I Am The Key...

Meiying had been feeling incredibly anxious lately, especially since Liu Mingxuan pulled that stunt four days ago, the phone number with which he had used to call her wasn't even reachable leaving her unable to contact him. However, Meiying was certain that he had returned to China since the other line she used to call him previously when he wasn't in the country doesn't exist anymore.

Observing Xuejian's behavior these days had put Meiying on edge. He seemed so fixated on finding Mingxuan. Meiying didn't know about their past or have any personal connection to Mingxuan, but she did know that he held a secret about Xuejian.

When they all graduated from high school, Mingxuan had given Meiying a phone number she could use to reach him if she wanted to learn more about her past and about Xuejian. Meiying had dismissed his offer, believing he was just playing another trick on her, as he always had in high school, earning him the title of the number one trickster.

Meiying couldn't recall much about her days in elementary school, which puzzled her, but she did remember that it was where she first met Xuejian. She believed that whatever had transpired between them had begun there, and the only person she remembered attending elementary school with her and Xuejian was Mingxuan. That's why it was essential for her to talk to him.

Meiying sat in the van assigned to her for changing and resting during filming. Since her character had been stabbed, she didn't have many scenes to act in this past few days, except for when Wei Long and Huo Wu visited Xiu Ying.

Today's scene involved her character being discharged from the hospital and discovering something suspicious about Wei Long. Xiu Ying decided to pretend to drop the serial killer case at the police station to gain more insight into Wei Long's actions.

"Meiying, you should go home now since you're done shooting for today," Jingyi, who had been watching her closely, advised.

"Li Chenwei asked me to wait for him because he wants to meet me after his shoot," she informed.

Meiying wasn't the only one taken aback when Chenwei took on a cameo role in the movie; even his fans were concerned, thinking that his breakup had affected him. He had initially turned down the offer due to his breakup with Xiaoxiao but then reconsidered and contacted the director for the role.

"Why does he want to see you?" Jingyi asked curiously.

"Maybe it has something to do with the frame with Mrs. Feng," Meiying replied.

"Have you met her?" Jingyi inquired.

"No, she had already left with her kids for London," Meiying replied.

"Well, it should be a good thing for you," Jingyi remarked.

"It could be," Meiying answered thoughtfully. She understood what Jingyi meant. With Mrs. Feng gone, Meiying would hopefully find some peace. However, she knew that her days of tranquility would be far from over, especially since she had entered the entertainment industry at such an early stage.

Suddenly, Meiying's phone began ringing, causing Jingyi to lean over her shoulder as she reached into her bag to check the caller.

"The little kid is really smitten by you," Jingyi teased playfully.

"No, he's not. Zeng Wei is just calling because I'm running late," Meiying explained with a gentle smile.

"You mean for helping out with the spring festival?" Jingyi clarified, and Meiying nodded in agreement.

"You really are serious about helping out, aren't you?" Jingyi asked, impressed.

"Well, I'm doing it because I want to help, and... the school is actually the only place where I have more memories of in China," Meiying said, her smile becoming more genuine.

Jingyi observed Meiying intently, her eyes filled with curiosity. "You know, Meiying, there's something mysterious about you," she said, her voice sincere. Meiying looked at her quizzically, prompting Jingyi to continue.

"I have a feeling that soon enough, everyone will be clamoring to know more about you, especially once the movie is released. Interviews will become your main focus, as you'll receive numerous offers," Jingyi remarked, a touch of excitement in her tone.

Before Meiying could respond, a knock on the van door interrupted their conversation. Jingyi quickly opened it and informed Meiying that it was Li Chenwei outside.

Grabbing her jacket, Meiying stepped out of the van to speak with him. As soon as Chenwei laid eyes on her, his face lit up. "How have you been?" he greeted warmly.

"Alright," Meiying replied, hugging herself tightly against the cool breeze that swept by.

