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Zhao Yanzi has had her eye on the role of Yao Mulan for quite some time now.

Teacher Zhao's script is a Republican-era drama about a large family, depicting decades of rise and fall. Such dramas are rare and hard to come by.

She became famous for playing Xiao Yanzi in "My Fair Princess".

But characters like Little Swallow, who are always hopping and skipping, are over once their roles are played.

Zhao Yanzi wants roles that can win awards, roles that people can remember, roles that people will talk about for many years after the role is played.

Yao Mulan is that kind of character.

She thought this role was perfect for her.

In terms of fame, she is currently the most popular actress in the country.

In terms of relationship, she had worked with Aunt Qiong, and Aunt Qiong had always treated her well.

In terms of qualifications, she graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, a proper professional background. For a student director making his first film, getting a star like her is something he couldn't ask for, right?

I never expected that Aunt Qiong would give this great project to Suning.

What I never expected was that Suning would be so foolish as to hold a public selection process.

When the news broke, Zhao Yanzi was filming on set.

Her assistant told her that the casting for "Moment in Peking" was a nationwide audition, and anyone could audition.

Zhao Yanzi was taken aback. "Anyone is fine? Then I have to audition too?"

The assistant cautiously replied, "Probably."

"..." Zhao Yanzi immediately fell silent.

Send her to audition? What level of star power does she have now?
She's the most popular actress in the country, surrounded by people wherever she goes, every movie she stars in becomes a hit, and she gets countless advertising endorsements.

Should we make her line up for auditions with those nameless, unknown actors?
I simply couldn't bring myself to do it.

But Zhao Yanzi wanted the role.

After agonizing for several days, Zhao Yanzi finally called Aunt Qiong and asked, "Aunt Qiong, has the role of Yao Mulan been cast in the TV series 'Moment in Peking'?"

Aunt Qiong said, "Not yet, we're still choosing."

"Do you think I'm suitable?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

Zhao Yanzi waited, feeling a little uneasy.

Although Aunt Qiong treated me quite well, and "Princess Pearl" made me famous, Aunt Qiong was a person who kept public and private matters separate, and never made promises lightly.

“Yanzi,” Aunt Qiong began, “Actually, I’ve mentioned this to Su Ning.”

Zhao Yanzi was secretly delighted. "What did he say?"

"He doesn't agree to use you."

Zhao Yanzi was stunned. "You don't need me? Why?"

Aunt Qiong didn't say anything.

Zhao Yanzi grew anxious, "Aunt Qiong, please tell me! I'm about to die of impatience!"

Aunt Qiong sighed, "Yanzi, you know Su Ning. He understands feng shui and can read faces. He said..."

"what did he say?"

He said that you would face a great calamity within two years.

Zhao Yanzi nearly dropped the phone. "What terrible disaster?"

"He didn't go into details. He just said that something would happen to you within two years, and he didn't want to be implicated by you."

Zhao Yanzi stood there, speechless for a long time.

I immediately recalled Su Ning's always calm face, the way he looked at people, and how those who sought his feng shui advice said he was incredibly accurate.

Now that Su Ning says there will be a major disaster within two years, then it might really be a major disaster. "Aunt Qiong, did he... did he say how to resolve it?"

Aunt Qiong paused for a moment, then said, "He said he couldn't fix it. He also said that you caused this yourself, and he can't defy fate for you."

Zhao Yanzi hung up the phone and sat there in a daze.

You caused it yourself? What do you mean?
She thought and thought, but she still couldn't figure it out.

Over the years, she has acted in movies, taken on commercials, and appeared on TV shows. She has done what she should do and never done what she shouldn't do. What major disaster could she possibly have?
But Zhao Yanzi dared not disbelieve Su Ning's words.

This person is too amazing, so amazing that it's frightening.

……

Zhao Yanzi couldn't sit still any longer.

That day, Zhao Yanzi asked her assistant to find out Suning's address.

The next morning, he personally drove to the courtyard house.

When I arrived, Suning was in the courtyard drinking tea and studying the script.

Zhao Yanzi pushed open the door and stood in front of him. "Director Su, is it convenient for us to talk?"

Su Ning looked up at her and said, "Sit down."

Zhao Yanzi sat down and stared at him. "Aunt Qiong told me. You said I'd face a major disaster within two years. What does that mean?"

Su Ning poured her a cup of tea. "You really want to hear it?"

"think."

"Are there any problems with the movies you've filmed and the commercials you've done?"

Zhao Yanzi was taken aback. "What problem?"

