Xia Jingyi came from a scholarly family. For her, singing was just a hobby because she enjoyed pop music. The reason she entered Manoban Entertainment was not because of her voice, but because she could write her own songs.
She had indeed cooperated with Taehyung in the past and they were quite familiar with each other. But because of this, she became an easy target for Chairman Zhou.
The entertainment industry had always been a pool of deep water which she had long been prepared for. She knew, behind the glitz and glamor was plenty of darkness.
But...
...did that mean she should stoop so low as to help a villain?
She couldn't change what was happening around her, but she could make her own choices!
After returning to Manoban Entertainment, she spotted Taehyung practicing his new song in one of the practice rooms. As she listened to his crisp voice, she hesitated for a minute before pushing open the door and walking in.
"V, there's something I want to talk to you about."
Taehyung stopped strumming the guitar in his hands and glanced up at Xia Jingyi, "Let's find a place to talk."
"The roof."
After arriving on the roof together, Taehyung looked at Xia Jingyi and asked, "What did you want to talk about?"
"Your real name is Kim Taehyung and you are Jennie's brother, is that true?" Xia Jingyi clenched her fists nervously; she didn't know if she had made the right decision.
Taehyung was a little surprised. As he stared at Xia Jingyi's delicate face, he nodded his head, "How did you find out?"
"The producer of 'Devil Shooter' found out that I had previously cooperated with you, so he captured my brother and is trying to threaten me into getting information about Jennie through you," Xia Jingyi explained anxiously.
As the gentle wind swept through her hair, she appeared extra innocent and sincere.
"I don't want to do such a thing and I don't want to be pressured by others. So, can you help me think of a way to save my brother?"
Taehyung looked at Xia Jingyi. She could have easily given in and done as she was told, but she instead chose to be honest.
"Sorry, I never thought someone completely unrelated to us would be implicated by our dangers."
"I know this isn't something you wanted to see happen. But we are in an urgent situation: I need to save my brother, he's only 17..."
"Since your brother is in his hands, he must have surveillance on your entire family," Taehyung concluded. "This won't do. Even if we save your brother, your father and mother will still be in danger. I'm going to go speak to President Manoban..."
"Will he be willing to help save my brother?"
"You don't need to worry. Since this matter involves my sister, he won't sit idly on the sidelines..."
Even if Lisa wanted to sit idly by, Jennie would not allow him!
Here, before them, was another person who would go to any lengths for money, including kidnapping and blackmailing...
"This industry sometimes makes me really want to swear! From the outside, it appears so glamorous. I never imagined, behind the facade, it is such a mess," Taehyung complained. "I can finally see why my sister keeps emphasizing that this industry is different to what I think."
"Take me with you to see President Manoban."
"Don't worry, I know you're worried about your brother."
...
Xia Jingyi was obviously trying her luck when she suggested to tag along, but Taehyung immediately drove her over to Hyatt Regency. The sun had just set, turning Beijing's night sky a scarlet red. It suddenly made one feel tired.
Lisa had just returned home at this moment. As he saw Taehyung appear with Xia Jingyi, he raised his eyebrows questioningly, "V, this is private property."
"Brother-in-law, it's urgent," Taehyung immediately dragged Xia Jingyi into the living room. At this moment, Jennie was sitting on the sofa reading through scripts.
"What's wrong?"
It took some time, but Xia Jingyi managed to explain the entire situation to the Jenlisa couple. After hearing the whole story, Jennie's expression darkened; she no longer looked aloof from the world like she originally did.
"Hubby...regarding this Chairman Zhou, if I ask mom, I'm sure we can get more information about him."
"No need. Jisoo will have information on my desk by tomorrow morning," Lisa replied calmly. "He is indeed rich and vulgar. I can't believe he would use such a cliche method to solve an entertainment industry problem."
"What do you plan to do?" Jennie turned and asked Lisa.
"Your brother isn't in his hands. If he had really kidnapped your brother, he wouldn't simply ask for news about Jennie, it's not worth the risk. He could have easily exchanged for something much more valuable. He's simply targeting the fact that you are young and naive," Lisa explained straightforwardly. "Your brother is definitely somewhere safe. Contact your friends and family and ask around."
"I've asked. My parents said his gone on a graduation holiday with his classmates, so I didn't question it because I didn't want them to worry."
"Let me know the details, I'll get someone to investigate immediately," Lisa replied, as calm as ever. "If we get news of your brother, then this matter will no longer have anything to do with you. I will handle it on my own."
