Wen Ruyue’s expression changed dramatically, her face filled with anguish. Just for a signature, fifty million? Who would willingly spit out such a juicy morsel once it was already in their mouth?
She was playing coy, making it clear she wanted a bigger bite.
"Hold on." Wen Ruyue stood up, revealing what she believed to be an intellectual smile. "This matter hasn’t reached a point where there’s nothing left to discuss.
"It’s rare for you two to find the ti to et with . You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to collaborate just because of a few words, right?
"Moreover, my standing in the industry is there for all to see. Not just anyone gets the chance to et .
"You two should cherish this!
"This is one of the very few opportunities I’m giving you. Miss this chance, and you won’t get another!"
Wen Ruyue gestured for Shen Fanyun and Zhan Feng to sit back down.
Li Juan also looked extrely anxious. This is a huge deal! A fool has finally shown up. It would be a waste not to swindle him. People with more money than sense are getting rarer these days.
"Miss Wen, we are well aware of your status. That’s why we feel that a fifty-million signing fee is too ager."
"We’re almost ashad to offer it, alas."
Zhan Feng covered his face, his expression apologetic, like a primary school student who had done sothing wrong, full of guilt and self-reproach.
Shen Fanyun sneered inwardly. This guy is really putting on a show. The key is that he’s got Wen Ruyue completely bamboozled and utterly convinced.
"Indeed, a fifty-million signing fee for Sister Wen is just a friendship price. We’re showing you the utmost respect," Li Juan chid in.
"I told you! Fifty million is just too disrespectful. Let’s go, let’s go." Zhan Feng made to leave again. Li Juan watched, dumbfounded, still unsure who the real boss was here.
Both Li Juan and Wen Ruyue were left completely speechless.
"Who gave you permission to speak? Shut your mouth, you insolent little thing," Wen Ruyue scolded. If this signing fee is blown because of her, I’ll kill this little assistant on the spot.
Li Juan jumped in fright and imdiately fell silent.
"You two..." Wen Ruyue had just started to speak when she realized she didn’t know how to address Shen Fanyun and Zhan Feng.
Fortunately, Li Juan leaned in and saved Wen Ruyue from the awkward mont.
"This is Mr. Shen."
"As you know, I, Wen Ruyue, am currently at the absolute top of the dostic scene. I wouldn’t even consider the usual rates."
"The figure of fifty million..." Wen Ruyue deliberately paused, then carefully watched Shen Fanyun’s facial expression.
Shen Fanyun maintained his smile, showing no change whatsoever.
Wen Ruyue knew that a situation like this required so haggling. She couldn’t put herself at a disadvantage, but she also couldn’t push too hard, lest she lose this wealthy patron. Fifty million really isn’t a small amount. But who isn’t greedy? He’s spending so lavishly... perhaps with a little more negotiation, I could squeeze another thirty or fifty million out of him. This is just the signing fee! Simply writing my na earns tens of millions. Who wouldn’t be tempted? Who could possibly resist?
"It seems Miss Wen has another figure in mind. Please, feel free to speak up," Shen Fanyun finally said. He gave a brilliant, harmless-looking smile.
Wen Ruyue’s eyes lit up, but she maintained her composure. "Indeed."
"My expectation is..." Wen Ruyue raised one finger.
"One hundred million!"
Talk about an outrageous demand. A single signature, and one hundred million would be hers. Was it really this easy to make money in the entertainnt industry?
"Alright, I agree," Shen Fanyun nodded. Anyway, it’s all just lip service. I don’t actually have to spend any money. Let’s play along!
"You agreed?" Wen Ruyue exclaid, the sudden happiness catching her completely off guard.
She had assud Shen Fanyun would bring out his Dragon-slaying Saber to bargain, eventually reaching an agreent for a price slightly over fifty million.
How could he have agreed so readily?
Wen Ruyue was so excited she wanted to stand up and give Shen Fanyun a big kiss. What a tycoon!
"Um..." To her dismay, Shen Fanyun paused again. Wen Ruyue’s heart tightened. After all, they were still in the negotiation phase, and nothing was set in stone.
"Are there any other concerns?" Wen Ruyue quickly cald herself, staring nervously at Shen Fanyun.
After a long pause, Shen Fanyun said slowly, "Miss Wen, for this collaboration, you will be the main supporting actress. We’ve already cast soone else for the female lead."
"I don’t suppose you mind?"
"I don’t mind," Wen Ruyue said with a grand wave of her hand. In this day and age, whoever paid was king. Nothing else mattered.
Besides, what was wrong with being the main supporting actress? It ant more money for less work, and it wouldn’t affect her standing in the industry.
When the show eventually aired, she could just hire so online shills to praise her for gracefully stepping aside and generously promoting a newcor. She could still reap both fa and fortune. In the entertainnt industry, you have to play to your strengths, finding different angles to ensure a continuous flow of accolades and popularity.
"That’s good." Shen Fanyun shot Zhan Feng a look.
Zhan Feng imdiately pulled out a photo of Lu Feiyan. "This is our female lead."
"Hm?" Wen Ruyue’s expression instantly darkened, though she didn’t let it show.
She looked thoughtfully at Shen Fanyun. "Are you playing with ?"
"Hm?" Shen Fanyun feigned ignorance. "What do you an?"
"This newcor has been mired in negative press recently. Moreover, she’s been accused of plagiarism and refuses to apologize. You dare to cast soone with such a flawed character as the female lead?"
"Sohow, I feel that you two have an ulterior motive."
Shen Fanyun had originally planned to settle things with Wen Ruyue today, but after their conversation, he had a new idea: to give them a taste of their own dicine.
"We’ve investigated. She’s innocent," Shen Fanyun replied.
"Hm?" Wen Ruyue frowned again. "I will not work with soone whose character is so flawed. Either you replace her, or our negotiations end here."
"My status is above being associated with soone like that!"
"You’re willing to give up one hundred million that easily?" Shen Fanyun asked with a smirk.
Wen Ruyue was left speechless.
One hundred million. Even if it was tainted, it was still a solid one hundred million, and that was just the signing fee. The salary and subsequent inco would surely be several tis that amount. Of course, that was all assuming Shen Fanyun was genuinely investing.
"I need to think about it," Wen Ruyue said after a long silence.
"Alright." Shen Fanyun nodded and deliberately said to Zhan Feng, "Let’s go talk to the next person on our list."
Wen Ruyue was stunned into silence.
Are there other candidates besides ? If I refuse so forcefully, soone else will just snatch up this prize. Wouldn’t that be a huge loss? This involves one hundred million, and possibly even more.
"How about... how about we just sign? You can send the contract this afternoon." Wen Ruyue didn’t dare to haggle any longer; she couldn’t bear to lose the opportunity.
If she pushed her act too far and Shen Fanyun really walked away, she wouldn’t be able to accept such a loss.
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