Just by looking at Director Chen’s absorbed expression, Tan You knew the script in her hands had found its master. It wasn’t that she was reluctant to part with it; she had done her research on Director Chen, after all, and she knew he was quite discerning.

Things unfolded just as Tan You had predicted. After a single read-through, Director Chen was completely captivated. Following a round of sharp negotiations, the script ended up in Director Chen’s hands, just as she’d hoped.

Director Chen said, "Li Zi, rest assured. I would never alter such a fantastic script."

Tan You’s lips curved slightly. "Of course I trust you, Director Chen."

News travels fast in the entertainment circle. After Director Chen and Tan You signed the contract, word got out that both he and Director Liu had acquired scripts from Tan You. No one spoke of it openly, but they were all approaching her discreetly.

Ye Qian also received an audition invitation from Old Zhou. She didn’t understand why a major director would send an invitation to a television actress like her, but an opportunity like this was incredibly rare.

Determined to seize this chance, Ye Qian prepared meticulously. On the day of the audition, she performed exceptionally well, which made Director Liu see her in a new light.

He had assumed Tan You just mentioned her in passing, but he was surprised to find the actress did indeed possess a great deal of Spiritual Energy. Of course, if her acting were polished a bit more, her performance would be even better.

"I’ve always trusted your judgment." Looking at Ye Qian’s profile, Director Liu sighed softly.

Tan You replied, "Her eyes used to hold a certain naive innocence, but now, her gaze is serene. Yet her love for acting remains, and that has never changed."

Ye Qian never imagined it was Tan You who had recommended her. Hearing their conversation, her eyes welled up with tears. As she signed the contract with Old Zhou, her hands trembled.

Old Zhou couldn’t help but remark, "This just goes to show that true talent will always shine through. Director Tang really admires you."

Tan You said, "It’s because you’re talented in your own right. I only made a passing suggestion; it was Director Liu who made the final decision to cast you."

Director Liu rolled up the script and tapped Ye Qian on the shoulder. "Go home and study the script thoroughly. What’s past is past. You have to look forward. Your life is going to be completely different from now on."

Ye Qian fought back her tears. "I will. Thank you, Director, and thank you, Director Tang. I’ll be sure to prepare for the role with everything I’ve got."

Tan You looked at her, then suddenly extended an offer. "I’m working on a slow-life variety show that starts filming next week. We’re still short one regular cast member. Would you be interested?"

Ye Qian froze for a second before quickly snapping out of it. "Yes, yes, yes..."

Seeing the hint of a smile in Tan You’s eyes, Ye Qian spoke frankly. "I... I haven’t been on a show in a very long time. After my divorce, all anyone cared about was my personal life."

Tan You understood what she meant. "People are naturally voyeuristic, especially when you’re a celebrity. Teacher You Li, Film Emperor Xie, and Ning Yao will all be on this show. It’s a perfect chance for you to build some chemistry with Teacher You Li ahead of time."

Ye Qian’s agent was quick to jump in. "We’re just overwhelmed by the surprise! We never expected such a huge stroke of luck to land on our heads. We’re still trying to process it."

She said, glancing at Ye Qian, "Thank you so much, Director Tang. You’re a true benefactor to our careers."

"I wouldn’t go that far. I just made a suggestion; you were the ones who seized the opportunity." Tan You was genuinely uncomfortable with such effusive gratitude and quickly changed the subject.

"If you’re free in a little while, you can come with me to the company to sign the contract. With you on board, the show’s main cast is finally complete."

Ye Qian signed the contract for the slow-life variety show with Tan You, and news that she had landed the second female lead in Director Liu’s film also got out. Countless people were green with envy, and when they heard that Tan You herself had handpicked her, it sparked even more admiration and jealousy.

Her agent, Sister Hu, scrolled through the online comments. "They don’t dare to cross Tang Li, but they’re all predicting your failure behind your back. That’s why you have to prepare exceptionally well for Director Liu’s film."

"And then there’s Director Tang’s slow-life show. Even though there’s no script, we need to do some crash-course training. You can’t show up to film in the countryside and not know how to do anything, can you?"

"Besides, Ning Yao, Film Emperor Xie, and Teacher You already know each other. You’re the one joining late, so you need to be extra cautious..."

Ye Qian knew her career was on the line. "I know. I’ll prepare properly..."

During the filming of the slow-life show, Tan You tagged along with the crew to supervise, and on the side, she finished the script for the sweet rom-com that Old Hu had been pestering her about. She might not be able to write a masterpiece, but a fluffy little romance? That was child’s play.

Tan You felt a bit embarrassed writing many of the scenes, since they were so cheesy and over-the-top. But seeing Old Hu hugging the script, his face lit with excitement, she thought, ’Maybe it’s not so bad after all?’

Old Hu exclaimed, "Not so bad? It’s fantastic! Sister Li Zi, you’re a true all-rounder!"

His gaze swept over to Ye Qian. "Be honest, did you base the main character on her?"

Ye Qian, who was also hugging a copy of the script, squatted beside Tan You, feeling overwhelmed and flattered.

Tan You was nonchalant. "If you want to play the part, feel free to give it a shot. It won’t cause any conflicts. But I had an idea recently. The ’villainess’ archetype in our industry is too one-dimensional. I think you could take on a villainess role."

"Especially the type who appears sweet and innocent on the surface, but is secretly a scheming, two-faced manipulator. Wouldn’t that be a fascinating contrast?"

Ye Qian’s agent was a master of seizing opportunities. "Sister Li Zi, do you have a new script in mind? Ye Qian doesn’t have anything else scheduled. We’re available anytime."

Tan You mulled it over. "It’s just an idea for now; the script isn’t written yet. But that’s fine. You can go audition for Old Hu first. We have to seize every opportunity that comes our way, don’t we?"

"Besides, Director Liu’s film hasn’t started shooting yet, so there’s no immediate rush."

Ye Qian nodded earnestly. "I understand. It’s just... would it be inappropriate for me to play a part in this rom-com? I’m a mother now."

"So what if you’re a mother?" Tan You said, a bit sharply. "You’re only twenty-six. There are actresses in their forties and fifties still playing seventeen-year-old girls, so what’s the big deal? You’re not that much older than the female lead, and Director Hu wasn’t wrong. When I was hashing out this script, I did draw on some of your characteristics."

Ye Qian’s eyes began to sting. "Sister Li Zi, you’re too good to me. Why are you being so kind?"

Tan You thought for a moment, then smiled. "Am I being that kind? I just think you’re a good fit for the roles. Besides, I’m curious to see how far you’ll go. Women helping women—I think that’s a wonderful thing."

"Just like how the Director handpicked me for that role." Ning Yao, who had also had a successful year, squatted on Tan You’s other side.

"I just focus on working hard to make sure I don’t disappoint Sister Li Zi. I think more than romance and drama, Sister Li Zi would rather see us advance in our careers."