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2 Perplexed and Smitten 152

“Didn’t we go through painstaking means to convince the investor and producer to cast me as the female lead? So what if Yan Ge opposes to it?”

Staring at her solemnly, Director Gao said, “Caiwei, the investor and producers initially had their eyes on Erlan and her potential. Their perspective is that they want to hire her as soon as possible before she rises to fame and commands a higher price. They want to cast her as the female lead before the television series that An Xiaoning had invested more than a hundred million dollars in begins airing. If we manage to sign a contract with her at a lower price, it would be a win-win situation.”

“How are they so sure that that television series she had starred in is going to become a blockbuster? How are they so sure that it would become a win-win situation? Am I not as famous as she is?”

“Of course not. You’re definitely more famous than she is right now. You have no idea how elated the producer is about Yan Ge agreeing to take on the role of the male lead. Previously, there had been news of Yan Ge planning to go on a hiatus. When I spoke to him over the phone earlier, he also mentioned clearly that he mainly agreed to star in the television series because he likes the storyline and because of Fang Erlan. He said that they had already developed a strong chemistry with each other. Apart from Yan Ge, we were also afraid of offending Fang Erlan’s boss. Well, there’s nothing else to settle for now.”

Pointing a finger at herself, Yu Caiwei said, “Does that mean there’s no point in convincing them to let me star in the series?”

“Yes, it’s pointless. Caiwei, weren’t you already offered a role in another teenage romance series? The original novel was widely received. You don’t necessarily have to vie for a spot in this one.”

“You clearly know the reason behind my intentions… Since I can’t play the female lead, let me be the supporting actress.”

“Supporting actress? You want to be the supporting actress?” Director Gao asked in astonishment.

“What’s wrong? Am I not welcome?”

“Of course not, it’s just… you’re actually willing to become the supporting actress for Yan Ge’s sake? The supporting actress will have to play a vile character. Is that really a good choice? As a friend, I suggest you don’t take up that role. You’ve long established the image of someone playing the protagonist.”

“That’s precisely why I need a breakthrough role, isn’t it? I must star in this television series. If I’m playing the supporting role, I won’t give up the offer for the teenage romance series,” said Yu Caiwei, who had already made up her mind.

Director Gao scanned her from head to toe and said, “Alright, since it’s already decided, you shall have the supporting role. But, Caiwei, are you starting to feel regretful?”

“Of what?”

“Do you regret breaking up with Yan Ge?”

“There’s nothing to regret, I just find it a pity and a shame that our relations.h.i.+p had to come to an end. Back then, there was actually still some hope for us. However, the two of us just chose to give up. He did get over it eventually, but I haven’t made any progress at all. I still carry feelings for him.”

“Didn’t you get into another clandestine relations.h.i.+p after breaking up with Yan Ge?”

“That’s not considered a relations.h.i.+p at all. I’ve never acknowledged it. I didn’t really fancy him either.”

“How is it not considered a relations.h.i.+p… you just refuse to acknowledge it yourself.”

Yu Caiwei stood up and said, “Don’t bring this up ever again. I’m heading back to the agency now. Email me the contract.”

Well aware that she had always had the freedom to arrange most of her jobs, Director Gao answered, “Alright.”

—

Their private jet arrived in Wei Ni Estate at night.

After they alighted from the jet, Fan s.h.i.+xin bowed and greeted them with a smile, “Congratulations on making it home safely, Young Sir. I’ve already prepared some premium alcohol and dishes to welcome you guys back.”

Long Tianze patted Fan s.h.i.+xin on his shoulder and said, “Dummy, can’t you tell that there’s something different about Young Sir?”

“I can and I already have. Young Sir seems to have become even more handsome. Mr. Long, Young Sir is a year older than you, why is there such a drastic difference between you two…”

Before he could even finish, Long Tianze interrupted, “Okay, okay, you don’t have to continue. Let’s hurry and get inside the car. I’m famished.”

Fan s.h.i.+xin opened the car doors for them. Once everyone had gotten inside the car, they began proceeding toward the mansions.

Fan s.h.i.+xin reported some matters to them while driving.

“Young Madam, the police officers came by today to look for you. They said that they couldn’t reach you on your mobile phone and I told them that you weren’t home.”

“I’ve set up a list of numbers who are allowed to call me on my mobile phone. Those that aren’t included in the list wouldn’t be able to reach me. I’ll edit the list again later.” An Xiaoning speculated, “I reckon they probably don’t know what to do with Sister Zhang. She should still be in the police station now.”

“In my opinion, they should just teach that Sister Zhang a lesson, and we must prove to her that money doesn’t matter to you at all, Young Madam!”

An Xiaoning said, “Why wouldn’t it matter to me? Of course it matters to me. Do you really think I’ll complain about having too much money? Previously, the Flying Tigers offered me a compensatory sum of 10 million dollars to let her off. This time, I’m going to ask them for 20 million dollars, then for 30 million the next time. Just let her continue making mistakes if they think that they have too much money to spare. They’re not going to indulge Sister Zhang that often. I initially thought that the Flying Tigers would give up on her this time. However, it seems they’re still willing to rescue her since the police officers tried to contact me. However, these gangs usually have their own set of rules and disciplinary system. Some rules can never be broken while some can be broken repeatedly.”

“I heard that the punishment that gang chieftains inflict on their gang members are rather severe. Some are extremely cruel and ruthless.”

An Xiaoning said, “That’s true. Rules are mandatory for things to work, regardless of which field we’re talking about.”

“Sis, Erlan texted me to say that the director of the television series has given her a call again. They’ve decided not to terminate the contract, and Yan Ge is the actor whom she’ll be starring alongside with this time,” said Mei Yangyang, who had her eyes peeled onto her mobile phone.

“You mean Yan Ge is playing the male lead again?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

An Xiaoning sighed and said, “I reckon Yan Ge must have had a discussion with the production unit. Otherwise, how could they have possibly changed their minds again even before discussing with us?”

Feeling a little worried, Mei Yangyang said, “There isn’t much of an issue with Erlan working with Yan Ge again, but the worrisome thing is that Xiao Chenyang lives with Erlan now. They spend every single day facing each other, and he’s bound to find out in due time that Erlan fancies Yan Ge. I’m afraid…”

“We don’t have to worry about that. Erlan told me that she and Xiao Chenyang have already come to an agreement. Xiao Chenyang is not allowed to lay a finger on whoever she fancies, regardless of who it may be. In exchange, Erlan promised to live harmoniously with Xiao Chenyang.”

“That’s good… otherwise, I’m going to be worried for Yan Ge’s safety.”

“Erlan knows what to do.”

A few minutes later, they arrived at the mansion.

They alighted from the car one after another and sprinted toward the living room.

As soon as they reached the door, they caught sight of two tiny heads.

The two children were actually home!

Why didn’t Fan s.h.i.+xin mention a thing about it at all?

“Mommy!” Jin Yiheng exclaimed, zooming toward An Xiaoning like a tornado. He hugged her waist tightly and began rubbing his face against her clothing affectionately.

On the other hand, Jin Rongyan was much more shy and reserved. He stood behind Jin Yiheng and greeted his parents.