Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 74 Reunion after a long absence

At Beijing Capital International Airport, Song Ci parked his car on the roadside in front of the terminal building and waited for Liu Shishi and her aunt to come out.

Today the weather was clear and cloudless, flights were not delayed, and the sky was filled with the roar of planes landing one after another.

After New Year's Day, he successfully obtained his driver's license. He didn't ask Wang Shan to pick him up or drop him off. After 18 years of waiting, he naturally wanted to drive, so he personally drove over to pick him up from the airport today.

The road was bustling with traffic, with cars constantly stopping and leaving to pick up passengers. Song Ci stood on the roadside steps, waiting listlessly, staring blankly into the distance.

"Yi-yi, what are you looking at?"

A gentle, familiar voice reached her ears, and she felt a pat on the back. When Song Ci turned around, she saw Liu Shishi standing behind her.

The young lady, Ms. Liu, who was standing nearby, was dressed in a snow-white down jacket in winter. Her smile was as bright as a flower, and she was gentle and serene.

The joy of reunion after a long separation was palpable. The figure he had longed for came into view again. At that moment, it was as if he had returned to the past and relive those beautiful memories.

"Shishi!" Song Ci's heart was filled with emotion, and a warm smile appeared on her face as she couldn't help but call out the name of the woman she had longed for for so long.

Their eyes met, and their feelings flowed freely. Liu Shishi could no longer suppress her love and rushed into Song Ci's arms, tightly embracing his waist as if she wanted to entrust all her weight to him. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace and warmth of this moment.

Song Ci held Liu's soft, delicate body in his arms, smelling the familiar fragrance of her hair, and said with heartfelt emotion, "I missed you, Shishi."

Liu Shishi remained silent, as if time had stood still. She nestled in Song Ci's arms, enjoying his love and companionship.

"Cough cough cough." A dry cough came, with a hint of amusement.

Lost in her emotions, Song Ci only then noticed the aunt behind Shi Ye. Liu Mama, pulling her luggage, looked at Song Ci and her daughter with a gratified smile.

Song Ci was not intimidated. She gently pushed Shi Shi aside, walked over to Liu Mama in a few steps, took the luggage, and said with a smile, "Auntie looks younger after going out. Give me the luggage." Then she turned around and put the suitcase into the trunk of the car.

Liu's mother is indeed very well-maintained; her skin is fair and tender, and her temperament is gentle. When she is with Shishi, they really look like sisters.

Liu Shishi, being a young woman, blushed upon hearing her mother's cough, her cheeks radiating a delicate blush like cherry blossoms blooming in a gentle breeze. She shyly smoothed her slightly disheveled hair, avoiding her mother's amused gaze.

"Shishi, Auntie, get in the car." Song Ci packed the luggage and invited the two of them to get in the car.

Song Ci considerately opened the passenger door, and Miss Liu skipped and jumped happily into the passenger seat.

Seeing this, Liu's mother nodded in satisfaction. Song Ci was truly gentle and considerate, cherishing her daughter dearly.

Liu's mother waved to Song Ci, and before he could speak, she opened the car door and got in. How could she let Song Ci open the car door for her? That would be too pretentious.

Liu Shishi fastened her seatbelt, wrinkled her nose, sniffed, and said with a look of disgust, "Yiyi, your car smells."

Song Ci started the car and slowly drove away from the airport. "It's a new car that I just bought a few days ago, so it does have a smell."

After getting his driver's license, Song Ci still couldn't resist buying a new car to drive himself. Considering that the car would sometimes be parked at school, he specifically chose the understated yet luxurious Phaeton.

The Phaeton looks very similar to the Passat, and people who don't know much about cars would definitely not recognize it at first glance, which is perfect for his student status.

"Auntie, how have you and Shishi been doing in the south these past few days?" Song Ci asked casually while steadily steering the wheel.

"Moonlight and Lotus Breeze" was mainly filmed in Donghai and Zhejiang Province, both of which are typical Jiangnan regions with climate and food culture that are very different from those in Beiping.

Sitting in the back row, looking at the familiar streets of Beiping, Liu's mother sighed, "It's alright. Neither Shishi nor I are that delicate. We were a little unaccustomed to it for the first week, but we got used to it later."

Song Ci echoed, "Actors who travel all over the country do indeed need a strong ability to self-regulate."

Liu Shishi chimed in with a grin, "I quite like Southern food, but the dishes there aren't spicy enough."

As if remembering something, Liu's mother angrily scolded her daughter in the front row, "How dare you say that? You've been snacking non-stop while filming. What will it look like if the crew sees you eating so greedily outside?"

