Why Does the Seductive Film Queen Keep Flirting with Me? - Chapter 38

At the restaurant, everyone had arrived. The main characters were Yun Chuxian and Ye Lingxi, with Sun Ran playing a supporting role.

Yet Ye Lingxi, one of the two leads, kept mentioning Tang Wangyue in every other sentence.

Screenwriter Tang is remarkably quick-witted.

If we could continue collaborating with Screenwriter Tang, Jingwei Video would offer our utmost sincerity.

Others found Ye Lingxi’s behavior quite odd. As a high-ranking executive at Jingwei Video and the daughter of the Jingwei Group’s chairman, why would she need to be so humble and solicitous?

Those who accompanied Ye Lingxi lacked the seniority to understand the power struggles within the upper echelons, so they simply assumed she was being gracious.

It was true that Jingwei Video hadn’t produced any hit dramas this year, making it logical to cultivate relationships with screenwriters. But why Tang Wangyue specifically?

Even though her novel adaptations had performed well, her current column had no marketable IP. Even if they wanted to commission a project from her, they could simply assign a junior staff member to handle the collaboration. Was Ye Lingxi really necessary for this?

Of course, Ye Lingxi wouldn’t go to such lengths for mere business reasons. But when she considered Tang Wangyue’s lineage, it all made sense.

Yun Chuxian had deliberately highlighted Tang Wangyue’s lineage for precisely this reason.

The entertainment industry valued popularity above all else, but seniority still mattered. As Lin Jiaxin’s student, Tang Wangyue held a remarkably high position, practically on par with the generation of veteran actresses.

Although Yun Chuxian was young, her film work was excellent, barely squeezing her into the previous generation.

By calculation, the two were still peers.

In other words, if Tang Wangyue publicly claimed to be Lin Jiaxin’s student, her treatment would be completely different.

But Teacher Lin had already disowned her.

At this point, Tang Wangyue was unaware that Ye Lingxi knew she was Lin Jiaxin’s student, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Given Ye Lingxi’s status, this shouldn’t have mattered.

The subordinates who accompanied Ye Lingxi were equally puzzled. What had gotten into the aloof President Ye?

Few people knew Ye Lingxi’s true circumstances, but Yun Chuxian was well aware.

She knew how to maximize Tang Wangyue’s potential. Moreover, after reading Tang Wangyue’s submitted script, she was genuinely impressed.

If Tang Wangyue had been willing to leverage her connections, she would have long since shed her status as a newcomer screenwriter, sparing herself all this trouble.

Yun Chuxian didn’t know why Tang Wangyue refused to use her connections, but it didn’t matter. She would take it upon herself to ensure Jingwei Video, and eventually the wider world, recognized Tang Wangyue’s talent.

People needed packaging. Even the most beautiful person couldn’t become a major star without proper presentation.

Tang Wangyue simply didn’t know how to wield her own aura. If she had submitted her script under the pen name Jianghu Zhaiyue, it would likely have been accepted long ago.

Tang Wangyue didn’t take that step, likely due to her own reservations.

However, her secret couldn’t be kept on this film set, likely because of Mo Lai. Since the truth was already out, it wouldn’t matter if Ye Lingxi knew as well.

Yun Chuxian glanced at Tang Wangyue, who sat quietly in her seat. The two weren’t sitting together, separated by Ye Lingxi and Sun Ran.

She wanted to sit next to Tang Wangyue, but with so many people present, she couldn’t suggest it.

At that moment, Sun Ran suddenly spoke up, Xiao Tang, since President Ye has said so, remember to send her the script later.

Tang Wangyue nodded silently. Okay.

Such polite exchanges were meaningless taking them seriously would be a mistake.

Yun Chuxian swiftly interjected, If President Ye wants to collaborate, Jingwei Video can send a professional team. Otherwise, Yun Jie might beat them to the punch.

President Yun, we could all benefit from a three-way partnership, Ye Lingxi replied with a smile, effectively sealing the collaboration with Yun Jie.

The others exchanged surprised glances. Yun Jie was a company Yun Chuxian had founded just a year ago, with only a few newly signed artists.

However, everyone tacitly assumed that Yun Chuxian would nurture these newcomers, and if they collaborated, she would undoubtedly star in the project.

