Chapter 22
The next morning at nine o'clock, Shi Ye had been standing in front of the mirror in a daze for ten minutes.
She was wearing the misty blue dress Lin Xiaoyu had given her—the same one from the previous photos. It fit her perfectly and accentuated her fair skin. Her hair was simply styled, and she wore light makeup. The person in the mirror looked elegant and poised, but she felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity.
"So today I'm going to be the opening guest," she thought to herself, "in my own living room, in front of probably fewer than twenty people, saying things that even I don't believe. What is this? An upgraded version of playing house?"
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Qi Jin: "I've arrived."
Shi Ye took a deep breath, picked up his handbag, and went downstairs.
Outside the door, Qi Jin leaned against the car waiting for her. When he saw Shi Ye, Qi Jin's eyes lit up for a moment—though he quickly regained his composure, Shi Ye caught it.
“It looks great,” Qi Jin said.
"Thank you." Shi Ye looked down at her dress. "Xiao Yu picked it out."
“She has excellent taste.” Qi Jin opened the car door for her.
On the bus, Shi Ye was a little nervous—physiological nervousness, with sweaty palms and a racing heart.
"Have you memorized the script?" Qi Jin asked.
“I’ve memorized it,” Shi Ye said. “It’s only three sentences, I shouldn’t forget it.”
“It’s normal to be nervous,” Qi Jin said. “If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t. No one will blame you.”
Shi Ye nodded and looked out the window. The street rushed past, and a question suddenly occurred to her: "Will...a lot of people come today?"
“Xiaoyu said she invited about thirty people,” Qi Jin said, “including media, teachers, classmates, and some friends.”
Thirty people. Not many, but not few either. Enough to make Shi Ye nervous.
The car arrived at its destination—Shi Ye's own home. But today, it looked completely different. There was a sign at the entrance, a simple registration desk set up in the yard, and a girl there to greet guests.
Upon seeing Qi Jin's car, Lin Xiaoyu flew over like a little bird: "Senior! Sister Shi Ye! You're here!"
She wore a white dress today, and her hair was styled in an elegant braid, making her look both fresh and professional.
"How do I look?" Lin Xiaoyu spun around. "Do I look like a proper designer?"
"Yes, it does." Qi Jin nodded.
“They look remarkably alike,” Shi Ye added.
"That's good!" Lin Xiaoyu pulled Shi Ye along. "Sister Shi Ye, let's go backstage first... oh no, I mean your room! Get ready there, it officially starts at ten o'clock!"
Shi Ye was pulled into the room by Lin Xiaoyu. The room had been set up as a temporary rest room, with chairs, a mirror, and... Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen was wearing a suit and gold-rimmed glasses today, looking much more mature than usual. Upon seeing Shi Ye, he stood up: "Shi Ye, you've arrived."
"Jiang Chen is here too?" Shi Ye was a little surprised.
"I'm in charge of coordinating today's process," Jiang Chen said with a smile. "Xiaoyu said she needs a reliable person to help her."
"Senior is the most reliable!" Lin Xiaoyu said. "You guys chat, I'll go check out the front!"
After Lin Xiaoyu ran out, only Shi Ye and Jiang Chen remained in the room. The atmosphere was a little awkward.
“You…” Jiang Chen began, “You look beautiful today.”
"Thank you," Shi Ye said. "You're also... very formal."
"This is my first time wearing a suit." Jiang Chen loosened his tie. "It feels a little strange."
The two fell silent again. Shi Ye walked to the window and saw people arriving one after another. There were young people who looked like students, media people with cameras, and several adults who looked like teachers.
"Are you nervous?" Jiang Chen asked.
“A little,” Shi Ye said honestly.
"Don't be nervous." Jiang Chen walked to her side. "It's just a small exhibition. People are here to see the artwork, not to see you."
These words were meant to be comforting, but Shi Ye found them a little awkward. What did she mean by "we're not here to see you"? She was the opening ceremony guest; everyone was here to see her!
“Jiang Chen,” Shi Ye suddenly asked, “you and Xiao Yu…have known each other for a long time?”
“Two years,” Jiang Chen said. “We met in our freshman year. She’s very talented and hardworking.”
“Then you…” Shi Ye carefully chose his words, “towards her…”
Jiang Chen looked at her, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "I know what you want to ask. My feelings for Xiaoyu... are admiration and concern, but not that kind of affection."
Shi Ye was stunned. So Jiang Chen doesn't like Lin Xiaoyu? What happened in the original novel?!
"That……"
“I have someone I like,” Jiang Chen said, “but it’s not Xiaoyu.”
Shi Ye's heart skipped a beat. Jiang Chen has someone he likes? Not Lin Xiaoyu? Then the original plot has fallen apart again?!
"Then..." She didn't know what to ask.
