The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Chapter 153 Each Sighs

Jian Zheng said indifferently, "Whether you remember these memories or not is no longer important, after all, they are all in the past."

Shang Yibo caught a hint of helplessness in Jian Zheng's words. He knew there must be more unspeakable stories behind it, so he didn't press further. He simply nodded with emotion: "I never expected that Cheng Zhi's matter would have such a big impact on Auntie. At that time, none of us realized it."

“Yes, it’s too late to change it now.” Jian Zheng was clearly unwilling to delve deeper into the topic, and instead laughed, “Speaking of which, you really do have some acting potential. Zhou Yanruo, who wanted to be a star back then, didn’t become an actress, but you became a big star. It’s really a twist of fate.”

Shang Yibo ignored Jian Zheng's joke, gently opened the Lock & Lock cup, took a big gulp of cold brew tea, and slowly said, "Entering the entertainment industry was not my original intention; my initial goal was simply to find Zhou Yanruo."

Jian Zheng toyed with a bottle of sparkling water in his hand, his gaze slightly narrowed: "Zhou Yanruo is already standing in front of you, yet you won't tell her who you are, and you even use the excuse of entering the entertainment industry for her sake? It seems that the world of fame and fortune does indeed have its unique charm. However, I really don't understand you, Shang Yibo. In contrast, Wang Jie and I have been brothers for many years. He yearns for Wall Street and dreams of becoming a financial tycoon like Bart. How could he be willing to stay in the noisy entertainment industry and be complacent about becoming a top star?"

Shang Yibo felt uncomfortable with Jian Zheng's teasing words, but he didn't expect the two to start arguing as soon as they met. Coupled with the heavy memories Jian Zheng had just recalled, his emotions became complicated, so he chose to endure it.

"The reason I didn't acknowledge Zhou Yanruo at first was because I didn't want to affect her current life. I hesitated for a moment and missed the best opportunity. If I were to tell her now that I am Wang Jie and we are lovers, it would be awkward for both of us."

Jian Zheng remained noncommittal, then looked up at Shang Yibo and said with a half-smile, "You can always find an excuse. I think you have more important things to do now than reuniting with her."

Shang Yibo was slightly taken aback when Jian Zheng's words hit the nail on the head, directly revealing his thoughts. "Perhaps, there are still too many mysteries surrounding this matter. I can't let these mysteries haunt me every night; I must find out the truth." His tone revealed a hint of determination.

Then, Shang Yibo's expression turned cold. "I thought you would help me, but now it seems you have your own plans."

Jian Zheng and Shang Yibo exchanged glances for a moment, a smile playing on their lips. Before Jian Zheng could speak, a hearty laugh rang out. "Haha, what's with all this planning? If I don't help you, who else will? After all, this matter is complicated, and no one else can get involved, right?"

Upon hearing this, Shang Yibo frowned slightly, his voice low and cold: "That's good."

Jian Zheng, whom Shang Yibo rediscovered as an "old friend," unexpectedly appeared by his side at this time. They recognized each other and sighed with emotion.

Shang Yibo had once been grateful to have such a helper to face the mystery together, but now he had to admit that twenty years had made everything complicated, and he couldn't help but sigh at how much time had passed. Noticing that Jian Zhengfang had been holding back his memories, he had to reassess this "old friend".

The two were about to have a dead end in their conversation when Jian Zheng stood up. "These are the last few scenes here, right? I heard you're going to Huizhou to film on location next week?"

Shang Yibo didn't stand up, but instead looked up and glanced at Jian Zheng, replying, "I should arrive two days later than the crew. What, are the investors going to interfere with the specific filming schedule?"

Jian Zheng said, "No, it has nothing to do with official business. Do you remember Zhang Qian?"

The phone in his pocket rang. Jian Zheng took it out, swiped to answer, and said, "Speak."

A respectful female voice came through the phone: "Ms. Jian, the production team has arranged for you to take a group photo with the main cast and crew. Media reporters are all here. We're preparing to release a press release to announce the new investors and use this as a publicity stunt."

Jian Zheng: "Okay."

Just as Jian Zheng was about to call Shang Yibo to go to the film set after hanging up the phone, there was a knock on the door of the van.

Jian Zheng happened to be standing in front of the door, and before Shang Yibo could speak, he opened the car door first.

Ding Jiajia was standing at the door. "Hey, President Jian, let's go to the set for photos. Everything's ready over there." She greeted Jian Zheng as she got into the car and arrived in front of Shang Yibo: "Yibo, you should go to the set too. The media wants to take photos with the main cast and the investors."

Shang Yibo stood up. "When did you become the investor's assistant?"

Ding Jiajia, not understanding the situation, cheerfully said, "Of course I'm your assistant. That's why they sent me to inform you."

"Thank you, Jiajia. Let's go together." Jian Zheng squinted at Ding Jiajia and smiled, then turned to Shang Yibo and said, "I've asked around, and Zhang Qian is in Huizhou. I think you must also really want to see him."

Ding Jiajia stared wide-eyed at Jian Zheng in surprise and asked, "Who is Zhang Qian? Don't tell me you already have mutual friends?"

Shang Yibo ignored Ding Jiajia and said, "It's time to meet Zhang Qian. You make the arrangements." He walked past Jian Zheng and Ding Jiajia and got out of the car first.

Before they had taken more than a few steps, they saw Jian Can and Shen Qing walking over, chatting and laughing.

Jie Can greeted Shang Yibo, "Yibo, I heard you didn't have any scenes this afternoon, so you stayed on set to help the newcomers with their scenes."

Shang Yibo replied, "Who told you that? The person who gave you the information is not telling the truth. I didn't leave the set because I was filming a night scene and I was too lazy to run around."

Jie Can said awkwardly, "Pretty much, anyway, I didn't leave the set. Isn't this perfect? ​​President Jian just happened to come to visit the set, so we can take a photo together."

Seeing that Shang Yibo didn't answer and was about to leave, he immediately pointed to Shen Qing beside him and said, "By the way, Shen Qing just signed with the company and hasn't been assigned a personal agent yet, so I'll take care of her for now. We'll all be family from now on, so please look after her on set."

Shen Qing quickly replied, "Brother Can, Teacher Shang has always taken good care of me."

Shang Yibo raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying, and turned to urge Ding Jiajia, "Have you finished talking? Are you leaving or not?"

That evening, after finishing her work, Zhou Yanruo habitually opened Weibo to browse the day's entertainment headlines. Two prominent hashtags caught her eye on the trending topics list: "The Legend of Huizhou Merchants Welcomes New Investors" and "Shang Yibo Appears in the Same Frame as a New Rich." She clicked on the latter, and the press release read: "Another new darling joins the Chinese entertainment industry. The financially powerful Rongchang Capital officially enters the film and television industry. Its first major move after establishing Rongyi Pictures is the acquisition and capital increase of the highly anticipated 'Legend of Huizhou Merchants,' starring Shang Yibo."

The accompanying images filled a nine-square grid, with the central photo being particularly eye-catching—a group photo of the investors and core members of the production crew. Zhou Yanruo tapped the image, zooming in to see Jian Zheng firmly occupying the center position, flanked by Shang Yibo and Director Li, with the rest of the main cast members, including Shen Qing and Lin Wei, surrounding him.

She extended her slender, pale fingers and gently slid them across the screen, her fingertips dancing across the photograph before finally settling on Jian Zheng and Shang Yibo. She zoomed in until only the two of them remained, standing side-by-side. A meaningful smile played on Jian Zheng's lips, while Shang Yibo seemed lost in thought, his gaze distant and profound. Zhou Yanruo's eyes remained fixed on the photograph, unwilling to look away.