As Jing Yi had mentioned, gatherings among the six of them were quite common, and even after years of not seeing each other, there was no trace of awkwardness between them.
The sound of laughter and chatter filled the room as the seven of them engaged in a lively conversation, with even the usually reserved Director Xu joining in.
However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and Director Xu knew this all too well.
This wasn’t the end of the recording for Jing Zejun and Wen Qingyan, but it was likely the last time Jing Yi and the others would be participating.
“Let’s play one last game,” Jing Yi suggested, leaning lazily against Jing Zejun, having eaten a bit too much and not feeling like moving.
“Classic Director Xu,” someone quipped.
Director Xu retorted, “Don’t worry, it’s a game that doesn’t require any movement. It’s called ‘Five Things About Me Over the Years’…” The idea was for each person to share five things about their experiences or changes in recent years, each starting with “I.”
Jing Yi immediately looked unenthused. Last time, it took her forever to come up with just one thought, and now she had to come up with five!
She tried to hide behind Jing Zejun, “You go first, Second Brother!”
Jing Zeqian, who was also lounging to digest his food, chimed in, “…So you didn’t think of me?”
[Hahahaha, typical Jing Yi!]
[After all these years, Jing Yi still hates answering questions.]
[Young Master Jing’s expressionless face: Why am I always the target?]
[Is this really the last game? Will we not see Jing Yi anymore after this?]
[Be grateful, I think her participation alone is a dream come true.]
Jing Zeqian resignedly sat up, pondering the rules Director Xu had just explained, and extended one hand.
“I am Jing Zeqian.”
Jing Yi burst out laughing, “What’s this? A declaration?” Jing Zeqian glared at her, “What? Can’t I just appreciate how nice my name sounds?”
He needed to come up with five points, and he had to stretch a bit to make it work.
Jing Zeqian bent one finger and continued, “I am still the CEO of Startrack, as I introduced before.”
The others: …Isn’t that a bit of a cop-out?
Jing Zeqian cleared his throat, “I’ve learned not to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear.” The second statement left the viewers and the production team puzzled, but the people in the room understood perfectly.
He quickly bent another finger, seemingly avoiding the gaze of his family.
“My family has grown by two members.”
Jing Zeqian seemed even more embarrassed, while Wen Qingyan’s expression brightened.
“Finally, I am very satisfied with everything in my life now.” Jing Zeqian lowered all his fingers and waved his hand dismissively, “Alright, alright, your turn!”
Jing Zejun, noticing her brother’s discomfort, naturally stepped in to spare him further embarrassment.
“I’ll go next. I am Jing Zejun.”
“I am still the actor Jing Zejun.”
Jing Zejun smiled gently and bent a third finger, “Jing Yi was there the day I won my award.”
“I have a husband now.”
“I am very satisfied with my current life.”
Next was Wen Qingyan.
Perhaps inspired by Jing Zeqian’s opening, the subsequent speakers followed a similar pattern.
Thus, these statements no longer felt like fillers but instead carried a sense of ceremony.
“I have fulfilled a long-held dream,” Wen Qingyan said, looking at Jing Zejun with tender affection, “I have a wife now.”
“My PR contingency plan, fortunately, hasn’t failed.”
Then it was Wen Yin’s turn.
“I have graduated,” he said with his youthful smile, “My racing skills were taught by champion Jing Yi.”
“I feel very lucky to have participated in this variety show with my brother.”
Jing Yi, who had been secretly preparing, was starting to feel nervous as it was almost her turn.
Jing Zeyou chuckled and took the baton, buying his sister a little more time.
“I am Jing Zeyou.”
“I am still the CEO of Hengjing.”
“I haven’t changed much; I’m still the same as always,” he paused, a slight smile playing on his lips, “I still love going to work.”
“I am grateful that the current situation wasn’t achieved by trading away anyone.”
“Lately, I’ve been getting more sun.”
Hearing this, Jing Yi added, “Yes, even CEOs need to get some sun.”
Jing Zeqian, sitting nearby, urged, “Hurry up, it’s your turn.”
Jing Yi sighed softly and obediently extended her hand, “I am Jing Yi.”
“I am now a professional racer,” Wen Yin interjected, “A champion racer!”
Jing Yi smiled shyly and bent another finger, “I’ve gone through many changes; I’ve participated in several competitions.”
“I married Shen Huaichu.”
“I…” Jing Yi took a deep breath, her dimples showing as she smiled, “I am walking my path with ease and joy.”
After Jing Yi finished, the comments section was filled with both nostalgia and a touch of sadness.
Director Xu also seemed reluctant to let go, and the production team was immersed in the melancholy of the impending farewell.
Jing Yi, too, was affected by this inexplicable mood but joked, “Director Xu, why that expression? Are you not filming anymore?”
Director Xu’s sadness was instantly dispelled, “Who said that! We’re only halfway through the show!”
Jing Yi laughed, determined not to let the moment turn into a sentimental goodbye.
…
It was time for Jing Yi and the others to leave. While the other guests were only seen off at the door, this group seemed different.
Director Xu watched as Jing Zejun and Wen Qingyan changed their shoes, preparing to leave together.
“Are you all heading out too?”
Wen Qingyan neatly placed Jing Zejun’s indoor shoes aside and replied, “It’s a family habit to take a walk together after meals sometimes.”
Jing Yi also contacted Shen Huaichu.
Director Xu, standing nearby, seemed hesitant to speak. Jing Yi, prompted by a subtle hint from Jing Zejun, finally remembered Director Xu’s curiosity about Shen Huaichu.
Jing Yi muttered, “What’s so curious about him? Doesn’t he have two eyes and a nose like everyone else?” As she spoke, she walked toward the door.
The cameraman following her overheard her muttering and thought to himself that Jing Yi probably had no idea how much the media outlet that secured the exclusive interview had profited.
The conversation gradually drifted, and Shen Huaichu appeared on camera. The viewers could clearly see his expression change from neutral to a warm smile the moment he saw Jing Yi, a perfect example of ‘instant transformation.’
Jing Yi held his hand and introduced him to the viewers, “Look, this is my husband, Shen Huaichu.” Her tone was as if she were introducing some rare specimen.
Shen Huaichu’s gaze softened even more, and his voice carried a hint of joy.
“Hello everyone, I am Jing Yi’s husband, Shen Huaichu.”
The others in the room: …His self-introduction is always a bit different each time.
With everyone present, it was time for the group to head out for their walk.
The camera lingered on the seven of them as they walked away.
It was a summer night, the sky dotted with stars, the evening breeze rustling the leaves, and the moonlight stretching their shadows. They seemed to be chatting, their voices faint and indistinct.
Just like that sunrise many years ago, it was equally beautiful.