Song Jianxi’s Thoughts

After signing the novel adaptation rights, Chen Pingsheng called Zhao Liying again.

The next step was to adapt the novel into a script, followed by casting, and finally, on-location filming. This process would take about one to two months.

In a few days, Tengying Entertainment would officially announce its independent investment in the filming of Hua Qiangu.

Zhao Liying was confirmed as the female lead, with Yang Jiancheng as the director.

With a budget of one hundred million yuan, the announcement stirred up quite a bit of attention in the entertainment industry.

The reason for releasing the news so quickly was twofold: first, to create hype for the newly established Tengying Entertainment, and second, to facilitate the casting process. After all, the production of a TV series involved hundreds, if not thousands, of people.

It was no easy feat.

"What is this Tengying Entertainment? Never heard of it before."

"Investing over a hundred million in a historical romance drama and casting Zhao Liying as the lead right away? Could this company have been set up just for her?"

"Who knows? Do you think we can audition for a minor role in this new drama?"

Hengdian, Beijing

Bai Xin, dressed in a beggar's costume, sat on the ground in a rather unflattering manner. Beside her, Song Wu looked just as disheveled.

Clearly, both were intrigued.

Neither of them knew that Tengying Entertainment was founded by someone they were familiar with—they were simply hoping for a lucky break.

Landing a significant supporting role in an S+ production could mean earning at least several thousand yuan per episode.

Yes, actors were paid per episode, though the rates varied.

The worst off were the extras—no matter how many roles they took, they could barely make ends meet in a month.

Song Wu still didn't have the courage to ask her brother-in-law for help. She wanted to fight for herself—who knew? Maybe she'd get noticed by a major production.

Bai Xin, on the other hand, was already putting the pieces together.

For the past two days, she hadn't run into "Uncle" while taking rides. According to Song Wu's senior, his businesses were all based in Shijingshan.

Yet now, he was coming to the Second Ring Road every day.

Could it be that Tengying Entertainment was actually his company?

It wasn't impossible.

The way he was backing Zhao Liying—he was definitely her number one supporter.

She pulled out her phone and searched for his WeChat.

Clown Girl in the Background: "Uncle, have you seen the news? Zhao Liying is filming Hua Qiangu!"

"Yeah, I saw it."

Living My Best Life: "I'm the one investing in it!"

Clown Girl in the Background: "Tsk… Uncle, you're amazing. If it weren't for Song Wu's senior, I wouldn't have known you were a hidden big boss!"

"Uncle, what are you doing?"

"Cleaning. Wiping the windows."

Bai Xin was shocked. A big shot living such a simple life?

"Put that broom down, let me do it."

"Sure, come over. Guomao Tower, 12th floor…"

Bai Xin: "…"

This guy was seriously down-to-earth. She never noticed before, but now he seemed just like one of those old-school Guangdong businessmen—humble on the surface but shining with hidden wealth.

That kind of charm was always hidden behind a man.

If she didn't seize this opportunity, she had no place in the entertainment industry.

She immediately told Song Wu. Song Wu froze for a moment.

Tengying… Tengying…

Why hadn't she realized it earlier?

This company belonged to her brother-in-law. And now, he had the means to back it up.

She just hadn't expected everything to happen so quickly.

She used to be a top student at Beijing Film Academy, while her brother-in-law was merely a laborer doing the lowest-paying jobs in society.

Now, she had graduated, and he had become a big boss in the entertainment industry.

With a mere wave of his hand, he was investing hundreds of millions.

The psychological gap was massive—so vast it felt as deep as the ocean.

Song Wu wanted to lower her proud head, but she didn't know how to face him alone.

In the end, she didn't go with Bai Xin.

Yet, after Bai Xin left, she shed a quiet tear and sent a message to her sister.

"Sis, I miss you."

The one who scolded her the harshest was Song Jianxi, yet the one who loved her the most was also her elder sister.

Song Jianxi: "If you miss me, come home."

Following Chen Pingsheng's advice, Song Jianxi bought a luxurious 500-square-meter, fully furnished house in Shijingshan for Zhao Liying.

It cost 9.8 million yuan—a personal favor investment.

Now, their homes were close to each other, making everything more convenient.

Her foolish little sister—her own brother-in-law had already made such an investment for someone he once helped, yet she was still being stubborn.

Was it really that hard to lower her head and ask for help?

Back when her brother-in-law had no money and no connections, he still had to bow and scrape when dealing with a minor city enforcement officer.

Now that he had money, the rules of society had finally opened their doors to him.

Buying property restrictions?

Car plate limitations?

School district requirements for household registration?

Even getting into a hospital required reservations and long waits.

Until you experienced it yourself, you'd never understand how easily money and connections could erase these obstacles.

If people wanted to make money alongside them, they would naturally clear these everyday hurdles.

Song Wu turned off her phone, wiped her tears, and finally drove to her sister's place.

Song Jianxi, despite being pregnant, had no intention of slowing down.

She only needed to manage the finances at Tengsheng, which was steadily opening new stores every month.

It didn't require much effort from her.

But Shui Yun Jian was different—it was a new business with a substantial investment.

Zhou Chun and the others had just arrived in Beijing with no foundation whatsoever.

And truthfully, Song Jianxi hadn't been a wealthy woman for long. Her circle of friends still consisted of former colleagues like Du Juan.

She had no connections to wealthy women who could help support the business.

Shui Yun Jian was bound to lose money in the first few months.

Fortunately, her husband seemed to have anticipated this, setting aside a million yuan as working capital in advance.

When Song Wu arrived, Song Jianxi was in the tea room at Shui Yun Jian.

Her silly little sister looked far more worn-out after graduation.

In school, she didn't have to earn her own money and could still live in a dream.

But once out in society, facing the pressure of survival, even the proudest peacock had to learn humility.

Yes, humility.

Song Jianxi was already exuding the aura of a dominant businesswoman.

And as for her foolish younger sister, she needed a wake-up call.

"So, have you seen your brother-in-law?"

"Yes."

Song Wu nodded awkwardly.

"What do you think?"

Song Jianxi handed her a cup of freshly brewed tea.

"Your brother-in-law not only manages Tengsheng's fruit business but now also runs an entertainment company. Despite all that, he still chooses to drive for hours every day just to come home on time. Have you ever wondered why?"

"Because he cares about you."

"Exactly. Because he loves me."

Song Jianxi continued, "People say the entertainment industry is full of beautiful women. When he first said he wanted to start an entertainment company, I was a little worried. But then I realized—after all these years of working hard, all he ever wanted was to give our family a better life. He's slowly fulfilling his promises. I can't just sit back and do nothing. Running Shui Yun Jian and working alongside him—that's what a real marriage is. Either you struggle together, or you succeed together."

She sighed and shook her head at her naive little sister.

If Song Wu didn't change her values, her future—not just in her career, but in marriage—would be bleak.