Chapter 71
The night enshrouded the earth, with boundless skies and twinkling stars.
The residential building was all dark, with only the streetlights emitting dots of light.
Over a dozen loafers held baseball bats in their hands, standing at the door of the orphanage.
A man with yellow hair spat on the ground and asked, "Shall we go in together?"
The crew cut man pondered for a moment, "Let's go in together. There's not many people in the orphanage, just a group of disabled children and an old lady. Let's make it quick."
"Sounds good!"
They were all street gangsters, so jumping over the wall took no effort at all.
There was nothing good to smash in the yard, only some recreational facilities.
They came to the window, the yellow-haired man took out a baseball bat and smashed it hard, shattering the glass instantly.
"I suddenly remembered a line."
"What is it?"
"Punching Tsinghua University Nursing Home, kicking Peking University Kindergarten."
"Haha, this orphanage is worse than a kindergarten. I'll punch a kid each later."
Their voices were loud, completely looking down on the people at the orphanage, not afraid of being discovered at all.
The group jumped in through the window one by one. One of them found the light switch and turned on the lights with a click -
only to see dozens of people dressed in black standing expressionlessly in the middle of the room looking at them.
They wondered for a moment if they had come to the wrong place.
But looking around, this was definitely it.
"Sorry for the intrusion."
The group looked at each other, swallowing saliva.
The yellow-haired man said with difficulty, "Um...we came to the wrong place, apologies..."
Before he could finish speaking, he turned to run.
Though that was just a thought.
He was grabbed by Xiao Yu and pulled down by the collar, falling butt-first onto the ground.
"Ow..."
The crew cut man took a step back in fright, "You can't hit me after hitting him!"
In the end, the dozen or so were beaten up, each with a swollen face. They now squatted against the wall.
Xiao Yu was very dissatisfied, "Just this? Too weak."
She had thought they were some tough opponents, but they were just some petty street punks.
She didn't get a thrill from beating them up at all.
Shen Tang held Xiao Yu's hand and shook it lightly, "Our Xiao Yu is the strongest, but without you guys, we couldn't have handled these dozen people either."
"What should we do next?"
"Hand them to the police, of course."
Upon hearing this, dozens of gazes looked over in unison, everyone feeling surprised except Xiao Yu.
"Why are you all looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
The yellow-haired man rolled his eyes, "Please call the police quickly..."
Before long, the police arrived. The leading man first glanced at the people squatting by the wall, before asking:
"Who called the police?"
"It was me." Shen Tang recounted what happened today, "I suspect they were sent by the group this morning."
"Suspect? Are you the police or am I the police?"
Shen Tang pursed her lips. She had a bad feeling about this.
Glancing slightly to the side, she saw the yellow-haired man flipping her the finger.
Seeing this, Xiao Yu immediately went up and kicked him.
"Hey! You dare to hit someone right in front of the police? Take them away."
Shen Tang was flustered, "It was because he had just scolded me, so Xiao Yu just..."
"What did he scold you? I didn't hear it."
The policeman glanced at the bodyguards and said, "This bunch looks a bit like gangsters, take them all away."
The dean mum became anxious, "No, they're bodyguards we hired, they're good people. Officer, please don't arrest them!"
The policeman snorted coldly, "Whether they are good people or not, your word doesn't count, and neither does mine. We have to take them back for interrogation before we know."
Shen Tang finally understood. These two groups were likely in it together.
No wonder the yellow-haired man was so arrogant, turns out he had backing.
Shen Tang took out her phone, about to contact someone, when her phone was snatched away.
She wanted to resist but was afraid of being wrongly accused of assaulting a police officer.
"Officer, why are you taking my phone?"
"The case is not resolved yet, phones need to be confiscated."
Shen Tang secretly glanced at the camera hidden in the corner. She had made the right move in installing them.
She had intended to record these hooligans' actions as evidence, but now there was an unexpected gain.
"Ok, then confiscate all of theirs too." Shen Tang said, pointing at the gangsters.
"Are you teaching me how to do my job?"
Shen Tang curled her lips. It seemed she couldn't see certain professions through rose-tinted glasses after all, there were good and bad people everywhere.
In the end, everyone was taken to the police station.
Funnily enough, Shen Tang's side were clearly the victims, yet they were kept up all night for interrogation, which was obviously not by the book.
Luckily Xiao Yu and the rest were proper bodyguards, with clean records, so nothing could be found against them no matter how they were checked.
Shen Tang was exhausted, yet was forcibly kept awake. Her temples were now throbbing with pain.
She didn't know when the door opened and someone said, "You can leave now."
Shen Tang jerked her head up to see Gu Huaian standing at the door.
She rubbed her eyes. He was still standing there, his tall figure bringing a great sense of security.
For some reason, upon seeing him, her grievances from before all welled up, and Shen Tang's eyes instantly turned red.
She rushed forward, stopping just before him, "You..."
Before she could finish speaking, Gu Huaian pressed her back and pulled her into his embrace.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here."
His words made Shen Tang completely unable to hold back her emotions, tears flowing unstoppably.
She forcefully held in her sobs, but her body couldn't stop trembling.
Heaven knows how scared she had felt just now.
She seemed strong, but was just an ordinary person after all. Compared to those in power, she was nothing.
Gu Huaian's embrace was broad and warm. Shen Tang felt treasured by him.
After crying into his chest for a while, she reluctantly pulled back, embarrassed. "Sorry, I got your clothes wet..."
"It's fine. Let's go home first."
That word 'home' brought some warmth. Shen Tang only now realized that at some point, she had started seeing that place as home.
Would she be reluctant to leave when the time came?
Gu Huaian's footsteps faltered. She wanted to leave?
His face instantly darkened. Shen Tang was about to say something when she saw his expression and promptly shut her mouth.
Until they got in the car, Gu Huaian didn't say another word.
Shen Tang secretly glanced at him several times. He was angry, was it because of what happened earlier?
She carefully tugged at Gu Huaian's sleeve, "Are you angry?"
Gu Huaian impatiently loosened his tie, "Is it not obvious?"
Shen Tang nodded.
It was very obvious. His face was as black as Judge Bao's, if not for the car lighting she wouldn't even be able to see clearly.
Gu Huaian pulled at the corners of his mouth.
Good, having the leisure to think random thoughts, it seems she's not scared anymore.
"Yes, I'm angry, so reflect on it, and write me a 1000-word self-criticism tomorrow."
Shen Tang slowly gaped. Did she hear that right? A self-criticism?
"Can I not write it?"
"No." Gu Huaian rejected mercilessly.
"Can I write less then?"
"2000 words."
"Ok ok, 1000 it is." Shen Tang quickly said.
Heavens! The last time she wrote a self-criticism was probably in middle school, what was it for again?
Oh right, it was because the boy behind her pulled her bra strap and she nearly broke his fingers.
She had long forgotten how to write a self-criticism.
Shen Tang pondered, she would go online later to copy one back.
Just then, Gu Huaian beside her slowly said, "Right, I'll check online for plagiarism. If there are similarities, the punishment will be doubled."
Shen Tang: "......"
This jerk! Such a jerk!!!
Chapter 72
"Tang, come out and play!"
Shen Tang bit her pen in anguish, lying face down on the table: "Woo woo woo, I can't go out, I still have things to do today..."
On the video chat, Qi Yue put on makeup while asking: "What's the matter? My brother's company was founded. Don't you want to take a look?"
Shen Tang really wanted to see what the biggest entertainment company in the domestic industry would look like in the future.
But she still had a self-reflection essay to write.
She sighed, "Forget it, let's go next time. I—"
Before Shen Tang could finish speaking, the door was suddenly pushed open. She quickly put down her phone and pretended to be lost in thought.
"How much have you written for your self-reflection?"
Gu Huaian peeked in, and the paper had only a few ugly words like "I'm sorry, I was wrong."
He raised his eyebrows: "You wrote so long and only got six words down?"
Shen Tang put her palms together, "Teacher Gu, I know I did wrong. Can I stop writing it?"
"Then tell me what exactly you did wrong?"
Shen Tang was rendered speechless.
In fact, she really didn't know what she had done wrong. She felt that she had done the right thing.
Gu Huaian scoffed, "It seems you don't really know your mistakes."
His thin lips were pressed into a straight line, somewhat angry and somewhat helpless.
Why couldn't she learn not to take risks?
That's right, she always had her own ideas, and didn't care about him at all, after all, she was ready to leave.
Thinking of this, Gu Huaian felt even more irritated.
