Zhang Shanghua sent Lin Qinghe the address, and Lin Qinghe had the driver take her there directly.
On the way, Yuan Xiaoai looked at Lin Qinghe with a desire to speak but hesitating, as if she had something to say but was afraid of angering Lin Qinghe. Lin Qinghe noticed and asked directly, "What do you want to tell me? Did Brother Yang say something to you again?"
Yuan Xiaoai nodded, "Sister Qinghe, the way you look… are you planning to take Director Zhang's role? But… Brother Yang intended for you to participate in an S+ level campus idol drama. I'm afraid your schedule… won't allow it."
Lin Qinghe frowned. Naturally, she had no intention of following Yang Tianlin's arrangements. "Alright, I understand. I'll talk to Brother Yang tomorrow. Don't worry about this for now."
Lin Qinghe didn't dwell on this matter for the moment. With her current popularity, she had a say with the company and her agent. If she didn't want to act, they couldn't force her.
Nearly three hours later, the car drove into the city center and stopped in front of a high-end villa complex.
Zhang Shanghua had been waiting at the entrance for a long time. Seeing the car stop, he eagerly stepped forward, pulled open the car door, and said with a smile, "Qinghe, you're here. You must be tired after such a long drive. Come, come… go in with Dad. Dad has prepared the meal, and it's all warm. We can eat as soon as we go in!"
Lin Qinghe nodded and got out of the car. "Okay." She turned to Yuan Xiaoai and said, "You two go ahead. Send my luggage back to my place. I can take a taxi when I want to go back."
"This… Sister Qinghe, isn't it a bit unsafe for you to take a taxi?" Yuan Xiaoai asked with concern.
Zhang Shanghua stepped forward opportunely, "It's fine. When Qinghe wants to go home, I'll drive her back myself."
Yuan Xiaoai was relieved. "Okay, then I'm relieved. Sister Qinghe, Director Zhang, you two go in and have a good meal. We'll be leaving now. Goodbye."
"Mm, goodbye."
Yuan Xiaoai got into the car and left. Lin Qinghe followed Zhang Shanghua into the house. The villa complex had a European-style interior decoration, very clean. It was evident that Zhang Shanghua lived alone.
Lin Qinghe was invited to sit on the sofa. Zhang Shanghua's face was filled with smiles, "Do you want water? Or a drink? Dad will get it for you. Or do you want to eat directly? Dad will bring out all the dishes?"
Lin Qinghe had something on her mind and couldn't focus on eating until it was resolved. She said, "Dad, please sit down first. I'm not hungry yet. It's not too late to eat after we've finished talking."
"Ah! Alright!" Zhang Shanghua sat down beside Lin Qinghe. "What do you want to talk to Dad about? Go ahead! Dad is listening!"
Lin Qinghe decided not to be polite with Zhang Shanghua and got straight to the point. "Dad, You Rong is now an artist signed by you. You should have quite a few dramas in preparation for filming, right? I want to partner with You Rong in a television series, preferably a high-quality, well-produced, and reputable drama."
Zhang Shanghua felt a little unhappy upon hearing it was about You Rong. "It's You Rong again. You're quite concerned about him. For your current status to partner with him in a drama is undoubtedly lowering yourself to boost his profile…"
"Dad… you can't think like that. Think about it, if I were to film a drama with You Rong, we'd have to spend several months together on set. Spending a lot of time together day in and day out is conducive to developing our relationship. Didn't you say… you would help me pursue You Rong? Are you going back on your word?"
Zhang Shanghua loved Lin Qinghe dearly and couldn't bear to see her disappointed. He immediately said, "Dad promised you something, and he won't go back on his word! Don't worry, it's just about filming a drama with him. I happen to have a costume drama in preparation. I'll just cast you both directly."
With her goal easily achieved, Lin Qinghe's eyes curved into crescents. She hugged Zhang Shanghua's arm and laughed, "Okay, thank you, Dad. By the way, since you've signed You Rong, you naturally have to take good care of him. He doesn't have an agent or an assistant right now. You have to arrange all of that for him."
"Ah!" Zhang Shanghua was overjoyed to be called "Dad" and agreed without thinking. "Okay, okay, I promise you… Shall we eat now? These dishes are all made by Dad himself for you…"
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The next day.
The landlord sent one reminder after another about overdue rent. You Rong's remaining balance in his account was not enough to pay the full rent. He furrowed his brows and was about to call Wang Xiulan when she called him first.
You Rong answered, "Hello? Sister Lan?"
"Mm, it's me… You should have finished recording 'Simple Life' yesterday and returned to the city, right?"
"Yes, I'm back. Sister Lan, is there something you need to talk to me about?"
"I do have something to discuss. It's not clear over the phone. How about this… come to the company now? I'll wait for you at the company. Come quickly, and we can talk when we meet."
"Okay, I'll be there now."
After hanging up, You Rong put on his coat and went out. He took a bus to Aurora Entertainment.
On the way, You Rong thought for a long time but couldn't figure out why Wang Xiulan wanted him to come to the company.
Could it be that the company had a new announcement for him?
Upon arriving at Aurora Entertainment, You Rong was led to Wang Xiulan's office. As soon as he entered, he saw a man talking and laughing with Wang Xiulan. You Rong naturally knew this man – Gu Wensheng, a renowned golden agent in the industry.
Why was he at Aurora Entertainment? Was he interested in the artists under Aurora Entertainment?
You Rong stopped and called out, "Sister Lan."
Wang Xiulan smiled at him, which was rare. "You Rong, you're here. Sit down, let's talk after we're seated."
"Okay, thank you, Sister Lan."
After You Rong sat down, Wang Xiulan introduced him, "Come, this is Mr. Gu Wensheng. I believe you know him, You Rong. He's a famous agent in the industry."
You Rong and Gu Wensheng made eye contact. Gu Wensheng smiled and greeted him first, "Hello, You Rong. It's our first meeting today. Please take care of me in the future."
You Rong's eyes flickered, and he clasped Gu Wensheng's outstretched hand with some confusion. "Hello, Mr. Gu."
Wang Xiulan noticed You Rong's confusion and explained, "You Rong, it's like this. There has been a change to the contract you signed with the company. From now on, you belong to Shanghua Film and Television. Mr. Gu will be your new agent. As for whether your contract needs to be amended or remain as is, Mr. Gu will discuss it with you in detail."
You Rong couldn't help but be surprised by Wang Xiulan's words. Gu Wensheng had managed many famous artists and wasn't short of clients. Why had he suddenly taken an interest in him? Moreover, Shanghua Film and Television had significant resources, something many artists couldn't even dream of getting access to.
From Wang Xiulan's tone, it seemed they had actively sought to take him… Su Dan Novel Network.
No matter how he thought about it, You Rong found it all very strange.
Gu Wensheng exchanged a few pleasantries with Wang Xiulan, handed a contract to Wang Xiulan, then stood up and smiled at You Rong. "You Rong, let's go. The rest… we'll discuss further back at Shanghua."
You Rong's brow furrowed. Although he knew it was strange, he decided to go with Gu Wensheng.
After all, going to Shanghua was better than staying at Aurora Entertainment.