"Announcing it to the world..." Even Rachel found it unbelievable. "Where would the Lin family's reputation be then?"
Xiao Liran breathed a sigh of relief. She had lived in the Lin family before, and although she and Lin Zhaojiang were husband and wife in name only, she understood the Lin family's way of doing things.
Back then, Lin Zhaojiang only kept Song Wan by his side and yet he still attracted so much criticism from the board of directors. Now that Song Wan has made this past event known to the world, the board of directors will take the opportunity to embarrass Lin Zhaojiang even more.
Song Wan may not be aware of the implications.
But once the butterfly effect occurs, it could unleash a storm on Lin Zhaojiang's side.
"I'll go talk to Song Wan," Xiao Liran said in a low voice.
"And what about Song Wan's activities during this period..."
“Everything will proceed as usual.” Xiao Liran had no way out. “The contract has already been signed, how can we go back on our word to the channel? But when she participates in the event, keep a close eye on her and tell her in advance what she should and shouldn’t say, understand?”
"Um!"
*
Soon, Song Wan became a highly sought-after new writer.
Her life was filled with a constant stream of book signings, presentations, fan meetings, and more, keeping her incredibly busy and leaving her with little time to dwell on her sad memories.
Her royalties also increased significantly, becoming quite substantial. She now has enough financial means to move out of the hotel and buy an apartment in the city center. It's a two-story loft, not very large, but its excellent orientation and natural light are its strengths. She has decorated her home elegantly and refreshingly, with a strong scholarly atmosphere.
The moment Song Wan signed her name on the purchase contract, she felt a little dazed. She remembered how much she had once wanted to have a home with Lin Zhaojiang... but she had forgotten that a woman's home can only be provided by herself.
She was sitting by the window reading a book that day, the freshly brewed coffee in the coffee pot was steaming with a fragrant aroma, time was flowing quietly, and everything felt just right.
She checked her phone and saw another message from Lin Zhaojiang.
He's been sending her messages every day these days, just a few words, simple greetings. He might not know what to say to her, but he still wants to say something to her.
Song Wan has never responded.
She feared that if she responded, she would be unable to resist turning back, and once she turned back, she would inevitably embark on that sorrowful journey again.
She didn't respond, yet she couldn't bear to delete those words. She looked at them over and over again, as if trying to imprint each word in her mind. She took a deep breath, shook her head vigorously to clear her mind, then turned off her phone, out of sight, out of mind.
A moment later, there was a knock on the door. She hesitated for a moment before opening it and was greeted by Xiao Liran's cheerful smile.
"Sister Ran?"
"Oh dear, I've been looking all over for you! Why did you turn off your phone? I couldn't get through, and I had to ask around several times before I finally found out your new address!"
Song Wan quickly invited her in to sit down.
Xiao Liran entered the room, looked around, and couldn't help but laugh.
"Clean and tidy, simple and elegant, just like your house!"
Song Wan was taken aback, then chuckled and said, "What's there to compare or not compare?"
“Of course!” Xiao Liran nodded. “For example, my house is quite messy because I’m a bit careless. I leave everything out in the open, so it looks chaotic, but I actually know where everything is… Then there’s Lin Zhaojiang, who’s a clean freak and always wants to show off his taste. He even has to use a European style for his office. Can you believe it…”
Xiao Liran's voice abruptly stopped as she spoke.
Song Wan smiled but didn't say anything.
Xiao Liran quickly took out a contract to break the awkward atmosphere. "I came here today to give you this."
Song Wan opened it and saw it was a contract renewal agreement. Without saying a word, she signed the last page.
"Wanwan..." Xiao Liran was a little touched. "This agreement is so thick, you should at least read it carefully before signing it. Also, you should have calculated all the profit sharing and stuff, right?"
“Ran-jie,” Song Wan looked up at her and smiled sincerely, “We don’t need these things between us.”
"Perhaps there are other publishing companies that offer you even better terms."
“But you have shown me kindness and support.” Song Wan’s voice was soft, but every word was firm and resonant. “Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. You have done your best for me, and of course I will do everything I can to repay you.”
"you……"
After Song Wan signed the contract, she slapped it into her hand and smiled broadly.
"This isn't a contract renewal, it's a contract of servitude! I belong to you in life and in death, Sister Ran, you can't abandon me!"
Xiao Liran burst into laughter at her words, and her eyes involuntarily reddened.
In reality, they are the same kind of people; if someone is kind to them even a little, they want to repay them for a lifetime. This "a drop of kindness deserves a spring of gratitude" mentality is Xiao Liran's weakness, but also her strength, honed over her many years in the business world.
Because of this personality, she has suffered countless losses, but she has also encountered countless benefactors.
"Wanwan, have you ever thought... there's someone who treats you better than I do?"
Song Wan's smile froze, and her expression changed slightly.
“As a woman myself, I understand why you don’t forgive him,” Xiao Liran patted her hand. “But he also paid the price…”
"Sister Ran, are you here today also to act as his advocate?"
“No, that’s not it.” Xiao Liran shook her head. “Just hearing about the hurt you suffered sends chills down my spine. I can’t truly empathize with what happened to me, but I’m not so saintly as to ask you to forgive him. I just want to analyze your current situation with Lin Zhaojiang for you.”
Song Wan frowned and looked at her quietly.
"The Zhonglin Group has never been very stable internally. Lin Zhaojiang can keep it under control for the time being, but he dares not make the slightest mistake. If there is even the slightest slip-up, his opponents will seize on it and make a big fuss about it. There are some plot changes in your book that have already been used by others."
"What?"
“Anyone who knows your past can tell at a glance that it was about the two of you. His family’s sworn enemies will use this to stir up trouble and exaggerate his private life… Wanwan, gossip is a fearsome thing. If this continues, the chairman will have too much negative news, and the board of directors will use this as a reason to force him to resign.”
"Next, their focus might shift to you," Xiao Liran continued. "I don't know exactly how, but it's inevitable that you'll be drawn into this conflict. You don't want to be used as a pawn by certain people, do you?"
"Lin Zhaojiang will protect you." She squeezed Song Wan's hand. "But you also need to find a way to protect yourself!"
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