Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

"Cut!" he called out, his voice filled with admiration. "Very good! Prepare for the next close-up."

Chen Chen stepped out of character and let out a soft sigh of relief. This scene was extremely mentally taxing; she had used almost all her energy.

Bai Bing and Shu Chang stood not far away watching. Shu Chang's eyes were glued to the screen, and she whispered, "Senior Chen Chen acted so well... I even cried."

Bai Bing didn't speak, but her eyes revealed clear appreciation and contemplation. She looked at Chen Chen, at the woman shining in front of the camera, and a complex mix of emotions welled up within her—envy, respect, and even a hint of...competition.

In this circle, nobody wants to be the center of attention.

During intermission, Zhang Yu walked over to Chen Chen and handed her a glass of warm water: "You acted very well. Especially the moment that tear fell...it was very touching."

Chen Chen took the water glass, her fingertips brushing against his hand, the touch warm. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes still brimming with emotion: "This role... reminds me of so many things."

"What are you thinking about?"

“Thinking about the meaning of perseverance,” Chen Chen said softly, “In this restless era, it is difficult, but also very precious, to be able to persevere in something.”

Zhang Yu looked at her; the morning light danced on her face, and her clarity and determination stirred something within him. In both her past and present lives, this woman had always managed to maintain her original aspirations even in the most complex circumstances.

"You're right." His voice softened.

Just then, Li Xiaoming arrived again. He brought even more people with him today—in addition to General Manager Wang, General Manager Zhao, and General Manager Sun from yesterday, there were two new faces. What surprised Zhang Yu even more was that they were followed by three women.

The first one was wearing a light blue down jacket, with long hair reaching her waist. Her features were so exquisite that she seemed unreal, and her temperament was aloof and refined, like a fairy who did not partake in worldly affairs.

She is Liu Yifei, thirteen years old this year. She just returned from the United States and has already filmed several commercials. She is recognized as a "little fairy" in the industry.

The second woman wore a beige trench coat, her long hair styled in an elegant updo. Her features were delicate and refined, and her demeanor was intellectual and poised. She is Gao Yuanyuan, a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, who has already made a name for herself in several art-house films and is considered a promising talent by many directors.

The third one wore a red cashmere dress with a black fur shawl over it. She had a full figure, her curves were on full display, and her eyes and brows exuded charm.

She is Liu Yan, who debuted with a sexy image and is the dream girl of many men.

Three women, three completely different kinds of beauty. Their appearance instantly silenced the entire film set.

"Director Zhang, good morning." Li Xiaoming walked over with a smile. "You've brought your students again. Yifei, Yuanyuan, Liuyan, and this is Director Zhang Yu."

Liu Yifei nodded slightly, her movements as elegant as a little princess: "Hello, Director Zhang."

Gao Yuanyuan smiled gently: "Director Zhang, I've heard so much about you."

Liu Yan was much more direct. She walked up to Zhang Yu, her red lips curving into a charming smile: "Director Zhang is even more handsome than in the photos."

She was very close; the neckline of her red dress was low, revealing her snow-white skin and deep cleavage. Her perfume was rich and sensual, mingling with her body heat and the scent of desire.

Zhang Yu took a step back: "Hello everyone. We're filming, so it's not convenient."

"Just looking, I won't bother you." Li Xiaoming had already sat down by himself. "You guys continue, pretend I'm not here."

That sounded hypocritical. Zhang Yu frowned, but said nothing more. Filming had to continue, and he didn't want to delay the schedule.

With the addition of these observers during the subsequent filming, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Chen Chen clearly felt the pressure—the gazes, the evaluations, the subtle comparisons. But she quickly adjusted and re-immersed herself in the role.

Bai Bing and Shu Chang stood to one side, watching the new female celebrities. Shu Chang whispered, "That Liu Yifei is so beautiful...like a fairy."

Bai Bing didn't speak, but his gaze lingered on Liu Yifei for a long time. Her ethereal, otherworldly aura was truly unique.

Gao Yuanyuan watched Chen Chen's performance intently, occasionally whispering to Liu Yan beside her. Liu Yan, however, was distracted; her gaze kept shifting to Zhang Yu, her eyes fixed on him with undisguised interest.

During intermission, Li Xiaoming pulled Zhang Yu aside and said, "Director Zhang, look, so many beautiful women are watching you film. What does that mean? It means you have charm and audience appeal. That's all capital."

Zhang Yu asked coldly, "What exactly is President Li trying to say?"

“I really think you should consider the ‘Scholarly Family’ project,” Li Xiaoming said earnestly. “I can offer double the market rate for the director’s fee. As for the actors, you can pick any of these beauties you want. Chen Chen can play the female lead, and Gao Yuanyuan, Liu Yan, Bai Bing, Shu Chang… all of them can be given suitable roles. Even Liu Yifei, although young, can play the teenage version.”

The offer was very tempting. Director's fee, casting rights, and so many beautiful actresses... it was almost everything a director could dream of.

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

“Mr. Li,” he said calmly, “I need time to consider. Let’s talk about it after ‘Old Tales of Jiangnan’ is finished filming.”

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Li Xiaoming smiled, a smile that showed an unwavering confidence.

Afternoon Clash

The afternoon shoot took place in a small alley in the ancient town. The scene depicted Shen Qingwan and Gu Jiangnan meeting in the rain, sharing an oil-paper umbrella, their feelings subtly warming up amidst the rain.

Artificial rainmaking was ready, and Chen Chen changed into a spare moon-white cheongsam. The silk fabric would become transparent when wet, so she wore a flesh-colored undergarment underneath. Even so, the soaked cheongsam clung to her body, still outlining her slender figure, exuding a fragile yet alluring beauty.

Lu Yuan also changed into a gray long gown and held an oil-paper umbrella in his hand.

"Action!"

A light rain fell, instantly enveloping the alley in a curtain of water. Chen Chen hurriedly ran into the alley carrying several books; her moon-white cheongsam was quickly soaked, clinging to her body and revealing her curves. Her long hair was wet, with a few strands sticking to her cheeks, adding to her delicate and charming appearance.

Lu Yuan walked over from the other end, holding an oil-paper umbrella. When he saw her, he quickly stepped forward and asked, "Miss Shen? Why didn't you bring an umbrella?"

He moved the umbrella closer, forcing the two to stand very close. The atmosphere in the small space under the oil-paper umbrella was ambiguous and subtle. Chen Chen looked up at him, water droplets clinging to her eyelashes, her eyes filled with a mixture of panic and gratitude: "Mr. Gu... thank you."

"I'll take you back," Lu Yuan said naturally, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder.

The two walked side by side in the rain, the hems of their cheongsams damp and swaying gently with their steps. Behind the monitor, Zhang Yu stared intently at the camera, but out of the corner of his eye, he could feel the gazes of the onlookers—especially Liu Yan's, which were intense and direct.

"Cut!" he called out. "Great! Get ready for the next close-up."

Filming paused as staff came forward to dry Chen Chen and help him change into a clean cheongsam. Liu Yan gracefully walked over; today she wore a dark green velvet cheongsam, its form-fitting design perfectly highlighting her full bust and slender waist. The cheongsam had a high slit, revealing glimpses of her long, fair legs as she walked.