One Pet Gets Married

Chapter 37

Like a mother hen guiding her chicks, Song Xici hurriedly pulled Tang You'an and Meng Meng to the other side. Once certain they were out of sight of the two girls, Song Xici finally felt the weight lift from her chest as she stood there catching her breath.

"Why did we run so fast?" Tang You'an asked.

"Those girls have sharp eyes. If they saw Tang You'an and me in person, the whole amusement park would know we're here. It could even turn into a bloodbath." Song Xici explained, hastily adjusting her mask and hat to conceal herself as best she could.

"That makes sense!" Meng Meng nodded, twirling her golden curls.

The three of them went on to enjoy about four or five more attractions together until closing time when the sky began to darken. Only then did they finally leave the park.

After such a big day out, Tang You'an was overjoyed, carrying an amusement park plush toy in her left arm, wearing cat ear headbands, and holding an enormous lollipop in her right hand.

"Meng Meng, what do you want to eat for dinner? My treat!" Song Xici asked after glancing at Tang You'an.

"No thanks, I have a toothache today." Meng Meng waved her hand.

"Toothache?" Tang You'an looked at her.

"I don't want to mooch off you guys anymore. I'll just go home alone and die a lonely spinster!" Meng Meng exclaimed, throwing her arms up dramatically.

"What are you talking about?" Song Xici looked at her quizzically.

"Hehe, I'm just kidding. It's just that my boss lady recently got dumped, you know? So lately she's been pulling me aside to chat about it whenever she can. Today too—she invited me out for dinner and drinks tonight. I already agreed, so I can't back out now." Meng Meng explained, running her fingers through her hair. "Plus, I think I've been doing a good job as her confidante. She's been hinting at giving me a raise, always asking if I need more money. I'm so excited!"

"Looks like you're excelling as a relationship counselor." Song Xici chuckled. "Alright then, off you go. Be safe and let us know when you get there."

"Okay, I'm off!" Meng Meng smiled and hailed a passing taxi.

"Well..." Song Xici turned to Tang You'an, who was munching on her lollipop. "What do you want to eat?"

"Hmm..." Tang You'an crunched the candy and swallowed before pondering. "Hot pot."

"Alright, let's go for hot pot then." Song Xici said as she walked towards her car.

After getting in and driving out of Rong City Amusement World, Song Xici headed towards the new district.

As darkness fell, streetlights flickered on like stars dotting the night sky, creating a scene as beautiful as an artist's masterpiece.

Tang You'an gazed out the window for a moment before turning back. She rested her chin on one hand while the other tapped lightly on her crossed legs as she stared unblinkingly at Song Xici beside her.

"What are you looking at?" Song Xici glanced at her before turning back to focus on driving.

"You." Tang You'an replied lazily, her lips curling into a smile, hand still propped against her cheek.

"You're such a... strange person." Song Xici coughed, mumbling.

Tang You'an just smiled without saying anything more, then let out a soft sigh and looked at the ring on her finger. Even in this lighting, it seemed to sparkle.

As Song Xici drove, she couldn't help but sneak another glance at Tang You'an beside her.

She felt intoxicated. Every little thing Tang You'an did seemed to tug at her heartstrings. Right now, she felt like a voyeur.

"By the way, I want to watch a movie after dinner." Tang You'an suddenly turned to Song Xici.

Song Xici quickly averted her gaze, locking her eyes firmly on the road ahead.

"What kind of movie do you want to see?" Song Xici asked after composing herself.

"What kind..." Tang You'an furrowed her brow. "I haven't decided yet."

In any case, she just wanted to fully indulge herself.

"Alright, think about what you want to watch. We'll go see it after we eat. Otherwise, you won't enjoy it on an empty stomach." Song Xici said, already feeling her own stomach growling.

"I want to go to one of those private cinemas." Tang You'an added. "I've never been to one before."

If she hadn't heard about it in the film crew's WeChat group, she wouldn't have known such cinemas existed.

"Sure, that's fine." Song Xici nodded.

So Tang You'an smiled and started browsing for good movies on her phone.

Song Xici let out a breath, finally feeling her heart rate return to normal.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a newly opened hot pot restaurant with good reviews.

As soon as they sat down in a private room adorned with traditional Chinese decor, a waiter brought over the menu.

"Would you like clear or spicy broth?" the waiter asked with a smile.

"Sp-"

"Half and half." Tang You'an interrupted before Song Xici could finish, removing her mask and smiling at the waiter. "She has a sensitive stomach. Thank you."

Song Xici looked up at Tang You'an, then rubbed her arm. "Half and half is fine."

"You're not a child anymore, you should listen." Tang You'an said, looking at her. "You should eat less spicy food."

Song Xici met her gaze and suddenly forgot everything she was going to say.

"Of course!" The waiter, realizing it was Tang You'an and then noticing Song Xici was the other person, became overwhelmed with excitement. Such big stars!

"Um, Miss Tang, Miss Song, could I get your autographs?" the waiter asked eagerly.

"Certainly." Tang You'an smiled.

The waiter, thrilled beyond words, quickly produced a pen and small notebook, offering them to Tang You'an.

After both Tang You'an and Song Xici had signed, the waiter clutched the notebook to her chest as if it were a priceless treasure, then proceeded to recommend the restaurant's best dishes to Tang You'an.

In the end, with the waiter's guidance, they ordered a balanced mix of meat and vegetable dishes.

By the time Tang You'an closed the menu and handed it back to the waiter, the broth in the pot before them was already boiling. Song Xici reached out to turn down the heat a bit.

The portions at this restaurant were quite generous, with each dish looking quite substantial. The two of them had a jolly time cooking and eating, though they couldn't finish everything even after a long while.

