Chapter 45 Negotiation

Yan Wen was not being conceited. She just had a very good understanding of Jiang Lingyun's acting standard. Since it was only a matter of time before it was discovered, she wondered how Bai Shanshan would prepare for that inevitably.

"Let's go in. Pretend that we don't know about it."

The show was only interesting if there was a plot twist at the climax.

Yan Wen had in her hand a bargaining chip that Bai Shanshan knew nothing about. She was close to Narsha, the executive director, as they had collaborated on two movies together. Narsha was like a teacher along Yan Wen's acting journey, and when Yan Wen announced her retirement, Narsha had called her to persuade her to develop her career overseas, which Yan Wen was grateful for.

With such a good connection, there was nothing to be afraid of.

When Jiang Sui-an had told her who the executive director was, Yan Wen could hardly believe her luck.

She pushed open the door and saw that the Bai siblings and Jiang Lingyun were deep in discussion with the assistant director Jason.

In a low voice, Xia said, "We're not late. They arranged it so that we would come at the wrong time"

Yan Wen nodded and openly pulled a stool out and joined them.

Jason's eyes lit up when he saw her. He not only noticed Yan Wen's beauty, but also her unflappable attitude. He was curious to see what sort of power was hidden under that calm face.

"This is?" He looked towards Bai Shanshan.

Right on cue, Bai Shanshan smiled and answered, "She's Yan Wen. One of our local artists."

"Yan Wen?" Jason's expression changed and he shook his head. In English, he said, "Too bad about such a beautiful face."

"Why do you say so Mr. Jason? You've only heard my name." Yan Wen's answer was in perfect English.

"We won't accept an actress like yourself. I think we'll talk about the contract another time. I have to consult with the executive director." He believed the lies that Bai Shanshan's employees had been spreading: that Yan Wen was just a pretty face who could not act, who was willing to sell herself for advancement opportunities, and that was why she retired.

In this assistant director's eyes, Yan Wen's reputation was beyond repair.

"Mr. Jason, please let me explain. Yan Wen just made some mistakes, she's actually a really good actress." It was rare that Bai Shanshan would speak up for Yan Wen, but in this scenario, her words were like adding oil to fire.

Mr. Jason frowned. "I'm not going to jeopardize our production! We need proper actors with real acting skills! Otherwise we would be deceiving our audience."

Jason pushed back in his chair and got up to walk towards the door.

Yan Wen called after him in a quiet voice, "Mr. Jason, this is the first time we've met. Are you judging me based only on what you've heard from others?"

Jason turned to Yan Wen with a doubtful look. "You're questioning me?"

Everyone in the wider entertainment industry was very polite to him, and Yan Wen's tone fiercely angered Jason.

"Not only are you a lousy actress, but you also have a terrible temper. I'll definitely consult with the executive director. I'll never work with you in the future."

In this industry, some people's words could destroy and actor's life.

In the face of Jason's threat, Yan Wen merely smiled quietly and did not take it to heart. "You'll come back and beg me."

Her self-assured reply alarmed Bai Shanshan, who hurriedly stopped her "Yan Wen, stop it. Apologize to Mr. Jason!"

"Why? Why should I apologize when he was the one who started questioning my professionalism? To conclude that I have no acting ability based on some rumors? He doesn't respect me. As my employer, shouldn't you be speaking up for me? Why does it sound like you'll be happy if he doesn't let me act?"

At this point, the gunpowder keg was ready to explode.

"Yan Wen!" Bai Zhexuan could no longer sit still, and joined in. "What sort of attitude is this!"

Yan Wen scoffed. "I never pretend to be who I'm not. If you want me to withdraw, you need to first tell the directorial team why Jiang Lingyun is qualified to be here. Is that her in the audition video?"

"You—!" Shocked that Yan Wen would know about this, Bai Shanshan quickly moved to block her. "Alright Mr. Jason, we'll continue our discussion tomorrow."

Yan Wen was still sitting calmly on her stool, not saying anything.

Jason shot her a look of disgust— "What a waste of my time." —and stormed out of the meeting room.

The moment the door closed, Bai Shanshan slammed her hand on the table. "Yan Wen, what is wrong with you? Jason's assistant director. What do you have to gain from angering him? If you want to create trouble, don't do it here and hold Lingyun back."

What a joke. Who was really holding others back?

Yan Wen turned around calmly and faced Bai Shanshan. "I was just explaining myself. Can't I say a word if someone is mistaken? Am I not an artiste of Grand Entertainment?" She sounded resigned.

"Yan Wen, I think you've gone too far. Your words will only bring trouble to the company. Here's the phone, call Jason and apologize immediately!" Bai Zhexuan nagged.

Xia scowled. If Yan Wen apologized now, it would prove that all the rumors against her were true.

Bai Shanshan had aggressively shoved the phone in front of Yan Wen, and with Bai Zhexuan's nagging, it seemed that the fate of the entire Grand Entertainment depended on Yan Wen making this phone call.

If this happened before Yan Wen found about the truth, Yan Wen would hesitate because of their words. But now...

She lifted her chin slightly and asked in a slightly surprised tone, "Are you sure you want me to call?"

"Yan Wen! Letting you and Lingyun participate in this reality show is for your own good. Your image will be affected if you get into trouble with the company. Why did you have to contradict the assistant director?"

"I contradicted him? I was just telling the truth. Fine, you want me to call to apologize. Then I'll ask them how Jiang Lingyun is qualified to act in this show!"

Yan Wen did not waver in the face of Bai sibling resistance. On hearing Yan Wen's words, Bai Shanshan changed her tune. If the directorial team found out that Jiang Lingyun's audition was faked, the consequences would be unimaginable. Not only would Jiang Lingyun be rejected, but her years' accumulated goodwill would also be damaged.

"Okay, Yan Wen. I understand where you're coming from. But you have to understand, it's Jason who does not want to include you. I can't do anything about that, but I will fight for you. That's all for today. Tomorrow..."

"What you mean is, if Jason changes his mind, you'll let me act?" Yan Wen sharply caught the meaning in her words.