Through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the restaurant, you can clearly overlook Tokyo's prosperous cityscape from upstairs.
But Keiko Matsumoto, who was sitting on the sofa and sipping her coffee, couldn't help but be too distracted to appreciate it.
She raised her wrist and checked the time for the third time in five minutes.
Because even though the scheduled meeting time is four-thirty, there are still five minutes left until we arrive.
But until now, Ning Weimin has not appeared in the direction of the entrance of the restaurant.
This is already an unusual thing for Japanese people who are used to planning their time fifteen minutes in advance.
To be honest, even though we haven't seen each other for more than ten days, it seems like we just came here.
But at the moment when they were about to meet, Matsumoto Keiko's inner anxiety could not be expressed in words.
After finally squeezing out half a day, all she could think about at this time was the desire to meet Ning Weimin as soon as possible, and she even lost the mood to enjoy the background music.
Without fear of blushing, this becomes more so as the time approaches.
Even just now, she was like this when she was dealing with Michiko Harada.
Although she had set the time in advance and deliberately exaggerated the urgency of the fact, she later discovered that women really couldn't be restrained when shopping in stores.
When she was in a Chanel store, she faced Michiko Harada, who had trouble choosing and tried on clothes endlessly. It didn't take long for her to lose her patience.
In order to be able to leave in time, she simply spent more than 400,000 yen and bought two sets of clothes that Michiko Harada had a hard time choosing between.
After a lot of talking, Harada Michiko let her go and quickly arrived at the meeting place.
But I didn't expect that I was so excited, but I was disappointed. Ning Weimin hadn't arrived yet.
For this reason, while Matsumoto Keiko sat and waited, he couldn't help but make random guesses about what happened to Ning Weimin.
Did you remember the time or place of today’s meeting incorrectly?
Or is it inconvenient to ask for leave from the place where you work?
You might even be busy and forget about it, or something unexpected might happen on the way here...
Fortunately, after much guessing, her worries were unfounded. She had been worrying for a long time in vain, and Ning Weimin did not break the appointment.
When the time on the watch pointed to half past four, a tall and thin figure who remained the same, clean and simple, walked into the restaurant almost quickly.
The moment this tall and handsome young man appeared at the entrance of the restaurant, his eyes were still wandering around looking for the target.
Matsumoto Keiko, who had been paying attention to this direction, had captured him immediately.
In an instant, all worries disappeared.
Instead, there is the joy of having all your wishes come true and the satisfaction of getting what you want.
She quickly stood up with a smile on her face and waved gracefully to the person she longed to meet from a distance.
Immediately, Ning Weimin discovered her location and walked towards her quickly.
However, for Ning Weimin, after he came and sat down, he was quite surprised that Matsumoto Keiko was not in disguise today.
You know, Matsumoto Keiko is absolutely beautiful today.
The upper body is a light gray loose sweater, with one silver button unbuttoned at will, and the beautiful collarbone sets off the slender white neck.
The sleeves were rolled up to reveal a slender wrist, and the watch was a silver Cartier.
Pair it with a pair of black jeans underneath to look both smart and comfortable.
In particular, she wore a pair of black high-heeled short boots, which made her figure look even taller and more attractive.
But the problem is, this is in a public place.
Keiko Matsumoto didn't even dress up her appearance at all, no sunglasses, no headscarf, not even a hat.
Isn't she afraid of being recognized and getting into trouble?
Just after the waiter came over to take Ning Weimin's order, Ning Weimin couldn't help but worry and asked concerned questions.
"Miss Keiko, why aren't you wearing sunglasses today? Are you just sitting here, not afraid of being recognized by others?"
"It's okay, it's fine here. Generally in higher-end places, no one will pester me for autographs or photos."
Matsumoto Keiko's smile remained the same, and she no longer felt strange to Ning Weimin.
She even made a joke about herself.
"And I'm just a washed-up actress. With my current popularity, I'm afraid even reporters won't bother to follow me anymore. This is also a rare freedom."
In this regard, Ning Weimin could only think that this was the benefit of a small country.
Obviously, if we compare the number of Japanese stars with the total number of citizens, the number will definitely be much smaller than what China does.
It’s no wonder that young people here are not as crazy as those in China.
However, of course he would not take Matsumoto Keiko's self-effacing remarks seriously, and he still had to say them in a nice way.
"How is that possible? You are an international movie star. At least I am sure that you have many movie fans in China, even more than in Japan. If you go to the capital, be sure not to go out on the streets by yourself, otherwise you will definitely
What causes chaos is that once someone recognizes you, thousands of people will surround you and ask you to sign autographs and take photos. By then you won’t be able to leave even if you want to.”
"Really? I don't believe it. This is too exaggerated. In fact, not many of my movies have been released in the Republic. Only one or two."
"If the character is deeply rooted in people's hearts, one movie is enough. The Xiao Xia you played is so beautiful and has moved many people. I reluctantly tell you that you are the dream lover of many Chinese young men."
"Haha, that's what I said, but you didn't recognize me when we first met. It seems that I didn't act well enough."
