Zhou Xiulin looked deeply at her, and a warm and ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.
Jiang Xiao was slow to react and slightly opened her mouth. “I…” Her words took a turn, “Of course! Little Bean Sprout is the biggest luxury prize I received this year.” As she spoke, her eyes sparkled mischievously.
Zhou Xiulin remained silent, his hand resting on her belly, gently stroking it. Her baby’s movements were very noticeable now, and he always enjoyed being close to her, feeling the little one leaping and jumping inside.
Indeed, Little Bean Sprout was their biggest prize this year.
If it weren’t for Little Bean Sprout, they might not have been able to get married.
Zhou Xiulin’s gaze firmly stayed on her face as their eyes met. “Isn’t the biggest prize me?” he said with a teasing tone, his voice low and seductive, making her heart itch.
Jiang Xiao’s cheeks instantly turned red, the heat gradually spreading to her ears.
“It’s really disappointing. I can’t compete with this guy,” Zhou Xiulin said meaningfully.
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“Xiulin, what are you really up to?”
“Working,” he replied succinctly.
“I’ve seen that several TV dramas and movies in Huaxia have been doing well this year. Buddy, you need to relax. I’m afraid your health will suffer if you keep working so hard.”
Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow. “Is Zhao Xinran on the set these days?”
Mo Yiheng smiled. “Yes. They’re having dinner together tonight, so come and join us.”
Zhou Xiulin slowly stood up. “You forgot that Jin’s family is hosting a dinner tonight.”
Mo Yiheng paused for a moment. “They didn’t invite me. Jin Director is wary of me, afraid I’ll run off with his precious baby.”
Zhou Xiulin chuckled. “If I were Jin Director, I wouldn’t let you come within three feet of me.”
Mo Yiheng shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t dare touch the little fairy of the Jin family. Having one Jin Zhongbei is enough. I think Jin Director wants you to be his son-in-law.”
Zhou Xiulin glanced at him coldly. “Shuyan is two years younger than Yanyan.”
“In our industry, a twenty-year age difference is nothing. What does it matter if Shuyan is eight years younger than you? Jin Director is also nearly ten years older than Liang Yue. In fact, your families have similar backgrounds, both talented and beautiful. Being together is mutually beneficial.”
Zhou Xiulin’s eyes gradually darkened. “When did you become interested in being a matchmaker?”
Mo Yiheng’s handsome face instantly tensed up. He fell silent for a moment, then Man Qi brought in a glass of water. A smile appeared on his lips again. “Thank you.”
Man Qi politely replied, “Mr. Mo, you’re welcome. It’s my duty. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”
Mo Yiheng winked at her.
Zhou Xiulin noticed it, and no wonder. Last time, Jiang Xiao joked that Mo Yiheng was like a peac*ck in heat, and it was not far from the truth.
Mo Yiheng leisurely took a sip of coffee. “Oh, by the way, what about that someone you mentioned—Jiang Xiao? Where is she?”
“Why? Do you have something to tell her?”
“It’s been a long time since I last saw her. Where did she go?”
“She went on an overseas study program.”
“Oh, so you really want to train her?”
Zhou Xiulin’s thin lips twitched, his voice resolute. “The future number one talent agent in Huaxia.” He was willing to give her everything she desired.
Mo Yiheng clicked his tongue. “I’m actually looking forward to it.” He couldn’t quite figure out what Zhou Xiulin was up to. When he had time, he would ask Zhao Xinran about Jiang Xiao’s background. Could it be that Zhou Xiulin himself was a rabbit who wants to eat the grass on the other side?
On the evening of Jin Director’s birthday, there was no grand celebration, only a few close friends were invited.
Zhou Xiulin arrived neither early nor late. He greeted the hosts, presented his gift, and enjoyed the company. Jin Director and Liang Yue exchanged a few words with him before getting busy attending to others.
“Xiulin, Zhongbei and Shuyan are over there. You youngsters can mingle.”
Zhou Xiulin nodded.
Jin Shuyan was wearing a black c*cktail dress, her long hair elegantly styled on both sides, exuding an elegant charm reminiscent of a young Liang Yue. She had already spotted Zhou Xiulin’s figure, dressed in a black suit, exuding a resolute demeanor, but he maintained his composure and didn’t approach immediately.
Now, as Zhou Xiulin walked towards them, she couldn’t help but curl up her lips.
Zhou Xiulin shook hands with Jin Zhongbei and nodded towards Jin Shuyan, his voice filled with warmth, “Hello, Shuyan.”
