Chapter 112: A Tender Christmas

Entertainment at Your Side (No Ads)
Story Creation Date: December 2006
Recommended Song: Big Bang — The Last Goodbye
Disclaimer: This work is purely fictional; please do not draw parallels to real people. Any resemblance is purely coincidental!

No matter what, in 2006, Jiang Yihan was undeniably a hot topic in the entertainment circle, receiving recognition both officially and among the public. Expectations for Jiang Yihan in 2007 would surely not be low.

Of course, that was all external—Jiang Yihan himself was focused on wrapping up his current film and the three projects entering post-production, which kept him truly busy.

After Park Young-ho shouted “Cut!” for the last time, Jiang Yihan rubbed his stiffening face and walked back to the makeup station to remove his makeup.

“Hyori, do you have any plans for Christmas tomorrow?” Jiang Yihan asked Li Hyori, who was sitting beside him.

“Tomorrow? I’m not sure, I need to check with my manager,” Li Hyori replied, also removing her makeup and turning to look at Jiang Yihan.

“If nothing comes up, we’re thinking of having a Christmas party. Since Xiaolong has a schedule, he probably won’t be back until after eleven, so we might start around eleven-thirty or midnight. If you have time, Hyori, come join us,” Jiang Yihan said. Recently, Li Hyori had been visiting Jiang Yihan more frequently. Of course, part of it was due to their joint filming, but showing up at Jiang Yihan’s home was no longer just a guest’s visit for her.

“Mm, I’ll check my schedule tomorrow and get back to you,” Li Hyori said, pressing down the excitement in her heart and keeping her voice calm.

Tomorrow was something to look forward to.

However, Jiang Yihan’s and Jiang Ziyi’s Christmas plans fell through; the Christmas party couldn’t be held because the newly formed One company organized a collective party. All artists under the label had no individual schedules and attended the Christmas party together.

By the time Jiang Yihan arrived, many people were already there. Since it was a private gathering, everyone wore casual clothes, yet the stars were still numerous. This was originally the first formal meeting between the ABC and YG companies. When everyone was assembled, Lee Tong and Liang Hyunsuk stepped forward, cleared their throats, and signaled for quiet.

Jiang Yihan turned to look for Jiang Haotian, wondering why he hadn’t appeared yet, as Lee Tong and Liang Hyunsuk began to speak. After sharing some thoughts and looking ahead to the future, Lee Tong’s words made Jiang Yihan shift his gaze toward the door.

“Please welcome our One chairman, Mr. Jiang Haotian.”

After a pause, the door opened. Jiang Haotian smiled and waved to everyone. Suddenly, Jiang Yihan noticed someone behind him—a woman in her twenties, slightly plump, her belly already showing a noticeable shape. Jiang Yihan suddenly realized she was Jiang Haotian’s current wife. Watching the two smile as they entered, the world seemed to slow in replay; everything around him decelerated. At that moment, Jiang Yihan understood that Jiang Haotian now had a family and should have nothing to do with him anymore.

He was dazed for a few seconds, though it felt like a century had passed. Jiang Yihan smiled gracefully, applauded politely, and treated himself like everyone else at the scene—a stranger whose new boss had just arrived. When his eyes met Jiang Haotian’s, Jiang Yihan suppressed the turmoil within and maintained a formal smile, nodding slightly. Seeing Jiang Yihan’s distant expression, Jiang Haotian’s face flickered through several emotions within a second before resuming a smile and waving to everyone.

Strangers passing by, acquaintances meeting but not recognizing each other—any of these could describe the current relationship between these two. Jiang Yihan adjusted his breathing and turned back to watch Jiang Haotian and his wife speaking at the front.

But the murmuring voices nearby completely distracted Jiang Yihan. Listening carefully to the conversation, he was stunned.

“Our boss is really wealthy, merging ABC and YG,” one remarked.

“Of course. I heard he’s connected with the underworld. Ziyi’s breakthrough in China was helped by someone. They also have some shady ties with the government. Their assets must be in the Fortune 500 by now. That’s why they could merge two big companies,” another replied.

