Accidentally Picked Up a Rich and Amnesiac Alpha (GL) - Chapter 46
The private jet landed smoothly on the runway at S City airport. As Yan Qingqi walked down the airstairs, Jing Michu was already waiting for her on the tarmac.
“Cousin! You’ve finally come home!”
Jing Michu immediately enveloped her in a big bear hug.
Yan Qingqi struggled to breathe in the embrace. “Did you always hug me like this?”
“Yes! Even harder and more enthusiastically!” Jing Michu hugged her tightly again.
“Stop, stop! I can’t handle your enthusiasm.”
“Come on, lost lamb, let me take you home.”
Yan Qingqi shook her head. “You’re an adult now, but you still talk like a child.”
“I like it! I can only act like a child in front of you, Cousin. You won’t let me express my pure, innocent nature?”
Yan Qingqi: “…”
Why hadn’t she noticed her cousin’s playful, goofy side before?
“Fine, express it slowly. Let me gradually adapt.”
“Hahaha, Cousin, you’ve changed since you got together with your wife. You’ve become humorous.”
Yan Qingqi gave a faint smile. “How are the investigations at the orphanage coming along?”
“They’re underway. My assistants and a few people are currently compiling the donor and visitor information at the orphanage. We should be able to see the data tomorrow when we go.”
Yan Qingqi said, “I want to check every name myself.”
Jing Michu looked at her cousin. “It seems you are very determined this time.”
Yan Qingqi said, “Only by finding that person and meeting her face-to-face can I find peace.”
The Wen family garden was in the suburbs of S City. The car drove for 40 minutes from the airport.
Someone had already opened the main gate to the garden. The car slowly drove in, first passing an impressive two-story building, then slowly climbing uphill to stop in front of a grand, luxurious villa halfway up the mountain.
The driver got out, quickly went around, and opened Yan Qingqi’s door.
A man in his fifties, who looked like a housekeeper, was already waiting, his voice excited. “Eldest Miss!”
Yan Qingqi didn’t recognize the place or him, but she felt a sense of familiarity toward the man. She nodded gently.
“Eldest Miss, how was your vacation in H City? Did you need me to come assist you?”
Yan Qingqi shook her head and smiled. “No, I’m doing very well there.”
Jing Michu walked over. “Aunt Xiong, is everything alright at home?”
Housekeeper Xiong replied, “Yes. Young Master Yang visited the day before yesterday to see if the Eldest Miss had returned.”
Jing Michu scornfully said, “What kind of young master is he? What relation does he have to the Wen family? The nerve to call himself ‘Young Master’!”
Housekeeper Xiong, seeing that the Eldest Miss hadn’t stopped Jing Michu, corrected herself. “Mr. Yang stayed for a while and then left. Also, Miss Kong, the second daughter of Sunshine Group, called to check if the Miss had come home.”
As the three were talking at the entrance, two maids carried in a basket full of green peppers, long beans, loofah, corn, and eggplants.
Housekeeper Xiong said, “These were just picked from the garden. They’re being prepared for express delivery.”
Yan Qingqi had been eating vegetables shipped from here to H City three times a week.
Jing Michu said, “The vegetable garden had a good harvest this year. No need to send anything to H City today, since Cousin is back. Tell the kitchen to prepare a few dishes. I’ll have dinner with Cousin today.”
“Yes, Miss Jing.”
Housekeeper Xiong welcomed them inside and served tea and snacks according to their preferences.
“Aunt Xiong, please go about your business. I need to speak with my cousin.”
“Yes, Miss Jing.”
Yan Qingqi took a sip of tea. The fragrance was rich, lingering in her mouth. She couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of tea is this?”
“It’s Lion Peak Longjing from this year. Cousin, your taste hasn’t changed; you still like Longjing.”
Jing Michu took a couple of sips of coffee, stood up, and said, “Come on, Cousin, let me show you around.”
The villa had four floors and was equipped with an elevator.
The first floor held the living room, dining room, a small conference room, and an entertainment room. The second floor housed a music room, dance studio, gym, and library. On the third floor, Jing Michu explained, “These were your parents’ and grandparents’ rooms. You’ve kept them untouched.”
When they reached the fourth floor, Jing Michu pointed out, “The two rooms on the east are your bedroom and study. The two rooms on the west are my cousin Shuman’s bedroom and study.”
