Unhappiness
The summer sky was always dazzlingly blue.
The time Cheng Jiqing and the Yixin agent had agreed on was one in the afternoon; she arrived ten minutes early.
Who knew that when she reached the coffee shop, the other person had arrived even earlier.
After receiving the business card, Cheng Jiqing had looked her up. Ada was 35 this year. She had entered the industry early and was a relatively well-known agent in the circle, famous for her rigorous work style and for protecting her artists.
Cheng Jiqing was someone who cared about details; details always made people feel valued.
Arriving early, Ada had given her a very good impression.
She had investigated Yixin before and knew it was a new company; above the agency, there was also a film and television company.
Several large groups had invested in it, including XM.
However, she hadn’t paid too much attention to this point, because generally, film and television companies would have several large companies as shareholders, just like Cheng Corporation also had investments in several film and television companies.
To put it bluntly, any slightly profitable entity with some strength would be ‘taken care of’ by capitalists.
Ada was also sizing up Cheng Jiqing. When she saw her at the film and television base, she hadn’t seen her act, only been stunned by her aura.
Her impression of Cheng Jiqing from their brief chat at that time was also good. What was unexpected was that Cheng Jiqing hadn’t immediately accepted her invitation.
Actually, before Zhou Yushu’s guest had greeted her, she had sent Cheng Jiqing a message, preparing to understand her in more detail.
But the person replied that she was still considering, and she had felt it was a pity. But in the end, Cheng Jiqing did contact her.
A pretty good thing.
But after entering the top floor of XM, she became more cautious. Acting, or entering the entertainment circle, was an industry that required strict self-discipline. It was obvious that Cheng Jiqing and that person from yesterday had a close relationship; she worried Cheng Jiqing wouldn’t be able to manage it and would instead cause trouble for her.
But there was no way around it; she was also just an employee.
“Miss Cheng, if you have any requests, feel free to bring them up. Let’s be frank with each other, so we both have a clear idea,” Ada smiled. “Young ladies should quite like fruit juice. I took the liberty of ordering a glass of orange juice. If you don’t like it, we can change it.”
Cheng Jiqing paused, then smiled, “What a coincidence, it happens to be my favorite. Thank you, Ada.”
Ada: “That’s good then.”
How could it be a coincidence? It was specially mentioned by that beautiful young lady yesterday.
Warm sunlight shone through the glass window. Cheng Jiqing patiently listened to Ada’s introduction and requirements, including the need for professional training and adherence to company arrangements.
Finally, the main point was addressed.
“Regarding the artist’s private life, I wonder if you currently have a boyfriend or girlfriend? This is very important, and I hope you can tell me truthfully.”
“Speaking of which, I have a girlfriend.” Cheng Jiqing’s features were exquisite and clean, her expression slightly serious.
“I can meet all the previous requirements. The only thing I hope for is no bundled CPs1 or hype.”
Ada paused, remembering that stunning face, while sizing her up: “Is your girlfriend in the industry?”
“No, you can rest assured on this point.”
Ada said: “To be honest, I can’t guarantee this.”
“I can only say that after signing the contract, if such a thing happens in the future, I will try my best to control it on my end,” Ada said.
Cheng Jiqing understood that when a work was released, it wasn’t just their team that had a say. But she had to say it, at least so the company knew her bottom line.
Cheng Jiqing took a sip of orange juice. It was sweeter than last night’s, without any sourness.
For some reason, she suddenly thought—if Bai Xin were here, she could let her try it.
Cheng Jiqing hadn’t expected the contract signing process to be so smooth. Ada was almost responsive to every request, although she didn’t have many requirements herself.
What surprised her even more was—Ada would personally manage her.
Generally, for a newcomer like her, the company would assign a new assistant. Someone with Ada’s seniority wouldn’t personally take charge.
Even in the real world, the agent who had taken a fancy to her at first glance only came back to manage her after she became famous.
Including the audition for 《Cat and Mint》, Ada also said she respected her wishes.
Because it was too smooth, Cheng Jiqing carefully read the contract several times, afraid of suffering from carelessness again.
“You’re a newcomer, so you won’t have an assistant for the time being. Before the open audition, you’ll need to attend training courses yourself. Once you’re on the right track, I’ll officially take charge of you. Of course, all future resources will depend on your own abilities. I’m a very fair person; if you’re not good enough, I won’t force-promote you. So Chengcheng… I can call you that, right? I hope we can work hard together and do well in the future.”
These words finally sounded normal.
Cheng Jiqing nodded: “I understand.”
She was in a good mood, and she also found the subsequent chat with Ada extremely comfortable.
This was an excellent start.
