Who Needs a CEO? I Choose Stardom

"I had some business with Aunt Shui, so how could I show up empty-handed!"

His act was so natural, Ni Bingyan couldn’t help but relax a little.

While they were talking, the housekeeper had already gone upstairs to inform Shui Sulan. By the time Shui Sulan had changed and come downstairs, she saw her son walking in with a fruit basket. Ni Bingyan followed behind him, dressed in a tweed suit and long black boots, clearly ready for a formal event.

Shui Sulan’s face lit up, and she walked over to greet them.

"Bingbing, have you had breakfast yet?"

Ni Bingyan glanced toward the dining room and realized she had come too early, which made her feel a bit awkward.

She was used to waking up and eating early; she’d forgotten that other families might have different habits.

Besides, she had an appointment today and was worried about being late.

The apology couldn’t wait, so she had to risk being a little impolite by coming so early.

"I’ve already eaten. I’m so sorry to bother you, Aunt Shui."

"It’s no problem at all! You look absolutely beautiful in that outfit. Are you attending some kind of event?"

"I have an interview with the Movie Channel at ten."

"Then let’s go talk over here."

Shui Sulan warmly welcomed Ni Bingyan, then shot a sideways glance at her son. "Don’t you have to go to work? Off you go!"

She could more or less guess the reason for Ni Bingyan’s visit. Seeing her son still standing around, she started to shoo him away.

Sang Yuan knew it wasn’t his place to stick around, so he picked up his briefcase and gestured with it.

"I was actually just leaving when I happened to run into Bingbing! Bingbing got you this fruit; I’ll leave it here for you! I have a project to discuss today, so I’m heading out. Bye-bye!"

"Bye!"

Seeing him wave, Ni Bingyan waved back.

Sang Yuan’s smile grew even wider.

’It’s been so long since I’ve been able to say goodbye to her in my own home!’

Sang Yuan went off to work gleefully, and Ni Bingyan felt more at ease as well.

"The reason I’m bothering you so early is because I’ve caused you all so much trouble lately. I was busy filming a program for CCTV, so I didn’t even know what was happening. My manager only told me last night. The fallout from this has been awful, and I’m truly sorry."

She found it hard to say words like "dating" or "married" right in front of the victim’s mother. Ni Bingyan cringed internally, terrified Shui Sulan would ask what "that whole thing" was.

Seeing that Ni Bingyan had indeed come to discuss this matter, Shui Sulan sighed to herself. ’My son really does know her well. His prediction was spot on.’

"Oh, my! It’s such a small thing. It’s not worth you feeling so guilty about it!"

Shui Sulan took the plate of pastries from the housekeeper and warmly offered them to Ni Bingyan.

’This is the first time this girl has ever visited!’

"This is just how it is in your industry. So many unscrupulous media outlets make a living by fabricating stories about you! You’re a public figure, so it’s inevitable that you’ll face this kind of pressure."

Shui Sulan then handed her a cup of tea, encouraging her to drink.

"Never mind you, there are plenty of people who make up all sorts of things about me too!"

Ni Bingyan just smiled, not knowing how to respond.

’I can’t exactly start asking about the gossip surrounding her, can I?’

"Don’t let it get to you! Keep your eyes on your goal and use your ears to listen to well-intentioned words. Forget about the idle chatter of others. If you run fast enough, the rumors can never catch you. What do you think?"

Ni Bingyan blinked.

The last time someone had said something similar to her was years ago. She had run home from school to the orphanage in tears, complaining that the other kids were bullying her for not having parents. The matron, who was only in her fifties then with hair that had yet to fully turn white, had listened patiently before pulling her into a gentle hug and saying:

"Not having a mother and father isn’t your fault. The ones at fault are those who use it to hurt you. Your eyes should be focused on what you need to do, your ears should be used to listen to the teacher in class, and your energy should be spent on making yourself better. If you work hard enough, when you grow up, you and they will be in two different worlds. Your life will keep getting better, while they’ll do nothing but complain, looking down on this person and that, and will still have achieved nothing by the time they’re old. The most important thing for a girl is to be independent and strong. Why bother with people who don’t matter?"

The memory filled Ni Bingyan with warmth.

Seeing that Shui Sulan had no intention of blaming her, a smile bloomed on her face.

"I’m already used to this kind of thing, but I feel bad for dragging Little Sang into it. I heard from the neighbors that you’ve been worried about Little Sang’s marriage prospects, so I was afraid this would damage his reputation and make it harder for him to find a partner. Then you’d really be worried and upset."

Shui Sulan let out a big laugh and said magnanimously, "He’s only in his twenties, what’s the rush? When it comes to finding a wife, he has to find someone he truly likes for them to have lasting happiness. I never interfere in these matters. Don’t worry about such a small thing. If you really feel that bad about it, then you should come be my daughter-in-law! My Yuanyuan really likes you! Our whole family likes you."

Ni Bingyan’s face turned beet red, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words.

’A comment that direct is impossible to field!’

With a real reason for the visit today, Shui Sulan didn’t have to resort to awkward small talk, and the atmosphere between them felt natural. Seeing Ni Bingyan blush, Shui Sulan smiled.

"Alright, alright, business first. It’s almost eight-thirty; you should get going. You don’t want to be late and leave a bad impression."

Shui Sulan doted on her as if she were her own. Seeing how cautiously Ni Bingyan had come to apologize, she surmised the girl must have lived a life of walking on eggshells, and her heart ached for her.

’A woman’s career is extremely important; she can’t afford to be careless. Especially with a personality like hers, she has to be even more diligent.’

’She hoped Ni Bingyan could become more confident.’

’Money gives a woman courage. If she can earn her own living and build a successful career, even the most insecure person can stand tall and live with dignity.’

"You’re so wonderful, we would never distance ourselves from you because of those rumors. Honestly, I wish that trending topic was true!"

After seeing her to the main gate, Shui Sulan dropped that last line on her. Blushing, Ni Bingyan practically fled.

’Sigh! Mrs. Sang really is desperate for a daughter-in-law!’

’Me and Sang Yuan?’

’Better forget about it!’

’Getting married at my age instead of focusing on my career? I’d have to be out of my mind!’

’I haven’t even figured out how to love myself yet! How could I possibly love someone else?’

Her head was clear, and she understood all this perfectly. But as she ran home, her gaze fell on the bare fruit trees in the yard. Her steps gradually grew heavier, and a strange sadness began to well up inside her.

’As a young woman of the right age, who wouldn’t be interested in such an outstanding man?’

’But as they say, you have to be strong to forge good steel. If I’m not good enough, why on earth would a great guy like him be interested in me?’

’He’s not blind, after all.’

’Sigh...’