Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 186 Xuejian or Longkui
The waiting hall at Donghai Airport is bustling with people, all in a hurry.

Cai Yinong stood at the arrival gate, his eyes constantly searching the exit.

Soon, Liu Shishi's familiar figure came into view.

Wearing a stylish baseball cap with the brim slightly pulled down, her pretty face was covered by a black mask, but her elegant temperament was still undeniable.

Dragging a small suitcase, she walked with light steps, accompanied by her assistant Jiang Yuanyuan, the two chatting and laughing all the way.

"Shishi!" Cai Yinong, with his sharp eyes, recognized his eldest sister at a glance, waved to her, and quickly went to greet her.

Liu Shishi smiled sweetly and gave Cai Yinong a warm hug, saying softly, "Long time no see, Sister K."

Cai Yinong gently patted the hostess on the back and replied with a smile, "Let's go, Hu Ge and Yuan Hong are waiting for you in the parking lot."

"Ah, you've all come to pick me up!" Liu Shishi's face lit up with surprise upon hearing this.

Since parting ways with the cast of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" last year, the group had not seen each other for almost half a year. They were overjoyed to reunite at this moment.

In the airport's underground parking lot, Hu Ge stood beside a minivan, wearing sunglasses and still looking dashing. Yuan Hong paced back and forth beside him, head bowed.

"Old Hu, Old Yuan!" Liu Shishi's eyes curved into crescent moons. "I've missed you so much! How have you been?"

Hearing Liu's clear and melodious voice, Hu Ge and Yuan Hong smiled and gathered around, "Beautiful lady, we've been waiting for you to come back!"

Seeing the harmonious relationship among the three members of the Tangren family, Cai Yinong nodded with satisfaction: "Alright, let's talk more on the bus!"

The seven-seater van was packed with passengers, and the cabin was filled with laughter as it slowly drove out of the airport.

"Master, go to Phoenix Mansion on Longhua Middle Road."

Liu Shishi gave an address, then turned to the crowd and said, "Let's go to my house first. I'll take my luggage home and then come out."

"You own a house in Donghai?" Cai Yinong asked in surprise.

Last year, when Ms. Liu was in Donghai, she always stayed at her home. She was just thinking about whether to prepare a dormitory for Sister Yi.

Didn't I tell Sister K that I have a house in Donghai? Liu Shishi tilted her head and thought for a moment, and it seemed that she really hadn't told her.

"Yes, it's always been there! But I haven't lived in the house much, except for a few days last year when my husband came to Donghai for National Day."

Yuan Hong asked in surprise, "Phoenix Mansion! Is that the upscale residential area behind the company? I went to inquire about the price last year, and it was 5 yuan per square meter. It's too expensive for me to afford."

"It's very close to the company. My husband bought this house for me because it was close to the company, so it would be convenient for my work in the future."

Cai Yinong looked at the scenery rushing past the window, rolled his eyes behind Liu Shishi's back, and muttered to himself: "Sister Yi is at it again, calling me 'husband' over and over again, it's infuriating."

"5 yuan per square meter!" Hu Ge was also shocked. "I must take a good look at what kind of luxury house it is! I want to have a tour!"

Liu Shishi smiled and nodded: "Welcome!"

More than an hour later, the group arrived at Phoenix Mansion by car. Liu Shishi opened the door with a bright smile and warmly invited the guests into her home.

"This is my little nest in the East China Sea."

As the group stepped inside, a spacious and bright single-level apartment came into view, with exquisite lamps and furniture that highlighted its magnificence.

Hu Ge couldn't help but give a wry smile: "Shishi, please don't belittle us! If this is your little nest, then our place is worse than a doghouse."

Yuan Hong looked left and right, then asked with envy, "Shishi, how big is this house?"

"The property certificate says it's over 400 square meters, but I don't remember the exact size. My husband arranged everything for us; I didn't have to worry about it."

"Over 400 square meters, that means this apartment must cost over 2000 million!"

Yuan Hong was extremely shocked. Although he had known for a long time that Liu Shishi's boyfriend was rich, he did not expect him to be so extravagant.

The key is that he's willing to spend money on Liu Shishi. No wonder his junior sister looks down on him and Hu Ge; the difference is just too great.

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong was also surprised and uncertain, and couldn't help but probe: "Shishi, is this house registered in your name, or is it just for you to live in?"

Liu Shishi understood what Sister K meant, and smiled sweetly with happiness: "The property certificate is in my name."

Although she's not the materialistic type, how many women could resist a multi-million dollar mansion? This gift shows that Mr. Song cares about her a lot.

Cai Yinong, Hu Ge, and Yuan Hong exchanged glances, their eyes revealing shock.

This house, plus the money he invested in Tangren last time, means that the top star's boyfriend has already spent tens of millions on her. He's found true love!
Cai Yinong carefully looked Liu up and down a few times. The girl's face looked pretty and gentle, but she was just average in other aspects.

