Chapter 136 The Crown Prince of the Qin Family: Agreeing to a Romantic Reunion
"Teacher Wen, you haven't seen enough gossip. Aying's mother is Teacher Jiang Lan'an, so her maternal grandfather's surname must be Jiang!"
The speaker is Mina.
Spending all her time on set, no one knows the gossip in the entertainment industry better than her.
Wen Nian doesn't follow celebrities; her only source of entertainment gossip is her best friend Luo Luo, which inevitably means she misses out on a lot of information.
Song Ying smiled and agreed, "Mina is right, my maternal grandfather's surname is indeed Jiang."
“Then I’ve heard Luo Luo mention you before.”
The mutual friendship made Wen Nian feel even closer to Song Ying.
"Luo Luo's maternal grandmother used to live in the same building as us, one floor above the other. I heard her mention that one summer vacation, she met a friend named Aying at the Jiang family's house."
"After she moved to her grandmother's house, the other person came to see her, but she didn't come out to meet him because she was in a bad mood at the time. By the time she calmed down, her friend was no longer in Mocheng, and the two of them never saw each other again after that."
"This has always been a regret for her. I always thought that girl's name was Jiang Ying, but I never expected it to be you."
Luo Luo's childhood experience of her parents' divorce made her seem carefree, but in reality, she was relatively withdrawn, which is why she used idol worship as a source of emotional support.
She has only had two friends throughout her life.
One is Wen Nian.
Yes, it was that girl named Aying from the Jiang family.
"The world is truly wondrous; after many twists and turns, those destined to meet will eventually meet again."
Wen Nian was happy for Luo Luo and immediately sent her a message about it.
"We're so lucky to have this opportunity, it would be a shame not to have a meal together." Shen Yuning picked at the carrot shreds in his lunchbox, eager to try them.
Sister Li gave a direct order: "You won't even get a chance to have a meal. Before 'Temptation Star' is finished filming, you'd better watch what you eat, exercise more, and keep in shape."
"..."
Shen Yuning was completely dejected. He put down his chopsticks, leaned against the tree trunk behind him, and stared at Song Ying's lunchbox.
Extremely frustrated: "How come Yingjie never gains weight no matter how much she eats..."
He's tired of saying the word "envy".
-
There's no better time than today, so taking advantage of the fact that the film crew finished work early that day and Luo Luo had some free time, Song Ying, Wen Nian, and Luo Luo made plans to have dinner together.
The location was chosen to be a private restaurant.
Song Ying specially ordered flowers in advance for this meeting.
"Ah Ying and Luo Luo haven't seen each other in a long time, have they?"
"Yes, it's been twelve years."
Song Ying recalled that experience.
Actually, she never really had many friends.
The pressure of getting into university in the capital is immense. In addition, she first transferred to Mo City, then returned to the capital, and soon after went abroad to study. She never stayed in any one place for long.
It's rare to have a best friend who stays by your side for over a decade.
If I had to pick one person I played with the most when I was a kid, it would be Luo Luo, whom I met during that summer vacation.
As they were talking, the door to the private room was pushed open, and a red head poked in first.
She blinked rapidly. "Is this the place? I didn't go to the wrong place, did I?"
"Luo Luo, come quick!"
Wen Nian waved quickly.
Luo Luo pushed open the door and came in, her high heels making a crisp sound on the floor.
Decisive yet not rigid.
Cool and stylish yet not arrogant.
Song Ying also stood up.
The moment their eyes met, they both burst out laughing.
"haven't seen you for a long time."
"haven't seen you for a long time."
As she said this, Luo Luo opened her arms and gave Song Ying a big hug.
During the day, Wen Nian gave Luo Luo's WeChat to Song Ying. The two had chatted beforehand, effectively avoiding the awkwardness of suddenly meeting in the evening.
A perfectly timed greeting and a warm embrace erased more than a decade of separation.
"Actually, I noticed you when you were trending on social media. Your 'Palm Dance' was amazing, and your acting was great too! I also watched those short-lived dating reality shows."
Luo Luo is very outgoing, "but at that time I just felt that she looked familiar, but I didn't dare to recognize her. I only remember that when I went to Grandma Jiang's house when I was a child, everyone called you Aying. I had no idea that your surname was Song. So I was just wondering why you looked so similar, but I never thought that you were the same person."
Song Ying laughed, "It's my fault for not giving a complete self-introduction back then."
