Chapter 26: Date

Chapter 26: The Date

Work resumed on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, and Song Tan arrived promptly.

The remaining scenes primarily focused on the female lead’s friendship arc, which was relatively straightforward, as were the settings. That’s why they were being filmed in the capital.

Though the shooting wasn't extensive, wrapping up didn't mean the work was over. After filming, there would still be reshoots and ADR sessions as needed for post-production. Following a short break, the promotional period would begin, which would be no less demanding than the current schedule.

On the first day back, everyone was still easing into the routine. The makeup room buzzed with gossip during preparations.

Sister Wang: "Who knows who Xue Wanwan offended this time? I heard her contract termination wasn’t just a simple matter."

Someone chimed in: "If it wasn’t a simple termination, then what was it?"

"She’s been blacklisted."

The seven or eight people in the makeup room murmured in surprise, including Song Tan. But she no longer felt any sympathy. Ji Fuxi didn’t seem like an irrational person—if he took such action, there must have been a reason. She had also heard rumors about Xue Wanwan’s character, and this time, it was likely something had crossed a red line.

Sister Wang continued: "When the termination news first broke, Xue Wanwan threw a fit, didn’t she? Heard she even posted on Weibo, but it was deleted within seconds. After that, there was no trace of what she’d written online, and she’s been completely silent since that night. So everyone’s guessing she must’ve crossed someone powerful."

"My god."

Sister Wang turned to Song Tan: "Teacher Song, do you know anything?"

Song Tan smiled. "I’m not entirely sure."

Xue Wanwan had indeed caused a scene. Qi Yingchang had bombarded her with messages, but Song Tan flatly refused and blocked her—along with her phone number.

The moment she hit "block," Song Tan felt a mix of emotions, but mostly relief. It was as if a twenty-year weight had lifted off her shoulders, allowing her heart to finally breathe freely.

"Anyway, let’s drop this topic." Sister Wang moved closer to apply Song Tan’s lipstick. Once done, she remembered a new piece of gossip: "No idea who’s replacing Xue Wanwan, huh?"

"Even you don’t know, Sister Wang?"

"Nope. The assistant director won’t say, and there’s zero news online. Probably keeping it under wraps to surprise everyone later."

"Well, we’ll find out soon enough."

"It’s already seven, and they still haven’t shown up. Could it be some studio’s pampered princess?"

As Song Tan listened quietly, her phone buzzed with a message from the assistant director: "Teacher Song, here are the new script pages. Take a look—we’ll shoot this version later."

Song Tan opened it and did a double-take at the very first line. The female lead’s best friend had been rewritten as a male character.

Song Tan: "Director Guo, is this correct?"

Assistant Director Guo: "Yes, no major changes otherwise. Later, once the new actor arrives, you’ll both meet with Director Fang."

Alright... Who said friendship couldn’t exist between men and women?

Putting her phone away, Song Tan grew increasingly curious about this new actor. It was entirely possible they were a nepo hire—after all, they’d somehow convinced Director Fang to make such a significant adjustment.

At eight o’clock, a knock came at the open door. Everyone turned to see a young man in his early twenties, dressed in a black hoodie, likely over six feet tall, with sharp, handsome features and an unrestrained gaze—the type of bad-boy charm young girls swoon over.

The entertainment industry was full of good-looking male stars, but this one still turned heads. His face was bare of makeup, yet his attractiveness was natural and undeniable.

But he was unfamiliar. Sister Wang guessed he might be a background actor and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

Mu Xingzhou cocked his head, his sharp gaze zeroing in on Song Tan. "Her."

Song Tan pointed at herself, puzzled. "Me?"

"Yeah. Director Guo told me to find you first."

Song Tan blinked in surprise. "You’re the new actor?"

The room went dead silent for a few seconds.

The new actor?

Xue Wanwan had been replaced by a guy?

The young man gave a slight nod. "How much longer?"

Sister Wang shook herself out of it. "Almost done, almost done."

Mu Xingzhou sauntered in and casually took a seat on a small chair in the corner to wait.

Though everyone was bursting with questions, the subject of their gossip was right there, so they could only exchange side-eye and swallow their curiosity.

About ten minutes later, Song Tan finished with makeup. She shrugged into her puffer jacket and followed him out.

