Chapter 43: A Parting Kiss

Song Jin startled awake in the dead of the silent night.

A profound darkness enveloped her surroundings. The only sound was her rapid heartbeat, echoing like a drumbeat, “thump, thump, thump.”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her heart.

The scene from her dream was still vivid in her mind. She had confessed everything, but Duan Yan had not granted her forgiveness, choosing instead the finality of a breakup.

But dreams often ran contrary to reality. She remembered once dreaming of a failed confession, only for it to go unexpectedly smoothly in reality.

Song Jin gently turned her head, her gaze as soft as spring water, quietly flowing over Duan Yan’s tranquil side profile.

Her long hair was spread out on the pillow, like a bolt of black silk.

Under the gentle caress of the moonlight, Duan Yan’s face appeared even softer, causing an indescribable tenderness to well up in Song Jin’s heart.

She wanted to confess everything to Duan Yan as well, but now was not the right time.

Duan Yan was about to depart for Country F to prepare for a new endorsement. She didn’t want to affect her mood at such a crucial moment. It was better to wait for her return and reveal everything then.

Coincidentally, Duan Yan would be gone for five days. She could use that time to go home, sort out the chaos of the past, and then explain everything at once when Duan Yan returned.

This matter weighed on her heart like a giant boulder. Whenever she faced Duan Yan, she always felt short of breath, unable to refuse those seemingly ‘unreasonable’ requests.

Just like yesterday afternoon, when Duan Yan wanted to stroke her tail, could she really not resist?

Every time she thought about the deception towards Duan Yan, she felt like a punctured balloon, instantly losing all her strength. Faced with a Duan Yan like that, how could she bear to say no?

She saw all the good things Duan Yan did for her, but her lies were like a sword hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment.

Song Jin reached out, sighing softly without realizing it, and gently caressed Duan Yan’s cheek.

If Duan Yan ultimately couldn’t forgive her, she was also prepared.

She would use every means at her disposal, even if it meant being coquettish and pestering, to win her forgiveness. If her own intelligence couldn’t solve it, she would go ask her older sister for help. Her sister’s relationship with Zhou Jiangqi was so harmonious; her sister must have a solution.

“Hmm?”

Duan Yan’s voice was low and muffled, as if she had been awakened by Song Jin’s touch.

Song Jin hastily withdrew her hand, her heart filled with guilt, worried that she had disturbed Duan Yan’s peace.

However, Duan Yan held her hand tightly, concern showing in her sleepy eyes.

“What’s wrong? Can’t sleep?”

“It’s nothing, just had a dream.”

Song Jin lowered her head, not wanting Duan Yan to see the panic in her eyes.

“Are you still worried about the role?”

Duan Yan comforted her softly, “Don’t worry, I’ve seen the list of audition candidates. You are the most outstanding. This role is yours for the taking.”

Duan Yan’s praise instantly blew away her worries. Sweetness welled up in her heart, and she nodded gently.

“I know you’re very talented, but sometimes, seeking help is also a strategy. You have to take good care of yourself, you know?”

Hearing this, Song Jin mustered her courage and said softly, “Sister Duan, before… there were some things I wasn’t honest with you about.”

Duan Yan watched her, waiting for her to continue.

“When you come back from Country F, I’ll tell you everything. I hope you can forgive me.” Song Jin’s voice trembled slightly, but her words revealed a firm resolve. “If you can’t forgive me, I will do my best to make it up to you.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Duan Yan’s eyes, but she didn’t ask further, only gently rubbing Song Jin’s palm with her finger. “Okay, I’ll be waiting for your explanation.”

Song Jin did her best to force a smile. “Let’s talk about it when you get back. For now… let’s rest.”

Duan Yan nodded gently and pulled Song Jin’s hand into the warm quilt. Her actions were full of tenderness and affection. The faint fragrance lingering in the quilt was incredibly reassuring. “Goodnight.”

Song Jin closed her eyes. Although she was still uneasy, the thought of how soft-hearted Duan Yan was towards her made her feel mostly at ease.

The next morning, after breakfast, Song Jin scheduled a meeting with her management company.

“See how obedient I am? You just mentioned it yesterday, and I’m here today being proactive about my career.”

Song Jin took a picture at the entrance and immediately sent it to Duan Yan.

[Girlfriend (to be married): You’re the best! So good! [Little cat thumbs-up]]

Seeing Duan Yan’s reply, Song Jin nodded in satisfaction and then stepped into the company building.

“Long time no see, Sister Su.”

Song Jin’s face was glowing with the sweetness of being in love. The experienced manager, Su Xun, noticed the difference at a glance.

Su Xun looked at her doubtfully. “These past few days, you haven’t fallen in love, have you?”

Song Jin frowned slightly, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. She subconsciously touched her heart, as if to check if it was beating too fiercely. “Is it that obvious?”

“What?” Su Xun stood up in surprise, leaned closer to Song Jin, and asked excitedly, “Does Boss Song know? If you’re in a relationship now…”

“My sister knows, and my family knows too. Don’t worry,” Song Jin answered reassuringly. “Of course I’ll continue my career. Isn’t that why I’m here, to work on my career?”

With her family’s approval, the other party…

She continued to press:

“Who is the other person?”

It was for no reason that, since entering the industry, although Song Jin had met many handsome men and beautiful women, she had always been focused on her career, only wanting to defeat Duan Yan. She never expected to fall into the net of love so quickly.

“It’s someone you know. It’s Duan Yan.”

At the mention of Duan Yan, a silly smile appeared on Song Jin’s face again, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Su Xun was so shocked she looked as if she’d been struck by lightning. “???”

‘What does that mean? Is she not allowed to be with Duan Yan?’

