Chapter 049 Emotional Intelligence

Song Wan was momentarily taken aback. Director Zhao’s film? Could it be “Tomorrow”?
Her eyes flashed. “Of course, I’m interested.” She paused. “But may I ask what kind of film it is?”
Zhao Qing nodded. “It’s a youth-themed campus romance.”

Song Wan was startled again, only coming back to herself after a while. “May I ask when you plan to start filming, Director Zhao? If my schedule allows, I will definitely be there.”
Receiving her affirmative answer, Zhao Qing was naturally pleased, but then sighed. “There’s no rush. I haven’t even finished revising the script yet—it’ll be another two or three months.”
A more genuine smile appeared on Song Wan’s face. “I was worried there might be a scheduling conflict, but if it’s in two or three months, Director Zhao, just let me know and I’ll certainly come.” She paused, then sincerely thanked him. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Though she was a little disappointed that the film wasn’t “Tomorrow,” Song Wan knew she had only just played supporting roles in a TV series and a film, so a female lead in Zhao Qing’s movie was already the best resource she could hope for. With that thought, her gratitude toward Zhao Qing grew even stronger.
But Zhao Qing simply waved a hand. “You were recommended by Director Zhou Qi. I trust his judgment. If you want to thank someone, thank him.”

She was of course also deeply grateful to Director Zhou, who had brought her this opportunity. Even if part of his motivation came from Jin Youqian, besides her own acting skills, it was enough.
Song Wan turned directly to him. “Thank you for the recommendation, Director Zhou. If ever you need a favor in the future, just say the word—I’ll come without hesitation.”
But only for him, she knew. Zhou Qi would understand that.

Indeed, Zhou Qi glanced at her with a half-smile, but didn’t refuse. “Ha! Looks like I’ve found a treasure. When I start making movies, you’ll definitely be my leading lady!”
Because of his words, the other directors nearby grew curious and looked over at Song Wan.

Song Wan was a little surprised but immediately smiled at them.
One director rubbed his chin. “She’s just a little too beautiful, otherwise I’d have a great part for her in my film.”
Even Zhou Qi and Zhao Qing couldn’t hold back a laugh. Zhao Qing scoffed, “Since when is being beautiful a problem? With today’s makeup techniques, making someone look plain is easy enough.”
The man rolled his eyes. “With skin as fair and luminous as hers, how much time do you think I’d have to spend doing her makeup before each shoot?”
The others glanced at Song Wan and had to admit—he had a point!

The group burst into laughter. Zhou Qi, more familiar with Song Wan, teased her directly. “With skin that pale, there aren’t many roles left for you. How many peerless beauties are there in movies anyway?”
Song Wan laughed along. “But aren’t there still ordinary beauties?”

They chatted for a while longer, until they noticed others approaching—men and women, all glowing as if lit from within, drawing many admiring glances.
Song Wan took a closer look and recognized a few as famous stars.
Not being close with them and wanting to avoid any conflict, Song Wan exchanged a glance with Hua Yu and decided to bid the directors farewell.

They hadn’t gone far when they heard one of the newcomers speak to Cai Qi. “Director Cai, I heard you haven’t settled on a female lead for your next film yet…”
The rest of the conversation was lost to them.
Song Wan couldn’t help but look back and saw the person speaking was Yang Qing, whom she had met once before—a top actress, a Golden Horse winner, and Hua Yu’s equal in status.

She looked anxiously at Hua Yu, but saw that she seemed unaffected. “It’s fine. She and I are evenly matched. May the best woman win.”
They walked to a quiet corner, and when no one was around, Hua Yu let out a wry laugh.
Song Wan glanced back, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
Hua Yu rubbed her forehead and looked toward Yang Qing. “I almost couldn’t control my emotions just now.”
“Hmm?” Song Wan turned.
Hua Yu’s eyes flickered, her lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m jealous of you.”

“Yu-jie, I—”
Hua Yu waved her hand. “I know it’s not your fault.” She looked at Song Wan, her eyes deep and distant. “It’s just that your luck is so good, it makes me feel like I’ve been living badly.”
Song Wan didn’t want to lose Hua Yu, who had always looked after her, and grew anxious. “How could that be? Yu-jie, you’re—”

Hua Yu gazed at her intently, making Song Wan momentarily speechless.
Hua Yu couldn’t help but tap her on the forehead. The sudden gesture left Song Wan stunned.
She heard Hua Yu speak lightly, “I told you, I don’t blame you. I just lost my balance for a moment.”
Hua Yu had already adjusted her mood. She smiled. “I’ve experienced things like this too many times. You’re just especially gifted.” She glanced at Yang Qing. “I don’t have much natural talent for acting, not even as much as Yang Qing, but we debuted about the same time, rose to fame together, and now hold the same status.”
She turned back, her tone nonchalant. “If I was really jealous, I’d have gone mad with envy over Yang Qing long ago.”
Song Wan looked at Hua Yu, realizing she truly didn’t blame her, and finally relaxed.