Once outside the makeup room, Song Tan politely asked, "What should I call you?"

The young man cut her a look, raising an eyebrow. "Do I look that old?"

"..."

Mu Xingzhou scanned her face. "Mu Xingzhou."

"Song Tan."

"I know."

His cold, detached reply killed any further conversation.

Song Tan felt a migraine brewing. This guy was clearly a newcomer, yet he acted so cocky. How were they supposed to work together?

They arrived at Director Fang’s on-set office.

The moment Director Fang saw them, he stood up with an unusually genuine smile. "Young Master Mu."

Song Tan instantly confirmed—there was at least an 80% chance this was a nepo hire.

Mu Xingzhou nodded and took a seat on the sofa.

Director Fang gave Song Tan a look, and the two of them sat down as well.

"Young Master Mu, this is our female lead, Song Tan."

Mu Xingzhou repeated flatly: "I know."

"This morning, we’ll table-read the script with you so you can get a feel for it—and get to know Song Tan."

"Can do."

"In the afternoon, we’ll block a few scenes to help you find your rhythm."

Mu Xingzhou gave him a look, as if about to argue, but ultimately said nothing. "Thanks, Director Fang."

"Okay, no time to waste. We'll begin now. Your role is the female lead's best friend. The backstory is on page one..."

Song Tan raised an eyebrow. Director Fang was, after all, a renowned director in the industry, yet here he was personally coaching a minor role?

She couldn’t help but glance a few more times at this young guy. What kind of connections does he have?

Director Fang went through the script thoroughly for two hours before leaving, but not without pulling Song Tan aside.

After downing a glass of water, he sighed and said, "You can see for yourself. You’ll have to guide him during this period."

Song Tan couldn’t resist her curiosity. "Director Fang, who is he?"

"The Mu family's young heir, also one of our investors. He’s studying directing, and this is his learning experience."

Song Tan nodded in understanding.

"Not graduated yet?"

"No, still a junior."

Just a junior—21. So young.

Song Tan and Director Fang exchanged a glance and smiled simultaneously, giving each other knowing looks.

Completely inexperienced. This would indeed be challenging.

Leaving the office, she hadn’t gone far when she spotted Mu Xingzhou slouched against the wall.

The young man had his hands in his pockets, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

Song Tan stopped three steps away.

She had entered the industry at 19, but unlike him, she hadn’t been lucky enough to start with big directors and major productions. It had taken her years of grinding to gain any recognition.

By now she'd earned enough respect to be called "teacher" in the entertainment circle. She’d seen plenty of unfairness, plenty of power moves and favors.

She couldn’t judge the rights or wrongs of such things. She just hoped this young investor wouldn’t disrupt the crew’s workflow or ruin everyone’s efforts.

Collecting herself, she smiled politely. "Young Master Mu, we've got some time. Wanna run lines?"

Mu Xingzhou’s eyes narrowed slightly. His voice was low. "Don’t call me that."

Song Tan amended, "Mr. Mu."

The young man frowned but didn’t object further. His gaze remained steady, his expression serious. "Song Tan, I may lack experience, but you don’t need to worry too much. I’m not here to cause trouble for you."

Song Tan was surprised. Pretty cocky for a rookie.

But the next hour, as well as the scenes they shot that afternoon, did change her impression of him.

His delivery was raw, but he was sharp—a quick study with his lines. He had good emotional depth, and once he found his groove, he matched up well against other young actors in the industry.

Even Director Fang, monitoring the takes, looked pleasantly surprised before exhaling a long sigh of relief.

Mu Xingzhou’s performance was strong, so they wrapped early by an hour or two. Director Fang was pleased as punch. "Dinner tonight?"

Just then, Song Tan’s phone buzzed with a message.

Ji Fuxi: "Waiting outside."

Why was he here?

Then she remembered their dinner plans from a couple of days ago. That must be it.

Meanwhile, Mu Xingzhou noticed her changing expressions and turned to Director Fang. "I have plans tonight. Next time."

Director Fang tried to persuade him, but Mu Xingzhou refused again. "I’d rather spend the time reviewing the script than eating."

Song Tan, who had just finished replying to the message, silently applauded his boldness. Nobody on set would dare talk to Director Fang like that—his expression froze.

