The Secret of Second Marriage

Late at night, on a park bench, the streetlights shone brightly on us.

When I was applying anti-swelling medicine to Shen Xing's face, I saw several bright red handprints on his fair face.

I was furious: "That was way too much! Didn't you fight back?"

Shen Xing said nonchalantly, "It's nothing. I'm a man. I'll be fine after a few days if I get slapped."

The spring night air was still a bit chilly, and a crescent moon hung in the city sky, casting only a faint, sickle-like shadow.

It seems like it's been a long time since I've seen the moon in the city at night.

I said, "Shen Xing, thank you."

"Sis, why are you thanking me? This isn't like you."

Shen Xing glanced at me. I had been quite harsh towards him from the beginning, and rarely thanked him in such a sincere tone.

I packed the remaining anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and cotton swabs into a plastic bag and handed it to Shen Xing, saying, "Next time you get hit, remember to run far away so you don't get hit again. Apply the medicine as usual, twice a day, and the swelling on your face will go down in a few days."

"besides"

I paused for a moment, then suddenly said, "President Jiang should be alright soon."

"Sis, why don't I see any happiness on your face?"

Shen Xing asked curiously.

I was a little surprised: "This is between me and President Jiang, you don't need to worry about it."

"Sister, you and Mr. Jiang should stay together. To be honest, I know he's very important to you, and I hope you'll be happy."

Shen Xing wore a clean white shirt and straight suit pants today. He had fair skin, spotless black hair, and big, deer-like eyes. His features were incredibly delicate. He was tall and handsome, and his whole appearance was refreshing and dashing.

Although he spoke in a relaxed tone, I could see the complexity in his eyes.

Shen Xing reached out her hand to me to borrow money: "I was in a hurry when I left the restaurant today, and I didn't bring my phone or wallet. Sister, could you lend me 50 yuan for a taxi?"

I know that his impulsive act of running out to find me must have driven the company and team crazy, and they're probably frantically making calls to try and contact him.

I gave him 100 yuan directly, stuffed a red bill into his hand and said, "Don't be shy, keep the change."

"My sister really loves me."

Shen Xing stood by the roadside at the park exit waiting for a car. Across the street were bustling Western restaurants and supermarkets, as well as an overpass with taxis and late-night buses coming and going.

It was past midnight, and the streets were deserted, except for the occasional passing vehicle.

Shen Xing and I were waiting for a car by the roadside when a taxi suddenly stopped in front of me. I said, "Your agent must be frantic looking for you. You should get in and go home."

"Man, is there really no possibility between us?"

Before Shen Xing left, she suddenly hugged me tightly and whispered something in my ear in a slightly hoarse voice.

"You break up with President Jiang today, and I'll marry him tomorrow. Aren't you going to consider me?"

"What nonsense are you talking about now?"

I rolled my eyes at him and asked, "You signed a contract with a male idol, and there should be a clause in the contract that prohibits idols from dating during their rise to fame. Have you forgotten?"

"Sis, how about you and I give up the entertainment industry, go to a small city, rent a mountain, rent a few acres of land, and open a coffee shop? What do you think?"

Shen Xing said.

He seemed tired of the hypocrisy and glamour of big cities and wanted to escape to a secluded paradise.

I shook my head and looked at him, saying, "Shen Xing, can we be more realistic? I'm already over 30, and I just want to focus on my career."

"Only in big cities will you have plenty of opportunities. What can you do back in the countryside? Besides, I already have a boyfriend."

Shen Xing said, "Sister, you are always so rational and clear-headed. Sometimes, even if I wanted to use every means to seduce you, it would make me seem like a despicable and shameless person."

It's late, it's not safe for you to be alone as a girl. Come with me, the driver will drop you off first and then take me..."

After saying that, he pulled me into the car in a very domineering manner.

We drove back to the upscale residential complex where Mr. Jiang and I lived.

The driver looked at me, then at Shen Xing, and asked, "Are you two a couple?"

"Yes"

"no"

My answer was different from Shen Xing's.

The driver said, "Hehe, so it turns out that relationships between older women and younger men are popular now. A beautiful woman living in such an upscale neighborhood must be very rich. No wonder she found such a handsome younger boyfriend."

I didn't want to explain anything anymore, and hurriedly got off the bus.

The driver then took Shen Xing back.

……

I returned to my room, which was empty and empty all night.

This house used to belong to President Jiang, and every table and tea set was arranged in a very elegant manner.

I saw a photo of myself, President Jiang, and Tangtang on his desk, so I went to the bathroom to take a shower, changed into my pajamas, and couldn't sleep in bed. I picked up my phone and sent President Jiang a text message.

