Chapter 36: Jiang Xiao, what do you want after all these years?

Zhou Xiulin was caught by reporters taking Zhou Simu to the restroom.

Fortunately, Zhou Xiulin was highly vigilant on regular days, and when he was holding Simu, his face was shielded by him.

The reporter from “Peekaboo Entertainment Weekly” had a bit of professional ethics; they pixelated Zhou Simu’s face in the published photos.

Once the news broke, the entertainment circle was in an uproar. Some believed that this must be an unfounded rumor. What’s the big deal about holding a child? It could even be a relative’s child.

As the news spread, a crowd of onlookers emerged, enjoying the gossip.

After all, Zhou Xiulin, as the president of Huaxia Film and Television, coupled with his handsome appearance, garnered more and more attention. Zhou Xiulin’s gesture of holding the child was so cool! Some fans even shouted for Zhou Xiulin to participate in a certain parent-child program with his son.

The Huaxia PR department was also in a difficult situation. Everyone saw the report early in the morning, but they didn’t know how to handle it. This was truly a huge test for them.

The office phones were constantly ringing, and Tina was swamped with work. In the end, she had no choice but to contact Jiang Qin. The boss in the photo was indeed real, but they didn’t know for sure if the child was President Zhou’s son, so they didn’t dare to reply casually.

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Kkydt Ckd nzlyale bkp vbasyv. “Yyeyx, ‘Vlljycss Odvlavykdxldv Elljzu’ lmrsple rbsvsp sq Valpkeldv Hbsw yde Fkxw.”

A twitch appeared in the corner of Jiang Xiao’s eye. “What’s going on?”

Jiang Qin replied, “I’ve sent you the news. The PR department doesn’t know how to handle it at the moment.”

Jiang Xiao cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and calmed her racing heart. “Alright, I understand. I’ll give you an answer after I’ve looked at it.” She hung up the phone and quickly glanced through the news.

Her expression grew increasingly serious. Which magazine was this? What illegitimate child?! Little Bean Sprout was definitely not illegitimate!

The phrase “illegitimate child” pierced Jiang Xiao’s heart painfully. She suppressed the bitterness welling up within her.

As Zhou Xiulin and Little Bean Sprout emerged from the restroom, they saw Jiang Xiao sitting there, looking at her phone. His tone slightly tense, Zhou Xiulin asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Xiao forced a smile at him, then looked at Little Bean Sprout. “Little Bean Sprout, let’s have breakfast.”

Zhou Xiulin placed the child in a chair, and Zhou Simu obediently started drinking his milk. “Mommy, why are your eyes red?”

“Mommy used her phone too much. You can’t keep playing with your phone and watching TV all the time, or you’ll end up like Mommy.”

Zhou Simu fell silent.

Jiang Xiao’s expression was off. How couldn’t he see it? The two of them went to the kitchen, and Jiang Xiao handed him the phone, saying helplessly, “I never expected that both you and Little Bean Sprout would end up in the news.”

After reading it, Zhou Xiulin understood her concerns. He tugged at the corner of his mouth, managing to conjure a smile.

Jiang Xiao furrowed her brows, her mood heavy. “What should we do?”

Zhou Xiulin contemplated, “Since Little Bean Sprout wasn’t caught on camera, there won’t be any exposure, but—”

“But what?”

“But this might be for the better.”

Jiang Xiao was puzzled, “What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain.”

“But won’t everyone now know about Little Bean Sprout’s existence?”

“Knowing can also be a good thing. At least, I’ll have more peace in the future.”

Jiang Xiao instantly understood his intention. “You want to use Little Bean Sprout as a shield,” she said. Was he trying to make their child’s identity public to deter any potential interest in her husband?

Zhou Xiulin held her close, resting his chin atop her head, and spoke calmly, “Simu is already three years old. In the future, our family will go out together. We can’t stay indoors just to avoid reporters.”

Jiang Xiao let out a sigh of relief.

Zhou Xiulin kissed her cheek, looking at her intently. “I will publicly acknowledge Simu’s identity on behalf of the company. He’s not an illegitimate child; he’s my legitimate son. I’ll inform the media, and from now on, any news related to Simu won’t be made public.”

Jiang Xiao chuckled, “Mr. Zhou, you’re really going out of your way.” Her hands looped around his neck, dispelling the clouds of worry in her heart. She leaned in and lightly kissed his lips.

