First Kiss Diary - Chapter 02

In the midst of their gaze, Jining felt her ears heating up again.

The dazzling sunlight streamed in, casting a honey-colored tint in the man’s eyes.

Jishi Yan narrowed his eyes imperceptibly and said, « Can you… »

Before he could finish his sentence, Jining remembered that he didn’t like bright environments when catching up on sleep, so she immediately turned around and pulled down the sunshade.

Her reaction was so quick that even she was momentarily stunned. Not knowing how to explain, she could only turn her back to him and act like an ostrich.

Jishi Yan also seemed to hesitate for a moment, surprised that this stranger had some understanding of him. After gazing at her back for a few seconds, he politely thanked her.

She nodded vigorously with her head buried, but she didn’t know if he saw.

After a while, she felt the person beside her breathing evenly, so she slowly turned her head.

Perhaps work was indeed exhausting. He had reclined his seat and entered into a light sleep.

The person she had been longing for was lying right beside her, which was quite thrilling.

The man’s fingers were well-defined, slender, and adorned with a silver tail ring on his pinky finger, which he hadn’t taken off for many years.

There were various rumors about the ring, some said it was in memory of a loved one, some said it was a lucky charm, while others claimed it was a couple’s item with his girlfriend outside the industry.

But she preferred to believe it was a lucky charm.

She took off the matching ring from her necklace, the one she had worn when she got her first lead role, which held extraordinary significance for her.

She slid the ring onto her own pinky finger, then gently approached his hand, holding her breath as she took a photo.

An hour later, the plane arrived in City Y. Jishi Yan woke up to find the person beside him rummaging through her bag, unable to see her face clearly. He didn’t pay much attention and disembarked the plane.

The camper van for resting was already waiting at the intersection. Jishi Yan got on amidst a crowd of fans. He heard his manager gossiping, « You and Jining are trending. »

Although the name was unfamiliar, Jishi Yan still leaned over and asked quietly, « Is it a big deal? »

« It’s not surprising for you to trend, she’s just a bit innocent, » Jiang Sheng sighed, « You just helped her up, and she’s been criticized heavily. »

« You mean the red carpet incident? » Jishi Yan finally caught on and asked, « Are my fans the ones criticizing her? »

« Of course not. It’s jealous fans from other groups spreading rumors because she has good resources. Nowadays, people are easily influenced, they see a bit of fabricated gossip and believe it blindly, then they start ‘righteous crusades’ on their keyboards. »

Jishi Yan wasn’t interested in this gossip and took a sip of tea while reading the news.

Seeing he didn’t stop him, Jiang Sheng continued, « You know that actress who blushes whenever she acts opposite a male actor? She’s dubbed ‘Little Ear’ by others. She rose to fame recently because of Feng Nan’s film. At the age of twenty, she’s fresh and talented, very likable. »

« She seemed to be gaining momentum, but alas, she’s become a pitiful sacrifice to the industry. »

« Do you know Sun He? She’s signed with the same company as her. Actually, Sun He is the boss’s illegitimate daughter, with amazing resources, but she just couldn’t get popular. After a year of heavy promotion, she finally started gaining some attention, but then she was caught spending the night with a friend—she was supposed to have a pure image, but wouldn’t this ruin her? »

Jishi Yan let the information pass through one ear and out the other, remembering that he hadn’t finished reading something on the plane, so he took out the market report and list of potential names for « First Kiss Diary » and continued reading.

Jiang Sheng immersed himself in his own world, « That photo only showed their backs, and Sun He and Jining look somewhat alike. The company naturally favors the boss’s daughter, so they pushed Jining out. The public’s tolerance for female stars is low, and they’ve been viciously criticizing her. That girl really loves acting and wouldn’t confront the company at such a crucial moment, so she can only endure. »

« But her acting skills are indeed quite spirited, and she has a good reputation in the industry. Finding the right timing to turn the tide might not be impossible… »

Upon hearing this, Ji Shiyi couldn’t help but put down the tablet, furrowing his brow as he asked, « Are you free today? »

« I’m here to exchange some top-secret gossip with you, but you seem completely uninterested, » Jiang Sheng shook his head helplessly, « Didn’t you notice her last time? She looks so fresh, full of collagen. »

Ji Shiyi remained silent, naturally recalling the scene from that day.

When they got off the car, it seemed like he glanced at her but didn’t pay much attention. When the red carpet assistant helped her, he only saw her bright red ears, as if they could drip blood when pinched.