She couldn't help but wonder to herself, feeling that her own sister didn't seem like the kind of cunning woman who could manipulate men. Was she just lucky?

As Liu Shishi led the three on a tour of her home, she pointed to the brand-new kitchenware and explained, "This is the kitchen and dining room, but we've never cooked here."

Yuan Hong shook her head, saying, "Shishi, you bought a house but don't live in it. What a waste!"

Liu Shishi smiled gently and did not refute him. Ordinary people are still different from Mr. Song in terms of their level of understanding and cannot comprehend his thoughts.

After walking around the study and bedroom, Cai Yinong looked at his watch and said, "It's almost 12 o'clock. Shishi's house has nothing. Let's go out to eat."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi suggested, "Why don't you call and have food delivered? If you're not busy today, you can relax and unwind at my place."

Cai Yinong thought for a moment and nodded slightly, feeling that the atmosphere at home was good and it would be easier to speak up about certain things.

I'll take this opportunity to discuss the female lead of "Chinese Paladin 3" with Sister Yi.

The bright midday sun streamed into the living room through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

After changing into casual home clothes and signing for the takeout, Liu Shishi placed the food on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Everyone opened their lunchboxes one by one, and the air was immediately filled with the enticing aroma of food.

Liu Shishi opened a box of steaming rice and immediately gave more than half to her assistant. She usually eats rice very well and controls her portion size.

"Everyone should try this. This takeout is pretty good. My husband and I ordered from them several times last National Day holiday, and we've kept the owner's number saved."

Cai Yinong picked up his chopsticks, his eyes darting among the abundant dishes: "They do look tempting. I'll indulge myself today and enjoy this delicious meal."

Although she doesn't have to control her figure like an actress, she still pays attention to her diet and maintains her weight.

Yuan Hong was already starving, and couldn't wait to pick up her lunchbox, grab a piece of meat, and put it in her mouth.

Hu Ge, on the other hand, ate slowly and deliberately, joking as he ate: "Old Yuan, you should at least pay attention to your image!"

Yuan Hong swallowed the food in her mouth and laughed nonchalantly, "It's fine outside, but here we're all family, what's the point of pretending?"

"Right, Shishi, why are you eating so delicately? Lao Hu and I have seen you wolf down your food before. Eat heartily, just be happy."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi immediately flew into a rage, her eyes wide with anger as she retorted, "Old Yuan, you're talking nonsense! Who wolfed down their food!"

Nowadays, she pays great attention to her image. Her demeanor and temperament are her distinctive features. It is simply outrageous that Yuan Hong would question her quiet image!
Hu Ge chuckled to herself, thinking to herself, "Old Yuan, with your simple-mindedness, you used to have designs on Shishi. You're lucky you didn't offend your junior sister." Yuan Hong realized she had misspoke and quickly lowered her head to focus on eating, not daring to say another word.

Liu Shishi glanced reproachfully at Hu Ge, who was gloating beside her, and then turned her gaze to Cai Yinong: "Sister K, does the company have any new dramas in the pipeline recently?"

Although Mr. Song could let her relax, she couldn't be too lazy. After resting at home for more than a month, she also wanted to film and keep busy with her career.

Cai Yinong was caught off guard when the usually laid-back female star took the initiative to ask about his new drama.

With his mind racing, he quickly replied, "The company is indeed preparing to film a new drama."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi put down her chopsticks and asked with interest, "What kind of drama is the new one?"

"The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3!"

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up. "Chinese Paladin" was Hu Ge's breakthrough work. If the leading man starred in one, she should also star in "Chinese Paladin 3" so that she could truly be Tangren's leading lady!

Seeing the lead actress's excited expression, Cai Yinong knew she was interested in the drama.

Unable to think of a good solution, she decided to lay it all out: "Shishi, you know the 'Chinese Paladin' series, it's all based on the game."

Liu Shishi nodded: "Yes, I know. I've played all the games in the 'Chinese Paladin' series."

Cai Yinong carefully chose his words: "Um, you know Xuejian, right? What kind of personality do you think she has in the game?"

Miss Liu tilted her head back, trying hard to recall: "Wilderness, willfulness, and mischievousness!"

Cai Yinong cautiously probed, "Yes! Do you think her personality matches your image?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi realized what was going on, her gaze immediately turned sharp, and her tone was no longer as gentle as before:

"Sister K, what do you mean? Do you think I'm not suitable to play the lead role of Xuejian and want to hire someone else?"

Hu Ge, Yuan Hong, and Jiang Yuanyuan, who were eating with their heads down nearby, lowered their heads even further, afraid of getting involved.

"Shishi, don't worry, I didn't say you couldn't play Xuejian." Cai Yinong moved closer to the lead actress, patted her soft hand, and quickly reassured her:

"Here's what I'm thinking: the company will launch an online poll and let the audience choose. As long as your votes aren't too bad, we'll let you play Xuejian."

