For the next two days, the system remained silent.
Lin Muci called out several times, but the little system didn't reply.
This surprised Lin Muci greatly.
Huh? Did something happen to the little system?
Did she no longer have a system?
However, she didn't have time to worry about the system's safety these past few days.
She had been nominated for the Golden Bauhinia Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Newcomer, which meant Lin Muci needed to prepare her gown and her acceptance speech.
She was incredibly busy.
She had finished filming her scenes with Hanks and had returned to the country.
To avoid a repeat of the "grand occasion" where the airport was packed, Lin Muci had kept her return flight private this time, returning without fanfare.
Zhao Lan called her just as she was deplaning.
"Sister Lan?"
"I'm back in the country, and I have time. Okay, I'll come to find you."
...
A moment later, in a tea house,
Zhao Lan and He Yunru sat together, smiling at Lin Muci.
"Xiao Ci is getting more beautiful! Director Li Ping raves about your acting. He said you're the most talented young girl he's ever met, and your emotional delivery in scenes is exceptional!"
Zhao Lan said with emotion.
"I think my title as the acting queen has a successor."
He Yunru glanced at Zhao Lan and said,
"I heard Huo Ziyao made some passive-aggressive remarks about Xiao Ci on social media regarding a sponsorship deal recently?"
"She's been in the industry for decades, yet she's so uncivilized. Tsk, truly... truly petty."
Mentioning Huo Ziyao, Zhao Lan's expression also soured slightly.
"She's also attending the awards ceremony. I originally didn't plan to go, but I was worried she might embarrass Xiao Ci, so I had to go to support her no matter what."
He Yunru nodded.
"She has deep roots in the industry and close relationships with many influential figures."
"With just one word from her, she could indeed blackball Xiao Ci in the industry."
"But we absolutely must support Xiao Ci."
"Once the movie 'I'm Thriving in the World of Scum Abuse' becomes a massive hit, no one will dare to spread malicious gossip."
Zhao Lan smiled. "Huo Ziyao can't bully Xiao Ci."
"Someone wants to protect Xiao Ci, don't they?"
Her eyes held a trace of playful teasing.
Lin Muci knew she was referring to Ling Qianhe, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
The door was suddenly pushed open.
Then Ling Qianhe walked in from outside.
He was wearing a trench coat that day, exuding an elegant and handsome aura. He naturally sat down beside Lin Muci, and Zhao Lan's smile widened.
It's happening.
"Qianhe, why did you get here so quickly?"
"Can't wait to see Xiao Ci?"
She had intended to tease Ling Qianhe.
To her surprise, Ling Qianhe nodded and directly admitted it without hesitation.
"Yes. I can't wait to see Xiao Ci."
His brows and eyes were filled with tenderness.
He, who was usually like hard ice, melted into warm spring sunshine when he looked at Lin Muci.
"I missed her."
Being able to openly express one's longing is also a talent.
Lin Muci's eyes widened. They were sitting with two seniors, wasn't he embarrassed!
Ling Qianhe had no idea what embarrassment was.
"What are you guys talking about?"
He Yunru also sensed something unusual.
"Xiao Ci... you and her..."
Ling Qianhe put his arm around her shoulder.
"We are a couple, can't you tell?"
His tone suggested it was a matter of fact!
Zhao Lan said teasingly,
"Are you planning to confess your love at the awards ceremony?"
Ling Qianhe didn't hesitate.
"I can, but I'm worried Xiao Ci won't agree."
Lin Muci's head began to throb.
"No— If you do that, tomorrow's headlines will be about us again!"
Ling Qianhe smiled.
"Isn't that good?"
"Or do you want to confess to me? I'm open to it."
Lin Muci thought.
No, she wouldn't!
Ling Qianhe greeted the two seniors and then took Lin Muci out of the tea house.
The car drove towards his villa. Sitting in the car, Lin Muci's mind was on the replication opportunity the little system had mentioned before disappearing.
"That..."
Ling Qianhe glanced up at her eyes.
"What is it?"
His eyes were full of doting affection.
Lin Muci thought for a moment and then started from Zhou Yuan'an's mother.
She recounted how Zhou Yuan'an's mother met a beautiful woman while working in a factory, spoke of their photo, and the boat ticket...
Ling Qianhe, who had a casual expression at first, watched Lin Muci with a smile in his eyes. But as she spoke, Ling Qianhe sat up straight.
"I think... I have some recollection."
He pondered for a moment.
"My mother did have a close friend back then. I remember her son had some intellectual issues and learned very slowly. His mother was always troubled and considered sending him to a special school..."
"Is that Zhou Yuan'an and his mother?"
Lin Muci was also taken aback.
"Zhou Yuan'an was so slow-witted as a child..."
But that wasn't the point!
"She has a photo of your mother... I mean, if you want it, I can help you get it."
She thought Ling Qianhe would really want that photo.
But to her surprise, Ling Qianhe refused.
"No need."
Lin Muci looked at him, confused.
"Why refuse? You wanted it too, didn't you? Your mother passed away so early... you must want a photo as a memento..."
Ling Qianhe lowered his gaze.
His long lashes cast a shadow on his face.
His incredibly handsome face displayed a rather indifferent expression.
After a moment.
Ling Qianhe said,
"I remember what she looked like."
"That is enough."
This was his deep scar.
Touching it would cause him to bleed profusely.
The little boy hiding in the ice cave, cutting his wrists until they bled freely.
He hid in the freezer, watching his mother's body gradually grow cold...
He would never forget it.
Lin Muci looked at Ling Qianhe. This Ling Qianhe felt unfamiliar.
And it also made her feel immense heartache. He lowered his head, emotions surging in his eyes, but finally settling into a dead calm.
"Some people deserved to die long ago."
"She will pay the price."
Speaking of which, Madam Ling and Ling Wanli seemed to have stopped causing trouble recently?
Lin Muci mused. She felt Ling Qianhe wouldn't let them off the hook.
It was a pity the little system was missing.
Otherwise, she could have asked the little system.
What exactly had Ling Qianhe done.
Ever since Madam Ling asked her if she wanted to have a child for Ling Qianhe last time, there had indeed been no activity for a long time.
Why had they gone quiet?
Stopped causing trouble?
Ling Qianhe then gently stroked the back of her head.
"Sister Muci, are you worried about me, feeling sorry for me?"
"Have you, perhaps, fallen in love with me?"