"Since the Song family's recent business is all abroad, let's have Xiao Lu go there in person."
This meant sending him overseas.
Xie Jin Yi was slightly surprised.
Although she had heard long ago that Han Xian Yun held grudges, she had never witnessed it herself.
To the point where she had always thought it was a rumor.
Because in her understanding, Han Xian Yun had a pretty good temper.
Under normal circumstances, it was rare for anyone to make him angry.
Let alone hold a grudge.
She remembered that a few times when his subordinates were incompetent and delayed his important matters, he only gave them a few scolding remarks with a laugh.
He didn't make things difficult for them at all.
But this time, not only did he send Song Cheng Lu abroad, but he also made Madam Song taste the consequences of overstepping her authority.
He said with his mouth, 'This matter is over.'
But in action, he was clearly calculating.
For Song Cheng Lu, this trip abroad had an uncertain return date. If Han Xian Yun intended it, it could be ten or eight years.
For Madam Song, her son, whom she had finally gotten back, was leaving again because of her actions.
How could she not be heartbroken and remorseful?
Compared to beating or scolding, this kind of 'killing with a thousand knives' method was the most vicious.
Xie Jin Yi suddenly had a feeling that if, one day, she wanted to leave and he refused to let go, their relationship would surely be tragic.
Another VIP ward.
When Han Xian Yun knocked and entered, Yu Wen Li was coaxing Wen Ting Xue to drink porridge.
"Good girl, drink a little more."
He brought the cooled plain porridge to her lips, coaxing her gently, "Auntie made it herself, it smells very good, hmm?"
Wen Ting Xue was not seriously injured. She had woken up last night.
But because the back of her head was injured, she couldn't sleep flat.
She could only lie on her side to avoid pressing on the wound.
However, she was not used to sleeping like this and was very uncomfortable all night. Even with him holding her, she slept very lightly.
As a result, she woke up very early today and had no appetite.
Han Xian Yun, perhaps not expecting such a reaction from her, formed his left hand into a fist, brought it to his lips, and smiled with amusement.
"You'll probably be disappointed, he's still alive. However, once he's mostly recovered, he'll be going abroad to handle business. I probably won't be able to beat him up for a while, so I'll save it for next time."
"Going abroad?" Wen Ting Xue was surprised.
Given his condition, could he go abroad?
Yu Wen Li, however, sensed something from his words.
His attitude softened slightly as he said, "Going abroad is good. It's quiet and conducive to recovery."
Everyone: "..."
Look at what you're saying, might as well name names directly.
"Ahem," Xie Jin Yi cleared her throat awkwardly and explained, "He's actually not that badly injured. I pushed him accidentally at the time, and the force wasn't that great. He fainted because the back of his head happened to hit the steps. The doctor said he'll be fine after a few days of rest, and it won't affect anything."
"Oh."
Wen Ting Xue nodded obediently.
Although her consciousness was chaotic when she rolled down the stairs,
She clearly remembered that Xie Jin Yi had pushed Song Cheng Lu because she was worried about her.
If she were to really count, she should thank her.
However, their entanglements were too deep, and some things she really couldn't say.
Moreover, if it weren't for her, she wouldn't have been targeted by Song Cheng Lu.
So after much thought, Wen Ting Xue didn't speak.
The atmosphere fell into silence for a moment.
But Que You felt the atmosphere was unbearable and was about to find a topic to ease it when there was a knock at the door.
At this moment, it sounded like heavenly music.
Que You quickly said, "Come in!"
He even took a step forward, ready to open the door.
But the other party was faster than him.
"Yo, so early."
Director Chen was surprised to see him there and then remembered Yu Wen Li's relationship with Wen Ting Xue, tapping his forehead and saying, "I almost forgot, you two are boyfriend and girlfriend."
He pointed towards the bed with a smile.
Then he noticed Han Xian Yun and Xie Jin Yi beside them.
"Fourth Master Han?!" Director Chen was truly shocked. "You, why are you here too?"
Han Xian Yun smiled and said, "Xiao Xue is my sister."
"Sister?" Director Chen was taken aback.
He had heard about the Han family adopting daughters.
But he hadn't paid much attention to it.
To be honest, it was normal for wealthy families like the Han family to adopt daughters or sons.
And it was mostly for show, for profit.
Or to cover up some scandal.
He thought the Han family was the same, especially since it was rumored before that the young master of the Han family was particularly fond of Wen Ting Xue?
And even opened a shop in Jiang City for her.
So when the news of the Han family adopting a daughter came out, they thought it was a transaction.
But listening to Han Xian Yun's tone, he genuinely treated her as a sister.
The doting in his eyes didn't seem fake.
...
Wen Ting Xue was not a socially adept person.
