Chapter 28: Love and Hate are Equally Extreme
Gu Lai stared at the long text several times, but didn't reply before putting her phone away.
She does have a lot to say, but not now.
He Xiaoqing asked curiously, "How so?"
Gu Lai: "She said she didn't mind."
He Xiaoqing clapped her hands: "I knew it!"
Gu Lai: "So what was the question just now?"
He Xiaoqing almost bit her tongue: "Why would I want a divorce? What else could it be? To be honest, I was really shocked when I guessed it before. After all this time, you can just get a divorce like that?"
She was so shocked that she felt uncomfortable.
Gu Lai laughed and said, "Didn't you complain about this to Jiang Yi?"
He Xiaoqing: "She's becoming more and more profound."
“Indeed,” Gu Lai said calmly, “she has been especially like this in the last two or three years.”
He Xiaoqing was completely unaware of this, but upon closer reflection, she found the woman's words to be reasonable, and naturally went along with her, saying, "Indeed. You haven't seen what President Jiang—I mean the older one—looked like when she was young. She's kind now. I remember when I was young, she was in her fifties, at the age when she was in charge of a lot of power, and her demeanor was exactly the same as Jiang San's now."
Gu Lai disliked Jiang Jueming, and Jiang Yi's relationship with her family was also terribly distant. Gu Lai's impression of Jiang Jueming was that he was smiling but had an assessing look in his eyes, and she really didn't know him well.
She asked curiously, "How so?"
He Xiaoqing lowered her voice: "It's that kind of aura that only powerful and intelligent people have. You may only see them interacting as equals, but I've seen all kinds of faces of this kind of person. If they stand within a hundred meters of me, that 'alpha scent' emanating from them hits my nose."
Gu Lai smiled, and He Xiaoqing laughed as she continued:
"Haha, do you know what they have in common? One is that they are assertive. That's normal, right? How weak can someone in a high position really be? We think they've backed down, but that's not a real bow down, it's a strategic shift. So, these people give off a deep impression because they're so good at hiding their true intentions. Think about it, can an open and honest person like me be assertive?"
Gu Lai chuckled: "You're quite assertive on set."
He Xiaoqing shook her head: "The contractor's assertiveness is not assertiveness, it's just that he has a loud voice, high professional competence, and can persuade people with reason."
She laughed again after saying that: "That's shameless. Where were we? Oh, I was saying that this kind of person is profound. So I said that it's not that a person who doesn't like to talk is profound, that's called a person. Think about it, if a person is profound and doesn't like to express their feelings, wouldn't that kind of person be more suspicious? Before we even know it, they've already completed the whole chain of suspicion: doubt, testing, proof, and decision!"
Gu Lai smiled and clapped her hands: "Anything else?"
He Xiaoqing held up three fingers: "Of course, the third point is, being autocratic and tyrannical! Actually, it's not entirely their fault. Look at those in high positions of power, aren't they the ones making the decisions? After they make a decision, the consequences usually have the greatest impact on them, right? And we also have a qualifier, 'clever,' which leads to what? These kinds of people will unconsciously make decisions for you, and sometimes you've already followed the direction they've chosen for you without even realizing it, which is even more terrifying!"
Gu Lai asked, "Can you handle it?"
“I can handle it, how could I not? My relationship with Jiang San is fine, isn’t it? I’m too lazy to think with her, I can do whatever she says.” He Xiaoqing looked at her and smiled, “I’m not an idiot after all these years, I can tell who I can befriend. Friends are those you can chat with, share similar values, and can lend a hand when things are tough, that’s enough.”
Gu Lai smiled first, then sighed.
He Xiaoqing's meaning was very straightforward: this level of friendship is enough; lovers are a different story.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m overthinking it, but at this moment I even feel that He Xiaoqing’s previous words seemed to contain a veiled excuse and advice.
But she was still confused.
She didn't know if Jiang Yi had ever suspected or made any decisions. To be honest, although she felt that their love had turned into mutual torment, she didn't think Jiang Yi would ever scheme against her.
Perhaps she didn't fully understand what He Xiaoqing was implying.
However, she did understand the first point, which clearly indicated that she shouldn't take Jiang Yi's strategic show of weakness seriously.
