"No, actually, I did try to get a part, but I didn't succeed."
"Will Song be in it?" Zoe asked.
The official cast announcement for Spring Chill today didn't include Song's name.
Lan explained, "I've seen parts of the script and the character outlines. While the announced cast doesn't cover all the roles, there's a supporting male character that suits Song's image and temperament. But let's be real—Song taking on a second male lead? Highly unlikely."
With Song's current fame and status, even in a tribute film, he'd be cast as the male lead. Over the years, there hasn't been a single instance where he played a secondary role.
Spring Chill had officially announced Liu Zhong as the lead actor. An accomplished veteran with numerous awards to his name, Liu had significantly reduced his projects in recent years, yet his influence remained unparalleled.
Unlike other veteran actors, Liu Zhong also had tremendous commercial value. Government-endorsed productions and major investors adored him. He was the kind of actor who could command sky-high fees and still be sought after by loyal fans willing to spend generously to see him in action.
Lan said thoughtfully, "If Liu Zhong is leading, then Song taking the second male lead would be acceptable—even Song's most hardcore fans wouldn't have room to criticize. But honestly, there's no need for that."
"It's not practical either," Lan continued. "The cost would be astronomical. Liu Zhong's fee alone is already immense, and then there's Wei Ruxue—she's a top-tier actress within our company, and her rate won't come cheap even as an insider. If they were to cast Song on top of that, the budget would spiral out of control. The financial risk would be too high for anyone to take."
Zoe nodded in agreement. "Then it's obvious this is all fabricated nonsense."
Lan added, "Depends on who's spreading the rumor."
Zoe gave a helpless laugh. "If this rumor catches on, I'll probably get dragged again. They really love milking the 'Song Chi connection.' Even I think I'm being greedy at this point."
Just then, a staff member approached Zoe.
"The set's ready for the next scene," they informed her.
Zoe smiled. "Lan, I'll get back to filming. We'll talk later."
"Go ahead."
Once Zoe left, Lan hesitated briefly before dialing a number.
When the call connected, she greeted respectfully, "Mr. He."
He Yong, a senior manager in charge of talent at Chengqian Entertainment, was the one who brought Zoe into the company.
"Did Zoe agree to it?" He Yong asked.
Lan hesitated. "Oh, that matter? Not yet, Mr. He. I haven't found the right moment to bring it up."
"What's there to wait for? She's under contract with the company and should comply with its arrangements." He Yong's tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction, though he didn't press further. "So, if not that, why are you calling?"
Lan cautiously said, "It's about today's online buzz. There's a rumor circulating that Zoe and Song will both be starring in Spring Chill. Song's fans are accusing Zoe of leeching off his fame again. The negativity surrounding her is escalating. Shouldn't the company step in with some PR?"
He Yong chuckled dismissively. "PR? Why would we waste resources on that? Free publicity is a gift. Why would we clean it up?"
Lan's tone grew more concerned. "Mr. He, this kind of negativity could hurt Zoe's future prospects. If it keeps escalating—"
"Her future prospects?" He Yong cut her off sharply. "Lan, you need to remember your place. The company will handle her career trajectory. You don't need to worry about it."