After the deal was struck, Song Qinian finally let out a sigh of relief.
When they parted ways, Xie Luofeng left Song Qinian and Gu Zhiyan some time alone.
Facing Gu Zhiyan alone, Song Qinian was still somewhat at a loss.
Gu Zhiyan reached out and took Song Qinian's hand, "Nian Nian, have you been well these past two years?"
Gu Zhiyan asked if Song Qinian had been doing well these past two years, without asking about her situation with Shen Chi Yan and Li Jun Shen.
Song Qinian was deeply moved. Her nose felt sore, but she dared not tell Gu Zhiyan everything. She could only nod with a smile, "Very well."
"That's good. Regarding you and A Yan, as an elder, it's not for me to say much. But whether you and A Yan are together or not, I hope you can still call me 'Mom'. After all, I've been waiting a long time to hear you call me that."
Song Qinian excitedly hugged Gu Zhiyan and choked out, "Mom."
"Yes..."
Gu Zhiyan stroked Song Qinian's head. She could feel that Song Qinian harbored many secrets, and she waited for the day Song Qinian would open up.
"I don't believe what Lan Xing and Huan Ling said. I always thought you loved A Yan, but you left with Li Jun Shen. What happened in between, only you know. If you need any help, just ask. You are my daughter-in-law today, and you will be my daughter-in-law forever. I will help you."
Song Qinian had encountered all sorts of people in her life. After she lost her voice, she had witnessed the indifference of people even more. However, since marrying into the Shen family, everyone had been very kind to her.
From Gu Zhiyan's perspective, it was true that she had wronged Shen Chi Yan first. Yet, Gu Zhiyan was still so good to her.
Other than a "thank you," Song Qinian didn't know what else to say.
She hoped that after she escaped from Li Jun Shen, she could sit down and have a good talk with Gu Zhiyan.
For now, she could not put Gu Zhiyan in danger because of herself.
After they parted ways, Gu Zhiyan got into Xie Luofeng's car. As soon as she got in, Gu Zhiyan got straight to the point, "What benefits did Shen Chi Yan promise you?"
Gu Zhiyan had been promoted by Xie Luofeng himself. They had collaborated on several films, but Gu Zhiyan showed no deference to Xie Luofeng, unlike an actor meeting a great director. She behaved more like a queen.
Xie Luofeng said with a calm expression, "What do you mean? I don't understand what you're saying."
Gu Zhiyan let out a soft哼. "Your taste in scripts is so discerning. It's common for directors to change genres, but I've never seen one switch from a serious drama to a romance. If there weren't any benefits, would you risk your reputation to do this?"
Xie Luofeng sighed softly. As expected, nothing could be hidden from Gu Zhiyan.
They had known each other for so long that they understood each other too well.
His dark, deep eyes looked intently at the woman beside him, "What about you?"
Being looked at like that, Gu Zhiyan's heart skipped a beat, and she looked away. "How would I know? You lack neither money nor fame. How would I know what Shen Chi Yan used to lure you into agreeing to take on Nian Nian's project?"
Xie Luofeng's eyes never left Gu Zhiyan. "You're right. I lack neither money nor fame, but there's one thing I do lack..."
Xie Luofeng didn't finish speaking. Gu Zhiyan frowned and looked at him, "What?"
"That is what President Shen promised me. You'll know when the time comes."
Gu Zhiyan: "..."
Seeing that Xie Luofeng was being secretive and unwilling to say, Gu Zhiyan didn't bother asking.
However, a mother knows her son best. Her son outwardly opposed Song Qinian, but in reality, he couldn't bear to hurt Nian Nian.
As expected, as soon as the news of Xie Luofeng filming "I Am Your Queen" was released, the internet exploded.
"Are you kidding me? Is Director Xie crazy? He's actually going to film this kind of manga? I've really seen it all!"
"Has Director Xie run out of ideas? Or does he think he can do whatever he wants with a few successful films and treat us audiences like fools?"
"Who is this Qi Yan anyway? It feels like the entertainment industry has been shaken since she appeared!"
"Am I the only one who noticed that our Sister Yan is playing Xu Weiyu? That's definitely Xu Weiyu! I'm so excited!"
"Seconded! When I read the manga, I pictured Sister Yan's face for Xu Weiyu. Our Sister Yan is the prime candidate for a powerful female lead."
"Tsk, at her age, she's running to play a twenty-eight-year-old girl? Has she no shame? Shouldn't she give the opportunity to younger new actors?"
"If new actors were capable, we wouldn't need Sister Yan to show up."
"Hey, let's argue and debate, but don't bring my CP into it. This is Director Xie and Sister Yan's eighth collaboration. When will I see them finally get together?"
"Huh, why does it feel so quiet today? Did someone's fans collectively disappear? Didn't they say they looked down on 'I Am Your Queen'? Thank you for your disdain, otherwise how could we have seen Sister Yan as Xu Weiyu."
There were people on Weibo who praised the decision and people who criticized it, a complete polarization.
Song Qinian had anticipated that this news might implicate Xie Luofeng and Gu Zhiyan. As expected, it did.
All she could do now was perfect the script and create a good work, proving that Director Xie's choice was not wrong.
Lin Qingtong, on the other hand, was so furious she almost exploded when she saw the news.
She thought that with this drama, Song Qinian would have to terminate her contract with President Tan, and other film companies, seeing how much trouble Song Qinian's drama was causing before it was even filmed, would definitely not sign her.
She never expected that Xie Luofeng would take a liking to her script and cast Gu Zhiyan as Xu Weiyu.
Damn it, why did all the good things fall to Song Qinian alone? Now the internet was saying that she was lucky to have let go of "Xu Weiyu," otherwise how could they have seen Gu Zhiyan's Xu Weiyu? This was clearly slapping her in the face.
And that damned Xie Luofeng. When she auditioned for his previous film, he had mercilessly rejected her. She had thought he was a cold and unapproachable great director, but he was actually so good to Song Qinian.
Song Qinian!
Ever since she returned, she hadn't had a single peaceful day.
Indeed, it was better to make Song Qinian disappear.
At this moment, President Tan was filled with regret. He hadn't expected that Song Qinian would team up with Director Xie right after terminating their contract. If he had known, he wouldn't have terminated it, even if it meant losing money!
When despair set in, a turning point arrived, a huge surprise. Song Qinian returned home and happily kissed Zan Zan several times.
Li Jun Shen looked at her and smiled, "Why are you so happy?"
He acted as if he knew nothing of what was happening outside. Song Qinian told him about Director Xie filming her work. After listening, Li Jun Shen didn't express any opinion on Gu Zhiyan taking the role of Xu Weiyu. Instead, he hugged Song Qinian and smiled happily, "Nian Nian, you're amazing. Congratulations."
Song Qinian always felt uncomfortable when Li Jun Shen hugged her, but she couldn't fall out with him. "Don't be so affectionate in front of the child."
Li Jun Shen released her with a smile. "Do you mean that when Zan Zan isn't here, we can be affectionate?"
Song Qinian: "..."