The solo promotional photos took two hours. Afterward, the guests went to change their outfits and the sets were adjusted for group shots.
Taking advantage of the transition, Jiang Weifeng stepped out for a cigarette.
He pulled out his phone and saw that Lin Jiang had posted a photo of the hydrangea bouquet on her Moments. He gave it a like, then exited to scroll through their chat history.
The most recent page of their conversation showed him asking her to accept the money, her refusal, and then that long string of voice messages he had bombarded her with.
He didn't actually remember exactly what he had said in those messages. He had been exhausted at noon and had dozed off for a bit, only to dream of her during that brief nap. When he woke up in an unfamiliar place, he had sat there in a daze for a long time, feeling a lingering sense of melancholy.
After sitting on the edge of the bed for a while, he received her WeChat message. For some reason, he had ended up sending her such a long voice note.
He didn't know how she would react upon receiving it, but he himself could hardly believe he had spoken so much.
They say love is a intoxicating dream that makes one lose themselves. He hadn't even fully committed yet, and he was already experiencing both the intoxication and the dream.
As he was thinking this, someone called his name from behind.
Jiang Weifeng’s temple throbbed, but he didn't turn around.
The person didn't seem to mind. She walked around him to stand in front of him and smiled. "Long time no see."
Jiang Weifeng nodded and stubbed out his cigarette. "Aren't you going inside to get ready?"
Zhao Siyi smoothed her hair. "No rush. My turn isn't until the third group."
Jiang Weifeng gave a faint "mm" and said, "Then I’ll head in to prepare."
"Jiang Weifeng," Zhao Siyi called out hastily. "Um... have you been well these past few years?"
Jiang Weifeng had intended to leave, but his eyes flickered as he changed his mind. He paused, turned back, and smiled. "I’m alright. Just the usual."
Zhao Siyi was momentarily dazed by his smile, but then she heard him continue: "Just... living, working, and dating like any other normal person."
The statement was brief, but the key point was impossible to miss.
Zhao Siyi felt as if she had been plunged into a frozen lake.
Jiang Weifeng didn't have time to worry about her feelings. He went back inside and got busy again. It wasn't until the first group finished and the artists were tidying their clothes that Lillian handed him a cup of water. Gu Xiang popped up from the other side and whispered, "I saw Zhao Siyi’s eyes were red when she came back in."
"Gu Xiang," Jiang Weifeng called his name. His voice held a hint of a threat, though a smile remained on his face. "Are you that bored?"
Gu Xiang mimed zipping his lips shut once again.
The day passed both busily and slowly.
That evening, the production crew had dinner together. Most of the team were young people, and since filming was set to begin the next day, there wasn't much of the stifling, traditional drinking culture.
The incident happened toward the end of the meal.
An assistant led several newcomers over to toast the director. Someone piped up, "This isn't fair! The lighting and photography leads are at this table too. Why only toast the director?"
At this, the assistant hurriedly had the newcomers make their rounds at the table.
Jiang Weifeng sat two seats to the director's right. By the time they reached him, several of the girls were already looking a bit bleary-eyed from the alcohol.
When it was Zhao Siyi’s turn to toast, her words were slightly slurred. "Teacher... Teacher Jiang, I’ve seen your work. It’s excellent. I’ll be in your care for this shoot."
After speaking, she bit her lip and downed her drink in one go.
Jiang Weifeng watched her swallow the liquor, clearly struggling yet forcing a smile. His eyes darkened. He smiled and drained his own glass completely, then replied with polite, professional distance:
"Rest assured, I will fulfill my professional duties."
"Couldn't you have been a bit more tactful?"
That night, as Gu Xiang recalled the comment, he slapped his thigh. "When Zhao Siyi heard you say that, her hand shook so hard she nearly spilled the rest of her wine."
Lillian, who was nearby reviewing the next day's workflow, was shocked. "The boss and Zhao Siyi?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she was silenced by a sharp, stern look from Jiang Weifeng.
It was only the first day, and they were already run off their feet. It was hard enough to manage one's own emotions; who had the energy to worry about someone else's?
It was 11:00 PM by the time Jiang Weifeng returned to his hotel.
He initially wanted to call Lin Jiang, but he hesitated when he opened the voice call option. Instead, he typed out a message.
*J: Are you asleep?*
To his surprise, she replied instantly: *Asleep.*
Jiang Weifeng smiled and replied: *Messaging me in your dreams?*
In the deep of the night, the quiet bedroom was illuminated only by a few slivers of moonlight piercing through the glass. The phone screen suddenly lit up, brightening Lin Jiang’s fair, soft face. She smiled after reading the message and quickly tapped out a few words.
