If Zoe had ever witnessed Song in front of the camera for the first time, and seen him in private for the second, tonight she was meeting Song in his third persona.
Facing Jiang, he was poised and articulate, exuding a sense of ease and control that gave him an air of effortless grace.
Sitting quietly to the side, Zoe felt like she was rediscovering Song all over again.
The Song on screen was undeniably handsome and dashing. Thanks to his pre-debut training in singing and dancing, he had a keen sense of how to work the camera, creating those iconic "instant moments" that captured audiences' hearts.
In private, Song was less cool, a bit of a chatterbox, sarcastic, occasionally petty, and always quick to retaliate in a battle of wits. With a streak of self-absorption, he could, in rare moments, transform his swoon-worthy charm into something so insufferable it made you want to throttle him.
But tonight, Song displayed a calm confidence and a commanding aura that stood tall against the towering presence of Jiang. Jiang was a refined gentleman, but not one to be easily swayed—a quality no doubt essential for a director of his caliber.
Song, however, gradually and steadily shared his vision for Heart's Question, and Zoe could sense Jiang's stance softening.
"This project will actually wrap up by the end of the year," Song explained, addressing Jiang's primary concern—time. "I've had a team preparing every detail during pre-production, so you won't need to be hands-on for everything. It won't take up too much of your energy."
Jiang sighed lightly, his tone softening. "Xiao Song, I've seen some of Hengjun's work these past few years. He's a capable director."
Song paused briefly, then asked, "Director Jiang, did someone from my company say something to you?"
Jiang waved his hand dismissively. "Don't misunderstand. I heard it from others. But it seems you and your company have some differences on this, am I right?"
Zoe caught a flicker of hesitation on Song's face.
Though she didn't fully grasp the implications of Jiang's comment, she could tell this mention of "differences" wasn't favorable for Song.
"Director Jiang," Zoe suddenly interjected with a soft smile.
Having been mostly quiet throughout the evening, Zoe had played the role of the silent, elegant companion. Her sudden input caught both Jiang and Song off guard.
"Do you think I'm a good fit for the role of the second female lead in Heart's Question?" Zoe asked, her tone light and curious.
Jiang, familiar with the script's outline and early chapters, was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded, "The second female lead? You mean the character of Liu Rusong?"
Song nodded, curious but refraining from interrupting Zoe.
After a brief pause, Jiang said, "You do seem well-suited for the role. When you're sitting quietly like this, there's a certain elegance about you, a sense of refinement. And knowing that you're a graduate of B University—well, that background alone makes it hard to find someone more fitting. Besides, you're very beautiful, and that's important too."
Zoe laughed lightly. "Thank you for the compliment, Director Jiang. But to be honest, I only just learned that my character's name is Liu Rusong."
"Huh?" Jiang was puzzled.
"Previously, Song had approached me about this role, and I'd already agreed to take it. But due to certain complications within my company, I ended up letting him down. I feel terrible about it." Her tone grew sheepish, though she continued. "Despite that, Song persisted in convincing me to take on Liu Rusong afterward."
Jiang nodded thoughtfully. "Liu Rusong is indeed a rich, complex character. It's not easy to find someone suitable for such a role."
Zoe smiled. **"I don't know what Liu Rusong is truly like as a character, nor do I know how much I'll earn from this role. But Song's determination to have me play her shows how much he values Heart's Question. Even after I let him down, he still fought for me.
"Director Jiang, as an actor, Song is already outstanding. Yet even he has encountered resistance in pushing this project forward. It's clear that he values your role in this production immensely. For him, if you aren't the one directing, this drama simply won't come to life.
"In the face of internal conflicts—whether it's his company trying to promote their own directors or something else—Song is willing to sacrifice parts of his own interests to make this happen. Because without you, this drama can't exist."**
Jiang fell silent, visibly moved by her words.
Zoe quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I may have overstepped. If I've offended you, please forgive me."
Minren chuckled. "You're being too timid. Director Jiang isn't a monster."
Zoe smiled gratefully at Minren for helping her out.
Song, understanding Zoe's intent to support him, gave her a subtle look of thanks.
"Director Jiang, let me propose a toast to you." Song lifted his glass, his tone steady. "Regardless of the outcome, you'll always be a director I deeply respect. If there's ever an appropriate role in the future, I hope you'll consider me, whether it's as a lead or a supporting actor."
It was a grounded, heartfelt statement.
Great actors aspire to work with great directors, and the reverse is just as true.
Jiang smiled and raised his glass, clinking it lightly with Song's. "Let's set up a meeting with all parties soon."
"Agreed." Song's eyes brightened, knowing this meant Jiang was leaning toward acceptance.
Zoe couldn't help but share in the joy.
"I'd also like to propose a toast, Director Jiang."
The latter half of the evening saw discussions meander through movies, TV dramas, acting, production, market dynamics, and audience preferences, as wine flowed freely.
Zoe noticed Song's cheeks had turned faintly red.
Would he get drunk?
She tucked the thought away, deciding not to dwell on it. Tonight was a moment of celebration, and it should be savored.
Zoe herself sipped sparingly, lightly toasting here and there. She stayed mindful, never drinking excessively. To her surprise, it was Minren who brought out a bottle of fruit wine later, her favorite. Zoe joined her in finishing the whole bottle.
By the end, Zoe felt a pleasant buzz, a mix of tipsiness and joy as the evening wound down amidst the laughter and camaraderie.
This felt real.
It felt wonderful.