Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 329 The past is like smoke

The rising sun bathed the magnificent CCTV headquarters building in a golden glow.

Early in the morning, in the office area of ​​the "Focus Interview" program team at the CCTV News Center, several female reporters were chatting during their morning break about the star-studded Weibo Night event the previous night.

"Sister Sisi, did you see the trending topics last night?" Intern Xiao Qin asked, her eyes sparkling as she approached, holding a coffee.

Shen Sisi was organizing the manuscript when her fingertips paused slightly. She replied softly, "I've read it. It's quite lively."

"I'm really curious, what news did Fan Bingbing and Li Bingbing hear from Qiao Zhengyu and Huang Xiaoming last night that shocked them so much!" The little girl sat to the side, resting her chin on her hand, looking very curious.

After the ceremony ended last night, some memorable moments from the event circulated online. One of the most classic scenes was the shocked expressions of the two soldiers, involving four A-list celebrities, which aroused the strong curiosity of netizens.

"Song Ci is so handsome, no wonder he's my idol! But the way he looks at Liu Shishi is a bit different, it makes me jealous." Another female reporter, Jiang Yun, stared at the photo of the richest man on her phone screen, completely infatuated.

Upon hearing the names Song Ci and Liu Shishi, a hint of unease flashed across Shen Sisi's delicate face.

The lively Xiao Qin made a face at the female reporter who was a fan of Song Ci: "Song Ci is such a womanizer. He's married and still looks at female celebrities like that."

Shen Sisi gently closed the folder, her voice barely audible: "It would be better if he were really a womanizer!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun immediately perked up: "What does this little girl know! I'm just asking you, if Song Ci were to pursue you, could you handle it?"

She even counted on her fingers, "Asian heartthrob, billionaire, famous writer... So what if this kind of man is a womanizer?"

Intern Xiao Qin's mind flashed the image of the billionaire's handsome face with its sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and she had to admit that he was just too handsome.

If Song Ci really wanted to pursue her, how could he possibly say no? He immediately pursed his lips, blushed, and remained silent.

"So, Xiao Qin, you're still young and lack social experience. Today, I'm going to tell you something practical!"
For women, power and money are the best tonics for marriage, incredibly beneficial! If a man also has the looks of Song Ci, he's one in a million, and you have to seize the opportunity.

So I'm not afraid of people being unfaithful, I'm afraid of people not being unfaithful. Look at our famous host Zhou back in the day...

"Sister Jiang, stop right there." Shen Sisi interrupted her colleague as she saw her talking more and more outrageous. "Also, Song Ci is not a womanizer at all."

Jiang Yun realized she had talked too much and stopped mentioning the host, Zhou, since Zhou's position in the station was far higher than hers.

So I changed the subject: "Sisi, how can you be so sure that Song Ci isn't a womanizer? Do you know him?"

Shen Sisi stammered and couldn't say anything, and just buried herself in organizing the manuscript.

"Sisi, you don't actually know the richest man, do you?" Jiang Yun became curious upon seeing Shen Sisi's reaction.

"Oh right, I remember now, you also graduated from Peking University, right? Song Ci was the number one campus heartthrob in Peking University's century-long history, you must know him."

Seeing that she couldn't avoid the question, Shen Sisi could only give a vague answer: "I don't know him. I've only seen him a few times at school. I didn't stay at Peking University for long before I went abroad to study."

Jiang Yun was about to press for more information when a colleague walked over and said, "Shen Sisi, Director Li needs to see you. He wants you to go to his office right away."

Shen Sisi felt like she had been granted a pardon and quickly left the awkward scene, rushing to the leader's office.

"Director Li, you wanted to see me?" Shen Sisi asked respectfully, while discreetly observing a guest in the office.

"Sisi, this is Dong Qian from the news channel!"

"Hello, Teacher Dong. I often watch your program 'Face to Face,' which is very engaging and I have benefited greatly from it."

"Hello Sisi, I've heard that a talented woman has joined 'Focus Interview'." Dong Qian smiled and nodded, radiating an unparalleled sense of friendliness.

After exchanging pleasantries, Director Li got straight to the point: "Sisi, the leaders have instructed us on 'Focus Interview' to do a special episode on combating child trafficking."

It just so happens that Tenda Weibo is promoting this charity event. I called you here because I need you for an interview.

A sudden sense of foreboding rose in Shen Sisi's heart: "Who is my interviewee this time?"

"Song Ci, Chairman of Tengda Group!"

Shen Sisi's face turned deathly pale instantly, and her voice changed tone: "Director, I can't do it, please find someone else to do this task!"

Director Li looked puzzled: "Do you know what you're saying? Interviewing the richest man—this was an opportunity that Director Jiang worked so hard to secure, and you're refusing it?"

Even Dong Qian looked at this beautiful junior with curiosity. How could she refuse such an opportunity that so many reporters dreamed of?