“Yu-jie, your tone is scary sometimes.” Song Wan couldn’t help but laugh, thinking back to her past and to little Song Wan’s life. “I always thought jealousy was something only I’d feel.”
Tang Su’s jealousy didn’t count—she wasn’t normal.

Now it was Hua Yu’s turn to be surprised. “With your looks and talent, you must have been the target of envy all your life.”
“How could that be? My pas—” Song Wan stopped, then sighed. “Didn’t I mention before? I once had autism.”
Hua Yu exclaimed, “I thought you only said that to get Director Cai’s attention for his film role…”
“Director Cai’s film?” Song Wan frowned in confusion. “Is it about autism? Is the main character autistic?”
No wonder Cai Qi had looked so disappointed when he found out how tall she was.
Song Wan tilted her head. “You say I’m lucky, but I just missed such a great opportunity. What a pity…”
After all, Director Cai’s films were always award contenders.
Hua Yu froze, and the last trace of resentment in her heart vanished. She let out a low laugh. “I was overthinking it.”
Song Wan looked back and gave her a bright, carefree smile.
Hua Yu saw it and couldn’t help smiling herself. “Song Wan, you really are…”

—

Xie Junchen had been watching Song Wan the whole time. Noticing what happened, he nudged Jin Youqian in the ribs. “Hey, looks like your little wife is having a spat with that starlet.”
Jin Youqian took a casual glance, lifted his wine glass with a noble air, and replied, “She can handle it.”

Xie Junchen raised an eyebrow, recalling their previous encounter and couldn’t help but smirk. “How did you move so fast?”
Jin Youqian shot him a warning look.
Xie Junchen burst out laughing. “Look at you now—you’re like a beast guarding its food.”
Jin Youqian ignored him and simply turned his gaze to Song Wan’s side.
Before long, he saw both women laughing together.

“Tsk, you really do know your little wife.” Xie Junchen’s tone was sour. He slumped over the drinks table like a salted fish. “When will I ever find a woman willing to marry me? Over thirty years single.”
Jin Youqian showed no sympathy. “When you retire from the military, a whole crowd of women will throw themselves at you.”
Xie Junchen seemed deeply offended, suddenly sitting up and glaring. “No way! My wife is in the army. If I retire, I’ll have to divorce her. That would break my heart.”
Jin Youqian’s mouth twitched. “If you already have a wife, why mess with other women?”
“How is that the same?” Xie Junchen’s gaze darted around. “A wife is a wife, and women are women. I’d never abandon my wife for another woman, but I also wouldn’t stop looking for women just because I have a wife.”
Jin Youqian snorted. “Then be prepared to stay single for life.”
Xie Junchen thought it over, then slumped back down. “I’d like to, but my family keeps pushing.”
“You’re planning to spend your life with your gun anyway, so you probably don’t care who your wife is. Why not just find some woman to be your shield?” Jin Youqian suggested offhandedly.
Xie Junchen considered it seriously, then looked up in disbelief. “Don’t tell me Song Wan is your shield?”
Jin Youqian sipped his wine elegantly, saying nothing.
Knowing him well, Xie Junchen became even more convinced and frowned in accusation. “I know your mother’s been pressuring you, so I don’t blame you for finding a shield. But does Song Wan know she’s your shield?”
Hearing the seriousness in his tone, Jin Youqian finally spoke lightly. “Who told you I’m using her as a shield?”
Xie Junchen was suspicious. “So you’re serious?”
“Neither.” Jin Youqian dropped the bomb without a care. “There’s not much between us. Maybe we like each other, but we’re not at the point where we have to be together.”
He admitted to having a certain fondness for the woman who could stir his heart.
But—
“Song Wan knows very well the gap between us, so she never actually thought about being with me.” He smiled faintly. “And I, for my part, avoid women.”
Xie Junchen’s eyes widened as he stood up straight, looking every bit the upright soldier. “But online…”
“My mother’s doing. Just a farce.”
Xie Junchen swallowed hard. “No way. Forced matchmaking? Does Song Wan know?”
Jin Youqian replied without hesitation, “She’s sharp. Of course she’s guessed.”
“Damn!” Xie Junchen couldn’t help cursing. “Your mother is as formidable as ever.”