Chapter 1
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Chapter 1: Coming Home
“According to reports, Jiang Liuyi’s global tour concluded at 10 a.m. on the 24th, after which she returned to the country…”
Beep! The playback paused. On the screen, Jiang Liuyi appeared wearing a long, pale blue trench coat. The collar was turned up, concealing her red lips, while underneath, a fitted sweater and skinny jeans accentuated her stunning figure. High heels added a few inches to her height, and her sunglasses projected a cold, untouchable aura that seemed to pierce through the screen, radiating indifference and aloofness.
Editor-in-chief Yuan Hong set the remote control down and gave a nod toward the screen. “What’s everyone’s take on this?”
The rest of the magazine team sat around the conference table. He Xiaoying spoke up, “Jiang Liuyi is incredibly popular right now. Especially since she’s never done an exclusive interview before. If we can land this, it’ll be a huge win for us!”
Others chimed in:
“Absolutely. Did you see the gossip about that short male celebrity yesterday? The moment news of her return broke, it completely overshadowed him!”
“She’s gorgeous! Do you know how many fans adore her just for her looks?”
“And now that she’s admitted to being in a relationship, that’s definitely going to be a bombshell story!”
“I’m all in for Jiang Liuyi too.”
The editor-in-chief was about to make a decision when someone interjected, “But it’s impossible to get her!”
The speaker practically wailed, “You have no idea—I couldn’t even get in touch with her assistant!”
The others slumped in defeat. “Last time Meixiu Magazine tried to schedule an exclusive interview, they spent ages.” She raised six fingers. The others gasped. “Six weeks?”
“Six weeks?!” she exclaimed. “It was six months!”
“And even then, they still couldn’t get her. We should just settle for Zhang Susu instead.”
The editor-in-chief fell silent. The department head stood up and said, “I also recommend Zhang Susu. Mainly because we’ve worked with her before, so we know what to expect. Plus, doesn’t she have a dating rumor going around recently? We can capitalize on that.”
“I heard her rumored boyfriend is a wealthy heir. There’s definitely something worth digging into.”
“Zhang Susu’s a safer choice. She’s easier to talk to, and there’s more to uncover.”
The editor-in-chief glanced around the room, hesitating. Her gaze lingered on Jiang Liuyi’s image on the screen, reluctant to let go of the opportunity. However, the team’s reasoning was sound. With a nod, she finalized the decision. “Alright, we’ll go with Zhang Susu.”
She turned to He Xiaoying. “You’ll be the lead writer again. Get in touch with Zhang Susu.”
He Xiaoying stood up, feeling a bit disappointed. She knew she didn’t have the means to secure Jiang Liuyi for an interview. With the deadline for the first issue’s layout looming, she couldn’t risk leaving the magazine hanging. Zhang Susu was the safer choice.
She nodded. “Got it.”
The editor-in-chief announced, “Meeting adjourned.”
As everyone began to pack up, Yuan Hong looked toward the back of the room. “Song Xian, stay for a moment.”
Song Xian exchanged quick goodbyes with her colleagues and watched as the editor-in-chief approached her. Yuan Hong said warmly, “Thank you for your hard work. I’ll need your help again with the photography this time.”
“It’s no trouble.” Song Xian’s voice was calm and emotionless, giving nothing away. “We’re all here to help each other.”
Song Xian’s primary role wasn’t as a photographer. Man Tong Magazine had two main divisions: children’s books and fashion entertainment. Originally, the company had built its reputation on children’s book publishing. However, in recent years, revenue from that division had steadily declined, with costs outstripping profits. To adapt, they launched a new magazine focused on fashion and entertainment two years ago, which had seen consistent success.
This time, the editor-in-chief had received a directive from headquarters to feature a celebrity interview in the new magazine. Song Xian had previously worked as an illustrator and art editor for the children’s book division. But now, with most resources focused on the fashion and entertainment side, she was often pulled over to help with the new publication.
Song Xian held a photography certification. When the previous photographer had gone on maternity leave recently, the boss had been reluctant to hire a replacement, so they had asked Song Xian to fill in.
