Chapter 227 Ex-Husband and Ex-Wife Meet Again

Chapter 227: Chapter 153: Ex-Husband and Ex-Wife Meet Again

"Let’s go. We’ll head over first and talk," Shi Guang said, patting Xiao Ran on the shoulder.

The two of them then walked out of the restroom and headed back to where they were before.

...

Over on the set, the crew had just yelled "Cut!" when Director Zhang waved Yang Mi over, a warm, enthusiastic smile on his face.

Seeing this, Yang Mi quickly put on a smile and walked over to Director Zhang.

"What’s up, Director Zhang? Did you need me for something?"

"Thanks for your hard work."

"It was nothing, Director Zhang."

Yang Mi gave a sweet smile. After speaking, she took out her phone to check her messages, wanting to see if the contract had been signed yet.

Director Zhang sighed dramatically. "You know, that book by Teacher Xiao... I took a look yesterday. It’s really quite good. It seems our tastes are becoming more and more alike."

Upon hearing this, the hand Yang Mi was holding her phone with froze.

Her exquisite, fox-like eyes instantly filled with surprise.

’He... he found out this quickly?’

She quickly forced a smile, her tone a mix of innocence and curiosity.

"Whatever do you mean, Director Zhang?"

’Xiao Ran is an author Director Zhang has his eye on. What I’m doing could definitely be considered poaching.’

Director Zhang lit a cigarette and cut straight to the chase. "Alright, let’s drop the act. Give me the copyright, and I’ll arrange slots for three of your actors. How about it?"

’We’re both old foxes; no need for games.’

’When I was reading the book yesterday, I was ninety percent sure this sly fox was Yang Mi.’

’Then today, when I heard Jiaxing wanted to buy the script, I was positive. This was absolutely Yang Mi’s handiwork!’

’After all, most ’coincidences’ are deliberately engineered.’

Yang Mi hadn’t expected to be exposed so soon, and her expression soured slightly.

’After all, Director Zhang was the one who introduced her to Xiao Ran. Going behind his back wasn’t a good look.’

She gave an awkward laugh. "Five. How about five slots? You give the nod, and I’ll have my people turn right back around!"

’To be honest, Jiaxing has always been dedicated to cultivating new talent.’

’I’ve read the book, but some things will definitely need to be changed. I’d have to find a screenwriter to help with the adaptation anyway.’

’A production needs far more than just a good script and actors; it requires a huge number of industry professionals.’

’For instance, an excellent cinematography team and a supervising producer.’

’Just finding all those people would be a real hassle... If I could partner with a production team and just supply the actors, that would be perfect.’

Director Zhang was taken aback by her words. He hadn’t expected her to be so willing to negotiate.

He shook his head. "Nope. Three at most, and they have to be supporting roles."

’He had already decided on the lead actress. It would be Yifei or Shishi, or Tang Yan at the very least.’

That was a deal-breaker for Yang Mi. Her lips twitched as she reluctantly said, "That’s not going to work."

’Three is too few. It has to be at least five.’

’Even minor roles would be fine. Acting in a drama is better than nothing.’

As she finished speaking, an idea seemed to strike her, and her already beautiful eyes lit up even more.

"How about this? We co-produce. I’ll be in charge of casting, and you’ll handle filming, script revisions, and all that. As for the copyright, I can give it to you, but I’ll put up half the money for the entire production. We share the risk, and we share the profits!"

Yang Mi said, all business.

’After all, the fee for the book rights is a drop in the bucket compared to the budget for an entire series.’

’The real expenses come later. If I can cover half the costs, I’ll have a real say in things.’

’Director Zhang’s financial pressure would be significantly reduced, too. Wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?’

Upon hearing her proposal, Director Zhang nodded.

"That could work."

’After all, the people he wanted to cast all commanded high salaries; the expenses were bound to be huge.’

’If they co-produced, his financial pressure would be cut in half!’

...

By this time, the people from Jiaxing had already left.

To be honest, watching them leave, Xiao Ran felt a pang of regret.

But there was nothing he could do about it.

He was still spacing out when he saw Liu Min hurrying in, moving so fast that Xiao Ran almost thought he’d mistaken her for someone else.

’Was she following me?’

’That was way too fast!’

’Talk about a seamless transition!’

’If Liu Min weren’t so recognizable, I really would have thought I was seeing things.’

It wasn’t just Xiao Ran; even Shi Guang beside him was stunned.

’What kind of speed was that?’

’Did she fly here?!’

As Liu Min walked, her long hair fluttering, she gave Xiao Ran a broad smile.

"Teacher Xiao, so? Are you ready to sign now?"

’I can’t speak for other companies, but when it comes to Jiaxing, Ai Qi still has a bit of leverage. It can’t be helped; Ai Qi is a professional in this field, after all.’

After speaking, she gracefully pulled out a rattan chair under Xiao Ran’s astonished gaze and sat down.

Xiao Ran swallowed. "That was... incredibly fast..."

He finished speaking and glanced at Shi Guang.

’Is... is this something I can just sign?’

Shi Guang was just as bewildered. ’I haven’t been notified about anything.’

’What on earth is happening?’

Seeing the dazed look on Xiao Ran’s face, Liu Min immediately explained what had transpired.

Both parties were in agreement. It was a win-win for everyone!

Xiao Ran quietly breathed a sigh of relief. ’That’s good.’

’Otherwise, Sister Mi would definitely have been offended!’

"This is definitely for the best then. A great cast plus a great production team... Xiao Ran, you’re really about to make it big!" Shi Guang said, his face beaming.

’I really didn’t think a move like this was possible.’

’But, as happy as I am, I need to confirm with my boss first. If something goes wrong, I can’t be the one to take the fall.’

With that in mind, he quickly pulled out his phone and stood up. "Hey, uh, you two go ahead and order whatever you’d like to drink. I’m just going to step outside to make a call."

With that, he turned and walked out.