Chapter 190: Learn to Love Yourself

Chapter 190: Learn to Love Yourself

Shu Xiaoan's mother and father finally emerged from the shadows of their psychological trauma. The protracted legal battle, through the tireless efforts of the Nine Points Legal Department, reached its conclusion. The opposing company, unable to withstand the mounting pressure, paid the compensation. Shu Xiaoan's father also managed to secure a place in a rehabilitation center in the capital. Consequently, the Shu family relocated from Xiangnan Star City to the capital.

Shu Xiaoan remained the same shy and diligent girl. Having received such a significant favor from Tang Fei and having missed three months of classes, she proceeded to apply for a leave of absence from school. Her plan was to first get her family's affairs in order, work diligently at Tang Fei's place to achieve tangible results as a form of repayment, and then return to school the following year.

She returned to Tang Fei's side and, under Tang Fei's guidance, joined the project for "The Eight Parts of the Heavenly Dragon." Her first assignment was to discuss the character roles with Zhu Xiao.

Duan Yu is a role reserved for internal talent at the company. If Zhu Xiao agrees to switch to Shijian Culture, he would be considered for the part of Duan Yu; otherwise, he would be limited to playing Mu Rongfu.

Tang Shu, Zhu, and Little Ying, Jiang Xiaoying, settled into the private room of the coffee shop she had recommended, where a large glass partition separated them from the bustling motorcycle racing arena outside, while inside, a serene and intimate space awaited.

When it comes to discussing a job transition, discretion is key.

When the topic of changing jobs came up, Tang Fei asked Shu Xiaoan to pass on a message to Zhu Xiao: Zhong Xue had signed with Time Culture and would be working directly under her.

The next project Tang Fei lined up for Zhong Xue was a film, scheduled to start pre-production at nine, an effects-heavy commercial flick originally titled Starry Sky Battle, which Tang Fei renamed.

It transformed into StarCraft!

The name rolled off the tongue easily, and even the antagonistic aliens, Tang Fei bestowed them with a fitting nickname: the Zerg.

This is certainly a manifestation of Tang Fei's nostalgia for the past. In truth, she never played StarCraft herself; the game had already faded from the limelight by the time her memories began to form—it was a game her brother enjoyed. Nevertheless, she clings to any faintly familiar vestige, eager to preserve and honor the memories of those bygone years. As she grows increasingly accustomed to her present life, she fears she might genuinely forget the world she once knew.

Sharing the same title, the script diverges from StarCraft, leaning more toward a visually-stunning space combat film centered on mecha battles, with a weaker emphasis on the narrative.

But the name StarCraft was simple, straightforward, and rolled off the tongue nicely, so Tang Fei's choice received widespread acclaim.

A first foray into film at nine o'clock, a choice that plays it safe in terms of box office returns and is less likely to result in losses.

Zhong Xue is set to play a prominent supporting female role, Shu Xiaoan stammers out the original lines, subtly implying to Zhu Xiao that signing with Time Culture could lead him to star in commercially-released cinematic films.

Zhu Xiao: "I can understand the lead role of this project going to someone from our own circle, but I hadn't expected Zhong Xue to have already signed on."

Zhu Xiao hesitated as he looked at Shu Xiaoan, whose face was flushed, head bowed, lips pursed—she appeared exceptionally shy. His breach of contract penalty was exceedingly high, an amount he couldn't afford to pay.

If it were merely a matter of parting ways with Duan Yu, he wouldn't find the decision difficult; Mu Rongfu was also a significant character. For now, his sole focus was on transforming his own career path; concerns about hierarchical rankings within the industry had not yet crossed his mind.

Tang Fei remained silent throughout the journey, intentionally training Shu Xiaoan to become capable of handling situations independently.

Zhou Weichuan had a point; human energy is finite. For a company to thrive, everyone within it must be competent. Relying solely on a handful of top executives to carry the load would exhaust them and still fail to outperform competitors.

Shu Xiaoan hugged the project materials to bolster her confidence. Glancing at Tang Fei, who gave her an assuring nod, she mustered up her courage and looked directly at Zhu Xiao, saying, "Zhong Xue's abilities may not match yours currently, but according to the company's plans, she is on track to bridge the gap with you within one to two years."

With so many established artists in your company, it's incredibly challenging for newcomers to gain traction and secure resources. Mainstream directors, when selecting talents from your company, would undoubtedly prioritize those who have already established themselves early on, possess strong market appeal, and have a history of frequent collaborations.

