Chapter 113 - Song Luli (1)

Covering a tattoo was difficult, Song Luli thought.

She put on a tight long-sleeve dress that flared out around the wrists. Her tattoo was on the left arm, where her ring glimmered on her hand. She then looked at her wrist, making sure that it could not be seen from any angles.

She glanced at herself in the mirror, at the champagne-gold sparkling gown she wore. It outlined the curves of her body, hugging her tight. She put on diamond earrings and a necklace.

It was a special night, and she wanted things to go smoothly. Long Jie stepped behind her, fully-dressed and handsome. He circled her waist, leaning over her shoulder. She lifted her left hand, bending her arm over to touch his fresh-shaven face.

She then turned around, smiling up at him, straightening the collar of the shirt he wore underneath his black suit jacket. The lapels embroidered in gold, and he tucked a hand in one of his pockets, standing tall, maintaining that impressive male poise of his.

"Ready to go?" he asked her.

Song Luli smiled. "Hm," she answered.

He then escorted her out of the house, driving her towards the venue—a venue designed for all types of entertainment—that hosted her pre-screening party.

Upon arrival, Long Jie helped Song Luli step from the car and onto a long red velvet carpet, holding her hand. A valet took their car, and Long Jie walked down with her, locking arms.

Cameras flashed eagerly, and Song Luli paused to take pictures with Long Jie by her side in an elegant fashion. It surprised her how quickly they took photographs and how interested they were. She was only the writer and the owner of the production company; most are only interested in the actors and not those behind the scenes.

As she stepped into the venue with Long Jie she overheard people say:

'That's Long Jie's wife!'

'So, it's true? Long Jie is married.'

'I don't think they're in love; their faces are so cold.'

'Yes, you're right.'

Song Luli ignored them, continuing to walk. Long Jie lowered his arm, grasping her hand with his tightly, interlacing their fingers.

The most prominent directors, executives, producers, and people famous within the industry were present, as well as new and upcoming creators.

Song Luli glanced at a man with black hair, a grey-white beard, whom she didn't expect to be there. "That's Jack Shi, he was raised in the United States, but his films are popular globally. I didn't think he would be here," Song Luli told Long Jie astonishingly.

Someone whispered something to Jack Shi; he then glanced over at them, and he smiled, walking towards them. Song Luli grasped Long Jie's arm tightly. "Shit. He's coming. How do I look? Do I look good? Okay, be cool. I'm cool," she blabbered to herself, not giving Long Jie a chance to reply. Long Jie chuckled at her side.

Song Luli straightened, offering her best smile.

Jack Shi looked at both of them, offering a hand to Long Jie. "Hello, Mr. Long," said Jack Shi. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Song Luli was taken aback slightly, but she composed herself, trying to keep her smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Shi," Long Jie replied.

"I am quite taken with your computer graphics software. Are you marketing any new computers that would improve the quality of visual effects?" Jack Shi asked him.

Long Jie answered back, politely, "It's on the drawing board; I hope to create something that would make computer-generated imagery less choppy and evident with consistent quality, but we're still trying to figure out the numerical simulations."

Jack Shi smiled widely. "Well, please let me know if you ever want to be in business," he said. "I am glad that you came tonight. I didn't expect you to be here."

"Actually, I am here in support of my wife, Song Luli," Long Jie responded.

Jack Shi turned to face her, wearing a kind smile. He shook her hand, "You're Long Jie's wife?" he questioned her. Song Luli put on a fake smile, trying not to appear annoyed.

"Song Luli or Mrs. Long," she corrected him. She didn't understand that, given her name, he still referred to her as someone's wife.

"Of Song Entertainment?" Jack Shi asked her.

Song Luli nodded. "I am the Chief Executive Officer," she responded.

He was taken aback. "You?" he replied. "But you're so young."

Song Luli nodded. "My father entrusted me early," she responded. "But he still runs the business plenty, and he travels for business on my behalf."

"I see. I didn't know; I just thought—" Jack Shi began, and stopped himself. "Apologies for my earlier mannerisms."

Song Luli grinned. "That's quite all right. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening," she said, pulling Long Jie with her. She took a deep breath when they stepped away.

"Are you all right?" Long Jie asked her.

"I am. I just should have known."

Long Jie paused in front of her, rubbing her shoulders, meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry," he said. "This night is about you."

Song Luli pouted. "You shouldn't be sorry. It's not your fault that you are who you are. I am still a nobody, and that's okay. I will make something of myself. I want to be Song Luli, not 'Long Jie's wife.' It makes me feel like an ornament, especially when I own a company of my own."

"You're not an ornament," Long Jie assured her. He stepped closer, pecking her lips, despite the people surrounding them. "You are Song Luli, and you'll show them that."

Song Luli embraced him, squeezing him tight. "I'm sorry I was annoyed earlier. It makes sense that he wouldn't speak to me."

"It's okay," he whispered.

"Let's enjoy the rest of the evening," Song Luli suggested.

"That's the Luli I know," he said.

Long Jie hung an arm over her shoulder, keeping her close. They settled down at a table with their families, and for a few minutes, a bunch of screens rolled down, playing a preview of the film. Song Luli felt nervous and happy; she wanted people to like it, but in the end, it's up to how well they do or not.

It was silent for three minutes, and those minutes felt long.

After it finished playing, people were chatting about it, talking about how they think it will play out, or predicting if it was going to be good or not.

Han Ru swiftly stepped to her side. "There are some people that want to meet you," he said.

Song Luli looked at the individuals he was referring to, and they were big-time actors and producers. She glanced at Long Jie, who said, "Go. This is about you."

"You're not coming?" She asked.

"I'll be fine here. I don't have business with them," Long Jie said. Song Luli bent down to kiss him quickly before leaving.