I was young then, and all I needed was a title; I didn't care about anything else.
As she spoke, Song Ying handed the prepared flowers to Luo Luo.
"Here, flowers for a beautiful lady, but I wonder if your preferences have changed."
"Nothing's changed!" Luo Luo took a deep breath, holding the flowers. "Sunflowers, my love! I didn't expect you to still remember, thank you!"
When the two of them played together, Luo Luo mentioned that she liked sunflowers.
Song Ying never forgot.
"I originally wanted to ask Shen Yuning for a T-sign for you, but when I brought it up today, I found out that you've already joined his studio. Today is a good day to celebrate for you. Come, have a seat."
Upon hearing Shen Yuning's name, Luo Luo quickly placed Hua Xiaoxin aside, sat down, and looked excited.
"Speaking of this, I got into the studio by sheer luck, all thanks to the connections I made every year. You know what, it still feels like a dream."
Wen Nian, however, did not take credit for it. He said, "I was just the matchmaker. The fact that the bridge was built is your own achievement."
"But we need a cable, otherwise Da Ning and Sister Li will know who I am!" After saying this, Luo Luo grabbed Song Ying's hand. "Besides, I really didn't expect that we would have such a connection. Niannian and I are best friends, and you are my childhood playmate. Now you've even acted in Niannian's drama. My goodness, even novels wouldn't dare to write something like this!"
"Who can say for sure about fate?"
Song Ying laughed. When she learned about the two's best friend relationship at noon, her surprise and excitement were no less than Luo Luo's now.
-
Song Ying has a carefree personality, while Luo Luo is naturally outgoing.
Of the three, Wen Nian was the only one who seemed a little shy.
But that's for external audiences.
Facing her best friend and a new friend with whom she had recently gotten along very well, after a hearty meal and a few drinks, the group quickly became very talkative.
The conversation then shifted to the day Song Ying stumbled upon the four of them eating hot pot.
Luo Luo suddenly realized, "So you were the one who saw me that day!"
“Actually, I didn’t recognize you at first. It was Xiu Yuan who told me, and then I realized it.” As she spoke, Song Ying pointed to her hair. “You’ve changed quite a bit since then.”
"How about it? Isn't my hair cool?" Luo Luo said proudly.
Song Ying gave a thumbs up, "That's absolutely amazing in the whole of Mo City."
Luo Luo slammed his hand on the table.
"You have good taste! But do you know what? I went on a blind date before, and there was this guy who was just an office secretary with a monthly income of 5,000. As soon as we met, he told me to dye my hair black and not go out to work. He said I should just stay at home and be a wife and mother, and then he would inherit my dad's company."
"I said at the time, I can agree to anything else, but I won't dye my hair. Not only that, if you can dye that thing on your head green, then we can date."
"And guess what? That guy called me crazy, so I threw a glass of wine in his face. I never called him crazy when he was daydreaming!"
Song Ying was amused by her and couldn't help but applaud, "That's definitely the way to deal with some shady men—but you're only 24, right? Why are you in such a hurry to go on blind dates?"
These days, it's not considered late for a woman to get married at 30.
Times have changed.
Seeing that Luo Luo wasn't the type to be desperate to get married, Song Ying really didn't understand.
Luo Luo downed the glass of red wine in one gulp, sighed, and said, "It's all because of my family's messy affairs. It's a long story."
-
After his divorce, Luo's father found a wife, thinking he had found love, but he was almost cheated out of both his money and his love.
He realized his mistake at the last minute and decisively divorced her, thus preventing the other party from succeeding.
This experience made him suddenly realize that all the women outside were unreliable, and only his only daughter was trustworthy.
But by then, Luo Luo had already lost faith in him.
Even after her grandmother passed away and Luo Luo returned to the Luo family, the father and daughter could never go back to how things were before.
After turning eighteen, Luo Luo left home and started her own family.
Although she still idolizes celebrities, she is already a successful career woman who can live a comfortable life without relying on her father.
Originally, the father and daughter kept to themselves and did not interfere with each other.
The reason she is being forced into blind dates is entirely because her father is seriously ill and is threatening to kill himself.
Over the past ten years, Luo's mother and maternal grandmother have both passed away, leaving Luo's father as the only living relative of Luo Luo.
She was stubborn but soft-hearted, which is why she had no choice but to give a perfunctory answer.