This was truly hard for her to understand. Interviewing celebrities was a golden opportunity to enhance a journalist's qualifications and reputation, let alone interviewing Song Ci, a billionaire and leading figure in the business world.

Shen Sisi kept shaking her head: "Director, I really can't do it."

"Give me a reason for not going." Director Li's face darkened, and his tone became unfriendly. "Shen Sisi, this is an assignment given to you by the organization!"

Shen Sisi was suffering in silence. It had taken her several years to heal her heartbreak and let go of the past. Now, her boss was forcing her to see Song Ci, which was like taking her life.

"Hmm?" Director Li was getting impatient as his subordinate kept dawdling and didn't say anything.

A bitter feeling welled up in Shen Sisi's heart. She didn't know how to explain it to her boss. She couldn't very well tell him that she and Song Ci were old acquaintances and that she loved him but couldn't have him, fearing that their feelings would be rekindled if they met again.

Director Li had no patience to listen any longer and made a decisive statement: "It's settled then! I've already made an appointment with Tengda Group."

You and Professor Dong Qian will be interviewing Song Ci together in three days. You're in charge of the anti-trafficking special for "Focus Interview." Professor Dong Qian will be doing a feature interview for the program "Face to Face."

With things already done and the task assigned by her superiors, Shen Sisi had no choice but to bite the bullet and proceed.

As soon as she stepped out of the office, Shen Sisi took out her phone and sent a message to her best friend on WeChat: "Jingyi, something big has happened. Guess who the director just asked me to interview?"

Sun Jingyi replied instantly: "Who?"

"It's a Song Dynasty poem!" Shen Sisi felt her hands trembling; it took her a full minute to type just a few words.

"You don't want to go?"

Shen Sisi felt a mix of emotions. The image of the boy smiling at her with an economics textbook by the Weiming Lake that year flashed before her eyes. She slowly typed: "I'm afraid to see him."

After a long while, Sun Jingyi finally replied with a message: "Do you still love him?"

Shen Sisi's heart skipped a beat, and she murmured softly, "He has always only had Liu Shishi in his heart. Does it matter whether I love him or not?"

On the sunny morning of March 18th, Dong Qian and Shen Sisi led the CCTV team to the Tengda Technology Building.

Jiang Tiantian, director of the group's general office and chairman's office, had been waiting on the first floor for a long time and invited the CCTV team to the VIP room.

Jiang Tiantian instructed a clerk to serve tea: "Please wait a moment, everyone. The chairman will be down shortly."

"We're not in a hurry," Dong Qian said, looking shrewd and capable in a white suit.

Shen Sisi kept her head down and remained silent. About five minutes later, Song Ci arrived at the VIP room accompanied by her secretary.

As he entered the room and was about to greet the CCTV staff, he froze when he saw Shen Sisi in the crowd, memories flooding back.

However, Song Ci quickly composed herself and stepped forward to shake hands with everyone. "Hello, Teacher Dong."

"Hello Mr. Song, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to grant us this interview."

When he arrived in front of Shen Sisi, the usually composed billionaire hesitated, unsure whether he should shake her hand. After a long pause, he slowly said, "Sisi, it's been a long time."

Shen Sisi gazed at the man before her with hazy eyes. He was still as energetic as she remembered, but now he possessed a maturity that came with time. Coupled with the dazzling aura around him, he was even more captivating.

Taking a deep breath, controlling my emotions, and trying to keep my voice steady: "Song Ci, it's been a long time."

A hint of inquiry flashed in Dong Qian's eyes as he asked curiously, "Does Chairman Song know Sisi?"

Song Ci nodded: "We are friends."

Shen Sisi gave a bitter smile, her eyes dimming slightly. Yes, we are friends, but we lack a bit of fate.

Dong Qian's curiosity grew even stronger, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two. Shen Sisi was actually friends with Song Ci, so why did she refuse to come for an interview three days ago?

This girl was clearly out of sorts when she left CCTV today, and upon seeing Song Ci, she was even more distracted. Moreover, Song Ci's attitude towards her is quite intriguing.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Song Ci asked, "Which of you would like to go first?"

"Sisi, please go first on behalf of 'Focus Interview'. My interview is a personal one, so it might take a little longer." Dong Qian gave the opportunity to Shen Sisi first, deciding to observe Song Ci more carefully first.

Shen Sisi and Song Ci sat down face to face and began interviewing the Weibo anti-trafficking charity event. However, during the interview, Shen Sisi was clearly distracted and often failed to express herself clearly.

Song Ci was also absent-minded, always unconsciously avoiding Shen Sisi's gaze.

Jiang Tiantian, who was waiting nearby, nudged Song Xueying with her elbow and asked in a low voice, "What's going on between Chairman Song and this reporter Shen?"