Although Matsumoto Keiko was amused, she still pretended to be modest.
Of course, Ning Weimin's tongue would not be troubled by this kind of question, and he would come up with excuses as soon as they came.
"Huh? Did I make you misunderstand? That's a pity. Actually, I'm not to blame for this. The main reason is that the day I watched "March of Kamata", there were too many people watching the movie. There was a person sitting on both sides of me.
The big fat guy couldn't move because he was stuck in the middle, and it was really uncomfortably hot. This led to my lack of concentration. If it weren't for watching you play Konatsu, just because of Anji and Ginshirou, I would have left long ago. Completely
It's because of you that I persisted in watching this movie. And to be honest, who in the right mind would think of meeting Xiaoxia herself during a trip to Japan? I still can't believe it, not only do I have this
What’s more, I met Konatsu, who has become a big star without the two annoying Ginshiro and Anji around me. This thing is so dreamy, you might as well think about it from my perspective..."
Keiko Matsumoto was very happy to be coaxed, but she was also a little embarrassed at this time.
She chuckled, but her self-deprecation became even stronger.
"Actually, being a star is just a daydream. Many people have dreams that they will never wake up from! I'm not afraid of your jokes, but I can't continue to dream now..."
Ning Weimin noticed that she was somewhat exhausted mentally and physically, so he stopped smiling and comforted her thoughtfully.
"Don't be so pessimistic. In fact, no matter how you go in life or choose any path, there are many difficulties. But if you look back many years later, it may not be difficult at all..."
Keiko Matsumoto was touched after hearing this, but after being silent for a while, she still couldn't help but refute.
"But only successful people can look back. People who work hard have no time to look back and can only keep moving forward. Therefore, ordinary people never write memoirs. I am the same. For so many years, I have never dared to look back."
"Actually, you are qualified enough for this, really."
Ning Weimin coughed slightly and expressed his stance in a solemn manner this time.
"Listen to me, I am actually a person who has no interest in celebrities. I will never become a fanatical supporter of any actor. Even Yamaguchi Momoe and Teresa Teng, who are all crazy in Asia, are in my eyes.
Normally. But you are an exception to me. I have watched a lot of your movies recently, and my calmness seems to be gone. I like your movies and am obsessed with the characters you portray. The more I watch these days, the more I feel like this. You
She is talented and the awards she has won are well-deserved. There are not many contemporary actresses who can compare with you. Please never doubt this. You are just tired now. What you need is to be kind to yourself. Don't be too hasty.
Take your time, I believe everything will be fine."
"thanks for saying that!"
Keiko Matsumoto was truly moved. She raised her head and stared at Ning Weimin.
At this time, she had almost completely forgotten to ask the reason for Ning Weimin's late arrival.
But Ning Weimin didn't say a word, he just smiled at her.
It shows sincerity and understanding, yet seems calm and relaxed.
For some reason, Matsumoto Keiko liked his smile and was even obsessed with his smile.
Maybe it's just because this smile is on Ning Weimin's face.
This delicate mood is difficult to express in words.
But just when everything was getting better, the waiter came over with a glass of tonic water.
She put the drink in front of Ning Weimin, which turned out to be an obstacle to the friendship between the two.
Matsumoto Keiko, who was feeling excited, could only stop trying to reach out and hold Ning Weimin's hand.
At the same time, he turned his head and looked out the window to cover up his barely restrained expression of emotion.
"The weather outside is so nice today, the sunset must be beautiful..."
"You like sunsets?"
Ning Weimin, who didn't notice anything unusual about Matsumoto Keiko at all, took a sip of his drink and asked casually.
"Yeah, don't you like it?"
"I like it." Ning Weimin responded.
But then I felt that this answer was too unsatisfactory and had the tendency to talk to death, so I added another sentence.
"But everyone has different reasons for liking the sunset. What is your reason?"
"me?"
Matsumoto Keiko really started to think about it seriously.
He replied after a while, "Maybe it's because the sun is slowly disappearing. Every time I watch the sunset, I feel a little sad for some reason. I always feel that every moment in front of me is so precious, but I can't really catch it.
Everything seems to be a waste at this time, so I can only watch quietly. Especially at the seaside, the colorful clouds in the sky will dye the sea surface into the same color. This strong contrast is breathtakingly beautiful, but it is
It will make people sad again..."
Ning Weimin immediately heard the hidden meaning.
These words seemed like Keiko Matsumoto was lamenting her own situation.
Indeed, so many successful people are like the sun hanging high in the sky, shining brightly for everyone to look up to.
Matsumoto Keiko must also lack confidence in the future, so she is very worried that she will sink slowly like the setting sun until she disappears.
"A few years ago, when I was in the capital, I once accompanied an old man to watch the sunset at the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan, the capital. It was the highest point of Jingshan, and it was a sunny day, so the sunset was very atmospheric. Sitting in the pavilion
Looking to the south, the setting sun is slanting on the Forbidden City, and the glazed tiles are really shining with golden light, as if they were made of pure gold. Looking to the north, in addition to the Drum Tower, you can also see the mountains and city buildings in the distance, which are reflected in the sky.