You know the answer in your heart.

Zhao Yanzi fell silent.

Thinking back to the movie she filmed last year, there were problems with the investors. She didn't care at the time, since the movie was filmed and she got paid, and the rest was none of her business.

She recalled the advertisement she had taken on a few months ago. The product had problems, and someone complained to the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, but she didn't care. Anyway, the advertisement had been filmed, and she had already received the endorsement fee.

Of course, these are all minor issues. The most important thing is the flag incident, those dinner parties, those people, and those subsequent shady financial maneuvers...

To put it bluntly, Suning doesn't want to have too much to do with people like Zhao Yanzi. Anyone who acts without any bottom line will eventually get into trouble.

"What do those things have to do with me? I just act in movies and do commercials, I'm not the kind of person who does those kinds of things."

Su Ning looked at her and said, "When you were filming, did you know there were problems with the investors? When you were accepting advertisements, did you know there were problems with the products? Those dinner parties, those people, do you know who they are?"

"..." Zhao Yanzi opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word.

“You know,” Su Ning said. “You know everything. But you didn’t care. You thought it had nothing to do with you, that you were just doing things for money. You treated them as resources to expand your network. But where did that money come from? Who was backing those things up?”

Zhao Yanzi's face turned pale.

Su Ning picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Your biggest problem is that you have no bottom line. No one can save you. Even if I help you change once, if you don't change yourself, you'll still cause trouble next time. You can change your fate this once, but you can't change it forever."

Zhao Yanzi stared at him, "Can't you help me just this once?"

Su Ning shook his head. "I can't help you. And I don't want to help you either. Two years from now, the mistakes you make will make me want to kill you."

"..." At this moment, Zhao Yanzi had already noticed the disgust in Su Ning's eyes.

Without further provocation, he simply stood up, turned around, and left.

Just like her personality, she is decisive and efficient, never dragging things out.

As she reached the door, Zhao Yanzi stopped and turned back to look at Su Ning. "Su Ning, aren't you afraid I'll cause you trouble?"

Su Ning smiled and said, "You can't cause me any trouble. You can't even protect yourself, so why would you have time to cause me trouble? Besides, provoking me might cause you more trouble in the future."

Zhao Yanzi gritted her teeth, slammed the door, and left.

Ma Dongmei came out of the house and watched Zhao Yanzi's departing figure. "Su Ning, what did Zhao Yanzi want from you? It wasn't to participate in 'Moment in Peking', was it?"

"She begged me to help her defy fate."

"You helped?"

"No."

Ma Dongmei hesitated for a moment, "Then will something really happen to her?"

Suning didn't answer, but instead picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Some things are better left unsaid.

To reveal it would be to expose a secret.

But there are some things that Zhao Yanzi should know without having to say them herself.

The reason why things still went wrong was because Zhao Yanzi was taking a chance.

There is no such thing as free money or free benefits in this world.

If you take what you shouldn't take, or occupy what you shouldn't occupy, you'll have to pay it back sooner or later.

Zhao Yanzi thought that now that she was famous, she could do anything and touch anything.

But she didn't know that some lines cannot be crossed and some landmines cannot be stepped on.

If you step on it, it will explode, and you'll be smashed to pieces.

Seeing Su Ning's expression, Ma Dongmei didn't ask any more questions, realizing that Su Ning knew many people's secrets.

……

Zhao Yanzi came out of the courtyard house, got into the car, and sat in the driver's seat for a long time without moving.

Actually, she feels really upset right now.

Su Ning's words were like a thorn stuck in her heart, something she couldn't pull out or swallow.

What do you mean by "a major disaster is bound to happen within two years," what do you mean by "it was all my fault," what do you mean by "it can't be changed"...?

Zhao Yanzi got to where she is today through her own hard work, not through the calculations of others.

Zhao Yanzi grew angrier the more she thought about it, and slammed her hand on the steering wheel. "A charlatan. He really is a charlatan."

She started the car and sped out of the alley.

When I got home, I threw my bag on the sofa and turned on the TV.

The TV was showing "Princess Pearl" right then, and Little Swallow was jumping around and chattering away.

Looking at the face on the screen, Zhao Yanzi suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

Is that her? Is that her now?

Zhao Yanzi changed the channel in frustration. Just then, her assistant called, saying that Aunt Qiong had a new drama, a Republican-era drama called "Romance in the Rain," which was also a big production, and that she should prepare to meet Aunt Qiong in a few days.

Zhao Yanzi hummed in agreement, hung up the phone, and felt a little more at ease.

