Chapter 1166: 1165 persuasion

Meng Xiao, upon hearing Tan Rou’s words, felt there was great hope. As long as Zhuang Liu was willing to act, Tan Rou would definitely join the cast. Miss Tan Rou was her idol, and with her idol participating, Meng Xiao would certainly do her utmost to perform her own role excellently.

Indeed, Meng Xiao now regarded Tan Rou as her idol. She found Tan Rou gentle and kind, as well as extraordinarily talented and beautiful—the perfect embodiment of her ideal idol.

The only issue was that she had barely exchanged a few words with Zhuang Liu. Due to an incident involving her elder sister long ago, the Zhuang family and the Meng family had split. Zhuang Liu probably did not want to see anyone from the Meng family.

However, for the sake of ensuring her TV drama shone brightly, Meng Xiao decided to find Zhuang Liu and persuade him to participate in the TV drama.

Meeting Zhuang Liu was no easy task; he was extremely busy. Even his parents had to call in advance to see him. There was one exception, however, and that was Tan Rou.

But Meng Xiao didn’t dare approach Zhuang Liu under the pretense of Tan Rou’s name. If Zhuang Liu didn’t get to see Tan Rou, he would likely be very angry. After much consideration, Meng Xiao decided to put in a formal appointment request.

Just as she was about to make an appointment at the front desk, Zhuang Liu walked past her from behind, “Huh? You actually came.”

When Meng Xiao turned around, she saw Zhuang Liu, dapper in a suit, appearing behind her, looking as handsome and domineering as a CEO from a TV drama—indeed in reality, he was a CEO of the same kind.

“Good day, Mr. Zhuang!” Meng Xiao greeted politely.

Zhuang Liu stopped to talk with her for a bit longer, “Last night, Tan Rou mentioned meeting you during the day and also told me about your invitation to participate in the TV drama. However, we’re both very busy and likely won’t have time for your drama. You should find someone else.”

Meng Xiao said, “Please give me five minutes. If I can’t convince you within five minutes, then I’ll leave immediately and never bother you again.”

Zhuang Liu was curious to hear Meng Xiao’s arguments, “Fine, I’ll give you five minutes. Come to my office.”

Meng Xiao psyched herself up internally while she pondered what she would say in the meeting.

Zhuang Liu’s office was very minimalistic, with only work-related items and one special table, which was covered with fresh fruit, seemingly prepared for one person.

Zhuang Liu sat down on the sofa and gestured for Meng Xiao to sit on the adjacent couch, “The time starts now, go ahead and speak.”

Meng Xiao hurried to persuade Zhuang Liu, “We’re currently shooting a TV drama about youthful love, set in a campus backdrop, where the protagonists meet and fall in love at school, eventually walking down the aisle together.”

Her words sent Zhuang Liu into contemplation. His biggest regret was not attending school with Tan Rou. Love during one’s school years was incredibly beautiful. Still, by the time he met Tan Rou, she was a high school student, and he was nearly finishing his Ph.D.

Seeing Zhuang Liu’s expression, Meng Xiao smiled and said, “Mr. Zhuang, then you and Miss Tan Rou will play a couple in the drama. You’ll go to school together, come home together, and even dine together. Even at night, you’ll spend your time together.”

Zhuang Liu did not speak, but his expression showed he was indeed somewhat yearning for such a life.

“And you’ll be childhood sweethearts,” Meng Xiao added to the setup. “You were both born in the same hospital, then grew up in the same nursery school—from primary to university, you’ve always been studying together.”

Zhuang Liu was truly tempted, yet he still had to remain composed, “Hmm, I’ll consider your proposal. We’ll get back to you after we’ve thought it over. The five minutes are up; if you have anything else to say, we can talk some other time.”

Meng Xiao smiled and picked up her bag, “Mr. Zhuang, I hope you’ll seriously consider it. After all, such opportunities are rare. Once Miss Tan Rou graduates, you’ll have no chance to act together.”Zhuang Liu said evenly, “Hmm, I know.”

Meng Xiao didn’t linger. She grabbed her bag and left. When she reached the door, she heard Zhuang Liu making a phone call. The first sentence was, “Tan Rou, are you still busy? I have something to tell you.”