“Shi Ye,” Jiang Chen looked at her earnestly, “I know you might think I’m being abrupt, but we’ve only known each other for two days, and it’s really not appropriate for me to say these things. It’s just that I always feel very comfortable talking to you.”
Shi Ye: "..." What kind of development is this?! Jiang Chen is flirting with her?! Ten minutes before she's supposed to be the opening guest?!
"Jiang Chen," she said with difficulty, "I..."
The knocking saved her. Qi Jin pushed the door open and came in: "It's almost time."
She glanced at Jiang Chen, her eyes calm, but Shi Ye always felt there was a warning in them.
"Okay." Shi Ye felt as if he had been granted a pardon. "I'll be right there."
Jiang Chen nodded and went out first. Only Shi Ye and Qi Jin remained in the room.
"What did he say to you?" Qi Jin asked, his tone calm.
"Nothing," Shi Ye said, "just... chatting."
Qi Jin looked at her but didn't press further: "Are you ready?"
"Ready?" Shi Ye took a deep breath. "Let's go out."
The living room was already packed with people. Thirty people seemed a bit crowded in the small space, but the atmosphere was great. Everyone gathered around the exhibits, discussing them in hushed tones and occasionally letting out exclamations of admiration.
Standing in front of the "Memory Zone," Lin Xiaoyu was introducing the items to several media personnel: "These are the painting tools left behind by my friend's mother. She was once a very talented painter..."
Upon seeing Shi Ye emerge, Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up: "Everyone! Our opening guest has arrived!"
All eyes were on Shi Ye. The flashbulbs went off, and Shi Ye felt her legs go weak—another physiological reaction.
Qi Jin whispered to her, "Don't be afraid."
Shi Ye nodded and walked to the center of the living room. A small temporary podium had been set up there, with a microphone on it.
Lin Xiaoyu handed her the microphone and whispered, "Sister Shi, good luck!"
Shi Ye took the microphone and looked at the crowd below. Qi Jin stood at the front, his eyes encouraging. Jiang Chen stood beside him, his expression gentle. Lin Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled, full of anticipation.
She took a deep breath and said, "Hello everyone, I am Shi Ye."
The voice was a little shaky, but still fairly clear.
“It is an honor to be the opening guest of Xiaoyu Design Exhibition.” She continued, “This exhibition has special meaning for me because many of the exhibits come from my family and friends.”
She looked at the "memory section": "Those old objects were once forgotten in a corner. But Xiaoyu used her creativity and talent to give them new life. This makes me think that perhaps each of us has some forgotten things in our hearts—memories, emotions, dreams... They just need to be seen and reinterpreted."
These were the words she had thought of last night, but as she spoke them, she suddenly felt... that they seemed to make some sense?
“Xiaoyu is a very talented designer,” she said, looking at Lin Xiaoyu, “and also a very warm person. This exhibition not only showcases her work, but also her perspective on the world—gentle, curious, and full of hope.”
Lin Xiaoyu's eyes reddened, and she nodded vigorously.
"Finally," Shi Ye said, "I hope that everyone can find something touching, some inspiration, or... something they have forgotten in this exhibition. Thank you."
She put down the microphone, and applause broke out. Not enthusiastic, but sincere.
Shi Ye breathed a sigh of relief, feeling her back was soaked with sweat. Qi Jin walked over and handed her a tissue: "Very good."
"Really?" Shi Ye asked in a low voice.
"Really," Qi Jin nodded, "very sincerely."
Lin Xiaoyu rushed over and hugged her: "Sister Shi! What you said is so true! I'm almost crying!"
“You were about to cry anyway,” Shi Ye said.
"That's because I was moved!" Lin Xiaoyu wiped her eyes. "Alright, now it's free time to explore! Everyone is free to look around and take pictures!"
The crowd dispersed and the tour continued. Several media personnel gathered around, wanting to conduct interviews.
"Ms. Shi, what is your relationship with the designer?"
“We are friends,” Shi Ye said.
"I heard that many of these exhibits were provided by you. Why did you support this exhibition?"
"Because Xiaoyu is very talented, and also because the theme of this exhibition moved me," Shi Ye replied in a very official manner.
"There are rumors that you are engaged to Mr. Qi of the Qi Group. Is that true?"
Shi Ye was taken aback. This question... was too sudden.
Qi Jin walked over and stood naturally next to her: "Today is a design exhibition, please pay attention to the works."
The media personnel wanted to ask more questions, but Qi Jin's gaze silenced them.
After the interview, Shi Ye went to the window for some fresh air. Qi Jin followed her: "Tired?"
“A little,” Shi Ye said. “I didn’t expect there to be so many problems.”
“That’s just how the media is,” Qi Jin said. “Don’t take it to heart.”
"That engagement issue..."
"No need to answer," Qi Jin said. "Our private matters don't need to be made public."
