As soon as Zane Liu spoke, everyone present immediately turned to look at Lynn Chen.
"I'm not drinking."
Lynn Chen shook her head, her expression already a bit cold.
"Not drinking?"
Manager Leo Li, who had just been smiling, suddenly changed his expression. He immediately frowned, glanced at Zane Liu, and said with a hint of amusement, "Zane, it seems your junior-high classmate isn't giving you much face."
"Everyone's out having fun—what's the point if you don't have a few drinks?"
As he spoke, his voice carried a bit of chill.
"Lynn, just have a drink with Manager Leo Li. You don't need to drink much, just enough to show some goodwill."
Maggie Sun quickly spoke up, trying to persuade Lynn Chen.
"I said I'm not drinking."
Lynn Chen shook her head, then stood up. "Maggie, sorry, I just remembered something I need to take care of. I'll head out first."
After speaking, Lynn Chen started walking toward the exit.
"Huh? You're leaving already?"
Manager Leo Li raised an eyebrow and glanced at Zane Liu.
Zane Liu reached out, blocking Lynn Chen's path. He looked at her and smiled, "Lynn, school stuff can't be that urgent, right?"
"Just stay here and hang out a bit longer. Besides, Manager Leo Li is here today to sign Maggie for a new drama."
"If you walk out now, it'll make things awkward for Maggie. If Manager Leo Li gets upset, Maggie's drama deal could fall through."
At this point, Zane Liu glanced over at Maggie Sun, who was sitting nearby.
Maggie Sun quickly stood up and walked over, grabbing Lynn Chen's arm with a pleading look. "Lynn, we were so close back in junior high—you’re my best friend."
"This drama means everything to me. If I can't get it, my whole acting career could be affected. And honestly, I'm pretty confident—if I get this role, I could even get nominated for Best Newcomer next year!"
As Maggie Sun spoke, she gripped Lynn Chen's hand even tighter.
"I really do have something to take care of, sorry Maggie, I have to go."
Lynn Chen frowned.
She pushed Maggie's hand away and headed for the private room door, intending to leave.
"Fine, so you're really not giving us any face, huh?"
Manager Leo Li suddenly spoke up: "Alright, looks like tonight isn't going to be much fun after all."
"Maggie, let's forget about your contract. This drama isn't right for you."
"I just remembered I have something to deal with too, so I'll take my leave."
After finishing, Manager Leo Li gave a cold smile, ignored everyone else, and immediately headed for the door along with Lynn Chen.
"Manager Leo Li, Manager Leo Li! Please wait!"
Maggie Sun immediately panicked.
She had told Lynn Chen she was a big star now.
But in reality, Maggie had spent years as a background extra.
She had acted in a few popular palace dramas.
But in those, she either played maids with no lines, or cannon-fodder characters who died as soon as they appeared.
She barely ever had any lines.
This time,
It was only thanks to Zane Liu that she got introduced to Manager Leo Li.
This was her one and only shot to turn things around.
Manager Leo Li paused when he heard this.
Maggie Sun hurried forward again, catching up to Lynn Chen.
She clung tightly to Lynn's hand, her eyes already red. "Lynn, please, just this once."
"You don't have to drink, I'll drink for you. Just stay here and keep me company, okay?"
"Back in junior high, did you forget how I treated you? Every time I had snacks, I always thought of you, Yolanda, and Sisi first."
"This matters so much to me! I really don't want to keep being a background extra or a supporting role. I just want to play a beautiful lead—is that so wrong? I'm so tired."
By the end, Maggie was nearly in tears.
"Yeah, it's fine if you don't drink. Just sit and chat for a bit." Zane Liu stepped in, trying to smooth things over.
Other classmates chimed in, one after another, urging Lynn to stay.
Lynn Chen was about to leave, but seeing Maggie truly cry, she softened.
"Don't cry."
She reached out and wiped Maggie Sun's tears, hesitated a moment, and sighed, "Alright, I'll stay with you for a bit."
"But I'm not drinking."
Hearing Lynn's words, Maggie sobbed twice, her face full of gratitude. "Thank you, Lynn."
"Manager Leo Li, sit down. We haven't even had a proper chat yet, no need to leave so quickly."
On the side, Zane Liu took the opportunity to smooth things over, no longer mentioning Lynn drinking.
Manager Leo Li sat down again, but kept sizing up Lynn Chen with his gaze.
That look made Lynn Chen feel very uncomfortable.
"I heard you're a student at Beijing University. Not bad, you look good too."
Manager Leo Li leaned back in his seat. "Interested in joining my company? I can get you some roles, package you, and guarantee you'll be famous in no time."
"Not interested."