Chapter 014 Gay

The security guards glanced at Chen Yu, then at Song Wan, unsure of what to do. In the end, they looked to Qian Fu for direction. “Director Qian…”

Qian Fu, equally curious, waved his hand decisively. “Listen to Song Wan!”

Song Wan nodded gratefully at Qian Fu, then stepped in front of Chen Yu and said in a low voice, “Presumptuous, reversing right and wrong without evidence, baseless slander… Sir, a brain is a wonderful thing—you ought to try having one.”

Chen Yu’s face flushed crimson.

Song Wan raised her brows, then addressed the security guards, “Take him out.”

Even as Chen Yu was escorted away, everyone’s attention remained fixed on Song Wan, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

From beginning to end, Song Wan’s demeanor was so calm and unfazed, entirely unlike a newcomer accused of getting ahead through underhanded means.

Her composure was truly remarkable.

Because of this unexpected turn of events, everyone present found themselves with a much better impression of Song Wan. Thanks to Qian Fu’s and Hua Yu’s attitudes, many resolved to praise this newcomer in their articles.

As a result, Song Wan’s name appeared across various newspapers and public accounts even before her work had been released, piquing the curiosity of online readers.

But that is a tale for later.

Qian Fu watched the whole farce unfold with a smile, then, seizing a moment when no one was paying attention, clapped his hands. “Let’s clear the set—time to shoot!”

Seeing the stunned expressions of the entertainment reporters, the crew stifled their laughter and enthusiastically ushered the journalists out.

The next scene was between the male lead and the second female lead. Song Wan sat quietly to the side, ready to watch them act.

Hua Yu, all warmth and kindness, sat down beside her, eyes probing. “What did you say to that reporter just now?”

Just moments before, Song Wan had leaned in and whispered something to Chen Yu, after which he had immediately turned ashamed and uncharacteristically meek. It was enough to arouse anyone’s curiosity.

Many people probably wanted to ask, but Song Wan hadn’t expected Hua Yu to be the first.

Thinking for a moment, Song Wan replied with a straight face, “A brain is a wonderful thing—you ought to try having one.”

Hua Yu was taken aback, feeling a little uneasy.

Song Wan immediately realized the misunderstanding and added, “That’s exactly what I said to that reporter, Chen Yu.”

Only then did Hua Yu grasp her meaning and, a little embarrassed, let it go.

Song Wan didn’t mind in the slightest. She turned to Ling Yang, asking, “Didn’t Film Emperor Ling just win an award? Why not take the opportunity to film a few more art-house movies? Why take on 'Dreams of Splendor' instead?”

It wasn’t that 'Dreams of Splendor' was a poor choice, but the industry norm was clear: after winning Best Actor or Best Actress, while fame soars, it is still somewhat precarious. Most would seize the moment to act in several art-house films, winning more awards to solidify their reputation as genuine talents and secure their status.

'Dreams of Splendor' was an excellent project—the script, director, cast, and production team were all top-notch. But ultimately, it was still a commercial film about patriotism and romance, which, at this stage, didn’t offer much benefit to Ling Yang.

Hua Yu sighed with relief and answered Song Wan more patiently, “His new agent accepted this film for him.”

Song Wan was startled. “A new agent…?”

“Ling Yang switched companies.”

This time, Song Wan was genuinely stunned. In her previous life, she’d worked with Ling Yang once; he’d even sought her advice about acting, so they were on fairly good terms. She knew Ling Yang and his agent had always been close, and his agent genuinely looked out for him.

The only pity was that the agent was also Tang Su’s manager, and many of the schemes Tang Su used against Song Wan had originated from that very agent.

She disliked that agent, but there was no denying his competence.

Hua Yu sighed. “The news hasn’t broken yet, but everyone in the industry knows.”

“Why?”

Hua Yu shook her head. “That’s Ling Yang’s private matter. I can’t say.”

Song Wan, suppressing her confusion, changed the subject. “So why did you take this film, Sister Yu?”

Hua Yu covered her mouth, laughing. “Because it’s a great film, and I’m the female lead! Why wouldn’t I accept?”

Song Wan felt slightly embarrassed, realizing she’d asked a silly question.

Just as she was about to say something else to redeem herself, she noticed a familiar figure walking their way. Turning her head, she asked, “Assistant Wu?”

Wu Yi nodded to Hua Yu before addressing Song Wan respectfully, “Miss Song, President Jin wishes to see you. He hopes you can spare him a moment.”

Song Wan eyed Wu Yi warily. “Is he looking to settle scores with me?”

Recalling Jin Youqian’s livid expression the last time they’d met, Song Wan grew cautious, reluctant to agree.

Wu Yi hesitated. Remembering his boss’s grim face before he’d come, he really couldn’t, in good conscience, assure Song Wan she wouldn’t be in trouble.

But he had to bring her over, so he forced a smile. “President Jin has a very good temper.” Only, every time he deals with you, that temper seems to vanish.