Her interactions with Director Chen were mostly professional.
Therefore, after a simple exchange of pleasantries, she didn't know what else to say.
Director Chen was also good at making movies but terrible at small talk.
Purposeful conversations like last night were fine, he could improvise.
But awkward small talk with no topics, he really couldn't say a word.
Fortunately, Que You was a good conversationalist. Seeing that they had nothing to say, he quickly steered the topic to Director Chen's new play.
"I heard you hosted a huge event last night, specifically to cast the female lead for your new drama? How was it? Did you find anyone? Do you want me to introduce you to some beauties?"
Que You was naturally gregarious, and after being a manager for so long, his tongue was even more agile.
When talking to people, he would also pay attention to relaxing his body language.
This created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the other person.
So as to elicit more information.
"Don't even mention it," Director Chen's expression visibly relaxed.
His speech was no longer as stiff as before. "I've been in the capital for a week now, and I've met almost all the famous and unknown actresses in the industry, but... to be honest, I haven't found a suitable one."
He had an excellent script.
But because the dialogue wasn't concise enough, he had been revising it.
Until the latest version, which was indeed perfect.
He also happened to have time, so he decided to film it.
He had already found investors and the main crew, and most of the roles were cast.
Only the female lead and second female lead were not to his liking.
"Is that so?" Que You scratched his head regretfully and said, "Then why don't you tell me briefly? Like their characteristics, appearance, etc., and I'll help you look around?"
"...That's fine too."
Might as well give it a shot.
Director Chen seriously narrated the protagonist's background and the main story context.
Que You listened and then hissed, touching his chin, "Isn't this..."
He raised his finger and pointed at Xie Jin Yi, smiling, "Jin Yi's specialty role?"
"Miss Xie is an actress?" Director Chen was surprised.
He had only thought of her as Han Xian Yun's girlfriend and hadn't considered her as a star.
The reason was simple: Han Xian Yun disliked dating people from the entertainment industry.
Over the years, he had been involved with countless women from all walks of life, but the entertainment industry was one he never touched.
Even the artists under him, he didn't touch.
It was understandable; people of their status feared trouble the most.
The entertainment industry, however, was an industry prone to exposure, so many top tycoons disliked dating artists.
However, it seemed that there were always exceptions.
"What?" Han Xian Yun raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't it seem like it?"
Director Chen: "Uh..."
"Fourth Brother, don't make things difficult for Director Chen," Xie Jin Yi said with a smile, relieving the situation. "I'm not really an actress. I used to be an idol, so it's normal for Director Chen not to know me."
"Right."
Director Chen looked at her gratefully and followed the cue, "I just arrived in the capital and haven't recognized everyone yet. This should be our first meeting today, right?"
Que You's recommendation, and Han Xian Yun's girlfriend.
More importantly, he suddenly remembered that he had seen her last night.
At the wine party, she was isolated and ridiculed.
But just now, when Han Xian Yun stood up for her, she didn't take advantage of the situation to step on others and arrogantly demand a role.
The capital was Han family's territory. As long as Han Xian Yun spoke, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he would have to agree.
Otherwise, this drama wouldn't be filmed.
Therefore, he was satisfied with her reaction.
And was willing to give her a chance to audition.
...
When Shou Hong Zhen and Tang Mo Bai pushed the door open, Xie Jin Yi had just finished acting out a scene.
But Shou Hong Zhen still recognized it. "This is the female lead's part, isn't it? Her posture is quite suitable."
Director Chen's trip to the capital was not just to cast actors.
There was another more important matter, which was to find Shou Hong Zhen.
He was planning to film a historical drama, and among the costume designers in China, Shou Hong Zhen was the most skilled in ancient costumes.
But unfortunately, Shou Hong Zhen had accepted the script but didn't have time to personally oversee it.
Director Chen had tried to contact him but hadn't been able to schedule an appointment.
He hadn't expected to meet him here.
"Old Shou? You..."
Seeing that he was holding fruit, Director Chen became even more curious. "You know Miss Wen?"
Shou Hong Zhen smiled and nodded. "She's my little disciple... No, this is my little disciple."
He pointed at Tang Mo Bai beside him.
Tang Mo Bai: "..."
"However, Xiao Xue is a girl, and she's the youngest, so everyone in the studio likes to treat her like a child."
He explained.
Director Chen was stunned for a moment. "So, the legendary two right-hand men of yours are Miss Wen and Mr. Tang?"
This was too shocking.
A genius poster designer, and also one of Old Shou's most accomplished disciples?!
The leap was too great!
What kind of brain did they have?
"Yes!"
Speaking of these two disciples, Shou Hong Zhen's expression was joyful. "It's as if heaven favored me, to arrange two such excellent disciples for me at this time."
