Chapter 245 Jiangnan Pavilion
As she said this, Huang Meizhen kept giving Jiang Bai meaningful glances.
Judging from her expression, she wanted to ask Jiang Bai to help persuade Ye Qingcheng so that Ye Qingcheng would agree to her proposal.
However, to Huang Meizhen's surprise, Jiang Bai clearly saw her gaze, but completely ignored her and immediately looked away, as if this matter had nothing to do with him.
This fueled Huang Meizhen's anger even more.
But she also knew that things had priorities, and now was not the time to be angry with Jiang Bai.
Right now, getting Ye Qingcheng to agree to his proposal is the most important thing.
Unfortunately, Ye Qingcheng frowned slightly at Huang Meizhen's words, pondered for a moment, and still did not agree, stubbornly saying, "I don't want to go."
These words left Huang Meizhen speechless and at a loss for words.
She had just opened her mouth to continue speaking when the director came over and extended an invitation with a warm expression.
There was not only a director, but also a host and two other female guests.
This put Ye Qingcheng in a bit of a dilemma.
To be honest, Ye Qingcheng is a bit shy.
Despite her simple mind, she is not good at refusing others.
If it were just Huang Meizhen alone, she could refuse. But with so many people inviting her, and everyone chiming in, Ye Qingcheng felt embarrassed to say no.
"I'm fine with going, but I'll be bringing my friend along."
Finally, after being rejected twice at first, Ye Qingcheng, feeling utterly helpless, pulled Jiang Bai over and said this.
This put those who were trying to persuade her in a difficult position.
Since President Song invited them to dinner, and they weren't the hosts, they naturally couldn't just accept the invitation carelessly.
Besides, they weren't familiar with Jiang Bai.
In their view, Jiang Bai's presence would be a major disappointment.
But Jiang Bai is Ye Qingcheng's friend, and Ye Qingcheng has already spoken up, so how can they say no to him going?
For a moment, everyone was conflicted and didn't know what to do.
They all looked at Jiang Bai, hoping he would be sensible and find an excuse to leave, which would be perfect.
Unfortunately, what was infuriating was that this ordinary-looking guy was completely oblivious to the situation. Despite seeing everyone's stares, he showed no intention of leaving and stood there with a smile on his face, leaving everyone around him seething with anger.
"Qingcheng, listen to me, it's not appropriate for Jiang Bai to go, he..."
In the end, it was Huang Meizhen who spoke. As Ye Qingcheng's manager, she was undoubtedly the most suitable person to speak among the group.
Unfortunately, before she could finish speaking, Ye Qingcheng interrupted her: "What's inappropriate about it? It's just a meal. Can't I bring a friend? Then I won't go."
One sentence made Huang Meizhen furious.
She had been working with Ye Qingcheng for half a month, and during that time, Ye Qingcheng had almost always listened to her. But ever since Jiang Bai came today, Ye Qingcheng started to contradict her and not listen to her.
Now, her public rebuttal has put her in an awkward position.
Huang Meizhen naturally wouldn't blame Ye Qingcheng, whom she regarded as her only hope, but instead focused all her anger on Jiang Bai, making her dislike Jiang Bai even more.
Especially when Huang Meizhen suppressed her anger and tried to wink at Jiang Bai, hoping for his cooperation, Jiang Bai completely ignored her.
This made Huang Meizhen regard Jiang Bai as one of the targets that must be eliminated.
"Well... I just called Mr. Song, and he said that Ms. Ye's friends are welcome to come along."
Faced with the tense atmosphere, the director finally resolved the issue by calling the sponsor, Mr. Song, during a brief pause to explain the situation.
They agreed.
This finally put everyone around them at ease.
If this matter continues to stalemate, it will be difficult for anyone to save face. Since Mr. Song has spoken up, they naturally have no reason to refuse.
While Ye Qingcheng was in the restroom, Huang Meizhen walked up to Jiang Bai and said fiercely, "When you arrive, I hope you won't say anything out of line! Mr. Song is no ordinary person! You can't afford to offend him."
These words made Jiang Bai wink playfully, but he didn't say anything.
He didn't necessarily want to go with Ye Qingcheng to freeload a meal.
Where can't we eat?
