Chapter 45: Returning Home

“Miss Jiang, can I have a drink with you?”

All eyes turned to Jiang Xingxing in unison.

Jiang Xingxing awkwardly swallowed the macaron in her mouth. With a small piece still left, she didn’t feel it was appropriate to keep eating, nor did she know where to dispose of it. Helplessly, she held it awkwardly in her hand.

Wouldn’t it have been fine just to politely decline Han Lina? Why did they have to suddenly draw attention to her?

A waiter walked by and filled Jiang Xingxing’s empty wine glass with white wine.

Shang Jie strode toward her with a confident gait.

Under the curious, envious, and faintly jealous gazes of the crowd, Jiang Xingxing began to feel the pressure mounting.

“Mr. Shang, long time no see.”

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G qlo tkazp yrrasynble bla, ralvldekdt vs nsxqsav bla.

“Nkdy, ol bye ds kely vblu jdlo lynb svbla.”

“Omynvzu. Ykpp Kkydt jdsokdt psxlsdl zkjl Ya. Fbydt—ds osdela pbl’p ps rsrwzya. Psd’v vyjl kv vs blyav.”

“Xb xu, Nkdy, uswa dspl zssjp y ckv nassjle.”

Han Lina blushed deeply, overwhelmed by shame, and covered her nose as she turned and fled the banquet hall.

Ignoring the surrounding stares, Shang Jie walked over and casually clinked glasses with Jiang Xingxing. “Long time no see.”

The way Shang Jie said those four words carried a hint of gritted teeth.

It truly had been a long time. After all, someone had been so busy with work that they were practically invisible, even choosing not to come home at all.

The people around resumed mingling, but their ears seemed to remain tuned in to the pair’s conversation. Jiang Xingxing, unwilling to give anyone a reason to suspect anything unusual, maintained her composure and asked politely, “What’s been keeping you busy lately, Mr. Shang?”

“Year-end summaries for the company, employee banquets, annual bonuses—every detail requires my attention.”

He spoke to her with genuine detail, far beyond the superficial small talk typical of such events. It was clear he was sincerely answering her question.

“You must be working hard, Mr. Shang. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.”

“I exercise daily. My health is excellent, and I’ve been working on strengthening my core. Thank you for your concern, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Xingxing’s earlobes turned bright red. “No need to thank me, Mr. Shang.”

“And what have you been busy with lately, Miss Jiang?”

“Advertising gigs and variety shows. I’ve also recently accepted a new film project.”

“Oh? What kind of film?”

Shang Jie showing interest in the recent activities of an actress was surprising to the onlookers, to say the least.

However, their conversation sounded completely normal—just casual chatter between friends.

To befriend someone like Shang Jie was no small feat. Not only did he famously keep his distance from women, but even business partners rarely managed to develop a personal connection with him.

Since he asked, Jiang Xingxing explained: “It’s a suspense drama set in a rural village. I play a woman who loses her child and searches everywhere, only to discover that her husband secretly swapped their child with another family’s. The story has an unexpected twist at the end.”

Shang Jie listened attentively and offered his thoughts. “Sounds intriguing. However, I have a small, humble suggestion—would you like to hear it?”

“Please, Mr. Shang.”

“You’ve built a strong foundation with younger audiences through Sweet Orange. In my opinion, you’d be better off continuing with a few more popular youth-focused dramas to solidify your fan base. Keep in mind that the main consumers of entertainment are still younger audiences—primarily Millennials and Gen Z. A serious drama like this might clash with your idol image, which is something to carefully consider.”

Jiang Xingxing was taken aback.

Her agent had said something similar, suggesting that now wasn’t the best time to take on such a rural-themed project. However, her agent hadn’t explained it as thoroughly. Shang Jie, on the other hand, broke it down in detail, making the reasoning clear.

Still, Jiang Xingxing had her own convictions. She wanted to challenge herself with new roles and make changes. That’s why, as soon as she got the script, she had eagerly agreed to take the part.

“Are you saying you don’t want me to take this film, Mr. Shang?”

“It’s your decision to make. I’m simply offering my humble opinion.”

Jiang Xingxing looked at him with gratitude. “Thank you.”

