Chapter 13 Pluck Call.

Chapter 13: Pick Up. The Call.

Cen Yingshuang chatted with Jiang Suian for a while, then drifted back into a drowsy sleep.

When she woke up, it was already nine at night. Man Jie brought her some food, and only then did she remember Chen Yanli, so she sent him an apologetic message explaining the situation.

She received Chen Yanli’s reply the next noon, by which time she had already boarded the plane to Beicheng.

Chen Yanli’s reply: “No worries, your health is what matters most.”

Cen Yingshuang replied with a Pinkie Pie running emoji.

Chen Yanli quickly replied again: “Your birthday is coming up soon. How do you plan to celebrate?”

Then another message came: “Do you have any other plans after you get back? How many days will you be staying in Beicheng?”

Years ago, Zhou Yalin attended the Venice Film Festival in Italy and met Ye Mingzhu by chance. At that time, Ye Mingzhu was just starting to make a name in the circle, and Zhou Yalin also became obsessed with oil painting. The two became close friends. Ye Mingzhu often painted portraits of Zhou Yalin—all the paintings hanging in her home were by Ye Mingzhu.

The two families were tight. Zhou Yalin often flew around for work, while Ye Mingzhu was carefree, buying a plane ticket and going wherever she wanted whenever she felt like it. Cen Yingshuang had essentially grown up following around Chen Yanli.

Chen Yanli was 17 years older than her, more than a full cycle older. Ye Mingzhu often told her to call Chen Yanli “Uncle,” but she insisted on calling him “Brother Yanli,” saying Brother Yanli was so handsome and didn’t look old at all, so why call him uncle.

Cen Yingshuang never saw Chen Yanli as a senior and never felt any generation gap between them. She also enjoyed modeling for Chen Yanli. Over the years, their relationship stayed as good as ever.

Yet Cen Yingshuang discovered that when Chen Yanli asked about her birthday plans, she instinctively didn’t want to open up the way she did with He Yuzhou—able to share her secrets without any burden or hesitation.

Maybe it was because she and He Yuzhou had no mutual friends, no links. She couldn’t even be sure if there would be a next time, so she could let loose without a care.

Chen Yanli was different. If he found out about her and Jiang Suian and accidentally spilled it to Ye Mingzhu, who might then tell Zhou Yalin, she’d be screwed.

So Cen Yingshuang replied ambiguously: “I’ll spend it with Mom and Dad.”

Then she replied to his second question: “I’ll rest for a few days after I get back.”

Chen Yanli still replied quickly: “Okay.”

Just then, the captain came on the intercom, reminding everyone the plane was about to take off.

Cen Yingshuang used this as an excuse to wrap up: “The plane’s taking off now, gotta go.”

Actually, first-class cabins had WiFi, but she just didn’t know how to keep the conversation going.

After the plane took off and leveled off, Cen Yingshuang started messing with her phone again. She edited the retouched photos from the fashion show that her studio had sent and posted a work-related Weibo post, including a few everyday photos she had taken—including the two-hundred-year-old apple tree and the sunset at the seaside castle.

Soon after posting, she received a like from Wu Xi. At the same time, Wu Xi sent her a WeChat message: “Shuangshuang, are you still in Rome?”

Cen Yingshuang replied: “No, I’m on the plane.”

Wu Xi: “What? You’re heading back so soon? I was hoping to hang out with you.”

Although Cen Yingshuang was a people person and friendly to everyone, she had few close friends in the circle. She got along well with the cast and crew during shoots, but when things got busy, there was little time or chance to meet up and get to know each other better, so over time, they just became casual acquaintances. So faced with Wu Xi’s message, she didn’t know how to respond and just sent a cute emoji.

Wu Xi’s messages kept coming: “Shuangshuang, where’s that castle in your Weibo post? And is that two-hundred-year-old apple tree a scenic spot?”

Cen Yingshuang replied: “It’s at the seaside resort castle the brand arranged for us to stay in.”

Wu Xi replied instantly: “But from what I know, the brand arranged the InterContinental Hotel.”

Cen Yingshuang was puzzled. She turned to Man Jie and asked, “Man Jie, was the hotel arranged by the brand the InterContinental? Why weren’t we there?”

