Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

This discovery brought a sweet feeling to her heart, but it quickly turned into bitterness—if he cared, why did he get entangled with so many female celebrities?

The feelings were too complicated. She shook her head, deciding not to think about it anymore.

Filming continued. The next few takes went smoothly, and by noon, the morning's filming was complete.

After lunch, Li Xiaoming said he wanted to hold a small meeting in the tea room to discuss the progress of the preparations for "A Family of Scholars". Zhang Yu wanted Chen Chen to come along, but she said she was tired and wanted to go back to her room to rest. Huang Ying accompanied her back.

Inside the tea room, Li Xiaoming, Yang Mi, Liu Shishi, and two investors were already waiting. When Zhang Yu entered, Yang Mi was brewing tea—her movements were elegant, clearly indicating she had studied tea ceremony.

"Director Zhang is here," Li Xiaoming said with a smile. "Sit down, sit down, and try the tea that Yang Mi brewed. She said it's Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountain, which is not something that ordinary people can drink."

Zhang Yu sat down opposite Yang Mi. Today, she wore a dark green velvet cheongsam, her long hair styled in a low bun and adorned with a jade hairpin, giving her a cool and elegant look with a touch of classical charm. The cheongsam was a modified version, with a neckline that was just right, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbone, and the sleeves were three-quarter length, revealing a section of her fair and slender forearms.

"Director Zhang, please." Yang Mi pushed a cup of tea in front of Zhang Yu with elegant and proper movements.

The tea liquor was a bright orange-red, with a rich aroma. Zhang Yu took a sip and nodded: "Good tea."

"Director Zhang knows about tea?" Yang Mi looked up at him.

"I know a little bit." Zhang Yu put down his teacup. "But Mr. Li didn't call me here today just for tea, did he?"

Li Xiaoming laughed: "Director Zhang is still so direct. Okay, let's get down to business—the script for 'A Family of Scholars' has been revised, and the investment is all in place. Now all that's left is for the director to give his approval."

He pulled out a thick contract and pushed it in front of Zhang Yu: "This is the director's contract. The salary is twice the market price, plus five percent of the box office revenue. You have complete control over casting. As long as it's within the budget, you can use whoever you want."

The terms were very favorable. Zhang Yu flipped through the contract, his expression calm.

“Director Zhang,” Yang Mi began, her voice cool and detached, “I know you have a passion for art, but in this industry, art and commerce aren’t mutually exclusive. While *The Scholarly Family* is a commercial film, the script is solid, the characters are well-developed, and there’s room for creative expression. And…”

She paused, her eyes deepening: "And this is a great platform. You can use this film to bring out a group of good actors and build your own team. This is very important for your future development."

What she said was practical and insightful. Zhang Yu looked at her and realized that this woman was not only beautiful but also very intelligent. She knew how to think from the other person's perspective and how to persuade them by using things that mattered to them.

“Ms. Yang is right,” Liu Shishi echoed softly. “Director Zhang’s talent shouldn’t be limited to student works. He deserves a bigger stage.”

The two women, one cold and one warm, were both urging him to take the role. Zhang Yu could sense that they weren't just trying to get the part for themselves, but genuinely believed the opportunity was good for him.

“I need time to think about it.” Zhang Yu closed the contract. “I will give you an answer after the post-production of ‘Old Tales of Jiangnan’ is completed.”

“I understand.” Li Xiaoming nodded. “However, Director Zhang, there’s something I have to say—opportunity waits for no one. If you don’t make a decision soon, the investors might look for other directors.”

This was pressure, but it was also the truth. Zhang Yu smiled: "Don't worry, Mr. Li, I won't keep you waiting too long."

The meeting discussed some details and ended an hour later. Li Xiaoming and the investors left first, leaving only Zhang Yu, Yang Mi, and Liu Shishi in the tea room.

"Director Zhang," Yang Mi suddenly said, "can I speak with you privately?"

Liu Shishi tactfully got up: "I'll go for a walk in the yard."

After she left, only the two of them remained in the tea room. Sunlight streamed through the latticework window, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor. The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the sound of a guqin drifted from afar, creating a tranquil yet intimate atmosphere.

Yang Mi brewed another pot of tea. Her fingers were long and slender, and her movements as she brewed the tea were fluid and graceful, like a silent dance. Her dark green cheongsam swayed slightly with her movements, outlining her slender waist and beautiful body curves.

“Director Zhang,” she began, her voice softer than before, “I know what I said at the meeting might have made you think I was too opportunistic. But I was really thinking of you.”

Zhang Yu looked at her: "Why?"

“Because…” Yang Mi looked up at him, her eyes clear, “Because I think you are a good director and shouldn’t be overlooked. I’ve seen all your short films, and every single one is inspired and thoughtful. But student works have limited reach, and you need a film that can be shown in theaters so that more people can see your talent.”

She spoke sincerely. Zhang Yu could sense that this wasn't flattery, but genuine appreciation.

"Thank you." His voice softened.

"You're welcome." Yang Mi smiled, a smile that softened her cold and beautiful face. "Actually, I also have my own selfish reasons—I want to work with good directors and make good films. There are too few good directors in this industry."

"Do you think I'm a good director?"

“You’re not only a good director, but also a good teacher.” Yang Mi’s eyes became serious. “I’ve thought about what you said in the coffee shop that day for a long time. You’re right, acting requires authenticity, it requires ‘becoming’ rather than ‘playing’. Many directors understand this principle, but few can express it as clearly and effectively as you do.”

As she spoke, she suddenly stood up and walked to Zhang Yu. The hem of her dark green cheongsam swayed gently with her steps, revealing her long, slender legs clad in stockings. She stopped in front of Zhang Yu and leaned down to look at him—the posture was ambiguous. She could smell the faint scent of soap on him, and he could see the cleavage that was faintly visible beneath the neckline of her cheongsam.

“Director Zhang,” she said in a low voice, “I want to learn more from you. Not just acting, but also… how to stay true to yourself and go far in this industry.”

Her eyes were fixed on him, filled with adoration, longing, and something deeper—a woman's interest in a man, a clever woman's desire to conquer a clever man.

Zhang Yu looked at her; the mole under her left eye was clearly visible in the sunlight. He could sense Yang Mi's intentions—she was using her intelligence and charm as weapons, testing, approaching, and...seducing him.

This kind of temptation is more sophisticated and more dangerous than Zeng Li's directness. Because it is based on understanding and appreciation, it is easier for people to let their guard down.

“Ms. Yang,” Zhang Yu’s voice remained calm, “in this industry, everyone has to forge their own path. I can guide your acting, but how to ‘stay true to yourself and go far’ is something you have to figure out for yourself.”

"Have you figured it out yet?" Yang Mi asked, leaning forward slightly, almost touching Zhang Yu's face.