This incident sparked a wave of criticism, with the entire internet doubting Shi Lan had calmed down, suspecting she was up to her old tricks again. However, Tang Ze believed that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, and it was good that Shi Lan took a stance earlier.
He just hadn't anticipated that it would draw Huahai's attention.
Tang Ze received a call from Yan Shixiu's assistant, asking him to visit Huahai—presumably to chide him and Shi Lan.
But every time he thought of Yan Shixiu, he felt terrified and reluctant.
Yan Shixiu's scheming and maneuvering were unfathomably deep, making anyone in his presence feel almost as vulnerable as streaking.
Tang Ze, with great reluctance, headed to Huahai once more and was escorted by the receptionist to the CEO's office.
"President Yan, Mr. Tang has arrived." The secretary knocked on the door.
The place where Yan Shixiu resided now was once Shi Lan's office. Even the chair remained unchanged.
Yan Shixiu swiveled in his chair, shut down his computer, and looked up at Tang Ze, who stood at the doorway.
"President Yan..."
"Sit," Yan Shixiu motioned with his chin towards the chair opposite him.
Tang Ze plodded over and took a seat with difficulty.
"The drama hasn't even started filming yet, and there's already trouble?" Yan Shixiu intentionally began with a challenging tone.
"President Yan, it's not what you're thinking..."
"I heard that An... Lan has become quite different in personality since she woke up. Are you sure she won't cause any problems during filming?" Yan Shixiu leaned back slightly and crossed his arms, his words icy cold.
Tang Ze, failing to realize he was being led into a trap, hurriedly explained, "President Yan, An Lan... she's just been through a shock. She's given up on love now and only wants to focus on her career. You can rest assured, she won't be wilful anymore. Look, the incident that exploded on the internet today, that's An Lan's attitude."
"So, her personality, preferences, and way she speaks are all different now?"
"Yes, they're quite different. She's become picky and critical, but, President Yan, she really has grown up."
Yan Shixiu watched him but didn't press further, merely asking, "Although An Lan isn't an artist under Huahai, she has signed on for a Huahai drama. In order to protect Huahai's reputation, if you face any difficulties, feel free to bring them up."
"Thank you, President Yan, but we're not having any difficulties at the moment." Tang Ze didn't dare to owe this favor.
"Where is she staying?" Yan Shixiu suddenly asked.
Given a certain someone's fussy taste, An Lan's previous dwelling would probably not meet certain standards.
"I've already had someone look for a new place for her, but it will take some time. So for now, she's staying at my house -- just for two days, since she'll be joining the crew soon."
"You don't think she has enough scandals?" Yan Shixiu asked coldly. "I'll arrange for someone to prepare a hotel room for her, at the very least, to keep things quiet during the filming period."
Tang Ze opened his mouth, intending to refuse, but he had no right to do so.
Yan Shixiu had made his stance clear, and even if Tang Ze had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare tarnish Huahai's reputation. Besides, he was a man; if photos of Shi Lan entering or leaving his house surfaced, he would be at a loss for words, no matter what the truth was.
"Then...I will thank President Yan on An Lan's behalf for the arrangements."
"If the performance is botched, I'll replace her at any time, so there's no need for thanks. Huahai has always been good to its artists."
Tang Ze felt like he was on pins and needles in Yan Shixiu's office.
Fortunately, after his sharp rebuke, Yan Shixiu let him go.
Tang Ze fled from Huahai like the wind, as if he'd been granted a reprieve.
Once he had left, Yan Shixiu summoned his assistant through the intercom: "Book a room for An Lan at Yujing Hotel and have someone pick her up before evening."
"Yes, President Yan," his assistant acknowledged.
"After you manage that, follow my instructions and find a set of rooms," Yan Shixiu continued.
Certain people's pet peeves, so far suppressed, were bound to erupt sooner or later.
The assistant agreed and immediately set to work.
After hanging up the phone, Yan Shixiu sighed.
Have you truly given up on everything?
To brazenly spend the night at another man's home.