MTL - 26

In the past, I was only focused on liking you and never seriously thought about many things.

Now that I think about it, Tang Yu, you’ve never tried to understand my world.

— The Diary of a Little Rich Girl

The contract has arrived?!

Tang Xin quickly sat up with her little pig-shaped pillow, smoothing her messy hair and revealing a pale, small face. She bit her lip, causing the dimple on her cheek to show faintly.

She sent a sunflower emoji: “Okay! I’ll check it right away!”

After replying, she immediately exited WeChat and opened her email, reading through it carefully with excitement and tension. Upon reaching certain sections, her eyes widened suddenly.

Lu Zhixing actually invited her to join the screenwriting team!

She excitedly rolled around on the bed several times, squealing loudly, startling Juanhua who had just jumped onto the bed. The frightened cat timidly jumped down again, its two fluffy paws clinging to the edge of the bed as it peeked out with its round eyes: Is this owner crazy?

After rolling around, Tang Xin’s bed was in disarray, and her little face was flushed. She didn’t care, beaming with joy as she sent the contract to her cousin, who is a lawyer, for review.

A few minutes later, she received a reply: There are no loopholes in the contract.

Not only was there no problem, but the offer was even increased. The screenwriting fee plus copyright fee amounted to 10 million yuan as written in Lu Zhixing’s contract.

If signed, she would become a millionaire!

Tang Xin mentally calculated how much money she’d have after taxes, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Most satisfying of all, her work was going to be made into a movie!

Lu Zhixing politely refrained from sending any more messages, seemingly giving her time to review the contract.

Sitting upright on the bed, Tang Xin solemnly replied: “I’ve read every word of the contract thoroughly, and there are no issues. Thank you, Director Lu, for your appreciation. After signing, I will work hard to repay your kindness.”

After sending the long message, she added a heart emoji.

At that moment, Lu Zhixing was sitting at his dining table, having just finished eating a sandwich. He leaned lazily against his chair, tapping the table absentmindedly while waiting for a reply.

He wasn’t in a hurry to collaborate with Tang Xin, but after encountering Tang Yu at the awards ceremony yesterday, he sensed something subtle. Fearing that something might go wrong or get snatched away, he revised the contract overnight and sent it early in the morning.

That’s how people are. Things seem more valuable when others are competing for them.

Especially someone like Tang Yu, whose judgment is so keen. Why not compete for such a good opportunity he deemed worthy?

Lu Zhixing always worked with a group of screenwriters, collaborating for years and understanding each other well. Initially, he hesitated about letting Tang Xin join the screenwriting team. However, he noticed her desire to join without voicing it.

Therefore, he specifically added a clause in the contract:

— She would also be credited as a screenwriter after the film’s release.

This clause was the most valuable to her.

His phone buzzed, and he immediately opened it to read. After finishing, he slightly raised an eyebrow; she really liked sending emojis. He directly sent a voice message: “Since there are no issues, let’s set a time to sign the contract in a couple of days?”

Her copyright expires on the 25th of this month, which is the day after tomorrow.

Once it expires, the rights to the book would be freely transferable.

Tang Xin replied: “Alright!”

Tang Xin lay on the bed and shared the good news in a group chat with three friends.

Little Rich Girl: “I’m preparing to collaborate with Dad Lu. He’s going to take me flying, 10 million yuan, sisters!”

She waited a long time without anyone responding.

Yufan probably just arrived at the studio and was busy. By the time Tang Xin finished washing up, her phone finally buzzed with a reply.

You Xiao Huan: “Rich girl, will you still come help me watch the store?”

Tang Xin warmed herself a cup of milk and chuckled when her phone rang, typing: “Go away! This is my life’s pleasure, how could I not come?”

You Xiao Huan: “After the contract is signed and the money arrives, remember to treat us. I want to party all day and night, preferably with a little white face attending to me all day.”

Tang Xin confidently replied: “No problem! I’ll get you three!”

After a long while, Ming Zhu, far away at the Gloria set, joined the chat.

Ming Princess: “@Little Rich Girl, choosing Lu Zhixing? Very wise.”

Little Rich Girl: “Hmm! Ignoring Tang Yu, the big pig head!”

After the excitement, Tang Xin felt a trace of loss. She had always looked forward to making movies with Tang Yu. Sitting on the sofa, looking at Juanhua, who had grown quite a bit, she rebelliously thought, she didn’t want to deal with Tang Yu anymore.

She loved him so much, yet they weren’t on the same wavelength.

He couldn’t see her...

She wondered if everyone felt like this after a breakup, emotions fluctuating rapidly. Happiness came quickly and went even faster.

Love made one act like a madman.

She sniffled, thinking.

