Back in the office, away from those prying eyes, Shen Tang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Oh right, you mentioned earlier that you had something to discuss, what was it?"
"It's nothing much. There's a banquet coming up in a couple days and I was wondering if you'd like to be my female companion. Are you free?"
"Sure, but you know what kind of reputation I have. I-"
Before she could finish, Gu Huaian interjected, "I think you're great."
Shen Tang was taken aback for a moment.
Gu Huaian's expression was serious as he repeated, "I think you're great."
Shen Tang couldn't quite describe how she felt in that moment. In all her years, there had rarely been anyone who complimented her with such certainty.
"What's so great about me?" Shen Tang was a little bashful. She wanted to hear exactly what Gu Huaian liked about her.
She even had the sudden urge to record this so she could listen to it over and over later.
Gu Huaian: "......"
Just as the words were on the tip of his tongue, he changed his mind and said, "You're lazy, greedy, lustful..."
The more Shen Tang listened, the more wrong it sounded. "Hey wait a minute! You're supposed to be complimenting me right? Why are you only listing my flaws?"
"But those little flaws don't really matter. You're kindhearted, optimistic, helpful, strong, and sincere to others. There's no need to always doubt yourself and lack confidence."
Shen Tang's eyes reddened but she laughed somewhat ridiculously. "Aren't you exaggerating? I'm just an ordinary person."
"Even ordinary people have their own shining moments. Who isn't ordinary?"
Shen Tang could feel her face flushing. It was hard for any girl not to blush while being sincerely praised face-to-face by a good looking guy.
She had to admit, everything he said sounded like a confession. As expected, handsome guys always speak nicely too.
"Ahem, you're not bad yourself," Shen Tang mumbled quietly.
Gu Huaian nodded. "I know."
Shen Tang faltered. The compliments she was about to give him instantly died on her lips.
Since when was this guy so full of himself?
Even so, their conversation definitely brought the two of them much closer. As the saying goes, sincerity helps build good relationships.
Shen Tang did not stay at the company for long since Gu Huaian quickly became busy again. With nothing to do by herself, she left.
Luo Chen happened to ask her out to discuss some matters regarding their farming variety show. Shen Tang went to meet up with him.
Arriving at the cafe, Luo Chen hadn't shown up yet so she randomly picked an inconspicuous corner to sit and wait.
Next door, she could vaguely hear voices speaking, probably due to thin walls. Shen Tang could vaguely make out that little white flower's voice.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Why should I believe you?"
"You like Gu Huaian. I want Shen Tang. What are you still hesitating about?"
Hearing this, Shen Tang immediately became alert. My my, eavesdropping about herself?
She quickly plastered herself against the wall to eavesdrop.
In the next booth over...
Zhou Qinglian lowered her eyes and softly asked, "Do you like Shen Tang too?"
Gu Jinan chuckled. "Like her? Hm, I guess you could say I do like her. To be honest, I quite like her figure and looks. And don't you think her personality is pretty amusing too?"
"I don't think so." Zhou Qinglian's expression twisted for a brief moment.
How could they both like Shen Tang? She was nothing but a promiscuous actress. What was there to like about her?
"You women are so..."
Gu Jinan shook his head with seeming helplessness. "Think it over. If you disagree then forget it. I'm not dead set on her or anything."
Gu Jinan calmly took a sip of coffee. "I have other matters to attend to so I'll get going first."
Hearing this, Zhou Qinglian panicked a little. "Wait!"
"I, I agree but you have to promise me something too."
"What is it?"
"You can't tell anyone else about this. And afterwards, you have to take Shen Tang far away. Don't ever let her appear by Huaian's side again."
Gu Jinan's eyes flashed briefly with disdain. "Fine, it's a deal then. I look forward to working with you."
"Likewise."
Shen Tang had only grasped the general idea. As for what exactly they were planning to cooperate on, she completely missed that part.
She couldn't help feeling a little anxious. Somehow she had ended up stretched full length against the wall.
"Miss Shen, what are you..."
Shen Tang looked back to see Luo Chen standing at the door with eyes full of questions.
She quickly stood properly and gave a little cough. "It's nothing. More importantly, have a seat. We have business to discuss."
The underlying meaning was to not question why she was in that position just now.
Because she hadn't come up with an excuse yet.
"Right, why did you ask to meet with me? What's going on with the show?"
Shen Tang only provided the funds and occasionally gave some opinions which Luo Chen could freely adopt or ignore. She had given Luo Chen great autonomy to take charge.
Given that, there really shouldn't be any issues cropping up.
As if a dark horse, their farming variety show had broken new ground and consistently topped viewship charts since airing.
The cast had gone from bumbling around cluelessly to looking like experts now, attracting many fans in the process.
Shen Tang was definitely happiest out of everyone, after all she was earning boatloads.
Luo Chen had no reason to be frowning right now.
"What exactly is going on with you?" Shen Tang pressed.
Luo Chen heaved a long sigh. "The show took off and caught unwanted attention. Someone is pressuring me to reshuffle the regular cast lineup. To be honest, I really don't want to."
Shen Tang frowned. "Who is it? How unreasonable, trying to reap the rewards now that it's succeeded."
"He said he was from the Gu Family."
"Which Gu Family?"
"The one and only Gu Family of course."
Luo Chen sighed again.
He couldn't afford to offend the Gu Family but he also didn't want to replace anyone. He was under immense pressure and had no idea what to do.
Shen Tang was utterly confused. The Gu Family that Luo Chen spoke of should be referring to Gu Huaian's family. But given his personality, there was no way he would do something like this!
"Have you met him before?"
Luo Chen shook his head. "No I haven't actually. We've only contacted by phone."
Shen Tang pondered for a bit. "How about this? Try arranging a meeting and I'll come talk to him."
"Huh?" Luo Chen swallowed nervously. "Are you sure? He's from the Gu Family."
"Don't worry, I know people from the Gu Family too."
Shen Tang said confidently. The Gu Family member she knew was definitely more powerful than that other one.
Plus she had an inkling of who it could be...