26 Bringing back a daughter-in-law
The studio of Suzhou Radio and Television Station was ablaze with lights. Staff and crew bustled about, both onstage and behind the scenes, each one focused and giving their all for the New Year's Eve gala. In the past few years, many television stations have opted for recorded broadcasts for their galas, effectively cutting costs and mitigating the risk of stage mishaps. However, since the influx of online platforms, local television stations have been forced to adapt, placing increasing emphasis on authenticity and interactivity in their programming, striving to stand out in the fierce competition. On stage, Jin Lang, dressed in a royal blue costume, sang a heartfelt duet of a popular ballad with a popular female singer. His voice was rich and moving, each note imbued with a unique magic, mingling with the female singer's voice to bring the song's emotions to full life. It's no wonder that Jin Lang's fans frequently urge him online to participate in singing competitions. He then performed the theme song from the popular song "Summer Like You," radiant on stage, his every move exuding elegance. After the performance, Jin Lang didn't leave immediately as usual. He had to participate in the 12:00 New Year's Eve countdown, the most important part of the gala and the moment most anticipated by the audience and fans. In the backstage lounge, the star, so radiant on stage just moments ago, removed his mask, his eyes revealing a deep sense of fatigue. He slumped on the sofa, as if all his strength had been drained. Jin Lang reached for his phone, a little slowly, and clicked on the WeChat message from Shen Cheng. "What time will you be back tomorrow? I've bought the cake. See you at home tonight!" His finger flicked across the screen, and he quickly replied, "I've got an early flight, but I'm afraid of delays. See you tomorrow." New Year's Day was Jin Lang's mother, Li Xin's birthday. As long as work could accommodate him, he would rush home to celebrate. However, if filming a movie or TV series meant he couldn't take time off, Jin Lang would ask his friend Shen Cheng to celebrate on his behalf. After replying, Jin Lang scrolled through the WeChat chat list, as if searching for something. His brows furrowed slightly, and his lips pursed unconsciously. Yesterday, in a fit of rage, he blacklisted Liu Yuwei. Although they hadn't spoken much on WeChat before, just the mere presence of those tiny pixels adorning their faces brought him peace. There was no need to ask good morning or good night; some existences spoke their own language. Now, he felt a little regretful. He clicked into his address book, eagerly scrolling through the list of contacts...
Inside the studio of Suzhou Radio and Television Station, the lights shone brightly. Staff and performers bustled about, both onstage and behind the scenes, each one focused and giving their all for this New Year's Eve gala. In recent years, many television stations have opted for recorded galas, effectively cutting costs and mitigating the risk of stage mishaps.
However, since online platforms have entered the market with great force and taken a share of the pie, local TV stations have been forced to make changes and have begun to pay more and more attention to the authenticity and interactivity of their programs, striving to stand out in the fierce competition.
On stage, Jin Lang, dressed in royal blue attire, sang a popular love song with a popular female singer. His voice was rich and moving, and each note seemed to have a unique magic, interweaving with the female voice to interpret the emotions in the song vividly.
It’s no wonder that Jin Lang’s fans often call on him to participate in singing programs online.
Afterwards, he sang the theme song of "Summer Like You" alone. The man on the stage was radiant, and his every move showed his charm.
After the performance, Jin Lang did not leave the stage as usual because he had to participate in the 12 o'clock New Year's Eve countdown, which was the most important part of the whole evening and the moment that the audience and fans looked forward to the most.
In the backstage lounge, the star who had just been so energetic on stage took off his mask, his eyes revealing a deep sense of fatigue. He slumped down on the sofa, as if all his strength had been drained away.
Jin Lang reached out for his cell phone, his movements a little slow, and clicked on the WeChat message sent by Shen Cheng.
[What time will you be back tomorrow? I've already bought the cake. See you at my house tonight!]
His finger slid lightly across the screen and he quickly replied, "I bought an early flight, worried about delays. See you tomorrow."
New Year's Day is Jin Lang's mother, Li Xin's birthday. As long as his work schedule allows, he will rush home to celebrate. However, if he is unable to take leave due to filming a movie or TV series, Jin Lang will ask his good friend Shen Cheng to represent him and celebrate with his mother.
After replying, Jin Lang scrolled through the WeChat chat list, as if searching for something. His brows furrowed slightly, and his lips pursed unconsciously. Yesterday, in a fit of rage, he had blacklisted Liu Yuwei.