Song Wan had no idea what Wu Yi was thinking. Considering her plan to approach Jin Youqian as a potential patron, she decided to meet him after all.

Ignoring Hua Yu’s curious gaze, Song Wan bade her farewell and stood up. “Lead the way.”

Wu Yi nodded and walked ahead.

Soon, they arrived at the same lounge as before. Wu Yi knocked on the door. “Boss, Miss Song is here.” With that, he opened the door and ushered Song Wan inside.

Upon entering, Song Wan saw Jin Youqian seated in a chair by the wall, his eyes sharp and fixed on the doorway, meeting her gaze directly.

“Well, President Jin, have you been pining for me?” Song Wan found it amusing and couldn’t resist teasing him.

Jin Youqian’s face darkened at once. For a moment, he truly wondered if he’d lost his mind for wanting to comfort Song Wan after seeing her almost bullied earlier.

Oblivious, Song Wan approached him. “What do you want with me, President Jin? Have you finally been moved and plan to throw money at the production so I can play the lead?” She feigned embarrassment. “But I think this role as a villain suits me well enough; no need for you to trouble yourself.”

Pausing, she added with a suppressed smile, “But if you want to keep me as your mistress, I’d be more than happy.”

Jin Youqian frowned. “Woman, you’re being ridiculous. When did I ever say I’d throw money to make you a star?”

Wu Yi, seeing the situation, quickly slipped out and closed the door behind him.

Yet, as he recalled their interactions, something just felt off.

He shook his head—perhaps it was just his imagination.

Jin Youqian didn’t notice Wu Yi’s departure. All his attention was focused on Song Wan, his brows knitted tightly. “Why is your mind always filled with deals and sponsors? Can’t you just focus on acting and work your way up through your own efforts?”

Song Wan burst out laughing. “I didn’t realize President Jin was such a stickler for the rules!”

Jin Youqian, so single-mindedly devoted to making money, didn’t understand common internet slang. “A stickler for the rules? Are you talking about me?”

The earnest way he furrowed his brow in thought was so amusing that Song Wan couldn’t help but laugh until her eyes crinkled.

But after laughing, she grew serious. She hadn’t expected Jin Youqian to speak so earnestly. By rights, as the industry’s most notorious “premium sponsor,” with endless admirers vying for his attention, he ought to be inured to it all.

“President Jin,” Song Wan began, sensing things were straying from her original plan, “have you ever kept a starlet before?”

In her past life, she’d been in the industry for over a decade, but at a low level; many of its secrets remained just that—secrets.

She’d always assumed Jin Youqian was the same as other notorious patrons, given his reputation, and since he was easy on the eyes, she felt no qualms about trying to take a shortcut and keep things mutually beneficial. Besides, he’d helped her in her previous life, so why not repay him this way? It seemed a win-win.

But what if Jin Youqian had never once considered keeping a starlet?

Thinking back to his obvious aversion whenever she mentioned unspoken rules, she was beginning to suspect she’d gotten the wrong idea entirely.

Song Wan felt a little awkward.

Jin Youqian didn’t quite grasp the sudden question, glancing at her. “No! That costs money—what a waste.”

Song Wan blinked. What kind of reason was that?

Remembering the teasing of his friends, Jin Youqian’s gaze darkened, but for some reason he didn’t explain further.

Song Wan finally realized how inappropriate her earlier behavior had been. She knew she shouldn’t keep talking so loosely, but couldn’t find another way to interact with him, so she fell silent.

Knock, knock.

A knock at the door interrupted her. Song Wan, almost fleeing, hurried to open it, only to find herself staring wide-eyed in surprise. “Film Emperor Ling?”

Ling Yang seemed a bit surprised to see her but didn’t ask any questions. Instead, he glanced into the room, his eyes anxious. “Miss Song, is President Jin inside?”

Song Wan paused, then quickly stepped aside to reveal Jin Youqian seated in the corner. “President Jin is here. Please, come in.”

Ling Yang wasted no time, striding inside with obvious urgency.

Song Wan was intrigued, but before she could ponder it further, Ling Yang spoke earnestly to Jin Youqian. “President Jin, I don’t know what wrongs Brother Qin has committed or how he offended you, but I apologize on his behalf.” He bowed deeply—ninety degrees—then looked up, eyes rimmed red. “President Jin, I beg you to show mercy and let Brother Qin off.”

From his debut, Brother Qin had guided him—his first TV drama, his first music video, his first film… all thanks to Brother Qin’s efforts. Though he didn’t always agree with Brother Qin’s methods, their bond had never been shaken.

They had once dreamed together: one would become one of the top actors in the country, the other a renowned agent. But all of a sudden, one of them had been suppressed by a powerful figure in the industry, and all his artists were stripped away.

Ling Yang himself had been transferred to another agent—Brother Qin’s rival.

Clenching his teeth, Ling Yang closed his eyes and forced out the words, “As long as President Jin spares Brother Qin, I’ll do anything you ask!”

After saying this, his whole body trembled.

Rumor had it that President Jin avoided women at all costs; many speculated he was gay…