Return to China

Two months later.

For Shen Tong, there had never been a time when her feelings were more complex. At this moment, she was sitting on the plane back to China. She hadn't told anyone to pick her up, not because she didn't want to, but because she didn't know who to tell.

Her parents had died in a car accident when she was ten years old, and she had lived with her aunt's family since then.

Although her aunt and cousin, Fang Xiaoxi, treated her very well, Shen Tong didn't want to burden them any further. Her presence had already caused a lot of trouble and responsibility for her aunt's family.

When Shen Tong walked out of the airport, it was already past ten in the evening. City S was as bustling as ever, if not more so than two years ago. She planned to find a hotel and visit her aunt's house the next day. It would be too inconvenient to disturb them this late at night.

The weather was colder than she expected. Although she had dressed warmly, the night was still colder than the day.

"Shen Tong! Shen Tong..."

A breeze blew by, and Shen Tong thought she heard someone calling her name. When she confirmed it wasn't her imagination, she stopped and looked around.

"Shen Tong, over here!"

It was Liang Xiaoyuan. He was dressed casually, still looking handsome, and more lively than he did in England. Meeting him here was a complete surprise.

"What's the matter? Are you in a daze?" Liang Xiaoyuan smiled at Shen Tong, his eyes crinkling warmly. "Why are you still standing there? Come on, let's talk in the car."

"What... how are you here?" Shen Tong was speechless. Liang Xiaoyuan seemed to be everywhere.

"Get in the car first. Aren't you cold?" Liang Xiaoyuan saw Shen Tong wearing only a thin long-sleeved shirt and commented.

Shen Tong had no choice but to follow Liang Xiaoyuan. Once they were in the car, she couldn't help but ask again, "How did you end up here? I don't believe in coincidences."

"Did you forget? When you were in England, I called you. You said you'd be returning to China in the next few days, so I came to pick you up. I didn't expect to actually find you..." Liang Xiaoyuan began to explain.

"Even if that's true, the timing I gave was very vague..." Shen Tong was still skeptical.

Liang Xiaoyuan said, "Should I say I've been here for the past few days waiting for you? But no it's actually quite easy to check flights from England to City S. Don't be too touched!"

"Liang Xiaoyuan, be honest with me. What's your real motive for picking me up? Don't think I don't know what you're planning!" Shen Tong didn't believe his story.

Liang Xiaoyuan sighed, "If you must know, I do have something to ask of you."

"Go ahead. Considering how much effort you've put into this, I might consider it." In truth, Shen Tong was touched that someone came to pick her up, even if there was an ulterior motive.

"Do you remember Sangyan?" Liang Xiaoyuan asked.

Shen Tong's face darkened. "I'm not an idiot, of course, I remember her. What about her?"

"I'm currently the director at Fengxing Entertainment, and Xie Sangyan is one of my artists. I came to find you because I hope you can be her assistant." Liang Xiaoyuan got straight to the point and handed his business card to Shen Tong.

Shen Tong took the card and asked, "Is this your idea or hers?"

"Actually, it was Sangyan's request. But I also think you're very suitable. Once you get familiar with the company, I plan to make you her manager. Don't worry, the salary is very generous," Liang Xiaoyuan said, his obsidian eyes flashing with appreciation.

Shen Tong knew it wouldn't be that simple.

Though Xie Sangyan was indeed a simple woman. Shen Tong suspected that Xie Sangyan wanted her to be her assistant to matchmake her with Liang Xiaoyuan. How else could she have judged Shen Tong's ability based on just two meetings?

"What if I refuse?" Shen Tong really didn't want to get involved between Liang Xiaoyuan and Xie Sangyan. Loving someone was too tiring, and she wasn't prepared for it.

"If you refuse, I don't know what else to do. I'll respect your decision, no matter what. You're my friend," Liang Xiaoyuan said.

Friend? Yes, she and Liang Xiaoyuan were just friends. Shen Tong forced a smile. "Sorry, I can't decide where I'll work right now."

To Liang Xiaoyuan, this was clearly a refusal. He hadn't expected Shen Tong to refuse without even asking about the salary. So he nodded, "I understand. I'll talk to Sangyan again."

"Hmm. Fengxing Entertainment... Why does that name sound so familiar?" Shen Tong mumbled, looking at the business card. The name really did ring a bell, but she couldn't place it.

Liang Xiaoyuan replied, "It should sound familiar. Fengxing Entertainment is the largest entertainment company in City S, with many artists under its wing."

"You don't oppose Xie Sangyan entering the entertainment industry? You should know she's more naive than you think," Shen Tong said. She felt Xie Sangyan wasn't suited to be a star, despite her elegance. The entertainment industry was too chaotic.

"As long as it's her decision, I support it. It's her chosen path, and I won't interfere. Moreover, I can protect her this time," Liang Xiaoyuan always seemed melancholy when talking about Xie Sangyan.

"That's good. I hope she becomes a big star." Shen Tong knew there was history between Liang Xiaoyuan and Xie Sangyan, but she didn't pry.

The atmosphere grew tense again after talking about Xie Sangyan.

"Shen Tong," Liang Xiaoyuan suddenly called her name.

"Yes?" Shen Tong asked.

"I know I don't need to explain anything to you. In fact, Sangyan is someone I just want to protect. Her background is tragic, similar to mine..." Liang Xiaoyuan began.

"Similar to you?" In Shen Tong's mind, Liang Xiaoyuan had always been wealthy. It's hard to believe he could start a company abroad and thrive without a strong financial background.

"It's complicated. Sangyan has had a hard life. We met a few years ago. She's been hurt and hiding abroad. Returning now, she probably still can't forget that man," Liang Xiaoyuan said, his voice low.

Shen Tong felt a wave of emotion. Not everyone's life was as glamorous as it seemed. It turned out Xie Sangyan also had someone she loved, which explained why she and Liang Xiaoyuan weren't together.

"That little boy, Xiao Mo, isn't he Xie Sangyan's son with that man?" Shen Tong vaguely remembered Xie Sangyan had a son, a smart and adorable boy.

Liang Xiaoyuan shook his head. "No, Xiao Mo is adopted. But with Sangyan's current status, Xiao Mo can't be known to the public. I hope you can keep this secret."

"I have my principles. I don't gossip about others. Besides, there aren't many kind people like Xie Sangyan left. I like her too," Shen Tong said.

"Even so, will you still refuse my request?" Liang Xiaoyuan asked.

Shen Tong hesitated. "Let me think about it. I'll give you an answer soon."

"Alright, I'll wait for your reply." Liang Xiaoyuan understood Shen Tong's personality and didn't push further. He couldn't trust anyone else to be Xie Sangyan's assistant. The entertainment industry was full of greed, and he worried about Sangyan getting hurt.