"What is it?" Su Ding asked, bewildered.
"What is it? It's about Wilson asking to meet you!"
Xiao Yuan was speechless.
In the entertainment industry, minor and major stars alike chased directors for roles, yet here was Su Ding, being pursued by a director for a role, and what's more, she wasn't even taking the director's invitation seriously.
Upon hearing this, Su Ding slapped her forehead, a look of embarrassment flashing across her face. "I really forgot. Is it today?"
"Yes, it is. Wilson called you, but your line was busy..."
Xiao Yuan suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "Did you block him? I didn't even have the nerve to tell him the truth."
Su Ding checked her phone and discovered a number in her call intercept list.
She gave an awkward laugh. "It was intercepted. I didn't even notice. Well, I'll call him back right away."
"No need, I've already agreed on a meeting spot with him. Hurry up and get ready, I'll pick you up later."
Xiao Yuan said directly, "I was your agent before anyway, so I might as well help you vet this."
Su Ding didn't have the heart to expose her; was it vetting, or was it playing the role of a persuader?
"Alright, I'll get ready now. You can come over."
After hanging up, Su Ding washed up and put on some makeup. Xiao Yuan arrived shortly after.
They got into the car and drove straight to a high-end restaurant in the city center.
Su Ding followed Xiao Yuan to the designated spot, where Wilson was already waiting.
"Ding, you've gotten even more beautiful since we last met."
Upon seeing Su Ding, Wilson immediately stood up and praised her in his broken Chinese.
Su Ding smiled and gestured for him to sit down.
Xiao Yuan chuckled inwardly. It was quite rare to see such a famous director fawning over Su Ding.
What she didn't know was that Su Ding had been known as a hardworking go-getter when she was working on film sets abroad. Her professional skills were top-notch, she was good-looking, and her character was unimpeachable. Directors highly appreciated her, and naturally, she became more and more popular.
Soon, Wilson got straight to the point.
He took out a script he had prepared beforehand, which was marked with doodles and notes.
"Ding, I think there's a character here that's perfect for you. It's practically tailor-made for you."
"I've watched many auditions these past few days, and I just felt something was missing. In my mind, only you can fill this role. I hope you can help me complete this work."
"Take a look at the script. I've also made some adjustments during this time to make the character more memorable."
"Ding, I believe you'll love it once you read it."
Wilson spoke professionally and sincerely, which made Su Ding hesitate to refuse.
Su Ding was a very conscientious person. She was grateful for others' appreciation, and the other party had shown great sincerity.
Moreover, they had collaborated before, and she recognized Wilson's capabilities.
If it were before, she would have agreed without a second thought.
However, her situation was different now. The internet had a memory, and what happened at the wedding meant she was destined to be estranged from acting.
"Wilson, first of all, I'm truly grateful for your high regard, and I believe you've invited me with the utmost sincerity. However, there are indeed reasons why I cannot take on the role."
Su Ding looked him directly in the eye. "I came today to apologize to you in person. I cannot accept this role..."
"Oh no! Ding, please don't refuse me!"
"This production will lose its brilliance without you!"
Upon being rejected, Wilson's expression was akin to that of a heartbroken lover. He then glanced at Xiao Yuan beside him, seeking help.
Xiao Yuan also tugged at Su Ding's hand and said softly, "Dingding, Director Wilson is truly very sincere this time, and this script is perfect for you. You'll definitely like it once you read it. You have a talent for acting; it would be a waste not to act."
"Sister Yuan."
Su Ding looked conflicted. "You know I can't right now..."
Xiao Yuan's eyes softened with concern as she recalled the matter, but fortunately, she had already considered this beforehand.
"You don't need to worry about this. Wilson has already thought of a solution for you."
"What?" Su Ding looked at Wilson in confusion.
Wilson looked at her intensely, a warm smile on his face. "Ding, are you concerned about that incident? You don't need to worry at all. The character I'm offering you wears a veil in the drama, so you don't have to worry about being recognized by the audience."
"That's right, Dingding."
Xiao Yuan also smiled. "Besides, Wilson has also agreed to clear the set when filming your scenes. You don't have to worry about any trouble. Actually, this role doesn't have many scenes, but it's a very crucial character. You'll know when you read the script."
Su Ding looked at the expectant expressions on their faces and hesitated.
The director had made so many concessions for her, thoughtfully addressing all her concerns. If she refused now, it would truly be unreasonable.
"...Alright."
Finally, she nodded, although she still felt a bit uneasy.
Xiao Yuan and Wilson exchanged a look, their expressions filled with excitement. Xiao Yuan exclaimed, "Then let's sign the contract today!"
Su Ding smiled helplessly. "Okay."
The three of them finished their meal pleasantly. Wilson had to leave first, leaving Su Ding and Xiao Yuan behind.
Xiao Yuan nudged Su Ding with her shoulder, winking. "Act well, I'll be with you. Mr. Jin invested in this drama. If it's a box office hit, you, as Mrs. Jin, will make a fortune!"
"Get lost," Su Ding said with a laugh, pushing her away.
"You have to tell me honestly, why are you so enthusiastic about this?"
Hearing Su Ding's question, Xiao Yuan chuckled sheepishly. "It's because last time Wilson took a liking to you, so I privately asked for the script to read. It really suits you, and I thought it was a pity you weren't acting. Once, when I went to the company, I mentioned it to Mr. Jin..."
"What did he say?" Su Ding smelled a secret.
"He said that you love this industry in your bones and that acting will bring you more happiness and fulfillment than running a shop. So..." Xiao Yuan deliberately played coy.
Su Ding pinched her. "So what?"
"So, Mr. Jin said he'd give me a red envelope if I could convince you." Xiao Yuan flashed a cunning smile, then quickly added, "But I genuinely think it's a shame if you don't act."
Su Ding gave her a sidelong glance and pulled her closer. "Enough nonsense, how much is the red envelope?"
Xiao Yuan pleaded repeatedly, "Two hundred thousand! Two hundred thousand!"
"Good heavens, you're asking for the moon!" Su Ding felt envious, thinking, "It feels like I'm selling myself with my own money!"
"Hehehe, this amount is just pocket change for Mr. Jin."
Xiao Yuan laughed it off.
Then, the two of them got up to leave the restaurant, planning to go shopping at a nearby mall. Before they even reached the mall entrance, a familiar figure called out to them.