Afterwards, Director Pang's words became noticeably more numerous.
He even took the initiative to discuss the "Jing Piao Ling" project, casually asking Song Xi and Jin Ying.
"If you two were to play the female lead, who do you think would be the most suitable male lead?"
This was a sensitive question, easily capable of offending someone.
Sensing their thoughts, Director Pang smiled and said, "We're just chatting. Once we leave this tea room, you can pretend none of this was said."
Jin Ying was still a bit apprehensive, having just made a fool of herself. So, she decided not to speak first this time.
Seeing this, Song Xi thought seriously for a few seconds and then stated directly, "If we're talking about suitability, then Emperor Pei is indeed very fitting."
Director Pang's expression was as expected, "But he hasn't filmed television dramas in a long time."
Song Xi smiled, "It's just casual chat, Director Pang, don't take it too seriously."
Director Pang raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lou Yu Ming, whose expression was unreadable.
In a way, these two were quite similar. One was very perceptive, and the other was impeccably articulate.
"And you?" Director Pang also asked Jin Ying.
Jin Ying also mentioned Emperor Pei.
She could sense that Director Pang had quite a good impression of Song Xi, so following her lead would definitely be the right choice.
When the conversation had gone on long enough, Lou Yu Ming sent a message to Yao Yi Fan. Soon after, there was a knock on the door, and the person who entered was Director Pang's assistant.
"It seems I should be going too."
Director Pang stood up, looking satisfied, and shook hands with Lou Yu Ming, "Mr. Lou, I've had a very pleasant time today. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine. Be careful on your way."
Before leaving, Director Pang also bid farewell to Song Xi and Jin Ying separately. He looked at Song Xi a couple more times but did not ask for her contact information.
Watching Director Pang's retreating back, Jin Ying sighed with regret, "It seems I don't have a chance."
Song Xi, however, felt it wasn't necessarily so, "Believe in yourself."
Jin Ying chuckled, "Wait! If Director Pang doesn't like me, fine, but how could even you not like me?"
Song Xi said, "It's a good thing to have high standards. It means this drama will definitely be well-made."
She didn't seem at all upset, which Jin Ying couldn't understand, "Aren't you disappointed?"
"I am disappointed," Song Xi replied. "But I think we still have a chance. We can try again during the official audition."
Her mindset was truly something beyond ordinary people.
Seeing Lou Yu Ming walking towards them, Jin Ying immediately moved to the side, making space for the two of them.
Song Xi was still surprised at why Jin Ying had suddenly moved away from her, then she smelled that familiar sandalwood scent.
"Let's go, I'll take you."
His tone was no different from usual, as if nothing had happened.
Song Xi didn't have that much magnanimity. She sneered, "No need to trouble you, Mr. Lou. We can take a taxi back ourselves."
"This is the outskirts," he reminded her.
But Song Xi was no longer listening to him. She pulled Jin Ying forward without explanation, "Come on, accompany me for another round!"
Jin Ying felt miserable, especially under the man's icy gaze from behind, which seemed ready to tear her to shreds.
Oh, for goodness sake, can you two not involve bystanders in your silent treatment!
...
Unexpectedly, Lou Yu Ming had followed them.
He seemed to have cleared the place out. The entire court was now occupied by only the three of them, plus Yao Yi Fan.
Song Xi was displeased. Although she didn't want to speak to him, she still asked, "Weren't you supposed to be leaving?"
Lou Yu Ming retorted, "What's it to you?"
Song Xi: "..." You win!
Yao Yi Fan and Jin Ying exchanged glances, wearing expressions of shared misfortune.
Song Xi stood at the serving line, playing without any particular strategy, as if venting her unhappiness.
Meanwhile, Lou Yu Ming was elegant and calm, hitting every shot perfectly.
The contrast between them was stark.
Jin Ying couldn't bear to watch and asked, "Handsome guy, why don't you take me back?"
Yao Yi Fan smiled helplessly, "Without Mr. Lou's orders, I cannot leave."
They were all adults, yet they were acting like children throwing a tantrum.
Jin Ying sat on the sofa, biting her juice straw, and asked a rhetorical question, "Did they have a fight? How long will this last? When will it be over?"
Yao Yi Fan shook his head.
This wouldn't do. She still needed her beauty sleep tonight.
Jin Ying had a sudden idea and winked slyly at Yao Yi Fan, "Do you believe I can make them reconcile?"
Yao Yi Fan frowned.
Jin Ying stood up and flicked her lustrous hair, "Learn from your big sister!"
Song Xi was furious. Her emotions only became chaotic when Lou Yu Ming appeared. Thus, after hitting dozens of balls, none had gone into the hole.
She secretly glanced at Lou Yu Ming, only to be caught directly by him.
The man's eyebrows slightly raised. Song Xi interpreted it as a provocation and unconsciously tightened her grip on the cue stick.
"Song Xi," Jin Ying appeared beside her at some point. She suddenly asked, "Did you and Lou Yu Ming really break up?"
Song Xi, in the heat of anger, gritted her teeth and said, "Yes!"
"Are you sure? If you don't hold on tight now, and some other woman snatches him away one day, you'll regret it too late."
Song Xi said defiantly, "Whoever wants him can have him. Whatever!"
Jin Ying said "Oh," and then, catching her off guard, said, "Then I'm going."