Chapter 48: Unexpected Arrival

Chapter 48: Unexpected Arrival

In an instant, Song Jin returned to her human form and gently turned on the bedside lamp.

The warm yellow light filled the entire room, and everything immediately became sharp and clear.

Her gaze swept across the bed, only to find it empty. Only a huge doll lay there quietly.

The doll was quite cute, with large eyes and a small note stuck to its forehead.

Curious, Song Jin leaned closer to look, only to see the words written clearly on the note: “Behave.”

So, the door had been left open not because Duan Yan had already forgiven her, but because she was playing with her.

‘Damn it, how could this be?’

Sighing, Song Jin recalled the first time she had been held in Duan Yan’s arms.

At that time, she had been quite critical, disdaining Duan Yan as a cat s*ave and a rogue for secretly holding her like a pillow at night when she was half-asleep.

And now? She had crept onto the bed like a little thief, yet couldn’t even find a trace of Duan Yan. The tables had truly turned, and today it was her turn—except she’d turned right into a ditch, wuwuwu…

Song Jin felt extremely wronged. She subconsciously tried to put on a pitiful expression, but then remembered that Duan Yan wasn’t there, so who would she be putting on a show for? And so, she put on a straight face, looking a little intimidating.

‘Forget it, forget it.’

Song Jin gently turned off the light, comforting herself in her heart: ‘At least I managed to sneak onto Duan Yan’s bed. It should be a little more comfortable than my bed.’

‘Although my Wifey isn’t here, smelling her scent is good too.’

She aggrievedly transformed back into a little cat, curled up in the warm quilt, and gently sniffed the quilt that was infused with Duan Yan’s scent. Song Jin gradually closed her eyes and entered dreamland.

The next morning, soft sunlight streamed through the fine cracks in the curtains, scattering across the room, laying a layer of shimmering gold dust on the floor.

Song Jin leisurely woke up from Duan Yan’s bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

When Auntie Lian saw her coming out of Duan Yan’s room, she greeted her for breakfast as usual, as if it were a common occurrence.

Song Jin thought that Duan Yan must already be downstairs having breakfast, but she found no sign of her at the table.

‘Could Duan Yan have already gone out to work?’

‘But, I didn’t get up late today.’

Song Jin glanced at the clock on the wall. It was only seven-thirty.

Normally, Duan Yan would also get up at this time for breakfast.

An uneasy premonition rose in Song Jin’s heart. “Auntie Lian, where did Sister Duan go?”

A trace of surprise appeared on Duan Lian’s face. “Didn’t she tell you?”

Song Jin’s heart couldn’t help but tighten. “No.”

Duan Lian frowned in confusion and asked, “Did you two have a fight?”

“Mm, a small misunderstanding.” Song Jin silently calculated in her heart. Once she found a chance to explain that matter clearly, Duan Yan would surely understand her.

Duan Lian hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether to tell Song Jin the truth. In the end, she spoke up, “Xiaoyan left at nine o’clock last night. It must have been for some work matter. She left in a hurry with a few pieces of clothing.”

At nine o’clock last night, she had been busy reviewing the case files and had not paid any attention to Duan Yan’s movements at all.

A strong sense of regret welled up in Song Jin’s heart, but she forced a smile onto her face. “Thank you, Auntie Lian.”

Duan Lian sighed, turned, and left, leaving behind the words, “You two…”

For work-related matters, Duan Yan would usually issue an official notice.

Song Jin quickly took out her phone, her fingertips sliding lightly across the screen. She opened Weibo and went straight to Duan Yan’s official account to check for the latest updates.

On the screen, Duan Yan’s smile was as brilliant as a flower. She stood beside a huge rock carved with the three characters for “Peach Blossom Spring,” with green mountains and clear waters in the background, a scene of tranquility and peace.

It turned out that Duan Yan had gone to participate in that popular travel variety show, “Leisurely Life,” and as a surprise guest parachuting in.

Song Jin muttered to herself:

‘This shouldn’t be happening. These past few days, I’ve been playing the victim in front of Duan Yan, and I felt like her attitude had softened.’

‘According to the script, it wouldn’t be long before I could re-enter her room openly. How did she suddenly run off to a variety show without a word?’

