The next day, when Zhou Xiulin arrived at the company, he saw Jiang Qin standing at the door of his office, wearing a troubled expression. “Manager Zhou, Miss Zhou is waiting for you inside. It’s been half an hour,” Jiang Qin said, feeling frustrated. It seemed like Miss Zhou held animosity towards him.
Zhou Xiulin nodded and said, “You can go back to your work.” He pushed open the door and found Zhou Yanyan sitting on a chair.
“Brother, you’re here,” Zhou Yanyan stood up, her face showing a timid smile.
Zhou Xiulin walked up to his desk without saying a word, staring at her with a solemn expression.
“Brother, please don’t be mad at me. When I made mistakes as a child, you would always forgive me,” Zhou Yanyan said, her lips trembling.
Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brows and said, “Yanyan, this time it’s not about whether I forgive you or not. The person you should apologize to is Jiang Xiao.”
Zhou Yanyan bit her lip, pouting without saying a word. The emotions she had built up before coming gradually crumbled away.
“The decision about the roles was mine. Do you think I’m someone who can’t separate personal and professional matters?”
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“Ls.”
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Fbl qlzv yojoyae yde ydtau.
Jiang Xiao’s appearance undoubtedly reminded her of the things that had happened in the past.
No one spoke, and an atmosphere of tension filled the air.
Zhou Xiulin couldn’t bear it in his heart. “Yanyan, you can’t be so stubborn anymore.”
“But brother, I’m your own sister. How long have you known Jiang Xiao? Why are you supporting her so much?” Zhou Yanyan’s eyes turned red. In her view, everything should be taken for granted.
But in this world, things were never that simple.
“Yanyan, when you make a mistake, you have to bear the responsibility that you should bear,” Zhou Xiulin said with a cold expression.
Zhou Yanyan wasn’t foolish; she could tell that Zhou Xiulin had made up his mind. “If I apologize to Jiang Xiao, will you stop interfering with my acting? Can I still participate in filming ‘Fleeting Years’?”
Zhou Xiulin felt a headache. How did she become so stubborn? “It’s not just about this one thing.”
“You’re lying! If it weren’t for your order, my work would have been canceled. Brother…”
“…”
Zhou Xiulin slowly turned his face, his gaze shifting towards the window. “I’ll say it once. When you make a mistake, you have to take responsibility for your actions.” If he didn’t teach her a lesson, she might really become uncontrollable in the future.
“Okay… okay…” Zhou Yanyan raised her hand to wipe away the tears at the corner of her eyes. “I will apologize to her. I will personally apologize to her tonight. Brother, I’ll change.”
Zhou Xiulin sighed lightly as if nothing had happened. “Go and calm down for a while.”
After Zhou Yanyan left for more than ten minutes, Jiang Qin knocked on the door and entered.
“Manager Zhou, everyone is already in the conference room. We have a meeting at 9 am about the Lingnan Film and Television City project. Huaxia is planning to build a film and television city in Lingnan, similar to Hengdian. It’s one of Huaxia’s biggest projects in the coming years.”
Zhou Xiulin rubbed his temples. “Tell Ji Lan to pay more attention to Yanyan lately.”
“I will inform Ji Lan. What about Miss Zhou’s previous work? Should we continue with that?”
“We handle official matters objectively, no need for special treatment.”
“I understand.”
“Yanyan’s personality won’t go far in the entertainment industry. It’s better for her to understand that sooner.”
Jiang Qin nodded repeatedly. “Manager Zhou, you don’t have to worry. Miss Zhou is still young.”
Zhou Xiulin massaged his tired forehead. “Transfer Tina to the Public Relations Department as the department head.”
Jiang Qin briefly hesitated, but it seemed that boarding Princess Zhou’s ship wouldn’t be easy. Otherwise, things could turn upside down. “Okay.”
Tina’s transfer caused a small ripple within the company. It was clear to everyone that she was being demoted. However, nobody knew the exact reason behind Tina’s transfer, and it gradually became a mystery.
