Chapter 184: Zhang Zekai

Hearing this, Zhong Wei and the others looked at Zhang Zekai with envious eyes.

Being favored by Tang Shiyun was not a treatment just anyone could enjoy. A month ago, probably no one would care. But now it was different; Tang Shiyun had become a red-hot singing star, and the crown of the future queen of the music scene would undoubtedly fall on her head.

Feeling Nanrong Wanqing’s gaze on him, Zhang Zekai curled his lips, slightly proud. "Shiyun is a good girl, but I don’t want to hinder her future because of feelings. Moreover, I need to prioritize my career now. As for what’s between us, let’s talk about it later."

"Big brother, Shiyun is so beautiful and talented; if you don’t make a move now, be careful someone else will snatch her away," Zhang Qianqian joked.

"Sister, you underestimate your brother’s charm. What’s mine will eventually be mine; why should I worry?"

Ling Chen, standing to the side, curled his lip. Although he didn’t take it to heart, he still felt a bit annoyed inside. This guy really thinks highly of himself. What kind of person Tang Shiyun is, how could he not know? By the sound of Zhang Zekai’s words, it seemed as if Tang Shiyun had set her heart on him.

However, despite what he thought, who didn’t know that the entertainment industry, while glamorous on the surface, is actually the filthiest place? His biggest worry was that Tang Shiyun would be contaminated. After all, Tang Shiyun is quite young, not even twenty years old. She went from an unknown girl to a nation-famous singing star overnight. This change was too huge for her.

In just over a month, he didn’t know if she had changed.

"Wanqing, how about this: stay for dinner tonight, and then I’ll get my brother to call Tang Shiyun over, so everyone can get acquainted. How about it?" Zhang Qianqian suggested.

Nanrong Wanqing was immediately intrigued. Ever since hearing Tang Shiyun’s songs, she had been curious, wanting to see what kind of girl could sing such beautiful songs.

Seeing her not speaking, Zhang Qianqian could guess her thoughts and smiled. "Big brother, give Tang Shiyun a call later and invite her for dinner."

"Sure, no problem, leave it to me."

Ling Chen, listening to the trio’s conversation, his eyes slightly lit up. If Tang Shiyun was coming, wouldn’t that mean he could see her? At this thought, he couldn’t help but get excited.

It had been so long since they saw each other; to say he didn’t miss her would be a lie. In his heart, Tang Shiyun always held great importance.

In the blink of an eye, it was evening.

In the living room, Zhang Qianqian glanced at the time and said, dissatisfied, "Big brother, it’s almost dinner time, why hasn’t Tang Shiyun arrived yet?"

"No rush, I’ve called her already. There’s a concert in two days; she definitely needs to focus more on rehearsals. It’s normal for her to be late."

While talking, a man dressed like a butler approached Zhang Zekai and whispered a few words in his ear.

Not knowing what was said, Zhang Zekai’s face changed slightly, and a trace of anger could be seen in his eyes. Zhang Qianqian, sitting next to him, asked, "Big brother, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing." Zhang Zekai forced a smile, stood up, and said, "Qianqian, keep Miss Nanrong company for a while; I’ve got something urgent. I’ll be right back." After speaking, he followed the butler towards the stairs.

Upstairs, Zhang Zekai’s smile faded, and he said coldly, "Talk, what happened?"

"Mr. Zhang, Tang Miss's agent just called, saying she’s occupied with rehearsals tonight and can’t make it to the dinner."

"No time?" Zhang Zekai scoffed. "She really knows how to find excuses. Tell her if she dares not to come, I’ll make sure she’ll have no good days ahead. Hmmph, doesn’t she realize her current fame is all because of who supported her? I made her famous, and I can make her worthless."

The butler nodded, understanding. "Yes, Mr. Zhang, I know what to do."

"Tell her to hurry up; she must show up in front of me within half an hour. I don’t want to offend the distinguished guests."

"Yes."

Back in the living room, Zhang Zekai beamed with a spring breeze and said, "Miss Nanrong, sorry for the wait. I just contacted Shiyun; she’s already back at the hotel. She’ll be here in half an hour."

"No worries, I’m not in a rush." As she spoke, Nanrong Wanqing waved towards Zhong Wei. He quickly walked over and leaned forward. "Director, any instructions?"

"You’ve worked hard too; go have dinner first, and don’t stay by my side later. This is the Zhang Family; there won’t be any danger."

"Understood, Director."

At once, Zhong Wei withdrew all the security, including Ling Chen.

...

In Beijing’s sports arena, the stage was already set up, and over twenty staff members were assembling lighting equipment.

On the stage, a youthful and beautiful girl stood vividly in the center, holding a microphone, coordinating with the surrounding band for the final rehearsal for the concert in two days.

At this moment, a middle-aged man hurried onto the stage and gestured to everyone, "Stop, everyone stop."

The girl looked at the man, puzzled. "Mr. Zhu, what’s wrong?"

"Shiyun, President Zhang’s side just called again, asking you to hurry over."

"Again?" Tang Shiyun’s face tensed, displeased. "Didn’t I just refuse?"

"Sigh, there’s no helping it; he insists you go," Zhu Yansong said helplessly. "Shiyun, if you ask me, you should just go. After all, he’s the boss, and we can’t disregard his wishes."

"Mr. Zhu, you know that Zhang Zekai always finds excuses to invite me to his place, trying to take advantage of me. I really detest this type of person."

"Look, I know you don’t want to deal with him, but this industry is like this; many things are done out of necessity. You are a newcomer and haven’t secured your standing yet. It’s best not to offend those people; otherwise, it could negatively impact your future career."

"Mr. Zhu, I just want to sing my songs well and make this concert a success."

"I understand your feelings; you’re a good girl, and I don’t want you to be tarnished by the industry’s bad culture, but sometimes reality is just like that. Every new artist goes through this. Don’t worry, it’s just a dinner with guests; if he dares to touch you or act inappropriately, even if I lose this job, I’ll stand up for you."

Amidst this discussion, a middle-aged woman approached. The woman, around forty, was somewhat overweight, with a thick layer of makeup on her face, wearing expensive clothes, a gold necklace, and a pair of gold bracelets.

However, her attire did not enhance her elegance but rather conveyed the crudeness of a nouveau riche.

"Mom, weren’t you resting at the hotel?"

This middle-aged woman was none other than Tang Shiyun’s mother, Yao Li.