Just this once
The sunlight outside the car window looked a bit dazzling. Beicheng was clear, an early autumn scene.
A soft warmth crept over the city streets, stretching the shadows of all things. She sat inside the car, in the shade.
After the call was disconnected, there was an ‘X’ icon at the bottom of the screen.
Bai Xin’s gaze darkened, the atmosphere around her chillingly low. This was the first time Cheng Jiqing had hung up on her…
She was quiet for a moment.
Her heart actually felt a faint ache.
The screen automatically dimmed, then lit up again. Her eyes brightened for a moment, then dimmed once more.
Bai Zhaoliang’s WeChat message popped up.
【Come to the company right away.】
Bai Xin slowly raised her eyes, looking at the three words ‘Bai Zhaoliang.’ Amidst extreme disgust, she fell into almost cold contemplation—Bai Zhaoliang and Zhou Ping were still doing fine, just now starting to get agitated. Was she really ready to tell Cheng Jiqing everything?
Was she really going to risk it?
At a time like this?
No matter how bad Cheng Jiqing’s relationship with the Cheng family was, she was still a Cheng. Would she stop her?
Even if she didn’t stop her, would she warn Cheng Jing…
Once the Cheng Corporation found out that Y2 was a setup she and Zhou Yushu orchestrated for revenge, it was highly likely Cheng Jing would provide Bai Zhaoliang with funds again, or even team up against XM.
The aftereffects of insufficient sleep and not eating all day made Bai Xin feel a bit dizzy.
She pressed heavily on her temples, her gaze fixed on the road ahead, dark and cool.
She asked herself, Bai Xin, are you going to risk it?
Even if you can’t leave Cheng Jiqing for now, are you going to risk over ten years of painful experiences, risk your mother’s hatred, just to get Cheng Jiqing’s understanding this one time?
Inside a trendy cafe, Cheng Jiqing and Cheng Jing sat facing each other.
The air was filled with the distinct rich aroma of coffee. Inhaling it, even the exhale carried a mellow fragrance.
Cheng Jing said, “Next month is Cheng Lan’s death anniversary. How do you plan to arrange things?”
Bringing up next month’s business now?
Cheng Jiqing took a sip of her latte. The original owner of the body had a good relationship with Cheng Lan. From what Cheng Jing was saying, did the original owner usually arrange Cheng Lan’s death anniversaries?
“Let’s just do it like before,” Cheng Jiqing said.
She had never met Cheng Lan, much less understood her.
Cheng Jing nodded. “Okay, then I’ll have Auntie prepare early. We’ll go to the cemetery together, and then back to the old family home for dinner in the evening.”
Hearing this, Cheng Jiqing changed her tune, “Let’s skip dinner.”
She didn’t want to see that woman, Fu Rongjun, even for a second.
“Mom went on a spiritual retreat1 recently, she won’t be back.”
Cheng Jiqing thought for a moment. Well, that’s fine then.
She wasn’t feeling much emotion; her mood wasn’t great to begin with, so she nodded in agreement.
She lowered her head. The dark and white colors swirled in her cup, with a little milk foam floating on top. Although she wasn’t in the mood, her mind was still thinking: Cheng Jing’s way of addressing Cheng Lan and Fu Rongjun was completely different. Both were ‘Mom,’ but she actually called Cheng Lan by her full name.
This family is rather strange.
Two sisters, yet it’s like each followed a different mother.
Besides, judging from Cheng Jing’s tone on the phone last night and the early meeting time today,
Cheng Jing probably didn’t seek her out just for Cheng Lan’s death anniversary.
She waited for what was next.
Just as she was thinking,
Cheng Jing spoke again, “There’s one more thing. I’d like to ask for your opinion.”
As expected.
Cheng Jiqing looked up. Subconsciously, she had a feeling this matter would be very important to her.
“It’s about Bai Xin.”
…
“Chengcheng, take a look at this first.”
Cheng Jing handed over her phone.
Cheng Jiqing looked down. The photo showed Zhou Yushu and Bai Xin standing by a car, with Zhou Yushu’s hand shielding the car roof for Bai Xin.