With his current net worth, what is there that Jiang Bai can't afford?
He was still somewhat worried about going with them.
If Ye Qingcheng really suffers a loss, then that would be troublesome.
After leaving the TV station, Jiang Bai and his group got into the nanny car that the company had specially provided for her, along with Xiao Xiao, Huang Meizhen, and a driver, making a total of five people in the car.
As soon as she got in the car, Huang Meizhen picked up her work schedule and began arranging Ye Qingcheng's itinerary for the next few days, occasionally picking up the phone to chat with someone.
In just over ten minutes, Huang Meizhen received six phone calls. Three of them were invitations for Ye Qingcheng to appear on a TV show, two were for advertising endorsements, and one was a dinner invitation for Ye Qingcheng. However, Huang Meizhen declined all of them.
They soon arrived at their destination.
Jiang Bai was somewhat stunned when he got out of the car.
He had been to this place before; it was Jiangnan Pavilion.
Jiangnan Pavilion, known as the most exclusive private club in Tiandu, is so prestigious that you can't even get in the door unless you're worth over a billion yuan.
If I remember correctly, this is Zhao Wuji's property, and Jiang Bai even has a top-tier membership card here.
But Jiang Bai never used it.
Jiang Bai never expected that this so-called Mr. Song would be hosting a dinner here.
This was completely unexpected for Jiang Bai, and at the same time, he gained an understanding of Mr. Song's net worth. To be a member of Jiangnan Pavilion, one must be worth at least one billion.
To be able to host guests here, you don't even need to dream of it unless you're a gold member with a net worth of over 5 billion.
To be honest, Jiang Bai didn't think any of the people present were qualified to eat here.
Don't be fooled by their usual status as directors, producers, and celebrities. They are high-ranking and much richer than the average person, belonging to the upper class. But when it comes to this Jiangnan Pavilion...
They are probably not qualified.
Perhaps the two female celebrities who did the show with Ye Qingcheng are qualified.
But that was definitely not because of them.
As soon as you get off the bus, you're struck by the unique environment here: small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers that inspire envy.
"The environment here is really nice. I've been to Tiandu several times, but I didn't know there was such a nice place. Mr. Song, you really know how to choose a place. Next time, I will definitely bring my friends here to eat."
As others couldn't help but admire, Linghu Jiao, a second-tier actress who had worked with Ye Qingcheng on a program and played a supporting role in a famous TV series, said with a sigh.
But these words immediately drew disdain from his companions.
Another actress, Mao Zhuzhu, who has recently made a name for herself in several films and is rumored to have a powerful backer, said with a disdainful look, "Jiaojiao, do you know what kind of place this is? Jiangnan Pavilion! Without assets of one billion, you can't even get through the door of Jiangnan Pavilion!"
Chapter 246 Head Down, Shrinking
"Jiangnan Pavilion?"
Linghu Jiao, who wasn't based in Tiandu and wasn't very familiar with the area, didn't quite understand.
"Ah, the most exclusive private club in Tiandu. Let me tell you, the people here are all incredibly wealthy and powerful. Any one of them is far more powerful than any of us... The minimum entry fee is one billion. I've only been here once with a friend, but he's just a junior member and can only bring one person. If you want to host a dinner party here, you need to be at least a gold member with a net worth of over five billion."
"Tsk tsk, Mr. Song is really rich. I'd heard he was a reclusive tycoon, but I didn't believe it at first. Now I do! That lousy beverage company isn't even his main business!"
Mao Zhuzhu said with a sigh, as if she had returned to Jiangnan Pavilion, which filled her with emotion.
Her words elicited gasps from the group of assistants and agents following Jiang Bai and the others.
Clearly, they hadn't expected the standards here to be so high.
Even Linghu Jiao was somewhat surprised.
On the contrary, the director and producer seemed very calm. Although they were not qualified to become members, they had been in Tiandu for so long. If they didn't even know about Jiangnan Pavilion, it would be too embarrassing.
While they were sighing and looking around, Jiang Bai remained obedient, keeping his head down without uttering a sound, not daring to raise it.
This is Jiangnan Pavilion... Everyone in Jiangnan Pavilion is a prominent figure in the capital.