Yuan Hong patted her on the shoulder. “Photography isn’t easy. I owe you a meal next time.”
Song Xian smiled faintly. “It’s really no problem.”
Yuan Hong moistened her lips as if preparing to bring up something delicate. “I’m serious about the meal. But, uh, there’s something else… My cousin, you know, the last time he saw you, he wouldn’t stop—”
“Editor-in-chief,” Song Xian interrupted gently, her tone polite but firm, “I’m already married.”
“…kept insisting I ask for your WeChat. Wh-what?” Yuan Hong’s eyes widened in shock. “Married? When did that happen?”
“Last month,” Song Xian replied calmly.
Yuan Hong was truly taken aback. “Why didn’t you invite everyone to celebrate?”
“It wasn’t anything important,” Song Xian said lightly, as if it were just another mundane event.
Yuan Hong: …
After Song Xian left the meeting room, He Xiaoying immediately spun her chair around and scooted next to Song Xian’s seat, grinning mischievously. “Got called out by the editor-in-chief again?”
The editor-in-chief’s family was notoriously large and meddlesome. Once, a younger cousin had come by to drop off some documents, spotted Song Xian, and started asking endless questions about her. Unable to fend her off, the editor-in-chief reluctantly made the introduction. What followed was chaos. The cousin mistakenly posted Song Xian’s photo on her social media, setting off a frenzy among the family’s single young men and women—and even some overenthusiastic parents got involved.
Thinking back to that, He Xiaoying chuckled. “So, what excuse did you use to turn them down this time?”
Song Xian’s expression remained calm. “I told her I’m married.”
“That’s a solid excuse. Wait—what? Married?”
Song Xian glanced at He Xiaoying and repeated evenly, “I’m married.”
He Xiaoying exploded. “What the—!!!”
It took less than an hour for the entire Man Tong Magazine office to hear the news: their most beautiful “flower” had been plucked. While brewing coffee, the department head made a show of casually strolling over to Song Xian’s desk and asked, “So… is it true? You’re really married?”
Song Xian nodded calmly, answering every question with the same patient composure. “Yes, I’m really married.”
The department head’s heartbeat quickened, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on the coffee cup. She couldn’t resist asking, “Is it someone from the office?”
At those words, everyone nearby perked up their ears, ready to catch any juicy gossip. While they were always curious about Song Xian’s private life, they knew she only spoke when she wanted to. Otherwise, her lips were sealed tight, impossible to pry open.
Unlike other so-called “ice queens,” who might act cold and distant, Song Xian wasn’t about playing a role. High-profile or not, she was simply untouchable—like the rarest and most unattainable flower.
Now that someone had picked that flower, how could they not be curious?
Song Xian shook her head lightly. “No, not from the office.”
The department head suppressed a laugh, though her expression wavered. She had a crush on one of the office planners, but unfortunately for her, that planner had been infatuated with Song Xian for ages. He’d tirelessly fawn over her, checking in on her well-being, showering her with warmth—only to be met with rejection every single time. Despite this, he persisted, throwing himself against the wall of her indifference.
Though the department head had simmered with frustration at the situation, she had never taken it out on Song Xian.
Song Xian had initially joined as an art editor for children’s book publishing, a department entirely separate from the team the department head oversaw. This meant she wasn’t under her jurisdiction in the first place. On top of that, Song Xian’s professional skills were exceptional—whether it was capturing intricate expressions during shoots or retouching final images, her work was flawless and beyond criticism. There was simply no reason to fault her.
Of course, the most undeniable reason was that Song Xian was stunningly beautiful. If she attracted attention, it wasn’t her fault. The department head, despite her fondness for the planner, understood this perfectly. That’s why her attitude toward Song Xian had only ever been cool and distant.
Now, hearing that Song Xian was married, the department head couldn’t suppress her joy. Her smile was so wide it was practically impossible to hide. Though she wanted to dig for more details, He Xiaoying interjected, “Director Ye, do you still have Zhang Susu’s contact info?”
Director Ye turned toward her. “I think it’s on my computer. I’ll send it to you.”
With that, she finally left Song Xian’s desk.