Concern etched on his face, Chenwei suggested they go inside the building. Meiying declined, explaining that she had other plans and didn't want to get too comfortable.

"If you say so, then go ahead. I just wanted to see you and since we'll be working together in the next scene, we can catch up then," he suggested with a smile.

"Okay, see you soon," Meiying responded, waving goodbye as she returned to the van.

Although she longed to spend more time with him, Meiying was aware of the potential scandal that could arise if they were seen together publicly. So, she decided to be patient, awaiting the day when her divorce from Xuejian would be finalized, setting her free once more.

The van dropped Meiying off at school, and she made her way to the auditorium, where preparations for the spring festival were underway. Meiying joined her group that were in charge of making red lanterns for the festival, apologizing for her lateness, but they reassured her with warm smiles.

Du Xinyi was so thrilled to see her, she was enthusiastically engaging in conversation, effortlessly completing most of their work while conversing animatedly about the day's activities.

Meiying's red lantern was the best in the group, bringing back memories of her high school days when she worked hard to prepare for the spring festival. Although her lanterns back then wasn't amazing, it had a certain charm that made it quite good. Xuejian, who was the school president at that time, had made fun of it, which motivated Meiying to improve its appearance. And her hard work paid off, as the results were very satisfying!

Because Zeng Wei couldn't be there for the preparation, both Yang Mei and Shi Lin took charge of checking everything for the day.

On ordinary days, Shi Lin would diligently craft scrolls adorned with auspicious New Year wishes, intricate Chinese characters, and beautiful paintings depicting traditional symbols associated with the Spring Festival. Meiying learned that Shi Lin possessed remarkable talents in calligraphy, painting, and drawing through this preparations. Meanwhile, Yang Mei always immersed herself in martial arts practice, gearing up for the grand demonstration scheduled for that day. Intriguingly enough, Meiying discovered that Yang Mei was also designing traditional Chinese clothing, such as cheongsams and hanfu, exclusively for the anticipated fashion show.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of red lantern making, Meiying became aware of Du Xinyi's involvement in performing short plays depicting compelling traditional Chinese tales, folklore, and legends intertwined with the essence of the Spring Festival.

Meiying, spontaneously offered to showcase her skills in traditional Chinese music by playing instruments; erhu, during the folk dance segment of the grand event.

As the sky began to dim, Meiying decided it was time to bid farewell. She found herself standing on the sidewalk in front of the school, attempting to hail a taxi, when she suddenly heard her name being called. Surprise filled her heart as she turned to see Zeng Wei approaching her.

"What brings you here?" she inquired with curiosity.

Zeng Wei playfully responded, "Well, my school happens to be just behind you!" Meiying couldn't help but roll her eyes at his mischievous remark. Zeng Wei then presented her with a brown bag, prompting Meiying to question its content.

To her astonishment, he revealed, "It's chicken! I remember you enjoy it at Yang Mei's place the other day."

Gratefully accepting the gift, they looked at each other once more but before they could say anything else, they were interrupted by the arrival of a sleek Bugatti parked right in front of them.

Meiying's surprise heightened as she witnessed Liu Mingxuan stepping out of the luxurious vehicle. Alert and protective, Zeng Wei instinctively positioned himself in front of Meiying.

Mingxuan greeted them with a wide smile, addressing Zeng Wei, "Ah, little Wei is here too!"

Confusion etched across Zeng Wei's face as he inquired, "And who might you be?"

With a mischievous grin, Liu Mingxuan replied, "I am the key... to unlocking all of Meiying's lost memories." Meiying stood frozen, her shock palpable.

Cackling at Meiying's stunned expression, Liu Mingxuan's laughter abruptly halted as his gaze shifted behind them. Curious, Meiying and Zeng Wei turned to discover Xuejian's presence. Xuejian stood with an air of arrogance, one hand casually tucked in his pocket, his smirk oozing with wickedness.

"The only thing you will be unlocking," Xuejian sneered, "is your soul because I want it right now."