Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 283 My Son-in-Law

February 14th, the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Standing in front of her house, Liu's mother glanced at her daughter who had returned alone, then craned her neck to look back, but did not see Song Ci.

Where is my son-in-law?

As Liu Shishi went inside to change her shoes, she replied, "I'm going to the company to visit the employees who are on duty during the Spring Festival. I'll be back later."

Upon hearing that Song Ci would only be arriving a little later, Liu's mother immediately beamed with joy and nodded hastily, "Yes, yes, business is more important."

Liu Shishi was a little jealous. Her own mother was now constantly talking about her son-in-law, and she no longer cared about her precious daughter!

Upon entering the living room, I saw my father sitting on the sofa, intently playing with a small blue porcelain cup, occasionally letting out a silly chuckle.

What's wrong with my dad?

"He's obsessed! He practically slept with this thing in his arms yesterday."

Mrs. Liu glared at her husband and couldn't help but complain, "My son-in-law is really something. It's good that he's filial to his father-in-law, but your dad is just a roughneck. Is he worthy of such an exquisite piece of porcelain?"

Liu Shishi stared at the Qing Dynasty Yongzheng official kiln celadon cup in her father's hand, her face also showing her fondness.

This was a New Year's gift from my husband to my father-in-law when the two families had a reunion dinner yesterday. It is indeed simple, elegant, and exquisitely crafted, no wonder my father loves it so much.

"Old Liu, put this thing away! Our daughter's back!"

Liu's father was brought back to his senses from his drunken stupor when he heard his wife's loud call.

Her gaze first fell on her beloved daughter, then swept around the living room, and she asked in confusion, "Where is my son-in-law?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi couldn't help but roll her eyes, thinking to herself that her parents were really the same, always thinking about their son-in-law!

"He didn't come! Song Yiyi and I had a fight!"

"What happened? Tell me quickly!" Mr. Liu's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the valuable porcelain.

"Shishi, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but now that you're married, you can't be as willful as you were at home. You need to tone down your temper."

Upon hearing this, Miss Liu puffed out her cheeks and muttered angrily, "Old Liu, what's wrong with you? You don't even know why I argued with Yi Yi, so how can you be so sure it's my fault?"

Faced with his daughter's questioning, Mr. Liu replied matter-of-factly, "I know my son-in-law's personality. He's a reasonable and good kid. If there's an argument, it's basically your fault."

Standing nearby, Liu's mother nodded in agreement: "My son-in-law has a gentle personality. If you two are arguing, it's most likely your fault, Shishi. By the way, did you two really argue?"

Seeing that her mother had also misunderstood, Liu Shishi quickly waved her hand: "No, I was just joking with Dad. When have Yiyi and I ever argued since we were little?"

Mr. Liu glared at his daughter: "You unlucky child, trying to fool your father with this during the New Year!"

"It's good that you didn't argue! But since we're on the topic, I'll give you a heads-up: don't throw tantrums at my son-in-law. A wife should be gentle and virtuous."

Liu's mother earnestly advised, "As parents, we always have endless worries about our children."

Previously, I was concerned about my daughter's marriage, but now that the two have registered their marriage, I'm starting to worry about whether the young couple can live together harmoniously for a long time.

"Don't worry, we're doing great!" During the Spring Festival, Liu Shishi didn't want to listen to her parents' nagging, so she quickly changed the subject: "Were there any interesting programs on the Spring Festival Gala last night?"

Last night, she was busy chatting and interacting with fans, and then she spent a romantic time with her husband. She didn't watch a single Spring Festival Gala program on New Year's Eve.

After saying that, he picked up the remote and turned on the TV, wanting to watch the rebroadcast of the gala.

Mr. Liu carefully placed the treasure in his hands into the brocade box: "Aside from Uncle Benshan's skit, only Wang Fei's singing is somewhat watchable. The Spring Festival Gala is getting worse every year."

Liu's mother placed the washed fruit bowl on the coffee table, saying, "Regardless of whether the program is exciting or not, it's a tradition for us northerners to watch the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve."

Liu Shishi picked up a cherry, took a bite, and the juice burst out. While chewing, she said, "Yiyi told me last night that her roommate Jia Lin was on the Spring Festival Gala."

Mr. Liu recognized the name. After a moment's thought, he exclaimed, "Jia Lin, I vaguely remember her! She's that chubby girl who acts in skits. She's quite talented in comedy, and her performances are pretty good."

"Sigh, Jia Lin was originally a minor supporting actress in my 'Hello, Old Times' drama crew. When Yi Yi brought her to meet me, she called me 'Shishi-jie' (senior sister). I never expected that she would be on the Spring Festival Gala in the blink of an eye." Liu Shishi recalled the past and felt it was a bit unbelievable.

"That means they've made progress. You're still standing still."

