023 Striking from the Shadows

Ever since Gu Yan held the press conference, the number of applicants for the casting had reached an unprecedented height. With only one day left until the week-long registration period closed, the first round of open auditions was scheduled to begin in three days. The venue was set in Hangzhou. Regardless of which city they were from or where they had registered, all participants were required to arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions began, or they would be disqualified. The urgency of the timeline kept Gu Yan busy, yet she enjoyed such a fulfilling life.

"Alisa, which company do you intend to appoint as the organizer for the auditions?" asked her assistant, Lan Ruo. Back in the United States, she had made these decisions herself, but since returning to China, Gu Yan insisted that all such matters must pass through her approval.

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

"There is no denying your influence in China; large and small entertainment agencies have all applied to be the organizer for this audition." Lan Ruo glanced at the expressionless Gu Yan and continued, "Among them, the Tianhong Enterprise, which has emerged in the last three years, is an excellent choice."

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

"Your new drama, *The Important Person*, is set in the professional world of hotels, and Tianhong happens to own a five-star hotel that could serve as our filming location. This way, we will save quite a bit on the budget. Although this company is new to the scene, its potential is immense. Even Boss Han holds the owner of this enterprise in high regard; otherwise, he wouldn't have signed Wei Hao's first Chinese acting role to them."

"Is that all?" That alone was not enough to convince her.

"Actually, among the competing companies, the appearance of the Zheng Corporation is quite unexpected," Lan Ruo said cautiously. As her assistant, she naturally knew that the relationship between the young director of the Zheng Corporation and her boss was far from ordinary.

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

"My investigation shows that for the past three years, the Zheng Corporation and Tianhong have been at each other's throats. Wherever Tianhong goes, the Zheng Corporation competes with everything it has. Just like this time—even though the Zheng Corporation is primarily a food enterprise, they are insisting on competing in the film and television industry, which is completely contrary to their business model." Hearing this, Gu Yan’s cold heart warmed a fraction. If she still didn't understand Yingqi’s motive, she would truly be a fool.

"Give it to the Zheng Corporation."

Lan Ruo was about to say something, but after seeing Gu Yan’s attitude, she held her tongue. Her boss had always been one to make final decisions, and it didn't really matter which company they chose. She believed in Alisa's legendary success; even a company on the verge of bankruptcy could be brought back to life by a single one of her dramas.

After resolving all the matters, Gu Yan remembered to call an old friend.

"Anyeonghaseyo!"

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

"Ah—Xiao Yan, you heartless woman! You finally remember to contact me. It’s been three years. Tell me, where have you been hiding? And what’s this about a divorce? Others might not know, but I, Cai Mei, know you better than that. You were so madly in love with Shen Hong that you couldn't live without him; how could you just end it like that? Didn't you teach me to stay composed..." The person on the other end of the line was clearly excited.

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

"What do you think?" He was so dazzling, radiating brilliance. Five years of being together, never leaving each other's side—she had earned his love. But the distance between them was far more than just a little...

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

"Haha! Xiao Yan, I haven't seen you in 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. As the lover of a popular Korean artist, how could Cai Mei not have heard that name? Even for an artist like Lee Min, the chance to collaborate with her was slim.

"I’m currently casting for a new drama about university graduates interning at a hotel. The three of us all studied hotel management, yet none of us ever experienced that internship period," Gu Yan said, feeling a prickle in her nose. "Let’s fulfill the regrets we didn't experience, even if it's just in a drama."

"Actually, Lee Min..."

"Bring him back to China with you. The roles of the lead actor and actress belong to you two. That is a promise."

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

Faced with Cai Mei’s firm attitude, Gu Yan felt helpless. They really were friends; they were all such fools. They always put the person they loved first, only to end up hurting themselves the most in the end.