One Pet Gets Married

Chapter 26

"Get out..." Song Xici stared at her, wishing she could bang her head on the table edge and die.

"Mom, what's wrong? Don't you like hearing it?" Tang You'an slowly walked forward again.

Song Xici looked at her, goosebumps erupting all over, feeling on the verge of exploding.

"Mom, or is it that I'm not saying it sweetly enough?" Finally, Tang You'an stood beside Song Xici, picked up the makeup remover on her table, looked at it, then put it down and gazed at her.

Song Xici continued to look dumbfounded. This was insane.

"Goodnight, Mom." Tang You'an leaned down. "Sweet dreams."

After that, Tang You'an turned and left the room.

Watching the door close again, Song Xici nearly performed a "cough up three liters of blood, collapse, and sleep eternally" routine right there.

Putting down what she was holding, Song Xici put on a headband and walked into the bathroom with floating steps. She squeezed some facial cleanser into her palm, lathered it up, then gritted her teeth and said, "She's doing it on purpose! She must be deliberately trying to annoy me!"

What was there to like or dislike? Only someone with a hole in their brain would like someone who calls them "mom"! After washing her face, Song Xici angrily squeezed out some toothpaste and brushed her teeth.

Meanwhile, after returning to her room, Tang You'an shook her head, turned off the lights, and lay down on the bed to sleep. She hadn't wanted to call Song Xici that either...

The next day.

Early in the morning, Tang You'an rushed to the film set.

Since Tang You'an's "dramatic change in personality." the crew's prejudice against her had sharply decreased. Plus, she always behaved very politely now, so everyone greeted her enthusiastically whenever they saw her. If they had something fun or tasty, they would actively share it with her.

Xiao Meimei had even taught her how to play Fight the Landlord. When they had free time, everyone would play a round, getting along quite well.

At two in the afternoon, after finishing a scene, Tang You'an had just sat down when Zhao Zixi walked over and accidentally glimpsed the message from Xu Ying on Tang You'an's phone screen.

Xu Ying said: "You'an, about the contract renewal we discussed last time, have you thought about it? Not many days left! Nudge nudge nudge, hurry up~"

After all, anyone with eyes could see that Tang You'an had great potential to become popular now. No, it wasn't just potential - she was already on the path to fame. In a short time, her fan base had grown considerably. Her professional abilities seemed much stronger than before, and the variety show she participated in had received great feedback, even boosting the show's ratings and online viewership. So any company could see that she was a piece of fat meat.

After seeing this, Zhao Zixi sat down next to Tang You'an and blinked at her. "You'an, look at your big sister here. How do you think my career will go in the coming year?"

Tang You'an turned to look at her, examining her face carefully for a while before saying, "Can I take a look at your hand again, Teacher Zhao?"

Zhao Zixi nodded and held out her hand.

"It looks good." Tang You'an said.

"How so?" Zhao Zixi asked.

"Overall, Teacher Zhao's career prospects are quite good. In the coming year, a bold and innovative move will make your financial fortune even more prosperous, earning you a lot of money. So if Teacher Zhao has any good ideas for your career right now, you can go for it without hesitation. Don't miss the opportunity."

Hearing this, Zhao Zixi's eyes curved into a smile, and she felt more confident. Then she asked, "Thanks. By the way, I accidentally saw the message on your phone earlier. Is your company discussing contract renewal with you?"

Tang You'an nodded. "That's right."

"I heard that a variety show recently approached you about participating. Have you signed with them yet?" Zhao Zixi asked.

"Not yet. I went to Sister Qi Yuan's birthday party yesterday, then came to film today. I plan to go take a look tomorrow afternoon." Tang You'an answered.

Zhao Zixi nodded, then looked at her again. "I heard that your previous contract with your company was a full contract, not an agency contract, with lots of unfair clauses? What are the terms of the new contract they're offering?"

"In the new contract, their commission will change from the original sixty-five percent to fifty percent. If I breach the contract, I need to pay a penalty of eight million." Tang You'an said honestly.

Zhao Zixi raised her eyebrows. "Anything else?"

"From now on, Xu Ying will become my personal manager, focusing solely on cultivating me and striving for my maximum benefit." Tang You'an continued.

After hearing this, Zhao Zixi smiled. "I think, would you consider coming to my side? Your new contract still sounds quite overbearing, doesn't it?"

"Your side?" Tang You'an turned to look at her. "What's the situation there?"

