Chapter 46 – Couldn’t Wait

A wedding reception typically involves a set routine — the exchange of rings between the bride and groom, speeches from both sets of parents, and the playing of a sentimental video clip.

Director Liu had prepared a short film centered around Zhou Xinyao, pieced together from various scenes. There were clips of her walking down the red carpet, eating ice cream, squatting outside a church feeding pigeons, dozing on a folding chair on set, and even footage of her covering her face in tears when she was proposed to… It even included a scene of her brushing her teeth right after waking up with sleepy eyes.

In just five minutes, it seemed to encapsulate every moment they had spent together, warm and touching. Everyone present couldn’t help but marvel at how the groom, being a director himself, could make something as simple as a short film so captivating.

Jiang Ruo was also deeply moved by this romantic declaration of love, told through the silent narration of a lens that followed her every move, never mentioning the word ‘love’ yet overflowing with affection.

As for the bride herself, Zhou Xinyao cried like a fountain, her eyes still red long after the wedding reception ended. Yet, she refused to go back and rest early, insisting on dragging Jiang Ruo along to her bachelor party.

They had met on the set of “Cliff,” and over the past two months, they had grown closer. Zhou Xinyao, originally a model, often traveled between Feng City and Sea City, while Jiang Ruo was filming in Sea City. They had met up for meals several times.

At first, Jiang Ruo didn’t quite understand. “Everyone else holds their bachelor parties the day before the wedding.”

“I don’t follow those outdated rules with Old Liu.” Zhou Xinyao waved her hand. “If I say today, then it’s today.”

She led Jiang Ruo to a lounge behind the banquet hall where the bride had gotten ready and waited before going on stage.

Looking around and not seeing anyone else, Jiang Ruo asked, “Isn’t this supposed to be a bachelor party?”

“Yes, there aren’t many singles here anyway, and they’ve all gone to Old Liu’s side.”

As she spoke, Zhou Xinyao nodded towards the adjacent lounge separated by a door.

Jiang Ruo sighed. “…So you called me here just to make up the numbers?”

Zhou Xinyao laughed. “Well, not really. With so many people at the reception, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you properly.”

Since he was already there, Jiang Ruo pulled a chair over and sat down by the door. “Alright then, I’ll chat with you for a bit.”

When she heard that Jiang Ruo was leaving tonight and had a shooting schedule tomorrow morning, Zhou Xinyao was taken aback. “I’d heard Director Zhuang isn’t very considerate; he only gives the cast and crew one day off for bereavement leave.”

“It’s not that bad,” Jiang Ruo said. “Director Zhuang is very professional. We’re actually ahead of schedule, he’s just worried about me losing my rhythm if I’m away from the team for too long.”

Zhou Xinyao was surprised yet understood when she learned from Jiang Ruo that Director Zhuang had made the entire cast and crew revolve around him during non-shooting hours, making sure to look at him with the most blatant expressions possible. “No wonder I felt your aura has changed, you seem to handle those who try to hit on you with ease.”

Jiang Ruo replied helplessly, “It’s purely instinctual, but I’m still nervous deep down.”

“Do you feel nervous when you see President Xi?” Zhou Xinyao removed the heavy traditional bridal headpiece from her head, asking casually, “Actually, I just sent an invitation out of courtesy, I didn’t expect him to come.”

After a moment of silence, Jiang Ruo said, “It’s alright, it wasn’t as…”

…earth-shattering as he imagined.

It seemed the “training” in the crew had indeed been effective. He could now act like a mature adult who had been in the entertainment industry for years, greeting others calmly and composedly with a nod, but…

When their eyes met, his heart still skipped a beat uncontrollably, hard.

Since the topic had reached this point, Zhou Xinyao continued taking down the elaborate decorations from her head while saying, “Actually, I was even more surprised that you two…”

Jiang Ruo scoffed. “It’s not that fast, it’s been a year.”

Zhou Xinyao shook her head. “What I mean is, based on my observations and a woman’s accurate sixth sense, I thought you two could… achieve success.”

Perhaps the term “success” was too misleading and distant. Jiang Ruo was stunned for a moment before saying, “That’s impossible… I’ve never thought about it either.”

Zhou Xinyao looked at him through the mirror, noticing his slightly melancholic expression with lowered eyes. She held back her teasing remark about disbelief and instead said seriously, “I once assumed that if it came to that, you would likely compromise and make concessions. After all, you… care about him.”

Jiang Ruo chuckled. “Even you can tell.”

It seemed everyone knew he had genuine feelings for Xi Yufeng, and also knew that someone like Xi Yufeng would never give up anything for him.

“Hasn’t he realized it all this time?” Zhou Xinyao asked.

“Maybe not, maybe he does but doesn’t want to bring it up… who knows.”

“I still reserve my opinion.”

“What opinion?”