Shi Ye nodded. She looked towards the living room, where people were visiting and discussing in twos and threes. Lin Xiaoyu was explaining the artwork to a teacher, and Jiang Chen was coordinating media photography; everything was in good order.
“This exhibition,” Shi Ye suddenly said, “is really a success.”
"Yes." Qi Jin nodded. "Xiao Yu is very dedicated."
“You’ve helped her a lot,” Shi Ye said.
“Of course,” Qi Jin said. “She is talented and deserves our support.”
Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. Qi Jin was wearing a black suit today, his hair tied back, looking both capable and elegant. Qi Jin, standing here supporting a young designer's dream, was... very charming.
“Qi Jin,” Shi Ye said softly, “thank you.”
"What are you thanking me for?"
“Thank you…” Shi Ye paused, “for always being so reliable.”
Qi Jin looked at her with gentle eyes: "I can always rely on you."
Shi Ye's heart raced again. Damn it, can't this body do anything right?!
"Shi Ye," Jiang Chen walked over, interrupting their conversation, "Someone wants to see you."
"Who?" Shi asked.
“Qin Hao,” Jiang Chen said, “He said he’s your friend and is waiting for you outside.”
Shi Ye was taken aback. Qin Hao? What's he doing here?
Qi Jin's expression turned cold: "I'll go take a look."
"No need," Shi Ye said. "I'll go."
She walked to the door, and Qin Hao was indeed standing there. He was dressed casually today and looked a little haggard.
"Qin Hao?" Shi Ye asked, "What brings you here?"
"I heard you have an exhibition here, so I came to take a look," Qin Hao said. "Also... I wanted to apologize to you."
"Apologize?"
"It's about my father." Qin Hao looked at her sincerely. "I really didn't know he would do that. If I had known, I would have stopped him."
Shi Ye looked at him. Qin Hao's expression was sincere, not like he was lying.
“I believe you,” she said, “but that matter… is in the past.”
"Thank you." Qin Hao breathed a sigh of relief. "And... congratulations. This exhibition is fantastic."
"It's all thanks to Xiaoyu," Shi Ye said.
“I mean,” Qin Hao paused, “congratulations…you seem to have changed.”
Shi Ye was taken aback: "What's different?"
“More…full of life,” Qin Hao said. “You used to always seem to be wearing a mask, but now you seem…more real.”
Shi Ye didn't know how to answer. More real? Because she was no longer acting as the original owner, but being herself? Although this self also had problems, at least... it wasn't entirely fake.
"Thank you," she finally said.
"Shi Ye," Qin Hao hesitated for a moment, "are we still friends?"
Shi Ye looked at him and nodded: "Mm."
Qin Hao smiled, a smile that was somewhat bittersweet but sincere: "That's good. I'll be going now, so as not to disturb you."
He turned and left. Shi Ye watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Qin Hao was actually a good person, it's just... he was born into the wrong family.
Back in the living room, Qi Jin was waiting for her: "He's gone?"
"Yes." Shi Ye nodded. "We're here to apologize."
"Hmm." Qi Jin didn't ask any further questions.
The exhibition continued. Shi Ye moved through the crowd, occasionally answering questions, but mostly observing.
She saw Lin Xiaoyu talking to an elderly professor with white hair. The professor nodded frequently, looking quite appreciative.
She saw Jiang Chen coordinating with the media to take photos; he was professional and patient.
She saw Qi Jin talking quietly with a media person, his expression serious, they must be discussing serious business.
Standing among these people, she seemed like both an outsider and a participant.
"Sister Shi!" Lin Xiaoyu ran over and grabbed her arm. "Professor Wang wants to see you! He's that white-haired old man! He's the dean of the School of Design, and he said he really liked your opening speech!"
Shi Ye was led to the old professor. The old professor looked at her and smiled kindly: "Miss Shi, your speech was wonderful."
"Thank you, Professor," Shi Ye said politely.
“I heard from Xiaoyu that you provided many exhibits,” the professor said. “Those old objects have a lot of stories to tell, and they form an interesting dialogue with Xiaoyu’s modern designs.”
"It's Xiaoyu's idea that's good," Shi Ye said.
"Creativity is important, but materials are also important," the professor said. "You two worked together very well."
He chatted for a few more minutes, then was called away by other students. Lin Xiaoyu excitedly said, "Sister Shi! Professor Wang said he might consider recommending my work for the National College Student Design Competition!"
"Congratulations," Shi Ye said.
"This is all thanks to everyone!" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled. "With the help of senior students, the support of Sister Shi Ye, the coordination of Senior Jiang Chen... without you all, this exhibition simply wouldn't have been possible!"
Looking at Lin Xiaoyu's excited expression, Shi Ye suddenly felt... perhaps everything she had done wasn't entirely meaningless. At least, she had helped a talented young person realize their dream.
