Chapter 46: “Does Mom Miss Dad?”

Chapter 46: "Does Mommy Miss Daddy?"

The meeting with Yan Ning was scheduled at Aijia Entertainment.

The assistant informed them that Yan Ning was in a meeting and asked them to wait.

Zhao Geyun cautioned beforehand, "I hear this Yan Ning is very capable. She’s only in her early forties but has already solidified her position as Aijia’s top executive. The company’s impressive achievements in recent years owe much to her. But people who reach such heights usually have strong personalities, so we should be mentally prepared."

Song Tan nodded. "I know."

She didn’t know Yan Ning personally, but they’d met briefly at a celebration banquet five years ago. She had also heard stories about her—undeniably capable.

A text came in on her phone from Ji Fuxi, who had just landed: "Yan Ning is quite arrogant. Don’t let her intimidate you."

Song Tan smiled. "Is that how you talk about people?"

Song Tan: "Not sleeping?"

Ji Fuxi: "Going to."

Song Tan: "Get some rest."

Ji Fuxi: "Mm."

The brief, mundane exchange made Song Tan linger on the screen for a moment before putting her phone away.

After a few minutes, the office door opened, and a woman in crisp professional attire walked in.

Yan Ning scanned both of them and gave a slight nod. "Teacher Song, Agent Zhao."

Song Tan: "President Yan."

After greetings were exchanged, Yan Ning cut to the chase. "We’ve reviewed Teacher Song’s script. It has high commercial potential. If there are no major issues after finalizing the details, we can sign the contract."

Song Tan and Zhao Geyun shared a look of surprise.

They had expected a smooth process, but not this smooth.

"Teacher Song, don’t overthink it. Mr. Ji hasn’t contacted me. Our meeting today isn’t solely because of your relationship with him. I, Yan Ning, have been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years. If I let everyone push projects or connections on me, I wouldn’t be sitting in this seat."

Song Tan smiled. "I see. Then I look forward to collaborating with you, President Yan."

Yan Ning: "The initial project budget was twenty million. After last night’s review by the budget department, we’ve raised it to thirty million, with an estimated box office of five hundred million."

Song Tan suddenly liked her.

Sharp, ambitious, and straightforward—she enjoyed working with people like this.

Yan Ning noticed her silence and chuckled. "Teacher Song, not confident?"

Song Tan shook her head, holding her gaze. "If President Yan has it, so do I."

She stated her conditions: "President Yan, I only have two requests—I have final say on casting and directing."

"Done. Anything else?"

"That’s all. I don’t have much experience, so I’ll need Aijia’s support for promotion and PR."

"Consider it handled."

The deal was sealed in minutes. Yan Ning called out, "Xiao Chen."

The assistant entered, and Yan Ning instructed, "Coordinate with Agent Zhao to prepare the contract."

"Understood, President Yan."

After they left, the office fell quiet.

Yan Ning poured tea and pushed a cup toward her. "Teacher Song, please wait a moment."

"No rush at all."

Song Tan took a sip of tea, then asked, "President Yan, not worried about losses?"

Yan Ning smirked. "Of course I am. Who isn’t? If we lose money, I’ll have to answer to Mr. Ji."

"Then why choose me?" Song Tan added, "You just said it wasn’t because of Ji Fuxi."

Yan Ning looked at her and laughed. "What, Teacher Song, looking for compliments?"

"...So direct..."

Yan Ning’s gaze openly studied the stunning woman before her.

Why choose her? Setting aside the script, the fame of an acclaimed actress, and the profit margins—she was also adaptable.

Five years ago, at that celebration banquet, Yan Ning had watched her walk into the wrong room.

No one knew Ji Fuxi was staying at the hotel that night. Later, staff confirmed it was accidental.

But the key point was—neither left, and Ji Fuxi hadn’t drunk much that evening.

So what went on in that room?

Later, when word got out that Song Tan had returned to the country with a child, Yan Ning was certain—that child was Ji Fuxi’s.

Everything after just confirmed their relationship.

What surprised Yan Ning most was that they had gotten married, and the traditionalist Ji family elder had accepted her.

So even if Song Tan wanted to make a terrible movie, Yan Ning would support it.

She wasn’t the saint people imagined.

Moreover, Yan Ning prided herself on sizing people up accurately. Some schemed their way up, some stubbornly stuck to their principles, some labored in obscurity, and some were born for this industry. She could read Song Tan perfectly.

And even if she couldn’t, would someone like Ji Fuxi, at his level, misjudge? Would the nearly eighty-year-old Ji patriarch, a political heavyweight, misjudge?

Since their relationship became public, the industry had buzzed with rumors—social climbing, manipulation—all of which amused Yan Ning.

That’s why men like Li Ji never lasted.

