002 The Truth

Ever since Gu Yan held the press conference, the number of casting applicants had reached unprecedented heights. With only one day left before the week-long registration period closed, the first round of auditions was scheduled to take place in three days’ time in Hangzhou. Regardless of their location or where they had registered, all applicants were required to arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions began, or else be disqualified. The tight schedule kept Gu Yan busy, yet she relished this sense of fulfillment.

"Alisa, which company do you intend to select as the organizer for the auditions?" asked her assistant, Lan Ruo. Back in the United States, Gu Yan had always made these decisions herself, but since returning to China, she had insisted that every choice go through her approval.

"In your opinion, which companies are currently the most suitable?"

"It is undeniable that your influence in China is immense; entertainment companies, both large and small, have applied to be the organizer for these auditions." Lan Ruo glanced at the expressionless Gu Yan and continued, "Among them, Tianhong Enterprises, which has emerged as a rising star over the past three years, is a very strong candidate."

"How so?" Gu Yan tossed the documents in her hand aside and raised an eyebrow. Tianhong—could there really be such a coincidence in this world? She wanted to see what reasons her capable, calm, and wise secretary, who had been with her for three years, would use to persuade her.

"Your new drama, *The Important Person*, is set in the hotel industry, and Tianhong Enterprises happens to own a five-star hotel that could serve as our filming location. This would save us a significant amount in production costs. Although the company is new to the scene, its potential is immense. Even Boss Han holds the owner of this company in high regard; otherwise, he wouldn't have signed Wei Hao’s first film role in China with them."

"Is that all?" This alone was not enough to convince her.

"Actually, the appearance of the Zheng Corporation among these competing companies is quite unexpected," Lan Ruo said cautiously. As her assistant, she naturally knew that the relationship between the young director of the Zheng Corporation and her boss was anything but ordinary.

Gu Yan remained silent, showing no reaction. She knew that Yingqi participating in the selection process was certainly not just about finding more opportunities to get close to her.

"My investigation shows that for the past three years, the Zheng Corporation and Tianhong have been at odds. Wherever Tianhong goes, the Zheng Corporation competes with all its might. Take this instance, for example: even though the Zheng Corporation is primarily a food company, they are vying for a position in the film industry, a field completely outside their business scope." Hearing this, Gu Yan’s cold heart warmed slightly. If she still didn't understand Yingqi's intentions by now, she would truly be a fool.

"Give it to the Zheng Corporation."

Lan Ruo was about to say something, but upon seeing Gu Yan’s demeanor, she held her tongue. Her boss had always been one to stick to her decisions, and frankly, which company was chosen didn't make much difference to them. She believed in Alisa’s undefeated legend; even a company on the verge of bankruptcy could be brought back to life by a single one of her dramas.

After settling all her affairs, Gu Yan finally remembered to call an old friend to check in.

"Annyeonghaseyo!"

"Your Korean has become much more standard," Gu Yan said in a low voice.

"Ah—Xiao Yan, you heartless woman, you finally remembered to contact me! It’s been three years. Tell me, where have you been hiding? And what is this about a divorce? Others might not know, but how could I, Cai Mei, not understand you? You loved Shen Hong to death—how could you just walk away? Didn't you teach me to keep my composure..." The person on the other end of the line was clearly excited.

"How are you? Are you doing well in Korea?"

"What do you think?" He was so dazzling, so full of brilliance. Five years of companionship, never leaving each other's side—she had won his love. Yet, the distance between them felt like so much more than just a few steps...

"Xiao Mei... come back home. I can make you famous overnight, make you shine, so you can stand by his side openly without having to endure gossip."

"Haha! Xiao Yan, I haven't seen you in three years, and you've actually become humorous," Cai Mei laughed on the other end.

"Alisa is my English name." At these words, the laughter on the other end vanished, replaced by silence. Alisa—as the lover of a popular Korean artist, how could Cai Mei not have heard that name? Even for an artist like Lee Min, the chance to collaborate with her was a distant dream.

"I am currently casting for my new drama. It’s about the workplace experiences of college graduates interning at a hotel. The three of us all studied hotel management, yet none of us ever went through that internship period," Gu Yan said, her nose stinging. "Let us fulfill the regrets we didn't experience, at least in the drama."

"Actually, Lee Min..."

"Bring him back to China with you. The lead roles in this drama are meant for you two. This is a promise."

"No..." Cai Mei hastily refused. "It would be fine if he were the male lead, but I won't participate." There were already rumors surrounding them; she could not appear on screen with him again, and she certainly could not selfishly ruin him.

Faced with Cai Mei's firm stance, Gu Yan was helpless. They really were friends, both fools. They always put the person they loved first, and in the end, they were the ones who ended up most deeply hurt.