I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.

Page (1/3)

But none of it concerned her anymore.

Suppressing the whirlwind of emotions within, she refocused on the interview before her.

Beside her, Chen Sen suddenly asked, “I heard President Shen is here today too. Does he know you brought the artist for the audition?”

Having a connection was one thing, but if Shen Zhou truly disapproved of Tang Yuan going out, letting someone in without permission would mean trouble later.

The Shen family was influential and powerful—he dared not offend them.

“Director Chen, don’t worry. I’ve already told him.”

Chen Sen relaxed, glancing toward Song Qianqian nearby, who was still whining and acting coquettish. He couldn’t help but tease, “You’re ten thousand times better than her.”

Tang Yuan didn’t feel honored to be compared with Song Qianqian; instead, she felt ashamed.

Song Qianqian was short-sighted, sending provocative photos to men late at night, relying solely on them to climb the ladder.

But then, she thought, wasn’t she relying on Shen Zhou in other people’s eyes?

It was just that no one dared say it aloud.

Women without careers were looked down upon everywhere.

Two years ago, dedicating herself entirely to being a full-time housewife was utterly foolish.

Feeling unsettled, especially since Song Qianqian was so close, every coquettish word she uttered reached Tang Yuan’s ears, prompting her to rise.

“Director Chen, I’m going to the restroom.”

No sooner had she spoken than Shen Zhou, surrounded by people, appeared at the door—but he didn’t see her.

Song Qianqian’s eyes lit up with surprise upon seeing him.

“Brother Zhou!”

She trotted over, linking arms with him, her eyes full of pride. Brother Zhou truly adored her, even willing to meet the director for her sake.

Recalling the beautiful woman from earlier, an uncomfortable feeling crept in. After some inquiry, she learned that woman was the manager, here to audition male second leads.

A sly smile curved her lips as she began to act coquettishly toward Shen Zhou.

“Brother Zhou, can I decide who gets the male second lead role?”

Shen Zhou raised an eyebrow, his gaze catching her lively expression, reminiscent of the original Tang Yuan.

“Why the sudden interest?”

“Just felt like it. Can’t I just act cute with you? Didn’t you say as long as it’s not a big deal, I can decide?”

He chuckled softly, and Chen Sen hurried over.

“President Shen.”

Chen Sen had thought he came to see Tang Yuan, but instead, he found him flirting with his little lover.

Tang Yuan was still in the room...

Shen Zhou gently pushed Song Qianqian aside, his tone cooler.

“Let Qianqian decide the male second lead, then.”

Page (2/3)

Chen Sen wiped the sweat from his brow. “President Shen, but today the CEO’s wife—”

Before he could finish, Song Qianqian interrupted.

“Oh, Brother Zhou, I’ve already found that woman who was spying on our intimate moment. She knows Director Chen, and I’ve warned her.”

Shen Zhou’s gaze deepened instantly.

Chen Sen frowned, thinking immediately of Tang Yuan. He looked back at Tang Yuan seated inside.

Tang Yuan had indeed stepped out briefly, returning with a troubled expression—now he understood why.

Did President Shen not realize it was the CEO’s wife who caught him?

He dared not speak recklessly.

“Director Chen, is there a problem?”

Shen Zhou’s presence was overwhelming, the words striking Chen Sen’s heart like a hammer.

He couldn’t see Tang Yuan’s position from where he stood.

Chen Sen hesitated, then, recalling Tang Yuan’s calm demeanor, sighed.

“No, I’m just following President Shen’s lead.”

Shen Zhou responded with a simple “Mm,” then added, “Tang Yuan will be coming here soon. If there’s a suitable role, give it to her.”

Chen Sen glanced at Song Qianqian but still asked, “So, should I listen to Miss Song or the CEO’s wife?”

Before he finished, Song Qianqian grabbed his hand, pouting.

“Brother Zhou...”

Shen Zhou smiled indulgently, thinking that no matter what Song Qianqian tried to snatch, it wouldn’t be from Tang Yuan.

“Let’s satisfy Qianqian first.”

Chen Sen fell silent, glancing at Tang Yuan.

She didn’t look over, instead instructing Fu Yansheng on some details, as if the commotion by the door had nothing to do with her.

The male second lead auditions were about to begin.

Chen Sen returned to his seat with a sigh.

“Tessa, you and President Shen, you two...”

“Director Chen, let’s start the interview,” Tang Yuan said, her tone even cooler.

Chen Sen recalled the joy she had shown two years ago when she said she was getting married.

At that time, he wanted to warn her that Shen Zhou had other women—and more than one—but she was too proper, too naive, believing love was all that mattered.

“Alright, let’s begin then. Sigh.”

Page (3/3)

All the male second lead auditionees were well prepared. Though Fu Yansheng was expected to be the chosen one, objectively, he was the most outstanding.

Tang Yuan was very satisfied, her eyes full of praise as she watched him.

Chen Sen was relieved as well, about to make his decision, when Song Qianqian stood up.

She lifted her chin slightly, her lip gloss completely smudged.

“Director Chen, I don’t want this guy for the male second lead. I want that one.”

She pointed casually to one of the actors who had just auditioned. The man, unable to believe his luck, stood up as if a windfall had fallen from the sky.

Everyone could tell Song Qianqian had strong backing.

If she favored someone, he might truly become the male second lead.

Tang Yuan’s expression remained unchanged as she quietly said, “Yansheng’s performance is excellent, and this role suits him well.”

Song Qianqian crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Good performance? I don’t feel it. Lady, do you know who my backing is? I want whoever I say to be the male second lead. My boyfriend’s influence is huge.”

She acted coquettishly in front of Shen Zhou and arrogantly before others.

Chen Sen finally lost his patience. “Do you even know who she is?”

Tang Yuan lowered her eyes. If she fought with Song Qianqian over this, the winner would be decided by the man’s attitude—and Shen Zhou clearly sided with Song Qianqian. There was no need to humiliate herself.

She smiled faintly. “Miss Song, I don’t know who your boyfriend is. But if you mean the man in the restroom, I recall he’s married, right? These days, being overt as a mistress is reckless. You’re still young. If this leaks out, it’ll ruin your future. So, it’s better to keep a low profile.”

Song Qianqian’s expression shifted instantly. Her affair with Shen Zhou had to be kept secret.

“I warn you! If you dare speak out in front of others, forget your artists, you yourself won’t survive in the capital!”

She secretly wished this wretched woman would foolishly blab. She had heard Shen Zhou’s wife was dull and joyless, clinging to her position without willing to give it up—how pathetic.

She looked at Chen Sen, rolling her eyes. “My boyfriend already warned Director Chen to listen to me, even in front of his wife. The unloved one is the mistress. I think his wife is just a figurehead, shamelessly occupying her spot and refusing to let go. She’s a wretch!”

“Smack!”

Tang Yuan hadn’t wanted to escalate matters, but with insults like that, if she didn’t fight back, she might as well be a turtle hiding its head.

Song Qianqian covered her face, unbelieving. “You dare hit me?”

Tang Yuan took a deep breath, smiling as she looked at Chen Sen. “Director Chen, I’ll take Yansheng and leave now.”

Song Qianqian’s face twisted into a snarl. “Just you wait! Just you wait!!”

After shouting, she saw Tang Yuan already at the door, furious and about to rush forward.

But a tall man following Tang Yuan suddenly turned his head, locking eyes on her, freezing her completely.

Realizing this, she blushed deeply, cried, covered her face, and ran out.

She was going to complain to Brother Zhou to make those two dogs pay!