« Hey, someone said she was on the same flight as you today. Did you see her? »

The man checked his wristwatch, « I don’t know. »

—

Ji Ning’s filming task today was a series of Hong Kong-style photoshoots, perhaps because of her outstanding temperament, her fashion resources have been excellent since her debut.

« This is the last set, turn your face slightly, perfect—wrap it up! »

Ji Ning leaned against the edge of the table, making a difficult move.

Assistant Nono hurried over to support her, « It’s done, you don’t have to tiptoe anymore. »

« I know, » Ji Ning shifted her ankle, « but my leg feels like it’s cramping. »

« … »

The wall background was too high, she needed to tiptoe to match it, and the studio floor was freezing cold. Earlier, she had taken off her shoes.

Fortunately, the slippers didn’t appear in the shot, and the female star in the photo still looked elegant and charming, dazzlingly beautiful.

As they left the studio, Nono sighed, « Who would’ve known that such a cold-looking Hong Kong-style photo was taken while you were wearing Pikachu slippers and tiptoeing? »

« Disillusionment, huh, » Ji Ning laughed, « I once interviewed a host who, after finishing the news, looked all neat and tidy in a suit and tie on top, but wore beach shorts with prints underneath. »

Nono was also amused. After looking at her profile for a while, she thought to herself that she had served several artists, but none were as easygoing as her. She didn’t put on airs or pretend to be nice, making it very comfortable to be around her. Moreover, she treated the staff as friends, which was rare in the entertainment industry full of hypocrisy.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, there was a business dinner. During the meal, she found out that #JiNingFellIntoJiShiyan’sArms had been dominating the top trend for a long time. Someone deliberately chose a blurry GIF, where she and the female star didn’t actually collide; it looked like she was pretending to fall into Ji Shiyi’s arms.

The comments were full of malicious intent—

【If you can’t walk, don’t wear high heels. Does self-discipline automatically fail when faced with a top star?】

【When did Ji Ning disappear from my sight? Those who ride on the low-key handsome guy’s traffic are pathetic.】

【Ah, no, dirty stuff stay away from my brother!!】

【Did someone bump into her? Then she starts acting like a self-indulgent queen. Why isn’t her acting skills as exquisite when filming?】

【Stop scolding. Praise where praise is due. At least she didn’t have a one-night stand last night [dog head to save life].】

Human nature always tends to interpret others with the utmost malice, recklessly attacking from behind the safety of screens, even if they’re just looking at intentionally negative content posted by marketing accounts.

Online bullies often consider themselves on the side of justice, ignoring their own wrongdoings.

No one wants themselves or their loved ones to be treated like this. She felt suffocated in her chest and went outside to catch her breath while washing her hands.

Nono probably guessed what she was doing and sent her a message: 【Should I remind the company again?】

【No need, I’ll personally go to the company in a couple of days to discuss it.

—

It’s urgent to form a new team. With the advancement of the internet, the golden PR time is getting shorter. Instead of waiting passively, it’s better to take the initiative.

Ji Ning was thinking about negotiation tactics when she unexpectedly encountered a despicable producer in the backyard. Not only had he fantasized about taking advantage of her, but now he was talking endlessly without understanding her expression: « My next drama is really good. I also want to show the script to Ji Shixian. Do you know him? »

She thought he was asking if she had his contact information and shook her head.

« You don’t know Ji Shixian? » The other party obviously didn’t know about her and Ji Shixian’s red carpet event. « The one who acted in ‘Helpless’! »

– So, he was asking if she knew Ji Shixian.

However, Ji Ning didn’t want to engage in small talk either. She awkwardly smiled politely, preparing to quickly end the conversation: « I don’t know him very well, haven’t met him. »

Suddenly, a low cough came from behind her.

The producer looked somewhat dumbfounded as he glanced over, « Ji Shixian? »

Ji Ning stiffened.

In the peripheral mirror, a man’s face appeared. She had carefully counted the stubble on his cheek during the recent flight.

He had probably been standing there for a while.

Ji Ning’s phone buzzed twice. It was Nono looking for her: [Where are you? We’re about to cut the ribbon!]

She bit her lip, thinking how she could get away with pretending not to know him outside, but how could she be discovered by him…?

« I, I’ll go first. » Ji Ning wanted to look back at him but didn’t have the courage. She bowed and hurriedly walked away.

As she passed him, she smelled the refreshing scent of amber and blackwood.

Later, she was absent-minded throughout the entire ribbon-cutting ceremony, not knowing what impression she had left on him.

Falling on the red carpet, being impulsive on the plane, not recognizing the arrogance of the elder?

Headache.