"But brother-in-law, what about the safety of Jingyi's family?"
"I'll take care of it," Lisa said calmly. But, Taehyung did not respond. So Lisa leaned back and raised his eyebrows, "You don't trust me?"
"After managing Manoban Entertainment for so many years, what hasn't your brother-in-law experienced?" Jennie suddenly cut in. "Since his methods are cliche, you don't need to worry."
After hearing Jennie's words, Taehyung nodded his head and said to Xia Jingyi, "Don't worry, if my sister says everything will be fine, then it will be fine."
"But V, you need to take note of Xia Jingyi's safety. She is probably the one that is in the most danger."
"Yes, I know," Taehyung nodded his head in seriousness before helping Xia Jingyi up from her seat, "Let's go. I'll take you home."
"President Manoban, thank you."
Lisa nodded his head.
Within Lisa's piercing gaze, Xia Jingyi could sense an immeasurable depth. It seemed, this man was much more dangerous than Chairman Zhou...
After Taehyung and Xia Jingyi left, Jennie turned and looked at Lisa, "Lisa..."
"I know. I won't let innocent people suffer because of us. There's no need to worry," Lisa assured her gently.
"That's good..." Jennie was relieved.
They were in the middle of a film industry battle, but all they saw was just the tip of the iceberg. Lisa had long become accustomed to it, so Jennie simply followed him without much thought.
Amongst an industry of glamorous people, Lisa was behind them, keeping the industry pure and clean...
Thinking of this, Jennie leaned against Lisa's body and wrapped her arms around his waist, "From now on, we can face the darkness together and bask in the same glory!"
"As your wife, I can also handle anything," Jennie said calmly. "So, don't over protect me. For you, I would be brave enough to go to the depths of hell."
Lisa had never doubted this point...
As for Chairman Zhou, what did he think he could do?
...
Late into the night, Lisa was still sitting in the study room. Jisoo acted faster than expected, in just 5 hours he managed to find out the exact location of Xia Jingyi's brother. It turned out, he and his friend had lost their phones and couldn't remember their families' phone numbers, so had lost contact for a while.
He was currently safe.
After receiving this news, Xia Jingyi let out a sigh of relief. Her and Taehyung were still inside the practice room. Inside the dimly lit room, they looked at each other and smiled.
"President Manoban sure is amazing. He was able to see what was actually going on straight away," Xia Jingyi praised.
"Of course. Did you think an average person could marry my sister?" Taehyung smiled as he held onto his guitar. "Since your brother is fine, let's sit back and see how this Chairman Zhou will end up."
Xia Jingyi smiled and nodded her head.
"Come, since I'm still fairly awake, help me play some accompanying music."
"OK," Xia Jingyi agreed as she walked over to the piano and sat down...
...
The next morning, inside the CEO's office, Lisa successfully looked through the information left on his desk about Chairman Zhou.
"Chairman Zhou was a troublemaker when he was young and always acted arrogantly. But, he has one weakness."
"He's not afraid of anyone or anything, except for one man called Father Li. Sources say that this was the man that helped him get to where he is today, so he's extremely fearful of him."
Lu Che stood beside Lisa and talked him through all the information he had found so he could save some time.
"Although Chairman Zhou isn't a good person, Father Li has a very good reputation and is known as an honest and righteous person. The only issue is, he doesn't leave the house often these days."
Lisa flipped open the information on Father Li and looked at the photo attached. He then placed the information aside and instructed Jisoo, "Help me arrange a meeting with this Father Li..."
"I've already made contact, we should get a response by midday," Lu Che replied with respect.
He had already forgotten how many times he and Lisa dealt with similar issues.
"Also invite Chairman Zhou..." Lisa instructed coldly, "...and prepare for negotiations..."
After their brief chat, Lisa placed the information aside and returned to dealing with Manoban Entertainment's other matters.
"Tomorrow is the third pre-screening for 'Stupid'. I have already invited the last category of people to go watch it..."
This time, Lisa did not need to say anything. Jisoo already knew, the remaining category of people were famous news reporters, entertainment reporters and influential people in news.
His motive was simple. The next time anyone from 'Devil Shooter' dared to say that Jennie's acting wasn't as good as their cast members', the reporters would know better.
Needless to say, managing a film was indeed difficult.
...
Midday. Jisoo received notification that Father Li had agreed to meet for dinner that very night.
