Chapter 117

“Not really. The final interview is in this afternoon. I took a leave for it,” said Song Haowen with a smile.

“Oh, you passed the preliminary test? How was the final interview today? Was it difficult?” Gu Ziwei asked, surprised and delighted.

“Not too difficult. They asked some basic knowledge questions. As for the results, we’ll have to wait a few days for them to be announced.”

“That’s great! How about I invite Zhu Jie and Ren Jie tonight to celebrate for you?” Gu Ziwei suggested.

“Don’t bother. Let me treat you all when I pass,” Song Haowen said.

“You’re no fun at all. I’m just finding an excuse for everyone to get together. You don’t have to feel pressured.”

“There’s no need to rush for a gathering. However, if we skip the congratulations, I could invite you for dinner separately,” Song Haowen suggested.

“Sure, that sounds great!” Gu Ziwei excitedly asked, “Where do you want to take me for dinner?”

Song Haowen smiled, “If you don’t have any classes now, let’s go shopping together. We can decide on a restaurant while we’re out.” He wanted to take a break and relax after the significant events of the day.

“That’s a good idea. I’m free right now, let’s go out together,” Gu Ziwei said, grabbing Song Haowen’s arm and walking forward. He hurriedly pushed her hand away, saying, “Are you not afraid of sparking rumors like this?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? I have a clear conscience. Whoever wants to spread rumors can go ahead!” Gu Ziwei said casually.

“You may not be afraid, but I am. My reputation is already a bit tarnished. If more rumors spread, the school might even expel me. I don’t want to take that risk,” Song Haowen said dismissively.

“Hehe, you’re like someone who got bitten by a snake once and is now afraid of a rope, you lack courage.” Gu Ziwei mocked.

“Think whatever you want,” Song Haowen said firmly.

As they continued chatting, they quickly reached the school gate. Song Haowen asked for Gu Ziwei’s opinion, and they took a taxi to the city center.

Arriving at Beijing Commercial Plaza, Gu Ziwei asked, “There’s something I don’t understand. You’re so busy now, do you really have time for postgraduate studies?”

Song Haowen was surprised by the question. “Let me ask you in return: if I don’t pursue postgraduate studies, won’t I still have to attend university? Don’t universities require attendance and study? I’ll be studying either way. So, should I go for a bachelor’s degree in four years, or a master’s degree? Besides, pursuing postgraduate studies might give me more flexible time.”

Gu Ziwei was momentarily speechless, but after a while, she burst into laughter. “It seems that as a science student, you’re really good at calculations. I’m thoroughly impressed!”

Song Haowen responded calmly, “Actually, this diploma is just a piece of paper for me, not of much use. I don’t want to rely on it to find a job.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Ziwei was momentarily stunned. “So, you don’t want the government to arrange a job for you in the future? You’d rather be a singer or run your own business? Does a master’s degree from Beijing University matter for being self-employed?”

In Song Haowen’s mind, in his previous life, even doctoral degree holders were working as self-employed individuals or laborers. However, the aura surrounding these diplomas was still quite dazzling, and people with such qualifications were thought not to do low-level jobs, or else they would be devalued.

He didn’t dare to reveal his true thoughts, or else the other party might think he was trying to show off.

“In fact, life is short, like the fall of leaves in autumn. As long as you live happily and can unleash your maximum potential, you don’t have to be confined by rigid frameworks. Whether it’s being a singer, starting a company, making movies, or becoming a tech expert – everything depends on opportunities and luck for me.”

“I know you’re not worried about money now, and you’re not concerned about having a job in the future. Do you consider making money as the goal of your life?” Gu Ziwei speculated.

Song Haowen’s obsidian-like eyes stared at Gu Ziwei. “If I say that the money, I’ve earned now is enough for my entire life, would you believe me?”

“How should I put it?” Gu Ziwei didn’t quite understand his meaning, as her concept of money wasn’t very clear.

“If I only aim to live a comfortable life for the rest of my days, I’ve already achieved that goal. Whether I work or not doesn’t really matter. However, I’m still working hard to earn money, still striving for education. Why? Because I just don’t want to waste my precious life. I want to achieve the greatest success and help more people,” Song Haowen admitted openly.

Gu Ziwei was momentarily at a loss for words. She could say he was young and arrogant, yet he had indeed achieved considerable success in reputation and wealth beyond the imagination of his peers.

She could say he had lofty ambitions, but he showed no ambition in his career, doing things as he pleased. However, she had to admit he was a genius, possessing unparalleled wisdom.

Wherever he went, he always stood out, shining brightly. She didn’t want to delve further into this topic with him and, with a clever idea, thought of a place to go.

“Alright, my big star, I believe whatever you say. It’s only four in the afternoon, and we have time. Can you take me to the film set? I’ve never seen how movies are made in all my years.”

“Sure. The film crew happens to be shooting nearby today. I’ll take you there,” Song Haowen readily agreed.

“Can we meet the famous actress Zhong Lizhi now?” Gu Ziwei’s eyes sparkled.

