Chapter 12: Announcing My Marriage with Ming Zhou
Gu Manman sat in the car on the way back to the city, staring blankly at the scenery outside the window that was rapidly receding.
She stroked the red marks on her wrist left by Lin Jinyun, which had already turned into bruises.
The driver was a middle-aged man of few words, and he just focused on driving the whole time.
This silence gave her some breathing space.
When they returned to the apartment, it was quiet except for the sound of Snowball's light footsteps.
Three days passed and Feng Mingzhou had no phone call, no message, nothing.
Early in the morning of the fourth day, editor Wang called and said that Lin's investors had temporarily increased the budget and hoped that she could attend the script discussion meeting this afternoon.
Gu Manman held the phone in her hand, feeling mixed emotions.
This was work and she couldn't refuse, but facing Lin Jinyun, she didn't know if she had the courage to maintain her calm on the surface.
She put on light makeup, chose a dark blue business suit, and tied her hair into a simple bun.
The woman in the mirror looked professional and calm, and no one could see the turbulent waves in her heart.
Several screenwriters and directors have arrived in the conference room.
Lin Jinyun sat in the chief seat and gave her a perfect smile.
The meeting went smoothly. The screenwriters praised "Homeward Journey" highly, and the director also shared his understanding of the plot and filming ideas.
Gu Manman answered the questions professionally and occasionally offered suggestions, without even glancing at Lin Jinyun during the entire process.
Lin Jinyun tried to steer the conversation several times, but Gu Manman cleverly avoided it, keeping the conversation strictly limited to the script itself.
It wasn't until the break in the meeting that she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Miss Gu, can you please spare me a moment to talk?" Lin Jinyun's smile was still perfect, but there was a barely perceptible cold light in her eyes.
Gu Manman hesitated for a moment, but still nodded. She didn't want to create any unnecessary conflicts in public.
The two walked to the small lounge next to the meeting room. Lin Jinyun gently closed the door and leaned against it.
"I hope you don't take what happened by the lake to heart." Lin Jinyun went straight to the point, his voice soft but with the arrogance of a winner.
"Ms. Lin is really good at acting."
Lin Jinyun smiled gracefully: "Life is a stage everywhere. What's important is to know what role to play at what time."
She walked closer to Gu Manman and lowered her voice: "Mingzhou has been taking care of me these days. He is very worried."
"Miss Lin is really too free. In order to embarrass me, she even attended a small meeting like this in person. I am really flattered."
Gu Manman dug her nails into her palms, trying hard not to show any pain.
"I don't care what means you use to attract his attention," Gu Manman looked directly into Lin Jinyun's eyes, her voice calm but firm, "but please don't use my work to make a fuss."
Lin Jinyun chuckled: "As expected of a writer, you are always so sensitive. Don't worry, I really appreciate your work."
"Miss Lin, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave first."
Lin Jinyun reached out to stop her: "Don't worry, I have something else to tell you."
"Next Saturday is Mr. Feng's 80th birthday. At the birthday banquet, Mr. Feng will announce my marriage to Mingzhou."
Gu Manman’s face turned pale instantly.
Lin Jinyun showed a winner's smile: "The marriage between the two families has been destined since we were born, but there were some small episodes in the middle."
"Don't be too sad, Miss Gu. You and I both know that this day will come sooner or later."
Gu Manman turned around and faced that disgustingly perfect face, but miraculously remained calm: "If Mingzhou really chooses to marry you, I will let you go."
"Really?" Lin Jinyun raised the corners of his mouth, with obvious suspicion in his smile, "A girl who grew up in an orphanage finally climbed up the big tree of the Feng family, are you really willing to give up?"
"Ms. Lin, I never loved his power and wealth."
Gu Manman looked out the window, her eyes filled with sadness, "If Mingzhou really decides to marry you, I won't pester you, I won't cry, and I won't use despicable means to keep you."
"If this is his choice, I will... wish you happiness."
Lin Jinyun's face twisted slightly, obviously not satisfied with such an answer.
"Do you think your great gesture is very touching?"
She shook her head: "Ms. Lin, I never expect to gain sympathy by sacrificing myself. Love is a matter between two people, and it cannot be forced."
"That sounds nice." Lin Jinyun's tone was full of contempt. "I hope you can remember what I said today when the time comes."
Lin Jinyun shook the diamond bracelet on her wrist, her high heels made a crisp sound as they stepped on the floor tiles, and she pushed open the glass door of the lounge without looking back.
The meeting continued into the afternoon, and the director made a final round of revisions.
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone." Lin Jinyun stood up and adjusted her skirt. "Today's discussion was very fruitful. I have already reserved a table at 'Jiang Yue' downstairs. Please join us for dinner."
Gu Manman quickly closed her notebook and put away the documents on the table: "Sorry, I feel a little uncomfortable. I'll go back first."
"Teacher Gu," producer Director Zhao enthusiastically pulled her arm, "You are the main creator, you can't be absent!"
"Yes, yes," the young female screenwriter also came over, "Teacher Gu is usually so low-key, we still want to ask you more questions!"
"I really have a headache..." Gu Manman tried to break free, but found herself surrounded.
Lin Jinyun stood outside the crowd, her lips slightly raised: "Miss Gu, everyone is looking forward to it, just come reluctantly."
Her tone was gentle, but there was a cold light in her eyes. "The Cantonese cuisine of 'Jiang Yue' was prepared by a master chef specially invited from Guangzhou by Feng's Group. It is said that even Mr. Feng praised it highly."
The producer opened his mouth in surprise: "Ah, it's the 'Jiang Yue' under Feng's. I queued up but couldn't get a chance to eat it!"
Gu Manman looked at Lin Jinyun's perfect smile and felt a pain in her stomach.
This is Feng's territory. Lin Jinyun invited her just to show everyone her position.
"Then...thank you, Miss Lin." Gu Manman forced a smile, but her voice seemed to be squeezed out from between her teeth.
The car drove towards the city center. Gu Manman sat in the screenwriter team's car, staring at the neon lights outside the window in a daze.
She felt like she was walking into a trap, but she couldn't resist.
The car was parked steadily in the silver parking area in front of the hotel, and the luxury cars were neatly arranged like a luxurious exhibition.
Gu Manman closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She knew that it was no accident that Lin Jinyun chose "Jiang Yue" under Feng's company.
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