Chapter 10: John!

The woman seated in the center chair let her long hair fall over her shoulders, cascading down to her waist. Whether it was her style or her makeup, everything was impeccable. She was Ziqing Shao, now the most popular young star in the nation. If Victoria, the World Girl, was a global sensation, then Ziqing Shao—she had, in just a few years since her debut, become a household name across the country.

Her fans encompassed all walks of life, for anyone who saw her beauty and her mischievous, quirky personality would instantly be drawn to her.

At this moment, however, Ziqing was not entirely pleased.

“Director, truly, on these two points I will not yield. The filming location and the male lead—I want them both changed. Unless, of course, you don’t use the script I’ve written myself for this film.”

Indeed, this crew was preparing to shoot a movie—a story about the bond between an older sister and her younger brother. Originally, Ziqing had not intended to take on the project, but a mischievous, endearing boy in her heart made her accept it and even pen a script herself. Because of this, Ziqing was deeply invested in the production.

“Ziqing, you can’t see it only this way,” soothed the director. “Young Master Song has a point—the Hongshuang Orphanage isn’t much of a filming spot. And Mr. Johnson, he’s a world-class actor Song invited from abroad. Can you really just swap them out?”

The plump director was sweating profusely, having just raised his voice at Ziqing out of urgency. Fearing she would be upset, he now softened his tone, trying to comfort her.

Ziqing fell into a pensive silence. It was true—the Hongshuang Orphanage wasn’t much to look at anymore; it had long since been replaced by towering buildings, rebuilt into the Hongshuang Tower. Yet, the old locust tree below still stood, and that alone was enough to fill Ziqing with memories.

The moment she saw the film’s title, her mind was awash with recollections. Little Fan… Where did you go? Fifteen years have passed…

As a professional actress, Ziqing was not above making sacrifices. For any other matter, she would have conceded long ago. But this—this was part of her past she could not bring herself to compromise.

The other six sisters each searched for Chen Fan in their own ways, expressing their longing for their little brother. Clearly, as the second eldest, I’ve done the least. I can’t resign myself to that.

She looked up, feeling a sting behind her eyes, a welling of tears that she quickly forced back down.

“Director Feng, please discuss this with Young Master Song. I want the location to be here.”

“As for Mr. Johnson, I truly do not wish to work with him. If it’s impossible, you can invite another actress instead.”

Ziqing refused—she refused again, resolutely.

The plump director’s face showed a trace of awkwardness as he turned away, beads of sweat forming anew on his brow.

“Young Master Song, Miss Shao won’t agree. There’s nothing I can do.”

Song Chencheng exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples, at a loss as he looked at the director. “Has she ever been like this before?”

The director shook his head. “No, Miss Shao is very professional. I really don’t know what’s come over her this time.” He still tried to speak on Ziqing’s behalf—after all, it was no small feat to have helped nurture such a star.

Song Chencheng paused, glancing at Johnson, the foreign actor who was idly eyeing the women passing by on the street, his brow furrowing.

If it weren’t for your popularity, who would hire you? Truth be told, Song could understand Ziqing’s feelings. Damn it, even as a man, that look Johnson gives makes one’s skin crawl! On screen, such a gaze might be called great acting, but if that’s how he is off-camera… well…

“Let’s go with Miss Shao’s wishes regarding Johnson. Let her choose. If they can work together, all the better. If not, don’t force it. That’s all.”

Song Chencheng exhaled deeply. He was a man of principle, after all. Since Ziqing had created the script herself, her requests, while perhaps excessive, were understandable. Clearly, she had a special connection to this place.

The director didn’t delay, relaying Song’s decision to Ziqing. She nodded.

“Thank you, Director Feng. Please thank Young Master Song for me. If there’s ever a chance to work together again, I’ll be sure to repay this favor.”

With that, she moved toward the door. Since she’d decided not to act, why linger here? Johnson’s gaze made her want to flee at once.

Imagine—a national film, the intimate story of a sister and brother. The sister played by a local, but the brother by a foreigner? How could that make sense on the big screen?

Yet, just as Ziqing stepped out, Johnson’s voice rang out loudly.

“Hey? Dearest Ziqing, why are you leaving?” He turned to Song Chencheng with a smirk. “Why is the beautiful Ziqing walking away? Is she refusing the role?”

Song Chencheng narrowed his eyes, displeased by Johnson’s tone. He was the investor, yet he felt overshadowed by this actor. How could he hold his head up in the future?

“That’s right. Miss Shao feels she isn’t suited for the film.”

Johnson was stunned, his broad face a mask of shock. His expression seemed to say, Oh, hell! This woman really doesn’t know what’s good for her? Collaborating with me should be a stroke of luck for her.

“What’s unsuitable about it? I think the beautiful Ziqing is the perfect partner for me in this film. Go and persuade her.”

He pointed at Ziqing’s retreating figure, his tone almost commanding.

The director broke out in a cold sweat. This Johnson has guts! Song Chencheng might not be the top young master in this city, but as the second son of the Song family, their influence ran deep. If he was truly provoked, even the strongest might have to yield.

As the director suspected, Song Chencheng was thoroughly annoyed. Damn it, I’ve put up with you because of your fame, but now you’re shouting orders? Even a clay Buddha has a temper!

“Mr. Johnson, please refrain from this. Miss Shao has every right to withdraw from the project at any time.”

Johnson shot Song Chencheng a cold glare, then strode forward, intent on grabbing Ziqing’s shoulder. In his mind, she had to play the lead—why, only he knew.

Ziqing turned, seeing Johnson’s large hand reaching for her. She cried out, “Ah!” Unable to avoid him, she braced herself.

But in the next instant, she felt nothing. Johnson’s hand never landed on her.