Chapter 44: Mission 13

Lovers’ Water Bay Villa District.

Meng Chuning frowned slightly as she looked at Meng Qinglan. “Mom, you’re being so serious. You’ve scared Xiaoyi.”

In front of outsiders, Meng Qinglan never smiled or joked around. She was serious and meticulous in everything she did, especially when it came to her daughter Meng Chuning’s future partner.

“Isn’t it only right for me to be serious?” Meng Qinglan gazed at Meng Chuning’s face. “How far along are you and Jiang Xiaoyi?”

Meng Chuning hadn’t expected her mother to ask something so direct. She was tongue-tied for a few seconds, unsure how to respond. If she admitted they’d already slept together, Meng Qinglan would probably blow a fuse.

Meng Qinglan’s eyes lingered on her daughter’s face before she said, “Since you haven’t gotten that far yet, don’t bring her home. And don’t follow in your sister’s footsteps.”

“Mom…” Meng Fanyu’s mind went blank. “Why drag me into this?”

Meng Fanyu might have stayed quiet without issue, but the moment she spoke, Meng Qinglan shot her a glance from the corner of her eye. “Has Little Dumpling’s little mom come back?”

Meng Fanyu clamped her mouth shut and shook her head.

Four years ago, Meng Fanyu had been the director of public relations at YN Group. While visiting a film set for work, she met an aspiring actress six years her junior. Before long, they’d fallen in love. Despite Meng Qinglan’s objections, Meng Fanyu signed the young woman to YN Group and poured millions into promoting her career.

But the day that actress finally hit it big, she dumped Meng Fanyu, worried that their relationship would derail her newfound success.

Those memories always left Meng Qinglan fuming that YN Group had nurtured an ingrate. Yet she truly cared for Meng Fanyu, which was why she instinctively disliked Jiang Xiaoyi upon learning of her close ties to Meng Chuning.

Meng Chuning bit the soft flesh inside her cheek. “Mom, Xiaoyi’s not like that woman. Please don’t prejudge her.”

In Meng Qinglan’s eyes, Jiang Xiaoyi was just another opportunist eyeing Meng Chuning’s status to boost her career. She would bet it wouldn’t be long before Jiang Xiaoyi started begging to sign with YN Group.

Meng Qinglan gave a faint smile. “Then I’ll wait and see.”

“If Jiang Xiaoyi really is as wonderful as you say, I’ll reconsider my prejudices.” With that, Meng Qinglan left Lovers’ Water Bay.

Meng Fanyu took Meng Chuning’s hand, guilt weighing on her. “Sorry, Chuning. It’s all because of me that Mom has a bad impression of Xiaoyi.”

“Sis, it’s not your fault.” Meng Chuning smiled reassuringly. “I have a lot of faith in Xiaoyi. Besides, I think Mom’s not being entirely unreasonable right now.”

Meng Fanyu smiled and nodded. “Mom’s all bark. She’s just afraid you’ll end up hurt like I did.”

The tension in the air eased.

Meng Chuning’s phone chimed with a notification. She opened it to see a message from Jiang Xiaoyi.

Xiao Yi: 【Can I have some of sister’s little buns tomorrow?】

Meng Chuning’s face flushed instantly. That was what Jiang Xiaoyi meant, right? She couldn’t think of any other reason for her to suddenly crave those “little buns” of hers.

M: 【But Xiaoyi, you said they’re not small.】

M: 【Grumpy cat.jpg】

Jiang Xiaoyi’s reply came quickly.

Xiao Yi: 【They’re huge.】

Meng Chuning bit her lip. Jiang Xiaoyi had gotten so bold and direct.

“Chuning.” Meng Fanyu chuckled. “It’s from Xiaoyi, isn’t it? You’re grinning ear to ear.”

Meng Chuning’s smile deepened as she suddenly asked, “Sis, do you think Xiaoyi likes me?”

Drawing from her own experience, Meng Fanyu thought carefully. “Remember the morning you left for that business trip to B City?”

Meng Chuning nodded. “What about it?”

“That morning, when Xiaoyi woke up and didn’t see you, she was really down.” Meng Fanyu smiled. “Xiaoyi’s pretty innocent when it comes to romance—she might not pick up on those feelings easily—but I can tell she likes you a lot.”

Meng Chuning’s smile grew even brighter. “Really?!”

“Mm-hmm.” Meng Fanyu genuinely liked Jiang Xiaoyi’s innocence, but she still felt guilty. Because of her own mess, Meng Qinglan’s first impression of the girl had been soured.

Back in her room.

Meng Chuning rummaged through her closet, finally settling on a tight off-the-shoulder dress for tomorrow. Before bed, she even picked out a set of seamless, curve-hugging lingerie.

