After hanging up the phone with Zhao Zhen, Zhao Ziwen rubbed his chin with a look of keen interest, as if pondering something.
Wei Lan, who knew him well, asked, "What's wrong? Isn't the script very interesting?"
Zhao Ziwen's handsome peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, revealing his shrewdness. "The script is indeed good, but it's surprising that Zhao Zhen could write such a script. She used to do campus romance dramas, but her style has completely changed this time, even her creative habits have shifted."
Wei Lan was browsing her phone and suddenly smiled smugly. "I can solve your mystery."
"Oh?" Zhao Ziwen leaned closer and pinched Wei Lan's nose. "Quick, tell me. You know I don't like suspense."
Wei Lan handed her phone to Zhao Ziwen. "Wang Can has announced his upcoming project, and it's a collaboration with Nine."
Zhao Ziwen scrolled through a few pages and chuckled. "Zhao Zhen is playing mind games, and she's even targeted me. It's a shame, though, such a good script, why did it end up with Wang Can?"
"Do you want to film it?" Wei Lan asked. "But since Zhao Zhen discussed the script with you, it means the script has been leaked. Even if Zhao Zhen plagiarized, the script itself is ruined."
"Not necessarily," Zhao Ziwen said. "I suspect Zhao Zhen only got the outline. Otherwise, she wouldn't need to delay the meeting for two more days. She would have been eager to present the script to me immediately."
Wei Lan nodded in understanding. "The focus of this script lies in the protagonist's clever planning, how they meticulously lure the enemy into a trap. That's the core of it. Zhao Zhen only knows the outline but not the core, it's like stealing clothes, but the script's core value remains."
Zhao Ziwen's peach blossom eyes narrowed. "I love your intelligence. Tomorrow, find a way to contact Nine, remind her of the risk of script leakage, sow discord in her collaboration with Wang Can, and bring her to meet me."
Wei Lan thought of that stunningly beautiful photo, and a pang of unease struck her heart. A photo was just an image, lifeless. If she really brought such a beauty into their fold, there was no guarantee Zhao Ziwen wouldn't develop other intentions. However, she had no reason to refuse, so she suppressed her unease and agreed with a smile.
...
The next day, Quan Jiu, who had been closely following the trending searches, finally saw a news item appear on the hot search list at ten o'clock: #Screenwriter Zhao Zhen Accuses Nine of Plagiarizing Her Script#.
Clicking on it revealed a live broadcast of a press conference. There were many reporters present, and Zhao Zhen was already in position. Some reporters were already impatiently posting comments: "Zhao Bian, is the empty chair next to you reserved for Nine? Did you invite her to attend?"
Zhao Zhen's eyes were red, and her voice sounded weak. "Yes, I prepared a chair for her. I hope she can come and explain to everyone in person."
A reporter began explaining to their camera crew, "It's already time, but Nine has not yet appeared. Nine's identity has always been a mystery. It remains to be seen if she will choose to attend when faced with this accusation."
Outside the broadcast, Tu Tu's little face was flushed with anger. "Mom, let me deal with her."
"No rush, it's not time yet," Quan Jiu said with a slight smile, holding back Tu Tu's hand.
Tu Tu spoke with a tone of instruction, "Wait until she digs her pit deep enough, then it's not too late to make your move. Don't let her get away easily."
Tu Tu nodded thoughtfully and continued to watch the broadcast.
At ten oh five, Zhao Zhen addressed the microphone and camera. "It seems she won't be attending. Although I don't want to believe it, the facts are clear. I never expected the famous Nine to plagiarize my work. Hello, everyone, reporters. I am Zhao Zhen, an ordinary screenwriter. Three years ago, I conceived a new creative idea and began writing the script 'Crime.' Last night at 9:15 PM, I finally completed the script and spoke with director Wang Can over the phone, explaining the outline of my script. This is the recording."
On the projection screen, an audio clip appeared, which was the recorded phone conversation between Zhao Zhen and Wang Can. The reporters in the audience immediately began recording the scene.
However, some sharp reporters questioned, "It's just an audio clip. How does that prove Nine plagiarized your work?"
Zhao Zhen said angrily, "I was only informed this morning that my work was taken by Nine yesterday afternoon to discuss collaboration with director Wang Can. Director Wang Can, director Kang Li, and Nine were present at the time."
The reporters became more confused. "You contacted Director Wang last night, but Nine contacted Director Wang first at two in the afternoon. Why is the later party accusing the earlier party of plagiarism?"
"They saw this opportunity and decided to strike first. My script is currently only eighty percent complete. I originally intended to finish it completely before approaching Director Wang, but Nine contacted Director Wang before me, claiming the script was hers. Coincidentally, I only figured it out last night. I can show Director Wang the eighty percent complete script. So, I decided to call Director Wang last night. But as you heard from Director Wang's tone, he knows that Nine and I have the same script."
Another reporter asked curiously, "Is this recording of yours not finished? It ended rather abruptly. Director Wang asked you where you heard about the script. After you explained, there was nothing else. Did Director Wang not say anything further?"
Zhao Zhen replied regretfully, "Yes, unfortunately, the recording was accidentally interrupted, and it only went this far. The subsequent content was Director Wang telling me not to show the script to anyone else and that he would get back to me. But I never expected him to announce it and claim the script was Nine's creation. I understand that Director Wang chose Nine because my fame is not as great as hers. But I am unwilling to accept this, so I specifically called this press conference. Even if I cannot defeat evil forces, I will expose the truth to the public. I believe the public's eyes are discerning."
"But right now, this is just your one-sided statement. You have no concrete evidence to prove that Nine plagiarized your script. Do you have any other evidence? Or can you produce your original script?"
Zhao Zhen looked at the reporter who asked the question. She looked familiar. After a moment of thought, she realized it was Wei Tao. Had Kang Li invited Wei Tao? Zhao Zhen inwardly resented the meddlesome Kang Li, as everyone knew Wei Tao was sharp-tongued and inquisitive, making him the most difficult reporter to deal with.
"The script is my life, of course, I cannot just hand it out. As for evidence, I can only say that I lost my USB drive once before. My assistant knows about this. The USB drive contained the electronic version of my script."
Wei Tao continued to press, "Where did you lose the USB drive? Did Nine happen to pick up the USB drive you lost?"
"Who knows if it was truly lost or stolen," Zhao Zhen replied irritably.
"Zhao Bian, everyone's time is very valuable. You called us all here and only said things based on your subjective perception. We have every reason to believe that you are trying to ride Nine's coattails and slander her."
Zhao Zhen retorted angrily, "Then how do I know the outline of the script? You heard it in the phone call. My outline is the same as what Director Wang Can announced last night. Could I have eavesdropped on their outline? Check the surveillance, I was never at Wang Can's company from beginning to end."
"In this day and age, who needs to be present to eavesdrop? Listening devices, surveillance equipment, recording devices, even just a phone call can achieve it."
Zhao Zhen's heart tightened, but she quickly reassured herself. It was impossible. Kang Li wouldn't betray her; they were in the same boat.
"Heh, are you saying Wang Can and Nine would personally reveal the script's information to me?" she sneered.
"They are the parties involved, so of course they wouldn't. But Kang Li, don't you have any private dealings?" Wei Tao smiled slightly.