“Of course. Are you a fan of hers? I can introduce you two,” Song Haowen was somewhat curious.

“That’s great! Thank you so much.” Gu Ziwei was now completely like a fangirl. “Her on-screen image is so beautiful, like a fairy. Is she still pretty without makeup?”

“You seem like you’re going on a blind date.” Song Haowen teased, turning Gu Ziwei’s face bright red. “Don’t worry, my esteemed journalist, your idol looks even more beautiful without makeup, a hundred times better than when she’s all dressed up.”

“Pfft, you’re lying! That can’t be true!” Gu Ziwei pouted cutely, showing her disbelief.

Song Haowen smirked, “I’m lying? You’ll see when you meet her. Just a reminder, don’t let her beauty mesmerize you.”

Gu Ziwei playfully punched his chest in frustration. “Oh, please. You might fall for her yourself, and then you’d be unfair to Miss Tian Nana.”

“Where did that come from? That’s complete nonsense,” Song Haowen blushed. “Don’t be too nosy. Nana and I don’t have anything special.”

“Nothing special? Then why are you blushing? Are you feeling guilty?” Gu Ziwei shot him a sly glance, giggling. “Nothing special? Are you not known as the ‘Golden Boy and Jade Girl,’ naturally destined for each other by the fans? Nothing special? Are you not running a company together, making money as partners? Nothing special? Why is she the only female singer you collaborate with?”

Song Haowen found himself momentarily unable to respond. Indeed, in the eyes of others, his relationship with Tian Nana was unique: writing songs for her, performing together, and jointly managing a company.

Perhaps even Tian Nana and her family had some misconceptions. However, he was clear about it himself.

He never thought much about it, always treating her as Tian Yuxi’s little sister, a good friend—just like how he treated Tian Yuxi, Zhu Hongyu,  Ren Hua, Zhong Lizhi, and Gu Ziwei. It was a platonic friendship, without any romantic entanglements.

“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” Gu Ziwei smirked at Song Haowen, looking triumphant as if she had everything under control.

“What do you want me to say?” Song Haowen blushed, “I’m not the person you imagine.”

“Then what kind of person are you?” Gu Ziwei stared at him with a playful expression.

“I, I’m just a pure youth…” Song Haowen couldn’t finish his sentence and couldn’t help but awkwardly laugh.

Gu Ziwei, deliberately showing an incredulous and innocent expression, opened her cute little mouth and said, “Oh.”

Blushing, Song Haowen said, “Don’t you believe me?”

“Hurry up and take me to meet Miss Lizhi,” Gu Ziwei quickly changed the subject. “I believe, I believe. I won’t pester you about it. Just take me to see her.”

When the two arrived at the shooting location by taxi, the crew members were busy at work. It was an indoor scene set in a somewhat dilapidated courtyard.

When Director Wang Bolong, wearing a vest and directing the shoot, saw Song Haowen, he immediately greeted him, shouted “click” to the cameraman, and paused the shooting. At the same time, the cast and crew on set greeted Song Haowen.

“Hello, Director Wang. I just brought a friend to see the excitement. Please continue,” Song Haowen greeted Wang Bolong while nodding to the cast and crew.

Gu Ziwei felt very surprised. She didn’t expect Song Haowen’s relationship with the crew to be so harmonious. In fact, she only saw the respect everyone showed him and knew he was the male lead but wasn’t aware that he was an investor with significant decision-making power for the film.

Song Haowen led Gu Ziwei into the temporary resting room for actors. Jenny, with sharp eyes, spotted them and shouted into the room, “Miss Zhong, Mr. Song is here.”

At this moment, a commotion erupted in the room.

Zhong Lizhi and several staff members rushed out eagerly. She stopped a step away from the smiling Song Haowen, blushing, and whispered, “Why do you have time to come today?”

Song Haowen didn’t expect her to look at him with such an affectionate expression in front of Gu Ziwei. Feeling inexplicably guilty, he stole a glance at Gu Ziwei behind him and saw her staring at him in surprise, her face turning red.

“Ah, Miss Zhong, you seem busy… Today, I brought one of your fans to meet you.” Song Haowen immediately pushed Zhong Lizhi forward and introduced her to Gu Ziwei. Zhong Lizhi, looking at the somewhat shy Gu Ziwei, took the initiative to hug her briefly, then graciously took her hand, walked to a bench, and sat down side by side to chat.

Gu Ziwei was suddenly faced with her idol, feeling a bit flustered. Fortunately, having worked as an intern journalist for over a year, she had experienced grand occasions and interviewed many prominent figures. She quickly calmed down and started chatting with Zhong Lizhi.

Indeed, as Song Haowen had said, Zhong Lizhi without makeup looked exceptionally fresh and beautiful. Even a beauty like Gu Ziwei, who was considered a campus goddess, secretly envied her.

However, when she thought of Zhong Lizhi’s expression upon seeing Song Haowen, for some reason, a hint of jealousy arose in Gu Ziwei’s heart.

Top of Form