Chapter 38 Part 1: The Art Director

Song Jin had a gentle smile on her lips as she quickly walked up to her, her palm gently wrapping around Duan Yan’s.

They weaved through the bustling crowd.

The clamor of the crowd and the rustling of clothes rose and fell, but at this moment, it was as if the only sound in Duan Yan’s ears was Song Jin’s voice.

“Sister Duan, over here.”

The voice was like a spring in a mountain stream, or like the brightest star in the night sky, piercing through the surrounding air and reaching straight into Duan Yan’s heart, pulling her out from her state of loneliness.

Duan Yan looked in the direction of the voice.

The woman opposite them had black hair and brown eyes; she was Asian.

She wore a black jacket paired with a hip-hugging skirt, her attire appearing exceptionally sharp and bright, like a black rose blooming in the night. Her aura was cold and severe, her eyes held a hint of imperceptible danger, and a faint, almost non-existent smile hung on her lips, so beautiful it made one’s heart palpitate.

A trace of vigilance involuntarily arose in Duan Yan’s heart. She tucked a few strands of hair hanging by her cheek behind her ear to look a bit more spirited.

‘Song Jin seemed to be chatting so happily with her just now. Could it be…’

“This is the Art Director of WZ.”

Song Jin let go of Duan Yan’s hand, moved to stand between her and the woman in the black dress, and made the timely introduction. “This is my friend, Duan Yan, the winner of the Best Actress award for three consecutive years in our country.”

So, it was for her sake that Song Jin had been talking with her.

The tense strings of Duan Yan’s heart relaxed slightly as she instantly understood Song Jin’s intention.

“A pleasure to meet you. Su Ling, the Art Director of WZ.”

The other party didn’t put on any airs, extending her hand and introducing herself in fluent Chinese.

“A pleasure. Duan Yan, a well-known actress in my country.”

Duan Yan responded, her gaze directed straight at Su Ling, secretly sizing her up, but Su Ling’s lips constantly held a faint smile.

As they shook hands, an invisible scent of gunpowder seemed to fill the air.

Song Jin’s gaze swept quickly over Duan Yan’s face, keenly sensing a slightly unusual atmosphere.

‘Something’s not right. Duan Yan’s attitude towards this person seems to be tinged with a bit of vigilance and hostility. Is it my imagination?’

They still needed to cooperate with WZ, but if Duan Yan really didn’t like her, it wasn’t impossible to switch to another partner.

However, in a flash, Duan Yan’s face returned to that familiar warm smile, and this smile gradually eased Song Jin’s anxious heart.

Song Jin’s expression also relaxed, and with great enthusiasm, she began to introduce her to Su Ling.

“What do you think? Doesn’t my friend fit the image of WZ perfectly?”

Su Ling slowly nodded, her eyes meticulously scanning Duan Yan from head to toe, as if appraising a work of art.

After a minute, a satisfied smile curved Su Ling’s lips. “Indeed, her aura and WZ’s philosophy align perfectly.”

“In that case, it’s almost evening now. How about we go have dinner together?”

Song Jin smiled at Su Ling and extended the invitation.

Su Ling barely hesitated, simply replying with a “Okay.”

Song Jin secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Su Ling had agreed. This round of persuasion hadn’t been in vain. More importantly, the person she recommended was truly outstanding.

‘Hehe, my Wifey is just that amazing.’

“Let’s go, Sister Duan.”

Song Jin turned to Duan Yan with a brilliant smile, her hand naturally reaching out and gently resting on Duan Yan’s.

“Mm,” Duan Yan responded. Her gaze quickly swept over Su Ling. Although she wasn’t used to holding hands with others in public, at this moment she obediently took Song Jin’s hand, their fingers intertwining, palms pressed tightly together, the gesture carrying a subtle possessiveness.

Su Ling’s gaze unconsciously fell on Duan Yan and Song Jin’s clasped hands, her smile unreadable.

Song Jin led her two companions through the bustling streets to a restaurant with an excellent reputation.

This restaurant skillfully combined the romance of Country F with the traditions of Country Z.

Stepping into the restaurant, the exquisite and harmonious interior decoration immediately caught the eye. The design style was a blend of Chinese and Western elements, possessing both the quiet elegance of the East and the romantic passion of the West. Exquisite paintings hung on the walls, appearing particularly vivid under the dim yellow lights.

The Asian owner saw them and enthusiastically came forward to greet them, her smile carrying a touch of Eastern gentleness.

She led them through a corridor adorned with works of art to a private room with excellent privacy.

Song Jin and Duan Yan chose seats on one side, while Su Ling sat alone opposite them. Between them was an exquisitely carved wooden dining table, set with a simple and elegant set of tableware.

Since everyone was Asian, Song Jin chatted easily in their native language, playing the part of the host. She picked up the menu and smiled at Su Ling, “Come, see what dishes you like.”

Su Ling responded softly, “Having you personally wait on me, I hardly dare. If your sister finds out, she…”

Song Jin’s brow raised slightly, a look of surprise on her face. “You know my sister?”

Su Ling’s gaze grew deep, as if she were recalling something. “We’ve met a few times. Perhaps you’ve forgotten.”

Song Jin was even more surprised. She tried hard to remember but couldn’t recall anything. “Have we really met?”

