Chapter 061: Meeting

After finishing filming for this episode, Ji Youning had another engagement nearby the next day, which was why she booked the banquet at the Imperial Capital Hotel in the vicinity. First, the hotel was far enough from where Song Wan and her companions were staying, so they would not be disturbed by other people; second, the Imperial Capital Hotel’s cuisine was renowned. Song Wan had always mentioned wanting to dine there during her lifetime.

Ji Youning wore a bitter smile.

Song Wan’s heart clenched. “Ji, is something wrong?”

Only then did Ji Youning realize she had lost composure, quickly gathering herself and gazing warmly at Song Wan. “My friends will arrive a bit later—I hope you don’t mind.”

Song Wan was momentarily taken aback, then shook her head. “It’s nothing. Their place is much farther than ours, and besides, they’re not late.”

Ji Youning smiled. “As long as you don’t mind.”

She handed over the menu. “See if there’s anything you’d like to eat—just order, don’t stand on ceremony.”

Song Wan had intended to decline, but saw the sincerity in Ji Youning’s expression. She realized that, at present, she and Ji Youning were not closely connected; introducing a valuable resource had truly earned Ji Youning’s gratitude.

She paused for a moment, then simply accepted the menu. “Then I’ll have Imperial Vegetarian, Steamed South Sea Lobster, Winter Melon Soup, White-Cut Chicken, Garlic Scallops... and some refreshing beef balls.” She quickly selected several dishes before putting down the menu. “That’s enough for now; let’s wait for your friends to arrive before ordering more.”

Knowing Ji Youning well, Song Wan had no qualms about ordering. Sure enough, when she glanced over, Ji Youning’s demeanor had relaxed considerably. Apparently, Song Wan’s frankness had put her at ease.

But soon, Ji Youning frowned, her tone uncertain. “Why are all the dishes Cantonese?”

Song Wan replied calmly, “I personally prefer lighter food, and… Ji, aren’t you a singer? It’s better to eat milder dishes.”

Ji Youning was somewhat skeptical, but accepted the explanation. Yet in her heart, she couldn’t help but compare the two Song Wans—same name, same surname, strikingly similar personalities, an inexplicable fondness for herself… Even their ordering style was alike.

Whenever she dined with Song Wan before, Song Wan, mindful of her voice, would always only order a slew of non-irritating Cantonese dishes.

But Ji Youning didn’t dwell on it, only finding her fondness for Song Wan growing.

If Song Wan could check her favorability score with others, she would surely hear a “ding—Target’s affection for you has increased by twenty points!”

Soon, Ji Youning’s friends arrived.

As Song Wan had anticipated, her two friends from her previous life—Xue Xuyao and Tang Yanan—walked in together, though the atmosphere between them was noticeably chilly.

Song Wan felt a pang of concern.

Ji Youning rose to greet them, and as they approached, Song Wan stood as well.

Ji Youning introduced both sides, first indicating Xue Xuyao, “This is my friend Xue Xuyao,” then pointing to Tang Yanan, “This is Xuyao’s fiancée and manager, Tang Yanan.”

Tang Yanan’s expression shifted, clearly dissatisfied with Ji Youning’s manner of introduction.

She paid it no mind, and looking at Song Wan, couldn’t help but smile. “Song Wan, remember? You two have met before.”

At the mention of Song Wan’s name, Xue Xuyao’s face subtly changed, but quickly suppressed any reaction, assuming he had heard the name wrong. Tang Yanan, noticing, her face darkened as if she wanted to speak, but upon seeing his expression, forced herself to remain silent.

Song Wan nodded, offering a smile. “Of course, Miss Tang left a deep impression.”

Though she seemed composed now, Tang Yanan’s behavior at the cemetery that day had truly startled her—impossible to forget.

Xue Xuyao looked puzzled, but the awkwardness of that day left all three unwilling to clarify things for him.

Ji Youning then pointed to Song Wan. “This young lady is deeply connected to Wanwan—they share the same name, Song Wan.” Her smile became more genuine. “The opportunity I received to appear on ‘Rise Up, Stars’ is all thanks to Song Wan.”

A storm raged in Xue Xuyao’s heart, yet his face betrayed nothing; he even managed a grateful smile. “Hello, Song Wan. I truly appreciate you introducing this opportunity to Youning.”

Perhaps noticing Song Wan’s tension, he smiled reassuringly. “Tonight’s dinner is to thank you. Please don’t worry about us—just enjoy yourself.”

Song Wan nodded. “I will.”

Once the four were seated, Xue Xuyao leaned in toward Ji Youning, his expression grave. “Youning, what are you up to?”

Ji Youning glanced at Song Wan, replied quietly, “I genuinely just want to thank her for this opportunity. You know how rare it is to be invited on ‘Rise Up, Stars,’ especially for the first episode.”

“Why not find another time?”

Ji Youning was helpless. “She’s not like us—Song Wan is rising fast, her schedule packed. Aside from today, she has no time in the near future.”