To vent her emotions and divert her attention, she posted on her social media.

Little Rich Girl: Signing the contract in two days, yay.

The text was accompanied by a cute cartoon girl with starry eyes.

At night, before Tang Yu went to sleep, he stumbled upon this post. His heart felt a mixture of indescribable emotions, restless and uneasy.

Early the next morning, Tang Yu couldn’t resist asking Gao Heng: “Has Tang Xin not come to the company these past two days?”

Gao Heng nodded: “Yes, Han Xiaoxiao replaced Miss Tang’s position in the project team. It seems she hasn’t been to the company these past two days.”

“Understood, you may leave.”

Tang Yu furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat impatient.

Gao Heng hesitated, then asked: “Mr. Tang, are you still thinking about Miss Tang’s copyright issue? Maybe… you should talk to her personally again?”

Talk again?

Tang Yu had already discussed it with her once, and she firmly rejected him. Leaning back in his chair, he glanced out the window, recalling the tsundere emoticon and Tang Xin’s pouting face.

Another discussion would likely yield the same result. Without their previous relationship, and after rejecting her, their current relationship was awkward.

Awkward enough to make Tang Yu feel helpless. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he calmly said: “It’s unnecessary.”

At four in the afternoon, Tang Yu and Huo Chendong were going to meet a client, each bringing their assistants into the elevator. When the elevator stopped at the eighth floor, both inside and outside were momentarily stunned.

Tang Xin stood outside wearing a white shirt and khaki short skirt, her legs slender and fair, holding a notebook. Her arms were also slim and fair, glowing softly.

She widened her eyes slightly, appearing somewhat adorable.

Tang Yu, hands in his pockets, subtly eyed her.

Huo Chendong lazily smiled: “Hello, little Sugarheart.”

Tang Yu frowned.

Tang Xin silently shifted her gaze from his face, smiling brightly at Huo Chendong: “Mr. Tang, Mr. Huo.”

She briskly walked in, standing in front of Huo Chendong.

Huo Chendong glanced at Tang Yu, still lazily smirking: “Where are you headed?”

“Oh, I came to the company to pick something up and print some documents. There’s no print shop nearby.” Tang Xin replied lightly, ignoring the gaze from her left, “Mr. Huo, are you going out to meet a client?”

Huo Chendong hummed affirmatively: “What documents are you printing?”

Tang Xin paused for a second, naturally saying: “A contract.”

“A contract?” Huo Chendong was taken aback, looking down at her, “The one with Lu Zhixing?”

“Mmhmm.” Tang Xin smiled.

Tang Yu’s gaze instantly shifted to her, a flicker of emotion crossing his dark eyes. His brows furrowed deeply.

The air froze for a few seconds. Huo Chendong glanced at Tang Yu. When the elevator reached the second basement level, he chuckled: “Little Sugarheart, how can you just run off with someone else? Your Tang Daddy is still here.”

Tang Xin: “….”

Tang Yu paused, no longer blaming Huo Chendong for his blunt words. He glanced down at Tang Xin, curious about how she’d respond.

Tang Xin was somewhat speechless. As she stepped out of the elevator, she turned back and beamed at them: “People strive for higher goals. I’m going to make a movie!”

She genuinely seemed very happy.

Tang Yu exited the elevator, half-closed eyes scrutinizing her, feeling uncomfortable.

Tang Xin glanced at him, smiling and waving goodbye: “Then I’ll be on my way. Bye.”

After walking a few meters, a low male voice called from behind: “Tang Xin.”

Tang Xin stopped, stiffly turning around, smiling sweetly at Tang Yu: “Mr. Tang, is there anything else?”

Tang Yu stood beside a Land Rover, one hand in his pocket, his eyes reflecting unfathomable emotions, deep and restrained. Looking at her, he softly spoke: “If you sign with Shiguang and immediately start the project, you’d be the chief screenwriter adapting the script. Any other requests can be mentioned.” He paused for a second, slowly saying, “I’ll be your producer.”

Tang Xin’s eyes widened in shock, staring blankly at him, her heartbeat stopping for an instant.

Tang Yu being her producer and making a movie for her was something she had dreamt of.

Not only was she surprised, but Huo Chendong and Gao Heng were equally astonished. No one expected Tang Yu to make a last-minute attempt to retain her. They looked at Tang Yu, then at Tang Xin, guessing whether she would agree.

In the dimly lit garage, the young girl’s face was pale and delicate. She paused, regaining composure, then smiled: “No need, I’d rather let Director Lu handle it.”

The air fell silent.

Tang Yu licked the corner of his lips, looking at her: “Why?”

“When Lu Director talked to me, I could feel his genuine love for the book and his desire to adapt it into a movie. Of course, I know you’re dedicated to all projects, but I still think he’s a better fit for this book than you.”