Her eyelids twitched slightly, and she felt a gentle squeeze in her heart.
Bai Xin and Zhou Yushu weren’t just together last night. These past few days—no, all those times she didn’t come home, claiming to work overtime—was she with Zhou Yushu?
Her expression calm, she swiped to the second picture.
The emotion in Cheng Jiqing’s eyes was heavy. Looking at the two wrists side-by-side in the photo, with identical watches, she felt as if her heart was being pricked by something fine and dense.
Yet, she had to pretend to be normal on the surface. “Why are you showing me this? Are you… investigating her?”
Cheng Jing had been observing Cheng Jiqing discreetly. She didn’t expose the relationship between Cheng Jiqing and Bai Xin, as that would make Cheng Jiqing feel targeted and possibly resist her further.
Her goal was only to make Cheng Jiqing give up on Bai Xin, and then solve the problem of Bai Xin.
She said lightly, “I just discovered a small issue recently, a routine check, and didn’t expect such a surprise. You’ve always valued Bai Xin highly, partly because of Lu Man… I was afraid if I didn’t handle it well, you’d be unhappy, so I wanted to ask you.”
Her tone was extremely patient.
She could be a good older sister for a lifetime, but the person by Cheng Jiqing’s side absolutely could not be someone like Bai Xin, nor could it be an Alpha.
Otherwise, what would her years of timid forbearance count for?
What would her sacrifices count for?
“What issue?”
“I told you before about the Bai Corporation’s loss of core personnel from Y2 a while ago, right? Do you know where all these people went?”
Cheng Jiqing vaguely had an answer, and her heart sank further, because every sentence from Cheng Jing was proving to her that Bai Xin and Zhou Yushu’s relationship was extraordinary.
Cheng Jing said, “They went to Zhou Yushu’s XM. After further investigation, I found that several of these core personnel from Bai Corporation had initially left XM to join Bai Corporation. And the watches, custom-made by Zhou Yushu, only two in the entire world. This shows that Bai Xin and Zhou Yushu didn’t just get in touch recently.”
Only two in the entire world, huh.
Cheng Jiqing’s fingertips toyed with the small silver spoon. Only when she applied more pressure did she realize her hand ached. It was a throbbing ache from the blood draw, which had been a disappointment. It wasn’t terribly painful, but it was uncomfortable when she exerted force.
Cheng Jing looked at Cheng Jiqing’s seemingly calm expression and continued, “They’ve known each other for a long time. From the photos and their interactions, it’s also possible they’ve been together for a long time.”
“Been together”—those words were also very subtle.
Cheng Jiqing showed little emotion, pushed the phone back, and looked away from the photos.
As if she was using all her strength to regulate herself, after a few seconds, just as she was about to speak,
Cheng Jing saved her from the situation of not wanting to speak, continuing, “Chengcheng, on your birthday, I told you Lu Man died because of Bai Zhaoliang. I suspect Bai Xin knew this all along.”
“She dragged the Cheng Corporation into a setup with her. Now, none of the three parties can get out. If Y2 keeps having problems, the Bai Corporation might lose everything. As for XM, Zhou Yushu is Bai Xin’s backer2.”
The last sentence sent a chill through Cheng Jiqing. There were some things she knew earlier than Cheng Jing.
Some of what Cheng Jing said wasn’t necessarily true, but it wasn’t necessarily false either.
At least the two identical watches were real.
Bai Xin hiding things from her was real.
Bai Xin’s reluctance to speak, her guardedness in front of her, was also real.
Even thinking about these things, Cheng Jiqing felt as if she had sunk into a deep valley, with a lump in her throat3.
Cheng Jiqing found her voice. Even so, she didn’t want Bai Xin to be targeted. She knew why Cheng Jing was telling her all this.
Cheng Jiqing said, “It’s not necessarily a setup. Maybe it’s just to deal with Bai Zhaoliang.”
Cheng Jing was slightly surprised. She hadn’t expected Cheng Jiqing to react this way after hearing all that.
“Chengcheng, I know you admire Bai Xin a lot.” Cheng Jing took a shallow breath and reminded her, “But you also need to know that if Y2 runs into problems, our Cheng Corporation will also suffer a significant loss.”