“Mhm.”

A mature man would never tell you what to do with your life. He would only share his perspective, leaving the decision in your hands.

This deeply moved Jiang Xingxing. From the moment he said, “I’m just offering my humble opinion,” she knew that regardless of whether this step was the right one, her choice in this man was undoubtedly correct.

As the conversation between the two seemed to wind down, a few men began to approach Shang Jie, hoping to seize the opportunity to build a connection.

Unexpectedly, the two didn’t part ways even after finishing their conversation.

Jiang Xingxing sat on a high stool eating cookies, while Shang Jie leaned casually against the bar, watching her with a warm smile, gentle laugh lines spreading from his eyes.

When Jiang Xingxing complained that macarons were too cloying, and she could barely swallow them, Shang Jie immediately humbled himself to fetch her a glass of warm water.

Everyone else felt like they were going blind from witnessing this scene. It was clear now—they really were… incredibly close friends!

Jiang Xingxing whispered to Shang Jie, “You’ve been by my side this whole time. No one else dares come over to talk to me.”

“Do you need anyone else to talk to when I’m here?” His tone was confident, as though holding half the entertainment industry’s resources made such a statement indisputable.

“Of course, I do,” Jiang Xingxing replied. “The company sent me here to expand my network and meet new people.”

Shang Jie chuckled and teased, “Even if I wasn’t around, do you think anyone dared to approach you just now?”

Jiang Xingxing: …

Fine, you win.

Anyway, everyone here wanted to know Shang Jie, but since he was only interested in her, she couldn’t really call it a loss.

Shang Jie decided not to intrude further. He clinked his glass against hers before leaving politely.

As soon as he left, Jiang Xingxing’s corner became lively. Celebrities and entertainment executives alike swarmed over, offering business cards and initiating conversation, all eager to forge a connection with her.

After all, being on such good terms with Shang Jie that they could have heart-to-heart talks was a rare and enviable position.

For years, Shang Jie had been like a tightly sealed egg—countless people tried to get to know him, but without someone to introduce them, they couldn’t find a single crack to slip through.

He had very few friends, and even those weren’t accessible to the general public. Now, with Jiang Xingxing serving as a visible “opening,” it was inevitable that her social circle would expand from overlooked to in-demand in no time.

Shang Jie wasn’t shy about affirming their relationship in conversations:

“I know Miss Jiang very well, though sometimes she doesn’t want to pay attention to me.”

“Jiang Xingxing’s acting as a leading actress is exceptional. I greatly admire her.”

“Of course, she’s my vision of Venus.”

“She’s shy, so don’t ask her too much.”

“No scandals? Because we’re honest and aboveboard.”

“I’d love to pursue her, but it seems she won’t give me the chance. She’s very career-driven.”
…

Perhaps it was the late hour or the influence of alcohol, but tonight, Shang Jie felt very different. Still elegant and composed, he lacked his usual coldness.

He was willing to discuss economics and stocks and equally open to chatting about romance and fleeting moments.

Tonight, Shang Jie seemed warmer and more approachable, his charm skyrocketing.

Outside, fireworks lit up the deep night sky as the chimes of midnight heralded the arrival of the new year.

Everyone gathered along the veranda, raising their glasses to welcome the coming year.

No one noticed that two people had disappeared from the banquet hall.

---

Under the moonlight, Shang Jie held Jiang Xingxing’s hand and led her quickly out of the hall.

They traversed a quiet, expansive European-style corridor with light steps, eventually arriving at the hotel’s rear garden entrance. A sleek black Rolls-Royce awaited at the roadside.

Jiang Xingxing felt both nervous and exhilarated, glancing around constantly. Everyone else was preoccupied celebrating the new year, leaving them unnoticed.

Shang Jie ushered Jiang Xingxing into the car and took a seat beside her.

Through the car window, fireworks bloomed across the starry night sky. Jiang Xingxing’s spirits soared with excitement as she suddenly wrapped her arms around Shang Jie’s neck.

“Happy New Year, darling!”

Shang Jie looked down at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. The warm banquet hall had left her fair cheeks tinged with blush, and her eyeshadow enhanced the mysterious allure of her gaze in the dim light.

