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The conference room of Jia Yi Brokerage Company on the 28th floor of the China World Trade Center Phase III in Beijing was filled with the faint aroma of coffee.

Chen Xiaojun, dressed in a royal blue business suit, sat on one side of a long table, followed by the "bizarre" legal director and the head of the business department.

“Mr. Wang, this is our preliminary transfer plan.” Chen Xiaojun pushed a document across the table. “Considering that Ms. Fan Lin’s contract with Jia Yi has one year and three months remaining, we are willing to pay a transfer fee of 800 million yuan. This figure is calculated based on Ms. Fan Lin’s average income over the past three years plus 30%.”

Mr. Wang, the general manager of Jia Yi, was a shrewd middle-aged man. He slowly flipped through the documents: "We certainly appreciate Mr. Chen's sincerity in coming in person. However, Fan Lin is, after all, an artist we nurtured ourselves. The figure of 800 million is probably..."

“President Wang,” Chen Xiaojun interrupted with a smile, “we are all sensible people. Fan Lin’s starring role in ‘Love in Beijing’ last year only garnered a 0.8 rating, and her latest drama, ‘A Smile That Captivates the City,’ only managed a 0.6. According to industry standards, the transfer fee for an artist of this caliber is usually between 500 and 600 million yuan. After all, the popularity of ‘Under the Zhengyang Gate’ did not significantly boost her career.”

She gestured for the legal director to hand over another document: "In addition, this is our market analysis report, which details the transfer cases of artists of the same level during the same period. 800 million is the highest premium we have given based on our optimism about Fan Lin's future development."

Mr. Wang took the report and quickly glanced through it, his expression changing slightly.

The report is surprisingly detailed, even including some previously unpublished internal data.

“Furthermore,” Chen Xiaojun pressed, “we can promise that in the next three years, if Fan Lin participates in any film or television drama produced by ‘Bizarre and Unusual,’ we will give priority to working with artists from Jia Yi. I believe President Wang understands the value of this additional clause better than I do.”

"..."

The negotiations lasted for two hours.

Finally, the two sides reached an agreement:
1. The transfer fee is set at 850 million;
2. Guangguai Luli obtained Fan Lin's exclusive agency rights;
3. Jia Yi will receive 15% of Fan Lin's subsequent commercial endorsement income for a period of two years;
4. In future projects, we will give priority to other artists under Jia Yi.

After the signing ceremony, General Manager Wang said privately to Chen Xiaojun, "General Manager Chen, to be honest, if Fan Lin hadn't been so determined to leave, we wouldn't have let her go so easily. She's worked here for three years and has never been so resolute before."

Chen Xiaojun smiled slightly: "People always have to grow. It's a good thing that Fan Lin has seen a bigger stage."

“That’s right! Mr. Chen, I wonder when Mr. Su will have some free time? Our chairman would like to sit down and have a cup of tea with him.”

"Great! We'll arrange the date as soon as possible."

"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Chen."

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind."

……

The next day, Fan Lin finally met Chen Xiaojun, who had returned, in Hangzhou.

Fan Lin seemed a little embarrassed at this moment, after all, she no longer had the arrogance she used to have.

"Sister Lin, the transfer has been finalized." Chen Xiaojun pushed a copy of the contract in front of her. "The transfer fee is 850 million, which is much higher than the market price, but President Su thinks it's worth it."

Fan Lin pursed her lips: "Thank you. Actually, I didn't expect you to come and talk about this in person."

“You are one of the most important people at Suning, and I must handle this matter personally.” Chen Xiaojun’s tone was calm. “Moreover, I believe your joining is a good thing for ‘Guangguai Luli’. Your experience and connections in the TV drama industry are exactly what we need.”

Fan Lin raised her head, a complex look flashing in her eyes: "On the set of 'Like a Flowing River,' I saw Su Ning discussing the script with the director and analyzing the character with the actors. At that moment, I realized that he was no longer the younger brother from my hometown who needed my care."

“People grow and mature.” Chen Xiaojun gently swirled the wine in her glass. “The important thing is that we are all moving in a better direction.”

"Chen Xiaojun, do you think Su Ning is sincere towards me?" Fan Lin suddenly asked Chen Xiaojun.

"This..." Chen Xiaojun never expected Fan Lin to give her such a probing question.

"You've spent the most time with Su Ning, so I'd like to hear your opinion?"