Jiang Xiao was alone at home, but she was not idle. She compiled a statistical analysis of the popular TV dramas from the past two years, studying what kind of TV shows were more suitable for the market and could capture the audience’s taste. As a manager, she needed not only a wide network of connections but also a discerning eye to select good roles for her artist. Many actors achieved fame and success through a single role, even creating lifelong classics.
Time flew by quickly, and in the evening, when Zhou Xiulin came to pick her up, she suddenly realized that a day had passed just like that.
Zhou Xiulin looked at the scattered notebooks on the coffee table and the sofa, slightly furrowing his brow. He held her hand, gazing at her gently, and spoke in a soothing voice, “Jiang Xiao, take a break for two days. There’s no rush with work.”
“I understand. Auntie also accompanied me for a walk downstairs today.”
“We have a study at home. Next time, work in the study.”
Jiang Xiao stuck out her tongue. “I’m used to this. Film sets can be even messier. Sometimes I take notes on a folding chair.”
Zhou Xiulin didn’t insist. Everyone has their own habits, as long as she’s happy. He patted her head. “Take care of yourself and get some rest.”
When the two of them arrived at the hotel together, Zhou’s parents and Zhou Yanyan were already there.
Father Zhou noticed a long-lost smile on Jiang Xiao’s face and said, “Please have a seat.” Father Zhou was a reasonable and open-minded person, and he knew about Jiang Xiao’s background and her growth. Jiang Xiao is independent and ambitious, and with his daughter as a positive example right in front of him, Father Zhou feels even more amiable towards her.
“Mother and Father,” Jiang Xiao politely greeted them.
Mother Zhou nodded. “Jiang Xiao, your complexion looks much better today than yesterday.”
Jiang Xiao smiled in response. “I’m fine now. I can go back to work in a couple of days.”
Father Zhou shook his head. “No need to rush, right, Xiulin? As a boss, you shouldn’t be too harsh on your employees.”
Zhou Xiulin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “See, even Father doesn’t agree.”
Mother Zhou nudged Yanyan, who had been frowning the whole time. She coldly snorted, “Jiang Xiao—”
Father Zhou said sternly, “No disregard for etiquette. Call her ‘sister-in-law.'”
Jiang Xiao replied, “…Father, we’re classmates. It’s okay to call each other by our names.”
Yanyan glared at her and said, “Father, we young people are used to calling each other by name.” She deliberately paused and continued, “Jiang Xiao, it was my fault for not knowing you were pregnant.”
Jiang Xiao made a soft sound of acknowledgment, feeling somewhat strange inside.
Zhou Yanyan took a deep breath, feeling stimulated by Jiang Xiao’s attitude. She picked up the tea cup in front of her and said, “I offer you a cup of tea as a gesture of apology. I hope you, as an adult, can forgive me this time.”
Jiang Xiao didn’t expect Zhou Yanyan to apologize so readily and proactively. It wasn’t like her usual character.
Mother Zhou intervened, “Jiang Xiao, Yanyan genuinely didn’t know you were pregnant.” Does not knowing make it free of blame?
Jiang Xiao smiled faintly. Suddenly, her hand, which was resting on her lap, was held by a warm grip. She slightly moved, and Zhou Xiulin held her hand even tighter.
Jiang Xiao didn’t know what to say. Forgiveness, she didn’t have that much generosity. The storm had passed, but whenever she thought about the day Zhou Yanyan went crazy, she felt fearful. She slowly stood up, and Zhou Xiulin also released her hand.
“I will finish this cup of tea. When I was in high school, I lived with my aunt, and she told me that a happy home leads to success in everything. I never understood it because my family was never complete since I was young. But I know that my parents and…” She paused for a moment and glanced at Zhou Xiulin, “and Xiulin, they all worry about me because I got hurt.” She picked up the tea cup in front of her and drank it all in one gulp.