The contract was signed electronically. Ada sent her some courses she needed to study later, such as deportment, walking, lines, acting skills, and so on.
Cheng Jiqing accepted them all.
It was already three in the afternoon when she parted ways with Ada. As soon as she left, she shared the news with Bai Xin.
【Busy? Dinner together?】
She sat in the car waiting for Bai Xin’s reply.
After more than ten minutes, Bai Xin replied that she could finish by seven, so she booked a table at an Italian restaurant.
She arrived at the restaurant first and ordered a soda water.
Twenty minutes later.
Bai Xin sent a message: 【Going to be a bit late, another half hour.】
Cheng Jiqing: 【It’s okay, I’ll wait for you.】
She opened Weibo and scrolled for a while, seeing the latest lines from 《Cat and Mint》 posted by Tong Yanxi.
—Do you think you’re so great? In reality, you can’t see through anyone.
The waiter came to ask if she was ready to order for the second time.
Cheng Jiqing glanced at her phone. It was already eight o’clock, half an hour past Bai Xin’s last message.
She waited another ten minutes.
Her phone vibrated. Bai Xin: 【Cheng Jiqing, I can’t make it. You go ahead and eat.】
Bai Xin: 【I’ll head back as soon as I’m done.】
Cheng Jiqing looked at it for a while.
Replied: 【Okay, be careful on your way.】
The waiter happened to be nearby. Cheng Jiqing called out to her. The waiter asked, “Hello, are you ready to order now?”
“No need, the bill, please.”
Cheng Jiqing wasn’t angry, but that joyful mood had somewhat subsided, and her enthusiasm for sharing had dwindled.
Bai Xin was very busy with work; she thought she should understand.
In the future, if she started filming, she would also become very busy. At that time, they would also need to understand each other.
Having struggled in the entertainment circle for these years, Cheng Jiqing was best at self-regulation.
After returning home and taking a shower, she put on a variety show while looking at the materials Ada had sent on her laptop. Just as she opened it, her phone’s WeChat notification sounded.
Qin Yufu: 【Cheng Jiqing, Miaomiao is missing.】
Perhaps because she was anxious, Qin Yufu directly made a voice call the next second.
Almost as soon as it connected, the room door opened from the outside.
Cheng Jiqing glanced back, then got up and walked towards the kitchen, asking Qin Yufu, “What happened?”
“Someone came in this afternoon and forgot to close the door, so it ran out. We haven’t found it yet, and Xiao Yun2 and I don’t know how to look for it… I, I’m sorry, I’m a bit anxious. Can you help find it?” Qin Yufu’s voice was a little hoarse. “If I’m bothering you, then never mind…”
Cheng Jiqing said in a low voice, “Don’t cry yet.”
Bai Xin, who was changing her shoes, paused, then walked over and stood by the peninsula counter. She smelled a rich aroma of jujube3, and then heard Cheng Jiqing say, “Have you checked the surrounding surveillance?”
“We checked, couldn’t find it. We reported it to the police, but the people from the Special Management Office said they might not be able to find it. What should we do?”
“Don’t panic yet. Print out photos, get more people to look for it. You can also post messages online.” Cheng Jiqing heard footsteps approaching from behind and said, “Send me a copy of the photo too.”
After Cheng Jiqing finished speaking, Bai Xin gently pinched the hand holding the phone, moving it slightly aside.
Bai Xin heard Qin Yufu’s voice: “Okay, I’ll try… What if it’s lost? I just went to see it this morning. I originally planned to bring it home in a few months.”
Bai Xin’s expression darkened. She directly turned the person’s body around, her gaze fixed on Cheng Jiqing’s eyes.
As she got closer, Cheng Jiqing smelled a faint scent of smoke on Bai Xin.
Cheng Jiqing’s other hand reassuringly held hers, but Bai Xin’s heart didn’t lighten. She then heard Cheng Jiqing’s gentle voice say to the other end, “It’s okay, it will be found.”
Her tone was perfectly normal, no different from usual.
Yet Bai Xin felt irked. How could she let Cheng Jiqing peacefully talk on the phone with another woman when she herself was uncomfortable? She lifted her head and bit Cheng Jiqing’s chin.
Not too light, not too heavy, her hand squeezed in front of her.
“Hiss…” Cheng Jiqing recoiled, subconsciously holding the person down.
Bai Xin deliberately retreated, and quite forcefully. If Cheng Jiqing hadn’t reacted, she would have fallen directly—but Cheng Jiqing caught her.
So Bai Xin, following the momentum, wrapped her arms around her neck, her delicate body soft and fragrant like honey.
Bai Xin parted her lips and deliberately hummed softly into Cheng Jiqing’s other ear, like the intimate whispers between lovers when passion runs deep…
Enough to make half one’s body go numb.
