Jiang Miaomiao clutched something tightly in her hand, her eyes betraying nervousness and panic. Standing opposite her was the same man from before.
He adjusted his glasses, a fleeting shadow passing through his eyes behind the lenses, but his movements remained gentle.
His slender hand caressed Jiang Miaomiao's face as he said softly, "Miaomiao, once tomorrow's banquet is over, you can leave Startrack for good. Then I can take you to meet my father."
The man placed his other hand on Jiang Miaomiao's lower abdomen and looked up at her. "And our child." This seemed to remind Jiang Miaomiao of something.
She bit her lower lip, determination shining in her eyes as she murmured, "Bo Qi, you will take me away, won't you?"
The man continued to gaze at her tenderly. "Of course. I'll not only take you away, but also our baby. You'll be the lady of the Wang Family from now on."
Jiang Miaomiao leaned quietly against the man's chest, gently closing her eyes. She wasn't after becoming the lady of any family; she simply loved this man deeply, truly loved him.
The man stroked her head gently, as if to comfort her, but an indecipherable emotion lurked in the depths of his eyes.
Jiang Miaomiao's celebration banquet was held as planned. Jing Zeqian arrived at the event with Jing Yi and Jing Zejun.
By then, the banquet hall was already a lively scene, mostly filled with Startrack's artists and staff, with a few fellow artists Jiang Miaomiao was close to.
Seeing Jing Zeqian enter, Jiang Miaomiao walked over with a glass of wine, smiling. "Zeqian, you're here!"
Jing Yi observed the woman before her discreetly. Their eyes met, and Jing Yi detected a hint of dislike in her gaze.
But it didn't matter; she didn't like Jiang Miaomiao either. Jing Yi greeted her with a sweet smile, "Sister Miaomiao, long time no see!"
Jiang Miaomiao also put on a perfect smile, "Yes, Yiyi, it's been a while. Thank you for coming to my banquet."
Jing Yi's smile grew even more innocent, "Of course! It's a joyous occasion, after all. You won an award, right? How amazing, Sister Miaomiao! It was the Golden Lotus Award, wasn't it?"
A flash of displeasure crossed Jiang Miaomiao's eyes. She knew, of course, that holding a celebration for such an insignificant award was absurd, but time had been short, and she had no choice but to have her manager organize this banquet.
Jing Yi's words made Jiang Miaomiao uncomfortable. She smiled at Jing Yi, "For an actor, it is indeed an insignificant award, isn't it, Zejun?"
Mocking her? Didn't she realize that Jing Zejun was still a nobody in the industry? If it weren't for "The Emperor's Reign," could she even make a comeback?
"Miaomiao!" Jing Zeqian, hearing these words, felt uneasy and gave Jiang Miaomiao a warning look.
She didn't seem to realize her words were hurtful until she saw Jing Zeqian's expression. Looking slightly panicked, she covered her mouth and apologized to Jing Zejun, "Zejun, I just said that without thinking. Please don't take offense!"
Jing Zejun smiled gently, "It's alright, Sister Miaomiao. I didn't mind." The entertainment industry had always been like this – those with enough achievements could look down on you from the top of the mountain.
In fact, every industry was like this, but it was particularly evident in showbiz.
Although Jing Zeqian was displeased, he didn't want Jiang Miaomiao to lose face at her own banquet, so he didn't pursue the matter further.
Jing Zejun might not have wanted to make an issue of it, but Jing Yi wasn't so kind-hearted. She let out a light chuckle, her eyes curving into crescents as she looked at Jiang Miaomiao.
Jing Zeqian raised an eyebrow, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.
Jing Yi's expression grew increasingly innocent, but a cold glint flashed in her eyes.
"That's right, Junjun is only in her early twenties, so of course she hasn't achieved much yet. She's still young. I heard Sister Miaomiao won Best Actress at 25, right?"
Before Jiang Miaomiao could feel proud, Jing Yi quickly added, "That's amazing! Sister Miaomiao, you must tell me your skincare secrets someday. It's been ten years, and you don't have a single wrinkle. Incredible!"
She emphasized the last four words particularly clearly.
Jing Zeqian silently took half a step back. Jing Yi was going all out now, though surely it hadn't been ten years...
Jiang Miaomiao stared intently at Jing Yi, her smile almost impossible to maintain. Jing Yi certainly knew how to hit Jiang Miaomiao's sore spots accurately.
Jing Yi continued to smile sweetly, "Junjun is just too young still, but I think she has a bright future ahead. What do you think, Sister Miaomiao?"
Jiang Miaomiao forced a smile, "Of course."
Seeing Jiang Miaomiao's deteriorating expression, Jing Zeqian coughed lightly, hoping to make Jing Yi tone it down.
Pretending not to hear, Jing Yi continued, "By the way, what was the name of that film Sister Miaomiao won the award for? I think it was 'Old Friend,' right? I heard that Second Brother specially found that script for you, Sister Miaomiao, and even took care of the production team and promotional planning. You must be very grateful to him, right?"
Jiang Miaomiao's eyes suddenly showed a hint of panic. For a moment, she even thought Jing Yi knew about her plan...
That's impossible! Only the two of them knew about this matter. Even her manager didn't know the specifics!
"...Yes, without Zeqian, there would be no Jiang Miaomiao today. Of course, I'm very grateful to him."
Jiang Miaomiao smiled at Jing Zeqian, while Jing Yi's gaze held a meaningful look.
Fearing that if this continued, it might really disrupt the banquet, Jing Zeqian said, "Miaomiao, why don't you go attend to the other guests?"
Jiang Miaomiao nodded with a smile, but before leaving, she glanced at Jing Yi once more. That face she hated so much!
Jing Zeqian sighed and leaned close to Jing Yi, "That's enough. Did you really come to cause trouble?"
Jing Yi glanced at him, "A few words are enough to cause trouble? You're underestimating her." Her gaze followed the direction Jiang Miaomiao had left.
Jing Zeqian tapped her lightly, "She's gone, why are you still looking?" Jing Yi glared at him. She was trying to eliminate potential threats for him, and all he did was interfere!
"I'm going over there for a bit. You two look around on your own."
"Don't drink anything carelessly!"
Jing Zeqian gave her a helpless look, "I know." It was clear he wasn't taking her warning seriously.
Jing Yi watched Jing Zeqian's retreating figure, concern still evident in her eyes. She didn't know when Jiang Miaomiao planned to make her move. That substance would be invisible in liquid!
"Zejun."
Wen Qingyan had come over.
"Brother Qingyan."
Jing Zejun greeted him with a smile.
Jing Yi turned her gaze back, "Mr. Wen."
Wen Qingyan looked around, not seeing Jing Zeqian. "Is Mr. Jing here?"
Jing Zejun glanced in the direction Jing Zeqian had left, "He went over to Sister Miaomiao's side."
Wen Qingyan looked that way too, an indecipherable emotion flashing in his eyes. He had wanted to speak with Jing Zeqian first.
Jing Zejun noticed his expression and asked curiously, "Brother Qingyan, did you need to talk to my second brother about something?"
Wen Qingyan hesitated slightly. Jing Yi, also curious, said, "Should I go get my second brother?" Talking business with Wen Qingyan was certainly better than letting him stay with Jiang Miaomiao.
