Chapter 54 - Reminiscing
Yang Li quietly wiped away the tears in her eyes before she replied with a smile on her face, “It’s nothing but an empty title. I’ve been having a hard time managing the artistes under me.”
Song Ning stirred her coffee as she said, “After I left, I seldom pay attention to the entertainment industry. I’ve only heard about ‘Little Ning Xia’ recently. I was wondering why someone would debut with such a nickname. However, I finally figured it out when I discovered you’re her manager.”
Upon hearing this, Yang Li hurriedly explained, “Ning Xia, it wasn’t me who gave her that nickname. It was the company’s decision. We didn’t expect her to be so well-received. Moreover, a relatively large number of her fans are your fans as well.”
Then, Yang Li looked at Mu Chen and straightened her back before she continued to say, “Little Ning Xia is from a wealthy family so her journey in the entertainment industry is rather smooth. However, Ning Xia, appearance can be deceiving. She doesn’t have the talent to be a great actress. At best, she’s just a popular celebrity.”
Yang Li paused for a moment to look at Mu Chen and Cheng Che’s expressions. She sighed in relief inwardly when she saw that both men’s expressions remained unchanged. Following that, she returned her gaze to Song Ning and continued to say frankly, “The company executives even said that we might be able to kill two birds with one stone if you find out about this matter…”
Song Ning’s smile did not falter as she asked, “What do they want? Are they hoping I would speak out about this matter and create free publicity for them? Do they plan to use me to make Little Ning Xia more popular or do they hope to force me into making a comeback? Or perhaps, they’re hoping to achieve both?”
Yang Li nodded; Song Ning had hit the nail on the head.
Song Ning stopped stirring her coffee and explained, “I’ll be graduating with a Ph.D. next year. My teacher, Li Sen, is one of the nation’s nest doctors. He thinks I’m talented and will be a good doctor in the future. In the past, Director Pan thought I was talented as well and helped guide me. However, I still feel that profession isn’t suitable for me. If it weren’t for Ms. Liang Zhen’s amazing script and Director Pan’s guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to play that role so well. What I’m trying to say is I’m more suited to be a doctor. In the words of grandfather, ‘One might not be able to save the entire world, but every life saved still counts.’”
Yang Li shook her head. “Ning Xia, for so many years, I still haven’t met an actress as talented as you. At that time, you acted as though you were born for that role! I often use you as an example to my artistes, but alas, only a few of them listen to me. Everyone else is too impatient and reckless.”
Song Ning patted Yang Li’s hand. “Take it slow. I’m sure you’ll meet the right person sooner or later. Moreover, I’m certain I’m not the only good actress around.”
Meanwhile, Pan Hao, who had calmed down, looked at Mu Chen before he pointed at Mu Chen and Song Ning and said, “Both of you are…”
Mu Chen and Song Ning exchanged a look and a smile before Mu Chen said, “I’ve known Song Ning for half a month now.”
Pan Hao said, surprised, “However, I heard Ye Xin said both of you are married, right?”
Mu Chen touched his nose and nodded. “Yes, we’re married! We got married first before falling in love.”
Pan Hao looked at Yang Li as he said, “Am I getting old? I feel like I can’t keep up with the youngsters anymore…”
Song Ning smiled. “Director Pan, I only found out later that he’s Ms. Liang Zhen’s son. He had also just recently found out that I acted in his mother’s movie. Everything was a coincidence.”
Pan Hao was stunned when he heard Song Ning’s words. Then, he slapped his tight lightly as he exclaimed, “Then, this must be fate!”
Pan Hao joined his palms together and bowed as he continued to say, “Liang Zhen must be watching over you in heaven and arranged for both of you to meet. This is really fate! Back then, Mu Chen was abroad so he hardly visited the movie set. After so many years have passed, who knew both of you would meet. If this isn’t fate, then what is it?”
Pan Hao said emotionally, “Back then, if it wasn’t for Young Master Mu, our movie wouldn’t have seen the light of day. When our funding was cut off, it was Young Master Mu who offered to continue funding the movie so we could continue. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we owe him for Yi Yao’s success.”
Song Ning glanced at Mu Chen. He had not told her about this matter.
Mu Chen said in a soft voice, “I was only helping my mother. That book is a culmination of her blood, sweat, and tears. It’s my responsibility to make sure her efforts bear fruits.”
Cheng Che who was sitting in stunned silence as he listened to the conversation between these people finally regained his senses. He grabbed Mu Chen’s arm and asked. “Can you please explain to me who these people are?”
Cheng Che knew Mu Chen would not refuse him since Mu Chen’s expression did not darken.
Cheng Che pointed at Pan Hao first so Mu Chen said, “He’s the director of Yi Yao.”
Following that, after Cheng Che pointed at Song Ning, Mu Chen explained, “This is Song Ning, no, Ning Xia… She’s my wife. She was the lead actress for Yi Yao.”
Cheng Che was further shocked.
The others nodded.
Finally, Cheng Che pointed at Yang Li and asked, “What about you?”
Yang Li hurriedly replied, “I was a staff member working under Ms. Liang Zhen back then.”
Cheng Che looked at everyone as he pointed to Mu Chen and said, “He is Ms. Liang Zhen’s son!”
Mu Chen cocked an eyebrow as he looked at Cheng Che in disdain. Why was Cheng Che stating the obvious?
“What kind of fate is this? What power brought all of you, who were scattered in different places, together again? I have to check if there are any abnormal phenomena recently. This is too coincidental!”