Chapter 39 Part 2: A Drunken Confession

After confirming the list of participants for the fashion show, the tense and orderly rehearsal phase immediately followed.

For the next few days, Song Jin and Duan Yan’s lives were filled with a tight rehearsal schedule; they were like constantly spinning tops, busy without a moment’s rest.

The high-intensity rehearsals were like a long marathon, constantly challenging the limits of their physical endurance.

Every night after washing up, Song Jin and Duan Yan would almost immediately fall into a deep sleep the moment they hit the bed.

Although their schedule was packed, Song Jin noticed that amidst this busy rhythm, her relationship with Duan Yan seemed to have invisibly deepened, and the distance between them was gradually dissolving.

In front of Song Jin, Duan Yan slowly let down her usual guard and aloofness. The kind of relaxation and authenticity that she only showed when facing her beloved orange cat began to be displayed before Song Jin without reservation.

She would naturally show her fatigue in front of Song Jin, no longer deliberately maintaining her image.

This natural state made Song Jin wonder to herself: ‘Couldn’t this be a sign that Duan Yan already sees me as a trustworthy ‘one of us’?’

This realization made a hint of indescribable sweetness quietly bloom in Song Jin’s heart.

On the seventh morning in Country F, they finally successfully completed the entire fashion show itinerary and prepared to embark on their journey home.

On the stage of the fashion show, Duan Yan’s performance was dazzling. With her impeccable stage presence and unique charisma, she successfully won the endorsement contract for the WZ brand.

On the last day in Country F, with everything packed and ready, Song Jin and Duan Yan planned to set off on their return journey the next day.

Song Jin was sitting alone in her room when her phone screen suddenly lit up, displaying a greeting from her older sister.

[Sister: “How’s the progress? When do you plan to bring her home for us to meet?”]

Song Jin’s gaze was fixed on the screen, an unspeakable sadness welling up in her heart.

Although her relationship with Duan Yan was growing closer by the day, she always felt that Duan Yan only saw her as a friend and had never considered anything beyond friendship.

The bitterness in her heart was hard to put into words, and with some disappointment, she typed out a few words on her phone.

“Not yet a success.”

[Sister: “The confession didn’t succeed?”]

Song Jin bit her lip, not knowing how to confess to her sister that she hadn’t even revealed her feelings to Duan Yan.

“I gave her the pair of necklaces Mom gave me, but Duan Yan didn’t have any particular reaction.”

[Sister: “In what capacity did you give them?”]

Song Yu’s question hit the nail on the head.

“As a friend.”

[Sister: “…A friend? Isn’t that just asking to be misunderstood? Don’t say I didn’t warn you, confess quickly before you come back.” ]

The image of Duan Yan rejecting her instantly flashed through Song Jin’s mind, and she hurriedly replied, “No way, what if I get rejected?”

[Sister: “If you get rejected, then think of another way. Where did your cleverness go? Don’t you still have a backup plan?”]

[Sister: “Don’t hesitate anymore. Miss Duan is older than you, so she naturally has more to consider. If you don’t take the initiative, how can she dare to reveal her feelings? If you don’t have the guts, have a little drink for courage and see her reaction.” ]

“Thanks, sis. I’ll think about it.”

Song Jin fell into deep thought, gently biting her lip, her heart struggling.

‘Duan Yan definitely has some good feelings for her, at least she doesn’t dislike her.’

Otherwise, why would she recommend her to Director Yuan, defend her on Weibo, allow her into her home, and be so considerate towards her?

And, if Duan Yan really did have deep feelings for her, wouldn’t she be letting happiness slip by if she didn’t confess bravely?

Her sister’s words echoed in her ears. Duan-jiejie was older than her, so the constraints she faced and the trivial matters she needed to consider were naturally more burdensome. Coupled with their previous agreement, even if Duan Yan was interested in her, she probably wouldn’t easily reveal her feelings.

Now, they were in a foreign country, enjoying a world of just the two of them, without any external interference. This was undoubtedly a golden opportunity given to her by heaven.

She couldn’t let this chance slip through her fingers again. She couldn’t repeat the mistake on the Ferris wheel, letting hesitation and fear take over.

If this confession didn’t succeed, at least she still had the backup plan her sister mentioned to rely on.

Song Jin took a deep breath, sent a message to He Xin asking her to help book a restaurant, and then sent the address and time to Duan Yan.

She glanced at the time; there were still two hours until their meeting.

Song Jin stood before the mirror, meticulously applying her makeup. She made a point to wear the matching necklace to Duan Yan’s, carefully adjusting its position to hide it cleverly beneath her collar.

Finally, she examined herself carefully in the mirror, ensuring everything was perfect.

Song Jin gripped her phone tightly, took a deep breath, and walked out of the room with determined steps, heading towards the restaurant where she was meeting Duan Yan.

On the other side, Song Yu looked at her sister’s reply and couldn’t help but find it amusing.

