Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 251 Can You Represent Baidu? Wang Churan's Satisfaction

Shanghai, around 7 p.m., CFO office at Fosun Group headquarters.

Zhang Ligang stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, a wisp of smoke rising from the cigar between his fingers, overlooking the dazzling lights on both sides of the Huangpu River.

The silence was suddenly broken by his phone vibrating. He glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow.

She is Wang Churan's agent.

She wasn't entitled to his contact information given her status, but because of Wang Churan, he had specifically given her his number.

Without thinking much, he answered the phone casually.

"Excuse me, Mr. Zhang, I'm sorry to bother you at this hour. There's been a slight issue in Xingcheng..."

The voice on the other end of the phone was low and filled with obvious anxiety. He quickly described the blatant harassment and threats at the dinner party, as well as Wang Churan's public confrontation.

Zhang Ligang's facial muscles remained completely still; he only gave a faint "hmm," his tone so calm that it betrayed no emotion.

"I understand, don't panic, I'll make arrangements."

The moment he hung up the phone, an uncontrollable smile suddenly crept onto his lips, quickly spreading into undisguised joy.

He took a deep drag on his cigar, the red glow of the cigarette tip suddenly illuminating the twilight.

"Great! Just when you're feeling sleepy, someone brings you a pillow!"

He muttered to himself and paced excitedly back and forth in the spacious office.

After parting ways in Luyang, Wuwen Technology's attitude towards their proposed smart healthcare cooperation project remained lukewarm, and they received no clear response despite several attempts to reach out.

Fosun's top management is eyeing this lucrative opportunity but doesn't know how to get in, and the CFO in charge of liaison is in a real bind.

That girl Wang Churan, I really didn't see it coming last time. She's really tough at crucial moments, actually going up against that good-for-nothing nephew of Li Yanhong.

This is hardly a problem.
This is clearly an excellent opportunity to break through!

Jiang Qing had noticed her special treatment of this fan back in Luyang.

Without hesitation, he picked up the landline and dialed the dedicated line of the person in charge of Fosun Group's Xingcheng branch.

The call was answered quickly, and without any pleasantries, he went straight to the point.

“Xu Yun, I am Zhang Ligang. You must go to the banquet hosted by Xiangnan TV in Shengjuefeisi immediately. One of our subsidiary's artists, Wang Churan, is having some trouble there. There is a kid named Zhang Yang from Qiyiguo who is being arrogant because he thinks he is Li Yanhong’s nephew.”

He paused, then emphasized his words.

"Remember this, make sure you adopt the right attitude! Make it clear to them that Wang Churan is an artist that Fosun is heavily promoting. Anyone who touches her is slapping Fosun in the face, understand?"

Xu Yun's calm response came from the other end of the phone.

"Understood, Mr. Zhang, I'll take my men there right away."

-

the other side.

Star City, Saint-Germain Hotel Ballroom.

The air felt like solidified glue, thick and sluggish.

Wang Cherish's resounding words, "Your rules won't work here!" were like a stone thrown into a stagnant pool, creating ripples that stirred up countless complex and meaningful gazes.

Her upright posture as she walked towards the restroom was like a pink blade, slicing through the glamorous facade.

In the corner, Zhang Yang felt the constant gazes sweeping over him, his face turning extremely ugly.

Since he joined iQiyi two years ago, with his status as Li Yanhong's nephew, who wouldn't give him some face?
He's had his fair share of female actresses, even some third- or fourth-tier actresses; he's slept with them all.

As for those above him, even if they refused him, they would still smile and be polite. Who would dare to disrespect him in public like Wang Churan?

It’s really a bear’s heart and a leopard’s courage!
One of the executives accompanying Kiwi, surnamed Zhao, saw this and reluctantly approached him, lowering his voice to offer advice.

“Director Zhang, calm down. This isn’t the right time; so many people are watching… Besides, Wang Churan is from Fosun Pictures after all. If things really escalate, what about President Gong…”

"What happened to Fosun?!"

Zhang Yang, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, suddenly turned his head and growled, his spittle almost hitting his face.

"A nobody actress promoted by a lousy company dares to challenge me?! Fosun would risk a falling out with us for someone like that? What a joke! Who does she think she is!"

The executive surnamed Zhao froze, a barely perceptible hint of disdain flashing in his eyes, but he ultimately remained silent and took a half-step back.

The other kiwifruit vendors around also kept their eyes down and didn't dare to provoke this bad luck.

This newly arrived member of the royal family, besides abusing his status to engage in underhanded practices, has accomplished nothing of substance, and everyone has long been complaining about him in private. Now that he has met his match, people feel a strange sense of satisfaction.

In fact, many people within iQiyi also disliked him, since ability is the most important factor everywhere.

It's fine if you parachute in, but if you have no ability and are so high-profile, who will take you seriously?

Do they really think they can do whatever they want just because they're Li Yanhong's nephew?

Everyone just treats you like a fool.

About twenty minutes later, Wang reappeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

She had clearly tidied herself up in the restroom; her pink dress was still neat, her long hair had been restyled, and she had applied a thin layer of powder to her face. Her beautiful face now only showed a frozen calm.

