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The café is hidden behind a lush grove of trees on the shore of West Lake. It is a carefully renovated Republican-era building with white walls, gray tiles, and vines, exuding a low-key yet charming atmosphere.

Su Ning parked his car and strolled inside. The waiter, clearly having been instructed beforehand, respectfully led him to a quiet spot by the window.

Liu Yifei has arrived.

She sat in the soft sofa booth, her back to the door, her head slightly turned as she looked out the window.

The night view of West Lake outside the window is undoubtedly breathtaking, and Liu Yifei herself is equally the most beautiful sight in the world.

Today, she wore an elegant off-white knitted long dress, her long hair loosely tied up, revealing her graceful swan neck. She wore only very light makeup, which made her skin appear even more like jade and her temperament even more refined.

Even just this quiet profile is as beautiful as a meticulously composed ink painting.

Su Ning paused for a moment, admiring the pleasing scene, before walking over with a smile.

"Yifei, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." His gentle voice broke the silence of the space.

Liu Yifei turned around upon hearing the voice, and upon seeing Su Shining, a gentle and sincere smile immediately bloomed on her face, like ripples on a lake being stirred by a breeze: "Su Ning, you're here. I just arrived too."

She gestured to the almost untouched latte in front of her.

Suning sat down opposite her, casually ordered a hand-drip Geisha, and then turned his gaze to Liu Yifei with just the right amount of attention: "How did the brand event go?"

"Yeah, it went pretty smoothly, just the usual procedure, so it ended earlier than expected." Liu Yifei nodded, holding the warm coffee cup in both hands, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cup. "Suddenly having an extra half-day of free time, and not having any particularly close friends in Hangzhou, I thought of you. Was that abrupt?"

"How could that be?" Su Ning's smile deepened, and she leaned back in her chair, relaxing. "I was so bored that I was almost frantic. It's an honor that you remembered me."

Just then, the coffee Suning ordered was served, and its rich fruity and floral aromas instantly filled the air.

He picked up the glass, sniffed it gently, and then took a small sip, his movements natural and elegant.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, there was a moment of silence, but it wasn't awkward; instead, it felt like the comfort of old friends reuniting.

Liu Yifei raised her eyes, carefully examined Su Ning, and suddenly said softly, "Su Ning, I feel... you seem a little different."

"Oh? How is it different?" Su Ning's heart stirred slightly, but she remained expressionless.

Could it be that sixty years of imperial life ultimately left an indelible mark on one's temperament?
“I can’t quite put my finger on it,” Liu Yifei tilted her head, thinking seriously with a hint of inquiry in her eyes, “It just feels like… I seem more composed, and my temperament is more unique, um… there’s also a feeling that I have everything under control.”

She smiled, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice, "Maybe I'm mistaken. We haven't actually been apart for very long."

It hadn't been long since they finished filming "Like a Flowing River," but Su Ning had experienced sixty years in the alternate world, so Liu Yifei felt a kind of incongruous "composure" and "unfathomable depth."

Su Ning smiled and skillfully changed the subject: "Maybe you've been resting at home for a few days and your mind is just blank. What about you? What have you been busy with lately? Besides today's event, are you in talks about any new projects?"

When the topic of work came up, Liu Yifei opened up a bit more: "I have a few scripts in mind, but I haven't come across one that really appeals to me yet. Sometimes I feel that finding a good script is even harder than filming itself."

Her tone carried a hint of helplessness and ambition, common among actors.

“No rush,” Su Ning said understandingly. “Better to have nothing than something bad. Your reputation and popularity with the audience are worth waiting for a truly good role.”

"Thank you." Liu Yifei smiled, then her eyes became a little mischievous as if she remembered something. "Speaking of which, I have to thank you. The script for 'Like a Flowing River' is really good. I believe it will be very well received after it airs. Even my role as the 'capitalist's daughter' has received a lot of praise. In the past, many people always thought that I could only play roles that were detached from worldly affairs. This time, thanks to you, I've broadened my acting range a bit."

She was referring to the complex emotional interaction between Song Yunhui, played by Su Ning, and Liang Sichen, played by her, in the drama—a relationship that was both mentor and friend, bearing the marks of the times, and which indeed sparked a lot of chemistry.

