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Aunt Qiong has been waiting recently.

Wait for that young man to contact him first.

Moreover, the reason why Aunt Qiong gave ten million was that she deliberately used money to bribe Suning, believing that no one could resist the temptation of money.

So, Aunt Qiong was waiting for the young man to have tasted the sweetness of success so that he would come to her door on his own initiative.

Only then can she take control and maintain a strong hold on Su Ning.

Aunt Qiong has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry and has seen far too many people like this.

Which of those so-called masters and experts doesn't put on airs and wait for you to come to them?

So the more anxious you are, the more they act tough.

If they approach Suning themselves, the price they offer will double.

This is the rule, and it's also human nature.

So Aunt Qiong directly wrote a check for ten million dollars as a test.

At this price point, it's already top-tier in the industry.

The White Dragon King earns roughly this much per job.

Back in the day, a wealthy man in Hong Kong was cursed by a villain and asked the White Dragon King for help, which cost ten million Hong Kong dollars.

Later, the wealthy man recovered and told everyone he met about the power of the White Dragon King, which caused the price of the White Dragon King to rise accordingly.

Aunt Qiong learned this trick from those Hong Kong bigwigs.

First, give them enough face and see if they can accept it.

They were waiting for Suning to accept the money, waiting for Suning to taste the benefits, and waiting for Suning to take the initiative to come and discuss the next cooperation.

But I waited for a day, two days, a week, and half a month.

There was no movement at all.

Aunt Qiong could no longer sit still.

So she asked her agent to inquire.

The agent made a few phone calls and returned with a strange expression. "Aunt Qiong, that money... that young man accepted it, and then he didn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Huh? He gave that ten million to his girlfriend. He said... he'd keep it as pocket money."

"What?" Aunt Qiong's teacup froze in mid-air.

Ten million, as pocket money?
Having lived most of my life, this is the first time I've ever seen such a grand gesture.

Those two-faced brokers, aren't they all just after money?

Which one of them isn't asking for an exorbitant price?
Back then, a Hong Kong master went to Taiwan and started with a minimum investment of five million, and you had to make an appointment six months in advance.

This young man, on the other hand, handed the money over to his girlfriend as soon as it was in his hands.

"Also," the agent said cautiously, "Sister Na said he doesn't seem to want to do this job, and is quite resistant to it. Now Sister Na doesn't even have a chance to make a move with him."

Aunt Qiong fell silent.

Rejection? She absolutely did not believe it.

Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, she has seen far too many people who pretend to be aloof.

Some said they weren't after money, some said they weren't after fame, and some said they were just helping a friend.

But what happened in the end? They received every penny they were entitled to, and every benefit they were entitled to.

Therefore, in Aunt Qiong's view, Suning was simply waiting for a higher price to sell.

"Help me arrange a meeting with him," Aunt Qiong said, putting down her teacup. "Find a quiet place."

"clear."

……

The agent quickly arranged everything.

The location was chosen to be a very private clubhouse in Beijing, located by Shichahai Lake, which was converted from an old courtyard house.

It is not open to the public, and only accepts members.

There was no sign at the entrance, but once inside, it was a completely different world, with artificial hills and flowing water, mahogany furniture, and paintings by Qi Baishi hanging on the walls, which were said to be genuine.

Aunt Qiong arrived early, ordered a pot of tea, and waited.

The tea is Da Hong Pao, and it's said that one ounce costs several thousand yuan.

She held her teacup, sipping slowly, her mind racing with thoughts of how to proceed with the discussion.

She usually tries to win people over first, then negotiate terms.

First, let the other party taste the benefits, then gradually increase the stakes, step by step binding them onto your ship.

That's exactly what Aunt Qiong did when she signed Zhao Yanzi.

Therefore, Aunt Qiong doesn't think that this young Su Ning has much of an appetite, and she will definitely win over this fledgling yin-yang agent.

When Suning arrived, he was wearing a simple jacket, jeans, and sneakers; he really was just an ordinary college student.

Aunt Qiong stood up, a polite smile on her face. "Student Su, I've heard so much about you."

Su Ning nodded and sat down opposite her. "Aunt Qiong, you're too kind."

Aunt Qiong looked Su Ning up and down; he was so young, too young.

She looked to be under twenty years old, and her face still had a bit of a student-like quality.

But those eyes were calmer than one would expect from someone that age.

Aunt Qiong has met many people. She has seen newcomers who are eagerly waiting for their chance; she has seen big stars who are now famous and look down on everyone; she has seen washed-up actors whose eyes are full of scheming.