She jumped in with a placating smile to ease the tension. "Director Fang, I actually have plans too. Let’s do dinner another time. No worries."

Director Fang: "Alright, rain check then."

They went their separate ways. Having nothing else scheduled, Mu Xingzhou went up to the roof for a smoke.

The crew had rented a three-story villa for filming, with no residents in the surrounding houses.

About seven or eight minutes later, a woman in changed clothes emerged from the first floor and got into a black Rolls-Royce.

Mu Xingzhou watched the car until it disappeared around the street corner.

...

Leaving the villa area, Song Tan noticed they weren’t heading home and frowned. "Aren’t we picking up Xiao Chu?"

"No, just the two of us."

Song Tan: "..."

The car went awkwardly quiet. She had guessed as much, but hearing it put so bluntly still made her a little embarrassed. Who said "getting to know each other" had to be so deliberate?

Song Tan: "Where are we going?"

Ji Fuxi: "Anywhere in particular?"

"Not particularly. Just somewhere private where we won’t get photographed."

"Mm."

After about twenty minutes on the highway, the car headed straight out of the city. Song Tan asked again, "Where are we going? Xiao Chu is still at home."

"Almost there."

Less than two minutes later, the car stopped in front of an unusually designed house.

Song Tan glanced around. It was an estate similar to the Ji family’s old mansion at Xishan No. 1—spacious, luxurious, more like a private compound.

Ji Fuxi came around to open her door personally. Song Tan thought wryly. In the past, he only ever did this for Song Chuqing. Now she was getting the full Ji Fuxi treatment too—her status must have risen.

What looked like a butler greeted them at the entrance and led them inside.

Within a few steps, Song Tan guessed what kind of place this was.

The air was heavy with the scent of alcohol. Transparent glass cabinets lined the path, each small compartment displaying a variety of wines. Judging by the bottle designs and the careful display, these were likely prized vintages.

At the entrance to the main hall, a woman in her fifties came forward to greet them, whose elegant dress screamed old money.

The woman eyed Song Tan boldly before turning to Ji Fuxi. "Xixi, who is this?"

Ji Fuxi introduced her in a steady voice, "Aunt Lan, meet my wife, Song Tan."

At this, both Lan Yu and Song Tan turned to him, startled.

Lan Yu was a friend of Ji Fuxi’s mother and had watched him grow up, maintaining a close relationship.

She'd heard nothing about his marriage—and if it were real, how could there be no news in their circles?

Then she took another look at the elegant woman beside him, slowly recognizing her. Was she some actress?

Married to a celebrity? Would Old Man Ji ever stand for that?

Lan Yu couldn’t make sense of it, but now wasn’t the time for questions. She gave Ji Fuxi a deep look before politely extending her hand. "Ms. Song, hello."

Song Tan was still reeling from being called "wife" and stiffly returned the handshake. "Hello."

Ji Fuxi had mentioned bringing someone, so Lan Yu had already made arrangements. Pushing aside her questions, she led them inside. "Ms. Song, you’ve never been to our winery before, have you? Come, let me show you around."

After a few turns, they reached the cellar entrance, where the heady scent of wine intensified.

The stairs were steep, and Song Tan, wearing small heels, stepped carefully.

Before long, a hand came to rest supportively at her waist. Song Tan noticed and glanced down at the elegant masculine hand resting there. She whispered her thanks.

The cellar was dimly lit, with rows upon rows of wine barrels disappearing into the shadowy depths.

Lan Yu explained, "These are our winery’s treasures. The outer dozen barrels were brewed just last year. The further in you go, the older the vintages."

She turned and asked, "Can you drink, Ms. Song?"

"I can."

Lan Yu grabbed a glass and wine thief, then walked to a barrel, uncorked it, and poured her a small half-glass. "Try this. It’s from five years ago."

The ruby-hued wine filled the glass. Song Tan took a sip and offered her thoughts. "It's light and delicate on the palate, with a crisp citrus note upfront and a full-bodied grape finish—smooth, not astringent," she said.

Lan Yu studied her with appreciation. "Exactly. Our grapes are all Chardonnay from Chablis, giving it that faint citrus aroma."

Ji Fuxi also looked over, making Song Tan’s ears burn. She wasn’t an expert—just had a sharp palate.

Lan Yu poured her another half-glass from deeper inside.

