When the Scumbag A Got the Dog-Licking Script - Chapter 28

Waaah, dear sister, I need to complain! She’s almost half an hour late!

Yu Jinzhao had just sent the message and hadn’t even put her phone down when she heard a knock at the door. She had chosen a private room with excellent soundproofing, so the knock could only mean Li Jin had arrived.

She stood up, quickly tidied her appearance, and strode to the door, ready to greet Li Jin.

Contrary to Yu Jinzhao’s expectations, Li Jin didn’t resemble someone who had spent years in the entertainment industry. Her features were unremarkable, her demeanor ordinary—the kind of person who could vanish into a crowd and never be seen again.

Yet Yu Jinzhao showed no hint of surprise, opening the door with utmost respect and gesturing for Li Jin to enter.

Li Jin made no pretense of politeness, immediately settling into a seat and speaking before Yu Jinzhao could return to her own.

“My time is precious. If it weren’t for Dao Wan’s sake, I wouldn’t have come at all. So get straight to the point. You have five minutes. If nothing you say grabs my attention, we’re done here.”

Li Jin’s attitude was undeniably arrogant, making it clear she held the Yu Family—or rather, Yu Jinzhao herself—in utter contempt.

Yu Jinzhao was also slightly displeased. Though she was known for her good temper, that didn’t mean she was a pushover. She had climbed her way through the cutthroat world of entertainment and wasn’t used to being treated with such disdain.

“Hello,” she said, her voice steady and composed. “I respect you as a renowned senior in the film and television industry, and because you’re a friend of Wanwan’s, I decided to offer you this opportunity. But that doesn’t give you the right to act recklessly. We are equals here.”

As she spoke, Yu Jinzhao maintained an air of dignity and composure. Her spine was ramrod straight, her gaze unwavering, and her expression sharp. She leaned forward slightly, projecting an invisible aura of authority.

Li Jin seemed completely unfazed. “Spare me the empty words. Let’s see what you’ve got. I want to see the script.”

“There is no script.”

“Yu Jinzhao, are you trying to play me?”

Li Jin, already impatient, flared up at the mention of no script. She nearly stormed out.

“Who said variety shows need scripts?” Yu Jinzhao countered. “What’s the difference between that and a scripted drama? It’s the unpredictability and lack of control that truly captivate audiences.”

Li Jin nearly exploded in anger. “What a joke! I’ve been directing variety shows for over a decade. Who’s the professional here, you or me? I’ve never heard of a show that doesn’t need a script. You’re talking nonsense!”

Yu Jinzhao’s gaze suddenly sharpened. “Then why haven’t you directed any new variety shows in recent years?”

“What’s it to you whether I direct or not?”

“Director Li, I’ve reviewed your past variety shows. Ten years ago, they were truly brilliant, especially Comeback, which shattered viewership records and catapulted you to fame. But…”

Yu Jinzhao’s tone shifted, her voice rising sharply. “But none of your subsequent shows have matched that initial brilliance. You’ve directed a few decent scripts since then, but they lack innovation compared to your earlier work. Audiences grow tired of the same formula. To protect your reputation, you’ve avoided taking on any new projects in recent years. Do you plan to maintain this stagnation indefinitely?”

“You insolent fool, Yu Jinzhao! Who do you think you are? A useless second-generation heir, daring to question my decisions? Who are you without the Yu Family name? What would you be without that?”

“Stubborn and set in your ways, Director Li, if that’s how you feel, then just wait to be abandoned by the times. You really are getting old. I’ll be watching to see when the title ‘Jiang Lang’s talent is exhausted’ gets pinned on you.”

Li Jin, lacking Yu Jinzhao’s sharp tongue, was too furious to speak. “You…!”

Yu Jinzhao brushed nonexistent dust from her sleeves, shaking her head with feigned regret. “If that’s the case, there’s no point in continuing this discussion. Remember, you’re the one who personally threw away this opportunity.”

With a sigh, Yu Jinzhao rose and strode out, her movements decisive and unwavering.

Just as Yu Jinzhao opened the door and was about to step out, Li Jin suddenly shouted, “Yu Jinzhao! Stop right there!”

Yu Jinzhao paused but didn’t turn around, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Director Li, is there anything else? I thought your time was so precious.”

“Today, I’m going to hear exactly how your scriptless variety show plans to capture everyone’s attention!”

