First Kiss Diary - Chapter 38

Just after putting on the ring, someone behind him was urging him on. Ji Shiyan loosened his grip, turned to the side, and took the card and map he had placed on the machine.

Ji Ning hid his hands behind his back and quietly rubbed the ring with his thumb.

A bit unnatural, as if unsure how to use this hand better, heavy and itchy.

Along the way, her ring balloon attracted most of the attention. Ji Ning felt a bit embarrassed and pulled the balloon down to hold it in front of her.

The man glanced at her sideways: « If you do that, I won’t be able to find you. »

She had no choice but to loosen her grip again, letting the balloon float up.

« I’m not a child anymore… » she whispered softly.

I won’t get lost, so you don’t have to keep looking for me. I can take care of myself now.

He spoke quietly, perhaps because he didn’t hear clearly: « Hmm? »

Ji Ning honestly expressed what was on her mind: « This feels a lot like a dad taking care of his kid. »

« …… »???

The man’s previously pleased smile suddenly tightened, as if even his brows were covered by layers of dark clouds: « What… and what? »

After thinking carefully, she felt something was off and corrected herself, « Elders take care of juniors. »

Ji Shiyan pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, squinting his eyes: « …Are you implying I’m old? »

Ji Ning did not expect him to think in that direction at all, and quickly shook her head, « No, of course not, I just mean you treat me too much like a child. »

« I just don’t want you to live such a exhausting life, » the man said casually.

She was momentarily stunned.

Entering this circle too early, struggling to rise under the pressure of capital, she seemed to have long been accustomed to living a tiring life. Nonstop work, always maintaining cautious speech and behavior, being watched by countless eyes and having to deliver high scores so that the constraints of public opinion would temporarily loosen.

Who told her she had no background and no team, and was even pitted against the boss’s daughter.

Even she gradually felt that all of this was perfectly normal, never expecting someone to stand in front of her and say they wanted to make things easier for her.

Easier—how long had it been since she last heard that word?

So long that it seemed the time spent alone had already stretched on and on.

« The gate opened, » Ji Shiyan observed as he turned to remind her, « Let’s go, watch the steps. »

///

The first attraction was relatively mild, while the second one was a bit more thrilling.

When passing through the turnstile, the staff reminded Ji Ning to remove the balloon and ring from his hand to avoid any danger.

For safety, Ji Ning complied, placing the ring on the locker and pressing it down with a water cup.

Just as the second attraction was about to start, Ji Ning heard a noisy commotion not far away but didn’t pay much attention. When he got off, he saw a staff member approaching with an apologetic expression.

The main idea is that another unaware staff member passed by, picked up the cup intending to place it in the beverage area, but didn’t see the balloon, and since the balloon wasn’t held down properly, it flew away.

The staff didn’t catch it, and the ring got stuck in the middle of a pond. Someone has already been sent to retrieve it.

After hearing this, Ji Ning was still a bit stunned. She didn’t expect that just from going on the flying chair ride, the balloon along with the ring would fly away.

She wasn’t sure if this was deliberately designed by the production team to create some twists and difficulties.

After all, a show that goes too smoothly isn’t very interesting to watch.

She and Ji Shiyan went to the middle of the pool to look and found that the ring was stuck in a crack between some stones. A group of staff were gathered around trying to retrieve it.

Ji Ning wasn’t very optimistic. She squatted down, hugging her knees, and muttered to herself, “Can it be taken out?”

“Looks like it can’t,” Ji Shiyan said. “That spot is a blind zone, very hard to reach. Even if we pry the stones open, the ring would have been worn out long ago.”

Just now, I forgot that the ring would get scratched, Ji Ning lowered her eyes and thought drowsily. Even if the staff could get over and pry the ring off, the ring would definitely be worn out and look terrible.

Something so meaningful would be given a sense of imperfection like this, and it might not even be retrievable. She lost interest, and her voice lacked strength when she spoke.

Then maybe we should just forget it.

Rather than having a ring full of scratches in her hand, it would be better to just let it stay there naturally.

Ji Shiyan had the same thought, rubbing her hair and soothing her, « It’s okay, next time I’ll get you a different one. »

The frustration instantly vanished, Ji Ning looked up, « Different? »

« Yeah. » The ring is gone, isn’t it?

