Chapter 10: Happiness

Xiao Moyan wore brown sunglasses and quietly walked into the set, not wanting to disturb anyone, but Mrs. Xu, who was following her, was a little excited.

Since Xia Lingying came to the villa, she could clearly feel the changes in the Miss. In the past, for the Miss, regardless of how beautiful or clever a woman was, the expiration date was at most one week. But now, Xia Lingying has been living in the Xiao family for a whole month. Instead of getting tired, the Young Miss has become even more attentive to her.

Mrs. Xu secretly calculated that Xia Lingying is a good girl, not likely to play with emotions casually. Though she might not love the young miss, there is some liking involved. The reason for her coldness lies in the unclear grievances and resentments of the previous generation. If there's a way to resolve...

Xiao Moyan, stood in the corner with arms crossed, searching for Xia Lingying's figure. At just one glance, she spotted that delicate person. Xiao Moyan's gaze stuck to Xia Lingying unexpectedly. To her surprise, Xia Lingying's costume in the play somehow resembled her attire today.

Xia Lingying wore a light blue dress, with a pristine white chiffon coat, showcasing her graceful figure perfectly. Her waist-length hair danced in the wind, a few playful strands flying ahead. No ornaments adorned her head, just a light blue ribbon gently tying a strand of hair. Beside her, Jiang Feng, who was generously spoke about something, dressed like a wealthy young man. He had a tall and elegant stature, wearing a well-fitted beige casual suit. A sparkling black gold ring on his hand displayed extraordinary elegance, exuding a naturally noble and extraordinary aura. His intentionally sun-kissed skin had a bronze tone, with distinct and profound facial features, and a face full of a carefree attitude towards life.

Xiao Moyan had quickly glanced at the script of "Inseparable." It's a typical Cinderella and Prince love story catering to popular tastes. The disparity in their backgrounds causes them to miss each other repeatedly, but the power of love brings them together again and again. The play is filled with handsome men, beautiful women, BMWs, and money, giving off a hint of Korean drama flavor. When Director Lin asked Xiao Moyan about the film, she bluntly gave it a straightforward review, "terrible."

Mrs. Xu watched with great interest, wanting to hear clearly what the two of them were saying, so she pushed Xiao Moyan forward. Xiao Moyan frowned, sighed, and took a few steps forward.

Today, they were shooting the scene where Xia Lingying, playing Lin Ruonin, discovers that Yan Mingran, played by Jiang Feng, transferred money into her name without prior notice. Due to the issue of dignity, the two argued loudly. With red eyes, Xia Lingying forcefully pushed Jiang Feng away who was trying to embrace her, and roared in a low voice.

"Yan Mingran, you're always like this, using your status, using your power to pressure me. You've never asked what I really want!!!"

Jiang Feng stepped forward and tried to hug her, patiently explaining,

"Ruoning, everything I do is for your own good, please don't be so willful!"

"For my own good? Have you ever respected me? Acting like this, how do you expect others to see me?!"

"Lin Ruoning!"

Jiang Feng gritted his teeth, ignoring her resistance, and forcefully embraced Xia Lingying. The two struggled, and then, a sharp sound echoed, 

“Pa!"

A resounding slap landed on Jiang Feng's face. He covered his face, stepping back in astonishment, looking at Xia Lingying with a burst of anger in his eyes. 

"Cut!"

Director Lin nodded approvingly, waving to signal the end of the shoot. Everyone dispersed, and Xia Lingying politely approached Jiang Feng, apologizing. Jiang Feng graciously waved his hand, and everyone continued with their respective tasks in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, Xiao Moyan, who was specifically there to pick someone up, stood frozen in place. Her gaze remained fixed on the spot where the two had just argued. It was the first time Xiao Moyan had seen Xia Lingying so sharp and stubborn. The words she uttered moments ago were etched into her heart. Involuntarily, Xiao Moyan raised her hand, gently touching her own right cheek, as if that slap had landed on her face.

