"haven't seen you for a long time."
Back then, under the Zhou family's surveillance, Shan Song was barely able to take care of himself. Fearing that his stepmother would find fault with him and affect Tong Zhao's normal life, he entrusted others to sponsor Tong Zhao's schooling and never showed his face in five years.
Through fragmented information obtained from contacts, all that was known was that Tong Zhao was well-behaved, studied very hard, ranked at the top of her class in acting, acted in plays while still in school, and had excellent grades.
The only time Tong Zhao sought his help was shortly after he entered the entertainment industry, when Tong Zhao proactively sought his assistance once.
Shan Song got someone to help him at the time, but it seems to have sparked some rumors that he couldn't explain.
At that time, Tong Zhao very considerately asked the contact person to pass on a message, saying that things were fine as they were, and that since there were rumors that a big shot was keeping him, ordinary people wouldn't dare to harass him.
They're quite good at finding joy in hardship.
However, it did affect his acting career in the end. Otherwise, with such outstanding looks and abilities, as well as his hard work and perseverance, he should have been a big star long ago.
Dan Song's gaze traced the omega's face across from him. This was the first time he had seen the child up close. He had only seen him from afar before and was already quite amazed. Now, with the view suddenly magnified from every angle, it was no exaggeration to say that he was flawlessly beautiful.
The three courts and five eyes are divided according to the golden ratio, and every detail is exquisitely sharp.
Logically speaking, such a striking appearance should be extremely aggressive, but it is her eyes that are unique. They are round with slightly downturned corners, and her eyes are innocent and full of spirit, which neutralizes all the sharpness.
If you look a little higher and observe carefully, you can also see that Tong Zhao's hair ends have a natural curl, which looks very cute.
Dan Song had been staring at her for quite a while without her noticing. Even though it was a gaze devoid of any lust and purely one of appreciation, it was still getting a little hard for Tong Zhao to bear.
Tong Zhao lowered her eyes, avoiding the burning gaze from the person opposite her.
This was their first meeting since they parted ways.
The person hadn't even told him their name back then, so the only way for him to find them was through the old phone number. He didn't want to keep bothering that contact person, afraid of annoying them, and even more afraid that their occasional contact would disrupt Shan Song's life.
He was already very grateful for the financial assistance, since it was just a small favor he had done for someone he had met by chance, and he couldn't keep taking advantage of the kindness.
Tong Zhao knew that this marriage alliance was no small matter, after all, powerful and influential families like the Qin and Zhou families were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
When he first asked Shan Song for help, he had a feeling that the man was probably being held back by others, which was why he couldn't show his face and could only help him indirectly through other people.
He understood, which made him even more reluctant to cause trouble for others.
He wanted to try to solve it himself first. If he failed, he could always swallow his pride and ask for help. There was still room for maneuver.
Originally, Tong Zhao had only intended to discuss terms with her marriage partner today, but now she had unexpectedly met him in this situation. Tong Zhao felt a mix of emotions, unable to quite describe what she was feeling.
But I think most of the time I'm happy, since this can be considered "meeting an old friend in a foreign land," one of the four great joys!
Tong Zhao raised his head again, his eyes bright, and said sincerely, "Mr. Shan, thank you for sponsoring my schooling. I have always wanted to thank you in person."
The sudden formal tone startled Shan Song. It was a similar conversation to back then, only the roles were reversed. He said, "You're welcome."
Then he added, "I'll thank you once, and you thank me once too, so we're even. We don't need to keep thanking each other anymore."
"Okay, sure."
After saying this, Tong Zhao felt a little uncomfortable. Realizing that he was still leaning back in his chair, he sat up straight.
Seeing his movement, Shan Song placed one hand on his shoulder and pushed him back into the chair with irresistible force: "Don't be nervous."
"……No."
"Then why are you looking down?"
"..."
This person has changed so much since five years ago. The first thing is his tone... it's become fierce.
At first glance, it might make people wonder if they said something wrong and offended someone, but Shan Song probably didn't mean that, right?
Although she was probably 80% sure that's what she thought, Tong Zhao still secretly shuddered.
He glanced up and quickly scanned the man's current appearance.