Satisfied that everything was set, she pulled out her phone and messaged Jiang Xiaoyi.

M: 【Xiaoyi, are you home?】

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaoyi had just finished her shower and was sitting on the bed, towel-drying her hair. Her phone screen lit up with a message—she assumed it was Su Jiuyue replying at last.

On the taxi ride home, Jiang Xiaoyi hadn’t understood what Meng Chuning meant by “not small,” so she’d immediately consulted Su Jiuyue about what “wanting little buns” signified. But Su Jiuyue had been swamped with deadlines and ignored her.

For once, the quick-witted Jiang Xiaoyi drew a blank. Maybe it really was just literal little buns.

Xiao Yi: 【I’m home, sis.】

M: 【Video call?】

Why would sis want to video this late?

Jiang Xiaoyi initiated the call. Moments later, Meng Chuning’s image filled the screen.

Fresh from her shower, Meng Chuning was lying on her bed. Her nightgown had a plunging neckline, her pale cleavage practically spilling out.

Jiang Xiaoyi’s hand paused mid-towel. A rush of heat flooded her nose.

“Sigh, Xiaoyi.” Meng Chuning sounded anxious on the video. “You’re having a nosebleed! Are you okay?”

It must be all the recent excitement making her overheated.

Jiang Xiaoyi pressed the towel to her nose. “I… I’m fine,” she mumbled.

She hastily set the phone on the bed and dashed to the bathroom to clean up.

After rinsing for a full minute, she lifted her face to the mirror. Her damp hair clung to her skin, her dark eyes bloodshot, her nose red and raw before the bleeding finally stopped.

The girl in the mirror pulled a defeated grimace. “So embarrassing.”

Argh! Why had she gotten a nosebleed out of nowhere? How was she supposed to face Meng Chuning now?

The video call was still connected in the bedroom. Growing worried, Meng Chuning started to get up and change. “Xiaoyi, I’ll come over.”

“No need, sis.” Bolstering her courage, Jiang Xiaoyi grabbed the phone, avoiding direct eye contact. “I’m okay now, sis.”

Meng Chuning breathed a sigh of relief. “Xiaoyi, come closer. Let me see.”

“Huh?” Jiang Xiaoyi licked her lips and leaned toward the camera.

Meng Chuning melted at her adorably dazed expression. She peered closely at Jiang Xiaoyi’s nose—it looked fine, still perfectly gorgeous.

“Xiaoyi.”

Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks were still pink, her lashes lowered as she murmured, “Wh-what is it, sis?”

Watching those little expressions through the screen made Meng Chuning’s heart itch. “Why won’t you look at me?”

Jiang Xiaoyi fiddled with her earlobe, slowly raising her gaze. Her dark eyes were misty, the corners tinged red, drawing the viewer in with an inexplicable allure.

Meng Chuning’s heart fluttered. She licked her lips. “Did my mom scare you today?”

“No, Auntie was nice.” Jiang Xiaoyi blinked, meeting the camera squarely. Meng Chuning’s mother hadn’t said anything harsh to her, but showing up so late at her house probably hadn’t helped her image.

Meng Chuning explained, “Mom just seems stern at first. She’s actually pretty friendly once you get to know her. You’ll see with more time together.”

Jiang Xiaoyi tensed up again. Why more time with Meng Chuning’s mom? But seeing the hopeful look in her sister’s eyes, she nodded obediently. “Got it, sis.”

She was so compliant—Meng Chuning had expected her to ask why.

“It’s late, Xiaoyi. Time for bed.” Meng Chuning knew Jiang Xiaoyi had an early call time at the set tomorrow and didn’t want to keep her up.

Jiang Xiaoyi hummed in agreement. “Goodnight, sis.”

After hanging up, she flopped onto the bed and pinched her nose bridge. Her mind replayed Meng Chuning lounging on the bed in that nightgown one moment, then nuzzling into her arms the next, whimpering for more.

She tossed and turned, her face burning so hot she couldn’t sleep.

…

Pear Juice Studio break room.

Jiang Xiaoyi brewed herself a cup of coffee for a pick-me-up. Su Jiuyue handed her a cream bun. “Xiaoyi, how’s the taste?”

“You made these?” Jiang Xiaoyi nibbled a piece. The soft bun melted in her mouth with rich cream—delicious.

“As if. Pear Juice Teacher made them.” Su Jiuyue chewed with puffed cheeks. “Didn’t you say last night you wanted little buns? I brought one for you.”

Jiang Xiaoyi blinked. “I did?”

“Xiaoyi, you don’t even remember what happened last night?” Su Jiuyue looked concerned. “With a memory like that, can you memorize your lines?”

Jiang Xiaoyi opened WeChat and scrolled to their chat. Sure enough, she’d only sent Su Jiuyue those five words: “Want little buns.”

