At the Reception of "Shine On"
Deng Min Chi waited near the front desk until Xiuying finally walked out.
Deng Min Chi: "Did you finish everything?"
Xiao Xiuying: "Yes. I'm leaving now."
Deng Min Chi: "I can drop you off."
Xiao Xiuying "No, it's fine. I'm meeting Yu Chan."
Deng Min Chi "Yu Chan…?"
(A flicker of recognition crossed his eyes.)
Xiao Xiuying: "Yes, she's, my friend. Why? Is something wrong?"
Deng Min Chi: "No. Actually… can I come too?"
Xiao Xiuying: "But—"
Deng Min Chi: (Interrupting) "Please?"
Xiao Xiuying: "…Alright. Let's go."
From his office window, Jawlong Hua watched Xiuying walk away with Min Chi, his expression unreadable.
At the Park
Yu Chan was waiting on a bench when Xiuying waved at her. They walked over — Min Chi following.
Xiao Xiuying: "Did you wait long?"
Yu Chan: "No, I just got here. He…?" (She glanced at Min Chi.)
Xiao Xiuying: "My coworker, Min Chi.
Yu Chan: "Hi, I'm Yu Chan."
Min Chi smiled warmly.
Deng Min Chi: "I'm Deng Min Chi. You can call me Min Chi." (He shook her hand gently.)
Inside his mind, Min Chi's thoughts stirred:
It's her… That smile, that face, that style. She hasn't changed at all… after all these years.
(Why did he think that? What history do they share?)
Xiao Xiuying: "By the way, why did you call me today?"
Yu Chan: "I got permission to go to the U.S. next month."
Xiao Xiuying: "Really? Congratulations!"
Yu Chan: "Thank you."
Xiao Xiuying: "And how's Callery doing?"
Yu Chan: "She's doing well. Don't worry, she'll be fine soon."
Xiuying nodded happily.
But Min Chi's smile faded. Yu Chan going to the U.S… It felt like a sudden ache in his chest.
Saturday — At a Cafe
Ms. Hui Zhong sat waiting. Zhong Xinling walked in and joined her.
Zhong Xinling: "Mom, why are we here?"
Ms. Hui Zhong: "We're meeting my friend's daughter. She just returned from Canada yesterday."
Zhong Xinling: "Then why am I here?"
Ms. Hui Zhong: "I want you to meet her."
Before he could protest, she waved to a girl approaching.
It was Lu Taiyang.
Both Xinling and Taiyang froze.
Zhong Xinling & Lu Taiyang: "You—!"
Ms. Hui Zhong: "Oh? You two know each other?"
Zhong Xinling: "Not at all."
Lu Taiyang: "You—!"
Ms. Hui Zhong: "Don't mind him, Taiyang. He's always like that."
Lu Taiyang: "It's okay, Aunty."
Ms. Hui Zhong: "You two talk. I have something to take care of."
(She stood up.)
Zhong Xinling: "Wait, Mom—"
She had already walked away.
After She Left
Lu Taiyang: "Hey! Why did you tell Aunty Hui that you don't know me?"
Zhong Xinling: "That's none of your business."
He stood up and walked out. Taiyang chased after him.
Lu Taiyang: "Hey! Stop!"
He kept walking. Outside the café, she blocked his path.
Zhong Xinling: "Move."
Lu Taiyang: "No."
Suddenly—
Crowd: "Isn't that actress Lu Taiyang?"
"Lu Taiyang!!"
Fans rushed toward her. Panicking, she turned and ran. A car pulled up—she jumped in and sped away. Xinling watched her go, unfazed.
Zhong Xinling: "Finally, she's gone."
He smirked— a wicked, calculating smile.
He was planning something… but what?
To be continued.