Su Ding saw Zhao Qin walk out with a dazed expression, feeling a little puzzled.
She walked over. "What's wrong?"
Zhao Qin glanced at her, her brows still tightly furrowed. She shook her head, refusing to speak.
Su Ding didn't press further. Instead, she said, "Aunt Zhang and Aunt Huang came looking for you earlier. They said the vegetarian meal has started, so you should go eat something."
Hearing about the vegetarian meal, Zhao Qin finally realized it was already noon.
She nodded. "Then let's hurry over."
With that, she followed Su Ding towards the place where they were serving the vegetarian meal.
Soon, Zhao Qin rejoined her two friends. They huddled together, whispering about something. Su Ding didn't get close; instead, she took a bowl of vegetarian food and ate it not far away.
Suddenly, a phone call came.
Su Ding glanced at the caller ID and walked to a quiet spot to answer.
"Ding, how have you been lately? Have you considered what I mentioned last time?" A string of English was spoken enthusiastically by the foreign director, Wilson.
"It's Wilson. I can't participate in the movie. I've already retired from the industry and won't be acting in movies anymore."
Su Ding replied politely. Her scandal was still all over the news, yet Wilson was still thinking of casting her.
Before calling, Wilson had naturally done some research on Su Ding. However, to achieve a better presentation for his movie, he simply didn't care about such news.
"Ding, my movie truly needs you. Let's have a meal together sometime, and I'll explain."
"Please don't refuse me, otherwise, I'll keep contacting you. If you're worried about that news, believe me, it won't have any impact at all."
"Please."
Under Wilson's relentless pursuit, Su Ding felt too embarrassed to refuse again.
After all, when she was struggling to raise her daughter alone abroad, it was Wilson who gave her the opportunity to act, allowing her to earn a living for her daughter.
She thought for a moment and compromised. "I can't promise you about the movie, but I'm free next Saturday. I'll treat you to a meal as an apology."
Wilson immediately agreed, as if he knew she would eventually agree to star in the movie.
After hanging up, Su Ding smiled helplessly. She reckoned many people in the industry would now avoid her. If she were to participate, she wondered what the public outcry would be.
Not far away, Zhao Qin saw Su Ding walk over after finishing her phone call.
She inexplicably felt that Su Ding seemed very resilient. Although outwardly calm and serene, there was a subtle, indescribable aura about her.
"Don't wander off later. When the sun isn't so hot, we'll head down the mountain."
Zhao Qin said to Su Ding with a hint of reproach. Su Ding ignored her, let out a hum, and sat down nearby.
After resting for nearly two hours, it was finally not so hot.
Zhao Qin and the others began their return journey.
Su Ding remained in the passenger seat, her eyes closed, resting.
Zhao Qin and the others were also a bit tired from the trip. They stopped chatting and dozed off, making the car cabin somewhat quiet.
After an unknown amount of time.
Everyone faintly heard the driver sighing repeatedly, muttering something.
Su Ding was the first to wake up, asking in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Seeing Su Ding awake, the driver's furrowed brow deepened. "I don't know what's going on, but the navigation seems to be having issues. We didn't pass this place when we came, did we?"
Upon hearing this, Su Ding's gaze shot outside.
In an instant, her expression also turned grave. Outside was a dense forest of ancient trees, appearing desolate and very quiet.
It looked like they had strayed into the transitional zone between the county town and the countryside.
"Miss Su, I've been driving around for half an hour and still can't get out."
The driver said uneasily, the locator icon on the GPS continuing to jump erratically.