Song Anning Wanted to Make His Own Way

After settling the company matters, Cen Muxiao took Song Anning shopping for some things he needed. At noon, he even treated him to a private health-food meal. Sure enough, without Guo Lantai around, their entire morning together was exceptionally harmonious.

Song Anning gradually cast aside the little discomfort in his heart and returned to his usual gentle elegance. In his words and mannerisms, Cen Muxiao seemed to see once more the figure that had moved him most three years ago.

"Why did you come back so suddenly this time? Was there some special reason?"

Only then did Cen Muxiao remember that Song Anning had returned to the country so abruptly. He had not even had a proper meal before Cen Muxiao asked him about it, but the explanation that he simply missed everyone was a little too far-fetched.

"If I said I came back for you, would you believe me?"

Song Anning sat up straight and gave him a grave, earnest reply.

At first, Cen Muxiao instinctively froze, feeling somewhat dazed. This should have been the answer he wanted to hear, yet hearing Song Anning say it himself somehow felt strange.

His expression remained unreadable as he unconsciously leaned back against his seat and looked up at him. "Anning, you..."

"Look at you. You really can't take even the slightest joke!"

Song Anning had been quietly observing Cen Muxiao's expression. Seeing no particular delight on his face at those words, he quickly confirmed his hesitation. Sure enough, he could not be too hasty. If he turned around and confessed his feelings to Cen Muxiao so openly, the contrast would be too great. Wouldn't that seem far too deliberate?

After all, he had been the one pursued in the past. If he took the initiative and reversed their positions, it would inevitably make him seem as though he were desperately currying favor.

As proud and reserved as he was, how could he be the first to lose his footing and give up his advantage?

After all, those who threw themselves at others were never worth much. Just like that clingy Guo Lantai—what difference was there between having and not having a marriage he had begged for?

With that thought, he felt much more at ease and added, "It's true that I missed all of you, but I had already planned to come back and build my career here. I just made the decision rather hastily."

"I see."

Cen Muxiao responded blandly, yet inexplicably felt relieved. If Song Anning's earlier words had been sincere, he was not quite sure how he should respond. Song Anning had given up everything overseas for him—should he open his heart and accept him honestly as well?

But in reality, he was still bound by the shackles of an arranged marriage. He could not respond to Song Anning without hesitation.

More importantly, Song Anning's later words seemed to pull him back to three years ago, when he had confessed to him. Victory had seemed within reach, only for Song Anning to jokingly change the subject and reject him in disguise.

Sure enough, he had been overthinking it.

Still, this response suited him perfectly. After several years, his feelings for that past relationship had changed. Perhaps taking more time to reassess it was the right choice.

"You want to come back and develop your career? Do you have a plan? If not, you could try coming to work at my company."

The CEO immediately extended an olive branch. Since he could not make any promises in love, he could at least show something in Song Anning's career. There was nothing wrong with maintaining the goodwill between them.

Song Anning was naturally delighted to hear the invitation. Getting a job at Cen Group was a rare opportunity, and given his relationship with Cen Muxiao, he probably would not be shortchanged in terms of position. Still, it would inevitably earn him the reputation of getting in through connections.

How could someone as proud as he was endure people pointing fingers behind his back? Even if he got in, if he could not earn recognition through his own ability, he would never truly feel confident.

Besides, he wanted to earn himself a promising future through his own efforts. Only then could he truly make Cen Muxiao see him in a new light. Since returning, it was not as though he had failed to sense Cen Muxiao's distance. That look in his eyes no longer held the same infatuation it once had.

He had to prove that his return was not meaningless. He had an independent character and real ability. He had returned after completing his studies, not to become dependent on anyone.

At the very least, he could not reveal his true intentions so quickly and easily. To push out Guo Lantai and take his place, Cen Muxiao had to still be devoted to him.

Thinking of the business card in his pocket, Song Anning immediately felt even more confident. He would not need Cen Muxiao's help; his opportunity had arrived. Wu Tianyong clearly thought highly of him, and Lehong Entertainment would be the stepping stone for his rise!

His thoughts spun rapidly, and under Cen Muxiao's gaze, Song Anning quickly gave his answer. "I would certainly be willing to go to Cen Group and help share some of your burden, but you know my field doesn't match. Even if I went, I probably wouldn't be much help. I might even embarrass you."

"Cen Corporation also has media companies under it. If you want to continue down the path of acting, I will definitely support you fully."

Cen Muxiao was not surprised by his refusal. When Song Anning had first arrived in the Imperial Capital years ago, Cen Muxiao had also wanted to introduce him to Cen Group, only to be politely turned down.

He was highly competitive and had strong self-respect. He would not accept help from others without reason. His stubbornness was enough to make one's heart ache.

As expected, Song Anning still did not agree. "I know, but I still plan to make my own way. Besides, I already have a company in mind and want to give it a try."

"You've found a company already? Which one? Do you need me to put in a word for you?"

"Put in a word for me? I appreciate your kindness, but how about this? Let me try on my own first. If I really can't make it, then I'll ask you to point me in the right direction, all right?"

Song Anning smiled helplessly, though he also knew when to stop. He could not keep rejecting Cen Muxiao's kindness, or it would seem too affected.

At that, Cen Muxiao's gaze flickered. In the end, he nodded in agreement. "All right. Then I'll wait for your good news!"

Song Anning's choice had clearly won Cen Muxiao's favor. After being away for years, he had still held true to himself. Wasn't that rare quality what had touched Cen Muxiao in the first place?

Seeing that Song Anning seemed quite confident, Cen Muxiao was more than willing to respect his wishes. As long as he paid him more attention and stepped in when he encountered difficulties or bottlenecks, the effect would be even more astonishing than timely help in a snowstorm.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of Guo Lantai again. The man who had wanted nothing more than to slip into his room the moment he entered the house had instead chosen to keep his distance during the special period when his family was in trouble. Was that admirable independence and strength, or just pretentious playing hard to get?

So much time had passed since Guo Lantai received the news, yet he had not even called once. He certainly understood his place.

"Are you done eating?" he asked Song Anning.

"Mm, I'm full and satisfied."

"Then let's go back. You've been exhausted these past two days, so get some proper rest."

Cen Muxiao stood first and suggested heading home. As he spoke, he thought to himself that since no one from the Guo Family was there, Guo Lantai should have already returned to the Cen Family Villa, right?