Yang Ting hadn't expected to be accepted by Chu Xin Culture. Because of Zhao Zhen, she had been utterly disappointed with the industry, finding it difficult even to secure a job to make ends meet. Yet, in just a few minutes, the boss of Chu Xin Culture had effortlessly resolved what felt like a monumental problem for her.
"Thank you, President Quan," Yang Ting said, touched and relieved, unsure of what else to say but offering her gratitude repeatedly.
"Go ahead, before the HR department closes for the day," Quan Jiu smiled.
Yang Ting thanked him again and then, filled with excitement, left the office.
After Yang Ting departed, Quan Jiu found Director Zhang Xin of "Heartbeat Rhythm" and dialed his number.
Zhang Xin was both happy and surprised to receive Quan Jiu's call. He greeted her with the familiarity of an old acquaintance, "President Quan, congratulations! I hadn't had a chance to congratulate you, and you've already called. You've saved me some phone charges."
Quan Jiu couldn't help but laugh, "It sounds like you have something to say."
"Ah, you first, tell me about your matter," Zhang Xin said knowingly. They weren't close friends, so a call without a reason was unlikely. Everyone had their agenda.
Quan Jiu got straight to the point, "Do you know anyone at the Film and Television Bureau? I have a TV series and want to leverage some connections to see if it can be released during the Spring Festival."
Zhang Xin immediately chuckled, "You've come to the right person! However, based on past patterns, the slots for the Spring Festival are already finalized. And to be released during Spring Festival, one usually needs some background connections."
The implication was that cutting in line was not easy.
"I understand. I just want to inquire and get some information," Quan Jiu replied.
Zhang Xin readily agreed, "Alright, I'll give you a contact card. Add them and put my name as a remark. He's my brother, and we're very close. As long as it's not too difficult, you can find him for help."
Quan Jiu thanked him and then asked with a smile, "Is there anything I can do to help you, Director Zhang?"
"Hey, no need for help," Zhang Xin chuckled. "It's like this: you and President Chu recorded my show together before, and you've probably seen it. The audience reaction was exceptionally good."
It had even set a new record for viewership ratings. Zhang Xin couldn't help but feel pleased whenever he thought about it; his year-end bonus had increased because of it.
"Your CP fans have started an official Weibo account, with Super Topics, fan groups, all very well-managed. Recently, the head of the fan club contacted me, hoping I could shoot an album for you and President Chu.
There are many fans petitioning for it, so... I know you and President Chu are both very busy, but the fans are practically crowdfunding to have you film it and call me daily, urging me. I'm really at my wit's end, so... what do you think about this matter?"
Zhang Xin waited anxiously, hoping for a positive response.
Quan Jiu hadn't expected this. She hesitated for a moment and asked, "What would the album involve?"
Sensing an opening, Zhang Xin became excited, "This time it's simple, no need to travel all over the place. I'm planning for indoor shooting. It's winter now, and I've found a truly wonderful location. It just snowed, and the scenery is a vast expanse of white, incredibly beautiful."
"What can be filmed indoors?" Quan Jiu wasn't quite sure. If she was confined indoors, it would mean nothing but writing and reading novels. As for Chu Rong, he'd likely not look away from his work computer all day.
Zhang Xin, however, smiled coyly, "It would spoil the fun if I told you beforehand. We want your genuine reactions on the spot. But don't worry, this is a romance variety show, we won't pull any stunts on you."
Some prank variety shows were enough to get blacklisted.
"How long would it take to film?" Quan Jiu asked again.
"Five days. I plan to produce eight episodes, each 120 minutes long. Five days should be enough to capture the required footage."
Five days... Quan Jiu quickly weighed the pros and cons.
Zhang Xin was a valuable contact. Spending five days in the same space was similar to her current living situation, especially when Chu Rong first moved in. That week they spent together, so thinking about it, it didn't seem so unbearable. Instead, gaining connections within the Film and Television Bureau seemed more worthwhile.
With this in mind, Quan Jiu partially agreed and partially offered a suggestion, "Then how about you ask the male guest for his opinion? I won't use a script anyway, and you know my stance from last time. If the male guest doesn't mind, then I'm fine with it."