Zhou Xiulin had never heard her call him just by his name, two simple words that sounded more beautiful to him than any melody.
A smile appeared on Mother Zhou’s face. “Alright, from now on, the two of you should get along well.”
Father Zhou sighed. “Jiang Xiao is right, a harmonious home leads to success in everything. Yanyan, you should learn from Jiang Xiao; she understands better than you.”
Zhou Yanyan didn’t dare to argue and muttered, “I understand.”
During the meal, Mother Zhou observed Zhou Xiulin’s care for Jiang Xiao. She became puzzled again. These two seemed genuinely affectionate, so why do they sleep in separate beds?
“Xiulin, now that Jiang Xiao is pregnant, I suggest you both come back to live here. That way, I can take care of her as well.”
“No need,” Zhou Xiulin responded directly. “We will regularly go to the hospital for check-ups.”
“But you’re so busy, and you don’t understand. There are many things women need to pay attention to during pregnancy.”
“I have hired experts in this field, and we will follow the plan they provide. Please rest assured.”
“Don’t you trust me? I gave birth to you and Yanyan!” Mother Zhou was slightly angered.
“Mom, it’s not that I don’t trust you. If there’s a need, we will ask for your help.”
Mother Zhou felt uneasy in her heart.
Father Zhou shrugged it off. “You two just take good care of yourselves. If you have time, come home, and also think about the name for the child.”
“I will consider that,” Zhou Xiulin replied.
Jiang Xiao spoke, “Father, I think you’re very good at choosing names. Xiulin’s name sounds nice, and Yanyan’s name is also beautiful. Our classmates used to say that too.”
Zhou Yanyan suddenly realized something and said with a hint of pride, “My dad graduated from B University, and he even founded a poetry society there.”
“Father, you’re amazing,” Jiang Xiao sincerely admired, her eyes filled with admiration.
Father Zhou felt pleased. “I’ll take a look at the Kangxi Dictionary for the child’s name.”
“No need,” Zhou Xiulin immediately interjected, without any hesitation. “I’ve already thought of one.”
Father Zhou: “…”
Jiang Xiao: “…”
The atmosphere became slightly strange.
Jiang Xiao said, “I’m going to the restroom.”
Father Zhou looked at Zhou Xiulin and said, “Son, don’t choose a trendy name for the child. Be serious and thoughtful. If you have any ideas, we can discuss them together.”
Zhou Xiulin casually responded.
Father Zhou had no choice but to give up. He felt like he had no authority as a grandfather!
Zhou Yanyan couldn’t help but laugh, “Brother, Dad has been wanting to name your child for a while now. How did you not notice?”
Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow, “As a first-time father, I hope Dad will fulfill my wish of naming the child.”
Father Zhou wouldn’t believe him in a million years.
Father Zhou believed his words reluctantly.
Zhou Yanyan glanced at the restroom and walked in as well.
Jiang Xiao happened to be washing her hands at the sink.
Zhou Yanyan walked up to her and said, “Don’t get too proud.”
“I’m not proud.”
“Do you think pleasing my dad will work? Jiang Xiao, how come I didn’t realize before that you’re so good at flattery?”
“I didn’t realize it either. After we go back, I’ll butter up my husband properly. Who knows, he might give me half of the company’s shares.”
Zhou Yanyan gritted her teeth in anger. “I apologize to you, but it’s only for the sake of the child inside your belly. After all, he will be my future nephew.”
Jiang Xiao replied in a sullen voice, “Yanyan, my son might not want a wild aunt like you.”
The two of them seemed to regress back to high school. Zhou Yanyan had a spoiled temperament, and her classmates usually accommodated her. Lin Wu and Jiang Xiao were exceptions. Lin Wu focused solely on his studies and didn’t engage in much conversation with others.
Zhou Yanyan sometimes liked to pick on Lin Wu, and Jiang Xiao would occasionally help by defending him.
