On Friday evening, after Jiang Xiao finished work, she went directly to a hotpot restaurant.
It had been a long time since she last saw Jin Zhongbei. He was still the same, even his hairstyle hadn’t changed. The temperature in Jincheng had risen in the past few days, and he was wearing a white shirt with a few buttons undone. He was now thirty-one years old, and there had been no news about his romantic life. Numerous reporters had investigated, but they all came up empty-handed.
“Mr. Jin…” she used her usual address.
Jin Zhongbei’s lips curved into a smile. “Coming from the company?”
“Yes. The drama production for Song Yiwen won’t start until the second half of the year, so I arranged an interview for him recently.”
“The situation between him and Yanyan was quite unexpected.”
Jiang Xiao smiled helplessly. “I was caught off guard too.”
Jin Zhongbei knew she had handled it well. Although Song Yanyan’s relationship revelation had indeed affected his popularity at this stage, he would eventually need to transition. There was no need to dwell on it too much.
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Jiang Xiao put down her chopsticks and waved her hand repeatedly. “I can’t, I’m not a professional singer.”
Jin Zhongbei chuckled lightly. “I’ve heard you sing. Although you’re not on the level of a professional singer, recording a song shouldn’t be a problem.”
Jiang Xiao pursed her lips. “My status isn’t suitable for that.”
Jin Zhongbei shook his head. “Directors can act, actors can become directors. There’s no rule against talent managers singing.”
Jiang Xiao couldn’t argue with that. “Mr. Jin, why are you approaching me for this?”
Jin Zhongbei pondered for a moment. “Your singing video gained popularity. As far as I know, the ‘Sing Together’ program team wanted to invite you as a guest singer.”
Jiang Xiao sighed, half amused and half exasperated. “I received their call as well, but I declined. Mr. Jin, I really can’t do it.” Whether it’s singing or acting, it’s not something she’s willing to venture into. She had promised her father. “However, if you’re looking for someone from my agency, I won’t refuse.”
Seeing her speak so resolutely, Jin Zhongbei didn’t try to convince her further. “It seems we won’t have a chance to collaborate again.”
“Why not? You can collaborate with an artist from my agency, for example, my artist Qin Yilu.”
Jin Zhongbei laughed lightly. “You truly deserve the title of Chief Talent Manager of Huaxia.”
Jiang Xiao blushed slightly. “There’s no other choice. I have to be responsible for my artists.”
Jin Zhongbei caught the implication. “Are you planning to promote Qin Yilu?”
Jiang Xiao’s expression turned serious, and she didn’t hide anything. “Yilu is a very spiritual girl. I’ve been thinking about how to give her a proper debut. Now, the moment has finally come.” She looked at Jin Zhongbei with bright eyes.
Jin Zhongbei chuckled, realizing he had walked right into her plans!
They both ate for a while. Surprisingly, Jiang Xiao was eating the spicy hotpot, and her mouth turned red from the heat.
Jin Zhongbei handed her a bottle of cold tea. “I heard that Xu Jiaren is going to sign for ‘Changting’?”
Jiang Xiao bit into a Sichuan peppercorn and her mouth went numb. She quickly drank half a cup of cold tea. “I received the information from her yesterday. She’s signing the contract next week.”
Jin Zhongbei seemed pensive. “You don’t seem pleased?”
Jiang Xiao shrugged. “I initially contacted her for a variety show.”
“What show?”
“‘Our Journey Together.’ Jiaren insisted on choosing ‘Changting’.”
“You’re being too lenient with your artists. It’s not a good thing for an artist to have strong opinions before even rising to fame.” Jin Zhongbei suddenly chuckled, “Liang Yue contacted you as well.”
He didn’t sound like he was asking. Jiang Xiao looked at him calmly. “Yes.” She had always wondered whether the Jin family had something to do with Liang Yue’s past.
“Mr. Jin, is there something you want to ask?”
“No.” Jin Zhongbei glanced at the hotpot. The boiling soup had already reduced by a third, so he added a bit more water.
They chatted while eating, and two hours passed by.
Jin Zhongbei offered to drive her back, but Jiang Xiao declined. She joked, “Mr. Jin, I need to keep a distance from you. If we end up in tomorrow’s headlines, it would lead to misunderstandings. Your fans might storm my company.”
Jin Zhongbei’s gaze rested on her eyebrows and eyes, he didn’t speak, just observed her for a moment.
Jiang Xiao didn’t understand. “Mr. Jin?”
Suddenly, Jin Zhongbei’s lips curled up. “Jiang Xiao, how are you and your boyfriend doing?”
Jiang Xiao was caught off guard by the sudden question. It seemed like everyone was concerned about her love life. “We’re doing well.”
