Chapter 94: Meeting the Parents.

It was only recently that Sheng Yi realized the advantages of the film crew being based deep in the mountains. Although there was no cell phone signal, it also saved them from a lot of trouble.

I was laughing at Wen Shili for doing her boyfriend's job, actually juggling multiple roles, but now that it's her turn, I can't laugh anymore.

It's because filming is almost over, so subsequent work plans are gradually being put on the agenda. The production is progressing smoothly, and as long as the schedule is coordinated in advance, the director isn't strict about limiting the number of people. This means that while on set, she has to work several jobs a day.

She originally thought she could rest for a few months after leaving the set, but the sudden news disrupted her plans.

It was that art-house film she auditioned for last time. They hadn't been in touch for months. Sheng Yi had kept an eye on things there initially, but it seemed that after that audition, the production team had fallen silent—no official announcements, no start of filming, and no recruitment notices. Later, when she joined the cast, she naturally stopped paying attention.

They filmed this movie for almost half a year, and the movie's progress should be even faster. I thought that project should be ahead of this one, but I didn't expect to hear news about it again, that it was an invitation for her to participate.

Still in the female lead's position, the moment Sheng Yi saw it, she wondered if she was looking at it the wrong way. "Haven't you guys filmed yet?"

The person opposite her just gave an awkward laugh, but if her memory wasn't playing tricks on her, she remembered clearly rejecting the offer a long time ago. They'd said it was just an audition, but they'd already warned the director beforehand. Why was they acting like they were just waiting for her to be available?

The staff were also puzzled. Originally, the director insisted on inviting Sheng Yi to audition, but the investor, who wanted to put his own newcomer in the audition, was very reluctant. In the end, the two sides discussed it and held an open audition, where anyone in the industry, whether famous or not, could sign up, and the one with the most votes would be appointed directly.

Unexpectedly, after going through them one by one, it turned out that Sheng Yi was the one that the interviewers wanted the most. The investors were in a bad mood for the next few days. However, the good thing was that he was willing to accept defeat.

As a result, after he compromised, the director told him that Sheng Yi had no intention of participating in the film, and his persuasion ended in a complete failure.

What to do? The interviewers looked at each other, they had all imagined Sheng Yi's face as the female lead, and now that they were changing people, they could only settle for second best and bring up the second-ranked person to fill in.

But you're already settling for second best before even turning it on? No way, it just doesn't feel right.

The production team was still locked in a tug-of-war, but rumors were already circulating online that Sheng Yi's next project had already been booked and that she would be joining the production team immediately. They didn't even have a chance to choose.

The screenwriter, who had initially refused to change the script, opened his mouth but then fell silent. The director and investors shook their heads and shrugged at each other, asking, "What do you suggest we do?"

In the end, we still had to wait.

After hearing the whole story, Sheng Yi was genuinely flattered. "The script was changed too?"

She had discussed it with the director before, but at that time the director insisted that the script couldn't be changed. Sheng Yi didn't say much, but the other party already understood.

"this……"

How could he tell her that the screenwriter was adamant about not giving in, only wanting to stick to his own art? He remembered that the screenwriter's original words were, "If you change the flavor, it won't be right." The director was almost so anxious that he rolled up his sleeves and slammed his fist on the table, but people who are engaged in creative work have their own pursuits, and you can't suppress them or force them to do something.

If it weren't for the intervention of a more experienced screenwriter who helped to restructure the plot, the subsequent outcome wouldn't have been possible. All the problems seemed to have been solved, except for one: the female lead ran away.

However, the screenwriter, who was obsessed with art, didn't care at all. He said it gave him time to polish the script. Only the investors were anxious and kept a close eye on Shengyi's every move, afraid that a dark horse would snatch it away.

If you ask Sheng Yi if she wants to act in it, she definitely will. After all, the only thing she was dissatisfied with was that the script's content was a bit too explicit for her.

But at the same time, she wondered if she had unknowingly unlocked her acting potential one day. Both production teams that auditioned on the same day chose her for the roles. Keep in mind, just two or three years ago, her acting was heavily criticized.

Perhaps it's for the sake of traffic? She doesn't shy away from this at all; after all, in a mutually beneficial partnership, knowing clearly that you possess something others want is always more reassuring than relying on personal relationships. While traffic is something that comes and goes, at least for now, she still holds it in her hands.

And that's how the new movie was decided.

When I told Lao Qian, he was still being sarcastic, saying, "What acting skills do you need? I think your whole body is acting."

They kept it a secret for over a year without any intention of being honest with him. He seriously suspected that if he hadn't been the one to foresee the situation, he, as their agent, might have found out at the same time as the netizens when they officially announced it.

