With Brother Yang now in the picture, Chen Hao didn't feel bothered at all — after all, in the entertainment industry, having more connections was always a good thing.
However, Sister Yaya was noticeably uncomfortable. In her eyes, both Brother Yang, the production assistant, and Fan Bingbing were people with some influence. While not enough to make her overly cautious, she still felt nervous.
She wasn't yet the graceful socialite she'd become a decade later, but even now, her way of speaking was gentle and pleasing to the ear.
Brother Yang's full name was Yang Yang, and he was planning to join his uncle's production crew as an assistant director to gain experience. Having seen how seriously Chen Hao took even his extra roles, he figured it wouldn't hurt to introduce him — though whether or not he succeeded would be up to Chen Hao himself.
The conversation was simple. Fan Bingbing casually asked if Chen Hao had a talent agency and, if not, would he consider signing with Huayi? She could act as a referrer.
Huayi was undoubtedly one of the leading private film and television companies at the time. Backed by the presence of someone like Director Feng, many artists dreamed of joining Huayi.
It sounded like a good opportunity — shelter under a big tree and enjoy the shade, as the saying goes — but Chen Hao had doubts.
As a rookie actor, what real resources could Huayi even offer him?
Would it be worth signing away five or even ten years of his life?
Binding himself to a contract like that... was it really the right move?
If he didn't have the system, he would've joined in a heartbeat just based on Fan Bingbing's introduction. But now, with the system behind him, it was a different story.
He had value now — and he intended to hold out for the best deal.
Besides, if he could land a major supporting role in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, his market value would increase dramatically.
After the important topics were discussed, the group moved on to lighter conversation and funny stories.
And to be honest, even though Fan Bingbing would go on to become a household name, she was still laughing heartily at Chen Hao's jokes.
Jokes from ten years in the future felt fresh and ahead of their time, easily winning her over.
Brother Yang then told Chen Hao to get ready to leave for Yanjing (Beijing) the next day —
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils had already begun project development.
Preparations and casting would soon begin.
If they went late, there might not even be supporting roles left to grab.
That night, Chen Hao returned home and started packing for the trip to Yanjing the next day with Yang Yang.
But Sister Yaya seemed a little down.
She didn't speak much after getting back and just sat quietly.
Chen Hao sat beside her on the couch, gently took her hand, and smiled,
"Sister Yaya, what's wrong?"
Yaya looked up at him with misty eyes and whispered softly,
"You're going to play a supporting role in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. You'll become a big star… Will you forget about me?"
Chen Hao chuckled warmly,
"You're overthinking it. I'm just going for a supporting role — if it gets me even a sliver of fame, I'll be lucky. And I haven't gotten the role yet. First, let's get to Yanjing and see. But no matter where I go, I'll take Sister Yaya with me, okay?"
A blush bloomed across Yaya's delicate face. She rolled her eyes and said,
"No need! You go where you want to go. Why drag me along?"
Chen Hao replied with a grin,
"Because you're amazing. Especially those hands of yours — the food you cook is just incredible. If you're not by my side, I won't get to eat anything that delicious ever again."
"So that's your reason? You want me to go to Yanjing just to cook for you?"
Yaya pouted and gave him a look full of mock annoyance.
"Of course not," Chen Hao suddenly leaned in close, bringing his face near hers, and whispered softly into her ear,
"I just… can't bear to be without you."
"Hmph," Yaya let out a soft, flirtatious hum, her cheeks turning crimson.
"Who asked you to care about me that much?"
Seeing his face coming even closer, she quickly gave him a little push.
Chen Hao looked at her with deep, passionate eyes and said,
"Sister Yaya… I've liked you since the day I first met you."
In that moment, he was fully in character — like a male lead from a romantic drama, gazing at her with the same infatuation Duan Yu had for Wang Yuyan.
"Don't say nonsense… You're still so young…"
Yaya was flustered, even her voice a bit shaky now.
At this point, she was still untouched by the dark side of the entertainment world, and her heart remained pure.
She still had her own ideals about love.
And after spending every day together with Chen Hao…
Without even realizing it, she had already started falling for him.