The next morning, Song Qiao drove Xia Xueqing to the television station, ready for her to try out for a role.
"Brother-in-law, I'm still a little nervous."
Xia Xueqing was, after all, still a student. Performances on the school stage were already a considerable challenge for her, let alone facing the grand occasion of the municipal television station.
"There's nothing to be nervous about. Your sister, the last time she was here, she got it in one take."
Song Qiao chuckled lightly, thoughtfully handing Xia Xueqing a bottle of mineral water, and continued:
"Besides, this isn't a live broadcast. Even if the recording isn't good, we can just cut it."
Hearing Song Qiao's words, Xia Xueqing's expression eased a little.
She lowered her head and was silent for a few seconds, then looked up and said somewhat shyly, "Thank you, brother-in-law. Before, I..."
"Hey, what's past is past. No need to bring it up again."
Song Qiao waved his hand, interrupting Xia Xueqing, indicating that he hadn't taken the matter to heart.
He wasn't a petty man. Although Xia Xueqing had previously shown him utter disdain, it was from Xia Yuqing's perspective, speaking up for her family. Her methods were just a bit too extreme.
Therefore, Song Qiao had long since stopped dwelling on it.
Caught in the morning rush hour, it took them a full hour to reach the television station. Fortunately, Xia Xueqing had prepared herself mentally on the way and performed very naturally in front of the camera.
"I say, President Song, where do you find these good seedlings? They truly have the makings of stars."
The cameraman, Old Huang, handed the recorded video to Song Qiao, lavishing praise on Xia Yuqing.
He had been shooting commercials for nearly thirty years and had never seen a newcomer perform so excellently.
Xia Yuqing's singing had been outstanding some time ago, and he hadn't expected that today Song Qiao would bring someone who not only had a good voice but also possessed solid dance skills.
"Of course. She's my wife's younger sister."
Song Qiao glanced at Xia Xueqing, who was removing her makeup, and said with a hint of pride.
"Your wife's sister? No wonder she looks so familiar." Old Huang finally noticed the resemblance between Xia Xueqing and Xia Yuqing.
"All the beauties have gone to your family."
Old Huang chuckled and joked with Song Qiao.
Song Qiao shrugged noncommittally, not saying anything further.
"Brother-in-law, how did I do just now?"
As soon as Xia Xueqing came out, she eagerly asked Song Qiao.
"Excellent, even better than some celebrities." Song Qiao gave her a thumbs-up and praised her sincerely.
Xia Xueqing seemed to be naturally suited for this profession. Today, she had indeed shown extraordinary talent.
"That's great! Thank you, brother-in-law!"
Upon hearing Song Qiao's affirmation, Xia Yuqing cheered and couldn't help but jump for joy.
"Xueqing, when the final product is ready next week, I'll formally sign a contract with you. You'll certainly be compensated."
Song Qiao was also very pleased. If Xia Xueqing were to become famous from the television station, it would undoubtedly be a considerable help to him.
"Brother-in-law, I'm still in school... I don't need that much money."
Xia Xueqing quickly waved her hands, about to refuse.
"Why are you being so polite with your brother-in-law? Your brother-in-law is rich now and can afford your salary."
Song Qiao pretended to change his expression and said sternly to Xia Xueqing.
"Okay, okay, I'll accept it then." Seeing this, Xia Xueqing no longer pushed back and reluctantly agreed.
Song Qiao then nodded with satisfaction and led Xia Xueqing back to the car.
Xia Xueqing was currently attending university. Song Qiao's wife had learned that her mother-in-law didn't give her much living expenses, so Xia Xueqing had been living quite frugally.
This was why Song Qiao had devised this plan to support her indirectly.
Xia Xueqing now finally fully recognized Song Qiao's transformation. Her brother-in-law, who used to be addicted to gambling, had somehow reinvented himself, quit gambling, and become one of the city's top ten entrepreneurial youths.
"It's almost time for dinner. Let me treat you."
After getting into the car, Song Qiao glanced at his watch. Without giving Xia Xueqing a chance to refuse, he directly drove towards Xu Ji Restaurant.
"Brother-in-law, to be honest, your stinky tofu is really delicious. My roommates are quite obsessed with it."
Speaking of food, Xia Xueqing couldn't help but praise Song Qiao's stinky tofu. Although she had shown great reluctance on the surface, after trying it once at her roommates' suggestion, she had become madly addicted to the taste.
"Haha, when you go back to school, brother-in-law will have someone get you a few boxes from the factory. We might not have much else, but we definitely have enough stinky tofu."
Song Qiao laughed heartily. He had absolute confidence in his products. Even though Xia Xueqing had disliked him so much before, she was still conquered by his stinky tofu.
...
When they arrived at Xu Ji Restaurant, Song Qiao didn't make a special effort to see the owner. He discreetly found a corner in the main hall.
"Come on, order whatever you want. The dishes here are all quite good."
As soon as Xia Xueqing sat down, Song Qiao handed her the menu, appearing generous and extravagant.
Xia Xueqing stuck out her tongue and said playfully, "Then I'm really going to order. Be careful, I might bankrupt you today."
Song Qiao chuckled and nodded, gesturing for her to order freely.
Since it was just the two of them, although Xia Xueqing was joking, she still ordered two or three dishes.
Just as she was about to return the menu to the waiter, a sarcastic voice came from behind her.
"Oh, isn't this our department's beauty? You usually ignore my invitations, yet you've come here on a date with an old man."
Song Qiao frowned immediately, muttering to himself, "I'm only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, how did I become an old man in his eyes?"
"Gao Jie, what's it to you? Hurry up and leave, don't disturb us here."
Xia Yuqing had a completely different temper from her sister. She was the type to flare up easily. She glared at Gao Jie resentfully and began to scold him.
Gao Jie smiled, seemingly unbothered. He turned to Song Qiao with a sinister grin and said, "Not bad, buddy. Are you planning to have an 'old cow eat tender grass' here?"
Song Qiao, who had been watching the scene unfold, was stunned by Gao Jie's remark. The tea he had just taken into his mouth nearly came spewing out.
He looked at the other person with a mixture of amusement and helplessness. So this kid thought he was a rival in love, otherwise, why would he harbor such hostility towards him?