After Transmigrating as a Scumbag Alpha, I Marked the Crazy Hotshot – Chapter 70
by Little PandaDo you like it?
November.
The temperature in Beicheng had already dropped to single digits. The weather forecast predicted it would fall to 0 degrees Celsius in a few more days.
The days of snowfall were not far off.
At dawn, the sky was just beginning to lighten. The master bedroom in Nanjing offered a direct view of Beicheng’s bustling center. Pale, warm sunlight cast slanted patches of light on her body.
Cheng Jiqing had left early for the film set due to filming. Bai Xin stood on the balcony for a while, watching the autumn wind scatter fallen leaves outside, a heavy feeling settling in her heart.
It should be said that these days, the days since she had reconciled with Cheng Jiqing, she would feel this way whenever she was alone and quiet.
She didn’t know if Cheng Jiqing felt it too.
Because on the surface, everything seemed fine.
Bai Xin glanced at the time, gathered her thoughts, and turned around.
The sweet aroma of jujube filled the living room; Cheng Jiqing had left them simmering in a pot for her before leaving. Her unease eased somewhat after tasting the sweetness.
After a simple breakfast, she headed out.
She had someone else to meet this morning.
An hour later, Bai Xin’s car parked beneath the Bai Corporation building. The skyscraper loomed, its black glass curtain wall shimmering with a faint, somber light in the early morning.
It already showed signs of decline.
“Miss, you’ve finally shown up. CEO Bai has been worried sick these past few days. He slept in the office last night and just closed his eyes a moment ago.”
Bai Zhaoliang’s secretary said with a worried expression.
Bai Xin’s expression was cold. She stopped in her tracks. “Since he just closed his eyes, why don’t I leave first?”
Trying to play the sympathy card with her, was he?
The secretary was taken aback. “No, no, no, he’s awake now. He knew you were coming and has been waiting.”
The secretary suddenly felt nervous. He hadn’t felt this way when Bai Xin was previously at the company, but now, after not seeing her for a while, she seemed like a different person.
He probably also knew how crucial Bai Xin was to the company’s current crisis; otherwise, Bai Zhaoliang wouldn’t be this anxious.
How could he dare to offend her?
Bai Xin glanced at the secretary before walking towards Bai Zhaoliang’s office.
As soon as she entered, Bai Zhaoliang rose from the sofa. “Xiao Xin, you said you weren’t feeling well recently. Are you better now? Quick, quick, come sit down.”
Bai Xin avoided Bai Zhaoliang’s hand and looked at him, speaking slowly, “I’m fine, almost recovered.”
She hadn’t answered any of Bai Zhaoliang’s calls these past few days, only replying with a line or two about recuperating. Bai Zhaoliang was perhaps anxious; initially, he hadn’t even offered a single word of feigned concern.
Only after she didn’t show up the next two times did he suggest visiting her.
Bai Xin thought, it was just like that time she stood behind Bai Zhaoliang and heard him inhumanely inquiring about that piece of land. Exactly the same.
When anxious, he couldn’t even be bothered with pretense.
“You know about the company’s situation, don’t you? Xiao Xin, the Bai Corporation is Dad’s entire life’s work1. Now that it’s become like this, you don’t know how anxious I’ve been these past few days. With you not at the company, Dad doesn’t even have anyone to rely on… ai.” Bai Zhaoliang sighed.
Bai Xin said, “Isn’t there still Zhou Ping?”
Hearing that name, a look of disgust flashed across Bai Zhaoliang’s face. “Her? Let’s not talk about her. Ever since Xingxing’s incident, she’s been making a fuss at home all day long. The company’s been struggling recently, how would I have the mind to deal with her? Let’s not talk about her. Xiao Xin, the company has started layoffs.”
“Of the several crises Bai Corporation has faced since its founding, none have been as severe as this one… You haven’t been at the company recently, so you might not understand the real situation. Dad will tell you, don’t be scared.”
Hearing this, Bai Xin nodded faintly. “Okay.”
Of course, I’m scared. I’m scared you’re not miserable enough yet.
