Chapter 58

After a full day of rest, Tang Ruan resumed work.

Her studio allowed two days off per week, whether on weekends or other days, although someone still needed to be present occasionally during weekends. After all, aside from working with actors on film sets, their makeup team also took on private jobs from time to time.

With a few days of practice under her belt, Tang Ruan could already feel a hint of progress.

One day, with her colleague Xu Ya taking a day off, only Tang Ruan and An Xun were in the studio. They huddled together, experimenting with new makeup looks.

An Xun, surprised by Tang Ruan’s suggestions, glanced at her with raised brows. “You’re more talented than I expected.”

Tang Ruan curved her lips into a smile. “So, you think this works too?”

An Xun nodded. “In our field, skill matters, but inspiration is just as important. There are times when I feel stuck and need a change. You’re adventurous and creative—I could tell from the first day I saw you work.”

She added, “You’re doing great.”

Tang Ruan chuckled. “You’re the impressive one. I love how serious you are about your craft.”

When someone pours their heart into something, success becomes inevitable. Even without innate talent, effort and determination often triumph.

An Xun’s delicate features softened with a smile. “You’ll get there too. It’s a process.”

“When do we head to the set?”

“Next week,” An Xun replied. “There’ll be a lot of people to meet. The filming won’t be in the city center. Will it be alright with your family?”

Tang Ruan thought about it. “I’ll have to let my husband know, but he usually doesn’t mind too much.”

She had already mentioned it in passing last time, and Ji Jing hadn’t objected—he’d only laid down one rule: no doing makeup for male actors.

“Alright.”

An Xun didn’t pry. Although she knew Tang Ruan was Ji Jing’s wife, it didn’t affect her behavior toward her.

They spent the rest of the day immersed in their work, time slipping away unnoticed.

…

While Tang Ruan was busy, Ji Jing was even busier.

As the year’s end approached, projects and events piled up, along with planning and target-setting for the coming year. He used to take it all in stride, but now… he found himself feeling pressed for time.

Since their marriage, he and Tang Ruan hadn’t gone on any outings together. She didn’t mind, often going out alone, but her offhand comment about wanting to visit the seaside had stayed with him. He’d checked his schedule multiple times but hadn’t found even three consecutive free days to take her on a trip.

At that moment, Ning Ming stood before Ji Jing, awaiting orders.

“Can we push the New Year meetings back?”

Ning Ming shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s difficult, Mr. Ji.”

Ji Jing frowned, flipping through his planner with a hint of irritation. “Make it work. Free up three days for me.”

Ning Ming paused before suggesting, “Perhaps you should check with Mrs. Ji. I heard the Tang Dynasty production is about to start filming—she might be heading out with the crew.”

Ji Jing pondered briefly, then responded with a quiet “I know.”

He was fully aware of his wife’s schedule. However, since film crews often took breaks during holidays, he hoped to seize the opportunity for a trip.

After all—

With the right investment, even the busiest film set could be made to take a break.

Ning Ming: “…”

He understood his boss perfectly.

“Rest assured, Mr. Ji. I’ll do my best to clear your schedule.”

Ji Jing nodded. “Good. That’ll be all.”

“Yes, sir.”

Just as Ning Ming stepped out, he returned with a knock. “Mr. Ji, Mr. Xi is here.”

“Let him in.”

–

Xi Zijin had come to discuss business. Having been away for some time, he was a bit unfamiliar with the current dynamics.

The two men exchanged glances and chuckled.

“Nothing much has changed,” Xi Zijin said, lounging in a chair. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his tanned forearms.

Ji Jing instructed Ning Ming to bring in two cups of tea before responding with a light “Welcome back.”

Xi Zijin raised a brow and smiled, acknowledging the gesture.

He hadn’t been away for long—just three months, really.

Unlike women, men’s conversations were often brief and to the point. After wrapping up business matters, Xi Zijin gave Ji Jing a sidelong glance and teased, “I didn’t expect to be gone for just a few months and find you and your wife so far along already.”

Ji Jing chuckled softly. “Of course.”

Xi Zijin wrinkled his nose. “You reek of romance these days.”

Ji Jing, in a good mood, didn’t argue.

Checking the time, he realized Tang Ruan would be getting off work soon. She hadn’t driven to work the past couple of days, so he’d been personally driving her.

After a moment’s thought, he glanced at Xi Zijin. “Do you have any plans later?”

“No.”

Ji Jing’s lips curved into a smile. “I’m heading to pick up Tang Ruan. Want to come along?”

Xi Zijin: “…”

He thought about it and nodded. “Sure. Gu Tian has been singing your wife’s praises all week. Might be interesting to see for myself.”

Ji Jing chuckled lightly but didn’t call out his friend’s true motive. He knew full well Xi Zijin was more interested in seeing An Xun.

Having grown up with him, Ji Jing was familiar with his intentions.

It was said that An Xun had been in a bad mood recently, likely because Xi Zijin had returned, yet hadn’t approached her.

While most people weren’t privy to their complicated relationship, Ji Jing had an inkling. Still, he preferred to stay out of other people’s personal affairs.

…

Since only Tang Ruan and An Xun were at the studio that day, they decided to head to the café next door for an afternoon break after finishing up their morning work.

The weather outside was lovely. Though winter had set in, the sun was warm and comforting.