*J: This is a system auto-reply.*
After sending it, Lin Jiang rolled over on the bed. For some reason, the thought of being able to banter with him like this made her unable to stop grinning.
Two seconds later, the WeChat call ringtone suddenly blared, startling Lin Jiang into a sitting position.
Even though she knew he couldn't see her, she smoothed her hair and straightened her clothes before answering. "Hello?"
"System auto-answer?" Jiang Weifeng teased.
Lin Jiang’s eyes crinkled with laughter as she played along. "You guessed right. How may I help you?"
Jiang Weifeng made an "mm" sound as if thinking. "Then please pass a message to Lin Jiang. Tell her that her boyfriend has given her a task: he hopes she goes to sleep early every day, and while she's at it, has a dream where she meets him."
Lin Jiang couldn't hold it in anymore. "Ugh, so cheesy. I’m not passing that on."
"You’re a robot with an attitude now?" Jiang Weifeng teased.
"Alright, alright, stop it," Lin Jiang surrendered.
Jiang Weifeng’s laughter was audible. "Why aren't you asleep yet? Didn't we agree no staying up late?"
Lin Jiang sighed. "Hmph, you're asking what you already know."
"Oh..." Jiang Weifeng drew out the sound as if having a sudden realization. "You couldn't sleep because you were missing me?"
"I was not!" Lin Jiang cried out, caught between wanting to cry and laugh. "I was just waiting for you to contact me."
Once the words were out, Jiang Weifeng let out a low chuckle.
Lin Jiang realized she'd been played. She bit her lip, cursing herself for falling so easily into his trap.
"Alright, go to sleep now. No more staying up late." Fortunately, Jiang Weifeng didn't tease her further.
Lin Jiang steadied her breathing. Knowing he must be exhausted, she said, "Okay, you should rest soon too."
Just as they were about to hang up, Jiang Weifeng suddenly called her name. "Lin Jiang."
"Yeah?"
"Goodnight," he said.
Lin Jiang paused, her lips curving upward. "Goodnight."
***
Late June.
It rained occasionally in Qingcheng, but Beijing saw a string of sunny days.
Lin Jiang and Jiang Weifeng were separated by distance. He would contact her during gaps in his busy schedule, and her phone hadn't been on silent since he left.
June 30th was a Friday. After Lin Jiang finished her classes and went downstairs to say goodbye to a few students, she happened to run into Zheng Ping, who was looking for Teacher Cheng.
Zheng Ping wanted to invite Lin Jiang over for dinner again. Lin Jiang felt too embarrassed to keep accepting and said she would visit with Jiang Weifeng once he returned.
Teacher Cheng, of course, had known about Lin Jiang and Jiang Weifeng for a while. She chimed in, saying they were a great match, before grumbling about Cheng Minghao again, complaining that he was always drifting around elsewhere without a girlfriend.
The three of them chatted downstairs for a while before Lin Jiang hurriedly hailed a taxi home.
Xu Mingjuan had called her, saying her maternal grandfather was insisting on going home. The shop was too busy, so she was tasked with taking him.
When Lin Jiang entered the house, her maternal grandfather had already packed his things into a medium-sized bag.
Lin Jiang asked, "What’s going on? Is it not comfortable staying here?"
Her maternal grandfather didn't try to hide his reasons. "A golden nest or a silver nest is nothing compared to my own humble kennel. I won't suffocate here, but my old buddies are dying to see me! Old Li and Old Cai have called me several times already!"
Lin Jiang didn't argue, but asked, "Then you have the heart to leave my paternal grandfather here alone to suffer under your daughter's management?"
Hearing this, her paternal grandfather stood up from the rocking chair on the balcony. "Didn't I tell you this old man is heartless? Let me tell you, he hasn't even been well for three days and he's already looking for trouble, saying he wants to go to Thailand to see the ladyboys!"
"Hey, hey, hey! That’s not fair, Old Lin! Why are you airing my dirty laundry?" Her maternal grandfather was shocked, then pouted like a child. "I know you're just bitter because you lost the bet!"
Her paternal grandfather’s voice rose an octave. "Who’s bitter! You’re the one who kept clamoring for a bet. I wouldn't waste my time betting on my granddaughter's happiness!"
"You two made a bet?" Lin Jiang was bewildered.
"How can you bite the hand that feeds you?" Her maternal grandfather put his hands on his hips, ready for a debate. "Weren't you the one who said Lin Jiang liked Shen Yan? I said she had her eye on young Jiang, and you argued with me!"