Having noticed the two, Xia Lingying walked over, nodded at Mrs. Xu, and then turned, looking somewhat surprised at the absent-minded Xiao Moyan.

"Miss, Miss!"

Xiao Moyan snapped out of her daydream, startled by Mrs. Xu's laughter. She turned, somewhat embarrassed, and glanced at Xia Lingying.

"....Are you done shooting?"

Xia Lingying nodded, looking down at her clothes, and softly said, "I need to change into another outfit."

“Go ahead—"

Xiao Moyan quickly responded. Surprisingly, Xia Lingying looked up, staring at Xiao Moyan in disbelief, filled with confusion. What happened to her today? If going by her usual demeanor, Xiao Moyan would never have given her time to change clothes. After a moment of careful consideration, Xia Lingying raised the corner of her mouth, cleared her throat, and turned to leave.

Xiao Moyan and Mrs. Xu waited in the car for Xia Lingying. Observing Xiao Moyan's still bewildered expression, Mrs. Xu cautiously spoke, "Miss, have you really fallen for Xiaxia?"

“Fart!!!"

Xiao Moyan quickly denied, a hint of annoyance on her face due to Mrs. Xu's words. Seeing this, Mrs. Xu sighed, shook her head, and said nothing more.

Fearing that Xiao Moyan and Mrs. Xu might get impatient, Xia Lingying hastily changed into another outfit and rushed out. As Mrs. Xu had notified her earlier about going fishing, Xia Lingying wore a slightly simple, pure white long silk dress. Delicate and vigorous branches were embroidered on the fabric with dark brown threads. She paired it with slightly loose beige pants. Her long hair was tied up, and the front bangs were slightly messy and lifted. Shedding the usual cold and indifferent aura, she looked more like a vibrant college student.

Xiao Moyan stared blankly, the Xia Lingying of today giving her too many different feelings, making it hard for her to accept momentarily. She even began to doubt if the Xia Lingying, who had always been indifferent but respectful in her presence, was nothing more than a soulless shell. A sense of disappointment surged within her. Xiao Moyan shook her head, choosing to remain silent. Once Xia Lingying got into the car, Xiao Moyan grabbed the steering wheel and headed straight for the beach.

Throughout the journey, Mrs. Xu excitedly chatted non-stop, while Xia Lingying remained as reserved as usual, softly responding. On the other hand, Xiao Moyan kept a stern face, refusing to speak. Xia Lingying glanced at her sideways, a hint of confusion in her eyes. Mrs. Xu pulled her, shook her head, and silently mouthed something to Xia Lingying.

Just ignore her!

Upon reaching the destination, Xiao Moyan's mood improved. A lazy smile returned to her lips as she parked the car. She took three silver fishing rods from the back trunk, teasing Mrs. Xu as she did so.

"Mrs. Xu, it's been a while for you. Today, let's not compare. Don't embarrass yourself in front of your beloved Xia Xia."

Mrs. Xu gave her a disdainful look.

"Miss, I think it's you who's afraid of embarrassment."

“...”

Xiao Moyan looked a little embarrassed and changed the subject.

"Um, you two go ahead. I'll make a quick call and join you in a while. Mrs. Xu, same arrangement as always, you take the right side, and I'll take the left."

Mrs. Xu nodded, taking the fishing rods and leading Xia Lingying toward the seaside. Xiao Moyan watched their figures, one tall and one short, with a smile. 

Holding her phone, she walked outside the isolation area.

Walking to the beach, Mrs. Xu placed the fishing gear on the ground, smiling at Xia Lingying.

"Xiaxia, wait here for a moment. I'll go buy some fish bait."

Xia Lingying nodded as she watched Mrs. Xu, but then felt something was off. Wasn't the fish bait bought before they came? Perplexed, she turned and looked at Mrs. Xu. Mrs. Xu almost ran to the fish bait shop, saying something to the cashier with an eerie smile. The cashier handed her a large red bucket. Xia Lingying, seeing this, quickly put down her fishing rod and ran over.

