Empress of the Entertainment World

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CHAPTER 522

Kai Chen remained unconvinced by his response.

"I've seen many men around my sister, but I've never seen her like someone the way she likes you," he stated as a matter of fact, while his eyes bore into Sun Yichen's as if searching for the truth.

Meanwhile, even though he doubted Fang Daiyu had any form of feelings for him, Sun Yichen understood that he was dealing with a young man who was fiercely protective of his sister. 

He tried to keep things amicable. 

"Kai Chen, adult life is a lot more complicated than you can imagine. Someday, you'll understand." He spoke with a calm and patient tone, trying to assure the young boy.

Kai Chen's expression softened slightly as he processed Sun Yichen's words. "I just want my sister to be happy. I know she likes you a lot," he added thoughtfully.

The kid's honesty was deep, and Sun Yichen nodded in appreciation of Kai Chen's concern. 

"I promise to always treat your sister with respect and care, Kai Chen," he assured, hoping his sincerity would come across.

"Of course. She deserves nothing less."

No one spoke as both males stared at each other for some time. Kai Chen continued to eye him with suspicion but eventually nodded.

The tension in the hallway began to dissipate as Kai Chen seemed to accept Sun Yichen's words. 

Taking a step aside to let Sun Yichen pass, Kia Chen nodded once more. "Alright, I'll be watching." 

'I wouldn't doubt that,' Sun Yichen voiced internally. 

With that, Kai Chen turned and walked away, leaving Sun Yichen with a mixture of relief and curiosity.

As Sun Yichen rejoined the dinner table, he couldn't shake the weight of Kai Chen's words or the conflicted emotions swirling within him.

*********

Yu Weilan was determined to address her concerns about the role change. She had been influenced by Fang Qian Qian's words and felt a growing unease about the shift in her position within the movie. 

She had given it careful thought at home, weighing the implications such a role would have on her career in the future and had finally decided to approach Director Qi personally.

Entering Director Qi's office at the entertainment company, she took a deep breath to steady herself. 

Her will to get this role this time and not be dissuaded was strong. She couldn't let her original role be handed over so easily.

Stepping into his office, she greeted him politely before taking her seat upon his request. 

"So, how may I help you, Yu Weilan?" Qi Fuyi asked, hitting the nail on the head. 

Although he had doubts that her appearance here was to thank him concerning her new role, a part of him still hoped it wasn't to cause trouble either. 

Without wasting a moment, she made her case. "Director Qi, I want to discuss something that's been bothering me," she began in a polite but firm voice.

Director Qi listened attentively as Yu Weilan voiced her dissatisfaction. 

"I know I agreed to it but looking at the cast list, I am sorry. It just doesn't feel right to me. I got that role first."

"Yu Weilan," Qi Fuyi began, but she cut in quickly. 

"Director, why not allow Andromeda to take on the role of Xu Xing? I believe it should be the one who didn't audition to take that role."

Qi Fuyi knew where she was getting at. Obviously, someone had talked her into believing she was being cheated. 

Not ready to give Qi Fuyi any chance to do as he pleased, she pressed on again, expressing her displeasure at being relegated to a supporting role for the third female lead actress, Xu Ming. 

Her concern was clear, and she didn't mince her words.

Yu Weilan had every right to be concerned, given the changes that had taken place.

He tried to make her understand the reasons behind the decision; however, her frustration was apparent, and he gave up. He understood the weight of the situation. 

After a lengthy discussion, Director Qi realized that convincing Yu Weilan might not be feasible at this point. She had her reasons, and he needed to respect her perspective. 

However, as the director, he had a duty to make sure that the cast and roles were suitable for the film. 

He knew he had to make the best decision for the project while also acknowledging Yu Weilan's attachment to her original role.

"Fine. I have heard you, and I will grant you the right to fight for the role of Xu Ming."

"Thank you," Yu Weilan said with a nod. "I would appreciate it if you could be the one to inform Andromeda Kai about the recent change."

He arched his brows, his eyes narrowing at her. 

He did not quite understand what she was getting at. "Pardon?"

"I mean since you have agreed to give me back the role..."

"Hold on! Wait, wait, wait." He waved both hands in front of his face, trying to stop whatever wrong information was being passed into that brain of hers. 

"I am sorry, Yu Weilan. You seem to have misquoted me. I have not given you back the role of Xu Ming."

"What!"

To say she was appalled was understandable. She thought…

"Look," he voiced, placing both hands on the desk. "I did not want it to get to this, but as the director of this entertainment company, I need to do what is best for the company."

"And..." she trailed off expectantly. 

"And that involves putting my thoughts aside and letting nature play its course—an audition!"

Given the situation, Director Qi made a challenging choice. He decided to conduct an audition to determine who would be the most suitable actress for the role of Xu Ming. 

It would be a test of acting prowess, and the best performer would secure the part. He believed in both Yu Weilan and Andromeda's talent and wanted to ensure that he made the right choice without looking biased. 

After all, he did not plan on becoming the only judge for their audition. 

It may be an unconventional approach, but he was committed to finding the right balance for the film.