Tang Xin paused, looking at him, smiling radiantly: “Tang Yu, I guess you haven’t read my book.”

Tang Yu froze.

Tang Xin suddenly felt very sad. Guessing was one thing, but the reality was another.

Looking at him, regardless of Huo Chendong and the assistants present, she figured Gao Heng already knew, and Huo Chendong, a playboy, must have guessed by now anyway.

Looking at Tang Yu, her voice carried unmistakable disappointment: “Tang Yu, you’ve never tried to understand my world. You said we’re incompatible, and maybe you’re right. In that case, we’re not suited to collaborate on a movie either. My earlier wish for you to be my producer was poorly considered. Just pretend I never said it.”

After speaking, she smiled.

Turning around, her smile faltered. Puffing her cheeks, she looked up at the dark ceiling of the parking garage—

Big Pig Feet Tang Yu.

Who cares about you.

…

Tang Yu clenched his jaw, the muscles in his cheeks tightening. Slowly closing his fingers in his pocket, he gripped them tightly.

Staring at her slender figure walking away, he felt a sense of loneliness, as if his entire train of thought and energy were completely blocked. Helpless, suffocated, and upset... Tang Yu shifted his face slightly, suddenly recalling the scene where he had rejected Tang Xin.

Was the pain of rejection something she had endured too?

Huo Chendong coughed, trying to break the silence: “Little Sugarheart... she’s quite brave. A dream-chasing maiden, worth encouraging.” He clapped lightly, grinning, “Not bad, getting some experience wouldn’t hurt. If things go awry out there, Tang Daddy is still here waiting for her.”

Tang Yu exhaled heavily, glancing sharply at Huo Chendong, his eyes icy cold.

Huo Chendong raised his hands in surrender: “Alright, I won’t say anything.”

It’s not like he drove her away. Blame him?

Tang Yu turned towards the parking spot, coldly saying: “Let’s go, we’re late.”

Back in the car, Tang Yu showed no emotion on his face. But those who knew him understood that his mood must be terrible. Huo Chendong lounged with his legs crossed, chin resting on his hand by the window, watching him, “Before the contract expired, if you wanted to keep the rights, you could have used more aggressive tactics, immediately initiating the project, forming the team…”

Such aggressive tactics were impossible for Tang Yu to use on Tang Xin. He shot him a glare, irritated, “Shut up.”

Huo Chendong shrugged: “Alright, I won’t say anything.” He inwardly huffed, wondering how long Tang Yu could hold out. Offering to be her producer and claiming no feelings for her?

Tang Yu leaned back in his seat, gazing out the window, his mind filled with Tang Xin’s words: “Tang Yu, I guess you haven’t read my book.” Her radiant smile and shallow dimple were like fine needles, pricking his heart repeatedly.

Still, the pain was unbearable if dwelled upon.

Today seemed to be a day of misfortune; the contract negotiations failed, ending abruptly.

By the time Tang Yu got into the car, it was only seven o’clock. The driver asked him: “Mr. Tang, where to?”

Tang Yu glanced at his phone, hesitated, then tossed it aside, emotionlessly saying: “Let’s go back to Tang Family Manor.”

It was Friday, and usually, he returned home on Fridays to discuss company matters with Tang Haiming. With time still early, returning now was perfect.

Meanwhile—

Tang Xin met Lu Zhixing at the same restaurant, in the same private room, but this time, it wasn’t just the two of them. Lu Zhixing’s co-screenwriter Feng Cheng and assistant Xiao He were also present.

She felt a bit regretful and nervous, thinking she should have brought someone along for support.

Now, it felt like she was fighting alone.

Lu Zhixing, however, remained relaxed, introducing the others: “Screenwriter Feng Cheng, and my assistant Xiao He.”

Tang Xin flashed her trademark sweet smile: “Screenwriter Feng Cheng, I’ve heard so much about you!”

Feng Cheng didn’t expect Sugarheart to be so young and beautiful, chuckling: “I’ve heard a lot about Sugarheart too.”

Lu Zhixing, observing her smile, estimated the contract was secured. Lazily leaning back, he snapped his fingers: “Waiter, let’s order.” Turning to Tang Xin, “Let’s eat first, then sign.”

Everything had been discussed, the terms agreed upon, and the contract drafted.

Only signatures remained.

Tang Xin naturally had no objections, nodding with a bright smile.

At eight o’clock, she pressed her hands on the contract, pausing briefly before swiftly signing her name.

Then she told herself: Hmm, this is ten million yuan. Money is everything. Tomorrow, I’ll buy a bag, and if one doesn’t make me happy, I’ll buy two, three...

