By 2002, Li Bingbing had already established a respectable reputation in mainland entertainment circles.
Although she was far from reaching the terrifying level of fame she would possess in the future, her role in Young Justice Bao had successfully pushed her into the public eye. Her sharp features, cold temperament, and capable acting style left a deep impression on many audiences.
Earlier, she had also won two international awards because of the film Seventeen Years.
Unfortunately, the movie itself had never been widely released domestically.
As a result, while those awards sounded impressive inside the industry, they did little to improve her actual popularity with ordinary viewers.
After all, in entertainment circles, trophies alone meant nothing.
What truly mattered was whether audiences were willing to buy tickets for you.
Whether they remembered your face.
Whether investors believed you could make money.
At twenty-nine years old, Li Bingbing understood this principle very clearly.
She no longer had the luxury of waiting slowly for opportunities.
Every role mattered.
Every project mattered.
Especially after hearing the news about the collaboration between Blue Whale Entertainment and Huayi Brothers on A World Without Thieves.
The moment the project was announced, Li Bingbing immediately purchased the original novel and read through it overnight.
And after finishing it—
her instincts screamed that this movie would absolutely become a hit.
Not only because of the script itself.
But because of the names behind it.
Feng Xiaogang.
Huayi Brothers.
China Film Group.
And most importantly—
Luo Zheng.
The young Hollywood-backed entertainment tycoon currently shaking the entire Asian film industry.
So after several days of hesitation, Li Bingbing made a decision.
She temporarily pushed aside her existing work schedule and traveled all the way to Spring City personally.
Just for a chance.
—
That evening.
Inside a private room at a high-end hotel near the filming location.
The atmosphere inside was warm and elegant.
The round dining table wasn't large, suitable for four or five people at most.
Soft yellow lights illuminated the room.
Several expensive dishes had already been served.
Luo Zheng sat in the main seat calmly.
To his left sat the travel-worn Li Bingbing and her younger sister and manager, Li Xue.
To his right sat Liu Yan quietly pouring wine and arranging dishes like a perfect secretary.
The atmosphere initially remained harmonious.
Everyone chatted casually.
They discussed the weather in Spring City.
The difficulties of filming.
The recent state of mainland entertainment.
After several rounds of drinking, the mood gradually relaxed.
Only then did the conversation finally enter the real topic.
Luo Zheng placed down his wine glass gently.
"Miss Bingbing," he said calmly, "I won't hide it from you."
"The female lead for this movie has already been decided internally."
He wasn't lying.
He had indeed chosen the actress already.
Of course, it definitely wouldn't be Rene Liu again like in his previous life.
This time, besides keeping Andy Lau as the male lead, Luo Zheng intended to use mainland actors as much as possible.
After careful consideration, he ultimately settled on Xu Jinglei.
In terms of status and fame, Xu Jinglei was already one of the recognized Four Dan actresses alongside Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Xun.
More importantly—
she belonged to him.
Since he had already spent so much "effort" taking care of her emotionally and physically, naturally he needed to provide practical benefits too.
Otherwise, if rumors spread that Luo Zheng's casting couch only relied on beauty and body—
that would sound far too cheap.
Across the table, Li Bingbing's expression stiffened slightly after hearing his answer.
But she recovered quickly.
Instead of retreating, she suddenly extended her cold little hand and lightly grabbed Luo Zheng's wrist.
Her beautiful eyes carried obvious expectation.
"Director Luo," she said softly, "I don't dare dream about the female lead."
"But could you at least give me a chance at the second female lead?"
Her tone was sincere.
Her gaze steady.
Any ordinary man facing such a beautiful actress pleading personally would probably soften instantly.
Even Liu Yan secretly glanced toward Luo Zheng.
Unfortunately—
before Luo Zheng could even respond—
the private room door suddenly opened from outside.
A familiar female voice arrived before the person entered.
"Sorry, Sister Bingbing."
"But you should know…"
"That position is already occupied too."
The room instantly fell silent.
Then—
Fan Bingbing walked in proudly wearing sunglasses and a slim black dress.
Her aura was aggressive from the moment she entered.
The moment her eyes locked onto Li Bingbing—
the air in the room became noticeably colder.
Luo Zheng's eyebrows jumped slightly.
What the hell?
Didn't this woman leave only yesterday?
Why had she suddenly come rushing back again?
Surely it wasn't just for a role.
Fan Bingbing walked directly beside Luo Zheng before naturally sitting down.
Liu Yan silently stood up and prepared another set of chopsticks and bowl.
"Thank you, Sister Liu."
Fan Bingbing smiled sweetly.
Then she immediately wrapped her arm around Luo Zheng's shoulder possessively.
