Once more, the audience at the scene was shocked by Chang Zhiyuan's remarks over the phone — too adorable!
In a private dining room nearby, a group of people were laughing, among them Shen Yin. She too wanted to laugh, but the thought of Shu Yi over there, surely feeling helpless made her refrain.
Initially, Chang Zhiyuan was passionately in conversation, and Jing Rui failed to snatch the mobile away. However, he now seemed calmer, thus it should make it possible to hang up the call.
"Yunzheng, could you ask your godfather to hang up?” Shen Yin whispered into Xu Yunzheng's ear.
Xu Yunzheng nodded.
"Godfather, let's dine, you'll run out of battery if you continue on the phone.”
His childish voice melted the hearts of the audience once heard again.
Many of Shu Yi’s die-hard fans understood that the kid on the other end of the call was the baby who acted in the drama with Shu Yi before, they were surprised to know that he call Chang Zhiyuan godfather too.
Chang Zhiyuan noted his phone’s remaining battery was at 13%, he blurted out in a tipsy tone: "I really am out of power.”
Shu Yi sighed in relief as Chang Zhiyuan finally disconnected the call.
“Just now, the phone call Shu Yi received, was probably from someone very important, right?” The host asked with a smile.
Shu Yi replied with an awkward smile, as she had an idea of what’s about to happen. Questions from the guests, hosts, and the audience along with the trending Weibo queries, although the show was being recorded, it was also happening live on Weibo. If her guess wasn’t wrong, the whole exchange earlier had been streamed live. For the first time, the show was attracting viewership via all these dramas.
"Yes, he's a very good, dear friend.”
"But then have you ever considered being together, after all, the drama 'I Just Want to Be With You' is too sweet.” The host asked.
'I Just Want to Be With You’ was a drama that had made it big without much publicity. Shu Yi and Chang Zhiyuan didn’t try to sensationalize anything either. The success was purely based on the quality of the drama and viewers' reviews.
Because of their low profile, viewers bought in more.
"Not at the moment, he was possibly too intoxicated, too deep into the character.”
Shu Yi almost laughed at her own explanation. The dialogue between them just then was too telling, how can they merely be 'good friends'? How can he speak so much and appear so aggrieved when drunk?
She felt like she was made the primary instigator, she knew she had to be careful with her words next or else she might become a total internet sensation.
“What are your plans in your career and personal life, Shu Yi?” The host moved on to the next question.
"I have not given thought to romance yet, I am 25 this year, isn’t it too early,” Shu Yi quipped, a touch of satire in her voice. The entertainment industry was full of examples of female celebrities not getting married by the age of 30, her being 25 was indeed early.
"So you mean to focus on your career?” The host prompted.
"Yes, I hope to win an award before I turn 30.”
Fortunately, the guests and the host have high emotional quotient, and didn't dwell on Shu Yi's issue. After all, they are insiders of the industry and they know the rules well.
After the show ended, Shu Yi, exhausted, exited the TV station. Outside, a crowd of fans were eagerly waiting for her. Yan Yan, following beside her, had seen the trending news online and wasn't sure what Shu Yi was currently thinking.
"Our beloved, we want autographs!" some female fans shouted.
Handing over papers, Shu Yi took out a pen and started signing.
"We won't pry into your private life, as long as you take care of your work," they said.
Shu Yi responded to each one of them. By 11 pm, she arrived at the hotel.
She thought she would fall asleep immediately, given how exhausted she was, but to her surprise, found herself wide awake. She was distressed, turning and tossing in bed. The man seemed to have the knack to tug at her heartstrings, keeping her awake, causing restless nights until dawn.
The next morning, a hot search topic on Weibo, "Famous Actress's Mysterious Phone Call," ranked first.
Upon clicking into it, she found the whole thread filled with fans who shipped her and Chang Zhiyuan.
"It's the first time I see someone being pressured to marry in real life."
"Is she the first actress who's being urged to marry?
"Their conversations are hilarious. So, my goddess is called Shu Yueru."
"The one above, you're not allowed to call her that. The boss said, only he can call her Shu Yueru. The rest of you cannot."
