#91: Comprehensive Extra - First Meeting

On a Saturday afternoon in early autumn, Shen Tang met up with Wen Di for afternoon tea. Both of them had been busy recently and hadn’t seen each other for almost two months. Two cups of coffee, one matcha dessert. The warm sunlight streamed in, casting several rays on the table.

Wen Di was typing away, “clickety-clack.” Half an hour passed, and she had written over two thousand characters in one go. Earlier, Wen Di had a burst of inspiration, and Shen Tang asked her to note down that segment, but she didn’t know what exactly Wen Di was writing. “What kind of script is this time?”

Wen Di clicked save, put down her mouse, and sipped her coffee. “It’s not a script; it’s something I’m writing for myself to read. ‘The Transformation of Scumbag Yan’.”

Shen Tang laughed, “Now, there’s no trace of a scumbag in Yan Heyu. Your ‘Transformation’ seems to be quite effective; it could be widely promoted.” Wen Di also had this intention. When she had time, she would sort out the love-hate relationship between her and Yan Heyu over the years, and then observe Yan Heyu’s performance after his reformation. If there were no signs of regression, perhaps some of her experiences could genuinely offer guidance to girls trapped in the swamp of love. After all, she had once been more deeply ensnared than most, almost unable to escape. She had also, for a time, deviated from her normal life trajectory. She took a three-year detour, a lesson learned through blood and tears.

Wen Di’s phone on the table vibrated. It was a message from Yan Heyu: [I’ve arrived in London, just out of the airport.] Yan Heyu was in London for a business trip and reported his arrival immediately.

Wen Di: [Mm.]

Yan Heyu was dissatisfied with her perfunctory one-word reply. [Can’t you say two more words to me?]

Wen Di: [Mmm-hmm.] She turned off her phone and tossed it aside, leaning back on the sofa to enjoy her afternoon tea.

Shen Tang was also looking at her phone, smiling. Without a doubt, she was chatting with Jiang Chengyu. Jiang Chengyu treated her like a child, afraid she’d get lost even if she was just out for afternoon tea with him. Wen Di teased, “Big Baby Shen, is your ‘parent’ looking for you?” Shen Tang gave her a look, but her lips were curved upwards. She put away her phone and used a fork to divide the dessert in half, sharing the calories with Wen Di.

“Have you prepared Yuan Yuan’s wedding gift yet?” She pushed the dessert plate to Wen Di.

“Not yet, I’m so worried. I don’t know what to give that little girl to surprise her.” Wen Di took a hair tie from her bag, simply tied her long hair into a bun on top of her head, and began to enjoy the dessert. Yuan Yuan and the bodyguard, a destined couple, were getting married at the end of the month.

“Yuan Yuan and the bodyguard have known each other for eight or nine years, right?”

Shen Tang nodded. “My first meeting with Jiang Chengyu was also her first meeting with the bodyguard.”

Wen Di casually mentioned, “Do you still remember the scene of your first meeting with Jiang Chengyu? If you do, I’ll help you write it down so you can read it when you’re older. Otherwise, in another ten or twenty years, you might forget what you said back then. A bad pen is better than a good memory.”

Shen Tang: “I remember.” She remembered it all too clearly. She took another bite of dessert and signaled to Wen Di, “Write it down for me now.”

That day was November 21st, at a certain corporation’s appreciation cocktail party, where celebrities gathered. Sister Li received a call on the way to the hotel; a drama that had just shown promise a few days ago had fallen through. Shen Tang wasn’t surprised. Besides Fan Yu causing trouble behind the scenes, she couldn’t think of anyone else.

“Sigh...” Sister Li let out a long sigh. If she couldn’t get any more roles, this cold winter would be hard to bear. Since Shen Tang entered the industry, she had filmed two dramas: one had most of its scenes cut, and the other had been shelved until now with no chance of being aired on any platform. The few commercial resources she had were being terminated one by one. Now, she was in a difficult transition, unsure how long she could last.

“My dear, who on earth did you offend? Why are they singling you out and blacklisting you so ruthlessly?”

Shen Tang didn’t want to talk about her background. “There are too many people who don’t like me; who knows?”

“You know there are many people who don’t like you,” Sister Li said earnestly, “Then can you change your personality? Don’t give people the cold shoulder so easily. We have no resources, no background. Do you know how hard it is to get by in this industry?” Shen Tang turned to look out the window, automatically blocking out Sister Li’s nagging. Sister Li felt uninteresting and stopped talking.