Bai Zhaoliang said, “The company is in a desperate situation. We can’t get a single cent for the Y2 project. Everything at home that could be liquidated has been, all that’s left is the main family villa. If no more funds come in, Xiao Xin, our Bai family is finished.”
“Is it already this serious?” Bai Xin lowered her eyelashes, looking at the tea leaves in the cup on the table that had yet to unfurl.
“You were the one who initially took over the Y2 project. Since the loss of core personnel, the company has been facing problems again. Of course… Dad doesn’t mean to blame you.” Bai Zhaoliang paused, then said, “Sigh, if only your mother were still here. In the past, whenever we encountered a crisis, she would stay up day and night with me, thinking of solutions.”
The tea leaves briefly swirled in the cup, then sank to the bottom. It was as if snow had fallen into Bai Xin’s dark eyes. She had avoided Bai Zhaoliang for several days; today was the day they had to meet.
She just wanted to see what Bai Zhaoliang’s face would look like when he was cornered.
Now, it seemed she had come at the wrong time.
She felt nauseated just breathing.
This person actually dared to bring up the past.
Bai Zhaoliang looked up at Bai Xin, his tone mournful. “When you were little, our family also faced a crisis. At that time, your mother almost took out that piece of land her family left her. But thankfully, we got through it. This crisis is even more severe than that time; it might be a devastating disaster. Xiao Xin, you’re as smart as your mother. Our family has to get through this difficult time…”
How could Bai Xin not understand?
Look, over a decade had passed, and Bai Zhaoliang was still clinging to the hope that the money from liquidating that land was in her hands.
“I have nothing. What can I possibly do?”
Hearing this, disappointment showed on Bai Zhaoliang’s face. He indeed still harbored thoughts about that huge sum of money. After all, Lu Man had no other relatives; where else could she have put the money?
But this hope was very faint. If Bai Xin had it, she wouldn’t have hidden it for so many years.
His thoughts shifted. “Of course, there’s something you can do. The only ones who can help us now are the Cheng family. I went to see Cheng Jing, but she refused to meet me. Didn’t you and Cheng Jiqing have a good relationship before? She’s good to you. You should go meet her… Cheng Jing has always valued Cheng Jiqing…”
Bai Xin suddenly lost her patience and interrupted, “I’m afraid that won’t work.”
“Why?”
“We haven’t been in contact for a long time.”
“Why don’t you try again? I think she quite admires you. Xiao Xin, this is a matter of life and death for the Bai family. In the future, the Bai Corporation will all be yours. We have to bow our heads when necessary right now.” In just a short while, many more white hairs seemed to have appeared at Bai Zhaoliang’s temples. His emotionally charged tone sounded earnest and well-meaning.
If the filthy things in this world were divided into ranks, Bai Zhaoliang wouldn’t even qualify as a thing.
Bai Xin had no patience left to look at him.
“Alright, I’ll call her when I get back to the office later.”
“Why not call now?”
Bai Xin narrowed her eyes slightly, silent for two seconds, then couldn’t even be bothered to pretend anymore, her voice cold.
“I said, I’ll call later.”
Can’t you understand?
Bai Zhaoliang was taken aback. He knew that Bai Xin had suffered a lot over the years because of Zhou Ping and Bai Xingxing.
Although she appeared quiet and unassuming, he could tell that she harbored resentment towards those two, and towards him as well.
But this was the first time he had seen her so undisguised.
Bai Zhaoliang’s expression changed slightly. Bai Xin was, after all, a member of the Bai family. If the Bai Corporation collapsed, what good days could she have?
He, a father, an elder, had already spoken so humbly…
Bai Zhaoliang frowned. “Xiao Xin, what kind of attitude is this?”
Bai Xin looked at Bai Zhaoliang’s displeased expression, a hint of laziness and causticity suddenly appearing amidst her cold demeanor. “The attitude one should have towards the father who raised me for many years.”
“What do you mean by that? Don’t forget, your surname is also Bai!” Bai Zhaoliang couldn’t hold back for a moment, his voice slightly heavy.
Bai Zhaoliang had been overwhelmed with troubles recently. If it weren’t for needing Bai Xin to leverage her relationship with Cheng Jiqing, how could he still have the mood to speak nicely?