Shu Yi gazed at the comments online and chuckled. If Chang Zhiyuan was not this rich, if his family did not object, they probably would be happy together.
Regardless of their comments, neither Shu Yi nor Chang Zhiyuan responded. Chang Zhiyuan, recalling his words that night while browsing the live stream videos and netizens' comments, regretted his actions. He wished he could smack himself. He had been very disciplined and had not disturbed Shu Yi, but he hadn't anticipated that he would place Shu Yi in such an awkward situation after getting drunk.
As days passed, the issue finally calmed down, however, it didn't affect the fans who supported them as a couple. No response meant they were guilty, and guilt suggested they had feelings for each other.
The reason behind Xu Xiuhe's car accident still remained a mystery. The driver suggested it was due to an illness that he had no control over, leaving no further explanation.
Xu Xiuhe visited Xu Guimin in the hospital. With Xu Guimin insisting on being discharged, Xu Xiuhe didn't stop him and allowed him to leave.
Ever since Heyuan Group signed the contract with the foreign group, Ruida Group, the company had been doing well continuously, making profits.
Encouraged by Xu Xiuhe, Xiao Li'er and Liu Bo's wedding was successfully held in March.
As Xu Xiuhe said, he took care of the entire process. Shen Yin also arrived at the scene on the day, and this could be counted as her witness to another wedding.
At this time, Liu Bo and Xiao Li'er had developed feelings for each other. At the wedding, when the emcee mentioned about the groom kissing the bride, they were initially shy but then, they kissed for a long time, only to be interrupted by the emcee at last.
When the two were kissing, Shen Yin suddenly covered her son's eyes. Her little boy expressed great dissatisfaction and tried hard to open Shen Yin's hand from his eyes.
"Mom, I can't see, and I'm unhappy," said the little guy.
Shen Yin placed her hands down this time, but when the little guy opened his eyes, the wedding had already moved on to the next session.
Xu Xiuhe specifically approved the couple to go on their honeymoon. Taking the opportunity of a sunny spring day, they could relax their minds.
After Liu Bo left, Xu Xiuhe became even busier. Shen Yin didn't get to idle around either. She continued drawing a design sketch of traditional Chinese furniture and sent it to Kang Guopeng.
Meanwhile, the Yunyin Clothing Workshop was in steady operation.
Chen Siming somehow heard about Shen Yin's delicious cooking and specifically ran over to learn from her, saying he was willing to pay tuition fees.
"I heard you plan to expand your private kitchen business again?" He asked.
"Yes, sometimes business is not good, that's why I came to ask for your advice."
"I think in the catering business, especially in the private kitchen, not only is the quality of the dishes important, but the environment also matters," said Shen Yin.
"You're right, this has indeed given me a new perspective," said Chen Siming.
"The catering industry is quite crowded nowadays, if you want to stand out and attract customers, your restaurant must be unique. Only when you're different can you stand out from the rest,"
"But how can we set ourselves apart? Should I get my place redesigned to become a trendy restaurant?"
"That's one way to go about it, but there are many kinds of trending restaurants, you need to have a clear direction in which you want yours to go,"
Shen Yin's question stumped Chen Siming. He had always wanted to make his restaurant trendy, but he hadn't considered that even trendy restaurants could have different styles.
"Modern, or elegant?" asked Chen Siming.
"That works, but I think it might be interesting to lean towards the cultural side. Some people fill their restaurant with books to create an elegant environment. The aim is not necessarily for food but for the place to have a cultural feel."
"So, your suggestion is that I should steer towards a cultural theme for dining?"
"You can think about it. Our country has a profound historical culture, and this can be used. For example, the interior can be decorated to give an ancient feel, similar to ancient taverns. Nowadays many people are beginning to appreciate our culture, they wear Hanfu, recite poems, and listen to songs. As life's material level improves, we start seeking cultural nourishment. So, showing uniqueness from poetry, lyrics, and music would be a good starting point."
"Have you ever been in the catering business? You seem to know a lot about it," asked Chen Siming.
"It's not so much about familiarity, but rather a sense of deficiency in this area. Our own culture often ends up being plagiarized, and even our own people are unclear about it. So I believe that while we need to do business, we also need to promote our culture."