Although the two of them hadn't spoken much on WeChat before, just the presence of those tiny pixels adorning the space was comforting. There was no need to ask good morning or good night; some existences were a language in themselves.
At this moment, he felt a little regretful. He clicked into the address book and looked through the contact list eagerly, but he scrolled over and over again and still couldn't see the name.
A trace of panic flashed across Jin Lang's eyes, then he sat up straight and turned to ask his assistant Xiao Zhou, with a barely perceptible hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Um, do you know how to apply to be removed from the blacklist on WeChat?"
"Brother, someone blocked you?" Xiao Zhou chuckled, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Who is so blind?"
Jin Lang immediately explained, "No, I accidentally blocked someone!"
Xiao Zhou came over and pointed at his phone screen and said, "Here, settings, then friend permissions, contact blacklist."
His eyes followed Xiao Zhou's fingertips closely, and he followed his instructions step by step, and finally released Liu Yuwei out of the "electronic fence".
Xiao Zhou inadvertently glanced at the portrait that was obviously a woman, but he knew in his heart that in this circle, one should not ask questions that should not be asked, so he silently swallowed his questions and curiosity.
But Jin Lang immediately spoke again, his tone sounding a little nervous and worried, "If I block her, will she know?"
"If the other party sent you a message during this period, the system would prompt to reject it, and then she would definitely know." Xiao Zhou explained casually.
But when he looked up and saw Jin Lang's worried look, he quickly added, "But if you accidentally remove the blacklist quickly, there's a high probability that it won't be discovered."
Jin Lang thought to himself after hearing this. Recalling Liu Yuwei's resolute attitude when she kicked him out of the house, she probably wouldn't take the initiative to send him a message to start a conversation.
But when I think about what I did that night, the damage is completely not on the same level as being blocked.
He sighed heavily, leaned his head back on the sofa, closed his eyes, and thought seriously about how to deal with the serious consequences brought about by his momentary impulse.
…
On the first day of the new year, the sun tried to break through the gloomy clouds in Suzhou, but seemed to be unable to do so.
Having barely slept the entire night before, Jin Lang dragged his tired body and sat blankly in the airport VIP lounge, looking at his watch from time to time with a furrowed brow.
As expected, the flight was delayed for three hours due to Beijing North air traffic control. By the time he rushed home from the airport, it was almost four in the afternoon.
Jin Lang first returned to his own house, unpacked his luggage, and took a hot shower to wash away his fatigue. Afterwards, he packed up briefly and walked to Li Xin's residence in another building in the same complex.
As the door opened, the aroma of food wafted into the air, and Jin Lang couldn't help but frown. In previous years, as long as his mother knew he would be back, she would always prepare a table full of his favorite dishes, but he didn't know whose birthday it was for.
When Li Xin heard the door open, he walked out of the house with a smile on his face, his eyes full of joy.
"Son, you're back!"
"Yeah, I'm back, Mom."
Jin Lang responded, seeing his mother standing in the living room, but he could still hear the rhythmic sound of chopping vegetables coming from the kitchen. Puzzled, he couldn't help but look over there.
Li Xin hurried to his son's side, patted his arm and explained, "Oh, Xiaocheng hired a private chef. He came with bags of ingredients and said he would leave after cooking."
"Xiaocheng is a thoughtful kid! When he comes later, you should thank him properly." His words were full of praise for Shen Cheng.
Jin Lang raised the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said jokingly, "I am his financial backer, and he still relies on me to make money!"
Although he said this, Jin Lang still silently praised Shen Cheng's thoughtfulness and consideration.
There was a knock on the door. Jin Lang turned to Li Xin and said, "Look at this guy, he just can't help but talk!"
He walked towards the door with brisk steps, and when he opened the door, he saw another familiar face - agent Zhang Yi, who was holding a huge cake box in his hand.
"Why are you here? Didn't you say you were going to meet Director Li's team today?" he asked in surprise.
Li Xinsheng walked to the door. When Zhang Yi saw her, she ignored Jin Lang and walked forward with a smile. She said respectfully and steadily, "Auntie, happy birthday and happy new year!"
"Xiao Yi is here, come in, come in! You said you are all so busy, there is no need to worry about me!"
Although Li Xin said this, the smile on his face became more and more obvious, and his eyes narrowed into slits.
Half an hour later, Shen Cheng appeared in front of everyone, panting and holding a cake.
