Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"Mr. Li, you flatter me." Zhang Yu raised his glass in response, but only took a small sip. "I just did what a director should do."

“It’s not just something a director should do,” Gao Yuanyuan said softly. She was wearing a light purple knitted dress today, exuding a gentle and intellectual air. “Many of Director Zhang’s instructions today went beyond the scope of a director; they were more like… life mentors.”

This was a very clever remark, both praising Zhang Yu and expressing the speaker's own feelings. Several women at the table nodded in agreement.

Jing Tian, ​​wearing a light pink sweater, looked as innocent as a girl next door: "Director Zhang taught me that eye contact exercise today, and I practiced it for a long time after I got back. It was really useful."

Liu Shishi, wearing a light gray cashmere sweater, exuded a cool and gentle aura: "Director Zhang's explanation of etiquette during the Republic of China era gave me a deeper understanding of that time."

Tang Yan, wearing a red sweater, looked playful and lively: "Director Zhang joked with me today, and I couldn't keep up with his jokes. He's amazing!"

Zhang Tian'ai, Gulinana, Zhao Liying, Song Qian, and Meng Ziyi also shared their feelings. For a moment, the banquet hall was filled with praise for Zhang Yu.

Liu Yan sat a little further away, wearing a dark green velvet dress that accentuated her fair skin and voluptuous figure. She didn't speak, but simply gazed at Zhang Yu with a complex expression—a mixture of infatuation, resentment, anger, and deep fascination.

Zhang Yu took it all in. He leaned back in his chair, his posture languid, a half-smile playing on his lips: "You're all too kind. I just did what I was supposed to do. Besides..."

He paused, his eyes becoming deep: "It is my honor to guide beauties like you. Watching you improve, watching you shine, is a pleasure in itself."

These words were ambiguous and seductive. Several young girls blushed, their eyes becoming even more captivated as they looked at him.

Li Xiaoming laughed heartily: "Director Zhang really knows how to talk. Come on, everyone, let's toast Director Zhang again!"

Another round of toasts followed. Zhang Yu accepted every toast, but drank with great restraint, remaining sober throughout. His eyes darted around the table, precisely catching the reactions of each woman—who was admiring, who was smitten, who was jealous, and who was scheming.

All of this is under his control.

Halfway through the banquet, Li Xiaoming suddenly said, "Director Zhang, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Li."

“Rong Xinda is currently preparing a large-scale period drama set in the Republican era.” Li Xiaoming said earnestly, “The director hasn’t been decided yet. I’ve watched your performance these past few days and I think you are fully capable of directing. So… I would like to invite you to direct this drama.”

The room fell silent. Everyone looked at Zhang Yu, awaiting his answer.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment, then smiled: "President Li, I appreciate your appreciation. But as you know, I'm currently filming 'Old Tales of Jiangnan,' which is my graduation project and the culmination of my hard work. I can't give up halfway."

“That’s easy.” Li Xiaoming readily agreed. “You can continue filming ‘Old Tales of Jiangnan,’ and Rong Xinda can increase their investment to ensure you make an even better film. After that, you can take on this period drama. There’s plenty of time.”

This offer is very tempting. Additional investment means better equipment, higher production quality, and wider publicity. For a student director, this is practically a windfall.

But Zhang Yu knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

“Mr. Li,” his voice was calm, “can you tell me why me? Rong Xinda has so many well-known directors under its umbrella, why did you choose me as your student?”

Li Xiaoming laughed: "Because you have talent, potential, and more importantly... you have audience appeal. I've observed you these past few days, and you not only know how to act, but you also know how to 'get along with people.' Look, so many beautiful women like you, that's audience appeal. For a drama to be a hit, the director's audience appeal is very important."

These words were blunt and realistic. Zhang Yu smiled, a lazy smile tinged with meaning: "Mr. Li is right. However... if I take on this role, how much say will I have in the casting process?"

“Of course it’s up to you.” Li Xiaoming readily agreed. “You’re the director, so you decide on the casting. As long as it’s within the budget, you can use whoever you want.”

As he said this, his gaze swept over the female celebrities at the table, the meaning of which was clear—you can use any of these beauties.

The atmosphere at the table became subtle. Several actresses looked at Zhang Yu, their eyes filled with anticipation—if they could star in Zhang Yu's big-budget period drama, it would be a huge leap forward for their careers.

Zhang Yu took it all in. He leaned back in his chair, his posture languid, his fingers lightly tapping the table as if he were deep in thought.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke: "Mr. Li, this proposal is very tempting. But I need time to consider it. How about we discuss it in detail after I finish filming 'My Memories of Jiangnan'?"

He neither directly refused nor directly agreed, but left room for maneuver. This is a very skillful negotiation technique.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Li Xiaoming's eyes: "Alright, let's wait until Director Zhang finishes filming before we talk about it. Come on, let's have a drink!"

The banquet continued, and the atmosphere became lively again. But everyone had new plans in mind.

Looking at the women at the table, Zhang Yu's mind formed a new plan—if he really accepted the role in that period drama set in the Republican era, the casting rights would be his biggest bargaining chip. He could use this chip to get closer to these women and further touch their "star power."

One hundred and eight... This task is arduous, but with this opportunity, the progress will be much faster.

Moreover, this game will become even more interesting.

He turned to look at Chen Chen. She, in her pale white, modernized cheongsam, was quietly watching him, her gaze complex.

"Chen Chen," he asked softly, "what do you think?"

Chen Chen was silent for a moment, then said softly, "This is your choice, and I respect it. But whatever you choose, please remember... your original intention."

Her voice was soft, but firm. Zhang Yu looked at her, a very slight ripple passing through his heart.

Does he still have his original aspiration?

Perhaps it exists, but it has changed shape.

“I will remember this,” he finally said.

The banquet didn't end until 9:30. Everyone returned to their lodgings, and Zhang Yu and Chen Chen walked side by side on the cobblestone streets of the ancient town. The lanterns cast long shadows of them, sometimes overlapping, sometimes separating.

“Zhang Yu,” Chen Chen suddenly spoke up, “that mission…is it related to Rong Xinda’s drama?”

Zhang Yu paused for a moment, then smiled: "You're always so smart."

“I can sense it,” Chen Chen said softly. “You’re planning something. And that plan requires a lot of people, a lot of… women.”

She was very direct, and Zhang Yu fell silent. After a long while, he slowly said, "Chen Chen, there are some things I can't say. But you can rest assured, I won't hurt anyone. At least... I won't intentionally hurt anyone."

“But what about passive damage?” Chen Chen turned to look at him, his emerald eyes clear in the lantern light. “Zhang Yu, I know you. You’re not the kind of person who would play with emotions. But what you’re doing now… I’m very worried.”