Upon learning that Jiang Li would show up at the premiere as promised, Sister Chen finally let out a sigh of relief.
Although everything should be based on Jiang Li's condition, if the leading actress was absent, it would also give rise to public speculation.
This movie centered around embroiderers, so naturally, the audience's attention would fall on Jiang Li.
Now that her condition was not optimistic, and with the spotlight focused on her, it would invisibly bring her a great deal of pressure.
"I'll protect her."
With just this one sentence from Xiao Yanzhi, most of Sister Chen's worries were dispelled. When hanging up the phone, she added that they could change the plan in advance if there were any emergencies, and she would be prepared.
In terms of crisis public relations, Sister Chen was a professional.
Before setting off, Xiao Yanzhi informed Xiao Yuanfeng that he would be out of the country for the next month, and no unimportant official business should be arranged for him.
Xiao Yuanfeng said helplessly that he didn't look like someone willing to be busy with official business at all. He told him to finish what he had to do quickly and come back to clean up his mess when everything was settled.
"Also, your mother said she wants to meet Jiang Li and apologize to her in person." Xiao Yuanfeng paused. "This time your mother is sincere."
"We'll see about the time, and it also depends on whether she's willing to meet." Xiao Yanzhi's voice was lazy, and his tone was nonchalant. "Moreover, an apology doesn't necessarily mean forgiveness. I hope Ms. Su is prepared."
"You..." Xiao Yuanfeng sighed helplessly. "You always make things difficult for me, your father."
"You've got no shortage of difficult things." His voice was calm, and his words were merciless. After saying this, he hung up the phone.
In a wealthy and noble family, everyone seemed glamorous, harmonious, and happy on the surface. But behind closed doors, every family had its own dirty laundry.
Xiao Yuanfeng couldn't even sort out his own love affairs, so he had no right to point fingers at his son's actions.
Even if he was no better in some ways, at least he was more dedicated than his father.
On Jiang Li's side, she also called Sheng Jingxi and told him that she was going abroad for work for a while. Sheng Jingxi said he supported her but asked her to visit Sheng Shuocheng when she had time.
"Have you forgotten? The day you had an accident was Dad's birthday."
Sheng Jingxi put away his usual flippant attitude on the phone and said seriously, "He was so happy to finally recognize his daughter, and now this has really scared him."
Jiang Li felt extremely regretful and guilty.
Xiao Yanzhi comforted her, saying that it wasn't her intention. It was just her illness that made her lose control, and she would get better in the future.
Such words were of little use. Jiang Li still felt a heavy burden in her heart. In the end, Xiao Yanzhi said he would accompany her to visit the old man and even help her speak a few words.
When they called, Mr. Sheng happened to be at Nianzhi Teahouse.
When they saw Sheng Shuocheng, the old man still looked kind.
Sheng Jingxi was sitting on the other side, looking rather gloating. He winked at Jiang Li.
Jiang Li didn't even have the time to glare back. She just lowered her eyes.
"Come and sit."
He pointed at the chair beside him with his hand, signaling Jiang Li to sit down.
Jiang Li hesitated a bit. She took small steps over and just sat down when a walking stick gently tapped on her calf.
It didn't hurt, but it was quite intimidating.
Jiang Li immediately remembered what Sheng Jingxi had said about the "family rules" before. At that time, she was still so proud, saying that she would never make the elders angry, but then she made a mistake.
"Don't act so recklessly in the future."
Sheng Shuocheng said calmly, with a bit of sternness between his eyebrows. "I used to say that you were better than your brother, but now it seems that you two are just the same."
Jiang Li lowered her head and accepted the scolding obediently. Finally, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Dad. It's my fault. I made you worry."
The old man's intention was just to let her pay attention to her own safety. Seeing her so pitiful now, Sheng Shuocheng's heart softened immediately. He couldn't bear to say a single harsh word. "These are all small things. Dad just hopes that you'll be safe and sound in the future."
He added comfortingly, "I don't mean to criticize you. Don't take it to heart or feel pressured. As long as you're safe and happy, that's all that matters."
Sheng Jingxi:?
Differential treatment! This was simply differential treatment!
He looked at Sheng Shuocheng almost in disbelief and then wailed, "I'm not your biological son, right? Did you and Mom pick me up from the trash can back then? I've always said that we should do a paternity test..."
Sheng Shuocheng frowned. "If you keep being so naughty, get out."
Sheng Jingxi: "..."
How could there be any insoluble conflicts between a father and a daughter? After chatting for a while, everything was forgotten, and it was once again a happy and loving scene.
Of course, Sheng Jingxi was the exception.
After chatting for a few minutes, Sheng Shuocheng asked Sheng Jingxi to take Jiang Li out for a walk. He wanted to talk to Xiao Yanzhi alone.
During the conversation, Sheng Shuocheng learned about Jiang Li's current situation. His eyebrows gradually knitted together, and a look of heartache appeared on his calm face.
"My daughter is now treading the same path as her mother." Finally, Sheng Shuocheng sighed deeply.
Xiao Yanzhi replied calmly, "She's just lost her way for a while."
"Who can lead her back onto the right path?" Sheng Shuocheng closed his eyes deeply, looking rather powerless. "I knew from the first time I saw this child that she can keep her thoughts to herself. If she doesn't say anything, no one will know what she's thinking."
"She's exactly like her mother in this regard."
Back then, considering Li Muzi's health, he had firmly opposed her giving birth to this child. But unfortunately, she had lied to him.
Not only did she lie, but she didn't even tell him after giving birth. As a result, his daughter had been separated from the family for more than twenty years and was only just recognized again.
If he were to meet Li Muzi in the sky one day in the future, Sheng Shuocheng would surely blame her severely for making their daughter drift and suffer for so many years.
Xiao Yanzhi naturally had no way to interfere in the previous generation's feelings, so he chose to remain silent.
Sheng Shuocheng also didn't intend to delve too deeply into personal topics. "I heard that it was you who saved her that day?"
Xiao Yanzhi nodded. "I got there in time, and no accident happened."
Sheng Shuocheng glanced at him and pushed the teacup in front of him. "Have some tea."
Just as he picked up the teacup and took a sip, Sheng Shuocheng's voice came slowly again. "Are the two of you in a relationship?"
After Xiao Yanzhi finished drinking the tea, he gently put the teacup back on the table. "I haven't received her official reply yet."
Sheng Shuocheng's voice was soft, and his eyes were extremely deep and sharp. "Yanzhi, you're the junior I've most recognized in business over the years. I heard that you managed to secure that piece of land in the northern suburbs?"
"It was just by luck. You're overpraising me."
Sheng Shuocheng waved his hand. "No need to be modest. You're bound to achieve great things in the future."
But what Sheng Shuocheng really wanted to say wasn't the previous sentence but the most crucial last one:
"But how come I remember that you didn't treat Lili very well before?"