Chapter 165 – The Boss Wouldn’t Refuse

Chapter 165 - The Boss Wouldn't Refuse

On the second day of the farm goddess's visit, He Zhou and Zhou Weichuan arrived simultaneously, meeting Tang Fei at the arranged time by the production team.

They found Tang Fei wearing a straw hat, sitting on the edge of a field with a hoe covered in mud beside her. Spread open on her lap was a small booklet about agricultural knowledge, specifically focused on wheat seedling cultivation.

Inside were formulas for pesticides used to mix with wheat seeds, which ones were for preventing diseases and pests, as well as common ailments that plagued wheat and field pests.

Since she had resolved to follow her own plans, her heart had become tranquil.

No point dwelling on it, she was determined to secure the role in the show. She sensed that this was the production team's thoughtful arrangement for her to experience life as the character, immersing herself in the role for a month.

She could already envision the character's general disposition in her mind.

Such a meticulous production team indicated the level of dedication they would put into the drama. Even though Zhou Weichuan was her first love and secret crush, it didn't mean they had to be in the same company to nurture their feelings.

Leaping out might even foster a deeper affection.

Tang Fei believed her reasoning was spot on.

In the same company, disagreements could escalate from personal to professional disputes. But in a new environment, there would be no more squabbling. For Tang Fei, who aspired to develop a relationship with Zhou Weichuan, this was actually for the better.

Negotiating terms with an emotionally detached superior wouldn't elicit any hesitation.

Unlike now, where she was reluctant to leave despite knowing it was for the best.

"Tang Fei."

"Sis."

Zhou and He spoke in unison, approaching Tang Fei.

"Sit wherever you like." Tang Fei pulled out two flyers from a local supermarket. "Use these as cushions."

After the second round of competition, Tang Fei had seamlessly integrated herself into Wangzhong Village, becoming one of its true inhabitants.

Zhou and He didn't pretend to be modest. They took the paper, one on each side, and sat down around Tang Fei.

He Zhou said, "Sis, the first volume of 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' will officially be published next month. With the cover design, layout, proofreading, and book number management, the initial print run of 20,000 copies will cost around 300,000 yuan, making the cost per book 15.24 yuan. We can price it at 50 yuan."

Tang Fei's gaze shifted from the agricultural knowledge in her lap. "Only 20,000 copies? That's too few! Ah Zhou, print an additional 100,000."

20,000 copies? Who do you think you're underestimating?

My Great Master Jin Yong's books aren't so easily sold!

He Zhou suggested, "Sis, let's just test the waters, okay?"

Zhou Weichuan also chimed in, "Tang Fei, I think 20,000 copies is enough. Without any promotion, an unknown author, and an unpopular genre, 20,000 copies can sell for a long time."

Though Tang Fei had calmed down and found a solution, she still couldn't stand Zhou Weichuan. Her frustration was palpable.

Tang Fei said, "Ah Zhou, print 200,000 more!"

Zhou Weichuan, subtly targeted by Tang Fei, didn't dare to respond directly. Seeing that his sister was truly serious, He Zhou promptly agreed. "Alright, I'll take care of it."

With He Zhou's matter settled, Zhou Weichuan spoke up, "Tang Fei, can we have a private conversation?"

He Zhou interjected, "Is there anything you can't say in front of me?"

He Zhou, the Solar-Powered, Automatic, and Bright Beacon, was shining radiantly.

Tang Fei glanced at her cousin's dazzling glow. She actually wished to cherish this moment of solitude before parting ways with her boss too.

At least, it would be a fond memory.

Tang Fei said, "A Zhou, why don't you go buy me a bottle of ice water? The kind that's completely frozen solid."

He Zhou asked, "Sis, what do you need this for?"

It wasn't even hot yet.

Tang Fei replied, "I suddenly want you to observe how long it takes for an ice-cold mineral water bottle to melt at room temperature."

"..."

He Zhou stood up, fuming with anger.

I knew it.

I knew my sister had fallen for this pretty boy.

She's even trying to get rid of me!

"Big Sis~" He Zhou tried to protest.

"Go on then," Tang Fei dismissed him.

"Big Sis, sometimes when you're defending yourself, you don't need to hold back. It's self-defense, so you won't have to pay compensation."

"Alright, I won't hold back."

He Zhou left reluctantly, passing Zheng Haisheng who was standing guard ten meters away. "Haisheng, keep an eye on them for me!"

Isn't that like asking a rat to guard the rice granary?

