บท 38: Unfortunately

Lu Shaoting was reviewing a scene they just took.

"Okay, pass!" he announced. "Get some lunch. We will resume in the afternoon."

The cast and crew voiced out their confirmation.

"Director Lu." his assistant came hurriedly.

"What is it?" he calmly replied.

"The CEO of XCG is here to see you."

After the assistant's words fell, Midori Xiu appeared walking towards them.

Lu Shaoting stood up. "Midori Xiu." He had a warm smile.

"It's been awhile." Midori had a reserved smile but warm eyes.

They greeted each other in besos. They went to a nearby café. It was convenient as it had little customers at lunchtime.

Midori took out the contract after their food was served.

"So, how was Mei holding up?"

Lu Shaoting was reading, but his head bolted up to the inquiry.

"The better question would be, 'How do I put up with it?'"

Midori let out a laugh. "Hormones?"

"She complains about everything! I get that she is having a hard time with the morning sickness, but she keeps pestering me about the little things." He let out a huge sigh.

Midori kept on laughing. "Be more patient on her. Remember, the best actress took a leave from the business to marry you and carry your child."

"Hey, this is an award-winning director you're talking to." He replied like a spoiled child seeking gratitude.

"Yeah, okay. Tell Mei I'll come over when I get the time." she said smiling.

Shaoting squinted his eyes on her in doubt. It would be a great feat if this busy woman would be there when his wife give birth.

He continued reading while she began eating her pasta.

Finally, he finished going through the contract. It was for her new line of luxury clothes to be worn and advertised in his company's new television series. He signed without asking anything.

Midori saw this and casually said, "Just inform us of any amendment."

Shaoting nodded. Then his expression changed into a serious one. He looked into her eyes.

While observing her expression, he said, "Did you know that he's back?"

Her eyes widened for a second, then her expression showed irritation. "Unfortunately, I did."

After chatting for awhile, they bid each other goodbye. He gave her a consoling hug and went back to the location.

____________

Mei was idly browsing her phone while the TV was on as she sat on the sofa. She giggled while browsing the news.

After an hour, Shaoting arrived home.

"Lu Shaoting, you cheater!" He was welcomed with a flying throw pillow on his face.

He calmly picked it up and walked towards his seemingly angry wife.

"I bought braised beef for dinner." He placed the bag on the coffee table.

"Braised beef my foot! Look at this! What do you take me for?! You got me pregnant, then you cheat on me?!" She almost shoved her phone to his face, her face full of anger.

"So you saw whom they photographed me with." His face remaining calm.

"You cheater!" Mei kept on hitting his chest with her fists.

"Alright." He swiftly carried her like a bride while she struggled in his arms. He carefully laid her on their bed.

"Stop now. Don't hurt yourself and the baby." He pecked on her lips. "Do you miss acting that much?"

Mei laughed heartily then pouted. "But you're no fun! You even had an irritatingly calm expression!"

"You may be a great actress, but you need to remember whom you're talking to." He caressed her hair.

"But the article was so funny! They even photographed with excellent timing." She sat up, showing the malicious article about Director Lu having rendezvous with another woman while his wife is pregnant. "Maybe I should have a photoshoot when my bump becomes obvious so they could have a better photo to use." she giggled.

He squinted his eyes then shook his head. "She said she will come see you when she gets the time."

"When she gets the time..." she echoed.

Then they both chuckled.

"Shao, do you think...if he did not cheat on her...would they also be married like us by now?"

"Unfortunately, he did."