Chapter 81

After filming the last scene, which took over three months, the TV series “Asking the Sky” was officially completed.

Shen Mingyou held the flowers prepared by the staff and took photos with the director and crew. She noticed that Ji Wenlun was still at the set and hadn’t left.

Director Qin Song said, “I invited Wen Lun to the wrap party tonight, as well as Tang Qian, who is also here at the film and television city. Let’s all go together. The more people, the livelier it will be.”

Shen Mingyou had no objections. After changing clothes and removing makeup, she joined the group at the hotel they had booked earlier.

Tang Qian had arrived before them. When he saw Ji Wenlun, they acted like old friends. Shen Mingyou realized Tang Qian and Ji Wenlun had worked together before and were good friends.

Shen Mingyou thought to herself that the entertainment industry was indeed a small world where people often knew each other.

“If you ask me, you shouldn’t miss this movie,” Tang Qian advised after learning that Ji Wenlun wanted Shen Mingyou for the lead role in his film. “I’ve heard about this movie. It’s a major project aimed at good reviews and awards. The director is well-known, and many actors want a part. Now the opportunity is yours, so you should take it.”

Tang Qian, though not an actor himself, knew Shen Mingyou had excellent acting skills and loved acting. He wanted her to seize this opportunity.

Shen Mingyou was interested in the movie too. She had discussed it with her agent and Geng Feng. Yu Zhen strongly encouraged her to take the role, but Shen Mingyou had some doubts.

Why did Ji Wenlun choose her? She felt Ji Wenlun might have hidden motives and wanted to be cautious about such opportunities.

Shen Mingyou asked, “What do you think of Ji Wenlun?”

“Very good,” Tang Qian replied. “Ji Wenlun is a TV King Grand Slam winner. His fame is established, but he has been less active in recent years and rarely appears in public. He has a good reputation and is a very low-key person.”

People outside the industry might not know what celebrities are like, but those inside do. Tang Qian added, “I admire Ji Wenlun. Even at the height of his fame, he focused on studying and shifted to a new field. It takes a lot of courage.”

If Tang Qian had to choose, he would stick to what he knows and make money easily.

Shen Mingyou seemed to be deep in thought.

She and Tang Qian were at the bar in the private room, talking quietly, while others were drinking and chatting with the director and producer. When Shen Mingyou looked over at the director, her eyes met Ji Wenlun’s. He raised his glass and toasted her silently.

Shen Mingyou responded. She glanced at the time and saw it was almost Nian Nian’s bedtime. She told Tang Qian goodbye and went to a quiet corridor to video call Nian Nian.

Jiang Chen had brought Nian Nian back to City A a few days ago, so Shen Mingyou could only video chat with her daily.

However, Jiang Chen’s call wasn’t going through. Shen Mingyou tried calling him back, but the call also didn’t connect.

Shen Mingyou was puzzled. Jiang Chen usually answered her calls quickly. Was he and Nian Nian already asleep?

As she was about to call the housekeeper, she saw someone entering the corridor. It was Gu Aifei.

It seemed they were fated to meet. They had met before in the hotel bathroom and now at the wrap-up party.

Shen Mingyou put down her phone as Gu Aifei approached her.

“Is something wrong?” Shen Mingyou asked.

“Ji Wenlun invited you to play the leading female role in his new movie?” Gu Aifei asked. She had seen Shen Mingyou and her group at the hotel and knew Ji Wenlun was also there.

Gu Aifei wanted that leading role for herself. She and Ji Wenlun were good friends. During an episode of “Super Mom,” she tried inviting a bigger star to overshadow Shen Mingyou and managed to invite Ji Wenlun. 

Although the focus of the show shifted to Huo Xingze, Ji Wenlun didn’t hold it against her and even comforted her. Gu Aifei was relieved that their friendship remained intact.

After learning that Ji Wenlun was looking for a heroine for his movie, Gu Aifei, who wanted to switch careers, jokingly asked if she could be the lead. Ji Wenlun rejected her immediately, saying, “Sorry, I already have someone in mind. I’ll consider you for future roles.”

Though disappointed, Gu Aifei didn’t let it bother her too much. She was curious about Ji Wenlun’s choice for the lead role but didn’t ask further at the time.

Now, she realized that Ji Wenlun’s choice was Shen Mingyou!

Even without confirmation, Gu Aifei was sure Shen Mingyou was the chosen heroine.

“I was right, wasn’t I?” Gu Aifei asked, hoping for confirmation.

Shen Mingyou replied, “What does it have to do with you?”

Since Shen Mingyou didn’t deny it, Gu Aifei knew she was correct.

She wondered why she wasn’t chosen but Shen Mingyou was.

Gu Aifei had tried to comfort herself by thinking she could be better if her acting skills were superior. But with Shen Mingyou’s new drama, “Hello, President,” receiving better reviews and popularity than her own drama, “Crossover Elite”, Gu Aifei felt defeated.

Shen Mingyou had changed public perception, proving her acting talent and showing she was more than just a pretty face.

Now, Ji Wenlun had given Shen Mingyou a major role, and it seemed Shen Mingyou would soon surpass her.

“Why am I losing to Shen Mingyou in everything?” Gu Aifei wondered in frustration. 

She felt that despite being the heroine in the book’s world, Shen Mingyou was overshadowing her in real life.

“I won’t accept this,” Gu Aifei murmured. “Why did I lose to you?”

Shen Mingyou replied, “I have looks, money, talent, and character… I have many advantages. Why would you be unwilling to lose to me?”

Gu Aifei, in a confused state, was jolted by Shen Mingyou’s words.

“Why do you have to compete with me?” Shen Mingyou asked.