That's the key point: in Tiandu now, who among the prominent figures doesn't know Jiang Bai!
Most people may not know Jiang Bai, but they may have heard of Master Jiang.
But those who truly know Jiang Bai are only a tiny group of people at the very top.
And this small group of people, eight out of ten of them are members of Jiangnan Pavilion.
At first glance, Jiang Bai recognized at least seven or eight familiar faces.
In this situation, if Jiang Bai were to stand tall and proud, the news that Master Jiang had come to "Jiangnan Pavilion" to dine with someone would be known to everyone within five minutes.
What's the point of eating then? Everyone's visiting and trying to curry favor with you, it'll be so annoying!
He's not the main character today; he's just hanging around with Ye Qingcheng for a living. There's no need for him to be so high-profile, is there?
However, all of this made Jiang Bai's status in Huang Meizhen's heart drop even further, to the point where he was completely useless.
Mr. Song was a very thoughtful person. Just a minute after Ye Qingcheng and her group got off the car, a young man came out of a small building.
After greeting everyone with a smile, he led Jiang Bai and his group into a small building on the left.
Once inside the building, we went straight to the second floor.
The entire second floor is about 100 square meters, and there is only one room on the whole floor.
The surrounding area offers a wide and open view, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows, with lush bamboo groves and a lotus pond bathed in moonlight – a truly beautiful sight.
Mr. Song was a middle-aged man in his fifties. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and looked very refined. His suit was also quite appropriate. When he spoke, he was polite and cultured, unlike people like Ding Si, who were rough and unrestrained but lacked elegance.
Upon seeing Jiang Bai and his group arrive, he immediately stood up and greeted them with a smile, making sure no one was left out.
Even uninvited guests like Jiang Bai, and lowly assistants, were treated equally by him.
However, when shaking hands with Ye Qingcheng, he was noticeably more enthusiastic, which was obvious to everyone.
However, Mr. Song behaved appropriately. Although he was obviously more enthusiastic towards Ye Qingcheng than others, he did not do anything indecent or vulgar. His eyes did not show much lust, but rather seemed to show more appreciation.
This made Jiang Bai look at him with newfound respect.
In any case, this person is at least... normal.
It's far better than those arrogant young masters and those domineering gangsters.
"This is the demeanor a man from high society should display."
Unconsciously, Jiang Bai gave the other party this evaluation.
After exchanging warm greetings and taking their seats, Mr. Song arranged for the dishes to be served. At the same time, he chatted enthusiastically with those around him, telling some rather amusing jokes that made everyone laugh.
During this time, he would often try to strike up a conversation with Ye Qingcheng.
Ye Qingcheng, however, was completely oblivious to anything, casually responding and chatting and laughing with Jiang Bai, which made Mr. Song somewhat embarrassed.
After a long pause, Mr. Song, unable to hold back any longer, glanced at Jiang Bai and asked with a smile, "This young man looks unfamiliar. May I ask where you work? You seem to have a good relationship with Miss Ye."
"Well... I'm fine right now, I'm staying at home."
Without even thinking, Jiang Bai blurted out this sentence.
This immediately made the people around him look down on him. They didn't really think Jiang Bai was staying at home as he claimed; they just saw Jiang Bai as a failure who hadn't achieved anything in his career and was too embarrassed to talk about his situation.
Just then, Ye Qingcheng added insult to injury, saying, "That's right, Jiang Bai doesn't do anything except sleep and eat, and then he runs around playing. He's much happier than me."
One sentence made the people around Jiang Bai look down on him even more. Even the assistants of several celebrities next to him frowned, thinking that Jiang Bai was a lazy bum who didn't work hard and didn't know anything about farming. He lived a pig-like life, had no ambition, and was a failure who had no career.
"I really don't know how someone like that can become friends with Ye Qingcheng."
Some people have already started to criticize this matter in their hearts, feeling that Jiang Bai is not worthy of being friends with Ye Qingcheng.
"Ahem, well... Mr. Jiang Bai also starred in A Better Tomorrow before. Strictly speaking, he is also an actor. Well, it's just that he hasn't participated in any other work recently."