The exhibition lasted until 3 p.m. After seeing off the last guest, the four of them collapsed onto the sofa.
"I'm exhausted..." Lin Xiaoyu said, "but I'm so happy!"
"It was a great success," Jiang Chen said. "The media response was excellent, and Professor Wang was very impressed."
"Okay." Qi Jin nodded. "I'll arrange the follow-up publicity."
"Thank you, senior!" Lin Xiaoyu hugged Qi Jin. "Senior is the best!"
Qi Jin stiffened for a moment, but did not push her away.
As Shi Ye watched this scene, the progress bar in his mind seemed to light up. Physical contact! Intimate interaction! A good sign!
But the next second, Lin Xiaoyu let go of Qi Jin and turned to Jiang Chen: "You've worked hard too, senior! I'll treat you to dinner another day!"
Jiang Chen smiled and said, "Okay."
Shi Ye: "..." So Lin Xiaoyu is this enthusiastic towards everyone?! How can Qi Jin distinguish between friendship and love?!
She felt that this task might really not be completed.
The cleanup continued until evening. All the exhibits were put back in their places, all the equipment was packed away, and the living room was restored to its original state... By the time all this was done, it was already dark.
"I'll treat everyone to dinner!" Lin Xiaoyu said, "to celebrate the success of the exhibition!"
Qi Jin glanced at Shi Ye: "Are you tired?"
“A little,” Shi Ye admitted.
"Let's do it another day then," Qi Jin said. "Everyone's tired today, let's get some rest."
Lin Xiaoyu was a little disappointed, but she understood: "Okay... then I'll definitely do it another day!"
Jiang Chen also said, "Shi Ye, you should get some rest."
The four parted ways. Qi Jin escorted Shi Ye home—it was only a few steps, but Qi Jin insisted.
When they reached the Shi family's door, Qi Jin stopped: "You did very well today."
"Really?" Shi asked.
"Really." Qi Jin nodded. "His speech was very sincere, and he was very proper in front of the media."
Shi Ye smiled—this time a genuine smile, though faint: "Thank you."
“Shi Ye,” Qi Jin looked at her, “if… you want to continue treatment, if you want to try to feel things, I will support you. If you want to give up, if you want to maintain the status quo, I will also support you. Whatever choice you make, I will support you.”
Shi Ye looked at her, his eyes stinging again: "Why?"
"Because it's you," Qi Jin said. "I accept whatever choice you make."
Shi Ye's tears fell. This time, she couldn't hold them back, nor did she intend to.
Qi Jin reached out and gently wiped away her tears: "Don't cry."
“I can’t control myself…” Shi Ye’s voice choked slightly, “This medicine… makes people emotionally unstable…”
“I know,” Qi Jin said. “Go ahead and cry, it’s okay.”
Shi Ye cried for a long time, releasing all the tension, pressure, and inexplicable emotions she had felt that day. Qi Jin stayed with her the whole time, without saying a word, only gently patting her back.
After crying, Shi Ye's eyes were swollen like peaches.
"It looks awful..." she muttered.
“It’s not bad,” Qi Jin said. “It looks very real.”
Shi Ye looked at her and suddenly wanted to ask: Qi Jin, if I'm always like this, won't you get annoyed?
But she didn't ask. She didn't dare to ask.
"Go inside," Qi Jin said. "Get some rest."
"Yes." Shi Ye nodded. "You too."
She turned and went inside, closed the door, and leaned against it.
The little吐槽 (tu cao, a Chinese internet slang term for sarcastic or critical comments) voice in my head finally came back to life: "So what was today all about? A successful design exhibition? A failed matchmaking scheme? Qin Hao's apology? Jiang Chen's ambiguous behavior? And Qi Jin's...heartfelt confession?"
She felt her head start to hurt again.
But this time, it wasn't the medication; it was a real headache.
She walked into the living room and looked at the room restored to its original state. The old objects had been put away, and the remodeled items had been packed up; everything seemed as if nothing had happened.
But it did happen.
She helped Lin Xiaoyu organize a successful exhibition.
She faced the media and said what she wanted to say.
She cried in front of Qi Jin.
These are all true.
She walked to the window and looked outside. Night fell, and the city lights gradually came on.
My phone vibrated; it was a system message: "Today's mission progress: Qi Jin's favorability towards Lin Xiaoyu is 51/100 (+1), Lin Xiaoyu's favorability towards Qi Jin is 50/100 (+1). Jiang Chen's favorability towards the host is 38/100 (+3)."
Shi Ye stared at the line of text and smiled—this time it was a bitter smile.
So after a whole day of work, Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu's favorability rating each increased by 1 point. Jiang Chen's favorability rating towards her increased by 3 points.
Is there still hope for this mission?
She didn't know.
All she knew was that the day was over.
And tomorrow... we have to continue.
Taking medicine, treatment, tasks, life...
Everything must go on.
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