Chapter 2

Guo Yixi hadn't expected so many people already seated in the private room. Her hand on Director Sun's arm stiffened for a moment before she asked in a low, natural voice, "Director Sun, why didn't you tell me this was a group dinner today?"

She'd thought she was the only one invited.

Sun Zhen patted her hand with a smile. "Didn't you keep pestering me about who got that role? I brought you here to see."

Guo Yixi felt a twinge of discomfort. She pursed her lips without speaking and continued to hold Director Sun's arm as they walked forward.

The others' expressions shifted slightly. Everyone in the circle knew Guo Yixi as the quintessential supporting actress, and her roles were often obtained through less savory means. It was likely her talent fell short of leading lady material, and those who recommended her expected returns.

That was how she ended up with middling supporting roles.

Upcoming was the male-led drama *Breaking the Cocoon*, which featured two female leads. The screen time for the female lead and second female lead wasn't vastly different, and the second female lead's character was more likable. That's why Guo Yixi had been pressing Director Sun for the role.

A famous director, an adaptation of a major IP, and a cast of popular A-listers—there was no way such a drama wouldn't be a hit.

Guo Yixi had had her eye on this production for a while, waiting for filming to start. She'd finally managed to get close to Director Sun and had learned just recently that the second female lead was hers—only for someone to swoop in and take it. She was furious.

Though she'd always played supporting roles, she'd been in the industry for years, so she technically counted as a senior. Besides, having Director Sun backing her this time, the others, despite their changing expressions, quickly recovered and greeted her warmly.

"Sister Guo is here too."

"Sister Guo, what cosmetics have you been using lately? Your skin looks so radiant."

This industry was full of flattery and forced smiles—after all, you never knew who would blow up next. Guo Yixi gave a slight nod. "Everyone's here? Director Sun didn't mention it. If I'd known, I wouldn't have come to spoil your fun."

As she spoke, her bright eyes scanned each person in the room.

Gu Ling was the female lead, Xiao Cheng the male lead, and the other three had supporting roles. With the parts already decided, there was one extra person. Guo Yixi's gaze flickered over her and froze for a moment, then her lips curled in disdain.

Why her?

The others at the table laughed. "Sister Guo, what are you saying? Usually it's hard to schedule a meeting around your calendar. Now that we've caught you, we must have a drink!"

It was Xiao Cheng who spoke—a young man in his early twenties with a fresh, handsome face and dimples when he smiled. Known for his smooth charm, he had good relations in the circle. He stood up and offered his seat. "Come, Sister Guo, sit here."

Guo Yixi smiled at him and took a seat beside Director Sun.

Director Sun cleared his throat. "This dinner is just to help us bond a little. The drama starts filming next week, and I don't think you busy people have gotten to know each other yet. Let's use these days to get familiar."

He glanced at Tong Yue. "Of course, the supporting role we hadn't finalized now has its right person—so this is also a celebration."

The table's attention immediately shifted to Guo Yixi and Tong Yue.

There had been rumors that Guo Yixi would get the supporting role, but from what just happened, it seemed that plan had fallen through.

It was now more likely that Kong Xiyan would get it.

Tong Yue smiled and turned to Kong Xiyan beside her. "Aren't you going to thank Director Sun for the opportunity?"

Kong Xiyan raised her glass and stood. The red wine swirled in the goblet as she smiled lightly. "Thank you, Director Sun."

Sun Zhen quickly lifted his glass. "Not at all—it's all thanks to Ms. Kong's talent."

Guo Yixi, seated at his side, forced a smile. "Indeed, Ms. Kong really knows how to use her talent. Remember back then—" She paused, noticing everyone's eyes on her, then lightly tapped her glossy lips. "Oh, what a mouth I have, always saying the wrong things. Please don't mind, Ms. Kong."

Kong Xiyan gave a faint smile. "No offense taken."

Tong Yue caught Director Sun's glance and understood the purpose of this dinner. The supporting role had likely been promised to Guo Yixi before, and now Kong Xiyan had taken it. To appease Guo Yixi, he'd invited her here to vent her frustration.

Tong Yue nodded subtly and smiled at Kong Xiyan. "Just a moment—I'll step out to make a call."

Kong Xiyan, her head slightly lowered, replied, "Alright."

Tong Yue said her goodbyes and left. Gu Ling whispered from behind, "Sister Tong, is she calling President Chi?"

Kong Xiyan was startled at the mention of President Chi, but she composed herself and remained still, though the atmosphere in the room grew lively.

"President Chi? You mean the one from Jingyan?"

"Yes, this drama is financed by Jingyan. Didn't you all know?"

"I heard a rumor, but doesn't she hate social dinners? I heard an assistant once arranged one without permission and got fired."

"Exactly. But today it's Director Sun's invitation—surely she'd show him that courtesy."

The conversation circled back to Sun Zhen.

He was a well-known director in the industry, having won the Golden Forest Award for two consecutive films and a TV series, earning great acclaim. The flattery hit the mark, and under everyone's eager gaze, he cleared his throat. "President Chi said she might come if she has time."

"If she has time" likely meant she'd show up.

Everyone at the table began to harbor their own ambitions.

