Chapter Six: Agreement

Yun Nan let out a long sigh from where she was lying on the bed. It had been a very tiring day.

The day had been off to a bad start. When she arrived at the company, she saw Yun Liu, the assistant director, and two screenwriters editing a script. With Yun Zhang watching from the side, the assistant director and screenwriters basically nodded at whatever Yun Liu suggested.

Yun Liu greeted her with a smile when she saw her, "Yun Nan, we've just been discussing your drama '4:30 PM.' We think it's better to change it into a school idol drama. Your original script was too dark and sad; it didn't fit the current popular trend. Fortunately, the literary foundation of the script is good, and it's quite easy to change it into an idol drama."

The assistant director smiled apologetically and concurred, "That's right, Director Yun. With Miss Yun Liu's modifications, it's now a pure love story. It's a beautiful narrative and it'll definitely be a hit." 

"Miss Yun Liu here just so happens to need a script like this to bring her to new heights. She's perfect for the female lead! It's a win-win situation, hehe. This project will surely be a success twice over for our company."

Yun Zhang, who was standing at the side, was filled with joy at the notion.

"Do you remember the terms of the agreement I signed when I joined this company?" Yun Nan coldly asked Yun Zhang.

Yun Zhang was startled for a moment, and his expression changed. Then, he tried to brush the matter off by saying, "Yun Nan, we're family. Yun Liu is doing this for your own good. If we shot the drama based on your original script, it would have been a flop, so it's best not to waste time and effort." 

"Let's film an idol drama and give Yun Liu a boost. We can even publicize the drama as a teamwork project of the Yun sisters; won't that be great? That will be our unique selling point!"

The people at the side echoed his sentiments.

Yun Nan's eyes were frigid as she stared at Yun Zhang. "Your condition for letting me join the Yun Corporation was to help you shoot three documentaries. I did more than you asked; I filmed five documentaries and every one of them was a success." 

"You promised me that you would let me shoot three of my own movies and split the profits fifty-fifty. You've already made a fortune from the first two! I have yet to see my portion of the paycheck! The third movie hasn't even started, and you're already muscling in on my script. This is a breach of contract!"

Yun Zhang could say nothing to that; he was indeed at fault. 

Yun Liu looked panicked and she carefully apologized to Yun Nan. "Yun Nan, sorry. I'm sorry; this is my fault. Don't lose your temper at Yun Zhang. He's constantly trying to think of ways to increase your fame, so I suggested that you film a movie that follows the film market's latest trends. We-we're doing this for your own good. S-So, please, don't be angry." 

Yun Nan looked at Yun Liu. 'There she goes again, acting timid and cautious; she's always pretending to be like this when we're with my relatives to sour their impression of me.'

As expected, Yun Zhang's face darkened. "Why are you being so aggressive? You're being ungrateful; we're doing this for your sake! Do you understand? Don't get an inflated ego just because you achieved some results." 

"Sure, you've gone above and beyond what I asked, but if it wasn't for our company's investment, would you be able to successfully film your movie? Things are looking pretty good for you now, but did you think anyone would have invested in you if you went to them with your ridiculous script back then—before you had anything to showcase your talent?"

Yun Liu said softly, "He's right, Yun Nan. We're all part of the Yun family; we should act for the benefit of our family and company! Yun Zhang always has your best interests at heart, so shouldn't you be considerate of him too? The director and script-writers also think that the modified script would be a hit. If-if you don't want me to act in your film, then, then I'll quit."

Yun Liu's voice weakened towards the end of her speech, perfectly portraying the image of a bullied child.

She successfully changed the topic, and for the finishing touch, her tears fell the moment she lowered her head.

Yun Zhang immediately felt his heart ache. He loudly proclaimed, "Don't cry, I have the final say in this matter! We will change the script just like we discussed! Yun Liu will play the female lead!"

The assistant director smiled apologetically at Yun Nan. "D-Director Yun, why don't you take a look at the parts we've edited first?"

Yun Zhang put his arm around Yun Liu's shoulder in a show of support and glanced at Yun Nan provocatively.

Yun Liu timorously commented, "Yun Nan, an agreement is an agreement. But we're family, after all. You have to focus on the big picture and do what's best for the family."

Yun Zhang nodded and said, "That's right! You should learn from Yun Liu and be more sensible!"

Yun Nan looked at the two siblings and felt that she was wasting her breath talking to them. She merely asked Yun Zhang, "Are you determined to change my script?"

Yun Liu hurriedly chastised her, "Yun Nan, don't speak to your brother like that! We're doing this for your own good!" 

"Do you want me to thank you for that?" Yun Nan sneered.

"If you don't listen to me, I won't give you any funding for your movie!" Yun Zhang barked out.

"Fine! I hope you don't regret it!" And with those last words, Yun Nan left.

She had returned to the Yun family for two years and had experienced situations similar to this countless times within that period. She was thoroughly disappointed in her family and decided it was time to break ties with them.

Yun Nan then went to meet Shi Nian and negotiated the marriage agreement.