In the past six months, I've been approached by so many men that I can't even count them on two hands.
"Going to Mo City now would be the best option, at least for the time being I won't have to be disgusted by these awful men anymore. And now I think I've figured out that my dad's illness is a mix of real and fake, and when it gets better and when it gets worse depends entirely on whether I go on blind dates or not."
To put it bluntly, it's all an act.
Staying in Mo City means you'll inevitably have to watch him act.
A trip to the capital city, and the opportunity to visit her favorite artist's studio—it was like heaven was saving her from dire straits.
"So you're saying you're not considering finding a boyfriend anytime soon?" Song Ying asked.
"I'm not looking anymore. No scumbag can compare to my comfort and happiness. I can eat, drink, and have fun whenever I want. But if I find a jerk who cheats me out of money and sex and then keeps arguing with me, it's only because I have masochistic tendencies."
"What if it's someone like Mr. Ji? Gentle, considerate, handsome, and rich."
"Of course, that goes without saying! Or someone like your Qin Shu, who's wild and roguish, handsome, and can also act like a cute puppy—but where in this world are there so many Qin Shus and Ji Zhihengs? You couldn't find one even with a lantern. Instead of thinking about these things, it's more practical to make money."
"What if I could let you date and make money at the same time?"
"What do you mean?" Luo Luo paused in her action of picking up food.
Song Ying took the initiative to use serving chopsticks to put the dishes that Luo Luo wanted to eat onto the small plate in front of her.
"Our company, Qingcheng, is planning to start a dating reality show soon. The guests will include celebrities, ordinary people, couples, and people who want to become couples. I'd like to invite Niannian and Mr. Ji, but they haven't given me a definite answer yet. I think your personality is very unique, so I'd also like to invite you to participate."
"Me?? On a dating reality show?!"
Luo Luo thought she had misheard. "With my more than 20 failed blind dates, as someone who is immune to love, you want me to be on a dating show? You'd be more like asking me to be on a divorce show."
She's no good at dating, but she's absolutely adept at breaking up couples.
"What if it's with Shen Yuning?"
"Cough cough, cough... Shen, Shen Yuning? Ah Ying, are you kidding me..."
Luo Luo was clearly flustered and quickly pulled out a tissue from the side to wipe her mouth.
"Da Ning is still a child. Even if I were crazy, I wouldn't go so far as to lay a hand on him... Besides, even if I wanted to, Sister Li wouldn't agree, and the fans would tear me apart."
"What about Jiang Xiuyuan?"
"..." Luo Luo choked, "Don't joke around. Your cousin is so young, a budding flower of the motherland. I'd better not go and ruin him. Besides, we can't stand each other. Every time we meet, we're either arguing or fighting. We're complete enemies..."
Halfway through his sentence, a bold idea popped into Luo Luo's mind.
Jiang Xiuyuan wouldn't like her, so he sent his cousin over to test her, would he?
However, Luo Luo quickly dismissed this absurd idea.
Given Jiang Xiuyuan's arrogant and haughty demeanor, coupled with the fact that she beat him up when he was a child, only a madman would like her.
As for Shen Yuning...
Luo Luo felt like she was getting carried away.
Song Ying was just joking; how could she dare to actually have such wishful thinking?
That's incredibly audacious!
Luo Luo took Song Ying's invitation as a joke and quickly forgot about it.
The group chatted about other things, from Wen Nian and Luo Luo's experience of going to school together to Song Ying's experiences in the capital and abroad after leaving Mo City.
The meal was quite enjoyable.
We met at 7 o'clock, and it was almost 10:30 when we parted.
“When you came to my grandmother’s house to see me that time, although I didn’t come out, I heard everything you said. And I also carefully put away that dress.” Before parting, Luo Luo brought up the regret from back then, “Thank you, Aying.”
She gently hugged Song Ying, "I was really happy to spend that summer with you all."
Song Ying raised the corners of her lips and hugged Luo Luo back, "Me too."
-
Luo Luo and the Luo family driver left.
Wen Nian glanced at the time and asked Song Ying, "Ying, where do you live? It's so late, shall Ji Zhiheng and I give you a ride?"
Song Ying was just about to say that Jiang Xiuyuan was coming to pick her up.
Before he could even speak, a black Cayenne pulled up in front of him.
The car window rolled down, revealing a face that was both extremely familiar and utterly unexpected.