"On my side, we implement a celebrity shareholding system. This way, you'd be a shareholder too, which would be very beneficial for you. Want to give it a try?" Zhao Zixi asked with a smile.

Tang You'an thought for a moment. "I'll consider it."

Later, Tang You'an pondered a bit more, then sent a message to Xu Ying: "Someone wants me to go to their side, with a shareholding system. It sounds pretty good too."

A few seconds later, Xu Ying replied: "Who?"

"Teacher Zhao Zixi." Tang You'an responded.

Xu Ying: "Wait a moment."

After quite a while, Xu Ying sent a smiling emoji: "An'an, are you still filming now?"

Seeing this, Tang You'an replied: "Not yet."

Xu Ying: "The higher-ups say we can do that kind of thing too. Besides, Zhao Zixi's side is a new company established just in the past two years. Our foundation is more stable."

After reading this, Tang You'an handed her phone to Zhao Zixi: "This is what Sister Xu said."

Zhao Zixi read it, frowning slightly, then smiled and said, "You know the saying 'The new wave pushes out the old,' right? So the idea that an old company is better than a new one isn't always correct. Plus, my side has cultivated some pretty good young stars in the past two years. Have you looked into them?"

Saying this, Zhao Zixi took out her phone and showed Tang You'an profiles of several artists: "They're all under our company. Look at their popularity. What do you think? Also, when I wanted you on 'Literati Gathering,' you got on. We don't just talk; we take direct, practical action. And the scripts I find are quite good. I like to bring my people along to film, and those I've brought have all become famous. Plus, your company has many people, so resource allocation inevitably becomes more complicated. But here, we don't have many people, so when there are good resources, basically everyone can compete for them. Think about it: is it better to divide a cake among a hundred people or ten people?"

After listening, Tang You'an sent another message to Xu Ying, telling her the benefits of joining Zhao Zixi's side. In fact, she still didn't fully understand some of the professional terms, but she knew that the two companies were fighting over her like immortals, and in the end, she would be the one to benefit. It was like the auction bidding she had seen in TV dramas.

After a while, Xu Ying sent another message: "Sorry, please wait a bit longer."

So Tang You'an waited patiently again.

When Xu Ying saw Tang You'an's message, she really panicked a bit. Reality shows had been popular these past two years, and basically anyone who participated became famous. Tang You'an and Song Xici hadn't even participated yet, but they already had good popularity online. One could imagine how much discussion there would be if they participated, barring any accidents. After participating, it wouldn't be long before various brand endorsements and other opportunities came knocking. That was all money.

Previously, when they didn't know someone was trying to poach Tang You'an, she and the company weren't in a hurry. But now, they started to feel anxious.

After a while, Tang You'an received a new message from Xu Ying: "We can try what we discussed before first, and then if your performance is good and meets our expected standards, we can set up a personal subsidiary company for you later, like we did for your senior Bai Yunmo and Xiao Qing."

Tang You'an was confused after seeing this and turned to show the message to Zhao Zixi.

After reading it, Zhao Zixi narrowed her eyes slightly: "How do you know they won't change their minds later? Verbal promises can't compare to written agreements, right? I can also set up a studio under my company with you as a joint venture, as long as you have the money. I think you're not short on cash, are you? This way, you put in some money, I put in some, we both become bosses, and you can be your own boss. You can even discover and cultivate new talent. It's pretty good, isn't it? We can do it now, no need to wait. By the way, you can also wait until your contract with your company expires before signing with the show producers. Otherwise, wouldn't it hurt to have 65% taken away?"

Zhao Zixi suddenly became determined to snatch Tang You'an from her current company. She had never misjudged anyone she signed, and even the least successful of her artists hadn't been left on the sidelines. So she was set on getting Tang You'an. Moreover, Tang You'an had just read her fortune so favorably. Therefore, Zhao Zixi became even bolder.

After listening, Tang You'an felt a bit confused, but still maintained a calm demeanor.

"And think about it, if they were really your talent scouts, they wouldn't have been so casual about the new contract before I showed up, right? In the end, their level of care for you is really... do you understand?" Zhao Zixi spoke very diplomatically.

"I can also provide you with some of the industry's top managers. Most importantly, your big sister here really has great resources." Zhao Zixi smiled. "I can bring you along to film movies with me, and help you get good scripts. Every year, I have quite a few scripts that I'm too busy to take on and have to pass to others."

