Bright and early, Zhou Lan arrived at Zhou Yun’s apartment.
"Did you go out last night?"
Zhou Yun had just crawled out of bed, with disheveled hair and bleary eyes.
"How did you know? Did you install a surveillance device on me?"
Zhou Lan said, "Someone online mentioned that they saw you strolling down the street with a strange man late last night."
Zhou Yun was shocked, "What? A strange man?"
"Yeah, they even snapped a blurry photo, and it really does look like you."
"Wait, that ’strange man’ is way more famous than me. Didn’t you recognize who he is?" Zhou Yun asked in surprise.
Zhou Lan replied, "Who? Song Chi?"
"Exactly." Zhou Yun yawned and lazily sat down on the sofa. "Strange man, my foot."
Zhou Lan: "So, do you have any new updates to report to me?"
"Nothing." Zhou Yun rolled her eyes. "I’m not dating anyone."
After saying that, memories from last night began to resurface. Song Chi had suddenly taken her hand, causing her to panic. But Song Chi’s grip was firm and strong; he held on tightly when she tried to pull away.
Zhou Yun avoided Zhou Lan’s probing gaze.
She said, "Sister Lan, did you come over first thing in the morning to interrogate me?"
"I don’t have the time for that. Luckily, the person didn’t capture Song Chi’s face." Zhou Lan said, "I have some good news for you."
"What good news?" Zhou Yun asked.
Zhou Lan said, "I received a call from Shi Luoqi early this morning."
"Shi Luoqi? Who’s that?" Zhou Yun had never heard the name before.
Zhou Lan smiled slightly and explained, "She’s the producer for the great director Chen Zian."
Zhou Yun’s eyes widened, "Chen Zian?"
If you were to ask who the best directors still making films are, Chen Zian’s name would undoubtedly be in the top three.
Chen Zian is a film director whose international reputation was established in the last century and is considered a master of his craft.
To put it crassly, if given the opportunity to act in a Chen Zian film, top-line actresses like Lew Qingqing or Su Yan would gladly drop a zero from their fees, but even they might not get such a chance.
A director like Chen Zian could work with all newcomers and still have production companies and fans lining up to back his films.
Zhou Yun looked incredulously at Zhou Lan and said, "She called you because..."
"She said she wanted to meet you. She didn’t specify the reason, but it’s unlikely to be for no good reason. I suspect there might be a role they’re considering you for." Zhou Lan couldn’t hide her excitement, "It’s tonight."
"Really?" Zhou Yun was beside herself with joy.
Zhou Lan: "That’s my guess. Why else would she want to meet you? Do you think she has that much spare time on her hands?"
"Is Director Chen preparing a new film?"
"I haven’t heard anything. He’s been shooting more overseas in recent years. His last Chinese film was five years ago," Zhou Lan explained. "Regardless, Shi Luoqi wanting to meet you is definitely a good thing."
"I don’t even know how to prepare."
Shi Luoqi herself was a bit thinner than the photos Zhou Yun had found online.
She wore a light gray blazer and black high-heeled shoes, with her hair almost reaching her shoulders, and her makeup was clean and generous.
Strictly speaking, she wasn’t a beauty in the traditional sense with delicate features. But she had an air of poise, cordiality, and natural grace.
When they met, Zhou Yun extended her hand, but Shi Luoqi gave her a friendly hug instead.
"Wow, I didn’t expect you to look so good in person!"
Before Zhou Yun could demur with a "where, where," Shi Luoqi let go of her with a laugh, "God knows I was worried before I got here that you’d be like many other actresses, a beauty only through Photoshop."
Zhou Yun immediately shut her mouth.
"Thank you, Sister Qi."
Shi Luoqi said, "Have a seat."
The place was chosen by Shi Luoqi.
Zhou Yun and Zhou Lan sat down.
Shi Luoqi shared, "I met with Kang Xin yesterday, and he was editing ’Heart Inquiry.’ I caught a glimpse of your scene and really liked your performance. Since I was coming to Shanghai today, I thought I’d ask to meet you."
Zhou Yun acknowledged graciously, "Knowing that you wanted to meet with me, Sister Lan and I were both very surprised."
Shi Luoqi hurriedly waved her hand, "Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to cast for Director Chen. His next film is still being shot in the United States, and there aren’t any Chinese roles."
Hearing this, Zhou Yun felt somewhat disappointed.
"Well, I must admit I’m a little disappointed, but I’m still very happy to meet you." Zhou Yun remarked thoughtfully, "Sister Qi, do you have any business in Shanghai today?"
"I’m meeting a friend and discussing some work," Shi Luoqi replied cheerfully. "I travel abroad often, so I’m not too familiar with the industry here, but I’ve heard a bit about you."
Zhou Yun: "You flatter me."
"I won’t beat around the bush. Apart from wanting to see you in person this time, there is another matter," Shi Luoqi stated. "I have a friend who studied at a film school abroad, worked as an assistant director for Chen Zian, and has been preparing to direct their own film for a few years. A year ago, they found a suitable production company and are ready to start. They’ve been searching for the right actress for this period, and the story is about a Chinese girl who grew up abroad and then returns to China. We’ve met with many actresses but haven’t found the right one. Seeing your scene yesterday, I felt something, so I hastily decided to meet with you today. Your image and temperament are very fitting, so I was wondering if you would be interested in meeting my friend?"
Zhou Yun looked at Shi Luoqi, astonished.
Just when she thought Shi Luoqi wasn’t here to recruit for Chen Zian, she felt disappointed.
But out of nowhere came a glimmer of hope.
A new director, true, but one who had the proper pedigree, even having been an assistant director for Chen Zian.
Zhou Yun instinctively glanced at Zhou Lan.
She wanted to know Zhou Lan’s take on the matter.
Zhou Lan smiled brightly and said, "Coming from your recommendation, we would definitely be delighted."
Shi Luoqi said, "If you’re willing, that settles it. I’ll talk to her and arrange a time for us to sit down for a meal together."
After parting with Shi Luoqi on their way back,
Zhou Lan let out a soft sigh, "It’s a shame it’s not Chen Zian, huh."
Zhou Yun: "What will be, will be."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, one day you will collaborate with Director Chen," Zhou Lan declared confidently, "These past few days I’ve been thinking about your future path. I thought long and hard, Xiao Yun, you have the conditions, the qualities, and the God-given talent and flair to eat well. You can go a long way, so, I’ve decided, from now on, you’ll pursue a true acting career because you can do it."