Bai Xin narrowed her eyes, not immediately replying, the corners of her mouth curling into a contemptuous smirk.
After speaking, Bai Zhaoliang also realized his tone had been too harsh, at least he should control it at this moment. He softened his tone, “Alright, alright, it’s Dad’s fault. I haven’t slept well these past few days, I wasn’t careful with my words. Xiao Xin, I know I didn’t care enough about you in the past. Once this matter is over, Dad will definitely make it up to you… Whether the company can survive this crisis depends on you.”
Immediately changing his tune when things looked bad, and throwing in a big empty promise2 for good measure.
Bai Xin sneered internally. For some reason, she suddenly thought of a word Cheng Jiqing had once used to describe her—chameleon.
She and Bai Zhaoliang, in certain base instincts, actually had similarities.
Unpleasant.
Bai Xin stood up. “Got it.”
Bai Zhaoliang hadn’t risen yet, sitting on the gray fabric sofa, appearing even older. Bai Xin looked down at him, but felt not a shred of pity. Some people could grow old; some people didn’t even get the chance to grow old. As docile as she was in childhood, she said, “I will do my best.”
Bai Xin returned to her own office. It wasn’t large, and someone still cleaned it for her daily. There was a cactus on the windowsill, about half the size of a palm, lush green. She had bought it casually on the way the day she moved in.
She sat down in her chair and took out her phone.
The call was answered extremely quickly on the other end. “Hello?”
Bai Xin tilted her head back, the chair swiveling to face the floor-to-ceiling window. Due to the light, she slightly lowered her eyelids. “The final step. We can proceed.”
“Understood.”
Bai Xin said faintly, “I’ve sent you a list, the usable people currently in the Bai Corporation.”
Zhou Yushu paused. “Okay, I’ll have someone contact them. Did you see Bai Zhaoliang?”
“Mn.”
“How was it?”
“Just like that.”
Bai Xin didn’t say much more.
Ever since that incident last time, there had always been a rift between them. Although Zhou Yushu had been helping her all these years, the thought that she had harbored such intentions behind her back, done things without her knowledge… It wasn’t to the point of a complete break, but talking to Zhou Yushu was indeed no longer as casual as before.
Bai Xin’s thoughts paused here.
This feeling she had, would Cheng Jiqing have it too?
She surely must.
Therefore, to mend things, they would pay more attention to each other’s every move than before.
Perhaps sensing her thoughts, a message from Cheng Jiqing popped up on her phone screen.
Cheng Jiqing: 【Did you meet? How was it?】
Bai Xin lowered her head, typing word by word: 【His expression, it was quite a show.】
Cheng Jiqing: 【Tell me about it?】
Bai Xin asked: 【Are you free?】
Cheng Jiqing: 【Ten-minute break.】
Bai Xin also wanted to chat more, wishing she could occupy Cheng Jiqing’s every second. But then she pondered, how could ten minutes be enough to say anything?
Besides, after all the commotion last night, Cheng Jiqing had woken up so early; she needed to rest.
As she thought this, she stood up from the chair.
She picked up the small pot of cactus from the window corner and walked out without looking back.
The office was quiet, with no discernible noise. A dark shadow stretched across the floor.
Never again, would she come back here.
On this end.
Cheng Jiqing stood under a plane tree, the leaves overhead already thoroughly yellow. When the wind blew, they couldn’t be held onto. She tightened her windbreaker.
Holding her phone in one hand.
Bai Xin: 【You should rest well.】
A second later, Bai Xin sent another message: 【We’ll talk when I get home tonight.】
Cheng Jiqing stared at this sentence and chuckled: 【Okay.】
She’s improved, knows how to care for someone now.
After sending the message, just as she was about to put her phone away, the avatar popped up again: 【So straightforward?】
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
She chuckled: 【Tonight, in detail.】
Cheng Jiqing often faced this kind of ‘fickleness’ recently. Different from before, she could sense why.
Reconciliation.
It was like an oil painting unintentionally stained; even if one was willing to spend a fortune and great effort to restore it, it would still take time.
