When Jiang Zhao mentioned Long Yuan, Yu Linglong also turned cold and sneered, "What does this have to do with Long Yuan? I look down on you purely because of who you are as a person. Your real sister was switched at birth and suffered for twenty years on the outside, yet instead of trying to compensate and cherish her, you let a adopted girl like Jiang Yonghe lead you around by the nose, hurting your own sister. In the end, you got kicked out of the Jiang family with nothing, and now you want to betray Star Light Entertainment to come to Big Wind Entertainment. You, Jiang Zhao, are nothing but a joke."
After saying that, she shoved Jiang Zhao aside and walked toward the corridor on the right.
After steadying himself, Jiang Zhao slowly unclenched his fists.
Yu Linglong's scolding was not wrong. He was indeed a joke!
But he had no time to dwell on that now. He needed to become famous and successful as quickly as possible! So that his sister Jiang Youli could no longer ignore him!
With that thought, Jiang Zhao turned around and strode to the office of the business department manager, telling Zheng Zegang about the compensation he needed to pay for breaking his contract with Star Light Entertainment.
Zheng Zegang looked a bit troubled and said, "I'll have to consult Chairman Yu about this. Chairman Yu happens to be in the company right now. Come with me to see him and make sure your attitude is sincere. Show him how much you want to become famous."
The word "beg" left a bitter taste in Jiang Zhao's mouth, but for the sake of becoming a big star, he suppressed his discomfort and replied, "Alright."
Zheng Zegang was satisfied with Jiang Zhao's attitude, so he led him to the chairman's office to explain the situation regarding Jiang Zhao's contract termination compensation to Chairman Yu.
Besides Yu Linglong, there was also a young man in the chairman's office.
Upon hearing Zheng Zegang's words, Yu Linglong said, "Ten million in compensation? Jiang Zhao is nothing but a singer with a scandal-ridden reputation right now. Is he worth it? Dad, it's a waste of resources to promote Jiang Zhao. Not worth it."
Hearing Yu Linglong's words, Jiang Zhao felt a stifled anger rising in his chest.
To be honest, Chairman Yu was also reluctant to spend ten million on such a pointless expense.
However, the young man objected against Yu Linglong, saying, "Dad, I think it's worth trying. I agree with Manager Zheng that Jiang Zhao has great potential. That woman Jiang Youli said she was going to release a song. If her song really becomes the hit of the year, wouldn't that let Star Light Entertainment show us up at Big Wind Entertainment again?"
Yu Linglong looked at the young man who was speaking.
The young man smirked at her smugly.
Zheng Zegang also chimed in, "Chairman Yu, I spent several years at Star Light Entertainment, and I know Jiang Zhao well. He truly is talented. With the music industry in decline, it's not easy to find a singer who can also compose original songs. I dare say that if we put some effort into promoting Jiang Zhao, the economic returns he'll bring to the company will far exceed ten million."
After saying that, he turned his head and gave Jiang Zhao a meaningful look.
Remembering Zheng Zegang's instructions, Jiang Zhao swallowed his pride and pleaded, "Chairman Yu, I hope you can give me a chance. I will never let down this company's support."
Zheng Zegang followed up quickly, "If you have concerns, Chairman Yu, we can state clearly in the contract that all of Jiang Zhao's early earnings will go toward repaying the company for the compensation it paid for him. After that, every penny he earns will be split at 2:8, with the company taking 8 and him taking 2. For Big Wind Entertainment, that's a safe bet with no risk of loss."
The young man added, "Dad, the singers under our company are either past their prime or just internet celebrities who write shallow pop songs. No one matches Jiang Zhao's talent."
Listening to Zheng Zegang, Chairman Yu found himself tempted. Looking at Zheng Zegang thoughtfully, he said, "Well, since my son says so, and since you, Manager Zheng, are willing to vouch for Jiang Zhao, I'll trust you once more. But I've already arranged for my son to join the company. From now on, all arrangements regarding Jiang Zhao go directly through him. That way, he can also get some practice running a company."
Zheng Zegang immediately nodded and replied, "Understood, Chairman Yu."
Just then, Yu Linglong interrupted and asked, "Dad, what about me?"
Chairman Yu looked at her with slight confusion and asked, "What about you?"
Yu Linglong answered seriously, "I want to join the company too."
At that, Chairman Yu's face twisted in impatience. Waving his hand, he said, "Join the company? You're a signed artist now, and you're about to marry Young Master Long. From now on, you'll be his wife at the Long family. Just enjoy a comfortable life of leisure. Leave the business side to your younger brother."
Yu Hongtu could barely hide the pride in his eyes. "Sister, marrying Young Master Long is what countless women dream of. From now on, you'll be a top-tier rich wife. You don't need to be out there working in the spotlight. Leave the company matters to me."
Yu Linglong's eyes burned with unwillingness, but she said nothing more. Instead, she changed the subject and asked, "I came here today to find out whether the male lead has been chosen yet."
Chairman Yu said, "Director Zhang hasn't decided yet."
Yu Linglong continued, "I heard Director Zhang is torn between Zhou Zerui and Yang Yufan."
Jiang Zhao was familiar with both names.
Zhou Zerui was a rising young star, but in just two years since his debut, he had frequently been rumored to have a bad temper.
Yang Yufan was an acting veteran with an excellent reputation. Since his debut, he had never been involved in any scandal.
Chairman Yu asked, puzzled, "What are you thinking?"
Yu Linglong answered directly, "I'd go with Zhou Zerui."
Jiang Zhao frowned. In terms of reputation, Yang Yufan was clearly better.
Why was Yu Linglong specifically recommending Zhou Zerui?
Chairman Yu was also curious. "Give me a reason."
Yu Linglong replied, "I just think he's the better actor."
Jiang Zhao had to admit that she had a point. Zhou Zerui might have a bad temper, but his acting was outstanding.
Chairman Yu waved his hand and said, "Alright. I'll pass your opinion to Director Zhang as a reference. Go back and wait for news. Just relax and wait for the filming to start."
Yu Linglong said nothing more, stood up, and left the chairman's office.
"Chairman Yu, we'll take our leave as well."
Zheng Zegang then took Jiang Zhao out and reminded him again, "Chairman Yu has agreed to pay the compensation for you. Once we've sorted out the situation with Star Light Entertainment, I'll get in touch with you."
Jiang Zhao let out a silent sigh of relief. "Alright, thank you, Manager Zheng."
Manager Zheng patted Jiang Zhao on the shoulder earnestly and said, "Don't thank me. All I want is for you to deliver results. That way, we both win. After all, we both came from Star Light Entertainment. Naturally, we should help each other out."
"I know." Jiang Zhao's heart churned with bitter feelings.
Back in the day, this Manager Zheng was just a manager at Star Light Entertainment, while he, Jiang Zhao, was the proud Second Young Master Jiang of the Jiang family. Now, the man was talking about "helping each other out."
Truly, a tiger fallen on hard times...
...
After leaving Big Wind Entertainment, Yu Linglong got into her car and immediately dialed Jiang Youli's number.
"Miss Jiang, you were right—my father has already let his illegitimate son into the company's management and plans to hand the whole company over to him! There's no way I can stand for that! So, just as you instructed, I've already brought up to my father that I want Zhou Zerui as the male lead. Will my father really choose Zhou Zerui?"
On the other end of the phone, Jiang Youli laughed. "Of course not."
Yu Linglong was puzzled. "Then why did you have me recommend him?"
