Chapter 62

Tang Ruan felt a surge of warmth from his words. His reassurance reminded her that she was, indeed, Mrs. Ji—legitimately and proudly.

But despite Ji Jing’s unconditional support, she wasn’t someone who acted on whims. She trusted him, and Ji Jing would never let such situations spiral.

As they stood quietly watching the set, Tang Ruan went back to work when Cheng Yan and Lu Chenghe finished their scene.

“Where’s An Xun?”

“She had something to do. I’ll handle their makeup touch-ups,” Tang Ruan replied.

Cheng Yan grinned. “I’ll take a break first. Touch him up.”

“Sure.”

Tang Ruan approached Lu Chenghe, her petite figure dwarfed by his tall frame. Luckily, the spot where they stood was well-positioned. She raised her hand, holding her makeup tools, and began to work.

They stood quite close, surrounded by the constant hustle and bustle of crew members.

Ji Jing hadn’t left. His intense gaze remained fixed on her from a short distance away.

Feeling the weight of his stare, Tang Ruan grew visibly tense, her hand trembling slightly.

Lu Chenghe chuckled. “Why so nervous today?”

Tang Ruan gave a small smile. “Someone’s watching.”

Lu Chenghe, oblivious to her meaning, nodded. “Don’t worry. Even if you mess up, it’s no big deal.”

“I won’t,” Tang Ruan assured. “Trust me.”

“By the way, do you know the man over there?” Lu Chenghe gestured with his chin.

Tang Ruan turned, locking eyes with Ji Jing’s dark, unreadable gaze. She smiled softly. “Yes, I do.”

She left it at that—there was no need to go around proclaiming that he was her husband.

Lu Chenghe cast her a curious look but didn’t press further.

After finishing Lu Chenghe’s makeup, Tang Ruan moved on to Cheng Yan. The afternoon was packed with scenes involving them and Xin Ran, plus a few others. Toward evening, there were group shots with five or six actors, making the set livelier than usual.

–

When filming finally wrapped up, the crew called it a day, and everyone took a well-earned break.

It was the first time since joining the film crew that they had wrapped up work so early, all thanks to Gu Tian’s generous offer to treat everyone to a big meal.

Since most people were craving meat, Gu Tian decided to take them out for hotpot and barbecue.

The staff buzzed with excitement upon hearing the news.

“Finally, we get to eat a proper feast!”
“Wouldn’t it be great if President Gu came by more often?”
“No way! My legs turned to jelly when I brought them tea this afternoon—he scared me half to death!”

Tang Ruan walked alongside An Xun, listening to the staff’s chatter with a smile tugging at her lips.

The restaurant was a bit far from the set, requiring a drive. The sudden need to arrange carpooling caused a minor dilemma. Just as Tang Ruan and An Xun were about to hop into a car with the crew, the director called out to them.

“An Xun, why not ride with President Xi? There’s room for two more in their car.”

An Xun: “…”
Tang Ruan: “…”

The two women exchanged glances before shrugging and heading over without much hesitation.

Inside the car sat three men. Xi Zijin was driving, so the front passenger seat naturally went to An Xun. Tang Ruan, meanwhile, was guided into the backseat by Ji Jing, his hand firmly holding hers.

Gu Tian greeted them cheerfully as soon as they got in. “Hello, little sister-in-law! Hello, little Xun!”

An Xun shot him a cold glare. “Did you take the wrong medication today?”

Gu Tian laughed heartily. “How long have you and Ah Jin been together? You hid it way too well!”

He had only learned about their relationship recently. Despite numerous subtle interactions between An Xun and Xi Zijin right under his nose, Gu Tian had never given it much thought. His oblivious nature, combined with his sunny, carefree personality, left him completely clueless.

An Xun’s reply was nonchalant. “Didn’t feel like telling you.”

Gu Tian: “…”

Tang Ruan chuckled quietly, finding the whole exchange amusing.

The five of them chatted and joked the entire ride, filling the car with lively banter and an easy camaraderie.

–

When they arrived at the restaurant, everyone got out.

Ji Jing stayed close to Tang Ruan, shielding her from the cold wind. His eyes softened as he gazed at her face. “Are you cold?” he asked in a low voice.

Tang Ruan nodded. “A bit. It’s freezing here.”

The room had plenty of air conditioning but lacked proper heating, making the chill linger.

Ji Jing gently adjusted her coat. “Let’s head inside.”

“Okay.”

The seating arrangement for dinner was casual, but the director’s table—where Ji Jing and his group sat—was off-limits to most. Apart from the lead actors, it was reserved for key figures like producers. Somehow, Tang Ruan found herself invited over, likely thanks to An Xun’s influence.

By coincidence, she ended up sitting next to Ji Jing.

“Did you plan this?” she whispered.

Ji Jing shook his head. “No.”

Leaning closer, he murmured in her ear, “Xi Zijin did.”

Tang Ruan smiled, glancing across the table at An Xun, who was seated beside Xi Zijin. She curled her lips in a silent smile.

Dinner turned out to be a delightful affair.

Tang Ruan ate to her heart’s content, ravenous from hunger and chilled from the cold. While others talked, she ate; when others ate, she kept eating.

