Chapter 32

That night, Zhao Pingjin didn’t come back.

Xi Tang woke up in the morning and returned to the set to continue filming.

The next day, Ni Kailun came to the hotel, bringing a stack of contracts and documents.

After finishing filming, Xi Tang sat in the hotel, signing one contract after another until her hand grew sore. “So much work?”

Ni Kailun quietly said, “Wu Zhenzhen is getting married, and the company wants to promote you to the front line.”

Xi Tang was shocked. “Why is she suddenly getting married?”

Assistant Xiao Ning peeked inside from the door.

Ni Kailun hushed her. “A wealthy businessman from Beijing, his requirements were extremely high, but he finally agreed to marry her. Wu Zhenzhen is really going all in. She says she won’t act after the marriage.”

Xi Tang nodded. “If that’s what she wants, then as long as she’s happy.”

Ni Kailun continued, “The wedding invitations are said to be sent out in the next couple of days. Only you, me, and Xin Hui among the female colleagues of the company have been invited.”

In the drama, at the Jin family’s grand mansion, Xi Tang gazed out from the courtyard at Beijing’s bright early winter, the rare transparent blue of the sky, the red carved eaves of the roof, and a bird perched on a green glazed tile.

Wu Zhenzhen’s wedding invitation had already been delivered, the golden embossed letters fresh and celebratory. Another successful actress was tying the knot. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, it was a new beginning.

Since the night of his birthday, Zhao Pingjin had been missing.

Xi Tang had called him twice, but he didn’t answer.

Later, she simply turned off her phone, feeling ashamed of herself.

The weather had been good these past few days, with the bright sun. The filming schedule was tight, and everyone worked day and night, aiming to finish the preliminary filming by December.

Yin Nan, who had recently joined the cast, was smoking in his dressing room when he saw her pass by and called out, “Xi Ye, come in. Want some of this?”

Xi Tang smiled and pushed the door open, walking in.

Yin Nan had just joined the set. His earlier scenes were few, and some of his later scenes, where the big actress had to perform a Beijing opera, were scheduled for later filming. So, amidst the exhausted faces of those who had been working non-stop for over a month, seeing such a vibrant face made Xi Tang’s heart stir. Today, Yin Nan wore a silver-gray vest from his character’s costume, with makeup on, his handsome face looking stunning. He had one leg propped up on the couch, smoking, while a few other actors from the crew gathered in his room, chatting, drinking tea, and smoking. Xi Tang sat down, and someone offered her a cigarette.

She collapsed on the couch, not needing to speak. There were plenty of strange people in the crew. Her fingers slid through the photos in her phone’s album.

She glanced at one photo.

Took a puff.

The smoke swirled, stinging her eyes a little. For a moment, she thought he still loved her.

How foolish. Ni Kailun was right; she should have woken up long ago.

Xi Tang began to lose weight.

In the drama, the eldest princess, who fell in love with the musician Dong Ge, was originally a poor hospital worker living in the southern city. When the princess needed a violinist for a charity performance in Beiping, she invited him into the Jin family’s house. Unexpectedly, the two fell in love, and rumors spread. The princess was initially engaged to the third son of the Beiping police commissioner, but as the wedding was imminent, Dong Ge suddenly disappeared in the middle of the night, leaving no trace. The princess seemed to lose her soul and went on to marry into the Song family. On her wedding day, she still asked if Mr. Dong had come.

Director Feng Jiashu was very pleased with Xi Tang’s performance recently, especially a scene where Old Seven Shunquan accompanied the eldest princess to the southern city. The bleak winter sky, the desolate garden, and an old crow perched on the only leafless jujube tree. Dust blew in her face as she stumbled and sat on the dirty steps. Her beautiful yet sorrowful face, her large eyes staring fixedly at the camera, seemed empty... At that moment, sitting behind the monitor, Director Feng Jiashu was stunned and even forgot to call “cut.”

On Thursday evening, Ni Kailun arrived in Beijing to handle the public relations for Wu Zhenzhen’s wedding.

As soon as Ni Kailun saw her, he said, “You’ve lost weight.”

