Over the course of the meal, Wang Zhou was practically floating: "You two, you're still wet behind the ears, your wings aren't even fully grown, and you dare to go against us."
Cui Mantong and Fang Miaomiao exchanged glances, feigning confusion as they asked Wang Zhou, "Director Wang, what do you mean? I don't quite understand. Could you be more specific about what we've done that makes you think we're opposing you?"
"Don't play dumb," Wang Zhou chuckled. "By letting Wang Hui join your company, aren't you trying to go against me, Wang Zhou, and pull me down from my pedestal?"
"That's a grave accusation," Fang Miaomiao's eyes immediately welled up. "We had no idea Wang Hui had any grievances with you. How can you say we're opposing you?"
"You don't know Wang Hui has a grudge against me?"
"Director Wang, what grudge do you have with Wang Hui?" Fang Miaomiao slammed the table. "Just tell me, and I'll go back right now and fire Wang Hui, never to hire him again."
Wang Zhou's gaze turned grim. "You really don't know?"
"Why would we know?" Fang Miaomiao grew more perplexed. "Director Wang, as you said, we're actors, and we have to make a living in this industry. We're all smart people; the wise know when to adapt. We have no reason to jeopardize our good relations over someone we don't even know."
Wang Zhou nodded with satisfaction. Then, as if recalling something, he crossed his arms. "That's not right. Weren't some people very arrogant before?"
"That's just youthful impetuosity," Fang Miaomiao quickly responded. "Now that we've realized the issue, we've rushed to find you."
"You're quite eloquent, aren't you? No wonder Master Wen likes you so much."
Fang Miaomiao suppressed her anger and smiled, nodding. "Young people are supposed to be eloquent."
"Alright," Wang Zhou waved dismissively. "I'm not trying to make things difficult for you. The issue with that young actor is easily resolved. After all, I'm the director of this production, and I do have some influence."
"Whatever Director Wang needs us to do, as long as it's within our power, we'll do it without hesitation."
"You're perceptive, young lady. You'll go far in this industry," Wang Zhou said, unhurriedly stuffing food into his mouth between bites. "Actually, this isn't a big deal. As long as you abandon that individual, not only will this young actor have a smooth time in the production, but we can also offer two of your studio's actors roles in two other projects."
"Oh?" Cui Mantong asked with interest. "Two projects."
"Of course. While these will be commercial films, they'll be of very good quality. I can't say they'll make your studios rich beyond imagination, but they'll certainly bring in a substantial amount." Wang Zhou held up a finger. "Just give up Wang Hui, and the profits will be more than you can imagine."
"Director Wang's words are quite tempting."
"The spouses of both your wives are also in business, so you should understand that in today's society, profit is paramount. When profit is involved, everything else can be compromised."
"Is that so?" Fang Miaomiao traced a finger on the tabletop. "According to Director Wang, we're talking business here. You also know that Wang Hui's future is limitless. Asking us to give up this long-term prospect for two films, wouldn't that be too much of a loss for us?"
Wang Zhou smiled meaningfully. "Don't worry. As long as you cooperate, Wang Hui will have no long-term prospects."
The two remained silent.
"Or, Miss Fang, are you willing to give up the most popular young actress in your studio? You know, a scandal or a bad incident in the film industry can essentially lead to an actress being blacklisted. A mature actress brings in far more profit than a fledgling director." Wang Zhou coaxed.
Fang Miaomiao fell silent.
Wang Zhou leaned back in his chair, gesturing casually with his hands, as if everything were under his control.
Soon, Fang Miaomiao nodded slightly.
Wang Zhou stood up, satisfied. "I enjoy cooperating with intelligent people. Miss Fang, rest assured, our collaboration will be very pleasant. I'll send you the contract tonight. I'm confident you won't disappoint me."
With that, Wang Zhou left smugly.
After he was gone, Cui Mantong couldn't help but touch her arm. "Help! Talking to him gave me goosebumps all over. Miaomiao, how did you manage? I'm so glad I listened to Cui Tong and never acted in his productions."
As they spoke, there was a knock on the private room door.
"Enter."
A middle-aged woman wearing gold-rimmed glasses and impeccably dressed appeared at the doorway. "Hello, I'm the lawyer called by Master Wen. You can call me Chen Ruonan."
"Miss Chen, you're early."
"It's basic professional ethics for a lawyer."
The server then quickly entered the room and tidied it up.
Fang Miaomiao handed a document to Chen Ruonan. "Please take a look, Ms. Chen."
"It's my duty."
Twenty minutes later, Chen Ruonan delicately raised her glasses. "Are you sure this is a contract?"
"Yes."
"This contract is invalid, and the contents are quite nonsensical," Chen Ruonan concluded. "Either your studio's actors didn't have the contract reviewed by the legal department when they signed, or there's something fishy going on in the legal department."
Fang Miaomiao raised an eyebrow.
"My task is complete. Madam Wen can now pursue the person she needs to."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I got paid, after all."
After speaking, Chen Ruonan stood up and left.
"That woman is so cool and dashing," Cui Mantong said enviously. "But did she just imply there's a problem with your studio?"
Fang Miaomiao rubbed her forehead with a hint of helplessness. "Lately, the studio has been in a recruitment phase, and management has been a bit lax. It's normal for people to exploit loopholes."
Cui Mantong shrugged in agreement. "That's why I never wanted to take over the Cui Group. Business is too taxing on the brain; my brain isn't up to it."
Fang Miaomiao chuckled at her words. "So, are we in a business war now?"
Cui Mantong's eyes lit up. "If we take down Wang Zhou, does that mean we'll become famous in the film industry?"
"Can't say for sure."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, let's go solve the Wang Zhou problem! I can't stand him for another day."
"No rush. He might be looking for Wang Hui. Have your bodyguards withdraw and protect him. That way, Wang Zhou can't brag, and we can reel him in."
Cui Mantong gazed at Fang Miaomiao for a long time. Then, under Fang Miaomiao's bewildered look, she hugged her tightly. "Wow, Miaomiao, when did you arrange all this? It's only been a short while, and you've got everything sorted out. I seriously suspect you could go work for Wen Zhiyan."