To prevent Jennie from getting worried, Lisa did not tell her he was going out for negotiations, he simply told her he'd be home late.
Jennie immediately knew something wasn't right, so she secretly gave Jisoo a phone call to confirm her suspicions. In the end, she decided to personally drive over and pick her husband up after the meeting.
7pm. Inside a high-class country club.
Father Li and Lisa had already met and greeted each other. Father Li was well aware of the reason for the meeting, so he suggested beside the pool, "Young man, care for a competition? Let's see if you can beat this old bag of bones."
Lisa knew of this man's background, so he nodded his head, "It would be my pleasure."
After changing into a pair of swimming shorts, Lisa dived into the pool. Father Li couldn't help but praise his muscular body, "When a person has the capability to manage their body so well, it's no shock they can manage the entire entertainment industry."
The two men started swimming across the pool. After 2 laps, Lisa fell slightly behind. Father Li could tell that Lisa was only using half his strength, so he gave an acknowledging laugh, "That Xiao Zhou has been an embarrassment."
A moment later, a waiter approached the two men and told them Chairman Zhou had arrived. So, they got out of the pool and headed for the VIP room.
"Let's all sit. You too Xiao Zhou, sit," Father Li said in an accommodating manner. "Since everyone is here today, let's be honest with each other. Xiao Zhou, why did you threaten one of Manoban Entertainment's artists?"
Chairman Zhou's expression did not look good as he placed an extremely complex gaze upon Mo Ting.
Lisa's lips curved into a smile as he initiated a conversation, "Chairman Zhou appears to not have much confidence in his film."
"You took advantage of your control over the entertainment industry to block my path to fortune. So of course I had to cause trouble for you in return," Chairman Zhou responded straightforwardly.
"That's because he's capable. You can't use dirty methods in return. Don't you feel embarrassed?" Father Li asked as he dried his hair.
"Since Chairman Zhou said I am blocking his path to fortune, how about this, since the two films are released one day apart, let's not get involved with the operation of the theatres. Let them decide how they want to distribute the two films. Are you happy with that?"
"Hmmph, how could I not get involved with their distribution process?" he needed to make money, how could he hold back because of so-called fairness.
"OK then. You can get involved all you like, I'm going to stay out of it. You happy?" Lisa raised an eyebrow as he asked. The king-like presence on his body made even Father Li feel a little intimidated.
"Would you be that nice?"
"I, Lalisa Manoban, always do as I say. But, regardless of the results at the Box Office, you will promise to leave Manoban Entertainment alone," Lisa pointed at the man opposite him and continued with his warning, "Otherwise, Manoban Entertainment will take you down with them. I'm sure Chairman Zhou is smart enough not to put his real estate business in a risky situation just because his film isn't making enough money."
"I've already given Father Li enough face. If Manoban Entertainment experiences another similar situation where our artist is threatened, I will hold you completely accountable."
"You are welcome to try out my methods."
After hearing Lisa's words, Father Li already knew who had won the negotiations.
"Xiao Zhou, are you still not happy with President Manoban's offer?" Father Li asked. "Not only has he vowed not to interfere with film distribution, he has vowed not to stop you from interfering. This is a huge gift of sincerity. If you continue to do anything underhanded, then I will just have to pretend that I never knew you."
Being pressured from all corners, Chairman Zhou eventually nodded his head, "Fine, you said it."
"Of course," Lisa also nodded.
"I'm sorry for what happened with Xia Jingyi and I promise not to touch Manoban Entertainment again. Father Li will be our witness," Chairman Zhou vowed.
Lisa's lips curved upwards without anther word.
"OK, since we have come to an agreement, let's eat."
"No need, Father Li. I still need to go home and keep my wife company," Lisa stood up as he spoke to Father Li, "A million thanks for today."
"You're welcome. President Manoban's wife is a very lucky woman."
After their chat, the men went their separate ways. Lisa exited the club with Jisoo and spotted Jennie's car parked outside.
He was a little surprised. As he walked over and discovered Jennie sitting inside, his expression suddenly changed, "Why are you waiting here?"
"Of course to escort you home in victory," Jennie smiled, "You've come to an agreement, right?"
Lisa turned and said to Jisoo, "Do what I told you earlier. Also, drive the car back."
"Yes, President." After nodding his head, Jisoo turned and left.
Of course, since he said he wasn't going to interfere with distribution process, he was going to keep his promise. Even if Chairman Zhou was to get an 80% distribution rate, it didn't matter.
Lisa was still going to win.