"It's just that we complement each other." Su Ning waved his hand modestly. "You acted well and grasped the core of the character. To be honest, it's very comfortable to act with you, and it's easy to get into character."

This wasn't just flattery.

During filming, Liu Yifei's professional attitude and dedication to the role left a deep impression on Su Ning.

She is not just a pretty face.

The two chatted about everything from the fun anecdotes of filming "Like a Flowing River" to their observations of the entertainment industry, and occasionally about their feelings about reading and traveling.

The conversation wasn't particularly profound, but it was light and pleasant.

Liu Yifei found that chatting with Su Ning was very comfortable. He had unique insights and was witty. He was neither overly enthusiastic to make her uncomfortable, nor did he create awkward silences. He always knew exactly when to pick up on a topic and gave sincere responses.

She didn't actually have anything specific to ask Su Ning.

However, ever since they started working together, this man, who was both an investor and an actor, a talented man who was also sincere and gentle, left a different impression on her than on anyone else.

In her circle, it's rare to find someone who doesn't view her with prejudice, doesn't try to please her, and isn't eager to gain anything; they simply appreciate and respect her.

Without realizing it, she had come to regard Su Ning as a trustworthy and worthwhile friend.

So when she had free time in her schedule and was in Hangzhou, she almost instinctively wanted to ask him out for a chat, even if it was just to have a cup of coffee and chat casually. It made her feel a rare sense of relaxation and comfort.

Outside the window, the West Lake shimmered in the sunlight, and pleasure boats returned to shore; inside, the aroma of coffee wafted through the air, and a beautiful woman smiled and whispered.

Looking at Liu Yifei, who seemed to be glowing in the sunlight, Su Ning felt the last trace of restlessness caused by the change of time and space gradually subside.

He had to admit that, in the real world at that moment, spending a leisurely evening with such a beautiful and intelligent woman was indeed a delightful experience.

This might be the first real "little happiness" after returning to modern life.

……

In the café, soothing jazz music flowed like a stream in the background. Liu Yifei gently stirred her latte, which was gradually cooling down. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before raising her clear eyes and asking with a hint of curiosity, "Su Ning, I heard... that your 'Bizarre and Unusual' film and television company is doing quite well? It seems that the recent dramas you've co-produced have received very good reviews."

She did not mention Chen Xiaojun and Fan Lin, but instead steered the conversation toward the company itself.

In this circle, news always travels very fast, especially about someone with a special status like Suning.

Su Ning didn't try to hide anything, and smiled frankly, a smile that carried a hint of composure as if he had seen through the rules.

“Yes! I was the one who started ‘Bizarre and Bizarre’.” He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, his hands casually folded together. “To be honest, the original intention behind its establishment was very simple, just for two words—freedom.”

"Oh? Freedom?"

Then Su Ning looked at Liu Yifei and explained sincerely, "Yifei, you've been in the industry for so long, you should know very well. Actors, especially famous actors, may seem glamorous, but they are often not in control of their own lives. They are controlled by capital, chosen by scripts, and even bound by various personal relationships and gambling agreements. Sometimes, it is a luxury to be able to calm down and make a good film."

Liu Yifei nodded silently, a hint of helpless empathy in her eyes.

She has experienced a period of being stereotyped and manipulated by public opinion, and knows all too well what it feels like.

“So I don’t want to be controlled by others like that.” Su Ning’s tone was calm, yet carried a strong sense of confidence. “I don’t need to rely on acting to make a living, nor do I need it to gain fame and fortune. For me, acting is more of a hobby, a way to experience different lives. So, I simply started my own company and took control of the situation. If I come across a script I like, I’ll invest in it, and even act in it myself; if I don’t like it, no matter how much money they offer, I won’t touch it. I don’t have to be at the mercy of any investors, nor do I have to compromise my artistic pursuits to cater to the market.”

He paused, then added, "Currently, the company's daily operations are indeed being managed by Chen Xiaojun; she's very talented in this area. As for me, I'll just be a carefree behind-the-scenes boss and an occasionally capricious actor. If I encounter a project that moves me like 'Like a Flowing River' in the future, I might come out and indulge my acting passion again."