After a long silence, Yan Ning finally spoke. "Teacher Song, can I ask you a question?"

Song Tan nodded. "Go ahead."

"Five years ago, at Lihao Hotel—were you drunk?"

Song Tan was taken aback by the out-of-the-blue question, yet she understood its implication.

Five years ago, at the celebration banquet.

She stayed silent for a moment, maintaining her composure as she cautiously probed, "You knew about this, President Yan?"

Yan Ning smiled faintly. "I just happened to see."

A chill ran down Song Tan's back.

That night, the banquet hall was buzzing. She had gone upstairs to rest and clearly remembered the hallway being empty.

But now, Yan Ning had accurately named the time and place, and her eyes unmistakably hinted at knowing something.

Unsure why Yan Ning was bringing this up now, Song Tan realized that if Yan Ning had chosen to expose her when she stepped back from the industry back then, she wouldn't have stood a chance. Yet, Yan Ning had kept it hidden all this time.

Meeting her gaze, the nearly forty-year-old woman smiled gently, unflinching under Song Tan's gaze.

Song Tan had to admire—you didn't get to her level without being sharp.

Meeting her eyes, Song Tan returned a soft smile. "President Yan should ask Ji Fuxi whether he was drunk."

Yan Ning paused briefly, then lowered her gaze to refill Song Tan's tea. "True. It takes two to tango."

After pouring the tea, Yan Ning extended her hand. "Then, looking forward to working together."

Song Tan shook it. "Looking forward to working together."

By noon, the contract was signed, and the two left Aijia.

Unexpectedly, they ran into Mu Xingzhou.

The young man looked conflicted. After a brief hesitation, Song Tan stopped but didn't speak to him privately.

"Xingzhou, long time no see."

Mu Xingzhou glanced at Zhao Geyun standing nearby, then finally spoke in a low voice, "Is what they’re saying true?"

"It’s true. We got married a long time ago." Sensing the young man’s possible feelings for her, Song Tan added candidly, "Xingzhou, thank you. I wish you all the best."

His face turned cold as he turned and walked away.

Watching him leave, Zhao Geyun shook her head. "Ah, young love."

Then she asked, "Weren’t you considering him for the role? What now?"

Song Tan also shook her head. "Though Mu Xingzhou fits the male lead perfectly and I like his screen presence, I have to consider more factors now. We’ll have to look for someone else."

Given their past online buzz, collaborating again would just stir up gossip. Before, she wouldn’t have cared, but now, with Ji Fuxi to consider, she had to be more cautious.

"Alright, we’ll keep searching." Zhao Geyun gathered the files and strode ahead. "Time to get to work. You’ve got promotions to run—you'll be swamped."

Yes, plenty indeed.

On the way back to the studio, Song Tan watched the passing skyscrapers outside the window, her mind wandering. After a while, she suddenly asked, "Geyun, what time is it in Germany now?"

Zhao Geyun blinked. "How should I know? You lived in the UK for five years—shouldn’t you?"

She did know—around 5 a.m.

Turning her attention back, Song Tan took out her phone and sent a message: "Contract’s signed. On my way back to the studio now."

"I’m really happy today."

Though it was just a small step forward, she felt she was walking a bright, open path with beautiful scenery along the way. Wasn't that something to be happy about?

...

At 1 p.m. German time, Ji Fuxi and his team were touring the factory of their partner company.

German machinery was known for its precision, and Yuanhe Group aimed to collaborate and introduce technology to develop their own smart electric vehicle production line.

The manager, Kern, explained in English, "This is our latest high-end CNC machine, capable of handling complete vehicle production."

The foreign team detailed each component, with Ji Fuxi occasionally asking questions to clarify.

Yuanhe Group had begun planning its own vehicle brand last year, and after six months of preparation, the project was now taking shape step by step.

The team leads listened attentively.

Half an hour later, they paused at a 3D printer. Kern operated it directly, saying, "Our 3D printing technology is always improving. The parts produced now are more durable and precise, ready for mass production."

After inputting the commands, the machine worked for mere seconds before Kern retrieved a titanium alloy ring. "See? The deviation is less than 0.01mm from the preset parameters."

Ji Fuxi studied the ring carefully.

Noticing his bare fingers and distant expression, Kern chuckled, "You're not married, are you, President Ji?"

Handing back the ring, Ji Fuxi replied briskly, "I am," ending the conversation.

They finished the tour.

Kern led them to a conference room. "President Ji, let’s take a quick break. The department managers will join us shortly for further discussions."

"Thank you."

Left alone with his team, the group discussed in low voices on the visit.

Ji Fuxi checked his watch—2:30 p.m. in Germany. Checking the time difference, he stepped outside.

It would be around 9:30 p.m. back home—Xiao Chu’s bedtime.

