Chapter 135 Romance Variety Show Invitation: A Young Man's Heart, A Moment of Silence
When Song Ying got home that evening, she was still thinking about it.
With her elbows propped up on the edge of the car window and her chin resting on her hand, she gazed listlessly at the bustling traffic outside, a rare sight of her looking troubled.
Qingcheng is currently in the liquidation period, and Peng Wen is best at handling these matters, so she doesn't need to worry too much.
But once we return to the capital, we will officially begin planning for the second half of the year and mobilize the company's employees.
As an actress, Song Ying enjoys acting.
But as a boss, you have to consider profits.
With dating reality shows currently booming, it's the easiest time to make money. However, after the scandal involving "Princess's Romance," it will be difficult to secure investment and relaunch the show in a short period of time.
There are many similar dating reality shows, but none of them can be considered a benchmark or a masterpiece.
This is a challenge, but also an opportunity.
Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.
In the following days, whenever Song Ying had a break from filming, she would carefully study the existing dating reality shows on the market, both domestic and foreign, all of which were under her scrutiny.
In addition, there are background check forms for all couples, spouses, and even rumored couples in the industry, as well as related potential rising stars.
She compiled all of them into a complete and detailed document to select guests who could truly withstand scrutiny, avoid scandals, and fulfill the needs of the program.
Unfortunately, you can count them on one hand.
Those who are well-behaved either lack variety show appeal or fail to generate buzz.
Those who are adept at getting things done either have an element of acting involved, or some of them are not clean.
Surprisingly, the best option is still the "constant temperature couple" who are currently very popular online—Ji Zhiheng and Wen Nian.
So Song Ying turned her attention back to the two of them.
"Niannian, are you free right now?"
During a break in filming that day, Wen Nian had just finished communicating with Shen Yuning's agent, Sister Li, when Song Ying extended an invitation.
"It's convenient, Ying, you tell me."
Wen Nian's soft, sweet voice was like a marshmallow, and her curved eyebrows and eyes were a delight to behold.
Song Ying said, "Let's talk in private."
-
The two stood under a plane tree, sunlight falling on Wen Nian's hair, making the dark brown strands shimmer with golden light.
Song Ying withdrew her gaze and looked at the dark circles under Wen Nian's eyes, smiling as she spoke.
"Have you been sleeping poorly lately? You seem to have some dark circles under your eyes."
Upon hearing this, Wen Nian smiled shyly and covered her eyes with her two small hands, "You found out. I've been having trouble sleeping lately."
Is it because Mr. Ji isn't around?
Upon hearing Song Ying's teasing remark, Wen Nian was taken aback for a moment, then her ears turned red instantly. She neither admitted nor denied it.
After spending the last few days together, the two had gotten along quite well, so Song Ying didn't beat around the bush.
"Niannian, as you know, besides being an actress, I am also the chairman of Qingcheng Entertainment. We are currently planning a dating reality show and would like to invite you and Mr. Ji to participate. Are you interested?"
"Huh, a romance simulation?"
Wen Nian was stunned. She wasn't a celebrity, so how could she have received an invitation to a dating reality show?
This was completely unexpected.
After realizing what she had done, she instinctively shook her head and waved her hand in refusal, "No, no, no, I definitely can't do it, Ah Ying. You know my personality. I'm afraid of strangers, let alone facing the camera."
If you have a clear understanding of your own social anxiety, it's best to just quietly draw and write, rather than blindly joining in the fun.
Song Ying was not surprised by Wen Nian's reaction.
"I know you'll find it difficult to say this directly, but you can listen to my reasons first."
"I rewatched 'The Rabbit' yesterday, and I've also heard all the rumors online about you and Mr. Ji. In my opinion, you're not afraid of strangers or cameras; you're just afraid of trouble."
"Back when Sun Ruoxuan spread rumors that your relationship with Mr. Ji and Director Fang was not pure, you were very brave at that time. Even though you knew that going public would attract criticism or insults and suspicion, you still stood up firmly to clarify and express your position."
"I believe that the Wen Nian of that time was the real you."
In this respect, Song Ying felt that the two of them were very similar.
There's never any need to hesitate or hide when acknowledging a relationship.
This is being responsible to your partner, and even more so, cherishing this relationship.
Therefore, Song Ying could generally empathize with Wen Nian's worries and concerns.