"Yes," Director Chen nodded repeatedly, recalling the past. "Miss Wen and Mr. Tang are indeed outstanding."
Back then, Shou Hong Zhen had suddenly announced his retirement at the peak of his career.
This had led to speculation both domestically and internationally, with all sorts of rumors flying.
But Shou Hong Zhen had no intention of explaining.
Director Chen had collaborated with Shou Hong Zhen a few times and had some understanding of the situation.
It was a tragedy, so to speak.
Shou Hong Zhen's career was smooth, but his personal life was quite bumpy.
He lost his wife and son in middle age, and after finally recovering, his favorite disciples died one after another.
The last straw that broke him was a new disciple he took in later.
Not long after, he also died in a car accident.
Many people said he had the fate of a "lonely star."
He also fell into despair because of it.
He reappeared in the entertainment industry many years later.
So, it was unexpected for him to take in more disciples, Director Chen thought.
...
But in fact, Wen Ting Xue and Tang Mo Bai had never formally become disciples.
Their relationship with Old Shou was merely a verbal master-disciple relationship.
In other words, Old Shou still felt he had the fate of a "lonely star."
Even though Tang Mo Bai and Wen Ting Xue plainly stated they didn't believe it, he was unwilling to formally accept them as disciples and only acknowledged their relationship to the outside world.
Therefore, when discussing related topics, Wen Ting Xue would automatically change the subject.
"Since the audition is over, Director Chen, why don't you just give us the results directly? Can Yi Yi... play the role?"
"Hmm..." Director Chen hesitated as he scrutinized Xie Jin Yi. After a moment, he asked, "This drama has a lot of fight scenes. Can you endure hardships?"
Without waiting for her to answer, Director Chen added, "Except for particularly difficult stunts, I do not allow the use of body doubles."
When it came to filming, his expression was very serious.
He showed none of the gentleness he had earlier.
It was as if before, Han Xian Yun had deliberately made things difficult, and he knew it, yet he still refused to yield.
When it came to filming, he was unwilling to lie or compromise.
"No problem!" Xie Jin Yi agreed without thinking. "I've been studying ballet since I was a child. No matter how difficult the action is, as long as you give me time, I will definitely practice until you are satisfied."
"Good!" Director Chen was very satisfied with her attitude. "I'll have my assistant come to your place to sign the contract tomorrow."
Xie Jin Yi smiled and shook his hand. "Thank you, Director Chen, for this opportunity."
To be honest, she really liked this script.
But she also knew that given her current status and Director Chen's pickiness in choosing actors,
The possibility of her getting the role was very slim.
She had also considered asking Han Xian Yun for help.
But she felt that this would make Director Chen dislike her, so she didn't speak up.
After all, besides the role, she hoped that Director Chen could teach her acting.
"I know my abilities, so please don't hesitate to be demanding when filming."
As she let go of his hand, Xie Jin Yi smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about Fourth Brother. He will understand."
This was true eagerness to learn.
Director Chen became even more satisfied with her. "Of course."
With that said, he looked at Shou Hong Zhen. "How about it? Your beloved disciple's best friend is going to be the female lead. Are you willing to come over?"
Shou Hong Zhen: "..."
Shou Hong Zhen laughed and cursed, "You've got it all planned out."
"What are you saying? I'm determined to win over everyone in this room today," Director Chen said confidently.
Then he went to persuade Wen Ting Xue.
Anyone with eyes could see that as long as she agreed, whether it was Shou Hong Zhen or Yu Wen Li, it would definitely be easy to negotiate.
Costume designer, OST, poster, three things could be settled at once!
Director Chen was full of energy, and Wen Ting Xue, unable to resist, nodded.
Xie Jin Yi lowered her gaze, paused for a moment, and said, "I regret it."
Han Xian Yun raised an eyebrow.
After a pause, she added, "But I don't regret it either."
She regretted being so impulsive.
Acting without considering any fallback.
A slight misstep, and she would have been finished.
This was not her personality.
Just like today, if Han Xian Yun wasn't somewhat interested in her, if Wen Ting Xue wasn't acknowledged as Han Xian Yun's sister, she might have been abandoned.
Her entire future would have been ruined.
But she didn't regret saving Wen Ting Xue.
Han Xian Yun understood and pulled her onto his lap, his hands starting to unbutton her skirt.
Xie Jin Yi was startled and pressed her hands against his chest. "You said you weren't in the mood today."
"Can you believe what a man says?" He lowered his head and bit her collarbone, leaving a patch of red while commanding without room for argument, "No kissing scenes allowed in the future."
Xie Jin Yi: "???"
What was this all about?