Director Zhou is one of the most renowned seventh-generation directors in the entertainment industry, and a favorite among the new wave of popular young stars.
Basically, any up-and-coming actor or actress who’s appeared in Director Zhou’s work has shot up the ranks—some even becoming A-list celebrities overnight.
That’s why everyone fights tooth and nail to get into Director Zhou’s projects—even if the pay is low. Unknown actors will even work for free or bring in their own sponsors just to be part of it.
It’s clear how much power and charisma Director Zhou holds in the industry.
But even a big-name director who can call the shots in showbiz has to show respect when it comes to absolute capital.
So when Cherry Miller texted him about recommending someone for an audition, Director Zhou agreed without a second thought.
Because Cherry Miller equals top-tier capital.
The entertainment industry may be huge, but if you break it down, each project isn’t actually that big.
But Yin Enterprises is the empire’s leader. If Ethan Yin or Charles Yin wanted, they could buy out more than half the production companies in the industry in a heartbeat.
With capital like that, even Director Zhou has to be polite.
To put it bluntly—
If Director Zhou offends Cherry Miller, his career is basically over.
Cherry Miller isn’t just the chief assistant—she’s also the future mistress of the Yin Family, backed by the Yin, Mo, Shang, and Jing families, all top-tier powerhouses.
No one dares mess with her.
So when Cherry Miller’s car pulled up at the filming location, Director Zhou came out to greet her personally. “Miss Miller, I’m surprised you’re interested in a small-budget drama like ours!”
“The budget may be small, but your talent is all about making big waves with little resources. I’d love to recruit a business genius like you for my company.” Cherry Miller grinned and introduced Director Zhou: “This is Director Zhou, best known for ‘Spring Flowers, Autumn Moon.’ He’s won tons of international awards, signed lots of top-tier artists, and is a big shot who can shake up the whole industry.”
After that, Cherry Miller turned to Director Zhou and said, “This is my boss, Yina Yin—the heiress of Yin Enterprises. This is my boyfriend, Ethan Yin, CEO of Yin Enterprises. And this is... the Field Family heir, Miles Gu. The one I want to introduce today is Mason Ming, a talented singer. I think he’s got the looks, so I’m shamelessly asking Director Zhou for a small role—just a few scenes to help him get some exposure.”
Every time Cherry Miller introduced someone, Director Zhou greeted them with extra enthusiasm.
By the time the introductions were done, Director Zhou was sweating bullets.
Oh my god.
These three are the kind of big shots you only ever see in finance magazines—not in real life!
“It’s truly an honor. I never expected to meet all three of you here today.” Director Zhou became even more polite, careful not to upset these VIPs.
Even Mason Ming got a boost just by association, earning a rare smile from Director Zhou.
“We’re just here to look around and have some fun,” Yina Yin said casually. “We don’t know anything about filming, so we’re not here to boss anyone around. Mason Ming is a rookie—Director Zhou, see if you can use him. If not, no worries.”
“Of course, Miss Yin, you’re absolutely right.” Director Zhou replied respectfully.
Cherry Miller and Ethan Yin exchanged a glance. Ethan nodded at Cherry, and she finally spoke up: “Director Zhou, I heard Gao Tian is filming with you?”
Gao Tian, 22, heir to Dingcheng Real Estate, is famous in N City’s second-generation circles for his good looks—thanks to his mom.
He’s a student at Saint Diana Academy, one year above Yina Yin, and has had a crush on her for ten years.
Back then, everyone at Saint Diana Academy knew about Gao Tian’s feelings for Yina Yin.
But at that time, Gao Tian didn’t have much going for him besides his crush.
After all, Yina Yin’s fiancé was Miles Gu.
But now...
“He’s here, he’s here.” Director Zhou, ever the savvy one, immediately picked up on Cherry Miller’s hint and told his assistant, “Go check Gao Tian’s schedule. If he’s free, ask him to come over.”
The assistant hurried off.
A few minutes later, Gao Tian rushed over in costume.
From a distance, Gao Tian spotted Yina Yin and the others. He didn’t slow down, calling out cheerfully, “Senior Yin! Senior Gu! Yina! Miss Miller! What brings you all here?”
“We were at the cultural food festival in the neighboring town and heard you were filming nearby, so we came to check it out.” Ethan Yin smiled warmly. “Why’d you suddenly join the entertainment industry? Aren’t you supposed to inherit your dad’s business?”
Gao Tian sneaked a look at Yina, then said sheepishly, “I’m still young. My dad’s not even fifty yet—it’s not my turn to take over. I’m not as capable as Senior Yin, who became CEO before graduating. If I went to my dad’s company, I’d probably just get a store to play with, so I’d rather try my luck in showbiz. The entertainment world is way more fun! I love seeing people try to take me down but never succeed.”
