Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 304 My wife is kind-hearted
As the sun sets, its gentle rays softly stream into the garden home. Warm orange sunlight filters through the windows, bathing the interior in a warm glow.

At this moment, Song Ci and her family of four were sitting around the dining table, enjoying their dinner.

Today, her parents-in-law came to visit. Before dinner, Liu Shishi specifically told Sister Li not to worry about her Hui Muslim identity and to cook several exquisite meat dishes.

Housekeeper Sister Li is always meticulous in her work. She not only had the chef prepare home-style dishes such as sweet and sour pork ribs and stir-fried pork, but also made sure to cater to the lady of the house's dietary habits by serving chicken, duck and fish.

The twelve exquisite dishes, arranged on blue and white porcelain plates, exuded a rich aroma that made one's mouth water.

"New Year's Day is such a waste. There are so many dishes that we can't possibly finish them all. Frugality is a virtue."

Looking at the porcelain plates that almost filled the dining table, Song Zhang knew in his heart that it was a filial piety from his son and daughter-in-law, but he still couldn't help but offer some words of advice.

Although the Song family was well-off, and Old Master Song was a government official, he had never lacked food or clothing since childhood.

But this generation, after all, came from a time of hardship, and the habit of being diligent and frugal is deeply ingrained in their bones.

Song Ci smiled and said, "It's rare for you two to come, Mom and Dad. It's just a coincidence. But each generation has its own way of living, Dad. You don't need to use your generation's living standards to judge the next generation."

For people like Yuqing, a simple cup of milk tea or a hamburger might cost the equivalent of a typical family's daily expenses. "If you're financially well-off, you should spend more. How can we promote economic development if we just hoard money?"

What was originally a casual remark turned into a lecture from his son, who laughed and scolded, "You little rascal, all of your reasoning is twisted."

Liu Xiaoxian interrupted the father and son, asking with concern, "During your trip abroad on New Year's Day, did you get used to the food and climate in South Africa?"

A mother worries when her son travels far, especially after Song Ci's trip to Switzerland, in which she was hospitalized upon her return, leaving her with lingering fears.

"It's alright. The temperature over there is even more comfortable than in Beijing. Mom, try this braised pork; it was made especially for you."

Liu Xiaoxian hurriedly waved her hand: "It's too greasy. I'm on a diet now, so I won't eat braised pork."

Song Ci was taken aback and subconsciously glanced at Liu Shishi: "Why do you all want to lose weight? Then try steamed sea bass, the fish is not greasy."

Song Zhang picked up a piece of braised pork and put it in his bowl, jokingly saying with a smile, "Your mother is trying to emulate Shishi. She's not fat to begin with, why is she doing this at her age?"

"Shishi is a celebrity, she needs to be on camera, Mom, why are you comparing yourself to Shishi?"

The father and son chatted back and forth, making Liu Xiaoxian look unhappy. Her daughter-in-law and mother-in-law were both slender, so she naturally had to maintain her figure as well.

Otherwise, if the media reports one day about the big star's fat mother-in-law, she'll be depressed to death.

After carefully observing Liu Shishi sitting opposite him, who was quiet, gentle, dignified and elegant, he felt envious and had to admit that his daughter-in-law was indeed the epitome of poise.

Seeing that the father and son were talking non-stop and kept urging her to eat more, she glared at her husband and son and said irritably, "Can't all this food shut you two up? I want to maintain my figure, do you have a problem with that?"

Age and body shape are taboo topics for women, so Song Ci immediately kept quiet, knowing that if her mother got angry, it would be no laughing matter.

The family of four chatted and laughed, their joyful voices echoing in every corner of the restaurant, though most of the time it was Song Ci and her parents having pleasant conversations.

With a happy smile on her face, Liu Shishi quietly listened, occasionally placing a bite or two of bright green vegetables in her husband's bowl, as Mr. Song had been a bit picky about food lately.

As they chatted, Liu Xiaoxian didn't forget the principal's request from that morning, and her expression turned serious: "Did you order Xu Jinglei's movie to be pulled from theaters on New Year's Day?"

"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, I just spoke with Liu Rong and asked her to cooperate with Si Cong," Song Ci replied casually and nonchalantly.

Fearing his parents might not recognize Liu Rong, he added, "Liu Rong is the president of Southern Cinema Line. Her subordinates will handle things like avenging the boss's wife."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoxian's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression, and she continued to ask, "What are your plans for dealing with Xu Jinglei next?"

Song Ci picked up some vegetables from his bowl and said slowly, "I really haven't thought about this. It mainly depends on Shishi's opinion. How about a ban?" After saying that, he turned to his wife and asked for her opinion.

When her husband suddenly handed the decision-making power over to her, Liu Shishi hesitated. She subconsciously bit her lip, and a hint of struggle flashed in her gentle eyes.

