A Promise in a Thought 6

Chapter 6

When work ended in the afternoon, Bo Muyu’s pace as she went downstairs to leave was noticeably faster than usual.

She packed her things quickly and walked quickly. By the time Su Man came down from her office, hoping to leave with her, she couldn’t even see a trace of Bo Muyu.

However, thinking back to Bo Muyu’s quick reply at lunch and her unwavering expression, Su Man just smiled and let her go.

Bo Muyu took the subway home. Previously, Bo Mingliang and Ye Xialan had discussed buying her a car for commuting, otherwise getting around would be inconvenient, but Bo Muyu had refused.

The fact that she knew Su Man was already hard to hide from her colleagues. If everyone then saw that she, a newly signed junior screenwriter, not only knew the boss but also had her own car, it would inevitably stir up gossip. After all, there were still screenwriters at Hongsheng who had yet to sell a single script, nor did the company have any plans to produce them.

People’s hearts were hard to fathom. Bo Muyu was determined to keep a low profile, so she declined her parents’ kind offer.

When she got home, she didn’t see Jiang Chenyin in the living room. She headed to the kitchen, and after finding no one there, she went to the study.

“Xiaoyu, you’re back so early today?” Ye Xialan came out of her room and, seeing Bo Muyu striding into the study, quickly followed her in.

There was still no one in the study.

Ye Xialan glanced at the wall clock and said, “About ten minutes earlier than usual. Worthy of praise.”

Bo Muyu turned and asked, “Mom, where’s Auntie Yin?”

Ye Xialan replied, “She went home. What’s wrong?”

“Went home?” Bo Muyu frowned and walked closer to Ye Xialan. “Why did she go home so soon? Wasn’t she supposed to stay with us for a few days?”

If she came to stay, why would she leave after just one night? From the looks of it last night, I thought Ye Xialan and Jiang Chenyin would be catching up for days. They haven’t seen each other in years; how could one night be enough to talk about everything?

Ye Xialan straightened the collar of Bo Muyu’s shirt, which had flipped up when she rushed in, and said with a smile, “She just got back. It’s already great that she could spare a night to come over. She’s not like you, who’s just starting out in your career. She has a lot of connections to maintain. If I hadn’t insisted she come over quickly, it might have been many more days before she could visit.”

A dull ache settled in Bo Muyu’s chest, and she lowered her head without a word.

Seeing this, Ye Xialan chuckled softly. “Your Auntie Yin is close to our family. We have to be considerate and let her take care of other things first. Otherwise, do you think I would have let her go so soon?”

Bo Muyu nodded slightly, indicating that she understood.

Ye Xialan quickly urged her, “If you understand, then hurry up and change your shoes, then come down to wash your hands for dinner. Aren’t your feet tired after wearing high heels all day?”

Bo Muyu nodded again, let out a soft “mmm,” and left the study.

Ye Xialan stared at her retreating back, her eyes filled with doting affection. Her daughter had truly depended on Jiang Chenyin from childhood to adulthood. She had thought that after so many years, it would have lessened, but it hadn’t changed one bit.

Speaking of which, Jiang Chenyin was foolish too. She had refused to let Bo Muyu acknowledge her as a godmother, saying it would make her sound old. Good heavens, having such an obedient daughter is something to laugh about even in your dreams, isn’t it?

After dinner, Bo Muyu returned to her room, but facing the script she was working on, she couldn’t bring herself to continue writing.

She clearly had a complete vision for the plot’s direction.

As night was about to fall, the clouds in the sky were tinged a dazzling orange-red by the afterglow of the setting sun.

Bo Muyu turned her head to watch for a while, her hand hovering over her phone screen. Then, steeling herself, she sent Jiang Chenyin a message on WeChat: “Auntie Yin, do you have time for a video call?”

Jiang Chenyin replied quickly: “Okay.”

Without another word, Bo Muyy opened the application on her computer, found Jiang Chenyin’s chat window, and sent a video call request.

The connection went through in a few seconds. The first thing that appeared on the screen was a flash of white, shaking slightly, before the view gradually pulled back. Only then could Bo Muyu see clearly: it was Jiang Chenyin, wearing a white T-shirt and slim-fit jeans.

