Song Wan was stunned for a moment. To be honest, she didn't understand why either.

She's never been quick to react to these kinds of things.

“Ran-jie,” she smiled, “I don’t understand these things… but why don’t you discuss it with Rachel? She knows a lot. If you two discuss it, maybe you can come up with something?”

"Oh, don't even mention it!" Xiao Liran sighed. "Rachel hasn't been very focused on work lately, and she's been taking a lot of leave! But... she's been with me for so many years, and she's always been very dedicated, never complaining about working overtime before. Let her rest more!"

"Rachel doesn't seem to take leave very often," Song Wan said, somewhat puzzled. "Is something on her mind lately?"

“What could it be! It’s just because…” Xiao Liran’s words came to an abrupt halt.

It's because she's too good to Song Wan that all the good resources are directed towards Song Wan.

This doesn't matter much to the established authors under the company, but Rachel has a few junior authors under her wing. In terms of seniority and ability, they certainly don't have access to these good resources, but Rachel still wants to try her best to secure them.

After being rejected by Xiao Liran several times, Rachel began to feel resentful.

Xiao Liran took a deep breath and gave a bitter laugh.

"Forget it, let her be. She should be fine after a rest."

Song Wan nodded in agreement and hung up the phone after arranging a time and place to meet with Xiao Liran.

Turning my head, I saw the man's face, a face so dark it looked like it could squeeze ink.

Song Wan was instantly at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Is there no one else in your heart but Sister Ran now?"

"Don't say that..."

Lin Zhaojiang crossed his arms and sullenly fumed.

"Wait until I'm done with this busy period, okay?"

The man didn't speak.

Song Wan gently rested her head on his shoulder, smiled tenderly, and said in a voice like a babbling brook, "After I'm done with this busy period, I'll buy you a ring, is that alright?"

"You won't buy me anything..." Lin Zhaojiang didn't finish his sentence before he suddenly realized what he was saying and froze!

He looked at her incredulously. "What do you want to buy?"

Song Wan laughed, "Buy a ring!"

"Wanwan..."

"Who says only men can buy rings? Marriage is a matter for two people."

Lin Zhaojiang stared at her blankly, the surprise was so sudden that he didn't know what to say for a moment.

His mind went blank, his heart felt like it was about to jump out of his throat, and a sweet feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.

"So..." After a long pause, he murmured, "You really want to marry me?"

Song Wan leaned gently against his chest, her small hands encircling him.

The smile in her eyes was the best answer.

“Okay,” after a long while, Lin Zhaojiang gently kissed her forehead, a doting smile on his lips, and solemnly said those three words: “I’ll wait for you.”

Since she's already willing to marry him, there's no rush for that.

He also wanted to preserve the most beautiful moment for their true wedding night.

"By the way, the Rachel that Xiao Liran mentioned earlier..." Lin Zhaojiang paused, "...is she the little follower who's always following her around?"

“Yes, that’s right.” Song Wan nodded. “She’s also a veteran of the company. This SL Publishing Company was basically founded by her and Sister Ran. When Sister Ran isn’t around, she’s the one who calls the shots in the company.”

Did she make things difficult for you?

“How could that be!” Song Wan laughed. “She’s been very good to me and has helped me a lot.”

"Then... compared to you and her, who does Xiao Liran treat better?"

Song Wan was taken aback; she hadn't thought about that question before.

Lin Zhaojiang narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled gently. He had seen plenty of interpersonal relationships. Many business partners could share hardship but not prosperity, or because of the intervention of others, two people who originally trusted each other developed a rift, ultimately leading to the collapse of the partnership.

This applies not only to women, but also to men.

There are no permanent friends when it comes to personal interests.

However, these things... clearly, this little girl doesn't understand. Lin Zhaojiang patted her head. He was happy to protect her innocent and beautiful world, to give her a safe haven, but even if storms came, he would face them with her.

“I don’t think Rachel is that simple,” he said in a deep voice. “Find a chance to remind Xiao Liran that she’s simple-minded, passionate, and loyal to everyone, but some people aren’t worth her doing that for. Besides, her personality makes her easily manipulated by those around her!”

"Oh well."

“And Duan Jinrong,” Lin Zhaojiang exhaled softly, his brow furrowing slightly, “I think her signing with SL Publishing Company is very likely for your benefit. If you work together in the future, you need to be wary of her.”

“I understand!” Song Wan smiled.

Having an older man around is really great; he can always offer guidance, no matter what.

...

During this period, Song Wan left early and returned late. Even when she got home, she often discussed the plot and outline with the teachers at the drama academy late into the night.

Finally, hard work pays off, and before long, the script had taken shape. The funding from He Cangwu's side was also in place, and the actors and director were basically finalized. After the script was revised two or three more times, filming could officially begin.

That day, Song Wan was organizing her manuscripts at home when she suddenly received a call from Chen Li.

Seeing that name made her heart skip a beat; her first thought was that Chen Li was calling to ask her for money again. The phone rang for a long time without her answering, but the other end seemed certain that she would answer, and kept calling.

Song Wan answered the phone anyway. As soon as she called out "Mom," she heard Chen Li smiling and asking her how she was doing.

"How have you been lately? You have to be careful when living alone... By the way, I saw that the apartment complex you bought in seems to be changing property management companies. Are the new security guards reliable?"

Song Wan's heart skipped a beat, and a sudden wave of sorrow welled up in her eyes.

Throughout her life, she seemed to have never heard Chen Li say a single warm word to her.

“Wanwan,” Chen Li said, her voice choked with emotion, “Don’t worry, Mom isn’t asking you for money… Lately, Mom has been thinking a lot about you when you were little, about teaching you to walk and talk… Ah, you’ve always been smart and well-behaved. You learn everything so quickly! You’re much better than your older brother and sister.”

"Oh," Song Wan responded softly, "Is there anything else?"

"Mom...I miss you."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was endless silence on both ends of the phone.

Song Wan felt it was ironic; her maternal love had come far too late.

"Mom feels so sorry for you all these years." Chen Li's voice gradually lowered. "Wanwan, come home for dinner when you're done with your work, okay? Mom remembers you love fish the most, so I went to the market early this morning and bought a fresh carp. I'll cook it for you tonight, okay?"