‘Could it be that someone is stirring up trouble behind the scenes, trying to drive a wedge between us?’

But she knew that excessive speculation was useless. The most important thing now was to find Duan Yan, explain that matter clearly, and get her forgiveness.

Song Jin immediately had her manager contact the program team, expressing that she also wanted to participate.

In order to increase the show’s buzz and traffic, the program team would naturally not refuse Song Jin’s participation.

After receiving the confirmation reply from the program team, Song Jin quickly packed a simple suitcase, took her assistant, and rushed to the show’s filming location without stopping.

Peach Blossom Spring was a village in the south. This program was a collaboration with the local government, aimed at promoting local tourism resources and boosting economic development.

Because Peach Blossom Spring was still some distance from Shanghai, Song Jin didn’t arrive at the village until three in the afternoon.

The program team welcomed Song Jin at the village entrance. Since it was a travel variety show, it was definitely about experiencing life.

Song Jin sent He Xin back, didn’t want the staff to help, and pushed her own suitcase… into the house.

…

In the wooden house, because it had been announced an hour ago that a surprise guest would be arriving this afternoon, the program team had not assigned any tasks. All the participants of the variety show were sitting on the sofa.

… a voice in the wooden house: “Now, the surprise guest is right outside the door. Let’s see who it is.”

… voice, everyone’s curiosity was piqued, and they all looked towards the door.

Only Duan Yan sat to one side, her head lowered, hiding the expression in her eyes.

An actress beside her gently leaned closer to Duan Yan and asked, “Teacher Duan, how come you’re not curious at all?”

Duan Yan smiled faintly. “We’ll find out eventually anyway. There’s no use in being anxious.”

The bullet comments were flooded with “As expected of our goddess.”

At this moment, the door opened.

Song Jin walked into the house against the light, pulling a suitcase with one hand and waving to the crowd with the other in greeting.

She was wearing a water-red dress. She walked up to the crowd and winked triumphantly at Duan Yan, as if to say, “Didn’t expect me to come, did you?”

Duan Yan only glanced at her faintly before looking away.

The bullet comments in the live stream instantly became lively:

[“How could it be her?”

“Aooo, I want to see a river of blood!”

“A river of blood is too much to ask for, but we can watch a river of water/flow.”]

When the crowd saw who had arrived, they couldn’t help but be surprised, and greeted her back.

Song Jin pushed her suitcase and sat down in a spot near Duan Yan, taking the lead to introduce herself.

“Hello, I’m Zhao Shuyi.”

…

“Yan Yixuan.”

After everyone else had introduced themselves, only Duan Yan was left. Everyone’s eyes were focused on her.

Song Jin turned her head to look at Duan Yan. Under the cover of her long skirt, she quietly moved her hand towards Duan Yan and gave her a little pat.

Although Duan Yan was a little embarrassed by Song Jin’s touch, she didn’t show it on her face, revealing a faint smile. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Duan Yan.”

Song Jin pretended not to know her and replied coolly, “Hello, Teacher Duan.”

The atmosphere was a little stiff for a moment. Yan Yixuan, the atmosphere-activator, stood up. “Sister Song, you must be tired too. Why don’t you go put your luggage away first? I’ll help you carry it up.”

Song Jin didn’t want another girl to carry her luggage for her and asked casually, “Where am I staying?”

This wooden house had two floors. The first floor had a single room, while the second floor had two double rooms and two single rooms. The original arrangement of the program team was for five guests, with the two double rooms as prizes for a lucky draw.

Duan Yan’s arrival had disrupted the original arrangement, leading to a redraw. As a result, Duan Yan had luckily drawn a double room, forcing the guest who was originally staying there to move out and share a room with others.

Song Jin’s addition once again disrupted the accommodation arrangements.

If they were to redraw, it would mean that everyone might have to move their luggage again, which was quite a hassle.

Everyone was too embarrassed to directly suggest that Song Jin move in with Duan Yan, especially since the relationship between the two seemed a bit tense.

Faced with this tricky problem, Yan Yixuan seemed a little troubled. She decided to pass the buck to the program team and said, “Does this need to be decided by a draw? Let’s ask the program team?”

