MY - 4

The rain was getting heavier.

Someone got out of the passenger seat. Jiang Xi looked up. A man in a suit with gold-rimmed glasses walked towards her, holding a black umbrella.

Jiang Xi apologized, “I’m sorry, I scratched your car.”

The man had a gentle appearance, impeccably dressed in his suit. After inspecting the side of the car, he looked at Jiang Xi: “The full responsibility isn’t yours; the child ran into the road without looking.”

Jiang Xi was a little surprised.

Logically, most people wouldn’t have this attitude in such a situation. Even if this accident was caused by a child running into the road without looking, usually in such disputes, the other party wouldn’t admit it, but would insist it was the other person’s fault to seek maximum compensation.

But the person in front of her didn’t.

Noticing Jiang Xi’s confusion, Qin Jin continued: “But you do bear some responsibility, so we still need to negotiate compensation.”

This was how a businessman should act. Jiang Xi was not unreasonable; she wouldn’t evade responsibility if it was hers.

She nodded: “Okay.”

Jiang Xi might not have remembered Qin Jin, but Qin Jin would certainly remember her.

They had met before at the Via Hotel, in front of the elevator. At that time, Jiang Xi returned to the hotel near midnight, and Lu Nandu had arranged for him to follow her car to the hotel. As for why Mr. Lu recognized her at the time but pretended not to, Qin Jin didn’t know.

Qin Jin was smart and handled matters with discretion. His words not only pleased Lu Nandu but also kept Jiang Xi from suspecting anything.

By not making Jiang Xi fully responsible, Lu Nandu was satisfied with his handling. And by making Jiang Xi partly responsible, it not only prevented her from suspecting anything but also created an opportunity for Mr. Lu to interact with her.

It was perfectly watertight.

Jiang Xi agreed to negotiate the compensation. Qin Jin said, “As for the compensation standard, we need to first get our President’s opinion.”

Only then did Jiang Xi realize there was someone else in the car. She instinctively glanced at the rear window, which was tightly closed, concealing the person’s face.

Jiang Xi averted her gaze and nodded.

Qin Jin nodded in acknowledgment, then turned and walked to the back of the car.

Raindrops pelted the umbrella. A few drops splashed on Jiang Xi’s face. She watched as the Maybach’s rear window lowered halfway.

Through the heavy rain curtain, only the man’s brows and eyes were visible, his outline blurred.

From this angle, she could see Qin Jin saying a few words to the person inside, then nodding after receiving a reply.

The man’s car window rolled up.

Jiang Xi retracted her gaze.

Qin Jin soon returned. Even on a rainy day, the man’s demeanor remained impeccable: “May I ask your name?”

Jiang Xi: “My surname is Jiang.”

“Miss Jiang, our President has other commitments shortly, and the rain is quite heavy right now, so we won’t take up your time,” Qin Jin said, “If it’s convenient, please leave your phone number.”

The other party’s attitude was excellent throughout, and besides, Jiang Xi had scratched a Maybach, not an ordinary car. She nodded cooperatively: “Alright.”

Jiang Xi left her phone number.

Only after the other car drove away did Jiang Xi start her own car.

Normally, cars scraping each other wouldn’t be a pleasant experience, but the other party’s handling of the situation left Jiang Xi’s mood completely unaffected.

She didn’t linger and drove away.

________________________________________

The next morning, Jiang Xi began packing, pulling out her suitcase and spreading it open in the living room.

She sat on the sofa, texting to confirm some details with the crew’s representative.

An artist’s job was unlike ordinary work; there was no fixed workplace. They often traveled between several locations within days, sometimes even taking two flights in a single day, busy from dawn till dusk.

After confirming with the representative, Jiang Xi tossed her phone aside.

This trip would only be for a few days, not long. Jiang Xi got up and went to the bedroom closet, tossing a few outfits into her suitcase.

Later, as she was almost finished packing, she searched for a long time but couldn’t find her ID card.

Jiang Xi called Ji Yuanzhou. The last time she went out with Ji Yuanzhou, her clothes had no pockets, so her ID was with Ji Yuanzhou.

Ji Yuanzhou was probably busy; she hung up the call, and soon a text message came back.

• In a meeting, what’s up?