“It’s okay, I can cover it for her.”
“What did you say?!” Cheng Jing exclaimed, looking at Cheng Jiqing in disbelief.
She had pretended not to know, but was Cheng Jiqing going to lay her cards on the table with her? Was she going to tell her about her relationship with Bai Xin?!
Even after seeing Bai Xin and Zhou Yushu like that, she could remain indifferent? Had Cheng Jiqing’s feelings for Bai Xin reached such a point?!
For a moment, Cheng Jing couldn’t believe it.
Chengcheng isn’t this kind of person. She shouldn’t be like this.
Cheng Jiqing looked at Cheng Jing’s reaction and said calmly and slowly,
“Her mother saved my life. Consider this me repaying her. Just this once.”
Cheng Jing’s shock was within her expectations. Her voice clear, she said, “Since she wants revenge, then let her have it. Consider it me asking you a favor: can the Cheng family stay out of this?”
Cheng Jiqing’s voice was very soft, very gentle, creating an indescribable sense of disconnect with her inner turmoil.
Cheng Jing’s earlier words had hit her like the effects of strong alcohol, seeping into her body, her nerves.
But, for once, she didn’t feel drunk, only miserable.
Beyond that, she was unusually clear-headed.
Hearing this, Cheng Jing relaxed.
Even though Cheng Jiqing’s tone was too normal, she still noticed the brief flicker of distraction in her eyes. Chengcheng couldn’t possibly be indifferent.
She mulled over Cheng Jiqing’s words.
Didn’t the four words ‘just this once’ illustrate that perfectly?
It was even highly possible that Chengcheng had long known Bai Xin’s mother saved her, which was why she had treated Bai Xin differently before. Even adding Chengcheng’s feelings for Bai Xin, it didn’t mean Chengcheng would accept deceit and betrayal, Cheng Jing thought.
Just this once, and never again.
As far as Cheng Jiqing was concerned, this was the end for Bai Xin.
It was just that Cheng Jiqing had really changed these past few months. With her restless temper from the past few years, how could she be so calm and composed?
“Alright, if this is what you wish, I agree.”
Cheng Jing said.
Actually, yesterday when Secretary Liu found out more about the Y2 core personnel, she had already gone over the details of the entire project carefully. Apart from Bai Zhaoliang’s side, there were no other problems.
In other words, Bai Xin’s target was only Bai Zhaoliang.
At least, for now.
Even if Bai Xin had other ideas later, she already knew about this and could take precautions in advance, so she wouldn’t lose too much.
As for Bai Zhaoliang, she had long detested him.
However, for certain reasons, she wouldn’t completely ignore him, but… that would only be when Bai Zhaoliang was in dire straits.
That greedy hypocrite deserved to suffer a bit.
Therefore, she could agree to Cheng Jiqing’s request. To stand by and watch for now.
On one hand, it would also let Cheng Jiqing know that she was always on her side.
About ten minutes later.
Cheng Jiqing and Cheng Jing walked out of the cafe. Her hand was still swollen from yesterday’s blood draw, and she couldn’t be bothered to drive today, mainly because she wasn’t in the mood.
The surrounding world was bathed in the atmosphere of the setting sun, the light an orange-yellow, much like the fire smoldering in her heart.
Then, she felt completely drained.
Coming here, she hadn’t done anything, yet she’d already gone through a round of pain.
“I’ll drive you back.”
Cheng Jiqing originally wanted to refuse, but the words died on her lips when she remembered how cooperative Cheng Jing had been these past few times, especially regarding Bai Xin just now.
It involved the company, yet Cheng Jing had agreed because of her.
Cheng Jiqing suppressed the suffocating emotions and nodded. “Okay.”
The car headed towards Nanjing.
It was rush hour. Traffic surged on the asphalt road, and the sounds of car horns and general noise buzzed outside the closed windows.
The noise irritated Cheng Jiqing.
She sat in the passenger seat, listening to Cheng Jing ask, “Is filming going okay?”
“It’s fine, going pretty smoothly.”
