Seventeen Again: The Sweet Life with My Family

Chapter 69: Negotiation

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Xu Chang wasn’t one to shy away from a verbal argument. “Just because you wear a suit and tie doesn’t mean you’re a good person in this day and age!” he countered. “In fact, you’re not saying anything worthwhile despite your fancy attire.”

“Only innocent girls would fall for your lies. In the real world, you can’t fool anyone with your tricks. If anyone in the real world believed you, I’d walk on my hands!”

Embarrassed and angry after being exposed, Zhao Cheng retorted, “And what about you? You said that you can give her the role of the female lead and recommend a good manager. If you’re really so powerful, how did things turn out like this?”

Xu Chang chuckled and adjusted the collar on his shirt. “What am I like? This is called fashion. I like the feeling of being unconventional and free-spirited! Besides, I have different tastes from you. I’m a director, and I want Wen Nian to be my female lead now. If she agrees, I can get everything ready in a month!” Huang Yue frowned disapprovingly at Xu Chang and then turned to Wen Nian. “Wen Nian, it’s obvious at first sight that this person is a liar. Don’t believe his lame excuses. I have never seen anyone in the entertainment industry dress so inappropriately. He should have just said that he doesn’t have money instead of trying to pass it off as a fashion statement. You should be careful! What if he tries to trick you into filming porn?”

As this idea crossed Huang Yue’s mind, she wanted to clap for herself. If Wen Nian wanted to be the female lead, they could achieve that by making her the female lead of a porn movie. She then winked at Zhao Cheng, urging him to include Wen Nian’s request in the contract.

Zhao Cheng didn’t know what good idea Huang Yue had thought of. He hesitated for a moment, but when he thought of the 1 million yuan reward, he gritted his teeth and said, “Wen Nian, I can add your request to the contract!”

Wen Nian lowered her eyes to hide the surprise in them. Then, she understood what they could do and sneered in her heart.

However, Wen Nian still looked confused. “Huang Yue, I think what Director Xu said makes more sense. If you want to find a job, you should look for a reputable company. Small companies are more likely to be illegitimate. I understand that you’re concerned about the possibility of Director Xu offering me a role in a pornographic movie, but I’m also worried that Mr. Zhao might try to arrange such a job for me. It’s unfortunate that adults can be so cunning. I’ll have to be very careful, unless…”

“Mr. Zhao, you must specify which director’s female lead I’ll be playing, whether it’s for Zhang Mou or Feng Gang. Otherwise, I reserve the right to terminate my contract within a year without penalty, and you will also have to compensate me for the loss of one year of my studies. This will cost at least ten million yuan.”

Wen Nian’s tone was very serious, making Zhao Cheng so angry that he wanted to slam the table!

He wanted to poach some famous artists, but he knew that the company would never give such a favorable treatment. Even B-list celebrities might not receive such treatment from entertainment companies.

How could she, a naive student, ask for 10 million yuan as compensation? Only entertainment companies could exploit artists in such a way. He had never heard of any artist in the country who could exploit the company.

At this moment, Wen Nian appeared to be a greedy and foolish person in Zhao Cheng’s eyes. However, Xu Chang, as an outsider, could see some underlying clues.

Xu Chang had interacted with Wen Nian twice before, and he had never seen her wear such an ignorant expression on her face. Every conversation with her made him feel that she was someone who could make sound decisions.

Xu Chang realized that Wen Nian had been intentionally acting naive and putting on a show for Huang Yue and Zhao Cheng. Upon realizing this, he decided that he needed to play his part even better.

Currently, Xu Chang was an observer who didn’t care if things became worse. He supported Wen Nian, saying, “I think Wen Nian’s request is quite reasonable. If your small company wants to sign a potential actress like Wen Nian, you need to show your utmost sincerity, Mr. Zhao. If you agree to her terms, I will back off voluntarily. Otherwise, I will snatch her away.”

Before Zhao Cheng could make any headway with Wen Nian, the unknown director next to her jumped in again. Zhao Cheng, motivated solely by money, was willing to put up with Wen Nian’s antics, but he had no intention of being polite to Xu Chang. “There are thousands of directors in the entertainment industry. Who do you think you are?! Look at you, you’re in your thirties, right? And you look weird. If you were famous, I would have known who you are. And you’re saying that I’m unqualified? Are you even qualified to say that?!”

Xu Chang was accustomed to facing people who prejudged him based on his appearance. He remained unfazed upon hearing Zhao Cheng’s insults. “I may not be the best director out there, but I am a legitimate director working for a legitimate company. I am willing to let Wen Nian’s parents be a part of the production team and provide them with food and accommodation,” he said calmly..