The next day, everyone came by to visit.
Naturally, Duoduo’s house was the most popular spot. Everyone wanted to get close to Huai Jian. Li Qinglian went out to get some sunflower seeds and roasted them for the guests.
A group of people sat by the door cracking seeds. Ji Zhen and Huai Jian had acted together before, so they had plenty to talk about, while the others listened in.
Ji Zhen didn’t hold back his praise: “Huai Jian, you have no idea how smart Duoduo is. She’s the fastest at finishing every task.”
Huai Jian nodded. “She does have a lot of clever ideas.”
Ji Zhen asked, “By the way, how did you two meet? Your relationship seems so good, but I never heard Duoduo mention you before.”
Duoduo brought in some fruit and chirped, “I like to keep a low profile! Plus, Sister Huai is usually super busy; it’s normally hard to get a hold of her.”
This was the plain truth. Huai Jian was incredibly busy, balancing acting with running her company. She rarely took a break all year.
Ji Zhen hummed. “Well, you two definitely seem close.” Duoduo caught Huai Jian’s eye and nodded vigorously.
…
The chatting lasted until the afternoon. Li Qinglian and Duoduo thought that since everyone was there, they should invite them for dinner. However, when they counted their money, they tragically realized they didn’t have enough.
Li Qinglian discussed it with Ji Zhen’s mother. Ji’s mother thought a joint dinner was a great idea, chipped in half the money, and the two began cooking and chatting in the kitchen. Naturally, the conversation turned to their children’s marriages.
Ji Zhen had an excellent reputation in the industry and was single. His mother originally didn’t want him to marry another celebrity, hoping for someone “grounded.” But seeing Duoduo, she changed her mind. She thought Duoduo was sharp, bright, and would make a great partner for Ji Zhen to build a life with.
Li Qinglian’s requirements were simple: the man had to be devoted to Duoduo, responsible, and able to protect her. Ji Zhen seemed to fit the bill perfectly—he was successful but humble.
The two mothers grew more excited as they talked, nearly ready to push the two kids to hold hands and make it official right then and there.
Midway through, Huai Jian went into the kitchen to help grab something. She overheard their conversation and stopped in her tracks. Her expression darkened.
Li Qinglian asked her, “Xiao Jian, what do you think of Ji Zhen and Duoduo? I think they get along quite well.”
Outside, Duoduo and Ji Zhen were huddled together, laughing and talking. Huai Jian hadn’t thought much of it before, but now that it was pointed out, she felt a strange, uncomfortable lump in her chest.
How can Duoduo laugh that happily with Ji Zhen? Shouldn’t she only laugh like that with me? Wait—why am I even thinking that?
Huai Jian stood in the kitchen staring at them for a long time before snapping out of it. She set the items down and walked out to sit right next to Duoduo, intending to steer the conversation.
Ji Zhen was saying: “…to act, you have to immerse yourself completely. You need to know your character’s past, their future, their current personality, and how they will grow.”
“Wow, Brother Ji, you know so much!” Duoduo said, her face full of admiration.
Ji Zhen patted her shoulder. “You might not have formal training, but you have natural talent. Don’t listen to people who say you’re ‘too old’ for the industry.”
Duoduo nodded obediently. “I’ll work hard.”
Huai Jian listened until she saw an opening. “I have some study materials at my place. You can come pick them up later; they’ll be useful for you.”
Duoduo turned, pleasantly surprised. “Sister Huai, you didn’t have formal training either, right? You just taught yourself?”
“Mhm,” Huai Jian said. “It was all self-taught. You don’t necessarily need to ‘lose yourself’ in a role.”
Ji Zhen, listening, felt like she was subtly throwing shade at his advice. He racked his brain—he hadn’t offended Huai Jian, had he? He looked at Duoduo. Strange.
For the rest of the time, Duoduo became Huai Jian’s total fangirl. No matter what Huai Jian said, she listened intently, even bringing out a small notebook to take notes.
…
At dinner, the two mothers “cleverly” seated Ji Zhen and Duoduo together.
Ji Zhen’s mother had teased him about it before. While he claimed he wasn’t in a rush and that Duoduo was still young, he found himself observing her, wondering if they really would be a good match.
Duoduo was being social with everyone, but it was obvious to the naked eye that she took special care of Huai Jian. And Huai Jian, who usually kept everyone at a distance, accepted her attention effortlessly.
Ji Zhen found the meal quite unsettling. He asked tentatively, “Huai Jian, when are you heading back to the capital? Are you out of schedule?”
Huai Jian had intended to leave early, but after today’s “matchmaking” talk, she suddenly didn’t want to go. “I want to rest for a few more days.”
Duoduo chimed in, “Yeah! Stay and play for a while longer!”
They were so in sync they almost sounded like a couple. Ji Zhen ate his rice in silence, trying to convince himself he was overthinking.
…
After dinner, the mothers tried to create an opportunity for the two. Li Qinglian said, “Duoduo, didn’t you say the back shed was leaking? Auntie Ji says Ji Zhen knows how to fix roofs. Why don’t you take him back there to check it out?”
The shed was just for storage; it didn’t really need fixing. Duoduo was about to say she wanted to take Huai Jian apple picking, but Huai Jian spoke up first.
“I’ve never seen a roof being repaired. Let’s go take a look.”
Duoduo’s rejection immediately turned into: “Okay! Brother Ji, let’s go!”
Ji Zhen felt even more confused. He couldn’t figure out Huai Jian’s angle. He laughed awkwardly, “It’s very dusty. You two should stay far back.” He went to get the tools.
Huai Jian didn’t say anything and followed right behind Duoduo.
Ji Zhen thought he should at least try to look cool while working. But once he climbed onto the roof, he finally realized Huai Jian’s “tactic.” He was up there, covered in dust and grime, while Huai Jian and Duoduo sat comfortably on a large rock below, chatting away happily.
He looked up at the clouds and sighed. Since when did Huai Jian become so possessive? Are these two really ‘just friends’?