CHAPTER 201: CHAPTER 201: OPEN AND HIDDEN STRUGGLES

Tian Xiang knew she had become the major stockholder of the unit, so she started getting busy.

She took over Meng Cheng’an’s study, bought a large sofa she could lie down on, and had Meng Cheng’an bring her a TV and machine that could play tapes, watching one movie a day.

Besides watching tapes, she also bought a pile of the best-selling novels and storybooks available outside, as well as domestic classics, flipping through them whenever she had the time.

The housemaid seeing her so busy advised her to be careful with her eyes while still in postpartum recovery, not to rush with work since Meng Cheng’an’s magazine was running well, suggesting she could just enjoy life at home before looking after the child later.

Tian Xiang only smiled without saying a word.

Hu Honglian came over holding her grandson and said, "Postpartum recovery is not as fragile as people think. Once rested enough, it’s fine. Anyway, with your mom helping to look after the child, you should take the time to do what you like."

Hu Honglian supported her daughter returning to work early.

Such wonderful youth shouldn’t be spent trapped in the family, or you’ll regret when you grow old.

Both mother and daughter are determined and ambitious, naturally making it hard for others to say anything more.

Tian Xiang got busy, and Meng Cheng’an felt a bit guilty as this wasn’t his intention.

At night, when going to bed and seeing Tian Xiang reading novels again, Meng Cheng’an pulled the book away from her hand and sighed, "You don’t have to save all that money, if it runs out, I’ll replenish it."

Grandpa and Grandma left him many things.

If Tian Xiang knew what Meng Cheng’an was thinking, she’d probably call him a spendthrift again.

Tian Xiang: "Money doesn’t grow on trees. If it’s spent, it needs to be on something worthwhile."

Knowing he couldn’t persuade her, Meng Cheng’an offered help, "How about I get you two assistants?"

Distributing the work would lighten her load.

Tian Xiang shook her head, "Not for now, let’s talk after the recovery period. By the way, has Liu Jun already gone to Hong Kong?"

Meng Cheng’an: "Morning flight, first to South City, then crossing the border from there, a total of five went."

Liu Jun’s study arrangement over there was facilitated by Meng Zhi.

Despite Meng Zhi enjoying a carefree life for years, in reality, she built many connections outside.

Tian Xiang: "By the way, any classmates from your previous school interested in entering the film studio? I want to find a brilliant history student or someone who studied classic literature to assist in editing, bring out two masterpieces."

After being busy for over ten days, Tian Xiang had some ideas now; modifying familiar stories could resonate well.

Equipment and filming techniques would align with high-end, without introducing foreign films, their own productions could be exceptional.

Although the first step is tough and requires careful exploration.

Meng Cheng’an: "I’ll help you find someone."

"Okay."

...

Mid-month, Tian Xiang completed her postpartum recovery, immediately took a refreshing bath, tidied up, and donned a beautiful dress to take her son to a restaurant for the celebration grandpa organized for his great-grandson’s full month feast.

The Meng family had a new member, the grandpa was thrilled, took all his years of wages and subsidies, and asked Meng Xiuyuan to contribute some, renting out the entire restaurant with forty tables, even surpassing the event during Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an’s wedding.

Aside from the Meng family’s kin, grandpa’s war buddies and former colleagues, and neighbors from the military and political compound, each household received an invitation.

Some from the Tian Family also attended.

Tian Xiang’s two brothers and sisters-in-law brought their kids, while Tian Shuyi from the main branch came, and Tian Xiang’s grandmother Xu Jiafeng arrived with her son and daughter-in-law to take a look around.

Grandpa also arranged a program, cutting a lock of the little one’s newborn hair to make a brush, then wrote the little one’s name, Meng Jiani, on laid paper.

In younger days, grandpa was a scholar, he taught Meng Cheng’an calligraphy, so naturally, his writing was impeccable.

Tian Xiang was quite delighted, applauding beside her while holding her son.

After grandpa washed his hands, he teased the little one, asking if he liked the gift from his great-grandfather.

The little one blinked his big eyes inherited from his mom, his tiny hand unconsciously raised to his chest where hung the massive gold locket gifted by his grandaunt.

Grandpa laughed heartily, as it turned out he was a little miser.

A simple little act, then the feast began.

Hu Honglian took the child, letting her daughter eat first.

Tian Xiang quickly filled her stomach and then went to use the restroom.

Upon washing her hands, unexpectedly she encountered Chang Wan at the door.

Chang Wan carried a small leather bag, wearing a beautiful long dress and high heels with a meticulously crafted makeup, undoubtedly she had dressed up.

It was clear she came to attend the full month banquet, as the Meng family reserved the entire restaurant.

Seeing Tian Xiang, Chang Wan smiled appropriately, "Congratulations."

Tian Xiang slightly curled her lips, "Thank you."

Chang Wan: "Recovered now, when do you plan to return to work? It’s been over a year since we acted together, I quite miss those days."

Tian Xiang: "Depends on the studio’s arrangements."

Despite already becoming the studio’s major stockholder, she still put up an act saying those words.

Chang Wan silently cursed Tian Xiang for her pretentiousness, smiling outwardly, but seriously scrutinizing the person before her, facial expression becoming serious, "However, if you’re planning to work again, you should manage your figure well. Maybe your recovery was too good, you see, you’ve gained quite a bit of weight! Tian Xiang, I know you need to nurse the child, there’s not much to be done about some things, but the audience won’t see these, they will only say you don’t pay attention to image, that you’re not photogenic anymore."

Chang Wan’s tone sounded caring, but Tian Xiang wouldn’t mistake that she was being laughed at.

Tian Xiang sighed with a somewhat troubled expression, "What you said makes sense, I do need to plan myself well now, otherwise it will be challenging to regain my former state.

But there’s no need to overly worry, if acting doesn’t work out I could still be a big boss behind the scenes. Now I’m the biggest shareholder in the studio; I’ll choose more young and pretty girls to replace myself, just sitting beside them and pointing out directions fitting my ideas.

Sometimes, watching others perform can be enjoyable too. Wouldn’t you say?"

Earlier not mentioning being a major stockholder, Chang Wan considered Tian Xiang pretentious.

Now she voluntarily mentioned it, rendering Chang Wan speechless with anger.

Tian Xiang chuckled, then walked away.

Just a few steps later, she seemed to remember something, turned and said to Chang Wan, "By the way, you shouldn’t come to such occasions in the future. Seeing us as a family of three should make you uncomfortable, why do it?"

After speaking, Tian Xiang left for good this time.

Chang Wan stood still, her pretty face almost distorted.

Elsewhere.

When Tian Xiang returned to the room, Meng Cheng’an was waiting outside with their son.

"What took you so long?"

Tian Xiang: "No worries, met an acquaintance, chatted a bit."