From the living room came Little Bean Sprout’s voice, “Mommy, Mommy, I finished my milk.”

Jiang Xiao and Zhou Xiulin hurried back.

With breakfast done, Little Bean Sprout sat in a child safety seat, watching his parents.

Jiang Xiao wiped the corners of his mouth and tenderly advised, “If you need to pee, tell your teacher. Be friendly with other kids, and be courteous to girls.”

Little Bean Sprout nodded, “I know. Mommy, when are you going to take me to work?” He blinked his big eyes, filled with anticipation. It was hard to resist his plea.

Jiang Xiao thought to herself, “You’ve already been exposed, and you still want to come to work with me?”

Zhou Xiulin didn’t involve himself in the agreement between mother and son. He lifted Little Bean Sprout into his arms, and the child rubbed against Jiang Xiao’s leg. “Mommy, I want to go to the film and television city with you. I’ll behave.”

“Why don’t you go to work with Daddy then?”

“Daddy’s office isn’t fun.”

Jiang Xiao regretted showing Little Bean Sprout the photo of her at the film and television city in H City last time. He had seen the real palace there and even tried on ancient clothes. He remembered and had been curious about it, yearning to go there.

“Didn’t we agree that after Aunt Lin Wu returns from abroad, Mommy will take you to see the real palace in Beijing?”

“But Aunt Lin will take a long time to come back. Mommy—”

Zhou Xiulin replied slowly, “Consider it a form of social practice.”

Jiang Xiao gave him a sidelong glance. “Then how should I explain Little Bean Sprout’s identity? Should I have him call me ‘sister’?”

Little Bean Sprout was already hugging Jiang Xiao’s thigh. “Mommy, you look just like my big sister. I won’t expose you. Mumu will listen obediently.”

Zhou Xiulin raised an eyebrow, unable to help but chuckle.

Jiang Xiao mustered her courage. “Next time, Mommy will take you.”

“When is the next time?”

“The next time is…” Jiang Xiao pondered how to respond. Little Bean Sprout was getting older, and it was becoming harder to deceive him.

Zhou Xiulin reminded her, “Mommy will be going to the film and television city next week.”

“Zhou Xiulin!”

Little Bean Sprout flashed his milky-white teeth. “Then it’s next week. If I’m not going to school, I’ll ask the teacher for permission.”

Zhou Xiulin: “Alright. Classmate Zhou Simu, Daddy will remind Grandma to ask for your leave.”

Jiang Xiao: “…” She was clearly no match for this father-son duo.

Zhou Xiulin patted her shoulder. “Just say that Little Bean Sprout is a relative’s child.” This way, there would be no suspicion when Jiang Xiao took him back. “Don’t worry, your son has watched so many TV dramas; he’s quite good at acting. Given time, he could be the best actor.”

Zhou Simu nodded firmly.

At that moment, Zhou Xiulin’s phone rang. It was his mother calling. Apparently, they had also seen the news.

His mother sounded somewhat anxious. “What’s going on?”

Zhou Xiulin replied, “Mom, everything’s fine.”

His mother worriedly asked, “So, are you still sending Simu to kindergarten today?”

Zhou Xiulin reassured her, “Everything is as usual. I’ll handle the media.”

His mother sighed. “People are truly contradictory. He’s exposed now, and I’m worried again. Alright, just make sure to send Simu over quickly. Both you and Jiang Xiao, be careful.”

Zhou Xiulin smiled. “Don’t worry.”

After receiving instructions from Jiang Qin, the elites of Huaxia PR department were invigorated.

No one could believe that Zhou Xiulin already had a three-year-old son.

What on earth had happened?

But who was the child’s mother?

Was Zhou Xiulin married?

No one knew.

Tina prepared an explanation and stamped it with the company’s seal.

【Due to the online dissemination of false information regarding Mr. Zhou Xiulin’s “illegitimate child,” it is clarified that Mr. Zhou Xiulin indeed has a legitimate son, not an “illegitimate child.” We hope everyone focuses on the works of Huaxia Film and Television and allows Mr. Zhou Xiulin’s private life some space, enabling the child to grow up in a peaceful environment.】

After the explanation was released, major media outlets refrained from making further audacious comments due to Huaxia Film and Television’s influence, and the waves caused were minimal.

However, this event truly shook the entertainment industry. For a while, many people were discussing who this person was that could give birth to a child for Zhou Xiulin.

