Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
At tonight’s fashion gala, the air was filled with the scent of perfume and the rustle of silk.
Shen Tang arrived last, making her grand entrance on the red carpet.
No matter when she appeared, all eyes were immediately on her. As Chu Ran put it, she always stole the show.
Tonight was no exception.
Many people recognized that evening gown; she wore it again tonight.
The difference this time was that she didn’t wear any jewelry. Instead, a bright-colored silk scarf adorned her neck, tied in a unique way that draped down to her chest.
That silk scarf made her even more captivating.
With the attention drawn to the scarf and her face, no one cared whether she wore the same dress twice.
Only someone with her stunning looks could pull off such an unconventional pairing of a silk scarf with haute couture.
Lu Zhifei asked a waiter for two glasses of red wine and went over to greet her.
“Your styling tonight is truly stunning.” She smiled just right, handing Shen Tang a glass of red wine.
Shen Tang clinked glasses with her. “Thank you.”
Lu Zhifei wasn’t focused on the wine; to her, it was like drinking plain water.
To others, they seemed to have great chemistry, chatting comfortably.
They both knew better—underneath, they were silently competing, each trying to outmaneuver the other without showing their hand.
Shen Tang’s ensemble was prepared specifically to meet the designer. “President Lu, could you introduce me?”
Even if reluctant, Lu Zhifei had to feign generosity. “No problem.” She led Shen Tang over and introduced her to L’s chief designer.
Having lived abroad for five or six years, Shen Tang had no trouble conversing in English.
During their chat, she mentioned her first L haute couture piece: “I accidentally stained that dress and was heartbroken. It was a gift from someone very important to me. I wanted to salvage it.”
She used the word “salvage.”
The designer asked if she had any photos she could show him.
“Yes.”
With that, Shen Tang took out her phone from her clutch.
Not only the designer but also the other guests nearby looked over.
It was a high-fashion piece from three years ago, with a prominent design feature marred by a black streak.
A studio staff member had tripped at the time, accidentally bumping into her while holding a black marker, staining the delicate fabric.
The black streak couldn’t be removed.
“This dress holds special meaning for me.” Shen Tang looked at the designer. “My idea is to embed a string of diamonds to cover the mark. But I haven’t had the chance to meet you until today. I’d like your permission to add diamonds privately to the dress. Or, if you have any suggestions for repair, I’ll follow them.”
Lu Zhifei pursed her lips slightly, glancing at the designer.
Shen Tang’s move caught her off guard, leaving her unable to respond.
In the designer’s thirty-plus-year career, he had designed countless dresses. Never had a customer come back years later wanting to modify a dress and seek his opinion.
Every dress was a labor of love. He expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for respecting my design. If possible, give me that dress, and I will modify it free of charge, ensuring you’re satisfied.”
Their conversation was pleasant.
By the end of the gala, the designer instructed L brand’s director that henceforth, every season’s new release of the L.l fairy series would be lent to Shen Tang free of charge for events.
After the gala ended, Lu Zhifei specifically sought out Shen Tang.
The dress was modified for free, and securing the series’ debut was effortless.
She raised her glass to Shen Tang, “Congratulations. I concede defeat.”
She downed her glass in one gulp.
Shen Tang didn’t touch the wine in her glass; she’d already had three glasses and couldn’t handle another.
Lu Zhifei played with her empty glass. “I thought you’d go to Jiang Chengyu for help.”
“No need.” Shen Tang loosened the silk scarf around her neck, uncomfortable after wearing it all night. She said, “Dealing with you, I’m more than capable.”
Lu Zhifei laughed bitterly, giving her a thumbs-up.
She disliked Shen Tang’s seemingly aloof elegance but secretly aspired to be like her—a contradiction within herself.
Lu Zhifei set down her empty glass. Shen Tang hadn’t touched the wine on the podium, so she picked it up and drank it. “Do you know what kind of person I hate the most?”
She glanced at Shen Tang.
Knowing Shen Tang wouldn’t answer, she answered herself: “People like Tian Qinglu. For the sake of Yan Heyu, she disregarded her own dignity, becoming a laughingstock behind her back.”
She chuckled, “Now I’m no different from Tian Qinglu, completely embodying the type of person I despise the most.”
