Chapter 638: The Secret About the Past (256)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
“Which one is it?”
“The only one that has a storyline set in ancient times. This historical drama isn’t based on a story written by a famous author, is it?” said An Xiaoning.
Jing Tian acknowledged her with a nod. “Yes, I picked that one because it’s not purely a typical historical drama and has a fresh concept. The storyline is captivating and exciting as well. Although the author who wrote it isn’t exactly famous, he’s not a rookie either. He’s rather experienced in this field, and the novel he wrote was widely received after it was published online.”
“How long do you think the filming of this drama will take? Give me a rough estimate,” said An Xiaoning.
“The costumes for the drama are rather elaborate, and the actors would have to undergo special training to familiarize themselves with the ancient etiquette and formalities. I don’t think three months would be enough. It would probably take about half a year or so.”
An Xiaoning thought so too. She then asked Lin Mingxi, “Have you read the original story?”
“Yes, I’ve read all the original stories for the pitched dramas. The ancient historical drama caught my attention the most as well. But the most important thing is the casting of the actors,” Lin Mingxi answered.
“I think we should cast actors who are closely similar to the characters of the drama,” An Xiaoning agreed.
“So, we’re settling on this historical drama, then?” Jing Tian asked.
“Yes, this one it shall be. Settle the script and storyline with a suitable scriptwriter. We’ll leave the casting for later.”
Jing Tian nodded and left.
Leaning against the couch, Lin Mingxi said, “I noticed something earlier on.”
“What?”
“There are tons of things we both intend to do. We’re actually two peas in a pod.”
“But obviously… your life is better than mine,” An Xiaoning said with a smile.
“Why so?” Lin Mingxi asked, not finding her life to be any better than An Xiaoning’s.
“You were born into a wealthy family. Although you don’t get along well with your sister, I’m sure your parents dote on you greatly. You got to receive education at prestigious institutions, and you’re now happily married with a stable and blissful marriage. Isn’t that much better than my lot?”
“But he doesn’t love me. From before and even until now, no one has truly loved me, apart from my parents. Do you really think you’re worse than me?” Lin Mingxi said with a faint smile.
An Xiaoning stared at her calmly and said, “Even if no one loves you, your life is still better than mine. I don’t even love myself. Who has it worse?”
“I can’t tell that you don’t love yourself, though.”
“If I genuinely loved myself, would I allow myself to be hurt by the same man time and time again? Self-love is about protecting yourself well, both physically and emotionally. Loving yourself means you won’t allow anyone to hurt you at all. I do love myself physically, but I don’t think I care for my emotions enough,” said An Xiaoning, shaking her head.
“I can tell.” Lin Mingxi paused for a moment before continuing, “It’s really difficult to find a man who’s willing to love you with all his heart nowadays.”
“I’m no longer a teenager anyway. No matter who I get into a relationship with again in the future, I won’t give it my all anymore.”
“Boss, someone is calling you again!”
An Xiaoning answered the call, “Hello.”
“…”
“Okay.”
“…”
“Alright, see you later.” She then proceeded to put on her shoes soon as she ended the call.
“Who called you?”
“A friend.” An Xiaoning ran upstairs to change into a fresh set of clothes and returned downstairs with a purse in hand.
“Was it the guy you went on a blind date with?”
“Yes. We’re friends now, but I think he’s a pretty good catch. He seems to be very cultured and refined. I’m thinking that I’ll consider getting into a relationship with him if I find that he’s a really great man after getting to know each other better,” An Xiaoning said, smiling.
“I thought you had lost all hope in marriage.”
An Xiaoning smiled and said, “I indeed don’t bear any hopes for marriage, but one ought to have a life partner. I can’t possibly lose hope in love too. That’d be too pathetic and sad. I’m giving myself a chance at the same time that I’m giving someone else a chance. What’s the point of life if you only ever remain where you are and refuse to advance forward?”
She and Lin Mingxi then left Sanqiao Estate in their respective cars.
An Xiaoning arrived at the entrance of a cinema in the city center where she and Ji Yu had agreed to meet and parked her car before alighting.
She then walked toward the entrance with a scarf wrapped around her neck and both hands in the pocket of her coat.
The glass door seemed like a barrier between spring and winter.
The temperature inside was warm and comfortable, as opposed to the biting cold of the harsh and breezy winter outside.
Upon sight of a tall and slender silhouette, An Xiaoning walked forward and pat him on his shoulder gently. “Hi.”
He turned around with two cups of hot coffee in his hands. “You’re here. It’ll warm you up,” he said, handing her one.
“Thank you.”
“The movie’s about to begin soon, let’s go in.”
She nodded and entered the theater together with him.
Most of the seats in the theater were unoccupied since it was an art and literature film, which was not exactly popular.
Before the movie began, the pair sipped on their coffee and chatted with each other softly. An Xiaoning realized that they could practically have a conversation about any topic and that she felt extremely relaxed while chatting with him. There were no feelings of awkwardness at all.
How rare.
It felt as if they were old friends.
Even though they had only known each other for a few days.
Once the movie began, An Xiaoning could sense someone staring at her intensely.
She felt as if she was a prey being targeted by an armed poacher.
She scanned her surroundings from left to right, only to find that no one was looking at her directly.
Was she being paranoid?
An Xiaoning kept her eyes fixed on the big screen. When the scene of the male and female lead engaged in a passionate kiss, which was followed by an intimate bed scene, came on, An Xiaoning would shift her gaze elsewhere while Ji Yu remained seated with his back as straight as a ruler.
She stole a few glances at the thirty-two-year-old military Major to find that he was struggling to control his emotions.
“Wasn’t this supposed to be an art film?”
He rubbed his nose awkwardly and answered, “Exactly. I thought it was an art film.”
Apart from that intimate bed scene, there were no other scenes throughout the movie that caught them by surprise.
Just as the movie was about to end, An Xiaoning turned her head to take a glance behind her subconsciously, only to receive a great shock that instantly filled her with tension.
It was her first time turning around to take a look throughout the movie.
The person sitting behind her was none other than Jin Qingyan.
An Xiaoning was displeased at the thought of Jin Qingyan having witnessed the entire process of her watching the movie with Ji Yu, which included their conversations and joyous banter.
It was such a paradox to abruptly discover that your ex-husband had been sitting right behind you and keeping his eyes fixed on you throughout your movie date with a friend.
An Xiaoning hurriedly looked away, as if she did not see him at all. She tried to contain her emotions and continued to remain seated properly.
The movie finally ended.
She turned around again to find that the seat behind her was already empty. It felt as if she was hallucinating earlier on. She then heaved a sigh of relief.
“I need to use the washroom.”
“Go ahead, I’ll wait for you by the entrance,” he said merrily, clearly overjoyed to be out on a movie date with her.