Yan Qingqi entered her bedroom. It was spacious, with a subtly luxurious decor. Everything was functional and perfect down to the smallest detail. Yan Qingqi ran her finger along the edge of a desk, her eyes sweeping over the ornaments, the clock, the delicate porcelain dolls, the books, and a row of picture frames.
Yan Qingqi picked one up. The photo showed a sweet, pretty girl of about sixteen or seventeen with fair skin and delicate features happily laughing, her head pressed against Yan Qingqi’s, revealing a pair of dimples.
She recognized her younger self in the photo, looking about twenty-one or twenty-two, vibrant, yet already possessing the gentle tranquility of an adult.
“Is this… my sister?”
Yan Qingqi looked at her sister, who resembled her by seventy to eighty percent. A familiar, gentle, yet painful feeling rushed into her heart.
This adorable sister is missing.
I, her own sister, am useless. I haven’t found her in three years.
“Yes, that’s Cousin Shuman. She loved clinging to you.” Jing Michu looked at the photo, smiling. “Cousin Shuman is beautiful and her smile is especially sweet and adorable. All the elders in the family loved her. My mother adored her. So did Uncle. Cousin Huiyu even got upset about it. I used to tease her, saying, ‘Why don’t you have Cousin Shuman’s beauty and charm? Shuman is a porcelain doll, and you’re just a country bumpkin.’”
Yan Qingqi asked, “You teased Cousin Huiyu like that? Weren’t you afraid she’d hit you?”
“She did hit me. She was only a few months older than me, but much stronger. But we were only seven or eight then. If she tried to hit me now, I might not lose to Cousin Huiyu.”
Yan Qingqi picked up another frame—a photo of a family of four vacationing on a beach. The handsome couple in their thirties were her parents. She and her sister were younger in this photo; her sister, tiny, about one or two years old, was clinging tightly to their mother.
Yan Qingqi looked at her parents, who had passed away years ago. Remembering that she was now grown up and married to Songsong, but her parents couldn’t see it, Yan Qingqi’s eyes blurred.
The last photo frame was from an even earlier time, seemingly taken on the lawn in front of the villa’s garden.
In the center of the photo, a grandmother with beautiful, silver hair was holding her. She was a tiny child, nestled obediently in her grandmother’s embrace. On one side were her parents. Next to them was a young woman holding a small baby. Behind her stood a tall young man.
Jing Michu said, “Hehe, that baby is me, only three months old.”
So, the young woman was her aunt, and the tall man must be Jing Michu’s father.
On the grandmother’s other side was another couple. The man had naturally curly hair. While others wore shirts and jackets, he wore only a short-sleeved T-shirt. He had dark, handsome skin and must be her second uncle. He had his arms around the shoulders of a beautiful, seductive woman who was holding a chubby child.
That child was her second uncle’s daughter, Cousin Wen Huiyu.
Yan Qingqi said, “This must be my uncle’s family. I didn’t realize Aunt was so beautiful and glamorous when she was young.”
Jing Michu snorted. “She has the looks, and she uses them. She still has many admirers and isn’t short of men.”
After touring the house, Jing Michu said, “Come on, I’ll take you to see the vegetable garden.”
“The vegetable garden?!”
“Whenever I came to look for you, if you weren’t home, I’d go to the vegetable garden. Nine out of ten times, you were there tending the garden, watering, weeding, or dealing with pests.”
“And the tenth time?”
“The tenth time? Oh, if I couldn’t find you at home or in the garden, you were either out at a business engagement or pulled out by Cousin Shuman to play.”
Yan Qingqi assumed the family vegetable garden was small, but it was as big as a soccer field!
“It’s this big?!”
“This used to be where your father, second uncle, and their friends played soccer. Later, you turned it into a vegetable garden and even hauled in soil from other places. My mother said you inherited your grandfather’s hobby.”
Yan Qingqi walked around the garden. Seeing the lush, thriving vegetables, she felt refreshed. She casually picked a cucumber, washed it under the field tap, and took a bite.
It was nearly 12:00, lunchtime. Usually, she would be delivering the boxed meal to the set by now. Yan Qingqi picked up her phone, hesitated, and then sent a message to Songsong: [Wife, have you had lunch? What are you eating today?]