Finally, even Huang Meizhen, who was standing nearby, couldn't stand it anymore and felt embarrassed. She stepped forward and said that she had found a job for Jiang Bai.
Although it still doesn't seem presentable, at least it's better than being unemployed.
As for editing, she didn't mention it at all. The screenwriter profession has a really low status in this industry. Except for a very few people, everyone else is in a dispensable position, not even as good as a third-rate star.
With just one sentence, most of the people around him had an understanding look on their faces.
It wasn't that I remembered anything, but subconsciously, I categorized Jiang Bai as a fourth-rate extra who hadn't become famous.
I also understand Ye Qingcheng's words to mean that Jiang Bai participated in A Better Tomorrow and everyone else became famous, but he didn't. He's currently in a semi-unemployed state and can only do nothing.
"I see... If Mr. Jiang needs help, I can assist you. Although I'm not in the entertainment industry, I'm quite familiar with many people there. For example, Mr. Wu Zhong of Zhongtian Group is a good friend of mine, and his brother's Jinhui Films is quite good. I'm also familiar with Jincheng Films and Tianlong Films in the capital."
Chapter 247 What kind of people are these?!
Mr. Song did not show any disdain upon hearing Jiang Bai's words. Instead, he thought about it thoughtfully for a moment and then smiled.
They're actually going to give Jiang Bai some help with his career.
This surprised everyone around, who didn't understand what Mr. Song meant.
He doesn't even know Jiang Bai, so why should he help Jiang Bai?
However, someone quickly realized what was going on and seemed to be thinking about it.
Seeing Linghu Jiao's blank expression, Mao Zhuzhu kicked her, then pouted at Ye Qingcheng, who was standing next to Jiang Bai and looking out the window with a bored expression.
Linghu Jiao immediately understood.
At the same time, she felt a pang of jealousy. She and Mao Zhuzhu exchanged a glance and both saw the jealousy in each other's eyes.
"Um... no need, I'm not interested in the entertainment industry, I'm just dabbling in it."
Mr. Song's attitude made Jiang Bai somewhat embarrassed, and he smiled and declined the offer, which was incredibly tempting to others.
This left Huang Meizhen with a complicated expression.
Having been in this industry for so many years, she has seen all sorts of people and knows all too well the dirty and sordid things behind this seemingly glamorous circle.
Many people will stop at nothing to become famous, abandoning all considerations such as face, relationships, lovers, and friends, perhaps for a single opportunity.
It's not uncommon for people to betray friends, lovers, or even themselves for a movie, a TV series, or even an advertisement.
Even some famous male and female celebrities have plenty of dirty secrets behind the scenes.
The entertainment industry is a place of fame and fortune, and very few people can withstand the pressure of fame and fortune in it.
When Mr. Song spoke just now, he was definitely not just saying it for the sake of saying it.
Huang Meizhen found it extremely rare that Jiang Bai was able to resist the temptation.
However, she held Jiang Bai, a person who lacked ambition, in utter contempt.
Therefore, at this moment, her gaze towards Jiang Bai was quite complex.
I don't know whether I should agree with Jiang Bai's approach or oppose it.
For a moment, Huang Meizhen found herself in a dilemma.
Compared to Huang Meizhen's dilemma, the others had different expressions: some were surprised, some were disdainful, some were astonished, but most felt regret and envy.
If such a great opportunity were presented to them, they would definitely accept it without hesitation.
Mr. Song is a major financial backer. The companies I just mentioned are some of the most powerful companies in China. With his strong support, it would be hard for them not to become famous.
Not to mention the assistants and the like, even Linghu Jiao and Mao Zhuzhu were a little envious that Jiang Bai, the spy, didn't know how to cherish the opportunity.
Even Mr. Song was slightly surprised and glanced at Jiang Bai with astonishment.
However, he quickly realized what was going on and still smiled, "Is that so? If Mr. Jiang doesn't want to develop in the entertainment industry, then you can come to my company. My company has many positions, and some mid-level managers can earn a million a year, which shouldn't be a problem."
Another tempting offer was presented: since opportunity was no longer an option, money would suffice.
This is his usual tactic.
He believed that a young man like Jiang Bai would find it difficult to refuse his suggestion.
It's not about spending money to bring down Jiang Bai or using those benefits to control him; Song Shichang isn't that low-level.