I asked him, "Where are you? Can you please answer me? I'm really worried about you. Mr. Jiang, are you alright?"

But there was still no reply on WeChat.

I didn't fall asleep until dawn. The next morning, I got up and opened the refrigerator to make breakfast. As soon as I opened it, I saw a box of cherries, which I really like.

They are imported from abroad. President Jiang knows I like to eat them, so every time I go to the supermarket, I buy some and put them in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. They are packaged in exquisite boxes, and the red cherries look especially beautiful.

But I'm not in the mood to eat today.

I put on makeup, changed into an elegant blue dress, and then went to a noodle shop across from my apartment building with my bag, where I had a simple breakfast.

After dinner, I drove to Lemon Film Company, to the director's office, and went directly to their legal representative to sign the contract with the director.

I successfully landed the role of the second female villain.

The director told me, "You're the last actor we'll sign for this period drama set in the Republican era."

All actors will undergo a week of training. Starting tomorrow, you will come to the training room at 8 a.m. every day for classes with dedicated instructors and dialogue coaches to help you understand the character.

A week later, filming officially began.

"Okay, thank you, director."

I said with immense gratitude.

However, the director glanced at me and still deliberately reminded me: "Jiang Man, you know that you are a newcomer to this drama. Although you are the second female lead, you are also a key character in this drama."

Many scenes would be difficult to connect without this character.

So your role is quite important in our production, and I hope you will work hard and not let me down.

Although we signed a contract today, it clearly states that if your acting doesn't meet my requirements when filming officially begins, we, the investors, still have the right to replace you. Do you understand?

"Yes, I understand."

I say.

When I left the director's office, I was actually quite nervous, which meant that if I didn't perform well, someone could replace me at any time.

I took a deep breath and told myself that I must try harder and harder.

I have nothing left now, I can only rely on myself. No matter how hard or tiring filming is, I must do my best to complete this film and portray this character well. Only in this way can I build a good reputation.

It is said that one should become famous as early as possible.

Although I may not become a big star in the entertainment industry, I hope to have a few representative works that I can be proud of, more opportunities to perform, and to become a capable middle-aged actress.

……

Around 5 p.m., I drove to pick up my daughter from school. I called Grandma Jiang beforehand to tell her that Tangtang would be shopping with me today.

Grandma Jiang, as kind and gentle as ever, said, "Great! Man, you haven't visited Grandma in so long. Grandma has prepared a whole table of delicious food and is waiting for you at home. Shall we come out for dinner together tonight?"

I nodded and said okay.

Grandma Jiang has mild amnesia, but fortunately she has a high pension, so she doesn't have to pay for medical treatment or care herself. A few years ago, when her husband passed away, her condition worsened, and she almost got lost on the street.

She is now retired and spends her days in her private garden in her retirement home, reading newspapers, planting flowers and grass, taking walks, and playing chess in the park.

So when President Jiang got into trouble, it was President Jiang himself who stepped in to help his son; Grandma Jiang had no idea.

Tangtang and I went to the mall and bought new spring clothes, lots of toys, and spring clothes, a cute hat, and a scarf for Grandma.

Grandma's retirement villa is located in a beautiful suburban community with clear waters and lush mountains. The environment here is exceptionally good, and it is equipped with professional elderly care facilities and nursing staff.

I drove to the villa, carrying the gifts, and knocked on the door.

When Grandma's nanny, Aunt Zhang, saw us arrive, she looked at us with a hint of disdain, as if she thought we were there to freeload.

She reluctantly opened the door.

Grandma happily took Tangtang and hugged her tightly, saying, "Tangtang, how was your day at school? Did you miss Grandma? Grandma missed you so much! Tonight, Grandma will have the kitchen make your favorite sweet and sour fish."

"Thoughts"

Tangtang said.

Grandma was overjoyed to see me. She took my hand and led me to sit down at the dining table, where she prepared my favorite dishes: corn stew with pork ribs and shredded chicken.

She said, "Girl, you've lost weight. Are you tired from filming lately? My grandson is so busy with work, he doesn't have time to spend with you. I've been calling him lately, but he doesn't answer. Sigh, he's just that kind of busy person; when he's busy, he disappears. Otherwise, how could he have remained single for so many years?"

Please be understanding; Grandma will apologize on his behalf!

"Grandma, actually, President Jiang is a very nice person."

I smoothed things over.

Grandma kept putting food on my plate while she ate, and then asked, "Girl, my grandson is not young anymore. I've always wanted to see him get married. Don't blame me for urging him. You two are not young either, you should start preparing for your weddings."

When are you getting married? How about this May Day?