On the set, Xiaole frowned while eating her takeout. This meat isn’t as delicious as Sister Yan’s! It tastes weird! The potatoes are half-raw! Is this even edible? And this lettuce! So old! Did they dig up the ancestor of lettuce?
Xiaole looked back and saw Sister Song sitting in the car, staring blankly out the window. The takeout was in front of her, but she showed no intention of touching her chopsticks.
Xiaole whispered to herself, It’s so awful. No wonder Sister Song doesn’t want to eat it. Sigh, Sister Yan, please come back soon!
Her phone vibrated. A message had arrived.
Song Tingxue grabbed her phone like a switch-activated puppet. She opened it and saw it was from A-Yan. Song Tingxue’s eyes lit up.
The phone rang. Yan Qingqi’s phone in S City rang. The caller ID: Songsong.
Yan Qingqi answered the call. “Songsong, have you eaten?”
On the other end of the line, Song Tingxue finally picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of vegetables. “I’m eating now.”
Yan Qingqi heard the forced tone. “Is it not good? I’m sorry. You’ll have to put up with it for two days. If I’m fast, I’ll be back tomorrow. At the latest, I’ll definitely be back the day after tomorrow.”
Song Tingxue hummed. “What are you doing now?”
“I just finished selecting the ingredients,” Yan Qingqi glanced at Jing Michu. “This afternoon, I’ll meet with the client to finalize the details for the bride’s family. I can’t be careless with Miss Jing’s big day.”
Jing Michu silently grinned at her cousin, her eyes saying, You’ve got guts, Cousin!
Song Tingxue said, “I’m sure the Qiao family will be pleased with the engagement dinner you’re making. Your cooking is always delicious, better than many big restaurants.”
Yan Qingqi’s lips curved upward. “I’ll cook for you every day from now on and keep you looking beautiful.”
“Mhm.”
“Focus on your filming. I’ll be back soon.”
Song Tingxue was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “A-Yan, I miss you very much.”
The shy words were tinged with anxiety and anticipation.
Yan Qingqi froze. Her eyes felt hot. A complex mix of emotions filled her heart. For a moment, she wondered if she should let go of the idea of being a White Moonlight substitute.
She just needed to know that the person Songsong missed right now was her—Yan Qingqi.
“I miss you too.”
After hanging up, Yan Qingqi lowered her eyes, sniffed, and tried to clear her head.
Jing Michu popped a piece of eggplant into her mouth. “Cousin, do you really think you’re a White Moonlight substitute? I think you and your wife act like you’re still in the honeymoon phase. Asking if they’ve eaten, and saying ‘I miss you’…”
Yan Qingqi glared at her. “You talk too much. Eat!”
After lunch, Yan Qingqi sat on a lounge chair in the garden. The parasol cast a cool shade over her. Yan Qingqi closed her eyes, but her mind couldn’t find peace.
Her thoughts kept returning to Songsong.
Songsong, the white-clad fairy; Songsong, the elegantly reserved one; Songsong, who clung to her like a small bird; Songsong, the tearful, anxious, and scared one…
She shifted on the chair, then thought that Songsong hadn’t been eating well for two days. She had no appetite, and the takeout was awful.
Not far away, Jing Michu’s voice was faintly heard on the phone. “An An, my cousin personally came to visit today. Haha, are your parents satisfied now?… I specially invited Cousin back just for us… My cousin is much better than my rotten father. Let him stay with his White Moonlight. Shhh, don’t say those two words… Which two words? Just ‘moonlight’… Don’t ask why. You’ll know later. Cousin and I are about to leave. See you later, darling!”
Jing Michu hung up and walked over to wake Yan Qingqi. “Cousin, it’s almost time for us to go.”
Yan Qingqi nodded, stood up, and prepared to leave for the Qiao family home.
Jing Michu looked her up and down. “Cousin, shouldn’t you change your clothes?”
Yan Qingqi glanced at herself. T-shirt, capri shorts, white sneakers, and a black hair tie—worth mere cents—wrapped around her wrist.
She was used to dressing like an assistant. This was her usual outfit for the set: low-key, comfortable, and casual.
Going to the Qiao family home for a formal visit, this outfit was definitely unsuitable.
Half an hour later, Yan Qingqi was completely transformed. She wore a high-end designer shirt and dress pants. Her figure was tall and slender. She had applied light makeup, and her hair was perfectly styled, curving just right at her shoulders. As she walked, she exuded a natural air of grace and nobility.