“…” Cheng Jiqing’s body stiffened, almost unable to hear clearly.
Knowing this person was doing it on purpose, Cheng Jiqing endured her racing heart and glanced sideways, not stopping her this time.
By now, she somewhat understood Bai Xin’s temperament. She was a little unhappy, and the more she tried to stop her at times like this, the more Bai Xin would escalate.
Qin Yufu: “What’s wrong with you?”
“…Nothing. Let’s leave it at that for now. Send me the photo first, and we’ll each try to find it.”
Qin Yufu didn’t say much more; it was clear she was genuinely anxious about finding that Ragdoll cat.
The voice call ended. Cheng Jiqing gently pulled the person off her slightly and said, “It was Qin Yufu’s call. The cat is missing, I need to help find it.”
Actually, she also cared a lot about that Ragdoll cat. After spending time together, feelings naturally develop.
Her breath fanned across her face, bringing an inch-by-inch itch.
Bai Xin glanced at the phone screen that hadn’t yet gone dark, feeling annoyed.
It wasn’t a phone call, it was a WeChat voice call.
With just one glance, she could see other chat records on the screen.
Bai Xin released the person, her peach blossom eyes narrowing slightly.
The bright, pale yellow light shone down, and she seemed to see herself in the depths of Cheng Jiqing’s eyes, with a sharp and indifferent expression.
She paused, reining in her emotions a little: “Do you often chat on WeChat?”
“No, just about the cat last time.”
“What about voice calls?”
“We don’t even chat, so how could there be voice calls? This is the first time, and it’s to find the cat.” The sweet atmosphere from yesterday was still in her mind. Cheng Jiqing didn’t want to ruin it, her fingers touching Bai Xin’s face: “I made jujube soup4. Want some?”
“Don’t want to drink it.” Bai Xin asked: “When did you add each other on WeChat?”
Who would remember that? Since Bai Xin asked, Cheng Jiqing recalled: “After that incident with Fu Rongjun and Old Madam Qin.”
Bai Xin replied with an “En,” then said no more.
“Did you smoke?” Cheng Jiqing asked uncertainly.
Bai Xin, smelling that faint scent, frowned. It was from Zhou Yushu’s office: “Not mine.”
There was no follow-up, and Cheng Jiqing didn’t pay it much mind.
Cheng Jiqing ladled some jujube soup and handed it over, letting Bai Xin sit at the peninsula counter to drink it. She took her phone and went back to the sofa, lowering her head to deal with the cat situation.
The atmosphere, for some reason, became like the calm after a receding tide, sinking into a low mood.
Although Cheng Jiqing was asking for help to find it, after a while, she still stopped and turned back to say: “I know you don’t like it. I haven’t contacted her since last time. I’ve asked someone else to contact Qin Yufu. Don’t be unhappy. Drink the soup, it’s good for your blood.”
Hearing this, Bai Xin looked up. Her lipstick hadn’t faded yet, thus concealing the original pallor of her lips.
The bowl her fingers touched was warm, and her heart was also warm.
She was in a terrible mood today. Zhou Yushu had also been very restless in her work these past few days.
On the way, thinking about how she had made Cheng Jiqing wait for over an hour, she felt a pang of guilt and knew she had to show some softness. When she returned, Cheng Jiqing’s first sentence, ‘Don’t cry yet,’ she didn’t know who it was meant to comfort—although Cheng Jiqing usually had that tone of voice, those words didn’t sit well with her.
Later, when she realized the other person was Qin Yufu, she became even more inexplicably angry.
Whether Cheng Jiqing and Qin Yufu had a relationship or not was one thing, but it didn’t stop her from being unhappy about it.
She tasted a mouthful of the soup; it was very sweet, enough to make one indulge.
It was just that at this moment, she didn’t want to lose face. She always wanted Cheng Jiqing to coax her some more, just one more coaxing word, and she could apologize immediately.
Why have I become so detestable? Bai Xin thought.
Yet, in front of Cheng Jiqing, she just wanted to be special, again and again, even more special.
Ten o’clock at night.
Fortunately, the cat was finally found. And luckily, the cat had good fortune and encountered good people.
Otherwise, in such a vast city, even a lost person might not be found within 24 hours, let alone a delicate cat.
Cheng Jiqing received a message from Qin Yufu, who sent her a photo of Miaomiao. The little fellow was a bit dirty, its head resting on the shop assistant Xiao Yun’s hand, looking a little wronged and pitiful.
【Good that it’s found.】
A simple reply, nothing more was said.
After Cheng Jiqing finished her shower, the door to the guest bedroom was open. Bai Xin was sitting on the single sofa, looking at her laptop.