This suggestion was simply to keep Jiang Bai and Ye Qingcheng a little further apart, and if possible, to lower the young man's status in Ye Qingcheng's heart, thus creating some opportunities for herself. That would be enough.
In fact, just like his performance just now, Song Shichang made no attempt to hide his feelings for Ye Qingcheng.
As a sponsor of the program and a wealthy man with extensive connections in the entertainment industry, he has never invited celebrities to dinner or anything like that.
But this time was different. Ever since he saw Ye Qingcheng's appearance a few days ago, Song Shichang, who was divorced and unmarried, felt as if a demon was roaring in his heart, making him unable to resist finding an opportunity to get close to Ye Qingcheng.
That's why we recently sponsored this program and invited Ye Qingcheng.
That's how we ended up having dinner tonight.
He was a patient person and didn't expect anything to happen between him and Ye Qingcheng over this meal; he just wanted to get to know her.
If possible, it would be best to establish a friendship and connection with Ye Qingcheng.
As for the rest, that's a matter of perseverance, like water dripping on a stone.
Even now, Song Shichang is wealthy and has plenty of free time. He is still quite confident in himself, even though... he is getting on in years.
But he never thought it was a problem.
Everything seemed to be under his control, proceeding according to his will. The only variable was probably Jiang Bai.
Song Shichang did not mind this, nor did he get angry or storm off; he simply responded with a smile.
He was confident... he was not someone a young man could compare to.
So he made one proposal after another.
"Oh, I don't want to do this either..."
Jiang Bai rejected the suggestion again without even thinking about it.
This earned him a lot of eye-rolls from those around him. "We're offering you opportunities for advancement, but you don't want them. We're offering you a million-dollar annual salary, but you don't want it either."
Are you just going to stay home and lie around?
Unconsciously, the people present began to think less highly of Jiang Bai.
Only Ye Qingcheng remained calm and composed with a smile on her face, as if what had happened had nothing to do with her.
Ye Qingcheng even secretly looked down on Mr. Song.
Jiang Bai isn't poorer than you, so why would he work for you?
Are you out of your mind?
However, compared to Jiang's father, Ye Qingcheng was quite well-mannered. She only thought about it and didn't say it to his face to avoid embarrassing him.
"Young man, you are still young. You can't just stay at home idly. You have a long life ahead of you. You have to do something. Take my advice. This can't go on. You'll regret it someday."
Mr. Song was not angry at Jiang Bai's refusal; instead, he gave Jiang Bai a long and earnest lecture.
His dignified and authoritative demeanor perfectly showcased his mature masculine charm.
The eyes of the girls next to him were already shining.
"What work do you need to do! Jiang Bai is doing so well, staying at home, eating and sleeping, and running around when he has nothing to do. I think it's quite enviable! Jiang Bai, don't listen to them, I think things are great as they are!"
However, these words did not yield the result Song Shichang wanted. Jiang Bai remained silent, but Ye Qingcheng, who was standing next to him, was not happy about it.
These words indicate that she was quite satisfied with Jiang Bai's carefree and lazy lifestyle, and even vaguely envious of him.
One sentence left everyone around speechless.
Huang Meizhen covered her forehead, and Song Shichang opened his mouth but couldn't say a word for a long time. Everyone had strange expressions on their faces. They looked at Jiang Bai and then at Ye Qingcheng.
In the end, he didn't say a word, but just kept screaming in his heart, "What kind of people are these?!"
Chapter 248 I'll Give You a House
Song Shichang didn't know what to say.
Huang Meizhen didn't know what to say.
The others didn't know what to say either.
One by one, they obediently shut their mouths, temporarily refraining from communicating with these two individuals whose thoughts differed from those of ordinary people.
For a moment, an eerily silent atmosphere descended.
Fortunately, at that moment, several waiters knocked on the door and came in, bringing out large and small plates, cold and hot dishes, meat and vegetables, which quickly filled the table, breaking the silence.
Song Shichang urged everyone to eat, and Ye Qingcheng introduced the local specialties, such as the steamed grouper and the specially made chicken feet, etc.
They seemed quite familiar with each other.
