Chapter 120: Breaking the Ice (Plus More)

Chapter 120

The sound of rain outside grew louder, drowning out Song Shuling's sobs.

Zhong Ruanxing knew she needed to vent, so she didn't interrupt her. Not until the rain slowed did Song Shuling finally lift her tear-stained face and ask chokingly, "Sister-in-law, will my brother forgive me?"

Zhong Ruanxing handed her a tissue to wipe her tears: "He has never blamed you."

He has never blamed anyone.

Song JinXing was never a cold person. His innate gentleness and upbringing shone through, if one could make it past the frosty exterior to glimpse the softness within.

Song Shuling's emotions gradually stabilized.

She thought of many things, of how moved her brother had looked receiving gifts from her as his sister-in-law.

Previously, her "brother" had taken the initiative to get close to her, so this time, she would take the initiative to get close to her brother.

Seeing her expression, Zhong Ruanxing knew not to say anything more. She smiled and shook her empty wine glass at Song Shuling: "Want more?"

Song Shuling was suddenly bold: "Yes! I won't leave until I'm drunk!"

Zhong Ruanxing got up and brought the wine bottle over: "No need to get drunk, I still have to shoot tomorrow morning. Let's just have half a glass more to aid sleep."

Song Shuling's face flushed easily when drinking. Having just cried, her small face and eyes were rosy, making her look rather adorable. Though she'd said she wouldn't leave until drunk, after half a glass of wine, her eyes were already glazed over.

Zhong Ruanxing laughed helplessly and hurried to support Song Shuling to bed before she passed out, helping her take off her coat, shoes and socks, and wiping her face and hands with a towel.

In her muddled state, Song Shuling lay in bed squinting at the person caring for her. Suddenly tears flowed again as she pleaded carefully, "Sister, please don't break up with my brother, okay?"

Zhong Ruanxing's hands paused and she sighed, "But we were never together in the first place."

But Song Shuling didn't hear her, already passed out in her stupor.

The next morning, she awoke to the sounds of Zhong Ruanxing washing up. Rubbing her aching head, she sat up and took a moment to recall last night's events before looking around anxiously. Seeing Zhong Ruanxing emerge from the bathroom, she finally relaxed and happily called out to her "Sister!"

Zhong Ruanxing said while drying her hair, "You're awake? I boiled hot water for you, it's on the table, go drink it yourself. What do you want for breakfast?"

The next morning, Zhong Ruanxing left early to shoot on set, asking Ran to send Song Shuling to the airport. Not wanting the sister to think her clingy and inconsiderate, Song Shuling didn't say much. But before leaving, she bought a fresh bouquet to replace the withering peonies in the vase. She also restocked the fridge with fruits and beverages.

She'd come empty-handed but was leaving with many things.

Before boarding the plane, she messaged Song JinXing:

- Brother, are you working late tonight?

The plane took off with no reply yet. But this time, Song Shuling didn't feel dejected. Her mood was very different from before. Two hours later, the plane landed in Beijing. Opening her phone, she saw her brother had replied:

- Just got out of a meeting, not working late.

Song Shuling bravely asked:

- Want to eat dinner together at home then? I can buy groceries and come over to cook.

This time, Song JinXing replied very quickly:

- Okay. Just order takeout.

Looking at the chat, Song Shuling happily smiled holding her phone.

With an open mind, his words didn't seem cold anymore. Her brother's love was implicit and silent, but she could still sense his patience and tolerance for her in his words.

Leaving the airport, Song Shuling didn't go home but took a taxi straight to the supermarket. She bought a huge amount of groceries, then headed directly to Zhongting.

The password to Song JinXing's home hadn't changed. Song Shuling carried the ingredients in and started busying herself.

In the evening, noises came from the door and Song JinXing walked in, still chilled.

The living room lights were bright. A vase on the coffee table held a fresh bouquet. Aromas of cooked food wafted out. Song Shuling came running out of the kitchen wearing an apron, a bit nervous as she called out, "Brother, you're back."

Though nervous, her gaze was sincere, her smiling face obedient as she said, "Dinner's almost ready, just wait a bit more for me."

Song JinXing was stunned for a few seconds before silently nodding.