He glanced at the phone, "Keep writing. You can go out and play after you finish the self-reflection."
Shen Tang complained inwardly.
This guy didn't even go to class today, just to stay home and watch her write a self-reflection, how freaky.
Hearing her thoughts, Gu Huaian said he could be even more freaky.
After the man left, Shen Tang picked up her phone and realized the video call was still on.
Qi Yue smiled gloatingly, "Well, well, you two really know how to play."
"No, it's not what you think."
"Alright, alright, I get it. Don't wanna hear about this stuff, it's nauseating. I'm hanging up."
After speaking, Qi Yue immediately hung up the phone.
Shen Tang was exasperated, hey, at least let me explain!
Her innocence!!!
As the sun set in the west, Shen Tang racked her brains and wrote a thousand words for her self-reflection.
She ran to Gu Huaian's study and knocked twice before pushing the door open, "Teacher Gu, I'm done with my self-reflection!"
Gu Huaian was in an online meeting. When he heard Shen Tang's words, everyone on screen had subtle expressions.
"Wait a moment." He muted the microphone, "Let me check it first."
"You're really checking it?" Shen Tang handed over the notebook in her hand, "Here, I wrote every word carefully, not that I just made it up."
Gu Huaian took the notebook and looked at the crooked handwriting. He hooked the corners of his lips.
Shen Tang noticed and frowned, "I haven't written in a long time. Don't make fun of me!"
Although her writing wasn't very good before, it was still a little better than now.
"I'm not." Gu Huaian denied.
"I saw you laugh!"
"You saw wrong."
Shen Tang: "......"
She's silly, not blind okay?!
After checking word by word, Shen Tang anxiously asked, "So how is it? Does it pass?"
Hearing the two words "barely acceptable", the corners of Shen Tang's mouth curved up crazily, "Then Teacher Gu, I can go out now, right?"
Gu Huaian immediately changed his face, "Where are you going?"
"Wasn't it... the orphanage thing is still not solved?"
"It seems you still don't really understand your mistakes."
"Huh?"
Gu Huaian sighed, and simply said, "I'm right here. You can try relying on me a little."
Shen Tang was stunned for a moment. Tao Sister and Xiao Yu were also Gu Huaian's people, but she could ask them for help without any misgivings, yet she couldn't do the same with Gu Huaian so casually.
It still seemed like something was missing.
She didn't expect Gu Huaian to take the initiative to say such words, which was practically telling her—"Go ahead and use me."
Shen Tang carefully chose her words, "I see you're quite busy with work usually. I don't want to bother you with these little things."
"You call this a little thing?"
Shen Tang smiled awkwardly.
Um, how is it not?
Compared to a tycoon making millions per minute, hers were just little things.
The more Gu Huaian thought about it, the angrier he got. He didn't even have lunch yesterday afternoon. He just kept waiting for a certain heartless person to bring him food.
He even told Assistant Qian, but that person didn't come at all.
Thinking of this, he flicked her forehead.
Shen Tang covered her head and yelped, "Ow!"
"Giving you a lesson. From now on, no matter big or small, you can contact me if you need anything."
"Okay." Shen Tang nodded obediently.
"So now?"
Shen Tang cleared her throat and said in an exaggerated manner: "Sugar daddy, please, help me resolve the orphanage matter! I beg you, please."
Gu Huaian: "......"
Well, he means, you can't ask for too much. At least there's some improvement.
But her tone was still lacking. It made people want to hit her when they heard it.
"I'll handle this matter. You don't need to worry about it."
"Thank you, sugar daddy!"
Gu Huaian pinched between his brows, "Change how you address me."
"You like me calling you Teacher Gu?"
Shen Tang looked a little surprised, as if saying, so this is the real you, Gu Huaian?
Teacher-student play, why not?
"What are you thinking? Just call me by name."
"Then... Gu Huaian?"
"Yes."
The two looked at each other.
Shen Tang noticed Gu Huaian's lips, and inevitably recalled the light kiss from before.
Hearing her thoughts, Gu Huaian let out a soft laugh.
To be honest, he wasn't fully sober when he kissed her either. It felt fuzzy, like there was a layer of gauze in between.
He lowered his head and slowly moved closer...
The door was suddenly pushed open with a "bang", and Tao Sister covered her face, saying, "Oh my, sorry, please continue, I didn't see anything."
Shen Tang noticed Tao Sister's huge cracked fingers and bulging eyes. She felt a little speechless.
Just as she was about to speak, she noticed from the corner of her eye that Gu Huaian's laptop was still on video call.
Although the mic was muted, her face was very clear on the video.
Wait, does that mean everything just now was seen?!
Shen Tang's face instantly turned red. She complained, "Why didn't you say you were on video?"
"It's okay, they won't talk." And they didn't really do anything just now.
He glared warningly at the screen. The few people on the other end instantly looked away, very much like trying to cover up.
Shen Tang looked extremely resentful. Is this something that will or won't be talked about?
She really had no face to see anyone now!
Chapter 73
Shen Tang returned to her room, her mind full of the scene just now. Ah!!!
Did he just try to kiss her?
She was actually looking forward to it for a moment before they got interrupted. She didn't know whether to feel regretful or what.
Shen Tang forced herself not to think about this.
Think about the orphanage instead. With Gu Huaian's help, things would definitely work out.
She wondered if the matron was scared.
She called the matron, who picked up right away.
"Tang Tang, something wrong?"
"Are you alright?" Shen Tang asked.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Tang Tang, is that man your boyfriend? He sent a lot of supplies over and had people fix some worn down places. The acquisition has also been resolved thanks to him. He is truly a good man. Tang Tang, you have to treat him well."
"Huh? It's been resolved already?" Shen Tang was surprised. Gu Huaian was just...
That jerk must have done it on purpose!
The matron's voice was full of smiles. "Yes, yes. Those who owed apologies apologized, those who deserved punishment got punished. Turns out they heard this place was going to be demolished so they wanted to snatch it for themselves. Your boyfriend said the demolition plans do exist but not for a long time."
Shen Tang understood. The orphanage did occupy a large piece of land after all. Money moves people's hearts!
"How are the children?"
"They are fine. You just take care of yourself, no need to worry about us. In the future when you visit, don't bring too many things... don't overspend..."
The two chatted for a while before hanging up.
Shen Tang clutched her chest. She didn't know why, but talking with the matron gave her a sense of familiarity.
"What's going on..."
She couldn't figure it out.
After resting for a bit, it was time for Shen Tang to get back to work.
When Pei Kesong called, Shen Tang almost forgot who she was.
Of course that was impossible.
But the days off were truly happy and hard to part with.
Arriving at the company, Pei Kesong walked around Shen Tang twice with knitted brows. "Did you gain weight?"
Shen Tang said guiltily, "No, just drank more water so looks a bit bloated."
"Is that so? Then let's weigh you."
Shen Tang didn't expect she had to get on the scale. She stripped down to her undergarments and stepped onto it.
One look at the number and she knew she was screwed.
Sure enough––
Pei Kesong gave her death glare. "Very good, you gained 22 lbs. Remember you are a female celebrity? You forgot even basic body management."
Shen Tang mumbled, "I just got out of the hospital not long ago..."
Pei Kesong shook her finger. "Excuses won't work. Lose weight. I'll send you a weight loss schedule later and you have to strictly follow it."
Shen Tang drooped her head dispiritedly. "Fine... By the way, what's the job you mentioned?"
"A supporting female role No.3 in a big IP production. Not much screen time but excellent character design. Take a look."
Shen Tang read it. The No.3 female lead came from a prominent military family and was skilled in martial arts. She was doted on by her family.
Her father and brothers died in battle one day. Her mother died from depression after, leaving her an orphan girl.
Her betrothed looked down on her unladylike behavior and broke off the engagement to marry someone else instead, making her the laughing stock of the capital.
Later when enemy troops invaded, several generals of the dynasty suffered crushing defeats.
She took off her makeup, put on armor, and volunteered to join the fight. No one looked favorably on her but having no other choices, she was allowed on the battlefield.
Unexpectedly she performed valiantly and thoroughly routed the enemies, earning everyone's praises.
But a big tree attracts the wind. On the way back from the triumph, she was ambushed and fell off a cliff.
It was an open ending whether she died or survived.
Not being the female lead, there were no detailed accounts of her.
After reading, Shen Tang instantly fell in love with this character. Women striving for achievement was difficult in patriarchal societies.
"I'll take the role!"
Pei Kesong rolled her eyes. "You can't just say you want the role and get it. Hurry up and lose weight. Go audition next week."