Mrs. Xu carried a plastic bucket about half her waist's thickness, slowly moving with it. The bucket was filled with fish food, so heavy that it bent Mrs. Xu's waist. Xia Lingying walked forward and took it from her.

"Mrs. Xu, why did you buy so much fish food?"

Mrs. Xu smirked and pointed to the left side.

"Xiaxia, there, go over there."

Hearing Mrs. Xu's words, Xia Lingying burst into laughter. She genuinely admired this elderly lady, old but young at heart. Following the instructions, Xia Lingying walked to the left side. Without Mrs. Xu saying anything, she lifted her arm and emptied the entire bucket of fish food into the sea. Watching Mrs. Xu's delighted face, and thinking about Xiao Moyan who would soon be embarrassed, Xia Lingying's heart unexpectedly held a small sense of anticipation.

After pouring the fish food, the two of them returned the bucket, carefully cleaning up the remaining debris at the scene. They then sat on the beach, pretending to fish earnestly. After about ten minutes, Xiao Moyan walked in slowly. Seeing the serious expressions on their faces, she disdainfully shook her head, picked up a fishing rod, and went to the opposite side.

Xiao Moyan sat on the fishing chair, looking smugly at the two. "Comparing fishing with me, it's like a fool's dream. Hmph!"

However, things didn't go as smoothly as she imagined. After a while, Xiao Moyan, with a frustrated expression, watched the two continuously reeling in lines. She lowered her head to see only a few small fish swimming in her bucket. Drooping her head in disappointment, she pouted, stretched lazily, and loudly shouted, "Mrs. Xu, I'm hungry! Let's eat!"

Mrs. Xu smiled as she reeled in her fishing rod, leaning it on her shoulder and waving.

"Miss, come over, take a look. I don't know what happened today; I barely caught any fish. You definitely won. Let's settle the bet. According to the usual rule, bring your fish over, and I'll carry them to the kitchen."

Watching Mrs. Xu's serious demeanor, Xia Lingying bit her lip, trying to suppress a laugh. Xiao Moyan walked over with a stern face, without saying a word. She took the plastic bucket from Mrs. Xu, staggering towards the back while muttering, "Something fishy, there's definitely something fishy!"

The not-so-large restaurant behind the beach was a gift from Xiao Nian to his beloved wife. After her passing, it became Xiao Moyan's property. Typically, after fishing, the one who lost would carry the bucket directly to the restaurant for lunch. Today was no exception, but Xiao Moyan's heart felt different because of someone else's arrival.

Could it be that there's a taste of happiness?

The three ordered some small dishes, enjoying an intimate meal together. They spent a leisurely afternoon amidst the ongoing banter between Xiao Moyan and Mrs. Xu. A faint smile lingered on Xia Lingying's lips, a calmness she had never felt before. She turned her head, secretly observing Xiao Moyan. At this moment, Xiao Moyan, without the usual dominance and arrogance of a CEO, had a childlike smile on her face. Her lips curved, eyes squinted into a cute expression. Xia Lingying was captivated, but her phone suddenly rang. She picked it up, seeing an unfamiliar number. Fearing it might be something related to the film crew, she nodded to Mrs. Xu, got up, and walked out.

Xia Lingying answered the call and listened for a while, but there was silence on the other end. She unconsciously frowned.

"Hello?"

Xia Lingying pursed her lips, patiently waiting. After a long time with no sound, her patience was wearing thin. Just as she was about to hang up, a long sigh came through the phone.

"Xiaxia, it's me."

Xia Lingying's heart tightened suddenly. That familiar voice, etched into her very being, made her uncontrollably tremble. Her left hand tightly covered her mouth as tears gushed out at this moment.

Author's Note: 

\(ㄒoㄒ)/~~ I don't want to go back to school, don't want to go back to school, don't want to go back to school!

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