Jiang Xi asked if her ID card was with her.

Ji Yuanzhou replied quickly as usual, his replies exceptionally concise during a meeting.

• In your bedroom nightstand drawer.

Only then did Jiang Xi remember that Ji Yuanzhou had stayed over at her place after drinking that night, and he must have casually put it in her drawer for her.

She put down her phone and went to the bedroom. Not knowing which drawer Ji Yuanzhou had put it in, she pulled open the top one.

Sure enough, Ji Yuanzhou had placed it in the top drawer. Jiang Xi took out her ID card, her gaze falling on a stack of papers underneath, and her expression changed.

Sketches.

Drawings she had made in her free time or for practice, all piled together.

The old Jiang Xi used to study painting.

She hadn’t opened this drawer for so long that she had forgotten what was inside.

Jiang Xi closed the drawer, thinking of something. She sat down on the floor. It was autumn, and the tiled floor was cool.

After a moment of calm, Jiang Xi realized her fingertips were cold. Her expression had already returned to normal as she calmly glanced at the drawer.

A few seconds later, she got up from the floor and left the bedroom.

________________________________________

The flight was at 5 PM. Yesterday was a day of strong winds and heavy rain, but today was a bright, sunny day. Jiang Xi boarded the plane smoothly.

It was already late when they landed. Sparse stars dotted the night sky. After getting off the plane, she checked her phone and saw a text message from her family.

• Xiaoxi, when are you coming back? Auntie hasn’t seen you in ages.

Jiang Xi’s mother passed away early, and after her father remarried, they had little contact, leaving her and her younger brother, Jiang Chi, to rely on each other. Fortunately, her brother was sensible, though a bit mischievous, he never caused her trouble.

At that time, Jiang Xi and Jiang Chi were young, and their next-door neighbors, the Xia couple, took great care of them. They were practically raised by them from childhood, making Jiang Xi and Jiang Chi their adopted children.

Jiang Xi smiled when she saw the message from Xia Xinyan while waiting for her luggage.

It was 11 PM now, so her elders were probably asleep. Jiang Xi didn’t call to disturb them, sending a voice message instead: “Just landed, filming these few days, will be back in a few days.”

After that, she sent another one: “You should take good care of your own health too.”

Soon, her luggage arrived. Jiang Xi put away her phone, took her luggage, and hailed a taxi to leave the airport.

________________________________________

Jiang Xi had been waking up early for filming for several consecutive days, getting up at four or five in the morning to change and do makeup. Ancient makeup and hairstyles were more complex, usually requiring stylists and makeup artists to work for over two hours.

The script had a lot of new content, but Jiang Xi, being a supporting role, didn’t have many lines. Most of the time, it was the main character’s scene.

Today was the last day of filming. They finished smoothly at noon, which was lunch time, and the crew suggested having a meal together.

Jiang Xi wasn’t keen on such gatherings, so she declined the invitation, citing her need to catch a flight.

Her flight was in the early afternoon, a little after 2 PM. Jiang Xi waited at the airport for half an hour before boarding for a direct flight to her hometown city.

The plane landed in the evening. As soon as Jiang Xi disembarked, she was met with a rush of moist air.

It was a coastal city with humid air and banyan trees everywhere. Jiang Xi had grown up in this southern city; it wasn’t as prosperous as Beijing, but its slower pace of life made it a great place for a vacation.

Jiang Xi took a taxi from the airport. She hadn’t told Xia Xinyan she was coming back tonight, so Xia Xinyan wouldn’t spend the whole day waiting for her.

The streets were shaded by lush trees, shops were crowded, and green taxis drove past. Jiang Xi got off at an intersection.

The residential area was filled with small villas. Jiang Xi pulled her suitcase home.

From a distance, she saw the Xia family’s lights on. Jiang Xi and her brother Jiang Chi both worked out of town and weren’t often home, so the Jiang family’s house next door was dark.

Jiang Xi pushed open the Xia family’s courtyard gate. The yard was filled with various flowers and plants.

The residents here were different from those in typical neighborhoods; their front doors were usually left open during the day. Jiang Xi entered, “Auntie Xin.”

Inside, Xia Xinyan was putting away bowls and chopsticks, preparing dinner. Hearing the sound, she put down the dishes and came out of the dining room.

