SWDnovel Chapter 46 Eating Dumplings on the Winter Solstice
Chapter 46 Eating Dumplings on the Winter Solstice
December 22, winter solstice.
Fu Yibai held an end-of-year summary and outlook meeting in his office with Zhao Qi, Lin Wei, Chen Mo, Xu Liang, and others.
The explosive growth of the music business is the biggest highlight, and it is expected to contribute more than 80 million yuan in net profit to the company this year, greatly boosting cash flow.
Regarding cinemas, many cinemas in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and other cities have completed renovations and are now open for business.
Today, Galaxy Cinemas has six cinemas and more than forty large screens.
Regarding artist management, Lin Wei somehow managed to sign Tang Yan, who had auditioned for "Caught in the Web," into her agency.
After Fu Yibai refused her invitation to dinner, the girl never contacted him again.
Unexpectedly, he entered his company without saying a word.
However, Fu Yibai didn't say anything about it. Although this woman was later called the shame of the Central Academy of Drama because she always played naive and innocent characters, she is still a newcomer now.
Fu Yibai could personally train her.
Regarding film and television projects, the rough cut of "Crazy Stone" has been completed. It is packed with jokes and features Ning Hao's distinctive style. After watching it, Fu Yibai only raised a few minor comments on the pacing and basically believed that it had huge commercial potential. It is scheduled to be released next May Day.
Filming for "Chinese Paladin 1" has begun, and Liu Yifei frequently sends selfies from the set, inviting Fu Yibai to visit her.
The production team of "Bright Sword" has finally assembled the main cast and entered the final stage of preparation, with filming expected to begin after the Lunar New Year.
After finishing his company business, Fu Yibai glanced at the calendar.
Today is the Winter Solstice, and according to northern customs, we should eat dumplings.
He was wondering whether to order takeout or what when his phone rang. It was Fan Binbin.
"Honey, I'm back in Beijing!"
Are you busy today? How about we go get some dumplings? I know a hidden gem restaurant that makes amazing dumplings.
Her voice carried the lightness of someone who had just finished their trip.
"Okay, send me the address, I'll go straight there."
Just after hanging up with Fan Binbin, Hu Jing's message came in.
"Director Fu, today is the Winter Solstice, the crew has wrapped up filming early."
I made some dumplings, though they don't look very pretty... Do you have any plans for tonight? [Cute]
Fu Yibai rubbed his temples as he looked at the two invitations that arrived almost simultaneously.
"Make more, I'll go over with Binbin tonight."
Fu Yibai's reply left Hu Jing stunned for a few seconds on the other end of the phone.
Did you come with Fan Binbin?
Her fingers tightened slightly around her phone, and her heart began to pound uncontrollably.
Hu Jing took a deep breath, quickly adjusted her tone, and typed rapidly on the screen, trying to convey just the right amount of surprise and a hint of barely perceptible tension between the lines.
"Okay!"
I'll prepare more supplies and wait for you all!
What kind of filling does Binbin like to eat?
Let me check if there are enough ingredients in the fridge~
After sending the message, she put down her phone and looked at the somewhat crooked dumplings she had carefully prepared on the kitchen counter. Suddenly, she felt that they were not quite presentable enough.
She frantically began checking the refrigerator's contents, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how to make this "home-cooked meal" look more presentable in a short time, at least... not too shabby.
Meanwhile, Fu Yibai forwarded the address Hu Jing sent to Fan Binbin, adding the message: "8 o'clock, see you here. Hu Jing has prepared dumplings."
Fan Binbin is touching up her makeup in the car.
Upon seeing the message from Fu Yibai, she paused in her act of applying lipstick in front of the small mirror, her beautiful eyebrows slightly raised.
Hu Jing?
Fan Binbin knew that Hu Jing and Fu Yibai also had that kind of relationship; in the entertainment industry, this kind of thing is too common.
She hadn't taken it too seriously before, partly because she was confident in herself, partly because she knew Fu Yibai knew his limits, and partly because her primary goal was to secure a professional relationship with him.