There were pigeons flying over from time to time, and it was so beautiful. At that time, I was only worried that the scenery in front of me was too old, which would make the old people who went with me sad. Thinking of my own age, I hurriedly invited people to visit me while it was still dark.
The old man went down the mountain. Unexpectedly, the old man told me that the reason why he likes to watch the sunset is because the sunset reminds him of the sun tomorrow."
Matsumoto Keiko also realized the implication of Ning Weimin's words and said a little surprised.
"That's very well said. It seems that this old man is really a wise man."
"Yes, the old man does know more than the young man. In fact, what he just advised you to look back on was also what he said."
"Really? It's amazing. This old man understands life very well, like a philosopher. Is he a relative of yours?"
"Well, they are my relatives, but they are not related by blood..."
Matsumoto Keiko looked surprised again.
"What? No blood relationship?"
"Ah, I haven't told you. My parents have passed away a long time ago. This old man has no children. So in the past few years in the capital, he and I have become a family. We are dependent on each other. Of course, apart from relatives,
In fact, he is a strict and knowledgeable teacher to me. I have benefited a lot from him."
Ning Weimin frankly explained his situation in the country.
In fact, his main point is to say that he is lucky to have a good teacher like Kang Shude as his companion.
But Matsumoto Keiko's maternal nature is overflowing, but her attention is focused on other aspects.
"Are you really an orphan? Since when did you lose your father and mother?"
"I can't remember exactly. I was probably sixteen or seventeen years old."
"So early? Don't you have any brothers or sisters?"
"No, but the neighbor's children are also nice to me..."
"How can it be the same? You...you are too pitiful..."
Matsumoto Keiko, who had never thought that Ning Weimin would have a miserable life experience, was full of pity and sympathy, and her eyes were a little moist.
At this time, there was only one impulse in her heart, which was the desire to protect him and help him.
In the past, Matsumoto Keiko always felt wronged and pitiful because of her bad relationship with her father.
But now she realizes that compared with others, she is actually a lucky person. At least her relatives are still alive and healthy.
She simply could not imagine how a helpless orphan in an economically backward country grew up and what he experienced.
Perhaps Ning Weimin's days would have been more miserable than those North Korean miners in the movie "Gate of Youth" she played.
However, it was completely different from Matsumoto Keiko's violent reaction.
As the object of sympathy, Ning Weimin smiled calmly.
And from his appearance, there is no trace of suffering or cynical anger at all.
To be honest, having been born in two lifetimes, he has already become accustomed to his life as an orphan.
If he really had a father and a mother in this life, he wouldn't know how to get along with them.
Not to mention that he has Kang Shude who is both a teacher and a father by his side, so the regrets about family relationships are long gone.
It can be said that he is living such a good life now and is simply a child of God.
Fate has no regrets for him.
It would be shameful for him to remain dissatisfied.
But then again, there is by no means just one way of getting along between men and women.
Everyone knows that a woman will have real feelings when a man loves her. In fact, the same goes for men.
At least that's the case for Ning Weimin.
He has neither a mother nor a sister, and has almost never experienced the tenderness and care given by women.
In this life, he can meet a woman like Matsumoto Keiko, who is older than him, but very beautiful, gentle and considerate, and feels sorry for him. This is his weakness.
So it was okay at first, he could use a smile to show that he didn't care.
But when he saw tears welling up in Matsumoto Keiko's eyes, he felt this long-lost warmth.
His warm smile gradually froze, and his heart began to surge like lava.
Everything that is cold, numb, indifferent, and pretentious in the flashy life seems to have been melted away by the woman in front of me.
All lifelessness, all philistine calculations, all caution, all rules and regulations also melted away at the same time.
But a small oasis of thriving life slowly grew in his heart.
At this moment, he realized that he was still weak, and that a certain point in his heart was already tightly tied to something.
He could no longer behave distantly or indifferently towards this woman.
"Do you want to see the sunset today? The sunset by the sea?"
Ning Weimin pretended to be calm and said.
He quietly changed the subject.
"What? Today?"
"Yes, you just said that the sunset over the sea is the most beautiful. Since I can't take you to see the sunset at Jingshan, how about you take me to see the sunset over the sea?"
"Okay, okay, I really want to. But it's impossible. The beach I mentioned is going to Kamakura. It's too far."
"What about Tokyo Bay? Tokyo Bay should be in time, right? Do you want to go and have a look? The direction here is wrong, so you can't see the sunset. I really want to watch it with you..."
It has to be said that when it comes to the interaction between men and women, Ning Weimin perfectly grasps the heat and propriety.
When a woman least expects it, the fire of surprise is unexpectedly ignited, creating an impulse that makes her want to take risks.
Especially the last sentence, no woman can refuse.
"OK."
Matsumoto Keiko happily responded.
And her face, whether because of the flush of excitement or the reflection of the colorful clouds, was so smooth that it made people endlessly reverie.