After changing into this outfit, Yan Qingqi felt like a different person, yet the feeling wasn’t unfamiliar. Instead, she felt a sense of recognition.
It felt like she used to dress like this all the time.
The clothes fit perfectly. Of course, they were her clothes from her own wardrobe.
“Cousin, this is what you look like.”
Jing Michu casually picked up a Patek Philippe watch and put it on her wrist.
“Let’s go, my dear Chairman Wen.”
Learning that Wen Shuyan, the Chairman and largest shareholder of Zhaoyuan Group, was personally visiting, Qiao An’s parents welcomed them warmly. In addition to Qiao An’s parents, her uncle and aunt were also present.
Zhaoyuan Group was immensely powerful, with unimaginable wealth. It was a famous company not only domestically but also internationally. However, the Wen family was notoriously low-key and never appeared on any rich lists.
Wen Shuyan also preferred not to draw attention and rarely appeared at social events, so many outsiders had never heard of her name.
Of course, Yan Qingqi didn’t have to cook the meal herself.
“Uncle Qiao, Xiao Chu is my cousin. I’m very happy about her and Xiao An’s relationship. I’m here today as a family representative. If you have any requests regarding their marriage, we will meet them.”
Qiao’s father said, “As long as An An is happy and lives well, what more could the Qiao family ask for? We are delighted that Chairman Wen could come today!”
Wen Shuyan said, “I’m genuinely happy that Xiao Chu is marrying Xiao An. Please rest assured, Uncle Qiao. If Xiao Chu ever acts foolishly and dares to mistreat Xiao An, you won’t need to intervene; I will personally discipline her first. In short, you don’t have to worry about Xiao An suffering any injustice after marrying into our family.”
The Qiao family saw that such a powerful boss didn’t act arrogant and spoke highly of her cousin, Jing Michu, completely supporting their marriage.
Everyone was happy. Qiao An sat next to Jing Michu, both smiling blissfully.
After the meal, Qiao An walked them out. “Cousin, thank you for coming.”
Yan Qingqi genuinely liked her future cousin-in-law. “I had to be here for you and Xiao Chu. Tell me what kind of wedding you want. Don’t be shy, and don’t worry about the hassle. Just tell me, and I’ll make sure your wedding is grand and magnificent.”
Qiao An couldn’t stop smiling. “I’ll let Chu Chu decide. Cousin and your wife must be there on the day.”
Yan Qingqi paused slightly. “Absolutely, absolutely.”
The car drove smoothly down the bustling streets of S City. Jing Michu said, “Cousin, I won’t stay up late to talk with you tonight. Go home and get a good night’s sleep.”
Yan Qingqi said, “I’m not going home tonight. I’m staying at a hotel. I’ll just stay for one night.”
Jing Michu: “…”
She instructed the driver, “Xiao Li, go to the Changzhou Platinum Hotel.”
The car turned at the next intersection toward the Changzhou Platinum Hotel.
Zhaoyuan Group kept a presidential suite booked there year-round. Jing Michu accompanied her cousin all the way upstairs.
“Cousin, I don’t understand. Why stay here when you have a house?”
Yan Qingqi said, “I need to video call Songsong tonight. If she sees I’m staying in the villa, I’m afraid she’ll get suspicious.”
“Are you afraid your wife will find out you live in such a luxurious mansion? Cousin, why don’t you just tell your wife you are Wen Shuyan, the eldest Miss of the Wen family? She’s going to find out eventually.”
Jing Michu looked around the room. “Are you sure you don’t want me to send someone from Aunt Xiong’s staff?”
Yan Qingqi said, “I just have amnesia. I’m not a child who can’t care for myself. I don’t need company.”
Jing Michu said, “Fine, I’m leaving. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.”
That evening, Yan Qingqi stood alone by the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the city’s towering buildings, the interwoven lights, and the prosperous city that never slept. She stared at her reflection in the mirror: dressed in high-end tailored clothing, luxurious and poised.
Finally, she sighed softly, wondering, What kind of person was that Miss Yan? What kind of first encounter did she and Songsong have?
She had just gotten out of the shower when her phone lit up. A new message.
Songsong: [A-Yan, where are you staying tonight? Is it convenient for a video call?]
Yan Qingqi picked up the phone and initiated a video call.