During this restoration period, there would be unease and anxiety about the unknown.
From the day they reconciled, they had been working to eliminate this unease. She didn’t want life to be mired in gloom, nor could she bear to see Bai Xin reveal such an apprehensive expression—although Bai Xin should have things she was afraid of, otherwise, if everything was in her control, she’d be lawless.
But it couldn’t always be like this.
She didn’t used to have a soft heart; it was only after meeting Bai Xin that she contracted this ‘illness.’
Bai Xin was not a patient person; her unease would be very obviously displayed, especially in front of her.
Just like now, the person’s way of speaking had changed in just a few short seconds.
Bai Xin was changing, accommodating and caring for her, but on this basis, her anxieties would also be magnified.
She knew, she could understand, and she could feel Bai Xin’s emotions for her.
So she hadn’t brought up the past again, and was willing to lay out her feelings, to give Bai Xin a certain sense of security.
For example, that day she let Song Ling in. Could she not see Bai Xin’s hope? It wasn’t just for those superficial reasons, but also because Song Ling was currently her only friend.
Bai Xin also wanted her to let her friends know about their relationship.
For example, the nightly embraces. Could she not feel Bai Xin’s need? Bai Xin needed it, so she would also take the initiative to hug Bai Xin a few seconds after she lay down and quieted.
And for example, that social media post under the autumn sun that day.
She knew, Bai Xin wanted to hear it.
“Chengcheng, come have some coffee,” Zhou Qing called from the side.
“Coming.”
Cheng Jiqing walked over. It was only just past ten o’clock, but they had been filming a night scene since five, and now everyone on set had reached a point of fatigue.
She had asked her assistant to order the coffee. The main actors among them would take turns treating.
As she walked over a few steps, the surrounding staff members thanked her.
Her assistant handed her a hot latte. “Chengcheng, Ada said you should post some photos on Weibo when you’re free, do a little fan service.”
The assistant was named Li Meng3, chosen for her by Ada.
Originally, Ada was supposed to manage her personally, but Cheng Jiqing had refused. Ada was a very seasoned manager; she didn’t need such a professional person by her side while filming.
A simple assistant who could help out was enough.
Before Cheng Jiqing could speak, Li Yunlan, sipping her coffee nearby, chuckled and said, “Chengcheng really posts rarely on Weibo, and rarely on her Moments too.”
“Exactly! Chengcheng, post a nine-square grid later, I’ll go like it for you,” Zhou Qing said, approaching with her coffee.
“Okay, Teacher Zhou, I’ll take some photos just to ride on your popularity4,” Cheng Jiqing said, and Zhou Qing laughed, shrugging. “Easy, easy.”
Although the weather was cool, the atmosphere was good.
Cheng Jiqing said, “Aren’t you done with your scenes for today?”
Zhou Qing said seriously, “I want to watch your intimate scene.”
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
Li Yunlan: “…”
Li Yunlan glanced at Cheng Jiqing and chuckled softly. “Teacher Zhou, Chengcheng hasn’t filmed one before, don’t scare her. Besides, the scene you’re looking forward to isn’t today.”
Cheng Jiqing was no rookie actress; how could she be scared?
“Teacher Zhou, you’re a public figure, at least.”
Zhou Qing: “Who doesn’t love watching intimate scenes? It’s not today? But I thought I saw one in the script for today.”
Li Meng, beside Cheng Jiqing, reminded her in a low voice, “That’s for next week.”
Zhou Qing was disappointed. “Darn it, did I read it wrong?”
The few of them looked at each other, not feeling awkward or offended. The movie wasn’t being filmed chronologically; rather, the director scheduled scenes based on various factors.
Therefore, she and Li Yunlan had filmed scenes from their breakup, to their first meeting, to being passionately in love, all within these few days…
Tong Yanxi had them familiarize themselves with each other beforehand.
No matter where they started, they could connect.
“Teacher Zhou, did you forget, we’re not filming in Beicheng next week either,” Li Yunlan reminded with a smile, her gaze drifting to the corner of Cheng Jiqing’s lips. They were a clean, tender red, matte, slightly thin, but the lip shape was excellent.
