The painting depicts four people dressed in formal attire, with the background being the banquet scene of that art gala.
"Look at them!" Huo Junyang frowned. "Do they look like a family? They don't smile at all, and they all seem to have their own agendas. It's hard to see any family affection between them!"
"Not necessarily," Huo Jingnan pointed out. "Isn't He Yining very close to He Cangwu?"
"Yeah, only those two had a hint of a smile on their faces, a little, but not much." Huo Junyang looked at him. "Brother Nan, think about our family's dinner parties. Even though there are those annoying relatives, everyone at least pretends to smile when taking photos, right? This family is different. They don't even bother with the pretense! You know, Duan Jinrong and He Cangwu stood really far apart at first, like they were afraid of touching each other!"
"Middle-aged couples may no longer have love for each other."
“My parents aren’t like that!” Huo Junyang pouted.
Huo Jingnan sighed helplessly, "Your family is a bit different. Don't always compare your parents to others, okay? Of course, my parents have a very good relationship too."
“Exactly!” Huo Junyang slapped his thigh. “And this painting took me a lot of effort to complete! These four people, four faces, hardly look alike at all! Except… Mrs. He and her son look a little alike.”
Look closely, and just as Huo Junyang said, the four people are like strangers.
Lin Zhaojiang curled his lips and exchanged glances with Huo Jingnan and Pei Nian.
It seems that the day when the truth comes out is not far away.
...
Song Wan's new book was prepared quickly, and without those stumbling blocks, the publication went quite smoothly this time. Xiao Liran had already done the preliminary publicity work, hoping to gain another wave of fans while the popularity of the first book was still going strong.
The illustrations for the first book are all complete, and the countdown to publication has begun.
In addition, several new writers in the company have achieved remarkable results, and the veteran writers have won honors in various selections, even spreading the reputation of SL Publishing Company overseas. Xiao Liran can't stop smiling every day, and she can even wake up from her dreams with joy.
That day, she called Song Wan into her office and said, "Two books being released at the same time, doesn't that feel pretty good?"
Song Wan smiled. Her current job truly brought her a great sense of accomplishment.
"You're going to be very busy from now on!" Xiao Liran reminded him. "Your book signing schedule will be packed, and you might even have to go on live streams with big influencers to sell books. I'm giving you a friendly reminder: you might not be able to leave work early for a while, so Lin Zhaojiang should be prepared to be alone at home!"
Song Wan blushed and laughed, "Sister Ran, what are you saying..."
"Oh, right, and this too!" Xiao Liran handed her a contract. "This is the script adaptation contract. Your debut work can be brought to the big screen!"
Song Wan was stunned. The surprise came too suddenly, and her mind went completely blank.
Although Xiao Liran had previously suggested that she try developing her career in screenwriting, she wasn't ready yet... Sure enough, opportunity favors the prepared, but this time she had no choice but to be forced into it.
“The investor in this drama is He Cangwu,” Xiao Liran said, looking at her. “He’s the husband of that writer Duan. You should have met him at the banquet last time.”
Song Wan nodded.
“He invested in this film and specifically asked you to be the screenwriter…” Xiao Liran thought for a moment, “But that old man He Cangwu has maintained a clean reputation in the industry all these years, unlike those men who, once they have a little money, would want to build a harem! Besides, you are Lin Zhaojiang’s man, so he doesn’t have the guts to mess with you. So I guess he might want to curry favor with Lin Zhaojiang, so he’s currying favor with you first!”
"oh……"
"No matter what, this is a great opportunity!" Xiao Liran said with a smile. "You focus on writing the script, and I'll review it for you after you're done!"
"Okay, thank you, Sister Ran!"
Song Wan also laughed.
Just then, someone sent me a message.
After leaving the office, Song Wan checked her phone and saw that it was a message from He Cangwu. He was very polite, and his words showed his respect for her. He sent the message not for any other reason than to meet her, and she could decide the time and place.
After hesitating for a long time, Song Wan finally told Lin Zhaojiang about it.
"Can I go and meet him?"
Lin Zhaojiang was taken aback.
He was helping her organize her manuscripts and drawings when he heard this. He looked up and met her clear eyes, seeing the extreme dependence she had on him.
He was initially surprised, then felt a pang of sadness. She used to be like that too, relying on him for everything, big or small, always asking him for advice, and ultimately letting him make the decisions.
Back then, she would ask him about everything from the style of a shirt to the taste of a meal, and even whether she could go out shopping. She was extremely careful with him, afraid that she might do something wrong and upset him.
He thought that she was no longer like that.
"Zhaojiang, what's wrong?" Song Wan walked up to him.
Lin Zhaojiang came to his senses.
"Can I see him?" she asked, looking at him. "The last banquet didn't go well, and I'm afraid if I see him, you'll..."
“One thing at a time.” Lin Zhaojiang smiled gently. “I think he asked you to meet him to talk about the script. This is business, so of course you should handle it professionally. It’s good to meet with him and clarify some investment details. When it comes to money, make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.”
“Mmm!” Song Wan smiled.
"And..." Lin Zhaojiang hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.
I wonder if He Cangwu will find Song Wan approachable this time?
At the banquet that evening, he noticed He Cangwu's gaze. The moment He Cangwu saw Song Wan, his expression wasn't one of amazement, but rather surprise.
That look of surprise was like seeing a long-lost old friend...
Perhaps the connection between a father and daughter is much stronger than that between a mother and daughter?
"What else?" Song Wan said reproachfully, "What's wrong with you today? You're stuttering and always seem to be spacing out!"
Lin Zhaojiang looked at her and gave a self-deprecating laugh, "I'm getting old, that's all."
"You're not old at all!"
“Yes, I won’t grow old.” He held her hand. “I want to grow old with you, how could I dare to grow old first? By the way, when we meet, how about I have my lawyer accompany you so he can help you resolve some contractual issues?”
Song Wan paused for a moment, then asked softly, "Could you... come with me?"
Her attachment to him seemed to have returned to what it was before.
Lin Zhaojiang chuckled, patted her head, and pulled her into his arms. "Little girl, you have to learn to grow up eventually."
“Zhaojiang…”
"How about this, since you're deciding where to meet him, let's set it at the Zhonglin Hotel."
The little girl looked up at him and gave him a sweet smile.
She felt completely safe on his turf.
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