Chapter 86 - Her Passion

The night went as expected. 

Long Mei hardly slept. 

She stayed up thinking about what Jin Qing said, the words weighing over her mind. 

She had not forgotten the last words she said to him before the accident. She told him she hated him and that she wanted nothing to do with him. And Jin Qing still holds up to her word, even when he thought she'd forgotten she said it. 

Every person who came into Jin Qing's life, including her, had failed him and made him feel unwanted. 

Long Mei balled her hands into fists, her nails digging into her skin, shame filling her. She did not know what to do, how to make him talk to her as they used to. 

She stirred out of bed. 

When she went down the kitchen, the coffee was still warm, which meant Jin Qing had not left long before she came down. 

Long Mei poured herself a cup, adding cream and sugar before she gulped it down. She then grabbed an apple before heading over to her car and a shoot Long Xia arranged for her.

When she arrived, she went to search for the organizers, but she was lost. She then decided to approach someone for help. She found a young man with a clipboard and asked, "Hello. Can you point me to studio A?"

He looked her up and down with a disapproved look. Long Xia felt like shrinking, suddenly aware that her hair was not neat, and her restlessness was visible on her face.

"Who are you?" he asked. "Studio A, are for top models. Are you sure you are not looking for studio D?" He then chuckled. "I normally know all the top models, and you don't look like one." 

Long Mei exhaled a breath. It had been like this since she returned to the scene. Many did not know who she was because she stopped modelling shortly after she had begun. She was not respected. Not many knew her name. Not yet. 

"I'm not confused. I am lost. My name is Long Mei, and I need to find Studio A." 

"Long?" he questioned. "As—as in Long Jie?" 

"He's my father." 

The man's eyes widened. "Right. Right. This way then," he said nervously. 

Long Mei inwardly sighed. She did not want to earn respect because of her father's name. She wanted to earn it herself, but she knew she had to work hard. 

The man then escorted her to the studio and introduced her to the photographer. The photographer was busy doing another shoot, so Long Mei went to do hair and makeup. An hour passed when the previous model entered the room. Her eyes widened. 

"Luo Nuying?"

The beautiful silver-haired woman smiled. "Long Mei? I had no idea you modelled," she said, immediately pulling a seat to sit next to her. 

Long Mei took a deep breath as her makeup artist applied blush. "I began when I was eighteen and then stopped when I was twenty. Now, I am trying to make a comeback." 

Luo Nuying looked at her for a moment. "Is that so? They're going to try to eat you alive for doing that." 

Long Mei sighed. "I know. I have already been receiving the treatment, and the message is well received." 

Luo Nuying smiled. "And yet, you keep coming to your shoots? I'm impressed. Not many girls in this industry could take it." 

Long Mei shrugged. "I've been through worse. Besides, why should I let it get to me?"

Luo Nuying smiled even harder. "I like you, Mei. I can't believe we met through my cousin and your sister, and not any sooner. I wished I had known you earlier." 

Long Mei frowned. While she had been with Jin Hu, she had been so consumed by him that she had forgotten her friends, family, passion, and everything important to her. She wished she had known Luo Nuying sooner too. 

"Well, not to worry," Luo Nuying added. "We will be seeing each other more now." Something then sparked in her eyes. "Hey. I just remembered. I am hosting a party tonight. Would you like to come? You can bring your fiancé too." 

Long Mei smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "He's a busy man, but I'd love to come alone."

"Great!" Luo Nuying stood. "I will then see you later." She then winked before stalking off into the changing room. 

Long Mei exhaled a breath. She was not sure what to expect, but she liked Luo Nuying. She had been to plenty of parties before, but she had always hung with the wrong crowds. Luo Nuying had been on the cover of many brands, products, and commercials, but she was a humble woman. 

Once Long Mei finished with hair and makeup, she changed into a full-length crystal-studded dress and posed with her heart. The photographer adored her. The camera loved her. And she had almost forgotten that this was her passion. She was meant to do this. 

The photographer then showed her the photos. "You did very well. We've got some great shots, and I'm sure the magazine will be pleased." 

Long Mei smiled. "That's amazing!" 

The photographer then looked at her. "You know you have a talent that will be perfect for the runway in Paris." 

Long Mei shook her head. "In no way am I big enough for that." 

The photographer shook his head. "It does not matter whether you are well known or not. Your talent would earn you a spot. Although you will have to participate in more runways before you can secure a spot, it won't be hurt to try? You should have more confidence." 

Long Mei bit her lower lip. "I will think about it, but I appreciate your faith in me." 

He nodded. "I've been in this industry for many years. I can recognize when someone will shine the brightest right away. You used to model before, but comebacks often allow people to grow to their fullest potential." 

Long Mei beamed. "Thank you." She then glanced at her phone, noticing the time. It was already late evening. "I have to go. But, thank you for today, mister." 

She then went back to change into the clothing she had arrived with. Shortly after, she dropped by the house to get ready.