"Although Sun Ruoxuan has had a setback, after the filming of 'Temptation Star' is completed, if anyone wants to suppress or smear her, your relationship with Mr. Ji will definitely be used against you again."
"The audience for comics is only a segment of the population, and previous clarifications will be forgotten over time. Moreover, I heard that Huatian has now launched a new product line and is preparing to sign you as one of its first contracted comic artists."
"I believe they value your talent, but outsiders won't. They will still use your relationship with Mr. Ji to judge you."
"By then, you will not be able to prove your innocence to everyone, nor will you have the opportunity to step into the spotlight and let more people know the full story."
"But participating in Qingcheng's dating reality show is fine."
Song Ying looked at Wen Nian and solemnly made a promise.
"As the chief planner and producer of this program, I guarantee with my reputation and integrity that there will be no malicious editing or filming, and certainly no sensationalist tactics. We will use the simplest shots to show the most authentic moments between each couple."
“Every year, sometimes, statements are just cold, lifeless words that you read and forget, but people who take action are the freshest and most vibrant beings. You have to believe that when people see you and Mr. Ji together, they will be willing to send you their blessings, and they will like a gentle and resilient girl like you, just as I do.”
"Of course, you might also worry whether Mr. Ji, as an ordinary person, has the time to participate, or whether such exposure will cause trouble for his life. To be honest, when Ashu wanted to participate in a dating reality show with me to help me clarify the rumors and gossip, I thought the same thing."
When Song Ying talked about her experience, she also frankly and honestly told Wen Nian what she was thinking at that time.
"Although you may seem gentle and mild-mannered, I know that we are actually the same kind of people. Deep down, we are both strong-willed and afraid of causing trouble for others."
"But Nian Nian, have you ever thought that this kind of trouble might just be what we perceive as trouble? For those who care about us, they might actually be hoping to be bothered?"
"Because this represents trust and reliance. This reliance has nothing to do with whether one is independent or relies on a man; it is the most natural state of two people supporting and accompanying each other in the future. Just like the chopsticks we use, they need each other's presence."
Song Ying's words reminded Wen Nian of what Ji Zhiheng had once told her.
Being needed by someone you like is not a troublesome problem, but a sweet happiness.
The knight was willing to fight on all fronts for his princess.
From now on, please let me hold the umbrella for you.
“I believe that Mr. Ji would not want you to shoulder everything alone every year. Moreover, now that your relationship has been exposed, Mr. Ji is no longer an ordinary person. He has stepped into the limelight. So rather than letting the public speculate, it is better to be open about it.”
"Also, I remember you once said that you hoped to lead Chinese comics to the world, so that more people could see the charm of Chinese comics, and let the Chinese people and even the world know that Chinese comics are no worse than Japanese or American comics."
"This is no longer the era of working hard without looking up. Of course, hard work is still important, but while we are focused on our work, we must also look ahead."
"This dating reality show is a great opportunity to promote Chinese animation. We can even do a special episode dedicated to Chinese animation for you."
Song Ying showed almost all of her sincerity.
All the conditions were aligned with Wen Nian's needs and pain points.
Sincerity is always the ultimate weapon.
Wen Nian's heart began to soften.
"Can I...can I discuss this with Ji Zhiheng again?"
This is a reality show featuring two people in a relationship; it's not just her problem.
She needs to consult and respect Ji Zhiheng's wishes.
But I couldn't bear to see Song Ying disappointed.
Song Ying immediately saw what Wen Nian was thinking. She felt sorry for her sensible nature, but also couldn't help feeling more and more sorry for her.
"sure."
Song Ying's voice involuntarily softened.
She laughed, her titmouse eyes curving like a clear spring.
"Niannian, although as the producer of the show, I really hope you can be a guest. But as a friend, I hope you can choose from your heart."
Even if you decide to refuse after careful consideration, that's okay. There's no need to feel pressured or embarrassed.
"You need to understand that you have the right to refuse."
"No one can take this away from me, and I will not hold a grudge against you just because you refused."
"Please feel free to follow your heart."
Wen Nian could tell that Song Ying's words came from the bottom of her heart.
At this moment, even the summer sunlight becomes gentle.
-
In the following days, Song Ying continued filming as usual, and her relationship with Wen Nian remained the same.
She did not urge Wen Nian to make a statement.
