As Lan and Liu dove headfirst into a back-and-forth over contract details, the tension in the room grew thick.
Seemingly uninterested in the negotiation, Lu turned to Zoe. "I'm heading out for a smoke."
He stood and left the room.
Zoe paused for a moment before saying, "I need to use the restroom."
With that, she excused herself, leaving Lan and Liu to continue their tug-of-war.
But Zoe didn't head to the restroom. Instead, she went looking for Lu.
She found him on an open-air balcony, already puffing on a cigarette.
Walking up, she stood next to him.
"Why did you come out here?" Lu asked, glancing at her.
Zoe chuckled lightly. "For the same reason you did."
"You smoke too? Never would've guessed. Is this something you do often?" Lu teased, holding out his cigarette as if offering it to her.
Zoe quickly waved her hands. "I don't smoke. I just thought... well, staying inside felt a bit awkward."
It was awkward. Despite all the discussions being about her, Lan was the one handling everything while Zoe sat silently, trying to smile like a decorative vase.
"Being out here with me isn't awkward?" Lu asked, throwing her off guard.
Zoe hesitated before explaining, "You're the director. We'll be seeing each other a lot. Better to get comfortable now than later."
"No need to overthink it."
"Got it."
After a beat, Lu broke the silence. "You not wanting to act in The Eighth Crush is normal, honestly. Aside from rookies with no other opportunities, most actors don't want to be in my dramas."
Zoe froze, unsure how to respond.
Lu's gaze drifted outward, unfocused. "At first, I was like you—driven to become a great director. But eventually, I realized I just don't have the talent for it."
"You can't say that," Zoe countered. "You're still young."
Lu was indeed young, barely in his early thirties—a rarity in the industry for directors.
"So you agree I lack talent as a director, don't you?" Lu asked, his tone unreadable.
Zoe fumbled. "...I haven't seen your previous work. Even if I had, I wouldn't know for sure." She added thoughtfully, "Honestly, whether I like a show doesn't always align with its ratings. Some dramas I love only get five or six stars, while others with seven or eight bore me."
"You don't have to console me. I don't care about ratings."
"I thought you might."
Lu turned his head to look at her.
Zoe grinned and said, "Director Lu, how about we give it a shot this time?"
"A shot at what?"
"At getting those ratings up a notch."
Lu let out a low laugh.
"Don't laugh. I do have a redeeming quality, you know."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"I'm definitely prettier than any of your previous leading ladies."
Lu raised a brow. "...You're quite confident."
"Confidence is beauty." Zoe struck a pose, hands on her hips. "I can do goddess, or quirky charm. You name it."
Lu turned his head away, amused.
"Director Lu, listen. Cast a ridiculously handsome leading man with symmetrical features, and this drama's visuals alone will draw in droves of fans. Plus," Zoe leaned slightly closer, "I believe in you."
"You haven't even seen my work. Why would you believe in me?"
"Because when you look at me, you can't help but smile," Zoe replied with a proud tilt of her chin, her bright, sunny smile lighting up her face. "That means you have an eye for beauty. Isn't that enough?"
They stayed on the balcony, chatting and laughing, for what felt like a long while.
Eventually, Lan appeared, knocking on the glass door. "Zoe, I've wrapped things up with Liu. You have an interview and photoshoot coming up, so we need to leave."
Zoe nodded and turned to Lu. "Director Lu, I'll see you next time."
Lu gave a small nod. "See you."
After Zoe and Lan had left, Liu stepped out onto the balcony, his expression darkening.
"What a greedy woman."
Lu looked down at the street below, still caught up in the memory of Zoe's smile. He said nothing.
Liu sneered. "Old Lu, are you really set on casting Zoe as the lead?"
"She's good-looking."
"Fine, whatever. I was planning to have Qianqian play the second lead in this drama, but with all this fuss, it's not worth it anymore." Liu added coldly, "Let me warn you. Don't be taken in by Zoe's beauty. She initially planned to act in Liang Zhongjie's Ask Your Heart. If I hadn't insisted, she would've dropped The Eighth Crush without a second thought."
Lu patted Liu's shoulder. "Liu, if someone doesn't want to be in my drama, don't force them."
"What, as if casting them is some kind of favor?" Liu snorted. "If Zoe doesn't star, this drama tanks, are you going to take the blame? You might have a good brother to back you, but I don't."
As Lu turned to leave, Liu's warm facade cracked. Watching him disappear down the hall, Liu muttered, "Ungrateful actresses like her, clinging to Song's coattails... let's see how long she stays smug."
Meanwhile, in the car, Lan glanced at Zoe. "What were you talking about with Lu just now?"
"Nothing important. Just getting to know him better." Zoe asked, "How did things go with Liu?"
"We negotiated the key points. I'm sure I'm on his blacklist now. I'd bet he planned to boost the second lead's role right from the start."
"Using me to secure investments and elevate the drama's rating, only to promote someone else? Bold move."
Lan cautioned, "Be careful dealing with Liu in the future. He's not an easy one to handle."
"It's fine. I have you." Zoe said without hesitation.
Lan suddenly fell silent. "Zoe, I've decided to leave."
Zoe froze, caught off guard.
She had almost forgotten that Lan had already submitted her resignation to the company.
"I forgot..." Zoe murmured, forcing a smile. "So, what's next for you? Managing newcomers? Something else?"
Lan dropped a bombshell. "I'm leaving Wanqian Entertainment altogether."
Zoe's eyes widened. "What?"
Lan turned back, her smile soft but determined. "I've realized I shouldn't have shifted the pressure onto you before. I'm sorry."
"Lan... don't do this." Zoe's voice trembled, a sudden wave of sadness washing over her.