MTL - 74

Tang Yu gave me a multiple-choice question: 1. Him and everything he has, 2. Nothing at all.

For me, this is a single-choice question; I will always choose 1.

I want Tang Yu.

— “Little Sugar Heart’s Diary”

The two of them grew up together, so their relationship naturally didn’t need to be mentioned. As long as the topic didn’t involve Tang Dingding, they could still joke and drink like good brothers.

Tang Yu walked out from behind his desk and sat down on the single sofa next to Huo Chendong, indifferently saying: “Not necessary.”

Huo Chendong lazily crossed his legs, catching sight of the faint bite marks on Tang Yu’s neck near his shirt collar. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, teasing with a laugh: “Is Little Sugar Heart part dog?”

Tang Yu picked up the chopsticks, paused upon hearing this, and remembered how the little tyrant had initiated things last night but then complained about wanting to quit after just a few minutes. He had to coax her for a long time. Recalling last night, he couldn’t help but mock himself. Nearly thirty years old, but he was like a young kid, easily provoked by her. All the bad elements in him were activated, showing no calmness or restraint whatsoever. He used every nasty word to tease her.

In the end, unable to bear the shame, she bit him directly on the neck while tiptoeing.

She truly wouldn’t suffer any losses.

“Part cat.”

Tang Yu chuckled carelessly, picked up a piece of meat, and started eating.

Huo Chendong looked at him, suddenly feeling a bit sentimental: “You’ve changed a lot now. Before, you said you and Little Sugar Heart weren’t suitable, but I said there was no way you two were that simple. Between men and women, there’s really no such thing as suitability.”

Tang Yu remained noncommittal, coldly saying: “Don’t call her Little Sugar Heart.”

Huo Chendong: “... Tsk.”

How petty. It seemed that men in love indeed had quite frightening possessiveness.

On Weibo, because Tang Dingding thoroughly clarified the misunderstandings netizens had about Tang Xin, those black fans were severely slapped in the face. Basically, no one came out to make trouble anymore. On the contrary, Lu Chuning was mocked by the masses, accused of hyping herself and using her fans, etc.

This news was much more explosive than Zhou Jialu’s contract termination before. Netizens said Lu Chuning saved Zhou Jialu.

After lunch, Huo Chendong went out.

Tang Yu was just about to call Tang Xin when his phone rang.

An unfamiliar number.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window and answered it. The other side was silent for a few seconds, and he frowned slightly, guessing who it might be.

Lu Chuning’s voice was soft, her tone somewhat despondent: “Tang Yu, those things online weren’t done by me. Some fans were too extreme, and there were also black fans. You should know the situation in this circle. The things on the show... I wasn’t intentional. The host’s questions brought back some memories, and I just told the truth. I didn’t expect it to blow up like this.”

After breaking up, Lu Chuning still held onto some pride and secretly hoped for reconciliation, waiting for him to take the initiative or give her a way out, but what she hoped for never happened.

Over these years, the two basically didn’t contact each other. Occasionally meeting at film festivals, they didn’t have much communication, maintaining a facade of civility.

Tang Yu kept his hands in his pockets, emotionlessly gazing at the bustling traffic below, and spoke indifferently: “You are a public figure. Whatever you do or say will be magnified.” He paused, “These matters are already in the past. You don’t need to explain them to me.”

After all, it didn’t mean anything anymore.

Lu Chuning fell silent for a moment and self-deprecatingly smiled: “I was presumptuous.”

After hanging up the phone.

Lu Chuning felt somewhat dazed. She broke up with Tang Yu during his busiest and most distracted period, which was fundamentally absurd. Then, she stubbornly waited for him to take the initiative, but he never did. She thought Tang Yu was too indifferent.

Actually, it wasn’t like that. Once something is missed, it’s gone forever.

If she had chosen to stay with him through those days back then, perhaps today’s situation wouldn’t have arisen.

...

In the evening, Tang Xin had just returned home when she received a call from Zhong Lijun. As expected, they were planning to come to Beijing.

Tang Xin instantly felt a headache coming on and slumped awkwardly onto the sofa, pleading: “Please don’t come. I’m really busy, and I’ll return home to apologize in a little over a week. I’m not lying!”

Finally managing to persuade them to cancel their tickets.

Suddenly, the front door was pushed open.

She quickly sat up, glaring at the man who walked in without knocking: “How can you just barge in without knocking!”

Tang Yu took off his shoes and walked in, standing in front of the sofa, smirking as he looked down at her: “Did you knock when you entered my house last night?”