This gave the other party ample time to consider.
Life proceeded smoothly and methodically.
When you're busy, time seems to fly by.
With Song Ying's scenes only three days away from wrapping up, Ji Zhiheng finally reappeared on set and treated the hundred or so actors and staff present to coffee and cakes.
Even lunch was much more lavish than before.
Ji Zhiheng paid for it all out of his own pocket.
"Being rich and powerful makes all the difference."
While eating, Shen Yuning munched on a chicken leg, thoroughly enjoying his meal, a stark contrast to his usual idol persona on screen.
After spending more than ten days together, the main actors have become quite familiar with each other.
Because Song Ying was always alone, Mina and Wen Nian would come to eat with her. Shen Yuning was always clinging to Wen Nian and was also grateful to Song Ying, so they also became a couple.
Then there's the agent, Sister Li, the female lead, Zhao Jingyi, and now Ji Zhiheng, making it a large group.
"Shen Yuning, watch your manners when you eat. You're eating a chicken leg like you haven't eaten for eight hundred years. Can't you be a little more reserved?"
Sister Li is a motherly type of agent, just like Sister Hong.
At times like these, Song Ying felt immense sympathy for Shen Yuning.
If she remembered correctly, Shen Yuning had been eating boiled broccoli, corn, carrots, and chicken breast for five days.
As expected, upon hearing Sister Li's words, Shen Yuning restrained himself while complaining with aggrieved feelings.
"I've been starving for eight hundred years... I haven't had any meat for days, my mouth is so bland..."
"You have the nerve to say that? Isn't it because you went out and ate and drank too much hot pot, leaving you so full you could barely walk, and the next day your face was swollen and you had breakouts? Don't you even see what you looked like on the screen back then?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuning immediately cowered.
Not only that, Ji Zhiheng and Wen Nian exchanged a glance and, unusually, backed down.
Song Ying suddenly remembered that one day, when her scenes ended late, Jiang Xiuyuan came to pick her up and they saw Ji Zhiheng, Wen Nian, Shen Yuning, and a girl with long, straight, bright red hair coming out of a hot pot restaurant.
Jiang Xiuyuan spotted the girl immediately.
"Isn't that Luo Luo?! She actually dyed her hair the red I've always wanted to dye it!"
Upon hearing the sound, Song Ying looked over and saw three other people first.
Soon, she too was drawn to the red-haired girl.
"Luo Luo? Why does that name sound so familiar?"
"Sis, have you forgotten? She's the girl who lived next door to us when we were kids? She was so ruthless when she beat me up! I cried and begged you for help, but you ended up beating me up with the other girls."
Song Ying finally remembered.
It seems that there is such a thing.
-
That summer, Song Ying had just arrived at the Jiang family home.
There were four boys in the Jiang family, and not a single girl.
Grandma Jiang was afraid that Song Ying would be lonely, so she used her social skills to find a little girl from the next neighborhood to befriend her.
The little girl looks quiet, but she has a very wild nature.
He could get into a fight with Chiang Hsiu-yuan every time.
Once, Jiang Xiuyuan played a prank on a little girl by putting a caterpillar in her hoodie. Not only was she not afraid, she even caught the caterpillar and stuffed it into Jiang Xiuyuan's collar, which scared him so much that he cried loudly.
But that's not all.
The little girl was the same age as Song Ying, but because she was four years older than Jiang Xiuyuan and taller than him at the time, she rode on top of him and spanked his bottom.
The caterpillar burrowed into his clothes, but was pinned down and unable to turn over. Jiang Xiuyuan was like a turtle whose shell had been flipped over, struggling and thrashing about.
Song Ying rushed over upon hearing the commotion. After hearing about the despicable things Jiang Xiuyuan had done, she joined forces with the little girl to beat up her stinky younger brother.
That experience can be described as the darkest chapter in Chiang Hsiu-yuan's childhood.
So when he said that, Song Ying immediately remembered.
"So it was her."
The two played together for more than two months. Then one day, Song Ying suddenly brought a newly bought gift to Luo Luo.
But no one ever came.
She went to the Luo family's house wearing a little dress, but only a maid opened the door.
It was then that Song Ying learned that Luo Luo's parents were going through a divorce. To avoid the child encountering her parents' arguments when she came home, Old Mrs. Jiang, who knew Luo Luo's maternal grandmother, arranged for her to take Luo Luo to play with Song Ying every day after school at Old Mrs. Jiang's request.
