"Ms. Jiang, long time no see."
Everyone around looked at this person in unison, their faces filled with curiosity.
Looking at the acquaintance in front of her, Jiang Li raised her eyes and nodded with a smile, saying, "Long time no see, Assistant Zhang."
Zhang Yi said, "Just now, Mr. Sheng watched your play and would like to invite you to find a place to have tea. I wonder if you have the time?"
His attitude was very respectful. Moreover, since it was an invitation from Mr. Sheng himself, out of social etiquette, she had no reason to decline. "It's my great honor," she replied.
After saying that, she stood up and politely bid farewell to the other actors around. Everyone saw her off reluctantly.
After leaving the grand theater, a Maybach was parked beside the theater steps.
The inside of the car was completely silent.
"Ms. Jiang, please."
Jiang Li nodded slightly and got into the car.
On the other side of the car, Sheng Shuocheng was sitting with his eyes closed, resting.
When he heard the noise, he opened his eyes and his gaze swept over Jiang Li.
"Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Shuocheng nodded. He had a high - bridged nose, a very strong build, and his clothes were of very high quality. His whole demeanor exuded elegance and nobility.
"I heard that today was your first time performing in a play," Sheng Shuocheng started the conversation, glancing at Jiang Li. "You have great talent and can really engage the audience's emotions."
Jiang Li heard the praise in his words and smiled, saying modestly, "I didn't expect you to be there today. I'm afraid I made a fool of myself."
Sheng Shuocheng said casually, "It's not making a fool of yourself. As a newcomer, your acting skills are excellent and your ability to stir up the atmosphere is very strong."
"I don't have many hobbies. Occasionally, I watch plays to kill time," Sheng Shuocheng said, finally shifting his gaze to her face. "You're very outstanding and a good candidate for a play actress."
Jiang Li smiled sweetly, her smile as pure as a young girl's. "Then I won't decline your compliment. I'm very glad to receive it."
Sheng Shuocheng let out a soft laugh.
...
Nianzhi Teahouse.
Jiang Li glanced at the plaque and knew what it was.
Nianzhi Teahouse was the most famous teahouse in the northern city. It rarely opened to the public on weekdays. If business bosses wanted to discuss cooperation here, they had to make an appointment in advance.
Even though the process was cumbersome, many people flocked to it for the sake of dignity.
The teahouse hired the best actors. As soon as one stepped in, one could hear the melodious singing of the actors, as well as the sound of bamboo forests and flowing water. It was very charming.
This teahouse was founded by Sheng Shuocheng.
Previously, Jiang Li had accompanied Xiao Yanzhi here to meet a client, so she wasn't completely unfamiliar with it.
Following behind Sheng Shuocheng, Jiang Li entered a tea - drinking room.
She clearly saw a sign hanging on the door, which read "No outsiders allowed."
After entering, the decoration inside was very elegant. The classical wooden tables and chairs had a high - quality feel, and the layout was very grand. There were authentic works of famous calligraphers and painters hanging on the walls.
It was completely different from other tea - drinking rooms. Obviously, this place was more special.
Jiang Li then realized that this tea - drinking room was Sheng Shuocheng's private area. No wonder outsiders were not allowed to enter.
She felt a little surprised.
Sheng Shuocheng was a very shrewd person. From their previous encounters, she had already realized that he was not an easy elder to figure out.
And today, he brought her to his private place. What was his intention?
"Ms. Jiang, please sit down."
Sheng Shuocheng made a gesture with his hand. Jiang Li immediately withdrew her thoughts, bowed respectfully, and then carefully sat down opposite him.
"Zhang Yi, serve Ms. Jiang some tea," he said in a gentle tone.
One could sense that he was very relaxed now.
Zhang Yi stepped forward and slowly poured the brewed tea into the teacup in front of Jiang Li.
Looking at the clear and green tea soup in the teacup, Jiang Li sniffed the fragrance of the tea in the air and then smiled. "This is the new bud from Dongnan Minggang. Mr. Sheng really has good taste."
"You know about tea?" There was a look of surprise in Sheng Shuocheng's eyes.
"I've dabbled a little. I only know a bit of the basics. At most, I can deceive some people. It's not something that can be taken seriously," Jiang Li waved her hand and said sheepishly, "If you ask me more in - depth questions, I'll surely show my ignorance."
She knew her place and when to advance or retreat.
A smile appeared in Sheng Shuocheng's eyes. "You girl, you're really a smart cookie."
Jiang Li just smiled and didn't say anything, accepting the compliment.
In front of an old fox like Sheng Shuocheng who had seen countless people, rather than pretending to be smart, it was better to show her honesty, which could make him lower his guard.
Especially not showing that she was on guard against him.
Apart from attending events, Jiang Li usually dressed simply. After taking off her makeup after the play, her features were very clear and clean.
She was very graceful.
"I heard that you're in great need of money?" Sheng Shuocheng took a sip of tea and asked seemingly casually, but his gaze was very gentle.
"Mr. Sheng, no one doesn't need money," Jiang Li smiled and said very honestly, "Since I've chosen to be an actress, I naturally have to make a living from it."
Sheng Shuocheng said, "You're really straightforward."
He had met many people who would never show their greed, especially in such an elegant environment. They preferred to talk about some high - brow topics.
"Only those who lack confidence will hide their true selves," Jiang Li tidied up the loose hair beside her ear and said with a calm smile, "I earn money openly. There's nothing embarrassing about it."
She wasn't just putting on a show of strength. Her confidence came from within, which made her seem proud.
Sheng Shuocheng looked at her meaningfully and then said, "That little girl beside Xiao Yanzhi is far inferior to you. He has poor taste."
"She's just starting out in the industry. She's young and has little experience. She still needs to grow," Jiang Li didn't leave any loopholes in her words. "I was even more clumsy than her when I first entered the industry four years ago."
Sheng Shuocheng was a powerful person. He probably didn't like to hear bad - mouthing.
Moreover, Jiang Li disdained to do such things.
After chatting for a while, Sheng Shuocheng looked at the empty teacup and was about to call Zhang Yi over when Jiang Li directly placed her hand on the teapot. "Let me pour the tea for you. It's the courtesy a junior should show."
Her movements were very small, and hardly a single drop was spilled.
The level of the poured tea was just right, exactly half - way up the teacup without overflowing.
It was a rule that wine should be served to the brim while tea should be served shallowly.
Just this small act made Sheng Shuocheng laugh out loud for the first time today. "Jiang Li, you know better than Zhang Yi how to be an assistant."
Jiang Li was stunned.
"Over the years, Zhang Yi has always been so clumsy when pouring tea," he said, raising his eyes and glancing at Zhang Yi standing on one side. "Either he spills it on me or fills the cup to the brim."
Zhang Yi was about to apologize awkwardly when Jiang Li directly smoothed things over for him. "Assistant Zhang accompanied you in your early years of hard work and helped you block and pour wine. Naturally, he's used to the rules at the dinner table. If you blame him now, he'll be sad."