But Aunt Qiong had only ever seen that kind of look in the eyes of those big shots who had weathered many storms.

Only those old fogies who have been navigating the business world for decades and have seen through the fickleness of human nature possess this kind of tranquility.

"Su Ning, I won't beat around the bush." ​​Aunt Qiong poured Su Ning a cup of tea with elegant movements. "I invited you here today to discuss a collaboration."

“…” Su Ning didn’t respond, waiting for Aunt Qiong to continue.

Then, Aunt Qiong took a document out of her bag and pushed it over.

The document was printed and neatly bound, with the words "Executive Director Employment Agreement" written on the cover.

"This is a project I invested in, 'Princess Pearl'. It's currently being filmed in Huairou. You know this show, right? Zhao Yanzi, Lin Daru, and Fan Jiuyi, those young girls are all quite talented. We're currently filming the first part, and the second part is in preparation."

Aunt Qiong paused deliberately, observing Su Ning's reaction, "I'd like to ask you to be credited as the executive director. You don't need to be on set every day, just your name will do. This resume should be helpful for your future development in the industry."

Su Ning didn't move, but just quietly watched Aunt Qiong.

Aunt Qiong took out another document and pushed it over.

This one is thinner, only two pages long. "I've seen your girlfriend Yan Ruyu's photos, she's very beautiful. She's studying acting at the Beijing Film Academy, right? There's a role in my next project that's perfect for her. It's Qing'er in 'Princess Pearl 2.' She has a lot of screen time, and the character is well-developed—gentle, kind, and well-educated. Audiences will love her. If she plays this role well, she'll definitely become famous."

Aunt Qiong paused again, continuing to observe Su Ning's expression.

But you can't tell anything from that face.

"Of course, the fee will be calculated separately each time you perform. According to the market rate, it's ten million per performance. If you want to act yourself, I also have projects and can arrange roles. I have several scripts, both period and modern, depending on what type you prefer."

After Aunt Qiong finished speaking, she leaned back in her chair and picked up her teacup.

The conditions have been laid out; it's just a matter of whether Suning accepts them.

The role of executive director, girlfriend, a ten million yuan salary, plus film and television resources.

Anyone would be tempted by such a offer.

The hall was quiet for a while.

Su Ning also picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then put it down. "Aunt Qiong, do you believe in cause and effect?"

"..." Aunt Qiong was stunned for a moment.

“Some things, if you do them, will shorten your lifespan. I’m helping you out of respect for Sister Na, and it’s even a bit like I’m being forced into it. But I don’t want to treat this as a business transaction.”

Aunt Qiong frowned.

Shortening one's lifespan? She had heard such words before.

Back in Hong Kong Island, a feng shui master helped her with her feng shui and said something similar.

They said her fate was too strong, unable to suppress certain things, and advised her to do more good deeds and accumulate merit.

Aunt Qiong donated a temple after hearing this, but then forgot about it.

“Student Su…”

“Three times.” Su Ning held up three fingers. “I can help you three more times. After that, we’ll go our separate ways.” Aunt Qiong stared at Su Ning, trying to read something from his face.

But you can't tell anything from that face.

Aunt Qiong has been in the entertainment industry for so many years and has seen all kinds of people, but someone like Su Ning is truly a first for her.

"Su, I've actually heard the saying 'shortening one's lifespan' many times before."

Believe it or not. If Aunt Qiong feels it's inappropriate, just pretend I was never here.

Aunt Qiong gritted her teeth.

Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, what kind of situation hasn't she seen?

When she was filming "How Many Sunsets" back then, the investors suddenly withdrew their funding, leaving her to shoulder the entire burden alone.

Later, when she was making "My Fair Princess," many people advised her not to film it, saying that no one would watch such a show, but she insisted on making it.

The word "admit defeat" does not exist in her dictionary.

But this time, Aunt Qiong suddenly felt uncertain. "Three times is fine."

Su Ning looked at Aunt Qiong and nodded, "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

"Pleasant to work with."

After saying that, Su Ning got up and walked out.

Aunt Qiong sat there, holding her teacup, without moving for a long time.

She suddenly remembered that back in Hong Kong, after the fortune teller had read her fortune, he had said something like, "Ms. Qiong, your destiny is very strong, but there are some people around you that you can't control."

Aunt Qiong didn't take it seriously at the time, thinking that the master was just making a fuss.

Now, recalling those words again, Aunt Qiong's heart tightened.

This young man may not actually be waiting for a higher price to go.

Maybe they really don't care.

Ten million? I don't care.

The executive director doesn't care.

Film and television resources are irrelevant.

