Chapter 87: The Beginning of the Scandal

Words : 1315 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 87: Chapter 87: The Beginning of the Scandal If Zhou Yun had seen Song Chi’s first persona in front of the camera, and his second persona in private, tonight, she witnessed Song Chi’s third persona. He faced Kang Xin with confidence and composure, speaking straightforwardly, presenting an image of knowing when to advance and when to retreat. Sitting by his side, Zhou Yun felt as if she was getting to know Song Chi all over again. In front of the camera, it was undeniable that Song Chi was handsome and charming. Having received extensive singing and dance training before making his debut, he knew exactly how to capture the camera and create "instant classic scenes." Off-camera, Song Chi wasn’t that cool; he was more talkative, a bit scheming, somewhat petty, always ready to counterattack in an argument, and exceptionally narcissistic at times. Despite having a face that could win any girl’s heart without uttering a word, the moment he opened his mouth, one might feel the urge to tear it apart. Yet the Song Chi of today exuded a sense of steadfastness, an aura that conveyed he could stand firm in front of any challenge. Kang Xin was a very refined person, but not one easily persuaded. Someone so easily persuaded could never become a great director. Nevertheless, Song Chi was slowly sharing his vision for the movie "Heart Inquiry" with Kang Xin. Zhou Yun could sense Kang Xin’s attitude gradually shifting. "The shooting for ’Heart Inquiry’ will only last until the end of the year. For all the preliminary preparations, my team has almost finished them. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and it won’t take up too much of your time," Song Chi addressed Kang Xin’s major concern, energy, and added on. Kang Xin softened his tone. He sighed and said, "Xiao Chi, I have seen some of the TV dramas that Liang Hengjun has directed over the past few years, and he is quite a capable director." Song Chi paused for a moment, then asked, "Director Kang, did someone from my company tell you that?" Kang Xin waved his hand, "Don’t get me wrong, I heard about it from others. You and your company do have disagreements on this, right?" Zhou Yun noticed a hint of hesitation and doubt on Song Chi’s face. Although she didn’t quite understand Director Kang’s attitude at the moment, she had already heard about the discord between Song Chi and his company. Discussing this disagreement in front of Song Chi, regardless of Kang Xin’s ulterior motives, was certainly not advantageous. "Director Kang." Zhou Yun thought for a moment, smiled leisurely, and spoke up. In the first half, Zhou Yun had been silent without even making small talk, simply playing the role of a quiet beauty. Suddenly speaking up, both Kang Xin and Song Chi were taken aback. Zhou Yun asked, "Do you think I am a good fit for the second female lead in ’Heart Inquiry’?" Director Kang had read through the script’s synopsis and the earlier episodes, and at this point, was more familiar with the second female lead than Zhou Yun. "The second female lead? The role of Liu Rusu?" Kang Xin asked. Song Chi nodded. He looked at Zhou Yun with confusion, wondering why she would suddenly bring this up. But trusting Zhou Yun as he did, he didn’t interrupt. After a moment of contemplation, Kang Xin said, "It fits. When you sit quietly without speaking, you have the air of a lady from a reputable family. Having heard you are a graduate from University B, that educational background alone is hard to beat for suitability. Besides that, you’re very beautiful, which is important." Zhou Yun smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Director Kang, but actually I only just found out that the character I’m supposed to play is called Liu Rusu." "Huh?" Kang Xin was puzzled. "Previously, Song Chi came to seek me out for this role, and I had agreed at the time, but due to some reasons with my company, I ended up standing Song Chi up, for which I’m very sorry." As Zhou Yun recounted this story, her smile carried a bit of embarrassment, but she continued, "Despite what happened, he still tried to find a way and insisted on having me play Liu Rusu." Kang Xin nodded and said, "Liu Rusu is a good character, but not easy to portray; it’s hard to find a suitable actor." Zhou Yun agreed, "I don’t know what kind of person Liu Rusu really is, nor how much I would be paid for the role, but Song Chi has been insistent on letting me play it because he thinks I’m suitable. Throughout the process, I have been able to feel his dedication and commitment to ’Heart Inquiry’, and understand that even for an actor as accomplished as him, trying to push a movie forward still faces many difficulties." "An actor takes on a role after considering various factors, and as a director, you certainly do the same. I might overstep by saying this, but I think in the face of disagreements, Song Chi still insists on having you direct because in his heart, without you, this movie cannot be made. It is with this conviction that Song Chi, after being let down by me, still insists that I should play the role. It is also for this reason that even if his company wants to foster their own preferred directors, or whatever other reason it might be, Song Chi is willing to sacrifice his own interests to ask you as the director. Without you, this movie cannot be made." Kang Xin fell silent. Suddenly feeling very sheepish, Zhou Yun covered her mouth and shook her hand, saying, "I’m sorry, perhaps what I said was presumptuous. If it was offensive, please forgive me." Song Minren laughed. "This child, why so nervous? Director Kang isn’t a big monster." Zhou Yun knew Song Minren was trying to lighten the mood for her and smiled gratefully. Song Chi also knew that Zhou Yun was trying to persuade Kang Xin on his behalf and gave her an appreciative glance. "Director Kang, let me toast to you," Song Chi raised his glass. "No matter what, you are one of the directors I respect the most, and I hope that in the future, if there’s a suitable role, you’ll consider me, whether it’s a lead or supporting part." That was a very solid statement. Good actors always want to work with good directors, and vice versa; good directors also want to collaborate with good actors. Kang Xin smiled back, lifted his glass, and gently clinked it with Song Chi’s, saying, "Let’s find a time to meet with all parties involved." "Alright." Song Chi’s eyes showed a look of joy, realizing that Kang Xin was tentatively interested. Zhou Yun also shared in the happiness. "I also need to toast to the director." In the latter half of the evening, they talked about everything from movies to TV dramas, acting to behind-the-scenes production, and audience preferences to market trends, with the alcohol adding warmth to the gathering. Zhou Yun noticed Song Chi’s cheeks were slightly flushed. Could he be drunk? Zhou Yun harbored such worries, yet she kept them to herself. This was a time for enjoyment, and Zhou Yun, who would normally sip a drink or two on her own but never too much, lightly touched glasses with others, taking a sip here and there as she pleased, without anyone urging her to drink her fill. Instead, later on, Song Minren got excited and ordered a bottle of fruit wine, a favorite drink of hers, and Zhou Yun accompanied Song Minren in finishing off the entire bottle. Zhou Yun also felt tipsy, but amidst the cheerful clinking of glasses, she tasted genuine joy. It was delightful.

Chapter 87: The Beginning of the Scandal

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