Chapter 47 Attitude
Chapter 47 Attitude
December 22nd, night, Hu Jing's home.
The room was well-heated, and the air was filled with the aroma of chicken soup and the faint smell of dumpling wrappers and flour.
The three sat around the small dining table, with a soft glow from the warm yellow chandelier overhead.
Fan Binbin took off her coat, and her curvaceous figure became even more captivating under the lights.
She sat gracefully, her gaze sweeping over the simple yet complete dishes on the table.
A few simple home-style dishes, a large plate of freshly cooked, steaming dumplings, and a pot of milky white chicken soup in the middle.
Her gaze finally settled on Hu Jing, her smile impeccable.
"Sister Jing is so virtuous. She's so busy filming, yet she still makes dumplings herself."
Hu Jing was serving soup to the two of them when she heard this. She paused slightly, then looked up and smiled gently.
"It's just passable."
I usually eat whatever's convenient when I'm alone.
It's a holiday today, and it's only because Director Fu and Binbin are here that I thought I should do something serious.
Please don't mind my poor cooking skills.
She gently placed the first bowl of soup in front of Fu Yibai, her movements natural.
"It smells wonderful."
Fu Yibai took it, his tone indifferent, and picked up the spoon to take a bite.
"Hmm, the heat is just right."
The simple comment brought a smile to Hu Jing's face, and she served another bowl to Fan Binbin.
"Binbin, try it, be careful it's hot."
"Thank you, Sister Jing."
Fan Binbin took it, scooped it up with a small spoon, blew on it gently, parted her red lips slightly, took a small sip, then put down the spoon and looked at Fu Yibai with a smile.
"Yi Bai, I remember you seem to really like Cantonese soup?"
Next time I'll take you to a newly opened shop. The owner is a chef from Guangzhou; his skills are exceptionally authentic.
Her words, though seemingly casual, subtly steered the conversation toward a more private and "high-class" shared experience between her and Fu Yibai.
Hu Jing tightened her grip on the spoon slightly, her smile unchanged, as she picked up a dumpling and placed it on Fu Yibai's plate.
"Director Fu, try this three-delicacy filling. I added extra shrimp on purpose."
"it is good."
Fu Yibai accepted all offers and lowered his head to eat dumplings.
The atmosphere at the dinner table was somewhat awkward.
Fan Binbin was clearly not content to just be a diner. She took the lead in the conversation, from the fun stories about promoting the movie "Cellphone" to her recent endorsement deal with an international brand. She inadvertently revealed her current status and busy schedule, but her eyes kept glancing at Fu Yibai, observing his reaction.
She spoke with such radiance that even in this ordinary apartment, she seemed to have her own spotlight.
Hu Jing listened quietly most of the time, occasionally chiming in with a few words, and adding soup or handing tissues to Fu Yibai when appropriate.
She doesn't really engage with Fan Binbin's topics about fashion, endorsements, or first-class international flights. Instead, she talks more about down-to-earth things that happen on set, or embarrassing stories about failing to cook a certain dish. Her tone is gentle and self-deprecating, which gives her a unique sense of warmth.
Two women, one like a bright and dazzling red rose, blooming freely, constantly reminding others of her existence and value.
Like a gentle and quiet lily, she silently exudes fragrance and gently nourishes her surroundings with delicate care.
They were all trying to establish their place around the same man, each in their own way.
Fu Yibai ate very little and spoke even less.
He listened, occasionally responding with a word or two, his gaze calmly shifting between the two men.
He could naturally sense the undercurrents beneath the calm surface of the table, but he had no intention of intervening or mediating.
To some extent, this subtle "competition" and "display" allowed him to gain a more intuitive understanding of the thoughts and states of the women around him.
After the meal, Hu Jing got up to clear the dishes, and Fan Binbin symbolically helped by carrying two plates to the kitchen sink. He then leaned against the kitchen door frame and watched Hu Jing roll up her sleeves to wash the dishes.
"Sister Jing works so hard, she has to film and take care of her family at the same time."
It was impossible to tell whether Fan Binbin's tone was one of admiration or something else.
"But then again, having your own little nest makes it comfortable no matter what you do."
