The sky gradually turned dark. Luna finally finished filming today’s snow scene and walked into the sitting room, still cloaked in cold air. There was a round table in the middle of the room, and in the center of it, a pot of broth was piping hot. It was filled with various ingredients and smelled absolutely enticing. Around the broth, there was a wholesome array of dishes: roasted chicken, cured meat, mutton rolls, beef rolls, sashimi, stir-fried vegetables...
Film director Tommy and screenwriter Mose rubbed their hands together and ran over to the round table excitedly. "To be able to dig into Mr. Carter’s cooking after work is indeed one of the greatest enjoyments in the world," the two men commended.
Jaden smiled. He scooped a bowl of rich, creamy radish soup and placed it in front of Luna. "Miss Carter, enjoy."
Luna resisted the urge to wolf down the food and took the soup bowl in a refined manner. "Thank you," she responded. She picked up the spoon and gracefully finished the bowl of soup, feeling the warmth spread through her stomach. The nippy chill she had felt upon entering the sitting room had dissipated.
Jaden poured wine for Tommy and Mose. "The weather forecast says that it’ll snow again tomorrow. If everything goes smoothly, you should be able to finish filming the snow scene then."
"If there’s nothing out of the ordinary tomorrow, I’ll return to Rosemont City in the afternoon," Mose said, stroking his beard. "I can finally go home for Christmas. I miss my grandson so much."
Tommy smiled and added, "We’ll work harder tonight and finish filming the night scene. I believe Luna’s fine with it. Let’s all go back together tomorrow afternoon."
Luna had a smile on her face, but she could feel a pinch of emptiness in her heart. She would only resume work after the New Year. Without the food Jaden made for her over these many days, she’d probably lose a few pounds again.
Just as she dwelled on the thought, her phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, her scalp tightened, and she groaned inwardly. ’I really don’t want to answer this call, but I can’t.’
Luna forced a smile and picked up her phone. "I’m going to take a call," she announced before running upstairs and lowering her voice. "Mom, I’m filming. What’s the matter?"
"What else could it be?" her mother complained. "It’s Christmas Eve in three days. The whole family is back, and you’re the only one missing. When are you coming home?"
Luna held her forehead. "Rosemont City just had snow. I still have dozens of scenes left to film. I can’t go back until I’m done."
"Really? Is it worth going through so much trouble just to film a movie?" Her mother sighed. "It’s not that I don’t support your acting career, but you’ve been at it for more than ten years. You’ve already won international and domestic awards—you have all the honor you deserve. Since your career is on the decline, you should let it go."
"Mom, didn’t we agree?" Luna suppressed her frustration and spoke patiently. "After this movie, if I still can’t make a comeback, I’ll leave the industry forever. But if I reach new heights, you and the rest of the family will continue to support me."
"Actually, can we not talk about this for now?"
"Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s talk about the blind date," Luna’s mom switched topics. "I’ve already spoken to a few young gentlemen. They’re solid in all aspects and have good character. You must meet them all when you come back this time. I don’t believe none of the men I’ve carefully chosen are worthy of your attention."
Luna felt like banging her head against the wall. "Mom, I’m focused on acting, and you’re forcing me to go on blind dates. This will affect my state of mind."
"Forcing you?" Luna’s mother raised her voice. "You’re almost thirty. Isn’t it natural to get married at this age? Listen to me—thirty is a big hurdle for women, both in their careers and relationships. After thirty, actresses lose their competitiveness, and it’s the same in the marriage market."
Luna felt that at least one-third of her depression stemmed from her family’s constant reminders about her deteriorating prospects after thirty and their relentless pressure to marry and have children.
"I get it," she said, not wanting to argue. "I’ll go on a blind date. Anyway, the director is rushing me to film the next scene. I’ll talk to you later."
She hung up, feeling exhausted. ’So what if a woman is thirty?’
’If time permits, she’s clear-headed, independent—no longer naive but not old-fashioned either. Her career would’ve passed its hardest phase, and life would be smooth.’
’Yet everyone, inside and outside the entertainment industry, believes women lose their charm and marketability at thirty. Will that happen to me?’
The thoughts made her anxious. Just as she had regained her calm and optimism, her family’s pressure resurfaced. She shook her head, refusing to dwell on it further.
Then, she gracefully returned downstairs and took her seat at the table, her composure flawless.
Jaden scooped another bowl of soup for her. "Here you go."
As Luna ate, she strategized how to escape her family’s blind date arrangements.
At that moment, the television broadcast entertainment news: Director Steve Levine’s movie ’Boundary Strike’ had finished filming and was set for release on May 1st.
Her heart skipped a beat. She turned to Jaden. "Is Zayn planning to continue acting?"
Jaden nodded. "He’s accepted two minor roles and starts after Christmas."
Luna was secretly delighted. "Does he still need acting training?"
"Very much," Jaden confirmed. "He signed up for classes as soon as he returned. Every day, he practices basics with teen art school candidates."
Luna smiled. "My parents are usually only home for two or three days during Christmas. I plan to visit Kinmore City after the first day. If Zayn’s okay with it, I can help with his acting then."
Realizing she might have revealed too much, she quickly added, "In return, I’d like the same as before—your family makes me a meal every day."
Jaden agreed without hesitation. "Sure, I’ll cook whatever you want."
Luna smiled warmly. "I’ll return to my hometown on Christmas Eve, but before that, I’ll have time to guide Zayn."
Back in Rosemont City’
Joy, busy at her computer, suddenly received a call from her mother.
"Joy, Mommy’s in Rosemont City. I’m at Carter’s Restaurant now. Hurry over and eat with me."
’Carter’s Restaurant?’ Joy’s eyelids twitched, but her voice remained cheerful.
"Mom, why didn’t you tell me earlier? I could’ve picked you up. Carter’s Restaurant only serves home-cooked dishes—I’m tired of eating those at school. Let’s go somewhere else."
You’re tired of it, but I can’t stop craving it," Nellie said with a grin. "After years abroad, nothing beats hometown food. I’ve heard Carter’s is the best here. I even had someone reserve a private room for us. Hurry over—today’s their last day before Christmas. They’re closing for a few days starting tomorrow."