Xi Tang casually replied, “I’ve gotten more into character.”

Ni Kailun comfortingly touched her face. “That’s a good thing. The bird’s nest I brought for you last week—let Xiao Ning make a cup for you every day.”

Xiao Ning took the jewelry that Ni Kailun had brought and, a bit excited, asked, “Sister Xi Tang, should I go?”

Xi Tang replied, “It’s going to get colder. Do you want to go?”

Xiao Ning looked expectantly at her. “Can I get in?”

Xi Tang said, “You can’t.”

Xiao Ning pouted. “Miss Ni told me to wait outside.”

Late on Friday night, Beijing experienced a strong wind and a significant drop in temperature, with the mercury falling more than ten degrees. The dust filled the air, stinging eyes and making it hard to see. The next day, the crew moved the outdoor scenes to the flower hall and rearranged the shooting schedule to film indoors.

From the start of the “Cold Dew” period to the “Frost’s Descent” period, an entire season had passed.

Xi Tang finished filming in the evening and returned to the city with her assistant, Xiao Ning. They entered the hotel room where Ni Kailun was staying.

She had slept for a while in the car on the way back to the city, and when she woke up, there was a missed call on her phone.

Xi Tang checked her phone and saw that it was Zhao Pingjin’s number. She glanced at it and then put the phone down. She went into the hotel room to remove her makeup and take a shower. A while later, the makeup artist knocked and entered the room. Xiao Ning was outside, whispering, asking if the dress needed to be ironed again.

Tonight was Wu Zhenzhen’s wedding.

Xi Tang came out in a gown. She had lost some weight recently and could wear a gown with ease. She wore a nude-colored strapless dress with sequin decorations. Xiao Ning carefully helped her put on an expensive diamond necklace that had been borrowed, then looked at her in the mirror and sincerely said, “Sister Xi Tang, you look really beautiful!”

Xi Tang felt a chill on her shoulders and quickly grabbed the remote to turn up the heat in the room, put on her coat, and began her makeup.

When she went downstairs with her assistant and makeup artist, Ni Kailun was waiting for her in the lobby.

Xi Tang found it a bit strange when she saw her. “Aren’t you going to the event?”

Ni Kailun nodded. “I’m here to take you there.”

Xi Tang smiled at her. “Such an honor?”

Ni Kailun lifted her bag. “Who has time to worry about housewives? You’re the company’s cash cow now.”

Xi Tang secretly rolled her eyes. “Do you have to be so blunt?”

The two of them laughed and linked arms as they walked out of the hotel.

Just as they reached the lobby door, a tall, handsome man approached, dressed in a gray long coat, with the white collar of his shirt visible, a dark red silk patterned tie, and a regal face that looked as cold as the winter.

Ni Kailun was startled, grabbing Xi Tang’s arm. “What’s he here for?”

Zhao Pingjin walked in, looked at Xi Tang for a second, then paused for two seconds, frowned, and said, “It’s cold outside. Put on your coat.”

Xiao Ning quickly draped the coat over her.

Zhao Pingjin nodded politely at Ni Kailun. “Miss Ni.”

Ni Kailun forced a smile. “Mr. Zhao, what brings you here?”

Zhao Pingjin spoke to Xi Tang, “Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

Xi Tang was also surprised. “How did you know I was here?”

Zhao Pingjin replied impatiently, “Why wouldn’t I know you’re here? The filming schedule has been delayed over and over, and the director is just burning through money. The financial report I received from the investor’s agent is a complete mess.”

Xi Tang rolled her eyes inwardly. What did this have to do with her? Was he still hoping to make money back from all the investments he made in female stars’ films these years? Truly shameless capitalists.

Zhao Pingjin moved closer to her, lowered his head slightly, and gave a faint smile. “Are you cursing me in your heart?”

Xi Tang looked up at his fair and handsome face, with a slight shadow under his eyes. She smiled at him, “Of course not. I think about how great you are every day while filming. I wish you a long life so you can invest more money in our projects.”

When it came to feigning cheerfulness, Xi Tang had learned a thing or two. Zhao Pingjin furrowed his brow. “Don’t try to use the same tricks you use with other men on me.”

