Chapter 119: Found the Song Family

Director Cao watched Sun Xiaojing's expression grow increasingly grim, a wave of unease rising in his chest. He rose to his feet and asked gently, "Xiaojing comrade, Xiaojing comrade? Are you quite all right? What on earth has happened?"

Sun Xiaojing finally snapped back to her senses, forcing a strained smile onto her face.

Her mind spun in confusion. Reality had shattered every expectation she had clung to. She was supposed to be the female lead, yet the male lead had already found someone else? What did this even mean—was she meant to step into the role of the mistress?

Was there even a single novel in which the female protagonist was the mistress?

A troubling realization settled over her. Something had gone terribly wrong, and the most glaring culprit was almost certainly that mysterious, unexpected fiancée who had materialized out of nowhere.

Without a second thought, Sun Xiaojing brushed past Director Cao and strode out of the office.

Behind her, Director Cao called out in surprise, "Hey, hey, hey!" but she paid him no mind and continued her hurried departure.

He stood there, bewildered, one hand thoughtfully stroking his chin. There was something different about this Sun Xiaojing. She had always been so reserved, her voice soft and measured, her smiles gentle and a touch shy. Yet ever since she returned from her year abroad, he had sensed a profound change. Her speech, her mannerisms, the way she carried herself—all of it had transformed. The old Sun Xiaojing seemed to have vanished entirely, replaced by someone vibrant, confident, and utterly free of restraint.

He pondered the shift for a long moment.

Perhaps the open-minded culture of the outside world had rubbed off on her. After all, a year spent learning abroad could certainly reshape a person's outlook.

Sun Xiaojing, however, moved through the world with urgent purpose, making her way straight to the Song residence. The moment she reached the courtyard gate, she froze. Lanterns glowed softly overhead, and the house was festooned with festive red characters proclaiming double joy. Her footsteps faltered, but she steadied herself, drew a deep breath, and stepped inside.

From a distance, she could hear the lively voices of the Song family members.

"Try this on, Xiaoxiao. Your sister-in-law picked out the finest red fabric from the city yesterday—bright, auspicious, and luxurious. Let's see how it suits you."

Xiaoxiao?

Sun Xiaojing frowned, approached the entrance, and knocked firmly.

It took some time before the door opened.

Left Lan appeared, her expression bright with surprise. "Xiaojing? You're back? When did you arrive?" She quickly ushered her guest inside. "Come in, come in. Sit. Shen'er, look who has returned..."

Song Ting Shen gazed at Sun Xiaojing with an unreadable, flat expression.

Sun Xiaojing met his stare directly.

Left Lan suddenly clapped her hand to her forehead. "Oh, my, I nearly forgot again. Sorry, Xiaojing. Shen'er had a mishap during a mission earlier and suffered from amnesia. He may not remember you now... Please don't take it to heart." She turned to Song Ting Shen. "Shen'er, this is Sun Xiaojing, the liaison officer from your unit. You've worked together for many years; she's like family."

For a long moment, neither Sun Xiaojing nor Song Ting Shen spoke.

Sun Xiaojing simply held his gaze.

She was certain of one truth above all others: Song Ting Shen had never lost his memory.

Whether drawn from the original plotlines she knew or the emotions she read in his eyes, she was convinced he was faking the amnesia.

Yet she could not understand why. What had truly happened to him? Why the pretense of memory loss? Why marry someone else? Why...

"Ting Shen, how does it look?"

At that instant, a soft, gentle female voice drifted down from the staircase.

Sun Xiaojing turned her head.

Their eyes met perfectly.