Tang You'an listened, the corners of her lips turning up slightly: "Teacher Zhao is indeed silver-tongued, one can't help but be convinced."

"So, have you made up your mind?" Zhao Zixi asked again.

Hearing this, Tang You'an lowered her head and looked at the ground for a moment, then raised her head to look at her and extended her hand.

"Then it's decided." Zhao Zixi grasped her hand and pressed it down.

At around five in the afternoon, after wrapping up, Tang You'an picked up her phone and called Song Xici: "Xici, I'm done with work today. Are you at home now?"

"No, I'm out getting my nails done with a friend. We're planning to go eat soon after." Song Xici's cold voice came through the phone.

"Oh..." Tang You'an held the phone, her earlier joy at finishing work early instantly vanishing.

"Well, have fun then." Tang You'an finally said, sounding a bit dejected. "I'll go eat then."

"Hey." Song Xici thought for a moment on the other end of the line. "What are you planning to eat?"

"I'll just buy something edible." Tang You'an replied.

So Song Xici thought for a bit and said, "Then come over here."

"Can I?" Tang You'an immediately asked.

"Mm." Song Xici nodded.

"Okay, where are you?"

"Rongxing Building, Tower B, 26-5." Song Xici answered.

"Alright, I'll be right over."

After hanging up, Song Xici put her phone aside and looked at the finished nails on her right hand. Today's design wasn't her usual understated style, but a bright red. It actually looked quite nice. Plus, with the New Year approaching, it was festive.

This nail salon was actually owned by a celebrity friend from the industry, but they didn't accept just anyone. People who came here for manicures all needed appointments, so there was no chaotic mix of customers.

"Is Tang You'an coming?" Meng Meng asked in surprise.

"Yes." Song Xici said.

"Wow!" Meng Meng suddenly looked excited.

"Why are you so excited?" Song Xici glanced at her.

"Nothing, I just didn't expect this day would finally come!" Meng Meng said.

"What are you talking about..."

"Being your third wheel!" Meng Meng said this, but her face looked like she was anticipating a good show, appearing quite pleased.

"I..." Song Xici wanted to retort, but after looking at the nail technician, she finally swallowed her words.

After finishing their nails, Song Xici was looking at her nails, about to take out her phone to take a picture, when she heard the shop assistant say to someone at the door: "Welcome, Miss Tang!"

So Song Xici turned her head in that direction.

Tang You'an was wearing a black coat, one hand pulling down her mask, the other lifting the bead curtain as she walked in from outside. Her face still had the makeup of an ancient woman from filming, looking valiant with a hint of allure.

Seeing Song Xici, Tang You'an smiled and walked over to her side.

"Xici, I'm here." Tang You'an said.

"Oh, good. Then, shall we go eat?" Song Xici said, finished paying, picked up her bag, and stood up, ready to leave.

After walking out, the three of them stood at the elevator, pressed the button, and waited for the elevator to come down. Tang You'an and Song Xici both put on their masks and hats.

"This is Meng Meng, my friend." Song Xici thought for a moment, then stood on tiptoe to whisper in Tang You'an's ear.

"Hello." Tang You'an said after hearing this, looking towards Meng Meng across Song Xici who stood between them.

"Hello, hello." Meng Meng was startled for a moment, then quickly replied.

At this point, the elevator doors opened, and the three of them walked in. Currently, the elevator wasn't very crowded, quite spacious. But when it reached the 21st floor, suddenly many people entered. Probably because there was a newly opened specialty buffet restaurant on the 21st floor that was having a big promotion, and besides that, there was also a KTV and a small bar.

With more people, the elevator space became cramped, and a large man reeking of cigarettes, hot pot, and body odor stood next to Song Xici, making it hard to breathe.

The man was carrying a huge backpack, which was bad enough, but he kept turning and talking to others, causing the backpack to constantly bump and scrape against Song Xici.

Seeing this, Tang You'an pulled Song Xici closer to herself and naturally extended an arm from Song Xici's side to the elevator wall, separating that man from Song Xici.

Song Xici was stunned for a moment and looked up at her, but saw Tang You'an looking up at something. Finally, Song Xici softly said two words: "Thank you."

Hearing Song Xici's voice, Tang You'an lowered her head to look at her and smiled, shaking her head.

Song Xici noticed that Tang You'an also looked beautiful when she smiled, with long eyelashes and bright eyes, like stars in the night sky.

Meng Meng watched the two beside her, clicked her tongue twice, and shook her head.

