Chapter 12 Violent "Would you like to come up and sit for a while?"
The man at the center of the conversation was completely absorbed in Wei Xikai's speech, oblivious to the presence of an old acquaintance. Feng Mingqiao glanced over again and asked with a smile, "You're not interested in such a high-quality man?"
Ji Jiazhen stared at Zhuang Yan's profile and replied, "Don't praise me and then belittle him. It's like he's someone I can choose and beg for my attention. If Mr. Wei finds out, he won't like me. I'm still very interested in his novel."
Feng Mingqiao didn't believe her story at all. "So what's the situation between you two?"
“It’s probably like…” Ji Jiazhen narrowed his eyes, thinking about what word would be appropriate, and then chose the most pretentious one from among a bunch of words, “Let’s miss it.”
They met last year. Zhuang Yan is a Columbia University master's student majoring in directing. He is a genius in this field, no exaggeration. The short film he made with his group during his undergraduate studies won an international award. He was the director and became famous overnight.
Ji Jiazhen had seen his interview after winning the award. Being in the entertainment industry, she naturally paid more attention to these things.
Last year at a pool party, she was bored, so she turned on the outdoor projector and sat by the pool to watch a short film. She watched the twenty-minute film very attentively. Just as the director's name appeared at the end, someone next to her suddenly asked her if it was good. She nodded and said it was good, and then turned her head and met Zhuang Yan's eyes.
The meeting was quite romantic, but unfortunately, she had someone else in mind at that pool party. She was busy building connections and paving the way for her comeback, so she didn't have time to deal with him.
But she had a good impression of Zhuang Yan. One reason was that he admired strength, and another was that he had a very distinct artistic temperament and a somewhat melancholic look in his eyes, which was quite unique.
Of course, Zhuang Yan knew her too. That night, he even asked for her contact information, but she didn't give it to him. After all, the person she wanted to get close to was his friend, and it wouldn't be good if others found out. So she just left a very cliché sentence: "See you again if fate allows."
Now it seems, fate has brought us together.
Feng Mingqiao almost burst out laughing when he heard her answer. "Perfect, this gives you two a chance to rekindle your romance."
Ji Jiazhen smiled, "What opportunity?"
Feng Mingqiao moved closer to her and lowered his voice.
"These past few days, rumors about the film adaptation of 'Sacrifice' have been spreading like wildfire. Do you think it's just empty talk? None of the people here today are ordinary people; they're all here to fight for the copyright."
Ji Jiazhen calmly surveyed the room and asked in a low voice, "Then you should introduce me to Mr. Wei."
"I've also heard some rumors that the copyright belongs to someone else, but the director of the film adaptation will be his nephew, Zhuang Yan."
Ji Jiazhen could probably understand Wei Yikai's considerations. It was definitely not to promote Zhuang Yan. She knew Zhuang Yan's abilities. Wei Yikai did this because he didn't want his hard work to be ruined. After all, there have been quite a few movies and TV series that ruined the original works in the past two years. He felt at ease with Zhuang Yan directing, and it would also be convenient for him to intervene.
She understood Feng Mingqiao's plan; dealing with Zhuang Yan was much easier than dealing with Wei Yikai.
Perhaps it was Ji Jiazhen's gaze that was too intense, Zhuang Yan turned his head slightly, and then, in the huge reception room, accurately located her position and their eyes met.
Ji Jiazhen raised her wine glass to toast him from afar. Zhuang Yan was somewhat surprised by her presence, but quickly recovered. He didn't take any wine, so he politely leaned down slightly to return the toast.
After receiving a response, Ji Jiazhen looked away from him and instead turned her gaze to Wei Yikai, as if she were really listening attentively to him.
But this coincidental reunion, this tacit exchange of glances—she could act as if nothing had happened, yet that one look stirred Zhuang Yan's heart far from calm. For the next ten minutes, he frequently looked back, only to see Ji Jiazhen's obedient face with her head held high, or her profile as she turned her head to talk; she didn't look at him once more.
Their second eye contact occurred when Wei Yikai introduced him to everyone present.
Noticing the atmosphere between the two, Feng Mingqiao gently nudged Ji Jiazhen's lower back as Wei Yikai finished speaking and came downstairs.
"I'm only responsible for introducing you to him; as for the opportunity, you'll have to earn it yourself."
After saying that, he turned around and clinked glasses with an investor, and they chatted enthusiastically.
As Ji Jiazhen looked back, Zhuang Yanzheng walked towards them.
She put down her wine glass, her smile perfectly timed.
"Long time no see." The man's voice was clear and gentle, his demeanor unchanged.
Ji Jiazhen corrected him: "We'll meet again if fate allows."
