Song Shuling's eyes lit up at the praise.
She had never been so affirmed by anyone before in her life!
She didn't have any outstanding talents. She grew up ordinarily and had never done anything praiseworthy. Sometimes when Song Shuling read novels about fake heiresses, she wondered if she was the fake one who got switched at birth.
She couldn't find a single remarkable trait about herself.
Yet today, just because she secretly filmed a video, her brother had praised her profusely. Song Shuling didn't know how to describe how she felt in that moment. It was as if a small seed was sprouting within her heart.
Later she would know that it was the birth of her self-confidence.
After dropping Song Shuling off at her home, Zhong Ruanxing was about to head back when Song Shuling suddenly called for her, "Sis."
Zhong Ruanxing turned around, "Hmm?"
Song Shuling seemed to have mustered her courage, "I want to find something to do. What do you think I should do?"
Since graduating college, Song Shuling had been idle at home, shopping, eating, playing and enjoying herself. She had never worked a day in her life or done anything productive. Many envied her lifestyle and she had never thought of leaving her comfort zone before.
But after reconciling with her brother, laying around at home everyday made Song Shuling feel uneasy, with an inexplicable sense of guilt.
Not until tonight did she finally confirm her own thoughts.
She didn't want to continue being a dusty little follower, a good-for-nothing. If only she could shine too. Her brother was so outstanding, she hoped people wouldn't see her as his burden and stain when they talked about him.
Zhong Ruanxing smiled, "Do you have anything you want to do?"
The Song Shuling before her eyes was already very different from when they first met. She was happy to see her change for the better.
Song Shuling pursed her lips and shook her head dejectedly, "No, I don't know what I can do. I'm not good at anything."
Zhong Ruanxing asked, "What was your college major?"
Song Shuling said, "Fine arts painting, but I'm not good at it." She stared at the ground, not daring to meet her brother's eyes, somewhat ashamed, "My grades weren't good. It was easier to get into an art college by applying for fine arts. At the time I just chose art as my major. In college...I didn't attend lectures diligently either. It was difficult for me to even get my diploma."
Her head was suddenly rubbed by a big, warm hand.
Song Shuling looked up to meet a pair of gentle eyes, "I wasn't good at anything in the beginning either. You can take your time to think through what you're interested in. When the time comes, we can discuss it together, okay?"
Those eyes were truly so gentle. They instantly pulled her out of her self-deprecating emotions.
Song Shuling nodded heavily, "Okay!"
...
After washing up when she got home, it was almost midnight, which was past Zhong Ruanxing's usual bedtime.
Lying in bed, she took out her phone and saw a WeChat message Song Jinxing had sent her an hour ago:
- Is the family banquet over?
She wasn't sure if he had gone to sleep yet, since filming can be quite tiring. She tentatively sent a reply:
- Just finished showering. Are you asleep?
The video call rang not two seconds later. Zhong Ruanxing smiled and hugged her phone as she burrowed into her blanket. She deliberately dragged out her voice, "Hellooo—"
There seemed to be a laugh on the other end, cool and composed, "Why are you back so late? Did something happen?"
"Nothing much, I just accompanied grandfather and grandmother for a while longer, then sent Ah Ling home, so it got late."
"How was filming today?"
Song Jinxing thought for a moment, "Not bad. I didn't have many lines."
Zhong Ruanxing sighed, "I really want to act too. I'm having acting withdrawals." A sudden idea struck her, "What do you think about me using your body to enter the entertainment industry and act? You're so handsome, you'd definitely become an overnight sensation!"
Song Jinxing leaned against the headboard, a book on acting techniques in his arms. Hearing this, he helplessly shook his head, "Don't be silly."
She guffawed loudly on the other end.
She seemed to be in a very good mood tonight. Song Jinxing was always easily infected by her emotions. The fatigue in his eyes lightened considerably.
After chatting for a bit, Zhong Ruanxing brought up Song Lecheng getting beaten tonight. She got more and more excited as she talked. Song Jinxing saw it was getting late and was about to urge her to sleep when his body suddenly felt a strange sensation.
It was like a stream of heat flowing down from his lower abdomen. Song Jinxing's smiling face instantly froze. Realizing what this was, his entire face flushed red in an instant. He tossed the phone aside and rushed to the bathroom.
Zhong Ruanxing was just getting into her story. Of course she heard the sounds on the other end. She called out to him several times with no response, getting a little anxious, "Song Jinxing? Are you okay? Hello?"
After a long while, his weak voice finally came through the receiver, "I'm fine."
Zhong Ruanxing breathed a sigh of relief, "What happened to you?"
Song Jinxing was too embarrassed to say.
Zhong Ruanxing suddenly understood, "Did you get your period?"
Song Jinxing used his palm to cover his forehead, not wanting to speak.
The other end was still chattering away, "It's only coming today? How come it's late? I thought it should've come a few days ago based on the timing. Why didn't you ask me? Song Jinxing, do you know how to use sanitary pads? I don't get cramps but my breasts will hurt these few days. Wear some tight bras the next few days, bind it tighter, or else it'll really hurt when your chest shakes during action scenes. Song Jinxing? Are you listening?"
Song Jinxing: "......I'm listening."
Zhong Ruanxing held in her laugh, "Have you used a sanitary napkin?"
Song Jinxing was silent for a good while before finally regaining his calm composure. His voice turned cool again, "I've used one. I went to the supermarket to buy incontinence panties a few days ago that can be worn directly, very convenient."
Zhong Ruanxing: "Wow! You even know about incontinence panties! Impressive!"
That wasn't all. Ever since they swapped bodies, he had been diligently trying to accept everything about being female. He had specifically looked up information to understand menstruation.
Thus Zhong Ruanxing heard that calm voice continue, "It's possible the breast pain during menstruation is a symptom of fibrocystic breast condition. I'll take you to get examined at the hospital after this drama wraps up."
Zhong Ruanxing didn't care, "It's normal. Just the first three days are more painful."
Song Jinxing was adamant, "It needs to be examined."
Zhong Ruanxing burst out laughing, "Okay, okay, then you go get examined."
There seemed to be a laugh on his end, "Alright."
After hanging up, Song Jinxing turned off the lights.
The hotel had excellent blackout curtains that didn't let in any light. In the pitch blackness, he could clearly hear his own heartbeat.
Even though Zhong Ruanxing said she didn't get cramps, there was no way she didn't feel any discomfort at all. The ache spread from his lower abdomen to his whole body. In the scorching summer night, his hands and feet felt somewhat cold for some reason. Flipping over, the upright swelling breasts immediately transmitted intense sensations of fullness when pressed down even slightly.
In the darkness, Song Jinxing let out a helpless sigh.
Being female was more difficult than he imagined.
