My Sister Between Us!
The girls Song Shuling met at the hotel with Zhong Ruanxing were extremely excited, "Turns out she is the star's sister! No wonder she is so pretty!"
"The star's sister sneaked into her sister's fan club, pretending to be a fan to secretly see her sister! What an incredible sisterly love!"
"The star's sister is our sister too! Sister, we love you!"
"Little sister-in-law! Little sister-in-law!"
Zhong Ruanxing pulled the bewildered Song Shuling behind her, laughing and crying: "Alright, you should go back now, I have to get back to filming."
The fans were reluctant to part: "Bye bye, star."
"Wife, take care of yourself!"
"Bye star, bye sister!"
Having met their idol, gotten autographs, taken photos, and delivered handmade gifts, the star chasers were satisfied. Though reluctant, they obediently left the scene.
Zhong Ruanxing handed the flowers and gifts to her assistant, then turned to Song Shuling, whose expression was unnatural: "Why did you come here? Don't you have work?"
Song Shuling lowered her eyes and said softly, "I took time off."
Zhong Ruanxing saw her pitiful appearance, and recalled the cryptic phone call she made last night. She guessed Song Shuling had been rejected by her brother Song Jinxing. The sensitive girl was probably hurt by her cold brother, so she came out to distract herself.
Without overthinking, she stroked Song Shuling's head: "I'll have Wu Chengwang take you around the set, you haven't seen a filming location before, right?"
Song Shuling shook her head.
Zhong Ruanxing instructed Wu Chengwang, then told Song Shuling: "Go have fun first, I'll take you to dinner after I finish for the day."
Song Shuling nodded again.
Abiding by Zhong Ruanxing's orders, Wu Chengwang stuck by Song Shuling's side as he led her around the studio city. In the vast studio complex, over a dozen crews were filming. As they walked around, Song Shuling saw many filming crews that might have piqued her interest before, but now she had no enthusiasm at all.
After wandering listlessly for a while, she told Wu Chengwang, "Let's go back."
So Wu Chengwang brought her back to the Return to Innocence set.
Zhong Ruanxing was filming a scene, wearing a light and beautiful gauze dress, holding a sword in her hand. In the solemn winter landscape, she shone like a bright and dazzling ray of light.
Only now did Song Shuling regain some spirit. She sat in the chair Zhong Ruanxing usually rested in, propping up her chin to watch her film.
Curious about her identity, Wu Chengwang explained she was Ruanxing’s sister. Everyone understood, and praised the sisters' beauty. But in fact, the two looked nothing alike. Zhong Ruanxing had a showy beauty, while Song Shuling was much sweeter.
The executive director looked on, increasingly satisfied. When Zhong Ruanxing finished the take, he immediately ran over to coax her: "Ruanxing, look at your sister. She's so pretty, it would be such a waste if she didn't act!"
Zhong Ruanxing, who was drinking water, couldn't help but laugh. She waved her hand: "My sister doesn't act. She's waiting to inherit a fortune."
The executive director made a "don't fool me" expression: "What fortune does your family have to inherit?"
Zhong Ruanxing spread her hands: "Why don't you ask her yourself? If you can persuade her, I have no objections."
The executive director was eager and excited. He rubbed his hands as he approached the dazed Song Shuling. First he lavished praise on her beauty, then got to the point, appealing to her emotions and reason. He spoke passionately for a full ten minutes, then waited expectantly for Song Shuling's reaction.
Song Shuling's blank stare slowly focused and landed on the stranger's face. After a long pause, she said, "Ah? What did you say?"
The executive director: "..."
He patiently repeated himself again. Song Shuling slowly shook her head: "Thank you, but I'm not interested in acting." She paused, "But I can invest in my...sister. If you need investment, you can look for me."
The executive director: "?"
What did she mean? She didn't want to be an actress, but wanted to be their behind-the-scenes boss?
Only then did he notice the name-brand, six-figure luxury goods on the young lady, including the purse resting on her knees.
She did seem to have the air of inheriting a fortune.
The executive director left regretfully.
With no one bothering her, Song Shuling scrutinized Zhong Ruanxing again. She was completely different from the sister-in-law she had seen a few times before. That innate gentleness and passion could not be acted out.
Especially her eyes. When she spoke to anyone, her eyes were always gently meeting theirs, appearing extremely sincere and attentive.
It might sound too profound, but Song Shuling felt those were the eyes her brother used to look at her with. It made her feel that her brother cared for her and took her seriously.
Not like last night's eyes, empty of emotion, cold as frost and snow.
If asked directly, would she admit it?
Was this the truth, or her own wishful thinking?
In this distracted state, Song Shuling idled at the set for most of the day. Zhong Ruanxing asked the director for leave and ended work early by a few hours. After changing, she beckoned to Song Shuling, "Shuling, let's go."
Song Shuling went over and was handed a small hot water bottle. "Let's go, what do you want to eat?"
The hot water bottle fit perfectly in her hands. The scalding warmth seeped through her palms to her whole body. "Anything is fine."
Zhong Ruanxing suggested, "Then let's go for hotpot? It'll warm you up."
Song Shuling agreed.
So the four of them, along with Ran Ting and Wu Chengwang, went to a hotpot restaurant. Having heard from Zhong Ruanxing that the young woman was Director Song's sister, Ran Ting was especially attentive to her. After the meal, Song Shuling's haggard complexion had recovered somewhat.
In winter it turned dark early. By the time they finished eating, it was already nighttime and drizzling. Zhong Ruanxing had planned to take Song Shuling around, but now could only cancel those plans. She asked her, "Where are you staying?"
Song Shuling reported the name of a hotel. Zhong Ruanxing considered it for a moment: "Check out and come stay with me."
A young woman alone in a strange city wasn't safe. Worried that Song Shuling would mind, she added, "My room is a suite with a single bed outside. If you don't want to share a room, I'll have Ran Ting book you a separate room next to mine."
Song Shuling quickly shook her head: "I don't mind. I can share a room with you."
Since she didn't have luggage, on the way back to the hotel Zhong Ruanxing also took her shopping for necessities.
She was so thoughtful and considerate, intensifying the churning emotions in Song Shuling's heart.
When they returned to the hotel, Zhong Ruanxing walked ahead carrying the shopping bags while Song Shuling silently followed behind. Ran Ting and Wu Chengwang had left. Once in the room, it was tidy and clean, with a vase of fresh peonies on the coffee table perfuming the air.
Zhong Ruanxing turned on the lights and put the shopping bags on the sofa, taking things out.
Song Shuling stood at the entrance, hands clenched tightly at her sides, though her voice was calm and light, casually probing: "Brother?"
Just like every time in the past she had stood behind and called out to her.
Reflexively, Zhong Ruanxing looked back: "Hm?"
Their eyes met, and Zhong Ruanxing froze. The next moment, she saw Song Shuling's tears pouring down like rain.