Chapter 97: Farewell, Hua Xingyu!

When Su Bai and Yang Mengke arrived at the hotel Yang Xiaomi had booked, she was already waiting at the back entrance.

"Xiaomi, why are you here? Aren't you worried about being photographed?"

Yang Xiaomi smiled, "That's why I'm at the back door."

She first turned her gaze to Yang Mengke. "You must be Yang Mengke. My goodness, you're even more beautiful than in the videos!"

"You’re very pretty yourself. It’s the first time I’ve seen my brother go on and on about someone," Yang Mengke replied playfully, glancing at Su Bai as if to say, "Good luck!"

Yang Xiaomi looked at Su Bai in disbelief. "Really? You missed me after just one day?"

Su Bai coughed a few times, "Let's go inside, shall we?"

"Why did you choose such a crowded place?" asked Yang Xiaomi as they walked, beginning her introduction. "You know I recently participated in the show 'Tomorrow’s Light.' The show’s popular, but my judging skills are... lacking. Everyone says I should stick to acting, not mess around as a mentor on a singing show—that I’m leading the youngsters astray. Coincidentally, I want to perform the song you wrote for me on 'Tomorrow’s Light.' It could change everyone’s impression of me."

"I also want you to join, as a guest performer on the show. It would get your face out there before the national audience. Your songs are wildly popular, but since you’ve never performed publicly, people still don’t know you well. Gaining exposure will help when you hold concerts in the future. Today, I’ve invited the director of 'Tomorrow’s Light,' Tian Ye. With your current fame, performing a few songs on the show shouldn’t be a problem, and he’ll welcome it. After all, this is a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Su Bai nodded, understanding Xiaomi’s thoughtful intentions.

"Hey, you two came as well?" Yang Xiaomi was surprised to see not only Director Tian Ye but also two other mentors present.

"Come, Su Bai, let me introduce you. This is Director Tian Ye, and these two you probably know—Xue Qianqian and Hua Xingyu, both mentors on 'Tomorrow’s Light.'"

Tian Ye already knew from their phone conversation that Xiaomi was bringing Su Bai to discuss appearing on the show. He was well aware of Su Bai’s recent popularity, his performance on the national television stage 'Entertainment Focus,' and his successful appointment as the spokesperson for the Palace Museum’s cultural campaign.

That was enough to prove Su Bai’s influence now.

Cooperating with 'Tomorrow’s Light' would be a win-win. In fact, in some ways, the show would be riding on Su Bai’s popularity, using him as a promotional hook across major websites, drawing more viewers to the show through Su Bai’s fame. Increased ratings would naturally benefit Tian Ye.

So Tian Ye took this meeting seriously, bringing Xue Qianqian and Hua Xingyu along to show Su Bai the respect he deserved.

After Su Bai shook hands with everyone, his gaze settled last on Hua Xingyu. "Hello, Hua Xingyu. We meet again."

Hua Xingyu, watching Su Bai and Yang Mengke arrive with Yang Xiaomi, forced a smile. "Yes, I didn't expect we'd meet again in this way!"

"After our last parting, I thought it’d be a long time before we met again. I never imagined Mr. Su Bai would be Xiaomi’s friend!"

He then turned to Yang Mengke. "Hello, Miss Yang Mengke. We meet again! You’re even more beautiful than last time!"

"Let me congratulate you, Miss Yang, on your successful selection as the host of the national television program 'Scroll.' My friend Xu Xiaolu mentioned you, with endless admiration."

Yang Mengke merely smiled and nodded to Hua Xingyu in greeting.

At that moment, everyone’s eyes turned in surprise to Yang Mengke standing behind Su Bai. Their gazes shifted instantly. Originally, they thought Su Bai was the main event today, but the companion he brought was equally significant. The way they looked at Yang Mengke changed from simply admiring her beauty to a hint of awe.

Having been in the industry for so long, they knew well what it meant to be a national television host—the potential power and influence, even as a newcomer, was enormous. This kind of influence was far beyond that of ordinary entertainers. Most importantly, national television was the most influential platform in the country. You never knew when or what resources a host might gain.

Yang Xiaomi was surprised to see Su Bai and Hua Xingyu interact, "So you two know each other?"

But noticing the slightly tense attitude between Hua Xingyu and Su Bai, she didn’t pursue it, just exchanged a few polite words before steering the conversation toward the main topic.

Director Tian Ye stood and expressed his welcome, "Welcome, welcome! Mr. Su Bai is very popular right now—having you perform on stage would be wonderful!"

Tian Ye and Yang Xiaomi began discussing the details about Su Bai’s appearance on the show. Meanwhile, Hua Xingyu felt conflicted inside. He never expected Su Bai to be Yang Mengke’s brother. When he learned from Xu Xiaolu that Yang Mengke was Su Bai’s sister, he regretted his past decisions bitterly.

He was thinking now about how to repair his image in the eyes of these two. Even though he’d spent the night with Xu Xiaolu, his mind had been full of thoughts of Yang Mengke. People say you don’t know what you’re missing until you compare. Before tasting gourmet food, you think plain bread is the best. Before meeting Yang Mengke, Hua Xingyu thought Xu Xiaolu was beautiful and womanly enough. But after meeting Yang Mengke, Xu Xiaolu suddenly seemed dull and flavorless.

Back then, thinking Su Bai was pursuing Yang Mengke, he’d said some sarcastic things to put Su Bai down. Now, it seemed foolish.

Once the details of Su Bai’s appearance were settled, Hua Xingyu took the initiative, raising a glass to Yang Mengke and Su Bai. "Miss Yang Mengke, Mr. Su Bai, there were some misunderstandings a few days ago. Now that we’ve met again, shall we have a drink to clear them up?"

Su Bai bore no particular grudge against Hua Xingyu. Their conflict was simply a matter of rivalry. Since Hua Xingyu extended an olive branch, Su Bai had no reason to hold on to past grievances. Of course, he didn’t show excessive enthusiasm either—there was no need.

After finishing the drink, Tian Ye and Xue Qianqian quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "We’re all industry people—more friends mean more opportunities! Let’s not let misunderstandings affect our relationships. Come, let’s drink!"

Su Bai raised his glass with a smile.

Throughout, Yang Xiaomi said nothing. She knew well—there’s no love without reason, nor hate without cause. She wasn’t involved in their past misunderstandings and refrained from voicing her opinion. Besides, she wasn’t that close to Hua Xingyu. There was no reason to let Hua Xingyu spoil Su Bai’s mood.