Her legs were resting on the edge of the bed. Cheng Jiqing could see her at a glance from the doorway.
“Your work is too exploitative. It’s so late and you still can’t rest?” Cheng Jiqing stood at the door, wearing grey pajamas.
Bai Xin: “Found?”
“En.”
“Oh.”
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
Cheng Jiqing walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. As soon as she sat down, Bai Xin’s foot lifted from the bed and landed directly on her lap. She didn’t dodge, looked down for a few seconds, then her palm suddenly fell on that soft, white ankle.
The moment she touched it, Bai Xin moved reflexively.
Cheng Jiqing said: “I waited for you for over an hour and I didn’t get angry, yet you found an opportunity to throw a tantrum. Miss Bai, your luck is really good.”
Bai Xin scoffed lightly, her toes gently nudging Cheng Jiqing’s flat stomach.
The air fell silent.
Bai Xin placed the laptop on the small round table beside her, her legs wrapping around Cheng Jiqing’s waist: “Come here.”
Cheng Jiqing’s rather narrow eyes squinted slightly. She wasn’t usually a petty person; waiting for over an hour was nothing.
But seeing the woman before her not mention it at all, she felt a little more unhappy.
Her expression remained gentle, her body straightened, as if she was about to be obediently pulled over by her.
Bai Xin gazed deeply at Cheng Jiqing. However, the next second, Cheng Jiqing suddenly bent down, grabbed Bai Xin’s legs, and lifted her up.
Startled, Bai Xin let out a low cry. The feeling of weightlessness made her cling to Cheng Jiqing’s neck.
“Cheng Jiqing!”
The slippery silk squeezed between Cheng Jiqing’s fingers. Cheng Jiqing tightened her grip, pressing the person completely against herself. She heard Bai Xin’s breathing instantly become heavier.
Cheng Jiqing said: “Don’t you love to tease? Scared now?”
Bai Xin regained her composure, her fingers gripping Cheng Jiqing’s shoulders. Her face returned to calm, but her fair skin was flushed as if dyed with rouge, exquisitely beautiful.
Cheng Jiqing wouldn’t know, this action had awakened her glands.
Especially… the second gland.
Bai Xin’s voice was clear and light, tinged with tightness: “If you have the guts, don’t stop.”
Cheng Jiqing chuckled lightly. A goading tactic, is it? After falling for it so many times, does this girl really think she doesn’t learn? Her hand shifted back to support her, her fingers intentionally or unintentionally bolder than any time before.
Perhaps it was also to vent some frustration.
Bai Xin’s entire frame tensed, her muscles trembling. She took small breaths, enduring it.
It had been a very, very long time since she had received Cheng Jiqing’s comfort.
Her body, with its super-high compatibility, surrendered before her consciousness did.
Cheng Jiqing sensed it; the Omega’s heat was palpable. She supported the person, turned, and without any warning, suddenly bent down. This time, Bai Xin didn’t have the same startled reaction as before, but the fingertips gripping her shoulder dug in deeper.
Bai Xin’s back landed on the bed.
Cheng Jiqing propped her elbow beside Bai Xin’s arm, looked at her for a few seconds, then slowly leaned closer, until Bai Xin closed her eyes… Cheng Jiqing turned to the side, whispering softly in her ear—
“So what if I stop? Sleep early, Miss Bai.”
As her voice fell, before Bai Xin could react, Cheng Jiqing rolled off the bed.
Bai Xin’s face flushed red, then darkened. She lay on the bed, her skirt pulled up. The next second, she gritted her teeth and sat up: “Cheng Jiqing!”
Cheng Jiqing turned back, smiling gently: “Good night.”
She even thoughtfully closed the door for her when she left.
A fire of frustration burned in Bai Xin, unable to go up or down. She reached out and threw the pillow at the door. She never did such childish, useless things, but there was nowhere to vent that anger.
She got off the bed. Just as her feet touched the floor, her phone vibrated.
She glanced at it; it was a call from the project team.
She had been in the middle of a discussion in the group chat just now, and the team members were still waiting for her reply.
Bai Xin took a deep breath, then forcefully suppressed it.
She knew Cheng Jiqing was unhappy, perhaps because she had delayed again and again in the evening and ultimately couldn’t make the appointment, or perhaps because when Qin Yufu called just now, her possessiveness had been too strong.
What else… Bai Xin lightly pinched her fingertip, she came to her senses—Cheng Jiqing should have signed with Yixin today.
That dinner was actually for this.
In her fury and extreme desire just now, she even thought, she had to provoke Cheng Jiqing’s heat period, to suffer together if they were to suffer.
But now, that guilt surged up unexpectedly.
