Sister Min rambled on to Nanyu, but Nanyu was distracted for almost half the time.
"Nanyu?" Sister Min noticed her absent - mindedness and waved her hand in front of Nanyu's eyes.
Nanyu immediately snapped back to reality. "Go on. I'm listening."
Seeing that Nanyu was clearly preoccupied, Sister Min couldn't help but rub her forehead. "Do you have other ideas about my arrangement?"
"No." Nanyu highly approved of Sister Min's plan for her. She shook her head. "Your plan is excellent. I fully agree."
"Then you have something on your mind?" Sister Min asked from another angle. "You don't seem to be in a good state today."
Sister Min had been in this industry for a long time and was well - versed in human relationships. It was obvious to her that Nanyu was absent - minded.
Nanyu of course wouldn't tell the truth. "I was composing music rather late last night..."
Sister Min nodded, showing her understanding. "No matter how inspired you are, you should balance work and rest. Your health is the most important. Should I repeat what I just said?"
"Thank you." Nanyu sat up straight, gathered her scattered thoughts, and began to listen attentively.
Sister Min briefly told her about the subsequent arrangements. "The movie soundtrack project we talked about before has almost been finalized. I'll assign this project to you."
Sister Min had a rather consistent working style. Instead of letting Nanyu create aimlessly, she preferred to give Nanyu a scope for creation, a bit like the topic - based composition in school.
Asking musicians to create original music according to the client's requirements was more efficient and could achieve a win - win situation of monetization and inspiration.
Nanyu also highly approved of this "business + inspiration" model. The two hit it off.
Sister Min said, "After the movie is completed, I'll take you to watch the sample film to get some inspiration and you can also meet the movie producers."
Nanyu asked with a smile, "Will I be able to meet the lead actors too? I heard that the female lead of this movie is an international movie queen. I'd like to get her autograph."
"If you have this need," Sister Min smiled back. "I'll ask her agent."
Nanyu smiled too. "Then I'll trouble Sister Min to do me this favor."
Sister Min walked her to the company entrance.
Just as Nanyu was about to leave, Sister Min called her back.
"Nanyu, if you have something on your mind, you can take a short break."
Sister Min was a smart person. From Nanyu's words and deeds and her low - key mood, she could roughly tell that Nanyu was not in a good state.
Nanyu stopped and smiled. "Don't worry, Sister Min. I'll never affect my work."
Sister Min sighed. "Silly girl, I'm worried about you."
Apart from the superior - subordinate relationship, Sister Min really hoped to be friends with Nanyu.
But she wouldn't overstep. Her concern was just a passing one.
Just as they were talking, the elevator arrived. Nanyu said goodbye to Sister Min and stepped into the elevator.
...
After the conversation with Sister Min, Nanyu's mind sank into a state of anxious chaos again.
It had been more than two hours since Qu Jiaran said she was going to propose to Tan Linyuan.
There was no message alert on her phone.
Maybe, just like last time, it was just a momentary whim and a casual remark from Qu Jiaran.
The weather forecast said there would be a strong wind today. Standing downstairs of the company, Nanyu's clothes fluttered in the wind.
Nanyu stood by the roadside and waved to hail a taxi.
Just as she opened the car door, her phone in her handbag started to vibrate.
Nanyu glanced at the caller ID. It was Qu Jiaran.
The heart that had finally calmed down began to pound wildly again.
After a moment of hesitation, she answered the call.
Qu Jiaran's voice on the other end of the phone was filled with uncontrollable joy. "Yuyu, I've got good news for you!"
Nanyu's heart sank abruptly.
Qu Jiaran continued, "I originally wanted to report this good news to you in person, but I just couldn't hold it in. I wanted to tell you the moment it happened!"
"I just proposed to Linyuan. Guess if he said yes?"
Nanyu was silent for a while before answering, "Judging from your tone, he should have said yes."
"Wow! You're amazing!"
Qu Jiaran's voice was full of surprise. "Congratulations, you guessed right. I just proposed to Linyuan and he immediately said yes. It was easier than I thought!"
"Yuyu, quickly wish Linyuan and me a long - lasting relationship. I want your blessing first!" Her voice was elated and didn't seem to be fake.
Nanyu's mind went blank for a second, then she quickly regained her senses.
No, something was wrong.
Tan Linyuan had promised her that he wouldn't have feelings for anyone else.
It was very likely that Qu Jiaran was just testing her attitude, Nanyu thought.
So she took a deep breath and tried to sound as smiling and sincere as possible. "Congratulations on your successful proposal. I'm really happy for you."
As for the insincere "Wish you and Tan Linyuan a long - lasting relationship", she just couldn't say it.
Even if it was just for show, she couldn't utter a single word.
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Qu Jiaran on the other end of the phone, seemingly talking to someone. "Linyuan, did you hear that? Yuyu sincerely congratulates us. I'm really the happiest person today! Quickly thank Yuyu!"
Then, Nanyu heard a familiar voice, with its unique coldness and calmness.
He said, "Thank you for your blessing, Nanyu."
Nanyu's hand tightened around the phone.
For a moment, she felt as if her ears had gone deaf and all she could hear was a buzzing sound.
He said, thank you for her blessing.
It was as if a huge hole had been torn in her chest, and the cold wind outside seemed to pour in along with it.
The wind blew mercilessly against her face, cutting through every inch of her skin like a knife, and finally hitting her heart directly.
But he had clearly sworn a solemn oath in front of the Buddha.
He wouldn't have feelings for anyone else.
...
On the way back to the villa by taxi, Nanyu was completely on edge, and her breathing was so light it was almost inaudible.
But she still wanted to give Tan Linyuan a chance to explain.
There had been so many misunderstandings between them. She shouldn't jump to conclusions or let her imagination run wild.
Maybe Qu Jiaran had misinterpreted his original intention; or maybe it was just for show.
Anyway, she wanted to hear Tan Linyuan's answer with her own ears.
...
In the villa.
"I'm going to marry Qu Jiaran."
Tan Linyuan's eyes were as cold as the winter snow, and his expression was as calm as usual.
Nanyu's hand hanging by her side tightened involuntarily.
She forced a smile. "It's a joke, right?"
"True." His answer was as calm as ever. "I've said that I won't hide anything from you."
"Qu Jiaran and I will probably get married this year." He looked at her, his eyes showing no emotion.
The air seemed to thin out instantly.
Nanyu felt it hard to breathe, and a bitter taste welled up in her throat.
She paused for a moment, and felt that her smile was starting to freeze. "Really. Then I wish Uncle Tan a happy wedding in advance."
After saying this, she lowered her head, not wanting to meet his gaze.
She was afraid that if they kept looking at each other, all her emotions would be exposed.
Tan Linyuan looked at her for a long time. His expression gradually turned cold and impatient.
He walked up to her, reached out his hand to touch her face. "Nanyu, look at me."
At this moment, Nanyu suddenly caught a glimpse of a ring on his left ring finger.
It was the one Qu Jiaran had chosen.