She tilted her head, raising her glass—her fifth drink of the night.
“The resources I hold in the fashion circle are more than you think.”
Shen Tang wasn’t interested in what she had to say. “President Lu, excuse me.”
Lu Zhifei said, “You can listen to my last sentence. If you ever need anything, have your agent call me. This isn’t because of Jiang Chengyu—it has nothing to do with him.”
“Thank you, but I don’t accept favors undeservedly.” Shen Tang nodded slightly, lifting her gown’s hem as she left.
Enemies often cross paths. Before leaving, she encountered Chu Ran again.
Chu Ran still carried her usual arrogant demeanor. She had heard that Shen Tang signed with Evergreen and that Zhao Chiyi was pursuing her relentlessly.
In the past, she would’ve stepped on this thorn in her side, but tonight she hadn’t had the chance. She had been on the phone for nearly an hour, talking to her suitor, unable to stop.
Perhaps due to the good mood from her long phone call, she didn’t find Shen Tang as annoying. “Teacher Shen, congratulations.”
Everyone knew she had secured the premiere of L’s fairy series tonight.
Her sarcastic tone drew no response from Shen Tang.
Chu Ran walked toward the elevator with Shen Tang, glancing at her dozens of times out of the corner of her eye. A question had been bothering her for nearly two months, and she couldn’t resist asking, “Hey, top student, were you pretty good at math?”
Shen Tang: “...”
________________________________________
Arriving at the underground parking lot, Shen Tang didn’t see her car.
Her assistant quietly reminded her, “Miss Tang, look at the third car on your left.”
Following the assistant’s hint, Shen Tang spotted a familiar license plate.
The person inside saw her emerge, and the car slowly drove towards her.
The passenger window rolled down, revealing the driver—Jiang Chengyu.
Jiang Chengyu leaned over to open the passenger door for her. “I’ve already reserved a table. Let me treat you to dinner. During our first romance, we never got to eat out properly.”
Back then, to avoid paparazzi, they always ate at home, never appearing together in public.
Shen Tang didn’t refuse and got in.
Jiang Chengyu reached to fasten her seatbelt, but Shen Tang was quicker, pulling it across herself and clicking it in place.
This wasn’t just their first outing for dinner; it was also the first time he drove her somewhere.
Jiang Chengyu carefully observed her eyes. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”
Shen Tang rested her head on her hand. “Mm-hmm.”
“You focus on acting; don’t worry about anything else—I’ll handle it.” Jiang Chengyu started the car. “And don’t feel indebted to me. Between us, there’s no such thing as owing favors—it’s what should be done.”
Shen Tang closed her eyes. “You haven’t caught up with me yet. There’s no ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t.’”
“That’s my voluntary choice. Is that alright now?” Jiang Chengyu needed to watch the road but occasionally glanced at her. “We haven’t seen each other for many days. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
“No.”
“Do you miss me?”
“No time to miss anyone.”
Seeing her downcast mood, Jiang Chengyu coaxed her, “Aren’t you going to ask me something?”
Shen Tang’s eyelids felt heavy. “Ask you what?”
“Ask if I missed you.” He said, “If you ask, I’ll tell you—I missed you.”
The car was quiet, his soothing voice enchanting her.
Taking advantage of the red light, Jiang Chengyu adjusted her seat, making her recline more comfortably.
Drawing closer, he smelled a mix of her perfume and red wine; the alcohol scent was strong.
“How much did you drink?”
Shen Tang muttered, “Three glasses.”
After a moment, “Jiang Chengyu, I might not have the strength to join you for late-night snacks. My head feels dizzy.”
“Sleep then; we won’t eat.” Jiang Chengyu fully reclined her seat.
Shen Tang was still conscious. She took out her phone and told her assistant to pick her up in two hours.
She didn’t want to return to her rental apartment; being alone there was unbearable.
For some reason, she yearned for Jiang Chengyu’s company, craving his presence.
Just before the gala began, she received a call from her grandfather’s attending doctor. Yesterday morning, she and her brother took Grandpa to the hospital for a consultation, and the test results came out this afternoon.
Grandpa had suffered a shock, and his condition deteriorated faster than expected. The doctor advised her to prepare mentally.
How could she possibly prepare?
She didn’t want to prepare at all.