“He isn’t playing games with you.”

“Is that so?” Jiang Ruo stretched, raising his hands lazily, as if turning back into the playboy from the drama. “Then wouldn’t it be ungrateful of me to run away from him?”

Zhou Xinyao shrugged. “I’m just curious about your situation, I have no intention of meddling.”

“Hmm, Sister is just too perceptive.”

“Go away.”

As they chatted further, somehow the topic turned to Chen Muxin. Zhou Xinyao winked. “My brother is pretty good, you might want to change your mood. While older men may be considerate and gentle, wolf pups have their own charm.”

Jiang Ruo was at a loss for words due to her matchmaking zeal. “Don’t you fear I’ll relay this to Director Liu?”

“When would you have the chance to meet him?” Zhou Xinyao dabbed a makeup remover wipe on her eyelid. “But once ‘Cliff’ is released, you’ll have to join the promotional tour.”

Now it was Jiang Ruo’s turn to make a threatening gesture. “Then, at that time, I won’t be able to control my mouth…”

“In that case, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet. I’ll introduce you to some male models,” Zhou Xinyao continued on her own. “Sister used to walk the runway, I dare not say much, but there are plenty of men with broad shoulders, narrow waists, and eight-pack abs. Don’t rush to agree to Chen Muxin, take your time to choose, and I’ll help you vet them.”

Jiang Ruo was speechless.

Director Liu had impressive tolerance.

“Cliff” had already passed censorship and obtained its release certificate, scheduled for release during the summer vacation.

Beforehand, there would be a preview screening, inviting the cast and crew, investors in the film, and some media outlets to participate.

Jiang Ruo calculated the timing and said, “By then, Director Zhuang’s movie should have wrapped up, but I’ve signed on for a variety show, which might conflict with the preview screening.”

Zhou Xinyao asked what variety show it was, and Jiang Ruo replied, “‘Actors’ Path,’ a talent competition program from Sweet Orange TV.”

“I know about that, they previously invited Old Liu to be a judge, but he couldn’t make it due to scheduling conflicts.” Zhou Xinyao pondered for a moment. “But as far as I know, most participants are actors who can’t find roles. You’re doing well right now, why bother joining such a thankless variety show?”

Jiang Ruo said, “Such occasions are great for honing skills, I need an opportunity to prove myself.”

“But isn’t the set also a place for training?” Zhou Xinyao was still puzzled. “Could it be that President Xi cut off your resources…?”

“No,” Jiang Ruo immediately explained. “He’s given me everything he could, including the agency contract, and the assistant who’s been with me for a long time. They’re both under my management now.”

After Zhou Xinyao finished removing her makeup and turned around, she propped up her long legs and looked at him. “Everyone in the circle is laughing at you, saying that you’ve been abandoned by him after he grew tired of you, and you’re still thinking about his kindness and defending him?”

Silence lingered for a while before Jiang Ruo finally spoke. “He has his difficulties. To be able to do this much for me, I’m grateful and satisfied.”

Suddenly, so many memories flooded his mind, each profound and intense. The most vivid was still the beginning of their story, when he stepped out of Xi Yufeng’s car and stood in the torrential rain at the alley entrance, thinking about many things in that brief moment.

The reason he turned back then was not only to secure the role in “When Orioles Take Flight,” but also another unwillingness — unwilling to stop at this point with the person in the car, wanting to have more interactions with him.

It turned out that long ago, he had abandoned rationality, letting his subconscious guide him.

It was difficult to describe his current mood, a mix of helplessness at discovering evidence of his infatuation, and a sense of relief that time had passed.

Jiang Ruo smiled. “Besides, I was never with him for what he could offer me.”

Now, he could finally say that openly and honestly.

At the end of March in Feng City, the evening breeze still carried a slight chill.

When Xi Yufeng walked out of the hotel’s main entrance, Director Liu was just pulling up to the front. He didn’t rush to get in the car. Instead, he had Liu park in a spot out of the way, standing under the porch as he lit a cigarette and took a couple of unhurried drags.

Soon, Jiang Ruo emerged from the door, where there were few pedestrians at night. Seeing the young man waiting by the fountain, he quickly approached.

From a distance, it was unclear what they were saying, but Jiang Ruo seemed relaxed, his body slightly trembling, as if he was laughing.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and the taller Chen Muxin raised his hand to put a baseball cap on Jiang Ruo’s head. Xi Yufeng’s fingers holding the cigarette tightened, and the cigarette bent sharply.

Not until he watched Jiang Ruo get into a taxi bound for the airport and Chen Muxin head towards the underground parking lot did Xi Yufeng extinguish the cigarette in his hand and walk towards the black business car that had been waiting for a long time.

The interior of the car was dark, with only the passenger seat reading light on, casting a faint glow that weighed heavily from above, giving the air a palpable weight.

