Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Soon, I joined the television station’s arts training program as a transfer student.

My fellow trainees were all exceptionally talented. A few of their names sounded familiar; if I recalled correctly, they were future Best Actors and Best Actresses.

The instructors were highly experienced actors who gave witty and humorous lectures.

I could feel myself gaining a deeper understanding of the craft of acting.

During my time in the training program, I didn’t just learn a lot; I also expanded my network. I had the opportunity to play several minor roles and even filmed some commercials.

During this period, a very prominent producer extended an olive branch to me. It was for a big-budget wuxia period drama with a powerful production team, and they wanted me for a supporting role with a decent amount of screen time.

I wanted to go.

But this wasn’t my decision to make. I had to follow the company’s lead-which meant listening to Lu Junrong.

Lu Junrong said the production cycle for television dramas was too long and followed a completely different model than films. He didn’t recommend that I take it.

I understood his subtext.

Being away for too long meant I wouldn’t be able to provide long-term companionship for Qiaoyi.

Qiaoyi was more dependent on me now. She didn’t want Sister Lan to take her to kindergarten anymore; she insisted that I be the one to drop her off and pick her up.

The child had never known her biological mother, so she had cast me in the role of Mommy.

It was quite pitiful.

I went to the Lu Family home frequently and often saw Lu Junrong there.

When he was free, he would give me pointers and teach me a great deal.

These were incredibly rare opportunities, and I cherished them deeply.

Although he often wore a sour expression, our relationship became less strained as time went on.

On Christmas, Lu Junrong happened to be on break, and Qiaoyi wanted us to take her to the amusement park.

Children really are like devices that charge for ten minutes and stay active for twenty-four hours.

After returning home that evening, Qiaoyi didn’t seem tired at all. Instead, she pestered the two exhausted adults to play a game of ‘The Eagle Catches the Chicks’ with her.

I was the mother hen, and Qiaoyi held onto my clothes as we dodged Lu Junrong, who played the eagle.

“Daddy, come and catch me!”

Qiaoyi laughed joyfully, a layer of sweat forming on her forehead.

Lu Junrong feigned a fierce look. “The eagle is coming!”

I spread my arms wide. “Qiaoyi, hurry, hide!”

Lu Junrong lunged forward, pouncing on both of us and knocking us down.

“Caught you!” Lu Junrong gently tickled the child.

Qiaoyi giggled, rolling around on the thick, soft carpet. “Zhiyi Mommy, save me!”

I froze. I suddenly remembered that six months ago in the office, Lu Junrong had given me a cutting, soul-crushing lecture just because Qiaoyi had groggily called me ‘Mommy.’

A sense of foreboding flashed through my heart, and I hurriedly looked at Lu Junrong.

To my surprise, there wasn’t a hint of displeasure on Lu Junrong’s face. He continued to tease the child as usual. He even lightly tapped my forehead. “This mother hen is too silly. The eagle stole the little chick right away.”

I snapped back to reality and pretended to try and snatch Qiaoyi back.

The three of us laughed and played together until late at night when it was time for Qiaoyi to sleep.

I gave Qiaoyi a bath, read her a story, and waited until she was asleep before leaving.

After going downstairs, I saw Lu Junrong sitting on the carpet in front of the fireplace, drinking red wine and reading a book.

I intended to leave quietly, just as I had done before.

Unexpectedly, he called out to me. “Care for a drink?”