Man Jie was looking at her iPad, her phone buzzing with messages as she typed replies quickly with one hand.

At Cen Yingshuang’s sudden question, Man Jie paused her typing. As someone well-versed in social niceties, she reacted swiftly: “With your influence, who can match you? You’re their golden goose. They’d treat you like royalty. Of course, you get special treatment.”

This explanation was seamless, leaving no room for doubt.

Cen Yingshuang naturally believed it and nodded.

Man Jie looked at her, in a particularly good mood, and patted her head: “Shuang, even better days are ahead!”

After all, He Yuzhou had taken an interest in her.

Though Cen Yingshuang had never known hardship since birth, being pampered like a little princess, and Zhou Yalin had some sway in the Chinese entertainment industry, there was always someone more powerful.

He Yuzhou’s status, aside from his father He Jingsheng, was unshakable. And now He Jingsheng was semi-retired.

If He Yuzhou so much as stomped his foot, not just the entertainment industry but the entire country would tremble.

--

Back in Beicheng.

Today, Zhou Yalin had no schedule and was resting at home.

As the nanny van pulled into the underground garage, Zhou Yalin was already waiting for her.

Their residential complex had excellent privacy, so Zhou Yalin could come out in her pajamas with a bare face without worrying about being photographed.

Cen Yingshuang got out of the car, and Zhou Yalin immediately stepped forward, hugging her and checking her over. “Sweetie, I heard you caught a cold. Are you better now?”

“Mom, I’m much better, don’t worry.” Cen Yingshuang’s voice still had a hint of nasal congestion.

“Qin Yiman, what’s wrong with you! How did you take care of my daughter like this?” Zhou Yalin pretended to be angry, using this as a pretext to scold her.

“Alright, alright, my fault.” Man Jie smiled and made a mock bow, looking apologetic.

Man Jie hadn’t planned to tell Zhou Yalin about Cen Yingshuang’s cold in the first place.

Zhou Yalin doted on Cen Yingshuang immensely, making a big fuss over the smallest bumps and bruises, even insisting on hospital visits until they healed. If Zhou Yalin found out Cen Yingshuang was sick, she’d nag endlessly.

But it seemed no secret could stay hidden—she forgot the whole team was loyal to Zhou Yalin.

“It’s not Man Jie’s fault; the weather in Italy was bad.” Cen Yingshuang quickly defended her.

Man Jie feigned panic: “Don’t say that, or your mom might fly to Italy overnight to bomb it for having bad weather!”

Cen Yingshuang let out a laugh.

Zhou Yalin pretended to be annoyed and shot Man Jie a glare.

“Alright, you’ve been on a plane all day. Go upstairs and rest,” Man Jie reminded them. “Don’t let your precious daughter catch another cold!”

Zhou Yalin snorted and led Cen Yingshuang upstairs.

Once home, Zhou Yalin instructed the nanny to heat up some nourishing soup and serve a bowl to Cen Yingshuang.

She went to her room, took a shower, and then flopped onto the bed, phone in hand, chatting with Jiang Suian.

Tomorrow was her birthday.

The birthday she had been looking forward to for so long had finally arrived.

A once-in-a-lifetime coming-of-age ceremony, plus a confession plan—she couldn't half-ass it.

So she used her own savings to book the best spot in Beicheng in advance—a Cantonese restaurant, supposedly the best Cantonese food in town. The food didn't matter—what mattered was the privacy, so no paparazzi would bother them.

She texted Jiang Suian the restaurant's name.

Jiang Suian sent a voice note.

Cen Yingshuang put it on speakerphone, since she was in her room and didn't care if anyone heard.

"When did you book the restaurant? Why didn't you tell me? I would've handled it..."

"Sweetie."

The door suddenly flew open, and Zhou Yalin's voice came out of nowhere.

Cen Yingshuang jumped, her hand jerking, almost sending her phone flying. She quickly slammed it face-down on the bed, her voice a little shaky: "Mom... Mom! Why didn't you knock before coming in!"

"Sorry, sorry, baby, I forgot." Zhou Yalin quickly apologized.

"Who were you chatting with?" Zhou Yalin closed the door and walked in.

"Just a friend." Cen Yingshuang's face flickered with guilt as she tried to play it cool.