Walking out of the elevator, without that oppressive feeling, Song Xici finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Where are we eating dinner today?" Tang You'an asked.

"A restaurant called 'Fate With You.' Meng Meng found it. It's an old restaurant run by an elderly couple. It's not very big, but the food is excellent and good value for money. It's quite famous online too. They don't take reservations though, so we don't know how crowded it will be now." Song Xici said. "It's in the alley across the street."

"Okay." Tang You'an nodded, looking in that direction, then walked with Song Xici and Meng Meng to the side of the street.

Without realizing it, the landscape trees on both sides of Rongcheng's streets were already hung with twinkling little colored lights and small lanterns. The atmosphere of the approaching New Year had become incredibly thick.

When the traffic light turned green, the three of them looked at the countdown timer, then quickly jogged across the street.

The alley was very narrow, just wide enough for an electric scooter to pass through. It was lined with old residential buildings that clashed with the surrounding prosperity. Reportedly, it was soon to be demolished as it affected the city's appearance. However, upon entering, festive New Year's music could be heard playing.

Arriving at the restaurant, a small door appeared before them. A round sign hung on the wall next to the door, with the words 'Fate With You' written on it. It was illuminated from within, creating quite an atmosphere.

Inside was a small courtyard with some potted plants, a stone table, and a few stone stools. Further in was the dining area.

Fortunately, it didn't seem too crowded today.

After entering, the three chose the most secluded spot, then ordered a large plate of spicy crayfish and several other dishes before waiting for their food to arrive.

"Come on, Xici, let's take a photo here. After all, this place will be demolished soon." Meng Meng said to Song Xici after the dishes arrived, arranging the food on the table.

"Sure." Song Xici said, getting up and walking over. She smoothed her hair, then sat down with Meng Meng.

"Um... Miss Tang, could you take a photo for us? Just include all the dishes and us together~" Meng Meng said with a smile.

"Alright." Tang You'an paused for a moment, then opened the camera app on her phone and held it up, aiming at the two opposite her.

At this point, Meng Meng held chopsticks in one hand and a spoon in the other, smiling as she leaned towards Song Xici. Song Xici mirrored her pose, leaning towards Meng Meng.

Tang You'an glanced at them, then looked at the screen and casually pressed the shutter button.

"It's done." Tang You'an said.

"Let me see, let me see!" Meng Meng said eagerly.

Tang You'an passed the phone over.

"The... the built-in camera app?" No beauty filter, heartbreaking... Meng Meng looked dumbfounded.

"Um, could you take another photo for us with my phone?" Meng Meng then opened a camera app with beauty filters on her own phone and handed it to Tang You'an.

Tang You'an looked at her, then took the phone, aimed it at them, took a casual shot, and handed it back.

This time, it was a photo of Meng Meng and Song Xici arm in arm, faces pressed together, smiling brilliantly.

"Not bad, not bad, it's not blurry." Meng Meng nodded.

"Alright, send me the photos later, okay?" Song Xici said to Meng Meng, then stood up and sat down next to Tang You'an.

"Let's eat, let's eat." Song Xici picked up her chopsticks.

"Mm." Tang You'an also picked up her chopsticks glumly, reaching for a glistening roasted chicken dish.

"What's wrong? Why so dispirited..." Song Xici patted her shoulder.

"Huh?" Tang You'an picked up a chicken leg, paused, then shook her head and placed it in Song Xici's small bowl. "This part has more meat, it's more satisfying to eat."

Then, Tang You'an picked up a crayfish, looked at it, put it in her bowl and fiddled with it, wondering how to eat it.

Song Xici looked at the small chicken leg in her bowl, then turned to look at Tang You'an beside her. After pondering for a moment, Song Xici suddenly smiled and looked up at Meng Meng: "Meng Meng, take some photos of us two as well."

"Sure thing!" Meng Meng quickly put down her chopsticks, took off her disposable gloves, and took the phone Song Xici handed over.

Hearing Song Xici's words, Tang You'an immediately raised her head and turned to look at her.

"Come on, open your mouth!" Then, Song Xici picked up the chicken leg and held it to Tang You'an's lips. "Bite it, but don't actually bite it off and swallow it, okay?"

After hearing this, Tang You'an finally smiled, nodded, then opened her mouth to bite the chicken leg, looking up at Song Xici.

Song Xici met her gaze, her eyes flickering. "Um, Meng Meng, have you taken it yet?"

