Su Ding smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I've already retired from the industry."
"Why!" Wilson exclaimed in shock. "You're an excellent actress. Why would you retire?"
"It's due to some private matters that are inconvenient to discuss," Su Ding replied with a apologetic smile. "Thank you for offering me this opportunity, but I truly can't take on the role."
"Oh, what a shame," Wilson said repeatedly, looking very regretful.
Ning Dandan, standing nearby, though not fluent in English, had good listening comprehension.
She was stunned when the notoriously difficult foreign director, Wilson, invited Su Ding to be the female lead. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
How did they know each other?!
Moreover, Wilson seemed to greatly admire Su Ding! Their interaction even felt more like that of friends!
If Su Ding said anything negative about her to Wilson, she would completely lose her chance at this film. She had gone to great lengths to have this dinner with Wilson!
Thinking of this, she became extremely flustered.
Su Ding, paying no mind to Ning Dandan's thoughts, worried that Xin Jia'er might feel awkward. She opportunely interrupted Wilson's reminiscing. "We'll talk another time. My friend and I have something to do. See you."
"Alright, my contact information is still the same. Ding, about the lead role, please do reconsider."
Wilson said reluctantly, then shifted his gaze to Ning Dandan, his expression changing from warm to serious. "Miss Ning, let's continue."
Ning Dandan cast an uneasy glance at Su Ding, wanting to say something but swallowing her words. She followed Wilson back to their original seats.
Su Ding then quietly explained to Xin Jia'er, "I lived abroad for five years, remember? This is a director I knew back then. We had a pretty good relationship."
"Is that so," Xin Jia'er nodded. Recalling Ning Dandan's expression earlier, she couldn't help but chuckle. "Pfft, Dingding, you wouldn't believe it, but when that director was catching up with you, Ning Dandan's eyes almost popped out from surprise."
Su Ding also smiled. It was precisely like that.
Xin Jia'er added, "Ning Dandan has always wanted that role from the director. Seeing how good your relationship is with him, she must be regretting bothering us earlier. Humph, serves her right!"
Su Ding said indifferently, "With her personality, she'll never become famous."
They had no prior grievances, but Ning Dandan, upon learning Su Ding's identity, deliberately came to cause trouble. No one would befriend such a person who thrives on creating unnecessary drama.
Upon returning to their seats, the two ordered a few dishes and began to chat.
Su Ding briefly recounted the events in the Southern Territory, omitting details about the Ouyang family, and explained how she had resolved the misunderstanding with Jin Ye.
Xin Jia'er listened with great interest and sighed, "Your Mr. Jin still has you in his heart."
She said this with an envious expression.
"However, I won't be publicly announcing my reconciliation with Jin Ye for now." As long as the scandal surrounding her still existed, she would feel haunted.
"Mhm, I understand," Xin Jia'er nodded understandingly. "Are you really retiring? What do you plan to do afterward?"
"Yes, I plan to open a small restaurant, focusing on healthy meals. I'll be a casual owner-operator."
Su Ding smiled slightly, feeling a sense of relief.
Xin Jia'er's eyes lit up at this. "You're opening a restaurant? That's great! Have you chosen a location yet? My family has a shop for rent nearby, so we could see each other often."
Su Ding, intrigued, replied, "I haven't chosen yet. Could you show me around later?"
"Of course! If you open your shop here, I'll have my colleagues order from your place to support your business," Xin Jia'er said happily.
"Sure."
The two girls exchanged smiles, their friendship warming their hearts. xxs1
After finishing her updates, Su Ding turned her attention to Xin Jia'er's recent situation. "Jia'er, are you and Xue Zhi Qiao having trouble because of Ning Dandan?"
Hearing Xue Zhi Qiao's name, a hint of grievance surfaced on Xin Jia'er's smiling face.
"Well... not entirely."