Chapter 131: Chapter 130: Zhai Li’s Regret
"Do you regret it?"
Far away at the Hengdian Film and Television Base.
On the set of a TV drama called "Princess Qin," Mo Yonghua looked at Zhai Li sitting in a chair scrolling through Weibo, her eyes involuntarily showing heartache.
This girl is famously dedicated and earnest in the crew, hardly showing any signs of being a newcomer. Not only is her appearance stunning, but she also possesses exceptional acting skills for her age. From the director to the cast, everyone believes she has the potential to succeed. Yet, here she is, eyes slightly red, biting her lower lip while staring at a photo on her phone, filled with disappointment and speechless.
"Actually, it’s my fault. Blame me. Back then, I just thought he was an ordinary student, and I made you break up with him for the sake of your career development. After all, in my eyes, you were like a star compared to a firefly.
But who would have thought, in just two months, this Gu Bai would turn into the owner of such a colossal capital..."
Hearing Mo Yonghua’s words, Zhai Li didn’t even change her expression, still staring intently at the image on her phone.
"Why don’t you try contacting him? If he still has feelings for you, he might forgive you... And the projects their company invests in, if you can tap into them a little, it would be enough for you to establish a foothold in the film industry..."
This "Princess Qin" is a TV drama invested in by the company, with a total investment of just 10 million. Comparing it to Gu Bai’s investment in "Fuyao," they could shoot 85 episodes of "Princess Qin." How could Mo Yonghua, as an agent, not be envious?
But even as she spoke, Mo Yonghua’s voice slowly lowered.
Breaking up decisively and now wanting to return after seeing the person become a big shot? Even ordinary people might not accept it, let alone someone whose status is already high up like him. Just hoping Gu Bai doesn’t suppress her is already a blessing.
Upon hearing this, Zhai Li put down her phone and turned her head to glance at Mo Yonghua, her cool aura making her shiver slightly.
"Sister Hua, do you think it’s possible?"
Mo Yonghua paused for a moment, finally opting to remain silent.
Zhai Li let out a bitter smile, then gently shook her head.
"This matter isn’t the company’s fault; it was my choice. No matter how much money Gu Bai has, that’s his business. Right now, I just want to focus on acting well in this TV drama, not for anything else...
Just to prove that I didn’t make the wrong choice back then."
As someone who has already stepped into the entertainment industry, Zhai Li knows full well what it means to have a giant backing you. With Huayi behind her, she has a 50% chance of success. After all, Huayi Company has hundreds of artists under its name, and how many can genuinely receive a boost in resources? It was precisely because of Mo Yonghua’s industry standing that Zhai Li managed to land the lead role in her first TV drama.
But had she not broken up with Gu Bai,
her chance of success would have been 100%.
Although Black Swan Capital doesn’t yet have as much influence or resources in the entertainment circle as Huayi, making an individual star is undoubtedly an easy task.
For example, the officially announced "Fuyao," "I Am Not a God of Medicine," and "Tomato Richest" would be enough to allow a newcomer to easily step into the public’s view with any significant role.
But those are all in the past now; Gu Bai has nothing to do with her anymore.
Thinking of this, a wave of sadness surged from her chest. She couldn’t tell if it was regret after learning of Gu Bai’s identity or some other emotion.
Seeing Zhai Li’s red eyes before her, Mo Yonghua gently hugged her.
"It’s okay, just act well in this show, and your goal will definitely be achieved."
In Mo Yonghua’s embrace, Zhai Li nodded gently.
After a while, Mo Yonghua spoke again.
"Lili, why don’t you call Gu Bai?"
"?"
Zhai Li looked at her in confusion.
"Not for any other reason, just to apologize. Otherwise, I’m afraid he might suppress you. There are many examples of love turning into hate. If he really sets his mind on targeting you in the entertainment industry, Huayi... won’t shield you."
Mo Yonghua, having been an agent for so many years, knows the countless stars abandoned by the capital in the entertainment industry.
If Gu Bai publicly oppresses Zhai Li, Huayi won’t face off against Black Swan Capital for the sake of a small star. At that point, Zhai Li would undoubtedly be discarded.
She vaguely remembered what she said at the school gate back then.
"Trust me, in a while, he’ll only be able to look up at you like an ordinary person beneath the stage."
But in less than two months, that scene unfolded with the roles completely reversed. Even if Zhai Li became a top-tier star, it probably wouldn’t mean anything to Gu Bai.
Upon hearing Mo Yonghua’s words, Zhai Li hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement with her suggestion.
She dialed Gu Bai’s number.
Meanwhile, Gu Bai, far away in Shanghai, had just finished showering and was about to call Lu Wei and the others to play games. Seeing Zhai Li’s call, he hesitated briefly and then answered.
"Hello."
His tone was calm, neither intentionally enthusiastic nor deliberately cold, as if speaking to a stranger.
Hearing this voice, Zhai Li’s heart couldn’t help but tremble. If Gu Bai had been cold or a bit angry, it might have made her feel better; at least it would have meant that she still mattered to him.
"It’s Zhai Li."
"I know. Say what you need to say."
"I saw you on Weibo today. I didn’t expect you to be so wealthy."
"Hmm, and then?"
On the other end, Gu Bai found the conversation increasingly baffling.
"Do you still hate me?"
"You’re crazy."
With that, he hung up the phone.
When the call ended, Zhai Li stood there in a daze.
She had considered many of Gu Bai’s possible reactions before, but never imagined it would end like this.
Mo Yonghua, who had heard Gu Bai, stepped forward to comfort her: "From the sound of it, he probably isn’t planning to target you. After all, it was just a breakup; no need to drive you to a dead end."
"Mm...
Sister Hua, I’m going to rest now. I still have to memorize lines tomorrow."
With that, Zhai Li turned and went back to her room without looking back.
After Gu Bai hung up, he understood the intention behind Zhai Li’s call. She probably found out about his situation on Weibo and wanted to call to apologize.
As for whether she wanted to reconcile, Gu Bai didn’t even consider it.
This woman was too proud to bow to anyone, and it was obvious that this call was probably prompted by her agent.
In his past life, he loved her aloof and artistic vibe. Now, he preferred the straightforward type like Qi Man, who was purely materialistic. But so far, Qi Man was more about spending his money. As for moving his heart, she was far from reaching that standard.
Interrupted by Zhai Li’s call, Gu Bai lost the mood for gaming. He poured himself another glass of red wine and went to bed. Tomorrow was November already, the internet star festival was happening then.