Chapter 51 The First Transnational Call Between the Two
As soon as Song Dad heard that Song Ni wanted to try acting, he didn't object. His daughter wanted to play whatever she liked, as long as it was harmless. Song Mom, however, had some reservations. "Nini, you and Tan Zheng are going to get your marriage certificate soon. About this acting thing... have you told him?" It wasn't that Song Mom was overly traditional or feudal; after all, she was about to get married and wouldn't be living alone anymore. This decision to act should, to some extent, be discussed with her partner. Song Ni hadn't planned to tell Tan Zheng, but since she had signed a contract with Lu Fang, he would find out eventually. However, her mother's words gave Song Ni an idea. "He went to the U.S. on business yesterday, so I haven't had a chance to tell him yet." Hearing the word "U.S.," Song Jing, who had been frowning nearby, reacted and looked up at Song Ni. A moment later, his eyes darted around, clearly scheming something. As expected. "Mommy, why don't I call him now? Then you can all relax, right?" Song Jing snorted, gnashing his teeth, thinking Song Ni was disappointing, using her parents for a man. But before he could stop her, Song Ni had already pulled out her phone and called Tan Zheng. Song Jing: ... Song Mom, on the other hand, was pleased. Seeing Song Ni and Tan Zheng getting along well eased her worries. Tan Zheng was probably busy, as he only picked up the call just as it was about to be automatically disconnected. "Hello?" The man's voice was hoarse and muffled, as if he had just woken up. Song Ni hooked her finger, and after connecting the call, she didn't know what to say. Tan Zheng, enduring a headache, glanced at the screen. "Song Ni?" The man bent his fingers and pressed his throbbing temples, got out of bed, and poured a glass of ice water, which cleared his head. "What is it?" Song Ni glanced at her parents, who were paying close attention, and pursed her lips. "Lu Fang asked me to help him shoot a movie, and I agreed. Mommy asked me to call and ask for your thoughts." Tan Zheng's eyes were still heavy with sleep. He knew why Song Ni would suddenly call him; it was for this reason. "If you want to act, then act. I have no opinion." Tan Zheng didn't think that after getting married, Song Ni needed to make any changes for the family. She should arrange her own life as she pleased. It was just acting for fun, and with Lu Fang involved, it wouldn't be a big problem. Song Ni had already known Tan Zheng wouldn't care about such things. "I know, it's just that my mom is worried, so she asked me to ask." He responded dismissively, and then the sound of a lighter came from the other end. He was smoking again. Tan Zheng always smoked when he was troubled. He was going to see Xi Jinjiang in America, wasn't he? The man who made him retire... Song Ni didn't know what else to say. Tan Zheng wasn't a man of many words either, and soon, silence fell between them, yet neither hung up. It was Song Mom who reminded her, and Song Ni hesitantly asked, "When... when are you coming back?" Tan Zheng gave a short laugh and didn't give a definite time. "In a couple of days. I'll be back as soon as possible." Song Ni acknowledged this and fell into silence again. She was not good at making calls like this; face-to-face communication was more direct, as she could at least observe the other person's reactions. This transnational call ended with just a few brief sentences. The man stared at the scorching sun outside the window, smoking one cigarette after another. When the ash fell, he wiped his face and put on his clothes, heading to the hospital. On Song Ni's side, this phone call completely allayed Song Mom's worries. Song Jing, however, with a dark expression, told her to follow him to the study. As soon as they entered, Song Jing stated directly, "I don't agree to you acting." Song Ni carefully observed Song Jing's expression. Seeing his unprecedented seriousness, she also straightened her posture. "Why?" "The entertainment industry is not as simple as you imagine. I won't force you to join the company after graduation, and I support you opening your own studio. The only condition is that you are not allowed to get involved in the entertainment industry's mess." The Song family didn't have much presence in the media sector, but Song Jing often attended various banquets and met many CEOs, whose female companions were always big stars in the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry was deep and dirty, and he didn't want Song Ni to enter it, even though he knew no one would dare to harm her. "I'm just acting, not really looking to play in the entertainment industry." Song Jing snorted. Lu Fang was a smiling tiger, and his sister was simply too naive and lacked shrewdness. "You're acting in a major production that Director Li has been preparing for years, and you think you can easily withdraw? Lu Fang is a businessman, Nini. Just this one role will entangle you in many things." He didn't know what method Lu Fang used to get Song Ni to agree to act, but one led to another, and Lu Fang was very calculating. He was afraid of repeated occurrences. Song Ni, however, didn't have so many concerns. "Brother, you're overthinking it." "Am I overthinking it, or are you underthinking it?" Song Ni rarely saw Song Jing so angry. She stepped forward and held his arm. "I owe Lu Fang a favor. Will something happen if I act? He'll protect me. Lu's Entertainment is one of the leading media companies. Besides, aren't you here too?" Song Jing glanced at Song Ni. Seeing this, she continued to exert herself, shaking Song Jing's arm. "The Song Corporation has always lacked a presence in the media sector. Why don't you take this opportunity to invest? With me involved, and collaborating with Lu Fang, it's a win-win situation, isn't it?" This finally made Song Jing soften. The Song Corporation indeed lacked a suitable opportunity to expand its media business. He looked at Song Ni in surprise. "You've learned a few things these past two years." Song Ni blinked. "I'm still your sister, after all." This flattering remark successfully made Song Jing relent. Song Jing was wrong. Besides Song Dad and Song Mom, there was him. They were all equally incapable of resisting Song Ni's coquetry. However, Song Jing still set a condition. "Just finish this one movie, don't get carried away. I'll assign you an assistant." "Lu Fang has arrangements." Song Jing gave her a cold glance. Song Ni immediately raised two fingers. "Alright, alright." After discussing this matter, Song Jing shifted the topic to Tan Zheng. "What is he doing in America?" Song Ni wrinkled her nose and pouted. "How should I know." Song Jing raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?" Song Ni fell silent. Song Jing didn't press further, but he did offer a piece of advice. "You'll be getting your marriage certificate in a while, and you'll be starting a family. There must be open communication between husband and wife; otherwise, something will eventually happen." Song Ni slumped into the beanbag chair and said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, we don't have any feelings for each other, so what could happen?" Song Jing smiled meaningfully. "If you don't have feelings, then cultivate them." He knew his sister. If the other party were too dull, this marriage wouldn't work. Since it was going to happen, it meant Tan Zheng suited Song Ni's taste, and having feelings was just a matter of time. (End of chapter)