After finishing his words, Leon Yuan turned and left.
Mia Miao sat with Evan Lin, occasionally glancing in another direction.
Over there, quite a few people were gathered, apparently chatting with someone.
"Director Yu, I've always wanted to visit you, but never found the chance. I'm really sorry about that."
Yara Song wore a gentle smile, holding a glass of wine in one hand, as she looked at the slightly thin man before her.
The man was dressed in a gray shirt, refined and scholarly, wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses.
Although he was a well-known director, the man's personality seemed easygoing, without much arrogance.
Previously, many celebrities hoping to join his crew had gathered around him—whether big names or lesser-known ones, Yu Kaiyuan managed to treat them all fairly.
He never deliberately looked down on anyone, nor did he use his status to give anyone a hard time.
"I've studied Yara's films before. In recent years, Miss Yara's acting has truly made great progress."
Yu Kaiyuan reached out and gently shook hands with Yara Song.
It was brief and courteous.
He didn't linger or hold on.
"Really?"
Yara Song looked genuinely delighted and said with a smile, "Getting a compliment from Director Yu makes this trip totally worthwhile."
Yara had just finished speaking.
Her agent Victor Wu chimed in with a smile, "Director Yu, you wouldn't believe it—whenever Yara has a bit of free time at the company, she always watches your old movies."
"Yara has always been especially fond of your work, and she really admires your meticulous approach to filmmaking, especially your style."
"When I got the notice that you’d be here, Yara was thrilled. She even said that if she had a chance to work with you, she wouldn’t care if it was for zero pay."
"Isn't that right, Yara?"
Victor Wu looked at Yara Song.
"Of course, I genuinely love Director Yu's films. I know I'm still young and lack experience, and my acting skills need work."
"If I get the chance to work with Director Yu, I'm sure I'll learn a lot and grow as an actress."
"I just don't know if I'll be lucky enough to catch Director Yu's eye."
Yara kept her posture low and spoke sincerely.
As she said all this, she kept her eyes fixed on Yu Kaiyuan, her sweet smile unwavering.
"Yara, you're being too modest. Your acting is top-notch! I heard that when you were on set, you worked day and night, looking for all kinds of ways to get advice from seniors just to better portray your character."
"Yeah, Yara's dedication to her work has always impressed us."
The people nearby spoke up, full of respect for Yara Song, helping her out with their words.
Yara looked very satisfied, glancing at Kevin Zhou, who was talking the most and wore the humblest smile.
"Kevin, your words make me a little embarrassed, but I've heard that you once jumped into a fast, icy river ten times in winter without a stunt double just to get a shot right."
"Your professionalism is honestly impressive."
Yara's tone was calm.
But Kevin Zhou and Lily Tan instantly perked up.
Right now, Kevin Zhou wasn't even qualified to stand on equal footing with Yara Song. Getting a bit of praise from her in front of Yu Kaiyuan would definitely boost his chances of landing a role in 'China Kung Fu King.'
"Yeah, I've heard quite a bit about both you and Yara. You're hardworking young people."
Yu Kaiyuan nodded. "Honestly, if there's a chance, I'd really like to work with Yara on a project."
"I believe that if Yara joins, she'll inject new vitality into my film."
Yu Kaiyuan spoke with a smile, his tone especially gentle.
While he spoke, he kept glancing toward the elevator, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
"Haha, I believe Yara is really looking forward to working with Director Yu as well."
Victor Wu and Yara Song exchanged a glance, then continued, "Director Yu, I heard you're planning a new film lately."
"Instead of waiting for some future opportunity, why not apply the 'near at hand' principle?"
"Director Yu, could you see if Yara might have a chance to play a role in your new film?"
Victor Wu spoke with a smile.
"I also heard that this time, Director Yu is making a kung fu movie—right up your alley. Honestly, I don't think anyone in the industry is better suited for this genre than you."
"Having a director as ingenious as you is a blessing not just for the entertainment industry, but for all audiences."
Lily Tan flattered him from the side, her face full of admiration as she gazed at Yu Kaiyuan.
"Haha, you're making me a little embarrassed."
Yu Kaiyuan was clearly pleased by the compliments.
"I really am preparing to shoot a kung fu movie, and we're in the casting stage right now."
Yu Kaiyuan looked at Yara Song. "Honestly, there is a role in the film that's quite suited for Yara."
At this point, Yu Kaiyuan paused to think.
Yara's face lit up with joy, and Victor Wu was instantly excited too.
If she could land the female lead in this movie, it would be nothing but beneficial for Yara Song's career.
"It's just, I'm worried Miss Yara might not want to take this kind of role, so I've never brought it up."
Yu Kaiyuan said this much.
"How could I ever turn down a role from Director Yu?"
Yara Song replied with a smile.
She assumed Yu Kaiyuan was offering her the female lead.
She was full of anticipation.
"Ahem, honestly, with Yara's current status and value, asking her to play the second female lead in my movie feels a bit awkward for me."
Yu Kaiyuan spoke up.
As soon as he finished speaking...
Yara Song's smile became a bit stiff.
Second female lead.
That wasn't what she imagined at all.
"Um, may I ask who Director Yu has in mind for the female lead?"
Victor Wu quickly responded, asking with a careful look at Yu Kaiyuan.