One Pet Gets Married

Chapter 15

"I'm sorry..." Song Xici hastily released Tang You'an's collar. "Let me explain, I'm not making excuses. Last night I was in agony and only fell asleep very late, which is why I couldn't get up this morning..."

Hearing this, Tang You'an paused, then lowered her head. "Ah, I apologize... I see."

"It's fine, really. I know you meant well!" Song Xici said with a smile.

"Well, I'll go brush my teeth and wash up now!" Song Xici awkwardly pointed upstairs.

"Mm." Tang You'an nodded.

The next moment, Song Xici scampered up the stairs.

Tang You'an watched her go, then pressed a hand to her chest, tilting her head in confusion. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

Song Xici returned to her bedroom, closed the door, and let out a deep sigh, smacking her forehead. What nonsense was she thinking?

After breakfast together, they headed to their respective film sets.

After makeup and styling, Tang You'an waited for her scene.

Today's shoot was simple, with few lines. She'd change clothes, then impress General Wei Yue with her appearance.

Tang You'an's ancient costume stunned everyone. Holding a pipa and veiled, she stood in the hall looking delicate yet ethereal, truly a sight to behold.

As the night before, Tang You'an's performance was compelling. Zhao Zixi, observing beside Director Chen Feng, was amazed. She'd thought the praise for Tang You'an's improved acting was just people being nice, but now she saw it wasn't so.

Zhao Zixi was eager to see how Tang You'an would transform the AI-like Gu Moyan into a captivating woman, confused by love, and ultimately tinged with tragedy.

Given Tang You'an's insightful comments at the opening ceremony and her behavior thus far, Zhao Zixi saw potential and wanted to recruit her.

Lunchtime arrived before they knew it.

Around 1 PM, as Tang You'an opened her boxed lunch, she overheard nearby conversations.

"Oh my god, did you hear He Tong had a medical emergency on set and was rushed to the ER?"

"Yeah, just heard about it..."

"I hope she's alright! That condition sounds terrifying!"

Tang You'an looked up from her meal. "Heart disease?"

"Yeah!" a young actor nodded.

"What are the main symptoms?"

"I think it's like, sometimes your heart races for no reason, even when nothing major is happening." the young actor pondered. "I've never had it, but I imagine it's like that."

"It's probably like your heart suddenly skips a beat." someone else added.

Recalling the unexpected flutter in her chest that morning, Tang You'an nearly choked on her food. Surely it couldn't be such a coincidence? Fate couldn't be so...

It couldn't be... Right, she'd stumbled earlier. Perhaps that was why...

As Tang You'an pondered this, Zhao Zixi approached and sat beside her.

"Has your manager told you something?" Zhao Zixi asked immediately.

"Hm?" Tang You'an turned to her.

"Why is she so inefficient?" Zhao Zixi frowned in displeasure. "How long until your contract with your current company expires?"

Tang You'an thought for a moment. She remembered seeing the contract, but when was the signing date again...

After a pause, she turned to Zhao Zixi: "If I recall correctly, about a month left."

Zhao Zixi's eyebrows lifted slightly as she nodded.

Just then, Tang You'an's phone vibrated, displaying Xu Ying's name.

"Hello?" Tang You'an set down her lunch and answered.

Xu Ying: "You'an, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"What is it, Sister Xu?" Tang You'an asked.

"A variety show just called me. Their original celebrity guest, Bai Yunmo, can't make it for their upcoming recording. They're asking if you can participate. Do you know this show?" Xu Ying inquired.

"Please tell me." Tang You'an said.

"It's the popular 'Literati Gathering.' Have you seen it? They invite scholars and writers each episode, with three renowned professors as permanent judges. Each season also has a rotating celebrity judge, chosen through a selection process. It's not easy to get on." Xu Ying paused. "Though ratings have dipped slightly recently, it still has a massive viewership."

She continued after a pause: "This should be good news, but don't mess it up. The judges are all professor-level experts. If you can't speak or respond properly, just keep quiet and look pretty. Don't say anything unnecessary."

Initially, when Xu Ying received the call, she'd wanted to recommend a rising new artist she managed. Compared to Tang You'an, who'd been stagnant for years and mocked as ignorant, she preferred giving good opportunities to promising newcomers.

But the show insisted on Tang You'an, leaving Xu Ying no choice but to call her.

"Alright." Tang You'an replied. "Don't worry, Sister Xu."

"Are you free later?" Xu Ying asked.

"I'm free now." Tang You'an had finished filming her few scenes for the day and was only staying to observe others acting.

"Good, come to Baixin Century Building, 26-9." Xu Ying said.

"Okay." After Tang You'an's response, the call ended.

"Miss Zhao, how did you know Sister Xu would contact me about this?" Tang You'an asked after a moment's thought.

"Let's just say I know many people." Zhao Zixi smiled.

Tang You'an paused, then understood. "Thank you, Miss Zhao."

"Don't mention it. Consider it payment for your fortune-telling." Zhao Zixi laughed. Though that wasn't the whole reason.

After chatting a while longer, Tang You'an left for the address Xu Ying provided.

She arrived around 3 PM. Upon entering, she saw a man and Xu Ying at a large conference table, seemingly in discussion.

Seeing Tang You'an, the man studied her for a moment, then gestured to an empty seat.

Tang You'an sat down.

"I believe Sister Xu has explained the details to you? If you have no objections, please sign this recording contract." the man pushed a document towards Tang You'an as soon as she sat.

Tang You'an glanced at him, took the document, and read it thoroughly.

Afterward, she picked up a pen and signed both copies in the designated spots.

On her way back, Tang You'an closed her eyes for a brief rest before opening Weibo and searching for "Literati Gathering."

The first result was an official Weibo post from the show: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, our previously announced guest @ActressBaiYunmo cannot participate in next season's recording. We apologize for any inconvenience!"

Bai Yunmo, from the same agency as Tang You'an, was something of a senior figure - a critically acclaimed artist bridging the gap between veteran performers and modern idols.

Impeccable in both appearance and acting skills, Bai Yunmo's films consistently performed well at the box office. She always garnered high popularity in various polls, and though she'd never won a Best Actress award, her fame rivaled Zhao Zixi's.

However, she maintained a low profile and rarely appeared on variety shows. When the show hinted at her participation, fans were ecstatic.

The announcement of her withdrawal sparked an uproar in the comments. Fans wailed, demanding to know why Bai Yunmo couldn't participate and if there was some hidden issue with her agency.

Comments like "No Momo? Okay, I won't watch this season then, haha" dominated the thread.

Others asked who would replace Bai Yunmo.

Moments later, the show's official Weibo posted again: "Following up, starting next episode, the guest for next season will be replaced by Little Bell Han Yuling @ActressTangYou'an! Are you excited?!"

After this post, the internet exploded...