Lin Guanyan knew this question would be asked.
He replied neither servile nor overbearing, "Ah, sir, you know the aspirations of Suixiang. You watched her grow up, and she hasn't changed after all these years."
Xiao Deye remained silent.
Lin Suixiang's affection for his fourth son was no secret in the Xiao family. Although Xiao Deye felt a certain closeness to Lin Suixiang, she was, after all, the daughter of the Xiao family's butler. No matter how good she was, she was not a suitable match for his grandson. Everyone understood this without needing to be told, but Lin Guanyan had only now broken the unspoken rule.
Lin Guanyan continued, "She shouldn't have been brought here today. She begged me, and I couldn't refuse. As for that birthday gift, I don't know where she got it, but it must have taken a lot of effort."
He then sighed heavily, "Sir, a parent's heart is pitiful. Even knowing there's no outcome, I can't bear to refuse her. I kept hoping she'd realize when she hit a dead end."
These words were half-true and half-false. Besides Xiao Yi, there were others, and Lin Guanyan truly did not advocate for Lin Suixiang to fixate on just one person.
Since the matter had been brought into the open, Xiao Deye nodded in understanding. "You are a sensible man."
It was understandable for a young lady to want to gain attention in such an occasion and try to marry the man she loved.
Xiao Deye appreciated her thoughtfulness, but as he was indicating, marrying into the Xiao family was absolutely impossible.
Lin Guanyan understood and offered a wry smile. "Sir, please rest assured, an incident like today will not happen again. I will persuade her to stop being so stubborn when we get back."
Xiao Deye looked up at him. "Old Lin, I have seen all that you have done for the Xiao family over the years. I will not treat your Lin family unfairly."
"Thank you, sir."
---
Xia Weiliang made a huge impression at Sixth Master's birthday banquet. Everyone in this circle now knew she was Sixth Master's granddaughter!
However, no one dared to reveal what happened that day to the outside world. Otherwise, they would have to face the consequences, just like that Mr. Ma who caused trouble at Xia Weiliang's film set.
Xia Weiliang returned to Jiangcheng after bidding farewell to Xiao Lan. Initially, Xiao Lan was quite aloof, but seeing Sixth Master's almost devout treatment, it was evident that Xiao Lan was quite satisfied.
At least, the regal aura it displayed was becoming increasingly pronounced.
That evening, upon returning to the film crew, Xiao Yi dropped her off and then left.
He was genuinely busy lately. Despite reaching an age where he should be relying on his past achievements, he still possessed the drive of a young man. This made him, and also Xia Weiliang, who was a young girl in her prime and...
"Wei... Weiliang, what are you saying?"
Xia Weiliang, with her back to everyone, calmly looked at her. "Zhang Miaomiao, stop pretending. Everyone has seen your capabilities. Why are you laughing at me? Heh... how amusing. An artist whose fan base isn't even a tenth of mine dares to mock me?"
"You... you shouldn't say that... I, I'm telling you, I'll really get angry!"
Zhang Miaomiao's eyes welled up, but she still bravely bit her lip, unwilling to show any weakness in front of Xia Weiliang.
But Xia Weiliang had no intention of letting her off. She stepped forward and said, word for word, "I've heard a lot about you from reporters. They say you have a bad temper, low emotional intelligence, and that you have the airs of a diva without the talent! Now, I think we can add one more item: no acting skills, yet insisting on playing the lead!"
"That's enough!"
Zhang Miaomiao let out a roar, tears stinging her eyes. But she stubbornly refused to let them fall, especially in front of Xia Weiliang!
Xia Weiliang stared at her and slowly said, "Just like the man you love, he will eventually know what kind of person you truly are—"
"Shut up!"
*Slap—*
A slap landed on Xia Weiliang's face.
"Cut!!"
Director Liu raised his head from the monitor with satisfaction, giving Xia Weiliang a thumbs-up. "Liang, not bad!"