Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 458 Wash it again, blue sky and clouds
At 10 p.m., the lights of Beijing stretched out from the car window like a flowing river of light.

Jiang Qing leaned back in the back seat, rubbing her throbbing temples.

The dinner conversation with the ministry leaders and several academicians was pleasant, but it also took a lot of effort.

He took out his phone, and the screen lit up, displaying several unread messages.

The top message was sent by Zhao Jinmai, more than an hour ago.

He clicked on it casually, and a photo popped up.

In the picture, the girl has obviously just taken a shower. She has a white moisturizing mask on her face, revealing only a pair of clear and bright eyes. Her wet hair is covered with a hair drying cap, and she is wearing his white T-shirt. The background is the headboard of his bedroom.

There was a line of text below the photo.

"I've been waiting for you until I turned into a mummy~ (pouting)"

Looking at her playful yet slightly lazy appearance in the photo, Jiang Qing couldn't help but smile, and the fatigue of the whole night seemed to dissipate a lot.

He tapped his finger on the screen: "Just finished, on my way back."

He then put down his phone and continued to rest with his eyes closed.

Half an hour later, the car smoothly drove into the underground parking garage of Panhai Shijia.

After the car came to a stop, Jiang Qing looked at Chen Duo and Zhou Zhengkai in the front seat.

"You've all worked hard today. There's nothing urgent scheduled for tomorrow, so you can all have a good rest."

Upon hearing this, Chen Duo immediately gave an "I understand" smile.

"Understood, Mr. Jiang. You should also... get some rest."

Jiang Qing could easily see what he meant, and glared at him.

"What are you thinking about all day? Go back now."

Chen Duo immediately stopped smiling and pretended to be serious.

"understand!"

Jiang Qing ignored him and got out of the car, heading straight for the elevator.

The elevator ascended smoothly and arrived at the top floor.

He unlocked the front door with his fingerprint. The house was quiet, with only a few warm yellow ambient lights on.

She quietly closed the door, changed into slippers, and glanced around the living room, finding it empty.

A little light shone through the crack in the bedroom door, and the faint sound of a television could be heard.

Jiang Qing walked over and gently pushed open the door.

The TV in the bedroom was still on, playing a late-night talk show at a very low volume.

The girl was sleeping soundly on the large bed.

She changed into a close-fitting pure white nightgown. The soft fabric outlined the increasingly beautiful curves of the girl's body. Her legs were curled up in the thin blanket, but her upper body was still leaning against the headboard. Her head was slightly tilted to one side, and her breathing was even and long. She had obviously fallen asleep while waiting. Her serene little face looked like a painting under the soft light.

A gentle smile spread across Jiang Qing's eyes.

He went over, picked up the remote, and turned off the TV.

The room immediately fell into an even more tranquil peace.

I tiptoed back to the bedside, leaned down, and gazed at her closely for a few seconds to make sure she was sleeping soundly. Then I carefully reached out to support the back of her neck and the back of her legs, adjusting her position so she could lie flat and sleep more comfortably.

However, just as Jiang Qing gently moved her, the girl's long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she opened her eyes groggily.

At first, her eyes were still a little dazed and confused, but when she saw the familiar face so close to her, she instantly woke up, and her big eyes suddenly burst with surprise.

Jiang Qing! You're back!

With a nasal tone from just waking up, she called out softly, reacting quickly by stretching out her arms and wrapping them around his neck, clinging to him like a koala.

Jiang Qing paused for a moment because of her sudden movement, then chuckled. In that position, he steadily hugged her back, pulling her completely into his arms from the headboard position, and sat her on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, I'm back. Did I wake you up?"

"No no."

Zhao Jinmai shook her head vigorously, her hair brushing against his chin.

"I wasn't really asleep to begin with."

She hugged him tightly, buried her face in the collar of his shirt, which carried a slight chill from the night breeze, took a deep breath, and sighed contentedly.

I miss you so much.

Although we only exchanged messages in the afternoon, the actual hug felt completely different.

Jiang Qing felt the girl's dependence in his arms, and his heart softened.

He lowered his head and gently rubbed the top of her head with his chin, speaking very softly.

"I miss you too. Didn't I tell you to go to sleep first and not to wait for me?"

I want to wait for you.

Zhao Jinmai tilted her little face up in his arms, her eyes sparkling, with a hint of coquettishness.

"Besides, I slept too much this afternoon, so I'm not sleepy at all now."

That being said, she was sleeping so soundly just now, she was clearly just being stubborn.