Right, a female general must have a good figure and not soft flab like hers.
"Don't worry, I will lose weight properly!"
Come night time, Shen Tang started regretting a little. Was doing this role a must?
Tiring and hungry, Pei Kesong even had Yuan Yuan keep an eye on her so she couldn't slack a bit.
Wah... she committed too early.
Yuan Yuan cheered at the side, "Sis Tang Tang, jiayou! Just a bit more!"
Shen Tang had no energy to even speak. "How...how long more...a bit?"
Yuan Yuan grinned. "Not long, just the last 30 minutes! Jiayou!"
Fine, just 30 minutes. She already promised so no quitting halfway.
Besides, everyone meant well for her.
Shen Tang endured the tears and continued exercising. She didn't know how much time passed until she heard Yuan Yuan said "Done!". She promptly laid down with eyes staring straight at the ceiling, looking as if refusing to blink even in death.
"Sis Tang Tang, you alright?" Yuan Yuan asked worriedly.
"Still...still breathing..." Shen Tang panted heavily.
If just pursuing thinness, dieting would do. But to have good body lines required exercise too.
Of course she was crash dieting because of the urgent audition. She had professional nutritionists plan her meals and supplements too. Don't try this at home.
In a blink of an eye, a few days passed. Shen Tang went from a dead dog tired initially, to a masochist by the end. Her figure now looked much better than before.
Indeed, expert guidance brought obvious results.
Faint abdominal lines could be seen. Just a bit more and abs would show!
That day, Shen Tang brought Yuan Yuan along to the audition. Right after getting out of the car, they met the intimidating Qi Yue.
Shen Tang was surprised. "You came to audition too? Didn't you retire from the industry?"
Qi Yue took off her shades and smiled charmingly. "I did, but not completely. I'm here in another capacity today."
"Huh? What capacity? Don't tell me you're the interviewer? "
"That's right."
Shen Tang was only joking but correctly guessed it anyway. She was shocked. "Damn girl, so you joined them after not being able to beat them. Became capitalist now huh."
Qi Yue fluttered her lashes flirtatiously. "That's right. Want me to give you some backdoor help?"
Shen Tang was a little tempted.
Before she could answer, Qi Yue continued on her own. "Forget it, I know you won't want it. It's an insult to your personality."
Shen Tang: "???"
"No wait, I didn't say I don't––"
"You don't have to say it, I understand you. Rest assured I'll be fair to everyone." Qi Yue said and left gracefully, leaving Shen Tang frozen there.
"No no, I want it! I do!"
Who would reject backdoor opportunities?
Insults to personality, as if! She's not that narcissistic.
Yuan Yuan covered her mouth and giggled at the side. When Shen Tang looked over, she instantly shut up. "Erm, Sis Tang Tang, don't worry. You'll definitely get selected."
Shen Tang pouted. "Hopefully..."
While she said that, knowing Qi Yue was one of the interviewers did boost her confidence quite a bit.
Even if no favoritism, at least no unfair treatment would happen to her.
She really didn't expect Qi Yue to become an interviewer though. Looks like the Qi family invested heavily in this production to have such influence.
Then might she run into the female lead...
Sometimes thinking too much of something summoned its arrival. Shortly after entering, Shen Tang saw a familiar face walking over smilingly.
"Sis Tang Tang, what a coincidence~"
"Mian Mian, you came to audition too?"
Female lead Lin Mian Mian smiled shyly. Seeing no one was paying attention, she whispered, "Nope, I've already been confirmed internally. It's a show the company invested in for me."
Shen Tang was unsurprised.
Indeed Qi Jue moved quickly. Just after starting his company, he already got resources for his girlfriend.
Shen Tang almost shed tears of envy from the corners of her eyes.
Damn unfair heaven!
She transmigrated here so why didn't she land in the body of the female lead?
Chapter 74
"By the way, Sister Tangtang, do you want to come to our company? I remember your previous company was quite..."
The incident with previous agent Wang Brother made waves inside and outside the industry. Lin Mianmian naturally heard about this incident too.
The olive branch extended by the female lead was something Shen Tang quite wanted to take, but interacting too much with the female lead was not a good thing either.
Shen Tang painfully declined, "Forget it, I'm quite good now. My new agent treats me very well. It was her who allowed me to come for the audition this time."
Lin Mianmian's expression was somewhat subtle.
"Then alright... If you change your mind in the future, you can contact me anytime."
"Sure."
After Lin Mianmian left, Shen Tang found a corner to rest and clear her emotions, so as not to affect her audition later.
Afraid of others disturbing her, she specially took a magazine to cover her face.
Perhaps because places like these have more accidents, not long after, a clamor rose not far from Shen Tang.
"Hey, who's this? How did you come for the audition, could it be... you climbed into someone's bed?" A female voice sounded mocking.
"How can you say that!"
"Heh, whether you climbed into someone's bed or not, you know clearly in your heart, yet you're afraid of others talking about it?"
"I climbed into someone's bed? Who did I climb into bed with? On what basis are you speaking so vulgarly?"
"A relationship? You got into a relationship with someone else's boyfriend? Huh, your mouth really does not choose, huh."
"Someone else's boyfriend?"
"You can't possibly want to say you didn't know right?"
"I... I really didn't know. He said his ex-girlfriend died, and had been single all this while..."
The girl was silent for a moment, gnashing her teeth, "I'm still alive and kicking, don't curse me dead. Moreover, how could a 30 something year old single man possibly be believed."
"I..." The other girl stammered, seemingly not knowing how to explain.
Shen Tang was already very embarrassed to be forced to listen in on gossip, what was more embarrassing was these two did not leave, and she somewhat needed the bathroom.
Regarding this matter, she as an outsider did not know right from wrong, whether the girl was innocent or not she did not know, but the man must definitely be a scumbag.
Seeing the two still confronting each other there, Shen Tang could not hold it in any longer.
She removed the magazine from her face, and had not even opened her mouth to speak, when a male voice sounded from beside, "Then what happened?"
The three looked over simultaneously, the chubby looking man gave an honest smile, "Sorry, I was sleeping here just now, accidentally overheard your conversation."
Shen Tang raised her hand saying weakly, "Me too..."
The two girls were somewhat unhappy, but since it was not intentional by the others, there was nothing that could be said.
"It's fine."
The other girl suspected of being a mistress explained red-faced, "You... don't misunderstand, I really am not a mistress that destroyed someone else's relationship..."
Shen Tang actually did not care about all this. They were strangers after all, she was not interested in other people's love lives.
However, the man stroked his chin, "According to what you said, this man should be a scumbag, putting on a single image out there, who knows how many people he has tricked!"
Come to speak of it, that was indeed a possibility.
"Who is that man? I might even recognize him." The man said.
The two girls looked at each other, neither seeming to want to say.
Seeing the atmosphere turn rather awkward, the man casually waved his hand, "Harm, I don't mean to pry into your privacy, it's just that if he is someone from the industry, I might recognize him."
The two girls hesitated for a moment, before finally saying—
"Chen Mingyu."
"Chen Junjie."
Shen Tang: "???"
"Two people?"
The initial provoking girl was also somewhat panicked, what if she had gotten the wrong person...
"That can't be. I've seen your photo in his phone before, it must be right..."
The last part was spoken softer, seemingly to convince the other person, or perhaps to convince herself instead.
The other girl firmly said, "I'm certain his name is Chen Junjie. I've seen his IC before."
"Oh dear, I haven't heard of these two names before. What does he do?" The man scratched his head.
"Photographer."
"Photographer."
Since their occupations were the same, then in all likelihood, it was the same person.
Shen Tang suggested, "Why not get him out to meet up? However you look at it, he has a part to play in this matter."
If the other girl really was cheated on, then that would truly be miserable.
Both girls agreed to this method. After all, there were no other good solutions.
For guys like these, even if caught red-handed in bed, they would never admit it either.
The girl suspected of being the mistress asked, "You... are Shen Tang right?"
Shen Tang nodded, "You know me?"
"Hello, I'm He Xue. You saved my older sister previously... Now she's your hardcore fan, always asking us to vote for you everyday in our family chat group."
He Xue did not explain in detail, but Shen Tang guessed what had happened. It was likely the previous incident.
She had jokingly talked about them becoming her fan, yet she did not expect someone to take it so seriously.
Shen Tang felt somewhat moved, "Thank your sister for liking me. By the way, what's your sister's Weibo username?"
He Xue opened and closed her mouth, before finally saying softly, "I am Steamed Bun ^_^."