When the Luo couple divorced, neither of them wanted their daughter.
Ultimately, the child was awarded to Mr. Luo, who had better financial conditions.
Grandma was afraid that Luo Luo would be sad, so she took her to her own home.
The two families were now separated by half a city.
Later, at Song Ying's request, Old Mrs. Jiang took her to visit once.
Perhaps affected by the divorce, Luo Luo stayed in the house and refused to come out. After waiting for a whole afternoon, Song Ying could only leave the gift and leave with the old lady.
Following that was the start of the school year. In addition to attending classes, Song Ying also had private lessons such as piano and dance every day.
With time constantly compressed, there's no time to think too much.
That summer we spent together, as time went by, as we experienced more and more things, as she later returned to the capital and went abroad, was buried deep in our memories and gradually sealed away by the dust of time.
Jiang Xiuyuan's shout has rekindled Song Ying's memories of the past.
but.
"How did you recognize me at first glance? If I remember correctly, you and I haven't seen Luo Luo for eleven or twelve years, right?"
Upon hearing Song Ying's words, Jiang Xiuyuan suddenly coughed and turned his face away awkwardly.
Song Ying understood immediately.
He teased, "So you've been keeping an eye on her all this time? Hmm? What's wrong, Young Master Jiang? Did you fall for her after being beaten up?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Only a dog would like her! We only met once at a banquet. Back then, that jerk from the Feng family tried to grope her, and she picked up a chair to beat him up. She couldn't beat that guy from the Feng family, so I couldn't stand it and stepped in to help her. That's how we met again."
After saying this, before Song Ying could ask any further questions, Jiang Xiuyuan started rambling on and on about his complaints.
"I would never like a violent woman like her, even if I remained single for the rest of my life! Sister, can you imagine? She's twenty-four years old and still chasing after celebrities all day long. Not only does she spend money on that Shen Yuning, but she also goes to the airport to greet him and do data collection and all sorts of support whenever she has free time. She's more like a minor than a teenager—"
"No way, let alone a minor, even elementary school students are more mature than her. And she still calls me childish? I think she's clearly more childish than me! What's so great about that Shen Yuning? Doesn't he also have two eyes, one mouth, one nose, and two legs? His acting skills are even worse than yours!"
Jiang Xiuyuan was indignant, but Song Ying could detect jealousy in her younger brother's words.
Furthermore: "...What do you mean by saying my acting is worse than yours? Is my acting really that bad?"
"I said his acting is bad!"
Seeing Jiang Xiuyuan's excited expression, Song Ying clicked her tongue, shook her head, and sighed.
After thinking about it, she decided not to tell Jiang Xiuyuan that the boy standing next to Luo Luo who was leaning against the wall and wearing a mask was Shen Yuning.
Otherwise, given Jiang Xiuyuan's jealousy, she would most likely not be able to sleep at night.
—Some people are so enthusiastic about following their idols that they're even having hotpot with them, while their own younger brother is still feeling helpless and angry.
"No wonder you insisted on coming to the film set with me before."
I've never seen Jiang Xiuyuan interested in these things before.
Looking at it now, I realize that his real intention was not what it seemed.
"The reason you can patiently go to the company now is because you've discovered that Shen Yuning is very hardworking and ambitious, and not just a pretty face, right?"
"..."
Jiang Xiuyuan choked for a moment, then mumbled, "That's not it."
The denial lacked conviction.
Song Ying understood: "So it really was provoked by a love rival."
Song Ying patted Jiang Xiuyuan on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Young man, it's much harder for an older sister to win over than a younger sister. The road ahead is long and arduous, so please keep trying!"
Jiang Xiuyuan shrugged and glared at Song Ying.
Even dogs don't date younger men.
Song Ying remained noncommittal.
Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she blinked, "Our company is planning a dating reality show, and we'll be inviting four couples. They can be real couples, or they can be paired up. If you don't like Luo Luo, then I'll invite her and Shen Yuning to participate together, okay?"
"You dare!"
"Why wouldn't I dare? I'm the boss, bro. I have the absolute right to decide who to invite—what's with your vehement opposition? Are you jealous?"