Jiang Qing didn't expose her, but simply held her and gently patted her back with his fingers.

The two snuggled together, enjoying a rare moment of tenderness after a busy day.

Zhao Jinmai started chattering away, sharing what she did at home alone that day, what variety shows she watched, and how she tried to make a small dessert but failed... It was all trivial and everyday. Jiang Qing listened patiently, occasionally responding with a word or two, or being amused by some of the interesting things she told him.

After cuddling for a while, Jiang Qing could clearly feel the girl in his arms becoming more and more relaxed, softly pressing against him, and the arms around his neck also slightly sliding down.

He knew she was actually still very sleepy.

Moreover, he himself needed to wash away his fatigue.

"All right."

He patted her on the back.

"I'm going to take a shower first, I'm covered in sweat."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jinmai hugged him tighter and muttered softly.

"No, let me hug you a little longer."

Her voice was soft, with a hint of reluctant coquetry.

Seeing her dependent look, Jiang Qing's heart stirred. Suddenly, he used his strength to lift her up by her hips and legs.

"what!"

Zhao Jinmai gasped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms tightly around his neck again, her legs wrapping around his waist, her eyes wide open.

"You...what are you doing?"

Jiang Qing looked down at the girl who had instantly clung to him like an octopus, a playful smile flashing across his eyes. He picked her up and turned to walk towards the bathroom, his tone frank yet deliberately mischievous.

"Take a shower. Don't you want to let go?"

Zhao Jinmai instantly understood his intention, her cheeks flushed red, and her voice became flustered.

"I...I've washed! I'm very clean!"

She wiggled her fair little feet to show that she had finished cleaning.

Jiang Qing remained unmoved and carried her to the bathroom door. He gently pushed open the half-closed door with his foot, revealing a spacious interior and a large bathtub.

He lowered his head and brought his voice close to her reddened earlobe.

"Then... wash it again."

"You... hate it!"

Zhao Jinmai's protests were drowned out by her coquettish complaints as he carried her into the bathroom.

The door closed gently behind her, separating her from the bedroom.

Through the door, faint sounds could be heard from inside the bathroom: a girl's excited exclamation tinged with laughter, a man's teasing voice, and the gradually rising sound of running water.

Immediately afterwards, a soft moan rang out, and the sounds inside gradually became ambiguous.

After a long while, the sound of water gradually subsided, and after quite some time, the bathroom door opened again.

Jiang Qing, wearing dark gray pajamas, with half-dry hair and a refreshing scent of shower gel, came out carrying Zhao Jinmai, who had also changed into clean pajamas and was enveloped in humid steam.

The girl in his arms seemed to have all her bones removed, leaning limply against his chest, her cheeks flushed, her eyes hazy, even her fingertips tinged with a faint pink. She was clearly exhausted, too weak to even move a finger.

Jiang Qing gently placed her in the center of the large bed, covered her with a light blanket, turned off the light, and then got into bed herself, lying down beside her.

As soon as he reached out his arm, Zhao Jinmai spontaneously rolled into his arms, found the most comfortable position, and pressed her face against his chest, like a cat that had found warmth.

It took her a while to calm down before her breathing gradually returned to normal, but the drowsiness seemed to have been somewhat dispelled by the commotion she had just experienced.

She blinked in the darkness, her fingers unconsciously tracing circles on the chest of his pajamas, her voice filled with deep longing.

"Jiang Qing, are you going to be busy again soon?"

Jiang Qing's large hand gently caressed her smooth back, with a soothing tone.

“I’ve been free lately. Your new drama is about to start filming, right? I’ll be with you until you join the crew.”

"really?"

Zhao Jinmai's voice immediately perked up as she looked up in the darkness, searching for his eyes. Although she couldn't see them clearly, she could feel where his gaze was.

"It's a deal! You're not allowed to stand me up."

"Yeah, it's agreed."

Jiang Qing promised, then lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her hair.

"Go to sleep, it's late."

"Ok!"

Having received his assurance, Zhao Jinmai was completely satisfied, and her forced composure finally relaxed.

Surrounded by a familiar embrace and a comforting scent, my heavy eyelids slowly closed, my breathing became longer and more even, and I soon drifted off to sleep again.

Jiang listened to the even, shallow breathing beside him and felt the soft, warm body in his arms. A sense of peace and tranquility filled his heart.

He gently tightened his arms, holding the girl more closely in his embrace, and closed his eyes.

The city outside the window was still brightly lit, but in this small space, only the intertwined breaths remained.

The next day, Zhao Jinmai woke up naturally as sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of the French windows, casting dappled shadows on the wooden floor.