Jin Zhongbei nodded. “Regarding the song, find a time and bring Qin Yilu over.”
Jiang Xiao’s eyes twinkled as she extended her right hand to him.
Jin Zhongbei was slightly surprised but also extended his hand.
Their hands met, and warmth flowed between them.
Jiang Xiao’s face was filled with a smile, mischievously winking at him. “Mr. Jin, thank you. Don’t worry, Yilu is a promising talent. You won’t be disappointed. I might be a fake fan, but Yilu is your true fan.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Jin Zhongbei’s gaze inadvertently drifted to her left wrist where her watch was, lingering briefly. “Alright, the car is here. Take care on your way.”
In the evening, Zhou Xiulin told a bedtime story to Little Bean Sprout.
After listening to two stories, the little one still wasn’t sleepy. “Daddy, who’s the uncle that Mommy went on a date with?”
“It’s not a date, they just went for a meal. That uncle is called Jin Zhongbei.”
“Jin Zhongbei—” Little Bean Sprout pronounced each character slowly, recalling something. “I know Uncle Jin.”
“You know?”
“I’ve seen the TV drama that Uncle Jin acted in. He played the prince. Uncle Jin is really handsome, just like my mom says.”
“What else did your mom tell you?”
“Mom told me to watch fewer TV dramas. Oh, she also said I’m growing up too quickly, like a mature bean sprout.”
Zhou Xiulin chuckled. “Your mom is right.”
“Dad, you should be more careful. My mom is so beautiful. What if Uncle Jin wants to pursue her?”
Zhou Xiulin playfully tapped her nose. “You’re quite concerned about that.”
“That’s how they portray it in TV dramas.”
“Go to sleep now. Didn’t you say you want to see Duoduo early tomorrow morning?”
Little Bean Sprout closed her eyes. “Dad, I want a sister, a sister like Duoduo.”
Zhou Xiulin was in a good mood. “You’re not the only one who wants that. Dad wants it too.”
Encouraged by Little Bean Sprout, that night when Jiang Xiao returned home, Zhou Xiulin gathered his courage and teased her relentlessly. Jiang Xiao kindly reminded him, “We’re going to B City tomorrow morning…”
“Yeah, that works out well. I can catch up on sleep on the plane.”
Jiang Xiao realized that Zhou Xiulin might actually be jealous. “Take it easy, Mumu’s Dad.”
“Mumu’s Dad… Zhou Xiulin deeply felt that this address was very affable, but it stimulated him even more! He lifted her up, pressing her against the wall, his gaze locked onto her tightly. ‘Your son says you went on a date with handsome Uncle today.’
Jiang Xiao’s legs were wrapped around his waist, her back slightly chilly, and her excitement causing her to twitch. ‘We were discussing work!’
Zhou Xiulin pulled a smile, ‘Darling, is hot pot delicious for dinner tonight?’
‘Yes…’
‘I want to eat my baby too…’ He lowered his head and kissed the snowy white expanse on her chest.
Jiang Xiao took a deep breath, feeling like her whole body was bleeding. He’s really becoming more daring now! Her hands circled around his neck, thinking about how they still had to attend a meeting in City B tomorrow. She steeled her heart and spoke with a voice as gentle as water, ‘Husband, be careful with your waist!’
One seemingly well-intentioned sentence triggered an even fiercer battle.
Taking advantage of her flustered and infatuated state, his voice turned low and hoarse, ‘Xiao Xiao, what do you like about me?’
Jiang Xiao gritted her teeth and staunchly refused to answer!
Jiang Xiao’s three years of married life taught her that men and women are both two-faced. Zhou Xiulin appears genteel and handsome outside, but at home or in bed, he’s truly unrestrained!”
Unfortunately, Jiang Xiao is naturally a hard one to resist. As soon as you speak, she blushes and gets all embarrassed. She almost wants to pounce on you and playfully scratch you a bit, just like an agitated little wildcat!
Zhou Xiulin also knows that his marriage with Jiang Xiao started hastily, even a bit casually! Before the two of them could enjoy any private time together, their son completely took over the scene.
Their son clings to Jiang Xiao, and she’s quite devoted to her son as well.
He cunningly approached her step by step, getting closer to her. The little guy effortlessly seized her attention.
The little fellow is quite a performer. At the moment, not many other virtues have been discovered, but he excels at acting, especially at being pitiful and cute in front of his mom. Jiang Xiao, having grown up without a mother’s companionship, showered all her maternal love on the little sprout.
Sometimes Zhou Xiulin also wonders, in the beginning, it might have been possible for Jiang Xiao to be a single mother. Initially, Jiang Xiao didn’t believe in love or marriage. Over the past three years, he gradually challenged her limits and found it more intriguing than anything else.