Her dewy lips glistened like enticing jelly.

He reached out, gently wiping the corner of her lips with his fingertip, then tilted her chin upward to gaze deeply into her eyes, as though trying to etch her image into his memory.

Jiang Xingxing could feel the depth of his emotions through his burning gaze.

Most of the time, he was as steady and resolute as a mountain. His feelings ran deep, like a calm yet powerful river, providing warmth and a sense of security.

“Did you miss me?”

Jiang Xingxing countered, “Did you miss me?”

“I’ve been busy. No time to think about it,” Shang Jie replied, though the intensity and urgency of his kiss betrayed his words.

“I’ve been even busier. I didn’t have time either.”

Jiang Xingxing was slightly breathless as she spoke.

“Oh, so we’re a plastic couple now?”

“Yes… exactly.”

Before she could finish her sentence, Shang Jie’s hand slid to the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him.

“You…”

The shadow of the streetlamp cast a play of light and dark across his handsome face. He pulled a sly, meaningful smile that Jiang Xingxing immediately deciphered.

She laughed. “Mr. Shang, this behavior is highly improper.”

Shang Jie’s expression remained calm. “Miss Jiang seems even less restrained than I am.”

“Is that so?”

He leaned into her ear, his voice low and seductive, as he kissed her earlobe.

“Yes.”
　……

As the New Year’s chime rang, at Jiangcheng International Airport, a woman in a light beige wool coat walked out of the terminal, pulling a pink suitcase behind her.

The woman had a refined, mature style with delicate and youthful features. Her skin was impeccably maintained, glowing with a dewy radiance, and every item on her was a designer piece.

Outside the terminal, Shen Niannian spotted her cousin coming to pick her up.

“Niannian, I’ve been waiting so long for you to come back,” her cousin said, grabbing her hand as she approached. “It’s been years, and you’ve grown even more beautiful.”

Shen Niannian took off her sunglasses, forcing a faint smile as she gently pulled her hand back. At the same time, she nonchalantly took out a wet wipe from her bag and cleaned her hand.

“Cousin, thank you for coming to pick me up. I brought you some cosmetics; I’ll give them to you when we get home.”

“Oh, you even brought me gifts,” her cousin said with a wide grin. “There’s no need for that; we’re family. You’re my little sister, after all.”

Inwardly, Shen Niannian sneered. I have a real brother; who’s family with you, an outsider?

“Where’s my brother? Why didn’t he come to pick me up?”

Her cousin replied, “Your brother, Chuyan, is busy filming. I heard he recently took on a complex mystery series and has been completely engrossed in the script. I rarely even see him.”

At the mention of her brother, Shen Niannian’s face showed a hint of pride. “My brother’s an award-winning actor now. I see news about him all the time, even in America.”

Her cousin quickly agreed, “Of course! Shen Chuyan is famous all over the country. Everyone knows his name. But your father still doesn’t approve of him acting and is still against it.”

Not wanting to engage in family gossip with her cousin, Shen Niannian quickened her pace, heading straight out of the airport with her suitcase.

Her cousin eagerly took the luggage from her hands. “Let me carry this. You must be tired after such a long flight.”

Naturally, Shen Niannian didn’t refuse and handed over both her suitcase and bag without hesitation. If she wants to curry favor, carrying my things is the least she can do. After all, I am the rightful young lady of the Shen family.

As they stepped out of the terminal, an advertisement banner across the way began playing a fashion commercial. Shen Niannian suddenly froze.

The woman in the ad had a graceful figure, a serene and gentle smile, and a pair of almond-shaped eyes that exuded a uniquely comforting clarity.

Yet, at this moment, Shen Niannian felt no comfort at all. Instead, a wave of unease washed over her.

Her cousin noticed her staring at the advertisement and came over to explain enthusiastically, “You’ve been abroad for so long; you probably don’t know much about the stars here. This woman is a very popular actress right now. Her name is… Jiang Xingxing, I think. You see her ads everywhere. Hey, Niannian, now that I look closely, she kind of looks like you!”

Shen Niannian shot her cousin a glare. Her cousin immediately corrected herself, “Oh, no, what am I saying? She doesn’t hold a candle to you. She’s not even one-tenth, no, one-hundredth as pretty as you!”