Shen Tang was not in the mood to appreciate the night view outside the car window; her mind was filled with her grandfather’s illness and her seemingly hopeless acting career. Life’s worst moments were just like this.

‘Wandering Double Bed Lover’: [Are you coming back for Christmas this year?]

Shen Tang replied to Xie Yuncheng: [No time, very busy.]

‘Wandering Double Bed Lover’: [You have no roles, no endorsements, what are you busy with all day?]

Shen Tang: [Busy looking for roles.]

‘Wandering Double Bed Lover’: [Why are you so stubborn? You’ve already hit a wall and reached the Yellow River. Why don’t you know when to turn back, when to give up?]

Shen Tang: [No heart, no death.]

[Gotta go, I’m at the hotel. There’s a cocktail party tonight.] She ended the chat.

Before getting out of the car, Sister Li repeatedly warned her: “Don’t act stuck-up. When you need to humble yourself, do it. Tonight is a fashion industry gala. I don’t know if Chen Nanjin will be there. If he is, find an opportunity to talk to him. His productions, whether movies or TV dramas, are all high-quality.” Shen Tang got out of the car and waved. Sister Li poked her head out the window. The cold wind blew, making her shiver, so she quickly retreated into the car. “The boss finally managed to get you an entry ticket; don’t waste it, Shen Tang. Right now, we’re at our wits’ end, with no way out. I’m not asking you to curry favor with anyone, but appropriate socializing is very necessary. Also, don’t take yourself too seriously.” Sister Li was rushing to a dinner party and rolled up the car window.

After the car drove away, Yuan Yuan whispered to comfort Shen Tang, “Sister Tang, Sister Li has a sharp tongue, but she’s not a bad person. Don’t take anything she says to heart.”

Shen Tang: “I’m fine.”

The party was on the sixth floor. Yuan Yuan escorted Shen Tang to the door. She didn’t have an invitation, so she couldn’t enter. Shen Tang took off her trench coat and handed it to Yuan Yuan. “If you’re bored, go out and wander around. I’ll call you when it’s over.”

“I’ll go buy you some half-baked cheese, and I’ll wait for you in the lobby downstairs when I get back,” Yuan Yuan said, folding the trench coat and placing it in her handbag, waving to Shen Tang. Shen Tang only saw one acquaintance, but that person was a top-tier celebrity, so she didn’t go up to talk. She followed that person into the banquet hall. The staff bowed slightly to the person in front of her, greeting them proactively.

“Excuse me, madam, could you please show your invitation?” Shen Tang was stopped by the staff. Shen Tang was currently not even considered an eighteen-line celebrity and had no recognition. Moreover, she didn’t photograph well; there was a difference between her in person and on screen. It was perfectly normal for the staff not to recognize her.

“She’s an actress, Shen Tang.”

“Director Chen, good evening.” The staff apologized, “My apologies, I didn’t recognize her just now.” The one who had just helped Shen Tang out of a predicament was indeed Chen Nanjin. Shen Tang recognized Chen Nanjin’s voice without turning her head. She opened her handbag, took out her invitation, and handed it to the staff. The staff didn’t even look at it and handed it back to her.

“Hello, Teacher Shen, long time no see.” Chen Yinuo proactively stepped forward to greet her.

Shen Tang: “Hello.” She nodded slightly. “Excuse me.” Chen Yinuo wanted to say something more, but Fan Yu abruptly pulled her back, giving her a cold stare. Once they entered the banquet hall, she whispered to scold her daughter, “Why do you call everyone ‘teacher’?”

Chen Yinuo didn’t care, feeling her mother was overreacting: “She’s a good actress, and older than me. What’s wrong with calling her ‘teacher’?” Fan Yu couldn’t tell her daughter the truth, her chest burning with an unnamed anger. It was bad enough that Chen Nanjin was helping Shen Tang; now even Chen Yinuo was eagerly trying to please her.

“When it comes to acting, how are you any worse than her? You’ve been acting since you were a child; she’s just a newcomer. Don’t call her ‘teacher’ anymore.” Chen Yinuo didn’t want to argue with her mother in such a setting and could only go along with her mother’s words, feigning obedience: “Got it.” Only then was Fan Yu satisfied. She let go of her and told her to find her friends. She, meanwhile, linked arms with Chen Nanjin, never leaving his side. “Everyone here tonight is sharp. You need to control yourself and not let anyone see that you feel differently about Shen Tang.”

Chen Nanjin didn’t say a word. Unintentionally or not, he kept searching for Shen Tang in the crowd.

