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The atmosphere in the meeting room, which started with surprise and enthusiasm, gradually cooled down and eventually became somewhat solemn and formulaic.

Although Ms. A'nai had a good impression of Suning personally and recognized his sincerity, she became cautious when she learned that "Light and Shadow" was a newly registered company with no successful works yet.

Despite Suning's repeated emphasis on its intention to cooperate with Shandong Film and Television, the lack of a written agreement significantly diminishes the appeal to a mature writer who values ​​their reputation.

Having said all that, it would be rude of us to continue arguing.

Su Ning understood, and despite her disappointment, she maintained a composed demeanor.

He stood up and shook hands with Anai again: "Teacher Anai, I completely understand your concerns. It is a great honor to meet you in person today. I hope there will be opportunities to cooperate in the future."

Leaving the conference room, walking through the quiet and cold office building corridor, and until entering the elevator, Suning remained silent.

Chen Xiaojun followed closely behind him, and could clearly feel the low pressure emanating from him.

She tried several times to offer comfort, but didn't know where to begin, so she remained silent as well.

I got into the car and closed the door, as if temporarily shutting out the failed negotiation that had just taken place.

The car was completely silent, with only the faint sound of the air conditioner.

Suning did not start the car immediately, but leaned back in the driver's seat, staring somewhat unfocused at the glass curtain wall of the company building in front of him.

"Suning, did they really fail like this?" Only now did Chen Xiaojun voice the question that had been nagging at her.

He sighed softly, his voice carrying an undisguised hint of frustration and self-mockery:
"Sigh... I guess it's more like a failure."

"They were too naive. They thought that having some fame, some sincerity, and the reputation of Shandong Film Group would be enough to impress others. They didn't realize that in real business negotiations, one's own strength is the key. Sincerity alone is not enough."

His tone was calm, without complaint, as he calmly analyzed the reasons for the failure.

This candid vulnerability made Chen Xiaojun, who was standing next to her, feel a slight tightness in her heart.

She had seen him confidently discuss plans, and she had seen him patiently explain novels to her. Seeing him frustrated now, a strange emotion spread through her heart.

She hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "So what do we do next? Go straight back to Hangzhou?"

She came out full of enthusiasm, but she didn't expect to return so soon. She felt that going back like this would be too depressing.

To Chen Xiaojun's surprise, Su Ning shook her head, and the gloom on her face seemed to dissipate somewhat.

He turned his head to look at Chen Xiaojun, and suddenly revealed a slightly relaxed smile:

"I'm not going back. Since we've come all this way, we can't just leave Ningbo empty-handed."

He paused, then his tone became lighter, "Come on! I'll show you around Ningbo, let you eat and drink to your heart's content, just like a vacation for yourself. And thank you for coming with me today."

"Huh? This..." Chen Xiaojun was stunned.

This turn of events was something she hadn't anticipated at all.

Having just experienced a business setback, shouldn't you immediately go back to learn from the lessons or look for other opportunities?

Why the sudden urge to go out and have fun?
Seeing her bewildered expression, Su Ning smiled, her tone carrying an undeniable firmness: "What's wrong? The negotiations failed, so you're giving up? Things have to be done one step at a time, and you have to eat one bite at a time. Just because this didn't work out today doesn't mean it will never work out. But right now, the most important thing is... relax!"

"You have such a good attitude?"

He winked and said half-jokingly, "Hehe, just think of it as keeping this downcast person company and cheering me up, to salvage my fragile heart. So, Guide Chen, this really needs your help. Where are some fun things to do and good food to eat in Ningbo?"

Seeing that Su Ning seemed to have really come out of her slump and even started to joke around, Chen Xiaojun's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, gradually calmed down.

She couldn't help but laugh and nodded: "Okay! Although I'm not particularly familiar with Ningbo, I know a few time-honored noodle shops and glutinous rice ball shops that have really good food!"

"Great! Let's go! Destination: the time-honored noodle shop!" Su Ning finally started the car, and the roar of the engine seemed to dispel the previous dullness.

What was originally a business trip with a clear purpose unexpectedly turned into a trip to relax.