These frank and straightforward words left Liu Yifei stunned.

In this arena of fame and fortune, countless people fight tooth and nail for resources, but this man before us has already stepped out of that chessboard and become the one who sets the rules.

Aren't you afraid Chen Xiaojun will betray you?

"No! She would never betray me."

"Could you tell me how you met Chen Xiaojun?"

"Hehe, I got into Zhejiang University in 2012. Not long after the start of the semester, she hit me with her car. We met again a year later, and I made her my assistant."

"Huh? A car accident? Really?"

"Of course it's true! It was because of that car accident that I was forced to temporarily suspend my studies and go back to my hometown to recuperate. That's when I met Director Kong and others in Qingdao, which gave me the opportunity to act in 'Parents' Love'."

"..." At this moment, Liu Yifei was completely dumbfounded.

This absolute autonomy and freedom is something she deeply desires but can hardly attain.

"I really envy you..." she sighed softly, her tone filled with undisguised longing. "Being able to do what you want to do, without any constraints. That's probably the most luxurious state in this industry."

Looking at the glimmer in her eyes, Su Ning could feel the deep envy in her eyes.

He smiled slightly and posed a more intriguing question:
"Speaking of things I want to do, I've recently taken a liking to a project and am currently in contact with it."

"Oh? What is it?" Liu Yifei's curiosity was piqued.

“Lurking.” Su Ning slowly uttered these two words.

Liu Yifei's eyes widened slightly: "Is it... Sun Honglei and Yao Dachen's classic 'Lurking'?" This drama is a milestone in the history of Chinese spy dramas.

“Yes.” Su Ning nodded firmly. “I plan to acquire the adaptation and remake rights to it.”

“Remaking a classic…the pressure must be immense, right? After all, there are already such excellent examples before us,” Liu Yifei said with some concern, while also expressing curiosity about Suning’s plans.

"There is pressure, of course, but the opportunities are even greater." Su Ning seemed confident. "The original version is certainly a classic, but times are changing. Filming techniques, narrative pacing, and audience aesthetics are all improving. We are not trying to surpass it, but to create a new interpretation that belongs to our era. I will invite the best screenwriting team to recreate the core spirit and classic scenes in a way that is more in line with current viewing habits. We will also strive for excellence in production, investing heavily in costumes, props, and set design."

He looked intently at Liu Yifei and revealed his true intention: "Moreover, I already have an ideal candidate in mind for a very important role."

"Who?" Liu Yifei asked instinctively.

“Zuo Lan.” Su Ning pronounced the name clearly, looking directly at Liu Yifei. “I would like to invite you to play Zuo Lan in the new version of ‘Lurking’.”

"Me? Zuo Lan?" Liu Yifei was completely stunned.

The character Zuo Lan, though not having the most screen time in the original version, was extremely outstanding. She was Yu Zecheng's ideal woman, beautiful, intelligent, resolute, and willing to sacrifice for her beliefs. She was a woman full of idealism and tragedy.

This role is completely different from her previous "fairy sister" image and the somewhat arrogant Liang Sichen in "Like a Flowing River".

"Yes, it's you." Su Ning said with certainty, "Zuo Lan needs a clean and pure temperament from the inside out, a kind of beauty that can make the audience believe that she is a beautiful existence that Yu Zecheng should remember for a lifetime. Your image and temperament are a perfect match. Moreover, this is a challenge that is very different from your past roles. Don't you want to give it a try?"

He paused, then said in a seductive tone, “In my ‘Bizarre and Unpredictable’ world, there are no forced constraints, no messy additional conditions. You can come purely for the role, and together, while respecting the classics, we can create a new Zuo Lan that belongs to Liu Yifei. Isn’t this exactly what you want—to act ‘freely’?”

These words completely stirred Liu Yifei's heart.

A top-tier remake of a classic, an extremely challenging role, a platform that allows her to break free from constraints and focus purely on creation...

What Suning offered was an offer she could hardly resist.

Looking into Su Ning's deep and confident eyes, she felt her heart beat faster involuntarily.

This is more than just a role offer; it's like a key that seems to be opening a door to a completely new path in her acting career.

...(End of chapter)