Part 31：A threat?

At this point, there was nothing Yan could do but leave, seething with frustration. Lan, meanwhile, lingered in the shadows, hoping not to be seen—Yan would probably explode if she ran into her just now. Lan wasn't surprised by Yan's reaction, though. If Zoe were in her position, she'd be fuming too, probably arguing with the director just the same.

With a sigh, Lan thought to herself that, honestly, this was par for the course in the industry. Whoever was trending got the spotlight. The show needed viewership, buzz, and drama to succeed. And while Yan had seniority and status, she couldn't bring the hype and engagement Zoe's current popularity could.

Lan knocked on the door and entered, putting on a pleasant smile. "Director Zhao, could we talk for a moment?"

Zhao Qin nodded. "Of course."

Ten minutes later, Lan emerged, leaving Zhao looking stunned and a bit perplexed. "Thank you, Director. Let's stick to the original script then," Lan said politely.

Back in Zoe's room, Lan relayed the news. "I spoke with the director. The original script will stay."

Zoe, who had been relaxing with a face mask, flashed a heart gesture. "Thank you, Lan. Check the revised script carefully when it's out."

"I will. By the way, I ran into something interesting," Lan said, leaning closer. "I overheard Yan arguing with the director just now. She was furious about the new script, even threatening to walk off."

"A threat?" Zoe asked, surprised.

"Pretty much. The director ended up explaining that the script change wasn't his decision but came directly from the production company's Ms. Mang. Yan had no choice but to quiet down." Lan chuckled at the irony. She still hadn't forgotten how Yan had sabotaged Zoe in their last show appearance.

"Just be cautious around her this time. Don't let her pull another cheap shot."

"If she tries, I'll return the favor," Zoe said coolly.

"Ooh, bold now, huh? Why didn't you fight back the first time?"

"I didn't realize at first that it was intentional. Now I know. I can let one slide, but not two."

"Just don't start a public fight—that's the one taboo here."

"Got it."

Lan got up to leave. "I'll be back when they send over the updated script."

"Thanks, Lan."

As the door clicked shut, Zoe went to freshen up. She thought about taking a quick nap, but her phone buzzed just as she lay down.

It was a message from Song: "I heard the show offered you more screen time, and you turned it down?"

Zoe froze. Was the script change because of Song?

She replied with a series of question marks and asked, "Did you arrange the script change, Mr. Song?"

Song answered, "You mentioned you'd be recording a show in Hainan, and it turns out my friend's company is producing it, so I mentioned it to them. You're new and could use the exposure, right?"

Zoe stared at his message, both amused and slightly frustrated. She replied, "Thank you for the thought, but please don't interfere with my work. It causes complications."

Song's response was a line of question marks.

Zoe typed, "I don't mean to seem ungrateful, but your goodwill can create issues, especially given the unique dynamics in this industry. I hope you understand."

His next reply—**"Understood. I'll keep it in mind in the future"—**didn't exactly reassure her. The vagueness suggested he might still do as he pleased. She added, "Mr. Song, we're just getting acquainted, so let's keep things friendly. I don't know how to handle this level of generosity yet."

"Just friendly, no need to overthink," he replied, almost making her choke. Was he implying she'd overreacted?

Zoe tossed her phone aside, just as it pinged again. This time, it was Song.

"Are you in Hainan?" he asked.

Zoe hesitated. "Yes, here for the show. Why?"

After a pause, he sent a location pin—for her hotel.

Her eyes widened. "…?"

Song explained, "My assistant got here ahead of me and thought he saw your manager. Was he mistaken?"

"What a coincidence," Zoe replied, rolling her eyes.

"I'm just here for an ad shoot," he said. "I'll be gone by morning, so let's avoid crossing paths, or we'll end up in the tabloids again."

"Agreed."

"Are you at the hotel right now?"

"Yes."

"…Maybe I should book a different hotel."

"…Sure."

Zoe sighed. Did this many coincidences really happen in the world? "Maybe we should post something on social media to clarify."

"Clarify?"

"I'm fine, but your fans are intense. They'll figure out the overlap in our schedules and locations and start spinning stories. Might as well be open about it, don't you think?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"Maybe we could post the screenshots of this chat?"

"Who posts it?"

"I'd rather not stir up rumors by posting it myself. How about you?"

"Posting directly makes it look suspicious."

"So…you want me to post?"

"I wouldn't mind."

"Song, that's a bit much."

"…Song?"

"Hello?"

"Did you just vanish?"

Zoe stared at her screen in disbelief. He'd really left her hanging, obviously expecting her to deal with the situation herself.