As he spoke, he explained the preparation methods and processes for each dish, which made him seem quite knowledgeable and drew admiration from those around him.
The atmosphere seemed to have returned to the initial state, and Song Shichang appeared to have regained control of the situation.
Only Jiang Bai heard Ye Qingcheng mutter under her breath as she savored the dishes Song Shichang had mentioned, all smiles on her face: "Why all the fuss over a meal? It's just a dish, why are you showing off how much you know?"
This almost made Jiang Bai burst out laughing.
After a few dishes, the waiter filled everyone's glasses with wine—white wine for the men and red wine for the women. At Song Shichang's suggestion, everyone raised their glasses.
Originally, Ye Qingcheng never drank alcohol outside, which Huang Meizhen knew. So when Song Shichang made the suggestion, she stood up to try to make an excuse for Ye Qingcheng.
Unfortunately, Ye Qingcheng didn't appreciate it. She patted Jiang Bai on the shoulder and said nonchalantly, "It's okay, I can drink a little. With Jiang Bai around, I'm not afraid of getting drunk. Anyway, we're staying at his place tonight."
With just one sentence, the atmosphere in the room plummeted to freezing point once again. Everyone present, including Song Shichang, stared wide-eyed at Ye Qingcheng in front of them.
They looked as if they had seen a ghost.
They even felt like they were hallucinating.
What did Ye Qingcheng just say? That she got drunk and went to Jiang Bai's house tonight?
This must be a joke.
Some people are even thinking to themselves, "Hey lady, you're supposed to be a rising national goddess, can't you be a little more reserved?"
"The people here know you, but they're not close enough to keep your secrets, are they?"
"We're outsiders, okay? This is the entertainment industry, okay!"
"If you keep talking like that, you'll be moving into another man's house. If word gets out, it'll cause a huge uproar!"
For a moment, no one knew what to say. A trace of sadness and complexity flashed in Song Shichang's eyes, and his lips trembled slightly. He remained silent for a long time.
As for Ye Qingcheng's agent, Huang Meizhen, she was completely dumbfounded.
She had absolutely no idea how to react, because she herself was also stunned and disoriented by the news.
Jiang Bai finally couldn't stand it anymore and coughed lightly: "Ahem, don't listen to her nonsense. She and Yao Lan are both my tenants. My house is very big, and one person can't live there all at once, so I rented it to them."
"Oh, right, and what about Sister Yao Lan? I don't know where she's been these past few days. You weren't home, so she went back too. I live alone in your shabby house, and I'm scared at night!"
After hearing this, Ye Qingcheng thought for a moment and then muttered to herself.
After speaking for a while, she suddenly realized something and looked at Jiang Bai amidst everyone's surprised gazes: "Jiang Bai! When I went with Sister Yao Lan, you didn't mention rent! Let me tell you, I don't have any money!"
"call!"
These words brought a sigh of relief to everyone.
Then he rolled his eyes at Ye Qingcheng.
In my heart, I silently cried out, "Sister, can you please just say what you mean? This is scary!"
Upon hearing this, both Song Shichang and Huang Meizhen visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
However, each of them had complicated thoughts in their hearts, and Huang Meizhen noticed a name in particular: Yao Lan!
Why is President Yao living with Jiang Bai?
Could Jiang Bai be the owner of that mansion in Central Park?
But it doesn't look like it!
Huang Meizhen unconsciously began to speculate.
Huang Meizhen had visited Ye Qingcheng's residence a few days ago and was utterly astonished by the enormous mansion hidden in Central Park and the dense forest.
Unlike Ye Qingcheng, who was socially naive, Huang Meizhen knew all too well what this mansion meant.
In a place like Tiandu, that house is worth at least one billion or even two billion yuan. What's more, it's located in Central Park. Even if you have money, you might not be able to get your hands on it.
Huang Meizhen had even suspected that Ye Qingcheng might be being kept by someone.
Fortunately, Ye Qingcheng told her that she was just staying overnight.
This put Huang Meizhen at ease, because she knew that Ye Qingcheng was not a liar.
But now that she hears that the house actually belongs to Jiang Bai, Huang Meizhen has to re-evaluate Jiang Bai.
