Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 72 Love Arises Without Knowing Its Origin, and Runs Deep (Long Chapter)
Shen Sisi grabbed Song Ci's arm and shook it, pleading pitifully, "Song Ci, I heard you're the top student in your year at Guanghua College. Could you teach me how to solve this problem?"

Seeing that the commotion was getting a bit loud and the surrounding classmates were turning their heads, Song Ci quickly said, "Let go first, we can talk things over."

Seeing that Song Ci was getting anxious, Shen Sisi stuck out her little tongue, let go of her hand, pouted, and stared at Song Ci with a cute expression, "Help me, Song Ci, aren't we friends?"

Having gone this far, Song Ci couldn't possibly refuse any longer. He sighed and said, "Fine, I'll teach you. Tell me, which question don't you understand?"

Shen Sisi pointed at the textbook with her slender, fair fingers and quickly said, "This question, and this question too."

Do you have any draft paper?

"There are some."

Song Ci glanced at the questions, confident in his ability, and began to break down the solution steps. "The core of the first question is..."

This was the first time Shen Sisi had been so close to Song Ci. She was captivated by his seriousness and focus, and couldn't help but think to herself, "He's so handsome."

"Are you listening?" Song Ci asked, displeased, seeing that Shen Sisi was only staring intently at her.

"Listen, listen, this is a system of equations solved using the substitution method."

Song Ci nodded slightly, continuing to work out the calculations on the draft paper and explaining the problem.

Shen Sisi listened attentively. Although she knew all the questions, Song Ci's problem-solving approach was superior, which would help solidify her foundation and improve her thinking skills. She wanted to show Song Ci her improved and excellent side, a side different from the little lion.

At the same time, Liu Shishi, who had just finished filming a night scene, was resting on a recliner and was about to call Song Ci when she suddenly received a message.

Lin Hao: Senior Sister, something bad has happened! Someone's trying to steal your boyfriend!
Liu Shishi, puzzled, replied, "What's going on? Explain in detail."

Lin Hao: The fourth student is in the study room, and the school beauty is bothering him!
"The school beauty?" Liu Shishi became very wary, vaguely sensing that something was wrong.

Lin Hao: The person you met was the host of that night's party.

When Liu Shishi recalled the witty, elegant, and dignified female host, she couldn't help but feel a little insecure.

After a moment of confusion, Liu Shishi reaffirmed her belief that no matter how outstanding or perfect a woman was, she could never give up her childhood sweetheart.

She could sense that although Song Ci hadn't confessed his feelings to her yet, he definitely considered her his girlfriend. With filming of "Moonlight and Lotus in the Wind" nearing completion, she desperately wanted to avoid being betrayed during this final period.

After thinking it over, I decided to call Song Ci right away. I was far away in Donghai, so even if I had some tricks up my sleeve, I couldn't use them. I could only remind the young man and make him more noticeable.

The vibration of her phone interrupted Song Ci's thoughts. Seeing the caller ID, she couldn't help but smile, but since she was in the study room, she lowered her voice, "Shishi, you're done working?"

"Song Yiyi, are you enjoying being with the school beauty?"

Hearing Liu Shishi's sarcastic words, Song Ci couldn't help but chuckle. He hadn't expected that Miss Liu would have arranged for spies to monitor him. He looked around and sure enough, he saw Lin Hao winking at him from a corner not far away.

Liu Shishi was filming away from home, and the young girl, being in a different place, was bound to be sensitive and concerned about her. Song Ci comforted her, saying, "What school beauty? She can't compare to you. She's just an ordinary classmate. We just met to discuss a few things. I'll be going back to my dorm in a bit."

Liu Shishi smiled broadly upon hearing this, and replied haughtily, "Song Yiyi, you are already taken, so you are not allowed to flirt with young girls."

With longing filling her heart, Song Ci said gently, "Alright, don't worry. Hurry back to Beiping. I miss you, Shishi."

Liu Shishi responded shyly, "I miss you too."

The two poured out their hearts to each other and reluctantly hung up the phone. Seeing that it was getting late, Song Ci said, "Student Shen, that's enough for today. I have to go back now."

"Okay, thank you for your Song Ci today."

Shen Sisi watched Song Ci packing her things to leave, lost in thought. She had vaguely overheard a few words from their phone call earlier, and it seemed that Song Ci really liked the little lion.

Moreover, the little lion has informants at school who are keeping an eye on her boyfriend. Since she's decided to steal a man, it seems she'll have to use more tricks.

On the morning of February 1st, the winter sun shone warmly and peacefully. With only a week left until Lunar New Year's Eve, all the staff of the "Moonlight and Lotus" crew were focused on filming the final scene.