"I... I did no such thing!" Her paternal grandfather denied it vehemently.
"You! You're twisting the truth!" Her maternal grandfather fumed. "Last time Shen Yan came to deliver lunch, you were the one who called him! And that time Lin Jiang took you to visit Lin Wei’s company, didn't you call Shen Yan to give you a ride? And..."
"Ouch, my chest hurts!" Seeing that his friend’s temper was too high to suppress, her paternal grandfather clutched his chest and screwed up his face in feigned distress.
Only then did her maternal grandfather quiet down.
These two old characters were enough to exhaust Lin Jiang.
She first had to soothe her paternal grandfather’s "pain," then drive her maternal grandfather home, listening to him vent his grievances the whole way.
They say the elderly are just like children; they need to be coaxed.
Jiang Weifeng would finish filming on the 3rd and return home on the 4th. Lin Jiang had marked the date on her calendar with a prominent red circle.
He was busy these days, and so was she.
With the students on summer break, her schedule had changed; she had classes every morning from Monday to Friday. Additionally, the collaboration column with "Hear It" was nearly finalized. She had spent the last few days writing scripts and recording. The column had assigned her a dedicated editor who was very professional. Sometimes Lin Jiang couldn't decide on the background music for a script and would change it several times; the editor often worked overtime to edit and send her new versions to audition.
That afternoon, Lin Jiang was exchanging voice notes with the editor while picking up a drink at the Starbucks in the shopping center.
Someone suddenly called out to her.
Lin Jiang turned around, momentarily stunned, until the person called again. "Lin Jiang, come sit."
They were only two or three steps apart, but Lin Jiang found herself unable to move.
She stood where she was, gripping the strap of her bag, her smile stiff. "I won't join you. I have to leave as soon as I get my order."
Cheng Yunchuan paused at her words, then stood up. "Lin Jiang, are you avoiding me?"
"I’m not," Lin Jiang denied quickly, but realized the moment the words left her mouth that she sounded too deliberate. She licked her lips and smiled. "I just have something to do in a bit."
Cheng Yunchuan let out a soft "heh." Her eyes were filled with irrepressible self-mockery and loneliness, yet her tone remained fiercely proud. "It’s only right that you avoid me. You’re so pure and brave; I can't compare."
Lin Jiang clenched her fists tightly. Looking at the woman before her—whose exquisite makeup couldn't hide the ashen shadows under her eyes—she remained outwardly calm. "You’ve misunderstood."
"Is that so? Then let’s add each other on WeChat?" Cheng Yunchuan forced a brilliant smile.
The smile made Lin Jiang break into a cold sweat. Fortunately, it was her turn to pick up her order. She feigned composure. "I have to go now."
Lin Jiang took her drink and walked toward the door. Cheng Yunchuan, carrying her bag, called out from behind, "Where are you going? I’ll give you a ride."
Lin Jiang’s pace faltered slightly. She turned her head, unable to quite read Cheng Yunchuan’s expression, and squinted. "No need."
At that, Cheng Yunchuan tilted her head, seemingly smiling. She walked unhurriedly to stand in front of Lin Jiang, maintaining that brilliant yet unsettling smile. "Zhang Juntao said he thought he saw you a while ago..." She paused, watching Lin Jiang’s reaction, then added slowly, "...at Wanda."
Lin Jiang’s face turned deathly pale.
Despite the 38-degree heat, she felt a chill wash over her, as if all her strength had been drained away.
It had come to this!
Lin Jiang felt a surge of indignant hatred, but strangely, it made her feel more settled.
She steadied herself, a smile appearing on her face before she spoke. "Cheng Yunchuan, you were right about one thing just now. You really aren't as pure or brave as me."
The words were like a scorching sun to the heart. Cheng Yunchuan clearly hadn't expected Lin Jiang to say that; her body swayed, and she took a half-step back.
Lin Jiang didn't have the capacity to care about her feelings. When she spoke again, her voice was both sorrowful and merciful. "Don't sink any deeper."
After saying this, Lin Jiang didn't linger. She turned and walked away.
Cheng Yunchuan stood rooted to the spot, motionless, tears streaming down her face.
Passersby scrutinized and judged her with strange looks. After a while, a girl of seventeen or eighteen handed her a tissue.
The girl said, "Sister, no matter how good your makeup is, it can't withstand this much crying."
Cheng Yunchuan touched her face, where her makeup was already ruined. She stared blankly for a moment, then laughed—a laugh that brought even more tears.
In the urban forest, traffic flowed like water and pedestrians hurried by.
