Chapter 185: Keeping the Appointment

"I know you’ve been working hard on rehearsals, so I came to see you and have dinner together. Mr. Zhu, you join us too; you’ve been tired these past few days."

"Mrs. Yao, you’re here just in time; help me persuade Shiyun."

"What’s wrong?"

"Well, President Zhang would like to invite Shiyun to dinner to meet an important guest, but Shiyun is unwilling to go."

"President Zhang?" Yao Li recalled, "Isn’t he that shareholder of Silver Star Entertainment?"

"Yes, that’s him. He even hosted a welcome for you the other day when you were in Beijing. You’ve met him."

Hearing this, Yao Li frowned and lectured, "Daughter, President Zhang is inviting you over because he values you. How can you refuse?"

"Mom, that Zhang Zekai is not a good person; he’s always handsy with me, and he even... he even made those unreasonable demands." Tang Shiyun was both aggrieved and angry.

Ever since she came to Beijing to prepare for the concert, Zhang Zekai had been calling her frequently, saying it was to discuss the concert. However, after a few visits, she realized that Zhang Zekai was far from a gentleman. Not only was he physically inappropriate with her, but he also said very lewd things and asked her to spend the night with him. Zhang Zekai even promised her that as long as she obeyed, he would ensure her huge success.

She often watched entertainment news and knew the industry was full of dirty deals and unwritten rules, but she never expected to experience it herself, nor that it would be proposed so blatantly, which was incredibly humiliating for her.

These past few days, Zhang Zekai had been calling her frequently to meet, but she ignored him. She no longer wanted anything to do with such scum.

Seeing her daughter’s strong resistance, Yao Li patiently said, "You haven’t even met him properly; how do you know he’s not a good person? Daughter, he’s a big boss, young and handsome, and comes from a wealthy family. It’s your good fortune that he’s interested in you; why not give it a try? Perhaps..."

"Mom, stop talking; I’m not going." Tang Shiyun turned her head away impatiently, very determined.

Yao Li frowned and said, "You child, do you think you’re so grown that you don’t listen to your elders anymore?"

"Mom, I’m not a child anymore; I want to make my own decisions. Please don’t interfere so much."

Zhu Yansong, seeing Tang Shiyun not heeding advice, couldn’t help but say, "Shiyun, I didn’t want to mention this, but... alas, let me be clear: President Zhang has said that if you don’t go, not only will this concert not happen, but he will also collaborate with other companies to ban you. The Zhang Family has been in the entertainment industry for many years and has built up many connections; just by his word, no one would dare to employ you. You already have such great fame; abandoning it halfway would be such a waste. Shiyun, you have to understand, once you are banned, you’ll be left with nothing. The car, house, and money the company arranged for you will all be taken back."

Tang Shiyun replied nonchalantly, "Let them ban me; I won’t sell myself for money and fame. I can just live as an ordinary person."

"Daughter, that’s not acceptable." Yao Li quickly took her hand, persuading, "Our family has only just escaped from hard times; you can’t be so capricious. Do you want to go back to living in that old broken house? And your father is still in the hospital receiving treatment; if you lose your job, who will pay for all the medical bills? If you don’t think for yourself, think about your parents. We’re old and can’t endure hardships anymore. If you have any filial piety, let us enjoy a few peaceful years. Listen to Mom, go; it’s just a dinner."

"Mom..." Tang Shiyun’s eyes welled up, still somewhat hesitant.

"If you’re worried, then I will accompany you," Zhu Yansong said.

Tang Shiyun looked at him, then at Yao Li, who had a nervous and hopeful face, sighed silently, and gently nodded her head.

"Good, that’s my obedient daughter." Seeing her agree, Yao Li immediately turned her worries into joy and kissed her on the face.

"Mr. Zhu, thank you for your help."

"No worries. I personally trained Shiyun, and I don’t want her to ruin her own future."

...

Currently, in the resting room arranged by the Zhang Family, Zhong Wei and a few teammates are having dinner prepared by the chef. While chatting, Liang Zhao Hui sees Ling Chen holding a bowl of rice, standing in front of the window, occasionally looking outside, seemingly distracted, barely touching his food.

"Ling, what’s wrong? Not hungry?"

"It’s nothing." Ling Chen withdrew his gaze and sat back down with the rest.

Zhong Wei patted his shoulder and said, "It’s okay. The president is a good person. Whatever conflict you have with her, it will eventually pass. Besides, if the president was really angry with you, she would have driven you away by now."

Ling Chen smiled faintly. Zhong Wei probably misunderstood; he was not thinking about his issues with Nanrong Wanqing, but about Tang Shiyun. He had no other thoughts but just wanted to take a distant look at her. As long as she is doing well, he is utterly content.

Before long, a luxury Mercedes-Benz slowly drove into the Zhang Family’s residence and stopped in front of the mansion.

Upon receiving the notification from the butler, Zhang Zekai hurried to the front door, saw the car stopping, and immediately went to open the rear car door.

As the door opened, Tang Shiyun, dressed in a white casual outfit paired with jeans, stepped down from the car. Although she is a widely popular singer, her attire was still modest and simple, without any flashy decorations. Her delicate face was also makeup-free, bare for all to see.

However, even without makeup, her natural beauty could not be concealed. Her soft skin, slightly prominent cute nose, beautiful features, and a pair of bright and sparkling eyes exuded a youthful aura.

Seeing Tang Shiyun’s attire, Zhang Zekai frowned and dissatisfiedly said, "Why are you dressed like this? Didn’t I tell you the guests we are meeting are very important?"

Tang Shiyun glanced at Zhang Zekai, then shifted her gaze elsewhere and responded indifferently, "You asked me to come here within half an hour; I didn’t have time to change."

"You..."

"President Zhang, hello. Sorry to disturb you."

Zhang Zekai was about to scold her but then saw Zhu Yansong following out from the car.

"What are you doing here?"

"I..."

"Alright, it’s none of your business; go back first." Before Zhu Yansong could finish, Zhang Zekai impatiently interrupted him. Saying this, he grabbed Tang Shiyun’s hand and started walking towards the house.

"Be polite in front of the guests later; don’t embarrass me," he whispered.

Tang Shiyun bit her lip and struggled a bit. However, the more she struggled, the tighter Zhang Zekai gripped, causing her hand to hurt, leaving her no choice but to comply as he held onto her.