Shen Niannian’s gaze fixated on the crescent-shaped scar on Jiang Xingxing’s forehead in the ad. With a blank expression, she said coldly, “She’s got a scar, and she still managed to debut as an actress?”

“Yes!” her cousin quickly echoed, sensing Shen Niannian’s dislike for the actress. “I don’t get it either. What’s wrong with people these days? First, it was all about those cookie-cutter influencer looks, and now they’re obsessed with this so-called ‘flawed beauty.’ Ugh, the entertainment industry changes its trends every other day.”

Shen Niannian withdrew her gaze and continued walking ahead, her face cold. Her cousin hurried to keep up.

“Oh, by the way,” her cousin said, trying to change the subject, “it’s been so many years since we last talked. I heard that the eldest son of the Shang family was ill. How is he? Is it serious?”

Her cousin nodded emphatically. “It’s quite serious. I heard he even went missing for a while recently, though he eventually came back on his own.”

“He… still doesn’t remember anything?”

Her cousin gave a sheepish laugh. “How would I know? But after what happened between you two back then, especially when you were so young, and he was so traumatized and fell ill… Those human traffickers—ugh! They should all be drawn and quartered!”

Shen Niannian shot her cousin a sharp glare. Realizing her mistake, her cousin slapped herself lightly on the mouth and plastered on a fawning smile. “Let’s not talk about unpleasant things. Niannian, are you staying for good this time?”

“Yes, I’m not leaving,” Shen Niannian replied as she climbed into the car. Her tone was casual. “It was exhausting living abroad. Everything I had to do, I had to rely on myself. Home is better, with servants to attend to me. Life is much more comfortable.”

“Niannian, I envy you so much,” her cousin said, full of flattery. “Born with a silver spoon in your mouth, the youngest in the family, with parents and a brother who adore you. You’re their precious jewel, truly born to enjoy a life of luxury.”

Shen Niannian stared out at the dense night, her mind drifting back to the image of the scar on the woman’s forehead in the ad.

“Yes,” she said, her voice slightly hoarse, a cold smile curling her lips. “In this world, people’s fates are sealed the moment they’re born.”

---

Sansukini: Please watch out for my new novel tomorrow and on Tuesday. Tomorrow, Monday, will be the first chapter of The Second Year after Marriage. Spoiler: The first few chapters will be really sad because the author will not just gloss over the cheating, but will include some nuances to justify the next actions of the FL. It’s not a revenge novel, but more of a healing one. And very romantic, as well. The ML is very doting and there are no misunderstandings on the whole novel. The FL did not stay sad for too long because she has her family, friend and ML’s support. And I really like the FL. She’s virtuous but clear-minded. And especially, she’s determined, but not too stubborn.

The Second Year After Marriage

In the second year of her marriage, Wen Yang discovered that Cheng Yanyu was having an affair with a woman two years older than him. This woman was elegant, intelligent, and had guided him in business, helping him succeed. They shared everything, with nothing left unspoken between them.

She was poised, respectful of boundaries, and never demanded attention or favor, yet Cheng Yanyu was madly in love with her, treating her as his ideal, wanting to present the world to her feet.

Meanwhile, from the moment Wen yang discovered the affair and investigated, she felt utterly defeated. Cheng Yanyu’s eyes were now filled only with the other woman.

Wen Yang had assumed this woman was simply someone interfering with her marriage. To her surprise, the woman was already married, and her husband was an incredibly wealthy and attractive man.

To address her marriage, Wen Yang reached out to the woman’s husband, Fu Xingzhou.

1. The male lead is Fu Xingzhou.
2. An intense and emotionally charged narrative.
3. A story of mature adults, with the development between the main leads occurring after divorce.

Translator’s Note: After discovering her husband cheating on her with a married woman, Wen Yang reached out to the mistress’ husband to discuss their spouse’s affairs. This is a story about a housewife’s growth after divorce and how she was able to move on and be happy with the help of her friends, her new career and new love. It’s a bit angsty at first, but the story progresses happily and ends on a happy note. The second husband is doting. The cheating spouses gets their face slaps.

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