Yin Weiyi cheerfully downed the glass of wine, picked up a piece of food, and leered at her, "So, Big Chest, how did you hook up with the director? Come on, spill the beans."
Tong Yan was taken aback; she suddenly remembered what Yang Wen had said. It was Bo Yimo who recommended her to Yang Wen. She needed to find a time to properly thank her.
Yin Weiyi saw that she didn't answer and didn't press the matter further, instead changing the subject.
Tong Yan carefully observed her and Chenxi and did notice something. Whenever Yin Weiyi encountered Chenxi, she would immediately dodge, her gaze becoming somewhat evasive.
There's something going on.
But upon seeing Su Chenxi, she felt deflated. Her silly younger brother!
The three of them ate until ten o'clock before wrapping up.
Early the next morning, Tong Yan began studying the script. The script was titled "Young and Reckless," where she played one of the female leads, Jiang Caiju. This show was completely different from the currently popular ones; there were no domineering CEOs with passionate, lingering romances, no cold and arrogant princes, no fairy tales of commoners and royalty; it only told of friendship.
The story goes like this: during wartime, three girls were very close. They grew up in the same village, poor yet happy, playing and eating together every day without a care in the world. They even made a pact to, when grown-up, dress in the most beautiful clothes on August 8th and dine at the most expensive restaurant in town.
Yet, when they turned sixteen, in the prime of their youth, one day enemies attacked the village, brutally killing all the men and raping then killing the women. The methods were extremely vicious. They fled to the hills and narrowly escaped, but ran into trouble on the way back. One girl, bravely, led the pursuers away to save the other two.
The two girls were saved, but the other girl never appeared again. They searched everywhere but couldn't find her; she never returned.
Everyone said she was dead, but the two girls didn't believe it. So every year on August 8th, they wore their most beautiful clothes and sat in the restaurant all day. Later, when the restaurant went out of business, they sat at its entrance. Year after year, they never missed it, and decades passed.
Until one day, when they were both gray and elderly, they finally reunited.
Even as time passed and they grew old, they recognized each other at a glance.
Tong Yan finished reading the script, her eyes gradually turning red. The script was incredibly well-written. Even if the film was a niche piece, if shot, it was bound to succeed. She was to play the girl, Jiang Caiju.
Although she only had to act up to sixteen years old, the role's characterization was even more outstanding.
Tong Yan texted Yang Wen: Director Yang, thank you for recognizing my talent.
Yang Wen quickly replied: No need to thank me, it's your talent that got you here.
Tong Yan then asked him for Bo Yimo's phone number, and after giving herself a pep talk for half a day, finally mustered up the courage to call the aspiring world-renowned actor. When the call connected, she felt a spark of nervousness, "Hello, I'm Tong Yan. Thank you for recommending me to Director Yang. I was wondering if you have time; I'd like to treat you to a meal."
Tong Yan rushed out her words and waited quietly for his response. He coolly replied with just four words: "No time right now."
Then, he abruptly hung up the phone.
Tong Yan was stunned. The actor was indeed an actor — so arrogant and aloof!
However, Tong Yan felt at ease with it. It wasn't that she didn't invite; it was that he refused. Yes, that's the reality.
Homebound for a few days, Tong Yan was called over by Liu Zhe's phone call. As soon as she reached his office, Liu Zhe placed the contract in front of her, "Your contract is about to expire; let's talk about the future. On the company's side, I've negotiated for you. You just need to sign here."
Upon seeing the contract, Tong Yan couldn't help but frown. It was a renewal contract with the same profit-sharing agreement, surprisingly for six years. She remembered that in a past life, such a thing never happened. It was only because she wanted to be with Qin Yikuo that she begged her agent to let her renew with the company. Was it the butterfly effect after her rebirth, altering events?
It shouldn't be.
Unless...
Tong Yan sneered, oh Qin Yikuo, you're so devious.
He must have found out that the company hadn't arranged any TV or film projects for her recently, yet heard she was acting, which led him to devise such a plan to bind her and prevent her from filming.
She closed the contract and earnestly said, "Thank you, Brother Liu, for valuing me and thinking of my best interests, but I cannot drag down the company. I won't be renewing the contract."
He never expected Tong Yan to refuse. Could it be, as he said, she landed outside projects? "If you sign with the company, there will be more gigs, and a greater chance to become famous. You don't know anything now; without the company, what else can you do?"
Tong Yan remained silent, simply looking at Liu Zhe with sincere eyes, making him speechless. Her attitude was earnest, so why did her words sound so frustrating?