Tonight, there had been plans for an engagement with a certain department head, and Xi Yufeng had been so busy that he hadn’t shown up at the company for several days. Shi Mingxu had been waiting in the car all this time, and only now found the opportunity to report on work. As he spoke and Xi Yufeng listened, occasionally offering opinions, Shi Mingxu would immediately tap on the keyboard to make notes and revisions.

After finishing official matters, Shi Mingxu began to consult on other issues in order of importance.

“A call came from Los Angeles, just like last year, following routine inquiries.”

Xi Yufeng, sitting in the back seat, glanced at the date on his watch face upon hearing this.

Time had flown so swiftly, it was almost that time of year again.

Shifting his gaze back out the window, Xi Yufeng slowly said, “Has Xi Wangchen been released from prison?”

“Yes,” Shi Mingxu answered. “Last time, Grandfather hosted a dinner for several leaders, presumably having settled everything.”

That’s why he could be released so quickly.

Xi Yufeng remained silent on this matter and instead asked about something else. “What about the shareholders meeting?”

“Given the current situation, it’s inevitable,” Shi Mingxu paused before continuing, “But the situation remains favorable to us, after all, we have the Meng family’s support…”

“And if not?” Xi Yufeng said. “If, because of some reason, the Meng family no longer supports me, what are our chances of winning?”

Shi Mingxu was momentarily stunned, as if understanding the meaning behind the words.

For what reason could it be?

In that case, no one dared to easily judge the situation.

After all, although Xi Chengli valued Xi Yufeng, he also harbored reservations because of his deceased mother. He claimed to delegate authority but in reality, had been restraining him in both overt and covert ways. Including arranging a marriage alliance with the Meng family, which seemed to pave the way for him, but in fact, weakened his personal strength invisibly, subjecting him to multiple constraints, forcing him to serve the Xi family.

Shi Mingxu dared not rashly make a judgment and tentatively asked, “Do you mean…”

Fortunately, Xi Yufeng didn’t intend to listen to anyone’s opinion. Putting aside the question just now, he said, “Tell them over there, I wish the old man good health, the grandson will visit at an appropriate time. Also — ”

Shi Mingxu’s hand hovered over the keyboard, waiting for a long time without hearing the rest. Turning to look at the back seat, he saw Xi Yufeng leaning against the backrest, slightly tilting his head, seemingly looking out the window at the scenery.

But his eyes lacked focus, dark and hazy, carrying a cold emptiness full of despair.

It was as if struggling for the last moment before giving up, or hesitating for the final instant before grasping something.

In the unseen depths of his mind, Xi Yufeng’s thoughts were consumed by a single voice —

I was never with him for what he could offer me.

Almost imagining Jiang Ruo’s expression when he said these words.

Xi Yufeng considered himself a man of reason, never doing anything without confidence. His dictionary contained caution, gradual progress, and keen insight, but not the term “taking a risky move.”

But he couldn’t wait.

Just this sentence alone was worth the risk.

In terms of significance, these things seemed precious, but they paled in comparison to the value of this sentence.

Furthermore, even if it was a high-stakes gamble, he wasn’t necessarily destined to lose.

Therefore, in the next moment, Xi Yufeng’s gaze sharpened, and Shi Mingxu sensed an even colder determination, a sharp resolve like an icy blade emerging from its scabbard.

“Tell them over there, their grudge has nothing to do with me,” Xi Yufeng continued in a low voice. “So Grandfather can do whatever he wants, there’s no need to consider me anymore.”

A month and a half later, after wrapping up “Skin,” Jiang Ruo returned to Feng City and heard two major pieces of news.

The first was closely related to him. An He left a note on the table in the rental house, saying he would be away for a while and asking him not to worry.

The second piece of news had nothing to do with him, but unfortunately, it was the talk of the town in the circle. Jiang Ruo had muted some friends’ WeChat moments updates, but Lin Xiao still unexpectedly sent him a message.

— Have you heard? The eldest son of the Xi family head was in a car accident and hospitalized, and he’s still in critical condition.

Jiang Ruo stared at the message for a while, unsure of how to respond. He randomly clicked on a fake smiley boy emoji.

Lin Xiao: Ah… You probably don’t want to hear news about him, right?

Jiang Ruo didn’t want others to think he was “still pining for the old flame,” after all, the public only knew that he had been with Xi Yufeng, and they had a simple sugar daddy-sugar baby relationship.

So he feigned indifference and replied: No.

Lin Xiao misunderstood, assuming Jiang Ruo also wanted to gossip about his former sugar daddy, sending two messages in succession.

— I also heard that because of this, his marriage to that Miss Meng, who sleeps around with little fresh meat, has been postponed.

— But aren’t businessmen superstitious about auspicious marriages and such? So those in the know understand, the postponement is just a facade, this marriage probably won’t happen.