If still unhappy—

I’ll go to Huan’s shop and sell clothes, fleece the little lamb.

…

Returning to Tang Family Manor, Tang Yu saw Tang Dingding sitting on the sofa unpacking packages, dozens of books scattered on the carpet. She knelt among them, organizing them, glancing at the man at the door, turning with a smile: “Brother! You’re back? Mom and Dad aren’t here tonight, they went out with friends and will return around ten.”

Tang Yu hummed, walking over, just about to speak when his gaze suddenly halted on the covers of the dozens of books—Making a Dream for You , with elegant deep blue letters.

Sugarheart’s book.

Slowly squatting halfway, he picked up a book, eyes fixed on the words.

Unaware of any abnormalities, Tang Dingding sat on the carpet, enthusiastically chatting: “Tang Xin’s book, the one you didn’t manage to secure the rights to. She advertised it on Weibo, so I bought dozens of copies to support her. I plan to give everyone a copy. Isn’t the cover especially beautiful? It’s the reissue. Oh, and I organized a giveaway… Haven’t drawn yet, I’ll do it after her Weibo event.”

She chattered on.

Then, asked him: “Brother, do you want a copy?”

Seeing him continuously staring at the cover, she assumed he liked it.

Tang Yu’s Adam’s apple moved, swallowing something bitter. He put the book down, “No need, I have one.”

Standing up, he didn’t linger, turning towards the door.

Tang Dingding was momentarily puzzled, inexplicably watching him leave.

Kneeling up, she turned her head towards the door, calling out: “Brother, why are you leaving just after coming back?”

“Something urgent, I’ll head back.”

The man left a flat statement, striding away.

Leaving Tang Dingding bewildered, she soon happily resumed organizing the pile of books. Thinking it over, she decided it would be better to get Tang Xin’s autograph before gifting them.

…

Back home, Tang Yu walked towards the study, unbuttoning the top three buttons of his shirt, taking a deep breath.

Pushing open the study door, he flicked on the light switch, illuminating the room. His steps suddenly halted at the doorway, his gaze landing on the large bookshelf, slowly scanning to the corner, pulling out a particular book—

Making a Dream for You

The cover was the old edition, different from the new reissue Tang Dingding had purchased.

Slightly worn, the design not as appealing.

This book was given to him by Tang Xin over a year ago. At that time, they had just added each other on WeChat. His intention was to have her help pursue Ming Zhu. A few days after adding her, she knocked on his office door, cheerfully handing him the book: “This is my book, Shiguang bought the copyright. I don’t know if you’ve read it; the company should have copies, but this one is signed, a very special signature, just for you, Mr. Tang.”

At that time, he flipped through the book in front of her, glancing at the signature on the title page.

Now, Tang Yu stood in front of the bookshelf, overcome with lingering emotions, gently wiping off the dust and opening the cover. On the title page, the handwriting was neat and elegant—

Wishing:

May the rest of your life have someone dressed in fine clothes, accompanying you to see blazing flowers.

A popular phrase online at the time, sounding beautiful.

She had cheerfully explained its meaning, saying it was a good blessing, something she had signed for many people.

Tang Yu’s throat tightened again, swallowing those painful emotions. He sat down in the chair, switching on the desk lamp, lowering his head to read the book, slowly flipping through it.

All night.

Tang Yu barely changed his posture, still in the same white shirt and black pants from the previous night, spending the entire night reading the book.

Until the sky began to lighten outside.

Flipping to the last page, his gaze landed on those neatly written words, freezing him in place, staring fixedly at them.

For a long while.

The man licked his slightly dry lips, tilting his head back, the arc of his jawline perfect, a hint of stubble showing on his chin. Slouching in the chair, his previously immaculate shirt was now wrinkled, exuding a sense of weariness. His deep black eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, as if all his strength and energy had been drained.

His throat lightly rolled, his eyes suddenly stinging painfully, perhaps from staying up all night or perhaps from something else—

Like Sugarheart.

Tang Xin.

Lowering his gaze, his bloodshot eyes narrowed towards those two lines of text—

Hello! Tang Yu! Welcome to my dream!

Welcome to my world!

Author’s Note: Little Sugarheart: Successful escape, proudly waiting for Big Pig Head Tang Yu to chase me, proud.jpg.

Tang·Big Pig Hoof·Yu: Heartbroken.

——

I think hitting Tang Boss with this revelation is most fitting, not torture, but a necessary process... What am I saying!

Everyone worried about failure, but preparation for a good story is underway! Anticipate the next stage with eager hands! Don’t worry about lack of interactions! If he wants to pursue her, Tang Daddy must proactively approach her, haha, the next phase begins!

Tang Wei is Little Sugarheart’s dad! Forgot?