Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

After finishing today's filming, Chen Chao removed his makeup and changed back into his own clothes. Just as he was about to return to the hotel, his phone screen lit up. When he picked it up, he saw that it was a message from Sister Zhao.

"Don't rush back to the hotel yet. Let's go out for dinner together tonight. I found a great private restaurant; I heard their crab meat lion's head meatballs are amazing. Didn't you say you wanted to try them last time?"

Looking at the text displayed on the screen, Chen Chao smiled and said, "Okay, send me the address, I'll change my clothes and head over."

About half an hour later, Chen Chao successfully found the private restaurant hidden in the alley, following the location provided by Zhao Liying. The restaurant was not big, but the decoration was quite stylish. The bamboo curtain was half rolled up, and warm yellow light shone from inside, giving people a very cozy feeling.

Guided by the waiter, Chen Chao found the private room. As soon as he opened the door and went in, he saw Zhao Liying, who had already arrived. She was wearing a beige knitted cardigan, her long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and she looked much more relaxed than when she was on set.

Seeing Chen Chao push the door open and come in, she smiled and waved, "You're here? Have a seat, I've already ordered the dishes, they should all be your type."

"Sister Liying, you're treating me to dinner and remembering my tastes. I'm almost embarrassed." Chen Chao sat down directly opposite Zhao Liying and picked up a hot towel from the table to wipe his hands.

"Come on, when have you ever been shy?" Hearing Chen Chao's words, Zhao Liying couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. "Back when we were filming 'Princess Agents' and 'Duckweed,' you never hesitated to eat my lunchboxes."

"That's different. Back then, I was a newcomer, and eating at the seniors' restaurants was a way of showing them respect."

"Quick-tongued."

While Chen Chao and Zhao Liying chatted, the dishes were served one after another, including crab meat lion's head, stewed crab meat, osmanthus glutinous rice lotus root, and braised eel in hot oil, all of which were authentic Jiangnan dishes. In addition, Zhao Liying ordered a bottle of Gu Yue Long Shan liquor.

The two ate and chatted, and after a few rounds of drinks, Zhao Liying's cheeks were slightly flushed. She held her wine glass and looked at Chen Chao's face.

"Ah Chao," she suddenly said.

"Um?"

"At what point do you think Gu Tingye's feelings for Minglan began to change?"

Upon hearing Zhao Liying's question, Chen Chao pondered for a moment before replying earnestly, "I don't think it's simply a matter of one thing moving him; rather, it's a process."

"He saw how she handled those difficult situations time and time again, and little by little he discovered that this girl was different. When he had accumulated enough of that, it suddenly became clear at a certain moment."

After a pause, Chen Chao added, "However, I think Gu Tingye himself probably can't say exactly when it started. After all, feelings aren't a switch that you can just flip and turn on."

Watching his brows furrow and then relax as he spoke, and the habitual tapping of his fingertips on the table after putting down his spoon, Zhao Liying suddenly felt a little dazed for some reason.

She recalled that during the early stages of filming "Princess Agents," she was wary and defensive of this young man, feeling that he was too perfect to be real and that he was deliberately creating a persona with ulterior motives.

But after seeing his various actions on set, she gradually began to doubt her own prejudice. It wasn't until the director had them talk things out that her prejudice completely disappeared.

Then there's the relationship...

"Sister Liying?"

The sudden sound pulled Zhao Liying back to reality. Before her stood Chen Chao's somewhat puzzled and concerned gaze. "Are you alright? Why did you drift off into thought while we were talking?"

"It's nothing." Shaking her head, Zhao Liying picked up the teacup beside her, took a sip, and suppressed her somewhat agitated emotions.

Looking down at the few tea leaves floating in the tea, she suddenly felt a tightness in her throat, a feeling different from before.

Previously, she thought of Chen Chao as a younger brother, a newcomer who needed her guidance, and a very easy partner to work with.

But now, looking at him sitting across from her, gazing at her with those eyes that conveyed Gu Tingye's deep affection, her heart involuntarily quickened its pace.

She even had some expectations, looking forward to the romantic storyline between the two on set, and perhaps it wouldn't just be on screen, but Zhao Liying herself wasn't sure.

"Sister Liying, are you tired from filming these past few days?" Seeing that Zhao Liying was still lost in thought, Chen Chao assumed she was just tired and pushed the mint cake that had just been served in front of her.

"Try this mint cake, it tastes great, sweet and refreshing, and it's very invigorating."

Looking down at the mint cake that had been pushed in front of her, and the spoon carefully placed beside it, Zhao Liying remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Achao."

"Um?"

"Are you this nice to everyone?"

After pausing for a moment, Chen Chao chuckled and scratched his head. "Not really. It depends on the person. If it's someone I don't like, I won't even bother talking to them."

"So, what kind of person am I in your heart?"

"Of course, it's the most..." Chen Chao stopped mid-sentence, realizing that the topic seemed to be heading in a slightly awkward direction.

After a brief pause, he smiled and continued, "Of course, it's the most dashing and amazing Sister Zhao."

After watching Chen Chao quietly for a while, Zhao Liying suddenly laughed, "Then this meal I treated you to today was definitely worthwhile. Hurry up and eat, the food is getting cold."

Just as the two were about to continue eating, Chen Chao's phone suddenly rang. He gestured apologetically to Zhao Liying before answering the call, "Hello, Brother Ji Ran?"

"Ah Chao, I have good news for you. New Classics Media just sent you a script through someone, wanting to invite you to audition for the male lead."

"New Classics Media?" Chen Chao raised an eyebrow. He naturally knew this company; after all, it was one of the top production companies in the film and television industry, having produced many hit films and television series. "What project?"

"Adapted from Mao Ni's male-oriented novel, 'Joy of Life'." Ji Ran paused, as if waiting for him to process the news. "The cast of this drama might be very strong. The producer said that they plan to make it a big IP drama, and the lead role of Fan Xian is currently being cast, and they've asked you to audition for it."

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice. He was very familiar with the name "Joy of Life". He had read both the film and television adaptation and the original novel.

According to his recollection, when the TV series "Joy of Life" aired, it received both critical acclaim and immense popularity. It not only became the most-watched online show of the year, but also propelled the lead and supporting actors to new heights in their careers.

If he remembered correctly, in the original storyline, the role of Fan Xian was ultimately won by Zhang Ruoyun through his own efforts, but now, the opportunity had been handed to him.

"Send me the script so I can take a look." After a moment's thought, Chen Chao finally spoke. "By the way, did they mention the audition time?"

"Not yet. They said they'll see if you're interested first, and then they'll arrange a time if you decide."

"Okay, tell them I'm very interested in this project."