Chapter 60 Chapter 60: Carry out the rogue behavior to the end. ...
As Chen Zhuo expected, Yang Ruize didn't even frown when he heard Zhao Jiayu wanted to terminate the contract. He said in a light tone, "Let her pay the penalty and follow the contract."
Shen Zhuo was well prepared. He went to the legal department to find Zhao Jiayu's contract and placed it in front of Yang Ruize. Some parts were highlighted, making them very conspicuous.
She said, "Mr. Yang, the projects and endorsements Zhao Jiayu has taken on over the years at the company aren't enough to cover the damages. More importantly, the company's positioning and resource allocation for her over the years have indeed deviated from what was originally promised. If a lawsuit were to go to court, legally speaking, we wouldn't have the upper hand. She has a strong chance of winning, and if it were to become public, it would only be more detrimental to the company."
Originally, Jingxi Entertainment hadn't signed any particularly popular artists in recent years, and its financial figures have been getting worse year by year. Now, its main revenue is maintained only by the numerous film and television contracts and the traffic of two or three artists. If negative news of the lawsuit between the company and the artist breaks out at this time, it will affect the company's signing of new people in the future.
Yang Ruize didn't take it seriously: "Let her sue, let her sue. What kind of waves can a small-time artist like her cause? Besides, does she really dare to sue? Does she want to stay in the industry anymore?"
Chen Zhuo rolled his eyes countless times in his heart, but he had to maintain a calm face. "Boss Yang, I've already discussed this issue with my colleagues in the legal department. For the sake of the company's reputation, the best solution is to settle privately. Furthermore, Zhao Jiayu has clearly stated that she will no longer act. If she is really asked to pay for breach of contract, she will definitely sue. Think about it, there is no doubt that she will expose the company's inaction over the years, and public opinion will definitely be directed at the company. The media and the public will definitely side with her. There is more than one 'Zhao Jiayu' in the company. If that happens, other artists will confirm her, and even align with her. I think you know the consequences better than I do. Bu Fan's contract is renewable annually. With something like this happening to the company, is it possible for her to renew it with us?"
After listening to Chen Zhuo's analysis, Yang Ruize looked up at her, his face finally wavering. "You mean, we're just going to let her go? According to you, if other artists use the contract standards as an excuse, then they can all leave without paying any liquidated damages? What do you think of my place?"
"We're not letting her go," Chen Zhuo said. "Mr. Yang, this is a proper and respectful way for the company to end the cooperation. The company can proactively terminate the contract and discontinue the collaboration for the sake of the artist's development. At the same time, we can sign a confidentiality agreement with her, explicitly prohibiting the disclosure of relevant information."
The office fell into a brief silence. Yang Ruize slowly leaned back in his chair and took a deep drag on his cigar. "Okay, I'll think about it."
Yang Ruize didn't take long to think about it. In the afternoon, he sent a message to Chen Zhuo saying that he agreed to the settlement, but he had to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Shen Zhuo informed Zhao Jiayu of the result and asked her if she agreed with the current outcome.
Zhao Jiayu replied: "I can sign a confidentiality agreement."
Chen Zhuo: "Okay, come to the company when you have time in the next two days."
Two days later, Zhao Jiayu arrived as scheduled and signed the agreement in a conference room. Whale Joy Entertainment released a brief official statement, and Zhao Jiayu also posted a termination notice on her personal Weibo account. Everything ended peacefully and respectfully.
Before leaving, Zhao Jiayu said "thank you" to her very solemnly.
Chen Zhuo couldn't describe his emotion and said to her, "This is what I should do, just like when I signed you into the company a few years ago. Until now, everything I have done has a clear conscience."
Zhao Jiayu said nothing more. She had hoped to shine in this company, but she didn't expect that in the end, all she would take away were two thin pieces of paper.
Chen Zhuo stood by the window of his office, where the scorching summer afternoon sun exposed everything.
Zhao Jiayu crossed the square in front of the company and walked to the traffic light at the corner. Chen Zhuo watched her until the light turned green and scattered pedestrians flocked to the other side of the road. Zhao Jiayu immediately blended into the crowd.
Shen Zhuo finally looked away, and she could no longer tell who was who.
After returning to his seat, Chen Zhuo picked up his phone and sent a few screenshots to Xia Li, which showed some of Zhao Jiayu's representative works and basic personal information.
"Sister Liqun, do you think this girl is suitable for a skit? Her acting skills are actually pretty good."