Liu Shishi frowned in dissatisfaction. She wasn't stupid; online voting was too unreliable.

Besides, I'm only somewhat famous right now, and there's still a big gap between me and top-tier actresses. If my vote count is too low, I won't be able to get the lead role, and I'll lose face!
After some thought, she resolutely refused: "Sister K, I don't agree! I'm the top female employee in the company, and there's no reason for me to give resources to outsiders. I haven't even tried it yet, how do you know I can't play Xuejian well?"

Seeing that the leading lady was so insistent, Cai Yi-nong could only patiently persuade her: "Shi-shi, sometimes the leading lady is not necessarily the most outstanding."

Think about last year's "Struggle," produced by Tengda Culture. In the end, Wang Luodan became the most popular character, even though she was the female lead.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's expression softened slightly.

Cai Yi-nong immediately pressed on: "This is my plan: your temperament and personality are very similar to Long Kui. You can play Long Kui, and we'll add more scenes for her, turning it into a dual female lead role."

After saying that, she subtly winked at Brother Yi, hoping he would help persuade Sister Yi.

Hu Ge, following Cai Yinong's signal, coughed lightly, trying to make her tone sound more sincere.

"Shishi, I think you'd be better suited to play Longkui. Longkui is the younger sister of Jingtian, whom I play. It's like we're playing ourselves, and besides, Longkui doesn't have any kissing scenes in the whole series!"

Liu Shishi was struck by Hu Ge's words and immediately became conflicted. Because she cared about Mr. Song, her acting roles were actually quite limited, and she avoided kissing scenes and many intimate scenes.

She can turn down kissing scenes, but if she plays Xuejian, who is a couple with Jingtian, she can't possibly not have any intimate scenes.

Actually, she really liked the character Longkui, but if she didn't play the female lead Xuejian, where would her face as Tangren's top actress be?

She was unknown before, but now she has already played the leading role in two hit TV series and a movie that grossed 50 million yuan. Naturally, she would not want to play the second female lead and be a supporting role for someone else.

"Sister K, let me think about it!" Liu Shishi sighed; this matter truly put her in a dilemma!

Cai Yinong knew that going too far would be counterproductive, so he stopped talking and gave Liu Shishi some time to process it herself. Moreover, he could sense that Liu Shishi's heart had softened.

"Putting aside 'Chinese Paladin' for now, I also want to record a song and release a single when I'm recording the music video tomorrow."

"Oh, Shishi, you're recording a song too?"

"Yes!"

"Shishi, becoming a singer isn't as simple as releasing a song. You need to release at least an album and hire someone to compose the music and write the lyrics. It's very troublesome."

Hu Ge, acting as if he were an experienced person, offered his advice, but there was something else he didn't dare say: he didn't think Liu Shishi had a talent for singing.

Seeing that Hu Ge had misunderstood her meaning, Liu Shishi explained, "I don't want to be a singer, I just want to record a song to share with everyone. The lyrics and the song are ready."

Cai Yi Nong breathed a sigh of relief. The fact that the number one male singer was releasing an album was already giving her a headache. If the number one female singer also wanted to become a singer, she would probably be so anxious that she would lose her hair.

"The company has recording equipment readily available, so you can sing your heart out tomorrow."

Hu Ge felt relieved. Tangren's resources are limited, and it's not easy for him to release an album. It's good that the top female singer doesn't have the mind to be a singer.

"In the painting, you are speaking with your head down..."

The melodious ringtone of the cell phone rang, and Liu Shishi's small hand touched the screen, swiping gently.

"Hello, are you Ms. Liu?"

"I am, who are you?"

"Ms. Liu, I am a staff member of the 4S store. The RV you ordered has arrived. I am downstairs now. Please come down to sign for it and complete the handover procedures."

"Okay, I'll be right down, just a moment!"

Seeing that Shishi suddenly became overjoyed, Cai Yi-nong asked curiously, "What's wrong, Shishi?"

Liu Shishi smiled and said, "My belated birthday present has arrived! Sister K, come downstairs with me to see my precious baby."

"What is this? It's all so mysterious."

Liu Shishi took Cai Yinong's arm and called to her two senior brothers and assistant, "Old Hu, Old Yuan, Yuanyuan, let's go down and take a look together."

When everyone arrived downstairs, they saw a high-end RV parked in the community driveway. Its metal body gleamed luxuriously in the sunlight, resembling a mobile luxury palace.

Upon seeing it, Liu Shishi beamed with joy: "This is my precious baby, my husband's birthday present to me!"

Cai Yinong's curiosity about the top female celebrity's boyfriend, which had been extinguished, was reignited.

Luxury mansions and luxury cars—this extravagance is a bit excessive. Since he's so rich, maybe we could ask him for donations to invest in a movie!

(End of this chapter)