After the meeting with Liu Pinran, Zoe and Lan got into the car. Lan kept glancing at Zoe through the rearview mirror, as if on the verge of speaking but holding back.
"Lan, if you have something to say, just say it," Zoe finally broke the silence.
"Why did you suddenly say all that to Liu Pinran?" Lan asked.
"I just felt like saying it," Zoe replied casually.
Lan sighed. "Well... it's nothing surprising, really. To most production companies, you're currently just a 'rom-com heroine' type. What he said wasn't entirely unexpected. Honestly, the company should step in and swap out a better project for you."
"The company wouldn't agree to that, would they?" Zoe asked pointedly.
Lan hesitated, not knowing how to respond.
The truth was, the company wouldn't. Zoe's fame had skyrocketed overnight thanks to a scandal, and in the company's eyes, such popularity was fleeting—a one-off event. Their strategy was simple: milk her current buzz for quick profits and move on. After the hype died down, Zoe would go back to being the actress only remembered for a scandal, not worth any significant investment.
"What exactly is the company's plan for me?" Zoe pressed.
Others who had joined the company around the same time as Zoe had already been put on clear paths—some were starring in multiple variety shows, while others steadily worked their way into acting, filming project after project. When and whether they'd become big stars was uncertain, but at least their trajectories were clear. Zoe, on the other hand, had no such direction.
Lan explained that the higher-ups had differing opinions about Zoe's future, which was why her development plan hadn't been finalized. Zoe, however, knew better. While internal disagreements might play a part, the real issue was that someone within the company was deliberately blocking her progress.
Being too beautiful was either a blessing or a threat, depending on who was looking.
Lan took a deep breath. "I'll talk to the company about it."
"Will it help?" Zoe smirked faintly, though her disdain wasn't directed at Lan.
"Now is the best time to negotiate for you. Don't worry, I'll handle it," Lan assured her.
Zoe wasn't surprised by Lan's determination. When it came to work, Lan was always meticulous and persistent. Before Zoe's sudden fame, every opportunity she'd had was thanks to Lan's hard work. Zoe didn't want to make things difficult for Lan, but she also knew that this might be her only chance to fight for a better future.
The next day, while Lan was at the company negotiating, a temporary assistant accompanied Zoe to visit Zheng Xiaowei's studio.
Although Zheng's fashion show wouldn't take place until next month, the preparations were already in full swing. Zoe was there to try on dresses for the show.
When Zheng saw Zoe, her face lit up with genuine delight. Her enthusiasm was so direct and sincere that it made Zoe both bashful and unexpectedly happy.
Zoe liked people like Zheng Xiaowei—those who radiated joy and positivity.
"You must be so tired lately," Zheng said warmly. "I feel bad making you come over during such a busy time just to try on dresses."
"I can never resist trying on new outfits, especially ones designed by you. I'm so excited," Zoe replied with a smile.
Inside Zheng's office, several dresses were already displayed on racks. The moment Zoe laid eyes on them, her face lit up with amazement. Zheng's designs were elegant, ethereal, and timeless. Even before trying them on, Zoe was captivated.
For the next two hours, Zoe tried on dress after dress, while Zheng jotted down notes and sketches. They eventually narrowed it down to three options.
"These are stunning!" Zheng's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"They're gorgeous! I absolutely love them," Zoe echoed, admiring her reflection in the mirror. She genuinely felt like a vision of unparalleled beauty in those dresses.
Zheng adjusted the ribbon on one of the gowns Zoe was wearing. "You know, I think this ribbon is unnecessary. It feels like an overly fussy detail."
Zoe tilted her head and examined herself in the mirror. "With the ribbon, it feels more like a princess look. Without it, the dress gives off a queenly vibe—elegant and commanding."
"Exactly!" Zheng's eyes lit up. "My dresses shouldn't just be soft and princess-like. I want them to exude power!"
As the two continued discussing, a familiar male voice suddenly interrupted.
"What a coincidence, Zoe's here too."
Startled, Zoe turned around to see Chen Fusi in a tailored suit.
"Mr. Chen, you're here!" Zheng greeted him with surprise and delight. "Zoe's trying on dresses for next month's show."
"She looks stunning," Chen commented, though his eyes lingered on Zoe.
Zoe was taken aback by his presence.
Zheng introduced them, "Chen is my business partner. He's been handling everything outside of the creative side for the show."
So that was the connection. Zoe smiled politely. "Mr. Chen certainly has an impressive range of ventures."
He'd interfered with a variety show script last time, and now he was involved in the fashion industry.
Chen suggested, "If you're done trying on dresses, let's have lunch together. It's such a rare opportunity to catch up."
Zheng looked at Zoe expectantly. "Xiao Yun, are you free?"
After a moment's hesitation, Zoe smiled and nodded. "Sure, but I have work in the afternoon, so I'll need to leave early. I hope that's okay."
"Of course," Chen replied smoothly. "I'll go make the reservations." He left shortly after.
Zoe turned to Zheng with a curious smile. "Xiaowei, when did he become your partner?"
Zheng's face briefly showed a hint of guilt. "After that party Ting hosted. I ran into some funding and venue issues for the show, so Ting introduced me to him."
Zoe nodded. "I see. Well, at least the problems were resolved smoothly."
"Putting on a show here is more complicated than I anticipated," Zheng admitted with a sigh. "Factory production, store launches, promotion—it's all far more challenging than I'd imagined."
"It's good that Mr. Chen could help. The worst thing is encountering problems and being powerless to solve them," Zoe said.
"Exactly," Zheng agreed. "Though we've only recently started working together, he's proven to be quite capable."
They chatted casually for a while longer, neither of them bringing up what Zheng had warned Zoe about at that previous gathering.
Throughout, Zoe maintained her composed smile.