166: Chapter 166 Small Gathering

Chen Shaoping chuckled, his eyes fixed on Zhang Quanzhi.

"Director Zhang, you're a wicked old man. Don't give her such bad ideas and lead the girl astray."

His words made Zhang Quanzhi and Manager Hu burst into laughter.

Only Cheng Yiyi lowered her head even further.

"Ms. Cheng, there's no need for this. I've agreed to the song. I'll give it to you by the day after tomorrow at the latest. Is that okay with the timing?"

Chen Shaoping had wanted to exchange for the song on the spot, but since the system upgrade wasn't complete yet, he could only wait until tomorrow.

"Really? Thank you, Teacher Young Master Ping," Cheng Yiyi said excitedly, raising her head, the blush on her face not yet fully faded.

"No problem, no problem at all. I will definitely do my best to sing the song well."

Manager Hu struggled to stand up to thank Chen Shaoping, but he didn't succeed.

Chen Shaoping had to bend down to shake his hand, and his own hand was squeezed until it hurt.

After parting with the three of them, Chen Shaoping went to Stage 3.

Zhang Ying had just finished her rehearsal and was walking down from the stage.

Chen Shaoping hurried over, gently supporting her and whispering.

"Darling, you've worked hard. Go sit over there, and I'll massage your legs for you."

After standing on stage for nearly two hours straight, Zhang Ying's legs indeed felt a bit sore and weak.

She accepted Chen Shaoping's suggestion with a smile.

Before coming, she hadn't expected this rehearsal to be so troublesome.

Either there was a problem here, or something was wrong there.

Not only did she have to stand for a long time, but she also sang the song many times, leaving her throat feeling parched.

And this was just a rehearsal in plain clothes and without makeup.

According to the requirements, she would have to wear an evening gown weighing nearly twenty pounds during the official performance of the gala.

To adapt in advance, she had to come for another rehearsal tomorrow morning, and this time, she would be wearing the evening gown.

Feeling the pressure of the massage on her feet and seeing Chen Shaoping's serious expression.

She slowly closed her eyes, the corners of her mouth curling up, and the fatigue in her body instantly eased significantly.

She began to enjoy it slowly.

More than ten minutes later.

"That's enough, no need to massage anymore." Zhang Ying looked happy and smiled brightly.

"Doesn't it hurt anymore?"

"Yeah, let's go watch Zhou Bule's rehearsal."

"Okay."

Chen Shaoping and Zhang Ying went to Stage 1, where Zhou Bule's rehearsal setup was much smaller.

There were only two people on stage.

Besides him, there was a girl dancing backup.

It wasn't as complex as Zhang Ying's stage.

Zhou Bule finished singing a run-through.

His crisp and pleasant singing voice moved the people around the stage.

Director Ji looked enchanted and commented leisurely, "The song is good, and the singing is even more impeccable. Perfect."

"This is the best song I've heard all day during rehearsals."

Zhang Ying praised loudly, "Zhou Bule's voice is amazing. I love it so much."

Chen Shaoping smirked with a hint of pride, "Well, look who recruited him into the company."

Zhang Ying glanced at him, saying nothing.

But her hands weren't idle; her pinching technique was becoming more and more practiced.

Chen Shaoping quickly begged for mercy.

Zhou Bule came down from the stage and ran toward them, cheering joyfully.

The excitement on his face was palpable as he said loudly.

"Sister Ying, President Chen, I love this stage so much. I felt so relaxed while singing, my state was surprisingly good, and every note felt comfortable to sing."

Chen Shaoping observed Zhou Bule's performance; it was much better than when he first stepped onto the CCTV stage.

He had overcome his inner inferiority and nervousness, and was beginning to learn how to enjoy the stage.

Once the National Day Gala aired, Chen Shaoping believed he would become a regular at various galas.

There would be no need to worry about exposure anymore.

