Chapter 134: The Death of Wan'er

Since Gu Yan held the press conference, the number of applicants for the casting has reached unprecedented heights. With only one day left before the week-long registration closes, the first round of auditions is scheduled for three days later in Hangzhou. Regardless of which city they are from or where they registered, all applicants must arrive in Hangzhou before the auditions begin, or they will be disqualified. The tight schedule has kept Gu Yan busy, but she enjoys this fulfilling pace of life.

"Alisa, which company do you intend to choose as the organizer for the auditions?" asked her assistant, Lan Ruo. Back in the United States, these decisions were left to the assistant, but since returning to China, Gu Yan has insisted that everything must be approved by her personally.

"In your opinion, which companies are the most suitable?"

"One cannot deny your influence in China; entertainment companies of all sizes have participated in the selection for this audition host." Lan Ruo glanced at the expressionless Gu Yan and continued, "Tianhong Enterprise, which has emerged in the last three years, is an excellent choice."

"How so?" Gu Yan tossed the documents in her hand aside and raised an eyebrow. Tianhong—could there really be such a coincidence in this world? She wanted to see what reasons her capable, calm, and wise secretary, who had been with her for three years, would use to persuade her.

"Your new drama, *An Important Person*, is about the hotel workplace, and Tianhong happens to own a five-star hotel that could serve as our filming location. This would save us quite a bit on the budget. Although the company is new to the industry, its potential is immense. Even Boss Han holds their owner in high regard; otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted them with Wei Hao's first project in China."

"Is that all?" This wasn't enough to convince her.

"Actually, among the competing companies, the appearance of the Zheng Corporation is quite surprising," Lan Ruo said cautiously. As her assistant, she naturally knew that the relationship between the young director of the Zheng Corporation and her boss was far from ordinary.

Gu Yan remained silent, showing no reaction. She knew that Yingqi participating in the bid was certainly not just about finding an excuse to see her more often.

"My investigation shows that for the past three years, the Zheng Corporation and Tianhong have been at odds. Wherever Tianhong goes, Zheng Corporation competes with all its might. Just like this time—even though the Zheng Corporation is a food company, they are vying for a film project that goes against their core business." Hearing this, Gu Yan’s cold heart warmed slightly. If she didn't understand Yingqi's intent by now, she would truly be a fool.

"Give it to the Zheng Corporation."

Lan Ruo started to say something, but seeing Gu Yan's attitude, she held her tongue. Her boss had always been one to stick to her decisions, and in the end, which company was chosen didn't have much impact on them. She believed in Alisa's legendary record of success; even a company on the verge of bankruptcy could be brought back to life by one of her dramas.

After finishing her tasks, Gu Yan remembered to call an old friend.

"Annyeonghaseyo!"

"Your Korean has improved," Gu Yan said in a low voice.

"Ah—Xiao Yan, you heartless woman, you finally remembered to contact me. It's been three years! Where on earth have you been? And what's this about a divorce? Others might not know, but how could I, Cai Mei, not understand you? You were madly in love with Shen Hong; how could you just end it like that? Didn't you always teach me to keep my cool..." The person on the other end of the line sounded very excited.

"How are you? Are you living well in South Korea?"

"What do you think?" He was so dazzling, so full of brilliance. After five years together, through thick and thin, she had earned his love. Yet, the distance between them was far more than just a little...

"Xiao Mei... come back to China. I can make you famous overnight and have you shining bright. You could stand by his side openly, without having to endure gossip."

"Haha! Xiao Yan, I haven't seen you in three years, and you've actually become humorous," Cai Mei laughed on the other end.

"Alisa is my English name." At these words, the laughter on the other end vanished, followed by silence. Alisa—as the lover of a top South Korean artist, how could Cai Mei not have heard that name? Even an artist like Li Min would find it a slim chance to get the opportunity to collaborate with her.

"I am currently casting for a new drama about university graduates interning at a hotel. The three of us all studied hotel management, yet none of us ever experienced that internship period," Gu Yan said, feeling a sting in her nose. "Let's fulfill our missed regrets through the drama."

"Actually, Li Min..."

"Bring him back to China with you. The lead roles are meant for you two. That is a promise."

"No..." Cai Mei rushed to decline. "It's enough that he is the lead; I won't participate." There were already rumors surrounding them; she couldn't appear on screen with him again, and she certainly couldn't be selfish enough to ruin his career.

Gu Yan could do nothing about Cai Mei's firm stance. They were truly friends—both fools. They always put the person they loved first, only to end up hurting themselves the most.