Chapter 063: An Unexpected Encounter

Three days of filming passed in a blur. By the time Song Wan came to her senses, the shooting for "Upward, Star" had temporarily wrapped up.

As everyone else had their own schedules and engagements, Song Wan, now the least occupied among them, could only bid farewell and return to the capital.

With the New Year approaching, many people were traveling home for family reunions, making the airport in City G particularly bustling.

Song Wan, now something of a public figure herself, was careful not to be recognized. Gao Xiang had arranged for them to access the VIP lounge, paying extra for the privacy.

The three of them entered the lounge and immediately made for a quiet corner.

"Wait, there's someone over there," Zhou Yaya exclaimed in surprise.

Song Wan paused and looked at Gao Xiang.

Gao Xiang hesitated as well. This kind of secluded spot, with its poor visibility, was rarely chosen by others; at most, people would sit near the edges. She strode forward, intending to politely ask if they could switch seats, only to meet a pair of sharp eyes.

"President Jin?" She turned and spotted another familiar face. "Special Assistant Wu?"

Gao Xiang was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure and greeted the two men with haste. These were, after all, their direct superiors—impossible to ignore.

Song Wan, surprised as well, hurried to Gao Xiang's side and, as she expected, met a pair of dark, deep-set eyes.

It was indeed Jin Youqian.

"Hello, Miss Gao." Wu Yi rose to his feet, his gaze settling directly on Song Wan. "Miss Song, what a coincidence to see you here. Are you returning to the capital after work?"

Song Wan hadn't expected such a chance encounter—just a simple flight, yet she ran into Jin Youqian and Wu Yi. She couldn't help furrowing her brow, but then she smiled politely. "Hello, President Jin. Hello, Assistant Wu." She paused, then answered with a smile, "Yes, I was working here in City G."

Gao Xiang quickly picked up the thread. "Song Wan was here participating in the filming of 'Upward, Star.' They wrapped up today."

Jin Youqian cast a cool glance at Gao Xiang. He said nothing, but his presence grew heavier.

Gao Xiang's eyes flickered, and she hesitated, glancing at Song Wan. Why did it seem like President Jin was displeased that she spoke on Song Wan’s behalf? Could the rumors be true—that Song Wan was actually Jin Youqian’s chosen wife?

Gao Xiang frowned. But Song Wan herself had denied it.

Unaware of Gao Xiang's thoughts, Song Wan's heart skipped a beat the moment she saw Jin Youqian. She felt a little uncertain.

But with no one else speaking, to avoid an awkward silence, she turned to Jin Youqian. "President Jin, are you here in City G for business?"

She suddenly recalled the silhouette she’d glimpsed at dinner that night, and the question slipped out before she could stop herself. "President Jin, were you in City G a couple days ago, too?"

Jin Youqian’s gaze grew even darker, and the corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile. "We’ve actually been in City G for nearly a week."

He quickly understood why Song Wan would ask. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "We were staying at the Imperial Hotel. Why, did you see me there?"

Clearly, Jin Youqian had also noticed her at the restaurant that night.

Song Wan felt awkward. "I thought I might have been mistaken…"

Jin Youqian looked at her with a smile. "Mistaken? Is my appearance so forgettable?"

"Of course not," Song Wan stammered, embarrassed. "President Jin, your looks and demeanor are truly outstanding—anyone could pick you out of a crowd, you’re that unique."

Jin Youqian pressed her, "Then why did you think you were mistaken?"

"I didn't want to disturb you…" she murmured.

After what happened before, Song Wan was cautious about being linked to Jin Youqian. Even though she recognized him that night, she didn’t dare approach. She hadn’t expected him to bring it up now, making things more awkward.

Jin Youqian noticed her discomfort but did not let her off the hook. "Oh? You didn’t want to disturb me? Haven’t you disturbed me quite a lot before?"

The situation felt awkward for everyone—especially for Gao Xiang, who knew the inside story. Back then, Song Wan had been reckless; now, she could only endure the consequences.

Song Wan lowered her head in submission but felt a spark of annoyance inside.

Jin Youqian seemed to read her mind. He rose, brushed past Gao Xiang, and stopped in front of Song Wan.

Just as she was inwardly complaining, she saw a pair of polished shoes appear before her. The overwhelming presence unsettled her.

She instinctively took a step back, but a hand circled her waist. "Why keep your head down? Is my face that hard to look at?"

Song Wan looked up sharply, meeting Jin Youqian’s eyes, which seemed to hold back a storm of emotions. Her heart skipped a beat. "Not at all. President Jin, your face is the most handsome I’ve ever seen—just looking at you makes my knees weak."

Jin Youqian glanced at her bent knees. "You mean, like right now?"