In her rush to pay the taxi driver last night, she’d accidentally hit send on the half-finished message. Then she’d gone straight to shower and forgotten all about it.

“I actually meant to ask…” Jiang Xiaoyi started to explain, but Pear Juice stormed in, gulped down an iced water, and slammed the cup on the table.

Jiang Xiaoyi swallowed her words. “Pear Juice Teacher, what’s wrong?”

Sensing gossip, Su Jiuyue pulled up a stool for her. “Pear Juice Teacher, don’t be mad.”

In the recording booth, Tang Wanchen and Qin Yang were laying down lines for a flirty scene. Qin Yang kept leaning in close to Tang Wanchen during takes.

Su Jiuyue and Jiang Xiaoyi exchanged a glance, instantly getting it. Tang Wanchen and Pear Juice had been a couple once—most in the industry knew. Was Pear Juice jealous?

Su Jiuyue soothed her. “Pear Juice Teacher, word is Qin Yang and Tang Wanchen are an item now.” No need for you to be jealous of Qin Yang.

Jiang Xiaoyi was stunned at Su Jiuyue’s words. “Does that mean all three of us are paired up in this drama?”

She was glad her role was minor with no romance. Otherwise, picturing herself and Qin Yang Teacher vying for Tang Wanchen Teacher’s affections… yikes.

Su Jiuyue burst out laughing. “It really does.”

Hearing Jiang Xiaoyi’s worried sigh, Pear Juice couldn’t help chuckling.

She and Su Jiuyue had grown close lately. Unable to resist, Su Jiuyue pried, “Pear Juice Teacher, any chance for you and Tang Wanchen Teacher?”

Ears perked, Jiang Xiaoyi leaned in.

Pear Juice sat at the table. “Truth is, we never actually dated.”

Jiang Xiaoyi and Su Jiuyue both gasped. Pear Juice pressed a finger to her lips. “Shh. Keep it down.”

Su Jiuyue’s jaw dropped. “What do you mean?”

Jiang Xiaoyi shoved the bun incident aside, hooked on the gossip. In the audio drama Sugar-Squeezed Pear Juice, their chemistry had felt so natural and sweet—like they were a real couple.

Pear Juice explained, “Tang Wanchen and I hooked up drunk one night—y’know, a 419. When I woke up, she insisted on taking responsibility. She was gorgeous and amazing in bed, so I said yes. Then…”

Jiang Xiaoyi listened and felt the words sounded familiar. She had just said something similar to Meng Chuning—that she would take responsibility for her. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with that, right?

But why had Meng Chuning agreed at the time? Was it just because she thought Jiang Xiaoyi was good-looking and skilled in bed?

Pear Juice trailed off, too embarrassed to continue. Su Jiuyue’s mind jumped to the Flower Market Story, and she suddenly blurted out, “Wait, are all those uncut scenes from the audio drama actually real?”

“Ahem…” Pear Juice’s face flushed red as she choked on nothing, but she didn’t deny it.

Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks heated up. These women were so bold—shipping stale candy like that.

Pear Juice pressed on. “But the more I thought about it later, the more off it felt. Does she think she’s some kind of savior? Like she has to take responsibility no matter who she sleeps with?”

Jiang Xiaoyi: “…”

Why did it feel like she was the one getting scolded?

“Total player!” Pear Juice fumed. “I don’t even need that from her.”

Su Jiuyue, who had written countless stories, instantly got it. Pear Juice Teacher must think Tang Wanchen was only with her out of obligation, not genuine affection. That was why she was so pissed.

Su Jiuyue probed cautiously. “Pear Juice Teacher, if you don’t need it, then why are you so mad?”

“I’m not.” Pear Juice gripped her cup, refusing to admit it. “I just want to bash her head in, that’s all.”

Jiang Xiaoyi shuddered. “…”

Was her own sister thinking the same thing?

Su Jiuyue nudged Jiang Xiaoyi. “Xiaoyi, why are you so scared? Pear Juice Teacher isn’t going to hit you.”

Jiang Xiaoyi shook her head. “N-Nothing.”

Had she accidentally played Meng Chuning? No wonder the older woman had cried after Jiang Xiaoyi promised to take responsibility. Was Chuning mad enough to want to hit her? No, Chuning wouldn’t hit her when angry—she’d bite. Jiang Xiaoyi’s lip still stung from yesterday.

Su Jiuyue eyed her friend oddly. Why was Jiang Xiaoyi acting so weird?

Just then, the door to the dubbing studio’s break room swung open. Tang Wanchen stepped in, spotted the three of them, and paused. “Hey, everyone.”

They had just been talking about her, so the trio fell instantly silent, guilty as charged.