Time Culture is backed by Nine O'Clock Productions. We have few artists and seniors, but we produce numerous dramas and films. Once you join us, you'll be considered a veteran. We haven't signed any male actors yet, so even if you're not the top actor, you'll still receive top-tier treatment."

Zhu Xiao: "My penalty for breach of contract is substantial."

Shu Xiaoan: "The company can provide an interest-free advance for the penalty, offering you two options. You may sign an agreement with a 60-40 split over five years to repay the company. Alternatively, for the first three years of the contract, we'll adopt a 90-10 split in your favor. From years three to five, it shifts to a 70-30 ratio, and after five years, the advanced amount need not be repaid. Upon contract expiration, we will renegotiate based on your then-current standing."

Time Culture emphasizes the individuality of its artists. Each artist is nurtured to become a uniquely charismatic actor or singer, with no imposed personas, no marketing of romantic relationships, and no sensationalizing of controversies."

As Shu Xiaoan continued speaking, her words flowed more smoothly, gradually gaining confidence, and her articulation became sharper.

Tang Fei gave Shu Xiaoan a thumbs up.

Zhu Xiao: "May I have a week to consider it? I'm leaning towards joining Time Culture, but I'm not in a position to make a decision just yet."

Shu Xiaoan glanced back at Tang Fei, who pondered for a moment before saying, "We only have three days before the 'Heavenly Dragon and Eight Sections' project hastens into production. During this time, you consider it, and we will also attempt to find other suitable actors for the role of Duan Yu. However, you have the right of first refusal."

Tang Fei spoke nothing but the truth, devoid of embellishment or deceit, laying everything out in the open for the benefit of both parties.

Zhu Xiao: "Thank you, Sister Fei."

Tang Fei smiled and said, "There's no need to be so formal. I really owe you for teaching me those tricks when we were filming with Zhu Xiansheng. We're about the same age, let's just interact like we used to."

"Tang Fei, respect is a must, as I may well be working under you in the future," Zhu Xiao demonstrated his diplomatic side, shaking Tang Fei's hand to convey his willingness to join Time Culture. Afterwards, they uncorked a bottle of red wine and turned their attention to enjoy the motorcycle race.

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On that day, Xiao Yuan's legal dispute had reached its conclusion, not only parting ways with his former company but also securing compensation for the withheld bonuses and wages.

Her two older brothers were about to be imprisoned for extortion, and in the end, it was Xiao Yuan's parents who found her, weeping bitterly as they clutched her, calling her their precious darling.

"Yuan Yuan, both sides of a hand are flesh; we have no choice. Your two elder brothers haven't lived up to expectations. Now that you've made something of yourself, we thought to lend them a helping hand."

"We're not showing favoritism, we're merely sympathetic toward them. You have the ability to fend for yourself, but your brother doesn't."

Touched by the tears, Xiao Yuan relented and wrote a letter of forgiveness, which resulted in her two older brothers receiving a sentence of two years imprisonment with a two-year suspension.

Recently, Xiao Yuan has been staying at Tang Fei's dormitory. Upon her return that evening and sharing the story, both Tang Fei and He Zhou chided her for being too easily swayed, insisting that she should never meet anyone alone again, as she was much too accommodating.

Tang Fei remarked, "The flesh on the palm is thicker than that on the back of the hand. Those who make such a comparison are, without exception, biased in their affection."

He Zhou nodded, saying, "Xiao Yuan, think about it – is it really a matter of you having abilities that they don't? You've been pushed to the point... Sigh, you know how much you've suffered. And yet, your brother has the audacity to expose this wound to the public. Anyone with a shred of conscience wouldn't do such a thing."

With a heart as cold as a wolf and lungs as ruthless as a dog, your parents have never bothered to call you except when your brother needed that letter of forgiveness.

"How could I, having a sister, bear to see her endure such injustice? I wouldn't spare your agent, let alone that old man. Your brother should be ashamed for allowing this. They aren't worthy of being called human."

Upon imagining Tang Jiao in that situation, Tang Fei immediately bristled with anger. "I'd give my life to drag anyone who dared treat my sister like that straight down to hell."

Xiao Yuan lowered her head, her expression obscured, and gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I know my parents don't love me, but I still want to deceive myself, to pretend that there is someone who does."

He Zhou sighed softly, "Ah..."

Tang Fei said, "Xiao Yuan, there will be someone who loves you. At the very least, you should love yourself and not hurt yourself for those who do not love you."