Chapter Twenty-Six: This Circle

"Teacher Zhou, I..."

Before the young performer could complete her move, Zhou Yifan stepped forward just enough to extend his wine glass, effectively blocking her advance. "That gentleman over there is Teacher Jia. He has a keen interest in Scriabin’s classical compositions, and the lead actress for his project, *Core Love*, has yet to be cast."

The young performer steadied her footing, immediately grasping Zhou Yifan’s intent. Only the clever survived in this circle.

"Thank you, Teacher Zhou. I understand."

Even her form of address shifted. For those who didn't buy into such tactics, forcing herself upon them would only invite resentment. Besides, Zhou Yifan had already pointed her in a better direction.

Without lingering a second longer, the young performer turned gracefully on her sky-high heels, smiling naturally. She wandered off, seemingly aimless, before disappearing around the corner toward the restroom.

When she reappeared, her outfit and accessories had been slightly adjusted—a touch less innocent, a bit more provocative—and the shade of her lip glaze was noticeably deeper.

She had just used AI to research the Russian composer; he was known for a style that was mysterious, intense, and frenzied. It was a persona she had attempted to adopt in those few short minutes.

Passing by Teacher Jia, she didn't look back, but the sound of Scriabin’s *Black Mass* emanated quite audibly from her earbuds. The director’s gaze, as expected, immediately followed her.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. As expected of our big boss, Yifan. Those fresh-faced starlets keep throwing themselves at you, yet you kick them away without a second glance."

Zhou Yifan glanced at his colleague, Liang Qiu—a former university classmate from before he entered this industry—who had appeared at his side. His tone was far from polite. "If you're so interested, feel free to woo them yourself."

"A man chasing a woman never ends well! Don't drag me into your mess; those girls won't use their 'honey trap' tactics on me." Liang Qiu carried himself with a devil-may-care attitude, looking more like a wealthy playboy, a stark contrast to Zhou Yifan’s composed demeanor.

Zhou Yifan was unfazed. "You could learn from them. Use a 'honey trap' on the big shots and snag some good resources for yourself. Walk the path of the beauty, and leave the beauty with nowhere to go."

"Come on, Young Master Zhou, that’s not the attitude you just showed the lady."

Zhou Yifan cast a sidelong glance at Liang Qiu and walked away with his glass. "Everyone has two sides. You only deserve to see the side I choose to show you."

"Hey, you..." Liang Qiu swallowed his final words, though he didn't seem particularly angry; he simply moved on to find his next conversational target.

At this gala, their mission was far from complete.

Xu Meiqi had watched the entire interaction. Although Zhou Yifan rarely spoke to her at these events, he always managed to keep his hands clean. Only those truly in this industry understood how difficult it was to stay untainted. Her boyfriend might be busy, but in every respect, he was exemplary.

"Maggie, seeing is believing." A middle-aged man in a tailored suit approached Xu Meiqi with a glass of red wine, interrupting her thoughts. "You are even more beautiful in person than on camera."

Xu Meiqi offered a polite smile and raised her glass in return. She searched her memory for his identity but failed to place him. However, she keenly noticed the expensive cufflinks on his shirt sleeves.

"You are too kind."

Having spent the last while observing the drama unfolding near Zhou Yifan, Xu Meiqi had been planning to set her glass down and grab a snack when this man intercepted her, forcing her to remain in place.

"They say fame nourishes a person, and seeing you now, I know it’s true."

Xu Meiqi smiled modestly. "I wouldn't call myself famous; I’m just making a living."

"Look at you, being humble again. Your company won't even sign you for film or television projects—it’s such a waste of your beauty. Every time I watch your stream, I think you really belong under the spotlight. Why not just come and act in my films?"

Xu Meiqi’s smile stiffened slightly. Zhou Yifan didn't want her in the acting world, claiming the waters were too deep and he couldn't bear to see her in them. She had never defied his wishes. Yet, having entered this circle, which girl didn't fantasize about the spotlight and the red carpet? As an actress, she could have many, many normal fans—a completely different demographic from her streaming audience.

But in the end, she refused. "Thank you, but I am just a streamer."

"Don't be so definitive!" The man stepped closer. "My scripts—mine, Song Qingyun’s—aren't just ordinary scripts. This is a big-budget, S-tier male-led historical epic based on an old-school IP. We’ve already signed a top-tier leading man; now we’re just missing a second-lead actress. The role might be small, but the character design is absolutely brilliant."

As Song Qingyun spoke, he draped an arm over Xu Meiqi’s bare shoulder. The luxury watch on his wrist pressed against her skin, making her shiver slightly.

The glass in Xu Meiqi’s hand nearly slipped. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she could feel the subtle, prying gazes of those around them, like needles pricking her back.

Xu Meiqi didn't know, but others certainly did: this Director Song wasn't particularly talented at writing scripts, but he was notorious for cycling through actresses.

Unable to help herself, Xu Meiqi took a step back, avoiding his touch. "Director Song, you must be joking. I don't act."

Song Qingyun followed her. "Every beginning is difficult. You’ll never get ahead just lingering in the streaming world. Only sensible girls get treats. Why not come to the hotel tonight? I’ll show you the script. Trust me, you’ll be tempted."

Song Qingyun raised his hand again, reaching toward her waist. Just as Xu Meiqi was about to abandon all decorum and walk away, someone caught her arm and steadied her.

"Director Song, you’ve asked the wrong person. Maggie has signed a comprehensive management contract with our company. Without her manager’s approval, she cannot sign anything on her own."

Xu Meiqi looked up at Zhou Yifan, who had appeared out of nowhere. Her heart raced. He was actually willing to stand up for her in public.

Although Zhou Yifan only held her arm—without any other inappropriate contact—and his tone remained perfectly courteous, Xu Meiqi felt as if she were burning up.

*Oh no, I'm going to blush.*

*No, no, stay calm. Zhou Yifan doesn't want people to know about our relationship.*

*But... he came anyway.*

Song Qingyun looked at Zhou Yifan with visible annoyance. "Manager Zhou, you’re far too harsh on your talent. To keep such a blooming flower under your thumb like this—isn't it just a waste?"

Zhou Yifan offered an official, professional smile. "Can't help it. She’s a bit naive and inexperienced. I’m afraid she’d be torn apart by the fanatical fans of the male lead, so I’d rather she stay out of the fray."

Song Qingyun didn't find anything wrong with that statement. For the female lead in a male-centric drama, being berated by fans had practically become a tradition—especially for a newcomer with no acting experience. If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have delayed casting the role for so long.