He called Song Tan, but it was Song Chuqing who answered, cheerfully: "Xixi!"

Standing by the corridor window, Ji Fuxi smiled. "Still awake, Xiao Chu?"

"Nope! Mommy’s with me!" The little girl fiddled with the phone. "Daddy, video call!"

Ji Fuxi moved the phone slightly, accepting the request.

First the screen showed a zoomed-in Song Chuqing, then it zoomed out to reveal Song Tan’s shoulder in the frame.

"Daddy, where are you?"

"In Germany."

"Wow, Germany! Mom and I lived in London!"

"I know."

"Daddy, do you speak English?"

Ji Fuxi replied in English, "Yes. What about you, Xiao Chu?"

The little girl responded clearly in English, "Of course, Daddy! My English name is Hanna. What's yours?"

Ji Fuxi answered, "I don’t use an English name."

When needed, he just used his name’s transliteration and had never considered adopting one.

"Oh! Let me pick one for you!" Song Chuqing held her chin and pondered seriously. After a while, she finally came up with one, "How about... Zuma?"

As soon as she said it, a woman’s laughter burst from off-screen.

Zuma—the Labrador from *Paw Patrol*, whose catchphrase was "Let’s roll!"—was gentle, clever, and full of initiative.

Song Tan pictured him as the dog and snorted.

Song Chuqing turned her head, puzzled, "Mommy, why are you laughing?"

"...Nothing, keep going."

Clueless, Ji Fuxi on the other end, unaware of the name’s meaning, replied softly, "Thanks, sweetie."

"You’re welcome, Zuma!"

The little girl, bubbling over with stories after not seeing her father all day, chattered on, "Daddy, today Teacher Xiao Qing taught us how to make dumplings! I can make dumplings now! Tonight, I made dumplings with Granny Zhou and Mommy, and they were delicious! Daddy, when you come back, I’ll make some for you too!"

Ji Fuxi smiled, "Mhm, thanks, baby."

"Giggle." But the little girl’s joy was fleeting, and her next words were whiny, "Daddy, when are you coming back? I miss you so much."

There was still time, so Ji Fuxi wasn’t in a hurry to hang up. "Show me how much!"

Song Chuqing immediately placed the phone on the blanket and stretched her little arms wide, answering sweetly, "THIS big! Even bigger than the Earth!"

She kicked the blanket, knocking the phone over, and the girl exclaimed, "Oops!" Song Tan picked it up for her.

Song Tan’s face darted into view—wearing a bunny headband, her cheeks slightly flushed under the light, looking fresh and glowing.

Song Chuqing held up the phone again with both hands, "See, Daddy? This much!"

Ji Fuxi, standing by the corridor window, smiled again, "I saw."

"Daddy, do you miss me?"

"Yes."

"Do you miss Mommy?"

Song Tan stiffened slightly, likely looking into the camera. He replied, "Yes."

"When are you coming back?"

He meant to say a week but added two days. Song Chuqing grew even sadder, "That’s so long!"

"It’ll pass quickly." Ji Fuxi softened his voice, "Sweetheart, hand the phone to Mommy, okay?"

"Okay." Song Chuqing handed over the phone, adding thoughtfully, "Mommy, Daddy misses you too~"

Song Tan booped her nose, grinning, "I heard."

"Giggle."

Taking the phone, Song Tan flushed and fumbled, taking a few seconds to steady herself before daring to look at the screen.

This was their first video call, and it felt like something only intimate couples would do.

The man on the other end, captured by the phone’s unfiltered camera, was just as striking. It was afternoon there, and the slanting light cast shadows across his sharp yet gentle features.

She spoke first, "Did you need something?"

Noticing her blush, he smirked, "Congratulations."

He had already replied to her message earlier that afternoon. Song Tan responded again, "Thank you."

"My trip got extended by two days, so I might not be back until next weekend."

"Mhm, okay."

Silence fell, with only their gazes meeting through the screen.

After a long pause, the man asked softly, "Does Mommy miss Daddy?"

Song Tan’s heart skipped a beat.

Then she slammed the phone face-down onto the blanket.

Xiao Chu, now sprawled on the blanket, lay on the woman’s lap, playing with her toes and answering loudly to herself, "Mommy misses Daddy sooo much! Mommy washed Daddy’s blanket tonight and said it’s ugly, so from now on, he can only use hers."

"...Song Xiao Chu!"

Undeterred, Song Chuqing swung her little legs, "Granny Zhou wanted beef dumplings next time, but Mommy said Daddy doesn’t eat beef, so she told Granny Zhou not to buy any..."

Song Tan lunged for her. "Song Chuqing!!!"

Ji Fuxi’s laughter crackled through the speaker, and Song Tan hastily ended the call.

Soon, Xiao Chu’s dramatic wails filled the room.