That intimate action made Li Bingbing's eyes narrow slightly.
"Bingbing," Luo Zheng asked helplessly, "why did you suddenly come back?"
Fan Bingbing snorted lightly.
"I was afraid if I came too late…"
"…some fox spirits would steal you away."
The provocation was obvious.
Li Bingbing's expression became awkward instantly.
After all, as competitors from the same company, the two women had never truly gotten along.
Now Fan Bingbing was practically declaring ownership publicly.
Seeing the atmosphere worsening, Luo Zheng finally spoke seriously.
"Enough."
"Don't talk nonsense."
"Miss Li Bingbing came all the way here for work."
Only after hearing Luo Zheng speak did Fan Bingbing reluctantly stop attacking.
Though she still hugged his arm tightly.
Like a queen protecting territory.
Li Bingbing meanwhile forced herself to remain calm.
Beside her, Li Xue quickly stepped in.
"President Luo," she said smilingly, "someone like you values not just profit, but art itself."
"You surely hope every role under your control reaches the best possible standard."
A subtle wave of flattery first.
Only afterward did she reveal her true purpose.
"To be honest," Li Xue continued carefully, "Miss Fan's appearance is indeed stunning."
"But regarding action scenes, emotional explosiveness, and character sharpness…"
"…my sister is more suitable for Xiao Ye."
The moment those words came out, Fan Bingbing almost exploded.
She immediately put down her chopsticks.
But before she could argue—
Luo Zheng pressed down lightly on her hand beneath the table.
Fan Bingbing froze.
Then glared at him resentfully.
Ignoring her reaction, Luo Zheng looked calmly toward Li Xue.
"Continue."
Li Xue secretly relaxed.
"We only hope President Luo can give my sister a fair audition opportunity."
"No matter the final result…"
"…we'll accept it."
Her tone was firm.
Beside her, Li Bingbing also nodded seriously.
But in reality—
Luo Zheng had already decided internally.
Since he promised Fan Bingbing the role, he wouldn't suddenly change it.
The reason he didn't immediately reject the Li sisters…
…was because his interest had already shifted elsewhere.
Not toward Li Bingbing.
But toward Li Xue.
In Luo Zheng's memory, Li Xue possessed terrifying talent as a manager.
Her ability to package, train, and elevate artists was almost monstrous.
The future success of Li Bingbing could largely be attributed to this woman sitting quietly before him now.
And Blue Whale Entertainment needed people exactly like her.
Under the sisters' expectant gazes, Luo Zheng slowly shook his head.
"Miss Li Xue."
"I admit your sister fits the role very well."
"But even if I gave her ten auditions…"
"…the result wouldn't change."
"I already promised Bingbing this role."
"And once I promise something…"
"I don't change my mind."
The room suddenly became quiet.
The hope in Li Bingbing's eyes dimmed visibly.
Even Li Xue's expression stiffened.
In contrast, Fan Bingbing's mood immediately brightened again.
Her smile almost reached her ears.
"I understand," Li Bingbing finally said with a forced smile.
"Thank you for today's hospitality, President Luo."
"I hope we'll have opportunities to cooperate in the future."
She was already preparing to stand up and leave.
But unexpectedly—
Luo Zheng suddenly stopped them.
"Wait."
The two sisters froze.
"There's no need to wait until next time."
"We can cooperate right now."
Li Bingbing's eyes widened instantly.
"Really?"
Excitement returned to her face immediately.
In her joy, she even subconsciously moved closer toward Luo Zheng.
At this moment, her emotions became extremely complicated.
Especially seeing Fan Bingbing sitting intimately beside him.
Honestly—
she was jealous.
A young entertainment emperor like Luo Zheng…
handsome, rich, powerful, internationally influential—
what woman in the industry wouldn't be tempted?
Luo Zheng glanced toward the pouting Fan Bingbing beside him before smiling lightly.
"Of course."
"But…"
He deliberately paused.
The room immediately became tense again.
Li Xue frowned slightly.
Instinctively, she tugged her sister's sleeve beneath the table.
Warning her silently.
"President Luo," Li Bingbing said carefully, "please speak directly."
This time, her straightforward personality finally surfaced.
Unexpectedly—
Luo Zheng suddenly turned his gaze away from her completely.
Instead, he looked toward Li Xue.
"Miss Li Xue."
"Where are you working currently?"
The question stunned everyone.
Li Bingbing froze.
Fan Bingbing froze.
Even Li Xue herself looked confused.
Only Liu Yan silently rolled her eyes beside them.
She already understood immediately.
This shameless boss of hers—
was obviously playing hard to get.
He didn't want one sister.
He wanted both.