As the street scenes outside the car window flowed by, the atmosphere inside the car became more relaxed.

Failure is certainly frustrating, but perhaps it is also a new beginning.

……

Despite the setback in negotiations, Suning did not let his spirits remain low.

He actually took Chen Xiaojun on a trip to Ningbo.

The two visited the scholarly atmosphere of Tianyi Pavilion, experienced the modern prosperity of Tianyi Square, and also went to the Qita Temple, a place of great religious significance, to pray for blessings.

Su Ning even took Chen Xiaojun for a walk along the Bund, enjoying the river breeze and watching the lights on both banks.

Along the way, Suning seemed to have truly put his work behind him, enthusiastically experiencing every aspect of the city.

He not only meticulously planned the itinerary, but also bought Chen Xiaojun small gifts from time to time: a silk scarf with Ningbo characteristics, a box of sweet and soft Ningbo glutinous rice balls, and even bought her an exquisite bookmark he saw in a cultural and creative shop.

The gifts weren't very expensive, but they were all just right, which made her relationship with Chen Xiaojun increasingly harmonious while maintaining a safe distance between them.

Chen Xiaojun, who was initially reserved and embarrassed, was gradually influenced by Su Ning's easygoing and thoughtful manner, and relaxed, revealing a genuine smile.

After two days of fun, although the initial negotiations failed, I unexpectedly felt relaxed and happy.

"Su Ning, I've noticed that you don't seem to care much about studying?"

"why would you say so?"

"Logically speaking, you're a freshman now, which should be the time when your studies are at their heaviest. Why did you suddenly decide to start a film and television company?"

"Actually, my involvement in the film and television industry was purely by chance. Last year, a car accident not only caused me to lose my memory but also forced me to take a leave of absence from school. During the time I was recovering at home, I was very bored. Perhaps because they were afraid I would get sick from being idle, my older cousin asked me to help him on the set of 'Parents' Love,' which basically involved distributing boxed lunches to the crew and doing odd jobs. Once, when actor Guo Tao twisted his ankle while filming, I happened to know a little bit about it, so I did some initial treatment for him. Then, I was spotted by Director Kong and cast as Jiang Weimin. Another time, when the producer of 'Under the Zhengyang Gate' visited the set, he cast me as Taozi in 'Under the Zhengyang Gate.' Suddenly, I realized that I seemed to have a special connection with film and television, so I had a sudden idea to make a movie, and that's how I founded this 'Bizarre and Unusual' film and television company."

Wow! So much has happened?

"Besides, studying is studying, and working is working; they don't conflict with each other."

"You don't seem like a nineteen-year-old boy at all?"

"Oh? How big does it look?"

"Like a very profound old monster."

"Haha, I like this title! I'll give myself a pen name from now on, like Old Monster."

……

On the way back to Hangzhou, the setting sun cast a warm glow inside the car.

After two days together, the awkwardness between the two had completely disappeared, replaced by a natural and understanding friendship.

While driving, Su Ning suddenly turned her head to look at Chen Xiaojun, who was looking out the window in the passenger seat, and asked, "Junjun, after this meeting, what do you think of Teacher Anai?"

Chen Xiaojun snapped out of her reverie, thought for a moment, and answered seriously, "Hmm... She has a very strong aura. She's the kind of independent, opinionated, and somewhat stubborn career woman. She knows exactly what she wants and isn't easily persuaded."

“That’s right.” Su Ning nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the winding highway ahead. But then she abruptly changed the subject, throwing out a question that caught Chen Xiaojun off guard: “Do you want to be a woman like her?”

"Huh?" Chen Xiaojun was completely stunned, turned her head sharply, and looked at Su Ning in astonishment, "What do you mean by this?"

She couldn't keep up with Su Ning's leaps of thought at all. Su Ning's tone, however, was calm, with a serious tone of discussion: "I think that with your qualifications, understanding, and resilience, if you went into business, your achievements might not be lower than hers. You just lack an opportunity and a platform."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaojun almost instinctively shook her head in denial, her face clearly saying, "This is impossible." She replied, "Su Ning, you must be joking. I have an arts background and have been exposed to opera performances and the stage since I was a child. I have absolutely no interest in doing business. I simply don't have that kind of ability."

