Wei Yumeng did not genuinely want to join the entertainment industry, as she truly didn't believe she possessed any acting talent.
Moreover, her understanding of the film and television industry was limited to hearsay and everyday observations, and she remained skeptical about what that world was truly like.
However…
Seeing Chai Yanyu's face filled with disappointment and dejection, Wei Yumeng felt a pang of empathy. If, as he claimed, her decision could impact someone's dream, she found it difficult to refuse.
"Sister, it's really fine," Chai Yanyu said with a thoughtful smile when Wei Yumeng didn't reply for a long time.
This, however, deepened Wei Yumeng's sense of guilt, making her feel that refusing would surely leave her with an uneasy conscience.
"I..." Wei Yumeng sighed. "I can agree, but I've never done this kind of work before, so I don't know if I can handle it successfully. If anything goes wrong, I hope you can be understanding."
"Of course!" Chai Yanyu's gloom vanished upon hearing Wei Yumeng's reply. "As long as you agree, I'm already grateful. So, it's settled."
As if fearing Wei Yumeng would change her mind, Chai Yanyu immediately called Su Boyang while still on the phone with her.
"Director Su? Yes, it's Chai Yanyu. Ms. Wei has agreed to participate in our film. Okay, I understand."
Hanging up, Chai Yanyu looked at Wei Yumeng with a beaming smile. "Sister, thank you so much for this opportunity. It's all because of you that I have this chance."
Wei Yumeng felt overwhelmed. She had no idea how to proceed when filming officially began, as she knew absolutely nothing about acting.
"By the way, Sister, I have a suggestion," Chai Yanyu mused. "Since we need to clarify the previous incident, why not hold our film's press conference on the same day? We can attribute everything that happened before to the filming of the movie. That way, even if the media captures so-called intimate photos, we can use filming as an excuse."
Wei Yumeng found this to be a good idea. She had always felt something peculiar about the previous photos, and if someone had targeted them, similar incidents might occur in the future.
This approach could directly prevent all potential future problems.
"Okay, let's do that," Wei Yumeng nodded. "I'll discuss the press conference time with Director Su and arrange the specific flow of the event."
"Sister!" Chai Yanyu said with a touch of helplessness. "You are an actress in this film now. You don't need to arrange the press conference; someone will handle everything."
This reminded Wei Yumeng. She was accustomed to planning these projects herself, so she naturally assumed it was her responsibility.
However, upon reflection, the film crew should have dedicated event planners.
When Chai Yanyu left Feng's Group, he was in high spirits, even humming a tune. Fortunately, his disguise went unnoticed.
Under Chai Yanyu's arrangements, the press conference was scheduled for three days later. It wasn't necessary to rush, but the need to address the clarification issue necessitated an expedited timeline.
This was Wei Yumeng's first time attending such a press conference. Usually, she attended as staff or as a representative of the host, so being a central figure made her somewhat nervous.
With the press conference just a day away, she should have been getting enough sleep, but she found herself unable to sleep, filled with anxiety.
Zhan Mohan, lying beside Wei Yumeng, felt helpless. He had lost count of how many times she had tossed and turned.
He pulled her into his arms. "What's wrong? Can't sleep?"
Wei Yumeng sighed. "I think I should withdraw from this job."
After everything was settled with Chai Yanyu, she had told Zhan Mohan about filming the movie.
Zhan Mohan hadn't expressed outright opposition, though he was concerned. However, when Wei Yumeng mentioned that they would specifically clarify their relationship at the press conference, Zhan Mohan's mood improved considerably.
In reality, Zhan Mohan disagreed with Wei Yumeng's participation in the filming, but he knew he couldn't excessively interfere with her decisions.
Sometimes, over-involvement in someone else's choices could only make things worse.
Therefore, all he could do now was to protect her discreetly from behind.
"I've never thought of you as someone who would back down at the last minute," Zhan Mohan said, looking at Wei Yumeng with interest.
"But this is different. For my other jobs, I can always prepare with last-minute effort, but for filming, I truly don't know what to do."
Wei Yumeng buried her face in Zhan Mohan's chest, feeling increasingly that she had agreed too hastily.
Zhan Mohan gently stroked her back. "In my eyes, haven't you always found a way? No matter how difficult the situation, you always overcome it with your courage. I believe you can do it this time too."
"Really?" Wei Yumeng sounded doubtful.
"Mmm," Zhan Mohan nodded slightly and rubbed his chin against the top of Wei Yumeng's head. "Besides, no matter what happens, I'll be here to support you."
His words were like a dose of reassurance. As Wei Yumeng thought of Zhan Mohan always standing by her side, her heart inexplicably calmed.
With Zhan Mohan around, what did she have to fear? In fact, she shouldn't have worried from the beginning.
Wei Yumeng hugged Zhan Mohan. "Yes, I know. But precisely because you are by my side, I can't mess this up."
Wei Yumeng meant what she said and truly felt it. Since she had accepted this job, she was determined to see it through. Moreover, the last thing she wanted was to trouble Zhan Mohan.
The next day, Wei Yumeng left early. According to arrangements, she had nothing to do today; someone at the film set would handle her makeup and styling.
This was her first time at a studio like this. It was completely different from the photo studios she was accustomed to, with far more professional equipment.
"You, yes, you. Adjust the lighting on the right side of the stage a bit; it's too dim."
Wei Yumeng watched the busy staff, knowing they were making final adjustments before the press conference began, so she didn't want to disturb them.
Her task now was to find the lounge and dressing room and prepare herself.
Next to the studio lobby was a corridor. According to the signs, it should lead backstage.