With that, the investors all fell silent. Of course, this was only a temporary quiet. Many were hoping someone would step up, but no one was stupid enough to walk into their own demise.

On the contrary, not only did they not cause trouble, but several film distribution companies even took the initiative to contact Tan You. After all, you don’t argue with money. Plus, they had heard that the Film Association had given the movie a score of 9.3, a number high enough to be worth the gamble for these distributors.

Weren’t those investors trying to corner Tan You’s company precisely because the movie had such a high rating? Their thinking was simple: either crush Tan You now or have her make money for them later.

Unfortunately, Tan You chose neither option. Instead, she effortlessly countered everyone. So now, these entertainment companies were in a bind, but what did that have to do with the film distributors?

Of course, Tan You wouldn’t turn down an advantage that came knocking on her door. The other party was tactful, only mentioning that they could all invest and get rich together in the future, without pressing for a guarantee.

Tan You was always friendly to those who knew how to play their cards right. Of course, she didn’t agree to anything right away. She could be petty, and she remembered exactly what these companies had done.

Wei Wei was a little nervous. "Sister Wen, are you going to the premiere?"

Tan You put down her pen. "Did they send you?"

Wei Wei nodded. "Yeah. I lost at rock-paper-scissors, so they sent me to ask you. Everyone wants you to walk the red carpet with us and come to the premiere."

"Forget the red carpet." Her enthusiasm waned at the thought of all the cameras lining it. "I’ll go to the premiere. It is the company’s first film, after all."

"You have to do the red carpet too." Seeing that Tan You was in a good mood today, Sister Li grew a bit bolder. "This is a huge event for our company. If you don’t even walk the red carpet, the public will suspect you don’t have faith in the movie."

"Don’t you already know whether I have faith in it or not?" Tan You looked up. "You just want me to make more public appearances."

"I do," Sister Li admitted frankly. "Even though you’ve been working behind the scenes these past few years, you never officially announced your retirement from acting or from the industry. Your fans are still hoping to see you."

"From what I hear, a lot of your fans are coming to this premiere. They’re traveling from all over. Wouldn’t it be wrong for you not to even show your face?"

Tan You mused for a moment. "Fine, I’ll go."

Seeing Sister Li’s delight, Tan You shot her a glance. "But forget about the haute couture and high jewelry. I’ll prepare those myself."

Sister Li said, "Of course. To be blunt, all that haute couture and high jewelry is just a marketing gimmick for the brands. I’d never let you add to their prestige. Besides, if you actually wore your own jewelry, who would be the one envying whom?"

Tan You smiled faintly. "Good, as long as you know. I’ll walk the red carpet with the cast and crew. That way I won’t steal the show."

Seeing that Sister Li was about to speak again, Tan You put her foot down. "This is my final concession."

Sister Li knew not to push her too far. Having worked with Tan You for years, she knew her boss meant what she said and rarely changed her mind once a decision was made. Thus, Sister Li could only agree.

’But as long as Tan You has agreed to walk the red carpet,’ she thought, ’what happens then won’t be up to her.’

The day of the premiere arrived quickly. Tan You came to the office early in the morning, carrying two gift boxes. She didn’t give the red carpet much thought, busying herself in her office as soon as she arrived.

Tan You’s work only came to a close when Sister Li came to inform her that most of the cast and crew had finished with their styling.

When she followed Sister Li to the dressing room, even Tan You was a little dazed.

"I’ve never seen you all look so sharp," Tan You teased, looking at the room full of handsome men and beautiful women.

Wei Wei said, "We’ve walked plenty of red carpets before, but this time is different. Everyone is naturally being more careful. We’ve all been maintaining our figures since the wrap-up, not wanting to mess up on an occasion like today."

Tan You sat down in front of the vanity mirror. "There will be many more occasions like this in the future. Are you going to be like this every time?"

Wan Yi said, "Of course. No matter what projects we have in the future, we will treat every single one with the utmost seriousness."

Tan You closed her eyes, letting the makeup artist work on her face. "Keep the makeup light. I don’t feel comfortable when it’s too heavy."

The stylist glanced at the qipao Tan You had brought. "Don’t you worry, Sister Wen. I guarantee I’ll give you a gorgeous look."

Wan Yi jumped in with some flattery. "With Sister Wen’s looks, she’s beautiful no matter what. She’s stunning even without any makeup."

The film’s lead actress also laughed. "Who could feel confident standing next to Sister Wen? She’s on the ’100 Most Beautiful Faces in the World’ list every year."

"And her ranking is always really high."

’The power of the beauty stat is truly immense,’ Tan You thought.

"Oh, right, I have a bit of gossip. Apparently, Hu Yize and Qi Yu are coming too," the lead actress suddenly said, glancing at a small group chat she was in.

Tan You raised a delicate eyebrow. "They’re coming too? Now that’s interesting. Who are they trying to piss off?"

The lead actress, Hu Yi, shrank back. "I’m not sure. Sister Wen, you look pretty fierce like that."

Tan You glanced at her. "Am I fierce? I always thought I was pretty easy to get along with."

"It’s not that, it’s just a feeling," Hu Yi said, suddenly laughing. "Back on set, the director told me to channel a feeling of fear and awe. I just thought about you on set, Sister Wen, and nailed it in one take."

Tan You gave a half-smile. "Looks like you need more acting classes. To help you film more smoothly, I should probably visit the set more often."

Hu Yi put her hands together in a pleading gesture. "Sis, I was wrong. Just pretend I didn’t say anything."

Sister Li said, "I bet they’re thinking, ’If we can’t control you, we’ll just gross you out.’ I have to admit, it’s pretty disgusting." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Tan You said, "I don’t find it disgusting at all. You only feel negative emotions like that when you’re weak. To me, they’re nothing now. Just ignore them."

"Speaking of which, Hu Yize’s son must be almost four now, right?"

Sister Li snorted coldly. "Hmph. Back when Qi Yu had their son, Hu Yize was so high-profile about it. Now, whenever they’re mentioned, who doesn’t say what a great relationship they have? The model, loving couple?"

Tan You smiled. "Couples who market themselves as being so in love usually don’t last long. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see."

Everyone in the dressing room perked up their ears. They all knew Tan You had access to information no one else did. So what exactly did she know?

Tan You said, "How long has it been since Hu Yize was in a film? For an actor, having no new projects is a terrifying thing. Qi Yu’s career has been developing well these past few years. She’s bound to encounter more temptations."

It seemed like Tan You’s words said nothing, and yet they seemed to say everything. For a moment, everyone in the room was lost in their own different thoughts.

Sister Li gritted her teeth. "That would be for the best. Back then, Qi Yu used Hu Yize’s influence to suppress you. We can’t just let that go."

Tan You’s expression hardened. "Of course we can’t just let it go. I have my own plans."