Chapter 80: When I Get Ruthless, Even I Fear Myself! (Please Keep Reading!)

After Zhao Zhouming finished giving instructions, he walked out of the meeting room of Xu Yang’s production team. Gradually, a smug smile appeared on his face, as if he had just achieved something. Frankly, this year their Oil Depot had been pummeled by Penguin, leaving him quite disgruntled. But with Everlasting Celebration approaching its finale, this year would soon be endured. As the old saying goes, the wheel of fortune turns; next year, it would surely be his turn.

After all, Su Mu was about to participate in their Oil Depot’s variety show. He understood well the principle that proximity brings advantage. Moreover, the Information Department had recently gathered a wealth of news about Su Mu. Although the screenwriter was not explicitly credited in most dramas except for Nirvana List, he had discovered, through his entertainment industry connections, that all these scripts were actually written by Su Mu!

This was a huge revelation.

Of course, Su Mu hadn’t deliberately concealed it. When filming began, actors like Zhuang Yan and Wang Ouyi already knew about it. So, the news had long since spread within the industry.

For a video platform, the most attractive asset is content. High-quality content and intellectual properties are absolutely paramount. So, someone who not only draws traffic, acts brilliantly, but can also produce his own content—such a person is a living, breathing super IP of the future.

What director wouldn’t covet that?

With a smile lingering on his lips, Zhao Zhouming suddenly thought of something. He pulled out his phone and dialed Zheng Quan at Kiwi Fruit.

After a long while,

Zheng Quan: “Director Zhao, is there something you need?”

Zhao Zhouming said triumphantly, “Hey, Director Zheng, you know, I might have to apologize to you this time.”

On the other end, Zheng Quan’s mouth twitched. He’d seen the trending topics on Weibo, so he knew Su Mu would be heading to Oil Depot next month to record a variety show.

Zheng Quan: “Hmph, variety shows aren’t dramas. Even if he goes, it doesn’t mean he’ll work with you next year. He might just as well come to us.”

Zhao Zhouming: “Well, you’re certainly confident. No worries, I just wanted to let you know—when Su Mu arrives, I’ll give him a warm welcome, and then carefully ask if he’s got any other good scripts. Looks like the Oil Depot’s drama budget for next year will need an increase, otherwise I won’t feel secure.”

Zheng Quan nearly crushed his phone, but kept his composure.

“Mm, Kiwi Fruit will also increase its budget. Rest assured, that’s a guarantee.”

Zhao Zhouming: “Alright then, I have another meeting. You carry on.”

With that, Zhao Zhouming hung up, feeling very pleased.

Meanwhile, in Kiwi Fruit’s office tower, Zheng Quan was on the verge of cursing Zhao Zhouming out loud.

Why did he have to play with people’s nerves like this? So you get to meet Su Mu first—what’s the point of telling me? Doing it on purpose, are you? How shameless can you be?

The more Zheng Quan thought about it, the angrier he became. He wasn’t about to let himself fall behind. Yu Hong from Penguin had already established contact with Su Mu, and in a few days, Zhao Zhouming would do the same. Would that leave him trailing at the end?

Something had to be done.

Zheng Quan picked up the phone and called his assistant directly.

“Get Su Mu’s agent’s number. Don’t start by asking about next year’s cooperation. Buy the script first. Ask if there are any script copyrights for sale—any price is negotiable. It’s best to discuss in person.”

After giving these instructions, Zheng Quan hung up, sneering.

So what if Zhao Zhouming and Yu Hong met Su Mu first?

Want to compete for talent? What’s the essence of it? Isn’t it money? If I throw money into this, even I’m afraid of myself!

Let’s see who wins!

...

Galaxy City, Jumbo Media.

Li Hui and Li Xinjie had been in high spirits these days.

In fact, when they learned Su Mu was terminating his contract, they were the happiest. Once Su Mu left, the one to inherit his position and resources in the company would inevitably be Li Xinjie. So, after half a year of anxiety, their confidence had finally returned.

Li Hui entered Zhou Wanming’s office with a smile, holding up his tablet.

“Director Zhou, did you see Su Mu’s trending topic today? I bet he never expected it—joining a street dance variety show and provoking so much negative reaction.”

Zhou Wanming chuckled, “Well, that can’t be helped. This kind of show isn’t a reality program; without some professionalism, it’s hard to win public approval. It’s a pity—if he hadn’t terminated his contract, the company’s PR team could’ve helped him. Now, all we can do is watch.”

Li Hui feigned regret, “Exactly. So many popular artists can’t think straight. The company supports you, gives you resources, and only then do you become famous. Without the company’s backing, relying solely on yourself, business is much harder to come by.”

Zhou Wanming nodded, not disagreeing, “That’s true. I also heard Su Mu recently went to the trainee base to learn dancing.”

Li Hui gloated, “Director Zhou, dancing isn’t so easy. If it could be mastered in a month or two, professionals wouldn’t need to train so long. Even our company’s trainees start with at least two or three years of training. Looks like Qian Jida’s plan will backfire this time.”

Zhou Wanming sighed, “Artists who leave the company often stumble. I hope Su Mu learns his lesson and changes his mind. The company is the best place for him.”

Li Hui: “Hmm...?”

...

Galaxy Airport, Terminal 2.

If fate wasn’t capricious, how else could enemies cross paths so easily?

Su Mu and Qian Jida hadn’t expected to bump into the Sissy Boy Team at the airport.

It wasn’t hard to guess—the production team must have booked everyone’s tickets for the same day.

“Well, if it isn’t Jumbo’s former agent. What a coincidence,” Zhang Hua’an said, full of arrogance.

The trending topic earlier had delighted him all day, since many comments said, “Su Mu joining this show is no match for NNQT. After all, the boy group members are trained, and street dance is their specialty; they’re certainly more professional than Su Mu.”

After reading those comments, Zhang Hua’an was eager to see Qian Jida’s reaction. Now, the opportunity had arrived.

When luck’s on your side, you could even quench your thirst by urinating into your own mouth.

Zhang Hua’an waited expectantly for a response.

Yet Qian Jida merely rolled his eyes, pretending not to notice, too lazy to reply.

Su Mu, meanwhile, had his headphones on, absorbed in street dance music, not even looking up.

Only Little Tangerine, carrying her adorable big backpack, listlessly watched him, munching loudly on crispy snacks.

“...”

“...”

It was rather quiet.

As if a crow had flown by.

Zhang Hua’an’s face darkened, an inexplicable discomfort rising in his chest.

He never expected his mockery would be completely ignored.

“Su... Su Mu, hello! I’m Zhao Feng, captain of NNQT. I really like your dramas. We wanted to ask you—who’s the strongest in Everlasting Celebration? The Emperor? Or Five Bamboo?”

Zhang Hua’an: “...”

How had his good mood vanished so suddenly?