She took out a wet wipe and handed it over. “You have something on your mouth.”
Cheng Jiqing accepted it. “Ah, thank you.”
Zhou Qing continued, “Help, it’s over, it’s over, Director Tong is going to test me. I was only thinking about your, uh, scene, and forgot we have to travel next week!”
Cheng Jiqing wiped her mouth, coffee warming her hands, and listened with another burst of laughter.
Someone started it, and they began talking about their plans after filming wrapped up.
“I’ve cleared my schedule for the New Year, I’ll go home and rest for a while,” Li Yunlan said. “What about you, Chengcheng?”
Cheng Jiqing said in a gentle voice, “I’ll have some work, other plans aren’t set yet. I’d quite like to go out and travel.”
“Traveling, huh? Wait a sec, I’ll send you something.”
Zhou Qing said, then lowered her head and tapped her phone a few times. “A winter travel guide. I was originally planning to go, but I have a lot of work scheduled this year, no chance to go.”
Only after Cheng Jiqing finished filming the afternoon scene did she have time to carefully look at that 《Winter Travel Guide》.
There were many places, modern and ancient, hidden gems and internet-famous spots; it was very comprehensive.
It also had detailed itineraries. Cheng Jiqing looked through them one by one, her gaze inexplicably landing on a photo towards the end, labeled Beiyu Town5.
A world of white snow, with small, square wooden houses half-buried in it.
Red lanterns hung from the two corners of the windows.
At night, with scattered lights, the individual cabins looked like miniature castles.
There were also ski resorts nearby. In the photo, as far as the eye could see, the snow and sky merged into one.
Cheng Jiqing was taken with this place at first glance.
The preliminary preparations for 《Cat and Mint》 were well done, and progress was faster than everyone had anticipated.
Emotional art films generally have shorter filming durations; they might even finish by early December.
By then, it should be a world of heavy snow.
Unfortunately, Beicheng didn’t have many interesting places. She wanted to go somewhere more spacious.
She thought, this year, she could spend New Year’s Eve with Bai Xin.
She lowered her head again, closed the link, scrolled slightly, and tapped on Bai Xin’s WeChat: 【After this movie wraps up, let’s go to Beiyu Town.】
A week passed quickly.
During this week, Cheng Jiqing received a DNA test report.
Between Cheng Jing and her.
It could be confirmed that there was no blood relationship.
That evening, Cheng Jiqing placed the report on the table, waiting for Bai Xin to finish her shower.
Cheng Jiqing had filmed a crying scene today, cried a lot, and her eyes were slightly swollen when she returned. She had placed two ice-cold spoons on her eyes.
She heard footsteps, and a few seconds later, the bed dipped half an inch.
She smelled the mixed scent of lily and milk salt, though the milky fragrance was stronger at that moment.
Bai Xin grasped her wrist, taking the spoons. “Let me see?”
“Why is it so red?” She placed them back on, dissatisfied. “Don’t film crying scenes anymore in the future.”
“…”
Cheng Jiqing lay flat, chuckling softly at these words.
Bai Xin lay down beside her. She took the spoons off and looked. Bai Xin was propped up on her hands, leaning over her.
Exceptionally docile.
She was stunned for a moment.
Bai Xin didn’t notice, her voice faint, only staring at those eyes. “What are you laughing at? Such fine eyes suffering like this.”
Bai Xin hadn’t tied up her hair; her long, dark tea-colored curly hair cascaded down, brushing against Cheng Jiqing’s arm.
That fair, captivating face looked as if it were painted.
Cheng Jiqing turned sideways, pulling the person into her embrace. “Who doesn’t suffer when filming? I don’t find it bitter. Besides, how can you say you won’t film just because it’s bitter? Then why enter this profession?”
Bai Xin was no match for Cheng Jiqing in this regard; this person knew how to give a pep talk6.
She didn’t speak, leaning closer, her cheek resting on Cheng Jiqing’s heart.
“Oh, well I don’t want you to either.”
Just as Cheng Jiqing was about to continue her ‘brainwashing,’ Bai Xin suddenly lifted her head. With the movement, her slightly pointed chin bumped Cheng Jiqing, causing a slight pain. She cupped Bai Xin’s chin with her palm.
