Lu Wen thought for a moment, but ultimately shook her head. "No, I actually think it’s nice being behind the scenes. A quieter life gives me more time for myself and a greater sense of peace."

"I really like my life now."

Tan You’s smile grew more sincere. "That’s good. Once you start letting external things bother you too much, it’s hard to find the energy for anything else. But you do need to focus on running the company."

"I know," Lu Wen said, her shoulders slumping. "I’ll do my best."

The company had its own team of stylists. As Lu Wen was leaving, the rest of the film crew also emerged from the break room. Seeing Director Qi holding Hu Yi’s hand, Lu Wen couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

’Come to think of it, after she parted ways with Director Qi that day, she’d been so busy hashing things out with the screenwriter for that sweet little rom-com that she hadn’t checked in on Hu Yi. Had they really gotten this close, this fast?’

Director Qi was very open about it. "It’s exactly what it looks like."

Lu Wen looked at Sister Li and Ji Mingxi, then at Hu Yi and Director Qi. ’Am I the fifth wheel here?’ she suddenly thought.

Wan Yi sidled up to Lu Wen. "Sister Wen, let’s stick together today. With all these happy couples, how are we supposed to survive?"

Wei Wei came to Lu Wen’s other side. "Count me in."

Lu Wen didn’t mind; in fact, she was in a great mood. "Perfect. I actually have two handsome escorts tonight. Everyone else is going to be green with envy."

"Hu Yi, let’s have a word." After a brief exchange with the two actors, Lu Wen waved Hu Yi over. She was curious, after all. Hu Yi had explicitly said she didn’t want to date anyone from the industry.

"He’s very sincere," Hu Yi began, before Lu Wen could even say a word. "When he brought it up, he signed an agreement with me."

Lu Wen raised an eyebrow slightly. "What kind of agreement? Don’t tell me it’s one of those where if he’s ever unfaithful, he has to leave with nothing to his name?"

"That’s the one," Hu Yi nodded. "Of course, that’s secondary. He also promised he would never interfere with my work. If he’s not filming, he’ll just follow me everywhere. Wherever I go, he goes."

Lu Wen asked, "Don’t you think that shows a lack of ambition?"

Hu Yi replied, "Actually, he’s very picky. He’d rather stay idle than take on a script he doesn’t respect. And he was also honest with me—of course he was ecstatic when he won that award."

"But it’s precisely because he’s already won it that his thirst for another trophy isn’t as strong."

"As for ambition, it’s enough for one person in a couple to be ambitious. That’s just my opinion, of course. I actually think it must be hard for him to think that way. Not many men are willing to be the man behind the woman."

Lu Wen smiled. "As long as you’re both happy with it, that’s all that matters."

Hu Yi said, "I am. Of course I am. And I’m not holding him back, either. After all, whoever wants the relationship more always has to give more. As long as our relationship is solid, I won’t interfere with his career."

Lu Wen got a little gossipy. "So, what’s Director Qi’s net worth?"

At this, everyone’s ears perked up. Director Qi coughed twice. Ji Mingxi immediately slung an arm over Director Qi’s shoulder. "Brother Qi, let’s go talk over there..."

Hu Yi mentioned a figure with a wide grin. Lu Wen nodded. "That’s not as much as you’re worth. Is Director Qi such a big spender?"

Hu Yi defended him, "Not exactly. He doesn’t have much cash on hand because he’s used it all to buy property. He owns a lot of real estate. Basically, as soon as he earns money, he buys a house. He doesn’t trust other things like funds or stocks."

"Besides, he’s already transferred the titles for those properties to me."

Lu Wen stared at Hu Yi for a moment. "That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you two."

"If he has the guts to give it, I have the guts to take it." Hu Yi glanced at Director Qi. "Honestly, I trust tangible assets a lot more than a man’s sweet nothings."

"If a man is willing to give me everything he has, then I don’t see why we can’t be together. Feelings can be nurtured. Besides, he’s genuinely talented and a good person. It would be my loss to let him go."

Lu Wen patted her on the shoulder. "If you ever feel wronged in the future, don’t just put up with it. No matter what, I’ll be on your side."

Hu Yi linked her arm through Lu Wen’s. "I know, I know. Sister Wen is the best."

Sister Li, walking to Lu Wen’s left, chimed in, "I think Director Qi took a page out of Ji Mingxi’s book. It was the same when Ji Mingxi confessed to me. He had just come to the country back then. All he had was money in his bank account; he didn’t even own a house."

Lu Wen was intrigued. "And then what? What did he do?"

Sister Li said, "He just slapped his bank card down on the table right in front of me..."

Wan Yi and Wei Wei were listening, captivated. Wan Yi said, "But isn’t that a little risky? I mean, hypothetically, what if the person you like is met with an even greater temptation down the line? Wouldn’t you lose both the person and your money?"

Wei Wei replied, "It’s not like anyone is asking you to do it. Ji Mingxi and Director Qi can afford to do that because they’re both very capable. Besides, Sister Li and Hu Yi are both good people. As long as you’re sure the other person is a good person, then it’s a gamble worth taking."

"You can always earn more money, but you can’t always find the right person."

Wan Yi thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I could probably never be like the director. Honestly, I’m traumatized by my days of being poor. If I don’t have money on hand, I start to panic."

Lu Wen said, "They’re just special cases; no one is saying you have to do the same thing in the future. And if you truly love and respect someone, you wouldn’t force these things. But honestly, Wan Yi, have you considered seeing a therapist?"

"Have you broken that habit of sleeping with gold ingots yet? It’s not like you’re short on money now, right?"

Wan Yi gave a bitter smile. "Sister Wen, I might never be able to change. The past was just too hard. All I wanted was lots and lots of money. I can’t fall asleep unless I have money under my pillow."

Wei Wei draped an arm over Wan Yi’s shoulder. "There’s nothing wrong with loving money. I love money, too."

Wan Yi continued, "But over the last few years, this tension and anxiety has definitely eased up a lot. Maybe I’ll gradually feel less tense in the future, but right now, I can’t."

"Especially when I think about spending money on other people. That’s what really gets to me."

Wei Wei asked, "So that’s why you don’t date? You’re just going to spend your life with your money?"

"There’s nothing wrong with that," Wan Yi said, holding up his hands. "I don’t want a girlfriend anyway. The moment you get one, you have to spend money. I’m a cheapskate even with myself, so how could I stand to spend money on a stranger? I’d rather not start at all than end up with a reputation for being stingy."

"Besides, I’m very busy. I’m not going to think about any of this until I’ve won an international Best Actor award."

As he spoke, Wan Yi gave Wei Wei a light punch on the shoulder. "I’m really jealous of you."

Wei Wei wasn’t arrogant about it. "It’ll be your turn next year."

Wan Yi’s mood brightened instantly. "That’s right. Just watch me next year."

Lu Wen smiled. "You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. And none of us think you’re stingy. You’re very generous with your colleagues."