Zhang Ying smiled and patted his shoulder, praising him, "I was originally worried about you, but now it seems that was completely unnecessary."

Zhou Bule scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled, not knowing what to say.

"Let's go, you two. Given your good performances, I'm treating you to a big meal tonight."

"I wonder if there's anything good to eat?"

"I'm fine with anything."

"Me too."

"Then I'll handle the arrangements."

Since neither had a preference, Chen Shaoping planned to go with what he wanted to eat.

"President Chen, should we call Brother Bo?"

"Call him. I also want to see if he's achieved any results during his time at Jiaxing Entertainment."

"I'll contact him."

"Okay."

...

By the time Chen Shaoping and the others arrived at 'Jubaoyuan Copper Pot Shabu-Shabu', more than an hour had passed.

During rush hour in Jingdu, the traffic was so congested that it was almost impossible to move, ranking among the worst in the country.

There were already quite a few customers in the shop.

If the weather were a bit colder, the shop would probably be full by now.

Chen Shaoping had already reserved a private room while he was still at the CCTV Tower.

As the three walked into the shop, a waitress came forward and bowed slightly.

"Do the three of you have a reservation? Would you like a private room or the main hall?"

"We reserved Room 888. My name is Chen," Chen Shaoping said.

After confirming, the waitress smiled and said, "Mr. Chen, please this way."

Led by the waitress, the three arrived at the private room.

"Mr. Chen, would you like the food served immediately, or should we wait a while?"

Chen Shaoping glanced at Zhou Bule.

He immediately spoke up, "President Chen, Brother Bo said he's already on his way and should be here soon."

"Serve it now," Chen Shaoping replied.

The waitress withdrew.

Soon, several servers entered carrying the copper pot and the dishes.

"Sister Ying, you must be hungry. Let's start eating and not wait for Wang Bo."

Before Zhang Ying could answer, a server walked in with Wang Bo.

Yang Mi followed behind him, looking at the three of them with a smile.

Before Chen Shaoping could react, Wang Bo threw his arms around him in a tight hug, looking aggrieved.

"Da Ping, you've finally come to rescue me! Do you know what my life has been like these past few days?"

"It's either making faces in the mirror or being scolded by the teacher, 'The emotion is wrong, do it again!'"

"Sometimes, I feel like I've forgotten how to smile."

Though he complained, his eyes sparkled, clearly showing he was enjoying it.

"Sister Mi knew you were in Jingdu too and insisted on coming to thank you in person."

Chen Shaoping impatiently patted Wang Bo's hands, "Let go, let go."

"I didn't come to Jingdu to see you; I'm here accompanying Sister Ying for her rehearsal."

Wang Bo didn't care about that and instead tightened his grip a bit.

Zhang Ying looked at the two men hugging, frowned slightly, and turned to greet Yang Mi.

"President Yang, please have a seat. Ignore them."

Yang Mi smiled elegantly, "Zhang Ying, congratulations on achieving the status of a Diva."

"I've persevered for so many years, yet I've always missed out on being named Best TV Actress or Best Film Actress."

Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at Chen Shaoping, who had finally broken free, with a hint of regret.

"You're very lucky to have met such a talented man."

Zhang Ying also looked at Chen Shaoping, her eyes filled with deep love.

"Thank you! I am indeed very lucky!"

Zhang Ying and Yang Mi took their seats.

Chen Shaoping said with a straight face, "Sister Mimi, is Wang Bo being mistreated at your company?"

"Why is he so full of grievances when he sees me?"

Hearing this, Wang Bo's face instantly turned the color of pig's liver.

At Jiaxing Media, although he had much less freedom, he was mostly following teachers to learn acting.

He could feel that Jiaxing Media was truly doing its best to help him improve his acting skills.

Sometimes, even Yang Mi, the boss, would personally demonstrate for him and perform scenes with him.

He was just being a bit dramatic, and this guy Da Ping was already trying to stir up trouble for him?