"Sister Ran..."
Xiao Liran smiled slightly at her, everything was understood without words.
"If you need my help, just let me know. I'll do my best!"
"Thank you." Song Wan looked at her sincerely.
"No need to thank me! We click, I'm happy to help!"
The two smiled at each other, and Song Wan poured her a cup of coffee. They sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly admiring the view in the distance.
Spring has arrived in this city, and the distant mountains have turned lush and green once again. The cherry blossoms lining the streets resemble clusters of pale pink mist, and swallows dance merrily among the willow branches.
Spring has arrived, but the frost in our hearts doesn't melt so easily.
"Wanwan," Xiao Liran looked at her and asked softly, "Are you really not going to forgive him for the rest of your life?"
Song Wan paused for a moment, unsure how to answer the question.
At this moment, what flashed through her mind was not the time she spent with Lin Zhaojiang a few years ago, nor the love and hate of the past.
Rather, it refers to the period after she lost her memory and reunited with Lin Zhaojiang.
Scenes from Central City flashed through her mind: him appearing at the kindergarten with a teddy bear; him taking her to the amusement park, only to later discover that the amusement park was built specifically for her; him taking off his coat and draping it over her when she was in danger, whispering in her ear, "I'm here for you"...
It was the way he learned to do housework, the longing and nervousness when he kissed her, and the peace of mind he felt when he stayed by her side day and night.
Song Wan felt a sharp pain in her heart and involuntarily closed her eyes.
“I’m not advising you to forgive him,” Xiao Liran said softly. “I just hope you can let yourself go.”
"Sister Ran..."
"No one can make up for the hurt you've suffered in the past. What other way is there but for you to heal yourself? I know you're in a lot of pain, but don't let that pain hold you back for the rest of your life... Wanwan, we women should be good to ourselves. You can only move forward if you let go of the pain, right?"
"As for Lin Zhaojiang, or any other man..." Xiao Liran smiled, "they're all just passing clouds! Let them do what they need to do!"
Song Wan looked at her and burst out laughing.
Perhaps no matter how many more years she cultivates herself, she will never reach Xiao Liran's level of open-mindedness, but she admires that attitude.
"I understand, Sister Ran." She held Xiao Liran's hand tightly. "I will take good care of myself, work on the next book, and strive to achieve even greater success on the bestseller list!"
"That's right!" Xiao Liran patted her shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that she had regained her original energy.
The following day, Song Wan's book launch was held at the largest bookstore in Yun City. Even before the launch began, the bookstore was packed with fans seeking autographs from Song Wan. Several well-known media outlets were also present, securing prime spots to grab the first scoop on the news.
The event was a great success. After so many sessions, Song Wan has learned how to interact with her fans. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the organizers thoughtfully provided coffee and snacks for everyone.
The final segment was a Q&A session with reporters.
Song Wan sat on the stage and took a deep breath. This was the part she dreaded the most. She always had to prepare in advance, writing down all the questions reporters might ask with the company's public relations department, and then memorizing the best answers.
She is terrible at rote memorization. In previous presentations, she would get so nervous at this point that she would break out in a sweat. Today, she was also secretly praying that the reporters' questions wouldn't be too outrageous.
"Ms. Song," someone asked, "several of the more memorable passages in your book are currently generating a lot of discussion online, with some claiming they are based on your personal experiences. What's your take on that?"
Song Wan was taken aback. Before she could answer, another reporter from a different media outlet stood up.
"I heard that Ms. Song had a relationship with Mr. Lin Zhaojiang, the chairman of Zhonglin Group. Are you still in contact with each other?"
"Someone once saw you and Chairman Lin entering and leaving a hotel. Is this true?"
Song Wan's heart was pounding, and she clenched her fists tightly.
She looked at Rachel beside her, who nodded at her, giving her an affirming look—in fact, Xiao Liran had already guessed these questions. Just before the presentation, the public relations department had already given the best answers to each question, using language that avoided the main issues, cleverly circumvented them, and steered the conversation toward the next new book.
Song Wan memorized them all word for word.
But now, she doesn't want to say a single word.
Those official statements were not what she wanted.
The menacing reporters in front of her suddenly reminded her of the same faces the board members had when they were forcing Lin Zhaojiang to resign.
Perhaps the situation Lin Zhaojiang faced was a thousand times more cruel than this...
Song Wan composed herself. At this moment, the audience was completely silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on her.
“Let me answer the first question first.” Her voice was soft, yet it revealed an unusual firmness. “All the plots in the book are fictional, just for the sake of the story’s completeness and drama. There is no personal experience involved. You’re overthinking it.”
"this……"
The reporters looked at each other, their expressions puzzled.
Rachel was also taken aback; this part didn't seem to be in her prepared answer.
“Secondly,” Song Wan continued, “since it wasn’t a personal experience, it’s even less likely that it has anything to do with Chairman Lin.”
“Ms. Song,” a reporter sneered, “can you be a little more honest with your book fans?”
"I'm just telling the truth. These things have nothing to do with Lin Zhaojiang!" Song Wan looked coldly at the reporter. "I know what's been circulating online lately. I don't know who's spreading these rumors, but Chairman Lin is a very good person and shouldn't be bothered by such gossip!"
“He and I are also very good friends... He taught me a lot and is a strong support for me.”
The reporters' eyes seemed to have changed.
“Miss Song, but you’ve been coming and going from the hotel…”
"What, when a man and a woman go to a hotel, is it only for booking a room? Aren't hotels places to eat?"
As soon as Song Wan said this, a low chuckle rippled through the crowd.
"Is it really necessary for you all to be so curious about me having a meal with Chairman Lin?"
"But……"
“Besides,” Song Wan straightened up, “what’s wrong with me dating Chairman Lin? We’re both single, one of us is unmarried, so why can’t we be together!”
The audience erupted in uproar.
"I hope you will carefully write down every word I say and then publish it truthfully." Song Wan's stubborn gaze swept over the crowd. "I know you all have different purposes and want to write something to attract attention. But Chairman Lin is not your tool for attracting attention. I have clarified everything that happened today, and if there are any more rumors in the future, I will definitely take legal action!"
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