Zhao Pingjin turned to Ni Kailun. “I’ll take her there.”

Ni Kailun asked, “Mr. Zhao, are you also attending Zhenzhen’s wedding?”

Zhao Pingjin nodded. “The company has business dealings with the groom’s family.”

Ni Kailun smiled. “When will it be your turn to host a wedding?”

Zhao Pingjin’s expression darkened instantly.

Xi Tang glared at Ni Kailun.

Ni Kailun raised her hands. “Alright, alright, you little ingrate. I’m unnecessary, but soon enough, you’ll come crying to me.”

She swiftly turned and walked away in her high heels.

Zhao Pingjin’s car was parked outside, so Xi Tang had no choice but to get in.

As Zhao Pingjin drove away from the hotel’s parking lot and onto the main road, he casually started a conversation. “How’s the filming going?”

“It’s going well.”

“I’ve been busy lately.”

Xi Tang silently sneered to herself, probably busy accompanying his fiancée.

But she still kept a sweet smile on her face. “Yes, I’m quite busy too. We’re at the most intense part of filming right now.”

“You look beautiful in this.”

“Ah, thank you.”

They chatted all the way to the hotel. Wu Zhenzhen’s wedding was a major event, with nearly half of the entertainment industry invited. The groom’s family was a well-known business family in Beijing, famous and influential. With the help of a professional PR company, the wedding had become a hot topic for several days, and tonight was the grand finale. The hotel had already cleared a large area and laid out a red carpet. The media was swarming, and fans had rushed in from all directions. It was set to be the grandest wedding of the year.

Cars were lined up outside the hotel, waiting to be directed in for the wedding reception.

Ni Kailun had arrived earlier than them and didn’t have to go through the media area. She parked her car early and walked over. She glanced at the car and asked, “Isn’t your assistant coming?”

Xi Tang replied, “She can’t get in. I told her to wait outside.”

Ni Kailun’s face darkened. “One day, your soft-heartedness will get you into trouble.”

Ni Kailun looked her up and down, then shot a glance at Zhao Pingjin with irritation. “Do you want to be on camera? Don’t make West Tang’s scenes all get cut tomorrow.”

Zhao Pingjin replied calmly, “It won’t happen.”

She no longer paid attention to them, turning and walking away. “Do as you like.”

Xi Tang took off her coat, and the doorman opened the car door for her.

Zhao Pingjin stepped forward, holding her coat, and politely extended his hand. Xi Tang placed her hand on his arm, and they slowly walked down the red carpet together.

The lights in the media area immediately started flashing.

Ni Kailun had already moved aside, standing by the barricade in the media area, silently watching the radiant pair as they walked slowly down the hotel corridor.

Among the onlookers, some fans shouted Xi Tang’s name.

Xi Tang turned her head at the sound, giving a gentle smile. Her smile today was especially bright.

Ni Kailun frowned inwardly. Although she disliked Zhao Pingjin, she had to admit that this man had an unparalleled, stunning appearance. His reserved and aloof demeanor surpassed any male celebrity. Standing next to him, Xi Tang, even in high heels, barely reached his earlobe. The usually tough and unyielding Xi Tang, who could not be easily swayed, seemed to soften as soon as she stood by Zhao Pingjin. She looked delicate and graceful, and her pale pink gown complemented his light gray coat, creating a warm and gentle atmosphere in the cold Beijing winter. Despite the two of them radiating such beauty, their expressions remained cool and distant, truly an exquisite sight.

Ni Kailun secretly worried. Once Xi Tang got involved with Zhao Pingjin, there would be no good outcome.

Xi Tang slowed her pace, constantly adjusting her direction in response to the calls, smiling graciously and waving.

Zhao Pingjin continued to hold her arm with gentlemanly composure, a barely perceptible smile at the corner of his lips. “Quite the star, huh? Really commanding attention.”

Xi Tang whispered, “Can you pull my hand a little? I’m frozen, I can hardly walk.”

Zhao Pingjin applied a little pressure, lifting her up subtly and lowered his voice. “Serves you right, freezing to death.”