Rebirth: A big star falls in love with me

Looking at her, Zhang Yu suddenly felt that this woman was terrifyingly frightening—she could treat emotions like a game of chess, planning every step with precision.

“I know what to do,” he said.

"That's good." Yang Mi smiled. "By the way, President Li has arranged a celebration banquet tonight at 'Chang'an No. 1'. If you come, I'll go too. There might be even more interesting things to see then."

After she finished speaking, she turned and left, her black dress casting an elegant and mysterious silhouette. Zhang Yu watched her retreating figure, took a deep breath, and walked towards Chen Chen.

Chen Chen sat in the corner of the sofa, head down, shoulders trembling slightly. Zhang Yu sat down beside her and asked softly, "Are you alright?"

Chen Chen looked up, her eyes red, but she held back her tears: "I'm fine."

"I'm sorry about earlier," Zhang Yu said. "Zeng Li and Yang Mi..."

“You don’t need to apologize,” Chen Chen interrupted him, his voice a little hoarse. “It’s your job, I understand.”

She said she understood, but her eyes betrayed her unconcealed pain. Zhang Yu looked at her, a strong urge welling up inside him—he wanted to tell her the truth, to tell her it was all a lie, to tell her he only loved her.

But he couldn't. Because Yang Mi was right. If he told Chen Chen the truth now, she might forgive him, but she was more likely to leave him—because she would find that he was more complicated and better at deception than she had imagined.

“Chen Chen,” he finally said, “I’m exhausted. These complicated relationships, these power struggles… sometimes I really don’t know what to do.”

He spoke sincerely, because it was true—he was truly tired, truly lost. Chen Chen looked at him, his gaze softening: "Zhang Yu..."

"Can you stay by my side?" He held her hand. "When I'm about to give up, pull me up with a hand."

Chen Chen looked at him, and tears finally streamed down her face. She gripped his hand tightly, saying, "I will. Zhang Yu, no matter what happens, I will be by your side."

She spoke with such conviction. A strong sense of guilt welled up in Zhang Yu's heart—he had once again taken advantage of her kindness and her love.

But he had no choice.

This is the price of gaming.

7 p.m. at the "Chang'an No. 1" clubhouse.

This is one of Beijing's most upscale private clubs, membership-only with excellent privacy. Li Xiaoming booked the largest private room, where a long table was laden with exquisite dishes and fine wines. In addition to the main creative team, more than a dozen investors and industry heavyweights were also present.

When Zhang Yu arrived, the private room was already quite lively. Zeng Li was chatting and laughing with a man in his fifties—the CEO of a film company, surnamed Wang, who was said to have a powerful background. Li Xiaoran sat quietly to the side, chatting with a female producer. Bai Bing stood alone in front of the bar, sipping champagne. Yang Mi hadn't arrived yet.

Chen Chen sat next to Zhang Yu. Today she had changed into a light purple dress, her long hair was loose, and her makeup had been touched up, but her eyes were still a little red and swollen. Zhang Yu could sense her nervousness—this kind of occasion was too unfamiliar to her, with strangers everywhere, and unspoken rules and deals rife everywhere.

"Relax," Zhang Yu whispered to her. "Just follow me."

Chen Chen nodded, but his fingers gripped the wine glass tightly.

Soon, Yang Mi arrived. She had changed her clothes today—a deep red velvet halter dress, with a black fur coat over it. Her long hair was slightly curled, and her makeup was even more exquisite than in the afternoon, with fiery red lips. She was breathtakingly beautiful. As soon as she entered, she attracted everyone's attention.

"Sorry I'm late." Yang Mi smiled politely and walked straight to Zhang Yu's side. "Director Zhang, Ms. Chen Chen, good evening."

As she spoke, she naturally sat down in the empty seat on Zhang Yu's other side—a seat that had been specially reserved for her. Zhang Yu could feel Chen Chen's body stiffen again.

The dinner began, the atmosphere lively yet insincere. Investors engaged in lively discussions, actresses smiled sweetly, everyone wearing a mask, saying things they didn't mean. Zhang Yu navigated the scene, offering toasts, exchanging pleasantries, chatting and laughing, behaving like a seasoned insider.

But he knew in his heart that it was all a lie. These people patted him on the shoulder with smiles, calling him a "young talent," but what they were really thinking about was how to make money off him, or... how to get the actresses around him.

Sure enough, after a few rounds of drinks, Mr. Wang came over with his wine glass.

"Director Zhang, you're young and promising!" President Wang patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder, but his eyes drifted to Zeng Li. "Zeng Li has praised you to me many times, saying you're exceptionally talented!"

"Mr. Wang, you flatter me," Zhang Yu said politely.

"No flattery, no flattery!" Mr. Wang lowered his voice. "Director Zhang, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. I recently invested in a film, and we're short of a female lead. I think Zeng Li is perfect for the role, but she insists on starring in your 'Scholarly Family.' Do you think... you could try to coordinate something?"

He spoke subtly, but his meaning was clear—he wanted Zeng Li to act in his film, but Zeng Li wanted to act in Zhang Yu's film, so he wanted Zhang Yu to give up on Zeng Li.

Zhang Yu sneered inwardly, but maintained a smile on his face: "President Wang, casting needs to be considered comprehensively. Zeng Li is indeed very suitable for the role of Su Manli."

"Of course!" Mr. Wang smiled even more enthusiastically. "But Director Zhang, how about this—Zeng Li will act in my movie first, and then act in your movie after filming is finished. I can compensate her for the salary."

When he said "compensation," his eyes held a knowing glint. Zhang Yu knew that this so-called "compensation" wasn't just about money, but also resources and connections.

“Mr. Wang, I’m afraid this is not appropriate.” Zhang Yu still smiled. “Our film starts shooting next month, and we can’t wait.”

Mr. Wang's smile faded slightly: "Director Zhang, to succeed in this industry, you need to be flexible. You see, I know a lot of people and can provide you with many resources. But if you don't know how to be flexible..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the threat was clear.

Zhang Yu looked at him; the man in his fifties had the shrewdness of a businessman and the arrogance of a powerful figure in his eyes. He knew that if he offended this man, it would be difficult for him to get along in the industry in the future.

But he didn't want to compromise. Not because he cared so much about Zeng Li, but because he didn't like being threatened.

“Mr. Wang,” he said calmly, “casting is the director’s job, and I will decide based on the needs of the film. If Zeng Li is really suitable for your film, then she should act in your film. But for my role, I will find someone else who is more suitable.”

He spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly. Mr. Wang's face darkened: "Director Zhang, are you sure you want this?"

“I’m very sure,” Zhang Yu nodded.

Mr. Wang looked at him for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed: "Good, you have guts! I like that! Come on, let's drink!"

He raised his glass, downed it in one gulp, and then turned to leave. But Zhang Yu could sense that this man wouldn't give up so easily.

"Director Zhang, thank you." Zeng Li walked over unnoticed, her voice soft. "That President Wang... is not someone to be trifled with. It's not worth it for you to offend him for my sake."