Song Tan held it, suddenly under the spotlight. She was no sommelier.

But under Lan Yu’s eager gaze, she took another sip and gave a safe, generic review. "This one tastes richer than the last," she said.

"Right, the grape variety and vintage are different..."

Lan Yu launched into a detailed explanation, finishing with yet another glass in hand.

This time, Song Tan was truly at a loss. She gave a discreet tug at the hem of Ji Fuxi’s suit with her right hand, shooting him a help-me look.

Ji Fuxi’s lips curved as he rescued her. "Aunt Lan, we haven’t even eaten yet. We'll be too tipsy for dinner at this rate."

Lan Yu glanced back at the couple—the woman leaning against the man like a clinging vine, the man clearly protective.

She chuckled. "Alright, let’s go up for dinner."

***

Before the meal, Lan Yu pulled Ji Fuxi aside.

She gazed through the panoramic window at the stunningly beautiful woman inside, her expression serious. "Xixi, what’s this about?"

Unlike with Ji Gaozheng, Ji Fuxi answered honestly. "Aunt Lan, it’s...complicated. I can’t explain much, but this is the situation now."

"Really married?"

"Yes."

"Willingly?"

Ji Fuxi chuckled lowly, a touch helpless. "It was my choice. What kind of question is that?"

"I just don't want you getting played," Lan Yu chided him before worrying, "Does the old man approve?"

"He will."

After a pause, Lan Yu sighed. "It’s good you have someone by your side. She seems genuine. Treat her well."

Her dear friend's orphan had been alone for so long—finally settling down was a good thing. And since he’d chosen her himself, he must care. She didn’t need to worry too much.

Ji Fuxi lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Aunt Lan, we have a daughter. She’s four."

Lan Yu went rigid, her voice climbing an octave. "What?!"

The man’s eyes held amusement as he repeated, "We have a daughter. Her name is Xiao Chu. She’s adorable."

***

The private winery was closed to the public, leaving the dining room quiet and empty. Outside the window stretched endless vineyards, the air filled with the intoxicating grape fragrance.

Song Tan, however, was nervous. This was their first moment alone together—what should she say?

Ji Fuxi seemed to notice and broke the ice, pouring wine as he spoke. "This is Aunt Lan’s private reserve—1972, handcrafted by her father."

His elegant fingers gripped the bottle steadily as the crimson wine poured smoothly, the aroma intensifying in the air.

Filling the glass just a third, he tilted the bottle slightly, stopping the pour. He dabbed the bottle's lip with a napkin before setting it back in place.

"Try it."

Song Tan picked up the glass and took a sip.

Though no connoisseur, she could tell this was leagues above the five-year-old vintage from the cellar—but she lacked the wine vocabulary. She kept it simple. "Delicious," she said.

Ji Fuxi’s mouth curved in a faint smile. "Then have another sip."

A few minutes later, the waiter served the next course—a rich French cream of mushroom soup, Xiao Chu’s favorite. If she were here, she’d be glued to that bowl.

Song Tan scooped a spoonful, suddenly wracked with guilt for feasting without her daughter.

She apologized silently. *Not my fault, Daddy left you behind.*

"What do you think?"

Song Tan evaluated again, "It's very delicious, rich and creamy, and the mushrooms are very fresh."

Ji Fuxi: "This was made by Aunt Lan's husband."

"Ah?"

"Aunt Lan's husband is French. He moved to China with her."

Song Tan understood and asked further, "Is this Aunt Lan your...?"

"She was my mother's friend."

"I see."

Song Tan knew his mother had died young and didn’t plan to ask more, but he continued, "They grew up together. After my mother passed, she occasionally looked after me. She never had children of her own and has always been good to me."

Song Tan nodded silently, took another spoonful of mushroom soup, sipped it, and after a brief thought, murmured, "Xiao Chu really likes creamy mushroom soup. We should bring her next time."

Ji Fuxi looked at her lowered eyes, closed his eyes, and replied, "Mhm."

The main course arrived—a steak for her and pasta for his. Song Tan was curious, "You don’t eat beef?"

"No."

"So you’re even pickier than Song Chuqing."

Ji Fuxi couldn’t deny it. "Yes."