"Romance in the Rain," Qiong Yi's new drama, a big-budget production.

This is the kind of role that Zhao Yanzi should play, not some student director's audition, not some nameless nobody.

She smiled at herself in the mirror, then, remembering Su Ning's words, scoffed, "A major disaster? I'm perfectly fine, what major disaster could I possibly be in?"

……

Aunt Qiong is indeed preparing to film "Romance in the Rain".

Aunt Qiong has been preparing for this drama for many years, personally overseeing everything from the script to casting, from costumes to sets.

When it came to the character Yiping, Aunt Qiong's first thought was Zhao Yanzi.

The character Xiao Yanzi became a hit, and audiences love Zhao Yanzi. Casting her as Yiping would generate enough buzz and guarantee high viewership ratings.

Aunt Qiong dared not disregard what Su Ning said.

That young man was a good judge of things; he said Zhao Yanzi would face a major disaster within two years, so it's highly likely that a major disaster is indeed coming.

If Zhao Yanzi is put on the set and something happens halfway through filming, what will happen to the show?
What about the investment? What about all the hard work and effort of so many people?
Aunt Qiong sat in her office, looking at Zhao Yanzi's photo for a long time before putting it down and dialing Su Ning's number. "Su Ning, I have something to ask you."

“Aunt Qiong, please speak.”

"Regarding Zhao Yanzi, were the things you said before accurate?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. "Aunt Qiong, do you believe me?"

Aunt Qiong didn't hesitate, "I believe you."

"Then you shouldn't use her. She's not allowed in this film. You'll definitely get involved with her and have to go through a lot of trouble to help her out."

"No way?"

"Aunt Qiong, Rong Momo in 'Princess Pearl' is a great villain. She pricked many people with her embroidery needles, but those who were pricked by Rong Momo were all bad people in real life."

"This..." Aunt Qiong immediately understood what Su Ning meant; it wasn't just Zhao Yanzi who would be in trouble next.

Many people may encounter problems, but it's unclear whether they will all happen at once or one after another.

However, regardless of the situation, Suning has already made its position very clear.

Aunt Qiong hung up the phone and sat in her office for a long time.

Then she picked up the script on the table, opened it to the first page, read a few lines, and closed it again.

Finally, he picked up the phone and called the assistant director, "Zhao Yanzi is no longer needed for the role of Yiping. Replace her."

The assistant director was stunned. "Who should we replace him with?"

Aunt Qiong thought for a moment, "Yan Ruyu. Let her give it a try."

"Okay! I understand."

……

When Yan Ruyu received the notification, she was reciting lines from "Moment in Peking" in the courtyard.

She put down the script and looked at Su Ning. "Su Ning, Aunt Qiong wants me to audition for Yi Ping."

Su Ning shook her head. "You're not suitable for Yiping."

Yan Ruyu was taken aback. "Why?"

"The character of Yiping is too intense. You don't have that kind of spirit. You're more suited to Ruping. Gentle and mild-mannered, with your own ideas but without showing them on your face. That's your style."

Yan Ruyu didn't speak, but after thinking about it, she felt that Su Ning's words made sense.

Yiping is the kind of person who is prickly. When she is wronged, she will rush out into the rain and stand on the stage to sing "Unforgettable Past".

Unfortunately, she was not as beautiful as jade.

If she feels wronged, she will process it herself, sit quietly, and wait for the storm to pass.

"Should I tell Aunt Qiong?"

“You said you weren’t suitable for Yiping, but you were suitable for Ruping. Then we recommended someone else to play Yiping.”

"Who?"

"Jiang Qinqin".

Yan Ruyu was taken aback. "Jiang Qinqin? Isn't she the actress who plays Yao Mulan?"

"Yao Mulan is Yao Mulan, and Yiping is Yiping. If someone can play Yao Mulan, they can also play Yiping. These two characters are the same at their core—both are women who look soft but have strong backbone."

Yan Ruyu thought for a moment, then picked up the phone and called Aunt Qiong.

Aunt Qiong paused for a moment after hearing this, then asked, "Jiang Qinqin? The one who played Yao Mulan?"

"Yes. Su Ning said she's suitable."

Aunt Qiong paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, let her give it a try."

……

When Jiang Qinqin received the call, she was at home reading the script for "Moment in Peking".

I never expected Suning to treat me so well. Not only did they let me play Yao Mulan, but now they've also recommended me to play Yiping.

I don't know if Suning truly values ​​me, or if they just want to...

Unable to understand, Jiang Qinqin quickly put down the script, changed her clothes, and went out.