Shen Tang took a glass of wine and sat alone in a corner. Meeting Chen Nanjin and Fan Yu tonight had ruined her appetite; even the red wine tasted flat. Sister Li sent her a message: [Tonight’s dinner fell through. They said something came up suddenly and they couldn’t make it. You understand what that means, right? I was originally going to negotiate a supporting actress role (fourth female lead) for you. Now, they won’t even use you for a supporting actress role. Do you know what this means?]

[You don’t have to reply to me, so I don’t get angry when I see it.]

Shen Tang put her phone in her bag, and inadvertently looked up, catching a glimpse of Chen Nanjin’s family of three chatting with a powerful figure in the industry. She clutched the stem of her wine glass, tilting her head slightly to take a few sips. The entrance became noisy, and many people gathered around. It was probably tonight’s heavyweight guest arriving. Shen Tang wasn’t interested in who it was. Her glass was empty, so she refilled it with red wine and sat back down. She didn’t intentionally seek anyone out for conversation, just sat there alone, savoring her wine. Even though she maintained a cold expression and wasn’t famous, her stunning face made men who approached her overlook her unenthusiastic tone.

“What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

Yan Heyu followed Jiang Chengyu’s focused gaze, realizing Jiang Chengyu was looking at Shen Tang. “Her personality, forget about it.” Jiang Chengyu was bringing his wine glass to his lips, but paused. “You know her?”

Yan Heyu: “No. Her name is Shen Tang, an eighteen-line celebrity, and she’s friends with Wen Di.”

“Who’s Wen Di?”

“A scriptwriter, and also a host.” Yan Heyu sipped his red wine. He was still looking at Shen Tang. “She seems to be surrounded by people trying to get her to drink.” He turned to ask Jiang Chengyu, “Do you want me to go help her out?” The person pressuring her to drink was someone Shen Tang couldn’t afford to offend.

Jiang Chengyu didn’t say a word. Yan Heyu understood what his best friend meant. If he wasn’t completely willing, he wouldn’t get involved. They were only at the party tonight to show their faces, planning to have a drink and then leave. It seemed they couldn’t leave for now. Jiang Chengyu had never been so invested in any woman, and the key was that he took the initiative to be invested. Yan Heyu went over with his wine glass.

Young Master Yan, one of the heavyweight guests tonight, arrived. The person interested in Shen Tang didn’t bother drinking with Shen Tang anymore, turning instead to flatter Yan Heyu. Yan Heyu exchanged a few polite words and then looked at Shen Tang. “Why are you here alone? What’s Wen Di been busy with lately?” His tone was very familiar.

Shen Tang thought the man in front of her was Wen Di’s friend and was surprised when Wen Di had met Yan Heyu. “Wen Di is in seclusion, writing a script. I haven’t seen her for a while either.” Seeing this, the others tactfully left. Shen Tang raised her glass to him, “Thank you. Another day, when Wen Di is free, I’ll treat you.”

Yan Heyu only said, “I’m not Wen Di’s friend, and I don’t know her. I’ve only seen her host shows. I casually followed her on Weibo.” Wen Di often interacted with her on Weibo and occasionally posted photos with her. But no matter what, he had helped her out, and Shen Tang thanked him again. Yan Heyu gestured with his wine glass to the left front. “Don’t thank me. The one who wanted to help you out was Mr. Jiang over there.” Shen Tang looked over. That was a man you wouldn’t forget after just one look. She knew Jiang Chengyu of Jingxu Group, but this was her first time seeing him in person. She made a toasting gesture from afar, then took a sip. She didn’t intentionally go forward to thank him.

Yan Heyu couldn’t quite figure out Shen Tang. After chatting with her for a few minutes, he went to find Jiang Chengyu. Shen Tang received Jiang Chengyu’s invitation half an hour later. She was planning to leave early when a capable young woman approached her. “Hello, Miss Shen, I’m Mr. Jiang Chengyu’s secretary.”

“Hello,” Shen Tang said politely. “How can I help you?”

Secretary: “I wouldn’t presume to instruct you, but Mr. Jiang has invited you to the lounge upstairs.”

Shen Tang wasn’t stupid; she knew what Jiang Chengyu meant. She couldn’t afford to play games with a man of his status, nor did she have the inclination to. So she politely declined: “Unfortunately, I’m rushing to another engagement. I’ll personally visit Mr. Jiang when I have time.” The secretary was clearly taken aback. Shen Tang was the first woman to refuse her boss. The boss’s first attempt to invite a woman had been rejected.

