Married in a Daze - Chapter 141

Chapter 141

The explosive popularity of SP carried over to Lanyi as well. Compared to SP suspending pre-sales, Lanyi seemed fully prepared, providing real-time progress updates on their official Weibo. Despite daily assurances of ample stock, Lanyi couldn't maintain its 'loaded' persona after a week and sold out in certain regions.

Although restocked quickly, the incident was widely teased online. Qin Zhenzhen's fans proudly declared that Qin Zhenzhen was the first female star to make SP suspend pre-sales and cause Lanyi to sell out.

Her popularity soared, creating a daily online frenzy. But before the commotion could last long, Jian Mu announced a new song release, diverting the attention of all media and netizens.

Qin Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. Her name had been plastered all over the internet for days. Before, she could go out covered up without being recognized. Now, no matter how thoroughly she concealed herself, she was always spotted. She'd been chased by fans while shopping several times. Meng Xin told her directly to just stay home.

Qin Zhenzhen abandoned in-person mall shopping for online shopping.

Staying home without needing to go out was rather pleasant.

Unfortunately, the pleasant days didn't last long. Qin Zhenzhen was summoned to the company after only a couple of days. She rarely visited the company, maybe once a year, so she was initially surprised. Upon arriving at the company's main entrance, she suddenly recalled what Lu Ruyun had asked her before, and a vague unease stirred in her heart.

Meng Xin was waiting for her at the door. Seeing her arrive, she waved. "Zhenzhen."

Qin Zhenzhen walked over and lowered her voice. "What does Director Shen want with me?"

Meng Xin shook her head. "I'm not sure yet. Let's go inside and talk."

Qin Zhenzhen pressed her lips together and followed her.

Inside the office, the atmosphere was tense. Qin Zhenzhen held a few sheets of paper in her hand. She placed them on Director Shen's desk with a somber expression and a lowered voice. "Director Shen, I cannot accept this arrangement."

Meng Xin, standing behind her, also wore a cold expression, firmly on the same side. She argued forcefully, "Director Shen, I understand the company's considerations. But SP's explosive popularity involved Lu Ruyun. Lanyi's success relied on the brand's own strength. And these—" she pointed at the forms on the desk—"these probably won't work."

Director Shen glanced at her sideways. "You get to decide what works and what doesn't?"

Meng Xin suppressed her anger. "No."

Director Shen chuckled lightly. "Good that you know that. Meng Xin, these schedules came from higher up."

He smiled placatingly at Qin Zhenzhen. "Zhenzhen, I know this workload is a bit heavy, but rest assured, you'll be paid every cent you're owed. I even made a point to request extra for you."

"Zhenzhen, the company has its own difficulties. These are all clients with ongoing relationships. I know it's hard work, so I'm planning to have Meng Xin cancel all your TV and film schedules for the year. We'll focus entirely on endorsements, shooting commercials, and variety shows. That way, you won't be overworked, the company won't be in a bind, and the clients will be happy. A win-win-win situation for all three parties. What do you think?"

Qin Zhenzhen met Director Shen's oily face and looked at the densely packed schedule he had laid out, her brows furrowing. "Cancel TV and film roles to focus on endorsements? Director Shen, that's not what our contract says."

Director Shen stood up, his smile insincere. "Zhenzhen, contracts are dead. People are alive. The most important thing in life is knowing how to be flexible."

"You came to this company with nothing, and we built you into the superstar you are now. Zhenzhen, one must never forget one's roots."

"And look, the offers from these advertisers are higher than what you'd make from a film. Why would we turn our backs on money?"

Meng Xin's pretty face showed a flicker of anger, but she knew direct confrontation wouldn't be effective. She softened her tone. "How about this, Director Shen. Let me take these offers back and discuss them with Zhenzhen. We'll screen them and pick a few. Would that be acceptable?"

Qin Zhenzhen also looked sideways at Director Shen, seemingly in agreement with Meng Xin's proposal. Director Shen glanced at Meng Xin, his expression shifting. He didn't need to maintain a pleasant face for Meng Xin. His icy voice followed. "Meng Xin, have I been too easygoing with you, making you forget who's in charge here?"

"Am I asking for your opinion right now?"

"You want to discuss? Fine. Go discuss it with President He yourself."