At the time, she hated Xu Jinglei to the core, but now that Xu Jinglei's movie has also been taken down, she has suffered heavy losses and learned a lesson, and her anger has subsided.

At this moment, Mr. Song was about to ruin a female star's acting career with just a few words, which made her feel very conflicted and undecided.

Liu Shishi, being kind-hearted, couldn't bear it: "Husband, wouldn't it be wrong to ban this?"

"You're the one who suffered the most. Whatever you want to do, I'll support you." Song Ci remained noncommittal about his wife's soft heart. He didn't really care whether Xu Jinglei was dealt with or not. Letting Liu Shishi make the decision was just to train her temper.

Even top-tier celebrities in the entertainment industry are bound to engage in "fighting"; being too kind makes them easy targets for bullying.

"One should be lenient when possible. Master Shi is kind-hearted, that's right! Since the movie has already ended, let's consider it a small punishment to teach them a lesson and let them off the hook."

Because of his profession, Song Zhang was kind and benevolent, and he greatly admired his daughter-in-law's gentleness and kindness, believing her to be a person with a pure heart.

Liu Shishi was unwilling to pursue Xu Jinglei's matter any further, but now that her father-in-law was speaking up for her, she felt like she had found a solid backing and quickly chimed in, "Husband, I haven't suffered any losses, let's just let this matter go."

"Didn't I just say that I support whatever decision you make?"

A gentle smile appeared on Song Ci's lips. She felt a strange, indescribable feeling about Liu Shishi's leniency.

On the one hand, his wife's kind heart makes him feel extremely gratified. In the materialistic entertainment industry, it is rare to maintain a pure and gentle heart.

On the other hand, I also have a vague feeling that in this dog-eat-dog world, being kind all the time might lead to trouble, and lacking a sharp edge is not an option.

However, he quickly chuckled to himself, thinking that if his childhood sweetheart were "ruthless," he would probably have a different mindset.

Forget it, with my current abilities and status, I'm fully capable of protecting her. I guess there's no need for "fighting power" anymore. As long as my wife is happy, that's all that matters.

Liu Xiaoxian was slightly surprised, not expecting her son and daughter-in-law to let Xu Jinglei off so easily. She hadn't even pleaded for her yet, and now she greatly admired her daughter-in-law's magnanimity.

He cleared his throat and smiled kindly: "Xu Jinglei was worried about retaliation from Yuandan and Shishi, so she actually asked the principal for help and asked me to intercede on her behalf."

It seems Xu Jinglei is judging others by her own petty standards, underestimating Yuan Dan and Shi Shi's magnanimity and breadth of vision. "They actually managed to get President Huai of Beihang University to help?" Song Ci was suddenly shocked. President Huai's status was no lower than President Zhou of Peking University. Moreover, he would enter politics in a few years and rise rapidly in rank.

Liu Xiaoxian nodded, filled with emotion: "That's right. I was stunned when the principal came to me about this. So it was right for Shishi to choose to let bygones be bygones. She has the power behind her, so there's no need to confront her head-on."

A hint of inquiry flashed in Song Ci's eyes: "I know how much influence Xu Jinglei has backed by those big names in the Beijing circle. I'm very curious, though, how did they get their hands on Principal Huai?"

"The principal told me this: in his early years, he studied under Professor Li Wei. Professor Li was a very good friend of Director Zheng Xiaolong's parents-in-law."

At someone's request, Zheng Xiaolong contacted the principal through Professor Li. Since it wasn't a matter of principle, and it was his mentor's request, Principal Huai couldn't refuse.

Liu Xiaoxian explained to her son in detail, dissecting the intricate web of relationships one by one.

"I see. No wonder they're from the elite compounds of Beijing; their connections are indeed extensive, not to be underestimated." Song Ci couldn't help but sigh, then smiled, a clear understanding of the ways of the world in his eyes.
"However, the beauty of things in this world lies in the fact that we are all interconnected. This is a good opportunity to get to know Principal Huai."

Looking at her son, who was speaking eloquently and full of confidence, Liu Xiaoxian said with pride, "The principal really wants to get to know you. He studied computer science and is very interested in your company's cloud computing."

Upon hearing this, Song Ci's eyes lit up even more: "Great! I'll visit Principal Huai another day. Tengda is also interested in collaborating with universities to jointly develop cloud computing and artificial intelligence."

I was originally planning to collaborate with Peking University, but if Beihang University is interested in participating, we can also discuss it; research results can be shared.

"That's great! School-enterprise cooperation is popular now, and the principal is very interested in Tengda's cutting-edge technology. If you're willing to cooperate, it's sure to work out."