The seat next to me was empty, but the pillow still retained its warmth.

She rubbed her eyes, stretched, and felt a little sore and languid, but her mood was as bright as the clear sky outside the window.

She walked out of the bedroom in her slippers and heard a slight noise coming from the kitchen.

When she went over, she saw Jiang Qing standing in front of the island counter with his back to her, preparing breakfast.

He was still wearing his home clothes, his posture was upright, and his movements were unhurried. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee and toast.

"woke up?"

As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Jiang Qing spoke without turning around.

"Go drink some warm water first, breakfast will be ready soon." "Okay."

Zhao Jinmai obediently responded and walked to the dining table, where she saw a glass of water at the perfect temperature already placed in her usual seat.

She picked up her cup and took small sips, but her eyes kept following Jiang Qing's busy figure, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

very nice.

Breakfast consisted of a simple fried egg, bacon, toast, and fruit salad, along with two cups of freshly brewed coffee.

The two sat facing each other at the dining table, quietly enjoying their food.

Is there anything you'd like to do today?

Jiang Qing cut off a piece of fried egg and asked with a smile.

Zhao Jinmai swallowed the toast in her mouth, tilted her head, and thought for a moment.

"Hmm... there's nothing in particular I want to do. Staying at home is fine. How about watching a movie? Or you can do your thing and I can read my script."

She knew that his so-called vacation probably just meant not having to go out, and there were still some things that needed to be done online.

"not busy."

Jiang Qing smiled and shook her head.

"I'll spend the whole day with you. What movie do you want to see? Or... I can teach you how to play games?"

"Playing games?"

Zhao Jinmai's eyes lit up, and she immediately became interested.

"It's that one you played before... what was it called again? Elden Ring? It looks really difficult."

Jiang Qing smiled and nodded.

“That’s a bit too advanced for you. We can play some easy two-player games, or motion-controlled games on the Switch.”

"Okay, okay!"

Zhao Jinmai nodded excitedly.

She didn't know much about games, but playing with Jiang Qing made everything fun.

So, I spent the morning in front of the big TV screen in the living room.

Jiang Qing found a cartoon-style game suitable for two-player cooperation and patiently taught Zhao Jinmai how to play it.

The girl was initially a bit flustered and couldn't quite figure out how to press the buttons. She often made her little character run wildly on the screen or fall off a cliff, which amused Jiang Qing.

But she learns very quickly and gets really into the game. She cheers happily when she successfully passes a level, and stomps her feet in frustration when she makes a mistake. Her vivid expressions are more interesting than the game itself.

Jiang Qing's phone rang a few times during the trip, but he only gave a brief reply each time before continuing to stay with her.

This complete companionship made Zhao Jinmai feel as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

Lunch was a simple Western meal cooked by Jiang Qing.

After the meal, Zhao Jinmai volunteered to wash the dishes. Although she wasn't very quick, she washed them very carefully.

Jiang Qing leaned against the kitchen door frame and watched her, occasionally helping her reach the dish soap in the high cabinet when she couldn't reach it.

In the afternoon, the two snuggled up on the sofa and watched a romantic movie.

Coincidentally, it was actually Liu Yifei who starred alongside a Korean, making Jiang Qing feel inexplicably awkward.

Zhao Jinmai watched with great concentration, and her eyes even reddened at the touching parts.

Jiang Qing didn't react much, but when she was moved by the plot, he would turn his head to look at her, then hand her a tissue, or hug her tighter.

After the movie ended, Zhao Jinmai was still immersed in the plot, hugging a pillow and quietly discussing the choice of the male and female leads with Jiang Qing.

Although Jiang Qing wasn't particularly interested in this kind of plot, he listened patiently and occasionally offered a rational analysis, which often earned him a playful slap on the arm from Zhao Jinmai, who said he was "too calm and not romantic at all."

"Romance can't put food on the table."

Jiang Qing smiled and grabbed her hand that had committed the crime, playing with it in his palm.

"But life needs romance!"

Zhao Jinmai pouted and argued her case.

"Otherwise, it would be so boring."

"Okay, I need it."

Jiang Qing readily agreed and looked down at her.

"Then, Ms. Zhao Jinmai, what exactly constitutes romance?"

Zhao Jinmai was taken aback by his question, her face flushed slightly, and it took her a while to finally manage to utter a reply.

"It's about... it's about showing thoughtfulness! Like... like you suddenly sending me a bouquet of flowers, or taking me to see the stars or something..."

