Transmigrated as a vicious stepmother, I raised a child who became a heartthrob.

But in my mind, I've already marked this person with a big X.

While on set, this person had a tendency to flatter the powerful and belittle the weak, but fortunately, he didn't cause any major trouble.

However, in this setting, in front of so many people, the intention is a bit too obvious.

Most importantly, it was Jiang Zhuhua who was targeted.

Zhang Wuling was grateful that the other party was willing to lend a helping hand, and also felt that such a person would not do something like keeping a male actor as a mistress.

"And you're talking about others? Our Director Zhang was an amazing pianist back then!"

Li Mai's beautiful eyes flickered slightly, seemingly in reproach, but without giving off a vulgar feeling.

It's obvious that she was the one who acted like a flower after getting food poisoning.

"I had only heard that Director Zhang was good at making movies before, but I didn't know that he was also a good pianist until that time."

When you say something like this, it's less about embarrassing the other person and more about indirectly praising them.

"I only studied it briefly."

Zhang Wuling was mostly modest, offering only a faint smile. She seemed surprisingly gentle.

"You've only had a basic understanding, so what am I? My fingers are practically knotted from playing the piano. Director, you're too modest!"

The other male lead was also there, providing comedic relief. The scene became even more harmonious, as if the previous situation had never happened and had been easily swept away.

The atmosphere at the event was actually quite good; everyone was eating, drinking, and laughing. Jiang Zhuhua heard quite a bit of gossip.

Everyone played until very late, and after dinner they went to sing karaoke and dance clubs. Jiang Zhuhua wasn't used to that chaotic atmosphere, so he only stayed for half the night before leaving.

"I send you."

The young man who had been peeking around earlier was still looking around. Zhang Wuling walked through the crowd and stood next to Jiang Zhuhua, lowering her voice while making sure the other person could hear her clearly.

"We've both been drinking, so who's going to take whom home? I have my secretary to pick me up."

Jiang Zhuhua chuckled. Although the other person hadn't drunk much and didn't seem drunk, but...

"Director Zhang, don't drink and drive. Director Zhang, you should make a safety education video."

After Jiang Zhuhua walked out the door, he put on his thick coat, smiled helplessly, and shook his head.

The secretary wouldn't be able to get here anytime soon; he hadn't brought her with him when he left. It was the middle of the night, and Jiang Zhuhua didn't want to take a taxi.

Aren't you going in?

Jiang Zhuhua stood under the streetlight, and Zhang Wuling stood beside him. Jiang Zhuhua asked another question.

"I don't like such crowded places, so I'll sneak away and get some of Mr. Jiang's favor."

Zhang Wuling smiled, but it only seemed a few decimal points higher than expected.

"It's quite cold outside. How about we go sit in that coffee shop over there? It's a better environment for waiting than under the streetlights."

There was a layer of snow on the ground, and it was cold standing under the streetlights, but neither of them really wanted to go inside. It was still noisy inside; although lively, staying there for too long could get annoying at times.

The café Zhang Wuling was referring to was a high-end, artistic establishment. It featured more natural wood tones and various wooden structures pieced together, embodying a modern, natural wood style.

The interior was lit by warm yellow lights, creating a particularly cozy atmosphere. Just a glance at it amidst the snow seemed to convey its warmth.

"it is good."

Having found a better place to go, Jiang Zhuhua naturally wouldn't stand in the snow. She hadn't paid any attention to her surroundings before, and only headed in that direction after being pointed out.

The coffee shop was very well heated, and there weren't many people there at midnight. Besides them, there was a young couple sitting there, chatting about something.

Would you like something to drink?

Zhang Wuling pointed to the list and asked.

To be honest, drinking coffee in the middle of the night... Jiang Zhuhua felt it was a bit inappropriate.

"I get sleepy easily when I drink coffee, so I'll have a cup of hot milk instead."

Most people come to a coffee shop and their first thought is to find coffee, but they also offer a variety of teas and snacks. Jiang Zhuhua didn't want to drink coffee in the middle of the night; everyone else seemed wide awake while drinking coffee, but she was sleepy.

Everyone's tolerance to caffeine is different.

"Okay. I'll have a glass of milk too."

Both of them ordered milk and casually chose a seat. Jiang Zhuhua sent the exact location to his assistant.

Boss, you really should hire a driver.

Wang Xianghai got out of bed again and continued complaining. He'd become bolder because his boss had been in a good mood lately.

[You might not need this in the future, but if you work a little harder, I'll give you a raise and time off later.]

Jiang Zhuhua subtly hinted in her words that if the other party didn't understand her meaning, then so be it. But how could Assistant Wang, being so intelligent, not understand?

【This old servant has arrived!】

Jiang Zhuhua placed his phone face down on the table.

Would you like to hear a piano performance?

There was a piano in the coffee shop. Zhang Wuling stood next to the piano and casually played a chord.

do mi sol

Jiang Zhuhua didn't know much about music theory and could only make out a little bit of it. Then he saw Jiang Zhuhua's fingers moving around on the keyboard, and judging from the gestures, it seemed to be a transposition.

"Hmm. How long have you been learning piano?"

Jiang Zhuhua felt that the last time he saw a piano was because of Jiang Ji.

"It's been ten years. Back then, piano was quite popular, and it could even add points to your art exam."

Zhang Wuling listened to the sound briefly and confirmed that the pitch was accurate. Then she sat down on the stool.

After playing the piano for a long time, it seems that your hands have developed their own consciousness. Looking at the black and white keys, you feel that they all belong to their own place.

"What do you want to hear?"

Zhang Wuling was in a good mood today, and tilted her head slightly to ask Jiang Zhuhua.

"Für Elise, this one seems quite famous. I've never heard of it."

If asked to name a song in a short time, Jiang Zhuhua really couldn't come up with anything. His mind was filled with nothing but "Wedding in My Dreams," "Für Elise," or "Castle in the Sky."

"Okay."

Zhang Wuling placed her hands on the piano keys; she had played this song many times before. Even without sheet music, she could almost recall every sustained note and every sharp in her mind.

The soft, soothing voice flowed from her fingertips, sounding gentle and sweet.

Jiang Zhuhua couldn't tell whether it was good or bad, and after listening, he could only give a thumbs up and say it sounded good.

"Your secretary hasn't arrived yet. Would you like to try playing the piano?"

Zhang Wuling could tell that the other party didn't know much about this kind of thing, but so what?

He simply extended the invitation with a smile.

Jiang Zhuhua obediently walked over, somewhat curious about the instrument. He placed his fingers on it and pressed down hard, producing a crisp sound.

"The sound in the high register will be crisper."

Zhang Wuling selected the fa note from the low register; listening to that single note alone, it even had a ghostly quality. Deep and soothing.

It just sounds a bit strange on its own.