She hadn’t forgotten. When Ada messaged her saying she had signed with Cheng Jiqing, she had been happy too. It was just that this happiness was perhaps different from Cheng Jiqing’s own; what she thought was, the bond between Cheng Jiqing and her had deepened by another layer.
Perhaps it was also because she knew the news in advance that she had overlooked it when Cheng Jiqing messaged her in the evening.
Cheng Jiqing glanced at the time: twelve o’clock.
Opening the door, there was still a sliver of light from the guest bedroom. Bai Xin was still working.
Her brows furrowed slightly. This habit was really bad. She had mentioned it a few times before, and Bai Xin had seemed to listen, but she often went to bed after twelve.
After going to the washroom, she returned to her room and lay down.
Not long after, the door was gently opened. Cheng Jiqing opened her eyes, then closed them again.
Soon, the quilt was lifted, and Bai Xin snuggled over, her cheek resting on Cheng Jiqing’s chest.
Cheng Jiqing initially made no move, but if she didn’t move, Bai Xin’s hands wouldn’t behave, fumbling around her chest.
It was quite annoying.
“Still pretending?”
Cheng Jiqing pressed Bai Xin’s hand down and asked, “What time is it? Still not sleeping?”
“You’re not asleep either.”
“I was asleep.”
Bai Xin didn’t expose her, remaining silent for a moment before saying: “Cheng Jing lent Bai Zhaoliang a sum of money today, so I had a lot to do. When I was about to leave, another problem came up suddenly. I was in a really bad mood, and I wanted to see you, but I was afraid you’d wait too long, so…”
She paused: “I didn’t consider your feelings. I’m sorry.”
The Omega’s cool voice was now soft and delicate, like soft white clouds in early spring, like hyacinths scattered in the sky, blown by the wind to her heart.
Cheng Jing’s loan was probably related to her too, right?
Cheng Jiqing opened her eyes, paused for two seconds, and said, “Got it. Go to sleep.”
Bai Xin hugged her tighter: “Also… congratulations.”
Cheng Jiqing looked at the dim chandelier under the nightlight, turned over, and gently hugged her: “Sleep.”
The bit of unhappiness she felt seemed to have balanced out a little.
Originally, she wasn’t really angry. Bai Xin was so busy with work, she mostly felt sorry for her. It was just that Bai Xin knew she was meeting the agent today, but she hadn’t mentioned it or asked about it from beginning to end.
This gave her a feeling—Bai Xin didn’t care.
At least not as much as she imagined.
This was what made her unhappy.
She wasn’t being overly sensitive, and she wanted to make it clear to Bai Xin, but who knew that just as Bai Xin returned, she would overhear the incident with Qin Yufu.
One thing led to another, and she lost the interest to bring it up.
Bai Xin said: “I remember, I didn’t forget. I’m not angry, so don’t you be angry either, okay?”
Cheng Jiqing sighed inwardly, her chin resting on Bai Xin’s forehead. All her temper vanished.
“Speak.”
Cheng Jiqing looked helpless. See, this person has absolutely no patience.
Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly heard Bai Xin say: “You bullied me just now, and I didn’t say anything.”
Well, now she’s biting back.
“How did I bully you?”
“What do you think?”
Bai Xin’s hand climbed onto Cheng Jiqing’s face, lifting her head to kiss her lips: “Just you wait, there will be a day when you suffer5.”
Cheng Jiqing smiled: “When?”
“Just wait.”
Bai Xin suppressed her inner anxiety, said this, then leaned against Cheng Jiqing and quieted down.
She also wanted to do something, wanted Cheng Jiqing to do something to her.
If everything had been peaceful today, it wouldn’t matter, but since there was some unpleasantness, if she teased again… Cheng Jiqing would probably think she was only showing weakness because she needed it.
Fortunately, work had diverted her thoughts, so now she could endure it…
“Xinxin.”
Bai Xin froze for a moment. Her heart felt as if it had been doused with a peach-colored special cocktail; after the coolness came the scorching heat from beneath a volcano. It slowly bubbled up with pink or orange bubbles.
Bai Xin: “What did you call me?”
Cheng Jiqing’s earlobes felt a little hot in the dimness, her voice soft: “Xinxin, remember to approve the WeChat request.”
So Cheng Jiqing had noticed her concern.
Bai Xin’s dimples appeared like clouds pressing down, showing faint traces. She hummed a light acknowledgement.
The ‘uneventful’ days passed like this for a short while. During this time, Cheng Jiqing attended several courses. They were all very basic, including a lines class.
But she still attended every single one. It had been a while since she had been exposed to these things, and she still needed a bit of atmosphere.
It would allow her to recover her form more quickly.
Early October.
