Chapter 95: An Unusual Dinner Gathering

“How do you feel?” A voice suddenly sounded beside Tang Zhichu.

Tang Zhichu turned to see that it was Yu Hua.

“Not bad, right? I didn’t embarrass you, did I?”

Tang Zhichu had been brought in by Yu Hua’s arrangement, and he didn’t mind acknowledging that connection.

In Tang Zhichu’s view, there were three key things in a music reality show. First, the works themselves; second, the production team; and third, recruiting a few musicians without any background. The works depended on his own ability, the production team meant maintaining a good relationship with Yu Hua—which determined the final broadcasting share and effect. He didn’t expect special treatment, just hoped things wouldn’t go awry. As for acquiring a handful of musicians, that could wait.

Yu Hua smiled and started walking forward, and Tang Zhichu, attuned to his cues, followed beside him.

“I knew you weren’t simple, and you’ve really impressed me. But you were a bit high-profile in the first episode. With the rules I’ve carefully designed, even if everyone seems friendly, sparks are bound to fly in the end. You need to be psychologically prepared, especially for Sun Zhe. He’s very utilitarian. Strictly speaking, Sun Zhe is connected to your old flame’s family. This opening isn’t ideal for you,” Yu Hua said, his tone earnest and sincere.

Tang Zhichu was a little surprised. For a major variety producer, Yu Hua certainly didn’t mince his words.

“I’m not sure I follow you,” Tang Zhichu feigned ignorance.

Yu Hua glanced at him, chuckling slyly.

The night deepened; few people wandered to the back of the manor, where a security line marked the area not rented by the production team.

But Yu Hua crossed it without hesitation. Tang Zhichu paused, a little suspicious.

“Come on, what’s there to be afraid of?” Yu Hua teased.

Tang Zhichu stepped over as well.

“In fact, I’m from Pengcheng. I came to Penguin Video by sheer coincidence,” Yu Hua said, as if offering an introduction.

Tang Zhichu nodded. “So your family’s in Pengcheng?”

“Yes. The apartment in Yuzhou was just a purchase when the company expanded there and I went to visit friends. I like those places—Shu and Yu.”

Yu Hua’s words were subtle, but Tang Zhichu understood. Yu Hua wasn’t just a simple variety show producer; perhaps he was from the headquarters of Penguin Group, or at least had connections there.

It made sense, really. Could an ordinary variety producer pull off this kind of show?

Perhaps it was because of Wang Xiaoyan that Yu Hua regarded him as one of their own and spoke so candidly. Tang Zhichu felt things might not be quite so simple, but forming ties with Yu Hua was no bad thing. He quickened his pace, walking shoulder to shoulder with him.

“When I was your age, I was bolder than you,” Yu Hua joked.

Tang Zhichu shrugged, going straight to the point. “Director Yu, where are you taking me?”

“You’ll know soon enough.”

Chatting casually, Yu Hua stopped at the door of a villa by the woods.

He pressed the doorbell, and after a moment, the door opened.

As soon as they entered, Tang Zhichu saw a familiar figure.

A beige short skirt in Chanel style, bright fair skin, a doll-like face.

She spotted Tang Zhichu and was startled, but quickly regained composure.

“You’re back,” she greeted Yu Hua with a sweet smile, then turned to Tang Zhichu. “What, don’t recognize me? You called me ‘teacher’ at the gym, remember?”

A smile returned to Tang Zhichu’s face. “So it’s Xiaoyan! I didn’t expect to see you here in Shudu.”

Unconsciously, Tang Zhichu changed the way he addressed her.

Wang Xiaoyan glared. “No, no, you’re definitely older than me, don’t call me ‘sister’. Strictly speaking, you’re my boss. Just call me Xiaoyan. I came with Sister Yun.”

Yu Hua smiled. “Let’s talk inside.”

But the “talk” was really just dinner together.

Wang Xiaoyan cooked; just the three of them.

Tang Zhichu began to see the picture. Yu Hua wasn’t the type to hide things. Zhou Yun had asked Wang Xiaoyan to speak to Yu Hua, getting him into the show, so Yu Hua simply brought them together for a meeting.

With the veil lifted, both attitude and relationships became clear.

No wonder Yu Hua spoke so frankly to him.

“Don’t be fooled by Xiaoyan’s talkativeness now. She’s actually quite introverted. With some friends to hang out with, I feel at ease,” Yu Hua said to Tang Zhichu after a few drinks.

Tang Zhichu could only nod. “Xiao Yun and Xiaoyan are close—they really get along well.”

Yu Hua smiled and shook his head, then reached to pour Tang Zhichu another drink.

Tang Zhichu wouldn’t let him, and grabbed the white bottle, pouring Yu Hua a full glass before serving himself.

After several rounds, Yu Hua seemed slightly tipsy, his cheeks flushed.

“Xiaoyan, you weren’t at the scene today. Xiao Tang’s song was really wonderful—lyrics and melody, a rare gem in recent years. I’m genuinely happy… Come, let’s toast together.”

Tang Zhichu had no choice but to raise his glass.

After more chatting and drinking, Yu Hua stood up. “You two keep eating. I… I’ll go to the restroom.”

Tang Zhichu nodded and was about to stand, but Yu Hua pressed him back down.

“Sit, none of you are strangers. I haven’t drunk that much, don’t need your help. Same goes for Xiaoyan. You two enjoy…”

With that, Yu Hua left the room.

Only Tang Zhichu and Wang Xiaoyan remained, sitting face to face.

Wang Xiaoyan was beautiful, especially after a couple of drinks. Her doll-like face now seemed to glow with a delicate allure.

But Tang Zhichu felt as if sitting on pins and needles.

Yu Hua wouldn’t orchestrate a trap, but Tang Zhichu sensed something unusual in the air.

Under the table, Tang Zhichu had already found Zhou Yun’s WeChat and sent a message.

Across from him, Wang Xiaoyan was a bit reserved, eating quietly with her head down.

Outside, as soon as Yu Hua left, his expression returned to normal. He hadn’t closed the door.

If he had, it would have been too deliberate.

Yu Hua exited through the back, stepped into the courtyard, and lit a cigarette.

At that moment, there was no sign of intoxication about him.

After a while, Yu Hua stubbed out the cigarette.

“Wang Xiaoyan, oh Wang Xiaoyan, you really are a bit too naive.”

More than half a month ago, when Wang Xiaoyan mentioned wanting to recommend a friend for his show, Yu Hua made a decision.

He and this woman had run their course.

Wang Xiaoyan was a wonderful companion—good figure, beautiful, a fine presence when alone.

But Yu Hua’s rule was that no one could interfere with him. He could give her a house, a car, but she couldn’t make demands of him.

Why bring Tang Zhichu here tonight?

In Yu Hua’s mind, since the knot was tied by Tang Zhichu, let Tang Zhichu unravel it.

Was Tang Zhichu up to it? Yu Hua trusted his own judgment—he certainly was.

Appearance aside, even Chen Siyang and Zhou Yun took notice of him. Looks plus talent—a lethal combination for women.

Otherwise, with Wang Xiaoyan’s personality, when would she ever initiate contact with another man?

Yu Hua had a respectable identity. To end things with a woman, he wouldn’t do it bluntly; he needed the woman to withdraw on her own, so both sides could maximize their interests. Yu Hua had plenty of experience in this.

Unfortunately, Tang Zhichu seemed a bit too timid.

“Never mind, let it take its course.”

Yu Hua muttered, then turned back toward the dining room.