Chapter 340
In the evening, Qin Wei was assembling Lego in the living room when she received a message from Li Yao:
Li Yao: Little ancestor, if you've made up your mind to go on that dating show, let me know tomorrow morning. I'll take you to film promotional materials at noon. Hold on, I'll send you the detailed show info.
Li Yao: The Romance of Goose Guys.pdf
Qin Wei: OK, see you at noon tomorrow.
Li Yao: Wonderful! Ancestor, you've finally come around! I'll start preparing now! See you tomorrow!
Qin Wei looked at Qiao Sixiao expressionlessly:
"I only told you to reply confirming receipt, not agree on my behalf..."
She held the instructions in one hand and assembled blocks in the other, afraid to disrupt her train of thought, so she had Qiao Sixiao reply for her.
Qiao Sixiao put down his phone:
"I think it's great. I read the details - let me summarize for you. It's a dating reality show, livestreamed, with tasks but no script. Besides appearance fees, there are also livestreaming rewards and other income that get split with the cast.
You could say it's a very relaxed job - just date on camera every day. High cost-performance.
Most importantly, regular work hours that won't interfere with you cooking dinner at home."
Qin Wei seemed about to say something several times before finally speaking her mind:
"Are you even human?"
...
At noon, Li Liang came to pick up Qin Wei, at the same place they'd met last time. When she got in the car, the agent Li Yao in the passenger seat was still busy with work. After hanging up, he finally turned to Qin Wei:
"Ancestor, I'm so gratified you came around. Now those idiots in management attacking you will have to shut up."
"Mm," Qin Wei responded coldly. Li Yao was taken aback. He looked her up and down - today Qin Wei wore a new red Dior dress, with glamorous hair and makeup. Her powerful aura was once commonplace, but now it felt fresh to see her uncompromising look:
"You dressed up special today? Rare for you to make the effort."
"Just business," Qin Wei replied lightly, already busy looking at her phone again.
Li Yao suppressed his smile. His little ancestor was odd today.
...
The main task today was filming promo videos, but more important was meeting with the production team to negotiate terms. Though Li Yao had taken the job, many details still needed in-person discussion, hence today's meeting.
The car stopped at the office building entrance. The production staff eagerly came to welcome them, but froze when they saw Qin Wei exit the car -
Industry gossip was that post-scandal, Qin Wei was very agreeable and easy to work with, a docile and cute personality in private.
But they couldn't reconcile the icy, domineering woman before them with "docile" or "cute" at all.
Realizing this, the staff became more restrained, treating her with greater respect despite less warmth.
"Ms. Qin, Director Zhang is waiting upstairs in the conference room."
Qin Wei didn't respond, heading straight for the elevator. Li Yao answered in her stead:
"Just talk to me."
The discussion focused mainly on money.
The producers wanted to capitalize on Qin Wei's damaged reputation to lowball her fee. If possible, get her locked into several shows at bargain prices while she desperately needed income. But the reality seemed more difficult than imagined.
Qin Wei sat impassively on the sofa, apparently in no hurry, even...
Appearing uninvested in their show.
Director Zhang looked to Li Yao, then Qin Wei. He spoke directly to her:
"Ms. Qin, we hold you in high esteem, but you know the current circumstances. We're going out on a limb hiring you. For this partnership, both sides must show sincerity. As for your pricing..."
Qin Wei's brows furrowed slightly, as if she didn't hear him speak.
Surprised by her attitude, nothing like the agreeable gossip suggested, Zhang made the first concession:
"We can negotiate your rates further. If Ms. Qin would consider our other show instead..."
"Not interested," Qin Wei interrupted.
She turned to Li Yao at her side:
"Don't bring me to these unfinished deals again. You've already wasted an hour and a half of my time today. Do what you can as an agent, and if you can't, step aside faster for someone who can. We're leaving now, while I'm still not angry." Her tone was cold, carrying a hint of coercion.
Photoshoots as usual, endorsements intact, outfits and accessories all latest designer brands. And her tranquil, unruffled expression betrayed no sign of public pressure or impediment to her work.
"Ancestor, my mistake. I already opened with their terms, and they said they could accept it. Who knew...forget it, let's go. Don't be angry..."
Li Yao stood up, flustered, apologizing to his star client while urging Li Liang to get the car and taking Qin Wei's bag to help her leave.
The director and producer called out in unison:
"Ms. Qin, please wait! We can still discuss the price!"
With her back to them, a smug smile flickered across Qin Wei's icy face.
...
The contract signing and promo shoot were finished that afternoon. On the ride back, Li Yao grinned ear to ear waving the contract at Li Liang:
"Not only did they not bring the price down, they raised our profit share! With ancestor's impatient attitude, the producers panicked - terrified word might get out and she'd walk. Now they surely regret it, trying to take advantage but ending up worse than just accepting initially."
Qin Wei hugged herself, unable to stop a smile:
"Li Yao, stop at the ty dessert shop at the next intersection. Get me a small cake...the tiniest size, strawberry flavor..."
"Pfah! Why get the smallest? I'll order the biggest right now, that's more..."
Li Yao pulled out his phone, but sensed the mood was off.
He turned to see Qin Wei looking at him silently.
Li Yao put his phone away, voice much softer:
"A small cake...got it. We'll celebrate properly when filming wraps..."
Like before, they stopped at the intersection. Li Yao asked where she was staying now, but again she gave no specifics, just "a friend's place". He couldn't pry into her personal affairs, but gave work reminders:
"Filming starts early tomorrow. Get a good rest tonight, ancestor. The forecast says rain, and you won't let us take you to the door. Bring an umbrella on your short walk. Don't get soaked."
"I know," Qin Wei said before exiting with her groceries and cake, happily heading home.
Watching her departing back, Li Liang whispered:
"Bro, you think she's in love?"
Li Yao knocked Li Liang's head:
"Watch your mouth. You're her assistant, not guardian. Even if she married, if she doesn't tell you, you can't say you know. If she does tell you, do your utmost to keep it secret for her, not gossip about it."