After the meal, the group started to disperse.

Ji Jing gave Tang Ruan’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Want to go back to the hotel or take a walk?”

Without hesitation, she chose rest. “Back to the hotel. It’s too cold outside.”

“Alright.”

Instead of joining the crew on their bus, they stuck to their original ride-sharing arrangement. By the time they stepped out of the restaurant, only a few people remained.

Gu Tian had already left, and Xi Zijin and An Xun headed off for a walk. Tang Ruan and Ji Jing flagged a taxi to return to their hotel.

–

The night deepened as Tang Ruan gazed out at the passing scenery from the car window.

The filming location was rather remote. If not for the production bringing in development, the area might still be barren. Now, however, it was slowly coming to life.

The streets were nearly empty in the bitter winter. Warm, amber streetlights illuminated the road home, casting a soft glow over the quiet landscape.

Tang Ruan turned her head toward Ji Jing and caught his intense gaze. Startled, she quickly looked away. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Ji Jing remained silent, his fingers idly toying with hers.

Before long, they arrived at the hotel. Tang Ruan glanced at him, a thought crossing her mind. “Are you staying here tonight?”

Ji Jing nodded, leading her toward the elevator.

“My room?”

He chuckled, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Not appropriate. I have a room on the top floor.”

Tang Ruan: “…Oh.”

She realized he was right. Despite having her own private room, it was surrounded by familiar crew members—hardly convenient.

Ji Jing accompanied her upstairs to grab a change of clothes before heading to his suite. Neither of them noticed a nearby door creak open as they passed.

–

Once inside the elevator, Tang Ruan, who had felt perfectly calm before, grew inexplicably nervous. Ji Jing’s hand enveloped hers, his warmth seeping into her skin, almost as if his heat could burn right through her.

After a long pause, she nuzzled against his arm and deliberately teased, “Are you tired?”

Ji Jing glanced down at her, then kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Your thoughts are written all over your face.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

Her fingers fidgeted as she touched her nose, caught between embarrassment and a strange, sweet ache. It had been half a month since they’d last met, and the sudden reunion filled her with both nerves and longing.

The two walked silently to the door of the room. Ji Jing’s room was enormous—not only did it have a spacious living area, but even the bed seemed larger than the ones in other rooms.

Tang Ruan noticed a bag sitting inside and asked curiously, “Is that your luggage?”

“Mm,” Ji Jing replied softly. “I’m here to spend two days with you before heading back.”

Work was piling up at the company, and he couldn’t stay longer. Even these two days were made possible by working overtime in advance.

Tang Ruan, fully aware of his efforts, looked up at him as he took off his coat. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, leaning against him playfully. “Husband.”

“Hmm?”

“I missed you.”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow and glanced at her. “Really?”

Tang Ruan giggled, burying her face deeper into his embrace, rubbing against him like a mischievous cat. “Of course!” She reached up and kissed his Adam’s Apple, a spot she had been longing to kiss for quite some time.

That kiss ignited something. Ji Jing immediately retaliated, pulling her into his arms. He lifted her effortlessly onto a nearby table, bending slightly as he kissed her deeply. The two became entangled in their shared longing, their separation over the past half-month making their reunion all the more intense.

Time passed unnoticed, and Tang Ruan felt herself getting lost in a hazy daze. When she remembered she hadn’t bathed, she gently pushed Ji Jing away, her voice hoarse. “I… I need a shower first.”

Ji Jing responded with a low hum, picking her up and carrying her into the bathroom.

“Together,” he said.

…

Before long, sounds from the bathroom filled the air, a blend of soft laughter and murmured exchanges, their voices tangling in fragments.

When they finally emerged, Tang Ruan was thoroughly exhausted, while Ji Jing, seemingly insatiable, continued to lavish her with his attention. She lost count of how many times they had made love.

By the time they finally fell asleep, it was well past midnight. Tang Ruan, utterly spent, couldn’t even lift her arms. Ji Jing kissed her cheek, his voice a low murmur of comfort. “Tired?”

“Mm.”

Though a little exasperated, she had also thoroughly enjoyed herself. Nestled in his arms, she mumbled, “Sleep.”

“Goodnight.”

With her in his embrace, Ji Jing fell into a deep sleep alongside her.

–

The next morning, Tang Ruan could barely get out of bed.

When she woke, Ji Jing was already gone. She grabbed her phone and checked her messages, relieved to find one from An Xun.

An Xun: You have the day off.

Tang Ruan quickly replied: Thank you, Sister An Xun!

An Xun: No problem. I completely understand newlyweds like you.

Tang Ruan stared at her screen, speechless.

As she was lost in thought, Ji Jing walked in, his expression gentle.

“You’re awake?”

“Mm.” She stretched her hand toward him, pouting. “I don’t want to get up.”

Chuckling, he scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom. “Time to wash up. I ordered breakfast.”

“Okay.”

After breakfast, Ji Jing asked, “Feeling better?”

Tang Ruan glared at him half-heartedly, her voice filled with mock resentment. “What do you think?”

His lips curved into a smile. “Think of how long I’ve waited to have you to myself.”

Tang Ruan: “…”