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The things this world intends to give you, you can’t avoid. And the things it doesn’t want to give, no matter how hard you try, they won’t fall into your hands.
So, is Tang Yu the unavoidable calamity in my life, or is he a gift this world wants to bestow upon me?
— From “Little Tyrant’s Diary”
Shi Guang Entertainment doesn’t produce web series; all their TV dramas are broadcast on satellite channels, and their quality is guaranteed. It’s difficult for other artists to even join their projects. Zhou Jialu was only able to sign on after passing an audition, and with Jiayi Media having collaborated with Shi Guang on a few occasions, they managed to secure a spot by pulling some strings.
When Zhou Jialu’s agent received the call from Shi Guang, the other party straightforwardly said they could terminate the contract amicably. The agent was momentarily stunned, not expecting things to go so smoothly.
Zhou Jialu was getting her makeup done when she saw her agent hang up. She asked, “Brother Tian, did Shi Guang agree to terminate the contract?”
Liu Tian smiled. “Yes, after your event this morning ends, we’ll go sign the termination agreement.”
People are always like this—hesitant when faced with choices. Especially since things were going so smoothly, Zhou Jialu felt a bit reluctant. She looked at Liu Tian through the mirror and asked, “Are we really terminating the contract? I liked that role before, and you said it would make me famous.”
Liu Tian waved his hand dismissively. “Even if it makes you famous, it’s just the second female lead. And how can TV dramas compare to the big screen? How popular was ‘Sugarheart’? Remember how many times it trended on social media? Even Tang Yu reposted and promoted it. I’m guessing Shi Guang will invest in this project. So, isn’t it still a Shi Guang production? Plus, you’d be the leading actress in a movie. Even if Lu Zhixing’s films flop, they still pull in at least 500 million yuan at the box office. You decide which is better.”
Zhou Jialu thought about it and realized he had a point.
But she was still a bit hesitant. Frowning, she said, “But wouldn’t Mr. Tang have a bad impression of me? After all, initiating a contract termination isn’t a good thing. Will he think I lack professionalism?”
Zhou Jialu had feelings for Tang Yu. A man like him—whether in terms of wealth or looks—was top-notch, and as the CEO of Shi Guang Entertainment, he had the best resources. If she could become his girlfriend, or even his lover, she believed she’d rise to fame quickly.
Liu Tian said, “Forget about Tang Yu. He doesn’t play around, nor does he date actresses in the industry.”
Zhou Jialu dismissed the makeup artist and turned her clever eyes toward Liu Tian. “I heard a few days ago that he dated someone in the industry.”
As for who it was, no one could dig anything up.
She thought to herself: How could any man in this circle not fool around? Take Huo Chendong, for example—he loved playing around. And Tang Yu was his brother, so he must also play around; he just hid it well. Birds of a feather flock together, right?
Liu Tian chuckled. “You think you can rely on Tang Yu? How many times have rumors linked you two? Has he ever paid attention to you? I think you’d be better off trying Huo Chendong. Being his woman wouldn’t be a bad deal. Look how well Zhao Feiyu is doing lately.” He glanced at the time. “Alright, let’s go, or we’ll be late.”
After the morning event ended, Zhou Jialu went with Liu Tian to Shi Guang to terminate the contract.
At noon, Tang Yu, Tang Dingding, and Huo Chendong were having lunch at a nearby restaurant. Ever since Tang Dingding revealed her true identity, she had been carefree. Whether she was a young lady or not, every day in the company she just coasted along, doing nothing much, and whenever she had the chance, she’d find Tang Yu to freeload a meal.
It wasn’t wrong for people in the company to say she was a replica of Tang Xin, but she was much more relaxed than Tang Xin. After all, she was truly the young miss of the Tang family, and the company belonged to her family.
Shi Guang Entertainment planned to develop its artist management business. This initiative existed during Tang Haiming’s tenure but was dissolved directly after Tang Yu took over, which initially caused dissatisfaction among the old shareholders.
Over the years, there had been suggestions to restart this business, but Tang Yu never approved it.
This time, it was Huo Chendong who brought it up. He wanted to take charge of this division. With Shi Guang’s excellent resources, cultivating their own artists would be highly advantageous. For instance, Huachen had an artist studio. Huo Chendong said that perhaps the reason Shi Guang was overshadowed by Huachen was because they hadn’t developed this line of business.
Tang Dingding got into the car with Tang Yu and humbly asked, “Brother, are you going to the Film Academy to scout for new talent?”