As soon as she was gone, He Xiaoying raised her eyebrows conspiratorially. “You think Director Ye’s making her move again?”
The person across from her glanced up. “Of course! Didn’t you see her grinning like a fool just now?”
He Xiaoying turned her attention back to Song Xian. “But seriously, how did you pull this off so fast? You just went and got married? How long have you two known each other?”
Song Xian thought for a moment before replying calmly, “Two months.”
He Xiaoying: …
Is this how glamorous beauties live their lives? Even marriage has to be a trendy flash wedding?
Lowering her voice, she asked, “Was it love at first sight?”
Song Xian looked down thoughtfully. “Not really. It was… mutually beneficial.”
He Xiaoying: …
Suffering her second mental blow, He Xiaoying refused to give up and pressed on. “There must be something special about them, right? You wouldn’t just marry someone at random.”
Song Xian pondered seriously for a long moment before replying, her tone calm. “Mm. She has a nice voice.”
He Xiaoying blinked. “You’re into voices?”
Song Xian refuted her with the same calm demeanor. “No.”
He Xiaoying: …
Struck out three times in a row, He Xiaoying finally gave up. After receiving the contact details for Zhang Susu from Director Ye, she left to reach out to her. Only when He Xiaoying had stood and walked away did Song Xian shift her gaze to the screen.
It was still paused on the news clip the editor-in-chief had played earlier that morning. On the screen, Jiang Liuyi sat in an airport lounge, her head lowered as she scrolled through her phone, lips pressed together. Even in that casual moment, her pride and the innate confidence radiating from her were impossible to ignore.
Jiang Liuyi rose to fame at a young age, with her debut performance at the Paris Music Festival. Following that, several renowned orchestras extended invitations to her, but she ultimately decided to return to her home country to develop her career. At the time, some doubted her decision, but Jiang Liuyi quickly silenced critics with outstanding achievements.
By the age of 26, she had already completed a global tour—both solo and with her band—selling out every venue. Her solo performances, in particular, were hailed online as the most exquisite auditory experience imaginable.
Song Xian met Jiang Liuyi purely by chance. Song Xian wasn’t fond of cooking, so she had a habit of grabbing a bag of bread from her friend’s bakery after work to use as breakfast. One day, Jiang Liuyi happened to be there as well.
It was hard to say who initiated things—whether Song Xian made the first move or if Jiang Liuyi was more forward. Maybe it was just a natural connection between them. As they left the bakery, Song Xian asked Jiang Liuyi if she’d like to find a place to sit and chat.
That conversation led to them defining their relationship and, soon after, getting married.
It was quick, yes, but both were quite satisfied with the arrangement.
The phone on Song Xian’s desk lit up and buzzed softly. She picked it up. The message was from the very person on the screen.
Jiang Liuyi: [Just got home. What time do you get off work today?]
Song Xian started typing a reply but paused after a few seconds and deleted it. Instead, she sent:
[5:30. Do you need me to leave work early?]
Jiang Liuyi: [Is that possible?]
It had been over a week since they’d last seen each other, and Song Xian understood how Jiang Liuyi felt. [Yes, it’s possible.]
Jiang Liuyi: [Should I come pick you up?]
Song Xian: [No need. You just got back—rest first.]
Jiang Liuyi smiled as she read the reply and set her phone down. Song Xian was as thoughtful as ever, always worrying about her being tired and trying to take care of her in subtle ways.
Unaware of Jiang Liuyi’s imagination running wild, Song Xian prepared to close the news on her screen when a message popped up from a friend:
[I baked something new today. It’s perfect for breakfast. Swing by after work to grab some?]
Without hesitation, Song Xian replied: [Not today. I’ve got something else to do.]
Her friend was surprised. [What’s going on?]
As Song Xian turned off the news on her computer, she started typing a response. Before she could hit send, another message came in: [Do you have to work late?]
Holding her phone in one hand, her fingers moved swiftly as she typed without expression. [No, I’m leaving early.]
Her friend, now thoroughly puzzled, replied: [Leaving early? What’s the rush? What’s so important at home?]
Song Xian’s expression remained neutral as she answered truthfully: [Fulfilling marital obligations.]