There were three days left until Cheng Jing’s birthday banquet.
Autumn winds arrived, and the weather cooled down as soon as it was said.
Thus, it came to the day of the 《Cat and Mint》 open audition.
The audition, originally scheduled for the end of September, was changed to October due to the production crew’s reasons.
The weather wasn’t great, gloomy, with showers falling and stopping intermittently, changing faster than Miss Bai’s expression. As Cheng Jiqing thought this, a trace of doting couldn’t help but appear in her eyes.
While driving to the audition venue, she received a text message from Bai Xin.
【Have you arrived?】
Cheng Jiqing replied during a red light: 【Almost, one more intersection.】
Bai Xin: 【Tell me when you’re done.】
Cheng Jiqing: 【Not busy? Weren’t you going to be very late tonight?】
Bai Xin: 【Busy, just want to know when you’ll finish.】
When Bai Xin chose her words, they were especially moving. As if she had dug into her heart and knew what she liked to hear.
Cheng Jiqing: 【Okay then.】
Ada had also sent her a text message asking when she would arrive. Originally, she could have gone by herself, but Ada said she definitely had to accompany her for her first audition.
So she didn’t refuse.
When they arrived, Ada had come early. She took her to sign in and then to the waiting area.
There were many actors outside, some accompanied by their agents.
“Ada-jie6?” The person approached, sized Cheng Jiqing up a few times, and said, “Is this the newcomer you recently signed?”
It was an agent from the circle.
Ada smiled faintly: “Yes.”
Cheng Jiqing said politely: “Hello, my name is Cheng Jiqing. Please take care of me in the future.”
Seeing this, Ada was naturally satisfied. She wasn’t afraid of artists who couldn’t endure hardship, but of artists who were insensible. No matter how she looked at it, this one was obedient and sensible.
With this point, at least she wouldn’t have too hard a time in the future.
That person withdrew their gaze from Cheng Jiqing, merely feeling envious.
She’s good material, the kind who can make a living off her looks even if she doesn’t act.
“Here for the female lead? I heard Li Yunlan7 has already been decided for the female lead. We’re not hoping for it anyway,” the agent said.
Ada said: “If Director Tong hasn’t said so, it probably isn’t decided yet. Our company will do what it can. She’s a newcomer, so it’s good enough to have a role to play.”
“That’s true. Still young, plenty of opportunities.”
Ada smiled. She had actually watched the video Cheng Jiqing submitted for 《Cat and Mint》. To exaggerate a bit, Cheng Jiqing’s segment was really no worse than Li Yunlan’s.
Cheng Jiqing might not have much hope with directors focused on fame and profit, but Tong Yanxi was someone who only looked at people, not other things.
Her only worry was Cheng Jiqing’s lack of experience and stage fright.
“Chengcheng, just do your own thing later. Don’t be nervous. It’s okay even if you make a mistake. Anyway, this isn’t your only chance,” Ada said.
Cheng Jiqing looked relaxed: “Don’t worry.”
It wasn’t that she wasn’t nervous at all, but this nervousness wasn’t due to stage fright. It was just because it was a different world, and it had been a while since she had acted, that was all.
It would be fine after a little adjustment.
Ada led Cheng Jiqing to find a seat. Two other people recognized Ada and came over to greet her. They thought she was accompanying some big star from her company and were very surprised to see it was a newcomer.
There was envy, and also the feeling that looks weren’t very useful.
Ada looked at the person beside her. Cheng Jiqing was even more composed than she had imagined.
Amidst the surrounding restlessness, Cheng Jiqing sat quietly, even closing her eyes to rest. She wore a black slim-fit dress with a short jacket over it.
On her wrist was a white jade bodhi bracelet, of excellent quality.
For a moment, Ada felt that this person was somewhat out of place with her surroundings, not at all like a newcomer’s performance. At the very least, she had seen great storms.
Soon, someone called Cheng Jiqing’s name.
Tong Yanxi had released the story outline for 《Cat and Mint》 a week ago.
It was about female lead A, a dance studio teacher who was oppressed at home. After being forced to marry, she then encountered her wife’s infidelity and even domestic violence.
Female lead B was a disheartened student.
The teacher was forbearing and restrained, abiding by the law, while the student attacked step by step, using herself as bait.
A love that erupted one day, crazy and shocking.
However, one day, the teacher discovered that everything was a deliberate approach by the student, with ulterior motives, and her sincerity was all pretense—only because she bore some resemblance to that white moonlight, nothing more.
But by this time, the student had already fallen in love with the teacher…
Cat and Mint, but when love runs deep, who is the cat, and who is the mint?
No one knew.
The synopsis ended here, very tantalizing.
According to the rules, during the open audition, actors could choose multiple lines to try.