Tang Ruan relished the rare chance to relax and savor life’s quieter moments.

When Ji Jing called, she told him their location without hesitation.

An Xun glanced at her in surprise. “Your husband’s coming here?”

Tang Ruan nodded. “And a friend, too.”

Ji Jing had mentioned Xi Zijin would be tagging along. Tang Ruan didn’t intend to avoid him—though she found him a bit intense and calculating, he was Ji Jing’s friend, and she treated him with polite warmth.

An Xun paused, her thoughts drifting to someone, but quickly dismissed the notion as unlikely.

“You and your husband seem really close.”

Tang Ruan chuckled, choosing not to elaborate. “We get along well enough.” She glanced at An Xun. “Do you mind if he comes by?”

“Mind what?”

“My husband dropping in.”

“Not at all.” An Xun laughed. “I know your husband.”

Tang Ruan blinked in surprise, about to ask more when Ji Jing and Xi Zijin appeared at the café entrance. With their striking looks, tall statures, and commanding presence, they drew every gaze in the room.

“Wow, those two are so handsome!”

“Who are they here to meet?”

“Not sure, but look at their clothes—all custom-made. Definitely rich guys.”

–

Hearing the murmurs, Tang Ruan looked up and waved. “Over here!”

Ji Jing strode over, greeted An Xun, then took the seat beside Tang Ruan. “Have you eaten?”

Tang Ruan smiled, then turned to Xi Zijin. “Hello.”

Xi Zijin nodded, hands in his pockets, a faint smirk on his lips. “Hello, sister-in-law.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She blinked and started introducing him. “This is my colleague—”

Before she could finish, both Xi Zijin and An Xun spoke simultaneously. “We know each other.”

…

Tang Ruan stared at Ji Jing in confusion. Ji Jing shrugged.

Xi Zijin nonchalantly took the seat next to An Xun and draped an arm over her shoulder. “She’s my girlfriend.”

An Xun slapped his hand away and, with a calm expression, corrected him. “Ex-boyfriend.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

Ji Jing: “…”

Unsure of what to make of the situation but sensing the tension, Tang Ruan cleared her throat. “Well, I’m full. An Xun, I’ll head home with my husband now.”

Ji Jing nodded. “We’ll be going.”

An Xun: “…”

She stared at Tang Ruan, speechless.

Wasn’t that a bit too fast of an exit?

“Let’s go home too,” Xi Zijin said.

An Xun snorted coldly, rising with a frosty glare. “You go to your home. I’ll go to mine!”

…

Even after getting into the car, Tang Ruan was still processing what had happened.

An Xun and Xi Zijin were a couple? She had never noticed! The novel didn’t mention it either—or did she just miss it?

In any case—

It felt surreal.

“Husband.”

“Mm?”

“An Xun and Xi Zijin are together?”

Ji Jing nodded. “They were a couple years ago.”

Tang Ruan was momentarily speechless. It still seemed unbelievable.

“I always thought An Xun didn’t have a boyfriend,” Tang Ruan mused.

Ji Jing chuckled softly, offering a brief explanation. “Xi Zijin was away for quite a while. It makes sense you didn’t know.”

“Oh.”

The couple continued their casual conversation until they arrived home shortly after.

After dinner, Tang Ruan no longer dwelled on the matter of An Xun and Xi Zijin. She went to her room, freshened up, and prepared to record a makeup video in the attic while Ji Jing retreated to his study to work.

Once her video was finished and her makeup removed, Tang Ruan suddenly remembered her upcoming job with the production team. An Xun had mentioned it could last anywhere from three months to half a year. The drama Tang Dynasty had a much longer filming schedule than typical series due to its complexity and high production costs.

Since she’d be gone for so long, it was only right to discuss it thoroughly with Ji Jing.

When she returned to the bedroom, Ji Jing was still in the study.

After some thought, she went to knock on the study door.

“Still busy?”

Ji Jing looked up and gestured to her. “Come here.”

Tang Ruan approached, and Ji Jing pulled her onto his lap. The position was rather intimate, making her a little uncomfortable at first—but then again, she thought it wasn’t so bad.

“Did you need something?”

“Yes.”

Tang Ruan pressed her lips together and spoke softly. “I need to discuss something with you.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m going with the production team to do makeup starting the week after next…” She hesitated, her voice growing quieter. “It might be for a long time.”

After finishing, she anxiously watched Ji Jing’s expression, blinking. “Is that okay?”

Ji Jing remained silent.

Tang Ruan felt a growing unease at his calm demeanor. Deep down, she knew Ji Jing wouldn’t stop her or forbid her from going, but for some reason, she didn’t want to see him unhappy. She hoped he’d agree without hesitation.

But the truth was, being away for so long meant she wouldn’t be home much, and it didn’t seem entirely fair to him.

Thinking this, she leaned into him and playfully coaxed, “I promise I’ll visit you whenever I have time.”

Ji Jing, feeling her kisses against him, swallowed hard. “How long will it be?”

“At most six months, at least three. But we’ll have breaks.” Tang Ruan blinked up at him and kissed his lips again. “Couldn’t you just say yes with a bit more enthusiasm?”

He paused, desire rising within him from her affection.

Staring into her eyes with dark intensity, Ji Jing smiled. He placed his hand gently on the back of her neck, his voice low in her ear. “That depends on how you convince me.”

Tang Ruan: “…”