Jin Shuyan blushed slightly and replied softly, “Hello, Brother Zhou.”
The atmosphere between them was pleasant, and they began to chat comfortably, their voices blending into the lively ambiance of the hall.
Zhou Xiulin: “Congratulations on the successful completion of ‘The Prosperous World.’ Well done.”
Jin Zhongbei: “Thank you, President Zhou.”
They shared a smile.
Zhou Xiulin: “Do you have any plans for your schedule next March?”
Jin Zhongbei: “Why? Do you have another project?”
Zhou Xiulin: “It’s a spy drama. Director Li has very high requirements for the actors and the script, and so far, only you meet his criteria.”
Jin Zhongbei: “I’ll think about it. In the second half of next year, I plan to go to the United States for further studies and do the dubbing for ‘The Prosperous World.'”
The two of them were discussing happily, but Jin Shuyan couldn’t stand it anymore. “Brother, you don’t lack time to discuss work with Brother Zhou.”
Jin Zhongbei chuckled. This girl! It was clearly Zhou Xiulin who initiated the conversation. He affectionately touched her hairstyle. “Sorry. Xiulin, let’s go grab something to eat.” He looked at his watch. “Cheng Ying will be here soon, I’ll go meet her at the entrance.”
Once Jin Zhongbei left, only Zhou Xiulin and Jin Shuyan remained.
Jin Shuyan tilted her head slightly. “Brother Zhou, why didn’t Yanyan come today?”
“She’s busy on set. She’ll be back in a couple of days.”
“No wonder she hasn’t contacted me recently. Yanyan is working really hard these days.”
Zhou Xiulin smiled faintly. “By the way, congratulations on winning the Newcomer Photography Award.”
Jin Shuyan blushed. “That’s nothing. I still need to work harder.”
Zhou Xiulin had seen Jin Shuyan’s work. Her photos were indeed impressive, with no post-processing, highlighting the realism. Given time, she would have even better development.
People came and went in the hall, and some noticed Zhou Xiulin and Jin Shuyan, seeing them as a perfect couple.
In the distance, Director Jin and Liang Yue were accompanying Director Zhao. Director Zhao joked with a smile, “President Zhou and Shuyan are a match made in heaven.”
Director Jin waved his hand repeatedly. “They’re still just friends.”
Director Zhao said, “I think they’re not far from being more than friends. President Zhou, it’s good to maintain your integrity.”
Liang Yue smiled lightly. “Yanyan1Shuyan is still a student. It’s too early for that.”
Director Zhao shook his head. “University students can get married now. You need to update your thinking. In our industry, late marriage and late parenthood are inevitable.”
Director Jin felt somewhat helpless. “That hits close to home. Zhongbei is already 29.”
Liang Yue glanced at him. “Don’t worry, Zhongbei has his own ideas.”
Director Jin nodded. “Alright, let’s not talk about them.”
An hour later, Zhou Xiulin was about to leave.
Cheng Ying looked at him with a gentle smile. “President Zhou, I’ve heard Mr. Mo secretly complain about you several times. If we didn’t know you, we would have thought you’ve become a family man.”
Zhou Xiulin chuckled lightly. “I’ll take my leave now. We’ll gather again another time.”
Cheng Ying pursed her lips.
Jin Shuyan stared blankly at Zhou Xiulin’s departing figure.
Cheng Ying didn’t understand why the young girl’s feelings weren’t clear to her. She patted her shoulder. “The future will be long.”
Jin Shuyan’s face suddenly turned red. “Ying Jie, what are you saying?”
Cheng Ying knew that the young girl was sensitive, so she changed the topic. “Shuyan, when are you available to take a set of photos for me?”
“Sure. After the Lantern Festival, we won’t start school until then, so we’ll go according to your schedule.”
“Sounds blissful. Being a student is nice. I’ll probably have to wait until retirement to have a vacation.”
Jin Shuyan said, “But you and Shifu are both hard workers.”
Cheng Ying replied, “What else can we do if we don’t work hard? If we disappear for a while, we’ll be forgotten.”
Jin Shuyan said, “My mom was like that too. It was tough in the beginning.”
Cheng Ying remarked, “But Liang Teacher met your dad.”
Jin Shuyan said, “So, Ying Jie, you should also keep going. When the time comes, I’ll be your bridesmaid.”
Cheng Ying sighed, “I’m worried that you’ll get married before I even have a boyfriend.”
