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After going home that day, Zhong Yang seriously weighed her options. A company under the Pei Corporation meant she didn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of. With Pei Yunzhe’s deep pockets and bold style, he’d definitely be willing to spend money on packaging artists, feeding them resources, and negotiating deals.

Most importantly, having such a powerful backer could clear away many obstacles. One could even say it would guarantee her a smooth career path in the future.

But… wasn’t this a little too good?

Was this really something she was entitled to?

If that misunderstanding hadn’t happened, if Pei Yunzhe hadn’t apologized and made amends—

She wouldn’t be living in the South Shore apartment, wouldn’t have the means to clear her name, wouldn’t have the chance to audition for Jasper’s film, and would definitely never have landed a contract with Qiguang.

If the first three were compensations, then what about the Qiguang contract? What had she done to deserve such a benefit?

“Better not,” Zhong Yang tilted her head back and finished her wine in one gulp, giving a helpless smile. “Mr. Pei has already helped me a lot. I’m afraid I can’t repay him.”

In truth, it wasn’t just that she feared she couldn’t repay him. She feared that behind this generous gift was a price tag she simply couldn’t afford.

“I see. But no need to rush your decision. My team isn’t fully formed yet. Take your time to think it over,” Su Mingzhu watched Zhong Yang’s expression, clearly understanding her thoughts but not exposing them. “If you’re confused about something, why not ask President Pei directly? I’m sure he’ll explain everything.”

…

After a heavy rain, the weather turned cool. The plane trees lining the road had begun to turn golden. As a light breeze passed, a leaf spun gently to the asphalt road below.

Pei Yunzhe stood at the exit of the Imperial Capital International Airport in a sharp casual suit.

“Brother!” Pei Shize threw down his suitcase and pounced on Pei Yunzhe. “Brother, brother, brother!”

What’s with people these days and always throwing themselves at others? Pei Yunzhe muttered internally but still caught him.

“Bro, I missed you so much!” Pei Shize gave him a big hug.

Pei Shize was just slightly shorter than Pei Yunzhe, also a tall and strapping young man.

Pei Yunzhe peeled him off and said sternly, “You’re a grown man. Stop acting like a kid.”

Pei Shize pouted and stuck out his tongue. “But in front of you, I’ll always be a kid.”

Pei Yunzhe didn’t respond. He took his suitcase. “Let’s go. Head home.”

“My team won’t arrive in Huaguo until Friday. I finally get to rest for a bit,” Pei Shize lounged in the seat scrolling through his phone. “Hey bro, let’s call Qingyue-ge and have dinner tonight?”

Pei Yunzhe didn’t look up from his tablet. “He’s in the Maldives. Not in the capital.”

“What’s he doing in the Maldives now? Escaping the cold?” Pei Shize asked, confused. “It’s not that cold in the capital.”

“He went to pursue happiness,” Pei Yunzhe replied.

“Qingyue-ge found someone he likes?!” Pei Shize thought, No wonder these two best bros are both catching feelings around the same time.

“Also?” Pei Yunzhe glanced at him. “You have someone you like?”

“You think too highly of me, bro. I barely even know any girls,” Pei Shize leaned in, gossiping. “Hey, that actress Zhong Yang you mentioned last time—I looked her up. The internet’s full of bad press about her?”

After that call, the more Pei Shize thought about it, the weirder it seemed.

First of all, while his brother was a good person, he wouldn’t go out of his way to get a girl an audition opportunity, right?

Second, he’d never heard his brother mention any woman by name before—this was the first time.

Third, Pei Yunzhe actually said she was “pitiful,” and in a tone that felt… weird. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was off.

He trusted his brother’s judgment, but still couldn’t help checking Weibo. And sure enough—a flood of messy photos, videos, and scandalous text.

Could it be that beneath his calm and rational exterior, his brother was actually a hopeless romantic?

“They’re all fake. Still gathering the missing evidence,” Pei Yunzhe rubbed his temples. “Don’t worry. I arranged a private audition for her. It won’t affect your film.”

“That’s good. Oh right, bro, about my team—ten or so people—accommodation, meals, transportation, and the audition venue… help me out, yeah?” Pei Shize blinked his eyes and poked Pei Yunzhe’s arm like a puppy wagging its tail.

Pei Yunzhe nodded and said to the man in the passenger seat, “Zhang Lin, arrange it.”

“Yes, President Pei.”

…

The first day of the “Wusu” audition was private—only invited and well-known actors were allowed. The second day would be open to the public.

Zhong Yang was scheduled for the first day.