“You’re talking nonsense. Which businessman doesn’t have some government or underworld ties to get this big?” a third joined. “I heard his illegitimate son is in our company, that’s why he merged the companies—to grow bigger.”

Illegitimate son? Jiang Yihan sneered coldly.

“Illegitimate son? Really? What about his current wife?” one was shocked. “Isn’t she pregnant?”

“You’re really dumb. His current wife was born in ’84, just a few years old—no, the boss is 25 years older than her. Having kids before is normal. Whether the son is illegitimate, that’s up for debate,” the third spoke with insider knowledge.

“I heard it was the boss’s father who opposed his marriage, so his previous child became illegitimate,” another added. “Rich families are messy. Probably a fight over inheritance.”

“Please, the boss wasn’t from a rich family. I heard he just started a small garment factory. He probably succeeded by abandoning his wife and child,” the third said, disdain mixed with envy.

“Whatever, rich families have complicated affairs. Do you know who the young master in the company is?” the first was curious.

“No idea. Probably only the big boss and the managers know. It’s a company secret,” the third said. “I accidentally found out the young master is here; otherwise, no one would know.”

“Wow, when the boss’s wife’s child is born, it’ll be interesting. Two kids fighting over a huge fortune,” the second exclaimed.

“Are you stupid? This isn’t a soap opera about rich family inheritance,” the third sneered. “The boss will probably settle it with a will. Real life isn’t as dramatic. Besides, our boss isn’t a world tycoon, no need for that hassle.”

“Still, I wonder if the young master is here tonight. How does it feel to see your father and his wife on stage?” the second looked around seeking someone who fit the description.

“The boss’s old child must be in his twenties now, about the same age as the current wife. What a mess. I wonder what he thinks,” the first sighed.

Jiang Yihan, standing nearby, stopped listening and returned his focus forward. Hmph, if the young master were as good as they said, that would be great. But the woman beside Jiang Haotian was only a year older than him and was bearing his child. Jiang Yihan let out a disdainful sound. How to put it? His heart was filled with complicated feelings. Watching the couple smile and chat with others, Jiang Yihan suddenly stepped back, wanting to leave.

He looked for Li Ran but didn’t see her—then remembered she had gone to the restroom. Hesitating, Jiang Yihan stepped outside.

In the hall, a stunning female artist attracted everyone’s attention. Han Caiying was simply dressed in jeans and a T-shirt but still showcased her perfect figure. She seemed to be searching for someone. Suddenly spotting her target, she apologized to those around her and left in pursuit.

Han Caiying admitted that signing with One company had both objective and subjective reasons. When her manager approached her about signing, she was excited. One’s strength was undeniable, and having a wealthy boss meant smoother prospects. Moreover, Han Caiying faced problems with her current company; two consecutive films underperformed, and her accumulated popularity dwindled. She needed a new environment and new opportunities. Her manager expected her to be sentimental and reluctant to leave, but Han Caiying decided within days and quickly signed with One. While objective factors were tempting, subjective reasons sealed her decision.

Jiang Yihan—a man she had crossed paths with twice—was not someone she loved or even liked, but she held a fondness for him and longed to work with him on a project. Undeniably, Jiang Yihan was like a magnet, irresistibly drawing her closer, compelling her to explore his charm further. After arriving at the party, Han Caiying inexplicably began seeking Jiang Yihan’s figure, unsure why. Could it be attraction? Possibly.

Following Jiang Yihan outside, Han Caiying reached the corridor entrance, intending to greet him but found Li Hyori already by his side.

She admitted Li Hyori was very charming. Surprisingly, the two stood side by side, appearing very harmonious, as if not allowing any interruption. Han Caiying bit her lip, hesitated, then retreated.

In the corridor, Jiang Yihan and Li Hyori met while both had stepped out for fresh air. Neither spoke, quietly standing by the railing enjoying the cool night breeze.

“Yihan, have you ever thought about trying to accept someone new, letting someone take care of you?” Li Hyori ventured, her long wait giving way to some hope. “After what happened with Yimei at the beginning of the year, I know you were hurt, but it’s been over half a year. You should try to accept someone else.”