"Cut! That's a wrap!" With the director's command, the entire crew fell silent. Everyone looked at the director with a mix of anticipation, reluctance, and relief.

Director Zhou Xianglin looked around at everyone and let out a hearty laugh, "I hereby announce that filming for 'Moonlight and Lotus' has officially wrapped! I've already arranged the wrap party, which will be held at the hotel where the crew is staying. Everyone, come over tonight."

Clap clap clap, applause rang out one after another. After filming in Donghai, Zhejiang Province and other places for three and a half months, "Moon Shadow and Lotus in the Wind" has finally wrapped up.

Standing in the studio, Liu Shishi felt somewhat dazed. She had grown a lot during this time. The entire crew of over a hundred people was like a complex little society, where there was both sincere cooperation and infighting, which truly broadened her horizons.

As the staff began packing up the equipment, Liu's mother came to her daughter's side with a bouquet of flowers in her hands, saying, "Shishi, these are for you."

In recent days, she has witnessed her daughter's hard work and progress firsthand, and as a mother, she is truly proud of Liu Shishi.

Accepting the beautiful bouquet, Liu Shishi smiled brightly and said sweetly, "Thank you, Mom!"

Noticing the director approaching her, Liu Shishi bowed deeply and said sincerely, "Thank you, Director Zhou, for your guidance and understanding during this time."

Looking at the lively and innocent young girl in front of him, Zhou Xianglin sighed inwardly. Liu Shishi's talent was undeniable, but her shortcomings were also obvious: poor foundation and poor acting skills. She still had a long way to go if she wanted to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

The entertainment industry is a big melting pot, and I don't know if it was right or wrong to bring her into it. The Zhou and Liu families have been friends for generations, and my mother and the old man of the Liu family are close friends and senior figures in the performing arts.

Grandpa Liu personally came to my door asking me to bring his granddaughter into the industry. I was obliged to do what he asked, and that's how Liu Shishi ended up playing the lead role in "Moon Shadow and Lotus Breeze".

To debut as the female lead is already a high starting point, but what the future holds depends on the young girl's own destiny.

Liu's mother also stepped forward and said gratefully, "Director Zhou, Shishi has worked so hard for you on set for the past three months. Thank you so much." Zhou Xianglin waved his hand and said modestly, "Sister-in-law, you're too kind. Shishi has also worked very hard."

After exchanging a few polite words, Liu's mother hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Director Zhou, when will this drama, 'Moonlight and Lotus Breeze,' be broadcast?" She had recently encountered a problem, and the success of "Moonlight and Lotus Breeze" was related to her daughter's future.

Zhou Xianglin pondered for a moment, "The earliest it can be broadcast is next year."

Mrs. Liu was somewhat disappointed. "Does it really take this long?"

Zhou Xianglin assumed that Liu's mother was looking forward to her daughter appearing on television, and jokingly asked, "Is your sister-in-law so eager to see Shishi's performance on screen?"

"Director Zhou, I won't hide it from you. A few days ago, a Tangren Media company wanted to sign Shishi. I originally wanted to wait for the results of 'Moon Shadow and Lotus Wind' before making a decision, but they wanted us to reply as soon as possible, and they couldn't wait for 'Moon Shadow and Lotus Wind' to be released." Liu's mother explained the situation.

"Tangren Media, Cai Yinong contacted you?" Zhou Xianglin asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, yes, it was a female CEO surnamed Cai who contacted Shishi. Since Director Zhou knows her, could you please help him consider whether Shishi can be signed by Tangren Media?" Liu's mother stared at Zhou Xianglin expectantly, hoping that this director in the industry could give some advice.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Xianglin said, "Tangren Media is considered a leader in the Shanghai period drama scene, having produced many popular TV series such as 'The Legendary Twins' and 'Heroines of the Yang Family.' They certainly have the strength in the small screen market."

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up after hearing this. "Director Zhou, now that you mention it, Tangren Media seems pretty good."

Zhou Xianglin nodded. As a director, he approved of Tangren Media's focus on high-quality productions and felt that Liu Shishi could sign with Tangren.

Liu Shishi suddenly remembered Song Ci's attitude and asked abruptly, "Director Zhou, do you know Tengda Culture? How strong is this company?"

Zhou Xianglin thought for a while before replying, "It's a new company. It seems they've only produced one or two TV series. It's hard to say whether they can establish themselves in the industry in the future. If this company approaches you, I don't recommend signing them."

