Chapter 062: Change

Wu Yi followed Jin Youqian’s gaze, his eyes widening in surprise. “It really does look like Miss Song.” Jin Youqian narrowed his eyes, the icy aura surrounding him softening slightly.

“Who are the other people?”

Wu Yi only needed a quick glance to recognize the other three. Ever since he’d noticed that the boss’s attitude toward Song Wan was different, he’d put real effort into learning about the entertainment industry. He didn’t want to be caught off guard if Jin Youqian suddenly asked him something.

And now, that effort was coming in handy.

“The one sitting right beside Miss Song is Ji Youning, a singer-songwriter. He’s very talented and has a good voice, but because of Tang Su, he’s never really made it big. This time, he’s on the same reality show as Miss Song—that invitation actually came from her.”

Jin Youqian frowned as he looked over. “What happened?”

Wu Yi straightened, not daring to hide anything. “The show Miss Song is on is called ‘Rise Up, Stars.’ Since all the guests are big names in the industry, it’s guaranteed to be a hit unless something goes wrong. So, naturally, a lot of people are eyeing the opportunity.”

Jin Youqian’s gaze grew colder. “So? Who’s clueless enough to mess with my people?”

“‘Rise Up, Stars’ is a variety show that Mango TV bought from Korea. Once the others realized Song Wan was with Imperial Entertainment, they gave up any ideas, but an artist named Qi Ting attached herself to one of the deputy directors at Mango TV.”

Jin Youqian could guess the rest without Wu Yi saying more. Gao Xiang’s finesse was undeniable—backed by the Imperial Entertainment giant, it wasn’t her style not to use it. There must have been some back-and-forth, a bit of compromise, and eventually, they reached an agreement.

Still, why should his people have to endure such grievances?

Jin Youqian looked at Wu Yi coldly. “Why didn’t you report this to me?”

Wu Yi forced a bitter smile, but his expression was contrite. “You were in the middle of negotiations with several companies at the time, and Miss Song’s issue was resolved very quickly…”

Jin Youqian suppressed his frustration, but he knew it wasn’t Wu Yi’s fault. He had, after all, been deliberately avoiding Song Wan lately, especially after his mother’s recent drama online. It was only natural for Wu Yi to hesitate.

He wasn’t in the habit of blaming the wrong person, but his tone still carried some displeasure. “In the future, remember to inform me about anything concerning her.”

Wu Yi breathed a sigh of relief. “Understood.”

He glanced at the group, who were chatting happily, before continuing, “The only man sitting next to Ji Youning is Xue Xuyao, an actor. He’s not very famous—mostly hovering around the B- and C-list, but recently, his career has been picking up, though he’s still not particularly prominent.”

“As for the last one, she seems to be Xue Xuyao’s manager.”

Since she wasn’t a celebrity and didn’t have any outstanding abilities, Wu Yi wasn’t familiar with Tang Yanan—even her name escaped him.

Jin Youqian cast a casual glance in their direction and turned to leave.

Wu Yi hurried after him. “Sir, should I look into Miss Song’s recent whereabouts in detail?”

Jin Youqian turned, fixing him with a cold stare.

Wu Yi immediately bowed his head. Cold sweat burst from every pore, soaking his shirt.

Jin Youqian walked off, and only after a long pause did his voice drift back—

“Don’t try to be clever unless you’re asked.”

Wu Yi stood frozen. So, should he investigate or not?

Tang Yanan had turned her head unintentionally and caught sight of Jin Youqian and Wu Yi leaving. She glanced at Song Wan, her gaze probing. “Um… Song, Song Wan, do you think that was President Jin?”

Song Wan paused, setting down her chopsticks and following Tang Yanan’s pointing finger, then shook her head. “I don’t think so… I’m not close with President Jin, so I can’t be sure.”

Yet, deep down, she couldn’t help but wonder why Jin Youqian was here…

Could it be… because of her?

But soon she dismissed the notion. “In any case, even if it were President Jin, it wouldn’t have anything to do with small-time stars like us.”

Ji Youning frowned and shot Tang Yanan a look.

Even Xue Xuyao eyed her with obvious displeasure.

Tang Yanan felt wronged. “I just asked if that was President Jin—I didn’t do anything. Why are you all looking at me like that?”

Ji Youning’s lips curled coldly. She glanced at Xue Xuyao, then turned away in silence.

Xue Xuyao was embarrassed by that glance and couldn’t help but snap at Tang Yanan. “You know perfectly well why we’re looking at you like that. Calm down.”

Tang Yanan stared at Xue Xuyao in disbelief, but upon seeing the impatience in his eyes, she swallowed her retort.

But in her heart, her impression of Song Wan grew worse—

Clearly, she and anyone named “Song Wan” were simply destined not to get along!

—

“Bang—”

After dinner, Song Wan was too tired to speak. She collapsed onto her bed with a groan. “Sister Gao, I’m exhausted…”

Gao Xiang had just come in and gave her a sidelong glance. “Weren’t you just out with friends? How could you be tired?”