"Pfft!" The other girl immediately burst out laughing, "Your sister's Weibo username is really interesting. By the way, I'm Li Menglong."
With the barrier broken, the two no longer continued provoking each other. The rights and wrongs would soon be uncovered.
Shen Tang felt this Weibo username was extremely familiar, yet she could not recall it for a moment.
"Are you here for the audition too?"
He Xue nodded, "I'm here to audition for the female lead's maid."
Li Menglong stroked her hair, "What a coincidence. I'm also auditioning for this role. Looks like we'll be competing again."
Shen Tang and the man were somewhat nervous, fearing conflict might erupt between the two girls again.
The man hastily spoke, "I feel you're more suitable for the role of the petty princess."
Li Menglong nearly burst out laughing, "I clearly know my own limits. That's at least the fifth female lead right? I can't get that role."
The man thumped his chest, "What I say goes."
"You are..."
The man gave an honest smile, "I'm the director."
The three women: "..."
It was truly awkward, giving awkwardness the key to open the door. Reaching peak awkward levels.
Too amusing, not a single one had recognized the director.
Chapter 75
"What, you're really the director?"
The man smiled, "What, don't I look like one?"
"Not really."
Shen Tang still remembered the gossip Pei Kesong had told her earlier, saying that this director had a terrible temper and really enjoyed yelling at people, making many actors cry.
But the man in front of her looked gentle and good-tempered.
Shen Tang relaxed, thinking that maybe Pei Kesong was just trying to scare her.
The man blinked, "Alright, I have to get back to work now. You all remember to do well later, add oil!"
"Thank you, director!"
"We will, we will."
After hearing this, Shen Tang was even more convinced Pei Kesong was just trying to scare her.
Look at how nice this person is, even going out of his way to encourage them.
The scumbag matter would have to wait until after the audition. Li Menglong got some advice from the director and prepared to try again for the princess role.
As for Shen Tang, she looked over the script again. It would be her turn to audition soon.
Upon entering, Shen Tang immediately saw Qi Yue and Qi Jue sitting to the side, the brother and sister looked quite similar.
"Hello everyone, I'm Shen Tang. I'm auditioning for the role of the female general today."
Qi Yue tossed a flirtatious glance her way, but Shen Tang ignored it completely.
The deputy director sitting in the middle leaned back in his chair and said, "Go ahead and perform the scene where you request to lead the troops into battle."
"Alright."
Shen Tang closed her eyes, and when she opened them again her entire demeanor had changed.
Despite there being no props, she seemed to be fully immersed in the scene.
Even kneeling on the ground, Shen Tang's back remained straight, her gaze exceptionally determined. "Your Majesty, I have been trained in swords and spears since I was young, studying Sun Tzu's Art of War. Now that the enemy has invaded, I request to lead the troops into battle."
She paused, as if listening to someone else speak.
Shen Tang's expression instantly cooled, and she turned her head sharply, a flash of killing intent in her eyes. "What of it that I'm a woman? My grandmother fought alongside Your Majesty to establish this kingdom, one of its founding heroes. I was taught by her, do you doubt my grandmother's achievements? Are you questioning me, or questioning Your Majesty?"
"Not to mention my family has guarded the borders for three generations, dying on the battlefield. On what basis can you useless corpses who do nothing but eat and sleep say they are useless?"
"Oh? Then why don't you lead the troops?" Shen Tang raised a brow, disdainful.
She looked forward again, lowering her head in a bow, tone as firm as a boulder. "Your Majesty, I ask again to lead the troops."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Shen Tang stood up. The room fell silent. Qi Yue was the first to applaud and loudly exclaim, "Great!"
Shen Tang almost laughed at her exaggerated acting.
The deputy director's eyes blinked and he shook his head. "I don't think she's suitable."
Qi Yue retorted, "What's not suitable? I thought it was pretty good."
"This... her performance was a bit superficial. I don't think she's suitable."
"How was it superficial? I thought it was very authentic. You're not deliberately finding fault, are you?" Qi Yue didn't give the deputy director any face.
Shen Tang noticed the deputy director's face had darkened.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't figure out how she had offended him.
After thinking it over, there was only one possibility - she had blocked someone else's way.
"Thank you, director."
The director smiled and winked. "Go back and prepare well."
"Alright."
Shen Tang left. Yuan Yuan anxiously came up to her, "Sis Tang, how did it go?"
Shen Tang frowned and shook her head.
Yuan Yuan quickly said, "It's fine, we can try again next time. I believe in you!"
Shen Tang couldn't help laughing out loud. She ruffled Yuan Yuan's hair, "Just kidding, I got it."
Normally they would have to wait for notification, but she had been chosen on the spot this time.
Shen Tang couldn't help but wonder if the director had pulled some strings for her.
When Pei Kesong heard the news, she was silent for a few seconds.
"You think the director is running a charity? He wants this drama to succeed more than anyone."
Shen Tang awkwardly laughed.
She then said, "Speaking of which, the director isn't as scary as you made him sound."
Remembering the deputy director's expression, Shen Tang asked, "Did you get the people mixed up? It's the deputy director, not the director right?"
Pei Kesong had a complex expression. "I hope you'll still think that after you start filming."
Shen Tang had a bad feeling about this.
Pei Kesong patted her shoulder, "Do your best. Don't cry when the time comes."
Shen Tang: "..."
Why did she feel more and more afraid the more she heard?
Speaking of which, she had added the director, He Xue and Li Menglong on WeChat earlier, making a group to follow up on the scumbag matter.
He Xue met up with the scumbag. Li Menglong sat at the next table eavesdropping.
It turned out to be the same man after all.
He Xue deliberately probed him, proving her own innocence.
Hearing her boyfriend being so warm and caring toward someone else, Li Menglong was so angry she could hardly stand it.
Oh wait, ex-boyfriend that is.
When confronting him face to face, the scumbag actually still tried to argue.
But the facts spoke louder than words. It was clear he had two-timed and deceived these girls.
The two girls simultaneously broke up with him, each throwing a cup of coffee in his face.
The director applauded in the chat: Well done!
When Shen Tang heard about this aftermath, she was very satisfied as well.
Because of this incident, the two girls got to know each other despite not being acquainted before.
Of course they didn't let the scumbag off so easily. They directly exposed him online, and unexpectedly there was more to follow.
Many other victims came forward to share their stories of being deceived by him.
As a photographer, he met many girls. He used free photo shoots as bait to trick ignorant young girls into taking private photos.
He would share these photos in a group with other photographers like him, everyone exchanging resources.
Even worse, he also seduced quite a few underage girls into physical relationships, with the youngest only 14 years old.
Learning of this, the netizens were furious.
Some directly doxxed the scumbag. Word was he didn't even dare leave his house now, and all his social media accounts had been bombed.
[F*cking scumbag!]
[Guys like this spoil the bunch. I'm a photographer too and now my friends are asking me if I've done anything bad.]
[Just 14 years old! How could he do that? He's in his 30s himself, about the same age as the girl's father...]
[As a father of daughters myself I can't even read this stuff.]
[Can the rest of the people in that group get doxxed too?]
[The above poster, calm down! Doxxing is illegal!]
Chapter 76
Shen Tang didn't expect the aftermath to be like this. Thinking that such a young child was deceived, and might be left with lifelong psychological shadows, she felt extremely upset.
Opening her main Weibo account, she directly reposted and commented: I suggest physical castration.
In the entertainment industry, she was the first to be so brave.
Now Shen Tang also had some loyal fans who rushed over as soon as they saw her Weibo post.
The most powerful one was a girl whose ID was "I am steamed stuffed bun".
Shen Tang finally understood why it looked familiar. This person was really the king of being tough-mouthed, and could take on almost a hundred others alone, leaving her with an indelible impression.
She gave the girl a like.
This matter came to a temporary conclusion for the time being, but Shen Tang kept an eye on it all along.
Tonight she would go to the old house. Shen Tang tried on a dress she hadn't worn before, and found that it was already too loose, about a section too wide.
Tao Sister's face was full of distress: "Madam has lost weight again..."
Shen Tang was extremely happy about it. She took off her clothes and looked left and right, "Hahaha, my abs are finally going to come out..."
"Madam has such a good figure."
"Hehe..."
Before Shen Tang could worry about what to wear tonight, the styling team arrived at her house, and they brought top designer dresses too.
Shen Tang had thought the dresses were rented, and only later found out that Gu Huaian had bought them all.
As someone who had always been thrifty, this was the first time she felt what a rich person's life was like.
Looking at it this way, her previous life was just like child's play in comparison.