Tang Yu leaned back in his seat and glanced at her sideways. “There’s an audition over there to select a second female lead for a new project. I don’t have much else to do this afternoon, so I’ll go take a look.” In reality, he was just taking Tang Dingding along.
After all, she was his younger sister, and Tang Yu doted on her. Since she started working at the company, she hadn’t found a clear direction, not even knowing what she wanted to do.
If he had the time, Tang Yu didn’t mind personally guiding her and letting her learn something.
Tang Dingding made a sound of acknowledgment and saw Huo Chendong’s car drive away outside the window.
She felt a bit upset and spoke sarcastically for the first time. “Brother, you’re letting Huo… Huo Chendong handle the artist business? Wouldn’t that just suit his promiscuous nature? Don’t let him sleep with everyone by the end of it.”
Tang Yu frowned and gave her a cold look. “That’s none of your business.”
Even if Huo Chendong was promiscuous, he wouldn’t do such things. He still had basic principles.
Tang Dingding lowered her head and didn’t speak, fiddling with her phone while scrolling through her social media feed.
Tang Yu hadn’t slept well the previous night and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. He raised his hand, placed it on the back of Tang Dingding’s head, and gently rubbed it as a form of comfort. Tang Dingding paused for a moment, then remembered the photo from last night. She opened the chat with Tang Xin and sent a message.
At that time, Tang Xin had just come out of her studio, and the group was preparing to head to the Film Academy.
Just as they were heading downstairs, Lu Zhixing received a call from Liu Tian. The caller politely informed him that Zhou Jialu’s schedule for the first half of next year had been adjusted, and she now had time to discuss the lead role in his film again.
Lu Zhixing paused as he opened the car door, puzzled. “She has availability now? I thought she had a contract with Shi Guang Entertainment?”
Liu Tian felt a bit awkward. He couldn’t directly say they had just terminated the contract, as it would seem too proactive and reflect poorly on them. He laughed lightly and said, “We’ve already coordinated everything. As soon as her schedule was adjusted, I called you.”
Lu Zhixing understood implicitly. He sat in the driver’s seat without closing off his options, smiling faintly. “Let’s talk about it in a few days. I’m too busy these days.”
Liu Tian responded courteously, “Alright, let’s have dinner together when Director Lu has time.”
After hanging up, Feng Cheng, sitting in the backseat, asked, “What happened?”
Lu Zhixing tossed his phone into the center console and casually explained, “Zhou Jialu’s side says she has availability and wants to discuss the collaboration.”
Tang Xin, sitting in the passenger seat, turned to look at him upon hearing this. “Are we still going to the Film Academy?”
“Yes,” Lu Zhixing replied succinctly, backing the car out smoothly while glancing at the rearview mirror indifferently. “I guess she terminated her contract with Shi Guang, which is why her schedule opened up. I don’t quite approve of such behavior.”
“Let’s go check it out first. If there aren’t any suitable candidates, we can reconsider.”
Feng Cheng chuckled and said to Tang Xin, “This guy has always disliked artists who lack professionalism. If there are other suitable candidates, we might as well forget Zhou Jialu.”
Tang Xin glanced at Lu Zhixing.
Lu Zhixing gave an ambiguous smile and glanced at her. “Do you think Zhou Jialu is viable?”
Tang Xin sat up straight. “Let’s see if there are better options first.”
She didn’t like artists who lacked professionalism either.
Moreover, she genuinely disliked Zhou Jialu.
As the car hit the road, WeChat pinged.
Tang Dingding: “Sugarheart, is Lu Zhixing pursuing you?”
Tang Xin: “...”
She quickly replied, “Who told you he’s pursuing me?”
Tang Dingding: “Tell me, is he or isn’t he?”
Tang Xin originally wanted to say no, but then she thought, why is Tang Dingding suddenly asking this? There must be something going on. She smirked slightly and calmly replied, “Guess!”
Tang Dingding: “...”
She almost couldn’t resist sending Shen Fei’s photo, but fortunately, she held back.
She replied, “Sugarheart, my brother is pursuing you! I’ll pull some strings for him. He even moved to the apartment opposite yours. He must really like you to do that. He’s not a playboy, he’s handsome, has a great figure, and our family owns mines!”
Tang Xin: “...”
Does owning mines make you special?!
She sent a few red packets to Little Fat Sheep and said, “Kids shouldn’t meddle in adult affairs. Be good.”
Tang Dingding frantically tapped on the red packets while emphasizing, “I’m not a kid! I’ll be turning 23 in two months.”
Tang Xin sent a pat-on-the-head emoji and ignored her.
Gao Heng, sitting in the passenger seat, answered a call in a low voice.