Given this, Jingwei Video still had good reason to partner with Yun Jie.

No one believed Jingwei Video needed to collaborate with Yun Jie, except for Yun Chuxian.

Similarly, no one thought Ye Lingxi would go out of her way to seek a partnership with Tang Wangyue.

How could anyone take drunken table talk seriously?

As it turned out, they could.

The very next morning, Jingwei Video sent a professional team to discuss collaboration with Tang Wangyue.

Screenwriter Tang, if you have any suitable scripts on hand, our team can evaluate them immediately. If not, we can commission custom scripts, with payment based on our assessed value.

The rights to Screenwriter Tang’s novel cost five million yuan, netting four million after royalties. While novels and scripts differ in market appeal, given the proven value of Jianghu Zhaiyue, we’ll offer the same price. For high-quality scripts, Jingwei Video is prepared to pay 100,000 to 150,000 yuan per episode.

Even at the lower end of 100,000 yuan, a thirty-episode series would still yield three million yuan—a substantial sum.

Tang Wangyue, having anticipated Jingwei Video’s interest, had already prepared.

She presented three neatly bound scripts.

Excellent. Give us an hour, Screenwriter Tang. Please feel free to wait elsewhere.

Tang Wangyue nodded and left the crew’s tent. As she stepped outside, she encountered Bai Yu.

Screenwriter Tang, the Boss wants to see you.

Does she need something?

The weather had turned cooler today, and daytime filming had resumed. The crew arrived early to begin preparations, and Tang Wangyue naturally came along.

Ye Lingxi was leaving today. After all, she needed to oversee several projects and couldn’t stay with this production team for too long.

But the fact that she had sent a professional team so quickly showed Tang Wangyue her sincerity.

Still, Tang Wangyue couldn’t help but feel that Ye Lingxi’s change in attitude was definitely related to Yun Chuxian.

She was curious about why Yun Chuxian wanted to see her at this hour.

Bai Yu shook her head. Sorry, I’m just delivering the message.

Then let’s go.

Tang Wangyue smiled, said nothing more, and headed straight for Yun Chuxian’s RV.

She had been to Yun Chuxian’s RV countless times, and its parking spot never changed.

Soon, Tang Wangyue reached the RV. The door was open, unusually left unclosed.

It’s a bit chilly today, so the Boss didn’t turn on the air conditioning, Bai Yu explained.

Tang Wangyue nodded and stepped inside. Bai Yu casually closed the RV door from the outside.

Tang Wangyue glanced back before focusing on Yun Chuxian’s face. Teacher Yun.

Didn’t I tell you? Only the two of us call me ‘Sister.’

Yun Chuxian gestured for Tang Wangyue to sit down, then tilted her chin up, as if scolding her for being disobedient. Little liar, do I have to remind you every time?

Sister.

A Yue always forgets. Sister is very sad.

Yun Chuxian extended her index and middle fingers into a sword-like gesture, using them to pluck a piece of ice from the basin. With her other hand, she pinched Tang Wangyue’s cheek, forcing her mouth open, and slipped the ice inside.

Hold it. Don’t spit it out.

This was her punishment, meant to deepen the little liar’s memory.

Tang Wangyue, though confused, obediently held the ice in her mouth. Through her warm lips, she could still feel the cold tips of Yun Chuxian’s fingers.

Yun Chuxian pressed her sword-like fingers against Tang Wangyue’s lips. A Yue, be good.

Mm-hmm, Tang Wangyue mumbled in response, her brow furrowed. The ice was too cold her mouth felt like it was about to freeze.

Suddenly, Yun Chuxian’s beautiful face was inches away. Tang Wangyue could practically count every lash on her eyelids.

Tang Wangyue blinked, and in the next instant, her lips were covered by something soft. The ice in her mouth began to melt rapidly, the clinking of ice against teeth echoing faintly.

After a long moment, the ice had completely melted into water, and their lips parted.

Though Tang Wangyue had swallowed the icy water, the heat in her body remained undiminished. Yun Chuxian’s kisses were becoming increasingly habitual.

Sister always kisses me whenever she feels like it. Aren’t you afraid I’ll retaliate?

Tang Wangyue wiped her numb lips and met Yun Chuxian’s gaze without flinching.