Yina Yin couldn’t help but laugh. “Senior Gao, you’re still as funny as ever.”
Gao Tian chuckled, glancing at Yina Yin and then at Miles Gu. He’d already heard the rumors about Miles Gu and Yina Yin breaking off their engagement.
Now that their engagement is off, does he finally have a chance?
Cherry Miller caught Gao Tian’s expression and teased, “There are plenty of hotties in showbiz. Gao Tian, you must be quite the ladies’ man, right? As the heir to Dingcheng, I bet you’ve got girls lining up for you.”
“No, no, absolutely not! I’m just here to act, not to date.” Gao Tian waved his hands frantically. “Please, Sister Cherry, don’t joke about that!”
Then Gao Tian turned to Yina Yin. “Yina, I’m totally innocent. Ask Director Zhou if you don’t believe me.”
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Director Zhou finally spoke up. “I can vouch for Gao Tian—he’s never had a single scandal.”
“Let’s not just stand here talking.” Ethan Yin glanced thoughtfully at Miles Gu. “Mason Ming, go audition with Director Zhou. Gao Tian, come hang out with us—we’re all alumni, and it’s been ages since we caught up.”
With Ethan Yin calling the shots, no one dared disagree.
Director Zhou politely saw them off, then took Mason Ming to the audition.
As Mason Ming left, he glanced back at Gao Tian. As someone who’d secretly loved Yina Yin, he instantly sensed Gao Tian felt the same way.
Gao Tian must have been into Miss Yin for a long time, too.
Makes sense—they’re from the same world, both children of wealthy families.
Gao Tian isn’t just rich—he’s also a newly minted top-tier celebrity.
Whether he goes home to take over the family business or stays in showbiz, he’s way more privileged than I am.
What am I, really?
For a moment, Mason Ming felt a wave of sadness.
“Your name’s Mason Ming?” Director Zhou glanced at him and nodded quietly.
This young man called Mason Ming really did look good—classic features, small face, perfect for the big screen’s wide-angle shots.
Since he was brought in by Miss Miller, even if his acting was terrible, Director Zhou had to give him a cameo.
“Yes.” Mason Ming quickly pulled himself together and answered Director Zhou.
Mason Ming knew he had to succeed in his career to have any chance of staying by Yina Yin’s side.
If he missed this opportunity, he might never get to talk to her like this again.
A man needs success before he can even dream of winning his goddess’s heart.
“Come with me.” Director Zhou saw Mason Ming quickly compose himself and nodded approvingly. Smart move.
The Yin Family heiress isn’t someone just anyone can dream of.
This Mason Ming is pretty ambitious.
Mason Ming didn’t disappoint. His acting was raw and inexperienced, but he looked great on camera.
Maybe it was his mother’s guidance, or maybe Mason Ming was just born for showbiz.
Director Zhou decided to give Mason Ming a role that lasted about an episode.
For a newcomer, that’s a fantastic start.
A complete role, continuous scenes—if he played his cards right, making it in showbiz wouldn’t just be a dream.
The crew saw Director Zhou backing this rookie and figured Mason Ming must have some serious connections—maybe even big-shot investors like Gao Tian.
Plenty of people were jealous, but no one dared cause trouble.
No one wants to challenge capital.
Meanwhile, Gao Tian joined Ethan Yin and the others under a lakeside umbrella. Since they all went to Saint Diana Academy, they had plenty to talk about.
Eventually, Gao Tian got straight to the point with Miles Gu: “Senior Gu, are you really breaking off your engagement with Yina?”
Miles Gu hesitated, then nodded.
Gao Tian breathed a sigh of relief and said seriously, “Senior Gu, everyone at school knows I’ve liked Yina for ten years. I never dared pursue her because of you. But now that you’re stepping back, does that mean I can go for her without worrying about you?”
Miles Gu was stunned. “You want to pursue Yina Yin?”
“Yes.” Gao Tian said seriously, “A gentleman pursues a fair lady. I hope Yina will give me a chance.”
Yina Yin glanced at Cherry Miller, who gave her a subtle nod.
They’d always been in sync. Yina Yin understood Cherry Miller’s signal, so she smiled and asked, “Senior Gao, are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” Gao Tian said. “We grew up together, right? In the past ten years, I haven’t liked anyone but you. I know my dad’s business isn’t on Yin Enterprises’ level, but I’ll prove my worth. I’ll work hard to be worthy of you. Yina, starting now, I’m officially pursuing you.”