The things she used to manipulate others seemed utterly worthless in Su Ning's eyes.

So what does Suning care about?
Aunt Qiong couldn't understand it.

But Aunt Qiong knew that such a person was not someone to be offended.

She offended a feng shui master in Hong Kong back then. He set a trap for her, causing her to lose tens of millions of dollars.

From then on, Aunt Qiong understood that there were some people in this world who should never be offended.

Then Aunt Qiong took out her phone and called her agent, "Mike, find the script for 'Princess Pearl 2,' and reserve the role of Qing'er for Yan Ruyu. Also, add Su Ning's name to the executive director position. Tell the crew that this person doesn't need to come to the set; just being listed in the credits is fine."

The agent paused for a moment, "Aunt Qiong, the spots for executive director are already filled..."

“If we’re full, we’ll add another one.” Aunt Qiong’s voice was full of unquestionable authority. “Also, for the role of Yan Ruyu, let the casting director talk to her personally. Just say that I decided on her, and she doesn’t need to audition.”

"understood."

After hanging up the phone, Aunt Qiong leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

Suddenly I feel tired.

It's not physical exhaustion, but mental exhaustion.

She's been working in this industry for so many years, what storms hasn't she weathered?

But this young man made her realize for the first time that what she had might not be enough.

……

That evening, Yan Ruyu received a call from Su Ning in her dormitory.

The dormitory was quiet; my roommates had all gone to study.

She lay in bed flipping through magazines, but her mind drifted away as she wondered what Su Ning was doing.

the phone is ringing.

I glanced at the caller ID, a surge of joy welled up inside me, and I answered, "Hello? Missed me?"

"Aunt Qiong has a role for you, Princess Qing'er. If you'd like to play it, give it a try."

Yan Ruyu was stunned. "Princess Qing'er? What kind of play is that?"

"My Fair Princess 2".

Yan Ruyu's mind went blank.

"My Fair Princess" is being hyped up to the extreme right now. Which of her classmates wouldn't want to get a role in it?
Zhao Yanzi became a prominent figure at the Beijing Film Academy because of this drama.

Last month, when Zhao Yanzi returned to school, many people surrounded her asking for autographs. She was treated like a celebrity.

Now, the opportunity has been presented to me. "You...you got this for me?"

"Hmm. It's up to you whether you go or not."

Yan Ruyu took a deep breath. She could feel her heart pounding, so fast it felt like it was going to jump out of her throat.

"go."

"Great! The casting director for 'My Fair Princess' will contact you soon."

After hanging up the phone, Yan Ruyu held the phone, her heart pounding.

Suddenly, I remembered that night when Su Ning stuffed a check for ten million yuan into my hand as pocket money.

At that time, she thought this person was crazy. Ten million! He just gave it to her so casually.

Now Yan Ruyu understood... Su Ning wasn't crazy; he genuinely had the confidence to back it up.

That confidence wasn't feigned; it came from within.

I lay back down on the bed, held my phone to my chest, and closed my eyes.

The corners of his mouth turned up, and he couldn't suppress it.

……

Aunt Qiong returned to the hotel, lay on the bed, and tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The hotel curtains weren't fully drawn, and a ray of light shone through the gap.

Staring at that ray of light, his mind raced over and over the events of the day.

The words the young man said before he left echoed in my ears again and again.

three times.

Only three times.

Aunt Qiong didn't know how to use those three chances.

But she knew she absolutely couldn't use it recklessly.

Use it once, and you'll have one less time to use it.

She had a few good notebooks back then, but she gave them away casually. Later, those notebooks became classics, which she regretted immensely.

These three opportunities are far more valuable than any notebooks.

Therefore, it must be used on the blade.

Aunt Qiong rolled over, picked up the phone on the bedside table, and dialed a number. "Hello, Lao Wang, it's me. Have you heard anything strange lately? In the industry? Yes, that kind of... shady stuff. Let me know if you have any news."

After hanging up, she dialed another number. "Hello, Mr. Li, this is A-Qiong. Has anything unusual happened on your end lately? Anything unusual about the feng shui? If not, that's good. If so, let me know immediately."

Aunt Qiong made four or five phone calls in a row, all to old friends in the industry.

She has producers, directors, and investors—all people she trusts.

After giving his instructions, he hung up the phone again.

The room became quiet, with only the sound of the air conditioner running.

Aunt Qiong slowly fell asleep.

In her dream, she saw a young man standing in a white light, but she couldn't see his face.

The other party stood there like a mountain, impossible to move no matter how hard you tried.

...(End of this chapter)