Duan Yan coughed lightly from the side, interrupting, “Let’s order, don’t keep the owner waiting too long.”

“Oh, right, let’s order first.”

After a tiring afternoon, she was indeed a bit hungry.

Su Ling nodded, then said, “I’ll follow your lead. Just remember, no minced ginger. Anything else is fine.”

Song Jin nodded, and just as she was about to say something, her attention was captured by Duan Yan’s words.

“Xiaojin, don’t you particularly like to eat fish?”

Duan Yan handed her the menu, pointing to a fish dish on it.

A smile bloomed on Song Jin’s face. She hadn’t expected Duan Yan to remember what she liked.

“Sister Duan, aren’t crab roe your favorite? This restaurant’s crab roe soup dumplings are very famous. Why don’t we order a portion to take back and try?”

…

Su Ling watched the intimate interaction between the two, feeling somewhat amused.

She quietly took out her phone and opened her satellite messenger.

On the screen, Song Yu’s chat window was always pinned to the top, but the most recent message was from half a month ago.

She had originally intended to ask how Song Yu was doing recently, but Su Ling’s fingertip gently slid across the screen, ultimately leaving only a joking remark:

“Your sister is really exasperating. Making a living person like me be a third wheel. You tell me, how should you compensate me?”

Song Yu’s reply was swift: “You ran into Xiaojin? Compensate you for what? You old fox, Xiaojin is no match for you. It’ll be good enough if you don’t bully her [speechless].”

This tone belonged to Song Yu herself, not Zhou Jiangqi.

Su Ling’s heart suddenly lightened, and she revealed a smile. “I very reluctantly agreed to your sister’s request. I’m flying back next week, remember to treat me to dinner.”

“Okay, when you get to Shanghai, I’ll treat you. But no need to mention the reluctance. Don’t I know you? You’re as shrewd as they come.”

“You don’t even know what it is? Your sister promised me a big deal, you know.”

Unwilling to miss the opportunity, Su Ling tapped out another line on her phone screen, continuing her conversation with Song Yu.

“Relax, you wouldn’t do that to me. I have a meeting soon, talk later.”

Su Ling smiled, the dark screen reflecting her lonely eyes.

‘Forget it, Song Yu already has someone she likes. Even if we can’t be lovers, being friends is not bad either.’

Five minutes later, Song Jin finally noticed Su Ling’s presence and embarrassedly handed her the menu.

She couldn’t help it; whenever she talked to the person she liked, she forgot there was anyone else around.

Fortunately, Su Ling seemed to have been busy on her phone just now and only looked up at the menu when she heard Song Jin’s voice.

Su Ling quickly scanned the menu. “No problem, this is fine.”

“Alright, then let’s order.”

The waiter quickly took the menu and left.

While waiting for the food, Song Jin asked, “Sister Su, how confident are you about the WZ endorsement?”

Su Ling smiled. “Well, although Miss Duan is well-known in her country, her influence in Country F is limited. However, this fashion show is an excellent opportunity. I believe in Miss Duan’s strength, and with my support, the chance of success is at least sixty percent. Adding your weight to it, the chances should be over ninety percent.”

Then Su Ling paused and made a playful joke, “But if those old die-hards insist on going against their own interests, then there’s nothing I can do.”

Su Ling spread her hands, feigning helplessness.

Hearing that Song Jin was also involved, Duan Yan immediately looked at her, wanting to speak but hesitating.

But before Song Jin could answer, the fish she liked arrived.

It was steaming hot and fragrant, the tender fish meat glistening temptingly under the light.

Duan Yan had deboned fish for the little cat countless times at home. She expertly picked up her chopsticks, gently lifted a piece of fish, and meticulously removed the bones with her chopsticks.

Her movements were gentle and methodical, as precise as a delicate surgical procedure.

“Here.”

Duan Yan placed a piece of fish, cleanly deboned and left with only the tender flesh, into Song Jin’s bowl. Then she looked up at Su Ling, picked up another piece of fish, and asked, “Director Su, would you like some?”

Su Ling shook her head and smiled. “Thank you, I don’t really like to eat fish.”

At Duan Yan’s house, Song Jin was also used to having Duan Yan debone fish for her. She took a bite very naturally. The delicious taste of the fish spread in her mouth, and Song Jin nodded in satisfaction. “It’s really good.”

Song Jin picked up a piece of fish and placed it in Duan Yan’s bowl. “You should try some too.”

Suddenly, a water glass on the table tipped over with a “splash,” spilling right onto Duan Yan’s dress and arm.

Before Duan Yan could even react, Song Jin put down her chopsticks and hurriedly pulled out a tissue to help her wipe it off.

“It’s fine, I’ll just go to the restroom.”

Duan Yan, who was sitting on the outside, went to the restroom to clean up with a towel.

Su Ling also left, using the excuse of touching up her makeup to follow Duan Yan.

Song Jin watched their backs, a look of confusion on her face, as she chewed the fish in her mouth.

‘Given my sister’s reputation, Su Ling probably wouldn’t do anything to harm Duan Yan, right?’

‘Although Sister Duan looks gentle, she has her boundaries. I’d better not get involved.’

Having figured this out, Song Jin continued to enjoy her fish peacefully. She even deboned some for Duan Yan and placed it in her bowl.