Unlike me, I'm constantly flying around, and I'm almost tired of staying in hotels.
Hu Jing turned on the tap, and the water gushed out.
With her back to Fan Binbin, her voice, though mixed with the sound of water, remained gentle.
"Yes, having a place to stay makes me feel at ease."
Binbin, you're in the prime of your career right now, being busy is a good thing; many people envy that.
Fu Yibai sat on the living room sofa and lit a cigarette.
The conversation coming from the kitchen could be faintly heard. He exhaled a puff of smoke and his gaze fell on the city lights outside the window.
Fan Binbin came out of the kitchen, walked over to Fu Yibai and sat down next to him. She naturally snuggled up to him, playing with his free hand with her fingers, and whispered.
"Are you tired? Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
There's a company meeting this morning.
Fu Yibai stubbed out his cigarette.
"My flight is tomorrow afternoon, so I'm leaving again."
Fan Binbin's tone was reluctant, but he quickly raised his face, his eyes shining.
"I'll be completely relieved once 'Cell Phone' is no longer in theaters."
Then... I can stay with you forever.
Her words clearly hinted at her future after successfully terminating her contract and joining Morningstar.
Fu Yibai patted the back of her hand without saying anything.
After tidying up the kitchen, Hu Jing came out with a plate of fruit. She paused for a moment when she saw the two people snuggling on the sofa, but then walked over as usual and sat down on the single sofa to the side.
"Director Fu, Binbin, come and have some fruit."
Fu Yibai stubbed out his cigarette and patted the sofa next to him.
"Sit here."
Fu Yibai's purpose for tonight's dinner was to test whether the two women could go further with him.
He will have more and more women in the future, and if the two women can't handle it now, they won't be able to go further with him.
As for any kind of chaotic situation, given his assertive personality, it simply wouldn't exist.
If you can accept it, stay; if you can't, leave.
Fu Yibai's words, "Sit here," were spoken calmly, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Hu Jing froze for a moment, her gaze quickly sweeping over Fan Binbin.
Fan Binbin's smile also froze for a moment.
Fu Yibai had his left arm around Fan Binbin, while his right arm was slightly open, waiting for Hu Jing's answer.
Hu Jing stood there, her fingertips slightly cold.
On the sofa, Fan Binbin leaned against Fu Yibai's chest in an intimate and natural posture, as if he had long been accustomed to this position.
Fu Yibai remained calm, his gaze fixed on her, neither urging her nor holding her back, but rather with a kind of scrutinizing anticipation.
The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds, with only the faint sounds of the city night coming from outside the window.
Hu Jing lowered her eyes and took a deep breath.
When she looked up again, her face was once again filled with that gentle smile, but deep in her eyes, a hint of resolute determination flashed through her eyes.
She took a step forward without hesitation, walked to Fu Yibai's right side, and sat down gently.
Fu Yibai naturally wrapped his right arm around Hu Jing's waist, pulling her closer to him.
Hu Jing stiffened slightly, then relaxed and obediently leaned against him, even adjusting herself to a more comfortable position.
She could smell the faint scent of tobacco on Fu Yibai, mixed with the high-end perfume wafting from Fan Binbin's place, and the lingering smell of kitchen fumes on herself.
Several flavors intertwined, creating a strange yet real taste.
Fan Binbin was on Fu Yibai's left, her smile still bright, but the hand around Fu Yibai's arm tightened slightly.
She turned her head to the side, her chin almost resting on Fu Yibai's shoulder, her gaze passing over him and landing on Hu Jing's face, smiling brightly.
"Jingjie's house is decorated so warmly."
Fan Binbin's voice was still sweet and gentle, showing no signs of change.
"May I bother you often from now on?"
Hu Jing leaned on Fu Yibai's shoulder, her smile unchanged.
"You're welcome anytime. As long as you don't mind how simple my place is."
"How could that be?"
Fan Binbin chuckled.
Fu Yibai listened to the conversation between the two women beside him, feeling the body temperature and subtle movements coming from his left and right.
He didn't interrupt, but simply closed his eyes, as if enjoying this moment of tranquility, or perhaps tacitly accepting the formation of a certain situation.
This silence itself is an attitude.
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