Although she still felt some discomfort, it was already much better than before.
Shen Tang was like a wooden mannequin the whole time, letting the team dress her up and change her clothes.
"Tao Sister..."
"Hmm?"
"Why do we have to dress up for going to the old house?" She felt it was no less stressful than attending a banquet last time, having to wear formal dresses.
"Didn't Sir tell you?"
"What?"
Tao Sister's expression was somewhat complicated: "This time going to the old house is not an ordinary family dinner. The whole Gu family clan will come, including the side branches of the Gu family."
Shen Tang didn't know about this at all. "So wouldn't there be a lot of people?"
"Yes, but Madam you don't need to worry. Sir is now the head of the Gu family. It's up to the others to fawn on you. If you don't want to talk, just ignore them."
Shen Tang felt somewhat hesitant: "Wouldn't it... bring undesirable effects for my husband?"
"Rest assured, in the face of absolute power, these are not problems. You don't need to consider these things, just do whatever you want."
Shen Tang breathed a sigh of relief. She feared scenes like this the most.
The scene from attending the previous banquet was still vivid in her mind. She had no idea what to say to those women at all.
It was as if they were separated by the Somali Trench – they liked high-end stuff, while she liked down-to-earth things.
It is said that man depends on clothes while a horse relies on the saddle. Shen Tang wore a jade-colored cheongsam today, gentle and sexy at the same time, giving off an intellectual feeling.
The pearl earrings adorning her ears matched her fair complexion even more.
Tao Sister circled around Shen Tang twice, and was so excited that she took out her phone and started taking pictures.
"This outfit looks too good, I have to take it down and post it on Weibo."
"Ah?" Shen Tang was stunned for a moment, "Post it on Weibo for what?"
Tao Sister didn't even lift her head to speak. "Of course it's for your fans to see. You don't know, because you don't post on Weibo often, they clamor for it every day in the group."
"No, how do you know what they are like?"
Tao Sister smiled mysteriously, "I'll be honest, I'm your hardcore fan."
In Shen Tang's stunned expression, Tao Sister went on, "Actually, so is Uncle He. He still checks in at your super topic every day."
Shen Tang was truly shocked. What virtue or ability did she have...
She was so moved that her nose turned sour, and she reached out to hug Tao Sister, but was pushed away, "Don't, don't mess up the styling."
Shen Tang: "......"
The brewing emotions dissipated instantly.
"When did you guys start? Why didn't you tell me?"
Tao Sister and Uncle He were not young. She didn't know where they had learned these things.
Also, there were some nasty comments in her comments section. She didn't know if they had seen those.
Shen Tang was a little worried that they would be scolded by the black fans.
She tentatively asked with care: "You guys haven't encountered anything bad, right?"
Tao Sister waved her hand dismissively, and scoffed, "They're all trivial matters. Don't worry, my combat ability is fierce. Those people can't beat me in an argument."
As she spoke, she opened Weibo, "Your Uncle He's son is a programmer at a company. He specially wrote a small program to automatically scold them back for us."
Shen Tang slowly widened her eyes, "There's even such an operation..."
She was shocked stiff. My good buddy.
"Is this thing so useful that I could buy it from you?"
"Buy what, just take it and use it directly. I'll add him to the group and let him give it to you."
This was the first time Shen Tang learned that Uncle He had a son too.
But it was also normal, she just didn't know what Uncle He's son looked like, and whether he was as refined as Uncle He.
His job was a programmer. Could it be that he was already bald at such a young age...
Shen Tang was added to a group of four. Apart from her, the other three were Tao Sister, Uncle He, and Uncle He's son Little He.
To Shen Tang's disappointment, Little He's WeChat avatar was just his work photo. It could be seen that he had exceptionally thick hair, which made people envious and jealous.
Shen Tang couldn't help but ask in the group: Any tips for hair growth?
【Little He: ???】
【Uncle He: Madam is joking. Ours is natural.】
Shen Tang looked even more envious. Her hair was softer, so she looked like she had less hair. Many black fans attacked her hair.
Tao Sister consoled, "Madam don't be upset. Your amount of hair is already enough. To be honest, the hair on Uncle He's head is a wig."
Shen Tang instantly stared with wide eyes: "A wig?"
"Yes, although his hair is thick, it's curly like wool. He felt it didn't match his temperament, so he shaved his head bald and wore a wig."
Shen Tang imagined it in her mind - curly-haired Uncle He actually looked cuter.
There was a knock on the door, and Uncle He walked in, "Madam, Sir is waiting for you downstairs."
Shen Tang's gaze uncontrollably floated to Uncle He's head. The hair quality looked quite real, if Tao Sister hadn't said so, she wouldn't have noticed it was fake.
Uncle He inexplicably felt a chill on his head, "Madam?"
Shen Tang came back to her senses, "Oh oh, I'll go down now."
Taking her pearl clutch, Shen Tang only went downstairs then.
Downstairs, Gu Huaian had his legs crossed while sitting on the sofa.
Hearing footsteps, he slightly raised his head to see Shen Tang in cheongsam, a hint of awe flashing in his eyes.
He got up and walked to the stairs, holding out his hand to help Shen Tang down.
"This outfit suits you very well."
Shen Tang smiled, "Thank you, you too."
Only after speaking did she notice that Gu Huaian was in a suit again today.
She couldn't help but start to suspect that Gu Huaian had bought dozens of the same suits and wore them on rotation.
Gu Huaian's expression stiffened. He clearly wore different clothes every day...
It was getting cold, time to buy new clothes...
Chapter 77
Arriving at the old residence, Shen Tang had just gotten out of the car when countless eyes looked over. There were kind, curious eyes, and also unkind ones.
Shen Tang maintained a smile as she walked in linking arms with Gu Huaian. Seeing Old Madam Gu and Old Master Gu, Shen Tang was somewhat hesitant about what to call them. Calling them uncle would be inappropriate, but calling them dad was afraid he would not give her face.
Finally, she tentatively called out, "Dad, mom."
Old Master Gu had a cold face, seeming as if he wanted to say something. Shen Tang's eyes were quick to notice Old Madam Gu pinching him fiercely.
"Ow!" Old Master Gu's mouth kept twitching in pain.
Laughter spilled from Shen Tang's eyes. As expected, there is always a higher mountain. It looks like currying favor with Old Madam Gu is the way to go in the future.
Old Madam Gu laughingly held her hand. "You look even more beautiful after not seeing you for a while..."
Shen Tang happily touched her face. "Really?"
Old Madam Gu smiled, "Of course it's true."
Gu Huaian felt somewhat ashamed to look at her.
There were many people who came today. Old Madam Gu and Old Master Gu's attitude towards Shen Tang decided the attitude of the other Gu family members towards her.
Old Madam Gu was so intimate, and many people in their hearts also took note of Shen Tang.
Old Madam Gu introduced her to several important elders before letting the young people go off on their own.
Shen Tang followed Gu Huaian away from the crowd and had just breathed a sigh of relief when she heard a voice she did not want to hear from behind.
"Sister-in-law..."
Shen Tang looked back to find that Gu Jinan had also come.
"You're better?" Her gaze uncontrollably lowered. Gu Huaian grabbed her chin.
Why did she want to look at everything?
Gu Jinan's expression twisted for a moment, apparently recalling some bad memories.
"I'm fine, thanks for sister-in-law's concern," Gu Jinan said, even blinking his eyes.
Shen Tang was a little nervous. Gu Huaian wouldn't misunderstand, would he...
Just then, two little ones ran over. "Sis!"
"Sis, you came!"
Shen Tang was hugged by Gu Anran and Gu Wuyang at the same time. She had missed them after not seeing them for a while.
Gu Wuyang was wearing a little suit today, with a bow tie at the collar. Gu Anran was dressed like a little princess, even wearing a diamond crown on her head.
Shen Tang couldn't help but guess, were those diamonds on it real...
Gu Huaian's lips curved up slightly. Tang Tang is so cute.
He moved next to Shen Tang's ear and asked in a low voice, "Do you like it? If you like it, I'll buy you one."
Shen Tang's sensitive ears twitched. "Hehe, I like it."
【The one Gu Huaian gives must be real. It can definitely sell for a lot of money in the future.】
Gu Huaian: "......"
He was a little helpless. This little money-grubber had money in her eyes.
"You play here first. I still have some things to deal with."
Shen Tang waved her hand. "Go, go."
Gu Jinan was about to talk to Shen Tang when Gu Huaian gave him a cold look. "Come with me."
"Big brother, what's the matter?"
