All the Female Protagonists Who Have Been Saved Have Become Obsessed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 13

Director Zhang frowned, hung up the phone, and Bai SuFang glared at him. He walked over, extended a hand to Zhou Li, and said, “Sorry, work issues made me late.” Seeing the food was served, he let go and said, “Let’s eat.”

Sitting down, Director Zhang toasted Zhou Li, thanking her for treating Lanlan. Zhou Li smiled and accepted.

After a drink, Director Zhang visibly relaxed but was still moody, glancing at his phone often, speaking little. Bai SuFang carried the conversation with Zhou Li.

Zhou Li was also on her phone.

Today was Zhou Xi’s press conference, and she wanted to know what he’d say.

She’d planned to excuse herself to watch the livestream, but as if in sync, Director Zhang opened the livestream on his phone, casting it to the club’s TV.

On the TV, Zhou Xi’s bruised face, barely covered by powder, looked haggard as he bowed to the public. “I’m very sorry for the negative impact I’ve caused society and for taking up public resources. First, as a father, I apologize to my children for setting a bad example. Next, I apologize to my fans for disappointing you by doing wrong.”

Zhou Xi said wearily, “I met Li Hongqing seven years ago. She was a shy newcomer, often scolded by directors for not knowing the filming process. Seeing her reminded me of my cautious early days, so I guided her a few times, and we grew close.”

“But I only meant to mentor a newcomer. The more we interacted, the more I admired her, and things spiraled out of control.”

“I deeply regret not holding the line.”

“I also apologize to my ex-wife, Wang Shan, for your tolerance, and to Chunshui, who was innocently dragged into this.”

“I’m sorry for staying silent when I should’ve clarified, protecting Li Hongqing and letting you face online harassment.”

Zhou Xi lowered his eyes. “These seven years, our entanglement wronged our families and the public.”

“Starting today, I’ll exit the entertainment industry.”

Meanwhile, Fenghang Entertainment subtly announced that Li Hongqing would no longer take roles, returning to family life.

…

Director Zhang slammed the table, furious and heartbroken.

His film had been in talks with Li Hongqing since last year.

She’d agreed to star this year, but now she was retiring.

Plans couldn’t keep up with changes.

The industry lacked talent, especially actresses in their thirties who could portray complex allure, particularly for his niche topic. Few would take the role.

Li Hongqing wanted an award, and it had been a perfect fit, but now it fell apart.

Director Zhang’s head throbbed.

Bai SuFang jumped, scolding, “What are you doing?”

Director Zhang waved. “I’m stepping out for a smoke.”

The meal was nearly done. Zhou Li went to the restroom, and Bai SuFang joined her. While touching up makeup at the mirror, Bai SuFang complained, “He’s always running around for that damn movie. No one wants to act in it. They say a good performance could win awards, but that’s uncertain. Which actress would risk it? His genre doesn’t suit today’s cautious stars. Who’d risk their reputation for one film and fall from grace?”

In the past, actresses dared to bare all for fame, stirring buzz. Now, they were cautious. Who’d touch a niche topic? If it worked, it was icing on the cake; if it flopped, few would offer support.

A collapsed persona meant no ads or money—that was the real issue.

Few dared break the mold. Bai SuFang had long urged Director Zhang to stick to popcorn films—popular and profitable—rather than deep topics that stirred trouble.

Zhou Li chuckled, seeing Bai SuFang’s frustration, and comforted her. “You’ll find the right actress.”

Bai SuFang sighed. “Easier said than done.”

As they walked out, they discussed past actors, far more dedicated. Today’s actors recited numbers, and many stuck to variety shows, ruining themselves.

Zhou Li casually said, “I like an actress with an old-school style, but she hasn’t been active lately.”

Bai SuFang smiled. “Doctor Zhou has a favorite actress? I thought plastic surgeons like you would see every face on TV as touched-up.”

Zhou Li laughed. “That’s why I like natural actresses. She’s one. Great acting, tons of awards, but she’s been inactive. I’ve watched her works so many times, hoping she’ll release something new.”

“Who?” Bai SuFang asked, curious.

Zhou Li’s eyes caught a figure approaching, and she smiled. “Chunshui.”

Director Zhang stopped in his tracks.

Bai SuFang nodded. “She hasn’t been active in a while.” She added regretfully, “All due to disasters and scandals. That jerk on TV just admitted his mistake led to her online harassment. Probably why she vanished. I heard her studio shut down.”

Zhou Li shook her head, whispering, “I’ve seen her.”

Bai SuFang pressed for more, but Zhou Li revealed nothing further.

Director Zhang walked over, asking, “How’s Doctor Zhou getting back? I’ll arrange a ride.”

Zhou Li smiled. “No need, I called a driver.” She waved to Bai SuFang. “I’ve got things at the hospital, so I’ll head out.”

Bai SuFang, reluctant, said, “Talking with Doctor Zhou is so nice. You’re a great listener. I’ll come exercise with you tomorrow morning—don’t forget.”

Zhou Li smiled, nodded, and left.

After she left, Director Zhang thought for a moment and said to Bai SuFang, “You’ve seen our script. Who do you think fits the other female lead?”

Bai SuFang considered. “What about Wu Qingya?”

Director Zhang sighed. “Her schedule’s booked. She’s filming abroad.”

“Chen Rui?”

“Her acting’s too green,” Director Zhang dismissed.

Bai SuFang suggested a few more, all rejected. Annoyed, she said, “If no one’s good enough, just don’t shoot.”

Director Zhang hugged her, coaxing, “Doctor Zhou gave me an idea. What about Chunshui?”

Bai SuFang’s eyes lit up, then hesitated. “Even with her old scandals and years out of the spotlight, her status has slipped, but can you afford her fee?”

Director Zhang fell silent.

The planned 500 million low-budget film would need more investors.

He gritted his teeth. “Doesn’t matter—actors are key.” He leaned toward Bai SuFang, cajoling, “Tomorrow, sound out Doctor Zhou. I think she knows Chunshui. Get her to bridge the gap. You women love beauty treatments, right? Go to her hospital a few times—I’ll cover all costs.”

Bai SuFang teased her husband but agreed.

Zhou Li got into the hired car, barely chatting with the system when the hospital called.

“Dean, the patient in 215 has a fever! The temperature won’t drop!”

Zhou Li’s half-closed eyes snapped open. She told the driver, “Please speed up! I’ve got an emergency!”