The little happiness she held onto was slipping through her fingers.
Jiang Chengyu drove to the neighborhood where Shen Tang rented her small apartment, searching for quite a while before finding a parking spot.
He turned off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt.
Shen Tang wasn’t asleep; she turned away from him.
“The L haute couture—I’ve already arranged for someone to help. They’ll customize an entire series for you, so you won’t need to borrow others’ dresses anymore.”
“No need—it’s wasteful. I only wear these dresses once.” Shen Tang exhaled softly, not wanting her sadness to affect others. “I’ve built a rapport with their chief designer. From now on, I can freely borrow new releases whenever I want.”
“It’s troublesome to keep borrowing. Having your own...”
“Jiang Chengyu, stop talking. I want some quiet time.”
“Alright.”
Shen Tang opened her eyes and gazed out the window at the dense shrubbery.
After staring blankly for a few minutes, she suddenly turned to Jiang Chengyu.
The dim light in the car made his features more pronounced.
Shen Tang sat upright. “Come closer; let me take a look at you.”
Jiang Chengyu: “What is there to look at? It’s not like I’m unseen.”
“Let’s see if you have a heart.”
“...If I didn’t have a heart, where would you have spent those three years?”
“Don’t sweet-talk me with lies. After three years, you still haven’t fallen in love with me.”
Jiang Chengyu thought she was a bit drunk and didn’t argue with her.
Shen Tang moved closer to him. “I think I’m drunk now.”
“I noticed.” Jiang Chengyu reached for water to give her, but Shen Tang pressed his hand. “Don’t move; I’m not thirsty. I’m drunk now, so whatever I do to you doesn’t count, and you shouldn’t take it to heart.”
With that, she hugged him.
“Hold me.” Her forehead rested against his chest. “I can’t hold onto anything anymore. No matter how hard I try, I can’t keep it. I don’t know what to do.”
Perhaps it was his imagination, but Jiang Chengyu felt the person in his arms trembling slightly, trying hard to restrain herself.
Jiang Chengyu didn’t move, allowing Shen Tang to cling to him.
She was proud and never showed weakness in front of others, certainly not wanting anyone to see her vulnerable side shedding tears.
Jiang Chengyu embraced her, noticing she had become much thinner than a few months ago.
Shen Tang was drunk, cried, and eventually fell asleep in his arms.
________________________________________
The days they desperately tried to hold onto and keep close always slipped away swiftly.
Though resisting in her heart, the month of August arrived in the blink of an eye.
At the beginning of the month, filming for That Early Summer wrapped up.
Over three months, Fan Yu had been thoroughly devastated by Xiao Zhen’s suppression, suffering losses exceeding hundreds of millions.
Fan Yu knew well that even if she apologized to Shen Tang, Shen Tang wouldn’t forgive her. Even if she verbally forgave her, Xiao Zhen wouldn’t truly let her off the hook.
In the second month of her cold war with Chen Nanjin, she suddenly realized Xiao Zhen’s goal was precisely to make her and Chen Nanjin miserable, even driving them apart.
She couldn’t let Xiao Zhen have her way, so she took the initiative to approach Chen Nanjin, showing weakness to maintain a semblance of peace. Chen Yino’s state also recovered, preventing further impact on the shooting schedule.
However, several of her dramas remained shelved, unable to air normally.
On the day of wrapping up, Chen Nanjin planned to visit his father to bid farewell.
Chen Yino volunteered, “Dad, I’ll accompany you to visit Grandpa. Who knows when we’ll have time to come again.”
Fan Yu frowned. “What are you going for? He doesn’t even acknowledge you as his granddaughter.”
“Oh, Mom.” Chen Yino couldn’t bear her mother’s tone. Continuing would upset her father again. “Grandpa hasn’t had a chance to see me.”
“That’s not what I meant. I’m just worried you’ll feel wronged. Look at my last visit to him—he gave me a cold shoulder.”
Chen Nanjin didn’t plan to bring Chen Yino along. “Pack your things. I’ll drive to Haitang Village myself.”
They had been filming in the city for the past month and a half, still over an hour’s drive from the village.
Over the past three months, he frequently chatted with his father, but his father mostly remained silent.
Shen Tang hadn’t returned yet; she was having a small gathering with Gu Heng and others in the city.