It was a very simple, casual, and comfortable outfit that made her look incredibly fresh.

Her complexion was fairer than most people’s, and when her eyes smiled, they carried a reassuring feeling that only an elder could have. When she looked at Bo Muyu, her watery eyes were always clear.

Bo Muyu couldn’t pinpoint exactly what made her so beautiful, but she always felt that even when compared to people her own age, Jiang Chenyin was not only not inferior in any way but was in fact far superior.

Her long hair was spread out loosely, looking a little damp. After starting the video call, she continued to dry her hair.

Bo Muyu thought for a moment and asked, “Auntie Yin, why did you go back so soon?”

Jiang Chenyin’s hand, holding the towel to dry her hair, paused. She replied with a smile, “I couldn’t help it. I still have some things to take care of. I was thinking of telling you, but I was afraid of disturbing your work, so I had your mother pass on the message.”

Bo Muyu bit her lip, revealing her small, pointed canine teeth. Seeing this, Jiang Chenyin’s heart instantly softened.

“You haven’t been to see my parents in a while, have you?”

“Mmm,” Bo Muyu nodded. “Because of graduation and work, I haven’t been over. It’s been a few months.”

During the years Jiang Chenyin was away, Bo Muyu had maintained the habit of visiting Old Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang. Besides genuinely developing a familial bond with the elderly couple, she also hoped to hear news about Jiang Chenyin’s return from the Jiang family.

But she had never once heard anything. The long-awaited news had ultimately come from her own mother.

“That’s perfect, then,” Jiang Chenyin smiled, letting go of the towel. “Come stay for two days this weekend. I’ll pick you up.”

“Can I?” Bo Muyu was surprised, joy evident in her eyes. “Then I’ll go tell Mom in a bit.”

Jiang Chenyin said, “Let me tell her. I’ll call her tonight.”

There were still three days until the weekend. This time, it should be just her and Jiang Chenyin.

At this thought, Bo Muyu couldn’t help but narrow her eyes, a smile spreading from them and being transmitted through the video to Jiang Chenyin.

Jiang Chenyin couldn’t help but curve her lips. “Happy now?”

Bo Muyu nodded emphatically. “Mmm.”

Jiang Chenyin must know. Yesterday was only half a day, and most of it was taken up by Ye Xialan. She had only spoken a few words with Jiang Chenyin; the rest of the time was all given to Ye Xialan. How could she possibly be satisfied?

When she was little, she had even pulled Jiang Chenyin into her room right in front of Ye Xialan. So how could just seeing her be enough?

With the matter of their next meeting settled, Jiang Chenyin became interested in Bo Muyu’s work.

She changed the subject and asked, “What kind of story is the script you’re writing now? You don’t have to give me the details, just a general idea.”

The Jiang family’s businesses also touched upon the entertainment industry. To some extent, she was a competitor of Hongsheng. Knowing too much wouldn’t be good for her or for Bo Muyu.

Bo Muyu thought for a moment and said, “It’s a historical drama, set in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It’s about a historical figure I’ve told you about before, one I really like—the Prince of Lanling, who was known as the God of War at the time.”

“Ah, that one. I remember,” Jiang Chenyin recalled. “So you’re planning to innovate?”

“Yes.” Bo Muyu’s gaze deepened. “I won’t change history, but I want to change his ending.”

“I remember that too,” Jiang Chenyin sighed, then said in a warm voice, “When you were in middle school, you learned about the Northern and Southern Dynasties in history class. The textbook mentioned this figure in just a few lines. You came to me with your textbook that weekend and asked why this person was so foolish, why he didn’t run when he knew the emperor wanted him dead.”

Middle school, that was ten years ago. The Northern and Southern Dynasties… that must have been in the second year. It’s been so long.

As Jiang Chenyin brought up her childhood, Bo Muyu’s serious expression faltered. She put her hands under the table to touch her knees, her clear voice softening. “But later, I understood why he didn’t run.”

“Then how do you plan to write the story?”

Bo Muyu’s eyes brightened slightly again. “I want to make him run.”

“Pfft…” Jiang Chenyin laughed, looking at her confident face. “Alright, then I’ll look forward to your story. If your company doesn’t produce it, I’ll buy the script and produce it for you.”