The other guests also looked towards the camera one after another. “Director, it’s your turn to step up.”

[“Don’t tell me we have to draw again. That would be too much trouble.”

“Let’s see how the program team arranges it. I’m really looking forward to seeing Little Flower Song and Best Actress Duan living together, hehe…”

“No way, please don’t let Best Actress Duan live with Little Flower Song.”]

Before coming, Song Jin had already learned that the room assignments were decided by a draw, but she also knew that such an arrangement didn’t guarantee she would be able to share a room with Duan Yan.

Her question just now was merely to test everyone’s reaction. As she had expected, the other guests were not willing to move their luggage again, which meant that Duan Yan seemed to have become the only choice for her roommate.

Without waiting for the director to make a decision, Song Jin thoughtfully suggested, “Why don’t I just move into Teacher Duan’s room? That way, no one will be inconvenienced.”

Hearing this suggestion, the other guests all showed relaxed smiles and turned their gazes to the camera where the director was.

The director’s voice came from the loudspeaker: “If no one else has any objections, then it’s settled.”

Everyone’s eyes were focused on Duan Yan, their gazes carrying a hint of pleading.

Duan Yan nodded slightly and said coolly, “I have no objections.”

A triumphant smile flashed across Song Jin’s face. She looked at Duan Yan with a suggestive gaze, inviting her to go upstairs together.

However, Duan Yan had already seen through Song Jin’s little scheme. She deliberately pretended not to understand her hint and said, “It’s almost four-thirty now. It’s time to prepare dinner. I won’t go up with you. Let Xiaoxuan accompany you.”

Song Jin understood in her heart that Duan Yan was deliberately avoiding her. Taking advantage of the camera, she playfully winked at Duan Yan and then cheerfully went upstairs with Yan Yixuan to tidy up the room.

[“Best Actress Duan must have agreed for everyone’s sake, right? I think the atmosphere between them is really off.”

“Ahhhhh, now that they’re living together, what will happen in the future? I don’t even dare to think about it.”]

Half an hour later, Song Jin and Yan Yixuan came to the kitchen. Everyone was busy preparing dinner.

Since the program team did not provide liquefied gas, they used a traditional stove to cook, a method that, although time-consuming, restored a rustic flavor.

Among the five people, only Zhao Shuyi was skilled at cooking. The others were basically kitchen novices. On the first day, because they were unfamiliar with the heat, they even ended up with undercooked rice and burnt dishes.

Since Duan Yan joined, she and Zhao Shuyi took turns in the kitchen, taking on the main cooking tasks, while the others were responsible for auxiliary tasks like washing vegetables and tending the fire.

Song Jin saw a little oil splash onto Duan Yan’s hand. Even though she was wearing gloves, Song Jin still felt a pang of heartache and blurted out, “Why don’t I do the stir-frying?”

Duan Yan, who was stir-frying, glanced sideways at Song Jin, her eyes filled with doubt. “Do you know how to cook?”

Since the last time she was splashed with water by a fish, Song Jin had asked Auntie Lian to teach her how to cook. Although she couldn’t say she had made great achievements, she could at least make some edible dishes.

She tilted her head up slightly and said confidently, “Of course I do.”

Duan Yan seemed a little surprised. After a moment, she handed the spatula to her. “You do it then?”

It was a dish of stir-fried pork with peppers. For such a simple home-style dish, Song Jin was confident she could handle it.

Song Jin held the spatula a little clumsily, but after stir-frying for a while, she got used to the feeling and became more and more proficient.

“Scallions.”

The others had no particular taboos when it came to side dishes, but Song Jin knew that Duan Yan was somewhat averse to the taste of garlic. Therefore, at the moment she was about to add the garlic, she took a small bowl and carefully separated a portion of the dish without garlic.

“What are you doing?” Duan Yan lowered her voice and asked curiously. “I remember you quite like garlic scapes, don’t you?”

Song Jin also replied softly, “Don’t you dislike the taste of garlic?”

Duan Yan was stunned. She was indeed a little resistant to garlic, but she could still eat it. She didn’t expect Song Jin to have noticed this detail so carefully. A warm current surged through her heart. “Thank you.”

