Chapter 9: Enough to Shake His Composure by a Third

Director Chen stood up hurriedly when he saw her. “You haven’t contacted me for two years. I thought your husband was too strict and that you weren’t planning on continuing your career.”

Tang Yuan shook his hand with ease. “He’s busy with work and doesn’t interfere with my affairs. Director Chen, this is one of the artists from my studio. Could you let him try out later?”

At present, Fu Yansheng had two million followers on Weibo. Although he had some popularity, he was, strictly speaking, still just a minor, somewhat obscure celebrity.

Director Chen patted her shoulder and then looked at Fu Yansheng. “Since you say so, how could I not show some respect? Have a seat. The casting for the male second lead is about to begin.”

Even if the role was already decided, they had to go through the motions.

Tang Yuan looked at Fu Yansheng and gently reminded him, “Go ahead. When it’s your turn, Director Chen will call your name.”

Fu Yansheng nodded and slowly walked over.

She sat down in front of Director Chen, who sighed. “If you had worked consistently over these past two years, you’d definitely have a place among the top agents. I’ve seen this young man’s dramas; he’s a promising talent. Looks like you’ve found a treasure.”

Tang Yuan was dressed simply today, yet her appearance was truly stunning—so natural and unpretentious that one couldn’t look away.

She smiled. “As long as there’s determination, it’s never too late to start.”

Chen Sen raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You seem different now. It would have been great if you were like this earlier.”

The first round of casting was for the female lead. All the candidates had performed except one, who was late.

Director Chen frowned and called out, “Who’s late?”

Tang Yuan suspected it was Song Qianqian. To avoid running into Shen Zhou, she stood up. “I’ll step outside for some air.”

She planned to return after Song Qianqian’s turn.

Director Chen warned, “Don’t go too far.”

She grabbed a bottle of water nearby and headed to the hallway, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Passing by the restroom, she heard a soft moan.

“Zhou Ge, it really should be my turn to audition. If I’m late, the director will scold me. Mm… please have mercy…”

Though begging with her lips, her legs were wrapped around Shen Zhou’s waist.

Through the slightly open restroom door, one could even see the alluring glint in her eyes.

“Zhou Ge, you said the Shen family’s discipline is strict, but you seem quite good at playing these games. Who taught you?”

Shen Zhou chuckled softly, lifting his hand to pinch her chin, adopting the effortless air of a rogue. “What do you think, sweetheart? Where do you think I learned it?”

“Isn’t it just to keep you tied down, so you won’t go home! Hmph!”

Tang Yuan’s face instantly drained of color, her heart twisting like a knife.

She stepped back, only to have her eyes suddenly covered by a hand.

“Don’t look. It’s bad for your eyes.”

The bottle of water fell from her grasp, startling Song Qianqian, who quickly looked up. Seeing someone outside, she hurriedly nudged Shen Zhou.

“Someone’s there.”

Shen Zhou released her and turned, noticing only the half-empty bottle on the floor.

He smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes with deliberate calm. In truth, they hadn’t done anything—just flirted a little.

He wasn’t sure if the person outside had taken any photos. His affairs could not be blown out of proportion.

Exiting the restroom, he called his assistant. “Check the surveillance.”

They needed to find out who had been standing outside just now and silence them before this got back to Tang Yuan.

However, Song Qianqian tidied her clothes and seemed to have seen that woman enter the audition room—she must be there to audition.

“Zhou Ge, leave this to me. I know who she is and will warn her not to say anything.”

At this moment, Shen Zhou resumed his aloof demeanor, pinching her cheek lightly. “Work hard.”

“Got it. I won’t embarrass you. You wait for me outside. I’ll just go through the motions and then we’ll have dinner together.”

He chuckled softly, glancing at the watch on his wrist.

That watch was a gift from Tang Yuan, perfectly to his taste, so he had worn it ever since.

“I’ll only wait for half an hour.”

“You’re so heartless.”

The two flirted shamelessly as if alone. After Shen Zhou was surrounded and led away, Tang Yuan lifted her chin and entered the audition room.

The woman from before was indeed inside, looking unwell but undeniably beautiful.

Director Chen, growing impatient at Song Qianqian’s late arrival, was about to dismiss her when someone hurried over to remind him, “Director Chen, she was sent by the big boss.”

Chen Sen frowned. The big boss must be President Shen, right? After all, the CEO’s wife was already here.

Understanding his meaning, Tang Yuan politely said, “I never get involved in his affairs.”

Moreover, this woman had done a very good job keeping Shen Zhou entertained in bed.

Song Qianqian sweetly introduced herself and began her performance.

But her acting was disastrous. Toward the end, perhaps feeling embarrassed, her eyes reddened.

She had been with Shen Zhou so late the night before that she forgot her lines—this was not her usual standard.

Quickly, she pouted to Chen Sen, “Director Chen, I was with my boyfriend last night and got delayed. I promise it wasn’t intentional. I’ll learn my lines properly next time.”

Then she glanced at Tang Yuan with a touch of triumph in her eyes before threatening, “By the way, if you dare to tell anyone what you saw earlier, you’ll be responsible for the consequences.”

She had intended to be reasonable, but this woman was too beautiful.

No one wanted to be outshined, especially in the entertainment world, where looks mattered most.

Her expression darkened. “Did you hear me? I don’t care who you are—I’m backed by powerful connections you can’t provoke.”

Chen Sen, already in a bad mood, snapped, “Who she is has nothing to do with you. Don’t waste time on further auditions.”

Song Qianqian had enjoyed being doted on everywhere recently, but upon hearing this, tears welled up instantly.

An agent nearby quickly handed her a tissue. “Director Chen, Qianqian had a tough night. Sorry for the trouble. Qianqian, come on, call President Shen.”

The agent had never suffered losses while working with Song Qianqian, but with so many people around, a scene would be ugly.

Song Qianqian glared fiercely at Tang Yuan before being pulled aside.

Tang Yuan watched as she made a phone call.

She must have been appeased somewhat, as her face suddenly brightened.

Tang Yuan finally understood why Shen Zhou spoiled Song Qianqian so much.

When Song Qianqian smiled, her eyes resembled those of that other woman.

Those were the eyes of Shen Zhou’s unattainable first love.

Just the similarity in those lively eyes was enough to unsettle him by a third.