When she arrived at Aunt Qiong's company, Aunt Qiong was already waiting for her.

There were no auditions, no open auditions, just chatting.

Aunt Qiong looked at Jiang Qinqin and asked, "Qinqin, what do you think of the character Yiping?"

Jiang Qinqin thought for a moment, "Yiping is a person with a tragic fate. Her father didn't want her, her mother was weak, and she supported the family all by herself. She hated her father, but she also wanted his fatherly love. She hated Ruping, but she also envied Ruping. She was covered in thorns, but those thorns were all used to protect herself. She wasn't born so tough; she was forced into it by life."

Aunt Qiong looked at her without saying a word.

Jiang Qinqin continued, "But she also had her moments of weakness. When Shuhuan didn't want her anymore, she stood on the stage singing 'Unforgettable Memories,' and she started crying as she sang. At that moment, she wasn't Yiping; she was just a heartbroken girl."

Aunt Qiong smiled and said, "Okay, you're the one."

Jiang Qinqin was stunned. "It's...it's settled like this?"

"It's settled. Go back and get ready. After filming 'Moment in Peking,' you'll be joining the cast of 'Romance in the Rain.'"

Jiang Qinqin stood up, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Aunt Qiong."

When she got home, she sat on the sofa and didn't move for a long time.

I couldn't help but think of Su Ning's young face and how he sat quietly on the judging panel.

He said he was suitable, so he was suitable.

Jiang Qinqin suddenly felt that this young man was truly amazing.

……

The news spread quickly, and the circle was abuzz with discussion.

Some people said, "Qiong Yao replaced Zhao Yanzi? Wasn't it agreed that she would play Yiping?"

Someone asked, "Who was replaced?"

"There's a newcomer named Jiang Qinqin, I've never heard of her. And there's Yan Ruyu, who plays Ruping."

"Yan Ruyu? Isn't that Su Ning's girlfriend?"

Yes. That's the one.

Some people laughed, "Suning is stealing roles for his girlfriend? He's not satisfied with making his own movies, so he's going to steal roles from Qiong Yao?"

"That's really shameless! He keeps saying that he doesn't allow any underhanded dealings, but he's quite adept at them himself."

Someone shook their head. "It wasn't robbery. I heard that Su Ning told Qiong Yao that Zhao Yanzi shouldn't be touched, or something bad would happen. Qiong Yao believed him, and then replaced Zhao Yanzi."

"Something bad is going to happen? What kind of bad thing is it?"

"Who knows? That Su Ning guy is so mysterious. He's a feng shui master, you know. If he says something bad will happen, who would dare not believe him?"

Zhao Yanzi heard the news while on set.

The assistant rushed over, her face grim. "Sister Yanzi, it's settled on 'Romance in the Rain'..."

Zhao Yanzi put down the script. "Who will play Yiping?"

"Jiang Qinqin".

Zhao Yanzi was taken aback. "Jiang Qinqin? Who's that?"

"It's the actress who played Yao Mulan in 'Moment in Peking.' She was chosen by Suning."

Zhao Yanzi's face darkened. "What about Ru Ping?"

The assistant didn't dare look at her, "Yan Ruyu."

Zhao Yanzi slammed the script in her hand onto the table.

She stood up and paced back and forth, feeling depressed, but the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Aunt Qiong was replaced with the role that should have been hers, replaced by the little-known Jiang Qinqin, and even replaced by Su Ning's own girlfriend.

What does this mean? Aunt Qiong believed Su Ning when she said something bad would happen to her?
Zhao Yanzi got to where she is today through her own abilities, not through fortune telling!

Furthermore, hasn't Suning always touted itself as not engaging in underhanded practices?
How can someone be so hypocritical?

Suppressing her anger, Zhao Yanzi picked up the phone, intending to call Aunt Qiong.

But after dialing halfway, it hung up.

What did he say? He questioned Aunt Qiong about why she wouldn't let him act in the role.
They've already made the change; it's too late to say anything now.

Zhao Yanzi sat dejectedly in the chair, not moving for a long time.

I couldn't swallow that anger anymore.

That evening, Zhao Yanzi was drinking alone at home.

As I drank until midnight, looking out at the pitch-black night, I suddenly remembered what Su Ning had said.

A great disaster is sure to occur within two years.

Zhao Yanzi couldn't help but sneer, "Disaster? I, Zhao Yanzi, am not afraid of anything."

He took a big gulp of wine, then angrily smashed the glass on the ground.

...(End of this chapter)