Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Shooting continues.

But the atmosphere became quite subtle that morning because of Zeng Li and Li Xiaoran's arrival. Chen Chen remained focused on acting, but when he occasionally glanced at Zhang Yu, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

She could sense that more and more women were surrounding Zhang Yu. Each one was beautiful, each one was talented, and each one...was interested in him.

This realization stirred a sense of crisis within her. But she didn't show it; instead, she poured all her emotions into the role.

Perhaps, acting is her safest haven.

Filming was suspended at noon.

Li Xiaoming appeared at the opportune moment and invited everyone to dine at the best restaurant in the ancient town.

This dinner party was much larger, including not only the core members of the production team, but also Zeng Li, Li Xiaoran, Bai Bing, Shu Chang, Liu Yifei, and... several new faces.

When Zhang Yu entered the private room, he saw a group of people already seated around the round table. Li Xiaoming was sitting at the head of the table, with several middle-aged men who looked like investors to his left, and to his right... three women he had never seen before but recognized at a glance.

The first one was wearing a white turtleneck sweater and light blue jeans, her long hair tied in a ponytail. She had delicate, lively features, and two small tiger teeth when she smiled, looking as approachable and adorable as the girl next door. She is Zhang Hanyun, sixteen years old this year. She just participated in a talent show on Hunan TV and is currently receiving training in Beijing. She is a rising star heavily promoted by her company.

Beside her stood a woman a few years older, dressed in a black leather jacket and skinny jeans, with long, slightly wavy hair and striking, deep-set features, exuding a blend of masculine and wild beauty. She was Wang Ou, a former model who had recently transitioned into acting, already playing supporting roles in several television dramas and known for her cool and glamorous image.

The third woman was the oldest, around thirty years old, wearing a dark green velvet dress with a camel-colored cashmere shawl. Her long hair was styled in an elegant updo, exuding a dignified and sophisticated air. She was Zhang Zilin, a former Miss World winner, who was attempting to develop her career in the entertainment industry.

The three women represented three different types, but each possessed a unique and captivating beauty. Adding to the already known Zeng Li, Li Xiaoran, Bai Bing, and others, this private room practically housed every type of beauty in the entertainment industry.

"Director Zhang is here!" Li Xiaoming greeted him warmly. "Come, sit down, let me introduce you to some new friends."

After the introductions, Zhang Yu basically understood the situation—Zhang Hanyun was a newly signed artist of Rong Xinda, Wang Ou was recommended by a friend to audition, and Zhang Zilin was brought by the investors to see if there were any suitable roles.

“Director Zhang,” Zhang Hanyun spoke first, her voice sweet, “I’ve seen your short films, and I really liked them! Can I learn acting from you?”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, like a little animal eagerly awaiting food. This youthful, invincible energy was truly infectious.

"Let's learn from each other," Zhang Yu said politely.

Wang Ou was much more direct. She raised her glass and said, "Director Zhang, I'd like to toast you. I've long heard that you're a talented man from the Beijing Film Academy, and today I'm finally meeting you."

Her drinking posture was elegant; she tilted her head back and downed the drink in one gulp, her neck long and graceful. The curves of her figure were fully revealed beneath her black leather jacket, and her wild beauty stood out among the many gentle women.

Zhang Zilin was the most dignified; she simply nodded slightly and said, "Director Zhang, I've heard so much about you. I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together someday."

The dinner began, and while the atmosphere seemed lively, undercurrents were swirling beneath. Li Xiaoming was adept at setting the mood, and after a few drinks, everyone relaxed a bit. But Zhang Yu could feel the women's gazes frequently falling on him—curious, admiring, appraising, even... flirtatious.

Zeng Li was the most proactive. She sat diagonally opposite Zhang Yu, glancing at him every time she raised her glass, her eyes alluring and bold. She had taken off her burgundy coat, revealing a black knitted dress underneath; the tight-fitting design perfectly accentuated her full bust and slender waist. The deep V-neckline peeked out with her movements, her snow-white skin and deep cleavage particularly alluring under the light.

“Director Zhang,” she raised her glass again, “I’d like to toast you once more. Thank you for your guidance this morning.”

As she drank, her red lips pressed against the rim of the glass, but her eyes were fixed intently on Zhang Yu. There was a hook in her gaze, capable of stealing a man's soul.

Zhang Yu politely raised his glass, but only took a small sip.

Li Xiaoran was much quieter. She sat next to Zeng Li, eating her food in small bites, occasionally glancing up at Zhang Yu with a gentle and reserved look in her eyes. She had taken off her beige wool coat, revealing a light gray cashmere sweater underneath, which made her skin appear even whiter. Her beauty was understated, requiring slow appreciation.

Bai Bing remained aloof. She sat a little further away, barely speaking, simply observing quietly. But Zhang Yu could sense that her gaze frequently fell upon him, carrying a complex emotion.

Shu Chang and Liu Yifei, being younger, were seated on the other side. Shu Chang was lively, chatting and laughing with Zhang Hanyun next to her from time to time; Liu Yifei was quiet, simply watching the adults talk attentively, like a sensible little princess.

Chen Chen sat next to Zhang Yu. Today, she wore a light purple cheongsam with a white cashmere shawl, looking as elegant as a sprig of lilac. She didn't talk much, but every time she spoke, it was just right, neither impolite nor overly enthusiastic.

Huang Ying was also there, wearing a royal blue cheongsam that accentuated her snow-white skin, her amethyst earrings swaying gently with her movements. She sat on Chen Chen's other side, occasionally whispering to him, her gaze occasionally drifting to Zhang Yu with obvious worry.

This dinner party was far too complicated. Zhang Yu could sense the invisible tension—the rivalry between women, the investors' calculations, Li Xiaoming's schemes... everything was like a net, and he was the prey at the center of it.

But he was not the prey. He was the hunter.

"Director Zhang," Li Xiaoming spoke again, "how have you decided on the casting for 'The Scholarly Family'? Everyone here today is very sincere."

These words were spoken very bluntly. All the women present looked at Zhang Yu, their eyes filled with expectation.

Zhang Yu put down his chopsticks, still looking languid: "President Li, as I said, we'll talk about it after 'Old Tales of Jiangnan' is finished filming."

"I understand, I understand," Li Xiaoming said with a smile. "But we can chat first. Look, there are so many beautiful women, so many types, surely there are a few that suit you."

He paused, then continued, "For the lead role of Lin Shuwan, Ms. Chen Chen is the perfect choice. For the second lead role of the gentle female teacher, Ms. Gao Yuanyuan is very suitable—oh, by the way, Yuanyuan couldn't come today because of something, but she's also very interested."

"The third female lead, singer Lin Wanqing, auditioned this morning, and I think she has great potential. The fourth female lead, socialite, has been nominated by Ms. Zeng Li. The fifth female lead, dancer, has been expressed interest by Ms. Li Xiaoran. As for the role of a teenage girl, Ms. Shu Chang, Ms. Liu Yifei, and Ms. Zhang Hanyun are all worth considering..."

He knew each woman in the room like the back of his hand, assigning them roles. This was a brilliant move—using roles as bait to make these women anticipate Zhang Yu's arrival, making it difficult for Zhang Yu to refuse them.

Zhang Yu smiled, a lazy smile tinged with sarcasm: "President Li has made very thoughtful arrangements. But filming isn't like building blocks; the role has to be suitable."