Bai Xin said, “I heard this movie also has intimate scenes?”
She hadn’t just remembered; Ada had told her back then that 《Cat and Mint》 wouldn’t have any overly explicit scenes.
She didn’t want to interfere with Cheng Jiqing, and with all that had happened later, she hadn’t asked.
But seeing Cheng Jiqing return like this, she felt somewhat unhappy. Even if it was fake, those were real tears shed for someone else.
Cheng Jiqing remembered she had to travel in two days, possibly for another week, and during that week, there would indeed be the ‘intimate scenes’ Bai Xin mentioned. A ‘kiss scene’ and a ‘bed scene.’ The kiss would use camera angles7, but some other contact was definitely unavoidable.
She felt inexplicably guilty.
“We’ll use camera angles,” she explained. “You see, many TV dramas rely on creating an atmosphere.”
Bai Xin heard this.
Her brows furrowed slightly, her stunning eyes narrowing. “So there still are some, then?”
She lifted her head from Cheng Jiqing’s palm, leaning forward, her body landing on top of Cheng Jiqing’s.
“Using camera angles still means getting very close, right?”
Cheng Jiqing pondered, then said honestly, “Mm…”
Cheng Jiqing watched her expression change. A strand of hair was tucked behind her ear, still damp. Due to the shower, Bai Xin’s earlobe was slightly red.
Her hand rested on Bai Xin’s back shoulder. Using her core strength, she flipped over, and then, by Bai Xin’s ear, she said, “Miss Bai, let me just remind you a tiny bit, your wife is an actress.”
Her voice was slow and deliberate.
Waves of itchiness shot through Bai Xin’s eardrums.
Cheng Jiqing looked up again, her gaze intensely fixed on Bai Xin beneath her. A few seconds later, Bai Xin’s hands wrapped around the back of her neck, fingers interlaced.
The temperature was several degrees higher than the room’s heating.
Over an hour later.
The air was filled with a sweet, cloying scent. Cheng Jiqing stepped onto the floor barefoot, bending down to pick up the trash from the ground. Bai Xin lay limply on the pillow.
“Why can you never throw it accurately?”
Hearing the teasing, Cheng Jiqing scoffed lightly. “As long as other things are accurate.”
Bai Xin: “…”
She was silent for two seconds, staring at Cheng Jiqing’s slender and firm back, her waist thin and tight. “Cheng Jiqing, have I corrupted you?”
Cheng Jiqing put on a robe, tied the belt, turned around, pulled the person up, and then carried her towards the bathroom.
She said exaggeratedly, “Wow, oh my god, Miss Bai, you’re capable of self-reflection.”
Bai Xin’s fist tapped down, lacking strength, almost like a coquettish pout.
She hugged Cheng Jiqing’s neck, the alluring charm in her eyes hard to conceal, her lips curling slightly. “Little CEO Cheng has improved too. I like… the bad side of you.”
“Then if I drop you now, would you like it?”
“?”
Cheng Jiqing rarely teased her. “Don’t you like my bad side?”
Bai Xin pinched her heart, the sting making Cheng Jiqing both hurt and curse, almost really dropping her.
After a quick rinse and getting back into bed, she showed Bai Xin the report.
“Tomorrow is Cheng Lan’s death anniversary. I’ll go to the cemetery, and then have dinner with Cheng Jing later in the evening.”
Bai Xin put away the expected report. “You’re still going?”
“Mn, I promised before,” Cheng Jiqing said. “Besides, Fu Rongjun might also go tomorrow. It’s a good opportunity to test the waters. I just need to see her reaction.”
It would be best to find a way to get her DNA tested.
Cheng Jiqing asked:
“How are things with the Bai Corporation?”
“Soon.”
Just a matter of these next two days.
Cheng Jiqing nodded. Bai Xin suddenly thought of something and grabbed Cheng Jiqing’s hand, holding it to her chest. “If anything happens, you don’t need to appease Cheng Jing for my sake. It’s already fine.”
She said it was already fine.