What a talented individual!

Zheng Haisheng pledged earnestly, "Leave it to me!"

I'll send you wedding candy next year, and you'll become an uncle the year after.

He Zhou nodded. "Good brother."

...

After He Zhou left, Zhou Weichuan couldn't help but smile.

Tang Fei asked, "What are you laughing at? A private discussion means a frank conversation. I've made up my mind – I won't act in Immortal Melody's Six Realms, nor will I pay off debts by performing.

"I've checked my management contract, and the penalty for breach of contract isn't high. I can afford it."

With such a charming smile, I still have to stick to my principles!

Boss! Your pretty boy tactics no longer work on me!

Zhou Weichuan: "If you don't want to go, then don't. But why do you want to terminate the contract?"

Tang Fei: "Once I've signed, how can I not go? If you want me to star in both dramas, it would ruin both productions. Since Time Culture isn't the company I want to be with, I naturally have to leave.

If you could betray me once behind my back, you could do it again. Once unfaithful, always unfaithful."

This conversation...

It felt a bit like a breakup conversation after catching a partner cheating.

Zhou Weichuan sensed their relationship had grown closer. "If you signed a contract, you can pay compensation. I promise this will be the only time I couldn't control the situation. It won't happen again in the future."

Tang Fei: "What do you mean? I don't believe you can pull that off."

Zhou Weichuan: "To reassure you, I made a new contract. Would you like to sign it again with me?"

Tang Fei picked up the contract, noticing several key sections highlighted. She examined it closely. "Company partner? You have the right to veto the company's artist management strategies. Any film or business contract signed without your consent would be deemed invalid, and all breach of contract responsibilities would lie with the company.

If the partner leaves due to these reasons, they would not be held responsible for any breach of contract fees or charges."

Zhou Weichuan: "Is this level of sincerity enough? Can it be trusted?"

Tang Fei had prepared a barrage of arguments, ready for a lengthy debate with Zhou Weichuan. To her surprise, Zhou Weichuan wasn't there to engage in verbal sparring; he had already taken concrete steps to protect her interests.

Finding no grounds to refuse, she was already enticed by the contract.

Tang Fei: "Boss, am I dreaming? I actually wanted to ask why I deserve this, but my rational mind tells me to sign immediately!"

If she didn't sign now, the boss might change his mind in the next second.

Tang Fei: "Do you have a pen? Where's my pen?"

Zhou Weichuan handed it over. "Here you go."

Without hesitation, Tang Fei signed the contract.

Their relationship was renewed.

Tang Fei became Time Culture's first partner.

As Tang Fei signed the document, Zheng Haisheng, defying Zhou Weichuan's subtle signal to stay away, approached with a cold compress in hand. He solemnly presented it to Zhou Weichuan and said, "Boss, apply this to your face!"

By now, there was no trace of any injury on Zhou Weichuan's face; it had only been slightly red that day and had faded within an hour. What was Zheng Haisheng trying to convey with his exaggerated and awkward performance?

He was reading the script verbatim!

"You stood up to the Chairman in front of everyone at the Starlight Gala for Miss Tang Fei, refusing to perform Immortal Melody of Six Realms. The Chairman must have been furious; did he hit you hard? Should we call a hospital?"

Calling a hospital now would be too late for any healing!

It turned out that he was here to be the ultimate support.

Yet, Zhou Weichuan was reluctant to use his own situation to evoke sympathy.

Tang Fei was comfortably preparing for the show; there was no need to disrupt her mood.

He looked at Tang Fei. Why would Hai Sheng bring up such a matter? Was it something to be proud of?

Hai Sheng's Love Guide Interlude: No, Boss, this is a tactic. It's about gaining sympathy, winning favor, and expressing feelings!

Zhou Weichuan noticed Tang Fei's unwavering gaze fixed on his cheek, causing his face to redden bit by bit.

He might be feeling bashful.

In an attempt to divert the conversation, Zhou Weichuan quickly said, "Hai Sheng, as a high-ranking executive in the film and television company, I think you might need some further training. Your acting seems a bit forced."

Yet, Tang Fei continued to stare at Zhou Weichuan's face.

Zheng Haisheng turned around and handed the ice pack to Tang Fei. "Sis Fei, the boss is quite image-conscious and avoids acknowledging illnesses. I believe he's injured quite badly and could use your help with the ice."

With a mischievous tilt of his head, Zheng Haisheng whispered in Tang Fei's ear, "The boss won't refuse you."