This is the consequence of being too quick with one’s words.
Zhou Yun and Song Chi looked at each other, at a loss for words.
Lew Yuan smiled and said, "It’s not the time when you guys invited me but I didn’t show up, is it?"
Lew Yuan provided a step for them to descend without embarrassment, effectively defusing the situation.
Song Chi nodded and said, "Yeah, that’s right."
Lew Yuan: "Well, that’s really a pity. I must try it next time for sure."
After lunch, Lew Yuan chatted with Zhou Yun and Song Chi.
Actually, it was all very everyday conversation, but because the topics were related to the entertainment industry and the pursuit of fame and wealth, they were more interesting.
Lew Yuan talked about his early days in the industry, his first time hosting a show, how nervous he was, how he stuttered, and he also mentioned how impressive Song Chi was since his debut, receiving acclaim for all his works.
"I really admire this about Xiao Chi. Look at how many films he’s done, they’re both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, and he’s even received several significant award nominations. He’s still young and could continue in this vein, but he wants to transform himself and strive for more, choosing to take part in ’Heart Inquiry’. That’s pretty bold, daring to leave his comfort zone to tackle such a niche theme."
Song Chi hastily waved his hands, saying, "Brother Lew, don’t flatter me too much, or the audience will say you’re a hired supporter."
Lew Yuan laughed heartily, saying, "I’ve been in this business for so many years now. If I could still be hired as a plant that easily, it would have been a waste of time."
Zhou Yun joined in the laughter.
Suddenly, Song Chi had an idea.
He said, "Brother Lew, do you know why Zhou Yun and I have been seeing each other frequently and even went on this show together?"
Lew Yuan shook his head, "What, are you two really in a relationship?"
Song Chi let out a helpless sigh, saying, "Of course not."
Lew Yuan, of course, knew that, but by saying it that way, he made the unclear things clear.
"Why then?" Lew Yuan asked.
Song Chi said, "Because Zhou Yun is also going to be in ’Heart Inquiry’. She’s one of the main leads."
Lew Yuan showed a surprised expression, "Really?"
Song Chi: "Really, this information wasn’t announced before, but it’s already been decided."
"I see." Lew Yuan seemed excited.
Zhou Yun was also a bit surprised; she hadn’t expected Song Chi to announce it just like that.
Once this episode aired, it would be the same as making an official announcement.
"Zhou Yun is very suitable for that role, so I sent her an invitation and we met several times to discuss it."
Song Chi was providing cover for the several times they had been photographed together before. Their private meetings were for work, for the show.
"That’s great, now I’m even more looking forward to your show," Lew Yuan said.
After leaving Lew Yuan’s house, Zhou Yun had to hurry to her next engagement.
They split up downstairs and got into their respective cars.
Song Chi sent a message, saying: Don’t feel pressured, if Brother Lew hadn’t helped out, I would have made sure that part was cut out.
Zhou Yun: Sigh, I am too inexperienced, I accidentally revealed too much.
Song Chi: Once you participate in more reality shows, you’ll learn how to handle these situations.
Song Chi: What do you have this afternoon?
Zhou Yun: I have to attend a brand launch event.
Song Chi: Are you the spokesperson?
Zhou Yun: No, just attending.
Song Chi: Then what’s the use of going?
Zhou Yun: Don’t pretend you don’t understand the struggle. Nowadays, to get brand endorsements, you have to show your interest first. Plus, the appearance fee they’re offering isn’t low, why should I refuse it?
Song Chi: You sure talk a lot.
Zhou Yun was really annoyed, turned off her phone, and didn’t want to bother with Song Chi anymore.
A few seconds later, Zhou Yun opened her eyes again, picked up the phone, and sent a message to Zhou Lan: Sister Lan, Song Chi just mentioned in front of the camera that I’ll also be performing in ’Heart Inquiry’.
Zhou Lan replied instantly: Okay, I’ll communicate with the show’s staff about the airing schedule to coordinate with the publicity.
Thinking the conversation had ended there, but then Zhou Lan asked: You and Song Chi had a meal together, nothing happened right?
Zhou Yun: What could possibly happen between us having a meal?
Zhou Lan: I don’t know, but from what I remember, every time you two meet, something definitely happens.
Zhou Yun: Don’t underestimate me.
Zhou Lan: This is a matter of experience and probability.
Zhou Yun: Experience and probability, why don’t you go conduct academic research then?
Zhou Lan: Once you become a big celebrity, there will be plenty of people coming to me for academic discussions.
Zhou Yun: You’re so annoying.
Zhou Lan: Don’t forget that President He has invited you to dinner tomorrow.
Zhou Yun: What does he want from inviting me to dinner?
Zhou Lan: I guess it’s about Xu Siyao, she’s about to join you in filming ’Eighth Heartbeat’. With your current popularity, he probably wants to persuade you to help boost her a bit.
Zhou Yun: They haven’t given up yet? Haven’t I already refused?
Zhou Lan: You refused the publicity department before, not President He himself; he probably thinks he can convince you if he addresses the matter personally.
Zhou Yun: Does he think I’m so foolish as to agree to such a request?
Zhou Lan: See what he says tomorrow.
It was once impossible for Zhou Yun to even get a meeting with President He.
Now she sees him often, and each time they meet, there is something to discuss. She doesn’t want to see him, yet he insists on it.
Zhou Yun found it extremely ironic.
When they met, as usual, she would be polite, calling out "President He" with a radiant smile.
On the surface, there always has to be civility.
Just like how President He has done so many unscrupulous things in the past, yet he’s still able to act like a benevolent boss who genuinely cares about his artists.
"Look at you; you’ve lost weight! Have you been too busy lately?" President He showed concern as soon as they met.
Zhou Yun smiled and said, "I’ve been busy indeed, President He, I’ve taken on too many jobs."
President He: "You should tell Zhou Lan to schedule less for you, don’t work yourself to exhaustion."
"Alas, she’s already trying to give me as much rest as possible, but some jobs can’t simply be turned down. You know this best, President He," Zhou Yun said.
Many of the jobs were actually taken on by President He himself.
President He switched topics, laughing, "Eat more tonight and replenish your strength."
"Absolutely not, if I gain weight, people online will definitely say I’ve ballooned into a pig."
President He: "Why do you even bother with those haters? To them, if you’re not skin and bones, they think you’re too fat. They’re pickier than a needle! You’re so beautiful that even a bit of extra weight looks good on you."
Zhou Yun’s smile swayed charmingly.
In front of President He, she was determined to show him how good her current state was.
"President He, how do you, a busy man, have the time to invite me for dinner today?" Zhou Yun got straight to the point.
President He: "You’re now the hottest female artist in our company; of course, I have to take extra care of you."
"Don’t say that, President He. Wei Ruxue is just busy filming, not retiring. With her around, I’ll never be the most popular in our company."