"Why would I be jealous? You know what kind of crazy woman she is. I'm afraid she'll ruin your show! If the show fails and you lose money, you can just go cry in a corner!"
"You don't need to worry about that." No one is better at ruining a show than her. "Just tell me directly whether you're participating or not."
"Isn't my vast fortune appealing?"
Jiang Xiuyuan remained defiant, and as she spoke, she slammed on the brakes, saying, "We're home, get out."
Don't try to guess what's on a young boy's mind.
After that day, Jiang Xiuyuan avoided Song Ying for several days in a row, and even left the transportation of Song Ying to the family driver.
I don't know what she's thinking.
-
Her thoughts drifted back to what happened that day, and after a moment's thought, Song Ying said casually.
"Ah Ning, among your big fans, there's a girl named Luo Luo who has long, straight, dyed red hair. She's very unique. Do you remember her?"
The chicken leg in Shen Yuning's hand fell to the ground.
Thankfully, it ended up in the lunchbox.
He quickly picked it up again and complained to his agent, "Sister Li, look, I haven't eaten meat in ages, I'm so weak!"
After that, he looked at Song Ying and said, "Sister Ying, you're talking about Father Luo, right? I know her."
For some reason, he seemed a little guilty.
Wen Nian, standing nearby, asked in surprise, "Aying knows Luo Luo too?"
You should know that Luo Luo is Wen Nian's best friend since childhood.
Wen Nian also helped Luo Luo and Shen Yuning have that hotpot meal.
Song Ying, unaware of these things, explained:
"We were neighbors for a while when we were kids, and then we played together for a summer. Later, she moved away, and we gradually lost contact."
At this point, Song Ying looked at Shen Yuning.
“A few days ago, my cousin and I ran into Luo Luo on the street. He told me that Luo Luo is a fan of Aning, so I thought I'd ask if I could get her a few autographed copies of Aning’s books.”
Song Ying's words contained an element of testing, but also genuine sincerity.
After all, we were friends before, and it's fate that we've met again.
Whether it's for work, for her little brother's little schemes, or for childhood friendship, bringing a gift that a fangirl would like when meeting Luo Luo is never a bad thing.
However, I heard from Shen Yuning's agent, Sister Li, that...
"Teacher Song may not know that we just met Luo Luo yesterday and signed a contract with her for Aning Studio."
Song Ying was somewhat surprised.
"She's going to work at your company?"
"Yes, it was also a coincidence."
When Sister Li mentioned Luo Luo, her eyes showed great admiration.
Then they began to explain the various reasons.
"We hadn't had a good idea for the commemorative album for Aning's eighteenth birthday, and it's only now that we've finally gotten around to it."
"Because Teacher Wen Nian drew many comics related to A Ning when she debuted, A Ning's fans all like her very much. After discussing it, we decided to specially invite Teacher Wen to draw eighteen live-action comic illustrations for A Ning for this commemorative album."
"Luo Luo and Teacher Wen are childhood best friends, and she provided a lot of help during the painting process. In addition, she has been a big fan for several years and is very good at taking photos and editing, and she can capture A Ning's characteristics very well."
“Our team just happens to be short of such talent, so after meeting and discussing it in detail yesterday, we signed a work contract with Luo Luo. When we return to Mocheng later, she will travel with us.”
In other words, autographed photos are no longer needed.
Things took an unexpected turn for the better than Song Ying had anticipated.
But upon closer reflection, it makes perfect sense.
It's just a pity about Jiang Xiuyuan.
Hesitation leads to defeat, and indecisiveness prevents you from winning the heart of your beloved.
Judging from Shen Yuning's appearance, it's highly likely that his relationship with Luo Luo has progressed rapidly since that hot pot dinner.
Judging from Sister Li's appearance, she probably doesn't know yet.
Most people assume that yesterday was the first time Shen Yuning and Luo Luo met.
On one hand is my idol whom I've liked for a long time. He has a good personality and is handsome. We'll also be working together in the future.
On one hand, there's her mischievous younger brother who used to tease her when they were kids—a sharp-tongued, cheeky, and incredibly proud person.
If Luo Luo were still the same person she always was, Song Ying would know who she would choose even with her eyes closed.
Just as Song Ying was lighting candles to mourn Jiang Xiuyuan, Wen Nian remembered something and his eyes lit up.
"Ah Ying, is your maternal grandfather's surname Jiang?"
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