Actually, he had knocked once, but she probably didn’t hear it because she was too engrossed in her phone call.

Tang Xin: “...”

Her face flushed hot, and she lowered her head, pretending to be dumb.

Tang Yu tossed his coat onto the back of the sofa; he was still wearing a white shirt. The man picked up Cotton, lounging lazily on the sofa, appearing just like usual. Tang Xin turned to look at him. Last night, she was blind and ignorant, but Tang Yu shed all pretenses and taught her to face reality.

Men were all the same—bad.

Even the coldest and most restrained men have vices.

She lowered her head to browse WeChat. Seeing Tang Yu made up his mind to ignore her, he shoved Cotton into her arms and casually dropped a bombshell: “My parents want to meet you.”

Tang Xin’s heart suddenly warmed, and she looked up at him incredulously, stammering: “Meet... meet your parents? So soon?” But it somehow felt expected. Now, the whole nation knew she was his girlfriend; his parents must have known as well.

Moreover, according to Tang Dingding, his parents seemed to know more than just that.

But what she cared about most wasn’t their opinion of her. It was... Tang Yu wanting to introduce her to his parents? Could it mean he wanted to marry her, to take her as his wife? Perhaps not immediately, but he must have already considered this matter, placing her in his future plans.

Now, does he like her nine-tenths?

“Mm, is it okay?” Tang Yu pulled her over and hugged her. He calculated that they had only been together for a month; mentioning meeting parents at this point was indeed a bit fast. Afraid she would be nervous, he reassured her, “Just giving you a heads-up. We’ll go back sometime later. It’s not like we haven’t met before.”

They had seen each other briefly at Tang Dingding’s birthday party, just exchanging greetings.

Tang Xin felt both nervous and excited, with a touch of helplessness. Meeting his calm and serious gaze, she suddenly snapped out of it and smiled mischievously, throwing cold water on the idea: “My parents still have a negative impression of you. Isn’t it inappropriate to meet your parents now?”

She thought about it and realized it wasn’t suitable at the moment. She decided to wait a little longer...

Wait until Tang Yu liked her a little more.

Even though the outcome was already determined, she wanted to make the journey more wonderful.

Tang Yu lowered his eyes and looked at her, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth in exasperation: “So, do you need me to accompany you back to Suzhou?”

The manuscript was due before Christmas, and Tang Xin planned to return to Suzhou after Christmas. Her tickets were already booked.

Tang Xin quickly shook her head: “No, let them cool down a bit.”

Jokingly, if she brought him back now, wouldn’t it directly provoke them? Given Tang Dawei’s personality, Tang Yu might not even make it through the door. It was better to wait a while until their opinions improved somewhat.

Moreover, Tang Yu would be very busy during this time. She believed that being in love should be a happy thing, not too bound by worldly conventions. In some aspects, she was completely opposite to Tang Yu—her thoughts were free-spirited, often full of wild ideas, frequently coming up with something unexpected or saying things that caught people off guard, doing things that made jaws drop.

She pushed Cotton aside and straddled his lap, unable to hide the joy in her eyes: “Tang Yu, are you liking me more and more?”

After clearing up certain thoughts, she became more straightforward and confident.

Tang Yu raised an eyebrow and retorted: “Aren’t you?”

Tang Xin knew he was teasing her but still felt a bit competitive: “You didn’t discuss with me before going public. What if…” She grinned slyly, “What if we break up in the future? Wouldn’t it be exposed then?”

Tang Yu narrowed his eyes, coldly watching her as if to say: Let’s see what provocative things you can say.

Tang Xin felt a bit guilty but still smiled sweetly: “Let me make one thing clear. If we break up, you have to announce publicly that I dumped you, okay?”

Tang Yu: “...”

He suddenly chuckled, nonchalantly looking at her: “And?”

Asking “and” like that?

That’s not how the lines are supposed to go! Shouldn’t he say we won’t break up?

Tang Xin frowned but smiled sweetly again: “And of course, the breakup fee has to be sufficient.”

He cooperatively nodded: “How much?”

Tang Xin: “...”

Her smile stiffened slightly. The next second, her cheek hurt.

Tang Yu pressed his thumb into her dimple, watching her wince in pain before releasing her. He lazily leaned back, coldly stating: “If we break up, I won’t give you a penny.”

“...”

Breakup...

This sentence was like a knife, piercing her heart.

She froze, her mood plummeting to rock bottom, a dull ache throbbing within.