Just then, the door was gently pushed open, and Zhou Jiangqi walked in, placing a stack of documents in front of Song Yu and saying coldly, “I’ve been busy dealing with these documents, and yet you’re here, all relaxed and smiling so happily. Deal with these files, right now.”

Song Yu immediately put on an fawning smile, reaching out to touch Zhou Jiangqi’s hand to try and soften her attitude. “You’ve worked hard. I’ll look at them right away.”

Zhou Jiangqi wasn’t buying it. She nimbly slapped Song Yu’s hand away. Though a smile hung on her lips, her voice remained serious. “Don’t try to fool me with that.”

As Song Yu picked up the files, she explained to Zhou Jiangqi why she had been laughing.

Listening to Song Yu’s explanation, Zhou Jiangqi seemed to recall the past and let out a cold laugh. “You Song sisters are all the same. You only learn your lesson after you’ve suffered.”

“I was wrong, I was really wrong.”

‘Could it really be a genetic problem?’

‘How could Xiao Jin’s mindset be exactly the same as mine back then, utterly lacking in courage?’

Song Yu smiled awkwardly, clasping her hands together in a begging gesture.

She only hoped that Song Jin could figure it out and not miss this good opportunity.

On the last night in Country F, Song Jin chose this elegant restaurant as the place to celebrate, inviting Duan Yan to share this dinner.

On the table, Song Jin had ordered a few bottles of Country F’s specialty fruit wine in advance. She confirmed with the waiter that the alcohol content wasn’t high, just right for building courage.

Duan Yan arrived as scheduled.

Thinking about what she was about to say, Song Jin’s hand trembled slightly. She took the lead in raising the exquisite wine glass and took a gentle sip.

She hoped the liquor could seep into her blood and give her the courage to confess.

However, when her determined gaze fell on Duan Yan’s face, the confession she had rehearsed countless times in her mind took a detour at her lips, and in the end, she only managed to say, “Congratulations on successfully getting the endorsement.”

Duan Yan gently lifted her wine glass, her movements elegant and calm, slightly tilting the glass to let the wine slide past her lips, and replied with a smile, “Thank you, but there’s a great contributor behind this.”

Song Jin’s brow furrowed slightly. She tilted her head in confusion, her eyes revealing her puzzlement, unable to grasp the deeper meaning of Duan Yan’s words for a moment.

Then, Duan Yan’s gaze slowly moved to Song Jin.

A smile slowly spread across Duan Yan’s face, like a lotus flower in early summer quietly blooming in the night. That freshness and purity, as if carrying an untouched fragrance, was refreshing and made it impossible to look away.

Song Jin was overwhelmed by the sudden praise and Duan Yan’s gentle smile, feeling as if she were strolling through a sweet fog. Her heart raced, and a faint blush gradually crept onto her cheeks.

Although her heart was like a turbulent sea, the words of confession were like a fishbone stuck in her throat, making it impossible for her to say them smoothly or swallow them completely, leaving her in a dilemma.

Song Jin convinced herself that the alcohol just wasn’t strong enough yet.

If one glass of wine wasn’t enough to give her the courage to confess, then she would have another, and perhaps the courage would follow.

As the wine went down, the alcohol gradually made her forget her original purpose for coming here.

Under the dim yellow light, Song Jin, adorably drunk, passed her wine glass to Duan Yan.

Song Jin’s eyes were hazy, a silly smile on her lips, as if the whole world was in her unsteady hand.

The liquid in the glass swayed with her movements, spilling a few drops on the table, reflecting mottled light and shadow.

“Duan-jiejie, why aren’t you drinking?”

Song Jin’s voice had a coquettish lilt at the end. Her fingers unconsciously poked Duan Yan’s arm lightly, her eyes revealing a naive expectation.

Duan Yan, on the other hand, sat to the side with a faint helplessness on her face, her gaze fixed on Song Jin’s flushed face. “You’re drunk. Stop drinking.”

Song Jin pouted in dissatisfaction, her hair swaying as she shook her head, looking a bit messy. “It’s not enough yet. I still haven’t said…”

Her voice gradually grew lower, as if some words were stuck in her throat, but she never managed to say them.

Duan Yan watched Song Jin quietly from the side, a hint of confusion and curiosity in her eyes as a guess flashed through her mind.

‘Could it be what she was hoping for?’

Her heartbeat unconsciously quickened a bit.

“Xiao Jin, what is it that you still haven’t said?”

Duan Yan asked softly, seeming to also be anticipating an answer.

But after saying that sentence, Song Jin seemed to have been sealed by a magic spell, turning into a clam. No matter how Duan Yan asked, she just smiled foolishly, refusing to say another word.

Duan Yan was very helpless. She struggled to help the drunk Song Jin into the car and back to the hotel.

On the soft bed, Song Jin felt Duan Yan’s hands gently supporting her, her embrace like a warm harbor, allowing Song Jin to find a sliver of stability amidst her dizziness.

Although her mind was still a bit foggy, Song Jin’s consciousness gradually became clear at this moment.

She remembered her original intention for inviting Duan Yan, and she struggled to stand up from Duan Yan’s arms, her eyes revealing an unprecedented determination.