Lying to Zhou Yalin was nerve-wracking, since Zhou Yalin was an actress herself and could spot a lie a mile away.

Luckily, Zhou Yalin trusted her completely and didn't suspect a thing.

"Mind if I interrupt you for a sec?" Zhou Yalin walked to Cen Yingshuang's bedside, with her hands behind her back, all mysterious: "Wanna see something cool?"

"What is it?"

"Ta-da!" Zhou Yalin whipped it out from behind her back like a prize.

Cen Yingshuang looked at what Zhou Yalin was holding, totally surprised: "A script?!"

"Yes!" Zhou Yalin climbed onto the bed and lay down next to Cen Yingshuang, both of them on their stomachs. She put the script between them: "The director's Zheng Qiao. He handed me the script two days ago, and I read it—it's amazing! A script this good has to go to my baby."

Zheng Qiao was one of the most acclaimed directors in the country, with tons of classic films and international awards. He was basically Zhou Yalin's mentor; she won her first Best Actress award starring in his movie.

The movie was called *Me, Us*, a tragic love story set during a war.

"Don't let good stuff go to outsiders. We'll pick the male lead from our company to star opposite you," Zhou Yalin said.

Cen Yingshuang was totally flattered. Even though she had a strong start, this was her first time working with Zheng Qiao.

Leyu Entertainment was the biggest film and TV company in the Chinese entertainment industry, with a roster full of A-listers and award-winning actors. Just when Cen Yingshuang thought Zhou Yalin would pick some award-winning actor to lead with her, Zhou Yalin dropped a familiar name: "What about Jiang Suian?"

Cen Yingshuang froze, looking up at Zhou Yalin.

"Jiang Suian's only two or three years older than you, but he's solid in his work. He's built his career steadily over the years, with decent popularity and good acting skills," Zhou Yalin evaluated fairly. "It just so happens that Zheng Qiao wants this film to nurture new talent."

Seeing Cen Yingshuang silent, Zhou Yalin immediately expressed her firm stance: "But the key is you, sweetie. If you don't want him, we'll switch—pick whoever you'd like to work with."

Cen Yingshuang shook her head like a rattle-drum: "No need to change!"

Afraid of showing too much enthusiasm, she restrained herself: "Mom, I think your analysis makes a lot of sense. Jiang Suian is very suitable!"

"Alright, I'll listen to my sweetie." Zhou Yalin patted Cen Yingshuang's head.

After Zhou Yalin left, Cen Yingshuang rolled around on the bed in joy several times, eager to tell Jiang Suian the news about their upcoming collaboration. But as she reached for her phone, she remembered Zhou Yalin's warning before leaving: "Don't spread this news yet. Let Zheng Qiao handle the casting announcement. Have him go through the audition process first, just as a formality."

She'd hold off and surprise him later.

She didn't even remember falling asleep until she was jolted awake in the middle of the night by her phone ringing.

Cen Yingshuang shuddered, startled. The phone was right by her pillow.

Still shaken, she squinted and picked up the phone. Her vision was blurry, but she vaguely saw an unfamiliar number. She dismissed it and hung up.

But before she could put the phone down, it rang again.

Frowning, she finally answered, her tone displeased: "Hello."

"Asleep?"

Two simple words, with that familiar, deep, mellow voice, made Cen Yingshuang freeze. She reacted slowly, rubbing her eyes and looking at the phone screen again.

Her vision gradually cleared, settling on the area code of the incoming number.

—Hong Kong, China

Cen Yingshuang snapped awake, confirming in surprise: "Brother Yuzhou?"

"Took you long enough to remember me."

He Yuzhou teased.

His voice carried a smile, coming through the receiver, even more magnetic and pleasant.

"Of course I remember you." Cen Yingshuang felt a surreal sensation, wondering if she was still dreaming. How else could she be on the phone with He Yuzhou?

"I just fell asleep and saw an unfamiliar number, so I hung up. Sorry about that," she explained.

"I should apologize," He Yuzhou said politely. "It's my fault for waking you."

"Are you still in Italy?" Cen Yingshuang asked casually.

"I'm," He Yuzhou seemed to deliberately draw out his words, creating his usual suspenseful mystery,

before calmly adding, "at your doorstep."