"I do have something. Come with me."
Gu Jinan was a little unhappy, but he couldn't refute and could only leave reluctantly, looking back every three steps.
However, Shen Tang didn't even glance at him.
Exchanging pleasantries with adults was not as fun as chatting with little friends. Shen Tang decided to just stay with Anran and Wuyang for the rest of the time.
However, she didn't have to look for trouble as trouble came looking for her.
Shen Tang even wondered if she was actually the female lead of this book. Why else would she never get any peace?
"Miss Shen, do you mind going to the side to talk?"
Shen Tang looked at Zhou Qinglian with a smile as she politely declined, "I'm sorry, it's not very convenient at the moment. Do you have something to say? You can just tell me directly."
Zhou Qinglian frowned, revealing a trace of fragility.
Not far away, a girl saw this and hurriedly came over to uphold justice.
"Sis Lian..."
She looked at Shen Tang. "Don't bully my sister Lian. If you have anything, come at me!"
Shen Tang: "......"
If she hadn't accidentally discovered it last time, she really wouldn't have imagined that Meow Meow was actually such a silly fool in real life.
She still had some past feelings, so Shen Tang endured it.
Shen Tang took a deep breath. "Which eye of yours saw me bullying her?"
Meow Meow hemmed and hawed, unable to say anything.
When she was little, Sis Lian was often bullied by her father's illegitimate children. She couldn't bear to watch, so she helped speak up.
Over the years, it had become a habit. As soon as she saw Sis Lian frowning, her first thought was that she was being bullied.
Gu Anran and Gu Wuyang also explained at the side, "Sis didn't bully anyone!"
"That's right. Auntie, how could you be like this? Sis didn't bully anyone at all. This auntie suddenly came over talking to herself, and you just charged over."
Zhou Qinglian's brow jumped. "Auntie? You call her sis and call me auntie?"
Wuyang nodded. "Yes, because you look older than sis."
Zhou Qinglian felt like she had been shot through the heart.
Clutching her chest, she staggered back a step.
Meow Meow was a little confused. "Is that how it is?"
Seeing this, Zhou Qinglian gently shook her head. "Yes, you misunderstood. Miss Shen didn't bully me..."
However, her expression was completely unconvincing. It was as if saying she did bully me, but I don't dare say it.
Meow Meow, also known as Zhou Yun'an, glared angrily at Shen Tang. You're still saying you didn't bully her!
Shen Tang: "......"
She also clutched her chest and made a grief-stricken expression like Xizi Holding Her Heart. "Miss Zhou, I'm sorry. I didn't know not agreeing to your request was bullying you..."
"You..." Zhou Yun'an was stunned for a moment, looking left and right, temporarily at a loss for words.
Shen Tang thought it was too funny. She seemed to have found a way to deal with Meow Meow.
Gu Anran hurriedly patted Shen Tang's back. "Sis, don't be sad..."
Gu Wuyang frowned. "You bullied sis! I'm telling uncle!"
The plot instantly reversed. It was as if Zhou Qinglian was the bully instead.
Zhou Qinglian also didn't expect Shen Tang to be so good at acting, having learned her tricks. She inevitably felt a little stifled.
She forced a smile. "Yun'an, don't misunderstand. Miss Shen really didn't bully me. It's just that I have something I wanted to privately discuss with her, and Miss Shen was not very convenient..."
Zhou Yun'an felt a little uncomfortable inside. If she wasn't bullied, then why did sister make that expression?
However, she never liked thinking too much.
"What is it about?" Zhou Yun'an asked curiously.
"I'll say it now then."
Shen Tang almost laughed out loud. It seemed Meow Meow wasn't only aimed at her, but at everyone.
Zhou Qinglian's expression almost cracked. She had said a private chat. How could she say it here?
Yun'an, how can you still be so stupid!
"It's nothing much..."
"If it's nothing much, let's go then."
Zhou Qinglian was rendered speechless. "But I..."
Zhou Yun'an tilted her head. "Sis Lian, do you have anything else?"
"No, no... let's go."
And so, a storm dissipated just like that. Shen Tang thought it was too funny.
She stroked the little ones' heads. "Thanks for just now, you two."
"You're wel—"
Gu Anran's words were cut off as Gu Wuyang elbowed her. "So how are you going to thank us?"
Shen Tang made a "hm" sound. "I'll take you to gain some ranks later, how about that?"
Gu Wuyang gave her a very reasonable look.
Since returning to the old residence, the two hadn't played games together at all. Gu Anran missed it terribly.
He almost wished they could play now, but the occasion wasn't right.
"Oh, when will this end..."
Shen Tang also wanted to ask this question.
Not long after, a few elegantly dressed women walked over with unkind expressions.
One fiery red-lipped woman looked Shen Tang up and down and handed her a wine glass. "Have a drink?"
Shen Tang politely smiled. "I'm sorry, I just took cephalosporin."
The few women: "......"
Chapter 78
Shen Tang's answer was beyond all of their guesses.
If it was any other excuse, they could have pressed her to drink, but since Shen Tang said she took cephalosporins, they really couldn't force her to drink alcohol.
Wouldn't that be like attempting murder?
Besides, they didn't even know if Shen Tang had really taken them.
A few people looked towards the woman with flaming red lips. Shen Tang thought to herself, it seems she's the center of attention.
"May I ask who you all are..."
Shen Tang had originally assumed it was only Gu Family people, but it looks to be more than that now.
The woman smiled and said, "I'm Huaian's good friend. We often get together, but don't overthink it, there's nothing between us."
Shen Tang: "Oh."
Hilarious, those words were quite interesting, implying something between them in both overt and covert ways.
The woman pursed her lips. Shen Tang's reaction made her very unhappy. So nonchalant, seems very assured huh.
In fact, Shen Tang just didn't care.
Let alone nothing between them, even if they wanted something, she couldn't control it.
Gu Wuyang had disappeared. Shen Tang looked left and right, then asked Gu Anran: "Where is Wuyang?"
Gu Anran blinked her big eyes and shook her head, "Don't know."
Hearing the name, the flaming red lips' eyes lit up. She half squatted down and said, "Turns out it's Anran! You've grown so big. I even held you when you were little!"
Gu Anran tilted her head in puzzlement. "But I was born overseas..."
Shen Tang nearly laughed out loud. She discovered her ability to hold in her laughter was getting stronger and stronger.
"Then I must have remembered wrong..."
Gu Anran tilted her head and pulled at Shen Tang's clothes. "My mom said that people who try to cozy up like this usually have ill intentions. Big sister, let's go."
The flaming red lips nearly couldn't maintain her expression. Shen Tang noticed her take a few deep breaths to forcibly restrain her emotions.
"Anran, you misunderstood. I'm your uncle's friend. I don't have any other intentions."
"Oh~" Gu Anran suddenly realized, "So your target is my uncle..."
Muffled "pfft" sounds of suppressed laughter came from the surroundings. No way of knowing who it was laughing on the sly. Shen Tang really envied them, since she had to force her face to remain motionless.
The flaming red lips' face fluctuated between green and white as she forced down her emotions. "Since you're busy, I won't disturb you."
After speaking, she left with the others, rather hurriedly.
Shen Tang also breathed a sigh of relief.
Gu Huaian really does have a lot of rotten peach blossoms. Didn't expect the Mrs. Gu position to be coveted by so many.
Would there be anyone else? Shen Tang thought to herself. She quickly spat three times to avoid jinxing it.
But the more you fear something, the more it comes.
Another woman walked over. Shen Tang's heart thumped.
The woman had short stylish hair that gave off a heroic air.
She extended her hand, "Miss Shen, pleased to meet you, I'm Xu Yan."
"Pleased to meet you too."
Shen Tang shook her hand but couldn't pull back.
Xu Yan maintained her grip at just the right force - not hard enough to hurt but not loose enough for Shen Tang to pull free.
"Um..."
Xu Yan blinked. "Miss Shen, do you have time recently? I have a variety show that I'd like to invite you on."
"Huh?"
This was a completely unexpected development for Shen Tang.
"What variety show? I have a drama to film soon, so I may not have time."
She didn't know how to turn down people with good intentions.
"Our show is quite popular, it's called Cute Baby Forward. It's a parenting variety show, currently third in terms of total online views. We've had top actors and actresses on. If you came on it would definitely boost your career."
"I understand all that you just said. What I don't understand is why you want me? And I don't have any children."
Shen Tang felt her popularity was still lacking, especially compared to the A-list guests that had been on recently.
Bluntly put, Shen Tang felt she wasn't worthy.
