038 Young Master Wenbao

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 auditions was scheduled for three days later in Hangzhou. Regardless of which city they were from or where they had registered, everyone had to arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions began, or they would be considered to have forfeited their spot. The tight schedule kept Gu Yan busy, but she enjoyed this fulfilling pace of life.

"Alisa, which company do you intend to award the contract for the audition hosting?" asked her assistant, Lan Ruo. Back in the United States, these decisions were solely hers, but since returning to China, Gu Yan had insisted that every choice must go through her.

"In your opinion, which companies are the most suitable at the moment?"

"There is no denying your influence in China; large and small entertainment companies have all participated in the selection process for the audition organizer." Lan Ruo glanced at the expressionless Gu Yan and continued, "Tianhong Enterprise, which has emerged over the last three years, is a very good choice."

"How so?" Gu Yan dropped the files she was holding 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 convince her.

"Your new drama, *The Important Person*, is set in the hospitality industry, and Tianhong happens to own a five-star hotel that could serve as our filming location. This would save us quite a bit on production costs. Although this company is relatively new, it has great potential. Even Boss Han thinks highly of its owner; otherwise, he wouldn't have signed Wei Hao's first Chinese project with them."

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

"Actually, among the competing companies, the appearance of the Zheng Group is quite surprising," Lan Ruo said cautiously. As an assistant, she naturally knew the special relationship between the young director of the Zheng Group and her boss.

Gu Yan remained silent, showing no reaction. She knew that Yingqi’s decision to participate in the bidding was definitely not just about wanting more chances to see her.

"My investigation shows that for the past three years, the Zheng Group and Tianhong have been at odds. Wherever Tianhong goes, the Zheng Group competes with all its might. Just like this time—even though the Zheng Group is primarily a food company, they are vying for a spot in the film and television industry, which goes against their usual business model." Hearing this, Gu Yan’s cold heart warmed a little. If she didn't understand Yingqi’s intention now, she would truly be a fool.

"Give it to the Zheng Group."

Lan Ruo wanted to say something, but seeing Gu Yan's attitude, she kept quiet. Her boss had always been one to stick to her decisions, and besides, it didn't really affect them which company was chosen. She believed in Alisa’s invincible reputation; even for a company on the verge of bankruptcy, a single drama of hers could bring it back to life.

After finishing all her work, 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 dead woman, you finally remembered 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 how could I, Cai Mei, not understand you? You were so 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 sounded clearly excited.

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

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

"Xiao Mei... come back to China. I can make you famous overnight, make you shine, and let you 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 the name Alisa? Even for an artist like Li Min, the chance to collaborate with her was slim.

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

"Actually, Li Min..."

"Bring him back with you. The lead roles are meant for you two. That is a promise."

"No..." Cai Mei hurriedly refused. "It would be fine if he were the male lead, but I won't participate." There were already rumors surrounding 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 were truly friends—both of them were fools. They always put the person they loved first, only to end up hurting themselves the most in the end.