With that, Director Shen threw a stack of papers at Meng Xin. The papers fluttered to the floor. Meng Xin's face flushed with anger. She started to step forward, but Qin Zhenzhen grabbed her sleeve and said softly, "Sister Meng, let's go out first."

Meng Xin, held back by her, turned to look at her and agreed. "Okay."

Neither of them glanced at Director Shen as they left the office. After they were gone, Director Shen pressed the intercom and called his assistant upstairs.

Qin Zhenzhen and Meng Xin left the office and headed straight out of the company building. Only after getting into the car did Qin Zhenzhen let out a sigh. Jing Rui Entertainment generally didn't interfere much with artists' schedules. Occasionally assigning one or two, Qin Zhenzhen had always been cooperative. She never imagined the company would try to take full control of her schedule.

After calming down, she understood why Lu Ruyun, seeing Lanyi's explosive success, hadn't been happy but rather worried.

High traffic was one thing.

But significant influence was another entirely.

The post-New Year SP and Lanyi campaigns had made her ubiquitous. Not to mention Lanyi was now sold out. Just after the New Year, these two had already hit peak performance. Others, unable to resist, wanting a piece of the pie, was only natural.

Meng Xin knew this as well as anyone. It was precisely at times like these that one must tread carefully, taking every step with caution, not a single misstep allowed. That's why she was so meticulous with every announcement, scrutinizing each invitation over and over.

But the company had slapped her hard today. The list of no fewer than twenty announcements, plus countless endorsements, seemed to mock her caution.

She understood the company needed to make money, but this method of making money was tantamount to pushing Zhenzhen into a fire pit.

If she accepted those announcements, Zhenzhen's career would basically be over.

Meng Xin pondered it over and finally said to Qin Zhenzhen, "Alright, don't worry too much. I'll look into it further with the company."

Qin Zhenzhen's brow remained slightly furrowed. Director Shen's attitude today had been too firm. Sister Meng was a long-time employee, and Qin Zhenzhen was currently the company's top female star, yet Director Shen hadn't given Meng Xin even that much face. If she tried appealing to higher-ups, the results would likely be minimal.

But she didn't want to add to Meng Xin's burden, so she just nodded slightly. "Okay. I'll wait for your news."

Meng Xin smiled as if nothing was wrong and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry too much."

Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head, eyelids dropping.

Meng Xin dropped her off at the apartment entrance and watched her go inside before letting her smile fade. She sat in the car thinking for a long moment, then drove away.

Qin Zhenzhen watched from the window as the car turned a corner and disappeared from sight. She bit her lip and sent Lu Ruyun a message: What are you doing?

Lu Ruyun had just finished a promotional event. Having smiled all morning, her face felt stiff. She and He Shuangshuang went backstage to remove makeup. Hearing her phone buzz, she picked it up to look.

As expected, it was a message from Qin Zhenzhen.

Her lips curved into a smile, and she called her directly.

"Zhenzhen."

Hearing Lu Ruyun's voice, much of the frustration Qin Zhenzhen had felt in Director Shen's office dissipated. She responded languidly, "Mm."

Her voice wasn't very cheerful. Lu Ruyun detected her low spirits and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Qin Zhenzhen stubbornly denied it, but within two seconds honestly admitted, "I just went to the company."

"Ruyun, you should have told me sooner."

Her tone held no blame, only a touch of ruefulness. She was too inexperienced after all. She'd been so focused on the immediate joy that she'd forgotten the potential troubles.

Lu Ruyun paused at her words and remained silent.

She understood exactly what Qin Zhenzhen meant. But back then, seeing Qin Zhenzhen so happy, she couldn't bear to voice her concerns. What if she'd been wrong? It would only add unnecessary worry.

Now, hearing Qin Zhenzhen's words, she knew she hadn't been wrong. Jing Rui Entertainment couldn't sit still any longer.

When it came down to an artist's future versus tangible money, they'd chosen the latter. The signs had actually been there last year. When Zhenzhen had her conflict with Lu Ruyun, Jing Rui had simply chosen to abandon Zhenzhen.

She should have recognized the problem sooner.

If she had, they wouldn't be so passive now.