Xu Yan smiled. "Don't underestimate yourself, your fame is no less than those actors and actresses. As for a child..." She looked at Gu Anran. "There's one right here."
As soon as Shen Tang heard this, her earlier hesitation instantly vanished.
She knew what kind of family the Gu Family was. How could they allow their child to be exposed like that?
It wasn't that it was bad to gain fame, but it was dangerous and likely to attract ill-intentioned people.
Also, every little fault would be magnified endlessly once famous, easily incurring internet rage.
Shen Tang didn't want to see that kind of situation.
"Sorry, I don't plan on participating for the time being."
Xu Yan was undeterred and handed Shen Tang and Gu Anran each a business card. "No need to refuse outright, please consider it."
After speaking, she smiled and left.
Gu Anran was a bit puzzled. "Sis, why didn't you want to do it?"
Shen Tang patted her head. "You wouldn't understand."
Gu Anran: "..."
"Sis, I would if you explained it..."
Shen Tang proceeded to clearly explain her misgivings one by one. "So I don't want to bring you there."
Gu Anran nodded. "I get it now. Sis, wait for me a bit!" She then scampered off as soon as she finished speaking.
Shen Tang wanted to go after her but Gu Anran ran too fast, instantly disappearing into the crowd.
Shen Tang helplessly shook her head.
On the other side, Gu Wuyang was like a little tail, following Gu Huaian everywhere. Every so often he would nod, as if he truly understood the adults' conversation.
When people dispersed, Gu Huaian asked: "Why are you following me?"
Gu Wuyang shook his head. "No reason."
"Tell the truth."
"I'm helping my big sister keep an eye on you."
Gu Huaian raised an eyebrow. "Keep an eye?"
Gu Wuyang nodded. "That's right. Big sister was pestered by several women that like you. I'm here to guard you and not let you get seduced away by a bad woman."
Gu Huaian was speechless. "You're so little. Do you even understand what it means to like someone?"
"Of course I do! Just because I'm little doesn't mean stupid!" Gu Wuyang retorted.
Gu Huaian pondered briefly. "Sorry for taking you as a fool."
Gu Wuyang: "..."
Very annoyed.
Chapter 79
Gu Huaian was somewhat surprised to ask, "Is it really your aunt who asked you to come over?"
How could he feel that Shen Tang didn't seem like the kind of person who would do this.
Moreover, if it was really her order, it would be even better.
Gu Wuyang waved his hand, "Oh, who cares who ordered it? Anyway, I don't want anyone else to be my aunt."
"You're not calling me sister this time?"
Gu Wuyang rubbed his nose, "Isn't the situation different? Anyway, let's talk about each of us, it doesn't matter."
After a while, Gu Anran ran over with a clatter, grabbed Gu Wuyang's hand and prepared to leave, "Brother, let me tell you something..."
Gu Wuyang didn't intend to leave, pulling Gu Anran back, "What's the matter? Didn't you see that I'm busy right now."
"It's a big deal!"
"What's the big deal?" Gu Huaian asked.
He glanced at Shen Tang, she was alone, it didn't look like anything was going on.
Gu Anran didn't know if she should say it or not, Gu Huaian urged, "Hmm?"
"It's just that someone wants to invite my sister to participate in the variety show, that 'Cute Baby Charge Forward', it's so good to watch, but my sister is afraid it will bring us bad influence and refused directly..."
Gu Anran said in a low voice, "I really want to go..."
In fact, she didn't particularly want to go, but she heard the woman say that if her sister went, it could take her career to the next level.
She sometimes goes on Weibo and sees many people scolding her sister.
She doesn't want to see her sister like this. She wants to make her sister better. Everyone will definitely like her when they see her sister!
Gu Anran was confident about it.
Gu Huaian didn't make a decision on his own, he had to consult the person involved about this matter.
But he still told the two little ones about the possible consequences of going to participate in the variety show.
"That's it, do you still want to go?"
Gu Anran and Gu Wuyang looked at each other, "Go!"
"Uncle, can you persuade my sister? I want to go with her."
Gu Anran said with confidence.
Gu Huaian stroked Gu Anran's head, "I'll try to persuade her, but whether she agrees or not, I'm not sure."
Gu Anran rubbed against him happily several times, "With Uncle taking action, one against two, you must be able to do it!"
Gu Wuyang also nodded beside him.
Gu Huaian smiled helplessly, "Don't give me a tall hat, whether this matter can be done or not depends entirely on her. Even if you can't go, you can't blame her."
Gu Wuyang frowned, "Oh, you are so nagging."
Gu Anran also dug her ears, "We will never blame my sister!"
Shen Tang waited for a while before the two little ones came back. She pretended to be angry, "Where did you two run off to?"
The two looked at each other and grinned.
"Sister, I found some delicious desserts over there, let's go eat them."
When Shen Tang heard about delicious food, she instantly forgot the previous question, drooling.
In order to look good in her skirt today, she hadn't eaten much and had been here for so long, she was already hungry.
"Let's go, where is it?"
The three of them came to the food court and started eating.
The food was all in small portions with a wide variety, Shen Tang ate them one by one, very satisfied.
"Ah, this is so delicious!"
"This is also delicious, sister, try it."
Gu Anran fed Shen Tang a piece of cake.
Shen Tang swallowed it in one bite and said unclearly, "It's really good!"
Not far away, someone looked over in disgust, "Haven't eaten anything delicious in hundreds of lifetimes? Eating like a pig."
Gu Yun'an heard it and frowned, "Who are you talking about! You are the pig!"
The woman who had just spoken was a little embarrassed. She glanced at Zhou Qinglian, "Yun'an, aren't you at odds with her?"
Gu Yun'an snorted coldly, "What does it matter to you whether I get along with her or not? No matter how she is now, she is still a member of the Gu family. Who are you to say that about her?"
Zhou Qinglian's eyes darkened, somewhat uncomfortable.
Now Gu Yun'an was like this, wouldn't she defect to Shen Tang's side in the future?
No, she had to do something about it.
Over there, Shen Tang discovered a particularly delicious drink and couldn't help drinking several glasses in a row.
When drinking the sixth cup, the cup was grabbed by a hand stretching over, "This is wine, don't drink it anymore."
Shen Tang smacked her lips, "Sweet, not wine."
"This is wine, and it has a very strong aftertaste, don't drink it anymore."
Shen Tang turned her head and blinked, "Huh? Gu Huaian? Why do you have two heads?"
As she spoke, she swayed, "Why am I a little dizzy? Could it really be wine?"
Gu Huaian chuckled, "You're drunk, I'll take you back to rest."
"I'm, I'm not drunk!"
"You are drunk."
"I'm not drunk!"
"You—"
Gu Huaian didn't finish speaking when Gu Wuyang mercilessly interrupted him, "Uncle!"
Gu Wuyang really couldn't stand to listen anymore. Looking at Gu Huaian was like looking at an immature little kid, "Can't you just take my sister away? A drunk person, what's the point of reasoning with her?"
Gu Huaian: "..."
"You don't understand."
He thought this Shen Tang was very interesting.
Although their conversation just now did sound a little childish.
Gu Wuyang curled his lips, "Yes, yes, I don't understand, you understand the most."
Gu Huaian knocked him on the head, "No respect."
"I'll take her upstairs, you two don't eat too much either."
After saying that, Gu Huaian rolled up his sleeves and carried Shen Tang in his arms directly.
The bulging veins on his forearms looked very sexy, unfortunately Shen Tang didn't see it.
Gu Anran's mouth was full, she nodded when she heard this.
It wasn't that they were gluttonous, it was just that since they came to the old house, they had been under too much control in all aspects.
Sweets like this, they could only eat a little bit each time, on the grounds that eating too much would rot their teeth, and teeth were a person's image.
Gu Anran was already drooling.
Gu Wuyang picked up a few more, "Little sister, eat slowly."
"Okay! Brother, you eat too!"
Not far away, Zhou Qinglian looked at Gu Huaian carrying Shen Tang away with resentment, almost biting her silver teeth.
Gu Yun'an even thought she was seeing things wrong and rubbed her eyes, "Sister Qinglian..."
Zhou Qinglian quickly adjusted her expression, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure. I just..."
As she spoke, she was choked with sobs.
Gu Yun'an immediately threw the scene from just now to the back of her mind and hurried forward to comfort her, "Sister Qinglian, don't be sad..."
However, she couldn't say the next words.
Previously, she had a very bad attitude towards Shen Tang because she felt that Shen Tang had taken Sister Qinglian's place.
