Chapter 1118: The Fall from the Cliff

Since Yan held the press conference, the number of applicants for the casting had reached an unprecedented high. The registration period, lasting one week, was about to close in a day, and the first round of auditions would take place three days later. The auditions were set to be held in Hangzhou. Regardless of where the applicants were from or where they registered, everyone had to arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions began, or they would forfeit their chance. The urgency of the schedule kept Yan busy, but she enjoyed such a fulfilling life.

“Alisa, which company are you planning to award the audition hosting contract to?” her assistant, Lan Ruo, asked. Back in the US, Yan had made these decisions herself, but since returning to China, she insisted that such matters require her approval.

“What’s your opinion? Which companies do you think are most suitable right now?”

“There’s no denying your influence in China—many entertainment companies, big and small, have competed to host the auditions,” Lan Ruo replied, glancing at Yan’s expressionless face. “Among them, Tianhong Enterprises, which has emerged prominently in the past three years, is an excellent choice.”

“Why do you say that?” Yan tossed aside the papers in her hand and raised an eyebrow. Tianhong? Could there really be such a coincidence? She was curious to see what reasons her competent, steady, and wise secretary—who had worked with her for three years—would give to persuade her.

“Well, your new drama, ‘Very Important People,’ is set in the hotel industry, and Tianhong owns a five-star hotel that would be perfect as a filming location. This would save us a significant amount of money on production costs. Although the company is relatively new, its potential is immense. Even Boss Han holds the owner of Tianhong in high regard; otherwise, he wouldn’t have entrusted him with Wei Hao’s first Chinese drama.”

“Is that all?” Yan said coolly. That alone wouldn’t convince her.

“In fact, among the competing companies, the appearance of Zheng Corporation was unexpected,” Lan Ruo said cautiously. As her assistant, she naturally knew about the unusual relationship between the young master of Zheng and the boss.

Yan remained silent, unmoved. She knew that Ying Qi’s decision to enter the competition wasn’t merely an excuse to get closer to her.

“My research shows that over the past three years, Zheng and Tianhong have been fierce rivals. Wherever Tianhong goes, Zheng competes fiercely. Take this time, for example—Zheng is primarily a food company, yet it’s competing in the entertainment industry, which is quite the opposite of its core business.” Hearing this, Yan’s cold heart warmed a little. If she still didn’t understand Ying Qi’s intentions after this, then she really was a fool.

“Then let’s give it to Zheng.”

Lan Ruo was about to speak but thought better of it upon seeing Yan’s resolute expression. Her boss was always decisive. After all, which company they chose didn’t greatly affect them. She believed in Alisa’s undefeated record; even a company on the verge of bankruptcy could be revived by one of her dramas.

Once everything was settled, Yan suddenly remembered to call an old friend.

“Ah Niu, haseyo!”

“Your Korean has improved a lot,” Yan said with a heavy tone.

“Ah—Xiao Yan, you damn woman, you finally remembered to contact me after three years. Where the hell have you been? And what about this divorce? Nobody knows but me, Cai Mei, and I know you well—you loved Shen Hong so much, practically living for him. How could you just walk away like that? Didn’t you tell me to keep calm and wait...” The voice on the other end was clearly excited.

“So, how’s life in Korea?”

“Do you really want to know?” He was so dazzling, radiant beyond measure. Five years together, through thick and thin—her love for him had been steadfast. Yet the distance between them was more than just a few steps.

“Xiao Mei… come back to China. I can make you famous overnight, shining brilliantly. You can stand openly by his side without having to endure any gossip.”

“Ha! Xiao Yan, after three years, you’ve actually become funny,” Cai Mei laughed heartily.

“Alisa is my English name.” Upon hearing this, the laughter on the other end faded, followed by silence. As the lover of one of Korea’s top stars, how could Cai Mei not have heard that name before? Even an artist like Li Min would find it nearly impossible to get a chance to work with her.

“I’m currently casting for a new drama about university graduates interning in a hotel. The three of us studied hotel management, but none of us ever experienced such an internship,” Yan said, feeling a sting in her nose. “Let’s fulfill those regrets through the drama.”

“Actually, Li Min...”

“Bring him back with you. The male and female leads have to be the two of you. That’s a promise.”

“No...” Cai Mei quickly declined. “If he’s the male lead, then I won’t participate. There are already rumors about us; I can’t appear on screen with him, nor selfishly ruin his career.”

Given Cai Mei’s firm stance, Yan had no choice. True friendship indeed—both were fools in their own way. Always putting the ones they loved first, only to end up hurt the most themselves.