Upon arriving at the Film Academy, Tang Yu got out of the car, and Gao Heng came over to report, “Zhou Jialu’s side has terminated the contract.”
Tang Yu glanced at him. “Did you inform Lu Zhixing?”
They had previously said they would talk to Lu Zhixing again.
Gao Heng lowered his head. “Director Lu Zhixing said he doesn’t have time these two days. He’s probably selecting actors.”
The sun was quite strong at that moment. Tang Dingding opened her parasol and walked over, intending to shield Tang Yu from the sun. But Tang Yu pushed her umbrella aside expressionlessly, hands in his pockets, and walked forward. The person in charge greeted him. “Mr. Tang.”
Tang Yu nodded slightly, his face showing no emotion. The greeter said, “The audition starts at 2 PM. Why don’t you go sit down for a while?”
He responded indifferently with a brief “Mm.”
Huo Chendong walked over and glanced at Tang Dingding. “Dingding, want to come along and take a look?”
Tang Dingding grinned at him. “Help you check out who’s prettier? No way!”
Huo Chendong sucked in a breath. He wasn’t oblivious to her intentions, but just a few months ago, she was calling him “Big Brother Huo” all the time. Now, in the past two months, she had suddenly become prickly. He couldn’t help but frown at her. “Why are you so fiery lately?”
She huffed and ignored him, running toward Tang Yu.
Tang Yu glanced at Huo Chendong, who looked unwell, and suddenly realized that Tang Dingding’s personality was somewhat similar to Tang Xin’s, though not as sharp. After all, that girl referred to herself as the “Little Tyrant.” He narrowed his eyes at Tang Dingding, wondering if being close to Tang Xin had influenced her.
He squinted slightly. “If you’re bored, you can wander around on your own.”
Tang Dingding pouted. “I’ll go with you and take a look.”
Tang Yu didn’t say anything further and followed the person in charge upstairs.
...
Half an hour later, Tang Xin and Lu Zhixing arrived.
The person in charge of receiving them walked up to the car to greet them. As soon as Tang Xin got out of the car, she felt a wave of heat hit her. She opened her parasol and fanned herself with her hand. “It’s so hot.”
Feng Cheng also sighed. “The temperature is pretty high today. Let’s hurry and get inside to enjoy the air conditioning.”
As they were led along, the guide said, “We’re lucky today. Several production teams are here to scout for talent. Shi Guang has a team conducting auditions and looking for new faces.”
Shi Guang?
Tang Xin instinctively looked up and glanced in that direction.
Lu Zhixing seemed to notice her gaze, turned his head to glance at her, then went back to talking with Old Feng.
The Film Academy was filled with beautiful women and handsome men. Tang Xin kept scanning the passing students, hoping to find a female student who caught her eye. However, the lead actress Jiang Yi from Dreaming For You couldn’t be too childish.
They hadn’t arrived at the best time since it was nearing summer break, and some students had already left for shoots, advertisements, or other projects.
Still, some production teams and directors had given prior notice, so students scheduled for auditions remained on campus.
Lu Zhixing knew several teams were coming to select actors today, which was why he’d deliberately chosen this day. Being tall, he took long strides forward, leaving Tang Xin, who was leisurely observing everyone around her, lagging behind.
Feng Cheng seized the opportunity to ask quietly, “How was dinner and the movie last night? Pretty good, right?”
Lu Zhixing was wearing sunglasses, hands casually stuffed into his pockets, exuding an air of laid-back nonchalance. He chuckled while looking ahead. “Call you ‘Mother Feng’ once, and you really get addicted to playing matchmaker, don’t you?”
Feng Cheng protested. “Isn’t Tang Xin great? I’ve checked—she’s single, beautiful, and so are you. The talented male director paired with the beautiful screenwriter—it’s perfect!”
By the time they reached the building, the scorching sun was finally blocked.
Lu Zhixing casually pushed his sunglasses up, revealing deep-set eyes, and turned to glance at Tang Xin, who was slowly walking over. He smiled faintly. “Being single doesn’t mean there isn’t someone they like. I doubt she’d go for someone like me.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“It’s not about being good enough or not.” Lu Zhixing watched Tang Xin approach. “Alright, stop talking. It wouldn’t be good if she heard us.”
Feng Cheng shook his head and glanced at Old Yuan.
Old Yuan smiled. “I think he’ll spend his life with films and cameras.”
Feng Cheng: “Can a cold camera warm your bed?”
Lu Zhixing: “Shut up.”
Tang Xin finally caught up and asked, smiling, “What are you guys talking about?”
