Just as Tang Li had said, no matter how anxious everyone was on the inside, they all acted with poise and grace. Soon, Tang Li’s small clutch was filled with business cards from all sorts of people, almost all of them industry insiders.

Tan You suddenly spoke up. "That actor is quite good. He’s got real talent. Why don’t you invite him to audition for Ye Qian’s new movie later? I think he’d be a great fit."

Tang Li quickly spotted the older actor with the scruffy beard. He was around sixty, about the same age as You Li. But while You Li exuded an air of dignity, this man had a face that just made you want to laugh on sight.

"Is that Mr. Chu Fan?" Tang Li quickly put a face to the name. He had been a regular on the Spring Festival Gala, responsible for countless unforgettable moments.

Later, he changed tracks, transitioning from comedian to dramatic actor. You could say he was a late bloomer.

Tan You said, "His acting is exceptional. But because of his long career in comedy, the audience still sees him as that lovable, goofy character. Chu Fan has gone to great lengths over the years to break that image."

"So it must have been tough for him," Tang Li said, proving she wasn’t completely clueless. "You want him for that supporting male role? That’s a very demanding part, but if it’s him... he should be able to pull it off."

Tan You replied, "He can definitely pull it off. You can’t be a comedian if you have no real acting skills."

Tang Li glanced at Chu Fan again. "Let’s talk about it after the premiere. This is Director Liu’s event."

"Scouting actors is also for his benefit. He’ll be thrilled," Tan You said lightly. "And believe it or not, Director Liu will only be more pleased that you’re being so low-key about it."

Tang Li said lightly, "I noticed. The old man’s lips are turned up about two degrees more than usual."

Their exchange took only a moment. Soon, after making an appearance before Tang Li, the other actors stopped crowding around her. They understood the principle of "less is more" and certainly weren’t so tactless as to overstay their welcome.

"I have to say, this feeling of being treated so cautiously... it’s pretty nice. It’s like everyone has to walk on eggshells around me," Tang Li said suddenly, shifting her position slightly.

"Of course, I also know they’re all doing it for their own benefit. If I weren’t here under your name, if I were still the Tang Li I used to be, I wouldn’t have even been able to get into an event like this."

’She sees things quite clearly,’ Tan You thought.

Tang Li said, "Of course I do. It’s important to be self-aware."

Just then, the crowd around Chu Fan thinned out. After a moment’s thought, Tang Li picked up her clutch and walked over to him. Her movement drew countless eyes.

Old Zhou had been keeping an eye on Tang Li the whole time. When he saw her approach Chu Fan, he immediately leaned over and whispered something to Director Liu. Director Liu glanced down with a smile, instantly understanding that Tang Li had her eye on Chu Fan for his acting skills.

Just like how she had singled out You Li before.

You Li saw it too, and he wasn’t the least bit flustered.

Old Zhou said softly, "Li Zi seems to really like working with veteran actors."

Xie Yunzhi had to interject, "Uncle Zhou, am I old?"

"Not at all, not at all. By ’veteran actors,’ I mean people with outstanding skills," Old Zhou hastily placated him. Xie Yunzhi wasn’t even thirty-five yet; he was in the prime of his life.

Ye Qian glanced at Chu Fan, and alarm bells went off in her head. Chu Fan might not be a household name, but it was a well-known fact that he was a phenomenal actor. ’If I have to act opposite him, can I hold my own?’

’I’ll have to work even harder on my acting when I get back,’ Ye Qian silently vowed.

Chu Fan hadn’t expected Tang Li to approach him. Seeing the crowd around her earlier, he hadn’t felt right about pushing his way in. Now that things had quieted down, he had actually been planning to go over and introduce himself.

"Mr. Chu, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Tang Li. May I have a word?" As a seasoned professional, Tang Li naturally knew how to deal with people. After just a brief conversation, she and Chu Fan were hitting it off.

Tang Li didn’t beat around the bush. "Ye Qian’s next film needs an actor with exceptional skills, and I feel you have just the right presence for a part, Mr. Chu. Director Liu will be directing it as well. Would you be interested in auditioning?"

"It’s a supporting role, but it’s a very challenging one to do well. I was wondering if you might be interested, Mr. Chu."

Chu Fan smiled. "Of course. We can discuss the details later? And no hard feelings if it doesn’t work out."

Tang Li smiled back. "How about now? It’s not like we’re the stars of this event. I’ll send you the first half of the screenplay."

Chu Fan asked, "Director Tang, you trust me that much?"

"I trust your professionalism, Mr. Chu, and I trust your character," Tang Li said directly. In truth, it was less that she trusted Chu Fan and more that she trusted Tan You’s eye for talent.

Before the movie began, the two of them were huddled in a corner, looking over the screenplay. Chu Fan had seen his fair share of screenplays over his many years of acting, but he was completely sucked in after only the first few lines.

If he didn’t have to watch the premiere, Chu Fan would have read the entire screenplay right then and there.

One look at Chu Fan’s expression told Tang Li that he was hooked on the role. She didn’t need to press him for an answer right away. So, after a few more words, she went and sat down next to Ye Qian.

Ye Qian clung to Tang Li’s arm. "I’ve heard Mr. Chu’s acting can be terrifyingly intense. I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up."

Tang Li replied, "That’s why you have to study the part even more diligently. If we’re going to make this film, we have to make it the best it can be. You have the best director, the best screenwriter, and now a brilliant actor like him to work with. You can’t be the weak link, right?"

Ye Qian said, "Definitely! I’ll give it my all!"

Director Liu’s films had always been a guarantee of both box office success and critical acclaim, and this time was no exception. However, while Director Liu would usually go on a promotional tour after a film’s release, this time he was nowhere to be seen.

You Li led the cast on the promotional roadshows and other events. After all, Director Liu truly couldn’t spare the time—he had to prepare for Ye Qian’s film.

Chu Fan was just as busy. Since he was the last actor to be cast, he naturally had far less time to prepare than the others. Plus, with the high standards he set for himself, Chu Fan had no time to spare either.

Amid this flurry of activity, the annual music awards ceremony soon arrived. This time, Tang Li didn’t walk the red carpet with Ye Qian, but with Teacher Liang. After all, he was the one who deserved the most credit.

Teacher Liang, in a rare three-piece suit, grumbled, "These clothes are so uncomfortable."

Tang Li said, "Just bear with it. We have to pull out all the stops for your image today, Teacher Liang."

Teacher Liang retorted, "You say that as if we’ve already won the Best Album award."

Tang Li was perfectly calm. "With our numbers, we have a good shot. Even if we don’t win, it’s fine. We’re the uncrowned champions anyway. After all, our album was the top seller of the year."