Chapter 118: Agreement 04

“Song Wan, I think... you really want this variety show to succeed. Your hope for it is stronger than ever,” Gao Xiang said, looking at Song Wan. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Why is that?”

Song Wan lowered her head and replied, “It’s nothing. I just want others to see what an actor should truly be like.”

Guo Kai was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected Song Wan to be such an idealistic person.

The two assistant directors also glanced at Song Wan, their expressions complex and difficult to read, but a hint of admiration could not be suppressed.

However, none of them were Gao Xiang.

These people believed Song Wan’s words simply because they did not know her well enough yet.

From Gao Xiang’s perspective, Song Wan might indeed harbor such thoughts, but that wouldn’t necessarily compel her to push forward a variety show that didn’t even have a shadow of approval. The fact that she was willing to pierce Zhou Qi’s wounds just to get this show greenlit suggested there were other reasons unknown to Gao Xiang.

Only Song Wan was unwilling to speak of them.

Gao Xiang turned to the two assistant directors. “You two, we need to discuss something. You...”

“Go ahead. We’ll just wait here for the director,” one assistant director spoke up quickly.

The screenwriter looked at Guo Kai with reluctance but understood they were discussing serious matters, so he nodded and followed along.

“Take your time,” Song Wan blinked and looked meaningfully at Guo Kai. “When did you start cozying up to the crew’s screenwriter?”

Guo Kai shot her a flirtatious glance. “Do I even need to cozy up? With a face like mine, there are plenty of fans throwing themselves at me.”

Gao Xiang slapped the back of Guo Kai’s head. “Since you have fans here, stay and build some rapport with the screenwriter.”

“Don’t...” Guo Kai grinned and followed Gao Xiang closely, impossible to shake off.

Gao Xiang glared but eventually gave in.

After walking a few minutes, the three arrived at a secluded corner.

“This will do,” Gao Xiang stopped.

She sighed. After all, she was only Song Wan’s manager, not her parent. Although she found Song Wan’s actions unreasonable, from her standpoint, there was no need to stop her—

Song Wan’s actions wouldn’t harm her career; it might even advance her standing and influence within the industry.

She had no reason to intervene.

What worried Gao Xiang was the underlying cause behind Song Wan’s determination, which unsettled her. She sensed that similar situations might arise in the future, and when they did, they might not turn out so well.

Song Wan looked up and noticed concern in Gao Xiang’s eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but then hesitated.

“Can’t say?” Gao Xiang stopped her before she could.

Song Wan was startled but nodded. “It’s hard to say.”

Not that she couldn’t or was unwilling, but it was difficult to explain. Even if she did, no one would believe her.

“Would it harm you to say so?”

Gao Xiang’s question was subtle, but Song Wan clearly heard the concern behind it. Her eyes lifted, and a warm smile blossomed on her face. “No, this is a good thing for me.”

Gao Xiang nodded, then fell silent, no longer pressing.

She wasn’t one to pry into others’ privacy, and Song Wan wasn’t the kind of artist to cause trouble. As long as no harm came of it, there was no need to dig deeper.

At worst, she would just keep a closer eye in the future.

Guo Kai curiously leaned close to Song Wan, almost touching her. “What secret are you whispering about? I can’t quite catch it.”

Song Wan glanced sideways at him and stepped back immediately.

Guo Kai looked a bit hurt and gave her a reproachful look. “Am I really that unwelcome? I just got a little close, and you react so strongly...”

“I know what you’re implying—like you’re poison,” Song Wan calmly called out the subtext.

Guo Kai grew even more aggrieved. “You really...”

“I really do!” Song Wan said firmly. “Little brother, I’m already married. Don’t come flirting with me.” And no amount of flirting would move her.

A man like Jin Youqian never stirred her heart, let alone a childish fool like Guo Kai, who fancied himself irresistible.

Guo Kai: “...You really are married.”

Song Wan’s tone was light. “Can you tell me where I can get a fake marriage?”

“Right here?” Guo Kai smiled mischievously.

Gao Xiang held back her patience no longer and smacked the back of his head again. “Aren’t you bored? Haven’t I warned you to keep your distance from Song Wan?”

Guo Kai: “...”

“Hello, excuse me, is this where the ‘Starry Sky’ crew is?”

Song Wan looked up in surprise to see two men approaching nearby. They seemed to recognize her the moment she turned, their faces lighting up with delight.

Zhao Ke hurried over, three quick steps bringing him to the group. “I’m Zhao Ken, Li Yu’s agent. I came to see if we could get an audition opportunity.”

Song Wan narrowed her eyes, her gaze falling on the young man beside the idol. “Are you the actor?”

Li Yu’s face brightened, about to respond, but Zhao Ken pulled him back.

