Seeing that Handsome Dad was so firm in his stance, Jiang Youli didn't say anything more.
Because deep down, she was on the same side as Handsome Dad.
In her heart, it was more important for Pretty Mom to live a safe and peaceful life than to successfully give birth to a child—something that was unpredictable.
"I understand, Dad."
Jiang Yehan gripped the steering wheel tightly, then took a deep breath. Helpless yet earnest, he pleaded, "Youli, I hope you won't bring up the matter of having children with your mom again. From now on, you will be our only daughter."
"Okay."
Then, as if something occurred to him, Jiang Yehan changed the subject. "The rumor going around is that Qi Huan is infertile. If he really can't have children, you..."
Jiang Youli smiled. "Dad, I can cure him. Of course, if I really want a child and his infertility can't be treated, I'll leave him without hesitation."
Jiang Yehan was taken aback, not expecting her to answer so quickly.
"But luckily, I don't absolutely have to have a child, so it doesn't bother me."
For a moment, Jiang Yehan didn't know what to say. As a father, he was relieved that his daughter could keep such a clear head.
At the very least, after marrying Qi Huan, Youli wouldn't let herself suffer any grievances.
He just wondered if Qi Huan would feel sad if he ever found out how his daughter thought.
They arrived at Starlight Entertainment, and Jiang Youli got out of the car. The window rolled down, and Handsome Dad looked out. "I'll leave work early today to pick you up."
"Okay."
After the car drove off, Jiang Youli looked away, adjusted her handbag, and turned to enter the company building.
Back in her office, before long, her secretary Little Yang rushed in, saying, "President Jiang, something's wrong."
Jiang Youli placed the manuscript of Ambition of the Azure Sky on her desk, ready to work on the script. She looked up. "Calm down. What is it?"
Secretary Little Yang caught her breath and explained, "Earlier, Jiang Xing planned to set up a director's studio and sign the renowned director Zhang Bufan on a high salary. The goal was that once we secured the copyright for Ambition of the Azure Sky, Director Zhang himself would direct it. Director Zhang's works have received high praise abroad, and Jiang Xing had already pretty much negotiated with him..."
She paused, looking troubled. "Then recently, due to the change in leadership at Starlight Entertainment and the crisis we've faced, this morning Director Zhang Bufan had his assistant call to decline the cooperation."
Jiang Youli said, "Oh?" raising an eyebrow. "This Zhang Bufan has received high praise abroad? So domestic critics aren't as impressed?"
Secretary Little Yang replied, "Not exactly. Public opinion domestically on Director Zhang is quite polarized. Most audiences acknowledge that his works are high quality, but some netizens think he subtly changes details in his films. For example, if the protagonist originally didn't study abroad, he'll insist on changing it so the protagonist does. People call him out for fawning over foreign cultures, but Director Zhang doesn't admit it—he just says it's an objective fact that outstanding students often go abroad."
Jiang Youli shrugged. "Well, then it might be better not to sign him. I don't really trust Jiang Xing's judgment anyway."
"Ah?" Little Yang was surprised by Jiang Youli's reaction.
Jiang Youli said, "I'll pick another director to personally oversee the film adaptation of Ambition of the Azure Sky."
Secretary Little Yang regained her composure. "...Understood. I'll leave you to your work, President Jiang."
She wondered if President Jiang had another ace up her sleeve.
In today's entertainment industry, there was no director more famous or experienced than Zhang Bufan. The two other veteran directors of equal stature had their own networks, and few promising young talents were widely recognized. These directors generally relied on personal connections; without an introduction, cooperation was rare. Besides, everyone knew that Starlight Entertainment was now opposing Young Master Long. Which director would dare help President Jiang at a time like this?
Even Zhang Bufan had only agreed to work with Jiang Xing after long, hard persuasion.
She was curious who President Jiang could possibly find to direct.
After Secretary Little Yang left, Jiang Youli immediately dialed a number.
After a while, the call connected, and a man's excited voice came through.
"Girl Li! You've been stirring up trouble in the Beijing circle and only now think of me!"
"I didn't want to disturb your recovery."
"Recovery, my foot! If I rest any longer, I'll grow mold!"
"Well then, I'd like to ask you to come out of retirement and direct a show for me. What do you think?"
"I've seen the trending topics these past few days. I knew you were planning to shoot Ambition of the Azure Sky yourself, and I was wondering if you'd pick a director other than me! Hmph! Good thing you didn't make me furious!"
"How would I dare make you angry? That's why I came to you for help right away~"
"Alright, I'll come find you in a couple of days."
"OK~"
After hanging up, Jiang Youli leaned back in her office chair and stretched lazily. See? The director was taken care of—easy as pie~
After stretching, she pulled her chair back to her desk, ready to personally adapt Ambition of the Azure Sky into a script.
...
Around noon, just as she was about to clock off—
"Hello, I'm Qi Huan, president of Qi Group. I'm here to see President Jiang Youli."
Secretary Little Yang was tidying up her desk when she spotted Qi Huan and immediately jumped up from her seat. "...President Qi! Wait, I'll go inform President Jiang!"
With that, she hurried toward the presidential office.
Little Yang knocked on the office door. After receiving permission, she entered and stood before the desk, her eyes full of amazement. "President Jiang, President Qi is here to see you!"
Jiang Youli was a bit surprised that Qi Huan would come to Starlight Entertainment today.
"Bring him to my office."
"Yes!"
Secretary Little Yang bustled out again, trying to suppress her excitement as she said to the waiting Qi Huan, "President Jiang is ready to see you. This way, please, President Qi."
"Thank you." Qi Huan nodded slightly.
Cheng Jing pushed the wheelchair and followed.
After Qi Huan left, the female employees who had been at their desks all rose involuntarily, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of his back.
"Oh my god! I actually got to see the legendary Young Master Qi, the golden child of Beijing's top family!"
The female employees of Starlight Entertainment practically stamped their feet in fangirl delirium.
"How can anyone be that handsome? It's an even bigger visual shock than that fleeting moment during the live broadcast of the interview!"
"He's handsome and incredibly polite—completely lacking that rich-kid arrogance!"
"Yeah, it's a shame his legs are disabled..."
"Who cares! With looks like that, even if he's disabled, I could stare at him forever and never get tired!"
Leading Qi Huan and Cheng Jing to the presidential office door, Secretary Little Yang gestured. "President Qi, please."
"Thank you."
Cheng Jing pushed Qi Huan into the office, then quickly stepped back outside to wait.
Jiang Youli stood up from behind her desk and walked out. "Huanhuan, what brings you to my office today?"
Qi Huan smiled gently. "I’m the one receiving treatment from you, but I’ve always made Little Li'er come to my company before. I finished work early today, so I thought I’d come to you."
As he spoke, he gazed intently at Jiang Youli’s new outfit.
“Huanhuan, you’re surprisingly considerate,” Jiang Youli teased.
Qi Huan replied, “Rather than saying I’m considerate, I’d say I missed you. I wanted to see you sooner and spend more time with you.”
He paused before adding, “And it turns out coming to you was the right choice. You look even more beautiful today.”