The sun outside was brutal. Even sitting in the air-conditioned car, Lin Jiang felt cold sweat soaking her back. She forced herself not to overthink, but not only was her mind a mess, her body wasn't listening either—her abdomen began to throb with waves of pain.
Enduring the pain until she got home, she realized her period had started.
Lin Jiang had suffered from dysmenorrhea since she was young. In the past, when she traveled the world, the only time she would stop to rest was during her period. After returning to Qingcheng, Xu Mingjuan had taken her to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. She had been taking herbal medicine for several months, and after the conditioning, she had been much better.
Who knew it would hurt this much this time.
It felt as if someone were twisting a knife in her gut. The pain was so intense her stomach cramped, and even painkillers didn't help. She ran to the bathroom to vomit once. After a long while, the painkillers finally kicked in, and her body felt a bit better, but her emotions and physical strength were completely spent. She collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
She was startled awake by a knock at the door.
Lin Jiang forced herself up to open it. When she saw who was there, she was stunned.
She rubbed her messy hair, and before she could react, she was met with a barrage of scolding:
"Lin Jiang! What are you doing? You didn't answer your phone or reply to WeChat?!"
Ms. Xu Mingjuan’s roar was loud enough to trigger the sound-activated lights in the hallway ten meters away, and it shattered the last of the drowsiness in Lin Jiang’s mind.
"Mother Lin, don't be so anxious. The child is perfectly fine, so we can rest easy now."
The speaker was Zheng Ping, which surprised Lin Jiang even more. "Teacher Zheng, why are you here too?"
Zheng Ping looked at Xu Mingjuan, then at Lin Jiang, and gave a faint smile. "It’s Weifeng. He said he couldn't get through to you and was worried..."
Hearing this, Lin Jiang’s face flushed, and her heart melted into a puddle.
Xu Mingjuan’s anger had mostly dissipated. Hearing Zheng Ping’s explanation, she said sheepishly, "I’m so sorry for making you all worry."
"I just started my period and was feeling exhausted, so I fell asleep," Lin Jiang said apologetically. "What time is it? Teacher Zheng, how did you get here?"
"Oh, Jianghe drove me. Since you're fine, I’ll head down. He’s waiting," Zheng Ping smiled, patting Lin Jiang’s hand.
Seeing Zheng Ping about to leave, Xu Mingjuan apologized again and said she would walk down with her.
Before leaving, she didn't forget the purpose of her visit, reminding Lin Jiang that Lin Wei would be back from his business trip tomorrow and she should come home for dinner. She then nagged her to drink more brown sugar water and avoid cold things. Ms. Xu’s tone was still a bit huffy, but the sentiment was warm. When she reached the elevator, she leaned back in to remind her, "Don't forget to call young Jiang back."
How could Lin Jiang forget?
The first thing she did upon returning to her room was call Jiang Weifeng. He picked up on the very first ring.
Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water. Lin Jiang glanced at the wall clock: it was past 11:30 PM.
The man’s voice came through the receiver, gentle and reassuring, quickly calming Lin Jiang down. Ibuprofen could handle the physical pain, but his voice was more effective than any painkiller for her emotional distress.
The call ended after a minute and twenty seconds.
Jiang Weifeng stood on the balcony. In the ashtray beside him were exactly twenty cigarette butts.
In the distance, the neon lights flickered. He couldn't see any stars when he looked up, but his heart felt inexplicably at peace.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 漠视 | Cold Indifference | The chapter title, referring to Jiang Weifeng's attitude toward Zhao Siyi. |
| 醉生梦死 | Intoxicating dream | Literally "to live as if drunk or dreaming"; used here to describe the all-consuming nature of love. |
| 痛经 | Dysmenorrhea | Severe menstrual cramps. |
| 外公 | Maternal Grandfather | Lin Jiang's mother's father. |
| 爷爷 | Paternal Grandfather | Lin Jiang's father's father. |
| 郑平 | Zheng Ping | Jiang Weifeng's mother. |
| 徐名娟 | Xu Mingjuan | Lin Jiang's mother. |
| 程云川 | Cheng Yunchuan | A woman from Lin Jiang's past who appears to have a complicated history with her. |
| 张俊涛 | Zhang Juntao | An acquaintance mentioned by Cheng Yunchuan. |
| 沈宴 | Shen Yan | A man mentioned by the grandfathers as a potential suitor for Lin Jiang. |
| 万达 | Wanda | A well-known Chinese commercial real estate brand/shopping plaza. |
| 听见 | Hear It | The name of the column or platform Lin Jiang is collaborating with. |