She was truly too passive, as if Yun Chuxian had placed a collar around her neck and led her wherever she went. She lacked the will to resist—or rather, she possessed the will but lacked the courage.

She had imagined countless ways to retaliate, but she dared not act on any of them.

She could pin Yun Chuxian to the sofa and kiss her fiercely, using it as a counterattack against this sudden kiss, but she didn’t dare.

Yun Chuxian observed her expression, tilting her head slightly. How would you retaliate?

It was clear Yun Chuxian was genuinely curious.

A burning heat surged to Tang Wangyue’s ears, and she couldn’t bring herself to answer.

Her brief moment of courage had already passed.

Yun Chuxian leaned back against the sofa, chuckling softly. A Yue…

What do you need, Elder Sister? Tang Wangyue quickly changed the subject, fearing she would be consumed by the fire raging within her if the conversation continued.

Yun Chuxian’s lips curled into a smile. Have you already submitted your script to Jingwei?

Yes.

Yun Chuxian raised an eyebrow. How much per episode?

100,000 to 150,000.

Not bad.

Seeing Tang Wangyue’s docile demeanor, Yun Chuxian took her hand and began toying with it. What’s your bottom line?

12.

She chose the middle figure.

Fifteen, Tang Wangyue said.

Yun Chuxian squeezed her hand. Silly girl, she said, since Jingwei mentioned fifteen, as long as they accept your scripts, they’ll agree to that price.

Based on her understanding of Ye Lingxi and Jingwei, if Jingwei was willing to buy the scripts, it meant Tang Wangyue’s work was excellent. Asking for the highest price was perfectly justified.

After Yun Chuxian teased her for a while, an hour passed quickly. Jingwei sent a message asking her to come over.

As Tang Wangyue entered the tent, she was greeted by smiling faces. It seemed her scripts had been approved.

Screenwriter Tang, you’re so young and talented, truly remarkable, said Li Jiajia, the head of Jingwei Video’s production team. She had been Tang Wangyue’s point of contact for The Eldest Princess novel adaptation. Ye Lingxi had chosen her for this meeting, showing her careful consideration.

Editor-in-Chief Li, you flatter me, Tang Wangyue replied politely.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Jiajia smiled. Let’s get down to business. Congratulations, Screenwriter Tang! Jingwei will be acquiring all three of your scripts.

As expected of Jingwei Video—they were truly deep-pocketed. Tang Wangyue had assumed they would only select one script at most.

Tang Wangyue sat down without speaking, waiting for Li Jiajia to continue.

We have a historical culinary rom-com, a low-fantasy historical drama, and a historical political intrigue idol drama.

The culinary rom-com’s investment won’t be too high, probably a Tier A project at most, with 100,000 yuan per episode. The remaining two dramas will be 130,000 yuan per episode.

The lighthearted food comedy series was only 20 episodes, the low-fantasy drama 32 episodes, and the historical political intrigue series 36 episodes.

Li Jiajia placed the scripts on the table. Screenwriter Tang, if there are no issues, we can sign the contract now.

Tang Wangyue pondered for a moment before replying, I’ll need to consider it.

This was a tactic Yun Chuxian had taught her accept a lower rate for the food comedy, but insist on 150,000 yuan per episode for the other two series. Otherwise, simply say you’ll need to consider it.

As expected, Li Jiajia understood her meaning. What’s Screenwriter Tang’s target price?

150,000 yuan.

Tang Wangyue had no patience for haggling and stated her terms directly.

Li Jiajia was about to respond when a clear prompt came through her earpiece. She nodded. We can only offer 120,000 yuan per episode for the food comedy, but we can agree to 150,000 yuan for the other two series.

Agreed.

Li Jiajia immediately pulled out the contracts from her bag, already stamped with the company seal—remarkably well-prepared.

As Tang Wangyue walked out with her copy of the contract, she felt a sudden sense of disbelief. It was like a shop that had never opened its doors, on the verge of bankruptcy, suddenly landing a major order.

Yun Chuxian had predicted this with uncanny accuracy.

Yet their relationship remained in a mysterious, uncertain space. Whether to advance or retreat, she hadn’t decided.

Should she tell Yun Chuxian the good news about the contract?

After all, it would be a perfect excuse to see her.