However, this deliberately maintained calm was undoubtedly the most thorough provocation in Zhang Yang's eyes.

He almost immediately shook off the people around him, took three steps at a time, and blocked Wang Cheran's way again, his eyes as sinister as a poisoned knife.

"Fine, Wang Cheran! You're asking for it, aren't you?"

His voice was extremely low, yet every word carried a fierce edge.

"Who do you think you are? A mere actress who makes a living off her looks! You really think you're someone important? Let me tell you, I can fire you for that Ye Xin role with just one word! Believe me or not, I'll have the crew replace you right now!"

Wang stopped in her tracks and looked up at him, her eyes calm and unwavering, even carrying a hint of mocking pity, as if she were looking at a clown.

She parted her red lips slightly, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of those around her who were deliberately listening.

"Deputy Director Zhang, please make yourself at home."

"you!"

Zhang Yang was completely enraged by her unyielding attitude, and his rationality snapped instantly.

"You shameless woman! You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences!"

He cursed angrily and raised his hand to grab Wang Cheran's arm!
"Director Zhang!"

Wang Churan's agent screamed and tried to stop him, but was blocked by two henchmen brought by Zhang Yang, intentionally or unintentionally.

Just as that hand was about to touch Wang Cherish's arm, at that critical moment—

"stop!"

A deep, powerful shout, like a thunderclap, suddenly rang out in a corner of the somewhat noisy banquet hall!
Immediately afterwards, seven or eight lean men in black suits swiftly stepped in, their movements perfectly synchronized, instantly forming a human wall to protect Wang Cheran from Zhang Yang and his two henchmen.

Their movements were professional, and their eyes were sharp; they were clearly well-trained security personnel.

Wang Churan was prepared to fight back fiercely; no one but Jiang Qing could touch her!

Looking at the people around her, she suddenly realized something, bit her lower lip, and her eyes quickly filled with tears.

Jiang Shen...

This is going to be interesting!
The guests in the banquet hall immediately sensed something unusual and quickly gathered around.

Amidst the commotion, the crowd parted to make way. A middle-aged man, around fifty years old, dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit, with a composed face and sharp eyes, walked unhurriedly forward, surrounded by several equally imposing attendants.

He walked straight to Wang Churan, who was being protected, and quickly scanned her with his eyes. After confirming that she was unharmed, he turned to Zhang Yang, who looked shocked and angry.

"Deputy Director Zhang?"

The middle-aged man spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Xu Yun, the head of Fosun Group's Xingcheng branch."

Zhang Yang was stunned by the sudden display of power and the oppressive aura of authority emanating from Xu Yun. He quickly realized what was happening and roared in anger and embarrassment.

"Xu Yun? The person in charge of Fosun Star City? Good! Very good! Fosun is determined to antagonize Baidu over such a minor actor?!"

Seeing that things were not going well, he directly brought up Baidu's name.

Xu Yun's face was expressionless. He looked at Zhang Yang as if he were looking at an unreasonable child, his tone calm but every word carrying immense weight.

"A feud? Deputy Director Zhang, you're exaggerating. Ms. Wang Churan is an artist officially signed by Fosun. Protecting the legal rights and personal safety of our artists is Fosun's bounden duty. How can you say we've a feud?"

He paused slightly, his gaze landing squarely on Zhang Yang's face, carrying an undisguised scrutiny.

"As for Deputy Director Zhang, did you act on behalf of Baidu, or on your own behalf? Forgive my bluntness, but... are you sure you can represent Baidu?"

"I……"

Zhang Yang was caught off guard by his question, his face turning bright red.

He certainly doesn't represent Baidu!
If Li Yanhong knew that he was bullying and threatening actresses here, he would be the first to not let him off the hook!
Xu Yun didn't give him a chance to organize his thoughts; his voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a chilling sarcasm.

"Although you are Mr. Li Yanhong's nephew, Fosun will never sit idly by and make such despicable threats against our artists, or even attempt to physically assault them! We respect Baidu and Mr. Li Yanhong, but Fosun has its own bottom line!"

"you you……"

Zhang Yang was trembling with anger, but he couldn't utter a single complete sentence while pointing at Xu Yun.

Xu Yun's words were like a resounding slap across his face, blatantly trampling his most prized asset underfoot.

The other party was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he looked down on him with a superior attitude.

"Furthermore, I'd like to remind Director Zhang that there are many people in the industry with more powerful backgrounds than you, but few are as high-profile as you. Today, I'm also giving you a warning. It's one thing for you to use your status to bully artists without connections, but I also know that some executives of your video platforms like to use their positions to do these dirty things. Others may care about Baidu's attitude, but Fosun doesn't care. If you are unhappy, you can have Mr. Li contact our General Manager Guo."

Seeing Zhang Yang's ever-changing expression, Xu Yun showed no mercy and mocked him again, his face close to Zhang Yang's.

As soon as he said that, a commotion immediately broke out around him.

