Chapter 241 Attending the Banquet

Song Ni and Tan Zheng's shopping trip caused a minor stir online. By 10 PM, as they returned to Lanting, Song Ni received a call from Chang Zi. It turned out that "Jun Qi" was scheduled to premiere in the summer of the following year. "Logically, shouldn't promotions start a month before the release? Sister Chang, why are you calling me now?" Chang Zi had no expectation that the esteemed Miss Song would spare time for promotional activities with the crew. "There's a gala in a few days, and the organizers sent an invitation, even calling me personally to sincerely invite you." Song Ni had never been interested in galas. "I'm not going." Chang Zi had anticipated this reaction from Song Ni. "This gala is for charity, primarily to help those from impoverished families who are critically ill and require medical expenses. Many celebrities will attend, including Su Jingxi, Lu Haoting, and Li Qiao, whom you like, will also be performing." Song Ni paused. "What kind of gala is this?" "Just a charity gala. Inviting celebrities is merely to raise awareness. You don't need to do anything; just eat, drink, and watch the performances." Song Ni chuckled. "If I don't need to do anything, then why should I go? Sister Chang, that's not a convincing reason." Chang Zi:....... "You'll meet many people at the gala, including Director Jiang." "So, Sister Chang, you haven't given up on persuading me to develop a career in the entertainment industry." ".....Yes." "Sister Chang, I'm going to the UK in the spring." "What are you going to the UK for?" "To study." "......." Just as Chang Zi was feeling disheartened and thought she would end up with nothing and was about to hang up, Song Ni suddenly spoke, "However, I can attend the gala." This charity gala, if she recalled correctly, Tan Zheng had also received an invitation. ...... Three days later, in a top hotel ballroom in Star City, Song Ni and Qin Yang alighted from the car. Tan Zheng had been on a business trip for the past few days. Su Qing mentioned he was returning tonight, and if time permitted, he might come over. Celebrities entering had to walk the red carpet, but others did not. Song Ni, disliking the attention of the media, followed Qin Yang through the exclusive entrance. "I say, Ni Ni, if you dislike the media so much, why did you agree to let Lu Fang film that movie back then?" Song Ni smiled, recalling the initial deal she made with Lu Fang. "Bewitched by his looks." "Ah? You were bewitched by Lu Fang's looks, Ni Ni? How dare you say that! There are many people around, and you're not afraid someone will overhear and tell Tan God." Song Ni:....... "I think you've been playing flirtatious games with Cheng Ling a bit too intensely lately and lost your mind." Qin Yang:...... "Then what do you mean?" "What else could I mean? Because of Tan Zheng." Qin Yang tapped her forehead. That's right, how could she forget? Ni Ni had specifically gone to his brother when she was investigating the events of five years ago, and at that time, she had mentioned looking for Tan God's brother. "However, regarding Cheng Ling and me... it's not exactly flirting now, is it?" Hearing this, Song Ni glanced at her. "Mmm, it's not flirting, just a game between adults." As they spoke, the two had already entered the venue. As soon as they walked in, a business partner approached Qin Yang. "Ni Ni, you stay here for a bit, I'll come find you later." Qin Yang knew Song Ni disliked such events and was annoyed by people constantly bothering her, so she usually helped shield her. "Don't worry, I'll go find Lu Haoting to hang out." Qin Yang then walked away. However, Song Ni didn't go to find Lu Haoting; instead, she chose a seat relatively close to the performance stage. She was wearing a simple champagne-colored gown today, with an orchid pink shawl, and her hair was tied in a neat low ponytail. Among the most understated ensembles at this gala, her fair skin and outstanding demeanor made her the most eye-catching presence. As a celebrity, Song Ni was a newcomer. As a figure in the business world, Song Ni was an unfamiliar face. Several people, upon seeing Song Ni, couldn't help but ask the person next to them, "Who brought that lady?" In their opinion, someone dressed so simply was likely an unknown individual. "I don't know." "Let's go take a look." Just as the two were about to put down their wine glasses and walk towards Song Ni, they were called out. "Mr. Zhang." The man addressed as Mr. Zhang stopped, his eyes lighting up when he saw the newcomer. "Oh, Actress Bai, it's been a long time since I've seen you." The newcomer was none other than Bai Xiyuan. After the joint suppression by Song, Tan, and Lu families, Bai Xiyuan had virtually disappeared from the entertainment industry, but few knew the reason behind it. This Mr. Zhang had once pursued Bai Xiyuan intensely. At that time, Bai Xiyuan had just returned to the Bai family and had the confidence to reject his advances. A fleeting look of disgust flashed in Bai Xiyuan's eyes, but a proper smile graced her lips. "I was ill a while ago, so I haven't been out." Although she said this, having been in the business world for so many years, Bai Xiyuan's endorsements vanishing overnight clearly indicated she had offended someone. Mr. Zhang, though fond of Bai Xiyuan, was weighing his options. "You were sick? No wonder you look so much thinner." Seeing the hesitation in the man's eyes, Bai Xiyuan felt even more disgusted. "Mr. Zhang, it's been a while. Shall we have a drink together?" Mr. Zhang had genuinely liked Bai Xiyuan, and she was indeed beautiful. When Mr. Zhang had pursued her before, Bai Xiyuan had never given him a second glance. Now, Bai Xiyuan's initiative genuinely piqued his interest. The person next to him advised, "Then Mr. Zhang, you should accompany Actress Bai for a drink." Mr. Zhang nodded, reaching out to put his arm around Bai Xiyuan's waist and leading her aside. However, before leaving, he cast a lingering glance towards Song Ni. Bai Xiyuan noticed his gaze and followed it. Upon seeing Song Ni, her brow furrowed. It made sense that Song Ni could enter such a gala, but what struck her as odd was that she was alone. "Xiyuan, I've missed seeing you these past few days." As he spoke, Mr. Zhang's hand began to roam Bai Xiyuan's waist. Bai Xiyuan subtly shifted her body. "Mr. Zhang." Bai Xiyuan smiled and offered her wine glass. "I wasn't planning to come today, but a distant cousin wanted to see the world, so I brought her along to take a look." Mr. Zhang, though somewhat tipsy, now understood that Bai Xiyuan's sudden remark had another meaning. "Xiyuan's cousin is?" Bai Xiyuan smiled and clinked her wine glass against Mr. Zhang's. "Didn't you see her just now?" "I saw her?" Mr. Zhang frowned, thinking for a moment. A figure surfaced in his mind, and his eyes lit up.