But at this moment, Fu Yibai offered to take her to Hu Jing's place to celebrate the winter solstice... which was a bit of a subtle implication.
Was it just a simple "friends' get-together"?
Or is it some kind of arrangement that carries a sense of declaration and scrutiny?
Fan Binbin put away her lipstick, pursed her lips in front of the mirror, and made the color more even.
The woman in the mirror has delicate features and a powerful aura.
She gave a soft hum, a half-smile playing on her lips.
I'll go.
Perfect timing! She also wanted to see for herself what kind of person this "Sister Jing" was in private, in front of Yi Bai.
Moreover, given her current status and deeper connection with Fu Yibai, she is confident that no matter the situation, she will not be at a disadvantage.
"Driver, change the destination to this place."
Fan Binbin gave the address to the driver and then sent a message to Fu Yibai.
"Received it, darling~"
I'm on my way there.
Sister Hu Jing is so thoughtful; she even made dumplings especially for me. I'll definitely try them.
At 8:10 p.m., Fu Yibai's car arrived at Hu Jing's apartment building first.
He parked his car, went upstairs, and rang the doorbell.
Hu Jing opened the door quickly.
She had clearly dressed up carefully, changing out of her simple loungewear and into a soft, off-white turtleneck sweater paired with a light brown long skirt. Her hair was styled in a loose, relaxed bun, with a few wisps falling around her cheeks. Her makeup was light yet highlighted her good complexion. She looked gentle and homely, yet with a touch of formality befitting a guest.
"Director Fu, you've arrived."
Hu Jing smiled and stepped aside to let him in, her gaze unconsciously glancing behind him.
"Binbin will arrive a little later."
As Fu Yibai changed his shoes, he spoke, his gaze sweeping across the room.
Several cold dishes were already laid out on the restaurant table, the aroma of stew wafted from the kitchen, and the room was warm and clean—it was clear that a lot of thought had been put into it.
"Hmm, no rush."
Please have a seat and a cup of tea.
The dumplings will be ready soon; I'll go cook some first.
Hu Jing led Fu Yibai to sit down on the sofa in the living room, served him the prepared hot tea, then tied on an apron and went into the kitchen with light steps.
She appeared calm, but her slightly flushed ears and slightly faster-than-usual movements betrayed a hint of nervousness.
Fu Yibai leaned back on the sofa, relaxing his tired shoulders and neck, listening to the slight noises coming from the kitchen.
He closed his eyes and rested for a moment.
About twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang again.
Fu Yibai got up, walked to the door, and opened it.
Fan Binbin stood gracefully outside the door.
She wore a well-tailored champagne-colored knit dress that accentuated her beautiful figure, topped with a high-quality white cashmere coat, and carried an elegant paper bag.
Her long hair was slightly wavy, her makeup was perfect, her red lips were striking, and the diamond earrings on her ears sparkled under the hallway lights.
She looked as if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine, somewhat out of place in the ordinary apartment building, radiating an aura that illuminated her surroundings.
"Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the road."
Fan Binbin flashed an impeccable smile, his gaze passing over Fu Yibai's shoulder and landing precisely on Hu Jing, who came out of the kitchen upon hearing the sound.
His smile deepened, and his tone was warm yet maintained just the right amount of distance.
"Sister Jing, sorry to bother you~"
Happy Winter Solstice! I brought some red wine; I'm not sure if it's appropriate.
Hu Jing quickly wiped her hands on her apron and came forward with a gentle smile.
"Binbin's here! Come in, come in! Don't say you're bothering me. I'm so happy you could come."
It's cold outside, isn't it? Come and warm up.
"Why bring wine? You're too kind."
She took the paper bag from Fan Binbin; the cool, high-end packaging felt luxurious to the touch.
The two women briefly met in the entryway, their eyes meeting lightly in the air before smiles spread across their faces.
Fan Binbin's bright and dazzling appearance contrasted sharply with Hu Jing's gentle and domestic demeanor. There seemed to be an invisible tension in the air, but it was masked by the politeness and small talk that both parties deliberately maintained.