Liu Shishi glanced at the Song Dynasty poems on her left, stuck out her tongue behind her mother's back, and pretended to be indifferent, refusing to answer.

Song Ci, wanting to help Shi Ye change the subject, continued by asking, "When will the TV series 'Shi Shi' air?"

Liu Shishi hung her head, somewhat disappointed. "The exact time is uncertain, but the director said it won't be released until next year at the earliest." She hoped that her debut work could be broadcast soon and that she could become famous as soon as possible.

Song Ci recalled that "Moon Shadow and Lotus Wind" did not air until October 2006. The show had very poor ratings and flopped quietly without making a ripple. He was just trying to find a topic to talk about.

"Yi-yi, I have some news to tell you." Liu Shishi suddenly became radiant and said excitedly.

"What?" Song Ci glanced at Miss Liu in surprise, then quickly looked at the road ahead.

"I've signed with Tangren Media!" Liu Shishi said with a hint of anticipation. She had visited Tangren Media that morning, and the company's strong production team gave her a lot of confidence.

"Auntie, did Shishi tell you that I started a film and television company? Why are you in such a hurry to get Shishi to sign with Tangren? What good resources did they promise?"

Suppressing her anger, Song Ci knew that Shi Ye couldn't possibly make such a major life decision as signing the contract; it must have been Liu Mama's decision.

Last time, he wanted to keep Liu Shishi with Tengda Culture, but Miss Liu did not agree. He thought that Tangren had only signed Shishi in 2007 in his previous life, so he had plenty of time and would persuade her slowly later. Who would have thought that Shishi would sign with Tangren Film and Television two years earlier?

Mrs. Liu sighed, fearing that Song Ci might harbor resentment, and explained earnestly, "Her father and I have discussed it, and it would be good for Shi Shi to sign with a film and television company as soon as possible. Having a professional agent to make career plans for Shi Shi would also be beneficial for her future development."

Mr. Cai, the CEO of Tangren Media, really likes Shishi. The contract he offered wasn't particularly preferential, but it was very fair.

"Song Ci, I understand your feelings, but Shishi's father, Shishi herself, and I don't want to live under your wing forever. It's good for her to go out and see the world." Liu Shishi pouted and gently coaxed Song Ci's arm with her slender finger, "Yiyi, don't worry, Tangren Media is good, and Sister K is a very nice person."

What's done is done, what can Song Ci say? It's impossible to ask the poet to break the contract now. With a sigh, I guess the uncles and aunts didn't think much of Tengda Culture, which was only established a year ago.

Upon hearing Ms. Liu's objective thoughts, Song Ci shook her head, thinking to herself, what kind of plans could Tangren possibly have? The company only has one core member, Hu Ge. Since things have come to this, she can only help and support Shi Ye more in the future.

He added, "I understand. In the future, when you're at Tangren, be careful and tell me and your aunt and uncle immediately if anything happens."

"Mmm-hmm!" Liu Shishi nodded obediently, agreeing repeatedly.

Song Ci remembered arranging for Shi Ye to make a cameo appearance in "My Own Swordsman", so she asked, "Tangren hasn't arranged any scenes for you recently, has it?"

"Yes, I haven't been scheduled to film anything for the past few months, but Sister K said there will be a role for me at the end of the year," Liu Shishi truthfully stated.

Song Ci nodded slightly. He guessed correctly. Given Tangren's efficiency of producing only one play a year, they definitely wouldn't be giving Poetry Master any roles in the short term.

"That's good. Tengda is currently filming a period drama, and there's a role that's quite suitable for you. It's not a big role, but it's very distinctive. It's being filmed at the Feilong Film and Television Base in Beiping. You can make a cameo appearance and get some experience."

Liu Shishi was overjoyed to accept the offer of a role, especially since it was a production by her own brother's company, and it would be in Beiping where she wouldn't have to go out.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, the entire city of Beiping was immersed in a festive atmosphere. The streets and alleys were decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, making people feel the strong festive spirit.

With nothing to do, Song Ci took Liu Shishi out to buy New Year's goods. As soon as Liu returned, she became an internet addict again, so he dragged her to the mall to relax and adjust her pace of life.

The New Year's market was bustling with people, and all kinds of goods were on display. From all kinds of candies to New Year pictures, Spring Festival couplets, and auspicious "Fu" character ornaments, all the necessities for the New Year were available and filled the stalls, creating a warm and peaceful Spring Festival atmosphere.

