[128] She and Jiang Ning Look So Alike!

Jiang Ning’s red lips curved slightly as her gaze settled on Ji Shen. “Brother Shen, thank you for arriving just in time at the airport last time, and also when that obsessive fan appeared at my home. Otherwise, I dare not imagine what the consequences might have been.”

Ji Shen lifted his eyes. “No need to thank me. It’s what a policeman should do.”

Jiang Ning smiled gracefully and looked toward Wen Shuang beside him.

Dressed in a tender yellow gown, her figure was alluringly curved, rivaling that of a star, with a face strikingly beautiful and full of elegance.

And the large blue diamond necklace resting on her collarbone.

Her gaze involuntarily deepened.

“This must be Miss Wen, right? Hello.”

She extended her hand with poise. Wen Shuang also curved her lips in a polite smile. “Hello, Miss Jiang. I’ve heard much about you.”

It was Wen Shuang’s first time meeting Jiang Ning, and as she looked into those almond-shaped eyes, an indescribable familiarity stirred within her.

…She looked so much like her!

Though she smiled outwardly, her heart suddenly sank.

So what He Suosuo said earlier—that they resembled each other—was true!

After the two women shook hands, Madam Ji called out sweetly to Ningning, beckoning her over.

“Ningning, it’s been years. You’ve truly blossomed beautifully and returned now as an international superstar.”

Madam Ji grasped Jiang Ning’s hand, her tone and demeanor toward her starkly different from how she treated Wen Shuang.

Jiang Ning modestly replied that she had not yet reached the level of an international megastar.

Madam Ji smiled knowingly. “Even so, you’re a renowned leading actress now, famous both at home and abroad. Unlike some small-time actresses, whose names no one even knows.”

She deliberately said this in front of Jiang Ning to embarrass Wen Shuang.

Wen Shuang pretended not to hear.

Jiang Ning smiled gently. “Auntie, I also started as a small-time actress and worked my way up. It wasn’t easy. Every small-time actress has her day to become a big star.”

Madam Ji patted her hand. “That’s because you’re capable and hardworking, and fate has blessed you. Some people, well, that’s another story!”

Wen Shuang turned her face away.

Madam Ji simply disliked her, so she praised Jiang Ning and demeaned Wen Shuang right before her eyes.

Madam Ning spoke up. “Madam Ji, I admit Ningning is impressive and still has great room to grow. As for Shuang Shuang, I’ve seen her dance before. Among the new generation of dancers today, her skills are absolutely top-tier. Both girls are talented; there’s no need for such comparisons.”

Madam Ji was momentarily silenced.

The elderly Madam Ji also said, “Indeed, both are good children! Too much comparison isn’t good!”

Wen Shuang gratefully glanced at her.

Madam Ning smiled gently at her.

Wen Shuang caught Ji Shen’s side glance from the corner of her eye, noticing he seemed to be watching Jiang Ning intently, his gaze filled with unspoken words.

She tugged at his sleeve.

Ji Shen came back to himself. “What would you like to eat, Shuang Shuang?”

She shook her head.

He couldn’t understand her discomfort.

At this moment, he was likely still lost in the joy of reuniting with his first love.

Jiang Ning’s arrival stirred a lively peak at the banquet.

As she was a famous leading actress, many approached for her autograph. Jiang Ning never acted aloof; whenever someone asked, she immediately signed.

The elders uniformly praised her for being sensible and beautiful—truly worthy of a big star.

Wen Shuang watched from afar, recognizing Jiang Ning’s high emotional intelligence. She could answer even the most tricky questions from the elders smoothly.

If those questions were directed at her, she would surely stumble.

An hour passed during the banquet.

Feeling dizzy from drinking too much wine during the toasts, Wen Shuang stepped out for some fresh air.

Just as she sat down in the garden pavilion, He Suosuo approached.

During the banquet, He Suosuo had been watching their direction, but Wen Shuang had ignored her.

“Wen Shuang, I told you, as soon as Jiang Ning came back, you became nothing in Brother Shen’s eyes! Haven’t you noticed he no longer treats you like before?” He Suosuo said smugly.

Wen Shuang flipped her chestnut waves. “Is that so? I honestly haven’t noticed. He treats me just as well as always.”

“You’re stubborn.”

He Suosuo paced in front of her.

“Jiang Ning was Brother Shen’s first great love. Back then, he would have done anything for her. They planned to marry right after college. But Jiang Ning, for some unknown reason, insisted on going abroad to pursue her dream of becoming a leading actress. Brother Shen had already passed the police exam and was assigned his post. Both clung to their dreams, and so they parted ways.”

So that was their story.

They didn’t separate because they no longer loved each other.

Rather… due to their careers, they had no choice but to part.

“They were truly childhood sweethearts. After all these years and such deep feelings, their reunion will only burn hotter. Wen Shuang, don’t be deluded. I can see Brother Shen’s heart still belongs to Jiang Ning!”

He Suosuo declared confidently.

Wen Shuang stood. “Then your eyes must be failing you.”

She didn’t want to hear any more; it only made her heart ache.

He Suosuo continued shouting behind her, “Anyway! Whatever I can’t have, you’ll never get either!”

What she couldn’t have was Ji Shen’s heart.

And Wen Shuang?

She had once thought she had it, but after Jiang Ning appeared, doubt crept in.

Did she ever truly possess it?

Wen Shuang wandered the garden for a while, her thoughts tangled.

“Shuang Shuang!”

Qin You hurried after her. Since seeing Wen Shuang leave, he had been searching everywhere.

He knew she must be upset seeing Ji Shen with Jiang Ning.

Wen Shuang frowned, stepping back. “What do you want?”

“I’m worried about you. Afraid you might be overwhelmed alone.” Qin You knew of the earth-shaking love story between Ji Shen and Jiang Ning. “Shuang Shuang, you saw today—Jiang Ning still holds a special place in my brother-in-law’s heart.”

Why did everyone come to her just to tell her, again and again, that Ji Shen and Jiang Ning couldn’t let go of each other?

As a woman, she could clearly feel Jiang Ning’s emotions toward Ji Shen.

But Ji Shen’s heart…

It was too deep, too unfathomable for her to see.

And she didn’t want to see.

Wen Shuang sneered coldly. “Have you said enough, Qin You? Once you’re done, you can leave. Don’t forget, you’re still my brother-in-law, Wen Yao’s fiancé!”

Qin You’s expression soured. “Shuang Shuang, you know I don’t want to marry Wen Yao! The one I truly want to marry has always been you! Look, my brother-in-law still has feelings for Jiang Ning. He’s not the right match for you. You should be with me instead. I promise, I’ll treat you well for the rest of my life!”

Wen Shuang was about to kick him fiercely with her high heel.

Just then, a melodious voice came from behind a big tree.

“Brother Shen, we accidentally overheard your nephew’s heartfelt confession to your girlfriend, Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Ning and Ji Shen appeared behind them.

She covered her mouth, feigning surprise.