We'll work together next time.
As soon as Gavin Yu said this, everyone immediately looked over at Yara Song.
The meaning was clear.
Yara Song had completely lost.
Gavin Yu chose Serena Tong, even if it meant outright giving up on Yara Song.
Not only did he give up on her, but with that one sentence, Gavin Yu had basically offended Yara Song.
"Director Yu..."
Yara Song opened her mouth, about to speak.
But Gavin Yu had already raised his hand to interrupt her.
His face was full of apology, but in his eyes there was a resolve that could not be shaken.
"I've already made up my mind about this."
"When I first came up with the heroine for this film, I based her on Serena Tong. That's why I believe no one could be more suitable than her."
"And after this movie, I'll start preparing my next project."
"By then, Yara, I think we'll be able to work together just fine."
Gavin Yu finished speaking.
Everyone nearby sighed quietly; when they looked at Yara Song, their gazes were full of sympathy and pity.
This was a real public humiliation.
For Yara Song, who'd always chased after Serena Tong, this defeat—losing the role, with the director so resolute that he wouldn't even leave her a shred of negotiating room—would be a stain she could never erase.
Serena Tong didn't say a word, just nodded, clearly satisfied with the role.
She never fought for status, but that didn't mean anyone could just walk all over her.
"Even so, Serena Tong, if you don't mind, could we talk privately for a moment?"
Victor Wu saw that the situation had completely shifted in Serena's favor, but he didn't look the least bit angry.
He smiled at Serena, his gaze flickering.
"What could you possibly have to say to my sister?"
Queenie Tong shot back, "If you've got something to say, just say it. What's with all the sneaking around?"
"You don't look like a rat-faced schemer, so why can't you just do something up-front for once?"
Queenie looked at Victor Wu with pure disdain.
She was clearly still annoyed at Victor Wu—first he'd gone after Evan Lin, now he was pestering Serena Tong.
Like a pesky fly, always getting on people's nerves.
"This concerns someone very important to you, Serena."
"I'll be right back."
Serena Tong gave a quick word to Queenie Tong, Yvette Locke, and Evan Lin.
They were all still in the main hall, and with Evan right there, Serena wasn't worried Victor Wu would try anything funny.
"Just be careful."
Queenie nodded and shot Victor Wu a glare. "That guy's totally crooked—he's full of bad water."
"If he says anything out of line, or tries anything shady, Sis, just beat him up."
"And call me over, I'll help you beat him!"
Queenie really emphasized the word 'beat.'
Victor Wu's face twitched, but he forced a smile and looked at Serena. "Miss Tong, after you."
Serena and Victor walked to a quiet corner.
"Whatever you need to say, you can say it now."
Serena looked at Victor. "If you're just here to bargain, hoping I'll drop the film or my role, you're going to be disappointed."
"If it were another movie, I'd let Yara Song have it. I know how hard she's worked lately."
"But this movie is the one he wants to watch, so I can't give it up. There's no room for negotiation."
Serena's words left Victor speechless for a moment.
Then he broke into a smile.
"Honestly, that's enviable."
"I'm actually pretty curious—what's so special about that guy that you'd go out of your way for him?"
Victor asked, his curiosity obvious.
"He's a very special person in my life."
Serena answered quietly.
Her words sounded calm, but they carried a weight.
All these years, Serena had almost never been caught up in any scandals.
She was basically scandal-proof.
Except for that one time in Capitalview, when a rumor popped up.
But that whole thing disappeared almost instantly.
Turns out, Serena had absolutely nothing to do with the other guy involved.
Serena's spotless reputation won her a massive fanbase.
Now, hearing Serena say that the boy was a very special person in her life, Victor's eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat, and his mind went blank for three seconds before he snapped out of it.
"Wow, that's honestly surprising."
Victor let out a sigh. "If only someone had recorded what you just said."
"If that got out, who knows how many hearts would break."
Serena didn't bother with Victor's half-joking comment.
"Just say what you need to say."
Serena looked at him. "No need for pointless chatter."
"If there's nothing left, I'll leave now."
Serena finished speaking, ready to leave.
She was crisp and decisive, never one for empty words.
Seeing Serena about to leave, Victor hurriedly called out, "Hey, don't rush off."
"Before I say anything, let me show you two photos."
As Victor spoke, he pulled a kraft envelope from inside his jacket.
He opened it, took out two photos, and handed them to Serena.
"What's this?"
Serena frowned.
"Just take a look and you'll know."
Victor stood there, looking absolutely certain.
Serena took the photos and flipped them over.
The photos showed a sea of fire.
Smoke curled everywhere; it was clear this was a massive blaze.
In the middle of the smoke and flames, people were crawling.
They looked seriously hurt, or maybe there was some other reason.
They were desperately scrambling forward, moving as fast as they could.
Trying to escape the inferno, trying to get out of that hell on earth.