Gu Lai reflected for a moment, wondering if she was someone who seemed particularly love-obsessed.
Gu Lai said, "I wish Jiang Yi could hear these words."
He Xiaoqing shook her head with a smile: "She might be even more sarcastic than me. She wouldn't think she's talking about herself. I've never seen her reflect on herself." She curled her lip, "But there's also the possibility that she's not worthy in front of me."
Gu Lai recalled that video call from before.
After a moment, she came to her senses and said, "That's not necessarily true. I've even seen her stay up all night writing her year-end reflections."
“Hey, I’m talking about the dating scene and you’re talking about the workplace, how can those be the same? But,” He Xiaoqing paused, “she’s not unreasonable, just say what you want to say.”
Gu Lai said seriously, "But some things can't be solved by being honest. For example, if you honestly say, 'I don't think you love me enough,' and the other person thinks, 'I love you quite a bit,' then listing out points to prove that you don't love me enough will either result in the other person thinking you're being petty and unreasonable, or they'll want you to change according to those points. The former goes without saying, but even if you really do the latter, does that mean you'll truly feel loved again?"
He Xiaoqing pondered for a moment: "I think so."
Gu Lai took a deep breath and strode forward.
He Xiaoqing jogged a few steps to catch up, laughing uncontrollably: "Wait for me, wait for me, I know what you mean... Hey, now that you mention it, I suddenly have an idea. I'm going to ask the screenwriter to revise the script again. When are you leaving? Do you want to stay and give us some advice?"
Gu Lai said, "Let's stay here for a day tomorrow, wander around the area, and leave the day after tomorrow."
He Xiaoqing was quite enthusiastic: "Do you have any travel plans? Why don't you take a longer trip? I'll arrange a car for you. You haven't been to Guizhou Province much, have you? It's not worth coming all this way just to avoid the wind and rain for an annual meeting. You can relax and unwind."
Gu Lai had originally intended to avoid the annual meeting, but she still felt a little embarrassed when she heard her say it so bluntly: "You have so much to worry about in terms of planning and preparation. It would be too much of a disturbance for me to stay here. Besides, the flight schedule for the day after tomorrow has already been applied for."
He Xiaoqing said, "I really didn't stand on ceremony. There's no trouble at all. It's not like I'm the driver. Just reapply for the route."
Gu Lai hesitated to say that the route application was handled by the office concierge, and even though Jiang Yi tried to reassure her that she should make use of the resources, she was reluctant to bother them any further.
He Xiaoqing guessed her hesitation: "Let them do it. Aren't you still their boss? You haven't even gotten your license yet. Besides, I heard that Jiang Yi is laying off people everywhere and hiring more. It's a good opportunity for you to show your face and do good deeds."
Gu Lai sighed helplessly, "What kind of operation is this? It's not like it's my studio."
"That's how my boss operates. She plays the bad cop and I play the good cop. Jiang San should thank me for it." He Xiaoqing didn't care at all. "You can ask her if you don't believe me."
Gu Lai said good-naturedly, "Okay, okay, I'll stay and read the script with you. I can't help you much."
“It’s all about participation. Besides, I’ve prepared a lot of storyboards. My habit is to do the storyboards myself, while some people prefer to rely on the cinematographer or hire a storyboard artist. Like that Director Kong,” He Xiaoqing winked at her, “her camera language is cold and distinctive, and she’s a typical strong director. She also does her own storyboards. I’m planning to finish mine in the next few days. By participating, I can gain experience. I’m free anyway during the Chinese New Year.”
Gu Lai finally seemed somewhat tempted: "That's fine too. I thought I only needed to come when filming started."
“Some assistant directors are like that,” He Xiaoqing said, then suddenly remembered and asked, “But why do you have the idea of switching to behind-the-scenes work? I feel like you quite like being in front of the camera.”
Gu Lai remained silent for a few moments before saying, "It doesn't seem very convenient."
"Inconvenient? What's inconvenient... Oh!" He Xiaoqing realized what she meant and said incredulously, "How could you think that? If you cared about being a celebrity, Jiang San wouldn't have even started, right? What did she say?"
