Upon learning that Rong Yu was going to the capital,
Old Master Ji couldn't even be bothered with his online surfing anymore. He immediately grabbed Rong Yu's arm and whined, "Mom, wherever you go, I go."
Rong Yu couldn't stand him acting like this and pushed his face away. "Originally, I was planning to take you along even if you didn't ask, but now..."
"I was wrong," Old Master Ji instantly backed down. "I'll go pack right now."
Ji Yanting came downstairs. "One of my movies starts filming tomorrow. Let's go together."
Ji Zhouye pouted. "You never take me. I'm so pitiful."
"It's fine. I'm still at home. I'll keep you company, A'ye." Ji Jingchuan picked up Songguo, who was running around the living room, and said with a smile, "Great-grandma, Old Master, Second Brother, have a safe trip. Don't worry about things here at home."
Old Master Ji said earnestly, "You two are still children, it's the time for studying. Don't spend all your time thinking about playing."
He hooked his arm through Rong Yu's and walked out. "Mom, after your shoot is over, let's stay and play for a few more days. It's a bit cold this season in the capital; we might even run into the first snow. It would be great if Uncle Tang could come too, then you could finally fulfill that promise you made back then. It's a shame Uncle Tang's health is getting worse..."
Ji Yanting opened the car door for the two elders and changed the subject. "Third Brother just texted me. His project is finally finished, and he just returned to the capital. Perfect timing, we can have a meal together and let Great-grandma meet him."
Rong Yu suddenly felt a surge of anticipation.
This was the only descendant who had inherited her talent for mathematics. She was finally going to meet him.
The three of them boarded the plane, sitting in first class.
Also boarding the same flight were Shen Lin and Rong Ruoyao.
The big-budget movie Rong Ruoyao had a role in was officially starting production tomorrow. Although her part was minor, she still needed to attend the opening ceremony.
After that, she would be stationed at the film set, mainly to observe and learn.
For this reason, she had requested a long leave from school.
This showed just how much she valued this opportunity.
Shen Lin whispered reminders in her ear. "Yan Ting and Chi Fangfei, one is a film emperor, the other a film queen. While you're on set, ask more questions, learn more. This will benefit you for a lifetime... What are you looking at?"
She stopped talking and followed Rong Ruoyao's gaze.
She saw three people boarding ahead.
An elderly person wearing a hat and mask; she couldn't tell who it was for the moment.
A young girl, also wearing a mask, but her figure made it clear—it was her stepdaughter, Rong Yu.
And next to Rong Yu was a tall man, his face completely covered, not even the outline visible.
"It's Yan Ting..." Rong Ruoyao whispered. "I was a fan of his in middle school; I'd recognize his silhouette anywhere. It's definitely him, I can't be wrong. Why is Rong Yu with Yan Ting?"
She quickly thought of Yan Ting's special attention towards Rong Yu on the awards stage yesterday.
If Rong Yu hadn't suddenly become associated with the National Space Institute, she would have definitely been viciously attacked by Yan Ting's fanatical fans because of that special treatment.
Her luck was just too good.
She speculated, "Is Rong Yu going to the capital now because she got a role in this big production too?"
At school, her glory as the top student in liberal arts was overshadowed by Rong Yu being top in sciences.
On the show, Rong Yu was the overall champion, while she only got second place.
Finally, she had landed a role in a major production. Why did Rong Yu have to come and take a share?
No matter what she did, did Rong Yu always have to step on her?
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip.
Shen Lin patted the back of her hand and stepped forward first, calling out clearly, "Xiao Yu? Is that Xiao Yu ahead?"
Rong Yu turned around, met Shen Lin's smile, and gave a slight nod. "Auntie."
Whether it was the original owner or herself, there had never been any conflict between her and Shen Lin. Meeting outside, it was impossible to act like strangers.
"So it really is you." Shen Lin's smile grew brighter. "You're going to the capital too? For some event?"
Rong Yu gave a noncommittal "hmm," not wanting to elaborate, and stepped forward to board.
Shen Lin was also in first class, but the seats weren't arranged for easy conversation.
She glanced in Rong Yu's direction several times.
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip again and said softly, "What, is Mom going to start preferring Rong Yu too, just like Dad?"
"Don't talk nonsense," Shen Lin frowned. "You're my biological daughter, she's my stepdaughter. How could I not know the difference?"
She was just observing what the relationship between Rong Yu and Yan Ting was.
Sitting together, occasionally talking, they looked close, but not quite like a couple. Probably just good friends.
Had Rong Yu really gotten a role in the big production?
Shen Lin was lost in thought the whole flight.
Rong Ruoyao's mood wasn't great either.
When the plane arrived in the capital, after disembarking, Ji Yanting went to collect the luggage while Rong Yu waited in the lounge area with her 'old son'.
Old Master Ji took out his phone, connected to the internet, and opened WeChat. "Third Brother is already at the entrance. Haven't seen the kid in four or five months. Mom, take a look at his face first."
He opened his photo album—it was a solo picture of Third Brother.
It seemed to be from his university graduation, wearing a bachelor's gown, his face bright and sunny, a wide smile on his lips—a youthful, sunny young man.
Just as mother and son were looking at the photo, a commotion suddenly erupted nearby.
"Look, it's Yan Ting!"
"I actually saw the great Film Emperor in person! Today is my lucky day!"
"Wuwuwu, Brother Yan Ting, could I have the honor of taking a photo with you? Please..."
A group of girls swarmed around him.
Old Master Ji pouted. "This is why I don't like going out with Second Son. He always gets recognized. If he agrees to take photos, these girls go crazy, one after another, and we can't leave for half an hour. If he refuses, tsk, immediately some haters will go online spreading rumors that Second Son disrespects fans, that he's arrogant..."
Ji Yanting was the aloof Film Emperor in public.
His face was cold, his lips pressed tightly together.
It wasn't because he disliked being surrounded by fans, but because it made him think of Qiu Sang.
In situations like this before, Qiu Sang would almost always be there.
Qiu Sang would protect him and also calm the fans, leaving everyone happy in the end.
It seemed he needed to find a new agent.
As he was lost in thought,
a voice sounded beside him: "Everyone, please make way..."
It was Shen Lin, bringing Rong Ruoyao over. Adopting a matronly demeanor, she positioned herself in front of Ji Yanting. "Yan Ting has a very important event next and can't be delayed at the airport for too long. If you all like Yan Ting, please support his new movie and new songs. Everyone, please make way..."
With one arm shielding Ji Yanting and the other around Rong Ruoyao, Shen Lin led them through the crowd of fans, quickly heading towards the airport exit.
Although Rong Ruoyao was somewhat of a public figure, her fanbase was limited, so she wasn't wearing sunglasses or a mask. Someone immediately recognized her.