Song Shichang naturally had no idea about any of this. Upon hearing Ye Qingcheng's words, his first reaction was that he couldn't let Ye Qingcheng continue to stay there, so he blurted out, "Miss Ye has nowhere to stay? How about this, I'll give you a house?"
One sentence caused everyone around to change color, and even Jiang Bai frowned.
At this moment, Song Shichang realized the ambiguity in his words and quickly added, "I didn't mean anything by it. I just feel that Miss Ye is my friend, and she hasn't even arranged a place to stay yet. I think it's necessary for me to help her. Don't worry, I absolutely didn't mean anything else. I just wanted to help."
"No need, I'm perfectly fine staying at Jiang Bai's place! Anyway, I'm not going to pay him rent! Besides, I just met Mr. Song, how could I accept your things?"
Unfortunately, Song Shichang's enthusiasm was met with Ye Qingcheng's cold reply.
She was naive but not truly stupid. Her limited experience didn't mean she knew nothing. Song Shichang's words finally made her realize some issues, and she became less polite in her speech, starting to keep her distance from Song Shichang.
This reaction made Song Shichang anxious. He thought he had offended the lady with his words, and his expression changed several times. He hurriedly said, "Miss Ye, don't be angry. I really just wanted to help you. A house is nothing to me. If you don't want it, then forget it. Please don't be angry. If I offended you in any way, I apologize!"
After saying that, he raised his glass and drank the glass of liquor that the eldest brother had just poured in one gulp.
He was just really old and probably hadn't drunk like that in many years. Several times he almost couldn't help but spit it out, but the boss still drank it all without hesitation.
This made Jiang Bai sigh, wondering what had gotten into Song Shichang, who was so old yet still risking his life like this.
With his power and immense wealth, what woman couldn't he have?
Why go to such lengths to please Ye Qingcheng?
Um... Although Ye Qingcheng is outrageously beautiful, I doubt that all the women Old Song could find combined would be as beautiful as her.
Chapter 249 Old Song, let me pour you a drink.
His appearance was so unbearable that even those around him couldn't stand it.
Mao Zhuzhu and the others looked at Ye Qingcheng with jealous eyes.
The secretary standing next to Song Shichang opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.
The atmosphere in the room became a little strange for a moment.
No one spoke; they just looked at each other.
Just then, the door was suddenly opened, and a rough yet somewhat refined voice came out: "Haha, Lao Song, I heard you were having dinner here with some friends from the entertainment industry, so I came to see you... and pour you a drink."
After he finished speaking, a middle-aged man walked in, followed by a bald young man who looked quite similar to him. As soon as he entered, he smiled and went straight to the center to greet Song Shichang.
"Haha, who do we have here? It's Mr. Wu! I didn't expect to see you here today. What brings you here to pour us drinks? Did you hear I have some beautiful women here and you're getting jealous?"
Song Shichang laughed and stood up, looking at the person in front of him and said.
He then chuckled at the bald young man beside him, "Oh, Mr. Wu is here too. I was just talking about you. Everyone wants to get to know you, this entertainment industry tycoon."
After saying that, he got up to greet them, took their arms, and told the waiter to add two more chairs. He also said he would introduce them to the people present.
He was extremely enthusiastic, and acted as if the incident had never happened, displaying considerable experience.
The people inside the room also stood up at this moment, politely welcoming the two with smiles. Even Jiang Bai and Ye Qingcheng had to stand up.
In principle, Jiang Bai was unwilling to stand up, but at this moment he didn't want to stand out too much, so he stood up as well.
The two who came were acquaintances, the Wu brothers, Wu Zhong and Wu Tian.
They were extremely close, like brothers.
He had long anticipated that dining at "Jiangnan Pavilion" would inevitably lead to recognition, but he never expected that the first people to appear before him would be the Wu brothers.
"Haha, I've known you, Lao Song, for quite a few years now, but I've never heard you treat your friends in the entertainment industry to dinner. Could it be that you've taken a fancy to some beautiful woman? Come on... introduce her to me, let me see which beauty has attracted you, Lao Song, this diamond bachelor."
As he entered the room, Wu Zhong laughed and said the following.
