Xia Wei Liang finally released Shang Rong Rong, her voice filled with excitement. "Sister Rong Rong, are you sure you want me to play the female lead?"
It was about this.
Shang Rong Rong felt a little more at ease and smiled at her. "Yes."
"But why? You know my acting skills..."
In this life, Xia Wei Liang's acting was still at the stage of being ridiculed by everyone. She hadn't been supported by acclaimed directors' films or certified by television dramas, so daring to cast her was truly brave.
Shang Rong Rong's gaze was clear, and she slowly said, "I've been preparing this script for three years. During this time, besides perfecting the script, I also assembled the team. Fortunately, a few friends were willing to help me, and eventually, the project grew bigger and bigger. Yet, I kept delaying its launch because I hadn't found my ideal female lead."
Xia Wei Liang had heard similar words after her rebirth.
She said, "Actually, I hadn't paid much attention to you before because you were too beautiful, and you weren't within my consideration. But as I followed your situation later and my emotions fluctuated with yours, it was like watching a novel or a TV show, and I felt your empathy. At that moment, I suddenly realized, isn't this the female lead I've been looking for?"
Looking at Shang Rong Rong, she asked, "What if I mess it up?"
The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. She didn't want to fail Sister Rong Rong's trust.
Shang Rong Rong chuckled lightly. "Most people in this world are ordinary, but success often comes from ordinary people. So, there's no need to put too much pressure on yourself; just press forward."
She picked up a glass of wine and handed it to Xia Wei Liang, then picked up another for herself. "We are not innate talents like Xiao Yi, so we don't need to hold ourselves to the standards of geniuses. Steady progress is the key. If you can't prove your worth, you can only pick resources from the garbage heap."
Xia Wei Liang couldn't agree more with what she said.
But how to prove that worth was also a matter of skill.
For example, Director Du's original intention was for her to leverage her popularity for short-term, monetizable resources like endorsements and variety shows, which were the company's top priorities. But Ji Huan, considering her long-term future, wanted her to be mindful of her reputation and think carefully with every step.
Xia Wei Liang had already read the script for Shang Rong Rong's film. The role was a perfect fit for her, and since she had actually experienced rebirth, she would likely be more invested in playing it.
"Sister Rong Rong, I can't promise you anything at this stage, but I will work hard. Every day will be harder than the day before."
Shang Rong Rong stared at her, then suddenly smiled, raising her glass to clink with hers. "Wei Liang, you and I are alike. We like to challenge ourselves."
Xia Wei Liang smiled and drank half of her wine in one gulp.
At this moment, everyone turned their attention to the entrance, murmuring, "Isn't that Xiao Yi?"
"Yes, doesn't he usually avoid these kinds of parties?"
"Heh, you should see who's here today."
"You mean Xia..."
Xia Wei Liang felt more eyes on her and vaguely guessed what was happening. Shang Rong Rong across from her also pursed her lips and smiled. Even though she rarely paid attention to entertainment gossip, she leaned over and whispered, "Xiao Yi never attends parties like this."
No one knew better than Xia Wei Liang how protective Xiao Yi, as a film emperor, was of his reputation. Coupled with his personality, he preferred to stay as far away from such circles as possible.
But...
Xia Wei Liang turned around and saw a man in a black suit walking towards her.
The moment their eyes met, her heart suddenly pounded heavily.
She was genuinely curious how she could fall for the same man repeatedly, each time like a young girl in a new relationship, with the same blushing and racing heart.
Was it because she had seen too little of the world, or was his charm too great?
Damn it, how embarrassing!
Just then, Xiao Yi approached. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming here?"
He naturally stood beside her, put his arm around her shoulder, and nodded slightly at Shang Rong Rong.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Shang Rong Rong sensed a hint of wanting not to be disturbed in his eyes.
So, she smiled slightly. "You two chat. I'll leave you to it."
"Sister Rong Rong..." She still had something to say!
Xiao Yi turned halfway, blocking her view. "What are you talking about? You seem to be getting along so well."
"Talking about the new movie."
Xia Wei Liang didn't reveal too much to him, as Shang Rong Rong hadn't officially announced it yet, and the news shouldn't come from her.
Sensing her desire for secrecy, Xiao Yi didn't push. He simply said, "If you encounter any difficulties during filming, feel free to come to me anytime."
"That's a given." She wasn't being polite either. "You're the film emperor. It would be a waste of talent not to use a teacher like you."
Xiao Yi smiled, his face full of undeniable affection. "Then feel free to use me. Don't be polite with me."
Lin Zhuo Nan happened to walk over and overheard this.
He looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief. "Is this still the arrogant and overbearing Xiao Yi I know?"
Xiao Yi looked up at him, the tenderness in his eyes instantly vanishing. He showed no pleasantness to Lin Zhuo Nan, looking at him with clear disdain. "Do you need something?"
Lin Zhuo Nan: "..."
This was too harsh!
He chuckled and turned to Xia Wei Liang. "Niang Niang, can you teach me how to tame this mythical beast? He's become so unlike himself around you, so docile!"
Xiao Yi coldly glanced at him, giving him the look of "Don't you know you're quite annoying?", letting him figure it out himself.
Xia Wei Liang felt no distance from Lin Zhuo Nan, especially since they had become quite familiar in her reborn world. She spoke without reservation.
She stepped closer, leaning towards him, and whispered, "I conquer people with virtue."
Lin Zhuo Nan: "...Do I look like I believe that?"
Xia Wei Liang was amused. "Brother Nan, if I were you, I'd focus all my energy on Sister Rong Rong."
Lin Zhuo Nan was stunned, his eyes deepening. "Did she tell you that?"
Xia Wei Liang reacted quickly and shook her head. "Chu Qiao."
"As expected, that blabbermouth." However, Lin Zhuo Nan wasn't unhappy. Instead, he became very familiar. "Seeing how well you chatted with her just now, you'll have to put in a good word for me in the future."
"Don't worry! I'm the most loyal!"
"Good brother!"
"Good brother!"
Seeing them behave like they had "met at first sight" and "regretted not meeting sooner," Xiao Yi stepped forward and, without a word, pulled Xia Wei Liang away. At the same time, he cast a warning glance at Lin Zhuo Nan. "My next film is looking for a female lead..."
Before he could finish, Lin Zhuo Nan straightened his posture and smiled at Xia Wei Liang. "Sister-in-law, let's have tea sometime. Bring Fifth Brother along."
He really didn't want Rong Rong to act with Xiao Yi!
Who didn't know the charm of Film Emperor Xiao? Moreover, he was one of the few male actors Shang Rong Rong had sincerely praised. What if, as they worked together, she fell for him?
The way he called her "Sister-in-law" was loud, and the ambiguous glances from all around instantly made it clear what was going on.
Xia Wei Liang quickly lowered her head, no longer daring to look at him.
But Xiao Yi was pleased. "Let's meet up when we have time."