This was the first time the two had video called. Since they lived together, they usually communicated via text or the occasional voice call.
The moment she saw Songsong, Yan Qingqi clearly saw a spark of joy in her clear, snow-like eyes, which was quickly replaced by an unexpressed anxiety.
Yan Qingqi’s heart clenched, seeing Songsong so cautious.
When did she make Songsong, her beloved wife, so insecure? Afraid she would leave, afraid she would ignore her, yet afraid to ask anything?
“I just finished showering. I’m staying in a hotel tonight. Xiao Mei booked it for me. She’s a regular here, so we got a good rate.”
Song Tingxue nodded. “Is the hotel nice?”
“Yes, it’s very nice. A very high-end hotel.” Yan Qingqi slightly panned the phone around the room.
Song Tingxue glanced at the quality of the hotel’s decor, immediately recognizing it as a high-end five-star hotel. This reassured her greatly.
“What about you? How did you manage dinner?”
“Sisisi noticed you didn’t deliver food today and asked. I told her you went back to your hometown for family business. After filming, she invited me and Gong Yue to dinner together.”
Yan Qingqi smiled. “Sister Luo isn’t your relative, but she treats you like a real sister. I need to thank her properly later.”
Song Tingxue hummed. “Are you all set for the engagement party tomorrow? Can you manage to cook so many dishes by yourself?”
Yan Qingqi: “…”
“I can manage. It’s only about ten people in total from both families.”
There were nine people at the Qiao family dinner today, including her and Jing Michu.
Yan Qingqi said confidently, “It’s easy to prepare a meal for ten people.”
Song Tingxue hummed again. She bit her lip and lowered her eyes slightly. “If you can come back tomorrow, I’ll pick you up at the airport, okay?”
“Aren’t you filming?”
“You won’t arrive in H City too early. I can ask the crew for 1-2 hours off to pick you up. Or I’ll take you home and then go back to the set.”
Yan Qingqi’s heart was struck by a soft thread. She almost wanted to fly back to Songsong immediately.
But she still hadn’t figured out who Miss Yan was. Until she clarified the mystery of her and Songsong’s story, Yan Qingqi would be uneasy, and the knot in her heart would remain forever.
Seeing Yan Qingqi’s silence, Song Tingxue quickly added, “I’m not trying to rush you. If you want to spend time in S City, enjoy it for a couple of days and come back later…”
Yan Qingqi interrupted her. “Wife, I’ll come back as soon as I finish my business here. You can pick me up at the airport.”
Song Tingxue finally smiled, a gentle breeze over white snow. “Okay.”
That night was destined to be sleepless.
In H City, Song Tingxue sat alone in the room, staring blankly at the jigsaw puzzle.
Thanks to A-Yan’s efforts over several evenings, the puzzle was finally complete. A-Yan had been overjoyed then. “Songsong, I’ll make sure you and the children live the life in this picture.”
Song Tingxue leaned on A-Yan’s shoulder, feeling completely safe. “We don’t need such a big house or such a huge lawn. As long as I’m with you and the children, it will be perfect.”
She didn’t know how much time had passed, but Song Tingxue slowly emerged from her future reverie. The smile on her lips gradually disappeared.
She looked out the window, silently observing the quiet night through the narrow gap in the curtains.
A-Yan, A-Yan… What can I do to make you happy?
At 8 a.m., Jing Michu came to pick up Yan Qingqi. Yan Qingqi was dressed in the same elegant attire she wore to the Qiao family home yesterday.
“Cousin, how did you sleep?”
“It was alright.” Yan Qingqi had barely slept all night. On one hand, she had the profound affection and thoughtfulness of Songsong for her. On the other, the blurry image of Miss Yan constantly crossed her mind, like cold knives cutting into her heart.
Yan Qingqi felt like she was being torn in two. Her mind was constantly restless.
Eventually, she had to get out of bed and spent half the night sitting on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the endless prosperity of S City.
The car arrived at the entrance of the orphanage. The director and several staff members were waiting outside to welcome them.
“Miss Jing, hello! Welcome!”
They enthusiastically ushered Jing Michu and Yan Qingqi inside. Jing Michu asked her assistant, “Xiao Guo, how is the compilation going?”
Assistant Guo said, “President Jing, with the help of the director and staff, we’ve drafted a list of social donors, with records dating back 15 years. We also have a list of visitors, but that’s a larger amount of data. The institution only kept records for the last 10 years.”