Seeing Su Xun’s incredulous expression, Song Jin’s feelings were complicated. “Can’t you be a little more festive? Your only artist has found her soulmate. Shouldn’t you be happy?”

“Congratulations,” Su Xun finally managed to squeeze out the festive words.

Hearing this “congratulations,” Song Jin nodded in satisfaction.

Su Xun was completely bewildered. “But that’s not right. Weren’t you two fighting tooth and nail before? How did you get together after not seeing each other for just two months?”

“What do you mean, ‘get together’? We have mutual feelings for each other. We’re a match made in heaven. Watch your wording.”

Song Jin corrected her, quite particular about the term “get together.”

Seeing that Song Jin was already deeply in love, Su Xun could only nod and stop 纠结 (dwelling/getting caught up) on it, getting straight to the point. “The script you wanted before, I’ve already contacted the director. The audition is tomorrow. Here’s the script, take a look.”

“No need, I’ve already read it.” Song Jin shook her head, a smug smile on her face. “Duan Yan gave me the script a long time ago and even personally explained it to me.”

“Alright.” Su Xun sighed helplessly, her eyes showing concern for Song Jin as she asked, “So when do you plan to resume your previous work schedule? It’s been a while since you’ve made a public appearance.”

“After my birthday, I guess. In about ten days or so, mid-to-late May.”

Song Jin replied after a moment of thought.

Su Xun nodded weakly. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

Song Jin nodded in satisfaction. Now that business was taken care of, it was time to prepare to go home.

As soon as she stepped through the door, Song Jin’s gaze caught sight of Xu Qin’s figure on the second floor. She smiled and gave her a greeting.

Xu Qin was carrying Duan Yan’s suitcase, bringing it downstairs.

Duan Yan also came out. Seeing the interaction between Song Jin and Xu Qin, she softly told Xu Qin to go downstairs and wait for her, while she herself remained at the top of the stairs.

Xu Qin glanced at Duan Yan and Song Jin and left briskly.

“Why are you leaving so early?”

A barely perceptible tremor was in Song Jin’s voice. The moment she learned that Duan Yan was about to leave, her heart began to tighten, bit by bit.

Duan Yan was about to embark on a journey to France, which meant they would not be able to see each other for 7,200 minutes, a full five days.

A strong sense of reluctance welled up in Song Jin’s heart.

“The time was moved up a bit. I only just found out.”

Duan Yan’s tone was helpless, her eyes also flashing with reluctance.

“Okay then.”

Song Jin was a little disappointed. Her eyes darted around nimbly, and an idea popped into her head.

She and Duan Yan had already shared many intimate moments. It was time to take things a step further, right?

‘Wanting a parting kiss isn’t too much to ask, right?’

However, Song Jin’s gaze was fixed 灼灼 (scorching/intently) on Duan Yan’s lips. There was a request she wanted to make, but her throat felt as if it were blocked by something. The words were on the tip of her tongue but just couldn’t come out.

She tried to swallow, her voice hoarse and faint, barely able to form a complete sentence.

A blush appeared on Song Jin’s cheeks. She shyly tapped her own lips with her finger, her eyes full of expectation.

Under the warm yellow light, Duan Yan’s face seemed to be covered by a thin veil, giving off a hazy, poetic beauty. She smiled slightly and asked softly, “Want a kiss?”

Song Jin nodded excitedly, her heart racing as if it would jump out of her chest, waiting for Duan Yan’s passionate kiss.

She couldn’t help but imagine if it would be as wonderful and unforgettable as described in the fanfiction she had read.

Just as Song Jin was lost in her fantasy…

Duan Yan slowly leaned in. Their breaths intertwined in the air, the warm air gently brushing against Song Jin’s cheek, making her hold her breath.

Song Jin was so nervous she could almost hear her own heartbeat. Her eyes were fixed on Duan Yan, so close she could almost count every single one of her eyelashes.

Then, Duan Yan tilted her head up slightly.

Their lips touched gently, the cool, soft sensation sending an electric current through Song Jin’s entire body.

Song Jin eagerly parted her lips, anticipating Duan Yan’s next move.

All her senses were focused on that soft touch; the world seemed to have shrunk countless times.

Her senses were magnified, every subtle feeling infinitely amplified.

However, Duan Yan’s lips withdrew as lightly as a butterfly.

Leaving Song Jin stunned in place, as if under a spell, a faint sense of disappointment lingering in her heart.

‘That’s it?’

Song Jin’s eyes widened in confusion. That wasn’t what a passionate kiss was supposed to be like, was it?

Duan Yan saw through her thoughts and asked softly, “Want more?”

Of course, Song Jin wanted more. She hadn’t had enough of that gentleness yet.

So, she took the initiative and leaned in. Their breaths mingled in the air, the atmosphere becoming thick and fervent.

Song Jin deliberately widened her almond eyes, her pupils reflecting Duan Yan’s figure, staring straight at her, signaling her to continue.

Their lips met again, but just like before, Duan Yan only touched them lightly before pulling back.

Song Jin was very unwilling. This was not at all what she had imagined.

With the speed of lightning, she hooked her hand around Duan Yan’s neck and pressed her lips against Duan Yan’s once more.

The warm, moist touch intoxicated her, but her mind was completely blank at this moment. She had no idea what to do, only instinctively nibbling on Duan Yan’s lips.

But Duan Yan suddenly pushed Song Jin away and turned her face to the side. “It’s getting late. Xiao Qin is still waiting for me. I have to go.”

Song Jin saw the tips of Duan Yan’s ears quietly turn a faint red. After leaving those words, she almost fled in disarray.

Song Jin stared blankly at Duan Yan’s retreating back, gently licking her own lips, trying to hold onto the lingering taste.

But that taste, like Duan Yan’s departing figure, was gradually fading away.

It was fragrant, just like Duan Yan’s embrace.