Chapter 116: Naked Slap in the Face

"Didn't Long Yubei always refrain from getting involved in casting decisions?"

"He usually doesn't meddle in such matters, but I had my eye on this role and brought it up to him."

"Liangzi, now that we've worked together for so many years, can you finally tell me who you really are? I still have no idea about your background—never could dig up anything. You've kept it sealed too tightly."

Liang He remained composed, no longer evasive. "The Liang family you've heard of—that's my family."

President Su drew in a sharp breath. "I did suspect before, but there was nothing online to confirm it, so I didn't dare assume… I never imagined… Liangzi, you truly carved out a path in this industry on your own merit."

At this point, there was no need to hide it any longer. After all, he already had multiple acclaimed works under his belt and had risen to fame—not through connections, but through his own efforts.

"There's no denying that relying on oneself is far more arduous… but it grants a certain peace of mind."

"I knew my instincts weren't wrong. Liangzi, you've completely changed my view of you. With such a powerful family background, yet never once using it to your advantage…"

Liang He offered a faint smile. "It no longer matters now. If there's a role I want, I might ask a friend for help—but if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back."

President Su stood to see him off. "Of course. Go on."

After Liang He left, President Gu clutched her chest with a dramatic sigh. "My god, Sun Qianqian must have taken a kick to the head from a donkey."

Then, she called Sun Qianqian in.

She informed her gravely, "I spoke to Liangzi again—he still refuses to act alongside you. In fact, he already has plans for his next project. So I've decided to cast Zhou Qingsen from our company as your co-star instead."

"If he won't do it, that's your call. But what's this next project of his?"

"A film backed by the Long Group."

"Who's the lead actress? Some A-lister?"

"Not confirmed yet—I'm not sure. Liangzi only mentioned that it's being directed by a renowned filmmaker."

Sun Qianqian clicked her tongue in admiration. "Well, films do carry more prestige than TV dramas. He doesn't need to take on more television work to build a fan base. And with how loosely you manage him, of course he can pick and choose projects at will. By the way, President Su, what's the situation with the Long Group's endorsement deal?"

"They declined."

President Su had a good idea why.

"If they declined, then never mind." Sun Qianqian didn't press further.

President Su gave her a sidelong glance. "Qianqian, you really failed to see the mountain for the pebbles."

"What do you mean by that?"

She smiled. "I know you've always been proud, and looked down on Liangzi. To you, he was just another artist in our company—no background, no resources that could benefit you. But now, I think it's clear… Liangzi is the one who finds you beneath him. And he's not someone you could ever reach."

Hearing this, Sun Qianqian grew even more puzzled. "Is he really someone important?"

"Well, it's no longer relevant. You two have no future interactions ahead, so I won't say more. Just don't make things awkward—you're both my artists. When you meet, at least greet one another."

Though her curiosity deepened, Sun Qianqian said nothing more since President Su clearly wouldn't elaborate.

On her way out, she happened to pass Liang He's office—just in time to see him exiting with his agent and bodyguards in tow.

"I just came from President Su's office," she said, stopping in front of him. "Heard you landed a big project. Congratulations."