She gazed at Duan Yan, took a deep breath, and finally mustered the courage to gently utter the words that had echoed in her heart countless times.

“Duan-jiejie, I like you. Will you be with me?”

Song Jin’s voice was light, yet full of strength.

Duan Yan let out a soft sound of inquiry, her voice tinged with a bit of confusion.

“Hm?”

Song Jin lay on the bed, the soft light gently spilling onto Duan Yan’s face like a stream. The alcohol made her vision hazy.

This scene was somewhat similar to the one in her dream, causing an inexplicable panic to rise in her heart.

But Song Jin quickly controlled her emotions. She gripped Duan Yan’s arm tightly, slowly brought her cheek close to Duan Yan’s, and firmly repeated the words that had lingered in her heart for so long.

“I like you. Will you be with me,” Song Jin’s voice was firm and clear.

“You like me?”

Song Jin didn’t hesitate in the slightest. She nodded seriously, her eyes full of sincerity.

“I do, I really, really like you.”

The corners of Duan Yan’s mouth lifted slightly, as if she were about to say something.

But Song Jin didn’t give her the chance, continuing, “You’re already wearing the necklace I gave you. It’s a couples’ necklace. you can’t refuse me.”

Song Jin carefully extended her other hand, gently parted her collar, and carefully revealed the necklace hidden underneath.

It was identical in style to the one she had previously given to Duan Yan.

At this moment, time seemed to slow down. Song Jin could feel her own heartbeat echoing in the air, the “thump, thump, thump” sound amplifying in her ears, each beat pounding against her chest.

“Isn’t this a gift for a friend?”

Duan Yan asked in return.

“No, it’s for a girlfriend, a girlfriend!”

Song Jin eagerly corrected, regretting not having made it clear from the start.

Orange cat ears appeared silently, swaying gently, as if silently expressing their owner’s current nervousness and anticipation.

Duan Yan’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to the pair of fluffy cat ears. Her eyes fixed there, revealing an unconcealed fondness as an impulse rose in her heart.

‘So cute, I want to pet them.’

Song Jin’s gaze never left Duan Yan’s face, and she keenly caught the hint of strangeness in her eyes.

She subconsciously reached up to touch and realized that her cat ears were standing up playfully.

Her mind raced, a sly look flashing in her eyes, as she softly tempted, “You really want to pet them, don’t you? If you’re willing, I can let you.”

However, Duan Yan just watched quietly without moving, as if time had stopped for her.

‘It’s impossible for her to be unmoved, isn’t Duan Yan a cat person?’

Unwilling to give up, Song Jin continued to coax, “Not just the ears, you can touch my cat tail too, for as long as you want.”

She mustered her courage, gently took Duan Yan’s hand, and guided it to the top of her head.

The touch was extremely soft and silky. Duan Yan almost instinctively stroked it lightly, captivated by the fine fur, and involuntarily became lost in this sudden tenderness.

‘She knew Duan Yan couldn’t resist.’

However, the stroking continued for a long time, yet Duan Yan gave no response.

‘Hey, you can’t just get a freebie. You’ve already touched them.’

Song Jin was being petted into a daze, but she still remembered she was waiting for an answer. She forced her eyes open and looked at Duan Yan with a pout. “Why are you just petting me? Are you agreeing or not?”

The moment she finished speaking, her alcohol-numbed nerves prompted Song Jin to fall heavily into dreamland.

In the instant she closed her eyes, she saw the corners of Duan Yan’s lips move, as if she were saying something.

Her mind had already become muddled, and the sounds in her ears were blurry.

‘Did she agree or not?’

Song Jin tried to make out Duan Yan’s lip movements; it seemed to be a word of two syllables.

Before her consciousness completely faded, a sweet guess welled up in Song Jin’s heart.

She told herself that Duan Yan had definitely agreed.

Duan Yan’s gaze was locked firmly on Song Jin, unable to move away.

Song Jin was already deep in her dreams, her breathing even, her eyelashes casting soft shadows, her lips slightly parted, her makeup a little messy from her sleepiness.

Duan Yan watched for a long time, as if she could never get enough. Finally, she gently poked Song Jin’s cheek, the corners of her lips involuntarily curving into a warm smile.

“Silly, of course I agree.”

Unfortunately, Song Jin had already sunk into dreamland. If she could have heard that sentence, she would have certainly been dizzy with joy and jumped up in delight.

Song Jin’s smile automatically appeared in her mind, like sunshine piercing through clouds, and Duan Yan’s smile grew brighter and more moving.

Sleeping with makeup on was a silent harm to the skin. She gently shook her head, slowly got up, and prepared to remove the makeup from Song Jin’s face.

Her fingers slid gently across Song Jin’s cheeks, carefully removing the makeup, her movements gentle, afraid to disturb Song Jin’s dream.

After finishing, Duan Yan left a soft kiss on Song Jin’s forehead.

Like a butterfly gently landing, it was tender and affectionate.

“Goodnight, my girlfriend.”

She murmured in a low voice.