The Fallen Film Queen’s Possessive Alpha - Chapter 18

“Fire Fuse” Surpasses Box Office Expectations on Opening Day!

Prior to the film’s release, social media was rife with predictions that Top Profit Group would sabotage “Fire Fuse,” or that those perpetually overshadowed by Song Haoyin in the rankings might hire internet trolls.

Considering Song Haoyin herself didn’t star in it, the director was a newcomer, and the lead actors were relatively unknown with most public attention stemming from Song’s various “scandals” earlier in the year industry analysts had conservatively predicted the film would barely break even. The current benchmark for a commercially viable film is 15 million yuan on opening day, yet “Fire Fuse” grossed 19 million. Even more encouraging for the producers was the film’s steadily rising online reputation, with social media metrics showing increasing audience interest.

At a production meeting, director Yuan Zhi excitedly proposed organizing a celebration banquet and discussing the guest list. However, co-producers Xiang Zi and Yan Zhuo’s expressions of “don’t pop the champagne prematurely” effectively tempered her enthusiasm.

Yuan Zhi was something of a maverick. Having only directed a few commercials and one award-winning short film, she’d approached Song Yu at the Luocheng Film Festival’s Young Directors showcase with her script. Impressed by Yuan’s talent and screenplay, Song Yu advised her to first test the waters with a low-budget feature no awards pressure, no box office expectations, just focus on quality. Thousands of such films get made annually, and it would help Yuan hone her craft.

But Yuan disagreed. Confident in her abilities after years of commercial and short film work, she insisted she needed the pressure of a proper debut. Coincidentally, Song Haoyin was then exploring producing/directing, and the two immediately hit it off at the Song residence much to Song Yu’s amused resignation. The veteran director ultimately helped secure funding, including partial investment from Top Profit.

Production proceeded smoothly, completing during Song Yu’s illness. As Haoyin’s public image began deteriorating, Yuan sensed trouble ahead. After Song Yu’s passing, when the film’s release kept getting delayed, Yuan once told Haoyin her family wanted her to study abroad.

“You have no idea if this film hadn’t gotten released, I’d be stuck overseas studying Management Principles,” Yuan complained animatedly to Haoyin, gesticulating wildly. “What’s the point of textbook management? Real learning happens on set! My mom just can’t grasp that talent isn’t bred in classrooms. The only way to learn management is by actually managing!”

Yuan Zhi sported an apple bun hairstyle, dressed in a brown jacket and black cargo pants with leather boots, her boisterous and carefree demeanor making her look at first glance like a young Alpha ready for military service. She never mentioned her family, and the Song mother-daughter pair never asked, so Song Haoyin was somewhat surprised when she brought up relatives.

Thinking about it now, there were quite a few people these days who disliked talking about their families aside from the person before her, there was also that other one.

“You should be more composed too. When you’re out giving interviews, don’t get so excited that you blurt out anything and everything,” Song Haoyin cautioned. Yuan Zhi’s usual antics were too erratic to be reassuring.

Yuan Zhi grinned and nodded: “Don’t worry, don’t worry. When have I ever caused trouble? I might seem like this, but I’m actually like that.”

“Like what?” Song Haoyin was puzzled.

“You know, steady on the inside, lively on the outside totally reliable!” Yuan Zhi chattered away as they walked to the studio building. Suddenly, she whispered, “Hey, Haoyin, are you and that Zhou Qiwei dating or something?”

See? Just moments after claiming to be steady inside, she was already asking whatever came to mind. Song Haoyin sighed, rubbing her forehead. As they rounded the open doorway, a pair of white loafers came into view, followed by a familiar voice: “I’m quite curious about that too.”

The speaker was Zhou Qiwei. Today, the CEO wore an emerald green shirt with white trousers, making her skin appear even paler, though her complexion looked somewhat off, as if she hadn’t slept well. Song Haoyin was startled to see her and even more so by her words, her ears growing slightly warm. What was this person saying?

“Who cares if you’re curious or not,” Yuan Zhi rolled her eyes and leaned in to whisper loud enough for all three to hear, I’m saying, if you’re going to date her, you might as well pick me instead! Let’s have an epic Omega & Omega romance for the ages!

Song Haoyin quickly stepped in front of her, glancing nervously at Zhou Qiwei. Deep down, she was still wary of this person. She didn’t deny Zhou Qiwei’s competence or talent, nor did she think Zhou Qiwei was a bad person. But Zhou Qiwei’s actions were too unpredictable. She had already tangled with her, she couldn’t drag her friend into it.

Zhou Qiwei watched their intimate interaction and Song Haoyin’s obvious protectiveness without any strong reaction. “Did you forget to take your meds this morning, or are you still drunk from last night? An O&O romance? Would your mom even allow that? Yuan Bao, she’s shielding you like this don’t you feel guilty setting her up?”

Wait Song Haoyin turned to Yuan Zhi in surprise, only to find her sidling up with clasped hands, apologizing: “I was just joking! I’d never set up Haoyin-jie.”