Now seeing Big Brother's attitude towards Shen Tang, she could be sure, sure that Big Brother cared a lot about Shen Tang, or that he liked Shen Tang very much.
Gu Yun'an could no longer do what she did before.
Zhou Qinglian was waiting for the following, when she saw Gu Yun'an suddenly freeze up.
The two looked at each other, both stunned for a moment.
The tears were still hanging on Zhou Qinglian's face, looking a bit funny.
"Sister Qinglian, I think..."
Gu Yun'an's halting manner gave Zhou Qinglian a bad premonition.
She lowered her eyes in disappointment and said sadly, "You don't have to say any more, I understand. In the end, a childhood sweetheart can't compare to a fairy descending from heaven. I'll just treat these decades of feelings as an illusion..."
As soon as her voice fell, a tear slid down her cheek.
Gu Yun'an felt extremely distressed.
"Sister Qinglian, I, I will help you!"
Zhou Qinglian secretly hooked the corners of her lips. She really hadn't made any progress over the years, still so easy to fool.
Chapter 80
"Hot..."
Shen Tang tugged at her collar, but couldn't get it off no matter what.
She opened her eyes hazily, "Mmm, help me take off my clothes..."
Gu Huaian's movements paused for a moment as he was helping to pour water, and said in a low voice, "Bear with it for a bit, I'll go call someone."
Shen Tang couldn't wait any longer. She pouted disappointedly, "The clothes are too tight..."
Gu Huaian's gaze lowered, landing on the peaks, and quickly looked away, finally settling on Shen Tang's slightly protruding belly.
The cheongsam was a fitted style, very figure-flattering, so Shen Tang's belly was very noticeable.
Gu Huaian was a little helpless. How much did she eat?
"Let me loosen it for you."
However, after fumbling around for a bit, he couldn't find where the zipper was.
He was sweating bullets, and Shen Tang was also anxiously waiting.
"Hurry up..." she urged.
"I can't find where it is."
"Oh, it's right down there..." Shen Tang desperately wanted to do it herself, but the dress's zipper was hidden. It was normal that he couldn't find it.
However, her whole body felt weak and powerless, her waist was still uncomfortably constricted, and she felt a bit nauseous.
Outside the door, Old Madam Gu, who had come to check on Shen Tang, had an awkward expression on her face as she retracted her hand that was about to knock on the door.
She looked at Gu Qingan beside her, "Let's go, it doesn't seem to be a good time for us to come."
Gu Qingan tutted twice. He didn't expect his younger brother to be so stupid. He really wanted to spread this story and have everyone join in mocking him.
"Young people are so impatient these days..."
They can't even wait until they get home. Such youthful vigor!
The two went downstairs. Old Master Gu snorted coldly, "I knew this would happen."
Old Madam Gu glared at him, "If you have nothing nice to say, keep quiet."
Old Master Gu moved his lips, but didn't talk back. Instead, he glared at Gu Qingan, "What are you laughing at? Anran even threw up, and you as her mother didn't stop her!"
Gu Qingan didn't expect to become collateral damage.
But wait, Anran threw up?
"Mom, let me go take a look."
"I'm going with you. Seeing your dad just irritates me."
Old Master Gu: "..."
Life was truly unbearable.
He surreptitiously looked left and right. Seeing no one was looking, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
How they acted in private was one thing, but he absolutely could not lose face in public.
Upstairs in the room, Gu Huaian finally helped Shen Tang unzip her dress. A glimpse of white flashed before his eyes and he quickly averted his gaze.
"Is this okay?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized his throat felt a little dry.
He grabbed the glass of water next to him and took a big gulp, then remembered this was the water Shen Tang had just drank from.
His ears turned even redder, and his face was also flushed.
Gu Huaian felt a bit nervous and clumsy, emotions he hadn't experienced in years.
He turned his back to Shen Tang. Rustling sounds came from behind him.
Glancing back, he saw Shen Tang had taken off her cheongsam, left only in a set of cute lace lingerie.
Gu Huaian's eyes shook. He abruptly stood up and turned around, throwing the blanket over Shen Tang with one hand behind his back.
"Hot..." Shen Tang struggled.
"Don't move! I'll turn the air conditioning down."
Gu Huaian picked up the remote control and directly set the temperature to 16 degrees Celsius.
Soon, the cold air hit them. Shen Tang finally stopped fidgeting.
Gu Huaian was originally soaked in sweat, but the blast of cold air made him shiver.
He pulled his sleeves down and put his jacket back on, once again taking on the appearance of the aloof, abstinent Gu Huaian.
That is, ignoring his wandering gaze and flushed earlobes.
In the middle of the night, Shen Tang woke up needing to pee badly. Reaching out to turn on the light, she discovered her body felt cool and breezy.
She instantly sobered up and threw off the covers to take a look. She was only wearing her underwear.
What was going on here?
"Awake?"
Hearing the voice, Shen Tang looked over to see Gu Huaian sitting on the sofa.
He had a laptop in front of him, the screen's light illuminating his face, making his expression unclear.
Shen Tang felt a little guilty, although she didn't know why she felt guilty.
"Um... how did I get here?"
What she really wanted to ask was who helped take off her clothes, but she didn't dare to ask outright.
"You forgot?"
Shen Tang felt Gu Huaian's tone was a little strange.
Her radar instantly went off. Shen Tang rubbed her head, "I'm still a little dizzy..."
"Drink this sobering soup first."
Seeing Shen Tang unmoving, Gu Huaian then remembered she wasn't wearing much inside, and threw over a brand new set of pajamas before turning his back.
Shen Tang knew Gu Huaian wouldn't peep, but the process of changing still felt a bit awkward. She couldn't help glancing over occasionally.
There's a saying that goes, appreciate a beauty under lamplight, observe a gentleman under moonlight.
At this hazy moment under the lamp and moonlight, Gu Huaian's silhouette was particularly attractive.
However, Shen Tang didn't have time to look more. She couldn't hold it in any longer!
Hastily putting on the pajamas, she rushed to the bathroom.
The pitter patter of water rang out. Shen Tang felt much more comfortable.
After washing her face and removing her makeup, she was fully awake.
But she also felt too embarrassed to come out now.
Because Shen Tang had remembered everything that happened before.
It was so awkward, really super awkward.
She had asked him to help take off her clothes, it was like she was deliberately trying to seduce him.
Heaven knows, she really didn't have that intention. Gu Huaian wouldn't misunderstand, right...
Last time it was Gu Huaian who got drunk and embarrassed himself. She didn't expect it to be her turn so soon. How quickly the wheel of karma turns!
Shen Tang was lost in thought the whole time, dawdling and not coming out.
The bathroom door was suddenly knocked on.
"What's wrong?" she called out.
"I have something to tell you."
After Shen Tang came out, she didn't even lift her head and burrowed back under the covers, mumbling, "What is it? I'm sleepy."
"Since you're sleepy, I'll tell you next time. It's not urgent anyway."
Hearing Gu Huaian say this, Shen Tang instead became curious.
She poked her head out from the blankets, "I'm not sleepy anymore. What is it?"
Gu Huaian's lips curled up slightly. "It's nothing much, you sleep first and I'll tell you tomorrow."
Shen Tang: "..."
She sat up in bed. "Tell me, tell me. Leaving me hanging like this, I won't be able to sleep."
The sudden coquettishness startled Gu Huaian. He responded half a beat slower, "It's just...Gu Jinan, he..."
"What happened to him?" Shen Tang eagerly asked, eyes shining with gossip.
Gu Huaian's mood was a bit complicated. He had deliberately spoken vaguely to pique her interest, but now seeing how concerned Shen Tang was about Gu Jinan's matters, he felt a little uncomfortable.
He said lightly, "He walked into the wrong room drunk...a one night stand warning."
"Yes. Well, no."
Shen Tang sat cross-legged on the bed. She felt like she was missing a bag of melon seeds to munch on.
"So what exactly happened?" She was truly anxious to know. Gu Huaian's way of speaking was too taxing. She didn't know how his assistant Chen put up with it.
Upon hearing her thoughts, Gu Huaian: "..."
He blurted out in one breath: "Gu Jinan walked into the wrong room drunk. There was a girl already lying in the bed. He got into bed to sleep and the girl kicked him out of bed, beating him up and accusing him of being a pervert.
Gu Huaian paused, then continued, "He suffered three injuries and went to the hospital."
"Hahahahaha!"
Shen Tang didn't expect the incident to be so hilarious. How were Gu Jinan's parts now?
Hahahahaha!