“Miss Song, Li Yu is still a newcomer.”

“Zhao Ken? What are you doing here?” Gao Xiang stepped out from behind Song Wan, her gaze sharp and unfriendly.

Zhao Ken was taken aback, not expecting to encounter both Song Wan and Gao Xiang in such a quiet corner.

He glanced again and realized the young man standing next to them was the promising newcomer from the video. A bad premonition crept into his heart—

This newcomer had joined forces with Gao Xiang. Had they signed him?

Zhao Ken knew that since this newcomer’s audition video was already public, he and Li Yu no longer needed to consider the role of Lu Yang.

But they were unwilling to give up and wanted to try for other roles.

At the same time, Zhao Ken hadn’t told Li Yu that he was hoping to seize the opportunity to sign this likely-to-become-famous newcomer...

But now, it seemed impossible, and Zhao Ken sighed inwardly.

“This is my newly signed artist, Li Yu,” he nudged Li Yu. “Say hello to Sister Gao and Sister Song.”

Li Yu blinked, quickly stepping forward. “Hello, Sister Gao, Sister Song...”

When his gaze shifted to Guo Kai, his expression grew complicated, lips pressed tight.

Guo Kai, unfazed, extended his hand. “I’m Guo Kai, about to join the crew as the male second lead, Lu Yang.”

A sly smile tugged at his lips, a hint of mischief that inexplicably sent a chill down Li Yu’s spine.

“Hi, I’m Li Yu, here to audition... a newcomer.”

Zhao Ken did not clarify that he had once been cast as Lu Yang. Though reluctant, he followed Zhao Ken’s lead with a polite demeanor.

Only youth betrayed him with subtle hints in his words and actions.

Gao Xiang and Song Wan exchanged a knowing glance.

Gao Xiang spoke first. “Director Zhou is currently contemplating some matters and cannot receive visitors. If you don’t mind, you may wait in the audition room.”

She looked at Song Wan for confirmation and, receiving a nod, continued, “However, we’re having some disputes in filming. It’s possible we won’t be able to schedule auditions today.”

“We’ll wait in the audition room,” Li Yu quickly said.

He immediately realized his eagerness was a bit abrupt and glanced nervously at Zhao Ken, who looked at him with approval.

He swallowed hard, a little embarrassed. “I really like ‘Starry Sky,’ and I’m eager to play a role in it. I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

Zhao Ken quickly added, “Li Yu has auditioned before, and Director Zhou praised his acting. Although he couldn’t take the role due to some unforeseen events, he still wants to fight for a part in this drama.”

Song Wan raised an eyebrow. So he was the newcomer who had been replaced?

But Zhao Ken mentioning this now... was it to garner sympathy? Or to prove his worth for other roles? Or did he think Zhou Qi was uninvolved with the previous controversies and hoped to pressure him by bringing it up?

Gao Xiang’s thoughts ran wild, but when she met Zhao Ken’s calm, sharp eyes, she no longer felt she was overthinking.

After some thought, she nodded.

No matter what, the casting decisions ultimately depended on Zhou Qi.

If he had a good impression of Li Yu, they could still consider him.

Since Zhao Ken had appeared with Li Yu and accompanied him here, it meant Li Yu had severed ties with Qin Fei.

Whether it was Zhou Qi, Song Wan, or even Gao Xiang herself, they all disliked Qin Fei.

Zhao Ken sighed with relief. “Thank you, Sister Gao, for this opportunity.”

Li Yu’s eyes lit up. After reading Zhao Ken’s expression, he bowed gratefully to Gao Xiang and Song Wan. “Thank you, Sister Gao, Sister Song. I will do my best to earn a role and not disappoint you.”

Song Wan paused and smiled at Li Yu. “Good luck.”

Gao Xiang led Zhao Ken and Li Yu straight to the audition room, pointing to a small stool nearby. “You can wait here. When Director Zhou is ready, I’ll inform him you’re here.”

Zhao Ken and Li Yu nodded appreciatively.

Zhao Ken understood the weight of Gao Xiang’s words and felt complex emotions toward her. “Sister Gao, thank you so much for your help.”

Gao Xiang waved him off lightly and left the audition room.

Click—

Before long, Zhou Qi pushed open the door to the lounge.

Gao Xiang was nearby, so he spoke directly to her, “I agree with your proposal.”

Gao Xiang smiled knowingly. “Director Zhou is wise.”

Zhou Qi sighed and shook his head. “Wise? More like a coward!”

He turned away, disinterested. “Assistant director, call General Jin and Producer Shi. Ask if this plan is feasible and how long it would take. Make sure to clarify everything—don’t let it delay the crew’s regular shooting schedule.”

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