"Sister Lin, I feel your biggest problem is that you overthink things. What a man like Su Ning wants most is a woman's trust."

"You trust Su Ning that much?" Fan Lin looked at Chen Xiaojun again with an incredulous expression.

"Of course! Since I chose to start a business with Suning, I will not regret it no matter what the final outcome is."

"Chen Xiaojun, you're better than me! I, Fan Lin, am convinced."

……

Three days later, the official Weibo account of Guangguai Luli announced that Fan Lin had joined the company, with the caption: "A powerful alliance to create brilliance together."

The comment section was flooded with tens of thousands of messages, including blessings, doubts, and people just watching the drama unfold.

At this moment, Chen Xiaojun sent a WeChat message to Su Ning: "The matter is settled. Fan Lin will report to the company next week."

Soon, Suning replied: "Thank you for your hard work. When she arrives, I will have a good talk with her first, and then decide on her new project."

Chen Xiaojun smiled knowingly as she read the message.

She knew that this was Suning's way of welcoming Fan Lin to start a new chapter in her career.

For Fan Lin, this transfer was not only a career choice, but also a transformation in her life.

Fan Lin finally realized that instead of dwelling on past relationships, she should prove her worth on a new stage.

……

On the third night after Fan Lin officially joined "Guang Guai Lu Li", Suning specially canceled a business dinner and invited her to meet at the private club on the top floor of the company.

Here you can overlook the dazzling night view of the entire new city of Hangzhou. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, there is a bustling traffic, but inside, it is a tranquil place.

"I heard you've been familiarizing yourself with the company's operations these past few days?" Su Ning personally poured Fan Lin a cup of freshly ground coffee.

Fan Lin took the teacup, her fingertips gently tracing the warm surface of the cup: "Hmm, Xiaojun showed me around the various departments and gave me a look at the company's future project plans. To be honest, it's much more professional than I imagined."

She paused for a moment, then looked up and stared directly at Suning: "Actually, I've always wanted to ask you, why were you willing to spend 850 million to sign me? With my current market value, that price is clearly too high."

Su Ning smiled and walked to the French windows: "You're my girlfriend! I don't care if you add another zero."

Fan Lin was surprised by his words and her expression became somewhat moved.

“So now,” Su Ning turned around, her gaze sincere, “I want to hear your plans for the future. There’s no one else here, so you can speak freely.”

He walked back to the sofa and sat down, leaning forward slightly: "If you still want to shine in the spotlight, I can set up a personal studio for you, under the banner of 'Bizarre and Unusual.' I guarantee that I will secure you lead roles in at least two high-quality scripts every year, and commercial resources will also be tilted towards you. You should be in a higher position."

A flicker of emotion crossed Fan Lin's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: "What if I want to transition to working behind the scenes?"

“That would be even better.” Suning responded without hesitation. “Jun Jun is currently mainly responsible for the company’s overall operations. If you’d like, you can focus on content production. I remember you’ve always had a lot of ideas about scriptwriting, and you even wrote your own script back then.”

"..." At this moment, Fan Lin's face was full of hesitation.

Then Suning took out a pre-prepared proposal: "Look, this is the company's project list for next year. If you're interested, you can start as a producer. Or, if you want to try directing, the company can send you to the Central Academy of Drama for further studies."

Fan Lin flipped through the proposal, her voice slightly choked: "You've even thought all this through?"

Su Ning's tone was particularly serious, "Whether you are Fan Lin as an actress or Fan Lin who wants to make a career change, I believe in your abilities. The important thing is that you choose the path you truly want."

Outside the window, an airplane streaked across the night sky, leaving a long contrail.

As Fan Lin gazed at the gradually dissipating cloud, she seemed to see her own ups and downs in the entertainment industry over the years.

"Actually, I've always believed that the pieces on the chessboard are never the main characters; rather, they are the hidden flag bearers." "So you want me to be the flag bearer?"

"That's right! It's better to take control of your own life."

“Okay! I want to try being a producer first.” She finally spoke, her voice firm. “Leave the ‘All Is Well’ project to me! You believe you can negotiate a good deal with Shandong Film & Television Group, but…”

She gave a sly smile. "If I want to indulge my acting passion occasionally, you'll have to reserve a cameo role for me."

Suning laughed heartily: "No problem! Remember! In this 'bizarre and dazzling world,' you always have the right to make your own choices."

"Thank you."