Song Jin, on the other hand, secretly raised the corners of her lips and continued to focus on the food in the pot.

This interactive scene was cleverly captured by the cameraman, giving the two of them a close-up shot.

The audience who had been watching the live stream couldn’t help but be stunned:

[“What’s the situation?”

“Are Little Flower Song and Best Actress Duan whispering to each other? Why are they smiling? What is it? I want to hear (crying)”

“Why do I feel like this is so shippable?”]

[“+10008”]

After dinner, it was already very late. Because of Song Jin’s arrival, the program team was very considerate and did not arrange any other tasks, so everyone gathered together and chatted for a while.

When Yan Yixuan sighed about wanting to play games, Song Jin remembered that the computer and tablet in her suitcase could connect to the internet.

Song Jin had parachuted in suddenly, arriving the same day the discussion was finalized, so the program team had forgotten to confiscate her electronic devices.

“I have a tablet and a computer that can connect to the internet. Do you guys want them?”

Everyone was shocked and quickly looked at the camera, pleading with the director to let them play.

[“The kids have been driven mad by the program team.”

“Look at those eager eyes, Director, please have mercy…”

“Don’t give it to them. I love watching scenes like this, hahahaha.”]

The director saw that the majority of the bullet comments were pleading, and it was also their mistake, so he agreed.

“You must hand them in tomorrow. Today is an exception.”

Song Jin brought the electronic devices down from upstairs and handed them to the eagerly waiting crowd.

As soon as Yan Yixuan saw the tablet, her eyes lit up. She thanked Song Jin profusely:

“Sister Song’s great kindness will never be forgotten. If Sister Song does not despise me, I am willing to become your sworn godmother, wuwuwu…”

“Please don’t.”

Song Jin couldn’t help but laugh. After telling them the passwords, she used the excuse of being unfamiliar with the room layout and pulled Duan Yan back to their room together.

Once the door was closed, the cameras outside could no longer film them.

Song Jin boldly sprouted her cat ears and tail, looked up slightly, her mouth turned down in a pouty expression. “Sister Duan, how could you abandon me like this? You ran off here behind my back.”

Duan Yan coughed awkwardly, trying to defend herself, “Work, for a moment…”

Song Jin gave a half-smile. “Oh, so you didn’t come here to avoid me?”

Duan Yan coughed unnaturally again, unwilling to show weakness in this battle of wits. “Avoid you? You haven’t even earned my forgiveness yet. Why would I need to avoid you?”

‘Stubborn as a mule.’

On the way here, Song Jin had figured out what Duan Yan was thinking. She must have been afraid of forgiving her too easily, which is why she had run away.

Song Jin didn’t say much more. She took out the documents from her file bag and handed them to Duan Yan.

“What’s this?”

Duan Yan took the documents, opened the first page, and suddenly looked up at Song Jin.

Song Jin stopped playing pitiful and just tilted her head up slightly. “I’ve been investigating these matters for the past few days, and you…”

The soft light fell on the two of them, their shadows intertwining in the light.

The surroundings were quiet, with only the soft sound of pages turning.

About ten minutes later, Duan Yan had finished reading all the documents.

So, the car accident from many years ago, her grandmother’s death, was not directly caused by her.

The heavy burden that had been weighing on her heart was gently lifted by Song Jin.

“Thank you, you’ve gone to a lot of trouble. It must not have been easy to find the perpetrator, right? You even found photos from the scene back then.”

Duan Yan held Song Jin’s hand, her eyes full of gratitude. Then she asked with confusion, “How did you think of investigating this?”

Duan Yan had always thought that her grandmother had died of a sudden heart attack from the car accident while trying to save her. She never expected that they had both survived at the time. According to the photos, she and her grandmother were lying on the side of the road, and there were no bloodstains on the side of the road, only by the car’s tires.

Duan Yan discovered a blind spot. “Huh, why is there a cat here?”

Song Jin said flatly, “Because that cat was me.”

Duan Yan’s eyes widened in an instant, in disbelief. “What?”

