Chapter 126 Song Ni Goes Out Late at Night
Besides Lu Fang suppressing things on the media side, someone from Su Jingxi’s end was also suppressing the photos. Young Master Su’s smooth entry into the entertainment industry was inseparable from his family’s influence.
Song Ni was unaware of this. She had just finished discussing with Director Jiang about filming her scenes more concentratedly. Director Jiang was also a straightforward person. Except for the lead actors’ schedules that couldn’t be adjusted, he would arrange everything else to be as tight as possible. However, this high-density wire work was tough on Song Ni.
After finishing the last scene at ten in the evening, Song Ni returned to the hotel, washed up, and then slipped out after taking a call. Sheng Jiang said he had already gotten a motorcycle.
Upon reaching the agreed meeting point, Sheng Jiang was leaning against his car door, dozing off. He immediately opened his eyes upon hearing the sound and straightened up, raising his hand. "Sister Ni, here!"
As Song Ni got out of the car, she saw a silver motorcycle next to it. Sheng Jiang’s spirits immediately lifted, and he introduced the model to Song Ni. He said a lot, but Song Ni only remembered one sentence: This bike was a luxury, a rare find even for professionals. And she, a complete novice, an outsider, was using this bike to practice. It was truly a waste of its potential.
Song Ni was not one to squander things. She could accept practicing on such a bike, but it wasn’t the only option. So, she asked, "Since you feel it’s a waste, why did you get this bike for me?"
Sheng Jiang immediately retorted, "Sister Ni, I don’t think it’s a waste at all! Brother Tan only ever fancies bikes of this caliber. If you want to use one, of course, you should use the best." Besides, a million dollars was a lot of money.
Song Ni’s eyebrows slightly rose, clearly satisfied with Sheng Jiang’s explanation. Not for any other reason, but his words implied he equated her with Tan Zheng.
"Oh, right, Sister." Sheng Jiang pulled out a card and handed it over. "This is the remaining money."
Song Ni glanced at it but didn't take it. "Keep it."
Sheng Jiang’s outstretched hand trembled. The money in there was more than enough to buy another car. "Sister Ni, I wouldn't dare accept this."
Song Ni had already swung her leg over the motorcycle and sat on it, imitating Tan Zheng’s riding posture, leaning forward with her waist lowered. Unlike sitting upright, this posture, combined with the lowered field of vision, gave a sense of uncontrollability. It required considerable courage to continue learning, and luckily, courage was precisely what Song Ni had in abundance.
Song Ni stood up, straddled the bike with her long legs, and sat sideways. "Take what Sister gives you and don’t worry about it. Consider it tuition."
Sheng Jiang: ...Such high tuition fees were probably the highest in the industry.
Sheng Jiang also knew Song Ni’s personality and put the card back. He wouldn't touch this money.
"Right, Sister Ni, why did you come alone?" Sheng Jiang furrowed his brow. It was already close to midnight. Not only was it dangerous for a girl to go out alone, but Song Ni now had an additional identity.
"I don’t want anyone else to know about this."
Sheng Jiang scratched his head. "Then how did you shake off the bodyguards Tan Ge arranged for you?"
Ever since that night in the club lobby when Song Ni got into a scuffle with a group of bodyguards while saving someone, Tan Zheng had instructed Zhou Jin to assign a team of bodyguards to Song Ni. Song Ni had initially vehemently refused, as she had always hated bodyguards since childhood, and the Song family had indulged her. But Tan Zheng insisted, even issuing a stern warning: "Either let the bodyguards follow you, or I'll tie you up and take you back." Song Ni was thus 'threatened.'
Having bodyguards had its pros and cons for Song Ni. The good part was that if she encountered situations requiring a fight, she could be lazy and let the bodyguards handle it, saving her from having to get involved. The bad part was that, like now, to learn to ride a motorcycle, she had to ditch those people. After all, for the time being, she didn't want Tan Zheng to know.
Song Ni didn’t want to explain. Sneaking out in a change of inconspicuous clothes and wearing a hat was not something to brag about. "Don’t worry about that. When does the training start?"
"I can do it every day at this time, Sister Ni. The venue I found is just ahead. Shall I take you to see it?"
Song Ni agreed, adjusted the brim of her hat, and followed Sheng Jiang.
By the time she returned to the hotel, it was past twelve. Chi Xia was pacing anxiously outside Song Ni's door like an ant on a hot pan, walking back and forth dozens of times. She had only gone back to her own room to wash up, and suddenly Song Ni had vanished. Knocking yielded no response, and even calling her phone went unanswered.
"Sister Chang, what should we do?" Chang Zi was also unsure. After much thought, she could only assume Song Ni had a craving for the skewers from the nearby food street again. After all, when Tan Zheng was around a few days ago, Song Ni had been so well-behaved that she hadn't touched any. However, buying skewers was not something she needed to do personally.
Zhang Jin, in comparison, was much calmer. He had been by Song Jing’s side for almost four years, transitioning from a junior assistant to chief assistant. He had handled many matters concerning Song Ni, not to mention buying houses and cars. He had also taken care of many of Song Ni’s personal and academic affairs. Therefore, he was somewhat aware of Song Ni’s personality. "Don't worry, Miss will be back soon."
Just as he finished speaking, the elevator dinged. Song Ni emerged from the elevator, a skewer in her mouth and a bucket of skewers in her hand. Chang Zi and Chi Xia simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. Only Zhang Jin frowned when he saw Song Ni’s attire, a hint of suspicion in his mind. Did one need to wear a black hoodie and cargo pants, even motor boots, just to go downstairs to a street to buy skewers?
Song Ni looked at them curiously. "What are you three doing at my door?"
Chi Xia looked at the bucket of skewers in Song Ni's hand and hesitated, but her earlier concern was genuine. Finally, she mumbled, "Sister Nini, if you want skewers, just tell me, and I'll buy them for you."
Song Ni then looked at Chang Zi, who adjusted her non-prescription black-rimmed glasses. "You should be more discreet at night."
Song Ni's eyebrows shot up. She handed the bucket of skewers to Chi Xia. "Xia Xia, I bought this for you. You’re too thin, eat more."
"Ah?"
Seeing Zhang Jin about to speak, Song Ni waved Chi Xia and Chang Zi away. "Go ahead, what do you want to ask?"
"Miss, you weren't just going to buy skewers, were you?" The timing didn't quite add up.
Song Ni smiled at Zhang Jin. "You want to know where I went?"
Zhang Jin nodded.
"It's a secret."
Zhang Jin: ...
"My brother is busy with work, don't let him worry about my affairs."
Zhang Jin: ...
"Do you understand?"
"Miss, your safety..."
Song Ni waved her hand. "I'm not a three-year-old. Besides, don't you know my karate skills? Alright, it's getting late. Go back and rest, and remember what I said." With that, Song Ni returned to her room and closed the door unceremoniously, leaving Zhang Jin alone outside, conflicted.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Tan Zheng had just finished a gathering and returned to his apartment in Linjiang. After showering, he discovered the photos Lu Fang had sent. The man's expression instantly darkened, and he made a phone call.
(End of this chapter)