Shen Tang was a nobody at today’s banquet. When she left, or how long she stayed, no one cared. She had just received a call from her grandfather and was about to call him back downstairs. If it was too late, it would affect her grandfather’s rest. She apologized briefly to the secretary and left gracefully. The secretary couldn’t imagine how interesting the boss’s face would be if he knew he had been rejected. Without delay, she immediately returned upstairs.

Yan Heyu was also in the lounge, chatting and drinking with Jiang Chengyu. After hearing the secretary’s report, Yan Heyu chuckled; it was indeed interesting. Jiang Chengyu’s face showed no emotion. “Where is she?”

Secretary: “She went downstairs.”

Jiang Chengyu nodded, signaling the secretary to attend to her duties. Yan Heyu gloated, “Aren’t you going to chase her quickly?” Jiang Chengyu glanced at him, ignoring the comment.

________________________________________

Shen Tang arrived at the hotel lobby. Yuan Yuan had gone to buy her half-baked cheese and was currently stuck in traffic on the way back. She went to the back door to call her grandfather back. It was almost ten o’clock, and her grandfather hadn’t gone to sleep yet.

“Tang Tang, are you done with your work? Did I interrupt your work just now?” Her grandfather had purposely waited until almost ten to call, not expecting his granddaughter to still be busy.

“Grandpa, you didn’t interrupt my work. I was having dinner with friends outside, and I was afraid of disturbing the next table, so I came out to call you back.” Grandpa smiled and asked, “What did you eat tonight?” Shen Tang mentioned a few dishes she usually liked. “I ate a lot of each! Oh, by the way, Grandpa, I’ll come back to see you at the end of the month. I just finished filming and can rest for a few weeks.” It meant she had no more acting jobs.

Her grandfather’s face lit up when he heard his granddaughter was coming back. The discomfort in his body was relieved at that moment. “Don’t overwork yourself. If you ever don’t want to act anymore, just come back to Shenzhen. Grandpa has saved a lot of money, enough for our Tang Tang to spend.”

Shen Tang quietly let out a breath. “Alright, I’ll call you again tomorrow, Grandpa. Go eat with your friends; the food will get cold.” Her grandfather hung up the phone.

Shen Tang stood at the hotel’s back door, the cold wind blowing. Only now did she feel completely chilled. She rubbed her arms, preparing to return to the lobby, when a strange voice called out from in front of her, “Shen Tang.”

Shen Tang looked up. It was the unforgettable man, Jiang Chengyu. His dark trench coat made him appear even more imposing and sharp. With long legs, he quickly walked up to her.

“Mr. Jiang, a pleasure to meet you.”

Jiang Chengyu looked at her thin dress. “Not cold?”

Shen Tang: “It’s fine. Thank you, Mr. Jiang, just now.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen such an insincere thank you, even toasting from afar.” Jiang Chengyu slowly unbuttoned his trench coat with one hand. His gaze remained on her.

Shen Tang said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, “It’s not insincere. The status difference is too great; I was afraid of causing idle talk for you.” Jiang Chengyu took off his trench coat, and to Shen Tang’s surprised gaze, he draped the coat over her. “Even if you’re playing hard to get, I’ll concede.”

Shen Tang: “...”

“Keep the coat on. I’ll find you when I have time to get it back. I’ve added you as a friend; please accept. I’ll wait for you in the parking lot.” Without any fuss, he left first.

“That’s pretty much how it went.” The coffee in Shen Tang’s cup had grown cold, so she asked the waiter for a refill. During afternoon tea, there were only a few scattered customers in the shop.

“Does your coffee shop make money?”

“No, it doesn’t. I bought the storefront myself, so I don’t pay rent. It barely covers employee salaries. I just wanted a quiet place to write scripts.”

Wen Di’s fingers were numb from typing. “Don’t change the subject. What happened next with you and Jiang Chengyu?” She and Shen Tang never gossiped about each other’s romantic details. As for how Jiang Chengyu pursued her, Wen Di knew very little.

Shen Tang: “Then he pursued me. The process wasn’t very romantic.” However, Jiang Chengyu had been very considerate to her from beginning to end and was willing to pamper her. This was what she relied on him for the most.

“Mommy!”

“Mommy!” Outside the coffee shop, two little kids were making funny faces at the window. Shen Tang suddenly turned around. Outside the French windows, Jiang Chengyu had arrived with Little Ningmeng and little Jingrui to pick her up.