Meng Meng looked at the two of them, clicked her tongue twice again, then took several photos before handing the phone back to Song Xici. "Take a look and see if you're satisfied. If not, I can take more."

"It's good, I think they look great." Song Xici swiped through the photos, then turned to look at Tang You'an. "Should I send them to you?"

"Sure." Tang You'an nodded, smiling as she gnawed on the chicken leg.

After Song Xici sent the photos, Tang You'an looked through them several times, finally no longer appearing gloomy.

Song Xici watched her from the side, then curled her lips and said softly, "Silly."

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

"Nothing, I said, eat more!" Song Xici said, placing a peeled shrimp in Tang You'an's bowl.

When they finished eating and left, it was already close to 8 o'clock.

It was freezing cold, and while standing at the street corner waiting for the traffic light, Song Xici couldn't help but say several times, "It's freezing, I really want some milk tea."

"Then I'll go buy some for you? That shop over there seems to sell drinks." Tang You'an pointed to a nearby store.

"Okay, then go buy me a green milk tea. I'll go to the parking lot and bring the car around, so we can leave directly afterwards." Song Xici said.

"Alright." Tang You'an nodded.

"Mm, I'll go over first then." Song Xici said, then turned and walked away.

Then, Tang You'an and Meng Meng went to the milk tea shop.

Standing in front of the milk tea shop, after ordering the drinks, Tang You'an opened her phone's photo album and brought up the photos of her and Song Xici from earlier, looking at them one by one.

As she looked, Tang You'an started to smile.

Then, Tang You'an brought her phone over to Meng Meng: "I want to change the picture on my phone's home screen to a different photo. How do I do that again?"

Meng Meng looked at her puzzled for a moment, then smiled and said, "I'll help you. Which photo do you want to set?"

"This one." Tang You'an opened the album and selected the photo of her and Song Xici together.

"Alright..." Meng Meng smiled, then took the phone and set it up for her.

"I want to ask you a question, if that's okay..." After finishing the setup and returning the phone to Tang You'an, Meng Meng said.

"Go ahead." Tang You'an looked at her new wallpaper, smiling without looking up. Then, Tang You'an even changed her WeChat and Weibo profile pictures to the same photo.

She even posted identical updates on her WeChat Moments and Weibo: "Had dinner with Xici at 'Fate With You,' it was delicious. Have you all tried it?"

And she included three photos of her and Song Xici together.

"Do you... like Xici?" Meng Meng asked after careful consideration.

Tang You'an looked up at her: "Yes, I do."

"Wow! I knew it!" Meng Meng hit her own head, excited as if she was about to jump three thousand meters into the air.

Tang You'an looked at her, feeling a bit confused by this reaction.

Meanwhile, after Song Xici drove the car out and stopped near the milk tea shop, she had just opened the door and stepped out when a man reeking of alcohol bumped into her.

Song Xici frowned and patted her arm, about to continue walking towards the milk tea shop, when suddenly her arm was grabbed.

"Xici? Is that you?" The man holding Song Xici's arm asked, then hiccupped.

That voice... That bastard Zhang Ke?

Song Xici turned to look at him. He was wearing a cheap-looking down jacket and loose jeans, his nose red.

"Wow, didn't you run off with some rich woman? What happened, karma caught up with you and brought you back to square one? Let go of me!" Song Xici laughed coldly, then gritted her teeth and twisted her wrist, slamming her bag hard against his shoulder.

"Xici, I was wrong, I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay? For-forgive me, I really know I was wrong, really..." Zhang Ke let go but then reached to grab her coat hem. "Let's start a business together, work hard together... *hic*..."

"How can you be so shameless? Even if I wasn't already married, I wouldn't choose a scumbag like you, okay?!" Song Xici frowned, using her hand to pry his fingers off her coat one by one.

At this moment, Tang You'an, who had just turned around with the milk tea she'd bought, saw this scene. Her previously gentle smile immediately darkened.

"You dare harass her? Old man, do you have a death wish?" Tang You'an strode over, grabbing Zhang Ke's collar and yanking him away from Song Xici like catching a mouse. She tilted her head to look at the man's receding hairline, sunken eyes, and huge eye bags, asking in a low voice.

"Wh-what?! You call me old man?!" Zhang Ke looked at her, sobering up halfway, then pointed at his own face, his finger trembling with anger.

So Tang You'an looked at him expressionlessly for a moment, then corrected herself: "Grandpa, do you have a death wish?"