Jin Shuyan said, “Actually, my brother is not bad.”
Cheng Ying replied, “You little troublemaker, you’re teasing me.”
Suddenly, Jin Shuyan remembered something. “Ying Jie, do you know Mr. Zhou’s assistant?”
Cheng Ying asked, “Man Qi? Or Tina?”
Jin Shuyan thought for a while and said, “No, it’s someone else.”
Cheng Ying thought for a moment. “Jiang Xiao?”
Jin Shuyan said, “I don’t know her name, but it seems like Zhou and she have a good relationship. We met them at Jiuyun Mountain during the National Day.”
Cheng Ying said, “Jiang Xiao went abroad for further studies, and we haven’t heard from her for a long time. She’s a driven girl, determined to become a talent agent.”
Jin Shuyan asked, “So, is there anything between her and Zhou?”
Cheng Ying was taken aback by the question, pondering for a moment. “I’m not sure about that. Shuyan, if you like President Zhou, just confess your feelings to him.”
Jin Shuyan replied, “What if he doesn’t like me back?”
Cheng Ying responded, “Well, it’s still better than the current situation, isn’t it?”
Jin Shuyan smiled mischievously. “Then, on my birthday next year, I’ll confess to him.”
Cheng Ying sighed inwardly, Jin Shuyan’s words struck a chord within her. Jiang Qin’s sudden appearance during the filming of “The Prosperous World” was actually quite abrupt.
Was it because of Jiang Xiao?
But it didn’t seem like it. What could it be? She was confused.
Meanwhile, on his way, Zhou Xiulin received a call from Jiang Xiao. When he saw her name on the screen, he was slightly surprised.
“What’s the matter?”
“When are you coming back?”
“I’m on my way. I should be home in about half an hour.”
“Oh, it’s snowing. Be careful then.” Jiang Xiao hurriedly spoke and hung up the phone.
Aunt Qiao, who was sitting beside him, chuckled. “You’re both parents now, yet you still act like young lovers in love.”
Jiang Xiao felt a little embarrassed because they boarded the train before getting their tickets.2got pregnant first
Zhou Xiulin opened the car window, and snowflakes drifted into the car, landing in his palm and instantly melting.
It was snowing, their first winter together, the first snow of a cold winter.
The city lights sparkled. Street vendors selling roasted sweet potatoes were closing up shop.
Zhou Xiulin spoke, “Stop the car for a moment.”
The driver parked the car at the intersection.
Zhou Xiulin got out and bought a roasted sweet potato.
Snowflakes fell onto his shoulders one by one as he said, “Wrap one for me.”
“Sure thing. It’s for your girlfriend, right? I’ll pick a sweet and fragrant one for you.”
Zhou Xiulin took it and said in a deep voice, “It’s for my wife. She loves eating them.”
When Zhou Xiulin arrived home, Jiang Xiao was doing stretching exercises. The doctor had advised her to do some light exercise regularly to facilitate a smooth delivery, and Jiang Xiao took it to heart.
Jiang Xiao saw him and smiled. “Was Director Jin’s birthday banquet fun?”
“It was alright.”
“Were there many people there?”
“We only invited a few people who have a good relationship with their family.”
“Director Jin and Teacher Liang are deeply in love.” On Liang Yue’s previous birthday, Director Jin accompanied her. This time, for Director Jin’s birthday, Liang Yue organized a small party for him. And during Jin Shuyan’s birthday, Jin Zhongbei posted a photo in their circle of friends featuring a Sailor Moon-themed cake.
In comparison, Jiang Xiao wasn’t exactly a virtuous wife. On Zhou Xiulin’s birthday this year, they simply had a simple meal. She only bought him a tie as a birthday gift, and it was the cheapest tie among all his ties.
Jiang Xiao was taken aback but then smiled again. “From now on, I’ll celebrate Little Bean Sprout’s birthday every year.” Her words carried a rare hint of tenderness.
Zhou Xiulin suddenly noticed her eyes slightly reddening, a heavy-hearted expression on her face. It was probably because she lacked warmth in her family since childhood, so she longed for it even more. “Okay, let’s celebrate Little Bean Sprout’s full month first. We don’t need to rush to eat Little Bean Sprout’s birthday cake. Mrs. Zhou, tonight, I’ll treat you to roasted sweet potatoes.”
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This situation is tricky. They can be busted really early if they are not cautious. It just sad that they can be open on their relationship. But privacy and discretion is the best solution for now I guess