Phoenix A has Gone Viral Across the Entire Internet! - Chapter 17

The staff in the audition area worked quickly. Less than eight minutes after Jiang Zhiwan finished her segment, the front stage had been completely transformed.

Yu Wan-yu was very satisfied with Jiang Zhiwan’s performance and was willing to chat with her a bit longer. Upon learning that the actress had no other immediate work arrangements, she offered an invitation. “Zhiwan, why don’t you stay and watch the rest of the session with me? It will help you deepen your understanding of the other characters.”

Jiang Zhiwan had intended to do exactly that, so she nodded in agreement.

As Yu Wan-yu aged, her pursuit of perfection only grew, which was why her output of films had significantly slowed in recent years. She had accepted her old friend’s invitation to direct Ju Qu only because she truly loved the script. To a veteran director like Yu, the process of screening the right actors for each role before filming began was paramount.

Her rigorous attitude on set meant the staff dared not slack off. Consequently, even though the audition lasted until after 6:00 PM, no one complained or showed signs of negativity.

Being cautious, Yu Wan-yu did not finalize any results on the spot. she intended to review the footage and perform a comparative evaluation before confirming the final cast.

As she rose, lost in thought over specific details, she caught sight of the Omega sitting quietly nearby. She couldn’t help but feel a spark of surprise. Among the younger generation of actors, it was rare to find someone with such patience—staying through the entire process just because of a casual suggestion.

Yu Wan-yu’s appreciation for Jiang Zhiwan grew even deeper. “Zhiwan, thank you for your hard work. Do you have plans for tonight? Would you like to join the crew for dinner?”

Jiang Zhiwan smiled and replied politely, “No, thank you, Director Yu. My family sent a message earlier insisting that I return for a gathering tonight.”

Yu Wan-yu felt a bit of regret but nodded understandingly. “You are usually so busy with work and promotions; it is rare for them to see you. It is good to go back and spend time with them.”

Although the reality was far from what the director imagined, Jiang Zhiwan did not explain. After a few more pleasantries, she politely said her goodbyes.

Once outside the venue, Jiang Zhiwan unlocked her phone. The screen was still displaying the text message Li Wancai had sent earlier.

[Zhiwan, it has been a long time. Come home for dinner tonight.]

Jiang Zhiwan gave it a cold glance before promptly adding this new mobile number to her blacklist.

When Li Wancai spoke to her, he always acted as if they were a picture-perfect family with no grievances between them. It was a level of hypocrisy that was truly nauseating. Since he was proactively inviting her back, it was undoubtedly a “Hongmen Banquet”—a trap set to lure her in. As for his true motive, Jiang Zhiwan did not even deign to guess.

As she notified the driver Shen Nian had provided to take her to the Li residence, Jiang Zhiwan mused that Li Wancai had chosen to intervene much earlier than expected. It seemed he was truly dedicated to his Alpha daughter.

When she arrived at the Li villa, Jiang Zhiwan stepped out of the car unhurriedly. As expected, the only person there to greet her was the old butler who had looked after her for years.

The butler, Mr. Lu, was a male Beta who had worked for the Li family for twenty years. Half of his hair had turned white. Despite his long service and high standing, he still bowed respectfully upon seeing Jiang Zhiwan. “Eldest Miss, welcome home.”

Certain memories resurfaced, causing Jiang Zhiwan’s eyes to flicker slightly. She simply told him there was no need for such formality. After all, from the moment she stepped out of the Li house as an adult, she was no longer the “Eldest Miss.” Even though she agreed to return this time, it was only to use Li Wancai and the others to play out a boring little drama.

When she followed Mr. Lu to the dining room, she saw the family of three sitting harmoniously, seemingly waiting for her. No one had come to the door to meet her because both sides were merely feigning civility. Even their surface-level efforts were transparently half-hearted.

There was not even an extra set of utensils for her on the table.

Standing at the end of the table and looking down at this “family,” Jiang Zhiwan felt no significant emotional stir. Instead, she found the scene both absurd and laughable. Li Wancai was the first to react, putting on a show of scolding the servants before a fresh set of cutlery was brought to the table.

“I am sorry, Zhiwan. It was the servants’ oversight. I clearly instructed them earlier that you were coming back tonight.”

Jiang Zhiwan had no interest in bickering over such things. She took her seat with a casual posture, wondering how long it would take for these people to drop the act.

Sure enough, before the meal was even halfway through, Nie Lan shot a look at Li Wancai, signaling him to get to the point. From the moment Jiang Zhiwan arrived, the three at the table had recognized her outfit: a summer haute couture piece from Util. This collection had just been released, and the limited pieces could not be acquired with money alone. Only someone like the Eldest Miss of the Shen family would have people rushing to deliver such items to her, often without even accepting payment.

Since Shen Nian had so easily given this piece to Jiang Zhiwan, it proved that Jiang Zhiwan held a certain status with her. This was the opportunity they needed—how could they not seize it?

Thinking of this, Li Wancai’s attitude became even more fawning than usual. He eventually began beating around the bush, asking her to convince Shen Nian to get Li Yuling into Yuemo Entertainment.

Jiang Zhiwan looked up and let out a soft laugh. Just as they began to mistakenly believe she was agreeing, she delivered a blunt response: “Wishful thinking.”

The atmosphere at the table turned cold instantly following those two words. The rest of the meal was a struggle, and naturally, they parted on bad terms.

Li Wancai had always been unable to handle Jiang Zhiwan. The presence of the Jiang family meant he could not use force or threats effectively. Seeing no point in staying, he made an excuse to go upstairs after dinner, hurriedly instructing Mr. Lu to see her out.

In contrast, Li Yuling could not let the matter rest. She intentionally blocked Jiang Zhiwan’s path before she could leave, raising an eyebrow in mockery. “I say, if Sister is unwilling to help with such a small favor, could it be that you are not favored enough by Miss Shen?”

Putting the words aside, the scent of low-grade juniper radiating from the girl made Jiang Zhiwan frown with impatience.

“Get away from me,” Jiang Zhiwan said, her voice sinking as she glanced toward Nie Lan. She did not bother to lower her volume. “Did your ‘good’ Omega mother not teach you to wear a suppressor patch in front of other Omegas?”

“Or is it because your pheromone grade is so inferior that you simply cannot control them?”

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