Chapter 189: Chapter 190: Ask Him for Help

Xia Yangyang said, "You guys keep rehearsing. I'll handle the costumes." She then ran out of the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu called after her, "Yangyang, where are you going?"

Xia Yangyang went straight to Shi Chuan Entertainment, having already called Shen Shichuan en route. She proceeded directly to the CEO's office without difficulty. Shen Shichuan's secretary, Zhou Fei, recognized her and said, "The CEO is in a meeting, Miss Xia. Please wait a moment."

Less than five minutes later, Shen Shichuan returned. "You're reaching out to me for the first time since the TV series wrapped," he remarked calmly.

Xia Yangyang quickly stood up. "CEO Shen, I have a favor to ask."

"Ah Chen and I are good friends, and you're his wife. It seems a bit distant to call me CEO Shen," he replied.

Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Brother Shen."

Shen Shichuan asked, "What do you need my help with?"

Xia Yangyang explained her involvement in the school's drama performance, adding, "You're a major figure in the entertainment industry, so I thought you might be able to connect us with a drama troupe to borrow some props."

Shen Shichuan assured her, "This is a small matter. Shi Chuan has its own prop storage room. I'll take you there later, and you can pick out what you need."

Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes crinkling in a smile. "Thank you, Brother Shen."

Shen Shichuan asked, "But I have a question. Your father could have easily handled this. Why did you come to me?"

Xia Yangyang explained, "My dad's been pretty busy lately. He's left all matters of Starlight to my stepmother, so…" In recent years, Xia Liangdong had mainly focused on investment, leaving various Starlight matters to Liu Ruyan. For Xia Yangyang, asking Shen Shichuan was preferable to asking Liu Ruyan.

Shen Shichuan understood instantly and didn't pry further. He changed the subject: "Since I helped you out, it's only fair you repay the favor, right?"

Xia Yangyang was taken aback, wondering what she could possibly do for him. She replied, "As long as I'm capable, I'll do my best."

Shen Shichuan looked at his wristwatch and suggested, "It's almost noon. How about treating me to lunch?"

So he wanted a meal. That seemed simple enough. Xia Yangyang offered, "It's only right that I treat you. What would you like?"

Shen Shichuan responded, "I feel like having noodles today."

Xia Yangyang suggested, "How about we go to the Yun Ding restaurant for some Italian pasta?"

Yun Ding was the top restaurant in town, famous for its Italian noodles.

Shen Shichuan shook his head. "I'm not in the mood for fancy places today. Know any home-style noodle places?"

Xia Yangyang pondered for a moment, her expression brightening. "I know just the place. It's right outside our school; I go there often."

Shen Shichuan followed Xia Yangyang to Fengcai Noodle House, a small place on the campus snack street. He asked, "So you brought Ah Chen here before?"

Xia Yangyang was a bit smug. "Yes, I've brought him here before. He said it was really good."

The noodles arrived in a huge bowl. Xia Yangyang urged, "Eat it while it's hot."

After tasting a spoonful, a faint smile appeared on Shen Shichuan's face. Xia Yangyang asked, "Isn't the flavor great?"

Shen Shichuan chuckled. "Of course. If even Ah Chen, with his fussy palate, approved, it must be a top-notch dish."

However, the noodles, while home-style, had plain beef and excessive spices that masked the soup's flavor. Having grown up with Qi Chen, Shen Shichuan knew how picky Qi Chen was, especially with food. These noodles wouldn't suit Qi Chen's tastes. Qi Chen must have said he liked them to please Xia Yangyang.

Xia Yangyang beamed at him, her eyes turning into crescents. "If it's good, then eat more."

Shen Shichuan smiled warmly. "Alright, you eat more as well."