"A-Shu? What happened to you..."
Song Ying was extremely surprised, and her voice involuntarily rose a few decibels.
When the two talked on the phone in the morning, Qin Shu was still in the capital, saying that there was new progress in the research at CEW. How did he end up in Mo City in the blink of an eye?
"I came here because I missed you."
Fei Yang's wild and unruly voice was a little hoarse from exhaustion.
The twinkling fairy lights outside the shop illuminated Qin Shu's profile, outlining his sharply defined features with a rich texture.
"You really are..." Song Ying didn't know whether to feel sorry for him or be moved.
"By the way, let me introduce you. This is Wen Nian, the original author and screenwriter of 'Temptation Star.' She's been taking good care of me on set these past few days. She's a very nice girl and a new friend of mine."
Qin Shu didn't care about authors or screenwriters, but when he heard that the other party had taken care of Song Ying and that the two had become friends, he looked at Wen Nian and opened the car door to get out.
Standing at 1.88 meters tall, he resembled a towering tree, making Wen Nian, who was only 1.65 meters tall, appear even smaller.
"Hello, I am Qin Shu, Aying's husband. Thank you for your help these past few days, Teacher Wen."
Qin Shu extended his hand, and Wen Nian politely shook it back.
"Mr. Qin, hello."
At the same time, they can be removed immediately upon contact.
Noticing Wen Nian's unease, Song Ying took the initiative to put her arm around her shoulder and gently rubbed it. "Has your Mr. Ji arrived yet?"
“I saw his car, that’s it.”
Wen Nian pointed, and it was just over ten meters away.
Song Ying felt relieved. "Okay, then I'll go with Ashu first. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
With a wave, Song Ying opened the car door and prepared to get in.
Qin Shu reacted quickly and shielded her from the car roof to prevent her from getting hurt.
After Song Ying was seated comfortably, Qin Shu got into the car.
After the car drove away, two more cars passed by before Ji Zhiheng's car finally arrived.
Wen Nian got into the passenger seat and casually mentioned Qin Shu.
“I thought Ah Ying’s husband was handsome when I watched TV, but I didn’t expect him to be even more handsome in person than on TV. He also has a lot of personality. It’s no exaggeration to say that they are a perfect couple.”
"So that's what you like."
Ji Zhiheng's voice was as gentle and calm as ever, but it sounded somewhat muffled.
Smelling the sour smell emanating from the car, Wen Nian blinked, "I like you just the way you are."
Ji Zhiheng: "..."
In their relationship, it was usually Ji Zhiheng who took the initiative.
Even confessing one's feelings is an example.
Now that Wen Nian has said this, Ji Zhiheng doesn't know how to respond.
A small thrill rose in my heart, a flutter of pink excitement.
The 28-year-old iron tree is now blooming with light pink flowers on its branches.
Suppressing the urge to smile wildly, Ji Zhiheng hummed softly.
"You just said he's handsome."
"It's just that he's more handsome on TV than on screen—but in my heart, you're the most handsome."
His girlfriend's sweet words made Ji Zhiheng feel like a child who had just eaten candy.
The vinegar smell vanished, leaving only the sour stench of love.
"Actually, I've met Song Ying's boyfriend before."
Ji Zhiheng suddenly said.
"Hmm?" Wen Nian asked, "Was it on TV too?"
"No. It was an offline cocktail party, only two years ago."
"Huh? So early?"
Wen Nian became interested. "Everyone online says that Qin Shu used to play e-sports. He is the super player Hades in 'Honor of Kings,' and he also seems to have started an e-sports company."
“This is nothing to people like them.”
As he said this, Ji Zhiheng activated his turn signal, checked his rearview mirror and the road conditions ahead, and made a turn at the intersection.
Then he continued, "Have you heard of the Qin family in the capital?"
"I've heard some of it. Luo Luo once gossiped with me about it—the three major financial groups in the capital are Qin, Wen, and Zhao. Among them, the Qin family is the most powerful. They are not only the top family in the capital, but also the head of the four great families in China. However, the Qin family keeps a low profile and is the kind of family that makes a fortune quietly."
"The Wen family is next, and the Zhao family is last. In the dating reality show 'Princess's Romance' that Aying and her husband participated in before, Wen Yize was the heir of the Wen family, and Wen Jinzhao was his sister. Zhao Qingluo is the little princess of the Zhao family, and she seems to have an older brother, but I don't know his name."
