Zhang Shanghua still held Lin Qinghe, unwilling to let go. Lin Qinghe glared at him in warning. Only then did he reluctantly release her and say with a wronged expression, "Baby, it's been so long, can't Dad even hug you?"
"Stop! That's enough!" Lin Qinghe made a stopping gesture and took two steps back, creating a safe distance from Zhang Shanghua to prevent him from hugging her again. "Let's not talk about that. I have something important to discuss with you!"
Zhang Shanghua still looked aggrieved, pouting, "Dad misses you. What could be more important than this? Baby, are you still mad at Dad?"
Lin Qinghe rubbed her forehead, her head aching.
If outsiders saw a famous director suddenly turn into a whiny baby, they would probably drop their jaws.
"Alright! I miss you too. After this recording session, I'll make time to have a proper meal with you, okay? Time is precious now, let me tell you about the important matter first!"
Zhang Shanghua's eyes lit up at her words, "Really? You're not lying to Dad?"
"No!"
Zhang Shanghua immediately beamed, his face splitting into a smile, "Okay, okay... After you finish recording the show, Dad will take you to eat something delicious. You can have whatever you want, or you can come to my place, and Dad will cook for you himself."
"Mhm," Lin Qinghe steered the conversation back to the main point, "I want to ask you for a few favors."
"Okay, baby, tell me. What do you need Dad to do? Just say it! Dad will definitely make it happen!" Zhang Shanghua patted his chest.
Lin Qinghe's eyes flickered. "During the recording, I clarified what happened two years ago. I need you to ensure that what I said is not cut or edited, and is broadcast word-for-word."
Zhang Shanghua frowned, his expression becoming complex, "Baby, it's not difficult to ensure your words aren't edited. I can just talk to the post-production team. But... have you considered that clarifying this matter after two years will definitely affect you? Your reputation in the entertainment industry will be greatly diminished."
Lin Qinghe replied without hesitation, "It's fine. I have my own plans. Just do as I say."
Zhang Shanghua had no choice but to say with slight helplessness, "Alright, Dad promises you. After the recording is finished, I will talk to the relevant people."
Lin Qinghe nodded, "Mhm, and also..." Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment. "I hope you can step forward and negotiate with Aurora Entertainment to sign You Rong under your film and television company. As for his debts and liquidated damages to Aurora Entertainment, no matter how much, I will give it to you."
Lin Qinghe's words completely confused Zhang Shanghua. He asked, bewildered, "You want me to step forward and help You Rong break his contract, sign him to my film and television company, and spend money and effort for him... What exactly are you trying to do? When did your relationship with You Rong become so good?"
Zhang Shanghua, being in the entertainment industry, knew the truth about Lin Qinghe's rise to fame by stepping on You Rong two years ago. So, her current painstaking efforts to help him seemed strange to him.
Lin Qinghe lowered her gaze, her dark eyes darting around.
She had to find a plausible reason to fool Zhang Shanghua...
Lin Qinghe suddenly had an idea!
Lin Qinghe let out a wry smile, "I... I actually like You Rong. Two years ago, I was pursuing him, but he rejected me. That's why I harbored resentment and wanted to pull him down from his position as a top star... I succeeded, and I thought I would feel avenged, but I wasn't happy at all. My feelings for him haven't decreased at all in the past two years. Seeing him in such a bad state and being bullied makes me very sad. It's only now that I've realized I truly love him!"
Lin Qinghe looked up, and as expected, saw Zhang Shanghua's expression of utter shock.
"Dad, I... I want to genuinely make up for what I did two years ago, and I want You Rong to forgive me so we can be together. You'll help me, won't you?"
Zhang Shanghua's expression shifted in a multitude of ways, making it incredibly dramatic.
He was unhappy. His beloved daughter, whom he had finally recognized, was so quickly captivated by some other boy. What's more, that boy didn't even fancy his precious daughter! The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
What was so good about that boy You Rong, apart from his face!
But seeing his precious daughter's sadness and her hopeful plea for his help, he couldn't bear to refuse.
Zhang Shanghua finally half-embraced Lin Qinghe and patted her shoulder with concern, saying reluctantly, "Alright, don't be sad. With Dad here, Dad will definitely help you. It's just a matter of signing You Rong to my film and television company. It's a simple matter, leave it to Dad! I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly! As for You Rong's liquidated damages and other fees... you don't need to give them to Dad. Everything Dad has will be yours in the future. Father and daughter, we are one."
Lin Qinghe's face instantly brightened into a smile, and she nodded heavily, "Thank you, Dad."
The single word "Dad" made Zhang Shanghua overjoyed, instantly dispelling any displeasure in his heart. He grinned so wide his mouth almost reached his ears, "Ah! Okay, okay... Dad's good baby, Dad's good daughter."
After discussing the important matters, Lin Qinghe feared that their extended absence might arouse suspicion among the others in the private room. She said, "Dad, I'm going back first. You wait a moment before returning. Remember, for You Rong's sake, we can't reveal our father-daughter relationship for now. Otherwise, I'm afraid he won't sign with your film and television company because of me."
The name You Rong made Zhang Shanghua unhappy, but he didn't show it to Lin Qinghe. He smiled and replied, "Dad knows. Don't worry, hurry back."
"Okay, I'll be going now."
After Lin Qinghe left and her figure disappeared from sight, Zhang Shanghua's affectionate smile vanished. He let out a dissatisfied hum and muttered to himself, "What's so good about this brat? To go to such lengths for him... And he can't even know about our father-daughter relationship for now, fearing he won't sign with me, humph! A nobody like him has no leverage at Aurora Entertainment. I'll talk to the boss of Aurora Entertainment when I get back and directly transfer his contract to sign him over. He won't even know..."
Lin Qinghe returned to the private room, greeted everyone, and sat down. Immediately after, Zhang Shanghua returned.
Lin Qinghe didn't notice You Rong's gaze quickly flit over her and Zhang Shanghua, his chiseled features showing a slight change in expression.
The meal ended, and Zhang Shanghua presented the gifts he brought for visiting them, concluding the dinner.
Carrying all sorts of food back to the small village, the program director looked troubled.
According to the program's rules, all guests were not allowed to bring food in. However, these were gifts from Zhang Shanghua, and it seemed inappropriate to confiscate them.
After much hesitation, the program director finally said, "Um... the items Director Zhang gave are from his heart. You can all take them in, just hide them well and don't let them appear on camera."
"Okay, Director, we understand," Zhou Cheng'en replied.
Everyone returned to the small courtyard. Lin Qinghe walked at the back with You Rong. Lin Qinghe quickened her pace to catch up with You Rong and smiled, trying to get close to him, "You Rong, thank you for switching seats with me in the private room today."
You Rong gave her a cold glance and didn't speak, quickening his steps into the male guests' room.
Lin Qinghe was stunned, completely bewildered.
The attitude of You Rong towards her had slightly improved a couple of days ago. Why had he changed so drastically today?