Spring Valley
"Do you believe in everything that he said?" Si Weimin gazed at Xu Jia Li with eyes full of worry. He heard everything that the old man had said but somehow he was worried that it was another scheme to lure Xu Jia Li into a dark hallow pit called revenge.
"I don't know what to believe anymore, Min. All I know is that I have to avenge mom. No matter what. Hearing him talk about her death made me want to throw up. I will never forgive any of them."
Si Weimin walked towards Xu Jia Li. He looked at her with so much tenderness and love before he hugged her tight, "Just know that whatever you'll do, I will always be by your side."
"I know and it's more than enough."
****
Evergreen Hot Spring and Resort
The shooting resumed which made everyone in high spirit. Meng Lulu approached Xu Jia Li with a big smile on her face. The past two days had been quite busy for her since she had been invited in different shows. She was elated to show what she was capable of. Thanks to Xu Jia Li's wit, they were able to defeat Qi Xenjin and Jian Ran.
"Sister Xu, I missed you!" Meng Lulu hugged Xu Jia Li like a sweet little girl to her sister. The smile of her face was serene and pure. It seemed like the shadow of doubt between them had been lifted.
"Lulu," Xu Jia Li smiled back as she patted Meng Lulu's head, "Did you enjoy the two day break?"
"Sister Xu, I experienced being in three shows for the first time after my debut! It was really exciting~!"
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Thank you, Sister Xu!"
The two women engaged in harmonious talk which made the crews felt happy seeing them. They looked like sisters who were having fun as they shared things that happened to them.
In the left side of the room, Tang Xie smiled at the scene. She was deeply elated that everything had been cleared. She still felt a pang of guilt every time she thought of how she caused bad things to Xu Jia Li because of Jian Ran's provocation and schemes. She sighed as she looked at the beautiful woman beside Meng Lulu.
Tang Xie's admiration towards Xu Jia Li increased and her respect towards her tripled. She promised that she would repay Xu Jia Li's kindness whatever it takes. She would never forget how Xu Jia Li treated her. She owed a lot to her. She inhaled deeply as she delightedly gazed at the two women. She was startled when a voice called her.
"Xiexie!"
"Linqin, what's wrong?"
"I have something for you. This is from Li-jie."
Tang Xie looked at the paper bag before her gaze returned back to Shen Linqin, "What's that?"
"Take a look."
Tang Xie opened it and saw the entire series of her favorite book. She was dumbstruck. Her eyes began to water as she held the paper bag with trembling hands.
"Li-jie knew that you like reading that book and since it's so hard to get the entire series, she knew that you will love having them."
Tang Xie looked at Xu Jia Li with gratitude. She knew how wrong she had been. She smiled at Shen Linqin and hugged the books closed to her heart.
****
"Great job everyone! We will resume after 20 minutes!" Director Han wore a satisfied look on his face as he sat on the chair. Meng Lulu really improved in just a short amount of time. He knew that this was all because of Xu Jia Li.
"Director Han, I'm glad that Qi Xenjin will no longer cause ruckus here. I can't believe that she's really evil." Assistant Director Chua sneered when he remembered what Qi Xenjin did.
"All's well now. We should be careful now especially the crew that we assign for each department. We can't afford another Jian Ran."
"You're right, Director Han. I really admire Miss Xu. She's really not someone to mess with."
****
Zhou Residence – 8:00 in the evening
"Xiao Li, what a pleasant surprise!"
"I hope I'm not intruding, Uncle Zhou," Xu Jia Li smiled brightly at the man in front of her.
"No. No, of course not! You're always welcome here."
"You're really kind, Uncle Zhou. It's been a long time. I missed talking to you." Xu Jia Li flashed the sweetest smile she could give as she gazed at the man who she hated with all her being.
"Such a sweet talker, you are!" Zhou Jiayin laughed merrily as he led Xu Jia Li inside, "Join us for dinner, Xiao Li."
"Oh! No, Uncle Zhou! I won't bother you. I only visit to give you this," Xu Jia Li shyly shook her head before she handed the painting to the stunned Zhou Jiayin, "I remembered that you love this painting back at Paul's art exhibit so I bought it for you."
Zhou Jiayin looked at the painting with an unexplainable emotion brewing in his eyes. There was a glint of longing that caught Xu Jia Li's eyes as she observed the man in front of her. Every little change on Zhou Jiayin's face was imprinted on Xu Jia Li's mind.
"I don't know what to say… I-I d-don't –"
"It's okay, Uncle Zhou. It's the least I can do for being really kind to me."
"You're really sweet, Xiao Li. T-thank you!"
Xu Jia Li sneered inside as she observed Zhou Jiayin, 'Hypocrite!'