His suit was neat and well-fitting, without a trace of dishevelment. His hair was shorter than before, making him look even more fierce. Standing at nearly 1.9 meters tall, he looked more like a gangster than a wealthy heir.
Seeing that the person seemed to be staring at her, waiting for an answer, Tong Zhao hurriedly changed her words: "It seems so, why don't you sit down?"
Shan Song readily agreed, seemingly approving of his candid expression of needs: "Do whatever makes you comfortable."
"Tell me, how did you get into the Qin family?"
The eye-level perspective made Tong Zhao much more relaxed. Perhaps it was due to the suspension bridge effect, but he had a strange trust in Shan Song. He slowly began to recount how Qin Chong had taken him back from the wrap party.
Dan Song lightly tapped the armrest with his fingers, composed himself, and listened attentively.
Out of respect for his benefactor, he hadn't dug into Tong Zhao's background, and therefore never imagined that he would have such a background.
What was even more unexpected was that so many accidents happened to this omega not long ago.
Why didn't you call when you encountered trouble?
Tong Zhao was a little confused.
"Wrap-up party".
Unexpectedly, this was the first question he asked. Tong Zhao paused for a moment before replying, "Ah, I didn't have time."
Speaking of the wrap party, Tong Zhao probably has to thank his estranged younger brother for bringing him out, even though the purpose was to use him, but it did solve his current big problem.
Who would have thought that a nobody like him would still be remembered after so long, and that such a scheme would be devised to lure him into a trap?
“I never imagined that person would be so persistent…” Tong Zhao said softly.
Dan Song caught the key word and pressed, "That person? The one who caused you trouble back then?"
Tong Zhao nodded slightly.
Shan Song frowned. Back then, Tong Zhao only said that he had offended someone, which was why he couldn't get any roles. He hesitated and didn't elaborate on the specifics. Shan Song knew a little about the dirty dealings in the entertainment industry, so he assumed that Tong Zhao was too embarrassed to talk about it and didn't press him further. He simply sent someone to resolve the matter in a straightforward and crude manner.
Now it seems that his neglect of his benefactor's huge troubles is a result of his long stay in the Zhou family, which has made him cold-blooded.
Tong Zhao felt a little scared when she saw his already expressionless face become even colder.
Just as I was about to speak to ease the tension, I heard that deep voice ask again, "What about the marriage alliance? Why wasn't anything mentioned?"
"If it weren't for me today, what were your plans?"
The tone was a calm question, perhaps even subtly conveying concern, but coming from this person, it carried an invisible pressure.
Like being scolded by your homeroom teacher in elementary school...
Tong Zhao lowered his head and rubbed the corner of his clothes: "I heard that the Zhou family heir was also forced into this situation. I want to try and see if we can cooperate."
"Have you heard?"
Seeing that the other person's expression was not good, Tong Zhao thought for a moment and added, "You didn't tell me your name."
If he had known that Shan Song was the heir to the Zhou family, he wouldn't have been having trouble sleeping these past few days.
Shan Song raised her eyes and glanced at him.
Tong Zhao shut up.
That's true, why can't I say it? This person is so fierce.
Seeing that Tong Zhao remained silent, with her head down and only the back of her head visible, Shan Song reflected on his attitude and softened his tone: "Did I scare you?"
“I used to be quite bold; I even dared to go into the room of an out-of-control Alpha.”
Tong Zhao wanted to say that was before; now, even if he had eight times the courage, he wouldn't dare.
However, Shan Song didn't think so. He said with a hint of mockery, "Yeah, that's right. They've become bolder now, daring to bind with strangers' Alphas at will."
"..."
Dan Song's tone softened for only a few seconds before returning to its serious tone, as if he were dealing with a disobedient junior.
"Even if it's an arranged marriage, it's a legally recognized relationship. You don't even know the other party, so how can you negotiate terms and cooperate? What can you do if he goes back on his word after you're bound to Ao? If he forces you to be marked, can you resist?"
This time it was a real reprimand.
Tong Zhao pouted: "It's my fault for not thinking it through."
"It's stupid." Shan Song showed no mercy.
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