Whenever something happens to the Lai Family, Tang Li quickly hears about it from Mother Wu.
Tonight, Lai Wenyan is set to record an interview.
The location has been set at the Lai Mansion.
Tang Li has already guessed the theme of the interview; it is likely to create an atmosphere of a happy big family to boost Lai Wenyan’s popularity for his councilman campaign. Her appearance at the Lai Family would be a slap in the face for Lai Wenyan.
Tang Li has no interest in the interview and is too lazy to sabotage it.
While Tang Li is busy filming on set, the Lai Family presents a different scene.
Old Madam Lai is directing the servants to rearrange the potted plants, cleaning the doors and windows repeatedly. Then, she goes upstairs to change clothes. Meanwhile, Ouyang Qian and Lai Yuaner are also carefully dressed and made up, and Lai Wenyan is dressed in a suit, which gives off an impression of dignity at first glance.
After dinner, the program crew arrives at the Lai Mansion.
The interview takes place in the study room.
Lai Wenyan sits on the sofa, legs crossed, answering the host’s questions with ease. When asked about that trafficking case, he does not avoid the topic or make excuses for Lai Shengxia, and his candid attitude earns the favor of the program staff.
When it comes to the family interview segment, Ouyang Qian sits down beside Lai Wenyan.
In front of the camera, they appear as a deeply infatuated couple.
Throughout, Lai Wenyan never lets go of Ouyang Qian’s hand.
When the host mentions their marriage, Ouyang Qian smiles softly and exchanges a glance with Lai Wenyan: "We were classmates and it was love at first sight. We got married right after graduation. Over the years, we’ve supported each other. Marrying him was the best decision of my life, and it turns me into a little woman as soon as I get home."
"Marrying you is my lifelong fortune," Lai Wenyan grips Ouyang Qian’s hand tighter, and the camera gives a close-up: "You’ve borne children for me, managed the household for me. I’ve always wanted to tell you how hard it must have been, and today I finally have the chance."
As the interview nears its end, the host suddenly asks, "It’s said that Councilman Lai was originally a police officer, who cracked a major drug case in Diannan and personally shot dead the drug lord Tang Shen. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on that?"
Upon hearing this, Lai Wenyan’s facial muscles twitch.
This question was an impromptu move by the host, not part of the planned script.
The host asked it to add a highlight to the interview.
Seeing Lai Wenyan not answering and before the situation could turn awkward, the host quickly smooths it over: "Councilman Lai, as an anti-drug hero, has always been low-key and never boasts about his achievements. He is a model for us to learn from. Does the councilman have any advice for those stubborn drug dealers?"
"..." Lai Wenyan’s expression darkens.
In front of the camera, he still says, "Drugs don’t only harm an individual, but a family, and even society. Combating drug dealers is an urgent matter!"
At night, after the program crew leaves, Lai Wenyan throws his suit onto the sofa.
The name Tang Shen has haunted him like a nightmare for 20 years!
Soon, Ouyang Qian brings him a glass of water.
Lai Wenyan takes it and downs it in one go.
"Didn’t I say earlier that the edited version would only be aired after you’ve reviewed it?" Ouyang Qian retrieves the glass, not forgetting to soothe her husband: "If you’re really not satisfied, we don’t have to air it."
Just as her words fall, Lai Wenyan’s cellphone rings.
He unlocks it to see a message from Jiang Yiniing.
—Asking if he would come over tonight.
Lately, Lai Wenyan has been staying home at night.
Maybe because he’s been busy, the need in that aspect isn’t strong.
At this moment, with Ouyang Qian nearby, he doesn’t reply to the message and directly locks his cellphone.