Now, thinking about it, it was torturous to have the person you liked right in front of you, but they liked someone else. It was actually quite painful.
Imagine if Zhou Xiulin liked someone else, she would also feel miserable.
However, everyone has their own way of expressing themselves. Zhou Yanyan was too arrogant and self-centered, looking down on her classmates from the small town.
In reality, it was jealousy at play.
After dinner, everyone left one by one.
This floor was full of restaurants, exquisitely decorated. Downstairs were various luxury stores, and since it was a workday, there were quite a few people.
“Yanyan—” Suddenly, a pleasant voice came from behind.
Everyone stopped in their tracks.
Jiang Xiao turned around and saw a young, beautiful girl. She had slightly curly long hair and distinct features, the kind of beauty that catches your eye. Even though Jiang Xiao had seen many celebrities, seeing her for the first time still amazed her.
“Shuyan, you’re here to eat too?” Zhou Yanyan’s face lit up with excitement.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“I came with a few classmates.”
“Alright, remember to invite me next time.”
The girl greeted Zhou’s parents as well.
Mother Zhou smiled gently, “Shuyan, you’ve become more beautiful. It’s only been half a year since we last saw you.”
“Aunt, you’re too kind.”
“Shuyan, it’s summer vacation now. If you have time, come to our house and visit.”
“Sure, Aunt. I plan to visit you in a couple of days.” The girl’s gaze then shifted towards Zhou Xiulin. “Zhou Ge, long time no see.”
Zhou Xiulin smiled faintly, “Long time no see.”
Zhou Yanyan held the girl’s hand and said, “Mom, Dad, I rarely meet Shuyan. You go back first, and I’ll talk with her.”
“Alright, take care.”
Zhou Xiulin also left with Jiang Xiao.
The young girl watched their departing figures and asked, “Yanyan, who is the girl beside your brother?”
Zhou Yanyan almost blurted out, “She’s my brother’s new assistant.”
“Your brother seems to have a good relationship with her.”
“My brother values her.” She didn’t want to tell anyone that Jiang Xiao was her sister-in-law.
“She’s quite pretty, even prettier than Tina.”
“Not as pretty as you, Shuyan. Let’s go downstairs and stroll around.”
“Okay. I want to buy a gift for my mom. Her birthday is coming up. Help me choose something.”
Jiang Xiao walked leisurely, her long and dense eyelashes fluttering gently. “Who was that girl just now?”
Zhou Xiulin smirked and said, “She’s Jin Zhongbei’s sister.”
Jiang Xiao’s footsteps stopped, a surprised look on her face. “Jin Zhongbei’s sister?” She turned around for another glance, but through the long corridor, she could only see a blurry figure. No wonder, no wonder she looked somewhat familiar…
“Yes.”
“But why has there never been any news about her online?” After all, she had been in the entertainment industry for so long and didn’t know.
“Because the Jin family wants to give her a peaceful environment to grow. Jin Zhongbei really loves his sister.”
“How old is she?”
“Two years younger than Yanyan.”
Jiang Xiao fell silent.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just think she’s really pretty. If she could be signed, she would definitely become popular.”
“The Jin family doesn’t intend for her to pursue that path. She’s studying at the D University nearby.”
“What’s her name?”
“Jin Shuyan, Shu from ‘beautiful,’ and Yan from ‘words.'”
Jiang Xiao suddenly smirked, “I just realized that your names all have special meanings, carrying the beautiful expectations of your parents.”
Her father named her Xiao, was it because she was born at dawn? Or was there another profound meaning behind it?
Xiao also has another meaning: understanding.
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What the Hell ?! It was my fault for not knowing you were pregnant. Who can accept this kind of excuse? Girl for real 😑. So if she was not pregnant it is ok to push her ?🙄
And the mother is even more a desperate case.
The errors in their pronouns are driving me crazy 😭
Thanks for the heads up. I only saw 2 pronoun mistakes. If you see more, please leave a comment so that I can correct them.