But Cheng Jiqing ultimately only chose the teacher’s audition scenes.
Tong Yanxi even came to the open audition herself. Seeing Cheng Jiqing’s information, her spirits lifted slightly.
The previous few had really drained her energy.
That wailing and howling8, exaggeratedly coy and affected9 acting, how could it be praised?
She still had a fresh memory of Cheng Jiqing’s online audition video, so she inexplicably held a kind of expectation for this newcomer.
“Last time’s information said she was an independent actor. She signed with Yixin so quickly,” the assistant said beside her.
Tong Yanxi’s gaze swept past the words ‘Yixin’, and she said: “Sooner or later.”
Even if it wasn’t Yixin, she would be signed by someone sooner or later.
When Cheng Jiqing entered, she made eye contact with her. Looking at the nameplate in front, she was slightly surprised. She had never thought that the person who gave her 《Ashore》 was actually Tong Yanxi.
“If you’re ready, please begin.”
A staff member reminded her.
“Wait a moment.” Tong Yanxi suddenly interrupted: “Cheng Jiqing, if I ask you to improvise now, can you accept it?”
The other few people looked surprised.
For a newcomer with no experience, this condition was too harsh.
“Director Tong, Li Yunlan has at least won an award. Cheng Jiqing hasn’t acted before, isn’t this…” the assistant said. She had a good impression of Cheng Jiqing and quite hoped she would perform well.
Tong Yanxi didn’t answer, looking at Cheng Jiqing: “Do you accept?”
Cheng Jiqing also paused, then nodded slightly: “I can.”
She had no doubts, because no one knew that she was best at improvisation. Improvisation would give her absolute freedom; as long as she didn’t break character, she could perform freely.
Infinite imagination.
It was a small venue. Besides the three directors, there were also some staff members. It was very quiet.
Cheng Jiqing closed her eyes.
Tong Yanxi had only given her a prompt: One day, the teacher and student were on a date. After meeting, the student received a call from home and suddenly left. There was no news until midnight. The teacher, worried, went to find her, only to discover the student hugging that white moonlight who looked similar to herself.
Cheng Jiqing opened her eyes, her eyes already completely red.
The woman who had embraced her a few hours ago, the woman who said there was an emergency at home, was now with someone else.
The suffocating feeling after being betrayed erupted like a mountain torrent, suddenly shattering her chest.
She couldn’t help but take two steps back, clutching her heart, her eyes bloodshot. Her tears were still in her eyes. She looked at the two figures not far away, in so much pain she couldn’t breathe.
Finally reaching the breaking point, she collapsed and squatted down, yet she still had to look stubbornly…
“Cut.”
Tong Yanxi called cut. Only then did the tears in Cheng Jiqing’s eyes roll down. The scene was completely silent.
Too good.
Several people even had red eyes.
Cheng Jiqing was only looking at a wall, a performance without props, yet such a performance was sufficiently shocking.
Soon, a staff member went up and handed her a tissue.
“Thank you,” Cheng Jiqing said.
“You acted well. The way you handled that last point was really good. Have you really never studied acting?”
Cheng Jiqing also wanted to tell the truth: she hadn’t studied it, but she had acted. She could only say: “I’ve self-studied some.”
Many people would have chosen to cry out loud in that scene just now, or burst into tears, or rush up to confront them, or call the student to add drama, and so on.
But Cheng Jiqing’s two tears stubbornly didn’t fall. Yet, because of the multi-layered performance, it was more profound than if they had fallen.
Her facial expression, her gaze, even every tremble of her eyelashes seemed calculated.
Beautiful, and painful.
Tong Yanxi lowered her gaze, closed the file, made no annotations, and said: “You can go out.”
After Cheng Jiqing left, the venue took a two-minute break.
“Director Tong, I think this person is good, but she auditioned for the teacher…”
“Hasn’t the teacher role been decided?”
Tong Yanxi looked over: “Who said it’s decided?”
That person shut up sheepishly. Tong Yanxi unwrapped a lollipop: “Let’s keep her in mind for now. I need to think. Two-minute break, I’ll have a candy.”
The assistant nodded upon seeing this, knowing that Tong Yanxi’s nicotine craving had struck.
When her nicotine craving hit, she would habitually chew on a lollipop.
When Cheng Jiqing came out, Ada had already received news from inside. Seeing the comments, she roughly knew what was what.
Putting other things aside, the drama 《Cat and Mint》 would undoubtedly be Cheng Jiqing’s first role.
“Rest well these few days. When the notice arrives, you might not have such relaxing times anymore,” Ada said.
Cheng Jiqing nodded: “Thank you for accompanying me today.”
