"Are you insane?"
Zoe's first words after being abruptly woken up in the early morning were these six incredulous ones. Her voice carried the drowsy undertones of someone still half-asleep, but the bite in her tone remained sharp.
This was all Song's fault.
Not only did he wake her up with a phone call, but he also enthusiastically shared a so-called "solution" to their recent drama—a solution that involved the two of them actually working on a project together.
Zoe almost thought she was hearing things.
"This is what you spent all night coming up with? Acting in a project together?" she groaned, incredulous. "People are already saying we're starring in Spring Chill, and now you're suggesting that instead of Spring Chill, we do another project together?!"
"Why are you panicking?" Song replied, completely unbothered.
"How is this any different?! Everyone's accusing me of riding your coattails, and now you want me to actually collaborate with you?"
"This project is my invitation to you," Song clarified.
"What?" Zoe was stunned.
"It's not one of your company's productions. I have a project in the works. Would you be interested?"
"What?" she repeated, her brain refusing to process the absurdity.
"Do you only know how to say 'what'?" Song teased.
"Are you crazy?" Zoe finally snapped.
"Have you lost your mind? Why do you keep repeating yourself?" Song retorted, clearly enjoying her flustered state.
Zoe fell silent, trying to gather her thoughts. "Why would you even suggest this?"
If Song wanted to distance himself from the brewing drama between Yin and Cheng, there were plenty of simpler ways to do so. A straightforward clarification post would dismantle the rumors Yin had spread.
This proposal of his? It felt like a gift—an unbelievably generous gift.
In the entertainment industry, collaborations were often dictated by status. Even stars like Yan and Qingqing struggled to secure projects with someone like Song.
To collaborate with someone of his caliber required either a close personal relationship or the backing of a powerful benefactor.
"There must be plenty of actresses dying to work with you," Zoe said cautiously.
Song let out a faint laugh. "Oh, so you do know. Judging by the way you talk to me, I thought you had no idea."
Zoe thought to herself that it was precisely because she knew their worlds rarely intersected that she felt comfortable being so casual with him.
"You're serious about inviting me to work with you?" she asked again, still in disbelief.
"When have I ever gone back on my word?" Song said confidently.
"As the female lead?" she ventured hesitantly.
"What are you dreaming about? The lead role is already taken. It's the second lead. If you're interested, I'll make the call," Song replied.
"Oh great. Now your fans are really going to hate me," Zoe sighed helplessly.
"Complaining after scoring such a big opportunity?" Song teased.
"I just feel overwhelmed. Waking up to a golden opportunity like this feels surreal."
"Golden opportunity? Let's be clear—it's thanks to me, your Brother Song!"
Zoe paused for a moment before softly saying, "Thank you."
"Remember to treat me to a meal," Song said smugly.
"Okay."
"Just 'okay'?"
"Got it. I'll treat you next time," Zoe promised.
"That's better. Wait for it—someone from Yuehai Media should be contacting your company soon," Song said.
"Alright."
"Good. I'm hanging up now."
When the call ended, Zoe sat on her bed, running a hand through her hair, still in disbelief.
Had Song suddenly developed a conscience? Had he decided to throw her a lifeline simply because he pitied her current situation?
4o