I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Qu Xuan interrupted her before she could finish speaking:

"I've seen your audition footage, and you acted very well. You're definitely more suitable than me, and I'm looking forward to working with you."

Shu Zi quickly waved her hand, looking completely innocent: "I really didn't do anything underhanded."

Qu Xuan chuckled and said, "I understand."

She straightened up, tilted her head towards the door, and said, "Let's go. If we don't go back soon, Director Fei will think we were fighting in the bathroom."

Shu Zi clicked her tongue:

"It's unlikely we'd fight, but if word gets out that we've been chatting in the bathroom for so long, I've already come up with the headlines for tomorrow's trending topics."

Qu Xuan raised an eyebrow: "What title?"

Shu Zi said in a serious tone: "The two female lead cast members had their first dinner together and had a secret 15-minute talk in the restroom, which seems to indicate that they have formed an alliance."

Qu Xuan paused for a moment, then laughed out loud: "That's not bad either, at least it sounds better than fighting over billing order."

The two smiled at each other and walked out of the restroom side by side.

Back in the private room, Director Fei was chatting with the producer. When he saw the two of them return one after the other, he didn't ask any questions and simply told them to continue eating.

The atmosphere remained pleasant throughout the latter half of the dinner. Director Fei chatted about the filming plans, the producer discussed the scheduling, and Qi Yu occasionally cracked a joke, making everyone laugh several times.

Qu Xuan didn't talk much, but she was always able to respond appropriately, and the overall atmosphere was harmonious.

As the show ended, Director Fei put down his teacup, smiled, and said:

"Okay, that's all for today. Everyone go back and get some rest. There will be plenty of time to get familiar with things later."

Everyone stood up to say goodbye.

Shu Zi and Qu Xuan nodded to each other, and Qi Yu waved and said, "Goodbye, Sister Zi Zi," before the group dispersed at the door.

Shu Zi followed Lan Manwen into the car, and once the door closed, the noise outside was shut out.

The car slowly drove away. Lan Manwen leaned back in her seat and glanced at her sideways: "How are you feeling today?"

"It's good. Qu Xuan is easier to get along with than I imagined."

Lan Manwen nodded, offering no further comment, and then got down to business:

"The production team has made it confirmed. You'll officially join the crew in two weeks. Use this time to prepare well, read the script several times, and get yourself in the right state of mind."

Shu Zi nodded: "Okay, I understand."

"Oh, right," Lan Manwen said, as if she had just remembered something, "the production team will officially announce the main cast tomorrow night. Please retweet the official Weibo post then."

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Shu Zi replied, "Okay, no problem."

Lan Manwen paused, then added, "Also, try not to stay up late."

Shu Zi: "…………"

Her smile froze on her face, and her ears slowly began to burn.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something to explain, but then felt that anything she said would sound like she was trying to cover something up, so she finally gave a dry reply:

"……good."

After saying that, she silently turned her gaze to the window, wishing she could open the door and jump out of the car right there.

Just as I was feeling awkward, my phone vibrated in my bag.

She took it out and saw it was a message from Gu Yan.

His girlfriend is the most beautiful, the best, and the cutest: "Is it over? Are you back yet?"

Shu Zi typed back: "Almost there, on its way."

His girlfriend is the most beautiful, the best, and the cutest: "Okay."

After driving for another ten minutes or so, the car turned into the gate of Yunqi Park Hyatt and came to a smooth stop in front of the house.

Shu Zi opened the car door and got out.

She had just steadied herself when she looked up and saw Gu Yan standing at the door, wearing loose loungewear and holding a phone, clearly waiting for her.

She turned around to speak, but the back window rolled down first.

Shu Zi bent down and said to Lan Manwen, "Sister Wen, I've arrived. Be careful on your way back."

Lan Manwen glanced at her, then looked past her towards the door, and said in a calm tone:

"Don't forget to read the script, don't forget to share the official announcement, and also—"

She paused for a moment, then said, "Just remember what I said."

Shu Zi nodded guiltily, "I'll remember, I'll remember."

Lan Manwen didn't say anything more, rolled up the car window, and the car slowly drove away.

As soon as Shu Zi turned around, Gu Yan walked up to her and naturally took her hand: "Let's go home."

Shu Zi was led towards the door by him, and as they walked, she asked, "How did you know I'd be home at this time?"

Gu Yan: "I guessed."

Shu Zi glanced at him sideways and couldn't help but smile, "You guessed pretty accurately."

The two walked through the entryway, changed their shoes, and entered the living room side by side.

Gu Yan poured her a glass of water, then sat down on the sofa, reached out and pulled her to his side, making her sit with her back to him.

He placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a light massage, and casually asked, "How was the dinner?"

He gently massaged her shoulders and neck with his fingertips, applying just the right amount of pressure.

Shu Zi squinted comfortably, relaxed completely, and unconsciously leaned closer to his palm.

"good."

She picked up her water glass and took a sip. "Qu Xuan is here too. We chatted for a bit, and she even mentioned you to me."

Gu Yan continued what he was doing, his tone indifferent: "Why mention me?"

Shu Zi turned her head and glanced at him:

"She said she had heard of me two years ago because of your reaction when you heard my name at the party; she said your expression was particularly interesting."

She clicked her tongue twice, her tone tinged with smugness, "I didn't realize, Gu Yan, that you had a crush on me two years ago."

Gu Yan paused for a moment, his movements slowed, and his voice lowered:

"It wasn't a two-year-long crush."

Shu Zi was taken aback for a moment, and was about to turn around to look at him when she heard him calmly add:

"I've liked it since I was a child."

Shu Zi: "...?"

Her movements froze, and her ears visibly turned red.

She was silent for several seconds, then muttered under her breath, "...Pervert."

Gu Yan chuckled softly, offering no rebuttal, and resumed the rhythmic pressure of his massage.

Shu Zi seemed to remember something else and casually mentioned:

"Oh, by the way, the male lead has been decided, it's Qi Yu, the little guy from yesterday's cover shoot, he's here too."

Gu Yan continued what he was doing, his tone unreadable: "That kid who said he was a fan yesterday?"

Shu Zi noticed the subtle change in his tone and suppressed a laugh:

"Yes, that's him. He's the male lead now, and we'll have a lot of scenes together on set from now on."

Gu Yan was silent for two seconds: "Then should I also try to get a role?"

Shu Zi finally couldn't help but laugh and turned to look at him: "Mr. Gu, aren't you a little too jealous?"

Gu Yan lowered his head and kissed her, then slowly said, "Yes, it's always been big."

Shu Zi reached out and pushed his chest:

"How childish you are."

Gu Yan held her hand tightly, without letting go:

"Not naive, stating the facts."

Shu Zi was too lazy to argue with him, so she pulled her hand away from his and turned back.

Gu Yan didn't mind, and his hand returned to her shoulder, continuing to massage her slowly.

After a few seconds of silence, Shu Zi spoke again:

"Oh, by the way, I just wanted to let you know that I'll be joining the crew in about two weeks."