The sound of rain outside grew louder, drowning out Song Shuling's sobs.
Zhong Ruanxing knew she needed to vent, so she didn't interrupt her. Not until the rain slowed did Song Shuling finally lift her tear-stained face and ask chokingly, "Sister-in-law, will my brother forgive me?"
Zhong Ruanxing handed her a tissue to wipe her tears: "He has never blamed you."
He has never blamed anyone.
Song JinXing was never a cold person. His innate gentleness and upbringing shone through, if one could make it past the frosty exterior to glimpse the softness within.
Song Shuling's emotions gradually stabilized.
She thought of many things, of how moved her brother had looked receiving gifts from her as his sister-in-law.
Previously, her "brother" had taken the initiative to get close to her, so this time, she would take the initiative to get close to her brother.
Seeing her expression, Zhong Ruanxing knew not to say anything more. She smiled and shook her empty wine glass at Song Shuling: "Want more?"
Song Shuling was suddenly bold: "Yes! I won't leave until I'm drunk!"
Zhong Ruanxing got up and brought the wine bottle over: "No need to get drunk, I still have to shoot tomorrow morning. Let's just have half a glass more to aid sleep."
Song Shuling's face flushed easily when drinking. Having just cried, her small face and eyes were rosy, making her look rather adorable. Though she'd said she wouldn't leave until drunk, after half a glass of wine, her eyes were already glazed over.
Zhong Ruanxing laughed helplessly and hurried to support Song Shuling to bed before she passed out, helping her take off her coat, shoes and socks, and wiping her face and hands with a towel.
In her muddled state, Song Shuling lay in bed squinting at the person caring for her. Suddenly tears flowed again as she pleaded carefully, "Sister, please don't break up with my brother, okay?"
Zhong Ruanxing's hands paused and she sighed, "But we were never together in the first place."
But Song Shuling didn't hear her, already passed out in her stupor.
The next morning, she awoke to the sounds of Zhong Ruanxing washing up. Rubbing her aching head, she sat up and took a moment to recall last night's events before looking around anxiously. Seeing Zhong Ruanxing emerge from the bathroom, she finally relaxed and happily called out to her "Sister!"
Zhong Ruanxing said while drying her hair, "You're awake? I boiled hot water for you, it's on the table, go drink it yourself. What do you want for breakfast?"
Indeed, hangovers make one prone to dry mouth and thirst. Song Shuling climbed out of bed and drank the water in one go, smacking her lips, "My mouth tastes bland, like there's no flavor."
Zhong Ruanxing said, "Then let's eat something flavorful, how about some hot and sour noodles?"
Song Shuling's eyes lit up, "That sounds great!"
While Zhong Ruanxing was blow-drying her hair and putting on makeup, Song Shuling swiftly showered and changed into fresh clothes. Coming out, she felt refreshed and clear-headed, the gloom of the past few days swept away, her spirits much improved.
Zhong Ruanxing asked, "How much leave did you take?"
Song Shuling said, "Three days."
She nodded, "Perfect. I'll be shooting in the mornings these few days. In the afternoons I can bring you sightseeing around the city, there are quite a few attractions here."
Thus, Song Shuling looked forward to the activities planned for the next three days.
In the mornings, Zhong Ruanxing was on set shooting, so Song Shuling sat nearby watching with great interest. When Zhong Ruanxing wrapped up, she would take Song Shuling to eat at famous restaurants, then visit the various attractions in the afternoons. Song Shuling hadn't been this happy in a long time.
In the deep winter, the two were bundled up heavily. With her hat and mask on, no one recognized Zhong Ruanxing.
At each attraction, she would pick some souvenirs for Zhong You and her parents. Song Shuling followed suit, also buying many souvenirs for her brother and grandparents, nothing too expensive, just heartfelt trinkets.
The three days flew by in a flash, and tomorrow they would have to leave. Song Shuling was extremely reluctant, even having the urge to resign and stay here.
She wanted to be with Zhong Ruanxing, treasuring every moment by her side.
But she also knew these three days were time Zhong Ruanxing had squeezed out to accompany her. There were still many scenes left to shoot, so it wasn't possible for Zhong Ruanxing to keep hanging out with her like this.
At dinner that night, Song Shuling asked earnestly, "Sister, can I be your assistant?"
Zhong Ruanxing laughed, "What, not happy with your doll job?"
Song Shuling shook her head, "I'm happy, but I want to be with you even more." She paused, lowering her lashes, "These few days with you, you haven't contacted my brother at all. That's not how couples behave. Sister, you two aren't actually together, right?"
Zhong Ruanxing cut her steak and seeing Song Shuling's sadness, smiled and ruffled her hair, "Whether your brother and I end up together or not, you'll always be my little sister. Zhong You will also be very happy to have another big sister."
Song Shuling nodded heavily with reddened eyes.
The next morning, Zhong Ruanxing left early to shoot on set, asking Ran to send Song Shuling to the airport. Not wanting the sister to think her clingy and inconsiderate, Song Shuling didn't say much. But before leaving, she bought a fresh bouquet to replace the withering peonies in the vase. She also restocked the fridge with fruits and beverages.
She'd come empty-handed but was leaving with many things.
Before boarding the plane, she messaged Song JinXing:
- Brother, are you working late tonight?
The plane took off with no reply yet. But this time, Song Shuling didn't feel dejected. Her mood was very different from before. Two hours later, the plane landed in Beijing. Opening her phone, she saw her brother had replied:
- Just got out of a meeting, not working late.
Song Shuling bravely asked:
- Want to eat dinner together at home then? I can buy groceries and come over to cook.
This time, Song JinXing replied very quickly:
- Okay. Just order takeout.
Looking at the chat, Song Shuling happily smiled holding her phone.
With an open mind, his words didn't seem cold anymore. Her brother's love was implicit and silent, but she could still sense his patience and tolerance for her in his words.
Leaving the airport, Song Shuling didn't go home but took a taxi straight to the supermarket. She bought a huge amount of groceries, then headed directly to Zhongting.
The password to Song JinXing's home hadn't changed. Song Shuling carried the ingredients in and started busying herself.
In the evening, noises came from the door and Song JinXing walked in, still chilled.
The living room lights were bright. A vase on the coffee table held a fresh bouquet. Aromas of cooked food wafted out. Song Shuling came running out of the kitchen wearing an apron, a bit nervous as she called out, "Brother, you're back."
Though nervous, her gaze was sincere, her smiling face obedient as she said, "Dinner's almost ready, just wait a bit more for me."
Song JinXing was stunned for a few seconds before silently nodding.