“Didn’t you ask me why I went to investigate this matter? It’s because at that time, I was the one who used my demonic power to push you both away. At the moment I called for an ambulance, you were both fine, which is why I went to investigate.”

“Remember that furball? It was made from my shed fur. Actually, we met a long, long time ago.”

Song Jin explained.

“Then you now… that car accident…”

Duan Yan had clearly seen the little cat lying in a pool of blood and looked at Song Jin nervously.

“I am a cat demon. I can’t die. It’s just that my mothers, in order to save me, temporarily sealed my memories and demonic power. Otherwise, I would have come looking for you a long time ago.”

The memories that Duan Yan had deliberately avoided and longed to forget, like ancient fossils buried deep in her heart, were suddenly touched by a gentle magic at some unintentional moment, instantly breaking the seal. Those blurry images were revitalized and floated clearly in her mind.

Only this time, it was not sadness and pain, but relief and joy.

She hugged Song Jin tightly, tears sliding down her cheeks and dripping onto her shoulder, her voice choked. “It’s not too late now. Thank you…”

The two words “thank you” seemed to be squeezed from the depths of her heart, with a trembling tail end.

Seeing Duan Yan’s tears, although Song Jin’s heart was overflowing with joy, she didn’t want Duan Yan to be burdened by the guilt of having her life saved in the past. She deliberately teased her lightly:

“I’m not stupid. I couldn’t let someone else pick the peach. I secretly left a scent on you so that no other animals would dare to approach you.”

Duan Yan was as sharp as a tack and immediately understood that Song Jin was trying to comfort her. She went along with her, “Well, so it was you who was causing trouble.”

Song Jin was very domineering. “Of course. You are mine. You can only touch me. No one else can even think about it.”

Duan Yan dotingly tapped Song Jin’s nose. “You~”

“So, have you forgiven me now?”

Duan Yan looked at Song Jin with tender affection, her tone gentle. “I forgave you a long time ago, silly.”

Song Jin pushed her luck, her tone righteous. “Then what about compensation?”

Duan Yan was momentarily at a loss for words, staring at Song Jin with a puzzled expression. “?”

Song Jin was articulate, as if from a well-rehearsed script:

“Look, you went to this variety show behind my back without a word. Even if you hadn’t completely forgiven me then, we were already in a relationship. Don’t you think that was a bit much? Shouldn’t you give me some compensation?”

Duan Yan’s resistance to Song Jin was almost zero. Even though Song Jin was taking advantage of the situation, it was difficult for her to refuse any request she made.

According to this little pervert’s habits, she was probably going to be thoroughly ‘exploited’, eaten alive.

It was just a bit troublesome that they didn’t have those things here.

As Duan Yan thought, she asked:

“Then what kind of compensation do you want?”

Song Jin’s gaze was firmly locked on those tempting red lips. Recalling the sweetness of that day, she couldn’t help but lick her own lips.

She rolled her eyes cunningly and gently pointed a finger at her own lips, her hint as clear as day.

This time, she wanted a real passionate kiss, passionate kiss, passionate kiss!

Not like last time, which was just a light touch of the lips.

She had read so many experience posts; she was an “experienced” person now!

This time, she would definitely let Duan Yan feel her “superb” kissing skills.

Duan Yan was stunned, not expecting that all Song Jin wanted was a kiss.

Song Jin caught the surprise in her eyes and said with feigned seriousness, “What’s with that expression? Do I look like the type of person who would force you? What I want is your willing compensation.”

Duan Yan smiled lightly and said deliberately, “But I don’t want to kiss you right now. Don’t you want it to be willing?”

Song Jin glared at Duan Yan in dissatisfaction, seeming displeased by her sudden change of heart.

After seeing Song Jin’s expression, Duan Yan’s heart instantly melted into a puddle of sweet syrup.

To have met such a cute, simple, and passionate lover was truly a blessing.

Even if she was being manipulated by Song Jin in such small matters, she was happy to indulge her.

Duan Yan sighed helplessly. “Close your eyes.”

Song Jin obediently closed her eyes, waiting expectantly for Duan Yan’s kiss.

Duan Yan’s warm breath gently brushed against her cheek. The heat stirred ripples in her heart that refused to calm for a long time.