Only then did Xue Xuyao recall who Song Wan was, and couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Well, that’s…”

Ji Youning waved her hand. “No need to worry. After all, this is just your pre-wedding gathering—a few more people makes it livelier.”

Xue Xuyao’s brows knitted, his expression bitter.

Ji Youning patted his shoulder. “Since you’ve decided to marry, don’t go around looking so gloomy.” Her gaze fell on Tang Yanan, meeting her angry eyes. Ji Youning lowered her head, concealing her own bitterness. “Look, even Yanan’s face has changed.”

Xue Xuyao closed his eyes, visibly vexed.

Ji Youning sighed. “Cheer up, otherwise Yanan will only make you unhappier. You don’t want to quarrel with her, do you?”

Xue Xuyao took a deep breath, opened his eyes. “Understood.”

Turning back, he now wore a hint of a smile.

Tang Yanan’s anger faded somewhat; she couldn’t resist hooking her pinky around Xue Xuyao’s finger.

Xue Xuyao stiffened, but responded in kind.

The departed are gone, and the living must carry on.

Yet deep down, a knot remained, and he was no longer as close to Tang Yanan as before.

Song Wan quietly watched the undercurrents between the three, but constrained by her current identity, could only observe.

Ji Youning handed the menu to Xue Xuyao. “Order whatever you like—such an occasion is rare, eat your fill.”

Xue Xuyao took it and passed it to Tang Yanan.

Tang Yanan smiled gently, a touch of pride in her eyes, then handed the menu back. “Xuyao, you know what I like—don’t try to get out of it, help me order.”

Xue Xuyao reflexively accepted, carefully reading the menu.

After a while, as if suddenly realizing, he looked at Ji Youning. “Youning, did you order?”

Song Wan was caught off guard by the display of affection, glanced at Ji Youning, but saw her expression unchanged, showing no sign of affection for Xue Xuyao.

Ji Youning shook her head. “Since when does the host order the whole table?”

“We’re not like others. I don’t even know what you like. It used to be Wanwan… Maybe you should order yourself?”

Song Wan felt even more sympathy, so she picked up the conversation. “I’ve already ordered several dishes. Why not have them served so we can start eating, and you can decide if there’s anything else you want?”

Xue Xuyao paused, then put down the menu, looking a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to target you just now.”

Song Wan glanced at Ji Youning, noting her concern, and quickly waved it off. “It’s fine. People are always more informal with those they know. I didn’t mind.”

Xue Xuyao was stunned for a moment, but soon recovered. “Really, sorry.”

Song Wan shook her head again.

Tang Yanan’s face subtly changed upon hearing Song Wan’s words.

Xue Xuyao happened to turn around, his expression darkening.

Tang Yanan panicked, grabbing Xue Xuyao’s arm. “I didn’t mean…”

But Xue Xuyao shook her off and turned away, ignoring her completely.

Tang Yanan was remorseful, but dared not do more in front of Song Wan, looking visibly uneasy.

Song Wan sighed. Less than a year since her passing, how had things gone wrong between Xue Xuyao and Tang Yanan?

The atmosphere was awkward.

Ji Youning wanted to lighten things up, so she pulled Song Wan into gossip about the entertainment industry—how a certain film emperor was secretly married, a diva had backing, a rising star became someone’s mistress, someone else cheated, and so on.

Song Wan feigned curiosity, but inwardly felt awkward—she’d heard all these rumors in her previous life, and now found them tiresome.

Fortunately, the waiter soon brought out the dishes, and Song Wan breathed a sigh of relief.

-

Jin Youqian tugged at his tie, his expression cold. “Remove Chujian Group from this development project. From now on, if our company needs partners, Chujian Group will no longer be considered.”

Assistant Wu nodded quickly. “I’ll call Manager Qi right away.”

Jin Youqian nodded, his expression finally relaxing.

Wu Yi pursed his lips, then asked, “Should we investigate where he got his information?”

It was no wonder President Jin was angry—the events of today were bizarre.

The tech company under Peak Empire had developed a promising new product, attracting attention from above. The profits and risks were huge, so the company had to seek partners.

President Jin had originally selected several reputable companies, including Chujian Group.

But unexpectedly, at a banquet, the head of Chujian Group managed to send a woman to President Jin’s room, even lighting incense inside.

Since President Jin’s rise to power a year ago, such things had never happened, let alone the woman’s appearance…

Wu Yi glanced at Jin Youqian, then quickly lowered his head.

When he’d been summoned to the lounge, he had glimpsed the woman—her features bore three or four similarities to Song Wan.

Though not as stunningly beautiful as Song Wan, she was still a notable beauty by entertainment industry standards.

Jin Youqian, reminded of the incident, his expression turned black. “No need.”

News about Song Wan had already caused a stir throughout the city; there was no need to investigate, and even if they did, nothing would come of it.

He turned irritably, only to unexpectedly spot someone who should not have been there.

He tilted his head toward Wu Yi. “Is that Song Wan?”