“I understand,” she nodded.

Assistant Xiao Zheng had been preparing a heartfelt plea, only to be stunned by her quick agreement.

“Really? You’re not messing with me?”

Su Wan responded with righteous indignation: “Do I seem like the kind of diva who disregards her reputation and does whatever she pleases?”

In his mind, Xiao Zheng silently wept and screamed: Yes! That’s exactly what you are!

Outwardly, though, he showered her with exaggerated praise: “I knew it! You’re reasonable, gentle, generous, beautiful, and kind—this is exactly who you are!”

Su Wan nodded in satisfaction, pretending not to notice his stiff, awkward smile.

The lead actress role, secured by her own mother’s investment, was clearly given without considering the daughter’s actual capabilities.

It was a major historical drama, a big IP production, with an excellent script and a renowned director known for both film and TV work. This was a clear effort to catapult someone to stardom.

However…

“Xu Qingjia, a character whose personality is as calm as chrysanthemums, strong and resilient, a legendary heroine who rises from a humble background to become empress…”

Su Wan’s eyelid twitched.

In the original story, the female lead, Su Qin, had landed the second female role, playing a vicious elder sister—arrogant and domineering. The two characters were mirrors of each other in reality, but reversed.

Su Wan’s mother had likely hoped that this script would leave a good impression on her daughter, only for her daughter to not even show up, gifting the lead role to someone else instead.

Su Wan was speechless: “…”

It really was the fate of a supporting character forced into the background.

The set was still in a lull, with only a few scattered people present.

No one expected that the supposedly infamous “blacklisted” actress, rumored to only show up for midnight shoots, would arrive at the studio bright and early.

Director Meng Zhuo, smoking outside in frustration, became furious at the sight—Great, the assistant probably came early to buy a bunch of snacks and drinks to apologize because the star isn’t showing up again.

As the car pulled up outside, he stubbed out his cigarette, his gaunt face turning dark.

“I knew it…”

“Good morning.”

The car door opened, and a leg with a graceful ankle and shapely curves, clad in black heels, stepped out slowly. She adjusted her black dress, briefly covering a flash of pale skin. Under the umbrella, her face was delicate and charming, like the spring breeze in April, instantly dispelling his anger.

The scattered crew sitting under the awnings immediately brightened.

“She’s finally here!”

“Wow, she’s even prettier in person than on TV…”

“She’s just a vase. Someone like Su Qin, beautiful and talented, and so humble—now that’s someone worthy of respect.”

…

Director Meng Zhuo’s expression softened for a moment, but remembering how much time had been wasted because of this woman, his face darkened again. His tone was sharp.

“If you disappear again, don’t bother coming back!”

The assistant immediately panicked, instinctively stepping forward to smooth things over, fearing Su Wan might flip out and storm off.

This woman could turn on a dime faster than flipping through a dictionary.

“I’m sorry.”

“…”

“…”

???

Everyone present was stunned, including the director.

What did they just hear? Su Wan was apologizing? And with sincerity?

Su Wan slightly lowered her head and said apologetically, “I won’t be late again. Please forgive me, everyone.”

“You…”

“I’m sorry, I’ll do my best from now on!”

“I…”

“Director Meng, I’m counting on you today!”

Faced with her trusting and earnest gaze, Director Meng Zhuo, looking like he’d seen a ghost, stiffly replied, “Fine. We’ll see how you do next time. Get to makeup! Props, lighting—let’s move! Get ready to shoot, shoot!”

After saying that, he fled as if he were being chased by a ghost.

A brewing storm was thus easily resolved.

Assistant Xiao Zheng, still in a daze, followed her and heard Su Wan sigh calmly.

“If only every problem could be solved with an apology.”

Xiao Zheng: “…”

This woman has lost her mind!

…

Meanwhile, Su Qin sat in her nanny van, reviewing her script. Even though filming hadn’t started, she would always arrive early at the set, either to study the scenes or chat with the director.

The director, impressed that she had memorized even the lead role’s lines, couldn’t help but praise her.

“It would’ve been great if you were playing the lead—you’d be perfect for it.”

—Who wouldn’t agree?

Su Qin thought emotionlessly as she flipped to a new page in the script.

She wasn’t just waiting for her second female role’s scenes; she was waiting for the lead role. After spending so much time with Su Wan, she had already figured her out completely.

Today, if Su Wan didn’t show up, she’d never have another chance.

She was ready to take on the lead role handed to her.

“Qin Qin, we’re here.”

“Remember to hand out the water and bread to everyone.”

“Got it! Everyone’s been saying how beautiful and down-to-earth you are, so much better than Su Wan… No, she doesn’t even compare. She has nothing.”

The assistant’s well-timed flattery made Su Qin’s expression soften.