Getting the Star Back

Su Xiao's abrupt departure not only worried the director but also made Shen Tong uneasy. Xia Zixuan had agreed to give the supporting female role to Chen Xiaoyong because Su Xiao had agreed to play the male lead. If Su Xiao had problems now, it would raise questions about her capabilities.

"Su Xiao, Su Xiao!"

Shen Tong left Chen Xiaoyong behind and chased after Su Xiao. Unfortunately, no matter how much she called out, he didn't turn back. Chen Xiaoyong stood there, realizing that the "extra" she had spoken to earlier was actually Su Xiao, the male lead.

"Su Xiao, leaving like this is not the behavior of a man! Tell me, why do you need to see Mr. Xia?" Shen Tong ran alongside Su Xiao, but he remained silent and cold.

"Su Xiao!"

Shen Tong jumped in front of him, blocking his way.

Su Xiao, though cold, wasn't rude. He took a step back and saw who was blocking him. His face darkened, "It's you again! Get out of my way, you deceitful woman!"

"Su Xiao, can you speak properly? What happened that requires Mr. Xia to handle it personally?" Shen Tong was starting to lose her temper. She couldn't understand why Su Xiao hated her so much.

Seeing Shen Tong's confused expression, Su Xiao sneered, "I always knew people in the entertainment industry were slippery, but I didn't know they could feign ignorance so well. You promised that if I took this role, I could release an album. Wasn't it you who said that?"

"Yes, I said that. What's the problem?" Shen Tong admitted to her words.

Su Xiao retorted, "And you still dare to admit it. But Mr. Xia said he never agreed to such a thing! If this can't be resolved, I'm better off not wasting my time on this drama!"

"Su Xiao, you criticize the entertainment industry, saying I'm dishonest. Aren't you part of this industry too? If this drama is a hit, you can ask for anything, and the company will arrange it for you. Don't you understand such a simple principle?" Shen Tong was exasperated.

Su Xiao asked, "And if it doesn't succeed?"

"There is no 'if.' I believe in your abilities. And I will do my best to negotiate with Mr. Xia. He's just giving you a hard time now, but there's room for negotiation," Shen Tong tried to persuade him.

"Mr. Xia's hard time is impressive. I've been with the company for so long with almost no assignments. Even for this drama, I'm practically on my own. Have you ever seen such a poorly treated male lead? This is more than just a hard time!" Su Xiao shook his head and started walking again.

Shen Tong quickly grabbed him. If Su Xiao left, it would affect the entire drama's progress, and it would reflect poorly on her capabilities.

"If it's about the album, I'll talk to Mr. Xia after today's shoot. Will that be alright?" Shen Tong knew that Su Xiao cared more about releasing an album than acting in the drama.

"No," Su Xiao responded coldly and kept walking, ignoring Shen Tong's pleas.

"Su Xiao, leaving now would be giving up on yourself! I promise you, no matter what, I'll make sure you release that album. If Mr. Xia doesn't agree, I'll find another way!" Shen Tong shouted desperately after him.

Su Xiao turned back, his gaze mocking, "You?"

"Yes, me. Su Xiao, why not give yourself a chance? Many things require effort and patience. If releasing an album is so important to you, so why not trust me just once?" Shen Tong was almost babbling in her urgency.

But as she saw Su Xiao's steps slowing down, she knew she had won this gamble. As for the promise she made, she was determined to fulfill it. With Su Xiao's perfect looks and near-perfect voice, she was sure he would become a star. With proper promotion, he was bound to be a promising artist.

Shen Tong led Su Xiao back to the set. Everyone sighed in relief, giving Shen Tong grateful looks. After this incident, no one dared to offend Su Xiao.

Surprisingly, Linda Murong didn't get angry at Su Xiao's tardiness. Since she didn't complain, no one else had the standing to do so either.

Shen Tong also breathed a sigh of relief, thinking about the conditions Su Xiao had mentioned. She had already planned to discuss them with Xia Zixuan. While she was lost in thought, Chen Xiaoyong asked, "Do you know the guy from earlier?"

"You mean Su Xiao?" Shen Tong asked, surprised.

"Yes," Chen Xiaoyong replied curtly.

Shen Tong answered, "I know him. He's a new talent in the company. It was through him that you got the supporting female role. You should be aware of that."

"So he's Su Xiao. No wonder he has such a strong personality. Not bad," Chen Xiaoyong remarked with admiration.

This surprised Shen Tong. She had never heard Chen Xiaoyong praise anyone before. It was truly unexpected. She watched as Chen Xiaoyong turned her back, acting unusually reserved.

Not thinking too much about it, Shen Tong told Chen Xiaoyong, "Ms. Chen, I need to see Mr. Xia. Please stay here for a while; there are no scenes for you at the moment. I'll be back shortly."

"No, why are you leaving me alone here? Is Mr. Xia looking for you?" Chen Xiaoyong frowned, clearly displeased.

"No, I have something to discuss with him about Su Xiao," Shen Tong explained.

"Fine, go ahead," Chen Xiaoyong said, feigning impatience.

Normally, Chen Xiaoyong would have refused. Ignoring the odd behavior, Shen Tong quickly left before she could change her mind.

The filming location was quite a distance from the company. Shen Tong took the company car back. Since becoming a manager, her treatment had significantly improved, evident even in the way she traveled.