He raised his teacup: "Let's drink tea instead of wine, wishing you find your own brilliance on this new stage."

Fan Lin raised her glass to clink glasses, only then realizing how foolish she had been.

At this moment, she finally understood that Su Ning was her perfect destination.

As night deepened, Fan Lin became engrossed in her entanglement with Su Ning.

A woman who has completely let down her guard naturally has no more worries, and she wants to support Su Ning like Chen Xiaojun did.

……

On the tree-lined path of Zhejiang University's Zijingang Campus, Su Ning was surrounded by a group of younger students as soon as he stepped out of the School of Management building.

"Senior Su! Can we take a picture together?"

"Senior, 'The Massage Therapist' is so amazing, can I get your autograph?"

"Does the Bizarre and Extraordinary Place still accept interns?"

Suning maintained a polite smile and fulfilled everyone's requests one by one.

Since "The Massage Therapist" won an award in Tokyo, his life on campus has never returned to its former tranquility.

Even during class, I could feel the gazes from all directions.

"Looks like my study plan for today is going to be ruined." He sent a message to his assistant with a sigh, and prepared to leave through the side door.

Just then, a familiar figure leaned against a Maserati parked by the roadside, smiling at him.

Song Yujie was dressed in a proper business suit, clearly having just come from the company.

“Our CEO Su is a campus star now,” she joked, naturally taking Su Ning’s arm. “Let’s go! I’ll take you to a quiet place.”

In the car, Song Yujie skillfully steered the wheel: "I know you've been quite troubled lately, so I've booked a private restaurant by West Lake. I guarantee no one will bother you."

"Senior, you're getting more and more thoughtful."

Inside the private room, Song Yujie personally poured Su Ning a cup of tea.

Compared to her university days, she appears more capable and elegant, but the shrewdness and enthusiasm in her eyes remain undiminished.

"I heard that Da Ning Capital recently invested in new energy vehicles?" she cut to the chase. "Our company is currently discussing related projects. How about we collaborate?"

Su Ning looked at her appreciatively: "This field is indeed very good."

"Thank you for your continued support, Mr. Su." Song Yujie smiled meaningfully. "The project you introduced last time helped me gain a foothold in the company. This time, I want to return the favor."

She opened her tablet and pulled up a document: "Our company is currently evaluating a battery technology company whose core technology is very promising. If you are interested, I can arrange priority due diligence."

As Su Ning carefully reviewed the documents, he had to admit Song Yujie's keen insight into the investment field.

This report is quite professional and clearly shows a lot of effort has been put into it.

"What are the conditions?" he asked directly.

Song Yujie leaned forward, revealing a charming smile, "The condition is that you have to make time to spend with me."

"It's a word."

After the meal, the two took a walk along West Lake.

The lake shimmered in the night, and the city lights in the distance twinkled like stars.

“Honestly,” Song Yujie suddenly stopped, “now that you’re so successful, don’t you feel like we old friends are beneath you?”

Su Ning looked at her long hair, ruffled by the lake breeze, and gently tucked it behind her ear: "You know I've never cared about these things. But you, are you sure you want to stay with me forever?"

Song Yujie looked into the distance and said, "Meeting you has left me with no other choice."

She turned around, her eyes serious: "Su Ning, will you ever grow tired of me?"

"You will not betray me! I will not betray you!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, memories of the past surfacing in the night.

Then Su Ning took Song Yujie to a five-star hotel, and then it was just the two of them...

The next morning, Song Yujie saw an exquisite gift box next to her bed.

Inside was an apartment key and property certificate, along with a handwritten note:
"I hope you like this gift."

Song Yujie dialed Su Ning's number, her voice tinged with laughter: "Mr. Su, are you going to keep me as your sugar daddy?"

Su Ning answered casually from the other end of the phone, "So, are you willing?"

"Humph! You ask even though you already know the answer."

After hanging up the phone, Song Yujie looked out the window at the Qiantang River, a confident smile curving her lips.

She knew very well that in this relationship, she was never the one passively accepting charity.

The commercial value she provided fully justifies these rewards.

This is the tacit understanding between them: each gets what they need, they complement each other, and neither owes the other anything.

As the end of the semester approaches, Suning has reached an understanding with the school.

You can arrange your time as you wish, but you must attend important courses and exams.

In return, he promised to provide 100 internship positions for Zhejiang University students every year.

This arrangement finally allowed Suning to find a balance between his studies and career.

...(End of chapter)