With his hand still at her waist and their height difference, Song Wan was standing on tiptoe, unable to put weight on her feet—

She really did feel a little weak in the knees.

Song Wan sighed. "Whatever makes you happy, President Jin."

Sensing he was about to push her too far, Jin Youqian released her and stepped back, giving her space to breathe.

He returned to his seat. "Wu Yi, you and Gao Xiang find seats elsewhere."

Gao Xiang was surprised and couldn’t help looking at Song Wan. "Song Wan, you…"

"Song Wan will sit with me," Jin Youqian said coolly.

Song Wan exchanged a glance with Gao Xiang, shook her head, and moved to sit beside Jin Youqian.

Gao Xiang sighed and found another seat nearby. Wu Yi and Zhou Yaya soon joined her.

Zhou Yaya, unaware of Song Wan and Jin Youqian’s past, was curious. Gao Xiang, worried about Jin Youqian’s attitude, both looked expectantly at Wu Yi.

Wu Yi coughed awkwardly. "Please don’t look at me like that. You’re making me nervous."

Gao Xiang stared at him. "Assistant Wu, what exactly does President Jin want with my artist? If he’s just toying with her…" She suddenly stopped, recalling Song Wan’s previous indifference to such concerns, and felt troubled.

She realized her artist might not think like everyone else.

Wu Yi glanced at her. "For the sake of your job, you shouldn’t refer to Miss Song as ‘my artist’ in front of President Jin."

Gao Xiang was stunned. "The way I address her?"

She squinted, hesitating. "You mean, ‘my artist’?"

Wu Yi nodded.

Gao Xiang sighed. "Alright, thank you for the reminder. I’ll keep it in mind."

Zhou Yaya looked confused. "What are you talking about? Is Sister Song together with President Jin?"

Gao Xiang shot her a glare. "Don’t speak nonsense."

Zhou Yaya quickly fell silent.

—

Though Song Wan had no choice but to sit beside Jin Youqian, she was stiff with nervousness.

Jin Youqian glanced at her. "Why so quiet? Cat got your tongue?"

Song Wan forced a wry smile. "No, I was just thinking about something else."

"What is it?"

"Um… about my upcoming film. I’m wondering how I can best play my role."

A film?

Jin Youqian searched his memory and finally recalled the title. "Zhao Qing’s ‘Girlfriends’?"

Song Wan looked at Jin Youqian in surprise, not sure how he knew about the film but nodded anyway.

"The script is good," Jin Youqian said.

Song Wan perked up. "You’ve read the script?"

Jin Youqian was puzzled by her sudden excitement. "Of course I have." He added, "Both ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Tomorrow’ were written by Zhao Qing. He showed me both scripts when seeking investment."

"Tomorrow?" Song Wan hadn’t expected to hear that name again.

"So, is this film also invested in by your company?" Song Wan tried to sound nonchalant, though her eagerness was palpable.

"No. Though the script for ‘Girlfriends’ is good, Zhao Qing isn’t adept at commercial films. There’s no point wasting money there."

"But you invested in the other film?"

Noticing her anxious tone, Jin Youqian frowned but answered, though not pleased at the question. "The rights to the other film were purchased by Imperial Entertainment. When Zhao Qing and I find an actor we’re both satisfied with, filming will begin."

‘Tomorrow’ was clearly intended as an award contender, so casting was a matter taken very seriously. After what happened, both Zhao Qing and Jin Youqian likely had their own misgivings and weren’t eager to revisit that script for now.

Song Wan wanted to ask when ‘Tomorrow’ would begin shooting, but Jin Youqian’s expression stopped her. She changed the subject. "Do you think ‘Girlfriends’ will be a hit?"

"I haven’t seen Zhao Qing direct a commercial film, but his previous attempts received poor reviews online," Jin Youqian said frankly.

Song Wan sighed. Poor reviews was putting it mildly.

For some reason, every art film Zhao Qing shot was an awards favorite, but his commercial films were always heavily criticized—

Even if the box office was decent, Zhao Qing had earned the nickname ‘King of Commercial Flops’.

As a result, he struggled to attract investment for commercial projects.

Suddenly, a thought crossed Song Wan’s mind. "Did Director Zhao give me the lead role because he wants you to invest?"

As much as she disliked the idea, after the scandal with her mother and Jin Youqian, she couldn’t deny she’d been marked by his influence—especially as Imperial Entertainment’s only artist.

She wasn’t paranoid; she simply couldn’t avoid these suspicions.

Jin Youqian looked at her. "So you’re not a fool after all."

Song Wan’s eyes widened. "Did Director Zhao approach you for investment? You didn’t really invest in ‘Girlfriends,’ did you?"

Jin Youqian shrugged. "I did. Not much, though—only forty or fifty million."

Song Wan was speechless. For a campus film, how much more did he expect to invest?