I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

After navigating the evening rush hour traffic, the car finally arrived at Yinlu in the west of the city at 6:30 sharp.

This is a well-known private restaurant with a classic Jiangnan garden landscape, pavilions, towers, streams and rockeries. Just walking in, you can feel the noble atmosphere that keeps strangers away. Even if you have money, it is difficult for ordinary people to make a reservation.

As Shu Zi followed Lan Manwen and Fang Zhizi into the private room, several people were already seated inside.

Director Fei sat in the main seat, with the screenwriting team and several investor representatives beside him.

Tea was already poured on the table, and the atmosphere seemed lively, but everyone at the table was subtly observing her with scrutinizing eyes. After all, she had been embroiled in rumors of being a mistress not long ago, so her presence at this dinner party was bound to arouse curiosity.

"Director Fei, President Li, Teacher Zhang, I'm sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way, I'm late." Lan Manwen greeted them with a perfectly timed smile.

"Not late at all, we just arrived. This must be Shuzi, right? She's even prettier in person than on camera, she has such a great presence."

Mr. Li smiled and replied, his gaze sweeping over Shu Zi with a business-like scrutiny, though his tone remained polite.

Shu Zi stepped forward, bowed slightly, and greeted everyone in a generous and unhurried manner: "Director Fei, hello teachers, I am Shu Zi."

Her attitude was humble but not subservient, and her eyes were bright and clear. She was completely unlike the sharp-tongued persona portrayed in those online smear campaigns, which made the people present nod in approval.

"Come on, Shuzi, sit here." Director Fei waved cheerfully, pointing to the empty seat next to him, clearly having a good impression of him.

Lan Manwen led her to an empty seat next to Director Fei, leaned closer, and whispered her instructions:

"Speak less and listen more, be polite, don't drink no matter who offers you a drink, and give me a look if anything happens."

After Shu Zi nodded, she walked to the seat opposite her and sat down.

Before long, the waiters filed in, and one after another, exquisitely plated private dishes were served. The celadon tableware paired with the fresh and fragrant dishes gradually warmed up the atmosphere in the private room.

At first, everyone just chatted about trivial gossip in the industry and the latest developments, exchanging polite pleasantries, and no one easily got to the point.

After two rounds of tea and most of the dishes had been served, Director Fei finally brought up the topic of the new film.

"Shu Zi, the reason I'm approaching you this time is because I think your performance as Su Yexue in 'Under the Bright Moon' was very talented, especially your emotional outbursts during crying scenes, which are very suitable for the second female lead role in my new drama."

Shu Zi immediately sat up straight, listened attentively, nodded in response when appropriate, and looked sincere:

"Thank you for your recognition, Director Fei. I really like your work and I especially want to try this role. I have done a lot of research in private."

"Oh? Then tell me, what's your understanding of this character?" Director Fei became interested, put down his chopsticks and looked at her.

Shu Zi was not intimidated and clearly explained her understanding of the character and plot. There was no exaggerated praise, and every sentence hit the mark. It was clear that she had really thought it through.

The screenwriter next to her would occasionally chime in with questions, which she answered calmly, speaking politely and sincerely, completely unlike a mere hype-driven celebrity.

During the conversation, an investor representative raised a glass and tried to persuade her to drink. Just as Lan Manwen was about to step forward to defuse the situation, Shu Zi stood up with a smile first.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Li, I can't hold my liquor well and I have to travel later, so I'll offer you tea instead of wine. Thank you all for giving me this opportunity."

He then picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp, thus saving face for the other person while skillfully avoiding drinking alcohol, demonstrating impeccable manners.

Lan Manwen sat opposite him and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

If she drinks it, and her incredibly wealthy and powerful father finds out one day, she's afraid she'll lose her job, and the company might even go bankrupt.

During the subsequent dinner, everyone chatted enthusiastically about the script and filming preparations.

Shu Zi listened quietly most of the time, only speaking occasionally when asked. Her tact and discretion completely dispelled the concerns of everyone present. Director Fei looked at her with even more satisfaction, and the cooperation agreement was basically finalized.

By the time the meal was over, it was completely dark.

As the event ended, Shu Zi followed Lan Manwen, bidding farewell to everyone in a very courteous manner.

Stepping out of the Hidden Lodge, a cool evening breeze blew, and Shu Zi finally relaxed completely, quietly rubbing her somewhat stiff cheeks.

"You did a good job, you didn't let me down."

Lan Manwen rarely praised her, and although her tone was still somewhat stern, she couldn't hide her satisfaction. "Director Fei has basically made up his mind. We just need to wait for the production team to notify us about the audition."

"Hehehe, Sister Wen taught me so well~" Shu Zi smiled ingratiatingly.

"Alright, stop joking around. I'll have the driver take you home." Lan Manwen took out her phone to make a call.

Shu Zi quickly grabbed her and whispered, "Sister Wen, there's no need to trouble the driver. I can go back by myself."

Lan Manwen immediately stopped what she was doing and looked at her suspiciously:

"Going home by yourself? You usually can't wait to be picked up and dropped off, why are you acting so strangely today? Are you hiding something from me?"

Shu Zi felt uneasy under her gaze and knew she couldn't hide it any longer, so she had no choice but to confess honestly, lowering her voice: "Um... Gu Yan came to pick me up, he's waiting outside."

"Gu Yan?"

Lan Manwen was taken aback for a moment, then realized what she meant. She raised an eyebrow but didn't ask any further questions, only giving her a helpless look.

"Alright, then take care of yourself. Send a message when you get home, and don't wander around."

She paused, then added, her tone tinged with a warning: "Whatever you do, don't get photographed. If you do, you can expect to atone with your death!"

"I know, Sister Wen! Don't worry!" Shu Zi nodded quickly and fled.

Fang Zhizi, who had been listening in the entire time, watched Shu Zi's figure disappear almost at breakneck speed, then turned to Lan Manwen with a blank expression and asked in a daze:

"Sister Wen...why, why is it the Yanshin Association that came to pick up Sister Zizi?"

Lan Manwen glanced at her indifferently, her tone calm: "You didn't watch the variety show?"

"I've watched it! I watch it every day!" Fang Zhizi nodded vigorously, her eyes looking even more confused.

Lan Manwen, expressionless, casually dropped a bombshell: "She and Gu Yan, childhood sweethearts, inseparable since they were little, is that true?"

"Huh, what the heck???"

Fang Zhizi's eyes widened instantly, staring at Lan Manwen in disbelief. Seeing Lan Manwen's serious expression, which didn't seem like she was joking at all, she was completely dumbfounded.

"Sister Wen, pinch me, why am I dreaming while I'm awake?"

Looking at her expression, which went from shock to daze, Lan Manwen felt as if she were seeing her own reaction when she first learned that Shu Zi was the eldest daughter of the Shu Group.

It's practically a one-to-one replica.

She was too lazy to say anything more, only leaving one sentence: "Take good care of your heart during this time, who knows what kind of exciting things might happen randomly later, don't faint from fright."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the car.