"We're here," Dai Ze's reminder brought Song Xi back to the present as she got out of the car.
This was an extremely private, members-only restaurant, so there was no need to worry about paparazzi or reporters.
Dai Ze said, "Miss Ayla brought the contract along. Take a look, and if there are no issues, you can sign it right away."
Song Xi paused. "So soon? Don't high-end luxury brands usually take over half a year to evaluate an artist?"
Dai Ze blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered. "They like you, that's all. Don't overthink it. Dior is very popular right now and has a collaboration with the film festival. Many A-list actresses are clamoring for their attention, so you absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."
"But..."
As they arrived at the private room door, Dai Ze cut her off. "No 'buts,' Song Xi. You need to understand that you don't always get this kind of luck. The entertainment industry is a dog-eat-dog world. Without endorsements like this, who will take you seriously?"
He wasn't wrong.
So far, she had only acted in a low-budget short film and appeared in Sunny's commercial. Other than that, she had no commercial value to speak of.
Dai Ze glanced at her and suddenly said, "You want to act in 'Mirror Double City,' right? Once you land Dior, you'll have that chance!"
Those words acted like a shot of adrenaline, spurring Song Xi on.
Yes, why overthink it! Consider it a gift from heaven!
The door slowly opened. Song Xi bowed ninety degrees, a confident and radiant smile gracing her lips. "Hello, I'm Song Xi."
...
The meeting went smoothly, and the contract was signed on the spot.
Ayla was very fond of Song Xi. Although her initial interest was at the behest of her superiors, after interacting with Song Xi, she found her to be a fascinating person. More importantly, she was stunning, even more so than in her photos, and her aura perfectly matched the perfume "Cupid's Confession"!
The two exchanged WeChat contacts. Ayla even specifically asked Song Xi if she had ever dated and if she had a boyfriend.
As her agent, Dai Ze immediately and alertly answered for her, "Of course not!"
Ayla raised an eyebrow. Just then, Dai Ze received a phone call. Seizing the moment while he stepped away, Ayla asked Song Xi again, explaining, "'Cupid's Confession' is a perfume that symbolizes love. While you're an actress, Song Xi, if you can truly experience the taste of love, perhaps you can portray it more authentically in your acting."
Song Xi's eyes widened slightly, and for some reason, she suddenly thought of Lou Yuming.
"...I'm sorry, not at the moment." After a pause, she shook her head with a hint of regret.
Ayla smiled and said nothing more.
Regardless of Song Xi's background or any connections she might have, what was reassuring was that she was indeed a smart person. She hadn't been able to pry any information out of her. It seemed this collaboration would be quite promising.
After Ayla left, Song Xi went to the restroom. She checked her phone again; still no messages.
She was displeased, and a slight frown creased her delicate brow.
Just then, a familiar male voice echoed from ahead.
"Song Xi?"
Song Xi turned towards the sound. It was Lu Chenyu.
"What are you doing here?" he walked over. He was dressed handsomely and looked quite dashing today, clearly here to meet someone important.
Song Xi slipped her phone into her pocket and smiled thinly. "Just here for a meal. How about you?"
Lu Chenyu gave an awkward chuckle. "I... my friend Xiaobin, the one I told you about last time—"
Song Xi suddenly realized, and before she could react, he blurted out, "He's going to introduce me to a girlfriend."
Song Xi's face showed surprise, and she was about to congratulate him, thinking it was good news.
However, Lu Chenyu continued, "Song Xi, can I ask you for a favor?"
"?"
"Pretend to be my girlfriend."