Lu Zhixing hung his sunglasses around his collar, turned, and started heading upstairs with a smile. “Nothing. Let’s go.”
At this time, the students who hadn’t gone on vacation were still in class. Other production teams’ auditions were arranged in the buildings ahead. Lu Zhixing intended to take a quick walk around first, then check out the other auditions later when they were finished.
After wandering around for quite some time, the group descended the stairs just as the sun was setting.
Feng Cheng remarked, “If we can’t find anyone suitable, Zhou Jialu could work.”
Tang Xin wasn’t ready to give up yet. She reviewed all the main and supporting characters she’d seen in TV dramas and movies in her mind. Meanwhile, Lu Zhixing suddenly paused mid-step, narrowing his eyes slightly as he spotted a young girl emerging lightly from the stairwell. She wore a loose white T-shirt and short denim pants, her figure slender and tall, her hair slightly wavy and cascading down her shoulders, her face delicate and fair, exuding a pure and clean aura.
After descending the steps, she turned toward the parking lot. Lu Zhixing tossed out a line: “I’ll go over for a moment,” and strode quickly after her.
Zhou Jialu’s image was indeed excellent; otherwise, she wouldn’t have risen to fame so rapidly these past two years. But as the lead actress for Dreaming For You , Lu Zhixing always felt something was missing from her.
That pure and vibrant quality Zhou Jialu once had when she first debuted had been gradually eroded by the industry’s greed and desires over time.
With his long legs, Lu Zhixing quickly caught up with the girl.
“Wait, classmate.”
Lu Zhixing called out.
The girl ahead seemed not to hear him and continued walking lightly.
He stepped forward and directly grabbed her wrist, somewhat helplessly. “Classmate.”
The girl he grabbed froze, slowly turning her head to look at him. Her wide-open eyes were pure and innocent. After a few seconds of shock, she asked, “Ah? Director Lu, you called me?”
Lu Zhixing released her and raised an eyebrow. “Good, so you recognize me.”
Tang Dingding thought inwardly, Of course I know who you are. Shen Fei sent me a picture of you and Tangxin last night. She smiled sweetly at him. “Of course I know you. The famous Director Lu, how could I not recognize you?”
Lu Zhixing sensed something was off. Usually, students from the Film Academy didn’t react this way upon seeing him. Just as he was about to speak, Tang Xin, who had caught up, exclaimed in surprise, “Little Fatty Sheep, what are you doing here?”
Tang Dingding: “...”
Lu Zhixing looked at her. “Little Fatty Sheep?”
What kind of name was that?
The group stood near the flowerbed in front of the teaching building. The tall structure blocked the setting sun’s rays. Tang Dingding frowned and corrected, “My name isn’t Little Fatty Sheep. It’s Tang Dingding. Don’t listen to her nonsense.”
Tang Xin burst into laughter, amused, and then asked again, “What are you doing here?”
Tang Dingding muttered, “I came with my brother.”
Tang Xin was startled. Tang Yu was here too?
Lu Zhixing picked up on the oddity. Feng Cheng glanced at him knowingly and asked, “Do you think she might work?”
“What do you think?”
Lu Zhixing gazed thoughtfully at Tang Dingding. The Tang family? Acquainted with Tang Xin and here with her brother?
Upon hearing this, Tang Xin suddenly realized and pointed incredulously at Tang Dingding. “You’re considering her?”
Lu Zhixing, hands in his pockets, smiled and nodded. “What do you think?”
Tang Xin looked at Tang Dingding, who was confused. Tang Dingding was naturally attractive, more so than many actresses in the entertainment circle. When she wasn’t speaking or smiling, sitting quietly, she had the presence of an icy beauty.
Tang Xin had never associated Tang Dingding with the role of Jiang Yi, so she hadn’t considered her before. But now, prompted by Lu Zhixing and taking a closer look, she suddenly realized that apart from Lu Chuning from a few years ago, no one else fit the image of Jiang Yi better than Tang Dingding.
She bit her lip and sighed helplessly, “She’s not an actress, nor a student of the Film Academy. She’s Tang Yu’s younger sister.”
Feng Cheng was surprised. “President Tang’s younger sister?”
Lu Zhixing had already guessed and shrugged helplessly, turning to Tang Dingding. “Sorry, I assumed you were a student here.”
Tang Dingding was still bewildered, looking at Tang Xin with confusion. “Are you here to select actors?”
Tang Xin nodded. “Yes, Director Lu has taken a liking to you.”
Tang Dingding: “...”
She glanced at Lu Zhixing. No wonder he had grabbed her earlier.