Li Jin was furious, her words dripping with venom. Yu Jinzhao found it amusing; her provocation hadn’t even run its course, yet Li Jin had already lost her composure. It seemed Li Jin had enjoyed smooth sailing these past few years, which also explained her desperate need for a hit variety show to solidify her position after years without a major project.

“Heh, I wouldn’t dare waste Director Li’s precious time.”

Li Jin’s molars ground together, veins bulging on her forehead as she swallowed her anger. “I was too hasty earlier,” she forced out. “Now, could you explain how to film a variety show without a script?”

Yu Jinzhao slowly turned back, unhurriedly returning to her seat. She calmly outlined her vision.

In truth, she had already prepared thoroughly before approaching Li Jin. Variety shows in this world lacked the sophistication of those in her previous life, many still stuck in the rehearsal stage with limited genres and audience choices.

When she took over the entertainment industry, she had debated whether to start with variety shows or film and television. After much deliberation, she decided on variety shows.

After all, variety shows delivered quick results and high returns. Yu Jinzhao wanted to see results quickly, and while good scripts required long-term refinement, she didn’t fully understand the artistic conventions of this world. However, she noticed the limited variety of variety shows and the immense market potential, making investing in variety shows her first choice.

Li Jin initially wore a disdainful expression, but as Yu Jinzhao delved deeper into her explanation, Li Jin unconsciously straightened her posture, her expression becoming serious as she listened intently.

“Where did you get this inspiration? Have you told anyone else about this idea? When can we start filming?”

Li Jin was visibly excited, standing up and firing a barrage of questions at Yu Jinzhao, making no attempt to conceal her eagerness.

Yu Jinzhao raised an eyebrow. “So, Director Li, you’re also endorsing filming without a script?”

Li Jin’s face flushed crimson, feeling utterly embarrassed. Yet she couldn’t resist the allure of a “completely new variety show,” and her attitude immediately underwent a complete 180-degree reversal.

“Yu Jinzhao, I admit I was too loud just now. I was being arrogant. Please, for Pei Daowan’s sake, let bygones be bygones.”

Li Jin was clearly unaccustomed to such polite formalities. Her words came out stiff and awkward, making Yu Jinzhao want to laugh.

“Have you told anyone else about this idea?”

“No, I haven’t. After all, you’re a renowned variety show producer in China, and you’ve known Wanwan for years. My first instinct was to tell you, but since you don’t seem particularly interested, I’ll look elsewhere.”

“Wait, wait, wait, Yu Jinzhao! I’ll take on this project. You don’t need to pay me a single cent—just let me direct it. I guarantee you, there are few people in China with a keener sense of the market than me. Hiring a newcomer would be a waste of time and effort, and you’d have to spend even more time training them. But I can absolutely make this a success.”

Li Jin had expected Yu Jinzhao to use her previous arrogance and rudeness as an excuse to retaliate fiercely, but Yu Jinzhao didn’t take that route.

“Director Li, I have great faith in you too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought of you first.”

Having Li Jin personally oversee the show would be ideal. First, with her years of experience in the industry, she had built an extensive network of connections. More importantly, she understood celebrity branding far better than Yu Jinzhao, who would otherwise have to waste money and time experimenting.

Yu Jinzhao could only provide a rough concept, but she lacked the detailed knowledge needed for actual filming and promotion. Li Jin was truly the ideal candidate.

“What’s the show called? When do you plan to air it? Have you secured the filming locations yet?”

Li Jin rattled off a barrage of questions like a machine gun. Yu Jinzhao simply smiled and remained silent, watching her quietly.

It took Li Jin a moment to realize that this was just an idea, without any concrete framework. She had been promised the moon.

“In this area, you’re the expert. I’ll handle securing investment and managing all logistical matters. As for the filming itself, that’s entirely your domain. I won’t interfere.”

“Excellent! Excellent!”

The less Yu Jinzhao meddled, the better. All she needed to do was provide the funding. When it came to producing variety shows, Li Jin had absolute confidence. All she needed was a good concept.

“Director Li, would you like some water?”

Li Jin snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Yu Jinzhao from head to toe. “You’re nothing like the rumors suggest. To be honest, I only came today out of respect for Dao Wan. But I must say, this has been an unexpected and pleasant surprise.”

Intrigued, Yu Jinzhao asked with genuine curiosity, “What do people outside say about me?”