The next morning, the couple went to the airport together.
Jiang Xiao remained silent throughout the journey. Zhou Xiulin took the initiative to be friendly, helping her with her luggage.
At the airport, Jiang Xiao still didn’t speak to him. She was exhausted and sore all over!
Jiang Qin came later in the evening, seeing the scene where Zhou was trying to appease her. He silently turned his head. Well, he’s still somewhat adjusting!
Zhou Xiulin bought a cup of hot milk tea for Jiang Xiao. “We’ve been staying in separate rooms for these three days.”
Jiang Xiao glared at him. He had the audacity to say that!
Zhou Xiulin comforted, “You can get some sleep on the plane later. When we arrive in City B, I’ll have someone get you some pain-relieving patches.”
Jiang Xiao really wanted to pounce and bite him!
Once on the plane, Zhou Xiulin naturally sat in first class. Jiang Xiao and Jiang Qin, as assistants, were required to sit in business class according to the company’s regulations.
Mr. Zhou made it clear to Mrs. Zhou that she should come to the first-class cabin, but Mrs. Zhou, true to her princely status, insisted on sitting only in the business class.
Jiang Xiao likes sitting by the window. She enjoys looking at the sky up close on the plane, as if in that moment, her heart also becomes expansive.
Jiang Qin quietly asked, “Madam, did you have an argument with Mr. Zhou?”
They didn’t have an argument, right? It’s just that they have differing opinions as a couple!
Jiang Qin smirked, “Mr. Zhou’s expression today was quite something.”
Jiang Xiao: “…”
Zhou Xiulin got up and made his way to the business class.
Jiang Qin immediately stood up, “Mr. Zhou?”
Zhou Xiulin spoke, “Assistant Jiang, let’s switch seats. Jiang Xiao and I have a script to discuss.”
Jiang Qin readily accepted, “Sure, then I won’t disturb your work.”
Jiang Xiao had never seen an assistant so unrelenting!
Zhou Xiulin sat down. He looked at her but didn’t say anything.
After a while, Jiang Xiao was the first to break the silence. She turned her head to look at him and asked seriously, “Mr. Zhou, what script do you want to discuss with me?”
Zhou Xiulin’s expression was somewhere between a smile and not, “Domestic trivial matters.” He leaned closer to her, extending a hand to her lower back, “Still hurting?” His voice floated to her ear.
Jiang Xiao quickly nudged him with her elbow, “Mr. Zhou, please remember this is a public place!”
Zhou Xiulin leaned in closer, near her ear, and whispered, “Mrs. Zhou, while working, please focus on maintaining your physical fitness.”
Jiang Xiao: “…”
Is it even possible to travel together anymore?!
Zhou Xiulin rarely has the chance to go on business trips with Jiang Xiao. This time, they were mainly going to City B for partnership discussions, and coincidentally, they were also in talks about casting for a few popular IPs.
Jiang Qin leaked this information to Jiang Xiao, who wanted to find good scripts for Qin Yilu and Yi Han. Naturally, she wasn’t willing to miss out on the opportunity.
And so, they had another chance for their private world.
Passengers slowly boarded the plane, with a few people arriving late.
Jiang Xiao absentmindedly looked ahead, when suddenly a figure entered her field of vision. Her gaze froze, and her expression changed.
Zhou Xiulin followed her gaze and saw Jin Shuyan. She had only one suitcase and a DSLR camera hanging over her shoulder, looking very casual.
The young lady had also booked a business class seat. As she searched for her seat, she happened to see Zhou Xiulin. In an instant, her already beautiful face lit up with a brilliant smile. “Brother Zhou—” her voice was cheerful.
Zhou Xiulin nodded, and he got up to help her store her luggage, displaying gentlemanly manners.
Jin Shuyan couldn’t contain her joy, “Dad went to City B yesterday, and I’m heading there today. What a coincidence—” then she looked towards Jiang Xiao. “Hello, Sister Jiang!”
Sister—
Jiang Xiao’s throat bobbed up and down, “Hello, Miss Jin.”
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For sure, Brother Jin is interested in Xiao Xiao. But it’s not possible she is already married.
And xiulin is a jar of vinegar. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Poor her, she really went for work
I think he is attracted to her. But the main reason he’s trying to get close to her is because he feels guilty because he knows who her mom is.
Humm… For sure knowing she is the daughter of my stepmother …. That change a lot of things. I can’t stop thinking that way before knowing who is she, he showed interest but not actively. Why he is still single…? I want to know more about Jin brother personal life story. Translator Nim, do the novel has bonus chapter ?
He will meet his wife soon. And he also has his own bonus chapter