After a slight pause, Song Ci ate a few bites of food, and then he became very enthusiastic and started talking: "As the saying goes, a family that accumulates good deeds will surely have abundant blessings. Shishi was just about to let this matter go, and I might be able to successfully cooperate with Beihang University."

It is clear that choosing a virtuous wife is very important. If Shishi is narrow-minded and insists on revenge, she may turn friends with Principal Huai and even Professor Li into enemies, which would be a great loss.

My wife is beautiful and kind-hearted, and treats everyone with tolerance. She is wonderful, wonderful.

Liu Shishi was overjoyed by her husband's praise, but when she looked up and saw her father-in-law and mother-in-law staring at her with amused expressions, their teasing gazes made her cheeks flush red.

She knew her husband was exaggerating and praising her too much, but even so, the sweet feeling still spread in her heart and she couldn't suppress it.

"Things have come to this point, and after thinking about it, I've decided not to release the movie at all. After all, the main investor in 'Go Lala Go!' is Huaying Film Studio, and Xu Jinglei won't lose much money. Why let Huaying Film Studio take the blame? I can use this opportunity to repay Han Sanping's favor."

Liu Shishi tilted her head and asked softly, "Honey, when did you owe Chairman Han a favor?"

Song Zhang and Liu Xiaoxian also turned their attention to their son, wondering how he could owe the chairman of Huaying a favor.

Song Ci explained: "Wife, do you think you got the role of Ms. Yang in 'The Founding of a Republic'?"

This role, which has special significance, was originally intended by director Li Shaohong for her goddaughter Li Qing, but was intercepted by Han Dong and given to you.

It's not really a favor, but since the other party showed kindness, I couldn't just ignore it. So, I'll use this movie, *Go Lala Go!*, to repay their kindness.

However, Xu Jinglei still has to pay a price. The proceeds from her film, plus an additional 500 million yuan, will all be donated to the Poetry Charity Foundation, in your name, to build schools in mountainous areas.

Liu Xiaoxian agreed with her son's idea: "This is a good idea. It will also give me and the principal an explanation. Let's just consider Xu Jinglei's loss as a way to avoid further trouble. Using this money for charity will enhance Shishi's reputation. It's perfectly feasible."

Seeing that Liu Shishi also nodded in agreement, Song Ci made the decision: "Then let's settle on this."

After the family had a happy dinner, Song Ci's parents refused to stay overnight at Jingyuan, so he instructed the driver to take them back to their dormitory at Beihang University.

On the way back, Liu Xiaoxian told the principal about the results of their discussion at dinner.

When Principal Huai heard that the richest man was willing to give him face and agree to let the matter go, he breathed a sigh of relief, as this would allow him to give his teacher an explanation.

"It is only right to pay money. Your son is kind and generous, but Xu Jinglei should pay the price for her wrongdoing."

"That's what I was thinking too, but I was afraid it would be awkward for you. My son would like to visit you and discuss school-enterprise cooperation."

Principal Huai was overjoyed upon hearing this, and even changed his form of address: "Welcome, welcome! I will certainly do my best to welcome President Song."

"President Song, you flatter him too much. I'll take charge of this. Have him come to see you before the end of the month. I'll report back to you on the specific time later."

Principal Huai hurriedly advised, "Teacher Liu, there's no need for that. As the head of a large corporation, you're usually very busy. Your son can just come and chat with me whenever he has time."

. . . . . .

It was past nine o'clock at night, and the night was deep. Xu Jinglei was scrolling through Weibo with nothing to do. She hadn't gone anywhere for the past two days and had been anxiously waiting for news at home.

Because of the immense psychological pressure, she looked much more haggard.

The phone rang, and Xu Jinglei quickly swiped to answer it: "Hello, Brother Shuo."

"Jinglei, things are finally settled."

Upon hearing the good news from Wang Shuo, the big star felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders, and the gloom in his heart vanished.

“However, there are still some things to do.” Wang Shuo then listed out the requirements put forward by the richest man.

"I understand. I'll transfer the money to the charity fund within three days." Although Xu Jinglei was reluctant to spend her money, she was flexible and agreed without hesitation. She understood how much influence Wang Shuo had used to help her.

On the other end of the phone, Wang Shuo sighed softly, "I was worried you wouldn't be willing to spend the money, but it's good that you can let it go."

"Brother Shuo, you've gone to so much trouble for me, how could I not appreciate it?"

"I'm glad you understand my good intentions. Song Ci is quite generous; it's just a small amount of money, so it's fine as it is. Just don't provoke Liu Shishi again."

"I'm not stupid!" Xu Jinglei sighed helplessly at Tangren's top female star when this was mentioned. She couldn't help but think to herself, "Your man is the richest man in China, why are you so low-key? It's like a secret relationship. Just make it public, who would bother you then!"

(End of this chapter)