Director Liu calculated the timeline. "I don’t have anything on my plate right now, but I still need to study the script and break it down into various shots. Plus, I have to audition the actors. I’ll need at least three months of prep time."

"Besides, Old You has to participate in Tan You’s slow-life variety show, so he doesn’t have an open schedule for a while either."

You Li had calmed down by now. "I’ve already asked Li Zi. The slow-life variety show will only take two months to film. I can use that time to discuss the script with her, too."

Director Liu said, "Alright, let’s set Teacher You’s schedule aside for now. I also need to prepare the script."

President Qi said, "As for investors, Director Liu, just say the word. We’ve worked together for so long; you know what kind of person I am better than anyone."

Director Liu nodded. "Yes, we’ve all worked together for a long time, so of course I understand. But I have to be clear up front: I won’t choose anyone the investors recommend unless they are exceptionally talented."

"Tang Li’s side was very clear that the script and the scenes cannot be changed. And my collaboration with Tang Li was very pleasant."

President Qi laughed. "You can rest assured. Would we do something so thoughtless? Especially since Director Tang tailored this script specifically for Teacher You. We can’t ruin all of Director Tang’s hard work."

"So, Film Emperor Xie won’t be starring in this film?"

Xie Yunzhi smiled as well. "I’m just going to focus on learning from my teacher. As an actor, I’ve more or less hit the glass ceiling. If a role truly captivates me in the future, perhaps I’ll take it."

"I really agree with something Director Tang once said: it’s best to focus on doing one thing at a time."

President Qi raised his teacup to Xie Yunzhi. "In that case, I’ll wish you success in creating outstanding films in the future, Film Emperor Xie."

Xie Yunzhi smiled back. "Thank you for the kind words."

While they were speaking in low voices, Director Chen was already smiling like a giant morning glory. "Director Tang, are you free tomorrow? Shall we set a time to discuss things in detail?"

Tan You didn’t hesitate. "Alright. Let’s say ten o’clock tomorrow morning. We can talk more when we see each other then."

「The next morning at ten o’clock.」

It was the same group as before, only this time Director Chen and President Qi had joined them. Tan You was a little surprised to have six grown men suddenly arrive at her home.

"I didn’t think you would come, Director Liu. And you too, Teacher You."

You Li sighed at Tan You. "The more I think about it, the more I feel like I’ve caused you trouble. I felt like I had to apologize in person, or it would just weigh on my mind. It’s my fault. I was so overjoyed yesterday that I wasn’t thinking straight."

Tan You couldn’t help but laugh. "I already told you it was nothing. If you really feel bad about it, Teacher You, just be more dedicated when we film the slow-life variety show." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

You Li immediately puffed out his chest. "No problem. I’ll be on my best behavior."

Tan You ushered the group inside. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’ll go make some tea."

"Oh, right. The script is on the shelf under the coffee table. Teacher You knows where it is."

’Of course I know where it is,’ You Li thought. ’I’m the one who put it there yesterday. But Tan You is so trusting. How could she just leave it out in the living room like that? Isn’t she worried someone might see it?’

When Tan You returned with the tea, You Li voiced his concern.

Tan You replied, "I hardly ever have guests over. There’s really no chance of it leaking."

After pouring tea for everyone, Tan You began talking quietly with Director Liu and the others. As the newcomer to the group, President Qi wasn’t shy in the least and was already laughing and chatting with Tan You.

You can’t fault a friendly face. And even though she didn’t know President Qi well, Tan You found him rather interesting. Most importantly, he had a very honest and clear gaze, which gave her a good impression of him.

Director Liu vouched for President Qi. "President Qi has invested in almost every movie I’ve made over the years. He’s very straightforward and never tries to micromanage things on set."

Tan You smiled. "That’s good. Leave the professional work to the professionals."

President Qi smiled too. "I knew Director Tang would understand. So, Director Tang, who do you have in mind for the female lead in Director Liu’s film?"

Tan You thought for a moment. "I haven’t really thought about it. I’m not that familiar with the actresses in the industry."

Director Liu opened a notebook he carried with him, which already had a list of names. "I spent a long time thinking about this last night. These are all skilled actresses. Why don’t we go over them? I trust your eye for talent."

With Director Liu putting it like that, Tan You couldn’t very well refuse, so she sat down with him to go over the list.

"This one’s no good. She was knowingly the other woman in an affair. If that scandal breaks..."

"This one’s out too. Her studio uses dual contracts for tax evasion..."

After she shot down several names in a row, President Qi and the others started giving her strange looks.

Director Liu tapped the coffee table. "And you said you weren’t familiar with people in the industry?"

Tan You replied earnestly, "I’m not familiar with their work, but I’m familiar with them as people."

Director Liu crossed out the names Tan You had flagged. "So I’ll just choose from the remaining actresses?"

Tan You glanced at the remaining names. "You can make the final decision. At least, I haven’t heard any scandals about these ones."

Director Liu said, "Just look at you. If you were to join the production team, can you imagine how much trouble you’d save me? Nowadays, far too many projects get pulled or are even blocked from release because of an actor’s scandals."

Tan You replied, "No, thank you. I prefer my current job. It’s much less hassle."

"It’s only hassle-free for someone as capable as you," Director Liu said, a bit exasperated. "We have backup options for the lead. Do you have any recommendations for the other roles?"

Tan You paused to think, then pulled up a photo on her tablet. "I think she would be a great fit for the role of Teacher You’s daughter."

You Li leaned over to take a look. "Ye Qian? Didn’t she get divorced? She was making some waves for a while, but she’s sort of faded into obscurity since the divorce."

"That’s her," Tan You said with a shrug. "I saw her in a TV drama once. She was so lively and charming, a perfect fit for the early stages of this character. As for the later despair and solitude... I believe that after enduring an unhappy marriage, she’ll be able to channel those emotions."

"To be honest, I think it’s a shame to see an actress with so much Spiritual Energy just vanish like this."

Director Liu stared at Ye Qian’s photo for a moment. "She has great bone structure. Her face would hold up well on the big screen."

"Old Zhou, send her an audition notice." He had made up his mind. As long as Ye Qian’s acting wasn’t a complete train wreck, he would cast her.

Tan You clearly understood what Director Liu was thinking. "You won’t be disappointed. Some people just need one opportunity. Once they get it, they’ll hold on tight and deliver a performance that far exceeds your expectations."

Director Liu couldn’t help but sigh. "The problem is, there are too few opportunities to go around."

After suggesting Ye Qian, Tan You said no more. She believed that Director Liu, as the director, would have his own standards for casting. And so, the group went back to drinking their tea and chatting idly.

The only exception was Director Chen, who was curled up in a corner of the sofa, engrossed in a script, looking as if he’d been ostracized by the entire group.