“Have you signed with a company?”
“…”
“Mm.”
Thanks for the reminder.
Because she suddenly remembered, oh, Yixin also had Zhou Yushu’s shares.
Back then, she had simply valued Yixin as a talent agency. Thinking about it now, could anything be more disgusting?
Everything is just so damn unpleasant.
This is f#cking unbelievable.
Of all the companies to choose, she picked her love rival’s.
Cheng Jiqing thought irritably.
“What company? Tell me about it?”
“A small, crappy company.” Her tone unconsciously turned cold.
Hearing this, Cheng Jing looked over in surprise.
But Cheng Jiqing said nothing more.
Her phone vibrated in her bag. Cheng Jiqing’s eyes, the color of the sunset, flickered. After a few seconds of silence, she took out her phone.
An @ message from the 《Cat and Mint》 group chat.
She took a breath as if inhaling oxygen.
Little Assistant: 【@everyone The day-after-tomorrow’s offline script reading is canceled and will be held online instead.】
Little Assistant: 【@Li Yunlan @Cheng Jiqing @Wang Ning4 @Zhou Qing5 The actors involved in professional dance, please prepare for a week of specialized training. Also, due to character development needs, the location is set in Jiangcheng. Please reply if you have any issues.】
Several characters in 《Cat and Mint》 were born in Jiangcheng.
Jiangcheng is 1,100 kilometers from Beicheng and is part of the Jiangnan6 region. Mentioning this place often brings to mind ‘Green mountains faintly visible, waters stretching far; autumn ends in Jiangnan, yet the grass has not withered7.’
Apricot blossoms in gentle rain, landscapes like paintings.
Completely different from the scenery of Beicheng.
Cheng Jiqing thought, This production team is really considerate.
She probably needed some blank space, some time to herself. Otherwise, if things continued like this, her passion for acting might be worn away by Bai Xin.
She didn’t want to become love-struck8, living without any dignity for the sake of love.
A while ago, she and Bai Xin had set some bullsh#t rules9—but they were just bullsh#t.
The fundamental problem had never been solved.
Bai Xin didn’t trust her, and now, she too had doubts in her heart.
Even if Bai Xin told her right now, told her about these hidden matters, told her that her relationship with Zhou Yushu wasn’t what it seemed on the surface, she might not be able to let it go immediately.
Besides, Bai Xin probably wouldn’t tell her.
In that case, there was no need to meet for the time being.
As for if Bai Xin needed contact… that wouldn’t be in the next few days.
The car had just driven into Nanjing and stopped downstairs.
Cheng Jiqing got out of the car, and Cheng Jing followed her.
“You should eat something tonight, something good.”
“Okay,” Cheng Jiqing said. “Then I’ll first…”
Before she could finish, she suddenly noticed Cheng Jing’s expression change slightly, her gaze shifting past her towards the apartment building.
Then, she heard the distinct sound of high heels clicking on the ground, and a graceful figure appeared in her peripheral vision…
She looked over.
Bai Xin’s beautiful eyes were slightly narrowed, concealing the gloom and coldness deep within. She walked slowly towards the two of them, the corners of her lips slightly upturned, as if hiding a knife. “CEO Cheng.”
She didn’t call out to Cheng Jiqing.
But after addressing Cheng Jing, her gaze fell on Cheng Jiqing.
Bai Xin looked unwell, paler than a few days ago. Cheng Jiqing took a deep breath. Her heart softened, but a chilling disappointment occupied most of it. She deliberately averted her gaze.
Not a single word.
Cheng Jing stared at the newcomer and said gravely, “Miss Bai, what a coincidence.”
She emphasized the last word.
Bai Xin saw Cheng Jiqing’s indifferent expression, and the dimples10 on her cheeks disappeared. “Not a coincidence.”
She walked to about a meter away and said, word by word,
“I came to find… Chengcheng.”
Author has something to say:
Give Bai-jie some time for ‘growth’; she can do it. Everyone’s comments are exceptionally well-written and have touched me too. Thank you all. I’ll go through and highlight the excellent ones when I have time. Love you all.
Bai-jie: I’m here to find my wife.
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