Sheng Yi always felt that this person was a bit strange, but when she asked, the big sieve kept his mouth shut. When she asked Jingjing, Jingjing also looked confused.

Old Qian had no say in her decision to begin with; he was merely offering his advice, and whether she listened was entirely up to her. Now, with such a powerful figure overseeing things, he dared not interfere in the filming process at all, and could only probe indirectly, "Has the script really been changed?"

"It's been revised, and the script has been sent to me."

If it were the old project, not only would she not be able to handle it, but Wen Shili would also be a major problem. She recalled how that man had misunderstood her before, thinking she had taken on this project, and had caused quite a scene. His attitude of "I can't accept it at all, but if you really want it this way, there's nothing I can do" was rather amusing.

Later, when she found out that she had taken on another period drama role, she still remembered that subtle expression. Of course, she seized the opportunity to give her another dressing down.

Unable to argue further, Wen Shili resorted to silencing her with his own words, saying, "Okay, I'll listen to you from now on."

Old Qian has always been quick to act. When the new drama started to move forward, he arrived at the set in a flurry of activity with a large group of people within a few days.

Sheng Yi had no idea when he contacted the team and crew. As the main character in the film, she only found out she was about to be drafted before he boarded the plane.

She was initially worried that the director would be unhappy, and that she might lose touch with the character if she got in and out of character too often. But Lao Qian was calm and collected, saying, "If you don't trust me, you might as well just ask him directly."

The director said, "At this stage of filming, getting too immersed in it is not a good thing for you."

It really was time to say goodbye, Sheng Yi thought absently, even the director was already trying to get them out of character.

The production team gave her the green light, and Lao Qian made the most of everything. She moved everything that could be done locally—printing, video recording, magazine covers, live commercials—to the set. She was either on set or being pulled around doing all sorts of things every day.

After hearing about the situation, some well-informed fans made a huge fuss on the studio's Weibo account. However, the schedule was already set, and the matter was already in the works. In the end, Sheng Yi herself posted a Weibo post to subtly appease the situation. Otherwise, Lao Qian would be labeled as a profit-driven person and ridiculed online.

Just like Xu Jiayi.

When Sheng Yi saw Xu Jiayi's name trending again, she suddenly realized that this once-popular young actress seemed to have faded into obscurity overnight.

When Zhang Liquan was killed online last time, I don't know what she was thinking, but she seemed completely unaffected. Of course, she was also out of the public eye during that time, and all her work was proceeding as scheduled.

Later, two dramas that seemed to be her transitional works aired consecutively, with all sorts of hype before their premieres, but neither achieved the expected success. Suddenly, her popularity plummeted. Casual viewers mocked her relentlessly, even suggesting that her previous dramas were lackluster.

Fans tried to explain, but ultimately only ended up being mocked as well. Some fans who used to be arrogant and haughty couldn't stand being criticized like this, and gradually went from anger to disappointment to quietly changing their favorites.

For example, this episode aired Xu Jiayi's last remaining stock. The data wasn't great, but it wasn't ridiculously bad either. However, perhaps due to the negative impact of her previous work, criticizing Xu Jiayi online became politically correct.

Sheng Yi has actually been surfing the internet less frequently these past few days, but every time she opens it, negative trending topics related to Xu Jiayi are right in front of her, and they are getting worse.

Many predecessors have already anticipated the awkward situation after the decline of popularity, so even though her fans are shouting for kisses, hugs, and to be lifted up high, she knows that privately everyone is eager to take action and plan for her.

From another perspective, the relationship between fans and idols can be considered a unique kind of shared interest. Looking at those who follow her, she can only try her best to walk her own path carefully, lest she fall and lose everything.

Two days before filming wrapped, someone from the crew suddenly came to visit the set.

At first, she didn't see anyone, only various things that had been handed out. Sheng Yi finished work late that day, and when she arrived, she was filled with exaggerated amazement.

"Whose wealthy friend is this? We're also enjoying the good fortune."

"I usually can't even afford to eat a meal myself, but they're using a car to haul it all up, sob sob sob."

At first, Sheng Yi thought everyone was exaggerating, but when she actually saw the lavish banquet being held like an assembly line, she couldn't help but marvel. Even though her own life had improved a lot that year, she hadn't had the courage to eat like that for several meals in a row.

She was still smiling at people when a staff member stopped her, saying, "Teacher Sheng, your friend has been waiting for you for a long time."

"My friend?" Sheng Yi almost choked on her food.

The other person nodded, looked around, and said, "Those were all brought over by her."

Sheng Yi was genuinely startled. The question was, where did she get such a wealthy friend? Then, as if realizing something, she quickly asked, "Male or female?"