“How do you know it’s impossible if you don’t try?” Su Ning countered, her tone encouraging and confident. “A person’s potential is often limited by the environment. You’ll never know how far you can go until you’re in that position.”

"This..." Chen Xiaojun was speechless at the question, but her heart was stirred by this bold idea.

Su Ning didn't give her much time to think and directly extended an olive branch: "Jun Jun, you can seriously consider it. Resign from the theater troupe and join my 'Bizarre and Wonderful'."

"What? Resign? Join your company?" Chen Xiaojun was so shocked she almost jumped out of her seat. She thought Su Ning's idea was too far-fetched. "This is impossible! This is too sudden!"

“Nothing is impossible.” Su Ning’s tone remained calm, yet carried a powerful persuasiveness. “In traditional industries like theater troupes, the market shrinkage is obvious, the room for advancement is limited, and the income is relatively fixed and meager. If you just want a stable life and to live a routine life, then staying in the theater troupe is indeed a good choice—stable and respectable.”

He paused, his voice softening but becoming clearer: "But if you still have a desire to break through, to see more of your potential, then stepping out will open up a whole new world."

Chen Xiaojun's heart raced involuntarily, and her throat felt dry: "But... even if I get out, what can I do? I don't know anything."

“Assistant,” Su Ning clearly stated the position, “You’ll start as my special assistant. You’ll be involved in all aspects of project development, copyright negotiations, production preparation, publicity and distribution, and more. This will be an excellent platform for learning and growth.”

"Su Ning, you...you're serious?" Chen Xiaojun still found it hard to believe; it all happened too fast and too suddenly.

“I’m very serious.” Su Ning’s expression became extremely solemn. “Jun Jun, I’m sincerely inviting you to join. Moreover, ‘Guang Guai Lu Li’ is definitely not the kind of shell company you’re imagining.”

He decided to reveal some of his trump cards to increase his persuasiveness: "Our company has independently produced a suspenseful crime film, 'The Massage Therapist.' This film was produced entirely by Shandong Film Group's top team, and stars Guo Tao, Mei Ting, and Liu Yijun. Post-production is now complete, and it's currently in the stage of choosing a release date. This means that the company already has a heavyweight, mature work that is about to be released."

This news was like another bombshell, exploding in Chen Xiaojun's mind.

Her eyes widened, and she couldn't speak for a long time.

Guo Tao, Mei Ting, Liu Yijun, Shandong Film Studio team...

She knew all too well what those names meant!
It turns out that everything he said before was true!

And it's already done!
She suddenly thought of a question: "Then...why didn't you mention this when you first talked to Teacher Anai? If you had this work as leverage, it would definitely have carried much more weight!"

Su Ning smiled helplessly: "It's no use. Didn't you hear what she said? She's already contacted many large, well-established companies, but they all rejected her because they didn't believe in their adaptation concepts. How could she easily trust a new company like ours that has just produced its first work and hasn't been tested by the market yet? Talk is cheap. Before seeing the finished product and the market response, 'The Massage Therapist' may still lack enough persuasiveness in her eyes. On the contrary, she might think we're just making empty promises."

Chen Xiaojun fell silent; she had to admit that Su Ning's analysis made sense.

Business partnerships value tangible results and sustainable capabilities.

"Alright, let's not talk about that tough businesswoman anymore." Su Ning brought the topic back, looking sincerely at Chen Xiaojun. "You should seriously consider my invitation. This isn't an impulsive decision; I believe it could be a life-changing opportunity for you, giving you a completely different and broader career platform. Of course, the final decision is yours."

A long silence fell inside the car, broken only by the sound of the wheels rolling over the road.

Chen Xiaojun leaned back in her chair, her mind in turmoil.

On one hand, there is the familiar, stable, but predictable theater life; on the other hand, there is an unknown, challenging, yet infinitely possible invitation.

The picture that Suning painted for her was like a pebble thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples upon ripples.

"Su Ning, do you really want to hire me?"