Seeing that her mother looked down on her, Miss Liu was unhappy and retorted, "I've improved too! I have over ten million followers on Weibo!"

Liu's mother suddenly wanted to tease her daughter: "That person was a minor supporting actor in your drama crew back then, and now he's on the Spring Festival Gala. If you're so capable, why don't you go on the Spring Festival Gala and show me?"

“We have different development paths. Jia Lin is a comedian, so it's easy for her to get on the Spring Festival Gala. I, on the other hand, am taking the route of a talented idol.”

Watching her daughter's serious-sounding nonsense, Liu's mother chuckled: "You, a real talent? After all that talk, you just can't get on the Spring Festival Gala, huh?"

Liu Shishi immediately retorted, "Who says I can't? If Jia Lin can, so can I."

"Oh!" Seeing his daughter's confident expression, Mr. Liu asked with great interest, "Daughter, can you really be on the Spring Festival Gala?"

"can!"

Seeing her daughter's resolute reply, Liu's mother couldn't help but believe her a little, after all, her daughter was indeed very famous now.

But then she suddenly remembered something and said, "Shishi, if you get on the Spring Festival Gala based on your own ability, your dad and I will be very proud of you. Don't get on by asking your man to pull strings or use connections."

"Dad, Mom, you underestimate me! There's no need for me to get involved in these kinds of things."

Mr. Liu chuckled, “Good, good, your mother and I are just waiting to see your performance on the Spring Festival Gala. Even if it’s a few years late, it doesn’t matter, as long as you get on.”

She had made the boast, but Liu Shishi wasn't entirely sure. She knew the Spring Festival Gala's place in the hearts of the older generation; despite having millions of followers on Weibo, in her parents' eyes, it couldn't compare to ten minutes on the Spring Festival Gala stage.

But since things have come to this, we can only take it one step at a time. Maybe we can get on board when we become more famous.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, and Liu's mother, who was sitting on the sofa, quickly got up with a smile on her face: "It must be my son-in-law. I'll go open the door."

When Liu's mother opened the door, sure enough, the person who came in was her son-in-law, Song Ci, followed by several bodyguards, all of whom were carrying large and small bags.

Aunt Liu pulled Song Ci's arm, warmly and kindly, just like she would treat her own son: "It's New Year's Day, it's cold outside, come in quickly! These gentlemen, come in and have a cup of tea too."

"Mom!" Song Ci greeted his mother-in-law with a smile before entering the house and instructing the bodyguards, "Just leave the things at the door."

The group neatly arranged the gifts they were carrying in front of the door as instructed. Team leader Tang Yue respectfully asked, "Boss, is there anything else you need?" "Thank you for your hard work. I've been staying home these past few days. You should all go home for the New Year too."

"Then we'll head back now, boss. Please feel free to call me anytime if you need anything. My phone is on 24/7."

Tang Yue, who was in the lead, bowed slightly and then turned and left with his four bodyguards.

As they went downstairs, the cold winter wind hit them in the face, and they shrank their necks.

One of them, recalling what he had just seen, couldn't help but complain: "The boss's mother-in-law is so nice, always so caring. My mother-in-law just can't stand me."

"Come on, any mother-in-law in the world with a son-in-law like the boss would have to coax and pamper him."

"Ah Jie, logically speaking, we've earned quite a bit working for the boss, so why does your mother-in-law look down on you so much?"

Tang Yue was also full of doubt: "Yesterday, my wife gave us brothers a New Year's red envelope of 50,000 yuan. That alone is equivalent to a worker's annual salary."

Normally, everyone works with the boss and doesn't have to spend their own money on food and drinks; all their salary goes to him.

You guys can save at least 200,000 yuan a year, which isn't less than some middle-level managers in the group. Ah Jie, what kind of family does your wife come from? Your mother-in-law dares to treat you so casually?

"Captain, my home..."

Seeing his younger brother's pained expression and his inability to speak, Tang Yue stopped pressing him for an answer. Every family has its own troubles.

He patted his younger brother on the shoulder and comforted him, "We can't interfere with your family matters, just don't let it interfere with your work."

Ah Jie didn't say anything, he just nodded silently.

Meanwhile, another young man excitedly asked, "Brothers, I'm going to my girlfriend's house in a couple of days. What do you think I should bring for the New Year?"

Tang Yue exclaimed in surprise, "Awei, you've actually started dating without us saying a word! Tell us, where is the girl from, and how did you two meet?"

Ah Wei scratched his head sheepishly: "Brother Yue, actually everyone knows my girlfriend, she's Yuanyuan."

Ah Jie teased, "You're quite something, kid. You managed to snag the wife's assistant without making a sound. Assistant Jiang is a little rich girl in the capital; you'll never have to worry about money again."

Ah Wei chuckled, beaming with pride.