Ada said: “Don’t be so polite with me. We’ll be comrades-in-arms in the future. Let’s be more casual with each other.”
Cheng Jiqing smiled: “Alright, then let’s contact each other on WeChat then.”
The two parted ways outside.
As soon as Cheng Jiqing got into the car, she opened her messages to text Bai Xin.
Halfway through typing, she suddenly remembered something, deleted the words, and opened Bai Xin’s WeChat.
Bai Xin’s WeChat profile picture was a silhouette of a bunch of lilies, very simple.
Her Moments feed was blank, with no content.
Cheng Jiqing: 【Finished, it went pretty well.】
Bai Xin didn’t reply immediately, so she drove towards Nanshan. On the way, she received a voice message: “Little CEO Cheng has worked hard.”
Cheng Jiqing chuckled and said: “Not as hard as CEO Bai who manages a myriad of affairs daily.”
Bai Xin replied quickly this time: “Little CEO Cheng can also ‘manage’ a myriad of ‘affairs’ ‘daily’.”10
Her light tone, under that slow cadence, gave rise to a seductive charm.
She could even imagine Bai Xin looking at her with raised eyebrows, teasing her bit by bit, determined to make her heart itch.
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
The character ‘日’ (rì) was indeed profound and extensive in meaning.
Because of work, Bai Xin wouldn’t be back until nine in the evening. Cheng Jiqing took a nap at home, ate something in the afternoon, and around six o’clock, got up and went to the dance studio.
When she went for the audition today, she had originally prepared a tango segment, but it wasn’t used.
However, overall, including the on-site feedback, she was satisfied.
Past eight o’clock.
A German song was playing in the dance studio. Cheng Jiqing, wearing a close-fitting dance leotard, her superior figure in the center, moved lightly and charmingly.
More than ten minutes later, she stopped, dripping with hot sweat.
Bending down to pick up her phone, it was a message from Bai Xin.
【Still in the dance studio?】
Cheng Jiqing: 【Yes, heading back at half past eight.】
Bai Xin: 【Okay.】
Cheng Jiqing put down her phone and finished dancing to the rest of the music.
On an October night, the air was no longer sweltering.
But Bai Xin’s heat showed a tendency to intensify. Ever since she was aroused by Cheng Jiqing last time, she had been particularly restless recently.
Although hugging Cheng Jiqing to sleep and being in contact with Cheng Jiqing could alleviate her symptoms when they flared up, Cheng Jiqing could also trigger her symptoms.
And according to her normal cycle, her estrus period was about a week away.
She would be more sensitive recently.
As long as she let herself go, and Cheng Jiqing allowed it, everything would be resolved. That hot, humid feeling washed over her. Bai Xin frowned, her cold and beautiful features appearing even more unapproachable due to her discomfort.
Bai Xin’s car was almost at Nanshan. After receiving Cheng Jiqing’s reply, she didn’t hesitate at all and drove directly towards the dance studio.
Upon arrival, Bai Xin glanced at the passenger seat. There was a small cake box on it; cream could be seen through the transparent box.
After a moment’s thought, Bai Xin got out of the car carrying the cake.
10th floor, the elevator went straight up.
Following the unit number Cheng Jiqing had given, she found 1006.
Cheng Jiqing had just finished dancing, covered in sweat. Her deep purple one-piece dance leotard was a darker shade due to the moisture.
She was planning to rest for a bit and then go back.
She went to get her phone. Bai Xin hadn’t replied since her last question. Just as she was about to ask again when she would be back, there was a sudden knock on the dance studio door.
She went to look through the peephole and saw a familiar face. A softness unconsciously rose in her heart, and she opened the door.
“Why did you come here? I thought you’d be later,” Cheng Jiqing said in a low voice. Her clothes were soaked, making it inconvenient to stand outside. She stepped back slightly behind the door to let the person in.
Bai Xin stood at the doorway. Despite the October weather, her cheeks were flushed with a warm red.
Her gaze traveled down from Cheng Jiqing’s sweaty face. A drop of sweat was passing over the small mole on her swan-like neck. The water dripped down, passing over her undulating, snow-white chest.
Finally, it fell into the moistened abyss.
Bai Xin’s thoughts were heavy.
She suddenly remembered the movie 《Addicted to Her》 that she had watched with Cheng Jiqing that day.
She pushed the door open and went straight in.
Today, she wanted to be a ‘lover’ for once.
The door to the dance studio slammed shut.
It was just that she wanted to pull her ‘wife’ into the madness with her.
The author has something to say:
I wanted to write up to sister’s birthday banquet, but I failed. Will continue tomorrow～
Chengcheng: 《The Days of a Female Star Being Teased Daily by Her Hidden Marriage Wife》
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