoke again, his tone tinged with amusement. “Do you really enjoy keeping our relationship so distant?”That dog of a man had a habit of picking fights that flared up from time to time. Shen Qianzhan turned to glance at him with a forced smile, only to meet his sidelong gaze. Caught off guard by the sudden eye contact, she was the first to falter under Ji Qinghe’s half-smiling, half-mocking look.
Before this, Shen Qianzhan had always considered herself quite thick-skinned.
She could withstand Jian Xin’s overt and covert jabs and insults to her face, even smilingly giving her a thumbs-up to show her magnanimity. She could also ignore the backlash and enjoy herself when Xiang Qianqian’s fans went into an uproar. Even when occasionally appearing on shows and being teased by the host about her past scandals, she could brush it off with a lighthearted, self-deprecating explanation.
But now, whenever that dog of a man got close to her, her limbs went weak, and she felt dizzy and fatigued. If he looked at her a few more times, her face would flush, her ears would burn, and her mind would fill with nothing but R-rated thoughts.
Had she been too deprived of affection lately, too starved for it?
After reaching the conclusion that she was “physically too hungry,” Shen Qianzhan felt a bit off.
As if that weren’t enough, Meng Wangzhou’s intermittent curiosity steered the conversation in an awkward direction.
Meng Wangzhou asked, “I didn’t see you two when I came out earlier. What were you doing?”
He seemed genuinely unaware, his eyes carrying a hint of curiosity that made him look utterly foolish.
For some reason, a dangerous and immoral thought popped into Shen Qianzhan’s mind—Meng Wangzhou was so clueless that he wouldn’t even know if he were cheated on someday.
Naturally, Shen Qianzhan had no intention of answering this question.
She discreetly crossed her legs and nudged Ji Qinghe with the tip of her shoe, signaling him to respond.
Ji Qinghe tilted his head slightly, giving her an inconspicuous glance, the corner of his lips curling upward. He didn’t speak immediately.
His smile was too conspicuous, and Meng Wangzhou was the first to be blinded by it. He grumbled discontentedly, “Now you just ignore me when I ask you a question. No manners at all.”
Shen Qianzhan lowered her head, pretending to be fully absorbed in savoring the dishes.
As long as there was no eye contact, she could pretend she hadn’t heard!
Meng Wangzhou, now backed by someone, carried his grievances to Ms. Meng. It wasn’t until Old Mr. Ji and Ms. Meng both turned their attention to the topic that Ji Qinghe leisurely replied, “I just took her for a casual stroll.”
After speaking, his gaze lingered on the screen for a moment as he added meaningfully, “After all, it’s inconvenient with so many people around.”
Shen Qianzhan, who knew exactly what he meant by “inconvenient,” flushed bright red: “…” Just shut up already.
—
After the meal, Shen Qianzhan took the opportunity to bid farewell. Ms. Meng, ever considerate, accompanied Ji Qinghe to see her off at the door.
Ms. Meng was no longer young, with silver hair but a lively and robust spirit. She didn’t hide her fondness for Shen Qianzhan, expressing regret that she was returning to Xi’an the next day and hoping Shen Qianzhan would visit often.
As the small talk and farewells began, Shen Qianzhan’s tense nerves relaxed, and her smile grew more genuine. “There will be opportunities. I’ve borrowed some of Old Mr. Ji’s antique clocks, so I’ll be heading to Xi’an soon to bother you again.”
Ms. Meng was well aware of Ji Qingzhen’s intentions, and since she didn’t have much affection for Old Mr. Ji’s treasured antique clocks, she didn’t even frown. Instead, she reached out and hugged Shen Qianzhan. “You’re welcome in Xi’an. Qinghe will be returning to Xi’an for a short stay soon, so you can come back with him. Otherwise, with the old and the young at home, we might not be able to entertain you properly.”Shen Qianzhan smiled, understanding that Old Mr. Ji and Ms. Meng were only being so warm and friendly toward her out of consideration for Ji Qinghe. She agreed immediately.
Ji Qinghe had not interjected at all. Leaning against the doorframe, he watched silently as she navigated the formalities. Surprisingly, many behaviors and manners that would have seemed off-putting in others carried a unique personal charm when performed by Shen Qianzhan.
He raised his wrist and glanced at the time—eight o’clock, a brief respite in Beijing’s traffic.
Ji Qinghe straightened up.
His figure was tall and upright. As he stepped onto the stone steps, the tassels of the lantern overhead nearly brushed the top of his head, making Ms. Meng beside him appear particularly petite.
He gently squeezed Ms. Meng’s shoulder, subtly interrupting the farewell that had already lasted five minutes: “The wind is strong at night. You should go inside first. I’ll take Qianzhan home, so you can rest assured.”