As soon as he finished speaking, Song Shichang's face turned slightly red. Just as he was about to scold Wu Zhong for causing trouble, Wu Tian, who was standing next to him, quickly came over and kicked Wu Zhong in the shin without saying a word.
"Brother, don't talk nonsense when you're drunk! There's no such thing as a beautiful woman that President Song likes! You're just talking nonsense! It's just a meal with friends."
Wu Tian's reaction surprised Wu Zhong and puzzled Song Shichang.
I don't know why Wu Tian said that out of the blue.
However, Wu Zhong, who had drunk quite a bit, immediately sobered up, because Wu Tian, who had just kicked him in the shin from behind, was running towards the table with a big smile on his face.
He jogged along while pulling two cigars out of his pocket.
"Master Jiang, I never expected to see you here. Hey, a friend got me some authentic Cuban Cospa the other day, please have a taste."
After saying that, he took out a stick, skillfully cut it, and handed it to Jiang Bai. The moment Jiang Bai received it, he quickly lit it, making the process as smooth as possible.
After completing all this, he laughed and said, "You know Mr. Song?"
One sentence made Wu Zhong, who had just been joking, immediately feel a chill in his heart.
She knew Ye Qingcheng too, and thinking about what she had just said, Wu Zhong instantly felt that she should slap herself twice.
Others might not know, but he and Wu Tian knew perfectly well that Ye Qingcheng was definitely Jiang Ye's person.
What did I mean by what I just said?
Damn, besides Ye Qingcheng, who else in this house could make Old Song make such an exception and come all the way from the north to treat us to a meal?
Although he didn't ask any further questions, Wu Zhong had already roughly guessed what had happened.
It's likely that Song Shichang saw that Ye Qingcheng was interested in him, so he tried every means to see her. That's why Master Jiang followed along, worried about her.
Thinking of this, Wu Zhong glanced at Song Shichang and began to consider how he should deal with Song Shichang if he offended Master Jiang.
The two have a good relationship, but they can't afford to offend Master Jiang like this.
Choosing sides definitely means siding with Jiang Ye; the key is how to do it.
"We just met. Mr. Song is a nice person, but I feel like he might have a thing for Qingcheng. But... to be honest, Mr. Song is a bit too old for me. I don't think he and Qingcheng are a good match."
Jiang Bai responded with a smile. He could tell that the two brothers had a good relationship with Song Shichang, especially Wu Zhong, so he didn't intend to make things difficult for them.
Most importantly, although Song Shichang has vaguely expressed his affection for Ye Qingcheng, judging from his current behavior, it is at least well-intentioned.
Jiang Bai wasn't so domineering as to think that just because someone likes Ye Qingcheng, he should cause her family to be destroyed or to pay a price.
Then Jiang Bai would have enemies all over the world.
Because he is going against all the men in China.
Jiang Bai's words immediately relieved Wu Tian and Wu Zhong.
They exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.
Jiang Bai's statement indicates that he harbors no hostility towards Song Shichang.
Since there's no hostility, things are much easier.
"Haha, Mr. Jiang, you're joking. Old Song has no such thoughts. I think you must have misunderstood. Miss Ye is so beautiful, only you, Mr. Jiang, are worthy of her. If anyone else dares to have such thoughts, I, Wu Zhong, will be the first to destroy them!"
Wu Zhong quickly smiled and said these words.
The people at the table looked at each other in bewilderment. Some of them knew Wu Zhong, while others did not. But even those who did not know him could tell that Wu Zhong and Song Shichang had a good relationship.
Only people of equal status can have such a casual conversation.
How could this person change so suddenly?
This thought only lasted for a moment before everyone came to their senses, and their gazes towards Jiang Bai changed.
No one present was a fool. Wu Zhong's words and Wu Tian's behavior just now could only prove one thing: Jiang Bai's status or power was far above Song Shichang's.
Everyone else noticed the key point, and Song Shichang, who was experienced in human relationships, was naturally not unaware of it. In fact, he had already heard the warning in Wu Zhong's words.
The meaning is clear: if Song Shichang doesn't know what's good for him, Wu Zhong will be the first to turn against him!
And it's not just about turning against him, it's about annihilating him!
Song Shichang knew Wu Zhong very well, and he was definitely not bluffing when he said that.