Cheng Yingxin originally intended to audition for the female lead in this drama. Before she could even make a move, she found herself indirectly clashing with Sheng Jiangchen. Sheng Wei Entertainment was the main investor and producer of this drama, so with the two parties having a falling out, her opportunity naturally vanished.
In the original plot, she had successfully auditioned for the female lead, and it was during the filming of this drama that Sheng Jiangchen developed feelings for her, gradually transforming into a devoted admirer who silently protected her.
Now, the very first step had gone wrong. Sheng Jiangchen unequivocally stated his intention to blacklist Cheng Yingxin, and many who sought to curry favor with him also declared they would not cooperate with her. In an instant, Cheng Yingxin lost several endorsements, and her reputation, already tarnished by previous scandals, suffered further.
However, she had Lu Jingting, so these actions wouldn't fundamentally harm her.
This drama already had a predetermined female lead. Cheng Yingxin knew this drama would become popular, which was why she had schemed to snatch the role. Now that she didn't even have the chance to audition, the original female lead naturally returned.
Unbeknownst to them, they were setting everything back to how it was supposed to be. Su Dan Novel Network.
When the two arrived at the set, the crew was preparing for a group photo. Many directors would set up an altar on the first day of shooting to offer sacrifices for peace of mind. The director of this production was no exception; he had set out offerings, lit incense, and was leading the crew in bowing.
Upon Zhu Chongyan's arrival, someone immediately pulled him over to join the photo.
The director, who also knew Zhu Lian, approached her after the photo to greet her. The others went to get their makeup done to prepare for still shots.
"Miss Gu, long time no see."
"Long time no see."
"Miss Gu, you know Mr. Zhu?"
"Yes."
The director glanced towards the makeup room. While he was unsure of their relationship, someone being personally escorted by him suggested it wouldn't be a simple acquaintance.
One Sheng Jiangchen, one Gu Lian. It seemed he had some thinking to do.
Zhu Lian's next words further solidified his suspicions: "Ah Yan sometimes needs to go back; I hope the director can occasionally make allowances."
The director readily agreed.
For a supporting male role, adjusting the scenes and schedule was manageable.
He had heard this person was already designated as the heir of the Gu Corporation. Courting favor wouldn't hurt.
"Thank you, Director."
"Gu Lian!"
Sheng Jiangchen's voice rang out from not far away. They both looked over to see Sheng Jiangchen, dressed impeccably and holding a bouquet of flowers, approaching.
"I knew you'd come."
"Mr. Sheng."
Sheng Jiangchen nodded at the director and surveyed the surroundings, "Where are we at?"
"They are getting their makeup done; we'll take stills first."
"Understood."
He then turned to Zhu Lian, "Let's go inside and talk."
"Alright."
The director, with keen insight, led the two to the lounge.
As they passed the makeup room, Sheng Jiangchen had someone deliver the flowers to the female lead, a popular actress who was also an artist signed with Sheng Wei, nurtured by the company.
The female lead's assistant offered her thanks and carried the flowers inside, while Sheng Jiangchen and Zhu Lian entered the lounge.
The director, with great tact, gave them space.
Once the door closed, Sheng Jiangchen unceremoniously collapsed onto the sofa, his face etched with fatigue. "How did Zhu Chongyan offend Cheng Yingxin? Her methods are quite vicious."
"She's afraid Chongyan will block her path. Did you go see someone else last night?"
Sheng Jiangchen: "...Ouch, your tongue! Can't you say something nice? Last night, I spent hours arguing with my old man over your affairs. Look, my tongue is practically raw. Shouldn't you give me some reward?"
When he had stubbornly insisted on opening an entertainment company, he had sold several of his father's collected vases to raise funds. His father had been furious and nearly disowned him. Now that Sheng Wei was developing well, with several popular artists signed, it was no exaggeration to say they were making a fortune daily. Yet, he now wanted to venture into artificial intelligence technology, which had understandably infuriated the old man.
"What do you want?"
Sheng Jiangchen immediately became serious. "You can really give me something?"
He had only said it casually.
"Let's see if I can do it."
"Of course, you can," Sheng Jiangchen said quickly. "There's a stumbling block to our technological empire dream right now, and that's my father. But my uncle was also here last night. He saw the information you provided and said that if it can truly be realized, it would be greatly beneficial to our country. Therefore, he wants to meet you."
"Who is your uncle?"
Sheng Jiangchen stated his name and continued, "He works in a state-owned enterprise, doing research, primarily on defensive weapons. He's particularly interested in the quantum shielding you mentioned and really wants to chat with you."
"That's not quantum shielding."
"It's all the same, essentially," Sheng Jiangchen waved his hand dismissively. "Don't focus on these minor issues. The problem now is whether you're willing to meet him, whether you can create the things you're talking about, and then persuade my father through him to usher in our AI era!"
Zhu Lian found him a bit chuunibyo.
"Fine, you arrange it."
Sheng Jiangchen snapped his fingers. "Great! I'll call him right away."
As Sheng Jiangchen was about to make the call, there was a knock on the lounge door.
Zhu Lian got up to open it. Standing at the door was a woman with exquisite makeup, dressed in costume, holding the bouquet Sheng Jiangchen had brought earlier.
Zhu Lian moved aside slightly, "Come in, he's on the phone."
The female lead didn't know Zhu Lian. She had heard earlier that Sheng Jiangchen was accompanied by a woman, which made her feel a sense of unease. So, she had rushed over as soon as she changed. Seeing Zhu Lian's calm demeanor now, however, she felt a little uncertain.
"Thank you," she said, adjusting her skirt as she entered. Sheng Jiangchen was still by the window, on the phone.
Just as Zhu Lian was about to close the door, she caught sight of Zhu Chongyan approaching out of the corner of her eye.
He was wearing a black and red ancient costume, his hair unbound, with red colored contacts. His face was marked with scars, and his makeup was slightly disheveled, giving him the appearance of a villain at the end of his rope in a different scene.
However, the moment he saw Zhu Lian, his eyes lit up with joy, his expression soft and sweet, devoid of any harshness.
He quickly ran over. Zhu Lian opened her arms, and he couldn't help but throw himself into them. They shared a brief hug before he steadied himself.
"What's the rush?"
"I thought you'd left."
Zhu Lian chuckled. "I haven't even seen your still photos yet, why would I?"
Zhu Chongyan also smiled, stepped back a couple of paces, and spun around. His eyes changed, and he regained his villainous aura.
"How is it?"
"You look great."
He happily took Zhu Lian's hand and shared his character with her.
Upon entering the lounge, Sheng Jiangchen had finished his call and was in an awkward stalemate with the female lead.
Seeing them enter, Sheng Jiangchen said in a joking tone, "I only took a moment to make a call, and you're already gone. As expected, you prioritize romance over friendship. This world is not worth it."
Zhu Chongyan let out a chuckle upon hearing this.
Zhu Lian also said, "If you ever go bankrupt, you could try changing careers to acting. You could probably support yourself."