“Today’s Meng Jiao’s funeral. Do you want to pay a visit?”
Her husband’s question made Lu Xinyi stopped b.u.t.toning up his s.h.i.+rt and smiled bitterly.
“I’ll try to drop by and bid her goodbye for the last time, although I don’t think it’s appropriate to meet her parents at this time,” she responded and continued b.u.t.toning his s.h.i.+rt and pa.s.sed him his black coat.
“It’s not your fault, Xinxin. You don’t have to act guilty in front of them. You did nothing wrong with Meng Jiao.”
Shen Yi’s words were his way to rea.s.sure her, but Lu Xinyi knew in her heart that it was because of her why Meng Jiao did those things. If she’d realized sooner what was happening, was she able to stop Meng Jiao to commit such mistakes that led to the loss of her life?
“You’re going to the Tang mansion?” Shen Yi changed the topic, hoping her mood improves.
“Yes, Tang Lilou invited me. Director Tang could give me some names that we could invite as our new brand amba.s.sador for Flair Apparel.”
“Bring a driver and bodyguard with you. I don’t want you to get lost again,” Shen Yi said with finality, not giving her wife a chance to argue with his decision.
Lu Xinyi pouted and slapped his arm.
“Fine, but I’ll take no more than one bodyguard today.”
She still wasn’t used with bodyguards following her everywhere she goes, but if it would give her husband and older brother peace of mind, then she’ll just have to accept it.
The drive towards the Tang mansion was fast and smooth. On their way, Lu Xinyi noticed the vicinity around the Tang mansion seemed untouched by the usual hustle and bustle of the huge, polluted metropolitan cities.
After driving a few more yards, she saw a cl.u.s.ter of tall beech trees with streams of golden light pierced through the s.p.a.ce between the leaves. Behind them stood the great white mansion made of marble glistening in the sunlight, making it impossible to look directly at.
Tang family’s wealth and elegance were surely unquestionable. They were worthy to be part of the big five families of the capital.
When the car she was on arrived in front of the estate, the security around was tight, but the guards lowered their heads respectfully and welcomed her without a word. Stepping outside the car, she was greeted by the Tang family which caught her off-guard.
Was this really necessary? She was just here to pay a visit and ask a favor from the big bosses of Griffin Entertainment. She took in the sight of the Tang family members waiting for her.
The oldest man stepped forward and smiled widely at Lu Xinyi. He was the Chairman of Griffin Entertainment and also Tang Lingfei’s younger brother, Tang Lingzhi.
“I heard that Young Madam Shen will give us a visit and that she is our Lou’er’s good friend. I’m Tang Lingzhi, Lou’er and Liang’s grandfather.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Chairman Tang,” Lu Xinyi returned the formalities although she still couldn’t understand why the atmosphere seemed like they were welcoming a family member that was gone for too long.
Why was Tang Shui’s wife crying behind him anyway?
“Madam Shen, please…”
Lu Xinyi’s attention went back to the old man, and she followed along as the man led her inside the huge mansion. Wherever she looked, everything screams money. While the Shen Mansion where Grammie resided in was a little old-fas.h.i.+oned to Lu Xinyi’s liking, the Tang Mansion was decorated with intricate marble statues in front while the inside was gleaming with cleanliness and high-cla.s.s furniture.
Chairman Tang led Lu Xinyi at the garden where tea and snacks were served at once when they arrived. Lu Xinyi thanked the servant who poured her tea as Tang Shui and Chairman Tang sat across her.
“Lou’er told us you need a model for your upcoming campaign, Madam Shen. Do you have someone in mind?” Tang Shui broke the awkwardness between them. In the corner of his eye, he spotted his wife and Tang Lilou eavesdropping on their conversation.
“Director Tang, actually I don’t know a lot of artists and models so I have no idea who to use for our campaign.” Lu Xinyi hummed in delight when she sipped her tea. The kind of tea served to her was called Earl Grey tea. In just one sip, she tasted the distinct lemony and malty flavor from it.
Seeing that his niece enjoyed the tea, Tang Shui gave his wife a thumbs-up and winked.
“Madam Shen, we’re all surnamed Tang in here. You can call me Uncle Shui,” he said.
The old man beside him scowled as if he was forgotten.
“Madam Shen can also call me Grandpa Tang. There’s no need for formalities. Our Lou’er speaks highly of you.”
Lu Xinyi mentally sweatdropped. Could these two men be obvious? It was really clear that she was the one who needed to ask a favor, and yet right now, these two were trying to be familiar with her.
“Uhh… okay… so Director Tang…” When she saw how Tang Shui’s face dimmed, she corrected herself.
“So Uncle Shui, about the model I need…”
Tang Shui handed a thin folder towards Lu Xinyi.
“Right, right. Here, check these profiles, Xin’er. We made a shortlist of models you might be interested to use. If it’s not enough just inform Uncle Shui, and I’ll ask more models to be listed.”
“Thank you, Uncle Shui. Actually, we need a model with a strong personality. Our next collection will feature young professionals. The model we have in mind is someone who knows how to balance work and social life and could represent our brand to the public.”
Lu Xinyi flipped open the folder and checked the profiles and sample photos of each model. One particular face took her interest. Her face and beauty were something not common to see in this country. She was obviously mixed. One of her parents might be a foreigner.
Looking at the bottom of the picture, she read the name imprinted into it.
Zheng Yue.
Wasn’t this the same person Lan Xiaoli was talking about yesterday?
‘So this is Zheng Yue.’ Lu Xinyi rubbed her chin, a habit she couldn’t stop since young.
“Zheng Yue? Do you want to use Zheng Yue for your campaign?” Chairman Tang asked.
“Why, Grandpa Tang? Is there something wrong with Zheng Yue?” Lu Xinyi arched a slender brow to the old man.
Tang Lingzhi laughed and shook his head.
“Of course not, Xin’er. Like Shui said, you can use any model you deem appropriate. It is just Zheng Yue is facing some issues lately.”
Lu Xinyi hummed.
“Indeed, I heard from Lou Lou that Zheng Yue is an orphan and on a quest to find her mother. Why’s the Griffin Entertainment not dealing with this news?”
“It’s because Zheng Yue asked us not to stop it.” Tang Shui sighed. “Actually, Zheng Yue is our diva in the making. However, the biggest desire in her life is to see and meet the mother who abandoned her when she was young. She’s hoping that with the rumors spreading around, her real mother will step up and reveal herself.”
In the end, her attempt to lure out her birth mother was futile.