In any case, this became one of the unsolved mysteries in the entertainment circle.

On that day, Zhou Xiulin’s phone kept buzzing. People familiar with him sent messages one after another, all with the same purpose: asking him to release his son’s photo. Everyone had only seen a pixelated picture and wasn’t satisfied.

Zhou Xiulin ignored them.

Those people’s curiosity became insatiable, and eventually, Mo Yiheng approached him.

Remembering how he used to mock Zhou Xiulin for not having a woman, Mo Yiheng sighed internally. Even his silent son was already three years old. “Xiulin, can I discuss something with you?”

Zhou Xiulin furrowed his brows slightly and responded calmly, “Go ahead.”

“I need a ring bearer for my engagement ceremony to hold the rings. Your son looks quite presentable. Can he come over tomorrow night?”

Zhou Xiulin chuckled. “Sorry, he’s already booked.”

“Who is it? Tell me, and I’ll talk to him.”

“It’s not negotiable.”

“Zhou Xiulin, you’re really stingy. When are you planning to reveal such a grown-up son?”

“I also want to take him out, but none of you have children. Who would my son play with?”

That sentence directly silenced the group of people.

Zhou Xiulin hung up the phone and then opened a drawer, taking out a photo of the three of them together. A faint smile graced his lips. Zhou Simu would be a ring bearer, naturally for the first time, for his parents.

He still owed Jiang Xiao a wedding.

Jiang Xiao arrived at the studio half an hour late in the morning, and as soon as she entered, she heard everyone discussing the matter. As one of the parties involved, she remained silent. Zhou Xiulin’s influence was unexpectedly vast.

“I wonder what the child looks like. He must be adorable.”

“Surely there won’t be any more exposure.”

“I can guarantee that the child must be very handsome, just like Zhou President.”

“Hey, who do you think Zhou President had the child with?”

“Looking at the photo, the child seems to be two or three years old. Let’s check from three years ago, who was close to Zhou President?”

“Cheng Ying? Zhou President and Cheng Ying had a very close relationship. Wasn’t Cheng Ying on a long break at that time?”

“Oh my, it could be Cheng Ying.”

Jiang Xiao was truly at a loss for words. She cleared her throat gently. “Xiaoyu, could you make a cup of coffee for me? Thank you.”

“Sister Jiang, did you see the news?”

“I saw it.”

“Sister Jiang, have you heard anything? Did Zhou President really get married? The big boss truly lives up to his name, he managed to keep it secret so well.”

Jiang Xiao smiled. “Have you sorted out the translation matter? If you have time to gossip about the boss here, it’s better to resolve the translation issue quickly.”

“Sister Jiang, with President Zhou’s situation now, some of the attention has shifted away. We suspect, could it be that President Zhou revealed the child’s existence for his sister?” ¹Zhou Yanyan

Jiang Xiao sighed. “How’s Jiaren been lately?”

“She’s doing well in her filming.”

Jiang Xiao pondered for a moment. “Have her assistant capture more behind-the-scenes interaction videos of her during filming, just in case. We can use them for promotion.”

“Jiang sis, Jiaren wants to audition for ‘Changting’.”

“‘Changting’?” Jiang Xiao repeated slowly, her tone calm and relaxed. It was a recent film project that Liang Yue was preparing. Jiang Xiao continued, her expression unchanged, “What’s the news from Mr. Liang’s side?”

“They’re also casting for the female lead, aiming to bring in a fresh face.” Liang Yue’s productions always leaned towards new talents. Just like how Zhao Xinran gained the Best Newcomer Award with her role as the daughter in ‘Nianhua’, which propelled her to fame smoothly.

So, who wouldn’t want to be part of a Liang Yue film?

Xu Jiaren was a talent Jiang Xiao signed just last year. Jiaren was even more ambitious than Zhao Xinran, craving stardom. Naturally, she wanted to seize such an opportunity.

Being around senior actors often led to an invisible influence that enhanced one’s acting skills.

Jiang Xiao fell silent for a moment. “Send Jiaren’s materials to Mr. Liang’s studio.”

“Alright.”

In the past three years, she hadn’t actively recommended her artists to Liang Yue. Over these three years, she had grown strong enough herself, so she decided to let things flow naturally.

When she was alone, she had asked herself.

Jiang Xiao, what do you still want after all these years?

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