Chapter 25: Raising Simulation Game

Chapter 25: Raising a Game

Inside the recording booth, Lu Anzhi stood in such a place to sing for the first time, yet he found it surprisingly enjoyable.

His initial stiffness had only been present while he was recording the instrumental tracks. Now, as he sang, he felt as if he were in a karaoke room; he just let himself go.

Once the song finished, he asked into the microphone, "How was that? Is it good enough?"

"It’s fine, no problems. It’s just a demo, so keep it relaxed," Song Xiaoqin said from outside.

Through the glass, Lu Anzhi saw Song Xiaoqin take off her headphones and start talking to Zhang Suxin. He took off his own headset, preparing to head out.

"Where on earth did you dig up this husband of yours? How is he so versatile? His singing is pretty impressive, too! I think you should consider making a comeback and launching him as a star."

That was exactly what Song Xiaoqin was saying to Zhang Suxin outside.

She was naturally curious about the history between Lu Anzhi and Zhang Suxin, the fires of gossip burning fiercely within her. But since Zhang Suxin refused to give her any fuel, those flames had no way to break out.

Deciding to put their personal business aside for now, she voiced the thought currently weighing most on her mind.

She was truly stunned by the quality of the finished demo. She thought to herself that Zhang Suxin was truly Zhang Suxin—the former teen pop idol. Back then, she had suddenly appeared with a daughter who was exquisite and adorable; now, she had suddenly returned with a man who was equally handsome and talented.

When Zhang Suxin heard the word "husband" from Song Xiaoqin, her face flushed red.

Song Xiaoqin immediately teased her, "Oh, oh, oh! Still blushing? You already have a daughter, what are you blushing about? Don't tell me you really intend to launch your husband? I have to say, he’s got the credentials for it."

Xianxian, realizing that Song Xiaoqin was praising her father, puffed out her chest with pride and said, "Daddy is amazing!"

Song Xiaoqin laughed. "Look at Xianxian—she’s much more candid than you are."

As they spoke, Lu Anzhi walked out of the recording booth and asked curiously, "What are you two talking about?"

Xianxian chirped excitedly, "Daddy is amazing!"

Song Xiaoqin pinched Xianxian’s little cheek and said, "Yes, yes, your daddy is amazing!"

She turned back to Lu Anzhi and said, "I was asking Suxin if you were planning to debut. Why didn't you keep this song for yourself to release?"

The 180-degree turn in Song Xiaoqin's attitude toward him left Lu Anzhi feeling a bit unaccustomed.

However, he didn't really care. To him, Song Xiaoqin was just a passerby. He hadn't been bothered by her coldness earlier, and he would continue to treat her as a stranger now.

Lu Anzhi replied, "I have no plans to debut."

Song Xiaoqin didn't believe him for a moment. With such talent, and with Zhang Suxin as his backing, how could he not debut? But since he had said so, she didn't press the issue further.

"My attitude toward you when you first arrived was a bit poor. My apologies."

Song Xiaoqin apologized directly. She was the type to say what was on her mind and apologize when necessary, without feeling the need for further explanation.

Lu Anzhi was equally straightforward. He nodded and said nonchalantly, "It’s alright."

By then it was nearly noon, and the nanny at Song Xiaoqin’s home had finished preparing lunch. Song Xiaoqin kept the "family of three"—Lu Anzhi, Zhang Suxin, and Zhang Xianxian—for a meal before they bid her farewell.

During lunch, Song Xiaoqin brought up joining the studio again. Zhang Suxin said, "Then I will pay you a salary; you have to accept it."

Song Xiaoqin rolled her eyes and said, "Forget it. I can see this studio is just a private playground for you two lovebirds; I’d better not get involved."

Zhang Suxin blushed again, stealing a glance at Lu Anzhi.

Song Xiaoqin observed her expressions and subtle movements, lost in thought, and remained silent.

Zhang Suxin said, "It’s not a private playground! We keep clear accounts. The proceeds from 'The Sea' belong to Xianxian’s father."

Song Xiaoqin wore an "I knew it" expression.

Lu Anzhi hadn't heard their earlier conversation in the recording booth and didn't pick up on the underlying tension, but he did catch on to the fact that Song Xiaoqin was wealthy and seemingly wanted to work for free. Knowing Zhang Suxin’s personality, he suspected she might find this troublesome.

"Alright, alright, let's eat. I won't make it difficult for you," Song Xiaoqin said, ending the discussion.

After lunch, as they left, Lu Anzhi walked ahead with Xianxian. Song Xiaoqin and Zhang Suxin walked behind them, seeing them out to the residential gate.

Seeing that Lu Anzhi was far enough ahead, holding Xianxian’s little hand, Song Xiaoqin whispered to Zhang Suxin, "Tell me... are you playing some kind of 'raising a game' here?"

Zhang Suxin was stunned. "What?!" She truly didn't understand.

Song Xiaoqin said, "Look at you—having a child for someone, helping them record demos so earnestly, giving them the opportunity to write a song for Zhou Bo, and using your own fame and background to help them make money without taking a cent for yourself. What kind of relationship involves helping someone like this?"

Zhang Suxin’s cheeks burned as she asked instinctively, "What kind of relationship?"

Song Xiaoqin said, "Mother and son."

Zhang Suxin’s face darkened. "Get lost! Go to hell!"

"Hehe!" Song Xiaoqin chuckled. "Anyway, the way you’re so invested in this, it’s like you’re raising a puppy. You’ve successfully 'raised' him now, haven't you? No wonder you refused to bring him out before. You were waiting for the 'raising' phase to complete!"

Zhang Suxin gritted her teeth. "Can you stop spouting nonsense!"

Song Xiaoqin asked, "If it's not that, then what is it?"

Zhang Suxin replied, "There are some circumstances I can't explain to you. Anyway, you just need to know that he’s quite good, he’s not a bad person, and he’s very good to Xianxian."

Song Xiaoqin nodded. "As long as you think he's good, that's fine. I didn't know the situation at first, and I wanted to stand up for you. Since this is your business, I didn't want to interfere, so I didn't do anything—I just didn't give him a pleasant look. But seeing his ability, and knowing your judgment of people has always been sharp—otherwise you wouldn't have chosen me as a friend—I’ll stop worrying about it."

Zhang Suxin shot her a look and remarked, "You’re really narcissistic!"

Song Xiaoqin laughed nonchalantly. "Anyway, just look after yourself. You’ve already been a teen idol and you have a child; just don't lose your head in love."

Zhang Suxin snapped, "Thanks for your concern, I’m not that far gone!"

Song Xiaoqin said, "Just pay attention and don't just keep giving and giving."

Zhang Suxin argued, "You don't know the inside story. I haven't just been 'giving.' For instance, with the song for Zhou Bo, it was actually mutually beneficial..."

She briefly explained the situation regarding the song commission and the studio to Song Xiaoqin.

After listening, Song Xiaoqin thought for a moment and said, "Well, in that case, you still haven't given enough..."

Zhang Suxin: "..."

Don't you think your logic is a bit contradictory?!