« Different what? » she asked.

You’re quite curious.

The man stared at her for a moment, watching her slowly stand up again, then smiled, « Keep it a secret for now. »

Heh.

She wrinkled her nose in mild discontent but really didn’t dwell on what had upset her just now, picking up her drink and taking another sip.

After the slightly bitter top notes of the honey citron tea faded, a faint sweetness was delivered to the tip of the tongue.

It seems… not a bad deal after all.

In the end, they called a halt to the staff who were sweating profusely over there. The staff repeatedly apologized and, to make up for the loss, arranged a private little show just for them.

The amusement park had theater performances that ended promptly at six. Considering today’s special circumstances, the manager added an extra show after six, which only the two of them could enter, performed exclusively for them.

The large venue had the air conditioning turned up quite high, probably still set for the temperature control of over five hundred people. As soon as Ji Ning entered, she felt the cold air piercing straight into her collar.

She crossed her arms and shrank her neck.

The opera happily began as the curtain rose. Ji Ning watched the actors on stage singing and dancing, inexplicably reminded of Ji Shiyan standing on his debut stage a long time ago.

At that time, she hadn’t yet fallen for him. Many videos were later caught up on through post-viewing, but just seeing the current scenes still inevitably stirred a certain respectful awe. She thought with emotion that these were all people passionate about this career, and even if there was only one audience member, they were giving their all to present the best performance possible.

After the lively singing and dancing, the program gradually quieted down, and Ji Ning increasingly felt the chill, rubbing her palms and glancing at the dress she was wearing.

If only she hadn’t changed into this dress before going on stage just for the sake of ceremony.

The love drama on stage had reached the passionate and heart-wrenching part. Ji Ning tilted her head and noticed the man was unbuttoning the buttons that extended down from the throat with beautifully curved fingertips.

She awkwardly scratched the back of her hand.

…Is her idol, who is single for an unknown period, always this passionate?

Ji Ning turned around pretending to seriously watch the play, but she had no idea what was being performed; her hearing was entirely focused on the man beside her.

After a while, she felt a soft piece of clothing drape over her shoulder. She instinctively moved to adjust it, but Ji Shiyan’s deep voice sounded above her head: « Focus on the play. »

…Oh.

Unable to concentrate, Ji Ning had no choice but to focus on watching the play, but her mind kept drifting endlessly.

Ji Shiyan adjusted the shoulder seam of his shirt, made sure it covered her properly, and then left the seat.

She moved slightly under his oversized shirt, feeling the soft texture where his arm met the fabric; the cuff still seemed to hold his lingering warmth.

She noticed the neckline of the dress was a bit low, and when she lifted it up, the skirt, which barely covered her upper thighs, became even shorter.

Ji Ning reached out to adjust her skirt, pressing it down with her palm.

Female celebrities often experience this at events; when the skirt is just the right length, sitting down makes it uncomfortably short. Although she wore safety shorts, with cameras everywhere, she couldn’t help but worry about exposure, so she could only press it down with her hand.

The man who had just left his seat returned at this moment, carrying a small square blanket.

He said, « They don’t have a bigger one, so just use this to cover up. »

Ji Ning unexpectedly raised his eyebrows slightly, but naturally took the blanket and covered himself with it. He was about to say something, then remembered that he was inherently such a thoughtful person, so this kind of action was not surprising.

Moreover, his unobtrusive consideration never made anyone feel burdened or pressured.

He didn’t remember anything about the play performance that day, only that the indoor lighting cast his shadow onto her, and his clothes carried the usual pleasant scent of ebony and agarwood.

///

The recent episodes of « First Kiss Diary » have adopted a format of recording the day before and broadcasting the next day. Besides doubling the post-production staff and everyone staying up late, it can be said to be a blessing for all.

Ji Ning was not wrong; the production team did indeed arrange for the ring to end up in the pool, but they only did it for the sake of creating buzz and plot twists, unaware of the ring’s significance to Ji Ning.

However, considering that someone promised to buy her a new one, she didn’t pursue the matter any further.

But it must be said that the production team’s move was very clever. The spot with the balloon quickly became a popular attraction at the amusement park. Not only did fans living in France go there to check in, but French viewers also took photos and selfies, and even traveling CP fans went through great lengths to visit and see it for themselves.

