The next day, Su Mo called Ma Wenlong as soon as she got up, requesting time off to visit the production set.

If she didn’t get to the bottom of this, her mind would likely wander during today’s training.

As for Lu Qingze’s text message, Su Mo had naturally seen it. After waking up, she stared at the message for quite some time before finally replying:

“Nothing much, I’m doing well.”

She was indeed feeling down, but she and Lu Qingze weren’t close enough to share such personal matters yet.

Su Mo finished breakfast early and was preparing to leave when she heard a whistle from below.

She lived on the second floor, so the sound below was very clear. Su Mo paused, then leaned out of the window to look down.

Jiang Fei was sitting on his motorcycle with one leg on the stand, looking up at her window.

Noticing her silhouette, he gave her a smile and called out, “Come down. I have time today, I’ll give you a ride.”

She went downstairs. “Are you not angry anymore?”

On the way back from the hospital that day, Jiang Fei had been unusually quiet. After dropping Su Mo off, he left without even saying goodbye.

Jiang Fei placed the helmet on her head. “Quit chattering and get on already.”

Su Mo smiled. Only after she mounted did Jiang Fei ask, “Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yeah, I have. We’re heading here today.” Su Mo showed him the address on her phone.

“Film city? What are you going there for?”

“Looking for someone. Little errand.”

“Alright, hold on tight. Let’s move.”

The motorcycle roared to life, with Su Mo once again clutching Jiang Fei’s waist.

Lu Qingze, concerned for Su Mo, had rushed over earlier but hadn’t gone inside. Now, as he watched them drive away on the motorcycle, his clear and defined features seemed to darken with storm clouds.

In front, the girl’s long hair danced wildly outside the helmet, its rhythm, carried by the early morning chill, seemed to beat against his heart.

A chaotic whirlwind, stirring up intense turmoil.

After arriving at the film set, Su Mo called the assistant of Director Yuan.

“Hello, it’s Su Mo here.”

On the other end, there was a noticeable moment of surprise upon hearing Su Mo’s voice. The assistant then spoke, almost guiltily, “Oh, Miss Su, I was just about to call you. Well, it’s perfect. Where are you? There is something I need to discuss with you.”

“I’m right outside Huairou Film City.”

There was another pause before the assistant said, “Okay, Miss Su. Please wait there.”

Li Jichen hung up and immediately called Yuan Hongsheng.

Yuan Hongsheng had previously instructed his assistant to let him handle matters concerning Su Mo personally.

Su Mo waited for about half an hour outside, but instead of the assistant’s arrival, it was Yuan Hongsheng himself who showed up.

“Director Yuan?” Su Mo was slightly taken aback.

“Yes, Su Mo?” Yuan Hongsheng began, but before Su Mo could respond, he added, “Come on, let’s grab something to drink.”

Su Mo pursed her lips and followed Yuan Hongsheng into a café.

Once inside, Yuan Hongsheng got straight to the point, saying to Su Mo, “I’m sorry. I assume since you’ve come here, you already know that the actress for the female lead has been changed. This was my oversight, so…”

Yuan Hongsheng didn’t finish his sentence. Meeting Su Mo’s pure black, bright eyes, he found himself momentarily unable to continue.

In his entire life as a director, except when he’d first started and might have been limited in his choices, he’d never faced this kind of awkward situation.

“It truly is… I’m sorry.”

Hearing this I’m sorry from someone who had once recognized her talent, Su Mo felt a wave of discomfort wash over her.

For a moment, she was silent, then finally spoke. “Director Yuan, you don’t need to say ‘I’m sorry’ to me. You’re the director, and for your film, you have the final say on which actors to use. So there’s no need for apologies. Today, I didn’t come here to hear a simple ‘sorry’. I just want to know the reason you removed me from the role.”

She only asked for one reason, without any intention of trying to get her role back, or to blame and pester him. She simply desired a reasonable explanation.

Yuan Hongsheng looked at the girl in front of him with surprise. When she had come for her audition, he had thought her acting was good, her appearance suitable, and if she’d had something else special, she would have looked very much like Xiao Xiao.

Now, he saw something in her—a backbone, a spirit that was neither subservient nor arrogant. It was a quality that said, even if you refuse to give me what I want, I will never beg with my tail between my legs. This feeling was exactly the same as when she had asked about receiving an advance on her signing fee earlier, and upon Yuan Hongsheng’s refusal, she had left with her head held high, back straight.

However, at that time, he had only vaguely sensed it. The difference now was unmistakable. Here was an opportunity for her to skyrocket to fame, yet she seemed equally composed about leaving? No, composed wasn’t the right word; he could feel how much she cared about the role, but she wouldn’t stoop to begging even for such a coveted part.

Yuan Hongsheng paused, realizing that all his prepared words were now useless.

“Su Mo, what happened this time is my fault. Yes, some… personal matters led to this…” Yuan Hongsheng struggled to continue, but Su Mo understood his meaning.

She pursed her lips, stood up, and bowed deeply to Yuan Hongsheng.

“Then I won’t keep you any longer, Director Yuan,” she said, turning to leave without any further looming threats or demands for compensation.

Yuan Hongsheng furrowed his brow and called out, halting Su Mo in her tracks.

“Su Mo, hold on a moment.”

“I want to apologize for how things turned out. However, I must say that I’m truly impressed by your acting skills and your character. So although we weren’t able to collaborate successfully this time, I can recommend you for another project.”

Su Mo froze, staring at Yuan Hongsheng in disbelief. “Director Yuan, are you saying… you’re willing to recommend me for another show?”

The sheer joy in Su Mo’s eyes was indescribable. It was like finding a whole new world after wandering through a dark forest—she couldn’t contain her elation no matter how hard she tried.

Yuan Hongsheng nodded. “Yes, but it’s a TV series, not a movie. Give me your email address, and I’ll have the script sent to you later. If you’re interested, go ahead and try out. I’ll put in a good word for you, but whether you get the role or not will depend entirely on your audition.”

Su Mo’s eyes sparkled brilliantly. She bowed deeply once again to Yuan Hongsheng. “Thank you! Director Yuan, you don’t know how much this means to me!”

Yuan Hongsheng chuckled. “I hope we can work together again sometime in the future.”

In truth, Director Yuan felt a twinge of regret. He had discovered this girl’s talent himself—she was a raw gem he had unearthed. Now, however, she would shine under someone else’s guidance. Oh well, he thought, there will always be other opportunities for collaboration.

“Mm-hmm!” Su Mo nodded vigorously. “As long as Director Yuan doesn’t mind!”

Yuan Hongsheng chuckled. “Excellent, it’s settled then.”

In truth, Yuan Hongsheng’s decision stemmed from more than just guilt. He had another motive: preserving his own future options.

This young woman, though just entering the entertainment industry, had displayed remarkable acting talent that day. Coupled with Lu Qingze’s public endorsement, it was impossible to predict how far she might rise or how high she might soar. By showing support now, Yuan Hongsheng was essentially placing a bet on her potential—securing a promising avenue for himself down the line.