The name Chi Wanzhao wasn't unfamiliar in the circle. Three years ago, she'd returned from abroad, acquired Jingyan, and turned a near-bankrupt entertainment company into an industry powerhouse, even merging many smaller companies.

She'd signed top agent Tong Yue and nurtured many major stars.

If cozying up to Director Sun could secure your future, then charming Chi Wanzhao meant staying at the pinnacle for life.

So she was naturally the target of everyone's attempts to curry favor. Yet she was impervious to flattery and bribes alike. A while back, a minor star from Jingyan had publicly professed her love, saying she'd joined the company because of Chi Wanzhao.

Soon after—she was released from her contract.

That only made everyone more curious about Chi Wanzhao.

Now that Director Sun's words hinted she might come, no one could sit still.

Kong Xiyan sat among them, overhearing the gossip. She glanced around—some were touching up their makeup while gossiping, their faces as pink as peach blossoms, brows curved like willow leaves, lips painted a vivid red, eyes lingering on the door.

Only Guo Yixi kept her attention on Kong Xiyan. She suddenly asked, "Xiyan, I've been curious for a while. Where were you all these years?"

Gu Ling and the others paused at her question.

Honestly, such a question to someone unfamiliar was both abrupt and ill-mannered. At least, they wouldn't have had the nerve to ask.

But Guo Yixi was different—she had Director Sun's backing, and having just lost the role to Kong Xiyan, she harbored a grudge, so she didn't hold back.

Kong Xiyan lifted her cup and took a small sip. "Nowhere. Stayed home."

Guo Yixi curled her lips in a sneer. "But I seem to recall your father keeled over and died when that scandal broke, didn't he? I'm genuinely curious, Xiyan—don't you feel guilty?"

The room eyes widened, turning to Kong Xiyan with renewed scrutiny.

Kong Xiyan sat upright with poise, then tilted her head to look at Guo Yixi. "Sister Guo really does care about me."

Guo Yixi blew on her nails. "Of course. We came from the same company, and I'm your senior—isn't it natural for me to look out for you?"

As she spoke, she inched closer to Director Sun and pressed a finger against his inner thigh.

Kong Xiyan gave a light smile in return and said nothing.

Guo Yixi pouted. "Director Sun, look at her. She's ignoring me again. Here I am, kindly caring for her."

Her fingers grew bolder, sliding directly to his groin. Director Sun clenched his thighs together, feigning a mild glare at her. Coming to her defense, he said, "Ms. Kong, please don't mind her. Xiaoxi is blunt and speaks without thinking. If she said anything out of line, I'll apologize on her behalf."

After all, Kong Xiyan was Tong Yue's guest, so he had to offer some courtesy.

Kong Xiyan smiled warmly. "Director Sun, you're too kind. I know Sister Guo means well."

Guo Yixi was seething inside—she'd said all that, and Kong Xiyan still wouldn't lose her cool!

She bit her lip and pressed harder on Director Sun's thigh. He shivered, then grasped her hand and slowly guided it to his private parts.

Guo Yixi gritted her teeth, shooting him a reproachful glance, her bright eyes shimmering with a seductive allure. Even her raised brow oozed charm. Sun Zhen had known countless women, but none quite like Guo Yixi—utterly enticing.

She was exactly his type.

So even though he knew she was after the supporting role, he'd accepted her advances.

But just before filming began, Jingyan had suddenly thrown in someone else, putting him in a tight spot. That was why he'd arranged this dinner to tell Guo Yixi.

It wasn't that he didn't want her as the second lead—Jingyan was the largest financier, and he was helpless.

Things had gone largely as he'd expected, but he hadn't anticipated that Jingyan would send Kong Xiyan to the production.

The table had grown quiet after Guo Yixi's earlier question. Sun Zhen's breathing became heavier. He cleared his throat to compose himself, brushed Guo Yixi's hand away, and, at her pout, pinched her cheek with a knowing smile.

Xiao Cheng sat to Guo Yixi's right and Kong Xiyan's left.

He looked at both sides, then turned to Kong Xiyan. "Can I call you Sister Kong?"

Kong Xiyan glanced at him. Xiao Cheng flashed a bright smile, his neat dimples adding extra sunshine. She replied mildly, "Sure."

Xiao Cheng let out a breath. "You wouldn't believe it, Sister Kong, but I've always been your fan. I've watched all your dramas—they're fantastic. I thought back then your acting was amazing."

Kong Xiyan gave short, polite responses, her attitude calm and unruffled.

Inwardly, she sneered. He claimed to be her fan, yet he hadn't recognized her when she first walked in. Who was he fooling?

But that was this circle for you—full of smooth talkers like Xiao Cheng. In the past, Kong Xiyan wouldn't have bothered entertaining them. Now, starting over, she had no choice.

Before she could finish with Xiao Cheng, she heard the door open behind her, and everyone's gaze shifted.

Kong Xiyan tensed as well, her palms sweating, eyes fixed on the entrance.

Tong Yue walked in wearing an apologetic expression. She said to Director Sun, "I'm sorry, Director Sun. President Chi said she still has a meeting and can't make it. She asked me to convey her apologies."

Director Sun nodded. "President Chi is certainly a busy woman."

But since she was the biggest investor, he could only smile. "Then let's not wait. Let's dig in."

Kong Xiyan finally let out a relieved breath, her earlier tension easing.