Many people couldn't help but show expressions of satisfaction.

This arrogant guy, relying on his privileged background, has been incredibly cocky. This time, he's really been slapped in the face.

Zhang Yang looked around and saw countless gazes piercing him like needles, some astonished, some disdainful, and some even gloating.

The Kiwi team he brought with them all avoided eye contact, and no one dared to step forward to speak up for him.

A tremendous sense of panic and shame instantly gripped him.

"Good! Good! Fosun! Xu Yun! You just wait!"

With a fierce but cowardly tone, Zhang Yang uttered a harsh remark, then, unable to bear the situation any longer, he shoved aside the person blocking his way, lowered his head, and fled in disgrace. His two henchmen also slunk away.

A tense and confrontational situation ended with Zhang Yang's complete defeat and humiliating departure.

The banquet hall was deathly silent for a good ten seconds before bursting into suppressed murmurs.

All eyes were focused on Xu Yun and Wang Cheran, whom he was protecting behind him, filled with disbelief and curiosity.

Wang was terrified...

This rising starlet actually managed to get the head of Fosun Group's Changsha branch to personally lead a team to protect her with such a strong stance, even at the risk of offending Baidu!

Who is she?
To what extent does Fosun value her, or rather, the relationship she represents?

Xu Yun ignored Zhang Yang's departure and the surrounding discussions, turned to face Wang Churan, and instantly changed his expression to one of gentle concern.

"You must be frightened. As soon as Mr. Zhang heard about the situation, he immediately sent me over to check on you. He is very concerned about your condition."

"Thank you, Mr. Xu, and thank you, Mr. Zhang, for your concern. I'm fine."

Wang bowed slightly, her voice soft, her face showing just the right amount of gratitude and a hint of lingering fear, as if the sharp-tongued and unyielding person from before was not her.

"I'm causing you trouble."

"Not at all, protecting you is our duty, you are an artist under Fosun."

Xu Yun waved his hand with a smile, then turned to his pale-faced, still-shaken manager beside him, his tone carrying an unquestionable command.

"Send Churan back to her hotel to rest immediately. The group will handle the rest."

"Yes! Yes! Mr. Xu!"

The agent, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, nodded quickly.

With Xu Yun's men clearing the way, Wang Cherished as he was ushered out of the banquet hall amidst countless inquiring, shocked, and envious gazes.

Her steps were steady, her back straight, and her face remained poised and dignified. Only in moments when no one was watching did a fleeting, indescribable, almost satisfied glint flash in the depths of her eyes.

Half an hour later, Wang Churan and her group returned to the suite on the top floor of the hotel. The agent closed the door and let out a long sigh of relief, patting his chest in lingering fear.

"You scared me to death! Cha Ran, you were so impulsive just now! But thankfully, Mr. Xu arrived in time!"

Wang Cheran didn't reply. She walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the dazzling night view of Xingcheng. The neon lights cast changing shadows on her fair face.

She took out her phone, the screen lit up, and the lock screen wallpaper was a profile of Jiang Qing giving a focused speech at Tsinghua University.

She hovered her fingertip over the screen for a moment, then opened WeChat and found the chat window pinned to the top, which she had saved as "Jiang Shen".

After hesitating for a moment, she did not choose video call, but instead opened the text input box.

Slender fingers tapped rapidly on the screen, and a line of text quickly took shape.

"Jiang Shen, I ran into a little trouble in Xingcheng today, like a melodramatic scene from a script (laughs while covering mouth). But don't worry, it's all resolved! I just suddenly really want to hear you talk. Are you tired on set lately?"

She stared at the line for a few seconds, seemingly not satisfied, and deleted the second half, leaving only: "Jiang Shen, I encountered a little trouble in Xingcheng today, like a melodramatic scene from a script (covers mouth and laughs). But don't worry, it's all resolved! I just suddenly really want to hear you talk."

Her fingertip hovered over the send button, her eyes fixed intently on Jiang Qing's sunset profile picture, as if she could see the person on the other side through the screen.

The dazzling lights outside the window flickered in her eyes, and finally, the light, mixed with attachment and a deeper obsession, settled down and transformed into the firm action of pressing the send button.

The notification sound of the message being successfully sent was exceptionally clear in the quiet suite, as if it had carried away some longing.

Wang, holding her phone, slowly walked to the dressing table and sat down.

The mirror reflected a face with exquisite makeup and a classic, elegant demeanor. It appeared calm, but its eyes were unusually bright at this moment, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

She hummed a tuneless melody, the one she had shared with Jiang Qing during their dance at the China World Trade Center banquet that day.

The agent looked at her back as she sat quietly in front of the mirror, and for some reason, a chill ran through him.

"Curious, you rest then, I'll be going now."

"Ah."

Upon receiving a response, the agent quickly left the room and gently closed the door behind him.

When Wang Churan was the only one left in the room, she stroked her cheek with her slender fingers, looked at her reflection in the mirror, and revealed a morbid pleasure in her eyes.

"Jiang Shen, how can I ever repay you..."

(End of this chapter)