"Of course! Part-time is fine too! I really need your help."

"Okay! I'll think about it carefully."

"I hope you won't disappoint me! It's really discouraging to keep hitting walls."

"..."

……

A brief silence fell over the car again, as Chen Xiaojun was still reeling from the shock and turmoil brought about by Suning's invitation.

She watched the scenery rushing past the window, her heart in turmoil.

However, Suning did not seem to dwell too much on the failure of the negotiations, nor did it wait for Chen Xiaojun's immediate reply.

His mind had already jumped to the next step.

He did not abandon his work, but simply adopted a smarter and more realistic strategy.

He casually took out his phone from his pocket, quickly swiped his finger across the screen, found director Kong Sheng's number, dialed it directly, and pressed the speakerphone button, seemingly not minding that Chen Xiaojun would hear the following conversation.

The call was quickly answered, and Director Kong's slightly tired but still energetic voice came through the phone, with some background noise from the film set: "Hey, Xiao Su? What's up? I'm filming right now."

"Director Kong, may I bother you for a few minutes? I have something to report to you." Su Ning's tone became respectful and direct, lacking the casualness he had shown when speaking to Chen Xiaojun earlier. "I've recently been in Ningbo and met an author named Anai. I've read several of her novels, especially 'The Great River Flows East' and 'All Is Well.' I feel that the themes and content are very solid and are particularly suitable for adaptation into TV series, with huge potential."

He paused, then reported the results with a hint of regret but clarity: "However, the initial contact didn't go very smoothly. The other party is quite cautious and still has doubts about the strength of a new company like ours. I think it would be a real pity to miss such a good project. So I thought I'd let you know that if Shandong Film Group is also interested, perhaps we can try to make contact with them, leveraging their brand and strength. I'll send you the address and her real name via WeChat later."

Kong Sheng on the other end of the phone was clearly very interested in the information, and the noise on set seemed to quiet down a bit: "Ah Nai? 'The Great River Flows East'? I seem to remember it... Okay, you have a good eye! Alright, I got it. Send me the specific information, and I'll have the company's copyright department evaluate and make contact first."

"Okay, Director Kong. You go ahead with your work, I won't bother you any longer." Having achieved her goal, Su Ning prepared to end the call.

"Wait a minute," Director Kong's voice came again, with a knowing and encouraging smile, "Don't worry! If the project evaluation is indeed good and there's room for maneuver, then when we do joint development, we'll definitely include your 'Bizarre and Unusual' stuff. Let's all make money together!"

Upon hearing this, Su Ning smiled, this time genuinely relaxed: "Haha, then thank you very much for your guidance, Director Kong!"

"You rascal," Kong Sheng said with a laugh, "it's rare to hear such polite words from you. Alright, I need to get to work now, we'll talk later."

The phone hangs up.

The car was quiet again.

But the silence at this moment is completely different from the silence before.

Chen Xiaojun stared at Su Ning in disbelief, as if witnessing his style and power for the first time.

That brief phone call just now contained a wealth of information!

He so casually tossed a tough nut to crack that he himself couldn't crack to Shandong Film Group, one of the top companies in China.

And judging from what Director Kong said, if things really work out, he'll even take him along!

This kind of operation, this kind of resource linkage, this kind of "if I can't finish it, I'll find someone who can finish it to share it" mentality, was completely beyond the comprehension of her, a young person who had always stayed in a relatively simple art troupe.

She suddenly realized that Suning's previous words to her, "Give it a try" and "The platforms are different," might not have been empty talk.

The world he lived in and the way he thought about problems were completely different from the world she was familiar with.

Suning put away his phone as if he had only done a trivial thing.

He looked at Chen Xiaojun, who was still in shock, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips: "See, sometimes you don't have to confront problems head-on. Using someone else's strength is also a method."

At this moment, the scales in Chen Xiaojun's heart began to tip involuntarily.

Suning wasn't as despondent as she imagined; in fact, she was quite strong-willed.

Suddenly, I was filled with mixed emotions. If Suning, with amnesia, could still pull off so many amazing moves, then Suning, without amnesia, must be even more incredible.

...(End of chapter)