Some of her social circle’s young ladies had entered the entertainment industry, leveraging their families’ wealth and influence to thrive. They often told her that with her family’s resources, it would be a waste not to enter the industry.
Tang Xin reached out, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, and sighed. “Actually, I’m interested in you too.” She paused and laughed. “But you probably won’t enter this circle. I doubt Tang Yu would agree.”
Tang Dingding was momentarily stunned and whispered softly, “Actually, my brother doesn’t oppose whatever I want to do, as long as it’s within reason. I can do anything I like, and he lets me spend money freely.”
It’s just that...
She didn’t want to enter the entertainment industry.
Nor had she ever considered it.
Tang Xin’s mind flickered as she looked at her. “So, are you interested?”
Not wanting to outright reject her future sister-in-law, Tang Dingding whispered, “But I don’t know how to act.”
“Not knowing is fine. Acting is something...” Lu Zhixing, hands still in his pockets, gave a lazy, unruly laugh. “You can learn with some training. And...”
Before he could finish, a cold voice interrupted from behind:
“Who are you planning to train?”
Lu Zhixing: “...”
Tang Xin and Tang Dingding: “...”
Everyone turned simultaneously. There stood Tang Yu behind them, still dressed in his pristine white shirt and black trousers, glancing indifferently at Lu Zhixing. In a cool tone, he asked, “Director Lu, how exactly do you plan to ‘train’ people?”
Is he planning to ‘train’ even the screenwriter?
Lu Zhixing snapped back to reality, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “President Tang misunderstood. I meant training in acting skills.”
Tang Yu approached, looking down at Tang Xin, his tone softening slightly. “What’s going on?”
Tang Xin glanced at him, then at Gao Heng standing behind him, and explained honestly. “We’re here to scout for the lead actress. Now we feel...” She looked at the still-confused Tang Dingding. “Dingding fits the image of the lead perfectly.”
Tang Yu was momentarily stunned, glancing at Tang Dingding, then at Lu Zhixing. “Didn’t you say you wanted Zhou Jialu?”
“At first, we did consider Zhou Jialu, but she claimed to have no availability. Then at noon, she told me her schedule had been adjusted. I suspect she terminated her contract with Shi Guang.” Lu Zhixing’s smile carried hidden meaning. “Such a swift termination—did President Tang specially send her over for us?”
Tang Xin suddenly looked at Tang Yu.
Meeting her gaze, Tang Yu’s lips curled ambiguously. “You could say that.”
Lu Zhixing raised an eyebrow. First sending money, now sending people.
He glanced at the silent Tang Xin, more or less understanding the situation.
Lu Zhixing spoke frankly. “Zhou Jialu’s image lacks a certain feeling. If there’s someone more suitable, it doesn’t necessarily have to be her.”
Gao Heng listened silently from behind, mentally lighting a candle for Zhou Jialu.
She had just signed the termination agreement, and now Lu Zhixing was saying she wasn’t indispensable. It seemed she wouldn’t fare well on either side.
Tang Yu furrowed his brow, looking at Tang Dingding, utterly unprepared for them to take an interest in her. Under his gaze, Tang Dingding panicked slightly and whispered, “Brother, you’re not going to sell me off, are you?”
For the sake of pursuing a wife, selling off a sister…
Tang Yu’s expression darkened, and he shot her a cold glare.
Tang Dingding lowered her head. “I didn’t say anything.”
Just then, Huo Chendong descended from the neighboring building, saw them, and whistled. “What brings everyone here? Little Sugarheart’s here to pick someone too?”
Tang Xin glanced at him and nodded. “Mm.”
Their group was drawing too much attention. People passing by couldn’t help but stare.
Tang Yu looked at Lu Zhixing. “Let’s have dinner together?”
Lu Zhixing knew Tang Yu wanted to discuss collaboration matters. Glancing around at everyone, he smiled. “Since we’ve all coincidentally met, let’s do it together.” He looked at Tang Dingding, having unexpectedly found someone whose image suited the role so well. Still somewhat hopeful, he asked, “What about Miss Tang?”
Hands in his pockets, Tang Yu casually glanced at the detached Tang Xin and the oblivious Tang Dingding. “Unless it’s clearly harmful, I won’t interfere with any of her decisions or preferences.”
He paused, subtly smirking. “If she likes it and is willing, I’ll let her join the project—with funding.”
Tang Xin: “...”
Damn, bringing funding into the mix. Of course, it’s all about throwing money!
Tang Dingding: “...”
Looking pitiful. So, in the end, it’s still selling off a sister.
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