I Am Rich

9

After dropping off Guan Zhiyi at her home, Qi Chengyan drove back to the restaurant.

Before entering, he made a phone call to one of his subordinates.

"Mr. Qi."

Qi Chengyan: "Has the casting for the <Dawn and the Wild> been finalised?"

The assistant was taken aback, not expecting him to suddenly show interest in such minor matters. "The auditions were held a few days ago, they should have made their decisions today."

"Have someone check the list, and also find out why they turned Guan Zhiyi down." 

Qi Chengyan has already decided to enter the entertainment industry. His previous investment in <The Dawn and the Wild> was just the beginning and nothing significant. So the assistant wondered why he was suddenly asking about these details, but when he heard the name Guan Zhiyi, he immediately understood.

Did the girl really get turned down?

No wonder the boss called personally to inquire.

After ending the call, Qi Chengyan pushed open the door. Guan Yuanbai was still seated in the same spot, the dishes on the table had been cleared and replaced with tea and snacks.

"Did you send her back?" Guan Yuanbai seemed to have anticipated his return.

Qi Chengyan took a seat across from him and hummed. 

The corners of Guan Yuanbai's lips twitched, said helplessly, "Every time we quarrel, you're always there to coax her. No wonder she used to say that I wasn't as good as you back then."

Qi Chengyan raised an eyebrow. "That sounds a bit sour."

"That stinky girl has no conscience."

Qi Chengyan did not respond, pouring himself a cup of tea. After taking a sip, he said, "Yuanbai, I understand that both you and your father have reservations about this industry, but Xiaowu is her own person, and your mother is your mother."

Guan Yuanbai gazed out the window. "My mom passed away when Xiaowu was young, so at that time, she only saw the adoration and believed that our mother was the most beautiful and radiant person in the world. But the price of glamour and beauty is sometimes too heavy for ordinary people to bear."

"I understand," Qi Chengyan used to live next door to them, so he was well aware of their family's situation.

Qi Chengyan: "Xiaowu may not have understood when she was young, but she should have understood as she grew older. Despite that she still wants to follow her mother's path, she still wants to be an actress. You can see that she is not merely influenced, she genuinely likes it." 

Guan Yuanbai frowned, "Even when my mother had the entire Guan family behind her back, she still lived unhappily. Why should Xiaowu go down that same path again? Actually, I just hope that she can come home obediently, happily receiving pampering from everyone. She doesn't need to exhaust herself... but forget it, I've told her this countless times. She will surely understand later. Right now, she is still young and exuberant, and wants to defy us."

"At first, I also thought she was just being young and impulsive, but now I believe she won't turn back," Qi Chengyan said.

Guan Yuanbai's hand holding the cup slightly paused, he heard Qi Chengyan continue, "You should not impose your emotional burden and the past on her. If she likes it so much, let her pursue it. If you are still worried, I will help you to keep an eye on her."

Guan Yuanbai looked at him suspiciously.

Qi Chengyan smiled, "The Qi family is planning to enter the entertainment industry, so I'll naturally have a better understanding of the industry. But don't worry, I'll only monitor her and won't go out of my way to promote her." 

Guan Yuanbai: "But…"

"Unless you truly want to lose your sister completely?"

Guan Yuanbai opened his mouth, rubbing his temples in frustration, "I can't do anything to her. You see, she just stormed off... so angrily, I couldn't even say a word."

"Xiaowu is actually quite easy to talk to," Qi Chengyan said, "If you coax her, she'll listen."

"That only works for you." Guan Yuanbai answer speechlessly. "Have you ever seen me succeed in coaxing her?"

 

A faint smile appeared on the corners of Qi Chengyan's mouth. "That's your problem."

"......"

After conversing for a while, Guan Yuanbai felt relieved. Seeing this, Qi Chengyan left and went back to the company.

He just returned to the country not long ago and still had a lot of work to do. It wasn't until 7 o'clock in the evening that he finished dealing with some of it and was ready to go home. However, just as he was about to leave, the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Mr. Qi, we have some results about Miss Guan after sending someone to look into it."

Qi Chengyan sat back down on the office chair, "Speak."

"Initially the director and the writer were very satisfied with Miss Guan and had decided to sign her. However, they were suddenly informed that she must be replaced."

"Must?"

