Chapter 39 Business Negotiation

Listening to what Shi Hailing suddenly said, Yu Zhi’s mind raced with a myriad of thoughts, yet her voice remained entirely calm as she replied, "What are Sister Ling's thoughts on this?"

Shi Hailing’s fingertips did not stop, the clacking of the keyboard filling the space between them. "My thoughts are the same as always. If you lack financial backing, you can use your personhood as equity instead. I hold you in high regard; your acting has a genuine spark."

As a first step, the two hadn't completely laid their cards on the table. To put it another way, Shi Hailing wanted to bring Yu Zhi into her company as an actress, using a tactical retreat to test the waters first.

In contrast, Yu Zhi’s own plan was quite systematic. She had previously dabbled in some small-to-medium investments with quite respectable returns. When she had earlier mentioned bringing Shi Hailing in as a partner, she hadn't just been speaking idly.

"Sister Ling, saying something like that takes the fun right out of it."

Yu Zhi stopped right before crossing the line. Just then, Shi Hailing finished her current burst of work, stood up, and began gathering her scattered documents.

Who on earth claimed Yu Zhi was a naive, innocent darling? In her view, Yu Zhi was clearly the shrewdest person in the room. This truly gave new meaning to the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Yet Shi Hailing was also a fickle opportunist—wherever the profit lay, there she would naturally run.

"Well then, Zhi-zhi, tell me your perspective. I have an appointment with the head of ZD’s artist management department in half an hour; you can chat with her in a bit."

Shi Hailing could tell that Yu Zhi harbored thoughts of transitioning behind the scenes—a notion that inevitably arose for anyone who spent long enough in this industry.

Being at the mercy of others versus pulling the strings oneself—the difference between the two was vast indeed.

With a slightly broader scope for action, Yu Zhi shifted her position and leaned against the edge of the desk. "With the economic downturn, most people embrace hedonism, and their demands for spiritual entertainment grow increasingly refined."

"Against such a backdrop, variety shows stand out precisely because they provide people with exceptionally high emotional value. By comparison, the meager offerings of film and television television appear trivial."

"Furthermore, the quality of film and television productions in our industry today falls far short of what it was a decade or more ago. Many love to trumpet the 'winter of cinema and television,' but Sister Ling, don't you understand the reality behind it?"

Hearing this, Shi Hailing gave a slight nod. Yu Zhi was entirely right; what damn winter? It was simply a lack of decent scripts.

Coupled with the foul and corrupt prevailing trends in the industry, truly talented actors were given no way to rise to prominence.

"You might be overlooking something. The very essence of being a fan of a celebrity is pursuing the person themselves."

Shi Hailing tossed a bucket of cold water on the idea based on hard facts, but Yu Zhi was not discouraged in the least.

"To be human is to have flaws and desires. In the end, no matter how devoted their pursuit, fans will eventually drop them for one reason or another. Worse still, some will hurl abuse or even issue threats over the most trivial of actions on your part. Sister Ling should certainly be more familiar with that."

"People carry a great deal of suppressed hostility. Unable to fully release our own emotional needs internally, the majority of us must rely on external outlets."

"..."

After hearing all this, Shi Hailing summarized, "So, you're planning to revive the era of original scripts? To film and broadcast simultaneously?"

Broaching this subject, Yu Zhi’s expression relaxed to an almost excessive degree. "The longer things drag on, the greater the consumption. Since people prefer a fast pace, we should combine the efficiency of short-form dramas with the distinctive qualities of long-form series."

Suddenly, a round of applause rang out.

The two women snapped out of their intense discussion to find two people already standing at the doorway.

"Teacher Yu’s viewpoints certainly make for pleasant listening."

The other person chimed in, "President Ning is quite right; Miss Yu’s ideas are wonderfully innovative."

"Yet such a bold concept isn't very practical in today's market! Most people still rely more heavily on projects adapted from literary works, because those already carry inherent buzz and can rapidly build up an audience."

Following this, the renowned head of the art department explained to them both, "I had previously arranged to discuss matters with President Ning. It just so happened that Teacher Ling called right then. I intended to reschedule, but President Ning mentioned he was acquainted with both of you as well, so we simply came over together."

Shi Hailing ushered the two inside and called for the attendant to serve tea.

"For President Ning to visit in person—isn't that doing me a tremendous honor?"

"Attracting audiences through traditional methods is already far too common in today's market. Viewers can no longer even tell what core story you are trying to tell, and film and television adaptations of already-known stories possess far less drawing power for the audience."

Someone was feeling uneasy and wanted to keep a personal eye on things.

Shi Hailing arched an eyebrow slightly, sipping her tea.

Yu Zhi felt not a shred of awkwardness. Given that she and Ning Qier had argued just yesterday only to meet face-to-face today, she refused to let herself feel embarrassed.

Clearly, this department head was entirely unaware of the intricate web between her and Ning Qier; she just needed to maintain her composure.

Stepping back from her previous eloquent delivery, she left the entire floor to Shi Hailing—after all, since Shi Hailing had made the appointment, she shouldn't overshadow the host.

It wasn't until Shi Hailing prompted her that she elaborated a bit further on what she had discussed earlier.

In truth, she had already decided in her heart to decline this collaboration. Would Ning Qier really refrain from meddling? Based on what she knew of him, in order to clear a smoother path for her, he most certainly would not.

Interfering in her affairs under the guise of doing what was best for her—this was also the fundamental reason for their argument.

An unequal romance was always bound to function this way.

And sure enough—

"President Ning, listening to you speak so highly of this project, do you intend to come and take a slice of the pie?"

Ning Qier silently observed the expression of the woman across from him. "Not interested."

"If General Manager Zhuang needs any assistance, you may contact Fang Zhixiao."

Yu Zhi's other hand, resting beneath the table, clenched tightly. She was somewhat surprised by the outcome he stated, yet at the same time, it was entirely within her expectations.

He had not interfered directly, yet he had used his own status and influence to secure privileges for them.

He was always so adept at seizing...

Shi Hailing reached out and gently poked Yu Zhi twice, prompting them both to express their thanks.

Watching Yu Zhi’s reluctant expression, a secret sense of amusement welled up inside Ning Qier. The sight of her detesting him yet unable to get rid of him was enduringly fascinating.

He simply adored seeing those different shades of emotion bloom across Teacher Yu’s face—genuine and completely unadulterated.

A sincerity that belonged exclusively to him.

After the group sat quietly for a short while, Ning Qier stood up and announced that he had pressing matters to attend to later.

Having finally managed to establish a connection with Ning Qier, General Manager Zhuang hastily followed him out.

Shedding her previous restraint, Yu Zhi allowed her own imposing aura to unfurl in front of Shi Hailing.

Uninhibited and graceful, restrained yet measured.

"Sister Ling, aren't you going to explain the relationship between you and President Ning?"

Following their brief exchange and communication, Yu Zhi was entirely certain that Ning Qier would never have any industrial or business ties with that so-called General Manager Zhuang.

Unless his approach to him was premeditated from the start, what else could possibly entice him to make such a move?

It wasn't that she was being narcissistic, but no matter how she turned it over in her mind, the ultimate answer still pointed back to her. And yet, amidst this murky farce, there remained one sole bystander.

Furthermore, this bystander most certainly knew the full sequence of events from beginning to end.

She had noticed small, subtle interactions between Shi Hailing and Ning Qier—interactions so well-concealed that had she not observed with extreme care, she never would have noticed them.

She also remembered that Ning Qier had an older sister whom she had never laid eyes on from start to finish. Could it be...?