Chapter 162 Hm, Who Are You?
Song Ni knew she wouldn't get any information about Bai Xiyuan from Tan Zheng. However, she was curious about what kind of story could make Bai Xiyuan come to him, disregarding her pride. After all, Tan Zheng always came to the set as her husband, and she had never concealed the fact that she was married. Wasn't Bai Xiyuan afraid of being labeled a homewrecker by coming like this? Thinking this, Song Ni stopped in front of Bai Xiyuan and greeted her proactively. Tan Zheng naturally followed by Song Ni's side. In just a moment, Bai Xiyuan had composed herself. A dignified smile on her face, she glanced casually at Tan Zheng before averting her gaze. Director Jiang indeed admired Bai Xiyuan and was willing to offer her a way out. "Xiyuan wanted to chat with me, and I didn't expect to see an old acquaintance," Director Jiang said. Song Ni's eyes flickered. An old acquaintance? An old acquaintance whom one doesn't even recognize by face? It was thanks to Director Jiang's remark that Song Ni realized she hadn't introduced Tan Zheng to Director Jiang during his two visits. Looking at Director Jiang's appraisal of Tan Zheng, Song Ni knew what he meant. "Director Jiang, this is my husband, Tan Zheng," Song Ni said, pinching Tan Zheng's waist to signal him to stop sulking. Tan Zheng: ... The man subtly pulled Song Ni's hand away and clasped it. "Hello, Director Jiang." "Hello. I've been busy filming lately and didn't realize when I missed the opportunity to meet President Tan." Director Jiang was also astute. He had paid attention whenever Zhou Jin and Chang Zi chatted with Tan Zheng. Moreover, given President Lu's attitude towards Tan Zheng, he was likely no ordinary person. Tan Zheng smiled faintly and nodded slightly. "Once the Nancheng Film City is built, we'll need Director Jiang's favor." Director Jiang was startled. The Nancheng Film City project was being watched by everyone in the industry. Besides Lu's company, the other major investor was Tan's corporation. Tan's corporation, Tan Zheng. "..." No wonder President Lu treated Tan Zheng so well. Director Jiang quickly extended his hand. "President Tan, you jest. Nancheng Film City is such a good project that everyone in the industry is paying attention to it, wondering who will have the honor of being the first to film there." Tan Zheng shook his hand lightly. He wasn't one for unnecessary small talk, even in business. He was still thinking about Song Ni's stunt later, and if he couldn't be angry with Song Ni, he could only be angry with Lu Fang, and incidentally, Director Jiang. Director Jiang was sharp-eyed and understood that Tan Zheng was only here because of Song Ni, so he didn't say much more. He glanced at Song Ni and sighed in his heart. Previously, he had thought Song Ni knew Lu Fang and that Lu Fang was her biggest backer. He never expected she had an even bigger one. Of course, if Director Jiang knew at this moment that Song Ni was the pampered eldest daughter of the Song family, he would be even more astonished. The disparity between people was so obvious. Not only was her background good, but her husband's family was also powerful, and even her friends were no weaklings. Bai Xiyuan, who had been standing by the side, waited patiently for the two to finish their conversation before speaking. "Long time no see, Tan Zheng." Song Ni's eyes moved, and she looked deeply at Bai Xiyuan's faint, appropriate smile. Then her gaze dropped to Bai Xiyuan's tightly clenched handbag. She wasn't as calm as she appeared. Tan Zheng merely glanced at Bai Xiyuan and then looked away. He didn't give her any face. "Hm, who are you?" The smile on Bai Xiyuan's face froze. Song Ni lowered her head, wanting to laugh but suppressing it. However, she knew Tan Zheng too well. Even without looking at his face, she knew his expression. He must have been frowning impatiently, his gaze indifferent, even dismissive, perhaps even slightly displeased with Bai Xiyuan because he was worried Song Ni might be angry. Director Jiang was stunned and furrowed his brow, looking at Bai Xiyuan with confusion. "Xiyuan said she and President Tan were high school classmates." Upon hearing this, Tan Zheng glanced at Bai Xiyuan again, then replied in a cold tone. Director Jiang understood this attitude perfectly. President Tan didn't remember Bai Xiyuan at all; "old acquaintance" was just Bai Xiyuan's own claim. Song Ni felt like laughing even more upon hearing this, her shoulders trembling slightly as she struggled to contain herself. Tan Zheng truly didn't mince words. The smile on Bai Xiyuan's face began to falter. Her eyes held deep sorrow, but she lowered her gaze, trying to suppress it. "You were a prominent figure in our class, and I... I was just a bookworm back then... It's normal that you don't remember me." Tan Zheng clearly had no interest in Bai Xiyuan's reminiscence. After realizing Tan Zheng didn't even know who she was, her heart was already filled with bitterness. Yes, how could someone like Tan Zheng remember her? Yet, she was unwilling, so unwilling. The person she had silently followed for so many years hadn't even left a name in his heart. She truly couldn't accept it. Bai Xiyuan's fingernails had already drawn blood from her palm. She managed a difficult smile. "The school's centennial anniversary is coming up soon, and I received an invitation. It made me recall my high school days, and I felt a bit emotional. I came to see Director Jiang today, and suddenly seeing you, I got a little excited." Tan Zheng nodded casually. Just then, a crew member arrived, and all the props were ready, waiting only for Song Ni. Song Ni acted very gracefully. "Then I'll go get ready. You guys chat." Before leaving, she glanced at Tan Zheng with a teasing smile. It seemed to say, "Hurry up and deal with your messy romantic entanglement." Song Ni truly believed in first impressions. The first time she saw Bai Xiyuan, she felt they were bound to be at odds. Now that she knew Bai Xiyuan had her sights set on Tan Zheng, she felt even more annoyed. Ha, she came to see Director Jiang, and just happened to see Tan Zheng? How could she possibly believe that? Tan Zheng had cleared his schedule for the day to accompany Song Ni. Naturally, he followed when she left. Bai Xiyuan's hands hung by her sides, her fists clenched tightly. She saw Tan Zheng stride forward and stand beside Song Ni. She saw Tan Zheng reach out to hug Song Ni's waist, only for Song Ni to swat his hand away, yet he still held her close. She saw Song Ni seemingly angry, throwing a small tantrum in front of Tan Zheng, but the defiant youth from her memory let Song Ni vent her frustration. Even from this distance, she could feel his doting affection for Song Ni. Bai Xiyuan didn't know what she was clinging to. During her most difficult years, Tan Zheng had descended into her world like a light. She had worked so hard, striving to become an actress, to claw her way up in the industry, and to gain the approval of the Bai family. She was still on that path, not yet having presented her best self to Tan Zheng again, only to discover that she had missed her chance long ago. She couldn't understand why someone like Tan Zheng would agree to an arranged marriage. Even when Bai Yunji showed interest in dating Tan Zheng, she hadn't panicked. Because she was sure Tan Zheng's personality wouldn't allow him to be dictated by his family. But he was married to Song Ni. Song Ni was just a young girl; why did she deserve Tan Zheng's affection? Bai Xiyuan found the sight of the two of them together too glaring. As for Song Ni, she was indeed throwing a small tantrum at Tan Zheng. "President Tan is quite charming. Your high school classmates still have feelings for you." "I don't remember her." Song Ni snorted proudly. "Bai Yunji, and Bai Xiyuan, why do you always attract women from the Bai family?" Hearing this, Tan Zheng frowned. "It's not me who's attracting them." Who knew what was going on with these two women? (End of Chapter)