next day
Early in the morning, a high-level meeting was held in Jinling Hall.
Xu Ziqian and Banshan were also among those invited.
When Banshan received the invitation from Jinlingtang, he was initially shocked. Although he was somewhat famous in the literary world, he never expected that the renowned Jinlingtang would pay attention to him.
So, sitting in the high-level conference room of Jinlingtang, he was still somewhat confused, not knowing why Jinlingtang had invited him here.
Old Wei glanced at Xu Ziqian and Banshan: "The reason I called this meeting today is to discuss something that concerns the reputation of Jinlingtang. Yesterday, someone complained that Director Xu's upcoming film, 'Seven Deadly Sins,' is a plagiarized work, and the original author is a new screenwriter under Tengyue."
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqian frowned unhappily, while Banshan's expression changed, and he nervously swallowed.
He thought Jinlingtang invited him because of Xu Ziqian, but he never expected it was for this matter.
Isn't Tengyue a third-rate company? How did they manage to contact Jinlingtang?
Xu Ziqian scoffed arrogantly: "What a joke! Can Tengyue's new screenwriters really write something with such depth and meaning? Ha! These days, newcomers will use any underhanded means to become famous. This script is a masterpiece that Mr. Banshan spent two whole years creating. I had the privilege of reading it during Mr. Banshan's writing process. Who would dare to come out and steal someone else's hard work? I'd like to see these demons and monsters for myself."
Old Wei's brow furrowed, and his deep gaze shifted to Banshan: "Mr. Banshan, did you really personally write 'Seven Deadly Sins'?"
Banshan glanced quickly at Xu Ziqian and, seeing Xu Ziqian's calm and composed demeanor, immediately felt reassured.
Even if a screenwriter from a small, struggling company wanted to sue her, she would need to provide evidence. Right now, the copyright is in her hands, so she probably can't do anything about it.
"Mr. Wei, I don't know where you heard such a ridiculous statement. Putting aside whether I wrote 'Seven Deadly Sins' or not, let's talk about the person who said these words to you. If she could write a script like 'Seven Deadly Sins,' how could she have ended up working as a screenwriter in a third-rate small company?"
Old Wei remained silent.
Seeing that Old Wei couldn't answer, Banshan secretly felt smug.
A third-rate screenwriter dares to challenge him; he's overestimating himself.
Other high-ranking members of Jinling Hall also began to speak up for Xu Ziqian and Banshan.
"Mr. Wei, the other party is clearly a crazy person trying to grab attention. You must not believe anything that such a person says. What kind of person is Director Xu? Would he go so far as to steal someone else's script? Countless well-known screenwriters in the industry want to work with Director Xu."
"That's right. Director Xu has been with our Jinling Hall for five years now. During these five years, everyone has witnessed Director Xu's character and his attitude towards pursuing art."
"Let's talk about Mr. Banshan. He also holds a pivotal position in the literary world, and three of his works have been adapted into films and television series. People of their status and position would never plagiarize other people's works."
"I think Mr. Banshan should sue that lying screenwriter. People these days will really lose all sense of shame in order to become famous."
Old Wei listened to everyone's discussion with a blank expression. After they had all expressed their opinions, the old man suddenly smiled.
"Director Xu and Mr. Banshan are commendable people, and I believe they are not that kind of people. However, Jinlingtang has been established for a century, and our reputation is always our top priority. Since the other party has complained to us, I hope we can provide a convincing explanation."
After speaking, Old Wei looked at Xu Ziqian and Banshan: "I want to hold a competition in Jinling Hall, open to the national media, where Mr. Banshan and that unknown screenwriter will have a fair duel. 'Seven Deadly Sins' is a highly professional script. I believe that the person who can write such a script has a great understanding of criminal cases and criminal psychology. I will invite relevant experts to judge and see who has a better understanding of the extensive knowledge involved in this work."
Halfway up the mountain, the corner of his lips twitched suddenly, and the smugness and confidence on his face froze instantly.
"No, I won't agree," Xu Ziqian said coldly.
"I proposed adapting Mr. Banshan's work into a film and television series, but now Mr. Banshan is being pitted against a third-rate screenwriter? This will damage Mr. Banshan's reputation, and I absolutely will not allow such a thing to happen. Mr. Wei, although you are thinking of Jinlingtang, please also consider us artists. Our reputation is more important than our lives, and we will never allow others to slander or tarnish it."
Banshan immediately agreed: "Director Xu is right. My own work doesn't need anyone else's questioning. If the other party continues to talk nonsense, I don't mind taking them to court. Your Jinling Hall has too high a threshold. I'm just an ordinary person and it's really not suitable for me to stay here. I'll take my leave now."
After saying these righteous and indignant words, Banshan stormed out with a cold face.
After Banshan left, Xu Ziqian also made an excuse to leave.
The outcome of the meeting was as expected by Mr. Wei. At this moment, he was more inclined to believe the truth of what Bai Qianmo said.
If Banshan had agreed to the duel without hesitation, it would have shown that he was confident, but he refused, which means that he was insecure.
No matter how much you talk, your actions don't lie.
After the meeting, Old Wei called Bai Qianmo back.
"Half-Mountain disagrees with the duel, what are you going to do next?"
Bai Qianmo scoffed coldly: "Just wait and see."
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