She walked dazedly towards the changing room, not noticing the two girls guarding the door, nor did they notice her. She reached the end, pulled back the curtain, and caught a glimpse of the man’s magnificent figure, though only for a moment.

Ji Shixian stretched out his long arm, putting on a shirt. Suddenly, he heard the sound of buttons falling. He was facing away from the door and turned around.

Ji Ning’s ears buzzed. Her first reaction was to apologize, then she pulled the curtain closed and hurried away.

However, her limbs simultaneously gave the order, her brain’s processing power was insufficient, and she hesitated for a moment –

Her leg, which hadn’t fully recovered, began to cramp again, and she found herself unable to move.

…

If the current soreness wasn’t so real, she would have thought she was filming an idol drama.

Ji Ning, disillusioned and disheartened, resorted to her last remedy, covering her eyes and apologizing repeatedly: « I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here… »

The man’s voice was slightly deep and calm as he buttoned up the last button, bluntly hinting, « Instead of turning around and covering your eyes, it would be more direct for you to just leave. »

What did he take her for? If she could walk, she would have left long ago!

Her face was burning, and she felt embarrassed to admit she was cramping up. After a while, she managed to blurt out, « Can you, could you go out first… »

But the man calmly replied, « I haven’t changed my pants yet. »

Ji Ning’s mind exploded, and she struggled to turn sideways to try to move out, but her heels felt like they were nailed to the ground, and moving caused them to go numb and ache.

Why did she have to come here to change? Was she insane? Why didn’t she change in the car?

« Why does she have to change clothes here? Is she crazy? Why not wait until we’re back on the bus to change? » She couldn’t turn left, nor could she turn right. A full 180 degrees was out of the question. At that moment, she showed a inexplicable sense of anxiety.

Ji Shiyan was unclear about the situation, watching her ears turn red as she behaved irrationally, like a soup dumpling in boiling water or a broken clock hand.

He crossed his arms and chuckled inexplicably.

With his laughter, Ji Ning became even more flustered. « Stop laughing. »

Just now, she felt so powerless, but now she inexplicably regained her confidence, as if he shouldn’t have laughed in the first place.

Ji Shiyan smiled and raised an eyebrow, his voice deepening. « Alright, sorry. »

In the end, it was Nono who came to help her out after receiving a phone call.

It’s quite funny, really. Her legs, which couldn’t move a step when she saw Ji Shiyan, suddenly became agile once they left the lounge.

Upon entering the RV, Ji Ning headed straight for the bed, covering herself with a pillow, emitting faint, rabbit-like cries of distress.

Nono went out for a while, and when she came back, it was clear she knew the whole story.

« It’s okay, it’s just a misunderstanding. Ji Shiyan had something to do behind you, and there’s only one changing room. The girl at the door forgot to tell you. It’s not your fault. I know Jiang Shengge, get up quickly, and I’ll introduce you to Ji Shiyan. »

How should she introduce herself?
– « Hello, I’m Ji Shiyan. »
– « Hello, I’m Ji Ning, who hasn’t received official authorization but still insists that I’m your legitimate wife. You can call me Mrs. Ji. Even though I just said I didn’t know you today, I almost saw you changing pants. »

Her acting career might be over soon.

Ji Ning temporarily couldn’t face her husband, replied gloomily, « No need. »

Nono respected her decision and went to Ji Shiyan without complaint. « Sorry, my artist is a bit timid. »

Ji Shiyan’s eyebrows twitched as he looked towards the RV not far away.

Timid? That’s not necessarily the case.

When she said she hadn’t seen him before, he thought she was quite brave.

After Ji Shiyan’s activity ended, he and Jiang Sheng chatted as they entered the RV.

He had participated in the program « First Kiss Diary » behind the scenes and invested in it. There was a big investor who hadn’t invested in a love program before and insisted on his participation.

After thinking for a few days, he felt it was just a love variety show, not much different from acting. Since the new drama was postponed, he could use the program as an excuse to travel. So he asked Jiang Sheng, « Who are you planning to pair me with? »

« There are only three female artists, Shen Xin, Li Yujia, and Ji Ning. Li Yujia has more experience, so we plan to pair you two up as a couple. »

Even he had heard of Li Yujia, the queen of publicity who attracted attention wherever she went. He detested being tied up in publicity stunts.

Ji Shiyan frowned. « I can participate, but I want someone else. »

« There aren’t many options. If you don’t want Li Yujia, who else can you choose? »

The man’s gaze swept over the list, and then settled on a name with profound meaning.

He tapped the table edge, pondering. « Ji Ning. »

She said she didn’t know him this afternoon? Well then, let her get to know him… properly.