"Sister-in-law, do you have any thoughts on this? Would you like to invest with your technology? Of course, I know you don't lack funds but..."
Chen Siming didn't finish his sentence. What he really wanted to say was that nobody ever thinks they have too much money and what's more, having a successful business really gives a sense of achievement.
"What do you mean?"
"My idea is for you to guide our restaurant operations and then you can share in the profits."
Shen Yin: Is there such a good deal? To her, wouldn't this be just like replicating the restaurant that she previously had in Da Sheng, and then transforming it a bit?
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, do I look like I'm joking?"
"Well then, I have a demand."
"Go ahead."
"Everything, including the decor, atmosphere, cuisine, and even culture, must be in line with my requests."
On hearing this, Chen Siming could hardly contain his joy - this would save him a lot of trouble.
"Absolutely, about the profit sharing, I'll discuss this with Brother Xu."
After Chen Siming left, Shen Yin started reminiscing about the structure, decor and atmosphere in her old restaurant, Da Sheng.
"Mom, Zheng Zheng is hungry."
Shen Yin went into the kitchen to prepare lunch for the little one, and also had a bit herself.
After lunch, when the little one took a nap, Shen Yin would usually sleep a bit too. However, after what Chen Siming had said, she was brimming with ideas. Overcoming her lethargy, she ran to the study, grabbed a paper and pen, and started drawing a renovation plan.
Shu Yi suddenly called Shen Yin, mentioning that the guest star for this season of the variety show was Chang Zhiyuan.
Shen Yin: What!? It's only been a few days since the last trending incident, and now it's happening all over again?
"You mean, both of you are gonna be on the same show?"
"Exactly, I have no idea why he agreed to it. Being a media company president and appearing on a variety show?"
"I mean, what's he thinking? I bet he wouldn't even know the name of the show if you weren't on it."
Shu Yi didn't say anything, it was true.
Chang Zhiyuan had been feeling guilty ever since the drunken phone call incident. He wanted to apologize but the thought of Shu Yi not answering his call, or perhaps even being annoyed with him, made him hold back.
However, the director of this variety show was bold and directly asked him through a mutual acquaintance if he would like to appear on an episode. The show was primarily for relaxation and entertainment, and was shot at a resort.
Chang Zhiyuan didn't pay much attention to the type of variety show it was, all he knew was that Shu Yi would be there and he would have a chance to see her. Without a second thought, he immediately agreed, delighting the director beyond measure.
Do you understand the significance of Chang Zhiyuan's appearance? During the first season of the variety show, a single call from him had pushed the viewership rating of the show "Let's Depart Together" straight to the top.
If Chang Zhiyuan could be invited again, this show could be called the pinnacle of the variety show industry. After all, who wouldn't want to watch the daily interaction between this popular pair? Most importantly, Chang Zhiyuan also happens to be the CEO of Shu Yi.
Ever since Chang Zhiyuan found out he was joining the show, he has been exercising every single day and even binge-watched previous episodes of the variety show.
The show "Let's Start Together" is exactly like what the director of the program said: it's all about casual entertainment, raising chickens and ducks, and playing games.
In it, Shu Yi is simply the star. Not only is she beautiful, but even the chickens and ducks listen to her. Without her, the other guests wouldn't even have food to eat.
Who gets to boss Shu Yi around, especially since she has basic cooking skills. Who wouldn't be thrilled to see the goddess cooking?
Shu Yi found out the night before the recording that Chang Zhiyuan was going to be the guest. By then, she was already at the holiday village, full of CCTV cameras. It wasn't until she returned to her room at night that she called Shen Yin to share the news.
"Shen Yin, what should I do?"
"Face it calmly? Or avoid it subtly?" Shen Yin asked.
"You might as well tell me to play it by ear."
"Exactly, play it by ear. The program group will also stir things up and make it entertaining, right?"
"Is entertainment worth the price of my freedom? And what about Chang Zhiyuan? He doesn't think to do his CEO job properly, instead, he's vying for food with the other guests."
"What's done is done, face it calmly," Shen Yin comforted.
Shu Yi responded with a simple "Hmm," suffering from insomnia once more.
