"I don’t care what excuse it is this time, I have to talk to Jiaojiao. I saw today’s news, and I want to know how she’s handling it."

The assistant felt unable to find a suitable excuse, so she reluctantly handed the phone to Xu Jiaojiao.

"Sister Jiaojiao, it’s Mr. Jin."

Xu Jiaojiao didn’t take the phone but asked with curiosity, "What’s it about?"

"Because of today’s headlines."

Her brows furrowed suddenly, and Xu Jiaojiao’s mood became even more complicated. She knew Jin Jing must have called in a hurry after seeing the news, surely wanting an answer. So she hesitated and picked up the phone.

"It’s me."

Upon hearing Xu Jiaojiao’s voice, Jin Jing suddenly didn’t know what to say. It’s already been a week since they last met, and even though they were on a short call, he didn’t know what to say; Yan Lv’s progress was very slow, and they still hadn’t found anything suspicious about Meng Chengjun, leading to feelings of uncertainty.

"Are you busy filming?"

He struggled for a long time before managing to say something vague, causing Xu Jiaojiao to think too much.

Thinking about how he and Meng Chengjun must be seeing each other every day now, the thought made her unhappy and petty. She didn’t like being jealous, nor did she like seeing them together, and knowing Jin Jing still couldn’t clarify his choice made her feel terribly uncomfortable.

"Are you trying to ask me something?"

Jin Jing’s restless heart suddenly calmed when Xu Jiaojiao sensed his inner thoughts.

Whenever he felt very anxious, Xu Jiaojiao’s voice always disrupted his rhythm. Jin Jing was well aware that when it came to Xu Jiaojiao, he remained very patient, despite the numerous obstacles between them.

"I just want to know if you’re doing well, make sure to eat well even if you’re very busy."

Xu Jiaojiao felt relieved hearing Jin Jing’s words, considering his silence on the headline news somewhat comforting. However, the call wasn’t hung up, keeping her heart unsettled.

"Although you didn’t say it, I understand very well, so you listen carefully. I’m doing well, filming every day, my life is full. I hope by the time this drama finishes, we’ll have an answer."

If Jin Jing still didn’t understand by this point, he’d be a fool.

Clutching the phone, he turned it over countless times, his heart unable to calm down. He knew Xu Jiaojiao was waiting for an answer, waiting for him to give her a complete answer.

But.

"Jiaojiao, give me a bit more time, I will make a decision."

Xu Jiaojiao couldn’t count how many times she’d heard this sentence from Jin Jing. Words heard too often can become increasingly unbelievable, and combined with her current turmoil, they were of no use, only repeatedly telling herself that knowing the answer a bit later would be better for everyone, so she closed her eyes, pretended she hadn’t seen anything.

"I have a scene to film."

"Then, I won’t hold you up, I’m hanging up."

Both were waiting for the other to hang up first, but after about five or six seconds, the call was still connected, so very synchronously, they hung up at the same time.

"It seems time is useless for me."

Jin Jing helplessly stared at the phone in a daze, but his situation was far from optimistic. Both were waiting for his answer, one being the person he loves, and the other being a responsibility he has to bear. He couldn’t let either down or be indifferent, but fortunately, his mom didn’t know, otherwise, who knows what kind of commotion it would stir up.

"This matter must be handled discreetly; the more people know, the more danger it poses."