Zhou Qiwei knew she wasn’t lying. Yuan Zhi was into A/O relationships she wasn’t like Zhou Mu. Still, she had to give her a warning: “Don’t joke around and end up screwing yourself and others over.” Her tone was sharp, and Yuan Zhi instantly wilted.

Song Haoyin stepped in to mediate: “She just likes to mess around. But,” she gave Zhou Qiwei a probing look, “how did you know Yuan Zhi was drinking last night? Were you with her?”

An Alpha and Omega drinking alone together all night didn’t sound very proper though she’d done it herself, Song Haoyin thought. But that was… different, wasn’t it?

Yuan Zhi peeked at the two of them. The Zhou Demon was actually tolerating the interrogation she hadn’t even lost her temper!

“No.” Zhou Qiwei shot Yuan Zhi a warning look, silencing her. Just a few friends hanging out together.

This defied logic there was definitely something between these two. Faced with questioning, the usually fiery Zhou Demon not only didn’t lose her temper but answered honestly. Yuan Zhi covered her mouth, desperately suppressing her curiosity as she raised her hand to speak. Unfortunately, both women were too absorbed in their own emotions to notice her.

How cruel! This was no different from randomly kicking an adorable puppy on the street!

Zhou Qiwei had spent considerable time mentally preparing herself before deciding to meet Song Haoyin today. Though aware she wasn’t particularly likable, she still hoped Song wouldn’t misunderstand her. She had important matters to discuss and wanted Song to still trust her.

“I need your help with something. Let’s have lunch I found a nice place.”

Yuan Zhi quickly volunteered from behind: “I’ll go have lunch with Xiang Zi-jie and Yan Zhuo-jie! See you later!” With that, she scampered off as if fleeing ghosts.

In the conference room, Xiang Zi and Yan Zhuo were chatting while waiting to meet CrossSpark’s other investor Top Advantage’s representative on behalf of Song Haoyin. Before the Top Advantage delegate arrived, Yuan Zhi burst in announcing: “There’s absolutely something going on between Haoyin and Qiwei!”

Among Song Haoyin’s inner circle, the ambiguous relationship between her and Zhou Qiwei had already been discussed multiple times. At Yuan Zhi’s declaration, Xiang Zi leaned back sharply in her chair, the loud creak betraying her mood. Despite her outwardly flamboyant persona and penchant for dancing on moral boundaries, the producer held surprisingly conservative views on romance anyone with a questionable past was immediately disqualified!

A notorious Alpha like Zhou Qiwei deserved capital punishment in Xiang Zi’s book, and now she was involved with the beloved daughter of her deceased friend the future of the film industry!

Was there no justice left in this world?

Seeing Xiang Zi’s devastated expression, Yuan Zhi wanted to comfort her but knew their stances differed. She silently appealed to Yan Zhuo instead. As the closest among them, Yan Zhuo spoke up: “Haoyin isn’t a child. She understands the pros and cons well enough to maintain this relationship.”

“I’m worried about her reputation and career prospects. You know how people love morally attacking public figures these days. Why should Haoyin suffer because of her?” Xiang Zi studied Yan Zhuo’s calm demeanor. The grand slam-winning actress had maintained this serene composure since her wife’s passing. Though not officially retired, she lived abroad year-round, rarely accepting work.

Yuan Zhi found the comment rather harsh and interjected: “I just meant they seem a bit flirty, not that anything’s actually happened. Even during that whole Zhou Qiwei nudist colony scandal, reporters didn’t hound Haoyin-jie about it. Besides, Zhou Qiwei might not be as bad as the rumors say has any journalist actually caught her in bed or exposed any real scandals?”

If they had, it would be disastrous! Xiang Zi gasped, eyeing Yuan Zhi suspiciously. Whose side are you on anyway, Director Yuan?

“Yuan Bao and I have known each other since we were kids classmates all along. Then I went into military service, never imagined she’d become a director.”

In the renowned private kitchen of Luo City, seated in the courtyard’s open-air space, Zhou Qiwei answered Song Haoyin’s questions while pouring her a cup of winter melon tea: “When Yuanbao was little, she often clamored to become a general. She even wanted to enlist, but her mother wouldn’t allow it. Hard to believe, right? She’s actually a mama’s girl always yielding to her mother whenever possible.”

It was unexpected that they were friends, though it made sense everyone has childhood companions. Yet Song Haoyin felt an inexplicable discomfort. Zhou Qiwei’s description reminded her of her own past with Su Ye. And now, this person was even an A&O with Yuanzhi, had they never considered taking things further?

I see, Song Haoyin said, unwilling to dwell on their deep friendship. She took a sip of tea and asked, “Why did you ask to meet me? Was there something you wanted to say?” She took a deep breath, preparing to apologize to Zhou Qiwei.

Zhou Qiwei raised her teacup as if making a toast and said, “I’d like to ask for your help. If someone from Dingyi comes to plead with you in the future, please agree to whatever they ask.”

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