If Zhao Jiayu still loves acting, she still wants to help her.
Xia Liqun said, "It's pretty good, but I think it's an artist from Jingxi."
Chen Zhuo said: "Well, the contract has been terminated. It would be best if she could go to your place."
Xia Liqun said, "Okay, I'll contact her when I get back."
Chen Zhuo agreed, and finally specifically reminded Xia Liqun not to tell Zhao Jiayu that it was her who recommended her.
*
It's midsummer, and just as the scorching heat has subsided, it's been followed by a blanket of heavy rain. For five consecutive days, heavy rain has fallen across the country, punctuated by occasional rumbles and cries of thunder, making it feel as if the sky is about to break open. This year's extreme weather seems even more severe than in previous years.
Guan Siyu's originally scheduled B2 driver's license test was postponed due to heavy rain.
The crew of "Fog Lights" has already been setting up and preparing. Li Yaqi joined the crew a month ago. The shooting location was also hit by heavy rain, and the crew's outdoor set work had to be temporarily stopped.
Li Yaqi posted a circle of friends praying for the rain to stop, and Chen Zhuo called her to ask about the situation of the crew.
Li Yaqi said that she had watched "No Fog in the South" and was very positive about Guan Siyu's performance, and congratulated him in advance on the box office breaking 1 billion.
"South" has been released for nearly a month and a half, and its current box office performance is 920 million. The film company wants to wait until the National Day Golden Week before taking it off the shelves. With still a month and a half left, it will definitely exceed 1 billion. This is also Guan Siyu's first movie to break the 1 billion box office.
Li Yaqi laughed and said, "Thank goodness we signed early, otherwise we wouldn't be able to hire Guan Siyu at this salary." Chen Zhuo politely told her that if it was Sister Yaqi's project, he would come even if the salary was reduced. She caught a glimpse of Lin Yi peeking at the door, exchanged a few words with Li Yaqi, and hung up.
"What's wrong, Lin Yi? Do you have something to talk to me about?" Chen Zhuo waved at her.
Lin Yi stood at the door and hesitated for a few seconds before walking in. She hesitantly said, "Sister Chen Zhuo, Yihua has sent me an offer."
Chen Zhuo's eyes lit up: "Really? It's a good thing."
Yihua is one of the top film and television companies in the industry. Its main business covers investment, production, promotion, and distribution of movies and television. There are five rounds of interviews. The fact that Lin Yi was able to get the final offer shows that he is really excellent.
Lin Yi said: "They asked me when I can start working, but I don't know..."
Chen Zhuo smiled and said, "It's September, there's only a few days left. I can handle my resignation in the next two days."
"Shouldn't it be a month in advance?"
Chen Zhuo said, "Well, this isn't a hard and fast rule. Just finish up your work these few days and submit your resignation letter to HR. I'll sign it for you."
Lin Yi nodded: "Thank you, Sister Chen Zhuo."
Chen Zhuo smiled and said, "If you have anything to do tonight, I'll treat you to dinner to celebrate your resignation."
Lin Yi waved her hand: "No, sister, I should be the one treating you. I should be the one thanking you."
"You should keep your salary carefully. Once you get a job at Yihua and get paid or your probation period is over, you can treat me to a meal."
Lin Yi listened and nodded heavily: "Yes!"
As work was about to end, Chen Zhuo sent Shao Chengzhang a message, saying he wouldn't be home for dinner tonight. She had originally wanted to take Lin Yi to a reputable Western restaurant, but it was too far away, and with the downpour pouring outside, they were worried about traffic and getting wet. In the end, they chose a restaurant in a shopping mall near the company, which had an underground garage for both entry and exit, saving a lot of trouble.
For Lin Yi, Chen Zhuo has always been a very good leader. During the two years she'd been his assistant, not only had he never looked down on her for her lack of professional background, but he'd proactively recommended industry books to her, taught her step-by-step how to read scripts and screen projects, and guided her through everything from production and tone to actor matching. Lin Yi knew that without Chen Zhuo, she wouldn't have gotten the offer from Yihua.
"Sister Chen Zhuo, I really can't bear to leave you." Lin Yi said with some sadness as they were almost done eating. She lowered her eyelashes and added softly, "And... I'm a little scared."
"What are you afraid of?" Chen Zhuo wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin and said with a smile, "You are much better than when I first started."