Gu Lai shook her head, but she couldn't do anything about He Xiaoqing's persistent, intense gaze. She explained, "It has nothing to do with her. I have some concerns... Being an artist can be quite troublesome at times, with all sorts of exposure and public scrutiny, not to mention the rest."
"Just do what you want. Deal with those things as they happen. What's the big deal? From another perspective, Jiang San doesn't think that the messy rumors and gossip she brought you because of your marriage are troublesome, does she? Just because she has a lot of money doesn't mean the trouble she brings isn't troublesome, right?"
After He Xiaoqing finished speaking, she sighed: "I think I've figured it out a bit, sister. Be more worthy of each other and have fewer worries. Even decades-old friends can be troublesome, let alone family and lovers? It sounds like you're just colleagues, not even as good as friends."
What was Jiang Yi's explanation during that video call?
She said she did these things because she wanted to, and that she did them on a whim, and that she didn't feel she had to refuse these conveniences for any reason.
What was the "more I hope for" that she didn't answer?
Are you hesitating to say it because you want me to bother you?
Do you also feel that I'm distant from you?
Why didn't you speak frankly in the end?
...
"Sister? My dear Sister Gu?"
Gu Lai snapped out of her daze and saw He Xiaoqing observing her with a subtle expression.
Gu Lai made an excuse: "The Drum Tower over there was so beautiful."
He Xiaoqing said with a complicated expression, "I don't quite believe it. Although I don't know what you just thought of because of what I said, it's definitely related to Jiang Yi. I don't think you two will get a divorce. You're still so hung up on me when you're talking to me. Usually, couples who are really getting a divorce are still thinking about hatred."
Gu Lai was both amused and exasperated: "When did I ever act like I couldn't forget you?"
"You were trying to trick me into talking. I only realized it when you were distracted," He Xiaoqing said with a hint of resentment. "I'm easygoing, not stupid. Except for what I said later, you didn't answer a single question I asked earlier. It was all me rambling on and on."
Gu Lai smiled slightly, pursing her lips: "Then ask again."
He Xiaoqing sighed: "Forget it, I'm not an entertainment reporter. Is there anything else you want to find out? I'll tell you everything I know."
"Yes." Gu Lai turned to look at her. "You just said that she and I wouldn't get a divorce, but she didn't even try to stop me then. Why do you think she doesn't want a divorce either? Is it just because of the hesitation and tenderness she's showing now?"
He Xiaoqing lowered her head and pondered. The two of them stepped on the stone path, the sound of their footsteps pattering against the damp ground, mingling with the sounds of birds and insects.
“Yes,” He Xiaoqing replied. “I think Jiang San is the kind of person with very intense emotions. Her love and hate are equally extreme, with no middle ground. And what she wants, she will do everything in her power to get it, even to the point of death… Do you think she hates you?”
Thousands of miles away, Jiang Yi, knowing he was about to be criticized, couldn't help but glance at his phone during meetings to see if there were any new messages. However, after two meetings, his phone remained silent.
When Jiang Yi sent those messages, he was also listening to reports from others and was not in a good mood, so he didn't embellish his words much. When he looked at them later, they felt as stiff as before.
But the time had passed, and she couldn't cancel it anymore. She hesitated for a long time about whether to post a couple more words to make amends.
What if Gu Lai didn't feel anything to begin with, and trying to make amends backfires?
In other words, she really couldn't get involved in the social media industry anymore, otherwise she would have definitely acquired it and changed the cancellation period to indefinite!
After annoyed, Jiang Yi opened Gu Lai's interface, typed, deleted, and selected an emoji.
Jiang Yi: [Cat peeking out jpg]
A moment later, the phone screen suddenly lit up.
...Why did it come from He Xiaoqing?!
He Xiaoqing: [I've gathered information that your chances of getting a divorce are quite high, so I'm just letting you know. You're welcome.]
Jiang Yi: [Audio '2']
He Xiaoqing closed the hotel door, put on her headphones, and turned on voice chat. Jiang Yi's cold voice came through:
"Don't you want to make movies anymore?"
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good evening!
[Starry eyes] Thank you March for the landmine, and ys calcium oxalate for the landmine!
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