"Madam, the master requests your presence."
Fang Miaomiao retrieved her script from her room, about to head to the swimming pool, when Steward Chen approached her with a smile.
"Dad is looking for me?"
"Yes," Steward Chen replied with a nod.
She followed Steward Chen to the study.
"Come in."
"Dad, you were looking for me?"
Wen Renhe beckoned her over. "Come, sit."
"Dad."
Wen Renhe poured Fang Miaomiao a cup of tea. "Have a taste?"
Though a question, his tone carried an unmistakable air of authority.
Fang Miaomiao took the teacup with both hands and took a sip.
It was bitter, more bitter than the tea they had on their first meeting.
Still, she swallowed it.
"Not bad," Wen Renhe finally showed a gratified smile. "Miaomiao, we haven't sat down and chatted quietly like this for a long time."
"Yes, I suppose so."
Wen Renhe feigned seriousness. "Why so nervous? Are you afraid I'll eat you?"
"Dad, what are you saying? It's my admiration for you that leaves me speechless."
Wen Renhe scoffed. "Admiration? What's there to admire about an old man like me?"
"You can't say that. Back then, you keenly grasped policies, kept pace with the times, and became a respected and envied entrepreneur of that era. Later, while expanding the hotel business, you didn't forget to help those in need. Isn't that something us juniors should admire and learn from?"
"Hahaha."
Wen Renhe laughed and shook his head. "Your words are even sweeter now than before."
"Not at all, these are my heartfelt words."
"Do you know why I asked you here today?"
Fang Miaomiao blinked. "No, I don't."
Wen Renhe looked at her unapologetic expression and almost burst out laughing. "You really don't even bother to lie."
Fang Miaomiao blinked again. "Under your sharp eyes, Father, lying is easily seen through. Besides, one shouldn't lie."
"You're an actress, you should know how to lie. The important thing is not to be discovered."
"Dad, you know me. My acting skills are terrible," Fang Miaomiao said with a placating smile.
"If that's the case, you still have the nerve to accept Chen Tianming's script?"
As his words fell, the air suddenly turned cold.
"Have you forgotten what you promised Zhiyan's mother?"
Fang Miaomiao: "......"
She, no, the original owner, had promised Old Mrs. Ran what?
Fortunately, Wen Renhe didn't give Fang Miaomiao much time to think and continued, "You said that if you didn't do well on the reality show, you would stay in the Wen family, raise your children, and be a good wife. Have you forgotten?"
"I think I'm doing quite well." Fang Miaomiao's voice trailed off as she cautiously looked at Wen Renhe and called out with a smile, "Dad."
Wen Renhe snorted. "What? Is a million yuan a month not enough for you?"
"Enough, enough," Fang Miaomiao nodded vigorously.
Ever since Wen Zhiyan learned she had been giving money to the Fang family, he had increased her allowance to two million yuan per month and explicitly told her not to send any more money to the Fang family.
Even the apartment worth several million that the Fang family had taken from the original owner long ago was forcefully retrieved by Wen Zhiyan.
Combined with Wen Zhiyan's occasional transfers and red envelopes, it was no exaggeration to say that she was quite wealthy now and could support herself perfectly well.
"Then why are you still taking on acting jobs?" Wen Renhe glared at her. "Taking jobs is one thing, but opening a studio too? Are you planning to stay in the entertainment industry long-term?"
"Ahem," Fang Miaomiao touched her nose. "It's just that, Dad, I think acting is quite good."
"Good? Who do you think made you an actor?" Wen Renhe slapped the table. "Actors are, to put it bluntly, mere performers. In the past, they couldn't even get on stage."
His daughter-in-law, on the other hand, was engaging in such a low-status profession.
What was so good about being a performer?
Wouldn't it be better to stay home, manage the household, and let Wen Zhiyan focus on earning money without any worries?
Fang Miaomiao lowered her head and remained silent.
Seeing her gaze, Wen Renhe thought the young girl was being moved to tears by his words and softened. "Miaomiao, you know that in our circle, the reputation of actors isn't very good. If you feel Wen Zhiyan isn't giving you enough money, I can ask him to add another million for you, how about that?"
"Dad," Fang Miaomiao forced a smile. "I, I'll discuss it with Zhiyan later, okay?"
"What's there to discuss?" Wen Renhe snorted.
"Of course, we need to discuss it. Don't couples need to communicate?" Fang Miaomiao's lips curved into a smile. "However, regarding Chen Tianming's script, I might not be able to breach the contract."
"Of course, it's not because of the liquidated damages."
"Then why?"
"Integrity," Fang Miaomiao explained. "My participation in this drama has already been officially announced. If I withdraw now, wouldn't it show a lack of integrity?"
Wen Renhe paused and gestured for her to continue.
"It wouldn't matter much if I lacked integrity, as there are many people in the world who do. However, I am now a member of the Wen family. Think about it, if someone with malicious intent were to exploit this, they could directly say that the Wen Group and its affiliated hotels lack credibility."
"Absurd! When have we ever lacked credibility?"
Fang Miaomiao immediately got up and poured Wen Renhe another cup of tea. "Dad, please calm down, calm down. You know better than anyone now how developed the internet is. It's too easy to ruin the reputation of a person or a company."
After gulping down several mouthfuls of tea, Wen Renhe placed his cup heavily on the table, still indignant. "I know. That family last time, their market value dropped by several hundred million just because of online public opinion."
"So, Dad, about Chen Tianming's drama?" Fang Miaomiao ventured tentatively.
"This drama by Chen Tianming, since you've accepted it, you should film it well. Remember, film it well, and don't disgrace our Wen family."
Fang Miaomiao nodded vigorously. "Dad, don't worry, I will act with all my heart and prove those who look down on me wrong."
"Good. Dad supports you."
"Thank you, Dad."
Wen Renhe waved his hand. "Alright, you've been in the study for quite some time. Go find An'an, or the little one will miss you."
"Okay, thank you, Dad. Please continue your work, but do take care of your health."
"I know."
After Fang Miaomiao left, Wen Renhe picked up his teacup again and felt something was amiss. Wait, hadn't he intended to ask Miaomiao to quit the entertainment industry just now? Why did it turn into him telling her to film well and not disgrace the Wen family?
Good heavens, this little girl actually knew how to trick him now.