The staff brought in several thick stacks of documents. Yan Qingqi sat down and first flipped through the visitor list.
Jing Michu spoke with the director and began the tour. “President Jing, the children here are very studious. In their spare time, they like to go online, research, and play games. You see, these computers are quite old…”
Jing Michu interrupted her. “I’ll have Assistant Guo replace all the computers, including the staff’s. We’ll also donate a sum of money to the orphanage. This is Zhaoyuan’s gesture of goodwill.”
The director smiled broadly. “President Jing, you are an excellent and kind entrepreneur.”
The two exchanged pleasantries, walking and observing.
Yan Qingqi said, “Assistant Guo, set aside the records from recent years.” Yan Qingqi thought, Songsong was a sophomore, about 20, when she filmed Mountain Moonlight. She had already taken Miss Yan to heart then. So, she must have met Miss Yan before she turned 20, likely before she went to film school.
She asked an orphanage staff member, “How old are the children usually when they leave the orphanage?”
The staff member said, “Unless formally adopted, they stay until they’re 18. Many high school students move out and stay at dorms. For those with disabilities or those who are unable to care for themselves, it depends on the circumstances.”
Yan Qingqi nodded. Assuming Songsong left the orphanage at 18, that would be 9-10 years ago. She told Assistant Guo, “Bring me all the records from 9-10 years ago. And find the donation records from 9-10 years ago as well.”
“Yes, Chairman Wen.”
Yan Qingqi intently scanned the visitor list page by page. Her heart pounded uncontrollably.
She finished one year. No visitors with the last name Yan.
She opened the second book and saw the name Yan Guifen. Yan Qingqi paused, taking out the page, and continued flipping. Soon, she found a second person with the last name Yan—Yan Jichun. As she finished the book, she found another record, also registered under Yan Jichun. This meant Yan Jichun visited the orphanage twice 10 years ago.
Yan Qingqi compared the two individuals’ information.
Yan Guifen was 47. That would be an aunt. Songsong would never call her Miss Yan.
Her eyes landed on the name Yan Jichun. She felt an unprecedented nervousness. The age was 18. Yan Qingqi’s pupils dilated. It must be this Miss Yan!
Suppressing her excitement, Yan Qingqi asked the staff member, “Do you recognize this Yan Jichun?”
The person shook their head apologetically. “I’m sorry. The record you’re looking at is from 10 years ago. I hadn’t started working at the orphanage yet.”
“What about your former director?”
“The old director has retired. Our new director started four years ago. There’s one staff member, Sister Hao. She’s worked here for over ten years. She might know. Unfortunately, she took the day off today and might arrive later.”
Just then, Assistant Guo found the donation records. “Chairman Wen, look. This Miss Yan Jichun donated twice that year.”
Yan Qingqi glanced at the records. The amount was not small each time. This Miss Yan must be wealthy and generous to visit twice a year.
The visiting records stopped, but the donation records could be traced back another five years.
Yan Qingqi said, “Assistant Guo, keep looking. See if there are any other donation records for this Miss Yan.”
“Understood, Chairman Wen.”
Just then, quick footsteps sounded. Jing Michu rushed over as if she had discovered something incredible. “Cousin, come with me!”
Yan Qingqi asked, “What is it?”
“Just come with me! Hurry!”
Yan Qingqi was pulled away by her. The director, huffing and puffing, caught up with them, but Jing Michu pulled Yan Qingqi back. The portly director had to turn around again.
They walked through the reception room, down a hallway, and reached the exhibition area.
In front of a row of photos, Jing Michu pointed to one. “Look! Who is this?”
This row of photos showcased the children’s various activities and pictures with visitors.
Yan Qingqi followed Jing Michu’s finger. On the far right of the photo, she saw a small figure standing quietly in the most inconspicuous corner.
Though young, shy, and awkward, she already showed signs of her beautiful features.
It was Songsong!
Yan Qingqi stared silently at the person in the photo. For a moment, she had a sense of timeless confusion.
It felt as though she had known this quiet, shy girl a long time ago.
The director arrived, panting heavily. “Both of you have sharp eyes. This girl in the photo is Song Tingxue, the big star now! You must know who she is, right?”
Jing Michu smiled faintly. “Of course, we know. Who doesn’t know the big star?”
