On the other side.
After Song Xi went out, she saw a familiar Porsche parked by the roadside and immediately understood what was going on.
Her expression was displeased, and she turned to leave. However, the director and producer were still standing behind her with smiles.
"Go on, Song Xi, Mr. Lou has already made arrangements."
Song Xi forced an awkward smile and had no choice but to walk over, bracing herself.
Once Song Xi got into the car, her expression turned cold. Without even seeing who was in front of her, she unleashed a torrent of scolding.
"What do you mean by this? Are you doing this on purpose! Today is the first day of filming. Can't we discuss whatever it is after filming is over! I have to work now!"
"Miss Song."
As soon as the car door opened, Song Xi's actions faltered. She spun around abruptly, only to discover that Yao Yifan was the only one in the car!
So, all her angry ranting was directed at Yao Yifan.
Damn it… how embarrassing.
"Where is he!" Song Xi's face turned red with anger.
Yao Yifan silently closed the car door, speaking as he subtly pressed down on the accelerator.
"Sir is waiting for you at the old residence."
"The old residence?"
Song Xi was stunned for a moment upon hearing those words. Then, as if realizing something, she raised her voice and shouted, "Who told you to drive! Stop, stop quickly!"
Yao Yifan's gaze remained fixed ahead. "Miss Song, my task today is to safely escort you to the old residence. Please rest assured, arrangements have been made with the production team, and you can make up for the missed filming later. It will not delay your work."
Song Xi struggled to pry open the car door a few times, only to find that Yao Yifan had already locked it from the inside.
She kicked angrily and then met Yao Yifan's gaze in the rearview mirror.
She let out a cold laugh. Yao Yifan's scalp tingled. He felt as though Song Xi might desperately drag him down with her if she truly lost it.
The drive to the old residence would take at least two hours.
Song Xi initially refused to communicate with Yao Yifan, but she felt restless. Why would Lou Yuming suddenly send someone to pick her up to go to the old residence? Had something happened?
She caught sight of a pile of items in the trunk and paused.
"Isn't it Madam Zhang's birthday today?"
Yao Yifan looked surprised. "How did you know?"
Song Xi leaned back lazily, her tone nonchalant. "Those things in the trunk, judging by the packaging and gift boxes, are either antiques or jade bracelets. They look expensive at first glance. Besides, you're taking me to the old residence today. I haven't been there for ages since I broke up with Zhang Qi. And—" she and Lou Yuming were still in a cold war; he wouldn't have contacted her proactively unless there was a special situation.
"And what?" Yao Yifan was curious.
Song Xi decided not to elaborate and asked, "Just tell me, is it or isn't it."
Yao Yifan nodded slightly. "Miss Song is indeed sharp and intelligent, you've guessed half of it correctly."
"Half? What's the other half?"
Yao Yifan played coy. "You'll know when we get there. Sir said this is a gift for you."
A gift?
Song Xi scoffed inwardly. It definitely wouldn't be anything good.
Song Xi deeply respected the old madam. Although their relationship had gradually grown distant due to her relationship with Zhang Qi, and there had been some disagreements, she was an elder after all. It would be improper for her to attend the old madam's birthday celebration empty-handed. However, it was too late to prepare something now. So, Song Xi said, "Stop by a mall on the way, I'll buy something."
Yao Yifan glanced at her.
Song Xi rolled her eyes and emphasized, "I won't run away!"
"If you're looking to buy a gift, there's one under your seat. Sir has already prepared it for you in advance."
Song Xi's expression froze. She reached out with half-belief and indeed found a bag.
Upon opening it, she discovered it was a jade statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva!
It felt heavy in her hand and was clearly very expensive.
Song Xi was dumbfounded. "When… when did he prepare it?"
Yao Yifan smiled without answering.
Two hours later, the Porsche suddenly stopped halfway up the mountain, still a considerable distance from the old residence.
Song Xi asked, "What's wrong? Why did we suddenly stop?"
Yao Yifan turned off the engine. He had driven down a small path, and the car was now completely concealed by the tall trees, making it difficult for people outside to spot them. However, they could clearly see the situation on the road.
Song Xi's expression was suspicious, her mind filled with questions. But seeing Yao Yifan's expression, she knew he had done this on purpose.
So, she also stared intently outside, though she didn't know why.
After a short while, a black car drove in. The windows were open, so Song Xi immediately saw the person sitting inside – Zhang Qi!
Her expression changed. The nightmarish memories of being bullied surged back like a tide. Her fingers began to tremble uncontrollably, her face turned ashen like paper, and cold sweat dripped down her forehead. In just a few seconds, her back and bangs were soaked with sweat.
"Miss Song?"
Hearing the voice, Song Xi trembled all over. The gift she was holding dropped with a thud as she failed to react in time.
She picked it up in a panic, about to check if the Guanyin statue was damaged, when Yao Yifan suddenly took it from her hand and tossed it into the drawer in front.
"You…" Song Xi's throat felt sore. "Aren't you going to check if there's any problem? It might be broken."
"There's a new one under your seat."
Song Xi's eyes widened. Disbelievingly, she reached out.
As she felt around, she actually touched several boxes.
Yao Yifan said unhurriedly, "Sir said there's a new one if it breaks. Today, all that matters is that you are happy."
Happy? After seeing Zhang Qi, her heart was filled only with apprehension and unease.
"Two minutes left," Yao Yifan checked the time.
He had a mysterious and unfathomable expression, making Song Xi very curious. What was Lou Yuming planning?
"Three… two… one."
As Yao Yifan counted down, the black car carrying Zhang Qi suddenly sped down the road in a hurry, its front bumping hard against a large tree due to the haste.
Inside the car, Zhang Qi was frantically instructing the driver, yelling and cursing. Song Xi didn't know what he was saying, but she could tell he was extremely flustered at the moment.
And behind him, a swarm of reporters and paparazzi carrying cameras scrambled down.
As the car sped away, the reporters all got into their own vehicles and chased after it. The scene was chaotic.
Song Xi, sitting in the car and witnessing all this, looked astonished, her eyes wide open.
…What was going on?!