Since the first episode of "Let's Fall in Love" aired, it sparked heated discussions among netizens. Xiao Wenqiang also felt that Su Ling was gradually becoming popular, it was just a pity that it wasn't due to her professional abilities.
However, she wasn't in a hurry. With popularity came more scripts. After filming and airing good dramas, the audience would naturally see her skills.
That day, while staying in the hotel, Xiao Wenqiang received an unexpected call.
"Hello, Ling'er, are you busy lately?" It was Su's mother, whom she hadn't contacted in a long time.
"I'm fine, Mom? Is something wrong?" Xiao Wenqiang was a little surprised because, in Su Ling's memories, she didn't usually contact her parents frequently, especially after she insisted on entering the entertainment industry. After years of not achieving anything significant, their contact became even less.
However, judging by the attitudes of Su's father and mother after Su Ling jumped off the building in the novel world, they deeply loved their daughter. So, since Xiao Wenqiang arrived in this world, she had also called Su's father and mother according to the usual pattern. But indeed, they hadn't contacted each other since then.
"Ling'er, it's like this, you're on that dating show recently, right? Your second aunt's youngest cousin really likes you, so she wanted to ask if you have time to come home and meet her. Also, your father and I haven't seen you for almost a year," Su's mother said cautiously, afraid that her daughter would refuse as before.
Xiao Wenqiang remembered that one of the original Su Ling's wishes was to filial piety to her parents after earning money. She had been busy with her career tasks recently and had indeed neglected her family. So, she checked the work schedule given to her by Qiao Jia and replied, "Okay, Mom, I'll come home the day after tomorrow then!"
"Ah, okay! I'll ask your dad to buy more dishes and prepare your favorite food for you," Su's mother's voice became noticeably excited.
Three days later, Ningzhen Airport.
Xiao Wenqiang got off the plane and looked at the small city where Su Ling had grown up. She clearly felt that the part of Su Ling's memory within her was gradually becoming clearer.
Following the route in her mind, Xiao Wenqiang skillfully found Su Ling's home.
As she knocked on the door, a bright young girl peeked out. Upon seeing her, she immediately let out a shriek, then covered her face and ran back yelling, "It's my Lingling sister who's back!" Xiao Wenqiang recalled from Su Ling's memories that this girl was the second aunt's daughter, Su Ling's youngest cousin, Su Qiao.
The house was already filled with seven aunts and eight grandmothers, a lively gathering. Su's father peeked out from the kitchen with a spatula, smiling so much that his face was full of wrinkles upon seeing Xiao Wenqiang. "Ling'er, sit down and rest quickly, and chat with your aunts and grannies." Then he hurried back to cook.
Su's mother also took some freshly cut fruit from the kitchen and placed them on the coffee table, pulling Xiao Wenqiang's hand. "Ling'er, you've lost so much weight." Her voice began to choke up.
Xiao Wenqiang was initially a little flustered, but she quickly composed herself and gave Su's mother a big hug. This action wasn't like Su Ling's; the grown-up Su Ling hadn't hugged her parents like this in a long time. However, seeing the warm scene before her, Xiao Wenqiang followed her heart and did so.
Su's mother was also stunned for a moment, then embraced her child with her arms, and the tears she had held back for a long time finally fell.
About ten people surrounded a round table. Xiao Wenqiang ate Su's father's cooking, which was full of the taste of family love. After eating and drinking their fill, a group of relatives pulled her to sit on the sofa and chat. Su Qiao seized the opportunity and snuggled up to her.
"Su Ling, do you know many big stars now? And are you and that Situ Chen really dating?" the eldest aunt asked with a smile.
"Eldest aunt, I haven't filmed enough dramas yet, so I don't know many stars. And about that show, we were just participating in a reality show, not dating."
"What other dramas have you filmed? I haven't seen any of your acting," said the youngest aunt.
"Our Su Ling is a big star now, making big money. How can you talk like that!" the youngest aunt's husband muttered to his wife, but he was being sarcastic towards Su Ling.
Xiao Wenqiang glanced at him and patiently replied, "Youngest aunt, I've filmed a few dramas, most of them haven't aired yet, and I'm not playing the main roles, so it's normal that you haven't seen them."
Su Qiao was a little unhappy that these relatives were talking about her idol sister that way. She secretly whispered in Xiao Wenqiang's ear, "Lingling sis, don't mind them, adults don't understand. But I'm your fan. I watched the drama where you played Hua Li last time, your fight scenes were amazing!"
"Thank you, but I was only Hua Li's stunt double in that. The more exciting plotlines were created by the main actors on screen."
"Oh, oh, but I only liked your action scenes in it! By the way, Lingling sis, which other dramas of yours are going to air?"
Xiao Wenqiang thought for a moment and said, "There's one called 'Case Files of Forensic Evidence.' I play a small role in one of the units. If you're interested, you can watch it. It's airing next week."
"Mhm, okay, I'll always support you!" Su Qiao shouted, raising her little fist, then asked a bit shyly, "Lingling sis, can I ask for a few autographs? My classmates also really like your martial arts scenes."
"Of course." Then Xiao Wenqiang saw Su Qiao take out ten photos of Su Ling from her bag, and some were even promotional photos from 'Legend of Xuanyuan.'
After signing for her cousin, Xiao Wenqiang checked the time and bid farewell to everyone. Although Su's father and mother were very reluctant, she had to record 'Let's Fall in Love' the next morning and had to rush back that day.
This episode of 'Let's Fall in Love' moved the recording venue to a small villa and informed the guests to bring their luggage as they might be staying for a short period.
Xiao Wenqiang was the third to arrive. Upon entering, she found Wei Yizhou and Wei Yutong already seated on the sofa, chatting. Seeing her enter, they both smiled and nodded, greeting her.
Xiao Wenqiang smiled back. Turning around and seeing that the cameras were already on, she asked somewhat confusedly, "Is this considered filming now?"
Wei Yizhou enthusiastically pointed to the entrance and said, "Didn't you see the notice at the entrance when you came in? It says this part is live."
"Oh, oh, maybe I didn't notice." Xiao Wenqiang was a little surprised, thinking to herself that Director Zhou was quite bold to use a live format.
A while later, Kong Yunshan also entered. His arrival livened up the atmosphere considerably, with constant laughter and joy. As a host, he instinctively made sure that the mood didn't turn cold.
The second to last to arrive was Ding Xiang. She entered with a beaming smile and greeted every guest present, except for Xiao Wenqiang, enthusiastically.
When she reached Xiao Wenqiang, Ding Xiang completely ignored her, walked past her, and sat down on the sofa next to Kong Yunshan.
〈I seem to feel an awkward atmosphere...〉
〈Do Ding Xiang and Su Ling have any grievances? Haven't heard of any?〉
〈Watching variety shows should be relaxing, I don't like this atmosphere~〉
〈They were in the same agency before, weren't they! But Ding Xiang is much more popular than Su Ling~〉
〈Not interested in the female guests' catfights, I'm just waiting for my Chen Bao!〉
〈Right, why hasn't Situ Chen arrived yet? Is he putting on airs?〉
〈Haters upstairs, don't jump around. Given Situ Chen's status, him appearing last is not unreasonable~〉
Just as the bullet comments were scrolling wildly, a deep voice, like a cello, sounded from outside the camera's view: "Sorry, thank you for waiting!"