Seeing that Liu Shishi and her daughter were both watching him, Zhou Xianglin suddenly felt a lot of pressure. It concerned the future of a younger generation, so he needed to be careful. He didn't rule out anything, but cautiously suggested:
"Forget about Tengda New Company. You can talk to Tangren and see what conditions Cai Yinong offers. If they promise suitable resources, Shishi can sign a contract. However, don't sign for too long. Let's negotiate for five to eight years."

"Thank you, Director Zhou. Once things settle down, I'll have my husband arrange a get-together for both our families. We would be honored to have you there," Liu's mother extended the invitation at the opportune moment.

Zhou Xianglin didn't refuse and replied with a smile, "That's great! Brother Liu and I will have a few more drinks. I have something to do, so I'll take my leave first."

The mother and daughter watched Zhou Xianglin leave and were just about to pack up and return to the hotel when a crew member suddenly ran over breathlessly and handed Liu Shishi a letter.

Curious, Liu Shishi tore open the envelope. A neatly folded letter was unfolded, revealing a letter written by Song Ci. She read it with great anticipation.

Shishi:

Seeing words is like meeting each other, showing trust and comfort.

This is the first time I've written a letter to you, and I'm using the fountain pen you gave me. I think this way I can better express my longing for you.

Judging by the time, by the time you read this letter, "Moonlight and Lotus Breeze" should have already finished filming. Congratulations on the successful completion of your debut work.

Actually, before I picked up the pen, I thought about it for a long time. I had a million thoughts in my mind that I wanted to write down, but when I actually held the pen, I didn't know how to express them. I always felt that saying "I like you" was too superficial and could not express my deep love.

I wanted to write those explicit love quotes from novels, but I felt that all those formulaic love quotes were too shallow and couldn't express genuine feelings. But true feelings are never ashamed to be expressed, so I was unwilling to continue to remain silent.

More than three months apart made me realize my own feelings. My feelings for you are no longer friendship or kinship; they have quietly changed into liking and love.

After that night at Peking University, I clearly felt your burning emotions. When you embraced me, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and your image was all I could think of. I wanted to stay with you forever.

I ask myself honestly, is this what love is? It makes me miss someone in the middle of the night, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. It makes me eagerly await your news every day, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. It also makes me feel that you are irreplaceable, and that I am willing to give my all for you.

We have known each other for almost eighteen years. In our youthful years, we were each other's one and only. It's time to give our youth a perfect ending.

In the future, because of your filming, we may be separated for a long time like we are now. I hope you can be less sensitive and worried. You are excellent and unique. You deserve to be loved and cherished.

Finally, I wish you to be the most wonderful version of yourself amidst blooming flowers!
Song Ci
Liu Shishi burst into tears, which fell onto the letter paper, turning into ripples of emotion. Each drop carried a story in her heart, and through the handwriting, it told unspeakable feelings.

"Shishi, why are you crying?" Liu's mother took the letter and smiled after a moment. It turned out to be a love letter from her future son-in-law. "Silly girl, why are you crying? You've got the boyfriend you've been longing for."

Liu Shishi burst into laughter through her tears, haughtily snorting, "You think you can fool me with just a letter? You have to confess to me in person next time we meet before I'll accept him as my boyfriend."

Having already made up her mind, Liu's mother no longer hesitated. After discussing it with her husband over the phone, she directly arranged to meet Cai Yinong that afternoon.

When Liu Shishi and her mother arrived at the agreed-upon private room in the coffee shop, two other people had already arrived.

A slightly older woman, dressed in a smart business suit, was leisurely sipping a cup of coffee. Mature, intellectual, and with a commanding presence, she was none other than Cai Yinong, the CEO of Tangren Media.

Beside him was a young man, dressed casually despite the cold winter weather, looking dashing and with a carefree smile on his face.

"Sister and Shishi are here! Please have a seat." Cai Yinong greeted the two politely.

"Mr. Cai, it's nice to see you again." After exchanging greetings, Mrs. Liu led her daughter to sit down opposite Cai Yinong.

"Hello, Mr. Cai." Liu Shishi greeted him politely and nodded to the man opposite her.

Cai Yinong asked the waiter to bring two cups of coffee, and then pointed to the man next to him and said, "Let me introduce you. This is Hu Ge, a contracted artist of our company. His latest drama, 'Chinese Paladin,' is currently airing."

Hu Ge will be joining the cast of "The Little Fairy" in a few days. Today, having nothing to do, she heard that Cai Yinong was going to meet a newcomer, so she came along out of curiosity.

This was the first meeting between the future top male and female stars of Tangren Media. With the hit drama "Chinese Paladin" airing, Hu Ge, full of youthful vigor and high spirits, greeted them warmly: "Sister, Shishi, hello."

(End of this chapter)