Chapter 80 This Time, the Stage Is Yours

Chen Fang was willing to help Su Murou for a personal reason as well. If Su Murou could join the film crew, it meant she would have to stay at the hotel in Hengdian for a long while and wouldn’t be able to return here. In that case, no one would disturb him and Ji Mei.

It was nearing noon. Ji Mei should be waking up soon. Chen Fang didn’t stay for lunch; he had many things to handle and it wouldn’t be too late to return once he was done. Leaving the villa, he first went to his new home. Pang Tong had already moved everything over, so Chen Fang just needed to follow the navigation and take the subway.

An hour later, Chen Fang saw his new house—a two-story duplex villa. “This place is really nice,” he nodded with satisfaction. Since it was his first visit, he didn’t have the key to the main door and had to call Pang Tong.

Pang Tong was out picking up a package. The only downside to this place was that the delivery point was too far, so picking up parcels was always a hassle. Of course, Pang Tong could pay extra to have them delivered, but since he went out daily for exercise anyway, he preferred to fetch them himself and save some money.

Chen Fang waited at the gate. Suddenly, he heard someone calling him. “Chen Fang?” A pair of long legs dominated his view so utterly that he instantly knew whose they were. Recognizing people by their legs! Chen Fang was surprised, “Wang Situ? Why are you here?”

This area was considered a villa district in the capital, though unlike Ji Mei’s upscale neighborhood, it was more of an economical development. Still, anything labeled as a villa could hardly be cheap, especially in the capital, where every inch of land was precious.

Chen Fang was taken aback. Was Wang Situ pretending to be poor all along? Perhaps she was a wealthy heiress hiding her identity to experience life. Wang Situ wore faded jeans and a sports tank top—if not for her prominent figure, she looked just like a construction worker. Judging by her outfit, she didn’t seem rich. Besides, if she truly had money, she wouldn’t have needed two days to scrape together five thousand yuan.

Perhaps noticing the doubt in Chen Fang’s eyes, Wang Situ remained calm: “I’m working as a music tutor for someone. Five hundred an hour. Just happened to see you as I was leaving.”

Oh—Chen Fang was startled. He’d thought Wang Situ might be another An Tinghan. “I don’t oppose you earning money outside, but you’re already an artist under the company. In the future, you should consult the company before doing anything,” Chen Fang reminded her. Now that she was signed, Wang Situ represented the image of Future Stardom, so her freedom would be somewhat restricted.

Wang Situ replied seriously, “I’ve already checked with Sister Xi; she said it’s fine.” Sister Xi? Chen Fang’s gaze was peculiar. It had only been a few days, and they were already calling each other sister and brother.

Wang Situ glanced at the two-story duplex beside Chen Fang, a hint of envy in her eyes: “Is this your house?” “Rented,” Chen Fang replied. “Can’t afford to buy.” He was broke. For Chen Fang to become rich, his system needed to prosper first—let the system get rich before he could. Otherwise, he feared he’d never have the chance to be wealthy.

Despite that, Wang Situ’s envy didn’t fade. Even renting here cost a lot; for her, it was still a huge sum.

Just then, Pang Tong returned. After persistent dieting, his weight had dropped below one hundred seventy pounds, and his features were a bit more defined, finally showing a hint of handsomeness. Seeing Wang Situ, Pang Tong was stunned. Those legs were so long—longer than any beauty he'd seen on Kuaiyin. And this was the real deal, much better than those with leg-enhancing filters.

“Who’s this?” Pang Tong’s jealous eyes reddened. He was frustrated! Chen Fang had so many women, and he had none. Why? Chen Fang was only a bit taller, a bit more handsome, a bit more talented, a bit more witty, a bit more capable at earning money—other than that, what else did he have? What was Pang Tong, after all?

Chen Fang smiled, “She’s an artist from my company—a colleague.” Hearing this, Pang Tong felt more balanced inside.

“I’ll be going now,” Wang Situ wanted to leave. Chen Fang glanced at the time, “Are you busy this afternoon?” “No.” “Then come inside and sit for a while; I just wanted to discuss something with you.” He beckoned her in. Seeing this, Wang Situ couldn’t refuse.

After Pang Tong opened the door, he led Chen Fang and Wang Situ into the spacious, bright living room. The main reason for choosing this place was its excellent lighting.

“What would you like to drink?” “Just water,” Wang Situ replied, a bit nervous. This six-foot-tall woman sat with her knees together, barely occupying the corner of the sofa, hands resting uneasily on her thighs. It was clear Wang Situ was truly poor; poverty is a temperament that can’t be faked. As a seasoned pauper himself, Chen Fang could tell in an instant.

He smiled reassuringly, “Don’t be nervous, this is just my place—not the company’s conference room. Fatty, go to the kitchen and pour our guest some warm water.” Pang Tong glowered at Chen Fang. The woman you chat with; the dirty work I do. Why did he always end up like this?

Chen Fang would have helped himself, but it was his first time here and he didn’t even know where the kitchen was, so he had to ask Pang Tong.

With warm water brought over, Wang Situ took a sip, her nervousness easing a bit. Only then did Chen Fang begin, “I mainly wanted to talk about your participation in the official program of ‘Starlight Road.’”

Chen Fang’s schedule was packed. After finishing the reality show shoot, the official program of ‘Starlight Road’ would begin immediately.

When it came to business, Wang Situ seemed to transform—her anxiety vanished, replaced by remarkable calm and confidence. “The official account of ‘Starlight Road’ released the competition schedule and song theme a few days ago.”

Chen Fang raised his brows. He hadn't followed the news while recording on Yunmeng Island.

“The date is June twentieth at seven p.m. The theme is ‘Commemorating History.’”

In that instant, Chen Fang frowned. This theme… was rather difficult. In a sense, “As Wished” was a song commemorating history, but that song had already been sold to An Tinghan—it wouldn’t be appropriate to perform it again, and besides, “As Wished” was best suited for a solo act, not a duet.

Chen Fang lowered his eyes in thought. Wang Situ didn’t rush him.

After a long while, Chen Fang’s tightly knit brows relaxed abruptly. “This time, I’ll leave the initiative for the stage to you. I hope you won’t let me down.”