Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

She finished speaking and left, her white shirt silhouette appearing particularly slender under the corridor lights. Zhang Yu watched her go, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him—this aloof woman, it turned out, could also be jealous.

"Director Zhang." Another voice.

This time it was Yang Mi. She leaned against the conference room doorframe, her black leather jacket open, revealing a deep V-neck black fitted T-shirt underneath, showcasing her delicate collarbone and a line of snow-white skin. Tight jeans hugged her long, straight legs, and she wore black high-heeled boots, looking cool, stylish, and sexy.

"Miss Yang, is there something you need?" Zhang Yu asked.

"I'd like to talk to you about the audition." Yang Mi walked in and closed the door behind her. Only the two of them remained in the meeting room, and the atmosphere suddenly became ambiguous.

“I read the script for the character Fang Qing and I really like her.” Yang Mi walked up to Zhang Yu, standing very close. “She’s a female reporter who returned from studying abroad. She’s independent, intelligent, and has the sharp edge of a modern woman. That’s very similar to me.”

When she said, "You're just like me," her eyes were fixed on Zhang Yu, filled with confidence and provocation. Zhang Yu could smell her perfume, a cool, woody scent mixed with a faint hint of tobacco—did she smoke?

"So what are you trying to say?" Zhang Yu asked.

“I want to say that this role is perfect for me.” Yang Mi smiled, a smile that was both cold and sly. “But I also want to hear Director Zhang’s understanding of this role. After all… no matter how well an actor resembles the character, they still need the director’s guidance.”

When she said "training," she drew out the last syllable, her eyes filled with ambiguity. Zhang Yu looked at her; this woman knew so well how to use intelligence and charm as weapons. She wasn't as directly seductive as Zeng Li, nor as subtle as Bai Bing; she used a professional exterior to wrap a seductive core.

"I've already explained my understanding at the meeting," Zhang Yu said calmly. "If you want to hear more specific details, we can discuss it during the audition."

“I want to hear it now.” Yang Mi took a step forward, almost touching Zhang Yu. She could feel his body temperature and smell the faint scent of soap on him. “Director Zhang, you know what? I’m very good at judging people. On the surface, you’re a serious and dedicated director, but deep down… you’re a player. You’re playing a game, and these actresses, including me, are just your pawns.”

She was so accurate that it startled Zhang Yu. But he remained outwardly calm: "Miss Yang has a very rich imagination."

“It’s not imagination, it’s observation.” Yang Mi reached out and lightly ran her fingertips along Zhang Yu’s shirt collar. “The way you look at those girls isn’t just a director looking at actors. You’re evaluating, appreciating,… collecting. Like a collector admiring his collection.”

Her fingertips were icy cold, yet her touch was burning hot. Zhang Yu grasped her wrist: "Miss Yang, please have some self-respect."

"Where did I lack self-respect?" Yang Mi smiled even more charmingly. "I'm just stating the facts. Director Zhang, we're actually the same kind of people—we both know how to use the rules, we both know how to play the game. So... how about we collaborate?"

"What cooperation?"

“You help me get this role, and I’ll help you… win over these girls.” Yang Mi’s eyes deepened. “I understand women, I know what they’re thinking, what they want. I can help you make them all like you, all be infatuated with you, all… willingly become your pawns.”

She spoke directly, and dangerously. Zhang Yu looked at her, the mole under his left eye clearly visible in the light: "Why would I do this?"

“Because you need it.” Yang Mi’s voice was very low. “Although I don’t know exactly what game you’re playing, I know you need these girls’ affection and infatuation. And I can help you. In exchange, you give me a standout role so I can gain a foothold in the industry. A fair trade.”

Fair trade. That phrase again. Zhang Yu remembered her saying something similar back in Xitang. This woman was indeed very clever, and also very dangerous.

"I'll think about it." Zhang Yu released her hand.

"Okay, I'll wait for you." Yang Mi took a step back, transforming back into the aloof actress. "You can set the audition time; I'm available anytime."

She turned and left, her black leather jacket billowing as she walked away with a swift and elegant silhouette. Zhang Yu watched her retreating figure, the thought in his mind growing clearer—perhaps Yang Mi was right; they were the same kind of people. They both understood the rules of the game, both knew how to use others, and both were used by others.

But his game was more complicated and more... dangerous than she had imagined.

7 p.m., private room in the Chinese restaurant of Wangfujing Hotel.

The huge round table was filled with more than twenty people. In addition to those who had attended the meeting in the afternoon, there were a few new faces. Li Xiaoming said they were friends brought by the investors and wanted to get to know Director Zhang.

Zhang Yu sat in the main guest seat, with Li Xiaoming to his left and Chen Chen to his right. On Chen Chen's other side was Huang Ying, followed by Zeng Li, Li Xiaoran, Bai Bing, Yang Mi, Liu Shishi... The actresses sat in a circle according to their afternoon seating order, forming a beautiful scene.

The food was plentiful, and the wine was excellent. Li Xiaoming was good at creating a lively atmosphere, and after a few drinks, everyone relaxed a bit. But Zhang Yu could sense that the actresses' gazes kept falling on him—Zeng Li was the boldest, always giving him flirtatious glances when she raised her glass; Li Xiaoran was the gentlest, speaking to him softly; Bai Bing was the most restrained, but his eyes were always on him; Yang Mi was the smartest, always getting to the point; Liu Shishi was the quietest, only glancing at him occasionally.

Only Chen Chen remained quiet. She ate her food in small bites, sipped her wine in small sips, occasionally exchanging a few words with Li Xiaoming or the investors, but rarely initiating conversation with Zhang Yu. That deliberate aloofness was particularly noticeable amidst the lively dinner.

“Director Zhang,” Zeng Li raised her glass again, “I’d like to toast you again. I’ve benefited greatly from listening to your lecture on the play today. Your understanding of the Republican era is so profound; you’re not like a young person at all.”

Zhang Yu raised his glass: "Ms. Zeng, you flatter me."

“I’m not flattered.” Zeng Li took a sip of her drink, her cheeks slightly flushed, adding to her charm. “I truly admire him. And… Director Zhang is so handsome and talented, no wonder so many girls like him.”

The words were ambiguous. A moment of silence fell over the table. Li Xiaoran said softly, "Zeng Li, you've had too much to drink."

“I’m not drunk,” Zeng Li smiled even more charmingly. “I’m telling the truth. Don’t you agree?”

She glanced at the other actresses. Bai Bing lowered his head to eat, Yang Mi wore a half-smile, and Liu Shishi looked somewhat embarrassed. Chen Chen remained calm, but the fingers gripping his wine glass tightened slightly.

"Ms. Zeng is joking," Zhang Yu said, trying to smooth things over. "Everyone came because they like the play, it has nothing to do with who the director is."

"Really?" Zeng Li raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over Chen Chen. "And what about Miss Chen Chen? Is it because you like acting, or because you like directing?"

This question was too direct and too pointed. Everyone looked at Chen Chen. Chen Chen put down his wine glass, raised his head, and smiled politely: "Miss Zeng, that's a good question. Firstly, I like the character Shen Qingwan and the story. As for the director..."