Hearing Jiang Chenyin’s almost doting words, Bo Muyu suddenly felt a little shy. After all, she was already so old, almost twenty-two.

She bit her lip again, but the feeling of being pampered by Jiang Chenyin was just as good as it had always been. So, she decided to just let it be…

Jiang Chenyin was very efficient. Before Bo Muyu could say anything, that evening Ye Xialan was already telling her to pack a couple of outfits to go to the Jiang family’s for the weekend.

She hadn’t been there in a few months. Ye Xialan reminded her of a few things. Although they were close, she still had to remember her manners, especially with Old Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang.

Bo Muyu agreed to everything, eagerly awaiting the weekend.

At the same time, Jiang Chenyin also informed the old Jiang residence. Old Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang were already fond of Bo Muyu, so as soon as they heard from Jiang Chenyin, they instructed the kitchen to be sure to make some of Bo Muyu’s favorite dishes over the weekend.

On Saturday morning, Bo Muyu woke up early, just as she did on weekdays. While she was washing up, Jiang Chenyin rang the doorbell.

Ye Xialan went to open the door, yawning, and Bo Muyu followed behind to welcome Jiang Chenyin in.

“Auntie Yin, good morning,” Bo Muyu said, the corners of her lips lifting in a clear display of good spirits.

“Morning. Are your things packed?” Jiang Chenyin reached out and ruffled the top of her hair.

“Ahem…” Ye Xialan glanced at the two of them. “How come no one said good morning to me? Am I invisible?”

The curve of Bo Muyu’s lips lessened slightly as she said properly, “Mom, good morning.”

Jiang Chenyin laughed. “What are you pretending for? Didn’t someone say good morning to you when you woke up?”

“You’re the one with the big mouth. How can that be the same?” Ye Xialan glared at her, then turned to nag Bo Muyu. “And you, you probably couldn’t even sleep last night, right? Always nagging me about ‘Teacher Jiang, Teacher Jiang.’ Perfect. Your dad and I can have the place to ourselves this weekend.”

Bo Muyu pressed her lips together and didn’t speak, lowering her head slightly. Ye Xialan was exaggerating. It wasn’t every day…

Just then, Bo Mingliang came out. Seeing Jiang Chenyin, he spoke while still a few steps away. “Xiao Jiang, we’ll have to trouble you with Xiaoyu for these two days.”

Jiang Chenyin smiled. “What are you talking about? It’s not like she’s never been before.”

Ye Xialan linked her arm through her husband’s, her words holding a deeper meaning. “If you come back early, remember to let us know. Don’t interrupt our private time. It’s not often the child is away.”

Although Ye Xialan and Bo Mingliang weren’t too shy around Bo Muyu, they couldn’t be too unrestrained. Now that Bo Muyu was gone, Ye Xialan’s concern for her daughter was one thing, but it didn’t stop her from being happy about their private time.

“Got it,” Jiang Chenyin said, giving her a helpless look. Then she took Bo Muyu’s hand. “We’re leaving then. My parents are already waiting.”

Bo Muyu obediently let Jiang Chenyin lead her out of the house.

As they walked, Jiang Chenyin said, “Muyu, my big brother and second brother will bring Yixuan and Yisheng over later.”

“Mmm,” Bo Muyu said, looking at the road ahead and nodding. “I know.”

Jiang Yixuan and Jiang Yisheng were the grandchildren of the Jiang family, the sons of Jiang Yingzong and Jiang Gaojun respectively. Every week, they would go back to the old residence with their parents to visit their grandparents and stay for the weekend.

Bo Muyu turned to look at Jiang Chenyin. The sunlight was beautiful. From this side view, the curve of Jiang Chenyin’s eyelashes was lovely, and a few stray strands of hair were gilded a wine-red by the sun.

This weekend, she could be with Jiang Chenyin, talking about everything under the sun like they used to. Her parents were having their private time at home. So, could she also see these two short days with Jiang Chenyin in the same way?

She had grown up. She could no longer use the same excuses as before to cling to Jiang Chenyin’s side. So, even two days, or even just two hours, would be good enough.

She lifted the corners of her lips slightly, her gaze on Jiang Chenyin’s side profile growing more focused.