"Oh, it's your boyfriend—"

Upon hearing this, the colleagues who were watching started to jeer. By arbitrarily changing a single word, it became a completely different meaning.

The fact that Sheng Yi has a boyfriend isn't exactly a secret in the group. I don't remember how it first leaked out, but she didn't seem to be trying to keep it a secret, so everyone just knew it wasn't a particularly risky topic.

It's surprising, isn't it? This young actress, who's just become famous, already has a boyfriend, and it doesn't seem like she intends to hide it too much. But with her looks, it would be strange if no one pursued her. It's not uncommon for handsome men and beautiful women to hit it off. It's just that for them, it's limited to knowing that this man exists.

Before the crowd could even stir up a few cheers, a staff member's comment, "woman," abruptly silenced the drawn-out joke.

Sheng Yi was indeed worried that Wen Shili might be acting strangely, but given his appearance, it was impossible for him to have undergone plastic surgery and appear in public. But female friends? To be honest, she really couldn't think of anything.

Fu Xiaodan is said to have recently reached a new career high, but every penny she earned was earned through countless night shifts working late into the night. She can just grit her teeth and eat a meal, but she can't be killed for such a superficial project. As for Wu Simin, she was just cursing the crew that owed her wages a few days ago.

Could it be Xiaoyou? Counting them up, this might be the only big spender in her WeChat Moments, but she seems to have been stationed abroad for the past two years, and the two only chat online occasionally, having not seen each other for a long time.

Before she could figure things out, the uninvited guest had already arrived in front of her.

Sheng Yi almost didn't recognize her.

"Don't you recognize me?" He Jinping leaned against the door, her tone languid.

She looked him up and down, and although his features were the same, his whole demeanor had changed drastically.

No wonder, she belatedly realized why she had a strange sense of disorientation when she saw those things on set.

Once upon a time, when they were just newcomers to the crew, they dreamt wildly about the future, saying things like, "When I become famous, I'll definitely buy you all this and that." Those listed things were all unattainable for them back then. Little did they know, one day, their past dreams would actually come true, albeit in a different form, and through their own past selves.

"Thank you," Sheng Yi said with a smile to her friend. They parted ways at a crossroads in their lives, but after so many years, they were still able to reminisce about their youth together.

Some people are like that; they don't contact each other often, and they don't think about each other often, but as long as she appears there, she can connect a dreamlike memory.

Perhaps they each hold the key to the other's past, simply because they themselves are also within that memory.

"Jinping..." Sheng Yi suddenly hugged her, his drawn-out tone sounding aggrieved, as if he were pouting.

"Alright." He Jinping patted her shoulder and interrupted impatiently, "Let's eat the meal I owe you tonight."

Sheng Yi leaned against her, initially intending to say that he didn't owe her any food, but upon meeting her gaze, he suddenly realized what was going on. A surge of emotion welled up in his eyes. He Jinping was that kind of person—seemingly mild-mannered on the surface, but actually always clear about her likes and dislikes. She would remember even the smallest kindness from others.

She carefully treasured all the joking words she made back then, and then slowly looked for the opportunity to make them come true.

So before, despite having so many reasons to meet, living in the same city, she used a cold, hard shell to isolate herself from the world. Of course, it's not too late now.

She was about to nod when she quickly changed her mind, "I'm already full. How about next time? You can make an appointment whenever you have time."

What she thought was a hidden thought, in reality, had already said what she hadn't said for her through those eyes.

He Jinping avoided her gaze, smiled, and replied, "We'll see."

With that same lazy tone, Sheng Yi seemed to hear a solemn promise: "Well, it's settled then!"

Things will get better and better, won't they?

-

The filming wrapped up a few days later than originally planned, and Sheng Yi started flying all over the country again after finishing filming.

The time between leaving and joining the film crew was only about half a month, a completely coincidental and unfortunate coincidence. The actual impact was that she seemed to have no time to go home after filming wrapped. So the young woman who was eager to meet her in-laws had to postpone it.

When she called Wen Shili to tell him, she couldn't help but laugh. Wen Shili reminded her on the other end, "You can laugh a little quieter, I heard you."

"Oh." Sheng Yi couldn't help but laugh, "Hahaha, I really didn't mean to."

As a result, her joy turned to sorrow. A brand she was originally scheduled to work with suddenly went bankrupt before the contract was signed, leaving her free time unused.

Of course, given Lao Qian an hour or two to manage the money, Sheng Yi had reason to believe he could immediately take her to the next stall. However, after thinking about it, she changed the recipient, asking, "Do you have time tomorrow?"

Wen Shili asked sullenly, "What?"

