In a high-end café in City S, where the cost of a meal could match a few months' of an average persons salary, a stylishly dressed man and woman entered. The man was Xia Zixuan, dressed in a sharp suit, and he sat calmly in a private booth, facing the famous star Linda Murong, who was adorned in heavy makeup and had her hair styled in large waves, exuding an air of queenly arrogance.
"Sister Linda, have you decided whether to take on our drama project?" Xia Zixuan asked, his tone steady.
Linda Murong took a sip of her coffee, not responding immediately, her demeanor dismissive.
"Sister Linda, rest assured, we won't let you suffer any loss in terms of performance fees," Xia Zixuan continued, sensing her hesitation.
Linda Murong glanced outside the window, maintaining her haughty posture. "Do you think I'm short of money, Mr. Xia? All I need now is to secure my position."
"In our industry, the biggest fear is having no buzz or news. With so many aspiring stars, do you think maintaining your position is simple?" Xia Zixuan bluntly pointed out the harsh reality.
Linda Murong's eyes flickered, but she remained composed, her tone softening slightly. "I'm aware of Fengxing Entertainment's strength. However, you're primarily a record company. You're new to film and television investing and your experience is lacking."
"You're right, Sister Linda. But you know Fengxing Entertainment's capabilities. This time I invited the famous writer Luo Cheng and screenwriter Yu Zheng to write the script. Not to mention other aspects we have other top-tier resources," Xia Zixuan reassured her.
Linda Murong nodded, slightly intrigued. "Impressive. But why approach me? Wouldn't it be better to promote one of your own stars?"
Xia Zixuan smiled confidently. "Your acting skills are highly praised. Our artists aren't professionally trained actors. Choosing you has its reasons. Besides, Fengxing Entertainment can afford any breach of contract fees. Our doors are always open for you."
Linda Murong appeared more interested but still cautious. "You're asking me to leave my current company and join your newly established film division. Do you think I can take that risk? But if this collaboration goes smoothly, I might consider it."
"This is the script. Please take a look. It suits your image and temperament in every aspect, this will help further your career as well as advance our film division. It's a win-win," Xia Zixuan handed her the script.
Linda Murong started reading, as Xia Zixuan explained, "It's a romantic idol drama. We'll shoot some scenes in France, so you can see it as a trip."
"Who's the male lead?" Linda Murong asked. "I don't want to be stuck working with someone who will drag me down."
Xia Zixuan smiled. "Don't worry, the male lead is the popular singer Chen Jianle, one of our top talents. You've worked with him before."
"I won't work with him!" Linda Murong rejected immediately.
Xia Zixuan was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure. "Why not?"
Linda Murong took another sip of her coffee before calmly replying, "I dislike him. Working with him affects my performance."
Xia Zixuan countered, "You of all people should know that a script is carefully planned from conception to writing. So the male and female protagonists cannot be replaced so casually."
Actually, it wasn't as big a deal as he was making it out to be, but all though changing the lead actor wasn't a big deal for Xia Zixuan, he knew the importance of not blindly giving in to every demand from actors, as it would only serve to diminish his own authority.
"Mr. Xia, you need to see it from my perspective. If you can't meet my request, I can't guarantee my best performance," Linda Murong stood up proudly, ready to leave.
Seeing her determination, Xia Zixuan quickly called her back. "Sister Linda, let's discuss this further. No need to leave in such a hurry."
"So, you'll let me choose the male lead?" Linda Murong turned back, confident.
Xia Zixuan nodded, motioning for her to sit back down.
Linda Murong complied, sitting across from him. "Mr. Xia, you must understand my position. I want to ensure the best outcome for this project, which benefits both of us."
Xia Zixuan listened quietly.
"Don't stay silent. Don't you agree what I said makes sense?" Linda Murong pressed.
"I understand," Xia Zixuan nodded. "But I hope you can understand me too."
"How should I understand you? By agreeing to work with the male lead you've assigned?" Linda Murong's tone was tinged with frustration.
"You misunderstood. I meant I will agree to let you choose the male lead," Xia Zixuan clarified.
"Thank you, Mr. Xia! A businessman should be as understanding as you," Linda Murong felt victorious, her self-importance affirmed.
"But," Xia Zixuan interrupted her celebration.
"But what?" Linda Murong asked.
"You can choose the male lead, but he must be an artist from Fengxing Entertainment," Xia Zixuan stated his condition.
"That won't work!" Linda Murong objected, as it would negate her earlier demands and powerplay.
Xia Zixuan stood up and straightened his suit. "If you can't accept our terms, I'll have to find someone else."
"Wait!" Linda Murong called out. "I'll consider it."
"Think about how much working with Fengxing Entertainment will benefit your career. The worst thing for a star is missing out on opportunities. Weigh the pros and cons carefully," Xia Zixuan continued to persuade her.
After a moment of contemplation, Linda Murong relented. "Alright, I agree."
"Great. I'll revise the contract tonight and have it sent to your agent tomorrow," Xia Zixuan concluded, his demeanor indicating he had expected this outcome all along.