“It’s because I was out with friends that I’m exhausted…” Song Wan’s face was buried in her pillow, her words muffled and unclear.

Gao Xiang paused, “What are you saying?”

Song Wan sat up and ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “I’m just annoyed—”

Gao Xiang raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

Song Wan looked at her in confusion, and only after a long moment did she finally speak, her expression troubled. “It’s just… when you see two friends you haven’t met in ages, and then realize something’s off between them…”

Gao Xiang cut her off immediately. “Did they have a falling out?”

Song Wan shook her head.

Gao Xiang shrugged. “Then what’s there to be upset about? If they haven’t had a falling out, it’s just a minor issue. They’ll resolve it themselves—you don’t need to get involved.”

“But…”

“You don’t know the whole story. If you try to meddle with good intentions and make things worse, you’ll only mess it up,” Gao Xiang said, her expression serious.

Song Wan thought for a moment, then sighed in defeat.

That was exactly what she was worried about—so she hadn’t asked them anything.

—Not to mention, her current status made it inappropriate.

Gao Xiang walked over and mussed Song Wan’s hair. “You’re still young. Don’t waste your time worrying about things that aren’t your concern.”

Song Wan was taken aback and couldn’t help thinking to herself: I’m really not that young anymore.

—

The second episode was also being filmed near G City, but this time, they’d invited a guest—

A real, featured guest, written into the script.

When Song Wan arrived at the makeup room, the guest was already there.

Zheng Fang was chatting with him. When she saw Song Wan, she hurried to stand and introduce them. “Deng Qi—you should know him, right? He played the general in ‘The Empress.’”

Song Wan nodded repeatedly. “Of course, I really like the character General Xuanyuan.” She looked at Deng Qi. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Deng.”

Deng Qi glanced at Zheng Fang, surprised. This friend of his always acted foolish and easygoing on stage, but in real life, he wasn’t nearly so affable… What exactly had this little star named Song Wan done to win him over?

Still, he wouldn’t embarrass Zheng Fang, and it was important to get along with the regular cast before filming.

He nodded. “Song Wan, is it? I really liked your portrayal of Miao Yu. You’ve got real talent—you could make a name for yourself as a serious actress.”

Though she knew he was likely just being polite, Song Wan couldn’t help but smile. “You flatter me, Mr. Deng.”

Deng Qi paused, realizing that complimenting her acting had struck a chord. He had high standards for his own performances too, and seeing this, felt a little more appreciative of Song Wan as a junior in the industry.

“You’re quite impressive,” he said, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

Soon, the others arrived one after another, greeting Deng Qi before settling in to get their makeup done.

The second episode kept the comedic style of the first, but with a hidden twist. Having read the script, Song Wan understood that today’s filming would be split into two episodes—

The first half would be comedic games, while in the second half, the earlier hints would be revealed, leading into a more cerebral, mystery-driven plot.

After reading it, Song Wan found herself a little bored.

Just then, Director Yang entered the makeup room. “Everyone, do you think there’s anything about the script for these two episodes that needs improvement?”

Director Yang’s brow was furrowed, as if troubled.

Song Wan was curious. “Why do you ask, Director Yang?”

Was there really anything to change? If he wanted a revision, they might as well start from scratch.

For a variety show, the script he’d given them was already as good as it could be.

But if they stuck too closely to the script, it might feel forced—and problems could arise.

After all, they weren’t filming a drama.

Zheng Fang raised his hand, looking conflicted. “Director Yang, I know this might be overstepping, but I have to say—I probably can’t deliver what’s written in one take.” His gaze was a bit dim. “Even when we perform live without retakes, it’s only after endless rehearsals that we get it right.”

So, even with a script, he could foresee a disaster in the making.

Guo Feng couldn’t help speaking up. “Director Yang, you do realize… I’m just an athlete.”

Acting was something he knew nothing about.

With everyone speaking up, Qing He added, “Director Yang, I’m just a host. I’m great at keeping things lively, but as for acting… I might honestly mess things up.”

Qin Hui looked even more bitter. “Director Yang, after I became famous, people kept trying to drag me into film and TV, but every director eventually told me outright they’d never work with me again. If you really insist, all I can say is—”

“Whatever makes you happy.”

But Director Yang only smiled. “Hearing you say that, I’m relieved.”

“Huh?”

Director Yang scratched his head. “It’s just that the first episode turned out so well—it felt more natural that way…”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief—so that was all.

Only Wu Jin, who had been quiet, seemed hesitant. He didn’t have much of a knack for comedy, nor a particularly distinctive personality…

Director Yang didn’t notice and broke into hearty laughter. “In that case, I’ll go adjust today’s filming plan.”

Qin Hui smiled slyly, glancing around. “I can’t compete with Zheng Fang and Song Wan when it comes to comedy, but the latter half of today’s shoot is all about brains.” His gaze swept the room, and he winked. “You’d better watch out today.”

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