“Hyori, I understand what you mean,” Jiang Yihan said without turning, still gazing into the distance. “I just need time—a period to summon the courage to start anew.” Courage—that was exactly what Jiang Yihan lacked.

In matters of the heart, Jiang Yihan was painfully slow—so with Liu Yan and with Li Yimei. Slow to react, but not foolish. Over the past six months, he had noticed and appreciated Li Hyori’s companionship and care, which clearly went beyond sibling affection. So when Li Hyori brought it up, Jiang Yihan immediately understood and his answer revealed his feelings: he indeed needed time.

As for Liu Yan, it was true he had almost forgotten—nearly two years had passed, and much had changed. But to say he felt nothing for her was false. A first love, especially an unfulfilled one, stays in memory for a long, long time. Somewhere in Jiang Yihan’s heart still lingered a trace of “love.”

Regarding Li Yimei, it was not true he had forgotten. A better word than forget was “accept.” He had accepted her feelings, accepted that he had fallen for her, accepted her betrayal, and accepted their current relationship—that she was merely someone he knew. The pain had faded but the wound still deeply stung.

So to Li Hyori, Jiang Yihan could not face things so quickly. Call him a coward or an ostrich if you will, but he just needed a long, long time.

Hearing Jiang Yihan’s answer, Li Hyori instantly understood. Disappointment was her greatest feeling, though she knew he needed time, that he was afraid to accept new love, and that it was his nature. Still, it hurt. Li Hyori glanced at her cocktail and took a sip—sweet, yet bitter—holding it in her mouth, savoring, then swallowing to feel the numbness brought by the alcohol. She knew the best for Jiang Yihan was to wait for Liu Yan. She didn’t wait and lost her chance with him; Li Yimei waited and gained her happiness but didn’t hold on; and she… perhaps she should wait, too.

Li Hyori finished her drink, looked at Jiang Yihan, then left. Turning around, she saw Li Ran standing by the door, who gave her a nod before departing.

Li Ran had stood there for a long time, hearing the gossip and speculation inside the hall. He worried that Jiang Yihan was overloaded with information lately. Seeing the brief exchange between Li Hyori and Jiang Yihan, Li Ran immediately understood. After twenty years together, he knew Jiang Yihan too well.

At such a moment, words were unnecessary. What Jiang Yihan needed was someone by his side, someone trustworthy. As always, Li Ran appeared beside Jiang Yihan.

Jiang Yihan looked at Li Ran, his restless heart calming a little. It had been too long—too long. Days accompanied by Li Ran had become a habit. Looking at Li Ran, Jiang Yihan suddenly thought: one day, when Li Ran marries, he won’t be able to stay by his side every day. He smiled helplessly, raised his head to the sky, and savored the rare quiet.

Just standing side by side, just watching the scenery, no words, no sound—but the heart would settle.

When Jiang Yihan returned to the hall, Jiang Haotian had already left. What caught his attention was Li Hyori sitting on the sofa, likely feeling unwell or having drunk too much. Her head was already dizzy. Jiang Yihan hurried over.

“Hyori, did you drink too much?”

“No, no, Yihan, don’t worry, I’m clear-headed, just a bit dizzy,” Li Hyori said clearly, seeming to have only mild dizziness without excess drinking.

Jiang Yihan hesitated but helped her up. “Tonight I’ll take you home, Hyori. You should head back yourself first.”

Li Ran nodded, saw Jiang Yihan to the car, then returned to the party.

When Jiang Yihan delivered Li Hyori home, it was already late—two in the morning. Jiang Yihan looked at her lying in bed and said, “Hyori, get some rest. I’ll leave now.” He turned to leave.

Li Hyori whispered, “Yihan, can’t you stay tonight?”

Jiang Yihan looked back at her lying there, knowing his indirect refusal hurt her deeply. He knew the sacrifices she’d made, her hardships, but he couldn’t reciprocate. “Hyori, please sleep,” he said softly, then left.