Zhang Xin gripped the phone, silently stomping his feet in excitement. After a few seconds of exhilaration, he composed himself, "Then it's settled for now. I'll contact President Chu. If he has no objections, I'll get back to you."
After hanging up, Zhang Xin jumped for joy and gave several "yes" gestures. Then he rushed into the team office and shouted excitedly, "Comrades, our team's year-end bonus is going to break records again this year!"
Upon hearing this, the other team members looked at Zhang Xin, almost in unison asking, "Did she agree?"
Zhang Xin nodded vigorously, "The female guest agreed. I'll contact the male guest immediately."
Assistant Director Guo Jian immediately clapped his hands and arranged, "Quick, quick, props team, logistics team, venue team, get moving!"
As soon as the words fell, the entire team seemed to enter the busy atmosphere of a year-end sale, urging each other on as if filming were about to begin the next second.
Zhang Xin thought he hadn't made himself clear and added, "I haven't asked the male guest yet."
"Director Zhang, do we even need to ask? Given the male guest's eagerness to please, he'll definitely agree in a second," someone quipped.
"You could ask anyone on the street now, and they'd know who the woman is that the CEO of Chu Corporation can't win over."
Zhang Xin thought it made sense and happily went to call the male guest.
Chu Rong was making dinner in the kitchen, with Chen Ma standing beside him, unsure whether to help or not, feeling awkward.
"Young Master, let me do it. Madam also likes my cooking," Chen Ma said.
You're doing all my work, what am I supposed to do? I'm flustered. This was Chen Ma's constant thought since arriving at Lijing Yuncheng, but unfortunately, the young master couldn't hear it.
"Go ask Madam to see approximately when she'll be home," Chu Rong said, meticulously piping frosting.
Chen Ma had no choice but to make the call. A moment later, she returned, "She said she'll be home in about half an hour."
Chu Rong took a bowl of lemon spicy chicken feet from the refrigerator, rummaged through it, and put it back in the fridge.
Just then, the mobile phone in the living room rang. Old Master Chu, who was watching TV in the living room, picked up the phone, said "hello," and then called out, "Rong'er, your phone."
Chu Rong then put down his work and went to the living room.
Chen Ma, as if having found a treasure, quickly put on her gloves and took over his work.
"Hello?"
Zhang Xin said cheerfully, "Hello, President Chu, this is Zhang Xin. It's like this..."
He briefly explained his purpose and finally said, "President Quan has already agreed. She asked me to ask for your opinion. If you..."
"Are you sure Ah Jiu agreed?" Chu Rong asked with some doubt.
"Absolutely certain. I just spoke with her. She said if you're willing, then she has no problem," Zhang Xin assured him.
Chu Rong's eyebrows slightly lifted, a gentle smile in the corner of his eyes, "Yes."
As Zhang Xin expected, considering the year-end was approaching, he asked, "Is next week feasible? Filming, editing, production, and release. If we want to complete it this year, we need to start filming by next week at the latest."
"No problem," Chu Rong replied crisply.
Zhang Xin repeatedly said "good," and after hanging up, he went to arrange the filming schedule.
Chu Rong put down his phone, but his expression was troubled.
Old Master Chu had been watching him and quickly asked with concern, "What's wrong? What did they say on the phone? Company matters?"
"No, Ah Jiu is still angry with me," Chu Rong said in a low voice.
Old Master Chu paused, then burst into laughter, "It's normal for a couple to have disagreements. If Jiu'er is angry, it must be because you did something wrong. You need to apologize first."
"I can't even see her at night," Chu Rong said, becoming more dejected.
Old Master Chu thought for a moment and understood, "Jiu'er isn't letting you sleep in the room, huh? That's indeed a problem. If you don't see each other, how can you resolve the issue? When she gets back tonight, Grandpa will try to persuade her for you."
Chu Rong shook his head, "No need, Grandpa. Maybe she won't be angry today."
Old Master Chu hesitated for a moment, "That's up to you. You have to coax the girl. As long as your attitude in admitting fault is sincere, even if she still seems angry on the surface, she'll forgive you in her heart. She's waiting for you to give her an out, so you have to take the initiative."
Chu Rong smiled, "Understood, Grandpa."