Grandpa was still sitting at the gate as usual, his eyes lifeless, staring at the sea, lost in thought.
“Dad.” Chen Nanjin got out of the car.
Grandpa slowly turned his head. “Why are you here? Not busy today?”
Chen Nanjin sat beside his father. “Filming wrapped up. I’m flying to Beijing this evening.”
“Oh.” Grandpa felt a whirlwind of emotions.
Villagers passing by the gate greeted Chen Nanjin warmly. Over the nearly two months of That Early Summer filming in Haitang Village, many crew members visited Grandpa, so villagers were accustomed to it.
Footsteps on the road varied in pace, but father and son remained silent.
Grandpa felt he might not see his son again. Regardless of whether his words would work, he decided to try: “I don’t ask you to treat our Tang Tang well, but please don’t bully her. She’s waited for you for so many years as her father.”
Chen Nanjin’s heart felt as though it had been struck heavily, numbing him.
Grandpa urged, “Go quickly; don’t miss your flight.”
Chen Nanjin struggled to utter a few words, “It’s fine; I’ll make it.”
“Dad, rest assured. I’ll protect her well from now on.”
These were Chen Nanjin’s final words to his father before getting into the car.
As the car gradually drove away, Chen Nanjin watched the house and his father at the gate grow smaller in the rearview mirror, eventually becoming an indistinct dot.
Little did he know, this parting would be their final goodbye.
________________________________________
Shen Tang rode with Zhao Chiyi back to Haitang Village. She had lunch with Zhou Mingqian and a few others, and Zhao Chiyi specially flew over from Beijing.
Zhao Chiyi insisted on visiting Grandpa, conveniently dropping her off.
“Has Xie Yuncheng returned?” Zhao Chiyi made small talk.
Shen Tang had been distracted, responding a beat late. “Mm-hmm, he returned a couple of days ago.”
“You need to take a break. From November last year till now, you haven’t rested a single day. At this rate, you’ll collapse sooner or later.” Zhao Chiyi couldn’t bear seeing her like this. “The preparation for Awakening from a Great Dream is still ongoing; earliest filming would start in November.”
Shen Tang also lacked the mindset to continue filming recently. Grandpa didn’t have much time left, and she wanted to spend quality time with him. “We’ll start counting the six-month contract once I begin filming. I don’t want you to suffer losses.”
Zhao Chiyi chuckled helplessly. “Why are you so stubborn?” No one could change her mind; they could only go along with her. “Any other work coming up?”
“Not exactly work. I’ll fly to Shanghai this weekend for the Shanghai leg of Huo Teng’s concert as a guest performer.”
Zhao Chiyi: “Then prepare well for the concert songs. I’ll decline other work for you until Grandpa’s condition improves.”
Even saying it felt self-deceptive. How could Grandpa possibly improve?
Fortunately, Xiao Zhen had quieted down recently, giving them a breather.
Thanks to Jiang Chengyu’s help, striking at the vital point, Xiao Zhen had to focus on the bigger picture and stopped suppressing Shen Tang’s acting career.
Last year, Tian Qinglu connected GR Capital with the Xiao family for a project involving several groups investing over three billion yuan, with the Xiao family holding the majority stake.
This project was initially Xiao Zhen’s attempt to win over Jiang Chengyu, but unexpectedly, Jiang Chengyu used it to suppress the Xiao family.
In all the links, Xiao Zhen’s only miscalculation was underestimating Jiang Chengyu’s willingness to reconsider past collaborations.
Xiao Zhen had only temporarily backed off; the project would eventually end.
Zhao Chiyi unscrewed a bottle of soda water and handed it to Shen Tang. “Drink some water and sleep. Don’t think about anything.”
How could Shen Tang not think? With Grandpa’s life countdown, every second felt like walking through fire and brimstone.
When she arrived home, Grandpa was already resting against the headboard.
It was only five in the evening.
If Grandpa had the strength, he would surely wait for her return at the doorstep.
“Grandpa, guess who’s here.” Shen Tang’s tone was cheerful, changing her expression before entering the house.
Grandpa mustered his energy. He pointed to the chair in front of the computer desk. “Xiao Zhao, come sit.” To ease his granddaughter’s worries, he explained, “I didn’t nap, so I’m sleepy now.”