Sheng Yi: "Book me two plane tickets back to Ancheng, the sooner the better."

The phone rang the next moment. "Are you serious?"

The next morning, the two went straight to the airport. They landed at noon, stayed at home for the night, and then had to rush back immediately. The person beside them seemed expressionless, but their nonchalant demeanor revealed an inexplicable good mood.

When Yu Ying heard that she was going home, she was still affectionately calling her "baby" and asking what she wanted to eat, saying that her daughter was finally grown up and knew how to miss home. Unexpectedly, she turned around and said that she was going to bring her boyfriend. After inquiring further, she found out that he was in the entertainment industry. Her tone immediately dropped.

"There's no rush. You should focus on filming first. It's the same if you come back for the Lunar New Year."

In front of Wen Shili, Sheng Yi really wanted to ask her where she learned her face-changing skills. Last year during the Spring Festival, she had subtly hinted that she could start looking for a partner. How come now that things have come to this, this person who was so eager to get married is acting like this?

Yu Ying couldn't quite explain it. She kept urging her daughter, but now that her daughter suddenly had someone else to rely on, she realized she hadn't quite learned how to face it yet. Besides, Sheng Yi's father was away these past few days. "How about we reschedule?"

However, Sheng Yi had a lot of things to do on another day. Wen Shili was right there and heard everything. Sheng Yi put her phone on silent and asked for his opinion, "Should we meet or not?"

Wen Shili replied without hesitation: "I don't know when the next time will come."

Sheng Yi secretly counted on her fingers. According to her upcoming schedule, it might be next year? However, she didn't show it on her face, and only asked, "What, are you planning to take them down one by one?"

Wen Shili, far from being ashamed, was actually proud. "You have that much confidence in me?"

That's true. She originally thought that since her mother was so enthusiastic, there wouldn't be any difficulties, but judging from her mother's tone on the phone, this meeting might be in doubt.

Yu Ying couldn't really stop her daughter from coming home, so she just said that it was enough that she was there, meaning there was no need to make a big fuss.

As soon as the plane landed in Ancheng, Wen Shili took her directly to his car. It was Sheng Yi's first long-distance trip, and she couldn't help but worry that if they were photographed, it might cause a huge uproar. However, since he was so open and aboveboard, there shouldn't be any problems.

As it turns out, his company's ability to control public opinion far surpasses that of ordinary small workshops; even when people were almost in the city, their phones remained completely calm.

Sheng Yi looked at the street scene outside the window and sighed deeply, "Last time I came back alone, my mom came to pick me up. But look at you, as soon as you come, she comes up with all sorts of excuses."

When it comes to admitting mistakes, Wen Shili has never been concerned about his image. "Yes, it's my fault."

Sheng Yi choked on her breath.

When the car stopped downstairs and I watched him unload boxes from the trunk, I was truly stunned. "When did you have these prepared?"

The store had everything imaginable: cigarettes, alcohol, tea, health products, fruits, and seafood. You could easily open a general store with just a few items. It didn't look like something they'd put together on a whim. No wonder they drive such a big car; they certainly aren't low-key.

Sheng Yi wanted to lend a hand, but Wen Shili, carrying things in both hands, avoided her movements and gestured for her to lead the way.

Sheng Yi didn't argue with him and walked ahead, overhearing the man whispering behind her, "Our mom already has a problem with me."

No, couldn't this person change his tune a little less smoothly? Before she could even argue with him, she saw Ms. Yu Ying already waiting downstairs.

Saying "it's up to her" is just a pretext; she's worried and came to find out beforehand. Sheng Yi grinned, wanting to laugh, and then she actually did.

She was still wearing a mask, and to avoid people, she deliberately did a look she had never done before. But as her mother would say, she would recognize her daughter even if she were ashes, so Sheng Yi's little tricks naturally did not escape her mother's sharp eyes.

Yu Ying's expression stiffened slightly, and she glared at Sheng Yi with annoyance before glancing behind her.

"Hello, Auntie." Wen Shili greeted Yu Ying politely.

Yu Ying nodded, her gaze sweeping over him. He was quite tall, but height doesn't pay the bills. His eyes, however, were honest and upright; he probably wouldn't do anything illegal or criminal. His clothing wasn't as flashy as some male celebrities'; if he weren't standing next to her daughter, he'd be passable.

Sheng Yi followed her mother's scrutinizing gaze and realized that this person seemed different in every way today, but upon closer inspection, he seemed no different from usual.

Little did she know that a small mistake could lead to a huge difference, and all the meticulous details were designed to appeal to the interviewer's preferences.

After a brief silence, Yu Ying withdrew her gaze. Regardless of what she was thinking, her tone was gentle. "Let's go up first."