The director went on and on. “When I first started working here, I saw this picture and knew this girl would be successful. See? She became a star!”
Yan Qingqi shook her head internally, her eyes glued to the photo.
The center of the photo was a human-sized doll, shaped like a white, chubby, balloon-like person. Two children from the orphanage were hugging the doll tightly, one on each side.
“What is this?” Yan Qingqi felt the figure was familiar. It must be a character from a movie.
“That’s Baymax!” Jing Michu leaned closer. “The robot from that blockbuster movie. Cousin Shuman loved it so much. You even bought her a life-sized one. She used to sleep with Baymax every night and wouldn’t even let me touch it.”
Yan Qingqi smiled faintly. “Many people must love this Baymax.”
She turned to ask the director, “Who played the part of Baymax?”
The director said, “I’ll have to take the photo down and look at the names on the back to find out.”
The director asked someone to take down the picture and remove the photo from the frame. The name “Song Tingxue” was indeed written behind the young Song Tingxue.
And behind Baymax was clearly written “Yan Jichun.”
It was Yan Jichun again!
Yan Qingqi stared at the photo and asked, “Director, could I have a copy of this photo?”
The director looked troubled. “It’s a photo from ten years ago. This is the only copy we have.”
Jing Michu cut in. “Although a gentleman doesn’t take what others cherish, my cousin really likes this one. How about this, Director, I’ll give you…”
After hearing Jing Michu’s promises, the director happily agreed. “Alright. Since Miss Jing asked, I’ll definitely grant this wish. We can just take a copy for ourselves.” The director asked someone to bring a camera to duplicate the photo.
The original photo, along with the frame, was given to Yan Qingqi.
Assistant Guo came over with more documents. “Chairman Wen, this Miss Yan Jichun came to donate and visit for three consecutive years, donating twice a year. The amounts are here. The last time was in the summer ten years ago. After that, there are no further donation records. She must have stopped coming.”
Yan Qingqi nodded. That aligns with Songsong’s story of never seeing Miss Yan again.
She looked at the registration details. Other than the name, gender, and age, there was no other information.
Yan Qingqi pursed her lips, her gaze serious. Since there’s so little information registered, the name Yan Jichun is likely fictional.
Jichun, Jichun… that means the third month of spring.
The third month? Warm and beautiful? The grass growing long and the birds flying?
“Xiao Chu, what do you think of when I say ‘March’?”
Jing Michu asked, “Why the sudden question?”
“Just tell me. What do you think of when I say ‘March’?”
“The quarter ends. I need to tell the finance team to prepare the quarterly reports.”
Yan Qingqi: “…Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked.”
She turned to the director. “Director, how can I find this Yan Jichun?”
The director said, “Those children are grown up now. Maybe they know something. A few of them work nearby. I have their contact numbers. I’ll call them.”
Yan Qingqi said, “Thank you for your trouble, Director.”
As they were walking toward the reception room, a staff member in her forties walked in and ran into them.
The director said, “Sister Hao, these are the executives from Zhaoyuan Group visiting today. Go prepare some fruit for them.”
“Oh, alright, Director.”
Sister Hao looked up, glancing at them casually. Her eyes suddenly widened. She stared at Yan Qingqi, completely stunned.
“Miss, Miss Yan?”
Yan Qingqi subconsciously looked back, puzzled. Since she entered, she hadn’t mentioned the name Yan Qingqi to anyone. Assistant Guo called her Chairman Wen.
The woman saw Yan Qingqi turn her head, revealing her full face. She was immediately excited. “It really is you! You haven’t been here in a long time! It’s been, what, ten years?”
Yan Qingqi: “!!!”
Jing Michu was also startled. “What did you call my cousin? Have you met her before?”
Sister Hao was flustered, thinking she had said the wrong thing. “I, I, we used to call her Miss Yan.”
A bold idea exploded in Yan Qingqi’s mind. Her blood was surging.
Could it be?! Could Miss Yan be…
Yan Qingqi took out the photo, her hand shaking slightly as she held the frame. “Sister Hao, do you remember this photo?”
Sister Hao looked at it and smiled. “I remember. Miss Yan was sweating profusely wearing that doll costume that day! All the children wanted to take a picture with you in the doll costume. The doll was from a movie, called something like Bai, Big Fatty.”
