The dinner was arranged very suddenly, just a few days later one evening.
Su Er went directly from the film set. After changing into her costume, she casually put on a sweater and jeans. Her face was still covered in period makeup, which made her skin tone a bit darker, but it couldn't hide her delicate features.
In the car, Su Er looked at herself in the mirror for a long time. Fang Li, who was in the back seat, handed her a makeup bag and asked, "Sister Er Er, do you need to touch up your makeup? You're already very pretty."
The little girl thought she was just going to an ordinary dinner party.
Su Er waved her hand, not taking it, and leaned back, sinking weakly into the seat.
She was thinking of putting on makeup, but she was wondering if she should make herself look even uglier.
Lin Shuqin knew she was in a bad mood, so she patted her hand and asked with concern, "Xiao Er, are you alright?"
Su Er shook her head, staring at the line of lights outside the window, her eyes gradually losing focus, and she fell silent.
The film set is in the suburbs of Beijing. The car had been driving for quite some time, passing through a bustling commercial center and turning into a hutong (alleyway).
This area, which should be the busiest time of the city, seems to be isolated from the world; the further you drive in, the quieter the surrounding environment becomes.
The car finally came to a stop in front of a bright and spacious gate, where two majestic stone lions stood. It was probably the private residence of some high-ranking official in the past.
The private club didn't have any signboard or plaque, but the painted decorations under the eaves looked particularly exquisite and dazzling under the lights.
Su Er looked up and saw the two red lanterns swaying in the wind. She smiled bitterly. The bright yellow red reminded her of a movie for no reason.
During her university years, she sat in front of the lecture hall, just like most of her classmates, longing for the day when she could act in such a great production.
Unexpectedly, just one year after graduation, she has become a character in a play, and the oppressive atmosphere created in movies is nothing compared to this moment.
Even the most vibrant colors cannot conceal the underlying sorrow; everything seems so powerless and helpless.
Waiters were already waiting at the door. Su Er took a deep breath, her face calm and composed, but her two short words sounded exceptionally tragic: "Let's go."
Lin Shuqin grabbed her hand as she was about to open the car door, signaling her not to rush. She then took out a note from her bag and handed it to the driver's seat. "Old Chen, if Xiao Er and I haven't come out by midnight, call this number immediately and tell them Mr. Tang is here."
After speaking, Lin Shuqin squeezed her wrist, turned her head and smiled to comfort her, "I can't just push you into a fire pit. We're not afraid. Your sister is an old hand. I've seen this kind of thing a thousand times, if not ten thousand. I won't let you suffer a big loss."
Su Er was taken aback, a lump forming in her throat, "Sister Qin..."
Lin Shuqin quickly waved her hand to interrupt the emotional moment, "Don't shed tears now, try to hold back a little, you still have to keep a good face."
Su Er sniffed and nodded, unusually not responding, and smiled slightly, saying, "I know."
As soon as the car door opened, a waiter came forward and said, "Please come in, both of you."
Stepping over the threshold, the lifelike carved flower and bird screen wall at the entrance, and passing through another hanging flower gate, one finally understands the meaning of "a hidden paradise".
The tree that had previously sprouted in the outer courtyard is now clearly a magnolia as you get closer. It's mid-March, and the flowers haven't bloomed yet. When the spring breeze blows, the tender branches look like they're about to fall.
It had just rained, but there were no slippery marks on the bluestone path. Even the fallen leaves were neatly swept to one side of the path, creating a picturesque scene.
Su Er had no idea how many turns she had taken, and she had no time to appreciate the scenery. Before she had even had a drink, her temples were already throbbing with pain.
The winding path leads to a secluded spot, and every step she takes is crucial to her future; one wrong step could lead to the abyss.
Before Su Er got completely confused, she finally heard the words, "Please wait a moment, both of you."
The sounds of laughter and conversation poured out from the crack in the door of the private room, while a restless unease stirred within me, a feeling that even the gentle murmur of flowing water could not soothe.
The waiter knocked lightly on the door. "Mr. Tang, Miss Su has arrived."
A few seconds later, someone inside the room responded, "Come in."
The sliding door opened with a thud, and the light and shadow at her feet expanded into a round fan, pulling her into the clamor.
Lin Shuqin shielded her behind her, and as soon as she entered the room, she smiled and apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry, Xiao Er just finished filming, we're late."
A man sitting in the lower seat smiled and eased the tension, saying, "It's not too late."
Su Er followed Lin Shuqin to the seat of honor, a perfectly timed smile on her face, and bowed slightly, "Hello, Mr. Tang."
"Alright, alright, it's really not easy to see Miss Su."
This statement has a hidden meaning.
Tang Yonghao held Su Er's hand, gently stroking it in his palm. Su Er noticed the silver ring on his ring finger, which shone brightly under the light.
She suppressed her discomfort and subtly withdrew her hand, saying, "Please excuse my rudeness. I've only been in the industry for a short time. It's my honor to meet you."
Su Er took the wine from Lin Shuqin at the opportune moment and said in a soft voice, "Mr. Tang, this glass of wine is my belated apology. Please forgive me."
The dark red wine was downed in one gulp, and several more glasses were consumed until even the foundation on his face couldn't conceal the blush rising on his cheeks. Only then did Mr. Tang say with great satisfaction, "Miss Su is a sensible person."
Su Er smiled gently, her face full of a charming and shy expression after being teased.
But as the red wine went down her throat, the bitter taste on her tongue made her laugh at herself. She hadn't even had a chance to show what she had learned at school on camera, but now it was proving very useful at this drinking party.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com