Song Ci looked around, pushing a shopping cart, occasionally picking out one or two items from the shelves and putting them in. Liu Shishi linked arms with him, looking happy and chattering away.

"Yiyi, everyone on Tieba and QQ groups is urging you to release a new book and a new song. You haven't made any moves for months, and some people are saying you've run out of ideas. When are you going to write me another song to prove yourself?"

Song Ci held a carton of milk in her hand, glanced at the production date on it, and saw that it had just been produced in late January. She nodded in satisfaction and put it into her shopping cart.

He replied casually, "I've already thought of a new song. We'll go record it after the Lantern Festival. As for the new book, we'll have to take a break for a while. I've been helping the company write scripts lately."

Song Ci has already planned to write out and register some of the popular TV series and movie scripts from his past life, and then have Tengda Culture film them gradually. So he has been working on the scripts during this period.

After hearing this, Miss Liu smiled happily and said, "I won't rush you. Think of a good song, but the quality of the new song can't be worse than 'The Wind Rises'."

"The Wind Rises" has become a hit song after spreading and fermenting online over the past few months. It was also the most popular song that dominated the music charts for a long time in the second half of last year. Countless people chose it as their ringtone, which made Song Ci very rich.

With countless classic songs still in her mind, Song Ci, having already tasted success, would naturally not refuse to release new songs.

The two strolled leisurely through the mall, side by side. Occasionally, a couple or lovers would brush past them. Suddenly, Liu Shishi had an idea and asked meaningfully:

"Song Yiyi, look at other people, they are all couples or lovers who buy New Year's goods together. What kind of relationship do we have? You insisted on dragging me out with you."

Song Ci was taken aback at first, but then she understood what Shi Shi was thinking and couldn't help but chuckle. Shi Shi wanted her to confess her feelings to her face!

Song Ci pretended to hesitate for a while, until Shi Ye stared at her with her empty eyes, before she finally said hesitantly, "Of course I consider you my good brother!"

Liu Shishi's voice suddenly rose, and she asked incredulously, "What? You treat me like a good brother? Say that again if you dare!"

Song Ci nodded, looking innocent, and said, "That's right, didn't you say before that we'd be best friends and brothers for life!"

Liu Shishi was furious. That scoundrel actually used something from their childhood to shut him up. Looking at Song Ci's sincere expression, she suddenly felt confused.

For a moment, he couldn't tell if he was joking or if he really thought that way. He gritted his teeth and asked, "Song Yiyi, you didn't say that when you wrote to me. Are those words between good brothers something you would say in your letter?"

Song Ci spread his hands and argued, "A letter? Oh, we grew up together, and it's been a long time since we last saw each other, so I did miss you. That's why I wrote that letter to say hello. What's the problem?"

Liu Shishi was immediately enraged and asked sharply, "Song Yiyi, what do you mean? On the day of the National Day recording, you told me you wanted to try dating me, and you even wrote me a letter saying you liked me. Now you say you only see me as a brother and are just playing with me?"

Song Ci suppressed a laugh and stammered without saying a word.

Liu Shishi raised her eyebrows and angrily urged, "Are you mute? Speak!"

Seeing that Shi Ye was really anxious, Song Ci stopped teasing her, gently took her soft hand, and gazed at Liu's pure and delicate face as if no one else was around, "Shi Shi".

Liu Shishi turned her head away, avoiding Song Ci's burning gaze. Although she did not struggle and let Song Ci hold her fair hand, she said angrily, "We are just brothers. Men and women should not touch each other. Don't touch me."

Song Ci's voice is as warm as jade, murmuring: "I used to think that liking someone doesn't necessarily mean being lovers, and perhaps friendship can last longer than love."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi was immediately bewildered, her face showing sorrow, tears welling up in her eyes, her heart aching, and she sobbed softly.

"So, you want to be my friend for life? Do you know how cruel this is to me? You've given me hope countless times and even written me love letters!"

I once thought we were lovers. The story of childhood sweethearts losing to someone who suddenly appears wouldn't happen to me. Have you fallen for another woman?

Song Ci gently wiped away the tears from Shi Ye's eyes, ignoring the probing gazes of passersby in the mall, and embraced her tenderly, saying, "Silly girl, let me finish what I have to say."

I ask myself honestly, would two people who truly like each other be content to just be friends? I like you so much, and you like me too. We've already spent over a decade of our youth together.

You have become an indispensable and unique part of my life. How could I possibly entrust you to some unknown person in the years to come?

(End of this chapter)