"Are you out of your mind?"
This was the first thing Zoe said as she woke up groggily in the early morning. Her voice still carried the languid undertone of sleep, but the sharpness of her words wasn't diminished.
And the one to blame? Song.
Not only did he wake her up with a phone call, but he also enthusiastically presented a so-called "solution" to their predicament: the two of them should actually work on a project together.
For a moment, Zoe thought her ears were playing tricks on her.
"That's what you spent all night thinking about? Acting in a movie together?" she groaned. "People are saying we're doing Spring Chill, and now you're suggesting that instead of Spring Chill, we do something else?!"
"What's the rush?" Song replied casually.
"How is this any different? Everyone already says I'm riding your coattails, and now you want me to collaborate with you?!"
"This project is one where I'm inviting you to join."
"What?"
"It's not something from your company. I have a project in the works. Would you be interested?"
"What?" Zoe repeated, stunned.
"Do you only know how to say 'what'?" Song teased.
Zoe hesitated before asking, "Why would you do this?"
There were plenty of ways for Song to extricate himself from the drama between Yin Zishi and Cheng Wei. A simple public statement could easily dispel the rumors Yin Zishi had spread.
This suggestion of his was practically a gift—an unthinkable, dreamlike gift.
In the entertainment industry, collaborations between actors often required them to be of similar standing. Even top actresses like Yan and Qingqing struggled to get opportunities to work with Song because their statuses weren't on the same level.
To collaborate with someone of his caliber, you either needed rock-solid personal connections or powerful backing pushing you forward.
"Aren't there plenty of actresses lining up to work with you?" Zoe asked cautiously.
Song snorted. "So, you do know. With the way you talk to me, I thought you were completely oblivious."
Zoe thought to herself that it was precisely because she knew they were from entirely different worlds that she dared to speak so freely with him.
"Are you seriously inviting me to act with you?" Zoe asked again, still finding it hard to believe.
"Of course I am. When have I ever not meant what I said?"
"The lead role?" Zoe asked cautiously.
"What are you dreaming about? The lead role is already taken. It's the second female lead. If you're interested, I'll make a call."
"This is going to be a disaster. Your fans will hate me even more," Zoe sighed.
"Grumbling after getting a golden opportunity?" Song scoffed.
"I'm just feeling overwhelmed. Waking up to a gift from the heavens is a bit much."
"Gift from the heavens? Get it straight—it's from me, your Brother Song!"
Zoe stayed silent for a moment before softly saying, "Thank you."
"Treat me to a meal," Song said smugly.
"Okay."
"Just 'okay'?"
"Got it. I'll treat you next time."
"That's better. Sit tight. I'll make a call, and someone from Yuehai Media should be in touch with your company soon."
"Alright."
"Good. Hanging up now."
After the call ended, Zoe sat on her bed, running her fingers through her hair, still dazed.
Was this real?
Had Song grown a conscience, taken pity on her miserable situation, and decided to extend a helping hand?