Jiang Xiaoyi stood up to greet her. “Hello, Teacher Tang Wanchen.”

“Just call me Wanchen.” Tang Wanchen smiled, her gaze landing on the buttery little buns on the table. “Did Pear Juice bake these?”

Pear Juice puffed out her cheeks and ignored her. Su Jiuyue nodded vigorously. “Yep.”

“Can I have one?” As Tang Wanchen spoke, she glanced at Pear Juice, who crossed her arms. “Whatever.”

Tang Wanchen picked up a buttery bun and took a slow bite, drawling, “Pear Juice’s little buns are still so delicious. So soft and…”

“Shut up and move.” Pear Juice’s cheeks burned crimson. She sidestepped Tang Wanchen and fled the break room like her life depended on it. Tang Wanchen turned and chased after her.

Su Jiuyue snickered. “Teacher Tang did that on purpose, didn’t she?”

Jiang Xiaoyi observed. “Is Pear Juice Teacher not mad anymore?”

Su Jiuyue snorted. “Did you see how red her face got? How could she stay mad like that?”

Jiang Xiaoyi ventured, “Is it because Teacher Tang praised Pear Juice’s little buns as delicious that she blushed and stopped being angry?”

Su Jiuyue hissed dramatically with a mysterious grin. “Xiaoyi, you caught that too? You’re getting better.”

“Ohhh—” Jiang Xiaoyi sort of got it. So saying someone’s little buns were delicious could make them not mad anymore.

She and Tang Wanchen were in pretty similar spots. Once she finished eating Meng Chuning’s little buns and praised them, that should make her sister happy. She really wasn’t trying to play her—no way did she want Chuning mad.

After hanging around the set for half the day, Jiang Xiaoyi had memorized all her lines and script. Her scenes weren’t until evening, so she decided to head to YN Group first to find her sister and snag some little buns.

Xiao Yi: [Sister, got time at noon?]

M: [Just wrapped a meeting. Yeah.]

Xiao Yi: [Wait for me, Sister. I’m coming to eat your little buns~]

In the conference room, Meng Chuning read Jiang Xiaoyi’s message and raised a hand to her forehead, hiding her reddening face.

Shen Ling noticed and asked quickly, “President Meng, are you feeling okay?”

Meng Chuning murmured, “I’m fine.”

Another message from Jiang Xiaoyi popped up.

Xiao Yi: [Sister’s little buns must be so soft and tasty. I can’t wait!]

“…” Meng Chuning powered off her phone, terrified of what else Jiang Xiaoyi might send.

Shen Ling watched President Meng’s face grow redder and grew concerned. “President Meng, are you sure you’re alright?”

“Meeting’s over.” Meng Chuning stood and headed back to her office, fanning herself with her hand as she walked.

The employees in the conference room exchanged baffled looks and buzzed with chatter.

“President Meng looks so sexy today. Who ever sees her dressed like that normally?”

“I know it’s not cool to say, but she’s totally my type.”

“Is President Meng dating someone?”

Shen Ling shrugged innocently. “No idea.”

Jiang Xiaoyi rode the elevator to the office floor but hadn’t gotten a reply from Meng Chuning yet.

Had she said something wrong? She hadn’t even tried them yet, but praising in advance should be fine, right? Why wasn’t her sister responding?

She stepped out and made a beeline for Meng Chuning’s office like she owned the place. Before she could even raise a hand to knock, the glass door slid open, and a hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her inside.

In the blink of an eye, the office door shut and locked behind her.

Jiang Xiaoyi’s back hit the cool glass door. She kept her eyes lowered. “What’s wrong, Sister?”

Meng Chuning wore a one-shoulder, low-cut knit dress with delicate lace trim along the V-neck. The dress hugged her slender figure in a way that was utterly seductive.

Jiang Xiaoyi swallowed softly, not daring to look.

Meng Chuning watched Jiang Xiaoyi’s face gradually flush. “Weren’t you so bold on WeChat?”

“Uh.” Jiang Xiaoyi realized that “praising” meant talking big. So she probably hadn’t messed up.

Meng Chuning stepped closer. The thin gauze strap slipped from her lovely shoulder, the neckline dipping just a bit to reveal the soft, pale swell of her breasts.

Jiang Xiaoyi averted her gaze. Wasn’t this a bit too sexy for work?

Jiang Xiaoyi was so shy she wouldn’t even look at her—how was she supposed to eat like this? Meng Chuning’s fingertips tilted her chin back up. “Xiaoyi, do you really want to eat them that badly?”

The warm touch on her chin, the scent of Meng Chuning’s hand—Jiang Xiaoyi’s lashes fluttered as she met her eyes and nodded.

Worried Meng Chuning might refuse, she added in a pitiful, pleading tone, “Sister… I’m starving. I wanna eat.”