Jiang Qing nodded thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I've got that."

Seeing how seriously he was taking notes, Zhao Jinmai felt embarrassed and buried her face in the cushion, her voice muffled.

"Oh, I was just saying..."

"Silly girl."

Jiang Qing gently stroked the back of her head, finding the girl's shy appearance adorable.

As evening falls and the sun sets, it drapes the city in a golden-red cloak.

Jiang Qing made the suggestion.

"Want to go for a walk downstairs in the neighborhood? I've been cooped up at home all day."

"Okay!"

Zhao Jinmai immediately jumped up from the sofa.

She was willing to do anything as long as she was with Jiang Qing.

The landscaping in Panhai Shijia is very well done, and at this time of day, there are many people walking their dogs in the community.

Both were dressed in simple casual clothes and wearing masks. Holding hands, they strolled along the winding path like any ordinary couple.

"The environment here is really nice."

Looking at the carefully tended flowers, trees, and shrubs around her, and the children's playground in the distance, Zhao Jinmai sighed softly.

"It's quiet and convenient."

"Do you like it here?"

Jiang Qing turned her head and asked her.

"Ok!"

Zhao Jinmai nodded vigorously.

"It has a very real, everyday feel to it."

Unlike the hotels she usually stays in or the temporary accommodations arranged by the film crew, she always lacks a sense of belonging.

"Come often if you like it."

Jiang Qing gripped her hand tightly.

These words stirred something within Zhao Jinmai.

She looked up at him, her beautiful eyes above the mask curving into crescents.

"Ok!"

Jiang Qing also lowered her eyebrows and squeezed her little hand.

When I returned from my walk, it was already dark.

For dinner, we ordered takeout from a well-known private restaurant nearby.

The two ate while watching variety shows on TV.

Zhao Jinmai talked about her upcoming new drama, which is a suspenseful crime drama. She plays a complex character who transforms from a victim into a policewoman.

"This project was originally scheduled to start filming early next year, but I turned down another idol drama, and since the other main actors were available, we started filming ahead of schedule. The role I played this time is quite different from my own image, so it was very challenging."

She bit her chopsticks, her eyes showing both anticipation and a little nervousness.

"Challenges are a good thing."

Jiang Qing picked up a piece of food for her.

"Believe in yourself, you can do it. If you encounter anything you're unsure about, feel free to discuss it with me. Although I may not be able to give you much acting advice, I can still cheer you on."

"Okay, Teacher Jiang!"

Zhao Jinmai smiled and replied crisply.

She enjoyed discussing scripts with Jiang Qing. Although he wasn't formally trained in acting, his insightful observations often provided her with unexpected inspiration.

The next few days passed peacefully and fulfillingly.

Although Jiang Qing is at home, she still spends two or three hours in her study every morning handling necessary work.

Zhao Jinmai used this time to read scripts, take character notes, or contact acting teachers for online classes.

After lunch, the two would relax. Sometimes they would watch a movie together, sometimes they would read their own books, and occasionally Jiang would teach Zhao Jinmai to play Go. Although Zhao Jinmai always lost, she enjoyed it.

In the evenings, they sometimes cook together, trying out some complicated dishes, and sometimes they go out to eat at restaurants with more privacy, or to see a midnight movie to avoid the crowds.

In this daily life of being together, Zhao Jinmai could clearly feel Jiang Qing's care for her.

He would remember that she didn't like cilantro, and when she was dizzy from reading a script, he would hand her a cup of hot milk. When she kicked off the covers at night, he would drowsily cover her up again.

These subtle and unintentional acts of tenderness gradually filled her heart.

And she tried hard to integrate into his life.

She would massage his temples after he had been staring at the computer for a long time, even though her technique was rather clumsy.

She would learn to take care of his favorite green plants and stay quietly by his side without making a sound when he was on a work call.

She knew she was young and less experienced than him, and that she might not be mature enough in many ways.

But she could sense that Jiang Qing liked her being by his side, and liked the simple and vibrant energy she brought.

This gave her more confidence in her choice and in their relationship.

Those vague worries about the other girls around him seemed to become less clear in the face of this real companionship.

When he's with her, he only needs to have eyes for her, right?

As for the rest, why think so much?

From the moment Jiang Qing released Wanxiang, she knew that her previous naive ideas were no longer possible.

Now she didn't want to think too much. As long as she was sure that Jiang Qing had a place for her in his heart, that was enough.

A crane soars into the clear sky, its flight inspiring poetic thoughts that reach the heavens.

He is her azure sky and clouds.

(End of this chapter)