Zu Cheng
When I stepped back into the living room, Yu had just arrived—later than he said, though not so late as it mattered.
I gave him a quick rundown of the situation: casting, budget, and time.
He didn't know anyone.
Not unexpected. Still inconvenient.
That was as far as we could go today.
I asked Ms. Yua to keep the kids ready for tomorrow, and Yu agreed to start in the morning. No objections from anyone—which, in itself, said enough.
Liam, Aryn, and I handled the remaining setup. Nothing complex, just the kind of work that would delay us if ignored.
By the time I got home, the day already felt wasted.
I went through my contracts anyway, scanning names I already knew wouldn't help. Habit, more than expectation.
My phone buzzed.
It was Zu Yuan.
The moment I picked up, his voice burst through the line.
"Brother! I just saw your project film!"
"It was really excellent!" he continued before I could respond.
"Haha. Thank you—how did you...?"
"It's on the PKU Film Division's official YouTube channel. Your name's on it."
"...When did they even put that up?"
"Ohh... you didn't know?" He changed the topic. "Anyway, how are you doing these days? Eating properly?"
"Yes, I am. But shouldn't I be the one asking?"
"Umm... I'm abroad, and my dorm mates are really kind. As for them... they can't do anything to me now."
"I didn't think Uncle would let you study in Thailand, but he did."
"That's... a miracle?"
"...Miracle? I don't think."
"Well... if I'm not wrong, then he agreed so that he has more authority."
He paused.
"Still... he has no idea that I'll never let him control my position once the industry is officially under my name."
Right.
Uncle only ever moved for his own gain.
Getting Father's signature had been part of that—nothing more.
Sending Yuan abroad wasn't generosity either. Distance meant control. Or at least, that's what he believed.
He never noticed the obvious: Yuan wasn't complying. He was waiting.
In my previous life, even after I inherited everything, Yuan never once crossed the line. If anything, he carried more of the burden than I did.
Which was exactly why Father hesitated. He wasn't sure if Yuan would remain himself—or become another version of Uncle.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
I let out a quiet breath. "Don't forget, we're family. You won't be alone. If they don't stand by you, I will."
"Yeah... I know. But I still don't get why your father still hasn't kicked him out when he knows about his greed."
"Yuan," I joked, "You'll die before you figure out those two."
"Ahaha! True. Though you never wanted it."
"And you always did. You should've told me before."
"Back then I didn't know if you really wanted the business or not."
"Yeah... we always stood for each other but never really had a proper talk until I moved out."
"I frankly never knew you were this chill about kicking someone out..."
"Why do you think I acted like I don't want you to move out?"
"Obviously to protect me again."
I didn't say anything. Then I asked, "When will you return?"
"Soon... maybe."
"Alright." I said it, although I knew he wouldn't want to return.
I leaped onto the bed, landing flat on my back while staring at the ceiling.
I had just closed my eyes when a voice came through, "Zu!! Can you get the pizza? Delivery guy's at the door... ah, and it's prepaid."
I pushed myself off the bed with a quiet exhale and headed for the door.
The hallway lights were still on. Of course they were. Yu never turned anything off unless someone told him twice.
When I opened the door, the delivery guy barely looked up, just handed over the box after a quick confirmation. Prepaid, as promised.
"Thanks."
I shut the door with my foot and walked back in, the faint smell of melted cheese already filling the air.
When I walked into the living room, Yu was already there, dropped onto the couch, his hair still wet, strands clinging together, water dripping down to his neck. A towel hung around his shoulders, barely used.
He didn't even look up and reached for the pizza like that was the only thing that mattered.
I started eating while scrolling through my phone. That's when I saw it.
A school function, children's drama. Poor-quality video.
But that one boy...
The way he acts, talks... it certainly reminds me of someone.
Back then, how excited Yu was when he said if he does it good, we have to eat his cooking...
His cooking was... wayyy worse back then.
But at the end he fell down and messed up the lines.
Even so, we won the prize for best drama in the interschool festival; of course, I doubt we could have won if he didn't fall.
Yu was practically digging a hole into my face while I grinned at the memory. I bet if I said anything right now, I'd probably be kicked out tonight.
I should just keep it to myself.
But I showed him the footage.
He stared at it for a moment, then said, "So... are we adopting talent now?"
"Maybe. Where else are we getting a FREE child actor?"
"You don't think they'll actually agree, do you?"
"...No harm in trying... I think?"
"Sure," he said, still watching the screen. "Kid's good, though."
I didn't waste time. I went through social media first, then the school's official site: old posts, event pages, anything that might have a name attached to that video.
When that led nowhere useful, I decided to call the school directly first thing in the morning.
As expected, no one answered the first call.
Regardless, I decided to work according to the schedule at the club.
By the third attempt, someone finally picked up.
"Good morning, Beijing X Middle School. How may I assist you?"
I introduced myself as a director and mentioned their recent school drama, keeping it brief. Then I explained that I was interested in casting one of the students.
There was a short pause on the other end.
"I'm sorry, sir," she said, voice still polite but noticeably firmer, "we don't share student information or facilitate external casting requests. You may send an official email to the administration if required."
The line went quiet for a second before she added, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"How long would that take?"
"Sir, we would first need to verify the request, then inform the student's parents or guardians. If they agree, we can proceed further. The entire process usually takes anywhere between a week and a month."
"I need the cast immediately. Is there any way to contact the parents directly?"
...
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, sir. We cannot share parent contact details or arrange direct communication without prior approval."
"You may send a formal request via email. The administration will review it accordingly."
The call ended soon after.
I stared at the screen for a moment, then dialed again.
This time, she recognized the number.
"Sir... regarding your earlier request?"
"Yes. I'd like to speak with the principal directly."
"Please hold."
After a while.
A click. The line shifted.
"Principal speaking."
I repeated the request, this time without unnecessary detail.
He listened without interrupting.
"You understand we cannot proceed without parental consent," he said.
"Of course. I'm only asking for a meeting. If the student and parents are open to it, we can discuss further."
"...Alright. Come to the school tomorrow afternoon. I'll arrange for the concerned student to be present. Nothing beyond that."
"That's sufficient. Thank you."
As soon as the call ended, I informed Ray.
He assured me he'd handle the rest. Yu had already finished his solo part.
Everything was running smoothly.
Except for the child.
_________
Thanks for the wait.
🙇♀️🙇♀️