The emphasis was placed on the word "fate," and Zhuang Yan chuckled as he echoed her, "It is quite fate that I met you here today. I was quite surprised."
"I came with a friend to broaden my horizons, but I didn't expect it to be Mr. Wei's private banquet tonight. I feel a bit out of place coming here so abruptly."
Ji Jiazhen is a skilled actress. She won't reveal her sharp teeth and claws in front of Zhuang Yan. After all, she needs his help. Being intelligent, gentle, and polite is her persona in front of this man. Even though her image in the media is already like a demon, she has to play the part completely. What if he believes her as she acts?
Mentioning Wei Yikai, Zhuang Yan turned around and said to her, "Let's go. As my friend, of course I have to introduce you to my uncle."
Ji Jiazhen raised an eyebrow, finding the two words quite novel, "Friends?"
"Not enough? Then I'll try harder."
That's what makes this person so likable.
The two people beside Wei Yikai wisely dispersed as they approached, and Zhuang Yan spoke first: "Uncle, this is my friend."
Ji Jiazhen took over Zhuang Yan's words and extended her right hand, "Hello Mr. Wei, I am actress Ji Jiazhen."
Wei Yikai's gaze fell on her, then he glanced at Zhuang Yan before loosely grasping her outstretched hand.
"I really like 'Sacrifice' and I also really like Wang Qiao."
Wang Qiao is the woman who appears throughout the entire film "Sacrifice".
Wei Yikai had heard too many of these compliments. In addition, the entertainment industry he was in was from a completely different era from Ji Jiazhen's. He hadn't paid attention to this circle for the past ten years, so he was naturally unfamiliar with the name Ji Jiazhen. Therefore, he didn't take her seriously and only regarded her as a junior.
There were people waiting to talk to Wei Yikai, so Ji Jiazhen only gave a brief greeting. This matter couldn't be rushed; just showing his face in front of him was already more than enough for many others.
There's still no official response regarding the film adaptation of "Sacrifice," the copyright holders are unknown, and casting is uncertain. But Feng Mingqiao wouldn't lie to her; her priority now is to cultivate a good relationship with Zhuang Yan, the confirmed director, since he has considerable influence over Wei Yikai.
Ji Jiazhen glanced at Feng Mingqiao, who was chatting happily with the person next to him, and turned to look at Zhuang Yan, "It seems a bit stuffy inside."
Zhuang Yan glanced at the courtyard; the trees swayed gently, a light breeze blew, and it wasn't cold. "Want to go for a walk?"
Ji Jiazhen readily agreed; she had been waiting for those words.
That "friend" was just a lie; both of them knew perfectly well what was going on.
Rekindling a past relationship means continuing a romantic one, but under such bright lights, making flirtatious remarks is practically a crime.
Considering she was wearing high heels, Zhuang Yan led her to sit in the hexagonal pavilion by the pool, where the water flowed behind them, creating a pleasant sound.
The conversation needed to be developed gradually, so Ji Jiazhen asked first, "When did you return to China?"
"Early September, a month earlier than yours."
She laughed, "You're still following my schedule?"
"The trending topic caused quite a stir." He then added, "However, I did pay attention to it."
Ji Jiazhen adjusted her posture, turning her body to face him so that her knees touched his. Zhuang Yan didn't move an inch, his gaze never leaving her face.
This unspoken understanding is a code; in such a desolate night, certain hidden undercurrents are about to erupt.
What should we focus on?
Zhuang Yan pondered for a moment before replying, "It seems that netizens have a deep misunderstanding about you."
"for example?"
"They say you accept anyone who comes your way, that you have a constant stream of lovers, and that your private life is chaotic."
Ji Jiazhen's smile deepened. "Is it a misunderstanding?"
Zhuang Yan's attitude was quite serious. "At least, in the past two years, I haven't heard that you have a boyfriend or anyone you're having an affair with."
Ji Jiazhen's smile remained unchanged, but she secretly thought to herself, "I can keep this to myself, but Xu Yanning would probably laugh her head off. After all, I haven't slept a bit this past year." She just hadn't thought about hiding it from people before, but after going to America, someone had a change of heart and eagerly followed behind to keep quiet for her.
But it also shows that her persona with Zhuang Yan is very stable.
However, what he said seemed to be true; she didn't have a boyfriend or anyone she was interested in, she just loved to sleep.
"Isn't the internet always like this? Making wild guesses. Everyone in our industry has a few scandals to their name."
People with artistic talent are often more thoughtful and emotionally sensitive. Zhuang Yan paused for two seconds, then said, "Their insults were very harsh."