Ms. Meng was well aware of Ji Qinghe’s intentions. Her gaze swept between the two of them before she tactfully let them go: “Alright, it’s better if Qinghe takes you home. I’ll feel more at ease that way.”
Shen Qianzhan was slightly taken aback and glanced at Ji Qinghe.
His thoughts were always deeply hidden; trying to glean anything from his expression was even harder than digging up gossip in the entertainment industry.
Shen Qianzhan was particularly tactful. Knowing she was still inexperienced and not yet ready to confront Ji Qinghe head-on, she didn’t immediately reject his offer. Only after they had walked out of Ms. Meng’s sight did she speak up: “I didn’t drink, so there’s no need to send me.”
Ji Qinghe turned around, his response to her refusal rather perfunctory: “Do I have to wait until you’ve been drinking to send you home?” He tilted his head, gesturing for her to get in the car first: “Next time you come, don’t drive. I’ll pick you up.”
Shen Qianzhan was utterly bewildered.
Where she stood, the light was partially blocked by the tree shade, casting half her face in shadow and making her expression appear eerie and strange.
Ji Qinghe smiled, reached out, and cupped her chin, turning her face slightly toward the light.
His move was somewhat sudden, and Shen Qianzhan was completely unprepared. Once he had turned her face, she mumbled, “What are you doing?”
“I wanted to see more clearly.” He released her, his gaze lingering on her lips as he examined them: “When I kissed you, I didn’t hold back. Your lipstick is smudged.”
His words instantly triggered Shen Qianzhan’s perfectionism. Instinctively covering her lips, she fished out her car keys and headed to the passenger seat to turn on the vanity mirror light.
Shen Qianzhan felt Ji Qinghe’s statement was utterly absurd. Even if she had no recollection of what happened behind the screen, she remembered that he had only kissed her briefly. Despite this, she was still unsettled and needed to see for herself.
Her lipstick was indeed slightly smudged, with faint traces of color bleeding beyond the edges. However, it wasn’t from the kiss but from wiping her mouth with a tissue after the meal.
Shen Qianzhan inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.
She had experienced too much throughout the day, her emotions fluctuating wildly. Now, sitting in the car, her mind relaxed, and she suddenly felt exhausted. Leaning against the car window, she stared at Ji Qinghe for a moment before finally curling her finger in agreement.
—
The ride back wasn’t as awkward as Shen Qianzhan had imagined it would be.
For the most part, Ji Qinghe remained silent, while she gazed out the window, counting the streetlights they passed.
It was Shen Qianzhan who broke the silence first: “Are you taking Old Mr. Ji and Ms. Meng to the airport tomorrow?”
“Mm,” Ji Qinghe glanced at her. “I try to handle what I can personally.”
Shen Qianzhan nodded. “Ms. Meng isn’t quite what I imagined.”"Only with you." Ji Qinghe lowered the car's music volume to make conversation easier. "Next time I'll take you to a fashion show to meet her. That should completely change the impression she gave you today."
Shen Qianzhan was stirred by the latter part of his sentence and turned to look at him. "Old Mr. Ji told me a lot about you tonight."
Ji Qinghe wasn't surprised. With one hand on the steering wheel, he navigated the final curve of the exit ramp. His eyes, illuminated by the streetlights, shone as brightly as a sea of stars.
Shen Qianzhan thought she saw him smile—a fleeting expression, too quick to catch. She interpreted it as a signal to continue. After a moment's thought, she said, "He talked about your attitude toward watch restoration and mentioned you spent two years at the Clock Museum. His words were full of praise. But I quite agree with what the old gentleman said—some crafts require both talent and passion."
Ji Qinghe gave a faint, wry smile. "It's only out of their good upbringing that they didn't propose a marriage alliance on my behalf."
Author's Note: I want to ramble a bit about unrelated things.
Tomorrow is April, another brand-new month. Happiness has become very simple these days—Xiao Qiao not having diarrhea and having well-formed poop can make me genuinely happy. The city lifting lockdowns, being able to eat desserts; living alone but having friends cook and eat with me; stealing a little rest time after finishing work each day; having food delivery brought right to my door—all these things bring me joy.
But sadness comes just as easily—the surveillance camera running out of battery and not being able to reinstall it after taking it down; working late into the night (I'm not a full-time writer); sometimes just staring out the window and suddenly feeling down. I often make a mess of my life, but seeing all of you brings me immense peace. Your lives are probably gradually returning to normal too. I hope everything is going well and smoothly for everyone.
Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2020-03-29 17:26:02 and 2020-03-31 23:28:36~
Special thanks to the little angels who launched rockets: 24159018, Ye Qianlan (1 each);
Thanks to the little angels who threw grenades: hahha, Wen Wen Wen Wen, Yue Banban, Yan Xi, Weiyi hhh (1 each);
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Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!
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