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

Facing the three people's nervous yet expectant gazes, Chen Chao didn't hide anything. He smiled and waved the business card that Director Jiang had given him. "It's really good news. Director Jiang recommended me for an audition for a new drama, the one Yitong mentioned, 'Princess Agents,' where I play the second male lead."

"The second male lead?! Director Jiang really values ​​you!" Meng Ziyi's eyes widened again, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Then she quickly lowered her voice, her face full of disbelief.

Although she hasn't been in the industry for long, she knows that a project that can catch the eye of a director like Jiang Jiajun is definitely not simple. A role like the second male lead is sure to be coveted by many actors, but it has actually fallen to Chen Chao, a complete newcomer. Even if it's just an audition opportunity, it's already amazing enough.

"Don't get too excited yet. It's just an audition opportunity. Whether you can land the role is still uncertain." Chen Chao smiled and put the business card back in his pocket. His fingertips inadvertently brushed against Meng Ziyi's hand, causing a blush to rise on the tips of her ears.

"That's still amazing!" Meng Ziyi pouted slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with Chen Chao's statement. "So many people wanted this audition opportunity, and Director Jiang gave it to you. That's a recognition of your abilities! Anyway, I believe you'll definitely get the role!"

"Congratulations, Chen Chao! I knew Director Jiang's invitation to you was a good thing." Li Yitong was a little surprised by Chen Chao's answer, but then smiled and said.

She had only overheard a few words while passing by. Although she knew that Jiang Jiajun had probably called Chen Chao over because of this project, she didn't expect that it would be an audition opportunity for the second male lead. She couldn't help but feel happy for him, but also felt that it was somewhat natural.

During their time together, she had become very clear about Chen Chao's talent for acting and the efforts he had made to perform better. He truly deserved this opportunity.

Standing next to Chen Chao, Chen Xingxu patted him on the shoulder and said succinctly, "Congratulations, good luck with the audition, you'll definitely do well."

"Then I'll take your kind words." Faced with such sincere blessings, Chen Chao felt a warm glow in his heart and said with a smile, "If I pass the audition, I'll treat you to a big meal at the best restaurant in Xiangshan. Order whatever you like!"

"Yay!" Meng Ziyi cheered immediately. Her eyes always sparkled when food was mentioned. "Then I'll be waiting for your feast! If you pass the audition and become a big star, don't forget about us!"

"Don't worry, I won't forget." Chen Chao smiled and subconsciously reached out to rub her hair. When his fingertips touched the soft strands of hair, Meng Ziyi's face flushed slightly. However, she did not dodge away, but instead moved a little closer to him.

Watching the two interact as if no one else was around, Li Yitong's smile never faded. She understood Meng Ziyi's little thoughts all too well, since she always wore her thoughts on her sleeve.

But the two parties involved seemed to know nothing at all. It was unclear whether they were pretending to be stupid or genuinely unaware. However, as an observer, she found it all very interesting.

Chen Xingxu then began to shift his gaze, helping to observe the surrounding situation, while inwardly he couldn't help but mutter to himself: Here we go again, these two, do they really think no one can see them?

"Alright, let's not stand here any longer, or people will start gossiping again." After a while, Li Yitong reached out and patted Meng Ziyi on the shoulder.

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During the afternoon shoot, Chen Chao remained incredibly steady. Even though he was still preoccupied with the audition, he still managed to get his solo scenes right in one take. When filming scenes with other actors, the reasons for needing to do more takes were mostly due to the other actors.

Sitting behind the monitor, Jiang Jiajun looked at Chen Chao on the screen and couldn't help but sigh to the assistant director beside him: "This kid is really born for this. Even if he has something on his mind, he can't be distracted at all while filming. His focus is stronger than many veteran actors who have been in the industry for more than ten years."

Originally, he thought that Chen Chao's afternoon performance might be slightly affected after learning about the audition, and he was prepared to film other people's scenes if things didn't go well.

But to his surprise, Chen Chao not only wasn't affected, but actually performed even better, which was quite unexpected.

"Yes, he has the looks, talent, and comprehension, plus this composure. He'll definitely have a place in this industry in the future." Hearing Jiang Jiajun's evaluation of Chen Chao, the assistant director nodded in agreement.

On the other side of the set, Meng Ziyi sat in the rest area, holding a script in her hand, but her mind was not on it at all. Instead, her eyes kept glancing in Chen Chao's direction.

Watching him dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, waving his folding fan and perfectly portraying Ouyang Ke's dashing and debonair manner, her heart couldn't help but beat faster. She flipped through the script in her hand for a long time, but couldn't read a single page.

"Still looking? Your eyes are practically glued to her." Li Yitong sat down next to her, smiling as she handed her a bottle of water. "If you like her, just say so. Why are you hiding it?"

Caught off guard, Meng Ziyi's face flushed instantly. She quickly covered Li Yitong's mouth with her hand, glancing nervously around to make sure no one was watching before letting out a sigh of relief and muttering softly, "Tongtong, keep your voice down! It wouldn't be good if someone heard us!"

"What's wrong with that?" Li Yitong raised an eyebrow. "Everyone in the crew can see that you're always hanging around him, and he's the only one in your eyes. Only he, I don't know if he's pretending not to know, or if he's really slow-witted and clueless."

The blush on her cheeks deepened, and Meng Ziyi lightly traced the label on the mineral water bottle with her finger, saying softly, "We're both in the prime of our careers, so it's not really a good time to be in a relationship. Besides, he just got an audition for 'Princess Agents,' and I don't want to cause him any trouble. And... I don't know what he's thinking."

Although she said that, she could no longer hide her girlish feelings. She didn't know when it started, but this boy who always had a smile in his eyes, was gentle yet capable, had already taken up residence in her heart.

Seeing her contradictory expression, Li Yitong could only shake her head helplessly and didn't say anything more. After all, matters of the heart ultimately depend on the people involved, and as an outsider, it was really not appropriate for her to interfere.