"Yes," the assistant confirmed. "The staff revealed that it was because of Ms. Zheng Yitong. Zhao Zhihui is a relative of Zheng Yitong, and Ms. Zheng's family holds some influence in the industry. Mr. Zhao is very fond of Ms. Zheng because of this. Ms. Zheng wanted to replace Ms. Guan, so Mr. Zhao arranged someone to replace her. Since this IP is under Yixing's control and Ms. Guan is a Yixing artist, it was easy to handle…"

Qi Chengyan fingers tapped on the keyboard, the force was a little heavy, "Zheng Yitong has a problem with her?"

"This....."

"She did?"

"Actually, the reason seems to be....you."

Qi Chengyan was taken aback, "Me?"

"Yes." The assistant cleared his throat. "It is said that Ms. Zheng held a grudge against Ms. Guan because of what happened at the Nanjue Hotel. At first, she was jealous because of you, but when she found out that there was nothing going on between you and Ms. Guan... she took her anger out on Ms. Guan."

"Anger?" Qi Chengyan's eyes darkened. "Is Zheng Yitong the actress for <Dawn and the Wild>?"

"Yes."

Qi Chengyan fell silent for a moment. "Tell Zhao Zhihui to replace her. As for Xiao... Guan Zhiyi, stick with the original decision. If Zhao Zhihui has any objections, he can come to me directly."

Qi Chengyan's tone was not heavy, but the assistant could sense his anger. He quickly responded, "Understood, Mr. Qi."

_____

In fact, things like being replaced happen all the time, but this time Guan Zhiyi felt more devastated than ever before.

She really liked the novel and had invested a lot of attention into the audition, but unfortunately...she didn't secure the role.

After returning home last night, Guan Zhiyi stayed awake for most of the night. When Liu Yun called her the next day to tidy up and come downstairs, she was still in a state of confusion.

"Sister Yun? Going downstairs? Why do I need to go downstairs?"

"I'm on my way to your neighborhood right now, hurry up."

"Huh?"

"Don't ask any more questions! We're going to sign the contract, get ready quickly!"

"???"

…….

A dramatic ups and downs are probably what she was experiencing right now.

Guan Zhiyi doesn't understand why she was replaced when she was so well-received, or why she suddenly had to sign a contract after night.

Even after she had signed the contract, she still didn't feel the reality of it.

On their way out, Guan Zhiyi couldn't help but ask, "Why in the end...?"

Liu Yun gave her a knowing look and chuckled, "Why are you still pretending with me? You know why."

Guan Zhiyi was confused, "I really don't know."

Liu Yun said suspiciously, "Qi Chengyan arranged someone to hire you back, didn't you go to him to deal with this?"

Guan Zhiyi froze, "How could I possibly go to him for this matter?"

"But he's the one who arranged it," Liu Yun pondered for a moment, "It seems like he still has feelings for you. He even helped you get revenge after finding out you were replaced."

"Revenge?"

"You have no idea. You were replaced before because of Zheng Yitong's scheme. Now, Zheng Yitong is no longer part of <Dawn and the Wild>. I heard Mr. Zhao's assistant said that Qi Chengyan asked someone to replace her."

"How is that possible ......"

"Why wouldn't it be possible? If Qi Chengyan requested a change, would Mr. Zhao dare to refuse? He's the biggest investor in this drama, and... ahem, there's a confidential reason that I can't disclose right now, but you'll find out later."

Guan Zhiyi simply said 'oh' and didn't ask any further questions.

She pulled out her phone and opened the WeChat dialog box. Staring at Qi Chengyan's blank profile picture, she didn't know what to say for a while.

There was a mix of excitement and disbelief.

He was actually helping her, but... didn't he say he wouldn't help her before?

""Zhiyi, you don't know about this? Could it be that Qi Chengyan is chasing you?"

"Cough—" Guan Zhiyi abruptly choked, "What?"

Liu Yun's expression was full of clear understanding, "Since you said you're not in that kind of relationship, then I think he's pursuing you."

"..."

Guan Zhiyi looked at Liu Yun's happy face and didn't have the heart to explain.

She let out a light breath and simply said nothing, Liu Yun will not believe her, anyway.

Guan Zhiyi tightly held her phone, bowed her head, and slowly typed a message to Qi Chengyan. .

[I've heard about the role.]

A few minutes later, Qi Chengyan replied: [Did you sign the contract?] 

Guan Zhiyi: [Signed.]

Qi Chengyan: [Good.]

Guan Zhiyi: [Thank you, brother.]

Qi Chengyan: [I'm not just helping you, but also ensuring a smooth filming process in the future. Since the director believes you're suitable for the role, it was meant for you.]

