Shen Tang directly sent Gu Huaian's WeChat to Shen Yu.
It's unclear what the two talked about, but from the next day onwards, Shen Tang noticed that Shen Yu's attitude towards Gu Huaian had improved significantly. He no longer looked at him with disdain as before.
No need to think too much, Gu Huaian must have offered Shen Yu some benefits that he couldn't refuse.
After all, Shen Yu is very much like her in this aspect.
On the other hand, the TV series and movies she had previously filmed had started airing.
Shen Tang opened Weibo and found quite a few positive reviews, at least there wasn't an overwhelming amount of criticism labeling her as a mere vase.
Fans were very happy, not as aggressive as before when facing haters, but rather surprisingly humble, which made Shen Tang somewhat uncomfortable.
[Are these still Shen Tang's fans? Something doesn't seem quite right.]
[What's the matter, do you need a couple of jabs to feel comfortable?]
[Exactly! Now I feel relieved!]
[...What's wrong with them?]
Seeing these Weibo comments, Shen Tang's expression became quite complicated.
Well, had she gotten used to being criticized?
It's unbearable not to be criticized for a day.
She scrolled through the comments again, and there were still haters persistently targeting her.
However, due to her past glorious experiences of suing them, even when they cursed, they didn't dare go too far.
In the midst of all the praise, those timid haters seemed pitiful.
Shen Tang even felt a bit sympathetic towards them.
One of the haters with the username 'Is Shen Tang Quitting Today' diligently clocked in every day, more dedicated than fans in supporting her.
Shen Tang's name dominated the hot search, and those unaware might have thought she bought it.
But buying it was out of the question, how could she waste that unjust money, after all, she was planning to quit.
It could be said that Shen Tang was trending.
Various endorsements and production teams came knocking, and Pei Kesong brought a stack of documents and slammed them heavily on Shen Tang's desk.
"Take a look, these are the ones I think are good."
Shen Tang touched her nose and briefly flipped through a few, then whispered, "Can I endorse them all?"
Pei Kesong frowned, "All of them?"
"Yes, I've told you before, I'm planning to quit."
"You're quitting at this time? Are you crazy or am I crazy?"
Shen Tang covered her chest and said dramatically, "I don't want to, but it's too scary here, my fragile little heart can't take it."
Pei Kesong remained unmoved, crossing his arms, "Speak plainly."
"I just want to take it easy."
Pei Kesong pushed his glasses up on his nose, "Are you pregnant?"
"No."
"Then you're planning to?"
Shen Tang was speechless, "No, why are you asking about that?"
"If neither, then your brain must be fried."
Shen Tang: "..."
"Speak plainly, why resort to personal attacks?"
"You're so young, not working, planning to retire already?"
"Yeah."
Shen Tang thought about the balance in her bank account she checked last night, so much money she thought she was dreaming, living off the interest alone would be quite comfortable.
Of course, provided she didn't spend recklessly.
Shen Tang always felt that people work because they don't have money, and since she didn't like working, why should she subject herself to it?
Pei Kesong sighed deeply, his tone weighted with concern as he said, "Tang Tang, I don't know what you're really thinking. I'm not insisting that you work, but everyone needs a career. If you insist on leaving the entertainment industry, fine, but I hope you find something you truly enjoy doing, rather than lounging at home day after day with no purpose."
His words were sincere and heartfelt.
Shen Tang pondered for a moment, realizing she didn't have a particular career she enjoyed.
Compared to other professions, being a female celebrity seemed more liberating.
"Let me think about it..." she responded.
"Take your time, there's no rush. I want your decision to be well-thought-out, not impulsive," Pei Kesong replied with understanding.
After finishing speaking, Pei Kesong took out a folder and placed it in front of Shen Tang:
"Here, this is the contract you signed before. The children's variety show is about to start filming. However, this time it's changed from pre-recorded to live broadcast. Take a look for yourself."
Shen Tang raised an eyebrow in surprise; the director was really throwing a curveball.
While other variety shows could be understood, as everyone involved were adults and could play their parts, children were different. They didn't understand pretense and always spoke their minds. Coupled with the tendency of netizens to overanalyze, it could easily lead to trouble.
"I'm not sure if this is a good idea..." Shen Tang voiced her concerns. Though she trusted Anran and Wuyang, she didn't want to take unnecessary risks.
"I need to discuss this with them before deciding," she concluded. She couldn't make such a decision alone.
"Fine, handle it as you see fit," Pei Kesong said, refraining from saying more. Some things were better left unsaid.
After some thought, Shen Tang tucked the folder into her bag, intending to discuss it at home.
As soon as she left the building, she received a call from Second Young Master Zhou, saying he needed her urgently.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"I'm injured."
"If you're injured, call 911, why call me?"
"Shen Tang! Are you heartless or what?"
"Oops, busted."
Shen Tang said that, but she turned the car around and headed to Zhou Jin's house.
Although his voice sounded strong on the phone, she couldn't risk it.
There was no traffic on the road, so Shen Tang arrived at Zhou's house quickly.
The gate was open, and the yard was in disarray, as if it had been through a war. Expensive flowers and plants lay wilted on the ground, making Shen Tang's heart ache just looking at them.
That was all money!
"Second Young Master Zhou!"
"Second Young Master Zhou?"
"Zhou Jin?"
Shen Tang called out for a while, but there was no response. She started to worry that something might have happened to him.
"I'm here!"
Zhou Jin hopped down the stairs on one leg, his face bruised and swollen, looking quite frightening.
"Whoa! What happened to you?"
"It's a long story."
"Then make it short."
Zhou Jin: "..."
"It's nothing, just some people came to collect debts and got the wrong house."
Shen Tang's gaze dropped, puzzled. "Then what about your leg..."
Zhou Jin awkwardly grinned, accidentally pulling at his wound and sucking in a sharp breath.
"I accidentally fell down the stairs."
He didn't want to admit he was scared. Those people looked terrifying, and he thought they were after his life!
Shen Tang:...
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Both of them had issues.
"Let's go."
With those words, she turned and led the way.
"Where are we going?"
"To the hospital."
"I don't want to go."
"Really not going?"
"Mm."
"Alright, then I'm leaving."
Zhou Jin watched as Shen Tang walked away without looking back.
"Wait, are you really leaving!"
Shen Tang glanced at her watch, "Big brother, I have something to attend to."
Zhou Jin thought for a moment, then extended his hand to Shen Tang, "Then help me to the hospital."
Seeing Shen Tang about to turn away, he hastily changed his tune, "No, no, no, I'll go. I can manage on my own."