She specially prepared a light-colored long dress with subtle ethnic patterns, layered with a shawl she had bought on a past trip to the grasslands. Her long curly hair was tied up with an ebony hairpin. She wore no makeup—just her natural face.

The audition was on the 6th floor of Pei Corp’s HQ. Zhong Yang arrived half an hour early.

When the elevator doors opened, she was stunned. She had expected fewer people at a private audition. Instead, the hallway was packed.

A variety of beautiful actresses gathered—some even dressed in full traditional ethnic costumes, headpieces and makeup all in place.

So competitive.

Zhong Yang pressed her lips tightly. The pressure instantly intensified.

Following the signs, she made her way to the back office to check in and get her number.

The hallway was filled with various perfumes. Zhong Yang couldn’t help rubbing her nose and sneezing.

Almost everyone present was a familiar face—film award-winning actresses, popular child stars-turned-celebrities, and many leading ladies from hit dramas.

This was scarier than the “Wenci Biography” audition!

Zhong Yang was starting to sweat. She’d never even played a lead role before, and now she was competing with all these top-tier talents. Was she delusional?

She had prepared to start over from the bottom, but thanks to Pei Yunzhe’s influence, she was now standing close to the top.

Who would understand this struggle?

Starring in a great film was every actor’s dream.

With Director Jasper and a shot at the Festaux Award, no wonder so many famous actors showed up to line up for an audition.

“Zhong Yang.”

She looked up when someone called her name.

Speak of the devil—it was He Muya, the very person who had sabotaged her.

“You’re here too? For Director Jasper’s audition?” He Muya walked up pretending to be friendly. “Old acquaintance—come on, tell me how you scored this opportunity?”

“No comment. Get lost,” Zhong Yang snapped, clearly in no mood for her.

Caught off guard by the sharp tone, He Muya looked briefly surprised, then grinned again. “Still working at that bar? Maybe I’ll drop by sometime to support you—when I’m feeling generous.”

She said it loud enough to draw attention.

Everyone knew both of them.

He Muya was known for her breakout drama and winning the Jade Magnolia Best Actress award.

Zhong Yang? Infamous for her scandals and tabloid gossip.

“Whoa, drama over there?”

“They’ve fought over roles twice before. Guess old grudges die hard.”

“The gap between them is huge now—one’s a Jade Magnolia winner, the other might as well be a nobody.”

“Tsk, but Zhong Yang really is pretty. Easily top 2 in looks among all these girls.”

“Looks aren’t enough—you need acting skills, luck, or someone backing you. Otherwise, even beauty gets buried.”

“So how did Zhong Yang get this audition?”

“Obviously someone powerful’s backing her. Probably all that bar, subway, and beating drama was just PR spin for a clean image.”

“Dang… makes sense when you say it like that.”

Zhong Yang was disgusted just looking at He Muya. She hadn’t forgotten that explicit video she saw on the 18th floor.

She stood up—at 170 cm, towering a good 7–8 cm above He Muya. The other’s aura shrank instantly.

She looked down at He Muya. “Don’t understand human language? I said, get lost.”

He Muya looked embarrassed but said nothing, inwardly puzzled: Why is Zhong Yang acting so bold lately? How did she even get this audition? Someone must be helping her.

Before she could figure it out, another woman came over and hooked arms with He Muya, sneering, “Wow, didn’t know you had such skills. Learned a lot from working in bars, huh?”

Zhong Yang frowned. Did she know this woman? She didn’t remember offending her. Honestly—she didn’t even know her.

She looked her up and down. “Wow, really keeping tabs on me, huh? Thanks. But—who are you again?”

“You—!” The woman flushed red with embarrassment and rage.

Her name was Yun Liu. She debuted as a teen and had played several leading roles, though none made her famous. Now being mocked by someone like Zhong Yang, who had never even starred in a show, was a huge insult!

“Hahaha, gotta say—Zhong Yang really hits where it hurts. One sentence and she’s already broken down.”

“I don’t know her either. Who is she? So eager to get roasted.”

“Let me spill some tea. Yun Liu has this sugar daddy who looks like a pig. That guy bought her audition slot!”

“Ew… that’s gross.”

“Quiet, everyone! Auditions are starting!”

The room fell silent.

He Muya dragged Yun Liu away, but not before shooting Zhong Yang four dramatic eye-rolls.

“Number 1, Wang Rong, your turn!”

Auditions had begun.

Zhong Yang took a deep breath.

Honestly, that whole drama just now helped ease her nerves a little. She was feeling much calmer now.

“Number 2…”

“Number 15…”

“Number 21…”

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