Director Jiang is Song's most admired and favorite director, a fact known to many.
The drama Ask the Heart was a project that Song had personally pushed for, and it was his next big venture.
Now was a critical time to discuss contract renewal with Song, and at this moment, Zhiqiu Luo didn't want to outright deny Song's wishes.
"Actually, the script for this drama is already quite good. Well... how about this, Song, I'll talk to Director Jiang. But if we really can't come to an agreement, Liang Hengjun is also a good choice for a director. What do you think?"
And there it was again, mentioning Liang Hengjun.
Song smiled slightly, "Sister Zhiqiu, I've said it, Liang Hengjun hasn't directed a drama like this before. He's done mostly fantasy, ancient romance, and melodramas. I'm not confident in him directing this."
"You know, he's also an old friend of mine, and I'm aware of his capabilities. He's quite outstanding among the younger generation of directors." Zhiqiu Luo observed Song's expression as she spoke, seeing no change, she felt a bit uneasy and quickly added, "Of course, if we can get Director Jiang, that would be the best. With him directing, the quality would be more assured, and if Ask the Heart turns out well, you could officially transition."
Song was already among the top of the top-tier stars, but he was not content to stay there. He was always looking for suitable projects to further his career.
Zhiqiu Luo actually didn't want to see Song rush into this transition.
Song wanted to do more serious film and television projects, which meant he wouldn't be taking on the most profitable commercial films as much.
For Zhiqiu Luo, this was not just about losing Song's portion of the film revenue.
However, with Song's firm attitude, she couldn't openly stop him.
Like with Director Jiang, Zhiqiu Luo was not keen on having him direct Ask the Heart. On one hand, Director Jiang was a big-name director with a lofty status, and if he joined, a significant part of the decision-making power for the drama would be divided. This meant Zhiqiu Luo's control over the project would be diluted.
This was also why Zhiqiu Luo wanted Liang Hengjun to direct; he was closely connected to her, having collaborated many times and being good friends. She didn't want to lose control over Ask the Heart.
Zhiqiu Luo planned to stall things for now.
She wouldn't outright refuse Song, but she wouldn't let things proceed smoothly either.
Her phone vibrated, Yuhu had sent her a message: Big sis, Song wants me to set up a dinner with Director Jiang. He says he wants to talk to him personally. What should I do?
Zhiqiu Luo replied: If he asks again, just say Director Jiang is busy and we can't schedule it.
After replying, she put down her phone, her face still smiling.
"Last time you said you wanted Zoe to play the second female lead, but she stood you up, leaving the role open. How about Li Yunxiu?" Zhiqiu Luo said. "We need to finalize the cast soon; the filming starts in September, and it'll be hard to arrange schedules otherwise."
Song: "Let's not rush this. Zoe was pushed out of Ask the Heart by her company because she's shooting The Eighth Heartbeat. I checked, The Eighth Heartbeat wraps up in September, overlapping with our filming schedule by only a month."
"So, you still want her for the role?" Zhiqiu Luo asked.
"The character was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Li Yunxiu, with her looks, can at best play a gentle, virtuous woman, not the world's number one beauty." Song pointed out Li Yunxiu's shortcomings directly. "And now, I'm already not happy with the lead actress, do we have to stuff in another connected person for the second female lead? Sister Zhiqiu, if that's the case, let's not even bother making this drama."
Zhiqiu Luo glared at Song in mock anger, "What do you mean by connected person? Li Yunxiu isn't as bad as you say. I admit she's not as pretty as Zoe, but don't belittle your own junior sister. Fine, fine, I was just suggesting, but since you're so against it, I won't say more, to avoid you thinking I'm always causing trouble."
Song didn't respond.
Zhiqiu Luo wondered, Did I really upset him?
"Oh, do you think I want Su Yan for this role? It's because she has connections with Yuehai Network and has a strong backer who can bring in half the investment. If you're not planning to hire Director Jiang, the costs wouldn't be this high."
Zhiqiu Luo sighed as if conceding.
"Alright, since you've spoken up, how can I refuse? Keep the role for her."
Only then did Song smile, "If it weren't for you, Sister Zhiqiu, we wouldn't have been able to get this project off the ground."
"You know my hard work, and that's enough for me." Zhiqiu Luo gave a light huff, raising her wine glass, gesturing to clink glasses with Song. "You were personally discovered and promoted by me; how could I not support you?"
Song's smile reflected in the red wine, slightly rippling.
Zoe didn't know that the role she thought she had missed out on in Ask the Heart was still held in hope because of Song's opinion.
After leaving a popular streamer's live session, she received the script for The Eighth Heartbeat.
Lan handed the script to her.
"Take a good look at it. The show starts filming at the end of June, so you only have two months to prepare."
"Alright."
Zoe accepted the script without taking the role lightly just because it wasn't her first choice. Once she made a decision, she would go all out.
On the way home, Lan suddenly asked about her conversation with He Yong that morning in the office.
Zoe: "We didn't talk about much, just about how the company values me, and he said they would increase their support for me in the future."
"Really? That's good." After saying those five words, Lan fell silent.
Zoe looked up at Lan's profile in the front passenger seat.
Lan was very slender, especially in recent days, she seemed to have lost even more weight.
Zoe: "Sister Lan, do you have time later?"
"Hmm?" Lan seemed surprised, "What's up?"
"Want to come over to my place for a drink?" Zoe asked.
Lan was silent for a while before saying, "I have an appointment later."
"Alright then."
Zoe thought, That's all I can do.
That morning, He Yong had blamed all the early conflicts and communication issues on Lan.
Zoe, of course, didn't believe it; she was young, but not foolish.
But things had reached this point, and when Zoe wanted to have one last good talk with Lan, it seemed too late.
Looking back on the situation, Zoe realized her earlier recklessness.
Lan hadn't changed; she was just too sharp, unwilling to back down, forcing Lan to choose between her and the company.
And Zoe hadn't realized that Lan wasn't some high-ranking executive; she was in the same position as her, with little say in front of the company.
The two who had once supported and cheered each other on, with only their passion, were easily torn apart by the sharp blade of reality.
This connection was only ever an ideal link from the beginning.