Yang Ting had been following the TV series' news ever since she learned her script was renamed "The Long Road." To her surprise, the series was receiving rave reviews. As a fresh graduate, this news brought her both excitement and sorrow. While her talent was recognized, her hard work had been stolen by Zhao Zhen.
However, what she didn't expect was that the highly anticipated drama, which had been the talk of the town the day before, would be abruptly canceled the next day. With scandals erupting from the two lead actors, the future of the series was bleak.
The turn of events felt rather dramatic.
As she was lost in thought, her desk phone rang. It was President Quan. Yang Ting quickly composed herself and entered the office with her preliminary ideas.
Upon entering, she saw the PR manager, Cui Ting, also present, which made Yang Ting a bit confused. "President Quan..."
"Yang Ting, you've seen the news online, haven't you? Here's my suggestion: you must sue Zhao Zhen for stealing your script. I'll introduce you to a lawyer. You just need to provide sufficient evidence, and you'll definitely win the case. Script theft is different from copyright infringement; script theft is easier to prove.
So, don't worry about lawyer fees. The opposing party will bear them if you win."
Hearing that she had a chance to reclaim her script, Yang Ting was so happy she could cry. "Thank you, President Quan."
"Also, Cui Ting will coordinate with the publicity team to create buzz around this. I want #Zhao Zhen Steals Intern's Script# to trend as well."
Cui Ting immediately understood. "Alright, President Quan. I'll communicate with Yang Ting properly."
"It would be best if you personally write an article for Yang Ting. Yang Ting, you should register a new account specifically for posting your rights-defense updates. Make sure all this is done today, strike while the iron is hot."
Yang Ting was already in tears of gratitude, nodding repeatedly. "Alright, President Quan. I'll complete it today. Also, here's my preliminary script outline for your review, President Quan."
Quan Jiu looked surprised. "You have ideas so quickly?"
Yang Ting smiled humbly. "Perhaps it's not very good. If there's anything lacking, I'll revise it immediately."
"Okay, I'll look at it later. You both can get back to work," Quan Jiu said.
Back in the office, Yang Ting recounted her internship experiences to Cui Ting in meticulous detail. Cui Ting then crafted a touching and eloquent accusatory essay based on the information.
Meanwhile, Yang Ting quickly registered a new account and posted the content immediately.
Employees from the publicity team received the news and intensified their efforts to promote it. Coupled with the trending scandal of "The Long Road," the accusation quickly climbed the trending list and sparked heated discussions among netizens once again.
By the time Zhao Zhen saw the news, it had already hit the trending list. Her private messages and social media accounts were once again flooded with online attacks.
"Go die, trash."
"Last time you stole Nine's script, and now you won't even spare an intern. You disgrace."
"Why should people like this be alive?"
Countless similar attacks poured in.
Under the relentless onslaught, Zhao Zhen's emotional state deteriorated. She uninstalled all social media platforms and then called Yang Ting.
Yang Ting was still basking in the sympathy and joy of the netizens. Public opinion was on her side. At this moment, she even thought that even if she couldn't get the script back, at least the public knew she was the creator, and she wouldn't feel too wronged.
So, when she saw Zhao Zhen's call, she answered without hesitation. Before the other person could speak, she unleashed her long-held resentment.
"Zhao Zhen, what goes around comes around. It must feel terrible to fall from grace, right? You used to be a prominent figure in the screenwriting circle, and now you're a public enemy. I'm so happy.
I know what you want to ask. Yes, I posted the news online. I've also gathered evidence and have already filed a lawsuit against you. I believe the judgment will be made soon. I'm even more fortunate to have met a good boss this time, a thousand times better than you. You're not even fit to carry my boss's shoes.
Also, I hope you live long enough to see me rise step by step to the position you once held, and to be forever trampled under the feet of the intern you once looked down upon. You deserve this."
After Yang Ting's outburst, she felt refreshed and experienced unprecedented relief and happiness. She hung up Zhao Zhen's call and decisively blocked her number.
Zhao Zhen, having been verbally abused by the intern she despised and hung up on before she could even retort, coughed repeatedly in anger, nearly suffocating. By the time she managed to recover and tried to call again, the number was no longer available.
What could be more humiliating than being cursed at by someone she once considered beneath her?
Zhao Zhen looked despairingly at her messy rental room. However, the matter was far from over.
...
After the protagonist group's scandal erupted, Yang Shuo quickly made a decision: recast and reshoot to mitigate losses.
But as he called his team members to a meeting in his office, and they were discussing who to cast, a group of unwelcome guests suddenly arrived.
Yang Shuo looked at the men in suits, briefcases in hand, his face turning ashen.
"I spent 420,000 yuan to buy this script. The contract is clear. Are you trying to rob me?"
Lawyer Luo smiled, his demeanor very amiable. "Director Yang, you misunderstand. We are merely here to inform your team that the script for 'The Long Road' involves a criminal case of theft. The person concerned is currently suing the perpetrator, Zhao Zhen.
We have ample evidence to prove Zhao Zhen stole Yang Ting's script, so this case will only have one outcome: Zhao Zhen will be held criminally responsible. Furthermore, given the substantial amount of 420,000 yuan, she will be sentenced to three to ten years in prison."
Yang Shuo wished he could skin Zhao Zhen alive and roared, "How was I supposed to know she stole the script? I purchased it through legal channels and was unaware. The script should belong to me. If you want an explanation, go find Zhao Zhen. Why are you coming to me?"
Lawyer Luo advised, "Director Yang, please don't be anxious. I haven't finished speaking. You indeed acquired the copyright legitimately. However, if the rightful owner is willing to pay the purchase price to reclaim the copyright, you should allow it.
The current situation is that Zhao Zhen's theft is an undeniable fact. The owner, Yang Ting, will reclaim the copyright at the same price. However, the payment and copyright retrieval will be handled after the court's judgment is issued."
Yang Shuo felt his lungs were about to explode. This barrage of bad news had ignited his foul temper.
"You're talking nonsense!
Director Yang may be planning to reshoot or reshoot parts of the drama. I am here today to fulfill my duty to inform you and advise Director Yang not to incur further losses, as this script will ultimately be determined to belong to Yang Ting, provided Yang Ting pays the 420,000 yuan."
"420,000 yuan is useless! Without 400 million, I will absolutely not release the copyright," Yang Shuo said, his face turning red with anger.
Lawyer Luo stood up with a smile. "My duty to inform has been fulfilled. You should seek compensation for the 400 million yuan loss from the perpetrator and the actors, not from us. However, if Director Yang insists on holding onto the copyright, our company, Chuxin Culture, would be happy to have a judge make the ruling. But for Director Yang, such a struggle would only be futile."