Looking at the two large boxes on the table, Zhang Yi said that it was first come, first served, and asked Shen Cheng to bring the cake he bought to the company the next day to share. Shen Cheng immediately retorted, calling Zhang Yi a blood-sucking capitalist in the entertainment industry who didn't even know that tomorrow was a statutory holiday.
Jin Lang and his mother stood aside, watching the two bicker. Jin Lang shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with helplessness. Li Xin, on the other hand, was grinning from ear to ear, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.
At the dinner table, the four of them sat opposite each other. Jin Lang was the first to raise his glass and wish his mother a happy birthday. Zhang Yi and Shen Cheng also gave their congratulations.
"Auntie, this year's physical examination card is still with me. I will contact you in advance when the time comes!" The gift Zhang Yi gives every year is a physical examination package from the international department of a top public hospital.
Shen Cheng couldn't help but say goodbye to him, "Look at you, you don't have any creativity in giving gifts, it's the same every year!"
"That's great, Xiaoyi helps me arrange everything every year, so I don't have to worry about it!"
Li Xin hurriedly tried to smooth things over for Zhang Yi with a grateful look on his face.
"Then I'd like to hear what gift you have prepared for your aunt this year. Let me see your creativity!" Zhang Yi was not willing to be outdone.
"I've booked a suite on a European river cruise this summer. Auntie can invite friends along! With a dedicated Chinese-speaking tour guide, it's absolutely butler-like service and a fool-proof trip!"
Shen Cheng looked proud and felt that he was sure to win this time.
"Thank you, Xiaocheng. Auntie's legs and feet are not in good condition. Can you keep up?" Li Xin asked a little worriedly, with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"Auntie, on a cruise ship, you don't have to carry your luggage back and forth, and on sailing days, you can sit directly on the balcony and enjoy the scenery. It's perfect for the elderly! I've already consulted you, so you can rest assured!"
Shen Cheng patted his chest and made the promise, his brows beaming with joy.
After he finished speaking, he looked at Jin Lang, and Zhang Yi also turned his head. Both of them seemed to be asking, what are you giving?
Jin Lang smiled calmly and said slowly: "Mom, I haven't had time to prepare a gift. Tell me if you need anything!"
"Tsk~"
“Huh!”
They both booed.
"It's okay, it's enough that you can come back to celebrate Mom's birthday!" Li Xin patted his son's shoulder to comfort him.
Shen Cheng's eyes rolled around, an idea flashed in his mind, and the corners of his mouth rose uncontrollably, revealing a sly smile.
"I say, why don't you bring home a daughter-in-law for Auntie this year, and barely consider it as your birthday present!"
Zhang Yi and Jin Lang were both stunned. A hint of panic flashed in Jin Lang's eyes, and Zhang Yi seemed to have heard the "overtime red alert".
The birthday boy's brows relaxed, and he agreed, "Xiaocheng, that's a good suggestion. If it doesn't work this year, next year will work."
Li Xin knew that Jin Lang's work didn't leave him with the time and energy to properly nurture a relationship. A few years ago, she worried about her son being led astray by the entertainment industry's malpractices, but she later realized she couldn't control him anymore now that he was older. Fortunately, Jin Lang was a man of his own accord, and she stopped worrying about him over the years.
As for whether Jin Lang, who lives in the spotlight, can get married and have children like ordinary people, she doesn't dare to have any expectations, so she rarely mentions it on her own initiative for fear of putting pressure on him.
But every time she saw her fellow cotton mill workers and old neighbors enjoying their grandchildren, it was impossible not to feel a little envious. So when she heard Shen Cheng jokingly express her thoughts, she couldn't help but join in the conversation.
"Auntie, you know how it's so popular now to get on the bus first and buy the ticket later? Who knows, maybe one day Jin Lang will bring you a grandson!"
Shen Cheng glanced at Jin Lang with a teasing look.
Jin Lang frowned slightly. Shen Cheng didn't know about Liu Yuwei's affairs, but he could dance wildly in his minefield accurately.
He pretended to cough twice, picked up the water glass, and tried to ease the embarrassment.
"I still like little girls. Look at Lele from Xiaoyi's family. She's so well-behaved and cute." Li Xin smiled and said to Zhang Yi, "Next time you have time, bring Lele to play with me. Just tell her that grandma will make her sweet and sour pork ribs!"
After hearing his mother's words, Jin Lang's mind flashed with the image of Liu Yuwei's daughter again. He wondered if Li Xin would like that child as much as he liked Lele.
A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, including expectation and worry.
When reason returns, everything is just an illusion, and in the end, only five points of self-mockery remain.
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