Cheng Jiqing felt much more at ease.
Recently, various pieces of news had been released online. The Bai Corporation’s capital chain had broken, it was in a precarious state, and it was practically common knowledge within their circle.
This news spread extremely fast, likely also Bai Xin’s doing.
The foundation of a company is its life, its reputation is its soul.
At this point, the Bai Corporation had nothing left.
“Bai Zhaoliang hasn’t come looking for you, has he?”
“Not these past few days,” Cheng Jiqing said.
He had intercepted her once at Nanjing last week, but she had ignored him. Now that the Bai Corporation was in dire straits, he probably knew it was useless to look for her.
It seemed everything was moving in the direction they hoped for.
“What time are you going to the cemetery tomorrow?”
“Afternoon.”
“Where are you having dinner?”
“Don’t know yet.”
“I’ll be eating out tomorrow too… Tang Jia’s birthday.” Bai Xin paused, then added, “Zhou Yushu will be there too.”
Cheng Jiqing was taken aback. “Okay. What gift are you giving?”
She asked casually, as if completely ignoring this person.
After Cheng Jiqing spoke, she got up, opened a drawer, and tossed the report inside. Then her gaze involuntarily fell on the bottom drawer. The top drawers were used for frequently used items.
The bottom one was rarely opened.
She remembered something, pulled it open slightly, and took out a phone from inside.
When she first transmigrated, this phone was originally in the top drawer. Later, because she couldn’t unlock it without the password and was too lazy to try figuring it out one by one, she just tossed it into the bottom drawer.
She occasionally saw it but never paid it any mind. Perhaps it was because of this whole blood relationship issue that she suddenly remembered it again.
Bai Xin answered her question.
“Money.”
“…”
Alright, that’s very Bai-jie.
“Then where are you guys eating?” Cheng Jiqing asked, looking at the phone.
Bai Xin turned her head to look at what Cheng Jiqing was holding. “Don’t know yet.”
Then asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, an old phone, forgot the password.”
Cheng Jiqing said, then casually tossed it onto the table. “I’ll ask the Lan Qi people tomorrow if there’s a way to unlock it.”
She didn’t pay it much mind.
Bai Xin was extremely sleepy, letting out a small yawn. The corners of her eyes bloomed with tears like a beautiful ink wash painting. The ends of her eyes were still tinged with red, her tone slow. “Mn, let’s sleep.”
“Let’s sleep. Good night.”
Cheng Jiqing responded, moving down in the bed, pulling the blanket over both of them. A fragrant, soft person immediately squeezed into her embrace, nuzzling her cheek into her neck.
This person is like a cat.
The light went out.
Bai Xin opened her eyes in the dimness, her eyelashes brushing against Cheng Jiqing’s neck. Her lips parted and closed, a dark, burning fragrance sinking into her heart. “Good night, wife.”
The author has something to say:
Chengcheng: See you tomorrow.
Bai-jie: See you tomorrow.
Cheng Jing: See you tomorrow.
Zhou Yushu: See you tomorrow.
Footnotes
- 心血 | xīnxuè | Literally “heart’s blood.” Refers to painstaking effort, one’s life’s work, or something one has poured all their energy into.
- 畫個大餅 | huà ge dà bǐng | Literally “draw a big pancake.” It means to make an attractive but often unrealistic or empty promise to motivate or appease someone.
- 李萌 | Lǐ Méng
- 蹭你的流量 | cèng nǐ de liúliàng | Literally “rub off on your traffic/flow.” In internet slang, it means to gain exposure, popularity, or benefits by associating with someone more famous or popular; to ride on someone’s coattails.
- 北嶼鎮 | Běiyǔ Zhèn | North Islet Town.
- 熬雞湯 | áo jītāng | Literally “to simmer chicken soup.” Figuratively, it means to dispense heartwarming, often cliché, advice or motivational talk; similar to “chicken soup for the soul.”
- 借位 | jièwèi | Literally “borrow position/angle.” In filming, it refers to techniques like forced perspective or specific camera angles used to create an illusion, such as making a fake punch look real or a kiss seem more intimate than it is, without actual contact or with minimal contact.
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