Chapter 129 Madam, it was my disciple’s disrespect
After Song Ni’s various pleas and threats, Song Jing finally agreed to help Song Ni tell her family that she would be staying in Yu City for her birthday. However, before hanging up the video call, Song Jing asked one more question. "What about Tan Zheng?" You're celebrating your birthday, what about Tan Zheng? Song Jing knew how busy Tan Zheng had been lately; he had even been in a meeting with Tan Zheng once. Like Song Ni, it was Song Jing’s first time seeing Tan Zheng in a suit. Song Jing felt that the suit didn't restrain Tan Zheng at all but rather highlighted his untamed wildness. With such a presence, he was one of a kind in the entire circle. Song Jing had also heard that Tan Zheng was not only busy with the GN Group’s affairs, as Chairman Tan had gradually begun to delegate power to Tan Zheng, but he was also swamped with work. Hearing this, Song Ni’s brows furrowed, and a fleeting look of loneliness flashed in her eyes. She then forced a smile and said casually, "Brother, I'm not a child anymore. Do I need so many people to accompany me for a birthday?" In the past, Song Ni’s birthdays, even if not intentionally planned, were always surrounded by many people. She was a genuine little princess, pampered by the Song family to such an extent that many in the industry were willing to cater to Song Ni. Song Jing’s eyes moved slightly. "But this is your first birthday after marriage." If Tan Zheng didn't accompany her, it would be too much. Such an attitude would mean he didn't care about Song Ni, nor did he respect the Song family. Song Ni fell silent. What could she say? After the argument that day, she had blocked Tan Zheng’s WeChat, and they hadn’t contacted each other since. Birthday… Did Tan Zheng even know her birthday? Seeing Song Ni like this, Song Jing understood. After some thought, he asked, "Did you have a fight?" Song Ni let out a whimper, refusing to answer. "Tell me about it?" Qin Yang had been busy with a project and wanted to connect with the GN Group, leaving him no time to spare. Song Ni didn't want to bother him, but she had indeed been feeling down these past few days. So, after some hesitation, Song Ni told him. Song Jing listened and nodded. "So, you went to great lengths to refuse our request for bodyguards for so many years, and now Tan Zheng arranges them for you, and you accept?" Song Ni: ... Didn't she want to solve her emotional problems? Why was her brother's focus on this matter? Fine, she was really out of her mind to seek a solution from Song Jing. Thus, the eldest daughter of the Song family abruptly hung up the video call without another word. Song Jing: ... This girl who prioritizes her lover over her brother! He had doted on her for so many years in vain! But then again, Tan Zheng was truly capable to have actually tamed Song Ni's unruly nature. He had to admit that Song Jing couldn't truly be angry with Tan Zheng just for arranging bodyguards. Besides, what couple doesn't have minor disagreements? A little quarrel can spice things up and lead to deeper affection. With that in mind, Song Jing called Tang Tang, who was abroad. Why was she going to London for a fashion show and he, her husband, didn't know?! After hanging up the phone, Song Ni felt a moment of melancholy. Her scene partner had an accident and couldn't make it to the set today, so she had been quite free. However, Sheng Jiang was extremely busy. Their convoy was going for field training. Song Ni was bored lying in the hotel and thought about changing her clothes. She had originally planned to practice driving herself, but it suddenly started raining outside, so Song Ni gave up the idea. Instead, she entered a bar. On a rainy day, having a drink seemed like a good choice. Song Ni chose a relatively secluded spot. She couldn't be as carefree as before. Her Weibo fans had surpassed eight million. Although many were fans from her blogging days, there were also new followers. This drama hadn't finished filming yet, and she didn't want to cause trouble. It was only about a month left. Song Ni's alcohol tolerance wasn't high, so she didn't dare to order drinks with too high alcohol content. She sat loosely, almost curled up on the sofa. But even though she was barefaced and had chosen a secluded spot, someone still recognized her. "Hankypanky, also known as 'Turning Clouds and Overturning Rain.' Coleman created it for the Victorian and Edwardian era actor Hotley. It becomes unique by adding Fernet-Branca, a bitter Italian liqueur. Miss, your taste is exquisite." Song Ni lazily lifted her eyelids and looked at the man standing in front of her with a drink. The dim light obscured his face, but she could tell he was tall but quite thin, wearing glasses, and his appearance was probably refined and handsome. Recalling what he said, Song Ni merely raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh? Really? I just picked it randomly. So that's its name." Turning Clouds and Overturning Rain, indeed unique. The man paused, then continued with a smile. "Miss, may I join you at your table?" Song Ni was not impressed by such a gentlemanly yet clichéd way of striking up a conversation. She lowered her eyelashes, no longer looking at him. "It's not convenient." The man clearly hadn't expected Song Ni to answer like this, but he didn't feel embarrassed by the rejection. Instead, he chuckled twice. "Miss, you are indeed as I saw you the first time I looked at you. You're not like other people." Song Ni bit into a piece of ice, crunching it in her mouth. Hearing this, she felt like laughing. She was wearing a hoodie with the hood up. How blind was this guy to see that she was different from others? He should at least find a more practical topic when hitting on someone. However, to others, Song Ni did seem unique. In the bar, she was the only woman wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up. Song Ni was already in a bad mood and had no patience for such terrible pick-up lines. Her brows furrowed, and just as she was about to refuse, another man suddenly appeared and grabbed the man who was hitting on her. "Cheng Jing, what are you doing?!" Cheng Jing? Hearing the name, Song Ni’s brows knitted together. She seemed to have heard it somewhere. The light happened to shine over, allowing Song Ni to see both men's faces clearly. One was the bespectacled man with a refined and handsome appearance... Cheng Jing, and the other... Song Ni narrowed her eyes slightly and sneered. "Assistant Zhou, what are you doing here?" Zhou Jin immediately let go of Cheng Jing's hand and bowed slightly. "Madam, Cheng Jing is back from abroad today. Cheng Jing is Mr. Tan's friend, so I am here to receive him." Song Ni was stunned and remembered. Cheng Jing. She had heard this name from Tan Zheng. He was the famous architect who was chosen to be taught by Tan Zheng because his racing skills were too poor. Tan Zheng's villa was designed by him. It seemed Zhou Jin wasn't just following her. Cheng Jing heard Zhou Jin's words and was stunned for a moment. He then belatedly adjusted his glasses. If one looked closely, one could see his hands trembling. "Zhou Jin, you mean, this lady is Tan Zheng's wife?" Zhou Jin smiled faintly, cruel yet direct. "Yes." Cheng Jing: ... Damn it. He had heard that Tan Zheng married a girl six years younger than him and had specifically flown back from abroad early. He didn't even return to Xingcheng and came directly to Yu City to see what kind of woman Tan Zheng had married. Now Zhou Jin told him that the woman he was hitting on was actually Tan Zheng's wife? Cheng Jing just wanted to run away, but Zhou Jin, as if he had expected it, blocked him. "Haven't you always been eager to meet Madam?" Cheng Jing met Song Ni's eyes. There was clearly confusion in them, but he sensed a hint of playfulness, and his legs trembled. "Madam, it was my disciple’s disrespect." Zhou Jin: ... Song Ni: ... What a cliché and outdated oddball this was. (End of this chapter)