Chapter 346: 346: Come on, let’s have a heart-to-heart chat.
Since Jiang Nuo is back, the previously halted special issue of "We’re in Love" will naturally resume filming. As soon as Watermelon TV Station got the news of his return, their first reaction was to contact Lu Mingchen and quickly prepare for the filming.
Are you kidding! Mu Qiuniang has been causing quite a stir recently; with the whole country buzzing about "Glutinous Rice Flour Free Clinic," if they don’t join in to make a splash, what are they waiting for?
Don’t those TV stations riding the wave know that their ratings are skyrocketing?
How could Watermelon TV Station not want to join in? But thinking about their previous collaboration with Jiang Nuo, they’re all holding their breath, waiting for the moment to pounce.
"Brother Lu, no matter what, you should have a good discussion with Brother Jiang to resume filming as soon as possible. It’s good for both us and him. Besides, we were filming just fine before, and suddenly discontinuing it was a blow to the many glutinous rice fans, blah blah blah..."
Lu Mingchen, holding his luggage with one hand and a phone with the other, stood in an airport backdrop: "Alright, I know, don’t worry, I’ve already returned to Capital City and will negotiate with Jiang Nuo immediately. I’ll call you back before tomorrow."
Hanging up the phone, Lu Mingchen took a deep breath.
The matter with Mu Bai wasn’t over, and now Jiang Nuo stirred up such a big commotion. He couldn’t help but keep an eye on things.
What made him even more frustrated was that ever since Mu Bai had Mu Cheng, he no longer needed him. She would always call out "Big Cousin~" whether there was anything wrong or not, and he felt like a living background wall, completely invisible.
He’s not a masochist, although he likes Mu Bai, he doesn’t want to torture himself. Especially when Mu Bai simply doesn’t see him, staying would only make him a third wheel.
Sigh... When Qiao Zhichuan appeared before, he felt threatened and could still try hard; but when Mu Cheng appeared, he felt he didn’t even have the chance to try.
Maybe Mu Bai hasn’t realized it herself, but the fact is—she relies on Mu Cheng a lot. As long as Mu Cheng is around, all her attention is on him, and she can’t see anyone else.
Although Mu Bai doesn’t know her own feelings yet, Mu Cheng’s sudden appearance and close observation are likely due to being frightened by Qiao Zhichuan.
Indeed, Mu Bai doesn’t know that he likes her, so considering other people is quite normal. If she’s also fond of that someone, "familiarity breeds fondness" could come into play, and Mu Cheng wouldn’t stand a chance.
And from beginning to end, it has nothing to do with Lu Mingchen.
He hadn’t even confessed before being heartbroken, truly tragic!
Maybe, as Jiang Nuo once said, he probably isn’t a "good man" in the eyes of girls and would be single forever.
Jiang Nuo suddenly received a call from Lu Mingchen, asking where he was, which startled him.
"Why did you come back? Weren’t you taking care of Little Bai?"
He glanced at the operating room, seeing the surgery was still ongoing, so he lowered his voice while talking and moved to a nearby staircase to avoid disturbing others.
Outside the operating room, besides him, was the patient’s family.
"Little Bai has her big cousin with her, she doesn’t need me at all."
"Why do you sound so downbeat? Wait, didn’t you say you had someone special? It’s not Little Bai, is it?!" Jiang Nuo was shocked. It couldn’t be helped; Lu Mingchen always seemed so professional that he never expected him to be eyeing the girl next door.
Whoa!
Lu Mingchen had met so many actresses before, pure, sexy, quirky types, and none captured his heart. How did Mu Bai manage to ensnare him?
"Hmm!"
With Lu Mingchen’s admission, Jiang Nuo was completely taken aback: "Brother Lu, are you serious?"
"What’s there to fake about this?"
"But... Brother Lu, did you just say you’re planning to give up? Why are you admitting defeat so quickly? Little Bai grew up with her cousin; relying on him a bit isn’t an issue. You can’t back down just because her cousin is around. Brother Lu, you need to learn from me, be a little thick-skinned, how are you going to get a wife with such thin skin?"
"My situation is different from yours. When you pursued Sister-in-law Jiang, was there someone else around her?"
"How would I know? I just clung to her so tightly she didn’t have time for anyone else. Let me tell you, that’s not the point. An outstanding woman having a few backups is nothing surprising; the key is—how you defeat those backups and become the official husband!" Jiang Nuo said, "Let me ask you, has Little Bai gotten together with her cousin?"
"No!"
"Then why are you giving up so quickly? She hasn’t even made a decision yet. Or have you confessed to Little Bai, and she rejected you?"
"No!"
Jiang Nuo was almost dizzy: "Brother Lu, I think by giving up so quickly, you’re showing one thing."
"Showing what?"
"Showing that you don’t love Little Bai enough. Maybe you’re fond of her, but you haven’t reached the level of needing her as the one."
Lu Mingchen fell silent. Actually, he felt Jiang Nuo was right; maybe he was fond of Mu Bai, but not to the extent of it being a necessity. After all, he’s an adult now and doesn’t see himself doing something irrational.
"Brother Lu, since Little Bai isn’t the one you cannot live without, just give up if you want. When one day you meet a woman you can’t live without, you’ll understand what true love is."
"When you met Sister-in-law Jiang, how long did it take you to realize she was the one?"
"At first sight."
"Aren’t you too fast? So rash, aren’t you afraid you’ll regret it later?"
"Why would I regret? Don’t you think I’m very happy now?" Jiang Nuo flashed a toothy grin, looking rather silly.
"You do seem very happy, but not everyone is lucky enough to meet the right person at first sight."
"Nonsense!" Jiang Nuo didn’t believe this for a second. "The thing is, if you’re going to change, just admit it. Why make so many excuses? The person you see now is her; a few years later, she’s still her. Even if she’s unrecognizable, it’s because you caused it, not because she wanted to change. Brother Lu, we’ve known each other for many years, and I think you really don’t have my understanding of feelings."
"In terms of feelings, I’m really not as good as you, I admit. Alright, give me your address, I’ll come to you."
"Alright, I also want to know how you really feel about Little Bai. Love is something you cannot seek; if you miss it, you might regret it for life, and I don’t want you to regret it later. By that time, it’s too late to regret."
"Alright, let’s have a good talk."
Lu Mingchen also felt he was quite hesitant when it came to emotions, perhaps he really needed someone to talk things through with. Seeing Jiang Nuo so happy, he couldn’t help but feel envious, but always thought Jiang Nuo’s feelings were too perfect, not something just anyone could have.
He once wondered: in all the years Jiang Nuo was trying so hard, was there never a moment of doubt or regret?
After hanging up, Jiang Nuo sent his address to Lu Mingchen. It was only after he sent it that he belatedly realized, wait, if he goes to "talk" with Brother Lu, who would accompany his wife?