“Spoiled brat, useless second-generation heir, morally bankrupt, a bully who takes what she wants by force. If it weren’t for her powerful father, she’d have been in prison countless times by now.”

Yu Jinzhao’s lips twitched slightly. Though she knew the original owner of this body had been a terrible person, few dared to say it to her face. This directness gave Yu Jinzhao, who had always followed the law, a pang of discomfort.

Realizing she had been too harsh, Li Jin, remembering Yu Jinzhao’s surprisingly good temper earlier—especially considering how rudely she had behaved—tried to soften her words. After all, Yu Jinzhao had entrusted her with this program and promised not to interfere.

“Still, you seem alright today. Much better than the rumors suggest. You don’t seem as arrogant or self-important as I expected.”

Well, aren’t you just the sweetest! Yu Jinzhao thought sarcastically.

“Even though you’re different from what I’ve heard, I still don’t like you. You forced Dao Wan to marry you.”

“……”

Yu Jinzhao was speechless. Had she really forced Dao Wan into marriage? Did she even have the authority to make such a decision?

“Don’t let Dao Wan’s cold, unapproachable demeanor fool you. She’s actually a really good person, just not very good with words. After everything you put her through, she still agreed to introduce me to you. You really owe her an apology.”

Yu Jinzhao had no response. After all, the original owner’s forced marriage had been a major scandal in Jiang City. Everyone in their social circle knew how unwilling Pei Daowan was, but she had no choice but to comply due to the Yu Family’s influence.

Li Jin sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt for her sudden change of allegiance. But she couldn’t be blamed—Yu Jinzhao had proposed a reality show format unlike anything she’d ever heard of. Still, she would remain firmly on Pei Daowan’s side. As for Yu Jinzhao? Use her and discard her.

Yu Jinzhao’s expression was a mix of emotions. While she didn’t particularly care about her reputation, it still stung that she was being blamed for things she hadn’t done.

“Alright, I get it. I won’t act like that again. Consider me a prodigal daughter returning home.”

Li Jin eyed Yu Jinzhao suspiciously, but remembering that she was currently her benefactor, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

Li Jin clearly wasn’t convinced by Yu Jinzhao’s answer. She grabbed Yu Jinzhao’s arm and peppered her with questions, all about the new variety show. By the end, Yu Jinzhao was starting to regret ever mentioning it. How had she never noticed Li Jin was such a chatterbox, so relentlessly talkative?

She couldn’t help but wave her hand dismissively and take a sip of tea from the table. “That’s all I’ve thought of for now. The rest is up to you. You make the decisions; I really won’t interfere.”

Li Jin still wanted to press further. “But what about…”

Yu Jinzhao cut her off. “Look, it’s almost 6 o’clock. I have a gala to attend soon, and I’m running out of time.”

Li Jin looked puzzled. “Oh, right! Dao Wan mentioned she had a banquet tonight too. She asked if I wanted to go, but I declined. You have one tonight as well?”

“Wait a minute… could you two be going to the same event?”

At this, Yu Jinzhao couldn’t help but turn her head. “Did she invite many people?”

“Not really. She’s not one for crowds. Most of the time, she avoids these kinds of gatherings.”

Yu Jinzhao felt a pang of jealousy, which only intensified her dislike for Li Jin. When was Li Jin invited? Before or after me?

Moreover, Li Jin was also an Alpha. Logically, their paths shouldn’t have crossed. How did they even meet? A series of questions swirled in her mind, making her gaze toward Li Jin even more wary.

As if sensing Yu Jinzhao’s scrutiny, Li Jin smiled nonchalantly. “Don’t overthink it. Dao Wan and I have known each other since childhood. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Besides, she doesn’t like me.”

And another thing, Li Jin didn’t say, she doesn’t like anyone. There’s no need to see me as a romantic rival.

Yu Jinzhao hummed in acknowledgment, grabbed her things, and turned to leave. She hadn’t forgotten that Pei Daowan had promised to pick her up personally. That’s why she’d taken a taxi instead of driving herself.

Seeing her hurry away, Li Jin called after her, “I still have a few questions! Let’s chat next time we meet, okay?”

Yu Jinzhao nodded, pointed at her phone to indicate they could talk later, and rushed downstairs. Three minutes earlier, Pei Daowan had texted her, saying she was already waiting downstairs.