The local TV station was shocked by the huge number of people taking photos together. This event even made it onto foreign news websites, bringing a fresh wave of natural traffic and a rise in national popularity.

Five days later, Ji Ning was invited to participate in the recording of the program « Sound and Vision. »

As its name suggests, « Sound and Vision » is a show related to voice, aiming to showcase the charm of actors in their vocal delivery of lines.

With the rapid development of the times, focusing deeply on producing quality dramas seems to have become a thankless and exhausting task. Most dramas on the market are like instant noodles, labeled « fast food » on the lid.

Fewer and fewer actors are willing to seriously study their lines. After all, no matter how poor the line delivery is, you can just find a good voice actor to dub it seamlessly. Since they get paid so much anyway, the real strategy is to cash in and move on to the next production.

Even if the lines and acting are terribly out of character, relying on a good-looking face and a fan-attracting persona on variety shows can still catapult someone to the top tier. They don’t need the self-cultivation of an actor, after all, their goal isn’t to be a good actor.

The show « Vivid Voices » aims to give actors with strong professional skills a chance to be seen by the picky and twisted market.

The previous episodes invited actors who perform in serious dramas, almost none of whom have any traffic. Ji Ning didn’t expect to be invited herself, but thought it wouldn’t hurt to go and learn some experience, so she agreed.

She arrived early that day, and after finishing her makeup, she sat on the small sofa in the lounge reading the script, like an invisible person.

Before long, the guests arrived one after another, and some staff were quietly gossiping while tidying up the tables.

Why do you think Ji Ning still hasn’t arrived?

Still not here?! The recording starts in half an hour.

Yeah, I heard she’s really high-maintenance, demanding her own super large VIP lounge, or else she won’t perform. I guess that’s what caused the argument with the director’s team…

Where did you hear that from?

I forgot, anyway I’ve been looking for her all day today, I wanted to see what she looks like in person…

Then you probably got the wrong information, » Ji Ning behind them raised the script in her hand, « I was here three hours ago.

The girl clearing the table was stunned, her gaze gradually shifting from dazed to surprised: « She, she’s here? Why is she just sitting here? There’s an artist lounge inside! »

Someone was cleaning just now, it was a bit noisy, » Ji Ning said, « so I came outside.

She didn’t like it too noisy when reading the script, and it was the same no matter where she sat.

Later, Ji Ning was called by the director to check the schedule, and the two girls watched her back, still lost in existential doubt.

The girl who just said she was acting like a diva shook her head: « Not diva-like at all, her smile is so genuine. I think I’m starting to become a fan, how did this happen? »

Another person also glanced in her direction: « Me too, that figure is amazing, even slimmer than on TV. »

……

Half an hour later, the show recording began.

Each episode invites three guests, and the different colors of the seats represent each guest. The audience chooses which color stool to sit on, indicating which guest they support.

In the end, judges both inside and outside the venue decide the rankings of the three guests. The audience supporting the winning guest will also receive a prize. In each round, the audience has the right to change their seat, meaning they can change their support—in essence, you support whoever you think might come in first, since there are prizes for guessing correctly.

This episode features Ji Ning along with two other young actresses who perform in serious dramas. Although their popularity isn’t particularly high, they are still considered to have a good national following.

Ji Ning’s color, as usual, is the support color yellow.

Before the performance began, the audience could freely choose their seats, which was essentially a blind guess. After each guest finished a round, they could also decide whether to switch to another team based on the guest’s strength.

As the only popular figure, Ji Ning did not actually feel very frustrated when she found that she had the fewest supporters in her area.

After all, in this era, popularity no longer necessarily equated to ability, so it was quite normal for her to be « unfairly » treated this way.

Qingyi Xu Nian was the first to take the stage, performing a classic scene of a mother searching for her child.

The emotion was spot on, and applause surged from the audience below. Someone in the corresponding audience section cheered loudly.

The second performer in green, Zhao An’an, presented a sorrowful performance of the female lead discovering her lover had passed away.

As usual, the cheers were like a tide.

Ji Ning felt a bit pressured, sweat seeping from his palms.

The outstanding performances of the two seniors certainly put a lot of pressure on her, but what was even more difficult was that she chose to portray a madwoman.

A mother with schizophrenia who talks to her five personalities in prison.

