Chapter 49: Invitation

Translator: _Min_

Su Ting glanced towards Gu Dai, then faced Zhao Hong, articulating politely, “I am honored by Director Zhao’s proposition, yet 1 regret to inform that I’m engrossed in selecting paintings and might not have the leisure to discuss the storyline.”

Zhao Hong was mildly disappointed by the response. “The final lineup for the drama will be finalized this afternoon. Missing this opportunity would mean a potential collaboration in our upcoming project a year later.”

As the country got wind of Su Ting’s plans to expand his career domestically, he had been in the sights of many directors. Zhao Hong was particularly remorseful about setting an early deadline for casting; had he delayed it a bit, he might have had a chance.

Gu Dai pondered upon hearing Su Ting’s reply, understanding he was rejecting this opportunity due to her.

Acknowledging this, Gu Dai stepped forward and proposed, “Director Zhao, Su Ting has available time now. You both can proceed with your conversation.”

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Su Ting swiveled his head to gaze at her, murmuring, “Currently, I need to select a painting for Uncle Gu…”

Gu Dai extended her hand, gently redirecting Su Ting’s face, “It’s alright, 1’11 first make a preliminary selection myself. I’ll earmark the ones I favor, and when you return, we can pick the finest.”

Su Ting had no choice but to comply with her arrangement, conceding, “Alright.”

Seeing Su Ting so compliant to a woman’s suggestions, Zhao Hong was slightly taken aback. At this moment, he began to examine Gu Dai intently.

After talcing in Gu Dai’s appearance and the commanding aura she emanated, he was astounded and his curiosity was piqued, “Miss, you appear to be naturally destined for the silver screen. Would you entertain the thought of acting in films?”

Gu Dai felt slightly exasperated. After all, she had been barraged with questions throughout the day about her potential entry into the entertainment industry.

Although she was frustrated inwardly, Gu Dai declined Zhao Hong politely, “I apologize, but I harbor no intentions of venturing into the industry.”

Zhao Hong experienced a tinge of regret. Reexamining Gu Dai’s flawless features, he still desired to persuade her.

But before Zhao Hong could voice his thoughts, he was led away by Su Ting, “Director Zhao, I have a flight abroad scheduled for this afternoon. Let’s hasten with the script discussion, else we might fall short of time.”

On seeing Zhao Hong being escorted away, Gu Dai heaved a sigh of relief, thereafter concentrating on observing the paintings.

After perusing for some time, Gu Dai lowered her gaze, becoming somewhat introspective.

She yearned for her father.

Her father used to be deeply passionate about painting, even to the extent of obsession, visiting art exhibitions every few days.

Initially, Gu Dai was intrigued when her father brought her to observe the paintings. She gleaned a lot from it. However, after some time, she grew weary, reluctant, and started contriving various excuses to dodge the visits.

Eventually, even when her father attempted to coax her with assorted gifts, she still was unwilling to venture out.

At this juncture, Gu Dai felt a pang of remorse. How she wished she could attend an art exhibition with her father again, even if it was just once.

But now, that opportunity was non-existent.

Tears sparkled in Gu Dai’s eyes, her heart felt heavy and inflamed, and she was swaddled in a blanket of melancholy.

When one’s mood is down, unfortunate events seem to be inevitable.

Gu Dai didn’t anticipate that, after composing her emotions and lifting her head, she would lock eyes with Wang Lan, Song Ling’s mother.

“Gu Dai, why are you here?” Wang Lan shrieked incredulously after spotting Gu Dai, and blurted out, “How did a woman from the slums manage to infiltrate this art exhibition?”

When Wang Lan entered the exhibition hall, she spotted a woman standing under the spotlight, as if she was glowing all over. Assuming her to be a noblewoman, she guided Jiang Yue to introduce themselves.

However, she was astounded to find that it was Gu Dai, the bumpkin!

Gu Dai fixed a frosty gaze at Wang Lan, and retorted impassively, “Of course, I entered with an invitation.”

Gu Dai intended to depart after the brief interaction. She was averse to entangling herself with people akin to Wang Lan.

But as she pivoted to leave, a piercingly derisive laughter of a young girl rang in her ears: “You, holding an invitation? Just confess that you sneaked in, forsaking your dignity for the sake of preserving face, claiming you have an invitation, this is undoubtedly the most hilarious joke I’ve heard all year!”