Seeing Jiang Xi, Xia Xinyan was delighted: “Xiaoxi, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?”

Xia Xinyan reached for her suitcase: “Quick, come in and eat.”

Jiang Xi avoided her hand: “I can carry it myself; it’s not heavy.”

“Just put it aside for now. We’ll talk after dinner. Are you hungry?”

“I’m alright,” Jiang Xi pushed the suitcase against the wall, “What’s for dinner?”

“Just a few home-cooked dishes. You, child, didn’t even tell me you were coming back, so I could prepare what you like.”

Jiang Xi smiled: “It’s fine, I’m not picky.”

There was still soup simmering in the kitchen. Xia Xinyan almost forgot: “I’ll go get the soup. You quickly wash your hands and get ready to eat.”

After washing her hands, Jiang Xi entered the dining room. Seeing only two bowls of rice on the table, she asked, “Where’s my uncle?”

Xia Xinyan took off her apron: “Your uncle is working overtime tonight, not coming back for dinner.”

Jiang Xi sat down opposite Xia Xinyan, who placed a chicken leg on her plate: “Eat more meat. Look how thin you’ve become.”

Jiang Xi naturally didn’t gain weight easily, so after becoming an artist, she didn’t really need to control her diet. She ate as usual, though sometimes her appetite wasn’t good.

Jiang Xi: “Haven’t I always been like this?”

“Before it was just right, now you’re too thin,” Xia Xinyan said, “Your job is too tiring. Flying around every day with no free time, and...”

Xia Xinyan stopped speaking, as if remembering something.

Jiang Xi knew what she wanted to say and comforted her: “I’m very healthy now; there’s nothing wrong.”

Xia Xinyan picked up another piece of meat with her chopsticks and put it into Jiang Xi’s bowl: “It’s best if nothing is wrong. Eat well and sleep well every day. Now that you’ve all grown up and gone out, Auntie can’t take care of you, and you don’t come back often.”

Jiang Xi comforted her: “But I’m back now, aren’t I?”

Xia Xinyan smiled: “Yes, it’s good that you can come back. Last weekend, Jiang Chi and Xia Zhen also made time to come home, but their companies are busy, so they only stayed for two days before going back.”

Xia Xinyan had a daughter, a few years younger than Jiang Xi. The girl was pretty and well-behaved, and also Jiang Xi’s brother Jiang Chi’s girlfriend, childhood sweethearts.

At the time, when the whole family knew they were together, they even said, “keeping the good stuff in the family.”

“You’re all so busy. Jiang Chi and Xia Zhen’s companies are busy, and your work is busy too,” Xia Xinyan said, “When you should rest, pay attention to resting. Only when you’re well-rested can you gain some weight.”

Jiang Xi smiled: “Got it.”

________________________________________

In the evening, Jiang Xi accompanied Xia Xinyan watching TV in the living room. Xia Xinyan was happy to have her back and talked with her all night.

It wasn’t until the next day that Xia Xinyan remembered to ask Jiang Xi about a serious matter: “Are you dating anyone recently?”

The autumn morning air was cool. Jiang Xi watered flowers with a watering can.

She was wearing a light dress, squatting on the ground with her skirt trailing, slowly watering the flowers: “You know I’m busy; how would I have time to date?”

“Busy is busy, but you’re twenty-seven this year. You should start thinking about your future.”

Jiang Xi had been urged to marry quite a bit in the past two years and knew Xia Xinyan meant well. She smiled: “No hurry.”

“Why no hurry? Before marriage, you need to spend time to see if you’re compatible. Now is the perfect time to find someone and still have time to get to know them.”

Jiang Xi smiled, saying nothing.

Xia Xinyan said: “It’s good to have a companion when you’re old.”

“Why are you thinking so far ahead?” Jiang Xi said, “It’s not like I’m not getting married.”

Hearing this, Xia Xinyan asked: “Then, Auntie, can I put out some feelers for you? Someone came to the house just a few days ago asking about you.”

Saying this, she had already risen and gone inside: “I’ll go see if they left a phone number.”

Jiang Xi saw her so happy and didn’t want to spoil her mood, so she let her be.

