It had become a years-long instinct. Whether in a crowd or at any other time, upon hearing Sheng Chenjin's name, Shi Xinxin would instinctively look up.
Regarding everything about Sheng Chenjin, she paid even more attention.
There was no other way; this man etched into her heart was likely someone she would never be able to forget in this lifetime.
Ji An was very perceptive, chatting a bit while observing Shi Xinxin's expression.
Soon, a waiter arrived with a tray.
Shi Xinxin took the juice and whispered, "Thank you."
Ji An also thanked the waiter, a testament to his upbringing.
Through these simple two words, Ji An's good impression of Shi Xinxin deepened further.
It seemed this Shi Xinxin was quite different from the person he had initially thought her to be.
Shi Xinxin wasn't as bad or as difficult as he had imagined. Perhaps he had only seen her through tinted glasses, which made everything seem unpleasant and caused his dislike.
Thinking this, Ji An felt that his apology at the coffee shop entrance had been absolutely correct.
Thinking back, many incidents that had occurred when he saw Shi Xinxin seemed to have happened with a peculiar coincidence, leading to his extreme dislike for this young girl.
Now, meeting her alone, he found that it might not be the case after all.
Perhaps he could also try looking at her from a different perspective.
As Ji An was contemplating this, seeing his silence, Shi Xinxin also lowered her head, remaining quiet.
She picked up her cup and took a small sip of the cold juice. Her brows relaxed involuntarily.
This was indeed the signature coffee shop. The juice was refreshing and delicious, not overly sweet, with an intensely rich fruit aroma. It was likely freshly squeezed.
Shi Xinxin's mood instantly improved.
Soft music played in the quiet cafe. Shi Xinxin nervously looked at Ji An opposite her, thinking, "It's over. I'm ten minutes late. This signing must be a wash!"
Shi Xinxin's awkwardness caused Ji An to chuckle lightly. "Ms. Shi, I saw what happened just now. I am very fortunate to invite you to sign with our company." As he spoke, Ji An took out a prepared contract from the side.
Ji An's attitude was a complete 180-degree turn from before. Shi Xinxin was stunned but still understood Ji An's meaning. "You mean..."
Shi Xinxin, excited, stood up abruptly from her seat, her small face flushed. Upon seeing Ji An slowly nod, Shi Xinxin breathed a sigh of relief. She then realized she had been too excited and gave Ji An an embarrassed smile before sitting back down.
"That's right, Xinxin. From now on, you will be a member of our company. Work hard towards Chenjin!" When Ji An mentioned Sheng Chenjin, he looked into Shi Xinxin's eyes as if casually, but in reality, he was observing her closely.
Hearing the name "Sheng Chenjin," Shi Xinxin's gaze faltered for a moment before quickly recovering. She pretended not to care and said, "Film Emperor Sheng is my goal!" The longing in her words was probably known only to herself.
Yes, Sheng Chenjin is my goal, in every aspect.
Seeing Shi Xinxin like this, Ji An had his own thoughts. It seemed Shi Xinxin didn't have Chenjin completely out of her mind. It was just that neither of them was willing to break the ice. It seemed he needed to add some fuel to the fire.
"Haha, Xinxin, you're joking. You don't know, but after you went abroad, our Chenjin has been diligently filming. He's never had scandals with any irrelevant actresses." Ji An's words were filled with pride for his own film emperor. While speaking, he observed Shi Xinxin's expression, but Shi Xinxin's attention was not on this.
In that case... did she still have a chance?
Shi Xinxin was happy about her discovery but had to keep it to herself, unable to show it. After all, she remembered what Wen Xiaoxiao had said: to pretend to be indifferent for now, as it wasn't the right time yet. She could only suppress her excitement and share this good news with Wen Xiaoxiao back home.
Thinking this, Shi Xinxin picked up the contract to cover her face and said, "Film Emperor Sheng is indeed self-disciplined." While replying to Ji An, she pretended to be seriously reading the contract clauses, but her mind had long since flown to the ends of the earth.
Seeing Shi Xinxin's clearly perfunctory reply, Ji An was very disappointed, feeling that he wouldn't be able to probe Shi Xinxin's thoughts. However, he still followed the usual polite protocol and said, "Take a look, and if there are no issues, sign on the bottom right corner."
"No problem. I'll ask Boss Ji for your guidance in the future!" After a rough scan of the contract, Shi Xinxin signed her name and offered Ji An a generous smile, extending her hand.
"That is only natural." Ji An clasped Shi Xinxin's hand, and they smiled at each other.
After signing the contract, Shi Xinxin couldn't wait to share her latest achievement with her relationship guru, Wen Xiaoxiao. However, Ji An showed no signs of leaving, so Shi Xinxin patiently accompanied him, chatting.
"Isn't that..." Sheng Chenjin was about to go find Ji An when his gaze inadvertently fell upon the two laughing and talking by the window. He didn't know what he was feeling, but it certainly wasn't pleasant.
Why were they... together?
Maybe he should just pretend he didn't see them, lest he disturb them. Sheng Chenjin rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought, pacing outside the shop.
No, what if they quarreled? He remembered Ji An and Xinxin didn't have a very harmonious relationship. But that didn't make sense; why would they end up together...
In just a few minutes, Sheng Chenjin had conjured up several different scenarios in his mind. Ji An, who had already spotted Sheng Chenjin pacing outside the door, couldn't help but feel amused.
Liking her but not saying it, give me a break. You're just making yourself suffer. Oh well, Chenjin, you'll have to thank me another day!
Thinking this, Ji An looked at Shi Xinxin opposite him, who was looking at him with confusion, and said with a smile, "Chenjin just mentioned he was nearby. I called him over for a cup of coffee and to reintroduce you two." As Ji An spoke, he picked up his phone and walked towards the door.
Shi Xinxin indifferently responded and began stirring the coffee in front of her, unaware of Ji An's unusual behavior.
Sheng Chenjin's hesitant pacing attracted some sidelong glances, but he was lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, upon seeing Ji An's phone call, he grabbed it as if it were a treasure. "Hello, where are you now? I'm coming..."
To find you... Before he could finish his sentence, he felt footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Ji An standing behind him with a smile. Sheng Chenjin's voice abruptly stopped.
"Looking for me?" Ji An completed the sentence that Sheng Chenjin had not yet uttered.
Seeing a suspicious blush creep onto Sheng Chenjin's usually fair face, Ji An exclaimed as if he had discovered a new continent, "Chenjin, what's wrong? Do you have a fever?" Ji An reached out as if to measure Sheng Chenjin's temperature by placing his hand on his forehead.