After saying this, Wen Nian's little face beamed with pride.
Luo Luo is right. Sometimes, being a bystander can be beneficial, such as being able to answer Ji Zhiheng's questions fluently right now.
"That Qin Shu is the most mysterious heir of the Qin family in this generation."
"Wh-what?"
Wen Nian's voice became hesitant, and he even couldn't help but sit up straight.
"You mean the Crown Prince Qin, who has been protected by the Qin family patriarch since childhood and has never appeared in public?"
The title "Crown Prince" is obviously a joke.
But given the Qin family's background, it was perfectly legitimate.
"It's him." Ji Zhiheng gave a soft "hmm."
"The head of the Qin family retired from the public eye more than a decade ago. After the death of his youngest son, the eldest son, Qin Yong, has been in charge of the family. Two years ago, I attended the same party with Qin Yong and happened to see him talking to a young man outside the venue."
“The boy called him Uncle—in this generation of the Qin family, there are only three boys. I have met Qin Yong and Qin Ji, so it can only be the Qin Crown Prince who has always been protected.”
"Two years have passed, aren't you sure you've misjudged things? Besides, if the Qin family was so careful in protecting Qin Shu, why would they let him and Aying participate in a dating reality show and appear in public together? Doesn't that contradict their original intention?"
As soon as Wen Nian finished speaking, he remembered Qin Shu's original intention for participating in the dating reality show.
—At the time, some people spread rumors that Song Ying was a mistress and interfered in other people's relationships.
They went on the dating reality show, apparently to clarify something...
So, Qin Shu changed his previous low profile for Song Ying's sake?
For some reason, Wen Nian suddenly remembered what Song Ying had said when she persuaded him to participate in the dating reality show.
"When Ashu wanted to participate in the dating reality show with me to help clarify the rumors and gossip about me, I thought the same thing. I was always afraid of causing him unnecessary trouble. But Niannian, have you ever thought that this kind of trouble might just be what we perceive as trouble, but for those who care about us, they might actually be hoping to be bothered?"
Just as Wen Nian was lost in thought, Ji Zhiheng's words brought her back to reality.
"I can't be mistaken. I recognized him when he was on a dating reality show. I had the same question back then, but after putting myself in his shoes, I understood."
"No man would allow someone he cares about to be slandered unless he doesn't like the girl."
Wen Nian was taken aback and spoke subconsciously.
"If you were Qin Shu, would you make the same choice?"
"certainly."
Ji Zhiheng parked the car on the side of the road, took Wen Nian's hand, and gently placed it to his lips.
"Just like when you were criticized before—Niannian, I've thought it through. I'm willing to participate in Qingcheng's dating reality show. There's nothing wrong with liking someone, and it's my duty to clear up rumors for the person I love."
"Waiting for time to heal all wounds is too passive, and if someone with ulterior motives stirs things up, there's a high chance another storm will break out."
"Instead of doing that, we should face it honestly."
"You don't need to be afraid of anything, just be yourself, I'll take care of the rest."
Wen Nian's cherry lips parted slightly, a hint of trepidation in her voice, "Then what about your time..."
"I'll coordinate it."
Looking into Ji Zhiheng's sincere gaze, Wen Nian felt an endless surge of courage.
"good."
She nodded, a shallow dimple appearing at the corner of her lips. "Ji Zhiheng, let's face this together."
-
Meanwhile, in another direction of the city.
"You didn't even tell me you were coming to Mo City, Qin Shu. You've even learned to use sneak attacks, haven't you?"
Song Ying's voice carried a hint of coquettishness she herself was unaware of, "Also, when did you and Xiu Yuan become so close? He even lent you his car. I remember the last time you two met in the capital, you were even bickering."
"Even if we're fighting, I'm still his brother-in-law after we're done."
Sometimes, there's no logic to the feelings between men.
It's common for them to be fighting one second and drinking together the next.
What's wrong with borrowing a car?
They're not real enemies.
"By the way, you still haven't told me why you suddenly came to Mo City! Didn't you say there was progress this morning? Now is a critical moment, why did you suddenly leave the capital? Did something happen?"
The conversation eventually returned to the purpose of Qin Shu's trip.
Qin Shu did not hide it from Song Ying.
"I came to Mo City to find someone."
"who?"
"Ji Zhiheng".
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