Guan Zhiyi: [What about Zheng Yitong?] 

Qi Chengyan: [I don't want anyone doing as they please in my project.]

Guan Zhiyi's lips curled slightly, wanting to smile, but she quickly suppressed it, afraid that Liu Yun would notice.

[I still want to thank you.]

[Well, how do you plan to thank me?]

Guan Zhiyi thought about it: [I'll treat you to dinner! But I'll be recording a variety show soon. Are you free tomorrow?]

[Sure.]

[Great!] 

Turning off the phone, Guan Zhiyi glanced outside the window. Guan Zhiyi glanced out the window. Her smiling expression, one that couldn't be contained no matter how hard she tried, was reflected in the glass.

"I think he's chasing you" - this sentence suddenly popped up on her head.

Guan Zhiyi paused slightly and reached out her hand to pat her cheek nervously.

Although...she knew that it was just Liu Yun trying to distort the truth and that it was highly unlikely. She doesn't know why, when she thought of that sentence, she felt a heart-stopping tremor in her heart.

_____

Guan Zhiyi had to leave for <Get Out, Fat!> the day after tomorrow, she packed up her luggage early.

Once she finished packing, she quickly applied her makeup and prepared to have dinner with Qi Chengyan.

Since he knew she couldn't drive, Qi Chengyan picked her up directly from her neighborhood and they headed to the restaurant that she had reserved together.

"I've been to this restaurant before, and the food is really delicious," Guan Zhiyi said as they arrived at the dining room. She then proceeded to introduce the menu to Qi Chengyan as if presenting a treasure. "Their signature dish is the pepper chicken, the beef is also great... Oh, and the dessert is particularly delicious. How about we try a bit of everything?"

Qi Chengyan smiled at her, "Okay."

"En!"

"Yesterday, I heard you mention that you'll be recording a variety show?" 

Guan Zhiyi: "Yes, I'll be staying with some other celebrities in a nearby ancient city. It's quite convenient," 

"I didn't know you wanted to do a variety show before."

"It was decided a while ago. Sister Yun said that this variety show has the potential to be a hit and it would be beneficial for me to participate."

Qi Chengyan nodded and casually asked, "Who else will be participating?"

"There's Teacher Hou Lu, Xiao Ran, and Lin Jiaer..."

"Xiao Ran?"

"Yes, he's very popular. Do you know him too? Have you seen his work or…"

"I met him when I was abroad."

Guan Zhiyi: "Huh? What kind of meeting are you talking about?"

Qi Chengyan said, "Last year, the company had a product that he endorsed, we got to know each other then."

"I see."

_____

As the two chatted casually, the food was served.

However, Guan Zhiyi's cell phone suddenly rang just as they started eating. Since her phone was placed on the table, Qi Chengyan also caught a glimpse of the caller's name - Hua Hongxi.

Upon seeing the name, Guan Zhiyi instinctively glanced at Qi Chengyan, only to find that Qi Chengyan seemed unfazed, he asked her, "Why didn't you answer it?" 

"Huh? Oh!" Guan Zhiyi quickly picked up her phone and answered, saying, "Hello."

Hua Hongxi's voice came through the receiver shortly after, saying, "Zhiyi~ are you free today? We should go on a date, like having a meal together or something. If not…"

"I'm having dinner with Brother Chengyan!" Afraid that Hua Hongxi would say something, and Qi Chengyan, who was sitting across from her, would hear it. Guan Zhiyi immediately reminded Hua Hongxi.

Hua Hongxi paused and quickly reacted, "Ah... in that case, let's do it another time! Ahem, don't mention that I called you."

Guan Zhiyi: "......"

He already knew, alright!

"What did he say?" Qi Chengyan opposite her asked.

Guan Zhiyi shook her head, "It's nothing, just ask me if I want to go out to eat…"

Qi Chengyan reached out his hand, "Give me the phone."

Guan Zhiyi hesitated for a moment but eventually handed it over, looking somewhat reluctant.

"Give it to me."

"...... oh." She didn't dare to refuse. 

After taking the phone, Qi Chengyan spoke directly to the person on the other end, saying, "Since you haven't eaten, come over and eat."

Hua Hongxi was startled, "No need, brother. I actually still have something to do ......"

"Come here."

Hua Hongxi: "......"

Qi Chengyan solemnly uttered,"Hua Hongxi, don't let me repeat myself."

"Come, come, I will come." Hua Hongxi scratched his hair on the other side of the phone, said helplessly, "Send me the address…"

_____