Towards the end of the meal, Tang You'an's phone rang. The name "Manager Zhu" flashed on the screen. Manager Zhu's full name was Zhu Huitian, the new agent Zhao Zixi had arranged for Tang You'an. She was quite capable.

Given that Tang You'an was also a boss in her own right, Zhu Huitian had always maintained a very good attitude towards her. Tang You'an picked up her phone and answered the call.

"You'an, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" Tang You'an asked.

"It's like this—the famous director Ouyang Du is starting to cast for his new movie. He saw your performance in 'Mo Ke' and thought you were very talented and naturally exuded an ancient charm. He feels you perfectly fit the image of Feng Liuyue, one of the two female leads in his new film 'Divine Sacrifice'. So, if you have time, he'd like you to come for a screen test!" Zhu Huitian's voice sounded quite excited.

Ouyang Du.

Tang You'an had been in the entertainment industry for a while now, and even if she hadn't done her homework—no, even if she hadn't, she would still know this director.

After all, he was a man at the pinnacle of the directing world. Nearly every film he created, whether it had a grand worldview, was a love story, or depicted youthful exuberance, was hailed as a classic.

His debut romance film, "I Just Want to Wag My Tail for You." featured the deeply devoted male lead Meng Xiaoliang, who continued writing letters to his deceased girlfriend's unread email account after her death. It captured the hearts of countless young women, all clamoring to marry someone like Meng Xiaoliang.

Later, he directed "Us Back Then." depicting vivacious young protagonists with their own passionate pursuits, touching many viewers. The nuanced portrayal of both friendships and romances prompted countless comments saying one must watch it again with close friends, or life would feel incomplete.

At this point, some critics questioned whether he could only direct romantic stories, calling him small-minded. In response, he released his third work—the suspense film "Midnight Letters." It began with four seemingly unrelated stories that ultimately revealed intricate connections, leaving audiences astounded and full of praise.

Subsequently, Ouyang Du's fame grew exponentially, and he expanded his repertoire. Though he only produced about one film per year, every single one won awards. It could be said that nearly every actress who appeared in his films became famous. Countless people longed for his attention, but few got the chance.

Ouyang Du was a filmmaker dedicated to his craft. Originally just a welder with little formal education, he was rather taciturn. Later, out of sheer love for filmmaking, he saved money frugally to study on his own. Unexpectedly, his innate talent propelled him to instant fame upon his debut.

When casting for his films, he cared not whether an actor was A-list, B-list, or completely unknown. Everyone had to audition—there were no predetermined roles. He insisted on seeing performers with his own eyes before making decisions.

"Ouyang Du?" Tang You'an expressed some surprise.

Hearing this name, Song Xici also froze for a second, even dropping the beef roll from her chopsticks back into the pot.

"Yes, you should go, You'an!" Zhu Huitian continued to encourage her.

"But what kind of film is it?" Tang You'an inquired further.

"I only know it has two female leads and is in the fantasy wuxia genre. Then... based on his past style, there might be quite a few bed scenes and kissing scenes between the two female leads... This is just my speculation, because Director Ouyang seems to enjoy focusing on portraying same-sex love and desire, regardless of gender. He sees it as an art form." Zhu Huitian explained frankly.

"There will be many bed scenes and kissing scenes?" Tang You'an paused.

"Yes." Zhao Zixi hesitated before continuing, "And he doesn't like using stand-ins or body doubles."

"Well..." Tang You'an glanced at Song Xici before saying, "Let me think about it."

"You must consider it carefully. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could skyrocket your career. Who knows how many people are eyeing this chance... Don't let it slip away..."

"Alright, I'll give it serious thought." Tang You'an replied.

"Okay then, I won't bother you anymore. Let me know your decision tomorrow." With that, Zhao Zixi hung up.

Song Xici stared at the hot pot in front of her, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Director Ouyang Du wants you to audition?"

"Yes." Tang You'an nodded, then looked up at her. "I heard there might be quite a few bed scenes and kissing scenes. Should I go?"

Song Xici glanced at her, putting down her chopsticks with little appetite. She picked up a glass of water, took a sip, and set it down. "It's up to you whether you go or not. Why are you asking me..."

As soon as she put the glass down, Song Xici started coughing uncontrollably. Damn it, why did the thought of Tang You'an doing to someone else what she had done to her that day make her so upset?!

"Drink slowly." Tang You'an advised.

After Song Xici finished coughing, she stared at Tang You'an again. "You should go. After all, it's a famous director. You're lucky to get such an opportunity. Who knows... you might even bring home an award to play with."

Hearing this, Tang You'an felt inexplicably uncomfortable. Yes, it was a great opportunity, and it would be a shame to waste it.

But she just felt an inexplicable displeasure in her heart.

"I see." Tang You'an finally said, looking up at her.

Song Xici didn't respond, just pressed her lips together tightly, staring at the bubbling hot pot.

"Are you full?" Song Xici asked, looking at the remaining dishes on the table, having completely lost her appetite.

Tang You'an nodded. "I'm full."

"Then let's pay and go." Song Xici said, calling over the waiter to settle the bill.

Afterward, Tang You'an and Song Xici walked out one after the other.

The night was still bitingly cold, and with neither of them speaking, the atmosphere felt icy. A strange, indescribable tension hung in the air.

As they walked, Song Xici's phone rang.

She reached into her bag and saw Chen Shihan's name on the screen. Song Xici brushed back her hair and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Xixi! Big news!" Chen Shihan's ecstatic voice came through as soon as the call connected.

"What big news? What happened?" Song Xici asked, holding her phone and coming to a stop.

"Did you raise a golden koi fish recently? How did your luck get so good?!" Chen Shihan continued.

No, she had only raised a stupid grass carp and a mischievous kid who stole her first real-life kiss.

"Ouyang Du! He's reached out to us!" Chen Shihan exclaimed excitedly.