She paused, then smiled as she recalled, "You know, when I first came to Jingxi for an internship, my guide, Sister Hua, asked me to go find a certain artist. I forgot what it was, but I ended up standing at the door of the lounge for over ten minutes, not daring to say a word. I could only watch furtively. A passing staff member almost thought I was a stalker and wanted to kick me out."
"Really?" Lin Yi couldn't help laughing. "I can't imagine you like that at all."
"People are made through hard work. In fact, once you get there, you'll find that big platforms and big companies are nothing special. Work can't be that difficult," Chen Zhuo said. "Show your confidence and do your best. I brought you up, so don't embarrass me."
Lin Yi nodded quickly: "Well, I will definitely not embarrass you."
*
Shen Zhuo hummed a light tune when he returned home. Shao Chengzhang was already working in the study. Since he had been with Shen Zhuo, he almost always returned home on time unless there were dinner parties. After all, there were people at home he cared about, and even if he had to work overtime, he had to stay home to handle work instead of being alone in the deserted office.
Seeing that he was working, Shen Zhuo did not go forward to disturb him. She went straight to the living room and let Ares out to play for a while. She was now familiar with Ares and dared to take it out of the ecological box directly.
Shao Chengzhang finished his work temporarily and went to the living room to find Chen Zhuo.
"What are you so happy about?"
Shen Zhuo turned around when she heard the voice and saw Shao Chengzhang holding a glass of water and handing it to her. She took it and drank two sips, her tone particularly proud: "I recommended my assistant to interview at Yihua, and she told me today that she got the offer."
Even though Shao Chengzhang wasn't familiar with the entertainment industry, he knew Yihua was a leader in the industry. He had heard of her and nodded, saying, "Very impressive."
"Of course. I don't even look at who they are. I tell you, I have always had a good eye."
Shao Chengzhang smiled and said, "Yes, I noticed. I have always had a good eye."
After realizing what he was talking about, Shen Zhuo tutted his words, "Alright, I agree with this."
Shao Chengzhang smiled and asked her, "Do you have any plans for this Saturday?"
Shen Zhuo thought for a moment and said, "Probably not. What's wrong?"
Shao Chengzhang said, "Then I'll reserve your time on Saturday in advance and won't let you work."
Shen Zhuo's brows moved slightly, not knowing what he was going to do. Shen Zhuo raised his eyebrows and said, "Just promise that you won't work that day." Speaking of work, Shao Chengzhang is actually much busier than her. After all, he has to manage an entire company.
Shao Chengzhang said: "I have already made arrangements."
Shen Zhuo was a little curious: "So what are we going to do that day?"
"I want to go on a date with you." Shao Chengzhang looked at her and said every word seriously, "Is it okay?"
This Saturday is Chinese Valentine's Day, their first holiday together. No matter how busy he is, he will make time to spend it with her.
Shao Chengzhang didn't want to tell Chen Zhuo in advance, but it was too difficult to prepare a surprise for her because her work could have emergencies at any time and she really could leave at any time. Just in case, he should make an appointment with her first.
Shen Zhuo was stunned. She had just thought about it and thought he was going back to the Shao family or there was some event that required her to attend. She had never thought he was going on a date. But thinking about it carefully, it seemed that they had never really had a serious date.
The corners of her mouth curled up and she promised him: "Okay, let's go on a date."
Shao Chengzhang also smiled: "Well, leave everything to me, don't worry about anything."
"So where do you want to go on a date?" she asked.
Shao Chengzhang paused for two seconds: "Actually, if possible, I don't want to go anywhere. I just want to be in bed with you from morning to night."
"..." The corners of Chen Zhuo's mouth, which had been raised, fell instantly, and he rolled his eyes at him.
"Honey, if you don't want to do it in bed, you can do it somewhere else."
"..." Chen Zhuo stared at him. She no longer wanted to pay attention to him.
Shao Chengzhang laughed out loud: "Just kidding, let's just take a stroll."
"You'd better!" Shen Zhuo didn't quite believe him.
"You don't trust me?"
"I can't trust it." Shen Zhuo shook his head.
"Who am I in your heart?"
Chen Zhuo glanced at him and snorted, "Big gangster, if you add a modifier in front of it, it means a big gangster with money, good looks and good figure."
Shao Chengzhang suddenly slid down from the sofa and knelt on one knee. He put his hand through her knees and picked her up as a princess.
Shen Zhuo exclaimed: "What are you doing!"
"As you said, carry out the rogue behavior to the end."
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