Huang Hong's fingers absentmindedly traced Shi Xinxin's name.
The paper was of superior quality, and expensive, but fortunately, the kind of people who read such magazines were not short on money.
Huang Hong was about to open the magazine to scan its contents. Although he could already roughly guess the mainstream media's evaluation of Shi Xinxin, he still wanted to read it himself to put his mind at ease.
However, as he followed the table of contents to the designated page and before he could even read the first line, a guest arrived.
The arrival was within Huang Hong's expectations. The visitor maintained that same humble and courteous demeanor he always displayed in front of elders, and Huang Hong knew it wasn't a pretense; it was simply the child's nature.
Though no overly affectionate expression crossed his face, the gifts he brought each time were enough to signify his intentions.
Given their status and wealth, they naturally didn't need to go through the conventional motions of bringing gifts just for a visit. They casually found seats, and Huang Hong set the magazine aside, quietly awaiting the guest's opening words.
Their conversation began, as it naturally would, with pleasantries. However, the dialogue felt akin to two armies clashing.
Not even a moment had passed before Huang Hong could discern the visitor's true purpose.
The guest was, of course, Sheng Chenjin, who spoke in his usual calm and reliable tone, seemingly inquiring about family matters, recent happenings, and if there was anything he could assist with.
Yet, almost two out of every three sentences mentioned Shi Xinxin's name, pretending to bring her up casually. But who could that possibly fool, except himself?
Seeing him like this, Huang Hong didn't state it directly or expose him, but simply chuckled and continued to entertain him. The two of them appeared to be enjoying each other's company, or perhaps, it was a calm conversation overlaid with an air of geniality.
It seemed like a scene of fatherly love and filial piety. However, both harbored their own calculations.
The conversation meandered for miles, then circled back. Huang Hong beckoned the butler to pour Sheng Chenjin a cup of tea.
The moment they both raised their teacups, Huang Hong suddenly asked.
"Let me ask you, do you like Shi Xinxin?"
The tone was still as casual as their earlier conversation, yet Sheng Chenjin's hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air.
This subtle movement did not escape Huang Hong's notice. He immediately knew that this matter was not just his own speculation.
To be honest, Huang Hong cared for Shi Xinxin like a father. What father doesn't love his daughter and wish for her to find a good lifelong partner?
Shi Xinxin's father had started thinking this way when she was young. But now, he would never know that his daughter had already met the right person.
Huang Hong even felt fortunate to have met Sheng Chenjin back then, and now, their relationship was closer than family.
It was immeasurably better than the relationships between some biological fathers and sons. Furthermore, this young man was talented, intelligent, diligent, and filial—truly the best candidate for a son-in-law.
But nothing was perfect. There was one hurdle he felt Sheng Chenjin would surely struggle to overcome, and that was...
"No, I don't."
He heard Sheng Chenjin say this.
Yes, this was it. The answer was almost exactly as he had imagined. He knew that no matter how good this young man was, he had one flaw: he was tight-lipped and unwilling to admit his feelings.
This could be seen as modest and reserved on the one hand, but on the other, it meant he was terribly reticent. If you didn't push him, he might never take that crucial step.
No one is perfect. One had to be understanding, after all, they had all been through their youth. Who hadn't harbored their own unspoken thoughts?
"Alright, alright, I was too forward. I was just asking casually. Seeing how good your relationship is, if you two were to get together, I would certainly be very supportive."
Sheng Chenjin remained silent, quietly setting down his teacup.
Seeing his demeanor, Huang Hong chuckled and said, "I was just teasing. Alright, let's not dwell on this. Let's talk about something else."
The topic shift was somewhat abrupt, but it depended on who was doing the shifting. Huang Hong's transition was seamless, devoid of any awkwardness, allowing their conversation to flow smoothly.
"I have a contact named Liu Hua, whom you might not know. He's intelligent and honest. He's currently responsible for a variety show that Shi Xinxin will also be participating in. Would you be willing to go?"
Huang Hong continued, "Of course, if you're unwilling, I will respect your choice."
Sheng Chenjin looked up, his gaze meeting Huang Hong's. In his deep, dark eyes, a light seemed to flicker, shining softly.
"If you ask me, why would I have any reason not to go? I should go, both out of obligation and reason. I will go."
"And since I'm going, I will do my best. Please rest assured."
As for what kind of reassurance was being sought, both understood, yet neither would lay bare their hearts to the other.
However, with Sheng Chenjin's words, both had understood each other. Huang Hong nodded with a smile, and they continued their conversation.
Only after Sheng Chenjin left did Huang Hong quickly pick up his phone and call Shi Xinxin.
Even at this moment, Shi Xinxin was not idle, discussing her upcoming schedule with her assistant when she received the call from Huang Hong.
As soon as she answered, she noticed his voice carried an unusual cheerfulness, so much so that she could discern it. When she asked what was wrong, he simply mentioned a variety show and asked if she was willing to participate.
She glanced at her assistant and said, "Sure."
Shi Xinxin hadn't expected the person in charge of this variety show to contact her so soon.
Less than an hour ago, she had received a call from Huang Hong and readily agreed. Shortly after, someone contacted her, claiming to be the project manager.
At first, she found it hard to believe, as the call had come too quickly.
But then she thought, who else would have access to such information, and who would lie to her?
With that thought, she felt she was being overly suspicious. Shi Xinxin chuckled self-deprecatingly and asked for the person's name.
The Liu Hua that Huang Hong mentioned was not fabricated. He wouldn't possibly invent a person as an excuse to facilitate Sheng Chenjin and Shi Xinxin's relationship if such a person didn't exist.
However, it was indeed a well-thought-out plan. The person he found was average—not too established, nor too obscure. Half of the people in the industry would know his name, and half wouldn't.
"Liu Hua." Shi Xinxin heard the person on the other end of the line tell her.