Right now, having Zhenzhen terminate her contract was impossible. Putting aside the massive penalty fees, Jing Rui itself wouldn't be willing to let her go. SP and Lanyi had given them a taste of sweet profit; how could they possibly release her?

Endure it for four or five months, and when the contract ends, they could part ways cleanly.

It was indeed a fallback plan.

She had thought so before, too. But after mulling it over these past few days, she realized this approach was truly the worst of all options. In these four or five months, they could completely ruin the good hand Zhenzhen currently held. Moreover, leaving immediately after the contract ended would give Jing Rui the perfect chance to bite back, claiming Zhenzhen wanted to go solo after achieving success. That might scare off other companies from signing her. While reputation wasn't paramount in the industry, Jing Rui was an established agency with considerable resources and connections. A hasty departure that completely offended Jing Rui would be unwise.

Qin Zhenzhen sighed heavily. Listening to Lu Ruyun's words, she knew she was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Forward was an abyss; backward was a cliff. She stood on a shaky plank, teetering, not knowing which way she would fall.

But either way, she'd be shattered to pieces.

"Zhenzhen." Lu Ruyun's voice softened as she consoled Qin Zhenzhen. "Try to sound out President He's stance over the next couple of days."

Qin Zhenzhen heard the lowered pitch of her voice and agreed. "Okay."

"Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow."

Qin Zhenzhen questioned with a confused hum. "Isn't your promotional tour still ongoing?"

Lu Ruyun pressed her lips together. "I'll talk to Qiuhan. It's fine."

Only then did Qin Zhenzhen reluctantly agree. "Okay."

Lu Ruyun hung up and stared at her phone for a moment before putting it away. Duan Qiuhan walked into the break room. Seeing Lu Ruyun still not finished removing her makeup, he urged, "Ruyun, hurry up. They're all waiting outside to go for lunch."

"I'm not going." Lu Ruyun tilted her head at Duan Qiuhan. "You guys go ahead."

Duan Qiuhan was dressed in a sharp suit. Aside from being thinner, he showed no signs of his previous dejection. Having lost weight, his features were even more defined and chiseled. Hearing her words, he frowned. "What's wrong?"

Lu Ruyun turned to look at him. "Qiuhan, I need to head back tomorrow."

Seeing her serious expression, Duan Qiuhan nodded. "Did something happen?"

Lu Ruyun looked up at him. "A bit of trouble. I might need your help with it."

Duan Qiuhan smiled calmly. "No need for formalities with me. Just tell me straight if there's a problem."

Lu Ruyun hummed. "I'll contact you after I get back."

Duan Qiuhan nodded. "Okay."

Someone outside called for Director Duan. Lu Ruyun prompted, "Go have lunch first."

Duan Qiuhan asked, "Should I bring you back something?"

Lu Ruyun shook her head. "No need. Shuangshuang will arrange something."

Hearing that, Duan Qiuhan relaxed slightly. "Alright."

He turned to leave, script in hand. After a couple of steps, he looked down and turned back. "Almost forgot to give you this."

Lu Ruyun took the script from him. "What's this?"

Duan Qiuhan pointed at the script. "You said you'd help me look it over before, to find two newcomers for the film. This is the script."

Lu Ruyun made a sound of acknowledgment. Duan Qiuhan had indeed mentioned it, but she'd been preoccupied with Qin Zhenzhen's situation these past few days and had forgotten. Thinking this, she gripped the script and said, "I'll take a look after I get back."

Duan Qiuhan said, "No problem."

Lu Ruyun watched him leave the break room, then placed the script into her bag. When He Shuangshuang came in and stood beside her, she asked, "What do you want for lunch? I'll go get it."

"Shuangshuang." Lu Ruyun leaned back in her chair, looking up at He Shuangshuang. "Go eat. I want to rest for a bit."

He Shuangshuang opened her mouth, looked at Lu Ruyun's slender back, and nodded. "Okay, I'll bring you back something then."

Lu Ruyun hummed in reply. She heard the break room door open and close. She stared at her reflection in the mirror for a long moment, just about to pick up her phone to make a call, when she saw a Weibo push notification.

#Exposé: The Sugar Daddy Behind a Certain Qin Surname Artist, Are There Really No Insider Deals in Her String of Successes?#

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