Zhan Mohan returned home from work late, only to find Wei Yumeng dressed in formal attire, preparing to leave.
"Where are you going so late?" Zhan Mohan frowned, as Wei Yumeng hadn't mentioned this before.
Wei Yumeng apologized with a full face, "It's like this, my previous film has already wrapped up, right? We've always said we'd have a wrap-up party, but the time was never set. As it happens, everyone was free today, so the director decided to hold the party today."
Zhan Mohan nodded in understanding. Having invested in this film, he was aware of the director's busy schedule.
"Alright, but it's so late. Call me when you're ready to come back, and I'll pick you up."
Wei Yumeng smiled at him, "Okay."
Only then did Zhan Mohan watch Wei Yumeng leave, but for some reason, he felt a sense of unease.
When Wei Yumeng arrived at the hotel for the wrap-up party, she found that the attendees were not just from their film crew; there were staff members, and actors had brought their close friends.
"Hello," a polite-looking man approached Wei Yumeng. "Miss Wei Yumeng, I've seen your performances before. You are truly unique and captivating in the acting world, and I admire you greatly."
However, Wei Yumeng looked for a long time but couldn't recognize who he was.
The other party then realized, "My apologies. With your status, you probably don't watch much television. My name is Zhang Lin, and I'm also an actor."
This name did remind Wei Yumeng. The hottest male actor nowadays seemed to be named Zhang Lin.
Before remembering, she didn't feel anything, but now Wei Yumeng felt countless eyes on her.
"Oh my god, the male idol actually initiated a conversation with Wei Yumeng. She's so lucky!"
"Sigh, I like both of them. I don't know who to envy right now."
Wei Yumeng felt a bit awkward. It seemed like her fault now. After all, not many people in the country didn't know Zhang Lin.
Even though it was unintentional, it must have hurt Zhang Lin's feelings.
"I should be the one apologizing," Wei Yumeng said sincerely. "It's really just because I'm too busy with work that..."
"It's alright," Zhang Lin smiled at her. "I don't believe I've reached a point where everyone must recognize me."
As a male actor, he already possessed handsome features, and coupled with his gentle smile, it was enough to captivate all the women present.
Even Wei Yumeng felt a slight liking for Zhang Lin, finding his smile as comforting as the warm sun in winter.
The director, seeing them talking, walked over.
"It seems you've already met. That saves me a lot of introductions," the director said, looking at Wei Yumeng. "Actually, Xiao Lin is the male lead in our second film. If you hadn't withdrawn, you would have been acting opposite him."
Zhang Lin also said, "To be frank, Miss Wei, the reason I accepted this role was because of you. I originally thought that by taking the male lead, I could have a good opportunity to hone my acting skills with you. I didn't expect you to withdraw, which is a pity."
"I'm not a professional actor, so for the sake of my family, I could only withdraw temporarily. I apologize," Wei Yumeng explained.
In reality, Wei Yumeng thought it was already a difficult feat to finish an entire film. To then be told by the director that there was a second part to the movie was unexpected.
So she had to find an excuse to decline. And since the second part didn't involve the two children, there was no need for her to stay.
"Although it's regrettable, I'm still very glad to have met you today, Miss Wei," Zhang Lin said, extending his hand for a handshake.
Overall, Wei Yumeng had a good impression of Zhang Lin.
Due to various reasons in the past, Wei Yumeng had gotten to know many celebrities and actors, including some like Yang Liyun, some who seemed approachable but would backstab you, and a few who were genuinely easy to get along with.
Zhang Lin was the first celebrity who gave her a very favorable impression upon their first meeting.
"Everyone, let's raise our glasses to celebrate the wrap-up of our first film and the upcoming shoot of the second!"
Everyone stood up, raising their glasses. "Here's to our film's box office success!"
The atmosphere was joyous. It seemed that after Yang Liyun's departure, even the interpersonal relationships within the entire crew had become much more harmonious.
"Shall we play a game? The loser has to drink a penalty shot!"
Upon hearing this suggestion, Wei Yumeng was about to decline. She didn't want to drink too much alcohol here.
But at some point, Zhang Lin appeared beside her. "It's alright. If you lose, I'll drink it for you."
With that, he picked up a glass of wine from the table and drank it in one go.
Although Wei Yumeng felt that celebrities couldn't avoid social obligations, and thus were good drinkers, she couldn't trouble others.
"Alright, the game begins!"
While Wei Yumeng was hesitating, the game had already started.
As expected, in the first round, Wei Yumeng, being a novice at the game, didn't even know what was happening before being told she had lost.
Wei Yumeng sighed and reached for the wine glass. A single glass of wine should be manageable.
However, she still hoped she wouldn't lose too badly later, and certainly didn't want Zhang Lin to take her punishment.
As a result, Zhang Lin beat her to it. "I'll have this drink on behalf of Miss Wei. After all, it's her first time playing this game, so the first round's penalty shouldn't fall on her."
Although this explanation was meant to cover for Wei Yumeng, strangely, everyone accepted it.
It seemed that just looking at Zhang Lin's face was enough to make people believe anything he said.
He seemed to possess such a charm that drew everyone to him.
"That's true, it was our oversight. We should let Miss Wei try a few rounds first to get accustomed to the game."
Wei Yumeng quickly waved her hands. "Actually, it doesn't need to be that complicated. Perhaps I'll get the hang of it after a few rounds."
But Zhang Lin winked at her. "Since everyone is being considerate, you shouldn't refuse."
"Yes, yes," others chimed in. "Miss Wei is sometimes too polite with us."
"Then thank you all," Wei Yumeng said, looking at Zhang Lin as well, as he had earned this opportunity for her.
Zhang Lin smiled at her, revealing that handsome smile once more.
Perhaps because of Zhang Lin's consideration, Wei Yumeng even felt that in the subsequent games, everyone was intentionally or unintentionally letting her win. This made her truly feel integrated into the group.