019 Over the Wall

Ever since Gu Yan held the press conference, the number of applicants for the casting has reached an unprecedented height. With only one day left until the week-long registration closes, the first round of open auditions is set to take place in three days. The location is Hangzhou. Regardless of which city they are from or where they registered, all candidates must arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions begin, or they will be disqualified. The urgency of the schedule has kept Gu Yan busy, yet she enjoys this fulfilling life.

"Alisa, which company do you intend to choose as the organizer for the auditions?" asked her assistant, Lan Ruo. Back in the United States, Gu Yan had made these decisions herself, but since returning to China, she insisted that every choice must be approved by her.

"In your opinion, which companies are the most suitable right now?"

"There is no denying your influence in China; entertainment companies of all sizes have applied to host these auditions." Lan Ruo glanced at the expressionless Gu Yan and continued, "Among them, Tianhong Enterprise, which has emerged in the last three years, is a very good choice."

"How so?" Gu Yan tossed the documents in her hand aside and raised an eyebrow. Tianhong—could there really be such a coincidence in this world? She wanted to see what reasons her capable, calm, and wise secretary, who had been with her for three years, would use to persuade her.

"Your new drama, 'The Important Person,' is set in a hotel workplace, and Tianhong happens to own a five-star hotel that could serve as our filming location. This would save us a significant amount in funding. Although the company is new, it has great potential. Even Boss Han thinks highly of its owner; otherwise, he wouldn't have signed Wei Hao’s first Chinese film with them."

"Is that it?" That wasn't enough to convince her.

"Actually, among the competing companies, the appearance of Zheng Enterprise is quite unexpected," Lan Ruo said cautiously. As an assistant, she naturally knew that the young chairman of Zheng Enterprise had a special relationship with her boss.

Gu Yan remained silent, offering no reaction. She knew that Yingqi’s participation in the bidding was certainly not as simple as wanting more opportunities to see her.

"My investigation shows that for the past three years, Zheng Enterprise and Tianhong have been at odds. Wherever Tianhong goes, Zheng Enterprise competes with all its might. Just like this time—even though Zheng is primarily a food company, it is vying for a position in the film and television industry, which is completely contrary to its core business." Hearing this, Gu Yan’s cold heart warmed slightly. If she still didn't understand Yingqi’s intentions, she would truly be a fool.

"Give it to Zheng Enterprise."

Lan Ruo wanted to say something, but seeing Gu Yan’s attitude, she kept quiet. Her boss had always been decisive, and ultimately, which company handled the auditions didn't make much difference to them. She believed in Alisa’s invincible reputation; even if a company were on the verge of bankruptcy, a single drama of hers could bring it back to life.

After finishing her work, Gu Yan decided to call an old friend.

"Anyoung haseyo!"

"Your Korean has become much more standard," Gu Yan said in a low voice.

"Ah—Xiao Yan, you dead woman, you finally remembered to contact me! It’s been three years. Tell me, where have you been? And what is this about a divorce? Others might not know, but how could I, Cai Mei, not understand you? You were madly in love with Shen Hong; how could you just end it like that? Didn't you teach me to keep my cool..." The person on the other end of the line was clearly excited.

"How are you? Are you doing well in Korea?"

"What do you think?" He was so dazzling, so full of brilliance. Five years of staying together, never giving up—she had earned his love. But the distance between them was far from negligible.

"Xiao Mei... come back to China. I can make you famous overnight, make you shine, and allow you to stand by his side openly without having to endure gossip."

"Haha! Xiao Yan, it’s been three years, and you’ve actually become humorous," Cai Mei laughed on the other end.

"Alisa is my English name." At these words, the laughter on the other end vanished, followed by silence. Alisa—as the lover of a top Korean star, how could Cai Mei have never heard that name? Even an artist like Lee Min would find the opportunity to collaborate with her to be slim.

"I am currently casting for my new drama. It’s about the professional lives of university graduates interning at a hotel. The three of us studied hotel management, yet none of us ever experienced that internship period," Gu Yan said, feeling a sting in her nose. "Even if it’s just in the drama, let’s fulfill the regrets we didn't experience."

"Actually, Lee Min..."

"Bring him back to China with you. The lead roles in this drama belong to no one but you two. That is a promise."

"No..." Cai Mei rushed to refuse. "It’s enough if he’s the lead; I won't participate." There were already rumors; she couldn't appear on screen with him again, and she certainly couldn't be selfish enough to ruin him.

Gu Yan had no way to counter Cai Mei’s firm stance. They really were friends—all of them were fools. They always considered the person they loved first, only to end up being the ones who got hurt the most.