I wasn't expecting an answer, but Song Xueying said meaningfully, "This reporter, Shen Sisi, was the campus belle of Peking University back in the day."

"Peking University's campus belle!" Jiang Tiantian looked Shen Sisi up and down, and seeing her exquisite features, she nodded. "She is indeed very beautiful!"

Wait, Peking University! Our CEO Song is the campus heartthrob at Peking University. The campus beauty and the campus heartthrob know each other, could it be...?

Song Xueying nodded slightly and said something surprising: "Back then, the two were recognized as the golden couple at Peking University. Shen Sisi was Liu Shishi's number one rival in love."

However, it's said that she later suffered a heartbreak and went abroad to study. As for how she suffered that heartbreak, I don't need to elaborate, do I?

Jiang Tiantian covered her mouth in surprise, her face full of shock: "Then she's President Song's ex-girlfriend?"

"No, that's not it. Although Shen Sisi was deeply in love, President Song still rejected her, and the two were never together."

However, having hurt her feelings and forced her to heal in a foreign land, Mr. Song probably feels guilty and has been carrying a heavy burden of remorse ever since.

"So there's such a complicated story behind it."

Song Xueying said with a regretful look, "To be honest, Shen Sisi is impeccable in terms of appearance, temperament and knowledge. It's just that she met President Song too late. Otherwise, it would be hard to say who the richest man's wife would be."

Jiang Tiantian had a sudden thought. She quietly took out her phone, pointed the camera at Shen Sisi, took a picture, and secretly sent it to Liu Shishi.

Song Xueying glanced at Jiang Tiantian's little actions but didn't stop her from leaking the information.

Liu Shishi's position is now as secure as a rock. Even Shen Sisi couldn't compete with Liu Shishi back then. Now that the chairman and his wife are married, it's even less likely.

Over there, Shen Sisi's mind was in turmoil. She suddenly realized that she could never forget the person she had truly liked. If there was no future for them, what was the point of meeting again?
But when we met again, although I couldn't forget her, I didn't feel as much pain as I had imagined.

"That's enough for now." Song Ci suddenly stopped the interview. He realized that Shen Sisi was not in the right state of mind, and continuing would be pointless.

"Ok."

"Sisi!"

Shen Sisi looked up at Song Ci, wondering why he was calling her, but he didn't speak immediately, so she waited quietly.

The VIP room fell silent instantly, and everyone else turned their attention to Song Ci.

After thinking for a while, Song Ci realized that even after five years, Shen Sisi still seemed unable to let go completely, and he wanted to offer her some words of comfort.

"Sisi, life is not about having it all, but about making choices. Walk on, forget as you go, and go with the wind; walk on, observe as you go, and be at ease."

The character for "person" is composed of two strokes: a left-falling stroke signifies perseverance, a right-falling stroke signifies letting go—not dwelling on the past, not fearing the future! May your days ahead be filled with clear sunshine and gentle warmth in all things.

Shen Sisi was taken aback, realizing that Song Ci wanted to comfort her and help her let go of the past. But in this life, there's always a cup of poison for which there's no antidote!
However, upon reflection, although I still feel some regret about our reunion today, it doesn't seem as heartbreaking as I had imagined. It turns out that time truly is the best healer.

"In Song Dynasty poetry, there is no early or late encounter, no right or wrong; the fate between us has no length, only depth."

Although I have regrets, I can face it calmly. If I hadn't let go of this, I wouldn't be here today.

Five years have passed, and I am stronger than I was back then, and stronger than you imagined me to be.

Hearing these words, Song Ci felt relieved, as if a huge burden had been lifted: "A good life needs to be taken slowly."

The greatest meaning of life is to make yourself happy, so don't be too sensitive and always take things too hard on yourself.

Clap clap clap! Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that it was Dong Qian clapping.

"President Song, what you just said was really healing. Although I don't know much about Sisi and your story."

But I could sense that Sisi's spirits were uplifted after hearing your words; she felt much relieved, and the melancholy in her eyes had dissipated.

Shen Sisi took a deep breath, her brows relaxed, as if a knot in her heart that had been tied up for many years had been untied: "Song Ci, can we do the interview again? I won't be able to explain what happened just now when I get back."

"no problem."

The cameraman turned the lens back on the two of them.

"Mr. Song, may I ask why Weibo launched this anti-trafficking public welfare campaign?" Shen Sisi, having readjusted herself, spoke in a clear, bright voice, exuding intelligence, elegance, and remarkable charm.

Jiang Tiantian looked at the photos she had just sent on her phone and frowned in annoyance: "I originally sent the photos to Shishi because I was afraid that she still had feelings for President Song, so I wanted to give her a heads-up."

It turns out that they came today to settle old scores and let go of their attachments, making me look like a petty person in vain.

Song Xueying chuckled: "I used to really ship this couple, but time flies and things fade away!"

(End of this chapter)