Upon hearing Jiang Yuanyuan's name, Tang Yue frowned: "Awei, how long have you been talking with Assistant Jiang?"

"About three months." Seeing that his boss's expression was not quite right, Ah Wei felt a little uneasy.

"I will report this to the boss after the New Year. If the boss has any objections, I will have no choice but to transfer you to the group's security department."

"Brother Yue, why!" Ah Wei was shocked. He was now the boss's personal bodyguard, and his income and benefits were much better than those of people in the security department. If he were transferred, his promising future would be ruined.

Tang Yue's face was serious: "Jiang Yuanyuan is your wife's assistant, so she's considered one of our own. Don't you understand the principle of avoiding conflicts of interest among relatives?"

If the boss doesn't mind, that's fine. But if the boss is unhappy about this, either you get transferred, or Jiang Yuanyuan resigns.

After the captain's reminder, Awei deflated like a punctured balloon, looking extremely dejected: "I understand, Brother Yue. I'll report to the boss myself after the New Year."

Tang Yue's stern gaze swept over the four team members: "I solemnly warn you, when you're working for the boss, you must remember the rules you should follow, and don't think you're someone important just because you're dressed in a suit and tie."

"Understood, Captain." The four men tensed up and quickly responded obediently.

Around 7 p.m., Song Ci had dinner at his parents-in-law's house and sat on the sofa with his father-in-law watching the news. The two were talking about Kidswant.

Today, Liu's father's child, Wang Maternal and Infant Products Company, is thriving. It has already opened offline stores in the provincial capitals of various northern provinces, and its brand influence is constantly expanding. This year, it will enter major southern cities.

After listening to his father-in-law recount the details of the company, Song Ci thought about it carefully and said, "Dad, given the current operating situation of Kidswant, we can start a new round of financing."

Furthermore, it's best to find real estate companies like Longfor or Wanda to provide financing, as partnering with them will make opening stores easier.

Mr. Liu nodded slightly, his son-in-law's thoughts coincided with his own: "That's exactly what I was thinking too!"
We should seize the opportunity and use the funds raised to open stores in major coastal cities in Southeast China, such as Donghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou.

The cost of living in these cities is comparable to that of Beijing and Tianjin, indicating huge market potential.

"If there's anything I can do to help, Dad, just let me know. Don't hesitate to ask."

While the father-in-law and son-in-law were busy discussing important business matters, Liu's mother was clearing away the dishes in the kitchen, with Liu Shishi clumsily helping out.

"Alright, alright, stand aside. Don't get in the way and make things worse. You can't even do a little housework right. You're incredibly stupid!"

Seeing Liu's mother's disgusted look, Liu Shishi stood obediently to the side, stuck out her little tongue, made a face at her mother, and said coquettishly, "I have servants at Jingyuan, so I don't have to do laundry or cook at all."

"Yes, yes, you're lucky, you were born to enjoy life, alright?"

Liu Shishi raised her head, put her hands on her hips, and said with a proud look, "That's right, who doesn't envy my good fortune if they know me?"

Mrs. Liu glanced at her smug daughter and sighed inwardly, thinking that her daughter was indeed lucky.

As she put the clean dishes into the cupboard, she asked, "Are you going back to Jingyuan later?"

“No, we’re not going back. Sister Li and the others have all gone home for the New Year holiday. There’s no one at Jingyuan. My father-in-law is on night shift at the hospital today, and my mother-in-law went to my maternal grandfather’s place. There’s no one at the house across the street.”

So Yi-yi and I are staying here tonight, and we'll go visit our grandparents for the New Year tomorrow. We just need to go to their house to get a change of clothes later.

“It’s good to stay here. I noticed that the bodyguards and drivers were given the day off for New Year’s Day, and he drove home by himself at night. I’m not too comfortable with that.”

Liu Shishi stepped forward, put her arm around her mother's slender waist, and asked with a smile, "Mom, why are you calling my husband by his nickname just like my parents-in-law?"

Mrs. Liu teased, "Can't I, as his mother-in-law, call him by his nickname? Since you won't call him Yuandan, then I'll call him Song Yiyi from now on, just like you do?"

"No way!" Liu Shishi pouted and refused decisively, her tone carrying a hint of domineering: "Yi-yi is my exclusive nickname, no one else can call him that!"

Mrs. Liu couldn't help but smile, thinking to herself that her daughter was quite possessive of her food and was indeed deeply in love with her son-in-law.

"Alright, alright, I won't argue with you. You two can call each other whatever you like."

Since you can't be of much help, why don't you go watch TV in the living room? You were saying during the day that your friend Hu Ge has a new drama airing today, it's probably about to start."

When her mother reminded her, Liu Shishi immediately remembered: "Oh right, I promised Lao Hu that I would help him promote 'The Myth'. I went to post it on Weibo. Dear Mother, thank you for your hard work."

(End of this chapter)