Yan Qingqi’s heart hammered. Shock! Joy! Ecstasy! The emotions surged through her chest.
I searched everywhere, only to find that Miss Yan was… me.
Jing Michu corrected her. “It’s Baymax. It’s not called Big Fatty, it’s called Baymax.”
Sister Hao said, “Yes, yes. I remember now. It’s Baymax! A few years ago, Xiao Xue, Song Tingxue, she’s a big star now, she came back here and corrected me. She said it’s Baymax, not Big Fatty. I always wondered why I kept calling it Big Fatty.”
Yan Qingqi’s heart skipped a beat. “Did Song Tingxue come back?”
“Yes, she comes back every two years. Every time, she asks to see this photo and always asks if Miss Yan has come back here.”
Sister Hao remembered something. She took out her phone, ready to call.
Yan Qingqi asked, “Are you calling Song Tingxue?”
Sister Hao said, “Yes. It’s rare that Miss Yan is here today.”
Yan Qingqi smiled. “No need. She’s probably busy filming and can’t take your call.”
Sister Hao let out an “Ah” and froze, unsure what to do.
The director said, “It’s not an urgent matter. Call her tonight. Go prepare the fruit quickly. Don’t keep our two guests waiting.”
Sister Hao said, “Oh, alright, alright.”
Yan Qingqi said, “No need, Director. We have other business to attend to. We won’t trouble you any longer.”
The director said, “But weren’t you going to talk to those children from back then to gather information?”
Yan Qingqi smiled faintly, meaningfully. “No need.”
The director escorted them all the way to the door. If Assistant Guo hadn’t stopped him, he would have walked them to the car.
Yan Qingqi said, “Thank you, Director! Thank you, everyone!”
The director smiled broadly. “You’re welcome. Please come again soon!”
Yan Qingqi nodded. “We will.”
The director kept yelling, “Please come again!” until the car drove off.
The car slowly left the small path and entered the main street. The road was busy with people and traffic. Yan Qingqi accidentally glanced at a street sign. Her eyes widened: Qingqi Road.
Everything suddenly made sense. When Songsong found me, she named me Yan Qingqi because she thought my last name was Yan, and the orphanage was on Qingqi Road—the place where we met.
In the car, Jing Michu glanced at her cousin, barely holding back her laughter. “Cousin, what made you come up with the name Jichun? Isn’t it a bit unsophisticated?”
Yan Qingqi smiled too. “Why unsophisticated? Jichun is another name for March.”
“There’s a saying for that?”
“The third month of spring. The weather is warm and pleasant. Doesn’t that suit the name Wen?”
“Oh, so that’s what it means!” Jing Michu nodded, then finally let out a laugh. “But it really is unsophisticated, hahaha!”
Yan Qingqi: “…”
Sometimes, she really wanted to hit her cousin.
Yan Qingqi leaned back in her seat and slowly closed her eyes.
She had wondered countless times what kind of person the White Moonlight Miss Yan was, that Songsong would think of her so often.
What kind of past did she and Songsong share?
Why did they break up?
Were they separated by force, or was it a misunderstanding that led to a regrettable split?
These questions were a complex knot, tightly wound around Yan Qingqi’s heart, cutting into her flesh, making every breath painful.
She had once sadly thought that if she couldn’t untie the knot, she would freeze and seal it, ignore it, and let time gradually fade it.
And now, the knot had suddenly untied itself.
Songsong’s past, present, thoughts, and love are all for one person—her.
In the years she didn’t know about, in the places she couldn’t remember, Songsong quietly and deeply loved her.
She suddenly truly understood Songsong’s sincere and affectionate gaze when she looked at her and said, “I fell in love with you a long time ago.”
She also understood Songsong’s happy, curved lips when they ate cake together in L City, saying, “You liked it back then, right?”
Yan Qingqi sniffed, blinked hard, and chased away the moisture in her eyes.
She wanted to see Songsong so badly now!
She wanted to hug her and kiss her.
To hold her and cry and laugh, listening to her say, I love you, A-Yan.
“Xiao Chu, take me to the airport now! I want to go back to H City immediately!” She couldn’t wait for Songsong to pick her up. She wanted to fly back to H City right now and find her beloved wife on the set.
Jing Michu said, “Alright, no problem. I know you’re eager to go home now!”
Author’s Note:
Yan Qingqi: Turns out, Miss Yan is me!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