Song Tan started cutting into her steak. Seeing that he didn’t seem to follow the 'no talking while eating' rule, she continued, "What other foods don't you like?"

"I avoid whatever Xiao Chu doesn’t eat."

"..."

Song Tan: "How about onions and cilantro?"

"No."

"What about fish and seafood?"

"Mostly not, depends on the preparation."

Song Tan had to laugh and admonished, "You can’t let her pick up these bad habits. Children need to eat their vegetables and fish."

"..." He didn’t answer.

"What about fruit?"

"Most are okay, but no durian or mango."

Exactly the same. Song Chuqing gags at the smell of durian.

They chatted idly, and the atmosphere grew increasingly relaxed.

When the woman dabbed her lips with the napkin to signal she was done, Ji Fuxi refilled her glass with white wine and spoke steadily, as if finally getting to his point: "Ji Jiangdie isn’t my biological sister. Did you know?"

Song Tan was surprised. It seemed he had something to say—or rather, something to confess. She replied, "I knew a little."

"Mhm, it wouldn't have been hard for you to learn." Ji Fuxi put down the wine bottle, straightened up, and looked at her. "My family isn’t a happy one. Xiao Chu has no grandparents, and my grandfather isn’t easy to get along with. Ji Jiangdie is rather calculating."

"I’m not a good person either. As you can see, I've got plenty of flaws—picky, few friends, not much good at caring for others."

"My work keeps me pretty busy, and I travel often. After the New Year, I’ll have a few overseas projects, so I’ll probably be making several trips abroad. I might not be able to fully keep to our agreement then."

"But at least I'm morally decent—no criminal record, all my income is legit, and I have no complicated romantic past. You don't need to worry about any of that."

"Ah... okay." Song Tan was a little stunned.

"Is there anything else you’d like to know?"

His voice was low, his steady gaze unwavering. Song Tan swallowed and said, "No." Then, returning the courtesy, she asked, "Is there anything you’d like to ask me?"

"No. I've already got your details."

"..."

"Song Tan, I’m not joking."

Her heart skipped a beat.

She could feel it—he wasn’t joking. He had brought her to meet someone important to him, sincerely laying out his family background word by word without any pretense.

Even in these two hours, she felt she wasn’t interacting with him just as Xiao Chu’s mother, but as an independent woman, with both of them harboring unspoken intentions.

She wasn’t sure how much he knew, but she had to clarify: "My family isn’t perfect either, and I’m not exactly a great person myself. Maybe I have some resilience, but sometimes I get scared and back down. I definitely won’t be a perfect..."

She couldn’t quite say "Mrs. Ji." Song Tan clenched her fists. "I don’t know why you chose me—maybe it’s because of Xiao Chu. So after you fully understand me, we can make a decision."

"Okay."

She picked up the white wine and took two careful sips, then, trying to steady herself, said, "Let’s go back. Xiao Chu is waiting at home."

Before leaving, Lan Yu and her husband came out to see them off. Lan Yu personally handed a bottle of wine to Song Tan and took the chance to say, "Good child, now that you’re married, live well together. Xixi is a good man, just a bit busy with work. You two should be understanding with each other."

Song Tan was slightly surprised and glanced discreetly at the composed man beside her before replying, "I know. Thank you, Aunt Lan."

"When will you bring Xiao Chu over?"

Song Tan smiled. "Whenever it’s convenient for you. We’ll find a weekend to visit together."

"Ah, good. I’ll be waiting."

In the car, Song Tan wanted to ask how he had explained things—Aunt Lan seemed so natural, easily accepting this "wife and child."

But when she opened her mouth, she didn’t know how to phrase it. Maybe there was nothing to ask.

She clenched her fists and stayed silent the whole way.

Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of the Rongyuan villa. Hearing the car, the little one ran out from the first floor, calling out "Mommy!" and snapping Song Tan back to reality.

Song Tan got out of the car and picked up the rushing Song Chuqing.

The little girl looked her still-made-up mother up and down and said sweetly, "Mommy, you’re so pretty!"

Then she turned to the tall man stepping out from the other side. "Daddy!"

Song Chuqing’s sharp eyes darted between the two, and with sudden insight, she concluded, "Mommy, you and Daddy went on a date?!"

Song Tan: "..."

Ji Fuxi: "..."

Song Xiao Chu, where did you learn that word?!