Hearing Zhang Xueyan’s irresponsible words, Gui Kairong’s anger flared. "We agreed before coming that the filming here would be demanding, and we only have one week," he stated firmly. "Arrangements in the Northwest are already complete. If we fall behind here, we’ll have to renegotiate with them. Do you realize how much effort the people behind the scenes have poured into this?" Thıs content belongs to 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽 Zhang Xueyan’s earlier remark—"What does that have to do with me?"—had crossed Gui Kairong’s line. If she didn’t consider herself part of the film crew, then an actor like her had no place in a film he directed. "Since you’re determined to go your own way, then I have nothing more to say," he stated. Zhang Xueyan assumed Gui Kairong had yielded. With the air of a victor, she swept her gaze over everyone in the room, convinced that even a director like Gui Kairong had to defer to her. She yelled to her assistant, "Sister Li, help me pack. We’re leaving now." Giving up on her for the role was one thing, but Gui Kairong still had his principles. She was, after all, just a young woman, and he didn’t want anything to happen to her on his watch. "Arrange for a car," he instructed. "Take Zhang Xueyan to the city hospital for treatment." Perhaps, in her elation, she forgot she still had a fever. She didn’t even bother to wrap her scarf properly before heading out. She’d forgotten she was in the Northeast, where a biting cold wind whipped and snowflakes danced. The moment she stepped outside, regret hit her. But not wanting the film crew to laugh at her, she steeled herself and walked towards the car they had arranged. Once Zhang Xueyan departed, the expressions of the remaining film crew members turned grim. After all, they had made all their preparations and were eager to use the natural scenery to complete filming. But with the lead actress gone, all their efforts seemed futile. Gui Kairong, however, announced in a grave tone, "Film the other actors’ scenes first. Today’s scheduled work must be completed." Everyone was baffled. How could they possibly film without the lead actress? Gui Kairong offered no further explanation, simply turning and walking out. He didn’t go directly to find Yunyi but instead headed towards the Reclamation Group Headquarters Office Area. When Qiao Shaoguo heard what his cousin said, his expression was one of utter dismay. "What did you say?" Gui Kairong knew his words were shocking, but he trusted his instincts. He hadn’t been entirely satisfied when he initially chose Zhang Xueyan as the lead for his film; there simply hadn’t been a more suitable candidate available at the time. Moreover, backed by multiple recommendations, he’d seen Zhang Xueyan display genuine Spiritual Energy in several of her previous films. He had believed that with some additional guidance from him, she could achieve the desired effect. Now, it seemed that fame had made the young woman arrogant. Gui Kairong nodded at him. "You heard me right. I want to ask Chu Yunyi from your clinic to be the lead actress in my film. Cousin, could you help me by speaking to her about this?" Qiao Shaoguo was taken aback. "What about the original lead actress? She’s not doing the part anymore?" Gui Kairong replied, "She has a fever and is insisting on being treated at the city hospital." Qiao Shaoguo understood. "You want Doctor Chu to take the role? But when Zhang Xueyan returns, won’t she cause trouble for Doctor Chu?" Gui Kairong’s expression was decidedly grim. "Don’t worry, Cousin. I’ll handle it." Qiao Shaoguo glanced out the window. "With such heavy snow, even if they make it to the city, getting back will be a problem." Gui Kairong also looked outside, then nodded. "Yes, the film crew can’t keep waiting indefinitely." The two cousins exchanged a meaningful glance, then left the office one after the other, heading towards the clinic. Yunyi was a little surprised to see them arrive together. Recalling the question Gui Kairong had asked her previously, understanding dawned on her. With an opportunity , she wondered, should I try it? After all, this is a field I’ve never ventured into before. Qiao Shaoguo had interacted with Yunyi before and had some understanding of her temperament. "Yunyi," he began, "is it alright if I call you that?" Yunyi smiled and nodded. She rose, picked up the bamboo container she kept for guests, and poured them two cups of tea. "Of course. Wenyu and the others are my friends, so Qiao Tuan is naturally an elder to me." After setting down the tea, she too sat down. Gui Kairong then added, "I’m Qiao Wenyu’s uncle. So, like my cousin, I’ll also take the liberty of calling you Yunyi." To ease his own awkwardness, he took a sip of the tea Yunyi had poured. "Regarding my earlier proposal," he began, "have you given it any thought?"