Caught in Affairs with Superstar
Chapter 70: The Beginning of the Scandal

Chapter 70: Chapter 70: The Beginning of the Scandal

Director Kang is Song Chi’s favorite and most admired director, a fact known by many.

"Eighth Heartbeat" is a project that Song Chi has been single-handedly promoting and is the one he values the most for his upcoming work.

Now is a critical time for renewal discussions with Song Chi, a time when Luo Zhiqiu can’t really afford to reject Song Chi’s suggestions forcefully.

"The script for this film is already quite good, hmm... Here’s what we’ll do, Xiao Chi, I will talk to Director Kang, but if the negotiation really doesn’t work out, Liang Hengjun could also be a good directing choice as well, don’t you think?"

Sure enough, Liang Hengjun is mentioned again.

Song Chi curled his lips into a smile and said, "Sister Qiu, as I said, Liang Hengjun has never directed a serious drama before; he only made fantasy, period romances, and romantic dramas. I’m not comfortable with him directing."

"You know, he’s an old friend of mine, and I am aware of his capabilities. He is very outstanding among the younger generation of directors," Luo Zhiqiu said while carefully observing Song Chi’s expression. Seeing no changes in his demeanor, she felt a bit uneasy inside but quickly intervened, "Of course, the best would be to have Director Kang. If he directs, the quality is undoubtedly more guaranteed. ’Eighth Heartbeat’ would help your transition into more serious roles if done well."

Song Chi is already a top star in the industry, young but not content to just stop here; he is always looking for suitable projects to go even further.

Luo Zhiqiu is actually not pleased to see Song Chi so eager to transition.

Song Chi wants to act in more serious dramas and films, which means he would no longer take the most profitable commercial roles.

This is not just about losing a portion of Song Chi’s fees for Luo Zhiqiu.

But since Song Chi is adamant, Luo Zhiqiu can’t outright stop him.

Just like with Director Kang, Luo Zhiqiu really doesn’t want him to direct "Eighth Heartbeat." On one hand, Director Kang is well-established and would demand a large say if he got involved, which means Luo Zhiqiu’s control over the film would be diminished.

This is why Luo Zhiqiu prefers Liang Hengjun to direct. They have a deep relationship, having collaborated many times and are close friends. She doesn’t want to lose control over "Eighth Heartbeat."

Luo Zhiqiu plans to stall for time internally.

She won’t outright refuse Song Chi, but she won’t let it go smoothly either.

Her phone vibrates; Luo Yuhu sends her a message: Sister, Song Chi wants to arrange a meal with Director Kang. He said he wants to talk to Director Kang in person. What should I do?

Luo Zhiqiu replies: If he asks again, just say that Director Kang is too busy to schedule.

After replying and putting down her phone, Luo Zhiqiu’s face still carries a smile.

"Last time you mentioned giving the second female lead in this film to Zhou Yun, but she stood you up, and the spot opened up again. What do you think of Li Yunxiu?" Luo Zhiqiu said, "We need to start shooting in September, we have to finalize the cast quickly, otherwise it’s hard to schedule."

Song Chi: "Let’s not rush this. Zhou Yun was pushed by her agency toward ’Eighth Heartbeat’ because she had ’Heart Inquiry’ lined up, and I’ve checked, ’Heart Inquiry’ wraps up in September, which only overlaps with our planned shooting schedule by a month."

"Do you still want her to play the part?" Luo Zhiqiu asked.

"The character of the second female lead is supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Li Yunxiu, at best, could play a delicate beauty, but she just can’t fulfill the title of the number one beauty," Song Chi said bluntly about Li Yunxiu’s shortcomings, "Besides, I’m already very unsatisfied with the current female lead, and now you’re trying to push in someone with connections for the second lead? Sister Qiu, maybe we shouldn’t bother filming at all."

Luo Zhiqiu feigned anger and glared at Song Chi, "What do you mean someone with connections? Li Yunxiu isn’t as unremarkable as you make her out to be. I admit she’s not as pretty as Zhou Yun, but don’t scoff at your own junior. Forget it, it was just a suggestion. Your objections are so strong; let’s drop it to avoid you thinking I’m always troubling you."

Song Chi didn’t respond.

Luo Zhiqiu thought, Is he really upset?

"Oh dear, do you think I want Su Yan for this film? It’s only because of her strong connections with Yuehai Network and the backing of financial supporters that we can get half the investment. If you’re not planning to hire Director Kang, our budget wouldn’t have to be this high."

Luo Zhiqiu sighed as though admitting defeat.

"Alright, since you’ve brought it up, can I even refuse you? Keep the role for her."

Song Chi finally smiled and said, "Sister Qiu, if it weren’t for you, this play wouldn’t even get off the ground."

"You appreciate my efforts, and that satisfies me," Luo Zhiqiu snorted lightly, raising her glass and pretending to clink it with Song Chi’s, "You’re the star I personally discovered and promoted; how could I not support you."

Song Chi’s smile shone in the red wine, rippling softly.

...

Zhou Yun still didn’t know that the "Heart Inquiry" she thought she had missed still held hope because of Song Chi’s opinion.

After coming out of a popular broadcaster’s live stream that night, she got the script for "Eighth Heartbeat."

The script was handed to her by Zhou Lan.

"Take a good look at it; the film is scheduled to start production at the end of June, and you only have two months to prepare."

"Okay."

Zhou Yun accepted the script and did not take it lightly just because it wasn’t the project she had wanted. Once a decision was made, she had to commit to it wholeheartedly.

On the way home, Zhou Lan suddenly asked what He Yong had talked about with her in the office that morning.

Zhou Yun said, "Nothing much, just talked about how the company values me and said they would increase their support for me in the future."

"Is that so? That’s good," Zhou Lan said those five words and then fell silent.

Zhou Yun looked up at the side profile of Zhou Lan, who was sitting in the passenger seat.

Zhou Lan was very thin, especially these past few days; she seemed to have lost a little more weight.

Zhou Yun asked, "Sister Lan, do you have time later?"

"Hm?" Zhou Lan seemed surprised and asked, "What for?"

"Do you want to come to my place and have some drinks?" Zhou Yun asked.

Zhou Lan was silent for a while, then said, "I have plans with someone later."

"Alright."

Zhou Yun thought to herself, that’s all she could do.

The chat with He Yong that morning, where He Yong had pinned all the previous conflicts and communication issues on Zhou Lan, was not something Zhou Yun believed. She was young but not naive.

It was just that, as things had developed to this point, the time that Zhou Yun had wanted for a proper final communication with Zhou Lan seemed to have already passed.

Looking back, Zhou Yun realized her own rashness.

Zhou Lan had not become a different person; it was just that she was too sharp and unwilling to give in, forcing Zhou Lan to choose between her and the company.

And Zhou Yun did not realize that Zhou Lan was no big shot; like her, she had little say in front of the company.

The two people who had once supported and encouraged each other, fueled only by passion, were ultimately easily cut apart by the vulnerable ties.

These connections were just idealistic links from the very beginning.