Looking at his expression, Ji Jiazhen understood. She should cry her heart out next. The more pitiful she was, the more sympathetic he would feel, and the more sympathetic he would feel, the more heartbroken he would be. Once a man starts to feel sorry for a woman, he is not far from falling into a trap.
She shrugged, looking indifferent. "There's nothing I can do. If I want to make a living this way, of course I have to put up with this. Money is so easy to earn, so a little scolding is nothing."
The man looked at her drooping eyelashes, her expression clearly showing her loneliness. The next second, she looked up at him and smiled, "If we sit here and someone takes a picture of us, it will definitely be trending on social media tomorrow, and you will be criticized just like me."
"Then I'll get scolded, so I can experience what you usually feel."
Ji Jiazhen was lowering her eyes, trying to gather her emotions, wondering if she should shed some tears to make it seem more genuine. But when she heard Zhuang Yan's words, she sniffed and suppressed her emotions.
He's so obsessed, she doesn't need to act anymore.
She glanced at him sideways, her eyes still misty, "If you say that, I could easily misunderstand."
What's the misunderstanding?
"You misunderstood and thought you liked me."
Zhuang Yan replied frankly, "Isn't it obvious? I thought you could tell."
This situation was a bit unexpected for Ji Jiazhen. She knew that Zhuang Yan was at least interested in her, but she thought she would have to wait and see. He admitted it so readily so quickly. What should she do next?
"You're kidding me." She subconsciously reached out to tuck the hair behind her ear, but when she reached for nothing, she remembered that she had her hair up today. Her hand paused awkwardly in the air for a second before she placed it on her lap. "We've only met twice."
"Love at first sight, or love that grows over time? Neither seems quite accurate, but I knew you a long time before we first met. It was when you first debuted, and I got to know you through that set of photos."
Ji Jiazhen said with a hint of doubt, "Don't tell me you liked me back then."
"Yes." He nodded. "I liked you back then. You were very beautiful. You had a youthful charm in the photos, which was very attractive to men. I fell for it."
Ji Jiazhen glanced at him and said, "You're quite honest."
"No girl likes to hear lies."
Ji Jiazhen felt that this couldn't go on. She had approached Zhuang Yan with ulterior motives, and if she got involved emotionally, it would be difficult to extricate herself.
Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She took it out and glanced at it. It was Feng Mingqiao, who had finished her call and was asking if she wanted to ride in her car or if she had other plans.
Ji Jiazhen told her to go first.
After she finished typing, Zhuang Yan asked, "Is something wrong?"
She stood up, put her phone back in her bag, and said, "It's nothing, it's just getting late, I was wondering if it would be convenient for you to take me home."
"certainly."
They continued to chat intermittently on the way, but Ji Jiazhen deliberately avoided certain topics.
Certain topics are ones she won't take responsibility for.
Around ten o'clock, the car pulled up downstairs, the interior lights came on, and Zhuang Yan said goodnight to her.
Ji Jiazhen's hand was on the seatbelt, which would pop out if she pressed it, but she didn't move. Suddenly, she remembered a threatening remark someone had made. Thinking about it, her rebellious streak kicked in. She moved her hand away and looked directly at Zhuang Yan with her beautiful eyes. "Would you like to come up and sit down?"
The dim lighting combined with those words created a somewhat ambiguous atmosphere.
"OK."
The moment he finished speaking, the car started moving again, and Zhuang Yan turned the steering wheel and drove towards the entrance of the parking lot.
After that, he parked and got out of the car in one smooth motion, and Ji Jiazhen stood side by side with him in front of the elevator to wait.
10——9——8——
Zhuang Yan suddenly spoke up: "I considered houses here before I returned to China, but there are no houses available."
"A good property is in high demand. Mine is rented; I can't buy it."
3——2——1——
"It's not easy to rent here. Few people who can afford to buy here care about the rent."
"Coincidentally, luck..."
With a ding, the elevator doors opened, revealing a person inside with one hand in their pocket and the other on the phone. They took two steps forward and then suddenly stopped. Ji Jiazhen's voice trailed off when they saw his face, their eyes fixed on him.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, then said into the phone, "I'm hanging up."
“…Good luck.” Ji Jiazhen said after that.
A cold, melancholy light shone in Wen Siyu's eyes, his dark gaze sweeping over her body, from her delicate, beautiful face to her deep-V chest.
Finally, the blame fell on Zhuang Yan.
Undercurrents surged, and sparks flew.
A note from the author:
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Share the song: "Stayin Me" by Big Roshi
The last paragraph can be listened to in conjunction with this song. I happened to come across this song while writing it, and the moment the vocals came out after the intro gave me a lot of inspiration.
Exciting, dangerous, head-to-head.
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