Zhao Chiyi placed a cushion behind Grandpa. To reassure him, he told Grandpa that Shen Tang had been reviewing scripts and experiencing life at home, preparing to start filming in November.
As the boss, Grandpa believed his words.
Zhao Chiyi flew back to Beijing that evening, staying for half an hour before departing.
The house suddenly grew quiet.
Shen Tang turned on Grandpa’s computer. “Grandpa, let’s binge-watch a drama together.”
“Of course,” Grandpa asked, “Which drama do you want to watch?”
“I... Dad’s.”
The term “Dad” felt so foreign coming from her lips.
Grandpa was taken aback. “Why do you suddenly want to watch his drama?”
Shen Tang lied, “We reconciled. He’s been treating me well lately, and I’ve finally realized that harboring hatred is exhausting. I need to be happier.”
“Really reconciled?”
“Why would I lie to you? You know my personality. If I hadn’t let go, I wouldn’t forgive him. Now, I just want to act well, then fall in love, get married.”
Shen Tang continued the lie: “Over these months, Zhao Chiyi, Xie Yuncheng, and Jiang Chengyu have all advised me. Letting go makes me feel lighter.”
Grandpa teared up with joy, finally able to rest easy. “Our Tang Tang is no longer without a family.”
“Grandpa, why are you crying? Don’t cry.” Shen Tang wiped his tears.
“It’s nothing. Grandpa is happy.”
Shen Tang found one of Chen Nanjin’s recent dramas, adjusting the volume to a comfortable level, and started watching from the first episode.
She sat by the bedside, holding Grandpa’s aged hands.
Grandpa watched each frame and listened to every line attentively.
Shen Tang didn’t absorb anything, even feeling physiologically repulsed by Chen Nanjin’s voice.
At the end of life, love and hate had long been let go. Grandpa probably no longer resented Chen Nanjin. She didn’t want him to leave with regrets.
With this lie, Grandpa could rest assured, without lingering regrets.
In Grandpa’s heart, she finally had a home.
The next day, Grandpa’s health deteriorated, and he was hospitalized. Shen Ge handed over the guesthouse business to family members and accompanied Shen Tang in taking care of Grandpa at the hospital.
Shen Tang flew to Shanghai a day early to meet Huo Teng for rehearsals.
During the months of filming That Early Summer , whenever she had free time, she practiced the piano at home, playing for Grandpa as well. Grandpa said she played better than professional pianists.
Actually, Grandpa knew nothing about music.
In his eyes, everything about her was perfect.
This concert would likely be Grandpa’s last chance to hear her play and sing on stage.
On the night of the concert, when Shen Tang appeared on stage, the crowd almost erupted. Amidst the noise, the singing could barely be heard.
She wore L.l series’ latest spring haute couture, looking like a cold, aloof fairy.
Chen Nanjin sat among the audience, also attending the concert.
He even posted on social media, promoting Huo Teng’s concert.
His post included a video clip of Shen Tang playing the piano while Huo Teng sang. When the tranquil piano melody began, the entire venue fell silent.
Chen Nanjin’s post trended online, with comments unanimously discussing Shen Tang. No one expected her piano skills to reach performance level.
There were technical flaws, but they didn’t overshadow her talent. Her performance was enough to astonish.
This trending post hung for over ten hours until Shen Tang returned to Shenzhen.
Shen Tang really didn’t want to see her name linked with Chen Nanjin on a trending topic. She messaged him: 【Stop posting about me in the future! Your insincere affection only moves yourself! There will never be reconciliation between us.】
“I’m right, aren’t I? Look at all these people praising your playing.” Grandpa had just finished watching the video clip Shen Ge found. He was delighted that his son posted a video of his granddaughter.
Shen Tang put away her phone and smiled. “We need to stay low-key.”
Grandpa’s condition today was clearly worse than yesterday; he hardly had the strength to speak.
“Tang Tang, has Xiao Jiang been busy lately?” Grandpa couldn’t help but inquire.
Shen Tang: “Very busy. He has many companies.”
Previously, her little assistant complained on her behalf, saying that Jiang Chengyu’s pursuit of her was like a woman’s irregular periods—sometimes twice a month, sometimes once every two months.
Annoying.
Google Sites
Report abuse