It sounds almost ridiculous for a popular actress to perform something so difficult.

Nono had advised her, and the director repeatedly confirmed with her whether she had already made up her mind.

But she was originally the least favored newcomer in the show. Without fighting with her back against the wall, how could she achieve a breakthrough and a new beginning?

No matter what others thought, she did not want to be labeled as a mere pretty face conforming to the times. Only by challenging herself to the fullest could she shatter doubts to the greatest extent.

The transition after this round would represent the audience’s true evaluation of her abilities.

Whether the public’s perception could change depended on what came next—

Ji Ning adjusted his headset, took a deep breath, and held the microphone, « You can start now. »

The background music slowly began to play.

The first to appear was the protagonist’s imagined daughter persona: « I’m really scared, it’s so dark, where is this? »

Having once killed his own daughter with his own hands, the protagonist, overwhelmed by guilt and various intense emotions, developed a split personality, with the first child persona born in this way.

Ji Ning’s voice was naturally crisp, perfectly matching that of a little girl, clean and pure, carrying a bright longing for life.

This kind of voice acting couldn’t showcase the actor’s skill; some people below were laughing, thinking this was the true level of popularity, just playing childish roles was fine.

The second personality was a timid girl who needed protection. Ji Ning clenched her teeth and hands trembling, her voice losing its childishness: « I don’t want to be locked up here forever, let me out, let me out… »

Her crying grew intense, and her expression followed suit. When the second personality opened her mouth to cry, she also burst out with a fearful sob.

Crying is not easy to pull off, but she did it perfectly, with clear lines that neither overshadowed the scene nor lacked emotional depth.

Many audience members below were clearly stunned.

Is this… one person playing multiple roles?

It should be noted that in previous shows, only one guest dared to take on multiple roles.

The third personality is the killer; the protagonist blames all the bad things on the third personality, which is full of evil thoughts.

Ji Ning’s crying suddenly stopped, replaced by a hoarse, resentful, and chilling tone. He clenched his molars and glared: « Let’s die together, die in this dim place. We all deserve to die; we are all sinners! »

When a series of terrifying laughs erupted, the audience below unconsciously rubbed their arms.

The speed of the switch and the intensity of the acting gradually made them start to change their opinion of this beautiful young actress.

The fourth personality remained calm but still felt a bit scared: « You killed her. We are innocent. Why should we die with you? »

Why? You still ask me why?! » The third personality’s emotions grew intense, « Then why did you kill me? When you stubbornly created me, did you ask if I wanted to be created?! Why make me come out only to send me to die? Why must I die just because she wants to live? After pushing all the bad things onto me and then erasing me— is that my purpose?!

Her mood suddenly shifted. She sneered twice, an extreme mix of madness, demon-like fury, and reason: « Then let’s all die together, forever, forever… together. »

The last personality was the protagonist’s, split off after her husband left. The husband discovered she had killed the child and developed schizophrenia, decisively divorcing and leaving. The fifth personality’s memory erased these fragments, forever stuck at the joyous moment of their wedding.

The quarrels and fears of all the personalities seemed to have nothing to do with her, and she simply did not care.

What she cared about was that her husband got off work at 5:30 every day and came home at 6:30. When they first met, the stage behind him was playing his favorite opera. As she softly hummed, he turned his head, and the two fell in love.

He loved listening to her sing opera the most.

Ji Ning emerged from the resentment of the third personality, quickly emptied her mind during her breaths, twirled her fingers, and sang meaningfully for the protagonist: « For her, like a beautiful wife, like flowing years— »

The final sound stretched endlessly, gradually becoming lighter, like praising someone’s love, yet also like the sorrow of love unfulfilled.

Or perhaps, like all of this, grand and magnificent, only to end in a sigh of emptiness.

At the moment it stopped, even Ji Ning couldn’t control the turmoil in her heart; she breathed heavily, tears staining the corners of her eyes.

Unable to distinguish whether it was the daughter’s fear, the mother’s guilt, or the killer’s remorse, she just wanted to weep for the characters.

The audience was truly silent for three seconds.

For a full three seconds, there was complete silence; no one spoke. The audience and judges alike were momentarily frozen in place, all eyes fixed on her.

After three seconds, thunderous applause erupted.

Author’s note: Sigh, I really love writing Ning Ning acting cool (not really).