He encircled her waist, deeply gazing at her, speaking with utmost seriousness once more:

“No breakup. Everything I have is yours.”

He handed the initiative to her—me and everything I have versus nothing at all, which will you choose?

Seemingly a multiple-choice question, it was actually a promise, indulgence, and pampering within Tang Yu’s limits, domineering yet gentle, powerfully invading her heart, gradually moistening that hidden vulnerability.

It’s a single-choice question, Little Sugar Heart.

Everything you want, I’ll give you.

...

On the afternoon of December 23, the screenplay for “A Dream For You” was submitted. It largely retained the initial version created by Tang Xin over two years ago. After more than half a year of refinement, thanks to Lu Zhixing and other screenwriters’ efforts, the final draft—the most perfect version—was finally completed.

Tang Xin happily announced she would treat everyone: “Thank you all. Without you, there would be no me today.”

Lu Zhixing smiled: “Save this speech for when the movie hits the box office.”

Tang Xin laughed heartily: “Alright.”

She was quite confident about the film. Feng Cheng also confidently added: “Considering the time from your initial creation to the completion of the script, it’s been about three years. As the saying goes, ‘Three years to hone a sword.’ Plus...”

With Shiguang Film Company’s support, post-production promotion, and advantageous scheduling, even if the movie didn’t explode, it wouldn’t flop.

Of course, Feng Cheng didn’t say these words aloud but smiled knowingly, everyone understanding implicitly.

Tang Xin pretended not to understand and cheerfully asked what everyone wanted to eat. Someone suggested hot pot—it’s delightful to eat hot pot in winter.

She generously booked a private room and invited Tang Dingding and You Huan as well.

By seven in the evening, everyone except Tang Dingding had arrived.

Tang Xin stood outside the corridor, calling Tang Dingding. As soon as the call connected, Tang Dingding hurriedly walked in from the entrance, still wearing her exquisite makeup. Tang Xin waved with a smile: “Over here.”

Instantly, some gazes turned towards them.

Neither of them paid much attention, linking arms and heading towards the private room. Tang Xin asked: “Why so late?”

Tang Dingding leaned on her shoulder, exhausted, and couldn’t help but complain: “I just rushed here from the studio. Today, I was shooting magazine photos. I’ve been so busy lately! My agent seems crazy, arranging all sorts of work for me—ads, fashion magazines, program recordings, and even runway shows! Oh my goodness! I’ve never lived such a hectic life growing up.”

“Are you happy?” Tang Xin earnestly asked.

Tang Dingding thought for a moment and nodded: “Very happy. Before, I was just a leisurely young lady, spending my days shopping. Now, every morning when I wake up, my assistant reminds me of what work I need to do that day. It feels fulfilling.” She couldn’t help but laugh, “Actually, thinking about it, I’m quite grateful to you. If it weren’t for you, maybe…”

“No, you should thank Director Lu.” Tang Xin interrupted her, opening the door to the private room and winking, “After all, Director Lu was the first to notice your talent.”

As the door opened, Tang Dingding immediately spotted Lu Zhixing sitting in the middle. He still had that lazy demeanor, his smile warm. Seeing her, he raised an eyebrow. She paused, quickly returned a smile, and said softly: “You’re right. Both of you deserve credit! I’ll treat you guys to dinner another day.”

As soon as everyone saw Dingding, they called out for her to sign autographs first, “Once you get famous, it’ll be hard to get your signature.”

Tang Xin approvingly nodded: “True, Dingding will definitely become famous.”

After saying that, she pushed her forward to sign autographs.

Tang Dingding: “...”

The meal was lively.

During the feast, Tang Xin checked her WeChat. Tang Yu was away on a business trip and hadn’t sent any messages; he must be busy.

Just as she was about to put her phone down, she saw a piece of entertainment news pushed by Sina—Huo Chendong, vice president of Shiguang Film Company, personally went to the studio to pick up Zhao Feiyu. High sweetness!

Tang Dingding placed a piece of beef in her chopsticks, leaned over smilingly, and asked: “What are you looking at? Did my brother send you a message?”

Catching a glimpse of the phone screen, she paused.

Tang Xin put her phone down, afraid she might misunderstand, and whispered: “What’s wrong? Are you still upset?”

In her eyes, Huo Chendong was truly dissolute; their values and pursuits were incompatible, and Tang Dingding deserved better.

Tang Dingding shook her head: “Actually, I was just filming with Zhao Feiyu at the studio earlier. This shoot’s theme involved two people, and we were partners. I saw him when he arrived, so… it’s not surprising, right?”