She thought she could stay home longer this time, but before she even had lunch, she received a call from Tong Yun, telling her to return.

Though Xia Xinyan was reluctant, she didn’t delay Jiang Xi’s work. After having lunch, she let her leave.

________________________________________

Jiang Xi arrived in Beijing in the evening. After getting off the plane, she received a text message from Tong Yun, sent two hours earlier.

• Yazhuan Pavilion, 58 Nanling Street, be there at 9 PM sharp.

Tong Yun hadn’t told her what it was about before asking her to return. Now, looking at the message, Jiang Xi understood her intention at a glance.

Tong Yun wanted to bring her to a social engagement.

In the past, Jiang Xi would always refuse such engagements and wouldn’t agree. Tong Yun probably knew her temperament, as another text message immediately followed.

• Tonight’s dinner concerns your resources. If you want no resources next year, you can choose not to come.

As a manager, Tong Yun was always assertive, and Jiang Xi knew she always kept her word.

Since she was still in this industry, she couldn’t afford to lose her job.

Jiang Xi checked the time; it was seven o’clock, enough time. She put away her phone and hailed a taxi home.

After returning home and putting away her luggage, Jiang Xi took a quick shower, changed clothes, and left. She arrived at Nanling Street exactly at nine.

Tong Yun hadn’t called her, perhaps betting that she would come.

Yazhuan Pavilion had traditional Chinese decor, with carved windows and solid wood beams, brightly lit. Two servers greeted guests at the entrance.

Jiang Xi got out of the taxi and pulled out her phone to call Tong Yun.

The phone rang twice before Tong Yun answered, asking: “Have you arrived?”

“Yes, what’s the room number?”

“Fifth floor, room fifteen.”

Jiang Xi hung up.

The server at the entrance led Jiang Xi to private room number fifteen. Jiang Xi thanked him.

The private room door was ajar, leaving a half-finger-wide gap. Inside, greetings never ceased, filled with flattery and subservience.

Jiang Xi could imagine the scene inside even before entering. Her face was expressionless. She lowered her eyes, then raised them again, pushing the door open and entering.

The atmosphere in the private room was heated. Not many people noticed her entering. Jiang Xi casually looked up and saw Lu Nandu sitting directly opposite the door.

The man was impeccably dressed in a suit, noble and self-possessed, completely out of place with the murky atmosphere in the private room.

Lu Nandu was the center of attention, with many trying to establish connections with him, talking to him. He looked up.

The two saw each other for no more than a second. Lu Nandu’s expression was as usual, and Jiang Xi was also calm.

Jiang Xi was the first to look away. Tong Yun had saved her a seat. She walked in, pulled out the chair, and sat down.

Jiang Xi was beautiful, and some people who hadn’t noticed her entrance now turned their gaze towards her.

Seeing everyone looking, Tong Yun introduced: “Let me introduce everyone, this is Jiang Xi, an artist under me.”

Most of those at the table were powerful and influential. With many eyes on her, Jiang Xi politely nodded.

Someone cheered for a drink. The table was filled with loud chatter, glasses clinking.

Tong Yun didn’t look at Jiang Xi, telling her: “To your left is CEO Chen, General Manager of Jintang Film and Television Company.”

She then introduced the identities of several other people at the table. Jiang Xi glanced around but didn’t remember any faces.

Except for Lu Nandu.

She didn’t look at Lu Nandu, retracting her gaze, and said coldly: “You know I can’t remember.”

Tong Yun still didn’t look at her, wiping her hands with a napkin: “You’ll remember after seeing them a few more times.”

She put down her napkin, ignoring Jiang Xi’s reluctance: “The one at the head of the table is CEO Lu, President of Huahong Group. You’ve probably heard of him recently.”

After all, this young master of the Lu family had caused huge waves in the business world upon his return to the country, with methods even more formidable than his grandfather, Lu Jinghong; a truly formidable young talent.

Jiang Xi had heard bits and pieces about these matters; they were all over the internet.

Not only in the business world, but there was also much discussion in other circles, though the focus was different. Lu Nandu’s appearance and capabilities were among the points of interest.

Tong Yun: “I brought you here tonight to make you familiar with everyone, but it’s not easy to meet CEO Lu. Go over and say hello later.”